The House of Mouse

Last night, around 2 AM (why do most awful things happen in the quiet hours between 2 Am and 5 AM? I'll just never understand that). I was awakened by the sound of a something. A something that wasn't right in our bedroom. I did the only natural thing to do, I jumped on top of Chris and whispered "wakeupwakeupwakeup" he grunted and I whispered "something happened near the mouse trap" - and this is one of the moments in my life that I am thrilled to be a girl. I mean, my heart went out to Chris as he had to turn on the light, adjust his eyes and put his feet on the floor (where I was certain a giant New York City rat would stick out its rat arm and try to pull one of us under the bed to eat us) and put on his pants and walk around the bed with his feet on the floor - I of course pulled the girl card and scooted over onto his side of the bed (as far away from the sound of the something without having to put my feet on the floor where the giant rat was waiting to drag me under the bed.

Chris announced then that we'd caught the mouse that had evicted me from the bedroom for the last 48 hours. I always go through a few stages of emotion when we catch a mouse in the apartment. First, I'm grossed out (which is strange, because I've never seen the aftermath of a sprung mouse trap, but I can certainly imagine it), and then I feel victorious that we've taken back the house from this uninvited rodent and then I feel really, really regretful and sad that we killed something. And then I think that we should've caught the thing somehow and released it back into the wild. But then I realize that we live in Brooklyn, so to release this mouse into the wild, we'd have to trap it, call the parking garage and get the car, drive to Pennsylvania, release the mouse and get back through the Holland tunnel before rush hour, or we'd be screwed. It's too much. The mouse had to go the old fashioned way; spring trap. Then I try to go back to sleep - where all I think about is the stupid mouse.

So - now that we're past that...this is what I wanted to show you when the mouse first drove me out of the bedroom where the camera and the laptop were:




I learned to spin my own yarn on Saturday! I went to a class at The Point! It was wonderful. I'm bummed because I met the Brooklyn meetup organizer there and I planned to go to their meeting tonight, but I promised Chris I'd go see a friend's show tonight in the city - so I've got to miss, but next Thursday, I'm there!

The class was great, the people were so sweet and I've been spinning bit by bit all week.





I bought the Springtime Lacy Scarf kit from the Point while I was there. I'm working away on it now, feeding my renewed obsession with making scarfs.







This week I also bought myself a little something from the Loopy Ewe. I loved this little tote bag - perfect for a sock! And it has a cute little tag that reads: "sock yarns don't count as stash" I love it!





I also got this skein of sock yarn called "Laurie's Carolina Morning" It's superwash Loopy Legends sock yarn. I can't wait to make a pair of socks from it. It'll be a great travel project for me as I run around this summer with wedding events.

So, that's what's been happening here. It's been busy! It's been mousey - all of that. And for now, that's all the news that's fit to knit.

I would...but no way!

I loaded the pictures for you. I put them on the lap top once the battery for the camera was charged.

The camera and the lap top are now locked in the bedroom. With the mouse.

Maybe I'll see you after C. gets home.

Stand By

Hello? Blogger?

What's up!? First you won't let me log in with my normal account name and you insist that I use a gmail account and when I finally get in and try to play nice and edit my account to use my gmail account, you tell me I can't list a gmail account as the primary email address. Then, I write a great little "Stand By" post for the readers about how I'm over my little woe-is-me phase from the post below and I've got great stuff to tell them but the camera battery is charging. I even make this great pun about how I'll be back in a "flash" and then you eat the post.

What gives!?!?!

Homesick

It's only Wednesday, but with the wedding planning really speeding up now I'm homesick in a way that hurts me all the way to my toes. Can even your toes feel sad? Do you know what I mean? A sad that empties you out and you're just feeling a little empty. Maybe it's the hugeness of this event - this life changing activity that I'm planning for. Or maybe it's the vivid dreams that I've been having of my dad. Maybe its that I don't have any friends who I can just drop in and see, or even talk to easily. Or maybe I'm just PMSing. Any way you shake it, I'm just feeling sad and lonely and really far away from my home. And I want my mother and I'm not afraid to say it.

Scarves and Weekends

I think as knitters we go through phases. Sometimes phases result in obsessions - things that we just need to get knit out of our systems. After years of knitting and being unafraid to try any type of knitting (except steeks - they freak my freak), I'm finding my heart in scarves. I just finished this one (The cross stitch scarf from One Skein Wonders) and I loved knitting every stitch. I just cast on for the Diagonal Lace Scarf (a find through Ravelry). I'm enjoying it in a way that is indescribable. I think I went through my scarf phase when I first learned to knit and after that, I looked at them as a beginner's project - I need bigger challenges like mittens, socks, sweaters and even knitted toys. I totally expect that something will come along to steal my attention away from the scarf, but for the here and now, I'm going to enjoy my scarves.

I've taken a few side trips too - I made C. this cable hat:

It's totally past season, but we'll put it in the hand knits winter bin in the hall closet and it'll be at the ready for him next year. Looooved knitting this too - it was simple and repetitive and I got lost in my thoughts while knitting it.

I've even cast on for a tank for the summer, but the spell has been cast by scarves. I'm just going with the flow - letting myself stock pile Christmas gifts for later in the year (could I possibly be ready for the holidays this year???) Won't I look smart and impressive if in the year of my wedding, I'm able to outfit the whole family in warm woolen scarves for the holidays? I like the idea of that. Good little haus frau keeps the house clean (yeah right), makes impressive and lovely dinners every night (as if) and knits scarves for the whole family (could actually happen).

I love the yarn for this tank - it's lovely. (Grat-uitous ring shot, turn your head if you hate those).

Next Saturday, I'm taking a spinning class at The Point in NYC. I've just come to understand that when I tell non-knitters about my spinning class - they believe I'm headed to the gym. I find that hilarious. So I'm taking this class and I'm really looking forward to it. Of course, I've got to go to the city on the same weekend the Pope is in town. Wish me luck. I'm planning to leave hella early from the Slope.

This weekend has been great for me. Yesterday, C. and I had a sleep in, walked to the farmer's market where we only bought Challah Bread (Holla!) for the most dee-lish french toast with blueberries this morning (already consumed - already deeper in love with C.) and then we meandered along the Avenue, popping in and out of shops until we were tired. We headed back here, I made a blueberry pie (we're into the anti-oxidant powers of the blueberry this weekend), C. made Chicken Mole, refried beans and rice and we shared a beer. We've got a Thin Man movie from Net Flix for tonight and I've got the Deadliest Catch marathon on Discovery right now.

It's been a nice weekend - I'm on the couch, the Diagonal Scarf that I'm bewitched by on the needles (in a butter colored Micro Spun that I found when a knitting basket flipped over on Thursday during a spring cleaning).

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit!

Working From Home - Realizations

Now that I've been working from home for a month, I've realized a few things about myself:

• I really can stay in my PJ's half the day and not be bothered by it.
• I can't skip the daily shower even if that means showering at 5 PM.
• I can sleep later and I'm taking advantage of that
• I find Kelly Ripa hilarious
• I have not been sucked in by soaps...yet.

Knitting - 'cause the camera has pictures...till then, this is all the news that's fit to knit.

Time to Save Time

We're still trying to recover from this nasty flu business. That's right, I've shared my flu with C. poor thing is still willing to marry me - thank goodness. But we're hacking and sniffling away here in Brooklyn...

So, in between working (and apologizing to people over the phone for sounding like I just guzzled whiskey before I called them)...

I've been working on Save the Date cards and trying to pick a wedding invitation.

The fall theme has developed and everything for our wedding is now bedecked in maple leafs. I love this, C. tolerates this and that's just fine. I've always loved fall and I love the maple leaf, so we're in business. I've made these save the date cards - can't decide if I like the big leaf or the small leaf - so I've got a mix of them going out. I've photoshopped out our last names and the date (in the words of NL Cast, no stalkers!) - but this is the inside of the card. I made the little cake / leaf deal. I'm really quite proud of them.

I even sealed them with our newly shared last initial. I tried to do this with wax to start with, but that process was really time consuming and there was a bit of skill to it as well. I ruled that out for 150 invitations and went with a stamp instead.

So, we've been curled in bed surrounded by arts and crafts. It's looked pretty much like this:

DVD's - save the dates - registering

(we'll talk about that tomorrow)

and invitations

We're thinking about this for the invitations...

For now, that's all the news that fit to knit and wed!

Flu

I have been fighting the flu since Thursday. It was one of those flus where even your hair hurts. C. came home from work early on Friday out of concern for my health. He's a good man, that one. And hopefully, I'll be better by tomorrow.

I'm considering this for my bridal bouquet... hmmmm.

Another Year Older

This Yarnal chick hit the big 3-2 yesterday. Wow, 32 years old. It's a big number.

I've been thinking about my age in the days leading up to my birthday and I've come to realize that my 30's have been pretty good to me. I've shed a lot of the insecurities that I faced in my 20's. The nights of anxiety regarding work, home, relationships and friendships have melted away to leave me with a sense that everything can usually be worked out.

Blogger won't let me upload pictures today - not sure why, so I promise another post with interesting pictures of knitting! :)

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit.

It's What's Happening:

1. I'm feeling badly about the fact that I haven't posted to this blog in a few weeks.

2. We've just said goodbye to our favorite Englishman who's now safely back in Ireland. (The house is empty without you Johnny).

3. I am dancing a jig of happiness that Monday is the beginning of my last week of commuting. I officially become a "work from home" gal as of March. Loss of time in commuting, showering and dressing for work will come to an end. Bunny slippers and cold cream conference calls are in my future.

4. I've ordered a desk for myself from Target. This goes against the rule I made two years ago that condemned buying furniture that required that we assemble it with an allen wrench. Sigh.

5. It was a snow day here, but because I work from home on Fridays already, I was screwed.

6. I am re-watching every episode of Gilmore Girls on DVD and really wondering what AS-P had in mind for those last four words. This show was so freaking good. Except for the last season. We won't talk about that.

7. I spent $55 at Rite Aid today. That happens to me once a year - I spend an un-heard of amount of money at a drug store. I am still uncertain of how that bill got to be so high, but I think it was the new makeup line that sucked me in.

8. If I don't find a Wii for sale soon, I may kick something.

9. The wedding planning is totally and completely stalled and both of our mothers are to blame.

10. Barnes and Noble in NYC and Park Slope, Brooklyn have awesome displays of Pat Lewis' book, When the Claws Come Out. I bought a copy and am going back for pictures and another copy tomorrow. If you haven't bought it, get wit it.

11. After a tip off from my friends at Ravelry, I've come to find out that my first name and my new last name to be are already taken as email addresses. I settled for a hotmail account and smartly reserved the damn thing seven months before the wedding. Everything has to be done months before the wedding. Thanks, Ravelry. Now I don't have to be kristinhislastname1111122222233334444ATsomethingDOTcom.

You know the line, for now, this is all the news that's fit to knit.

Save the Date

Life must go on while I'm knitting / crocheting this Queen sized blanket for C. The wedding is slowly starting to take my attention now that we're past the holidays and starting in on February. I've got a to-do list that's starting to demand some respect.

Speaking of the holidays, back around Christmastime when I was separated from my sweetheart by miles and miles and miles of states and highways, I went out to dinner with my family for a little bonding and plan making. I love my family, in the time since I've been engaged, we found our way back to each other. I feel like we're closer than ever - in a good way. So, long story short, my mother and sister-in-law (read: mother of the bride and matron of honor) get me soaking drunk on margarita's and ushered me over to the local craft store to talk me into making things for the wedding.

Now, for the record, when I was stone cold sober, I was staunchly against hand - making anything for the wedding . Apparently, three fish-bowl margaritas, or whatever the hell they called them, had swung my vote.

So now, I've just spent the last half hour on a conference call where my brand of expertise wasn't really needed, with my phone on mute while I hand fed 100+ save the date cards through the printer. Sigh. Next step: punch out Maple Leaves from card stock, stick foam riser square on them and apply maple leaf to front of card. Yeah - I'm screwed.

I figure the best way to avoid being angry over my need to create so many of these, using so many steps, is to do the steps slowly - making it seem like it's less. Either that, or it's back to the fish bowl margarita.

Surprisingly, the biggest effort of all has been getting the mothers to cough up their mailing lists. I'm starting to wonder if booking the room that cannot take more than 150 people - no matter what, was a very good idea...

Knit the world a woobie

A few months back, C. and I hit the Yarn Farm for last ever big private sale.

C. asked that I would make him a giant woobie - basically, a queen sized woobie. He picked out this cotton, wool, silk blend and I bought 35 skeins (200yds. per skein). It's this lovely gray / lavender color.

Knowing better than to try to knit a queen sized blanket and not really wanting to sew together a million squares and really wanting a reversable blanket, I decided to crochet the bad boy.




So, this is what's been on the needle - or shall I say, crochet hook.

I'm not sure how wide we are - at least queen sized and the length, if I use every skein will be 105 inches. We're getting married this year and I've got a number of months to work on this. I'm hoping to give it to him as a wedding present.


Currently, it looks like a big heap - but in no time, it'll look like a larger heap. I know I'll be loving this thing in February and March and loating it in August! I've got to get it done before the summer heat really sets in.

To everyone who sent lovely messages about our hard trip to NC for C's grandfather's funeral, thank you so very much.

For now, that's all the news that's fit to Kn...Crochet!

Oh, Keyspan gas company, it's waaay after 5:00 PM, why are you still digging up the road in front of my house???

Hard Weeks

We've had a hard week here at chez Yarnal Knowledge. C's beloved grandfather passed away and we rushed to NC to say goodbye. It was a hard time. Goodbyes are always hard. I feel blessed to have had a grandfather again for a few years, it was too short a time with a very special man. So, dear readers, share a kind thought with my beloved. It's been a very hard week.

Knitting returns later this week.

For now, it's all the news, we're just not fit to knit.

Fo' Shizzle my knitizzers!

You thought since I was off in da 'Burgh visiting the City County building...

That I'd stopped knitting... Suckas! Check out some serious knit eye candy:

Ok, ends need to be woven in...

But I love this pink hat!!! It has ear flaps!

A Monkey Sock...someone has a birthday coming up...

A Clapotis - which, holy cow, when it was 14 degrees the other day, was the only thing that kept me truly warm. Love you, wool!

A pretty baby sweater... ends need, uh...

Seacell yarn from my future mother in law! Can't wait. Love ya!

And Jen and Adam showed me some serious love with some serious roving:

Can you stand it??? Future Mother in Law, I need a spinning lesson, stat!!! :)

Also from FMIL - who gave me a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate:

I wanna make everything in here!

So, you see??? I'm making stuff! This is still a knitting blog! And for now, that's all the news that's fit to knit in pictures!

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2008!

I'm pretty stoked about this year. I think it's going to be a lot of fun. The wedding is the most exciting event of '08 that we have planned, but the way things have been going lately, I think we'll be encountering all kinds of neat things throughout the year.

The holidays were fantastic. I'll share pictures tonight or Friday - I've got to upload from the camera. The bridesmaid dresses are starting to arrive - Mountain View (our reception site) caught on fire, I was swindled into making my own save the date cards under the influence of some UN-naturally large margaritas. Like I said, good times.

I'm thrilled to be starting 2008. Everything in my life feels right and good. I feel like I'm moving in the right direction and that I'm doing it with the full support of so many people who I love.

Hope you're looking forward to it as much as I am.

RESOLUTION:

To everyone who text messages me, I promise to learn how to text so that I can reply to you and make sense!

Oh - And the knitting, it's coming too! for now, that's all the news that's fit to knit!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Knitters & Friends. I finally head out to home tomorrow. I can't wait to be with my family.

C. is tucked away with his folks in NC and I miss him like a part of myself is gone away. We talk constantly, but I'm used to his face being around the homestead. I have, however, enjoyed sleeping in the middle of the bed. I'm over it now.

So the next few days for me include:

- Hugs out the wazzoo.
- Laughter and tales of Christmases past
- Updates on all activities from the niece & nephew
- Holiday cocktails
- Holiday music and dancing with my family
- Christmas eve service at church, where I can rejoice in this holiday and faith
- Christmas morning with my family and Christmas dinner with more family
- Meeting dear friends for lunches and evening cocktails
- Finding all of the good after Christmas sales with my mom
- Possibly picking up my wedding dress

It's a good list of things to look forward to. In the end, my life is about these people and I cherish these times. I don't hate my job, and I'm thankful for that, but my life is about the moments that I have with the people I love. I'm rich in that way alone. I have been lucky enough to have been surrounded, in the summer of my lifetime, by the most precious souls on earth. I'm thankful for it.

Now, I'm going to go pack an extra knitting project, I have to be at the airport in the morning!

So, till next week, that's all the news that's fit to knit!

Admissions

I know that a lot of people get choked up over songs, but I am here to admit today that nothing makes me cry my eyes out like hearing the Beach Boys sing Little Duece Coup. Why is that?

Little deuce Coupe You don't know what I got Little deuce Coupe You don't know what I got

Well I'm not braggin' babe so don't put me down

But I've got the fastest set of wheels in town When something comes up to me he don't even try Cause if I had a set of wings man I know she could fly

She's my little deuce coupe

You don't know what I got (My little deuce coupe) (You don't know what I got)

Just a little deuce coupe with a flat head mill But she'll walk a Thunderbird like (she's) it's standin' still She's ported and relieved and she's stroked and bored. She'll do a hundred and forty with the top end floored

She's my little deuce coupe

You don't know what I got (My little deuce coupe) (You don't know what I got)

She's got a competition clutch with the four on the floor And she purrs like a kitten till the lake pipes roar And if that aint enough to make you flip your lid There's one more thing, I got the pink slip daddy

And comin' off the line when the light turns green Well she blows 'em outta the water like you never seen I get pushed out of shape and it's hard to steer When I get rubber in all four gears

She's my little deuce coupe You don't know what I got (My little deuce coupe) (You don't know what I got)

Holy Crap, Knitting pictures!

It's Christmas in Brooklyn today for C. and I. He gifted me with a new iPod video Nano. I love this thing! A few years ago, C. got me a mini - which went out of circulation about a week after it was released, but I loved her. I've been using her happily, but C. decided that I needed to new video action - I love it. Thanks honey!

What do you get the guy bought you a diamond ring and a new iPod in the same year? The new Bose in ear head phones for the video iPod you got him last year. Yeah, he'll probably get a post holiday gift - I was thrown by this exciting giftie for me under the tree this year.

This is my Boogie sweater vest - fresh out of the bath and off the needles. I love it and will try to find a day when the sun shines to get a picture of it on my actual body. I love the vest and the double cable up the front is really nice.

We're enjoying our shared Christmas here in Brooklyn today. We're playing with the new iPod and new iPod toys. We're slightly home bound because of the nasty weather the nor-easter has dropped on us (mostly ice and slush, stuff that freezes your toes). I'm listening to the Steelers lose their game to Jacksonville, egg nogg is in my future (yay! C. makes the best nogg in the world) and I'm working on a pair of socks as a last minute gift "just in case".

This is the last week before the holidays for C. and I and this is the last year where we'll be split up for the holidays. For the last seven years, we've always had our Christmas together a week before we've left for our prospective family celebrations. We snatch moments via telephone to connect and both feel a little blue to be alone during the celebrations when all of our families are paired with the loves of their lives. Of course, trying to figure out how we'll leave our families to visit only one next year, seems almost impossible. I can't imagine celebrating Christmas without my family. It might prove to be too much for my heart to take. Won't worry about that until next year.

So for now, it's all the news that's fit to knit!

OTBKB's Top 100!

I'd been meaning to post the OTBKB's Top 100 here . Of all of the places to have to live in New York City, I'd say Park Slope is probably the best. It has a neighborhood feel that foks are really trying to hold on to - a slippery grip on "normal" in a city that is anything but normal. Folks are pretty nice here and there's a good ratio of dogs to kids and there might be more dogs than kids, which makes it a quieter neighborhood, really.

A lot of things on the top 100 are favs of mine too - left off, Dog Beach at Prospect Park, because it's my happy place when NYC really sucks. Oh, and that little hole in the wall that makes the doghnuts on seventh avenue - fresh doghnuts everyday. There's a nice man there who always gives me an extra doughnut, even though we both know I really don't need it. And the new kitchen store that just opened up on the back side of Applewood - I haven't bought anything there, but I want to buy everything there (a rather dangerous comination). And Russo's where the bread and pasta are fresh and the homemade mozzerlla is the best!

Things on the list I agree with:

"PATTY AND BOB LENARTZ because as owners of Slope Cellars you are always ready to give back and are generous and kind. Experts at the "cheap and tasty" category, you are never pretentious and always dog friendly" - We love this wine store. It helps Slopers remember that Park Slope doesn't really end at 15th street.

"PIZZA PLUS and ROZ because after a fire destroyed your South Slope pizza restaurant, you rose from the ashes and created something even more wonderful. Roz, you are a fabulous community minded person and hard working merchant of the mom and pop variety." - And you make a mean pasta and the best chicken marsala sandwich in the world!


Anyway, you get the idea, read the Top 100 and shop in Park Slope, even though I couldn't this year (trust me, Slope, you've gotten a lot of Yarnal Knowledge mooola over the years!)

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit.

Daily Ramble

Someone has been running a chainsaw in Brooklyn for the last two days. A chainsaw. In Brooklyn. It just seems...wrong.

In other news over the last two days, every time I've washed a knife or the food processor blade, I've taken a chunk out of one of my fingers. What is my damage? That shit hurts!

Blue Memory

It's Sunday night and I always feel a little bit blue on Sunday nights, especially when the following things are happening:

1. My family is getting together for a party and I'm stuck in New York.
2. The Steelers are losing.
3. It's winter and it has gotten dark at 4:00 PM
4. I'm growing out a bad hair cut and am in the "unfortunate" stage.
5. I've come to the realization that though I live in New York City, I've been forced to do all of my holiday shopping online because I'm not able to get to any store that won't charge me an arm and a leg because they've got to pay their New York City rent.
6. I still need to buy a gift for my new boss AND my old boss and I have no idea what to get them. Harry and David, here I come.

The weekend has gone fast and I've accomplished little. I did finish working on a sweater vest for myself (pictures when the sun is up again). I love the sweater, it's Boogie from an old Knitty pattern. The new Knitty is up, so check that out.

And! Whoever bought out all of those copies of Pat's book on Amazon - thank you! My Barnes and Noble had 5 on order and I ordered an additional three, so Brooklyn folks, check back this week, your copies will be available.

Apart from feeling a bit blue tonight, I am happy to be sitting in the shadow of our sparkling Christmas tree. The holiday season is one of the most important for folks in my religion. It's also a time for wonderful memories. I like to think back to where I used to sit every year on the floor near the couch at my grandparents house to open presents. I love to picture my grandfather pulling the turkey out of the roaster and carving it on the kitchen table. I like to think about my Aunt Tay reading me the funnies from the paper. I love recalling the feeling of how stinking hot it was at my grandparents house on 3 Stockton Avenue and my mother quietly and forcefully reminding my brother and I that we were, under no circumstances, to remove our shoes in their house as the carpets were full of coal dust from the heater. I love to think back to showing my cousins the new toy I'd gotten that morning from Santa and ohhhing at the toys that Santa had dropped off at their house for them. I love to think of my mom playing Christmas carols on the old piano that now sits in my brother's house, the one she learned to play on in the 50's. I love to remember sitting on my father's lap and feeling his body shake when he laughed and how strong his arm was that held me in place there. I love to remember our drive home Christmas night, feeling full of turkey and our traditional treats, looking forward to playing with the toys that we'd left at home that morning and slipping to sleep, full of all of that love in the backseat of my parents car. I wonder sometimes if I'll ever feel those feelings again and I am hopeful. After all, isn't this the season of hope?

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit.

The Claws Come Out - By Pat Lewis

One of my dearest friends, Pat Lewis, has a new book out that's in stores now. If you know what's good for you, like to read really funny stories, and enjoy comics you'll run, not walk, to your local bookstore and buy as many copies of this book as possible.

I'm hitting Barnes & Noble in Park Slope tonight!

Or, for the shop at home lot of you - Shop on Amazon!

It's the perfect present for so many people in your life, trust me! And heck, Pat's a great guy and amazing artist. So, knitters, get behind me on this one and check out these "Austounding Tales of Broads and Monsters" this holiday season. Pat rocks. If you buy more than 50 copies, I'll get Pat to call you on the telephone. Promise. Just send me your receipt!

For now, That's the news that's fit to knit!

It's Just Been So...

Busy.

I've been working like a wildcat. That's all I've been doing. No knitting, no wedding planning, very little email responding...if i owe you an email, I promise it's coming.


Knitting is coming - I promise.

Drive, you Turkeys!

I remember vividly the first time I learned about the stupidity of Turkeys. Have you heard that turkey farmers must keep a watchful eye on the weather at all times for fear of the massacre that might occur should one leave for church in blue skies and return in rain storm? Turkey's are so dumb that when it rains they are utterly mesmerized by the moisture that is falling from the sky. So mesmerized that they look skyward to feel the cool rain on their little turkey faces. They also open their mouths. And then that's it. Their mouths will fill up with water and they'll drown themselves looking up at the sky. No kidding. Nature sort of missed a step with the turkey.

I realized that there is a great parallel with New York City drivers and turkeys today. I wouldn't go so far as to call every NYC driver a turkey, but I will point out that the moment the moisture begins to fall from the sky, the NYC drivers tend to turn their faces skyward, their foots firmly on the breaks - mesmerized by the falling rain. Of course, it is not all drivers, as it is all turkeys, but I am talking about you turkeys on 278 in the mornings headed toward the Triborough Bridge!

Tomorrow - cooking with me, Yarnal Knowledge. The mystery of my best pumpkin pie ever is revealed!

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit!

Dad

Today, I remember my Dad. I lost him suddenly, ten years ago today. I've written about him here before and today I'm just going to acknowledge that I miss him and I love him. Words can't describe the man he was and how many people he helped in his time on earth. 59 years just wasn't enough time for selfish people like me. He was, in one man, a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a hero, a provider and an irresistable presense in the world. People were drawn to him and a community still celebrates him to this day. His death devestated so many, but ten years later time is healing.

I love you Daddy.

Lake George - Who's it Named After? No one on Lake George Knows...

This is why it's been so quiet around here. No, Chris and I did not run away and elope (though I think he might consider it at this point - he's past the point of no return with the wedding fodder). Rather, we spent the weekend at The Sagamore Hotel on Lake George. It's a little perk of my job that I sometimes get to go on free weekends to resorts. I used to go out of the country, but since I've gotten older, I find I'm much more of a homebody and would rather stay right where home is when the weekend rolls around. But when an offer came in that I could take Chris with me for the weekend, I pounced on it. We took off for Bolton's Landing, NY after work on Friday and by 8:30 PM, we were tucked into a rustic pub at the hotel, sucking down New England Clam Chowder on the banks of Lake George. It was great fun.

Getting out of the city for a while helped me focus on some things that had been weighing me down. I got to thinking about friends and family; about letting go and stepping up. Somewhere while strolling through the Autumn leaves, I found time to forgive myself for some past aggressions. Let's just say, I left a bit of baggage on the shores of Lake George. I returned to the city feeling as shiny as a bright copper penny.

We all carry around regrets and I might just be the queen of that particular occupation. I carry it all around, down to the off handed comment that I made that hurt someones feelings in 1983. I finally just let it go. I just released the guilt for things I can no longer change and pledged to myself that I'd try to reduce the opportunity for regret as much as possible going forward. It's a good thing to do - to try and balance your emotions enough to allow yourself to actually like yourself.

So, the trip was productive and it was fun. Chris and I spent two hours over a bottle of wine, a cheese sampling plate, fruit and a view of the water. We chatted and laughed and slowly got drunk - something neither of us has done in a good long time. It was a wonderful way to spend a late afternoon in up state NY. The trees were alive with their dying color and the quiet seemed to go on for miles and miles. It was the perfect end to a lovely day.

No knitting - too much growing and driving going on. But there are things on the needles. I'll haul out the camera (I forgot the digital during the trip - I've got to get Rite Aid to make me a cd from the disposable camera I bought) and show you how the yarn farm yarn is getting its start.

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit!

PS - Steelers rock the Monday Night HOUSE!

Happiness Is...

A Knitter With A Trunk Full of Yarn.

Last year you might remember that I was gifted with an invitation to a private yarn sale. I lovingly called the place "The Yarn Farm". Well, Farm House Yarns had its very last private sale ever this weekend and I was lucky enough that Chris was up for a trip to Upstate CT. We drove up early yesterday morning to find that the good people were offering some amazing "fill a bag" sale prices. One of these bags has some Christmas gifts for friends and my future mother in law, but the rest was alllllll for me. I'm still a little light-headed about the haul. I'm set for a long time.

Last year I wasn't sure what the sale would be like and though I brought a big bag of yarn home, I wasn't very smart about yardage. This year, I may have over-bought on yardage. When Chris urged my to buy more yarn, I fell in love with him all over again. One of sales girls proclaimed to me, "wow, you're lucky that you get to marry him!" She's so right. Sorry, girls, my yarn enabling husband to be, is soooo taken.

Chris' only request was that I would knit a huge woobie for our wedding. He loves hand knit blankets. He picked out a beautiful cotton / silk blend in a light lavender. I just need to find a queen size blanket pattern - or work one up myself. As far as yardage went, I picked up 7,000 yards of the yarn for the blanket. That should do it, don't ya think?

Total Yardage for myself: 20,500 - told ya I might have over bought...

Now to pick my first project...

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit.

U2?

Have you heard about U2 reissuing the ablum, The Joshua Tree? The real question here is, do I buy it because I love U2, or do I do the responsbile thing and just keep listeing to the copy that I bought in 1987?

Hmmmmmm.

It's What's On The Needles

It's Tuesday and the week already feels long, doesn't it? Is it that the weather is still playing towards the 70's in October, or is it just the way this week is shaping up?

70 degrees or not, I've got this little scarf on the needles. I wanted something that would be fun to knit, but also a little mindless. Seeing as I spent four, yes, four, hours trying to get home on Thursday night, having a little mindless knitting in the bag was a good thing. The pattern is free from someone, but I swear to you that I've been trying to find where I got the pattern all afternoon - but to no success. Luckily, I wrote it down. I'm soooo sorry if this is your pattern and I didn't give you credit. Email me and I'll post it! Promise.

I'm using Paton's Soy Wool Stripes in Natural Geranium. The yarn is lovely and soft. I'm really enjoying knitting this scarf. It's kind of perfect, really. It's soft and wonderful around my neck, the stripes are great and the fact that it's reversible is brilliant! I may make this my Christmas gift to the family. Stop it! Don't think like that - they won't all share this one scarf! I'm better than that! I'm saaaayyying that I might consider knitting a heap of these! : )

So, what's been happening over here at Yarnal Knowledge? I've been wedding planning and I found my knitting friends to be great support. If you're on Ravelry you can find anything and anyone who's into the same things you are. Not only am I chatting it up with my Steeler's Kniters, but I've found a HEAP of other knitters who are planning their weddings. Apparently, knitters make excellent wives! If you're planning too - check it out. They're talking about so many things and just recently talked me off a ledge when I had a mini-panic about Bridesmaid dresses.

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit.

Can You Believe They Belong To Me?

My two pals are just the best. I took this self portrait of the kiddos with me on a recent trip to Columbus to see my cousin get married. It was a great trip and these two were my best pals. I love these little punks. They're just so cool.

One has to wonder how they're related to me. Look at those blondie heads and blue, blue eyes. My very own brother is the spittin' image of these two. You wouldn't pick us out of a line up to be related. We're as different as different can be. He's gorgeous - Blondie hair, dreamy blue eyes and thin as a rail. I've got brown hair, hazel eyes and am the exact opposite of thin as a rail. We're not so close in age, but I can say this about my brother, just as I said it at his wedding ten years ago, he was always stronger than the monster beneath my bed. And that means, he rocks. He's still looking out for his punk-ass little sister. He's ok.

Guess things really do get passed down. R's already looking out for her punk little bro too.

They'll both be in our wedding next year and I can't wait to see them all spiffed up in their finest breaking it down on the dance floor, yo.

And they both just loooovvvee their Aunt Kris.

All the news that's fit to knit...

Moving the Work

My old office...

It's been a hell of a week. We've moved our offices from one location to another this week and it was rough. I'm not sure if you've ever moved your office, but if you have, you're shaking your head in sympathy for me. Packing up your files and information for a move causes chaos. Clients still want their work done and yet all of your information is being put into boxes and shipped off to the new location. You have to finally pack up your computer and you're gasp! without any connection to the Internet or email. has the world fallen apart while you've been packing up your desk accessories? How many post it notes did you really have in the back of your desk drawer? How many ketchup packets had you saved? Hmmmm...


Tomorrow is set up day - I have to check into our new building (first, I have to get myself to the new location...hello 95 North - gulp). I need to find all of the files, assemble my new bookcase, learn how to use the new telephone system and hook up the computer again. I'm not reaaaalllly looking forward to it.


In good news - I've got my sweetheart back with me after ten days of hateful separation. He's here and it just feels so good to have him in our home again.


In bad news - the Steelers are about lose their first game of the season and it's seriously bumming me out.



For now, it's all the news and there's been very little knit.

Steeler Sunday!

It's the best day of the week! It's Steeler Sunday! Where are your loved ones? Are they watching the game?

As a transplant from Pittsburgh to New York City, I have to say that the WORST part of living in New York is that I can't watch my beloved Steelers every Sunday.

This year, I signed up for the NFL Field Pass so that I can listen to all of the games on my computer. I get to listen to the Steel City Boys any time I can't see the game on TV (which happens a lot). If we ever move out of the city, we're so installing Direct TV so that I can always watch.

I've often told people here in NYC that when you are born in Pittsburgh, the doctor delivers you into a Terrible Towel, slaps you on the ass and declares you a Steeler fan. Odds are, your mom spent the last football season screaming her head off at the television and downing Pirmanti Bros sandwiches, so you were headed in this direction anyway.

Why do I love Pennsylvania so much? It's the people, really. I love that you can be anywhere in town and you might be talking about the game and the people around you will just jump in and talk about it too. You instantly have new friends. I love that people are kind and friendly and for the most part just want to be helpful. It's a place where people are usually in good moods when they're out in public and they just want to enjoy their afternoon. Here on the East Coast, it's dog eat dog and look out for number one. Pittsburgh has managed to hold on to its sense of community. I miss feeling like I belong to a town. Even in Central PA, people were kind and I could find Steeler fans around every corner.

I hope we make it back to PA some day. I'm so lonely for that sense of community and belonging. For now, I've turned my living room into a Steeler game - my Terrible Towel by my side.

A Healthy Dose of Crazy

Chris is gone. Not forever - the engagement's still on, but he's left for home in North Carolina for the next ten days. Sigh. It's strange when the person you live with isn't around for several days. At first I had a tremendous amount of stress before he left - often staging small pouting sessions and maybe, just maybe, the words "doooonnnn'ttt gooooo" and "hhooowwww cannnn yyyoouuuu llleeaaaveee mmmeeeee?" were involved. I never said this was pretty. I have to take my hat off to my sweet southern boy, he's now officially signed on for a healthy dose of crazy by asking me to get married. Of course, none of this comes as a surprise as he's been wading through the crazy for the past seven years. I suppose that's why the following telephone conversation didn't make him lose stride at work on Thursday morning when I frantically phoned the following information in:

ME: (in a hushed and somewhat frantic whisper) the building is surrounded.

C: What? (sound of papers being shuffled on the desk in the background).

ME: The police have the building surrounded and there's a helocopter circiling.

C: Huh. What's happening?

ME: I'm not sure, but I peaked out of the window and then ran away 'cause I didn't want the cops to see me. Do you think that's suspicious? I'm not trying to be suspicious, but you know, I'm working from home today and I haven't exactly showered or changed out of my jammies yet.

C: I think it's fine.

ME: Wait - I can hear the lady down stairs if I strain and sit under the window - she says there was burglar. Crap. Spanish.

C: Right, well, lock the door.

ME: Um, do you think it's also suspicious behavior that before I called you I hid in the closet to put pants on?

C: (silence). Why on earth would you do that?

ME: Well, you know, those police helicopters can see through buildings and into windows and stuff and I didn't want them to see me in my jammies or my underwear, so after my conference call, I ran down to the guest room and put on my jeans in the closet. And then, maybe some lip gloss in the dark in the bathroom.

C: (silence) (shuffling of papers - typing on computer keys). Um, yeah, they can't see into the closet, you're ok. And, don't do that again.

ME: Maybe you should come home. There's a lot of police and what if I need something?

C: Why don't you go talk to them? They can tell you what's going on.

ME: Where the bad people are??? Down on the street? I don't think so, pal. If they need me, they can buzz the apartment. Do YOU HEAR the helicopter.

C: I do.

ME: You're not coming home, are you?

C: Nope. Have a great day sweetie and don't forget, you're driving me to the airport.

ME: Back to my post under the window sill to strain for information until it was time for the next conference call.

Yeah - a little dose of crazy, it's good for him. (Come home! I miss you! And I have to let the creepy Time Warner Guy in tomorrow alone!)

That's all the crazy news that's fit to knit.

PS - If you've read this and know my mother, might run into my mother or might think about calling my mother, please don't mention the words, cops, my building, or burgler. She just doesn't need to worry about it. Thanks!

The Negative One

Today is my negative one anniversary! On this day, next year, I'll be getting married. It seems so close and yet, so very far away! I'm looking forward to the millions of fun things that are awaiting Chris and I in the next 365 days.

The wedding planning has hit a bit of a wall and it seems my ability to understand color is hindering all processes of planning. All of my bridesmaids have graciously agreed to be in the wedding and I'm so thankful that they'll be there next to me when I take this step. These girls have been with me for a lot of life's firsts, so I'm glad they'll be there for this one. The thing is, I'm trying to do right by these ladies. I'm totally against the following:

1. Putting them in any dress that has a giant butt bow.

2. Putting them in a color dress that resembles any of the following: puke, poop or pepto bismal.

3. Putting them in a color dress that they themselves put me in for their weddings (there aren't a ton of colors and most of my maids are really matrons - long married ladies...and I'm doing my best not to repeat).

Planning is fun, but this whole color palatte - which affects all of the colors of the wedding is a bit of a mystery to me.

For now - that's all the news that's fit to knit!

Never Forget

I remember when I finally got out of Manhattan six years ago this day and I was able to call Chris; I told him that we had to leave New York City. That I couldn't stand the thought of losing him or having to flee for my life from the city ever again. I had never feared for my life before and I was shaken to the core and so very sad, so very sorry for what had happened.

He said to me - no way. We stay put. And I was ready to plead with him that we find a way to get back to our small town homes and back to the families we love. But before I could plead, he said firmly, we're too old to be firemen, too old to join the military - the best thing we can do to fight this horrible act is to stay here - to say to the world that we're staying and this is our home and we won't be driven out, we won't live in fear, we're here. He was right. Everyday has been a small victory and I'm proud of the New Yorkers who have stayed. There will come a day that we'll leave New York, but it'll be on our own terms. It's our way of fighting and we'll never forget.

I'm so thankful that Chris helped me to find my courage to fight on that day. I'll always be grateful to him for that.

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit. Now go hug a fireman.

Done Right

UPDATE:

Just got an email from Knit Picks customer service. Not only were they sweet and apologetic, they offered to send replacement cables. Yay Knit Picks! I promise to blow some mad money at your site soon. I appreciate it so much when people do the right thing*.

*Unlike, you, you stupid Department of Corrections officer who tailed me through a construction zone, flashed your lights and whooped your siren at the poor guy trying not to kill the construction worker and screamed at the guy in the cement truck (who I think was trying to avoid actually dripping concrete on the front of my car while I tried not to be rear ended by you!) You caused so much stress on the BQE this morning that I hope you just found out that you have to work a double this weekend.

For now, that's all the news that's fit to Knit! And I'll be knitting it with my Options again soon!

The Sad End of the Needle

The sadness in pictures. See that? That is my broken heart. Ok, not so much my heart, but it has broken my heart tonight as not one, but two of my Knit Picks Options cables have died. Thing is, I've never used the small one and used the larger one only once.

These are my FAVORITE needles. They are sharp and I have the complete kit (given by C. on my last birthday). The last thing knitted on them -as promised - was this baby sweater:

This is the Five Hour Baby Sweater - it takes a little longer than that, but let me tell you, this is an awesome pattern. Knitters are so smart! This is knitted from the top down and is knitted in one piece with only the sleeves to sew up. I have enjoyed knitting this sweater on a few occasions and this sweater is for Jenna - the new baby from Jen & Adam. It's safe to post here as Jen is not a regular reader of the old blog.

Back to the saddest story... out of all of these needles - not a single size ten to save my current sweater project. I've been reduced to holding the stitches on a light up needle - you've seen those, right? I've received two pairs as gag gifts and I can see the good they can do (and the fun they provide the first time you pretend its your light saber), but I have to say, I've never actually knitted with them. I have them in size 8 & 10.5.

Sigh. Sad knitter.

I thought about trying this and then decided against it and sent Knit Picks an email asking what to do. If you've delt with their customer service department, will you kindly leave me a comment or send me an email and tell me how it went? I'd appreciate it.

The back of the sweater - a happier ending. I want to send off my friend Dani's baby's sweater that I knit for her 'cause you've got to see Hailey - a sweet little girl who I can't wait to meet. Dani, send me your address, I've got to send your sweater so we can show both Hailey and the sweater off here!

I'm soothing my sorrows by laughing along with back issues of this blog. This woman is living a life I've often thought I would love to live. I like that she's willing to take us along on her journey as a woman living on a real, modern day working cattle ranch. She's great with a camera, a witty writer and she cooks! It's a lot of fun and I give it a big ole recommendation for regular reading.

For now, sad knitters, that's all the news we wish we could knit!

OH NO!

TWO OF MY KNIT PICKS OPTIONS CABLES HAVE BROKEN! I've lost an entire lacey project. GASP! ACK! HELP!

Back Home, Back To The Grind

We had a true labor day this year with our dear friend Jen going into early labor and delivering her dear, sweet baby, Jenna, to the world on September 1st. Mom, Dad & Baby are all well. We rushed to New Haven to meet our newest friend and spent the day and night helping out the new little family. What a joy! A picture of the sweetest baby sweater ever will be posted tonight for your viewing pleasure. I knit it in a hurry waiting to hear the final news - my hands have just now forgiven me. To be honest, this was a really fun sweater pattern - more on that later tonight.

I'm back at work and we're moving. New office space for us in October means sorting through years and years of crap that has accumulated here in my office. I'm also carrying a full load of work for two companies. How can one person feel so busy? Actually, it's just how I like it.

While I was home in PA - my cousin Brad got married. Sigh. It was a beautiful wedding and the bride and groom were glowing with happiness. There was a little excitement with the flower girl and the running up and down the aisle screaming with glee, but otherwise, really, nothing but happy romantic happiness. It was so good to be with that side of my family too - I'd missed my father's family. It's too easy to grow apart without him holding us all together. I hope that these weddings aren't the only times that we get together.

While I was actually in Pittsburgh, I visited three reception venues and chose Mountain View Inn as the location for the biggest party of our lives. It's a historical Inn of America, built in 1924. I love this location and the people on staff made me feel really important and special. It's amazing what a well timed thank you note will get you these days! Thanks to my new wedding coordinator at MVI, we'll have the time of our lives, I'm sure of it.

Another big item was checked off of the wedding "To-Do List" - I bought my dress! Wooo! Chris will sometimes read this blog, so no notes on it here, but I can tell you the following:

1. I hadn't intended to buy my dress so early. I was just looking with mom to see if we saw anything interesting.

2. It was the third dress I put on.

3. It looks awful on the hanger.

4. It makes me feel pretty and I really love that.

Pictures later, for now - that's all the news that fit to knit!

Country Roads Are Taking Me Home

I'm headed home to PA tomorrow morning, so things will be a little quiet around here. It's time for wedding planning and attending weddings and so on and so.

Knitting on the road? Socks, of course. I've been trying to do some spinning because this past Saturday I met a fantastic spinner (more on her to come) and I got my first roving! Pictures of such fantastic acquisitions are forthcoming.

But for now, dear knitters adieu. I hope your weeks are filled with fiber happiness.

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit.

K

The Knitted News

Knitting! I did promise some knits for this blog. I'll tell ya, the summer has been unforgettable for me. The engagement is of course at the top of the list, but I've also knitted some really memorable socks, I've been hanging out with some great friends and traveling to some great places here in the US. What else can you ask for from a summer?

The sock to the left is a little summer sock that I knitted up - I used Wendy's toe up pattern, threw in the stripes and finishing touches from my own brain. I love them! I'm about 1/2 through finishing the second sock. I'm also working on:

The 5 hour baby sweater. This is for a friend's baby to come. I just can't seem to find the time to really concentrate on cranking this out. Of course, babies tend to move deadlines along, don't they? I love the vibrant colors of this yarn. It's a nice clean cotton that can easily be tossed into the wash. Mother's every where can rejoice!

For now, I'm off to the air conditioning and that means that this is all the news that's fit to knit, for now!

Plans Unraveled

Oh Lordy,lordy,lordy! My Ravelry invitation arrived!

Sorry, Sorry - I know You're ALL Mad...

Dear Park Slope Knitters:

On Saturday, it was me who purchased the very last copy of this book from the 7th Avenue Barnes & Noble. I held it in my hands debating purchasing the last copy and then I high tailed it out of the knitting section and up to the magazine rack to pick up a copy of the new Interweave Knits Issue and the Vogue Knitting 25th Anniv. Issue... but if you order it in, they usually get them very quickly.

I don't much sound like the kind of girl who's supposed to be saving every penny towards a wedding, does she? I swear, with the exception of the upcoming purchase of enough yarn to make one of the sweaters in this book, I am SAVING! Oh, I am trying to save money.

So I've been diligently working on my wedding planning. I've lined up three places to visit for reception venues. Two hotels and one country club. Let me tell you, everyone around me is so tired of any talk about the wedding. People don't want to hear about it, they don't want to talk to you about it - it's all kinds of general eye rolling in the greater New York area. I want to make it clear that I really don't think I'm going on and on every minute of the day. I'm usually pretty good at finding internal AND external fault and I'm just not doing too badly with this. But none-the-less I am officially planning on internalizing all of my wedding planning. I will write about it a bit here, but talking about it is just about out 'cause this sister can not take the eye rolling, people. Pluh-lease with the eye rolling.

Knitting is going to updated later tonight with more on this book, a picture of the sorbet socks and some more ideas here and there. Tonight - no wedding talk. Zip. Zip. Just come to the wedding to see what has been planned!

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit!

The rest of the story

This is right after we came back to the house after getting engaged. We were waaaay out in the country when Chris proposed and we'd just rode back on a four-wheeler through mud, wearing helmets, etc... so we're not looking our best and our photographer had posed us with our arms linked - which was hugely uncomfortable. I tell you all of this by way of an explanation of our looking a bit confused - but can you see how happy we both are?

See the toasting glasses? My very thoughtful Sister-in-Law bought those for us and brought them (remember, the whole family was in on the surprise) as well as with several bottles of champagne. It was a big celebration! I had many, many glasses full!

This is the road that led us out to our engagement spot. Pennsylvania is so much more than just my home - its beauty overwhelms me. I can't imagine what my grandfather thought when he first found the acres that would come to be our family's special vacation spot.

40 years ago he bought this piece of land that would in later years become the meeting place of our family for generations. He made a place in the world for us that would see not only my engagement, but the engagement of my Aunt and Uncle, my Mom and Dad and one of my cousins. It is a place where all of the children in our family have been bathed in the kitchen sink - starting with my brother. It is full of friendly ghosts of my childhood. It is a place where we bring only our most cherished friends and it is still a place where we all come together to share and laugh and visit with each other. Can you repay that kind of gift? Does he know what the trees know? Some of those trees have been there since the civil war. These trees and these roads are the very fabric of my family - they know what we know - that sharing these moments together is what means the most to all of us. They provide the comfort and the quiet that we all need when the rest of the world squeezes a little too hard.

Thanks, Pop. Thank you for giving us this rare gift of a steadfast place to keep our family together forever. Even now that you and granny have gone on - we come here and we remember and we carry on the love and the lives that you provided for us. Thank you so very much.

All the news, that's fit to knit.