Happy Halloween!

We carved up our pumpkin this week - I love this guy! For some strange reason, I think he needs a cigar!

Here's our Mr. Potato Head pirate pumkin. This was a great idea - for about two days...then I discovered the mold...it was gross! But for those two days, we just loved this guy. I think these do better sitting outside on a cold front stoop - something that doesn't really exist in Brooklyn.

People often ask me when I'm home what we do for Halloween in the city. Since trick-or-treating isn't the safest in apartment buildings, the neighborhood that I live in throws a giant parade and the kids trick-or-treat to all of the businesses down the main drag of Park Slope. It's a genius idea when you think about it - ensuring that the kids are safe and anyone with a costume can march in the parade. We go to see the costumes on kids, adults and the dogs! It's always a blast. I hope you have a great Halloween too!

Knitting - I finished my "mistake" scarf and I'm decreasing on a grey beret for the upcoming winter. Pictures and notes to come! Till then, it's all the news that's fit to knit! Spooky!

Some Pictures

Here we are - married!















I wore my Granny's ring - she wore it in her wedding and my mom wore it in hers as a something blue.

My brother in law and my husband

The other number 1 guy in my life!

My lovely flowers

Finally! YAY!

Me & the Mr.

Honeymooning

I know I’ve been absent from this blog for a few weeks – I was waiting to be able to post some wedding pictures, but it turns out that my photographer is taking some major time in getting that CD to me – when I get them, you’ll get to see them. In the meantime, I’m trying not to worry about the fact that even though our government just pushed a gazillion dollars into the market, the markets are still falling. I keep reminding myself that while the world holds its breath, my panic won’t affect anyone but me – and maybe my husband (who hates when I panic). So, I’m just going to have another cup of coffee and tell you a little about the Finger Lakes.

If you travel to the Finger Lakes region of New York, which I encourage you to do; you should try to arrive during the daylight hours. The beauty of your destination should be seen as soon as possible and will be a reassurance that I have not led you astray by sending you to this vacation spot.

Some might tell you that the Finger Lakes is for wine lovers and while this is true, it’s also so much more. We really enjoyed the wine trail, but we had so many options of things to do, that I think families of all ages would enjoy the trip. As for a honeymoon destination, I couldn’t recommend it more. My new husband and I spent hours together in the car gazing upon beautiful scenery and out of the car having new experiences. We had full days and lovely evening dinners.

One of my favorite experiences during our time in the Finger Lakes was visiting the Corning Glass Factory. It was a short drive from Lake Seneca and it was so worth the the time away from the lakes and the wine. We arrived at the parking kiosk and boarded a free shuttle to the factory. The shuttle takes you to several locations in the Corning area and though we only had time for the visit to the Glass Factory, our reading about Corning’s incredible Main Street America made it sounds like a place where you could spend several days.

The Glass Factory is full of interesting things. We signed up to take a glass blowing class and to tour the factory itself. We attended demonstrations and we saw some of the most of the beautiful glassware ever! As a girl whose mother has taught her to look for milk glass, Westmoreland glass and Depression glass at every flea market she passes, I was fascinated by the history of glass that was on display to the public.

Both Chris and I were able to go to the lab at our scheduled time by making a quick walk across the Corning campus. Once inside we had the option of choosing several things to make – we both chose to make Christmas tree ornaments. During our first vacation together last year to Lake George, we started a tradition of buying a tree ornament on every trip. We’d thought these would be beautiful memories of our honeymoon – we were right. We worked one on one with our glass lab director to blow the glass. It was so much fun and about a week and half after we returned from our honeymoon, our ornaments arrived on our doorstep. We love them and can’t wait to put them on this year’s tree!

Of the three lakes we visited, Cayuga, Seneca and Keuka we’ve decided that we love Keuka the best. It was hard not to stop at every vacation home with a for sale sign on it and make an offer. The smallest of the three lakes that we visited, it was the most intimate. The great thing about all of these lakes is that it’s easy to drive all the way around them in one afternoon. Keuka makes you want to linger more than any of the other lakes – maybe because it’s most visible from the road and offers several places to pull off and take pictures or smooch for awhile. It is also home to Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wines. It is a “don’t miss” destination on Keuka Lake.

Dr. Frank’s is the reason that we chose the Finger Lakes as our honeymoon destination – it’s another story for another blog entry, but I am confident in telling you that upon arrival at Dr. Frank’s, you’ll know that you’re some place special. The drive to get there is off the beaten path and as you turn onto the dirt roads, just remember that grapes like dirt – it makes sense that it’s a away from the cars and the day-to-day life. You’ll be so impressed as you turn into the drive and take in the view across the road – the grapes, the trees, the beautiful view of the lake – it’s so dramatic. To have that as the view from your office, well, Keuka Lake residents, let me just tell you that it’s far better than my crappy view of an alley in Brooklyn. You can really take that deep breath at Dr. Frank’s – it’s quiet and serene, if I were a grape, I think I’d be very happy there too. The people were terrific, the wine varieties were tremendous and we bought nearly a case of various wines before we left. Can’t bring ourselves to find the appropriate occasion to open a bottle; though we know it’s foolish to save some of them for too long.

So - the pictures in this post don't exactly match the text, but I just wanted you to see some of the beauty of the region. More are coming in another post along with more info on the great trip we had!

Till then, it's all the news that's fit to knit!

Married!

We are so married! I can't believe it happened, but it did. The day was magic and I wish that everyone in the whole world could feel this happy.

We'll post a wedding picture once we get them, but here we are on our honeymoon, properly hitched!

Love ya,
Yarnal.

That's it - I'm out!

This is it - I catch my flight home to get married! I leave tonight. So, next time I blog ya, I'll be a married lady!

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

Love,
Yarnal

It's September

It's September. How on earth can it be September? It's September 2. I'm getting married soon, really freaking soon. It just hit me today how soon that is! It's really freaking soon in case you were counting.

We had a good Labor Day weekend - it was busy, but we got a lot done. This coming weekend our friends from Ireland arrive. I'm supposed to work this week (how do I concentrate on work???) and I need to pack.

I've gotta go. More later!

Eloping

My garter knit is done. It was a fun little knit. It feels like a bit of a failure as I can't find elastic for it in NYC. Isn't this the fashion fucking capitol of the world? No elastic. I can't bring myself to pay shipping on $1.69 of elastic from JoAnn's. So this will have to be done again when I've had time to go to PA and buy some elastic for it. Too bad - we aren't doing a garter toss anyway, so no big loss.

The Alphabet Meme

I’m watching the coolest chicks on the planet, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh kick Olympic beach volleyball butt and just messing around on the innertubes…so here we are:

A. Attached or single? Getting married in 23 days! What does that make me? Technically still single I guess. But I do have a marriage license!
B. Best friend? My fiancé
C. Cake or pie? I like fruit pies with ice cream better than cake.
D. Day of choice? I’m a Saturday morning kinda gal – the whole weekend seems so free and clear and long on Saturday mornings.
E. Essential item? Knitting or a book; I think books win out.
F. Favorite color? I like blues, greens, white.
G. Gummy bears or worms? Bears
H. Hometown? Pittsburgh, PA
I. Indulgence? Some dear friends of ours own a restaurant in Westchester NY and going there to eat Pascal’s cooking is one of the greatest indulgences in my life. I literally eat that meal with my eyes half closed from savoring. My other indulgence? People magazine when I fly. I just need it.
J. January or July? January
K. Kids? Maybe some day
L. Life isn’t complete without? My fiancé, football season, good friends and good beer.
M. Marriage date? September 13, 2008
N. Number of brothers & sisters? One brother, he’s a punk! And I love him.
O. Oranges or apples? apples
P. Phobias? Mice in the house. I really hate them in my house – outside is fine, inside not so much.
Q. Quotes? “Fall down seven times, get up eight”
R. Reasons to smile? Oh, holy cow – I’m so stinking blessed! I have every reason on earth to smile. I’m getting married to the best guy who despite everything loves the stuffing out of me. I’ve got a healthy family, a good job and a roof over my head. I’m doing just fine.
S. Season of choice? Fall
T. Tag seven peeps! Won’t do it! If you want it, take it!
U. Unknown fact about me? I secretly want to be in a rock band. Guitar Hero is arriving tomorrow via UPS – I will rock! Ask my friends from college, I was the original Langham Hall deejay jazzy kris and the fresh me, spinning discs on my cd.player. So stinking dorky!
V. Vegetable or Potatoes? Potatoes (but I loooove veggies!)
W. Worst habits? Being a “Reactor / Reactionary” I’m working on it.
X. X-ray or ultrasound? Seriously, how about x-files or Gilmore girls for this question? I’d rather skip both of these please, cue my Gilmore Girls.
Y. Your favorite food? Anything Pascal cooks (order the mussels, the basa fish and extra rolls and extra Merlot trust me). I love too much food. It’s why I’m chubby.
Z. Zodiac sign? Pieces

Cake Topper

I've been actively looking for a cake topper since January. Yeah, eight months. I finally found my cake topper soul mate.

Favorite Things Friday ( A Little Late)

It's been more than busy here at Chez YarnalKnowledge and I even missed favorite things Friday. These are my favorite measuring spoons. I found them in a little shop in my hometown and fell in love right away. I love the chickens on the top, I love the sunflowers on the inside of the spoons. They are awesome!

Till next time, it's all the news that's fit to knit.

Key Lime Time

Right around C.'s birthday I was shopping in the supermarket when I ran into a bag of key limes. Real Key Limes! I have to admit, I'd never, in all of my 32 short years encountered an actual in-real-life key lime. I've been to Florida Keys, I've eaten Key Lime Pie, I've had drinks calling themselves key lime drinks, I've used the key lime in de coconut bath and body works shower scrub, on and on and on, but a real key lime? Never!

Here ya go - lemme just tell ya, if you know a good physical therapist, contact him/her prior to making your own from-scratch Key Lime Pie - as juicing these babies is a true pain in the wrist!

This is my Brooklyn kitchen - highlights: you'll recognized my favorite things Friday mixing bowl (it's actually a set of three - so you'll see another in this pic), you'll see my cool new microwave that is actually also a grill - it's funky! And the cool new spice rack we got for a shower present (love you Martha Stewart! and JoAnn for purchasing it for us!). You'll also see my favorite depression glass juicer - I scored that baby at the church yard sale for $3 in 1996. It was love at first site. Can you see my sheep and chicken? (see top of microwave) and the most precious thing is in the lower left hand corner...the dishwasher - a rare and exotic thing in a pre-war New York City apartment. We're very lucky.

This is a closer look at my depression glass juicer with a key lime in action. That's a no-slip thing underneath it. Those little limes we're a real bear to squeeze by hand, but man was it worth it when C. sliced into this:

Deelish! Knitting for the garter is almost done - I may be subbing yarn shortly...and I need some elastic....but till tomorrow, that's all the news that's fit to knit. Next time on cooking with Yarnal, Fruit Pie! YAY!

PS - I took the juice of about 15 key limes, egg yolks, sugar, etc...and mixed and poured into a graham craker crust and then in the oven...if you want my receipe, PM me and I'll be happy to share!

Slip and Fall Friday

They've been filming in my apartment building yesterday and today. Of course, I was trekking out of our apartment for some provisions at the bodega down the street when I had to pass a crew member on our narrow marble steps. I was, of course, wearing totally impractical summer sandals and just as a go pass this film crew dude, I slipped. I fell. I fell all the way down the steps on my butt - which is ample and should've provided much padding, but it didn't. I can barely sit today. Le Sigh. What a freaking klutz! I hope they didn't get it on film.

I am ready to cast on for the Olympics tonight! I Just need to wind my seacell yarn.

Are you ok? You're clutching your heart? Why? Oh, you're in disbelief that any knitting content is on this knit blog? I don't blame you. Take a few deep breaths. It's true, I am knitting!

(I also understand that some of the knit readers are just clutching their chests over the seacell. I understand, my future mother-in-law gave me this yarn for Christmas. I can't wait to use it. 70% wool, 30% Seacell! YAY!).

I'm making the Eloping garter from Knitty. I'm looking forward to wearing some kind of hand knit for the wedding too. I'm so glad this came out right in time for my wedding. Thank you designer Abigail van Roode and Kristi Geraci!

Keeping up with Favorite things Friday, here's one of my favorite mixing bowls. I love it because it has high sides and I can't splash with the mixer, no matter how hard I try. It also has built in non-slip bottom. I really dig it.

So, we're all about the Olympics now! Enjoy the opening ceremonies. I'm going to go take an advil, my butt hurts - but not as badly as my pride.

Till next time, that's all the news that's fit to knit!

Favorite Things Friday

My mom gave these to me for a shower gift. Salt n Peppah shakers on a little leaf - it matches my whole Macy's Martha Stewart theme I've got going on.

These are so sweet, I can hardly wait to salt n' peppah things!

Honeymoon!

Ok dudes, I'm feeling much better after getting everything out last night. Thank goodness for blog confessions - it helps you keep it real. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to be stress free - I'm not sure anyone ever is. But I'm doing some reading on simplifying my life - but more on that another day.

Today, we're talking about honeymooning. C. will tell you that the week after our wedding is not an "official" honeymoon. We'll be traveling to Europe next year once he a. procures his updated passport b. we have time off again c. we have money again (this wedding is a huge money-suck).

Until then, we're hitting the Finger Lakes! We're off to Lake Seneca, the Toganenwood Estate B&B and something called "The Wine Trail" (that sounds so lovely right now!)

The pictures posted here are from our B&B's website. We'll post a review upon our return...

So far, so good though - the proprietor seems so lovely and she told me about this little beauty:

It's a "Champagne Bath Tub" and it's right in my room! Apparently it isn't the typical jacuzzi tub, but rather it creates a gazillion champagne bubbles to surround you and relax you. I plunked my credit card down on this room with this tub faster than you can say "stressed much?"


So we've been reading Great Destinations - a complete guide to The Finger Lakes Book (3rd edition, Dyson). We're really happy with the book, it seems to give the History, Lodging, culture, dining, recreation, etc... Can't wait!


Now to find out where they keep their knitting shops!

Till tomorrow, it's all the news that's fit to knit!

Olympics and Trials

I've joined the Ravelry Olympic team. I'll be knitting Eloping from this summer's Knitty. It's not a big project, but with the wedding so close, it's all I can handle. I'm hoping to earn my first gold knitting medal.

I've been working on handling stress quite a bit lately. I've been interviewing friends and family when it's appropriate about how they deal with stress. Do they deep breathe? Do the eat ice cream? Do they drink? Do they go for a run? Do they punch the stressor in the nose? Do they scream into a pillow, do they get tough, or do they fold like a house of cards?

I'm so interested in stress right now because I'm under an ass-load of it. You'd think the details of the wedding would be stressing me out - but they really aren't. I can handle those details in my sleep - I literally do it for a living. But the stress of disappointing anyone with any request they make of me in relation to this wedding is killing me. I find myself trapped between the viewpoints of some of the people who I love the most.

It's funny, because as I waffle and try and avoid conflict I can feel my loved one's disappointment in what they perceive as my weakness, but the truth of the matter is that I've been so strong - going against the popular wishes of many of my friend's and family and society in so many decisions that I've made in the last ten years. I've literally made something of myself - by myself. I've taken the risks, I've done the work, I've put myself on the line to build a life. And now I'm plain worn out. I'm tired of fighting and now I just want everyone to be happy. I want to be a pacifist. I want - oh god, am I really going to say this - I want everyone to get along! Can't we all just get along? Seriously? I just want to do the right thing. I want, I want, I want...I want to disappear! I want to be invisible!

Here's the thing - I think I've fallen into a habit of being too self aware. I'm so quick to find blame in any situation and assign it squarely to myself. I'm willing to take the blame for anything - any gripe, any slight, any mis-understood comment. I'm your gal. I'm the bad guy, I'm the bitch and nothing you can do or say to me will be worse than what I'll do or say to myself at 3 AM. Don't worry, I'll remember for years and years. Even if you weren't hurt by it, or you were a normal person and were able to let it go - I'll feel badly about it for years. Carefree, doesn't apply here.

So, in the spirit of trying to make something of myself, I've got to pony up and forgive myself for things I think I've done. Tonight, I pledge to sleep well, to not rake myself over the coals for making decisions that I believe are right. I am not a jerk. I am not a recovering jerk (thanks, Randy) and I am a good person with a kind heart. And I seriously say "I'm sorry" too much. Shut it off so tomorrow doesn't ruin today (thanks again, Randy).

"God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Ok, a happy post will replace this one tomorrow, promise. But sometimes, you just have to get it all out there.

You've got to shred it, shred it

We get a lot of junk mail here at chez Yarnal Knowledge and when we were shopping for registry items we registered for a paper shredder on a whim. Our friend Melinda picked this one up for us for my shower. I can't wait to tell her how much we love it.

The shredding deposits you see above are from 1996. I'm not kidding.

For the last twelve years I have been moving boxes of old checks, old bank statements, old cancelled checks, old bills, ect... from college to home to Harrisburg, to Pittsburgh, back to Harrisburg and then to one part of NYC and now here. I've tried those paper shredders that you clip over your trash can in the past and I've come to the realization that those shredders are not for me. I need the terminator of paper shredders. I need the six page, occasional staple ok, cross cut, identity thieving proof paper shredder and I have to have one that is self-contained. And now I have one. And now I'm down to this:

Those are just the credit card offers from 2008. Listen Amex, Visa, Master Card, Discover Card, WWF, Children's Fund, American Heart Association, place where I bought my 1st car, 2nd car and 3 rd car, my college, my mother's college, etc... save a tree - you already have my email address, just send em there where I can delete them to my spam folder. I'll come to you. For goodness sake, most of these offers are coming from companies where I already have a card (all two of them). Leave me alone!

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

Dark Knight

Dudes, go see it! We just did!

Time for a new look!

I felt like a change and this green is just the ticket! I don't change things up much on Yarnal Knowledge, so I hope you'll like it too!

Please visit with my new blogger friend Kelly, you can find her in my Following section on the right. Welcome to the addictive world of blogging, Kel!

Today, I leave you with the view from my bro's office. That punk has one of the best views in the city!

For now, that's all the news that's fit to knit (and right now, it's just too damn hot to knit!) Later gators!

Weekends on the Road

Look where we went! Oh yeah! Marriage License applied for, check!

The shower was amazing!

More on this later - I can't keep the lap top on me - it's just too freaking hot.

Until later, that's all the news that's fit to knit!