Actual Knitting

Thanks so much to Thea and Babycocktails for this beautiful Golden Vintage Cardigan Pattern. It's a great knit and I couldn't be happier. The Touche seems a little heavy, but that won't be a problem for me as I am often cold. The pattern was my kind of knit. No changing of needle sizes, the little cable was done without a cable needle, the buttonholes (which I am freaking frightened of) were easy and worked! If you look at the FO's on Ravelry many have done the rolled collar as Margene did. I'm happy with it and wanted a finished object which would not have happened had I done the neckline as designed - not to say I won't try it next time as I'm certain I'll knit this pattern again. The buttons are not perfect and many thanks again to Thea for her assistance in trying to get me buttons that worked. I'm okay with what I've got - at the dreaded Wal-Mart here in rural America - but will continue to search for something special.

Here's to a cold summer in New England and a new sweater to make it right.

July 4th Visit

TLP spends two weeks of his summer at a camp about 40 minutes up the road. This is his last year before he's qualified to be a counselor so he's there for a month. No computer, no phone, no television. Today is the cross over between sessions so he was sprung for 4 hours. Just enough time for his father to do his laundry and make him and his buds breakfast. They caught up, shot some hoops, checked out what ever they check out and drove him back. It was good to see him.

And the future cast of Ocean's 14

Ten on Tuesday

Guilty T.V. Pleasures

1. That 70's Show - Anytime, anywhere.

2. The Closer - Love her, love her team.

3. Crossroads on CMT - Always an interesting combination of artists.

4. Jeopardy - I love knowing the final question!

5. Lost - Yes, it's left me quite Lost but I'm not giving up.

6. 2 1/2 Men - You know it's funny.

7. All My Children - If I'm home I'll watch it, since 1976!

8. The Ghost Whisperer - Don't see it often but it's entertaining!

9. Okay - Grey's Anatomy. She drives me crazy but the McSteamy factor...

10. Rules of Engagement - Patrick Warburton could be the funniest guy on T.V.

Can't Make This Up

Many mornings Rocket makes his way upstairs as we're waking up and takes ownership of a glove or mitten from the basket in our room. This morning was no different and as usual he never fails to disappoint.

Michael Jackson - R.I.P.

Traditions

TLP goes to a school that has the best tradition. It's called the All School Handshake. It is done on the first and last day of classes each year. The entire community - teachers, students and administrators - line up around the football field and shake each and every hand. It may not seem that special from where you're sitting but I'll tell you - it's a tear jerker. (If you're a big 'ole cry baby like I am.) I've not witnessed the first day of classes but the last day...what a thing. The smiles, the hugs, the laughs and of course, the tears from those that are graduating. It's a simple act but one that promotes eye contact and acknowledgement. In a world where we increasingly hide behind these screens, text rather than talk, this tradition brings everyone together, on the same playing field (npi) with nothing to do except to smile or say hello - what a concept!

My goodness that young man in the blue slacks and pink shirt is handome! :-)

A Few Things

Believe it or not there has been quite a bit of knitting going on. The Golden Vintage Cardi is complete and just needs to be seamed. There is one sock done and another in the works for the graduation present. (I drove all but three hours on the trip TLP and I took.) and I've started the Autumn Arbor Stole, which has proven to be a bit challenging. Seems I can't easily count correctly to 137. I'll blame it on the yarn, the needles, the early a.m. I finally got it right after three tries.

These flowers are from the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC. TLP and I visited during our road trip. My FU (favorite uncle) works there and took us for a tour. What a place. I think what impressed me the most was the fact that this Vanderbilt family, with all that Vanderbilt money, is still managing the property today. And...they are really nice. FU says they're active in the business and the community and they give back. No hollywood drama queens, no cracking up cars, no rehab, just regular folk. I like that.

This is a view of those beautiful Smokey Mountains from where the pool was originally. You could see sites like this from virtually every window in the house. Kind of like where I live. Not.
It was a great visit with one of my most treasured relatives. He came to live with us for a little while when I was in college. Needless to say our weekend behavior wasn't all that stellar back then. When we heard he was coming it was - ugh. Then we really got to know him and love him more than ever. One of the best friends I've ever had.

10 on Tuesday

10 Things You'd bring to a Deserted Island

(Believe it or not we actually discuss this sometimes!)

1. DRD

2. Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon.

3. Enough sock knitting to last a very long time.

4. A fishing pole.

5. Liquor.

6. Coffee.

7. Sunscreen.

8. Lots and lots of books.

9. My old pillow.

10. Scissors - knitting, haircuts and a weapon!