Not-A-Box

No strings...

2010-12-01T12:12:00.001-08:00

IIIIIII've got no strings to hold me down, to make me laugh, to make me frown! I've got no strings to hold me down, there are no strings on me!
~Pinocchio

What a patently false statement. At least, it is now. Once though, I could go where I wanted, when I wanted (geographically, that is). Now? Not so much. Not by any malevolent force keeping me somewhere....but love. Strings of family, friends...things keeping me tied to where I am. My husband, my biological/marital family, and my chosen family (friends) all keeping me where I am...but I know that any of them would let me go somewhere else in a second, if that was what I really needed. It wouldn't be easy for anyone, but I feel safe in the knowledge that if it was what was best for me, it could happen.

The strings that bind a New England girl to the area, especially an island girl, can be pretty tough ones to break. I tried Arizona for a year...not only was it an ENTIRELY different climate environmentally, but emotionally as well. The furthest I've been away for any length of time not including vacations is western Massachusetts. I can't stand the thought of being much further from home than that. And really, I know people say that home is where your mail goes, but for me, Harpswell will always be home. No matter where I go, those strings always pull me back...so maybe I do have strings to hold me down, after all....but the security of those strings allows me to soar in other ways.

Giving thanks...

2010-11-24T14:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to the madhouse, folks. Kate has started up her weekly blog party again, so we'll see just how long I keep up with this.

This week's party topic is giving, or thanks...your pick. I've decided that expository writing isn't quite up my alley this week (I'm in the middle of term paper hell) so instead, I give to you a list of things I'm grateful for. Some are slightly more trite than others, but nonetheless, the gratitude is there.

-My husband. His love, caring, and support of me as I attend grad school at Tufts.

-My family, both biological and inlaws.

-My long time friends Kate and Lauren, and so grateful that Kate is still around...

-New friends made at grad school...

-My job. It isn't always the best, but I'm glad to be employed nonetheless.

-Chocolate.

-Cashmere.

So..what are you thankful for?

Father's Day

2010-06-20T13:41:00.001-07:00

Wow...almost a whole year since I've blogged. A hell of a lot has gone on, but that's for another time. This post? This one's about my dad...

For those of you who know me pretty well, you'll already know a lot of this story. I'll do my darnedest to not turn this into a teal deer, but we'll see what happens...

So, just a hair over 6 years ago, my father was in a nearly fatal accident. He had been riding his motorcycle when he was struck side-on by a car - a car whose driver didn't look both ways before entering the road, from what I gathered from the police report. The first information I got about the accident was wrong. The woman who was with the tow truck driver had decided to answer dad's cell phone, and told me that he had been driving without a license and had been taken in by the Brunswick cops. Turns out, PATENTLY false. Like, not even in the realm of reality. I called my sister, let her know that the woman who answered dad's phone said he was fine, just had been taken in for no license. Ok, fine. Then I get a phone call from dad's girlfriend. I needed to get home NOW, dad was in a coma and they weren't sure if he was going to make it through the night. I'm sorry, what now? After a few frantic phone calls, I found someone to drive me home to Maine (almost 4 hours) - I didn't dare try to drive myself. My best friend at the time, Matt, called while we were on the road to Maine. He insisted that my ride (my ex-boyfriend) drop me off at the hospital the next morning, and Matty would be along shortly thereafter to keep me company/keep me sane. Regardless of it being the last day of classes, and a hell of a long drive with no hockey game at the end, Matt ignored my protestations, repeated his instructions, and wished me luck for the rest of the ride.
Arriving at the hospital, I wasn't sure what to expect...How banged up would dad be? Would he be able to hear me at all? Anything? The doctors told me that if they could get him to 24 hours, they could get him to 48. If they could get him from 48 hours to 72 hours, he stood a good chance of surviving. What state he'd be in, we didn't know yet, but he'd be alive at least.Well, it's a start.
Days passed, countless hours spent watching monitors in his room, monitors that registered his blood pressure, his pulse, the pressure in his brain...everything. He'd had a traumatic brain injury, and no one was quite sure what was going to come next. (ok, going to skip a bit, no one needs to read the drama...and if you know me well enough, you know that a)I'm not a fan of the drama, and b)there was one HELL of a lot of drama)
Skip ahead 6 years and guess what? Dad's walking me down the aisle in August. My dad is one of the toughest, strongest men I know (and that's not just physical strength, though he's damned strong, too). He's overcome so much since his accident...yes, he has his days where you can absolutely tell he's had an accident (he gets tired easily, is a little shorter tempered, doesn't quite pick up on when my sister and I are being smartasses as quickly) and there are other days where he's almost right back to where he was pre-accident.
There are times, especially when he's having a bad day, where it's easy for me to sit an wallow in self pity, about how unfair it is my fiance and future kids won't ever know just how funny my dad was (he's still pretty funny though!), or exactly what he was like...but then again, they get to know him NOW, and that's the really important part.
Happy Father's day, Dad. I know you'll probably never read this, what with being anti-computer and all, but I love you more that you'll know.

Vacation...

2009-08-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

It's a funny thing, vacation. When I take time off from work, other than my usual 2 days per week, it goes under vacation. Whether or not it's actually a vacation, unless I'm sick, it's classified as vacation. A vacation for me picks up on the first part of the word vacation. Vacat(e) - get the hell outta dodge for a little while. My usual "vacation" involves sitting in the sunroom or laying in the hammock at Dan's mom's house. A nice quiet, restful time, filled with knitting, visiting friends and trips to Sully's (only the best breakfast spot *ever*). But my vacations rarely involve going somewhere I've never been or rarely go, and staying in a hotel. Until last year.

Last year Kate and I decided to take a girls only trip somewhere. Didn't much matter where, just somewhere. We batted around various ideas, and settled on Martha's Vineyard. Close enough that we can drive down in a few hours, but far enough away that we're pretty well removed from our normal lives. We did the requisite wandering of the island, visiting a few different beaches, seeing the lighthouse at Menemsha, and some reasonably ok fireworks in Oak Bluffs. Also,we can't forget the piggies! We saw little baby pigs racing for an oreo at the ag fair...certainly an interesting sight, to be sure. We wandered hither and yon (sometimes in search of a bus stop, sometimes because we felt like it), and overall had a lovely time. There were thoughts of going again, then November hit Kate like a ton of bricks, and the thought was out (of my head, anyway..)

After an evening in which we discussed some of the finer points of lace knitting (shuddup, you're not a knitter, you wouldn't understand! ;) Kate mentioned that she hadn't picked up the lace project she was working on on Martha's Vineyard since we got back. I offhandedly said we must need to go again, then. About 10 seconds later, we decided we were going again. I had planned ahead this year for Martha's Vineyard and Rhinebeck, and had been squirreling away my pennies for just such a day, so I was able to put down the hotel fee upfront.

Months passed, we talked about going, and now it's here! We leave Friday, and I, for one, can't wait. Given the unlikelihood of going next year (between new arrivals on Kate's end and getting married next August for me), I'm oh, so glad we're able to do it this year. But regardless of anything, there's always Rhinebeck.....

maple balsamic vinagrette

2009-07-03T05:30:00.000-07:00

recorded so I can't forget/lose it...

2 parts balsamic vinegar (doesn't have to be expensive, just good...Newman's Organic is delightful for this)
1 part olive oil
fresh thyme
1-2T REAL maple syrup

pour vinegar into a large measuring cup. Stream oil in slowly while whisking vigorously to combine. Whisk in maple syrup and chopped thyme. YUM! Awesome over strawberries...

snort

2009-06-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

straight from the boy's mouth to the blog:
(in reference to some terrific pasta/salad bowls that were bought at Ikea, and of which only 1 still survives...)
me: I don't think they're that fragile...I think we're just clumsy.
boy: They are fragile. I am as dexterous as a cat...a cat with no thumbs and wet, soapy paws....I am as dexterous as a cat.

Thank you...

2009-05-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Just a little spot to send out a quiet, cosmic thank you to the service men and women out there...Special thoughts to: Grandpa, Uncle Don, Joe, Bill, Eric, Annie, Jeff, Stephen, and the GMC guys. I'm grateful for each and everyone one of you!

What is normal, anyway?!

2009-05-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Normal...such a nice, bland sounding word. A word that implies that all is how it should be, even keeled and without need of change. But sometimes things change without your permission...and then you need to get a new normal. When my dad moved out? Total shift in what normal became. Dinner as a family became fend for yourself night on a regular basis (fend for yourself night was AWESOME. Eat whatever you wanted for dinner, whenever you decided you were hungry.) Going away to school senior year? Definite new normal needed (life with roommates, no control over most meals, enforced study hours...). Going away to college? Same thing. The biggest new normal for me has been my dad. About 5 years ago he was in a serious accident, leaving him in a drug induced coma for weeks, and leaving a whole bunch of scar tissue on his brain. The man my father is today is not the man he was even seconds before the accident. That's not to say that he's entirely different, but there are marked differences. He gets tired more easily, gets confused easily, and sometimes just isn't quite himself. The biggest change in normal for me is my mindset regarding him, though. It's taken me a while to come to terms with the realization that my soon to be husband and future children will not know the man I grew up with. They'll know Fred 2.0...and while that isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'll know the difference...but what's abnormal to me, will be perfectly normal to them...what is normal, anyway?!

Someday..

2009-05-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

I'll get around to sifting out my recipes and putting them on an attached blog, or something, to differentiate from the knitting/random stuff blog topics. Until such time (which, let's face it, I'm lazy so....never), the subjects will remain mixed together.
Without further ado, here's a random smattering of what I've been up to, am listening to, etc...

New music: The Johnnies debut album, the new Decemberists (both are amazing, get them NOW)

Knitting projects: pay no attention to the column to the right of your screen. It's full of lies. Also, I'm working on other stuff.

I'm currently on a muffin baking kick. It might be just a one day kick, but it's a reasonably epic one...4 different kinds of muffins today, all with different batters. Blueberry, lemon raspberry, honey corn, and morning glory (my own take on them, though...no nuts or raisins, thankyouverymuch, but added some oats...subbed applesauce for 3/4 of the oil...came out AWESOME.)

Dinner tonight was a take off of a fabulous pasta dish my uncle made last weekend. Whole wheat penne, tossed with: olive oil, shallots, garlic, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, spinach, chicken and sundried tomatoes. added a little dried thyme and kosher salt at the end. ohmygod. amazing.

Other excitement: wedding planning is at a standstill, due entirely to laziness and end of the semester stuff for Dan, logged some quality baby time while K finished up a project, shoved my foot in my mouth regarding dinner with dad last night and a comment about unemployment to K (guh. studip studip studip....think, madigan. THINK.)

So, yeah...nothing super exciting...off to watch game 7 of the Bruins/'Canes series....

Just as sweet as they can be...

2009-04-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned here before, Dan and I are extremely lucky to have a very special family in our lives...Kate, Willem, Jacob and Emily. Kate's always there just when I need her, and I hope I'm holding up my end of that as well! The boys talk math type things (Willem being a student of math, and Dan of computer science), and Kate and I talk knitting, and other such things. We could both certainly hold our own in the boys conversation, but since they would be hard pressed to keep up with discussions of patterns, fiber, and needle types, we leave them to their own ;)

On Friday I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth taken out. Certainly not the most earth shattering of undertakings, but given that I've only been put under one other time, and certainly haven't had that level of trauma inflicted on a single part of my body before (no broken bones, etc), it's really knocked me for a loop. Mornings find me looking like a chipmunk and in a fair bit of pain, which tapers off with the first handful of Advil.

Kate and I had planned to have lunch today (I was looking forward to eating something not orange...orange powerade and orange sherbert have been the standard fare for the last couple of days), but instead I opted to stay home curled up with my ice packs and pain killers. Kate asked if I would be awake this afternoon, and cryptically said that she'd be dropping by. What a great cryptic drop by it was, too. Frozen goodies picked out by Kate and the kids, hugs all around, and some ungodly lovely yarn (which will just HAVE to be a cowl so I can snuggle into it on cold days, rather than looking odd and just rubbing my face with wristers on...).

I'm feeling better already....

knitting list

2009-04-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

a list of current wips. trying to clear these out before starting anything else new (especially since these are all, for the most part, 1 or 2 steps away from being finished!)

-Fetchings for Mom - lengthen thumbs, different bind off
-Tessie for mom
-pink baby sweater - 1.5 sleeves from being done
-Arwen - just needs seaming! (send to mom Pineo?)
-thrummed mittens - mom - lengthen first thumb, finish second mitten
-Atlantique socks - me (purse project, no hurry)

The queue:
-Black cardigan (technically already started...good mindless knitting)
-wedding shawl (yarn bought, and needles, and pattern...cast on!)
-Apres surf hoodie
-tempest

Ok. lets see how much of that top list I can get through in the next couple of weeks....

Rivalry...it's not just for siblings anymore!

2009-04-08T10:58:00.001-07:00

No, I'm not going to talk about how my sister and I just plain don't get along. There's no perceived slight there, by the way, we're just different critters who happen to be genetically related. Anyway. Nope, this is about sports rivalries...to wit, college sports rivalries. I could wax poetic about Red Sox vs Yankees, but it's trite, and been done. No, instead I'm going to talk about the best rivalry I've ever experienced...the University of Arizona vs Arizona State University.

Arriving on campus for the first time, you go through something of a genetic change: "Welcome to the University of Arizona. Here's your ID. You now hate ASU." and it's true! Coming from Maine, I could care less about the rivalry. They didn't mean much to me. UMaine vs UNH? Sure, I could get behind that one. But U of A vs ASU? Whatever! Well, that certainly didn't last long. That rivalry was used in EVERYTHING, most notably the U of A vs ASU blood donor challenge. Yep, the Red Cross got in on the act, too! There was an enormous leader board in the middle of the campus mall, where there was a running tally kept of the number of pints of blood donated by each school. If U of A fell behind, you would hear conversations about how we couldn't let ASU win, and let's go donate blood! Really, it's genius marketing.

When I moved back to the East Coast (sorry, Arizona...I'm just a New England girl at heart!) to finish school, I was sorely disappointed to find that my new university (UMass Amherst) had NO rival to speak of. I mean, there's the usual pseudo-Yankees style rivalry with Boston College (I love two teams...my team, and whomever beats BC), but that's about it. I'm sure most of it stems from a serious lack of school spirit and no real powerhouse sport (Sorry, Coach!)As a huge sports fan, this was greatly disappointing to me.

I understand that a rivalry isn't all there is to sports, but it sure as hell makes it more fun!

Friends

2009-03-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

[This week's carnival topic from Kate is friends...here we go!]

Friends are a funny thing...there are times when you think you have tons of them, but you don't, and there are times when you think you are totally alone in the world, and turns out? Lots of folks want to be your friend. I could go into something here about how high school sucked, and blah blah blah. But, no. It's old, tired, and frankly, I'm on vacation and don't feel like writing about downer kinds of stuff...
Instead, I'll write something else. Maybe, how just when you think you know everything there is to know about someone, they'll come out with something totally random that you had no idea about, and it's awesome. A full blown, "me too!" moment. People often surprise me that way; chatting with Dan in the car about cartoons, then both of us revealing that we loved watching Samurai Jack while in college, Sara declaring yesterday that my ultimate pizza sounds awesome (pepperoni, mushrooms and pineapple...yes, all at the same time!), or my cousins Bryan and Jesse just being the other 2/3rds of my brain.
Most of all, though, there's people who will just sit there with you while you totally lose it, know you and your moods so well that they can tell when you're having an off day before you even know what's wrong, and don't mind when you're all sniffly and red faced. Other than the man I'm marrying, and blood relatives, I can count on one hand the number of people who I can count on to see me through those dark hours. [and I think you know who you are!]
As I grow older, I remember how easy friendships were when I was young. Marie coming over and the both of us getting covered in strawberry juice; riding bikes with Nate and Joey, heading to the beach with Gina, Trina and the rest of the Orr's Island crew...those friendships were easy, and innocent. Both sets of parents knew, if Joey or I weren't at home, it was a pretty good bet we were at the other's house. We'd just hang out, ride bikes, play on the computer...
As I got a little older, my friendships changed, but mostly by virtue of whom I was friends with, but not the scope of the friendships. The theater/music gang I hung out with (Aaron (big brother), Cathy, Kurt, Derek, Shannon, Steve, John...)..we'd stay up all night in Aaron's folks basement playing video games, d&d and elfquest...again, totally innocent, and our parents never had any reason to doubt that.
One wonderful thing that has remained a constant is how easy my true friendships are. They're still just as unassuming, unwavering, and uncomplicated as they were when I was young, they're just with a different set of people. Only, now, I'm not willing to let those move on...at least not yet. And hopefully not ever...

Generational Hand-me-downs

2009-03-11T05:31:00.000-07:00

My mother's family came over from Ireland before the Famine. They came through Castle Gardens, not Ellis Island, and, as there was a huge fire on Ellis Island where most of the Castle Gardens records were stored, we can't find anything out from there. Unless, of course, they came through Boston, and routed down to NYC. Hard telling, not knowing.
My grandpa Vinnie grew up in New York, was a newspaperman, and served in the Army. I have shadowy recollections of his house, and firmly believe he watches over me...mom was his favorite child, and I was her oldest, so I became his favorite too, by extension. I feel a certain attachment to things that were his, or were in his house. I have the usual assortment of hand-me-down furniture (my desk, both bureaus, and my china and silver which is in storage). I look quite a bit like my grandfather, from what I've been told, having both his nose and his chin, and his affinity for strong black coffee. I've got the Irish wit, blessedly not the temper so much, and am a huge fan of Guinness. But, lest you think that's all there is to me, let's get Dad's side of the story...
Dad's family came to Harpswell sometime in the 1800s from Nova Scotia. We're a bit mutt, with Scotch, Welsh, some flavor of First Nations in us (I've heard varying reports of tribe and amount, but rest assured, the amount is so minimal as to be laughed at)..basically your usual assortment of exploring/conquering countries, and a little "folks who were already here" thrown in for good measure. My sister was always daddy's little girl, and I more closely related to mom. However, that seems to have switched as I've gotten older. I'm a lot more like my dad in temperament, and less like my mom and sister. I love them both dearly, but there are a lot of things that I just don't see eye to eye on with them, but am either in agreement with dad on, or can at least have a rational and spirited debate over them with him, both of us able to respect the other's opinion. (I don't always agree with him, but he usually has damn good reasons for doing something, which I have to respect. Not agree with, but respect.)
The next set of generational hand-me-downs that I'll get to observe will be my own children. Will they be like me? Like Dan? A combination of us both? Or will they be the reincarnation of one of my relatives? Only time will tell....

and now for something completely different...

2009-02-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Would you like to take a survey?
Do you like baked beans? Do you like George Wendt? Would you like to see a movie with George Wendt eating beans?

Ok, no really. Do you like web comics? Do you like yarn? Did you answer yes to at least one of those? My friend Kelly's uber-talented husband is in a comic contest...surf on over to her site, tell her I sent you, and vote for her boy! (and while you're at it, visit her stash page on rav and pick out 2 yarns you like...if the RNG gods pick you, she'll send you one of them! All for just voting for her boy! whee!!)

Not in front of the children...

2009-02-25T05:25:00.000-08:00

...but instead, loud enough so they can hear you all over the rest of the house. And no, it's not an even remotely fun activity I'm talking about here....it's yet another battle in the break up of my parents marriage. This one fight will probably stick with me forever, that's how vividly I remember it. The time and day, I couldn't tell you, but what my sister and I experienced is still very clear.

I have absolutely no idea what they were fighting about this time...money? maybe. dad cheating? quite possibly. There were shouts of "Fuck you" back and forth. My sister's room was directly above theirs, and we could hear every shout. I couldn't take away the words she was hearing (she was 10, I was almost 13), and all I could do was hold her as she sobbed. Then it occurred to us, maybe they're yelling because of us. So quiet as mice we crept downstairs and did the dishes and put laundry in, and tried to be as perfect as we could, convinced that our doing chores around the house without being asked would stop the fighting. (Our folks had yet to have the "mom and dad still love each other but can't live with each other and it has nothing to do with you" talk yet. and wouldn't for some time.)

Long story short, it didn't stop the fighting...the only thing that did was dad moving out, just before my sister's birthday.

And people wonder why I hate conflict...

Pasta Sauce

2009-02-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

I decided tonight that what I really needed (mentally, anyway) was an evening making homemade tomato sauce and a glass of red wine. After an entertaining encounter at Dover Wines (a story for another time) and an expedition to Tuttles for appropriate materials, I headed home. The recipe is as follows (if only for me!)

8-10 roma tomatoes
5 on the vine beefsteak tomatoes
1 large shallot
1/2 a green pepper
2 large garlic cloves
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
red wine
pinch of kosher salt
12 basil leaves, chiffonaded
handful of italian parsley, chopped
1/2t dried oregano (fresh would be better, but Tuttles didn't have any, and I forgot to go to Fiddleheads to see if they had any)
1 20 oz can of crushed tomatoes
1T tomato paste

dice up the aromatics, chopping them up nice and small. Soften over med-low heat in olive oil. Shallots first, then peppers, then garlic so it doesn't burn. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, a splash of balsamic vinegar, crushed tomatoes, and herbs. Dump whatever's left in your current glass of wine (what, you didn't think I'd *just* cook with it, did you?!), pour yourself another glass, and wait for the sauce to be done.

Add tomatoes

Regrets...

2009-02-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

So Kate has started a little blog activity, to post at least once a week on Weds, writing about a given topic. Since my brain seems to be in need of a little creative stretching, I figure it's worth a shot.

Most of my major regrets at this point seem to stem from high school. Some are much more benign than others, almost petty, really, but regrets nonetheless. I will say, while there are times when I think about why I did or didn't do something, I will inevitably follow that thought train until I get to the realization that if I hadn't made the choices I did, I wouldn't be where and who I am now...and by and large, I like myself.

Do I regret leaving Mt.Ararat a year early? Sometimes. Not so much for the education though, but for the people I left behind. At the time, I felt like I was pretty well written off by my classmates, so I fell out of touch pretty quickly with most of them. Now, however, I'm happy to hear from them, but wonder just how much I missed over the last 10 years....

Do I regret not taking my graduation money and hitting Europe? Definitely. However, I have a honeymoon coming where that can all be remedied.

I'm sure there are other things I will think of (and of course, add) as the day goes on...

Hilarity

2009-02-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled. Not to be here, just thrilled.
-Steve Martin on the Colbert Report.

enough already

2009-01-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

an open letter to the migraine which popped up as i was getting ready for work today:
cut it out. I know you've been waiting for the perfect time to strike, but I assure you, today is not the day. I think i've dealt with enough this morning, finding out Matt died suddenly yesterday, and dealing with in game shenanigans...stoppit. just eff off.
OR, make yourself useful and help come up with ideas of stuff we can do to help out Matt's widow.

Roast Beast

2009-01-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Made roast beef for the first time in YEARS tonight. Probably since I was in high school. Maybe before. Came out really well, here's the recipe for posterity.

1 Eye round
1 white onion
beef stock (store bought is fine)
jane's crazy mixed up salt

rub eye round liberally with jane's. Slice onion into 8 thick half moons. put 6 on the bottom of the pan, dice up the other 2. put beef on top of onions, pour in beef stock to cover onions. sprinkle the diced onions on top of the roast, cover with tin foil and bake at 375 for 40 minutes or so. remove foil and continue roasting until the beef is browned and about 150 degrees. remove from pan, allow to rest covered with foil for at least 10 minutes, while you make the gravy (and, in our house, make the mashed potatoes!).

to make gravy, strain the onions out of the stock, putting the stock into a small sauce pan. dissolve some gravy flour into beef stock or cold water (stock is better) and add to the hot stock and drippings. cook until thickened. done!

Omnivore's dilemma...

2008-12-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

Here’s what I want you to do:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) italicize any items that you would never consider eating.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos Rancheros
4. Steak Tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9.Borscht
10.Baba Gahnoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13.PB&J Sandwich
14. Aloo Gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom Tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie Gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna Cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken Tikka Masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly Pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S'mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggins
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. lapsang souchong
80. bellini
81. tom yum
82. eggs benedict
83. pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. kobe beef
86. Hare
87. goulash
88. flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. lobster thermidor
98. polenta
99. Jamaican blue mountain coffee
100. Snake

turkey lurkey doo...

2008-11-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

so I can't forget it for next year, here's this years turkey recipe!

Brine:
Kosher salt
2 bay leaves
1 can chicken stock
brown sugar
maple syrup (the real shit, not the fake corn syrup stuff)

dissolve everything in hot water in the bottom of a cooler. I usually do this with the cooler sitting right in the bathtub. If you're going to do this, warn the other inhabitants of your house that the shower will be out of commission for 24 hours or so...

Add cold water and ice, enough to make the water very cold, and add the turkey. close the lid and leave it alone! I usually check the ice right before bed, add more if needed, and call it a night.

Next morning, drain the turkey, and rub with:
1 stick softened unsalted butter
kosher salt
dried thyme
dried sage
cracked pepper

rub under the skin, in the cavity, and outside the skin.

bake at 425 for 40 minutes, then 375 for an hour and a half or so, covered with tinfoil. (note, this is all for a 12 lb turkey)

let rest for about 20 minutes, or until you've finished the sides that you couldn't be bothered doing earlier because you were too busy stuffing your face and watching movies.

one fish, two fish...

2008-11-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

baked stuffed fish! (and there's way more than 2 kinds of seafood involved here...which is part of what makes it so damned good. Almost nothing remotely healthy about the stuff, but who gives a damn!)

Enter, dad's baked stuffed fish recipe, immortalized for all time on the intarwebs. And seriously, this shit's GOOD. He came up with the recipe basically by himself, with a little help from me, which makes it even more impressive, given the fact that he almost NEVER cooked unless it involved fire or clubbing a fish to death on the side of the boat when i was a kid...so. here' goes:

Stuffing:
1 can cream of celery soup
2 sleeves ritz crackers, smashed within an inch of their buttery, flaky little lives
1/2# crabmeat (frozen is fine, imitation is NOT)
1/2#scallops, cut up into smallish pieces
1/2# shrimp, cut into smallish pieces (I usually use native Maine shrimp..the teeny guys usually used in popcorn shrimp)
1 stick butter, melted
parsley (if you want/remember)
garlic powder
onion powder
(these last 2 are to taste...i usually use a quarter teaspoon each or so...As for the garlic, dad and I have discussed the merits of using the new Ritz garlic and butter crackers, but so far have stuck with the original)

Mix everything together (I usually just dive in with both hands...works best. Oh, but put your fish in the baking pan first, then you can just scoop the filling right on top!)
As for the fish, I usually go for whichever sturdy white fish is on sale (9 times out of 10, it's haddock. you can use cod if you want, I just always use haddock...I tend to have it on hand for chowder most of the time anyway, so...), about a pound to a pound and a half of it, depending on how many people you're trying to feed...
Place the fish in the bottom of a baking dish, scoop the stuffing on top. Yes, you'll notice there's a hell of a lot more stuffing than fish. that's the plan. All of this will fit rather nicely in an 8x8 baking pan. Bake covered at 350 for about 40 minutes, then uncovered for another 15-20 or so. the boy likes it paired with some steamed broccoli, I like it with a little salad. Either way, delicious!

non-dairy potato leek soup

2008-11-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

so after going to the last Portsmouth farmer's market of the year, I was struck by a craving for potato leek soup. I can't ever have it without making it myself, because most places put milk or heavy cream in it, and dairy and I just aren't friends. So I bought some potatoes and leeks, and made my own. It's a riff off of a friend from high school's mother's AMAZING potato leek soup...it's nothing close to hers, but tasty nonetheless, with good texture and flavor. here it is!

2 smallish leeks, washed and cut into half moons (thin-ish)
2T unsalted butter
1lb white potatoes, cut into half moons (skin on) (again, thin-ish)
1 1/2c water
2c chicken stock (you can use vegetable to go vegetarian with this)
salt and pepper to taste

soften the leeks in the butter, let them caramelize a teeny bit. add water and stock, let come back up to heat, add potatoes (it was just over 4 cups sliced, all told). Allow to simmer until potatoes are soft. Take the potato masher to the whole mess, and slightly break up the potatoes. Then beat the tar out of about a cup and a half of the potatoes. Add the mashed potato mixture back to the pot, stir. Add salt and pepper. Voila! non-dairy potato leek soup! I like mine kind of chunky, so i didn't smash the potatoes too much. if you like it smoother, puree or just smash more!

recently heard at home...

2008-11-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

while discussing the fact that my beloved UMass minutemen TROUNCED Providence College in hockey this weekend...

me: UMass TOTALLY had their number this weekend!
him: If they had their number, they should have called them and told them to show up for the game!

*sigh* and that's why I love him!

Rhinebeck Recap

2008-10-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

So, this past weekend was the New York Sheep and Wool festival, affectionately known by yarnies and fiber freaks the world over simply as Rhinebeck. 7am Saturday morning found Kate and I, yarn, overnight bags, and baked goodies packed in the minivan and headed for upstate NY. A mere 3.5 hours later, with one misdirection (Google Maps epically fails at saying which direction to go off of exit ramps where you have a choice. Seriously.)
Saturday we were entertained by the bathroom attendant (seriously, she was awesome. But it's VERY hard to pee while giggling. I'm just saying.), went to the Ravelry meetup (met the lovely Jesh, IslandGirl, and ZantiMissKnit (and Mr. Zanti!), bought some yarn and my first spindle and roving (yes, I've gone over to the dark side!). Saturday night found us at the Ravelry party at the Elks Club (fun, but COLD) and dinner with Barb and her mom.
Sunday morning we grabbed breakfast at a local diner, then headed back to the fairgrounds where we lasted all of about 2 hours. Tired and overstimulated, we grabbed lunch (Kate had fried artichokes and I had awesome pierogi) and headed home.
Pics of new goodies and people we met in real life to be added later...

courtesy Tim Robbins

2008-10-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

"I just want a smart person to run this country!"

A-effing-men.

Farmer's market chili

2008-09-20T18:21:00.001-07:00

So today K and I took the kids to drop stuff of at a friend's, go shopping for winter coats, and lay siege to the Portsmouth Farmer's Market. Among other tasty things picked up, I got half a peck of macintosh apples, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic. The vegetables (except potatoes) went into chili, the recipe for which is being posted here for posterity (and so I can make it again!)

1/2 an anaheim chile (don't get any ideas and put the whole one in...it's quite hot when you do!)
1 sm red onion, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 green pepper, diced
7 or so smallish beefsteak tomatoes, diced
1 ear of corn, cut off the cob (i picked up butter and sugar corn today..yum!)
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 chicken breast, cut into small pieces
1 small can tomato paste
cumin
red pepper flake
Worcestershire sauce
salt
pepper

sweat the onions and peppers in 2T vegetable oil. add garlic, tomatoes, corn and beans. Add tomato paste. Add spices (a dash of worcestershire, about a teaspoon of salt, a few grinds of pepper, a few shakes of pepper flake, and a little cumin (i didn't measure, just kind of dumped in). add chicken, and stir everything together. let simmer on low (very low!) for a little over an hour. Done!

More fun with music!

2008-09-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Thieved from the lovely Jamie Sue!

Here's how to "play" along!

1. Put your i pod on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down & the artist, no matter how silly it sounds.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Lucy in the sky with diamonds - Bono

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Dancing Nancies - Dave Matthews Band

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Feel - Rustic Overtones

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Walkin on Sunshine - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Happiness is a Warm Gun - Joe Anderson (dear lord, I hope not!)

WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
Think - Aretha Franklin

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
Army - Ben Folds (huh??)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Sleep All Day - Jason Mraz

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Man It's So Loud in Here - They Might be Giants

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
Run - AIR (again, I hope not!)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Shit Towne - Live

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
When the War Came - The Decemberists (eerily true)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
One of These Things First - Nick Drake

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Clubbed To Death - Rob D (only in that we always played this at the Whately diner!)

WHAT DID YOU SEE OUT YOUR WINDOW TODAY?
I was Wrong - Social Distortion

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Jimi Thing - Dave Matthews

WHAT DO YOU DREAM ABOUT?
Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS?
Kolapot - Amiina

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?
Rainbow Connection - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE WAY YOU LOOK?
I Will Follow You Into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR BLOG?
The Island - Come and See - The Decemberists

WHAT GOAL ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Winding Road - Bonnie Somerville

WHAT WILL THE TITLE OF THIS POST BE?
Selfish Man - Flogging Molly

Gee, I was hoping for a little Dr.Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog in there somewhere!

Music meme!

2008-09-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

Stolen from the lovely Trillian42

The rules:

A.) Go to musicoutfitters.com
B.) Enter the year you graduated from high school in the search function and get the list of 100 most popular songs of that year
C.) Bold the songs you like, strike through the ones you hate and underline your favorite. Do nothing to the ones you don’t remember (or don’t care about)

(eta: I have to use colors for mine...stupid blogger. So blue for ones I liked, orange for hate, and green for favorite. )

(eta again: damn the music when I was in high school was total shit. Realistically most of this list should be orange. I'm just lazy. )

1. Candle In The Wind 1997, Elton John
2. Foolish Games/You Were Meant For Me, Jewel
3. I'll Be Missing You, Puff Daddy and Faith Evans
4. Un-Break My Heart, Toni Braxton
5. Can't Nobody Hold Me Down, Puff Daddy
6. I Believe I Can Fly, R. Kelly
7. Don't Let Go (Love), En Vogue
8. Return Of The Mack, Mark Morrison
9. How Do I Live, LeAnn Rimes
10. Wannabe, Spice Girls
11. Quit Playing Games (With My Heart), Backstreet Boys
12. MMMBop, Hanson
13. For You I Will, Monica
14. You Make Me Wanna..., Usher
15. Bitch, Meredith Brooks
16. Nobody Keith Sweat
17. Semi-Charmed Life, Third Eye Blind
18. Barely Breathing, Duncan Sheik
19. Hard To Say I'm Sorry, Az Yet Featuring Peter Cetera
20. Mo Money Mo Problems, Notorious B.I.G.
21. The Freshmen, Verve Pipe
22. I Want You, Savage Garden
23. No Diggity, BLACKstreet Featuring Dr. Dre
24. I Belong To You (Every Time I See Your Face), Rome
25. Hypnotize, Notorious B.I.G.
26. Every Time I Close My Eyes, Babyface
27. In My Bed, Dru Hill
28. Say You'll Be There, Spice Girls
29. Do You Know (What It Takes), Robyn
30. 4 Seasons Of Loneliness, Boyz II Men
31. G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T., Changing Faces
32. Honey, Mariah Carey
33. I Believe In You And Me, Whitney Houston
34. Da' Dip, Freaknasty
35. 2 Become 1, Spice Girls
36. All For You, Sister Hazel
37. Cupid, 112
38. Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?, Paula Cole
39. Sunny Came Home, Shawn Colvin
40. It's Your Love, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
41. Ooh Aah... Just A Little Bit, Gina G
42. Mouth, Merril Bainbridge
43. All Cried Out, Allure Featuring 112
44. I'm Still In Love With You, New Edition
45. Invisible Man, 98 Degrees
46. Not Tonight, Lil' Kim
47. Look Into My Eyes, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
48. Get It Together, 702
49. All By Myself, Celine Dion
50. It's All Coming Back To Me Now, Celine Dion
51. My Love Is The Shhh!, Somethin' For The People
52. Where Do You Go, No Mercy
53. I Finally Found Someone, Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams
54. I'll Be, Foxy Brown Featuring Jay-Z
55. If It Makes You Happy , Sheryl Crow
56. Never Make A Promise, Dru Hill
57. When You Love A Woman, Journey
58. Up Jumps Da Boogie, Magoo And Timbaland
59. I Don't Want To/I Love Me Some Him, Toni Braxton
60. Everyday Is A Winding Road, Sheryl Crow
61. Cold Rock A Party, Mc Lyte
62. Pony, Ginuwine
63. Building A Mystery, Sarah McLachlan
64. I Love You Always Forever, Donna Lewis
65. Your Woman, White Town
66. C U When U Get There, Coolio
67. Change The World, Eric Clapton
68. My Baby Daddy, B-Rock and The Bizz
69. Tubthumping, Chumbawamba
70. Gotham City, R. Kelly
71. Last Night, Az Yet
72. ESPN Presents The Jock Jam, Various Artists
73. Big Daddy, Heavy D
74. What About Us, Total
75. Smile, Scarface
76. What's On Tonight, Montell Jordan
77. Secret Garden, Bruce Springsteen
78. The One I Gave My Heart, w Aaliyah
79. Fly Like An Eagle, Seal
80. No Time, Lil' Kim
81. Naked Eye, Luscious Jackson
82. Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio
83. On and On, Erykah Badu
84. Don't Wanna Be A Player, Joe
85. I Shot The Sheriff, Warren G
86. You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time), Brian McKnight Featuring Mase
87. Don't Cry For Me Argentina, Madonna
88. Someone, SWV
89. Go The Distance, Michael Bolton
90. One More Time, Real McCoy
91. Butta Love, Next
92. Coco Jamboo, Mr. President
93. Twisted, Keith Sweat
94. Barbie Girl, Aqua
95. When You're Gone/Free To Decide, Cranberries
96. Let Me Clear My Throat, DJ Kool
97. I Like It, Blackout Allstars
98. You're Makin' Me High/Let It Flow, Toni Braxton
99. You Must Love Me, Madonna
100. Let It Go, Ray J

Dear Daily Show,

2008-09-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you for pointing out hypocrisy on both sides of the aisle, and helping us to laugh about all of it.

I could go off on a rant here, but won't. Mainly because my politics are none of anyone's business.

Aaaaaaand....we're back.

2008-08-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

A little sunburnt (surprise surprise...or not), but if that's the worst thing that happened this weekend? Fine by me! Kate and I returned home today from 3 days on Martha's Vineyard, sans kids and significant male partners. Lovely, relaxing and fun doesn't quite seem to cover it. We stayed here which was just a stone's throw from a million places to eat, and the beach! (room 10 was our room..very cute, just the right size).
We spent quite a bit of quality time checking out the island's transit system (well run and low key, as far as I'm concerned), went to a couple of different beaches, saw Cordelia and Andy, and went to the agricultural fair where we saw piggy races! (truly, you haven't lived until you've seen little baby pigs race around a track for an oreo. really.) We went to the cliffs at Gay Head to see the colors and the sunset a bit, and walked a TON. We walked most of Edgartown, and a fair bit of Aquinnah (from Gay Head to the Chilmark police station, where we finally found a bus stop.) The great part about all the walking was the cool stuff we got to see that we would have totally missed by just taking the bus. We poked around an old cemetery, and walked past a Cattle Pound. We saw GORGEOUS houses and over all had a grand time. I'll hopefully have pictures up as soon as my camera pulls it's head out of it's digital ass.
For now though, check out Kate's blog. I'm sure she'll have much better pictures with her recap than I will!

Globe Trottin'

2008-08-12T20:35:00.001-07:00

Ok. Maybe not *globe* trotting...more like upper Atlantic Coast trotting...but hey, I'll take it. Saturday begins the end of the summer weekend trips for me, with a day trip to Boston with Kate, Mary and the kids. Should prove to be a good time, and nice to get out of the house. The Boy comes home from CA that night, which will be wonderful. The following Friday Kate and I depart for the "no boys no kids just beach" Martha's Vineyard trip. Then a potential trip to the Highland Games again this year, probably some hiking in the Presidentials with the boy (I'd like to make an afternoon at Franconia Falls an annual thing...it's lovely there), and then October brings Rhinebeck (NY Sheep and Wool). So while I've had a reasonably low key summer, things are just about to ramp up...and not a moment too soon!

blueberry pie

2008-07-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Dan, Duane and I went blueberry picking on Sunday, just before heading back to NH. We got just over 7 cups of fresh berries in no time, thanks to antique blueberry rakes hiding out in the shed. Dan's first request for berry use was pie. Having never made a blueberry pie before (can't stand blueberries, personally) here's the recipe, just so i can't lose it. (ETA: Dan liked the pie. Guess the recipe is a keeper!)

5 C blueberries (fresh or frozen)
5 T sugar
4T flour
juice of half a lemon and a little lemon zest
1t cinnamon
1/4t nutmeg (really just a couple of shakes...didn't measure at all)
by rights there should have been a little butter under the crust, but i forgot it...

I used frozen pie shells, mixed everything together, dumped it in the crust, covered it, cut vents, sprinkled with sugar. Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
The end!

some news...

2008-07-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know yet, the boy and I are engaged to be married. No big plans have been set, but it's looming. It'll be heavy on the DIY (too damn many crafty people around for it not to be! His mom bakes cakes, my mom is doing my dress, ciocia Theda will likely do flowers...) and very low key, hopefully. We're both very happy, and looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. We've actually been engaged for a little over a month at this point, but wanted to tell a bunch of people in person, rather than have them find out via the internets.
So...yay!

braised chicken and pasta

2008-07-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Posted here, mostly for posterity...

K and I went to the farmers market this morning in Portsmouth and picked up some awesome fresh produce. Dinner tonight involved a fair bit of it..

Ingredients:
5-6 baby carrots (real ones, not the machine made ones), sliced
6 roma tomatoes, diced
handful of cherry tomatoes, cut up (they were in the fridge...)
5 garlic scapes
2 breasts of chicken, sliced
splash balsamic vinegar
shake of onion powder
2T olive oil

combine everything except chicken in a saucepan, let simmer for about 2 hours. Add some water if the pot seems to be drying out. Put a little sauce in the bottom of a casserole dish, layer chicken on top, cover with the rest of the sauce, and bake, covered, at 350F for about 40 minutes. It won't hurt it any to go longer though. cook whatever kind of pasta you want, and serve the chicken over it.

Enough, already!

2008-06-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

They say deaths come in threes or sevens....we're headed squarely for a seven at this point, as we are now at four major celebrity deaths in just over a week....
Tim Russert, host of Meet the Press, and a fixture of the American political landscape. And a devoted father, son and husband, and a heck of a writer.
Tasha Tudor, author, who wrote WONDERFUL children's books.
Cyd Charisse, dancer/actress. Best known to me as the dancer love interest in a couple of scenes in Singin' in the Rain with Gene Kelly.
and last, but certainly not least, George Carlin. He changed the face of American comedy, and was a legend.

All four will never be forgotten, and sorely missed. Here's hoping it stops at 4, rather than 7...we don't need to lose any more talent!

and one more, for good measure.

2008-06-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know.

You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems.

Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green.

Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

a few good quizzes...

2008-06-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Poor

Take the test!

Well, thank the gods it's not the 1930s anymore! :)

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

Well, at least I passed 8th grade, right?

your random quote of the day..

2008-06-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

me: yes, we have gone from beans and clear water to coffee...magic.
him:whoever came up with coffee should win a Nobel prize. the Nobel Peace Prize. Because if it weren't for coffee, I would kill a frickin' lot of people.

An open plea...

2008-05-06T12:44:00.001-07:00

To whichever guardian angel watched over Dad while he was in the hospital:
If it's not too much trouble, do you think you could swing down to Boston and keep an eye on Nikki? Ash says she's not doing too well, and you seemed to help give me my dad back....I just hope the same for Ashley and her mom. You'll recognize the situation when you see it; it's an awful lot like Dad's. So please, if you could, make sure Ashley gets her mom back for me?
Thanks,
An extremely grateful daughter and worried friend

A well timed dose of cute

2008-05-04T21:08:00.001-07:00

I've been sick for right around a week. Finally on the other side of things (getting better, instead of getting worse), but things tend to improve slowly in my lungs. Yesterday Kate asked if I might be interested in taking her kids to the evil mouse place for dinner and general chatter. I'd initially thought I wouldn't be up for anything, as I had totally lost my voice the night before. However, when the new day dawned, my voice had mostly returned from it's vacation. So I extracted myself from my couch (where I've been pretty well entrenched when not at work lately), put on clean clothes (a miracle in itself) and headed southward. I made a stop at work to get a little paperwork done while waiting for Kate and the kids, and to try and make up a little time from when I left sick last week.
Upon seeing Kate and her kids, I instantly felt better than I had in a few days. Maybe it was the human contact with someone different. Maybe it was the adult conversation, plus knitting chatter, over mushroom pizza which loomed large. But not a small part of it was due to a certain 3 and 8 year old duo...game tokens in hand, scurrying off for adventure. Something about those two just brightens my whole mood. So, thanks Kate. and J and E...you guys are better medicine than anything I can get at the drugstore. (now, if we can just figure out how to bottle J's energy...)

effing spring

2008-05-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

So, just as I get promoted at work (Assistant Store Manager, thankyouverymuch), and thus can't take as much time off, I get sick. Thought it was allergies, then had to have strep throat ruled out, and have now summarily lost my voice. damn it. I'm mildly cranky about it, simply because I'm just not in the mood to be sick. My allergies are bad enough without being sick on top of it.

There. just needed a pity party for a second. On to happier news. I got my swap package from my lovely knitty sp (I *think* it was Criosa, but she has yet to confirm or deny that fact). Got some yummy chocolate, even yummier misti alpaca laceweight yarn, some alpaca sock yarn, and some awesome bath and body works japanese cherry blossom body wash, lotion and body spray.
I also made my very own wrist row counter/abacus. Took some fiddling, and I need a few more beady type accessories (as well as a pair of pliers that don't SUCK), but the first go round was pretty good. Pretty blue beads and necklace gauge wire. Pics when I find new batteries for the digicam...

single word challenge

2008-04-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Memed again…Again, totally Kate's fault. Another word-restrictive format, this one:

Only.

Type.

One.

Word.

Not as easy as you might think. Change the answers to suit you and then pass it on. Remember: one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? Bookshelf
2. Your significant other? studying
3. Your hair? soft
4. Your mother? loving
5. Your father? caring
6. Your favorite thing? yarn
7. Your dream last night? unknown
8. Your favorite drink? pepsi
9. Your dream/goal? ph.d
10. The room you’re in? living
11. Your ex? depressed
12. Your fear? snakes
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? museum
14. Where were you last night? chair
15. What you’re not? fashionable
16. Muffins? corn
17. One of your wish list items? laptop
18. Where you grew up? island
19. The last thing you did? drove
20. What are you wearing? khakis
21. Your TV? on
22. Your pets? non-existant
23. Your computer? pc
24. Your life? contented
25. Your mood? calm
26. Missing someone? Mom
27. Your car? awesome!
28. Something you’re not wearing? earrings
29. Favorite store? bookstore
30. Your summer? busy
31. Like someone? yep.
32. Your favorite color? ocean
33. When is the last time you laughed? evening
34. Last time you cried? yesterday
35. Who will repost this? Dunno

6 word memoir

2008-04-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sent to me by the lovely Kate
The challenge is to define your life in 6 words. Sum it all up, your whole existence into 6 words. There is, in fact, a newly published book with a great many of these in them. Some are pithy, some are deep...all are thought provoking. So how does one do it? I'll do mine via the Wheel of Fortune final puzzle method...throw crap out there, see what sticks.

attempt 1:
Hockey, geekery, work, pilates, sleep, eat.

Nah, too much like a list. and you don't get a real feel for who I am through it.

Therapy can't fix everything. Helps though.
hmmm...better.

One for the news from today:
Promoted to Assistant Store Manager today.

Eat, sleep, watch hockey. Sleeping optional.
Well, there's college for you. Throw a little studying in there...

There must be more than this.
Nah...too discontented. Which, really, I'm not.

New friends. New experiences. Wonderful boy.
Not so bad.

I can see i'll need to think on this some. But first, I need to finish watching the 3rd period of the Notre Dame-Michigan semifinal game!

rainy day meme

2008-04-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

**edit** time to lay out where the rest of these quotes came from!

1. Pick 10 of your favorite movies.
2. Go to IMDb and find a quote from each movie.
3. Post them on your blog for everyone to guess.
4. Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie.

And one rule for those of you filling it out:
5. Looking them up is cheating, please don’t.

1. I'm Ralph Cox. I'm from wherever's not gonna get me hit.
Lisa got this one first, it's from Miracle.
2.I need to call a phone. Do you mind if I use your cab?
**IQ, line is Meg Ryan to Tim Robbins
3.It won't affect me, I'm already a woman.
Mary gets this one...Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite movies!)
4.That's life. If nothing else, its life. It's real, and sometimes it fuckin' hurts, but it's sort of all we have.
**Garden State
5.You've got red on you.
**Shaun of the Dead
6. I'm calling the organization of the United Brotherhood of It's None of Your Damn Business, Lewis. I'll be with you in a second.
Kate got this one first, with the American President
7. Savvy?
JML got this one, it's the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
8. Are you a god? No...
Willem was the first for this one, Ghostbusters.
9. Mother, you've copied me on the financial standings of this company for 17 years. You just assumed I couldn't read.
**Sabrina, the new one with Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, and Julia Ormond
10. Seville, like an orange. And something of that genus complexion.
**Much Ado About Nothing, Kenneth Branaugh version.
So start your guesses! I'm not going to tag anyone...just do it if you want to, and tell me if you do!

The gods must be crazy...

2008-03-28T05:24:00.001-07:00

It's March 28th, and it's snowing. Thus keeping up with the tradition of it snowing enough that I will be summoned from my bed by a man honking his suv horn to move my car so that they may plow on my day off. again. dammit.

Sweet beyond words

2008-03-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

So, I've finally gotten sick. Made it almost all winter, but a nasty stomach flu is going around work, and I'm finally getting the beginnings of it. Was sick last night, went out to run errands and have forced relaxation with Kate this morning (my toes are pink now!), and after trying to eat some lunch, discovered that I was still feeling pretty wretched. I decided to leave work early, since being sick in a public bathroom is not high on my list of things I'm in the mood to do, and ran into Kate outside the store. What did she hand me? A bag with saltines, gingerale, peanuts, and a treat. *sniffle* super sweet of her...and very very much appreciated. I'm now home, in pjs, on the couch, sipping gingerale...and smiling, thanks to a very sweet friend. I can only hope I didn't pass the stomach cooties on to her, just before her big adventure trips!

I hiss in your general direction!

2008-02-29T13:47:00.001-08:00

OK. So you all remember the whole debacle with my sisters package. Well, I'm still waiting to hear something, ANYTHING, about what's going on...the person I'm waiting to hear from can't seem to be bothered to call me back, and isn't ever in when I call....So I hiss in the general direction of the post office.

getting off my butt...

2008-02-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

So I've started taking Pilates classes at a studio in Dover. The instructor is really great, and the atmosphere is fun. So far I'm enjoying it, if for no other reason than I'm getting out and getting some exercise. I even went tonight despite feeling tired and lazy (hey, going to Kate's to watch Grey's TOTALLY counts as going out and doing something). But I'm glad I went to class anyway. I'm working on knitting a hat for myself, and starting therapy on Tuesday...maybe this whole "doing-stuff-just-for-me" thing isn't so bad....

Postal Gnomes

2008-02-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

Clearly, the Postal Gnomes have been at it again. A couple of unacknowledged gifts (Christmas and baby arrival) [And let me state for the record, i'm not looking for gushing or parades...I'd be happy with a "hey, we got it, thanks." Anyway.] and the final proof of their existence? Today I received back a package I'd sent my sister while she was in Germany. Nothing special, a couple of magazines, a couple of books (stuff to read on the bus) and 2 big bottles of rolaids and tums. Upon return receipt of the package (which, incidentally, looks like it's been to hell and back...several colors of tape, about a dozen stickers, many in languages I don't read, and thus don't understand what the particular box that was checked means, etc) I opened it (hey, I can always use rolaids at work) only to discover that what I sent was not what I received back. Oh no, not even close. Not even empty rolaids bottles. Nope. 2 replacement parts for A LAND ROVER. Bhuh?!?!

So I took it to the post office...and am now waiting for resolution....damned postal gnomes. Keep yer mitts outta my stuff!

Insufficiency

2008-02-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

Ever have days where you just don't quite feel good enough? At anything? I've been having a spate of those lately, culminating in my breaking down in tears in my doctor's office on Tuesday. We agreed that upping the dose of my Lexapro, and seeing a counselor might not be a half bad idea. There's a lot of residual garbage left over in the nooks and crannies of my brain, a lot of it from 3 summers ago, when Dad had his accident. And a lot of trouble letting go of guilt (something I've long had trouble with). So I think this will be a good thing...maybe not initially, but most growth has a little pain associated with it, no? And maybe, just maybe, I'll start to see myself as Kate does.
I sure hope I can...but this time, I'll do it for me. Not anyone else.

oh holy productivity...

2008-02-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

So today has been the most productive day off I've had in a long while. I didn't even take a nap today (I usually do...)! I've scrubbed the kitchen floor, done 2 loads of laundry, 2 loads of dishes, cleaned the tub and toilet, made curtains for the living room, and made part of mom's birthday present. woo! Lets hope this trend lasts through the end of the week...I have plenty to get done at work, too!

Tag, I'm it!

2008-02-03T00:48:00.001-08:00

meme'd from Kate:
Turn to page 123 in the nearest book, go to the 5th sentence, and then type the next 3. The closest book in front of me is Grendel by John Gardner. So, here we go...

I made him what he is. Have I not a right to test my own creation? Enough!

And in case you couldn't tell by the title, it's a retelling of Beowulf, and not Frankenstein.

I don't even have anyone TO tag, so..uh...talk amongst yourselves...or do it yourself, if you like! (and then comment here, so's I know you did it...)

A minor miracle...

2008-01-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

...for the first time EVER, I walked out of an eye doctor appointment without a new prescription. My eyes didn't change, which is shocking, since I've gotten a new 'script EVERY TIME I've ever gone to the dr!

The only sad thing, they dilated my eyes, which means no knitting until it wears off...boo.

Motivation, or the lack thereof

2008-01-24T09:22:00.000-08:00

Go ahead. Ask me what I should be doing today. The answer, of course, is go buy stuff for dinner and more garbage bags, tidy up the living room, clean up the kitchen, wash and put away over the fridge the old dishes, and was and put away the new ikea dishes in their new home. Plus I have an eye appointment this afternoon, so I really ought to get moving and do stuff. But I don't WANNA...I'd rather sit like a lump and knit for a while. And this is after sitting and watching crap tv at kate's last night for a few hours and knitting...I just love this sweater too much.....

a whine and a cheer

2008-01-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, first, the whine. Bought some new lotion for my face the other day from my favorite cosmetics counter at Macy's (shut up, I do too own makeup...I just never wear it!) that's supposed to be lighter for daytime wear than my usual moisturizer. Well, after 2 days of use, it turns out I'm horrifyingly allergic to it. It was on my face approximately 5 seconds before it felt like my face was on FIRE. 14 hours later it still hurts, even after washing it off immediately and putting some calming lotion on it. ah well. At least I can return it (mom checked for me today)

Now for the cheer. Big big cheers to Kate Gilbert, for her damned clever pattern, Cardigan for Arwen. I'm presently knitting the left front, and was a little verclempt over having to keep track of two different cable rows (so I thought). But I was wrong. I misjudged the pattern, and her cleverness. The first part of the sleeve is shaped by short rows. By the time the short row shaping is done, both cable panels are on the same row. Just damned clever. Much love to Kate, and the pattern.

new skills and an update

2008-01-15T05:04:00.000-08:00

So last night I learned the fabled "cabling-without-a-cable" trick from the lovely Kate. What makes this even more impressive is that she was able to deftly show me how to do it, despite the events of the earlier part of the day.
The super cool thing about this is that I no longer need to worry about having a spare needle with me to cable, nor juggling 3 needles at once. Truly, a cool thing. Yay, Kate! (she didn't invent it (right?) but she was patient and gracious enough to show me how to do it!)

I've also TOTALLY thrown the resolution out the window. I've already accepted 3 projects for other people, and we're only 3 weeks into the new year. Granted, one is for a friend's wedding (how can I turn something like that down!?), but still. Craziness. Though my Arwen sweater is coming along rather nicely...and much faster with the new cable skills.

In other knitting excitement, one of my pictures was chosen to be used on the Ravelry website! It's the picture of the elephant pacifier clip. Hooray! (and it's not even the original pattern..it's modded!)

(ok. I think this is disjointed and random enough...no more blogging first thing in the morning...)

A year of knitting for me...

2008-01-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

I'm not usually one for new years resolutions...too easy to break, and usually fairly trite. I'd rather get my act together and fix things that need fixing, simply because they need fixing, or changing, not because I've hung a new calendar on the wall.
Anyhow.
As a result, I suppose, of not one, but TWO trips to Webs for their annual sale, I now have two sweaters worth of new yarn...for me! I've spent a lot of time over the last couple of years knitting for others, and knitting almost nothing for me. (Even stuff I've knit for me I don't get to keep...see people's exhibit a, my lavender socks. Mom has them now.) So this year I'm going to try and knit more for myself, and a little less for others. Not because I don't enjoy gift knitting, but because maybe it's time I get something out of this too (aside from enjoying the process of knitting itself).

I'm already feeling like a terribly productive knitter, and the year is only 6 days old. 2 projects done and another cast on (for those of you keeping score at home, the double cable scarf for Molly's birthday, and an Odessa hat for me are done, and I've casted on the Arwen cardigan in dark blue....very excited!)

here's to another year of knitting, only this time around, more for me, and less for others.

Odessa hat...

2008-01-05T07:15:00.001-08:00

== love. that is all.

It's the biggest Dick's I've ever seen!

2008-01-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

As said by me while leaving Peabody tonight with Kate and Sarah after dinner. I was, of course, referring to Dick's Sporting Goods, and the one there appeared to be 2 stories...just huge. Though really, it's funnier without the explanation.

Today was my second trip out to the Webs sale in Northampton. Saturday was spent with Carol, obtaining my Christmas present. Today was spent with Kate, spending more money on yarn. I now have enough yarn for 2 sweaters, and 2 hats, plus a new set of addi turbos and a sweater defuzzer. I also got yarn for a present which won't be given until the second half of the year, but the yarn I wanted was too good a deal to pass up (over 50% off regular price. SOLD.)

Following the trip to Webs (which was lovely and child-free, though I had, once again, a fiber overload and was a bit overstimulated...as cool as it is to be able to wander in the warehouse, it's a bit dangerous for me...the shelves are high, and piled with yarn, and there isn't anything in my immediate view that isn't yarn and I sort of OD...) we headed out to find some lunch. We'd originally decided on Bertuccis in Amherst, then decided to try Spaghetti Freddy's, and was thwarted there by their lack of lunch. In navigating Kate towards Amherst Center, we passed the Hangar. Yes, that would be much better for lunch. So I got yarn and wings from 2 of my favorite places, with one of my favorite people. Yup, successful afternoon.

We headed back east after lunch, collected the lovely Sarah from Logan, and headed northward for dinner. After some awkwardness on the part of the young man seating us (us: hello. him: did you say you wanted to place an order for take out? us: no. we want a table. him: what? kate: we'd like to eat now. him: oh. (sprinkle in some obvious flirting with Sarah, even after he mentioned the fact that he had a girlfriend ("my girlfriend has that shirt" yes, thank you.) we had a perfectly delicious dinner at Vinny T's, and headed home. All around, a good day, and I've just finished stringing beads on for an Odessa hat....but i think I need to sleep off some of the yarn coma first...

Oh, for the love of...

2007-12-31T07:02:00.000-08:00

It's snowing. again. Roughly 6" of heavy wet snowball snow on my car was just removed by me, because the folks who plow here decided to come and plow before the storm ended (which is ENTIRELY contrary to the piece of paper shoved under our door a couple of months ago). But the car is cleared, and moved, and I'm back inside, awaiting the arrival of the lovely Kate and company (Emily, Jacob and Mary, to be exact) where we will depart for yarn shops unknown (ok, probably just the one in Portsmouth and the one in Rye Beach.). We had planned to go (back) to the Webs sale today, but ol' Ma Nature had other plans for us. If there were no kids involved, maybe. But that's too big a risk with such precious cargo with us. So we'll stick pretty close to home today, which suits me fine, what with this leaky faucet I call a nose.

Dan isn't home from the valley yet, which means I didn't get to try out my new skill of batting my eyes and asking him to clean off my car (I'm not supposed to do strenuous stuff outside until I'm at least done with the course of prednisone I'm on, and there's a few days yet to that). Ah well. Such is life. I'll guilt him about it later, i suppose ;)

stolen...

2007-12-30T18:40:00.000-08:00

...from Kate. Because if I were to respond to her last post, it would be full of warm fuzziness for her and her family, who just might be the best thing I've stumbled across this year, and am eternally grateful to whatever force propelled Kate into coming to our little knitting shindig in Dover. Seriously. Wherever, whatever, whomever you are..THANK YOU.

28 years ago I…

…was six months old. (roughly) and experiencing my first new england winter. Dad still worked for Uncle Marty, mom still worked at the Greenery, and our snug little house on the island was home.

20 years ago I…

...was in 4th grade, and loathing much of it. Pretty perpetually picked on, given static for going to the higher level reading group..blah blah.

10 years ago I…

...was finishing my first semester of college at the University of Arizona. I had a few good friends formed from anthropology class, was considering converting to Judaism, and in general having a pretty good time 3000 miles and 3 time zones from home.

5 years ago I…

...was finishing my first semester of post undergrad work in public history. I was managing the hockey team and traveling with them at this point, seeing great hockey games, meeting fabulous people, and in general pushing myself to every limit i know, including stress and sleep deprivation. And I'd do it again in a New York minute.

2 years ago I…

...was full time at the bookstore, had been living with Dan for a little over a year and a half. I was settling into life on the Seacoast, but still missed the valley terribly, and didn't have so much in the way of non-work friends.

1 year ago I…

...was coming out the other side of my first retail holiday as a manager. And I survived! About this time I accepted the position full time (as opposed to filling in for someone). Dan was talking about going for his Ph.D after finding out that he'd passed his comps with flying colors (and he'd assumed he'd failed, so he never bothered to find out!)

1 month ago I…

...held my breath and braced myself for another retail holiday. I made my holiday knitting list of things i needed to start and or get completed in time.

1 week ago I…

...finished the last of the holiday baking, and officially gave up on the fingerless gloves for dad. I cajoled the boy into trying to decide when he was going to head down to see his folks (prior to my arrival, or at the same time?).

1 day ago I…

...was reveling in the wonder that is the Webs year end clearance sale with Dan's mom (hooray for christmas shopping!). I emerged with enough yarn for a sweater for me (yes!), a scarf and socks also for me, and a scarf each for mom and molly.

1 hour ago I …

...fussed around on Ravelry, entered my new yarn, and watched the end of the TD Banknorth UVM hockey tourney.

And right now?

...am watching Deal or No Deal and nursing a bit of a cold. Time for tea and a spot on the couch, methinks.

knitting survey, for the hell of it.

2007-12-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

Purple for stuff you've done, green for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you're not planning on doing.
Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit/crochet
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dyeing with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dyeing yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

2007-12-20T09:09:00.001-08:00

No, but really. We've had green Christmases the last couple of years. And I don't even subscribe to the whole "it's only a white Christmas if it really snows on Christmas day"...I'm just looking for snow on the ground come Christmas. Well, we got that one covered, for damn sure. It's snowing (again), on a night that I work late (again). Something about me working late just makes the weather suck. I dunno. Oh well, at least I should be able to get a bunch done tonight, right? Right?? 5 more days until Christmas proper, and I can't wait. I don't have dad's present done, but I'm not so worried about it...he's requested some fresh bread and cookies. Done. Friday I'll bake cookies most of the day here, then off to K's to hang with her and the kids and do more baking. Somehow I think kids will make it that much more fun!

I can die a happy woman...

2007-12-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

No, we're not engaged, so stop that thought train right there :)

I got to have my picture taken with the World Series trophy Saturday night at the Monarchs game. The boy and I went with K&W and the kids...much fun was had by all, a fair bit of junk food, and all around merriment. And yes, K and I both knit during the game, though she more than I. I missed almost the entire first period of the game to get my picture taken with the trophy, but some things are worth it (particularly since it didn't turn into a really good game until about the last 10 minutes of the 3rd, overtime, and the shootout. It was nice to see a bunch of old Hockey East players (Peter Harrold, Brian Boyle, Gabe Gauthier to name a few...Jon Quick is backstopping for them, but he's backup, so I unfortunately didn't get to see him play at all...)

Next game to get myself to: Merrimack Warriors Hockey. Never thought I'd see the day they were higher than Maine in the HEA standings....Miracles do happen, I guess!

the male of the species...

2007-12-02T19:05:00.001-08:00

...occasionally makes me insane. He's quite forgetful, sometimes, to the point of frustration. But what's a girl to do? He's cute, makes me coffee, and loves me. And I love him back. But MAN can he frustrate me sometimes...

last one, i swear!

2007-11-25T21:24:00.001-08:00

Your Scandinavian Name is:

Love Freja

What's Your Scandinavian Name?

I can't really disagree with that choice....

and another, just for kicks

2007-11-25T21:20:00.000-08:00

Your 80s Theme Song Is:

Walk Like an Egyptian by the Bangles

What's Your 80s Theme Song?

doing the pigeon...

2007-11-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them!

You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you

You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil

How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

list updates

2007-11-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

ok. already knocked one thing off the list. See? This Christmas knitting thing is easy! (mmhmm...remind me I said that, and then smack me, when I'm stressing on Christmas Eve, won't you?) Mom's scarf is done, save for weaving in the ends. I'm not sure blocking it is such a great idea, since it's already pretty fluffy, and I don't want it to bloom more/get ENORMOUS (it's alpaca...and hooboy, does that stuff like to grow. Peoples exhibit a, my bluey purple socks. which are now mom's bluey purple socks. *grumble*)
made some decent progress on molly's clapotis, though i have NO idea why i'm working on it since i have many months until she comes home...

gift knitting

2007-11-23T12:11:00.001-08:00

I've opted for a much shorter gift knitting list for this year..pretty much just 2 things. a scarf for mom that's over half way done, and a pair of fingerless gloves for dad, that are being started for the third time. (first restart is because i'm smarter than i give myself credit for...I got superwash yarn so that dad COULDN'T shrink his gloves, and yet planned on felting them.moron. second restart is on smaller needles..i'm not thrilled with the gauge i'm getting on the current set, so i'm going down 2 sizes from 7s to 5s.) I'm working on a clapotis for my sister, but since she won't be back from Europe until April, and I don't want it getting lost somewhere in Europe (4 skeins of pink malabrigo, tyvm), it can wait. though i got a bunch done yesterday, thus continuing my tradition of knitting a gift for my sister on thanksgiving.
I've got a set of socks in process for Dan that I'll try to finish if I get time...Sorry, charity knitting, but monday nights might belong to gifts for the next couple of weeks...plus i still need to finish the baby stuff for k's sister. hoo boy. that list is longer than i thought. here it is, in bullet form:

-Fingerless gloves for dad
-Scarf for mom
-baby wrap blanket for k's sister
-Clapotis for molly
-baby hats x2 (k's sister and my cousin)

giving thanks

2007-11-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

Good lord, it's the weekend before Thanksgiving. It's the earliest it can ever be (with 11/1 falling on a Thursday this year) but seriously...already?! It didn't occur to me that it was coming so quickly until mom asked what I wanted her to bring...my response of, "how the hell do i know, i haven't gotten that far!" was met with, "Thanksgiving is in a week, you know." oh shit.
At least this year I don't seem to be possessing any insane ideas to knit my sister a lap blanket before Christmas...instead i have a baby blanket to complete. at least it's smaller...though 24" of stockinette...
This year I'm doing next to nothing for gift knitting. the scarf intended for my little sister won't be done before April (when she returns from her European skating adventure), so I pretty much just have the fingerless gloves for dad to knock out...and the first one is almost halfway done. then to felt them, then done. voila.
So I think i'll watch the Mythbusters Supersize special for the 3rd time this week (the first time, in fairness, was interrupted by the season premiere of Project Runway. I'll opine on that later) and do a little mindless stockinette. I got way too frustrated over a video game tonight, and need to put myself into a bit of a timeout. a soothing, repetitive, stockinette filled timeout. ohhmmmmmm

10 year reunion

2007-11-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Ye gods, has it been 10 years?? There was a reunion of the first 2 classes of the Great Northern Knowledge Factory in Portland last night...A few old teachers showed up (Tasker, Atwood, LaVallee, Farrell, Dr. Debbie...), Jim P and Jim M, the new director, Mr. Warner (thanks again!)...and a whole mess of old friends, many of whom it's been 4 years or so, some it's been even longer (it's been 10 since I've seen Angie!) Everyone looks great, is up to interesting things and some old tricks...overall, really great to see everyone. My iPod will be making a trip down memory lane for a few weeks as I revisit the music of my youth...

pot roast v2.0

2007-11-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we're trying the pot roast thing again (duly noted: the piece of meat at Market Bucket labeled as Pot Roast is NOT ideal for Dan's preference towards extremely soft meat which falls apart easily. The last one did not oblige his desire to rip it apart wantonly and with very little effort. The current model, left to it's own devices over night in the crock pot, came apart with the aid of a butter knife and nothing else. A marked improvement. A little gravy flour was added to thicken the juice a bit, but most of it will be earmarked for shepherds pie for dinner tonight anyway. I'll note below what I put into to crock pot with the pot roast, for the next time when I stare blankly at my cupboards and vainly try to remember what i did...

1 onion halved and cut into large wedges
2 cloves of garlic smushed but not chopped
3/4 of a can of pepsi
worcestershire sauce
beef stock (pretty much until everything is covered
2 bay leaves
handful of whole black peppercorns

I added a pinch of salt this morning after shredding the meat and returning it to the pot to cook uncovered for a bit to reduce. mmmmm....hopefully there will be some left for shepherds pie...I am home all day....

hooray!

2007-11-02T11:49:00.001-07:00

The boy comes home from Sacramento today...It's been a long week here without him, nevermind having the flu for 3 days thrown in (and boy did I miss him then!!) I'm very excited to have him coming home, and blissfully have the day off tomorrow to spend the day with him! (and hopefully sleep off the rest of this flu bug).

So hooray to boys returning home!

halloween lite..

2007-10-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

So today is halloween. No, your calendars aren't wrong..ok, it's technically something called Beggar's Night around here. I call it kinda dumb. The local towns decide what day they are going to celebrate Halloween, and what time the kids can go trick or treating. Where K lives, it's today. So we're taking her small ones out to ask for candy. Should be a good time, but I'm still a little hung up on the whole, "We'll decide when halloween is, thankyouverymuch". Someone notify the pagans...they might have a little something to say about it. I'm looking forward to it though, since I've never seen real trick or treating in neighborhoods....my hometown was just too small for that (in that, the houses were too bloody far away!)

Last night we made whoopie pies, too...frosting's almost right, but not quite. If anyone out there has a good frosting recipe for whoopie pies (must be dense and sugary), do let me know...we got closer on this one, but still not quite there...

2 in 4

2007-10-28T21:25:00.001-07:00

Hells yes, the Red Sox have won the World Series. The commercial for Dick's Sporting Goods says they'd like to be the first to congratulate the Red Sox. Too late...NESN beat 'em to it! bwhaha...

Two in four years...and there's someone on TV waving a broom around..heh. How's that for awesome. Mike Lowell got the MVP trophy...damned well deserved. I hope we sign him again...but he can ask for a hell of a lot of money now. And rightfully so.

LETS GO SOX!!!

Oh I'm subtle all right...

2007-10-26T13:52:00.001-07:00

...about as subtle as a hockey stick to the face.

Last night the boy was commenting on how much he loves apple tarts, and how he could eat them for the rest of his life. What do I reply with? "Marry me and you can." He wants tarts, I want a ring. His is tasty, but mine is shiny. And no, before you get the wrong impression, this is not the first discussion of the whole marriage thing. We've been discussing it for 2.5 years or so at this point....

In other news my way too big Pedro Martinez shirt has been replaced with a much better sized Josh Beckett shirt....*sigh* I loves me Josh Beckett!

game one

2007-10-25T08:32:00.003-07:00

in the bag. to quote Becky: Apparently no one told Colorado that this ain't t-ball.

Damn right.

Very superstitious...

2007-10-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

...Writings on the wall..

OK. Enough Stevie Wonder. So tonight is the first game of the World Series between the Colorado Rockies and my beloved Red Sox. This time 2 years ago I was closing at work, listening to most of the first 4 games in receiving on the radio. And we won. Superstition dictates that I do the same for at least the first game. And I will be, at least the first 6 innings or so. I unfortunately can't remember what I was wearing that night...(yup, I have that much sports superstition)..though even if I could, the clothes have probably gone to charity via Dan's mom by now (courtesy of losing almost 15 pounds over the last year or so..)...so it's time to dig out my Dropkick Murphy CD for Tessie, replace my old red sox tee shirt (I had a Pedro Martinez shirt...I'm now torn between Beckett and Papelbon...but leaning towards Beckett....) and get ready for a great series between 2 teams riding hot streaks. You know where my loyalties lie though.

damn right!

2007-10-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

And my beloved Red Sox are going to the world series for the second time in 4 years. Thankfully my schedule at work seems to have worked out and superstition being what it is, it's only fitting that I listen to the first game of the world series on the radio in receiving.

decisions...

2007-10-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Do I finish my current WiP on my size 1 addi turbos (a lovely pair of socks for me out of a pretty cornflower blue alpaca silk blend, or do i let the sock languish for a bit and make myself a clapotis out of some laceweight malabrigo i have kicking around....opinions?

ladies and gentlemen...

2007-10-20T20:11:00.001-07:00

let's play...hockey!
-Johnnie Dee, the voice of the Arizona IceCats

So UMass and Merrimack are both off to a decent start on the season, expected from UMass and well deserved for Merrimack. The boy and I will hopefully make it down to North Andover for a game or two this season, which should be fun. Lawler arena leaves a bit to be desired for quality, but the atmosphere is fun, and very OTH (old time hockey), so i'll take it. Maybe we'll even get some of the old crew together, which could be very entertaining.

In other news, I'll be on my own for a week after this Friday...i think it will turn out to be a week full of quiet baths and coconut ice pops. (he HATES coconut, so I haven't had a coconut fruit bar in almost 3 years....that will change next week!!)

The Sox are currently winning 10-2, top of the 8th...so it looks like we'll have a game 7. God Bless Red Sox nation...It's a great time to live in New England!

eureka!

2007-10-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

discovery made today while in target (pronounced tar-jay, thankyouverymuch)

I am not what one might refer to as....well endowed. So my discovery? Cute inexpensive bras in the teen section! some of what was there was very clearly training bras...but some were not! woo!

(i found the size thing out, by the way, by visiting vicky's....i asked the gal there to measure me, as i had lost a bunch of weight and my bras were all too big. She informed me that i was an a cup, but as they don't sell bras that small, she could sell me a b. so wait...I'm not a b, I'm here because my bras are all too big, and you're going to sell me a $45 bra that's....too big? Thanks, but no.)

2007-10-15T10:07:00.003-07:00

Velveeta macaroni and cheese is delicious.
Macaroni and cheese and chopped meat and ketchup might be the worlds most perfect meal.
I have a wonderful boyfriend.
Coffee is god.

That is all.

It's officially fall!

2007-10-13T18:06:00.001-07:00

I get to watch hockey on TV, the Red Sox are in the playoffs, and today was the first meeting of the Library Knitters in Yarmouth. Kate came with me, which was lovely (and very nice to hang out sans kids. Her kids are great, but it's nice for grown up time, too!) and I finally got to meet Nissa! At press time my beloved Minutemen are beating St. Lawrence, the Merrimack Warriors won last night (yay for Coach D and Coach Y!), and the Sox embarrassed Cleveland. I also got myself some lovely alpaca/silk yarn to make a pair of comfy socks out of...not meant for much more than slouching around, though that may change...the stitch definition is lovely. we'll see. I'm increasing the toe first, then going to see how many stitches I get, before i decide on a motif. I want these to fit me perfectly!

not a fan of blueberries, but anyway....

2007-10-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

You Are a Blueberry Margarita

Honestly, there's no one quite like you. And believe it or not, most people think that's a bad thing!
You're open, wild, friendly, wacky, and tons of fun. You have a big personality... and a big heart.

What Flavor Margarita Are You?

a sad day...

2007-10-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Today we find ourselves in the midst of another school shooting. This brings the total to 40 since Columbine (1999). An obviously troubled young man saw no other way to cope with his problems than to bring two guns to school, shoot 5 people, and then kill himself. I may have lived a sheltered life, but you never heard much about things like this when I was a kid. We're all so damned worried about kids self esteem and feeling good about themselves that they aren't developing any coping skills whatsoever. If we're so damned worried about their self esteem, how are we missing things like this?! The kids that were interviewed all said that they knew that if something like that happened at their school, this kid would be the one to do it. If that's so, why the hell wasn't anything done?? It terrifies me to think that young people seem to view guns as the great equalizer on the battlefield of bullying, and that they have no other recourse. And sadly, often nothing is done about bullying...the kids being tormented sure as hell aren't going to say anything, for fear of more torment, and the bullies will deny everything. Good, that'll help. So lets sum up (before I get more wound up, here): Kids are getting bullied. Nothing is being done about the bullying, in many cases. Kids see violent weapons as the only equalizer. Innocent kids and others get shot/injured. Kid being bullied kills themselves. How is this going to end a cycle? (aside from the obvious)

git yer hike on

2007-10-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

The boy and I are going hiking today...to Franconia Falls! I'm very excited. Should be lovely. Of course, I'm bringing knitting with me (what kind of girl do you take me for?!) and will try to get some ypf shots a day late with the falls...hmm...what yarn to bring!? (and there will be pics of the falls, too, i'm sure, later!

I cannot change...

2007-10-04T20:53:00.001-07:00

...how I am perceived, I can only change how I am presented.

The crux of tonight's Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. Youngish girl, similar body type to my own, similar self image issues...it was really interesting to see how Tim and Veronica helped her deal with those...and a good thought for me to keep in mind. the above phrase is presently written on the bathroom mirror, and my mirror in the bedroom. Perhaps this is the start of a self esteem revolution?

more yarny goodness

2007-10-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

I checked the mail on my way to work this morning, and was greeted by not one, but TWO keys to the package boxes at the end of the mail shed. I got my socks from my lovely swap partner Valkryie, as well as some bath goodies. I also got my swap package from Presto! (whose identity i STILL haven't figured out!). Chocolate goodies (which had to be brought in to work (and hidden) because it was supposed to be 80 today! I got a neat carved stone rabbit, a lovely multicolored wooden bowl, some goodies for my car (fuzzy dice and liquid chalk for writing on the windows) and 2 skeins of some really soft cotton tweed.
(over the course of the swap she's also sent me, among other things, corn yarn (maizey) and a fuzzy sheep pez dispenser!)

pics of both up when i find the camera cable...

knitting excitement

2007-10-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

I got in to Ravelry, finally. They've really stepped up the invites (the number dropped pretty quickly for the number of people ahead of me). So far, I'm a fan. It's a nice way for me to have my stuff organized, but I didn't have to develop the database, which is lovely.

I've also finished a pile of projects...a pair of socks for a swap partner, my mom's epic green shawl (binding off 1200 stitches is NOT the most fun thing i've ever done in my life, to be frank). Cast on another pair of socks, knit a bit on Dan's socks...yeah, I'm doing real well at trying to not have a relapse of the tendonitis, aren't i! Oh, and I intend to cast on a pair of fingerless gloves for Dad for Christmas. I can't think of a blessed thing to get for the man, he doesn't wear the socks I knit because he says they're too warm, but he wears gloves outside all the time. Maybe I'll make the kind with the flipover mitten part for when he's shoveling snow or something. I dunno. Suggestions??

It must be fall...

2007-10-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

Because I've already gotten to watch hockey on TV! (kings vs ducks in London, England...no, I don't know why, please don't ask....) (though apparently the NHL is thinking of branching out and having a Euro league...like ticket prices aren't high enough?!)
College hockey starts Saturday with UMaine hosting their annual tournament, the Cupcake Classic (let's invite 3 teams we can kick the crap out of, so we look like heroes in our own barn. good plan, boys.)
This weekend the boy and I are going hiking to Franconia Falls, which should be a nice day trip. He's even promised to drive! (which means more knitting time for me, and getting to see the sights...I drove when we went to the highland games 2 weeks ago in the same area) We'll officially be pretending to be leaf peepers, and probably take the Kancamagus Highway back...which is a lovely drive, and was ever so much fun in my new car!
lets see...lots of knitting stuff to post, but that will have to wait..time for work!

ohmmmmm....

2007-09-24T20:52:00.001-07:00

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

just for giggles

2007-08-31T06:32:00.001-07:00

Vinniefest!

2007-08-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well, the boy and I are off for a night of camping...in B and V's front yard! (It's a somewhat scaled down version of Vinniefest! hehe)
Then I work Sunday, then OFF FOR A WEEK! I'm going to try and get some knitting done (I've been good and let the repetitive stress heal and hardly knit at all for almost 3 weeks!), do some day trips with mom, and hopefully find some stuff for some knitty packages! (ooh..note to self...post about sp9 package 2 from presto!)

Live free and drive (tm)

2007-08-13T18:51:00.001-07:00

wheehaaa!! I got the car! The test drive was awesome. We tooled around the tradeport a bit, then on the highway to get back to the dealership. They were very friendly and helpful, and I'm very excited!
Meet my new car! (pre-wash...this is the picture I took the day I met her...pre-test drive, even!)

Test Drive!!

2007-08-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

The boy is on his way home from Uni to go test drive the golf with me...more after the drive!