Fall is here! San Antonio's Autumn consists of mostly sunny 70 and 80 degree days with occasional cold front that turn the mid day into a brisk 50 degrees. Nights get to be in the high 30s and 40s. I am enjoy the cool. However, I am NOT enjoying the pee.
Yes, it's getting cold. Cold enough to make little bladders of little ankle biters spasm and let loose, but come on I WILL NOT turn on the heater. That's why god gave us blankets. Thankfully god also gave us washer and dryers so I can wash pee drenched bed clothes!!
I am feeling a bit down--really as far down as I have been. Pee will do that to ya. Ha! No, not really. I am a Mom--what would I be without pee and poo (I am just glad the kids aren't prone to vomiting). My birthday is coming up. Just a slap in the face from Time, "Yes, you are getting OLD and your dreams are just THAT! Mwhahahahaha!" I've also been going through more of the same friend issues. For my part, friendship is very intense and very personal...so I am currently trying to keep my sucking chest wound taking me down with it. I've just lost a part of myself, it's that simple.
I am missing my mates, P and Q. I would love nothing better than to galavant around town stealing shopping carts and relaxing in the fact that I can just be me...without fear. I've been alternating with wanting to carve myself out a hallow tree and become a hermit or wanting a strong drink.
I've been distracting myself, with some success, with the Twilight series. I love it, and I had NO clue it was such a tween sensation. I feel for the poor actors in the upcoming film tho', they must be deaf with all the screaming. Anyhoo, I read the four books in about 2 days and re-read the first one, just to get it out of my system. Grin.
Last night, Jamey got to meet my father and his wife. It went well, talked about all sorts of things, cheese and music, mostly. Jamey and Lori (my step mother) both love cheese and we all are music buffs. It was a bit awkward at times--Jamey isn't happy with my father's absence, but he's willing to see how this all works out.
It's Friday night: so that means BBC America comedy Friday. I'll leave ya with one of my favourite Catherine Tate Show bits.
Every year I attempt Nanowrimo--and it always seems like my muse becomes trapped underneath the marble boulder that is my writers block. This year I think a Knitting Bunny helped push the boulder ;-).
On the news front, my sister is not pregnant (we had a scare). Yes, this is my 18 year old sister. She is still living with her boyfriend and is engaged now...she's known him less than a year. The family is a bit worried about his possessiveness and jealousy and it's warning signs, but there is little we can do but pray.
I do not have cancer! I had a scare...and with the help of WebMD, I scared myself further. Unfortunately they don't know what's wrong with me. So after the busy new year I am making an appointment with my GP to find out why, I have abdominal pain, bloating, and exhaustion. Heck it may be stress! Life's been especially fun lately (said with the utmost sarcasm).
The kids have been exercising their need to test boundries. Lot's of fun. Homeschooling is going well--Mic's reading more every day. Lorelei is doing well with her counting. Next letters!
This election has been interesting. Not the outcome I would have liked (while I loved the idea of a non white male president, I disagreed very much with his politics and philosophies), but it is historical and affirming that our nation has come so far in just 40 (or so) years after the Civil Rights act. But I am very nervous about our future.
Fall is upon us and the weather in Texas is wonderfully cool. Thanks to our new doors, we've saved so much in our energy bills. For weeks we've had the AC turned off and the french doors wide open. Which reminds me: I finally have pictures of my loverly and long awaited doors.
The cats that used to visit Gina haven't been to keen on the new door---they come only sporactically and spook easily. And we have blocked up the openings on our fence, as well.
I am going to try to post more this month and of course thereafter...I have been neglecting my blog horribly.
With school starting life's been busy--insanely so. When I am not teaching, I am thinking about new things to teach. I am still knitting a bit in the evenings, but I am not designing much at all. I don't blame it all on school, but I am sure it's a factor.
While checking all the blogs I read and catching up on news about Hurricane Ike (which I will probably have to incorporate into the homeschooling, so when all of a sudden on Saturday when the winds come--the kids will know yeah--there's a really big hurricane off the coast and it's giving San Antonio a bit of a push). I wondered, can I perhaps, find a blog without political commentary for the next 2 months?? Ha! Fat chance, even my knitting blogs have political commentary on them. I am just tired of it--after over a year of Hilliary!!! Obama!! McCain!! Not that I am not a conscientious voter, I AM, but all the harping and drama....life is ALREADY stressful. I am tired of the doom and gloom. Yeah, I know life is hard and teetering on bad. I KNOW that this country is at a cross roads like none other--at least in my life time, I can't remember anything like it. It's do or die. Both sides are convinced that if their candidate isn't elected we are all DOOMED!! Heck, I am beginning to feel the same way.
Have I mentioned I hate drama? Over-hyped, cracked out drama??
Yeah I know, I better get used to it...November feels like it's a LONG LONG way away. And ya know---I doubt after election day it'll get better--there WILL still be drama. Our country is high on it--it's our drug of choice as a nation.
So Birdy has finally entered the 21st century by getting a cellphone. I resisted the urge to call everyone I know. Smirk. AND I even know my phone number already (which is saying something because I still don't know my husband's cell phone number).
The kids had their annual well check ups today. Mic did fine and had a great time getting his blood pressure taken (he LOVES that). Lorelei--however--freaked the shit out. Literally. So after a quick wash and change...and going commando since idiot momma forgot the diaper bag...I carried a screaming, thrashing little girl into the exam room. Lorelei fought getting weight, height measured, everything little thing the nurse and doctor did (she was not impressed with the doctor's light trick with the nose/ear scopy thing). Sigh. How did you thing she did with her shots?
Yeah I felt so bad about it I bought her a new dolly.
Mic was put out--what about me??! Oops (I did some quick thinking), well Mic I did buy you two watches yesterday...
Which, I do believe may be a mistake. Sure he's learning to tell time (one watch is analog, the other digital), but he let's us know with fervent wonder that another minute has past and it is NOW 5:36!!! It was cute for the first hmm 4 minutes--an hour later not_so_much.
Oh and today--it was a 101 at the airport--I read the thermostat in our car at a 106 F. Frak! It's not even summer yet (okay the first day of summer is tomorrow, but still--it's not even AUGUST!). So if y'all don't hear from me--I may have melted. I am also using this vile heat to convince Jamey that I need to buy sun dresses lots and lots of sun dresses. It's slowly working....also helps that I don't wear a bra with most of my sun dresses. Smirk.
We had a mud storm last night. Apparently it freaked people out! The news said dozens of people called and email and text messaged--wondering if it was safe to go outside, if it was acid rain, and WTF was going on!! If you read the link it was merely the after affect of a dust storm that kicked dust into the clouds and then the clouds let down their rain and poof MUD.
Today friends and I went out shipping and everywhere there were huge lines at car washes. Wendy, from Yarnivore, said she waited in line for 45 minutes to wash her car! Today might have been a good idea for some enterprising youths to have set up some impromptu car washes.
I had to take this picture.
When do you see a BMW that looks like it has just been off-roading??
Not much happened at casa Birdwell. I didn't imbibe any alcohol because I was buckin' the trend. Why is it tradition to drink alcohol on New Years...is it the "party" atmosphere or is it drowning you're disappoints in the old year and the fears of the new? (Of course my Mom is screaming at her monitor as she reads this, "It's a SIN!!") In any case I didn't see the point. I'm careful with my alcohol consumption--using it to unwind or because I am craving some amaretto or something. (My mom is still screaming...)
I don't know about other cities (tell me what you folks do in your respective cities--I dare you to comment), but San Antonio goes nuts for the fireworks. Even though it's illegal in the city--nearly every street has someone that is setting off fireworks. (I pussied out again and didn't report my neighbors--now that's a tradition!) The fireworks continue sporadically through out the night as fireworks mustn't be wasted or are found behind the gun rack. Mic came in our room some time last night (the alarm clock is too far away from me to see with out my glasses--yeah a whole 2 feet), terrified because a stray firework bang woke him up. He was convinced it was a BAD GUY in our backyard...and that he was going to get us. (Mic has this really weird obsession about the BAD GUYS). He told me his "plan" for surviving his encounter with the BAD GUYS, it involved hiding under his bed. I was too tired to ask him if he would save his sister. I cuddled with him, soothed him, and told him that there were no bad guys in our backyard and he was safe. Poor guy.
Some time later, he was fine and wanted to go back to his bed.
It's finally getting cold here: for three whole days. It was 32 last night, 54 today, 25 tonight into tomorrow, 48 tomorrow, 28 the next night and 55 that day...then the weekend? Yep you guessed it back into the 70s. What is a knitter to do here in South Texas?
It so cold here! It's actually odd that it's this cold (the highs have only been in the 40s) in November. Usually we are wearing shorts and T-shirts on Thanksgiving. My hot cocoa got cold 5 minutes after I made it.
This is my excuse for not blogging this weekend.
Paltry, huh?
This weekend we helped the economy...did our bit. Not a lot but some...especially for the hobby sector. Lorelei has me thoroughly convinced that she really really wants a cash register for Christmas (she's been eyeing the Princess one). Every toy department we go into she spends ten minutes playing with the various cash registers. Oh, I also bought her a Hannah Montana wig...to cover up her hair. I don't think pictures can convey it properly....it's just horrible. One side, she looks okay--a bit of a ragamuffin but not bad...the other side--she looks like some sort of punk reject.
One of my favourite stores EVER is TJ Maxx. They always have the neatest things. Last night I stumbled upon Calico Critters AKA Sylvanian Families. They didn't have much, but they had one little girl bunny with a doll house, a birthday party set, a wedding set, and a wedding party set...oh I nearly bought the whole thing.
So what if I have a weird attachment to toys from my childhood...
I just deleted a post I was writing that was full of self pity and way too much introspection and a wee bit whiny. You can thank me now for coming to my senses.
I finished Clue #2 on my Mystery Stole 3 last night--pictures forthcoming. I know I keep saying how much I love this project--I just wanted to make sure y'all know it. Grin. I wish I could take a picture to really show off the beading--it's gorgeous.
Today was Jamey's day off so we did some errands and stopped off at Lakeshore Learning Store. Mic loves their catalog--he calls it his Dream Book. I got some things for his first year of "official" homeschool: an awesome font program to make hand writing exercises (plus loads of other things), a teacher organiser, a writing workbook, and a beginning reading workbook. I want to get a ton of other stuff, but I need to do some more planning. I wish we had a basement or a spare room--I would LOVE to put up posters and maps for the kids, but we have no wall space. (I am afraid to put up stuff in Mic's room in case he and Lorelei tear it down when they are playing in their room. I might be able to trust Mic now...perhaps.
Onward.
Mic loves pictures of dogs with things on their heads. Luckily my favourite blog, takes funny pictures of her dog everyday. Today we were surfing her back pictures and we came upon Mr. Studious, a picture of a dog reading a paper (check it out it's totally cute). Micci of course thought it was totally silly and funny. So I asked him, "Do you think it's a dog with man's hands or a man with a dog's head?" After a moment, Mic replied, "A man with a dog's head!" LOL
In case you were wondering, NO San Antonio hasn't sunk into the aquifer yet. Luckily, there's limestone between us and all that cavernous water.
But man it feels like we are sinking--it's so wet and so muggy--half the time I feel like I am swimming. Thankfully my area hasn't flooded and my heart goes out to all those who ARE actually swimming.
Honestly I am expecting San Antonio to sink any minute. It's been raining for days...and days before that and days before that. We've had a a few days of dryness, but mostly steady pouring rain. The rain is also keeping the temperatures down too---usually it's in the upper 90s....we've been in the upper 80's if we're lucky.
I am expecting August to get back at us with 110 degree temps.
All this gloomy weather is making everyone exhausted. Poor Mic fell asleep after lunch--he rarely takes naps...unless it's in the car. Lorelei hasn't sucummed (sp anyone?) yet, but I am sure she will soon. Right now she is amusing herself by hanging upside down on the couch. I've never seen anyone hang upside down as much as she does...must be part possum or something.
Folks, we've been home since 8 o'clock last night. We had a terrific vacation. On my part it was relaxing and the two weeks seemed to stretch ands stretch. I got to see all my brothers before they go off to war. I got to enjoy Kimmy being a grown up finally (working a part time job has given her some pleasantness she didn't have before). I got a tan (ha! you say--it's a Birdy tan which is still very very pale in comparison to the average Caucasian bear) and more freckles. I also got YARN--very pretty soft pet worthy yarn.
I deleted over 4000 spams from my inbox and uploaded over 200 hundred pictures from my camera. Give me some time and I'll put together a very nice travel diary for y'all to enjoy--with a special diversion at the 3 yarn shops I visited.
We saw the Harry Potter movie today--totally freakin' awesome and I of course cried like a baby at the end. On vacation we also saw Ratatouille and Transformers...both rocked. So that means--only TEN _more_days till Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out. GRIN.
While I was gone Kottke became a Daddy--how awesome is that. Ollie is so cute. I missed a lot being disconnected form the 'net. Heck while at the beach we didn't even watch TV--missed all the rain San Antonio got (our lawn looks like a lush green jungle) and the searing fires and temperatures in the West.
I've got a lot of work to do now that I am home: knitting work, web design work, blog work, and teaching work...never mind the ever present cleaning work. Since this vacation was so energising for me and restful--I am totally ready to jump in a get some work done.
Oh what? Hey--miss me? My mom called me this morning and asked me if I was okay--I hadn't blogged in a while. Bad bad blogger. Funny though, since my mom hasn't blogged since April.
I digress. I've been busy--but that isn't an excuse--I check my "blog roll" daily and I miss new news and can get annoyed. Bad Birdwell.
I've been knitting--several deadlines are looming, web designing, and being very very boring. I didn't feel that I had any interesting to say.
Perhaps not--here's what's been happening. Micci got a toothache on Wednesday night--putting a screeching halt to his Hooked on Phonics tapes--who wants to pronuciate vowel sounds when your molar is throbbing and sending white hot flashes through your jaw. I of course felt like a terrible Mommy--I don't make him brush his teeth enough AND we knew he had a small cavity but it was discovered during the holidays and it got lost in the madness. So yesterday (Monday) were saw the dentist and poor boyo had to have his molar removed. He was a trooper though. He had his moments of WTF this is NOT right. The X-ray session was not his shining moment--but hey I hate it too. Those little plastic thingies HURT. But he got T-rrfic mind altering drugs and he was mostly fine after wards. Jamey unfortunately HAD to work and we got to hang out at the Chick-Fil-A down the way for like 6 hours. Since i got up at 5.30 that morning all I wanted to do was nap--but they frown on sleeping at resturants while living your children to run around like loons. (I totally conked out as soon as we got home.)
Today--Jamey was off--so we did a mass amount of errands. Bought my Mother's Day gift from the kids (yarn for my Clapotis--which I am totally dying to knit up...for like ever). I also stopped by a craft mall as well to scope things out...planning on selling my knitting-wares.
Last week, I got a bit burned out creatively (hate that)--so designing--both knit and web--we shoved off the stove and I indulged in actually knitting someone else's pattern and Stephanie Plum--I LOVE these books. This week I turned the heat back on and I hope to get my new website actually finished. Oh and cleaning--I really need to do that as well.
It has also been horribly horribly humid. I can't stand it. I feel sticky and icky all day. On Saturday I washed my hair, my fine, fast drying hair...it was still WET an hour later and because i had to get going I put it into a ponytail--it was still wet when I went to bed. Sure we have needed all this rain, but frankly I need some nice dry days. We haven't been able to mow our lawn because it's been too damp. We have a six foot dandelion tree growing by the kids swing set--I'll see about taking pictures of it tomorrow.
Today I realised I hadn't blogged in quite a while. I've been really busy knitting, graphic design and coding. Nevermind monster size kid messes....sigh.
We bought Hooked on Phonics (HOP) over the weekend at Half Price books and Micci started the programme today. He LOVES it--and I tried ot get him to just work on it for 15 minutes like they suggest, but I think all total we spent HOURS. He's just so excited. Sometimes he gets frustrated if he makes a mistake...and he'll withdraw inside himself. It's challenging trying to draw him out and reassure him and not get frustrated myself. He's even teaching Lorelei the ABCs using the HOP cards.
Friday night L. had a Girls Nite In party. It was so wonderful to relax with the gals. I gotta see if we can do this more often.
Phisto has been spoiling me by sending me more Stephanie Plum books...they're complete trash--lovely addicting trash. I LOVE these stories--they're just so fun. I keep wanting to call her up when I read a particularily funny passage--but wait I can't she is either a) asleep or b) at work.
Going to the Gals Nite in made me miss my own Gals---I am still trying to get to know new gal pals and sometimes I wish I had the ease of conversation I have with Quimby and Phisto. Esp. since these group of friends are all friends since high school---just like me and the Gals. Sniff.
On the knitting front: I've been working on several secret projects--which like Stephanie says--sucks when you have a blog. I did finish Lorelei's shawl I started the week before WHIBSIB--once I download my camera I'll post a pic. After Jamey watched me work on 4 project yesterday--all before 2 pm...he remarked that I needed to work on concentrating on ONE project. Yeah--Mr. ADD--I'll work on that. He's always full of wise advice like that. I am also trying to resist the urge to buy the yarn and start knitting on a Clapotis. I keep telling myself that I need to finish a project or two before I can justify that.
We've been having plenty of rain--LOL--today it rained cats and dogs and I swear I saw some hamsters and gerbils as well--maybe even a guinea pig. It's all good for the aquifer.
Let's hope life doesn't overwhelm me again and I don't go so long posting next time.
It's thirty five degrees out side, 3-5, trenta-cinco!!! It's April in Texas we've had bluebonnets for weeks and it's THIS cold?
Sure some parts of the country it is snowing--but THIS is Texas--it's not cold in TEXAS in APRIL it supposed to be HOT and muggy. It's was raining and COLD--the worst combination and I had to go out in it because being an idiot I forgot the lasagna noddles for my Easter Lasagna--and the onion as well. Sigh.
Mom and Kimmy flew home today--we dropped them off at the Austin airport and drove around the hill country looking for a particular HEB for Jamey to goggle at. As we drove back it was 33 degrees!! Nuts.
Both kids miss Kimmy--I for one am glad to see the back of her--still a spoiled brat. My brother Phil is here for the weekend and the kids are having tons of fun with him--using him as a jungle gym.
I got lot's of knitting time in during our drive up in the Hill Country--my sock that never ends is slightly closer to being done---about 20 more yards of yarn left? Jamey thinks they'll be thigh highs. Smirk.
Phisto's balm form the Harry Potter anticipation arrived yesterday in the form of the first three Stephanie Plum books. After I finish Eragon--I'm gonna see what all the fuss is about.
So sorry--I was actually having a weekend instead of blogging about how nice it would be to have a weekend. AND we actually got domestic stuff accomplished too! My mom was very proud when I told her.
On Friday we went to see the Spurs trounce the Pistons--it was a thing of beauty. We got Suite tickets as a reward for all the great work Jamey does volunteering with the San Antonio Sports foundation. I dressed up and put on make-up--I know wow and brought my sock to knit. (My sock goes everywhere--unfortunately I always forget to bring my camera--so no photographic pictures to traipse around the blog.) We had good friends of ours watched the kids--and they even want to watch them again. I may get spoiled. We told Mic that we were going on a date and he inferred we were going to see a movie, "Maybe a scary movie--too scary for us??" We didn't dissuade him of that notion--knowing he'd be crushed if he knew we were going to a Spurs game with out him. What really amazed me about the night is that our friends got both kids to bed by 9.30!!! I haven't been able to get them in be that early--unless they dropped to the floor of their own accord.
Saturday I had planned on going to knit with my knitting group at the library, but Jamey suggested we maybe to go see a movie, The Last Mimzy. Since we haven't been to a movie in ages--I wasn't going to pass it up. But since we haven't been to the movies for so long--apparently we don't know how to look up movie show times. We casually ate our lunch without realising we might actually have to be at the movie at a certain time. When I finally looked up the movie times--we realised we had to go to a theatre a bit further away if we wanted to catch a semi-early showing. It was okay--it was a new theatre that we hadn't been to yet. BUT it was a weekend and an opening one at that...so the showing was sold out. SO we took the latter showing and walked around the new Bass Pro Shop. Mic was SO impressed by all the stuffed lions, goats, Zebras, monkeys and such--that and the waterfall with the GIANT fish. I was impressed by the fudge shop and bought 1.5 pounds (buy a pound and get a half pound for freeeeee)We made it back to the theatre a tad later, we weren't impressed however by the lack of organization in the theatre hallways. MY GOD!! You would think in the what 90 or so years of movie show they would have gotten this part down--never mind the 30 years of MEGA theatres. Complete insanity. We were in line to get seated in the theatre (which by the way took ages to clean) and another line was forming to get into the IMAX theatre at the end of the hall. Okay whatever. But some pimply faced high school boy in a bad tux told us to move against the OTHER wall so we wouldn't get boxed in by the IMAX line. Never mind it would have MADE more sense for the IMAX line to line up one that side of the wall instead of down the middle of the hall--esp. since they were seating before us. Never mind no one knew which line was which so we spent our time---since we were at the head--directing people which line was which and to defend OUR place in line--argh.
The Last Mimzy was AWESOME! I loved it. It gave me the chills though--weird chills. I can't even begin to explain it. It's not a movie for cynics however--but for those like me who loves to dream and see the possibilities in all things--it's a great flick. Mic thought the mother in the movie was an "evil mommy." LOL. Mic liked it as well--although he loves to talk through movies--rather loudly--I need to talk to him about it.
Sunday was very productive. We cleaned out the van--and I mean cleaned it out. We took apart baseboards, took out carpets, took out seats and scrubbed everything. Jamey did most of the work. I wrangled the kids and did some cleaning inside. Then we went for burgers at Chester's....YUM! and went on a futile search for number 414 DMC perl cotton number 5. No dice...three separate stores. I have a few stores still to check.
This weekend--I finished Phisto's birthday present--yeap it's two months overdue. BUT finished!! I need to take a few pictures and finish up few other things and it'll be hers to wear in this not so cold weather any more--erm right. Maybe next season. My sock is progressing well--having knitting at the Spurs game, at the Bass Pro Shop, and the movie--I added some lace since it has reached my calf and needs a bit more width. I'll since it's nearly done (I think) I'll wait to take pictures when it's finished and off the needles.
I've started various other knitted projects, but they are Top Secret--hopefully destined for greatness. I won't be entirely quiet on knitting--since I still have the S.P.E.W. project, the other sock, and the practise shawl--but the other will be only mentioned in passing.
All this brings us to today. I didn't get much done in the way of cleaning--which is pathetic since my mom arrives in exactly a week and the house CAN NOT resemble a landfill. It also rained today--torrentially so. We need the rain, last year we had hardly any rain. As of right now our backyard looks like a jungle. But in two months it will look like a crispy desert.
I woke up in a ferocious mood. Actually--I was anxious (why?? you tell me) but when I actually started dealing with the kids and life around me--well I definitely turned into a raging F.E.P. monster. Sigh.
I went to bed quite late--at 2 am...bad i know, but I've been doing this all week--completely by accident but thoroughly enjoy the quiet time all to myself. Doesn't help my moods one bit. Sigh and it's a cycle too--a vicious cycle. I am moody and tired all day so I need a few hours of peace and quiet at the end of the day and I end up staying up way too late and I wake up moody the next morning. BHAT!
It's all overcast outside--muggy too--ick. Not the sort of weather which makes me want to do anything, but knit and sleep. But I have dishes and the living room to clean. Ah Sisyphus! It shall never ever end...the kids will always mess up the living room and we will always mess up the kitchen...
This is a picture filled post--so hold onto your hats dear readers. Yes I finally got off my lazy butt and uploaded bunches of pictures from my Bert.
Happy Spring!! Thanks to all the rain--our blue bonnets are blooming better and we even have some in are yard. The mating trees have yet to cause me problems, but I know it's all a matter of time before my head explodes with goop. For now, I can enjoy the lovely bluebonnets.
I've been cleaning in preparation for my Mom and sister coming in a week and a half (gasp!)--but I have also been bad and spent a lot of time knitting. I finished a S.P.E.W. hat and started another (a yellow beehive for a preemie about 12 inches in circ.). My mom crocheted the rainbow beret (yeap that is supposed to be a beret) and the green one is my creation. The bumps are knit stitches knitted three more times through the back and the knot on top is an I-cord tied in well a knot. I think they're definitely wacky enough to qualify as S.P.E.W. worthy.
For those who care: It was knitted on size 6 needles and it was my own pattern knit with Red Yarn line green acrylic yarn.
My socks are going along well. I am actually three inches more along than the picture shows...I have got to a weird pooling section, but it adds interest I think...I want funky socks. BUT the weird pooling section is in the bit of the sock I knitted AFTER I took it's picture. Anyway--I am quite proud of my sock--even though I have no idea when it's supposed to end--I still have plenty of yarn left.
That's my knitting pics--I still need to take decent pics of my Dad's finished scarf, but I need the right light and a model. I should get both this Saturday. I have also been working on a lace scarf and a present for a Phisto that is still very very late and might have to be used next winter. SIGH. I suck as a friend.
Now if you tire of endless kid pics, leave now, because I have 5 coming up...I am loving on Lorelei--so no new pics of Micci. BUT I do have a funny Micci story--just for my sister, who thrives on silly kid stories. Micci always reminds me to make sure I remember to fill up his and Lorelei's morning milk cups. If perchance I forget--he gets very disappointed in my "behaviour" and shakes his head (he'll be a great parent). Anyway, last night Micci drew me a picture on his magnetic sketch board of me pouring milk into two empty sippy cups, with the lids off to the side. Funny though the cups were bigger than me. It was a cute picture, but I forgot to snap a picture of it before Lorelei erased it this morning. Now onward with the gratuitous pictures of Lorelei flying and blowing on grass.
Did I mention there are 121 more days till the new Harry Potter book? I have been spending so much time on the Harry Potter forums, I have begun to dream about Snape. I have been reading a very good discussion pondering Snape's loyalties. Thankfully Phisto is coming to my rescue and is sending me books to give me something else to read and focus on. I finished listen to the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince CD and yeah I still sobbed at the end.
It's raining cats and dogs and I think a few gerbils from the sound of it. I can never sleep go to sleep during a storm (esp. one this loud. I can't complain because we do need this weather rather badly--for the sake for the blue bonnets we needed this rain. Let's hope they aren't drowning.
I came across this blog, while reading some of my knitting email. Miss Knotty made herself a fun quiz to make up for the sorely lacking one from myspace. Since I can't sleep and my satellite is out--why not.
What is the airspeed velocity of a laden swallow? African or European?
Which is stickier: Cotton Candy or a Caramel apple? Caramel Apple
If you were trying to dig to China, what kind of vessel would you use to get through the Liquid Hot Magma? Obviously--I'd...um--go to Wal-Mart and buy myself a silver car shade and--oh hell I don't know...
If you had a choice of a lifetime supply of Tube Socks or one pair of handknit socks from your now-deceased grandmother to last you for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Awww, I had think about it--but as much as I love my Grandma--I hate he hand knit socks so I'll have to go with the life time supply of tubeys. Yeah Iknow I am heartless. BUT I get her jewelry when she dies--so I'll have that to remember her by.
When you were a kid, did you make up songs to sing while waiting on your mom at the department store? Yes. I just wish I could actually carry a tune.
When you think of all the movies that have ever been made, what movie comes to mind as the movie you would stay up until 2:30 a.m. to watch because it has the director’s commentary enabled? (supposing, of course, that this is NOT a movie in your collection) Pulp Fiction--because I LOVE Quentin
Would you sacrifice your integrity for money? Of course not.
What is the contents of the black shoebox in the back of your closet? How did you know? An assortment of mis-matched flash cards and puzzle piece that belong to my 5 year old
When the rubber meets the road, are you going to be behind the wheel, or under it? Oh behind that wheel baby--BEHIND IT!
If Train A leaves Tuscon at 8:30 a.m. and Train B leaves Ottawa at 4:15 p.m., in what state will they bury the survivors? If it's Union Pacific--Texas
Would you consider answering a philosophical question with a quote from someone else? Would your quote be from The Bible? Hmmmm--it all depends. I'd probably use the quote from Ecclesiastes...it's pretty generic---one size fits all. Other than that i consider myself quite quotable--so other wise it'll be my own brand of genius I'd tap.
How many vinyl records have you bought in your lifetime? Do you know what a vinyl record is? Do you know what an 8-track is? (in desperate tone of voice) - Do you know what a cassette tape is? Do you know what a CD is? Sigh.LOL. I've bought dozen's of vinyl records--My parent's had a few 8 tracks banging around--no players though. I still own cassettes (and in my wilder days I owned every single New Kids on the Block cassette) Do I OWN CDS?? I used to worry about my escape plan for my library of CDs in case of a fire.
What’s the last sport you invented? Oh quickly can I wash the dishes and STILL get some knitting time in.
How many cookbooks does your mother own? Obviously not enough because she's a--oops she reads this blog--ummm she's got lot's and it shows--she a, erm terrific cook!
Do you think the Eastern Seaboard is sinking as a result of the number of old “National Geographic” Magazines that people have in their basements? No--it's the stash of porn under the steps.
When you are reading for pleasure, do you take notes? What? And myself slow down?
If you had to guess, how many dance partners would you say that your grandmother had at her coming-out party? LOL! If you mean her coming of age not her hello I am a lesbian luau--I'd thing she had dozens--she was quite a looker.
When you were at the last New Year’s party you attended, did anyone end up wearing a lampshade as a hat? Was it you? Are there photographs? Are they on the Internet? Are you sorry? Nah I am quite boring no picture of me wearing a lampshade...however--there is some circulating of me wearing nothing but scarves. Unfortunately no alcohol was involved in that escapade
When you consider the serious ramifications of global warming on the world today, do you think that ice cream vendors are going to have difficulties selling their products? If I believed in global warming--I'd have to say ice cream vendors would make out like bandits--HAHA it's a conspiracy of the ice cream vendors--a world wide consortium of men in white coats!!
Boy, that thunder and lighting is getting quite spectacular.
Without counting, how many pennies do you have in your savings account at this very moment? Ha pennies don't actually exist in banks! I hope I have more than 10,000,000 pennies because I just paid a bunch of bills.
When you read Plato, do you think in a Greek accent? Nope--but I used to have a Latin teacher that would read out loud in an Italian accent. I always found it very disconcerting.
Do you think Wayne Newton is creepier now, or when he had that weird woman-voice back in the 50s-60s (I know, I know - who’s Wayne Newton?) He's always been creepy.
If you had to visit Waukeegan, WI for four days, who would you take with you? If I took my Mom could I leave her there? LOL I luv oo Mommy.
If you see a Notary Public running at you brandishing a stamp, what do you do? Duck
GOOSE!
Do you prefer cambric or buckskin for frontierwear? Cambric--it's prettier.
Bacon or corned beef hash? oo bacon--most definitely. Hmmmmm, bacon...
What is the square root of the number of videos in my apartment? (Not your apartment.) If i am not mistaken you are mid 20s--I'd guess--at the most, 2
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and savior, and that He died on the cross to forgive your sins? Jesus Christ is my lord and saviour, but he didn't die on the cross to forgive my sins--he did THAT in the garden of Gethesame--he DIED to break the bonds of dead so he and US could be resurrected.
Phillips or flat-head? Phillips--how many toys do you ever see that actually need a flat head?? That's right NONE. I need an itty bitty phillips head screwdriver.
Oh good the satellite's back on...
Would you ever dye your hair with Kool-Aid? What flavor would you use? Hmmm, black cherry- I look good in red.
When Dostoyevsky was writing “The Brothers Karamazov”, do you think he was comparing notes with Tolstoy on “Crime and Punishment?” Er...yes?
Do you like Jamaican music? Have you ever actually heard any Jamaican music? Yes, and I have in Jamaica.
When you milk a cow, do you talk to it or whistle tunelessly through your teeth? Never have milked a cow--but if I did...I'd talk to it nice and sweet, begging it NOT to bite or kick me.
Which is the best gift: a pen-and-pencil set, a paperweight, or a cellphone from the 1980s? Hmmm--pen and pencil set--I love to write.
Whew--that's a long one--thanks Miss Knotty--btw YOU need to answer some yerself.
I don't think we'll see Winter again. In Texas--Spring is here. The trees are budding and every day we've been in the upper 70s. It's so weird to be able to wear shorts and sundresses, when other parts of the country still have snow.
The trees are budding. And a little voice in my head is telling me it's time to clean out the garage (MOTHER, get out of my head!) It's the plan for this weekend anyway. We need the rain, it might rain--but I am not optimistic.
With all this nice weather I have been forcing the kids outside. Not only does it force them to get dressed, but it gets them out of my hair. One of Micci's favourite things is to make wishes on dandelions. So cute. HE is totally sure they'll come true. Right? It's his phrase of the day...everything ends in "right?" BIG emphasis on the question mark.
I've also been busy knitting. I really wish I knew how to knit faster. There are SO many things I want to knit up. I have three lace shawls I want to cast on. Never mind the three sweaters I want to start designing as well. SIGH. So despite having 3 gifts I still need to finish and that are quite overdue. I started my first S.P.E.W. hat. I plan to finish it off with a I-cord knot on top. Of course, it gave me great ideas for the next two. I am going to use the same stitch pattern, peppercorn stitch), but knit ruffles instead of the rolled brim--it'll be a white hat. The third will be a beehive hat--not sure though should I knit it in yellow,or should I go funky and knit in a weird color? I am going to have lots of fun with this.
Of course I am still working on my sock. I got over the stupid evil heel. At least one side of the heel looks awesome...yeah like I am showing y'all the ugly side.
Despite the heel difficulties I am very proud of my sock. And now that I am on the leg--it's all smooth sailing from here out. Although I am fighting myself--I want to add a pattern, but I don't. I am also talking myself out of beads at the cuff...it depends on how tight the sock is at the cuff. I am really pleased the variegation isn't pooling. It's looks fantastic for hand dyed yarn.
I am being tempted to knit wee socks to go with my wee hats....please help me talk myself out of this...
We have icicles!! Long, 4 inch icicles. Can you believe it? Here in San Antonio--say it ain't so. They even say it's gonna snow--here in San Antonio! It hasn't snowed with actual accumulation in a little over 20 years.
So I took pictures, lot's of pictures of icicles.
All of the bushes are covered in ice.
Ain't it pretty??
I don't know if I'll see this sort of ice in SA for a long, long time.
And on the eaves--all over the eaves...like a pretty necklace.
It's been so amazingly cold here--unseasonable cold for San Antonio. Mic's desperate to go to the zoo too. I keep trying to explain to him that the animals are very cold and must stay inside. Never mind that last thing I want to do is slog around the zoo in freezing temperatures in the rain.
