Sunday, August 24, 2008

It seemed like a good idea....

the bicycle seemed like a really good idea

Need I say more? The rest of the bruises and scrapes on his arms and legs don't show. Four weeks until the cast comes off. Dressing himself is difficult and eating with his left hand is a little tricky! He might lose some weight in the next four weeks!

A New Wish List:

1. A four-leaf clover

2. A bluebird of happiness

3. Someone to help me clean my house

4. Peace (my own, somebody else is in charge of the world!)

Started a Summer Shawlette of Fiesta Boomerang. It's going to be pretty and warmer than I expected. After finishing the Forest Canopy I couldn't settle on any of the UFO's I had so I needed to start a new project!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Busy and Fun Week!


Wow what a busy week! About 10 days ago I was ask to present a "fiber" program to a group of about 50 home ec teachers attending a state conference. They had signed up to take a tour of the library and wanted a program. (in case you don't know, I work in the library and seem to be the knitter-in-residence) It sounded like fun in spite of the short notice so I said yes. Starting Monday, I began gathering from the library system, pattern books, how-to books, non-fiction by Yarn Harlot, Wendy Knits, Crazy Aunt Purl etc. and fiction with knitting themes. I went through my stash which seems to be fast approaching SABLE and made arrangements with Gourmet Yarn Co, to borrow some skeins of fibers I don't own. I very much appreciate that as the cashmere and assorted fibers I don't own really enhanced the presentation. I took a variety of needles-which I seem to have plenty of-and quite a few finished projects: Lady Eleanor, Clapotis, a Christmas stocking, some miniature Christmas ornaments, socks, a forest canopy shawl that was knitted but I didn't have time to block choosing instead to go to bed the night before! I wrote a speech, did the outline, practiced and crossed my fingers that I'd stay on topic and finish in 45 minutes. I had a wonderful time and they seemed to really enjoy the presentation, at least they were very complimentary afterwords. I also gave them a hand-out with some internet resources available.

That was Tuesday, then on Wednesday I was scheduled to speak at a Senior Citizens Group at a local church. I do that quite a bit but this group wanted an author program. I have this book talk put together a couple years ago about Oklahoma Authors (I have one about Christmas books too but that's beside the point.) and agreed to present that. Our state has an amazing number of very successful authors. And fortunately, I've been priviledged to meet many of them and hear them speak at state conferences. I also coordinate an author visit once a year for a system wide program and that's fun. Get a grant from the Friends of the Library to mpay them andp--well I digress. So I bundled up a stack of books to display, made my Oklahoma Authors list hand-outs fro them and headed out. Program went great, fortunately I'm not one of the group of people who fears public speaking. Did you know that more people fear public speaking than death?! But I love it, after I retire I intend to supplement mny income by doing just exactly that. Book reviews, book/author talks, and now fiber talks too! oops I'm digressing again...
Thursday, thank heavens, nothing was scheduled so I set about uncovering the top of my desk again and lo! there it was! Friday, I rested.
Friday night I finally got to block my Forest Canopy Shawl. It's made of Fleece Artist Seacell Sock weight yarn. I bought the yarn when we were in Alaska last summer. I think it's beautiful.





























Don't you?
Well, I guess I'll leave you with a picture of young Mr. Carter. He decided to brush his teeth by himself and I happened to catch him at it. Aren't toddlers funny? Toodles.....Anita

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Funny youtube, cat observations, birthdays

HAPPY SATURDAY! It's a good day and this is my birthday month! I'll be 59 (shudder) How did I get to be 59? I remember waaay back in my 20's when I thought 55 was as old as I neeeded to get and I could pass on anytime after that....my how our perspective changes!

I am a librarian (sort of). This Youtube was circulating at work yesterday and I thought it good for a hot Saturday afternoon chuckle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB4HvVEMFig&NR=1

Carter is Bella’s Exercise Program

Carter, who is 18 months, adores Bella (the cat) , who is 4 years old and has never been particularly fond of children-or anybody else now that I think about it-except Richard. Carter is really quite gentle with her but she absolutely doesn’t trust him. Her favorite activities are eating and sleeping in no particular order. His favorite activities are running and yelling also in no particular order. He’ll spot her hiding/sleeping somewhere, kind of squeal and head towards her. She runs off; he follows at a brisk trot. She runs faster. He breaks into a full run and around and around the house they go until one of them gets tired/distracted or the other begs to be let out the door if she doesn’t have access to her pet door. As near as I can tell, this is the only exercise she gets. So I let them play chase. Of course I never let him try to pet her without supervision and he loves her. Too bad she doesn’t reciprocate; and they could live happily ever after……. As it is, it’s highly amusing to watch…..and she does need the exercise!