Gnome Hovel

Update on Silver Tank Top

2005-05-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

I've actually had a request for an updated status on the Silver Tank Top. The votes on which side to wear out were pretty even, but one person suggested that I wear it "both ways". That is what I am attempting to make possible. Key word here is attempting. I'm not sure I can get the ends woven in neatly enough for that to look decent.
I am working on the front section that includes the armholes and neckline. I settled in Friday night with 2 DVDs and my knitting. I thought the front would be done by the end of the evening. WRONG! I spent the evening kniitting a tiny bit, then wrestling the needles, recounting stiches, trying to pick up the stitches that kept sliding off the needle.

There are some days you just shouldn't touch your knitting. But how do you know that without picking it up? The front section is now ready to bind off the neck line. I'm only a few days behind where I thought I would be. Another suggestion that came from the knittingchicks mailing list was to use a reverse crochet stitch, (crab stitch) to tame the roll. I intend to try this. It would also make the armholes and neckline a bit neater. I've never done it, but I know where the instructions are.

Hopefully, I'm very close to being ready to block this. I have never blocked ribbon yarn. If anyone has suggestions, they would be welcome

Killer Quiz

2005-05-09T12:53:00.000-05:00

You are a Samurai.
You are full of honour and value respect. You
are not really the stereotypical hero, but you
do fight for good. Just in your own way. For
you, it is most certainly okay to kill an evil
person, if it is for justice and peace. You
also don't belive in mourning all the time and
think that once you've hit a bad stage in life
you just have to get up again. It's pointless
to concentrate on emotional pain and better to
just get on with everything. You also are a
down to earth type of person and think before
you act. Impulsive people may annoy you
somewhat.

Main weapon: Sword
Quote: "Always do the right thing.
This will gratify some people and astonish the
rest" -Mark Twain
Facial expression: Small smile

What Type of Killer Are You? [cool pictures]
brought to you by

Crashing the Party

2005-05-08T11:17:00.000-05:00

Last night was yet another Saturday at the Tipperary Inn. There were no dancers this time, but there was a Wedding Reception. Somehow I missed the sign directing regular customers to the back room, and barged right in. A lovely young woman in a white satin dress came toward me smiling and enveloped me in a hug, gushing "I'm so glad your here." A bit stunned, I hugged her in return and told her she looked absolutely beautiful. (Which she did.) She proceeded to tell me to get anything I wanted at the bar, and there was still some cake left. I thanked her, and went to the bar, trying to puzzle out - Was she embarrassed not to know one of her guests, and pretending to know me? Or did she THINK she knew me? I ordered my drink, and when the barkeep asked if I was with the reception I said no. I may be a social klutz who can't read signs, but I wouldn't increase the bar bill of total strangers. I asked the barkeep if I should go elsewhere and he said the room was only reserved for another 10 minutes, so I was fine, and did I want him to run a tab for me?

That settled, I turned to survey the room, expecting nothing but strangers. I was surprised to see a number of faces that were familiar from Scarborough Faire, Hawkwood, and various Irish and Scottish Festivals. No one I really knew, but many familiar faces. The band that the wedding party had hired began to tear down to make room for the regular band. There! Someone I actually knew. One of the musicians was someone I knew from Scarborough and had run into time and again over the years. This was an individual that I considered to be my ex's friend. Any time we actually spent with him, I mostly listened to them converse. Still, he had always waved and spoken when we crossed paths, and if he had a moment would stop and exchange a few pleasantries. That was really all I expected when I hailed him, but to my astonishment, he joined me at my table (which I had snagged as soon as possible) and remained there for the next two hours. Filling me in on the history of the band members, his, and the one that was playing that night, introducing me to various people that stopped to speak to him, and just maintaining general conversation. His wife, who was there, didn't seem to mind this as she did the table hopping butterfly bit. Foolish woman! I'm more dangerous than I look. (joking-joking - I think) I was really great visiting with him. Underscored the fact that in all the years I've known him, I never had.
The band was one I'd never heard. They were really good. Ordinarily, I don't care for other types of music mixed in with my Irish. They played a lot of Irish, but they also played Country -which was GOOD country, Salsa - also good, and some truly excellent Blues. I can't speak for the quality of the Jamaican - but it was fun so that was all right too. I guess I don't mind it being mixed when everything in the mix is good. They were good enough that when the time came to leave so I could catch the last bus, I chose not to. I wasn't tired, the music was good, and I had enough in my wallet to pay for a cab. So I stayed. The band was The Trinity River Whalers, for those who are curious.
As the evening was coming to an end, the bride was making her rounds bidding her remaining guests goodbye. As she headed for me, I wondered, would she ask now who I was, or drop a hint who she thought I was. She came to my table., hugged me again said how very pleased she was that I had come, made a bit more small talk about the evening. Then -- she asked if I was still telling stories with the Dallas Storytellers Guild. -brainskitter-- She knew that about me?? I calmly answered (No, they moved too far north). Meanwhile trying very hard to place this person. She commiserated about the effective loss of the Guild, and said that if the store was still open she would invite some of the members to meet there.
BINGO!! This was the owner of the shop where I told stories twice a month during the summer three years ago. She DID know me, and was apparently truly pleased that I was there. And I -didn't - have- a - clue. Shoot! If I'd known that, I would have had that free drink, and maybe some cake.
One more bit of bizarreness to top off the evening. As I was getting up to leave, I nodded at the couple who had been sitting at the bar behind me. I had asked them once to guard my drink while I went to the Ladies. They were positively beaming at me, and said that the next time they saw me they were going to buy me a drink. (Picture eyebrows shooting up)"Why?"
" Because we enjoyed so much watching you enjoy the music. Your enthusiasm is catching, and we had a better evening for it. We are buying you a drink." --- Watching me? ???????? Wait a minute! I'm the observer here. Isn't it odd how those of us solitaries who find entertainment, enlightenment and humor in watching the human parade, forget that there is a real possibility that someone is watching us? Watching me. Hmmm!
I took them up on the drink offer, chatted a bit, and scored a ride home. Good people. I hope I do see them again, and not just for the drink.

And that is my tale of the Tipperary for this week.

Easy Come -Easy Go

2005-05-06T22:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I was extremely rich for about 5 minutes yesterday. I got an email informing me that I had won 1,000,000.00 in an online lottery. Well, I have entered lotteries on line, so my heart beat a bit faster. I'm not totally naive, so I was looking for the "if you enter and are chosen" or some variation on that Couldn't find it. Started breathing a bit harder. I was still counseling myself not to get too excited, believe it when you see the money. Still, I couldn't help but think about a couple of things I would do with that kind of money.
Then I saw it had a deadline to "file your claim". It didn't tell me how to do that. I decided to Google the Lottery name. Maybe I could find directions on their website.
I found them alright. Number three on the list of Lottery Scams. Pshaw! I haven't received the email asking for money yet, but I'm sure I will. Oh - the name. Diamond National Lottery.

Don't get too excited. What if I had quit my job? What if I had gone out and bought a bunch of stuff? Fines and imprisonment are far too gentle for people who play with peoples emotions this way. They need to be drawn and quartered. I'm glad I took my own counsel and didn't get too excited too quickly. I sure hate to lose that house though. I had it bought, remodeled and furnished.

The Metal dilemma

2005-05-04T19:16:00.000-05:00

Well I didn't really need another project to knit, but I did/do need a top to wear with my black blazer jacket. I found a pattern for a simple tank top using Austerman Quattro, a ribbon yarn. A simple pattern on large needles shouldn't take long to complete. I thought the Silver color would look awesome with my black jacket.
Problem one -- In spite of several rows of garterstich, the bottom is rolling. I have never been able to block out a roll, not even in wool. Whats more, I don't know how this ribbon will block.
I thought of sewing it in place and making a rolled hem a design feature. I'm not sure a roll of fabric straight across my hips is a feature I would be pleased with.

Problem 2 -- This yarn twists, and tightens on itself. There are skinny stretches. It does not create the smooth glistening fabric I had envisioned. Not a bad look, just not quite what I had in mind.
I've been seriously considering wearing it with the reverse side out. That way the roll would be inward. Also, I confess, there is something weirdly appealing about wearing something that looks like it was made from steel wool.

Thoughts please? Vote on the pictures below.

Silver Tank Top - in progress

2005-05-04T19:13:00.000-05:00

Silver Tank Top - in progress
Originally uploaded by ladygnome.

This is the knit side of the Silver Tank Top. You can just barely see the rolled hem.

Silver Tank Top - reversed

2005-05-04T19:12:00.000-05:00

Silver Tank Top - reversed
Originally uploaded by ladygnome.

This is the reverse Stockinette side of my Silver Tank Top

Hmmm - don't know

2005-04-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

You're a slightly tarnished metal key, and you
unlock the wardrobe. At first glance, you seem
to present only simple, everyday things, but
anyone who looks deeper will find much more.
Just don't expect everyone to believe in you,
and those who don't may not grasp your worth.

What sort of key are you and what do you unlock?
brought to you by Quizilla

I guess I'm ready to talk

2005-04-26T20:56:00.000-05:00

This was a strange weekend.
Saturday, I tried to reach my ex to find out where to send his birthday present. He had a fire the end of March and -quote- was invited to stay with the woman he has been dating.
I ASKED if he was considering marriage and he said "That's not on the table right now."

Discovering that the numbers I had for his parents weren't good anymore, I called his number on the off chance it was still working and he was still picking up messages.
He called back about an hour later.
15 - 20 minutes of "catch up" talk. What are you doing now? The folks are selling the house, I've got a storage shed to put my things in. Yea, go ahead and mail stuff here, I will be coming by every day. Oh, by the way I have some other news. Tonya and I got married. Got? Got! GOT????!!!!
Keep in mind, it was April 1st that he said it wasn't on the table. He, in fact, never told me that they were more than casual daters, though I figured that much out.

I proceeded to humiliate myself with anger, tears and some things I probably shouldn't have said. But, Damn it! After 20 years with him, I deserved better. Any FRIEND would have deserved better.

The thing is, I don't want him back. I do want him to be happy. So -- why did this hit me like a brick to the forhead?

I went to the theater with my son and granddaughter that afternoon. My son's reaction to the news was interesting.
"That was probably the most Chicken _ _ _ _ way he could have proceeded, It doesn't really surprise me."

The play and meal after were good. I enjoyed the company, but I was still puzzling over why I was SO angry and SO upset. When I asked on the first if he was considering marriage, I really didn't care if he was. I would have wished him well.

I decided to take the advice of a friend who has been telling me to "Go to a pub. Drink some beer. Meet someone." Did that. Well, two out of three any way.

It is hard to loose yourself in drink when you are only allowed one beer, and that only if you skipped your medicine. Well I had. So I had my one beer. I knew the Irish music would carry me off. It always does, and that worked. The people at the table next to me were dancers, and that was a most unexpected addition to the evening

Didn't meet anyone. Ahh well. (Pictures below)

In the last few days I have begun to understand my anger. I feel so STUPID. He kept saying we were friends. I believed we were still friends, but when I look at his behaviour objectively - he hasn't treated me as a friend. Not since long before he met Tonya last August. IF that is when he met her, which I sincerely doubt and always have, though I tried not to.
I feel more like someone he wants to close the door on, but doesn't know how.
Item - I asked Saturday if Tonya knew we were still friends. His response - "She knows we still talk occasionally." That is NOT the same thing.
Item 2 - Okay, he is married. He is no longer staying temporarily with a friend. He is where he is going to be. So -- why didn't he give me that address to mail things to, and why didn't he give me a number where he can actually be reached? Shoot - all he has to do now is change his email and I would not be able to get in touch at all.

Well for once in my life, I am not going to be a complete fool. I am going with my gut feeling. I am not sending an expensive present just before he shuts the door on me. Nope -- no present for him.

Disillusionment SUCKS!!
For those who care -- I really feel much better now.

The band at the Tipperary Inn

2005-04-26T15:20:00.000-05:00

The band at the Tipperary Inn
Originally uploaded by ladygnome.

We had wonderful lively music. This is a very good local band

We had dancers!

2005-04-26T15:19:00.000-05:00

We had dancers!
Originally uploaded by ladygnome.

The group that were enjoying dancing to the music increased my enjoyment too

So very True

2005-04-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

Your a playful unicorn! Wow, you must like games
very much. All playful unicorns live near
oceans or lakes and are all open to humans and
other cretures. Playful unicorns tend to like
to play alot with any human or animal, but
quite frankly, most of the time, thats all they
do. Playful unicorns are very nice and kind,
and always like to help. Sometimes they tend to
be lazy, but who doesnt? Playful unicorns
horns, if drank from, can detect poison and
turn green. All playful unicorns, unlike other
unicorns, know the human speech very well, and
always seem to stay in the phase of a child.

What kind of Unicorn are you? (With beautiful pictures)
brought to you by

Why have startitis - a further word

2005-04-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

A few posts back I mentioned my problem with finishing things. I've actually spent some time thinking about why I jump from one thing to another so often. Just as I was preparing to share my views, the subject came up on a Yahoo group I belong to. One of the posts expressed my thoughts much more clearly than I had been able to, so I asked permission to post it here.

This is what Ruinwen had to say on the knitting-chicks group.

I think the way we are programmed to think in this day in age makes us forgetthe joy of the process. When we get in the middle of a project we want it to bedone…many talk of being bored with it… The process is the exciting part for mebecause I learn…usually which much frogging, tinking and other unlady likebehavior…but I do learn. And learning promotes growth in the craft…

The beginning of a project is so exciting all that new stuff! You get to pickit out yourself and it fuels the fire to begin something new. But thatexcitement soon wears off when the project is about six inches because it is notnew anymore. Then we go off to seek another “high” with prettier yarn andanother pattern that calls to us.

Sometimes it gives me a feeling of control. My life is so hectic because of allI try to cram in a day but my projects are mine. I control them. From pickingthe next pattern to the yarn I will be using it is all mine and that is awonderful feeling. I think when my life is spinning out of control then I liketo start something new. For me it is like a safety net to know that duringcertain times of the day I will be knitting something that I really want to seebirthed into existence.

For instance; I have a Spring Fair in four weeks to attend and I have beencrocheting blankets like mad…so there has been little time for knitting…but whatdid I do when I got stressed about my deadline? I was looking at Kitt’s blogthinking I should try lace and then someone gave me a lace book and here I amworking on lace…and somehow because it is what I chose to do I don’t feelstressed about it and everything else is getting done and there is order to mychaotic universe again.

Ruinwen

It should be noted that I don't crochet blankets to sell, but I have other things that stress me in the same manner. I thought Ruinwen did a great job of analyzing the situation and expressing it clearly.

If you want to know more about Ruinwen, visit her blog. http://vixenpath.blogspot.com

2005-04-20T03:25:00.000-05:00

Well, that didn't quite work as expected. I thought I was adding a link. I'm obviously still learning this blog thing. Well, in any case, it is an interesting fiber related blog. I enjoyed it.

A Fiberholic Life

2005-04-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

A Fiberholic Life

The faster I go

2005-04-10T23:36:00.000-05:00

I wish I was better at quotes. I don't know where to attribute this, but --"The faster I go, the behinder I get. " That should really be my motto.
My computer is hooked to the phone line by a cable strung across the floor. Unsightly, but it works. When my son was here Saturday, we measured and shopped and got a cable long enough to take over door and down the wall. We bought a staple gun too. Gotta do this right.

I spent a good part of today moving boxes and emptying boxes to clear the area where the cable must go. Took a good many of the boxes and considerable stuff into my laboriously neatened living room. No harm, right? It will be moved right back as soon as the cable is strung.

I got the duct tape and opened the cable. I CAN do this on my own. Except --- There are no plugs on the cable. We got a long cable that has NO plugs. YAHHHHH!

I will get the proper cable tomorrow. No real harm done, but I look around my thouroughly trashed living room, and wonder how I can possibly get to my bed (That's where more "stuff" went.) I refuse to be depressed, but I think you could fairly say that I'm dejected.

I doesn't really help matters that I finally got all the ingredients together for Thai Chicken in Peanut Sauce done in the crockpot, AND remembered to start it in time to have it for supper. I was smelling it all afternoon. I do love Thai peanut sauce. BLEEECH! Not a good recipe. I wasted two good chicken breasts. Peanut butter sandwich for supper. Sigh -

I just quit and sat and knitted on my blue and white slip stitch Whatsis. I still don't know what it will be when it grows up, if it grows up, but it is making a beautiful fabric. I will try to post a picture tomorrow. Knitting really is a calming activity. I feel much better now

Mystery solved

2005-04-10T00:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you Faythe. My mystery project is made from Sidar Snuggly Magic. Yea!!!

This has been a strange day. Management hasn't switched to AC yet, and it hit 80 degrees, so doors were open. With my neighbors door to the back stairs open, and mine as well, we might as well have been in the same apartment. Oddly, it didn't bother me. It was kind of nice hearing them prowling around and visiting.

I was sitting at the computer and suddenly had wet doggy nose on my elbow. Scooby, their yellow lab mix had come to visit. He prowled around the apartment a while then settled in at my feet for about 15 minutes. Then got up and lumbered out.

He came back twice more. The last time he helped himself to the remains of my sandwich which was on a TV table. Gotta love him.

So neat to have a dog to pet, play with and laugh at, and I don't have to feed or clean up after him. -- I like where I live right now.

Jayine, if you are reading this, please post or email the URL for your blog. I must have written it down wrong. I can't find you.

The World a Stage

2005-04-08T17:53:00.000-05:00

Oh I live entirely too close to one of, if not THE best Italian Restaurant in this town. I had been told it was good, so I walked down last night to try it out. Thursday is my Restaurant or delivery night. Why, you ask conveniently? Because by Thursday I'm sick of my own cooking, and it isn't nearly as crowded as Friday or Saturday.
The food was every bit as good as I had been told it was, but this isn't a restaurant review.

Since I dine alone, I usually take a book to read as I eat. In this restaurant, the dim lighting eliminated that option. So I was left to focus on my food -- or my fellow diners. It didn't take me long to notice that I was seated facing four booths. Since the room was narrow, they were quite close. What's more, I was exactly in the center. Perfect to be the audience for whatever drama took place across from me. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much.

If you consider the boothes numbered in the traditional left to right manner, the first to claim my attention was booth number 4, with a loud and enthusiastic OH Score Diane! in a childish voice. The waitress rather conveniently came by at that time and asked whos Birthday it was and how old. It seems the BD girl was 13, her friend 14 and the Mommies were with them.

About this time I heard the words "Research Grant" from booth number 2. Since I work at a Medical Center very involved with research and grants, that caught my attention. There were three people in the booth. An older gentleman, that even without the clue I would have pegged as a University Dr. There is just a look. A woman with him who was later confirmed by conversation as his wife, and a young man seated across the table. He was in the process of describing his most recent project. For a while I entertained myself with the prospect of hearing some earthshattering information that I could take back to my employers and be a hero. --It could happen.

I was listening avidly to the conversation in booth 2 when I realized that I really couldn't hear that well because, 1 the party in booth 4 was picking up and getting louder and 2 the waitress had seated a couple in booth 3 and was attempting to get their order. I'm going to try to convey my impression by repeating the bits of conversation I could hear from booth 3. Woman: "Everything has pasta. Do you have some grilled salmon and vegetables or something?" Waitress: "The first item on the menu is grilled salmon. If you don't want the pasta, we can substiture vegetables."
Woman: (something I didn't catch) and you can take away the bread, we wont be needing that."
Man:(timidly) "I rather like the bread here."
Woman: " Really? Well, not bread AND pasta. That's very bad for you."
Woman" to waitress -- 'Is this your only wine? -----well, I'll try that one.
( ensuing converstion indicated that they were first time daters. Getting to know one another.)

I tried listening to booth 2 again. I was really interested in what was being said there. Conversation had shifted and now the older man was describing the program he was in charge of and talking about the difficulty in finding qualified candidates. HMMM I had thought the young man was trying for a job, but --who is courting who here???

Attention drawn to booth 4 where Friends Mommie is loudly expounding on the skill of her two year old. Truly incredible (adj : beyond belief or understanding;) feats. He knows Stars and Hearts. He studied Stars with her and studied Hearts with (someone else). -- I really did think that the characterisation was far too steriotyped and over the top. Bad script. She continued on to snap her daughters head off for asking the completely rational question "Why does he need to learn Stars and Hearts?? More cliche - more bad script.

Spotlight returns to booth three where the couple is sending back there entre' because there is "too much sauce" on the vegetables. The man looks slightly embarrassed. The woman proceeds to pull out her cell phone and call a friend to plan the next evening. -- Who created this character?

Back in booth 2 the young man is enthusiastically describing his plans for future project and the direction he want to go with his research. -- I wish I could hear better.

Another couple is being seated in booth one. What, I wonder will they add to the mix?

Booth three is getting the new plates with vegetables - no sauce. Woman asks for a new glass of water --Cold water, no ice. --. While she proceeds to salt the bjeezus out of he healthy no sauce vegetables, the man gets on his cell to check in with his son. Okay -- these two deserve each other, neither one can focus on the person they are with for more than 10 minutes.

I check out booth one. All I can go on is body language. They appear to be comfortable with each other, but whatever they are saying stays in their booth. Even when the Mommies and daughters aren't braying there isn't a sound. Since it is the same distance as booth 4, I find that interesting.

New fracas in booth 4 -- We are now splitting the bill. I'll put this much on my card and you pay me this much, but I can't put more on it, so you'll have to pay them some. Who had the ____? They really do need new writers.

Man in booth 3 is getting a full blown lecture on what one should and shouldn't eat. I notice he did not eat the bread.

I look wistfully at booth one. They seem to be having a very good time, I wish I could hear them.

Booth 2 has gotten their check and some of the dishes are cleared, but they are still talking some about research, some personal stuff. I still can't tell who is courting who, but I hope it turns out well for them.

Booth 4 is empty. and quiet at last.

As I get up to leave. The woman in booth 3 give me a look and a smile that is -- flirtatous??? Not EVEN lady. Not if I bent that way. I'm out of there FAST.

As I left the thought occured to me that what was missing was a friend to talk behind my hand to, point out the foibles and the cliches so we could giggle madly. So go ahead folks. Put your hand over your mouth and whisper to me. We can giggle together, or you can tell me to straighten up and quite criticizing the world. I wont, but you can tell me to.

Would you Drive

2005-04-06T23:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have a minute to write, and my mind is empty. What to do? Here is a site where some very thought provoking and conversation starting questions are posted.
http://therealunicorn.tblog.com/

Because it is relevant to my life right now, I am choosing to answer question 2.

2. If you didn't have to drive, for whatever reason...would you? Why or Why not?

Well, here is the deal, I haven't had a car for five years. Our one car went with my now Ex-husband to Oklahoma.
At first I was frightened. I had no idea how I would cope. And I have to say it wasn't all that easy at first. Slowly I learned the bus routes, learned what I could carry and when I needed a cab. Friends stepped in to get me to social functions, and I learned how to "just be" at home.

The reason the question has become relevant now is that due to some raises in salary, some bills being paid off and other things, I do have the ability to make a car payment now. I really hadn't considered that fact until a well meaning co-worker sicced a car company on me. They are ready to finance a used car. Do I want it? Let me think out loud abuot that.

I do have a license, and occasionally rent a car. There are times when there is just more to do, or the things you need to transport are just to heavy/bulky to carry on the bus. I did that two weekends ago. I expected the expense of the rental, and there were several items on the "buy" list. Moving will do that. What I didn't expect was the expense of impulse purchases. I bought several things I would not have gotten if I had to lug them home on the bus. A car is expensive.

There would be payments, insurance, parking fee, registration, and - have you seen the price of gas??? I would go out more, and buy more, and generally be financially irresponsible. Don't argue. I know me better than you do.

The area that I just moved into, and the main reason I moved here has everything I would need on a regular basis within walking distance, or a very short bus ride. The day I got a cab to haul the big grocery buy home, it cost all of 2.40.

There are things I can't do. I can't go see a Texas Rangers game. Arlington has no public transportation. That is really eating me right now because Monday is thier first home game. See- I would go and spend money. If my friends stop hauling me, I wont be able to go to the social functions in Lewisville. That would suck. I hope they don't fade on me. I can't go visit my family in the Mid City area on Sunday.

Even so -- when I look at the benefits of owning a car, and look at the known and unknown costs, think about the things I could do if I had one, and consider if they are really important.

No, nyet, nine, nunka. No car. It really isn't worth the cost and trouble.

What is needed (the philosophy you were warned about) is for cities to develop more neighborhoods like the one I am fortunate enough to be in. Improve and expand public transportation, and reduce the need for private automobiles. It would actually solve a lot of problems.

Now I need to go bask in the hypnotic pulsing of the idiot tube. I have overheated my brain.

Judgement Day

2005-04-04T22:22:00.000-05:00

Originally uploaded by ladygnome.

Well, today I got a taste of what Judgement Day will be like. All I wanted was to liberate a little yarn, and maybe some needles. A "little something" to knit while I watched a DVD.
Oh the Guilt!!! Where did the movers find this box? Loose balls of yarn, bits of unidentified knitting. Armless sweaters,and sweaterless arms. They were all staring at me with pain and sorrow. I swear they were.
How long has it been since I touched these? There is a tubular cast on. I don't remember even attempting a tubular cast on.
I could make an oath, here and now to finish some of these, but while the current culture doesn't take oaths seriously, some of us do, and I'm one. So - no oaths that I don't know I can keep. But I am going to try to finish some of this. Here is my first rescue attempt. (The title started out to be mystery project. I'm not used to my phone pictures yet.)
This is a self striping yarn, very small. If anyone can identify it and make a suggestion of what size needle I was using, it would be greatly appreciated. I only remember it as very small.
I have all the pieces of a tiny raglan cardigan, not put together. I know I had a pattern, but I think I can fake the neck and button band if I have to. If you know the pattern, that would be nice. Please help redeem this sinner.

2005-04-04T21:12:00.000-05:00

Many Boxes

2005-03-25T19:30:00.000-06:00

Many Boxes
Originally uploaded by ladygnome.

Here I am in Moving Hell. It's gotten a little better now, but I still don't have much time to blog. I only got my computer on line yesterday. I promise loyal fans, I will do better.

Checking In

2005-02-21T15:21:00.000-06:00

The everlasting Ponchos are finished!! Done and delivered. Of course, my son has not returned the camera I gave him so I could have pictures. Donopolis, if you are reading this, I do mean you. The move is progressing. Movers are hired. I have had some help, paid and otherwise, and while my body is protesting mightily, I have been able to do quite a bit myself.
Word of philosophy from Wise? old Gnome lady -- There is no need to worry. It will all get done. If something does get left behind, or isn't the way you want it, you wont remember that next year. Stay calm, don't panic.

Which reminds me. How many out there are panting to go see Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy?
I can hardly wait.

Moving fast

2005-02-05T21:08:00.000-06:00

Just when you think your safe and settled--- Tuesday I was set to stay in my current lodgings for at least 9 months. Wednesday my son found a listing for an apartment he thought I would like. It is in the Lakewood area of Dallas for those of you who know Dallas. We went, we saw, I applied, I'm moving.
Just like that. In three weeks I'll be in new digs. Don't worry, you will all still be welcome at the new hovel.
I spent this evening looking at all my knitting magazines and beautiful yarn. How best to transport them? Where will I store them in the new place? Of course, I did get a bit distracted. Nice soft wool, Berroccos Fun Fur, Glitz and Glamor and Baby Soft cotton. What? It's bedtime already, but I haven't looked at all of it yet. And the moving company never called back.

The Final Touch

2005-02-03T14:41:00.000-06:00

At first glance you might think this is about knitting, but it is about much more than that. I am not a "finisher". What is it about a project that you enter so enthusiastically, that it becomes more and more a chore to do?
Last fall, I started knitting Ponchos for my granddaughters. I thought they would be finished sometime in November. They weren't. They aren't.
Now, to be fair to myself, I had a terrible cough for a while, and coughing and knitting don't mix very well. I had to redo a lot of stitches before I learned that. The fact is I don't do well going back to a project I've put down. This is true of knitting, computer work, sewing, house cleaning. This is why my house is full of started projects.
These Ponchos must be finished. There is too much time, energy and good yarn invested to waste it all. All that is needed is to weave in the ends and sew the pieces together. Someone encourage me!!
Would my knitting be better if I took the time to add the last embellishment. That finishing touch that really makes it special? Of course it would. Would I be in a better place today if I had learned not to quit until the last nail is driven, the last yarn tail woven in, the last word typed? I imagine so. I hope reading this little bit helps someone understand the importance of persistence. Comments are welcome, especially if you have advice on how to get past this tendency.

Introduction

2005-01-31T09:24:00.000-06:00

I'm new to blogging, so you may find my page a bit amatuerish. I have many interests and would like to share them with the world, and find others who share those interests. Obviously working with the computer is one of my interests. I don't do badly with software and Office applications, but I am not a hardware person. I need help hooking up the printer. :-)
Recently, I have been trying to learn VBA for Access. It's slow going.
I've never in the past played many games on the computer. I now have several. Neverwinter Nights which wouldn't play on my old computer, but is now installed on my new one. The full version of Jewel Quest which I had been playing online at msn.com, and Sims 2 which I just purchased and got a bit addicted to quickly. One hitch - if anyone knows how to change the language from inside the game, please write. I was sure I said English on installation, but they are speaking Spanish. Which wouldn't be a problem except I don't.

Other interest include:
Reading --- Just about anything including cereal boxes, but especially Science Fiction/Fantasy, Mystery and Action Thrillers. Yes, I do read serious non-fiction as well, but who wants to talk about that?
Live Role Playing games -- When I can find one. I'm much older than most gamers, and not that knowledgeable. Have to find someone who will accept my shortcomings. I was involved with a group playing Gatecrashers, but it is on hiatus for a while.
History -- I love reading about what went before and how things used to be. Not much for memorising dates. I like the living history groups. Yes, I know about the SCA and was once a member. I have also been a performer and a vendor at Fantasy and Renasaince Fairs. They turned out to be more about theater than history, but that is all right because that is another interest.
Theater --- I have been involved with live theater in the past, and loved it. Now my participation is limited to attending other peoples performances. I haven't been able to find a venue in this area that both welcomes new participants and holds its rehearsals at a time friendly to a person with a 40 hour a week job.
Fiber Arts -- I am interested in anything that has to do with creating with yarn or thread, but my level of interest and skill varies. I am proficient in Knitting, Crochet, and Macrame (used to be, it has been a while.) I can embroider, do a bit of needle lace, and I have done some weaving. I have a spinning wheel and a drop spindle. -- Someone please come teach me to use them.
Drawing and Painting -- I just now realised how long it has been since I actually did this. Need to dig out the supplies and see how far my skill has slipped.
General Crafting - Not that much. I keep trying things, and enjoy learning a bit about them, but they take time away from the things I already know I enjoy, so I wind up knowing a tiny bit about a lot of things. The most recent thing to spark my interest is Marbelizing. Both paper and fabric. It is fascinating to see the designs emerge. The problem is that to do it on a large scale, you need both space and some specialised equipment. Being an apartment dweller, space is not that easy, and, gee, if I spend my money on that equipment -- how will I buy yarn???

I saved the most important for last. I will be writing about my family. My children, childrens spouses, and my grandchildren.
Oh cut that out!!! If you've read this far, you didn't find me that boring or senile.

Well that is it for the Introduction. I hope you enjoyed your stay at the Gnome Hovel and will return. I'll have the tea and cookies ready.

Lady Gnome