Post Christmas news December 28, 2004

I meant to post before Christmas but I guess holiday festivities got in the way.  I hope all those who celebrate had a happy holiday.  Christmas Eve was spent with Kevin’s family.  While it was a bit overwhelming for Owen, he survived and we were home around 8pm.  Gracie enjoyed the preparations and Cameron was so cute with his anticipation.  Kevin gifted me with some lovely short Lantern Moon needles and a Crystal Palace circular needle.  I was a bit annoyed with Seaport Yarns for selling him a 35" needle for "knitting in the round".  But it’s his thought that counts.  Practically speaking, I needed gloves and he gave me beautiful Coach gloves.  His mom gave me a gift certificate for Granny’s.  I am considering buying the yarn for Lara.  I still love that design.  While I haven’t received it yet, Kevin’s family does a Secret Santa thing and I will be getting a Spaceboard from Knitpicks.

Today I met up with Jody.  We visited Purl–which was very crowded.  I just picked up some more Koigu to feed my mother’s addiction.  I need to knit through some more stash before I buy more yarn.  We had lunch at this really fab Thai place.  YUM!  I will find the card later–’cause it was really good.  Then we found a coffee shop and sit and knit for a bit and had a nice chin wag. 

I can’t believe 2005 is around the corner.  The rep from Knitting Fever is coming on Friday so I will go in for half a day.  Sometimes Granny needs a little help saying no.  It’s really fun though seeing all the yarns and patterns.  Granny gave me a lovely Lantern Moon Twisted Palm basket for Christmas.  I love it. 

Socks, scarves and no St. Brigid December 23, 2004

These are my mom’s latest Koigu socks.  As I said, she is knitting through her impressive stash one skein at a time.  I have my choice of sock.  Any thoughts?  She had me pegged for the Traveler’s Sock–I love that pattern but I have coveted that green Koigu in her stash for quite some time.   

I have finally finished my holiday knitting.  The last 2 scarves get gifted today.  I am really pleased with Miss G’s green dropped stitch scarf.  It was a pain in the butt but it looks very nice.  On the quilt we have the rest–less one overly fluffy scarf.  Starting in the top left corner, Blizzard hat for Cam’s OT, green scarf for Cam’s reading teacher, red Blizzard hat for his speech teacher, next to that one a Sheela scarf and CZ ring for Cam’s teacher, beneath that scarf for the MIL knit with Tess Designer Yarns cultivated silk/merino with microfiber ribbon edging, blue scarf for crossing guard and the multidirectional scarf for Owen’s home teacher. 

I have been a terrible St. Brigid knitalong host as of late.  Sorry.  I promise, after the holidays are over to do better.  🙂  I am nearly finished with my shopping.  Last minute stuff to even up the gifts for the kids.  Cameron really wanted that S’mores Maker and it is nowhere to be found.  I broke down and went to Linen’s and Things to get there more grown up version–one damaged one left.  I took it.  I was joking with Gracie that it will have to be from mom and dad ’cause Santa doesn’t give broken gifts–they go to the Island of Misfit Toys.  She is getting a kick out of this whole Christmas thing.  And Cameron is amazing to watch.  He believes so wholeheartedly.  His teacher had letters sent to the kids from Santa.  He slept with it under his pillow last night. 

December 20, 2004

Kevin and I had a fabulous time in the city.  And my MIL said it was the best experience so far, babysitting Owen, Cameron and Gracie overnight.  She has even signed herself up for 2 nights in March.  The party was fun.  Kevin’s coworkers are all so nice.  Having little to no interest in the world of finance, I find these people to be so down to earth and fun.  The apartment was incredible.  Park Avenue Penthouse apartment with this fab balcony overlooking NYC. 

Our hotel was fine.  We stayed at the Sofitel–the bed was a bit uncomfortable but the bathroom was lovely.  We woke up early and while I would have loved to go back to sleep…Kevin can’t sleep in.  Just as well, optimal together time.  We had breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner.  I am not exactly sure why…we seldom do the touristy things.  And then we–well I window shopped and Kevin shopped.  Actually, he had a gift card burning a hole in his pocket for Faconnable.  I had suggested KnitNY for breakfast–and he was willing–but again we were maximizing our time together.

Speaking of knitting…I started my final scarf for Cameron’s teacher.  I bought this beautiful Filatura di Crosa 501 in a soft buttery yellow.  The best I could come up with was a ribbed scarf.  Frump city!  All of the other teachers are getting these fun, funky scarves!  And while the 501 is the nicest of the yarns, the pattern is frumpy!  Back to the yellow drawing board.  Cam’s teacher is getting an off white scarf.  It’s close to yellow, right?  And what will become of the 501?  I am thinking a second, after I make the first, Clapotis!

In other exciting news, Granny had the dropped stitch scarf block at the dry cleaner and it looks incredible!  Truly!  I am stunned!  I need to quit using exclamations!  I left it at the shop in hopes she’ll move some of the yarn.  I will fringe it Wednesday and gift it on Thursday. 

My dear friend Brian is in from Paris for the holidays.  I still haven’t knit him his scarf with the yarn he chose at La Droguerie.  Nor have I made his partner his hot water bottle cover.  We did, however, go to see A Series of Unfortunate Events last night with Cameron and Gracie.  It wasn’t all that good.  And I really don’t care for Jim Carrey in that kind of role.  I am okay with Dumb and Dumber and Me, Myself and Irene but don’t like the Cat in the Hat The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and his other kids movies. 

Shoot, gotta go shopping. 

Kevin and I had a fabulous time in the city.  And my MIL said it was the best experience so far, babysitting Owen, Cameron and Gracie overnight.  She has even signed herself up for 2 nights in March.  The party was fun.  Kevin’s coworkers are all so nice.  Having little to no interest in the world of finance, I find these people to be so down to earth and fun.  The apartment was incredible.  Park Avenue Penthouse apartment with this fab balcony overlooking NYC. 

Our hotel was fine.  We stayed at the Sofitel–the bed was a bit uncomfortable but the bathroom was lovely.  We woke up early and while I would have loved to go back to sleep…Kevin can’t sleep in.  Just as well, optimal together time.  We had breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner.  I am not exactly sure why…we seldom do the touristy things.  And then we–well I window shopped and Kevin shopped.  Actually, he had a gift card burning a hole in his pocket for Faconnable.  I had suggested KnitNY for breakfast–and he was willing–but again we were maximizing our time together.

Speaking of knitting…I started my final scarf for Cameron’s teacher.  I bought this beautiful Filatura di Crosa 501 in a soft buttery yellow.  The best I could come up with was a ribbed scarf.  Frump city!  All of the other teachers are getting these fun, funky scarves!  And while the 501 is the nicest of the yarns, the pattern is frumpy!  Back to the yellow drawing board.  Cam’s teacher is getting an off white scarf.  It’s close to yellow, right?  And what will become of the 501?  I am thinking a second, after I make the first, Clapotis!

In other exciting news, Granny had the dropped stitch scarf block at the dry cleaner and it looks incredible!  Truly!  I am stunned!  I need to quit using exclamations!  I left it at the shop in hopes she’ll move some of the yarn.  I will fringe it Wednesday and gift it on Thursday. 

My dear friend Brian is in from Paris for the holidays.  I still haven’t knit him his scarf with the yarn he chose at La Droguerie.  Nor have I made his partner his hot water bottle cover.  We did, however, go to see A Series of Unfortunate Events last night with Cameron and Gracie.  It wasn’t all that good.  And I really don’t care for Jim Carrey in that kind of role.  I am okay with Dumb and Dumber and Me, Myself and Irene but don’t like the Cat in the Hat The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and his other kids movies. 

Shoot, gotta go shopping. 

Santa stories December 16, 2004

We got to the mall and got a terrific spot right in front of the door.  Owen danced down the aisle of Lord & Taylor.  We were second on line for Santa and Owen did pretty well–he didn’t smile but he sat and looked at the camera.  We went to the Food Court for McDonalds and he fell apart.  Owen hasn’t eaten at the Food Court in a mall since he was stroller bound.  I guess it was too much for his senses.  He didn’t run away, just gripped my hand for dear life.  We left, much to Cameron and Gracie’s disappointment, food in hand.  We passed Santa and entered Lord & Taylor to leave.  I guess he saw the escalator.  I would have willingly rode the escalator.  I think they are fun too but he was on the floor.  He kicked the glass in the jewelry department.  Thankfully nothing broke and no one even passed a glance.  However, in the fancy dress department some older woman was staring.  I mean really staring.  I had food in my hands, so Owen’s teacher was trying to handle it.  I said to the woman, "It’s not polite to stare.  He has autism." 

Honestly, it’s not like me to drop the A-bomb.  But this lady was so freaking annoying.  I kind of felt bad saying something but I am getting a little tired of the  stares and looks.  Because Owen "looks" normal people don’t understand.  His noises that he makes…I swear, you have to know.  Anyway, when he quieted down and walked nicely, we rode the escalator and went to the car.  As we neared home, he started to cry.  My heart broke.

Now what.  How do I make the mall a reinforcing experience for Owen?  Does it really matter?  If McDonald’s isn’t reinforcing enough–what is?  KB Toys?  His teacher and I brainstormed…he doesn’t do those rides for change…The pet store!  We are going next week. 

Knitting

4 scarves done (although 2 need blocking).  2, possibly, another to be done.  Kevin and I are going to a Christmas party at a coworkers in the city tomorrow.  And spending the night!  Woohoo!  Knitting on the train. 

Fun with Ann December 14, 2004

Ann came over for a leisurely morning of knitting and chatting.  I kindly had Kevin (with a little help from me) eat all of the pancakey cookies.  I thought Ann would help me whip up a few of these holiday scarves but no such luck.  She started a hat.  Here she is poised aside Onslow.  What a cute car.  And a fab sweater on Ann.  Blogging has been beneficial in so many ways.  I feel very fortunate to have met Ann.  She’s cool.

I was working on that stupid drop stitch scarf.  I really  hate it.  I think a gift must be given along with this scarf.  The colors seem camoflaugey and I really don’t care for the 2 stitch drop.  I must modify my numbers again and reknit again to drop just one stitch.  I do, however, like how the ball turned into a flower as I knit from it.

I will be glad when this one is finally finished. 

This is some yarn I got at Rhinebeck.  Gracie chose the color.  I was looking for something for Clapotis.  I am not sure how I feel about the color…for me anyway.  They are lovely.

Pictures tomorrow…I promise or scarf me out the door December 13, 2004

Well, I have decided against sending Christmas/Holiday cards this year.  The last one we received–with the letter detailing their perfect lives–put me over the edge.  To heck with it!  I feel a little bit bad but I am almost over it.

I haven’t felt like knitting…at all.  It could be the pressure of these stinkin’ scarves.  Can you sense the ba humbug around here?  I had just finished the one for the Resource Room teacher and was getting ready to drop my stitches when I noticed my count was off.  I had inadvertently decreased 2 stitches somewhere.  I decided to modify my drops by recalculating with my new numbers.  Well, I guess I found the lost stitches.  What was meant to be a four stitch band of knitting became six–much too wide!  RIP!  And we all know how well mohair yarns rip.  Ugh.

Today I have to tidy up.  My MIL is coming over this evening to hang out with Owen as Gracie and Cameron have a holiday event at school that Owen would not enjoy.  And Ann is coming over tomorrow.  I would like to make some cookies too…must impress Ann with my culinary wonders! 

We had Owen’s Holiday party yesterday.  It was a lot of fun.  It was nice to be so relaxed and among people who "get it".  There were a couple of bouncy castles, pizza, crafts and Santa.  Owen gave Santa a High 5 and even hugged him!  Woohoo.  They were videotaping siblings for the Dinner Dance Video–the annual tear jerker.  I knew Gracie would do the video beautifully but I was reluctant to put Cameron in as he has some difficulty expressing himself.  Gracie was fabulous and got compliments all around.  Although her hair was pretty messy from bouncing and she hadn’t washed all of the conditioner out–so there was a greasy patch!  Cameron was a big hit!  A couple of my favorites were when asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said a vet.  The videographer asked, "What?"  and Cam said, "You know, a vegetarian."  And when asked one word to describe his brother, Cam said, "I love him."

December 9, 2004

I hadn’t thought much about Alaska until recently with my 101 Things and the photo of me and my housemates Tahitian dancing at the Moose Lodge Luau.  It was an incredible time in my life.  Never have I lived with such beauty and such sadness.  Alaska had, and may still have, the highest rate of domestic violence, child abuse, child sexual abuse, sexual assault and suicide among youth. 

I lived in a town called Sitka, on Baranof Island.  With a population of less than 9,000 and less than 14 miles of paved road–Sitka is pretty isolated.  My housemates and I, four white kids from "down south", stuck out.  We received room and board and a monthly stipend of about $30.  As there wasn’t a lot to do, I saved my money and bought a bike when I got back to NY. 

I worked as a Woman’s Advocate and Coordinator of Education and Outreach.  In many ways it was a difficult job.  For obvious reasons, of course but in more subtle ways too.  I had never been married.  I was white.  I was young and privileged.  The director even had a problem with me–which isn’t unusual–I can definately rub people the wrong way. 

I enjoyed my job though.  I loved the children.  Their strength and their willingness to love and be loved in a world of violence and hate inspired and moved me.  I wanted to adopt them all.  Thus the desire for 7 kids in my 101 things!  One little boy was brain damaged after his stepfather put his head through the bathroom wall.  He said he felt his brains move.  He was a cuddler and I adored him.  One little girl had iron marks on her back and her upper arms from her mother–you could even see the circles where the steam comes out of the iron. 

Amidst such sadness there was beauty.  The beauty of the eyes of a child and a woman finding her inner strength and courage.  And there was the beauty of the land.  Never have I lived in such splendor.  The skies were clear, the moutains high.  Eagles soared.  It was lush and green.  It rained almost everyday.  It was refreshing.

I was out running errands today and as I walked out of the grocery store, a woman was walking in.  She looked like a former resident of the shelter, a woman who didn’t like white people.  She and the director were good friends and the director said the woman would never like me.  She and I became friends and she would visit me on my evening shift and have dinner with me.  I was so thrilled that a woman as strong and proud as she would call me a friend.

I went back to Sitka with Gracie when she was about a year old.  My dear friend, the former Children’s Program Coordinator lived there still.  She taught me how to diaper and answer a crisis call.  She is gone now and we have lost touch once again.  Perhaps I will look her up.  She has been on my mind since reading Margene’s 100 Things.  My friend is a recovering Mormon. 

It appears I have rambled on with no knitting content.  I guess I needed to clear my soul and my head.  I am just knitting Christmas scarves.  I surfed around looking up St. Brigid knitters and see they are all busy doing other things as well.  Perhaps after the holidays…

I hadn’t thought much about Alaska until recently with my 101 Things and the photo of me and my housemates Tahitian dancing at the Moose Lodge Luau.  It was an incredible time in my life.  Never have I lived with such beauty and such sadness.  Alaska had, and may still have, the highest rate of domestic violence, child abuse, child sexual abuse, sexual assault and suicide among youth. 

I lived in a town called Sitka, on Baranof Island.  With a population of less than 9,000 and less than 14 miles of paved road–Sitka is pretty isolated.  My housemates and I, four white kids from "down south", stuck out.  We received room and board and a monthly stipend of about $30.  As there wasn’t a lot to do, I saved my money and bought a bike when I got back to NY. 

I worked as a Woman’s Advocate and Coordinator of Education and Outreach.  In many ways it was a difficult job.  For obvious reasons, of course but in more subtle ways too.  I had never been married.  I was white.  I was young and privileged.  The director even had a problem with me–which isn’t unusual–I can definately rub people the wrong way. 

I enjoyed my job though.  I loved the children.  Their strength and their willingness to love and be loved in a world of violence and hate inspired and moved me.  I wanted to adopt them all.  Thus the desire for 7 kids in my 101 things!  One little boy was brain damaged after his stepfather put his head through the bathroom wall.  He said he felt his brains move.  He was a cuddler and I adored him.  One little girl had iron marks on her back and her upper arms from her mother–you could even see the circles where the steam comes out of the iron. 

Amidst such sadness there was beauty.  The beauty of the eyes of a child and a woman finding her inner strength and courage.  And there was the beauty of the land.  Never have I lived in such splendor.  The skies were clear, the moutains high.  Eagles soared.  It was lush and green.  It rained almost everyday.  It was refreshing.

I was out running errands today and as I walked out of the grocery store, a woman was walking in.  She looked like a former resident of the shelter, a woman who didn’t like white people.  She and the director were good friends and the director said the woman would never like me.  She and I became friends and she would visit me on my evening shift and have dinner with me.  I was so thrilled that a woman as strong and proud as she would call me a friend.

I went back to Sitka with Gracie when she was about a year old.  My dear friend, the former Children’s Program Coordinator lived there still.  She taught me how to diaper and answer a crisis call.  She is gone now and we have lost touch once again.  Perhaps I will look her up.  She has been on my mind since reading Margene’s 100 Things.  My friend is a recovering Mormon. 

It appears I have rambled on with no knitting content.  I guess I needed to clear my soul and my head.  I am just knitting Christmas scarves.  I surfed around looking up St. Brigid knitters and see they are all busy doing other things as well.  Perhaps after the holidays…

I hadn’t thought much about Alaska until recently with my 101 Things and the photo of me and my housemates Tahitian dancing at the Moose Lodge Luau.  It was an incredible time in my life.  Never have I lived with such beauty and such sadness.  Alaska had, and may still have, the highest rate of domestic violence, child abuse, child sexual abuse, sexual assault and suicide among youth. 

I lived in a town called Sitka, on Baranof Island.  With a population of less than 9,000 and less than 14 miles of paved road–Sitka is pretty isolated.  My housemates and I, four white kids from "down south", stuck out.  We received room and board and a monthly stipend of about $30.  As there wasn’t a lot to do, I saved my money and bought a bike when I got back to NY. 

I worked as a Woman’s Advocate and Coordinator of Education and Outreach.  In many ways it was a difficult job.  For obvious reasons, of course but in more subtle ways too.  I had never been married.  I was white.  I was young and privileged.  The director even had a problem with me–which isn’t unusual–I can definately rub people the wrong way. 

I enjoyed my job though.  I loved the children.  Their strength and their willingness to love and be loved in a world of violence and hate inspired and moved me.  I wanted to adopt them all.  Thus the desire for 7 kids in my 101 things!  One little boy was brain damaged after his stepfather put his head through the bathroom wall.  He said he felt his brains move.  He was a cuddler and I adored him.  One little girl had iron marks on her back and her upper arms from her mother–you could even see the circles where the steam comes out of the iron. 

Amidst such sadness there was beauty.  The beauty of the eyes of a child and a woman finding her inner strength and courage.  And there was the beauty of the land.  Never have I lived in such splendor.  The skies were clear, the moutains high.  Eagles soared.  It was lush and green.  It rained almost everyday.  It was refreshing.

I was out running errands today and as I walked out of the grocery store, a woman was walking in.  She looked like a former resident of the shelter, a woman who didn’t like white people.  She and the director were good friends and the director said the woman would never like me.  She and I became friends and she would visit me on my evening shift and have dinner with me.  I was so thrilled that a woman as strong and proud as she would call me a friend.

I went back to Sitka with Gracie when she was about a year old.  My dear friend, the former Children’s Program Coordinator lived there still.  She taught me how to diaper and answer a crisis call.  She is gone now and we have lost touch once again.  Perhaps I will look her up.  She has been on my mind since reading Margene’s 100 Things.  My friend is a recovering Mormon. 

It appears I have rambled on with no knitting content.  I guess I needed to clear my soul and my head.  I am just knitting Christmas scarves.  I surfed around looking up St. Brigid knitters and see they are all busy doing other things as well.  Perhaps after the holidays…