My Weekend wrap up

Yesterday I did nothing around the house. Sissy got me up around 5:30. I would have been up earlier if I had actually gotten up when she started her wake up ritual. So I watch TV and knitted up this cap. This hat is from the book 101 Designer one-skein Wonders. You can see the hat on the cover. The yarn is Moda Dea Sassy Stripes in Lucky colorway. This is the perfect yarn for a child.

I did not put the pompom as the designer did. I'm not a big fan of pompom's.

All day as I worked on it Sissy kept coming up and try to get my attention. So I would take breaks and comb her. What do I find? A flea!!!! So one if not both of the boys brought them into the house. So far I have found 4! I have checked Zorro who would be the most likely one to have passed it on but I can't find any on him. Now I have experience with fleas so I am looking for flea dirt. Nada. Stanley has been letting me give him a lot brush time too. He loves it. I also have not seen dirt on him. Both boys have white fur so you would think it would be easy. So I now need to give all 4 cats a flea bath. Pia should be easy. Zorro I think I can manage but neither Sissy or Stanley like being held. I have a plan in place and will wear several layers of long sleeved shirts. Do you think flea stuff at the neck will work without giving a bath? I don't think so. I would ask for help but I have 4 former sometimes still feral cats! They do not know other people. If you come into my house you will not see the girls. Zorro is the least fearful of people in the house but outside he keeps clear of the kids. The kids see me and tell me they see the cats and why can't they pet them. I have to tell them that they are wild and to stay away from them. They don't understand but it keeps the peace with the kids and the cats.

Does this fellow look like a flea carrier? I think so. I originally made this as a baby present but was not happy with it. So it is now the cats. Sissy got on it first but Zorro soon took it as his own.

Today I did the house work. I then went looking for something that I could put the hat on to take the pictures. I have a bag of stuffed animals and dolls but the hat was too big but while I was in my walk-in closet I pulled out some summer tops and tried them all on to see if they fit. They did but two did make it into the bag for one of the charities that picks up. So far I have three bags of cloths. I am slowly, key word here is slowly, getting things out of the house that I do not need. I have subscribed to Freecycle on Yahoo groups but so far the only thing I have posted was my Filter Queen vacuum. Two people wanted it but they did not follow through. I have two large pieces of Scan furniture that I posted on Craigs List but no takers. I have lowered the price twice. I'll probably try a third time but that will be the last time.

I had great success selling my audio books on EBay. I sold 29 books and made $400+ selling them at $8 and up including free shipping. I realize $300 after EBay & Pay Pal fees and shipping. I still have three bags of 37 books that did not sell. I'll try again later this summer.

Well, enough for now. I am going to get my next project together so I get something OTN. I am going to try Clapotis again. I want something I made to wear at work when the AC gets too cold. It is either too warm, too cold or just right. Plus, we are starting to think that the AC goes down around 3 in the afternoon. Then we have no air and it get stuffy. Our building is one of the older ones at Tysons Corner. If it isn't the AC it is the elevators.

George Carlin Talks About Stuff

Just one of my favorites!

An Engineer's Guide to Cats

Here is something for Whiskers on Wednesday

Stimulus minus $79.79

OK, I went for the fun part first. So I have spent $79.79 total. After much searching the net and googling MP3 players good for audio books I found this. The Creative 2GB MuVo V100 MP3 Player, in Pink & the Belkin Tunecast II so I can listen in the car. I only listen to audio books in the car. I do not listen to music unless I do not have a book. I do not jog or go to the gym. After talking to people and reading the most important feature I needed was that the player keep my place in the book when I stopped. I started with comments I found that recommended this player then went to this site. That is how I found out about the Belkin as that had to be part of the package. I then went to this site for a review. I'll try it and if it does not meet my requirements for the books it will be an easy return to any Walmart. Since I listen in the car the Tunecast was most important. I was working backward in my search so I could find the right item to listen in the car. So that should be a keeper. I'll post a review when I get it and play with it.

Forever 9 to Five

I have just finished! I have been decreasing the toe for two days now! At the same time I realize that in just a few rows I will have nothing OTN! So I am going to figure that one out and pull all my felted bags out and start finishing them! I received my stimulus check on Friday. Here is a list of things I need to do with it, plus things I want to get

1. Get a MRI $150


2. Pay off Best Buy card $300


3. Get a new cell phone--free but I then need to get extra chargers. $30


4. Get a Blackberry for $49 and spend too much a month for bells & whistles I do not need.


5. MP3 Player to download audio books from the public library and save some money buying them. Need to learn and better understanding how that works.


6. Really want and Ipod


7. Need sundries; paper towels, TP, Brita water filters; --trip to COSTCO-that a good $100


8. Savings

I don't know how to cross out copy in blogger so I know that I am doing 1, 2, 7 & 8 for sure.

I have decided to join. Whiskers on Wednesday . Check it out. They are having a shout out contest!

I sure wish I could come out smaller!

Movies, TV & some knitting

Not much happening around here. Work & Sleep. I do get to sit in traffic for about 2 hours a day and I get to knit when I finally relax in front of the TV. Last night I watch Juno. Cute. Sunday it was Ratatouille. Again, cute movie. Can't wait for July when the cable shows start another season. Burn Notice, Law and Order Criminal Intent has started. I can watch any L&O show over and over. The Closer is also starting on 7/14.

I am now on the foot of my 9 to 5 sock. I should finish up this weekend. Then what to do? I have stacks of patterns I would like to try. I think I will get something simple on the needles and get to work on finishing up some of my felted bags. I have tried to cut my computer time down which has gotten me so behind in my blog reading. I keep track through Google reader and right now I have over 300 posts to catch up on. There are so many interesting people who blog and I have about 10 people I keep in touch with. Many I lurk, others are yarn shop blogs or how toos. Then when I read everyone has someone else that they post about and I follow that link and then get lost in reading. You all know the drill!

Our weather has been up & down. Storms come in fast then cool, then super hot. We have been very lucky and watching the floods along Iowa is just so overwhelming to see.

I leave you with a little movie. I was watching Zorro's tail and knew something was going to happen. the boy does not disappoint.

Knit, Knit, Kung Fu

I am still. slowly working on sock #2. Everything is so tight. Do not know if it is me or the yarn + needle.

It is hot here. No Winter, short spring and looks like we are going straight to summer. I am staying inside.

In the past 10 days I have attended one bridal shower and one baby shower. We have two more bridal showers coming up within the next month.

This past Saturday, I went to "Saturday at the Movies" a fundraiser for the Ashley Fister Cole Foundation and saw Kung Fu Panda. Cute but I would wait for it to come out on DVD.

Well, I'm not 62 but this sure tells you how I feel.

Wonderful PIF!

I received my PIF gift from The Knitorious Mrs B. This is my very first hand knit wash cloth. What a surprise to receive a package in my mail box that was not junk mail. Mrs B also sent me tea for a good cuppa and a darling little flower candle. Thank you so very much!!

I am still working on the first sock of my 9 to 5 pattern. I am knitting this really tight. I think it is the yarn that is dictating this. I have used the same needle size and pattern for Robin's sock am I know it was not like this. I have about 20 rows to finish the tow and then cast on the second.

Two weeks ago I started posting and selling some of my many audio books. You can find me as seller kseeglass here if your interested in audio books. I could not drive without a book. In the Metro Washington DC area and traveling on the Beltway it is what keeps me sane.

Here are some pictures from my garden. This is my Clematis Jackmanii purple. It is not doing as well this year as years past but it sure is pretty. Some of the blooms are as big as my hand spread out.

My Columbine is incredible! This is the largest it has ever been and it has been blooming for weeks and does not look like it is going away anytime soon.

The video is just what it sounded like Saturday morning. I was the only person around and awake in the neighborhood. No kids! But that damn Mockingbird or is it a Blue Jay? goes on for hours at a time. Non-stop. He sits at the very top of the Weeping Willow.

Lazy Weekend

I spent a good part of Saturday in front of the TV, knitting on my sock. I came across two movies on IFC. The first was Ikiru and the other Umberto D.. Both were made in 1952, black & white, about lonely old men. They were both also sub titled. I found out that I could knit and know just when to look up for the conversation. I highly recommend both films.

I received a shipment from Knit Picks today. Friday or Saturday I received an email from Knit Picks that something on my wish list was in stock. I plan on making some baby caps from some of it. So... you know how it goes. I just had to add more to my cart. Two skeins of EssentialSolid in coral on sale. Then two books jumped in. 2-at-a-time Socks and Start Spinning. Carol had purchased both of these books and I really liked the book on spinning. Great pictures and breaks down the whole spinning process. I also added in a 24" Harmony Size 1 circular.

I am at the heel flap now of my 9 to 5 sock and should turn the heel tonight.

I will leave you with a video of Stanley. Please pay no mind to my kitty talk but that is what makes him do his antics. He was staring at this birdbath. Last year it was his favorite spot to spend a weekend morning. No sooner had I cleaned it out he took it over.



So I am going to leave you now and look through both books.

Much better

Don't you agree? I have dozens of patterns. I looked through Ravelry. So many new sock patterns are toe up. I haven't tried that yet. I always say the next pair.

What I look for in a pattern is how many stitches and row in the repeat. The Show-off Stranded Socks fits the bill but it really looks better in a variegated yarn. So I went back to a pattern I did for Robin's PIF socks. You work the pattern repeat over 4 stitches + 2 p, and 4 rows. With my beaded stitch counter it is a no brainer. I can set it down and and always tell were I'm at. I'm knitting 9 to 5 again.

Have mentioned how Sissy wakes me up by shredding my magazines. She does this when short of sitting on my face does not work. BUT when I hear the shedding she know I will get up and yell at her to stop. In trying to not set this bad habit in stone, I've been holding back on the reaction. Just leaves more damage. Usually it is the cover or the post-it notes I tab on the pages. There are a few babies past and coming up that I thought, gee, why not knot a present? So I wanted to do the BSJ but I have not brought the pattern. This EZ sweater was in last years Vogue Spring Summer issue. I had the page turned back and set it down...next morning this...

Today was a beautiful day as was the whole weekend. Here is Stanley enjoying some time out.

Nothing, Nada, Zip!

I finished my Graffiti (raverly link) socks last Saturday. Sunday I decided to make the tiny sock for the key chain sock blocker. Between laundry and cleaning I spent 5 hours, 5 effing hours. I could not turn the freekin' heel. The heel for goodness sake! I must have started over dozens of times. End of the night I put it away for another day.

Monday--

for the first time in over a year I had nothing, nada, zip! OTN. I went to work without my knitting. I felt venerable. What if I had to wait for something! I would not have anything to do while I waited. Wait, I don't have a doctors appointment, but my car could break down then what would I do! The day was busy at work. Got home and looked at my sock yarn. I selected my Dream in Color Smooshy in Spring Tickle. I started the k2p2 ribbing. Figured I'd settle on a pattern when I had that done. Here are my sock yarns

Tuesday--

What pattern to choose? I am doing Show-off Stranded Socks. I started off using my size 1 addi. I cast on 72 stitches. Going Magic loop. When I get to the pattern I was having trouble PSSO. Gotta love these abbreviations. So I ripped out.

Wednesday--

OK, I have now cast on 72 stitches on two size 2 susan bates. Working the rib back on.

Thursday--

I'm not loving this Smooshy. It is so much thicker than all the yarns I have been using for months. I keep knitting the rib. Too tired --I go to sleep early

Friday--

We got out of work at 2:00. My BFF had brain surgery on Wednesday. I was going to the hospital to visit when her husband called to say they were releasing her. Meet them at the house. Get this, she was in intensive care Wednesday & Thursday. They were going to move her to her own room on Thursday. They did not have one so out she goes. She is doing very well. On her weekend in WVA, they own a place up there, she brought a skein of Handspun Leicester Longwool & Alpaca 4 oz. She was told it was enough for a pair of socks. I don't think so this is very scratchy so I don't even think it will make a good scarf. I think I am going to wash & condition it first. She will like what I make with it. Got home and once again, too tired. Watch some TV asleep by 8.

Saturday--

This pattern is not working with this yarn

So I ripped it out.

I have started again. Will have enough to show tomorrow.

Weaving a Tapestry of Sound

Check out this article in today Washington Post. Pretty cool.

5/17--Edit: The post had a picture but it is not in this article so I found this other story about artist Laure Drogoul's amplified knitting project.

I am now doing the decreases on the 2nd graffiti sock.

5/17- If I get my butt off the computer I will finish the foot today. I've been updating my audio books on Librarything.com as well as posting some for sale on eBay. I listen to so many books that I've lost track of what I have read, I now have a spread sheet started.

I am on disk 8 of the Friday Night Knitting Club. That too will go on ebay after Carol has a chance to listen to it.

Purple Passion and it's not Wednesday!!

I spent the whole day at work thinking it was Wednesday! That is going to make this week a day longer!!

I could not help myself buy when I saw this yarn from Amanda of NH Knitting Mama I jsut had to have it! This is 80% Merino & 20% Bamboo. I love the colors. Purple is one of my favs and these will make a beautiful pair of socks.

This is a Robin who has made a home nearby and just took a bath in my bird bath. I took this through the window of my storm door. I'm not used to seeing the Robins up on anything like this they are usually just scurring around looking for food. I'm turning the heel tonight on grafitti #2. I am now going to watch last night TV. Bones, House, Medium, CSI Miami.
Have a Good Day!

Wisteria

This beautiful Wisteria was given to me by a friend. It all started with a couple of pods. She lives in her family home in Herndon VA. Her Wisteria is at least 35-40 years old when she gave me the pods back in 1990. I had no idea what to do or what I was in for. The pods are hard as rock and velvety smooth. So I left them on the kitchen counter. I came home one day to find all these black things on my floor and counter. Then I found the pods split open. Now I could get my own plant. I took a cookie sheet and put down a few layers of paper towels, spread out the seeds, covered with more paper towels and wet the whole thing. I put the cookie sheet on top of the fridge. I can't remember how long it took but they started to sprout. When they looked big enough I planted some in a pot and kept it on the patio. Only one made it. When it was about a foot tall I transplanted it to the back fence. This was a place that was an eyesore. The apartments behind my property has a large drainage culvert. I also planted what were called tree of china that I found in a catalog. I got 10 trees for under $20. I have no idea what they really are but they said they would grown fast and make a great fence, which they did. What I did wrong was plant them too close together having no idea how fast and big they would grow. But they and the Wisteria have created the fence and privacy I wanted.

You can read about the pods here. If you would like to try a Wisteria from scratch send me you address and when the pods come up I'll pick them and send them your way. Be warned, if you succeed in growing one from my seeds you need to either maintain it or put it where it will grow wild like I did.

I'm new at using the movie feature with my Fuji Finepix camera. I also hate the way I sound. I've been in VA since 1966 but born in NYC. My sister said I have a southern accent. What do you think, other than me sounding very nasel from the pollen.

Happy Mother's Day

to all the mother's out there. Mine called me yesterday. We don't talk so it was a surprise. I will leave that subject alone.

I have completed sock 1 of graffiti and will start the heel flap today for the 2nd one.

Garden

We have had rain for three days now. It looks like today may turn out to be a nice one. Every year the rain crushes my peonies and this year is no exception. It also took one of my climbing rose bushes down. I plan on going out today and trying the rose up to the wall. I sure hope I can do it without too much damage to myself. The climbers can also get the better of me! This is the one peonie that I have braced up.

This was the 1st to bloom and was laying on the ground. Peonies are so heavy that I always cut them off and soak them head down in a bucket to get rid of the ants. I than can bring them in the house and take some to work. I did run this one under water and left it in the bud vase in the kitchen yesterday and returned later to find ants everywhere! So an hour later with every surface once again cleaned of ants, I was able to bring the flower to my computer.

This is the 2nd peonie with part of the rose bush crushing it.

My Columbine held up beautifully. When the blooms are spent and I can collect the seeds I am going to give it a try to get more of this beautiful plant.

New Neighbors

Earlier in the week, leaving for work I came across these two. We have a lot of kids so my neighborhood is not the place to start a family but I think these too will. I'll be on the lookout for the babies.

Dinner time at Casa KSee

What would be knitting without Contests

Head on over to (Not So) Cynical Knitting Gal she is having a caption contest and make sure you tell her I sent you! Deadline May 15th.

Abigail of 1870 Pearl is having a comment contest. This blog was a great find as she writes beautifully. Unlike me, I leave the pictures to do the talking. Deadline end of May. For the life of me I'm still learning how to embed links to a picture when in a post. So follow my link above.

Peaceful Knitter is looking for inspiration and ideas for using up more of my stash. Leave her a comment to help her out and you could be a winner of some Knit Picks Shimmer! Oh, I could be a winner too!!

Spin, Spin, Spin

As promised yesterday I have these two videos to share with you.

Linda and Carol went on Saturday to the MS&W to buy a spinning wheel. Linda picked up Carol at 6:30 which is one of the reasons I did not tag along. Well, look at this!! She brought it into work yesterday, and today and I'm sure every day until she has enough to ply, dye and make a cabled project. This is the coolest thing I ever saw. Linda is very experienced, as a knitter, weaver and spinner. She did not plan on this but when she knew it could plug into a cigarette lighter and battery pack she was sold.

Then Carol took a turn. Carol has a little experience with a drop spindle. Listen to Linda's instructions. Then I tried. I have touched fiber and the spindle Carol brought back for me but I tried. See where Carols yarn snaps at the end because it was spun too tight, well I lasted 30 seconds. I hope the sound is good and I added title and credits, well, because I could. I still don't get the edit feature.

This 2nd video is well worth the viewing.

This machine is a work of art. the base is made from ribbon mahogany, maple bobbin. It is so quite. It is Wild Meadow's Butterfly Electric Spinner

Almost done...

Monday at work is done!

My graffiti sock #1 is almost done. I was going to ribbed all the way but figured I'd add a twist. Mock twisted cable. Should be able to start 2nd sock by Friday. Doing these on one 24" addi is working out well.

My 1st spindle, my friend Carol brought this for me at MS&W. Perfect for a 1st spindle. Now I really need to bone up.

My Garden

I have to say this has to be the best flower picture I have ever taken!

I hope to see the rest in bloom tomorrow

What I brought with a 40% off coupon at Michael's. Well, I just had to use the coupon, don't you know. Then Carol got her project ready for a cruise she is taking mid-month. She was going to do two on one 40# for the 1st time. Well, this bag is perfect! I don't remember the yarn but it is just beautiful and perfect colors for a cruise.

Kitty update

Zorro is doing better. He is walking on all feet now and is jonesing to go out! I am keeping him in for another week, if I don't loose the battle. He is one quick and cagey kitty. Stanley wants out too but he is OK sleeping in.

My big fat Pia jumped up to entrainment unit via the kitty tree. This is only the 2nd time she did this. 1st time I grabbed the camera she jumped down.

Watch this space tomorrow. I have a great video to share with you all. I need to see if I can learn to edit.

LOL

Last night, Zorro recuperating

Pia really wanting her spot back, but since Zorro has been hurt this is his convalescing bed and she is letting him have it.Sissy taking over the heating pad because I and up. When I return to knitting, she will leave and get on the back of the couch. I get up she get down in my spot, I could do this all night, up and down. She is too funny.
now I will unwind and knit on my sock