Only 3 sleeps left until we set out on our Japan adventure, and I'm feeling so completely frazzled that I can't believe I'm even taking the time to sit here and talk about how frazzled I am. But I'll make it! I've still got some baby food to make, and some last minute errands to run (leg wax, Costco run, etc.), and to make matters worse, or at least more difficult, Phil's grandmother passed away on Monday, so on top of everything else, we've got the wake and funeral to attend as well. She had been ill for quite some time, and I really feel that it's a blessing that she's no longer suffering and can finally find some peace.
Just when I start to freak out, I remember that I'm leaving the kids and the house in more than capable hands, so that if I do forget something, it won't be the end of the world. Right? Right.
Yesterday afternoon I hung out with my mother, and we did some much needed shopping for yours truly. My Spring wardrobe was looking pretty thin, so we braved the snow and headed out to Place Rosemère. I really didn't see much of anything that I liked until we got to RW&CO., where I camped out in the dressing room trying stuff on for at least an hour. The sales lady was wonderful (they're not paid on commission at that store, so they're really honest about whether or not an outfit suits you), I received great service and I'm really happy with my purchases. I even bought a great shirt for Phil!
When No Country for Old Men won a gazillion Oscars on Monday, we (and the rest of the world) decided we should probably see it. We're big fans of the Coen brothers after all, so we went ahead and, ahem, rented it last night ;) DUDES!!!!! All I can say is thank God for Javier Bardem (who really did deserve the Oscar), because it wasn't really my cup of tea. It's hard to explain, I guess. I mean, I appreciated the film as a work of art, I appreciated the acting and the general feel of it, but it wasn't, you know, entertaining? Has anyone else seen it? Am I way off base?
While we were watching the movie, I swatched the Mission Falls 1824 Wool I had set aside for the Cardigan for Merry, and unfortunately, it's just not going to work out. My gauge is still too loose using the recommended needle size (I'm getting about 24 stitches to the inch using 3.0 mm needles, as opposed to 26 stitches), and the fabric is already way too stiff for my liking. I won't despair, though. I've had this pattern in my Ravelry queue for a while, and I think the yarn will be perfect for it (even if it's not cotton). Unfortunately, I won't be casting on Merry, which has me seriously bummed. I did some surfing, and I think I could use some Elann Peruvian Pure Alpaca Fina for it, which actually works out cheaper than the suggested KnitPicks Andean Treasure (and it's even got some fabulous heathered colours), but we all know where that kind of thinking leads so I'm just going to cast on for Trellis and hope that I'm so enchanted by it that I forget about Merry altogether (highly unlikely).
As promised, I'll leave you with a shot of my Serendipity socks (January Rockin' Sock Club) in progress. Happy Knitting!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
5 Dodos
I don't know if English people do this, but most of the French people I know count down the final days before a trip by ticking off the number of sleeps, or dodos, before the big day. So today it's 5 dodos before we head off to Japan. Part of me still doesn't really believe I'm going so far away for such a long period of time. People don't really live in Japan, right? Not really.
That said, most of the week will be spent checking and double checking that everything is ready for the kids and my folks while we're away, so no one wants for anything. I've written down pretty much everything I can think of at this point (even though I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff), and now it's just a question of making sure that we're all stocked up on essential provisions.
For instance, this is what I spend most of my mornings doing lately:
Cooking baby food (this morning it was Fillet of Fish Mornay with Vegetables - Yum!). I think I've recommended this book to every new mother I've ever met, but if you've never heard of it, and are keen on making your own baby food, I highly recommend it. I first bought First Meals when I had Émilie, and I just found it so much easier to plan her meals when I was whipping up a new batch of food every couple of days (most recipes make at least 4 servings, which I freeze in these handy GladWare containers that hold 125 ml (or half a cup) of food). I kind of discarded it when she started eating most of what we ate, even though there are recipes in there for up to 6 years old, but I still found it well worth the (moderate) investment, and was glad to find it again when Maxime was ready to move on from plain puréed meat and veggies.
And looky-looky! A Finished Object!
The specs: Embossed Leaves socks (from Favorite Socks), knit with Dyed in the Wool Handmade Mediumweight sock yarn (colourway: Prescription Medication) using 3.25 mm Harmony dpns. I'm quite smitten with these. They're dainty and feminine, soft and scrumptious. And a quick knit!
I've cast on January's Rockin Sock Club Serendipity socks (sorry, no pictures today). I'm also starting to think about what knitting I want to bring with me to Japan. There's plane knitting and train knitting and sitting around knitting to consider, and the possibilities are, well, endless. I'm obviously going to bring some light, portable projects (like socks, but how many pairs?), but I'm debating whether I want to bring something with a little more heft to it, like Cluaranach or the Cardigan for Merry I've yet to cast on... Hmmm, things to ponder.
Lastly, I was supposed to go to my Aqua-Mommy class this morning, but I'm still fighting this stupid Laryngitis (which ought to make choir practice tonight interesting), which has now developed into a cold to boot, and with all the other things I want to get done this week, I thought "Screw It". I've gotten a lot done so far today, so I think I'm just going to sit for a spell, sip some tea and do some knitting until Maxime gets up.
Happy day everyone! :)
That said, most of the week will be spent checking and double checking that everything is ready for the kids and my folks while we're away, so no one wants for anything. I've written down pretty much everything I can think of at this point (even though I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff), and now it's just a question of making sure that we're all stocked up on essential provisions.
For instance, this is what I spend most of my mornings doing lately:
Cooking baby food (this morning it was Fillet of Fish Mornay with Vegetables - Yum!). I think I've recommended this book to every new mother I've ever met, but if you've never heard of it, and are keen on making your own baby food, I highly recommend it. I first bought First Meals when I had Émilie, and I just found it so much easier to plan her meals when I was whipping up a new batch of food every couple of days (most recipes make at least 4 servings, which I freeze in these handy GladWare containers that hold 125 ml (or half a cup) of food). I kind of discarded it when she started eating most of what we ate, even though there are recipes in there for up to 6 years old, but I still found it well worth the (moderate) investment, and was glad to find it again when Maxime was ready to move on from plain puréed meat and veggies.
And looky-looky! A Finished Object!
The specs: Embossed Leaves socks (from Favorite Socks), knit with Dyed in the Wool Handmade Mediumweight sock yarn (colourway: Prescription Medication) using 3.25 mm Harmony dpns. I'm quite smitten with these. They're dainty and feminine, soft and scrumptious. And a quick knit!
I've cast on January's Rockin Sock Club Serendipity socks (sorry, no pictures today). I'm also starting to think about what knitting I want to bring with me to Japan. There's plane knitting and train knitting and sitting around knitting to consider, and the possibilities are, well, endless. I'm obviously going to bring some light, portable projects (like socks, but how many pairs?), but I'm debating whether I want to bring something with a little more heft to it, like Cluaranach or the Cardigan for Merry I've yet to cast on... Hmmm, things to ponder.
Lastly, I was supposed to go to my Aqua-Mommy class this morning, but I'm still fighting this stupid Laryngitis (which ought to make choir practice tonight interesting), which has now developed into a cold to boot, and with all the other things I want to get done this week, I thought "Screw It". I've gotten a lot done so far today, so I think I'm just going to sit for a spell, sip some tea and do some knitting until Maxime gets up.
Happy day everyone! :)
Friday, February 22, 2008
Important Updates
Apparently, the suspense is killing some of you, so here are some important updates on the current situation at Casa de Dear: I received my passport on Monday, so I'm still good to go to Japan next weekend. Also, the shower situation is happily resolved, and I've resumed my regular hygiene routine :)
The shower thing actually deserves more back story: See, when it broke the first time (in 2003), Phil headed out to our local Réno-Dépôt with the broken part to get a new one, where he was told that "they don't make that part anymore" (hence the supergluing over the past five years). On Wednesday, my father-in-law decided to leave work early, figuring he'd be spending an afternoon with epoxy and molds and whatnot, when he decided, just for shits and giggles, to stop by the Home Depot and see if they had the part.
See where I'm going with this?
Not only did they have the part, it came in a kit! With all the hinges and doohickeys and thingamabobs for the door! And it was FREE! (Considered part of the lifetime warranty). Needless to say, Phil was, shall we say, less than satisfied with the customer service he received from the other place (which shall never again be named in this house).
OK, on to knit-related goodness. I finally got my Spring Interweave Knits in the mail this week, and while I'm a bit so-so on the issue as a whole (too many cardis seem, I don't know, matronly to me?), there are a few patterns I really like: the Auburn Camp Shirt, the Good Stripe Dress, the Twisted Tulip Socks and the Fountain Hat (available on Knitting Daily March 3rd). Speaking of the Fountain Hat, I'm happy to say that this is the first time that I've had the required yarn for a project I like in stash. It's a proud, proud moment. I DO NOT, however, have the yarn for the Stripe Dress (which I'm just itching to make for Émilie!). I'm not going to buy any yarn, don't worry (tight budget, what with the trip and all that - yadayadayada). But if I were (AND I'M NOT!), do you think I could substitute KnitPicks Shine Sport for the Louet Euroflax? :)
I've got a busy day ahead of me today: Laundry and Grocery Shopping (Oooooooooooohh!). So fifties, I know. I've also got to pick up my Japanese yen at the bank. I should do some cooking this afternoon, but I don't want to go overboard with this whole "housewife" thing I've got going on today. Plus, I've come down with Laryngitis (Aaaaaaaw!). I think it's safe to say I'm looking forward to Phil getting home tomorrow! :)
The shower thing actually deserves more back story: See, when it broke the first time (in 2003), Phil headed out to our local Réno-Dépôt with the broken part to get a new one, where he was told that "they don't make that part anymore" (hence the supergluing over the past five years). On Wednesday, my father-in-law decided to leave work early, figuring he'd be spending an afternoon with epoxy and molds and whatnot, when he decided, just for shits and giggles, to stop by the Home Depot and see if they had the part.
See where I'm going with this?
Not only did they have the part, it came in a kit! With all the hinges and doohickeys and thingamabobs for the door! And it was FREE! (Considered part of the lifetime warranty). Needless to say, Phil was, shall we say, less than satisfied with the customer service he received from the other place (which shall never again be named in this house).
OK, on to knit-related goodness. I finally got my Spring Interweave Knits in the mail this week, and while I'm a bit so-so on the issue as a whole (too many cardis seem, I don't know, matronly to me?), there are a few patterns I really like: the Auburn Camp Shirt, the Good Stripe Dress, the Twisted Tulip Socks and the Fountain Hat (available on Knitting Daily March 3rd). Speaking of the Fountain Hat, I'm happy to say that this is the first time that I've had the required yarn for a project I like in stash. It's a proud, proud moment. I DO NOT, however, have the yarn for the Stripe Dress (which I'm just itching to make for Émilie!). I'm not going to buy any yarn, don't worry (tight budget, what with the trip and all that - yadayadayada). But if I were (AND I'M NOT!), do you think I could substitute KnitPicks Shine Sport for the Louet Euroflax? :)
I've got a busy day ahead of me today: Laundry and Grocery Shopping (Oooooooooooohh!). So fifties, I know. I've also got to pick up my Japanese yen at the bank. I should do some cooking this afternoon, but I don't want to go overboard with this whole "housewife" thing I've got going on today. Plus, I've come down with Laryngitis (Aaaaaaaw!). I think it's safe to say I'm looking forward to Phil getting home tomorrow! :)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Call me Stinky
Yesterday my cleaning lady broke my shower door. Actually, she pulled on the door too hard to open it, and broke the little plastic doodad that holds the door in place. The piece has actually broken about 12 times over the past 5 years, but Phil has always managed to fix it with trusty Super Glue (well, maybe not that trusty, since it has broken more than once). But wait. Phil's not here right now, is he?
Riiight. I decided I could forgo the shower yesterday (I showered late Monday afternoon), and when Maxime was in bed for his afternoon nap, I glued the piece back on. No worries. Yup, I'll just glue the piece back on then reinstall the door. How hard can it be? Yeah. This would be one of those times when I feel like the rat in the maze. How is it possible that I'm so mechanically challenged???
Apparently, you have to reinstall the door THEN glue the piece back on, something I figured out after struggling with the frickin' door for 15 minutes (with my daughter's incessant "Qu'est-ce que tu faaaaaais Mamaaaaaaan????" in the background - Lord give me patience!). Rather than throw it out the window in a fit of rage, I did what any sane woman would do. I sucked it up and called my Father-in-Law (he loves this kind of stuff). Sure enough, he rushed over while I was giving Émilie her bath, and tried to salvage my mistake.
He then proceeded to 1) take the door apart; 2) break the part; 3) put the door back together; 4) drill a hole in the shower; and 5) break the part in another spot. He left with the parts in a plastic baggie, and promised to make a new part, this time in metal (we can't buy a new part, they don't make them anymore). I just know we'll end up buying a new shower door (or possibly a new shower).
So yeah, call me Stinky, because there will be no showering in this house for a while. Grrrr.
Maxime's nap schedule has been a bit off lately. I can usually put him down without any fuss, but the past few days he's been fighting it and, although he sleeps well in the morning, we're back to the dreaded 40 minute naps in the afternoon. It's rough, particularly when you consider that his nap time is the ONLY non-kid time I get all day until both kids are in bed.
I'm supposed to go to my Cardio-Poussette class this morning, but I really, REALLY don't feel like it. I'll probably end up going anyway, though (I AM the champion of self-imposed guilt, after all). It's shaping up to be a beautiful day (kinda cold, though).
Not much knitting content today, I'm afraid. I've reached the heel on the second Embossed leaves sock, so I should have a completed gusset by tomorrow, if I can get a little knitting time in during the day. I also wound my January Rockin' Sock Club yarn into a cake on Monday. I think that'll be my next sock project.
Riiight. I decided I could forgo the shower yesterday (I showered late Monday afternoon), and when Maxime was in bed for his afternoon nap, I glued the piece back on. No worries. Yup, I'll just glue the piece back on then reinstall the door. How hard can it be? Yeah. This would be one of those times when I feel like the rat in the maze. How is it possible that I'm so mechanically challenged???
Apparently, you have to reinstall the door THEN glue the piece back on, something I figured out after struggling with the frickin' door for 15 minutes (with my daughter's incessant "Qu'est-ce que tu faaaaaais Mamaaaaaaan????" in the background - Lord give me patience!). Rather than throw it out the window in a fit of rage, I did what any sane woman would do. I sucked it up and called my Father-in-Law (he loves this kind of stuff). Sure enough, he rushed over while I was giving Émilie her bath, and tried to salvage my mistake.
He then proceeded to 1) take the door apart; 2) break the part; 3) put the door back together; 4) drill a hole in the shower; and 5) break the part in another spot. He left with the parts in a plastic baggie, and promised to make a new part, this time in metal (we can't buy a new part, they don't make them anymore). I just know we'll end up buying a new shower door (or possibly a new shower).
So yeah, call me Stinky, because there will be no showering in this house for a while. Grrrr.
Maxime's nap schedule has been a bit off lately. I can usually put him down without any fuss, but the past few days he's been fighting it and, although he sleeps well in the morning, we're back to the dreaded 40 minute naps in the afternoon. It's rough, particularly when you consider that his nap time is the ONLY non-kid time I get all day until both kids are in bed.
I'm supposed to go to my Cardio-Poussette class this morning, but I really, REALLY don't feel like it. I'll probably end up going anyway, though (I AM the champion of self-imposed guilt, after all). It's shaping up to be a beautiful day (kinda cold, though).
Not much knitting content today, I'm afraid. I've reached the heel on the second Embossed leaves sock, so I should have a completed gusset by tomorrow, if I can get a little knitting time in during the day. I also wound my January Rockin' Sock Club yarn into a cake on Monday. I think that'll be my next sock project.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Half done
Half seems to be the reasonable state of things chez DearKnits lately. I'm managing to get about half the things I've got on my To-Do list each week, I've reached the halfway mark on two of my current projects, and I feel half-awake half (!) the time.
I've finished the first Embossed Leaves sock. I think I've waxed poetic about this project long enough, but here's the abridged version: love the pattern, love the yarn, love the needles. Well, truth be told, there's one teensy detail that's got me miffed in the pattern. Here's the thing: you're supposed to cut the yarn after you've shaped the heel, before you pick up the stitches along the selvage and begin the gusset decreases. I like knitting my socks in one long stretch of yarn, so the cutting is kind of ticking me off, but I'm not really a confident enough knitter to just say "whatever, that's wrong, I'm doing it my own way) and just keep on knitting, you know? Maybe I'll be bold and do just that on the second sock. Heh! Take that, world! :) I ended up knitting six and a half pattern repeats for the entire sock, instead of seven and a half (I'm using bigger yarn and bigger needles). They fit perfectly, they're nice and soft and delicate. Perfect indoor lounging comfort socks.
I've also reached the halfway mark on my beloved, sadly neglected Cluaranach. I've placed the first half of the stole onto waste yarn, and now I've just got to do the whole thing over again! At the rate I've been going, I should have a lovely, warm stole around June. You know, when you really NEED a warm stole. *Sigh* It's really a lovely knit, I've just been preoccupied with other projects, that's all (the first person to mention Josephine in the comments is banned from this blog. Shhhhhhh!!!). Unfortunately, all the pictures I took this morning are sheer crap, so you'll just have to use your imaginations.
Phil is in California this week, wouldn't you know it. He found out Thursday he was going Monday morning (can you say last minute?). I was actually supposed to pick up his passport today, but he went on Friday afternoon and it was already there, waiting. So can you believe it? He got his before me, which means I WENT TO THE PASSPORT OFFICE TWICE FOR NOTHING (I still haven't received mine, which was supposedly issued last Tuesday).
So, what's on the table for this week? Well, obviously, choir's out (and darn it, I had a board meeting and everything, oh well). More baby food to make, I've got to run to the bank and buy some Japanese yen, more list making (doctor's office, medications, stuff like that), and more day trip planning. We leave in less than 2 weeks!
This morning I've got a few errands to run, then Maxime and I have our Aqua-Mommy class. Hopefully I'll have a bit of knitting time this afternoon (but I won't hold my breath). See you all Wednesday! :)
I've finished the first Embossed Leaves sock. I think I've waxed poetic about this project long enough, but here's the abridged version: love the pattern, love the yarn, love the needles. Well, truth be told, there's one teensy detail that's got me miffed in the pattern. Here's the thing: you're supposed to cut the yarn after you've shaped the heel, before you pick up the stitches along the selvage and begin the gusset decreases. I like knitting my socks in one long stretch of yarn, so the cutting is kind of ticking me off, but I'm not really a confident enough knitter to just say "whatever, that's wrong, I'm doing it my own way) and just keep on knitting, you know? Maybe I'll be bold and do just that on the second sock. Heh! Take that, world! :) I ended up knitting six and a half pattern repeats for the entire sock, instead of seven and a half (I'm using bigger yarn and bigger needles). They fit perfectly, they're nice and soft and delicate. Perfect indoor lounging comfort socks.
I've also reached the halfway mark on my beloved, sadly neglected Cluaranach. I've placed the first half of the stole onto waste yarn, and now I've just got to do the whole thing over again! At the rate I've been going, I should have a lovely, warm stole around June. You know, when you really NEED a warm stole. *Sigh* It's really a lovely knit, I've just been preoccupied with other projects, that's all (the first person to mention Josephine in the comments is banned from this blog. Shhhhhhh!!!). Unfortunately, all the pictures I took this morning are sheer crap, so you'll just have to use your imaginations.
Phil is in California this week, wouldn't you know it. He found out Thursday he was going Monday morning (can you say last minute?). I was actually supposed to pick up his passport today, but he went on Friday afternoon and it was already there, waiting. So can you believe it? He got his before me, which means I WENT TO THE PASSPORT OFFICE TWICE FOR NOTHING (I still haven't received mine, which was supposedly issued last Tuesday).
So, what's on the table for this week? Well, obviously, choir's out (and darn it, I had a board meeting and everything, oh well). More baby food to make, I've got to run to the bank and buy some Japanese yen, more list making (doctor's office, medications, stuff like that), and more day trip planning. We leave in less than 2 weeks!
This morning I've got a few errands to run, then Maxime and I have our Aqua-Mommy class. Hopefully I'll have a bit of knitting time this afternoon (but I won't hold my breath). See you all Wednesday! :)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day
I usually don't post on Thursdays, but I just had to blog about this. OK. So last night, Émilie is all excited about Valentine's Day, and she's asking me to please wash her red tights and her pink skirt so she can wear it to daycare, and she's talking about everything they'll be doing, and as a grand finale, she blurts out "AND WE'RE GOING TO PUT RIBBONS IN MY HAIR!!!" Woo-Hoo!!!
Um, ribbons? Dude, I don't HAVE any ribbons. Riiiiight. Okaaaay, I've got 2 Masters' degrees, I can handle this. And then it hits me: I'll knit her some i-cord ribbons. I had planned on using some Red Heart Soft Touch that I had leftover from Maxime's hat, when I remembered that with my last Loopy Ewe order, they had sent a kit for a mini sock with some cute pink variegated sock yarn. I had set the pink yarn aside to give to Robyn for her second baby blanket (this was before we knew she was having another boy), so into the stash I went.
I took the yarn and my size 0 dpns and headed off to LavalKnits knit night. We're talking a 3 stitch i-cord, here, so it didn't take very long. And voilà! The finished object:
OK, it's SO not a big deal, but I was pretty gosh darn impressed with myself for coming up with this knitty solution to a last minute request from my daughter, who was tickled pink with her ribbons upon waking this morning. Seriously, are these not the cutest little things you've ever seen in your life? (OK, maybe not your life, but this morning?). I'm SO going to make more of these! I'm even thinking of adding beads to my next pair.
Speaking of LavalKnits, it was just Alison and I last night, but I had a blast and a half just the same. Alison has a very infectious laugh (really no other way to describe it). You just can't help but giggle when she laughs. Anyway, I had loads of fun, and I really hope we keep the LavalKnits meetings up (it's harder for me to attend the Montreal Knits meetings).
I'll leave you with this picture of Émilie, posing quite demurely in all her Valentine's glory. Have a great day everyone! Make sure to kiss your loved ones and eat lots of chocolate (it has no calories today! I checked, it's a rule).
Um, ribbons? Dude, I don't HAVE any ribbons. Riiiiight. Okaaaay, I've got 2 Masters' degrees, I can handle this. And then it hits me: I'll knit her some i-cord ribbons. I had planned on using some Red Heart Soft Touch that I had leftover from Maxime's hat, when I remembered that with my last Loopy Ewe order, they had sent a kit for a mini sock with some cute pink variegated sock yarn. I had set the pink yarn aside to give to Robyn for her second baby blanket (this was before we knew she was having another boy), so into the stash I went.
I took the yarn and my size 0 dpns and headed off to LavalKnits knit night. We're talking a 3 stitch i-cord, here, so it didn't take very long. And voilà! The finished object:
OK, it's SO not a big deal, but I was pretty gosh darn impressed with myself for coming up with this knitty solution to a last minute request from my daughter, who was tickled pink with her ribbons upon waking this morning. Seriously, are these not the cutest little things you've ever seen in your life? (OK, maybe not your life, but this morning?). I'm SO going to make more of these! I'm even thinking of adding beads to my next pair.
Speaking of LavalKnits, it was just Alison and I last night, but I had a blast and a half just the same. Alison has a very infectious laugh (really no other way to describe it). You just can't help but giggle when she laughs. Anyway, I had loads of fun, and I really hope we keep the LavalKnits meetings up (it's harder for me to attend the Montreal Knits meetings).
I'll leave you with this picture of Émilie, posing quite demurely in all her Valentine's glory. Have a great day everyone! Make sure to kiss your loved ones and eat lots of chocolate (it has no calories today! I checked, it's a rule).
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Technology Sucks
I think I'm pretty good with technology. OK, maybe I'm not a wiz, but probably better than average. I can cut and paste, I can navigate the Web, I can text on my cell. I tell you, I'm down with the new lifestyle (heck, I am a blogger, aren't I?). Then there are days when I feel like a rat in a laboratory, trying to figure out how to open the damn trap door so I can just get to the stinkin' cheese already. I swear, at times like these, I've actually checked the house to make sure there weren't any hidden cameras or anything, because I just can't get over my own ineptitude.
Like the time I tried removing a broken windshield wiper blade from my car in a parking garage, and wound up giving up after struggling for 15 minutes, going through every single curse word I could think of in both French and English, and generally working myself up into such a fury that I could have caused myself sever bodily injury. Or the time I tried making coffee for myself when Phil was out of town and just couldn't get the filter back on to the stupid machine no matter what I did (I JUST WANTED A STINKIN COFFEE!!!). Or this morning. I've been fiddling with Photoshop for about 25 minutes, trying to figure out how to remove the red eye on a picture I took of Émilie this morning. For the life of me, I just can't figure it out. Since this is likely one of the most common corrections one would want to make to a photograph, shouldn't there just be a friggin' "Correct Red Eye" button or something??? No, because that would make sense, wouldn't it, and Lord knows we can't have that!!!
Grrr. (Pauses to sip soothing tea. Breathes.) OK, I've calmed down. Let's look at the picture, red eye and all, because she's just so gosh darn cute that it'll make almost anyone feel better.
Isn't she adorable??? She chose this wacky outfit on her own (you can't see the shocking pink tights that complete the ensemble), and decided it would all look even better with the toy jewelry Santa brought her for Christmas. It took some pretty fancy negotiations to get her to take the bling off before going to daycare, let me tell you.
I finished Phil's Spring Cable Socks yesterday. I'll post pictures next time, because the ones I took this morning really don't do the socks justice (natch). Nor do they do Phil's legs justice, for that matter. Seriously, they look as though they belong to Ichabod Crane or something. Maybe the Wicked Witch of the East (you know, when her feet are sticking out from under Dorothy's house).
I was supposed to go to Cardio-Poussette this morning, but it's been snowing quite a bit, which makes it impossible to navigate with the stroller, so I'll see if I can go tomorrow instead. Today, I'll concentrate my efforts on cooking and knitting (not necessarily in that order).
Like the time I tried removing a broken windshield wiper blade from my car in a parking garage, and wound up giving up after struggling for 15 minutes, going through every single curse word I could think of in both French and English, and generally working myself up into such a fury that I could have caused myself sever bodily injury. Or the time I tried making coffee for myself when Phil was out of town and just couldn't get the filter back on to the stupid machine no matter what I did (I JUST WANTED A STINKIN COFFEE!!!). Or this morning. I've been fiddling with Photoshop for about 25 minutes, trying to figure out how to remove the red eye on a picture I took of Émilie this morning. For the life of me, I just can't figure it out. Since this is likely one of the most common corrections one would want to make to a photograph, shouldn't there just be a friggin' "Correct Red Eye" button or something??? No, because that would make sense, wouldn't it, and Lord knows we can't have that!!!
Grrr. (Pauses to sip soothing tea. Breathes.) OK, I've calmed down. Let's look at the picture, red eye and all, because she's just so gosh darn cute that it'll make almost anyone feel better.
Isn't she adorable??? She chose this wacky outfit on her own (you can't see the shocking pink tights that complete the ensemble), and decided it would all look even better with the toy jewelry Santa brought her for Christmas. It took some pretty fancy negotiations to get her to take the bling off before going to daycare, let me tell you.
I finished Phil's Spring Cable Socks yesterday. I'll post pictures next time, because the ones I took this morning really don't do the socks justice (natch). Nor do they do Phil's legs justice, for that matter. Seriously, they look as though they belong to Ichabod Crane or something. Maybe the Wicked Witch of the East (you know, when her feet are sticking out from under Dorothy's house).
I was supposed to go to Cardio-Poussette this morning, but it's been snowing quite a bit, which makes it impossible to navigate with the stroller, so I'll see if I can go tomorrow instead. Today, I'll concentrate my efforts on cooking and knitting (not necessarily in that order).
Monday, February 11, 2008
Slow and Steady
I'm slowly getting a handle on things in preparation for our trip. More food for Maxime has been made, I've begun making lists, and, in true DearKnits form, I'm starting to feel a little panicked about the whole thing. Eh, it'll be fine. I'm not actually panicked about the trip itself, just, you know, about abandoning my babies for 18 days (OK, they'll be with their adoring grandparents, so I'm not technically abandoning them, but still, you know what I mean).
The weekend flew by, as usual. Actually, now that I write that, it occurs to me that there must be some weird disturbance in the space/time continuum that goes on during weekends when you've got young children. Seriously, at some points in the day, it feels like time has stopped, and you're just never, ever going to have another moment to yourself again. Basically, weekends are spent trying to get from one nap to another during the day, until the final sprint to bed time, when time speeds up and before you know it it's time to get up and start all over again. The kids were both fairly fussy this weekend, up early and Maxime barely napping both days. Naturally, this morning we actually had to wake the kids up to get them ready (natch).
I've almost finished Phil's Spring Cable Socks. Just a couple more pattern repeats and I'll begin the toe decreases. I've also made some progress on my Embossed Leaves Socks. What can I say? I'm just enchanted by this project. The lace is pretty without being complicated, and the garter stitch selvage on the heel is just a lovely little detail. I'm looking forward to the toe, which incorporates the leaves design into a star. Should be fun.
Today Maxime and I have to run a few errands, then we head to our swim class, and tonight I've got choir practice. Busy, busy day! Have a good one, everyone :)
The weekend flew by, as usual. Actually, now that I write that, it occurs to me that there must be some weird disturbance in the space/time continuum that goes on during weekends when you've got young children. Seriously, at some points in the day, it feels like time has stopped, and you're just never, ever going to have another moment to yourself again. Basically, weekends are spent trying to get from one nap to another during the day, until the final sprint to bed time, when time speeds up and before you know it it's time to get up and start all over again. The kids were both fairly fussy this weekend, up early and Maxime barely napping both days. Naturally, this morning we actually had to wake the kids up to get them ready (natch).
I've almost finished Phil's Spring Cable Socks. Just a couple more pattern repeats and I'll begin the toe decreases. I've also made some progress on my Embossed Leaves Socks. What can I say? I'm just enchanted by this project. The lace is pretty without being complicated, and the garter stitch selvage on the heel is just a lovely little detail. I'm looking forward to the toe, which incorporates the leaves design into a star. Should be fun.
Today Maxime and I have to run a few errands, then we head to our swim class, and tonight I've got choir practice. Busy, busy day! Have a good one, everyone :)
Friday, February 8, 2008
Details
I've got the "big" stuff for our trip to Japan taken care of (plane tickets, rail pass vouchers, hotel reservations in Kyoto, bike tour booking), now it's just a question of taking care of the details. You know, little things like: what exactly so we want to see in Japan? How much money should we bring with us? How will I get around all by myself in Tokyo?
There's also stuff at home to consider as well: Maxime's food, diapers, formula, schedule, do's and dont's, Émilie's daycare routine, and various other little things that are really important but I just can't think of right this instant. Every time I speak to my Dad on the phone, he asks me if I've started making all these lists. Um... No, not yet. Considering that we're leaving in three weeks, I'm starting to feel a little panicked.
BUT I did do one super important thing yesterday: I checked Air Canada's website and confirmed that knitting needles are indeed allowed on the plane. Whew!!! Seriously, a 17 hour flight and no knitting? Dere's gonna be bwood (no, that's not a type-o, it's an homage to my nephew Sean, who uttered these timeless words after he bonked his head when he was about three).
As far as knitting goes, there are details that need to be taken care of as well. For instance, did you know that the likelihood of eventually getting an honest to goodness Finished Object is greatly increased if you actually concentrate your knitting efforts on one project at a time??? CRAZY, right??? An example of this would be Josephine: I'm beginning to suspect that the reason that she hasn't gotten any closer to completion may be related to the fact that I'm not actually devoting any knitting time to her. Something to ponder.
I HAVE made some progress on my Embossed Leaves socks. First off, lemme just say that I absolutely LOVE this yarn. The subtle variations in colour are keeping me entranced, and are just perfect for this kind of lace pattern. And can I just say now how fantastic knitting with a sport/medium weight yarn is??? Seriously, I put in about an hour's worth of knitting time last night, and I went from an itty-bitty cuff to a genuine sock leg. Too cool (if, you know, you're a yarn geek). As you can see, I'm also using my Harmony wood dpns, and I couldn't be happier with them. I've been wanting to use wood needles for a while, now, but couldn't find any that suited me (they were all too bendy). These are sturdy, lightweight, and just plain pretty. I'm in love, and SO happy I bought the complete sock set.
I'm going to backtrack a bit here to send a big shout out to Sandra and Stéphanie who, along with Kate-the-Enabler and wee Liam, made it out to our first ever LavalKnits meeting Wednesday night. We had a blast and a half, and I'm really hoping to make this a regular "thing". Speaking of Kate, I've just got to mention that if you ever meet her in person, and are a fan of the Muppet Show? You've got to get her to do the Swedish Chef for you. Seriously, I practically peed myself, it was so funny. This one's for you, Kate :)
Finally, I'll leave you with this picture of my little angels, taken yesterday morning. It's one of the better shots we've gotten of both kids in a while (you know, no crying, screaming, red eyes or "hey-look-you-can-see-all-my-teeth-at-the-same-time" smiles). They're just the best kids ever (mother's heart swelling with pride here!).
There's also stuff at home to consider as well: Maxime's food, diapers, formula, schedule, do's and dont's, Émilie's daycare routine, and various other little things that are really important but I just can't think of right this instant. Every time I speak to my Dad on the phone, he asks me if I've started making all these lists. Um... No, not yet. Considering that we're leaving in three weeks, I'm starting to feel a little panicked.
BUT I did do one super important thing yesterday: I checked Air Canada's website and confirmed that knitting needles are indeed allowed on the plane. Whew!!! Seriously, a 17 hour flight and no knitting? Dere's gonna be bwood (no, that's not a type-o, it's an homage to my nephew Sean, who uttered these timeless words after he bonked his head when he was about three).
As far as knitting goes, there are details that need to be taken care of as well. For instance, did you know that the likelihood of eventually getting an honest to goodness Finished Object is greatly increased if you actually concentrate your knitting efforts on one project at a time??? CRAZY, right??? An example of this would be Josephine: I'm beginning to suspect that the reason that she hasn't gotten any closer to completion may be related to the fact that I'm not actually devoting any knitting time to her. Something to ponder.
I HAVE made some progress on my Embossed Leaves socks. First off, lemme just say that I absolutely LOVE this yarn. The subtle variations in colour are keeping me entranced, and are just perfect for this kind of lace pattern. And can I just say now how fantastic knitting with a sport/medium weight yarn is??? Seriously, I put in about an hour's worth of knitting time last night, and I went from an itty-bitty cuff to a genuine sock leg. Too cool (if, you know, you're a yarn geek). As you can see, I'm also using my Harmony wood dpns, and I couldn't be happier with them. I've been wanting to use wood needles for a while, now, but couldn't find any that suited me (they were all too bendy). These are sturdy, lightweight, and just plain pretty. I'm in love, and SO happy I bought the complete sock set.
I'm going to backtrack a bit here to send a big shout out to Sandra and Stéphanie who, along with Kate-the-Enabler and wee Liam, made it out to our first ever LavalKnits meeting Wednesday night. We had a blast and a half, and I'm really hoping to make this a regular "thing". Speaking of Kate, I've just got to mention that if you ever meet her in person, and are a fan of the Muppet Show? You've got to get her to do the Swedish Chef for you. Seriously, I practically peed myself, it was so funny. This one's for you, Kate :)
Finally, I'll leave you with this picture of my little angels, taken yesterday morning. It's one of the better shots we've gotten of both kids in a while (you know, no crying, screaming, red eyes or "hey-look-you-can-see-all-my-teeth-at-the-same-time" smiles). They're just the best kids ever (mother's heart swelling with pride here!).
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Best Intentions
I honestly don't know where the last 5 days went. Now, I don't usually blog on weekends, because I can't seem to find the time during the day, and my brain is incapable of coherent thought by the time the kids are tucked in their beds. However, I had every intention of blogging on Monday and Tuesday, but every time I sat down at the computer, I would do something else (pay bills, book things for our trip to Japan, try to get caught up on my blogs). So no blogging, despite my best intentions.
Despite the snow storm, Phil made it home safe and sound on Friday afternoon. I was a tad worried about this, because he was driving instead of flying, but all went well. And look! He even brought some yarny goodness home! Two skeins of 100% Maine wool sock yarn from The Irish Ewe (a nice, sturdy yarn) and a book, Dyeing to Knit. I think the book is Phil's way of telling me one of 2 things: a) maybe if you dye your own you'll spend less money on yarn (Hah!) or b) this yarn thing seems to be catching on, get on the bandwagon and dye your own and make a bazillion dollars already (Hoo-Hah!).
Saturday flew by with various errands and general running around, and on Sunday, Phil had a bunch of geeks, I mean pinball enthusiasts, over for a MAACA (that's the Montreal Arcare & Amusement Collectors Association, for those of you who aren't "in the know") meeting in our basement. Desperate for shelter of any kind (there was NO WAY I was staying home, trying to stop Émilie from going downstairs while simultaneously making friendly chitchat with everyone as they traipsed upstairs to use the bathroom), I was thrilled when Kate-the-Enabler (aka Needs-a-blog-Kate) graciously invited us all over. Émilie had loads of fun with Aidan (they both practiced their language skills, Émilie in English and Aidan in French), I had loads of fun with Kate and her husband Chris, and Maxime had loads of fun with all the new toys at his disposal. The afternoon was lovely, dinner was great, and I left feeling horribly guilty about the insane mess the kids made in what was once their living room. Needless to say, I'm planning to have them over for a banquet in the near future :)
I haven't made much progress on Josephine, I'm afraid. What little knitting I've managed to squeeze in has been on Phil's second Spring Cable Sock. The allure of a potential Finished Object is just too, well, alluring :). I DID cast on my Embossed Leaves socks, because I just couldn't wait to try out my Harmony dpns and Maggie's sock yarn. I've only knit about 4 rows on the cuff, though, so I'll hold off on pictures for the time being. I'll be working on those tonight, during the first EVER Laval Knits meeting! Stop by if you're in the area!
OK, I'm off to my Cardio-Poussette class with Maxime. I don't really feel like it, but I didn't go at all last week (Maxime was too sick), and guilt, it seems, is a powerful motivator ;)
Despite the snow storm, Phil made it home safe and sound on Friday afternoon. I was a tad worried about this, because he was driving instead of flying, but all went well. And look! He even brought some yarny goodness home! Two skeins of 100% Maine wool sock yarn from The Irish Ewe (a nice, sturdy yarn) and a book, Dyeing to Knit. I think the book is Phil's way of telling me one of 2 things: a) maybe if you dye your own you'll spend less money on yarn (Hah!) or b) this yarn thing seems to be catching on, get on the bandwagon and dye your own and make a bazillion dollars already (Hoo-Hah!).
Saturday flew by with various errands and general running around, and on Sunday, Phil had a bunch of geeks, I mean pinball enthusiasts, over for a MAACA (that's the Montreal Arcare & Amusement Collectors Association, for those of you who aren't "in the know") meeting in our basement. Desperate for shelter of any kind (there was NO WAY I was staying home, trying to stop Émilie from going downstairs while simultaneously making friendly chitchat with everyone as they traipsed upstairs to use the bathroom), I was thrilled when Kate-the-Enabler (aka Needs-a-blog-Kate) graciously invited us all over. Émilie had loads of fun with Aidan (they both practiced their language skills, Émilie in English and Aidan in French), I had loads of fun with Kate and her husband Chris, and Maxime had loads of fun with all the new toys at his disposal. The afternoon was lovely, dinner was great, and I left feeling horribly guilty about the insane mess the kids made in what was once their living room. Needless to say, I'm planning to have them over for a banquet in the near future :)
I haven't made much progress on Josephine, I'm afraid. What little knitting I've managed to squeeze in has been on Phil's second Spring Cable Sock. The allure of a potential Finished Object is just too, well, alluring :). I DID cast on my Embossed Leaves socks, because I just couldn't wait to try out my Harmony dpns and Maggie's sock yarn. I've only knit about 4 rows on the cuff, though, so I'll hold off on pictures for the time being. I'll be working on those tonight, during the first EVER Laval Knits meeting! Stop by if you're in the area!
OK, I'm off to my Cardio-Poussette class with Maxime. I don't really feel like it, but I didn't go at all last week (Maxime was too sick), and guilt, it seems, is a powerful motivator ;)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Revived
Yesterday I was doing some research for our trip to Japan, checking out what the weather will be like in March to get an idea of what I'll need to pack (who am I kidding, I'm going to pack everything). It won't exactly be sandal weather, but it will definitely be more Spring-like than it is in this neck of the woods at that time of year. This got me to thinking about handknits, about how I haven't really made anything for myself besides socks in a long, long while. And then I remembered Josephine.
This, in case you were wondering, is the Josephine Top from the Summer 2007 issue of Interweave Knits. I became totally obsessed with it when I first received the issue, paid a fortune for the yarn (Twisted Sisters Mirage), cast on immediately, and have pretty much left it to rot in the bottom of my knitting basket ever since.
This would be perfect for my trip! So I pulled it out of the depths yesterday afternoon, worked on it a bit during Maxime's very brief nap (he's teething) and wound up all my skeins into cakes last night. I'm pumped, I tell you. I'm going to finish it! I even changed it's status on Ravelry from "Hibernating" to "In Progress". How's that for decisive action? Hah!
I also wound up a skein of Maggie's Mediumweight sock yarn into 2 cakes. Now, I'm usually a "one sock project at a time" kind of girl. But here's the thing: the winder was out, I finally got my Harmony dpns from Knitpicks (review later - short story: love them!), and I've been fondling this damn yarn pretty much incessantly since I got it. The planets were aligned, I tell you, and I know better than to tempt the Knitting Fates by ignoring such an obvious sign. :) As you can see, I'm thinking I'll be using this yarn to knit the Embossed Leaves socks from Favorite Socks.
What else? Maxime and I are both feeling a little better (Émilie has completely recovered). Thanks to everyone who expressed concern about our wellbeing. It was really appreciated.
And I almost forgot! Robyn has tagged me with a You Make My Day Award! :) When you think that I've only been blogging for about six months, it's pretty cool that anyone reads me at all, let alone gives me an award! I'm just about out of nap time, so I'll be handing out my picks for an award in my next post.
Have a great weekend, everyone! :)
This, in case you were wondering, is the Josephine Top from the Summer 2007 issue of Interweave Knits. I became totally obsessed with it when I first received the issue, paid a fortune for the yarn (Twisted Sisters Mirage), cast on immediately, and have pretty much left it to rot in the bottom of my knitting basket ever since.
This would be perfect for my trip! So I pulled it out of the depths yesterday afternoon, worked on it a bit during Maxime's very brief nap (he's teething) and wound up all my skeins into cakes last night. I'm pumped, I tell you. I'm going to finish it! I even changed it's status on Ravelry from "Hibernating" to "In Progress". How's that for decisive action? Hah!
I also wound up a skein of Maggie's Mediumweight sock yarn into 2 cakes. Now, I'm usually a "one sock project at a time" kind of girl. But here's the thing: the winder was out, I finally got my Harmony dpns from Knitpicks (review later - short story: love them!), and I've been fondling this damn yarn pretty much incessantly since I got it. The planets were aligned, I tell you, and I know better than to tempt the Knitting Fates by ignoring such an obvious sign. :) As you can see, I'm thinking I'll be using this yarn to knit the Embossed Leaves socks from Favorite Socks.
What else? Maxime and I are both feeling a little better (Émilie has completely recovered). Thanks to everyone who expressed concern about our wellbeing. It was really appreciated.
And I almost forgot! Robyn has tagged me with a You Make My Day Award! :) When you think that I've only been blogging for about six months, it's pretty cool that anyone reads me at all, let alone gives me an award! I'm just about out of nap time, so I'll be handing out my picks for an award in my next post.
Have a great weekend, everyone! :)
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