The boys (read that hubby and son) are downstairs snaking the toilet drain.
This is an accident waiting to happen.
An EXPENSIVE accident.
Because should anything break, and a plumber need to be consulted, well, let's just say that this old house is made of sticks and clay...get my meaning? Nothing is to code anymore. Replacing ANY lines for the sewer would mean chopping up 10 yards of concrete, both under the house AND under the deck (which was JUST redone a few summers ago--and why didn't we snake the drain THEN????) to replace the line, pull up the pine tree stump from the 30 foot tall pine tree that USED to be there, and MAYBE even replace the sewer tank and re-run the drain field which has already been broken once from somebody rolling a pickup truck over it (we won't mention names....).
I recall a time when I was doing laundry, and suds came out of the toilet in the bathroom down there in our basement! We had to use a hose to run the grey water! Imagine that in this freezing cold! The ultimate in frozen pipe! And of course, you can't shut the door when there's a HOSE in the doorway, so let's just say laundry was a summertime thing....
And I remember a time when we had 2" of water, backed up from the toilet (but not sewer water, thank goodness--just grey water from the laundry) that soaked the downstairs carpet (remember that ugly yellow shag carpeting? OH YES! Original Equipment for a 1976 house, along with the orange kitchen countertops!), and then we couldn't get the musty smell out of the basement so we had to take up all the carpet. That was fun, too. Moldy carpet. Dusty, moldy carpet, taken up in pieces (naturally it wouldn't come up in ONE piece) and transported by hand and shoulder, right next to the nose, and tossed into the pickup truck to take to the landfill--tossed, and dust rose in the air 10 feet!) I believe I contracted a cold that year that I could NOT shake, that ended up staying with me for 6 entire months until the doctor finally diagnosed me with a case of minor asthma.) Sorta makes you understand why we didn't REPLACE the carpet. I think that was a wise decision. Yes, Indeed! I do!
However, now, son lives in the basement, and with my urging, and loving reminders and a skipping down memory lane, son and I convinced hubby to get a toilet snake to snake the line.
Which brings us to this moment, where the "boys" are playing with the monster, rented from the local "machine rent-all" place--with marginal instructions in use of the contraption--and they are snaking the toilet drain.
I'm keeping the number for the plumber handy, just in case. Hey, Culligan Man!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
On the Line with Tech Support
Well, I just spent the last half hour to an hour with tech support at Verizon Wireless.
Result?
Well, I'm connected, but it's an "always on" connection, which is fine for me--not so fine for hubby, who likes to leave the internet on pages that are constantly updating. This might get expensive.
In the meanwhile, I have to recreate the network connection, and that's not going so well yet.
I'll let you know.
Result?
Well, I'm connected, but it's an "always on" connection, which is fine for me--not so fine for hubby, who likes to leave the internet on pages that are constantly updating. This might get expensive.
In the meanwhile, I have to recreate the network connection, and that's not going so well yet.
I'll let you know.
Must.Call.Verizon!
Still having difficulty staying connected. It's become an issue in the entire household.
I had a Knitting 101 class yesterday with 6, yes, count them, 6 people!
It was a little much. I hope that the four who caught on to the process were satisfied, because the two that had trouble rather took more time--but I think I did well, all things considered. I have a new knitting "thing" to learn myself, and that is,
"How to Knit "Left-Handed"".
But for now, I must go to work. I can download instructions there to get a visual on my break or on lunch, and learn enough to be able to teach the class.
The extra yarn for the contest has arrived, and now, I'm working on so many different things, I'm wondering if I'll have the time to work on it. I haven't even knit a swatch yet.
And another person queued up my slippers. I think that's cool. Must. Go. Start. Car.
I had a Knitting 101 class yesterday with 6, yes, count them, 6 people!
It was a little much. I hope that the four who caught on to the process were satisfied, because the two that had trouble rather took more time--but I think I did well, all things considered. I have a new knitting "thing" to learn myself, and that is,
"How to Knit "Left-Handed"".
But for now, I must go to work. I can download instructions there to get a visual on my break or on lunch, and learn enough to be able to teach the class.
The extra yarn for the contest has arrived, and now, I'm working on so many different things, I'm wondering if I'll have the time to work on it. I haven't even knit a swatch yet.
And another person queued up my slippers. I think that's cool. Must. Go. Start. Car.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Am I Dreaming?
Well, I sure wish I was, because that would mean I was still sleeping--and I'm not. I came to work early this morning to get a jump on some things, and ended up sleeping right though the alarm, and was a whole 10 minutes late, which isn't much in the grand scheme of things, but the person I was hoping to get a jump on was already here, and there was only a small pile of things that I could get done for her to work on, now all the rest of the stuff I have can be done over the next two or three days.
So I guess I came in early for nothing. This would be maddening, except for the fact that it means I can leave earlier than I normally do--and that's a plus.
Last night I made potatoes in my new potatoe bag I got for Christmas. It worked great! I think I'm going to make more potatoes tonight!
It's sort of a slow news day today, though.
I have 31 more points to go on my Princess Shawl Border. I'm getting there! If I can just complete two a day, I will have them all done in 15 or 16 days--which will put me toward the end of January starting the body of the shawl. Frankly, I can't wait.
Well, it was a short break, but I have to get back at it. It's supposed to snow today (a lot), and I'm not looking forward to that. I hope I get home early enough to miss it.
So I guess I came in early for nothing. This would be maddening, except for the fact that it means I can leave earlier than I normally do--and that's a plus.
Last night I made potatoes in my new potatoe bag I got for Christmas. It worked great! I think I'm going to make more potatoes tonight!
It's sort of a slow news day today, though.
I have 31 more points to go on my Princess Shawl Border. I'm getting there! If I can just complete two a day, I will have them all done in 15 or 16 days--which will put me toward the end of January starting the body of the shawl. Frankly, I can't wait.
Well, it was a short break, but I have to get back at it. It's supposed to snow today (a lot), and I'm not looking forward to that. I hope I get home early enough to miss it.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A little rant....and then back to work...
They've decided to tack on another responsibility to my workload at the office yesterday, and it's beginning to drive me knuts.
Somehow, I hope that I can get past this recent trodding on my feelings for leaving me out of the decision to do this.
In the meanwhile, knitting on the Princess Shawl. I now have only 32 1/2 points to do on the edging, and then I can put it away for blocking later. I will be so happy to move on to the next part. I'm hoping that it's a bit easier to memorize than the edging was, but for whatever reason, I do believe that it will be more difficult. Somehow, that's how it goes.
I haven't made any progress on my next project--the one I plan to offer for sale, I mean. I am waiting for a few more skeins of the yarn I intend to use, and when it arrives, I will start. I also have some projects I need to get going on for JoAnn's--some felted flowers and a child's sweater--very important to get my samples done, but I've been really busy for some reason, with not a lot of time to accomplish things at home--
That might be because of the addition of working OUT OF THE HOME, which is stressing me out these days, because of the addition of a new task, which is driving me knuts...oh...there I go again....
I haven't done a tarot card in a long while...so I draw one..
Wisdom...reversed of course, from the Psychic Tarot, which compares to the Hierophant in the Rider-Waite decks. Psychic Tarot claims this card to be that of a teacher, rather than a religious ideology--which tones it down quite a lot. Reversed, it may mean that I need to take the stance of the student, and learn something today. It could refer to the fact that next week my husband is going back to school, and how that might affect me--something, in fact, that I'm really excited about, since it means that there will be evenings when all will be quiet around the house, and I don't have to come home and get supper going the second I walk in the door! YAY!
It might also refer to the fact that my son is trying to re-learn knitting. Yes, I was a good mother, and taught him when he was a teen, but for whatever reason, he dropped it in favor of doing other things (such as driving me knuts!). But now, he's picking it back up, and I'm very excited about that--finally, somebody to share my craft with!
But whatever it refers to, I'm sure I'll find out in time.
Somehow, I hope that I can get past this recent trodding on my feelings for leaving me out of the decision to do this.
In the meanwhile, knitting on the Princess Shawl. I now have only 32 1/2 points to do on the edging, and then I can put it away for blocking later. I will be so happy to move on to the next part. I'm hoping that it's a bit easier to memorize than the edging was, but for whatever reason, I do believe that it will be more difficult. Somehow, that's how it goes.
I haven't made any progress on my next project--the one I plan to offer for sale, I mean. I am waiting for a few more skeins of the yarn I intend to use, and when it arrives, I will start. I also have some projects I need to get going on for JoAnn's--some felted flowers and a child's sweater--very important to get my samples done, but I've been really busy for some reason, with not a lot of time to accomplish things at home--
That might be because of the addition of working OUT OF THE HOME, which is stressing me out these days, because of the addition of a new task, which is driving me knuts...oh...there I go again....
I haven't done a tarot card in a long while...so I draw one..
Wisdom...reversed of course, from the Psychic Tarot, which compares to the Hierophant in the Rider-Waite decks. Psychic Tarot claims this card to be that of a teacher, rather than a religious ideology--which tones it down quite a lot. Reversed, it may mean that I need to take the stance of the student, and learn something today. It could refer to the fact that next week my husband is going back to school, and how that might affect me--something, in fact, that I'm really excited about, since it means that there will be evenings when all will be quiet around the house, and I don't have to come home and get supper going the second I walk in the door! YAY!
It might also refer to the fact that my son is trying to re-learn knitting. Yes, I was a good mother, and taught him when he was a teen, but for whatever reason, he dropped it in favor of doing other things (such as driving me knuts!). But now, he's picking it back up, and I'm very excited about that--finally, somebody to share my craft with!
But whatever it refers to, I'm sure I'll find out in time.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Doings Today!
I was so fortunate today, as I only had to work for a half day, then a doctor appointment, then
Spinning!
Of course, I'm knitting, knitting, knitting, and in the space of the last blog post and oh, RIGHT NOW, I have finished 4 repeats of the border points on the Sharon Miller Princess Shawl.
Talk about motivated.
And I got my paycheck for the last week of classes, and believe it or not, I am REALLY pleased. Because I can't wait to spend it, and I already have an idea what I'm going to use it for! Isn't that what it's for?
Actually, I owe hubby some money, and by the end of this week, he will be paid off, and then I don't have to worry about the corn anymore until next season. Our supply should last until next season and probably into January, unless it becomes a great deal colder than it already is, and I believe that the worst of the weather is actually behind us. Usually, January and February are cold, but not so much snow as December. It's actually been pretty dry so far, and the Wooly Bear Caterpillar says that winter, spring and summer next will all be equally spaced. So--
Three months Winter. Three months Spring. Three months of true summer. Since December begins winter, there will be another two, perhaps two and a half months of winter, and then things will bloom again, and the sun will shine as it always does. Things will turn green again, and my favorite colors will pop out on the trees.
Why do I feel like I'm waiting for spring already? I do like Winter. I hate the cold and the bad drivers. Winter gives me a chance to showcase my knitwear that I've been working on all during the other seasons. Of course, THIS YEAR I am making a spring "wearable", and when I am finished, I will showcase it on Ravelry. You should look forward to this, because the project is going to be elegant, feminine and spring-y and probably VERY easy to knit (and perhaps a little crochet), and/or adjust for YOUR body. I also plan to enter it into JoAnn's newest contest offered in the store--Using a Red Heart Eco Yarn, you have to make an original article, and submit it to the contest for review, and first prize (there are 2), is a $1000 gift card for JoAnn's! I can always use a gift card, right?
First, though, I have to check my gauge with the yarn I chose to see how many stitches I have to cast on to make the article, then I have to measure how far a skein will take me, then I have to order more yarn (very likely)--so I have a little math to do first before I can actually cast on...but I am champing at the bit on this one!
Plus this, I have sold a few copies of my Comfortable Cable Slipper Pattern (see right panel), and I think this one might be my ticket to stardom. You know, for years, people have said that I'm talented--and it's one of those things where you think to yourself "ah, but you're just being nice..." but when someone actually buys your pattern so that they can make it, the compliment is written in cement! It makes you feel validated, and that it's NOT just words, that you really ARE talented.
If only I had the sense to sell my patterns years ago! :)
But this next pattern, coming up, is going to be so special as to pretty well dwarf the compliments on the slippers, socks and hats. This one will be so professional looking, that people will wonder if it's really possible for them to re-create it. And I think it would be VERY possible. It will take time and it will take work, but I'm looking forward to it, and I'm up to the task!
Watch for it here!
Spinning!
Of course, I'm knitting, knitting, knitting, and in the space of the last blog post and oh, RIGHT NOW, I have finished 4 repeats of the border points on the Sharon Miller Princess Shawl.
Talk about motivated.
And I got my paycheck for the last week of classes, and believe it or not, I am REALLY pleased. Because I can't wait to spend it, and I already have an idea what I'm going to use it for! Isn't that what it's for?
Actually, I owe hubby some money, and by the end of this week, he will be paid off, and then I don't have to worry about the corn anymore until next season. Our supply should last until next season and probably into January, unless it becomes a great deal colder than it already is, and I believe that the worst of the weather is actually behind us. Usually, January and February are cold, but not so much snow as December. It's actually been pretty dry so far, and the Wooly Bear Caterpillar says that winter, spring and summer next will all be equally spaced. So--
Three months Winter. Three months Spring. Three months of true summer. Since December begins winter, there will be another two, perhaps two and a half months of winter, and then things will bloom again, and the sun will shine as it always does. Things will turn green again, and my favorite colors will pop out on the trees.
Why do I feel like I'm waiting for spring already? I do like Winter. I hate the cold and the bad drivers. Winter gives me a chance to showcase my knitwear that I've been working on all during the other seasons. Of course, THIS YEAR I am making a spring "wearable", and when I am finished, I will showcase it on Ravelry. You should look forward to this, because the project is going to be elegant, feminine and spring-y and probably VERY easy to knit (and perhaps a little crochet), and/or adjust for YOUR body. I also plan to enter it into JoAnn's newest contest offered in the store--Using a Red Heart Eco Yarn, you have to make an original article, and submit it to the contest for review, and first prize (there are 2), is a $1000 gift card for JoAnn's! I can always use a gift card, right?
First, though, I have to check my gauge with the yarn I chose to see how many stitches I have to cast on to make the article, then I have to measure how far a skein will take me, then I have to order more yarn (very likely)--so I have a little math to do first before I can actually cast on...but I am champing at the bit on this one!
Plus this, I have sold a few copies of my Comfortable Cable Slipper Pattern (see right panel), and I think this one might be my ticket to stardom. You know, for years, people have said that I'm talented--and it's one of those things where you think to yourself "ah, but you're just being nice..." but when someone actually buys your pattern so that they can make it, the compliment is written in cement! It makes you feel validated, and that it's NOT just words, that you really ARE talented.
If only I had the sense to sell my patterns years ago! :)
But this next pattern, coming up, is going to be so special as to pretty well dwarf the compliments on the slippers, socks and hats. This one will be so professional looking, that people will wonder if it's really possible for them to re-create it. And I think it would be VERY possible. It will take time and it will take work, but I'm looking forward to it, and I'm up to the task!
Watch for it here!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Problems with Broadband
Well, Verizon has done it to me again. This time, they have gone too far! This time it's the rant above all rants!
Now, my broadband card disconnects whenever it feels like it--as if it is aware when I go to the bathroom and leave it on. Then, when I come back to my work, the connection has been lost, as well as any online work that I might have tried to SAVE before I check the connection to make sure it's "on".
Bugger!
So, I'll be talking to them on Monday about it to find out what setting is causing this, because
it. is. driving. me. crazy!
******
Today, I have two classes to teach, plus knitting to work on. I actually was motivated to work on the Princess Shawl last night and made three more points, when I decided that I needed to make some edits to the laminated pattern so that I might be able to finish it--quickly, and without error.Most of the error I make are made when I have to look up and down--down to the pattern, then up to the work--I will invariably miss a yarn over or something, and tinking this thread is madness--trust me.
So the new plan is to get some colored markers and color in the blocks of work that are repeated--such as the k2tog yo k1 yo ssk and it's mate, which is the same, just reversed and the yo sk2p yo--then the ending of every other row and the beginning of the alternate rows are also knit the same, just in reverse, and I think I could memorize the pattern easier if I could simpify it. Even though I only have 37 more points to go.
God help me.
The motivator for starting the shawl again last night was The Queen Susan Shawl. I think I'm in love with Shetland lace. If you haven't seen this one in white, wait until you see it in black (yes, somebody was fool enough to work up a Shetland lace pattern in black--I wonder if they can still see properly.) Absolutely stunning. I downloaded the pattern.
Somebody tell me when I can find the time to knit all these things?!
And then I found a cool pattern for another dk hat, AND a cardigan. I tell you, I am doomed.
In the meanwhile, I will work purposefully on the Princess Shawl. Fear not; it will likely be years before I actually finish it. In the meanwhile, I have other things to work on, and classes to prepare for, and breakfast to eat, and so on.
It's also the last day of my vacation. Bah! Humbug!
Now, my broadband card disconnects whenever it feels like it--as if it is aware when I go to the bathroom and leave it on. Then, when I come back to my work, the connection has been lost, as well as any online work that I might have tried to SAVE before I check the connection to make sure it's "on".
Bugger!
So, I'll be talking to them on Monday about it to find out what setting is causing this, because
it. is. driving. me. crazy!
******
Today, I have two classes to teach, plus knitting to work on. I actually was motivated to work on the Princess Shawl last night and made three more points, when I decided that I needed to make some edits to the laminated pattern so that I might be able to finish it--quickly, and without error.Most of the error I make are made when I have to look up and down--down to the pattern, then up to the work--I will invariably miss a yarn over or something, and tinking this thread is madness--trust me.
So the new plan is to get some colored markers and color in the blocks of work that are repeated--such as the k2tog yo k1 yo ssk and it's mate, which is the same, just reversed and the yo sk2p yo--then the ending of every other row and the beginning of the alternate rows are also knit the same, just in reverse, and I think I could memorize the pattern easier if I could simpify it. Even though I only have 37 more points to go.
God help me.
The motivator for starting the shawl again last night was The Queen Susan Shawl. I think I'm in love with Shetland lace. If you haven't seen this one in white, wait until you see it in black (yes, somebody was fool enough to work up a Shetland lace pattern in black--I wonder if they can still see properly.) Absolutely stunning. I downloaded the pattern.
Somebody tell me when I can find the time to knit all these things?!
And then I found a cool pattern for another dk hat, AND a cardigan. I tell you, I am doomed.
In the meanwhile, I will work purposefully on the Princess Shawl. Fear not; it will likely be years before I actually finish it. In the meanwhile, I have other things to work on, and classes to prepare for, and breakfast to eat, and so on.
It's also the last day of my vacation. Bah! Humbug!
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