Off to Work

I think I'm getting another version of some cold!! Last night at knitting I was feeling pretty crummy, especially toward the end of the evening. This morning I'm feeling a little better but if my voice holds out, it'll be a miracle. I'm gonna try to be stingy with my germs and keep the rest of the family from another round of sickness.

Today is the first day I feel bad about going to work. It's POURING down rain and that used to mean I could put my jeans on with a big comfy sweatshirt and a pair of knit socks, grab the knitting, pop in an old movie (or the latest DVD series borrowed from a friend) and hunker down for the duration. I wouldn't even have to go out at all, not even to pick up the kids because of the carpool (I took this morning.). I was so lucky to have so many days like that, huh?

Not today, I've got my "big girl" clothes on, heels and makeup. I'm out the door in a few minutes...heavy sign.

Queenie and Mum

Here is your Knitting Royality...ok, that's a bit of a stretch! Well, anyway, here we are doing the "wave"...not above the tiara though!

Thanks again Charlotte for the "crowns"...we love 'em!

Winter Knit in Public

Me and my goodies!
Deborah, Ira and April stopped by too. Here they hare chatting with Christine and Charlotte.

Jen and her new "ripped" shot glass. Bring on the Tequila!

The two ladies who made this event happen...Kimber and Corrina.

KIP Winter Edition was so much fun! The weather was pretty good and waited to rain until after the give aways...around 4pm. I think it was a pretty good turn out, too. Everyone seemed to be happy...knitting, chatting and laughing their way through the day. Kimber had plenty of Door Prizes and Raffle items. A bunch of people in our group won stuff...very cool! It seemed that most of the local yarn shops even donated some items, which was great to see. I saw plenty of familiar faces and I met a few new ones, too.

When the rain came our group decided to head to the downtown Public Library to sit and knit in their cafe. I had never been to the Library but I'd heard many wonderful things about it. You people who don't live in Jacksonville don't know this, but if you're not a resident of Duval County, it costs you $40 to get a library card. I can get a library card for you county at no cost though. I'm super bummed because I've heard that the knitting book selection is excellent at the downtown branch...other branches, too come to think about it. Anyway, we didn't stay long because the cafe was closed. Jodi was the Tour Guide for us and pointed out what is located on each floor if the Library (there are five floors, including the basement floor). She then took our group outside and down the street to Chamblin's Book Mine (web site problems, can't hyperlink). What a fantastic used book store! They had a cafe (open!), so we had coffee and some knit time then went to the knitting section of the store. We didn't see anything too exciting, but we had a good chuckle at some of the dated patterns and models. Anything knit from the 60's and 70's is always good for a laugh or two.

Yarn Purchase...

Ok, before you start clicking that tongue...I had a Gift Certificate from Christmas and The Local Needle got in some new Pagewood Farms sock yarn so....I had to spend it!!! I stayed with in my "rules" for the Yarn Fast and only purchased with in my Certificate boundaries ($50). I also got a new booklet from Classic Elite Yarns called Make it Modern. The Plum Wool Bam Boo is for the little scarf on the cover. As always it was so fun to go to Joan's shop. I didn't have any shopping buddies with me so I didn't even bring any knitting with me. I just shopped and came home. I am thrilled with the new sock yarn and I know it will motivate me to finish the two I already have on needles.

Maybe I should get another set of sock size circs so I can have three pair going at once?!

Somebody quick!

Talk me down!!!

I Had No Idea....

Becky sent me a photo of all the things I've knit for her over the years. The photo is Trellis, knit for her niece's new baby boy. I had no idea that there were so many scarves!!

Thanks for sending the photo Beck! Every item has love knitted in sweetie!

I was thinking....didn't I knit a couple pairs of socks for someone as a gift from you. I remember the yarn, but not the recipient..lol!

Big day for Veronica!

Happy 15th Birthday Veronica!!!

Yes, my "baby" is 15 today. When the #$%& did that happen?! This was taken at her party last Saturday night. Today the plan is to go out to dinner then home for B-day cake. She's taking a class after school that is required for getting your driving permit or license. Then she'll get her permit and....God help us.....start driving lessons. Say a little prayer for Mike will ya?

Becky & Buffy

Becky & Buffy
Originally uploaded by brenda.pirie

Becky and Buffy (pink goggles) having fun in the desert on their toys. I'm not sure, but I think Buffy was driving. Becky's husband, Chris took the photo. I just think it's so cute!

ETA: The gals in my knit group are always wanting to be Becky because I always seem to be knitting for Becky. (Do you really have that many knitted things from me, Beck?) Anyway, I told them last night that they could see a photo of Becky on my blog....bawahahahahaha! (Insert evil Queenie laugh here.)

Small Victory

Well, I finished my first Small Personal Project for 2009. One sock to complete the pair...not much, but I'm on track and that makes me happy. I think I'll surprise someone I love with a pair of socks, not sure who yet but it'll probably involve a trip to the Post Office.

Now to work on one of those sweaters...

BTW, I fell in love with a couple patterns in a Classic Elite Yarns booklet called Make It Modern. The little scarf and the diamond hoodie are just too cute. The yarn my mom gave me might be good for the sweater. Or another sweater from that booklet...hummmmm....

JaxKnits Rocks!!!

We had the greatest Meetup last night! Our Fearless Leader came up with the idea to have a teach/learn to knit night at a local restaurant. It was held at Ragland's in Five Points. It's a cute place, pretty good food, lots of kinds of beers, etc. We had an entire room to ourselves which was awesome. There was a fun "icebreaker" activity that got everyone up, walking around and chatting with each other. I met so many new gals who seemed happy and excited to be there...and there was plenty of time for us "old"members to chat, too. The not-so-awesome part was the room was freezing cold! It's been so cold here in the Sunshine State the past few days. Sunshine state...ok, the sun is shining but it's bitter cold (for here anyway). Later in the evening some gal came yelling and cussing, making trouble for somebody, I guess. They threw her out and called the Police. Weird. Anyway, other than that the evening was a blast! The two gals I sat with in my role as "teacher" were super sweet and funny. I just love showing all the trick of the trade to the newbies. I was so thrilled they picked up Continental knitting so quickly...no credit to my teaching skills; these ladies have talent!

Mike in Danny's Hat.

I also finished my first item of 2009...not at the meetup, on Thursday night. It's Danny's hat and I had to guess at the yardage because Donner gave me a label-less skein. It was very exciting to actually put some yardage on that 'ole Knit Meter I tell you! I just downloaded Corrina's Beachcomber Socks pattern....wahoo! I'm dying to cast on, but I'll wait until I get my current UFOs under control.

Today I got the funniest phone call from Jodi. She was in St. Pete at the Barnes and Noble and met another knitter who told her the yarn shop Needles and Knobs was just a couple miles away. She needed a little pep talk to keep away from any yarn buying temptation. No worries...I talked her down. She's determined not to buy yarn until April...I'm behind her all the way! I know she'll return the favor when I find myself in a moment of weakness.

Me & Nanajana in Savannah!

Nanajan in the Colonial Cemetery
Enjoying the day! (Yes, that's the Lady Feb. sweater!)

Reynolds Square was in our front yard.

Well, the last time I posted my Mom arrived in town and I'm finally back...she left this morning. It's been a busy week, full of food, travel and a lot of laughs. Our weekend in Savannah was so much fun! First, the weather could not have been better. Even the rain (drizzle, really) on Sunday didn't keep us from exploring. We took the city tour on one of those trolley cars. Thanks Donner for the tip about the $10 tour. Our guide was very funny and knowledgeable, but I was a little disappointed that he had a New York accent instead of a nice southern drawl. That evening we took the trolley Ghost Tour (our feet hurt from so much walking during the day) and I got my fill of southern drawl. The gal doing the tour was so funny...she HATED Sherman (spit into the trash can upon saying his name..lol!). Some of it was for show, but I'm sure not all of it. During the day we walked down to St. John's Cathedral for a look around. If you haven't seen this, it's a must! The Nativity was still up, too (good timing for us). We did most of the touristy stuff, too...even sat on Forrest Gump's bench. The best place we ate was The Pirate's House. The food was excellent and the spooky surroundings were wonderful! I can't wait to go again with the family. There are two things I'd love to do with Mike and the kids...tour the Davenport Home and check out one of the many SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) galleries.

The job is going great. I wish I could get over my nervousness, but that will come with time. Mostly I dwell on what needs to be done at work while I'm at home...stupid, I know. I guess I've been away from the work force so long, that I'm having trouble separating the two...home and work. Today I should get my first paycheck! Wahoo!!

I haven't been knitting too much this week, between working and playing, but Danny's Hat should be done soon and then I'm going to get that second sock done for my Personal Knitted project this month. Actually, it's so darn cold, I'm thinking about working on that afghan that's been in my UFOs for so long. My Mr. Greenjeans' body is done and the sleeves await. This weekend I plan on starting the blocking for my Ropes and Picot sweater. I can't wait till that's done...love the color!

Hope all is well in your world and your knitted items do their job keeping you warm this winter...burrrr!!!

First Day

Just walked in from my first day on the job. Crazy, crazy...trying to learn everything in one day can really over load the brain. I did have a great time, though. Tracy is extremely organized and thorough...and she's super funny. I met a lot of very nice people and finally got to see the inside of the Chapel and Church. We even went out to lunch! I think I'm ready to tackle the rest of the week! The only mistake I made today was locking the kids out of the house...oops. Luckily, we have plenty of wonderful friends that took them in until I got home. I'll do better tomorrow.

Today....and Tomorrow

Today is Monday. Never been much of a fan of the Monday. I do like the Monday paper though, it has the John Rosemond column. I'm a big fan of his practical parenting style.

Anyway, today is going to be a whirl wind of activity. We're getting things ready around here for my Mom to come visit, she arrives tomorrow. It's also the last day before I start my new job tomorrow. And the last day of Winter Break for the kids. I guess that makes tomorrow an exciting day as well, huh?

I'm really nervous about the new job. The job is gonna be great, I'm sure once I get into a routine I'll be fine. I really love a routine, whatever that routine is...you know? I'll be a bit freaked out until I settle into the new and it becomes less new and more routine. Keeping myself "in check" between those two things is going to be the trick.

The biggest challenge with the new job is my wardrobe. This shouldn't be that difficult, huh? I'm just not a fashion diva. And I hate shopping. My dear friend Donna, who IS a fashion diva (but in a normal way), is going to help me along this road. It'll all work out...stay calm I tell myself.

If you don't hear from me, it's because I'm having fun with my Mom! I'll try to post a few photos from our girls weekend (this weekend) to Savannah. I can't wait!!

Start of the New Year

Kozmic Bluz...you gonna try it!
Handsome dude in his favorite sweatshirt.

Three good lookin' broads.

After a late start, we drove to St. Augustine for some fun. It was packed! I guess folks in town for the Gator Bowl, eh? We ate at our favorite pizza place in town Kozmic Bluz, sat inside this time because it was a big chilly. We discovered a new store called Go Fish. They buy direct from artisans in other countries, usually very poor countries. They have awesome stuff. Mike wanted the giraffe carving that stood about 7 feet tall. Me, I had my eye on this hand knit alpaca bag...bright pink. Alas, we were just window shopping, you know right after Christmas and all.

I'm making great progress on my Blue Greenjeans sweater, I'm now about 5 inches down on the cable portion. It's a quick knit on size 7 needles..that's jumbo size in my world.

Today will be a bit sad...taking down of all things Christmas around here. I usually miss something...hey, it's been up in the house since Saturday after Thanksgiving...that's a long time!

New Year's Eve 2008

Veronica ran her first race yesterday...the Gator Bowl 5K.

We spent New Year's Eve at Grandama Jan's home (Debbie's mom)!!

The kids rockin' and rollin' with the Wii. I think they were doing a Bon Jovi song.

Part of the crazy crowd at the party last night. Debbie is doing her Shrek impersonation.

Veronica and friends ringing in the New Year!