By The Numbers

182

How's that for a number? 182 Days until the Summer 2012 Olympics in London. That's roughly 6 months. The Olympics run July 27 through August 12.

200 Nations will bring 15,000 athletes to compete in 26 sports that break down into 39 disciplines. For example...Swimming: 950 athletes will compete in 34 medal events. I can't wait to see what Michael Phelps will do this time!

Olympic Stadium will hold 80,000 spectators. I'll be watching from the comfort of my couch.

When I was a kid, I remember being glued to the TV for the Olympics. That long 4 year wait between each one really helped to build enthusiasm for the events. My high school friends and I used to go nuts for Eric Heiden's thighs. When I ask friends now if they watch the Olympics, the feeling is generally "ho-hum". I have trouble understanding this. It's so exciting! Maybe because I've competed (ok, that's a huge stretch of the word) in events that included swimming, biking and running I have an appreciation for the spirit of the events. But I'm equally thrilled with the Winter Olympics and I've never been skiing. In fact, the last time I ice skated, I broke my elbow.

I love the whole package of the Olympics. The thrill of the competition, on-the-edge-of-your-seat finishes, I love the "back stories" of the athletes, learning about the athletes from other countries especially and about the hosting country.

AND the added bonus is the knitting slant...The Knitting Olympics! (Come on...you really didn't think there could be something I love so much like the Olympics and it not include something to do with knitting, did you?) The Knitting Olympics: You cast on a new project during the Opening Ceremonies and finish it during (or before) the Closing Ceremonies. Um, yes, I can see you're doing the math as to how many days that gives you to knit something, not a lot...and the project should be something that would be difficult to do in the time allotted. You know, so you're working hard to accomplish something...like the athletes in the games. Knitting Olympics...get it?

Alright...you can pass on the Knitting Olympics if you must, but please mark your calendar, get your butt on the couch and watch this year!!

Cake Time

Lighting all 18 candles...
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Veronica..."

Make a wish!

Orangie

I finished Justine's sweater last night. Now she has an Orangie to replace her Greenie.

I knit this for her back in May 2008.

She wanted another sweater out of Crayon, a very soft 100% cotton from Knitpicks that is wash/dry wonderful. Unfortunately, their website shows that every color is being removed. Now, this may mean they're getting all new colors OR they could be discontinuing the yarn line. It is a very nice yarn, but the boucle may turn some people off because it is kinda a pain to knit (you have to have sharp needles). I have two more colors in my stash...yellow and brown. I bought a ton to make an afghan and of course, changed my mind.

Anyway, I made this sweater by creating my own pattern with Elizabeth Zimmerman's guidance in her book, Knitting Workshop. My mom will be so proud! I knit the body, in the round to the chest, then the sleeves in the round (magic loop) to the pits, then joined and worked a raglan decrease till the neck was close to done. I then worked a few short rows to raise the back for a better fit...then the neck band. Done! The sleeves are LONG (per the kid), 19.5 inches. What can I say? She likes a long, long sleeve.

The sweater turned out so great...and Justine never took it off, once she put on the finished product. If you're thinking that Lyra looks pissed...well, that's just her normal cat look.

About 2 seconds after the photo was taken, Mike sneezed and the cat freaked...jumping from Justine's lap and scratching her neck. Never a dull moment.

Make it a good one!

Happy New Year!

Here we are in St. Augustine. Picture was taken with my new ipod and then sent to my computer...kinda small. Hm...I'll have to work on getting the sizing right.

I've been knitting feverishly, trying to get most of my 2011 projects done before the new year. I've finished two socks, two shawls and am working on getting Justine's new Orangie done. I just thought a clean slate would be best for all my soon to be casting on in 2012.

Christmas was fun! It came and went so quickly. Everyone loved their stuff...and I really want to thank all the relatives who send stuff to the kids. I know it's hard to get things done and shipped in time for Christmas. We really appreciate all the effort. Sure do miss seeing everyone and hanging out with the families.

2012 is going to be HUGE for us. I hope your New Year is full of new and exciting things.

Christmas Spirit

Justine and friends at her Winter Concert for beginning band. It is such a fun concert. While the 7th graders were playing, some one's reed kept squeaking...I don't know why but it gave me such a fit a giggles! Then after the advanced band (8th grade) finished their songs, they played some Christmas favorites and the audience had a sing-a-long. It helped move me along toward that illusive Christmas Spirit. Can't seem to find mine this year....yet.
Veronica's new fella came with us to see the Christmas trees in Green Cove Springs. We visited the knitting group tree (and all was still intact), too. We all hung out at our house, watching football and relaxing. The weather was cool and crisp and the trees were so pretty...feeling more in the Christmas mood, that's for sure!

The kids are going to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party tonight...although their sweaters aren't really all THAT ugly. Hey, at least I wasn't asked to knit anything! Whew!

Christmas and the Band (s)

The kids all dressed up for the Winter Concert. Anyone notice how Joey is just a hair taller than Veronica...and she's wearing heels!! Woohoo!
Maybe it's Joey's hair-do.

The Jr. High advanced band (aka 8th graders) marched in the Christmas Parade in Green Cove Springs...and Justine got to help hold the banner. This parade was so cute...really had the small town feel.

The High School band marched in today's Eagle Harbor Christmas Parade.

Joey's carrying that heavy base drum. Veronica didn't march, she was busy taking the ACT again. Gotta get those test scores up if she's gonna get in the honors collage at her university!