Friday Forum - Autumn

Fall - my favorite time of year :)

1. Do you enjoy the autumn season? Why/why not? Can you see any signs of fall already in your area? Are your thoughts beginning to turn toward fall, or are you trying to hold onto summer's last moments?

Fall is my favorite season. The smell of crisp fall air. School starting. The rustle of leaves as you walk. Halloween (my favorite holiday).

Then I moved to Arizona where fall lasts about 3-4 weeks in November. Then we're on to what passes for winter here in the desert.

As the daily temperature is still over 100F degrees for the next 5 days, I can't say fall has arrived in the weather! The kids are in school, though, so that's something.

2. What are some of your favorite autumn desserts? Do you make them yourself? Is there a fall treat that you've always wanted to try? What are your favorite goodies to give out [or receive!] on Halloween?

Pumpkin, apple and pecan pies are my personal favorites. Yes, I do make them myself...from scratch. With real whipped cream I can't think of anything I want to try - I'm a pretty adventurous baker and will try most any recipe that looks good!

Halloween is primarily small chocolate bars and treats reminiscent of childhood. Milk Duds, Sweet-Tarts, Kit-kats, M&M's and always a few extra for the household.

3. Do you have any special autumn events planned, such as visiting an apple orchard, dressing up for Halloween, going on a hayride, or maybe hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home? If so, have you already started planning for these events?

The kids will absolutely dress for Halloween. There hasn't been any discussion for Thanksgiving yet between my mother and grandmother and I. We usually descend on Granny's but with Mom and I cooking and toting along food we've made. We don't have a huge family (10 total).

4. When you were growing up, did your family usually have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner [turkey, cranberries, stuffing, etc.]? Or, did you do something different, such as going out to eat or fixing nontraditional food?

Traditional always! I've never gone out for Thanksgiving. The one year it was even suggested I simply planned to cook for my family (and my brother) at home and let my parents go out if they wanted. They ended up having dinner with us ;)

The menu must include: Turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potates (candied or baked, this tends to alternate), green beans, brussel sprouts or broccoli (depends on who is cooking), scalloped corn, rolls, cranberry sauce (both the canned jelly variety and fresh cooked with orange), stuffed celery (peanut butter or cream cheese), cucumbers & onions in vinegar, pumpkin and pecan pies with whipped cream.

See why we do a "pot luck" style get-together?

5. Do you participate in Halloween festivities? What are some of the costumes that you've worn in the past? Do you still dress up now? Do you get many trick-or-treaters where you live?

The kids carve pumpkins, dress up and we pass out candy. I don't decorate the house much but we do watch "Nightmare before Christmas" and "Sleepy Hollow" on Halloween night (or the nights before/after). I remember dressing up as a gypsy and fairy princess (complete with ribbon-hair wig) as a kid and one year as an Oreo cookie. My kids go for the "traditional" costumes - pirates, cats and ghosts in years past. I will not buy their entire costumes, they must be creative within their own closets (or mine & DH's) for the most part. I will buy the odd "accessory" items (cat ears, pirate eyepatch) and I will do makeup if requested.

I know.... "Mean Old Mommy!" LOL!

We had *tons* of trick-or-treaters at the old house as we lived near two large apartment complexes. This year we're in a smaller neighborhood, so I expect the kids from the cul-de-sac (only 11 houses) and maybe some neighboring streets, but not the 100+ we've had in the past years.

Hmmm...maybe I'll get the kids thinking about their costumes this weekend...need some planning time...

Organization Bug hits again

Last night, after playing just *one more board* in Jewel Quest (I'm on 5-2, a real bugger) I decided to finally put together my Rotation Log. It's an Excel file and shamelessly stolen from Junette.

With all my web "documenting" the lists of WIPs and finishes were pretty easy to reconstruct. Dates were more of a challenge so I just used month approximations. The page with the most work yet to do is "Kitted Projects." Those 29 listed? Those are strictly from *memory* - I have not even begun to actually crack into my stash! I have a rather large box that is nothing but small projects (90% kitted). Lots of Victoria Sampler (BCS kits - many on sale at the LNS) and Textile Heritage kits and some silk gauze and well...just bunches of kits.

I did list a few that I know need just a handful of DMC to be considered "full kits." Originally I was only going to list the truly 100% ready to go stuff, but I've been known to start projects that weren't all there...picking up remaining bits as needed. Heck, I still need to finish acquiring beads for Christmas Elegance! I don't really like the red pebble beads called for and will probably substitute some glass or crystals from my own bead stash.

I guess the next step (after all the projects are listed) is to figure out what I'm truly missing and start working *that* list. Sheesh....lists and more lists....always a new list to make!

Are we back?

Hmm...I see new entries over on my list of blogs, so I'm thinking I'll be able to get this thru! I tried a minor template change this morning (current WIP this week is Dragon Ride) and the stupid "Publish" churned for five minutes

Anyway...had an interesting item show up in the mailbox today at work. As an "IT Professional" I get a couple weekly journals. This week's Information Week has a *very* interesting cover pic. Click over there...see on the right, about halfway down? The shoe pic? The article is about Van's offering custom-ordered shoes and tell me the one in the pic doesn't look like a sampler! LOL (DD would love the Jolly Roger shoes).

I admit, I did click over to the Van's website to check out the patterns, but as it requires "Flash" my work laptop balked so I'll have to wait until I get home tonight. I did see the price: $50 which isn't horrible for good Van's slipons.

DVD Find of the Week

(While this may not be a "weekly feature" it sure sounds catchy)

While visiting IMDB this morning searching for info on the new Batman movie (casual reference from a news article about the Genesis canister plunging to earth this morning in Utah - yes my "train of thought" hits many stations...why do you ask?) I stumbled across the new "series" releases.

Columbo is on DVD!

We are a "Mystery" household. We've seen all the Columbo movies shown on A&E/Bravo/Hallmark repeatedly. Watch Sherlock Holmes and Poirot on A&E. The DVD Sets we have include both seasons of A&E's Nero Wolfe and two sets of Agatha Christie's Poirot movies (Collection One and Collection Two). Also have James Bond, Jonny Quest and the Jetson's but they aren't exactly in the "Mystery" genre. If Ellery Queen every comes out, I'll be adding that as well.

So I ordered the first season of my favorite rumpled detective and I look forward to surprising DH with it :)

Where has the time gone?

Yes, I'm still in denial that it's September already.

Another week, another Question of the Week:

How do you explain cross stitch to non-cross stitching people? Do they get it or do they say “Oh, right.. you do knitting then (or sewing, or needlepoint)"?

I have four finished pieces hanging in my cube here at work. Everything from "regular" cross-stitch to hardanger to specialty thread/stitch work and it always amazes me who notices and who doesn't. Most reactions are "Wow. That's nice" or something reasonable similar. A few ask for more details and I do get the "Oh, my (female relative) does that, too." I usually have a project tucked away in my desk drawer, so showing something "in progress" helps with the whole explanation of how the design makes it on the fabric - having needle/thread/chart handy is a great visual aid.

I've also been able to reawaken the stitching hobby in a couple folks. A vendor rep was an avid needlepointer and had put it down for years. She recently gained a new nephew and decided a Christmas stocking was in order, so we met one Friday afternoon up at the LNS and she picked up a canvas and all the fibers. When she visits me for work, she'll occasionally bring the piece to show her progress or ask my opinion on a fiber used :) If we plan ahead for a visit, I'll bring in one of my current pieces to show her as well.

Weekend Stitching Update

I was both really *good* and really *bad* this holiday weekend! I finished Part 2 of Chatelaine's Mini-Mystery F on Friday night (good!). I completed Meliny's ornament from the Ornament Round Robin (good!) and even have a picture: Meliny's Ornament (don't look if you don't want to see Group 1 - though I know there are only 2 folks left to stitch it). I also managed some progress on Finian: Futurecast (good!). The bad part? On Monday, according to my handy rotation for the month, I should have been stitching on Dragon Ride........but well, Finian was coming along *so* nicely that he sucked up that time instead. He's actually got a full body (almost all the primary colors stitched - just a bit of shading in the tail left) and an orb.

Rather than short DR more time though, I intend to give Finian an hour in the evening and then remaining time to DR (should be 1-2 hours/day) this week. I still have to choose beads for him, and that's best done in good morning light on the weekend!

...And Yet Another Time Sink

I'm not usually a gamer on the PC, but we had a couple special circumstances this weekend. During some minimal errands on Saturday, DH found a version of one of my favorite PC games that will run on WindowsXP. The version of Black & White that we had was relegated to Win98/ME only and just crashed on XP. About four hours gone on Monday getting started on that.....I just love being a god. Last night I admitted being hooked on Jewel Quest from GameHouse and ponied up the money to continue from level 3-7 (where I ran out of "free trial" time). I'm now up to 4-2.

Food Memories

Wow. Two posts for two days in a row....and on a couple really busy work days LOL Don't get used to this!

Yesterday, Susan asked about favorite pizza. I added a comment that in the "not likely to get any soon" category, Nunzio's in Albuquerque had some darned tasty pizza. Unfortunately, an email later that day informed me they'd been out of business for awhile

While attending the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, I walked over to Nunzio's for a slice of yummy cheese pizza at least once, if not twice, per week. Another favorite haunt in those days was the Frontier restaurant, also across the street from UNM. Their specialty: the best melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls you have ever had in your life. They filled a salad-size plate and were simply drowning in butter. No, not exactly healthy but were they tasty!

Albuquerque holds some seriously good food memories for me. I lived there for almost ten years (middle school, high school, college time frame) and sampled quite a few of the local restaurants. Mac's Steak in the Rough - they have the absolute *best* taquitos, onion rings and limeade (not usually all eaten at the same time....though, I suppose if you are *really* hungry....). Harrigan's (kind of a Applebee's/Bennigan's fern bar place) had a burger called the "Parlez-Vous Burger" that I craved while pregnant in California a few years after I moved! It's an open-faced cheese burger with wine/mushroom gravy and a dollop of sour cream on top. Paired with their wonderful home fries...oh my....heaven.

San Diego had a few good eats as well. I spent six years there after leaving New Mexico. Under the "mainland" end of the Coronado Bay Bridge was a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant that was best visited early in the day (*plenty* of light and places to run). If you did you'd find some authentic tacos and chimichangas and see a few ladies in the back room making home made tortillas that were best served warm with just a little butter and cheese. Heck, the dozen I'd buy never made it home intact....plain and still slightly steaming from the bag was good enough!

For awhile I worked in San Diego's Old Town area (sadly about to see some serious renovation I hear) and a small corner deli was the preferred lunch time destination. Not only did they make sandwiches that were a mile high - you could order them with *Miracle Whip*! No other deli I have ever visited offered MW as a regular condiment!

Another oft-visited restaurant in San Diego was Po'Folks. It isn't often you can find a place to order "sweet tea" west of the Mississippi river! Their catfish and fried okra were easily the best things on the menu and crisp and light without a trace of a heavy fried taste.

Now, Phoenix has some pretty good places, too. Carolina's is another authentic Mexican restaurant (with incredibly good fresh-made tortillas) and it's the lunch destination at least once a week for almost my whole department! LOL If I ever leave the downtown area, I'll have to continue to make a regular pilgrimmage to Crazy Jim's to have the best gyro I have ever tasted. I've hooked several co-workers (only passing on the tradition as I was hooked as well) and at least once a month an email will come with only "Jim's?" in the subject line. We *all* know where to meet and when to leave!

Now if I could just find an A&W Root Beer stand like I grew up with in New Buffalo, MI. I'd love a frosty mug of root beer and a corn dog....

Friday Forum - Color

1. What color are most of the clothes in your wardrobe? Is there a particular color that you would never wear? What colors do you think that you look best in (or feel best in)?

White seems to be the best represented color in my closet. It goes with absolutely everything and whenever I happen to buy shirts, I always start with white.

Of course, I have lots of other colors as well. Blue, purple, red and black make up the the majority overall. I don't wear yellow or orange. Makes me look....ill.

When I'm feeling down, I'll invariably pull out something purple or red. I get lots of compliments when I'm wearing a nice deep red.

2. What are your favorite colors, and why? Are you inspired by them? Do you identify with them? Do you like them because of the way that they make you feel? Are there any colors that you totally dislike, and why?

It's hard to choose just one! I love deep jewel tones: amethyst, sapphire, ruby, emerald and diamond. I love the richness of them. However if you find something bright orange or lime green...well...you can keep it (blech).

3. What colors are surrounding you right now? What color is the sky at the moment? What color are the walls? What color is your computer's desktop wallpaper?

The cube walls are grey, desktop is taupe-ish, the sky is pale blue and my desktop wallpaper is dark blue. I don't use pictures as I would never see them due to all the windows open all day long LOL

4. Would you ever try foods that are unusually colored, such as purple mashed potatoes, green ketchup, etc.? Do you prefer your foods to be regular colors?

A few years ago at Easter, my mother got creative with the hard-boiled eggs. She dropped the shelled, hard-boiled whites in some food coloring. We had pale blue and pink devilled eggs with yellow filling. As she had extras, she added the colored egg whites to the potato salad as well.

This did not go over all that well with certain family members who prefer their food "naturally" colored. Personally, I thought it was kinda fun LOL. There have been a few times since that "colored eggs" have been requested of her for family gatherings. The same people roll their eyes (but manage to choke down a few) each time.

5. What is your hair color? Your eye color? Do most of your family members share these same traits? Would you ever dye your hair or try colored contacts?

Hair color: brown with more than a sprinkling of grey
Eye color: blue

Both my parents started out with the same coloring, but Mom switched to blonde years ago. She "highlighted" for years, but when you're highlighting more than you're leaving natural, it's time to just break out the bottle and forget about the brush ;)

DH is also brown/blue. Both kids have blue eyes but their hair is lighter in color.

I don't think I'll ever dye my hair. I've been blessed with thick hair that grows fairly fast and a nice soft silver/grey that provides some natural highlights. I like it, DH likes it, so no dye for me.

I did wear colored contacts in high school and college! I had a blue pair and a green pair of hard contact lenses. Boy, did I get some compliments when I was wearing those! My eyes are not exactly a striking color and the contacts just made them wonderfully bold. For now, I'll stick with glasses - though they are purple ;)

RIP Indian Larry

(Isn't that always the case? I resign myself to an eclectic blog entry and then an hour later find a real subject...)

The great custom motorcycle builder, Indian Larry, died as the result of injuries from a stunt gone awry in Charlotte, North Carolina earlier this week. I stumbled across the story here: Indian Larry Story

You may not realize that I love custom motorcycles. I am a *huge* Jesse James (West Coast Choppers) fan and a WCC autographed t-shirt is a prized (and comfy) possession. I watch American Chopper on Discovery (Statue of Liberty bike is my favorite). I followed all the episodes of "Great Biker Build-off" (Indian Larry won against a Phoenix builder). I've seen all the Motorcycle Mania shows (showcasing Jesse James but Larry had a prominent role as well).

In fact, he was in Charlotte filming a new episode of "The Great Biker Build-off" this past weekend. Episode filmed on Saturday - he was performing his usual stunts on Sunday when the accident happened on Sunday. I've seen him "bike-surf" several times on Discovery (basically standing on a moving motorcycle) but I've never seen him wear a helmet. This time the bike backfired and he lost control.

His emblem was a question mark. His motto: "It's the mystery of life. You just never know."

Nope. You just never know

Blog...blog...blog....

Warning - no central theme today, just odds and ends to get out of the way before a very colorful Friday Forum entry tomorrow.

Fish Update:
Cramer (see post "Survivor: Fish Tank I" below) is hale and hearty after completing his "ick" treatment. We'll probably get him some buddies Sunday or Monday and start Season II. (Note to Jen: I'm checking on a different source - excellent suggestion, thanks!)

Stitch Update:
Finian (Futurecast) is coming along, but he evidently isn't scary enough to keep the frogs away. His border was attacked last night and I managed precious little progress for the 90 minutes I spent working on him.

TV Comment:
I must say I really enjoyed the speeches last night during the Republican National Convention. They've been pretty good all week but last night's were the best by far!

However, I've had plenty of political drivel to last me for the next four years. After tonight I'll happily return to our usual viewing habits (Baseball, Discovery Channel, FoodTV, etc).

Work Observation:
Why is it when people are forced to be a "team" yet have no projects in common, does the boss feel the need to criticize the "lack of teamwork"? It's a miracle this particular group actually has enough to fill a bi-weekly "Team" meeting. There's no way we're going to be buddy-buddy and share our workload. Never mind the fact that one member has trouble working with any woman in a position of responsibility....and he's the boss' best buddy. The joys of office politics.

Medical Update:
So when the doctor says you need a certain type of medication to alleviate an identified condition and you remind her you've been taking a form of that drug for the last six years, why does she suddenly decide to "wait one more month" before taking any action? Why the rush for tests and followups when you fail to follow thru with action? I can *guarantee* that nothing is going to change in four weeks.

Weekend Plans:
I'm ready for three days off work. I realized this morning I'm tired of driving. Of course if people that truly didn't *need* to be on the road at 7:30ish in the morning would stay off, I'm sure it wouldn't be near as bad....yeah, and the snowbirds have just begun their migration. It's going to be a long winter.

Saturday is a family get-together to celebrate the August birthdays (yeah, we're late). Sunday and Monday will be baseball, movies, stitching and puttering around the house. I am SO ready!

Welcome to September!

Can you believe we're already in the ninth month of the year? Where has the time gone???

It's time for the monthly goal and Rotation/StRIP review.....let's see how I did:

August Goals

Finish Wee Beasties Round Robin (WBRR) and choose design for next one - Finished the one, but have yet to receive the next....I'm pretty sure I know what I'm going to do, just need to make sure it hasn't already been stitched!
Another week on Neptune/Poseidon - uh, no.
Start baby afghan #3 - Did that! Almost halfway done
Work with Susan (fumble99) on my WIP List - Done!
Start model (again, if it arrives) - It didn't

September Goals

Finish Ornament RR for ontime mailing
Get WBRR started (no procrastinating this round!)
Finish one more project (ok, that's *technically* already done)
Only one start (if I start anything)
Don't short Stroke of Midnight in this month's rotation
Create a list of kitted projects (StRIP Plan Phase II)

September Rotation Schedule

1-5: Mini-F/RR (probably some more Futurecast time in here as well)
6-10: Dragon Ride
11-12: SL Edith Wolford
13-17: Christmas Elegance
18-19: Mini-F/RR
20-24: Stroke of Midnight
25-26: Screamer weekend
27-30: Castles by the Sea

In August I did pretty well until I got to Stroke of Midnight's week. I ended up working on the Knotwork Bookmark and my recently finished Snowman Bag rather than going to the ball at all...not going to happen this month!

Before I dive into the StRIP update, I must admit that I had a little s.e.x. yesterday. I placed an order with Paw Prints in August (a gift from a dear friend) and the stash arrived in the mail yesterday! My spree included Renaissance (kitted), two of the new Just Nan's: Girls Night Out and Beach Roses, and fibers for the second Vegas Freebie, Futurecast. The overdye I've chosen for him is called Finian's Rainbow and so his name must be.....Finian.

StRIP Update

Thanks to a couple more "retirees" decreasing the list and the above mentioned finish, for a few short days I achieved my 30 WIP goal. But then Finian's floss arrived and I'm back to 31 for a bit until he's done..... Here are the current stats:

Retired/Adopted: 4
Finishes: 7
Starts: 6

New WIP Total: 31

Survivor: Fish Tank I

**with apologies to CBS**

Welcome dear readers to a new feature here on the Acre. Yes, we have our own version of Survivor playing out in our main bathroom!

As you may (or may not....I won't hold it agin' ya) recall, DS received a fish tank for his sixth birthday earlier this month. It was quite the family excursion heading out to the local pet retailer to pick out the lovely 7-gallon hexagon shaped tank, some wonderful Greek column ornaments and even a couple plastic plants to decorate the tank. We setup the fish-less tank and let it run for a couple days to "purify" the tap water and remove all the deadly chemicals that the local water resource folks seem to think are necessary for "human" life.

After receiving a clean bill of health from our experts at the pet retailer, we then had the glorious task of choosing inhabitants for our tank. We chose wisely based on advice from the young but seasoned professionals on duty that evening: a catfish (bottom feeder for "cleaning up" around the tank), a pair of fantail guppies, a pair of silver hatchet fish and a pair of rainbowfish. Our selections were blessed by both our clever "netter" and by the clerk who happily took our money and explained the two week guarantee.

Two week? Heck, these fishies will be lifelong companions!

The first challenge was coordinating the "floating" of the bags on the relatively small surface area of the tank to acclimate the new additions. This was managed by limiting the bags to one float at a time (we had three total) and after the required 20 minutes we deftly netted the new fish and carefully lowered them into the pristine environment.

An hour later, all seven were happily swimming around checking out the new digs. This was Monday evening.

By Tuesday, trouble in paradise. The catfish was disturbingly quiet in a back "corner" of the tank. DS noticed during the evening feeding. What's a mother to do? "He's sleeping. It's late for fishes." After DS went to bed I rescued the carcass from the tank and carefully packaged it up for return. He didn't notice in the morning (whew). DH made the swap surreptitiously during the day and a happily swimming catfish was once again present for dinner on Wednesday.

First disaster/life lesson averted.

Three happy days go by. The fish are swimming, the filter is filtering and all is well in the tank.

Evidently one of the silver hatchet fish lost its bid for immunity. The challenge? To swim *under* one of the Greek column ornaments. He got stuck and none of his tank mates came to the rescue (no tribes in this group). As this was not an "unexplained" death, we chose to conduct the "burial at sea" ourselves rather than sneak back to the retailer yet again. I rearranged the ornaments in the tank slightly to remove the possibility of any other misguided contestant trying the same stunt.

At this point things start looking sinister. The next inhabitant voted out is the other silver hatchet fish. Evidently the loss of his alliance partner is literally, the death of him. No apparent illness....no injury....just found stuck against the filter tube one afternoon.

By this time, DS has realized he's losing tank residents. He takes it well, understanding that sometimes little fish want to swim in the big ocean in the sky rather than be confined to a small tank (hey, *you* want to explain that better?). As we bought pairs for the most part, losing both of one species isn't too tough to take. We promise to rebuild the population......

Again, we're good for a few days. The guppies have staked out territory towards the bottom of the tank (they actually rest on the bottom at night...amazing) while the rainbowfish are happy in the upper half of the tank. The catfish has taken a liking to the smaller of the Greek column ornaments and spends his time either hanging off of it or the side of the glass.

And I'm sure you can see what's coming next....yup, one of the guppies loses its torch. This challenge appears to have been something along the lines of "swim thru the plastic plant" as we found him at the base of the taller of the two. We remove the carcass and share a few words before hitting "flush."

We're down to The Final Four.

Once again, we have a couple days of breath-holding to see if further votes are held. No change. The remaining inhabitants appear content, swimming lazily around, learning that when the light goes on food soon follows and just being fish. No unusual appearance or behavior (I've had a few fish in my time....they looked fine to me).

Then....a middle of the night Tribal Council. An upset. Not one, but *two* voted out! Was it a secret alliance? A murder-suicide pact? What brought down the other guppy and the catfish? Two contestants with apparently no connection? Are we watching a modern day "Ten Little Indians" mystery? How have the rainbowfish survived this long? All extraneous ornaments/plants have been removed from the tank to better track the occupants.

Wait....an autopsy reveals a clue. A bit of "fuzziness" around the head of the catfish (no evidence on the guppy). Ah ha! We find the sinister figure lurking in the tank: Ick. Unseen but deadly with this gruesome evidence revealed only in the latter stages of infection. Closer inspection of the final pair reveal one has been infected with the terminal fuzziness....it's only a matter of time for him.

Sure enough, early Saturday morning we indeed see the results of the final vote. 13 days later we have a single fish remaining. Consultation with the pet retailer experts confirmed the ick diagnosis and treatment of our "Sole Survivor" is underway. His outlook is good. If he survives until Saturday (big *if* based on history), he'll get a major water change and based on the results of a water test, he *may* get a few new buddies in the tank. We'll see.

As for DS? He's suffering no ill effects from this new Survivor series. He never witnessed us removing any of the "losers" from the tank and rather likes the sparse environment - the better to see Cramer afterall (wouldn't you know its the fish named after the cop that outlives them all?)

Memory Musings and the Question of the Week

Let's start with the question (don't want to forget):

Do you feel cross stitching requires patience?

Absolutely! If you work diligently on a piece for a couple hours only to think "That's *all* I've accomplished?!?" afterwards, I'd say patience is most definitely required!

Also, waiting for the release of new designs that your favorite designer feels obligated to "tease" you about 6 months ahead of time. Illuminata, anyone? LOL

---

Memory Musings

I'm finding as I get older, my memory is unpredictable. I have the perfect example from this past weekend...

Saturday is always grocery day in our household. Over the breakfast table, DH and I work up a list based on dinner menus for the week, school lunch requests/requirements and other "staple" items which are identified with a quick pantry tour. I usually do "craving" cooking on the weekends that is more involved than the usual quick workweek dinners we prefer. This week that included roast beef and mashed potatoes on Sunday, but as I managed to get all the ingredients for it, it was a simple meal.

I had gotten a recipe (last Monday) from a dear friend for a dessert that I wanted to try on Sunday. Did I remember to check the recipe on Saturday as I was making my list to verify ingredients? Nope. Did I even remember I wanted to *try* the recipe on Saturday? No. When did I realize this? While standing in the middle of the "baking" aisle at the grocery store.

So instead of putting it off a week, my first thought is "I'll call her." Unfortunately she wasn't home. Great, on to plan "B" then. Can I remember the ingredients? Picture the recipe in my mind as it is on the screen.....cast my mind back to reading it earlier in the week (yes, I did think of calling DH to have him look it up but the directions weren't pretty to get him to the note)....ok the ingredients are coming back to me: marshmallows, peanut butter chips, Rice Krispies, yellow cake mix and peanuts. Ah ha! I remember a couple other items, but I know I already have them at home (butter, peanut butter). All is well until I stand in front of the "peanut" section. Cocktail? Dry Roasted? Spanish? Ack! Time for some logical thinking...

Cocktail - check ingredients: these include oil. Based on the other ingredients, I'm thinking this might not be a good thing to add.

Spanish - probably not. Doesn't combine will with peanut butter.

Ok, dry roasted it is! I'm feeling pretty good standing in the checkout line. Got all the 'regular' stuff plus have a new recipe to try out on the family.

....until I got home and realized I'd failed to purchase ground beef for tacos later this week. Luckily it isn't on the menu until Friday, so I can sneak it in and the family won't know my unpredictable memory failed me even though I had it written down!

Oh, and the new peanut bar recipe? Came out quite tasty....even though I should have gone for the cocktail peanuts rather than dry-roasted!

Friday Forum

1] Do you enjoy it when others make a big deal out of your birthday? Why/why not? When you were growing up, did your family do a lot of birthday celebrating or keep things pretty low-key?

Growing up - absolutely. Now that I've got a few behind me - absolutely! LOL

Our family celebrations were always fairly low-key. Usually just a family dinner with whoever was currently close by. The best are always with my Granny and Grandad as I had full control over the menu and my Granny can cook just about anything well!

2] What did you do for your last birthday, and how do you think you'll spend the next one?

The actual day I went to work, lunched with co-workers and came home for a relaxing evening with DH and the kids making dinner and showering me with cards and gifts ;) The weekend after we had dinner with my parents and grandparents for more cards and gifts. I imagine next year will be much the same and that is just fine by me.

3] What are some of the best birthday presents that you've ever received? Do you feel that you are a hard person to buy gifts for?

I've had some great gifts in my lifetime. A beautiful fountain pen, airfare to Santa Clara, items from my stitching wish lists, several beautiful pieces of jewelry from my husband. Everything is special.

*I* don't think I'm hard to buy for, but my husband will disagree! Part of it is because we're at a point in life where if I want something, I can usually just buy it and he has to start looking for new ideas LOL

4] Where were you born, and what time of day? Do you know what the weather was like then? When you look at your baby pictures, what thoughts come to mind?

I was born in Michigan City, Indiana at 8:30 at night. No idea on the weather. My baby pictures remind me of my own daughter...we looked much alike early on ;) Still do.

5] How do you typically keep track of special events such as birthdays? Is there one month in particular where you have a *lot* of birthdays to celebrate?

As the family isn't all that big, my memory is good enough to track birthdays. I do make notes each year in my calendar notebook to help with planning.

March is our biggest month with three: My brother and step-father, both on the 8th and daughter on the 31st. August, April and July have two each. January, June, October and December are one apiece. See? Not too many at all....

Genetically Inclined....

I spent the day at a Data Warehousing Seminar with the Guru of DW - Ralph Kimball. If you have any interest in database design or business intelligence, his articles are incredibly informative and he's a very entertaining speaker.

But what does this have to do with stitching?

Yeah, yeah, I'm getting there. Just needed to set the stage....

So, he's in the middle of his keynote address this morning and he looks around the room and says "Yes, you all have the look."

I'm sitting in the front row with my coworkers and we of course ask "What look?"

"You were destined to be here and doing Data Warehouse work. You are genetically inclined to accept and embrace complex structures."

Wow. That is an amazing statement! I looked at my coworkers and we all grin a bit and nod. Yup. We've all been in meetings with other business (and some technical) folks where we enthusiastically discuss complex data models and reports while their eyes glaze over. The key to a successful data warehouse/business intelligence implementation is "simple and fast" for the end users, but there is an incredible amount of complex work that must be done to get it there....

So of course, during the next vendor presentation (which I have *zero* interest in) I think a bit more on this statement and consider the pile o' WIPs I have at home. Of the 31 currently in progress, 11 are TW's (which I would consider "complex") and I know that makes a lot of stitchers cringe! In fact, of those 31, *very* few are what I would consider "simple."

So, now, when asked how I manage to have all those TWs going at once and a big list at that...I can honestly say "It's in the *genes*!"

Stuff

I've considered a few topics for a blog today, but haven't really hit on one that says "I'm IT."

I could add to the whole Olympic Judging debacle....but it looks like the judges themselves added plenty of fuel to *that* fire last night. For the record - let the results stand as they were issued on the night in question. Paul won that medal and deserves to keep it and celebrate the accomplishment.

I could discuss the meaning of the word "Debate" as it has apparently been lost on one of the boards I frequent.

I could visit new territory and comment on the daily headlines. Nah, I don't actually read the paper or watch the news much, so I'm not all that qualified or interested....

I think you've all heard enough about various and sundry medical issues to last a few more days, so I'll spare you any more ;)

So, where does that leave me for a topic? With plain old "stuff"...

I remember a routine done by George Carlin years ago about how we all love to accumulate "stuff" and how our homes are really nothing more than a place to store our stuff. Consider for a moment...if you didn't have all that "stuff" how much house would you really need? I could easily pitch a few rooms and the amount of cross-stitch stash in my garage would make way for the cars to actually be parked *in* the garage. (Before you picture piles and piles of stash hidden away, it's actually the treadmill and weight bench keeping the cars out....not my stash!)

So how much stuff do you have? Do you have "enough" stuff? Do you need "more" stuff? Are you considering reducing your "stuff" saturation level? Want to know the best way to know how much stuff you have? MOVE. Let me tell you, from experience, you will be *so* ready to reduce the amount of stuff you have after you've been packing for days and the box pile is getting bigger and the stuff left to pack doesn't seem to reduce.....been there, done that, and I've gotten rid of the t-shirts!

I did add a couple pieces of fabric to my pile of stuff yesterday. A piece of Echo (from Picture This Plus) in Belfast for Mirabilia's Madonna of the Garden and a piece of Relic for Royal Holiday.
So yeah, I got more stuff. But at least it's pretty....

Question of the Week

What would you most like your favourite designer to design next?

After finishing the Knotwork Bookmark this weekend from the TWBB Get-Together in Vegas, I am going to say: More bookmarks!

I know "Olde Worlde Map" is the traditional response, but I think I have *plenty* of large projects going...I want more small stuff.

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Knotwork Bookmark was finished on Sunday morning. Here are the specs:

Fabric - Silkweaver Plum Pudding 32-ct evenweave. This was found in my stash from one of my many "Fabric of the Month" packages

Fibers - all Victoria Clayton Silks (http://www.hand-dyedfibers.com):

Center Overdye: Ricordia
Dark outer knotwork: Aubergine
Light outer knotwork: Carnation
Backstitch: Aubergine (all b/s)

Customizations:

I did make just a couple slight alterations on the outer satin stitched border. First, I used a diagonal satin stitch (with compensating stitches at the end of each block) to make the corners easier. I also changed the angle for each corner. Second, rather than yet more satin stitch in the small blocks for the overdye in the outer border, I used square Rhodes stitches instead for just a bit more interest.

I've already got a couple more colorways in mind.........

Friday Forum

I'm testing out a new source for a Friday meme: Friday Forum. The great thing about this? The questions come on Thursday via email! (Of course I've had a hectic morning and didn't get them up earlier, but at least I could think about 'em overnight...)

1] Do you remember the very first time that you used the Internet and/or e-mail? What was that experience like?

My first email experience was within the company I worked for. No outside email was allowed! I remember thinking it was handy for reference and to send reports without tying up a printer (I was doing Quality Assurance/Quality Control reporting at a manufacturing plant).

My first Internet experience was with AOL after I moved to Arizona in 1996. Opened up a whole new world!

2] How many messages are in your inbox right now? Are you usually pretty good at keeping up with e-mail correspondence? Do you have multiple e-mail addresses?

My work inbox has 240 messages. I'm betting my home inbox is about the same. This is actually pretty low for me. When I get to 500 I start deleting (or sorting). I'm usually good with email correspondence (both work and personal) though I know I'm not perfect! I will "lose" stuff in my email once in a while and spend the first two or three sentences of a response apologizing...LOL

3] What kind of computer[s] do you have?

At home - an Intel-something. My DH has built all 4 that are in use at home (2 Intel, 2 AMD). At work, an IBM Thinkpad.

4] Do you shop online? Why/why not? What are some of your favorite online stores?

Ummm... once in a while I've been known to shop online (yes, this is a severe understatement). In the interest of space, I'll only list a couple and to save your credit card, not make them clickable: Amazon, JCPenney, NewEgg, PawPrints Cross Stitch, Needlecraft Corner, Silkweaver, Stitching Bits & Bobs (the list could go on for days).

5] Tell us about a cool/fun/interesting/unique Web site that you've discovered lately. Or, if you don't have one in mind, tell us what your browser's home page is set to.

I've been doing some online gaming at GameHouse, but I find myself always drawn back to Zone.MSN for some Zuma or a quick hand of Texas Hold 'Em.

Test Results

Late yesterday the call finally came from my doctor on my biopsy results.

"Benign. Non-cancerous. But call for a consultation on treatment."

As this was a recording I couldn't ask any questions. I guess I'll save them for the consultation.

In all honesty, I'm not surprised or even relieved. See, even before the nurse practitioner that did the biopsy told me that, in her opinion, the tissue looked healthy, it *never* crossed my mind that it was anything serious.

Denial? Maybe.

The doctor's office maintained a low-key attitude. They did call to schedule the biopsy quickly after my last ultrasound, but let me wait for 2 weeks for an appointment. They obviously didn't think it was a "Get her in NOW!" type of test.

They didn't even mention the potential negative results until I was already on the table....and then it was couched in terms of "I've done this a hundred times and only seen 1 or 2 malignant results."

Personally, this was the perfect way to handle it for me. My husband was more worried than I and that suited me quite well...LOL. Now to see what drug cocktail I'll be taking for the next few months and I'm quite sure it'll be ultrasound #4 at the end of it..... (#3 should be late next week sometime for a separate-but-female issue).

Wednesday Matinee

We're going with a meme today as I haven't had a brainstorm for an interesting topic of discussion (but if you have suggestions, please let me know)!

1. A Bug's Life vs Antz: who wins?

Bug's Life - no contest!

2. What food or drink do you wish they would serve at the theater?

Kettle corn! It isn't too farfetched from current offerings (which means it probably *is* served somewhere) and just as healthy and easy to eat in a dark theatre. I'm also thinking milkshakes would be nice additions to the snackbar menu....

3. Who's your favorite female actor of all time?

Katherine Hepburn. She could play anything from ditzy heiress to down-to-earth grandmother and it was never the same character twice.

~This Movie Is Rated PG: "Please Go see it", Bonus~ Up to now, what movie do you think would win best movie for 2004?

First, let me qualify by saying I haven't actually seen a whole lot of movies this year, so my choice is based on a limited number of candidates.

That said, I think "Troy" would be the best of what I've seen this year. I'm sure it will win something for cinematography or sound - it really is a gorgeous production (and I am not talking about Brad Pitt's butt!)

Another day....

...another training session. Yup, I'm making the most of my "Annual Pass" for application training by spending another two days uptown in class. Ah well, my employer loves it and I'll have satisfied my training requirements for another 5 years. (And it's lunch time, thus time to do this entry!)

First, as mentioned, a couple pictures of my bookmark-in-progress.

First, a closer view for the design elements: Closeup

Now something with slightly better color: Better color

The threads involved: Vikki Clayton's Ricordia (the overdye), Aubergine (dark purple) and Carnation (lavendar).

The fabric chosen: Silkweaver Signature Series Plum Pudding evenweave (I have no idea if this is still around, I found it lurking in my fabric stash.

The minor modification: See that outer border? All TW notes is that it is done with satin stitch. Now, I know how to do that, but corners *always* look bunched up, so I elected to do a diagonal pattern satin stitch instead, changing direction for each quadrant. If I had it to do over I would not do the compensating stitches and just leave the full diagonals....but oh well. Next time!

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We now have 7 additional mouths to feed at home. As you may recall DS was given a fish tank for his birthday. We bought the tank over the weekend and set it to percolate for a couple days before adding the new residents. Last night we got the fish. He named each pair rather than individually. I don't know if it was because he knew he'd run out of character names (you'll notice a pattern) or he couldn't tell them apart. Works for me either way.

Our new residents:

2 - Silver Hatchet fish (these appear to have large bellies) - "Nero"
2 - Fantail Guppies (lovely colorful tails) - "Archie"
2 - Rainbowfish (they just look like silver fish with bits of color) - "Cramer"
1 - Whiskered Catfish (gotta have the bottom feeder!) - "Pearly"

Gotta love a 6-yr old fan of Rex Stout.....

Question of the Week/StRIP update

Question of the Week

If you were to stitch something to be passed on to future generations of your family as an heirloom, what would it be and why?

A family tree as far back as I could go. I designed/stitched a family tree for my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary back in 1997 but it was limited to the generations after. I'd love to do a simple tree for my family to pass on to future generations. Someday ;)

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StRIP Update

I've reduced my WIP pile by one this weekend and it wasn't a finish. I adopted out a WIP that I had essentially lost interest in and a post on the various boards prompted me to contact the poster that may have some use for it......she enthusiastically accepted so it's another one to mark off the list :)

Which WIP? Chatelaine Mystery IV....the one with the peacocks....the kit went (I kept the charts, she already had them and they aren't transferable anyway! Maybe a single peacock someday...with just a few grapevines....)

Of course I also started the celtic bookmark from Vegas, so my overall total hasn't actually decreased....yet. The bookmark is a lot more likely to get finished! Might manage a picture tonight to show off my color choices. I'm using Vikki Clayton's Ricordia/Aubergine/Carnation on Silkweaver's Plum Pudding evenweave.

All the Tea in China

First, as a followup from yesterday...yes, she was mistaken for a teacher by a new 7th grader ;) Otherwise she is despairing over her schedule as she has the "A" lunch (at 10:50) and only one class with one of her 2 girlfriends. The trauma of 9th grade!

DS was Mr. Nonstop-Chatter when I got home last night going on and on about the fun he had at school. I remember when DD started first grade - the excitement, anticipation and glee she met each and every day with. She still loves school, so I hope DS's joy continues as well.

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I don't watch enough television to answer this week's Friday Five, so I've gotten inspiration from Daydreaming on Paper (link on the left there).

List the things you would not do for all the tea in China.

1 - Drive over the Mexican border
This is based on a horror-filled trip years ago to Rosarita for lobster from San Diego. The lobster was inedible, the return trip to California was a series of wrong turns and my grandmother saying "find a policeman to help us" , and the hours and lines to make it back thru the crossing were interminable.

2 - Have Thanksgiving dinner with my ex's family
These people could ruin a cheese sandwich. After suffering thru "hard-boiled eggs in the gravy" for 4 years, I will NEVER do this again!

3 - Go camping
I am a civilized woman. I want running water, blow dryers and good lighting on vacation. Bugs need not apply.

4 - Drink Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew
Give me a real Coke any day!

Enjoy the weekend all! I look forward to watching the Olympics, stitching and staying coooooool here in the desert!

Miscellaneous Ramblings....

Art Quote of the Day (this appeared today over on the left side there)

"Painting, n.: The art of protecting flat surfaces from the weather, and exposing them to the critic." Ambrose Bierce

I can't help but extrapolate this to blogging and "being online" in general. The face we put online, in many cases, isn't necessarily the face we see in person. For some it's pretty close (me - what you see/read here is what you'd get in person), for some it's a bit further afield (the chattiest person online could be the quietest one in the room....and yes, I know a perfect example....L....) and some delight in just how much they can build an online persona in direct conflict with their "real" life (thankfully that example is from a previous life ;)). That "online face" is then exposed for criticism and expectations.....

Now, you might think I'm commenting on the folks I just met in Vegas....you'd be somewhat correct. I can honestly say that for every BB'er I've met in the last couple years, most are pretty darn close to the "persona" I've seen online. Vegas included several "re-meets" for me and it's always fun to see folks again in a new setting.

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After yesterday's fun at the doctor's office, I spent the rest of the afternoon with the kiddos. It was their last day home before school started, so even though Mom was less-than-her-usual-enthusiastic-self, we did indulge in an afternoon movie. "Nightmare before Christmas" was a perfect companion to what little stitching I accomplished on Mirabilia's Christmas Elegance. A few chunks of green were managed even with the pain pills!

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This weekend we'll be fulfilling our promise to DS for his birthday present: an aquarium. Though he has some grand plans after visiting the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, I think I'll be able to talk him out of sharks and eels and into some nice Tetras and Angel fish.

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My baby boy starts 1st grade today. He's been counting the days all week. He's also still taking the occasional afternoon nap, so I'm interested to see how well he stays awake in the afternoon! The "readiness" words the teacher sent home last month were still easy for him to read, so I'm pretty sure that part of first grade won't be an issue. It's just the sitting still part....LOL I think I have the only 6-yr old that doesn't like to color or get dirty playing outside.

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My baby girl is going into 9th grade. During our clothes-shopping expedition a couple weeks ago, I talked her into a jean skirt. Now, you must understand that my daughter does *not* care for current fashion and wouldn't be seen dead in any skirt above her knee. She argues when I tell her to wear shorts (and for those that saw her in Vegas, it was only my *forbidding* her to bring jeans that had her in shorts - and somewhat cool - for the weekend). She will not wear shirts that are sleeveless, too tight or expose skin that shouldn't be exposed (I admit, some of that we've inflicted upon her, but she doesn't fight it *at all*). Her dress this morning: jean skirt (hits just below the knee - A-line), olive green silk camp-style shirt (which she professes is her favorite shirt - must be the silk) and brown flats. I bet she's mistaken for a teacher inside of an hour ;)

I can hardly wait to go home and hear about their days.....

Biopsy update

(All medical today, so I won't feel ignored if you don't read!)

Had the biopsy done today (as previously mentioned) with good news and bad news resulting....

Good news - the endometrial tissue appeared "healthy" which means it's unlikely to contain "bad" (cancerous) cells and the issue I'm having is simply a hormonal imbalance and easily treatable.

Bad news - because it *was* healthy tissue, it didn't sample freely and boy-oh-boy did it hurt when she pulled of bits here and there (and still does). Results won't be in for 7-10 days.

I survived Vegas!

I survived the lastest Vegas trip and came home dead even money-wise as I didn't drop a single coin into any slot/poker machine! There was simply no time to shake off the kids for a bit of gambling for either DH or myself.

Drive up on Friday went very well thanks to a LeapPad for DS, CD Player/book for DD, a new baby afghan project for me and Sirius radio for DH. We listened to Elvis, classic Radio programs and a bit of jazz while speeding thru the Arizona desert. I did finish reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger on the way up and I will recommend it highly...I loved the book. It's already passed on to the first of three co-workers that will be reading it.

Upon arriving at the New Frontier, I spotted my first BB'er within minutes - KTCatt was in the casino. As I found out later, her BF had a *very* good Friday at the blackjack table and they celebrated at Paris with his winnings that evening ;)

As we headed to the elevator, I spotted Lisa (LisaNC) leaning over the railing in the "Atrium" tower (where we stayed as well). After dropping our bags, I hurried up to the appointed "Stitchers Lounge" to find a few folks hanging out. Stasha (and her gang), Margaret, Lisa, Mel, Sharon (faedragon - a new face! woohoo!) and Teresa were all chatting away. As it was already 5:00, I stole Teresa from the group and we headed off to dinner at Margaritaville (in the Flamingo) for Zachary's birthday dinner.

If you ever do get to Vegas and enjoy Jimmy Buffet's music or even just a tasty cheeseburger, I recommend Margaritaville. The interior was straight out of Key West marina and plenty of JB music and pictures on a huge video screen. And I must say, the cheeseburger (which DH, DD, DS and I all ordered....Teresa just *had* to be different LOL) was very yummy

After walking back to the hotel (stopping to see the Sirens of TI show at Treasure Island - it wasn't worth the wait and even DS wanted more pirates), DD and I spent a couple hours in the upstairs Lounge for some "Show & Tell" and chatting with folks. I had entrusted my Dragon Ride with Teresa as I was stumped for a color to backstitch the outer purple border (done in Needle Necessities' Coronation). It travelled to the "Shop Hop" on Saturday without me ;) She selected a Weeks Dye Works thread (Concord) and I did try a bit out last night. It's going to work quite well. So well, I may do the rest of the border backstitching in the same color

Saturday - while the stitchers took Julie Norton's class and then spent time at the LNS Stitchers' Paradise, the family and I headed off to Mandalay Bay. Breakfast was at the Red, White & Blue cafe (their eggs benedict was fabulous...and the kids' french toast was very good as well) and we wandered thru the hotel for a bit before ending up at Shark Reef - a beautiful aquarium. The kids loved the exhibits, as did DH and I. I just love looking at fish! The golden crocodile on display was amazing...I'd never seen one in that coloration.

We cooled off in the afternoon with a movie in the room (while I worked on Chatelaine Mini Mystery-F part 1b) and then to dinner with everyone downstairs. DD had "bonded" with Stasha's oldest and they happily shared a table off to the side and chatted about "all things teen." After dinner the stitchers were up to our Lounge for the Gift Bag Exchange (in which I embarrassed myself by totally forgetting that Mel was from Kansas! I *knew* that! I swear!). I was then sucked into various conversations and didn't get back to my room until after 10 to an impatient husband and a snoring son, so not like we could have done much, anyway!

Sunday morning after breakfast and prolonged good-byes with everyone, we headed home. I must say it was wonderful to see several folks again (Teresa, Stasha, Ann, Debi, Katie, Rita, Margaret, Laurel and MelLisa [what state will we meet in next? LOL] and others for the first time (Dagmar, Sharon, Dee, Sally, Allie, Penny and the various families). There's already mention of doing it again in 2006, a bit more to the north. Start saving now!

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Before I publish...the Stitchers' Question of the Week:

What would your stitching confession be?

If I miss a stitch (especially in the confetti...ahem...heaven of a TW), I will substitute a similar color in the area rather than start/stop a thread for one stitch! If I miss a fractional stitch that is right next to a backstitched line....I may just leave it unstitched if the b/s will cover it!

Whew...they do say confession is good for the soul, right? LOL

..And We're Back

But only for today, I'm afraid! See, I'm off on a family vacation for the weekend, so today's post is all you're going to get until Monday, probably!

First, some old business - Stitchers' QOTW:

If you could only finish one of the pieces in your stash as it is at the moment, what would it be and why?

Holy cow, that's like asking me which child is my favorite! You can hardly expect me to choose just one!

Ok..well...I'll pick but each one gets a different reason.

Of my current works-in-progress - Stroke of Midnight because she's my oldest WIP and the first TW I started (though not the first I fell in love with...Fantasy Sampler gets that title)

Of my current kitted-but-not-started - Maria Van Scharrenberg's Egyptian Empire. It's simply amazing and going to look *fabulous* next to TW's Egyptian Sampler. Oh, but there's also Chatelaine's Alhambra Garden which draws me in everytime I look at the chart....I told you I couldn't pick one!

Of my bought-but-not-officially-kitted - Oh this is tough....Queen Besse's Chessboard (Leon Conrad) because I know my spouse will LOVE this if I ever manage to get it done! Or maybe Anagram's Four Season's Sampler - with its single-color motifs it has incredible potential done with a simple overdyed thread.

Of the heard-about-but-not-yet-released - TW's Olde Worlde Map, of course......

On to new business - New Rotation, Monthly Goals and upcoming vacation:

New Rotation

With Susan's (fumble99) assistance, we've managed to create a workable month-long rotation to help with my StRIP Goals and keep at least a few WIPs happy with monthly visits. I'll be spending time with 6 of my 30+ pieces and as a piece is finished, replacing it with another from the pile. I like this. I've had some success with monthly goals on the Rotation Board so incorporating a bit more structure at that level seemed an obvious solution to my "rudderless rotation."

First up, a few days on Dragon Ride - I've finished the shadowing under the wing and tail and completed most of the remaining b/s from the last pic. Also started on the "purple" feathers directly above the blue/gold wing spines seen in the pic. My vacation is throwing a small twist in the schedule (I should work on him thru Friday) but such is the way of life! I'll have an updated pic for him next week......here's the rest of the month's schedule:

Week 1 - Monday- Friday - TW Dragon Ride
Week 1 - Saturday - Chatelaine Mini-F
Week 1 - Sunday - Week 2 - Friday - Mira Christmas Elegance
Week 2 - Saturday - Sunday - RR/SL Edith Wolford
Week 3 - Monday - Saturday - TW Stroke of Midnight
Week 3 - Sunday - RR (or SL Edith if no RR)
Week 4 - Monday - Friday - TW Castles By the Sea (or if need more time on RR can float into this)
Week 4 - Saturday-Sunday (Screamer slot)

Monthly Goals

I realize I haven't been posting these anywhere but the Rotation Board....that officially changes right now. Here are August's Goals (as posted on 7/30 which is prior to the Rotation outlined above, thus why a couple are in direct conflict! But a full review will be done at the end of August) -

Finish WBRR and choose design for next one
Another week on Neptune/Poseidon
Start baby afghan #3
Work with Susan (fumble99) on my WIP List
Start model (If it arrives)

Vacation - aka Vegas, Baby!

Yes, we're back to Las Vegas this weekend for the much anticipated WorldWide TWBB Get-Together and some serious family time. My sweet baby boy (DS) is turning 6 on Friday! What other 6-yr-old gets to spend his birthday in Las Vegas, eh? His gift won't be travelling (he's been asking for "fish" for months - so we'll be setting up a small aquarium in the kids' bathroom next week as his birthday present) but we do have a small family dinner planned on Friday night in Vegas (yeah, small....4 of us plus 1 guest LOL).

Saturday we have tentative plans to visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and then dinner with the TWBB gang that evening. So many people to meet! I'm really looking forward to chatting with you all :)

Won't be home until Sunday evening sometime and I promise an update on Monday. It's going to be a hot, but fun trip!

In Search of David Tippin - SUCCESS!

David was found this morning in an abandoned home not far away! He's a bit dehydrated, but otherwise just fine.....

Thank you for all your thoughts...prayers...whatever!

Missing 4-yr old found asleep

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edit: 8:12 AM Arizona time

Perle Moon- Stacey's blog including links to news reports and a photograph of David.

Stacey (aka Prinncess) is a dear friend and my heart aches right now for her and her family. Please offer up prayers....good thoughts...faith...whatever you are comfortable with for David's safe return.

Stacey is a bright star in the Internet universe and her love and devotion to her family are unmatched.....

And now...the Friday Five

(And it appears my ezboard access is straightened out....I'll make those changes directly, Jen!)

1) Of everything in your wardrobe what do you feel the most comfortable wearing? Why?

Big roomy t-shirts! I have 3 that seem to be washed at least twice/week: a white West Coast Chopper shirt signed by Jesse James, a Peninsula Harley-Davidson shirt with a cool dragon on the front (bought in Santa Clara at 2003 CATS), and a nightshirt covered in a print of lingerie items.

2) How would you describe your style?

Casual. Very Casual.

3) How many pairs of shoes do you own and do you wear them all?

I own 6 pairs of shoes (I know, a disgrace to my mother, the shoe-collector with 80+ pairs) and yes, I wear them all over the course of a month ;)

4) Where do you buy most of your clothes?

JCPenney or Mervyn's for things like jeans and casual shirts/polos.

5) What was the last piece of clothing you bought?

Hmm......that would be 3 cotton shirts with "tropical" themes and bright colors. Perfect for summer wear in the office.

Working off The List*

I've scratched a couple things off my "do" list this week...

Item #1 - Followup on job interview

Finally heard back yesterday that I was not selected for the supervisor position I interviewed for.  The odd thing though was that neither were the other two candidates.  "We've decided to take this position in a new direction" was the official communication from Staffing.  And I am not considered flexible?  I don't get a chance at that "new" direction?  Ah well, short-sighted on their part, but all in all probably a good thing.  Longer drive, more stress for no more money?  Sheesh!  What was I thinking?

Item #2 - Get new Digital Camera

My brand spanking new Sony DSCW-1 arrived in the big brown truck yesterday and I must say I made an *excellent* selection.  The 2.5" LCD screen is awesome and the whole camera can easily be tucked in almost any size purse, if not a roomy pocket.  Batteries charged last night and I did manage a quick test pic of the dog before bed ("Smile Carmella!").  It even *sounds* more like a camera with a shutter "shush" when a picture is snapped rather than a tinny beep!  I'll catch up on some Finish pics this weekend and evaluate the ease of getting them off the camera and on the web.  I have some hope here...the reviews I read said I didn't need special software and that XP recognizes the camera simply as another drive...big thumbs up for Sony!

Item #3 - Open Ezboard Help Ticket

As of this morning I cannot view the TWBB or the Rotation BB (coincidental, but I really don't think the Russian spammers are taking revenge).  I can view/post to the new JPC, but no admin functions are available.  My other hangouts (Chatelaine and Mirabilia) are also MIA for me.

Thankfully, though, according to posts on JPC, I'm not alone in my troubles.  Isn't that the way of technology?  Fix one thing (custom title bug) and blow up something *much* bigger? LOL

Item #4 - The Friday Five

Can't mark this one yet for this week....they are woefully behind!

*truthfully, there is no physical list.  These are just things in my head that I need to do in a semi-timely manner before I have the dramatic realization "Oh, Sh*t!  I forgot to...."  Ok, maybe a physical list wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.....

I hate spam....

"Spam, spam, spam, ....." with apologies to Monty Python
 
I hate spam...the meat product, the unsolicited emails and the random postings on my bulletin boards!

Ok, so only one of the boards is actually *mine* but I'm responsible for a few more....

The TWBB and the Rotation Board both got hit with spammers today.  Usually I just delete, give about two seconds to wondering if these people don't have some semblance of a life and move on.  However, as this seems to be a concerted attack across multiple boards this week, I've elected to report it to ezboard.

One would think, that if one was going to post such....crap....on a wide variety of boards, one might try to either make the subjects catchier than "make her happy" or "anoun" and include in the body of the post something a bit more descriptive than a link.  After all, the goal is to draw unsuspecting folks in, right?  I could *easily* be more creative than these folks.  Why don't they borrow from their email-spam buddies for some more interesting posts?  In today's mailbox there was plenty of inspiration:

"Free prescription drugs!"
"Hot mamas and their young men!"
"UPS Shipped Drugs!  No Prescription!"

Ok...might still not hide their intent especially on a stitching board.  How about this?

"Free floss!"
"Hot charts and fabrics!"
"More stitching time!  Guaranteed!"

For those, I *just* might click thru!

Musical Friday Five....

I just love the The Friday Five!

Friday Five: 7/23/04

1) who was your favorite band/musician when you were younger?

This could cover *ahem* a few decades.   The first record albums I recall owning were from the Osmonds and The Partridge Family (I told you we were going waaay back).  However, in high school REO Speedwagon and Journey definitely held the top spot.

2) why?

I suppose for the Osmonds and Partridge Family - eye candy was a big factor.  Didn't hurt that they sounded ok and all my friends were just as taken with them as I was!

The REO/Journey years were more musical favorites.  I love a good ballad but also enjoy fun music that I can sing along too.  With these guys you can understand the lyrics!

Ok, maybe a little eye candy.  I did say for a long time that if Steve Perry showed up on my door step I was absolutely going with him....LOL.

3) are they still your favorite/one of your favorites?

Yes.  REO's "Ballads" and Journey's "Greatest Hits Live" are both resident on my Sony Mini-Disc player main disc

4) what is your favorite of their songs?

REO - "In My Dreams"
Journey - "Don't Stop Believin'"

5) are there any specific lyrics you hold dear?

REO - In My Dreams chorus:

and we climb and climb

and at the top we fly

and when the world go on below us we are lost in time

and i don't know really what it means

all i know is that you love me

in my dreams

 

 

**No news on the job yet, I'll let you know as soon as I do!

Wednesday already?

As I took a few minutes this afternoon to do my daily "blog" cruise I noticed that I wasn't seeing a "new entry" indicator for my own blog on others' sites.

That's when I realized I hadn't *made* an entry for a couple days

It's been a busy few days.  As usual when my mother decides to go out of town (she's enjoying San Francisco with her husband), all kinds of hubbub goes on in my personal life.  And I'm not talking about anything online related...this is *always* work/health/kid stuff.

I'll never forget when I was pregnant with DS - Mom went out of town about a month before my due date and *forbid* me to go anywhere near a hospital while she was gone.  Unfortunately I had to break that one....not for me but for my DH that collapsed from heat exhaustion (it was July.  115+).  After some fluids, he was fine and free to go.....

We have a double dose of trouble this vacation.  First, a job interview on Monday for a potential promotion at work.  I admit, I did submit my resume for the job *last* week but truthfully didn't think I had much of a shot.  Turns out I'm one of only three people interviewed with significantly more having submitted for the post.  We'll see....keep your fingers crossed for me!

Today we got the "health" twist.  I've had a series of doctor appointments this year for "female" issues.  Last week this included the second "pelvic ultrasound" to check out the...ummm...parts.  I was hoping for a clean bill of health but no, not to be.  Not only do I have to endure a third ultrasound six weeks from now, but they also found something else that requires more significant testing....as in biopsy. 

Mom...you can come home now.  I'm done.

A StRIP Club Report and the Question of the Week

The question is shorter, so let's start with that.
 
Would you consider yourself  *addicted to stitching*? Why or why not?
 
No, I don't consider myself addicted to stitching.  It *is* one of the few activities that when indulged in regularly help me maintain a calm and even-tempered demeaner, but it certainly isn't the only one.  Reading and puttering in the kitchen have the same results though I can't hang anything on the wall as a reminder ;)
 
StRIP Club Report
 
Earlier this year on the Rotation Board we started a StRIP Club - "Stash Reduction Implementation Plan" with one of the goals being fewer WIPs on January 1, 2005 than you had on January 1, 2004.  (This from Heather aka hankj99, the club founder)
 
Wayyyy back in April (seems so long ago) I made a comprehensive WIP list.  Scroll down to the April 22 entry .  I had identified a few items that were "fast finish" candidates - here's the update:
 

• JustNan's Witch Way  - finished this weekend
• March VS Needleroll  - finished
• Snowman Bag - still needs 10 hours
• Textile Heritage Bookmark - finished and bookmarkified!
• Apple Cloisonne Ornament - haven't even looked at it
• Chatelaine Mini Mandala #3 - finished and at the framers!
• TW's Castles by the Sea - a few more hours done
• Chatelaine Mini Mystery E - finished, but not on the hanger yet

Since then I've also started & finished 2 versions of Lizzie*Kate's Bless the Baby, Enchanting Lair's "Two Hearts Unite" and one ornament (from the Ornament RR).

Nine finishes in 3 months...I'll take it.

Based on the original lists, this would put me at 32 projects, including the 2 Round Robins.  In actuality, though, it's more like 36 as I've had 4 new starts since [hangs head in shame].    Martha Schmidt's Sampler of Unpublished Insertion Stitches II, Mirabilia's Emerald Mermaid, Mini-Mystery F and Lynne Nicoletti's Neptune/Poseidon.   In my own defense, none were done lightly.  The Martha Schmidt piece was started after her untimely fatal accident.  Emerald Mermaid was a graduation gift.  Neptune/Poseidon showed up on my doorstep as a gift direct from Lynne Nicoletti (and I'm *still* in awe over that one). 

And I still am waiting on a model to arrive...it's due by the end of the month to me and by October 1 back to the designer.  Until I get that in hand and can get an idea of the time commitment, I'm hesitant to do more than keep up with my round robins (started the current ornament last night and will do the Beastie next weekend) and chip away at some of my larger projects.

So...overall, I'm happy with my StRIP progress but I know I need to get more done before the end of the year!

Friday Five for July 16, 2004

Great subject today! 
 
1. What color ink pen do you like best?
 
Black!  A super fine black pen is the very best for me everyday!  I also love a nice fountain pen (have two) for letter writing.
 
But I do love color-coordinated notes in my schedule book.  Black for work, Purple for personal, etc...and don't even ask how many highlighters I have in different colors.

2. Do you prefer plain paper or paper with lines (notebook paper)?
 
With lines (my writing tends to go uphill without them), but a legal pad rather than notebook paper.

3. What's better: books from the library, or reading online?

Nothing like the weight of a good book in your hands...regardless of the source.
 
4. Which would you rather get, e-mail or snail mail?

Hmmm...good question.  I love chatty emails and the "instant" communication they offer.  But taking the time for a "real" letter or better yet, adding something extra into the envelope can't be beat!
 
5. Do you have a paper weight on your desk?

Nothing specific for that purpose...it's usually whatever I've been working on :)

Terry's Love Slave

Get your mind outta da gutter...there's a stitching-related story here.

I realized tonight that I hadn't really posted this story anywhere and it's certainly a good one! So in light of all the recent hubbub in my life, I'm returning to a few months ago and this *very* funny episode.

Last September, I traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the first time. The destination? The CATS Stitching Festival held annually in Hershey. One of my resolutions for 2003 was to meet Teresa Wentzler, and that show was the best place to do it.

But she's not part of this story...

My buddy, Erin, and I made plans to meet up in Hershey and have a grand time visiting and shopping with other members of the TWBB and some of the regular folks we see at these events. You know, people like Laura from Enchanting Lair, Letha from Fantasy Crafts, Carmen from Columbine Designs, Sandra from Needle & Frame and Terry Nolan of Dimples Designs (I know I'm missing some...forgive me). After attending *multiple* CATS shows, these folks never seem to be surprised when I show up in their booth! And they *all* are happy when I'm in a shopping mood...

So we enjoy the show and on the final day, we plan to go to dinner with my parents (yes, Mom was there as usual and her husband made the trip) and another BB'er, Heather, before dropping Heather at the Harrisburg Airport for her journey home.

Now, after the show, there's always a lot of work to help break down the booths. Terry was sharing a booth with Maureen Appleton and let me tell you, there were a *lot* of beautiful models in that booth. Erin and I offered to help break down and pack Terry's stuff, and of course, Maureen's as well. To get back in after the show, the booth owners have to leave the helpers' names at the registration desk. Since we weren't going to be back until about an hour or so after close, it was rather important that Terry do this so we could get back in.

About the time the shopping area closed, Erin and I are waiting in the lobby of the Lodge with Heather for my parents so we can head off to dinner. A couple other BB'ers are there with us and we're chatting...showing off purchases...etc when here comes Letha from the shopping mall on her way to her room to change before tear down.

She sees Erin and I. She stops and breaks into a wide grin.

Seems that when Mr. Nolan left our names at the registration desk for readmittance, Letha was there. She asked him how he was so special to get our help (in jest...Letha had plenty of helpers) and his response:

"They're my love slaves."

Now, for those of you that may not know Terry, Erin and I are not his...ummm..."type." It isn't that we're both married...or on the "fluffy" side (me way more than Erin!) it's that we're FEMALE. Given this, you can just imagine, Letha's absolute *glee* to share our new title with us. It made for howls of laughter and curious glances from passing guests!

Of course, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to get back at Terry. When we did come back after our dinner/airport run, we walked in to the mart area (without so much as a glance from anyone..so much for leaving names!) and headed to the area of Terry and Maureen's booth.

"Love Slaves reporting for duty"

I've never seen a man's face go pale and then red so quickly! He RAN to the general area of Letha's booth and you could hear the laughs echoing thru the entire area. It was absolutely priceless!

He still owes me for that one....and I'll be stitching up a "TN Love Slave" badge prior to Hershey this year. He didn't make the Santa Clara show, but I'll be ready for him in Hershey in October ;)

Stitchers Question of the Week

*Blogger and I are having "issues" today...I hope this finally goes thru!*

Yeah, I'm behind...sue me! It's been a week already and it's only half-way thru! LOL

How do you choose a project? What “calls” to you the most?

Good question....I suppose it's a combination of factors: Style, color, composition are huge factors. In order to actually get a project *started* rather than living comfortably in my stash it takes all those things plus any "connections" to the project. The stronger the connections the more I'm likely to work on the project....

This is the reason that "gifts" get special status in my rotation. Not all get started immediately...but I definitely feel the urge! I'll review my project list...see where I'm at with my "whittling" down goal this year (not doing too bad, I must say) and my "make progress on large WIPs" goal (ok, I admit...I'm failing miserably here).

So, "calling" is only half the battle...getting it "started" is a whole new skirmish!

And A New Chapter Begins....

I knew it was coming.

I told DH on Sunday that after the flurry of email over the weekend, I fully expected Teresa to either remove JPC or simply shut down the board all-together.

I'm glad it was something in between....I have put my heart and soul into the TWBB for the last 10 months I've been a co-administrator. I've been a member for almost 4 years and I knew from the start I'd found an online "home" to discuss my hobby and find friends that shared my love of Teresa's designs and stitching in general.

I'm proud to say Teresa has become a dear friend and her name and reputation are easily my first priority on the board. Keeping it running smoothly and a credit to her and her company in some ways has been far easier than expected, and in other ways more difficult.

Easier as many, many members share that vision and want only to keep her mind *off* the board and on her designing! More difficult as many don't realize how personal she takes things....especially any negative or controversial discussions.

So as of August 1st, my job as co-admin will be a tad easier. Still no walk in the park trying to keep thousands of members somewhat "content" with guidelines, content, and overall "mood" of the board. But I somehow doubt we'll be debating the merits of cotton and silk floss with the same fervor as presidential candidates ;)

The board is what the members make it. I have no doubt the BB will continue in its new form for years, continuing to grow and attract new members. I'm hoping some of the "lurkers" will feel more comfortable to post about their stitching joys, despairs and questions. I see you up in that "Who's Online" box! Please come down and join in the conversation...you really do have something interesting to add to the community. After all, everyone was at Post #1 at one point :)

So here's to the new chapter getting ready to open on August 1. Oh and if you want to chatter about other topics...visit the new board created today just for that purpose...Just Plain Chat. I'll see you there....

An Online Equation

One of my husband's favorite sayings recently:

nice person + anonymity + audience = idiot

Ok, I admit, his "result" is a bit stronger than mine, but I have a hard time cussing in real life, so why should typing be any different? I think you know what I mean!

I seem to be running into this a lot lately. Not all of it is in public....much is going on "behind the scenes" so to speak on the TWBB. Which, one would think, would take the "anonymity" portion out of the equation, but I suppose email is just as anonymous as posting online.

All in all, we have done fairly well lately on the "controversial" discussions. If you want to see some knock-down-drag-out fights, head over to the technical board my husband frequents (and the source of the above equation). You think politics and religion get heated? It's *nothing* compared to a bunch of geeks arguing technology!

Still, though, there are always going to be folks that feel *so* strongly and are *so* dedicated to their convictions that these discussions will eventually sink beyond a reasonably mature exchange. Opinions are just like that....and everyone has their own to express.

Additionally, the online stitching community is really not that big. If you take a stand somewhere, it's fairly likely it'll make it around somewhere else. *Especially* if it's overtly negative and directed at an individual. That person *will* find out. And I can pretty much guarantee it won't be pretty when they do. And the ripples from that single post...well...they will spread wide and catch up many others...

As a final note, before you start inserting names into that equation...I'll say right now, I don't think it applies to me, for the most part.

Yes, I consider myself a "nice person." I do have "human" days, and there's an email or two floating out there that I'm not proud of, but for the most part, yes, I'm a nice person...(if you disagree I'd love to know why!)

The "anonymity" factor is missing. I use the same name/handle/id wherever I go. If it's Annette414, most likely it's me. Hard to maintain a facade of anonymity that way....

As for the "audience" - there are definitely days I doubt this blog is being read, let alone *any* post on *any* BB I frequent!

So if you put me in the equation, I personally don't think it balances out ;) For right now at least....

Does your stitching talk to you?

I seem to recall a couple years ago (ok, more like three...) I posted on the TWBB that I was a "Rotation Failure." I had crafted what I thought was a well-thought-out attempt to keep all my current projects happy and moving forward.

At the time that was 12 projects. (I *wish* I was still at that number!)

I failed miserably. When it was time to switch to a new project, the one I was working on whispered at me to just do one more color...one more section...and all the others that weren't due up next tried to entice me to pick *them* rather than the one on the list.

During the course of the thread I learned that not only was it completely normal for my projects to talk to *me*, others had the same experience! Thus the term "screaming rotation" was born - work on whatever yells loudest.

Of course, this practice allowed me to work on those projects as well as hear as-yet-unstarted projects whimper from the stash pile. The project pile grew...and grew.

Now, I did finish a few things. Legends of the Dragons, Tea Scene, Winter Queen and a couple other projects were on that list...and they proudly hang in my home, smug in their completed glory. But Stroke of Midnight is still languishing in the WIP pile....she's a lady and just doesn't whine as loud as some others ;)

Currently I am totally captivated with Mirabilia's Emerald Mermaid. I knew she was going to be a demanding wench, so not only did I put off starting her for a month after receiving the kit as a gift, I started at the very end of her tail....no face, no mouth, less whispering. Or so I thought. I gave in during my Vegas trip and stitched a few leaves (center start) in the hotel. After I got home, though, and put those first few stitches in her tail, well, she's been on me to do more, more, more ever since!

I still have some measure of sanity, though. I showed her that *I* am in control of my stitching time and put her aside on Saturday night to work on the first part of Mini Mystery-F (Chatelaine). But once I put the final beads in on Sunday morning, I was back to green and filling in more of her tail fin that afternoon

She's looking wonderful on the DaVinci Picture this Plus linen - the green is striking against the purple of the fabric. So not only do I hear a demanding voice - it's got a touch of arrogance given that she knows she's coming out beautifully. Heck, she's even claimed a wall in the house already....one that, not surprisingly, is wide enough for *one* design to hang. No sharing of space for this mermaid!

We'll see how she does when I have to put her down in a few days to stitch on an RR.....as for tonight (with the start of a new season of The Amazing Race) I'll be stitching a few more leaves, I think...

Stitching Blogger's Question of the Week

The Stitcher's Five has been given a new life with a simple "Question of the Week" format....here we go!

Which project (finished or in progress) are you most proud of? Explain why.

First to mind - TW's Egyptian Sampler. I started it as soon as the kit reached me and took a year or so to finish it (always other projects in the works, of course). I knew exactly how I wanted the matting/framing done and it came out spectacular. I used it as a "visual aide" for my final MBA presentation (my last project was on TW Designworks) and the comments from the class were wonderful. Many couldn't believe that not only had I invested the time, but the amount of time it took. Such is the interaction with non-stitchers ;)

However, I'm also thinking that Emie Bishop's Warm Christmas Wishes fits the bill as well. It was my first foray into hardanger and I had the opportunity to show it off to Ms. Bishop when she visited my LNS. She was amazed that it was my first hardanger and very complimentary on the results :)

As promised...BIL Update - and an edit for the Friday Five

Surgery was yesterday and went well.

The cancer had not visibly metastasized beyond the colon, so removing it was all that was needed. Lymph nodes will be checked to be absolutely sure...but the doctor is very optimistic.

He is *extremely* lucky! After waiting for over a year with *visible* symptoms, and only a temporary inconvenience (they will be doing a new procedure in a few months that will reduce that further).

Thank you all for your positive vibes! They really do have power....

---

The Friday Five

For each question, pick one of the options & say why you made your choice. Feel free to waffle between the two choices, or to not choose either.

Waffles? Yeah...I'll take some waffles..a little butter..a little syrup....

1. Would you rather earn more money or have more time off?

More time off!!! I make enough money (shocking, I know) but I would love more time to pursue my non-money-making interests.

2. Which is more important, the ends or the means?

Tough one. In stitching, it's the journey that's important to me, not the finished piece - which serves as a visible reminder of all that went on during the stitching of the piece. So, if we extrapolate that to the rest of my life...the means hold more importance to me than the ends :)

3. How are our personalities formed, by nature or through nurture?

Nature starts them, nurture dictates the path they take.

4. Who do you feel closer to, your mother or your father?

Considering I can't recall the last time I spoke with my father...I guess I'll answer my mother!

5. Why do you answer these silly questions, out of boredom or out of love of introspection?

Habit! LOL

An MBA, an Accident, a Diagnosis and a word on bias....

It's a tossed salad today..what can I say?

An MBA

Yes, it's official - I'm DONE! I have successfully completed my Masters of Business Administration - Technology Management.

I'm so glad it's over...LOL

An Accident

Tuesday morning, I was "involved" in an accident. I'm fine, car is basically fine, except it now has a "character smudge" on the rubber part of the left rear bumper. Hey, it's a Jeep..these things happen. However the woman in the Blazer behind me got rear-ended by a Mitsubishi Galant with the Mitz getting the worst of the exchange. She was trying to get out of his way by diving into a turning lane to my left when she clipped my bumper. It's a good thing, too....if she hadn't had the chance to get in that lane before the Mitz hit her, my back door would have had FAR more damage!

Blazer owner offered to have my car detailed as I wasn't intending on submitting a claim for damages...nice gesture :)

A Diagnosis

My brother-in-law (husband of DH's sister) has been tentatively diagnosed with colon cancer. A surgical consultation and probably exploratory surgery is the next step. As he's had symptoms for over a year without acting, it's definitely fairly far along. Any good thoughts will be welcome...he's a great guy...

Bias

According to Dictionary.com:

bi·as n.

1 - A line going diagonally across the grain of fabric: Cut the cloth on the bias.

2 - a - A preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment.
b - An unfair act or policy stemming from prejudice.
3 - A statistical sampling or testing error caused by systematically favoring some outcomes over others.

4 - Sports.
a - A weight or irregularity in a ball that causes it to swerve, as in lawn bowling.
b - The tendency of such a ball to swerve.

5 - The fixed voltage applied to an electrode.

I think we can skip definitions 1, 3, 4 and 5 for this discussion.

Everyone has some sort of bias. Our experiences, beliefs, environment and influences impact every decision we make and how we see the world. I find it unreasonable to expect a group of people to be free of bias in *all* subjects. The more likely situation - a "balanced bias." Meaning that for everyone that has a tendency to hate green vegetables, there's someone else that loves them. At the end of the day, they will be on the menu, in some form or another.

Is bias bad? Not inherently. Is bias good? Same answer. It just *is*. You can ask the same question to 10 people and get the same answer....but the *reasons* for that answer will all be based on personal bias and perception. Does that make some reasoning right and others wrong? No...it makes the answer/decision/judgement personal. And adds another layer of personal experience for the next decision....

..but I still hate green beans ;)