Rebuilding a Wish List

But first, as promised, a picture of the "winning" sock yarn:

Yes, it's the Knitpicks Hydrangea that was the big vote-getter. It was a VERY tight race though, with Hydrangea winning by a single vote. These colors are perfect for Mom and as her birthday is fast approaching (July 10th) I'm hoping to get at least *one* done before then to present to her (shhh..don't tell. I don't *think* she reads this blog...at least she's never commented on it...)

In semi-related news, my recent Knitpicks order arrived yesterday. I have yarn for three more projects (socks for DS, tank for DD and socks for me) and some too-short #6 DPNs (6" ain't gonna work well for starting the Pi Shawl, but they are perfect for socks!).

This means a trip to the LYS on Friday. I know....I know....such torture I am willing to endure. A whole store full of yarn and patterns and tempting bits. I'll fill you in on what leaps into my hands to come home with me ;)

---

On to the Wish List....

The recent ezMess has destroyed my carefully crafted Wish List for various exchanges and just "things to remember" in general. I'm thinking my current Secret Stitcher and my new Seasonal Exchange partner would appreciate if I'd get my rear in gear and work on it.

Ok, here we go....

Mini Cross Stitch Kits by Lanarte: Elephant Giraffe Zebra Lion
Victoria Sampler: Beyond Cross Stitch Kits Level 6 (1-5), Heirloom Homecoming (Reds)
Dracolair: Red Dragon Bookmark
Bent Creek: Snapperville
Hinzeit: Halloween ABC, Baseball
Shepherd's Bush: Busy Sheep, Oh Say, Little Witch
Pine Mountain: Halloween Foursome, Patriotic Foursome
Milady's Needle: Acorns Rule, Silent Night
Chatelaine: Mini Mandalas 2, Medieval Town Mandala, Sea Quilt, Mini-I-L
Long Dog: Rosemarkie
Stitch'inspirations: Lost in a Blackwork Maze
Primrose Needlework: Get your Ducks in a Row
Jeannette Douglas: My Stitching Treasures

Ok, that's enough....I'll add fabric/theme info in the appropriate posts on ezboard :)

Take the Survey!

To my fellow bloggers....go ahead....click it :)

Finishes

What? Surprised? I *do* finish things occasionally, ya know.

In the last week I've finished five things. Count 'em. Five. I'm on a roll.

First up are the stitching finishes:

I participated in two Ornament Round Robin...uhh..Rounds this year and both are now completely finished. Here are the final two ornaments.

From the "Specialty" RR out of the 2004 JCS Christmas Mag, "Heart of Christmas"



This is the second time I've stitched this (first time when the magazine first came out - DD started and I finished it) and I *still* managed to get one row out of whack. Oh well, personalization.

From the "DMC Only" RR out of the JCS Christmas Mag, "I Saw Three Ships"



This one is on 32-ct fabric and the ships, my initials, crowns and "three ships come sailing in" are all over-1. Looks nice, but I'm glad I'm done!

Finish #3 is a knitting finish. As this was a gift, I was bad and didn't take a pic. So....close your eyes and imagine....well, after I finish the description at least....an 8" square dishcloth in a lovely cotton yarn red/pink/brown/cream variegated....pattern is 8 outlined hearts around the edge....

Well, Margaret liked it! A "thank you" for acting as a personal delivery service after her recent east coast vacation. She brought me two jars of my husband's favorite applesauce (White House - not available in Arizona), beautiful stitch markers from Jenni, my completed Dimples Round Robin (pictures when the squares are assembled) and some gorgeous beads from my Secret Stitcher. (Yes, I gave her other stuff, too, just nothing I recently finished!)

Finish #4 and #5 are of the novel variety.

Ill Wind and Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine. Awesome fantasy! I'll be ordering Chill Factor shortly to continue the story.

I also think I need to revise my recent answer to the "Best New Series" question. The Weather Warden Series is now clearly in the lead for the year. Unlike the Anne Bishop and Nora Roberts series mentioned, these books have both book-length stories as well as an overall "arc" across at least the first three. You can read each one and stop (though doing it in order for character introduction would be a *really* good idea) or continue to find out "what happens next...." They remind me of Kim Harrison's Dead Witch Walking and the two sequels (The Good, The Bad, and the Undead [started] and newly released Every Which Way but Dead[on the "To Buy" List]) but also of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files (I've read the first six...love them!)

Last night I also cast on the "winning" sock yarn from the recent poll. When I've got enough rows done to look like something, I'll post a picture....

Booking Through Thursday

I had other subject plans today, but time got away from me to do them justice....tomorrow....

Series
Probably most books stand on their own. But a lot of them are part of a series. J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings trilogy comes immediately to mind, as well as Stephen R. Donaldson's Gap series, Elizabeth Peters Amelia Peabody series, and lots more.

Do you read books that are part of a series?

Oh yes. A good epic story is my favorite reading!

Do you collect all the books in the series before starting?

No, usually only the first two or three to make sure I like the series before continuing with it.

What if the series is brand new, and the only book that's been published so far is Book 1?

Then I go thru the agony of waiting for each subsequent book to be released! I started reading David Eddings when the first book of his first series was released, Pawn of Prophecy. It was over 10 years before I got to the end of the story...

As subsequent books in the series are published, do you go back and re-read the preceding books?

Depends on how long its been since I read the last one. I'm re-reading the last two Harry Potter books in preparation for the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince next month. However, when a new Laurell Hamilton is released (either Anita Blake or Merry Gentry), I don't usually go back to the previous year's book. There isn't a huge amount of "carryover" between them other than characters.

How many?
Some people are like my uncle, and they read four or five books a week, every week. Some are like my father, and read four or five books in a year.

How many books do you read in a week? Month? Year?

On average, I'd say one-two per week. But I'll have periods where I'm speeding thru and other periods I barely manage two pages a night before falling asleep. In the last three months I've read between five and eight per month. At that pace it'll be 100 for the year. Yikes! No wonder my bookshelves are full....

What's the best book or series of books you've read so far this year?

Re-read: The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop. I LOVE this series!
New read: Three Sisters Island Trilogy by Nora Roberts. I think this is my favorite of hers.

What's the worst book you read this year? Did you finish it?

If I don't like a book, I will put it down. Truthfully, I can't remember the last time I did that, but I know I have in the past. Worst book this year? I choose not to answer...not to spare any book's feelings, but because I can't think of one right this moment...

In Search Of...

On an impulse, I checked BlogPatrol yesterday and found enough interesting search critieria in the last four days for a blog post....

21/06/2005 15:26:15 " best gyro""recipe" (Google)

Oh my. I'd like to find one of these myself! However, if you want someone else to do the cooking and you're in downtown Phoenix, visit Crazy Jim's. It just so happens I was there at lunchtime today....Gyro Pita with Fries, yum!

21/06/2005 13:45:01 flouridex toothpaste (Google)

I think I mentioned this a couple years ago in a meme and it's one of the top search criteria for my blog. Sad.

21/06/2005 07:38:11 enchanting lair el 56 mystic (Google)

I'm sure it's the "Enchanting Lair" part of this that hits as I adore Laura and her gorgeous designs (and thus mention her often)

21/06/2005 06:39:13 greek royal family pic (Yahoo)

I have *no* idea how this is a hit. I'm not greek or royal and I know I've never posted a family pic.

20/06/2005 22:01:34 annette's acre (Google)

This one is pretty obvious. If I ever change my website, I'm sure I'll be in trouble.

20/06/2005 14:26:42 poirot lapel pin (Google)

Oooo...I never thought of doing a search to find a replica of Poirot's pin. It's a tiny vase pin, perfect for a tiny flower (either fresh or silk). I might have to try this one myself.

20/06/2005 13:04:08 futurecast inventory planning (Google)

I would imagine this person got several hits of Teresa Wentzler's Futurecast. This would include my own version: Finian

20/06/2005 11:19:34 bad seats for phantom at gammage? (Yahoo)

Oh! Oh! I can answer this one! Other than the very very top (and only because the chandelier *might* block some of the stage view, but that's a guess, I have no evidence), there aren't any.

20/06/2005 05:38:09 body in a fishtank columbo (Google)

That would be the episode titled: Columbo Likes the Nightlife from 2003. The last one made. And for my fellow Columbo fans, Season 3 will be released August 9th!

19/06/2005 21:36:07 egyptian stitching projects (Yahoo)

I have a few of these. Egyptian Sampler (TW) is finished, Egyptian Garden (Chatelaine) is in progress. I also have Mike Vickery and Maria Van Scharrenburg in my stash....

Yes, I love Egyptian stuff ;)

19/06/2005 20:04:33 cinnamon rolls foodtv (Google)

Hmmm....any reason why someone wouldn't search directly on the FoodTV website rather than using Google? Though I suppose a good cinnamon roll recipe could be found anywhere. But then why specify Food TV? And would anyone look for a "bad" recipe?

19/06/2005 10:17:31 fantail guppies (Yahoo)

Yup, we had two of these for quite awhile. Sadly, we lost one in a tragic aquarium plant accident just a couple days ago (no witnesses, unfortunately), so we're down to just one. He looks lonely, though, so I'm thinking we may have to increase the population.

19/06/2005 07:41:28 chatelaine "april 2005" (Google)

I stitched on my Chatelaine stuff in April. I'm sure. Well, I'm fairly sure. Ok, it's a good chance....

18/06/2005 18:13:25 mirabilia "emerald mermaid" floss (Google)

This WIP is making a ruckus out in my WIP pile, so it doesn't surprise me she's got Google roped in to get my attention, too.

Shameless, I tell ya. The things these projects will do to get my attention.

18/06/2005 09:24:02 Annette of the mickey mouse club is she alive?? (Yahoo)

Yes, she is. Being named after her, I tend to keep up with Annette's public life.

18/06/2005 09:07:42 mystra biography (Google)

Who is mystra and why would I have any information on her biography?

18/06/2005 06:30:24 sweetie... /annette (Yahoo)

I know for a *fact* that my spouse is a Google user, so whoever is looking on Yahoo! ain't looking for me!

That's it for today's "In Search Of..." I hope I've provided some useful information....to someone...somewhere....

Return of Sock

Remember that sweet purple sock I posted a few days ago? He's back with a friend:



Don't they make a cute couple? HA!

These are going to DD as she was my patient model while I was making them ("Hold up your foot! Let me measure!").

The next pair is coming from one of these four candidates:



From left to right:

Opal Self-Patterning in greys
Knit Picks Sock Garden in Hydrangea
Opal Self-Patterning in lavendar/blue/cream
Knit Picks Sock Landscape in Rocky Mountain

Which would *you* pick?

On the reading front, I finished my re-read of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire this week and started Order of the Phoenix. Given that my first read of OotP was done in nine hours the day it was released two years ago (has it been that long?!? How time flies!), I'm looking forward to taking a *little* longer this time.

This weekend I intend to stitch in between family...ummm...stuff. DD is hosting a pool/slumber party (the boys are invited to the pool party but NOT the slumber party) on Saturday afternoon/night, so I'm sure that'll keep me busy. Hey, I get to watch Phantom again on Saturday night (DD's request), so I'm psyched! Who cares if it's with 4 15-yr old girls?!?

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Traffic Reports

I have a 26 mile commute to work each morning and one about the same length going home in the afternoon (I know, what a shock). Most of it is freeway (ok, most of the way *to* work is freeway, I cheat and take more surface streets on the way home) and depending on the time of day and time of year (read: school year = more traffic by ASU), I can pretty well judge the "normal" amount of traffic.

However, I still use the usual "drive time" traffic reports to identify unusual amounts of traffic. Hey, you live in a large city and have a decent-length commute, traffic reporting is a "must-have" in the morning and afternoon.

Now, as you may (or may not if you haven't been reading my blog too long..or even paying attention) or may not know, I have Sirius Satellite Radio in my car (that I LOVE). I listen to nothing else (which may explain why I just learned my CD player is on the fritz...I think I've used it a half dozen times in the 18 months I've had this deck).

"But Annette...Sirius is national. How do you get your essential traffic reports?"

Good question! The answer? Channel 159. Sirius does "Traffic & Weather" for 20 metro areas on 150-159. Phoenix shares its channel with Miami, so not only do I know the traffic hot spots in Phoenix, I can also get around in Miami (well, I could if I was there...and had somewhere to actually *go* in Miami). Every four minutes I get traffic and weather for Phoenix.

It's apparent from the way Phoenix traffic is read, that there *is* someone local providing the information. I mean who else would know that The Broadway Curve, The Hohokam, The Maricopa and I-10 are all the same freeway, just different bits? And Black Canyon and The Durango Curve both refer to I-17? Took me *months* to figure that out when I moved here, let me admit right here. We won't even mention the whole Squaw Peak/Piestawa nonsense...just say SR 51, please.

Once you get the freeway names straight (there's also The Superstition which is 60), you're left with the street and city names. Given the location of the state and the population mix, does it surprise you we've got both Mexican/Spanish and Indian names along with more traditional "named-after-a-local-politician/celebrity/stand-up-guy" names? Didn't surprise me. Also the fact that 32nd St and 32nd Ave are no where near each other? The "Avenues" are west of Central and the "Streets" are east....if you're in Phoenix proper...in the suburbs, well, they don't always follow the "rules."

So, listening to Phoenix traffic read by someone back east can get interesting. In the last week alone:

"Slowing on 60 at Val Vista..." came out as Val VEEsta, rather than VISta (as in "history")

"Accident at Camelback and 19th..." 19th what? Street? Avenue? There's a big difference...

"Slowing on 101 East..." 101 is a loop around town. It goes north, south, east & west and if you don't tell me what exit at least, I've no idea *where* on the loop this could be.

I won't even try to detail how they pronounce Ahwautukee. (Should be: Ah-wah-TOO-key)

And I can't wait to hear them in July and August on the weather. They're still saying that 105 is "a hot one." Yeah. Right. *I* don't even say "hot" until it's at least 110.

Phantom

Night-time sharpens heightens each sensation . . .
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination . . .
Silently the senses abandon their defences . . .
Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour . . .
Grasp it, sense it tremulous and tender . . .
Turn your face away from the garish light of day,
turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light
and listen to the music of the night . . .

--Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera
Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics by: Charles Hart

This song has been in my head since about 2:30 Saturday afternoon. Well, I'm guessing on the time. The show started just after 2:00, so maybe it was closer to 3:00 when this part of the performance was done...

Lost? Sorry...let me back up...like a year....

Last July, my Mother called and asked if I was interested in seeing Phantom of the Opera at Gammage Auditorium (on the Arizona State University campus...a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building...but that's a post for another day...). Anyway, my daughter loves Phantom. She's read the book....she's heard the music and we conspired to give her a "Phantom-themed" birthday this year which would include the tickets to the live performance.

Mom bought tickets. Good tickets. Six of them, though she wasn't precisely sure at the time who would be using them other than her, my daughter and myself.

Fast forward to March 31st of this year (daughter's birthday) when Daughter learned we were going to the live theatrical performance. She was pretty psyched. She also received her own copy of the soundtrack (the London version 2-CD set as recommended by a certain muse) and two charms for her bracelet (a rose and PotO logo). She really wanted the movie (Daughter and Mom saw it last December)....but I was waiting for the live show first.

Fast forward again to Saturday past. Show was at 2:00p and being in Arizona assures a wide variety of dress styles for a matinee theater performance. Everything from shorts to formals. We were in the middle with Daughter in a dress and dress pants and blouse for myself. The other members of our group were Mom and Al and my brother V and his new wife.

We filed slowly into the cool interior (after standing outside in the 100+ degrees for awhile) and made our way alllll the way around the lobby area to our designated portal (Gammage is circular). Portal 2. The closest to the stage. We're in Row 5. Yeah, good seats.

I love live theater. This did not disappoint. It was amazingly wonderful. The music....oh my.

Afterwards, Daughter and Mom braved the crowds and found a t-shirt. We all braved the traffic and found our way back home eventually around 5:30p. A quick change and off to the grocery store....

...where I picked up the Phantom DVD. As Daughter reminded me "You've seen it now! We can get the movie!" I admit, I was intrigued.

Home, dinner, yadda yadda and by 9:00 she can't stand it anymore. She wants to watch the movie....ok by me. Son is off to bed, DH is off to watch something else and it's only Daughter and I with The Phantom. On the big screen. In stereo.

I did something I *never* do while watching a movie. I had nothing in my hands. That's right, no stitching, no knitting, *nothing* distracting from the movie. This is unheard of. But I just had to watch...it wasn't live theater, but it was still wonderful.....and the music is still....oh my...I love the music....

Turn your face away from the garish light of day,
turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light
and listen to the music of the night . . .

So, I saw Phantom twice on Saturday....and it was SO worth it....

Meme Catchup

First, for Jenni: Laceweight Yarn - I love the color and the seller is *very* interesting...

On to the questions:

Stitching Blogger's Questions:

What do you like *least* about cross stitching?

Chart errors and the tendency to attract frogs when one's attention wanders...

How do you deal a "stitching slump?"

You mean like the one I'm in now? First, I don't fight it as that just makes it last longer. I read, play games on the computer or if it's strictly "stitching" I'll do some knit or crochet until I feel the call once again. Usually it's no more than a couple weeks....I think the five year slump was a freak occurrence ;)


Booking Thru Thursday:

Format
Some people, like my mother, only read paperback books. Others prefer hard cover books. Some read hard cover books because they come out first, but prefer paperbacks otherwise. And you?
Do you prefer to read hard cover or paperback books?
Why?
Do you read books in the other format anyway?

I have a slight preference for paperbacks, but only because I find them more portable. If it's a book I'm dying to read, I'll buy the hardback as soon as it's published (Laurell Hamilton books fit this criteria as do Harry Potter). If it's a series I've read and re-read and hardbacks are available, I'll buy them for longevity (Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series fits this criteria).

I've "dabbled" in audiobooks as well and with the recent gift of an iPod Shuffle from my spouse, I expect I'll be spending more time in that format ;)

Buy, borrow, trade
Some people like to be surrounded by books, and keep everything they've ever read. Others don't like the clutter, and keep them long enough to read them. Most people seem to be somewhere in the middle...
Do you buy the books you read, or do you borrow them from the library or from friends or from somewhere else?

All of the above! My mother and I trade books quite often and there's a "lending cube" here at work where I found most of the JD Robb "In Death" series. At the same time Amazon and Barnes & Noble are favorites for shopping online and when I find myself looking for older or "classic" stories, I'll hit the library.

Do you prefer new or used books?

Nope. A book is a book ;)

If you buy them, do you keep them? If you don't keep them, how long do you hold on to them before letting them go? What do you do with them?

Usually I keep them. About once a year I'll do a clear out and visit the local used bookstore for some trade credit...and yes, I spend it on more books...

A Moment....

"I'll post that entry in just a moment...."

"I can answer that meme! I'll just be a moment..."

"I'll only visit for just a moment..."

"Wait, I just need a moment at that yarn shop..."


So, the last week or so has been a series of "moments." Some have never quite made it (posting), some were extended long past their original lifetime (shopping) and some were just out of my control (ezMess).

Where have I been the last week? So glad you asked.....

June 1-3rd I was outside of Los Angeles, California on a business trip. I visited the beautiful cities of Burbank (ok, just the airport there), Arcadia (that's where the hotel was), Rosemead (the offices I was visiting) and Irwindale (the location of the User Group conference I attended).

Work-wise, it was a great trip. I was travelling with a co-worker and my current boss (former boss's boss....who has taken our group on temporarily). Both are just great people and I can't imagine anyone better to have spent that time with. I spent three days in one meeting after another, but I got something useful out of every single one (not something I can say when my schedule looks like that at my home office LOL)

As you can imagine, there wasn't much time for sight-seeing. The highlight? I drove past Santa Anita Racetrack and while I had hoped to get a few minutes to find Seabiscuit's statue, it didn't happen :( Maybe next time....

Ok, that's the sum of the California trip, but there was a "moment" on the Tuesday before I left. In fact, I'd say it was a Yarn Harlot worthy moment ;) On Memorial Day I had the great notion of finding a simple sock pattern to take on my trip. I found one online that was just the ticket: Sock Lessons. Of course, this called for needles *and* yarn I didn't have handy. The solution? Why a trip to the LN/YS on Tuesday at lunchtime, of course! Now, I knew there selection was somewhat limited in the needle and "normal" yarn area, so I checked good old DexOnline for any other shops within lunch hour distance. I found one a bit closer, but in the same direction....perfect!

Off I went. I looked for the new shop, but missed it on the way to my usual LN/YS. As suspected, they had neither the called for yarn or needles, but in the interest of flexibility, I did get a set of needles one size down. For this exercise, if I only knit one sock that didn't fit anyone in the family, it wouldn't be a total loss. As I was making tentative plans to stop at Michael's on the way home for suitable yarn, I spotted the new shop on the right side of the road just as I drove past! Do I go back? Do I press on and continue with my Michael's plan? What would Stephanie (aka Yarn Harlot) do?

I made a U-Turn.....

It was a good decision. The shop actually supports both needlepoint and yarn and I found the perfect ball of purple acrylic/wool blend for my sock lesson. They were also out of the #6 DPN but I'd already resigned myself to use #5s. *Very* nice ladies in the shop, too. I'll be back ;)

After packing that night, I cast on for the sock and carefully packed it in my carryon bag after calling the airline to confirm that wooden knitting needles were acceptable in the cabin (as long as you've got yarn, you're good on Southwest). I admit, I didn't get much knitting done while in CA, but I did finish the sock a couple nights ago here at home. May I present my first completed Sock....



I tell you, I couldn't be more proud! And the best part? IT FITS! (well, it fits DD as she is the intended recipient). I'm about 2/3 down to the heel on Sock II.

Meanwhile my sock yarn is stacking up as I've received my Angel Yarns order and still have Knitpicks yarn waiting as well. Not to mention the laceweight I won on ebay today....but that's destined for my Pi Shawl....

Stitching? Uh yeah...well....another confession. With all the stress lately, I haven't picked up my stitching for a couple weeks now, preferring larger needles and no scissors to a frog infestation. However, I'm happy to report that things are calming down and I no longer expect a new disaster to strike at any moment. Ezboard, not withstanding. That I have no control over....

I have been reading, as the drastic changes over on the sidebar might suggest. I finished one Nora Roberts (Face the Fire - very good), the Agatha Christie (Cards on the Table) and the re-read of the Black Jewels Trilogy (Nicki, you are in for a treat with those! I'm so glad you picked them up!)

Tomorrow's Friday Forum doesn't appeal, so I'm hoping top find some time to catch up on the Stitching Blogger's Questions and Booking Thru Thursday....

I just need a moment.....

Out of town!

I had great plans for a wonderful post today with June Goals and a weekend update and just a chatty bit of fluff for you to read.

Yeah. Well. It'll have to wait until I get back....

I'm off on a business trip for the rest of the week to sunny California.

Behave yourselves ;)

TGIF!

I'm so glad this week is about over. It hasn't been particularly horrible or wonderful, just too many ups and downs...I'm ready to relax over this long weekend.

And as I'm sure I'll be spending a significant amount of hours with my nose in a book, I thought I'd answer the new Booking through Thursday questions rather than the usual Friday Forum.

Are you currently reading more than one book?

I am *always* reading more than one book.

If so, how many books are you currently reading?

According to the freshly updated list over on the right, the answer is 4:

Face the Fire - Nora Roberts - the last of the Three Sisters Trilogy which I have really enjoyed.
Queen of Darkness - Anne Bishop - final book in the Black Jewels Trilogy. This is a re-read of the entire series which is on my "Top 10 books for a Desert Island" List
Cards on the Table - Agatha Christie - the current "purse" book. Small and easy to pick up and put down while waiting in line or even traffic (only when it's *really* heavy and more "stop" than "go")
Dragons of a Lost Star - Weis/Hickman - Ok, this probably shouldn't be on the list as I can't even remember where I stopped....

Is this normal for you?

Four is a tad on the high side, three is my usual number. One for "on the go" (in my purse), one "light" for when I'm tired and know I'll manage a page or two at most and one more complex for when I have a longer stretch of time to read.

I read *every* night before I go to sleep. It's a ritual with DH and I. Turn off everything, lock up the house and lie in bed reading before going to sleep. Sometimes I manage 3 minutes before I can't keep my eyes open, sometimes an hour or better if the book has me hooked.

Where do you keep your current reads?

On my nightstand within easy reach, except for the current "purse" book which is...well..in my purse.

I know...another week!

So, as you might have guessed, things have been a tad on the stressful side here in sunny Arizona.

Mea culpa yes, I've been scarce online and I have greatly appreciated the "Where in the heck are you?!?!" emails. You know who you are ;) The fun isn't over yet, but I'll try to be just a tad more communicative....really. I promise on my ever-growing stash...

I'm not stitching much, as I've found that copious amounts of stress attracts copious amounts of frogs, but I *am* managing to turn out a pile of knitted dishclothes, as I suppose the bigger needles keep the frogs at bay. I found that knitting with 100% cotton yarn is quite mind-numbing after dealing with all the...well....you know.

This evening I've indulged in a bit of retail therapy of both the stitching and knitting nature. There's a new Ornament RR starting next month, so supply-buying was in order. My Secret Stitcher will need some attention next month, so I've done a bit of shopping per her wish list (note I didn't say "buying" for that one...yet). There's a new Stitch Along coming on the Rotation BB for the recently released Linda Driskell box in Just Cross Stitch, so had to pick up a few missing threads. And finally, I ran across a link to Angel Yarns and their "Opal Sock Starter Kit" that was too good to pass up! Thanks Hazy!

All in a good night's work....I'm feeling ready to face the long weekend....

But first, I've been tagged by Dana!

1) Total number of films I own on DVD/video:

Well over 200.

2) The last film I bought:

National Treasure (well, DH bought it for Mother's Day, but I can't remember the last one that I personally bought!)

3) The last film I watched:

On DVD: The Empire Strikes Back (We're off to see Star Wars III on Monday, so we're catching up!)

4) Five films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me (in no particular order):

The Incredibles ("No Capes!")
Mr. Blandings Builds his Dream House (my favorite old movie)
The Mummy (my love of all things Egyptian)
Nero Wolfe (any from either Season I or II on A&E - simply wonderful movies)
Moonstruck (ah, the magic of love...)

5) Tag 5 people:

Erin - the one and only "Movie Muse"
Ann - another movie fiend
Suz - because my fellow Mafiosa414'er is too darned funny not to be tagged
Terri - the "new graduate" now *has* time for movies
Belinda - just because

Dusting off the keyboard...

Seems like it's been much longer than five days since last hitting the "new post" icon, but then, life's been kinda hectic...

A quick recap:

Work: As one of my co-workers noted "We have good days and bad days." We're still coming across work/responsibilities that must be reassigned (just got another one today). The "replacement" process has begun, but I don't see any rush. It's going to take a while. Personally, along with my regular bits and pieces, I'm working on an online Silent Auction (that sounds redundant...) for fund-raising for the family. We're getting so much interest, I'm sure it's going to take up a chunk of my time for the next few weeks (it's mid-June). There's some business travel coming in June, so I've also been finalizing those plans for myself and coworkers.

Home: After some not-alltogether-unexpected upheaval this month with my XH and his wife, I'm having some legal business attended to. The majority of the stress is past, just holding tight until some signatures are taken and documents finalized. My daughter will be the better for the work DH and I are doing on her behalf now.

Kids: School is out in five days and both kids are ready to be done with the school year. Makes for interesting mornings. They will both finish off the year with good grades and I'm very pleased with DS's progress after his first complete year of all-day school (1st grade is such fun).

Stitching: Yeah. Right. Once again, my personal life has thrown a big fat wrench into any Rotation plans and I'm just holding on for dear life. I did finish a couple small items in the last week or so and pictures will magically appear one day here in the blog. The only things I've started recently were planned: Seasonal Exchange piece and the final ornament in the DMC Only JCS Ornament RR. At least I've been good in *that* respect. (Note I didn't mention the fabric cutting for DD's No Late Knight Snacking [from the bestest Seasonal Exchange partner, Melanie], and the receipt of embellishment packs for Take Time to Knit & Take Time to Stitch, Too [from OTTa B Stitchin, my Secret Stitcher] that have made it only as far as my stitching corner, which bodes well for yet more fabric digging and cutting.....)

Ann wanted to see this in my blog, so here goes:

1) Total number of books I’ve owned:

I have no notion. Let's just say that "hundreds" is a conservative estimate.

2) The last book I bought:

I stopped at Borders a couple weeks ago for gift cards for Mother's Day (such an easy Mom and MIL I have to shop for, eh?) and a couple stowaways made it into my bag....

Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception (for DD ostensibly)
Charlaine Harris's Dead to the World (new in paperback!)

3) The last book I read:

Finished: Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Started: Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie

4) 5 books that mean a lot to me (not those I think are the best, but ones that have a special place for me):

Love by Leo Buscaglia - a book that left a profound impact on my younger self.
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey - my first "real" fantasy book and still a favorite.
Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop - my "most recommended" book.
Tuesday Club Murders by Agatha Christie - my all-time favorite mystery novel.
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - the most re-read book in my library.

5) Tag 5 people and have them fill this out on their blogs:

Ah ha! I love this part. I would love to see Terri, Erin, Jenni, Haze and Lissa

I've been tagged!

A certain wondering friend tagged me earlier this week, so I guess I'm "it" :)

Choose 5 and complete the sentence...

If I could be a scientist . . .
If I could be a farmer . . .
If I could be a musician . . .
If I could be a doctor . . .
If I could be a painter . . .
If I could be a gardener . . .
If I could be a missionary . . .
If I could be a chef . . .
If I could be an architect . . .
If I could be a linguist . . .
If I could be a psychologist . . .
If I could be a librarian . . .
If I could be an athlete . . .
If I could be a lawyer . . .
If I could be an inn-keeper . . .
If I could be a professor . . .
If I could be a writer . . .
If I could be a llama-rider . . .
If I could be a bonnie pirate . . .
If I could be an astronaut . . .
If I could be a world famous blogger . . .
If I could be a justice on any one court in the world . . .
If I could be married to any current famous political figure . . .

If I could be a scientist . . .

..not only would I look smashing in my official white lab coat, but I'd spend my days looking to the future and work on travelling/living in space for the next generations to really be able to "get away from it all."

If I could be an architect . . .

..I would design buildings that would make people say "Wow...that is just amazing" for their integration of function, safety and artistic beauty. But then, I'm a major fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and I think he was a master of that....

If I could be a writer . . .

...I would write intricate mysteries or rich fantasies and travel the world researching locations and cultures to inspire me.

If I could be a bonnie pirate . . .

...I would find a lush island in the South Seas and enjoy my spoils with my dashing First Mate. Of course, as I'm a practical woman, this would include everything from the required gold and jewels to a well-stocked library and gourmet foodstuffs (along with the kidnapped chef).

If I could be an astronaut . . .

...I would spend more time capturing the beauty of the heavens in photographic images for my stargazing son than doing silly experiments with space dust ;)

So now I get to tag three folks.....who will be the lucky victims? Hmmm...... Terri, Erin, and Carleen are good candidates as all three could use a bit of daydreaming....

Goals and SBQs

I've missed the last two Stitching Bloggers' Questions and today seems a good time to catch up...

What is your opinion of Internet "freebies?"

I appreciate that designers take the time to publish "free" designs online and have stitched a few. It's a great way to "try out" new designers and find smaller designs just for fun. There are so many freebies out there, one could stitch nothing else and still be busy.

Do you set stitching goals?

Yes, I do. I've been lax about posting them here, I admit. I'll work on that...

Here they are:

April Goal Results:

Finish Joy and get to Framer's - Yes! I'll pick it up on Saturday and present it to DB and DSIL
Stitch Ornament RRs - Mailed two on time (but not stitched) and have already stitched one of the next pair
Finish knitted dischcloth - Yes!
Finish knitted/beaded purse - Yes!
Buy yarn & needles for Booga Bag - Yes! (and half done)
Start Egyptian Garden - Yes!
Enjoy Burbank CATS! - Yes!


May Goals:

Stitch May Snapper
Finish Rotation Round 1
Minimum 30 hours on EL Model
Finish Booga Bag
Order yarn/needles for Pi Shawl

A Quick Update

The wedding party:



That's my 15-yr old DD up on the top step and my 6-yr old DS on the bottom. My brother is the groom and I think he looks pretty smashing there with his new bride.

The trip was...eventful. DS wasn't in top shape, but he did recover enough for the wedding. We left not long after as DH and I weren't feeling 100% either.

Monday morning I was hit with the news that my boss had died unexpectedly on Friday. This has sent my work-mates and I reeling, so please understand that entries this week will be sporadic...

Good and bad....can't have one without the other....

Weekend Ways

This weekend we are headed to Laughlin for my baby brother's wedding.

He's 9 years younger than I am, so even though he's 6' tall he's still my "baby" brother.

For the ceremony, my future-SIL has asked my children be involved. DD is an attendant (though not wearing the same bridesmaid dress....she's not *quite* old enough for that particular strapless style, thankyouverymuch) and DS is the ringbearer. We picked up his tuxedo last night (note the lovely photogenic smile):



As I won't be here tomorrow, and the Friday Forum is topical, I'm tempting fate and posting it early...

1) What are your plans for this upcoming weekend? Do you usually schedule your weekend activities in advance, or are you pretty spontaneous and do whatever you feel like at the time?

As noted above, we're off to Laughlin. The only "scheduled" activity is the ceremony early Saturday afternoon and dinner afterward, everything else will be whatever we feel like at the time...

We try not to over-schedule our weekends. DH and I will both have a list of things we want to accomplish, but there's rarely a true time/date attached to each item (unless it involves other people, etc.)

2) What would be your ideal weekend, if you could choose to do anything that you wanted to do? Where would you spend it, and why?What would you do? Who would you spend it with (or would you choose to be alone)?

My perfect weekend would be somewhere quiet and relaxing with lots of time for reading, stitching and watching the grass grow. Maybe a movie or two but the important part would be no *set* schedule. Wouldn't have to be anywhere at a certain time - now *that's* a great weekend.

DH can come along, too ;)

3) What was one of the best weekends of your life? How about the worst? Why? What happened?

Best - the first weekend DH came to Arizona (well, he wasn't "H" then, only "D"). A long Memorial day weekend that was over way too quickly, but felt like we'd known each other forever....

Worst - I don't think I've ever had a "worst" weekend. Some with more bad than good, of course, but if it's the weekend and I'm not working, it can't be all bad....

4) Are you pretty social with others during the weekend (i.e., getting together with friends and family, going out, attending parties), or do you tend to stay around home most weekends?

Definite stay-at-home folks. The best weekend is one I don't have to leave the house....

5) Do you ever tackle weekend projects around the house? Like what? Do you have to work on the weekends?

We don't discriminate on our house projects. Weekend, week, whenever we want! No working on the weekends for me....unless it is unavoidable (callout, upgrades, etc)

Enjoy your weekend, folks!

Egyptian Garden - The Beginning

Last night I planned to start Chatelaine's Egyptian Garden. A design I've been drooling over for weeks and weeks and slowly gathering materials for from all over the US.

I had placed a fat half of white Belfast in my two-gallon Ziploc bag along with all the other bits and pieces as they arrived. The piece is approximately 19" square on 32-ct fabric.

After a slight delay last night due to a couple chapters of Lego Star Wars with DD, I was ready to organize my kit, cut fabric and get going! I'd already decided on a corner start rather than diving into the pool (and the over-1 fish) in the center, and as the fabric would be *square* finding the starting spot in the upper left corner shouldn't be too much of a challenge....

It's 9:00. I pull out the kit and carefully take apart the bead pack. I noticed quite a few strays in the bag and an empty container, so I'm thinking the two need simply be reunited, right? Not quite. After carefully sorting out all the bead containers, I find the empty one is sealed tight and another is cracked open. The stray beads match the open container...and the color listed on the empty one is different.

Bother. But I bead at the end, so definitely not an issue *now*, I'll concede this minor frustration....and contact the vendor.

**Note: the beads were indeed shipped with one color missing...it's on backorder. Of course, now that they reminded me, I seem to recall an email on that buried in my inbox at home...

Egyptian Garden: 1
Annette: 0

Next, fabric cutting. I double-check the dimensions on my printed chart pages and pick up measuring tape and scissors and prepare to cut. I measure...I cut...how thrilling! I'm moments from my first stitch!

After studying the chart, I decide to begin with a stretch of metallic in the upper left and take a bit of thread to mark the true corner (there's a bead to be put there). Measure 4" from each edge...and then I start thinking....about the size of the fabric I cut...

Design is 19" square.

I want a 4" border.

So, how large did I cut the fabric? 24" square

Yup, too small. This leaves me a 2" border on all sides. I measure a 2" border on the fabric and look at it in relation to the overall size of the piece. No way. There's just not enough room to stretch and mount a 19" square design! Yes, I know about the muslin trick....and if this was a smaller piece or one I thought I'd have done in a year, then I'd go with it....but I know darn good and well this is a long-term WIP and part of that 4" border will be allocated to "wear"

Egyptian Garden: 2
Annette: 0

So back out to my box of "large cuts" of fabric to see what else I have. I want white, and I have plenty, so surely I'll have an alternative available, right?

First, out jumps a piece of 32-ct white Jobelan. That'll work! Too bad it's not wide enough (and truth be told, I bought the full yard originally for the Mira Queens, two of which have already been cut from it). Then, I find a yard of some suitable white evenweave and compare the counts. Yup, definitely bigger than 32-ct! At 28-ct, 28" square will leave me a 3" border....ok, that'll work. It'll be a 22" square design, but bigger is better, right? All the better to show off the beauty of the piece (and the over-1 will be a snap).

Again, I measure, I cut.....I mark the true upper left corner, I count down to the starting point and actually put in the first dozen half stitches! I'm on my way!

Maybe. Stitches look kinda big. Now, for the last 10 hours I've been doing 28-ct over-1, so anything over-2 is going to look huge to me....but these look *darn* huge.

I pull out the tape measure. ~13 stitches/inch. It's 25-ct fabric. And yes, folks, that means that once again, I've cut it too small.

Egyptian Garden: 3
Annette: 0

Now, don't get me wrong, 25-ct is great stuff. But a design that's 300+ stitches square? It would be a blanket by the time I was done! Back out to the fabric stash *praying* I have something that will work and won't have to order anything....and put off my start!

It's now 10:30, by the way. Getting later and the only thing I've managed to do is identify missing beads and cut fabric for two yet-to-be-known projects.

I have two new candidates for fabric and both are *clearly* labelled as 28-ct. I open up the white Lugana....ok, but looks kinda thin. I don't like thin. For something this size, "sturdy" would be good. The other piece is antique-white Jobelan. Ok, so white was my first choice, but a quick floss toss shows me antique-white is acceptable. Heck, the white floss will actually *show* in the little boat sails on antique-white.

I measure......I cut.....30" square this time! I want NO trouble! I mark the corner (at 4" in) and again, start my half-stitches (it's 11:00, bedtime on a *normal* night).

At 14, I pick up my measuring tape and hold my breath.....

A *perfect* inch!!!! Woohoo!!!

Egyptian Garden: 3
Annette: 1!!!

I managed all of 38 half-cross stitches before putting everything away and going to bed. I didn't even start the stopwatch, so there's a whole 10 hours still stretched in front of me.....

...and with the size of this design, I'm going to need it.

Weekend Review and a Double Helping of Brunch

Weekend in Review:

• - Successfully shopped for final wedding clothing bits for DD (unmentionables) and DS (a tux! My little baby boy is going to wear a tux! Yes, there will be pictures.)


• - Stitched latest JCS RR ornament on Saturday afternoon (quick!)


• - Complete first 10 hours on my EL model. As it looks like a blue/purple blob, no picture this time....


• - Finished the Pod Race level with DS in Lego Star Wars


• - Greta went for her second grooming...and got new jewelry (a tag with name/phone numbers)

Now, for a double-helping of Sunday Brunch....

Pets

"It's funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn't it?" -Eleanor H. Porter

1) If you have pets, name what pets you have, ages, types, colors, and anything else that you want to describe about your pets. Post pictures if you have them!

Duchess Greta of Bandiscoot aka Greta is a 6.5 month old black Miniature Schnauzer. She has quickly become "ruler of the roost" and has DH absolutely wrapped around her little paw. She's a bundle of energy and very attached to her family (as we are to her). She's also addicted to peppermint LifeSavers....

We also have three fish in a lovely hexagon tank in the bathroom. One rainbowfish (Cramer) and two fantail guppies (nameless).

2) What is your dream pet? (That is, what animal would you own if money, state laws, space, allergies, were not an objection?)

I've always wanted a retired greyhound.

3) Are you a cat or dog person? Is your spouse a cat or dog person? If it is different, does it affect your relationship in any way?

I grew up with dogs and cats, but find that I prefer dogs and their more "dependent" relationship. Love cats....but if I have to choose, I'll take a dog any day. DH is definitely a dog person, though he's not "anti-cat" - we just have a different idea of how to keep a cat. (I say cats are indoor animals, he says they are outdoor animals....so no cat for us...)

4) Describe your first pet from childhood that your family owned. Post a picture if you have one.

The first pet I recall is a miniature poodle named Bambi. He was white with a bit of apricot on his back and ears and was great as long as someone was home. If he was left alone, he got really destructive (destroying *two* fiberglas garage doors within a short time when he was left alone...)

5) What is your favorite activity to do with your pets? Give a good funny story about something interesting your pets did, if you have one.

In the evening, Greta's energy level is the highest. She will tear around the house at the slightest instigation and we all enjoy playing with her at that time. It usually doesn't take much more than a "Grr" and a quick lunge to her to set her tearing off down the hall and into one of the bedrooms looking for the next family member, who mimics the same action and sends her on to the next person.... After about 20 minutes she jumps up on the couch and flops immobile for a good hour...

She's also good at playing with herself. She's got a red soft plastic ball and a large stuffed squeaky bone that are her favorite toys. Greta does her darnedest to play with both at the same time....she'll pick up the bone, squeak a time or two and shake it around, usually hitting the red ball which then goes rolling. She sees the ball trying to get away, drops the bone and pounces on the ball to keep it from escaping. Once she's got it in one place, she'll retrieve the bone and the whole process starts again.

On the wood floor in the entryway this can go on for a good 15-20 minutes as she slides around and the toys move easily....

---

Breakfast

"Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast." -Oscar Wilde

1) Do you eat breakfast on a regular basis and why or why not?

Yes. If I don't eat *something* early in the day, I'm starving at lunchtime.

2) What is your typical everyday breakfast?

During the week it's usually something quick. A yogurt smoothie (the new "Light" Lucerne ones are quite tasty), cottage cheese and fruit from the cafeteria or, in desparation, a granola bar or Pop-Tart. On the weekend it can be anything from a bowl of cereal (if I've got Life, that's it) or a toasted bagel or the ultimate breakfast: leftover potato salad!

3) How do you eat your eggs?

Over-easy with crispy hashbrowns, mixed together. I also like poached eggs on toast or heck, just scrambled.

My DH doesn't eat eggs (aka "liquid chickens") so if I want a good egg "breakfast" it's usually prepared on Thursday evening when he's off to school....and not around to comment.

4) What is your favorite restaurant to eat breakfast out at?

When I went to Riverside CATS a couple years ago, there was a wonderful little restaurant across the pedestrian mall. They did a *booming* business in the morning and we (Mom, Erin, Erin's DH and I) managed to make our way in one morning for breakfast. They had the tastiest french toast and apple-smoked bacon...oh my...heaven, pure heaven!

Closer to home, IHOP isn't a bad choice for french toast....or the local 5 & Diner for eggs/hashbrowns/toast.

5) Describe your perfect breakfast in detail.

French toast with butter and maple syrup and a side of crispy bacon or medium-spicy sausage (patties or links...doesn't matter). Well, as this is the 'perfect' breakfast....make it both!