tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98137112024-03-13T17:31:12.213-04:00Chick with SticksThe life, times, projects, and dreams of a crafty chick with too much yarn, beads, paper, glue, and not quite enough time on her hands.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-45265960940852897932013-11-24T19:00:00.002-05:002013-11-24T19:06:56.146-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There's been a lot of changes over the past year (which is part of why I haven't been blogging these days (apparently, for over a year!) This does not mean that I took a hiatus from knitting. I also made this sweater--the Embrace Octopus sweater. It is extremely thick and warm--and even though the yoke was a little bit of a pain to knit, it really does look awesome.<br />
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(Link to the pattern is here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/embrace-octopus-sweater-pattern">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/embrace-octopus-sweater-pattern</a>)<br />
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Last fall, I finished this:<br />
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(Sideways, but I think you get the idea...)</div>
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This...</div>
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And this. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-51863255432185416952012-09-14T10:43:00.002-04:002012-09-14T10:43:34.937-04:00It's been a long time...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Oh yeah, it's been a long time. Life gets in the way; life just happens and somehow, I just didn't feel like blogging much. I'm still working on my dissertation, have gone out of town three times this summer (making it 4 trips that I've taken in 2012). Research continues to progress as well.<br />
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In case you are wondering, this summer I went to Arizona (convention), Philippines (during typhoon season to visit family), and Wisconsin (presentation). So it was very busy.<br />
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And so does knitting. Some socks done (boring ones and I don't even remember which ones!) and a few more puffs, bringing my total up to over 100. Less than 120. I've also been working on a sweater too, Kimonito:
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I cannot wait for this sweater to be done. I'm working on the second sleeve at the moment--I want to see if I can get a lot done this weekend because I just want to wear this sweater! My suggestion is that it is a snug knit so if you want something more loose and tunic-like, go up one size! </div>
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And I am doing a swap on Ravelry, so this is my handmade item. Also a very good way to stash-bust.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-41904563484766752632011-12-08T16:17:00.000-05:002011-12-08T16:17:19.136-05:00back from my hiatus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I took a break from this blog for a while. Not sure why, but I just felt like I had to, and in the meantime, I just focused on my life, work, school, and so forth. Actually, life was just busy enough, even without this blog and updating it. I have been knitting, but I got enticed by the siren call of the puffs. If you've not heard of the puffs, these are just addictive. It all starts with one single puff, made of leftover sock yarn. Pretty soon, the next thing I knew, I cast on for a second one. Then a third. And so forth. Now I've amassed somewhere around 80 puffs in the past three or four months, and I know it's going to take a while--but eventually all these puffs will become a quilt for ME. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And you know what? A lot of other things got neglected, like this: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShdRUIWFDJc/TuEooIHqwYI/AAAAAAAAA7w/LNAZoJuZLlM/s1600/IMG_7081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShdRUIWFDJc/TuEooIHqwYI/AAAAAAAAA7w/LNAZoJuZLlM/s320/IMG_7081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this:</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And those nightingale socks that I started last time, too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
In non-knitting news, the end of the semester is almost here. Thank goodness. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-39009502946279183822011-06-30T16:23:00.000-04:002011-06-30T16:23:29.998-04:00New projects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae2pWqMnhKQ/TgzY9xTGr7I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/cYmAVO3EZwU/s1600/IMG_6622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae2pWqMnhKQ/TgzY9xTGr7I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/cYmAVO3EZwU/s320/IMG_6622.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In June, I finished my Aaargh!Gyle socks and felt like casting on for a new project. I have been dying to knit more fair isle projects, and I decided to knit the Nightingale socks. So far, i've gotten up to right before the heel/gusset, and because I've been lazy, I haven't progressed farther than that. Plus, I was a bit stressed out over school and my research proposal (defense for the proposal is next week). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In June, I also went to my college reunion. Each time I have been back to the town where my undergraduate college is, i have never, ever been able to make it to the yarn store before it closed, or I would arrive on a day the store was closed. So I made a special point of making it to town to hit the yarn store. I was thrilled when I saw one skein of Opal Harry Potter sock yarn -- of course, it is Lupin (I much prefer Ron or Tonks--but this was the only choice. Better than none!) I am not quite sure how these colors represent Lupin. So this is the sock I've started knitting, just to relax. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-92ekHIlAg/TgzZ5EW5K0I/AAAAAAAAA6c/6mLpXZ3dFXI/s1600/IMG_6618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-92ekHIlAg/TgzZ5EW5K0I/AAAAAAAAA6c/6mLpXZ3dFXI/s320/IMG_6618.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-46018401640850919202011-05-30T20:12:00.001-04:002011-05-30T20:14:48.422-04:00Countdown to hot water<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The past few days (since Thursday, to be exact), we've not had hot water. I don't mind washing my hands or dealing with cold water, except for the shower bit. Oh my gosh. Cold water showers really are the pits! I have come up with a solution though--heat up a dish with water in the microwave and use that in the shower. Tomorrow we get our hot water (thank goodness. I am going to take a nice hot shower tomorrow). <br />
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But in knitting news: <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Trek Socks</td></tr>
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Then when I was finished with the Star Trek Socks, I started the Argh!gyle socks. I'm halfway through this sock's pair. Obviously it is too warm to wear these this summer, but at least it will be ready for fall!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Argh!gyle socks<br />
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</tbody></table></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-8531940491535810742011-03-30T19:07:00.006-04:002011-03-30T20:06:22.695-04:00Continuation of knitting and camera projects<div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VyRCrc7IP3c/TZO5xKVdniI/AAAAAAAAA4w/kfU0Z0Vg_z0/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590015816736022050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VyRCrc7IP3c/TZO5xKVdniI/AAAAAAAAA4w/kfU0Z0Vg_z0/s400/IMG_2088.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today, I took a little time to play with my camera and took pictures of my current project. This is yarn that I dyed myself with kool-aid and it is striping up very subtly with red and purple stripes. </div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyGtDxCM_3Y/TZO_2FxK7pI/AAAAAAAAA5A/d6Z9mvpEcrc/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590022498479173266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hyGtDxCM_3Y/TZO_2FxK7pI/AAAAAAAAA5A/d6Z9mvpEcrc/s400/IMG_2084.JPG" border="0" /></a>And it is very soft, which is a plus, of course. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBacY68Ytvw/TZPEyfTP72I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/yX3zIz8Qp2s/s1600/IMG_2085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590027934171656034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBacY68Ytvw/TZPEyfTP72I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/yX3zIz8Qp2s/s400/IMG_2085.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37KhGooMC6M/TZO7Fu1-z6I/AAAAAAAAA44/0qqG2HSdp8w/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590017269645103010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37KhGooMC6M/TZO7Fu1-z6I/AAAAAAAAA44/0qqG2HSdp8w/s400/IMG_2114.JPG" border="0" /></a>And I got myself a present! The thing is that over break, I downloaded tons of free books from amazon.com. And it seems like there were an awful lot of romance novels available for free, with titles like "Baby Bonanza" or "Once a Cowboy, Always a Cowboy", "Speed Dating", "Heated Rush", etc....I'm not ashamed. I read these books. (Some made me want to blush. Whooooo. I think "Heated Rush" was the one that was erm...quite...yes. I think you get the idea.) Featured in the kindle above is NOT a romance novel, but rather, a mystery called "REMIX". </div><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz4-oE1PQDc/TZPAvnBJZbI/AAAAAAAAA5I/Ea1izp3146A/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590023486657095090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz4-oE1PQDc/TZPAvnBJZbI/AAAAAAAAA5I/Ea1izp3146A/s400/IMG_2118.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>I think I am learning how to use that camera! Now if spring would get here, already! That way, I can go take my camera out for some nice walks and photo opportunities! (and photo practice). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dY26IpAWBeQ/TZPCjtiA11I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/hB-cT0W5ZBY/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590025481270384466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dY26IpAWBeQ/TZPCjtiA11I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/hB-cT0W5ZBY/s400/IMG_2120.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-75303726215582597532011-03-02T16:47:00.002-05:002011-03-02T16:56:49.504-05:00Sock and a cuff, and a new camera<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Emh6bmZzPdE/TW67552rh8I/AAAAAAAAA4o/S4mIRe8dZ20/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579603591815727042" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Emh6bmZzPdE/TW67552rh8I/AAAAAAAAA4o/S4mIRe8dZ20/s400/IMG_2032.JPG" /></a> First off, I have been working on these socks (for me) for a while now (over a month). These are Opal socks (Kaffe Fassett collection) and I do like the way they are striping up. If you are wondering why the pictures look blurry, it is because I bought a (new to me) camera from my friend Meredith (who was selling her Canon EOS Rebel XTi, so I am still learning my way around the camera. But I am excited. Even for spring (and yes, this is a girl who does not love spring), because I am hoping that I will get to take the camera on walks in and around the campus, and around here, and experiment. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYuCMt66Img/TW675z5BeEI/AAAAAAAAA4g/-6hu1Cqf0MM/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579603590214940738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYuCMt66Img/TW675z5BeEI/AAAAAAAAA4g/-6hu1Cqf0MM/s400/IMG_2028.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I think I need to practice more on the focusing thing. ;) </div><div> </div><div>I will be skipping knitting today, because I was up since 4 AM for work at the hospital, came home for a little bit (gave me enough time to shower, eat lunch, and watch 45 minutes of Supernatural. Also took some time then to look up the pros and cons of both the Nook and the Kindle. So far, I am liking the Kindle except that the Nook would let me borrow lots of books from the library. Sigh. Who knows what I'll end up doing. </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-9132466502814982302011-02-27T21:23:00.003-05:002011-02-27T21:36:22.610-05:00I should just say...we're not dog people. But we had a fun experience with a dog this morning. As I was going to go outside the house to get the car ready to go to work, I saw the cutest little white dog on our porch. Tail wagging, he approached me, and honestly, I had no idea what to do!<br /><br />I got my mom and we saw that he had no tag on his collar, and he nosed his way inside the house, made a beeline for our Christmas tree (yes, we still have our Christmas tree up, and it is very pretty). He sniffed at a stuffed Polar Express Santa that we have under the tree and padded toward my mom's voice (mom was in the kitchen, wondering out loud, "Do dogs drink milk?" and looking in the fridge for millk to pour into a bowl).<br /><br />Mom was afraid to leave him in the house all day while we went to work, so she had the brilliant (not really) idea of putting the dog in the garage. Of course, the poor dog got so completely spooked by the garage (plus the door hit him on the side--not hard) and started backing up down the hallway, and refused to go near my mom any more. He went straight for the front door, and mom opened the front door to put the bowl of milk down on the step. He, of course, went down the walk to the driveway. I went after him, and at that time, a woman was driving down the street with her window down, and shouted at me, "Have you seen a white dog?" So this was the owner, and the dog got to go home.<br /><br />I will have to say this: My mom really liked that dog. He was cute. And we would just giggle about this all day because it was just a little too funny.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-3875748506681249972011-01-24T22:33:00.007-05:002011-01-24T23:02:43.357-05:00In a few short days...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FWcjGq4I/AAAAAAAAA4A/Zg7sqvK-7uk/s1600/IMG_6414.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565962441399380866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FWcjGq4I/AAAAAAAAA4A/Zg7sqvK-7uk/s400/IMG_6414.JPG" border="0" /></a> During the SnB party, I was talking with Devona about one of my projects, which did not turn out as lovely as I wanted. This is the Elizabeth Bennet sweater that I knit out of the angora yarn that I bought before. My intention was that it would be fitted. The problem?<br /><br />I hate doing gauge swatches.<br /><br />Lesson learned: I have a sweater with sleeves that go over my hands, darts taht start at my waistline, and a sweater that is just huge and is most definetely not fitted.<br /><br />Devona convinced me to post pictures. Here you go, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.clevernesting.com">Devona</a>! Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FI7pFTII/AAAAAAAAA34/dWQzB-OFuZ8/s1600/IMG_6413.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565962209227787394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FI7pFTII/AAAAAAAAA34/dWQzB-OFuZ8/s400/IMG_6413.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I did not bother putting buttons on this sweater. It would be pointless. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FIEblfbI/AAAAAAAAA3w/eNDd5O80of0/s1600/IMG_6417.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565962194407226802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FIEblfbI/AAAAAAAAA3w/eNDd5O80of0/s400/IMG_6417.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I also promised you a photo of the sweater that <a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/">Andrea</a> knit for the swap in which I participated. It is truly lovely and warm! it will also look fantastic with my purple coat! </div><div> </div><div></div><div>The day after the swap/anniversary party, I unfortunately came down with a fever and a sore throat, and thought it was the flu. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>It lasted through Friday afternoon, making me rearrange, cancel, and reschedule appointments (what a pain in the neck). During this time, I took the hint and let my body and mind rest by finishing a fiction book (<em>The Eight</em> by Katherine Neville--unfortunately I was so out of it with fever that I really don't know what happened at the end). I also watched a couple really bad TV shows (<em>Royal Pains </em>and <em>Ghost Whisperer</em>. Can someone explain to my why I find the lead actor who plays Hank in <em>Royal Pains </em>so attractive in movies such as <em>In Her Shoes</em> and <em>Woman on Top</em> but so unattractive in <em>Royal Pains</em>?) I also made some progress on a pair of fair isle mittens that I started the day before the anniversary party. </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FHvLEILI/AAAAAAAAA3o/cTQnLS1q3WQ/s1600/IMG_6418.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565962188700786866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FHvLEILI/AAAAAAAAA3o/cTQnLS1q3WQ/s400/IMG_6418.JPG" border="0" /></a> On Friday night, I watched <em>Amelie </em>while I knit these. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>On Saturday morning, no more fever! So I went to work. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Then...mid-afternoon, I started feeling cold and a little shivery. Wanted to sit down, and was feeling a bit of sore throat. Went home, and still felt pretty cold. My boyfriend was waiting for me (we had plans for the evening), but I was feeling pretty miserable and sorry for myself. When he went to pick up food for me, I checked my temperature (even though boyfriend thought that I wasn't running one), and it was up to 100.1! I was so distraught over getting sick <em>again</em> in such a ridiculously short period of time. </div><div><br /> </div><div>Decided to monitor my fever and sore throat for the night, and see how I felt in the morning. In the morning, I still had a fever (hovering around 100 degrees) and my sore throat was even worse. So I decided to go to the urgent care in town, and boy, was that place busy with coughing people, feverish people, and a whole lot of sick adults and kids. Lots of coughing. Anyhow, I waited for 2.5 hours to get to see to the doctor. She basically told me that I had strep throat (just what I thought). </div><div> </div><div>The end result is that I got some medications and a doctor's order that I not work on Monday. So basically, a sanctioned sick day, which did make me feel somewhat guilty. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FGbGsYBI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/REw8SpG7vCo/s1600/IMG_6419.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565962166133874706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FGbGsYBI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/REw8SpG7vCo/s400/IMG_6419.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FGzEWXsI/AAAAAAAAA3g/yxxRIxjNwDI/s1600/IMG_6420.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565962172566494914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TT5FGzEWXsI/AAAAAAAAA3g/yxxRIxjNwDI/s400/IMG_6420.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />(I didn't cancel class, but got someone else to cover for me). I also took everything as <em>another </em>sign to take a break. So no work on dissertation, no work on class prep, etc. I read another book. I watched <em>Spirited Away. </em>I knitted some more and made a lot of progress on this mitten. </div><div></div><div>Tomorrow I do not have to be at school or work. However, I will be catching up on all the work that did not get done for...well, days.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-15075122182301398522011-01-19T22:18:00.004-05:002011-01-19T22:35:27.499-05:00What I have made<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TTeqzDp4JCI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/yezckQpwUag/s1600/IMG_6407.JPG"></a> <div><div><div><div>It's been a long time since I've posted, and admittedly, a lot of things have been on my mind (mostly school and research related, so I took a little hiatus from this blog to try and keep sane. Plus, the thought of school was a bit depressing last fall, so I've tried to focus my energies in a more positive direction). So, in the time between the last time I posted and today, I've </div><ul><li>finished my Noro socks (I am wearing them at the moment and will take photos of them sometime soon)</li><li>Finished a scarf for my SnB anniversary scarf swap</li><li>Actually read a real book (meaning: A book that has absolutely nothing to do with research or school: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest)</li><li>Gotten my photo taken for a billboard (it is up right now!)</li><li>Worked a lot</li><li>Made some progress on recruiting subjects for one study</li><li>Started the new semester anew, and hopefully the spring semester will be much better and much happier than the fall semester</li></ul><p>So, for tonight's anniversary swap, here are some photos of things that I made: </p><div>This is my homemade baklava, which is so yummy and sweet. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TTeqxJvJ7SI/AAAAAAAAA2w/wES3S3G-AUo/s1600/IMG_6403.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564103626043551010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TTeqxJvJ7SI/AAAAAAAAA2w/wES3S3G-AUo/s400/IMG_6403.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TTeqxssL6gI/AAAAAAAAA24/YMnX3v7dLqk/s1600/IMG_6404.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564103635426339330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TTeqxssL6gI/AAAAAAAAA24/YMnX3v7dLqk/s400/IMG_6404.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div>I made Saroyan, a lovely scarf with a leaf edging out of a mohair blend yarn that I've had in my stash for a while. I've looked at the yarn for a long time, thinking it would be beautiful knitted up in this pattern. Chantal wound up with this scarf that I made.<br /><br /><br /></div><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TTeqyL7FGlI/AAAAAAAAA3A/pqxTh2O2Xg8/s1600/IMG_6409.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564103643810306642" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TTeqyL7FGlI/AAAAAAAAA3A/pqxTh2O2Xg8/s400/IMG_6409.JPG" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In return, I wound up with the scarf that<a href="http://lifeonlaffer.blogspot.com/"> Andrea </a>knit. Andrea, I love the scarf that you knit, with its bright, cheery colors! I will post pictures of it in the next few days!</p><p> </p></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-15964573488541295602010-11-01T19:53:00.002-04:002010-11-01T20:00:02.082-04:00DWTS, or sleep?<div> Right now, I've got my comforter tumbling away in the dryer, and at 7:57 PM, I am debating whether to go to bed early (skipping Dancing with the Stars) or to watch DWTS...This is going to be a week that will be trying...everyday I will be working somewhere, whether it is at the university, the store, or a hospital environment. Here's to making it through the week and staying as healthy as possible. It already was rough over the weekend, working early mornings at the hospital (starting by 7 AM) and having long days. Plus, on Saturday night, I am sure that I only got one hour of sleep.<br /><br /><div><div>I have also finished ONE sock last week, and started the ribbing for its pair. I caved and started with the pretty yarn that Andi gave me at the birthday swap, and just couldn't stop because I couldn't wait to see what the colors would look like. It is incredible!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TM9TvJFYrbI/AAAAAAAAA0w/yVQ6xOWE1HQ/s1600/IMG_6247.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534734536419093938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TM9TvJFYrbI/AAAAAAAAA0w/yVQ6xOWE1HQ/s400/IMG_6247.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is the Monkey sock pattern. Instead of using purls, I substituted knit stitch. Also, since I hate holey socks, I did M1's instead of the yarnovers. I really like the way it looks, plain, but you see slight undulating details.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TM9TusocFPI/AAAAAAAAA0o/AMdE6jd5tB0/s1600/IMG_6248.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534734528781489394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TM9TusocFPI/AAAAAAAAA0o/AMdE6jd5tB0/s400/IMG_6248.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-38769749249200985032010-10-23T13:12:00.005-04:002010-10-23T13:20:29.069-04:00Getting ready for winterI am actually working on my dissertation, as you can see. ;) <div><div></div><div> </div><div>Yesterday, I went on a quest to find the perfect winter coat to replace my beloved purple coat (never fear--I will still hang on to the purple coat for a spare). I went to various department store websites, and narrowed my choices down to two coats--based upon my specifications, which are that the coat must be sufficiently unique enough, and not gray or not black, and knee-length, and warm enough for these midwestern winters.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>I went to Nordstrom Rack first, figuring that maybe the prices would be lower--and I tried on pink coats, purple coats, blue coats, a couple gray coats, black coats, white coats, and there was one coat that just stood out in my mind. But since I still had wanted to see what the coats I bookmarked online looked like, I had to go to the mall to check them out, as well as any other department stores. There, the routine was the same, I tried on so many coats, but none of them made me feel great--or sufficiently cool. So back to Nordstrom Rack, where I picked up my coat, and I'm happy with my decision. </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TMMY8IAUaZI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/iScF6hQdLgg/s1600/soia+kyo+cali.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 247px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531292188561140114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TMMY8IAUaZI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/iScF6hQdLgg/s400/soia+kyo+cali.jpg" /></a>Even though the coat is gray AND black. </div><div></div><div>And since this is a knitting blog, I am working on some socks. </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-57267035129488420822010-09-14T22:09:00.003-04:002010-09-14T22:30:24.832-04:00Birthdays in September<div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJArDF6cdOI/AAAAAAAAAzo/Krqg2brRq3g/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516956875655771362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJArDF6cdOI/AAAAAAAAAzo/Krqg2brRq3g/s400/IMG_6155.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last week, our SnB group had its annual birthday swap. The way this works is that we all are given one person to spoil completely, while someone else spoils us.<br /><br />We don't have an idea who our spoiler is, not until the party, anyway. My spoiler was Andi (knitbrit) who is an artiste with needlework of all kind--sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet...you name it, she does an amazing job! So of course, I was thrilled when I opened my gift bag and saw this:<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJAo1rwssxI/AAAAAAAAAzY/xySS1VoVtNs/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJArPDyonuI/AAAAAAAAAzw/1GZCPJKGv0k/s1600/IMG_6147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516957081244573410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJArPDyonuI/AAAAAAAAAzw/1GZCPJKGv0k/s400/IMG_6147.JPG" border="0" /></a>In the bag was this gorgeous blue bag that she made and embroidered herself, using a knit pattern that I adore as inspiration. (This pattern is this neat looking paisley sweater from a japanese knitting magazine that I cannot find, but I look at the pictures of the knitted garment on Ravelry). The bag is lined with a cool paisley print, too. In the bottom of the bag was a red and black laquered box, which held some chocolates, a small bag, sheep clips (so cute!) a pincushion, Noro Kureyon sock yarn, and gorgeous yarn that Andi spun for me. Seriously, I adore these presents! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJAralLVIMI/AAAAAAAAAz4/m__yAaeVLLk/s1600/IMG_6148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516957279185084610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJAralLVIMI/AAAAAAAAAz4/m__yAaeVLLk/s400/IMG_6148.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My swapee was Devona (over at <a href="http://www.clevernesting.com/">http://www.clevernesting.com/</a>), and since she mentioned The Owl and the Pussycat a few times in her questionnaire, I knit her her very own Owlie Cowlie (which happens to be one of my favorite patterns). Devona was also a lot of fun to shop for, as she loves vintage and vintage-inspired things, so I got a copy of the Ohio Knitting Mills pattern book and some vintage fabrics, and some great alpaca yarn in colors that she likes. (I forgot to take pictures of those!)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJAo0zB7_II/AAAAAAAAAzI/N_X6Ulqpsdo/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG"></a> </div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJAvedr1czI/AAAAAAAAA0I/4Kkc_H8RV3U/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516961743939924786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TJAvedr1czI/AAAAAAAAA0I/4Kkc_H8RV3U/s400/IMG_6146.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-84274642334317262802010-09-13T21:54:00.003-04:002010-09-13T21:55:48.704-04:00Birthday post: repost<p>I couldn't figure out what happened to this blog post, which I wrote a week ago. I wrote it and posted it, but it was posted on the fortune cookie blog accidentally! So now, I am reposting this. The night before the SnB birthday party...and I am dying to show what I've made my swap recipient. See, since there are so many birthdays in a year, we all get one swapee that we spoil rotten at the party. So I've made somethign pretty cute and special (and right now, I'm not in a knitting mood...LOL!) so I will show what I made...after the party is over. Just in case. </p><p>School's been in session for one week and I'm already exhausted. The good thing is that I do not need to be up at the crack of dawn to teach tomorrow. Also I'm starting to get some research underway, so I'm happy about that. Finally.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-50301550333179619112010-08-19T18:39:00.001-04:002010-08-19T18:41:08.362-04:00When parents learn how to textLast night, my family got new cell phones (I'm loving mine, by the way). Mom and dad have phones that have keyboards that slide out, and both asked me how to text.<br /><br />Mom was not too shabby, with a simple "hi".<br /><br />My dad, however, texted me this great message: "You have very very wet hands."<div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-77977478069991380122010-08-16T17:24:00.005-04:002010-08-16T17:31:57.314-04:00<div><br /><div>Recently, I particpated in a swap on Ravelry, and in our packages we had to include:</div><ul><li>yarn (at least 100 yards)</li><li>something representing my field of study</li><li>something representing my swapee's field of study</li><li>something hand-made</li></ul><p>and I got some very cool gifts from my swap partner, whose area of specialization is pure mathematics:<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TGmtZK-lqoI/AAAAAAAAAyw/OrbKU1D6gDs/s1600/IMG_6088.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506122667392346754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TGmtZK-lqoI/AAAAAAAAAyw/OrbKU1D6gDs/s400/IMG_6088.JPG" border="0" /></a></p></div><br /><p> </p><p>She designed a knitted bag with the international symbol for hearing loss, and on the other side she knitted a fibonacci sequence!</p><p>There's also some handmade stitch markers, a book called "The Kingdom of Infinite Number" and some very soft yarn (Taos). This was a fun swap, and when I saw the knitted purse, I was pretty excited about this, since I have to admit I was a little boggled about how to represent my field! (But I did find something pretty cute at this novelty store near me). <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TGmtZOfkGlI/AAAAAAAAAy4/zqUUc_Welh0/s1600/IMG_6087.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506122668335962706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TGmtZOfkGlI/AAAAAAAAAy4/zqUUc_Welh0/s400/IMG_6087.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-12418898357033633202010-07-29T22:50:00.002-04:002010-07-29T22:56:54.798-04:00Updating<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TFI-hBbht_I/AAAAAAAAAyo/wz3ZKyGlV9U/s1600/IMG_6075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499526832013293554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TFI-hBbht_I/AAAAAAAAAyo/wz3ZKyGlV9U/s400/IMG_6075.JPG" border="0" /></a> I finally finished one sock. Now I've got about 2 inches of ribbing on the second sock, but I'm now trying to finish the baby blanket I want to give to my friend.<br /><br />I also want to see if I can make a gift for my birthday swap buddy (I have one month to do this). But we'll see if that is feasible.<br />And tonight, I made some pierogies and chicken with a creamy pan sauce. Topped it off with basil from my own mini herb garden!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TFI-g8GnD-I/AAAAAAAAAyg/fmIRMR84APM/s1600/IMG_6079.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499526830583386082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TFI-g8GnD-I/AAAAAAAAAyg/fmIRMR84APM/s400/IMG_6079.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TFI-gowv2dI/AAAAAAAAAyY/Wv6em6bMH1Q/s1600/IMG_6080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499526825391413714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TFI-gowv2dI/AAAAAAAAAyY/Wv6em6bMH1Q/s400/IMG_6080.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-83253781832973921412010-07-07T11:04:00.002-04:002010-07-07T11:16:36.308-04:00What I've been up to<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYuPAcNfI/AAAAAAAAAxw/14-0UjlRcAU/s1600/IMG_6058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491181765741262322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYuPAcNfI/AAAAAAAAAxw/14-0UjlRcAU/s400/IMG_6058.JPG" border="0" /></a> These days, I am trying to do a lot of work, and I also have been knitting. First up: I started the Tree of Life baby afghan for my friend's baby, which is due in August. (Of course, I may not be able to see her baby till September or October, so I think it will be a nice gift. I admit that I was initially nervous when I first looked through the pattern instructions, but it's actually pretty easy. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYtSvs08I/AAAAAAAAAxg/WDHksEC259o/s1600/IMG_6057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491181749564920770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYtSvs08I/AAAAAAAAAxg/WDHksEC259o/s400/IMG_6057.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Around the same time, I started knitting myself some knee-high socks. So far, I've gotten half of one sock done, and with all the cables, it satisfies my need for something a little challenging, but it's simple enough that I can still do something like watch some TV at the same time. Since this is merino yarn, I'm going to try and find some nylon reinforcing thread or yarn for the heels and toes.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYtnZx-uI/AAAAAAAAAxo/i7u9TUROs48/s1600/IMG_6070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491181755110128354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYtnZx-uI/AAAAAAAAAxo/i7u9TUROs48/s400/IMG_6070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>And finally--I finished my Pomatomus II socks with the yarn that I dyed at Martha's some time ago! Instead of using yarnovers, I did M1's, so the fabric is not as holey and it's a little warmer. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYtD00QiI/AAAAAAAAAxY/hSVsm8_xZGk/s1600/IMG_6068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491181745559847458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYtD00QiI/AAAAAAAAAxY/hSVsm8_xZGk/s400/IMG_6068.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYsdOzptI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/tRwHTyUsjX0/s1600/IMG_6067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491181735199876818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TDSYsdOzptI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/tRwHTyUsjX0/s400/IMG_6067.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-15642560478256682732010-06-09T23:08:00.003-04:002010-06-09T23:11:47.331-04:00Summer<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TBBXp3BEGBI/AAAAAAAAAvo/0lRJolfoBro/s1600/IMG_5867.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480977123164559378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TBBXp3BEGBI/AAAAAAAAAvo/0lRJolfoBro/s400/IMG_5867.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TBBXps6Il8I/AAAAAAAAAvg/4mR_8rg_toc/s1600/IMG_5879.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480977120451139522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TBBXps6Il8I/AAAAAAAAAvg/4mR_8rg_toc/s400/IMG_5879.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TBBXpd8P0OI/AAAAAAAAAvY/qkXjMKiaGJQ/s1600/IMG_5875.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480977116433469666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TBBXpd8P0OI/AAAAAAAAAvY/qkXjMKiaGJQ/s400/IMG_5875.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TBBXpFec6lI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ow6iIRI8XT0/s1600/IMG_5870.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480977109866048082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/TBBXpFec6lI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ow6iIRI8XT0/s400/IMG_5870.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>It is now summer and after a few weeks of work and lazying about...I have finished my boring socks...cast on for a new pair of socks (Pomatomus), sewed a bag that was meant to be given <em>last </em>Christmas, and dyed some yarn. All in all, a good summer thus far. </div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-63699757524887451292010-02-27T22:10:00.002-05:002010-02-27T22:21:42.436-05:00Saturday nightAfter over a month, I am here again, after having been pummeled by snow, ice, and cold winds...including getting stuck somewhere else (therefore, needing to check into a hotel for the night) during one of the blizzards of the year...good thing I had my pajamas, an extra pair of socks (dress socks though), and extra underwear. I am slowly, but surely, catching up on the sleep and energy that I've lost in the weeks preceding that trip, and recovering from that trip.<br /><br />Also have finally finished my Christoph-Probst-Str. socks-the orange-brown-yellow yarn (Fire) that Carolina gave me--it only took me three months...and when I got sick of the fall combos, I cast on for a bright Froot Loop colored yarn. It really is the same color as the cereal, let me tell ya...but I am just doing plain old boring socks, so no pattern--just straight stockinette and a slip-stitch heel. So far, I've got most of one sock, which is pretty amazing.<br /><br />If I keep it up, maybe I'll get a bunch of socks done...plus I would like to make some baby items for one of my best friends, who is expecting later this summer. I figure if I start now, it will be ready to go...hopefully. I'm thinking a small baby sweater and perhaps this tree of life afghan. (I thought about this awesome fair isle one, but I'm going to try and be realistic, given my time -- or lack thereof).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-20329819497048150762009-12-28T23:55:00.002-05:002009-12-28T23:59:46.194-05:00Merry belated Christmas!<div><div><div>Merry Christmas to me--I got what I asked for: no snow BEFORE Christmas (for business purposes, and that was fantastic). Plus, scraping snow/ice off car windows really is the worst. </div><br /><div>Anyhow, the evenings after coming home from work, I busily figured out how to sew using our sewing maching (breaking a couple needles in the process. Note to self: must buy more needles for the machine, just in case...)</div><br /><div>But here is what I made: </div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/SzmMbhk-l-I/AAAAAAAAAu4/fK5mpBDtGtA/s1600-h/IMG_5417.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420518031014926306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/SzmMbhk-l-I/AAAAAAAAAu4/fK5mpBDtGtA/s400/IMG_5417.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/SzmMcMOzLkI/AAAAAAAAAvI/4UW6pKWt0Z0/s1600-h/IMG_5419.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420518042464628290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/SzmMcMOzLkI/AAAAAAAAAvI/4UW6pKWt0Z0/s400/IMG_5419.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/SzmMb7UJGYI/AAAAAAAAAvA/0cmXsPXBGMM/s1600-h/IMG_5418.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420518037923633538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/SzmMb7UJGYI/AAAAAAAAAvA/0cmXsPXBGMM/s400/IMG_5418.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-65968353525433400922009-12-07T17:39:00.004-05:002009-12-07T17:53:07.190-05:00Hello, December!Well, it's been eons...and a lot has happened (ha, that tends to happen when time flies by). Anyway, this past Saturday was the open house at <a href="http://www.craftakron.com/">Craft Akron</a>, which is a fabulous place--and they will have classes there. There's some I want to take, but I know I'll have to wait until Christmas is over, so I can focus on things like finals week! And Christmas working! You know. That sort of thing.<br /><div>Anyway, over the past few weeks, I have tried my first beignet <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sx2EoqX6tpI/AAAAAAAAAuo/4G3fZpLvGws/s1600-h/IMG_5299.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412628161273443986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sx2EoqX6tpI/AAAAAAAAAuo/4G3fZpLvGws/s400/IMG_5299.JPG" border="0" /></a>in New Orleans. I went to Nola for a convention, which was completely and utterly overwhelming, but it was cool to go there. Seriously, the best part of going to New Orleans is the food...I kid you know. Between the beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, there was also this great dish at <a href="http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/">Cochon</a> that was so mouthwateringly delicious, even though the description was pretty boring. (<em>I ordered: ham hock with sweet potatoes, pickled greens & black eyed pea ham broth $18</em>) There was also <a href="http://www.cafeadelaide.com/">Cafe Adelaide</a>, where I spent the most I have on food (<em>Sea Salt-Tellicherry Pepper Shrimp & Grits $26.00 roasted garlic-rosemary stone ground grits, lemon croustade and New Orleans BBQ sauce blanc</em>), but had some really fabulous shrimp (with heads on!) on grits. There was also brandy punch and much overeating involved at Cafe Adelaide. Of course, I topped all this off with the beignets at Cafe du Monde, without which no trip to New Orleans would be complete. I made a mess of myself, ending up with powdered sugar on my elbow, my pants, my new bag from the convention, the front of my shirt...but you know that it didn't matter. It was just completely and utterly worth the powdered sugar on everything. I want to go back to New Orleans to eat.</div><div> </div><div>I also started another pair of Monkey socks on the trip to New Orleans. Can I just say that the pattern is so mindless and easy to remember (especially since I am using the no purl monkey pattern). I am now working on the pair. </div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sx2GnNXQiGI/AAAAAAAAAuw/TwXU8Nk4Sj4/s1600-h/IMG_5341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412630335329437794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sx2GnNXQiGI/AAAAAAAAAuw/TwXU8Nk4Sj4/s400/IMG_5341.JPG" border="0" /></a>In addition, I have had this blue and turquoise yarn staring at me for months, so I decided to cast on for another project (as if I don't have enough on my hands, what with the Monkey socks, lovingly dubbed Christoph-Probst-Str. 12 A, in honor of the dormitory I lived in--and had the same colored curtains in my room!)</div><div> </div><div>So I am starting another Owlie Cowl, which is likely to become someone's Christmas gift this year.<br /></div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-83238829083552921692009-11-01T22:10:00.003-05:002009-11-01T22:17:33.718-05:00ExhaustionIt's been a long time--but it's also been one of those hectic times, and it's not likely to let up anytime soon. Frankly, I'm rather tired at the moment.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Anyway, first I must thank my secret pal, Martha (<strong>very</strong> belatedly!) for the lovely gifts that she sent to me for the final package! In the package were a felted purse that Martha made, and this really cool little mini-project bag, which I think will be absolutely perfect to bring to my upcoming trip to New Orleans. And with that bag, I'm going to bring this awesome Knit-Knack thing that I had been coveting (so how did you know I'd been thinking about that, Martha??) which has (very importantly) TSA approved scissors. :) And chocolate. And a vanilla scented candle and candle dish. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Su5Og0Ak8LI/AAAAAAAAAug/SKGjAYDhmWM/s1600-h/IMG_5220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399339328887648434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Su5Og0Ak8LI/AAAAAAAAAug/SKGjAYDhmWM/s400/IMG_5220.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>I've also been knitting a little--working on a Habu sweater in the evenings and weekends when I'm relaxing. I'm hoping it will turn out okay, as I'm following the Habu pattern, which is a little new for me, as it is a very symbolic looking thing, rather than having all the instructions written out. </div><div>I'm also working on another sweater, and am also trying to make some of my Christmas presents (and this is the earliest I've been, as far as starting and making items. I won't say what they are, just in case). </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-52185391715517567152009-09-23T12:08:00.004-04:002009-09-23T12:17:17.728-04:00Just because...Just because I don't really feel like heading off to school just yet (well, I have a little time before I actually have to be there), I decided to share pictures of my latest work in progress-which is nearly done, actually! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/SrpIbsjDiwI/AAAAAAAAAuY/h2g7PV1HY5g/s1600-h/IMG_5075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384695945126710018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/SrpIbsjDiwI/AAAAAAAAAuY/h2g7PV1HY5g/s400/IMG_5075.JPG" border="0" /></a>Because I loved my Owlie Cowl so much, even though I knit it too big (shame on me for not doing a gauge swatch. You think by now, I'd know better), I decided to cast on with some leftover yarn of a red and teal (though it looks blue here) so I can knit down my current stash.<br /><br />But I fear my stash is right where it started--because a store near me is goin out of business on September 30th, and the yarn is 40% off currently, so I just HAD to go over there--and buy the Habu yarn that I was coveting. At the end of my spending spree, I have tons of Tsumigi yarn in Whiskey (which I will double up to make a lovely sweater), a couple kits, some merino yarn (quite a bit, too), and a cone of stainless yarn. I can't wait to knit it up. So after I finish this and my zebra mittens, I'm going to cast on for something (I also picked up some red sock yarn -- 3 skeins worth--and I think I may knit myself a cute top (short sleeved, with a lace pattern) for Christmas/new year--it actually has silver running through it!--so I think for the holidays, it will look incredible.<br /><br />And of course, I walked away with 2 skeins of Noro Silk Garden sock yarn, so I can make a neat pair of knee high socks. That is, if I don't get second sock syndrome...All right...I ought to prep a little more for my lecture today...even though I'd rather stay home on this drizzling day and do other things, even work on dissertation.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9813711.post-55203664561577209482009-09-14T22:12:00.004-04:002009-09-14T22:42:24.353-04:00Progress--even more!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq754t1wCfI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/En9-ndUWdYM/s1600-h/IMG_5058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513357527353842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq754t1wCfI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/En9-ndUWdYM/s400/IMG_5058.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Over the past couple weeks, much has happened. I am settling into a routine at school and am becoming more used to teaching a large class. Earlier, I signed up for the World Yarn Swap, and a few weeks ago, I recieved a package from Jane in Scotland <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq754buXNuI/AAAAAAAAAuI/X7uDFGw4F40/s1600-h/IMG_5057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513352664528610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq754buXNuI/AAAAAAAAAuI/X7uDFGw4F40/s400/IMG_5057.JPG" border="0" /></a>. In</div><div>this package, I received some Scottish breakfast tea, some delicious looking candies that I've not seen here and plan on savoring after teaching lots of math and physics. She also sent me this cute magnet of a cow with really long hair :)</div><div></div><div>And of course, need I mention the yarn? I mentioned that I am totally into fair isle knitting at the moment, so I also have some lovely new Rowan yarns in varying colors and am now planning some nice knitted projects. Or maybe I'll end up with many Owlie Cowlies ;)<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq753jintsI/AAAAAAAAAt4/7GzXYqiLnyM/s1600-h/IMG_5056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513337582892738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq753jintsI/AAAAAAAAAt4/7GzXYqiLnyM/s400/IMG_5056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq753dFY0sI/AAAAAAAAAtw/GTDjEwU3vIQ/s1600-h/IMG_5055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381513335849669314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq753dFY0sI/AAAAAAAAAtw/GTDjEwU3vIQ/s400/IMG_5055.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381512197531864354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq741MhRjSI/AAAAAAAAAto/thEXRmZ2Jbk/s400/IMG_5054.JPG" border="0" />I also received a package from my Secret Pal, which included some prettily colored sock yarn, a book by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, a potholder and towel (perfect for cooking), window clings, and a pattern for a knitting on the go bag. But one of my favorite parts of the gift was the llama necklace (I have never seen anything like this before, and this made me smile!)<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq7401ruTWI/AAAAAAAAAtg/YAo5mJVU4UY/s1600-h/IMG_5059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381512191401676130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq7401ruTWI/AAAAAAAAAtg/YAo5mJVU4UY/s400/IMG_5059.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq740sKT6fI/AAAAAAAAAtY/mS1Q6r_Rv0Q/s1600-h/IMG_5060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381512188845615602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq740sKT6fI/AAAAAAAAAtY/mS1Q6r_Rv0Q/s400/IMG_5060.JPG" border="0" /></a>I also finished my Owlie Cowl in this Debbie Bliss Cashmerino yarn that I have had for a few years. It is an incredibly easy and fun knit, and the yarn is wonderful. However, the problem is that I am terrible about doing gauge swatches, so the cowl became the size of a very small tube top! which of course, is too small for me, but I'll hang on to it because it is pretty cute. </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381512176855776082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq74z_fte1I/AAAAAAAAAtI/0FV9fFQQvZA/s400/IMG_5053.JPG" border="0" />In my goal to make a more wearable cowl, I cast on for another Owlie Cowl a few days ago, in a bright, color contrasting combination, using my stash yarn (of course). So far, I am loving it even though it is very bright--the colors are a good contrast for each other. Also, I invested in a Habu kit that I've been lusting after for a couple weeks (when one lusts after something for quite some time, i think one is meant to have it. It's made out of pineapple yarn and I think I'll cast on once I finish this cowl and my zebra mittens (no picture as of yet). <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq740KBwHiI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/9Kf5uvY9Uio/s1600-h/IMG_5061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381512179682909730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KObfnuI3Tsc/Sq740KBwHiI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/9Kf5uvY9Uio/s400/IMG_5061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><META name="y_key" content="d0a7928ba088b69b" /></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08670131739543311877noreply@blogger.com0