The Princess and I have already made two non-dairy pumpkin pies - YUM!!!
And the Princess and her Ita (Maternal grandmother) have made a delicious non-dairy apple pie (double yum!!)
(sorry, stock photos)
It is finally time to teach the Princess to knit. I told her she needed to learn how to tie a knot and a bow, the good 'ole rabbit ears, and by golly she did it. We had our first quick lesson on Sunday night.
She picked a set of pink plastic needles that I had in my collection and some pink yarn, of course. I casted on for her to make it easier for her. She put her hands on mine and off we went. We did two rows this way and then she did a row herself, sort of. She didn't get too frustrated and I was really proud of her. I know it is going to take her a while to get it on her own but she really has the drive to learn and she really wants something that she and I can be passionate about together.
I spend a lot of time with Miss Sunshine either taking her to appointments or doing therapy at home, I want something the Princess and I can have for the two of us that we can do where ever. The Princess decided it should be knitting and I completely agree with her. You should just see the excitement in her face and twinkle in her eyes.
I currently teaching at an accredited after school and even though it is only a few hours a week, it is still accredited and therefore he teachers still need to have so many hours a year of in service. Today was one of those such days.
The seminar was interesting in itself and I won't bore you with the details but the brought in a very dynamic speaker and Author from Boston to speak to a few after school programs. During the morning session, I paid very close attention to him but noticed a few other teachers knitting so of course I took out the knitting too. I spent the rest of the day listening and knitting. Not a bad way to make money ;-)
Even though I shouldn't be talking to Jessi, the trader that she is, I figure what the heck, I will answer these stupid questions. I haven't been blogging in a while anyway. I also haven't been sleeping.
38 things about me that you may or may not want to know.
1. Name one person who made you laugh last night? Tim Gunn, I was watching a repeat of Project Runway. I love that show
2. What were you doing at 0800? Watching America's Next Top Model (Okay i like that crap TV, sue me)
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Reading the news on CNN.com
4. What happened to you in 2006? Do I remember 2006? Oh Yeah, Activities for the kids mostly
5. What was the last thing you said out loud? No, You cannot blow bubbles onto your sister's bed
6. How many beverages did you have today? 2 cups of coffee, 8 cups of water, 1 cup of tea
7. What color is your hairbrush? Purple
8. What was the last thing you paid for? OT for my daughter
9. Where were you last night? Home, watching reruns
10. What color is your front door? Brick Red
11. Where do you keep your change? Lots and lots of Piggy Banks
12. What’s the weather like today? It TOO DAMN COLD
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Not a huge ice cream eater right now
14. What excites you? If someone were to tell me Miss Sunshine was going to be just fine
15. Do you want to cut your hair? I need a cut and color
16. Are you over the age of 25? Didn't your Mama teach you never to ask a woman her age?
17. Do you talk a lot? What's a lot?
18. Do you watch the O.C.? Got bored after the first season
19. Do you know anyone named Steven? Yes I do
20. Do you make up your own words? I have two kids. what do you think?
21. Are you a jealous person? On Occasion
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter “A”. Aileen
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘S’. Sonya
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? Aileen
25. What does the last text message you received say? "British Actress Emily Blunt has vowed to remain in her native England because she hates Hollywood (WENN)"
26. Do you chew on your straw? No.
27. Do you have curly hair? Well, sort of. It is a wavy curly
28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? Sleep
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? Difficult to say
30. What was the last thing you ate? PB&J
31. Will you get married in the future? I think this is it
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? Have I seen a movie in the past two weeks?
33. Is there anyone you like right now? I am supposed to like people? j/k I have made a lot of new friends through knitting and blogging.
34. When was the last time you did the dishes? You are supposed to do the dishes?
35. Are you currently depressed? Being that my youngest daughter was just diagnosed with something that shocked me, I think I am a little bit
36. Did you cry today? yes
37. Why did you answer and post this? Because my good friend Jessi made me, er I mean asked me to do it.
38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey: Hmm, I think we are all memed out :-) Anyone want to give it a go?
The Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Topic of the week!! Still struggling with blog posts so these are definitely a great idea
The Thursday upcoming is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so let's all - American and not alike! - just share a post with what it is we're thankful for. A wonderful thing to do any time of year, I thought it'd be a nice thing to share for this week with the group!
Miss Sunshine and I have been through the ringer this year. Whether you read my blog or not, we have been going through all kinds of testing to see what is going on with her and finally this past Tuesday her official diagnosis came through.
My Mom and I call it alphabet soup because everything has an acronym with letters. Officially she has PDD-NOS, ADHD and fine motor skill delay. To learn about PDD-NOS, just click on the ribbon on the side bar. I am in a bit of a shock needless to say.
I am very thankful to have such a wonderful Mom to hold my hand and to offer support through this all. I am also very thankfully to have such a wonderful sister who is actually an expert in this field and although she lives in Florida, she is flying home next week to spend some time with me and then flying in again for Miss Sunshine's next critical appointment in December. My sister has already gotten me in touch with some fabulous resources here where I live that I don't think I would have found on my own. I don't know what I would do without the two of them.
I am also thankful for the Princess. She has really been amazing through all of this and she know it is still going to be a struggle. I try to make sure she gets to be 7 but she helps me out so much. I am so thankful to have such an amazing daughter.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
It seems as if my closest knitting blog buddies (AND YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!) Have up and left blogger for some other blog type formatting which shall remain nameless. They SEEM to have up and done this during my week of shock, pain and panic (hence the lack of blogging) and never even bothered to tell me they were moving. Some friends they turned out to be ;-)
At the moment too much change is not a very good thing to my system and I was never one who was any good at playing follow the leader or good under peer pressure. Actually if my peers were doing it I usually did the opposite, LOL.
Therefore, even though I feel as though my buds stranded me here on blogger, I am staying put. At least for the time being. Blogger has been good to me and I need all the good I can get.
(see my answer to Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap topic of the week for further details....)
So here is to you big brother, we might not be as close as we used to be but, I sure hope to spend another 40 years with you. Even more....
I ordered the beta t-shirt from Ravelry and it arrived this week!! I am so excited! A lot of people already got theirs because they went to Rhinebeck, which of course, I did not go to. Without firth ado, the shirt and the buttons I ordered.
The Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Topic of the week!! Love these since I currently have a little bit of writers block
As the cold of winter approaches, do you change the projects you work on? Not really. I still have a gazillion babies to knit for, I still don't like long, intricate projects that take a long time to knit and I still can't knit with animal fibers so there isn't much to change ;-). I might make The Princess or Miss Sunshine a new winter hat if we can't find their old ones or they need a new one or if one of their friends request one but that is about it
Do you work on gifts for others or do you continue working on projects for yourself? I RARELY ever knit something for myself. I should do that one day, I really should. So the answer is, I knit 99.9% for others.
With all the goings on around here, I never posted the picture I took with my camera phone (so excuse the fuzziness) while waiting for a table at one of the better known Jewish Delis around my parts with the Princess
Actually, the father and grandfather of one of my students from last year own the place but, I actually never have run into her there. I guess she gets sick of the food, LOL
Have no clue what it is going to end up being. I am just playing around with some left over cotton I had in my bag. I didn't feel like pulling out Sigma in a crowded waiting area.
Guess the temperature of my children. Yes that is correct the are running fevers!! Both off and on for the past three days. LUCKY ME!!! However they seem to have no other symptoms so I am guessing it is just one of those passing viruses. Once they take their hourly dose of Tylenol they are just fine and dandy and of course Miss Sunshine is back to running around like a chicken. In fact she has taken to laying down and watching her evening movie with our stuffed animal chicken (how ironic is that?, LOL) I sometimes call her Monkey or chicken and she has one of each and I guess she knows that they are meant as her "nicknames"
The Princess, on the other hand, either lays in bed in a fever induced slumber (she is the one who has spiked to 103) or is plowing through books like no tomorrow. Her father finally handed her the entire collection of Narnia books and said here read this. It is an all in one so it is a tad heavy for her but, I think she was actually thinking about it.
While they lay in bed I am going to try to knit but it can be difficult when all I hear is " Mama, can you get me more milk, pleaseeeeee?" (Miss Sunshine) " Mom, Do I really need to stay in bed?" (The Princess) All Day Long
I am not one for long drawn out projects but, I have been promising my sister a sweater type something or other for quite sometime now (say over a year) so it was about time to buckle down and knit the woman something. I mean she is my daughter's mentor and well, she is my best bud. It is the least I could do for her even though she did up and move to Florida.
As some of you know, I did select something I liked, The Sigma Tank because I can play with it and plug and play numbers of my own and play with the design. I am going to do some "fixing" at the top of it. If I ever get there. Here is where it is so far:
Take Lion Brand's Nature's Choice Organic Cotton Yarn
A very cute, natural, neutral, organic cotton baby hat for a Mom who doesn't know the gender of her baby yet like my cousin who is due in February.
US 9 double pointed needles
Cast on 54 stitches evenly on 3 needles (18 on each needle). Join being careful not to twist.
k3p3 for 1 inch. stockinette till hat is long enough for you (I did 5 inches) Begin decrease.
k4, ssk around. knit 1 round.
k3 ssk around, knit 1 round.
k2 ssk around, knit 1 round
ssk around till you have 3 stitches left.
I-cord till the cord is a length you like. Bind off.
You can increase/decrease cast on as long as you can do a k3p3 rib.
Can you tell I designed this to practice my slip, slip, knits? ;-)
The Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap is also going to do a topic of the week (Hmm, wonder where they got that idea from?) and here is is:
When did you first start drinking coffee? What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began!
Don't criticize but, I started drinking coffee at a VERY young age. I spend about 3 months of every year from birth in Cali, Colombia South America where it is second to Mother's Milk down there being that coffee is their largest legal crop and major export. I probably started having Cafe con leche (coffee made with milk, not water) at 5 or 6 with my breakfast. The caffeine really does not effect you at all since it is in your blood. Coffee is served with every meal when I am with my Colombian side of my family. From breakfast through late night before bed, a cafe con leche to a drink similar to the Italian expresso called Tinto served in small cups.
I am considered a "cheater" to my Colombian side, though, since I don't drink it black. I need my sweeter whether it be the yellow packets or raw sugar and milk.
Okay so I did receive it a few days ago, my Fall into Autumn Swap package by the ever so kind and patient Katie. So now I am going to do my package and the WONDERFUL Katie some Justice and show lots and lots of pictures of my box because she had to wait soooooo long for me to talk about it.
Here is the box when I first opened it. Everything is wrapped in lovely lavender tissue paper and beautiful purple ribbons. The green tags mark things specific for Miss Sunshine and The Princess. Wasn't that nice of Katie to send things for the little ones too?
Here is everything laid out on my foyer floor. Now that is A LOT of goodies!!! I had to sneak off there to ensure I would be able to open everything without any prying or grabbing hands.
Everything unwrapped!! Exactly (I think) in the same space as above. Look at all that wonderful goodness!! That is a sheep tape measure to add to my collection of tape measures of course.
Last, but of course no least, Manos Cotton Stria is an absolutely awesome shade of kettle dyed lavender. These are my first hanks of Manos Cotton Stria believe it or not. I love, love, love it!!!
Katie, you done good and were patient for the posting to boot so I thank you for that too!!
I am usually not one to complain often or vent but, I really did it to myself this time.
Around this time every year, Miss Sunshine's pre-school puts on a wonderful shopper's event that is a terrific fundraiser for her school. She goes to a terrific little school just outside of Philadelphia that does wonders for her, doesn't cost over the top and is non-denominational. Perfect for us.
Last year, the organizer, a Friend of mine, asked since her son was "graduating" if I would take over. I said sure since I was a craft show do-er and nothing was going on in my life really and truly. Why not?
Then the you know what hit the fan with Miss Sunshine this past summer and we have been bounce little a rubber ball from doctor to doctor from appointment to appointment here there and every where but, I made a commitment and I keep those. Plus all my other commitments like my part-time job, my soaps, my knitting, swaps, etc.
Well, folks, this month, I need to apologize to all of you because I finally realized what I did. I finally realized that I have over extended myself this passed October. I have not been ignoring you. I have not been forgetting you. I think of all of you quite often and how you are doing. Unfortunately, I don't own an i-Phone or Blackberry to blog and email in the waiting room or in traffic (I didn't say that) So I just have to think it and hope you can forgive me.
My Shopper's Event is tonight and tomorrow and then I drop my wares at yet another show so I hope things will settle again on Monday. Please wish me lots of sales
Oh and to my Fall into Autumn Pal: I did get my box!!! I haven't even had a moment to open it yet but, I wanted you to know I got it!!! So thank you!!!! It will be modeling on Monday
She sent to me such amazing goodies!! The Princess who cannot have milk LOVED the cookies. Please note that one is missing ;-) AND she is eying up the chocolate bar since we have them when we can find them around here. I will give it to her of course since I am that kind of Mom, LOL. The yarn is wonderful cotton and one of my favorites is a deep purple!
Thank you so much!! I just LOVED this swap!
Ah the waiting room. Nothing better to do then to wait, read a magazine or to knit. It seems to be the only place I get to knit lately. I haven't been to my knitting group in a while because it is extremely difficult to go with Miss Sunshine. She tends to be very disruptive to the other patrons of the restaurant where the meeting is held and also apparently to the other members of the knitting group. So I can't go unless I can get a babysitter for the kids, which I have not been able to do lately.
Therefore, I knit when and where I can which is in a waiting room which I tend to be in one on average three times a week. It can be some quality knitting time. I go to different appointments for different things for both of my daughters and so I take my knitting every where with me.
I am still knitting the same top for my sister that I am still hoping to get done by the time she comes to visit for Thanksgiving. It could happen. I do have a lot of waiting room visits from now until then. There is also this hat I started with a different type of organic cotton. I try to knit a bit of each project every time. Maybe that will help get them done quicker.
I do have a few work meetings coming up. Hmm, I wonder if my boss would mind if I took my knitting with me? They are night meetings ;-)
Smack the forehead hard!! With all the running around we do, Miss Sunshine, the Princess and I, I can't believe I forgot to tell you we got a new pet this past Saturday. Yes, Miss Tina Turner Tortoise has a companion. No, not another Tortoise nor a cat nor a dog (my allergies could not take it). Not even a gerbil or a mouse although both Miss Sunshine and the Princess begged and pleaded.
The Princess picked out a very lovely blue Japanese Fighter Fish AKA a Betta fish that she let Miss Sunshine name. She aptly named the fish Miss Sparkles. We have already tried to feed the fish all the fish food at once, poor fish. We now know you cannot do that. The fish resides in a very lovely new tank and if it lasts as long as our old Betta, 3 years, it will be so lucky. Perhaps we will pick up some faux plants this weekend for it.
As many of you know, my birthday was a few weeks back. From my family, I have asked for gift certificates to the lovely yarn shops in the past or knitting books or yarn and they look at me like I am strange but this year, this year was different.
My brother and SIL live about 45 minutes from me and I decided to look and see if there was a yarn shop in their neck of the woods. To me they live in the boonies, btw, having grown up in or very close to a major city. Lo and behold there is!! A Garden of Yarn is practically in their back yard and they carry a variety of yarns that I really like so I thought I'd half heartedly ask them to get me a gift from there. I didn't think they actually would. My SIL went there one morning after dropping her kids off at school. She told me that if she actually knitted, she would shop there she liked it so much. AMAZING!! They got me a very nice gift certificate from there so I guess I will be making the drive out there one weekend.
How much fun will that be?
Fall, a time for hay rides, apple picking, pumpkin carving and the oh so wonderful craft show. My busy season has begun! This year I am trying different things in my product line, doing some of my same shows and one or two new ones.
Getting everything thing made and ready is both fun and a ton of work. Deciding scent color shape, packaging... all the things I love. Now that everyting is in my "warehouse" I have space to really spreadout and have energy to work.
The princess has really taken an interest in the family business this year and has come up with two products of her own this season that will also go on display. I am so excited!!! One is named for our new fish, Sparkles, and is a heart shaped glycerin soap with fish embeds. The other, which she did a lot more "research" into is named for my nephews' dog and is an all natural dog Shampoo with tea tree, peppermint and lavender essential oils called Daisy's Doggie Shampoo (all of our products are named for females). Her grandmother's dog tried it and is already a fan!!
The Princess also helped me with several new soaps like Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Spearmint Eucalyptus, and Oatmeal Milk and Honey (I think half of this batch is spoken for, right Anne?). Also made some Shea butter lotion and tried my new fragrance Blue Musk that is little and fresh and I just LOVE it!!.
I have a few more weeks till my first show and a bit more work to do but, I think it is going to be an exciting fall season.
I can't believe I didn't answer my own topic of the week. Sheesh, what kind of hostess doesn't that make me. No one answer that :-P
Now that it is getting cooler here, it makes me think of apple picking and hay rides. Are you the type that likes to go to participate in all the fall festivities like apple picking, pumpkins, decorating for the fall, hay rides, baking fall goodies, etc. or do you just sit and count the days till Thanksgiving/Christmas/Hanukkah?
I can't exactly do the hay ride thing unless I take some allergy meds before I go therefore I tend to avoid them but, I do love going to the Orchards and going apple picking. We have a few really good ones near us too. Nothing beats a homemade apple pie or crisp made with apples you picked yourself, YUM! I actually just made one and ate it with some yummy tea from Mary. I also love pumpkin pie, which I make as well just not with fresh pumpkin. I keep telling myself one of these days but haven't yet.
Thanksgiving and Hanukkah are two of my favorite holidays but the "before we get there" part are pretty stressful. So, I don't exactly count the days. Yes, we are already in the who brings what and were is it going to be "discussion". Oh what fun.
The questionnaire is up for the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap being hosted by Anne and Holly. I am very much looking forward to this swap. Okay, when am I not looking forward to a swap? (shut up Jessi)
It is a nice long questionnaire and I am going to answers as best I can in hopes that my pal really pays attention because besides my allergies, I celebrate a different holiday during the season.
Coffee
What are your favorite kinds of coffee? (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!) I am half Colombian so I really prefer Colombian coffee
Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee? I did have a grind and brew coffee maker but, I gave it to my Mom so I no longer have a grinder :-(
This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? I am not into mint coffee but I do like a pumpkin latte every so often. I like Mocha, hazelnut and vanilla on occasion as well.
Do you enjoy special blends? As long as it is Colombian ;-)
How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? My Colombia relatives call me a traitor but, I like splenda and milk in my coffee
Decaf? NEVER
Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer? Unless I am drinking real espresso from an espresso cup, then a coffee mug
Winter and Holidays - PLEASE be descriptive! Your pal will need this information to be sure to put together a package you will enjoy!
What is your favorite part of Winter? That it is only three months long ;-) Winter break? I can go visit my sister in Florida? Hot chocolate
Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday? I celebrate Hanukkah, Wahoo it is 8 days long!!
If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree? No Christmas, no tree, no Hanukkah bush, no lights, no decorating, no angels, no Santas, no Reindeer, no snowmen (I am hoping you get the idea)
Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package? If you can manage Hanukkah themed items that would be wonderful but, I know how difficult that is so winter or even a hot chocolate themed package works
Do you collect anything? Besides yarn? Disney type items like Goofy and Tinkerbell
Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snowflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect? Dreidels (Hanukkah related spinning tops) and Hanukkiahs (menorahs specifically for Hanukkah)
Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats? I do wear scarves and hats
What is your favorite holiday or winter treat? holiday - gelt (chocolate coins) winter - hot chocolate
Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory. Although I have many holiday memories and I am sure some that stick out more in my memory nothing is more meaningful than the first time the Princess could recite the blessings over the candles all by herself. I was in awe. Miss Sunshine chimes in as well now and they sing songs. It just makes my little family complete that can say the blessings themselves and enjoy it so much. They can't wait each night of the holiday when I pull out the menorah, fill in with each candle and we say the blessings together.
Yarn and Crafting
Do you Knit or Crochet? Knit
For how long? 29 years
Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks? I prefer wooden needles
Circular or straight? I use both depending on the project
What sort of projects do you enjoy making? Prefer ones where i have no delay of gratification meaning I can knit them up quickly
What are your favorite types of yarn to work with? Cottons and soy
Do you spin or dye? No
Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else? I make handmade all natural bath and body products
General
When is your birthday? October 3
Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!) I have two daughters 7 and 4.5 and a Tortoise (okay she isn't furry)
What are your favorite colors? Purple, lime for one daughter and pink for the other daughter
Do you have any allergies? Are you sure you want to ask that? ;-) Animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns to be safe including silk. I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone (you’d find them in body products), cats, most dogs, cigarette smoke and fresh cut grass.
Ah yes, I just love to be tagged for these meme thinger ma bob do hickies. Thanks Jessi :-P so, here goes.....
1. Sometimes when the kids aren't home and I am procrastinating, I watch Little House on the Prairie
2. I love it that my little Princess is as an avid reader as I was at her age (and I still am)
3. I love to go to the Casinos in Atlantic City with my Mom. I just wish i had more money to blow there
4. As soon as I walk in the door at home, the girls and I kick off our shoes. All three of us prefer to go shoe-less.
5. I have no delay of gratification with new clothes, new items I've bought or even something I am knitting. This is probably why I prefer to knit something that doesn't take too long to finish.
6. I have been wearing glasses since I was the same age as the Princess is now but, she has much better eye sight then I ever did
7. It is getting to be too cold for me but, I can't see myself moving from this area any time soon
8. I have lost 50 pounds in the last 6 months
Hmm, now whom to tag....Mary, Holly, Melissa, Amanda, and Sally
Guess what it is ;-)
Both my parents had gone to Temple University at some point. For Temple Alumni, they offer some wonderful programs and they are allowed to invite guests. This time around they offered a lecture from one of their Art professors and a private tour of The Renoir Landscapes exhibit that is currently at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Springtime (in Chatou), about 1875 © Private collection one of the pictures on displayI haven't posted an FO in a while. I think it is about time. I pretty much knit the entire thing in waiting rooms for appointments for both my daughters
It is the dishcloth for my swap pal in the Fall into Autumn Swap. I wanted to try something a bit different. Get back to my roots so to speak. Throw in a bit of a lacey feel and no pink or purple since it is for the Autumn. Now to remember what I did, write it down and repeat it some where else, LOL.
A moment of peace and quiet. Just a moment, to take some pictures of my goodies. You get a groups shot, a picture of my favorite item and, of course, a separate picture of the yarn.
Mary, thank you SO much for everything!!!
Coffee and Cotton (or Yarn) Swap During Winter or better know as Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap. Yup, that is correct, another swap!!
Sign ups do not start till October 24Th. So almost all of my other swaps with be complete except for Secret Pal 11.
The lovely Miss Anne and equally lovely Holly are hosting the swap.
Oh and how exciting! They added a link for Hanukkah patterns (Hmm wonder were they got those?)
I post the topic of the week and then don't answer my own question. Just goes to show you how much time I don't have.
It seems like I have been spending a ton of time in the waiting room of a doctor, a test or a therapist of some kind a lot lately. There is still a lot more to come too. When you have one daughter going through one kind of testing for her lactose intolerance and one going through testing for ADHD and getting OT you tend to get to see the inside of a lot of waiting rooms.
I think my entire dishcloth for my fall dishcloth pal was knit entirely inside a waiting room. I think the entire bottom half of my sister's top was knit inside a waiting room. I knit an entire preemie hat inside a waiting room. Now I have cast on one of my favorites, yes Anne, a Candy bag designed by Amanda.
Yup, going to sit in a waiting room Wednesday afternoon for a test for the Princess and yes going to be sitting in a waiting room for therapy for Miss Sunshine very early in the morning on Saturday. Good more knit time. Seems lately it is the only knit time I get.
I don't really have much time to give my pal, Mary the thanks she so justly deserves BUT, I wanted to write a very quick and gracious THANK YOU to her to let her know I received my Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap package today!! IT IS AWESOME!!!
My goodies need to have a photos session, especially since Mary asks for it so nicely and so you all can be extremely jealous ;-)
Mary, you are the best!!!
She sent a card game for The Princess and Miss Sunshine to share and a very pretty card. She also sent "Knitting for Peace" a book I have stared at in the Barnes and Noble but had yet to buy so even though I had not told anyone it was a book I had wanted to buy so thank you very much for it!!! I also received to hanks of Araucania Cotton, one in a dusty pink and one in a light purple. They feel extremely soft on the skin I cannot wait to knit them up.
Again, another wonderful, wonderful package that I love! Thank you!!!
Thank you everyone for all your birthday wishes and e-cards yesterday! It all really did help make my day, it truly did!!
I did get that Starbucks, amazingly, did some knitting and had a great dinner of Colombian food at my parents' house with my daughters. I ignored all the hectic stuff going on around me, LOL
I also heard some wonderful news for my birthday. One of my close friends who is also my soap making mentor had her baby on Monday!! She had a beautiful baby girl. I am so happy for her and her husband! Thankfully her knitting is complete. I had made for her a throw blanket for the floor, a lilac Cardigan and a Heartbreakingly Cute Kimono. They live about 2 hours from me and I am supposed to go to the baby's Christening in December so I might just hand deliver her gifts then.
Now onto the next birthday. Today is my youngest nephew's birthday, he turns 3 today. Happy Birthday Little Man!
Yup, it is that time of year again, my birthday. Although, Miss Sunshine and the Princess always end up thinking it is a birthday for them since they get to have a special meal, birthday cake and my Mom seems to always come up with party favors for the girls.
I am hoping for traditional birthday drawings from the girls and then there is the traditional birthday money from everyone else :-) I do ask for gift certificates from the local yarn shops but, I get looked at like I have three heads so it became birthday money a few years back.
I am hoping to splurge on a Starbucks, get in some knit time and relax a bit if Miss Sunshine lets me till The Princess gets home. We will see if that plan works.
Many of you have read about the marathons that little Miss Sunshine "runs" when I'd like her to do certain things or when I am trying to get her to go to sleep or settle in for the night. I joke about it and tease. However, if you can read between the lines you can read that she is hyperactive. Well, she actually has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Impulsive variety. So they think. All of her diagnosing is not complete entirely. This is one heck of a long draw out process. Well, as my Mom told me today, Miss Sunshine just because my full time job.
In just under a year from now, Miss Sunshine will enter kindergarten in public school. I want to make sure all our ducks are in a row and we know exactly what is going on with her and I can fight for her rights as best I can. I already know of one road block. Get this, Pennsylvania is one these states in which schooling is only required from age 7 till age 16 which they consider to be 1st grade. What does that mean? If the district decide to do nothing till she is 7, they can do nothing till she is 7. I know my school district is much better than that but, hence the reason Miss Sunshine JUST became my full time job.
She was funny in one of the waiting rooms today though. She asked, "Momma, You bring your knitting? Come sit here with me and knit. (she patted the chair next to her) I'll watch Dora so you can knit next to me." Isn't she the cutest? She knows when we go to an appointment out comes the knitting.
The first day of October! Gosh I just LOVE October! So many wonderful things happen in October and me getting one year older is NOT one of them ;-)
So the question this week is: Are there any recipes you especially enjoy having in the Fall? Any foods that are seasonal that you especially enjoy? (and this one I did not write, go figure, LOL)
I am enamoured with the flavors of Autumn. I enjoy a good Apple pie, a yummy pumpkin pie a delicious pecan. I love that Tastykake, a local cake company, comes out with a variety of apple and pumpkin pies this time of year that are so sinfully good. I try to limit myself to just a couple a season.
I do have to admit though, that since my sister and the Princess cannot have any dairy I have developed a non-dairy pumpkin pie for them but, I can't share the recipe because it has become sort of famous around these parts and therefore turned into a family secret ;-)
I am still working on the top for my sister. It will obviously not be complete for when my Mom leaves for Florida October 14Th but, I am hoping that it is finished when my sister comes home for Thanksgiving. Crossing my fingers and praying is more like it. I really need to find more sit down, quiet time to knit. I just can't seem to find the knitting time. Perhaps when all these holidays are over and I get my head wrapped around this other stuff going on I can find some knit time.
I did actually cast on for my dishcloth for my swap partner as well. I casted on and frogged like three times but, I think I am FINALLY happy with the pattern I am working on now. Actually, the Princess helped me settle on something I could like. She is really good at that kind of thing. She is really good at selecting scents for soaps and balms too. She helped blend one of each that smell so good, Pumpkin Creme Brulee Soap and Bergamot Blended Balm (it isn't named yet because I told her she could name it). Now she wants to make a Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil Doggie Shampoo so that is on our to do list.
I finally had a bright spot in my baby knitting, I get to make something not girlie!!! One of my closest friends is having a BOY!! After 7 baby girls to knit for, I FINALLY get to knit for a baby boy! I am so excited! I ran out and bought a green and blue variegated yarn. I actually thanked her for having a boy even though I realistically know she didn't have anything to do with it.
So much to do, so little time
My Hostess for Secret Pal 11, Shelby, emailed us yet another contest. Yes, you probably guessed it is a flash your stash type contest. Well, I store my stash in plastic bags and in containers like this:
My Mom sent this video to me. I usually am not one of these forwarding type people unless I think it is hysterical or really needed. I have felt this woman a lot lately and I guess my Mom really thought I needed a pick-me-up so i am going to share it with you. I figure every Mom out there probably sounds like this in a condensed way one way or another ;-)
Enjoy.
Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? Why?
Funny you should ask (I did didn't I, LOL)
There are a few things I love about Autumn. I love taking long drives and watching the leaves on the trees take on new colors and change. The deep magentas and reds, rich yellows and oranges, the deep browns and coffee colors, even the various greens you see. Then I like to watch my children make huge piles and jump in them over and over again. Their laughs and giggles are contagious.
Autumn is also a HUGE birthday season for my family starting with....... me!!! My birthday is October 3rd (eek next Wednesday) and we usually have a family dinner of my choosing which my Mom makes because I tend to chose a Colombian dish. My youngest nephew is the day after mine and he is turning the big 3. Roughly a week after that The Princess is celebrating the big 7. Then towards the end of Autumn my brother and his lovely bride are each celebrating truly big birthdays this year. They are each turning 40 this year and they are going to spend a few days in Las Vegas to celebrate.
One of my favorite non-religious holidays is during Autumn as well, Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving for many reasons but this year will be extra special. My sister and her husband, who live in Florida, will be coming u North to celebrate with us. It will be nice to have them home for the holiday. Holidays to me mean family and it wouldn't be the same if they weren't here.
Probably not for the reasons you think. If you read my blog, then you know we have a lovely tortoise named Tina since August 6Th. She eats most green leafy plants and you can buy her romaine (not iceberg), kale, Endive, Radicchio, turnip leaves, and spring mix from the local super market. However, if you don't spray your lawn, which we don't, you can collect what most consider weeds right off your lawn. We pick thistle, plantain or plantago major, clover, Hosta, mulberry and her all time favorite dandelion flower and leaves.
Three of my neighbors don't spray their lawns either and told us to go ahead and collect "food" for Tina off their lawns as well. In fact, they let us know before they are going to mow their lawn so we can collect stuff and put it in baggies for her. Since we have had Tina, we haven't really had to buy her too much food because between our lawn and the few neighbors she is eating very well. I also have one friend nearby who has a prickly pear plant, no fruit just the pads. Its a cactus and Tina LOVES it. I guess it reminds her of the desert.
I am glad I have a few neighbors who remind me of the neighbors I grew up with. Who are friendly and are, well, neighborly
The fast yesterday went as expected. Around midday it gets rather rough and after feeding the kids you really wanted to just grab their food but, of course, you don't. The princess stayed at my parents house for the afternoon so Miss Sunshine and I took a walk, in the heat, making things not so pleasant. When we went back to the Synagogue for evening prayer and activity for the kids I was actually fine. They did a great program for the kids and gave them all light sticks/necklaces to walk into the main service with when they turned out the lights and all you could see was the kids and the candle light in the front. Then they blew the Shofar, Rams Horn, sounding the end of the holiday and fast. It was an amazing experience and Miss Sunshine was right in front of the gentleman blowing the horn.
The Princess and I did have our discussion. We decided we will still do the can collection for the Food Pantry and give our Tzedakah (charity money) for Thanksgiving Dinner for those living with AIDS. One of our new projects this year will be helping my Mom and Dad out a bit in their home. My parents, although not too old, have had numerous surgeries between the two of them and can't do a lot of bending, going up and down the steps and picking up after their younger grandchildren. So The Princess is going to help out with that as much as she can without being asked or without much prompting. One of her other decisions is that she wants to go to family services at Synagogue more often. We have gone a few times this year already and she has been enjoying it. Makes me very happy that she wants to go with me.
On a different subject, I went to a GREAT little stand today Adriana's Caravan (look Chan, I got you her website and I told her about you and she wants to meet you too!!) which sells fabulous spices, oils, ingredients and the kicker, TEAS. I went specifically for my Knit One Tea Too Swap pal, today, with her questionnaire in hand and Rochelle was a fabulous help with everything. We picked excellent teas and accessories. Then, I thought, let me take my Vegan Pal 2 Swap pal's questionnaire too since she was interested in various spices and Rochelle definitely has those. Boy, did she ever!! She helped me pick a few blends I would have never selected on my own. I could have definitely found things on my own mind you but not this unique.
Look at me, I am getting swap organized!!
Tonight, for several people, after a small feast, begins a day off fasting. This means no eating or drinking from Sundown tonight to Sundown tomorrow night. It is a day of atonement, reflection, confession and meditation.
Some observe the holiday with just the fast and think that is enough. Most who observe this holiday do it by the numbers. Go to synagogue, say the prayers they are told to say end their fast and then go back to their lives as if nothing ever changed and repeat the same thing the following year.
I try to take the atonement, reflection, confession and meditation, all four pieces seriously and try to include them all in my day. I do go to synagogue and say my prayers but, I also try to reflect on the year and do a lot of meditation. The Princess, Miss Sunshine and I will spend some time together tomorrow outside talking, walking and discussion our Mitzvah (good deed) project for the year. We have done some great ones in the past (Locks of Love, Food Pantry, Dinner for those living with AIDS) so I can't wait too see what we come up with this year.
I wish for everyone peace in their homes, health of their bodies and our troops to come home.
Gmar chatima tova! May you be sealed in the Book of Life.
Something a bit fun this morning, LOL
Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!
Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network
This is a close up of the wonderful Maizy in shades of green. A terrific corn and elastic nylon yarn.
Oh and some of those truffles have been eaten, Miss Sunshine thought the needle holder was a skirt and the mouse pad had a picture of the girls in it and I am using it right now.
Love you Jessi and thank you for everything!!
Am I crazy for wanting to sign up for yet ANOTHER swap?
I saw this swap called The Mystery Theme Swap and it sounds very cool and different. It isn't a secret swap but what you will receive is a surprise/mystery. In the question you put in 3 different "themes" of what you might be interested in receiving to give your partner some idea but it is a total mystery to you. So it could be a color theme, a state theme or even a treat theme.
I have too much on my plate right now swap wise.... or do I?
Ah.. a new week, a new topic and this week I am going to need it because for me I have been lacking in the posting. Also, I am in a plethora of swaps so it does not only help one swap partner, it helps many ;-)
When you knit or crochet dishclothes, washclothes or face clothes, what do you use? What size needle or hook? Wood? what type? Metal? Plastic? A specific Brand? Why do you love that needle or hook so much? Is there one you are dying to try? Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for clothes? What is so special about it?
(Who comes up with this stuff? SNOL)
I knit washclothes predominately with wooden size 7US. On a rare occasion, I might be known to use my very old, original pair of metal ones that my grandmother used to teach me on way back when. I think the wooden ones are Clover but, I can't be sure and I don't remember. I definitely have no clue what the metal ones are but they definitely came from Woolworth's because I was there when she bought them for me (and the lovely orange and yellow acrylic yarn to go with it.) I love the wooden ones because they and I have made probably over 100 washclothes together over the years. They are warped, feel right in my hands and they don't get too jealous if I switch to another pair of sevens or even my very first pair of sevens.
I was going to say I am not really dying to try any new needles till I went and visited Jessi's blog this morning and saw the oh so gorgeous Harmony Needles. I wasn't going to go look, I wasn't going to look, I really wasn't going to look, darn it I went and looked. The double pointed Harmony Needles from Knit Picks look amazing. As the Princess says, they are going on my wish list.
As for yarn, I am a stick to the basics type person. Knit with what you like, right Chan? I really like Sugar N Cream and Peaches and Cream for washclothes. I do not see anything wrong with them. You can catch a really good sale for one or the other at Michael's or AC Moore at least once a year and I tend to stock up. Besides, the colors they have go really well with my soaps. If you don't want to make a cloth with them, which are fun to do, you can always make a candy bag, LOL (I know Anne, addicted. I can't help it they are so much fun!)
The princess has already said these are either going to be candy bags or more baby hats. What do you think, Amanda?
I also had plenty of time to knit so I finished my Cotton Stretch Baby Hat
I then started working on my Sigma Tank for my sister. She is coming home for Thanksgiving so I would love it if I had most of it done, if not all by then. This is being done in the Pakucho Dark green. So far I am loving it!
Oh and see the cute little stitch marker? The little turtle? I got that from Jessi!
Now I think I am caught up. The holiday season is a bit hectic for me but, I will try to to stick around a bit ;-)
I had an appointment today at the doctor's office today, the same one I go to about once every month or so, but because I was going to services right afterwards, I didn't bring my knitting with me. Three or 4 people sitting there who I see often waiting at the same time as me asked, "Hey, where is the knitting?" I guess I am getting quite the little reputation, LOL
I did take some time while waiting and help someone with how to find some other patterns, other than scarves, that is, that she can make with two needles that are simple enough for her to do since she is a beginner. She was surprised how much there was out there like mittens and slippers that she could still knit with just straights. I told her I'd print some out for her for my next appointment since we seem to be on the same schedule ;-)
If I couldn't actually have been knitting, at least I was talking about knitting :-) Oh and the migraines are getting a bit better too
First and foremost, for all those who celebrate, Shanah Tovah V'Metukah, A Very Happy and Sweet New Year!! May you be written in the book of life.
Okay, some of you know I have been on a hunt for Lion Brand Organic cotton locally but, to no avail. Every time I went to Walmart, JoAnn's, AC Moore and Michael's I would look and ask. Not sure why I could not find this stuff any where locally. I had just about given up my local search and was going to taken some of my birthday money next month and order some online. Today The Princess and I went to get some simple things to finish a school project and I wasn't going to look because we were there for one purpose and one purpose only. Lo and Behold out of the corner of my eye I saw it, Organic Cotton!! They JUST got it in!!! I bought 2 skeins of pink (of course), 2 skeins of green (of course) and two skein of an all natural brown.
I am so excited!!!
Topic of the week for the the Fall into Autumn Swap: Now that in some geographic locations the weather is starting to turn cooler, do you change the type of yarn(s) you knit/crochet with? If so, what do you now knit/crochet with instead and why? If not, why do you not switch and what do you knit/crochet with?
I don't happen to switch yarns during change of seasons. When it gets colder, warmer, etc. I don't really change what I knit with. I knit with what I like and what I can knit with and just hope to get the opportunity to knit with something unique and different. When I first started on my knitting journey, all there was for someone like me was acrylic. See I am highly allergic to all animal fibers and that includes wool, cashmere, alpaca and, yes, silk. All that was left when I was younger was acrylic from Woolworth's (Anyone remember that place? Gosh I miss it). Now when the manufacturers come out with these wondrous organic cottons, cotton blends, corn, soy, bamboo, yes Jessi, Anne, and Chan, even linen and hemp I have to buy them and try them. So, back to the question, I really only switch yarns when someone comes out with a new yarn or i hear about a new yarn like Rowan Calmer. Now three people have told me about that one so, I need to try it. Or Crystal Palace Panda, a bunch of people have told me about that one and I have fallen in love with the Seascape color but have yet to try it.
While the Eagles were busy losing today (I do not want to hear it, I will delete your comments if you make them about the Eagles in a negative fashion), Miss Sunshine got her haircut. She HATES to have her haircut. One of my closest friends comes over with her kiddos and makes no promise that the cut will come out straight. It always comes out adorable, btw. Sorry I don't post public pictures of my kids, long story.
Miss Sunshine is one who doesn't sit too still for anything, imagine trying to cut her hair. I give my friend a ton of credit and she has been cutting her hair since Miss Sunshine is one. The first time we were thrown out of the salon my friend works for, Oh that was a nightmare (Ugh!) Well, technically, asked not to come back with that screaming yelling child. Mind you, I don't go there to get my hair done.
In the meantime, I am having fun putting together my half of the swap pals for the Fall into Autumn Swap. My goal, to get my matches done before Anne (shh don't tell her I am technically done in hard copy and just need to input them in the computer)
By trade, I do market research so when I come across a statistic or am send one I usually find them facinating. My husband actually send me two that I thought my fellow knitters would find interesting especially since I rarely come across one where an expert would actually mention "gasp" knitting.
from Newsweek
"Tattoos and Knitting"
Both are discernible microtrends in America, says pollster Mark Penn. And they contain powerful clues to what’s happening in society.
... Between 2004 and 2005, the purchase of fashion yarn increased 56 percent. The fastest growing group of knitters are teens and twentysomethings. ...
... The microsurge in knitting among teens? It represents a turning away from the prevalent online obsession of most young Americans. “People are looking for new outlets of self-expression,” says Penn. “There is a premium on individuality that is rapidly rising.”...
How about that?!?
Well, I am glad this first week is JUST about over. Everyone thought I went AWOL but, this first week back in September is one of my busiest weeks and I don't even get to make soap :-(.
The girls go back to school - went very well with hardly an tears, any problems, new teachers, new classrooms and new schedules. They both seem to be happy but it is the very first week. I am going to stay optimistic.
I work for a religious after school program and that starts this weekend actually so we had orientation every day this week - I had to get my room organized, new supplies, bulletin boards decorated, materials organized and put in place, etc. I am also getting to teach an art class in conjunction with this program so I am very excited about that too but for now it meant more organization.
Then there were school meetings at Miss Sunshine's school and since I organizing their largest fundraiser in the fall I have to go to ALL OF THEM. What was I thinking when I volunteered? No clue. It will be so worth it because it is a Shopper's Night where some of the money is given back to the school and, of course, I will have a space there but right now it is the little details to finish up.
I did get to catch some of my Wednesday night knitting, thankfully. It was like a mini trip tot he spa for me. I so needed it. Sometimes I am so very thankful for having that knitting group. I little break from reality if i can get to it.
Next week, a little less chaos, I hope.
Since school started, I am the mad note writer to the girls teachers and I am usually frantically looking for paper. Not any more. Thanks to my wonderful, amazing swap pals, I have these wonderful magnet pads of paper. My fridge is covered in the them. All I have to do is go to the kitchen and there you go, I have PAPER!!! Terrifically, fabulous note writing paper!! Thank you all so much!
One less headache
Now .... to find a pen..... I know I have one around here some where *wink*
One child extremely excited to be in first grade, got up extra early, got dressed, excited to ride the bus and excited to see her old friends at school. Got there, got nervous, only two old classmates in her class but still extremely happy and excited with her teacher and to be back at school.
One child threw the covers back over her head, did not want to wake up, did not want to get dressed, cried when I forced her to get up, made me walk her into into her classroom. Could have cared less who her teacher was (she is new to the school btw) could have cared less that her classroom was new, wanted to play with all the new toys in her pre-k classroom and did not want to do anything the teacher nor the assistant teacher asked of her except she found her name and actually hung up her school bag. Amazing.
One extremely tired Mama who has to do this all over again tomorrow, sigh! Where is the nearest day spa?
Now I have my Vegan Pal 2 Swap pal. I think all that is left is the pal for Fall into Autumn Swap. That will make 5 swaps going at the same time. Oh My! Time to get organized!!
In the meantime, I still need to keep being organized on the baby gift front. I finished another hat, the one in the Fiesta Ombre.
Last day of summer vacation today. Wish us luck for tomorrow.
One of the swappers from the last Dishcloth swap, Kt, has gotten herself published, that is correct here folks. We all dabble in pattern writing but Kt actually got one of her patterns publishes in MagKnits September 2007 Issue.
The pattern, Skirtcicle, is a cute skirt pattern for little girls (Hey! I have two of those!!) Knit in cotton, a yarn I can definitely use. I am so thankful it is designed in something I am not highly allergic to like most patterns that will come out from now until spring time.
So, stop by Kt's blog and tell her congratulations and then go check out the way cool pattern!!
I am so excited for the Fall into Autumn Swap because this round, I am co-hosting with Anne. You know I LOVE swaps, hosting is just one of the added benefits
Here are the answers to my questionnaire because even though you host, you still get a secret pal :-)
1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been doing it? Knit How long have you been knitting\crocheting? Technically since I am 9.
2. Have you made dishcloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both? I have knit them before and i have used them myself, given them as gifts and I even sell them with my soaps (I have a soap business Sharon's Soaps N' Stuff )
3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ? I LOVE Blue Sky, Tahki, Pakucho and Cherry Tree Hill. I was just told about Rowan Calmer and now I would REALLY like to try it.
4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles? I like both straight and circular and prefer wooden, Rosewood and Bamboo
5. What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much? Favorite color is lavender but I have been know, thanks to my daughters to like deep pinks and green (either lime or Kelly)
6. What do you like best about Autumn? My birthday, my oldest daughter's birthday, the color of the leaves changing
7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks! Pumpkin definitely and apple
8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day? I didn't oversleep but I wasn't jumping for joy
9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the time frame of the swap) The kids do go Trick-or treating but we don't really celebrate Halloween like put up decorations or anything
10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose? Hmm, that is a tough one. Definitely chocolate, Tastykakes, black beans
11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;) i have two daughters, a tortoise and a husband who acts like a child ;-)
12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why? Definitely non-animal fiber, colorful, soft, easy to work with
13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths? facecloths
14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays) Thanksgiving. There is no religious aspect to it, our family gets together and is thankful for everything we have, my oldest and I collect cans and donated then to a local food bank, we also donate to a local organization that prepares meals to people living with AIDS, and some of my best holidays memories happened at Thanksgiving
15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about? Animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns including silk. I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone (you’d find them in body products), cats, most dogs, cigarette smoke and fresh cut grass. You asked.
Oh my, it is September already?!? Where did August go? My kids start school on Tuesday already and I go back to teaching in the after school program. I have orientation Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I have third grade this year. I am looking forward to it since I also get to teach an art class as well.
Next project on the needles, well, it is another baby hat (oh my, shock, surprise!!) Peaches N Cream Fiesta Ombre. Don't worry Amanda I have more of this lovely baby for some candy bags. It is really a very nice colorway and really liking how its "stripes" are coming out.
Not quite sure what is next......
