Trolling the Comics

I think I did it!

I think I did it!

I think I finally did it!  I think I figured out how to post the button for the Knit One, Tea Too Swap!

 Now, if only I can figure out how to make it show up on the side, so it's always handy...  Hmmm.......

He's Got Etsy

We've finally figured out how to get Connor's jewelry listed on Etsy.  Sure, he's back from his  People to People trip to Australia already, but since we had to front his some of his tuition, he's still working to pay us back.  And now he wants to go on some sort of trip every year, so once he's paid us for this trip, he's starting to save for the next one.

I'm still trying to figure out how to take good close up pics with my camera (any tips?), so for now we only have a few of his pieces listed.  I think my favorite so far are the "Red Fish, Blue Fish" earrings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whaddya think?

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

I've signed up for something that sounds really interesting (and when I figure out how to make the pretty button work, I'll add that...)

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

1. Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try?
I like both, although I primarily use bags because of the “quick ‘n’ easy” factor.  I like loose tea for those rare moments when I really have the time to enjoy the whole process.

2. What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)?
I tend toward “whatever’s on sale” for my everyday tea – Tetley, Red Rose, Lipton, and such.  However, I was given some Lifeboat Tea from England for Christmas, and if I had enough it would replace the others.

3. Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white) (keeping in mind that this is how this swap is set up).
I generally drink black teas, but I’d certainly try anything interesting.

4. Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind?
During the morning rush it’s obviously just put on the kettle and pour over the bag, but when the pace is slower I prefer a preheated teapot no matter the tea.

5. What tea accessories would you like but have never purchases for yourself?
Never did get myself one of those nice “single serving size” tea balls for the loose tea.

6. How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc).
Food...always food…or at least dark chocolate

7. If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why?
This one will require some thought.  The answer may even change day to day, so I guess maybe I’d be something variegated…

8. If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why?
Hmm… another toughie.  Since any of those items would most likely be gifted, I suppose it’d be whatever the occasion calls for.  (Yeah, lame-o cop out answers, but I’m so often indecisive, you see.)

9. What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?)
I try to do as I was taught, and once I commit to attending something then I should go.  I suppose, though, that having a far-flung friend show up unexpectedly might be the sort of thing that would make me change plans last minute.

10. What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?)
Am I allowed to say that I’d like some of each, please?

11. When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute?
I’ve done both – depends on what I’m making and if I’ve used the yarn before or not.  Usually, though, I tend to find the yarn first (or even the buttons first – hubby thought I was way beyond help that time) and then figure out what the yarn wants to be.  (And only in a group such as this would that line may any sense what-so-ever.  Thank you for that.)

12. What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go?
I usually use a Longaberger basket or fabric tote.  Since  often have several projects going at a time, it’s easiest for me to have each one in a different container so I know which is which.

13. Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting?
Well, I guess it’s whatever anyone else is watching, although if it’s just me then either sports or I’ll enjoy the peace and quiet.

14. Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match?
Either one is fine by me – just NO Styrofoam, please!  Matching or not doesn’t really matter I suppose, but “coordinating” is nice.

15. Favorite childhood birthday party?
This will sound weird, but my favorite is a party that I pseudo-planned but never actually had.  It was to be a Dr. Seuss sleep-over, and everyone was to bring their favorite Dr. Seuss books, and all the treats were going to be inspired by the books.  I planned this party in junior high school and never got to have it.  I still think that someday I’m going to do it!

16. Favorite type of scone and jam?
How could I play favorites here?

17. If you use candles, what is your favorite scent?
I like vanilla, pine, and “herbal” as my friend says (like Yankee Candle’s Sage & Citrus).  Fruits are ok, but flowers tend to overwhelm.

18. If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead).
Can I pick 4?  It’d be my Mom, Nana, sister, and sister-in-law (all living).  My brother got married a little over a year ago in England, and we only met his bride just days before the wedding.  We haven’t really had any “just us girls” time, and a nice tea would be just the thing.

19. You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)?
I’m an “as is” person, so likely pretty casual.  If something more formal was stipulated I’d certainly find appropriate “props”.

20. Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to?
I’m only allergic to “things with fur, feathers, or fuzz” – we can’t have pets, but I seem to be able to cope with any sort of fiber.
21. Anything we missed that you want your pal to know?
Nothing I can think of at the moment.

We Went on Vacation (Knitting Content at End)

And most of my pictures didn't come out very nice.  (And now this is the FIFTH time I've tried to create this post and it's not liking me.  I'm getting cranky now...)  Plus, I'm exhausted from the trip, so for the time being, here's a shot of Gavin working with a Longaberger weaver and making his own basket (as a gift - he wants to make sure you don't freak about the pink...lol):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We saw the World's Largest (Handwoven) Basket in Dresden, OH - right next to Popeye's Soda Shop:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, and I finally got some knitting done:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's a quick shot of Mystery Stole 3.  I only just got started on  Clue #1 while we were away, and because I'd printed the chart in B&W in a hurry before we left, I just figured out last night that I'd messed up the beading in the first 40 rows or so...<sigh>.  I'm not going to frog it, I don't think.  I suppose I'll just keep going and if I really don't like it I'll just have to make another one...LOL.

My First Spindle

I got a few minutes and thought I'd mention my first spindle.  Yep, I finally went and did it.  Since it's "officially" a souvenir, hubby hasn't objected...yet!  (No pics yet, because while I remembered the camera, I forgot the silly cord that is the essential bridge from the camera to the computer.  Pics posted upon our return.)

We visited a neat little place called the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm yesterday, and there in the gift shop was this cute little spindle packaged with a bit of fiber and it was in my hand and all rung up before I could blink.  Since today is a "sitting around the camp" day, I figured I might try my hand with it later on.  Wish me luck!

 Oh, and a quick question (wherein I reveal incredible ignorance) as I try to figure out the instructions on how to use my new toy:  Is the hook supposed to be on the long part or the short part of the spindle?

Going and Coming and Going Again

Two weeks ago, on July 5, Connor set out for his People to People Student Ambassador trip to Australia.  We put him on a bus at about 8am, in the rain, and off he went. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As far as we heard, all flights went well....until the final leg tonight.  The plane from Atlanta to Boston was significantly delayed, so instead of greeting them in Braintree at about midnight on July 19th, it was closer to 2:45am on the 20th.  Of course, by the time they were all unloaded and sorted out it was REALLY late (early?), and we got home just before 4am.  But he's happy...

In a few short hours, we'll leave for our trip to Timothy Lake Campground in East Stroudsburg, PA, where we'll be spending a week camping and enjoying NAFCAree.  From there, it's on to Ohio and the Longaberger BEE, then back to PA for a stop at Hershey Park on our way home.  And THEN we'll have pictures!

 

Fenway First

At nine, Gavin had yet to attend a "real" baseball game - one where the Red Sox are playing at Fenway Park.  Oh, sure, he'd been to Fenway on a tour (the Sox were out of town), and he'd seen the PawSox a few times, and he'd even been to his share of Brockton Rox games.  Yet he longed to partake in the particular ritual that is the Red Sox.

So, back in April, in order to actually have access to tickets that might be priced somewhere in the realm of reality for working stiffs like us, I joined Red Sox Nation.  The membership came with a pair of tickets which I ordered promptly.  Oh, and Gavin joined Red Sox Kid Nation so he could get a cool Red Sox cap and lunch box, among other benefits.  And then, of course, we WAITED..........

On Monday, July 2, 2007, the big day arrived!  Gavin woke up early, and essentially quivered in anticipation all day.  It took a bit of effort for me to get my work done in between all of the "Is it time for us to leave yet?"s, but somehow I managed.  Gavin decked himself in all his Red Sox gear, and FINALLY, it was time to head out to the train!  I don't normally allow myself to get caught in front of the camera, but a woman waiting for the train offered, and Gavin begged, so I (reluctantly - can you tell?) agreed.  A short time later, the train arrived.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   A Commuter Rail train, a Orange Line Subway, the #8 Bus, and a short walk - eventually we arrived at Fenway.  It has changed so much since the last time I was there, and yet, it's still the Fenway I'd always known and loved.

A Fenway Frank before the game................................................. Gavin's favorite player, Manny Ramirez, takes a lead off first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Score:  Red Sox 7, Texas Rangers 3.

 

 

Walk to Ruggles Station, miss the train by moments, so it's another Orange Line train to Back Bay Station and the Commuter Rail leaves at 12:04 am. 

That's one happy fan.

A Day in Plymouth
Saturday was a gorgeous day, so we spent the day in Plymouth. First we went to Plimouth Plantation, where we have a membership. They were celebrating the Strawberry Thanksgiving at the Wampanoag Homesite with all sorts of activities, like this Mishoon Race:




Then we went up to the 1627 English Village for a bit. There, my nine year old, Gavin, played his version of "Stump the Preacher's Son" by asking about peanut butter. Let's just say that the next 30 minutes or so were quite interesting. Now Gavin wants me to get a job there just so that he can work there, too. We'll see how that goes....

While he was chatting, I got a shot of this very colorful rooster:

After that we went down to the waterfront and had lunch at Lobster Hut. Something about fried clams at the water.... .


Then we went on the Mayflower II. Can you believe that I'd never been there before Saturday? Since the weather was so nice, we hopped a short sight-seeing cruise before ending the day poking around the various shops. Yeah, it was a good day....

We went camping
Well, once again, I forgot the camera. I thought about it an awful lot, but then left the house without it. Oh, well. In any case, we finally made it out for our first campout of the season. It was great to see all our friends from the Quahaug Chapter of NAFCA.

We enjoyed beautiful weather all weekend and "Coffee An' " (the club supplies the coffee, and the rest of us bring the "an' " - dessert and snacks - to go with) on Friday and Saturday nights. A fabulous breakfast of French toast, sausage, ham, and homefries (additional fried egg optional) was cooked and served by the Wagonmasters, Glen & Deb Fencer on Saturday morning. Later in the day they also served strawberry shortcake. All the kids enjoyed playing assorted games in the field and swimming in the (VERY COLD) pool. Several of us sat around chatting while we knit, crocheted, or did other needlework

We "christened" two new trailers on Saturday. This is where folks show off their new rigs by having an "open house" of sorts, most often with some wine and cheese put out for the adults to enjoy, and some soda or lemonade for the kids. It's lots of fun to see all the neat features now available in campers. I don't know if the club has ever had a christening for a new tent, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did!

Our Teen Club made fried dough on Saturday and showed the movie "Freedom Writers" on the side of a trailer at night. And of course, we had a group campfire each night where various snacks - including s'mores and carrot cake muffins - were shared.

Yup, it was a great weekend. Even if my trailer was infested with ants... Lucky for us, we had club friends to help. :)