Some Bunny’s Love

Hi Everybunny,

Just a quick update for my lack of being here, participating in Ravelry, and sending out destashed packages right away this week. My MIL was admitted Monday into the hospital, and emergency surgery was scheduled for Tuesday morning. While in the recovery room, her body decided to stop breathing and shut down. It seemed she had a stroke – she gave the surgical team coronaries!! She was in the Surgical ICU until Thursday, where she moved to the Step-down ICU side. Last night, we brought her back home to her place.

Obviously I had to ignore a few things – such as work and Ravelry. My husband’s family really needed me. If I was not carrying the destashed yarn with me or had it within easy reach, it will go out today or tomorrow. Sorry about all that waiting! I am popping in a little treat with each package.

Bunny hugs,
=:8

Wednesday night on the tenth proved to be a very fun and educational round of learning. After being introduced by Vickie of Island Yarn Company to their fabulous president Kate, I joined the Metro West Guild and attended my first meeting at the public library in Needham, MA. The group was a lively bunch, and after the “show and tell” of our current/finished projects that were brought in, we shared our favorite gadgets for crafting notions. Later, we voted on what classes we would like Lucy Neatby to teach us in March using a technique which required us to vote with dot-shaped stickers.

At one point when I was being introduced, somebunny said, “Oh I already know who YOU are. We have been checking out your stash!” And when I was talking to Sue, I spied Kate (the president) and grabbed my precious cake of Regenbogen to show her. I placed it in her hand and asked if she could identify it. Touching the yarn, she shook her head. Sue then held it and began to stroke the cake like it was a kitten. When I finally fessed up that the cake was Wollmeise 100% Superwash, Sue turned away from me. Kate began to tease her by saying I will want that back. Sue’s reply? “Hahaha! I have seen her stash. She’d never miss it.” Of course, I stuck out my hand and Sue put it back in my possession.

It was a fun evening chatting with the folks that I met. One of them, Melodie, had issues with her Clapotis WIP. I promised her that I would bring both of mine when we saw each other in two days. Her skeins of Dream in Color Smooshy are the same dyelot, but the change between the sections could be seen when peered closely. Oh, what was in two days? Let me tell!

Friday the 12th was a big day for the Common Cod Guild. It was the first meeting, and to kick it off, Franklin Habit was in town to talk about knitting. To cut to the short of it all, I present more photos.

I will admit one little thing about that night… When I first spied Franklin outside the speaking hall greeting Mel, I wanted to drop everything and pick him up for a huge bunny hug. Instead I froze, and whispered to Melodie, “I so want to run up to him right now and hug him.” She said, “Why not? I am sure he would not mind one bit.” Later on after seeing Lucy Lee from Mind’s Eye Yarns, I told her that I wanted to see Franklin but was too shy/chicken. She then walked me over and introduced me to him! All I will say is that he is awesome, and that everyone should come see him.


After Franklin’s talk, there was a lot of chitchatting and laughter. I managed to get another photo with Deborah — hunnybee33 on Ravelry, and exchanged hugs with Kathy (Grumperina) for a fan of hers. Of course my friends Michelle, Ericka, and Chris were there and we all did quick shots.

Later, when cleaning up was finished, we all decided to walk over to The Asgard on Massachusetts Avenue. Guido had raved about the Truffle Tater Tots which are fried tater tots tossed with truffle oil, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Of course with our luck, we get a cranky Irish (or maybe he was Welsh) server who gave the bad news that the Truffle Tater Tots were 86′ed off the menu by then. We still made good with the rest of the menu. My coconut shrimp and avocado salad was surprisingly filling with lots of shrimp and avocado. I was expecting something skimpy. The desserts looked delicious, and from the faces of those who ordered them, I would say they were! =:8

As Secret Pal 12 starts to wind down, I looked upon my pal’s neglected socks and realized that I need to crack the whip and finish them. Meanwhile, I have been working on Eric’s cabled pullover in snips but what really has had my attention is this blanket.

I am incredibly pleased with this finished object, especially with the bound-off edge. The scary part of that edge? It took 5 1/2 hours to do. Seriously, I timed how long it took me to bind off each section and the average was 33 minutes — a total of 330 minutes. Here are the stats from my Ravelry project page:
Pattern — Round or Pinwheel Baby Blanket by Genia Planck
Made for — Scott’s daughter born early July
Size — blocked to 48 inches in diameter
Needle — US 6 / 4.0 mm, Addi Lace 47-inch and Addi Turbo 60-inch
Yarn: 2 kinds used
4 skeins = 900.0 yards (823.0m) of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi in 201 Yellowstone purchased at Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn in Virginia Beach, Virginia
1 skein = 85.0 yards (77.7m) of Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Pistachio

Meanwhile, to prevent SP withdrawal when it ends, I have joined a couple of other swaps and started one on my own.
1.) The Red Sox Good Juju Swap is a secret one-time swap with packages due at the end of September.
2.) The Amazing Lace Swap has each person knowing who their upstream and downstream partner. It is similar to the Ravelry Scarf Exchange that I participated in last year.
3.) The Bunny Swap does not have us trading our rabbits, but requires folks to send 2 items to the other’s furry-loves, something yarny to the parent, and another treat in that package.
I think I may be addicted to swapping! =:8

If there is one thing we do not need in life, it is hanging onto dead weight. My resolution for the rest of the year is to destash a few things. For my yarn, it would be 100 skeins — at least 5 kilograms or 5 kilometers! If I am successful, maybe 10 kilograms can be dropped? So far, here are the skeins that are now gone:
QTY(10) skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in #56 - a bright rich red
QTY(2) skeins of Cacade Ecological Wool in #8025 - a black/charcoal
QTY(2) skeins of Cacade Ecological Wool in #8087 - a milk chocolate brown
QTY(4) balls of Bristol Gallery King George in ivory, brown, and apricot
QTY(2) skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in sage
QTY(1) skein of Classic Elite Montera in Spring/Leaf (?) green
Granted, I did add a few items to my stash, but I am going to ignore that for now.

To counter the destash portion of this post, I have a fabulous package from my SP that is deserving of high praise — especially with this late public thank you! Her package arrived when Rich and I were busy with the family matters, and then the project at my work did not help either. Each item brought a huge smile that cheered me up. Who says that treats are bad for the soul?

The first set of goodies are pretty stitchmarkers. I cannot wait to see them sparkle against my projects! The second set of goodies were the edible kind. I use the word “were” because they were immediately scarfed down due to stress, and chocolate lessens stress.

The coolest item I have received yet — a sauce bowl with a ball of yarn in its design. I looked up the website, Jennie the Potter, and love all the items there! The next item is this wonderful sweet-smelling honeysuckle soap. Breathing in the scent takes me back to my parents’ home to Virginia Beach when the honeysuckle covered our backyard fence. My SP Spoiler saved the best for last — 2 skeins of Brooks Farm Yarns Four-Play. Try as I might, I could not capture how the colors seem to flow as if I were in the ocean. I am looking forward to making something special for myself with this yarn! Big ginormous humongous bunny thank yous go to my Secret Pal!! LUVLUVLUV everything!

It is time again! Here is the next edition of Secret Pal 12 Blog questions:
I’m sure most of us have a proudest moment when it comes to knitting. A
project or technique that you’ve tackled and completed beautifully. What is
your proudest knitting moment??
Every time I see the look of appreciation in whatever I do, I feel a sense of pride. Right now it seems mostly concentrated in the current cabled pullover for Eric.

And on the flip side? What is the one thing that you can’t get right? What
is that one project that you’ve never been able to complete? Or that you
did complete but then hid away instantly because it was too embarrassing?
Hmm… I guess there are two items in particular. The first was the Elegantly Simple Baby Blanket because I had no idea I was knitting into the back of the stitch when I first learned how to knit. The second are about all the baby/toddler kimonos I have made except for one. I did not have any idea of gauge at the time. Now I understand! =:8

Yikes! When I cast on the Ultimate Gift, it is a good thing I decided to do a quick swatch. I thought using the US4 (3.50 mm) Addis would put me at gauge, but noooooo. My knitting is so loose, I had to come down to US2 (3.00 mm) Addis!! At least I started doing the sleeves first to be sure I do not get frustrated early. My progress has not been what I hoped. After two repeats of the pattern I realized that I would not finish in time so another alternative had to be knit. On Friday night I cast on at 8:45PM and finished about 7 hours later. The design I chose? The Ballet T-shirt by Teva Durham. Clicking on the photo shows the actual color of the mohair-blend top. Close call for a medal! (Wipes brow)

So while Eric’s cabled pullover was not finished for Ravelympics, I still am working on it. Recently when I sent him a photo of that first repeat, he replied quite enthusiastically. That was when I noticed one of his taglines, “People will not remember what you say or what you do, they will only remember how you make them feel.” This quote had more power than I realized.

Two Sundays ago, Rich’s cousin Christina went out to get some ice cream after dinner for her mother and herself. When she came back, Aunt Agnes was asleep on the couch. Chris tried to wake her, and when Auntie Ag would not awaken, Chris called over the fire department across the street. Turned out that Auntie Ag had a heart attack and was placed on life support. That Tuesday, the decision to stop the machines was made. Auntie Ag looked so peaceful, as if she would wake up any minute and ask for some Canadian Mist. I will never forget her smile, her mothering chastises, and that she was one of the first of Rich’s relatives to greet me into the family.

In irony, death had also occurred in the last Knitting Olympics. Rich’s business partner lost his father-in-law during the first weekend, and I lost my beautiful Hayley-girl. Coincidence? I do not know. I just know that Auntie Ag made me feel comfortable in the family, and I will miss her brazen wit and attitude. Life does go on for the living, so finishing all my projects (weight-wise, home-wise, and knitting) is going to be my priority for a bit. I can only wonder how I make folks feel when I leave this earth. Sobering thoughts, I know. Sorry!

Oh dear, I just checked the Secret Pal 12 Blog and it looks like I missed a question during that week with Auntie Ag.
Question for Week 10:
What Olympic event would best describe your knitting/knitting style?
Hmm… I would like to say the gymnastics balance beam exercise. Reason, because my stitches flow but are held in precision. One wrong move, and WHAM! Time to start over.
Question for Week 11:
What is the best thing you’ve ever received in the mail/post?
Everything that all my pals, secret or not, have sent me. I literally use all that has been given to me, so I cannot decide! Have a good week everybunny! =:8

Maybe my actions are delayed reactions to a falling out with an online friend that was my fitness muse on Monday, but I have been shopping and eating since Wednesday. I had bought another skein each of Wollmeise and Yarntini, and 18 skeins of my Ravelympics sweater for my best friend Eric. Malabrigo Worsted that I forgot I order from WEBS arrived, so I need to go return that along with another colorway that I received. I ate junk food like ruffled potato chips with French onion dip, scarfed down a steak & cheese sandwich with onion rings yesterday at lunch, and gorged last night on a Whopper and more onion rings. It is a wonder I am not popping out of my clothes yet!

Speaking of clothes, I went clothes shopping after work last night to find replacements for some items ruined in the wash from the Ultra Downy that made direct contact with them. My favorite jeans, 2 sets of denim shortalls, and a pair of dress slacks have literal holes where the drops of the fabric softener fell. I was so upset about the accident, but then realized that all of the clothing were too big for me to be wearing anymore. Unfortunately for me, the shopping this time only produced a little black dress, a pair of black slacks, and a crinkly ivory button-down shirt. At least I did not go up in size, though I did buy the dress at one size larger due to the cut of it. Meanwhile as a favor to Rich, I found 6 golf shirts (or was it 8?) for him to wear at work. Why is it that shopping for men is so much easier? All I wanted was more pencil skirts in khaki and in grey. Geesh…

I mentioned earlier about a Ravelympics sweater. During college, Eric was my boyfriend, and is still a staunch friend and confidant. He is going through some tough times with medical school boards and his current relationship. Knowing that the “Boyfriend Sweater Curse” is always there, I have no problem with the fact that making him the sweater would never amount to anything past friendship. I know it is crazy to dedicate the money, time, and effort for somebunny that is not your significant other, but I have always been loyal in such a way to those I consider my friends. I present details of the sweater for those not on Ravelry and are curious…
Pattern: The Ultimate Gift cabled pullover by Michele Rose Orne
Yarn: Dale of Norway Falk in #5762 - slate grey
Needles: 3.0 and 3.25 mm — most likely Addis
Time cast on: When I finally sit down and watch the opening ceremonies tonight
Challenge: Eric is a martial artist with a gymnast’s body; need to slim down the pattern

This week. the Secret Pal 12 questions are about your knitting…
In many communities, “the fair” is a great place to visit and spend time with your family. It’s also where many have entered one product or another (jams, cakes, even knitting)…
Have you ever entered your knitting (or anything else) in the fair?
Would you ever consider it?
Umm… No, and no. I would get too stressed out not only on what I was doing, but how well I did. A great example was when InvisibleInsanity nominated me for Best Moderator in the Ravelry Bobby Awards. I was an absolute WRECK when folks hit the “disagree” button. How about that answer? =:8

Well maybe not everywhere, but this crazy bunny ended up playing in our fourth softball game Thursday night because of the “3 women must be on the playing field” rule in our league. What? I never mentioned that I play softball? Teehee, nobunny is missing much. I had never played before until a month after I started working at my new job and was told about a team being formed. Knowing that I lack the hand-eye-coordination to catch or bat, I warned folks that as much as I would like to play, I would not be a good player but would be a good cheerleader. With the first two games postponed due to rain, somehow I ended up in the batting line-up in the third game. I surprised myself by actually hitting the ball for a base hit and out-running the throw to first! Wow! Excited from being able to get on base, I called my (high school jock) sister “Ace” after the game. I could tell she was proud for me. Admittedly I think losing the extra weight helped in running around the bases. Now if I could only lose those last additional pounds…

Clicking the photo of myself on base will show how badly I felt during Thursday’s game. I kept coughing up a storm, and my misery was evident. We did win 24 to 17, so at least my pain amounted to something! One of the coolest shots is of us after we said “good game” to the other team when everything was over. The three men in the middle consist of one of my co-workers Ron (#11), my boss Jerry (grey cap), and QA extra-ordinaire Mike (with glasses). The photos above are from a friend from work, Misha. He has a fabulous camera and is one of our team’s “official” photographers. The photo below shows the other photographer Rich M. in the background and Misha in the foreground. I remember taking the photo, but was getting agitated because I could not find it. Later I realized that I was using the coach’s camera, not mine. DUH! The other photo happened when I drove home on Thursday. Right after the game, it began to rain, then it downpoured. Driving on the newly grooved Route 128 highway was not fun. Attempting to Kinnear a rainbow in the downpour is also not fun! Please excuse the blurriness, but it was the only shot of many that shows the colors best.

Now with the title mentioning bunnies, I just had to post some recent photos that I took of my fur-children in action. Today Zydeco kept flopping on his side, so I just could not resist snapping the camera at him. The other is his “giving disapproval” look on taking his photo the other night.

For the crazy part, Julius is still pining for a girlfriend and keeps hoping Jessica Bunny will give in and be his. Unfortunately for him, this middle-aged biddy has other thoughts. By the way, that photo of her and him together is her biting him in an attack!

Teehee! Time for the Secret Pal 12 Question of Week 8!
What is your favorite supper for a hot summer evening? (For added “flavor”, post a photo or recipe link)
With this SP12 question, I had to think for a bit but only for a short time. My favorite meal ever during the summer was just over (gasp!) 13 years ago. My sister Ace, our room-mate Anita, their (now husbands) boyfriends, my “puppy” (that was what my rugby teammates referred to the hapless creature), and I cooked a bushel of blue-crab along with a couple pounds of butter. Pair that with cases of cold beer and white German wine, and that is a feast to remember! Lately I have a tendency to pick up 2-3 pounds of King crab legs or large shrimp. Somehow those and lobster salad sandwiches seem to be the summer treat in the house. However, since showing a photo is mentioned, I will happily show everyone what I eat about every morning. A two-egg omelet (well that day it was a frittata) of bacon, cheese, onions, and tomatoes paired with a parfait of fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt. Add my cup of tea and loads of water, that is what I eat daily for my diet! =:8

I have been sick and stuck at home since Wednesday. Tuesday night I felt a bit horrible, as if a cold was coming over me. With Wednesday’s early 4AM call, I think my resistance started getting pommeled. I had done my best to hide the continuous wheezing and coughing that plagued me all day. When I came home early from the Providence SNB, I quickly passed out after feeding the rabbits. I awoke a little after 4AM and felt awful enough that I had to call in sick for 2 days in a row.

Meanwhile, I ended up getting “killed” off when the very awesome Frankenstein Bunny arrived from Australia on Wednesday. It seemed such a good way to end the day. I also received a skein of Wollmeise from Joyce — I still have to send her that skein of ivory Sea Silk and its stowaway…

Now for the Secret Pal 12 questions:
We are all creatures of habit and when it comes to sitting down to knit, it’s no different.
What is(are) your favorite place(s) to knit? and…
What supplies (besides yarn & needles) make the setting perfect for knitting?

1. My favorite place to knit is in my chair, couch, or outside on my deck. If anywhere else can provide the same comfort level, I welcome it. (ahem, Seven Arrows Farm, anyone?)

2. I need something to drink/eat, my laptop, the pattern (if needed), pen/paper, and a tape measure. Without these tools, I find myself agitated when I discover I have to get out of my comfort zone. =:8

A week ago, a Ravelry pal that I know from the “Bunny Rabbit Lovers” group suffered an awful tragedy. Her elder 10 year-old son had an accident which resulted in 60% of his body being covered in full burns — meaning full skin-grafts were needed. He and his mother are at the Shriners’ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. It was in the back of my mind that she was also from the Roanoke Valley area of Virginia where I visited for that memorable weekend in April. Knowing that she needed help to take care of the various animals on her farm — she has 17 housebuns — my heart was torn.

In the “Bunny Lovers” and “Roanoke Valley Crafters” groups, she said that knitting was the only way she could cope with the stressful waiting periods and the nervousness. Though I already sent her a little package of yarn, I joined the Roanoke Valley Crafters to help make 8-inch squares that will be sewn into a blanket. Mission Falls 1824 Merino was donated by the wonderful Becky of Knitters Knook Yarn Shop (sorry, she has no website, so I put the Ravelry link here). Since I have a full-10-skeins bag of MF1824M in Pistachio, I decided to grab 2 balls and see how many squares I can make. So far, I made 1 1/2 squares out of a skein, and have 2 squares completed. I will probably end up making 4 total from this stash of MF1824 Wool. As for the pattern I am using? I am such a goober because it is the same one I love using for blanket squares — the Bunny Dishcloth pattern by Judith Prindle of the “Dishcloth Pattern Corner” blog. I used it for Stephanie, Suzanne, and now I am using it for young Austin.



If anybunny is interested in helping out the local SPCA handling Rabbit Rescuer’s re-homing of the houserabbits, donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated. The Roanoke Valley SPCA is waiving the adoption fee for those who have taken in these well-loved house rabbits. Please feel free to mention that “Some Bunny’s Love” passed out the info.
Contact: Kathy Perdue
Attn: Rabbit Rescuer’s Bunny Fund
1340 Baldwin Ave.
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
540.344.4840
mail@rvspca.org
*Update: There is a way to donate online!*
“You can make your donation online at www.rvspca.org. Go to “Support Us” then [scroll to the bottom of the page to] click on the “Donate Now” button. If you do that, be sure to add in the “Comment” section that the donation is in honor of Christine’s bunnies or however you want. We will send the family a notification that you made a donation in their honor.”

Wait, what time is it? Secret Pal 12 Question time!
Questions #6
What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation?
If you’d like to share a story…Tell us about a time that you packed too much knitting or were stranded without knitting.
Answer 1: I always take at least one time-consuming project with me, especially if it is a WIP that has been sitting around for awhile. This way I am forced to work on it and get it done. Doing that allowed me to finish the 14th Clapotis for Karen’s shop, Fresh Purls, in April. For my last trip home, the Killer King Caesar was my incentive.
Answer 2, Part a: Pack too much knitting? Me? How about a photo of half of what I brought for this one weekend trip back to Virginia. Granted, it was during the winter of December 2006 / January 2007 and I was unsure if I would be stuck in an airport…

Answer 2, Part b: Now as for a stranded story, it begins with my second trip to Denmark in February 2005. I was a new knitter and had just finished crocheting a gift scarf on the plane ride over the pond. I had another one-skein project but was bored. Unfortunately, the short Galway wool key-hole scarf (my first real project!) that I did wear was not warm enough for the sudden snowstorm that hit the area. Thank goodness I found a yarn shop called Martha’s because I bought some black/purple merino and whipped out a crocheted scarf in less than 2 hours. Since then, I am never without a knitting project even if we are just going to the market! =:8