Some Bunny’s Love

Baseball is something I can obsess over besides anything knitting related. After playing my first game of softball, I find myself desperately wanting to improve so I can make those awesome catches that the professionals do so easily. To refresh a couple of memories, I adore baseball and HAVE to watch it daily. If I cannot watch a Major League Baseball game — does not matter who — I listen on the car radio and root for the team who has players that I like.

This past Sunday was a special treat. A month or so ago, I spotted an email from Red Sox nation saying “enter for a chance to win tickets for RI Day” and did so. I shared the links with other RI pals, but ironically, non-RI-native me won a chance! On the day allotted to purchase the tickets, I was sick in bed. If there was anything I was going to do while miserably sick, it was to at least buy those tickets! When noon hit, I did my best to grab the best seats as possible, and managed to get 4 box seats in right field. I had no idea how close the seats in the park, but I did not care. The original idea was to see if a couple of friends could join us too to share in the fun. Lo and behold, newlyweds Kerri and Mike were interested in the tickets and were up for a great afternoon.

To say that Kerri and Mike are Red Sox fans is the biggest understatement of a lifetime. They had looked into having their wedding at both Fenway and McCoy Stadium, but decided that the emptiness would feel too odd and offer a non “Red Sox” feeling. Plus, they told me that just to get married on the Fenway Park roof started with a $3000 fee — does not include the food/catering! In other words, to get married on field itself, be prepared to start the tab at $15000. FYI: Years ago in 1998 having a Disney wedding required spending at least $10000. Sorry, I would rather have that over Fenway. But I digress…

To say we had a blast at the game is an understatement. Though we could have done without the rain delay, the dark clouds that were in the sky were ominous. Add the lightning and the weather was not quite as nice. I took a ton of photos, so much that the camera’s battery died in the 7th inning! Hope everybunny enjoys them. =: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 wish I could give a hug to everyone that commented on the last post! The wonderful memories of last week are what keep me going at work. Why? There never was a reason to admit that I have been depressed at my current job for quite some time. The problem is that my yearly review demonstrated how my unhappiness was apparent in my lack of initiative and poor performance. To be frank, I was expecting security to escort me out of the building after the review. However being told that your entire office has no faith in your work and refuses to work with you is quite an eye-opener. Granted I am extremely anxious because I find the department’s approach taken on Quality Assurance very condescending to the customer. But that is my humble opinion… If folks are wondering why I am not worried on co-workers reading my little blog, it is because I am seen as a knitting idiot who has nothing worth reading. Comforting thought, eh? Now on to better and MUCH more enjoyable thoughts…

Looking at the names who signed my little book on February 6th, I continuously smile in recognition. Here are the delightful ladies I met who have an online presence:

• Britta, on frk.storm, is gaffah on Ravelry and is the founder of the Ravelry Danish Knitters group
• Carina, blogless for now, is carinamaria on Ravelry
• Bettina, on Hjertet pa Vrangen, is pepsimags on Ravelry
• Tina, on A Knitting Chick!, is tpoulsen on Ravelry
• Tineke, on I Knit-a-Little, is striktyni on Ravelry
• Julia, on Aalerusen, is JuliaZahle on Ravelry
• Inge, on Madsen’s Strik, is im201959 on Ravelry
• Elisa Marie, blogless for now, is not on Ravelry yet
• Pia, blogless for now, is piaknits on Ravelry
• Irene, blogless for now, is not on Ravelry yet
• Hanne, on Har Du Nu Købt Garn Igen, is 2knitornot2knit on Ravelry
• Anne, on Hverken Fugl Eller Fisk, is anlist on Ravelry
• Maiken, blogless for now, is mairol on Ravelry
• Susanne, on Dyrholms Hjørne, whose Ravelry id escapes me for now
• Susanne, owner of Tante Grøn garn shop, is susannepia on Ravelry
• Ingerlise, blogless for now, is ingerlise on Ravelry
• Jette Marie, blogless for now, is Strikkemarie on Ravelry
• Maja, owner of BC Garn, is LittleBobo on Ravelry
• Jette, owner of Danmarks Mindste Forlag, is danmark on Ravelry

For the beginning of some fun stuff, I discovered this contest for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Inspired by that along with:

1. my 3rd year blog anniversary is next month
2. I missed celebrating my 1500th comment
3. my stash needs a fun little uplift

I decided to have a contest!
However it is not going to be easy. Here is the information:
The first person to email me (please feel free to use my Contact Me page) all the yarns with their colorway in the following photo below is going to get a fun package. It can already be assumed that coffee syrup will be in the goodies — my signature! To give folks a good chance to complete this challenge, I will take the last entry on March 17th — Saint Patrick’s Day — at 11:59PM-ET. The winner on will be announced on my anniversary — March 20th. Good luck!! =:8

This past holiday weekend was full of a different sort of F-bomb, the kinds that are enjoyed by many (I heard that there are, *GASP*, folks who dislike this wonderful game). Nothing is better than spending time with them, and proof of that consists of the happy memories in my head. Another “F” is going to be said now — FINALLY. I gave up trying to find the photos I took with the old Sony, and re-shot the goodies from one of the fabulous Knit Goddesses, Debbi, who is known as Cockeyed in Ravelry. I had been trying to write a post just on her special package for the Ravelry Scarf Exchange and am happy it is DONE! Her delightful package came from Oregon — a state that I very much want to visit. Besides Debbi, my mysterious Sock Monkey and my cousin Ray live there. She lives in Portland while Ray lives in Sunriver.

The first bit of goodies are well-thought of to match me. I have a 2008 rabbit calendar, a sweet ceramic rabbit figurine with moving arms and legs, a bar of my favorite Toblerone, and treats for my furry children. Did you click on the larger photo yet? Are they not SO COOOOL?!!

The next part of the package is, in my humble opinion, oversizedly generous. I like to think that Debbi’s heart is the same way, because of the size they are.

The enormous steeping teacup is awesome! I love how the pieces fit together like a glove. Who said that practicality had to be ugly? The clean lines are smooth and warm. To balance the simple glow of the steeping teacup, Debbi sent me something a bit unexpected — 2 skeins of BMFA Bambu in Scaponia. A while back, I noticed that she had marked her single skein in Ravelry as “For Sale or Trade” so I inquired about it. She replied by asking if it would be okay to include it in my package (this was not a secret swap). Not thinking much else about it, I agreed. I never expected to get 2 skeins!! WOW.

The lace scarf she made for me is breathtakingly gorgeous. She knitted the Brooke’s Column of Leaves Knitted Scarf Pattern in (get this!!) the Cockeyed colorway of Socks That Rock!! If you have not read her blog yet, she is at Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I absolutely love wearing this scarf because its size is perfect in the office. Whew. That took long enough to write. Next post? More packages — Jette’s goodies from the Fano Festival, and a special birthday package from my Secret Pal. Now one last photo before I close… It is a gift from Sarah, aka “swroot” on Ravelry. I had favorited it once before, and she sent it to me because of the work I have done in Ravelry! Now I am searching for the perfect pattern to make with it. Be sure to stay warm from the snow this weekend everybunny! =:8

Many, many thanks for everyone’s kind words in my last vent. I hope it is not seen that I want sympathy. Rather than internalizing my feelings, writing them out is my way to release a bad aura for a fresh new one. Life as usual has been busy, but we ALL are busy, so it is more like I need to reallocate my time accordingly. As promised, I have more to tell about my Rhinebeck weekend, but will make the synopsis short and sweet (HA! So much for that!). After that, I have three amazing packages to show off. The first appeared in Friday’s mail, and the other two were on Saturday’s bundle. But I digress and have much to write!

Now a funny thing or two did happen that night during dinner. For all of those in Red Sox Nation, that was the evening where the Sox beat the tar out of the Cleveland Indians. Rich and I had arrived early just in case Jess and Casey needed help in setting up. While waiting, we met with some really interesting folks who seemed new to Ravelry from the NY/NJ area. Sitting in the table/chairs eating section of the “bar” half of the restaurant, Rich was able to get the baseball game on the larger television. That surprisingly was not a problem. The problem arose when the owners of the restaurant failed to take Jess seriously when she said a lot of knitters would show up. She was assured that there would be room, but the owners still allowed their regular customers to come in a half hour before our reservation. They must have realized that she was not kidding because the liquor soon changed from allowing top shelf to bargain well drinks. (Bleah!) But all was okay because in that restaurant was only a smidgeon of Ravelry all together to celebrate it. We had packed that place of CHOKE, and shocked the heck out of them!

Here is the funny part I found amusing. The only television that can be viewed from the dining room is in the “main stretch” of the bar. Using my O’s fan denomination as a mediator, I walked out of the dining room, up to the bar and kindly asked for the baseball game. It was switched to the Sox, and I turned and sat back down. After 15-20 minutes, the college football game was back on. I went back to the bar and asked again, but this time I asked for the remote and then switched it. Guess what happened after another 15-20 minutes? Again I went back up, but the bartender gave me a belligerent, “This is a Yankee establishment, and the Red Sox are winning 10-4 anyway.” To which I retorted, “We are paying a LOT of money here tonight, and so far nothing has gone as agreed. Most of the folks here are from the Massachusetts/Boston area so since we are the paying customer, can we at least keep it on the game?” With some elbowing from the other bartender, he grudgingly complied. Ironically, when the speeches and talks from Jess and Casey started, he changed the channel again. Bet he thought we would not notice! Good thing lots of thanks, kudos, and prizes were being handed out. Oh, just before the speeches, I was able to meet Adrian of Hello Yarn at last. She and her sweater are even more awesome in person!

Speaking of prizes, my number was the first one called. After emitting a large shriek that probably sounded like something being beaten while running fingers on a chalkboard, I jumped up to claim my prize.

Oh wait, I have been teasing everyone with talk about stash enhancement! Time to spill some beans… Before anyone says anything, the first 2 photos are already spoken for and gone.

And finally Sunday. I was able to introduce poor cold-ridden Stephanie to my husband. He did not help matters by constantly telling me that I need to stop bothering her. (Sigh…) At least I was introduced to her contact at Storey, and I am putting together a proposal soon to have the city of Providence included in the next tour. (The day I pull that off, it is guaranteed my shrieks of delight will be heard along with the heavy bunny dancing!)

At the adjoining table, I met one of my favorite people in the world, Kristin Nicholas. Not only does she dive into color headfirst with a huge splash, but she has been able to reach success and walk away from it for her family. I just cannot help but admire that trait of dedication in a person. I was able to chat with her for a bit, and asked her sign my little journal/notebook, right along Stephanie’s signature. She also wrote the most delightful tidbit when she signed my copy of her latest book, and even drew a little bunny in it! Throw in the bottles of wine I bought, and the relaxing Sunday turned out the better of the two days. Hmm… Maybe I should open one or two of them this weekend! =:8

If my co-workers never thought I was a “crazy knitter” before, they definitely do now! All last week the developers whose software application I test were in town. Each day was spent reviewing new changes, revamping current processes, and running them for the better. Each night was spent for team-bonding: Monday was Boston Billiards, Tuesday was “Pizza because we are working late,” Wednesday was 7 Moons and bowling (I went home after dinner), and Thursday was a Boston Bruins game. Because my arm was in such pain on Monday morning, I was hit with occasional teasing and ribbing. For one of them, I am quick to point out that my collecting of yarn is much better than his wife’s collecting of cars. Some co-workers in the office find it bewildering (others think it is really cool) that I am going to NYC for Stephanie’s kick-off. My answer to everyone is “To each his own.”

With all the nasty snow and sleet from yesterday, I was looking forward to today as my day to catch up the past few weeks and plan for next week. Guido and I had scheduled to chat at 10AM this morning about Thursday’s trip. I called a little after the appointed time and left a message asking for him to call me back. Sorting through the mail while waiting for his call, I found a post card from the Providence LYS “A Stitch Above” that said it was closing and all items in the store were 20-80% off from March 16th to the 30th. I immediately dropped everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) I was doing and rushed upstairs to get ready for a “must get sock yarn” visit. Natalie’s store is the only one in Rhode Island that carries Lorna’s Laces, and I wanted to grab whatever Shepherd Sock was left. My phone rang as I was sitting in the driveway. Richie called to let me know that Guido just returned my call. I scraped the iced-over snow off my little car, started driving to ASA, and phoned Guido. He totally understood what I was doing and we both agreed to talk later at 3PM. What did I end up buying? Let me just say that I am taking myself off the Stashalong KAL because these LYS yarn sales are killing me and I hit my 3rd strike!

For those interested in joining me on Thursday, I have created a time-line as a tentative itinerary. Why tentative? Because I know full well that minds can change like traffic patterns in bad weather. Fortunately this week’s forecast looks to be 40-48F that day. Now, I need to get those NASCAR Knitting numbers done before my KAL participants run me over!! =:8
Edit: The itinerary has been updated to reflect a more relaxed day. Have to make sure we do not run out of steam!

Thursday night was for the RI Stitches Meetup group at the Providence Place Borders Bookstore Cafe. There were ten other folks besides myself, all zealously passionate about our knitting. I had both sock projects to work on. We had a fun little stash exchange in Yankee-swap style. I brought a white ribbon shawl kit along with a wound cake each of a butter-colored Malabrigo and a powder-blue EL Angora/Wool. I have decided that whatever yarn I would get, I would use toward Sonya and Kevin’s Blanket of Hope. Here is what I scored, 2 balls of Lionbrand Yarn’s Landscapes in Country Sunset. These dark jewel-toned colors are definitely masculine enough for Kevin.

The NASCAR Knitting KAL is coming along. I created a worksheet to help determine the points and just need to post it on the blog. With much thanks to them both, Z introduced me to an on-line group for NASCAR, and Robin e-mailed me about the Yahoo! Groups NASCAR Knitters. Neat how stereotypes of knitters and NASCAR fans can be broken, eh? The internet is proof that the world is getting smaller and smaller, and that minds are expanding out of close-minded attitudes. I just hope I finish at least one pair of the socks I have been working on during the race tomorrow!

Another group I joined (or re-joined, depending on one’s outlook) is Secret Pal 10. I will have my questionnaire completed in the next couple of days. Meanwhile, here is a pretty shot of the clear blue sky today. Stay warm! =:8

I know, I know. I am HOURS late. Call it my re-discovering of “Filipino Time” when certain folks arrive late so as to make a dramatic entrance. I did have great reasons though. Specifically FIVE (3 people and 2 dogs). And if the photos are not displaying, that is due to my not uploading them yet!

For today, in trying to recover from my cHokies’ ineptitude (they blew a HUGE lead at the half to LOSE the GAME!), what do I watch? More football, but with the NFL this time. Again for the third week in a row, my benched players outdid my roster. I really need to start listening to my gut and begin ignoring the “expert” sports analysts. I fell in points in my Yahoo FF League “The Big Show” and am no more the second or third place out of the seven teams. Then again, with this FF being my first ever using a draft, I guess I should be elated that I am not dead last!

To continue on with this past week’s shenanigans, I give you more…

Thursday, December 28th:
Worked from home — nothing exciting to describe, but then again I really have not told you much about what I did for a living anyway. Began my sister’s requested Southwestern runner for her dining room table. I decided to take the butterfly pattern from the “Folk Shawls” book and knit the central butterfly motif in CTH’s Twister. Major issue with the yarn; the hank I purchased is not one entire hank, but rather a dozen little ones at maybe 70 to 90 yards each. Quite annoying when you want the resulting project to be seamless without ends to weave.



Friday, December 29th:
Worked from home. Packed my bags while addressing a work-related emergency that occurred. Once again I have over-packed my knitting items, but I always add WIPs “just in case” I get stranded with nothing to do. During all the work ruckus, Jessica and Zydeco’s Secret Paws Winter Holidays 2006 package arrived. Since my flight was scheduled for the early afternoon, photos and the post will have to wait until I get back. At the airport, Rich and I had lunch together. Uneventful flight delay-wise, chatted with some interesting folks, and had a great welcome by my sister and her family. Dinner immediately followed at Reginella’s Ristorante.







Saturday, December 30th:
I need to post about the Christening later. Why? Because it deserves its own post! Meanwhile I shall tease you with news on a visit to my favorite LYS in Virginia Beach. I really cannot get enough of Ewe Knit Kits. So much that I am going to start saving money for KnittaPalooza 2007.



Sunday, December 31st:
Football, football, and football. What could be a better way to ring in the New Year than with family and friends? In my case, a close friend’s family! Anita was the awesome roommate to my sister and myself in our 3-bedroom townhouse over ten years ago. We have been close friends, and consider ourselves family members to each other. (Not that my sister and I are not…) While my sister Ace and her family were at her in-laws’ home, I joined Anita and her husband, their 9 month-old son Aidan, and their two dogs to watch football and welcome 2007. We discussed motherhood, and what I could expect, the dogs’ behavior with Aidan, and gorged on her lumpia (these springrolls are sold in the cooked foods deli section at the local supermarket!), hashbrown casserole (YUM!), BBQ weenies, and Hidden Ranch salsa dip. We cheered when Oakland lost (Anita’s husband Michael is a die-hard Raiders fan) so they can have the first pick in the NFL Draft. We booed when other teams won/lost. And of course we watched the ball drop. In the midst of the activity we exchanged gifts. I really love mine, and I will be doing the best to figure out how it was done. Since the sweater is fair isle intarsia, stitch-counting will be a breeze. (At least I hope so!)

Now where did I put that camera so I can upload those photos??? Finally — here are the photos to match the post. =:8

I present to you a Virginia Beach Saturday Sky, courtesy of my sister’s back yard. After days of rain and wind, there are no clouds in the sky on this beautiful day.

My time off is quickly ebbing like the tide disappearing into the ocean. Luckily I have been able to celebrate this week with friends and family alike. In the middle of the visiting and dinners, I have been able to pull off a Finished Object for you to see.

Oui, mes amis, Clapotis est finis! C’est magnifique, non? My only concern is that the yarn is Plassard’s Gagnante in dusty pink acrylic and may not be as soft or warm as possible for the recipient. I actually would have had it done earlier, but I had to frog (ALL the way back!) one of the straight repeats because I ran out of yarn. That is totally my fault for not bringing my kitchen scale with me. (SIGH) I really despise having leftover yarn. So what did I try to do? Make a pair of baby anklets out of the teensy ball. No such luck. I may attempt miniature socks or mittens as a gift decoration. We shall see. Meanwhile, here is another WIP to use up leftover project yarn.

I started another pair of Knitty’s Fetching fingerless gloves. After I made that first pair of red New Tweeds for Shalyn’s birthday present, I totally understand how easy it is to knit more. Previously, I had knitted 3 socks out of the Schaeffer’s Helene. Since the first sock was my “test” on knitting an adult size, it was quite large and not what I expected. Rather than waste that beautiful yarn, I decided that I would take that one sock and turn it into a pair of fingerless gloves. So far, so good! Oh, and by the way, in the photo above, notice the nails? My sister’s birthday present to me was a manicure AND pedicure. It was not only fun, but very relaxing. I forgot how much it is nice being pampered and being just a “girly” girl for a couple of hours.



Though the bunnies are not with me, here are a couple of animal photos to distract you. My sister has a dog and 2 cats. One of the kitties, Mittens, is EXTREMELY shy and refuses to come near anyone. Of course, Mittens is the one I like to photograph because her shyness draws you to her. Here she is in her chubby cuteness with her buddy Jake.



Besides photographing Mittens and Jake, I was able to visit with (BIL’s sister) Margaret and (her husband) Rick’s Golden Retriever girl. Badger has the sweetness of my Natasha, and seeing her just-whitened face makes me want another senior Golden even more. I think it is funny that Badger does similar tricks that Tasha did like balancing a dog biscuit on her nose until you tell her that it is “okay” to grab it, or that she will “stay put” until you say it is “okay” for her to eat. I really miss my Baby Girl whenever I see wonderful Goldens like Badger.

Today I am hoping for one very selfish thing: that my beloved Hokies deny those darn Cavaliers the chance to go Bowling this year. Well, actually, the perk of VA Tech winning is that UVA does not get their final win to be Bowl eligible. I am such a competitor when it comes to my school. (Winking at Robin from my seat) Let’s GO TECH!! Go, Hokies, GO!! =:8