Purls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Let the Sunshine In

Face it with a Grin:)

 

Its been an absolutely lovely weekend here in the City by the Bay!  80 degrees yesterday and more of the same today.  I have my round Spring pool (fill it yourself with a water hose patio pool) ready to go.   We may need to cool down a bit after running a few laps around the track.

Little C has a new pair of

Racers and was itching to take them out on the road.  So he challenged his dad for a few laps he he...

 

He won the first lap...

 

Was left in the dust for the second... My poor baby:(

 He did pretty good for a little guy.  He ran two full laps before pooping out:)

As for me... I watched from the sidelines and may have to join in and at least do a power walk next time:)  The best of all is that it goes by super quick... Effective and fast... That is my kind of exercise! 

And now I have to run and get ready for church.  I think I'll wear my cool new sunshiny vogs:

 

I love how this Skein of Secret Admirer matches my shoes to a T... Now to pick a pattern....  I was thinking maybe Twisted Flower from Cookie A.?  Any ideas on what would work well with my shiny new Vogs?

Melancholy

I'm feeling a bit down today.  This economy is at the crux of it all.  As I catch the train in the mornings and head downtown I notice more and more how the streets of San Francisco (as I am sure the rest of the US) is flooded more and more with what used to be well off citizens now turning to menial jobs, desperate measures and even begging.

When I was little and living in Nicaragua I would come across street beggars. I felt so bad for them and always tried to do what I could to help.  For some crazy reason... I never considered that the US would someday end up facing some of the same issues. Poverty at its fullest.  Everyone considers us the land of opportunity right?

Now more than ever it is prevalent. We do not like to talk about it or look at it. Why, because again it makes us feel bad that another fellow human being has to go through this... Yesterday, I was invovled in a tiny deed.. Bagging groceries for needy seniors.  

More and more you see people --regular people like you and me pulling out there instruments to sing by the road side, train stations, parks, corner streets.... Or figuring out what they can do to survive. Case in point, person asking if they can paint the numbers on your house or stencil in your address # on the curb for emergencies... Or people taking out adds in craigs list... I will guarantee to fix your old Ford for $500.00 You don't pay me until it runs!

On Street singing....

I have seen this guy before around one of my stops... Every now and again he is there playing his Cello

You turn the corners of many neighborhoods and this is what you see:

street musicians singing Runaround Sue
Originally uploaded by Parisienne2008

This morning, there was a group of young musicians --a 4 piece quartet playing beautifully on their violins and other instruments. 

It made me reflect about our society and the state of our country.  I thought of dear friends that are, and have been looking for a good opportunity for a while now. I thought of family members that are scared and feeling the crunch....

Then I think of how long and hard we American's are working and trying to survive.  Many, many people are scared of going un-noticed or being left behind when hard decisions are made.   I am sure happy to have a job and am very very happy to come to work everyday.  I am really enjoying what I am doing.  I hope, as I hope for all of you as well --that we can be blessed at a time such as this.

The longest knit...

 A long, long  time ago... I think Spring of 2007 I cast on for these socks.   Its kind of fuzzy now you see.. But I do recall it being post Valentines day. 

I do remember this being my first toe up!  I was not very happy with the outcome. I wanted to rip it back but could not for some reason.  

Fast forward two years... I give you a completed pair of Campanula Bobby Socks!

I suppose that when it comes down to it. There is nothing like an impending Dance to light a fire under my but eh?

Can you see the difference in the workmanship?   Wow.... I noticed it right away on the toes.  I did an atrocious job on the left toe.  I tried to mend it and re-enforce it as best I could.  On the right I used Judy's Magic cast on.  Love this method!  Its amazing what two years of practice can do eh?

So......Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop

I'm ready:)

Now to find the right pencil skirt... Then my outfit will be complete!

And now let me turn your attention to another subject:  In Shoeland... I have been meaning to show you these (brand new) vintage Vogs I found on eBay. I have worn them once and am still a bit on the fence about them..

Do you think they are a bit much?  Or am I getting old? We shall see...

For now, I think I will go  cast on for an Elm Row scarf with some Sundara Brambleberry - Yum...

This will be for a fellow Sundara Yarn lover on Ravelry... we are swapping again my lace for a pair of socks:)  I want to be in a few good rows before I  watch True Blood:) 

Off to put "Little C" to bed.

Ciao belli!

Don't forget Sunday Night!

Another LYS has come and gone...

Its heartbreaking really!   Yesterday morning by chance a friend of mine LB sent me an email telling me how she was sad to see Noe Knit and Uncommon Threads closing.  Two yarn shops that she and I used to frequent quite a bit.   I could not believe my eyes---one of my all time favorite shops Noe Knit was closing!  Apparently they had my old email address and I had fallen out of the communication loop:(

They were opening for a few hours last night for the last time. From the sounds of it, they have been in liquidation mode for about a week now. 

I was finally able to catch-up a bit with Susie the owner and meet her Biggest FO of 2008:

Isn't her baby girl precious! 

The SF Chicks with Sticks gang was there for one final go of knitting in their beloved neighborhood yarn shop:)

Its a farily sizeable group... I suspect that not everyone made it out...

I managed to walk away with a bit of memorabilia...  A shawl Stand pictured above one of the cabinets up there... Its a half bust made out of wire.  I figured it would come in handy for displaying my shawls.  I also scored a nice mirror for my dining room.  I am thinking it would look great above my buffet and few sets of circulars and about 9 balls of Touch me that was about 50% off.  I guess in a way it was good that I came in at the end... you know how bad I am with yarn sales! 

Here are the lovely ladies of Noe Knit that rung up many, many of my purchases over the past 5 years. 

I shall miss you dearly Susie!  I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being such a joy in my --and many peoples' lives. You have touched me in mighty big way---You taught me how to knit.  I mean knit right!  Oh, and how can I forget, you also taught me how to use DPNs!  I still remember you saying --You have to be able to ignore the other needles--just ignore the elephant in the room:)  Something like this... Of course, you put it much more eloquently than this.  In your own special "Susie" way:)  I wish you and yours much happiness and well being.  I really hope we can stay in touch.

I shall miss your shop very very much!  I need to stop now as I think I am about to cry:(

Bah-bah-bah-bah, I'm Gettin' Ready....

Bah-bah-bah-bah,
Bah-bah-bah-bah
Bah-bah-bah-bah-
Bah-bah-bah-bah,
At the hop!
Well, you can rock it you can roll it
You can stop and you can stroll it at the hop
When the record starts a spinnin'
You calypso, then you chicken at the hop

Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop
Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop,
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop
Well, you can swing it you can groove it
You can really start to move it at the hop
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop
All the cats and chicks can get their kicks at the hop
Let's go!
Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop

Well, you can swing it you can groove it
You can really start to move it at the hop
Where the jockey is the smoothest
And the music is the coolest at the hop.
All the cats and chicks can get their kicks at the hop.

Let's go!
Let's go to the hop
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop, (oh baby)
Let's go to the hop
Come on, let's go to the hop
Bah-bah-bah-bah,
Bah-bah-bah-bah
Bah-bah-bah-bah.
Bah-bah-bah-bah,
At the hop!

Does anyone remember these socks --Campanula for the cure?  I started them years ago--at least two years ago I think?   I have contemplated on taking them to the frog pond many times.  Boy am I glad I didn't!  I am at the heal of the first sock and they happen to look great with my Pink Ladies jacket don't you think:)  

This past week I have been thinking and re-thinking my costume for sock summit.  Given that a poodle skirt would prove a huge "Fashion Faux Pas" considering the large Boooootteyyyy that I have:)   It finally came to me!

I'm gonna emulate my favorit character in Grease!   And who might that be you ask?   Well its definitely not Sandy:)   Nor Frenchy, Could it be Cha Cha (who has the most amazing body by the way)?  No it is not Marty Maraschino either he he.... 

I was going for:

But then I took this Quiz and it says that I'm:

You Scored as Cha Cha Congradulations! You are Cha Cha! Mischevious, selfish, and a bit hard to handle - Cha Cha is a great dancer but her idea of a good time includes competitions, especially car racing. Definately playing up the role as being a guy's arm candy, she certainly knows how to get ahead of herself. Betty (Rizzo) 75% Cha Cha 45% Frenchie 20% Marty 15% Jan 15% Sandy 0% Patty Simcox 0%

I personally think I am a cross over between Rizzo and Cha Cha... Thats my story and I'm sticking to it - Ha!

So which character are you?

http://quizfarm.com/quizzes/Movies/xwhiterose08x/which-female-character-from-the-movie-grease-are-you-with-pics/

BTW the Yarntini at the top is the perfect match to this unusually bright version of STR Ruby slippers..which by the way looks more hot pink than red.  It complements my Pink Ladies jacket very well and it is destined for a neck Kerchief.. Pattern in the works from Deb!

Someone had the best time evah!

Little C walked around for two days smilling away from ear to ear:

See what I mean: Laugh a little:

Dance a little:

He liked the Buzz Light year ride so much he did it twice:

We met Mickey:

Minnie:

 

Who's cozy house we strolled through:

Spot of Tea anyone?

Goofy was himself... you know goofy and sweet:

And then there was a Sly fox or two:

We also met Darth Mall:

He had a larger than life personality what can I say.

All the little Paduan's were waiting to challenging him:

Monday morning "Little C" woke up, sat down in the little bed we had made him, and said "Mama, I wish we lived in this hotel. I like it here and wish we lived here all the time".   Who wouldn't when you can roll out of bed and walk to Disneyland everyday Ha!

A shout-out to Dee who I finally got to meet after blogging back and forth for 2 or 3 years! Thanks for taking care of us you are the best!  Give me a holler when you come out this way:)

Happy Memorial Day!

Just a quick post and run before we head off to The Happiest Place on Earth!  

The stars magically aligned and we managed to plan a last minute getaway:)

Our bags are all packed and most importantly a little knitting for the road:)

Ullmus:

Flower Child:

One small section of what will look like this:

Two sock projects: Shur'tagals and Hubby Socks that rock.... 

and the beginnings of a Two Toned Ribbed Shrug:

 

My dear old Vogs made me do it.  I looked at them last weekend and remembered wanting to knit this eons ago....

Which reminds me.... I need to pack my new books too:

and

Thats as much as my new Mary Poppins bag will fit!  I think that is more than enough don't you?

 
So off we go in our car heading south ---with happy thoughts and faith and trust, and a sprinkling of Dee's pixie dust.  As for tomorrow we shall meet in Never Land!

Can hardly wait to meet you Dee!

TGIF

I was just over visiting with Peaknit one of my all time favorite blogs.... She is so talented go see -Super cool Noro socks and gorgeous handspun yarn!

I saw her post today and thought to myself---Hey I have something to share too.... I should do a TGIF post.  So in the spirit of sharing...

 

       Let me tell you about Liesl my latest FO! 

• She is simple yet luxurious.

• Soft, lacy and warm. 

• Perfect for the constant variable weather her in S.F.  

• Knitting her was a CakeWalk: soft cushy beautiful Sundara ASM in Wild Blueberries.

• Simple pattern on pretty large needles - 10 1/2s. 

• My kind of project for sure!  Great for in between sock projects or more complicated items. 

• It converts really easy from swing jacket to cardi

• It gave me a great excuse to re-visit Britax Fibers - love that place!

• I could keep gushing –but I will stop for now.

Liesl has not been blocked yet. However,  because I was so jazzed last night to have completed her in a short week. 

 

 

 

I decided to sew on those buttons and wear her proudlyJ

Off to work now.  Question should I block her or not? 

What say you?

 

 

 

 

 

Why did God make mothers?

Yesterday someone sent me this and it sure made me laugh!  I thought I would pass it along.

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2 . Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mum just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think

Why did God give you your mother & not some other mum?
1. Cuz we're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mums like me.

What kind of little girl was your mum?
1. My mum has always been my mum and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mum need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mum marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mum eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mum doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mum. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mum is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What does your mum do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mum perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mum, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mum smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

My absolute favorite one is this last answer above ---"the invisible eyes on the back of her head" Ha!

I am having a wonderful weekend... I Cleaned a bit earlier good thing I was done early. I am about to enjoy a few of these a scrumptious juicy strawberries.  

A little gifty I found waiting for me last night at the front door --it's from little sister.  I think I will have a couple while a I add a few more rows to my Liesl

 

DH and Little C went off to the hardware store I think... and I have the house all to myself  ahhhhh...  peace and quiet, chocolate covered straweberries, and knitting!  What more can a knit girl ask for?

Hmmmmm well maybe one of these:

 

I am passing the buck on this one... It's all happened when I read this post from

The YarnHarlot.  All it took to convince me was the bit about busting through your stash at warp speed.  Of course the note about how it only takes 2 hours to complete a project didn't help. Two hours people!  I need to do some serious stash busting folks!  I will show you what I mean someday soon. Do people still have flash your stash days?  I don't want to shock anyone:)  Lets just say things are a bit out of control right now. I think the monthly sock subscriptions are starting to creep up on me - Ha! 

 

 I think it would make a nice Mama's day gift don't you?