I messed the bind off of my sock. The thread for my bookmark either breaks or I mess up the pattern; I'm adapting an old edging from single motifs to a line of split ring motifs.
I have some great books to read (The Meaning of Everything, Changes & Thou Uncommon, Thou Improper Noun) but just can't sit down and read them. I have a lovely coloring book (Fat Ladies in Spaaaaace) but only .3 mm markers, because I can't find any of my other markers, colored pencils or crayons.
Plus someone told me something this weekend that really upset me. I mean, upset me enough that I don't trust talking about it on the internet. I can't talk about it to anyone. I scribbled down how I felt, hoping it would help. It hasn't. Not really. Only time will heal.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Vocabulary test and a Book about OED
I took a vocabulary test and here are the results http://testyourvocab.com/?r=764695. It was testing the approximate size of my vocabulary. Not bad, huh? Feel free to take it yourself. They're trying to compile statistics and especially need teens and kids to do it.
I'm reading a new book. It's The Meaning of Everything, and it's about the OED (Oxford English Dictionary). I want the CD ROM of the OED, but only because I don't have the space for the full 20 volume set.
And Jim Hines wrote a song that summarizes many of my feelings about novels. Here it is.
I'm still working on my Dresdenfiles character and reading the part about magic in Your Story. I'm up to Thaumaturgy specialties. (Are we surprised that spellcheck does not recognize thaumaturgy? No, we're not). I have finally started Changes. I didn't dare bring it to work or I wouldn't get anything done.
I still have not gotten the sock back onto the loom. I think I need to run string through the stitches 1st. As it is, the stitches that are on don't look right.
I finally got my car inspected (I meant to do it the 1st weekend of the month). Now, as soon as I get my tags, my car will be legal.
I'm reading a new book. It's The Meaning of Everything, and it's about the OED (Oxford English Dictionary). I want the CD ROM of the OED, but only because I don't have the space for the full 20 volume set.
And Jim Hines wrote a song that summarizes many of my feelings about novels. Here it is.
I'm still working on my Dresdenfiles character and reading the part about magic in Your Story. I'm up to Thaumaturgy specialties. (Are we surprised that spellcheck does not recognize thaumaturgy? No, we're not). I have finally started Changes. I didn't dare bring it to work or I wouldn't get anything done.
I still have not gotten the sock back onto the loom. I think I need to run string through the stitches 1st. As it is, the stitches that are on don't look right.
I finally got my car inspected (I meant to do it the 1st weekend of the month). Now, as soon as I get my tags, my car will be legal.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
No Pictures Today
My sock is making progress, but other than length, it looks the same. I should take a picture of my bracelet in progress, except I'm a little disgusted. I ran out of thread.
One of the ladies at the Tri-Tatter's meeting on Saturday showed us something she had just learned. It's called Zentangles. Despite not having the recommended tools (smooth heavy paper, like watercolor paper & micron pens), I gave it a whirl. I did have a little bit of trouble getting started, because I had trouble thinking of pattern to use. I can see the attraction. I should have turned off the phone or at least turned down the ringer. I was just getting meditative when it would interrupt.
Speaking of Triangle Tatters, we had the meeting on Saturday. They bumped us from our original room because the event in the neighboring room was using the sound system and due to the room design, we would not have been able to hear ourselves think. They gave us the study room instead. I'm sure it was more noise than that room had heard in a long time (if ever). There were 9 of us this time, including the same woman I helped last time. She'd bought Rebecca Jones's book but could not see the correlation between what I told her at the last meeting and the instructions in the book. That's probably because I apparently use half Riego method & half traditional method. I changed my style enough to be all traditional (or was it Riego) so this woman only had one set of instructions to follow.
My laptop is currently stuck in 'logging off' mode. I'm not sure why. I'm going to try to outwait it and see if that helps.
I am on Google+. It's been interesting. I even got Hangout to work. I talked to a woman in Ireland. Pretty cool.
One of the ladies at the Tri-Tatter's meeting on Saturday showed us something she had just learned. It's called Zentangles. Despite not having the recommended tools (smooth heavy paper, like watercolor paper & micron pens), I gave it a whirl. I did have a little bit of trouble getting started, because I had trouble thinking of pattern to use. I can see the attraction. I should have turned off the phone or at least turned down the ringer. I was just getting meditative when it would interrupt.
Speaking of Triangle Tatters, we had the meeting on Saturday. They bumped us from our original room because the event in the neighboring room was using the sound system and due to the room design, we would not have been able to hear ourselves think. They gave us the study room instead. I'm sure it was more noise than that room had heard in a long time (if ever). There were 9 of us this time, including the same woman I helped last time. She'd bought Rebecca Jones's book but could not see the correlation between what I told her at the last meeting and the instructions in the book. That's probably because I apparently use half Riego method & half traditional method. I changed my style enough to be all traditional (or was it Riego) so this woman only had one set of instructions to follow.
My laptop is currently stuck in 'logging off' mode. I'm not sure why. I'm going to try to outwait it and see if that helps.
I am on Google+. It's been interesting. I even got Hangout to work. I talked to a woman in Ireland. Pretty cool.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Sock (in progress) Picture
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| My sock, the heel is done and I'm on my way |
The contrasting stripes are about 3 stitches tall. My gauge, on this loom, with this yarn, is 9 stitches per inch.
It's still egregiously hot, and humid. I spend enough time in AC that I'm not becoming acclimated so every time I go outside, it's like getting slapped, full body, by a warm, wet, flannel blanket. Yesterday, even the wind was hot.
I'm doing some writing exercises, or trying. I'm feeling unimaginative when I compare what I've done to the samples in the book. Is it brevity is the soul of wit? Or is it just a sign that I need to practice more?
Here's a pen (2nd photo) that I got for my birthday. Note the difference between the 2 photos (other than the addition of the pen)? That's how cleanly the ink erases.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Rain! Finally!
We got some rain this weekend. We're still almost 7" below our normal rainfall for the past year, but considering we've gone about 10 days with nothing appreciable, I'll take it.
I finished another half-braid bracelet. This one is Lizbeth size 20 in Caribbean, with bugle 11 in Purple Iris and 11/0 Aiko in Iris beads. this picture is from when it was in progress. I still need to hide the ends on it.
I've made a couple bookmarks recently. One of them used the same thread and one was black and white. I need to get photos of them before I mail them off.
I went to the bead show with a friend last weekend but I didn't buy much. Here's most of what I bought (except for a strand of black beads, obsidian, maybe?).
I've made some progress on my sock. I'm past the heel now, so it's finally starting to look sock-like.
We were supposed to go see the Captain America movie this weekend but we had a small mishap concerning movie times. Instead we went to see Cowboys and Aliens. On the fortunate side, we discovered that the movies at the hour we went (4 pm - 5:30 pm) were about half-off.
I had to get a new car key cut this weekend. Friday, I got my key caught in a metal mesh and it bent. I managed to start my car and get home but I was worried I would break the key off in the ignition if I tried more than that. The new key works fine. Whew.
Our Forgotten Realms game is progressing. We've gotten rid of the big bads in the castle, now we need to get rid of the guards in the barracks. We did have one faintly humorous moment during Sunday's game. My character is a sword-dancer of Ellistraee. For the non-gamers, I'll explain. She's a half-drow (dark elf) who worships the only good-aligned drow goddess. Most of them are some flavor of evil. Part of Ellistraee cleric (& sword-dancers have some cleric) mission is to convince drow to give up their evil ways and return to the surface and be good people As part of this, my character has been making this offer, via monologue, to every drow we've met. We're currently in a drow city and it's gotten to the point where the other characters can recite it along with her.
In Sunday's fight, we're facing a vampire drow and my character spent part of action trying to decide: does vampire trump drow? If she's undead, I'm not making the offer, but I'm supposed to make the offer to all drow. Hmm, nope sunlight and vampires don't mix, so no offer. I can just kill her. Yay!
This Thursday will be our first Traveller game back in the GM's house. The repairs (post-tornado) are done and he's moved back into it.
I've made a couple bookmarks recently. One of them used the same thread and one was black and white. I need to get photos of them before I mail them off.
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| size 20 Lizbeth thread, Caribbean, from Tatting Times, from A Tatter's Workbook |
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| Same bookmark as below, but different background for contrast |
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| size 20 DMC tatting thread |
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| Bone disks and lapis beads, to go with my earrings |
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| charlottes and seeds, for my bracelets |
We were supposed to go see the Captain America movie this weekend but we had a small mishap concerning movie times. Instead we went to see Cowboys and Aliens. On the fortunate side, we discovered that the movies at the hour we went (4 pm - 5:30 pm) were about half-off.
I had to get a new car key cut this weekend. Friday, I got my key caught in a metal mesh and it bent. I managed to start my car and get home but I was worried I would break the key off in the ignition if I tried more than that. The new key works fine. Whew.
Our Forgotten Realms game is progressing. We've gotten rid of the big bads in the castle, now we need to get rid of the guards in the barracks. We did have one faintly humorous moment during Sunday's game. My character is a sword-dancer of Ellistraee. For the non-gamers, I'll explain. She's a half-drow (dark elf) who worships the only good-aligned drow goddess. Most of them are some flavor of evil. Part of Ellistraee cleric (& sword-dancers have some cleric) mission is to convince drow to give up their evil ways and return to the surface and be good people As part of this, my character has been making this offer, via monologue, to every drow we've met. We're currently in a drow city and it's gotten to the point where the other characters can recite it along with her.
In Sunday's fight, we're facing a vampire drow and my character spent part of action trying to decide: does vampire trump drow? If she's undead, I'm not making the offer, but I'm supposed to make the offer to all drow. Hmm, nope sunlight and vampires don't mix, so no offer. I can just kill her. Yay!
This Thursday will be our first Traveller game back in the GM's house. The repairs (post-tornado) are done and he's moved back into it.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Siege in Chattanooga, Knitting a Sock & other stuff
I went to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Carrie and I drove up. She drove, I kept her company.
I was looking for a fine-gauge knitting loom (the knifty knitters are too big for regular socks). MSWF is huge, so I should be able to find one, right. Heh, heh. Carrie could only think of 3 vendors who'd have that sort of thing (instead of raw wool, spun wool, dyed wool, sheepskin, yarn, dyes, jewelry, spindles, spinning wheels, knitting needles, crochet hooks, shawl pins, stools, sheep shearing supplies, rugs, shawls, art, etc). We went to the first one. They looked at me like they wondered what kind of rocket I'd used to come to this planet.
The next vendor at least knew what I was talking about, but they didn't have any. The third vendor wasn't there this year. So no knitting looms. One dealer had lap weaving looms, but that's not what I wanted.
We had fun. We ate lamb and met up with some folks from Ravelry. That evening we went to a nice, local restaurant in the shopping center across from our hotel. They had four types of chili and gave you samples before you ordered so you could select intelligently. Coincidentally, there was also a large Jo-Ann's in that shopping center and I wanted to see if they had any Llizbeth thread. The one near me is too small to carry any.
Tatting supplies are ~somewhere~ near the knitting/embroidery supplies so I usually wander around that area until I find them. This time guess what else I found? Yep, I found not 1, not 2 but 3 fine gauge knitting looms; one of them was even labelled 'sock loom.' I bought that and some Lizbeth thread.
The next day, with some help from Carrie, I selected a couple skeins of sock yarn and got started on a test swatch, aka baby sock, on the way back home.
The Siege in Chattanooga is strictly a gaming convention. I played Pathfinder all weekend this time. We were in a warehouse-type building. They were working on it to make it more meeting hall-ish while we were there. And things would have been fine except some {expletive deleted} stuffed paper towels in the men's toilet.
That jammed all the toilets. No bathrooms in the building for a few hours, for anyone. If you have to go, go back to your hotel room. And, while the roto-rooter guy was unplugging things, the air had to be turned off. No air. In a metal-roofed building. In the summer. In the South. Ugh. Triple ugh. The temperature never recovered. At least on Sunday, if you sat directly under a fan/air unit, it was bearable.
I reviewed a book:
Dragon Bound by Thea HarrisonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked up this book because I needed a book to read on a long drive. I ended up not taking it and I'm a little sorry I didn't. I would have had a great uninterrupted read, instead of having to put it down for unimportant things like eating, sleeping and work.
I wasn't certain how I'd feel about the relationship beginning (she stole from him, he hunted her down - this is not a spoiler, it's in the back cover blur), but Thea made it interesting and believable. There were some good twists and turns in the plot but nothing felt like deus ex machina.
Pia, the heroine, has a wonderful sarcastic streak, even when it's not in her best interests. And she realizes this, just like any of us might. Her relationship with Dragos gets a little complicated, but in a good way. And they *gasp* do sometimes talk and think about their relationship; instead of going off on wild tangents due to misunderstandings.
This book has me interested enough to look up the next Book of the Elder Races and other books by Thea Harrison.
View all my reviews
I was looking for a fine-gauge knitting loom (the knifty knitters are too big for regular socks). MSWF is huge, so I should be able to find one, right. Heh, heh. Carrie could only think of 3 vendors who'd have that sort of thing (instead of raw wool, spun wool, dyed wool, sheepskin, yarn, dyes, jewelry, spindles, spinning wheels, knitting needles, crochet hooks, shawl pins, stools, sheep shearing supplies, rugs, shawls, art, etc). We went to the first one. They looked at me like they wondered what kind of rocket I'd used to come to this planet.
The next vendor at least knew what I was talking about, but they didn't have any. The third vendor wasn't there this year. So no knitting looms. One dealer had lap weaving looms, but that's not what I wanted.
We had fun. We ate lamb and met up with some folks from Ravelry. That evening we went to a nice, local restaurant in the shopping center across from our hotel. They had four types of chili and gave you samples before you ordered so you could select intelligently. Coincidentally, there was also a large Jo-Ann's in that shopping center and I wanted to see if they had any Llizbeth thread. The one near me is too small to carry any.
Tatting supplies are ~somewhere~ near the knitting/embroidery supplies so I usually wander around that area until I find them. This time guess what else I found? Yep, I found not 1, not 2 but 3 fine gauge knitting looms; one of them was even labelled 'sock loom.' I bought that and some Lizbeth thread.
The next day, with some help from Carrie, I selected a couple skeins of sock yarn and got started on a test swatch, aka baby sock, on the way back home.
The Siege in Chattanooga is strictly a gaming convention. I played Pathfinder all weekend this time. We were in a warehouse-type building. They were working on it to make it more meeting hall-ish while we were there. And things would have been fine except some {expletive deleted} stuffed paper towels in the men's toilet.
That jammed all the toilets. No bathrooms in the building for a few hours, for anyone. If you have to go, go back to your hotel room. And, while the roto-rooter guy was unplugging things, the air had to be turned off. No air. In a metal-roofed building. In the summer. In the South. Ugh. Triple ugh. The temperature never recovered. At least on Sunday, if you sat directly under a fan/air unit, it was bearable.
I reviewed a book:
Dragon Bound by Thea HarrisonMy rating: 5 of 5 starsI picked up this book because I needed a book to read on a long drive. I ended up not taking it and I'm a little sorry I didn't. I would have had a great uninterrupted read, instead of having to put it down for unimportant things like eating, sleeping and work.
I wasn't certain how I'd feel about the relationship beginning (she stole from him, he hunted her down - this is not a spoiler, it's in the back cover blur), but Thea made it interesting and believable. There were some good twists and turns in the plot but nothing felt like deus ex machina.
Pia, the heroine, has a wonderful sarcastic streak, even when it's not in her best interests. And she realizes this, just like any of us might. Her relationship with Dragos gets a little complicated, but in a good way. And they *gasp* do sometimes talk and think about their relationship; instead of going off on wild tangents due to misunderstandings.
This book has me interested enough to look up the next Book of the Elder Races and other books by Thea Harrison.
View all my reviews
Frustration (Tatting)
Ah, it's a common problem. You underestimate how much thread you need, and then you try to keep tatting, after a sensible person would add another thread. Until you completely run out of thread and do not even have enough to tie a knot or hide an end.
Monday, April 18, 2011
All Safe
Don't worry. Yes, tornadoes hit nearby but none of them came that close to me. We just had to deal with some heavy wind and rain. There aren't even any fallen branches, big ones, close to my house.
The storm did give me a migraine, but some migraine meds and a nap took care of that. It does mean that I didn't get as much done as I'd planned on Saturday. I did get my oil changed, so that's one thing off my to-do list.
Sunday's game went well. I arrived late (took another nap) but we got through the fight. My character managed to royally peeve an NPC,which was a good thing. He decided that she had to die; instead of breaking her very valuable sword, which was his favorite tactic. He did almost kill her, but one of the other PCs is a paladin with a unicorn mount, which has healing spells. That kept my PC alive long enough to finish the guy off and go help kill the half-fiendish huge displacer beast. I hate mis-chance.
After the game was supper for one of the players. It's about his birthday so we took him to this nice Chinese place (he chose it). His daughter was a bit grumpy, but she'd gotten woken up from a nap.
The storm did give me a migraine, but some migraine meds and a nap took care of that. It does mean that I didn't get as much done as I'd planned on Saturday. I did get my oil changed, so that's one thing off my to-do list.
Sunday's game went well. I arrived late (took another nap) but we got through the fight. My character managed to royally peeve an NPC,which was a good thing. He decided that she had to die; instead of breaking her very valuable sword, which was his favorite tactic. He did almost kill her, but one of the other PCs is a paladin with a unicorn mount, which has healing spells. That kept my PC alive long enough to finish the guy off and go help kill the half-fiendish huge displacer beast. I hate mis-chance.
After the game was supper for one of the players. It's about his birthday so we took him to this nice Chinese place (he chose it). His daughter was a bit grumpy, but she'd gotten woken up from a nap.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Bracelets Galore
Here are some of the bracelets I've made. I don't have a picture of the one I made for my niece (black thread, gold seed beads).
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| 1st bracelet, from Palmetto Tat Days 2010 |
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| This picture is of 2 different bracelets. Both made with moss agate cubes. One has solid green seed beads and the other has clear seed beads with green painted on the inside. |
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| ~hematite spheres, black seed beads and black thread |
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| 3rd bracelet I made, black thread and clear beads |
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| in progress picture, amethyst spheres, iridescent seed beads and variegated purple thread, for a charity auction |
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| split ring bracelet, jade beads; lucky bracelet remade |
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Great Time Had, After a Lousy Lead-in
Last night was a birthday supper for one of the Davids. We were meeting in Raleigh, because everyone else lives or works in Raleigh and it was where that David wanted to go. I got directions online, because I'd never been to that restaurant. It was to take about half an hour, figure about 40 minutes with traffic. I left at about 6:15, to get there by 7 pm. Except.
I got stuck on the on-ramp. I checked the clock; 6:21 pm. After 10 minutes, I'd gone approximately 1 mile and I had seen a sign that said 'major delays for the next 3 miles. I called to let folks know that I was caught in traffic and I'd be late. 40 minutes later, I was finally going more than 20 miles an hour. It took me 50 minutes to go those 4 miles. Ugh. The rest of the trip only took 25 minutes. I got there as the appetizers were being served and quickly placed my order. Luckily, I'd looked at the menu online and had an idea what I wanted already.
There were enough of us that I didn't get much interaction with the other end of the table but I did have a great time with the three people near me, plus a couple interjections from the folks in the middle. I shared this video with RW (mild swearing). Warning, if you follow the link, put down your food and drink. Really. I mean it.
After the supper, it was off to stay with A and S. A and I will go to the bead show together & from there it's the tatting meeting. Squee!
I got stuck on the on-ramp. I checked the clock; 6:21 pm. After 10 minutes, I'd gone approximately 1 mile and I had seen a sign that said 'major delays for the next 3 miles. I called to let folks know that I was caught in traffic and I'd be late. 40 minutes later, I was finally going more than 20 miles an hour. It took me 50 minutes to go those 4 miles. Ugh. The rest of the trip only took 25 minutes. I got there as the appetizers were being served and quickly placed my order. Luckily, I'd looked at the menu online and had an idea what I wanted already.
There were enough of us that I didn't get much interaction with the other end of the table but I did have a great time with the three people near me, plus a couple interjections from the folks in the middle. I shared this video with RW (mild swearing). Warning, if you follow the link, put down your food and drink. Really. I mean it.
After the supper, it was off to stay with A and S. A and I will go to the bead show together & from there it's the tatting meeting. Squee!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Feeling Better
I've been in a little bit of a funk recently. I haven't managed to tat, knit or write from Sunday until today. I managed to work on a my 'historical piece.' It's a size 10 cotton thread in variegated purple, with a Lady Hoare shuttle tatting a 1930's era edging.
There's hope.
Had a great belated celebratory supper on Saturday for a friend. We went to a new Irish pub and it was great. Lovely decor and great food. They also made a very wise choice; they had live music outside. So many times, the music is so loud you can't even hear yourself think, much less appreciate the music.
Sunday was the Forgotten Realms (3.5e) home game and tonight, it's the Traveller game.
And Friday night is another birthday supper and Saturday is the meeting of our local tatters, plus a bead show in the morning. I have lots to look forward to.
There's hope.
Had a great belated celebratory supper on Saturday for a friend. We went to a new Irish pub and it was great. Lovely decor and great food. They also made a very wise choice; they had live music outside. So many times, the music is so loud you can't even hear yourself think, much less appreciate the music.
Sunday was the Forgotten Realms (3.5e) home game and tonight, it's the Traveller game.
And Friday night is another birthday supper and Saturday is the meeting of our local tatters, plus a bead show in the morning. I have lots to look forward to.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Missed Me?
It's been a long time. Quite a bit has happened. I finally made one of the minor Norwegian dragons (by Anne B), in black. I gave it to Jennie Breeden when I saw her at Con-Nooga. I made a variegated red seahorse dragon. I've made 4 bracelets; one of my niece, one for a charity auction, one for a friend and finally one for me. I have been asked about making them for money. I'm thinking about it.
I've been doing some writing. And reading about writing.
I've been gaming, both home games and Pathfinder Society games. I've bought some games. I'm going to look at one based on the tv series Primeval soon.
I've been trying to get rid of stuff. I took 2 bags of clothes to Goodwill this past weekend.
I've been stressing about my lack of exercise and healthy habits. Which isn't healthy.
I've been to see my mom and my aunt and had supper with my dad & step mom. I've celebrated birthdays with friends and gone to see a couple movies.
I've been doing some writing. And reading about writing.
I've been gaming, both home games and Pathfinder Society games. I've bought some games. I'm going to look at one based on the tv series Primeval soon.
I've been trying to get rid of stuff. I took 2 bags of clothes to Goodwill this past weekend.
I've been stressing about my lack of exercise and healthy habits. Which isn't healthy.
I've been to see my mom and my aunt and had supper with my dad & step mom. I've celebrated birthdays with friends and gone to see a couple movies.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years
Thanksgiving was spent with my mom, my aunt & my uncle down at my aunt's & uncle's house. Mom picked me up Thanksgiving morning and we drove down. We got there after lunch. Mom and I hit a few stores before heading for the grocery store, just to learn that they closed before lunch. My aunt had not been able to go before we arrived, either. Guess what we had for Thanksgiving supper? Tuna salad sandwiches!
We laughed about it. After all, we had shelter, something to eat, and each other. It wasn't as bad as some people had it and we considered ourselves lucky.
We had a nice visit and I took an extra day to spend with them. I did learn. My mom really loves to shop. We went shopping every single day; Thursday, Black Friday, Saturday, Sunday & one place on Monday. We went out 'late' on Black Friday; not until about 7:30 am. We missed the crowds except in 1 store. It was nice.
I spent the weekend before Christmas with my Dad, brother, etc. It SNOWED! I don't remember the last time it snowed in December. Everything was fine, just cloudy, until I was only a county away. It went from 'hey is that snow?' to 'OMG it's snow!' just that fast. My vision went down to only about 6 car lengths. I was not happy. I was frankly mad at my dad for not warning me. Then I got to the county line for my Dad's and the snow almost disappeared. There was some snow there but not that bad.
Dad's yard:
I drove down to my aunt's and uncle's for Christmas weekend. It snowed again! Luckily, I had Monday off or I would have taken a weather day. I drove home on Monday instead of Sunday, as I'd planned. Here's the progress of the snow.
I cleaned off my car about mid-afternoon.
The week between was very slow. New Year's was so exciting (/end dry tone). I went to a friend's house and we watched movies until after midnight. The next day C and I went to my High School friend's house. After we spent time dealing with a broken dryer. We ended up leaving home about the time we meant to arrive. *sigh* We got to there, finally.
We opened presents; and Namesake loved her lace tiara and scepter. J gave me a bromeliad in a re-used lightbulb. A & L loved their Gingher shears and scissors. All around, popular presents.
We had a great time and drove back Monday.
I made a few bracelets.
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I've started Jane Eborall's latest TIAS.So far, it's just the introduction
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We laughed about it. After all, we had shelter, something to eat, and each other. It wasn't as bad as some people had it and we considered ourselves lucky.
We had a nice visit and I took an extra day to spend with them. I did learn. My mom really loves to shop. We went shopping every single day; Thursday, Black Friday, Saturday, Sunday & one place on Monday. We went out 'late' on Black Friday; not until about 7:30 am. We missed the crowds except in 1 store. It was nice.
I spent the weekend before Christmas with my Dad, brother, etc. It SNOWED! I don't remember the last time it snowed in December. Everything was fine, just cloudy, until I was only a county away. It went from 'hey is that snow?' to 'OMG it's snow!' just that fast. My vision went down to only about 6 car lengths. I was not happy. I was frankly mad at my dad for not warning me. Then I got to the county line for my Dad's and the snow almost disappeared. There was some snow there but not that bad.
Dad's yard:
I drove down to my aunt's and uncle's for Christmas weekend. It snowed again! Luckily, I had Monday off or I would have taken a weather day. I drove home on Monday instead of Sunday, as I'd planned. Here's the progress of the snow.
The week between was very slow. New Year's was so exciting (/end dry tone). I went to a friend's house and we watched movies until after midnight. The next day C and I went to my High School friend's house. After we spent time dealing with a broken dryer. We ended up leaving home about the time we meant to arrive. *sigh* We got to there, finally.
We opened presents; and Namesake loved her lace tiara and scepter. J gave me a bromeliad in a re-used lightbulb. A & L loved their Gingher shears and scissors. All around, popular presents.
We had a great time and drove back Monday.
I made a few bracelets.
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| Black size 20 thread, seed beads and moss agate cube beads. These are 2 different bracelets, check the seed beads. |
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| Here's a bracelet with green outer beads and silver/clear inner line of beads |
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| Here's a bracelet that I started with the moss agate beads but I didn't like it with the red thread |
I've started Jane Eborall's latest TIAS.So far, it's just the introduction
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| Supplies: thread & beads |
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| testing technique |
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Filler
I'm sorry I haven't posted anything. I'm having laptop issues The power cable only charges the battery and powers the laptop when I have it shoved into place. It doesn't take long for my hand to cramp, so until my new cord arrives. I'm not doing much on my laptop (where my pictures are).
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Remembrance Day
It's Remembrance Day. Do you have a poppy? I don't. I haven't seen any VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) or other folks around to get one. My boss printed one for me, but it's not the same.
I went to the Veterans Day ceremony this morning, at 11 am. It was cold and I sat on a stone wall. There was a mix of people; veterans, students, ROTC, military, etc. I cried.
I should post pictures, but I'm still triste from this morning.
I've had a cold. It's 2 weeks now. It started as a sore throat, caused by sinus drainage. A week ago Tuesday, it was a cough, so I went to the doctor. She confirmed that it was a cold and advised me about what palliatives to take. They've helped but I'm really sick of being sick.
Mace is this weekend, in High Point. I'm running Ironclaw (2nd edition) & a Pathfinder Society adventure (Perils of the Pirate Pact). I've signed up to run Spirit of the Century, too but no one has registered for that game. I don't feel prepared.
We took John J out for a much belated birthday supper on Saturday. He loves a good steak so we took him to one. It was expensive, but the steaks were -really- good. Too bad the steak fries were disappointing. The onion rings were okay, but nothing exceptional. The sweet potato casserole was very good and they had a nice selection of hot tea. However, while the teapot held two cups there was no way to keep the tea from continuing to steep the 2nd cup as you drank the 1st. I had the Jasmine pearl tea; and the 1st cup was great. The 2nd cup however was extraordinarily bitter and completely undrinkable.
My State Fair entry got Honorable Mention
I went to the Veterans Day ceremony this morning, at 11 am. It was cold and I sat on a stone wall. There was a mix of people; veterans, students, ROTC, military, etc. I cried.
I should post pictures, but I'm still triste from this morning.
I've had a cold. It's 2 weeks now. It started as a sore throat, caused by sinus drainage. A week ago Tuesday, it was a cough, so I went to the doctor. She confirmed that it was a cold and advised me about what palliatives to take. They've helped but I'm really sick of being sick.
Mace is this weekend, in High Point. I'm running Ironclaw (2nd edition) & a Pathfinder Society adventure (Perils of the Pirate Pact). I've signed up to run Spirit of the Century, too but no one has registered for that game. I don't feel prepared.
We took John J out for a much belated birthday supper on Saturday. He loves a good steak so we took him to one. It was expensive, but the steaks were -really- good. Too bad the steak fries were disappointing. The onion rings were okay, but nothing exceptional. The sweet potato casserole was very good and they had a nice selection of hot tea. However, while the teapot held two cups there was no way to keep the tea from continuing to steep the 2nd cup as you drank the 1st. I had the Jasmine pearl tea; and the 1st cup was great. The 2nd cup however was extraordinarily bitter and completely undrinkable.
My State Fair entry got Honorable Mention
Thursday, September 30, 2010
websites and my doily
Here's instructions for a little plush skull; great if you celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Or even if you just wish that you did.
And now you know why cannonballs are dangerous, especially when dredged up from the sea.
Here's the unblocked, untrimmed heart doily; my entry for this year's State Fair. I still haven't found a presentation for it that I like.
I finished tatting a 2-color cross bookmark for my family reunion. But then I got a migraine right before leaving and didn't go.
I'm working on a burgundy cross bookmark; still Tatmom03's pattern, still perle 12. I'm using the thread from my doily. The 2-color uses the 2 outer colors from the doily; but no beads. As soon as I get my camera downloaded, I'll add those photos, too.
And now you know why cannonballs are dangerous, especially when dredged up from the sea.
I finished tatting a 2-color cross bookmark for my family reunion. But then I got a migraine right before leaving and didn't go.
I'm working on a burgundy cross bookmark; still Tatmom03's pattern, still perle 12. I'm using the thread from my doily. The 2-color uses the 2 outer colors from the doily; but no beads. As soon as I get my camera downloaded, I'll add those photos, too.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Siteseeing, Family Matters, and Games I Play
Do you sometimes feel awkward about people in wheelchairs or with service animals? Here's a serious, albeit sarcastic, etiquette guide.
Time to hit the local farmer's market this weekend. They're gathering food for the local food banks.
I'm still looking for a frame/mat/something to display my heart doily. So far, no luck. I have Saturday, and that's about it. Cross your fingers that I'll find something suitable. Next weekend I'll be busy (no time for craft/etc shopping) and weekend after that the birthday and; State Fair preparations start (and oh, the entry is DUE).
I'm almost finished the cross bookmark that I'm taking to the family reunion on Sunday. There are door prizes and I try to tat something every time that I go. I will be the only representative of my granddaddy's line who'll be there (unless one of my cousins surprises me). My mom is with her older sisters celebrating the 80th birthday of the younger one this weekend. Of course, those cousins will be at their mom's party. My other cousins are out of state.
I volunteered a snowflake for a charity auction. I need to finish that, too. I swear, I didn't think about the deadlines or over extending myself.
The Dresden Files games were so much fun. We entertained ourselves, the Storyteller (or whatever the GM is called in that game) and the other players. There were 2 tables and the players mixed up some, so we didn't play with the same people all three games. In one game, our (C, R & I) sailors made friends with another PC who was very, very rich. He had an aspect (game-relevant descriptor) about 'wants to believe, but doesn't'. It was our PCs who 'broke' that aspect. I don't remember what we did, but I think it was when C's character put a glamour up to hide us as we broke into a house (to look for clues, nothing nefarious). Suddenly, Wayne (the character) couldn't see the other characters. Player sighed, picked up an eraser & started erasing and re-writing. Anyway, while riding in his limo, we suggested that he get a cannon. In the next game (though he was at a different table), he did! Our characters have a small cannon, complete with stone shot. No powder, though.
Oh, our characters? They're all sailors from the Flying Dutchman, stranded on shore leave. My character is the oldest; she's 250+. Yes, she remembers the political upheaval of the 1770's. I could go on, but there's a reason 'No, I don't want to hear about your character' is such a popular button.
I volunteered to run 3 games at Mace. I'm running one Ironclaw (either 1st or 2nd ed), 1 Spirit of the Century and 1 Pathfinder Society. But I'm being mightily tempted to run a 4th game; Hellcats & Hockeysticks. I blame the game's author.
Time to hit the local farmer's market this weekend. They're gathering food for the local food banks.
I'm still looking for a frame/mat/something to display my heart doily. So far, no luck. I have Saturday, and that's about it. Cross your fingers that I'll find something suitable. Next weekend I'll be busy (no time for craft/etc shopping) and weekend after that the birthday and; State Fair preparations start (and oh, the entry is DUE).
I'm almost finished the cross bookmark that I'm taking to the family reunion on Sunday. There are door prizes and I try to tat something every time that I go. I will be the only representative of my granddaddy's line who'll be there (unless one of my cousins surprises me). My mom is with her older sisters celebrating the 80th birthday of the younger one this weekend. Of course, those cousins will be at their mom's party. My other cousins are out of state.
I volunteered a snowflake for a charity auction. I need to finish that, too. I swear, I didn't think about the deadlines or over extending myself.
The Dresden Files games were so much fun. We entertained ourselves, the Storyteller (or whatever the GM is called in that game) and the other players. There were 2 tables and the players mixed up some, so we didn't play with the same people all three games. In one game, our (C, R & I) sailors made friends with another PC who was very, very rich. He had an aspect (game-relevant descriptor) about 'wants to believe, but doesn't'. It was our PCs who 'broke' that aspect. I don't remember what we did, but I think it was when C's character put a glamour up to hide us as we broke into a house (to look for clues, nothing nefarious). Suddenly, Wayne (the character) couldn't see the other characters. Player sighed, picked up an eraser & started erasing and re-writing. Anyway, while riding in his limo, we suggested that he get a cannon. In the next game (though he was at a different table), he did! Our characters have a small cannon, complete with stone shot. No powder, though.
Oh, our characters? They're all sailors from the Flying Dutchman, stranded on shore leave. My character is the oldest; she's 250+. Yes, she remembers the political upheaval of the 1770's. I could go on, but there's a reason 'No, I don't want to hear about your character' is such a popular button.
I volunteered to run 3 games at Mace. I'm running one Ironclaw (either 1st or 2nd ed), 1 Spirit of the Century and 1 Pathfinder Society. But I'm being mightily tempted to run a 4th game; Hellcats & Hockeysticks. I blame the game's author.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Happy Sigh
I had a rocking time at Palmetto Tat Days! I made it to Anitra's house later than I had planned. My car key slipped off the key ring/fob and I spent half an hour or so looking for it. Chris finally found it just under my car on the passenger side.
I met Anitra's and Steve's new dog: Yoko. They have reason to believe that she had been abused in the past. Now they know something of the physical type of her abuser. She growled and barked at me whenever I was in sight; except for a few minutes when I was feeding her treats. She even snapped at me once. I just kept my distance from her, my presence obviously stressed her.
Anitra and I left early Thursday morning. I showed off my bracelet
I'd show you a picture if I could
That afternoon, as I looked for the bracelet, to show Martha, I couldn't find it. Anitra and I looked through my tatting gear, my bags, etc; even went through her car. There was no sign of it. I started a new bracelet with the thread that I had; variegated green with dark green beads.
(again, pictures won't load)
I found it Friday morning, with my jewelry. Bright side, I had one complete bracelet and one partial bracelet to show in class.
On the trip down, I finished my amulet bag. I just had to finish the neck cord; I put in a split ring to add a new thread when the thread on my shuttle ran out.
I took Erin H's onion ring guitar (there was more to the name, it was very Elvis, but I don't remember) class. I think I finally know how to do an onion ring. Yay me & Yay Erin. My guitar soundbox is rather floral rather than smoothly rounded.
(yep, still no picts)
I took Sharren M's Southern Star class. I was doing well and had almost finished one repeat when a knot unflipped and the Self-Closing Mock Ring was not so ring-like. I ended up retro-tatting. There's a floating ring so I'm not sure whether I should just start over. I had to put it aside to get some other projects done.
I did finish the thyme leaf pattern that was in our packets. I finished the green bracelet and started a bracelet from Martha's kit; navy blue with dark 'oil slick' beads.
The food was great, if not exactly low-cal. The scenery was lovely. The convention center was very close to the middle of nowhere, at least three times on the way there, Anitra & I thought that we might have missed the turn.
I met Anitra's and Steve's new dog: Yoko. They have reason to believe that she had been abused in the past. Now they know something of the physical type of her abuser. She growled and barked at me whenever I was in sight; except for a few minutes when I was feeding her treats. She even snapped at me once. I just kept my distance from her, my presence obviously stressed her.
Anitra and I left early Thursday morning. I showed off my bracelet
I'd show you a picture if I could
That afternoon, as I looked for the bracelet, to show Martha, I couldn't find it. Anitra and I looked through my tatting gear, my bags, etc; even went through her car. There was no sign of it. I started a new bracelet with the thread that I had; variegated green with dark green beads.
(again, pictures won't load)
I found it Friday morning, with my jewelry. Bright side, I had one complete bracelet and one partial bracelet to show in class.
On the trip down, I finished my amulet bag. I just had to finish the neck cord; I put in a split ring to add a new thread when the thread on my shuttle ran out.
I took Erin H's onion ring guitar (there was more to the name, it was very Elvis, but I don't remember) class. I think I finally know how to do an onion ring. Yay me & Yay Erin. My guitar soundbox is rather floral rather than smoothly rounded.
(yep, still no picts)
I took Sharren M's Southern Star class. I was doing well and had almost finished one repeat when a knot unflipped and the Self-Closing Mock Ring was not so ring-like. I ended up retro-tatting. There's a floating ring so I'm not sure whether I should just start over. I had to put it aside to get some other projects done.
I did finish the thyme leaf pattern that was in our packets. I finished the green bracelet and started a bracelet from Martha's kit; navy blue with dark 'oil slick' beads.
The food was great, if not exactly low-cal. The scenery was lovely. The convention center was very close to the middle of nowhere, at least three times on the way there, Anitra & I thought that we might have missed the turn.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
So Excited
Tonight I finish packing and stay at my friend's house overnight. In the morning, at some excessively early hour, we will leave for Toccoa, Georgia. Why are we going to Toccoa, Georgia? That's where the Palmetto Tat Days is being held this year. It's a longer drive so we have to leave earlier.
Last night, I started preparing. I loaded my shuttles for the two classes that I'm taking (I'm not worried about the two classes with which I am assisting) and one for the Friday night activities. I didn't get enough of my clothes packing done. I got the shirts, etc set aside, but my jeans weren't ready.
Last Sunday's game didn't really happen. Our home Forgotten Realms D&D campaign is going strong but one of the players hurt himself late Saturday and couldn't make it at the last minute. Since his character's nickname is 'Rail Gun' the GM had upgraded the combats to match. Frankly, the rest of our characters wouldn't survive them without him. Our tele-player (thank you Skype & um, whatever our on-line mapper is, I can't believe that I've forgotten the name) took off to get some errands done. The other player stuck around while C, R & I worked on Dresden Files characters. Yes, I play multiple role playing game systems. Don't get me wrong, I love my D&D (although 4th e will never be my best love), but I also enjoy other systems & settings.
They've almost finished our deck, only a few flourishes remain. Now if they'd finish replacing the damaged boards on the walls, I'd be even happier.
We got some much needed rain yesterday. And Hurricane Danielle is far out to the Atlantic and is not predicted to hit North America (not before Monday anyway) so it won't interfere with this weekend's plans.
Last night, I started preparing. I loaded my shuttles for the two classes that I'm taking (I'm not worried about the two classes with which I am assisting) and one for the Friday night activities. I didn't get enough of my clothes packing done. I got the shirts, etc set aside, but my jeans weren't ready.
Last Sunday's game didn't really happen. Our home Forgotten Realms D&D campaign is going strong but one of the players hurt himself late Saturday and couldn't make it at the last minute. Since his character's nickname is 'Rail Gun' the GM had upgraded the combats to match. Frankly, the rest of our characters wouldn't survive them without him. Our tele-player (thank you Skype & um, whatever our on-line mapper is, I can't believe that I've forgotten the name) took off to get some errands done. The other player stuck around while C, R & I worked on Dresden Files characters. Yes, I play multiple role playing game systems. Don't get me wrong, I love my D&D (although 4th e will never be my best love), but I also enjoy other systems & settings.
They've almost finished our deck, only a few flourishes remain. Now if they'd finish replacing the damaged boards on the walls, I'd be even happier.
We got some much needed rain yesterday. And Hurricane Danielle is far out to the Atlantic and is not predicted to hit North America (not before Monday anyway) so it won't interfere with this weekend's plans.
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