Day 1

We left for England on the 22nd. A direct flight from Tampa to Gatwick via British Airway. Flight was great-good food (color me surprised and service) plus they give you socks, a sleep mask and toothbrush and paste.

What was funny is that their movie recommends using a good moisturizer while in flight for your skin but doesn't tell you how to get it on the plane to use.

Security was tight. Tampa has the air poofers installed but only random people have to go through it, while we were there it was only men. I made it through without any problems and I was not the RANDOM passenger chosen. At the gate, I made sure my carry on would fit in the BA allowed carryon size. Question is never can I get it in the little box they have but can I get it out after cramming it in there- not a problem.

There was a sad moment, not for me but for the couple sitting next to me, they didn't speak any english but they had been over for several months visiting their daughter and granddaughter and were now returning to Albania. They had no clue what was going on and where they had to go both here in Tampa and at Gatwick. I took them under my wing and made sure they would make their connection at Gatwick and making it through the security check to get on the plane. Yes, even though we went through airport security their was another check before going on the plane. Something TIA is not really set up for but managed to pull it off without delaying the flight.

The only pictures are of some decorated manatees that I thought were cute. (Click to make larger)

Home...

Well, England was great but being home is just as nice.

I will post pictures in the next few days. I'm still trying to unpack.

SP8 HELLO KITTY!!!!

SP8 THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

A box from Target.com came one August afternoon

Created quite a to do that day, everyone wondering what I had
ordered.

Me wondering- What did I order.

Then I opened it and YAH!!!! Hello Kitty.

Hello Kitty Bathroom coming soon...we are going to remodel the
bathroom early next year. So these are in the linen closet until then.

Life in Florida with JL

First Up the Jean Luc Update

Here are some pictures of JL as of a couple weeks ago. Right now

I am seaming everything. I thought I was taking him on my trip but he will be
too warm to wear.

Life in Florida

When I wake up most of the time it is raining. Too tired to take
a picture.

When I go home...you guessed it more rain...fancy that.

So much for the Sunshine State.


Driving home not too cloudy

Few moments later the clouds move in

Then
the world goes dark...

Then rain...rain and yet more rain but I guess not enough for this guy.

(It was pouring out when I took it. And it rained every day that week.)

Is it Friday Yet???

It is a count down to Friday. Friday when my flight leaves for London. I can't wait. I was there last year for two days while on a trip to Ireland. I wanted to go back and decided to this year.

I am going to do the things I wanted to last year but didn't have a chance to- the Ripper tour, the V & A, and the Tower of London. Plus I am going to Bath and the Peak District.

Another reason for my visit is to get the juices going for a series of books I want to write. A set of Regency romances and ideas of writing a Regency paranormal has been floating also.

There are no pictures because I got a new digital camera and have misplaced the disk needed for the computer....grrrr.

Thank You British Air

The word is that they are going to be allowing small carry ons, which means I can at least get a book on with me when I go to England in September. Need to find out about the electronics allowed-please I just want to bring by digital camera on with me thats all not a lot to ask for.

B*Girlz

We B*Girlz

Check it out. Remember breakdancing and how it was always men who were doing it (ahh the 80's). Well move over gents its now the Girlz turn.

Welcome to the Frog Pond

Today...oh heck...this week has not been a good knitting week.

I have this scarf from the new Laines du Nord that is just not working for me. Not to mention there is a typo they have yrn. What in flying heck is a YRN? Some strange pattern designer's way of torture to inform you to make this you need yarn? Or a typo for YARN OVER?Look at the picture look at the pattern...it's a yarn over. Started knitting-not looking anything like the stitch in the picture pull back start again. Pull back again. Start again. Does not look anything like the picture so...bye bye pattern book hello just knit so it looks cool way.

Then there is the little purse from Berroco in there Yoga yarn. Follow the instructions (what little there is). Look at the picture. Look at what I have. Look at the picture again. They are nothing a like. Sigh. It is now on hold until I figure out what is wrong.

Clapotis...frogged back to the start. Went down on needle size.

Jean Luc-ooh JL why why...frogged the front down to where I have to add the edge. Some how I missed an entire instruction section where I was to decrease. But we are back on track.

I think I will just go to bed now.

KnitPicks Strikes Again

Won't you know...after I order yesterday they come out with more goodies.

KIPer Knitting Bags: You can buy them as a set or individually. I am leaning towards the larger one and maybe the purse organizer. I don't think I would need the set. But it is tempting. I'll probably wait to see what other people think.

Yarn: Oh why now...I am trying not buy yarn did they have to release yarn that is not all pastel like.

Gloss Sock yarn with silk ooohh aaahhh. I like the woodland sage color now if they had a gray too I would be in heaven.

Swish: I love the Bordeaux shade (what is it with me and wine reds of late.?)

Then they have a lot of undyed yarn for adventures in dyeing. Sigh. So going to have to wait until I come back for England before I add to the Yarn Collection.

Evanescence New Single!!!

I was cruising some of my favorite gossip sites and found a link to Evanescence new song.

It is call Call Me When You're Sober. I LOVE IT. I can't wait until the new cd comes out.

This is one of my favorite bands.

Check it out--ONTD

Ahh...

I'm much better this week. Amazing what a weekend in bed will do for a person. I still sound a bit sick and have coughing fits but I don't smell like Vicks now. I also don't have cough drop breath.

On the knitting front, I was able to start knitting again (didn't want to sneeze on the angora).

For my SP8 person, I have corrected my link to my amazon wishlist HERE.

One day while I was out sick, I found a cool site- THE WINGER.
It is a blog for Kristin Sloan a corps dancer with the New York City Ballet. She has guest contributors and there are a TON of pics on the site. It is an interesting look on what gones on behind the scenes at the NYCB and the ABT.

I promise pictures soon.

Sick

I am sick...summer cold.

My head gained 5 lbs. Kleenex is my new bff. And I am wearing parfume de vicks.

I hate being sick...damn rain storms and ac combo.

Another Typical Florida Afternoon

You know it is not good when you look out your office window and it looks like this...

And you wonder why the sever weather radio has not sounded. Only to find out it needs batteries.

Ahh life in Florida.

Half hour later it was normal blue skys.

A Post

Happy now?

Let's see this past few weeks have...
had a friend's husband take a turn for the worse with Cancer (pray for her and her family)
had a bestest friend find out she might have cancer
On Tuesday...
had a someone who is like a sister to me come down with bell palsy
had someone I have lost touch with had a lightening strike that took out her barn
And today...
had a friend from work get bit by a snake



how is your past two months gone?

Ooh Some Knitting Content

But no photos...
I am currently working on the fronts and back of Jean Luc, there is a stretch of 4.5" of plain old st st that is needed on all three sections that I decided to do all at once. I promise to take photos tomorrow at knit night.

On other fronts, I attended my first TARA meeting yesterday and it was workshop with Betina Khan on conflict. I learned a lot and have several new authors to check out. I finished Lord Will, it really was like an ep of Will and Grace only with a straight will. And finished the lastest book in Mary Janice Davison's Undead series, so when the new book comes this week from Amazon I am all set to dive in. Word of warning...never read a book about Satan after reading about the devil in her books. You just can't get the image of Lena Olin with great shoes out of your mind. (Betsy Rules!) Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow was not a good choice to of a read after Undead and Unreturnable. I didn't really care for the book, the cover drew me, the back cover intrigued me, the opening line hooked me (like they teach us) but then the rest of the book disappointed me. There was no happy ending which is okay and was quite understandable.

So what is next? Good question nothing until Undead and Unpopular comes out this week. I am also looking forward to Laurell's new book later this month.

On my writing, well things are going a bit slow. I tried changing POV's while it worked it was missing things that were kind of needed. I am world building and while it great telling a story from one POV you only see what she sees and that was making things hard. So back to Third Person and I just skipped chapter 1 which was not working and jumped into the main story. Chapter 1 will come to me. I don't have the hook and I think that is what the problem is.

My first Meme

I saw this on jensknits and thought how cool.

book meme

1. Total number of books I own? A lot. I never sat down and counted them but...safe to say less than my nearest county library, less than a collector, but more than the average family. I love to read and read anything appealing.

2. The last book I bought?
Almost a Goddess by Judi McCoy. It is a great book. Very funny. I love the cover too. Basic Story: One of the Muses gets one more chance to do her job (seems Zeus has gotten all modern-computers, blogs and performance reviews) and in the process falls in love.

3. The last book I read? I won't say read because I'm still reading it but only have 20 pages left.
Lord Will and Her Grace by Sophia Nash. It is Will and Grace set in the Regency period only Will is not gay. Jack and Karen are present too. It is a funny sweet Regency.


4. Five books that mean a lot to me? This is a hard one because I like Series

Harry Potter Series- great writing (though lots of grammar mistakes and if I can see them...there is a reason I was an engineering major), outstanding characterization, and they suck the reader in.

Anything by Laurell K Hamilton- prefer the Merry Gentry series over Anita Blake now but I still pick them up. Great world building and characterization.

The Undead Series by Mary Janice Davidson- one of the most funny vampire series. Betsy Rules!!!

Bar Cynster by Stephanie Laurens- Why did couldn't there been more Cynster's? Great Regency Series

I know it is only four but I can't think of a fifth series..

Another Sleeve Bites the Dust...

Sleeve 2 done!!

Now two fronts and a back...oh boy.

Busy day...

Finished one of JL's sleeves and the second is almost done. Whoo Hoo! I am enjoying this moment until I pull out the body of the sweater. Happy Thoughts Happy Thoughts.

I also was able to write 10 pages of my novel! In addition to figuring out the software I am using for it. I needed a program that kept everything I needed for a story together and it seems WriteWay is going to do it for me.

Oh Jean Luc...

Where the hell did I leave off on you...

This is what you get for not knitting for a week. I forgot where I stopped. So tonight it was count and measure night. I have 3 sets of increases then a straight away until 20 inches then decreases. (Just in case you want to know)

It was odd not knitting last week but I would be frogging now if I had. I am still trying to unpack the books still (man there is a lot) and adjust to being at work.

More pictures to come. I figured you could do without seeing Jean Luc being a inch longer than the last picture.

SP8 Questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I don't like ones that feel scratchy. I also have to take climate into consideration. Florida and 100% wool are not the best of friends.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a large wine bottle holder to hold my straights, a pencil case for my double points and another for crochet hooks. For my circulars I have three Addi Blue cases they sell.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for over 2 years now and would consider myself an advanced beginner (because there are still some things I need to try)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I have a wish list but it has odd things on it. I need to update it.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I like clean scents nothing overly floral.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Yes, Japanese candies and anything dark chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I am a beader with more beads than time. I do drop spindle- I just haven't done a lot due to an injury last fall.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Everything but hard core rap and country. I prefer Alternative and 80's music. Yes, I can play MP3s and I just got an Ipod this year.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite would be anything jewel tone. I lean heavily into the purples, blues, teals, and greens. I don't look good in many reds, hideous in yellow and quite odd in orange. And Brown is not the new black because I can't wear it.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Single no pets (please don't send my any either-pets that is). I don't have pets because I like to travel.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves mainly, hats occasionally, mittens seldom, ponchos never.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Love socks and shawls.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Lift and Separate from BGK.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

I thoroughly enjoy them. Best SP present were a pair of socks and a purse my SP knitted me.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I like both depends on what I am knitting. I tend to use circulars for most things because they are easier to deal with. I like Addi Turbos for my circulars. But I use Inox and Ebony ones for my lace knitting. DP I only like wooden. SP I have mainly Brittany Birches-would like to try Ebony.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a winder. I would like a swift-either table top or a metal umbrella style. I

17. How did you learn to knit?

Self taught

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

Mary Ella about a year.

19. What is your favorite holiday?

Anyone that gives me off from work. I love Halloween though.

20. Is there anything that you collect?

Hello Kitty and rubber ducks

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I would like to see what the to do about Socks that Rock is about and I would like to try Ebony Double Points.

I only get Interweave Knits.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Not at this time.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. I wear a size 9.5-10. I have duck feet which mean the front of my foot is wide like a duck with skinny heels.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 05/02

Home at last and exhausted

Jean Luc pretty much looking like he did before I left...

But my Book collection has grown.


These were all for FREE and only some of them, I'm still unpacking. Also missing
are the 9 I gave to my mom that were mysteries.

And not to mention the Yarn Collection (no longer a Stash but a COLLECTION). Sip and Knit had a HUGE sale that I hit on the way home. Somehow we managed to shove some yarn bags between all the book bags.

The COLLECTION



Closer look at the COLLECTION

Sip and Knit has one of the best sock yarn selections.

I picked up the new Laines Du Nord and Queensland Book 3. They also had some ChiaoGoo needles that everyone is talking about, so I got a set.

In the store, they had some scarves that I loved. I enjoy wearing scarves instead of heavy coats, Florida does not get that cold and a scarf will keep you warm while running from car to building. So I picked up some of the recommended mohair and the patterns for them. I also got some purple baby yarn-thinking thick socks for winter to wear around the house.

Lastly, we have a bag of Catania in the color I LOVE. Bag of Rowan Classic Yarns Cashsoft DK, and a bag of Fantasy by Dark Horse Yarns (this yarn is soo
soft).

I will put up some pictures of the con at some point, I don't know how interested everyone would be in seeing them.

Romantic Times...

No I didn't disappear on some secret getaway.

I am at the Romantic Times Convention where I have been taking a workshop for Aspiring Writers and meeting Published Authors and other Aspiring Writers.

I have learned a lot of stuff. I say stuff because my brain is in overload mode right now.

Yes, I am trying to write a novel- actually going to redo my first one. Mainly, I need to fix all the wrong things with it. But I have 2 novels now outlined and another plotted. Another that came from a brainstorm book- Vampire ex Arch Bishop and a nun (hmm imaging the google hits for that).

More will be coming with pictures and knitting (what little I have done this week).

Love, K

Jean Luc aka Lift and Separate

Well...it is endless sts. So there is not a lot I can say. I am still on the sleeves which are longer- actually, I think I passed the half way point.

I had to frog 5 rows to redo. My Tension got all wonky on one of them. Then there was the side trip into crochet land. Tomorrow I will post some pics and a final update before I head for the Romantic Times Convention.

K

Eileen Ivers

Just got back from an incredible show. Eileen Ivers was playing with her group and the Florida Orchestra. It was a great show--though most the people had no clue who she was. When she mentioned Riverdance, some lady in the audience was like OOH Riverdance I know that.

To hear some of her music fully orchestrated version of her song Bygone Days, word can not describe it.

You could tell the orchestra was into her music.

Check out the reviews

Danger Danger Will Rogers

Lots of Pictures Ahead...

Sit and Knit at Fiber Arts Saturday...
Here I thought I was running late but when I got there the only one there was C and Roz the owner. C was working on her Fixation IPOD Arm Band which she is designing and I get to test!!We were later joined by L of Chibisan Knits who was crocheting a vintage pattern.

Here she is hooking away while T in the background was doing something on PDA.My soon to be felted tote bag is sitting on the table with the form in it (see old physics books are good for something).
Showing off the goods...you knitcheter!

Then walked in the Croknitter: A. I taught her to knit (my evil plan so I would always have someone one cool to knit with). She is working on the Touch Me scarf from Scarf Style. She was a lot further along but decided to Frog the thing much to L's horror. Go A!! This is her 5th project...she even has multiple projects (Sniff I am so proud of her)

Here C is showing her some thing I think it is a pattern.

And what did I work on??

Bands- 15 stitch 1x1 ribbing for the sleeve bands on Lift and Separate from BGK.We didn't have enough of the main color Elsebeth Lavold Angora in Burgundy Red. So am doing the trim in Black.

This project is now dubbed Jean Luc because it is the same Colors as Jean Luc Picard's uniform!

I also added some items to the stash last week: some Red Catania that was on sale along with some Jo Sharp Cotton for another BGK project.

Then on Thursday some DB Cashmerino for some socks, some Trekking Sock yarn, Regia Silk Sock Yarn in the same color as the Jean Luc (matching socks how 80's of me).

I also picked up a ball of black Fixation and variegated bamboo yarn for some pantas. The purple fixation is for the IPOD Arm Band.

Finals and Birthdays

Two things that really have no business in the same phrase.

Today is my birthday and I am feeling every year all of a sudden along with the incredibly stupid things I did when younger.

And I had my finals today...My brain is mush.

But on the bright side I have little over a week before I am Daytona bound. Romantic Times Convention here I come...Mr. Romance contestants can line up to the right and extra consideration will be given if you hold my balls of yarn.

To make Chibisan Knits happy...

My first blog post in forever in a day...

What has been happening-
March is a blur in put into place a new production database at work created and programmed by moi and lets just say it was a stressful month. This was aided by a lead who just can't seem to understand I can control the database I can't control the speed the network is at nor can I explain things that go wrong when 1. It can't be reproduced and 2. I was not anywhere around and you banged on the keyboard until it went away.

Things have gotten better though. Of course once all the stress was gone I got a sinus thing going on for a couple a days aka the sick vacation days. I took 2 days off and rested and felt much better for it- of course it is not like I could have driven to work with vertigo (why yes that is my face imprint on the wall there).

Knitting: I have finished 2 panta (love these head bands perfect headbands...I heart Panta), the Kiri Shawl (ooooh never again never in beige), and Jaywalker (I managed to finish as the flame was being put out then realized I wanted them taller. So needless to say they are on the needles but put to the side because above said database. I have been spending a lot of time helping new knitters and chatting with my two knitting buddies L and A.

School: I am doing okay but totally not motivated. One class we are using the exact same book as an Intro class and going over the EXACT same material...not too exciting. And my other class is a photography class but not for beginners but doesn't require you to take an intro photo class...lucky for me I have a good camera and a good photography store near by with a REALLY BRILLIANT guy running it who answers and helps when I get confused.

Writing: Hello Romantic Times Convention and pre convention- This is the year I get serious about my writing and going for it. So if someone wants to read rough drafts drop me a line. It is romance along the lines of what Ellora's Cave sells. My main concern right now is- is the story enjoyable.

Well...that is all that has been going on in my world for the past few months. I promise to post more often...with something. Though I don't think you would find me going on and on about blood splatter very interesting (oh the joys of research papers).

Back...

Over a month since my last entry, truly it was not my fault.

Seems I mangled my elbow and forearm muscles when I came back from vacation. It was so bad just stretching my arm out was a 10 minute act with gritted teeth. I could barely do my job let alone knit or write. I could do some wire work since I use my left arm for that mainly over my right (which was the injured party). No I didn't go to the doctor, mainly I thought it was because I over used it at work (I was doing some Data Entry for another area in my department when this all developed). I thought if I relaxed and did nothing it would help since I had several vacation days and a week off during the month.

Well, the days off didn't really help too much...but tripping over my mom's cat sure did the trick. I caught myself on a cabinet with my sore arm and jammed something back into place. Now I can move my arm comfortably but there is some lingering weakness when I over do it.

I would rate myself at a 98% back to normal. At least I can knit.