From Rain to Hope

That’s what Loops and I have right now.  A difference of opinion about what is considered to be too many shoes.  I told him I would create a post to document how many shoes I actually have.  He thinks it will make me realize how I have tons of shoes.  I think it will cause people to come to my defense and point out that my shoe collection is in no way out of control.  We’ll see.

First off, my “dress” shoes.  I didn’t take any time to photograph these in detail.  I would’ve had to dust them since they get worn only rarely.  All are very inexpensive.  I’d say under $30.

The not-so-fancy fancy shoes.

Next, we have sneakers.  I went through a phase of buying these so I have a nice little collection.  Out of the 10.5 pictured (the .5 are my actual exercise shoes so we can ignore them), my favorites are the bottom left.  They are Rocket Dogs and, with the black, blue, purple, and pink action, they go with about 75% of my wardrobe.

It's like a rainbow up in my closet!

Next up are the shoes worn more than any others, the house shoes.  Most people think it’s odd, but I wear shoes almost all the time.  I don’t sleep or shower in them, but any other time there will be shoes on my feet.  Right now I alternate between a lovely pair of Born Mary Janes (I <3 Born!) and my very cute Minnetonka Moccasins.

House shoes in the house!

Now we get on to the serious stuff.  I’m not going to lie about it.  I love me some boots.  I’ve divided them into categories.

First, we have the cheap boots, which I consider anything under $50.  I’d say most of these were between $25 and $40.

The Brown Collection.  It’s small and I’d say these are my least worn.

Look at that poly-fur!

The Black Collection.  I really like all these.  Both Rocket Dogs (the two pair in back) are made of some weird material that is much nicer to wear than fake leather.

They may be cheap, but I love them.

The Gray Collection.  I wear the Sketchers all the time.  Gray is my favorite color so I always reach for these since I don’t have an expensive gray pair.  The other pair is Not Rated Official.  I picked these up for less than $30 at the end of March which means end of boot season here in Charleston so I have yet to wear these.  Hopefully it will cool off soon so I can try them out.

Gray is Awesome.

This post is getting long, isn’t it?

Next up are the expensive boots.  Anything over $100 is expensive to me.

First we have the boots that started my love for boots.  The Frye boots (on the left) are possibly my favorite boots, look-wise.  I recently had to have the heels adjusted though because I couldn’t wear them for very long without some serious foot pain.  Hopefully, I can wear them more now.  The boots on the right are my newest acquisition.  They are Dr. Martens.  I actually have worn these.  I ignored the temps and wore them a couple of weeks ago.  They are pretty comfy.

Can anyone tell I favor lace-up boots?

Last, my pride and joy.  My Born boots.  Did I mention I <3 Born?!?  I love both pairs.  I would like 10 more pairs, but I guess that’s not happening.  While the ones on the left are the lookers, the others are my favorite boots to wear.  In fact, these boots tromped all over Paris and Belgium last year.  Although, I did hurt my foot on a cobble in Brugge, I do not hold it against the boots.  It could have happened in any shoe.

Born sure knows how to make a nice boot.

So, there we go.  My whole collection.  Ok.  There is one more pair.  I forgot about my Sperry rain shoes that are under Loops Chest of Drawers.  See, I’m all about the honesty here.  I’m not taking a picture of them though.  Let’s not forget that I’m lazy.

If you’re tired of looking at shoes, this last picture is for you.

Dottie <3 Loops, who took this picture.

As I mentioned in my last post, we spent last Saturday up in Columbia, SC at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.  We got up bright and early so we could be there when the gates opened at 9am.  I think Loops was a bit grumpy to be up so early on the weekend, but, with the promise of a pancake pitstop, he was good to go.

Tulips in the sun!

We started off on the Botanical Gardens side.  It was a bit sunny, but since it was still chilly at that time of the morning I am not complaining.  There were plenty of pretty flowers blooming.

Very purple flowers

There were pansies everywhere, in every color imaginable.  I didn’t take any pictures of them though.  They also had tons of pretty smelling roses of which I didn’t get any good pictures of.  In fact, my photo count was really kind of low so I don’t have much to share.

The prettiest of spring flowers

After looking at all of the pretty flowers, we walked a riverside path that wound its way toward the bridge to cross over to the zoo.  It was very peaceful and shady.  Best of all, it was mostly downhill so the walk was easy.

One of the first animals we saw was the koala bears.  You cannot imagine how excited I was.

Mama Koala

Baby Koala

They were so cute and I just wanted to cuddle both of them.  There was one other koala there, but it just slept the whole time which was also cute, but not as photo worthy.

We went on from there and saw the baboons.  Not the most attractive animals, but they were fun to watch.

I'm not sure what the baby's doing.

From there we saw kangaroos.  In fact, we were in the cage with them.  It would’ve been more exciting, but all the kangaroos were sleeping while we were in there.  I was actually close enough to touch one.  Not that I was allowed to do that or anything.  After that we saw elephants and zebras and grizzly bears and giraffes.

Stretch!

Now, for a blog exclusive:  First the backstory.  It seems every time I’m at the zoo I get to see something unique.  Mostly, it’s something I didn’t need to see, but I guess I’m just “lucky” that way.  I’ve seen turtles mating, a gorilla eating his own puke, etc.  This time tops it all though.  If it only would’ve happened once I wouldn’t have the photographic proof because I was too shocked at what I was seeing through the lens.  The siamang in question was kind enough to offer an encore though (lucky you).  We walk up to the siamangs enclosure and way up high is one of the pair facing away from us.  I turn to Loops and say something about us getting a great view of the primate’s butt.  Next thing I know:

the butt end of a siamang

That’s right, he reached back and broke his own turds off.  Then he  took the time to examine them before  tossing them away.  We were stunned into silence for a moment, but then we couldn’t stop laughing and talking about it.  As we left him to it and headed back to our car we started hearing him and the other siamang start with the “singing” they are known for.  It was pretty cool and the sound really travels through the woods.  All in all it was a very good day at the zoo.

Since it would be wrong to leave you with that image stuck in your head, I give you KOALAS!

Oh the cuteness is almost too much!

Loops and I have very close birthdays.  His is March 27th, mine the 30th.  Most logical people would combine the celebration, but I am selfish and don’t like to share so we end up with a pretty long week of celebrating.  Even though his birthday is first, I was the first to start the party.

On the 25th I spent the evening at a Don Williams concert.  He is a country singing god.  Even though he’s now in his seventies, he sounds EXACTLY like he did on his albums from the 70′s and 80′s.  I would like to thank Granny and Grandaddy for liking him so I could be introduced to his music at a young age.  After Loops picked me up from the concert, we had to hit Applebee’s for some yummy Maple Butter Blondie.

The next day we started Loopies’ party with lunch at California Dreaming.  It was a nice place.  It looks a bit like a castle and it sits on the water.  I believe Loops enjoyed it.  I think there might have been some shopping that day too, but, as we will discuss later, there was a lot of shopping the past two weeks so it’s hard to remember it all.

Sunday (LP’s birthday), it was hockey day.  We went to watch the Stingrays play.  Everyone knows I am no fan of the game, but it was what Loopies wanted to do so I went along.  Loops also experienced his first funnel cake at the game.  Afterwards, we headed to Park Pizza for supper.

Monday and Tuesday are a bit of a blur.  I’m sure there was much shopping and eating out though.  Wednesday was my birthday and actually a day of rest.  I slept in (which is normal, actually) and received birthday calls from my family.  I had Loops go pick up supper from Pizza Hut.  We had boneless wings and cheesy breadsticks.  Yum!

We ended our week long extravaganza by heading up to Columbia early Saturday morning to check out the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens.  It was really nice.  The weather cooperated and the place wasn’t too crowded.  For lunch we went to Red Robin.  I think it’s Loopas favorite place to eat ever.  They do make a good burger.

While all this stuff was happening, I was working hard to spend all my birthday money.  I would like to thank everyone for the gift of cash.  In the end, I guess I had about $700 to spend.  Here’s a quick rundown on how my money was spent.

• Don Williams ticket
• 6 Tops
• 2 Vests
• 1 Dress
• 1 Pair of Pants
• 5 Pairs of Shoes
• 6 Books
• 3 Leather Cuff Bracelets
• Ring Flash Adapter
• UV Filter
• Mini Spin Dryer link

I actually bought a few other things I think.  It’s just hard to remember everything.  I tried to make the money go as far as possible.  Loops, on the other hand, bought only 2 or 3 things.

Sadly, we forgot Bob’s birthday (28th) with all of our self-involved celebrations.  Sorry Bob.

Happy Birthday, Bob!

Yesterday, I went and got a root canal I’d been putting off for awhile.  To say it was torture is really a terrible exaggeration.  I don’t see what all the gloom and doom about root canals is.  I’ve had two and I have to say they are probably the easiest dental procedures I’ve had.  The worst part is having to go get a crown put on the tooth and the fact that our insurance will only cover 50% of the cost.  Ouch.   Now THAT is torture!

What is anything but torture?  The latest pattern I knit.  It was a whole lot of wonderful.  I learned a new increase that I LOVE.  I only had to pick up a total of 12 stitches for the whole sweater.  The only weaving in I had to do was at the neck, bottom, and under the arms. What’s the best part?  It fits.

Isn't it wonderful?

Pattern: Idlewood by Cecily Glowik MacDonald

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca

Needles: US 10 and 10.5

More details… here (ravelry link)

Loops insisted on taking a pic of my butt.

Continuing the love-fest.  I love this yarn.  Ok.  It’s a smidge itchy and got fuzz all over me as I knit, but there’s a lot of cool colors going on.  It’s like a fall feast for the eyes.  Yellow, gold, brown, red, and even a little black.  I wasn’t sure I liked it when I bought it, but now, you guessed it, I LOVE it.

Anyone noticed how I always look drugged in pictures?

On a sad note, I’m seriously thinking of frogging the cardigan I’m knitting.  It pains me to undo all the work I’ve done, but it is just too big.  Right now, I’m not doing anything with it though.  I’m just not ready to make a move on it one way or the other.

On to happier things to look forward to for my next post. I’m about a third of the way through a new sweater and it may be ready in about a week. Stay tuned.

That’s right, I’m back again.  After much insistence from my two most loyal readers, the mother and the husband, I am going to post a new blog entry.

I’m recently back from Alabama.  I had a good time chilling out with the family and doing a smidgen of work.  I even got to eat some fresh-out-of-the-garden okra.

Who knew pre-okra was so pretty?

I also managed to get some knitting done while I was there.  I made some dishcloths for Mom (and Dad) that I didn’t manage to get pictures of before they were being used.  I also knit on a cardigan.  I managed to knit the collar, but ran out of yarn before I could get the sleeves started.  I’ve done a bit of sleeve knitting since I’ve been back, but I still have a ways to go.

Delancey Cardigan

I’m sort of sad that I’ve managed to make this cardigan too big, but I still think it’ll turn out ok.  I’ll just have to rock a bit of the oversized look.  As soon as I finish the sleeves and find buttons, I’ll show everyone how it looks.  On a happy side note, I’ve already purchased yarn to make another one and it should turn out better.

Since I’ve been back home, I’ve been knitting up a storm (and watching football).  While watching the Colts beat the stuffing out of the Giants Sunday night, I managed to finish the knitting on a new top and had it all seamed up yesterday.

Yay for knitting I can actually wear in Charleston!

Pattern: Embrace by Norah Gaughan

Yarn: Berroco Seduce

Needles: US 8

More details… here (ravelry link)

I really like it, even if Loopas isn’t sure about it.  The yarn feels great and looks neat, but is possessed by the devil.  I was crazy enough to try to ball the first skein and it was tangled up so bad after about two seconds I spent more time than I care to admit untangling it.  The other skeins were knit straight from my swift and everything worked smoothly from there.

I also finished another top, but it is not ready for viewing just yet.  As soon as it is, I will post again.  Here’s a sneak peak for now:

Squishy ribbing!

I haven’t had a lot of time on my hands the past week because of the move to our new house, but I’ve managed to complete two knits.  A cowl that needs to be blocked before you can even tell anything about it.  See:

Unblocked Destroyed Cowl

Also, I finally finished my socks, but only got a picture with my phone.  They’re great though and will hopefully get a lot of wear in cooler weather.

New socks and one of my favorite pairs of shoes!

We’re getting settled into the house.  Still lots of unpacking to do and I doubt I’ll get it all done before the trip, but that’s ok.  As for the cats, they’ve adjusted well.  If you need photographic proof.  I have plenty.

Luna and Dottie settled in.

Bob, sunning his belly.

Dottie still lounged out in the window.

Moxie, always the little lady, refused to be photographed in such a casual fashion.  She opted for a more classic portrait.

Super pretty eyes, a bit annoyed though.

Sadly, the new house has not cured bad kitty behavior.  They’ve all been getting into a bit of trouble.  Dottie was the only one shameless enough to get her picture taken though.

Why yes, those are glass blocks in my kitchen.

A blog post filled with (mostly) green.

Gathered Scarf, in bloom

I completed my Gathered Scarf.  It is VERY green and also VERY long.  I stopped knitting before I got to 80″, but the thing ended up blocking out to 92″.  It’s great though and I love it.  So does Lambie:

Lambie stylin' in the Gathered Scarf

Pattern: Gathered Scarf by Maryse Roudier

Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy, Happy Forest

Needles: US 6 and US 9

More details… here (ravelry link)

I’ve also been working on a couple of different tops.  One is moving along really quickly.  I had hoped to finish it by St. Patrick’s Day, but I sort of stalled out when I got to armhole shaping.  I may get back on it today.  For now, my last progress shot will have to hold everyone over until I get the thing done.

Bad lighting + one handed shooting = bad photo

I’m also working on a sweater that is not green, but I thought you might want to see the small amount I have done.

The very purple and tweedy Pickadilly

That’s about it for now.  I will aim for more words in my next post.  Now I will leave you with this:

Kitties behaving badly

This could actually be a regular blog feature.  Dottie and Bob are always getting into things and places they shouldn’t.  Luna and Moxie are usually good or at least more sneaky about their bad behavior.

It seems someone went through the trouble of gaining access to my blog recently and adding some bad code to try to cause problems for my multitude of readers.  Silly people.  Not only is my viewership teensy, but I know y’all are all smart and have good anti-virus software to catch anything that might get thrown your way.  Still, I’m sorry I let it happen.  I will now keep a closer eye on things so if anyone else manages to gain access, I’ll be able to kick them out quickly before they have time to cause trouble.

Enough of that.  On to knitting.  Yes.  There has been knitting, just no blogging about it.  I have finished a few things and started a few more.  There has also been super secret knitting that I will hopefully be talking more about in my next post.

First up, my second Ishbel.

Ishbel 2

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda Teague

Yarn: Bristol Yarn Gallery Lyndon Hill

Needles: US 7

More details… here (ravelry link)

I sort of stalled out  on this after starting it last July.  I didn’t knit on it all for almost 6 months.  Once I picked it back up it was finished in no time.

Ishbel 2, up close

I’m also working on a couple of scarves.  One is almost finished.

Gathered Scarf, on the diagonal

The other is just started, but is lots of fun to knit.  I may make another in a lighter weight yarn soon.

Saroyan Scarf, the beginning

Hopefully, I’ll be able to tell you about the secret projects (some of you already know all about them) I just complete next week.  Stay tuned.

Oh, I almost forgot.  It snowed in Charleston.

February Snow in Charleston

No I haven’t stooped to knitting little socks for the kitties (yet).  I just find the title much more fun without the commas so I left them out.  I know.  I’m easily amused.   Long time, no blog, huh?  I have no excuse.  I’m just lazy and until last week, there wasn’t much going on to blog about.

I was going to start the blog with a cute cat picture, but they all had different plans.  I bent down to get a nice shot of Dottie in the sun and as I get ready to click the shutter Moxie decides Dottie needs a bath.  That might’ve made a cute picture, but, at the same time, Bob started trying to climb up on me and this is the results:

Dottie's photo-op disrupted

What’s worse (and darker) than this horrible picture?  Loops’ ankle.  Good segue, wasn’t it?  He had a tumble down our stairs on Wednesday.  We had him checked out and it was an ankle sprain and should be better soon.  He’s still limping around, but is back in work so maybe with my days free from nurse duty I’ll get some knitting done.

The only thing I’ve really been working on is my socks.  You know, the ones I let everyone vote for the yarn to make them.  I’m about half through with the first sock and they’re turning out well.  See:

My new colorful socks started!

The pattern is fun and they work up pretty quickly so I should have a completed pair in no time.  Maybe I’ll finish them while I’m back in Alabama.  I’ll be flying direct from Charlotte to Birmingham on Oct. 3rd and be with the family for two fun filled weeks.  Hopefully Loops and the kitties can live that long without me.

That’s right.  I’m on the couch.  With possibly the cutest little laptop ever created.

The Toshiba NB205

It is great and tiny.  It’s just over 10″ wide.  It works really well and should be nice to take with me wherever I go.  Loops laughs at me, but I just LOVE the way it looks.  Check out the outside.

Yummy texture in frost white!

Ok.  Enough about my little netbook.  On to the knitting updates.

I actually haven’t been getting much done with the knitting the past week or so.  I’ve been in a bit of a funk, I suppose.  I’m trying to get out of it though.

Uhura is pretty much at a standstill.  I did get to the bottom of the back half and did the hem.  I now want to hem everything I do.  I think it’s great.

Not so great picture, but a great hem!

I have also started another Ishbel shawl.  It’s going to be more summery since I’m using a cotton/silk blend.

Ishbel in my favorite color, grey.

Last on the list of projects I’ve actually been working on, the sock.  This sock has been in progress since last year.  I just couldn’t get into it, but recently decided I wanted to get on with it so I dug out the few inches of leg I had done and started knitting.

Sort of like a rainbow got sick, huh?

Sadly, it seems too big.  Last year, I wasn’t nearly as careful about getting the correct gauge as I am now.  I’m happy that I can actually make a sock though.  Turning a heel just seems very impressive to me, even after doing it and finding out it’s actually pretty easy.  Now I just have to get to the toes.