long time no blog

I have been busy. Here is a recap of recent weeks in pictures:

First, I was home and it was hot - heat index 110 degrees. So, of course, I cranked up the oven and made a pie:



And no worries - I did not forget to update you on the house painting project. It is still ongoing. Below you will find photo documentation of serious injuries sustained during the grand home improvement effort:



Pobrecito Raulito, I know. It involved a 16' lap siding plank being dropped directly onto his great toe. Blood under the toenail is bad - it has no place to go, so it accumulates under the nail and causes extreme pain. For several days after the injury, Raul occupied a semi-permanent position on the couch with leg elevated. He would rise only to hop to the bathroom. I was in charge of all domestic endeavors during that time, and between the hobbled husband and a dog with sudden attacks of GI distress (I will spare you the details except to say that the most memorable event necessitated cleaning of the walls), I was quite happy when the time came for vacation to end and me to return to the hospital. Not to say that I would not happily wash every dish my husband uses while he is incapacitated, but both his recovery and a reprieve from the domestic duties were a welcome relief. Oh - and Raul ended up having to have two small holes cauterized in his toenail to let out the blood. All is well now. No worries.

And we went and did some campaigning with Physicians for a National Health Program at a local rally attended by leading candidates from the Democratic party. It was interesting to hear them speak, and I am hopeful for the next election. Here is a picture of Raul with some new friends he made at the rally:



I have knitting to show you. Maybe tomorrow.

Shannon's Slipper Shop is closed for the season

So, I was thinking back - this is my 10th pair of felted clogs. I was quite excited to make the first pair - a gift for my mother, and my first truly wearable finished object (scarves and hats excluded.) That excitement fueled the production of pairs #2 through #8. With the last two, the enthusiasm has waned a bit, and I need a bit of a break from the pattern. Though, I must say they make good gifts and are easy to make.

Anyways, you might remember that I made a red pair with fluffy trim for Hilary. They were well received, and she recently likened them to these:

Excellent!

So, when I heard HiK was going to be heading back to Afghanistan for another round of good works, I immediately thought the above footwear would make for the most appropriate gift. However, recent events have resulted in a condition that predisposes my friend to intolerance of cold climates. So, unfortunately, the above footwear with exposed toes and heels would not be practical. Enter felted clog version of high heeled feathered mule! So, HiK, you are getting possibly the very last pair of my felted clogs (unless one of my immediate family members call me out of retirement) to keep your tootsies warm during the cold months. Wear them in good health and happiness! And belated happy birthday!

Pictures of slippers:


Cute picture of dog wearing slippers:

Monkey Socks

Finished! Triumph over second sock syndrome!

Pattern up close and personal:


Finished pair:


Specifications:
Pattern: Monkey Socks from Winter 2006 Knitty
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in color Life's a Beach
Needles: Size 2 Addi Turbo circs, per usual

Comments: Love the pattern - it is visually interesting and easy to memorize. I am very happy with the finished product. The yarn is from my stash - I picked up several skeins during a going out of business sale at a LYS (local yarn shop.) I love it - it is wonderful to work with, and it wears well. I used this yarn for Raul's Jaywalkers, and it has stood up beautifully to many wearings and washings and dryings. For those of you out there looking to get into socks (JPo! - though it's superwash merino wool, so I recommend carrying an injectable pen syringe filled with epinephrine to deal with the anaphylaxis), I highly recommend this yarn.

This is going to be a gifty to one of you luckies out there. I suppose there is no need to keep the identity of the receiver secret seeing as how the element of suprise was blown when I told that person they were going to receive them as their birthday gift. Love you Grandma Lo.

House Painting

Photo documentation!

At the beginning:


Dad on a ladder:


Raul on a ladder with Raymond providing ladder stability:


As these projects usually go, it was a huge job - much too big to finish in 4 days and much too big for me to finish on my own. As of now, two sides of the house have been primered and painted. The other two sides required significantly more scraping - which I am happy say was finished yesterday by a very nice young man that does this sort of thing professionally. Given the rain we are currently experiencing, painting may be finished today or sometime this week. I get to put all the trim paint on when the painters finish putting the main color on the house. So, not quite done but in the home stretch, sort of.

The decision to hire painters to finish the job was made the day my dad returned to California (sorry Dad.) And after that, Raymond and I were able to enjoy a few days of leisure - our days were spent in search of good food and air conditioned havens to escape the heat. Coffee houses were frequent haunts given that such establishments could satisfy both of our aforementioned needs.

There has been knitting! I have another FO to show you! Vacation is grand.

A Very Lovely Wedding

As you may or may not know, my little brother was married last month. Not so little anymore, though, I suppose. He's a total adult now, with a house and a job and a 401K and a fuel efficient, hybrid vehicle. Time goes by so fast...and I was struck with that realization whilst guests were seating themselves and my brother and his groomsmen were lining up for the wedding ceremony. I do not cry at weddings - not that I am not touched by all the sentimentality, but it is just something that I do not do. However, while I was sitting there minutes before my little brother was to be married, I thought back to when we were young - mostly, I thought about the little 4 yo Ryan, always so vigilant in his efforts to beat me at tetherball, and me never letting him win. Yes, what a good big sister, I know. Anyways, the waterworks struck with a vengeance. And my poor brother - I decided in the midst of trying to hold in some torrential sobs that it would be a good idea to run up and give him a quick hug. My apologies, little bro.

The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was great fun. Here are a few pictures from the weekend - none of the actual wedding night, though, not sure what happened to our camera..

The parents and the Grandpa poolside:


Three generations, with my mom and the famous Grandma L.


Self portrait by my lovely husband


Breakfast at IHOP with my grandma and brother (who gave the most excellent best man toast!)


House painting update - all is well. We are primering. Pictures soon!