A Snowy Aftermath

Wow, yesterday I totally forgot to blog. My brain must have finally succumbed to the cold and it went into hibernation.

FOR TODAY - January 14, 2011

Outside my window...

The parking lot is pretty clear although the backyard still looks lovely and untouched. It's 27 degrees but supposed to go up to 41 and I imagine it will all melt and just be a memory soon.

I am thinking...

I wish I could stay in again today but I suppose one does have to venture out eventually.

I am thankful for...

Not losing power during this week and not having to take my dad to the surgeon for his checkup yesterday. When I called to cancel the appointment, they told me they only had one patient show up so far.

From the kitchen...

Last night I made peanut butter cookie brownies. Or, at least, that's what I'm calling them. Not bad. Possibly would have been better with a little vanilla ice cream on top but it's just too cold to think about that.

I am wearing...

Jammies with my oversized wool sweater that I've been living in all week. It zips up so it's easy to whip on and off...particularly when the hot flashes kick in.

I am creating...

I've been flying on my new shawl. Up to 213 stitches and only about 2 dozen more rows to go. Of course, those rows will eventually grow to 261 stitches long so it's not really that close to finished as it sounds.

I am going...

To get the car de-iced and head over to my dad's to go grocery shopping. That will be my first time out all week.

I am reading...

World War Z - it's slow going but that's only because I'm not making the time to read. I'd rather be reading blogs and knitting or watching Bones and knitting. I'm only reading before I go to sleep which means I'm lucky if I get 3 or 4 pages in each day.

I am hoping...

I don't run into any icy patches today. Trying to think ahead of time if there are any bridges or shady areas on my route.

I am hearing...

Cars going up and down the street fairly normally today. Not much excitement. Only one accident on the hill this week which really surprises me.

Around the house...

This afternoon, I think I'll vacuum and tidy up.

One of my favorite things...

I bought a new knitting pattern from Etsy and can't wait to try it out. She is Penelope, the Empathetic Monster and I think I'll make one for everyone I know if the pattern isn't too difficult.

I have never…

Watched The Simpsons...or Family Guy...or Big Bang Theory.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Finish up this shawl and pick up Caitlin's yarn to make her a new slouch hat.

From my picture journal...

The Icy Aftermath

FOR TODAY - January 11, 2011...or 1/11/11

Outside my window...
The snow and ice has pretty much turned to ice and slush. It's only 32 degrees, though, so you have to wonder how much of it will really melt.

I am thinking...
There are people out there driving around who need to get somewhere and I feel sorry for them. But there are also total idiots who are driving like maniacs and doing doughnuts in front of my house. They should just end up in a ditch so they don't endanger anyone else.

I am thankful for...
Electricity and gas, food and drink, Internet, cable...and lots of yarn! I don't need to drive in that mess and boy am I glad!

From the kitchen...
I'm thinking something simple like noodles and tomatoes for today. And hot chocolate.

I am wearing...
Oh, lord, I'm still in my jammies. That needs to be rectified soon.

I am creating...
Playing with yarns for the new shawl. The pattern is called Faraway and So Close but I'm calling it Faraway and Snow Close in honor of our weather right now. Tried to work on it last night whilst watching Star Wars but I didn't have good light and I think I missed a yarn-over. I'm one stitch short.

I am going...
To upload the rest of the photos of the craziness that is snow in Atlanta.

I am reading...
Just getting into World War Z. I like the style of writing but I just don't set aside enough time to read. This business of reading before I go to sleep just isn't getting me anywhere.

I am hoping...
Nobody I know needs to leave the house while it's so nasty out there.

I am hearing...
Crunching of tires outside and the neighbor kids sounding like they are demolishing their bedroom. Living in a condo does really suck sometimes.

Around the house...
It is freaking cold! Downstairs you need about 3 pairs of socks to stay warm. Upstairs is not much better.

One of my favorite things...
Oatmeal with raisins and a little applesauce for sweetener. I do like starting a winter day off with that and a cup of coffee.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Staying off the roads as much as possible, getting some knitting done, updating the calendars to reflect the performances we have for the next few months.

From my picture journal...

the truck that nearly took down the brick wall after doing doughnuts in the road.

Needle Contest

I have a ton of blogs that I read or peruse daily and came across a contest for some very cool dpn's on this blog, GardenLynn's

Needless to say, I entered the contest because I do love the shorter length needles for sock knitting.

If you're a knitter, why not pop over and take a chance on some lovely Knit Picks needles?

Winter Wonderland

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...

There is snow...glorious snow!

I am thinking...

I may get dressed in many layers and go outside to make a snowman on top of the car.

I am thankful for...

The power still being on. Tonight may be a different matter altogether, though.

I am wearing...

Still in my pajamas with warm socks that I knitted a few years ago. I may get dressed...then again, I may not.

I am creating...

Designing a new shawl. Yesterday, I assembled the possible yarns for the project. Finished the Doctor Who scarf last night so must get something else on the needles quickly.

I am going...

NOWHERE! Absolutely nowhere today.

I am reading...

Just started World War Z last night.

I am hoping...

The neighborhood kids don't saunter down into our parking lot and wreck the snow.

I am hearing...

An occasional car attempt to go up the hill...then slide back down. A few have made it all the way up but, interestingly, the police car chose to turn around and head back instead of attempting the upper part of the hill. People, that's why it's named Highpoint!

Around the house...

There's a new decoration - the Doctor Who scarf is framing the poster of David Tennant. :-)

One of my favorite things...

The way the snow looked this morning before anyone had walked through the parking lot.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Dad has a doctor's appointment on Thursday to see the surgeon. I imagine things will have thawed out by then.

From my picture journal...

Saturday Mayhem

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...

It's 25 degrees but feels like 11 at 11:30pm. It's a clear night and things are peaceful. Snow is predicted for tomorrow and Monday.

I am thinking...

I didn't blog this morning since it was one of those "hit the floor with both feet running" kind of days and it wasn't conducive to sitting down and composing anything. But, just getting back into the habit of some sort of blog/journal daily is something I like and during the day I make mental notes that I should mention certain things. I'm going to keep a small notebook with me for jotting down these ideas.

I am thankful for...

My new glasses. I had a chip in the right lens and, since the glasses were still under the one-year warranty, I was getting a new lens. When I went to the ophthalmologist's office, not only did they replace the chipped lens, but they replaced both of them. They explained that the lab doesn't make just one when the lenses have the photogrey (or whatever they call it these days) treatment because they may not darken the same. So, I was getting two new lenses. And, better yet, they just decided to give me a new set of frames because why put brand-new lenses in old frames? Well, the frames were also less than a year old and only had a little wear in one place where the finish seemed to be rubbing off. But now I have an entirely new pair of glasses and that's awesome. And it's why I've been seeing this doctor for over 20 years.

I am wearing...

It's jammie time, so I'm back in mine, trying to stay warm as the temperature drops.

I am creating...

Getting very close to finished on the Doctor Who scarf. I'm up to 82 percent done! Caitlin texted me today about making her another slouch hat if she buys some yarn. That will be the third one for her this winter. I'm glad she likes them and would love to see her get me some orders for a few.

I am going...

Well, at this time of night, nowhere. But earlier today was another story entirely. When I tried to turn on the desktop computer, it refused to load correctly which began a long tale of calling Geek Squad, taking my computer to them, watching it load perfectly when it got there, *headdesk*, coming home and having it do the same damn thing again, calling them, exploring the possibility that it was the monitor, going back to Best Buy to price monitors, discussing the problem with the guy on the sales floor who really didn't think that could be the problem based on what it had been doing, coming back home and trying to start said computer again, finally getting to Safe Mode and Eureka! somehow managing to get it to load correctly. Whew! I am afraid to turn it off when I go to bed but "tomorrow is another day."

I am reading...

Finished Harry Potter Deathly Hallows and will be starting World War Z tonight. (which reminds me of the incident at Borders in which someone insisted that they were looking for Henry "V" and not Henry "the Fifth".)

I am hoping...

Firstly, that the computer loads correctly in the morning and secondly, that the winter weather we will be getting doesn't include any ice because that usually means we lose power.

I am hearing...

The heater running. Which I hope it continues to do for the next few days as we watch the pretty white stuff fall from the sky. :-)

One of my favorite things...

Having bread, milk, coffee, the essentials that one must have in the fridge and pantry when awaiting snow in the South.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

If it doesn't snow until tomorrow evening, we'll be doing our regular Chili's mid-day meal and then probably relaxing as we wait for the first snowflakes to make their appearance.

From my picture journal...

Giuli in her footie pajamas. That's one way to keep warm if it snows!

Relax...NOW!!

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...

I just heard something go clank as it was dropped out of the neighbor's car onto the pavement. Better a clank than a thud or the screaming and arguing that we often hear. Today was overcast and unbelievably windy. We are supposedly under a winter storm watch, according to one source, but Intellicast just says it's 53 and overcast.

I am thinking...

And contemplating taking my knitting and heading to Borders. That would mean I have to sort of socialize, which I ordinarily enjoy but I'm feeling a bit reclusive so...maybe...maybe not.

I am thankful for...

Games that can be played in zen mode so I can slow down, breathe, and relax. The past month and a half have been stressful but I try to play that down and then I just internalize the stress. I alternate between games in which I can kill mass quantities of zombies and those in which I'm constantly beating myself up for not getting a high score. Must...slow...down.

From the kitchen...

Not much happening there. Must retrain myself to cook by taking baby steps.

I am wearing...

Red shirt with my jeans because this came across Facebook this morning:

IT'S RED FRIDAY- Remember our troops today and always! By wearing RED on Friday, we are making it known, we support those in the armed forces for their service and sacrifice. We will not forget them! Please join us in wearing RED on your profile today.

I am creating...

Remember that Doctor Who scarf? Nearly halfway finished on it. Small sense of accomplishment there.

(yes, I realize the font changed mysteriously but I'm not going to worry about it and neither should you...really...let it go...count to ten...relax)

I am going...

I already went to 3 grocery stores with Dad earlier and a quickie drive-through Arby's. I take him grocery shopping twice a week - you know, he gets out more than I do on a normal basis.

I am reading...

Yes! I am down to the last 50 pages of Deathly Hallows! I will finish this today, come hell or high water.

I am hoping...

Borders has a copy of World War Z because I just heard it recommended on a podcast and it sounds quite intriguing.

I am hearing...

Actually, I just finished listening to a new podcast, A Good Story is Hard to Find. The book they discussed was The Reapers are the Angels. Very interesting and thought-provoking discussion. I'll add this to my never-ending list of podcasts and look forward to their next episode in which they are going to switch from a book to a movie...Serenity. :-)

Around the house...

Things are too quiet.

One of my favorite things...

Clementines! I still have some left from Christmas...but don't tell the kids or they would scoff them up. :-D

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Tomorrow, I would like to spend the day sewing. We shall see how that works.

From my picture journal...

Christmas day and the kids found the Clementines!

Thursday's Musings

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...

It's 32degrees with scattered clouds. Someone's smoking outside and, even with the best of my efforts to roll towels up and smoosh them onto the windowsills to fill in any cracks, I can still smell smoke. sigh.

I am thinking...

It's nice to wake up without a headache. I've been plagued with them for several days and will be talking to my neuro about this when I take my dad to see him later this month.

I am thankful for...

See above note about the headache. ;-)

From the kitchen...

I believe I'll do something creative with the yellow squash and zucchini. Haven't decided quite what to do yet, though.

I am wearing...

A long-sleeved Nutcracker tee from GBT, yoga pants, and socks (because today I learned that going without the socks is just ridiculous.)

I am creating...

The Doctor Who scarf is about one-third of the way finished! Last night, I watched 4 or 5 episodes of Bones (can't remember which, sorry) and just knitted away. It's growing so fast that I can't get the whole scarf in the photo for my Ravelry update.

I am going...

To pick up my glasses because my replacement lens is ready. I'm glad it was still under warranty and I get a free lens.

I am reading...

Still slowly trudging along with the last 150 pages of Harry Potter 7. If I wouldn't fall asleep so easily, I'd get more accomplished. I remember the days when I could read for hours before I fell asleep.

I am hoping...

to find some fun pens at Hobby Lobby. After a recommendation on Facebook yesterday, I must go exploring there. Some yarn may jump into my buggy, too, but I'll try to be good.

I am hearing...

Trying to listen to some knitting podcasts. Stitch It wouldn't download and now I'm trying for Yarns From the Plain. Just tried Marc Gunn's Irish and Celtic Music podcast and Google Chrome seems to be having problems finding libsyn. Great.

Around the house...

Today will be laundry and vacuuming...and checking to see if all the Christmas decorations are down.

One of my favorite things...

Dad's car has heated seats. I am getting very spoiled this winter!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Continue getting up early and work on going to bed at a decent time. This is actually working out well, as long as I stay away from those late-night sessions of Undead Nightmare. Get the girls' pajama pants cut out and have a sewing session on Saturday.

From my picture journal...

Looking back at the parking situation at its greatest level of annoyance. This was the night the neighbors had a party and we lost count of how many cars came and went and proceeded to completely block in everyone else who lived in the building. Oh yeah, those were the days.

Daily Thoughts

From one of the many blogs I read, The Simple Woman, here is my first attempt at a daily journal.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...

Earlier, I woke up to the sound of hammering somewhere across the way, behind the wooded area. 45 degrees and overcast.

I am thinking...

My feet are cold and I should go find some warm socks but I'm too lazy.

I am thankful for...

My dad's recovery after his operation and his eyesight getting better so he can work his daily crossword puzzles.

From the kitchen...

This year, I am going to be more productive and actually get back to cooking.

I am wearing...

My Shakespeare Tavern tee shirt and some yoga pants. But no socks. And I am cold. Silly me.

I am creating...

A 14th Season Doctor Who scarf because I have been a fan too long not to have made one.

I am going...

Nowhere today if I can help it.

I am reading...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows...still...because I only pick it up right before I go to sleep and it's taking forever. But it's the third or fourth read-through, so that's okay. I know how it ends.

I am hoping...

That I hear soon about the data entry job I'm needing desperately.

I am hearing...

The ticking of the clock and the occasional car driving down the street. It's peaceful.

Around the house...

It is very quiet. The coffee is on and there is a lovely aroma in the kitchen.

One of my favorite things...

I bought a new book last night on Rob's recommendation - The Affinity Bridge by George Mann

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Make good progress on the Doctor Who scarf, get back in the swing of school again with Giuli (lesson plans!), take a couple of boxes of books over to Dad's for storage, evaluate the knitting works in progress and make a schedule for the sewing and knitting that needs to be done.

From my picture journal:

Creative Every Day Challenge

Amongst the bazillion blogs I read (or skim) I occasionally stumble upon a little gem or spark that grabs my attention long enough to delve in more deeply. (That whole dilettante's dilemma thing I alluded to in the title of my blog, remember?) Here's a creativity challenge that I've just signed up for. Sounds pretty cool - let's see how I progress through the year with it.

Now, I need to keep up my Ravelry projects and my poor, neglected Shelfari list. I think that's about all I can handle for now.