Where have I been?

Nowhere really.  I've been away from the blog because I've been busy.  Well, busy is relative.  Compared to most people, my busy is probably like most people's normal.   I just don't handle having things to do well.  I am amazed by those people who work all day, then have time to do stuff with friends and family, and still squeeze out some time for themselves.  I just can't do it.  I can manage only one thing going on at a time without it seeming super busy.

What's been keeping me busy?  The last week of October and the first week of November, we had a visit from Loops' parents so the time was consumed with shopping, eating out, sightseeing,  and more shopping.  Fun times were had and cool gifts were received.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="HP TouchSmart IQ506"][/caption]

That's right.  They bought me the best gift ever.  It may not look like much, but there's nothing much cooler than a 22" touchscreen.  Not to mention it's very tidy since it's an all-in-one computer.  Even the keyboard and mouse that come with it are nice.  It's sitting on the bar in between my kitchen and living room.  Now I just need a barstool.

Since they flew back home, it's been a bit dull around here.  They are definitely more fun than Loops and me.  I'm mostly just being lazy and Loops has returned to work.  Of course, I'm allowed to be lazy because I had a root canal on Monday.  It wasn't that bad.  In fact, the only bad part was writing the check after it was done.  That was torture!

Of course, one other thing has happened and I've saved it for last because I can see the looks of disappointment forming from all my family as they look below:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Moxie"][/caption]

This is Moxie.  She was adopted on Monday night.  She's very sweet and super playful.  Sure we didn't need another cat, but we've been wanting a third.  We'll try to stop at that number though.  I have a feeling between her and Dottie we'll have our hands too full for any others.

What's being knitted right now?

Not only am I knitting my first sock (which is not showing much progress right now), I am also knitting a few other things.  I'm knitting a scarf out of Bernat Bamboo yarn.  I'm not sure I like how it looks, but it feels so soft I don't really care what it looks like.  I haven't taken any pictures of it.  Sorry.

I am also knitting a Chevron Scarf.  I'm not knitting it nearly fast enough.  I should be finishing it so I can wear it.  The evenings are getting cool enough for scarves.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="352" caption="Chevron Scarf Progress"][/caption]

The other thing I'm working on is a blanket.  It is knit in panels and I'm just on the first one right now, but I'm really liking it and it's easy to knit.  It's become my football knitting.  I'll be continuing with it tonight.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="354" caption="Winging It Blankie Progress"][/caption]

Attempting things beyond my skill level

So I've been thinking about knitting things of a non rectangular shape for awhile now, but have found it a bit scary.  As slow as I am, the thought of knitting a sweater is just too much.  I'm not much of a hat or mitten person either so I decided I'd try knitting socks.  I've mentioned this in a previous blog.  I even bought a book about it (which is what I do when I think I might want to try something). Well, yesterday, the making of a sock officially began.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Trust me. It is a sock."][/caption]

In truth, I almost gave up.  Those first few rounds were awful.  Needles were going everywhere and I really wasn't sure if I could do it.  After the first two or three rounds though, it became much easier to knit.  Hopefully I'll complete this.  I mean, I've already almost quit once and I haven't even gotten to the tough parts yet!   I've only ever done the basics of knitting: knit, purl, simple increases and decreases.  I'm sure making socks isn't that difficult, but I'm going to have to teach myself a lot of things to complete this project.  I'll keep you updated on it no matter what happens.

Spiffying up

Just wanted to do a quick post before the Giants game starts.  Earlier today I reupholstered a stool my father made way back in the day.  I believe he made it while in high school shop class.  He can correct me if I'm wrong about that.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Before"][/caption]

I believe he had his car upholstered in the same material.  Ah, the 60's. :D  I wanted to keep this in my kitchen to reach high shelves, but the animal print just wasn't doing it for me so I decided to find something a bit more subtle.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="After"][/caption]

I picked up the fabric in a bin at Wal-Mart.  I think it was $1.50 and I only used half.  I'm not in love with it, but it's ok.  Don't worry, Dad, the other is still under there.  I wouldn't dare get rid of the original.  I just tidied it up and stapled this material on top of it.

One more thing that really amused me when I found it... the groovy cushion under the leopard print.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Where on earth did this come from, Dad?"][/caption]

Gotta go! Gametime!!!!