A Sheep In Wools' Clothing

Bee cont'd

Fiber: sereknity.com. "Rock Lobster"

Bee Buzzing

Last week, I bought myself a new fiber tool. I've been mesmerized by the Spinolution wheels since their introduction. Dont't know why - just am.

I took the Bee travel wheel for a three hour test drive and brought her home. I practiced long draw during that test drive & I am hooked (or hookless, since this is an open orifice/peg system instead of hooks.

Samson Is (Still) Growing

OK.  I've been remiss in my dog owner duties of posting puppy pics here.  But, then I've generally been remiss about my blog this year.  (I've had a lot on my plate, and don't want to bore you about them, or whine about these things).  Samson is growing.  I mean REALLY REALLY growing.

We carefully measure out his food, and have been very careful to not allow him to become fat (hard on these giant breeds' bones).  He's off the charts on the dog food bags for how much to feed, even for the foods designed for giant breeds.  He eats ten cups of food/day.  Yep, that wasn't a typo.  He gets GOOD food, too, also so his bones grow well and properly, and so we can try to prevent some giant breed issues through proper nutrition (these concepts have changed a lot in the ten years since I got my first giant dog).  He is 15 months old now, weighs in at 140-150 and is about 3/4 of the way to his adult size.  At the shoulder, he is 32+ inches tall, and from nose to rump is 53" long.  (Which means only one manufacturer makes a crate large enough for him).

In June, Sam had a prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy done.  Translation:  giant breeds are prone to "bloat" with is a twisting of the stomach/intestine which leads to obstruction and rapid death in these creatures.  To prevent that from happening, Sam had a laparoscopic surgery to tack his stomach up so it can't do that.  Hopefully, it will prevent him from dying that ugly sort of premature death.  While there, his vet found that one of his patellas (kneecap) is off to the side, and won't return to where it is supposed to be.  About 4-6 weeks after the gastropexy, he started limping. 

So, we went to the fancy board certified surgical specialist vet in Portland, ME (about a 2 1/2 hr drive south of here) for a consult.  Indeed, his patellar tendon needs some surgical encouragement to stay where it is supposed to be, but the limping is felt to be due to unusual strain on his ACL (cruciate ligament) because of the patella not staying where it is supposed to be.  SO, this means Sam needs to have a tibial plateau lateral osteotomy to keep his femur (long leg bone) from slipping off the tibia (lower leg bone) AND have the patellar tendon groove enhanced to fix all this.  The issue is his age.  Giants grow for two years. 

In early September, he is going back to the referral vet, getting an anesthetic, and they will do x-rays while he is asleep to check and see if his growth plates are closed.  If they are, then she will proceed with the corrective surgery.  If not fused, they'll wake him up and we will wait as long as we can to fix his leg.

Poor Samson!  He will have plates and screws in his tibia (the lower leg weight bearing bone).  He will have to be kept quiet (his temperament helps us there) for 8-10 weeks for this to heal so he doesn't fracture the bone above or below the plates.  That means walking him on a lead, with a sling for his back end mostly (or so I am told) for control.  I'm ordering the giant (translation - expensive) crate so we have a safe place to put him if we have to leave him alone, where we can keep him quiet and prevent injury to the leg after surgery.

Meanwhile, since Sam's vet recommends giant breed food for the specialized nutrition these giants need, and Sam's digestive system only tolerates the most expensive food, I called the manufacturer of this expensive (but excellent nutrition) food to see what sort of deals I could get from them.  They have a program where if one orders 250 lbs of dog food at a time, they will give a good discount.  Beyond that, however, they have "short dated" foods which are still good, but will reach their expiration dates soon.  Shipping, regardless of how many pounds, is $5.  So, I ordered 858 lbs of food in one order, expires in October, and saved 43% on the food.  Not bad.  My basement storage area has shelves of dog food now.  The manufacturer even figured out how many cups of food/bag so I could estimate how much food I needed through the end of October.

What we go through for our special pets!  But I can't imagine my life without this guy letting me know he cares I am home, and he loves me.

Fiber Revival 2009

Last weekend, I drove down to Newbury, MA for the Fiber Revival at the  Spencer Peirce Little Farm.  It would appear from past photos of the event that this year was the third year, and the plans are already underway for next year.  Admission to the farm was $5, and there was a very nice trio of young musicians for background music, a few well-selected vendors, and of course the crux of all such events, fiber fanatics.  Knitters, spinners of all ages. 

I met one young lady who was 11 years old.  She's been crocheting since the age of 4 and already spins, knits and is starting to sew as well.  There were vendors with ice cold water and soft drinks, burgers and hot dogs as well, and indoor plumbing to boot!  The location beautiful, the historical buildings a feast of texture in building materials, and the weather cooperated.

I finally met in flesh and blood, Sara of Fabric 'n Fiber Fanatic and Julie of Noolie Knits.  There have been other occasions we'd planned to meet, but they didn't work out, since we all know life happens and others have plans for our time...  We had a wonderful afternoon spinning, lusted after the baby alpacas for sale (pet prices, since there was a large escape of male alpacas, leading to unknown heritage in these babies, who now cannot be registered - can't you see Sam with an alpaca to guard?), got Sara going on taking weaving lessons (she inherited a rigid heddle loom & has never woven), and caught up with Heather of Sereknity.  I was hoping to see  Amy of Spunky Eclectic there (she was there last year apparently) and have her sign her book for me, but alas, it was not to be.

While I went to this event intent not to spend money, but to visit with friends and make more friends, I did manage to spend some anyway.  I bought one sweater kit for a gift sweater (fall birthday), some yarn and some fiber.

Before heading home on the 3 1/2 hr drive, a couple of us had dinner together in "downtown" Newbury.  We ate at the Town Tavern, before the Saturday night crowd.  The food was awesome, the company better, the atmosphere quaint and welcoming, and the extension of a wonderful day was welcome.  This fiber event is definitely on my radar for next year!  Hope to see more of you there!

Cruise Animals

One of the daily smiles while on my cruise was the towel animals the cabin stewards made for us daily.  My cabin stewards, when they found out I was from Maine, even made me a lobster.  I was traveling on Holland America cruise lines, and they have found such a warm reception to the towel animals that they have even  published a book on how to make the animals.  On the last  day of the cruise, they had a demonstration on how to make them, and sold their book to those interested.  (Hint:  they said not to use fabric softener on the towels used to make these animals, as they won't stay in their shapes, but will slide apart).

The cabin stewards on this cruise line are from Indonesia.  (The food staff was also, the bar staff were from the Phillipines, the Spa staff were British and South African, and the navigation crew seemed to be from Europe, and all over.).  They take courses in being cabin stewards, which includes training in making these towel animals. 

Then the stewards get creative and start making their own versions and own animals to add in.  My stewards said they know how to make 40 some odd animals, and there is a different one each day of the cruise.

I purchased the book, and plan to get some colored towels from Sprawl-Mart.  Then when my "from away" kids come home for a visit, I can surprise them (hopefully) with these towel animals on their beds at night.

Qiviut

In my reading about Alaska before my cruise in June, I not only learned about the Russian heritage of Alaska (which I hadn't really thought about previously, though I seem to recall learning something about that way back when), but I of course set my sites on some qiviut.  I first learned about qiviut as a fiber in the mid-80's when I first really really got into knitting after learning as a child.  I think I've always wanted some, but held out to be able to touch it, feel it and choose my own.

SO, in my Internet reading about Alaska prior to my trip, I went to maps.google.com and searched for yarn shops in every port of call I knew I'd have daylight hours to spend.  I found yarn shops in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, but the one in Sitka was a bit out of town, and I wasn't feeling up to the hike (though the kind shop owner said if I got there, she'd get me a ride back to the ship).  I did manage to visit the shops in Juneau and Ketchikan.  In Juneau, I found Skeins Fine Yarns (I can't find a webpage for them).  There I selected a sage green qiviut/silk blend that feels heavenly.  I got a single skein, from which I will make myself a narrow scarf.  Qiviut being a very warm fiber, a narrow scarf should be sufficient.

In Ketchikan, I found the Mission Streets Arts and Fibers a few blocks from the pier.  There, I found a lovely screen print canvas bag for DD as well as a skein of 100% qiviut in the natural brown color, and 2 oz of qiviut spinning fiber to play with on the wheel.  I feel like I've died and gone to heaven with these three finds!

Anyone have any suggestions for one skein luxury lace scarf patterns for the qiviut?

Promised Knitting Photos

Trying to upload knitting progress photos is difficult when one loses the photo program one is accustomed to, and has to A) wait to receive new program and B) has to learn all over again a different way of doing things.  But, in an "ah ha!" moment, I finally figured it out (after declining the method found by KB Gamma the in-house computer whiz), and I have progress to share.

First up, is Pygmalion by Hanne Falkenberg.  I bought this kit two years ago, and started it during a meeting I went to in Banff, Alberta, Canada.  Upon my return home, I found some dropped stitches, and before I got them repaired, I had set it aside.  By the time I returned to it, I feared my gauge would have changed sufficiently to be noticeable, so I frogged the project while on my recent Alaskan cruise, and restarted.  I am up to where I will be casting off stitches for the underarms, so the back I figure is about 75% done now.  The blocks are alternating garter stitch and fisherman's rib.  The front will work in gold, magenta, orange and purple.  This picture turned out a bit more violet than intended - the color is a true navy, perhaps a bit grayed.  After my re-certification exam, I will resume work on this project, and the one below.

Second is my version of the February Lady Sweater (Ravelry link), using String Theory Yarn in a DK weight almost solid navy.  I love the depth of color Tanis & Karen work into their dyeing.  Lovely stuff!  I found some hand painted porcelain buttons also at String Theory for the closure on this sweater which I think will be perfect.   As the time table is working out, these will both be done before fall.  With the very mild summer we've been having this year, I could have used one of these today for some warmth!

Also on the "to complete" list are my top-down raglan roll neck knit out of Peace Fleece pink yarn, and DD's lace shrug in a neutral color for versatility.  It will feel good to have some finished objects at last.

The ABCs of Me

I'm not going to tag anyone on this, but if you choose to use it, please let me know so I can go read about you!

A - Age:  53

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: Grocery shopping

D - Dog’s name: Samson - Spanish mastiff

                    Bagira - German shepherd

                    Chase - rough coat Collie

E - Essential start your day item: Take Shower

F - Favorite color: Plum

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5′ 1 1/2"

I - Instruments you play: piano (a very long time ago)

J - Job title: Anesthesiologist

K - Kid(s): Aaron (Kille's brother Alpha - 27), Dan (Kille's brother Beta - 24), Kille - 19 and Caleb (Kille's brother Gamma - 17)

L - Living arrangements: House

M - Mom’s name: Betty (deceased)

N - Nicknames: Dynamo

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: preterm labor, asthma,  appy, hyst, cardiac catheterization (X 2)

P - Pet Peeve: People that lie

Q - Quote from a movie: “Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore" - Dorothy said to her dog Toto in The Wizard of Oz

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: Jeannette - 57

T - Time you wake up: Between 3:30 & 4:00

U- Underwear: Some

V - Vegetable you dislike: Lima beans

W - Workout style: Walking

X - X-rays you’ve had: bone scan, CT scan, boobs, chest x-ray

Y - Yesterday’s best moments: Seeing some light at the end of the tunnel

Z - Zoo favorite: Polar bears

August Fiber Revival

Commenter extraordinaire, but blogless, Manise, commented on one of my previous posts.  During the ensuing flurry of E-mails back and forth, she mentioned the Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA on August 15.  Admission to the property is $5, and there are some classes, some vendors, and hopefully a lot of spinners and knitters there.

Manise will be there in transit to the Cape for vacation.  She knows of several others out there heading there as well (Seedstich Cheryl, Moth Heaven Julia, Sereknity Heather {vending}).  I happen to have that weekend off from work (amazing, considering our summer this year at work), and am planning on going, with or without other fiber friends in my car.  I'm wondering if there are others out there who are planning on attending?  Let me know - I would like to meet you in person!  And if there is anyone interested in going who needs a ride between Bangor, ME and Newbury, MA, contact me - perhaps we can work something out!

There HAS Been Knitting....

During my months of absence from the blog, there really HAS been knitting going on.  Not much spinning, but knitting, yes.

I frogged my Hanne Falkenberg Pygmalian jacket due to previously unrecognized dropped stitch and due to its long hibernation, I feared my gauge would change.... and re-knit it up to the point where one casts off stitches from the lower body for the underarm section.  I managed that while on the Alaskan cruise...

I have started, and done quite a bit, of the February Lady sweater for myself.  I selected a wonderful almost-solid from String Theory Yarn in Blue Hill, Maine in a navy/blueberry sort of color.  I am almost done with the body, then on to the sleeves.  I found some wonderful handpainted oversized buttons also at String Theory, for the closure.

Photos of these have been taken - the issue is I had to replace my hard drive in May, and with that, lost the photo program I'd been using.  The sons have been unable to locate the install disc, and I have a new program on order, but not here yet.  I am, therefore, issuing a raincheck for the photos.

I've also taken stock of the UFO sweaters I have around here - a lace shrug for DD (which she could still use, though I long ago missed the deadline this was intended), and a simple rollneck raglan sleeve neck down sweater in Peace Fleece.  While I did not sign up for the NaKniSweMoDo - National Knit a Sweater a Month Dodecathon due to lack of confidence I could even begin to think about knitting a sweater a month, much less actually doing so, thinking about it and following knitters' progress in the Ravelry group (several have already finished their 12 sweaters this year), has made me think I could get several sweaters completed if I put my mind and fingers to that goal this year.... and so, I am digging through the UFOs to see what needs to be finished/restarted/frogged.  As above, photos to follow when the software arrives.

15 Things to Update

1.  I found a continuing education course on an Alaskan cruise ship.  It was so awesome!
2.  I have to take a mandatory recertification exam in August for anesthesiology.  My graduation year was the first to have mandatory recert every ten years.  Life is on hold until that is over, even knitting and spinning.
3.  KB Beta totaled a brand new car, but was able to walk away essentially unharmed.
4.  DD has her own apartment now, and for the summer is even paying its expenses.  She took our cat, and a bunny with her.
5.  DD and her roomie were able to acquire a third roomie for the year, which brings her rent to under $300/month - whoot! (including utilities)
6.  We've lost two more people at work, and a new hire is no longer coming.  More call.  Longer days.  Our locums only work until 3 p.m.
7.  Samson had a prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy - securing his stomach so that it can't twist and cause bloat, which can rapidly lead to death in these giant breeds.  He weighs in at 140 lbs now, and eats 8-10 cups of food/day.
8.  I was able to get the really really good food Sam loves (and needs) for 43% off by buying in quantities of 250 lbs or more, on short-dated food.  The shipping, regardless of how much I buy is $4.95.  The food is rated the highest by a website I found that gives points for certain ingredients and deducts for undesireable ingredients...
9.  KB Beta only has one more semester of school, and a one year internship which can start any time now left to go.  The light at the end of the tunnel, after some scenic tour deviations in his life.
10.  KB Gamma will be starting his senior year of HS this fall.  His senior portrait appointment has been made for an outdoor shoot.
11.  DD has finished her first year of college, having changed her major from pre-vet to music.  She's in the marching band (tuba section leader), pep band, orchestra, and concert band.  Her primary instrument is violin, which she has played for ten years now, but she does tuba, trumpet and has three years of piano as well.
12.  The ex-husband is divorcing the very lovely lady he married two years ago.  She says he is angry about losing me and the kids still.  I am afraid I will be his target again, and the domestic violence/stalking will resume.  None of his kids are speaking with him anymore.
13.  My eldest son has been diagnosed with a major psych process.  He is unable to force himself to even get a minimum wage job, after graduating from college Phi Beta Kappa in the honors program.  Without doing that for at least two years, he doesn't qualify for a disability program wtih which he could survive without me.  I am worried about what will happen to him when my health fails completely.
14.  After my recert exam is over, I plan to take some private spinning lessons from the evervescent Amy King, whose new book Spin Control has me excited to do some funky stuff with my spinning while gaining more experience.
15.  Haven't really seen summer this year - our daytime highs rarely even hit 70, our nighttime lows are in the 50's, and it has rained almost everyday since May.

What are YOU doing?

Test Knitting

Over the past couple of years, I have come to be a hard and true fan of Anne Podlesak of Wooly Wonka Fibers.  I  was introduced to her fibers through the knitting  Gale by Anne Hanson of Knitspot and through joining the  A Change of Seasons lace club that Anne offered last year.  During SKP2008, one of the patterns selected for the pentathlon was Anne's Rattlesnake Creek socks, which I am doing in my Pumpkin Juice Happy Hooves batt from Enchanted Knoll Farms.

I recently saw Anne's post about socks she is designing for Nancy of Long Ridge Farm.  Nancy does natural dyeing, and the yarn used for these socks is Logwood, in a sport weight.  As such, they knit up very quickly.  Nancy will be selling the pattern in kits with her yarns.  I fell in love with Anne's pattern immediately and offered to be a test knitter for her.  She took me up on it, and I started Tuesday knitting on these socks.  Even with working a full time job, I am almost done with the first sock.  And I LOVE these socks, and the color, and the yarn.

With this sort of enjoyment from a project, I know I will have separation anxiety when I finish these socks, but then I get to enjoy wearing them!

NETA SPA 2009: Fun in Freeport

Both last year and this year, I have gone to SPA with a co-worker, Robyne (blogless, but Ricki523 on Ravelry).  Robyne is a blast to do things with - she is a riot of quick wit, adventurousness and intelligence.  Give her a couple of margaritas after a four year hiatus (medical reasons, not alcoholism reasons), and you can have a blast!

After a couple of margaritas at Gritty's with dinner, we went to LL Bean's on the way back to the HGI to spin on Saturday.  I needed some jeans that didn't drag on the ground (yes, I know how to sew, and yes, I could hem them up, but the reality is that I just don't do it).  Couldn't find what I needed at the outlet store, so we headed to the main store, where Dave gave us permission to slide down the banisters, and forced us to run the maze of the checkout line properly, despite the fact we were the only ones there (no, he really didn't, but Robyne did it again anyway to prove she didn't take any short cuts.  Her margaritas were stronger than mine, I tell ya!)

The LL Bean store is one of my first stops when I pick up folks from away at the Portland airport - since the shop is open 24/7/365, it is amusing to take people to see the indoor trout pond, stuffed wildlife and the beautiful Old Town canoes they have.  Now they've added a fish tank where one can duck under and into a clear bubble to see the fish - or Robyne!  And that was before she slid down the banister.

We couldn't resist the shot of Robyne "getting the boot"....

SPA 2009: Jacqueline's Tea Room

WARNING:  Picture heavy post.  If you have dial-up, you may want to abort.

When the New England Textiles Arts (NETA) SPA changed its venue last year from Portland, ME to Freeport, ME I spent some time checking www.maps.google.com to see what restaurants sounded interesting for our stay there during SPA.

Amongst the many interesting places, I found a place called Jacqueline's Tea Room on Main St, north of the Harraseeket Inn.  The tea room is open Tuesday through Friday, and alternating weekends.  Last year, we went down Friday night, and we were on the wrong weekend, so a visit to Jacqueline's Tea Room was not possible.

This year, we went down Thursday evening and I made reservations for us in advance at Jacqueline's Tea Room as part of our mini vacation SPA weekend.  Jacqueline has 76 varieties of tea from which to select.  Each patron gets their tea selection served from a beautiful 2 cup china teapot, kept warm over a candle warmer.  Each teapot at the table was different, and each was beautiful.  The teacups were fabulous as well, and each unique at the table.  Each room had a raised fireplace, at eye level.  The windows were dressed with ribbon valances adorn with awesome beads then knotted.  And each of the three serving rooms had a selection of teapots, teacups, sugar and creamers, teapot/teacup Christmas tree ornaments, etc attractively displayed, and for sale.  The tables had real linens, the teas were listed on a ribbon tied sheet, the sugar cubes had little tongs for serving.

Jacqueline, the owner, functions as hostess, waitress, chef, decorator, interior designer all wrapped into one amazing woman.  She designed the space for the tea room, which is the downstairs of her home.  She has three rooms available as  B&B rooms upstairs, each with a queen bed. 

The "Queen's Tea" started with our first pot of tea, and a hearty winter soup.  This was followed by two types of scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and jam.  After that were the finger sandwiches - four varieties - which were fabulous, and of Jacqueline's own recipes.  (We told her she needs to make a recipe collection to sell, but she said she just shares them - it's easier for her than making the recipe book.  She won't, however, share her scone recipes).  And to finish there were little bits of four different desserts.  Given advance notice, she will accommodate dietary allergies as well.  She makes all the food herself, fresh, the morning of one's visit (hence the reservations only).

In each of the three serving rooms, there is tea paraphernalia available for sale, as well as in the entry, hallways and foyer.  She has most of her 76 varieties of tea for sale (some she concocts herself), along with tea filter bags, various strainers, tea measuring spoon (the proper amount of tea for a six-ounce serving), teapots, teacups, sugar tongs, some linens, luggage, shirts, baby gifts, hostess gifts, amazing scarves - all amazing and wonderful items.  Even the bathroom window covering was incredible and beautiful!

We were there two and a half hours, and Jacqueline was a perfect hostess.  She has definitely made it to my list of special places and people to frequent when possible.  It would be a beautiful place to have a bridal shower!  (She takes cash and checks, but no charge cards).

An Unoriginal Hat

This hat has been in my Ravelry queue probably since I saw it on the Yarn Harlot's blog (Nov 2007).  Well, this year, I joined the Taste of Shivaya Club.  (Justified because I dropped one lace club, and kept Shakespeare in Lace club, and kept  Spunky Fiber club ).  I have an affection/obsession of natural fibers and natural dyeing.  (That's why I have a small stash of naturally dyed yarns).

The first club offering was Worsted Winter Wool, a wool/mohair blend with a wonderful heft, drape and sheen.  It came with a pattern for a teardrop cowl.  I had a sufficient amount leftover to make a hat to go with it.  I carried along a strand of some natural gray long draw hand spun I made a couple of years ago, which matched perfectly, to get some extra mileage.

Specifics:
Pattern:  An Unoriginal Hat  by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Yarn:  Shivaya Naturals Worsted Winter Wool and my hand spun merino long draw
Needles:  two circs, 24", Size 6 Harmony
Modifications:  None

This is amongst my personal challenge of replenishing my supply of winter accessories for my three Maine kids and my "from away" son and his girlfriend who live in warmer climes and visit at Christmas.  It is also amongst my personal challenge of doing Christmas knitting early.  The count so far this year is two hats, four cowls or neck gaiters, two pair of mittens, one man lace scarf finished.