I have a lot of random things to talk about; hopefully I won't bore you to death!
- Hubby and I are going to Boston for the weekend. We're going to see BB King at the Opera House on Sunday evening - YAY! I LOVE BB KING! We're going down Saturday morning and returning Monday morning. There will be lots of walking, which is good because there will also be lots of eating! Can you say "North End"? Yummy. I'd like to hit some yarn shops, but I know of only one yarn shop (on Newbury Street); anyone know where there are others? We don't mind taking the T, so if you know of any, please let me know.
- I took Betty for her treatment yesterday. That woman is amazing; she has the best attitude! She knows she doesn't have as much time left on this earth as she'd like (and deserves!) but she doesn't dwell on that. She is living her life the best she can. Even with all she has to deal with, she still is always thinking about and doing for others. As you know if you've been reading for a while, Betty was the teacher's aide in Samm's 5th grade class. Samm absolutely loves her. She is thrilled that Samm has found what she wants to do in life and wanted to support her by going to the "Around the World" banquet at Samm's school yesterday. Obviously, she wasn't able to attend. Betty is an amazing cook herself; she could easily be a very, very successful caterer. She felt very bad that she couldn't go, so she gave Samm a gift; check it out:
She wrote her the nicest, encouraging card to go with it. Samm was thrilled with it. We were both so touched that she was thinking of Samm during this particularly difficult time in her own life. Samm brought home some of the leftovers from her project to give to Betty so she wouldn't feel like she totally missed it.
- In knitting news, I completed the first of what have become known as the "Socks from Hell" for my Dad.
- I plan to work on the second sock on the train to and from Boston.
- Faina hasn't been picked up in days. I'm thinking it may come with me to Boston, too.
- I've just started the second of the Big Balls for the Big Ball Sweater. I'm loving this sweater and can't wait to be able to wear it.
- The other night, I mentioned to Samm that I'd like it if she'd make me a watch similar to the one she made her friend for Christmas. I haven't been wearing a watch for the last year and 1/2 or so because I wasn't able to see it. Now that I'm wearing bifocals (because I'm old), I can see well enough to wear a watch. She went right out that night and bought the supplies and I had a watch that night.
Isn't it beautiful? And it fits! I've NEVER found a watch that fits my wrists; this is perfect. I told her again that she should make some jewelry and stitch markers and we could open up an Etsy store. I'm hoping she does it because she does some really nice work and has an amazing eye for color combinations.
- My spindle and I are not currently on speaking terms. I told you that the wonderful Gina taught me how to use it at SPA and that I just needed some practice. Well, I've been practicing and practicing and all I seem capable of so far is C.R.A.P! I so badly want to get the hang of it. I even bought a different kind of spindle with a stationery bottom. Someone at SPA had one and I tried it there and it seemed easy. Well, that was just a disaster! I'm determined though; I'm gonna win this battle. Brenda told me about a place in Portland where she has just started some spinning classes and they let you take a wheel home with you each week. A new session should be starting in April and I'm thinking I may have to do it. It's very reasonably priced and I'd get to try out different wheels.
- Big storm expected tonight through tomorrow; I'm hoping they'll close Town Hall tomorrow and I can stay home and knit (yeah, that's gonna happen - NOT!). Guess I'll go watch some tv and knit now.
Have a great night!
I want to learn to spin so badly! Have a great trip to Boston. Good thoughts going out to Betty.
We're getting hit with an ice storm. Eww.
Posted by: Arleta | Mar 01, 2007 at 09:24 PM
Have a great trip! Sounds like fun!
spinning.... are you doing the park & draft? you really really need to practice park & draft for a while, then it will click. Really.
www.icanspin.com has videos too check it out.
what is it that makes the yarn yucky to you? is it just lumpy? you are making designer yarn right now!
Posted by: Colleen | Mar 01, 2007 at 09:33 PM
oh and the watch looks beautiful! she really does nice work.
Posted by: Colleen | Mar 01, 2007 at 09:34 PM
I'm already planning my snow day!!! I'll think good thoughts for yours. Perhaps you should just take one...safety first, I always say!
Love your watch! Samm is truly talented and I think the Etsy store is a great idea. She should go for it.
Will think good thoughts for Betty. She sounds like such a truly special lady.
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | Mar 01, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Enjoy Boston! We're going down for the day Saturday too...
Keep up with the spinning, I think we can all figure it out if we try. And I love the watch - it's a beautiful piece of jewelry.
Posted by: Brenda | Mar 01, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Dale and I were thinking of heading into Boston tomorrow afternoon to visit the USS JFK. Maybe we could get together for a drink or something? Let me know if you guys are willing.
Posted by: Carole | Mar 02, 2007 at 07:10 AM
Well they closed the state before the newspaper came out! And Cumberland's closed, so you're probably home? My Uncle's family has a (now) restaurant in the North End, but I don't know what it's called! It USED to be Tose's music store. Run by my 1st generation (right? their folks came over) here from Sicily uncle and his 3 brothers, who therefore are "uncles" too! The place was classic, wide, painted gray (or not?) wood floors. All down one side music stuff, including things like violin cases. And the other side? Knives, rifles, hunting stuff! Last time I was there was when I was pregnant, so nearly 12 years ago. No place to park, as usual, so we parked in the owner's spot. "Uncle" Ralph (a big man) came out to bark at my brother and me, until he saw who it was, then it was "come in come in". One or two of the sons run the place now. I can find out from my cousin what it is for your next visit there!
Posted by: lisa | Mar 02, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Have fun in Boston! Your watch is great.
Posted by: Chris | Mar 02, 2007 at 12:16 PM
There are a few other great yarn shops in Boston!
First off, there are two shops on Newbury - Newbury yarns and a shop that is mostly needlepoint but has some yarn.
By the common near Park Street and Downtown Crossing there is Windsor Button, which has quite a good selection.
In Harvard Square is Woolcott, a bit of a walk from the T stop.
In Porter Square, Mind's Eye Yarns, which is right down the street from the T stop in a little pink house.
In Brookline by the Brookline Village stop on the green D line is A Good Yarn (right up the hill from the T stop.)
And in JP there is Circles, across the street from the orange line Green St stop.
Posted by: stariel | Mar 02, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Have a wonderful trip to Boston...Try Windsor Button - they have lots of yarn, too. I can't remember where it is - but, it's in the phone book...
The watch is GORGEOUS!
Posted by: Sara | Mar 02, 2007 at 02:54 PM
A Good Yarn in Brookline is a good hit. Windsor Button as well. I have no idea how to get to either as I'm always with a Boston knitter when I'm there.
Have a great trip!
Posted by: Kate | Mar 02, 2007 at 05:38 PM