Thoughts from the Basement

Sometimes I read, sometimes I knit, but mostly, I just sit in a Basement.

Friday, July 28, 2006

So I got tagged

I got tagged by Stacie so here are six (supposedly) interesting things about me that you may not have known.
1) I am the oldest of 4 children- I have two little brothers and one little sister
2) I am 1/2 Italian- thanks Dad
3) For 1 1/2 years I tested other people's pee for the presense of illegal drugs. My husband and I also collected our own drug-free pee for cash.
4) I am an Associate R&D Chemist for a national research center- chemist in title only as I have a biology degree
5) I have read Gone With the Wind 4 times and seen the movie too many times to count- I was able to drag my husband (we weren't married at the time) to the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta
6) I was in a sorority in college even though I in no way resemble any of the stereotypes that may have just popped into your head.

These facts may or may not be interesting to you but now you know six things about me. Seven if you count the fact that you already know that I knit. Eight really if you count the fact that you know I am crazy.

I finally cast on for the chenille blanket last night and managed to knit about 2 rows before I became aggitated and had to quit. Big Daddy will be owing me for a while for this blanket. I am not wild about the yarn and I am not wild about 47" of stockinette stich!! I am sure that I can find something that I want him to do in return for the time I will spend slaving over it. We may be traveling south this weekend for his company's family day Saturday and hopefully we will get to spend the night with mamma on our way home. A three hour ride to Jackson will provide for some good knitting though so that is a plus!! Sorry that I have no pictures today but maybe Monday I can provide some finished items for you to view. Until next time, I will be hating chenille in the basement.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

I am on a roll, people!!

Boys and girls, here is the dishcloth in all her finished glory along with the towel that I made a while back to match it.

I think that they turned out pretty good, don't you? I am just glad that are done and I can cross them off my list. I am going to step away from dishcloths somewhat now and focus on 2 blankets that I already have the yarn for.

I also wanted to throw some props out for our LYS, Hanging by a Thread. While on a research venture yesterday, we were lucky enough to pick up a copy of the very first newsletter published by them. In said newsletter was lots of information about classes and clinics that will be offered during the month of August. I am looking forward to attending some of these as it will be a chance to enhance my skills and meet other knitters. Speaking of meeting other knitters, the store will also be hosting a "Sip 'n Stitch" every Tuesday night at 7 pm starting on August 15. This sounds like great fun and I am looking forward to hanging out and having child-free time to knit. As you can see, I still have much knitting planned and am ready to learn something new. Until next time, see you in the basement.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Another FO (finally)

I have finally finished the first of two scarves that I am making for the Think Pink Challenge. It took longer than it should, but knitting with a four year old and a one year old is certainly shaping up to be a challenge of it own. This is officially my first knitted scarf, people. This is a milestone for me!! Before I mail the scarf, I wanted to see how it would look on. So I tried it on my boss, John. He was not really happy to be wearing a pink scarf but since it is for a good cause, he was willing to humor me some. Then we had to go upstairs (yes, we left the basement) and attend to a chore on the second floor. While we were up there, we visited my sister.
She is going to be the lucky recipient of one dishtowel (you know the one I mean). I thought she looked lovely modeling the scarf. Then Mary and I decided to see who else would be willing to model this lovely pink scarf in 100 degree heat in Mississippi in July.
Kathy did

And my old boss Troy did (enjoyed his modeling gig a little too much maybe)

And finally the lovely Jean Pinion, School of Pharmacy social chair, wore the scarf.
So there you have it. If you are nice enough (or crazy enough), you can get people to model scarves for you. Even if it is pink. Even if it is 100 degrees. Even if it is July. Even if you work in a basement.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Presenting, in all her glory......


This is the dishcloth that has been giving me fits. I know that I have let this all go to my head, creating a bigger problem than it really is. I do feel, however, that when you have to rip out a particular project two different times, you can call it what you want. The dishcloth and I had a little talk last night and in exchange for good behavior, I promised a photo shoot. Here is a closeup of the weave.
Sorry the picture is a bit fuzzy but basement lighting is never very good. I do hope to be finished with this dishcloth by Monday. Then maybe I will have some lovely photos of the finished product along with my almost complete scarf for Think Pink. I have high hopes of finishing it over the weekend as well. Have a good weekend everyone. I will be enjoying my two days out of the basement.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Boy, I am weak

I did it. I went to the yarn store. It had been two weeks since we had been. I had my project list under control. I went. I saw new yarns. I now have new projects on my list. Why am I so weak?? Why do I lust after yarn in my school colors?? Why am I lusting after Christmas yarn in July?? Yarn is such an addiction. I wonder if anyone has ever done a study on that? I wonder if there is any funding out there to do a study on the theraputic powers of yarn and knitting? I am a scientist. Maybe I should look into that. Anyway, our LYS has lots of really cool yarn and have ordered lots more to be coming soon. I am excited. I also was directed to this knitting pattern today that will be my reward when I cross some items off my list. It does deal with one of my other favorite topics!!!!! I am also watching some items that I covet on ebay. Wish me luck!! It is time to go home so until next time, see you in the basement.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

I will...

1) finish the Think Pink scarf
2) finish the dishcloth from hell
3) cast on my grandmother's other dishcloth
4) cast on Big Daddy's chenille blanket
5) make my dishcloths for this months KAL
6) buy some yarn and make some baby gifts

Please, your support is needed. Encouragement and kind words would be helpful!!

Sinus medicine is making this basement look fuzzy. I must go home.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

It is finished!!!!



This is the completed dishcloth I showed you yesterday. Hopefully, I will get to start on its companion cloth tonight. Time is short today but I wanted to get this picture out to the masses. More tomorrow as I am leaving this basement.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Why is it always Monday?

Monday seems to come around much faster than every seventh day. Ugh!! I hate Mondays. I have been dragging about today but a special thanks goes out to Mary Heather for the use of her chaise during lunch. There is a conspiracy in my house to keep me from doing all the knitting that I have planned. I am convinced that the dirty clothes, dirty dishes and the rest of the housework get together and say "When she sits down with those knitting needles, let's look as messy as we can!" The weekend was full of more than just housework as there was socializing, swimming, and the consumption of a birthday cake. Fun with Dick and Jane was finally viewed but all attempts to watch any movie other than one rated G were thwarted. Last night I braved it and again drove to our crime-ridden neighbor to the north. Jennifer is back from a once in a lifetime adventure in Las Vegas. Maybe I can get my hands on some of her pictures to share with you. Despite all the busy activities I was able to squeeze in some of the knitting that was on my wish list. I was able to cast on this lovely dishcloth that I believe will be a gift for one lucky person!!
The pattern is one that I found from the lovely people at the Monthy Dishcloth KAL. This is a fun KAL that I just joined. I think that dishcloths are handy to have around because they are relatively cheap and make great gifts. When this one is done, I have another heart pattern that I want to try with some lovely rose-colored yarn that I also purchased on last weeks trip to Hancock Fabrics. This dishcloth hasn't been a pesk like that other one has so I thought it deserved a picture of its fine progress. Plus, dear reader, I have been promising pictures, so here you are. It is almost time to go home and I must gear up for the 100 degree heat waiting on me outside!! One good thing about being stuck in a basement, at least we stay cool in the summer!! Until next time...

Friday, July 14, 2006

Catching my breath

I actually have more than a few minutes to post today. I feel like these quick entries I have been posting lately have not really fulfilled my need to blog. This has been a pretty typical week- BUSY!! Things are plodding along down here at work. Today is payday (thank goodness) but then really all that does is force me to subtract out the old checkbook and redistribute the money. That is always a depressing thing to do because I think of all the money that I could be spending on yarn. Car payment. Yarn. Car payment. Yarn. Such decisions to make. I am sure that this weekend will include a trip to the lovely Walmart. I am looking forward to spending most of my time just hanging out with the family and trying to get some knitting done. Last weekend was supposed to be like that but with all the shacking up at BMH and all, some things I wanted to accomplish got postponed. Big Daddy and I have several movies that we have been trying to watch for over a week now. Either the kids stay up too late or we go to bed too early or kids end up in the bed with us. All I know is that Fun with Dick and Jane has been on my tv for about 1 1/2 weeks now and I have seen not a minute. Considering I have waited this long to see it already, it may be a classic by the time we actually view it. Hopefully a dip in the pool will be on the agenda. My babies love the water (and rightly so as I do too!). I enjoy just relaxing with them and watching them play. Sunday will be spend either watching the race on tv or swimming and listening on the radio. Louden is not really one of my favorite tracks but with the season winding closer to The Chase, every race is important. I am trying hard not to think about how far away football season still is. September 3rd cannot get here soon enough!!!!! My knitting goals for the weekend are:
1. finish my first scarf for the Think Pink Challenge
2. work on that dreaded dishcloth
3. cast on one of the dishcloths for my grandmother
4. clean up and sort though my knitting bag and patterns
Surely by Monday, I will have some completed items to share with you all. Until next time, fair reader. I have got to get out of this basement!!

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Made it back safe!!

I made it back safe from the city to our north. Of course, when you are only there long enough to drop off at the airport, the carjackers really don't have time to get you. Now Jennifer is sunning it up in Vegas, and I am still here in this basement. Fair reader, I did hit up the Hancock Fabric yesterday and purchased some fine cotton yarn to make my grandmamma some dishcloths for her birthday. I will update you on their progress. I also have a new obsession. I know, I know, but I have just got (GOT) to have Mason-Dixon Knitting. I am not sure that I can go on another day until I buy it. Maybe I can sneak some cash from the grocery money and purchase it. Don't tell!!! Bad news though to report today-my crochet class has been canceled and will be re-offered in the fall. I am disappointed but I know that with all the knitting I have planned, I will stay busy. Hopefully, by Monday I will have pictures of some dishtowels and a scarf for your viewing pleasure. Until then, hold on to your hats. I will be working down here in this basement.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Away to Memphis

I am about to leave to take Jennifer to the Memphis International Airport so that she can spend the weekend in Las Vegas. Fun you say?? Yes especially when it is a free trip to hang out with Garth Brooks, Tricia Yearwood, and some random baseball and hockey players. Now the problen is this. Jennifer likes none of the above. No country music or baseball or hockey for her. Unfair, I know but I am making her promise to bring me some autographs. The only good thing about this is I am making her drive to Memphis so I can work on my scarf. I left the dishcloth home to rest. It needs to sit and think about why it is giving me so much trouble. I guess you could say it is grounded for the day. Tomorrow, it will be back to the grind but hopefully I won't have any scary stories from my adventure to share. Until tomorrow, think of me, fair reader, I am escaping from the basement.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Oops!! What was I thinking?!?

Some days are just crappy. I don't know why that is but they just are. This has been one of those days. Ah, if I can just get home and knit and soothe my soul. Enough about all that though. You know, fair reader, I have spoken with you about my need for projects and my desire to control them. Just when we all thought I had it under control.... My sister and I are signed up to take a crochet class. Yes, my love of yarn has expanded to the hook. I have been known to chain and single crochet in the past, but I am hoping to expand these talents. So another project list to compile as I take on this new venture. Wish me luck, fair reader, as class starts Thursday. Tomorrow I will be traveling north to that crime-ridden city of Memphis to take our lovely Jennifer to the airport where she will board a plane to Vegas. More on that story tomorrow as it is 5:00 and my children await. Until next time, I'll be plotting my next hobby in the basement.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Falling behind

Another week has begun and I am already behind on my many chores and projects. I am always behind on my housework so that is nothing new. I am seeing that trend continue however with my knitting projects. I am revising my list for Project Finish Knit so check that blog for the update. I am still working on the DFH and I have begun one of my prink pretties for the Think Pink Challenge. I still have the Monthly Dishcloth KAL to do. I decided to push back the cast on of the chenille because I thought what was the use of casting on another project when I really am not making good progress on anything?? Sorry to those of you who are looking forward to the adventures with chenille. I did knit in public this weekend (sort of) if you can count Nanny's room at the hospital. One of the custodians did compliment my work though!! I also snuck in a bit in the waiting room at the pediatrician this morning. Yes, the traveling dishcloth spent the night with me at the Baptist Motel. It is currently riding around in my truck waiting on its next outing. I hope to have it finished by the week's end. I slept a ton this weekend in the form of naps which really didn't help accomplish any of my goals. This weekend did have a few highpoints though as I got to eat the lunch buffet at the New Hunan and my man had a top five finish at Chicagoland Speedway. He retained his 3rd place standing in the points and is now 257 points behind the leader (whose name I will not type as I don't want to give him any free advertising on this space). I have to get home a peel some shrimp for supper. Until nextime, fair reader, I will see you in the basement.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Friday, Friday

The end of another week!! Boy, this one has been weird. Having the day off on Tuesday really sent me for a loop. It has also been a hard week as I have received bad news in several forms. The worst for me being that my Nanny suffered a very slight heart attack Wednesday night and will be residing at our lovely Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi until further notice. As she is my only Nanny, I am really worried but she is a tough girl and I am sure she will recover just fine. Next week I hope to start on her dishcloths for her 87th birthday that is coming up on the fifteenth. You will be happy to know, dear reader, that the dreaded dishcloth is back on the needles. Four rows knitted and if I have to do it four rows a day, then that is what I will do. I have purchased some fine pink yarn for the Think Pink challenge. I hope to be able to make 2 scarves with this yarn and maybe if time allows, purchase and make 2 more. This week cancer has taken the life of someone I know and entered into the life of another. Cancer is bad. Knitting is good. Find yourself a charity and knit, dear reader. It will do some good for you as well as the recipient. Coming soon to this blog (hopefully) knitting in public and the traveling dishcloth!!!!!!! Until next time, come on down and see us in the basement.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

You know I can't resist

I mean I really do want to reduce my number of projects until I can get some things finished, I really do. Then I see something that touches my heart and I just can't help myself. So since I was able to remove Misty's dishcloths from my list, I have added this project for charity. It is just a scarf or two and since I am already involved in a breast cancer fundraiser, what is one more little thing to do to help?? So I will be adjusting my list for Project Finish Knit (please see their button in the side bar). I implore you, fair reader, to think about what you can do for breast cancer awareness or for any type of cancer for that matter. It is important and there are so many little things you can do to help. On a lighter note, I am going to cast on that damn dishcloth tonight and whip its little butt into shape. Then I am going to Wal-mart (ah, glorious Wal-mart) to get some pink yarn for my scarves. I would like to make several in honor of the women in my life but if I can't get the dishcloth done, then I may just throw all my knitting supplies away. Just kidding, dear reader. My sister shall have cloths for her dishes and I shall make pink scarves. Even if I have to knit them here in this basement. Just don't tell my boss......

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

The Dishcloth from Hell

Yes, I said from Hell. I have been working on a simple dishcloth for my sister to accompany the aforementioned towel. I have ripped this item out twice now and will start it again tonight. I am determined to finish and won't let it get me down. Fair reader, I promise you that I will never let a thing like a dishcloth get me down. Our Princess is officially a year old now. I was exhausted after all the parties and family time. She is so cute though and could not be denied all the festivities. We had a nice 4th of July at Mother's yesterday. I finally got my birthday presents as Mother couldn't decide whether to give me cookbooks or a purse. Being the culinary expert that I am (ha ha), I chose the cookbooks. Now I can torture Big Daddy with more experiments. I am on a moratorium from the grocery store though until we eat up some of the food that has been collecting in our cabinets and freezer. The children will not starve, but the meals may not exactly be foods that join together nicely. Because Misty decided she wanted a Paula Deen cookbook, I got her that for her be-lated birthday and can delete one item from my list on Project Finish Knit. I have set myself a goal of at least casting on the chenille by the end of the week so I can force myself to make some real progress. Until next time, I will see you in the basement.

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