View Source

One of the nice things about having a blog (even if it is "powered" by Blogger) is the chance to "borrow" items that you enjoy from other blogs. As I was looking at Ken's blog, I noticed he had found a way to have recent posts from blogs that he had read magically appear on his blog. It took a little while for me to figure out how he did this, but with a right-click of my mouse and my favorite little command, View Source, I eventually managed to create a similar feature on my blog.

I had signed up for Bloglines and haven't really used it in a long time, so I was very excited to use Google Reader to keep on top of all of my favorite blogs. It seems as if it is still in the developmental stages, as it isn't all that user-friendly yet, but I am able to adapt it for my purposes and that is all that really matters.

For those of you who fall asleep at the mere mention of technological advances, here is a gratuitous shot of Niagara Falls taken on our road trip last summer.

Fall Cleaning

I took some time yesterday morning to spruce up my sidebar. I removed some sites that I just don't read anymore or that just don't post anymore and replaced them with some new blogs that I have been wanting to follow. Some of these are written by new friends and some of them just looked so interesting that I wanted to give them a chance. I highly recommend taking the time to update your blog. You'll feel better, trust me.

One of the new blogs is by Lee Ann, whom I met at Rhinebeck and forget to mention. Her interest in mathematics and how it can apply to knitting makes her blog an obvious choice for me. She is also one cute, little peanut, although she made it clear that she can be quite fierce in her five-inch stillettos.

Another development from my Rhinebeck post is the discovery that Carol is an alumna of the University of Michigan. She has this mistaken belief that my beloved Buckeyes will fall to Big Blue on Nov. 18th. Not when they're playing in the Horsheshoe, and not when Ohio State hasn't won by less than 17 points against any team this season (and that game was the last time that my #1 team beat the #2 team in the land.)

So, Carol, put your yarn where your mouth is. Same bet, same rules. I have no problem doubling up my winnings. No reason why Kelle has to be the only one to lose.

As for my knitting progress, I can assure you that there is some knitting happening every day in anticipation of the joy of Christmas presents being opened. I even worked on the baby blanket in between hands at my regular poker game last night. Nayland was happy to hear that so many knitters had checked out his photography from my Fauxganization post and Thor was the consummate host, as always. I left up $10.50, thanks to a monster last hand of Hollywood Squares, where I came up with 6 nines, although I could only count 5 of them.

See, I like taking money (or hand-dyed yarn) from others...

Canine Triptych

Warning!

For all you new spinners who bought wheels for the first time at Rhinebeck:



Make your own warning labels! I just love this site!

Stating the obvious

What Monty Python Sketch Character are you?

You are a Lumberjack...with definite issues...
Take this quiz!








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Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Thanks to Roseane for the link.

Rhinebeck 2006

OK. There are moments in your life that you will remember forever. Rhinebeck is one of them. If you have never been, mark your calendars for next year, now. Seriously. I have never had a better time with better friends, both new and old.

(If you are going to read this post, you'd better get comfortable. Grab a cup of coffee; go to the bathroom; put the kids to bed. Don't worry, I'll wait.)

I present my Rhinebeck recap through a series of vignettes.

Scene

Fall has arrived in the Catskills. I knew that already with having spent the last two weekends at the cabin. Rhinebeck marked my third weekend upstate and the foliage did not disappoint. As an example, I submit the view outside of our hotel room. The simple beauty of this littoral scene was a welcome surprise and an auspicious beginning to the first day of Rhinebeck.



This is a shot of my dream cabin. Although the thought of renovating the main house scares the hell out of me, the stream flowing through the property, as well as the knitting studio on the other bank, makes this location ideal. Oh yeah, the fact that it is down the street from Morehouse Farms helps fuel my fantasy.



Something Old
(I am SO getting into trouble for that header.)

Rhinebeck was a wonderful excuse to meet up with the Wolverinas, some of whom I had met before and some of whom I was meeting for the first time. Who did I see? I'm glad you asked.



Here we find a smiling Marilyn giving a little demonstration on her pride and Joy. For all of you who don't know Mar, she is far from a curmudgeon in real life, despite the more characteristic photo that follows.



We found a knitted pink flamingo finger puppet under our table and posed it on the most appropriate finger in our group. Marilyn is like that cool mom that you always wished you had growing up. She's also quite the little playa...

It was also wonderful to meet at last the infamous Queer Joe and the winner of the Patient Husband award, Thaddeus. The former's incredible sense of generosity, as represented by his Fresh Air Fund initiative, not only allowed Ted to make the trip down from Canada, it also made Rhinebeck affordable for me as well. He is also an accomplished knitter, as can be seen in this picture of his Celestine Shawl.



"Am I the prettiest girl at the fair?"

(Yes, you are, but you knew that already.)



Here we have a photo of most of the Wolverinas. Clockwise from left: Carol, Joe, Thaddeus, Lisa and Marilyn. Please note that Joe is so obsessed with all things fiber that he has started ingesting maple-flavored fleece. I can't decide who my favorite grrl is: Lisa or Carol. Lisa is a sweetheart and I love spending time with her, but Carol sends me her own, hand-dyed yarn. Lisa and I share the same taste in men, but Carol has made it clear that she would be willing to take any future bathtub shots. Hmmm...

Missing from the picture are Fredda, Kathy and Selma. I didn't have the chance to talk at all with Fredda and Selma, even though they seem to be very interesting characters. Kathy was wearing a gorgeous, multi-colored crochet scarf: look for the workshop class at a knitting convention near you!

Something New

The best part about taking part in a fiber orgy is the chance to meet so many fellow fanatics. Rhinebeck was no exception. I joined in the fun of Rhinebeck Blogger Bingo (graphic design by Franklin; you were definitely missed!) in order to meet some new people and I was not disappointed. OK, I was disappointed, but not with the people I met. The abundant crowds made it virtually impossible to find people; I only managed to mark off six squares. I proffer my game card, complete with research notes, color coding and numerical annotations as proof. (Once a grad student, always a grad student.)



As soon as I got in on Saturday morning, someone on my card came up to me! (I thought , "This game is going to be a snap!") I was excited to meet Julia, ever since she gave me some great advice on Latvian mittens. We immediately felt a connection and I can't wait to hang out with her next time I am in Boston (last weekend of March 2007). Here is an unfortunate photo of her that I snapped from her blog into my camera as part of my pre-bingo research.



I was also thrilled to meet Paul and his friend, Aaron. Carol mentioned that she had seen Paul and described him as big and hairy (Woof!); what is it with Carol and bears? I had no problem finding him and we enjoyed a wonderful conversation about teaching, music and knitting. Definitely someone I will be adding to my sidebar.

The only other people I found were Jenn, thanks to her pink hair, who was with Cassie, who was working her Tubey, and Beth, who won Best in Show with her Lily of the Valley shawl. (Yeah, I roll with winners.) Of course, I can't forget about the Paul Lynde of Rhinebeck Blogger Bingo, Stitchy McYarnpants, who was the instigator of all the bingo madness.



May I present Ms. Carbon-Based Lifeform, Rhinebeck 2006?

(I told you I roll with winners.)

Something Borrowed

As I was unpacking my knitting bag when I got home, I noticed that two sample squares had fallen into it at some point this weekend. (If they are yours, please let me know and I will forward them to you.)



To felt or not to felt, that is the question.

I also want to share with you my acquistions in this section, as I bought them with borrowed money. I restrained myself admirably and returned only with some souvenir yarn, a pattern, and a book. (My first pension check was waiting for me when I got home: five figures, but a day too late. Probably just as well; how much yarn do you really need?)

The plan for 2006 was that I would take up lace knitting at Stitches Midwest and I would start my spinning career at Rhinebeck. That was ambitious to say the least. I finally found the most exquisite Icelandic laceweight I have ever seen.



Now I just have to find the perfect triangular shawl pattern, although I am thinking that I may try and design my own for my first lace project. (I know, what is wrong with me?)

While I was wandering aimlessly through the crowded stalls, I was stopped dead in my tracks by the most fabulous sweater. My first thought was, "I have to have it, now." Then, my mind countered with, "You can't afford it." I walked on, just a little sad, when I realized I could probably knit it. I'm happy I went back and asked if they had the pattern. I was told it was from Sweaters from New England by Candace Eisner Strick, which is sadly out-of-print. Fortunately, Snow Star Farms had received permission from the publisher to reprint it and I picked up a copy of this gorgeous pattern from them.



This sweater appeals to me on so many levels: the mathematics, the traditional Scandinavian colors, the homage to Escher. I couldn't afford to buy the yarn right then and there, but I will definitely be starting this in the Spring.

I also relented and picked up a copy of this book. I resisted and resisted, but finally broke down and had it signed by the author.



I haven't laughed out loud while reading in a long time. The pictures sure are fugly, but the commentary is deliciously evil!

In keeping with the wedding theme of this post, I also wanted to mention that I finally met the Yarn Harlot! She was proudly wearing her Wedding shawl, which she knit in about a week. Stephanie came up with the funniest rejoinder of the weekend, when an admirer came up to her and asked if she had knit the shawl. Absolutely deadpan, Stephanie replied simply, "Walmart, $7.95". I don't know how she kept a straight face, because I know I didn't.

Having lived in New York for ten years now, I have learned how to appear all blasé and nonchalant when encountering a celebrity. As a result, I got to see a side of Steph that I wouldn't have experienced had I pounced on her like a groupie. She is even sweeter in person and is so down-to-earth and approachable, that I can't wait to run into her again. She made my day when she told me that I set a record of 6 hours as her wallpaper until her husband got jealous and she took it down. She also described me as Bathtub Man to her friends Juno, Cassie, Cate and Anj; sadly, they immediately knew who she was talking about. Scary. (Thanks for the nickname that will never go away!)

Something Blue

So far, I have neglected to talk about the best part of the weekend for me. I got to spend almost every minute of every day with Ted. What can I say about this wonderful man? He is the sweetest, most knowledgeable, and most adorable knitter I have ever met. We shared a hotel room together and most nights, we stayed up very late and simply talked. It was like the slumber party that I never experienced growing up! Here is a photo of the dashing fellow with me.



Of course, I had to take a few more, less flattering, photos of him. Here, he is contemplating the purchase of fun fur. (I talked him out of it.)



Here, he is distinctly annoyed at having to pose for yet another photo, simply because Marilyn admired the roses.



Most of the time, however, we just laughed and laughed. Ted has the best belly laugh I have ever heard and I was always happy to elicit one, if only to hear his unbridled joy. The one time that we were separated, I searched all over for his beautiful cardigan, the something blue of this section.

I also surprised him by the number of people I knew. I introduced him to Galina, only because I had taken a lace class with her at Stitches Midwest. Imagine, one of the best lace knitters in the world having never met the Tsarina herself! He also introduced me to Shiela B. of Bosworth Spindles fame and we had a nice conversation about Early Music. Turns out we were both at the 1985 Viola da Gamba Conclave in Boulder, Colorado and that she knows my first lover. Small world, indeed.

The best part of accompanying Ted around the barns was that he taught me what to look for in fleece and what kind of wheels and spindles I should try out. As a result, I have made the decision that when I am ready to get into this new obsession, I will be starting with Icelandic fleeces and I will be attempting to spin Lopi-weight yarn. Of course, all suggestions are most welcome!

I was blue when the festival ended, so I wanted to mention here how much I enjoyed meeting Mel and David. We had a very enjoyable dinner with them at an Indian restaurant in Red Hook on Sunday night, even if one of them could barely keep his eyes open. I don't know how they managed to drive back to Maine that night! ("You, in the green truck, pull over.")

Another enjoyable part of the weekend was meeting Loraine from DC. (Does the Knitting Ninja have a blog? If not, you better get one, girl!)



Loraine is a lurker on my blog who swore that she wasn't stalking me. She fits in here because we told so many blue jokes to each other. Loraine drove up to Rhinebeck by herself and wrote me to ask if a retired NYPD officer would look after her, if only to make her husband sleep more soundly at night. (Please, she could kick my ass!) She was a veritable hoot and I can't wait to go down and see her.

She also mentioned how even straight people at the hospital in which she works has seen the notorious bathtub photos. The moral of the story: Be careful what you post, as you never know who is going to see it!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

I am a man of contradictions and nowhere did this play out more than at Rhinebeck. They had fried pickles, chocolate crème brulée, and beer. I was in culinary heaven! I also got to combine my love of college football with knitting on Saturday night. Beth had arranged a knitting night in the courtyard of the Holiday Inn and it was there that I met her and her niece, Sara. (You rock!) I also had the pleasure of placing a bet with Kelle on the upcoming Ohio State (#1)/Michigan (#2) game. The winner gets one skein of yarn; if their team wins by more than 14 points, they get two skeins; and if the Buckeyes, I mean the winning team, end up taking the National Championship, I, oops, the winner, gets three skeins. Ever the expert at networking, the winner gets to choose their yarn from Carol's Black Bunny Fibers virtual shop. (1st skein is winner's choice; 2nd skein is loser's choice; 3rd skein is Carol's choice. Hopefully, I can convince her to whip up a custom job in the winning team's colors. Get the red and grey dyes, ready.)

It was also nice meeting Carol's friend, Jim, as well as Elizabeth and Diane. (Sean has already thanked me for referring you to his shop. How did you have any money left over from Rhinebeck to buy more yarn?)

It wouldn't be a queer blog without pictures of sexy men (at least to me) and while Ted was distracted by fiber and fleece, I snapped a few photos surreptiously while waiting for him as he shopped to excess. Enjoy, because I know I did.

















Finally, after about six hours of working on this post, I leave you with an assortment of favorite photos and jokes. (Thank God, I'm retired, at least for the next six weeks.)

My favorite busker at the 2006 NYS Sheep and Wool Festival, Hannah on the National Instrument of Sweden, the Nickelharpa. (I got to get me one of those.)



My favorite bumper sticker, on a car outside of the very crowded Morehouse Farms. (I'll be back when next I visit the cabin and there aren't a hundred crazed knitters inside the place.)



My favorite pair of shoes, ever. Buffy from Shelridge Farm wore them proudly.



If you have read the comments on Marilyn's blog recently, you know that there was a little brouhaha over the work of Kaffe Fassett. We couldn't resist coming up with a few questions regarding his work.

Q: Do you think Kaffe does any spinning?
A: Yes, but he has someone do it for him.

Q: Do you think Kaffe drives his own car?
A: Mably, he does.

(You know we still love you, Dearest Wolverina.)

Can you tell that I had a good time?

Rhinebeck beckons...

So I'm heading upstate again this weekend, this time to the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, otherwise known as Rhinebeck. I can't wait to see some old friends, make some new ones and abstain from shopping except for the obligatory souvenir skein.

I finished another hat out of a gorgeous ball of Manos that I picked up at my new upstate LYS last weekend. We had friends up at the cabin last weekend for the last hurrah of the summer before the town turned the water off. Will miss it during the winter.

I have to go and decide what to put into the knitting bag (always the first thing that gets packed), get my clothes together and finish up some last-minute errands. Pictures when I get back, promise.

A weekend at the cabin

I enjoyed my first post-retirement weekend at the cabin. Monte and I had decided to spend it alone, as we didn't get a chance to use the cabin all summer because we had rented it out to an elderly couple from Florida from mid-June through September. While we certainly missed Smallwood this year, we now have a lovely parking area for three cars, the big lot next door, a well permit and the Tree of Damocles cut down thanks to the rental.

We arrived on Saturday afternoon and discovered that the local fire department was having a spaghetti dinner, so that meant no cooking and no dishes the first night. We spent the evening reclaiming our space and discovering our personal items hidden all around the cabin. The next day, Monte made breakfast and we made our way to the last day of the Harvest Festival at the old Woodstock site. We spent a lot of money on holiday gifts (pottery and stained glass), fresh food from the Farmer's Market, and, of course, I had to buy a local skein of wool. We then drove along the scenic Delaware River to Narrowsburg, where an old rugby teammate had opened a fancy coffee shop. We chatted together for about an hour and then I discovered a fantastic yarn shop across the street. I now have a place to pick up Manos, Debbie Bliss, and Noro twenty minutes from the cabin!

On Thanksgiving Day, we cleaned up the cabin a bit more and met with a contractor to plan our next improvements to the house. We also walked around our new lot and dreamed about what we wanted to do along the lines of additions for when we move up here to retire (once and for all). Naturally, I have picked out a prime spot for my knitting and textiles studio! We then left for home when the sun had set and got home early for a change. I called my family back home and wished them a happy holiday and went to sleep.

We are going back again this weekend to spend it with some of Monte's oldest friends. Just imagine: two weekends during peak leaf-viewing season. I spent most of the last weekend exclaiming, "There's another idea for a sweater!" Speaking of knitting, I have been a good boy, hard at work on some new projects. It's amazing how much knitting you can get done in class!

Thanks to Carol for her post today! Allies and friends are always wonderful to have!

I'm free!

The day has finally arrived! My pension benefits are protected and I can sleep a little easier at night. I can't tell you how relieved I am.

The ID card was a nice and unexpected touch. Also, the size of my pension payout, as well as what I will start receiving when I turn 50. Wow! In addition, I won't have to worry about health coverage after I reach that milestone either.

One chapter of my life has closed and I am so excited about embarking on my new career. Thank you all who have commented on my last post and wished me well.