Gotta love good mail

My mailbox this week has been filled with "good mail", the most wonderful of surprises. You'll see Valentines for Cynical and I sent from my mother, a handmade card from Madretz and a postcard from Phin.

I love Valentine's Day.

In other news, Cynical, my own personal postman, is dropping CDs in the mail today, bound for those of you requesting a copy. Also, I posted my contribution to the Valentine's Day pun challenge over at Nudge-Nudge.

As for the weekend, here's a quick summary: "You, Me and Dupree", "Loverboy", Mmmmmexican food, ripping out of a Jaywalker sock, new pants, new brown clogs, new tennis shoes, new socks, new shower head, drywall woes.

It must be luv

I like to mark special occasions with music. And by that I mean I tend to recall a particular point in time not through scent or even sight, but often what was playing in the background on the day I fell in love, had my first wreck or was scared to death when someone shook the porta-potty at the Jimmy Buffet concert many years ago.

I have continued this line of thinking when it comes to holidays at Chez Ragged. That being said, I have prepared the official 2007 Valentine's CD: It Must Be Luv: Songs of true luv and everything in between.

This CD celebrates not only the wonders of falling in love (stalking one another, not minding if your beloved calls you "Pookie bear" or "Sweetiekins" or long walks on the beach when you were actually able to hold hands without one of you saying, "Quit twisting my arm that way.") but also the underbelly of love, the falling out of it (demanding that he give back your copy of Madonna's Greatest Hits, throwing his letter jacked at him in the parking lot at school).

So, you may notice a bit of a twisted mix of songs on the 2007 version, which was greatly influenced by some of the ups and downs some of my friends are experiencing in the world of relationships these days.

If you are game, I am up for trading. Send me your CD of tunes that scream of love and love-gone wrong and we have a deal. Just e-mail me at raggedaroundtheedges(at)hotmail(dot)com.

Oh, and here's the songlist:

Anniversary Song by The Cowboy Junkies
One line says it all: "And I'll wear your ring".

Crash by the Dave Matthews Band
Come on, this is a hot song.

Here With Me by Dido
Just enough darkness to make it loverly.

I’ll Take Care of You by The Dixie Chicks
That's what it's all about.

Icecream by Sarah McLachlan
Better than icecream, I dunno, but she sounds convincing.

If You Could Only See by Tonic
A man turning down temptation out of pity for his beloved. So sweet.

Jackson by Johnny and June Carter Cash
Hotter than a pepper sprout. Enough said.

Jealousy by Natalie Merchant
Oooooh, jealousy. . . . the really dark underbelly of luv.

Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
I love this song and it's sentiment. I'm feeling all sappy now.

Love Shack by The B52s
Chez Ragged is the Love Shack, make no mistake.

Mandy by Barry Manilow
She came and she gave without taking, now that's luv.

Name by The Goo Goo Dolls
He'll even let you be nameless.

Some for the Dumped by The Ben Folds Five
The perfect break-up song. Give me back my black t-shirt.

Sonja by Lyle Lovett
He loves his waitress and he's all giddy about it.

Steal My Kisses by Ben Harper
Everybody steals kisses and no one ever gets convicted.

Trees by Marty Casey & The Lovehammers
You and me, up in the trees. Enough said.

Trouble Me by The 10,000 Maniacs
This is actually our song. And I got all sappy just typing it out.

True Companion by Marc Cohn
I'm tearing up just thinking about this song. Everyone deserves a true companion.

When It Don’t Come Easy by Patty Griffin
If you forget my love, I'll try to remind you. Enough said.

You & I Both by Jason Mraz
And you know, even if it doesn't work out, you know you loved and that's enough. Right!

You’re the One that I Want by Olivia Newton-John/John Travolta
'Cause in the end, he's the one that I want.

*Edited to add, the Dave Matthews Band song is actually "Crash Into Me", but at Chez Ragged, I tend to shorten the title when talking about how "hot" it is. I should have let ya know that in advance. Sorry.

The sound of music

Tonight has been one of those odd evenings. One of those nights where I am out of my regular rhythm, out of sorts, if you will. I had big plans for how I'd waste away my few hours free from work and sleep. However, it seems the best laid plans were, well, laid aside.

After a few errands, I came into the house without any real idea of what I wanted to do. So, I meandered around from room to room aimlessly doing this or that, but really doing nothing at all, until I finally came across my mail, set out neatly for me by my dear Cynical.

And there I found a CD sent to me by a very thoughtful Madretz. It's her very own version of a Valentine CD. Such an eclectic mix; so intriguing, so sweet and funny. Just as a good CD should be. I have already tucked it into the bag I take to work each day. It will accompany me as I make my way to and fro to the office this week and next, I am certain. You are right, Madretz, love rocks.

And that prompted me to wrap up my own version of a St. Valentine's Day compilation, begun long ago, but never quite finished. I ended up with a strange mix, I must admit. A bit twisted in fact, but isn't that the best part of luv and all that sappy stuff? I opted to also include some songs that depict the underbelly of what some mistake as love, 'cause there are some of you out there that remember that part all too well. And what's a sappy CD without "Song for the Dumped" by Ben Folds Five.

And as it was burning, I found myself hungry to listen to mixed tapes in my own collection, one in particular. A while back I had been given a CD by my dear brother. Things were a bit rocky for both of us and I am not certain, in all honesty, that I listened to it at all, as I was too bitter, angry and hateful to be patient enough to settle down and enjoy it.

In a panic, I dug through my collection and couldn't find it. I was heartbroken and guilt-ridden. And then I discovered it, tucked between two old compilations. Sometimes obsessive-compulsive tendencies can pay off.

And I popped it in the computer and it's playing as I type. Each song was obviously chosen with purpose and reason. And I am thinking now, would it have made a difference all that time ago. . . would I have been quicker to forgive and forget. Music can do that sort of thing.

Wow, Madretz, I bet you never thought your CD would spur all of that, eh?

I'm special. . . so special

What did I do to deserve a surprise package from Phin? I don't know, but whatever it is, I am gonna keep doing it.

Apparently Phin was doing a little "spring cleaning" a few months early, her own little out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new purging. And in the process, she shared some of the fruits of her labor with me. A box full of yarn and some mega Addy needles landed on my doorstep and I am very so grateful. Thanks, Phin! (All of the yarn is yummy, super yummy. That Phin has great taste.)

I have been on a bit of an alpaca knitting spree, making a few scarves for some upcoming birthdays and as a bit of a "thank you". All of these are now nestled in boxes, soon to be delivered via USPS to their rightful owners.

Nice surprises

I like surprises. Cynical and I differ in that fact. He likes the known. I tend to like a little bit of both: the comfort of the known and the excitement of the unknown. He likes to know exactly what Santa is bringing him. I want to be utterly in shock and awe come Christmas morning.

When we travel, he wants an itinerary and some idea of what is ahead of us. I tend to go with the flow and live for what is around the next corner.

This week has been right up my alley. Over the weekend, the postman delivered my Knit Mitt Kit Swap package. Inside was a blue felted bag, needles, "Knitting for Peace", some Plymouth Encore yarn in lavendar, and a great mitt pattern.

Yesterday a long awaited package arrived from Caroline. You see, I was a winner in a contest on her blog. She sent a bulb from the Plaza area in Kansas City. Thanks, Caroline, what a neat token from the Christmas season and our visit to KC a year ago.

And last, but certainly not least, while cleaning out some drawers lately, we came across some disposable cameras and film that had been long forgotten. Most only had a few photos on them, apparently film gone wrong, or cameras tossed to the side. I gathered them all up and Cynical dropped them off for developing.

I had honestly not thought much about the lonesome rolls until today when I stopped to pick them up. And as I opened each envelope I was treated to a wonderful surprise. Photos of the last Easter my grandmother remembered me, a lost set of photographs from a very, very long canoing outing, snapshots from an early camping trip with Cynical's family.

I have flipped through them over and over again, looking at how we have changed, stopping to consider what brought the smiles to our faces, remembering that Prince E was once that small and his brown eyes so sweet.

As I see photographs of my grandmother, I stop to touch her face, remembering her very vividly that Sunday morning we hid plastic eggs in her backyard. Recalling when I realized she was slipping away.

Surprises, sometimes sweet.

Vacation. . . all I ever wanted

Day two of my vacation included a long-awaited trip to my favorite little quaint town across the river. The best part of the trip is that my dear friend, Queen of Cool, joined me. We ventured out for some shopping at the cute, original and sweet little shoppes all along the downtown crossroads.

A light lunch, a trip to a few mainstream stores and our day was complete. A few one-of-a-kind holiday finds including an ornament deemed "Ghetto Santa" by Queen of Cool, yarn for Knitty's Fetching (my first attempt at cabling) and two sock patterns. Queen of Cool, obviously humored me with one quick stop at the yarn shoppe.

Today I am meeting a college friend at a little town midway between both of our homes. I rarely see her and am so looking forward to catching up. Tonight I'll take my dad shopping for my mother; it's an annual event where my dad steps foot into stores he only enters once a year and complains about the prices of items.

Please keep my mom in your prayers. She's going through a bit of a health scare. We are hoping for good news today. In an effort to distract my mom, we visited the bookstore last night and toured around looking at Christmas lights. It was a brief distraction, but also some time together. Please send good vibes her way today.

On Monday I received the coolest of CDs from Farmwife. What a great mix. It accompanied us last night on our tour. Thanks, Farmwife. I luv it. I also got the coolest of Christmas cards from Phinner. Run, Phin, Run.

Another ornament from our tree. This one is huge, so it usually fills a gap in our tree.

Because I have to think about something else

This morning on my way into work, I was listening to the "Masculine & Instrumental" Christmas mix I scored in a trade with our dear Madretz. I have to admit though that I was too busy fretting to enjoy the drive on this warm day or even the music.

I was moving along when I slowed at a four-way stop. As I waited my turn I watched as two students handed the crossing guard a big wrapped package. As she opened the present, I saw her eyes light up and her face break into laughter. I saw the kids bubble with pride. And I smiled.

PS: Another good report on Sammy this morning. I am not holding my breath, but I am secretly hoping. His temperature dropped some, not a good sign, but he used his litter box and he "perked up" today.

Christmas is coming. . . via USPS

One of the things that I like to tackle early in the holiday season is the preparation of packages that must be mailed. Concerned that the United States Postal Service may not care quite as much about the timely delivery of the carefully prepared packages as I do, I try to get them out early as to assure they arrive safe and sound, well in time for December 25.

The problem this year is that I have had a difficult time carving out a few minutes to get everything wrapped, labeled and sent on its way. One night last week our kitchen was littered with bubble wrap, tags, rolls of tape, Sharpies and tissue paper for the better part of two hours and when all was said and done, the packages above were ready to make their way across the country and to the homes of my loved ones. Thank goodness for delivery confirmation.
Today I found myself walking around the house fretting, wringing my hands, feeling useless, all the while worrying about our dear Sammy. Knowing I needed to do something with all of that anxious energy, I decided to work on Christmas cards. I must admit that this year I did a little something that was intended to be a time-saving measure and I am glad I did. I assembled a database and printed labels for each of the cards.

I am a bit particular about my Christmas cards. For years I made my own, each handpainted in a simple design. Eventually my paint brushes ran dry of creativity and I reluctantly turned to "store bought" cards. And, in all honesty, I am very pleased that I did, as I am loving the idea of perusing all of the choices, styles and designs out there. And I can walk through the house without the fear of stepping on a card that is drying in my path.

As you can guess, I had been a long-time advocate of handwriting each of my envelopes for that personal touch. This year, however, I wondered if anyone would really notice the difference and I pondered the thought of perhaps having more time to write the messages inside, not being bogged down by penning all of the addresses.

And it was a success. I am hooked. What a brainstorm. Why haven't I done this all along. The labels are neat and clean. I had lots of time to write something in each card I sent. Everything is sealed and ready to be mailed. This was a godsend among all of the haste and hurry of the holidays. I embrace the change. Yes, I, Ragged, am admitting that change is good, even when it's the smallest of adjustments.

Knit Mitt Swap

I am always up for good mail, so I signed up for a new swap: Knit Mitt Kitt Swap. As part of this little trade, I am completing the following questionaire.

What are your favorite colors?
I love browns, greens, blues. However, when it comes to my knitting, it's the color combinations that get me, so anything goes.

Are you a new mitt knitter?
I've been knitting for over a year now, and I have completed one set of mittens, but so love them and am secretly praying for cold weather so I can wear them.

How long have you been knitting mittens?
Since birth?

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?
All depends on the yarn. For mittens, probably multi-colored as to match many coats.

What fibers do you prefer in mitten yarn?
I am a wool fan when it comes to keeping my hands warm; but I think some soft alpaca ones would be amazing.

Where do you usually knit mittens?
I typically knit smaller projects such as mittens on long car trips or while travelling.

How do you usually carry/store small projects?
I have all manners of carrying small projects, from Zip-loc bags to a small tote. None of which work particularly well.

What are your favorite mitten patterns?
I love the Fetching pattern, but I have yet to cable. I have Ann Budd's book that has a great, simple pattern in it and I suspect I will use it to create many gift mitts.

What are your favorite mitten knitting techniques?
I am a Magic Loop fan for anything like this. I could be, however, persuaded to learn new techniques.

What new techniques would you like to try?
I am not a fan of seaming mittens or hats or that sort of thing. I have not tried the two circular method, but would like to attempt it.

What are your favorite needles for knitting mittens?
Circular

What are some of your favorite yarns?
Oh, I am a new knitter, so I am still trying to try them all to see what I like, so this changes daily.

What yarn do you totally covet?
Oh, all sorts of yarn. I am a fan of Debbie Bliss blends, but rarely purchase them for my knitting as I don't have a huge selection anywhere nearby. I do covet alpaca as well. But, once again, being new, I don't even know what to covet yet!

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?
No earthly idea. Sorry.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?
Circular, Addi or bamboo.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?
I'll have to ponder this. Tough question.

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?
Oh, I love it all. Chocolate, short bread and anything in between.

What’s your favorite animal?
With five of them in the house, maybe "cats" would be a good answer.

Would you prefer super warm mittens or something more like fingerless mitts?
In our climate, either will work. We go from 40 degree days to sub-zero temps.

If you were a color what color would you be?
Green.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?
Fall leaves.

Do you have a wishlist?
Yep, but it's full of knitting books.

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today?
I am just anxious to try new yarns, new patterns and stretch my knitting muscle.

Knit Mitt Kit Swap Logo

Knit Mitt Kit Swap Logo

The nicest of surprises

I almost always enter our house from the back door, but lately I have found myself coming through the front just to visit with Sally for a few minutes.

Yesterday when I stepped onto the porch I spied a package from our very own Emily. She had mentioned something was on its way and I have been giddy with anticipation. You know how I love good mail.

This wasn't just good mail. . . it's great mail! Inside I found the most beautiful Mountain Colors Merino Wool Ribbon in a shade called Wild Raspberry. Apparently dear Emily had ventured into a yarn shoppe near her house. That gesture in and of itself was enough to nearly make me cry. How so very sweet of her. As I started pondering what to make with the yarn, I spied a pattern attached to the bag. It was one recommended for the yarn by the ladies in the shoppe.

Next I pulled out a knitting book, Knit Wit: 30 Easy and Hip Project. Such cool ideas inside. Emily preferred the ice cream cozy and I have to admit that I agree. Every girl needs a cozy for her ice cream. I may just have to make us each one.

And tucked down inside was perhaps my most favoritist part of the package: two cds of her favorite music. I immediately put Volume 1 in the player and squealed in delight. Sometimes I think Emily and I were separated at birth, even though I think I have quite a few years on her. The very first song sent me into a frenzy. "Come On Eileen!" I have to admit to you, Emily, that I actually have that song on 45. As the CD played I found myself recalling a memory attached to each one. You have no idea how perfect those CDs were. You have no idea how much they revealed about you: how creative you are, your great sense of humor and thoughtful soul. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

She also included another CD, introducing me to an artist, Shaun Mullins, that I hadn't spent much time with, but after listening to his most recent, am wondering if I need to give him more attention.

Oh, Emily, you are so awesome. You are so cool. You are so great. I cannot put it into words.

Someday we'll meet up for coffee, a matinee, some clothes non-shopping, a little people-watching and maybe feed some squirrels.

Greener pastures

A few months ago I took part in a Project Spectrum Postcard Swap. I've been anxiously awaiting a "green" themed package. I came home today to find yet another envelope of goodies delivered to my door. My exchange pal not only sent me a post card, but also included four skeins of yarn, some green shoe strings, post-it notes and tea. Thanks Pal!

In other news:
-In my intense "sick day" boredom, I made a hat. It was destined to be a Christmas gift. I used my handy-dandy Norling "make a hat using any gauge" pattern, but it came out squatty and too big. I have made a hat using the same yarn for myself, but neglected to record how many stitches I used for the cast-on. So, in essence, no matter what I did, the hat sucked.

I then decided I was going to rip it all out, and when I went to commence with the destruction, the cat had laid on it and claimed it for himself. I typically tuck anything knitted into an old picnic basket for safe keeping, but in my haste I had left it on top of said basket, so it was fair game. I decided to leave well enough alone and opted to make her hat out of tried-and-true Manos using my favorite tried-and-true pattern from Soule Mama.

-If you entered the Ragged & Cynical 10 Year Anniversary CD contest and are interested in a CD, you gotta let me know, so e-mail your address to raggedaroundtheedges at hotmail dot com. They should go out at the end of the week.

I am just sorry to see it end

I am home today. I don't like to miss work. I know that makes me a work-nerd, but in the words of Rizzo, "there are worse things I could be."

I particularly don't like to take sick time. I am never quite sure I am "sick enough" to not be there. And then there is this idea floating in my head that someday I may need that time for something more consequential than stomach issues and achiness.

However, today I had to give in. Nausea is the one thing that will send me home. Is there anything worse than having a wave of "I-think-I-am-gonna-hurl" sweep over you while sitting at your desk. The thought of tossing your cookies in front of your co-workers is more than I can stand. So, I am home. I worked through a rather tedious project, e-mailed it and then slipped out the door.

Here I am, bored, sleepy, still sick at my stomach and wondering if I should have just waited it out. The one thing that makes me think perhaps it was a good decision is that I was here when the mail came. And what did the mailman bring this poor, pathetic, nauseas blogger?

My final package from my One Skein Exchange Secret Pal. I had mixed emotions when I spied the box on my welcome mat. The first was pure glee. She's been so very kind and so very thoughtful. I knew what was inside that box would make me giddy and chipper and cure all my ails. But then there was the realization that this was my last package from my dear pal. I had so been looking forward to each one. She put so much thought, effort and talent in to assembling my previous two. So much so in fact that I often left the items out on display just so I could enjoy them each time I walked past.

I nabbed my package, came inside, turned the television off as to avoid any distraction and started ripping open the package. And WOW! do I have the best pal ever! When I opened the box I realized that it smelled amazing!

Inside I found the cutest red-toned lace socks. I don't know that I have ever had someone knit for me and I was so touched that I put them on before even digging into the rest of the box. (She also included the pattern for the socks. . . I am going to have to try that one. How sweet they are!)
After I admired my new handknitted socks I found The Knitter's Handbook. How did she know that I had coveted a copy at Stitches? (Jenny from the Blog will surely be green with envy. She had contemplated one as well.)

I kept digging and found a little zipper pouch from Crabtree and Evelyn, inside were lavender scented bath goodies (appropriately!)

Oh, it didn't stop there. I also spied four candles and two holders. They smelled wonderful! Deep inside I next found shortbread cookies. It's as if she's been stalking me! I love shortbread cookies. In fact, I eat my weight in them every Christmas.

And then there was the card. It's the last package, so it's the official "reveal" of the pal's identity. To learn more about my awesome pal, you can visit her at Loose String.

The best part is that she lives near Chicago and had considered meeting up with me at Stitches. Oh, that would have been incredible! Maybe next time! Oh, and a quick glance at her blog reveals that she too has five cats, lives with her beloved and loves photography. It's a match made in heaven.

Thanks, Loose String!

I've got mail!

High temperatures and my aversion to sweating have meant that the past few weekends have been pretty unproductive. However, it seems the temperature has broken a bit and I have run out of excuses to stay holed up at Chez Ragged.

I started out my morning with some house cleaning and some errand running. My first stop was the farmer's market. I came home with a bounty of tomatoes, sweet corn, new potatoes, pickled beats, free range eggs, hand-churned butter, and salsa. Pleased with my haul, but disappointed I couldn't find any squash, green beans and cucumbers, I headed to an orchard near our home and checked off the rest of my shopping list.

I love snapping green beans. It reminds me of when my grandmother and I would sit on her back steps. I'd wear her full apron. I'd pull beans out of a bag, snapping off and tossing the ends into one bowl and the juicy pieces into another.

So, today I snapped beans. I may not have been outside in her apron as I did so, but standing there at the sink, each time I snapped one it reminded me of her.

When I got home today, loaded down with my shopping rewards, I noticed a package sitting on our door mat. I hadn't ordered anything. I didn't have any secret trades in the works. Whatever could it be?

I snapped it up and went inside. After I dutifuly unloaded our produce, I tore into my package, realizing it was a gift from Brando. What a great surprise! Inside I found some Regia sock yarn, double pointed needles, and Vogue Knitting's "Scarves". How thoughtful and unexpected. Thanks, Brando! I just may be knitting up that sock yarn tonight while we watch movies.

What did I do to deserve this?

Recently, Phinner and I negotiated another trade. I am always up for an exchange with Phin. Everything she touches is unique, creative and one-of-a-kind.

She offered to make me an accordian-style fold-out photo album. In exchange she wanted a pair of knitted socks. I had seen some samples of her work, so, I leapt at the opportunity, picking up my needles immediately.

Yesterday, our exchange was complete when I found a little package at my doorstep. Antsy with anticipation, I ripped open the box to find safely surrounded by little paper rosettes not one, not two, but three surprises! Surely, I didn't deserve all this!
I immediately dug out the carefully constructed photo album. It was tied so sweetly with a striped ribbon which complimented all of the colors used. Blue, brown, yellow, green, gray, orange. What an awesome color combination. A little birdhouse was an extra little added and sweet, detail on the front. When I unfolded the creation, I noticed that each one had that special little touch that made it uniquely Phinner-esque. Even the back had a handcrafted little paper flower. I can't wait to pick out photographs to tuck inside each page. I'm amazed at its orginality and its engineering.

Next I pulled out a painted and beaded box. I had so wanted one ever since I spied another one she created and posted on Nudge-Nudge. The one she created for me is red and sports a Modigliani stickler. The subject of the art is a demure and mysterious lady. The red beads and paint compliment the sticker. It's a gorgeous mix of media. It's such a sweet little box. I am so thrilled that I have one of my own and am so grateful that she created it for me.

Inside my pretty red box, is the coolest little pin that she got in San Antonio recently. It depicts a little couple complete with hats, braids and little shoes. So very cute, so very tiny and so very neat.

Once again, Phin has outdone herself. If only I could have one ounce of her creativity, one look through those eyes that can envision something so beautiful and hands that can bring it all to life.

Witchy woman

Yesterday was a good day. It didn't start out that way, but it certainly turned into a perfectly respectable day. I suspect that people say the same thing about me.

I came home to find a brown package on my doorstep. The brown paper was covered in beautiful handwriting with little messages such as "Surprise", "Handle With Care", "Fragile" and "No Oops! Please". Dear Cate had put me on alert for a special package from her, and I knew by the care in which it had been wrapped and decorated, it had to be from her.

My nephew was with me and he was about as excited as I was to open it up. We carefully removed the twine and paper and neatly tucked inside a shoe box was this gourd in witches' clothing.

I cannot begin to describe how creative this little witch is. As you can see "Cackle, Cackle" is written expertly across her body and she has the cutest googlie eyes. Her hat is adorable and her teeth humorous. She even has a little broom, a feather in her cap and buttons. So much detail, and attention to every aspect of this little creation. According to her tag, she's all ready for the ball. (Even the tag was so very unique and fun.) Oh, Cate, I can't wait until Halloween to display her. She's too cute to keep in a box until them. She's going on the mantle immediately! Also inside was a package of gum that read, "Be Nice or Leave". I know there's a story behind this little goodie and I can't wait to hear it.

I am so touched that Cate thought of me and put so much creativity , patience, time and generosity into such an incredible gift. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

As I mentioned, my nephew is visiting from afar. He's not gotten a lot of time with us, so last night he decided that we'd go out to eat dinner, rent a movie and have quality "family time". I was up for that, so that's just what we did. Before the movie ("Glory Road") started, I was transferring a load of laundry when he came in and said, "Ragged, do you think I could knit tonight?"

Tears came to my eyes as I embraced my favorite of all nephews and I said, "Of course, Prince E, of course. You can even use the new needles I just got."

The new needles, you see, are ones that light up. I couldn't resist them and in the back of my mind, I wondered if that might further his interest in knitting. He had learned some basics in art class. The school had begun experimenting with needles and yarn in order to aid children in learning focus through repetition.

Whenever he asked if I would "cast on" for him, I nearly jumped to my feet in sheer joy. The boy can knit. The boy can knit. I knew there was a reason I liked this kid.

I heart my One Skein Exchange Secret Pal

Yesterday amongst all of the rain, the running and the crazy schedule, a rainsoaked package was delivered to my door. I knew instantly it was from my One Skein Exchange Secret Pal and was giddy with delight.

Inside I found, despite the damp outside, very dry and wonderful goodies. First and foremost, I discovered Schaefer Yarn entitled Anne. There are a multitude of shades of reds, rusts, pinks, burgundies, corals. . . It's gorgeous, I tell you, gorgeous! I keep pulling the yarn apart and finding a new shade. I cannot wait to make some socks out of this stuff. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

She also included double-point needles in the size needed to make the gorgeous socks I have planned. And when I finish them, I have some great Knit Wash to, of course, wash them with.

Deeper in the box I found a beautiful blank book/journal. It has the prettiest metallic and jewel-toned finish with a magnetic closure. It's perfect for recording my knit thoughts, pattern notes and tucking neatly in my project bag. It suits me so well.

Next came Tazo tea in "Calm", appropriately enough. It's in the coolest tin complete with an infuser. It's one of those treats I would covet, but never splurge on for myself.

Her note explained her thoughts for including each item. She also noted that she has been reading my blog and I am hopeful that she can tell from my enthusiasm here, how touched I am by the contents of her sweet package. Not only is every item so very thoughtful, but she also managed to somehow send it at a time when I needed some "very, very good mail" the most. Thank you so very much. I am stunned, blessed and honored to have you as my pal.

I had a little difficulty with getting good natural light today, so these photos certainly don't do the gifts justice.

Whole lotta mailing going on

In the past few weeks I have been a bit of a knitting fool and for good reason. It's a big birthday month around here and I have had some very special secret projects underway.

This week I finally wrapped them up literally and figuratively. Now I sit with fingers crossed, hoping each recipient is pleased when she unwraps her package.

Special thanks to Cynical, my own private postman, for getting these in the mail for me.

Above is a shot of my projects all lined up, ready to be mailed.

I have the bestest pal

I came home to find that a package had been delivered to my door. I got even more excited when I learned that it was indeed for me and not my neighbor!

Kissed Knitter had dropped by to borrow some knitting patterns, so she was able to share in my delight as I carefully opened up the very neatly-secured and addressed package. Inside, thanks to my One Skein Swap Secret Pal, wrapped in pretty purple tissue paper, was Lorna's Laces in a color aptly named "Cool" (#42). I have long coveted this yarn, stalking it on other blogs. It was a perfect choice. I cannot wait to knit with it. The blues, greens, grays are so very beautiful and the yarn is so soft and luscious. It's cool! The colors are perfect.

Next I found not one, but two, large boxes of Tazo tea. My pal must truly read my blog to know that I prefer Tazo. She expertly chose Zen and iced green teas. I can't wait to start brewing.

I also spied a Chibi of my very own. I have secretly hoped for one of these too. I will be the envy of my knitting group.

Oh, it didn't stop there, as next I pulled out cable needles! How did she know that I have been desperately wanting to attempt cabling. The needles give me the incentive I need.

A set of double-pointed #8 Brittany needles were tucked inside as well along with those cool latching stitch markers that I have spied, but never purchased.

My pal had also included a beautiful card that I think she may have made herself. Inside she explained that she had sent all of the fixin's for the cabled footies featured in the One Skein book.

Not only did she send me a package of incredible goodies, but she also challenged me to start cabling. I think I have the bestest secret pal. I can't wait to find out who she is and thank her repeatedly for being so very generous.

We're all winners. . .

Each of you gave such good responses to the challenge of deciding what your "power" would be if you were part of The 4400 that I decided everyone had a shot at winning.

So I put all of your names in a hat and picked out a winner. And the winner is. . . Lynilu.

All she needs to do now is e-mail me at raggedaroundtheedges (at) hotmail (dot) com and we can set up delivery of her prize.

Congratulations Lynilu! And I hope you use your powers for good.