Checking in: drive-by blogging

It's busy, isn't it? Are you guys feeling overwhelmed and swamped too?

So, just a quick stop to to provide a few unnecessary updates and to say hello.

-Did I tell you that starting December 19, I am taking vacation time and not coming back into the office until January 2. Yep, that's a long time and I cannot wait. I may even be counting the days. I have big plans for that time period, but we all know I'll just be eating butter cookies, knitting and watching lame Christmas movies. But I will be wearing my new sporty (green and gray) slippers I bought on Black Friday, so that completely redeems my laziness, because I'll be doing it in style.

-On December 19, I am trekking to the land of Churchill Downs and spending time with a friend, playing with her kids, doing some yarn shopping and dining out. I can't wait for that either. Oh, and I'm packing lots of Christmas music and you can't stop me.

-I wore the Puffed Sleeve Cardigan (Fitted Knits) to work recently and since then every time I wear a sweater someone thinks I have knitted it. I am taking it as a compliment. It is, right? However, I wonder if they realize that I do sleep and eat and bathe and watch a lot of television and sometimes I read. Really, no way could I have knit my entire wardrobe. I just might start taking credit, but that would be wrong, particularly this close to Christmas. He's still watching I hear.

-I'm *this* close to finishing up my shopping. Seem to be stumped when it comes to my nephew. Seriously, what do you get a 13-year-old boy? I'm perplexed and so out of touch. Makes me feel old, so old I might buy one of those plastic head scarves to wear when it's raining. I have one gift to nab for a family friend, but I think otherwise we're sparkly and golden when it comes to shopping.

-I bought the goods to make a yo-yo garland. I'm going to use a little tutorial to do so. I landed on it as my Christmas craft this year because 1. It's easy. 2. I don't like to sew, and am hoping this will help with that and 3. It's so darned cute. Don't you think?

-My beloved is getting me a dress form for Christmas. I spied one online on sale, I even had a co-worker measure me (yes, in my office) with a tape measure that came with my desk. I'm a happy elf these days. I envision myself playing dress up until the New Year. Maybe I'll shoot some photographs for you, show you my true handknit sweaters.

Santa, we're ready for you

Our mantle, all decked out in fresh greenery, a little ribbon, stockings and holders, and a few candles. That's my childhood sled on the hearth.

This one's for Emily. . .

Christmas has left the building. I too couldn't stand it. . . . boxes, pine needles, tissue paper. . . it was all closing in.

We spent the better part of our day wrapping ornaments in tissue paper, untangling lights from the tree and hauling box after box to the basement. Oh. . . and. . . sweeping up, sucking up and stepping on pine needles.

Christmas, I used to love you, but it's all over now.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas

Sparkling ornaments dangling from the mammoth tree at the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

To know you are loved

Cynical and I have made our way home, home from the big city. By big city, we mean Kentucky's largest, Louisville. We left before dawn yesterday in time to make it to a breakfast reception for my brother and his new bride. It was an opportunity to share the holiday with our newest family members and to see some of those that have been around a while. Held at Masterson's in Old Louisville, it was such a pretty venue.

After we left the party, we stopped by two yarn shoppes, Cynical indulging my habit just a bit. We made it to the Knit Nook in the Highlands area, off Bardstown Road and then to Sophie's which was a bit of a trek. Both proved fruitful, as I came away with some yarn, of course, a few books and even a book of stocking ideas for perhaps. . . . next Christmas.

A few wrong turns and cell calls later and we had managed to find the home of a dear college friend. My Dear L is awaiting the birth of her second child, and this visit gave us a chance to not only see the mommy-to-be and the anxious father, but also to play a bit with her three-year-old son. We had time enough to squeeze in a late lunch. I wish I could put into words how much Dear L means to me. Our friendship has managed to survive being apart for the majority of its life. We are able to connect instantly even though it's been months since we've talked in person and we rarely have a chance to e-mail. She's someone I know I can always call upon. She's one that loves me and knows I love her right back. She's a blessing in so many ways, one of those people who knows me inside and out, and will let me be me. I can only hope I am returning the favor. To know you are loved is what often keeps us moving and I know I am loved whenever I hear her voice.

It took a while for us to say farewell and I must admit that I was teary-eyed as I hugged her goodbye. It's not fair that dear friends don't get enough time together. . . and we always crave just a few more minutes.

We checked into the Seelbach, which was lovely and ornate and beautiful. Mall shopping, a little dinner downtown, a bookstore stop and soon we were settled into our bed and luxurious sheets. Our early morning was catching up with us. Our sleep was interupted by other more exciteable guests, but all-in-all, it was restful just knowing we could sleep late.

After an incredible breakfast, we braved the dropping temperatures and spitting snow for coffee before we hit the road.

And now we have a respit before we begin a hectic few days. . . hopes are everything moves along smoothly. And it should. . . afterall I love and am loved.

The stairwell at the Seelbach and the lobby tree.

A wish and a star

I love this ornament so. I have another one to this one that hangs permanently in the guestroom. I purchased her at a novelty store and I am not sure what drew me to her, except that she's so whimsical and has the sneakiest smile.

Tiny mittens for a tiny tree

Decided to knit up a little mitten for a small tree we placed in our kitchen. I had collected several handmade and rustic ornaments and wanted a way to display them. This little tree was the ticket. On it hang some of my favorites. Now the little mitten joins them. Details in the finished protects section at right, along with specs on a little tam I knitted up last weekend.

And in other knitting news: A tam made of so soft and warm baby llama. Mmmmm, soft and matches my new coat. Details at right as well

I'm off to watch "The Walton's Homecoming" and a Little House in the Prairie Christmas retrospective. . . if that doesn't put me in the holiday spirit, I don't know what will. Wait a minute. . . don't we have a copy of "Little Women"?

Big wheels and chocolate bars

Recently I have been receiving those e-mail questionaires designed to help your friends get to know you better. I must admit that I do enjoy reading those. Seems they do reveal a tidbit that perhaps you didn't know.

The most recent one has dealt with Christmas habits and memories. And there is one question about your most memorable gift. I didn't hesitate as I typed: a Big Wheel with a trunk full of Hershey bars.

For some reason I can recall, so very clearly, walking down the oak steps at my parents house and running directly to it, knowing it was mine, all mine. . . and being delighted when I opened the trunk to find chocolate. That must have been my dad's touch, passing along his sweet tooth.

I don't remember asking for one and I suspect I was very, very young, so young that it surprises me that I recall it so vividly.

And even though it was too cold to ride it outside, even though I couldn't ride it in the house, the memory of my Big Wheel and Hershey bars makes me smile and stands out among all of the cat sweaters, flannel pajamas, Toni Basil albums, black and white televisions and hoop earrings.

Here's wishing you Big Wheels and Hershey bars too.

Making butter cookies out of crumbs. . .

I guess I should be a little embarrassed that I disclosed the fact that I blubbered over my fallen Christmas tree. However, I am sure the most sensible of you realize that my little "breakdown" was over much more than ornaments. Although, that did, in itself, cut pretty deep. And without sharing all of the details, yet again, our holiday gets more complicated, more difficult and less palatable each time the phone rings.

That being said, we are counting our blessings and instead of including yet another post explaining my dread of all things holiday and family- oriented, let's talk about some good stuff going on.

In an effort to escape the hustle and bustle a bit, Cynical and I are going to turn a little family reception into a full-fledged get-away. The weekend prior to Christmas we'll be heading to Louisville for an early morning brunch; afterward we're getting together with a close college buddy for lunch and that evening we're staying at a great, old historic hotel downtown. It features a billards room frequented by Al Capone and was the backdrop for F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby". Big hopes it will be fully decorated for Christmas. Big hopes to eat at one of the cool downtown eateries and maybe even do a little shopping. Thoughts on yarn shopping in Louisville?

I have actually finished my Christmas cards. I can't believe it. I started by doing just a few each evening and suddenly I stamped the last one. Is it too early to mail them?

This weekend we'll be traveling north to visit some of our favorite folks. We're excited, we're ready to go, we will be there soon. Word has it there will be warm soup, great company and maybe a late night or two.

Last night we ordered take-out Chinese food. I am not sure what it was about that little container of rice and chicken, but for some reason, to me, it's the best meal I've had in weeks. It really hit the spot. I'm not sure why I am sharing that with you, except to say that it was so darned good.

In between stepping over broken ornaments. . .

There has been a little knitting. Juliet, cabled mitts and a sunflower tam are all bound-off and completed. Details are at right.

Thoughts on each project:

I wore Juliet today and love it. However, the project took me forever to complete, as the double-stranded cotton yarn really worked my hands and wrists over. It was worth it and even thought I doubted that I'd ever wear it, I feel certain it's going to see the light of day.

The cabled wristlets were very quick. I completed them in one day. My summary: given the time, I'd make each of you a pair of these, they feel amazing.

The Sunflower Tam is my second attempt at this project. I started out with the Lopi called for in the pattern, but it was much too itchy and difficult to work with. I frogged it and decided to experiment with some Malabrigo Worsted, even though it wasn't the right gauge. I fudged a little here and there and it worked. And this yarn is incredible. I may never knit with anything else!

In other news:

The tree is still up. I am trying to be a brave elf and quit mourning the broken ornaments. We wrapped gifts today and with them underneath the tree feels much more permanent and Christmas seems closer.

We ventured out for brunch today and a tad more shopping, managing to beat the rain. My mom and I went to the annual performance of Handel's "Messiah" at a beautiful old church in our community. After some coffee I headed home and the wrapping commenced. I still have a pile of boxes awaiting attention, but I feel like we've made a little progress.

Off to pretty-up a few more.

Second time is a charm

I wish I could say that decorating our tree this year was a joy. Well, actually it was. . . the first time around.

You see, we got up this morning, met up with my dad and drove to a remote part of the county where we picked out what I think is the perfect tree. I spent all morning putting over 1,200 lights on it. I carefully unwrapped each ornament, placed it with care. I even crawled underneath the tree to spread out the muslin beneath it.

And we were pleased. We were really pleased. And since the tree put us in the holiday spirit, we decided to do a little shopping. And shopping was successful. For Cynical, apparently the tree jump-started his holiday gift selection.

Before long it was time to head home, time to wrap our finds. When Cynical opened the door and told me the tree was in the floor, I really thought he was kidding. But, he wasn't, there was the tree, broken ornaments scattered around it, cats all peering from behind the couch and beneath tables. And I was literally sick at my stomach.

That might sound like an overstatement, but it wasn't. It made me sick to see a lifetime's collection of ornaments on the floor, many broken. After some ranting and I must admit, some crying, we managed to compose ourselves and started repairing the damage. You see, most of the ornaments on our tree are glass, so I knew this wouldn't be pretty.

We cut some branches off to better stabilize the tree in the stand. We removed all of the ornaments so that we could stand the tree back up and adjust it. We had to rework the lights that had originally covered the branches trimmed away. We swept up the glass, repaired a few of the ornaments and I once again crawled beneath to spread out our version of a tree skirt.

Life does go on. All four cats are unscathed. Their owners are dismayed and very disappointed, but the tree is still lovely, maybe not as lovely as the previous version, but it is pretty. I am still heart-broken over the lost ornaments, but that feeling will pass, I am certain.

And I am reminded that deep breathing and cooperation can improve almost any situation. And a few tears never hurt anyone.

I'm off to bed now, as I am sure I'll wake up sore from all of the climbing and crawling. And tomorrow is another day. . . a better day I am sure.

Blurry and basic, but completed

I think I have mentioned that deadline knitting often sends my OCD into overload. For some reason that if a timeline is involved, I lose my mind and panic.

That being said, I have worked to overcome this phobia and have managed to complete a few projects that will be given away for Christmas. I think that was the key: getting them out of the way early.

Completed are two pair of Dashing fingerless mitts and a pair of worsted weight socks. Not complicated projects, by any means, but certainly utilitarian. Details are provided in the Finished Objects section.

Bah, Humbug

Hope over at Oil City Station tagged me with the following meme. I must admit, with it nearing 90 degrees today, it's hard to imagine that Christmas is only a few months away.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Which ever I find in my cup.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Santa is far too busy for wrapping, so he lays them out neatly for me, just after he fills my stocking.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, it would smack Cynical in the head each time he walked through the door.

5. When do you put up your decorations? We do a real tree, so typically it's not until early December, then we spend the rest of the month sweeping up needles and pouring water all over the presents underneath the tree.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Green bean casserole.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I think the year I got a Big Wheel with a little trunk on it. Inside the trunk were Hershey bars.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I suppose I was around 9. I had my suspicions that he was imaginary, but I was trying to hold onto the myth. Then my mom, in her usual fashion, cleared it up in one statement. The two of us were shopping and she started picking out stocking stuffers for my brothers. I remember saying, "What about Santa?" and she said, "Oh, Ragged, there is no Santa." That ended that.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? My dad absolutely forbids any opening until Christmas morning. So we torment him the entire night pretending to let each other open gifts.

10. What kind of decorations are on your Christmas Tree? I hate to use an over-used word: but ecclectic comes to mind. It's fairly traditional in reality. Some are handmade, some are of the Hallmark variety, but most are sparkly glass balls; the vintage type with bursts in the center are my favorite and when Target came out with reissued ones, I bought them all up.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread? I do so love it, Cynical adores it.

12. Can you ice skate? I can, not well, but I can.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It's a toss up between my dollhouse when I was eight and a collection of Laura Ingalls Wilder books from Cynical when we first started dating.

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Getting together with friends. It's often the only time we see each toher.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Butter cookies!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? On Christmas Eve Cynical and I arise and pretend it's Christmas Day. During the night we have each laid out the other's gifts and filled the stockings. We rush downstairs as if Santa has come, open our gifts and dump our stockings. Afterward we eat Chinese food and sing "Deck the Halls" in much the same was as it is sung in "A Christmas Story". Oh, and I so love stockings. I love tiny little gifts.

17. What tops your tree? A bow that I made.

18. What is your favourite holiday book? Christmas in Plains: Memories by Jimmy Carter

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Song for a Winter's Night or O Holy Night.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yummy? Mmmmmmmm, especially in my coffee.

I tag Madretz!

2006 didn't suck, well, not completely

I have tried not to jump on the "2006 sucks" bandwagon (membership includes a free t-shirt and a discount drug card), but I have to admit, it was a bit of a bumpy ride. It tested our stamina, our strength, our resolve, our moral fiber and our faith. We survived huge losses; we struggled with bad news.

However, I can't help but to think that it wasn't all bad. We marked important milestones, including the celebration of the tenth year with my beloved. We added pages, if not chapters, to our book of life. It was a year of new and renewed relationships, both online and offline. It was a year of expanded horizons, travel and adventure.

I am hopeful that 2007 will offer many changes and opportunities for us. If our best laid plans come to fruition, it will be such a year.

I have been struggling all week with what kinds of resolutions to make and even though I generally really get into that sort of thing, I am having some difficulty this year. I don't have a firm and concise list, just random thoughts of what I want to do in the new year:

-I want to continue to nurture the important relationships in my life. I could ramble here, but I think that sums it up.

-I will cable in 2007. Yes, this knitter is planning to broaden her horizons. Who knows, I may get wild and crazy even try some color work.

-I want to simplify. This is a perpetual struggle for me and as soon as I make big strides, I find myself sliding into old habits. This year I will wage a battle against stuff: stuff cluttering up my home; stuff cluttering up my mind.

-I will find more time in my life for the things I love. That means finding ways around the things that suck away all of my time: wasted television viewing (no more Law & Order: SVU marathons), maintaining our stuff, or useless shopping.

-I will make strides toward a healthier lifestyle.

-I will read more. I love to read, but haven't been able to concentrate long enough to do much of it. I am hopeful that as my life starts to declutter, I will have fewer things distracting me.

-I will destash. I will reduce my yarn supply by 1/4 before making any large purchases. This is primarily based on space; and of course money. A good deal of my stash is dedicated to specific projects, so I just need to start knitting those patterns.

-I will try to make most of the gifts I give in 2007. I am reminded of how touched I was by the afghan and apron presented to me this Christmas.

-I have some personal financial goals, but I am sure not only will they bore you, but they probably mirror yours as well.

And the list could go on and on, but for now I will celebrate New Year's Eve in our traditional manner: lots of finger foods, some wine and one last Law & Order: SVU marathon before those resolutions kick in.

Happy New Year to each of you. The past year was kind to me in many ways, one of which was the development of very special relationships with you guys, and you know who you are. . . for the wonderful gift of your friendship and support I am eternally grateful. I look forward to seeing (and reading) what 2007 holds for each of you.

In the meantime, I wish each of you a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

And the good stuff keeps coming

I woke up early this morning, sneaking out of bed well before Cynical even considered getting up. I used my time wisely: doing some work, knocking some chores off our list and grabbing a shower.

You see, we had big plans ahead of us, and I didn't have time to waste. We were heading to visit Needlefingers, Brando, Pilot and Rudy.

After a much-too-short visit, Cynical and I headed home and in an unexpected burst of energy, took down the remainder of the Christmas decorations. However, we lost our umph shortly after hauling the twenty-first box downstairs and an ornament-less-still-lighted-dried-out tree is still standing in our living room. Don't call us quitters, we are just pacing ourselves.

We celebrated by going out for dinner and after one margarita, I was ready to go home and stare at our bare tree, hoping if I wished hard enough it would disappear before my eyes. It didn't work, by the way. Oh, well, there's always tomorrow.

The tree will come down tomorrow. Bet your bottom's dollar, there's tomorrow!

Does it ever have to end? (and a contest)

We had been planning all week to take a trip to a nearby town for a little shopping and gift card spending, but just hadn't made our way yet. So, this morning we decided to make the trek and for me it was pretty fruitful. I had a small return to make and some items to pick up: all knitting related, of course. The good news is that I ended up with more yarn. The bad news is that I ended up with more yarn. (All depends on whether you ask Cynical or me.)

So, we're back home now, trying to decide what to do with our evening. I suspect it will be a little knitting, some television and maybe a grocery run.

Even though our little vacation has been far too short, there has been much to be learned, such as:

-Daytime television sucks. This is something I knew, but was reminded of as I flipped through channel after channel in hopes of finding something worth watching.

-"Judging Amy" is a really, really good show. I never really watched it when it was on prime time, but have found that it is indeed the only redeeming show on daytime television.

-Time flies when you are having fun. I cannot believe that my time off is about to end. No complaints as I got a chance to spend lots of quality time with lots of people important to me.

-You can get your fill of butter cookies; no matter how much you love them, one tin of cookies is enough each holiday season.

-Knitting solid color socks is boring. I didn't think I'd ever finish the ones I made for my dad and I suspect that's because there was no excitement or surprises in the colorway.

-It's ok to return gifts. For a very, very long time, I suffered from receiver guilt whenever it came to taking something back. I am over it. If it doesn't fit, is broken, useless, a duplicate or simply something that will only end up in the back of my closet, it should be returned. There is no shame in that. And you know what, the same applies for any gift I give. If you don't like it, it's the wrong color or you have one already, well, take it back with my blessing. I want you to have something you need or want. It's a rule here at Chez Ragged.

-It's much easier to put the tree up than it is to take it down. Will someone please come take down our tree, wrap each ornament or put them back into their original boxes and lug them to the basement. I'd be your best friend forever. Oh, and could you haul the tree to the curb?

-No one sleeps alone at Chez Ragged. Our cats sleep all. day. long. Not just cat naps, but full fledged hours of dozing. And if you sit still long enough, one will be sleeping in your lap, on your back, against your legs or even on your chest.

-Your family is your family. You can't exchange them, get a refund or trade up, so you have to make the best of it.

-There is never enough time. If I could have asked for one thing for Christmas, it would have been more time. A gift I wouldn't return.

-Receiving an apron made by your sister-in-law will make you realize just how touching it is to get something created just for you. (And you would be afraid of wearing it, for fear you will splash tomato sauce, drip barbecue sauce or dribble melted cheese on it.)

-You know he loves you when he gifts you with a complete set of Knitpicks Options needles, even including extra cables, binder pockets and the larger needles.

-The best movie of the year is Little Miss Sunshine, even the second time around.

And now for a little contest of sorts. There is a prize in it for ya. I need to name my sock monkey. Every monkey deserves a name.

I guess it's officially over

So, it's official: Christmas is over. Our holiday loot is no longer cluttering the floor of our living room. Everything, except the enormous crock pot my folks got for Cynical, has now found a home in our little abode.

It's kinda sad, really, putting away all of the remnants of the holiday. I am not ready to tackle the rest of the stuff, decorations and the tree. I am sure that will come in time, no hurry.

I slept in today while Cynical went into work briefly. Then we headed out to breakfast and have now settled back in for the day. I am craving down time and that's just what we are going to get today: plenty of it. God bless vacations.

Tiny little wooden shoes I discovered during my travels last week.

The day after

There were lots of things I should have been doing today, but there was very little I wanted to do, so I wasted away most of my morning watching episodes of "Judging Amy", which is strangely addictive; conning Cynical into cooking breakfast and lunch for me; and reorganizing my Christmas stash in true obsessive-compulsive fashion.

Late in the afternoon we did venture out for a good workout, gift card spending and some gift exchanging. I had hoped to make a good attempt at a nap, but fell short of my goal due to repeated phone calls and general restlessness.

I joined my brother and nephew for a late dinner at a local restaurant that I don't visit often, but now wish I did. After a wonderful meal, great conversation and a shared canoli, we headed home. I do love spending time with my brothers, but it only makes me miss them more whenever I must say goodbye. Again, there is something about sharing time with those that you have shared most of your life with: your siblings. And the experience is always enhanced when they pick up the check.

And now it's time for bed, yet another day of my vacation slipping away. Come morning, I will be saying farewell to my family from afar and I must admit that I am so very sad to see the sweet little redhead and perpetually tanned little boy leave, not to mention their parents.

On Wednesday, I am hoping for a trip to a nearby town to expend a gift card or two and spend more quality time with my beloved. Maybe we'll squeeze in a matinee as well. The best gift of all is having lots of quality time with my Cynical.

It's amazing that such a small box can hold such a big cat.

PS: That's Ike in the box; but it does remind me so of Sammy.

Now it's time to rest

So, this is Christmas and what have you done?

I began my morning at 5:30 a.m. when my alarm announced that yes, today was indeed December 25. Cynical and I drug ourselves out of the warm bed and prepared to meet the cold, wet rain.

Our first stop on the Christmas Tour 2006 was my folks' house, where we watched my niece and nephew tear through gifts and ripped open a few of our own. Soon thereafter, we headed to Cynical's parents' house for some more of the same. After the first of two meals, we then headed back to my homestead for another meal and another round of gift opening.

We're home now, surrounded by our stash of stuff, dozing during lame holiday movies and wondering where the day went. It was all a blur.

I do remember a sweet little red headed girl putting a wiseman statue to her chest and comforting it as if it was "a babeeeee". I remember an 11-year-old hugging his much adoring aunt saying, "Merry Christmas." I seem to recall some laughing, some giggling and some oooohs and aaaahhhhhs.

But, it's all over now. In the peacefulness of our little home, our tree lighting the room, we are reliving new memories added to our book of life.

Merry Christmas

For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given.

Wishing you peace, love and joy.