Topless Once More

My convertible top is finally fixed and I can drive topless once more. The upolsterer did a fabulous job in replacing the frame and motor, but after I picked it up, it leaked like a sieve. I brought it back and they couldn't adjust the windows any better than they already were, when one of the men noted that a window was down by 1/8 inch. When I tried to put it up, the window was frozen. Enter Jimmy, my mechanic. I brought the car to him and he replaced the motors for BOTH front windows, and lo and behold, the leak was fixed. Weelll, sort of....it still leaks a tiny bit from the same spot it always did.....onto my left leg, but I was used to that so it doesn't matter. What does matter is that the rest of the leakage is fixed. So, I SWEETLY told my car that mama bought it a new altenator, breaks with shoes, top frame and motor, 2 window motors....man, what a great summer for the car's health....so it is NOT allowed to get sick for at least another 2 years...3 would be nice, but let's not push it. I promise to love it, feed it (and we all know how costly THAT is), get the oil changed and occasionally buy it new (brake) shoes, but it has to do it's part to stay healthy, too!

Must Love Dogs - I do, I do!

What a wonderful, funny, UP movie! Must Love Dogs was such a sweet movie that gives you hope that there is life after divorce. Both Gerry and I love what could be called a Chick Flick. The diaglogue was clever, the story premise one that many people, especially those who are or have been single can relate to. I highly recommend it for an evening's enjoyment. We will definitely own this movie. 

Life's a Beach!

I NEVER go to the beach. I live about 3/4 mile from the Atlantic Ocean but almost never go. However, this summer, I have been there 7 times...once with Gerry's niece, twice with my niece, once with my friend Sarina, and twice with my friend Carla and her baby Parker. Hmmm - I can do this, I thought, and so yesterday morning I took MYSELF to the beach. Armed with reading for school and my Harry Potter book, I drove to the beach, set up my sand chair and sat and read. It was so lovely...the roar of the waves, the peace of no yelling children or loud talking people....really relaxing. Then  I walked down to the water and enjoyed the waves washing in to shore The water was really warm... I like my ocean temp to be around 85 degrees. After returning to my chair, I sat another 15 minutes before I got ansy and left. I doubt that I will make it a habit, but it was really nice. 

So, sock it to me!!! I finished my sockapalooza's broadripple socks. I used US # 3 DPN and 1 1/2 skeins of Knit Picks Sock Garden 100% Merino Morning Glory Wool. I love how the Knit Picks yarn works into such a pretty stripe (sort of) and it's such a soft yarn. Now I can put the socks away till it's time to mail them in September, and will start on the texture shrug (same pattern as the pink one that I made, but this is the yarn that came with the pattern). I will be working with Electra and Clea yarns.

While I was knitting, two of my dogs were sleeping at my feet. I couldn't resist taking their picture, for Rusty looked SOOO cute. He loves to burrow under blankets and sleep there. If you sleep on my futon, he thinks he is the head of "guest relations" and will get under your covers, curl up next to you and keep you warm and cozy for the night. Tiemann is just an innocent bystander!

If It Ain't Broke....

I finally got my car back today. The convertible top was fixed and the inside and mechanism is better than new. I was so thrilled. I drove it home,but noticed that the wind could be felt a little bit through the rear window, behind my seat. Hmmm, I thought....if the wind comes through, then what happens if it rains? I already had a slight drip from the front of the driver's window in a driving rain. So when I got home, I got out the hose, aimed, and.....yup! Leaks like a sieve. This time the leak is mainly from the back window. SIGH!!!! Of course I immediately called the mechanic and have to bring it back tomorrow after work.

Speaking of work, we had a technology training today. The first part was boring, as we went over the statistics as to why we became an "A" school this year. Don't get me wrong, I think that's wonderful (especially since we get incentive money for our efforts), but as a kindergarten teacher, I really am not interested in what percentages our upper grade students got each year on the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test) that brought us to "A" status....just SHOW ME THE MONEY!!! The tech part of the training was good. I relearned PowerPoint and in about 10 minutes I had put together a PP presentation for my parent orientation night. Tomorrow's training will be more interesting...one of my favorite people on the staff, our curriculum specialist Stacey, is doing a workshop on our reading block and literacy centers. One of the best parts of these trainings is the time spent in a chair, which means....knitting! Yes, I can listen, knit and learn all at the same time (I am really good at multitasking).

Tonight was knitting night. There were about 12 ladies there, knitting or crocheting. My cousin Ann came and I showed her how to cast on, knit and purl. She did pretty well, although I don't know if she'll remember it all once she gets home. But she's a glutton for punishment...she'll be back next week.

I gave Catherine my bear sweaters and told her I didn't want to see the patterns again. For two small sweaters, they sure took a lot of time and effort. Catherine made an Aran sweater for the bear....it's beautiful. But then, she's a fabulous knitter.

Althea and her daughters joined us once again. To refresh memory, they are visiting Florida from Israel. We met in the Yahoo FiberRAOK group. They will return in two weeks, as next week is a visit to Orlando for them. Here they are, taking a second or two to pose for me....Althea is working on her sockapalooza socks.

 

July 23

I can't believe it! I went to the beach again! I usually get there once a year, but today was my 5th time in ONE MONTH!! Once again I met Carla, Parker and the grandaparents. It was lovely, the water warm, and Parker was a doll. Last week he was only walking a few steps at a time. This week, he's all on his own. He is 14 months and as cute as can be. Once I get several projects over with I am gonna make that cutie pie a sweater. Carla is planning to move back to Florida next spring. That would be great. She started out as a coworker and became one of my dearest friends, even though she is only 6 years older than my daughter. In fact, both Carla and I agree that it's too bad that she no longer lives in Atlanta cause I think she and Alison, who is moving just outside Atlanta, would get along very well.

 

This afternoon Ger and I went to Costco so he could get a new copier/scanner/FAX machine for the home office. While there I saw a beautiful bicycle. Mine is still ok but isn't the best bike, so I treated myself to this one.

Then I treated the two of us to lunch/dinner at the Olive Garden (using a gift certificate that I had). That was my one meal of the day, but it was a GOOOOOD one!

Ach, it's so hot here in S. Florida for the past week, it just takes everything out of you. We were exhausted when we got home, so....nap time. It's wonderful being at this stage of life....no little kids, nothing to worry about, just us and the dogs, and when we sleep, they sleep.

And when the sun starts to set, and it gets a little cooler, what better thing to do than....take out the bikes. We rode to Starbucks on the Avenue. Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with downtown Delray Beach, let me tell you that it's the "In" place to be in S. Florida (besides South Beach, but that's an hour south of us in Miami). It's beautiful, with many restaurants, shops and other interesting places. At night the trees have little white lights decorating them, there is music coming from some of the clubs, it's laid back, quaint but trendy at the same time. After Starbucks we rode to the beach, about 1/2 mile down the road, went to the little (10x10) wooden area on the sand and watched the little waves roll in. Then it was back onto the bikes and home again. What a great bike! It was so comfortable and an easy ride. Now we just do it more often.

Back to Normal!!

July 22

Ok  - ENOUGH of staying in the house! Gotta go, gotta do, gotta, gotta, gotta! Friday is my usual nail day, so true to form, I had a manicure today, and since it's been 5 weeks since my last pedicure, I did that too. Patrick,  who does my nails, is so good. I don't have the best nails in the world, but stopped using acrylics about two years ago. The other guy who did my nails (different store) was very nice but my nails weren't. Ever since Patrick has been giving me a manicure (since May) my nails are long and strong. Of course, it helps that I have been off all summer, but I think they will still be ok once I return to work. 

After that, I met three coworker/friends for lunch at The Cove, a comfortable restaurant in Deerfield Beach, Florida, on the intracoastal waterway. We sat outside by the dock and had a great time eating salads, gabbing and laughing. Then two of us hung around and walked and talked.

 

At night we had dinner on the Avenue, then went to see The Island. It was pretty good. SciFi to be sure, but action packed. Then it was home to watch the Yankees lose to the Angels once again (this is getting to be a very painful habit).

Just Hanging Out

July 21

Can you believe it? I spend two entire days at home. I didn't go to lunch with anyone, didn't run to a store, take a walk, visit a friend...nada, nothing. Gerry was SHOCKED!! I almost NEVER stay in a whole day. I must admit, it was very nice. I spent each morning futzing around on the computer, read a few Harry Potter chapters, did a little knitting (working on another sweater for that &%^$ bear that we are making together in knitting group), napped (aahhh), and....whatever. Oh, I did go out, to get lunch for us at Jersey Mike's Subs....a sub for Gerry and a breadless sub for me (they put the fixin's in a plastic tub). When I came home, I started mine, then had to go outside for something, so I put the closed tub on my coffee table. Yup...you guessed it....my dog(s) got into it. When I got back, all that was left was some lettuce, an empty tub, and three innocent looking pooches. Now I KNOW Cocktail didn't do it. He was in the other room, sleeping (he's 15). I am SURE it was my daschund Rusty, who sat on the futon in the office with a "who me?" expression. As for my Maltese Tiemann, well, he probably didn't jump up for the food, but I am sure he helped devour it,even though he kept pointing at Rusty. Good thing I really wasn't that hungry!!

Thursday night Gerry and I went to see an interesting movie....Happy Endings with Lisa Kudrow. It was, mmm, different, but I liked it (don't think Gerry thought much of it).

Of course, we had to watch the Yankee/Angels game when we got home. They lost....sigh!

What's In A Number?

Last night I went to my knitting group. Catherine and Maddy were working together to knit the afore mentioned bear. It's by Debbie Bliss and has mucho parts for one little bear. I showed them the sweater I made and Catherine was surprised that it came out so big, when the bear is only 10". There is no gauge listed in the directions. Then, we figured it out.....the needle size is listed in English (as in Great Britain) needle sizes. I should have gone by the mm listing. So, where I was about to use a size 9 (US) for the jeans, No. 9 British is size 5 US. OY! I will make the jeans and THEN remake the sweater, but don't know if I will do intargia again. Maybe something simple!

Our "guest" last night was "Moze" of Mozemen's Blues. She came with her two lovely teenage daughters, both working on counted cross stitch and other needle crafts. When I arrived I was talking on the phone to Alison, who said, "So, "Moze" is joining you tonight?" I asked how she knew and she told me that Moze had written to her that she was coming.....Moze and Alison had exchanged gifts via FiberRaok. So when Moze walked in, I redialed Alison so they could speak (Moze is from Israel and they have only communicated via the internet). How cool is that??

Working on the first broadripple sock, I got carried away again and knit too many rows toward the toe. But having Catherine there is a boon, as she designs socks and so is my sock guru (she wrote The Sock Calendar and The Sock Journal books - both excellent). She advised me to follow the directions for a few rows (decreasing one round, even one round) and then just decreasing every round, which would give more of a rounded toe. I tinked back a few rows and then did as she said and the sock is beautiful. I will post pix when I have finished both socks.

Today I am off to the Pontiac dealer to see how painful this replacement of my convertible top will be. If my next post is smudged with teardrops, you'll hopefully understand!!

HAPPY 4th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY to my daughter Becca and my son (in-law) Phil. May your lives together continue to be full of fun, friendship and love.

What A Week!!!

July 12, 2005

 Tonight I went to knitting group and was given the pattern to make a sweater and jeans for the teddy bear that we are making together. Catherine will knit the bear, and the rest of us are making outfits for it. It is supposed to be for one of the women who is expecting a baby, but we have not seen her in a LONG time and no one knows how to get in touch with her. Soooo � we will save it for her and if we do not see her again, we�ll just raffle it off among us. I am making a sweater and jeans for the bear. The sweater has an intarjia pattern on it. I have never done this before so it�s a good way to try it, as it�s small!

 

July 17

 What a nice day. I met my coworker/friend Sherry at Town Center Mall, a beautiful mall in Boca Raton, Florida. We walked, talked, did a little shopping (only two tops, really, not much at all, I swear) and had wonderful salads for lunch. After leaving her, I got my bathing suit and joined my other friend (who is also my massage therapist) for a swim in her pool. Then it was time to go home and get ready for movie night.

I made such a goof last week. I purchased tix for the opening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the IMAX theater, thinking I would take my niece and her friend. Why I only noticed the DAY and not the DATE is beyond me, but the girls left on the 12^th and the tix were for the 15^th�DUH! So I sold the two tix to my friend and her husband, and they joined Gerry, Mom, Suzzette and me. Unfortunately, there was a long line to go in when we got there, so instead of the ideal seats in the back of the theater, we sat closer than the middle. The sound was LOUD, the screen was BIG, but we adjusted...somewhat. The movie was really good, but I don�t understand why people kept telling me that it was very different than the original with Gene Wilder. Oh, yes, the graphics were greater, the songs of the Oompah-Lumpas were different, as were the look of them, but aside from a little addition at the end, it was the same. However, Gene Wilder�s Wonka was strange�.Johnny Depp�s was WEIRD � in a good way. We enjoyed the movie a lot, and for those who never saw the original, you will like it all the more.

 

On Saturday I joined my friend Carla, baby Parker, Carla�s dad and his wife at Deerfield Beach. We went early so it wouldn�t be too hot for Parker. It was SO nice. We sat at the water�s edge while Parker played and got to talk and talk (that�s always fun). Parker was delighted with the sand and water and was focused for over an hour. This time I made sure to put sunscreen on my body, as I am still flaking from last week�s sunburn.

 

I was so tired in the afternoon that after doing some things around the house, Gerry and I took a nap. When I woke, I thought it was the next morning! But�.what we failed to remember was the Yankee game�.they had already played and WON!!! Well, it�s good that they won because on Thursday they had beat the Red Sox, but on Friday they were embarrassingly massacred (don�t even THINK I would print the score here�horrendous)!!  Since there was no game, we went to the movies to see Wedding Crashers. What a funny, funny movie. Vince Vaughn stole the show�.he was hysterical. The only one I didn�t like was Will Farrell, who had a small part. He is just TOO out there, and it�s just not funny. But the rest of the movie made up for that.

The Rivalry Continues

Today we had a little BBQ for a few of Gerry�s friends who are Yankee or Red Sox Fans. Then we watched game 4 of this series. It was a really good game, and thank goodness�the Yankees took it. Better still, all parted friends�hey, a little friendly rivalry is always fun. Looks like the Yanks are getting back in the swing!

July 18

Cant� Go Topless This Week

I am SOOOO bummed out. The convertible top on my car broke�.yes�broke! The arm that brings it up and down cracked off�irreparable! I had to go get two estimates today and then have to decide which one to go with. It won�t be cheap! However it�s better than having to get a new car and make payments. I need my car to last another two years (three would be great) and then I can get a newbie�.probably another convertible! Just look at my poor baby. There is a space b/t the top and the window, so Gerry put plastic and tape to keep the rain out (this IS the rainy season). It looks like a ghetto car now�.sob! I will bring it in this week for the repair. Good thing I over bought in the yarn department this summer, cause I won�t be affording yarns for awhile!!

Tonight I finished the bear�s sweater. My first attempt at intargia wasn�t the best�I think I pulled a little too tight, but at least it is semi-decent and only for a teddy bear. I wanted to start on the jeans but didn�t have the time so I will do that tonight.

In the meantime, I am working on broadripple socks for my sockapalooza buddy. Here is (still) number one sock.

The Yanks played their first game against the Texas Rangers. It was touch and go but we won, the Red Sox lost their game against Tampa Bay, so we are (finally) in first place once again. The second best part about sitting on the couch and watching the Yanks is that I get to knit, knit, knit!!

 

July 18

What A Pal!! 

I have such a fabulous Secret Pal 5. Today another package arrived. She sends me the greatest yarns. This time it was 5 skeins of Lara�Endless Summer Collection from �lan.com. It�s 100% combed cotton, black, 138 yards each. I LOVE it! Plus she sent  package of DPN holders, size 6 � 8. I don�t have any DPN holders. They are SO cute�little sweaters. PLUS�.three magazines. If you are reading SP5, I Do get Creative Knitting, but not the other two, so thank you again and again. You are fabulous!!! I LOVE getting your packages. You send such wonderful gifts, it always makes my day!!!

I also received my Harry Potter book. I can�t wait to read it, but have to finish what I am in the middle of reading first (The Man I Should Have Married by Pamela Redmond Satran).

July 19, 2005

Getting ready to meet Mom for lunch. I am having my last hurrah as I return to work on Monday. The entire teaching staff has to report on August 2^nd (students return on the 8^th) but I am among 14 teachers who are going in next week for a weeklong training. The pay was too good to pass up, and frankly, after 6 weeks of steady travel and company, I am ready to return to work. Besides, I miss my good friends there.

 

Just had to take a pix of Tiemann in the sweatshirt that my daughter Becca bought him. She couldn�t resist it cause it was Gator colors (I know you like that, Alison) and it says  T-Bone on the side, which is one of the nicknames that my ex had given to Tiemann. The poor dog looks traumatized, doesn�t he? We never �dress� them in anything more than a bandana. But thanks, Becca�.it still was a perfect gift!!!

Tonight is knitting night and I am excited. Althea http://mozemen.blogspot.com is joining us. She is from FiberRaok on Yahoo, and is visiting S. Florida. I told her about the knitting group that I am in and she wrote to say that she will be there, along with her teens who crochet and cross stitch. How cool is that?

 

 

A Great Freebie!!!

About a month ago I received an e-mail with an offer to receive a new book....FREE! Now how could I pass that up. It arrived yesterday and I think it's terrific. Although I am familiar with the basic stitches and techniques, there are some that I am not sure of. This book has great illustrations of the techniques, often showing them in two colors to make the explaination clearer. And there are some cute patterns inside as well.

You can see how clear the illustrations are. If you are interested purchasing this book, you can get it at www.maran.com. And...I have nothing to do with the company or the book....just thought it was a really good knit/crochet How-To guide.

Still Busy, But It Was All Good!!

With plane delays I got in 1 AM Friday morning, arriving 10 minutes after Gerry's niece Lori and her friend Giovanna arrived. They had come for a 5 day stay.

Lori, Giovanna and Suzzette (Gerry's daughter)

Later that day Gerry and I drove to Central Florida to attend the NASCAR race in Daytona on Saturday, with our friends. Everything was going great....relaxing day, got some knitting in (made an adore able pink baby sweater from a pattern that Alison gave me) and got to the race 2 hours early instead of the usual 5. However....and there is always a however.....there was a rain delay....the race didn't start till 10:30. The sitting around (under the stands) was horrible, the rednecks got red-neckier, lots of drinking among them, the sellers ran out of food...not fun at all. The race was great, and I got a lot of good knitting in while sitting there (started my sockapalooza socks). But I told Gerry that this was IT! I am done with the July Daytona race...it just isn't fun for me anymore. I will go to the last race in Homestead, Fl in November....we make a nice weekend out of it, and the race is a daytime race, but...I am DONE! And he fully understood...such a sweetheart of a guy!

The rest of the holiday weekend was good. We had a huge BBQ at our house on the 4th - I ate too much. Then we went to the beach where, sitting on the sand, we watched the Grucci fireworks for the 4th. We were so close, it was as if they were shooting them off just for us.

On the 5th, Lori and friend left and my 14 yr old niece Gianna and her friend arrived (two trips to the airport for me that day).


We had a nice week. I got to go to the beach with Lori before she left, and then twice with Gianna and Jessica. Even though I was already tanned, I got REALLY, REALLY RED on the spots that my other bathing suit covered up.....OUCH!! But what great color I have!

The wind was up and the waves were really high due to the coming hurricane, Dennis, but the girls (and I) enjoyed the beach (I live really close to the beach but only go when Gianna is in town).

Saw a good movie....Mad Hot Ballroom....sort of a documentary about underpriviledged 5th graders in NYC competing in ballroom dancing. A feel-good movie, to be sure.

On Saturday I drove the girls to Orlando. We dropped off Jessica, who wanted to spend two days with her aunt, and Gianna and I continued on to Ocala to stay with my daughter and her husband, Phil. Gianna LOVES Phil - she did a school report and named him as her favorite relative not outside of her immediate family. Sure....did I even get a mention? NO! Her favorite aunt, who takes her to fun places every summer....not even my initials mentioned!! But I don't blame her. Phil is a really fun guy! The 3 of us went to Universal Studios, and since it was around the time of hurricane Dennis, the parks were not crowded and we didn't have to wait long to get on the rides. We even went to both parks and got to go on the attractions more than once. Look how much fun Phil and Gianna were having together.

So now the girls are gone (flight was this morning) and I am looking forward to some relaxing time with Gerry in the evenings or just doing my thing - starting with my knitting group tonight. Last week was great - we were joined by a crochet group. Hope they will be with us tonight. And my knitting buddies and I are joining together to make a bear with several outfits, to be given to one of the women who just had a baby. I will make the sweater and jeans outfit. In the meantime, I am working on broadripple socks, and starting a textured shrug using Electra and Clea....same style as the pink one I made, using the yarns that came in the kit with the pattern. I also bought Electra in browns to make one for my mom, but have not found the Clea yarn at several LYS - and to order just one on line is ridiculous, as it costs more for shipping than for the yarn. So....if you have an extra ball of Clea in beige or white, I would be happy to buy it from you.

Whew....had enough? I have....time to finish the laundry, set up my knitting bag and get ready to go!! AH....there's no place like home!!

On The Road Again (in June)

After my last post in June, Ger and I flew to NY to attend the christening of his niece's daughter. The flight up was great. We flew on Delta Song, which has a TV at every seat. I knitted (of course) while watching the Yankee game. When we landed, we drove thru the Bronx, getting caught in the after-game traffic, then headed into NJ where we just HAD to stop at a diner. There is nothing like a NY/NJ Greek diner, and at 11 PM at night it's even better. My brother Jon arrived Saturday morning and we had a nice time with him. We all went to Ger's niece for a pool party/BBQ, which was fun. The Devine's are a great family. I always enjoy being with them. That night Ger, Jon and I went to see the movie Bewitched....not the worst movie, but not worth the price of getting in. Sunday the christening was....too long....but the pool party afterward was lots of fun.

Monday the 27th Ger dropped me in Manhattan before he went to catch his plane home. I stayed with my friend Carla and her husband (who I only saw late in the evening after dinner, or early in the morning before he went to work) and their year old son Parker. Parker is just too cute!!! The weather wasn't great, but we went to Central Park, the zoo, and walked all over. She lives on 58th b/t 6th and 7th Ave, so for those of you who are not familiar with NYC, it's smack in the middle, a block from Central Park and a great place to be in Manhattan. For her it's not easy....they park the car WAY uptown, getting on subways with baby and stroller isn't easy, so she is pretty much stuck where she is or where she can walk to. And, as we all know, EVERYTHING is really expensive in the city. But oh, it's such a great place to be.

We went to see the Broadway show Avenue Q.....it was hysterical. You have not lived until you have seen Muppets having sex on stage!  The songs are adorable, but Sesame Street will never be the same for me again.