Christmas Around the World Swap Questionaire

Ok, here it is.  Let's hope it actually posts without my going nuts first...

Christmas Around the World Swap Questionaire

1.      Are you religious?   I am a Christian

 

2.      How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?   Let’s see…I started knitting when my sister was pregnant with her first child.  I’d been crocheting since I was 4 and had collected MANY pattern books over the years – at least 25 of them with assorted crochet (and a few knitted) “baby things”.  I handed a stack to my sister and told her to pick anything she wanted for the baby, figuring that she’d choose something from one of the crochet only books, or at least in the “crochet” portion of a book containing both knit and crochet items.  Nope, she wanted the knit booties and baby hoodie that zipped up the back.  So, I went and bought three different “teach yourself to knit” type books and made the booties.  My nephew turns 15 this month.  I consider myself at least an Intermediate knitter, but wouldn’t shy away from anything that might be considered advanced.  That’s how we learn, right?

 

3.      Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting?   Yes – too many to list.  But a few are crocheting, reading, EATING (I like to cook and bake, too, but I HATE to clean up afterwards.), and camping.

 

4.      Favorite color(s)?   I like all shades of purple, and my house is decorated in "natural" sorts of colors and at the moment I'm really into any color you can find here: http://www2.longaberger.com/flyer/sept07/spread4-5.html

 

5.      Do you collect anything?   Well, yes, but hubby would really rather that I NOT.  (But it’s elephants, if you really want to know.  Oh, and baskets.  And yarn.  And that’s enough, I was just told….)

 

6.      Are you allergic to any fibers or animals?  I’m only allergic to “things with fur, feathers, or fuzz” – we can’t have pets, but I seem to be able to cope with any sort of fiber.

 

7.      Do you have any pets?   My son has Sea Monkeys because we can’t really have anything else (see #6).  Well, we could, but I’m not willing to deal with anything  else and the boys wouldn’t likely take care of it anyway.

 

8.      Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?   No, Yes, Yes

 

9.      Cookies or Sweets?   Yes, Yes  (Dark chocolate is a particular favorite sweetie)

 

10.  Do you knit socks?   Just starting to.  Hope to post a pic of my very first sock in the next day or so.  (Have to actually TAKE the photo first…)

 

11.  If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits)   Oh, I like to knit whatever – I don’t play favorites – and I’m always interested in trying something new.

 

12.  Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do?   Well, I don’t put up the tree – hubby and the kids do it!  LOL

 

13.  Favorite holiday treats?   I like them all (are you sensing a trend?)

 

14.  Favorite holiday smells?   Fresh Pine

 

15.  Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate.  I don’t know the answer to this one.  It’s traditional to me, I suppose…let me get back to you on this one.

 

16.  What are your favorite holiday traditions?   I like finding “just the right thing” for someone, and watching them opening it!  Also, at our house, Santa doesn’t wrap the gifts in paper.  Instead, each of the boys has his own square of holiday fabric that Santa uses to cover the pile of gifts for each child.  I like not having to clean up afterwards, and that we reuse the fabric each year.  Saves time, money, effort, and the environment!

 

17.  Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....”   celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ

 

18.  If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….?   Umm…something round with limbs?  That’s what I look like these days...

19.  What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given?   Oh, shoot, I don’t know.  Can I get back to you on this one, too?

 

20.  When do you start your Christmas?   Not entirely sure what this one means…?  When do we start with the preparing?  Anyway, whatever it means, I still can’t answer it.  I’m not very good about getting ready for stuff, so it really varies a lot from one year to the next.

 

21.  Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them?   I intend to send cards.  I usually buy them on clearance the year before.  Sometimes I actually address the envelopes.  I figure if I get them out before the first of the new year, I’m doing ok.  I’m just not that good….

 

22.  What is your favorite Christmas dish?   I guess I’m just no fun…I don’t pick favorites.  I like ‘em all.

 

23.  Carolers are at your door. What do you do?   I don’t know.  I’ve never had the experience.  What are you supposed to do?  I mean, I’d listen and all, but then what?  I wouldn’t know what was expected, except for applause and a “thank you”.  What DO you do?

 

24.  When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning?   Both – family gifts are often exchanged Christmas Eve (if they boys have been behaving) and then Santa gifts are opened in the morning.

 25.  Do you celebrate with family or friends or both?  Both

Trolling the Comics

I think I did it!

I think I did it!

I think I finally did it!  I think I figured out how to post the button for the Knit One, Tea Too Swap!

 Now, if only I can figure out how to make it show up on the side, so it's always handy...  Hmmm.......

He's Got Etsy

We've finally figured out how to get Connor's jewelry listed on Etsy.  Sure, he's back from his  People to People trip to Australia already, but since we had to front his some of his tuition, he's still working to pay us back.  And now he wants to go on some sort of trip every year, so once he's paid us for this trip, he's starting to save for the next one.

I'm still trying to figure out how to take good close up pics with my camera (any tips?), so for now we only have a few of his pieces listed.  I think my favorite so far are the "Red Fish, Blue Fish" earrings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whaddya think?

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

I've signed up for something that sounds really interesting (and when I figure out how to make the pretty button work, I'll add that...)

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

1. Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try?
I like both, although I primarily use bags because of the “quick ‘n’ easy” factor.  I like loose tea for those rare moments when I really have the time to enjoy the whole process.

2. What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)?
I tend toward “whatever’s on sale” for my everyday tea – Tetley, Red Rose, Lipton, and such.  However, I was given some Lifeboat Tea from England for Christmas, and if I had enough it would replace the others.

3. Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white) (keeping in mind that this is how this swap is set up).
I generally drink black teas, but I’d certainly try anything interesting.

4. Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind?
During the morning rush it’s obviously just put on the kettle and pour over the bag, but when the pace is slower I prefer a preheated teapot no matter the tea.

5. What tea accessories would you like but have never purchases for yourself?
Never did get myself one of those nice “single serving size” tea balls for the loose tea.

6. How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc).
Food...always food…or at least dark chocolate

7. If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why?
This one will require some thought.  The answer may even change day to day, so I guess maybe I’d be something variegated…

8. If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why?
Hmm… another toughie.  Since any of those items would most likely be gifted, I suppose it’d be whatever the occasion calls for.  (Yeah, lame-o cop out answers, but I’m so often indecisive, you see.)

9. What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?)
I try to do as I was taught, and once I commit to attending something then I should go.  I suppose, though, that having a far-flung friend show up unexpectedly might be the sort of thing that would make me change plans last minute.

10. What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?)
Am I allowed to say that I’d like some of each, please?

11. When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute?
I’ve done both – depends on what I’m making and if I’ve used the yarn before or not.  Usually, though, I tend to find the yarn first (or even the buttons first – hubby thought I was way beyond help that time) and then figure out what the yarn wants to be.  (And only in a group such as this would that line may any sense what-so-ever.  Thank you for that.)

12. What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go?
I usually use a Longaberger basket or fabric tote.  Since  often have several projects going at a time, it’s easiest for me to have each one in a different container so I know which is which.

13. Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting?
Well, I guess it’s whatever anyone else is watching, although if it’s just me then either sports or I’ll enjoy the peace and quiet.

14. Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match?
Either one is fine by me – just NO Styrofoam, please!  Matching or not doesn’t really matter I suppose, but “coordinating” is nice.

15. Favorite childhood birthday party?
This will sound weird, but my favorite is a party that I pseudo-planned but never actually had.  It was to be a Dr. Seuss sleep-over, and everyone was to bring their favorite Dr. Seuss books, and all the treats were going to be inspired by the books.  I planned this party in junior high school and never got to have it.  I still think that someday I’m going to do it!

16. Favorite type of scone and jam?
How could I play favorites here?

17. If you use candles, what is your favorite scent?
I like vanilla, pine, and “herbal” as my friend says (like Yankee Candle’s Sage & Citrus).  Fruits are ok, but flowers tend to overwhelm.

18. If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead).
Can I pick 4?  It’d be my Mom, Nana, sister, and sister-in-law (all living).  My brother got married a little over a year ago in England, and we only met his bride just days before the wedding.  We haven’t really had any “just us girls” time, and a nice tea would be just the thing.

19. You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)?
I’m an “as is” person, so likely pretty casual.  If something more formal was stipulated I’d certainly find appropriate “props”.

20. Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to?
I’m only allergic to “things with fur, feathers, or fuzz” – we can’t have pets, but I seem to be able to cope with any sort of fiber.
21. Anything we missed that you want your pal to know?
Nothing I can think of at the moment.

We Went on Vacation (Knitting Content at End)

And most of my pictures didn't come out very nice.  (And now this is the FIFTH time I've tried to create this post and it's not liking me.  I'm getting cranky now...)  Plus, I'm exhausted from the trip, so for the time being, here's a shot of Gavin working with a Longaberger weaver and making his own basket (as a gift - he wants to make sure you don't freak about the pink...lol):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We saw the World's Largest (Handwoven) Basket in Dresden, OH - right next to Popeye's Soda Shop:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, and I finally got some knitting done:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's a quick shot of Mystery Stole 3.  I only just got started on  Clue #1 while we were away, and because I'd printed the chart in B&W in a hurry before we left, I just figured out last night that I'd messed up the beading in the first 40 rows or so...<sigh>.  I'm not going to frog it, I don't think.  I suppose I'll just keep going and if I really don't like it I'll just have to make another one...LOL.

My First Spindle

I got a few minutes and thought I'd mention my first spindle.  Yep, I finally went and did it.  Since it's "officially" a souvenir, hubby hasn't objected...yet!  (No pics yet, because while I remembered the camera, I forgot the silly cord that is the essential bridge from the camera to the computer.  Pics posted upon our return.)

We visited a neat little place called the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm yesterday, and there in the gift shop was this cute little spindle packaged with a bit of fiber and it was in my hand and all rung up before I could blink.  Since today is a "sitting around the camp" day, I figured I might try my hand with it later on.  Wish me luck!

 Oh, and a quick question (wherein I reveal incredible ignorance) as I try to figure out the instructions on how to use my new toy:  Is the hook supposed to be on the long part or the short part of the spindle?

Going and Coming and Going Again

Two weeks ago, on July 5, Connor set out for his People to People Student Ambassador trip to Australia.  We put him on a bus at about 8am, in the rain, and off he went. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As far as we heard, all flights went well....until the final leg tonight.  The plane from Atlanta to Boston was significantly delayed, so instead of greeting them in Braintree at about midnight on July 19th, it was closer to 2:45am on the 20th.  Of course, by the time they were all unloaded and sorted out it was REALLY late (early?), and we got home just before 4am.  But he's happy...

In a few short hours, we'll leave for our trip to Timothy Lake Campground in East Stroudsburg, PA, where we'll be spending a week camping and enjoying NAFCAree.  From there, it's on to Ohio and the Longaberger BEE, then back to PA for a stop at Hershey Park on our way home.  And THEN we'll have pictures!

 

Fenway First

At nine, Gavin had yet to attend a "real" baseball game - one where the Red Sox are playing at Fenway Park.  Oh, sure, he'd been to Fenway on a tour (the Sox were out of town), and he'd seen the PawSox a few times, and he'd even been to his share of Brockton Rox games.  Yet he longed to partake in the particular ritual that is the Red Sox.

So, back in April, in order to actually have access to tickets that might be priced somewhere in the realm of reality for working stiffs like us, I joined Red Sox Nation.  The membership came with a pair of tickets which I ordered promptly.  Oh, and Gavin joined Red Sox Kid Nation so he could get a cool Red Sox cap and lunch box, among other benefits.  And then, of course, we WAITED..........

On Monday, July 2, 2007, the big day arrived!  Gavin woke up early, and essentially quivered in anticipation all day.  It took a bit of effort for me to get my work done in between all of the "Is it time for us to leave yet?"s, but somehow I managed.  Gavin decked himself in all his Red Sox gear, and FINALLY, it was time to head out to the train!  I don't normally allow myself to get caught in front of the camera, but a woman waiting for the train offered, and Gavin begged, so I (reluctantly - can you tell?) agreed.  A short time later, the train arrived.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   A Commuter Rail train, a Orange Line Subway, the #8 Bus, and a short walk - eventually we arrived at Fenway.  It has changed so much since the last time I was there, and yet, it's still the Fenway I'd always known and loved.

A Fenway Frank before the game................................................. Gavin's favorite player, Manny Ramirez, takes a lead off first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Score:  Red Sox 7, Texas Rangers 3.

 

 

Walk to Ruggles Station, miss the train by moments, so it's another Orange Line train to Back Bay Station and the Commuter Rail leaves at 12:04 am. 

That's one happy fan.

A Day in Plymouth
Saturday was a gorgeous day, so we spent the day in Plymouth. First we went to Plimouth Plantation, where we have a membership. They were celebrating the Strawberry Thanksgiving at the Wampanoag Homesite with all sorts of activities, like this Mishoon Race:




Then we went up to the 1627 English Village for a bit. There, my nine year old, Gavin, played his version of "Stump the Preacher's Son" by asking about peanut butter. Let's just say that the next 30 minutes or so were quite interesting. Now Gavin wants me to get a job there just so that he can work there, too. We'll see how that goes....

While he was chatting, I got a shot of this very colorful rooster:

After that we went down to the waterfront and had lunch at Lobster Hut. Something about fried clams at the water.... .


Then we went on the Mayflower II. Can you believe that I'd never been there before Saturday? Since the weather was so nice, we hopped a short sight-seeing cruise before ending the day poking around the various shops. Yeah, it was a good day....