Gail, the owner of my local yarn shop, suggested I become a member of Ravelry -- an online knitting and crocheting community. I became a member quite a while back and I spend a lot of time checking out the patterns people have posted there. I don't, however, spend much time looking at what others have completed. To be more clear, when I choose a pattern to knit, I don't check what others had to say about the pattern or what others' finished patterns look like.
All that changed on July 4, 2013.
That's the day I spent some time with a former classmate who told me to become "friends" with her on Ravelry. I did and saw a lot of her projects posted.
It's fun to see what other people are knitting and what they think of the whole project. Also, since I have difficulty putting colors together, I like seeing what other people come up with. So, I decided to post my current works in progress -- there are three of them: 2 sweaters and a baby blanket. Somehow, posting them online motivates me just a bit more to get the job done and update my progress. We'll see how it goes.
If you want to check it out, I am kgwilson on Ravelry.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Modern Television
Back in the day, if I got caught up in the drama of a television series, at the end of each episode I had to wait to discover what happened next. God forbid I missed an episode!
These days things are so much different. Since we can "record" an episode of any given show, our schedule is not wedded to a specific time. Sure, this causes problems -- finding out what happened on the season finale of Downton Abby before I saw the final episode. Still, we can watch what we want when we want. This is a good thing during football season.
And, since we can devour entire series in one sitting if we wish (my son practically watched all the Lost episodes in one weekend, we are left open to watch even more shows. As a result of having time to watch and devote to a new series, Rod and I watched The Killing. Two seasons, twenty-six episodes. Television gold. I was so involved in this series, I would think about it during the day. In fact, I am still thinking about it even though we finished season two last night.
Why is the show so good? Perhaps the authenticity of the characters -- specifically the two detectives in charge of finding out who killed Rosie Larson. Perhaps is the complexity of the plot. During the twenty-six episodes there were probably 10 suspects. The clues pointed in all sorts of directions. And the two detectives followed the leads with determination. They were a good team too!
So, now the let down of a good show finished. Only to be replaced by the elation of learning that there is a season three!
In the meantime, I will enjoy the perks of modern television as I prepare for football season.
These days things are so much different. Since we can "record" an episode of any given show, our schedule is not wedded to a specific time. Sure, this causes problems -- finding out what happened on the season finale of Downton Abby before I saw the final episode. Still, we can watch what we want when we want. This is a good thing during football season.
And, since we can devour entire series in one sitting if we wish (my son practically watched all the Lost episodes in one weekend, we are left open to watch even more shows. As a result of having time to watch and devote to a new series, Rod and I watched The Killing. Two seasons, twenty-six episodes. Television gold. I was so involved in this series, I would think about it during the day. In fact, I am still thinking about it even though we finished season two last night.
Why is the show so good? Perhaps the authenticity of the characters -- specifically the two detectives in charge of finding out who killed Rosie Larson. Perhaps is the complexity of the plot. During the twenty-six episodes there were probably 10 suspects. The clues pointed in all sorts of directions. And the two detectives followed the leads with determination. They were a good team too!
So, now the let down of a good show finished. Only to be replaced by the elation of learning that there is a season three!
In the meantime, I will enjoy the perks of modern television as I prepare for football season.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
The Farmers Market
I love the farmers market. Any farmers market is good fun, but there is something sweet about the hometown farmers market.
This morning I went to buy some fruit and jams. The woman who makes the jam is from nearby Cornwall-on-Hudson and she puts some cool flavors together. Today I tasted a horseradish jelly that was quite tasty. I did not, however, buy it because I couldn't figure what to pair that jelly with. Anyway, every week those are my two stops. There are others offering their wares, however.
Today I stopped at the lavender stall. There the woman sells lavender sachets, pillows, culinary lavender, candles, photo cards. She even sells plants. I bought a candle. Though pricey, I do like to support those who come out, enjoy people and are just generally positive people. They are all a reminder of why I like the farmers market in the first place.
If you have a market near you, stop by and shop. Supporting local growers is a good path to a healthy economy. It's also a nice way to learn something new about what to cook or how best to grow your plants.
This morning I went to buy some fruit and jams. The woman who makes the jam is from nearby Cornwall-on-Hudson and she puts some cool flavors together. Today I tasted a horseradish jelly that was quite tasty. I did not, however, buy it because I couldn't figure what to pair that jelly with. Anyway, every week those are my two stops. There are others offering their wares, however.
Today I stopped at the lavender stall. There the woman sells lavender sachets, pillows, culinary lavender, candles, photo cards. She even sells plants. I bought a candle. Though pricey, I do like to support those who come out, enjoy people and are just generally positive people. They are all a reminder of why I like the farmers market in the first place.
If you have a market near you, stop by and shop. Supporting local growers is a good path to a healthy economy. It's also a nice way to learn something new about what to cook or how best to grow your plants.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
The Beach
As I sit here enjoying the cool weather, I cannot believe that I was at Virginia Beach on Monday and found it too hot!
Oh, fickle me!
Well, while I enjoy being at the beach, I don't actually enjoy swimming in the ocean. At least not the ocean water on the coast of the United States. When I was in Bermuda, the beach water was very inviting. I could see my feet when I looked down in waist deep water. That's my kind of beach! Nevertheless, I don't like the feel of salt drying on my skin. It's like being in an outfit that is shrinking while you wear it.
I also have - have always had, in fact -- an issue with body image. Even in my very thin days I felt fat in a bathing suit. Now that I am considerably larger, the idea of walking down the sandy stretch just seems horrifying.
Ultimately, the beach scene is not necessarily for me. Still, I yearn for the cash to rent a place on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A place with beach access AND a pool. And all the family with me -- kids, brothers, wives, nephews, parents.
As I look at the cool weather outside, I am thinking of the beach and how it invites relaxation.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Privacy
This country is certainly in a twist about the President's plan to keep track of whom we call. Frankly, I don't care. I know the bigger issue is where to draw the line, but I cannot help but be concerned with the fact that we focus on nonsense when bigger issues are being ignored.
Take for instance, identity theft. No one seems to be terribly concerned about it. There are companies that prey on us looking to protect us from identity theft, but I am not aware of a genuine plan that actually keeps us safe. Furthermore, there seems to be no quick, direct fix to getting your identity back once it's been stolen. This is a real issue that we need to face. What does this country do? We make a comedy about it (which you can probably get on Netflix now).
I wish this country weren't filled with such namby-pambies. If we want the government to protect us, we need to recognize that to do so requires us to allow the government to track what we do. We cannot have it both ways. Once we understand that idea, perhaps we can move forward and start dealing with the things that matter to us all.
Take for instance, identity theft. No one seems to be terribly concerned about it. There are companies that prey on us looking to protect us from identity theft, but I am not aware of a genuine plan that actually keeps us safe. Furthermore, there seems to be no quick, direct fix to getting your identity back once it's been stolen. This is a real issue that we need to face. What does this country do? We make a comedy about it (which you can probably get on Netflix now).
I wish this country weren't filled with such namby-pambies. If we want the government to protect us, we need to recognize that to do so requires us to allow the government to track what we do. We cannot have it both ways. Once we understand that idea, perhaps we can move forward and start dealing with the things that matter to us all.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Effective Communication
Goodness I lose it when the communication I receive is muddled.
Today's addition:
I called the high school to inquire about getting working papers for my son (and 8th grader who is 14). The secretary told me: a. go to the nurse's office before noon Friday.
I asked what I needed to bring with me: a social security card.
So, I drag my son to the school only to find that I could not use the high school nurse's office because he was not in high school. Then, I was told I needed his medical / physical paperwork. Needless to say, I made some noise-- is it too much to ask for the school secretary to either pass along correct information or forward my call to the person who can????? So, the high school nurse relented and said she'd call the nurse at the middle school to get an okay that he had the proper medical paperwork. Alas, his records are not up-to-date. (NOT my fault, by the way. I had all his paperwork in, handed them in on back to school night.) Furthermore, the state of NY mandates that if a child does not have the proper medical paperwork after 30 days of school, the parent is to be notified.
HMMMMM......the last time paperwork was due to the school was when he was in 7th grade. Perhaps the school nurse is not paying attention??
I came home for the paperwork (I keep copies). I cannot find them. My husband has no knowledge of them (and, his argument, why should he, I was the one who brought the kid to the doctor). Well, I found suitable paperwork in the Boy Scout folder AND the medical paperwork probably walked out of the house when my husband handed them over for football.
Well, I guess I will just have to do this stuff on my own in the future. And, I think I'll make my son figure the crap out on his own. I am so incredibly inflamed because of this.
Ah, all is calm (ish) again. I finally found a copy of the paperwork. Now let's hope the school will be able to help me tomorrow.
Today's addition:
I called the high school to inquire about getting working papers for my son (and 8th grader who is 14). The secretary told me: a. go to the nurse's office before noon Friday.
I asked what I needed to bring with me: a social security card.
So, I drag my son to the school only to find that I could not use the high school nurse's office because he was not in high school. Then, I was told I needed his medical / physical paperwork. Needless to say, I made some noise-- is it too much to ask for the school secretary to either pass along correct information or forward my call to the person who can????? So, the high school nurse relented and said she'd call the nurse at the middle school to get an okay that he had the proper medical paperwork. Alas, his records are not up-to-date. (NOT my fault, by the way. I had all his paperwork in, handed them in on back to school night.) Furthermore, the state of NY mandates that if a child does not have the proper medical paperwork after 30 days of school, the parent is to be notified.
HMMMMM......the last time paperwork was due to the school was when he was in 7th grade. Perhaps the school nurse is not paying attention??
I came home for the paperwork (I keep copies). I cannot find them. My husband has no knowledge of them (and, his argument, why should he, I was the one who brought the kid to the doctor). Well, I found suitable paperwork in the Boy Scout folder AND the medical paperwork probably walked out of the house when my husband handed them over for football.
Well, I guess I will just have to do this stuff on my own in the future. And, I think I'll make my son figure the crap out on his own. I am so incredibly inflamed because of this.
Ah, all is calm (ish) again. I finally found a copy of the paperwork. Now let's hope the school will be able to help me tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Accidents and lawsuits
It's been over a year since I was t-boned on I-215 in Las Vegas. The woman who hit me took responsibility for the crash and we have the same insurance company. You'd think things would be smooth.
Not so.
On Friday I got a letter from a collection agency because the doctor who spent a whopping 7 minutes with me did not get paid in full from my insurance coverage. I called the collection agency who did not want anything from me but a date I would pay. Then, I was harassed yesterday by the same collection agency.
So, now I have to sue for damages so I am not stuck with a poor credit rating.
This would be easier in this case if, since the driver of the other car recognized that she was at fault, the other person's insurance just covered everything. Ugh. Pain in the ass.
Not so.
On Friday I got a letter from a collection agency because the doctor who spent a whopping 7 minutes with me did not get paid in full from my insurance coverage. I called the collection agency who did not want anything from me but a date I would pay. Then, I was harassed yesterday by the same collection agency.
So, now I have to sue for damages so I am not stuck with a poor credit rating.
This would be easier in this case if, since the driver of the other car recognized that she was at fault, the other person's insurance just covered everything. Ugh. Pain in the ass.
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