tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59393430502462079692024-03-07T08:13:04.432-06:00eatstsEric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-38653933114736502952009-03-16T09:30:00.005-05:002009-03-16T10:09:11.083-05:008 months, really?Alright, let's start with photos from the Oklahoma style wedding of my little brother and his lovely bride.<br /><br /><br /><br />The bride and her maids:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313794234821746114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5js_ARncI/AAAAAAAABP4/2h-yhz4rwKE/s400/PICT0757.JPG" border="0" /><br />The groom and his men:<br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313794245625336946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5jtnQDVHI/AAAAAAAABQA/G8LI_aRcZvM/s400/PICT0762.JPG" border="0" /><br />The reception:<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5jurk8kII/AAAAAAAABQY/rKzi1iLJFHE/s1600-h/PICT0787.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313794263966584962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5jurk8kII/AAAAAAAABQY/rKzi1iLJFHE/s400/PICT0787.JPG" border="0" /></a> Instead of cake they had pie, and instead of champagne they had beer. Of course, there was barbeque, karaoke, and a waterslide.<br /><br />My immediate family (minus the sister) for the first and probably only time in the same photo:</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5juWvjjnI/AAAAAAAABQQ/i_k9y7JXxk4/s1600-h/PICT0768Mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313794258373938802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5juWvjjnI/AAAAAAAABQQ/i_k9y7JXxk4/s400/PICT0768Mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Awww:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5jtvpe3kI/AAAAAAAABQI/0u-jGObm7gU/s1600-h/PICT0776.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313794247879482946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5jtvpe3kI/AAAAAAAABQI/0u-jGObm7gU/s400/PICT0776.JPG" border="0" /></a> They honeymooned in Jamaica. They are expecting their first child (Saedie Rene' Hallett) in about a week -- I guess they did more than snorkle in Jamaica.<br /></div><div>***</div><div><div> </div><div>Since the last post we've done tons of stuff. I can't think of most of it, but you can assume it was all pretty good. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We saw Alanis Morrissette.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313795469722596530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho677GrXrW5BZI5TDwFQNdCKvU9WYBt9GInBXnTbS76eJvE0HJ5luQWy_FNcTEZ8hIdRdC6NVocyrbwSQbIFNZBDKhALpqw_KGtuvoNQptru4GWoPGweM5vz8ebl59Ob4drFyHkiTabiY/s400/IMG_2601mod.jpg" border="0" />We also saw: Phantom of the Opera, <a href="http://www.thelesliejordan.com/">Leslie Jordan</a>, Rocky Horror, Barack Obama, and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SantaLand_Diaries">SantaLand Diaries</a>. Went to zoos and museums. Ate tons of great food. Attended parties. The ususal stuff.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We got some new stuff. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's Tony wiring up the <a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=televisions&type=televisions&subtype=lcdtv&model_cd=LN46A650A1FXZA">TV</a>.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313795489296556354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5k2ASYIUI/AAAAAAAABQ4/13gHN4pwkEs/s400/IMG_2633mod.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Tony got a new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Rogue">car</a>.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313795473705429266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5k1GNKaRI/AAAAAAAABQo/aOg_jr3TiSo/s400/IMG_2645.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>And we got a new mattress set -- yeah for sleep. </div><div></div><br /><div>Finally, the pets are still being cute (and peeing on the carpet).<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313795482106535186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Sb5k1lgJHRI/AAAAAAAABQw/-h25YZfPxO4/s400/IMG_2619.JPG" border="0" /> <div> </div></div></div>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-57698743421853957582008-07-13T12:32:00.009-05:002008-07-13T13:36:28.007-05:00As the World TurnsA lot of things can happen in just a short time. I last posted in mid-May, and life here is so different now that mid-May seems like last year. So I'll start slow and talk about all the parts I have pictures of.<br /><div><div><div><div><br />In gardening news, we planted a rose.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo8qriL-5I/AAAAAAAAA30/Suhtdr2n-uI/s1600-h/Rose.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553421827799954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo8qriL-5I/AAAAAAAAA30/Suhtdr2n-uI/s400/Rose.JPG" border="0" /></a> We planted a bunch of other stuff too, but I'm sticking with the things of which I have pics. This post will be long enough without listing every plant in the yard.</div><div></div><div>The bamboo looks great now that it is starting to fill in. We bought a little stone pagoda to sit with the bamboo. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553418416748658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo8qe07eHI/AAAAAAAAA3s/31LWZGUCc3Y/s400/pagoda.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>The whole bamboo area is slated to become a large pond with sitting area. We got the hole pretty much excavated, then started the difficult task of leveling and shaping, etc. We also bought the skimmer, pump, waterfall, and filtration system.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553409756881074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo8p-kQYLI/AAAAAAAAA3c/4RVG62qm5b8/s400/Fresh+Pond.JPG" border="0" /> But before any of that could go it, it rained for a month.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553412067628482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUKNtMxfXT_LFD8RyFnKncnMK_ik8KoskL6BcIiEaC06pl4QTU85u7cvOTNjI2cgR124tB5lfx7-FjLJJJjHS1VGBWugg4zUPT0pHm4DfY4V79gn_Ps2ThkZwDSL4YhTynpbb4iSe89I/s400/pond+full+of+rain.JPG" border="0" /> And every time we get the hole pumped out and about dry, it rains some more. The goal now is to have the pond up and running by the end of the year.<br /><br />In May the garden was starting to grow. We added paths between the beds and put in a drip irrigation system.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553367931729122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo8niwXNOI/AAAAAAAAA3U/nbmi_UBtoA8/s400/May+Garden.JPG" border="0" /><br />Now the garden is heavy with fruit. We've been harvesting: beans, tomatoes, corn, okra, herbs.<br /><br />The sunflowers are so neat. We planted three <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">different</span> kinds. I really like this red one. We have one sunflower that is 7-8 foot tall and has flowers the size of dinner plates.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553676341166770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo85fq5wrI/AAAAAAAAA4M/GjeD2cftJqU/s400/red+sunflower.JPG" border="0" /><br />The front yard garden is a bit neglected but looks good just the same.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553668542764818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo85CnnlxI/AAAAAAAAA38/nD0kFRmloJs/s400/front+pond.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>******</p><p>In travel news: not a lot of travel, but we've done lots of things. Including a day at <a href="http://www.tulsazoo.org/">the zoo</a>. I took too many pictures, and here are a few of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">favs</span>.<br /><br />Look at this loafer just standing around.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553678346053906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo85nI56RI/AAAAAAAAA4U/9gwT0WQjRWg/s400/bear.JPG" border="0" /><br />The flamingos were lazier than the bear and more vain. The stood around sleeping or preening.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553674582716994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo85ZHp8kI/AAAAAAAAA4E/ylX7f9KTs2w/s400/flamingo.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><p></p>The sea lions put on a show. At least someone is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">earning</span> their dinner. They taught us important lessons about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">recycling</span> by demonstrating how to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">retrieve</span> plastic bottles from the water and toss them into the can.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222555632901671922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo-rYbRy_I/AAAAAAAAA6U/qX-QR1rtgz8/s400/sea+lions.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p>The land lions must be friends with the bear and the flamingos; they also just stood around.<br /><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553677376614402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo85jhxcAI/AAAAAAAAA4c/f6TO_IoOoP8/s400/lions.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>******</p><p>We went to a concert: the <a href="http://www.truecolorstour.com/">True Colors Tour</a>. It's a gay pride thing.</p><p>The venue:</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554348185548498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo9gmfFdtI/AAAAAAAAA5M/nAFeGDOtjSY/s400/IMG_2293.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>It was hosted by Carson <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kressley</span>. He changed outfits like 5 times.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554352057045554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo9g06H0jI/AAAAAAAAA5c/0XgUNElUTQ4/s400/karson.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Here's Andy Bell of Erasure joined by Cyndi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lauper</span>!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553947223971890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3_k40lM-LNUqHJwHZDKuG0gg1DKdY8fMTPugnDZvSoz8B-CsTmPl1LB2lO1Z5x1eDKyCWxckcCbp8SFYJANON2Ir-e5n12uQUmDz8p-hdY0ZDPDR3kEiO768GZUq0k0ucAh-Nz03VMo/s400/Andy&Cyndi.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Joan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jett</span> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Blackhearts</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554347121659522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo9gihbzoI/AAAAAAAAA5U/b2QWsPyhOJU/s400/JoanJet.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Margret <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Cho</span>!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553951874523650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo9JiHLIgI/AAAAAAAAA40/E0QKP7fJZqg/s400/CHO1.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>This tour is Cyndi's baby. So she came out to talk about equality and voting or something. I'm sure the website says what all that's about.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553963941006258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo9KPEDC7I/AAAAAAAAA48/17N9xiiHfws/s400/CyndiPink1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553962667247042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo9KKUXBcI/AAAAAAAAA5E/2RotqB07cZk/s400/CyndiPink2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The B-52's !! Tony loves the B52's. They were a lot of fun. I also tried out my camera's video function for the first time during the B52's set. If I can figure out how to add it to this page, maybe I'll post it some time. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222553947639053842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo9JSVW_hI/AAAAAAAAA4s/4mdnPDoSXDc/s400/b52.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>After the B52's was Cyndi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Lauper</span>. She was amazing! But by that time, it was dark and I didn't get one good picture. They ended the show with all the performers singing <em>True Colors</em>. *tears*</p><p>******</p><p>So back to the life changing part. I got a job! A real job, not that private-practice-working-out-of-the-house shit. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Wheee</span>! I'm a staff attorney at the Tulsa Law Office of <a href="http://www.legalaidok.org/">Legal Aid Services Of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Okalhoma</span></a>. A salary, health insurance, an office with a window that doesn't look out on to the street in front of my house. And we are located in a really cool building: the Gillette-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Tyrell</span> Building also called the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Pythian</span> Building. It's on the National Register of Historic Places. My office is on the second floor, fifth window from the right.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554359110124722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo9hPLtRLI/AAAAAAAAA5s/MY3A1DZVsOM/s400/outside+office.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Tulsa is known for it's art deco buildings. So I'm so happy to be in one. The lobby is all tile work. Floor, walls, ceiling.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554827610176226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo98ge0uuI/AAAAAAAAA58/KkTLevHOmD4/s400/lobby+lights.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554831883614962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo98wZsOvI/AAAAAAAAA6E/CtTui0crr44/s400/lobby+walls.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>My office. Not a great picture.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554351406754130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZrhH-S17FD2Ow1P-ky74L6451SaEFstrSKCntcbz4QjUML9kaqDC7OCFuftJkAIH2JfYAEJwy_pE_XMSz3IP7K4m7kkIj6A19Au_9JHu9tlHBuH4yOI1DuLumCR48s-I33DffH2i-IU/s400/dark+office.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Another pic from that first week. It came with furniture. This is how it looked when I moved it. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Luckily</span>, I'm allowed to paint the walls and move in/out any furniture I want. Of course, it didn't take me long to start redecorating. It has a way to go, but when it's done, I'm sure to post more.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554830020704738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo98pdieeI/AAAAAAAAA50/oBn8lLGOlHE/s400/office.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>******</p><p>July 4, 2008, was our second anniversary. We went out that morning and bought rings. We are now unlawfully wed.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222554839987479058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SHo99OlzYhI/AAAAAAAAA6M/VvATC-_zvNk/s400/IMG_2495.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>******</p><p>Not much to report on the knitting front. Tony is working on a rug from Mason-Dixon. I finished a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">BSJ</span>. I'm sure we'll update a little sooner next time. yeah right.</p><p>Later, </p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-82833453223497948942008-05-13T20:14:00.008-05:002008-05-14T07:35:22.462-05:00Medieval things and new petsOn Friday we went to the Renaissance Festival.<br />Friday just happened to be student day, but Friday was the only day we could both go. On student day, they don't serve beer -- and there are so many darned kids. Needless to say, it wasn't as fun as last year. But we made the most of it.<br /><br />We saw a King,<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200036874358582034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo9_HsTaxI/AAAAAAAAAyM/2-f07VVv4T0/s400/IMG_1914.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And a Queen,</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200036870063614722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo9-3sTawI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Q_QD1vJLXH4/s400/IMG_1885.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Jousting,</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200036865768647410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo9-nsTavI/AAAAAAAAAx8/7K4Oho3DT_U/s400/IMG_1864.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Animals,</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200036878653549362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo9_XsTazI/AAAAAAAAAyc/0EAE2AX55sE/s400/IMG_1945.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And the gayest pirate ever!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200036878653549346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo9_XsTayI/AAAAAAAAAyU/1N8LbRfpdDk/s400/IMG_1920.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Too much sun and not enough beer made me a little silly by the end of the day. Here I am impersonating Tyra when she showed the girls how to use pain as inspiration when they draw a blank. Oh, I'm having cramps!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200037359689886530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo-bXsTa0I/AAAAAAAAAyk/STrTj2f8ou4/s400/IMG_1959.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Tony got a bit silly too.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200037363984853842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo-bnsTa1I/AAAAAAAAAys/cefk6kmo36E/s400/IMG_1962.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>In gardening news: we've started harvesting radishes.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200037363984853858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo-bnsTa2I/AAAAAAAAAy0/WrEHpH1mluM/s400/IMG_1997.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Tony propagated a new staghorn fern from his enormous one in the house. We mounted it to a piece of bark (with good ol' lace weight wool) and hung it in a tree. It shifted around a bit, but it'll fill in.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200037372574788482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo-cHsTa4I/AAAAAAAAAzE/k6ci8WgIi8E/s400/IMG_2014.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Lastly, we have a new pet. I was walking through the back yard today and I saw something scurry down a hole. I watched it for a bit and discovered that an Oklahoma Brown Tarantula has moved in. I gave it a bit of wood over its hole for protection and to remind us it lives there.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200037368279821170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo-b3sTa3I/AAAAAAAAAy8/EUSIoA13mOk/s400/IMG_2010.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Boo! S/he's scary! Their venom is less poisonous than a bee sting. They are supposed to be very docile. So it can stay.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200038515036089234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SCo_ensTa5I/AAAAAAAAAzM/0dE6LvJXbK0/s400/IMG_2007.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>In knitting news: I'm working on a baby surprise jacket. Wheee! Hopefully I'll have more knitting content soon.</p><p>Later, </p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-74762673694550185742008-04-30T10:13:00.006-05:002008-04-30T11:20:19.703-05:00Eric and Tony knit and garden, didn't you know?<div align="left">Howdy, Folks!<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">In knitting news:</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I finished the new blanket. Here she is fresh off the needles. This picture is a fairly close representation of the actual color.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057922129192690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SBiNp9QW5vI/AAAAAAAAAuw/EfPp1VZZhU8/s400/IMG_1714.JPG" border="0" />Here she is blocking. Somehow the camera picked up a little more blue than is actually there. It's a bit warm now and she will probably be hanging out on the back of a chair for a few months, but I lover her all the same. <div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057247819327090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SBiNCtQW5nI/AAAAAAAAAtw/hRkj-5p7o_k/s400/IMG_1730.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">The particulars:<br /></p><div align="center">Pattern: Feather and Fan Shawl by Eugene Beugler published in A Gathering of Lace.</div><div align="center">Yarn: Cascade Eco +; 2 skeins or 956 yards; in color 7009.</div><div align="center">Needles: KnitPicks Options US 10 (6.0 mm). I worked up to a 60" cable.<br />Started March 16, 2008, and finished April 19, 2008.</div><div align="center"></div><br />Mods and Notes: This is the Hemlock Ring Blanket version of the pattern. I love my HRB and really wanted another. But I also wanted some variation. This pattern is similar but a little more complex.<br /><br /><br />The pattern gives you the option of doing a straight feather-fan throughout or adding an eyelet cable every third repeat. I did the latter version because 1) I’ve already done a feather-fan throughout – see the HRB – and 2) I wanted something more challenging/entertaining to knit. Well I don’t know that it is any more challenging but it did keep the rounds interesting since I got to do something different every three repeats. Plus it was great for marking the sections so if I made a mistake I had a smaller chunk of knitting to inspect.<br /><br /><p>The Crochet bind off was no big deal. It only took a few hours and my crochet skills have improved!<br /></p><p>Otherwise, we are still slowly plugging away on previously started projects.<br /></p><p>***<br />Most of our time has been spent outdoors, duh.<br /><br />In Gardening news:<br /><br />We put in some ornamental grasses between the back porch and the veggies.<br /><br />Here is pink pompous grass. It is the center plant. We are expecting it to grow upwards of 12 feet -- maybe not this year, but eventually.<br /><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057252114294402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ia4G_FmFb-V1C-9idLBBNGSw-T-7Sp8jSpRME8d_Z6fYyXX8KaeUupwTg5mFVz5tKLaPlLgRKO34MSseF9TvA-JC9B3jlAIYM-yhrpBU_F46ia98PUEuOJAUO60n9RNa4aM15mF3FeE/s400/IMG_1740.jpg" border="0" />It is flanked on either side by purple fountain grass. Hopefully, it will all fill in to provide a screen.</p><p>We've trapped the bamboo. First we drove a barrier into the ground to stop its spread -- please, barrier, stop the spread! And we added a decorative border. We don't know that this will be the permanent border, but it works for now.<br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057260704229010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SBiNDdQW5pI/AAAAAAAAAuA/QPGyeGeb67k/s400/IMG_1792.jpg" border="0" />The bamboo is growing like crazy. You can literally watch the grass grow with this one. In good weather, we've seen some of the new shoots grow more than 6 inches during the day. And there are more than a dozen new shoots growing right now!</p><p>Tony has spent everyday this week putting in a path -- the first of several planned. As I'm writing this, he is adding the edging, and he has plans to go buy river rock today. He hopes to have the path finished by the end of the week.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057518402266834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SBiNSdQW5tI/AAAAAAAAAug/ZILjV1-wu0g/s400/IMG_1801.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>When he's not digging the path, Tony spends time willing the cannas to grow.</p><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057264999196322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SBiNDtQW5qI/AAAAAAAAAuI/YdrnjW3nCnk/s400/IMG_1798.jpg" border="0" /></p>The cannas are actually growing pretty fast right now. 10 out of 12 plants have poked one or more stems through the ground and most are 4 -6 inches tall and showing their first leaves.<br /><br />In the veggie patch, we have corn up to 6" tall. Okra and radishes shot out of the ground with a bang. Baby spinach and salad greens are coming along nicely. The tomatoes, bell peppers, shallots, and marigolds are growing. Green onions, cucumbers, nasturtium, parsley, basil, and carrots have poked through the earth. Recently we panted: more corn, more carrots, brussels sprouts, leaf lettuce, thyme, dill, and cilantro. Still nothing from the eggpant yet.<br /><br />Several years ago, I planted an Impatiens in a pot. I take it inside every winter and it lives! Then I put it back out in the spring. I've never repotted or added anything to the soil and it hasn't bloomed the last two summers. This year I decided to divide and repot the thing. And it has woody stems. I thought that was pretty neat.<br /><br />We've stared a fern garden in a shady spot. So far we've planted cinnamon fern, Japanese painted fern, and Autumn fern. We have plans to make that whole area into a shade garden paradise. I see rhododendron and hostas in our future.<br /><br />In the front garden, we are going with a purple/black, silver, and green theme. We've planted an ornamental pepper called black pearl, Persian shield, and palace purple choral bells. Plus we already have two purple barberrys. For the silver we have some lavender from last year, dusty miller, a silver dollar eucalyptus, and firewitch dianthus that has a blue/silver foliage. As for green, we mostly have foliage plants. There is some lemon balm from last year as well as a mum. We planted a mosquito plant (the gardenia kind), and a Big Twister Rush. Plus some water plants in the pond.<br /><br />Below is the shrubs in front of the porch. They have been there most all my life -- seriously at least 25 years. In the back is a Nandina which we love love love for it's year round interest. In front are two shrubs that used to be more popular but we don't see enough of them around here anymore. They are abelia x grandiflora. They are semi-evergreen (they lose about half there leaves a month or so before re-leafing) so they give year round color. And by the end of May they are covered in little white/pink bell shaped flowers that are so fragrant you can smell them from the street. They attract tons of butterflies, moths, and bees. They stay in flower into July. In a good year, the ground looks like snow beneath them. This year they are bit wonky because I gave them their first ever prune-job in the fall. But they will bounce right back.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057509812332226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SBiNR9QW5sI/AAAAAAAAAuY/GqJXqprogtg/s400/IMG_1780.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>Here is another cat that has adopted us. She mostly sits there and watches. Occasionally she climbs the back door screen to torment my indoor kitty.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057269294163634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SBiND9QW5rI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/a8z2JS727vA/s400/IMG_1757.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Lastly, the pink tulips did really well this year. They are still in flower -- one is still holding a bud. The red and yellow striped tulips didn't fare so well. But pink tulips are my favorite so I'm happy.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195057526992201442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SBiNS9QW5uI/AAAAAAAAAuo/6vC5XcbsNu8/s400/IMG_1808.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-69513384616223079762008-04-17T11:45:00.004-05:002008-04-17T12:03:54.526-05:00Bring on the Oral Surgery!<div>I'm trying to stay positive about a root canal I get to have in two weeks. Last week I got feverish and just overall yucky feeling. Turns out I had an abscessed tooth. Fun. So I get to have my first root canal. I've never been sedated before -- that's the scary part for me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In knitting news:</div><br /><div>I'm almost finished with the Big Green Monster. 5 more rounds of stockinette and a crocheted bind off. My crochet skills are a bit on the weak side so it may take several tries to pull this one off. And if the crochet is too complicated then I'll do the HRB bind off.</div><div></div><br /><div>Tony is more than half way done with his Branching Out. He got bored with it and set it aside for a few days to crank out this doily.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190260148349172210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SAeCGxI3-fI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/Btjos3usjrI/s400/IMG_1674.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><div>It's an unknown worsted weight yarn on size US8 needles. The pattern is: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/liz-snellas-heirloom-doily">Liz Snella's Heirloom Doily</a> (Ravelry). Now he's obsessed with doily patterns. I think he's turning into an old lady -- about time in my opinion. </div><br /><div></div><div>We're both loving Herbert Niebling patterns right now. If I get my hands on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lotus-flower">Lotus Flower </a>or <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oak-2">Oak</a> patterns, watch out! </div><br /><div></div><div>In gardening news: we got the second and third raised veggie beds built and got the second bed planted. MMMM: Okra, Roma tomato, cucumber, eggplant, radish, chives, and jalapeno.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190260152644139522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SAeCHBI3-gI/AAAAAAAAAtY/sqemcJtUqNc/s400/IMG_1682.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><div>We also planted a stick. It doesn't look like much now, but it'll be awesome when it grows. More on the mystery stick to come.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190260156939106834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SAeCHRI3-hI/AAAAAAAAAtg/BNRTU2HfKBw/s400/IMG_1691.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><div>Lastly, here is one of the Daffodils. Isn't she a beauty!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190260161234074146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/SAeCHhI3-iI/AAAAAAAAAto/pRUSpKAiyLc/s400/IMG_1707.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p> </p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-72252748668075644412008-04-09T08:45:00.003-05:002008-04-09T09:26:10.031-05:00What do Eric & Tony like?Knitting and gardening, of course!<br /><p>I've put the Big Green Monster on hold until our knitpicks order arrives with the longer cable needles we ordered. It's currently in 40" but with more than 600 heavy worsted stitches, it's a pain to knit on at the moment. We ordered 47" and 60", and I think I may knit directly onto 60s when they arrive. </p><p>So I've started an EZ baby sweater on two needles. I think this one will be a trial run and wind up on a stuffed animal living on a shelf. I'm not crazy about the color or the gauge. The yarn is East Wind Farms Merino Sock Yarn. It's a bit too fine for US3s so I don't care for the resulting fabric. And the colors looked better skeined than wound. In real life, the yellow is a bit pea-soup vomit. Plus, I know better than to use such strong color variegation on a lace pattern.</p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187241777218147682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_zI6ccnVWI/AAAAAAAAAsw/HXd_kEfldwk/s400/IMG_1654.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Tony was really enjoying his first lace project but found the lace weight yarn a bit too slidey and fidgety for his first attempt at lace. So he cast it aside for now and started Branching Out in a heavier gauge: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash worsted. It's actually left over yarn from some <a href="http://eatsts.blogspot.com/2007/12/holiday-knitting.html">holiday knitting.</a></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187241790103049586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_zI7McnVXI/AAAAAAAAAs4/hJ_0YCzIdik/s400/IMG_1664.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>In gardening news:</p><p>Tony and I were very impressed with ourselves for building a simple little compost heap last year. And we have dutifully disposed of most all our vegetable waste into the heap every since. And even though the compost isn't fully broken down, we happily add it to all our planting sites figuring that "it's organic material, it'll be good."</p><p>Well, we still have a thing or two to learn about composting. Last fall we had an orange and a white pumpkin along with a few miscellaneous gourds decorating our front porch. When they started to turn to mush, we threw them onto the compost heap. What we didn't do: remove all the seeds.</p><p>About a week ago we started noticing strange little plants popping up in our Canna bed. We've just been watching them, trying to figure out what type of weed they must be. Then yesterday we poked around in the surrounding soil and found pumpkin seeds. uh oh. We have half a dozen pumpkins currently sprouting up in the Canna bed. So they will be removed. We may keep one if we can find a home for it though we have no need for tons of pumpkins. Luckily, we didn't use any of the organic matter in the vegetable garden -- we bought a garden mix from a dirt dealer that contained aged manure and other good stuff.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187241802987951506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_zI78cnVZI/AAAAAAAAAtI/NqGcSbco-1I/s400/IMG_1665.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Speaking of the vegetable garden, we have mixed salad greens poking up through the soil. Weeee!</p><p>Lastly, the Irises have been bursting with color for the last week or so. We cut a few to take in the house. These are sharing a home with the Beta.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187241794398016898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_zI7ccnVYI/AAAAAAAAAtA/q9hR9-AORI4/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The picture is the official <a href="http://www.tulsamayfest.com/">Tulsa Mayfest</a> poster for 2006.</p><p>Later Ya'll,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-56396722267730873742008-04-01T18:30:00.006-05:002008-04-01T19:07:49.351-05:00It's Alive!Yes we are alive. I've been so busy with work and Tony keeps me busy with gardening when I'm home. Plus I was in a bit of a knitting slump for a few weeks so I didn't have much to blog about even if I had the time.<br /><br /><br />So what are we up to? A lot of this!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424459060598050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGk8cnVSI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/AgxtJspo1kM/s320/IMG_1623.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Here's Tony taking a bucket full of water to the recently planted veggie patch. We have plans to build two more raised beds, but time keeps kicking us in the ass. At least we finally got the first one planted. We planted: carrots, baby spinach, mixed salad greens, rosemary, sage, basil, parsley, two tomatoes, corn and a few bell peppers. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mmmm</span>. </p><p>We've done lots of other building projects, including:</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424454765630738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGkscnVRI/AAAAAAAAAsI/tdcwisArJCg/s320/IMG_1614.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Canna</span> bed! It's the dirt patch left of the Crepe Myrtle and in front of the fence. That involved taking out the dirt that was there -- mostly clay (seriously, I should start making pottery) and replacing it with a good quality soil/sand/manure/organic material mixture.</p><p>I wouldn't go so far as to say putting up this bird feeder was "construction" but it was still work. We had to plan exactly where to put it. I know that it <em>is</em> next to a bush and we <em>do</em> have two cats that roam the yard. Hey, cats gotta eat too. No, that's really not been a problem. The cats are too fat to chase birds.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424459060598066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGk8cnVTI/AAAAAAAAAsY/jfpCSQ0R-_U/s320/IMG_1624.JPG" border="0" />We built a 5'x5' stone porch for the Shed. Hopefully those plantings will take off and fill-in between all the stones. Building that thing was a real pain. We had to excavate the site, compact layers of clay, pebbles, sand and earth to create a foundation. Then place the rocks (more than 400 pounds worth transported in the trunk of Tony's Cavalier) and level them. Add more earth and plantings. Ugh. So worth it though. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424205657527538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGWMcnVPI/AAAAAAAAAr4/DDc2mvQVePk/s320/IMG_1606.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Of course, there has been plenty of tending to plants new and old. Here is an old Orchid newly in bloom.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424201362560226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGV8cnVOI/AAAAAAAAArw/5ykOObn1kzc/s320/IMG_1602.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And bulbs are coming up. The Crocus are already finished, but the Grape Hyacinth is still going strong</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424459060598082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGk8cnVUI/AAAAAAAAAsg/gEI-N4XKDB8/s320/IMG_1632.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And the Regular <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hyacinth</span> too!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424463355565394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGlMcnVVI/AAAAAAAAAso/M3og2qdkhek/s320/IMG_1639.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>There are also Tulips and Daffodils in the yard. I'll try to get some good pics of those next time.</p><p>This is the first of numerous planned hanging baskets. This one has a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">scented</span> Geranium (smells like soap or citronella) and has pretty pink flowers. It's combined with petunias (both blue and white).</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424205657527554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGWMcnVQI/AAAAAAAAAsA/WRNqwen0NTM/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>We have done some knitting too.</p><p>Tony is trying his first bit of lace. He started the Branching Out scarf pattern in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">KnitPicks</span> Alpaca Cloud. After a few repeats, he decided he'd rather do it in a heavier weight. So he restarted it this morning.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424197067592914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGVscnVNI/AAAAAAAAAro/h2oNFq4yVpA/s320/IMG_1600.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>I started a new blanket -- just in time for warm weather. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lol</span>. I really love my Hemlock Ring Blanket and have been wanting another. Then we bought "A Gathering of Lace" and the Feather and Fan pattern really caught my eye. So I'm doing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">HRB</span> version of that pattern. The Yarn is Cascade Eco + that I originally purchased to do another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">HRB</span>. Yes it is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Greeeeeeen</span>! But I love it and it's for me so there. I should be done with this pretty soon. It has been a super fast knit -- maybe because I love love love working on it.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184424188477658306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R_LGVMcnVMI/AAAAAAAAArg/yOv0iKDdytE/s320/IMG_1598.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>That's all for today. </p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-759168260620138492008-02-20T18:19:00.007-06:002008-02-20T18:46:25.159-06:00Did I say knitting content?I meant every-thing-other-than-knitting content.<br /><br />It's almost the outdoors time of year. Actually, we've only had a few nice days with plenty of freezy days in between. But a few nice days was all the motivation we needed to start planning the gardens. Tony already started a bunch of seedlings for a vegetable garden. Weeee! And we began construction -- who? us? -- on our first project of the season.<br /><br /><br />Here is Tony working on the first of three raised veggie beds. Each one will be 3 foot by 12 foot by 20 inches. Three feet will separate each bed.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2280782052_2092859307_b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169222143831833666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R7zEJvAt_EI/AAAAAAAAAnY/8SF3J_40Bas/s320/Box+1+WIP.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And here is the first finished bed.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2040/2280781776_3a15071684_b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169222139536866354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHka-pWR5kmlbWI6EE7aufnmT4dIVTv1K0TOa4Eki_eYXjK4k0wlnw7pgkCJnwwhC0T1o7MS7FTE7YTVuZhno7DL1jCRMo-WLdvRGKiJHu9Z7hwVrgDLVDG_nxiAZGyxJLeAA6VIXkFbE/s320/Box+1+Complete.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>We're going to line them then fill them with a "garden mix" from a local dirt seller and our own compost fresh from the bin we build last year.</p><p>We're planting: tomatoes (duh), corn, okra, lots of carrots, radishes, cucumbers, spinach, lettuce, herbs herbs herbs, peppers, eggplant, shallots, and I'm sure there are others. Obviously we are not planting more than one or two plants of each -- except the carrots.</p><p>There are also plans for a Canna bed and we are starting a Japanese Garden by the bamboo.</p><p>In other news: Tony started a new job this week. He's still nursing-home nursing, but in a much nicer facility and with a substantial raise. YAY!</p><p>Knitting is coming along . . . slowly :( I'm sure that will turn around soon enough.</p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-92091984328833143912008-02-06T18:09:00.000-06:002008-02-06T18:20:27.609-06:00Busy Busy BusyThings are so busy here these days.<br /><br /><br /><br />Not much knitting to report. Things are moving along -- albeit slowly.<br /><br /><br /><br />We have an orchid in bloom.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164024720338246290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R6pNH3sY2pI/AAAAAAAAAmw/xUjfiToD6QQ/s320/White+Phal.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164024724633213602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R6pNIHsY2qI/AAAAAAAAAm4/inqPKQxbCVU/s320/white+Phal2.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164024728928180914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQswG8AwNGw7sJ9yPUeQJCJqwoSTX4W2UFNebuENX8Xnjma-AAYWznTXMvN_qX_c5-4vbw7GTIGJS32T0dkvjUVc0zKERkUX8WJAS-3dhTaxsnKD0j_5uN1N6CMgAb_ivK6V2EFGapCI/s320/White+Phal3.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>This Orchid is a Phalaenopsis amabilis. It's a cross of "Pamela Perfection" and "Malibu Cloud." It was a lot more trained (?) <a href="http://eatsts.blogspot.com/2007/05/nupps-ha.html">last year</a>. This year it's a bit wild but we enjoy it anyway.</p><p>A daisy too:<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164024737518115522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R6pNI3sY2sI/AAAAAAAAAnI/9G2p5Ybv5iM/s320/daisy.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>I'll see about some knitting content next week.</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-17895363144544292962008-01-29T17:55:00.000-06:002008-01-29T18:12:49.054-06:00Drama for your MamaWe had drama on Sunday which contributed to my not posting on Sunday. So I'm posting on Tuesday!<br /><p>First up: The Noro Striped Scarf is done!</p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161052504185166402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R5-96HsY2kI/AAAAAAAAAmE/DqJWWgAIMrU/s320/noro3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161052517070068306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R5-963sY2lI/AAAAAAAAAmM/6t5Hx8eqn7M/s320/noro2.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The Particulars:</p><p align="center">Pattern: Noro Striped Scarf</p><p align="center">Yarn: 2 skeins Noro Kureyon, color 195. 2 skeins Noro Kureyon, color 92</p><p align="center">Needles: US8s</p><p>Next: the cooler weather prompted me to knit another sweater for Sissy.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161052521365035618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R5-97HsY2mI/AAAAAAAAAmU/iGq-7qz1s9U/s320/sissys+stripey1.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Pattern: Cowl and Howl set from Stitch n' Bitch -- minus the Cowl.</p><p align="center">Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky in Blue Boy and Kiwi -- about 1/4 skein of each.</p><p align="center">Needles: US10s</p><p align="center">Mods: I didn't make the sleeves and I made a shorter neck so it's more like a turtle neck instead of a cowl. Also, this one is a little shorter and snugger than than the red and black one -- which is a little on the baggy side. Using smaller needles and casting on fewer stitches made a sweater that fits just right!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161052521365035634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R5-97HsY2nI/AAAAAAAAAmc/W118aTyYE8Y/s320/sissys+stripey2.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161052529954970242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R5-97nsY2oI/AAAAAAAAAmk/qZqQ48Otx98/s320/sissys+stripey3.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Tony finished his first of the Camo socks. </p><p>I ripped the mitten and restarted it on US1s. The sizing is better. I still have a ways to go but hope to have them done-ish before the next knit night.</p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-34326348291946134132008-01-20T12:46:00.000-06:002008-01-20T13:14:26.364-06:00New StuffNew projects abound here at Chez Gays.<br /><br /><br /><p>Tony started another pair of socks. These are worsted weight. Elizabeth Austen Andes in a green/gold colorway. He's using a 3x2 rib throughout.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157633030181479362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxgIm34MxguSRanlIryGADY3lvNkU6wIu1y3ud4bLqsvnIO-d2x1cLoepqlhHDxEEc8sLXKcBrpUhdUaWQZ4yiXRxll6mM-syjA0OIf56ntfn6RGP-J8yhOuJm3fgjIfGF3nCHcle4k4/s320/Andes+Camos+WIP1.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p>I'm working on my first bit of stranded knitting since the <a href="http://eatsts.blogspot.com/2007/01/glacier-donkey-pirates.html">pirate hats</a>. This is the <a href="http://www.kategilbert.com/ms_birdinhand.html">Bird in Hand</a> mittens by Kate Gilbert. I'm using Cascade 220 in red and white on US3s.</p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157632991526773682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R5OX4SXJ47I/AAAAAAAAAlg/8FFXdj98MLc/s320/BH+WIP+2.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br />I'm still working on my kpppm socks. They were restarted on US1s with the magic loop technique. But being st st, they are a bit boring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Tony is still working on his Tigers, and his Noro is about finished.<br /><br /><br /><br />In pet news:<br /><br />Tony set up a gold fish bowl and a beta bowl in the living room -- as if we don't have enough living in our house. We also got another bamboo shrimp for the big tank.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157637192004789202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R5ObsyXJ49I/AAAAAAAAAlw/7S8N7ErZOfs/s320/new+goldys.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Lastly: It's Idol Time! I'm very excited for the new season of American Idol, but more on that later.</p><p>Knit on, yo!</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-65476702329458218842008-01-13T16:45:00.000-06:002008-01-13T16:52:37.489-06:00Premature Posting<div>I didn't realize that I would finish the lace project today. She's blocking right now.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155096319417246626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4qUyiXJ46I/AAAAAAAAAlY/Gwj9RHnleTs/s400/Lace+Poncho+Blocking.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="center">The Details:</p><p align="center">Pattern: <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/freepatterns/pdf/Poncho_staff_instructions.pdf">Lace Poncho</a> from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">IK</span> Fall 2005 -- free pattern!</p><p align="center">Yarn: Cascade 220 in a camel color. It's really more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">goldy</span>-tan than the picture lets on. 2 skeins.</p><p align="center">Needles: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Knitpicks</span> Options US 8</p><p align="center">Size while blocking: 14-18" x 53-55"</p><p align="center">Started: December 31, 2007</p><p align="center">Completed: January 13, 2008</p><p align="center">Modifications: I only did 8 pattern repeats instead of the required 9. I could have probably squeezed another 1/2 pattern repeat out of the yarn. Also, I am not planning on sewing it into a poncho shape.</p><p>Whee!</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-30323717525360241682008-01-13T12:26:00.000-06:002008-01-13T12:55:04.801-06:00Half way done<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4pYCSXJ45I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/GD9hxuu4XFo/s1600-h/NSS+WIP.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155029519790891922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4pYCSXJ45I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/GD9hxuu4XFo/s400/NSS+WIP.jpg" border="0" /></a>Need I say more?Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-59376206516797613032008-01-06T09:26:00.000-06:002008-01-06T10:50:14.529-06:00May Your New Year be Filled with YarnOur new year started off right with trips the the LYSee.<br /><br />From <a href="https://stitchesoftulsa.com/">Stitches</a>, we got some Berroco Comfort in green and brown:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152386388326998802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4D0HyXJ4xI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/nxFDQGlT8bk/s320/Green+and+Brown+Comforts.JPG" border="0" />I think Tony plans to use them for the Argyle Scarf from Son of SnB. <p>We also picked up this Andes Wool for nothing in particular. It was on sale; what's a girl to do?</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152386409801835298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4D0JCXJ4yI/AAAAAAAAAkY/9DYyokbhuWo/s320/Andes.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Then it was on to <a href="http://www.loopsknitting.com/">Loops</a> where we just had to get some of the new Noro Sock yarn -- color S92.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152386418391769938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4D0JiXJ41I/AAAAAAAAAkw/MXQyrk7tR2A/s320/Noro+Sock.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And since Tony gave away his beloved Noro Scarf, we had to get some Kureyon to make another.</p><p>Color 92:</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152386414096802610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4D0JSXJ4zI/AAAAAAAAAkg/rZj8_fKAc4Q/s320/Noro+Kureyon+bright.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And color 195:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152386414096802626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4D0JSXJ40I/AAAAAAAAAko/JEO2Z36woww/s320/Noro+Kureyon+Dark.JPG" border="0" />Tony's planning on a Noro Striped Scarf. 400 Meters of yarn in 1x1 rib sounds like hell to me, but it should be beautiful when completed.</p>I've started a little lace number:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152395390578451314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4D8TyXJ43I/AAAAAAAAAlA/QlGhfPxsemc/s320/Lace+Poncho+WIP1.jpg" border="0" /><br />This is half the Lace Poncho from IK Fall 2005. It's a free pattern on the website. I don't plan on sewing the ends together to make a poncho but will leave it as a wrap. If the recipient -- as yet unknown -- wants a Poncho, then I'll consider sewing it. My motivation here is mindless knitting. Plus I really like the spin on the old feather/fan standard. And it's always nice to have a few FOs laying about for spur-of-the-moment gifting.<br /><br />And, of course, there are socks on the needles:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152395394873418626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4D8UCXJ44I/AAAAAAAAAlI/YswEJbpQwrU/s320/Koigu+SockWIP2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>I bought this KPPPM a while back and have been drooling over it every since. I started a pair of Monkeys with it several months ago, but decided Cookie's brilliant pattern was just too much when combined with this fabu yarn. So I frogged it. Then about a month ago, I retried using a simpler pattern. And again, it was too much so I frogged it. Good ol' stockinette was chosen as the best way to showcase the yarn, so I tried again. But the needles where too big and I didn't care for the resultant fabric, and I frogged it for a third time. I really like where it is going this time, but I am starting to think I will frog it and cast on fewer stitches -- it's a little too sleevey and not enough socky. ugh!</p><p>On Tony's needles: he has agian picked up the Tiger looking socks he started so long ago. He finished the first and will start the second this week. Also, he has plans to rip out the BMP's and try again at a different gauge.</p><p>On the homefront: we went to OKC for New Years eve. It had been awhile since we stayed at the <a href="http://www.habanainn.com/habanainn-1.html">Habana</a> and it was about time we got our gay batteries recharged. We visited all the clubs there in Oklahoma's gayest district, starting with Tramps -- the strongest drinks anywhere. We chose the <a href="http://www.habanainn.com/copa.html">Copa</a> for the hour leading up to the big countdown -- nothing like high-energy dance to ring in the new year and to burn off all those calories from the booze. We ended the night at <a href="http://www.habanainn.com/higushers-1.html">Gushers</a> -- mmmm breakfast buffet at 2 a.m.</p><p>Lastly, we bought this for the house:</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152395386283484002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R4D8TiXJ42I/AAAAAAAAAk4/HYYtt8KW_nk/s320/Kitty+Keys.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Ooh, I finally got something from Restoration Hardware.</p><p>Hope your new year is filled with Yarn!</p><p>Later, </p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-59389640551068826042007-12-30T16:20:00.000-06:002007-12-30T17:09:58.110-06:00Holiday KnittingThe gifting:<br /><br /><br />Tony made these for his mother. They are the North Star Mittens from <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Mittens-Cool-Patterns-Keep/dp/1580174833/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199054871&sr=8-1">Knit Mittens</a>! </em>He used Debbie Bliss Baby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cashmerino</span> in Black and Tan.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gabyXJ4wI/AAAAAAAAAkI/V701D_U2JMo/s1600-h/IMG_1148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149895238575842050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gabyXJ4wI/AAAAAAAAAkI/V701D_U2JMo/s320/IMG_1148.JPG" border="0" /></a> I made this <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTbranchingout.html">Branching Out </a>Scarf from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Knitty</span> dot com with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Elsebeth</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lavold</span> Silky Wool for my Dad's wife, Sheila.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaOCXJ4rI/AAAAAAAAAjg/4Sao1SJeC2g/s1600-h/BO+BLocking2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149895002352640690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaOCXJ4rI/AAAAAAAAAjg/4Sao1SJeC2g/s320/BO+BLocking2.JPG" border="0" /></a> I made three <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Watchcaps</span> from Knitting Without Tears. All are in Rowan Big Wool. One for Dad, one for my little bro, Alan, and one for his fiance, Jessica.</div><br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaOiXJ4sI/AAAAAAAAAjo/dP5-guPbzBs/s1600-h/three+xmas+watchcaps+2007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149895010942575298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaOiXJ4sI/AAAAAAAAAjo/dP5-guPbzBs/s320/three+xmas+watchcaps+2007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I made these socks for Tony's Ma, Sue. They are in the same yarn as her mittens. It is the International sock of Doom pattern. You may remember that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ISoD</span> pattern was the very first sock pattern I used just <a href="http://eatsts.blogspot.com/2006/12/tis-season.html">one year ago</a>. My technique is much improved.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaOyXJ4tI/AAAAAAAAAjw/VfM4s1mXB-A/s1600-h/IMG_1259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149895015237542610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaOyXJ4tI/AAAAAAAAAjw/VfM4s1mXB-A/s320/IMG_1259.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tony made these stockinette socks for his friend, Mark. They are made from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Berroco</span> Comfort so Mark will have no problem caring for them.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaOyXJ4uI/AAAAAAAAAj4/K8ENgAqqA2k/s1600-h/marks+stst.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149895015237542626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaOyXJ4uI/AAAAAAAAAj4/K8ENgAqqA2k/s320/marks+stst.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tony made the Elfin Hat and Scarf set from the Interweave Knits Fall 2007, for his sister, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Racheal</span>. The yarn is Lamb's Pride <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Superwash</span> worsted.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaPSXJ4vI/AAAAAAAAAkA/V2LNeEcf8Ls/s1600-h/Elfin+Tony2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149895023827477234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R3gaPSXJ4vI/AAAAAAAAAkA/V2LNeEcf8Ls/s320/Elfin+Tony2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tony also made a garter stitch scarf in wide orange and black stripes for his Ma's husband, Jay. He is an <a href="http://osu.okstate.edu/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">OSU</span></a> fan and requested the scarf. I didn't get any pictures though.<br /><p>We had a good holiday. We went to Tony's parent's, then to my Mother's, then to Dad's.</p><p>We got: an electric throw blanket; flannel sheets; clothes; shoes; a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Calphalon</span> enamel coated, cast iron <a href="http://www.calphalon.com/calphalon/consumer/products/productGroup.jhtml;jsessionid=CLZIQQNIV3AZECQHUB2CGWQKA4QGIJCK?catId=CLCat200008">dutch oven</a> in a lovely Cabernet color; gift certificates; a Carrie Underwood CD; <a href="http://www.interweave.com/knit/books/favorite_socks/"><em>Favorite Socks</em></a>; a paper shredder; and a car buffer.</p><p>Tony bought us a new <a href="http://ximportsfurniture.com/catalog/2008/PUBBAR/photo8.html">table</a> for the dining room and I bought us a new <a href="http://www.hamptonbay.com/Product.aspx?pid=0f4d947a-81bb-4d48-8fa7-f2a891e07a30&cid=791090">ceiling fan</a>.</p><p>Now we are making plans for the New Year celebrations. </p><p>I'm making a sweater in 2008. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">EZ</span> shall be my guide.</p><p>Don't party too hard!</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-49872595274353945162007-12-23T20:26:00.001-06:002007-12-23T20:28:42.900-06:00Happy Holidays<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R28ZACXJ4qI/AAAAAAAAAjY/-S57EI4BWEM/s1600-h/Korki.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147360387532448418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R28ZACXJ4qI/AAAAAAAAAjY/-S57EI4BWEM/s320/Korki.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">Happy Holidays!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"></span> </div><div align="left">I'll be back next week with a rundown of all the holiday projects and merriment.</div>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-5253857326452161722007-12-16T11:55:00.000-06:002007-12-16T13:00:49.830-06:00Drum Roll PleaseOh wait, the drum head has broken under the weight of all the ice. hmmm. More on that later.<br /><br /><br />Randomly chosen as the first <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Very</span> <span style="color:#009900;">Merry</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Blogiversary</span></strong> <strong><span style="color:#009900;">Contest </span></strong>Happy Holidays mystery yarn winner is: <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Y</span><span style="color:#009900;">a</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">k</span><span style="color:#009900;">i</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">d</span><span style="color:#009900;">u</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">k</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Congratulations!!! </span></strong></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div align="left">Now if you will send me your particulars (address especially) to eric-hallett at cox dot net, I will send you your prize. Wheeee!</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">As some of you may know, Tulsa and much of Oklahoma has been under attack from the Ice Queen. We lost power, we lost trees, we lost a lot of food, we lost our minds, but mostly it was just depressing. Not knowing how long it would take to get power back was the worst part. And I can't complain because there are still 10s of thousands without power. Our power stayed on longer than most. We lost our's at 2:30 pm on Monday. A lot of people went out on Sunday night. We got power back on Thursday around 5:30 pm. 75 hours could have been much worse. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">We were also fortunate to not lose our gas service. We have a gas stove and hot water heater so we were able to take hot showers and cook -- and I may have used the cook top to heat the kitchen even though that is so dangerous. Plus we have plenty of blankets and wool socks. Combine those with the power of cuddling and the nights were cozy.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">And thankfully, the cats and dog and all our human friends made it out unharmed -- physically at least. We did lose a few fish and a bamboo shrimp.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Sunday night was really scary. All night long you could hear trees snapping like gun shots.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Monday morning, after the first blast, this tree in the back yard was already a total loss. And it landed on a wire.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144637704684298786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R2VsvCXJ4iI/AAAAAAAAAiY/7aPFt7wgUng/s320/Back+Day+1.JPG" border="0" />In the front yard, this tree is also a total loss and it landed on our old work truck. The truck is fine -- I think.<br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144637708979266098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R2VsvSXJ4jI/AAAAAAAAAig/CjX8i9NaqtE/s320/fnt+day+2.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><p>In its own way, the ice was beautiful. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144637721864168018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZkl0JhG4gCL8JRpKp9_vWG83CupEhW9YlYHlSw1F1Lo1NhSHxGHRJC0SUqnshuNT80zHRd1urF2P43GyqI8tACUV3Q_cAOP_JMj7fgevfxGPuKdw2epoBfh6OppfJfmQB0zs5WCliaI/s320/fnt+d2.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>This is just some random tree in the neighborhood. I thought it looked kinda cool in a frozen Halloween kinda way.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144637730454102626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R2VswiXJ4mI/AAAAAAAAAi4/gL64YVDGO54/s320/cool.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>Oklahoma doesn't usually have freezing rain or snow til January. In this last week we've had freezing rain, thaw, and then snow. Stupid global climate change. For more pictures of the carnage, you can check my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eatsts/">Flickr!</a> page.</p><p>In other news:</p><p>I did have plenty of quality knitting time. So I spent some time with Ms Zimmermann -- always time well spent -- and made a few hats. First is the Watchcap from <em>Knitting Without Tears</em>. I seamed and re-seamed this 4 or 5 times and will probably do it again after further anaysis with the ladies at knit night. Brioche stitch is fun! And this hat only took a few hours.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144639826398143122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R2VuqiXJ4pI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/RO70CqciKsA/s320/Watchcap.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Then I set to work on a Ganomy from <em>Knitter's Almanac</em>. I knew I didn't want a stocking cap so I modified it to speed up the decreasing, but ended up with a fin on top. hmmm. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144639809218273906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R2VupiXJ4nI/AAAAAAAAAjA/e77oqRU7U84/s320/Ganomy+1.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>So I ripped back and added some additional decreasing. It was still a bit finny, but with a bit of creative folding, I found a result that I like -- for now anyway. And this hat also only took a few hours.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144639817808208514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R2VuqCXJ4oI/AAAAAAAAAjI/Lb-tCboUXnE/s320/Ganomy+mod.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>We did other knitting -- mostly holiday stuff. We discovered that worsted weight socks take no time. I shared my new knowledge of magic loop knitting with Tony who is turning out socks like a machine.</p><p>Speaking of holiday knitting, we're almost out of time so I'm getting back to it.</p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-73350482297428992522007-12-09T09:12:00.000-06:002007-12-09T10:05:48.499-06:00A Very Merry UnbirthdayAnd a <strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Very</span> <span style="color:#009900;">Merry</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Blogiversary</span> <span style="color:#33cc00;">Contest!!!</span></span></strong> <div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hizzah</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">for one year of blogging! And to Celebrate we are having a contest. It isn't hard, I promise. To enter you must leave a comment for this posting. A random commenter will be chosen as the winner. Wheeeee! The prize will be Yarn but it has yet to be chosen. Oooh mystery yarn just in time for the holidays. The winner will be chosen from all entrants on Saturday night and will be announced on next weeks post. Odds of winning are dependant on the number of entries received. You must be 18 to enter. Good Luck!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Holiday knitting continues. Some has been posted on Ravelry. All will be revealed in January.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:130%;"></span></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">I have learned the magic loop for making socks. With DK weight yarn, size 4 needles, and the magic loop method, I can make a pair of socks in no time. Seriously, days instead of weeks.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">This week we made a few holiday greeting cards. Thanks to </span><a href="http://stitchnsue.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Emma</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and especially to her sister Sara for hosting our card making party.</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141995736424653298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IByviBUzDF1giLg7HBaIJG_S7j1hd98Zy5zqDWSTZUU4TYf-hSD1nL-jzNU2VW-H94PT_nyUkG5wJFdBE28QDwQrjiHa20vRcbpZIF7XBxWgfKbl0ofUS8LsDhR8QwdUrGQr9C7A248/s320/IMG_1245.JPG" border="0" /></span></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141995500201451938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R1wJqfoqIaI/AAAAAAAAAhg/pSd45DhsWGE/s320/IMG_1233.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141995504496419250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R1wJqvoqIbI/AAAAAAAAAho/qNHtFcSelWM/s320/IMG_1234.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141995508791386594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R1wJq_oqIeI/AAAAAAAAAiA/PZ1G1eZn2FI/s320/IMG_1238.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141995504496419266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R1wJqvoqIcI/AAAAAAAAAhw/agwf4cA5lt0/s320/IMG_1241.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141995508791386578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R1wJq_oqIdI/AAAAAAAAAh4/lu1Etny_rbw/s320/IMG_1237.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>It's amazing what you can do with card stock, paper, stamps, stickers, beads, ink, glue, and scissors. Who knew there was crafting beyond knitting? </p><p>Until next week, thanks for playing!</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-49536715973617356512007-12-02T15:59:00.000-06:002007-12-02T18:18:27.400-06:00Pudding it togetherI've been thinking about pudding a lot these days. American pudding. That stuff from a box that you mix with milk. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mmmm</span>. I really like pudding but Tony doesn't so I never make it. I'd eat it all within a two days if someone didn't stop me, and my ass is fat enough without that temptation. Actually, it is easy to ignore those desires because pudding <em>is</em> processed food from a box. And since I don't care for the plastic taste of the pudding cups, I don't get much pudding these days.<br /><br /><br />The pudding love most likely comes from my childhood. Growing up, it was just Dad, little brother, and me. Dad, though highly educated, knew little of the domestic arts. And I'll bet he never planned on being a single parent so I wont fault him for his lack of expertise in the kitchen -- there was no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">foodtv</span> back then, after all. It was only natural that I, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">faggy</span> little foodie, would be interested in learning to cook at a very early age.<br /><br /><br />We didn't have any cook books -- although at 8 years old, I'm sure I had never heard of such a thing -- and I had yet to discover <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Childs">Julia</a> so I began learning to cook by helping Dad. It wasn't long before I realized that I too could read and follow directions printed on the back of a box!<br /><br /><br />The first "dish" I remember ever attempting on my own, with no help from Dad and having never eaten the finished product, was a desert -- it's no surprise my current size. The recipe was found on a box of instant chocolate pudding (I tried to find that recipe on the Jello website, but that site is useless). Basically, the recipe is: make one package of instant chocolate pudding according to the package directions; whisk in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of peanut butter (a couple good spoonfuls); then fold in one can of cherry pie filling; chill and serve. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mmmm</span>.<br /><br /><br />Every so often that recipe calls to me. And by every so often, I mean: every time I go grocery shopping. But as I said, I'll eat the whole thing myself, so I don't buy the ingredients. Well, two weeks ago I did buy the ingredients <em>and</em> I made the pudding <em>and</em> I ate the whole damned thing in two days.<br /><br /><br />I've craved pudding -- of any sort -- every since then, but I've actively worked to quash those desires. And I've been successful though that success may be short lived because today I came across <a href="http://knitexploits.blogspot.com/2007/12/lush.html">this pudding recipe on Amy H's blog</a> for chocolate pudding shots! How genius is it to combine pudding with vodka and flavored liqueur and then freeze it until it becomes soft-serve? And now I'm obsessed with the smooth, creamy goodness once again.<br /><br /><br />Actually, I've hesitated about posting the pudding shot discovery lest you think me an alcoholic. I know I've posted several times in the last month about drinking, but I promise you I have no such addictions. Furthermore, you can all be assured that if ever an intervention is necessary, <a href="http://stitchnsue.blogspot.com/">Emma</a> will contact you with the details. Until then I recommend pudding.<br /><br /><br /><br />In other news:<br /><br /><br />This house is such a mess! Tony has been moving in for the past few months and this house just isn't big enough to accommodate two houses worth of furniture and fixtures. This is exactly why we built the shed this summer. Even with the shed, we donate at least one big box of stuff per week to local organizations. And still, this house just gets more and more crowded. Cleaning is pointless -- except for that whole hygiene thing -- because there is no place to put stuff. There are only a few loads left at Tony's old place so hopefully we will have this house in order soon enough.<br /><br />Here is a rare picture of Ms. Molly Ringworm. She doesn't care if the guest bed is piled with clutter.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139520881779417458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R1M_AvoqIXI/AAAAAAAAAhI/8RqiCYgJaB0/s320/IMG_1227.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Paperwhites</span> are blooming. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139520886074384770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R1M_A_oqIYI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/xdeSC9kz-kM/s320/IMG_1203.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The Christmas Cactus too!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139520886074384786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R1M_A_oqIZI/AAAAAAAAAhY/soMF7X6Kqjg/s320/IMG_1204.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>There is not much I can report about the knitting. Holiday knitting makes me want to knit other things. </p><p>Well, back to the piles of stuff.</p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-55492642401756081802007-11-25T09:59:00.000-06:002007-11-25T10:53:13.162-06:00Think Pink!We were very inspired by pink this week. Who knows why or how these things happen. I think it started with the Christmas cactus when it started shooting off little pink buds all over.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136813473780250146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgo24ctiI/AAAAAAAAAgw/ojBKze8r-xs/s320/IMG_1148.JPG" border="0" /><br />Then, just for fun, I whipped out this pink hat with some Rowan Big Wool I had laying around.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136813465190315538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgoW4cthI/AAAAAAAAAgo/uXQWL8WVZsU/s320/IMG_1140.jpg" border="0" /><br />And Tony brought home a pink poinsettia -- as if we don't have enough plants.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgnW4ctgI/AAAAAAAAAgg/hWFwJMHpFL4/s1600-h/IMG_1116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136813448010446338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgnW4ctgI/AAAAAAAAAgg/hWFwJMHpFL4/s320/IMG_1116.jpg" border="0" /></a> I made some strawberry cookies in celebration of pinkness.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136812863894894066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgFW4ctfI/AAAAAAAAAgY/krJwaa23o_Q/s320/pinkcookies.jpg" border="0" />Then, somehow, the dog turned pink.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgE24ctbI/AAAAAAAAAf4/DXhFOYWEn64/s1600-h/IMG_1058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136812855304959410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgE24ctbI/AAAAAAAAAf4/DXhFOYWEn64/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" border="0" /></a> She started off Hot Pink, but she dried to . . . hot pink. hmmm.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgFG4ctcI/AAAAAAAAAgA/FVEmfEGdmxI/s1600-h/IMG_1074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136812859599926722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgFG4ctcI/AAAAAAAAAgA/FVEmfEGdmxI/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" border="0" /></a>After the rinse, the color mellowed. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgFG4ctdI/AAAAAAAAAgI/mReFpklVGSA/s1600-h/IMG_1084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136812859599926738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgFG4ctdI/AAAAAAAAAgI/mReFpklVGSA/s320/IMG_1084.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /> A few days later, she's still pink but it's much more subtle.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgFG4cteI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Yyxh_YMi4L0/s1600-h/IMG_1145.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136812859599926754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgFG4cteI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Yyxh_YMi4L0/s320/IMG_1145.JPG" border="0" /></a>In other news: we put up the holiday lights. We did the lights the same as last year: a string of red and white across the roof and red and white twinklies in the bushes. We did add -- you'll never guess -- red and white to the two maple trees.<br /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136813490960119362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kosjMh97zV-MmpYQA0GOIhz4HPyGHD6Qh6KpNJBYO3VfaZs1sLO6efBNTblx6VmvygMUb33rKlsmIcBBZJvkh0D4AsOleibfaFcmCwWxmwRxu8gYqDiIh4MX1pnOtCbegUAS4z4b-rw/s320/IMG_1106.JPG" border="0" />But our decorations pale in comparison to our neighbor's who has once again outdone herself. Actually, I know she isn't done -- the big inflatables aren't out yet!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136813482370184754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0mgpW4ctjI/AAAAAAAAAg4/46zsz_0WLvo/s320/IMG_1112.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>We had a great Thanksgiving. This year we went to Tony's parent's. I brought the wine -- and then I drank it all. Weeee! Yes I know I said I'd explore the drinking thing but I also said I'd take an inventory first, and it would be a short list without a little consumption.</p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-46022479474355823552007-11-18T09:42:00.001-06:002007-11-18T17:24:57.215-06:00Dear Ladies of the Brookside Library Knit Night,I sincerely apologise for missing knit night on Tuesday. I was very excited about Ann's cream-filled cupcakes, and I could have used the validation you all would have given me as I debuted the Hemlock Ring Blanket. I just wanted you to know how much your love and support means to me and I hope you wont be angry.<br /><br />Because I cheated on you. I didn't want to cheat, but I was having a bad day. And while cupcakes are generally enough to satisfy even my deepest pain, this time I needed something else. I was in a desperate way, and when I heard that St. Mary's would be serving food <em>and </em>wine at their knit night, I just couldn't resist.<br /><br />It's not your fault; I take full responsibility for my actions. I realize that the public library cannot serve alcohol. And really, it's a sad reflection of my downward spiral that I would give up friends with cupcakes for strangers with booze. Maybe I should attend one of those meetings. At the very least, I promise that I will take an inventory of my alcohol consumption and discuss it with a professional, if warranted.<br /><br />In all fairness, I had every intention of leaving St. Mary's after an hour and then attending the remainder of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brookside</span> Library Knit Night. But several glasses of Shiraz later I couldn't think past the next glass. I hope you can forgive me.<br /><br />Please note that Tony had no choice in the matter.<br /><br />Sincerely, Eric<br /><br />Now that that is over, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hizzah</span> for a great time at St. Mary's Knit Night!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134216478855050562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0Bmr24ctUI/AAAAAAAAAfA/A86Rkyjn1VA/s320/IMG_1016.JPG" border="0" /> <p>The lady is blue is <a href="http://stitchnsue.blogspot.com/">Emma</a>'s mother-in-law, Beverly. She invited us to the knit night. Well, she invited Emma who invited us.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134216483150017874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0BmsG4ctVI/AAAAAAAAAfI/9QSvdDHBmCA/s320/IMG_1017.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Here's Tony smiling at the ghost of Emma. Obviously, my camera doesn't take action shots (i.e. walking).</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134216496034919778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0Bms24ctWI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/yI_jwQvro1s/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The above lady in Chartreuse is working on these soon-to-be-felted clogs. Look at the size of it! Emma is holding up her wine in celebration of its immensity.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134216500329887090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0BmtG4ctXI/AAAAAAAAAfY/Fmm-7_KrTSQ/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>This is what wine does to me.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134216504624854402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0BmtW4ctYI/AAAAAAAAAfg/nfNlwP6au-8/s320/IMG_1026.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Wow, maybe I really should seek professional help.</p><p>I finally got around to seaming up and buying buttons for the Baby Surprise Jacket.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134216981366224274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0BnJG4ctZI/AAAAAAAAAfo/tBqTgx4xyaY/s320/IMG_1039.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The Particulars:</p><p align="center">Pattern: Baby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Suprise</span> Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann.</p><p align="center">Yarn: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Koigu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kersti</span>. Two skeins of the blue and one of the red.</p><p align="center">Needles: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">KnitPicks</span> Options US 5</p><p align="center">Modified slightly as per the suggestions in the <a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/Baby_Surprise_Jacket"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">knitwiki</span></a> regarding color changes in the bottom portion of the jacket.</p><p align="center">****</p><p align="left">On the home front, Tony bought this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokusai">poster</a> from Hobby Lobby. It's not a perfect replica, but it's as close as we could find for $20. Now we just need to find a home for it.</p><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134216985661191586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/R0BnJW4ctaI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ncBRyzgLopo/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Tony Says a Huge <span style="font-size:130%;">Thank You</span> for all the Birthday Greetings! </p><p>Aside from the above print Tony bought for himself two video games (the new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Simpson's</span> Game, and some Zombie killing game for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">PSP</span>), the New Duran Duran CD, and the Amy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Winehouse</span> concert DVD.</p><p>From me, Tony got: the new Britney CD, The Color Purple DVD (I know that sounds strange but he'd been talking about it for a month), the only <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SingStar_(series)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Singstar</span></a> Game we didn't already have (that is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">readily</span> available in the US), and dinner at <a href="http://www.restauranteur.com/kilkennys/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kilkenny's</span></a>.</p><p>Well that's enough for this week. I was going to talk about pudding a bit, but maybe next time.</p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-28030358849066927552007-11-11T14:43:00.000-06:002007-11-11T17:47:38.123-06:00One year laterI've been knitting for a whole year now. Seems like longer. Who'd a thought I'd crank out one of these already?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/RzdqZ6-QkAI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/nQf9AS100jQ/s1600-h/IMG_0983.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131687293971632130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/RzdqZ6-QkAI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/nQf9AS100jQ/s320/IMG_0983.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Hemlock Ring blanket is done and blocked. I really enjoyed this project and I'll definitely do another. It went surprisingly fast considering how much yarn it took -- over 700 yards. For a little perspective: it is on a queen size bed in the photo.<br /><br />The particulars:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Pattern: <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/08/hemlock-ring-blanket.html">Hemlock Ring Blanket</a> (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hemlock-ring-blanket">Rav</a>)</div><div align="center">Yarn: Cascade <a href="http://cascadeyarns.com/cascade-eco.asp">Ecological Wool</a> -- approximately 1.5 skeins</div><div align="center">Color: 9008</div><div align="center">Needles: KnitPicks Options 40" US 10 (6mm)</div><div align="center">Started: 10/13/2007</div><div align="center">Finished 11/08/2007</div><div align="center">Modifications: None. I would recommend to anyone wanting to do this pattern to first read the posts in the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hemlockringkal/">KAL</a>. They have some helpful hints and mods that I will use next time.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">In my first year of knitting, I've made: 4 pairs of socks, a dozen or so dishcloths, a lace shawl, a dog sweater, baby booties, EZs Baby Surprise Jacket, the HRB, a felted lunch bag, a pair of shorts, two fair isle hats, and I'm sure there are a few others. Plus there are several WIPs lying about. Oh, and I have a job and a life outside knitting. </div><br /><br />Tony's working on this:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131687311151501362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1PXzaPdCmLWSG8OgPjXdoXmql6CJn467m0msrctivBegAYyxP1H4l57G9bhjl3HGMzIec6Wa2GYH-ZCXdWb6KqDI7ZFFO5GBpthLOnzdmdKKKvMu2_YHOj8i6P-WPYIPrxN_lfij-gY/s320/IMG_1003.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Speaking of Tony, his birthday is Wednesday. He'll be *censored* years old.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">****</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">I bought this spaceship shaped container for this interesting little plant.</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/RzdqaK-QkBI/AAAAAAAAAeY/BWzkcX5N3qg/s1600-h/IMG_0997.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131687298266599442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/RzdqaK-QkBI/AAAAAAAAAeY/BWzkcX5N3qg/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" border="0" /></a> And we "planted" some Paperwhites in the house.<br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Rzdqaa-QkCI/AAAAAAAAAeg/oYwhbZig6Bk/s1600-h/IMG_1000.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131687302561566754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Rzdqaa-QkCI/AAAAAAAAAeg/oYwhbZig6Bk/s320/IMG_1000.JPG" border="0" /></a>The precious puppy got her first visit with a groomer this week. Who knew she had a face? The dumbass groomer put the cutest green bows on her. The dumbass part is: the bows were held in place by tying knots in the dogs fur. So sweet.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131694569646231634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/RzdxBa-QkFI/AAAAAAAAAe4/hhg2TDK45w4/s320/IMG_1015.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>psst: he was born in 1972, heehee!</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-78732869028607871502007-11-04T09:46:00.000-06:002007-11-04T11:24:29.989-06:00Garden InvasionHalloween was as fun as ever. It <em>is</em> the Gayest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Holiday</span> which is probably why it is Tony's favorite. On Halloween night, we got dressed up and passed out candy to the neighborhood kids (we gave out the good stuff -- Reese's PB Cups). I was a prisoner (good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ol</span>' black and white stripes) and Tony was a gay pirate/vampire/Long-John Silver character (leather pants, ruffled shirt, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kato</span> mask, boots, fangs, and a cape). But the costumes were only for the children; we changed before we went out to the yearly production of <em>The Exorcist </em>at <a href="http://www.club-renegade.com/shows.htm">Renegades</a>.<br /><div><div><div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Then on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Thursday</span> night we went out to <a href="http://www.psychopathhaunt.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PsychoPath</span>.</a> We try to go to at least one haunted attraction every year and we had never been to this one. Most haunted attractions have a hay-ride where you are crammed into a trailer with 30 other people, you sit on some uncomfortable hay bales with no back support, <em>and</em> you get diesel fumes blown in your face -- fun! This one was different and much better. They used six person gondolas powered by electric carts. It was silent, comfortable and intimate. Plus it was divided into a series of vignettes rather than just the random jumping-out-of-the-bushes-with-a-chainsaw that so many attractions use. Their walk-through event wasn't as good as most but we'll <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">definitely</span> go back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">PsychoPath</span> just for the ride. </div><div></div><br /><div align="center">****</div><div align="center"></div><div>In Knitting news: I got my 40" Options in the mail on Saturday. I now only have 5 rounds and the BO left on Hemlock Ring. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Weeeee</span>!</div><div></div><div></div><div>Tony has started some Fair Isle mittens I have have started a Double Knitted scarf. They are holiday gifts so they wont be appearing here til January but I'm sure they will be up on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ravelry</span> soon.</div><div></div><br /><div align="center">****</div><div align="center"></div>In baking news:<br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129024037965961090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry30MBNml4I/AAAAAAAAAco/5e2HTjxNDt0/s320/Chili+Chese+Bread.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><br /><p>I've been trying even more breads. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">MMM</span> chili cheese bread. If you get the dough consistency right, you can throw anything into the bread machine.</p><p align="center">****</p><p align="left">It's that time of year where we have to think about over-wintering plants and pets. I only have a few plants that I keep over winter. Tony has a ton of plants. And in his old house, he had tons of space for them. The plants were actually one of the biggest concerns he had when we started discussing living together. Personally, I could compost a plant and not think a thing of it. I do have a Rubber plant that I've had for several years that I am fond of, but otherwise, they could go. Tony isn't that way. He even has live plants in the fish tanks. This one, in the bedroom, has six live plants in it -- and 14 fish. </p><br /><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129025047283275810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry31GxNmmCI/AAAAAAAAAd4/elMmClrd1_Y/s320/fish+bedroom+nov+2007.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>And yes, I said tank<em>s. </em>There are two fish in the living room and one tank in the gym/cat/plant room that will house the 13 fish in the garden pond.</p><p>Ultimately we left half of his plants behind. Even still, the house is a forest this winter.</p><p>My plants include a rubber plant -- tied up to save space -- an impatiens that I've had for 4 years, a piece of rosemary and a G<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">erbera</span> daisy</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129024046555895714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMinXPCtvxGbI5EU8rfJDbU1nrDGDgpmRAXoArFShj1CDF0EKtkdX7WItugr_oRji5-TGlb8KpDjZD5gl8SVS_aa2txB393PxsCEFOjkoJnoVohYeJpQdlYlQEKZqzuVmwI0AYxiMUVE/s320/RUbber.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Tony's:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129024875484583874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry308xNml8I/AAAAAAAAAdI/YxkN9dXp_ec/s320/peace+lily.JPG" border="0" />A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Gianormous</span> peace <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">lilly</span>. Seriously <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gianormous</span>. It is stashed behind the keyboard. We had to trim it back by half because it was 7 foot in diameter.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129024050850863026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry30MxNml7I/AAAAAAAAAdA/Rb1uS9eqn1k/s320/MIL+Tongue.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Mother-in-law's tongue. This four footer is one of three. Two were left behind.</p><p>Of course there are ferns:</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129024879779551186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry309BNml9I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/OTKv9NC0Eoo/s320/rt+rubber.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>I love this little one. </p><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129024884074518514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry309RNml_I/AAAAAAAAAdg/d7u3-nW4d1E/s320/fern.JPG" border="0" /></p><br />This one found a home in the living room:<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129031820446701618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry37RBNmmDI/AAAAAAAAAeA/W11KwQJJ3jY/s320/lr+red+plant.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p>This Shamrock, oxalis triangularis, is my favorite of all!</p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129024888369485826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry309hNmmAI/AAAAAAAAAdo/zCnn3RNW-F4/s320/shamrock.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>We have a make-shift greenhouse were the Orchids live. Some other plants hitch a ride as well.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129032932843231298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry38RxNmmEI/AAAAAAAAAeI/rnt990-evnM/s320/greenhouse.JPG" border="0" />And not pictured . . . that's a list. There is a giant pineapple -- that will fruit one day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">damnit</span>! -- a giant lucky bamboo, some stinky thing, a rare cactus, dozens of orchids, and several that I don't remember.<br /></p><p>This week we will be planting our spring bulbs and taking up the tender bulbs. Fun! I love tulips, daffys, hyacinth, and crocus.</p><p>One more photo of that shamrock. Isn't she sweet?</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129025038693341202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Ry31GRNmmBI/AAAAAAAAAdw/lK5rOJdL64I/s320/shamrock2.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-63970175187690463132007-10-28T16:35:00.001-05:002007-10-28T19:18:37.171-05:007080It's Pumpkin Time!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>We carved a few Jack O-Lanterns:</div><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126504756179015474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/RyUA6hNmlzI/AAAAAAAAAcA/4btSN5FN5JY/s320/IMG_0888.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126504760473982786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/RyUA6xNml0I/AAAAAAAAAcI/3BduJ_u1a7c/s320/IMG_0891.JPG" border="0" /></p><br />All the carving put me in the mood for pumpkin foods so I made <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_35157,00.html">Pumpkin Soup</a> and roasted pumpkin seeds.<br /><div align="center">****</div><br /><br /><p>Thursday night we went to the <a href="http://www.tulsapac.com/">Tulsa Performing Arts Center</a> to see American Theatre Company's production of <a href="http://www.tulsapac.com/calendar.asp?id=497&thedate=10/28/2007&task=display">The Rocky Horror Show</a>. </p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126506693209266018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyQXP1Sg9yZZ3rTEQSSXejymaGfo_AtylOSzNUCOHyWSZRJNyBhfzes3EI4Mu8KMjIq7Mps9xRFsL8c3zPdUbkr4E5CltgnjCGdYyGvS4t-DfyS-o7bmJJ7vnfi_55JeW7wK-ttMpyDU/s320/Rocky-Horror-Web.gif" border="0" />Tony and I are both fans of Rocky Horror and we've seen a few drag-bar performances of the big numbers (I was even <a href="http://www.queenbitchoftheuniverse.com/Rocky2004M.htm">Dr. Scott </a>one year, shhh!) but neither of us had ever seen the full musical production. What an amazing night! Chad Oliverson was hilarious and just perfect as always (and man candy to boot.) Who knew RH could get any gayer? I almost peed myself more than once. Too bad <a href="http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A18239">Chad may not play the role of Frank next year</a>. I would love to see him do that every year!</p><br /><br /><p align="center">****</p><p align="left">Of course there has been some knitting. Look at this mess -- and there's more where that came from.</p><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126510571564734322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/RyUGNBNml3I/AAAAAAAAAcg/YW5U4gz0Pkk/s320/IMG_0896.JPG" border="0" />I only have 7080 stitches in 15 rounds until the bind off row on Hemlock Ring blanket number one. Of course the BO could take a week by itself. For those of you who haven't seen the pattern, the BO row goes like this: </p><p align="left">K1, *k2tog, yo, k2tog, turn, p1, work 5 sts in next stitch (k, p, k, p, k), p1, sl 1, turn, BO 7 sts (1 st remains on rh needle). Repeat from * around.</p><p align="left">Four stitches becomes 18 or so. That should work out to just over 2000 sts on the BO. Therefore there are about 9000 stitches left on my HRB!!!!</p><p align="left">Better git t' knittin'</p><p align="left">Eric</p><p></p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939343050246207969.post-69550419115775096792007-10-22T18:59:00.000-05:002007-10-22T19:21:53.725-05:00Short and to the pointI've finished the count-y parts of the <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/08/hemlock-ring-blanket.html">Hemlock Ring Blanket</a> and now I'm in a never ending feather and fan hell. Only 35 rows left before the BO.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Rx07QSaqydI/AAAAAAAAAbo/EtBJzChwutg/s1600-h/IMG_0858.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124317102025132498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Rx07QSaqydI/AAAAAAAAAbo/EtBJzChwutg/s320/IMG_0858.JPG" border="0" /></a>The BSJ just needs a bit of sewing up.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Rx07QiaqyeI/AAAAAAAAAbw/xAm83SsfktA/s1600-h/IMG_0876.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124317106320099810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Rx07QiaqyeI/AAAAAAAAAbw/xAm83SsfktA/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" border="0" /></a> For a bit of fun, we picked this up.</p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Rx07QyaqyfI/AAAAAAAAAb4/4L4w2mUCjSg/s1600-h/IMG_0878.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124317110615067122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wbA7gbVcEaw/Rx07QyaqyfI/AAAAAAAAAb4/4L4w2mUCjSg/s320/IMG_0878.JPG" border="0" /></a> I made one of the best breads ever. It was gone before I got any pictures. Imagine Calamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil and fresh rosemary -- Greek inspired heaven.<br /></p><p>Later,</p><p>Eric</p>Eric & Tonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14370389011804366681noreply@blogger.com11