The drudge of being away from home.....
Being away on the road brings me back to the "wish my company will contact me for the Australian gig". Being away from home makes me miss people and I am not sure how I am to communicate with folks via cyberspace, it sucks. I guess being out of site doesn't warrant folks to respond as easily than if I was there.....hmm must have been something I did, said or didn't do or say.
Visiting with my cousin last weekend was nice. Driving back from Chicago to Detroit made me realize that I know I can't keep up with these folks as much as I want to if I don't live there as well. So my nomadic lifestyle is really making me realize how I look forward to retirement. Last week I checked on how my girls are doing in the feline hotel; they are doing better. I would love to work in such a job that has cats around me all day. Yarn store or cat kennel/hotel? What a decision.
04 March 2008
01 March 2008
Memories of My Youth
I did it to myself today. Since I am imprisoned in Detroit metro this weekend, I planned to drive to Chicago metro to visit my cousin Tom. I missed out the last time I stayed a weekend in the Great Lakes December since this fucking weather took me down for the flu all that weekend. Now I am healthy to take the drive.
On the way I took a detour off I-94 to Sister Lakes, MI. What a time to forget my camera!! Dewey Lake (one of the Sister Lakes) was the lake that my parents had a summer cottage when I was growing up. Every summer that was my home on Huckleberry Lane - Dewey Lake. This is a natural lake where I remember picking out clams, snails and tadpoles. I was a tomboy!! No girly-girl would ever touch those slimy things. I managed to find the patience to fish with my father in that lake and caught crappies (pronounced 'croppies') and wide-mouth sea bass with worms on hooks and fake minnow lures. Many summers I spent there just looking out at the lake at dusk and many mornings I woke up to the glass top of the lake without any ripples yet. We had a ski boat; learned how to water ski there and also lost my innocence there as well. Wow - I miss those times.
The detour was a challenge since it was > 30 years ago when I was last there; couldn't remember all the turns. I had to stop off at a gas station to ask how to get to that lake so I can remember the lot where we lived for the summer. Finally found it! More houses built around the cul-de-sac, and the homes there have second stories. They weren't like that when I was there as a little girl. My have things changed. Even the cottage that we lived in the summer no longer exists. There is a different structure there and the old weeping willow tree in the front yard that had a tire swing is gone. At least the existing house is as small as the cottage we had on that lot. Owners name "Chalpoukpa's" on the sign above the entry of the door. The next door neighbor's structure added a second floor yet the 3-unit rental on the other side was the same; just different painted colors. I was compelled to run through the snow out to the lakefront. The lake is frozen over, I saw a guy out in the middle ice fishing. Otherwise the memories of watching the water day and evening came back even with the snow and frozen lake in front of me - it was bright and sunny out. Then all of a sudden the memory was ruined by a father and son taking out their ATV's onto the lake. So much for the peace and quiet. Driving back out of this area made me realize that the road back when I was young was much longer to walk than I see as an adult. I took another turn down the street where I picked wild rasberries. No more - full of houses - those fuckers!! Sigh! Back to I-94 and into Chicago for my visit. Later!
On the way I took a detour off I-94 to Sister Lakes, MI. What a time to forget my camera!! Dewey Lake (one of the Sister Lakes) was the lake that my parents had a summer cottage when I was growing up. Every summer that was my home on Huckleberry Lane - Dewey Lake. This is a natural lake where I remember picking out clams, snails and tadpoles. I was a tomboy!! No girly-girl would ever touch those slimy things. I managed to find the patience to fish with my father in that lake and caught crappies (pronounced 'croppies') and wide-mouth sea bass with worms on hooks and fake minnow lures. Many summers I spent there just looking out at the lake at dusk and many mornings I woke up to the glass top of the lake without any ripples yet. We had a ski boat; learned how to water ski there and also lost my innocence there as well. Wow - I miss those times.
The detour was a challenge since it was > 30 years ago when I was last there; couldn't remember all the turns. I had to stop off at a gas station to ask how to get to that lake so I can remember the lot where we lived for the summer. Finally found it! More houses built around the cul-de-sac, and the homes there have second stories. They weren't like that when I was there as a little girl. My have things changed. Even the cottage that we lived in the summer no longer exists. There is a different structure there and the old weeping willow tree in the front yard that had a tire swing is gone. At least the existing house is as small as the cottage we had on that lot. Owners name "Chalpoukpa's" on the sign above the entry of the door. The next door neighbor's structure added a second floor yet the 3-unit rental on the other side was the same; just different painted colors. I was compelled to run through the snow out to the lakefront. The lake is frozen over, I saw a guy out in the middle ice fishing. Otherwise the memories of watching the water day and evening came back even with the snow and frozen lake in front of me - it was bright and sunny out. Then all of a sudden the memory was ruined by a father and son taking out their ATV's onto the lake. So much for the peace and quiet. Driving back out of this area made me realize that the road back when I was young was much longer to walk than I see as an adult. I took another turn down the street where I picked wild rasberries. No more - full of houses - those fuckers!! Sigh! Back to I-94 and into Chicago for my visit. Later!
20 February 2008
Satelite of Love
Poor Freckles had a hard nodule removed from one of her lower breasts a few weeks ago; therefore a partial mastectomy with it. Since she was caught licking her stitches, she came home with the cone on her head. Freaked Ditto out; she was hissed to the corner and into my bedroom. Once I trusted Freckles in not bothering her incision, she was free from being a conehead. She found her own space high up.
All is well at the queen's throne today.
20 January 2008
Flashdance being Home!
Completely enjoying the past couple weeks still at home without work travel :)
Nursing and treating 2 cats: one with 7 teeth extracted (Ditto). No wonder she behaves as though she was abused. She had 2 teeth extracted before. Now I understand why the owner gave her up - gave her the wrong diet then couldn't afford the outcome. Poor baby can only eat soft foods. So much for leaving large quantities of dried food out when I travel.
Freckles only has one ear with mites to treat. She is in heaven being home and follows me around throughout the house like an escort. Happy cat crosses her paws resting on the cold ceramic floor.
Last weekend us knit sisters visited Julie's house in Santa Paula. It was the first time I visited her home which reminds me of being in a museum with a beautiful view over the orange groves and Islands in the distance. She gave us floral teas where the bud opens up in water. Home made coffee cake and goat cheese quesadillas - YUM! Apparently I missed out on the home made apple sauce that everyone raved about after I left. Otherwise - I had a wonderful day as usual.
Tuesday evening at Sandy's warranted the presentation of Sophia's red squared afghan put together by Nancie. Beautiful! I am in the process of understanding which squares Flo and Beatriz knitted so I can send the e-image to Sophia with the names of folks on the sqares they knitted.
Yesterday, I joined Becky, Terry and Sharon on a walking hike through Satiwiwa National Park in Camarillo. After taking the rough "Hidden Pond" trail, we forged back after panting and sweating taking a break with knitting on the bridge. We encountered 4 fat and happy coyotes as part of the bonus of sweating; 2 crossed our paths. Becky took a photo of one crossing. This is the time where I regret not having my camera with me (photo from Becky).
Today (Sunday) I cleaned my house after waking up stiff. Moving around does help so I must get back in the regime of walking daily. I also want to walk in that National park again next weekend but in more moderate and shady trails :)
Nursing and treating 2 cats: one with 7 teeth extracted (Ditto). No wonder she behaves as though she was abused. She had 2 teeth extracted before. Now I understand why the owner gave her up - gave her the wrong diet then couldn't afford the outcome. Poor baby can only eat soft foods. So much for leaving large quantities of dried food out when I travel.
Freckles only has one ear with mites to treat. She is in heaven being home and follows me around throughout the house like an escort. Happy cat crosses her paws resting on the cold ceramic floor.
Last weekend us knit sisters visited Julie's house in Santa Paula. It was the first time I visited her home which reminds me of being in a museum with a beautiful view over the orange groves and Islands in the distance. She gave us floral teas where the bud opens up in water. Home made coffee cake and goat cheese quesadillas - YUM! Apparently I missed out on the home made apple sauce that everyone raved about after I left. Otherwise - I had a wonderful day as usual.
Tuesday evening at Sandy's warranted the presentation of Sophia's red squared afghan put together by Nancie. Beautiful! I am in the process of understanding which squares Flo and Beatriz knitted so I can send the e-image to Sophia with the names of folks on the sqares they knitted.
Yesterday, I joined Becky, Terry and Sharon on a walking hike through Satiwiwa National Park in Camarillo. After taking the rough "Hidden Pond" trail, we forged back after panting and sweating taking a break with knitting on the bridge. We encountered 4 fat and happy coyotes as part of the bonus of sweating; 2 crossed our paths. Becky took a photo of one crossing. This is the time where I regret not having my camera with me (photo from Becky).
Today (Sunday) I cleaned my house after waking up stiff. Moving around does help so I must get back in the regime of walking daily. I also want to walk in that National park again next weekend but in more moderate and shady trails :)
13 January 2008
Poppies will Make Them Sleep!
I can't believe it's been 4 years since I have been to the poppy fields in Lancaster/Palmdale area. Here are photos for those who love sunshine and wildflowers.
And when the wind blows, the petals will shine!
Travel and Conquor!
Yesterday was a wonderful day! Nancie drove Lisa, Preita and myself to N.Hollywood to visit Flo in her original hometown. We picked up Flo first at her house to see her craft room. I already picked out the pattern I want for her to make me a quilt. She was wearing her Blossom pullover that I knit for her. She has a closet full of fabric pieces ready for quilting, sewing machine, working table (ones that architectures use), enlarged ironing board and a wonderful sideboard with many compartments and rollout drawers. Met Bob her husband for the first time. He showed us his Salsa outfits where he hand painted his wardrobe - beautiful and creative! I didn't have my camera with me while in there so bummer!
Off we went to Stitch Cafe http://www.stitchcafe.com All 5 of us walked in the backside and literally "took over the place". The only space to sit down together was at the table, there were couch potato knitters sitting in the cushioned furniture in front bay window section. Immediate purchases were to be had - then another round before we left. I told the shop employees that we were farmers visiting the city from Ventura county. We were the only ones conversing and I think the couch potatoes were probably listening in. We even included a couple of girls sitting at our table. One of them (forgot her name) is an art instructor for a grade school in Koreatown and was making her first garment. I can relate to that amibtion for just learning how to knit. Her project is in the forground of the photo; we didn't mean to kick her out of the photo so she took the photo. Ann was the other person who was making a scarf; visiting her parents or in-laws in the area.
Here is a photo of Flo in action; you can see the Blossom looks great on her!
After 5 hours at the shop with our flying fibers tickling our noses, it was time to eat. Went to Art's Delicattessen http://www.artsdeli.com: OMG - the best pickles and corn beef for Rueben sandwiches! Flo said they cator to filming sets.
It was all in a good day's conquor. Our next trip in the planning - Poppies in the high desert for picnic lunch end of March or very early April. It's like walking on sunshine. "Poppies - poppies will make them sleep!"
Off we went to Stitch Cafe http://www.stitchcafe.com All 5 of us walked in the backside and literally "took over the place". The only space to sit down together was at the table, there were couch potato knitters sitting in the cushioned furniture in front bay window section. Immediate purchases were to be had - then another round before we left. I told the shop employees that we were farmers visiting the city from Ventura county. We were the only ones conversing and I think the couch potatoes were probably listening in. We even included a couple of girls sitting at our table. One of them (forgot her name) is an art instructor for a grade school in Koreatown and was making her first garment. I can relate to that amibtion for just learning how to knit. Her project is in the forground of the photo; we didn't mean to kick her out of the photo so she took the photo. Ann was the other person who was making a scarf; visiting her parents or in-laws in the area.
Here is a photo of Flo in action; you can see the Blossom looks great on her!
After 5 hours at the shop with our flying fibers tickling our noses, it was time to eat. Went to Art's Delicattessen http://www.artsdeli.com: OMG - the best pickles and corn beef for Rueben sandwiches! Flo said they cator to filming sets.
It was all in a good day's conquor. Our next trip in the planning - Poppies in the high desert for picnic lunch end of March or very early April. It's like walking on sunshine. "Poppies - poppies will make them sleep!"
08 January 2008
Current Ravelry Projects
Mulberry Isa: Back and one sleeve is complete...now working on the front piece. This will end up being below my hips.
Savoy Fern: Wicked awesome cable pattern! This is the front section; will have to redo the back in the correct size for me.
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