Today was Grace's birthday party—she's two years old! After Grace realized that I wasn't there because her mom and dad were leaving (I watch her so regularly, she always associates me with mom and dad leaving), she enjoyed her party and all the presents. The sweater Mom made her for her first birthday is still too big (!) but the poncho I made her this year—the perfect wieght for the area's mild winters–was a hit, she found it particularly fun to swing it around and wap things with it. Thatta girl.
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Last night at Paul and Gemma's (our lovely downstairs nieghbors who have been away far too long!) engagement party:
Paul, highly-qualified sailing yacht captain and frequent audience to Mom's bigger boat quest ramblings: "You know your Mom is crazy, right?"
Oh, I know, I know. -
Mom and Bert are driving down through southern France and most of Spain to Gibraltar (a rock the inhabitants share with mean monkeys), determined to see the Pilgrim, a 48ft re-fitted aluminum cruiser originally built for racing by Palmer Johnson in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin back in '71. Bert swears he saw it being launched back in the day. I have a good feeling about this boat, this could be the one. Will the 'bigger boat' quest ever be over?
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Trouble at Mt. St. Helens.
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…I can't get that song out of my head, now that I've finally been able to book a flight. Budgetary considerations mean a later departure than hoped for, but, October 31st, Halloween!, is as good a day to arrive as any. I'll be in Savannah for a few days, to see friends and (bad pun warning) old haunts and then to pack up my belongings out of storage and into a rented minivan. Then, Miss Ruby and I are off to Portland! I've been hemming and hawing about this decision, going to Savannah first (rather than later in the year) and driving across country was a last minute choice, but after a good think, I'm very happy with this arrangement—everything done in one fell swoop, a few creature comforts (like my melon baller) for starting out in Portland, and the chance for one last local hurray with friends I've really been missing. And I'm never one to pass up the chance for a road trip! Girl and dog meet open road–woo-hoo!!
An added bonus—the drive path takes me within a stone's throw of my Grandparent's home in Nebraska, I'll be stopping by for a visit. If I can find them past all that corn. -
Visiting the notions stall at the market this morning, in search of a very large, fat crochet hook:
-Yes, Madame, what are you looking for?
-I need a big hook please.
-Like this?
-No, I like it much bigger. Like this. (hand gesture, you can imagine it)
pause.
-Will this do Madame?
("like"? why, why did I use the verb for 'like" when I meant 'want?', ok, 'want' doesn't sound much better.) -
Just finished up this one for Grace's 2nd birthday—it's from a grown-up poncho pattern, same as I used for mine, but with a few changes: sized down for her of course, in the bobble stitch (rather than double crochet stitch) with double-crochet stitch contrasting seams and trim, and those dandy pom-poms. She loves it! -
As of first thing this morning, I officially have a home in Portland! Woo-hoo! It's in the Goose Hollow area, which borders both the downtown area and the popular, posh neighborhood called Northwest, which is similiar in feeling to the Lincoln Park area of Chicago. The building (third pic) is similiar to the building I loved living in, The Graham, in Savannah—same era (late 1920's/early 1930's), vintage charm, brick exterior and my apartment has a BALCONY. I'm a very, very happy girl. And, most important, they accept dogs. See an aerial photo and read the stats of the area here.
Now, to book a flight and make all the other complicated arrangements–least of all figuring out how to get a bed installed for my arrival. -
I have to tear myself away from this project under duress, it's such a pleasure to work on—the yarn, Bouton d'Or Dandy Bo Wool/Silk in Cigare and Taupe, is YUM, YUM, YUMMY. Though it's just a simple stitch (double crochet throughout) and a simple beginner-style project pattern (two rectangles of same dimension sewn together to form poncho, edged in I'm-not-sure-what-yet), it's this sheeny, cushy, bouncy gorgeous yarn that's making it a treat to make up. I'm never gonna be able to go back to bargain bin yarn again. Sigh. -
The big blanket is getting even bigger, by necessity. I'm heading off to Portland later than originally planned due to the difficulties involved in arranging an apartment from so far away. I'm still waiting for the final confirmation and paperwork to be complete, as soon as it is then I can book a flight. So, looks like I'll be leaving, most likely, the first week of October. No complaints of course, but when I do go I'll be heading directly into winter. Have to finish this big blanket!
…all this handwork and learning (lots of reading up, studying patterns and techniques) has me regretting not picking it up again years ago…there was a time when I wanted to study fiber and textiles design in art school (at least that's what I ticked on the form)…..and of course, I'm missing the endless information, books and classy yarn selection that Mom had both at home and at her store, The Fibre Shop, back in the day….I had no idea how good I had it….
…and, I missed Portland's Knit Out! (like how they tack on 'and crochet too'? crocheters always get the second-class treatment in yarn circles, ha ha). But, both Fiber Arts Northwest and Mabel's Cafe should still be there when I arrive…and Yarn Garden…..and …..
