Just plain criminal

Working with eb again has been a relatively smooth transition. There is but one woman there who worked there when I was previosly employed there who has not said a single word to me. Not. One. Word. No need to give her the benefit of the doubt. The woman I thought would react in this way has been totally pleasant. Mostly, it's all good.

On most days, eb and I think of Weese and we car pool. It's really funny when eb looks at me over her shoulder and tells me I can get going any time and that she is almost ready to go too. Umm...how are you getting home, sweetness? Then we chuckle and I bet that makes silent woman down the hall cringe.

Yesterday, I even remembered to bring my lunch so I could work straight through, thus maximizing my hours. I brought a banana, some cherries, a stash of mini candy bars, and a fluffernutter sammich. I was so looking forward to the fluffernutter being perfect and then, the criminal part. As I picked it up out of the bag, half my fluff was in the bottom of my ziplock bag. Thank goodness it was a ziplock or else we would have had marshmallow fluff on everything.

Wednesday tip-o-day: Always! Always store your fluffernutter sammiches flat.

release

I am well n to being adjusted to my new work situation. I am currently three days a week at jcp and I am starting to realize, as everything eases into a new image, just how much that place was stressing me out. By the end of the month, I will be just Wednesday and Saturday there, and I think that will be totally acceptable in the terms of energy balance. It is hard to totally give up the discount and the savings for getting my hair and nails done. I can see a day where I might choose that, but not in the next 6 months at minimum. Time will tell.

The new job is going well, I think. My new boss is very touchy feely and well, we all know I like that. She calls me babe all the time, and while I don't mind, I have to wonder if the bossman whose office is adjacent has any objection. And she is is also very gracious with the help when I have no idea what thew fuck I am doing. But when she explains it slow enough for me to write a few things down, I get it quick enough to recover, or so it seems. I think by the time the August issues are put to bed, I might be on my way. By the way, if you haven't followed, my new boss is eb.

So as my new schedule settles around me, there is still plenty of knitting to be done. And surprise contemplation. I am at the point where I need to commit and I went back to the planning site to see if there was more info. It seems that the particulars have changed a bit, just enough that I might have to give it up and consult with eb before committing. Drat. I think I will go knit and meditate on it until she wakes up this morning.

Recap

So we did not jet to the island yesterday. As has been the norm lately, we had some wicked thunderstorms in the area. I drove through them on the way home from the yarn store and bagel shop. I think traffic on the freeway was slowed to about 30 mph.

Just before my exit it had let up a little and I was not sure which way it was going. I got home to a dry driveway and figured it was headed our way. I hurriedly shuttled the dogs out the door to pee and the thunder made all three of them come sit at my feet on the patio. I got up and went and stood in the middle of the yard and all three followed and peed. I saw that Sawyer has a wicked rash in the crease of one of his hind legs. Attractive. I think he will have to go to the vet. Yippee.

So we did not go to Galveston. Also, Lilli Munster did not get transformed from a dustmop Chewbacca looking doll to a snauser. Her grandmama, Angela, had her brother and parents donme recently in a snauser cut and they were all so cute, I think I might give it a go. I will drop her this morning.

Not much else going on here today. Some laundry and some cleaning. Woohoo.

Non-agreement survived

Don't you just hate it when you have a few days off?

I mean when you have a few days off and you eat something that doesn't agree with you. I worked Thursday til about 7. I was supposed to work til 9 but as I was told by the store asst mgr, they understand it if I have to leave early until my schedule change can go into effect. Since I was to be off jcp til next Wednesday(when my new schedule begins), I had to leave early. They understand. Although my boss asked me how I was feeling when I was there yesterday getting my nails done.
Me:Fine, why?
Boss: Well Esme told me you left early and you weren't feeling well.
Me: No, I was just tired.
Boss: (the exasperated look)
Me: Debbie said you (the store) would deal with it if I had to leave early...

A little fire flashed in her eyes as she realized I was being spiteful, but frankly, I no longer give a damn.

So yesterday, I went in the morning to see my client Angela and did her hair. Then I called Paulie expecting he was still in the hospital. He was home and I went by to visit. I picked up an Antone's po' boy on the way. Tuna. Now if it was the tuna that did not agree with me, I think I would have known right away. Remember what a delicate flower I am. After a nice visit with Paulie, I went to get my nails done. That took about two houes, about 4 hours since I had eaten. No tummy trouble.

On the way home I got some fried rice from our favorite local place. I eat this all the time. All. The. Time. About an hour after I ate I was feeling a little indigestion. When it is bad food, I usually know in minutes. Now that I consider that, I feel it is possible that the tuna and the fried rice did not agree with each other.

Anyway, This morning, after a restless nice sans EB, as well as restless up on the pot all night, I think it has passed.

Paulie's nurse usually comes by around 11 and he wants to jet to Galveston. I am glad he feels well enough to get out and I am happy to oblige. To maximize my morning, I am going to take Lilli Munster for a haircut and then go to the bagel shop on the way to the yarn store. Well maybe the haircut will wait til tomorrow because who knows when we will get back from the island.

The yarn store trip is necessitasted, mostly because I have a beautiful skein of Helen's Lace that I want to play with. It is very fine and thin, and I am not about to wind 1250 or so yards of it by hand. Just. Not. Happening. I also want to pick up two skeins of Cascade 220, one in orange and one in blue, to make a skull hat for Thomas in his Syracuse colors.

Maybe I will even wear the Syracuse crocs today.

Go...Now...

Take the poll...

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/leisure/your.picks/index.html

Yawn...streeeetch...

My new boss is such a babe. I like her so well, I will be dropping another day at JCP at the end of July to give my new boss 3 days and JCP only 2. Poor ole JCP. What will they do without me? My goal there this next month is to get the other receptionists a little more paperwork proficient so I will not be doing it all on one of my 2 days there. We have been open more than a year, and there should be a foolproof system in place by now. But there isn't. And I am not quite sure I will be able to remedy this. I say it is my goal for the next month, but if I do not pull it off, have no fear. I will stop giving two shits about it. I promise. I just feel like I need to ease everyone into the idea that JCP is no longer a priority for me. At all.

I have already set it up to where the evening receptionist does the confirmation calls because of all the things the desk is responsible, that is the one thing I absolutely hate doing. It isn't terribly difficult. It takes all of about 10-15 minutes. I just don't like doing it. On Thursday, I will have done it for the last time. Unless I forget. I might.

So now, I leave you with another question. I have alread decided, but I am still interrested in a vote. South in February? Or north in May? Vote in comments.

questions

Can a surprise be too big and should not be a surprise?

How big is too big?

Discuss.

Hear Darth Vader's March playing softly in your ears...

Evil has been unleashed in my house via USPS and KTS3. My package arrived this afternoon and I opened it when I was home from work for lunch. I didn't want to go back. I wanted to plunge into my new adventure to the Dark Side right away. (Of course, it should be said that I never really want to go back.)

Take a moment to hear the Emporer as he commands Darth Vader to lure poor young Luke over to the Dark Side. Shwhooooo...shwooooo...shwoooo...(that's Darth Vader breathing for those not in the know).

Laura of The Painted Sheep sent me a lovely letter detailing my goodies. The yarn is a skein of Mango Moon Recycled Silk. Laura says, "I am not sure if you know about this company, but I thought that a recycled sari silk yarn benefitting Nepali women would go with your zen approach to life."

There is no way Laura could have known this, but one of my LYSs carries this yarn and I buy a skein every time I go. My plan is to collect it and eventually knit a patchwork bedspread from it. Just plain garter squares to make a nice and substantial weight quilt. I have 2 skeins in my stash, now 3. Awesome. Darth Vader is still lurking waiting to make his move...

Laura also sent a skein of The Painted Sheep's "Foot Prints" which is superwash merino sock yarn. If that isn't enough yarn, there is a skein of The Painted Sheep's "House Blend" which is a blend of merino, silk and alpaca.

"Luuuke...shwooooo....shwoooo...I am your faaather...shwoooo...shwoooo..."

Darth Vader jumps out of nowhere...evil is running rampant in my house.

Did lovely Laura send me some of her fabulous handpainted colorways? No. (For the record, I am not complaining here.) She sent me naked yarn. A blank canvas. And pure evil in the form of Cushing's Perfection Dyes. Nile Green. Turquoise. Mint Green. And a book I have been lusting after, The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook. The book will help me on my trek toward the Dark Side.

While communing with Darth Vader, I can enjoy some of Angelina's Orange Spice Black Tea, and Earl Grey Green Tea. Perfect to dunk in my cup-o-tea is something local to Laura, Moravian sugar cookies. I have already snacked on some of those and I hope there is a website they can be ordered from because they are delish.

A very well rounded package and a very satisfying swap. Many thanks to all whose efforts made this possible!!

EB is a babe

Cultivating Grace is up and running (linked right), and though the template is not perfect, until I have time to sit and tweak it(likely never), or until I find another one I like better, it will have to do. My goal is to post there once a week, but we shall see how that pans out.

Not only is EB a babe, she is also a rebel. She is blatantly defying the docs instructions as she just drove herself to work. IMHO, not taking it easy enough, and she was supposed to not drive another day. But I suppose it should be said if she was home another day she would likely be working on the bathroom, so being at work is taking it easy in that respect. Everything is relative to something.

Now I have to see if I can get my ass in ger enough to make the post office on my way to work.

And so it was

I was so stressed out going into work this afternoon. I even thought, for a brief moment, that I should call in sick so as to avoid the confrontation with my boss. I immediately saw the flaw in that plan as it would just have me more stressed out tomorrow.

I saw her as soon as I got to work. She reacted as I knew she would. I said specifically, "I need to drop Tuesday and Thursday altogether as I just cannot handle the evenings." She said, "Well do you want to work til 6 on T and Th and just close 2 registers before you leave ond someone can close the third?" Umm, no, I need to drop T and Th altogether as I just cannot handle the evenings."

She then did a little For Fuck's Sake (tm GFI) in her own full of charm and never uttering the word fuck in her life suthin way and was totally talking out loud to herself. Well, if I am sitting there in the room, and you are talking out loud to yourself, you're sorta talking to me. So I was answering. She said something about compromised coverage and I replied that it could no longer be my concern. "Well of course not, Max, I was talking to myself. I'm just trying to figure out what we can do..."

I stressed to her that this was about my illness. I was telling her at one point how I appreciated that her concerns were company related and not personal toward me. I then told her my concerns were company related, too. In particular, I told her that I felt that if my Crohn's was a visible disibility, I would have been given the modified schedule I requested a few weeks ago. That put her radar up and she got up from her desk and went down to the main office to call the Assistant Manager out of a meeting in another store to ask what to do. Amazing how the word disibility being thrown in made the sparks fly.

She came back explaining that with our new system (new next week) schedules were locked in three weeks out and my new schedule can't go into effect until 7\1. funny that not 30 minutes prior, she had been asking me if I needed any edits for the week before that. She could edit that week to drop me out T and Th, yes? I did not push it because my new boss is a pushover...umm...flexible.

JCP is just less and less a company I want to work for. Maybe that is taking care of itself.

So the new job... I will be the assistant to not one, but two! Two hotshot art directors. Both who like me well enough. One even loves me dearly. They can totally have their way with me.....

Ask, and it shall be given...

Everyone needs to hold a good thought for me today. I have accepted a new position part time and in lieu of that will let my boss know I am dropping two of my days and will no longer be available evenings. it will be a challenging conversation because it compromises desk coverage, but I can no longer let that be my concern.

A few months back I asked to be taken off nights as soon as possible because it was a challenge for me in that I felt more tired on Tues and Thursday, the nights I work, and then I felt worse at work the next day as well. I told my boss I really felt I needed to not work past six. Nothing really came of that that has helped me. I was clear in saying I needed to not work past six, but my boss took it to mean I was working too long a shift and cut me back on the early end changing my 12-9 shift to 2-9. Not so helpful really.

Recently, I asked to change my work week to a 4 day week. This would be the best of both worlds solution. It would get me down to one night, and it would still offer good desk coverage. I got an uncompromising no. Crohn's is a protected disability. Basically this just means they cannot fire me for being sick, I think. However if it was not an invisible disability, I think my scheduling request would have been taken more seriously and likely would have been granted.

I see no choice but to go in today and limit my availability. The down side might be that they really fuck with that and schedule me minimal hours within that. But that will be okay. Within my availablility, I will work whatever I am scheduled.

So here's my shout out thanks to The Universe for answering!

Did you hear that loud bang?

It was the sound of one door closing. I need everyone to be clear on this just in case The Universe isn't paying attention. I can't give notice at my current job until I have another offer on the table. I was going to say I officially hate my job, but that isn't accurate. I actually like my job and I am rather good at it. it is my employer I am less than fond of. Toxicity has reached a new level and it is soon time to go, if The Universe will cooperate. MAW, get to work. xo.

Buttons

I need buttons. You all know you have a small stash of buttons which you will likely never use. You have saved them for me. When you see a jar of buttons at the thrift store, garage sale, your sister's house, those are mine too, so facilitate their safe travel queenward. Buttons...BUTTONS...lovely round or otherwise shaped buttons...You are getting sleepy...when I snap my fingers, you will be ready to send me buttons...

*SNAP*

Please let me know if you need the address.

Commit to Sit

Yesterday, eb and I began our Commit to Sit efforts. Our friend Irene is on board with this as well, and we are looking forward mostly to an improved sense of well being.

Sawyer is also taking the challenge rather seriously. While I was sitting this morning, he stood guard at the entrance of the meditation room and was very growly toward both Nola and Lilli when they attempted entry. Whe my timer went off at the end of my twenty minute sit, Sawyer was positioned across the threshold in a way that prevented either of the grrls entry, and they were both laying perpendicular to hime waiting for me to emerge. I think they like the energy shift.

I am also incorporating a few yoga poses with my sit time in a n effort to bring yoga back to my daily schedule. It will work, or it won't, and only time will tell.

feliz dia de los mamacitas

dancing grrls 5
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Some day my Spanish will not be so bastardized, but it is the best I can do today. I made a scrumptious breakfast of potatoes and eggs for eb and myself, and now, I must phone my mamacita lest I be deemed dog meat.

ps...my laptop shifted to a large print setting all on its own...how does that happen...last night I was checking email and all was normal and this morning I opened it up to large print...maybe the universe thinks I am squinting too much? Maybe it was a visit from Gnomo the homo?

pps...the dancing grrls bag is donerooni and there are more pics on flickr.

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog for a special report................................

gnomo
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Meet gnomo the homo. Gnomo is of the miniature branch of the gnome family, and as her name suggests, is a homo. Yes, I said she.
No teasing as she is sometimes quite sensitive about being a bearded lady. There is a fine line between her sensitivity and her fine beard being a point of pride.

Gnomo is reposed in the latest in Gnome's of the homo type cozy fashion. She is decked out in a custom residence, a bowl of her own. Very Virginia Woolf.

We now return you to our regularly scheduled blog.............................

my baby done left me...

I was going to leave you with some bad blues-y lyrics here, but you likely know that eb surely didn't leave-leave me. No, she is with T in Syracuse checking things out. In a college town. On a Saturday night. With her 18 yo son. Hmmmm...I bet they are sleeping.

EB will not be back until Wednesday, and I have no earthly idea what time. I took the liberty of doing a little retail therapy to deal with my loss. I even did it on Friday morning before she was gone. She didn't leave until some ungodly hour today. But I knew my grieving would be severe. I went to the Texas Weaver's Conference. Any guesses as to what Texas weavers weave with?

I had done some side hair on Monday, so I had some cash on hand, and I was a very good grrl in that I used only my cash on hand. No credit cards, though every vendor assured me a credit card was no problem. Yuppers. I was very good. Only used my csh. All. Of. It.

I was showing the booty make that loot to deter a trip to the gutter, to Irene this morning over breakfast, and she agrees I will be knitting up some mighty fine things with all my new pretties.. I got some loopy stuff, some pretty and soft mohair, some cotton, some handpainted wool...lots-o-pretties. Maybe I will snap a pic in the morning.

And it will all fit into the bins I have without necessitating a trip to Targay for more.

I think that means I was very, very good. woo.

bird season

Nola just had the first baby bird of the season completely in her mouth. That means I just had the first mama bird of the season in my hair.

She dropped it on command, she is such a good girl, and for the first time, Lilli Munster got a little taste of baby bird. What a tag team.

Birds are all fine and recovered. Me? Not so much.

Charming.

Into the washer she goes

I felted the Dancing Grrls Bag this morning. I need to let it dry some and give it a shave, and maybe it still needs another trip through the washer. One can never be certain about such things. I think I like it, maybe. It will be an awesome knitting bag of nothing else, and there is still a lot of finishing to be done on it.

After two trips through the wash, the bag has shrunk from roughly 16X16 inches to 15X13 which is close to the suggested pattern post felting measurement of 13 high and 16 wide. Maybe no more washer time for this beauty.

It still needs 5 rounds of crochet around the top which will take away the slight waviness, and then a twisted strand drawstring. Also it will need a six stitch i-cord strap which is sewn on with metal rings. I might modify that part somehow. Or I might not. It depends on what I think of it after I get the crocheted edging done.

This bag also calls for little dolls to be buttoned on and I am definitely ommiting them as I think they are a bit unseemly. Overkill if you will. Just a little *too* folkish for me.

On another note, I have an interview for a potential salon manager opening. It is not a definite opening yet, and it might lead nowhere, but it is an interview. This means a little shopping is in order, so eb will not be out to play on Sunday until later in the day. Her assistance is required. Cross something, please.

Dancing grrls bag

Dancing grrls bag
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

The pattern is from Berroco in Ultra Alpaca and they call it the Doll Bag. I used six colors instead of eight and I used different colors than suggested. Pre-felting my bag measures about 16 inches square.

There are more pics up on Flickr, a detailed shot of each ro. Even the chart I totally fucked up. It's the charm of the handknit, says I.

The next step is to felt this in the washing machine. Cross something for me.

so gay scarf

so gay scarf
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

It's just so gay. Really. And it will be in the mail tomorrow.

ahhhhhh...

TtheLBJ(tm) that neither of the primo jackasses work on Friday.

no more being nice to jackasses

That title was what I said to one of my favored coworkers as I was leaving work tonight. No. More. Being. Nice. To. JACKASSES!!!

One of my coworkers is such a jackass(okay, really there are 2 total jackasses and 3 who are jackasses just 50% of the time). Could you tell? I have strong obstacles in dealing with her and she is definitely vying for the top of my challengeswithjackasses list.

So the favored coworker has a problem with the way she was booked this evening. The chi would not be good as it was set, so we did a little juggling. I first called client A, none other than eb, and asked her to come earlier. Then I called client B and asked her to come a little later. No problem. Then, Client C was 30 minutes late, yes, arriving at almost the same time as client B who was coming later.

So the favored coworker does part of client C's service, not what she was booked for, but favored coworker is good at adding on extra services and then juggling them in with everyone involved remaining happy. As she finished up a wax for client C, client B arrives. During the wax, she learns that client C would also like a hilite. Also, not the haircut she was booked for.

Rather than say no to one of her clients, she asked her if she would mind if the jackass did her as she had no client booked this evevning. (Everyone, no matter how much of a jackass, should be booked this close to Easter. It's a fact of salon life that is often hell for us little old receptionists.)

Client C said that would be fine as long as the favored coworker was doing the cutting.

So favored coworker talks to jackass who readily agrees, because not only is she a jackass, but she is a greedy jackass. Also, a whineyass jackass. The whole time she was getting it together to do the hilite for client C, she was whining about why should she do only the hilite? Why did favored coworker get the wax and cut?
i
You see, greedy whineyass jackass contends that I give all the walkins to favored coworker (I don't) and if I had given client C to her to begin with, she would be doing all 3 services. Jackass also has a hearing problem, well, a listening problem, because favored coworker had clearly stated this was her regular client.

Client C comes up to pay and was apparently upset. Maybe she just wanted to be out of the salon, but when she saw her total she was genuinely shocked. I asked her if jackass neglected to discuss the price with her and she said yes. So egomaniacal receptionist that I am, I used the power bestowed on me by the boss lady, and I cut her ticket, no questions asked. I have had this problem with jackass padding her tickets before and the ticket has a spot for the stylist to specifically go over all charges and list the total fee for the client to initial, It's sort of required script that most stylists ignore, but when I know it is an issue, I tell the boss lady and she reviews it with the stylist personally to avoid future issues.

She also felt that jackass delayed in getting to her and when she sees her hair in the daylight tomorrow, she will not be seeing much hilite, so that will be an issue for another day.

Then, she asked who was working the desk this morning (not me) and told me she specifically said she could not make 630, it would definitely be 7, and if she had been properly booked, no magnificant shuffling would have been required.

Client C was satisfied and jackass loses commission. I can't wait til tomorrow to chat with the boss lady.

Harvest Moon

For the last three days, I have had Harvest Moon by who? Yes, Neil Young, that's right, I have had it on repeat in my car cd player. Everywhere I have gone, I have been feeling the island breeze. It is such a soothing and beautiful love song. By Neil Young. Who'da thunk it?

"Harvest Moon"

Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away.

But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.

Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart.

But now it's gettin' late
And the moon is climbin' high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin' in your eye.

Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

I feel for you...

I went to Galveston this morning and had a sit-down on the beach. It was a nice way to recharge and refresh my soul if you follow. On the way down, I listened to Neil Young. I have to admit I listen to that cd far more than I thought I would, and I think for the most part, I have not been dreaming Neil Young since buying it.

On the way back I listened to Chaka Khan and Prince. Prince has two greatest hits cd, and I was listening to what I think is the second one, the naughty one if you will. The following are the lyrics to "Do Me" and if you do not already own a copy you should go directly and download it from iTunes. Then play it really loud for your lovergrrl.

Do Me by Prince
Here we are in this big old empty room, staring each other down
U want me just as much as I want U, let's stop fooling around
Take me baby... kiss me all over... play with my love
Bring out what's been in me for far too long
Baby, u know that's all I've been dreaming of
Do Me Baby, like u never done before
Give it to me till I just can't take no more
Do Me Baby, like u never done before
I want u now, I just can't wait no more, can't wait...

Here we are looking for a reason for u to lay me down
For a love like ours is never out of season, so baby please stop teasing me
what ya do, I can never love no other, u're the best I ever had
Whenever we're not close to one another, I just want u so bad

So Do Me Baby, like u never done before
Give it to me till I just can't take no more
C'mon, Do Me Baby, like u never done before
I want u now, I just can't wait no more

I said ooo...ooo...oooo...ooooooo
Do Me Baby, Do Me Baby, give it to me
Do Me Baby, I want u now
Do Me Baby, give it to me
Do Me Baby, Do Me baby, don't wanna do it all alone
I want your love.
Do Me Baby, give it to me
Do Me Baby, This feeling is too strong, make me wait 2 long, I want u now



Now go drink some tea!!

Knit for Peace

knit for peace close-up
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Today was/is Knit for Peace day. i think the idea is something more focused on producing a statement sort of piece of work, but I heard about it just a few days ago, and in that time, I could not really organize something statementish. So I decided to go to the Rothko Chapel and do some Mindful Knitting.

I was at the Rothko from 4-6 this afternoon and I worked on this wrap I am making. I bought the pattern and the yarn at Tara Jon Manning's Mindful Knitting retreat in Vermont last weekend(2 weekends ago? impossible!) I did 17 rows in that time, about 2 inches, which translates to 1,462 stitches for peace.

The yarn and pattern are by Margaret Klein Wilson whose company is Mostly Merino. I would link her as well, but her site isn't quite done yet. Her product is unbelievable. I amusing Mostly Merino Singles which is Light Sport/Fingering weight. 2 oz = 250 yards. 77% Merino
& Corriedale Wool and 23 % Mohair. The color is Cinnabar.

Divine.

undertaker dude

undertaker dude
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Three young boys followed William to the door and watched him. One came back to where his family was waiting in the bar very excited. There is a totally cool undertaker dude.

At this, his father went to the door pasing the other two boys on the way. He asked one to point out the undertaker dude as he was intrigued. The boy passed by saying "Can't miss him."

True that.

Then the father just came back to the bar saying there really was an undertaker dude.

Virgin Snow

Virgin Snow
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

How I totally resisted buying this I am not sure.

yarn and more yarn

yarn and more yarn
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

A thing of beauty

A thing of beauty
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Is it not the cutest thing? I was very skeptical at first learning to knit in the round continental. Then I was on overload as Tara told us we would now be knitting two handed stranded. I got it. And I like it. Now to do it again on my own.

Let the sun shine...

Let the sun shine...
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Lot's and lots of snow in Vermont. Highland Lodge offers 60 miles of cross country skiing and one of the employees said this last weekend of the season was absolutely the best snow all winter.

Let the vacation recap begin

dinner
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

William told me to call him when I checked into the Lake Placid Hilton so he could get dinner in the oven. He said it would be about half an hour after that he would see me, be hungry.

Me: Do I need to come to your place?
W: No, I am cooking at work and I will bring it to your room.
Me: Sweet!

He should have said be *very* hungry!

Knaked Knitting

I hope the neighbors enjoyed my hour of knaked knitting as much as I did this morning.

And I'm Home

I flew out of Albany yesterday and had a stop over in Cincinati where my connection was delayed due to a weather ground stop in Houston. I was supposed to arrive at 6:20 and I actually arrived close to 9. Not too bad because I could knit while I was waiting, but I was ready to be home in my babygrrl's arms.

Once in the air, the flight attendant, who I would wager was somewhat older than me, and hetero, was doing the pass with crackers, cookies, and beverages. There were peanutbutter crackers, cheese and crackers, and Biscoff cookies. I covet the cookies at all times so it was a no-brainer.

Me: Biscoff, please. Can I have two? They really are the closest thing to heaven I can believe in.
FA: Sure, sweetie, I'm wearing a few pounds of them myself. (She coyly said as her ample bosom was right in my face causing my eyes to zoom into an obvious stare)
Me: (very casually, not missing a beat) And you wear them so well...
FA: (slightly flushed, likely wanting to say my eyes are up here) Thanks (I think).

Those cookies were delish. Expanses of snow and knitting pics coming soon. Really.

Mostly packed.

Does that mean I am ready to go? No. It means yesterday was almost a slug day, and I shipped home some dirty clothes, books, and jars of crap I bought so my suitcase would not be to stuffed or overweight. There was a plan. I am sitting here today hoping I don't need any of the dirty clothes before Tuesday, their scheduled arrival in Houston.

So I still have to deal with the piddly crap. When I am packing for home, I always take a sort of inventory and try to appreciate stuff I brought but did not really need so that next time, I might pack lighter. When we doe a 4 or 5 day long weekend, I find this much easier. When I am gone for a week or more, this becomes more a challenge.

In an hour, I must be off to the airport, so time to get my ass in gear.

Oh, the irony...

Since leaving the house early yesterday morning, I knew I was forgetting something. Camera? Nope. Knitting stuff? Unuh. Directions, confirmations? Got 'em. Sneakers, socks, sweaters? All packed...

The list can go on and on, and it won't change the fact that the cute fuzzy and warm felted mittens I made with my own hands, the matching scarf, and various other warm cuddly scarves, are all sitting in the closet at home. As soon as I walked out of the airport into the cold with my neck exposed, I knew. It is just wrong. Woe, is me.

I am off in a moment to run down the street to the yarn store, yes, if it wasn't something close to zero degrees, it is close enough for a stroll, and buy some super chunky yarn that will be a scarf before bedtime tonight. Motherfucker.

Omigod, but it's fucking cold out.

So I am in a fabulous room at the Lake Placid Hilton, and everyone I interact with asks if I am Willie's mom. Well, yes, yes I am.

Willie insisted on taking care of my room, and at this very moment, he is down in the kitchen whipping me up some dindin. It's a surprise. and yes, son, I still prefer Pepsi.

So each time I am asked if I am Willie's mom, I am also then filled in on what a good guy Willie is. He may never work anywhere else ever again, and I might advise that, because they absolutely love him here. And I know what a good boy he is. Okay, he is 22, and hardly a boy, bbut as I argued with him in his teen years, as first born he will always be my baby. He likes it.

So the chef is in the kitchen fixing some most delicious grub for his mom. On the way up from Albany, I was cruising along somewhere past Lake George. Once past Lake George, there was hardly any traffic. The speed limit is 65 and I was keeping it under 75, mostly at 70. I had not seen another car in about a half hour and low and behold, there was a car merging onto the interstate. I shifted to the left lane, courteous driver that I am, and as I did so I caught a glance at my speedometer. Umm, 83. Okay, slow down a wee bit. As I slowed to a more respectable 73, I was about to pass the car and out of the blue I see it had a rack-o-lights. Woohoo, Mr State Trooper...yes I slowed just in the nick of time. It's not like I didn't *see* the rack, I just hadn't seen a car in so long that it didn't register.

Not only do I not have power locks or windows, but I also don't have cruise control. The little things can spoil a grrl, I tell ya.

Dearest eb...I promise to be in vacation mode on Goddess Time(tm) from this point forward.

Taa.

As of 10 AM Saturday...

I was officially empty. Of course, I didn't know I was empty until mid afternoon when I went to the bathroom and all I did was pee. For the last 23 hours, I have been a pee only sort of grrl. Thank you very much.

So it took from Midnight Wednesday until 10AM Saturday for me to empty. 58 hours. Eww. I am glad it hit when it did, not the weekend before when traveling and not the week after when traveling. That would just be poor form.

I lost 10 pounds yesterday

At that rate, if I could just stay sick for a week, I'd be happy with my weight for a change. I am sure the ten pounds will be finding me again soon as it was totally water weight. Need I get more graphic than that? Use your imaginations.

We went out to eat to one of our favorite places and I think maybe the salad dressing had turned. Since then, however, T has arrived with a stomach bug and maybe it is that someone working there passed something along. Regardless, it seems to be easing up, but I will not be going in to work again today, and hopefully, I might be less in the bathroom today. If I am really lucky, I will be able to knit. No knitting yesterday, yes I was that sick.

At least I can sit up today and read email. What a flurry of mail I had to greet me in my inbox. Vaginas and pussies tossed around so casually. A grrl has to like that. Sick or not, I will be checking my email for more.

the girls are home

This marks the official end of a fabulous long weekend vacation. Vacation nearly always begins a day early as soon as the girls are dropped off, so naturally, now that Lilli Munster and Nola are home, vacation is officially over. That, and the fact that I will be at work at 2.

What a wonderful weekend we had. It began with the Radical Lace and Subversive Knitting Show at the Museum of Art and Design. On one of the knitting forums I frequent, someone had suggested not bringing a non-knitter. But when it comes down to it, this is an art show and in a prominent museum. I was so glad to see this, the evening gown knit out of one dollar bills, the miniature gloves(each one resting on a finger tip) and sweaters, the American flag knit using telephone and John Deere excavators. These and the lace forms that were not knit. All were awesome. Imagine delicate lace designs cut with an exacto knife in a large paper hanging. Need something more challenging to imagine? How about delicate lace cut in car parts with an oxyacetyline torch?

The point is, of course, that it was all art. And I am glad I got to see the exhibit.

As we were ending the museum tour, my cell rang and it was Kmae. Awesome, even if I did get chastised by the guards on the exhibit floor. Ok, so I moved off the floor and was waiting for the elevator to take me down. Chastised again. "No talking on the phone, Ma'am. My supervisor is on her way up the stairs and will take it from you."

So Kmae and Doris made it into the city and we joined them for dinner at Manitus. Burgers were good, but the company and conversation was way better. We had about an hour together and honestly, I could have sit and talk to them the entire weekend. They are really and truly a delight.

Kmae and Doris dropped us at our subway stop and we went to the drug store for toothpaste and deoderant. Not that we forgot to pack them, but we were nearly out of both items as we left home. Being less then fresh at the blogger gathering would habe been totally unacceptable.

We then caught the subway back to our hotel. The Barclay Intercontinental was a lovely night in NYC. Next time we travel we might better look at the ammenities available so we are better prepared to take advantage of saunas and steam rooms and such.

We left the Barclay quite early and went back to JFK to pick up our rental car. That was actually pathetically easy. We always hear, "No, don't fly into JFK..." but really it was a beautiful convergence of Goddess Time(tm) all weekend. The trip out to CT was smooth and without a blip.

We were able to check into our hotel, the Shelton Mariott early, dammit, a pool, and then it was on to Weese and MAW's(tm) place to meetup with them and Suzanne and Wendy as well as Suzanne's delicious, um, I mean delightful sister.

We sat and visited and had cocktails at Weese's house for a while before heading out to Sassyfemme's place for the bigger meetup. I liked having a small meetup on Friday and then a medium meetup on Saturday morning before the big meetup. It was a lovely layering of anticipation and gratification.

After cocktails at Casa Weese, we took two cars to Chez Sassy. Lots of fun was had by all. Before actually meeting Sassy and Fran, the door was cordially answered by Bent Fabric who said she was Sassy, but had been tanning. Funny, that one is. The afternoon ensued with a lot of reveling and continual laughter. I was floating around from here to there and finally took up residence in the corner of the kitchen at the table where I could knock back some beer and watch as well as participate in quieter conversations, all of which were quite enjoyable. The kitchen crowd would thin out a little and all would be rather serene, and just then, the crowd would refom in the kitchen to rounds of luscious laughter.

At one point, eb told me she was going to go outside and play in the snow. She was out front making some snow paintings for our hostesses when the graffiti artists showed up. I had enough sense to stay inside as I have played with enough snow for this lifetime.

All around, the weekend was a relaxing delight. I made scarves for our various hosts, and damn but you know I took pics of none of them. Five glorious queenmaxine originals out in the world hugging prayers and warmth around their recipients.

Off to work for a few days before I turn around and am off again to the snow, this time to the Mindful Knitting Retreat in VT with Tara Jon Manning. Just enough time to properly thaw and do laundry.

Like I really need another project in the air...

This one will actually begin in a few weeks, but I want to give a heads up now because there will be details to work out. I just visited and signed up for 1001journals.com and while there, I launched a traveling journal for the EP lesbos to include contributors and supporters. It will be by invitation and that means if you might be interested, you need to email me or comment here to get an invite and be on the list. I need a bit of time to prepare the journal for it's voyage and everyone is encouraged to participate, and I don't want to hear any "I'm not creative enough for that" bullshit.

I am going to prep the pages and you will then pick what page suits your fancy and journal on it by any means and about any subject. It can be artful, literary, anonymous(sort of), anything goes. I ask that you limit custody to two weeks. I also ask that you add a trinket to the traveling journal box which will be used for the final journal shrine assembly. I am contemplating if it could be used in the Day of the Dead fundraiser we participate in and that part remains to be thought through. I like the idea because it is a public viewing sort of show, but I don't like it because it would be up for auction, though I would be establishing the starting bid which I could raise discriminitely. Any proceeds would go to EP to defray costs.

You would be responsible for doing your spread and then sending it on to the next person on the list via mail. It is also requested by the host site that each person scan their contribution to post, but we can work that out as necessary.

Who's in? Everyone reading this far had better be saying yes!

And the stories that were told...

I cooked some more pork tenderloin last night. Never a disappointment, that one. I also made the St Andre mashed potatoes again because everyone knows you can't have pork tenderloin without them. Then I made honey glazed baby carrots with shallots and ginger. One comment was heard attesting to their goodness, "...and I don't like cooked carrots!" Yummy. That was Suzanne. She had seconds on her carrots. Her wife Vicki thought even Brandon might eat them. He's 7 I think, and her grandson.

Suzanne and Vicki came over for haircuts and we were going to order out for dinner. I just thought cooking would be easier, and I kinda like it, as you know. I'm sick like that. I still think it was easier, but I had to go out and flip the stove breaker about 8 times while I was cooking. What a pain in the ass.

Since the stove was new about 4 years ago, I have learned that you don't use the oven and the cooktop at the same time. Well, you could use both, but only one burner. If I forgot and turned on a second burner, the breaker would flip. This was only ever a problem if we were entertaining, but I got quite good at juggling what was cooked and when and in what order.
Not too long ago it started happening when I was broiling and using one burner. Ok, bigger pain in the ass.

Recently, the broiler itself, all alone, has been tripping the breaker almost as soon as the pork really starts sizzling. It takes about 4 flips of the breaker to cook the pork tenderloin. Last night, I think it was 5.

So the pork was done and resting, and the broiler turned off. Then The potatoes had to be boiled and the carrots sauteed. Maybe the oven was still too hot and it contributed to the breaker flipping again when only the cooktop was being used. And maybe the stove is a piece of shit. Just maybe.

So with the cooking drama aside, we ate and drank a little. Michael and Irene were here too, and it was Michael's first time. I think he might come back. It would be nice to find him another gayboy friend, but that could prove a challenge. Two boys might upset the estrogen balance too much, even if they are gayboys.

Give this group a few glasses of wine and beer and the stories will start flowing. We learned all about an awesome sex shop in London and the Mafia in Italy, among other things.

Next time maybe pablano chicken or Sarah's pine nut spinach manicotti.

Life is good.

uses time wisely

I have been out and about since 10 this morning. I decided to fuller embrace not giving a shit about my hair and left home with it not 'done'. As a hairdresser, this is a challenge. Also, given that it is a work day and need my hair to be 'done' for work, I was doubly surprised when it occurred to me to get out early and not give a shit as all things have a way of working themselves out, my hair included.

Normally, I would get it all together, then go run errands on my way to work. This formula just does not work as I get distracted on the way to getting it all together, thus shortening greatly the errand portion of the day, if not eliminating it altogether.

So today, I showered and threw on a tshirt and jeans and ran out the door by 10 this morning. I had a bowl of blueberries in an effort to get used to eating breakfast, too. They were damn good with a scant tablespoon of both sour cream and brown sugar mixed in. Don't wrinkle up your nose til you've tried it. I had a few errands in mind, the yarn store because e has begged me to make a scarf or two and that requires some yarn. Check. Then to Whole Foods for some stuff for dinner tomorrow night. Check. Then to Costco for some pork tenderloin for said dinner. Check.

The yarn store was quiet and Wendy was working. She was extremely thankful for the tin of cookies I brought in for the staff for the holidays. You know what that means?? They now know who I am. It is akin to Norm arriving at Cheers in the knitting world when your LYS (local yarn shop) knows who you are. I like it. I bought wool for two scarves and I can see them already in my brain. They will get made in a timely fashion.

Then there was Whole Foods. I should not be allowed to go there without a list. I really was not too bad, but I did get some new tea for us and that jacked the grocery bill just a wee bit. Reports on those later. On the way in the door they had the most exquisite potted orchids. I think I might go back for at least one. They were stunning. Totally a reason to be carrying a camera with me though I wasn't. Yes, they were that beautiful. Cupid should be sending them to everyone on the v-day list. I was able to resist, but I think for certain I will be going back for one. I managed to get the dinner things as well, yukon gold potatoes for mashed, some baby zuchini to roast, as well as some mushrooms to saute. I guess I should have picked up some shallots, too, but I wasn't thinking about shallots, I was thinking of those damn orchids. I remembered the St Andre cheese to dump into the mashed potatoes and I got a triple cream brie and some other new for us cheese to have with pomegranite and walnuts as a starter. Dinner is sure to be delish.

At Costco, because I had other groceries in the car, I was extremely ficused. In, to the back, grab pork, get in line. I like it when Costco is easy and quick as much when it is lingering, and the crowd today was sparse, so it was a snap either way.

As I pulled into the driveway, I realized the errand that was supposed to be primary today, my expired car inspection. I have a 2005 Civic and I am sure it will pass so there is not drama nerves about the inspection, but I just keep forgetting to get it done. This too will work itself out.

jeans...and socks...

I scored yesterday. When I went to Macy's to see if they had my jeans, I was looking for a 24 because that is the size I thought I was wearing. All they had in The Jones New York Signature collection jean was a 16 and a 22. Fuck.

I grabbed them and a shitload of other jeans to try on and lo and behold, thank The Little Baby Jesus(tm), the 22, in the jean I wanted in the first place, fit like a glove. Let me fess up, no I did not lose a size, the pair I already have are a 22. At least I am thinking this is the case, I might check when I do laundry, but I don't feel like getting up now to go see.

I also got eb a stylish wool blazer that was on clearance. And not to be forgotten, I got some socks when I went back to JCP. I got 6 pair of trouser socks, 6 pair of heavy white ankle socks, 6 pair of heavy black ankle socks, a 6 pair black and white mixed light ankle socks, and 4 pair of pretty knit socks. I think we have enough socks for the moment.

We also have a shitload of bras on clearance. I mean a shitload. I got 2 and brought 6 home for eb. It's charming. really.

talk to me...

So I am working on Bob Green's Best Life Diet which is not really a diet but a way to live your best life. In phase one, there are some easy lifestyle modifications, one of which is giving up something like soda for 30 days. The general idea is to give it up to see what one easy modification can do in terms of calorie difference.

I really do not drink enough soda anymore for this to be particularly effective, so I boldly decided to give up Starbucks for 30 days. I used to go a few times a week for a chai latte on my way to work. This turned into stopping daily because it was so easy on the way to work and hey, it's half soy milk so that qualifies as breakfast so it's good for me right? One needs breakfast, so says Bob.

But really, I was doing it from habit, not because I was thirsty or hungry. And can you have chai latte for breakfast without adding a glazed old fashioned donut and still consider it breakfast? I don't think so.

So it has been a bit more than 2 weeks, and I am not at all jonesing for my chai in the morning. I have to wonder if it is morning chai that I gave up or starbucks in total. If I actually want a chai latte while at work, can I get one?

Help me, please. Discuss.

Just a travelin' ho

And my coworkers will be envy filled...they just don't get it that they could make the choice to travel too.

We will be going to NYC on Feb 23rd and then to Hartford CT for a blogger meetup. I bet Hartford has a yarn shop. I then am going to the VT retreat and to see my dad and son in upstate NY in March. It is going to be cold in all those places.

Fuck.

I think I need to buy a second pair of jeans.

Another scarf done

100_4730
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

I just posted a few pictures of some newly finished objects, mostly scarves and a pair of mittens which aren't actually finished. I still need to sew the cuffs on them and might just do that tonight. Or maybe not.

But maybe.

More pics on the flickr stream to the right and down a little.

Hearing Neil Young

I can't say I hve ever owned a Neil Young recording. I would not consider myself a fan. But I do usually know Neil Young when I hear him. Lately, I have been hearing him all over the place.

In my dreams, I have been hearing music which I could not describe either lyrically or tunewise, but in my dream, I am very clear that I am hearing Neil Young. This has been happening a lot. It could be disturbing if I let it. I am finding that when I drift off into a daydream I am hearing Neil Young as well.

I think it might be time to go to B and N tomorrow and take a listen to what they have available in the audio section.

Customization

I finally finished updating to the new Blogger system. I am not sure if it is a big deal change or not, but I like the one click customization ability and the one click post. It is not something I couldn't live without, but once I figured it out it's not so bad.

I am currently finalizing some plans for the Mindful Knitting Retreat in Varmont in March. So far I have the retreat deposit done, and the airfare. I am working with my eldest son to see if a deal is to be offered at the Hilton in Lake Placid for the extended phase of my stay. I am not terribly hopeful as it is still ski season then, and rooms might not be readily available. I will check a few other places as well, and in the end, it will be all good. A rental car will need to be procured as well, and them I am set. For the cold. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR...Yes, I am in no denial that it is going to be terribly fucking cold in the mountains in March.

It still cracks me up that skiing and snowshoeing are listed as leisure time activities at the lodge during the retreat. umm, no thanks, I'll take the fireside knitting. It is, afterall, a knitting retreat.

and we're home...

Actually, we were home last night at 1130. Whew. eb drove straight through from Memphis. We stopped at Kmart in Texarkana and got pillows, and I managed to hang until about 930 before kicking the seat back and claiming one of the pillows for snoozing.

I am very excited about the Mindful Knitting Retreat in Vermont at Highland Lodge. I have two books by Tara Jon Manning which I got for xmas, Mindful Knitting, and Compassionate Knitting, so I have been exploring this a little on my own. I think the retreat is going to be something very special in a knitting/meditation/yoga all coming together sort of way.

I am still a little wary about going north in the winter, but it will be all good. Right? Yes, it will. I am going to tack on a few days after and visit my oldest and my parents. My mm is currently somewhere south with her sisters and it is quite possible she will not be home by then, but I can visit my dad and son at any rate and likely piss off my mother in the process.

It will be almost 20 years to the day since I have been home in winter. I moved to Virginia in March of 1987. It doesn't feel like that long ago in some ways, and in some ways it is so very far off my radar. When I left, I swore off ever going back in winter, and somehow, 20 years seems an appropriate ammount of time. Since the retreat is rather costly, I am going to ask my son if I can stay with him a few days to keep the balance of the trip on the cheap. Alternately, I will have him see how much a room is with his discount at the Hilton. He is a chef there.

Preparations must now be made. I have socks to buy at the very minimum.

Rita loves me...

While on vacation this weekend, I got the email from the retreat center. A spot has opened up and it is all for me if I am still able to atend. EB, goddess that she is, insiste dthat if I really want to do it, I should do it. So I sent the reply email scarfing up said spot. It is mine, all mine. I refuse to think today about winter in the northeast. The retreat is early March and there is plenty of time for that reality to sink in.

Pick up the pen and write it yourself...

Bill moyers said..."Freedom begins the moment you realize someone else has been writing your story..."
,
Of course I am paraphrasing, and Bill Moyers might have been quoting someone else when he said that, but him saying it spoke to the writer in me. It made me think I have some kind of contribution to make, though I am not sure there is a conection to media reform, but this post is proof that I am here and that I am indeed blogging the convention. My obligation has been met.

Bill Moyers was introduced by Danny GLover. Glover wants us to critically embrace diversity. He was very passionate in his brief intro speech about freedom of expression. It requires access to knowledge, a capacity toward deliberate choice expressed in decision, and a responsibility to respond when questioned about your decisions.

That is the most sense I can make of the notes I made in the dark this morning. Imagine how much less aense they will make to me after I am home.

Anyway, Deborah is here now, yippee!! So time to do some more meeting and greeting...

Avoiding the day

That's what I find myself thinking about at the moment. Not that there will be anything to avoid. With the trip on Wednesday and me having to do a client before work tomorrow and then tomorrow working til 9, there is just a lot that could be done today that since I have to work 10-6, might not get done. A big part of that would involve behaving in a sluglike manner while doing other stuff.

I was weird sick all weekend. Not anything contagious, I really think just a progressive part of my Crohn's disease, but still, I felt like crap. On Friday I was in major denial about it. I got feverish at 6 pm on Thursday evening, and getting so at this time, has been quite common over the last few months. It usually passes in an hour or two, and if I get a headache with it, I take some Tylenol and it passes without further incident. This time, however, I was feverish all night. Night sweats feverish. Eww.

So on Friday, I though I could work at least half my shift which prevents me having an absence. I am not sure why I care about that much, but it does give me a better overall rating and as a potential management candidate, that could matter. Anyway, I though I could work til 2 when I would normally go to lunch. I was fine while I was sitting, but if I had to stand for more than a couple of minutes, I got something close to dizzy. This was accompanied by waves of slight nausea. It really was lovely all around.

I made it til 11:30.

On Saturday I was feeling about 50% and as it was Saturday and I am a responsible gal, I went into work. I definitely felt better than the day before, but that good old denial was still working overtime. At some point on Friday, I realized I was paid 13 hours on Monday for the holiday which was going to throw me into serious overtime. It was actually a good thing I went home. Saturday, I was supposed to work 9-6 and when the second receptionist came in at 2, I left the building.

Sunday came and I felt recovered for the most part, but I did find myself tiring easier than normal. I had to work 3-7. I only ever work Sundays if I am taking time off during the week to not burn too much PTO, or rather, to more fully utilize it to its potential. I will be off Wednesday through Monday and am only taking one PTO day. It really is a thing of beauty.

Other things required of me today? I need to do some laundry, and I need to make a list of potential yarn shops for the trip. Our route is slightly different than originally planned, so I need to consult the map for towns along the way.

And I would still like to find my old glasses, though I know they wont show up until after my new ones arrive.

Starting the year wuth a bun(dt) in the oven

Actually, we started the year this morning at the airport at 5 am. I knew what I was doing when I booked my son's flight but we never do anything late on new year's eve, but still, getting up at 330 in the morning for anything...sucks. So my youngest is off, actually, already safely home in Virginia.

Then, around 6 am dear sweet elizabeth and I were home and back in bed for the sleep we missed getting up so damn early. At some point, around 9, I think, Lilli Munster jumped off the bed, either rested, bored, or needing to go outside. I always wager on needing to go out, so I followed her. After opening the door for her, I went back for my glasses. They had fallen on the floor at some point. I was blindly feeling around for them on the bedside table when I heard the crack. It was quick and precise. I said fuck.

My glasses are now in two pieces, unsalvagable as there was a nice clean break in the middle of the bridge over the nose. Two perfect halves. I have had a new scrip for a few months now and luckily, had some contacts to try again which I ended up deciding against. I have put off getting new glasses and the time is not unavoidably here. Tomorrow morning I will be at costco trying to find some fantastic new frames. Yippee.

Back to the bundt in the oven. A few weeks ago I was going to make a sour cream pound cake for the White Trash Xmas Buffet. We had a cake and cream puffs for dessert, so the homemade cake was not going to be missed, but I am learning to scale down so it was an important exercise.

All my ingredients were assembled on the counter, and I went to get the pan. It was MIA. mother Fucker. After looking everywhere it could be, I consulted with she who is not only dear *and* sweet, but orderly in a sometimes compulsive way. she looked in all the places it might be but to no avail. It is simply gone.

At Cost Plus picking up some wine, eb came across a replacement pan and bought it for me. A marble sour cream pound cake is about half done and smelling damn good.

Pressies part 2

The book list goes on...Felt by Robyn Steel-Stickland, Compassionate Knitting by Tara Jon Manning, Home Knits by suss Cousins, and Oddball Knitting by Barbara Albright. I also got a Krups spice Grinder and a Cuisinart stick blender with chopping attachment. I said it already and I will say it again, Amazon wish list is a thing of beauty and every blogger should have one.

I also got a recycled gift from eb. A series of sturdy nesting boxes. I love them. They are cubes and inside was a heart of wrapping paper saying she loves me. The boxes were from a gift she got at work from Dee, one of her reps. They will likely become some fabulous altered collage art. Likely.

Today, I am off to the mall with Connor who has $200 burning a hole in his pocket. I have a pedicure appointment at 11, and he will shop. And shop. At some point we iwll go to Costco as we need water and Pepsi. Might even go to the yarn shop as I got a check from my mom for $50 which is just enough for a set of Denise knitting needles.I might see if they have a set I can try first to be sure I like them, but if not, I might get them anyway and then take a pic for my mom of what she got me.

The mall beckons.

Xmas time is here...

Did you hear me snoring? That was right before my phone rang at 8 am. I was just getting back to sleep, you know, that morning sleep after you were up at 5 to pee and at 630 with the dogs. The sleep when you have all sorts of weird and profound dreams. I was really looking forward to it after so many early and late work shifts this past week. And the damn phone rang.

I looked to see who was calling and had already ruled out my mom having just spoke to her yesterday. It read Willie's cell. He is at work this morning at the Lake Placid Hilton busy preparing the holiday buffet feast. Why would he be calling in the middle of his saute and roast?

Well, the call is from his cell, but not from him. It was from the kindly gentleman who found Willie's phone at the Whiteface Lodge. He's leaving it at the reception desk there to be picked up and called to tell me because I was listed as Mom. Nice.
Thanks Mr Skier Man on Vacation!!

So I called my mom in case the need to pick up and deliver the grandson's phone to him might in a weird twist of logic sort of way get my dad to take her to the holiday buffet feast for lunch today. Said mom, "Not for $26 each! But maybe your father will feel like a ride this morning. I will ask him when he gets up."

This was news. My dad has always gotten up at 5 am. No alarm, just conditioning. And 9 am their time and he isn't up? At 79 he is finally sleeping in. Good for you, pop.

Since I am up, I just made some deviled eggs, and I put the baked French Toast in the oven. Think bread pudding for breakfast and you're on the mark. I need to fry up some bacon and sauasage. Then a little later on I will get out the Brie wheel covered in fig spread and Marcona almonds. Then at some point there will be a chicken roasting in the oven nestled in broccoli. And finally some shrimp pan fried dumplings with buttery slices of filet mignon.

We began opening some pressies last night. My tally so far includes Mindful Knitting by Tara Jon Manning, Knit Two Together by Tracy Ullman and someone else, Night Vision by Ellen Hart, and season two of Babylon 5. Amazon wish list is a thing of beauty. Eveyone should have one.

Time to fry, maybe more later...

552AM xmas eve...

Note to self. No more volunteering. I could be happily still asleep, but noooooooo...I had to volunteer to work for one of the other receptionists.

Actually, I don't feel bad about that, it was a nice thing to do as she has small kids, 2 of them autistic, ao she should be home this morning with them making holiday preparations with and for them.

Right now, however, I wager she is asleep. Fucker.

It's rainig out right now. Sucky. I have to park on three today and it's not covered. But the benefit of working 7-1 is that the parking will be relatively close to the elevator. And I do have an umbrella in the car that I hate using. IT is just inconvenient. But I work in a deep freeze and I don't want to be wet or even damp. I think I might finish my hair at work today.

Yawn.

Of course he is taller than me...

I spent a couple hours knitting at the airport last night. Well, not knitting the whole time, and part of that time frame was the driving, but it was a longer than expected trip as ones to the airport often are.

I left work at three full of anticipation for seeing my youngest, now 16, who did not make it here this summer, so xmas last year was the last I saw of him. His flight was due in at 509 and the airport, on a good day, is about 40 minutes away, so really, I had allowed plenty of time and I would rather sit and knit and be early, than have him have to wait on me as he does enough waiting on his sorryassmotherfucker of a father.

The two minute drive from the mall to the beltway onramp took 37 minutes. Can anyone say fucking holiday traffic sucks? Once I hit the beltway, which I thought would be the worst of the traffic, it was a straight shot through at about 70 miles an hour pausing just for three toll plazas which were not at all backed up. The biggest toll plaza has been modified since my last use of Beltway 8 and is decidedly more EZ Tag friendly and one of these days I must get a round to getting one of those. I arrived at the air port at about 430 and figured by the time I checked the momnitors, I would have little time to knit.

The 509 flight was delayed and was scheduled for 545. Not too bad. I sat down in baggage claim because it was quiet and that is where there were seats. This is a small airport. Why don't they get that people who need to meet someone inside might want to sit? There is plenty of seating at the gate and for ticketed passengers, that is just lovely. With the new security measures, ok, not so new, that is of no help. There were easily 50 people hanging around the security checkpoint at the end of the concourse where my boy would be coming from. The baggage area is just around the corner and down the escalator from there and there is new seating down there. Airport planning and management is on crack.

So I sat down in the peaceful but cold airport baggage area and knit. I was up at 5 to work at 7, so the knitting also made me need to rest my eyes. Just for a minute. Really. I did actually get some knitting done. At 545, I went and checked the monitor and the flight had scrolled off so it had arrived. I went upstairs and waited for my boy. I was figuring 6 ft tall by now and watching all the people streaming through.

There was a young black boy of a bout 5 wearing a cute little leather bomber jacket, a look that took me back, but, no, not my boy. There were many young men who could have fit the bill, most of them older, a few in suits, but none of them mine.

At 610 I called my boy. I figured if he was here, his phone would be back on and maybe I missed him, so even though missing him was not really possible I asked:

Me: Where are you?
C: Atlanta.
Me: Excuse me?There was a delay.
pause in a WTF sort of way
Me: Liar.
C: AAAAAAHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA..gotcha. I am at the gate not off the plane yet.
Me: Okay see you soon, love you.
C: Muah.

That little fucker did not miss a beat in this conversation. When he walked through the gate and hugged me, his bony little self was crushing me. He misses his mamaa so. I am sure I will be ready to strangle him in short order. Oh wait, he used all the minutes last month and then had $500+ in cell charges. I am already ready to strangle him.

Off to work.

Max and Anna

This was my first attempt using transparencies for photos. My dad took this pic about 50 years ago and it is of his parents. I recently came into possession of about 2000 of his 4 inch negatives from back in the day and this is first in a series. Nice bonus that it sold.

I first made a black and white transparency. Then the transparency is coated front and back with matte Mod Podge. Sections were painted with craft paint then cut oout and modpodged to a piece of tin. The background is a piece of chinese paper I found in Santa Fe. I wanted to add clock works to the top right, but ran out of time. It is whatever it was supposed to be because hey, it SOLD!

Damn, but I make some good onion dip!

Tomorrow is our holiday potluck at work. There are 29 of us and several nationalities and ethnicities are represented, so we usually have quite a good spread going on. There has even been custome participation in the past, so really, the unexpected should be expected.

Dianne will bring her spinach dip, Miriam will make a huge ham and cheese empanada which she then cuts into little sandwiches, and I know someone is making queso. The boss is making a ham and bringing some other stuff as well, and I imagine someone will fess up with plates or something equally lame.

We all, well, almost all, kicked in $5 and I went today and picked up a gift card for the boss to Perry's Steakhouse & Grill. There is a new location recently opened at our mall, and it is divine.

So yes, I am bringing onion dip. This morning, I was pan frying the onions and they were smelling so good. I just wanted to dig into them with a fork as they sat on the plate cooling slightly. I made a double batch of dip thinking that half would go to work, and half would be for the 3rd Annual White Trash Xmas Buffet which is at our house on Sunday.

I worked 3-11 tonight and for my dinner break, I drove around to the front of the mall to get the gift card for Perry's. As it is the holiday season, it took most of my break to accomplish this. I decided that dinner would be a grande Chai from Starbucks, and stopped in there on my way back around to the other side of the mall.

OF course I knew that I would be putting dip into a container so it is ready to bring to work tomorrow. I also felt a certain responsibility to taste it and make sure it was just right. Also, to make sure noone would be keeling over tomorrow from food poisoning. My coworkers health is at the forefront of my thoughts. Really.

The dip is awesome, and hey, I am hungry. And there isn't exactly enought to save for WTXB3 and I will have to make more anyway. So in I dig. Yumm.

Queenmaxine's Awesome Onion Dip

8 oz block cream cheese
i cup sour cream
1 cup mayo
2 large onions diced small
I tbs butter
s + p to taste

In a saute pan over medium high heat, melt the butter and add the onions and some s + P. Saute the onions until they are a rich golden brown. The darker you can get the onions, the more flavorful the dip will be, bubt be careful to not scorch or burn. No black crispy onions! Set aside to cool slightly.

The other ingredients should be at room temperature. The cream cheese is really the important one as far as it needing to be softened to room temperature. If you forget to take it out or are just not too patient, break it up and nuke it for 30 seconds. Then blent it on high with electric beaters. Once it is creamy, add the mayo and sour cream, mixing the three together until the ingredients are nicely smooth and homo-genous.

Once the onions have cooled slightly, add them to the mix and stir thoroughly to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least a couple of hours. Once you taste it, it is indanger of not making it to its final destination, so buy double ingredients to begin with!

Time flies...

Lest anyone label me a total slacker, I have updated Sub Rosa Online. Who's still in?

allow me to brace your descent with my breast

eb leans in to bid me farewell with a kiss and i say it and she says to write it down and since i am online and it is easiest, i write it here not necessarily to share with y'all, but out of convenience. bon jour.

Frosty

Lilli Munster and I were just outside and there is frost on the ground. Frost. That is just plain wrong. She is out there like a little bouncing toy shivering away trying to find a spot to poo. W.R.O.N.G.

A cold front blowing in?

Ten minutes ago or so, I went outside with the dogs and there was little discernable difference in temperature from inside. It was definitely more humid, and perhaps even a bit warmer. I was just outside again (Lilli Munster likes me to go with her and usually won't go out without me unless I leave the door open) and it has dropped at least 20 degrees.

Five minutes later, eb leaves for work, and she poked her head back inside to say, "Okay, it's fucking cold out here now..."

So for the next few days in Houston, it's winter. Pay attention so you don't miss it.

T-day almost over

I appreciate it is Friday, so T-day is over, but in a sense, it won't be over until the debt is collected. What debt? EB told me that Thomas wanted to spend the day with us, which really, given the family dynamics all around, is a no brainer. At their request, we had a simple supper of pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and ginger nd honey glazed carrots. I was going to bake a sour cream pound cake, but the tube pan has gone AWOL. If anyone knows where eb stashed it, please drop her a reminder email.

So the debt...eb also told me Thomas would like nothing more than to hang out and watch football. He has a tv in his room and can watch whatever he wants at any time, but I knew that the whole holiday vibe for him hinges on hanging out with his mom. I have an aversion to football blasting on the tv for the entire holiday. In fact, let's put it out there, if no sports were ever viewed on our tv on any day, ever again, I would lose less than zero sleep over it. I understand if the family came about watching sports together, but mine did not. You went to Aunt Patty's on the holiday and had a visit. Now eb and T and I, we visit on a quite regular basis. I still managed to hold the tv hostage. I told eb that everything has a price.

My car is pretty clean. When it was in the shop last month for some body work, it came back nicely detailed. It does, however, need a bath. This was the price for football on Thanksgiving, I wanted to give thanks for a clean car. I less than jokingly suggested it was such a lovely day, that the car could be washed before the game came on. I should have stuck to my guns. T has fled and eb is resting in bed trying to shake the crud she is suffering. I know it will be done eventually,

So last night, we watched LOTR again, and I planned an early night because I had to work early. We watched ER and then I went to bed. It was too early for sleep and I should have known better but I gave it a try. The alarm went off at 3:20 AM. Insanity. I had to work at 5. The upside of that is than I was off at noon.

I then suggested we go to lunch and we then did a little shopping. We went to a yarn shop that seems to be closed when I am off otherwise, and we then hit a few other places on the same street. Then we stopped at the other yarn store to pick up a special order that arrived. Then, once home, I hit the bed and took a much needed nap.

At 6 I was awake again, and now I am snuggled in with the tv.

Lilli Munster wants to play.

With confidence!

I wish I could remember precisely what Dr. D asked me this morning. What were his exact words? I am not sure what he asked, but the gist of it was to do with passing gas. Dr. D works at the Digestive Disease Center and he is the latest in my string of docs there, and the third I have seen there since my primary referred me about a year and a half ago.

I was answering the questions of the follow up from a visit 7 weeks ago. Are you better? How are you tolerating the meds, etc and the gas passing came up. As we were finishing up, the doc said he wanted me back for follow up in 6-8 weeks. The nurse had previously discussed with me that it would be good to come for a consult/check up every six months whether my disease was active or not as Crohn's is a progressive disease and small changes indicate certain stages, so consulting even if evrything seems the same or normal is a good plan.

Dr. D told me that until I was passing gas with confidence, I would be in every 6-8 weeks. That is the minimum standard of wellness I should expect, passing gas, with confidence.

It's a thing of beauty.

You look agitated...

I paused when Kia sadi this to me when she came into work tonight. Then after a moment of replection I answered "yes!"

I am not quite sure why I am agitated. I just had two days off so I should have been something less than agitated, but not so. I don't feel agitated other than at work, so it must have something to do with my tolerance being maximized in an undesirable way. Too bad I am not going on the Carribean Yarn Cruise this spring. That might buy me some tolerance.

Perhaps it is nothing more than the prospect of working at 5 AM on Friday.

I need to be careful

A few years ago, there was an unfortunate incident. Dear Sweet Elizabeth, who is so damn fine she walks on water, was going to the grocery store. She asked me if I wanted anything. Pork roll. I wanted pork roll.

I explained to DSE in great detail exactly where the pork roll was. The problem arose in that she went to a different store. Supposedly, I gave her the look that is reserved mostly for my wasband, on occasion for my children, for various dumbshits I might encounter otherwise, but never for someone so Dear and Sweet (who is so damn fine she walks on water) as Elizabeth.

So this week at work, my boss is trying to understand the new set plan for salon merchandise. Our front shelves are configured as 10 columns with a 3/7 split left and right. More precisely, a 3/3,2,2 right split.

The new set plan calls for a 3/2,5 configuration. Please note, this still adds up to 10 columns. Where we have on the right a 3, 2, 2, the plan requires a 2, 5. Can we change our existing shelving? No, absolutely not. Are the more than 1000 existing JCP salons even remotely close to the new requested configuration? Fuck, no. Does someone at corporate have a vision problem? Likely.

So my boss, whom I respect and admire greatly, just isn't getting the necessity of adapting the 2, 5 to fit out 3, 2, 2 shelving. I gave her the look, but thankfully, she did not see it. If she did see it, she totally ignored it. She stretched the 3 out to a 2 which left a 4, not a 5. I tried really hard all day, to consciously refrain from giving her the look. Luckily, it has been aone person job with her asking for help from a stylist who was not particularly busy this week.

It took a lot of effort to not go adjust it all after she left. Tomorrow, she is off and I will be enough over it to not give it another thought past hitting the publish button.

In other news, I am a working (paid) artist!!

There was something else, but DSE has just returned from suburbia.

Do I like it?

I don't think so...I just left work at 6 pm for the first time since the time change. It was dark outside. I am not sure which is worse, going in in the morning at 7 and it being dark out (before the time change), or leaving at 6 and it being dark out (after). Perhaps it is just bad having to go to work at all.

Time change

It's really already after 9, so when I was up with Lilli Munster at 630, it was really 730, late actually for the morning routine. Early for Sunday. But awake, I am, nonetheless. Early, too, considering we were ending the season four binge at 145 a.m., which only 15 minutes later was officially an hour earlier.

So now we have to wait. for Season 5 to grace out debit card with its presence. It will happen. I am not sure it is available yet as I have not seen it for sale anywhere, but if Santa can bring it, I am certain he will, and if he can get his hands on it before xmas, we will be watching it. I am not so sure I would be as hooked if I had to watch this weekly and with commercials. Watching it on DVD is brilliant and compelling.

I am also knitting the loveliest soft 100% Fine Merino Wool. It is made in Italy be di.ve and is called Autunno. The color combination ranges from black and green to black and pink, all skillfully spun in a single ply worsted weight with shifting hues that produce a self striping garment. I am ennamored, can you tell? I am making legwarmers for my hairdresser,a;ll the while letting my brain spin out of control about what I can make for myself with this. I might post ap ic later of the work in progress. I might not.

The Universe: A Minor Redesign

For the sake of time and convenience, I stopped on the way hom at the Kroger we hate rather than going to the Randall's we like. It was a pleasant experiennce.

WTF.

I need an iTunes Tutor

Last night I was ot online as the wireless had dropped. I did not need to be online. All I wanted to do was rip and play a few CDs. The latest version of iTunes is fucking with me. Either that, or I am just not bright enough to be on a Mac. I finally found the feature to disable the MAc from retrieving info about the cd from the internet, and then I rebooted. In fact, I had to do a hard shut down three times as iTunes kept getting hung. Even after turning off the get info feature, I still could not rip or listen to music.

This morning. Dear Sweet Elizabeth fixed the wireless. I opened up my laptop. I inserted the same CDs I wanted to rip last night. Zippadeedoodah. No issues. Well, Some of this music is a little twangy for me, but otherwise, no issues.

My other dilemma, Somw of my letters are beginning to chip away on my keyboard. I will soon have a jacked up looking keyboard with sharpie letters all over the place. Nice.

And, I'm off...again

Yes I just had a full week off in September. And 10 days in October. But as I have been telling you, PTO is a beautiful thing. I am off again until Wednesday. Yippee. It will most certainly be doing something to adjust the week I just had or if not, maybe get my attitude adjusted for the holiday push which we are already into.

Thursday the 12th sucks balls. On Thursday the 12th, I rearended the car in front of me when my foot slipped off the brake. First appearances indicated minor fender bender damage all around, however my car is currently in the shop needing a tear down before an estimate can be done. Physically, all involved were okay however, my seatbelt left me a lovely deep dark bruise across my right breast.

I suppose that is the worst of my week and I am glad that everyone is ok. No more on this topic as it is done. Finally. Or done until I know the damage to my car and get it back in one piece.

So today we are off to Austin for their art car parade. We are due back tomorrow, but I am off til Wednesday. Ahhhhh. Wednesday...

And we're home...

Taos was really lovely. When we return to New Mexico, it will most certainly be to Taos. I think maybe even a ski vacation might be in order. Anyone game?

On the way home from the airport, we stopped to pick up the girls. Lilli Munster was so glad to see me she promptly peed all over my left breast in her excitement, and really, I put her down right away so I am not sure how she had the chance. We walked to the grass and she peed there, too, so the first one on me was really just happy water.

We got home and everyone was reunited, and for a minute, I think Sawyer was even glad to have the girls home. He was certainly glad to have us home and I even got a kiss from him. He is not at all a kissing dog so when he gives one up, it is a cherished pearl of wisdom.

My yarn suitcase is bursting at the seams and looks ready to pop. I got the little felted balls that I bought for the dogs out, and I need to go fish in one of the pockets for the cord for my phone, but I am afraid that if I crack the zipper, that might be all it takes.

I am glad I planned a slug day into my vacation upon our return. Now it is time to do just that.

Baby, are you okay?

When did eb ask me this? Well, several times over the last couple of days.

Elevation is not something I give a lot of thought to. I grew up in the Adirondack mountains and have climbed many of the regions' high peaks. I really take mountain scenery for granted, but don't mind driving around in it to satisfy eb's desire for more of it. If it pleases her, I like it just fine. And let's not forget, I can deny her nothing.

I grew up mostly outside Lake Placid, NY at the base of Whiteface, the Olympic mountain whose base elevation is 1220 feet. The summit is 4650 feet and whether skiing the mountain or hiking it with friends or as a guide, I was at the summit at least half the year on a daily basis. No elevation drama.

Please take this moment to recall that for the past eight years, I have lived in Houston, TX with eb at an elevation of 0 - 310 feet. sea level at its best.

When we were settled into Placitas, NM, I had brief mooments of feeling winded. Nothing I really noticed much at the time, but looking back, I can see that it all started there, just mildly. Walking around, I would occasionally find myself reverting to a mouth breather (yogi Kathryn says mouths are for eating and kissing only)and I attributed this more to the dryness or sinus congestion rather than to elevation. I also considered that vacation might have packed on a few extra pounds, but I really have not overindulged at all and of course prefer being in denial about this possibility.

So here we are in Taos. Taos has an elevation of 6950 feet. Right away upon arriving I felt an unpleasant tightening in my chest. Am I having a heart attack? 6950 seems to be the magic number. I brought a suitcase from the car to the room we are in. We are basically parked right outside the door, and I was so winded that when I stopped to kiss eb, I had to ask her to give me a second to catch my breath. "Baby, are you okay?"

Every time I roll over in bed, I get winded. Every time I reach for my seatbelt, I get winded. Twist a little for an extended moment, here comes that heart attack again.

Yesterday, after the rainy wool festival, we drove about 5 miles to a lovely grge bridge and then 5 miles in the other direction to a small town, Arroyo Seco, which has the finest yarn shop and a cafe recommended by our host, Richard. His picks have been spot on. After the yarn shop orgy, eb needed some scenic driving. Instead of turning right to go back the way we came, she turned left to see what we might be missing.

Left took us on a really nice scenic drive through Carson National Forest. At one point there is a dead end sign, but it does not say how far til the dead end. The dead end is Taos Valley Ski area whose base elevation is 9207 feet. Oh. My. God. I am glad there was nothing to do or see once we were up there because any exertion there, surely would have resulted in some dire tragedy.

All in all, I think I am getting more used to the Taos elevation, and tomorrow we will be back hoome to our dear humid sea level. When are we going on that Himilaya adventure?

The harvest moon is fucking with the rooster.

In case the time stamp on this post is el wrongo, let me state for the record, it iis 230 in the fucking morning. It is indeed lovely to have farm fresh eggs in the morning right from the nest, and both of the places we have stayed this trip have free range organic chickens, but the cost of that might just be the harvest moon fucking with the rooster.

EB asked me yesterday morning if I heard the rooster. I did not, but in his defense, I think he crowed at the normal hour and maybe only once. This morning, not so. He started sometime in the recent past and again in his defense, I was already lying in bed awake. As was eb. And all we could do was snicker and laugh. Out loud. Until I declared I was awake enough to get up anyway.

Today is the last full day away from home, and with a 230 start, we are in business.

Yesterday was the Taos Sheep and Wool Festival and my shopping might be considered by some to be extreme. Suffice it to say, I owe eb a full day of scenic driving and then some. Pics will follow once we are home.

...UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE...

Still in Santa Fe and heading to Taos in the morning. We are at a cool store called Travel Bug at the moment. I found eb here drinking on the patio while I was down the strip in a yarn store. Much more upon our return, and just to warn y'all, eb's memory card on the camera is f.u.l.l.

xo

motherfucker...

I shouldn't have looked...really...I should have just let it be...during this drawing close toward the end of the jcp calendar year when I am really trying hard to use rather than lose any pto...I checked to see what my pre-vaca total is...to see that yes, it is 123 as I discussed with hr on Friday...using this many hours here, and this many there, yes that takes me to 36.9...exactly what I can carry over to next year...Well dontcha know yesterday was the first of the omnth and I now have 140.3 hours...which means more jockeying of schedules...I think it might mean I need to take a week in November...It's not like I have been hoarding it all year, I have taken a 60 hours or so already...my boss might not be pleased...pto is a beautiful thing...

Soon, we'll be in the air...

I have had since 4 pm on Saturday to decompress. I think it has been a success. I just packed and all that is left to do is get my sorry on vacation ass into the shower so I can then pack toiletries and I will be ready to get in the car and head to the airport. With eb, of course, to parts unknown. Taos Wool Festival, here we come.

Oh, woe is she...

Poor, poor eb...

She has just left to go to her sister's house to babysit the nephews for a couple of hours. She. Just. Doesn't. Want. To. Go.

Her plan was to stop and get a bottle of wine, but she ran out of time, sorta. I told her to just open a bottle of her sister's wine. She said, "Well........."

So then, in my infinite wisdom, I told her that worse case scenario, she opens a bottle and it becomes an issue, and then she wouldn't be asked back to babysit.

Maybe she will be smart enough to open two.