Finished the Darn hat!

Yes, folks.....the hat is done. No more drama about the darn..blankety blank hat. It is finished! And....I don't like it. Not because of the challenge but because it ...well...it doesn't look good, on me that is. My Mom has made comments over the years that she wants to find a hat that looks good on her and I have to admit I kinda scoffed at that...what do you mean, all hats look good on you (and me I thought). well I am here to tell you this hat...oh it's bad. And after all of that work. It actually looks good on Olivia, our oldest daughter with lovely long hair. But, I am afraid it isn't "hip" enough.

My hat making has spurred on three hat requests from the kids. So I have already started making "snow board" style hats with ear flaps. Super easy (YES!) and I can actually watch tv/Olympics and hold a conversation at the same time.

Onn another note, I made the most delicious Spanish inspired quinoa last night. Oh my gosh....love, love , love it. Now....I want to make some spanish inspired art to make it a "complete" experience. to be continued..........

P.S. Go Team USA!!!!!!

substitute teaching and little knitting

Today was my second day substitute teaching for a particular kindergarten teacher. I love when I can fill in for more than one day. All of that learning of the classroom schedule pays off when you can use it for multiple days. This particular school I was filling in at has a reputation of being a bit on the tough side. All of the kindergarten teachers have had blue Mat training, a training to help diffuse burst of anger. We are talking about 5 and 6 year olds. Sad. I can attest that the class was a bit of a challenge and.....kinda wiped me out. So the heart.....a graffiti heart i spotted in downtown Traverse City, with a bit of snow....is to remind us all of the beauty of life....even in odd moments and places and natural or man made.

And now for my Olympic Knitting update.....as you may have already noted, there is no "update photo." My knitting has taken a back burner from our family schedule last night and tonight. I was able to sneak in a couple of rows throughout the day (when the kids were at lunch and when our youngest was at hockey)...so I feel an overwhelming need to pick up the needles. Now considering how much this pattern has frustrated me, I am reminded of how much I enjoy the rhythm of knitting. Hopefully I can whip out a couple of rows yet tonight.

Mardi Gras

We love Mardi Gras in our house.
In 1994 my husband and I splurged and went to Mardi Gras and to this day it is one of our high lights. We would go back in a heart beat. Some pictures from our trip. I think they transcend time, as Mardi Gras, is Mardi Gras.....not much changes. It is colorful, full of music, warm breezes, hurricanes (drinks), beads, parades and LOTS of people, lots of HAPPY people.




and now for the knitting Olympics update.

Day Three results are.........


not sure how easy it is to "read" the photo...but the arrow points to a whole row where things get funky. I ripped out 4 rows after and then figured out what the problem is. So...I have grown as a knitter with this experience. But as you can see.....I did not rip the whole problem area out....I decided to move on. But, if I were to do knit this hat again and I can honestly say now that I know what the problem was (human error on my part) I might consider it.....might....might not. We'll see.

Knitting Olympics Day Two

Day Two of the knitting Olympics........and I have not grown any fonder of this pattern. It requires a lot of concentration and while I find knitting relaxing...not so much with this pattern. But....I did complete the 8 row pattern more quickly than the previous night so i guess my "speed" has improved and that is what the Olympics are all about. Beating your best score.

I did get to watch Canada wins it's first gold medal at home.....that was exciting. Had to re-watch K.D. Lang's performance in the opening ceremonies, just amazing. Here is a youtube video of K.D. Lang singing Hallelujah at a 2007 performance. Not the same as the Olympic performance, but wonderful nonetheless. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_NpxTWbovE

Happy President's Day!