Music in the Air

Last night there was music in the air! The Quipper opened our spinnet piano's top, set up his recording equipment and mic and played some of his original compositions. I tried no to listen too much as this is the beginning of a gift for me -- a CD of his own music. This is something I will treasure and enjoy listening to for the rest of my life.

An unexpected change in our family schedule eliminated the three hours privacy the Quipper used to have at home each Wednesday. So the gift idea was made known to me. Now I'll do what I can to get the kids out of the house (or early to bed) so he can have the time and the quiet to get the work done. Perhaps for Mother's Day or our anniversary I'll have the gift of music. I cannot wait!

While I was trying not to listen last night, I started the front of my sweater for the third time. This time, I am moving the lifeline every four to six rows, and as soon as I get tired I'm putting it away. Unless I lock my self in a room until the work is done (0% chance!!!) it will not be done for my birthday, but I am still hoping to get it done for Christmas. (50% chance, I think). We shall see.

I finished one of the sleeves so I could get a look at how the variegated yarn patterned itself on those shorter rows. I am pleased, there is not a significant change in the color pattern compared to the back, in the lower photo. The color change on the screen is on account of the camera. The carpet is the same in both photos! I have a lot to learn yet about this camera. So two parts are done, one sleeve, the front, and a neck band to go. Then I'll get my first experience with blocking. I'm looking forward to it.

What is New?

Not a lot here, at least not much blog-worthy.

But as I was going through the photos on my camera I realized there was some evidence of zaniness around here lately. My poor mother-in-law did suffer a broken foot. As she is unable to drive I am spending more time with her household's errands and the Artist will be spending much more time at grandma's house to help with housework, and baking. The Engineer will be having his most intensive school days yet!

But back to the "evidence".

When Daddy was out of town for work the Engineer thought he could drop his table manners. This child never ever likes to get his hands dirty. He does not like to touch his food. Here he is rebelling against my telling him to put food on his fork and put his fork into his mouth. I've never seen him do this before or since. I don't think he knows I saw him "eat like a piggie" and he certainly does not know the moment was captured on film. When he gets older he is the type would be very embarrassed by this photo!

When Daddy arrived home again the Artist had a friend over for Tae Kwon Do and knitting practice. They took a break and that turned into a real drag... ...a real drag across the living room and dining room floors. I forgot to ask the Quipper if he had any sore muscles in his legs this morning! Dad, Do you remember when my brother and I would beg you for Foot-Rides around the house? Maybe it is genetic.

Despite my busier-than-expected schedule this December, I would still like to get some Christmas baking done. It is at this time of year that I look up near the ceiling of my kitchen and find this delightful Küchenhexe. My baking needs all the help it can get! She was a gift from my aunt and uncle many years ago. I love her apron, her garters on her arms, and her little boots.

Buttons

A blog friend looking for a button prompted me to visit my button box. Here are some of the more unique buttons I have around. Some of these my mom had before I kept a button box of my own. With a broken sewing machine in the back of my closet, it is unlikely I will ever need one of these. Gina, if any strike your fancy email me.

English Test

Ever so many years ago, in college, I was an English major. That could not help me with this test! Thank you, Echo From the Green Hills, for leading me to this quiz.

You are 69% English.

You are either native and stupid, or you are foreign and knowledgeable.

"And did those feet
In ancient times,
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
In England's pleasant pastures seen?"

Well, no, but it's a cracking good tune.

How English are you?
Create a Quiz

St. Nicklaus Day

The children put their shoes by the fireplace before bedtime last night. And this morning here is what they found. I forgot to take the photo before one of the oranges was already cut up for my four year old to eat!By the time I came downstairs some of the chocolates had mysteriously disappeared too.

Last night I got the call from my library that these books were in, so we will read them later today. My daughter is familiar with the story, but my son (who has never attended Deutsche Schule) is not. I got up long after the children this morning. Last night was a late and unpleasant one as I learned my mother-in-law, while traveling to her mother-in-law's deathbed and funeral in Florida, had broken a bone in her foot. At this point, my in-laws still do not know when they will be coming home again. Your prayers for them are coveted. I fervently hope she will not need surgery to repair this break.

The monitor in my bedroom brought sounds of the children playing/arguing around 6:30 this morning, but I knew they were safe and somewhat happy, and I had been up so late last night that I rolled over and slept another hour. Breakfast could wait when they had chocolates to enjoy, right?

In between phone calls with the Quipper in south Florida, my in-laws in north Florida and my brother-in-law in Southern California I made some knitting progress. This is the back panel of the sweater. In about 8 more rows I'll have the decreases where the sleeves will attach. The front panel has the same design as the back, but in the front I will try to make the yarn overs at the bottom of the center diamond a little smaller.

Snow Bliss

Playing in the first good snowfall of the season is always fun. Today I have two little marshmallow children. They look puffed up to three times their size by their winter wear. It was reminiscent of A Christmas Story's "I can't put my arms down!" when my son tried to get up off the kitchen floor after having mommy tighten his boot straps.

The Artist likes making snow angels, but she does not relish her little brother throwing snow onto her as she does it. The mittens I made for him are getting their first field test today.

What Green Cardigan?

That's right. Last time I said I might continue with it, and I did. That lead to my being so completely frustrated with it that I packed all my knitting away for the weekend. I actually removed all my files, bags of yarn, knitting bag, and library books from the room. Out of sight, but not completely out of mind. But I did get some needed kitchen window cleaning done and a start on our Christmas cards.

The last evening that I sat knitting that sleeve, I was second guessing myself on the way the yarn looks with the pattern and my ability to follow the pattern. These third thoughts, if you will, convinced me, finally. I need to look for a new pattern. This one has lost its joy for me.

The knitting hiatus was short lived. During the Browns game (speaking of the Browns-- Who Knew?!?!? Where has the team that showed up yesterday been hiding?) I made this gauge swatch: I'll take it as a good omen that the first needles I tried worked out perfectly. During the game I got a good start on the back panel of this sweater. As the Quipper is out of town this week, I hope to get the back and front done. After my last fiasco, this seems like a walk in the park. Now that I have committed that thought to print, I suppose I should begin my next knitting session with adding a life line.

In other news: My friend in Colorado has sent me a video of her brother-in-law's music, The Fervor. I thoroughly enjoy this kind of music. I'm a technical nincompoop and I have two youngsters begging for lunch so I will not try to insert the YouTube into my post. But the Quipper has added it to his entertainment blog here: Quipper Entertainment.