Tuesday, January 13, 2009

So About Last Night...


My street under the full moon and after the storm on Saturday night.

The stars were in alignment for me last night. I had a bad back day from the moment I woke up. I think it was from taking down the tree and decorations, carrying heavy boxes, vacuuming, mopping the floor, slouching while I knit, etc. You get the idea. It took me hours to get to a place where I wasn't saying, "my back is killing me." The funny thing is, it's not my back that hurts, it's my thigh and knee that hurt from referred nerve pain. I thought about calling in sick, but I didn't want to waste a day off. My first page came before the start of my shift and said I had no assignments. Just on-call. Woo-hoo! Good thing I didn't waste a sick day. This kind of day is a rarity for me as I usually have a full dance card by the time I start my shift. The rest of the night sort of went the same way and allowed me to catch up on all that paper work that accompanies a career in home care.

I need to keep reminding myself how much I like what I'm doing during these winter months. I do not enjoy my commutes during the snowy nights we've had. Getting stuck is a huge worry. I've even considered leasing an SUV from a car rental place-especially after I nearly rear ended a car on the freeway Friday night. I think I slid for a good 10 feet before the brakes engaged and the tires found purchase on the snow covered pavement. I'm trying to talk myself out the rental-that money could buy a lot of yarn or even a trip someplace balmy. OK, I talked myself out of it. I'll take my chances on Detroit's side streets if I can go someplace more tropical for a long weekend.


Back to last night, I've forgiven Jack and I finished THE hat. In fact, I finished two. The flowers and leaves aren't completely done, but I thought I'd give you a sneak preview. I finished the one with the red top Sunday night and once done, I realized it was way too big for this baby's head. It will find a new home, or maybe I'll give it to her for next year. I was in gauge denial and now, I have a hat that would fit a 3 year old. I could rip it out but I think it's cute so I won't.


My blogger friend Brenda wrote about a sock that had to become a hat last week. I wanted to show her my sock issues (below) so she'd know her problems are just growing pains with her knitting. The sock on the left is from the spruce pair I just finished (it fits like a glove). The sock on the right, which would have fit Andre the Giant, is in acrylic. It was my first sock and I refuse to throw it away. It won't shrink because it isn't wool; it holds no shape and is hideous. But it's my first so I love it anyways. Like many firsts, it holds a special place in my heart-I even remember when I knit the beasts. I was hijacked by my daughter, her best friend and my best friend to Chicago so that I could turn 50 in a city other than Detroit. I knit a good part of this pair of socks on that trip. I'm showing it to Brenda so that she won't give up. Brenda, that wasn't even two years ago. Just know, practice makes perfect and gauge can be your friend-even though she's also a bitch.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your husband is a lucky man! I am sure he will love the hat...

Rudee said...

Well he is a big baby but I don't think it'll fit him. His head is WAY too big.

sandy said...

Ahh you snuck in a new post since I was here a little bit ago. I hope Brenda keeps inspired for sure...Loved seeing your projects.

I can't imagine heading out at night time going on calls in the snow. SUV might be a great idea.

Fun to read you today..

sandy said...

And how cool is that to have a daughter who will hijack you for your birthday. I'm so envious. My boys would never do that I'm sure.

Anonymous said...

My head is of average size for someone that is so handsome and intelligent!

(just let it go..no need to respond)

Rudee said...

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Now go to work.

Rudee said...

Thank you Sandy. I know the thought of the SUV is alluring. Sun, sand, palm trees....

flydragon said...

Those little hats are soooo cute, I wish my head was smaller. Also the rest of me of course.

Anonymous said...

I love the sheep! I love the hats! I especially love that you have found something you enjoy so much, even in the winter months! I think the SUV savings should be spent on a trip. Maybe somewhere tropical and warm? You should take your daughter too! I bet she'd like that a lot! Imagine all of all the financial savings from eliminating yarn purchases until March... I bet you could find an all inclusive trip with air, hotel & car for around $500 a person.
Just something to think about.
xoxox

Brenda said...

I am laughing at all of the anonys that commented. I have to agree with Sandy about the SUV though. I just don't know how much of a difference they make on ice. I had a bad accident on ice so I refuse to drive on it, and think most people should. I would for sure call in for that reason.
Thanks for the encouragement about knitting socks. Last night I frogged my 3rd try at them. I found a place that will give lessons, but I also found what looks like a great pattern from Raverly, and printed that off. All the patterns I have been trying to use are confusing the hell out of me when I get to the heel. This pattern looks like it might do the trick though. I am very determined to do them correctly and I love a challenge so hopefully I will have something to boast about soon. I have been extremely naughty about buying yarn so far.
I love the hats and the lamb! I agree with Sarah that you 2 should book a vacation to a sandy beach somewhere. The warmth of the sun would help your back and other aches maybe.

Rose said...

Your hats turned out cute! Both of them! And the snow picture is wonderful, even if it is sketchy driving.

Betty F said...

Your street looks like a winter wonder land... Awful driving in it though. My SUV is a 2 wheel drive or I'd trade you for the winter... Just a problem with the right rear end and back up alarm now... I love your knitting projects.

Winifred said...

Oh crumbs I hate driving in ice and snow.I don't do it if I can get out of it.

There's a good sock making set of 4videos on You Tube the first is here http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=9NQMGCo_mXY&feature=related

Turning the heel is in the third part. They look very good, simple and clear instructions.

The Crusty Crone said...

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Andre the giant sock. hahahahahahaha