The Six Pack

Its been a rough week for the six pack.

For those who don't know, the six pack = the six Bach beagles...three of whom live with me and three of whom live with my folks on Cape Cod.

The six pack was recently reunited for two weeks of bliss together at my house in Philly.

They are truly a pack. The get along amazingly well, with only occassional spats, usually involving Greenies.

Last week, we got the bad news that Murphy, aka "Scarecrow, brown dog and the elder statesman, " has cancer. Most likely it is lung cancer. I told Murph to lay of the cancer sticks, but he liked a good after kibble drag. Mom and Dad have elected to palliate his symptoms and focus on quality of life.

I took this photo of Murphy while he was visiting:

He's such a handsome boy. We love you Murphy.

Gus has discovered he likes to lick Maggie's ears:

Frankly, I don't think Maggie enjoys it much.

Maggie has also been enjoying the snow and ice. Monday night she brought this block of ice in the house with her for shits and giggles. It wasn't funny when she put it in my bed!

MELT DAMMIT MELT!!!

Maggie also fell asleep with her nose INSIDE her Grandma's crocs:

Harry and Molly had a meeting of the minds:

As did Luther, Gus and Maggie:

So, would anyone argue that we have the 6 cutest beagles in the world.

I didn't think so!

Knitting update:

Started this cute little sweater called "Little Jersey" from Knitting at Knoon patterns. The yarn is the ever yummy Kersti. This is for Julie and Jim's baby. I finished the back in two nights knitting time---not too shabby if I may say

First sign of Spring in my yard...

Sure there is still a mix of snow and ice on the ground from last week sleet storm...but out of that, comes my daffodils!!!!

They are all over the yard...this one is starting to bud!

Happy Spring!!

Progress, Projects and New Acquistions

Its March Madness in the knitting world. Seriously, there isn't much better than watching 12 hours of college basketball with the needles in hand. So here is what is going on:

Here is the progress of my Highland Triangle in Rowan Felted Tweed. I've completed 2 of 6 pattern repeats for the center diamond. Nice pattern and I like the yarn. My only complaint, it breaks REALLY easily. For someone who pulls the yarn pretty tightly this tends to be a problem. Lots of split splicing. I can't wait to roam around the Scottish Highlands in May with this around my shoulders.

Item number 2 for my trip: STR "Emerald Isle" colorway. This pattern is a cute cable-rib from Reynolds new "Soft Sea Wool-Steppin' Out" collection. So, mom has Scottish Highlands and I have Emerald Isle. Perfect. Coke bottles make great props for socks in progress.

I've got about 12 more rounds of the leg to go. I just started these two nights ago. I've been using my knowknits sack and knitting at the bus stop and during rounds. It's perfect. Yesterday Wendy and I had our inaugural park knitting session as we enjoyed the first really warm Spring day. Needless to say, the temp had dropped 30 degrees in 24 hours and tomorrow it is going to snow.
Carol's hubby came in at the beginning of knitting circle last night. I grabbed these from him immediately. On the left is sock yarn in colorway "Herb." I think it is so subtle and lovely. On the left is MORE sock yarn, colorway "Feeling Groovy." I'm thinking this yarn would make great gloves. Why am I thinking about gloves? My hyacinth and daffodils are popping up all over the front yard.
Here are Gus and Magpie. If you look at on the right of Miss Maggie you will see a little brownish dot on her white chest. That is one of the spots that met my hair dye last weekend. I didn't realize she had come in to the bathroom and was standing behind me. She took about three hits. Close up its a lovely plum color:FERIA #56. Oh, it looks good on my head too!
And finally, Maggie discovered STR. This is my Sock Club yarn. She also ate the Emerald Isle, but I've already untangled that. I got about halfway through this one last night before I couldn't deal any longer. It's salvegable. She doesn't really EAT the yarn. She just enjoys pulling it out of it's neat center pull ball and making it a tangled mess...bitch.
She's also been enjoying throw pillows and random pieces of paper.

Happy St Patty's to all...Saturday I turn into Christina O'Bach. Tomorrow night: Crab Fries at Chickie and Pete's

Secret Pal

Dear Secret Pal (okay this is a case for good anonymity!)

Thank you so much for my VERy funny ecard this morning! It was a lovely way to start another day at work! And you obviously read my questionaire/blog and know all about the doggies!!!

This is fun already!!!!!!

Secret Pal Virgin that I am!

Anonymity...

stinks.

Dear Anonymous

Wendy and I enjoy doing the podcast...but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember that we both have full time demanding jobs (lawyer and social worker), second jobs (@Rosie's and teaching for Temple U), dogs, friends, families,love lives, volunteer commitments, knitting, traveling, other hobbies, house upkeep and many millions of other things that we do BEFORE we can do the podcast. It just hasn't been a priority for a while and I cannot tell you when it might be. If, in the meantime, you feel like you need to take us off your podcast list, ok. We appreciate that you are a fan---but there is an old proverb that goes something like...Good things come to those who wait.

Seriously, it has taken Wendy and I two weeks to settle on a night to go to Target.

That should give you some sense of how hectic our schedules have become.

PS These are knittyd's feelings. I try to keep active with my blog and know that I've reached out to people through Knitty Delicious and KnittyD and the City.
Wendy was not involved in the content of this post.

Yes, I'm ranting...which I'm not so good at

A couple of things

I finished Allison's ****** birthday present!
Will post pictures of her with it when she receives them!

Molly loves the new tv:

and her "Joyhouse B and B" blanket/bed! Thanks Grandpa!

I purchased two knowknits.com knit sacks this weekend at The Tangled Web. Since I am completely consumed with sock knitting, I thought I would give them a try. Verdict: LOVE THEM!!! Perfect for a smaller project like socks, scarves, mittens or maybe a kiddie sweater. Attaches to my bag or belt loop or wrist for portable knitting, which is perfect when waiting for the bus!


As you can see, I went with the Camo Print...very stylish I think.

So I'm making progress on my THIRD attempt at my Rockin Sock Club Sock. I had to go down to zero's, which is killing my hands, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the yarn and the pattern is fun. I did my first short row toe and am now officially obsessed with toe up socks. This toe is amazing and literally appears out of 32 provisionally cast on stitches through the magic of short rows and W&T's.

These are going SO well, that tonight I'm starting a cable/twist pattern in my "emerald isle" STR colorway in anticipation of my trip, which is just two short months from now!

Finally, I don't know when Wendy is going to blog again-you'd have to ask her. Yes, I see her frequently, but I just dont know what is going on with her and her blog. She is flattered that she is missed...and I trust she will be back again soon...as perhaps may be the podcast.

Special Edition: Phillie of the Week "VUKE"

I know I was supposed to focus on the Phillie pitching staff this week, but other than Cole Hamels (YUM) I don't really care about Pitchers (Belly Itchers).

So it seemed appropriate when I heard the news of John Vukovich's death, that he would post humously be Phillie of the Week.

Vuke, like his teammate Tug McGraw, died of a brain tumor. They won a World Series together in 1980. He coached for longer than any other coach in Phils history. It was a comfort to see him out there at Third Base. He'll be missed by the team and by the fans.

Scottish Highlands and more

Who's SEXY feet are these????

Mom, FINALLY, sporting her Scottish Highlands Socks that Rock socks!!!

The pattern is Fiber Trends Peak Experience Sock. Doesn't she look SASSY? Even cooler, we will be touring the Scottish Highlands in two short months!

Also, two years ago today, Maggie officially became a Bach Beagle! Happy adoptaversary Magpie!!!!

I love my forever home! Look at my sassy new collar!

Entrelac Sock Class

In this Spring's Interweave, Eunny Jang published an enlightening article on Entrelac knitting, accompanied by a pattern for entrelac socks in (yum) Koigu.

Mom, Wendy and I decided to give them a try today, at a Rosie's sponsored class. The class is actually over the next six weeks, every other Sunday. I knew, after reading the pattern, I was worried about the cast on...a middle eastern cast on.

I was right to be worried...it was a mess...it took me about 45 mins and 7000 attempts and then, I finally got it...I doubt I will EVER forget it.

Here is the beginning:

and the progress on the toe increases:


and many hours later, the first few tiers of a sock:

But here's the thing...I'm not sure I care about having entrelac socks...plus my Sock of the Month club shipment came on Friday...

Thoughts? Do I press on or save the koigu for something else...PS isn't it GORGEOUS! The multi arrived at Rosie's on Saturday and I scooped up 7 skeins... yum!

And now...King Tut...Bach Style

Mom and I went to the much (over)hyped King Tut exhibit today. Here is the best thing we took away from it:








Yes it's our very own, replica, sequin encrusted King TuT Burial Head Dress...


Don't you want one?

Phillies of the Week: Aaron Rowand, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins

This is a defensive trifecta. Chase is the best second baseman in baseball, Aaron Rowand is not afraid of the ball and J-Roll has taken over the place in my heart for shortstops vacated by Omar Visquel.

But these three are also the heart and soul of my team. They throw the ball, hit the ball and catch the ball with vigor, pizzazz and passion.

Chase Utley: Best Looking in Pinstripes WITH hat on (not so cute with hat off)

Aaron Rowan vs Centerfield Wall

J Roll always gives two thumbs WAY up!

30 days until Opening Day! Dad and I are super psyched...here's hoping for sun!

Christina and Heather's Oscar Fashion Review

I wasn't going to write an Oscar Fashion Review Blog; but Heather insisted and even helped me pick the "loves", the "ehhhhhhhs" and the "leave it's."

My pick for Best Dressed: Kate Winslet.

This gentle green color hints that Spring is just around the corner. Kate looks amazing, polished, put together. Her makeup and hair are uber-glam.

Heather's pick for best dressed: Reese Witherspoon.

You've got to hand it to the girl, divorce suits her. Again, great hair, makeup, dress... AMAZING! Leaves many asking, Ryan who????

The "Goddess was so Golden Globes" Award to :

Jennifer Lopez. Not only does she look preggers, but the whole thing reeks of "Clash of the Titans" remake. And WHAT IS GOING ON WITH HER HAIR??? Also, if your booty is your best feature, why hide it under YARDS of gauzey material that drapes like a curtain?

The "kiss my age appropriate ass" award:

Helen Mirren...I love everything about Helen and this dress. It's glam, gorgeous and the perfect style for her...but if I hear one more fashionista say this was "age appropriate" I am going to scream. This phrase really only applies to those under 20 who wear age INappropriate clothing not to women in their 60's with TASTE!!!!

Remember when we were kids, and we had the spirograph? It was a little plastic doody that allowed you to make really cool geographic designs? I imagine the spriograph going crazy ALL OVER GWENYTH. Also, why would you want to draw attention to your BELLY BUTTON. The color is WRONG, the CUT is WRONG, the HAIR is WRONG and above all, the LIPSTICK is WRONG!!!!!! NO NO NO!!!

Just because you've been nominated 14 times doesn't give you license to wear inca jewelry and a "blouse" to the OSCARS! It a FORMAL AFFAIR!

I've written about Rachel Weisz before: both bad and good---but now she's post baby and looking fab...except there is TOO MUCH going on around her boobies...If she had lost the necklace, it would have been perfect. The hair is very old fashioned Hollywood.

Oh Cameron...why...who...why...why

WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING HERE KIRSTEN DUNST!?!?! The collar, the feathers, the sequins...pick ONE style and go with it!

I love you Jodie---but not this dress. Wrong color...makes you look like you are the walking dead. Sorry sweetie, but this isn't the look for you.

AHAHHHHHHHHH! Anne Hathaway---speaking of age inappropriate?! And what is with the white lace with the black butterfly/bow? WRONG WRONG WRONG

The lady in red...I can break her in two over my knee...she's too damn skinny!..Please quell all pregnancy rumors...I an ice maiden now and forever more...No that isn't a growth on my neck

Worst dressed, inappropriate, slutress nasty: Kelly Preston. Really, LEOPARD PRINT --again this is the Oscars, not PORN!

I'm torn about Beyonce---I like the dress, the color---she's amazing looking...but what is with the stones/beads thing on top and up her shoulder. If that was gone, she could compete with Reese and Kate.

Jessica Biel is hot these days, but this looks like something Barbie would wear to a party at the Barbie Dream House. I also HATE belts and formal wear. This wasn't working for me.

Cate Blanchett is AMAZING! I love this beaded, metallic number. It fits her PERFECTLY and validates her ultra chic, modren persona. LOVE HER!

Love Penelope...Love the Dress...until the bottom-that is a lot of meringue But, it worked for the Oscar and she was nominated for Best Actress...Meryl Streep , this is how a best actress nominee should look.

Phillie of the Week: Pat Burrell

Ugh...Pat. Yes the man has one of the best butts in baseball, making those left field seats at Citizens Bank Park that much more special, but he just has never been what he was supposed to be.

How many games have I watched him strike out with runners in scoring position?

How many games have I seen him botch a play while picking his nose in the field?

And how many more games will there be?

Frankly, the Phils are "held hostage" by his no trade clause, and quite frankly, who would want him?

So, we are stuck again with Pat and his bulldog...and of course, there is always hope.

Next week: Multiple Phillies of the Week---my trifecta of greatness; Aaron "take one for the team"Rowand, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.

In two weeks: The Phillie Pitching Staff

Phillie of the Week

Gearing up to opening day, I thought I'd start a new knitty D feature: Phillie of the Week. Now, I don't LOVE all members of the Philadelphia Phillies, and love of Christina is NOT a pre-req to being Phillie of the Week. No, I just want all of you out there in NON PHILLIE land to know and love the team that I love to hate and hate to love---all they do is break my heart.

So, this week's Phillie is:

RYAN HOWARD, 1st Base

He's big and beefy and he hits a lot of home runs.
Sure, he can't field THAT well...his size precludes him from those diving plays down the line. But the hitting makes up for that.













Next up: A phillie I hate...can you guess who?

SPRING TRAINING!!!

It's here! Pitchers and Catchers reported to camp for "physicals and a game of golf" yesterday (not my words, heard that on the news)! Baseball is back! Glory be!

On a side note, to the city of Philadelphia...its called a snow plow and salt...do we own any? Seriously, we had all of 4 inches of snow and the streets are a disaster. How can those folks to Upstate NY get 3 feet of snow and have the roads cleared the next day and we can't manage 4 inches?
Where are my taxes going, because we sure know its not on schools...

Anyone else still watching "lost?" I'm loving it. Last nights was great. I think I have the hots for Desmond.

Okay, off to cure cancer...

Birthday Poem

Dear Gussy

Three years ago
On valentines day
I met you at
an adoption day

Your eyes were sad
I knew you couldn't be bad
So I took you home
And found out you were rad

You like to sleep late
and I guess that it is fate
That you would be my snuggle partner
for a while

So Happy Birthday G-MAN
We are so glad you are a Bach
And now you may go back to sleep
underneath that rock


Happy Valentines Day and Birthday to My Gussy!

Secret Pal 10

So, I've never done this Secret Pal thing, but I remember L-O-V-I-N-G Secret Santa as a kid, and even that seems to have been politically corrected to death (ie "Secret Snowflake)...so I figured I'd give Secret Pal a try...

I think I'll be an awesome Secret Pal too...what with Maryland Sheep and Wool and a trip to the motherland of knitting-IRELAND- coming up.

So here is my take on the Secret Pal Questionaire
The Questionnaire
Here are is the questionnaire for SP10. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages you'll want to have it posted to your blog no later than the last day of February.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I LOVE Koigu, Anne, anything Noro and Socks that Rock.
I HATE ANGORA and cannot knit with it due to allergies.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a knitpicks options kit and Ashland Sky needle sacks

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I'm a 9/11 product knitter. After that day, I felt like I needed to create, and I decided knitting was the way to go...so I picked up the needles and asked mom to teach me. It was not good. Soon after, I enrolled in knitting classes at Rosie's Yarn Cellar (then Sophie's Yarns here in Philly) and the rest is history. Haven't put the needles down since. I would consider myself an intermediate to advanced knitter...but even I need to consult the knitting yoda every now and then.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No

5. What's your favorite scent?
Lavendar

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Weight Watchers Candies! Resses Peanut Butter Cups

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Scrapbooking, making stitch markers, and I'm taking a drop spindle class later this month. Oh and I dabble in podcasting

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I am addicted to my IPOD and listen to pretty much everything except for "death medal." I love the Beatles, Coldplay, Springsteen, U2, Black Eyed Peas, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, The Who and Snow Patrol. I also tend to love the music on "Grey's Anatomy."

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Purples, Pinks, Reds, Aquas...Yellows and browns really don't do much for me

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Single (! and loving it!), 3 fur-kids who are the loves of my life; all rescued beagles.


11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes...though ponchos are so 2005...

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
right now, Lace and Socks

13. What are you knitting right now?
Lace and Socks---Many Lace projects and pairs of socks on the needles...

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes...

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project and the yarn...but almost ALWAYS circulars and never plastic

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My first sweater from 2002

18. What is your favorite holiday?
My birthday and Halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect?
yarn, knitting books, Seinfeld DVD's


20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I'm currently not subscribing to ANY knitting magazines---still getting over a long subscription to Knitters (NEVER AGAIN). I love Interweave and always buy it

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
More lace knitting tips and tricks...spinning

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes yes yes...I wear a 8 1/2 shoe and my legs/feet are kinda wide

23. When is your birthday?
May 20th!

Silk Garden Scarf

So this is the silk garden "lace" scarf. The pattern is from Weekend Knitting and the original is knit in Lopi. Here's my version:

Now I'm little unhappy about the rollage of the ribbing, but I think with some blocking I can wip it into shape. Which brings me to my next question...does anyone own blocking wires...are they worth the investment?

Good Morning from Molly

Even when it is 15 degrees out...Molly can find a place to sun herself...

Brrrrrr.....

Now that I'm inside and thawed, just call me unfrozen caveman social worker.


Haven't blogged in a bit...but was seriously driven by operation HD.


So, here is the status


taxes done...check


furniture moved...check


acquire new cable box...check


do internet research and visit stores...check


purchase tv...CHECK!


Yes I'm the proud owner of my very own 40 inch Samsung LCD HD-TV and I'm never leaving my house again.


Here she is...

I also finished mom's "Scottish Highland" Socks that Rock--they are even blocked

The next big thing is Gus' birthday and Spring Training! Gus can't wait to watch baseball in HD with his mommy!

Not too much else going on. Mom and I are in major planning mode for the Scottish leg of our trip. We have booked 4 of 6 nights in B and B's and have an enquiry out to another place for the two remaining nights. On the Isle of Skye, we are staying at a B and B that has sheep and having our very own spinning demonstration by the mistress of the house. We are very excited. She also sells her own hand-spun, lichen dyed yarns!

I'm working on "lopi lace scarf" from Weekend Knitting in Silk Garden. It is much better looking than the scarf knit in Lopi in the book. I saw another such scarf on another blog and was inspired. Had I not seen that, I would have continued to pass by that pattern every time I looked through that book. Also working on Allison's super secret birthday gift---got to get moving-I've got five weeks to go. I'm planning on taking the drop spindle spinning class at Rosie's at the end of the month too. Busy busy busy.

Well, the Sixers are on in HD and I need to focus my attention on the tv.