Wonderous Woven Cables

Wonderous Woven Cables is done (XRX - Knitter's Best Arans and Celtics).  Pictures when daughter comes back with the camera.

Blidiot

WHAT is a "blidiot?"

It's a word I made up this morning to describe someone who accidently rejects a blog comment left by a really great friend.  Sorry, Denise!

I suppose 'blidiot' could be used to describe any stupid blogger.  Feel free.......

The second sleeve on my Wonderous Woven Cable Sweater will be done TODAY!!!!!!  Maybe, I'll even get it sewn up tonight!  THAT would be fab!  My husband will be so excited.  Who wouldn't be excited about getting a new, wooly sweater just in time for 80 degree weather???  He'll probably plop it right on, too, which will make me heat exhausted to watch, but hey...it's his sweater.

If you get a chance to visit Woodinville, WA, I'd like to encourage you to stop by Wilmot Gateway  Park, just right  off the freeway before the historic district.  This is the first 'urban wild space' I'd like to introduce you to.  What is 'urban wilderness?"  I like the definition on WIKI:  urban wild areas are remnants of natural ecosystems that can be found in the midst of otherwise highly developed areas.  This is exactly what Wilmot Gateway Park is.

I've been trying to add a photo, but seem to be having an issue, so I'll invite you to my flickr photostream of pics from that park:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlyspins/

The important things to note about this park, is how much significance it carries both at a natural level and a cultural one. Culturally, the park is named after a valued Woodinville citizen, Jerry Wilmot, it focuses itself around the Sammamish River, which used to be the main thoroughfare before roads were put in, it hosts a bike trail, picnic areas, playground and playfield.  It's pretty and fun!  Walkers, geocachers, bikers, kids, dogs.....this park hosts many civic events and is pretty heavily used every day of the year.  It's not in the center of my town, but it is a town center.

I think we tend to value parks, etc mostly in terms of how much human fun they are, but Wilmot is a great example of a park that carries loads of eco-value as well. For one thing, the park serves as a flood management device during the winter months, keeping flood closure and damages down to a minimum.  But who would know the giant playfield is a flood overflow basin?  The Sammamish River runs right through the middle of the park.  This river flows from Lake Sammamish, by Issaquah to Lake Washington, which eventually leads out to Puget Sound.  It's a major thoroughfare for Chinook Salmon (and several other salmon species).  Salmon don't breed in the Sammamish River, it flows to fast for that, but they do breed in the feeder creeks that empty into it.  Wilmot Gateway hosts two salmon creek confluences - Woodin Creek and Little Bear Creek. If you know anything about the Pacific Northwest, you will know how important salmon are to this area.  They are found in our mythology, artwork, markets, tourist advertising and heavily influence our local economy, which hosts a wide variety of fisherfolk. Salmon and the Pacific Northwest go hand in hand.

  One of the best things we can do locally, is to keep any river that hosts salmon in any way healthy.  Unfortunately, large sections of the Sammamish River are in danger of becoming inhospitable for a variety of reasons.  Humans, like any other species, do things to their environment in order to make it more livable for humans, but that doesn't work out so well for other critters sometimes.  Then, eventually, we get bit in the butt, too.  The Sammamish was dredged and straightened many years ago by the Army Corps of Engineers to make the windy, old river more navigable. At the time, this was important as there weren't many roads. People needed to be able to move from place to place. The logging industry was big in this area, and product needed a way to get to the consumer.  No one had scientific data to predict environmental damage that could occur from straightening the river.  We do things sometimes, thinking it's the best thing to do, then find out later, what the consequences are.  That's part of life.  Anyway - the river ran faster and tree cover was removed, creating sunny banks instead of shady ones, increasing the temperature of the water.  Bad for salmon.  If the water is too warm, it kills them.  And there are other changes, such as pH imbalance, erosion, etc that occur when vegetation is removed from shorelines that heavily impacts wildlife as well.  The City of Woodinville has been putting in some effort to rectify the unintentional damage from the alterations and reclaim a hospitable environment for our local salmon.

 In the flickr album, I've made notes about different things that have been done.  I spent several months monitoring and studying the park for one of my classes winter quarter. I love how - while the future picture is still fairly bleak at this point - there are bits of success in reclamation of function within the park that people have access to learn from, can participate in increasing and still have a beautiful place to visit just because.  I wish the businesses on the banks opposite the park would take an interest in revitalizing the natural habitat as well, but that is an expensive, political process, so it wouldn't be easy, even though the city is willing to help with permits, etc.  I think it would take immense public pressure and some hefty donations of labor and supplies to make it happen.  During these tough economic times, that's not going to be a first choice for many people.  But then, don't we need to expand how we think about some of these choices? What will our economic future be in this area if we lose our salmon?  Farmed salmon can't count because they do not interact with the environment the same way as indigenous fish do.  I find myself thinking about this alot. This is how I ended up back in school.  Jeez.  I'm not out to preach an environmental sermon, though I'd love to convert those who don't think about environmental issues into environmental thinkers.

Enough for now.  I'm off to the yarn shop for some tea and needles.  I'll be starting a hexagon scarf as soon as the DH sweater is done today.......

Enjoy the sun everyone!

Life Has Changed

The last year has been absolutely chaotic.  No time for journaling, hardly any for knitting or anything personal.  Our household has been in survival mode.  It looks to be improving.

 - I worked full time, then decided to go back to school full time.  Right after I quit full time, the economy went belly up.  Thanking everything in the universe that the spouse has a secure job.

 - One son started driving - that's okay.  He's actually a pretty good driver.

 - That same son graduated from high school.  The next son starts high school in the fall.  Where did the time go?

 - Both my sons decided it was time to grow taller than their mother....and father.

 - Thank goodness the daughter is still short.

 - Now that I'm almost unemployed (per diem now), economizing has become critical and a bit stressful, but school has been worth it.  The fiber stash is a good thing.  Never worry about having a yarn or fiber stash.  It's meant for times when you can't buy yarn.

 - Finally having time to go back to cleaning out the house is wonderful.  Little bit by little bit.....

 - Spending lots of time thinking about sustainability, whether or not the term "green" in the environmental product context really means anything anymore, and how one should define "wild" when so much of the area I live in is actually urban or suburban.

 - Learned to twitter.  My name is kimcanspin, if you tweet, too.  Very interested in how something like twitter will change journalism.  The conflict in Iran right now is a perfect example.  Is censorship done?  What are the pros and cons of getting info from a tweet during conflict periods?  How are ethics in journalism and multimedia formats going to be affected?  I think a tool like twitter is amazing, but that we have yet to identify the burdens that come with its use.

 - Almost finished with the Wondrous Woven Cable sweater from XRX Knitter's Best of Arans and Celtics.  Great pattern.  My husband can't wait.  The man wears wool all year long.  I think I'll just barely squeek by with enough yarn (stash yarn - Cottage Craft, stone color).

 - Spinning wool/silk blend from Dicentra. Laceweight for a shawl.

 - Just spun some BFL from Lisa Souza in 'wild things' (?) colorway.  LOVE it so much!!!!!!!!  The woman is a genius with the dyepot.

 - Started listening to some podcasts.  Still looking for a good environmental podcast.  Knitting ones are plentiful and good.  Enjoying The Knitmore Girls, Craftlit, Stash and Burn, Stitch It!, Travel with Rick Steves and One Minute Danish.

 - Reading ATLAS SHRUGGED by Ayn Rand.  Difficult read but interesting considering the current state of the economy, the current review of business practices and the disappearing middle class in the USA.  Should we spread wealth or opportunity?  What do you think?  What do you think pure capitalism is and means?  Is it good, the same or worse than socialism or communism?

 - Next month I have the goal of updating the blog once a week.  I'm exploring natural spaces in my living area (planned and unplanned).  I hope to introduce you to them.

 - Have a great weekend!

The Moral of the Story Is...

Never throw your husband's barbeque out without buying a new one first.  You never know what he might try and come home with.  Sorry about the sideways photo - I couldn't figure out how to turn it.

List Update

With the exceptionally busy schedule I've been keeping lately, I'm amazed I've been getting anything done!! My time seems to be consumed by other people's needs.  Yet I have been doing more than I thought for myself, which makes me feel pretty good actually.  Remember the mammoth list?  Here's the update.....

#2 - Knits socks - I've completed one pair.  They are knit in a plain vanilla pattern, but I don't consider them to be vanilla socks because I used sock yarn that I hand spun, and it's cabled yarn!! The fiber was superwash merino, from a sheep to shoe kit I got from Blue Moon Fiber Arts.  I have enough yarn left over to make my daughter a pair as well.  Eventually.  Maybe.  Pair number two is halfway done - they are Cookie A's Monkey Socks from Knitty.com, also out of lightweight socks that rock from BMFA.  Love that yarn!

#3 Get pedicures once a month - yepper doodles!!  And my poor, abused feet are grateful, too.  I spend alot of time on them at work.  Having someone help me take care of them is slowly paying off in softer heels, better looking skin and fewer ingrown toenails.  I wonder if I can write them off as a work expense on the taxes?????........

#7 Restore my garden - except for the days where we've had snow/rain/thunder and lightening showers, major hail storms and monsoon rains (ie - last two weeks) the garden is progressing nicely.  I've turned the kids' former sandbox into a future veggie patch ( of small proportions) and have gotten the front herb beds almost all the way weeded out.  The lemon balm is trying to take over about a quarter of the front so it's time to conquer and divide!!  A new birdbath sits under the lilac tree and new garden tools grace the little area for my tools in the garage.  They work well, and I'm happy every time I get to play in the dirt.  Today I started some seeds for squash, peas and zucchini.  Normally, I'd direct sow, but the weather still feels like it has killing frost potential so inside they start!  The carrots, lettuce, edible flowers and sunflowers can wait a bit, but I worried that it will be too late - seeing how it's late now - for the peas.  We'll see what happens.  The mints are moving to barrels that will sit under the window of my 13 year old boy, who has also requested hanging tomato baskets so he can reach out his window for a little snack now and then.  Funny, funny boy........

#11 - I bought TWO swimsuits, so there. I even like them and they're not black!

#14 - I hope I'm letting my friends know how much I appreciate them.. Haven't even gotten the chance to see anyone since Madrona because work went nuts, but I think about them constantly.

#20 - Moving on with my own recovery - This hasn't been so tangible.  I have to tell myself on a daily basis that I do not need to solve my family's problems and that I have permission to love each member wherever they are at.  And I have permission to tell them to shut up, too.  I think I'm getting stronger.  I don't know.

#23 - Purge the houseshit - Oh yeah, Baby!!!  Perhaps this is the best evidence that I am recovering.  I have been able to get rid of things.  I've been able to find the energy it takes to care about the house and just get out there and purge.  My mind feels better and I feel more energetic everytime I make a run to the recycler's or the dump or the new storage unit I rented last week for the stuff we really do need to keep (ie - the spouse's antique chocolate equipment and the holiday decorations).  I've even made the arrangements to have the dead cars removed from our driveway ( don't ask).

#27 - I built a wormbox and the happy little composters are munching on our dead bananas, watermelon rind and coffee grounds as we speak!!  My daughter and I think they are cool!  The men in our house think the worms are a little squicky.  Weenies!

#31 - Wear perfume - this has been one of the biggest mood lifters ever.  Who knew??!  So far, my favorite is a neroli spray from the health food store.  But I love looking and trying new ones....

#33 - Didn't need the earplugs for Jen at Madrona after all.  Whew!!

#35 - Write letters - I've written one to my grandma and one to my friend Joann, but failed to send them.  How stupid.  I have stamps now and will try again.  Sheesh.......

#42 - Accept my 16 year old driving - well, he's in driver's ed now.  I spoke with our insurance agent yesterday and there may be hope for us as long as he doesn't drive like his father........

#44 - Quit worrying about what people think - It's getting easier.  I find I'm having more fun, am not as stressed and people seem to like me better, too.  I'm more relaxed.  Although, I did have one of my employees tell me I'm all business, cold, and unapproachable the other day. I gotta confess, this has been eating at me a little bit.  I'm quiet, but certainly don't see myself as cold, aloof or anything even remotely close.  Since this person has been stirring up a little trouble lately, I've decided to ignore the remark.  It's taking some work, though......

So there it is.  Knitting has been happening in spurts of welcome solitude, but I'm satisfied with that.  Right now there is no need to be super productive or...anything.

PS - I need to mention how proud I am of my 9 year old daughter for cleaning her room.  No excavation crew was needed and she survived the experience, much to her surprise.  Well done Kizzybell!

I Love My Friends!!

They share pickle recipes, hugs and homemade jam and even say they'll still like me if I snore.

Can't wait to see you all at Madrona. I'm going. No classes for me. I just wish to bask in your niceness.

See you all there.....

2008 - The list begins

I am a list maker. My husband finds this very amusing. So what. I like my lists and find small measures of comfort in making them. The year 2007 broke my heart. I'm starting 2008 over with a list. Just stuff I'd like to do, see, whatever. Join in if you like:

1) Burn all my journals from 2007. Sit back, relax with a nice cup of hot, sweet black tea laced with lemon and enjoy the flames.

2) Knit 6 pairs of socks that aren't just plain old vanilla socks. Not necessarily all for me, although I deserve them.

3) Get a pedicure once a month.

4) Put new shelves in my studio/crap (read: craft) room.

5) Take sewing lessons with my daughter

6) Get a bike rack for the van, and a basket for my bike. The kids and I actually really like bike riding.

7) Restore my garden back to it's original herbal splendor and hide at least one garden gnome in there somewhere...... I love garden gnomes - not the big ones - just small ones.......

8) Collect windchimes and hang them all over.

9) knit the marie louise sweater from Knitter's Stash and not rip it out this time

10) Workout/swim at the YMCA a few times a week. For gourds sake - we have the membership and the kids love it. So do I.

11) Guess this means I'd better get a new swimsuit

12) Plan and actually go on some camping trips this summer. The spouse and kids went last summer and I totally missed out. Camping is the best time to knit socks!!

13) Learn French. Again. I'll never get that job with the W.H.O. in Geneva if I don't......

14) Let my friends know a little more often how much I appreciate them

15) Renew my passport and get passports for the kids

16) Go on at least one business trip with the spouse

17) Knit sweaters for both my brothers in law - yes, they do deserve them

18) Finish one lace shawl that my dog does not totally destroy ( the bastard) during blocking.

19) Be good at my job

20) Move ahead with my own recovery, and learn to love my family for where they are at instead of worrying about it all the time

21) Play the piano more often.

22) Spin the fiber I have, knit the yarn I have and quit feeling guilty when I buy more even though I don't need it. Does my spouse feel guilty about buying knives and cookbooks? No.... So if I know I'm still being fiscally responsible first, I won't feel guilty. And as for fiscal responsibility, the dark first days of our marriage are over. I need to quit acting like the world is going to cave in any second. Long story - don't ask. No, my spouse was not an ass.

23) Continue purging the unused, unloved, unwhatever shit from our house.

24) Take more pictures of our kids. Or bribe my neighbor to do it. She's got a bitchin' camera, let me tell you......

25) Have a dinner party

26) build raised garden beds in the backyard and grow something my family will eat this summer.

27) Build a worm box. Those composting worms are cool!!

28) Sleep

29) Forgive myself when I feel sad for no reason

30) Knit two more sweaters for me - I think I like cardigans best

31) Wear perfume more often. I can't wear it at work, but I can at home, even in jeans and a sloppy t-shirt

32) Bake cupcakes

33) Remember to get earplugs for my roomie before Madrona. After all the reconstruction/repair that went on around here after the flooding, I seem to have the never ending sinus infection

34) Get the outside of the windows washed

35) Write more letters. Not emails. LETTERS. The kind you need stamps for....

36) Forget about losing weight and learn to just workout to feel good. Eat to feel healthy.

37) Throw out all my husband's rotten tee shirts and ripped up jeans. While he watches.....

38) Bake a pie.

39) Make raspberry jam

40) make pickles - anyone got a really good dill pickle recipe?

41) organize one thing.....drawer, room, closet, I don't care what it is......just organize one thing.

42) Accept the fact that my 16 year old is going to drive, no matter how I feel about that.

43) Smile - I've been told I should smile more. Well, I'm still only going to smile when I want to , but maybe that's a little more often than I do....

44) Quit being afraid of what people think

45) Walk the dog

46) Teach the kids how to do their own laundry. I have stuff to do........