What I have is a collection of yarn, just as I have a book collection, a magazine collection, etc. Sharon and I were discussing this in an email, and her post today (you should go read it!)made me reconsider what to call all the yarn I have accumulated. I think "stash" has a slightly negative connotation, whereas "collection" doesn't. So, from now on, I will talk about my collection, rather than my stash.
In other news, it hit 115 here yesterday. We didn't even let the kids play outdoors. They were offered the use of the cafeteria (air conditioned) or staying outside, but only in the shade. 115 is simply too hot to do anything. And it isn't even really cooling off at night. It was still 93 at 9 pm. Sleeping has become problematic. Oh well, they're forecasting 90s by the end of the week. Oddly, that sounds cool to me!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Yikes!
108 yesterday, heading to 110 today! This is generally when the really hot days of September cool off to the warm, but lovely days of October. What the &!*$ happened? Obviously, no knitting is happening, or going to happen for a while. We may be down to the mid 90s by Saturday, but I'm not holding my breath. It's too bloody hard to breathe in this heat as it is.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Where did Fall go?
Knitting weather has disappeared. We had just over a week of very cool (for SoCal) temps, but starting the end of this week, we're back into the 100s. It got up to 104 today, and, without a/c, it was just too hot to even think about knitting. It's supposed to hit 106 on Tuesday. The "big" cool off toward the end of the coming week means it will only be in the mid-90s.
As if I didn't have enough yarn or patterns, I picked up a Maddy Laine pattern and some Store yarn to make it, and it arrived this week, just before the temperature sky-rocketed. I'd planned to make it this weekend ~ it's her Vest Alternative pattern, a quick one with bulky yarn. I haven't even swatched for it. Don't know when I'll get to it, with the temps this high.
As if I didn't have enough yarn or patterns, I picked up a Maddy Laine pattern and some Store yarn to make it, and it arrived this week, just before the temperature sky-rocketed. I'd planned to make it this weekend ~ it's her Vest Alternative pattern, a quick one with bulky yarn. I haven't even swatched for it. Don't know when I'll get to it, with the temps this high.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
I'm still here!
I'm still blogging, I just haven't had anything knitterly to blog about. School is very busy, and I've had afterschool or evening meetings at least 3 times a week since the beginning. Was due for another meeting today, but the principal got tied up in a district meeting, so, 10 minutes after our meeting was supposed to start, we got word it was cancelled. (Actually, other than the late notice, all of us were relieved ~ one was sick, one had a union meeting to get to, the rest of us were just tired, tired, tired.)
The yarn and patterns from Elann arrived days ago, and other than opening the package and oohing and ahhing over the yarn and patterns, I've done absolutely nothing with them. It hasn't really been the weather's fault, either. The days start off chilly, warm up to the 90s, then cool off early in the evening. Perfect weather, actually.
I'm just busy with lesson planning and grading papers, and reading essays about the students (written by them), and cataloguing the answers to several inventories they've completed. Oh, and enrolling all of them in a program I bought (way back when I had money) that tests them in a myriad of language arts skills, and produces incredibly detailed reports. Now, I'm just trying to get access to our computer lab so they can start taking the tests. And waiting to find out if I'm getting any new students, since the deadline for reorganization was Tuesday, and we haven't heard a word either way. I don't want to give up any of mine , and if truth be told, I don't want any of the other teacher's students. But, of course, I don't have any choice in the matter.
Anyway, getting home between 6 and 9 pm nearly every day, and filling those few hours of my evening with school-related work has made knitting take a back seat. I even forgot a knitting group was meeting Wednesday, and I was supposed to go. Didn't go, didn't even log on to Ravelry to tell them I couldn't make it. Not good.
Maybe I'll have some time this weekend to decide which project to start first, and actually start it. Or maybe I'll just do a swatch party, and see which one I like best after that. (I don't always do swatches, particularly not if I bought the yarn specified, but I know I should.)
If I don't start this weekend, I likely won't get anything done until the weekend after. I've got yet another long meeting Tuesday after school, and Thursday is Back to School night, and the meeting that was cancelled today will be rescheduled, probably for Monday, since the Tuesday meeting needs the results from this group, so....
The yarn and patterns from Elann arrived days ago, and other than opening the package and oohing and ahhing over the yarn and patterns, I've done absolutely nothing with them. It hasn't really been the weather's fault, either. The days start off chilly, warm up to the 90s, then cool off early in the evening. Perfect weather, actually.
I'm just busy with lesson planning and grading papers, and reading essays about the students (written by them), and cataloguing the answers to several inventories they've completed. Oh, and enrolling all of them in a program I bought (way back when I had money) that tests them in a myriad of language arts skills, and produces incredibly detailed reports. Now, I'm just trying to get access to our computer lab so they can start taking the tests. And waiting to find out if I'm getting any new students, since the deadline for reorganization was Tuesday, and we haven't heard a word either way. I don't want to give up any of mine , and if truth be told, I don't want any of the other teacher's students. But, of course, I don't have any choice in the matter.
Anyway, getting home between 6 and 9 pm nearly every day, and filling those few hours of my evening with school-related work has made knitting take a back seat. I even forgot a knitting group was meeting Wednesday, and I was supposed to go. Didn't go, didn't even log on to Ravelry to tell them I couldn't make it. Not good.
Maybe I'll have some time this weekend to decide which project to start first, and actually start it. Or maybe I'll just do a swatch party, and see which one I like best after that. (I don't always do swatches, particularly not if I bought the yarn specified, but I know I should.)
If I don't start this weekend, I likely won't get anything done until the weekend after. I've got yet another long meeting Tuesday after school, and Thursday is Back to School night, and the meeting that was cancelled today will be rescheduled, probably for Monday, since the Tuesday meeting needs the results from this group, so....
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Knitting Content, this time!
Not that I've actually started knitting, of course. But I have bought project books and yarn for several knitted objects, and that counts, doesn't it?
This one is from Cornelia Tuttle. I love cables, so this is a natural for me. And it uses chunky yarn, so that appeals, too. Araucania Nature Wool Chunky. In this color:
Next, I got the yarn for my Twist Red Oak sweater, in this lovely Mallard Peruvian Chunky from Elann.
I also picked up some Ella Rae Classic wool in two colors, for two different projects. First, this one in the color shown, Pearl.
Next, a simple top, in a forest green:
So, that's what I've got planned for the next little while.That's in addition to the two I mentioned earlier, both from VK Early Fall issue. So I should be set for knitting until Christmas, at least.
I'll be starting a knitting class after school for any of my students that want to learn. They'll have to provide their own needles, but I have lots of yarn they can use. I'll get them started on garter stitch projects ~ scarves, phone cases, placemats, wash cloths, any simple small project that gets quick results. They need that in order to feel successful.
(Blogger is being a pain today, and I've had to redo this post twice now, so I'm hoping the third time is the charm!)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Not much knitting in this post, or in my life, right now
Wow, I just found out that I'm ugly. At least according to an ad by some Minnesota Republicans, who think that all Republican women are good looking, and all Democratic women are not, with Dem. pictures displayed to the the tune of "Who Let the Dogs Out?". Kathy Ireland, who refuses to be categorized as Republican or Democrat, was furious about this ad, because 1)it labeled her as Republican, and 2) it was disgusting. Apparently, the pictures of Democratic women were manipulated, unlike the pics of the Republican women.
The ad's been out there for a few days, but I haven't heard any one from the Republican party denounce it. Shame on them.
I don't mind being labeled a Democrat (I am one), and I frankly don't care what some crazy Republicans in Minnesota think of my appearance. I do care, however, that something as crazy and as offensive as this ad goes unnoticed by the party that it represents. And I care greatly that the state of political discourse in this country has sunk to the level of using appearance as relevant to anything. I've already been depressed by the low level of intelligence being displayed by many people in the news. (A note to some of them ~ Hawaii is a state in the US, folks. Like Kansas. Or even Minnesota)(Another note to some more of them: Religion is a private affair, and no one is entitled to demand of another what religion, if any, he or she practices. And being a Christian isn't a requirement for any job in our government, anyway.)
I don't think Obama walks on water. I don't agree with all his policies. I think he should do more to alleviate the crushing effects of the current economic recession. I think he's way off on education. I do support the health care program, however. I'm a teacher, and I see all too often the results of not having health insurance ~ kids with poor health, but no help in getting better unless that kid gets so sick it's life-threatening, and then it's just a trip to the ER, a one-shot chance at a cure. Missed days of school, poor attention (it's hard to pay attention in class if you feel lousy), and, of course, the spread of anything that child has that's contagious to every other student in class ~ and to me. Universal health care is a necessity. Lack of insurance wastes lives.
I also don't demonize all Republicans. However, I have to admit, I am disgusted by the brand of politics the Republicans seem to be playing lately. Block every move by Obama. Use deception and fear to motivate votes. Lie, and then lie about lying. Never admit you were wrong. Change your story, and then question the intelligence of anyone who calls you on that change. Use a double standard ~ you can do no wrong, but if a Democrat does what you're doing, castigate him for being a) lazy b) a spendthrift c) a tax-and-spend demon.
So far, the Republicans have chosen to bash Hispanics and women ~ who's next? Oh, wait, I forgot, they also routinely bash gay people. And Muslims. I can hardly wait to see who's next.
Okay, so there hasn't been any knitting content in this post. That could be because I've finished the baby blanket, haven't started anything new, and I don't have a camera that works to take pictures of said blanket. And, then, today is the first day below 100 degrees this week, and knitting in 107 heat (I don't have AC at home) is sort of a masochist's heaven, so I haven't been inspired to knit anything. I had to force myself to finish the blanket, because it's due tomorrow. If it hadn't been, it would be languishing in it's bag, too.
I've also been busy setting up my classroom for the new school year that begins next week. Tuesday for the kids, Monday for me. So far, I have 34 kids scheduled for my class. Theoretically, I can have one more, although in practice I could end up with 37 or 38, depending on enrollment. At least, I don't believe this new prinicpal we have would let us stay over the limit, unlike the previous principal. I taught one year with 37 kids. Don't let anyone tell you class size doesn't matter. It matters a lot. 35 is too many ~ more than that is just a nightmare. This year, thankfully, I have a straight 5th grade class. Last year, it was a combo, 4th and 5th. Under the current CA standards, combo classes are impossible. Each grade level's standards consume a full year of instruction. How can anyone expect one teacher to teach two full years of standards in the same time as it takes to teach one year's worth? I was glad to see that CA did adopt the Common Core standards, however. They're much easier to meet than our current ones, and much more developmentally appropriate for the students. They won't, however, be in place this year, or probably not even next year. And our district can't implement them on their own, since the state test, which is required under NCLB, is still using the old CA standards. Still, it gives me something to look forward to, someday.
The ad's been out there for a few days, but I haven't heard any one from the Republican party denounce it. Shame on them.
I don't mind being labeled a Democrat (I am one), and I frankly don't care what some crazy Republicans in Minnesota think of my appearance. I do care, however, that something as crazy and as offensive as this ad goes unnoticed by the party that it represents. And I care greatly that the state of political discourse in this country has sunk to the level of using appearance as relevant to anything. I've already been depressed by the low level of intelligence being displayed by many people in the news. (A note to some of them ~ Hawaii is a state in the US, folks. Like Kansas. Or even Minnesota)(Another note to some more of them: Religion is a private affair, and no one is entitled to demand of another what religion, if any, he or she practices. And being a Christian isn't a requirement for any job in our government, anyway.)
I don't think Obama walks on water. I don't agree with all his policies. I think he should do more to alleviate the crushing effects of the current economic recession. I think he's way off on education. I do support the health care program, however. I'm a teacher, and I see all too often the results of not having health insurance ~ kids with poor health, but no help in getting better unless that kid gets so sick it's life-threatening, and then it's just a trip to the ER, a one-shot chance at a cure. Missed days of school, poor attention (it's hard to pay attention in class if you feel lousy), and, of course, the spread of anything that child has that's contagious to every other student in class ~ and to me. Universal health care is a necessity. Lack of insurance wastes lives.
I also don't demonize all Republicans. However, I have to admit, I am disgusted by the brand of politics the Republicans seem to be playing lately. Block every move by Obama. Use deception and fear to motivate votes. Lie, and then lie about lying. Never admit you were wrong. Change your story, and then question the intelligence of anyone who calls you on that change. Use a double standard ~ you can do no wrong, but if a Democrat does what you're doing, castigate him for being a) lazy b) a spendthrift c) a tax-and-spend demon.
So far, the Republicans have chosen to bash Hispanics and women ~ who's next? Oh, wait, I forgot, they also routinely bash gay people. And Muslims. I can hardly wait to see who's next.
Okay, so there hasn't been any knitting content in this post. That could be because I've finished the baby blanket, haven't started anything new, and I don't have a camera that works to take pictures of said blanket. And, then, today is the first day below 100 degrees this week, and knitting in 107 heat (I don't have AC at home) is sort of a masochist's heaven, so I haven't been inspired to knit anything. I had to force myself to finish the blanket, because it's due tomorrow. If it hadn't been, it would be languishing in it's bag, too.
I've also been busy setting up my classroom for the new school year that begins next week. Tuesday for the kids, Monday for me. So far, I have 34 kids scheduled for my class. Theoretically, I can have one more, although in practice I could end up with 37 or 38, depending on enrollment. At least, I don't believe this new prinicpal we have would let us stay over the limit, unlike the previous principal. I taught one year with 37 kids. Don't let anyone tell you class size doesn't matter. It matters a lot. 35 is too many ~ more than that is just a nightmare. This year, thankfully, I have a straight 5th grade class. Last year, it was a combo, 4th and 5th. Under the current CA standards, combo classes are impossible. Each grade level's standards consume a full year of instruction. How can anyone expect one teacher to teach two full years of standards in the same time as it takes to teach one year's worth? I was glad to see that CA did adopt the Common Core standards, however. They're much easier to meet than our current ones, and much more developmentally appropriate for the students. They won't, however, be in place this year, or probably not even next year. And our district can't implement them on their own, since the state test, which is required under NCLB, is still using the old CA standards. Still, it gives me something to look forward to, someday.
Monday, August 23, 2010
A little of this, a little of that
A new fan has made a huge difference in the temperature in my home. I've almost finished the baby blanket, well in time for next Saturday's shower. Now I'll need to find a box or bag to fit it in, so I can wrap it up for the shower.
As for why blogging has declined so much, many people say it's because Facebook and Ravelry have become the places to post, instead of on blogs. That's discouraging. I am a member of both, but don't post much to either place. I much prefer blogging. I hope others come back to blogging once the weather cools and people begin fall/holiday knitting.
Both my cameras are not working due to low batteries and my inability to find my battery chargers. Nikon cameras don't use regular batteries, so I have to either buy specialty batteries or their battery chargers. (My cameras use different batteries/chargers) I can't afford to buy new ones until October, so I'm hoping I'll find them soon. I usually take pictures of all my students on the first day of school (and next to the last day). I use the first day pictures to label places I display student work And I can't take any pictures of my knitting projects until I find/buy a battery charger. Guess I'll stock up on extra batteries once I'm back to work and getting paid (October 1st). I really, really need to find those chargers!
I've been watching the news, with all the flooding in Pakistan and China, and the much warmer weather we've been having all over the eastern US, and wondering when people will realize that global warming is real and happening now. Today, a reporter for the NYTimes was writing about the Arctic melting so much faster, and the water warming so much more than usual. He claims it will make it harder for the Arctic to freeze next year. There go our polar bears. And I worry about the whales, too. They rely on the much colder Arctic waters for food. If the water is warm, what will happen to their food source? We need to start working on the problem now, not when it's too late. (Soapbox moment ended)
I'm going in late to work on my classroom today, taking care of some personal stuff this morning. One of those things is to begin organizing my stash today. It's all over the apartment, in containers, plastic bags, knitting bags, etc. I'm not sure I even know what is in my stash, so it's time to organize. Won't happen fast, though. I have an enormous stash! I was browsing Ravelry and came across their "Flash your Stash" thread. I love what some people have done to organize their stashes. One woman has a woodworker DH, and he built her these incredible cabinets for her yarn collection. I am sooooo jealous! Since I don't have a woodworker, much less a DH, I'm thinking IKEA for me. Again, though, that's in the planning stages until income resumes. But once I've gotten my stash altogether, I can at least figure out what I'll need to house it all. And I can work on the plan until then, anyway.
I also bit the bullit, and began going through all my knitting magazines, tearing out the patterns/articles I want to keep, and discarding the rest. I have to admit, I had to wonder why I bought some of those mags, because in some of them, I couldn't find a single article, pattern, or even an ad that I wanted or would even consider keeping. Obviously, I need to do a better job of scanning the mags in the bookstore before I buy them. Especially now, when the price of those mags has reached the same level as a book. I don't mind paying that for a magazine that has patterns and articles I will use, but for ones that don't? What was I thinking?
As for why blogging has declined so much, many people say it's because Facebook and Ravelry have become the places to post, instead of on blogs. That's discouraging. I am a member of both, but don't post much to either place. I much prefer blogging. I hope others come back to blogging once the weather cools and people begin fall/holiday knitting.
Both my cameras are not working due to low batteries and my inability to find my battery chargers. Nikon cameras don't use regular batteries, so I have to either buy specialty batteries or their battery chargers. (My cameras use different batteries/chargers) I can't afford to buy new ones until October, so I'm hoping I'll find them soon. I usually take pictures of all my students on the first day of school (and next to the last day). I use the first day pictures to label places I display student work And I can't take any pictures of my knitting projects until I find/buy a battery charger. Guess I'll stock up on extra batteries once I'm back to work and getting paid (October 1st). I really, really need to find those chargers!
I've been watching the news, with all the flooding in Pakistan and China, and the much warmer weather we've been having all over the eastern US, and wondering when people will realize that global warming is real and happening now. Today, a reporter for the NYTimes was writing about the Arctic melting so much faster, and the water warming so much more than usual. He claims it will make it harder for the Arctic to freeze next year. There go our polar bears. And I worry about the whales, too. They rely on the much colder Arctic waters for food. If the water is warm, what will happen to their food source? We need to start working on the problem now, not when it's too late. (Soapbox moment ended)
I'm going in late to work on my classroom today, taking care of some personal stuff this morning. One of those things is to begin organizing my stash today. It's all over the apartment, in containers, plastic bags, knitting bags, etc. I'm not sure I even know what is in my stash, so it's time to organize. Won't happen fast, though. I have an enormous stash! I was browsing Ravelry and came across their "Flash your Stash" thread. I love what some people have done to organize their stashes. One woman has a woodworker DH, and he built her these incredible cabinets for her yarn collection. I am sooooo jealous! Since I don't have a woodworker, much less a DH, I'm thinking IKEA for me. Again, though, that's in the planning stages until income resumes. But once I've gotten my stash altogether, I can at least figure out what I'll need to house it all. And I can work on the plan until then, anyway.
I also bit the bullit, and began going through all my knitting magazines, tearing out the patterns/articles I want to keep, and discarding the rest. I have to admit, I had to wonder why I bought some of those mags, because in some of them, I couldn't find a single article, pattern, or even an ad that I wanted or would even consider keeping. Obviously, I need to do a better job of scanning the mags in the bookstore before I buy them. Especially now, when the price of those mags has reached the same level as a book. I don't mind paying that for a magazine that has patterns and articles I will use, but for ones that don't? What was I thinking?
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