tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22719013352918060452024-03-07T01:26:00.247-08:00Tuscany PNWKeithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-78128336236800497302009-09-27T07:10:00.000-07:002020-08-05T16:52:53.159-07:00Knitting MemoriesAs I regain my passion for knitting and other fiber goodness, I begin to recollect where that passion really started and who in my past was responsible for sowing the seeds (or should I say sheering the fiber).
It's strange that most of my earliest childhood memories are mostly transparent; almost ghost-like. Fragments come and go but are not very clear. But the most opaque and vivid, quite technicolor in fact, are those of my Great Grandma Ida.<div><br /></div><div>Ida Goldstein (maiden name Aaronson) immigrated from Russia to the US in 1901 at that age of 16. She did not have an easy time when she arrived, as was the case for most immigrants. But Grandma was a hard worker. If I remember correctly she worked at many different jobs: as a maid, sewing sleeves on dresses in a clothing factory (I'm assuming a sweat shop), and in a cigarette factory putting filters in cigarettes. Eventually she met and married my Great Grandfather David and together they ran a Deli on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Grandma was a fabulous cook and a master at making a lot of the traditional Jewish foods like chicken soup with matzoh balls, chopped liver, gefilte fish, stuffed derma, and the rendered chicken fat that she used to cook matzoh brie and other culinary treats. I'm almost drooling just writing about it. I'm pretty sure there aren't any good Jewish restaurants in the Seattle area. If the do exist PLEASE let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div>But the most vivid memory I have of Grandma Ida is of her in Florida sitting on the couch in my Grandma Ethel's and Grandpa Charlie's apartment, knitting afghans. In front of her was a small marble-top table, a tin of blackberry hard candies (I can't remember the name), her prune juice (which in the afternoon changed to some kind of liquor), a pack of Tareytons, and an ashtray filled with spent butts. The TV was on in the background playing game shows and the soaps. I don't think she paid much attention to the TV. It was probably mostly there for company or distraction.</div><div><br /></div><div>On our yearly Florida visits, I would sit for hours watching her knit, listening to the needles clicking and her counting just loud enough to know that she wasn't talking to herself. I watched so intently and marveled at how the yarn could be worked in such a way to create the beautiful wave afghans that everyone in our immediate family wanted. It's probably not inaccurate to state that later in her life the afghans were all she knitted. I'm not even sure if she knit anything else. The "orders" were that numerous that's all she was able to make. Figure it out though, she was a Great Grandmother with lots of Grand- and Great Grandchildren to knit blankets for. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grandma didn't explicitly teach me to knit. I would sit right next to her and watch closely what she was doing. And I believe that I figured out how to do the basic knit stitch on my own just from watching her technique. Now I say believe because that memory is a bit vague. Grandma may have showed me the basics but I really can't remember.
What is clear is that I would sit alone and try to knit using toothpicks and fine string. Yes, I was a closet knitter. Keep in mind that back in the 70s boys did not knit; it just wasn't acceptable. Frankly boys didn't do any "crafty" stuff. Maybe when we were in pre-school and elementary school. But the really only acceptable "craft" when I was a kid were the objects we made in wood and metal shop, with the exception of the apron we had to make on a sewing machine in Home Economics class. Those jocks really hated the fact that they HAD to take sewing and cooking classes. Of course I thought differently!! Not only did I love the classes but I embraced the projects. My smile face patterned apron had 2 pockets rather than 1 that was mandatory.</div><div><br /></div><div>At some point I gave up trying to knit with toothpicks and string. But I never lost the yearning. It just laid dormant. Over the years I tried different crafts including needlepoint, cross-stitch, and crochet. All still done pretty much in secret. There were 3 other women from my family who also helped to inadvertently instill a passion for fiber arts: my Great Aunt Annette, my mother, and my cousin Susie. All three are decedents of Great Grandma; daughter and grand daughters respectively).
So back to the other vivid knitting and craft memories...
Mom: Sitting in the kitchen hair wrapped around her head and two large Tropicana plastic orange juice cans and under the portable hair dryer, knitting argyle socks. I truly remember the numerous bobbins hanging and her cursing under her breath. I think knitting didn't last very long for her or I don't remember much more that she knit.
Cousin Susie: House in Southern CA decorated with completed and framed crewel projects. Me wishing I could try it out. But instead I made a skateboard from scratch with my cousin and Susie's husband Ken. It was fun to make, paint and ride and at the time a lot more socially acceptable for boys to do. But I really wanted to learn and try the crewel.
Aunt Annette: I never knew that Aunt Annette knitted. But several years ago at one of her birthday celebrations I saw her knitting a beautiful sweater. I asked her if she would make me one. I secretly wished that I could make it instead.
As I wrote earlier, I tried different needle crafts when I was younger. But none really stuck. The biggest problem was that instead of trying beginner projects, I would dive right into the intermediate or advanced. For instance, with needlepoint I tried petit point and a very complex pattern. Way too challenging for a first project. The back of the canvas was a mess and after wrestling with all the different threads, I gave up.</div><div><br /></div><div>With knitting the first real project that I tried was a sweater. What do you expect from an over achiever? That was back when I was a freshman in college. I definitely was a lot more comfortable with myself and didn't really care about what people thought. But I never wound up with a completed sweater. The sleeves were too long and I didn't know how to put it together. I didn't know a thing about gauge and construction. Discourage again, I gave up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to 2001. I'm not quite sure if the recent knitting craze started then or if I was just ready to become part of the movement. But one day I saw three women at work sitting in the lobby at work knitting. They were having a blast, knitting and chatting (maybe an early stitch-n-bitch since that job was pretty horrible). Well that's all she wrote. I decided that I would try knitting again. Coincidentally, it was about that time that my Mother was also getting the knitting bug.
Thankfully there were a lot of resources at my disposal which were not available back in the 70s. The internet was filled with how-to videos. And bookstores with tons of knitting books. <a href="http://www.articlepract.com/">Article Pract</a>, in Oakland, CA, my LYS at the time, became my second home. The store was so inviting and the people there didn't care that I was a guy who wanted to learn to knit. And my partner David was a big supporter of my passion.
So here I am 9 years later and a proud man who knits (and now spins). I want to say to all boys and men out there -- straight or gay -- knitting is not a girly thing. Men have been knitting for a long time. In fact, men were knitting way before women. Don't be afraid to pick up a set of needles and some yarn and knit... and do it in public!
Thank you Grandma Ida, Susie, Mom, <a href="http://www.articlepract.com/index.html">Christina</a> and Tammy (aka <a href="http://punkrawkpurl.blogspot.com/">PuNk rAwK pUrl</a>) for being my mentors.</div>Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-32333389497885887942009-09-23T22:14:00.001-07:002009-09-25T06:53:00.418-07:00You spin me right, round baby right roundLast Saturday was a continuation of fiber madness. It was <a href="http://www.wwsipday.com/">World Wide Spin in Public Day</a>. I hung out with Brian, Kent, 2 of the guys I met at the Men's Fall Knitting retreat, and a bunch of other spinners down in Kent, WA (not to be confused with Kent the person). The outing was hosted by <a href="http://www.renaissanceyarns.com/">Renaissance Yarns</a> which is located in Kent Station. Kent Station reminds me of a small downtown Walnut Creek, CA. There are several of these California-style outdoor shopping centers in the Seattle area. Admittedly I grew up in the NJ Mall Generation, spending many hours of my teenage years hanging out with friends in the store filled indoor shopping wings. I can almost smell the mix of new clothes and chain store restaurant aromas that was so common in those enclosed commerce meccas. The outdoor shopping centers are definitely a lot more appealing than their predecessors (strip or indoor).<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQYH-Xa33OxPHNSNYf4WydIYplzyNpg0QwceZ02bKtk7oZhH60_gCAKQKBa4_ifYSGJppitKZxyM9TrBJqBZ2QVMIyx5RIls0E7HzKQJtKakrFhmcCM_VcFMc_tQkJZ1Ov8dxdCqR-oA/s1600-h/CIMG0068.JPG"><img style="width: 320px; height: 240px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385035695160300434" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQYH-Xa33OxPHNSNYf4WydIYplzyNpg0QwceZ02bKtk7oZhH60_gCAKQKBa4_ifYSGJppitKZxyM9TrBJqBZ2QVMIyx5RIls0E7HzKQJtKakrFhmcCM_VcFMc_tQkJZ1Ov8dxdCqR-oA/s320/CIMG0068.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Brian & Kay</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VOuDZjSBS1DSH9yLgypBXVz99-2dR7DLBf2TMp467wmu8TettGvprwlpwaGOQzW9S-3nXBQKMmHY0fjQG_fUmGCv6RqD4MZLoBsn-07DTkR4urycwwb3xv_EQia0RKKyqcdo1JvxDbE/s1600-h/CIMG0070.JPG"><img style="width: 320px; height: 240px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385036409183742850" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VOuDZjSBS1DSH9yLgypBXVz99-2dR7DLBf2TMp467wmu8TettGvprwlpwaGOQzW9S-3nXBQKMmHY0fjQG_fUmGCv6RqD4MZLoBsn-07DTkR4urycwwb3xv_EQia0RKKyqcdo1JvxDbE/s320/CIMG0070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPl5lhnpLYdIWt_kGdV1v7wmYIqaHkRAyFOrjMZ6HkTD8BTcKkmlX4tC_KbooT5c5IlTG0F3Ms_Qs7-ji2nho36_M6dhx_BHpyJB6sA8zXU-VIdQYADWsFZ5W4lZV-BoVrWl03ev-9bQ/s1600-h/CIMG0069.JPG"><img style="width: 320px; height: 240px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385036245501875154" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPl5lhnpLYdIWt_kGdV1v7wmYIqaHkRAyFOrjMZ6HkTD8BTcKkmlX4tC_KbooT5c5IlTG0F3Ms_Qs7-ji2nho36_M6dhx_BHpyJB6sA8zXU-VIdQYADWsFZ5W4lZV-BoVrWl03ev-9bQ/s320/CIMG0069.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1RDBthrEyLAxsVplvASmCwtO4Trf3kyAxMGhd2Zs-9UFPIxXdaWNjrIcy4coFH4Y7c5XYNS-spofhBI_4kTZE_36Re6eHdTA3eP1mHVLLCbskiXDIDFhkqAbJMsCZs4dcxDRgOp0oHw/s1600-h/CIMG0071.JPG"><img style="width: 240px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385036079165843922" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1RDBthrEyLAxsVplvASmCwtO4Trf3kyAxMGhd2Zs-9UFPIxXdaWNjrIcy4coFH4Y7c5XYNS-spofhBI_4kTZE_36Re6eHdTA3eP1mHVLLCbskiXDIDFhkqAbJMsCZs4dcxDRgOp0oHw/s320/CIMG0071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Kent from Kent using a drop spindle</span><br /><br />It amazed me to see so many different types of spinning wheels and drop spindles. The Turkish spindle, which caught my eye, uses a bottom whorl that enables the spinner to wind a neat ball of yarn as the yarn is produced. The finished ball slips off very easily ready for knitting or plying. As with other spindles they are sold in a variety of different beautiful woods. From what I can tell, the spindles spins what seems like forever. And because the yarn is wound neatly around the whorl it remains very balanced as more yarn is produced. Check out this great video on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jEQg6PFe04">YouTube</a> demonstrating how to spin on one (it doesn't hurt that the woman in the video has a very pleasant English accent).<br /><br />My drop spindle spinning techniques still need some polishing. I tried using different fibers as well as another top whorl spindle graciously given to me by "<a href="http://socktopus.blogspot.com/">wonderMike</a>" (that's his Ravelry name). It definitely spins a bit longer than the Tilt-a-Whorl beauty I bought at the <a href="http://mensknittingretreat.com/">Men's Fall Knitting Retreat</a>. But I still haven't gotten the hang of actually spinning the yarn while the spindle hangs by the yarn. The "park & draft" method is still my current spinning mode. It was fun to experiment with different fibers and colors.</div><br /><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQJgQPehAmQC1CNvjAP8HMu_l-UgjFAT4qBPe02_CbHTw5BLVtOgVFFr-V5KCWXuz-N7oAyKo4wMRrJj9mNxFclwpQe504Uz3gR1enXiybxZvQ3LoQrYQS3o1jBQqZEiHzeOBXZ2oDII/s1600-h/CIMG0086.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQJgQPehAmQC1CNvjAP8HMu_l-UgjFAT4qBPe02_CbHTw5BLVtOgVFFr-V5KCWXuz-N7oAyKo4wMRrJj9mNxFclwpQe504Uz3gR1enXiybxZvQ3LoQrYQS3o1jBQqZEiHzeOBXZ2oDII/s320/CIMG0086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385214292729815922" border="0" /></a><div><span style="font-size:85%;">My growing collection. The new </span><span style="font-size:85%;">one one is on the right (<a href="http://www.schachtspindle.com/our_products/spindles.php">Schacht</a>).<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />I definitely have a way to go with mastering the drop spindle. But there's fun in that challenge.</span><br /></span></div>Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-29299697073822901072009-09-20T08:52:00.000-07:002009-09-25T06:53:39.609-07:00It takes some fiber, yarn, needles, spindles... and a few menWow, I know it's been quite some time since I've blogged. Life has just been too busy; or should I say my job consumed most of my free time. And with likes of Facebook and Twitter I found that posting shorter snippets of what's been happening a lot less time consuming. Ummm, I think I just lied. It's probably very likely that the time I spent on Facebook and Twitter added up to quite a big chunk of time.<br /><br />Well anyway, what got me to finally head to Blogger and type in an entry? Knitting! Yes my somewhat dormant obsession is back and in a big way. This is not a complaint, at least from my perspective. I'm not quite sure how David feels though ;-)<br /><br />I had been knitting on and off, here and there since we moved to Seattle. But the amount of projects were not coming off the needles as quickly as they had when I was in CA. So what did it take? Well Joe Hose, a very dear and old college friend sent me a link to a flyer posted on Flickr for a Men's Knitting Retreat during an IM Google chat. You read correctly; a knitting retreat for just men. And coincidentally it was going to be held a hop, skip and a jump away just south of Seattle in Federal Way, WA.<br /><br />So after a little bit of should I or shouldn't I internally debating (mostly around the cost and the time away from David and Trixie), I contacted <a href="http://socktopus.blogspot.com/">wonderMike</a> and said sign me up.<br /><br />A few months of pent up excitement paid off. The Fall Men's Knitting Retreat (MFKR - cute acronym right?) happened and EXCEEDED my expectations. Up until the retreat I would say that I was a solitary and self-taught knitter. I had never knitted with another man. In the seven-ish years that I've been knitting I think I might have met 2 or 3 male knitters but those were fleeting moments.<br /><br />The retreat was held at <a href="http://www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?view=180">Dumas Bay</a> which was a former monastery. The accommodations were just fine for a dormitory. It brought back some strange college memories (don't even go there some of you). The grounds were absolutely beautiful. I can't believe that I didn't take any pictures. The meeting room had a breathtaking view of the Puget Sound.<br /><br />Here are some pics of the gang (there were 28 total not including me).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA13oJcz4zrZqII-DEPlzD1JTp-lkz_3MvepDK46RE6XDz7p34j63Qj5Bh-hw2JESTcviKcKPt5OHewzpO28AAEI98dEdM1GFul1HxVkfzpWJg-BvpuPXRuw_u8fmnonECRhFDQxCHjU/s1600-h/CIMG0002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA13oJcz4zrZqII-DEPlzD1JTp-lkz_3MvepDK46RE6XDz7p34j63Qj5Bh-hw2JESTcviKcKPt5OHewzpO28AAEI98dEdM1GFul1HxVkfzpWJg-BvpuPXRuw_u8fmnonECRhFDQxCHjU/s320/CIMG0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384847517010281938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mike (aka wonderMike), organizer</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrb4Zm4gBCzuYzp7tBLvN2ybjFUZOVqUdR7IYGnmew-hjfHM8t6dHAqjplQ6usu322OwYGnzLLsT8RQoQGl97nozLFs0ZCXrkM6A2v56Ip00BMIFWodx716b1R3cSNkxe3xNoYyp5Hp8/s1600-h/CIMG0005.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrb4Zm4gBCzuYzp7tBLvN2ybjFUZOVqUdR7IYGnmew-hjfHM8t6dHAqjplQ6usu322OwYGnzLLsT8RQoQGl97nozLFs0ZCXrkM6A2v56Ip00BMIFWodx716b1R3cSNkxe3xNoYyp5Hp8/s320/CIMG0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384848394196738242" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Brian (co-organizer), James (all the way from New Zealand), & Kerry</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wc33-jj7PS-vpM94SYnwQTDV9dpqDekc7Fp0IQ7_rN0m8dUDeUG87mIjGdIJzKzuWDfbjEAkGdgCPCXXeSLsVC8HYKb9sTbcBluGboSmgHFqLb4PugGk0VCUk67Ha8kPLQQsi8Mh1gM/s1600-h/CIMG0006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wc33-jj7PS-vpM94SYnwQTDV9dpqDekc7Fp0IQ7_rN0m8dUDeUG87mIjGdIJzKzuWDfbjEAkGdgCPCXXeSLsVC8HYKb9sTbcBluGboSmgHFqLb4PugGk0VCUk67Ha8kPLQQsi8Mh1gM/s320/CIMG0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384849255625009250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Daniel, Harry & Barth</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQQwnuBEsYj0H3GMHvmNfW2XthwM_iAiIFNou2Emq8gB-58X5lftJolmYMQHqi_8oC74-IKSjZxuzncIhkqIeMeIvfFy80OpK6ryJd9RJCHB2Ymvve-rXuUIW1N2eVH12TMRHG3jXq1k/s1600-h/CIMG0008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQQwnuBEsYj0H3GMHvmNfW2XthwM_iAiIFNou2Emq8gB-58X5lftJolmYMQHqi_8oC74-IKSjZxuzncIhkqIeMeIvfFy80OpK6ryJd9RJCHB2Ymvve-rXuUIW1N2eVH12TMRHG3jXq1k/s320/CIMG0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384850052879338930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Jeff, Chuck, Brian, Joe (the guy who started the first Men's Knitting Retreat)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgV5wUZXhVNp_7UbrvpjkZG1fmPOynILH63MrmP_1kHUpCZqQSvctFo1eNsfOdOrMRq6PWZqtMUrWcsrQ1FOrCJ3jAA5J3oWbxriq3R5Dl8AHC2dlfd3R0dMod9W24xwzOoxtv4E0cVE/s1600-h/CIMG0022.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgV5wUZXhVNp_7UbrvpjkZG1fmPOynILH63MrmP_1kHUpCZqQSvctFo1eNsfOdOrMRq6PWZqtMUrWcsrQ1FOrCJ3jAA5J3oWbxriq3R5Dl8AHC2dlfd3R0dMod9W24xwzOoxtv4E0cVE/s320/CIMG0022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384861625281654146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Ron & Franklin (<a href="http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/">Franklin</a> recently published the very funny <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Books/It-Itches.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">It Itches: A Stash of Knitting Cartoons</span></a>)<em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></em></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph0519i56m7N9zqlF5Z_qZErqFa9T9wXKgBnahFw_-6-GIMA8GdUUOU-iAg9nHNe6psKptdmg8liGKN_XB0yZGVC5hX-zdggj1KNtA98HXQgQlviEODBUq8facvPCEir_ruIHxPaxTWk/s1600-h/CIMG0023.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph0519i56m7N9zqlF5Z_qZErqFa9T9wXKgBnahFw_-6-GIMA8GdUUOU-iAg9nHNe6psKptdmg8liGKN_XB0yZGVC5hX-zdggj1KNtA98HXQgQlviEODBUq8facvPCEir_ruIHxPaxTWk/s320/CIMG0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384863274547432882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Brian knitting 14... that's right 14 socks at one time on a single very long Addi Turbo Click needle</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGnFkT74BYwi-wB7WQeFXRgaJz2tx5wo9TeW9EX5rE_FyjRYRCWGWoiUgWu74r3wv-Ae0odLbGfrFWKhRqkQtrlEZSif-pvtUGYhht5ht8pJf2CRQv1e-dWVLEE2Z_2FxgqTKeMENJu8/s1600-h/CIMG0024.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGnFkT74BYwi-wB7WQeFXRgaJz2tx5wo9TeW9EX5rE_FyjRYRCWGWoiUgWu74r3wv-Ae0odLbGfrFWKhRqkQtrlEZSif-pvtUGYhht5ht8pJf2CRQv1e-dWVLEE2Z_2FxgqTKeMENJu8/s320/CIMG0024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384863862316819746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Jeff, Nigel, Michael, Andy, Brett, Paul, ? (can't tell from the back of his head), & Daniel</span><br /><br />You all are probably wondering what the heck one does at a knitting retreat. Well the obvious is knit. But there was a lot more. wonderMike and Brian organized quite a fun-packed retreat of classes, field trips and speakers/guests.<br /><br />I took a beginning class of drop spindle yarn spinning taught by the fabulous wonderMike. I bought this beautiful hand made spindle crafted by Ed Lingenfelter (<a href="http://tiltawhorl.blogspot.com/">Tilt-A-Whorl Spindles</a>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ3JtF76UsFAJd0oEEctMBF2eQ63NNF0H5JL5d56tRsRM26mk_M7wWkU5zDPGtXMnrhyIjR7pHBHUm_JL2Sv0ncOBG5VffeoQDksy_HP5Wvj2VqzttyrhzA4oxLPexfHlUg5IXHkQ82o/s1600-h/CIMG0082.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ3JtF76UsFAJd0oEEctMBF2eQ63NNF0H5JL5d56tRsRM26mk_M7wWkU5zDPGtXMnrhyIjR7pHBHUm_JL2Sv0ncOBG5VffeoQDksy_HP5Wvj2VqzttyrhzA4oxLPexfHlUg5IXHkQ82o/s320/CIMG0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384851499895527282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The yarn on the shaft I spun and plied</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda0tUqrVULm5jvYp8TGxrjeN_w6bnAQVwijBuyNc-93TPuVJM9ME8SBA1jOiki1lc13IMnZDfHc27ns6mChL_OhaYYnJWQCwGCE9UXWrJ6jndj1k2paEUrLdFM58zuLcwMig46Laa20w/s1600-h/CIMG0084.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda0tUqrVULm5jvYp8TGxrjeN_w6bnAQVwijBuyNc-93TPuVJM9ME8SBA1jOiki1lc13IMnZDfHc27ns6mChL_OhaYYnJWQCwGCE9UXWrJ6jndj1k2paEUrLdFM58zuLcwMig46Laa20w/s320/CIMG0084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384852144768192226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Top view</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhuAmbF_nDuaUHA24kIOXN-Kirtvti_PHrKae-yIbKGhPKqFvXoiU0Y0oboArChjxG5ah85HL6nq6tb_whYBgLD6B0s-C4nhv1bd_CnhEfV3ajFA-ODGX-Y_2FdttWtlTsAJAp-426EA/s1600-h/CIMG0085.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhuAmbF_nDuaUHA24kIOXN-Kirtvti_PHrKae-yIbKGhPKqFvXoiU0Y0oboArChjxG5ah85HL6nq6tb_whYBgLD6B0s-C4nhv1bd_CnhEfV3ajFA-ODGX-Y_2FdttWtlTsAJAp-426EA/s320/CIMG0085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384852589458749362" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Underneath view</span><br /><br />I also learned how to do some hip hems for him taught by the very entertaining and talented Stephen Houghton (aka <a href="http://www.hizknits.com/">hizKnits</a>).<br /><br />We went on a trip to <a href="http://www.moonshadowalpacas.com/">Moonshadow Alpaca Ranch</a> in Auburn, WA. Those animals are just too freaking cute.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybyNlu_TgZIX-LXkztsBd-wG9MrEvGKyocg6sdtZkqf3vMnRyCwRUeBzT6BAKCu8-SMhMzdmSXKCk9KL_MoPU0yV_FCszhDV6hB1ycHcFldvZXIl8sizNAxZMAYF7ZSLfPksnEvGoSxE/s1600-h/CIMG0037.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybyNlu_TgZIX-LXkztsBd-wG9MrEvGKyocg6sdtZkqf3vMnRyCwRUeBzT6BAKCu8-SMhMzdmSXKCk9KL_MoPU0yV_FCszhDV6hB1ycHcFldvZXIl8sizNAxZMAYF7ZSLfPksnEvGoSxE/s320/CIMG0037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384853336418072386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5qskm-fpAbzcMoCpx7XMqwCL3J5U-E7KN9xlJ51koEEFm83h3W3XfdH2DzAVpv-ceofmtHQzbGzFerdI45IaetxSc-jzvXzgTMoQgHrTa0sljOlBsEjaoG-GGqQ1fHiOdto25M6W1hc/s1600-h/CIMG0040.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5qskm-fpAbzcMoCpx7XMqwCL3J5U-E7KN9xlJ51koEEFm83h3W3XfdH2DzAVpv-ceofmtHQzbGzFerdI45IaetxSc-jzvXzgTMoQgHrTa0sljOlBsEjaoG-GGqQ1fHiOdto25M6W1hc/s320/CIMG0040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384853910845051954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Nancy, Mike & Deb (Deb & Nancy are the fabulous owners of Moonshadow Alpaca Ranch)</span><br /><br />It won't surprise those who know me that my mind started going on overdrive. Mind, "Boy how I would love to own an Alpaca Farm." "Wouldn't it be fun to raise these cute animals, harvest their fleece, spin it up (you did just learn to spin didn't you), and knit up some warm fuzzy stuff...." I learned though that money is not made from selling the fleece. It actually is from selling the Alpaca to other farms or as pets.<br /><br />So who knows?<br /><br />We did a bunch of other fun stuff. The crew of us went to <a href="http://www.skacelknitting.com/">Skacel</a> which is the exclusive distributor of the lovely Addi Turbo needles and scrumptious yarns from Europe. We were able to go shopping in the warehouse. It was like being let loose in a fiber candy store. I left with a several new <a href="http://www.skacelknitting.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.19664/.f">Addi Clicks</a> and 3 bags of yarn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimASc9h5KLdwtLCtiueE9rAlSapxJg6w0Oo0dfccee15G3teGNaJAMpKP3-rvLdwQzErAn89r2R8P92Bql6T8HL1cOyjUBPshmXjl263krznMvkxrXFohnTgAa_rc4dQhPDfRRi0MZdjA/s1600-h/CIMG0015.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimASc9h5KLdwtLCtiueE9rAlSapxJg6w0Oo0dfccee15G3teGNaJAMpKP3-rvLdwQzErAn89r2R8P92Bql6T8HL1cOyjUBPshmXjl263krznMvkxrXFohnTgAa_rc4dQhPDfRRi0MZdjA/s320/CIMG0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384858210819324098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Kenny, Michael and Troy shopping in the warehouse</span><br /><br />On the last evening we had a guest visit from <a href="http://www.catbordhi.com/">Cat Bordhi</a>, the sock Godess, who gave a very inspirational talk encouraging us to knit in public, teach other men & boys to knit, and publish books.<br /><br />We did a ton of other stuff but this post is already too long.<br /><br />I will NEVER forget the retreat and all the wonderful, talented and funny people I met (I wish I had pics over everyone) and new friends I made. I'm counting the days until next Fall Knitting Retreat.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-61586974484685565272008-11-02T16:17:00.000-08:002008-11-02T16:31:48.611-08:00In Loving Memory of Mia<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdhhRKSuGS8hDLTB5otz9rkboyGTNwaCmMLeHL4zJ8I3NWlefGcNWmrZjphBh8UfAJt4JKUNCTK6hBQZjNUmYnfVDPBw6dBLS7CvaDiFzzmnzP9aN_HySG_-EpOSHI2y3QjWprHyI8Fg/s400/CIMG0121.JPG" /><br /><br />Sadly the day came today to say goodbye to Mia. He put up a great fight but in his old age (we think around 23) he simply wasn't having a good quality of life. It was a hard decision to put him down but we knew it was for the best.<br /><br />Mia was a fighter -- 20 some odd years ago I picked Mia up at the airport, a sickly kitten that was given to my brother's partner as a gift from a class of flight attendants he was training who were all going to Miami International Airport (thus the name M.I.A.). The class got him from a pet store in Texas. The stupid people at the pet store thought he was a female and didn't realize how sick he was. He had a bad case of diarrhea and was touch and go for a few weeks.<br /><br />Mia obviously made it through his early illness and became quite a character. He was a companion to a long line of pets, family members and friends. Hopefully all his previously departed furry, feathered, and scaly brothers and sisters greeted him today as he joined them crossing the rainbow bridge.<br /><br />We'll miss you Mia.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUL7Ykslve_yQ7sCIPswFU7N0rEY7bkshRrITqLcTxedQguq_7SpCuGtJwFGHBEWG7UsGt0lMh8-JASitIU9wuGosYJ6yIk9D4IcOetOfY92eoN4b2LOk03vdj_D547agbyvW2SkKjqk/s400/IMG_3347.JPG" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpdI52oHQbjk22wyZun_iHHchXq5AIvq9PaGC_1zIYCjtIyOPqKsN4JFxwf-WJSn97vvfxYp6ejHebzYChRHFxf3YioOP1C_2yIrdvbM_3i3zmGaCLcw8R16Aamg1u5Qt-u9FTmUMzII/s400/IMG_1074.JPG" /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaWdMWOZxbqFwx0wWBflCyT9UQ9VnXzq56t3E_8QsDRqLr-5_-8DgrqQ8oQRqx18ehkqultJqDdyR-s0z7MixF0zzSZ_pGJNVruqxM65LoUzOEirFt_BDjF7VnSJA7updx4bxhhZ7xkU/s400/IMG_3339.JPG" />Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-58940591495929064552008-10-11T18:01:00.000-07:002008-10-11T18:05:06.055-07:00Target Domo-KunDavid told me a while ago that Target was selling Domo-Kun stuff. But I totally forgot, until now. I must run to Target and get the plush Domo's before they're gone.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HNSsAJ8DQoc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HNSsAJ8DQoc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />He's too cute for words. I just adore him.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-670161116594090102008-10-03T12:49:00.001-07:002008-10-03T13:11:54.085-07:00How Sarah Palin's mind worksI got this hysterical flow diagram in an email today showing Sarah Palin's thought process when debating.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">WARNING: Make sure you have emptied your bladder before reading<br /></span><br /><br /><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SOZ5lU6XNVI/AAAAAAAAAq8/AB7PUeR16vY/s800/sarahpalindebateflow.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Credit: Jason MacFarlane || Lead Genius || Apple, Inc. 1038 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood, TX 77546</span>Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-24109215006995226952008-10-01T11:43:00.001-07:002008-10-01T11:51:40.871-07:00Stick it to Sarah PalinMy very brilliant Junior Highschool/Highschool friend created an awesome group on Facebook. It's called "Donate to Planned Parenthood in Sarah Palin's honor!!!" Please join the group and make a donation following the directions. If you're not on Facebook and still want to have a laugh, donate to a good cause and let Sarah know just how you feel, following these directions.<br /><br />************* Directions ****************<br /><br />Instead of us all sending around emails about how horrible Sarah Palin is, let's all make a donation to Planned Parenthood in Sarah Palin's name.<br /><br />And here's the good part: when you make a donation to PP in her name, they'll send her a card telling her that the donation has been made in her honor. Here's the link to the Planned<br />Parenthood website:<br /><br /><a href="https://secure.ga0.org/02/pp10000_inhonor">https://secure.ga0.org/02/pp10000_inhonor</a><br /><br />You'll need to fill in the address to let PP know where to send<br />the "in Sarah Palin's honor" card. I suggest you use the address<br />for the McCain campaign headquarters, which is:<br /><br />McCain for President<br />1235 S. Clark Street<br />1st Floor<br />Arlington , VA 22202<br /><br />PS make sure you use that link above or choose the pulldown of Donate--Honorary or Memorial Donations, not the regular "Donate Online"<br /><br />**************** end of directions **************<br /><br />I actually made sure the post card had Sarah's name on it so I filled in the first name as: "Sarah Palin", and the last name as "c/o McCain for President".Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-8975976904571097212008-09-19T17:21:00.000-07:002008-09-19T18:00:40.693-07:00When whimsy goes badWhen we first moved to North Queen Anne we didn't realize how close we were to Fremont. The thrill of being between 2 nice neighborhood centers was invigerating. Plus we were very happy that we were so close to Lake Union. We even thought that it was nice to have a cute bridge to cross. And it adds to the beautiful urban landscape.<br /><br />Well that whimsical highlight was short-lived, at least from David's perspective. An old friend used to have a saying of which I will paraphrase, 'Don't put things you don't want to happen into the Universe (either verbally or in thought)'.<br /><br />The cute drawbridge that connects us to the Fremont neighborhood goes up very often, especially during the summer, to let tall ships pass. It was a novelty for us at first that David quickly grew tired. And I truly believe that because he dislikes having to wait for the bridge to return to its crossible and prone position, 99% of the time that he comes close to the bridge the familar boat horn blows, the bridge warning bells ring, the blockacade drops and up goes the drawbridge. The percentage for me happens a lot less. I understand that I have no control of the situation.<br /><br />A few weeks ago I captured this lovely pic:<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SNCTgU7-7wI/AAAAAAAAAj8/JqVwrlCXIds/s400/CIMG0113.JPG" /><br /><br />Maybe David could benefit from following my friend's saying, don't you think :-)?Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-48450626211622980442008-09-13T08:22:00.001-07:002008-09-13T08:55:10.514-07:00There Are No New IdeasSo I'm taking my 2nd and 3rd knitting classes this weekend with Debbie Abrahams. She's in town from England promoting her latest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Design-Your-Knits-Easy-Steps/dp/060061638X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221318727&sr=8-1" target="_new">Design Your Own Knits in 5 Easy Steps</a>. The first class I took with her was a few years ago back in Oakland at <a href="http://www.articlepract.com/" target="_new">Article Pract</a> (I miss my old LKS) on finishing techniques that I absolutely loved. Debbie and her sister were fantastic.<br /><br />I have had this idea for an Asymmetric Argyle Sweater Vest running through my head for probably about 3 years. I figured now's my chance to take a stab at designing my first knitted garment, and maybe something that no one else has ever done before.<br /><br />Ummm, yeah right is all I can say.<br /><br />I was perusing and reading a post on a co-workers blog about the latest Knitty issue so I figured I'd check it out. Lo and behold guess what I found in the issue? Yup, a <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall08/PATTmangyle.html" target="new">men's sweater vest</a> with an asymmetric argyle pattern. Sure it's not exactly what I was thinking of. But 'fuck' was the first thing out of my mouth. Admittedly I had this silly idea that maybe my first design would be sooooo coool and 'original' that I would submit it to Knitty, and it would be approved for an up and coming issue.<br /><br />Arghhh! I'm reminded of what my art history professor said in one of her boring lecture halls, 'there are no new ideas'. That was hard to hear as an art major. Maybe that statement is true but it won't stop me from striving for originality.<br /><br />BTW, I have been knitting but been too lazy to post my progress. I finished a lace/cable knit scarf and am getting close to finishing my first attempt at knitting a women's sweater for my sister-in-law Cheryl. I'll try and post pics in the next few days.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-77673908137332274172008-08-07T06:15:00.000-07:002008-08-12T21:26:32.799-07:00Quick Observations: Macho TruckIs it me or are you scratching your head the same way I did when I saw what was hanging from the back of this truck?<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SJr2F3hCJHI/AAAAAAAAAig/zGGvvWBRU9s/s400/carWballs.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(taken with my crappy cell phone camera through my dirty windshield)</span><br /><br />I mean I know that there's a mystique that trucks are tough but WTF are those orange things?Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-8080998950370648012008-07-27T11:24:00.000-07:002008-07-27T11:52:36.171-07:00iCan'tI'm soooo disappointed. My trip to the AT&T Wireless store was fruitless. It was my understanding that I could upgrade my phone every year since I was on a special corporate plan. There is one detail that I was unaware of; there are only certain phones which fall under that policy and an iPhone is not one of them.<br /><br />So, unless I'm willing to pay $400 for an iPhone (which I can't justify), I have to wait another 9 months before I'm eligible for an upgrade for a phone that doesn't fall in the corporate discount agreement. AND even once I'm eligible I won't get the cost savings break on an iPhone and the data plan.<br /><br />My hopes and dreams for a better designed phone, ability to have a "real" web browsing experience on the go, and just an all around fun experience with a cell phone have been sadly squashed. I'll have to reevaluate in 9 months. Who knows maybe by then there will be better designed Smartphones, and maybe a better designed Windows Mobile software. Or I simply might grow tired of being at the whim of constricting contracts and corporate rules and just say f%@# it and get the iPhone anyway!Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-32454239523712807162008-07-25T07:04:00.000-07:002008-07-25T07:17:35.753-07:00iGottaI've been coveting the iPhone ever since it came out. But I opted for a Blackjack because of it's Outlook Exchange capabilities. While having access to work email and appointments can be a godsend, it can also be a curse. AND, surfing the internet on a Blackjack is just plain bad. I may as well be back in the early 90s surfing the internet on a 14.4 modem with a web browser that can only display in simple html with 8bit graphics.<br /><br />So now that the new iPhone has Outlook Exchange there's no holding back. I mean why not have a *toy* that is also a productivity tool? Why not infuse some extracurricular activities with a phone?<br /><br />iGotta have one!<br /><br /><img src="http://images.apple.com/iphone/features/images/main_homescreen20080609.jpg" alt="" border="0" />Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-51984088594773819622008-07-13T21:11:00.000-07:002008-07-13T21:19:13.531-07:00Quick Observations: Cars & multitaskingI've written before in my old blog about <a href="http://obsessedinoakland.blogspot.com/search?q=multitasking" target="_new">the art of multitasking</a> in cars. But today was the first time that I saw a woman plucking the grays from the top of her head while we were waiting for the Fremont Bridge to go down. What was odd was that she wasn't simply pulling the hairs out with here fingers, she was actually using a tweezer. It was almost like she was planning on using the time in her car to do the plucking.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-83616858178722354382008-07-12T07:46:00.000-07:002008-07-12T07:50:38.775-07:00Quick Observations: Squirrel SabotageI really think that the reason squirrels were put on the planet were to distract dogs from pooping; at least that's the case for Trixie.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-87862146999088765062008-07-11T22:50:00.001-07:002008-07-12T07:11:38.711-07:00The itch is coming backI started knitting about 7 years ago. The feel of the fiber in my fingers, the clicking of the needles, watching fabric turn into garments, and the satisfaction of learning new stitches was so addictive. It didn't take me long before I was a self proclaimed knitting addict.<br /><br />Then came along Blogging. What a perfect forum for me and others to rant about just about anything. Observing the world around me and sharing tidbits from my day with total strangers was so much fun. Blogging also offered me a place to archive and journal my knitting projects. Oh what wonderful creative outlets. Knitting and blogging became fun and healthy obsessions (well and expensive at times too... couldn't pass up a nice skein of yarn). My first blog was aptly titled <a href="http://obsessedinoakland.blogspot.com/" target="_new">Obsessed in Oakland</a>. Check it out...<br /><br />But then life, as it often does, got in the way. Well I guess I have to take the blame. Other obsessions like work, house renovations, and career simply took precedence. I guess you can call them life obsessions. Eventually, as you might have read, relocating to Seattle and starting a new job became priorities.<br /><br />A year and a half later the old obsessions are reawakening. Blogging and knitting are on my mind practically on a daily basis. I'm hooked on Ravelry.com (thanks Mom), knitting a bit more (although I wish it was more frequently), have a queue of knitting projects waiting to start and 2 projects on needles. No longer can I claim to be a <a href="http://obsessedinoakland.blogspot.com/2006/01/monogamous-knitting.html" target="_new">monogamous knitter</a>. But that's okay, at least that old familiar tactile feeling is back in my hands.<br /><br />Work has been taking up a lot of my time and I may not be knitting as often as I would like, but I'm proud to say that I am now happily Obsessed in Seattle.<br /><br />BTW, if you're a knitter and you haven't stumbled upon Ravelry.com yet, you must have a look at the site. But be warned, it's addictive.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-51791159699195720222008-07-06T07:56:00.000-07:002008-07-25T06:39:09.618-07:00Nice weather and knitting(post started 7/6, completed 7/11)<br /><br />Sheesh has it been 5 months since I last blogged? I won't bore you with all the details, mostly because I most definitely lost my entire audience. Suffice it to say that I have been extremely busy at work after starting with a new group and new set of projects, and had back surgery.<br /><br />We survived our second winter in the PNW and just recently celebrated Summer Solstice, which in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont,_Seattle,_Washington" target="_new">Fremont</a> (a really nice neighborhood just across the bridge from our house) is a huge deal (a little more on that in a minute). We kept hearing that the winter and spring weather had not been typical. Well, ummm, we heard that last year too. Is it global warming? Well whatever is causing the weather to be so bad, please STOP. I hadn't been very down on the weather up until now but last night I had a dream where I found myself yelling, "ENOUGH ALREADY!" about the weather. So I guess my subconscious is telling me something.<br /><br />Now don't get me wrong, it's beautiful here ...<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_sxaQzunI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/QSVvREAwc1c/s400/CIMG0089.JPG" /><br /><br />... especially when you get to see Rainier in all it's glory. That shot was taking at the top of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Anne,_Seattle,_Washington" target="_new">Queen Anne</a>, which is officially our neighborhood. I mustn't mislead you though, we are on the north side of Queen Anne which is a short drive or a nice walk to the vantage point that overlooks the view of Rainier and Downtown Seattle. We took that picture a few weeks ago when my brother- and sister-in-law T, Cheryl, and nephew/Godson Alek visited from NJ.<br /><br /><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_tjoPbY0I/AAAAAAAAAS0/1bRHdnvWJuE/s400/CIMG0091.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Me, Alek & David with the Space Needle and Downtown Seattle in the background. Rainier is just off camera to the right)</span><br /><br />We had a fabulous time with the NJ crew. David spent time with them touring many of the Seattle sites like the Duck Boat land and water tour.<br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_tJYobTlI/AAAAAAAAARw/0dIj8u6dQDE/s400/CIMG0115.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(check out the duck just behind Alek)</span><br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_tM0R9AZI/AAAAAAAAAR4/ITMGdGlETkY/s400/CIMG0153.JPG" /><br /><br />That's the truck/boat that you ride that starts on land and then actually goes on to Lake Union. Lake Union is right by our house.<br /><br /><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_t20mE7gI/AAAAAAAAATk/koypPE8E9H0/s400/CIMG0145.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(The boat on Lake Union)</span><br /><br />They also visited the <a href="http://www.empsfm.org/">Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame</a> (that's a mouthful), <a href="http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/" target="_new">Pike Place Market</a>, while on "the duck" passed by the Seattle Art Museum's <a href="http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/osp/" target="_new">Olympic Sculpture Park</a>, the Space Needle, and a lot more. They actually saw more than I have, which speaks to how busy I/we've been.<br /><br /><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_tgDESumI/AAAAAAAAASs/vRmev1Ug3rM/s400/CIMG0119.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(passing the the SAM Olympic Sculpture Park and "Eagle" by Alexander Calder with the Cascades in the background)</span><br /><br /><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_tep9x6uI/AAAAAAAAASk/-cAu9zDk4Wg/s400/CIMG0067.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Cheryl, me, T and Alek outside the SAM, taken on a different day)</span><br /><br />I think that one of the highlights of their visit was the Fremont Solstice Parade. Here are a few pics from the extravaganza.<br /><br /><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_uGOujxiI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/L60sHAv7nN4/s400/CIMG0194.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(The parade traditionally starts with naked people with painted bodies riding on bikes - ouch)</span><br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_s3abLPQI/AAAAAAAAARE/umepkdZRZsg/s400/CIMG0226.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(The "official" start of the parade)</span><br /><br /><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_tXEHHUFI/AAAAAAAAASU/LWaPsNbGLVs/s400/CIMG0216.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Sexy "Unicorns")</span><br /><br /><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_t4aU6McI/AAAAAAAAATs/0YtHO0hcwT0/s400/CIMG0230.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Close-up of a float. BTW, all floats are "people powered". None are operated by cars making the parade very green.)</span><br /><br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_uca8PT5I/AAAAAAAAAVM/0qKig1u4CnE/s400/CIMG0276.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(We loved this costume)</span><br /><br /><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_um2-aU_I/AAAAAAAAAVk/w5XC1zch234/s400/CIMG0266.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Trixie got into the action. Well, ummmm maybe she was a bit overwhelmed.)</span><br /><br />Alek saw some yarn he liked at the weekly Fremont fair and asked if I could teach him to knit. His knitting curiosity was contagious... T and Cheryl wanted to learn too. So we all stopped at a LYS (local yarn store for the non-knitters out their) on our trip to Bainbridge Island and picked up yarn and needles for the crew. On the morning of their last day in Seattle we had a group knitting lesson. Everyone did an excellent job learning how to cast on, knit and cast off. I was especially impressed by how quickly Alek learned. It was my first time teaching an 8-year old to knit, well, a whole family.<br /><br /><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/keithadaniels/SG_uat9n1xI/AAAAAAAAAVE/eAtjY6iOWJQ/s400/CIMG0297.JPG" /><br /><br />I can't wait to see their finished projects.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-35726640493597407262008-02-09T18:22:00.000-08:002008-02-09T18:47:18.264-08:00Knitting again, kindaSo I promised that I would keep up blogging, at least more than I had been. Another promise I made to myself was to knit more. The needles haven't been moving too quickly admittedly, but they aren't collecting dust either.<br /><br />Several months ago, well maybe a half a year, was when I made the promise. I did complete one project back in the Summer. It was a baby blanket for my cousin who was expecting a baby boy. I furiously knit to complete it for the baby shower which fell on the same weekend that we were celebrating my great-uncle's 90th birthday. Unfortunately, I didn't finish it in time but had enough done to at least show Amanda what to expect.<br /><br />I am proud to say that I did finish it just shortly after Cash was born. In my haste to get it to Amanda, I totally forgot to take a picture of the finished piece. Well just the other day I received these in my inbox ...<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fkeithadaniels%2Falbumid%2F5165174030194754817%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="192" width="288"></embed><br /><br />The first thing that came out of my mouth was, "He's so f'n cute!" And the blankie ain't so bad either, right?<br /><br />I do have 2 other projects on needles: a scarf and a sweater. The scarf is nearly done. But I can't say the same for the sweater.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-35925210224091091982008-01-20T09:41:00.000-08:002008-01-20T16:33:48.614-08:00Multi-tasking Gym-etteDavid encouraged me to return to blogging yesterday. So I figured I would add this entry about a funny thing I observed at the gym last week.<br /><br />My routine includes some cardio and strength training. Friday as I was "running" on the elliptical I was distracted by the woman who was "running" next to me. I'll start by describing her look. Imagine a pretty in shape 30ish blond, with a ponytail, wearing a somewhat revealing but not provocative workout outfit (conveniently tucked up shirt showing her back tat). You know, kinda Barbie-like.<br /><br />Now the gym I belong to is not one of those pick-up gyms. The members range in age from kids to the elderly, and various degrees of body types. Barbies are really far a few between. So you can imagine that this one stood out a bit.<br /><br />Step in her friend/trainer. They started talking and since it was packed and I was so close to her I couldn't help but overhear parts of their conversation. Keep in mind that my hearing sucks now and I didn't have my hearing aid in. So their conversation was loud. What stood out from the conversation was her name. To protect her anonymity let's call her Betty Sue Harrington. It was one of the Anglo-Southern-Like names. I thought to myself, 'what a perfect name for a Barbie.'<br /><br />But all that is only back story information to help clearly set the scene for you. What was amazing was what she was doing while running (and pretty fast I must say) on the elliptical. She was listening to her iPod, changing her song selections and texting on her phone. I immediately had this funny thought... I was so tempted to tap her on her shoulder and ask if she could twirl a baton too.<br /><br />Imagine a Barbie who can multi-task.<br /><br /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51G3PTW82CL._AA280_.jpg" border="0" />Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-65186106589407865372007-12-16T17:37:00.000-08:002007-12-16T17:56:41.991-08:00OMG I can't believe my um eyes and earsI know it's been an extra ordinary amount of time since I've posted on my blog. And I can only assume that I've lost my audience (can I say fans?). But I had to post this YouTube video.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t9-CS2v8wcc&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/t9-CS2v8wcc&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Update 5:51 p.m. PST:<br /><br />More amazing Nick Pitera YouTube videos<br /><br />Oh Holy Night<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UHE4X7HFmTM&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UHE4X7HFmTM&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />I don't know this song but I'm guess he's singing both parts<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-tH962Fy9IU&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-tH962Fy9IU&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />And singing Part of your World<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YAPlmEHo9QQ&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YAPlmEHo9QQ&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-53559426253873102952007-04-12T18:57:00.000-07:002007-04-12T19:08:53.219-07:00At long last - Pictures from SeattleI <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">apologize</span> for the delay in posting pictures of the new house. I have been waiting until we were more settled with the home decor. We still have more to go but figured we'd better post some pictures before we got murdered by our friends and family ;-).<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/keithadaniels/EarlySeattlePictures/photo#5052724058045624850"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/image/keithadaniels/Rh7hwqPhMhI/AAAAAAAAABU/aF8OvdxXb3w/s400/CIMG0173.JPG" / target="_new" border="0"></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">David, me and Trixie on our front porch</span><br /><br />You can see more images <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/keithadaniels/EarlySeattlePictures" target="_new">here</a>. The album has some pix from when we were living in temp housing at the Harbor Steps in downtown Seattle.<br /><br />Enjoy!Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-32108328063663730712007-03-22T12:28:00.000-07:002007-03-22T12:30:11.877-07:00Nice Jewish Girl<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-ZKBHyIecDU"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-ZKBHyIecDU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-12059476217283532842007-03-20T21:01:00.000-07:002008-12-09T12:40:06.528-08:00Separated at ... ummmm ... birth?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjHoLaF4mDx-WeNBFSQBnsGAjfVBJrWbZuxnLfgsqjP7Ce3mB-21x6rA03eY4o5nOi8duQTDuOcEOw6EPa5jIg1mOIvTzWprxgQc2ZNunuG0M4eP_9wN8m6r8utCK9t1rBlZa2Ffet2Y/s1600-h/Nosferatu.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjHoLaF4mDx-WeNBFSQBnsGAjfVBJrWbZuxnLfgsqjP7Ce3mB-21x6rA03eY4o5nOi8duQTDuOcEOw6EPa5jIg1mOIvTzWprxgQc2ZNunuG0M4eP_9wN8m6r8utCK9t1rBlZa2Ffet2Y/s320/Nosferatu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044230748313975154" border="0" /></a><br />Nosferatu<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uG20-m6IsteNgdRTd-7dWJZol0lJAYrFbOeVrwRpxBwfXNeKUh0-sBOGIpLpF0YuiHyKSjUClwfIM6JWXZjWu2j_BQ4afjTJaaf3OsV_SsEKnaW8Vp_ErnfN3vqkuBMj3gJakSHy1gQ/s1600-h/PhilStacey.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uG20-m6IsteNgdRTd-7dWJZol0lJAYrFbOeVrwRpxBwfXNeKUh0-sBOGIpLpF0YuiHyKSjUClwfIM6JWXZjWu2j_BQ4afjTJaaf3OsV_SsEKnaW8Vp_ErnfN3vqkuBMj3gJakSHy1gQ/s320/PhilStacey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044231194990573954" border="0" /></a><br />Phil Stacey - American Idol Season 6<br /><br />credit: Ms. NancyKeithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-31228570456862801462007-03-10T06:57:00.000-08:002007-03-10T07:25:43.668-08:00Holy @#$%The stuff in storage was moved to our new house on Thursday. All things considered it went really well.<br /><br />David left the temp apartment yesterday to go to the new house to begin the lovely task of unpacking the boxes. It made sense to leave Trixie behind so that she wouldn't get in the way.<br /><br />That was when things went slightly awry.<br /><br />There was one detail we both forgot; it was housekeeping day. Why was it an important detail to remember? Well let me tell you. Trixie is terrified of the vacuum cleaner. So there she was trapped in her crate as the monstrous vacuum was run past her God knows how many times.<br /><br />I came home from work at around 5:00, opened the door and was assaulted by a horrific stench. You got it, the fear of the vacuum literally scared the shit out of her. Thankfully the padding that was in the crate acted as a shield and the poop was somehow in between the folded pad. Trixie was only soiled on her bottom and tail.<br /><br />Poor thing ran out of her crate and was wagging her tail as if nothing happened. I managed to clean the crate and wash her in the tub without vomiting.<br /><br />David and I felt terrible. We learned an important lesson -- if we decide to engage a housekeeper we will need to be sure we take Trixie out of the house the day they come to clean.Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271901335291806045.post-31400902295622577602007-03-06T21:19:00.000-08:002010-07-03T07:40:52.834-07:00What's in a name?I believe in serendipity, I mean really!<br /><br />On January 2, 2007 I uprooted my partner David, our dog Trixie, our cat Mia, put our cute Oakland, CA 1923 craftsman bungalow on the market (yes, we sold real estate in Northern CA), left behind a wonderful group of friends and neighbors, a decent job and moved to Seattle, WA for a dream job.<br /><br />Relatively speaking everything has been going very well. Sure the ride has been an adventure.<br /><br />Here is the bullet point synopsis of the trip. Bullets are a great tool to keep me from rambling - something I tend to do on occasion ;-)<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Early October 2006</span> - Solidified plans for trip to Japan (more on Japan in a later post).</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mid October 2006</span> - Received an email from a recruiter for big Seattle company (name intentionally left out to protect the, hmmm employee). Replied to big Seattle company with interest thinking that the job might be in CA. Recruiter responded with dream job description and informed me that the job was in the Seattle area.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Late October 2006</span> - After much discussion with David, decided to pursue the opportunity, flew out to Seattle for an interview a week before trip to Japan. Survived day-long interviewing process.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Even Later October 2006</span> - 2 days before leaving for trip to Japan and 1 week after interview Recruiter made me an offer. Shocked and bewildered I told Recruiter that I would like to think about it while in Japan.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">November 2006</span> - Had fabulous time in Japan. Returned to Oakland, negotiated offer with big Seattle company and accepted job.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">December 2006</span> - Found great real estate agents. Made quick design to sell improvements to the house (gotta love HGTV). House and car was packed up and shipped to Seattle. Went to Seattle to meet Seattle Real Estate Agent and go on a city tour. Had the best going away party at the Paragon Restaurant. David, Trixie, Mia and I spent last week of December in Jack London Square hotel.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Early January 2007</span> - Had last SF New Year's Celebration. 1/2/07 David, Trixie, Mia and I hopped on a plane to Seattle and moved into temporary housing -- a high rise in downtown Seattle called Harbor Steps. Started new job 1/8/07. Began looking at homes with Mike, our fabulous Real Estate Agent.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Late January 2007</span> - Saw a ton of real estate all over Seattle. Went back and forth over which neighborhoods we would like. We felt strongly that we wanted a newly renovated single family home or brand new townhouse. Power went out in our apartment building (long story). Moved out to hotel for close to a week.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">February 2007 </span>- Power was still out in apartment building. Moved to a different temp apartment for a few more days in a different tower in complex. Electricity restored after a week and a half. House in CA was officially listed. Received several offers, 2 over asking. Accepted best offer. Made below asking contingency offer on new townhouse in North Queen Anne. Builder/seller countered but amount was still under asking. We accepted. House in CA and new house in WA closed the last week of February.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Early March 2007</span> - We move out of the temporary housing and into our new home 3/8!<br /></li></ul>PHEWWWW...<br /><br />I know, I know, the synopsis was still long. But just imagine what the length could have been if I included all the little details! I promise that reading the bullet points was important to understand how serendipity played into the experience.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Serendipitous Moment #1</span>: We didn't think that we would be able to find a home in Queen Anne that we could afford. So we almost ignored the neighborhood all together. We thought we really liked Madison Valley. It's a neighborhood that was close to the freeway that I take to work and was in between Capital Hill and Madison Park, 2 very nice neighborhoods. We found a townhouse that was pretty nice. It had great details and was designed by a "Green" Architect. But there were some issues with the layout that we struggled with and it didn't have any bathtubs. Unfortunately we discovered that the a good portion of Madison Valley was in transition and decided that we would be settling if we chose to buy the townhouse.<br /><br />We made that decision on a Saturday. On Sunday we met up with the incredible Mike (our agent) to look at more homes. David and I were pretty discouraged and didn't think that we'd find a home before our time ran out at our temporary housing. Well, we were pleasantly surprised when Mike showed us a bunch of great places. One of which was the townhouse we eventually bought in Queen Anne.<br /><br />Now why was serendipity at play? The whole experience was very similar to the one we had when we were looking for a home in CA. We discovered Glenview and didn't think we would find a home we could afford. But we did wind up finding the perfect 1st home in Glenview.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Serendipitous Moment #2:</span> Our new house is on Etruria Street. The name doesn't roll off your tongue very easily and we always need to spell it when giving the address to people. Some of you smartypants out there will probably know the origin of the name, we didn't. So thanks to Wikipedia we learned that Etruria was an ancient region of Central Italy. Today, Tuscany is part of that region.<br /><br />One of my most memorable trips was to Italy in the late '80s. I had hoped that I would one day live in Florence or Tuscany. Well who would have figured that I would land in the Tuscany of the Pacific Northwest? And so the name of my blog, Tuscany PNW.<br /><br />This is actually my 2nd blog. The first was <a href="http://www.obsessedinoakland.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Obsessed In Oakland</a>. I figured it was best to start a new blog with a relevant title. Feel free to check it out. You can learn more about our old home, my knitting projects, etc.<br /><br />Well thanks for bearing with my long entry. Stay tuned for pix of the new home, new knitting projects, soap box entries, and assorted observations.<br /><span></span>Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09680767989378358708noreply@blogger.com7