Happy Canada Day!

I am doing absolutely nothing to celebrate Canada Day.

I worked instead. It took me two (yes, two!) hours to get home from work (I could have walked faster) and I'm fucking pissed off.

But, I know that I wanna be Canadian.

This is one of those nights

where I am feeling sorry for myself.

Youtube videos always make me feel better.



I'm drinking wine, and singing along at the top of my lungs.

This is not the blog you are looking for

I have a dirty little secret: I know how to sew.

I have chosen to concentrate on knitting, because I find it much more satisfying. But, I learned to sew nearly 30 years ago, and yesterday, I hauled out the machine for the first time in nearly ten years.

It's amazing how quickly it came back to me. Which is good. I sewed four dresses yesterday, another one today, and the sixth and final one on Wedesday. I hope.

God help me if these dresses don't fit. Also, I hope the people intended to wear them have slips, because I seriously cheaped out on the fabric.

What am I doing, you ask? Well, I'm working on my show, Nuthouse and Other Stories. We are performing this Thursday and Friday. You should come and see it, just to see my amazing handi-work, if nothing else.

The Ce-ment Pad is Open for Business

The usual spring busy-ness is in full swing, and I'm loving it.

But, the weather is unseasonably warm. I had to drag the table and chairs outside the other day, and get into my summer groove of enjoying a large glass of wine on the ce-ment pad after work.

I have wine, knitting and an audio book. While I'm sitting in the sun.

I need nothing else, except a friend or two to join me every once in a while.

Mind you, the place isn't actually fit for company right now. I haven't be home long enough (and sober enough) to pick up all the garbage in the hedge that the snow was hiding. Yuck.

Surprise weekend getaway

Last Thursday, I was hanging out with some colleagues sharing a few beers.

My host asked me if I wanted to join him at his family's cottage that weekend. His son was otherwise occupied and the friend that was going to join him bailed.

Since I had no weekend plans, and was just a wee bit tipsy, I said yes.

It was fantastic.

He fished. I knitted.

I learned how to use a slingshot (and, I only suck about half the time).

We saw an eagle, among other wildlife specimens.

We hiked along the hydro line.

The view from the deck was amazing.

I didn't want to leave. I hope it doesn't take two years to get around to the next visit.

This is the sweater that never ends

Remember what I said about finishing that sweater in one weekend? Well, that didn't happen. It got put away in favour of listening to a fellow play his guitar in my living room until 8 AM and then sleeping all day. Not what I had at all planned, but fun nonetheless.

But over a couple evenings, I merrily whipped down one sleeve, and didn't even mind being caught in that knitting vortex where it feels like I've been knitting forever, but haven't actually achieved any length. I never worry about that, because the next time I pick it up, I'll be two inches past where I meant to stop.

That didn't happen, though. I was at a friend's cottage last weekend, and the sleeve was perfect. I ribbed for two inches and then cast off.

I am no fool. To keep my mojo going, I picked up the stitches and knitted on the other sleeve until I ran out of yarn (the last skein was left at home, and I didn't want to pack my ball winder and swift).

So, Sunday night, I was happily curled up on the couch with Edgar; watching The Golden Compass on TV. I happened to look down at what I was doing. And noticed that the last skein is a completely different colour. Completely.

As in, more brown than purple, though this isn't the greatest photo.

So, now I have to rip out the finished sleeve and then work alternating rows. Shit. For an easy sweater in bulky yarn, this sure is taking a long time.

My parents went to Detroit & Iowa

and all they brought me were these freaking amazing gifts!



That's right, I am now the proud owner of an pink John Deere hoodie with matching gardening gloves (Iowa) and a key chain made in the Henry Ford Museum's shop (Detroit).

I'm gonna be too cool for school, because my three nieces? Got the exact same sweatshirt. I think that's the best thing ever.