Happy Jewish Holidays!

Hope that's not offensive to anyone. It's just that today is Rosh Hashanna (or actually, it started last night) and being that I teach in a largely Jewish school district, I get Jewish holidays off. Go me! I'll also be hanging at home next Thursday, which would be Yom Kippur, for those of you who are not up on Jewish holidays. I love October!

I'm not feeling so hot today. It's nothing major, just this all-around blah kind of feeling. I think I'm starting to feel better, and then I get up and do something, and then I realize I'm not really feeling better. It's really not that much fun.

I really don't have much to post about, or much that's exciting, anyway. While the lights were out ALL WEEK a couple weeks ago, my old man cat decided to use my living room area rug as his litter box. I tried the whole Nature's Miracle thing, alas, to no avail. So the area rug is now in the garage and I'm getting used to the whole zen-like, simple nature of my bare hardwood living room floor. I might like it, we'll see.

I need to go grocery shopping today. I'm still trying to restock my fridge and freezer. Did I mention the electricity was out for ONE WHOLE WEEK?!?!? So I think I have about 4 things in my freezer, which I know doesn't do much for efficiency... wow, this is really turning into a very lame post. I think I'll go lie down now - perhaps it's the virus talking.

Life is normal again...

Well, as normal as it ever is. I'll update more later, but electric came back on Saturday night - a mere 6 full days without it. All blogs are blocked at work, so I suffer withdrawal so badly by the time I hit the computer at night. It's just sad. I will catch up soon. I have two posts for the Halloween dishcloth swap that I need to do. Soon, I promise. :)

Well, well, well...

how we take small things for granted. Say, for instance, ELECTRICITY!!!

The remnants of Hurrican Ike roared through central Ohio on Sunday afternoon, and we have been without power since. I have never felt wind like that before. So many beautiful, huge old trees in my neighborhood were destroyed. It really stinks. I am counting my blessings, however, that I am not in Texas. No idea when the electricity is coming back on. Someone said Saturday. Fan-tas-tic... We have an electric hot water heater. We've been in a hotel since last night. So, I'll be here sporadically, and can't do much checking of others' blogs, because I'm doing this from work. (Which, by the way, I have not had to attend for the past two days! We'll see what tomorrow has in store.)

The little one's school has also been powerless for the past two days. I now really, REALLY know why I am not a stay-at-home mom. For those of you who are, bless your hearts. You are stronger women than I...

Until I meet with modern conveniences again, toodles! Happy knitting, y'all! (Speaking of which, my sticks have been flying! It's amazing how productive I can be when I'm not distracted by this internet business!)

All Hallows Eve Dishcloth Exchange

Woo hoo! Anne is at it again. And, since I absolutely LOVE Halloween, I had to sign up. Here's the newest questionnaire...

Knotting Yarn
1. Do you knit or crochet? For how long?

I knit, and I think it's been about 4 years now. I crocheted first, but I don't think I would remember how to do it now.

2. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using the most? Are there some you've been dying to try out and haven't?

I use bamboo needles from Jo Ann's or Michael's. I would love to try KnitPics Harmony needles.

3. What kind of projects do you most enjoy? Small things you can take with you, or big complex ones that are just gorgeous when they're done?

I have to say that I enjoy small things more. They are portable, and they are typically finished quickly. I jump into the occasional large project, and then hate every minute until I'm finished. I'm a dish/wash cloth addict right now.

4. List one pattern for a dishcloth that you love to make, or just tell us about one you've made or received that you loved.

I love this one, but after seeing this one on Gina's blog, it might be my new favorite, even though I've never made it!

5. What are your 'must have' notions? Are there any notions you need or can never have enough of? Any that might make you cry if you owned more?

Stitch markers - never seem to have enough.

Petting Yarn
6. What are your favorite yarns to work with? Any you hate or are allergic to?

I love baby alpaca, and merino wool is nice as well. But I really love cotton. I do not enjoy acrylic. No allergies.

7. What colors do you like to use in projects? Any we'd never catch on your needles?

I try to match my projects to the person I'm knitting for. For myself, I like sage green, plum, natural earth tones, and pink is my favorite fun, girly color. I'm not big into really bright, unnatural shades.

8. Any cottons you'd like to try you can't find by you, or just haven't gotten around to getting?

I really like mercerized cottons, and apparently Peaches and Cream makes one? But really, I enjoy any kind of cotton.

Halloween, Fall, and General Stuff
9. Do you like to use bar soap or shower gel more? What kinds of scents do you love? What kind do you hate?

I'm a shower gel girl. I love clean scents, vanilla, lavender, and amber. I do not like rose or other floraly scents.

10. What's more 'Halloweeny' - Ghosts, Pumpkins, or Witches?

Definitely pumpkins.

11. What's your favorite Treat to get? Sweet or Salty? Anything you're allergic to or just hate?

I love sweet and salty. You name it, I'll probably eat it. I absolutely adore Hot Tamales, chocolate is always good, love almonds and cashews, and I've been on a bit of a Good 'n Plenty kick lately. Can't explain it... Oh! And a really yummy fall-ish treat is candy corn mixed with salted peanuts. Oh so good!

12. What was your favorite Halloween Costume as a kid? As an adult??

As a kid, I loved the year I got to be a punk rocker. Yep, I'm a child of the 80s. And sadly enough, I don't typically dress for Halloween as an adult.

13. Are you on Ravelry? What's your ID?

Heck yes - knitcurl71

14. Anything else you'd like to be sure your pal knows?

I'm easy to please - I get so excited when swap packages come!

Drumroll Please...

I have finished all four of the Twilight novels. I have to say, Breaking Dawn was a bit of a stretch for me. But I truly enjoyed them, and was glad for the happy ending. Now, on to The Host.

I'm so doing this...

I found this on Ariel's blog - knitting scarves for the Special Olympics winter games. How awesome is this? First of all, Red Heart is CHEAP, and second of all, what a fantastic cause. I've had many of my students through the years participate in this awesome organization. If you have a little extra time, join in and send in a few!