Exercise, but Don't Sweat

Folks who know me IRL, know I have very strong political views. I have voted in every primary and general election since I was eligible to vote lo those many years ago. Havent. Missed. One.

Don't intend to miss one either. I'm thrilled that both my girls (ages 9 and 5) are talking about the election and who they are going to vote for in school. I'm hungry for the updates of the board in the fourth, fifth and sixth grade hallway tracking the presidential candidates progress.

We live in a swing state and are being inundated with commercials from both sides. Some of you in states already declared red or blue may feel that your vote does not count. IT DOES.

This is a unique opportunity. You can exercise without breaking a sweat. Take some extra time on Tuesday, go to your local polling place and pull the lever, push the button, punch the chad --- whatever it is your jurisdiction does.

What matters is that you go vote. I'm not going to opine on my view here. I'm only going to say that in my almost 30 years of voting for presidents, this may be the most important vote of my lifetime given the economy, the international situation and everything else we are facing.

Please, go vote.

On the knitting front, I am knitting the hood on the hooded cardigan for the 4th time. Ripped it out three times. Should be done soon. One thing I can say - Debbie Bliss Donegal Chunky rips and re-knits really well. Pix to follow.

Remember to get some exercise on Tuesday.

Another Half of Sandwich

I've mentioned before that I'm part of the sandwich generation.  We'll here are a couple of updates from the deli counter of my life.

1. Dear husband calls MIL on Thursday evening to see how she is.  She announces, "I'm in a nursing home now."  Well, yes, Mom, we helped move you into the assisted living home.  You did?  P.S.  Friday morning she fell, hit her head and spent a few days in the hospital and is now in rehab.  
2. Mom comes to visit for dear daughter's birthday.  See above post.  On the way home, she rolls into someone at a red light.  When the light changes, she pull over on the other side of the intersection.  The other car is still near where she hit it.  Mom drives away.  Her reason:  "The other driver didn't get out of the car and wave to me, so I assumed everything was fine."  

Is there a service I can register with which will take my car and license away from me when I'm 80 to avoid the burden on my girls to have to deal with it?  

On a better note, Daughter 1 wanted a hooded cardigan.  She choose Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed Chunky in a pretty purple.  Front, back and sleeves are done.  Now I must join the blasted thing before I can pick up for the hood and do the button bands.  I hate joining things, but it must be done.  Will post a photo when sleeves are on.

To all my Jewish friends -- may you and yours be inscribed in the book of life for another year -- much health and happiness.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea!

It's hard to believe I've been a mother for almost a decade now.  (Some would disagree on that point, but I digress.)  My oldest daughter turns 9 today.  I can't believe how time has flown.  

She went from being a baby with Don King hair (lots of it -- stood straight up) to a beautiful, smart young girl who makes me proud.  

I know she probably won't read this, but that's ok.  When she's 16 and surfing in cyberspace, maybe she'll find this note from mom.

Michaela -- I am so proud of you and who you have become.  You are a shining light in my life.  I love you.

Mommy

It Was Worth all the Cursing

Here is the bride, Sara, wearing Ethereal Grace.  I'm glad I didn't knit it any longer than I did.  (Well, I ran out of time, OK?)  Here are daughters 1 and 2 being unbearably cute as flower girls.  

This was a special wedding.  Sara was my flower girl at my first wedding in 1986.  I gave her a pearl pendant with a small diamond to wear at the wedding.  She gave my daughters, who were her flower girls, almost identical necklaces.  

Dad was watching -- the weather was perfect.  He would have been so proud.  It was a good day and a tough day at the same time.  I can say that I am proud of the work I did. 

My sister and brother in law should be more than proud of the work they did. Sara is an amazing young woman.  

C'est Fini!

The wedding is tomorrow.  It finished blocking last night.  It is a version of Ethereal Grace by Anastasiaknits.  Knit in Creamy from Kollage yarns.  Size 5 Addi Turbo Lace.  15 inches wide by about 66 inches long.  (I didn't make it as big as the pattern called for.)  I would have done the knitted on picot edging if I had time.

102 Uses for Cable Needles

I am part of the "sangwich" (for those of you who grew up in Italian households) or sandwich generation.  My mother is in her mid-80s.  My mother-in-law is 80.  My kids are in elementary school.  Nuf said.  

Saturday, we moved MIL to an assisted living facility from her apartment.  It was time.  She had to give up driving and needed more help around the house.  So, off to Lancaster to pack up the apartment and move.  

Sign it's not going to be a good day -- sister-in-law calls as we are en route.  Mom has fallen and is on her way to the ER.  (End result, many bumps and bruises, a black eye and two stitches in the lip.)  We head up and start packing.  

Man at assisted living facility says, pull under the portico and park near the handicapped spots.  Portico has no signs for height.  Rental truck needs clearance of 11 feet.  Many seniors on front porch watching as we arrive.  Loud, grinding sound.  Stop truck.  Realize truck is wedged under flashing of end of portico.  By about 1/4 of an inch.  

Dear husband tries to let air out of tires -- turns to me and says, do you have an extra knitting needle?  Now, what kind of question is that. I take out my knitting tackle bag and pull out two cable needles.  The straight-ish ones with the bump in the center.  Hand one to husband.  Hand one to brother in law.  Air successfully released from tires and truck unstuck.  

It was a long, hot day.  MIL got moved in successfully.  We returned home with a 14 foot long truck filled with stuff, some of which is now at the shop.  I'm rearranging bookcases this morning.  What fun.

Go Racine Scouts!

So, I mentioned that a friend from college had started this alumni website.  Well, ran into another choir alumni who now lives in Wisconsin and spends her summers as the manager of the Racine Scouts.   They are the oldest, continually performing drum and bugle corps in the United States.

Did I mention that we were in a touring choir together?  And the university's Marching Band, where the director was famous for yelling "THE BUS WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU.  SO. HELP ME. GOD."  

Now, I had the pleasure of watching Andrea yell at 80 kids between the ages of 14 and 21 about getting on the bus to go get showers at the Y after a practice performance behind an Episcopal Church in the Philly Suburbs where they were staying on their way to a performance in Wildwood, NJ.  

In some ways, it was like the time never passed.  Andrea was a dear friend in college and I have missed her over the years.  In other ways, age has taken its toll on us.  Anyway -- here's two friends happy to have seen each other.  And happy that the internet can keep us in contact.