Things to know before reading this entry:

• Nicoderm tries to make their patches as unobtrusive as possible – either a clear variety or the flesh shade of Band Aids
• My Boar is a hot Italian

As you know, we were away this past weekend on a college trip.  On Sunday morning I had a marketing epiphany  …. John and I were both up and getting ready for the day.  Daughter #1 was still sleeping, so we were whispering to each other. 

I was putting on my patch and said to him that rather than try to disguise these things, the patch companies should make them in different shapes perhaps with motivational sayings …. like a heart shaped one that says Kiss Me I’m Quitting or something like that. As much as they try to disguise them, it doesn’t work so why not just go with it and make the most of it.

It looks like the Spearfish Race is over.  Yes, the socks are lovely, sure the winning knitters are wonderful women.  It’s simply fabulous that they won.    I’m just happy to have been chosen – oh wait, that’s a different sorehead speach.

Here we go ….. I’m just tickled pink to have been able to meet such fantastic women and have access to a gorgeous pattern.  I have learned so much already – it’s all been worth it.  I want to cure world hunger and I strive everyday for world peace. 

I simply adore being an also ran because everyone knows it’s the running part that’s important!

Just as Kristi is annoiting the winner’s crown with wreaths of laurel and enhancing her stash with sock yarn, I have completed my first 7 rows.  It will be awhile before I come limping across this finish line!

Where’s Anita?!

Dear Gentle Reader,

It has come to Purlingswine’s attention that she has been remiss –  remiss and rude!  This situation is untenable and must be rectified immediately.

In the recent, and not so recent past, Purlingswine has received gifts which she failed to acknowledge and thank the senders.

Connie, fellow quitter knitter, sent a lovely, lovely tin of knitters’ hand cream along with an encouraging and uplifting note.  Thank you Connie!  (this arrived a few days ago and while I should have thanked Connie right away, I don’t feel all that bad about a little delay)

Nancy is another story entirely!  A few minutes ago, I received an email from Adagio Teas telling me that my gift certificate was about to expire.

gift certificate?  expire??  huh???

I have absolutely no recollection of any of this.  I have an email out to Nancy telling her I have obviously lost my mind.  thank you Nancy, please forgive me!

I need a good cuppa to collect myself!

"Tea! The panacea for everything from weariness to a cold to a murder Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea."     Henry Fielding

The Boar, Daughter #1 and I took a road trip this weekend.  It was a final college tour – and I am thrilled to report that she has made her choice!  Daughter #1 will be packing her bags and heading to Alfred University come the end of August!  We spent a wonderful, action packed Saturday on campus – the weather was terrific and there were many programs and information available.  Sunday, my brother and SiL met us and we had a leisurely walk around with them.  Although Alfred is a six hour drive from Long Island, my brother & SiL live just an hour away and there is comfort in that thought.

Did I remember to take my camera?  no.

Did I remember to take my knitting?  why yes!

I am pleased to present Clapotis II.  This project was started awhile ago and waited patiently while I dallied with Halcyon.  Halcyon requires too much lap space due to all the charts, not to mention concentration, to make for good car knitting.  I used Knitpicks Silk Twist.  Have a closer look!

I finished this project on the trip to Alfred.  For the return trip, I threw my Scarf Style book in the bag, along with yarn and needles.  I want to make a Backyard Leaves Scarf by Annie Modesitt.  I did this without really looking at the pattern.  It’s another chart – and this chart is in some ways more challenging than Halcyon. It’s also a wonderfully clever pattern but I will save those thoughts for another entry…..

My Boar came to the rescue with the very clever idea of copying and enlarging the chart. (let’s not discuss why this has never occurred to me).  Here is a look at my progress on the trip home.  As you can see, I only accomplished three pattern repeats – the first two had many instances of ripping while my mind wrapped itself around the chart.  Now the leaves are falling smoothly off the needles …..

And finally – because housecleaning and laundry beckon – here is the sight that greeted us when we pulled into the driveway ….