Broadripple

I began Broadripple last night with the yarn I previously used for the basic sock (see a few days ago). I just got bored with that one and thought I would try cuff down instead of my usual toe-up. This is what I have done so far; it is approximately 4". Here is the link to the pattern:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/PATTbroadripple.html

Student news: One of my sophomores sent in and audition CD for a concerto competition and was invited to play live yesterday. The student, her parents, the accompanist and I went to the location. She played her concerto from memory like an angel - with great passion and accuracy, beautiful sound and lovely musical phrasing.

The great news is that she was awarded 2nd place in the senior division. I think this is fabulous for the first time out! Although she will not get to perfom with the orchestra, she will be recognized at the next concert and awarded a lovely plaque. I am hoping the experience was good and will motivate her to try again.

Fishies

This is a Clown Pleco who has been with us since 1999.

Cute for an old guy, eh?

Well, okay, maybe not so cute except when he's peeking out of his log.

This bad boy resides in our 33 gallon flat-back hex front freshwater tank.

This Plecostomus is around 4" long and is one of the smaller species. He has lived a long life (7 years now!) and all seems well...

Here is a Rainbow. Now he's cute, no?

This is an Australian Melanotaenia Praecox (Neon Blue Rainbow). We have two adults that are about 3" long and just bought three more babies to join in since they are schooling fish.

The little flashes are Harlequin Rasboras, also a schooling fish. There are 15 of them residing in this tank.

So here is a glimpse of our fishy friends sent to you from a Pisces who is married to another Pisces - hmmm, do you detect a watery theme running through our lives?

Leisel and Mom

Mom and I rose before the sun this morning. She had a flight back to NY that left at 9:00 a.m. which meant we had to leave the house by 7:45. Since neither of us are morning people, that was very early. The airlines let me go to the gate with her and I saw her get safely on. Then she called from Chicago in between connections. When she arrived at her sister's there was one more call. I can sleep well knowing she is home. We had a wonderful two weeks together... I wish we lived closer together. I am lucky to have such a great lady for my Mother.

We mostly took daily trips to the grocery store, yarn shops, and out to lunch or dinner. We talked endlessly and even got in a game of Scrabble. Over the two weeks, Mom baked 3 pies: apple, peach and blueberry as well as a peanut butter cake (from scratch). I think we need to fast for the next two weeks to make up for all the food!! I cooked spaghetti with meatballs, turkey, pork, lamb, salmon, seafood (out), Chinese and went out to a steak place one night. We would have also gone for some Tex-Mex but Mom isn't a big fan of it.

Our part of Texas finally got some rain and our pansies seem to have sprung back to life! Woohoo!

Here is Leisel so far. She is really coming along and I just love the texture of this pattern!

Leisel Update

Here it is as of last night.

Today was our Cooking Light lunch club, so this morning was spent preparing pork tenderloin. We also had cauliflower, asparagus, couscous, muffins, salad and of course, dessert. We all ate like there was no tomorrow - after all - if we can't eat or knit or make music, what is there??

Time to Post

Whew! After my NY trip and my out of town Symphony weekend, I finally have a few minutes to update.

Mom is here and we have been sitting at night knitting, talking and watching TV. Here's Mom working on her latest afghan:

Dainy Bess is taking a rest while I decide what to do with her. I realized I left off an purl row after the very frist repeat, so the bottom is knit backwards to the rest. I must decide whether to rip out and start over or just continue.

Here is the latest sock - just your basic toe up with a 3K 3P rib.

And I have just begun Leisel lace scarf with the first 10 rows. You can download the free pattern as a PDF file here: http://yummyyarn.indus3ous.com/patterns/MJG_Liesel.pdf

So there you have it as of Wednesday. See you later......

Home

We arrived home on Sunday pm after a cool (partial) week in NY. Dad's memorial service was lovely and we had good family representation. My octogenarian Mom is here enjoying our warm and sunny climate. We are discussing her coming with me this weekend for an out of town symphony gig. But we'll see what transpires.

Not too much knitting since returning with all the catching up with reedmaking needed, practicing, students and rehearsals every night. I am itching to get back in the swing maybe this weekend - while sitting in the hotel after rehearsals with a nice glass of Valpolicella. Mom has started another afghan with a wonderful turquoise blue yarn. It will be a warm and pretty one!

Tomorrow night will be an evening at home, so we will put a corned beef with veggies in the crock pot and a loaf of rye bread in the breadmaker. Mom said she will bake an apple pie - yummy!

I am already hungry in anticipation ~~~

Not enough time

After knitting like a madwoman on Dainty Bess, I realize I do not have enough time to finish and block by tomorrow night. Life has gotten in the way - taking down the Christmas tree and putting away decorations, preparing the spare room for Mom's visit and heaven forbid, work! I suppose I could take it up to Mom's and try to finish on Thursday. My goal was to wear it to the memorial service on Friday afternoon that the Bar Association is giving to honor my late father's achievements.

And it is going to be cold in NY!!! This transplanted NYer has become accustomed to the South and is going to freeze her little fanny right off I am afraid!

Here is a picture of our fish tank - lots of people have cute pets and post their pics - we have fish. They are not so cute but we enjoy the relaxing views.