Short Week

I'm glad it was a short work week. Whatever order and tidiness went to hell in a hand basket. Probably because we cooked some more complicated dinners. I've got to remember to keep it simple stupid during the work week. It just feels like the entire house is a war zone.
Before we got the puppy, there was a balance with the pets. Now, everything is off kilter. I expected it, but sometimes it's a bit much to deal with. The other pets have been acting like I don't pay enough attention to them. I feel like I've been running around making sure that every one's needs are being met, when before it was quite peaceful and simple. I'm sure things will eventually settle down. Eventually.
The exercise pen (XPen) training is going fairly well with Nell. She has to stay in the XPen while I work. I take her out very often to potty etc. And, she eventually stops whining and settles down. The problem is that she starts it all up again when I walk through the room. So, I'm sort of a hostage in my office. I think twice before getting up to get a glass of water, etc. Also, The Beagle has been stealing all of the smaller chewies and treats from her like a vulture.
After work, I've been trying to take her on a walk to run off that Puppy Energy. She won't really walk on her own. She just cries and sits down. Then, I tried taking her with the Beagle. Sheer comedy. But yesterday, we went all the way down the block and up another. Nell likes to hold Daisy's leash in her mouth like she's taking Daisy on the walk. If Daisy didn't pull like a mother it would be wonderful.
We had our kitting club meeting on Wednesday. It had been some time since we had met. One of the gals was making socks using the two circular needle method in Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles. I had taken a class to learn this method when the book came out. The class was a flop because the teacher wasn't prepared at all. I left the class thinking that if she couldn't figure it out, then I probably never could either. But, seeing how it was done inspired me, and I cast on for a pair of socks using this. I have over two inches done on the cuff, so it does move a lot faster. I'm a bit annoyed at the dangling resting needle, so I may try the Magic Loop method next, which is just using one very long circular needle. I do love making socks. They are like reading a summer novel. Kind of predictable with just enough to keep your interest.
The one thing I want to do this weekend is go here. However, I need to clean like a Banshee.

Back to Work

Nell slept all through the night! From 9:45 to 5:15. Not too shabby.
I've learned there are two things I must remember:
1) Lock the door to the exercise pen after Nell leaves. Otherwise, a fat Beagle goes in to steal the chewies and treats.
2) Do not set your knitting down anywhere except the table. Otherwise, Nell finds a way to get it and drag it all over the place.
Yesterday, she got the second Fuzzy Feet slipper off of the foot stool. In like 5 seconds, she had the stitches off the needle and the yarn wrappped around her head. Lucky thing they are made with Lamb's Pride, which is a sticky wool so the stitches were somewhat intact.
We went to Whole Foods yesterday where I found chicken feet. So, I made chicken stock last night. And, yes, I've taken a picture of the feet to email to Caitlin.
I took the Chantix last night before bed and woke up around 4 all nauseated. I don't think I can do coffee this morning. I think I'll wait a bit to take the morning pill when I'm not so queasy.

Last Day of Vacation

Oh, well. It had to come to an end.
Sam made dinner last night. He wanted to recreate the flavors of one of the courses we had at Blue Stem. So, he made shrimp with orange, red pepper, and avocado served over basmati rice. It was really good. I picked enough plum tomatoes and made roasted tomato soup for today. I'll make grilled cheese sandwiches with a loaf of sourdough and a good cheese to eat with the soup. It was interesting, because both of us were cooking separate meals in the kitchen together.
Nell has been getting better with her exercise pen training. The crying subsides after about 3 or 4 minutes now. Just in time for going back to work tomorrow.
I've started back on Chantix to quit smoking today. You have to start out gradually and work up to two pills each day. I forgot that it makes you nauseated. Maybe that's why I quit drinking coffee a while back. Blech.

Secret Project

Shibori!

I cast on 25 stitches, used Noro Kureyon (2 skeins plus a little left over from Caitlin's scarf), size 13 needles, and knit a ton of St St. Then, I used little balls I found from a toy store outlet. The hardest part was finding small rubber bands. Then, into the warshing machine to felt.

Caitlin and Danny left yesterday. Caitlin's flight was first and Danny left later in the afternoon. Danny wanted to treat me to lunch, so we went to the restaurant where Tate works. The food is terrific there. We had a nice time chatting. Then, we checked out some of the shops. While Danny perused the vintage store, I checked out a new yarn store in the Mid-Town area. She's got a pretty good selection. And her prices are good, too. I bought some sock yarn. I also asked her what she would charge if I wanted help with a knitting project, and she said that she would be glad to help anytime, free of charge! I think I'll go there and hang out and knit one of the evenings she's open later. She seemed like a nice woman. Maybe if we got to know each other better, she would let me teach classes or knit up a few samples.
We were tired last night after the girls left. I guess Nell was tired, too, because she slept from 10:30 to 4:30 and then from 4:30 to 6:30. I actually got to sleep in until 7:30 this morning. I made Green Pea and Basil Soup and pork tenderloin with a garlic and balsamic vinegar sauce for dinner.
Today, I'll knit and try to straighten up the office so it will be ready for me on Tuesday. It's getting rather cluttered.

Letting go.

Yesterday, I had trouble concentrating. Oh, I worked on cleaning the garage. Cleaned and kitted some. I took care of the puppy. Puttered around the house.
Caitlin and Danny spent the day with my X and his family. Even though I finished “The Things They Carried,” I really didn’t feel that I accomplished much. In the afternoon, I went to the Butcher Shop to get stuff for dinner. It’s a little Mom & Pop kind of store, so they recognize you. I got my usual smile and “How have you been doing?” And I responded with, “Better than ever. My daughter is home from college.” My voice caught in the last sentence when I realized that although she was here with me, that this is not her home anymore. It’s not much of a surprise to me that Caitlin is going to apply for her dual citizenship. In fact, I have encouraged her to do so. When Caitlin and Danny talked about the plan, I was happy. My father has always used Great Power to keep our family close to him. It has always been hard for him to realize that you have your “first” family life, and then your Real Life. I wonder what is the most costly as a parent, scrambling to control everyone to stay by you, or watching your child as they go. Here I am at 47, living in the same home for 25 years, working for the same employer for 12 ½ years, staying here because my family wants it so.
I decided a long time ago that it would be the best thing for my kids to let them go. Let them make their own lives. And so, here, my daughter has done just that. She has carved her own separate life. And I am a section of her life. I am so proud. Proud that she is herself. And I guess that I'm proud of myself. For letting go.

Puppy Disaster

And here I was going to brag about how Nell was good until 6:15 this morning. I guess when I put her back to bed after I took her out at 5:15 or so, I didn't latch the door to the kennel all the way. Consequently, Nell was unsupervised that entire time in my office. I've cleaned up two poops and a piddle. I did a quick survey for greater damage. She had pulled the headset to my phone out, but it does not appear that it has been chewed. Part of the Ribbi Cardi had fallen on the floor, but it, too, was not chewed. The office was the one room that I did not really clean, so now I'll have to go through it with a fine tooth comb. I just hope she didn't chew up computer wires.

The dinner was a success. Lots of food, fun, and family.