Friday, December 30, 2011

The World's Largest Granny Square, Part 3

Well, loyal follower, I've promised at least twice that I am trying to crochet the largest granny square.  Here's the update.  I haven't given the subject much thought lately, what with holidays, and so forth, but a great article appeared in the New Yorker a few weeks ago which profiles Ashrita Furman, one of the greatest world record holders in a number of categories.  The article got me thinking about my granny square, which is currently sitting on a sofa in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.  So I decided to do a bit more serious investigation on the topic, only to find that there is no World's Largest Granny Square, most likely because when we are seeking something that is the largest in it's category we must be able to clearly define the category.  Granny Square, unfortunately, is not an entirely clear category given to the whims of the craftsperson and the designer and even the yarn.  There is, however, a record held by an American woman, Daphne O'Connor, which is the record for the largest crochet blanket.  When I read about the object, I must admit that my interest was piqued, but only kinda-sorta.  This woman, (who also holds a record the largest quilt), spent the better part of Two Years working on this ginormous object, measuring 24.68 by 11.58 meters (that's 81 feet long, friends).  While I love the idea, given the stack of multiple yarn art projects I've got sitting around at any one time, this one most likely won't happen...there are just too many great little ideas for me to focus on one giant task.  One thing that I learned from the New Yorker article, which doesn't really surprise me, is that there are very few world records that don't involve some incredible training and/or endurance to complete.  You aren't just gonna sit down on the beach one summer and crochet the biggest darn blanket, but heck, a gal can dream, huh?


I just love this picture!!!! Granny square, granny square!!! Me & Dad.

Couldn't I ride this while crocheting a chain?
So there you have it. Will I add on to my beloved Granny Square next summer on a cool evening?  Probably not. But the topic has led to other slightly absurd dreams.  I did find a great link that led me to a description of multiple crochet-related records.

One that is particularly interesting is the "crochet while marathoning" record.  Susie Hewer holds this record, set in 2010 in the London Marathon.  What about Crochet while doing an Ironman?  Has anyone attempted to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 and then do a marathon while crocheting?  NOW we're talking, huh?  I better start training, ha ha!


And so it goes...just a few more days before the 2012 season starts and I start holding myself to ridiculous training schedules and demands. For now, it's one workout a day and dreams of silliness and fun.  So, who knows?  One day I'm gonna wake up and just keep being silly, after all, life is too short and there are some great projects waiting for me to start!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Yokohama Mama Shawl

I Finally took a sick day yesterday, after running a fever all night Tuesday.  It was a giant relief to be able to stay on the couch all day. In fact, I was able to finish one of the multitudes of yarn projects that I am working on.  Not a minute too soon for holiday snug wear, it's the Yokohama Mama crochet shawl designed by Doris Chan.  It's based on a patterned that Doris'  mother used to crochet a spectacular doily for her post-war trousseau.

Doris wrote, in Piecework, My/June 2011:
...Everyone knows about Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of the war, but few remember the Great Yokohama Air Raid that occurred a few months before. On May 29, 1945, American B-29s firebombed Yokohama and in just over an hour killed an estimated 8,000 people and destroyed nearly half the city. It was like rain, she (Doris' mother) remembers, like terrible rain that burned everything. Her parents had sent her away from the city before the bombing to stay with Older Sister and her husband, to shelter underground at the foot of the mountain. To keep busy during those long weeks, she had learned to crochet by watching and listening to Older Sister.  ....She's copied the lacy table doily in her hands from pictures in one of Older sister's books. She can't know that half a century later this doily, the only piece of her crochet that survives, will be cherished lovingly by the baby she expecting (Doris).

Doris goes on to say that her mother married a US serviceman who, like many other US servicemen was sent to Japan after the end of the war.  She soon moved to the United States, leaving home and family. 
Here's a link to what Doris said about the original doily in her own blog post: backstory.
Photo courtesy of Ashby

Photo courtesy of Ashby

Photo: Ashby

So my unveiling for the faculty party was just perfect. Cathy, bless her heart, called me Joyce Carol Oates when I walked in with my glasses and big flowy red shawl.  Nan and Ashby were oohing and aching all over the place.  According to Ashby, I need to make her a shawl...probably true, but it's quite medicating for me to be able to create almost exclusively for myself.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Forget shopping!!!!!!

Life is far too short and they already have too much stuff.  Went for a walk in the forest preserve & here, in the trailside museum, which I usually find too depressing, is this gorgeous coyote that I immediately fell in love with. The holidays can be hard, especially for sensitive people like me who need time, home, and quiet. I'm going to visit tomorrow and tomorrow's tomorrow. Take care of yourself, just in case you need that little bit extra.


Saturday, December 17, 2011

Where's karen at?

Holy mackerel, this workaday week thing is a killer.  I'm snapping at the kids, yelling at Peter, so much so that by the end of the week I had no voice (actually, I have a terrible cold).  Peter proclaimed that he sort of likes it when I can't talk.  Yeah, right.  Oh well, it is a mere week before Christmas and we're feeling it around here, big time.  It's completely dark before 5:00 and we just had our first snowfall of any sort of accumulation.
The la-di-da song!!!!!!
Today was a good day, though.  We headed out for a midday show of Redmoon Theater's Winter Pageant  and followed it with a great afternoon supper at Mana.  Redmoon's Winter Pageant is a wonderful holiday tradition with Nan and the four of us.  Every December Redmoon creates some delightful show.  Timing is crucial, because whatever day it is we are heading to the show, I'm tired, stressed, and simply down on the grey and increasing cold.  Everything is sort of buzzing in my ears and I wonder, what can I possibly do to save myself?  The show, without fail, is a surprising delight.  This year's show is The Teeny Lounge.  All children were invited to don some costume-wear and sit at tiny cabaret style tables before the stage. We knew we were in for a different performance than that we've seen before.  We laughed until we cried, all five of us pleased with our afternoon.
Then off to Mana, shared plates of sesame noodles, hummus w/bread & veggies, brussels sprouts with miso mustard sauce, potato pancakes with apple sauce and sour cream, chili, spanikopita, and mushroom sliders.  It was all terrific, and we can't wait to go back again!  In fact, on weeknights 4-7 there is a special, 7.50 for two sliders and a beer, yum!!!! Can I get there and back during the kids' swim practice?

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Subaru's Farewell Tour of Florence and Vicinity

Siuslaw River Bridge
Scott took the car out for a goodbye drive on a brilliant coastal day.  Really, it still rains on the coast in December, but you wouldn't know from these recent pictures. We're looking at highlights of the places that Dad visited in the car for so many years. Scenic beauty and local haunts alike. That's our Florence.
One of my favorite restaurants

My favorite Lake--Cleawox

My Favorite Hangout
My favorite chainstore


Coast Guard Tower, North Jetty
North Jetty Siuslaw River
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Sea Lion Caves
Cape Creek Bridge
Devil's Elbow Beach
Bye Bye Beach

Where I used to live in Florence




Friday, December 9, 2011

Subaru sweet Subaru....needs a few more bumper stickers

 It's here!  And just in time for our first dusting of snow!  The delights are many of driving an early nineties car around suburbia. Addie says:  "Hey...it's so simple!!"! No CD player, only five pre-set buttons for the radio, a few simple buttons for the heater, and no lighting dashboard, so you better know where everything is, get the setting, and roll!  It's also, of course, miraculously clean and tidy, a testament to the proper behaviour of my Dad, for all of these years.  There are a few lonely pine needles that I hope to keep into perpetuity.
The big truck
Embellishments courtesy of Scott: I DUNE euro sticker, Florence, Oregon & the iconic I heart Oregon Map. The rest is all Dad.

Addie! Take a picture of me driving w/the snow in background! 

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Two Hundred Seventy Seven Days 'Til Ironman Wisconsin

But who's counting? In fact, after a run around town with wonderful Bob, I may have miscalculated.  Whatever the number, it's coming, and when September rolls around, this capital view will look a wee bit different. But for today, on a road trip with my teacher friends, Madison is as stunnng and lovely as ever.


Saturday, December 3, 2011

You can take the girl out of Oregon, but can you take the Subaru, also?

Have bumper stickers, will travel...

95k and counting...
We're shipping Dad's car from Oregon all the way to Illinois. Silly idea, but we want to give it a try.   On this December day on the Oregon coast it just happens to be sunny and mild.  Here in Oak Park, well, you guessed it...grey, cold, dark, wet, lack of visible greenery, rough streets, siren in the distance, alas.  I guess if you can take an eighteen year old girl away from Oregon, never to return, you can just as easily transport Dad's beloved 1994 Subaru Loyale.  It's all a matter of wear and tear.   The creaks in my joints, the wrinkles, worry lines, and stress headaches that I endure. What sort of physical drama will be bestowed upon our car?  But I digress, this is a time for the lilt of the heart that comes only when one is about to embark upon ownership of a new car! In this case, a car loaded with memories, love, and a rather solid engine.  So....bring it on, and thank you Scott for the safe delivery on the other end!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

There are friends...and then there are Facebook friends...

hmmm....what if i go riding with the guys and get dropped for the third day in a row....
Back too sore after two days of riding?  What's a gal to do?  Why, join Facebook, naturally!  It's a long weekend, and I can finally wrap my brain around the inevitable.  I figure I've got a few hours of noodling around, figuring out the settings and how to link to my blog.  Ask a bunch of people to be my friends, and then, wa la!  It'll be a controlled addiction that I can walk away from, any day. 

Oh my god!!!! Look how many people I can invite to be my friend!!!!
 So here I am, trolling through other people's lists of contacts, wondering who I should first offer my timid hand of friendship.  Brian, bless his heart, acknowledged that he was an early bird, and for good reason. This phenomenal swim coach has been in my address book for years and years.  Stephanie, of course, is one of the reasons that we even join Facebook, to see pictures of our extended family that we don't see often enough (Peter quotes Candelin as saying that Facebook is *handy*).  Peter is a no brainer, and so are the Lubs, since I've already heard about Mark's legendary posts.  Scott, well, the master of Facebook, is another no-brainer. Sometimes if you want to be friends with someone, you have to be a Facebook friend with them.  That, i suppose, is about getting with the times and accepting reality.  No matter how you slice it, one of the great benefits now afforded me, is that it gives me more to do with my Smartphone....oops...that could be a bad thing.  Anyway, the flood gates are open and I'm ready for the new year!!!!  Friends, here we come!!!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Have yarn, will travel.

Construction paper, tape, staples, what else does one need?
Another creation, hot off the hook!  This is a little sweater made of bamboo yarn, wrapped in a polyester thread that adds a bit of a sheen that I'm not sure if I like or not. The thing worked up remarkably quickly, and with a no seam design (thank you, Doris Chan) I was finished in a jiffy.  Either way, it's the perfect way to dress up a November day.  What's really fabulous, however, is the handbag that contains one of my current projects, a nice cozy sock! One of the kids in our Prairie class is quite a handbag designer and on this Fall morning I was the recipient of the latest bag.

Friday, November 18, 2011

"This has fall written all over it"

My re-entry into the five day work week has been an adventure indeed.  I'm feeling like I've kind of got a sense, now, of what it feels like, or what it will feel like for the time being--sort of like being in a blender, twenty four hours a day.  Now, more than ever, it's all about efficiency.  I'm always trying to get more things done in the same amount of time, but come to think of it, since I'm forever committed to my own leisure activities, this means further efficiency in the manor of my hobbies.  Loyal follower probably remembers the crochet while biking post, and I often discuss the concept of squeezing a workout of sorts in between parenting responsibilities.  One of the precious aspects of the unencumbered woman's life, however, is the quiet that one finds when they have a little extra down time in their life.  So I've been running on the treadmill at the YMCA lately, but the minute I get on the machine I feel bombarded by video monitor, my own ear buds, and all manor of electronica.  The other week I was interrupted by countless texts, etc., all related to the carpools, practices, etc..that the kids were involved in.  Today I tried a new tactic on the treadmill, a combining of one calming obsession with another.  What might that be?
Crossword puzzling while running, of course!!!!

Photos courtesy of Drew

Says Drew: "This has *fall* written all over it."

Drew: "The problem with these shots is you can't tell that you're running!"  
The problem, really, is that somebody who tries to do too much at one time doesn't do very well at any of the pursuits, but it sure is fun to try!  Maybe never again...maybe Monday! Who knows?  Some technical details to iron out:  is a difficult or easy crossword more effective for enjoyment and fulfilling workout requirements?  I tried to run while thinking about the puzzle, then would ramp up the elevation and walk while writing.  I was perfectly happy with this solution.  It's obviously healthier than blasting out my eardrums with classic jams which i tend to run on the iPod if left to my own devices.  I'm liking the quiet, and not watching a video monitor.  We'll see....will this be a year of famously ridiculous ironman workouts? After all these years, what else, really, is left besides near insanity,  without causing physical harm.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

House Red

So Peter & I headed out tonight for a dinner/wine thing, but realized we had some schlepping of kids to do. Pete dropped me off here, at House Red in Forest Park.  I've got my knitting &ready to go. With a staff pick glass for 5 bucks on Wed., is this the spot for yarn work circle on weeks to come?


I Love Berwyn

Today I went for a lunchtime stroll and was struck by the fantastic craft & history hidden in this place. Unlike it's more bourgeousie neighbor, Oak Park, the application of color to the trim, railings and facades is much more whimsical. The use of decoration, fencing material, all adornment and space dedicated to outdoor enjoyment is spot-on twentieth century shmorgasbord of kitsch, culture, faith, and americana.  Here are just a few examples. Someone with the patience to weave rubber ribbons through an old chain link fence, and another brilliant weathered lady bungalow that is flowering with overgrown shrubbery and trimmed with a delightful coral that is peeling as the years rush on. 





Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Money in the Bank

OK, it's November and I live in Chicago....poor thing, right? No Way! Not only have we got the most amazing weather today, but I work outside on Tuesday and it's downright spectacular! Sun is shining, sky is deep blue, light clouds on the horizon, wonderful early century homes across the way.  We'll put it in the bank for the miserable days.



Sunday, November 6, 2011

"OK...If you hold a gun to my head...."

Collection thanks to Mom! Fresh as the day it was purchased in 1952
 Today I unveiled the Helmet Cover emblazoned with gun.  I have been working on this rendition of a fifties boy's hat for a month or so, and as I adapted the pattern, I realized that I had over-worked the upsizing, thus the intended snug fit was giant on my own head.


 I pondered washing the wool, but thought better and turned it into a helmet cover for cycling!





Photo credit, Addie.
Meet up spot at Lake & Harlem. Photo courtesy of Rick.

Addie: be sure you get all the an
 I love the kitschy child's toy gun, mixed with my rad fifties colors (chartreuse, brown, and coral).  The guys at the corner of Lake & Harlem were duly impressed.  Some seem to think it's a commodity that I can mass produce, but alas, the one and only!
And it's November!!!!!
And then we were off! We were on one of Michael's adventure rides. This time we went North, then East to Evanston, which is rare for us.  Once we got North of Evanston and into Wilmette, Winnetka, etc, we encountered the North Shore Cyclists, who I would describe, basically, as just like us, except we never cross paths because we always ride West and South, they always ride North and West.  We all stopped at the Baha'i Temple for a photo op, and this is what we captured on my camera.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

"Rabbi Ashby"

In Oak Park this month there is a celebration of all things Maurice Sendak. I've been hearing about this for a while, since my friend Michael, of Mama Loshen, has been bragging about the event for nearly a year.  Michael insisted that his brother-in-law, Syd, is a world renowned storyteller, and not to be missed.  So, on Thursday night, the three girls and our friend Julia went to Unity Temple to see Syd's performance.
Syd Lieberman
Ashby, as "Rabbi Ashby".  Needless to say, she was a hit.
In preparing this blog post, I learned that Syd has generously posted stories for our listening pleasure! I just got through Shmulky and My Mother's Love Life.  I'm hooked. What a restful Saturday afternoon I've discovered for myself.  Syd's stories of old Chicago are fabulous, and remind me of all the wonderful stories that Nan and Tom have told.  It's all there: gambling, dance halls, gangsters, carnival rides, baseball, softball, south side, north side, schools, trees, and road trips to Indiana.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

deeper and deeper


Well. It's come to this.  A full time job has driven me to the brink of complete insanity.  If a sane person went from, say, two days of work per week two five, their response might be to: a. tidy up the house a bit b. get hired help c. eat out more often.
And what do I do? Bury myself ever deeper in the pursuit of yarn-art nirvana. Here I am with one of my recent purchases....you might ask what it is.  Peter insisted: it's something to hang your stinky wet cycling clothes on!  I reply, no! It's a yarn winder and rack!
A person might also wonder why we might need to wind yarn when there are plenty of perfectly wound skeins of yarn in the world, already!  Well, herein lies the rub, involving full time employment.  Now that I have to haul myself and two children out into the world each and every day, there isn't much time to tend to the Local Yarn Store (LYS in hip-yarn-speak), so I am, sigh, buying yarn and so much, oh so much more, online, now like the rest of the world.  Click, click purchase, alas!


Yeah, they can do this at the LYS, but look how fun it is!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Fall Ride

The great thing about being dropped by the guys is that I got four hours to think to myself (what am I going to do when I present at the PEN conference?). Also, I didn't have to work so hard especially in October which should be easy & fun.  Also, I got to stop and admire the natural beauty of our fine region...alas, this is as good as it gets!