Remember that time…

November 20, 2014February 8, 2019 Vicki7 Comments

We've been slammed with the cold weather here, so naturally I've been thinking about the warm! Our high temp hasn't been above freezing for about a week and a half! That's not normal at this time of year (though it's really hard to say what's "normal" anymore).

Meanwhile, the folks I was visiting in Rio are posting photos and updates from their vacation in the Bahamas this week, and I'm struggling to remember why I declined that invitation!! Haha.

It would sure be nice to take a warm-weather holiday sometime this winter. Do you like to get away in the winter? Where's your favorite place to go — and when?? Tempt me…

A new view

November 19, 2014February 8, 2019 Vicki10 Comments

I had a new view of my city yesterday.

This is from the 3rd floor of the historic Eagle Mill. I've never been inside before, but was offered that opportunity yesterday and a quick tour of the building.

The Eagle Mill is part of the new Grand KaKalin riverfront development project. Groundbreaking took place on November 5th.

The entire 3rd floor will be headquarters for the current owners of the Thilmany Mill, Expera Specialty Solutions.

Our public library will relocate, occupying the 2nd floor of the enormous old mill, and more than doubling the size of their current space. I've mixed feelings about that; I love our beautiful Carnegie library and worked there when I was in high school, but a newer addition has significant issues. And the library is truly tiny — even with the addition (which was built after I worked there). It's cute, but oh so small.

The lower level, also enormous, will be home to more office and retail space.

Deep breath. This is a very good thing. I have confidence in the developer's commitment to reviving while preserving historic places, and they have a good track record.

I can't wait for the grand opening!! It'll be fun to watch the project progress over the next year.

NaBloPoMo 2014

Ten on Tuesday: Play me

November 18, 2014 Vicki11 Comments

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Musicians I Would Bring Back From The Dead

1. Dan Fogelberg. Twin Sons of Different Mothers was a favorite among favorites in my collection of Dan Fogelberg albums. Dan's music was/is like an old friend.

2. Buddy Holly. What might have been had the music not died that day?

3. (Mama) Cass Elliott. What a voice. I loved her both solo and as part of The Mamas & the Papas. Also: John Denver!

4. John Lennon.

5. George Harrison.

//player.vimeo.com/video/62577546

Beatles- Let It Be from Haley Temin on Vimeo.

And, thereby, The Beatles!

6. Marvin Gaye. Was there anyone more sexy smooth than Marvin?

7. Janis Joplin.

8. Eva Cassidy. A voice like no other.

9. Michael Jackson. What can I say? We grew up together, and I miss him.

10. Johnny Cash.

And about a million more… I can't even.

NaBloPoMo 2014

Progress report

November 17, 2014February 8, 2019 Vicki8 Comments

I am still plugging away at the Kaffe Fassett Mystery KAL!

I threw all my finished squares into a Eucalan bath yesterday while dealing with the mouse situation. There's a blue-bleeder in there! Yikes.

I pinned them out while watching the Packer game. (There is an unintentional but decidedly Packer-esque square in there!) I've been going back and forth about that yellow… Anyway, I threaded one side of each square onto a blocking wire to speed the process.

They are truly random squares, worked in fingering/sock on a size US 4 needle; they're comfortably pinned out at 7" square.

So, there are 13 finished; the 14th came off the needles while watching an episode of Peaky Blinders. Not sure how long I'll keep going or how big this will be in the end. It's still enjoyable…

Meanwhile, I keep thinking about holiday knitting — how much I'd like to give handknits to people and how it really takes something special to knit for others (except for Junah… it doesn't take anything special to knit for him!). Anyway, I'm thinking boot-toppers for the girls, and I owe Rusty a hat… soon.

NaBloPoMo 2014

Mickey Mouse

November 15, 2014February 8, 2019 Vicki9 Comments

Once upon a time, in the early 1980s, I needed to buy a telephone. I'd just moved into a new apartment and had never had a phone before. Previously, I think people ordered their phones directly from Ma Bell and had only a few choices, but a new "phone store" had just opened and I was able to choose/buy my own phone.

I didn't really need anything special, really; I just needed a phone.

Ahem.