Sweeter than Sugar

Swifts

We went last night with a few friends to see several thousand Vaux's Swifts roost in the chimney of an elementary school in Portland. Every year, the birds circle and swarm around the chimney about an hour before sunseti the month of Septmber, and then all swoop into the chimney to roost after the sun has set. They make an incredible winged tornado and are tiny and aerodynamically-shaped, like swallows. A falcon dove into the middle of the swarm, was chased by the swifts, and then returned to make a kill and fly off. I wish I'd brought the camera, but here's someone else's:

I finished a hat for a friend's son, as his first birthday is coming up. I can't believe he might be walking by the time I see him over Christmas. The hat is make from Sidar Snuggly Baby Bamboo and is 80% bamboo, 20% wool. It's remarkably soft and buttery.

Perfectly nappish afternoon.

Patience is a virtue...

...but I'm still kinda grumpy that Ravelry hasn't yet invited me to join. hmph. Phooey on them and their really cool-sounding website.

The Hot Gluegun and I are Pals

I began my new job on Monday! It was a funny start and involved the front door to the school being locked, so I called my director. He droved over from the district office and then hoisted himself up on drainpipes to peer into windows to see if anyone was visible that he could persuade to let us in. Ummm.... well. We ended up getting in, but I missed the school tour with the principal (no biggie). Then the week flew by with meetings and trainings and me being exhausted and at the end of the day.

But not too exhausted to craft a bit! (my knitting has been pitifully neglected) Since I now have an office that is shared with another SLP, I whipped myself up this bulletin board:

I just used foamcore board, lay a piece of felt on it, and hotglued the fabric, ribbon, and buttons to it. Let me tell you, it is no easy feat to get those ribbons straight and evenly placed. Mine are crooked and a little haphazard, but I'm getting over it.

And.... I'm back!

So, I've realized that I'm really, really good at reading other folks' blogs. I like to marvel at their latest projects and oggle their pretty yarn... but I'm not exactly great at posting to my own neglected blog. I'm working on it.

But look! I'm making socks! I cast on for these while at Lummi Island, the first stop on our relaxing honeymoon. They are made from KnitPicks Gloss, using #1 needles. The pattern is Queen of Cups from Knitty. I'm really enjoying this pattern. The twisted stitches increase texture, and the pattern is engaging, but I don't have to consult the chart for every single stitch or row. Especially now that I'm on the second sock, I usually just need a peek to remind me and then I'm off...