Week 4 - Spinning and Dyeing

Despite it being a day off work, I started Martin Luther King Day in the dentist's chair at 8:30. While that wasn't an ideal start to the holiday, at least it got me up and dressed. And it was a good thing I had nothing planned for the rest of the day because he shot me up with so much novocaine that I didn't feel the whole side of face (even my ear was numb!) until the middle of the afternoon. I spent a pleasant day sitting in the sun, knitting and catching up on some TV. I had already planned to skip knitting in favor of the premier of Alcatraz (gotta love a new J J Abrams series) so just kept up the relaxation. It felt great!

Tuesday went by in a blur - work, swimming and errands before getting home late again. That night, I woke up at 2:30 with my intestines just not feeling right. When it was clear I wasn't falling back asleep, I got up and did dishes in the wee hours then read for awhile before falling back asleep ~5:00. Needless to say, I was a zombie on Wednesday. It didn't help that I was running late getting to work (maybe because I was so tired it was like moving through jello?) so couldn't find a spot. So I parked at a meter and went to the co-op over lunch, only to end up at another meter for the afternoon. The parking situation on campus really is getting ridiculous. I made it through the day and went home to inspect Colleen's work and meet the new cleaning lady at 7:00. Well, Colleen didn't come and left a message that she'd come next Wednesday, which of course would never happen because I hired the new cleaning lady that night. She was pretty appalled at how dirty my house was (further testament to Colleen's piss poor cleaning skills) and will be coming next Wednesday for as long as it takes to get everything up to her standards. I can't wait to see my house.

On Thursday morning, which was bitter cold with a raw north wind, I had to walk across campus to the Health Center for a fasting blood draw. It also went out at lunch to Get Rec'd, the annual vendor show at the Rec Center. After work it was on to the pool, where there's an open duct right above my locker that blows freezing cold air (I think it's from outside) right on me when I'm wet from my shower. I thought I'd never get warm! I had to pick up cat food at PetSmart so went to HyVee for a steak dinner to go at the same time. When I got home, I got into my nightie and my super toasty (like I usually can't tolerate it for 5 minutes) fleece bathrobe and finally warmed up. Sheesh!

Friday was another busy day (they all are these days) and was over in a flash. Darla and I hit our favorite thrift store where I scored several cashmere sweaters for my planned felted blanket. Then I picked up muslin at Joann's and went happily home to start my weekend.

Saturday was spinning and I'd volunteered to take cookies so I baked a huge batch of Debbie's oatmeal raisin cookies, which are SO delicious and made the whole house smell good. Andrea picked me up and we headed to Fremont. I was taking my wheel and spinning in front of others for the first time. After watching the newbie video for awhile, I finally got my wheel going and started my BAD spinning. Well, one of the experienced spinners came over and told me I was doing it wrong. After seeing the right way, I was instantly doing better and my yarn actually looked normal. I was very happy. I also figured out the main problem with my wheel - it doesn't weigh enough (PVC is its main ingredient) and so fights to move away from me. When Andrea stood on the front of it, I could spin like a pro. So I need to come up with some method to weight the wheel that still leaves it portable. Something to think about. Anyway, by the time we ran our errands, I got home after 7:00 so it was a fun but long day.

Sunday was the long anticipated Dye Day. Anne and Kate were coming at noon with pizza in hand so I got the yarn soaking and pulled out the kool aid and pyrex. We had lots of fun doing all different techniques - dip dyeing, sprinkling and overdyeing in hanks. Then we had time to knit and chat while the yarn cooled. A good time was had by all and I'd picked up the entire house that morning so was good to sit. After such a super busy week, I felt like I needed it. I ate some supper and watched TV, taking a break to catch up with Nancy and then watching some more TV.

It was a nice weekend with a good mix of socializing, fun crafting and being productive. And by the time I post again, I'll be able to give an update on how sparkling clean my house is after my new cleaning lady gets her hands on it. I can't wait to see it. Stay tuned.