Sunday, August 26, 2012

Drop City

This was my first time participating in the newly name Ravellenic Games. I joined with high hopes and big ambitions. To accomplish that I entered the following events and projects.
  1. WIP Wrestling - Buttercup
  2. WIP Wrestling - Belted Cardian Jacket
  3. Scarf Hockey, Single Skein Sprint & Synchronized Stash Busting - Drop City

I got everything ready and made sure I wasn't missing any additional supplies such as stitch markers, rulers and the things that generally go in a knitting kit. I started my main project, Drop City, during the Opening Ceremonies and after several froggings and restarts the stage was set. Regardless of how hard I tried it seemed that this was the one time I couldn't knit and watch TV at the same time.

I'm one of those people who really gets into sports with all the hollering, screaming and sometimes not too clean language that goes along with it. I said to myself that since I didn't get much done on day 1 I would make it up on days 2 & 3 because it was the weekend. Wrong! Let's just say that I love the summer OG's, but hated the delayed broadcast and the senseless chatter that was unnecessary and interrupted the events continually which lead to many late nights watching the recaps. I was glad that it was streamed live via cable even though I couldn't watch it at work. It was one of the few times I've been pleased with Time Warner Cable.

As time passed I realized that I wasn't on schedule and would never be and I'd be lucky if I finished the scarf during the OG's. I decided to save them for another time. I did finish the Drop City scarf with one day to spare

Pattern: Drop City by Kitman Figueroa
Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock
Knitted: 47/27/2012 - 8/11/2012

Knitting the thinner version I weighed the yarn and divided it equally into 2 halves but still had yarn leftover. This is the first design by Kitman Figueroa that I've knit and I found it to be a well-written pattern. I liked the pattern so much that I plan to use it for some of my Christmas presents.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Niagara Falls - The Canadian Side

Someone once asked me how I felt and I replied that I wasn't feeling well at all. My mom overheard this and said that I should always say I'm fine regardless of how I felt. Needless to say I took a very strong objection this and have always been honest about how I'm feeling. The funny thing is that these days she doesn't hesitate to say how she's feeling.

I've said all that to say that this still has not been a good year for me. I've had the type of year where as soon as you get control of one problem another creeps up. My knitting has and still continues to suffer from the inability to work long and consistently on any one project. I joined the Ravellenic games with high hopes of finishing two WIPs and one new project and it looks like I'll finish my new project but neither one of the others.

In June I took a wonderful trip to Niagra Falls,CA. It is one of the most beautiful and cleanest places I've ever been. I admit to walking around most of the time with my mouth hanging open. I've been recommending visting there to everyone I know. I also recommend staying on the Canadian side the views are jaw-dropping and you won't get a good view of Niagara Falls if you can't see them front on. You've be warned that this is a picture heavy post.

Niagara Falls, New York

Horshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario CA

Words cannot describe the awesome power and beauty of the falls. I was so close to HorseShoe Falls that I could almost reach out and touch the water. To fully understand the falls one needs to not only see them but hear the thundering roar of the water as it goes over the falls and crashes on the rocks below. Take a ride in the Maid of the Mist to the base Horseshoe Falls and feel the power of the hurricane-like winds swirling around you and the force of the water as it hits you. See the boulders that are completely hidden by mist that cloaks most of Horseshoe Falls.

I left inspired with my heart filled with a new found respect for the magnificent planet on which we live. We all should take the time to get away from the hustle and bustle of our industrial society and stop to notice nature's beauty all around us. Sometimes all we have to do is look out our front or back door.