August 2006 Archives

I can not read and knit. I've tried. My reading and knitting brain states are different. I'm a book devourer. My brow crinkles up, I look real mean, and my conscious mind gets sucked into the story. Many kudos for the boyfriend for sticking with me at book stores 'cause the outside world ceases to exist for me, except for some tea. You could chuck Merino at my head while I'm involved in a story and I'd probably just look puzzled for a brief second before I kept on reading. Now a bad book, that's a different state, a slightly dissatisfied state.

Knitting usually takes enough concentration and motor control (not to mention two hands which could be holding a mug and book) that I have given up reading a physical book and knitting. I've also pretty much given up reading e-books on screen and knitting, too, because I have to stop knitting to advance the page all too often. Audio Books speak too slowly and I get impatient waiting for them to get on with it.

There's some knitting but no pictures of it because my head has been stuck in a few fun books. To name a few:
Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher
Dead Man Rising and Working For the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow
Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara

Following a few suggestions made on book sites and amazon "This customer also bought" or "Customers ultimately purchased" links, I scored a few new favorite authors in Saintcrow and Sagara. There's also a good half dozen books releasing this and next month that I've got my eye on.

All that means less knitting, which is funny because the weather is finally cool enough to knit wool. If you think I'm bad in a yarn store, you should see me in a book store.

When I'm sick. I've caught a cold. It started with a scratchy throat tickle, like toast crumbs stuck in my throat. Then the coughing and stuffy nose kicked in.

I did my best to sleep it off (sleeping this much takes actual effort) and warning it away with some herbs/concoctions/witches brew.

So now, on the third day, my body feels better but my throat and nasal passages are about the same. Hopefully that means recovery, right?

The knitting/tv chair was infested by some bugs. They bit me and the bites itch. I thought the bugs ate plants but evidently some like to munch on Freecia. So, I've been wearing long pants and shirts when I go sit there, lurking with my spray bottle of dish soap and water.

++ Yay! I managed to stay up for 12 hours without falling over too often. Now go praise this brilliant kid who solves a rubik's cube in about 20 seconds with 1 hand (One hand is evidently easier than the two handed 11.18 speed ) Yeah. I'm a like this rubik's cube genius for the first minute, while he stares at it (mapping it to his highly intelligent brain)... until he puts on the blindfold and solves the thing. Nerds are so cool. I think I'll stick to knitting, thanks. (More efficient to poke my eye out with in envy) Even Five Year-Olds can do it and the Girlie Love (I wonder if she's developed a method of speedknitting?)

There is a dessert known as Baked Alaska and some cruisers consider the flaming dessert to be a cruise standard. To be honest, I can't see waiters around here being up for carrying around a flaming cake near their head. The strobing effect of camera flashes during the movie tells me that flaming cake is special for many people.

Go figure. It was a decent dessert but it is a production food, not a favorite based on flavor. Well, after a few (or more than a few) slightly chewy lobster tails (the crab legs served before the second formal night on the Sun Princess/Princess Cruise Line was absolutely the best frozen crab I've ever had and much better than the lobster) who really cares about dessert? They've shoved you full of an expensive food and given you a flaming dessert. At this point, you're only wondering if you can waddle your way over to the theater in time for tonight's musical show.

Carry-on rules for USA domestic flights have gotten tighter.

What to Know Before You Go

Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.

Additionally, liquids, gels and lotions purchased beyond the checkpoint but must be disposed of before boarding the aircraft.

To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted.

* Small amounts of Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling
* Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
* Up to 8 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment
* Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications

You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.

As I am one of those people who tries to travel with just a carry-on, here are a few suggestions for products which may be allowed onboard.
Lush Shampoo Bars
Lush Solid Conditioner
Soap Sheets
Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Chapstick form [also at Border's Bookstores]

I haven't found a powdered tooth paste (tooth powder?) but these items might cover a few of the gender neutral basics. Anyone find a solid lotion yet? Also, they don't cost much so you can toss a product into the trash if the TSA agent decides that solid hair care products (like a soap, not vaseline) is a threat to security.

Remaining tip: slice up your solid soaps with a bread knife. No need to bring an entire bar of anything for a quick trip.

++ The capable flyertalk members contribute suggestions for non-liquid and non-gel toiletries

I'm back from Alaska now and still swaying around a bit, dizzy, with my land legs. Melissa is on her way to St. Louis for grad school so let's all give her a big "Welcome to St. Louis!" and send good thoughts her way. It was a sad moment for me on Sunday night and yesterday afternoon when just hugged each other really tight. It isn't bidding my best friend goodbye but rather saying hello to a new time zone, city, and more air travel.

I wish you well my friend. Best of luck! May your journey be smooth and your opportunities endless. And remember to keep an eye out for those yarn stores in St. Louis. If anyone gives you lip, poke them for me.

[Pic: Freecia in Seattle]

Howdy there. I just spent a ton of money on yarn made from Alaskan Musk-ox. I'm not yet convinced that it is better than cashmere, but it will be the souvenier of a lifetime!

It rained in Ketchikan almost all morning as we walked about town, admiring the gorgeous views. So far vacation has been the typical cruise- eat, sleep, eat, and eat.