Quixotic Pixels

It’s hard to be in the mood for love when you’re coughing like a tuberculosis victim and gulping down Dayquil as if it were the elixr of life. At least that’s my excuse for the way I reacted when Robert exclaimed “oh shoot,” after I wished him a happy Valentine’s day and told him I wasn’t going into the office yet again. I have to confess to certain uncharitable thoughts of him forgetting the holiday. Luckily, I didn’t actually say anything. I just gave him a goodbye kiss and rolled over in bed to indulge in self-pity.

Then, the receptionist at work called and squealed something about a dozen beautiful red roses. I felt like a Grade A jerk.

My man’s a keeper

I got him a nice gift certificate to his favorite bicycle shop, Gregg’s Greenlake Cycle. He bought a new bike there this past December and has been riding it into the ground. His trip to and from work is about 24 miles a day. To say he’s in incredible shape would be an understatement. He, himself says he has the legs of a superhero (LOL!) and he’s lost quite a bit of weight since he started this. The one thing he’s unsatisfied with, though, is his tummy. He came to me the other day for some exercising advice. I took great delight in this, because there used to be a time when I was the last person anyone would think of consulting about getting in shape. I’ve made it a mission to learn all I can about Iyengar Yoga, Pilates and lifting weights. It’s paid off in spades. Not only am I stronger and trimmer than I was even four months ago, I DON’T HURT every waking moment. That’s something to be proud of.

Anyway, Robert asked me to help him develop an excercise program that would target his mid-section. He said, in complete seriousness, that he wanted something that was easy, infrequent and really effective. I laughed my head off and exclaimed, “that’s what everyone wants, but I’m afraid you can’t get something for nothing.” Poor Robert

So, today’s Valentine’s Day. As I mentioned, I’m not in the most festive frame of mind, but I did make a pair of earrings for the occasion. Aren’t they pretty? I made an identical pair earlier, but didn’t use the lever-back earring findings and one fell out. I learned my lesson with these long dangly types of earrings. You really need something to make them stay put in your ears

I guess this bit of knitting also fits in with this holiday, since it’s red and luscious, and I’m totally in love with it. I cast on for Evelyn Clark’s Leaf Lace Shawl on Sunday:

It has grown significantly since then:

(The poor houseplant that’s supporting it could definitely use some TLC.)

I’m using Elsbeth Lavold’s Silky Wool. It’s not something I would have imagined being good for lace, but I saw a sample knit up at So Much Yarn and was enchanted by it. The yarn has a rustic look (perfect for something leafy) and is wonderfully soft and drapey.

I’ve got to credit Becky, who assured me that I could knit lace and to just cast on for a shawl and start knitting, rather than hemming and hawing about it. This has to be one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever knit. I keep looking at it and marveling at how clever my fingers are to create such a thing. And that Evelyn Clark, she’s a genius! I want to knit all of her shawl patterns.

Tags: Knitting

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