It’s Been 4 Weeks…

…Since I had my little ‘procedures’, and I feel mostly back on top of things. I will be glad when I pass the six week mark, and can start exercising again. I can sorely tell when I go without, and am looking forward to getting back into my routine again. No need for resolutions on my part. It’s a way of living. I start to creak and ache without some activity. It’s a great motivator.

Back at work, too. There were a few more folks laid off, but have been told that is the last. We are a small group now. Really really small, and it causes wonder. The ‘grand plan’ was laid out in a meeting on Monday, symbolism of the new year and new beginnings not escaping. Time will tell. I want to be hopeful. It is difficult. It will be interesting to see where it all goes, wherever that is.

The holidays are past, and all is put away. Mostly. A few cards are still trickling in. And it seems every year, no matter hard diligent and thorough, I overlook something. A few nights, as I was saying good-bye to those who came to knit at my house, I noticed the jingle bells on the door handle. Well, OK, then! Guess that’s this year’s forgotten decoration!

Beginning with the longer-than-expected convalescence, the holidays took on a decidedly different personality this year. With Wonderful Guy’s help, the assistance of Eldest Daughter after her arrival, and the help of Youngest, all came together very well. And it was a good time. Having the kids around really make my holidays for me.

And just when we thought we were winding things up that last Sunday before getting back to the routine…there I was, shopping for a new computer. And now for a bag to tote it around in. I think it’s a laptop…I haven’t had it off my desk yet…

I was really hoping my new technology exploration this year was going to be a new SLR camera. Oh well.

I have sitting here on my desk the yarn, the fiber, and the cookbooks picked out for my anniversary contest. That will happen over the weekend. I hope.

This new computer is taking over. I spoke of the organization of the music goal. Part of that was to get all CDs onto the computer. So I have been ripping those old CDs. And ripping. And ripping some more. I now have only a few odds and ends left.

A new computer just begs some organization of old files. I actually had a file in ‘Documents’ labeled ‘XYZ Computers’ with files from 3 previous computers I felt I still needed. Tonight I deleted a Word document telling me how to restore a Windows 3.1 OS, among other such debris. So yeah, there’s that going on, too.

Fresh starts! I love 'em.

Faster Than A Speeding Bullet...

More powerful than a locomotive...

Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound....

Yes, it's...me...with my new biggerfastermorebetter RAM.

ZOOM!!

For me and my system, it really made a difference, but it was not straight forward. I am so glad I enlisted Wonderful Guy's help. There was some disemboweling of my little Slimline (read: stuffed and piled upon piles of stuff inside there) I had been 'inside there' once before with the help of the 'fellow from India' but I couldn't remember how it all came apart. Anyway, I was glad Wonderful Guy was along for the ride.

The little bars snapped into place. I plugged everything back in. We fired this puppy up, and it all worked like magic. I just love it when a plan comes together!

ZOOM! That was me booting up Photoshop Elements!

ZIP! That was me uploading photos!

WHOOSH! That was me doing everything else that Vista seemed to drag her slow (but oh so very pretty) feet to get done.

And now, thanks to the Speedy New System and other powers that I am beholden to, I present my first yellow squash!

And also, this pretty little thing. With our load of mulch this year, I have been pulling these 'weeds' as they germinated, secretly cursing the landscape company. This one hid until it bloomed, when I noticed it. I should have let them ALL grow, I think!

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone.

Over 600 miles!

As of today. That's how far I have biked this summer...so far. Riding's not done yet, either! How far will she go? Any bets?

Also...on, then off, the Needles of Iron this week!

1. An iPod Pocket - first hand felted, and not being completely satisfied with the resulting effect, felted in the washing machine. Ecksssssselent! When dry, a button hole to be cut and button to be added, and Fini!
2. While felting the above, I felted the TomTom Pocket of handspun. It was biggish. Not now. Lookin' good!
3. Two 4-Corners Dishclothes with their matching Tribbles. The dishcloth hoard was down to ONE!
4. Two Stocking Stuffers #1 are completely completed, and another half knitted, all out of handspun.
5. One Stocking Stuffer #2 is completely completed and another started.
6. Two skeins of alpaca off the wheel, with twist set, totaling another 450 yards each. Which brings the total to six skeins of very nice stuff. I teased/carded another 'bunch' (technical term-mine) and am ready to start spinning again.

I have chosen yarn (out of the stash) and patterns (off the internet) for a couple of other projects as well. Staying busy, keeping the boredom at bay, working on Christmas (can it be?), and waiting for the inspiration for that next big project to knock me for a loop!

And just in case...I received bigger faster more better memory for my computer yesterday. Last night I backed up. Tonight I install. If you don't hear from me again...well, you'll know why!