The Perils of Broken Promises

All week, I have been promising Kobe I would take him for a walk. Unfortunately, everyday, I found something else that I needed to do instead, so the promise rolled over into the next day and the next. But not today. Today Kobe took matters into his own hands (or paws if you will).

First, I must say that Kobe is a good dog and responds well to commands off-leash. So I felt completely comfortable letting him out (off-leash) in the front yard with me while I shoveled the front walk and stairs. And he was cool for a good long while too.

Then, he suddenly started trotting down the sidewalk in the same direction we start our regular walks...I thought he would come back when I called, but he didn't. Kobe trotted down one block, then another, turned the corner and was on his way back up the other side of the block by the time I caught up with him!

The funny thing is, he wasn't running from me. He waited for me when I asked him to, stopped at every corner and checked for cars...the works! When I got him back home, I promised him I would take him out later today. This time I kept my promise for fear he would just take himself for a walk again!

Eryka

Spreading the Yarn... and the Love

Hi all,

About a week ago I started teaching a few friends how to knit. To my surprise, my friend Lyneys really took to it. Here she is with her first scarf. Finished in just one week!!

I taught her the knit stitch and how to cast off. This weekend, we are going to practice the purl stitch and casting on. She is going to do another scarf in stockinette stitch.

Eryka

Best Thing about a Minnesota Winter

During my 5+ years here in Minnesota, I have found that there is something special about the winters--something I treasure above all else. Known to be bitterly cold, unpredictable, and a bit too long, Minnesota winters remind us to hope. Yes, that is right: HOPE.

Toward the end of January, when we Minnesotans have resigned ourselves to driving down smaller roads and tolerating the thick scab of salt covers cars, buildings, clothes and the mountains of dirty snow that litter the sidewalks, retail shops begin switching from winter to spring merchandise....HOPE.

After a long stretch of freezing cold, we get several days in the low 30's (ecstasy)! and the HOPE that winter might be over sooner than we thought. Or, when the big blizzard finally stops blowing, there is the glimmer of HOPE that it will one will be the last one of the season.

Family and friends work extra hard to find activities that HOPEfully will keep our spirits up during the long slumber--even if it is just sliding down a frozen mountain on a piece of cardboard. Huddling together over hot bowls of soup or stew afterwards to enjoy a brief moment of fun and joy during an otherwise challenging time.

And Knitters, we busily feather our nests with with the softest, finest, plushest yarns to keep our hands busy and families warm. We just HOPE we have enough yarn to last until spring.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. Winter sets up up to fully appreciate the rest of our seasons here. I think this officially makes me a Minnesotan.

Eryka

P.S. My friend Lyneys says she likes winter because there are no bugs. I forgot that one.

Details on Knit Out & Crochet 2010?

Does anyone know the dates for KnitOut 2010 in Minneapolis? Is the event still happening? I looked on various websites and I can find any. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I love this event...

Eryka

Know when to hold em, know when to fold em...

Last night, Lyneys, my friend from church invited me to play in a Texas Hold 'em Poker tournament (we weren't playing with real money, the final prize was a gift card).

Now, I have never played, but since I hadn't been out in a while, I went. Everyone was very patient with me and taught me the rules as we went along, which was nice. Eventually, I won three hands, which was really exciting.

Lyneys was a wiz at the game. In fact, she was like at the last table still playing when I left (it was getting late and I had been out for like an hour). I did have a good time, but I don't know if this will be part of my regular routine. Truth be told, I wish I had taken some knitting with me so I would have something to do all those times I folded!

Eryka