Dear Sock Pal:

Your socks are ready! Look forward to other tootsie-related items, as well!

Details

The pattern is http://stitchesofviolet.blogspot.com/2004/12/old-shale-two-yarn-sock-pattern.html with thanks to Marguerite. Both yarns are Lorna's Laces, Shepherd Sock. The solid is "Berry" and the multi color is "Iris Garden". These babies were brought into the world on a pair of No. 3 Turbos.

What I learned

How to take a hint: When the first pattern proved to not have enough stretch after three froggings (more like mental floggings), I finally changed patterns.

Quality is in the eye of the beholder: This is not an excuse. The socks I will receive could very possibly be better as in more elaborate or more evenly stitched. I am satisfied presenting these socks to my Pal as they are my personal best to date.

It's all good: Don't know which I enjoyed more - knitting socks for a 'secret pal' or reading/commenting on the updates.

Looking forward to the next 'paloooza! Thank you, Sock Sister Ina!

How Green is My Patio!

I gravelled in the narrow bed against the garage wall because, let's face it, as depleted as that soil is too much work would be needed to amend it back to usable soil.

Additionally, there are some still waiting to be potted. While the geraniums above are shades of pink, the ones below are a nice salmon color.

And, any job worth doing merits a supervisor.

The roses, hibiscus, and camellia have all had their first blooms. However, I've yet to be camera ready at the peak of their perfection It will happen.

Validation and Accomplishment!

Career: Monday, April 3, my career resumes with ExxonMobile. After three months of unemployment, I am more than ready. They are anxious for me to start and I'm probably more anxious to begin.
The good news: I'll be doing IP prosecution work which I love (this time U.S. and foreign patents).
The good news: Beltway 8 to 288 to Binz (aka Bissonnet) to Buffalo Speedway. It sounds like a lot, but the interchanges are easy and I'll avoid all the traffic and construction on 59.
The good news: I'll have real weekends again. Anyone who's been there will truly understand that statement.
The good news: There's still money in the savings account. For those of know me well, that's a major accomplishment.

Sockapaloooza:
The original pattern did not work out for me. Looks great, but too tight and could not get it over my heel. Which I don't understand because the carry threads are not tight.


Instead, I'm using http://stitchesofviolet.blogspot.com/2004/12/old-shale-two-yarn-sock-pattern.html with much success. I started the second sock last night and am half finished with the lace cuff. My pal likes short-legged socks. If these were any shorter, the lace pattern would not show well.

Very excited about this and, I'm looking at a second pattern for "short toe socklets" just for fun! You can see them: http://www.coats.de/PDF/reg_zehenfusslingENG.pdf.