Marathon

It's been in my queue for awhile and I can't believe I've waited this long to get at it.

I'm talking about Downton Abbey. I'm a sucker for these kind of period pieces, but this is something so delicious, I can't even describe it in words.

Sunday is usually reserved for football (I need to keep tabs on my fantasy football roster, of course!) but I needed to cram since my friends and I are going to catch the Season 2 premiere screening at the Dryden Theater tomorrow night, so I just watched all seven episodes of Season 1. (It also helps that I've got a bye this week, currently sitting at the top of my league.) Am tempted to go through and watch them again. Right now. I don't know how I'm going to wait until January for the rest of the second season!

At least I didn't waste my entire day just watching tv ... I finished these:



And dug this out which hasn't seen the light of day in many moons:

Catch Up

Finally am feeling caught up.

Caught up on work. Work goes in phases -- it's either insanely crazy or insanely slow. Never in between. Just coming off an insaner than insanely crazy spell. The inbox overflow onto my desk at work is no longer and the inbox is actually almost empty. Whee!

Caught up on sleep. Goes hand in hand with the above, in addition to things like the aforementioned disco, orchestra concerts (I play with a local university orchestra), and the start of the holiday party season (attended my first over the weekend).

Caught up on my new favorite show. Sherlock. Check it out. You'll see what I mean.

And more or less caught up on knitting.




I just hope the kid hasn't grown too much since I started it!

Branching Out - The HST

When I first decided I wanted to learn how to quilt, I never thought I'd be motivated enough to do anything beyond simple squares. After all, it was the how I was much more interested in, and being able to execute that how. Then I started reading all that's out there on the internets and seeing what others are doing with their quilts and I was intrigued by all the different piecing ideas and techniques. Intrigued enough that I wanted to, rather than feeling compelled to, try my hand at piecing together a block that was more than just a square. So for my second quilt, I'm giving [half-square] triangles a shot. While it's a lot more work, it's fun seeing these blocks come together.



Without any proper segue, here's my plug for Tropic Thunder, if you haven't yet seen it. I'm just kicking myself for waiting so long to do so. It's been sitting on my coffee table courtesy of Netflix for quite some time. I had wanted to see it when it initially came out and never got around to it, and then it just fell off my radar. I can't remember the last movie I saw that made me laugh so hard. My stomach still hurts a bit. Robert Downey, Jr, excels in such an unexpected way (as far as I'm concerned, he can do no wrong, but this exceeded my expectations!) and the plot itself is quite hilarious. Immediately following my first viewing, I had watched it again with the actors' commentary and spent the next two hours laughing even more. I finally made it to bed around 4 AM. I might just have to watch it again (and again?!) before I send it back.

Countdown to Harry Potter

No matter how good the movie, the books are better. I can think of few exceptions to this rule and the Harry Potter productions are not one of them. That being said, I enjoy the movies and look forward to every new installment. When Goblet of Fire came out two movies ago, I hadn't had time reread the book before seeing it. Reading it afterwards allowed me to appreciate both. During the movie, I didn't remember enough specifics from the book to notice what was missing while reading it afterward was a rediscovery of scenes forgotten. I employed the same philosophy for Order of the Phoenix, confirming this wasn't a fluke.



This time 'round I've actually got a bit of time so I intend to reread books 1-5, saving Half Blood Prince for after the movie. Over the last two days, I've zipped through books 1-2 and started Azkaban (my favorite!). Now, if I can just pace myself I won't be tempted to read Prince until after the movie ...

This has become a food blog of late, but that has more to do with actually being inspired to cook lately. Since I joined that food collective at work , not only am I determined to use up all my produce, I'm trying to work in new recipes as well. There's been good and not so good.

I've discovered that I really don't like radishes -- well, not unless they are prepared the Korean way (a la mom) but for those, I need Daikon radishes - not these garden radishes. I found this salad idea but found myself picking out only the avocado to eat, leaving the radishes behind. They are too bitter for me, I guess. The idea of cooking them doesn't appeal to me at all. Warm radishes? Just the thought is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Oh well.

But. Garlic scapes? They are a whole different animal. They even look like one!



I'd never heard of these until they appeared in my weekly delivery. They came with a pesto recipe, but I wanted to find other uses. I discovered they perfectly complemented the leftover sausage ravioli I had -- sauteed in olive oil with basil and oregano and then tossed with the ravioli. They're milder than actual garlic, with a slight sweetness. Despite looking like a curly version of scallions, they are much firmer and have a nice crunch.

But the real winner this past week is this Indian twist I found.



I used Dutch Gold potatoes since I had them lying around. I wanted to add some meat to the dish, so while the potatoes were cooking, I browned a pound of ground turkey seasoned with salt, pepper and about 2 teaspoons garam masala and then set it aside. Since the meat was seasoned with the masala, I opted not to add Indian chilies as the recipe recommends. Instead, after adding the panch phoran, I stirred the veggies about a minute. Then I added the meat and continued cooking until the mustard seeds began to pop. Topped it off with this simple raita. I wish I had more scapes to throw in, but I used the last of the bunch. This is definitely something I will make again, though I suppose I will need to find a substitute for the scapes once their season is over ...

Last but not least, a little shout out to what is becoming my new favorite LYS. Though the Village Yarn Shop will always have a soft spot in my heart it is not as convenient since it moved from its downtown location. I often find myself instead at the Yarn Boutique which is a bigger (just big enough that it's quite cozy!) and better reincarnation of the former Knit n Purl, since it's just up the street. I was there earlier this week and they wound my yarn for me -- winding three hanks of this Cascade 220 in less time than it would take me to wind one [the old fashioned way of course with the hank looped around my knees and my thumb's circulation being cut off].



I've been to other shops where they point you in the direction of the winder and let you have at it, which is fine, but what service! Wonder whether Spirit Work will pick up the habit when it moves in just down the way ... Of course, with three yarn shops all within a relatively easy distance, I certainly can't complain!

Hogwarts and Then Some

Couldn't wait too long before catching the latest Harry Potter installment, so I caught a viewing over the weekend. The movie was entertaining enough -- but Prisoner of Azkaban is still my favorite thus far. Not sure that I care too much for Yates' direction, and I often questioned the editing as many of the transitions were sloppy and choppy. My friends criticized the adaptation in that it condensed too much, and upon further reflection, I'd have to agree with them. Much was left to conjecture which we of course filled in with our readings (and re-readings) of the novels prior to viewing. When Goblet of Fire came out, I didn't have time to re-read before catching the movie, and waited instead until afterward to fill the memory gaps piqued by the live version. I think the mistake this time around was refamiliarizing myself with the book before the movie. The criticisms aside, there were some good things about The Order of the Phoenix. The casting was spot on. The denouement at the Ministry was well done. All in all, a fun movie. However, as is usually the case -- the book is so much better.

In knitting news, I've been working furiously away at Cozy, and I'm actually getting the sense that it is going to get done.



There is added motivation for its completion --



I have not yet opened this package to devour its known contents. In it is the yarn that will become my Summertime Tunic that I am not allowed to start until I finish at least one WIP. I've resisted the urge, though I'm dying to know if the real-life color is what I want it to be.

I close with a blurry shot of this -- the reward from my recent take-out adventure:



I think this is the first time in a long time that my fortune cookie gave me something other than some lame saying and some lotto numbers. This fortune I intend to see to its fruition.

A New Kind of Voodoo ...

Well, not exactly, but it does kind of look like it, doesn't it, with all those pins in it? I was looking for some light knitting to do and this seemed perfect, as well as a great way to use up some oddball yarn. Eventually, it will become one of the Knitted Babes.

I bust out laughing when I laid out this front body piece and realized that the scraps of yarn I used as markers inadvertently look like the limbs. Couldn't resist taking the photo.

Over the lovely long weekend I zipped through Pamela Aidan's An Assembly Such as This, the first book in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman series. It's an entertaining tale in and of itself, but not wholly satisfying as a companion to Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Maybe I'll feel different after I read the whole series though; that is, if I can get my hands on it. There appears to be nary a copy of either the second or third book anywhere in our public library system, despite its 30 branches! The reference librarian cited it was likely due to budget problems. Libraries should not have budget problems. Go donate to your local library, please.

I did however manage to snag the library's copy of the first season of Coupling and laughed my ass off. I've seen most of the episodes before (check it out on BBCAmerica), but each viewing is as fresh and funny as it was the first time 'round. I once heard it described as the British version of Friends, but really, the only thing it seems to have in common with it is the fact that the main characters are three girls and three guys who happen to be friends. Really, it's a show about couples and sex, and the different takes men and women have on those topics. Oh, and it's way funnier. As for NBC's attempt at an American version? It's a wonder they even thought it could work.

Good Intentions ...

I haven't knit anything -- Lelah, or anything else for that matter -- since I last posted with hopes of blocking soon! I guess I jinxed myself. Ah well, I am always full of good intentions. Today is a perfect example. I play with a local university orchestra, which started up its weekly rehearsals tonight, in conjunction with the start of the new semester. Everytime we start to prep for a new concert, I tell myself that I will be better about practicing, that I will figure out the fingerings for those notes that travel off the staff (I play the violin, so they can get pretty high up there) and work out all the wonky rhythms. I usually only get about as far as obtaining recordings of the pieces to attempt learning the music by osmosis, and one or two actual practice sessions on my own initiative. Honestly, where will I find the time?! (I suppose I could spend less time surfing the web, but that just seems too practical).

So, it looks like The West Wing, is wrapping up this year. I'm actually surprised it made it this far, what with the departures of Aaron Sorokin and of course, Rob Lowe. I confess that even I, most faithful of serial TV watchers wandered off, uninspired, until late last season, when the writing seemed to pick up some of its original zing. The prodigal viewer has returned, in hopes of really catching Sam Seaborn come back for the series' close. I wonder too, how Leo's storyline will end, with the sad passing of John Spencer this past December.

Without any great segue, I move on. I've always refrained from using actual names on this blog, in an attempt to maintain some modicum of anonymity for myself and those I tend to cavort with. Given my profession, one never knows when one will be Googled. Not that having a knitting blog is really cause for subterfuge, but I'd rather not have an opposing counsel or colleague being privy to the nonsensical thoughts that permeate my brain. I barely look like an attorney (I'm blessed with that Asian trait of looking much younger than my actual thirty years) so I hardly need to give them reason to doubt my professional credibility. Still, there comes a point where even I get confused, since I know a whole lotta J's and K's and apparently, D's. On the cusp of my blogiversary, I think the transition to using first names, should naming become necessary, ought to be inoccuous enough.

Thusly, in the vein of this new blogging philosphy, I continue with my ramblings. I had Dawn over for dinner last night and showed her the progress on her belated birthday gift. She was very happy about the color, which was a relief, though I wasn't really all that worried. With January coming to a close, I realized there's another birthday on the horizon -- and I found the perfect item for Doris:



This beauty was done up by Jenna, of my local knitting group. I haven't decided on a color yet, but I know that I must have something in my stash that will fit the bill. Of course, as all good intentions go, I plan to have this done by Doris' birthday at the end of the month.

Chakali

My childhood friend S was Indian (Asian, not American), and as such, I was introduced to the cuisine at a very young age. What I remember very specifically and with much fondness are these crunchy, spicy snacks:



When her mom made these, she usually gave me a tin-full to take home. No one else in my family cared too much for them, so they were all mine! I had forgotten what they were called though, and may very well have forgotten about them entirely. I hadn't had them since I was young, and I can't remember the last time I thought of them. But last night, I was craving Indian food so I stopped off at the local restauarant on the way home. It wasn't open yet for dinner though. I noticed that the grocery store across the street (same owners) was open, so I popped in to confirm that the restaurant would be opening in a few minutes, and wasn't closed for any other reason. The happy and friendly proprietress confirmed it was so, and invited me to wander around while I waited. The shop reminded me of the Korean groceries that I'd frequented often with my mom. That memory led me to think of traditional snacks those groceries often held. A memory of these "crunchy, hard, pretzel-like, spicy snack-y thingies" then popped into my head, and I consulted with Ms. Proprietress, who knew exactly what I was talking about. She pointed me toward a bag -- they looked exactly like I remember them!

I told her of several failed attempts in the past to discover what they were called. Whenever I described it to various Indian friends (as I had long lost touch with S), they never seemed to know what I was talking about. She told me that they are also called murukku in the south. I'm thinking that my friends may have asked me if that was what I was talking about, but the word probably didn't sound familar. But now I know what they are and where I can get them!

I inherited a few more technique books over the Christmas holiday, courtesy of my bro. I am happy to announce the new additions to my knitting library:



Accompanying them, he touched on my other favorite hobby -- and gifted me with Terry Gross' Fresh Air collection of author interviews. What a lucky gal am I!

We saw Syriana over the holiday. A bit heavy for holiday fare, but I quite enjoyed it. It really is superbly done, though it doesn't all gel until the end. This definitely needs a second viewing.

On SP, Austen and Knitting.

My fabuloso SP6 pal sent me a final box o' goodies last week. There was chocolate too, but, um, it didn't last long enough to make it into the picture *sheepish grin*:



Thank you Ursula!

Last week K and I saw Pride and Prejudice. Recent reviews gave me high hopes for this despite my initial resistance. Admittedly, I went in extremely biased, being a regular re-reader and devoted fan of the BBC miniseries. I wanted to like it, really I did. Sadly, it did not impress. Kiera Knightley is flat. I confess I was pleasantly surprised by Matthew MacFayden, but Colin Firth will always be my Mr. Darcy.  Brenda Blethlyn, Dame Judy and the dude who played Mr. Collins were the highlights of an otherwise forgettable ensemble. The adaptation, more akin of Cliff's Notes than anything else, was severely lacking. The wit was completely whittled out, the social satire nonexistent. Elizabeth and Darcy spend too much time mooning at each other, with none of Austen's snappy repartee. The Lizzie-Mr. Bennett dialog is missing throughout (and really, Donald Sutherland?).  The tale of Wickham was like an afterthought of an afterthought. I realize that it's quite a tall order to cut this novel into a two-hour film; this attempt was just unsuccessful. Thus, this past Saturday, in between napping (the result of a very late Friday), I indulged in my BBC videos. Ah, I felt so much better.

In happy news, after long last, I finally have a FO ( I think). Nothing fancy; just the scarf I knitted up with those souvenier balls of yarn I picked up in France. I discovered some embroidery thread in my stash and added the fringe, though I'm not wholly committed to it yet. I added it because the scarf ended up slightly shorter than I would have liked, but I'm still not convinced this scarf wants it. I didn't have enough red, so it seems a bit too orange-y.



Still, small projects are great. It probably would have been done sooner had I not been rotating between various WIPs. When did my active queue become so busy?!

Lapse.

Not much knitting to report as of late. Been kind of crazed with work and life in general, I guess. But I did finish up the alpaca scarf last week. Tried fringe for the first time ... not a bad way to use up the extra yarn! I think it came out quite well.



It's quite soft and I'm loathe to give it up, but this one was earmarked for another neck from the get-go. So, off it will go to its new home.

Got a bit of reading material yesterday from my SP ... I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. Looking forward to the read. I haven't read it before, so it's a welcome addition to the library. The accompanying card apologized for getting a "movie cover" book. I sense SP, that you are a kindred spirit. Not only am I often wary of screen adaptations of most beloved books, I too am resistant to screen shots adorning my covers. Still, when it's the only copy in print, there's not much to be done. The question now is, do I read the book first, or catch the film?

Speaking of adaptations, I previously commented on the impossibility of there ever being any other Darcy than Colin Firth. I still stand by that, but I did catch a promo of the new movie for the first time tonight and confess I'm a bit intrigued by Dame Judi's portrayal of Lady Catherine...

Fun-ny!

Arrested Development is one of those shows that I forget to watch but when I do, I remind myself how much I love it and how I should keep watching it.

So my pink Flirt is still a bit scratchy, sad to say. But I should still be able to wear it with turtlenecks, I guess. I may try the vinegar soak that I've read about, but does that make it smell vinegary? The Cotton Fleece on the other hand is nice and soft. I wasn't quite as diligent this past Sunday, as my failing Bills were just sucking away any energy I had at all. The new QB is too inexperienced. Anyone else noticed that Dallas seems to be doing just fine and despite a couple interceptions, Drew still has an arm (and an offensive line)? Having been a Bledsoe fan since he was a Patriot, I was one of those naysayers when he was let go last year. This new guy has some promise, and I know he's got to learn the game somehow, but I was sad to see Drew go, especially the way it was done. And what is going on with the D? How is it that the once stellar defensive unit is letting yards slip by like nothing? The team generally just seems out of sync, and now it seems that Takeo's out for the year. No wonder I was hardly in a knitting mood. Will they show up next weekend? Am so tired of hearing about potential. Let's see it. Dammit.

In the meantime, I'm contemplating knitting up the I Do shrug in Knitty. I play with a local university orchestra, having played the violin since I was a wee one, and needing to put those lessons to good use in my old age. Our concert dress requires full black with at least 3/4 length sleeves. I have a few outfits I can wear, but the stage gets so hot. I have a sleeveless black dress that I think might pair with this shrug nicely. Hopefully it's not too hard. So if I can find a good yarn, I might try this out.

Speaking of yarn, I recently snagged some Rowan Cork in a purty baby blue which I imagine will make nice, cozy fingerless mitts in all its merino glory.



I couldn't resist, as it was on sale at the LYS for a ridiculously low cost. One of these days fall will really be here (none of this 79 degree and humid crap in September!!) and I will need them!

I'm With Them

A new Darcy? Inconceivable!

Must See.

March of the Penguins. Go see it.

Wild for Wilde

In the new apartment, I've decided that cable is unnecessary. Instead, I'll actually donate to my local public television station during their fundraising this year, and I've signed up for Netflix . This way, I get to watch what I want to watch as opposed to endlessly surfing through a lot of channels of nothing that may have what I want to watch (though I do miss Jon Stewart and Celebrity Poker Showdown and haven't quite yet figured out how I'll get my hockey fix when the season starts) . I have gleefully been indulging myself with repeated showings of An Ideal Husband, one of my fave plays, done exceedingly well on film. And, well, Minnie Driver is just hysterical in this flick ... one of her best performances, I'd say!

Absence Makes the Blogging Heart Grow Guilty

Too lazy to post pics of the yummy yarn I've recently acquired. Walking by dear old LYS everyday on my way back to the parking garage really is trying on one's already weak impulsive purchasing tendencies. Picked up some Reynold's Contessa that was on sale a couple weeks ago. Don't know yet what I'll do with it, but it's soooooo soft! I got it in this vibrant red, and it's just fun to stare at. Then the other day stopped in to find something for the Chinese Charm Bag in SnB. Settled on some Noro Lotus ... it's so pretty! I love the shiny ribbony-type thread that runs through the yarn, as it gives it a bit of a sparkle when it's knit up. I'll try to be less lazy next time and get some pics up.

Cast on for the CCB yesterday as I was catching up on my taped TV shows that I didn't have time for during the week (WB Tuesdays + ABC Wednesdays = lots of TV!!) Was about an inch or so away from being finished, when I decided I wanted it a bit wider, so frogged the whole damn thing and re-cast on while watching 13 Going on 30. But since it knits up so quickly, and it's such a small project, I anticipate being done with it (well, the knit bit anyway -- still have to get some lining and the handles) by final credits of Grey's Anatomy tonite (when did ABC get so good?)

The movie 'twas part of the gift package that L gave me last weekend. I'd never had any particular interest in this movie when it came out, or even when I saw it at the video store, despite my weakness for chick flicks, so I'm glad she bought it for me! It was too funny ... I thoroughly enjoyed it, in all its chickflickiness, and its fond embracing of my dear 80s youth! Those clothes!! Ack!!! Among other things, the DVD was accompanied by a candy grab bag, christened, "I Want Candy" ... that she got from this crazy little site (how fun!), complete with Nerds and a Whistle Pop! She gets mega-props for her creativity!

Now, where oh where did the weekend go? It's Sunday nite already, and I still have a zillion things to do. Sigh ...

Part Stickler Am I

I've been having a lot of laughs with Lynne Truss's book which I snagged from the library. It's every bit as amusing as the reviews promise it to be, and I can identify with much of what she writes.

Had a jolly old time hanging with B last night after work. I will miss the Friday evening happy hour ramblings when this gig is up. I really do love those French Martinis. Yum, yum, yum.

Where to next? That is the question. This whole interviewing process is such a pain in the ass. It can be over too soon.

After T's ravings of the extended DVDs of the LOTR Trilogy, I've gotten around to borrowing the first. She is right and the added scenes do give that extra oomph. Haven't gotten around to checking out the extra features yet, but I anticipate them eagerly, and no doubt, T's praises are not unworthy.

And perhaps, when all those featurettes are watched thoroughly, I'll have time to return to my guilty pleasure purchase and relive my childhood imagining that I am Wonder Woman.

Now, time to buy some more yarn, and see if I'm ready to venture into garment-making.