Murphy's Law

19 June 2005

Ride the Rockies, Day 1
Colorado National Monument
45 miles

I can count on it like clockwork. I always forget something when I travel. Usually I'm lucky enough to be able pick up a new toothbrush or deodorant stick at any grocery or convenience store. But sometimes I mess up really bad and forget camera batteries or film or flash, and I end up missing some phenomenal photo. Or I end up sleeping on the floor of the tent or in the back of my car because I forgot my sleeping bag.

This time, I kind of took the cake. On the bright side, I did bring my bike. Oh, and my camera. The most important ingredients!

I was so worried I might forget my helmet, I left my shoes behind. I could have picked up a new helmet for $20 bucks or so. Yeah, it wouldn't have been as good as the one I'm using. But holy cow!!! Shoes, cleats, and the heartache (and footache and bodyache) of getting the cleats adjusted all over again... Oh, man! Do you have any idea how much biking shoes cost??? Now I'm going to be the Imelda Marcos of cycling.

We stashed the Lizard’s truck in Breckenridge. We had to purchase a parking permit from the Town of Breckenridge. A few miles later, we passed the official RTR porta potties making their way to Grand Junction. Now that's a treat none of the bus riders got to see!

We reported to the registration tent first thing Saturday morning and didn't have to wait in line. We were worried this year's jersey might be really ugly because neither of us cared for the logo. But they did a good job with the lame design. I like the jersey so much, I bought the matching shorts. :)

Sunday morning, I left a couple hours earlier than the Lizard, hoping I might be able to finish the ride in time to make the final church service of the day at 1 p.m. I rode with none other than TV personality Larry Green for a while, and I stopped to help a riding medic whose chain derailed when she began the day's climb. I stopped a couple more times before reaching the top of the climb, just to stretch and make sure I wasn't pushing too hard and save my strength and endurance for tomorrow's challenge.

The most amazing thing of the day was watching people's reactions as they rounded the bend of the Grand View overlook. Two by two I watched eyeballs nearly pop from heads at the stunning scenery. Got asked to snap a photo more than once. Always happy to oblige!

I trained on this leg of the ride three times during the preseason. The first trip was six hours. The second trip was five hours. The third trip got cut short because I got stuck in my cleats.

Although my average speed was only 11.2, according to my trip computer, I did today's ride in 4 hours and 2 minutes! I got back in time to shower and attend the 11 a.m. church service!!! I was so excited! My fastest speed during the descent was 31.5. I used the brakes a lot. But I don't have to replace them. Yet...

36 miles of screaming downhill tomorrow. If I can finish the grueling climb...

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Pins and Needles Still

One more week until we find out if we've been drawn for the 2010 Ride the Rockies. How fitting that I spend the next week reminiscing about my last RtR!

I hope we get drawn! I hope we get drawn! I hope we get drawn!

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Ta Da!

Mitten Moguls... finished!!

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The Fire Burns On

At 12:18 a.m. February 25, the second sock was finished.

At 5:55 p.m. that day, the first cycling glove was done.

At 11:30 p.m. that night, the mukluks were finished.

Two more days of Olympics remain. I don’t know if I can finish the second cycling glove, a yet-to-be-started scarf and the already started sweater by Sunday night. But I’ve done a lot in the last 14 days, and the creativity and drive inspired by the Ravellenics are the ultimate goal, I think. I win no matter what because I challenged myself, I designed, I wrote patterns, I made things, and I had fun.

When the Closing Ceremonies end, I go directly into quilting mode. I have until March 18 to finish a project for the Denver National Quilt Festival. And I hope to be riding my bike to work at least a few times a week as soon as the time changes. I’ve got to be able to ride 90 miles in a day. Twice! IF we are drawn for Ride the Rockies. IF. Fingers crossed. Shooting stars wished upon. Pennies tossed in wishing wells. Four-leaf clover snowflake designed, made and pattern written.

My crochet hooks and knitting needles likely will get a much-deserved vacation, but the midnight oil continues to churn. I’ve enjoyed being part of the Ravelympics. I’m so slow on my bike and on cross-country skis, it’s been intensely thrilling to be able to complete needlework fast, in spite of obstacles and higher priority commitments.

May the spirit of the Olympics and the Ravelympics continue to burn. All year long. All the rest of my life.

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Friday Funny

I needed to see the following links BEFORE Valentine's Day! But hopefully they will bring smiles, even though a tad late. Nothing like spreading traditional February love out longer...

a knitted wedding
i thee knit
Knit Your Own Wedding
knitted wedding dress

If I had it to do over again, I would love to crochet all my own flowers for my wedding. Better than this. Lizard, can we stage another one? :D

Here is the (old-style) Gunne Sax-inspired set I was designing and hoping to finish in time for my own wedding in 2005. I had planned to crochet lace edgings when the sewing was done. After attaching the sleeves, I was horrified to discover the blouse would not fit. Three days before the wedding. Yikes! This treasure has been patiently hanging out in my closet for nearly five years now, hoping one day it might get a second chance to become someone's special dress somewhere, someday.

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Four More Days

My fingers are still flying. A few more of my FOs (finished objects) have crossed the Ravellenic finish line. Now I’m just waiting to see if I make the podium.

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Wordless Wednesday

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Woohoo!!!

My first medal! For this ↓

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Drawn!

14 March 2005

Today is the day I celebrate! This is the day I found out we’ve been drawn for Ride the Rockies. Albeit not via the conventional way.

A co-worker in another state called this morning to find out if I’d heard yet about Ride the Rockies. No, of course not. I expressed discontent because he’d found out so much earlier than me.

He confessed he’d cheated. He and five cycling buddies went in together in one envelope, and another buddy had gone it alone. All seven checks have cleared. They are in!

Great idea!

So I called my bank. I’ve never called to check the balance on my account before. Statements are quarterly. I don’t have my PIN number. I didn’t even know if I’d be able to find out my balance.

But I did. My check cleared a week ago today.

I’m in!

The Lizard is in!

We met at lunch. His excitement was unbelievable. He assumed he’d be rejected because of all my stories about how many times it took before I finally got drawn in 2003. But he’s in.

We are in!!! We are doing Ride the Rockies!!!

18 March 2005

I got my official RTR notice today. I would have thought it might have been somewhat anticlimactic because I already knew. But I was so excited, my boss came out of his office and knowingly asked what all the screaming was about. I didn’t scream, of course. I just looked up at him and smiled, and he knew what it meant. Three times today he congratulated me.

I’m pretty sure my envelope in 2003 had a number on it, and I’m pretty sure that’s the number that was on my wristband I wore for a whole week after the ride. I don’t remember for sure, but I remember thinking as I looked at the envelope that, wow, I was number 1477 or something like that.

Today’s envelope had the number 1 on it.

Like, maybe my registration envelope was so darned cool, they didn’t even throw it in the bin. They hung onto it and said, “This one’s the best one we’ve EVER seen!” And then maybe posted it up on the wall or something.

Anyhow, I was pretty darned stoked. Still am...

We're Riding the Rockies!!!

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Aerial Unwind — Times Two

I was within two rows of the knitted rib of my second Ravellenic sock Friday night when I realized I'd made a booboo. I had to unravel all but eight rows. (Can you hear me wail?) This yarn is SO difficult to work with and almost impossible to unravel. I tried to humor myself by imagining buying another skein of yarn just so I wouldn't have to fight the stupid knots anymore!

It took two hours to unravel this thing!

I was so discouraged. I thought this would mean the end of two of the Ravellenic projects I'd hoped to complete this week. I thought I was doomed to finishing just the sock, nothing else, and with yarn I'm beginning to fondly hate.

So I got online to look at some of the projects my fellow Ravelers are doing. What could be better for a sour mood than cheering on fellow Ravelathletes? I discovered an awesome event called Aerial Unwind. You unravel something that's been around way too long, and use the yarn for something useful.

Yes, I'd just spent a good portion of time unraveling, and I wasn't looking forward to another session anytime soon. But the first thing that came to my mind was a project I began for the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. Way before Ravelry existed.

I was so infatuated with the Salt Lake logos (snowflakes, of course), I wanted to design a sweater based on the jackets issued to the volunteers. (I have the coat, but I did not volunteer, unfortunately.) I picked out the perfect yarn. I cast on. I knit during my public transportation commutes every day I could. But I did not finish.

A series of tragic events led me to stash the project in the deepest, darkest recesses of my storage bins. The painful memories I associated with this sweater were more than I could bear. I didn't ever want to see the sweater again.

After learning about the Aerial Unwind, I decided it's high time I make use of that yarn. I went to the basement and dug it out.

Then another dilemma erupted. I remembered working on the front and back of the sweater. I did not remember actually finishing both sleeve. This sweater was about two hours from being complete. If I could just stomach working on it that long.

Could I really unravel it?

It took me a few minutes of staring at it, alone, in the dimly lit basement, to realize the memories were all still there, and they were not something I wanted to revisit. I'm happy now. I'm alive. And I want it to stay that way.

So the unraveling began. Funny, it took as long to unravel and wind the mess into balls as it would have taken to finish the shoulders and neckline. But I would not have been able to wear the sweater, as cute as the design would have been.

After photographing the evidence of my unwinding, I searched the internet for a flaphat pattern. I couldn't find anything even close to what I could see in my head. So while it snowed Sunday morning, I picked up a crochet hook and just started stitching, trying out the cap on my own head as I went to make sure it would fit.

I went to choir practice. I went to church. And then I came home and finished the hat. My dear, sweet Lizard held the yarn for me as I braided. Initially I thought I'd embellish the earflaps with snowflakes (made of the white yarn, of course), but after I finished attaching the braids, I decided this hat doesn't need anything more. It's perfect just the way it is.

I have enough yarn left to make at least four more hats. I hope to make another one in the reverse color pattern. I also hope to knit one. But not until after the Ravellenics. I've got more stuff on the back burner. Including that stubborn sock...

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A Whole New Link

The Lizard's blog has gone live! And in 2011, it went dead. He killed it. Then I convinced him to guest post here, on my blog. I'm trying to convince him blogging is worth the effort now, but I don't mind sharing space with him until a new little blog is born.

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Snowflake Monday

How do you possibly follow three unique, special, occasion-oriented snowflake designs? Easy. Design a snowflake for the Ravelympics! Here’s the first of two.

Also, WisconsinGal shared her very own pinning/stiffening technique. Some of my flakes are so delicate, I would not be able to use toothpicks, but the thicker thread and yarn flakes might work with this.

WisconsinGal writes: “Round, double-pointed toothpicks are the greatest thing since sliced bread for taking care of flakes. I found a wonderful piece of insulation, blue in color, which I cover with wax paper, then I pin the flake down and sprinkle with some of the bestest glitter available, and when dry, turn it over, and spray starch and glitter the other side, only I move the flake to another area, so I can reuse the glitter from previous flakes, and it works fine. I use half Elmer’s glue and half water, and also full-strength Sta Flo starch for stiffening. I think if you try toothpicks you won't ever go back to pins.”

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!Finished Size: 5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 4 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or foil, cellophane tape, glue, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: *Sc in ring, ch 12; repeat from * around 4 more times for a total of five petals; ch 5, trtr (yo 4 times) in starting sc to form 6th petal. Pull magic circle tight, but leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr), 3 tr in same petal, *[ch 5, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook (shell made), ch 6, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 2], 4 tr in next petal; repeat from * around 5 times; yo 6 times, pull up loop through 4th ch of starting ch 4, yo and draw through 2 loops 3 times, yo, pull up loop through 2-loop segment just made, yo and draw through 2 loops, yo and pull up loop through same 2-loop segment, yo and draw through 2 loops, yo and draw through 3 loops (counts as shell), yo and draw through 2 loops 2 more times, and this SHOULD complete the stitch. But there are a lot of loops on your hook and highly unusual directions, so if your loop count doesn't come out exact, try again, or yo and pull through all remaining loops on hook to complete stitch. If your loop count didn't come out right, check to make sure this segment looks the same as the other [ ] segments before proceeding. If these instructions are too confusing and frustrating, simply complete [ ] segment same as others, ending with sl st in 4th ch of starting ch 4, bind off and rejoin in center top of any [ ] segment, between shells.

Round 3: Ch 1, sc over post of stitch just completed (or into ch 3 space between shells if you opted to bind off and rejoin), *ch 15, sc in top of next [ ] segment; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with sl st in starting sc on final repeat.
Round 4: *Into next ch 15 sp work 3 sc, ch 2, 3 sc, 3 hdc, 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, 3 hdc, 3 sc, ch 2, 3 sc; repeat from * around 5 times, sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or foil to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or foil.

Mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or foil. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Friday Funny

I was just in the Colorado high country for some cross-country skiing last weekend, but I never saw any porcupines.

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Cupid

5 March 2005

Exactly four months ago, I allowed a total stranger to slice my back open. At 9 a.m. today, the precise moment the anesthesia kicked in back in November, I was standing atop Cupid. Yes, that's really the name of the mountain. I wouldn't make that up!

I’ve had this fantasy of climbing 13,117-foot Cupid from Loveland Pass on Valentine’s Day for more than a year. Last year I was grounded because of my knee. This year, I couldn’t get the time off work. Plus, I’d made a feeble attempt at Bierstadt on the three-month anniversary, and I was so sore from the dreaded downhill, I didn’t dare try going up anything again until today.

And that shortened one month must have been exactly what I needed because I made it! Downhill still is no picnic, and I don’t take as many photos because I have to continually be aware of where I’m putting my feet. But I did it! I made a summit. No 3,000-foot elevation gain, but I stood atop a mountain, and for today, that’s good enough for me.

We took snowshoes but did not pack them up the mountain with us because the wind-blown slopes did not look as if they would require them. Less than four inches of well-packed, old, crunchy snow in places on the way up; slushy soft snow intermingled with hazardous (to me) icy spots on the way down. The weather was perfect; blue skies on the way up, slight breeze but nothing to topple this Weeble; building clouds and stronger breeze on the way down.

The views of the Citadel, Grays and Torreys, Grizzly, the Mosquitoes, distant Holy Cross and the Gore Range were phenomenal, probably more so for me since my hunger for such has been denied for more than five months.

On top of Point 12,195, I rested on a snow-covered rock shelter, unable to make a dent in my frozen Power Bar, contemplating the traverse over to Cupid. I wasn’t sure I could do it. I was afraid I might not make it to the saddle because of the downhill, even though it was gentle and slight, and then not be able to make it back to the car. I pondered for a few minutes, contrasting the way I felt on Bierstadt with the way I felt today.

The sudden, crippling sharp pains that felt like being stabbed in the behind are less frequent now. I still have to stop to stretch quite frequently, but sitting down and getting back on my feet doesn’t require a third hand now.

On Bierstadt, I couldn’t step in someone else’s posthole because I couldn’t get out by myself. Today there was no post-holing.

I could see most of the trail. What little snow the wind hadn’t carried away was raised and compacted into a scribbly white line lazily making its way to the summit. I devoured a soft, chewy, chocolate Little Deborah (stop laughing!), put my frozen Power Bar in my pants pocket, hoping my body heat might transform it into something edible, and decided to go for Cupid. Less than an hour later, I was scanning the top of Cupid for heart-shaped rocks, lichens or snowfields, to no avail.

No mountain goats, no pikas, no register and no people. It wasn’t the Hallmark holiday, but it was my own very special holiday, and my now mushy raspberry cream Power Bar was the perfect reward.

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One Down, One to Go!

Completed the first of my Ravellenics socks on the train yesterday and got the second one started. Although there is a Sock Hockey category, I've entered these in the Snow Cross because I knitted the rib instead of crocheting. Snow Cross, which I think is one of the coolest Ravellenics event names, is combining more than one craft, such as crocheting and knitting, as I've done here. I hope to complete at least one more Snow Cross in the allotted 16 days because I just love combining crafts.

This is the first time I’ve ever used Wisdom yarn (yes, that’s really the name!), which is made in Turkey. This particular yarn also has a cool name. It’s called Poems. Poems by Wisdom. Is that cool or what?!?

I love the feel of the yarn. I love the colors. I love the content (wool that doesn’t itch). I’m not crazy about how much the yarn splits while working with small needles. I also became very annoyed last night when, four rows from completing the heel, a knot in the middle of the skein came up.

I can work around knots. No big deal. But this knot joined the second half of the skein in a different area of the colorway. It would have made a bright red blotch on the very tip of my heel, very obvious. So I had to wind off quite a bit of yarn to get back to the right color, which makes me worry I might not have enough to finish the second sock (and stick to the flow of the colorway).

Then, when I completed the first sock, I noticed the second half of the skein had the colorway going in the wrong direction! If I didn’t wind the yarn into a ball and start at the other end, the colors in my second sock would be upside down to how the first sock is done. I think you could see steam coming from my ears at this point! But it might have been the unplanned 55-minute wait for my next bus in 11 degrees that fueled part of that. [Big grin!]

While on our extremely romantic cross-country skiing extended Valentine weekend, I did complete four more Ravellenics projects, but I haven’t had a chance to photograph them yet. I have three more projects waiting in the wings. The finish line is still a week and a half away, so I just have to hope for time management miracles and weather and road conditions that accommodate long commutes. Could we call this a Miracle on Ice if I get them all done in time? Ha ha!

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Two, Two, Two Months in One!

Time constraints the last couple of weeks prevented me from posting the March installment of my free weekly planner in a timely manner, so I'm now releasing two months instead of just one. I don't know about you, but having a calendar that goes out further in advance this time of year is very helpful to me because I'm planning important things every weekend now!

So, without further adieu... March and April. Enjoy!

The next installment(s) will be available in March.

Of course, strings are attached... you know, all that legal mumbo jumbo. This calendar is copyrighted and provided by Snowcatcher Photos. You may print the calendar and share the calendar via link back to this site. You may not under any circumstances sell the calendar or any of the images therein. Modification or republication of the calendar or any of the images therein without prior written consent of Snowcatcher is strictly prohibited.

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Yikes!

4 March 2005

I got up, got dressed and headed out for a bike ride. I didn’t take my camera again. Just like yesterday. Yesterday I missed a magnificent sunrise. Today I missed…

A skunk!

Doing the jitterbug near the construction detour, his full and bushy tail stood upright in blatant warning. He had me.

If I turned around, I may have scared the daylights out of him. And sent me home reeking of his self-defense.

I couldn’t keep going straight. An orange barrier, like the one that nailed me last week, wouldn’t have kept me scent-free. It would have pitched me into a fluorescent orange cage, and the black and white mammal would have been free to have his way with me.

I could slow down, walk around the detour, just like I was supposed to, pretending the little critter wasn’t causing my nerves to quake and my hair to stand on end. I could hope and pray he didn’t take offense to my intrusion on his morning constitutional.

I took my chances.

I hopped back on the bike as if it was an aircraft about to take off. I was out of there in no time. I began warning oncoming cyclists of the road hazard ahead. They looked at me as if I were nuts.

I thought, “You know, I was trying to do a nice thing for you. But you know what? You can find out the hard way. It won’t hurt my feelings at all!”

I quit warning anyone.

I’ve been working on my cadence because The Lizard said it’s not even half what it should be. My normal average speed for this ride is about 10.9 to 11.2, depending upon darkness and detours, etc. The best I’d done so far on the flats during daylight was about 17 mph.

Today I did 20 mph for maybe about a mile. Then I did 19 mph for about another mile or so. Then I did 18 for another mile or so. And then I held 17 until I reached the barrier where the skunk had been.

The skunk was gone, of course. But I couldn’t get my speed back up after that. Still, I did a good interval, I think. I could do that last summer. But now it’s harder for me. It’s like starting all over again.

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Wordless Wednesday

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Milestone

27 February 2005

After a traumatic morning of church with the kids (and both kids demonstrating in vivid detail why I must be wary of trusting them), we were off to bike up Waterton Canyon again.

We came face to face with bighorn. Up close and personal. My daughter pet one. (Eyes roll.) Yes, I have taught my children not to approach wildife. She knew better.

The big news here is that I wanted to try to go up the steep part – without stopping – for the first time since surgery.

I had no real anticipation of really making it to the top. It took me four or five rides last year to be able to achieve that. Riding every day. Now I ride two or three times a week, and my back is still pretty darned stiff most of the time.

But I did it. !!!

I was VERY excited. The Lizard said he could see it in my eyes. I really was excited. I am very slow, and I have no stamina to speak of, but I made it up to the Colorado Trail without stopping, without getting off the bike. Huffing and puffing, but no stopping!

Bring on Mount Evans!

I still wonder if I will ever stop being stiff. I hate the way my back feels. I still catch myself wondering from time to time why in the world I gave someone permission to cut me open and remove parts. I know my back is much better now than it was. I have more movement now than I did then. But I really did think I’d be 100% by now. I can’t believe it’s taking so long to heal.

2010 Note: My kids did one more ride with me after this. We did the Buena Vista Century in May of 2005. Then my daughter joined The Lizard and me for Elephant Rock in June of 2005. That's the last time my kids rode with me. The Lizard and I registered for 2005 Ride the Rockies without them. Riding together as a family for a whole week was a fun dream while it lasted.

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Snowflake Monday

Don't ask.

But it would make a terrific golden anniversary present. That's why I'm sharing the recipe.

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!


Finished Size: 6.75 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 8 crochet thread in white and gold, or add a strand of metallic thread to white and make your own gold crochet thread, size 4 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or foil, cellophane tape, water-soluble glue, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Golden Anniversary Snowflake Instructions

For numbers:

To make the 5: Ch 39, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of the next 4 ch, 3 sc in next ch, sc in each of next 2 ch, 3 sc in next ch, 2 sc in next ch, dec 1 across next 2 ch (pull up a loop in each of next 2 ch, yo and pull through all three loops) 5 times, sc in next ch, dec across next 2 ch to end of ch; bind off. Weave in ends.

To make the 0: Ch 22. Taking care not to twist chain, sl st into 1st ch to form ring. Ch 1, sc in each of next 7 ch, 2 sc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, 2 sc in next ch, 1 sc in next 8 ch, 2 sc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, 2 sc in next ch, sl st in 1st sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Tape wax paper or foil to top of empty pizza box. Pin numbers to shape. Mix a couple drops of water with a half teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint numbers with glue mixture and allow to dry at least 24 hours. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly.

For Snowflake:

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 12 sc in ring, sl st in 1st sc. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 8 (counts as dc and ch 5), skip next sc and dc in next sc, *ch 5, skip next sc and dc in next sc; repeat from * around 3 more time for a total of 6 spokes, ch 3, dc into 3rd ch of ch 8.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 3: Ch 6 (counts as dc and ch 3) dc around post of dc below, ch 2, sl st in top of ch 3 below, ch 2, *dc into next ch 5 sp, ch 3, dc into same ch 5 sp (V made), ch 2, sl st in top of next dc, ch 2; repeat from * around 4 more times for a total of 6 points, sl st in 3rd ch of ch 6.

Round 4: Sl st into top of next V, ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc into same sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 4, sl st in next sl st, ch 4, *into next ch 3 sp work 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 4, sl st into next sl st, ch 4; repeat from * around 4 more times for a total of 6 points; sl st into top of starting ch 3.

Round 5: Sl st into next dc and into next ch 3 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into same ch 3 sp, ch 5, 3 dc into same ch 3 sp, ch 3, dc into next sl st, ch 3, *into next ch 3 sp work 3 dc, ch 5, 3 dc, ch 3, dc into next sl st, ch 3; repeat from * around 4 more times for a total of 6 points; sl st into 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 6: Sl st into each of next 2 dc, sl st into ch 5 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), 3 dc in same ch 5 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 7, sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 12, sl st in sc, ch 5, sl st in sc, sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 4 dc in ch 5 sp below, ch 7, skip next 3 dc and next ch 3, sc in next dc, ch 8, sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 5, sl st in sc, ch 5, sl st in sc, sl st in each of next 3 ch (working back down branch), sc in same dc, ch 7, *in next ch 5 sp work 4 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 7, sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 12, sl st in sc, ch 5, sl st in sc, sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 4 dc in same ch 5 sp, ch 7, skip next 3 dc and next ch 3, sc in next dc, ch 8, sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 5, sl st in sc, ch 5, st st in sc, sl st in each of next 3 ch (working back down branch), sc in same dc, ch 7; repeat from * 4 more times for a total of 6 big and 6 little picot flowers; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3; bind off. Weave in ends.

I made this snowflake again for my special project using this pattern, and I decided I didn't like the center very much without the numbers. So I designed a new center. This is yet another in the series of Easter eggs I'm hiding on my website. Hope you enjoy!


Golden Egg Snowflake:

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 12 sc in ring, sl st in 1st sc. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 4 dc in same sc, remove hook from loop and insert in 2nd ch of starting ch 2, replace 4th dc loop on hook and pull through ch loop (starting popcorn stitch made), * ch 8, sl st in 6th ch from hook, ch 2, sk next sc, 5 dc in next sc, remove hook from loop and insert in 1st dc of 5/dc group, pull through 1st dc (popcorn stitch made); repeat from * around 5 times; ch 2, 1 dc in top of starting popcorn to form 6th ch 4 sp of Round, ch 3, 1 tr in top of dc to form 6th ch 6 loop of Round.

Round 3: 1 sc around post of tr directly below, * ch 2, 1dc into top of next popcorn, ch 3, dc into same popcorn (V made), ch 2, 1 sc in next ch 6 loop; repeat from * around 5 more times, omitting last sc of final repeat, sl st in starting sc.

Round 4: 1 sc over sc directly below into same ch 6 loop, ch 3, 2 dc in next V-stitch, ch 3, 2 dc in same V-stitch, ch 3, 1 sc over next sc into ch 6 loop directly below; repeat from * around 4 more times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 5: 1 sc in same sc as sl st, * ch 3, sk next ch 3 sp, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 sc in next sc; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc.

Round 6: 1 sc same sc as sl st, * ch 8, 1 sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 6, sl st in sac, ch 5, sl st in sc (tri picot made), working back down spike, sl st in each of next 3 ch, 1 sc in same sc, ch 7, sk next ch 3 sp, 4 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), ch 7, 1 sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 12, sl st in sc, ch 5, sl st in sc (tri picot with big top loop made), sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), 4 dc in same ch 3 sp in main body of snowflake, ch 7, 1 sc in next sc; repeat from * 5 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Remove numbers from stiffening station. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or foil. Mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener, glitter lightly (gold glitter works very nicely for this particular flake), position numbers on flake, adding more glue to number backs if necessary.

Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or foil. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window, tied to doorknob or cabinet handle or placed on gift instead of bow. Bows generally get thrown away. Snowflakes never go in the garbage! (Unless they are stiffened with sugar and mice get to them in storage…)

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At long last!

Today is the day I've waited for since 2002. I had planned to attend the Olympics in Vancouver, but economic conditions interfered. Yet I am still excited.

Watching the athletes who have trained and prepared for years for this moment in time is so awe-inspiring. I love to hear (or read) the stories of the participants who have overcome great obstacles and hurdles to make their respective teams. Watching the athletes of the world parade into the Opening Ceremonies together, common in purpose, is something I wish all of us could emulate all year long.

This year, I have a new Olympic-inspired experience to further boost my adrenaline levels. I am participating in the Ravellenics. Spinners, weavers, crocheters and knitters will begin working on specific crafts they've planned for exactly this time as the Opening Ceremonies begin and must finish by the time the Olympic flame is extinguished.

The events have fun names, and I think most everyone who participates will earn badges and medals for their blogs and web pages.

I've been in training for the last few hours, getting my fingers nimble and my mind inspired so I can design a couple of items for which I've never been able to find suitable patterns. I made an inuksuk! (Or perhaps more appropriately, an inunnguaq.) Is this Olympic spirit or what?!? His name is Iluak, which in Inuit means "person who does good things." He's going cross-country skiing with me, and he'll be making sure I keep those fingers flying when I'm not typing, driving, skiing or cycling!

While I was working on this little guy on public transportation, I often attracted a lot of attention.

"What are you making?"

"Um, a rock..."

Eyebrows raise, heads tilt, heads shake sadly, no doubt harboring thoughts such as, "I think she's got rocks in her head!"

Well, see? I finished crocheting my rocks! And they turned out pretty darned cool!

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OTBSC*

22 February 2005

I need to tell a tale of woe from this morning. I got up to ride. The sunrise looked like it would be awesome. So I took my camera.

Much of the bike path has been under construction. The construction barrier two bridges south was down, and there were no signs, so I kept going, planning to cross over to the detour at the next bridge.

The bridge is dark brown. The sun had not come up. There was no warning. Just a sudden reflection of my headlamp off the orange barrier. OTBSC* for me! My first one ever!

I think I'm okay, but everyone has been mad at me all day for doing such a stupid thing right after back surgery. Geez, it's been almost 15 weeks, and we're still "right after." I know, I know, I limp around, and I walk with a stoop. My back is always arched. I’ve always got my hand on my back for support. I know. I look like an old woman. An old woman who just had surgery ten minutes ago.

But I just don't want to give up my passion anymore. I've already missed out on enough!

* Over The Bars Scar Club

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Friday Funny

It's amazing what people are doing with technology these days. To get your weekend off to a romantic start, check out this odd couple's Save the Date announcement. And happy Valentine's Day!

Here is the link if you are unable to view the video above.

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Progress

12 February 2005

After church, we intended to rent bikes from Bicycle Village, which has the biggest bike rental ad in the phone book and on the internet.

Turns out they don't rent in the "off season." Ha! Off-season!!! I don't think there is an off-season in Colorado!!! You should see the number of people out on their bikes right now!!! I mean, not this precise minute, but every day! The weather has been absolutely stunning. Bluebird days. Cyclists everywhere are trying to get in as many miles as they can. Some of my best rides have been in January.

So we headed off toward REI, but my son has a 411 service on his phone, so he called. No, REI does not rent bikes.

East, toward Treads, the next biggest ad in the phone book. Closed Sundays. Funny, the ad in the phone book and on the internet didn't mention that. I was getting pretty annoyed because we now were going to be late to meet The Lizard at Waterton Canyon.

I can't believe no one rents bikes in February because it is "off season." How absurd!

I headed to Wal-Mart and hoped for the best. Really frustrated. Really, really frustrated.

I bought two Schwinn bikes. The Lizard says I did well. He approved. And then he offered to help pay for the new bikes.

Is this guy the most wonderful person on the planet or what???

I turned him down but thanked him, of course, but he promised to maintain the bikes and do some work on both before our next ride. He says both bikes need tune-ups. My son had something pulling or rubbing, and my daughter’s is muddy.

Muddy??? Yes! Muddy! We went on a ride! We were nearly an hour late meeting The Lizard (who does not own a cell phone). But we met him, and we all went up Waterton Canyon. We saw bighorn. I wasn't tired at the end.

I had my son load the bikes in my car while my daughter changed. I wasn't sure if she would come back. She took a long, long time. But she did come back. Miracle of all miracles.

I didn't know if I could trust her on a bike. But she did fine. For that matter, I didn't really know if I could trust my son with a bike. But he did fine. He kept trying to race The Lizard, and The Lizard whipped him. That was pretty funny. Now my son is determined to get in better shape so he can keep up with The Lizard.

Both kids want to do this every weekend.

It was fun. It was like old times. Sort of.

It's scary for me to admit I had a good time and that everything went fine because I'm afraid the next outing will make up for this one.

But fact is, everything did go well, and it was a fun day for all.

I've learned not to expect fun from my kids these days. It's an adjustment to accept fun is what happened today. I've grown so accustomed to emotions on the opposite side of the spectrum, that's all I expect. But today was fun. I would like to do it again. I would LOVE to do it again.

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