I refuse to believe this

In early October, I was setting up a server for a client (I'm a computer consultant in real life). After working with it for a few hours (*install program, reboot, repeat from * until you run out of programs), it refused to complete the boot process. It would get to a certain point and just stop.

I worked with tech support for weeks (weeks, mind you). Reinstalled the operating system, installed other software in a certain order, same problem. Replaced every part but the *&#%! case, same problem. Finally, the mfr sent me a new server.

Replacement server arrives w/o operating system disks. Mfr can't just send the OS CDs, they have to send another server. (Yes, really.)

Third server arrives. I unboxed it yesterday, completed the automated install process, AND NOTHING ELSE. I did absolutely, positively nothing to the server; it only has the software on it that the mfr sent, installed as the mfr installed it. I left the server on overnight; today it was locked up. I powered it down, then turned it back on. It won't finish booting. It just gets to a certain point and stops. Forever.

If I take the server out to the field behind my house, and blast it full of holes, d'ya suppose that will void the warranty?

See what happens...

When you dig around looking for a lost ball of sock yarn organize your stash? I thought I had used up all the yarn I had dyed for the prayer shawl back in October, and dyed some more. Lookie what I found when I went tearing through all my boxes of yarn: more than enough to finish the shawl! I am about three-quarters done, and HP has sent me yet another server (hope this one works right & has all it's parts!). I'll be knittin' & installin'.

Talk about temptation

This sock is destined for CIC, but it's big enough to fit me. And I love this colorway! Wanna keep!

The yarn is Paton's Classic Merino, dyed in my newest colorway, Naiad. It's so soft, I just love the way it feels. I'm basically using the free pattern here, with a German heel from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. I think Paton's Merino is going to be my new fave sock yarn; it takes color so beautifully, and it feels as good as it looks. Oh, the temptation.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm responsible for Thanksgiving dinner this year, so I made my favorite thing: reservations! The b/f made dinner the last two years (and a very good dinner it was), but wasn't really excited about cooking this year. Patrick's Thanksgiving buffet, here we come! We have eaten there before, and they do a good spread. The only bad thing is, no leftovers. :( Next order of business is to pick a movie to watch after dinner. I think it's about time for Robocop 2 again...

Another pair for CIC

Finished another pair of socks for CIC (shown here undergoing a cat scan). These are made with Lion Fisherman's Wool (dyed with Koolaid, natch). Next I plan to do some larger socks, since they say they need socks for the older kids.

I don't currently have any socks on the needles for myself, and I'm jonesin', man. I keep picturing the black, lacy socks I'm planning to make, then I remind myself that I have to finish the prayer shawl in time to ship it to my SIL. So, I knit a few rows, then I go pet the black sock yarn. Soon, I promise, soon...

Halfway

Finished the first skein of yarn, and the scarf measures just over 20". So, the finished scarf should be about 40", which is a respectable length. Good thing, since I lost my notes on how I dyed this yarn; 2 skeins is all I have!

And no, I haven't walked 20 miles since I started the scarf. Most of the knitting has been done in the comfort of my living room. But I have walked some on the treadmill, now that it is too *%#&@! cold to walk outside. Having something to knit while on the treadmill is a real godsend, since it is infinitely more boring than walking outside.

I'm dying to start on a new pair of socks for me, and a wool vest, but I really need to get cracking on the shawl for my SIL. Course, that's not a portable project, so once the scarf is done, I think it would be OK to start another pair of socks, don't you?

Ta-da!

Finished the second sock, in spite of HP. They shipped me a server, but they failed to include the operating system install disks. So, instead of working on the server (and knitting while I waited on it), I listed stuff on eBay. I can't knit while eBay-ing. Today I get to call and see how long they'll take to get the install disks here.

Thank G-d for Rome; at least I can count on some knitting time Sundays at 8pm (Central).

Home Stretch

This is a very exciting time for me. First sock is done, and I've finished the heel on the second. I've rounded the corner, and I'm heading for home! I'm configuring a server this afternoon (lotsa thumb-twiddling knitting time), and Rome is on tonight. I see Kitchener in the near future, and a new pair of socks!

2 miles = 2 inches

Took the new scarf for a walk today. Had an inch on the needles when I left; 2 miles later, the scarf measured 3 inches. I see a lot of walking in my future.

On the plus side, I really like how it looks so far. I'm using Panda Woolbale (dyed by yours truly). Needles are one size larger than I would use to get the suggested gauge of 22 stitches=4 inches. If you want to knit along with me, here's the skinny:

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches (I used 30). Knit in seed stitch for 3 rows, then begin pattern. Continue to work first & last three stitches of each row in seed stitch; this is not included in directions below.

Vine Lace Pattern:
Row 1: *yo, k2, k2tog, k2; repeat from * across
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: *k2, k2tog, k2, yo; repeat from * across
Row 4: Purl

Repeat these four rows until scarf is desired length. Knit three rows of seed stitch; bind off.

That was painful

While I loved the way the Brioche Scarf looked, I wasn't happy with the way it draped. It just wasn't as flexible as I wanted. Plus, I feared it would be too warm. Through the wonders of global warming, we would probably have two whole days a year that would be cold enough to warrant such a scarf. So, I frogged it.

I am working on a lacy pattern that I think will be more appropriate to our clime. Will keep you posted...

SiPs

Just finished one sock in Lion Magic Stripes Purple Pattern and am casting on for its mate. These socks are for memeME! My own pattern with a short row heel.

The 1.5 socks on the right are for CIC, made of Lion Fisherman's Wool dyed with Koolaid. I'm getting a head start on January's sock challenge; I have three pairs complete so far. I also started on a vest for CIC, but after completing the ribbing, I realize I goofed & didn't cast on enough stitches. Oops! So I plan to frog & start again. This vest is my own pattern, which I'll post when complete.

Tonight Rome is on, so I'll be knitting as I watch the intrigue.