Surprise! Remember Me?

It's been busy, busy, busy at Casa SAkNITY.

Since it's not been busy, busy in my unit at work, I've been detailed to work on some projects for The Hospital, and it's kept me busy, busy.

There wasn't even much kNITting to blog about, as I went for quite awhile without even picking up needles to any great extent.

That problem has been remedied, and I've even hit 2 Late Nights. (Skipped tonight because The Husband and I went out for dinner-- that's another story-- coming up later in this blog.)

April 16th came and went with some tears, some prayers, some time with friends and some time for meditation. I met a friend for lunch in Old Town, and when I returned to my car, there was a packet of sunflower seeds with a VT sticker, an orange ribbon, and a request to plant the seeds in rememberance. I was touched. I found out that some people were handing them out in town, and I guess they saw the VT stickers on my car. What a thoughtful gesture on such a difficult day.

So-- kNITting progress--

Tilted duster-- sleeves are done-- Hurrah, Hurrah! Next step is picking up and knitting the collar. Shouldn't be too bad. I should make some headway on that tomorrow.

(Oh yes-- Tomorrow! I'm heading down to Blacksburg for the second of 4 2-day sessions to become a certified Event Planner! Y'know-- conferences, fund raisers, weddings, bar mitvahs-- they actually have classes for that. It's most interesting and lots of fun.)

The Linen project for a special person-- first one's almost done. About 2 inches left.

Dinner Tonight

The Husband said "Let's go out for dinner." Hey-- I'm a fan. Since he was driving and paying, I didn't bring my purse-- one less thing for me to forget.

Let me make it perfectly clear that I LOVE Famous Dave's. Great pork barbecue, yummy ribs, and Wilbur beans that are just superb.

But let me ask you a question-- seriously-- and don't even try to be nice--do these two really appear to be under 21?

OK-- I don't think so either. But they have their rules, so be it. No ID, No Beer. Sigh.

After quite a long time, we were able to order. Easy order-- onion strings and a combo for 2. 1/2 hour later-- onion strings arrive. Another 1/2 hour later- combo for 2 arrives. 45 minutes later-- done eating by 20 minutes or so, and hoping for the check. And hoping. And maybe a box or two to take home our rather large amount of leftovers. Waiter kept walking past us, averting eyes, being busy, busy. Finally, a check. Some boxes. A discussion with the manager. 2 hours have elapsed since we arrived. Without beer.

Good thing the food's so good.

What Can Be Better?

The Daughter is home for a couple of days. I just love spending time with my beautiful, talented, clever, funny offspring. (The Son fits all of those, too- but substitute "swarthy" for "beautiful.") (I love spending time with him, too- but he's not on break til next week.)

We both have work to do, so amidst a couple of appointments (Lasik followup and a lock-trimming), we're going to hunker down in the family room with a bunch of DVD's, a pot of coffee, a case of Diet Coke, and our laptops. Amazing how much work I've done during my "week off." I don't mind, as long as I can be with The Daughter during the couple of days she's home.

I had a lunch meeting at a colleague's house yesterday (try the Panera turkey panini with spinach and artichoke---YUM!!!). We're working on a project and she has two beautiful 9-month old twin girls. Much easier to do things on her turf. It was a very productive meeting, and we're well on our way with the project.

I've also been working on some Powerpoint presentations, and I'm having a ball. I figured out how to put in music and use a lot of the effects to the max. There are a lot of important things to teach and communicate at the hospital right now, and it makes me feel good to put it into a form that people enjoy experiencing. This is very time consuming, but it's like play to me-- many hours put to good use.

I used to feel a bit guilty about the "play factor" associated with doing these projects, until My Sister#4 turned me on to Brat Factor. It's done by Pam & Peggy- the Sidetracked Sisters who spawned FlyLady. (Hey, Erin-- you seeing a theme here?) I keep hoping it'll kick in-- baby steps.

Anyway-- Brat Factor is based on the premise that we all have an "inner brat". (I named mine Edith Anne- remember Laugh In?).

The motto is:

"If it isn't fun, it won't get done"

(Now I have to buckle down and get one of my lectures finalized. JUST DO IT!- And MAKE IT FUN!!!)

On the knitting front: I've made pretty good progress on the first hand towel while watching college basketball on the tube. (Jane-- that's telly, not subway to you). March Madness should be a very productive time. Once I just paid attention to the knitting and not reading the pattern all the time, it decided to work with me.

I'm looking forward to "before" and "after" pictures with it, because there appear to be a lot of holes where knit meets purl, and small irregularities because the linen fiber is a bit irregular and pretty stiff. It's going to bloom and relax, I know... It's a nice travelling project in lieu of socks and mittens. Not too big, not too heavy, and makes more visible immediate gratification progress on 5's than socks on 0's.

And sometime soon I need to overcome my fear of sleeve caps and finish the darn Tilted Duster so I can WEAR it!!! (I guess I need to focus on how much fun it will be to have it finished.)

Sometime soon.

Random pic of the day:

Double rainbow somewhere in Ohio near Cleveland.

It Was a Beautiful Day

Although it was quite windy and a bit chilly.

But despite the wind and the chill and the crowds (A very early St. Pat's Day Parade in Alexandria-- pretty soon it'll be held in January) our hearts were warm and it was one of the best recent days ever.

I met up with some Irregulars at Knit Happens. I haven't been able to make it to Late Night for several weeks, and I really missed everyone. It was like coming home after a long time away.

We caught some yumminess at Chipotle and on return to The Shop I set to the business of the most unbelievable in-person yarn sale I've experienced. Stef, Michelle and Kelly had incredible deals... 25--50--75--80--90--90 % off some of these terrific yarns!!!! I picked up a bunch of FibraNatura Flax (50%), some Nature Cotton (90%), a boatload of King Tut (90%), some Noro Kochoron (70%)-- Un-be-bleepin'-lievable!!!

I started on some linen hand towels, using the flax, as a special gift for a special person, using a pattern from Mason-Dixon Knitting. I'm using the Addi Lace needles-- a good match with the linen whch is a bit "splitty."

I ended up doing a bit of frogging. First I cast on the wrong number of stitches. Then my conversations interfered with basic counting... the beat goes on. I can say that the linen reacts pretty well to frogging and tinking, and softens up nicely. I am so looking forward to getting one finished so I can wash it and experience the drapiness promised by the Mason Dixons, Ann and Kay.

FidgetAnn met us after her class, and after a bit more sittin' and knittin', we (Ann, Dani, Elspeth and I) headed off in search of Margaritas and perhaps a bite to eat.
South Austin Grill was packed, so I suggested Hard Times Cafe, which has the best chili in the hemisphere if not the world. (I'd venture to say the world, since it doesn't seem likely to me that any other nation could "do" chili as well as the good ol' USA.) The chili (try the Frito pie) and Margaritas were out of this world. (I like all the chilis- but my favorite is Texas- as dry as possible.)

Then off to the Metro to head in separate directions, and home.

I continued to bungle the towel, and realized the reason I was messing up on this extremely easy pattern was that I was tuckered out, so frogged the whole thing and started over today.

Good decision, and I'm on my way.

Drive-By Randomness Blog

• -Virginia Tech-Maryland box scoreVirginia Tech 69, Maryland 65 It was a heck of a game last night-- and LATE!!! Tipoff was at 9 PM!
• -Working on the second mitten.
• -Will probably do some shoulderage on the Tilted Duster sleeves during tomorrow's anticipated sleet and ice.
• -If it's not too bad, might drop by the shop.
• -I love being able to be off when we're overstaffed-- but my vacation time is in danger of getting dribbled away.
• That is all.

Random Picture du Jour

Wiameia Canyon, Hawaii. Can it be a year since I was there?

That's The Way...

Uh Huh, Uh Huh



I LIKE IT


Uh Huh, Uh Huh

No- No!!! Not Again!!!

Knitting? Not So Much

We got slammed with car troubles again-- hopefully resolved by now.

The Son's transmission croaked, so $3600 and a new transmission later, we are back to a full complement of vehicles.

It's been a bit of a pain this week, with trips to Winchester to play musical cars, dropping The Husband off at work and picking him up, or vice versa, and dealing with what was, while not a catastrophe, hugely inconvenient. To top it off, I worked 4 nights over the weekend which is a story in itself.

I was particularly distressed that the 2 trips to Winchester coincided with Sister #3's visits to the area for work. When she's traveled before, we've made opportunities to meet for drinks or breakfast. This time it could not be. And she lives halfway across the continent! I can only hope that she'll be back so we can get together.

All this transiting, and associated schleppage also prevented Late Night for me this week. I'd been looking forward to it, but it was not meant to be.

So, I look forward to the return of some normalcy.

I really need to make progress on that second mitten!!!

Random Picture du Jour

Statue of John Wayne at the Orange County airport.

All Right!

I hit Late Night on Wednesday. It had been awhile since I'd seen some of my friends. As always, conversation was lively (hint-- Andrew Morton's new book)and the work of these talented women was beautiful, as always. Stef gave a rundown of the TNNA excitement, and a wonderful verbal preview of the incredible new yarns and products we'll be seeing in The Shop.

I finished the first of my new mittens. It's a take on a peekaboo mitten, but with more overlap in the back. It's knit in Lorna's Laces 100% Alpaca in camel. Not sure where I got the yarn-- I think it was an eBay purchase, and it's the same yarn I used for my Mom's Branching Out shawl in teal. I have a couple of skeins in a bright-ish pink.

Now I need to do the other mitten.

So What's With The ADD?

And why do I have to work so hard to keep from casting on a new project before I finish what's in progress?

I really need to/want to finish the Tilted Duster, but I'm nervous about the shoulders. I simply need to get out the tape measure, focus, and just jump in and do it.

Part of it is the stash situation, I think. I have some wonderful yarns screaming to me to be knit. There's a beautiful grey and white handspun wool/angora I got at MSW. There's a sweater's worth of Jaeger Aran in teal from Knit Happens. There's one of those huge skeins of Mountain Colors from Hunt Country. I have lots of incredible sock yarns from lots of places.

I imagine there are worse problems to have.

Headin' South

For the weekend, that is.

The Daughter is going back to school, and I'm driving down with her. The Husband will join us this evening, because we have tickets for the Hokies/Terps basketball game tomorrow.

The Daughter and I went grocery shopping yesterday, and I'm pretty pleased with our purchases. We've both decided to get serious (again, for me-- the constant battle)about eating healthy. So as we were checking out, I looked at what we'd purchased, and it was nearly all lean meats, chicken, fish, lots of veggies, soup, fruit--- all the stuff we should be eating.

We loaded up The Husband's car with the canned goods and some of the hearty veg. The proteins are in the freezer getting ready for the transit. We'll stop for dairy on the way out of town.

Quite an accomplishment.

Random Pic of the Day:

One of the resident parrots at The Salty Dog in Hilton Head.

My Daemon

Spontaneous, sociable, inquisitive, outgoing- yep, that pretty much does it. Not sure about the modest part though...

Taking a Break

Both Offspring are home from school, and I had the foresight to put in for vacation time. In our field, you really have to plan ahead for time off-- at least 2 months in advance.

Because of my less-than-stellar organizational skills, I frequently found myself forgetting to put in requests for time off except for vacation trips. This put me in constant danger of losing vacation time. So I've started taking time when I'm not going anywhere. It's a good thing. Gives me some time in the house, and this week, some time with The Kids.

I started knitting a pair of mittens with some Lorna's Laces Alpaca that I got somewhere. Can't remember where. I'm using the Magic Loop technique, since I can't find my shorter needles to use 2 circs. There seems to be a lot of this going on. I'm going to try using a short row toe technique to make a finger opening.

Worst thing that could happen is that it doesn't work, and I'll have to frog it.

Random Pic of the Day:
These are some of the gingerbread cookies that the Older Cousins decorated during the annual Cookie Bake at Sister#2's house in December. Aren't they pretty? (They tasted mighty fine, too.)

OK--Happy New Year Already

I've been trying to get around to blogging (other than acknowledging the Orange Bowl sadness) but just couldn't get it together.

I need to jump-start 2008.

How about some resolutions? I've grown weary of the usual ones that fall by the wayside-- not that I won't try...

This year, with a knitting focus (not necessarily in order):

-Empty the needles. Finish the unfinished.

-Either knit up the orphan socks, or frog the first one.

-Complete the uncompleted, and put together all the pieces of things that are otherwise done.

-Be creative in using stash.

-Admit defeat. If something's not singing to me while I'm working on it, call it a day. Figure out the problem (wrong yarn? wrong project for the yarn?), and start over.

-Organize stash, needles and toys. Get rid of yarn I don't love.

That should do it.

Happy Stuff-- FO's

Mom's Rosebud Shawl

From This..
(Note about this colorway of Lion & Lamb-- The red bled. A lot. I did 4 complete washes and rinses before it stopped bleeding. I've never used this yarn before, so I can't speak to the other colorways.)

...To This: I gave myself some Blocking Wires for Christmas. They're from KnitPicks. They are a tad more pricey than they need to be, imho, but I love the heck out of them. For a blocking board, my old standby is a corrugated cardboard pattern board that I picked up years ago for about $7.00 at a fabric store. It has lines on it-- most handy, I must say-- and it works great for me. It warps a bit during blocking, but after it's folded up and stored in its handy plastic wrapper behind the piano, it works great the next time. The shawl was too long to fit on the board, and I just happened to have a long cardboard box from a shelf I just put together last week. If you look toward the fireplace, you can see where the box takes over. Handy, huh?

To This:
Now, I tried doing one of those glamour shots that Elspeth is so famous for, and it just ended up looking utterly ridiculous, so the recliner in the family room is sitting in for what would otherwise be me.


Project: Rosebud Shawl (free pattern from Briar Rose Fibers)
For: My Mom
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Lion & Lamb; Tuscany colorway; won in contest- 3 skeins
Needles: Denise 10-1/2 (from Knit Happens)
Started: November 2007
Finished: December 2007
Blocked: (see resolutions above) January 2008

Impressions-- I love knitting with the yarn-- it feels good, it has wonderful drape, and the color changes keep things interesting. The pattern is a dream. If I were to do it again, though, I'd probably make it wider by adding one or two more rosebud lines. There are 3 in the pattern as written. The tradeoff is that there wasn't enough yarn to make it this long if it were wider. I wouldn't have chosen this colorway if I were purchasing the yarn, but I like the way it turned out. I didn't notice until I took the picture, that it looks like it's trying to be plaid. Interesting.

Dad's Grey Scarf

You can see it being blocked above, next to Mom's Rosebud Shawl. How appropriate, since they've been by each others' sides for nearly 60 years. (Go Mom & Dad!!!)

I was really happy when Dad said he'd like for me to knit him a scarf. After a bit of discussion, we determined that the color couldn't be flashy (dark green would be too flashy), and he didn't want tan. As I was considering how to knit it, it occurred to me that the cables I had in mind might fall into the "too flashy" category, but I needed something that wouldn't bore me to tears while knitting .

I fondled miles of yarn at KnitHappens, zeroing in on the Rowan Cocoon-- a Merino/Mohair combo, in an acceptable shade of light charcoal grey (Rowan calls it Slate). I designed a pattern, loosely based on a mock-cable I saw in a stitch book.

Project: Dad's Grey Manly Man Scarf- my own pattern
For: My Dad
Yarn: Rowan Cocoon from KnitHappens; Slate; 2 skeins
Needles: Susan Bates circular size 9 (donated by Bates to the Hokie Healing Project and used by me to knit Hokie Squares. Thank you, Bates/Coats & Clark)
Started & Finished: December 2007
Blocked: with Mom's Rosebud Shawl January 2008
Impressions: I really liked knitting with Cocoon. It occasionally splits, but not so much that it's annoying. I was a bit worried that it would be stiff and scratchy-- it felt soft in the skein, but firmed up a bit during knitting. After washing in Eucalan, it's very nice and soft. If I were to do it again, I'd probably go up a size on the needles to improve drape, especially if I were doing something similar for a woman. I was a bit worried that it might look a little lacy.

And Finally:
Random picture of the day:This is lunch at a restaurant in Hilton Head that was used as Bubba's shrimping place in Forrest Gump. That oyster clump there had 8 oysters in it!!!

Rats!

Merry Christmas! And Happy Old Year!

When I lived in Italy, I worked with British Naval Officers at a NATO command. On New Year's Eve, they always said "Happy Old Year."

It's been a very full "old" year-- filled with joy, hope, progress, sadness, healing.

We have been blessed with good health, fulfillment in our endeavors, and the joy of being together-- my husband and children, my parents, siblings and their children, and friends.

I went to Hawaii with The Parents last January. It was such a precious time for me-- to have them all to myself in such a lovely place. I love cruising, and the combination of being with them, seeing such beauty (and hey-- those whales!) --the entire experience was simply beyond description.

The Offspring and I spent a week this summer with The Parents, The Sibs and The Cousins on a lake in northern Wisconsin. There's nothing like being together, and I just love the way The Cousins melt into their relationships after not having seen each other for months.

We got together for our annual Cookie Bake in December-- more family bonding, fun and love.

The Husband and I had a great week in Hilton Head. Such great relaxing time!

We experienced the events of last spring, and have begun to heal, although we will never forget.

We had many football weekends in Blacksburg-- met new friends and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. (Even that heartbreaking loss to Boston College in the deluge.)

VT won the ACC championship (against Boston College-- go figure). We had a great time in Jacksonville at the game, and The Son was even able to come. The Hokies are headed to the Orange Bowl in Miami on Thursday.

The Daughter got laser eye correction surgery on Friday, and is happy and healing well, and looking forward to a lifetime of being able to see without glasses or contacts. (They were running late, they bought us pizza, we ended up getting locked in the garage, but that's another story.)

Quite a year, indeed.

Christmas Finally Arrived

Anyone who is married to- or parented by- a nurse will tell you that holidays take on a new and exciting twist. As in-- When will Christmas be this year? Or, Are we celebrating Thanksgiving on Tuesday or Saturday?

I worked the 24th, 25th and 26th this year. The question of when to celebrate became more complicated because of The Son's schedule at the movie theater. He is moving up the ladder, and is taking advantage of all opportunities.

We were finally all together last evening, after I got home from work at 9 p.m. Since we won't all be together on tonight or tomorrow, The Husband prepared our special pork and sauerkraut New Year's Day dinner. (It's a German thing.) And then we had presents. We got nice, warm things from The Parents. It makes me happy throughout the year to put on jammies or a robe or slippers from them-- it's like getting a hug.

The Daughter got a very strange gift from us-- a kitchen knife that she loves. Every time we're cooking together, she comments on one of my knives, and tells me how much she wants it. It's a bit of an investment knife-- so that's what she got, and she's thrilled.

The Son wanted a very specific backpack for his laptop. I ordered it on the 22nd and believe it or not, it arrived on the 24th. I was totally blown away! (and thrilled that whenever Christmas was going to arrive, he'd have his present.)

The Husband got a thing that takes your slides and negatives, and digitizes them. In my unending endeavors to declutter (hey-- it could happen!!!) it occurred to me that the minor mountain of unviewed, untouched during the past 10 years slides might find a new venue.

The Daughter and I had a great time at the bookstore getting just the right things for The Husband and The Son (who helped matters greatly by having a pretty extensive "want to read" list on his facebook.) And we found some books for ourselves as well.

And what do you think I found in my stocking? A VERY generous gift certificate to my favorite place, Knit Happens. The Husband and The Daughter could hardly contain themselves as they told of Rosanna's excitement to see them and to prepare my certificate. She did a LOVELY job-- with pink and green pen. (I'm not in photo mode right now, but tomorrow will bring pictures.)

And to all, a good night.

In Other News

My blocking wires arrived, (HURRAH!) and I'm looking forward to blocking Mom's Rosebud Shawl-- hopefully this afternoon. Pics tomorrow.

I'm making rapid progress on a scarf for my Dad. It's knit with Rowan Cocoon that I got at The Shop-color= slate which is a heathery charcoal grey. It's a design of my own, based on a mock-cable pattern from an Aran stitch book--- (can't remember which book at the moment, but I'll look it up and let you know.) I was thinking of doing some cables in the scarf, but Dad's not too much on "fancy" (dark green is a bit too flashy for him). I needed to keep some texture and interest in the scarf so I wouldn't go bonkers knitting it. So this seemed to be a good compromise. More pics tomorrow!

Catch you next year.

Cookie Baking Time

I'm in the Chicago suburbs right now, with The Daughter. We flew in yesterday to spend some time with my sibs for our annual Cookie Bake.

It's a great time of the year, and a wonderful opportunity to be together.

I wrote last year about the tradition, but I don't think I mentioned our little Cookie Book.

Sister #1 was able to spend time with my grandmother in her later years, and collected her recipes. Of course there were some ambiguities, but over the past few seasons we've been able to iron out the bugs.

We made little laminated books with the recipes, and included a few anecdotes about our memories of Gramma's cookies.

Tomorrow's the day. We'll start at about 10:00. We're meeting at Sister #2's, and to quote my Austrian Gramma "All day ve bake."

We'll wrap up late in the evening, sorting the cookies into 10 family divisions and carefully packing them up for mailing or transport.

There's nothing like it.

Making Progress

On the Rosebud Shawl, that is. It's actually quite a bit longer now--almost done with the second skein. I had some good knitting time while The Husband and I drove to Charlottesville (the home of another state university) for a meeting.

I like what the stitches are doing. See the little rosebuds? It's not as wobbly as the picture looks, and it will straighten out significantly when blocked.


Late Night was a Great Night at Knit Happens. Here are only a few of the many highlights.


Steph models her gloves which have become an inspiration to many Irregulars. (Not me, yet-- too much stash to work through. But I'm intrigued, and may attempt them. Soon.)
Kel working on a wee cap.

And Holly, being generally amused at all the picture-taking goings-on.

Wow! What A Game

Virginia Tech Beats Boston College 30-16

VT is the new ACC Championship Team.

It was a well-played game,although I prefer it with just a bit less adrenaline. Beamerball was a major factor. Special teams were amazing.

I'm really tired-- need to watch more football, then go to bed.

Flying back to Washington at 7 am.

More details/pictures to follow.

On The Road/In The Air Again

Kickoff at 1 pm Saturday Dec 1. Game is carried on ABC.

I'll be wearing orange (probably with maroon sleeves).

There was a countdown clock-- couldn't get it to work here.

Hey, I'm a Knitter, Right?

And my blog doesn't always reflect it too well, but today is mostly knitting.

Cast Off

The Tilted Duster skirt, as mentioned the other day, is cast off. If you look closely, you'll see that the skirt was picked up around the stockinette top fronts and back. I need to finish the sleeves, which are about 2/3 done. I'm becoming a bit more careful in my knitting, and I will make sure that the sleeves fit it properly where they belong. Then I need to pick up the collar and knit rows and rows of 2X2 ribbing.

Cast On
I've been doing a lot of work in the house, and while decluttering, and assembling furniture, and cleaning, I've been listening to the Brenda Dayne's Cast Onpodcasts. I downloaded them, and have been listening to Brenda while working. To give you an idea of my progress, I'm on podcast number 47 right now. There were about 6 that didn't download, but since each podcast is about 1 hour long, you get a clue of how much domestic work I've been up to.

(Interestingly - in episode 37, I think- Stephanie Pearl McPhee- The Yarn Harlot pops in, and says that she had been listening to the podcasts in series while working on her home. I'm in such good company.)

Since she's been keeping me company with knitting tips, history, culture, music deep thoughts and so forth, I decided to visit the sponsor links. One of these is Briar Rose Fibers. I went to the website, and saw the bee-yoo-tiful yarns. They're pretty lovely. I'm a sucker for a free pattern, and their Rosebud Shawl called out to me.

It's a very easy 4-row repeat that makes lovely little rosebud-looking things-- hence the name. You can see them better if you click on the picture below to enlarge it. Unfortunately, I'm not clever enough to figure out how to include the picture you see on the pattern. I don't want to link directly to it, because that's not nice. I was able to copy the picture, but I can't save it as a bitmap or jpeg. It must be formatted differently from the pics I'm used to copying and sharing. If you don't have enough to do, and have time to figure it out, please let me know.

I've had 3 skeins of Lorna's Lace Lion and Lamb, won in an online contest, burning a hole in my stash basket. (Well, truth be told, it was in one of my numerous stash baskets, boxes and bins-- which is why I didn't buy any of the bee-yoo-tiful yarns. But I plan to, as soon as I knit up some more of what I have, and can therefore justify it.)

So I decided to cast on.

What?

I've just told you that I'm within spitting distance of completing the Tilted Duster, and I'm casting on a new project?

Before you lament my ADD, there is actually method in my madness. Since we're going to Jacksonville for the weekend, I need something to knit while travelling. (ACC Championship-- remember? I can't totally ignore football in this blog entry, after all...) The Tilted Duster is just getting too big to schlep.

So I started on the Rosebud Shawl. The yarn is doing some interesting things. It's turning out to be a bit brighter knit up than it appeared in the skein. I think it'll work, though.

Let's Go Hokies!!!

WeeMee