Back Home

I had a lovely time with my daughter this past weekend. She had given me directions to her new campus, and I met her there Friday morning, just as she was getting out of class. Isn't this building pretty? I'm not sure which one it is, but it's part of the campus.

We had thought it would time out right but it was still pretty cool how well it actually did. I even got to see Dr. Michio Kaku, a famous physicist who teaches there. Of course I didn't know who he was, but my husband and my daughter sure do. I texted Steve immediately; he was disappointed I wasn't able to get a picture, but I only feel comfortable bugging knitting stars!

After that excitement, we headed over to Knitty City where I bought a set of needles and a cute little coin purse. Believe it or not, I didn't buy yarn there because I knew we had a couple more stores on our list and I was trying to pace myself.

The next stop was Purl, as we wanted to see it one more time before they move to their new location. We got there about twenty minutes before they opened, but luckily there is a cute little cafe next door called Once Upon a Tart, so we ate a little lunch and had some coffee and tea. Delicious.

Purl was open by then, so we went in and I bought some yarn. Surprise! M helped me pick out some Manos Silk Wool, matching it up to a skein of Kidsilk Haze, so I can make a modified Purl scarf. I've tried to match yarn two times prior to this and I just didn't seem to be able to come up with a pleasing combination. I know it's not that hard for most folks but I couldn't master it. I also bought a skein of Koigu that was 40% off, even though I have no plan for it at all yet. Maybe something for a baby gift?

Last but not least, we finally made it to Brooklyn General. Such a nice store, roomy and comfortable and lots of cool stuff. Good prices too. I bought two skeins of Spud & Chloe Fine sock yarn in a lovely aqua color. I think I'll use it to try a fancier sock pattern than the plain version I always make. I also bought a skein of Noro Silk Garden in a manly shade of brown and tan, and a skein of Noro Chirimen in the same color family, to use as the striping in some hats for Steve. He likes the look of Noro in his hats but balks if the colors don't look "manly" enough.

By the time we stopped for another coffee/tea break, I was wiped out. Taking as many subway trains as we did (a lot of stairs while dragging my rolly suitcase along), walking with my bum foot, and general out-of-shape-ness, took it out of me. So we headed back to Grand Central to take the train to Stamford. But first I took a quick run into the New York Public Library to pick up a bookmark for Steve. We ran to catch the express train, ate Thai food for dinner, and then collapsed on the couch to knit and watch the Olympics.

Saturday was mostly about hanging out, knitting, napping, and talking. So nice. On Sunday, after a leisurely morning, we drove into the city to go to the Strand bookstore. An overwhelming four floors, but I did snag a signed copy of AlterKnits Felt, a book I've been wanting for awhile, and at a great price too. And another bookmark for Steve. We ate a late brunch at Max Brenner's, a restaurant the kids said has been on the Food Network. It was sort of like being in a Willy Wonka restaurant but the food was really good. A little more walking, this time around the NYU campus, and then it was time to head for the airport. Amazingly I only had a one hour delay, my shortest one yet from LaGuardia. It's such a bittersweet thing, seeing M as the young woman she is today and also seeing all the reminders of who she was as my little girl. I'm so proud of her and yet I miss her.

And as for the sweater knitting, it's coming along just great. I've just finished my second skein of yarn and I feel like I'm understanding the pattern. I've already divided for the sleeves (a first for me) and I've done two repeats of the cable. I'm so excited! I'll photograph it in the morning so I can show it off. I'm really, really happy with my personal challenge. As I said at the beginning, I'm not expecting to finish it during the Olympics; just starting it and committing to finishing it was challenge enough for me.

Now I need to get back to the sweater knitting and the Olympic games. I can't believe I missed so many exciting events this weekend!!