Ummm...been a while...

How are ya? Soooooo...I don't have all that much to tell ya! What have I been doing? hmmm. Well, we have been busy doing yard work ( I am DETERMINED to have a nice yard this year; the past few years have focused on interior and structural renovations, so the yard went TO HELL). Spring cleaning, even. I know -- don't fall over. I said at the beginning of the year I was re-dedicating myself to my home. I meant it!
Lest you be worried that I have entirely gone to the dark side, don't be. It ain't spotless (yet?) and I have been spending equal amounts of time with the kiddos and the yarn. the little girl and I had the most amazing weekend the week before this last when daddy and J went on a sleepover on a battleship with the Cub Scouts. (Needless to say, they had a glorious time, but "sleep"over is a bit of a misnomer.) I gave R the choice of a sleepover at her cousin's (with mommy in tow) or time alone doing anything she wanted. She chose ME and didn't care what we did. Stay home, hang out. Get girlie. So that is what we did, with the exception of going to dinner. We hung out, snuggled, and she slept in my bed after a movie and we chatted and just spent time together. Best time ever. sigh I love that kid.
On the knitting front, I am still plugging away at the BRB (Big Red Blob) and have forsaken the vest for this. I am a bit sad about this, as I am anxious to cut those first steeks, but I really, really want the shawl done for NH Sheep and Wool. I think I'll be moving onto the final border leaf portion in the next row or two, so, provided the kids let me have the time (it is vacation week) I'll have it done in a few days. Then for the blocking and a vigorous de-hairing! My poor boy Chewie is shedding like crazy and his fur is ALL OVER this shawl. I still have not found just the right comb to help me harvest this furry goodness, either (yup, I want Chewie mittens).
I have been dyeing, and have a few fun new colors to show you. I have to say, tho, don't ever come here expecting to see too many calm or neutral colors. I'm finally embracing the fact that I just like. bold. color. CRAZY color. Seriously -- it's socks! why the heck not?? Sure I have some respectable colors (Gothic Rose, Black Forest Fudge and the new Black Pearl), but the wild ones really charge me up. Take Kismet, for instance.

Or maybe the all new Barbie Girl.

I'm tickled that camping season is on its way, so I also came up with this... (Campfire)

And the BSG inspired Eye of Jupiter (presently sold out on etsy, but you can order it here.

I cast on these socks in EoJ the night before heading down to WEBS to see the Lady herself.

I have had this colorway running around in my head since catching up on all th episodes I had missed during a Sci-Fi marathon, and Friday got down to it, knowing Stephanie was a fan of the show and wanting to bring her a little something. I know what a long day it is for her signing and wanted to make her smile the way she always makes all us knitters smile. She seemed thrilled. I hope she likes how it knits (tho I fear they aren't really her colors). In case you had any doubts, she was as funny and charming and wonderful as always. And a big thank you to Caroline for driving and to her, Chris and Ericka for such wonderful company. Oh, and Chris...YARN FIGHT!!!