Observation and Commentary

In the past few weeks, there have been some events that are disturbing me. At a construction site, two separate incidents of nooses being found have been reported. Also reported is the FBI investigating because of racial overtones.

Friday a bomb threat was called in to the company that will be at the construction site when the buildings are completed. Right now, the company is located in 10 sites around town with the majority being downtown. People were evacuated from all sites and I haven't read any media reports of any device or suspected device being located.

Each day I drive by a hospital. Several times there has been a man standing on the edge of the sidewalk with a sign about his mother's final days at the hospital. If all he reports is accurate, there were some really terrible mistakes made in her care. I'm not medically trained but I would think at least one of those mistakes could have contributed to her death.

I have said for years that there are at least 3 sides to every story. One side, the opposing side and the reality. The above demonstrations are the result of people wanting their side known. One does it in a peaceful manner - standing, holding a sign. One is sneaky and disruptive to many others, not just the one or the few that the complaint is with.

I do not know the hospital's side of the story or any actions being taken by the hospital to investigate. I would hope they are checking what is on the sign. I have respect for the man with the sign. I have sympathy for him and the pain he's going through with the loss of his mother and his feelings of why she died.

I also don't know if the nooses and bomb scare are related but I'm going to assume (dangerous word) they are. The person(s) behind this does not have, nor deserve respect. There are more effective ways to try to resolve a situation which someone feels is unjustified.

I've ranted long enough. I was once told "You are SO 60's!" Yes, I am. I do wish for peace and for people to try to understand each other and their viewpoints. I'd love to live long enough to see that happen.

First Day

My first day at work today - new employee orientation. This is the absolute first time I've ever had a formal orientation with a job. This is also about the 12th permanent job I've had in my life - plus a bunch of temp work. Things I liked: friendliness, humor injected into dry subjects, free lunch. Dislike: the -20F temperature in the room - even with over 50 people in there - I think it got colder as the day progressed. Even with windows on at least 2 sides of the room. Most of us were cold and found sun during breaks. I also walked back to the parking area - about 2-3 blocks away - to warm up that way. I seldom feel cold but this one took the cake. Training begins tomorrow at another location and I'm going to have to hunt for a quicker route. I'll be at that location until March when we move to a new campus about 15 minutes (in traffic) from my home.

On the knitting front - I finished my first McGregor's Garden sock and started the second. Toe is done and I've finished 1/3 of the pattern before Peter appears in the garden. Knitting group is tomorrow so I can head there after work and meet folks. I'll take my spinning there so can work on the spindle for a while.

I'll try for photos either later this week or early next. Meanwhile, Enjoy!

Thank you to Blarney 'n' Grits

1 Put the logo on your blog
2 Add a link to the person who awarded you
3 Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4 Add links to those blogs on yours
5 Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.


Thank you again to Claire at Blarney 'n Grits

Now for 7 other blogs... hmmmmmmmm

Ok here goes:

Knitting and Spinning with Ewe - Peggy always has something wonderful to say about everyone in the kal's we've been a part of. She's a good enabler too.

Fugue State Knits - This lady is so interesting - attorney, singer, musician, friend, mother, grandmother and on and on... I always enjoy reading her blog!

You can call me Al, formerly Love as Is... Al is a wonderful lady - as much in her blog as in person. She's a warm, funny, super person.

A Few Stitches Short - This lady has a beautiful way with words and with her knitting. She's a terrific designer too.

And back to both Claire and Dani - both of whom have blogs I love to read.

Finally - From Lorchen's Lair... I hope she will see this but Lorchen has such a busy life. She teaches children with special needs - and that takes a very special person. I have two grandchildren with special needs so I do know just how much time, patience and love is needed.

I raise my glass (of ice tea) to all of you!

Here Come de Photos

Here come the photos as promised...












Here's my new drop spindle with Glacier Lake in process. See the sparkly stuff? That's Angelina, something I've never spun before. Lots of glitter with this one.
Next is Winter Jewels, being spun from a 80/20 Merino/Silk roving from All Spun Up on Etsy.com. This stuff is a dream to spin. I've only spun about an ounce so far - out of 8 oz.












Next is the last of Blue Suede Shoes. This is a superwash Merino (machine washable) in a 2-ply. I think I have enough for a shawl with this one.
Last but not least is B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bag) from Knitty.com. This is being knit in a cotton yarn. I'm almost done with this one. The next one will have something else instead of the lace insert. It's a big shopping bag - bigger than I thought it would be.
More photos when I have more to show. I've picked up the new hire packet and had my photo taken for my ID card. Now I have lots of reading to do and papers to fill out to take on my first day - next Monday. I'm so excited about this!

One final note. My DS has a birthday tomorrow. He'll be mumble.mumble years old (I can't have a child That old) and I'm wishing him a Happy Birthday with many more happy years to come. Here's to you, kid.