Beverages and Birthdays

Before I get into the knitting stuff...

I recently purchased a new tea kettle. It's called the Chantal tea ball. I thought I had a tea kettle to begin with and after much cabinet searching and soul searching I've come to the conclusion that I am delusional and no such tea kettle existed. Though I swear Mr. Rich and I got one for our nuptuals. Hmmm. Anyway, so I decided to purchase this new kettle from the local Bed, Kitchen, Things and Beyond store as I had a $5 off coupon to redeem. My decision was influenced by size, shape, and functionality, characteristics which would be important to a tea kettle, so the leeetle Chantal Tea Ball was perfect. Not too big, not too small, not so wide that I couldn't dispense spring water from our spring water dispenser directly into the vessel. The handle was ergonomic and didn't heat up thus not requiring a pot holder, and it came with a whistle to announce the completion of the water boiling. Happily I came away with a new addition to my kitchen. I washed it, filled it with water, set it on the stove with its whistle capped on and waited. Minutes later...what ho! Lo, what is that sound? So beautiful, so in tune, so spiritual. Wait...what is that sound? Oh my tea kettle is boiling! And it's making the most harmonic sound! Oh no folks, this is no ordinary tea kettle, this kettle is inspired by spirit, intuition, and creativity. This tea kettle brings pleasure to boiling water, it sings like the lower registers of a harmonica. I am not kidding. Really. Plus, imagine the Tea Cozy possibilities!

And one more thing... Because I was on DAN antibiotics for the past 2 weeks I needed to ensure the healthy regrowth of my internal bacteria. Yes, we all have bacteria, and yes, most of them are good long as they stay on your inside and not your outside. So, in attempts to replenish my gut microflora and fauna I'm consuming many yogurty things. Among them includes this mini beverage called BioFeel produced by a Korean food company named Maeil. I used to drink them when I was little and have just recently been reunited. It's a softdrink with mixed flavors of yogurt, mandarin oranges, and vanilla. Yum! Try it best half frozen as a mini slushi.

On the knitting front. Guess what? No, no, guess. Okay. The Leaf Lace Socks are done! Toot-Toot! (That's me tooting my own horn). What fun! I can move on with my life. The things knitted up so beautifuly, and although the pattern looks complicated it's oh so easy. Easy Peasy.

And because I am so proud of these socks I will gratuitously post photos.

So, I've posed a quickie challenge for myself. I thought I'd have more time, but plans change and dates of little party get togethers are changed so that they're moved closer and you're forced to delude yourself that you can finish a whole shawl by Sunday morning of this week. I mean it's a very simple shawl, you know that garter stitch one I've been cranking out for all my loved ones. Well, Manang Pining (man-nang pee-ning) (her real name is Josefina), she was our family nanny for the longest time while we were back in the islands. A few years ago she moved here to the states to care for my Godmother's son Jordan and we continue to include her in all our family functions as she is family. Anyway, her birthday was a few days ago and we are throwing a joint brunchie celebration for her and my brother Mark's birthday. And I am going to make a shawl out of this Blue Heron Yarns Slik/Rayon Twist in Marshgrass. Looovely! Delicious, very subtle, looks very antiquey. I think I can make my self-imposed Sunday deadline. Ya?