Wild Wacky (Maybe Even WTF) Wednesday

Well, you'd think that without the little Yorkshire Terrier running around trying to be the boss of me, and getting under foot and causing all kinds of chaos, life would be a lot easier. But no. It's more like I have phantom-limb syndrome. Always hearing the pitter-patter of little feet, always thinking I need to rush to get home to take care of him, always wondering what despoilation he's up to, and missing him on my lap and my chest and making me laugh. (The latest "I wish I had a video camera moment" was when he was "boxing" at me with his front paws and trying to stare me down, to get me to stop brushing him. Adorable doesn't even begin to describe it.) He really is a true love, that one. 

So, no. Even though I am so busy right now, with so much going on that requires so much of my attention, and it's a time that, by rights, it should make it easier not to have him here, it's not helping. 

David is in the same state. David, the confirmed (ha) non-lover of dogs. He's still reporting, "I took him out and he peed and he p... No, wait. That didn't happen."

I went for a brisk walk after my morning shift yesterday, because I needed to clear my head -- and clear my head the 2-degree-Fahrenheit temperatures surely did. I couldn't help myself, but I went on the regular lunchtime route that Mr. Jefferies usually drags me on. It just seemed like the right thing to do. And the whole time, I knew I was alone, but I was worrying about the cold and the salt hurting his paws.  

Nuts, I tell you. Absolute bonkers nuts. But I never said any of that, and don't say I did. I'll deny it.

But anyway.... I've been able to soldier on. I plunked a few seeds (50 to be exact, which I thought would be enough, but is not even the beginning of enough) in some poo pots:

At least I'm calling them poo pots. They are those things -- some of you know them -- that are flat little disks. They used to be called Jiffy peat pots, these things, but this packaging from a Canadian company is all about saving our peat bogs (I typoed "blogs," of course) and claims that by using their little disk thingies instead of peat ones, you are saving the peat blogs (I did it again) of the world. They call them "fiber" pots, and nowhere on the packaging can I find WHAT they are actually made of -- what kind of fiber, pray tell. But I swear to you that, when I wet them, the aroma was unmistakably moo doo. I really don't mind. If you are giving me dung pots, just be honest and tell me so. I'm all about saving the peat b(l)ogs too!

So what else. OMG, there is just so much going on. Soon my blogiversary is coming up, and not that it's a competition or anything, but I started my blog about the same time as my dear friend Margene. And as a part of HER blogiversary, she recently had a contest to reach her 60,000th comment. She had written considerably fewer entries than I had, and had almost 5,000 more comments in her blog lifetime than I. How is that fair, I ask you?! (KIDDING) I haven't been able to hold up my end of the blog-community bargain very well for the last year, at least. So I deserve to have you just pretend I don't exist. (Stop it! I'm taking the piss out of myself and NOT having a pity party as it seems. You have to hear the voice[s] in my head to realize my tone of voice.) (snork)

But. What if I were to bribe you a little, to give you an idea of what I'm going to be giving away on MY blog birthday? [a cone of cashmere, a skein of bison laceweight in red?] And told you that it all depends on your comments, and maybe some surprise commenter in the next two weeks will be the winner? Would that get you to show me the comment love? Nah, never mind. I refuse to beg. Poor li'l adorable Mr. Jefferies only got like 10 comments yesterday -- a blogging Yorkie who umpty-billion people claim they read and adore! And if HE can't garner the comments, when he works so hard to put on his dog-and-person show, nobody can. I'm not even gonna try.

Anyway, I'm sorta too busy to handle the comments right now. And don't expect an answer from me! This is a one-way street, and don't you forget it! 

I'm not complaining. Here are some numbers to let you chaw on. They sort of stun me. For realz.  

 

Lifetime Pageviews:  2,807,877

Total Posts: 2,290

Total Comments: 55,812

I have written 2,290 blog posts in THIS blog (more in other blogs such as the Red Scarf Blog), and I've answered in excess of 50,000 emails, in the seven years I've been blogging. I think I need to lie down, actually. 

 

And in other news, WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG to get this book????

Even if I never knit a thing from this book... but I probably will... it is just so much like drinking my favorite cup of Earl Grey tea, with a nice piece of almond tea cake, that I can hardly stand it. Funny -- I've only owned one other Elizabeth Zimmermann book in my life. I bought it, and then sold it (or gave it away or something), and then bought it again because someone (or a bunch of someones) told me I needed it for something, and both times I was underwhelmed and considered myself the anti-EZ fan, and wondered what defective knitter's gene I had been cursed with. But THIS one.... THIS one is really something special. 

Now, for that lie-down. But first, I have a lot of work to do. (Work has 'sploded, and you know that makes me happy, very happy. But it also makes me a little bit tired. Thank goodness I took advantage of that slow period to cleanse and rest up and pack my cells with nutrients. I need 'em.) And you,.... well, you just drift in and out and don't bother to leave a comment. Nobody will mind, especially not the winner of that fucking cone of cashmere. 

Comments

[Vicki]

Drifting in and saying hello and then, also, good night. XO

[Marilla]

I knew there was a reason I stayed up late tonight, so I could comment. And, of course,I do not expect an answer to my comment, knowing how busy you are.

My very first knitting book was Knitting Without Tears,and I have been a confirmed EZ fan ever since. Glad to hear you are coming into the fan club.

[Heidi Ericson]

Sorry to hear the Mr. Jefferies has been dognapped, I mean gone home to visit. I'd sure miss mine if they were gone for any lenght of time. One of my first knitting books was EZ's Knitting without tears and I'm sure glad it was. I am no slave to a pattern. I treat them all like a favorite aunt receipe, you know a pinch of this a dash of that.

[Sara]

And I thought I was the only one nonplussed re EZ books. And especially underwhelmed with the pattern in one of them that is driving me rather nots, even though bajillions of other knitters have knit BSJs quite happily.

Aside from that - Holy brap that's a lotta posts.

[Amy]

With such a pity party, how could I NOT comment?

I do comment on FB...so you should TOTALLY count those comments to your total!!

[hornblower]

What? Did you just say cashmere?

I thought you did. Is that the trick to getting people to comment? I guess we'll find out.

[noonie]

I see your pity party paid off... usually I can get in first on comments... Couldn't post on Terrier Tuesday too busy weeping that he was away.... that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

My hubby is the exact same way about Jinx... he is famous for the sound of "Who's a poxy dog then? Who's a poxy dog then?" when he gets home from work, walk in the hall and you'll find Jinx on his back getting the best tummy tickle of the day.

Or my favourite... sitting eating dinner, and Jinx will sit right by him, and I mean RIGHT by him. All of sudden Paul will give him a head ruffle and then a hug and chest tickle... hates him I tell you absolutely hates him.

I've got the EZ baby surprise jacket pattern.. it makes my head hurt... I just cannot figure it out, I like clear directions... maybe when you figure it all out you could tell me.

[Joan In Reno]

I'm surprised you actually have a life apart from your blog (snork). And I comment here and on Facebook. At least once in a while.

[DawnC]

well tell us what kinds of seeds you planted. I have a couple of EZ books and was underwhelmed too, have nearly ordered "The Opinionated Knitter" several times, and keep changing my mind. What made you like that one more?

[Carole]

Margene is a comment whore, don't you know? (hahahahahahahaha)

[Seanna Lea]

I know I will do the same thing when I go on a weekend trip at the beginning of March with Victor. Even when walking or letting him out the back (because I am so super paranoid about falling on ice) makes me grumpy, I cannot imagine not doing it. It's only been just over a year and it feels like forever!

[Lynn]

Norma! Reading your blog brightens my day - it is like getting a letter from a good friend. Mr. Jeffries' posts have helped me (almost) convince my husband that we need to hear the pitter-patter of 4 little feet again too! So do keep blogging about your adventures in work, campaigning, knitting, gardening and life and know that you are appreciated as a bright spot in someone' s day. Fond regards, Lynn

[Patty]

Not commenting...realty. ;-) Hoping Mr. J makes his way back soon!

[gayle]

So, what are you planting so early?
We're still at the staring-at-the-seed-packets-and-dreaming stage.

[martha]

I do miss him so. that is all.

[Lori on Little Traverse Bay]

Phantom-limb syndrome... that's great! I feel the same way when my pup is gone. (Or after College Son goes back to school... at least he's missed as much as the dog, ha!)

As always, love your insight and humor and, of course, Mr. J!

[deidre corbet]

Sorry you haven'tbeen feeling the comment love. I am much more of a lurker of blogs because they are my escape, maybe I can do better. Also often mystified by the EZ LOVE.

[Jane]

Thanks for the reassurance that spring is coming. One degree this morning and minus teens during the night. Thanks for Mr J--have almost won me over to small dogs and thanks too for beating the drum for the Red Scarf project. J.

[viki]

Well, even though I don't comment often, I appreciate that your posts are waiting for me every morning.

[Lois Budnitsky]

I'm one of your constant readers but I've left only a few comments. Was put off by the process somehow. Love to read about your adventures and Mr. Jeffreys too.

[Adelaide]

If I were you and if I didn't have Mr. Jefferies around, I'd be desolate and would take to my bed. I'm sure he misses his A Alpha like crazy.

[Mary K. in Rockport]

Did you say cashmere?

[Elizabeth D]

I loved Knitter's Almanac but was seriously underwhelmed by the others. And get tired of the endless gushing that goes on when you mention the Zimmermann name. That being said, would have loved to meet her.

And I would have commented today anyway, honest. . .

[Mary Lou]

Just the name of that book alone indicates it should be in your library.

[Jess]

This is kind of on topic...because of your blogging, I ate beets for the first time. They were raw in a salad, and they were delicious! Thank you!

What seeds are you starting there? I'm looking forward to gardening posts.:)

[DebbieB]

I'm usually spinning while I'm surfing, so I have to make an extra effort to stop and type.

I wanna know what you're planting, too. And jeez, I can smell those pots from here.

[Chery]

Wow, Norma(l), I miss the old days with all that attitude!! I love your blog and always read it. I figure you're too busy to answer comments, sorry. I should comment more.

I agree the Opinionated Knitter is a great book!

[margene]

I can come back every few minutes and leave a comment to help you out, Norma. Smith has poop pots all over the house! OMG, he's growing "shit" everywhere. EZs EPS is such a great sweater! Why DID it take you so long to get that book. I think you're growing up to be a real knitter!

[Emily]

They totally are poo pots. I saw it on dirty jobs!

And don't feel too bad. You still have like 55,800 more comments than I do on my blog.

[Becky]

Lurkers unite, and speak out! Not for a cone of cashmere, but for the love of Norma! What's not to love?

[Ellie]

Those poo pots are really funny looking.

[Connie G.]

It's all my fault that you don't have a million + comments, but I was terribly hurt to realize that I was not one of the recipients of your 50K email messages. Oh, well....maybe one of these days you'll notice me

We miss those little (or big) pups when they are not around don't we? I can't imagine sharing one like you do with your daughter. Maybe you need 2?

We've decided no peat pots this year, but it's because we're going to plant directly into the ground and see what happens. In fact, I intend to get some peas and, maybe a lettuce or 2 in the next week or so. Today is for cleaning up the planting bed.

[sue]

What some people won't do for a comment!! Keep on begging and we'll all still be here.

[anne]

How could I resist commenting after such a throwdown??

[Elly]

I read you daily Norma but rarely comment for which I apologize. Resolve to respond more often though it might just be a happy face!

[Elly]

EZ's book! [hits forehead in consternation] why didn't I look through it when I needed a classic cardigan pattern recently?

[Jen B]

Poking my head up, but only because you've given me hope that this frigid winter will end someday with the pics of your "poo pots." Now I'm going back to my cave to hibernate (well maybe the cashmere will get me up again.)

[Val Champ]

Hope that Mr Jeffries is home soon. My Molly misses him already.

I love EZ's books, mostly because she gives us(gave us) permission to not follow a pattern. I only discovered her 2 years ago when I went back to knitting after 25 years. What a revelation the Baby Surprise sweater was...it has made me look at a lot of things differently.

Val

[Garret]

Here, I'm commenting, Happy?

Don't feel bad, I only own one EZ book, Knitters Almanac, and I bought that one because it was cheap. I hope to get the rest one day soon, but who knows.

[Anne-Marie]

Norma, what are you starting this early. Need to know more. You're in Vermont, I'm in Virginia. The only thing I've started is 3 pots of Lavendar which takes at least 3 weeks just to germinate. Help. A-M

[magatha]

I don't believe I've commented before but I read your blog every day. Love to read about Mr. Jeffries, your gardens, etc. Do you use growlights or a heating pad for your seeds? I want to start some soon.

[Joannah]

Dear Norma,
I'm worried that you may be overdoing it.
Perhaps you should have a lie-down on the couch, with a compress on your fevered brow. Mr J will be back soon!

[Midj]

I'm only commenting for the cashmere... ;-)

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for the laughs this morning! I'm a fan of EZ, tho' the 2 books of hers that I have don't have such gorgeous fair isle shots in them. In color, no less! I had no idea. When you get tired of that one you can just go ahead and mail it to me! (=

[Tammy/psmflowerlady]

Throw Down. Lie Down. Ho Down. Will comment Ho for cashmere. Tammy

[Elizabeth]

Norma,
guilty as charged. I read your blog daily (it is a do-not-miss for me) but almost never comment. Love Mr. J, love every thing you have to say. And have to say that I have really appreciated when I've asked a question, you have taken the time to email me an answer. Clearly you have lots of devoted fans, even if many of us are lurking in the background!!
Elizabeth

[Lynn in VA]

Love me some EZ. Every time I start a cardigan, no matter what pattern I choose I wind up making another EZ % sweater. They always fit, always look great, and will never go out of style.

I totally understood the supervised visitation, but I am still in shock that you've allowed Abigail actual custody of Mr. Jeffries. The fact that he's technically her dog...

[Marilyn]

The Opinionated Knitter! I thought YOU are the Opinionated Knitter! ;D

[Carol in CO.]

OHkay.... OHkay, already! Crawling out of the woodwork to leave a comment. I've enjoyed your blog for nearly two years now. Love the real-ness, the frankness, and the humor in among the knitting. You're awesome!Happy anniversary! A toast to you for the years to come! (Can we go somewhere tropical to do that, please?)

[Leslie]

I think I have Opinionated Knitter -- I know I have a few of hers. I like EZ because she allows me to drift away from the pattern and do my own thing as I stay within "general guidelines". I've been told I have an "authority problem" and will admit to it, especially when knitting is involved.

I didn't post on Mr. J's trip to NYC. I was wondering how spoiled he'll get and am here to tell you, Norma, that you better not complain about it when you get him back! You let him go, so you'll have to deal. (yes, I'm bitchy -- ran over a piece of wood in the road an am looking at a whole new exhaust system $900 for the part!)