what are we doing fun today?

we've been on the go like crazy.

Monday we went to see the Iron Pigs . The game was tied 3-3 in the 5th.... and the tie broke in the top of the 15th.. they lost! We sat on the picnic patio with the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Chemists Society.

Tuesday we went to Coney Island. First the aquarium. The only thing we didn't get to see was the children's petting part. We didn't arrive until about 11 because the traffic was pretty backed up. It worked out OK though because there were lots of groups from schools and day camps there and they cleared out earlier than we did. This is part of our membership for the zoos in NYC area. There are plenty more pictures.


After that we went up on the boardwalk and hit a few amusements. The kids did some and DH and I went on the famous Wonder Wheel. Of course we took a swinging car... there is one point when you're coming down that feels like you'll continue right off the edge of the ferris wheel. Cool views..and interestingly enough it's made from steel from Bethlehem Steel. I thought the price was a bit steep for one ride. Now I understand the allure of places like Hershey and Dorney Parks.



After that he and I and DD went on the Cyclone Rollercoaster It was SO much fun. There is a discount for second ride if you do it right away. Instead of $8 it's $5... We only did it once... but i LOVED it!




Wednesday, DH and I went into NYC while my SIL watched the kids. I wanted to take him to see Wicked for his birthday, but he didn't want to spend that much on tickets. So we took a bus in (waited at the depot for 2 hours.. .darn Bieber lines, that's a whole other story though...) stood in line about 10 minutes at TKTS and got 50% off tickets for West Side Story.. a show he really loves. We ate lunch at the Olive Garden I love that you can have as much salad as you want. Saw the matinee and then walked up and in and around Central Park, about the city etc after the show. We took the night tour bus and crossed the bridge into Brooklyn (that bridge crossing felt almost like an amusement park ride! You are so high up!) We really had a blast and I took lots of other pictures...

Thursday I took a friend to her doctor appt. and then ran to the doctor myself. My legs were swollen and had little spotted red broken blood vessels that originated from my sock line looked like this. None of the docs could figure it out, but after some research, my symptoms point to Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The swelling has resolved and the spots are lighter... I'm not worried.


Friday we went to dinner at Mama Nina's for DH's birthday. Later we had a cake for him. We feted him with breakfast in bed and some Argentine gifts, soccer ball, water bottle, bag, lanyard etc and I made him this necktie.





Pattern: My own - will post later
Yarn: I spun during last year's Tour de Fleece. Top was bought at Milana Hilados in Buenos Aires
Needle: US1
More details to follow.


Yesterday we went to Bushkill Falls
We hiked the red trail, ate lunch, went mining for gold, played on the playground, ate ice cream. The weather was perfect and DS2 lasted almost until the end of the hike (good thing because he isn't a lightweight)

We saw a doe in the woods. She couldn't have cared a bit for all the 'human' noise around. It was a perfect day for the hike. Weather was incredible! And we all slept VERY well. SIL and I stayed up to watch the DVD the Blindside... beautiful story. Bullock deserved the oscar she won!

My SIL leaves tonight and the rest of the week is the start to prepare for back to school for all of us. I have a few fun excursions left though b4 it all ends....

I'll post the tie pattern later :-)

battle of the sexes and the big apple

the boys went to the Statue of Liberty (well it was more than boys but the immediate ones at least) and the girls to Manhattan (mostly to the American Girl store... nuff said, right?) We had fun but everyone is beat.

The girl and I went to the AG store and stayed for lunch. Forgot to snap a picture of the cinnamon buns but here's the rest.
appetizer

My entree (DD had pizza)

dessert

I couldn't finish my meal... neither could DD.

Then we traveled to Rockafeller Center and took in the Lego store Notice a theme in these 2 pictures?



Then we were headed uptown to the Disney store... completely passed where it should have been according to the Google app on my iPhone and decided to detour into FAO Schwarz Meandered around in there a bit oogling all the cool toys. They had a HUGE Chewbacca on display made of Legos

Headed uptown a bit more into Central Park. Try as I might, I could NOT convince the girl to go into the Zoo at Central Park with me, nor walk through much of the park. She was getting tired already. (well we had been walking/shopping for about 5 hours minus an hour for lunch) But I did catch a glimpse of Bruiser from outside. He was swimming around and showing off for the crowd. All the artists in the park were freaking her out cuz they all kept coming up to her to ask to do her portrait. I have to admit, she looked really beautiful today. I french braided her hair on the bus on the way into the city.

Then we went back to search for the disney store only to find that in it's place is the Coca Cola building. Disney closed the store in the beginning of the year and are opening around Thanksgiving at a new location according to the guy working at the coca cola building.

She was so bummed by this... but we went to the Gap they were having a sale on shirts. Buy one get one free. So I got her 2, to wear with a pair of capris that she was complaining last night she had nothing that matched.

She kept bugging me when were the boys picking us up.... we walked a bit and were just about to go to the MOMA but I got the brilliant idea of going into St. Thomas' so we could sit and be quiet, not much noise from the city (which she hates) AND a big bonus for the day AC. We got in as the organist was practicing All Creatures of Our God and King! Gave me chills.. we had this hymn at our wedding....took all the strength I had not to start belting it out. Boy, she would have KILLED me for that move! I believe the tune is Lasst Uns Erfreuen


well we got a text to meet them at 9th and 57th so off we went again. We got up to about 8th and they found us. All in all we trekked about 4 miles not to mention all the walking in the stores..my dogs are dog tired!

Dinner at Cracker Barrel on the way home... I had the wholesome morning sampler minus the meat. YUM!

The day was topped off by the Phils pulling out a win at the last inning...well tied in the ninth, won in the 10th with a walk off home by Ryan Howard. I wasn't watching until the 10th cuz I was so depresesed they were back 6-1 in the 5th or so.

And of course I knit on the way in and out of the city. Gotta love not driving!!!!

Out on the town

As I said in my previous post, we went to NYC on Wednesday. On the way there, I knit up a panta for my friend's DD. Knowing that thet prefer acrylic, I made it that way, although I hated the yarn. But it has a soft hand.


Pattern: Panta revisited
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun
Color: Black
Needle Size: Addis Turbo 8
Pattern changes: none

Comments: It's a very quick knit, but I'd add more to the center. I may use this pattern for a panta in pink wool for DD. I may also decide to try a different pattern.. but this one really moves along quickly!



The purpose of the trip was to take the ILs to see the city at Christmas. I must say, I've never seen so many people in NY except on TV at New Year's Eve. 5th Ave was literally wall to wall people on the sidewalks of both sides of the street, which made it a bit difficult to push a stroller, and also made me nervous with the other 2 kiddos staying up with us. But we fared very well.


First stop, the disney store. The kids had a bit of money from Christmas to spend. DD bought 2 CDs to go with her new player. DS1 chose a power ranger toy (what a surprise) and DS2 a small train with Mickey. The store is enormous and decorated to the hilt, but I have to say I expected more....


Next stop, Rockafeller Center. And an obligatory picture of the tree there. We ate at Rock Center but skipped the trip to the top of the Rock (although I'm sure it would have been spectacular at night with all the Christmas lights) cuz the kids were really quite tired.




Right across the street from the entrance to the center was this gorgeous site. When we first saw it, there was music playing (Carol of the Bells) and the snowflakes came on and off seemingly in accord to the music, like a planned show. I'm not sure if this was the case or not, because later when we saw it, I heard the same music and expected the same show, but all of the flakes stayed lit the whole time. At any rate, it was quite a spectacle!



All the stores were decked to their best and I managed to snap a picture of Cartier all wrapped up for Christmas!


Thursday night we took one of Bill White's Christmas Lights Tourin the Lehigh Valley. We chose Tour #9, Roni's Rocky Road Fudge, because it was closest to home and saw possibly the most decorated house in the entire Valley at 1135 Sunset Drive.
That would be the picture on the left. We also saw the one on the right on this tour as well as many other beautiful lights.


Friday we went to Christmas in Hershey with our friends and their kids, or as DD refers to them 'her cousins'. We arrived early enough ahead of them to take in the really big 3D show, which was great fun, the 'factory tour' and grab a bite to eat before heading to the park. The kids had a great time (as did the adults) and the park was decked out in wonderful light and kisses everywhere.(note the kisses on the tree and the giant kiss on top)

Of course I took along my knitting (that's what this blog is about isn't it?) I worked on a scarf in the car, the recipient was mentioned in a former blog.


Pattern: Curly Purly Dropped Yarnover Scarf
Yarn: Joann Sensations Bellezza Collection Cosetta
Wool Blend-68% wool 32% Nylon
Color: Cosetta Teal
Amount: 50g/117m
Needle Size: 13


The pattern calls for using needles 3 sizes larger than you would use to get a typical knit fabric. Since the label called for a size 11 but the yarn is really on the heavy worsted weight side (of which I may usually use a 9 typically) I chose to use a 13 needle. I think my picture looks fairly close to Marnie's picture in her pattern as far as openness goes. Perhaps a bit more open, but it worked out great for length and only needing 1 skein. Of course I had already purchased 2, and now need to find another project for this wool... maybe it will felt well?

Friday was also the day of the Love2Knit Dishcloth Yahoo group all day party, so I attended for a few hours before we left. I took the KAL with me and tried to knit in the park while waiting for the kids on the rides. This always draws the attention of someone and last night was no exception. An Asian woman came up to me, very interested in what I was doing and wanting to learn.She stood next to me, watching and asking questions while I waited for the kids and their grandmother to get off the train ride. It really was a bit too cold for my hands to knit though. I'll have to make fingerless gloves for the next time I want to try that. Actually they would be great to have so I can knit on door duty at school now that the weather is finally turning cold here in PA.

If I don't post tmrw, I wish all of you a very happy and healthy New Year full of fun crafting!