Graphic

And here we have a visual representation of my unrealistic expectations for three days away from the office.  It seems that my "Optimism" has crossed the line over into "Delusion".  Using logic which now escapes me, I somehow convinced myself that I could attend three parties and host one, all in the same weekend, while experiencing no negative impact on my knitting schedule.  Ahh...sweet oblivion...what could possibly go wrong? 

Turns out that the difference between a work schedule that is "somewhat compressed" and one that is "totally freaking impossible" is exactly one fortieth birthday celebration. 

If I ever get face time with the dumbass that decided each day would only have twenty-four hours in it, I'm really going to let him have it.  In the meantime, I'm considering a strongly-worded letter. 

Stupid time/space continuum.
 

Happy Brithday USA, Happy Birthday Phillip

Both are happening at the same time this weekend, and Phillip's is the notable 40th verstion.  That adds up to no less than four parties in three days, which may even crowd in upon knitting time.  The Nerve.  Phillip's big bash is tonight at a dance club, where he sternly informed me there would be no place to put my spinning wheel.  Dude was downright testy - Like I wasn't gonna ask!  Lindsay, God love her, mentioned slyly to me on the way out the door that I should really take along my drop spindle. 

Leave it to the ten-year-old to find a loophole.
 

Adventures in Wine Country

If anybody had told me when I decided to turn serious with my knitting, that I would need also to become a photo stylist, talent scout, logistics manager and graphic artist, I would have laughed myself stupid.  But, there it is. Over the weekend we finally held our much-delayed photo shoot for the Sommelier project.  The weather was perfect, everybody was healthy, and best of all, we really had fun.  My special thanks go to my devoted husband, Phillip, who managed the many aspects of scheduling and execution, right down to keeping the glasses filled and the talent happy.  If the three lovely and talented friends who helped us were Charlie's Angels, then Phillip was definitely Bosley.  Behind the scenes, quietly making it all happen.
 

Phillip is crouching at the base of the wine cask on the right, making sure it doesn't roll down the hill, model and all. Whadda Guy.
 

The "Angels" gamely climb onto teetering wine casks while I hold the wine and make smartass remarks.

Phillip keeps us laughing during a break in shooting.

The photo shoot crew, kindly photographed by our actual Sommelier at Cooper Mountain.  He even stayed late so we could borrow some wine glasses.  Clockwise, from top left:  Model Amy, Photographer Jen, Facilitator and Clown Phillip, Model Kerin, and Me.

True to my promise, I paid everybody in wine, and we feasted at the pub afterwords.  It was so much fun I can't believe it.  Man, I love my job.

And if all that weren't enough, There is now, finally, a real-live pattern for sale.  You can find it on Ravelry now, and later today on my newly-added Patterns page.  For all who have promised to love this design, thank you for your patience and support:  Today's the day!