2012 New Things: Granny Squares

In January, I created my yearly New Things List and on this list (for the second year!) was to learn how to crochet granny squares.  I'm a fair knitter, but never really got crocheting, even though it was supposed to be (and is) easier.  The goal?  To make one of those blankets like my grandma used to make.

When we went to Trinity Alps Resort, Jan taught a few of us 1) how to crochet and 2) how to make grannie squares.  I mentioned my resultant, still growing granny square in a previous post, which I'm going to take to 'small throw size.'  Then, I'll pick some colors and make an actual blanket---I can't wait to try out some of these cool patterns!

<<<--super proud

Emory fascinated-->>

by his mama's skill.

Love (unexpected)

I have never had a close encounter of the dachschund kind.  Bizzie stole my heart yesterday.  Alas, it's a universal case of the Mondays around here.  Still, there are these things: 

• Let's trash trashing. I'm tired of conversations regarding health constantly stemming from body bashing.  From lovely Sarah at yes and yes -- How to Broadcast Body Confidence.  Take a moment.  Read it.  It's so easy to say "ugh, [this]" and "SIGH [that]," but let's try coming at it from a different angle.  I am totally guilty of the body bash, so here -- I'd like to be more fit, but not because I actually think I look bad.  I look good.  I just really like that strong feeling when walking up a hill.
• I really want to make this salad. It's absolutely beautiful.
• I learned how to make grannie squares last week.  Well, I should say I have learned how to make grannie SQUARE -- I have not stopped adding to my first one.  It is huge.  It grows every night.  I am not sure what to do about that.  

 see?

April flashback: a niece visit!

In April, Miss Shaely came to stay with me for a weekend -- we had so much fun!  The weather was true San Francisco style: sunny, foggy, even drizzly, but my goodness, she didn't care.   Amazing really -- we went to the Children's Playground near Kezar and seriously?  I have never noticed how many children there are in SF.  Apparently, this city isn't just our [insert appropriate adjective here] generation's playground.  And that playground is FUN.

A perfect Sunday start.  You more or less have to have a kid with you to ride this carousel, which is awesome if you have a kid, but less so if you don't but really love carousels.  This carousel was built in 1914 and is stunning.  I am so glad that Shaely and I both were able to experience it -- we were equally pumped.  

The playground had tons of things to climb on (a must), a HUGE rope tower structure (a heart attack), zip lines (weee!) and lots of slides (even a concrete one, but tip: maybe bring clean cardboard?).  

 

My lovely Shae bay.

Magical (this is where we go)

I went to  magical Trinity Alps Resort this past weekend with magical people.  The weather was fickle but not bad and nothing sounds better than a river and rain.  Should the world come to an end, we can rebuild our community here; there are fish to catch, a bar on the water, a general store with espresso ice cream, and a ton of old timey photos so you don't forget how you got where you are.

I am running the Wharf to Wharf in a few weeks.  I haven't run... since last year's W2W.  I better get on that!  My motivation is two parted; I surprisingly loved the group vibe and encouragement last year AND we always go eat at Dharma's after.  YUM.  Friends and food and fun.  It's a total win.

I am trying to reduce my belongings by a third and it's fascinating.  I have lived in my apartment for nine years and it's stunning what I am finding in the little nooks and crannies *ie a mini bbq I have NEVER USED because I don't know now.  Really?  I have that in my apartment?   Awesomesauce. I have also discovered a plastic bag worth of hotel shampoo and lotions which is kinda odd and maybe wasteful and there must be somewhere I can donate those.

Today, a bbq with friends.  I think I might make caprese pops, the archrival to all that cake.  xo.