Fins to the Left, Fins to the Right

I hope everyone has had a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend.  Earl brought through a nice cold front that made the weekend very pleasant and beautiful.

Fins up!

Trish, DJ and the kids came up to Stafford and I drove down so we could go to the Jimmy Buffett concert on Saturday night.  I had trouble finding someone to take the fourth ticket, so my mom wound up going with us.  We had a good time, though I think I'll try to get a group of friends together next time.  I definitely want to tailgate next year, especially if it's a nice day.  Plus, we got there late this year and parked as far as we possibly could from the pavilion while still being on its grounds.  That was a hell of a hike.  I think we all had a great time. (You can't see it in the picture, but my earrings say "Fins to the left" and "Fins to the right" and have little sharks on them.)

We also got together with my grandparents for lunch yesterday to celebrate Trish's 40th birthday.  DJ is hosting a part next weekend, but I don't know if I'll be able to go.  It all depends on what Rikku's situation is (if she can come with or if I can find a sitter).  I am going to try to go as I've already ensured Trish that I will spend the whole weekend pointing and laughing at her.  Still in my 20's and she's turning 40!

The pair

Detailed view

Despite my original plans, I wound up staying in Stafford last night, but was able to finish up my Merlot Vine Socks using the Miss Babs yarn I bought last year when she came to visit fibre space.  It's absolutely beautiful yarn and a great pattern for it.  I've pretty much decided that I prefer top down to toe up.  It's easier to get a stretchy cuff with top down, despite the toe-up bind offs that people claim are "super stretchy."  I might wind up getting some thin elastic and winding it through the top of these - I think it's the only way to make sure they stay up. 

To cap off the weekend, I've got some grocery shopping to do and a Yankees-Orioles game to watch. :)

Are YOU prepared?

Working for a homeland security consulting firm, especially one that has worked on the Spanish fema.gov site and the ready.gov site, I wouldn't be a good employee if I didn't remind everyone that September is Emergency Preparedness Month.  The kerfuffle over Hurricane Earl and today's earthquake in New Zealand are reminders that we need to have things in place so that we can respond to emergencies quickly and safely.  I have an emergency "go-kit" for myself and for Rikku.  Mine has protein bars, water, toiletries, first aid kit, all sorts of stuff.  Rikku's has food, water, toys, bowls, leashes, first aid kit, and all sorts of stuff.  I know that if something happens - flood, snow, hurricane, etc - Rikku and I will survive for at least three days, probably more in Rikku's case as she's a great little huntress.

Anyway....

I just got back from vacation in Hatteras, NC on Tuesday, the day before my parents were evacuated from the beach house.  It was a nice little break, complete with the Carriers for a couple days.  I was able to get some sun, and got to stop by Knitting Addiction in Kill Devil Hills on my way home.  My knitting bag came with me and got to see some familiar friends on the way. 
I decided to give a home to some Sockotta, Blue Heron and Sea Star Handpaint sock yarn. 

I was able to start an entrelac hat while I was down there, made with Neighborhood Fiber Company cashmere blend yarn from the fibre girl club.  It came out pretty well, even though it's bright.  If you see a girl in a bright blue, purple and red entrelac hat, it's me!

I was also able to get some headway on my Merlot Vine socks.  They're coming out pretty well and the yarn is striping beautifully.  

Me, myself and I

Happy weekend!  I hope everyone's had a great day.  I decided to have a date weekend with myself.  And boy, did I need it.

On Friday evening, I had dinner at Los Tios in Del Ray. I strapped on my Sketchers Shape Ups, hooked up Rikku, and walked on up the street.  There was a perfect table open, next to the wall, on the end of the patio area, where I could put Rikku on the other side of the fence and know that she wouldn't get in anyone's way.  It was, as always, very yummy (although not quite as yummy as Mi Casita, but those are big tacos to fill).  A very large white Sangria and two cheese one beef enchiladas later, it was time to get the home part of the weekend started.

On Saturday, I didn't do a whole lot.  Rikku and I were able to sleep in, play with some friends outside, take a nap, do some cleaning, watch some netflix, and finish a sock for my mommy.  She's getting the Lizzy socks for her birthday.  I thought about going to Baileys to watch the Yankees game, but decided against it when I figured out that I just wanted to hang out.

Today (Sunday) I really stepped up the date weekend.  I took myself to lunch at Chilis, I went and saw The Other Guys, then went grocery shopping.  I'm home now to just chillax with the puppy dog and my knitting.

The Other Guys was really funny.  I loved when they described Derek Jeter as the "biracial angel."  So true.  I also loved how Derek Jeter called Mark Wahlberg a dick.  LOL.  Will Farrell was awesome as always.  If I ever met him, I don't think I'd be able to tell if he's being funny or serious.  Everyone in the movie had great comedic timing.  I am going to have to get the DVD when it comes out, because I know they cut out at least one of Derek Jeter's scenes (pic on the right).  He got all dressed up as a homeless guy, and they didn't show it. What they did show during the credits were all the statistics about the big bailed-out firms and their performance over the past 10 years.  Incredible.   I think my dad will like that part.

Back to work tomorrow.  Weekends are always too short.  Hopefully we'll get some real work done this week.  It's my last full week, then I work three days the next then I'm on vacation!  Hooray OBX!  12-South, baby!