Springy Green Hats

I worked on some new hats yesterday using my fun lime greenish yarn. I saw this mock stitched hat on kids, cats and knitted hats and loved it so I had to give it a whirl. I frogged the first one, because I did a single strand, 1/1 stitch for the entire hat, and the border was too wimpy. This one I used two strands for the border, 1/1 and switched to a single strand for the mock section, then a 1/2 e-wrap for the top. Cute, huh? :OD

This one was an experiment with the left over yarn because I thought they would be fun colors together. It came out a little too small, but I love the colors together, anyway.

I also made Franco a new hat and ~matching scarf, but he is always wearing them and I forget to take a picture...

The San Remo Festival started last night and I was a little disappointed. San Remo is an annual festival competition where song writers submit new songs and then perform them live, for the first time, and then they are voted on. In years prior, I have enjoyed the festival a lot. But this year, it seemed to be more about *tall, model chicks* walking around in long dresses and less about the singers *singing*.

John Travolta was a special guest, and I do not understand why they put us all through that. It is so painful to watch non-italian speaking actors break out in sweats and suffer though these stupid interviews and sketches. If anything, have some big named singer, like Gwen Stefani (she has that cool Italian video she filmed on Lago Maggiore) or Aerosmith...but why John Travolta and Dustin Hoffman? Don't get me wrong, I love John and Dustin, but I don't get the big thrill of them at San Remo. It is a music festival. Yes, yes, I know John had a hit song called *Let Her In* but that was ages ago. However, I did just read that Orlando Bloom might be a guest on Friday...so that changes everything. Please ignore my previous comments. ahahha

Dolcenera is in the lead after opening night, in the female category, which is cool, because she is one of my favorite Italian singers. There is also a category for *newbies* and I liked a lot of the snippits of songs (last night was only a preview) but for most of the other entries, I wasn't that blown away. I thought Anna Oxa was freaky. I am a fan of Alex Britti and love a song by Povia, but thought his new one, where he was crowing like a pigeon was a little goofy. I liked the songs by Gianluca Grignani and Ron. Perhaps I just need to hear them again. It is a little hard when you only hear a song once...maybe they need to grow on me a bit.

There is more festival tonight, so I get another chance to hear the songs. I just hope there is less of the annoying *filler* aka *tall, model chicks*. And it is not so much that they are tall, model chicks, but that they are pointless.

What happened these last couple of days? How sad.

Darren McGavin, born in Spokane Washington, passed away a few days ago. He was 83. He will forever be remebered as the father in The Christmas Story.

"Frrraaagiiiileee! It must be Italian!"

Don Knotts passed away at 81 from pulmonary and respitory complications. He was from Morgantown, West Virginia and will forever be remembered as Barney Fife, Ralph Furley and Theodore Ogelvie from the Apple Dumpling Gang.

"It's like they say, 'Once burnt, lesson learnt... one mistake, better cake... once bit, best forgit.'"

Dennis Weaver passed away Friday from complications of cancer. He was 81. He will always be remembered for his roles in Gunsmoke, Gentle Ben, and his favorite roll, Sam McCloud.

"Will you hold my bomb just a minute? Just a minute. I got a pebble in my boot."

Weekend Update

As some of you know, we were planning to go to Torino this weekend, to see more Olympics and visit Gia-Gina. We started waffling a bit on Friday, because the weather forecast said rain and snow all day Saturday and weren't sure if we wanted to walk around all day in the rain. Still undecided, we decided to play it by ear.

Well, late Friday evening Franco's sister called and asked if Franco could come down, they had to take Giuliano (the twin boy) to the hospital. He was having problems breathing. She put him on the phone, and you could hear him struggling to breathe. OK, scary! A few minutes later she called and said it seemed like he was getting better, so she wasn't going to go. She then called Marcella, their cousin, and pediatrician, and let her listen to Giuliano. Marcella said to take him to the hospital right away. Ok, scary again.

So, Franco headed over to her house and I waited. I was in the middle of cooking something, I was going to go down after. I called Franco about an hour later, and he said to just stay home, the kids were sleeping (the baby was sleeping in the living room) and he was playing on the computer. They got DSL..

Franco didn't get home until late, late but said that the baby was a lot better. He has larangitus and a problem with his lungs. The doctor had to give him something to enlarge his lungs back to normal and two other kinds of medicine for his illness. By the time they got home, he was breathing normal and sleeping. Phew.

We didn't wake up until after noon on Saturday, and decided we weren't going to make it to Torino. we were both pretty bummed, we were really looking forward to going, but it was too cold out, and too wet, and we got a late start. And, we thought it better to stick around and see how Giuliano was doing. We hung out all weekend and went to his parents house. Giuliano is doing much better!

We watched the closing ceremony from the comfort of the couch, instead of the cold stadium. It was a great ceremony. I loved that the audience was all dressed in white ponchos and had flashlights. It made a very pretty backdrop to the events. They also had a medal ceremony during the show, for Italian Giorgio di Centa, who won the Gold in the 50k cross country race. The medal was given to him by his sister who is a seven time Olympic medal winner from three prior Olympics. The Silver went to Russian Eugeni Dementiev and the Bronze to Mikhail Botvinov from Austria. That must have been a great moment for them.

The cermony had some spectacular moments, with hundreds of fireworks and fireballs. Overall I think Italy did a magnificent job. The lamest thing I saw during the whole two weeks was Ricki Martin, lipsynching....and he forgot to sing in a couple of spots.

For the final medal count - the US (25) came in second to Germany (29), and Italy (11) was 9th. I didn't know until yesterday the the only medal Japan won was the Gold in figure skating. Man, Shizuka Arakawa must be the countries hero! Good for her.

So, we missed going to Torino, but Giuliano is going to be ok, and that is what is important. Gina did go, with some other friends she had visiting, and she took some great photos. Check out her site, to see what we missed. hehe

Ciao for now!

Why do we get 2 weeks of curling, and only two nights of women's figure skating...?

Ok, I will be the first to admit, I have not a clue about the how's, what's or why's of curling. It looks like slo-mo bowling, with a little housekeeping thrown in. Don't understand the game, don't really care. Although Jewel said going to the curling event was a good time. (I wonder if they sell beer there?) hehe

Anyway, last night was the final free skate in figure skating. Americans Emily Hughes, Kimmie Meissner and Sasha Cohen were a joy to watch. They all put out great performances - and Emily Hughes must be really proud that she almost didn't even make it to the games, and finished 7th. Not everyone can win the gold, but they can be proud that they did a fantastic job, and skated in the Olympics!

Italy's Carolina Costner finished 9th. She had a few falls and missed a few jumps. She seems so sweet, I felt so sorry for her. She is young, and is a beautiful skater. She has time to come back and win in the next Olympics!

Japan's Shizuka Arakawa won the gold, and she deserved it. (did you see that, Nori!?) Her routine looked perfect. It was the first time Japan has ever won the gold in figure skating! That is what I love about the Olympics - the stories. The agony of defeat and the thrill of victory! It was exciting to see her win gold, for the very firt time, for her country.

Sasha Cohen won the Silver, and her performance was beautiful. She skated to Romeo and Juliet and was so expressive. Russia's Slutskaya finshed third. She is a strong skater, but not as elegant or graceful as some of the others. I don't really find her performance that enjoyable to watch.

One thing that seperates US skaters from a lot of other countries are the smiles and expressions on their faces. They look like they are enjoying themselves, and happy to be there, and *in the moment*. That can't always be said for some of the others.

Anyway, it's over. And they should all be proud of a great exhibition. Now, back to watching curling...

*photos are from msnbc.com. There are many more from last nights event at msnbc.com.

Loom Knitting Information Archived

I decided to remove a lot of the loom knitting information from my sidebar. I am always reading blogs and sites, and if the information is not updated regularly, I get bored with it, and change it. So, that said, I decided to archive a lot of the loom stuff, but leave it easily available.

Some of the bloggers have decided not to loom anymore, but still have lots of great information available, and some just don't update often enough, so I don't want to leave them on my homepage. And some have pop up ads, that I don't like. And this doesn't mean I don't still love these blogs, I just like to read new stuff!! :OD

I will list this post under my *favorite loom blogs* and *helpful loom sites* on my homepage so you can easily find it.

This is a list of blogs that have great looming projects and ideas:

• a book and record love
• canadian crafter
• knit knot purl curl
• knonsense
• pegs & needles
• pieceful creations
• purling sprite
• loom knitting
• loomy toones
• rostitchery
• scrapdash

yahoo loom knitting groups:

• knifty knitter looms
• knifty knitting newbies
• loom lovers
• da loom knitters
• rake knitting

Here is a list of web sites that have patterns, stitches and how to's available:

• tons of looming links and patterns! by noodlegirl
• da looms
• loom knitting
• loom knitting designs
• loom knit designs
• provo craft

I try to keep these updated and change them when they become inactive. I love to find fun new blogs and patterns!

This Week in Winter Olympic History

Going back 40 years, to continue with my 40th birthday coming up, I have a few highlights from this week in Olympic History.

1992: Kristi Yamaguchi wins Olympic gold medal in women's fig skating

1998: Tara Lipinski wins Olympic figure skating gold medal

1988: Brian Boitano wins Olympic gold medal in figure skating

1980: Hanni Wenzel is 1st Liechtensteiner to win Olympic gold (giant slalom)

1980: Eric Heiden skates Olympic record 1500m in 1:55.44

1980: USA beats USSR in Olympic hockey 4-3 en route to a gold medal

After a devastating plane crash in 1961 claimed the lives of the entire U.S figure skating team, Peggy Fleming helped restore U.S. figure skating to world prominence by winning the Women's World Title in 1966, 67 & 68, and an Olympic gold medal in Grenoble, France, 1968.

And way to go Sasha Cohen, Kimmie Meissner and Emily Hughes! They really shined last night in the Womens Short Program, Figure Skating. They hit the ice, with huge smiles in place, and nailed their routines. Brava! Italian favorite Carolina Kostner unfortunately took a spill, but she did great.

Have a great Wednesday. And be sure to catch the long program Thursday!

Olympic Fever - Experience it LIVE!

Sunday Franco and I drove up to Torino, to meet my friend Jewel, who is in Torino for a couple of weeks. She is here working, so we had to go and see her! We left the house kind of late, but got to Torino around 5pm. As we were nearing Torino, it started to snow! I was getting a little nervous about our return trip home...it was sticking!

Anyway, we found parking and took a tram to the center of town. We met a nice couple from Vegas at the parking garage, and we hung out with them for about an hour. Since we were all kind of lost, and luckily we had Franco the Italian, we stuck together. hehe We all wanted to go to the Olympic Superstore so, off we went, in search of the store. (we are so american. hehe) On the way we saw the stage where they do the medal ceremonies and people were already filtering in for the concert that happens at 9pm. I was glad we didn't have tickets, because it was snowing so hard! It was beautiful, but cold and wet. This is the stage and jumbo screens, with a beautiful palace looking building next to it.

Torino is a very pretty city, and there were lights everywhere. We took some pics, but it was already pretty dark, and with all the snow it was a little difficult. Once we finally found the Superstore, we were a little let down...it wasn't so super. They were sold out of everything, and what they did have wasn't that great. We did manage to both find t-shirts to buy, although I bought the very last one. Somehow we lost our new friends in the store, I hope they found their way back to their car. :OS

Franco and I stopped for aperitivi at Baratti & Milano, while we waited for Jewel - she went to speedskating with her co-workers. We had the aperitivi della casa with starfruit, and two plates and fancy little snacks.

Afterwards, we walked back to the medal ceremonies just in time to see Shani Davis and Joey Cheek get their medals, and hear the national anthem. That was very cool! I sang and clapped, and afterwards they had a fireworks show. We briefly saw the Italian cross country team on stage, they had won the gold in the 4x10k relay that day. Here are some pics of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, Simona Ventura came on stage and introduced the concert performer for the night - Whitney Houston. Everyone applauded and then waited...and waited....and waited.... Then Simona came back out and said, "Ok, we are ready now." Then we waited about another 10 minutes and Whitney came out, finally. Did I mention it was snowing and freezing? I am sure everyone appreciated having to wait for Whitney...again. She is weird.

We watched about 10 minutes, and then met up with Jewel. It was so great to see her! We went to dinner and talked and laughed for a couple of hours, and then they drove us to our car (thank god!). I was sad to see her go, but I will see her in Cabo in a couple of months! Thanks for a great dinner!

Luckily when we left the restaurant it had stopped snowing, so we didn't have any problem driving home. We made it home at 3am, so we are a little tired today.... But it was a great day, and I am super glad that we went! Ok, off to take a nap now... :OD

One of the Reasons I love Shoes.

Is there anything cuter? I can't stand how cute these shoes are. I want them! Pink Mary Jane Manolo Blahniks. *sigh* a girl can dream...

I read on msnbc.com today that Italy is preparing for protests at the Olympics. Apparently the calm was too good to be true...or so they think. Prior to the Games, the city of Torino was in the middle of it's own little war. What started as calm protests, ended up a scene similar to Seattle during the WTO. The thing that kills me though, is usually these riots are not the peope who are trying to protest. They are caused by a bunch of thrill seeking, camera hungry idiots - and the media calls them protestors.

Like I said in an earlier post, when the violence erupts, all credibilty is lost.

I really hope that they are not choosing the Olympics to stage more protests. Which, undoubtedly will turn violent, with all the media attention already focused on Torino. I think we have enough problems in the world, being attacked by *outsiders*. Do we really need to terrorize each other?

I understand the anti-TAV protests, but can't they wait until after the Oympics, and all the visitors and media have gone home. And I really think the media needs to stop showing these kinds of things on tv. They only add fuel to the flame.

I am so sick of all the rioting. Can't we prescribe a giant valium world wide? Or hand out free pot. Then everyone would be too lazy, and too busy eating, to riot. (so I've heard...)

On the knittin' front I finished a mock crochet stitch Mobius Scarf today. This stitch takes longer then some of the others, but I like the result. Nice and cozy.

I also crocheted a new border on Franco's green pance coperta. I didn't like the fringge I tried to add to it, so I practiced crocheting on it. It came out pretty good. Me likey. He likes it too. It added a little weight to it, and stays put better. *phew* heheh

Remembering the passed, and the past.

Yesterday I was in the house, and heard something being said over the loud speakers. Since the church bells have been ringing for three days straight, I figured I would finally know the reason why. Right as I looked out my window, I saw a coffin passing underneath. I knew who it was...or at least I had a feeling I knew. I looked up the street and saw a huge procession heading towards the second church of our paese.

When Franco came home, I told him what I saw, and my guess was confirmed. The priest who had processed all of our paperwork before we were married, had died. He was a very kind man, and helped us enormously when we had to decipher all of the requirements for our wedding. He was only 64, and was outlived by his mother, who he lived with. We were sad to hear that he passed. He was a smoker.

While I was looking up on the internet for some news on his life, I came across the coolest web site. It has old pictures from my little paese, Albino. This is the church that *our* priest oversaw (in a picture dated 1915), and the Santuario Madonna della Gamba (1920's). We could have been married in either church, but prefered the one where Franco lived before we moved to Albino.

Below is a picture from the piazza in 1920, and one from 2006 showing Franco during our snowstorm. Funny how things don't change much in Italy.

This is a picture of the Festa della Madonna della Gamba, from the 1920's. I have some pictures from an October post of the same festa.

This picture, dated 1965, is taken from the same spot as my photo from this year. In this picture you can also see where my video store is now, and Cafe Liberty, where I went with Kristi to have hot chocolate. Do you remember Kri?

Please follow the links for more photos, I didn't want to jam my site with photos...

Our house, 1930.

Our house, 1965. (no, the little girl is not me, I wasn't born yet... hehe)

My street, in 1905. Madonna della Gamba Sanctuary is in the background.

The church where Franco's parents were married, 1950 photo.

A facist parade marching down our street, 1926.

Another photo of our street, where I had chocolate with Kristi, and rent my videos, where the people are standing. hehe The trolly doesn't exist anymore. I wish it did!

Our paese, Albino, downtown, 1900.

Our paese, looking towards Franco's sisters house, 1960's.

Our street, coming the other direction, 1930.

There are a lot more photos on the site, I just wanted to share a *few*. Take a look if you are interested. I quite enjoyed it. :OD

Where the heck are the medal ceremonies?

I don't know about you in the states, but here in Italy, I have yet to see ONE medal ceremony. I have watched almost all of the Olympics, but they never show the ceremonies when the medals are handed out. Am I missing something? Where the heck are they? That is one of the best parts, when you get to see the proud faces of the athletes, representing their countries, as they are awarded their medals. Something is definitely missing here...and its not just the gas. hahah

I saw this picture today, and it just makes me wonder...Do you think Katie longs for the PT days? (PT = Pre-Tom). I know we all have bad days, and some people let themselves slip a little when they are in a relationship, but I don't think this is a little slip. I think this was a full on 30 story fall. Poor thing. She needs to lose the freak, get some therapy, and hide her kid when it is born. I don't think this relationhip is working out too well for her.

And a little note for J.Doe, the olympic hat is reversable, I don't need two heads! See how crafty I am? haha

Buon San Valentino!

Franco brought me some beautiful red tulips (my favorite flower) for Valentines day. He is so sweet.




I only had to hint once... hehe Enjoy your day, everyone.

Go U.S.! Go Italy! My Hat Caught Olympic Fever!

It is hard to know which country to root for when you are from one, but live in another.... So, in anticipation of my attendance at the Olympic Games this year, I made a hat today. But not just any ol' hat. This hat allows me to show support for BOTH countries.

Goooooooooo! U.S.

Goooooooooo! Italy!

Ok, it didn't turn out as well as I had planned, but considering I will probably never wear it (or at least for a very short time), I don't care too much. I made the red band part too thin - so, you can see through it. I was getting lazy and didn't want to go get the second ball of red yarn, so I could use two strands at once. haha But like I said, oh well. Other then that, it came out pretty cute. It has a cute shape, and looks cute on (except for the flaws). The pics highlight the flaws, but in person, it is not as bad. Really.

Here are some pics of me, showing my spirit, watching the Olympics. (i am such a dork!) hehe

I also made Franco a new *pance coperta*, so his little belly doesn't get cold. I was tired of the old one, and I wanted to make something using the *mock crochet stitch*. I like the way it turned out. I even crocheted the edges. :OD

Alrighty, I have to go make dinner now. Have a good night. And a special shout out to the men's and women's (or should I say boys and girls...) snowboarding teams. They SMOKED in the half pipe! Way to go!

Camo Pink Chic hat and Olympic fever

Today, we were pretty boring. We watched the Olympic games all day, and I worked on a couple of projects. I have to give a shout out to Chad Hedrick (US) and Enrico Fabris (IT), who brought home the first gold and bronze, respectively, in the 5,000 meter speedskate!

This is the hat I made for Franco today. He picked out the yarn when we went to the yarn shop Thursday. It is called arctic, so he thinks it will keep him nice and warm. I like the pattern I did, it turned out kinda cute. Reminded me a little bit of Charlie Brown's t-shirt.


And this is my *Camo Pink Chic* hat. I made a smaller flower then the pattern calls for, and didn't tie it off as tight. I like the way it turned out! I like it so much, I think I am going to make a couple more. haha

Other then that, I have been reading my mags from my mom, and (still) staring at the HUGE pile of ironing I have yet to do. I realized last night, while watching the opening ceremony, that I could have made a FORTUNE if I could have knitted all the hats for the ceremony. I think, by the next winter olympics, I will have a big enough stash! haha

Buon Weekend! And I hope your favorite athletes win!

XX Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony, Torino 2006 - Brava Italia!

We just finished watching the opening ceremony, and it was great! There were some very touching moments, and it was exciting and fun. The lighting of the torch alone is worth it! Brava ancora, Italia!

I love watching the athletes from around the world, when they parade through the stadium. I always feel so patriotic, and I especially feel proud for smaller countries that have one, two or five athletes. They must feel so proud representing their countries - especially when they are so few.

The stage was very cool. I didn't hear what the shape represents, but I assume it must be the shield of Torino or something. I loved the way the athletes completed the *stage*.

Anyway, if you have a chance to watch them tonight, do! And what Italian party would be complete without Sophia, Ferrari and Pavarotti?

These pictures, and more, can be found on the Olympics official site.

Same day, new stuff.

I wrote my previous post at 4am last night, and decided I needed a new post, about my shopping trip yesterday. Franco took me to the Mondial Lane yarn factory in Brescia yesterday and I bought some new yarn! They had so many pretty colors. Not a lot of fun varieties, like the fun furs and all the others you can find at Joanns, but they had very nice wools and cottons. Stay tuned for new projects!

We also went to Ikea, since we were in the *hood. We bought some little fold up wood tv trays, so Franco has something to sit the laptop on, when he drives on his racing game. And I got one, so I have something to craft on, without messing up the dining table all the time. And they are nice, because they tuck away in a nook.

I also bought the cutest little pink boxes. I didn't really have a use for them, but I wanted them! Right now they are full of the new yarn. Alice was right, I am getting quite the stash of yarn! haha Here is a photo of my little knitting nook and new pink boxes.

Two boxes arrived in the mail today! Yeah! I did a little online shopping a while back, and my mom sent me the boxes. I bought the coolest pair of Skinny jeans from Levis, and I love them! I bought the Blush color but now I also want the Retro color! I also bought the cutet pair of silver ballet flats. They are really cute on. I have trouble finding this type of shoe in Italy, to fit my feet. I have narrow feet, and the Italian ones always slip off. These are from Pennys, and are on sale for $25. Score!

And as usual, my mom stuffed the box with trashy gossip magazines and dvds! Love her! I have so much gossip to catch up on! hehe I almost forgot about my MAC lipstick. I ordered MAC in Glam, and I LOVE the color. It is a pinkish red matte, and it is perfect, for me. Trouble is, they have now discontinued the color. Good thing I ordered two!

Alrighty, I better go, I have projects to knit, mags to read, dvds to watch, and somehow I need to find some time to iron. hahaha

We have to learn to all get along. After all...we are neighbors.

I am angered, frustrated, confused, and a bit scared, by the recent violent uprising. It started because of freedom of expression. Freedom of press.

Those cartoons were created as a test of self censorship, and whether or not *we* as a free society were censoring ourselves for fear of islamic terrorist retaliation. The paper that printed them, and handed out the assignment for their creation, wanted to see if journalists/papers were indeed censoring themselves, out of fear. Because indeed, many do.

But, in a free society, you are free to express yourselves, and your beliefs, within the limits of the law. And that applies to newspapers as well. That is what it means, to be *free*. That is why we can stand on a street corner and voice our views on our president, on government, and religion, without fear of retribution. Because it is our right, it is our freedom to do so.

But we must do this peacefully and with dignity.

I believe that everything is lost when violence erupts. I no longer hear the reasons why the Muslim world is upset about the drawing of their Mohammad. I only see the violence. And that is not freedom of expression. That is violence. Destruction. And terrorism. Italy and other countries chose to air the cartoons, because the media was told there would be bloodshed if they did. Terrorism is not the way.

I have seen too many images this last week or so, of all the violence. I saw one image of a young boy holding a sign that said, "Europe, Remember 9/11?" And another holding a sign, "Death to U.S." A 16 year old was arrested in Turkey for murdering an Italian priest as a "protest". What is being taught to these young children?

It has been said that the cause of these riots are because the prophet Mohammad and Allah, as it is interpreted, but not actually stated in the Quaran, must not be drawn, or represented in any form. Also in flammatory were the depictions of Allah with a bomb in his turban. I interpreted this cartoon to mean that certain muslims, in the name of Allah, terrorize and kill. Which, extremists do. Bin Laden did. Depicting Mohammad or Allah, in any form, is against muslim religion.

So if you are muslim, do not draw pictures of Allah or Mohammad. That is your religious belief. But that is not the religious belief of a non-muslim. You can not expect a country, a continent, the remaining non-muslim world, to abide by your religious beliefs. Just as you should not be forced to abide by the beliefs of others. A muslim living in Denmark, Italy or the US, can not expect those countries to obey Muslim law. But as a muslim in Denmark, Italy, or US, you are free to be muslim. You are free to pray, free to voice your opinions, free to have peaceful protest. But living in a free society means you are also *free* to hear the opinions of others. If the cartoons caused offense, then boycott, write letters, march, protest. But the laws must be obeyed.

No one is free to burn. To destroy. To terrorize. To kill. Terrorism is not the answer.

There was a time when you could define parts of the world by religious differences. But the world is getting smaller, and the borders getting more and more blurred. We are choosing to move around the world, to live in new countries and to merge with new cultures. There is no longer such clear definition. If we choose to mesh our cultures, and religious differences and beliefs, and live among each other, we have to allow each other their freedoms to express themselves. And their freedoms to *be*. And their freedoms of religions beliefs. And we have to learn to respect those choices and differences. But, we also have to allow that others might not agree and are free to voice their differences. Freely, but within the law.

If the free countries and peoples of the world start limiting those freedoms, censoring themselves from those freedoms - for fear of terrorist retribution - we are no longer free. We are a country - a world - living as hostages, from terrorists.

Flower Power

Ok, my new project was kind of a dud. Not so bad, but not so great. I attempted to make a belt with flower, to wrap around my cardigan. I cast on 8 pegs and did the flat stitch, which was ok. I think I should have done 16 pegs, and folded it and stitched it up to make it thicker. I think I will rip the flower off and use it on a hat. I guess you could also felt the belt, then it would be thicker and more stable. I can't felt...I have a front load machine.

I saw a picture yesterday that gave me the idea, but now I can't find it. Here are a couple of sweaters I saw on nordstrom.com, to kind of show the look I was going for... They aren't exactly right, as far as examples, but close.

Oh well, another day another project! :OD

Eternity Scarf and Italian Tasty Treats

I attempted to make an Eternity Scarf - the type that those little waify celebs wear - and it came out ok. I should have made it wider, since I am not as waify as those celebs... heheh I cast on 16 pegs, but should have gone 20 or 22, I think. I knit for 80 inches, and brought up the end, knit off, and did flat stitch removal. I knit 3 rows, and did a drop stitch, repeat. Like I said, it is ok. You can wrap it once, twice, or three times.... a lady. (where did that come from?) You can even wrap it four times for a nice cozy neck warmer.

This weekend I made a couple of tasty dishes. One I stole from a restaurant in Firenze - La Trattoria dei Quattro Leone. They have a salad that is SO delicious, I try to duplicate it at home. They use avocado, pinenuts, emmenthaler cheese, pesto and rucola. I use salad instead of the rucola, and a lot less avocado then they do, but the taste is the same. Fresh pesto on a salad is super tasty.

I also made some Casoncelli della Bergamasca (I use the term *made* loosely - I do not make my own pasta). It is a tasty dish from our region that I love.

I have a new idea for a knitting project. Must get to work on that now! I will post it when I am finished...if it turns out. hhehe And I am still trying to figure out how to make my pics *clickable* so you can view them larger. Rik is being nice and helping me. Thanks Rik!

A Charmed Life - From Corn Palace to Buckingham Palace.

There are two things that I collect when I travel - silver charms and t-shirts. My SIL gave me the idea for the charms, and it is such a good idea. They are small, light and a great way to remember your travels. I also like t-shirts because you can wear them, sleep in them, and trade them, and they are lightweight and easy to pack and bring home. My mom collects books. That is not a very good thing to collect when you travel... they are a little heavy. hehe

This morning I was thinking about trying t-shirt surgery on some of my shirts. As I was digging all of them out, my mind wandered to my charms. I decided to put the t-shirt project on hold, and post photos of my charm bracelets. I don't wear them very often, mainly because I don't want to lose them, which is kind of silly. But I do pull them out failry often, and look at them, and also to add to them.

This first one is from my first trip to Europe with my mom. My brother gave us a trip to wherever we wanted to go, one year for Christmas. We decided on London, Paris, Switzerland, Venice, Florence, and Rome. We had five days in London,Paris and Rome, and two nights in the other cities. It was a little too short in Italy, but luckily, we have been back. Who knew. haha Included are charms from Buckingham Palace, where we saw the Queen and Queen Mum, and from the Vatican, where we saw the Pope. We also saw the Emporer of Japan in London, but there weren't any charms for that. We got lucky this trip!

My second bracelet is from our second European vacation, which was a cruise, again a gift from my brother. We started in Barcelona and went to Monte Carlo, stopped in Civitavecchia, Sorrento, Capri, Malta, Santorini, and ended in Athens. Charms include the Church of Gaudi, the eye of Osiris from Malta, our cruise ship Marco polo, the Phaistos Disc, and Acropolis.

These bracelets are from our third trip, which started in Africa, for my brothers wedding. From Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe we flew to Paris, then went on to England and Scotland. I had to make two bracelets for this trip, because I found SO many great charms. This first bracelet is all England, including our trip to see where Shakespeare lived. The second bracelet has charms from Africa, Paris and Scotland, incuding the castle in Edinburgh. (Oh, and yes, the trip to Africa was a gift from my brother and his wife.)

Here is my Christmas bracelet, which includes charms from Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Venice from my moms visit for Christmas a couple of years ago, and two new ones from Vail - the snowflake and cable car.

My trip across America bracelet. Franco and I flew to DC a few summers ago, and picked up a PT Cruiser for my mom (she bought it from her cousin in Pittsburgh) and we drove across country. There are charms from Wall Drug, Corn Palace, Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, Badlands, Notre Dame, DC, and a Seattle Ferry.

This one I call my Franco bracelet. It includes charms from Washington, including the Space Needle and wedding bells, wedding ring and a tooth. I also have charms from Santorini and Mykonos from out honeymoon, and other charms from trips we have taken together.

And finally, I have some random chams that I don't yet have on a bracelet. These are from trips last September and October to Napoli, Sorrento, Capri, Florence, Venice, San Gimignano, Assisi, and a couple of random ones from Africa, San Francisco and one I don't remember where it is from...

So, anyway, I hope you enjoyed my charms. I sure did enjoy the trips! And had a fun time hunting for the charms too. (I hope you can see the charms in these pics...)

The Superbowl is coming to Italy!

Sunday night, or actually Monday morning at 00:45, Itaila 1, channel 6, is airing the Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game! I've got my hotdogs, chili, potato chips and pepsi all ready to go. Although, at one in the morning, that might not be such a good thing to eat. haha Anyway, I plan on watching. Goooo Seahawks!

Now for knitting talk. See how versatile I am - from football to knitting. haha I copied Carla's idea of adding a flower to my little hat and me likey. Problem is, I was using grey yarn just to practice making the flower, but then I liked how it turned out. So I knit a hat in pink, and applied the grey flower. It probably should have been the other way around. :OS Especially since Franco thought the flower looked like a spider. And we know how I detest spiders. I added the pink center on the flower, so now it looks less like a spider.

Also, this is a close up photo of my pink Mobius scarf that I made the other day. The yarn is a lighter weight, and doesn't look as full as the orange one. It is better suited for spring and fall.

Good news - yesterday I purchased my tickets for California and for Cabo! I am SO there. Here are some pics of the house in Cabo. I can already picture my friends and I lounging by the pool!

Buon Weekend!

One of the oldest, most famous, and most delectable drinks in Piedmont.

With the Olympics only 8 days away, it is time to get *Olympic Fever* and what better way to do that, then with chocloate! And even better, a Bicerin.

A Bicerin is in essence a “bicchierino” or “small glass” of melted chocolate, coffee, and milk. Back in the mid 1800's, when the bicerin was the trend of the times, there were three main varieties: pur e fior (coffee and milk), pur e barba (coffee and chocolate) and un po’d tut (milk, coffee, chocolate). The most famous place to enjoy the bicerin is at the café Il Bicerin in piazza della Consolata in Torino (although you’re likely to find bicerin served at most of the cafes).

Bicerin
Recipe: Scotto Family of Fresco, New York City

Serves 3-4
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup hot sugared coffee
• 3 ounces plain chocolate
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon flour
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 3-4 tablespoons whipped cream

DIRECTIONS
1. Melt chocolate over low heat. Add milk, sugar, flour and cream and heat gently for 1 minute. Pour the sugared coffee in a champagne glass. Add the warm chocolate mixture and top with whipped cream.

COFFEE BISCUITS from Caffe al Bicerin
On a low flame, melt 300 grams of dark bitter chocolate in 110 grams of butter and allow to cool. Whip four eggs with 200 grams of sugar, a spoonful of liquid coffee and two spoonfuls of vanillina. Add the chocolate and 80 grams of flour and half a spoonful of yeast and half of salt. Leave it in the fridge for about 15 minutes and then put the mixture into the oven so that the biscuits are about 5 cm. apart. Cook for about 10 minutes at 180°.

If you go to the Olympics, stop in for a Bicerine at:
Caffè Al Bicerin
piazza della Consolata
510122 Torino

Loving the new blog!

Not much going on today in the knitting department. I have been cleaning out cupboards and reorganizing. I also moved around some of my purses, scarves and hats. I had to find more room for them... I have a lot of hats. :OS

I just realized today is February 1st. That means I have less then 3 months to get bikini cabo ready. CRAP! I think I am going to have to get serious about this diet thing... maybe I can knit a large bikini!?!

We did fnd out today that Franco's dad has to start chemo and radiation to treat his prostate issue. Apparently the tumor was cancerous, and they need to do chemo first to reduce it some more, then in a few months start radiation. When the doctors performed a test to see if the cancer had spread elsewhere in the body, it was negative, so that is good news. It seems to be centralized in one area. We are all hoping for the best, and he is a strong person, so everything should turn out fine. Think positive thoughts for Giacomo.

Make sure to get your husbands/fathers/selves tested for prostate cancer. It is common and curable, if detected early.

Salute!