My DC - Week 16

Last week at this time it was sunny and warm and I was wandering the grounds of the US Capital with Carole. It was kind of a surprise when I realized that I haven't been there at all in the decade that I've lived in this area. The last time I was at the Capital I was about 9 and seeing it all for the first time with my grandparents. It's no less amazing now than it was then. There is something majestic about the Capital building.

There is a lot to notice in the area around the Capital too. This is on a low wall near where the tour bus dropped us off. It's one of those things that people probably walk by all the time without noticing. It's so crisp and the relief is lovely.

I saw this statue and loved it. I'm sure the front of it is beautiful but I can't recall looking at it. The way the one figure is leaning into the other with it's arm draped over the shoulder just screams comfort and love.


Have a great weekend!

Zombies on the Run

Stink-o had a great birthday yesterday and it appears that this will be one of those week long birthday's because there are quite a few gifts still on their way. Although the suspense is just killing her I think that drawing out the celebration of all things Daria is probably not making her all that sad.

My sister also had a nice birthday. I'm proud to say that my gift for her even arrived on time. Yay! I had originally started these Zombies for me but the girls insisted that their aunt would love them more than the socks I initially intended to send her so I reluctantly parted with them. They should've been done in plenty of time to be washed and properly finished but stuff got in the way. I also had no time for a proper photo shoot with them. As it was I was lucky to get these in the mail on time so I didn't weave in the ends at the cuffs. When I spoke to Jess last night and promised to fix the socks when I see her Memorial Day weekend she said "fix what?" She didn't even notice the long hanging string. She's lucky that I love her. Ya know what I mean?

Anyway, I really enjoyed making these socks. The Zombie pattern is super easy to remember and it's free on Ravelry. I usually do my socks toe-up with a short row heel so I had forgotten how much I love the eye of partridge heel flap. It really shows off variegated yarns well. Speaking of the yarn - I loved this one (which is why I chose it for ME!). I'll definitely be getting more from Storm Moon Knits. The colors are so deep and rich. There is plenty left over from these socks so I'll have to think of a good use for it.

Are you all watching AI this season. We have and I'm surprised to see the final 3. I never expected Syesha to get this far and I'm not sure that she did either. Another surprise to me is David Cooke. I like him way better than I expected to and much more than the other David. I know that this probably isn't a popular opinion but I really don't care for him at all and I think he'd make a horrible Idol. Don't get me wrong, he's got a great voice. He's just such a simpering, insipid bit of vanilla pudding. Yuck. Maybe he's just too young or maybe he needs a personality boost. I just can't stand him much the way I can't stand John Mayer. They can both go sing sappy songs together.

Happy Birthday Stinkerbelle and ECL

Look what I did last night. After attending DQ's chorus concert at her school I went home and baked, and baked, and baked. Birthday cupcakes are a big deal in my house and I try to come up with a different design for each batch. Apparently they are a huge hit at school and kids tell my girls that they look forward to them every year. Anyway, I believe that the final tally this year was 64 and all but 4 of them were decorated.

The occasion for these cupcakes is Stinkerbelle's 9th birthday and she's going to bring most of these to school to share with her classmates. The rest of them will be a yummy birthday snack for her team after their game tonight.

Daria is an amazing kid. She works so hard in school and has a natural curiosity about the world around her. She is strong and confident although she's got a wonderful soft side too. She is empathetic and loving and still one of the best snugglers in the world.

Daria is the best helper there is and loves to go with me wherever I go. Here she is at the FDR Memorial last Sunday. She decided to join Carole and I for some last minute touring. She loves to accompany me to do the grocery shopping and if I am cooking she is always at the counter helping stir things and peel things. My Stinky wants to be a pastry chef when she grows up but she is multi-talented - building with Legos, playing softball, drawing and playing a very aggressive game of chess.

Happy Birthday Daria! I love you more than words can say.


I'm sending a virtual cupcake to my sister Jess (AKA Erica Chopped Liver) too. Mwah!