Sock Summit 2009

Here is the first line of an e-mail I received today:

We wish to welcome you to the Sock Summit 2009. Thank you very much for signing up to participate. We're very happy you're coming.

Somewhat to my surprise, I'm signed up for a sock design class. I'm surprised because,

1. I generally knit plain stockinette socks. This is boring of me, but I love a plain, well-fitting sock.
   
2. I've never taken, or even been tempted to take, a knitting class. I'm somewhat irrationally proud of being "self-taught," though, in all honesty, my mom taught me when I was little. Don't get me wrong, I'm always learning new things. But I do this by poring over books, blogs, online forums, and by good old trial and error. (I still consult my mom, too.)
   
3. I wish this weren't true, but I can't knit in a group. Maybe I just need more practice at this, but if I'm talking to someone, I'm looking at them. If I'm looking at them, then I'm not looking at my knitting. If I'm not looking at my knitting, I'm making a mistake.
   

But, despite all of the above, I wanted to attend Sock Summit for the fun and to try something new. Plus, I live about 30 minutes from the Portland convention center.

I'm not attending any of the meet-and-mingle events. (If I had an unlimited budget, I'd go to luminary panel.) I'm not interested in celebrities, although if I see the Yarn Harlot, I'll kinnear her. And, if I run into Barbara Walker in the marketplace, I'll try my best to get a photo of we two together. If I do get that photo, then you'll see a genius of practical and sensible knitting techniques standing next to a fawning fan. (BW is not a celebrity. She's a Superstar!)

I'm signed up for a class taught by Star Athena. It sounded like a useful, basic design class.

I would like to take a moment to thank my knitting sponsor for giving me the gift of the Sock Summit. Perhaps, he will be rewarded, someday, with a pair of hand-knit socks that have been "designed" rather than improvised.

I'm happy I'm going to Sock Summit.

Different day, same cat

All Ziggy's tests (thyroid, kidney function, x-rays) came back oky-doky. So, his problems are probably due to the sensitive stomach of a senior kitteh. This is good because it means his condition can be managed through diet. All I need to do is figure out what to feed him.

I needed to hear this good news because right before the vet called, I was vexed. I've been working on a summer shell. I really like the yarn, the stitches, and the pattern was coming along nicely until I spotted its nearly identical twin in the Ravelry database.

Now, all I have to do is figure out a new design.

Kissable

For the last several weeks, Ziggy's been making frequent trips to the veterinarian. The vets, techs, and receptionists are getting to know him by name. To know him is to love him, I guess, because today, when he went in for a thyroid panel, his doctor kissed him.

He is a handsome little devil, don't you think?