Blogaversary Contest! Hurry!

My pal and fellow RV Spinner/Knitter Robin is having a blogaversary contest...and I promised I'd post a link here - go, hurry, enter! She's one cool (and fascinating) gal, so if you've not seen her blog yet, you MUST...

Happy Halloween (Samhain), too!

(I liked this image so much, I put it here from the link above. I could not see a copywrite, so I hope there wasn't one! If so, I'll remove...)
*wink*

DONE!

TA-DA!

It's my Ingrid's Blues Mock Cable Socks!

See the toe? That's Judy's Magic Cast On! and I LOVE IT...you know why? When I do a short-row toe, no matter how carefully I work, I always - ALWAYS - have little holes that have to be sewn up. I wore a pair to work today...that little "stitching" no matter how careful I am, makes my toes hurt. I can't feel a thing on the inside of THESE socks...Whee!

Specs:
Yarn: Claudia's Handpaint Ingrids Blues colorway
Needles: Knitpicks Harmony size 1, 16 inch circulars (2) - oh I am so in love with these needles...I have the entire set of the interchangeables on my Xmas Wishlist!! (Hint Hint, Big Sis!) *wink*
Pattern: Well...it's a little of this and a little of that - the basic sock continues to be from the Toe-Up Socks Class that I took almost two years ago...that's the heel pattern - and this stitch pattern IS from that class. Not sure I'm in love with it in this yarn, but I do like the pretend cable you get. Like I said the toe is Judy's. I don't pattern my foot as I don't like the way ribbing feels inside my shoes, so the foot is stockinette.
Time to Knit: Just this month of October - I think it's amazing how fast they knit up!
Thoughts - I'm not in love with Claudia's yarn. The colors ARE GORGEOUS. But it's a little splitty. And oh my did it snag up into spaghetti when I first tried to wind it into a ball...

That said, I like the yarn. I have more, and I'll probably buy more. As I said, the colors are gorgeous. And that makes a world of difference in variegated yarns! But it's definitely not my favorite yarn to knit socks with...not my least favorite either...(I'll reserve Wildfoote for that! lolol!)

Speaking of Wildfoote? I wore THESE today - I did make them just a touch too long, btw. But they were nice to ward off a bit more chill this a.m. (at 32 degrees!) than I was ready for...

What goes OTN next? Well, I suspect I'll put more socks out there, but at the moment I'm vacillating between my October Art Walk Three Dancers yarn and the Fleece Artist I bought for my Big Sis's Xmas gift. I don't have her foot measurements yet (and her feet are odd...very narrow at the heel, so I have to have measurements!).

So maybe...in addition to some of the items already OTN for gifts...maybe I'll start my Booga Bag - the purple/black/gray yarns I bought at NoSoKnit last month?

Oh...did I mention it was cold this morning? Well last night, the CC was pretty cold - she doesn't weigh 7 pounds and it's all skin and bones - a scrawny 16.5 year old baby, with the highest metabolism I've ever seen...

So I got the bed I bought in Richmond last April for BB and she decided it was pretty nice...of course that means The Meezer took the left-overs...a fake lambswool that the older girls used to trade-off on...

Hmmmm....just whom do you think is "top cat" now? And please note that's MY knitting chair? I've been displaced completely...
(sigh)

Latest (and Last!) Addition to Stash

...for a little while anyway - maybe till after the holidays?

This is the NEW STR colorway Atomic 6 and Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book 1.

I haven't had a minute to look at the book yet, but the sock yarn has been drooled over...
Oh. Well. Come to think on it. I said it's the "last" addition to stash - there might be something else in the next month - something like - um...well...The Raven Series?

I have no idea what to expect. But. I think I might not be able to keep my credit card in my pocketbook just based on the name and the ads.

(sigh)
But after THAT....then I'll stop
yeah. right.
heh heh.
Do ya think?

Things Are A Bit Crazy!

I've been sewing up a storm, and pal Lynette and DD have been working on my website. We all had a working dinner tonight to address a few remaining issues - you may place an order, but don't be concerned if you get an error page? Something's not quite right and the two master web gals can't figure it out, BUT you WILL get an email saying the order has been placed and I'll get an email about your order! So I'll get right back to you within 24 hours, so not to worry - email me if you don't hear something!

I have gone to an order only system. When I started Nana Sadie Rose, I only wanted to sell ready-made bags. I quickly learned that it was smarter for me to make a few and sell at shows, but mainly take orders for what my customers want - the personal touch is what you all want! (Me, too, of course!!!)

So now, you'll place an order with me and I'll get in touch with you about all the arrangements and confirmations. I hope that's agreeable to everyone!
*wink*

So tonight, DD went off to a Halloween party and Lynette and I came to my place to knit. I finished another dishcloth (that makes 20 now) and Jane tracked down an address to send them to, so they'll be wending their way to California this week. For so very many the devastation will take a long time to repair and restore. We've already heard that the simple handmade dishcloths mean so much - that someone cared enough to make and send something.

So...soon after Lynette left, I knew an ebay auction was going down on something I needed, so the only answer was to stay up. I had bought plastic tubs for yarn storage at least 2 weeks ago, and I decided that the best way to spend the 30 minutes or so till the end of the auction would be to sort yarn out of boxes and into bins.

First up was the dishcloth cotton (there are actually a few more partial balls downstairs...) and I think keeping them in a drawstring Knit Happens bag is smart for now.

This 73 quart container holds all the yarns I've bought for shawls. Not just laceweight, there all weights of yarns purchased with the intention to make a certain shawl from - there's worsted wool, cotton twist, DK weight Zephyr, fingering Rowan tweed, Elann's cashmere silk blend in fingering, laceweight in all sorts of yarns and colors from Knitpicks and many other companies, too!
it's a BIG box!

I have some 20 quart containers for sock yarns and such. Here are the "manufactured sock yarns - Trekking XXL and others...

Then here, the hand-dyed yarns:

If you can imagine, Nana Sadie Rose, creator of the Rose and Oressa needle cases? Well, she has one Oressa that she uses daily, but that Oressa is bursting at the gils with crochet hooks and dpns. Now I'm knitting with socks on two circs...well, something has to give, there are so many needles and stuff! So till I can come up with something (and I will!) they've got to stay out of the way. You see, The Meezer has begun to develop some not nice habits...like taking hold of the end of the yarn and moving off with it...batting around a fallen dpn (or pulling it OUT of the Oressa case!)...(I've lost ONE size 10.5 - I think it's under the bed...where I discovered a felted wool slipper, a knitting book (and oh, my, I must dust!)....


Now these boxes should tell you that I made a little headway in organizing the knitting room/office. Very little. But progress nonetheless.

Where were the girls during all this? Well....

They were having a party (I'm always the designated driver...er photographer:
It was another of those wicked weed parties - the good stuff I grew on my balcony at the old apartment. It's still amazingly potent...and the kitties wanted to cut loose and share some good kitty hootch...

The Meezer really wanted some of what the Calico Curmudgeon had...

But obviously that look is 'What part of MINE don't you understand?'

As blissful as she later became, I'd have thought she'd be more inclined to share...

But it turned out The Meezer didn't need it, as she was in her own state of grace...

(((hugs)))

Cloths for Crisis - California Fires!

I'm very sorry to say, it's time to take up our needles and make cloths again. For everyone in California who is either affected or knows someone who is, please know we are praying for you!

And, in the meantime, for the rest of us? Those of us far from the flames?

Please join us in Cloths For Crisis - won't you knit a few dish/face cloths to send to those who'll be spending some time in shelters and away from their own belongings?

(oh, and we're on Ravelry, too.)

Monday...Still No Rain...

but we're not as bad off as California...my heart goes out to everyone there!

We're due for the rest of the week to be showery and if my joints are anything to go by, we'll get it. I hope. If I have to "feel it" then I want the ground to reap the benefits, at least!

I hope this shot of The Meezer with the first fuzzy thing will suffice to keep you all happy till I can get away with the full series? Even tonight, she's fascinated by it...

And I thought I'd introduce you to my "other grandchild"

This is DD's kitty Kasha. While she's barely a calico (and dilute where she IS calico), there is no question that the attitude is CALICO - she prisses and struts, rubs, and cavorts. Then when you reach to pet, she snags you with fangs and claws, hissing and howling. Not a nice girl - except supposedly with her mom. You couldn't prove it by me, and there are very few cats I can't win over. When DD moved back, there was nowhere for Kasha to stay till they had a place, so my vet is boarding her. DD assured me that putting a bed in the cage would be useless as anything, even a towel, gets dragged into the litter box.

I took this photo to prove to DD that she really doesn't know everything. When I stopped by last night? Kasha was sound asleep on her back in this bed. All 4 paws in the air. Tonight, I brought my camera. DD would not have believed me otherwise. You can't tell, but this princess has a double-wide cage (a benefit of my being the vet's bookkeeper!) and the litter box is to your right in the photo - do you see a speck of litter? This little old gal is becoming a clean freak...and enjoying every minute of it.

I think she's going home tomorrow...but you know? I'm not so sure she wants to go! lolol
(there are 3 boys under age 5 in her house...that's more than enough reason to stay right where she is...)

(And no, I couldn't have let Kasha board with my two. Remember, I have a Queen Bee Siamese, and a Queen Bee Calico? We'd have had World War III.)

Got Nothin'

Well...not exactly - that would imply that I'd done nothing this weekend and that would be lying...

I've finished one furry thing and started another, knit on the second of my Ingrid's Blues Mock Cable Sock and turned the heel, and made several Nana Sadie Rose bags on order from the National Capital Cat Show last month. The bags you've seen before (tho' there are a couple of neat coffee bags on the link I just gave you - go - look - enjoy!) and the second sock is boring till there are two on two feet to show off.

And the furry things are gifts so I can't show them.

I worked on my client's books, I had dinner with my pal Lynette and knit with her last night, and had lunch with DD and her family. They have jobs! And a house! (ok, it's rented, but still...all in a week! Hooray!) They even are in process of moving IN...Amazing - my DD has worked hard this week.

So still, I got nothin' to show...

But I can tell you a funny story. I was working on my client's books today, the first "fuzzy thing" sitting on the desk next to me. Just enough of it was barely off the edge of the desk. Along came The Meezer (who hates it when I'm busy doing ANYTHING except paying attention to her).

The next thing I knew? Well, the fuzzy thing was being carried off down the length of the office. I grabbed the camera and tried to take photos, but couldn't get a darn thing that was decent! (oh...well, there WAS that shot of her 'tocks as she straddled the fuzzy thing as she was dragging it out of the room!)

And of course, if I showed you those photos, it would be obvious what the fuzzy thing IS...and what it IS is secret till after Christmas...

I have to tell you, tho', The Meezer was triumphant that she'd KILLED the fuzzy thing! I laughed so hard I thought I'd never get my breath.

(The fuzzy thing is safe now, not dead at all, but don't tell The Meezer, okay?)

After that, for some bizarre reason, she started licking the arm of my chair. We've been having a "thing" about tasting things that are not normal recently, I have no idea what (if anything) it means!

But the other day? This was the shot I managed to get. My fingers were apparently quite good...


And here? This is today...

It went on for a long time...

My Mom has great taste in chairs...
The Meezer

Bad Knitnana!

I feel as if I'm neglecting my blog, but life is spiraling out of control these days (so it seems, at least).

DD and family have given up on New England and returned to the Old Hometown, have been working to find jobs, a place to live, and settling the kids. It's been a huge switch for me, as things are normally pretty quiet around here, and now there are THREE LITTLE BOYS to visit and play with!!!

I'm trying to sew. I'm working a lot more at my day-job lately (yes, it's year-end, but I'm also a co-leader on a small portion of a nationwide study in conjunction with a major medical college, which is not my normal routine, as I AM the accountant, after all! Just an accountant with an advanced degree in education - like that means much nowadays? But it did to this medical college!).

And then there IS this little thing called Christmas (I know, I'm not supposed to remind you, now am I?)

Here's one thing I'm working on. Some of you will recognize it. PLEASE - don't give it away in the comments or you'll not see much in the way of knitting on my blog for the next two months - I'll have to keep it all secret! lolol

But I can tell you it's the first of three. *wink*

And it's a hugely fun knit. IF you are on Ravelry, and are not sure what this is, you can go look me up and see it in my projects. But please don't give it away?? DD reads my blog. And I want HER to be surprised, too!

Tonight I've been knitting and counting out loud. Someone else, however....

has been a lazy-bones.
(((hugs)))

Coffee Swap III

QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground? Ground (I read my swap partner's list - what's the difference in fine ground of medium? I like whatever will work in my Mr. Coffee 4-cup) lolol!

2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Both, either (at different times of the day or night…)

3. Regular or flavored? (love hazelnut, raspberry)

4. How do you drink your coffee? HUH? Hot anytime, iced in the summer, in a mug in the morning, or a travel cup at the office…

5. Favorite coffee ever? I have loved Starbucks. But suddenly (in the past couple of weeks) I'm having trouble with it, so .... Hazelnut flavored coffee is great!

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? I drink Maxwell House French Roast at home in the morning...so...

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Ah, well, chocolate. Dark. Almonds, raspberries, hazelnuts inside… and for a completely different taste - Scottish Shortbread or butter cookies!

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? No sugar. Equal.

9. Yarn/fiber you love? Anything natural except angora (it itches), love FA Sea Wool, merino for socks – Cherry Tree Hill and such.

10. Yarn/fiber you hate? Acrylic – except for Caron’s Simply Soft - it’s great for afghans and kid's stuff…

11. What's on your needles? OMG. What’s not? (okay, I’ll admit, there are no sweaters) LOL! Socks, scarves, hats, shawls (lace and not so lace), felted toys and bags...(and an acrylic ripple afghan if you must know...)

12. Favorite colors? Jewel colors – aubergine/eggplant purple, fushia, turquoise, emerald, red, black – In short, think Amish Quilts! (I also like ANY shade of pink and lavender…Any.Shade.). Just please – NOT orange or yellow!

13. Allergies? CIGARETTES, Smoke, and the aforementioned angora.

14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? Have fallen completely and totally in love with the Harmony needles from Knitpicks…...am constantly on the lookout for toe-up sock patterns. Haven’t tried Lorna’s Laces yet...and I adore Roxanne’s sock yarns...am thinking it's time to go solid colors or semi-solid in my socks...I have so many that are variegated/handpainted. Fragrances? Lavender and lemongrass - very light...

I'm Home Again!

And have a LOT to share!
I took off at the last minute last week to attend a symposium at George Washington University in DC on Lupus. Most of you know I have SLE and when I had the opportunity to attend this, as a representative for my office, I jumped at the chance! It was an informative day, and I'm glad I made the trip!

The night before I left, I joined in on Knit Night at B&N with my friends, and THIS was on the newstand (I have to say that many of the issues available were snatched up by our members that night!)

Then, before I left on Friday, I got a few minutes to share with Dear Daughter who has moved back home with her family. They gave me my (belated) birthday present (the CTH SuperSock in Northern Lights below) - I love it, Honey!

Also in that photo you can see the program for the National Symphony Concert I was able to attend with Big Sis and her friends last night - my SECOND time seeing the amazing Midori in performance - Wow! Tho' I'm not normally a Bartok fan, it was excellent and a good time was had by all...
The Potomac was brilliant in the sun on Friday (and again on Saturday when I was able to stop and get this shot...

We also managed to stop on Saturday at my very favorite DC area yarn shop! and here's the haul...

The Fleece Artist on the right is for a pair of socks for Big Sis for Christmas - yes she already knows...but I managed to completely forget to measure her feet! (sigh)
The two balls of Kidsilk Haze go in my stash for the Earth Stripe Wrap, and the IK Winter 2005 issue was serendipity! I'd asked my Knit Night group if anyone had a copy they wanted to sell (of course, not!), and then HERE was a back issue at Knit Happens, just waiting for me...Whee! Why, yes, I'm considering the Pearl Buck Swing Jacket.

I always have fun with my Big Sis's cat when I visit - he's the sweetest cat, tho' his voice leaves MUCH to be desired...he's one of those loud and raspy cats. Still such an old softee...

You went away and spent time with that instead of staying here with me?

I know one of my girls had a bout of tummy trouble while I was gone, but tho' I have a suspicion who...I can't prove it....

I know, and I'm not telling you...that'll teach you to leave!
The Meezer

On The Fly!

I'm headed off to a women's health seminar for work this weekend in DC! Yes, I get to visit my dear Big Sis! and we're going to La Madeleine's, the French cafeteria we love so much...oh and yarn crawling, too - at least I hope we have a little time for it...Knit Happens is right around the corner from La Madeleine's.

Then coming back next week to a very busy week, so I'll try to post, but if you don't hear from me, I AM around and working hard! I'll come up for air whenever I can! I'm going to sew for 5 minutes here and there, so Nana Sadie Rose's orders stay on track. I'm actually a bit ahead on orders, so that's a good thing. I didn't expect these work-related activities, as my "day job" is usually local and stationary (actually I've always liked having a desk job). HA! That does seem to be changing just a little bit...

Have a wonderful weekend! Fall has definitely fallen here at least.

There's A Change In The Weather...

Yesterday's record was 92.

Today? It was 81.

Tomorrow? It's supposed to be 60.

Let me tell you how I know there's a change in the weather on it's way? My hands and hips are aching - badly. Started about 3:30 this afternoon. I'm a barometer. Always have been.

But THIS?

THAT is the ultimate clue - mortal enemies sleeping so close together...

So I'm knitting this (Okay, Carole, here's the gratuitous Wool Peddler's Shawl photo, since you asked...)

Not too far along, but with cooler temps, this Peace Fleece is a good choice to knit...

And these two shots?

The last two are taken with my new camera

The very first photo is taken with my old Pentax Optio S (3.2 megapixels).

Can you tell a difference? If not, perhaps I need to load the new ACDSee software that came with the new camera?
*wink*

Let me know what you think?

It's all the same *##*%$ flash to me, Mom!

Art Walk - Three Dancers

Did I have a clue? Not really. No. But do I have a clue what to do with it?

It's Sea Cell. Of course, I know what to do - I'll knit myself socks! No question. Working with FA Sea Wool this summer, my hands felt such a difference. I want that for my feet!!

And the colors. Roxanne, it's divine! Go now, sign up by clicking over from the Art Walk Sock Yarn Club on my sidebar. Lovely stuff...the stuff knitting dreams are made of.

Thanks Roxie!
(((hugs)))

Where Did It Go?

Where the heck did my weekend go? *wink*

OH yeah...here:

A pretty floral in ivory and brown Mera...

And I know you don't believe I can, but I really DO know how to make elegant bags - here are three Kerris (the PERFECT size for evening...)

There are several Posies, too, over on Nana Sadie Rose's blog. You might want to take a peek!

As for knitting, I'm working on Wool Peddler Shawl (Peace Fleece in Sheplova Mushroom), the first of a pair of socks in Claudia's Ingrid's Blues colorway, and I cast on tonight for the first of what I hope are a bunch of toys for my grandsons for Christmas...it's going fast, but obviously I can't post photos of that. (Tho' if you're on Ravelry you can see them - once I take photos and record the project there - as my Dear Daughter can't get there to see them! Tee Hee!). I'm as stressed as everyone about the problems with toys made in China, and after visiting the toy section of my favorite Tar-gey, the other day, I said, "Nope. Not THIS Nana!" I think everything I saw said, "Made in China," and while I'm old enough to remember when "Made in Japan" meant "cheap," I don't think it ever meant, "can make your child horrendously ill..." (sigh)

The only other thing I did this weekend (besides a visit to the vampire for routine bloodwork) was begin to think about doing something in my knitting corner. I picked up several clear bins to house my stash, everything is placed in the general area, though I've a long way before I can say "organized."

I had managed to get the chair here a couple of weeks ago...

Of course, you should have heard the fuss when I tried to unseat Her Highness tonight for a little knitting time! And I'd no sooner moved to start this post than she was back....
Whose chair? I'm telling you, it's MINE!
The Meezer

Way to Go Chris!

I just want everyone to know...I'm so happy and proud for you, Chris! And I can say I knew you when...
(um, just click her name in the title if you're not catching up with me here...)
(((((hugs)))))

An Event to Plan For!

MIMI is hosting a very special event:


November 7 is the Annual Blogblast for Peace Day. That's the Peace Globe I made for the Knitnana Blog (and I'm thinking of doing another for Nana Sadie's Place, as this is so close to my heart). Visit Mimi's site and you can learn how to make one for your blog, too! Join us? It's going to be a truly inspirational day...

I'll be posting an essay on peace here at Knitnana on the 7th. As you know, I stay neutral on certain topics on most occasions, and this won't be any different. But peace crosses political and religious boundaries. I think I'll be able to stay on firm ground...*wink*

Since this IS a knitting blog, I'm still hoping for more opinions on my yarn swift purchase - at the moment things seem pretty evenly split between the clamp on and the Nifty Swift. And no one has commented on the Ashford (which seems to combine the best of both styles of swifts!). Please help me decide?
(((hugs)))

Long Holiday Weekend! And An Opinion Survey?

HI! It's Day 1 of my 4-day long Columbus Day weekend. :)

I am up to my eyeballs in bag orders, so you know what I'll be doing along with a little sock knitting, too...here's a shot of my Claudia Ingrid's Blues sock after last night's Knit Night - The Meezer has just met Miss Muffin and I'm not sure she approves...

Who ARE you? You're not flat, but you sure don't have much personality!

I'm participating in the Third Knitter's Coffee Swap and will be making one of the contest prizes. So this weekend I'm also going to try to make a couple of coffee-themed Posy Sock Sacks. I have some of the cutest fabrics! And the Coffee Swap is one of the very BEST swaps I've participated in! You might want to see if there's still space?

Stay tuned to Nana Sadie Rose and I'll post photos before the weekend is over...

Hey...I'm thinking of buying a swift. Which did you buy...the clamp-on-the-table style or the table-top version and why? Your opinion matters!

edited to add: OH! What about THIS one? (ok...forget about price for the moment, I'm after something that will last, work well, and not look awful on the table, because it's going to stay out and up! Remember I look at this stuff as an investment in my future retirement needs - like my 401(k)nit account!lolol)

Several Firsts!!!

It's been an eventful evening. I came home and immediately cooked chicken to go with the Mexican "burritos" I'm making for lunches this week (who knows why these cravings hit us, but I rarely can stop myself when I'm on a bent for spicy food!). My need for nachos morphed to quesidillas and then to burritos...I'm glad I know how to cook them, and thank you, Birdsong for your nachos recipe - I will try it! (see the comments to the previous post if you'd like to see what she wrote...)

I decided it was time to put another pair of socks OTN, so pulled out some Claudia in her Ingrid's Blues colorway. I've had this for quite some time, along with a couple of other colorways, but have never knit Claudia's yarn (the colors are gorgeous!). I decided to try out the new ball winder, so opened up the skein, laced up the winder and before I knew what was happening....

I had Claudia Spaghetti. Please tell me this is a newbie ball winding problem? I hate to think this will happen with the other skein (I may suddenly develop SSS when I've never had it before...it took two hours to undo this mess).

But...

undo the mess I did, and managed to wind it, as well (yes, that's a 1/2 of a TP tube there in the middle to keep the ball from collapsing on itself...)

My Harmony needles arrived today! I was so excited...and I'm in love. I'd promised myself when they arrived I'd try out knitting socks on two circs...so there are two 16-inch size 1 needles up there in that photo. I also decided to get a set of my size 1 dpns, a size 2 short fixed circular so that if I had a problem I could pair it with my Susan Bates size 2 (and have two distinctly different needles to use in this process of learning to knit with two circulars), and size 4 needle tips with two 24-inch cables so I could decide if I really like the Harmony set. I've been pretty disappointed with my Denise set - I'm definitely NOT a plastic needle gal...

Now a couple more firsts:

For the first time using the two circulars method to knit a pair of socks, I'm also using Judy's Magic Cast-on for my toe-ups. I'm not in love with my technique yet - it's not Judy's fault - I think I didn't M1 correctly. I should probably have knitted thru the back loop. I'm really good at forgetting to do that...so there are teensy holes where I increased. Tell me what you think? Anything glaring there?

I like the method. And I'm proud of myself. Because I usually tend to stick with the tried-and-true. If you need help learning to do this cast on, I went here and watched Cat Bordhi's video. It really helped me to visualize things....

One totally non-knitting (and probably irrelevant) comment: I am SO pleased with the manner used to resolve Gideon's departure on Criminal Minds. I worried most of the week, waiting to see the final episode with my heart-throb, Mandy Patinkin, and hoping against hope that they didn't kill him off. I would have had a difficult time resolving his suicide (come on, isn't that what you thought was going to happen?).

It's so much nicer that he's just setting off into the sunset to put his head on straight and recapture his equilibrium, to find the joy in life again! Mandy, not that I really think you'd EVER read this, but here is my two cents: if indeed you left because you thought the show's writers were making it too violent, I think you were right. Much as I adore the other characters in the show, I'm not sure I'll continue to watch. It is too much.

And I admire someone who stands up for his beliefs. (But I do wish we'd had a little more warning you were leaving)

(Ok..I really don't think he's reading this, folks! Just wanted to put myself on record, tho')
lolol
(((hugs)))