Mary Had a Little Sister, Little Sister, Little Sister

Mary and Sara, circa 1981

So, on to weaving.

First it was knots, then crocheting, then sewing, then knitting, now weaving. I realize now that I am interested in the manufacturing of textiles or at least certain aspects of their manufacture and now that I have been knitting for a little while, I realize that I have become interested in weaving. I view looms as one of the first applications of mechanical technology that humans ever made and I find them incredibly interesting. I like the problem they solve and I find it interesting how each loom I have seen solves it. I have just received Craft Magazine issue 8 which explains how looms work and even has a cut out for a pocket cardboard loom. I will probably use this or a different small loom of my own design to experimentally weave a little bit at least. In a few days I will probably tire of it for some time and pick it back up again months or years later, but the point is that for me there appears to be no limit to the joy that can be derived from creating things, especially things that have to do with string and knots. In some ways I am preparing for near worst case, post peak oil sort of situation. The only part of the process left to explore is the creation of thread and rope which I believe can be done by spinning. Then I will probably make tools to help me spin and spin some of my own threads, just to see that I could do it. At that point I will possess both the knowledge and the tools to make a cloth item from raw, naturally occuring materials. How wild would that be? Even if it is only a hankie or something.

We have a lot of bug friends.

This little guy came in with the onion.
















Needless to say, we didn't have what I was going to cook that night.

The wee caterpillar was sort of cute though so I went to the back yard and half buried the onion in dirt.

Good luck little dude!

I hope you are not an invasive species!

Graduation Pic from Laura

Here's a nice picture that Laura took right after my graduation:


(l-r: Elliot's mom, his Aunt Martha, his Mema, me, Katie)

See my nice flowers from the mommies?

Thanks for the picture, Laura!

Did I Mention How Wonderful The Food Was???

I stole these pictures, which were taken at Bouchon Bistro in Las Vegas, from Sheila's blog. I just want you all to see how good the food looked.

Here is my $14 endive salad:


My gnocchi:


Elliot's mussels in sauce and a serving of some of the most delicious french fries in the world:


Sheila's and Ben's food looked expertly prepared, too. I didn't post the pictures because... well... the sight of half a lobster and steak tartare are less than appetizing to me. I would never, never limit my dinner companions' food choices because of my own vegetarian life-style choice, BUT I also still can't help but find sawed-in-half sea life and raw meat icky. So, sorry if you wanted to see the pictures. Just take my word for it that the food presentation was well thought out.

Other highlights to eating at Bouchon Bistro: a really wonderful drink menu and pistachios as a lagniappe before the food is served. Ben was recommended and really enjoyed a brand of whiskey that he'd never tried before, and that was an added bonus to our delicious dinner.