It’s been a long time since I did a “hmmm” post so I think it’s high time I write one. Here goes.

~I saw this thing on Oprah last week about treating dry and cracked heels. When you go to bed you rub your heel with a Stridex Medicated Pad, slather it with Vaseline, and then put on a pair of socks. Supposedly the salicylic acid in the Stridex pad helps remove the dead skin and then the Vaseline moisturizes it. They said if you do this every night for a week you’ll have the heels of a baby. I’m day 4 into this and I think it’s working.

~I haven’t turned on our furnace yet this fall. Now before you get all excited, please remember that we have a wood stove, so it’s not like we’re freezing to death here. I do usually cave before now, though, since the wood stove is in the living room and the kitchen and bedrooms really benefit from the supplemental heat from the radiators. I’ve resisted so far but I was mighty tempted yesterday when the kitchen was 55°.

~Paula is asking for help with her survey on starting a fiber processing business. You can fill it out here.

~While you’re clicking around the internets did you know that Sonny & Shear is holding a contest right now? They are giving away 8 skeins of Yarntini if you make a donation to Pennies for Bella. It’s a great cause and an absolutely fabulous prize.

~I know some of you live in Massachusetts and I wanted to give you guys a heads up on the brand new Massachusetts Library License Plate program. Proceeds will benefit public, academic, special and school libraries across the state and you can read all about this and how to sign up for a plate right here.

~Thanksgiving is one week from today. Have you started cooking yet? Don’t forget that you can make your pie crust in advance. Might be time to re-read my blog post on making pie crust.

And that’s all for today. Hmmm.

I realized the other day that I haven’t done a “Things That Make Me Go Hmmm” in a really long time. I’m sure I’ve thought of lots of things to put on this list but they are always so fleeting. My thoughts, that is. If I don’t write this stuff down, well, it’s just gone. Anyway, I do have a few things that have made me go hmmmm in the past week . . .

*When Hannah is out with her friends I have a rule that she has to check in when she changes location. For instance, if she’s at the pizza place and wants to walk to Dunkin Donuts then she needs to call me. Simple, right? Well, she told me the other day that this makes her feel like I don’t trust her. That’s not it at all, I just want to know where she is. So, I’m asking you all for advice on this one. How do I make her understand that it’s of my peace of mind and not a matter of trust? Hmmm?

*A family of bunnies has taken up residence in our wood pile. We’ve seen two adult sized ones (mama and papa, we assume) and a few itty bitty ones. They are awfully cute and it makes me glad we don’t have a vegetable garden this year.

*Kristi has designed a wonderful new sock pattern and all the net profits go to support The Seeing Eye, a non-profit school that provides guide dogs and training to the visually impaired. You can see the sock here and purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

*In the interest of catching up with the ABC Along I have decided that I is for Icarus and this post now counts as my I contribution. Now I just need to come up with a J. Hmmm.

*Finally, it must be officially summer because Dale and his band are playing outdoors again. We worried about thunderstorms Tuesday night but they managed to get their annual hometown concert on the common done. It doesn’t get better than a beautiful summer night of fun music with all your friends. Hmmm indeed.

There’s something I haven’t told you. I’m sick. I’ve been sick for two weeks, in fact. I thought it was just a cold that wouldn’t go away but it turns out I’ve got bronchitis and sinusitis. I’ve about had it with hanging out on the couch but now that the antibiotics have kicked in and I have some energy again, the knitting time rocks. So, in the interest of not taxing my brain by trying to write paragraphs, I present a list.

~Dancing With The Stars. What to say? I love Marie but I thought the doll routine Monday night was really lame and I think her attitude about it hurt her. Mel was great but I don’t think she quite captured the hearts of the viewers the way Helio did. All in all, I’m pleased with the finals. How about you?

~There are only 3 days left for this year’s Knit Unto Others. However, Gale is looking for some handknits for a Tree of Warmth project. She’d love your help if you’re still inspired to do some charity knitting.

~My Christmas shopping is shaping up. As usual, I’ve done a fair amount of this online. I avoid the stores whenever possible.

~I have lost the quilted tablecloth that goes on my kitchen table. I put it away when I brought out the fall quilted table runner and now I can’t find it. My house is not that big and yet I have no idea where this could be. I’m pissed.

~You’ve seen Pay It Forward by now, right? I chased it around the internets a bit but finally got in on the deal over at Michelle’s.
The rules: I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on this blog post requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
I hope there are 3 of you left that haven’t already signed up to do this!

That’s all I’ve got. Time for some more tea and knitting on the couch.

With apologies to The Bangles, it’s Just Another Manic Random Monday.

~Have you seen Air Set? It’s a very cool online calendar and my family started using it last week. It’s really helpful for keeping track of everyone’s busy schedules.

~I can’t believe I never posted a photo of my wonderful Special Swap package from Kat. The theme was a picnic but Kat decided to just send great yarn-y type things and that was just absolutely fine with me. I’m really excited to try that Tofootsies!

~October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’ve had my annual screening, how about you?

~I’ve been doing a fair amount of spinning lately, trying to “spin down” the stash in preparation for Rhinebeck purchases.

~And speaking of Rhinebeck, 4 more sleeps. Squeee! Who will be there?

Here’s some random goodies for a Thursday.

~I am having major laptop issues. It’s fine while in the docking station at work but at home - oy. The laptop isn’t recognizing the wireless network, it freezes at random moments, sometimes it reboots and sometimes it doesn’t. Luckily, the library trustees authorized me to order a new laptop a few weeks ago. Now if it would only arrive!

~Do you watch Big Love? I do and I love it. It’s eerie how much it mimics some real life situations out there in Utah and I have to admit to a sick sort of fascination with polygamy. It’s like a car wreck - I know I shouldn’t look but I can’t help myself. So, when I visited Margene last week and she offered to drive me past the old Warren Jeffs compound I jumped at the chance.

Of course, now he’s been convicted of the charges brought against him. Score one for the good guys.

~Weight Watchers continues but slowly. I actually lost a pound while on vacation but had a hard time getting back into the swing of things when I got home. Slow and steady, though. This weight didn’t come on in a month and it won’t come off that quickly, either.

~Yesterday I heard someone say they were “happy as a clam” and I got to thinking. What makes a clam happy anyway?

~While at the Great Basin Fiber Fair we took a class in dyeing roving for striped socks. The class itself was lame and we got no real information on how to actually do anything. But we managed to muddle through together and wound up with some roving that doesn’t really look too bad.

~This one is especially for Norma: fry sauce is good.

The end.

Time for a new edition of Things That Make Me Go Hmmm, kids.

~I am very sorry to have missed the Fiber Revival. I’m also sorry to have missed an afternoon in Boston with Dave, Sandy and Norma. Could you all please remember that I go on vacation the second week in August and not plan anything fun while I’m away? Thank you.

~I am participating in Dish Rag Tag and my team’s name is Rag Racin’. As Team Captain, I got the box first. I knit a dish rag that night and mailed the box off to the next team member in the morning. Right now we’re about half way through the race and most of the teams seem to be in about the same spot in the relay. Wish us luck as we race to dish rag glory!

~Dale’s routine colonoscopy screening was yesterday. Everything is A-OK and he doesn’t have to go back for another one for 7-10 years. This is a good thing since colonoscopy prep in a one bathroom house is rather challenging. Ahem.

~There is still time to sponsor me in the 2007 Massachusetts Race for the Cure. Several of you have already donated and I thank you - I’m halfway to my goal! And I know there are a lot of worthy causes out there, including Norma’s Red Scarf Fund and Cara’s Spin Out fund raiser for Heifer International. Nevertheless, if you can spare a few dollars, my teammates and I would greatly appreciate it. You can click on the button in the sidebar to make a donation. Thanks.

~I started Weight Watchers online again. This may or may not be directly related to my commitment to the Race for the Cure. Heh. Anyway, I lost 5 lbs before vacation and didn’t gain any while on vacation - something I consider to be a huge accomplishment. I’m taking it one day at a time and so far, so good.

~There are many trees in my area that are already starting to display their fall colors. Ummm. It’s August. WTF?

~Tonight will be the first Wednesday night quilt night since Debbie’s death. I’m looking forward to seeing my friends but I’m dreading it all at the same time. Think of us, okay?

~Somehow my friends Kathy, Cheryl and Manise convinced me to sign up for the 2007 Massachusetts Race for the Cure. Our team is called “Spun and Run” but you can be sure I’ll be walking not running. It takes place on September 23rd and finding a cure for breast cancer, while not as near and dear to my heart as finding a cure for colon cancer, is still something that would be incredible for all women. If you’d like to support me by making a donation click here. Thanks so much!

~I signed up for One Local Summer and participating fully has been much harder than I thought it would be. The CSA has really helped with procuring local vegetables and eggs but pulling together an entirely local meal is truly difficult. We’ve had several mostly local meals over the last few weeks but I’ve yet to make a meal that is entirely local. Hopefully you’ll see one here soon.

~Anyone need anything from Pampered Chef? I had a party last night and am trying to get up to the next level with an outside order or two. If you’d like to order anything please email me at cjuliusATcarverplDOTorg and I’ll take care of it for you.

~I don’t want to give you too much information on my Tour de Fleece participation since the contest is open until the tour ends but I will tell you that I’ve spun about what I thought I would have by this point. Can I just say, though? Some of you are really optimistic about my spinning capabilities!

~Ten copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows arrived yesterday and will be sitting in my office unopened until July 21, 2007. Now that’s willpower, my friends.

~Kristi is editing the next edition of Yarnival. She’s looking for entries, particularly ones about fiber festivals, so go on and submit something for her to consider, won’t you?

~I spun a few more silk hankies and then wound the singles into a center pull ball and then plyed them on the Lendrum. Is it cheating to ply spindle spun singles on a wheel? It’s a very tiny skein but it’s my first ever silk and I’m damned proud of it.

~Have you contributed to Claudia’s Ride yet? There are some great yarn-y and fiber-y prizes to be had, not to mention the over all good feeling you get by supporting such a worthwhile cause. Go on, you know you’ve been meaning to get to it.

~Erin has two new colorways inspired by my Eye Candy Friday photos! One is Lilacs:

And the other is Daffodils:

I think they’re gorgeous and I’m thrilled to have provided Erin with the inspiration for these yarns. Are you going to buy some? Tell her Carole sent you and you’ll get a special discount.

~Remember the Mad Weave socks from Sock Madness that you all liked so much? The pattern is now available for free at Tina’s blog. Speaking of Sock Madness, I won’t be competing in Round Two. Instead, I’ll be co-hosting with Hillary. Squee!

~Speaking of worthwhile causes, I knit four squares for the Rebuilding Greensburg project. Lois knit a square, too, and the five of them are winging their way to Laura as we speak. Err, write. Err, read. Whatever, I’ve mailed them. There’s plenty of time for you to knit and mail a square, too. Just saying.

~I’m thrilled that you all enjoy the posts about our reenacting adventures. They are easy to write and it’s fun to share this stuff with you guys. For those of you in our area, we’ve got a full scale reenactment coming up at Borderland State Park on the weekend of June 16-17 and you’re welcome to come and visit.

~Look at what Birdsong sent me for the Jeep. Isn’t she wonderful? This wasn’t for winning a contest or anything it was just because she lurves me. I think that’s pretty terrific. Anyway, I’ve named her Hattie and she swings and sways to the music. Yesterday she was really grooving to “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” No need to thank me for the ear worm. Heh.

~Has anyone read The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian? I’d love to have a conversation or two about this one. And while we’re talking about Mr. Bohjalian, I had the good fortune to hear him speak and then meet him in person at a library conference a few years ago. He’s extremely intelligent and quite personable and I’ve truly enjoyed all of his books.

~I’ve decided that spring really is my favorite season. For years I tried to make myself love fall the best because it was my mother’s favorite season and I thought I should feel the same. (We won’t even talk about the issues that are tied up in that statement.) This year, though, I’ve allowed myself to truly recognize that I love spring. The trees, the flowers, the cool mornings and warm afternoons, the hint of summer that’s in the air - I love it all.

~I’m a little concerned that the only thing I seem capable of knitting these days is socks. I really ought to consider a sweater or a hat or a shawl or something. It’s time to challenge myself again, I think.

~We had steamers the other night. They were given to some friends but there were too many for them to eat so they brought a bag full over to our house. Dale and Hannah and I scarfed them down and they were fabulous. Sweet and fresh and absolutely delicious. I started to take a picture for the blog but then I looked at them. They’re kind of gross and not really deserving of a photo. Good thing they taste better than they look.

And that concludes this week’s Hmmm report.

~Thanks so much for all your nice compliments on the Bloomin’ Feet socks. A few people asked about the sock label so I thought I should link back to the post I wrote about how to make a sock label. Go here and read. Simple but a very nice touch on a pair of gift socks.

~We are having our Civil War Living History in memory of East Bridgewater native Frank Harlow this Saturday. I’d appreciate any thoughts for sunny weather as we have had pouring rain at this event the last two years. And, if anyone is going to be in the neighborhood and would like to come and see what we do, just let me know and I’ll send you directions and information.

~I shouldn’t even tell you this but I won another contest. I got a fabulous box of prezzies from Kirsten last week. There was candy and roving dyed by Kirsten as well as Koigu and Misti Alpaca yarn. Thanks for the terrific prize package, Kirsten!

~I like that when I see the national weather map on the morning news I can picture so many of you and know what type of weather you’re having. I worry about tornadoes, storms and wildfire, and rejoice when you’re having sunny, pleasant weather. It’s a great way to feel connected to our knitting community.

~As Lolly mentioned the other day, it seems like “going green” is becoming trendy. That can only be a good thing, I believe. I urge you to find one thing that you can do to make a difference in your carbon footprint. Change your light bulbs from incandescent ones to compact fluorescent ones, wrap your hot water heater with an insulating blanket, turn down your thermostat, use reusable grocery sacks, recycle more - there are lots of very simple things you can do. Something new that I found last week is www.greendimes.com and they will work to eliminate your junk mail AND plant a tree in your name every month. It’s only 10 ¢ a day and for a great cause.

~My current sock in progress. The pattern is Mad Weave from Sock Madness Round Four. I may be out of the competition but I’m still knitting the patterns and this one is very cool. The yarn is from A Piece of Vermont and I love the way it looks with the pattern - which I changed around a bit because I can now that I’m not knitting these competitively. And yet, I’m bored as hell with it and I don’t know why. But you know me, I’ll be plodding along and they’ll be finished soon. I’ll love them again when fall rolls around and there’s a brand new pair of wool socks in my drawer.

Have you read The Thirteenth Tale yet? You need to read this book. It’s got all the elements of a great gothic novel and the author sucks you right in with the first chapter. This book had me reading last weekend instead of knitting and you know how unusual that is these days. Really, read this book. You won’t be sorry.

~This profusion of daffodils is by my back door. They make me glad every time I walk by them. Why not order your fall bulbs now while you’re inspired by their beauty everywhere? You’ll receive them automatically when it’s time to plant them in the fall and next spring you’ll be glad, too.