Back in the saddle

It does fry my brain a bit that I just returned from Kenya a little over a week ago. In fact, a week and one day. It seems like ages. I returned directly into the thick of the busiest time of year in my job. I knew this.. and expected it. Doesn't make it any easier, though. I am beaten and tired, head hurts, back aches, etc. And the fun continues on Monday.

To console myself, I just placed the most awesome online order ever. A good friend gave me a gift card to Barnes and Noble for my birthday, and I've been scheming over what to treat myself to for months. The items are as follows:



Um, I'm not sure where I start with this one. Like, omg sooo good, and stuff. I watched the three episodes that made up 'Season 1' of the new BBC adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes stories back when they aired here in the US - in late October and early November - and I'm still reeling. They brought the famous detective into modern times, and hit it with a dose of fantastic casting, like dear Martin Freeman (aka Tim from the UK's The Office) as Dr. Watson. Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock is amazeballs. And oh yeah, the best casting ever for the character that arrives at the end of the third and final episode. I won't spoil it.

Of note, the Sherlock obsession dovetailed nicely with my whole recent psycho obsession with British television. I'm so very fortunate to live in Dallas because our PBS station is so Brit TV friendly, they even have a blog devoted to it called Tellyspotting. Heart. The last episode of Life On Mars (the original UK version) just (re)aired this week and it was so so good. And tomorrow, we finally get to see Downton Abbey. Swell!

But back to my shopping.



When Penguin came out with this series of hardcover classics designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, I swooned over all of them. To have a shelf filled with that set, they'd be such a treat to look at and to read (I'm ashamed at how few I actually have read). But a whole shelf is a bit costly, so I decided that eventually I'd get my hot little hands on my favorite book in this lovely edition, if nothing else. Thus, Wuthering Heights. Isn't it pretty? Coralie is the bomb.

And lastly...



I'm super embarrassed that I haven't picked up Alicia's newest book yet. I would try and find it in the book shops now and then but never had any luck, so I'm left to ordering it. I don't embroider but I've come so near to teaching myself that I've bought all the supplies, so surely it's not too far-fetched a prospect! And besides, I still love Alicia the mostest and I know what a deeply personal subject embroidery is for her, so I can't wait to pour over the pretty pictures and her warm and familiar words. And with luck, the needle and thread will come soon after.

Goodness, what a haul. I do hope the package will arrive at my workplace during one of those moments when I'm on the verge of tears with stress and fatigue, and instantly make my day. One must plan ahead for these things.

Also, yes indeed, there ARE photos of Africa. Alas, I do not know when I'll have them all uploaded. But it was beautiful, and I do wish I was still there, drinking a Stoney Tangawizi and enjoying the lovely sunny days and cool nights. I felt calm and happy there, and far away from all that is my life, and I think that's the best that anyone can ever hope for in a vacation, no?

Dreaming of sugar plums

On a day when I could hardly bear to drag myself from bed (so much so that I slept right through my alarms), these images are doubly painful to look at. I'd love to climb back into bed right about now, but even more so, I'd love to have a cuddle with either one of these lovely gentlemen.



Dear Rufus, tucked in his bed..



..and sweetly slumbering Daniel.

Both images from Tim Hailand's 'One Day in the Life Of' project. Daniel Radcliffe's book is already available, and Rufus Wainwright's is in pre-order.

Just a little treat for your Wednesday, sweeties. I better get back to workin' (and packin')!

Round two

This post is long overdue. And it's not just because I'm blogging so little these days.

It has been well over a year since I promised to return someday with more photos of the golden girls lining the hallways of my workplace: a very old, all-girls, private high school. There are so many stories there, I can only theorize on a handful. As always, hit my Flickr to see more photos from this batch..



In the years 1910 and 1911, a bow fad seems to have overtaken the school. And a sort of "wings" fad with the hair. A predecessor to Farrah? Or Princess Leia? Either way, they rocked horizontal hairdos before such things were cool.



Speaking of cool, these girls from the class of 1911 would like you to know that they are infinitely cooler than you. See how their heads are tilted together? They were obviously fast friends. I can picture them sneaking ciggies after school when out of sight from the nuns.



I suspect poor Kenneth's mum and dad were hoping for a boy. This member of the class of 1913 didn't let it faze her though. She looks like a fun, carefree kind of gal. What do you think her nickname was? Kenny? Kay? Netty? I wish we could ask her.



Before there was Romy and Michele, there was Romie and Grace. Do you think they crashed their class of 1916 high school reunion too? That would have been quite the scene.



The girls from the class of 1923 just had a horrible time committing to bangs. And poor Gracie looks like she's channeling the bride of Frankenstein just there. Dearest girls, do put down your combs. Haven't you heard? The bob is sweeping the nation (Helen has the right idea).

I can't believe I leave for Kenya in less than two weeks. So much to do! I believe it's a fair trade, giving up my usual beloved holiday traditions of putting up decorations, watching sappy movies, and baking pies and snack mixes, to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa. I plan to squeeze in all the holiday cheer I can before next Saturday, though. Then I'm expecting you to make up the difference. Happy Holidays from me and Peggy Lee!

Bears and boys. And yarn.

In this week's edition of When I Have Lots of Money and a House to Decorate: That's right kids, it's polar bear wallpaper.



Shut the front door. I know, right? It's so perfect for me. I die.



Fall is hitting a nice, easy pace for me. Finally. I love this season and the progression of holidays. The football on the tele. The flash of a red tree against a gray sky. The smell of my house after I've been baking or cooking. The planning of your Christmas list. Sure there's a lot to get stressed about, but that would take all the fun out of it. So why do it?

I've been trying to find more time in my schedule to look at other people's blogs (perhaps should be spending more time updating my own, but oh well). And cataloging things I like on my pinterest (you're on there, right? it's such fun). And yes, still crocheting and knitting. Thank goodness for that.



This was my first commission project (thanks E)! Made for E's brother-in-law. E's husband liked the scarf so much (it was made for his brother), that I've been asked to make another one for his brother's partner. Awesome! I really hope they like them. It's hard to make scarves for people in Houston - too toasty down there. But I used this Rowan yarn called Summer Tweed, made with silk and cotton. I think it's the perfect weight and so yummy.

Oooh, this Auburn and Georgia game is quite the entertainment. And um, does anyone else have a crush on the Allstate Mayhem guy? aka Dennis from 30 Rock? aka Dean Winters? Anyone?



Okay, less hot there. But how can you not love Liz and Dennis?



That's better, right? I know, he's been in other shows too. I should investigate.

Football Saturday

I could do without this view out my kitchen window today. What the eff!?



About to head downstairs and make some sausage balls for E & M's Halloween party. The Rachel Berry wig is making one more appearance this year before I stash its hairy, itchy, shedding self in a closet. I look so much better as a light brown/blonde. This experience has made that extremely clear to me.

Then tomorrow to the Arboretum to watch the parade of adorb kiddie costumes. Then starts the countdown to Thanksgiving at mom's new place just outside Austin. Hooray! By then, the renovations should be all done and the furniture delivered. And we'll get to enjoy our first Thanksgiving together in a loooong time.



Her patio looks out over a putting green. Which means it's nice and quiet and beautiful, but also means you get the occasional surprises. Let's hope we don't end up with a golf ball in our cranberry sauce.

Just because you're 30 doesn't mean you have to grow up

I did it! I'm 30! I gathered with friends at a bar on Friday night to drink a toast to the decade that lies ahead. I decided I wanted a Fluffernutter birthday cake.



That's mom lighting the candles. Peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff (which Super Target didn't have, so Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme subbed instead) on Mrs. Baird's bread. Cut into triangles and stacked. Topped with pink icing. It was my homage to Amy Sedaris. I feel like she would have approved.



Have you ever had a Fluffernutter? They're amazingly delicious. I had my first one at Peanut Butter and Co. in Greenwich Village in New York City and have had them lurking in a corner of my brain ever since. But when do you have an excuse to make something so indulgent and obviously lacking in nutritional value? They're right up there with cookies and ice cream. And cake. How appropriate.

So far 30 feels exactly the same as 29. Hopefully 31 will feel that way too. Also, did you know that Julie Andrews turned 75 on Friday? She looks fabulous.

Final Great Achievement of my 20s

I made socks!



I took a sock class in May at the Shabby Sheep with my friend Katie, because I'd always wanted to learn how to make socks, and we both thought this would be a great way to learn more knitting skills and gain a bit of confidence with trying more complicated projects.

I'm happy to report I didn't get "second sock syndrome," as they call it. I actually completed my pair. They're a little different because you're supposed to start them in exactly the same spot in the 'pattern' of the yarn so they'll stripe the same, but I was too lazy for that. And I think they look awesome anyway.

Gotta take a sock break but I think my goal for next year is to make another pair. One pair per year, I say. Of note, Katie has finished her class pair, a second pair, and is starting a third. Way to show me up.

Otherwise am busy getting the apartment in order for my visitors next weekend. It's nice to have friends who will travel for your birthday. XO, gals.