Me...

I decided to post a picture of myself. So, this is me. Only recently have I figured out how to use the HP web-cam I have built into my laptop with Windows Vista. It's not as obvious as one might think. But, fortunately, the HP website makes things clear.

Still, I must, since the opportunity presents itself, once again say that I would rather have Linux--at least as a backup.

Back To Knitting

I have known how to knit for a long time, but for a while, I have put my needles away because of the distractions that everyday life so bequeaths to us. However, recently, my sister bought me a knitting magazine made by Interweave knits. I found that it was full of beautiful knitting patterns, and so, once again, my mind was piqued.

On particular pattern consisted of a tunic-vest with a diagonal cable panel. Having no experience with cables, I decided to take the cable section (which was graphed) and use it make a scarf. It is turning out nicely and, when it is done, perhaps I will post a picture of it.

I also found instructions online for a toe-up sock pattern. I have been interested in the construct of knitted socks and I thought toe-up pattern would be more ideal than a ankle-down one. I began--and have gotten no further than shaping the toe, but not because I'm stuck.

A couple of years ago, I got a whole bunch of fancy-type yarn from Target at a bargin-deal of a dollar a piece. Actually, my Mom decided to get it for me. I have let it moulder in a nice basket for a while, and then I decided to take the yarn and make a long, skinny scarf out of it. There were two colors and textures that complemented each other nicely. I finished the scarf pretty quickly. I cast on ten stitches on size 7 dpn (although regular needles would work fine) and just let my imagination roam with the pattern, using alternating stripes and, at the end, a simple lace pattern. Right now, I am working on a matching square-type hat in the same yarn, which is a sort of boucle brown-and-tan, and one that is a little thicker and just a light tan color.

Since I have rediscovered knitting, I have also been on the lookout for the ultimate sweater to knit. Of course, the definition of the 'ultimate' sweater differs from person to person. Finally, I found my definition (for now). It's the 'topsecret' sweater in the first issue of the webzine at 'knitty.com'.

So, as soon as I finish the socks, the cable scarf, and the other scarf I forgot to mention (but perhaps will photograph when finished) then I will begin the ultimate sweater. Also, for those who are interested, the website also has a pattern for what could very well be called a Linux penguin.

More posts coming up shortly, and hopefully more consistently.

New Computer

I just got a new laptop, which is good because my old one was pretty old and I was sharing a computer with someone else... So, this is great. So far, I like it... I have to get used to Windows Vista, though. In my opinion, some of the things MS is doing is just copying Linux, which I wish I could have on my comp. as well...

Anyway, I'm really excited because now I won't have to get a new comp. for a long time, for one, and for another, I have a really good one now. Though, as I said before, I'll have to get used to some things.

For instance, in MS Word 2007, I feel like I'm editing a full-blown web-page instead of just typing a document. I changed the GUI to classic Windows because I'm not sure that I like the origonal Vista GUI. The sample/background pictures are better, though...

But now less about the OS and more about the comp....

It's a HP laptop with DVD/CD drive/burner. I believe it also has LightScribe, so that's cool. It has a 15 in. monitor, wireless mouse, 3 USB ports, a LAN port, a Dial-up port SD card reader, and a bunch of other stuff that is probably standard now days... It also has an Intel Centrino dual processor in it.

It'll do everything I'll ever need it to do, I'm sure.