Monday 4 January 2010

Sunday 3 Jan 2010 - I am a duffer

WHO SAID CROCHET WAS EASY???  Come on, 'fess up.  It never is.  You need 3 hands - at least.  One to hold the hook in one of the two prescribed positions;  one to have the wool wrapped around the fingers somehow or other;  the third to scroll down the instructions with your mouse.   You could really do with a fourth in case the phone rings.

I managed , over the course of 2 or 3 hours, to do a 6" 'foundation' row.  Then it got complicated talking about slip stitches and double crochet ...... and I couldn't keep the wool taut ..... and I  kept loosing hold of the dangly bit that I was supposed to be keeping hold of.  I give up.  I can't do it.  Well I probably could if I did nothing else for days and days but frankly I can't be arsed.  Pardon my language but such is the power of a crochet hook on a non-artist.  I'd rather darn socks!

Enough of that  I'll just have to BUY a few dish cloths and be done with it!
 

I got some good books at Christmas, which was just as well as I was wondering where the next read was coming from.  I was down to reading some more of Gloria Hunniford's autobiog.  My apologies to Gloria in case anyone knows her but I just do not like that book.  The one I've just finished is Pam Ayres' "Surgically Enhanced", and I cackling away at her CD's as we speak.   She became very popular as a poet and raconteuse in the '70s after she won a TV talent contest (nothing at all like X-Factor).  I'm not sure  how far across the world her fame spread  at the time - not far probably - but I liked her then and I do now.  Her poems and stories are incredibly funny.  Poignant too sometimes. 
Nothing that needs too much thinking about.

 
Alan Bennett's next.   A gentle humour here, he's mostly a playwright and I can get lost in what he writes.  We all know his characters:  they're our mums or grans or the woman up the street's second cousin twice removed!  This little volume starts off on the assumption that we all secretly think the Queen is just 'one of us' at heart.


This will be only the second of Jodie Picoult's I've read.  The first was "!Handle with Care" which centred on a family coping with a child who has my own condition - osteogenesis imperfecta - and which was written using multiple narrative voices.  It was a very good book and I think I shall enjoy this one just as much.
I'm saving Patricia Cornwell 'til last.    I just adore her Scarpetta novels.  A bit of blood and thunder and gore while you nod off - can't beat it!

Who's read Marie's Sunday Six Smilemakers?  I can't tell you how thrilled I was to find myself among her Sunday Six.  She has a picture of me when we were lucky enough to visit with Marie and Todd in October.  I've made lots of friends since I've been blogging and each one is special to me but Marie is even more so cos we've met in person.   In the photo I'm on the phone to someone else who means a lot to me, Grammy Staffy.  She phoned all the way from California, knowing I would be at Marie's that day.  Lovely.

Starting this entry yesterday (Sunday) and finishing it today, I'm not sure which date will appear but in case it's 4th GUESS WHAT????  I have two very nice chatty men clattering away replacing my windows.  Yes, after all this time the job is finally under way - not with the original firm of course.  Just think, by the end of the week.........

OK, I'm going to go stick some spuds in the oven now for lunch.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

17 comments:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Hope you don't give it up entirely and will go back to it sometime. It's fun after you catch on but it does take time. I love to read so if I had my choices I'd probably read but sometimes you just need something different to do. Have a great Monday!

Andy said...

Well you got further than i would of done. However dont forget the fith hand to scratch your nose with!
Andy

Kath said...

Awwwwwwwww and I had visions of these lovely round cushion covers you had made for the garden chairs I suggested this summer.ROFPMSL.I know what you mean about holding the cotton though or woll whatever you use.LOL!!It took my Mother ages to learn me how to do that he-he.Talk about tangle free LOL.I love autobiography's Angie I have quite a collection here I have read.I am reading Norman wisdoms just now.I have read a couple of Glorias.Enjoy ya books then and al say hope Keith has abit more patience withthe instructions LOL!!Cone on Keith you can do it a couple of chains and a couple of trebles,do something simple make Angie a bookmark He-He.Take Care God Bless Kath xx

Amy said...

"Enough of that I'll just have to BUY a few dish cloths and be done with it!"

Haaaaaaa....I laughed out loud at that! I'd do the same thing!

Anonymous said...

Now Angie...you must know someone who crochets as a hobby and enjoys it..and that is who you need..for a little instruction...how to do stuff...etc...doesn't take long..easier than the book...and I just know you will enjoy it!!!! and it seems we enjoy the same books also...or some of them anyway!!! happy day girl...hugs..Ora in KY

Joan said...

Hope you enjoy all your books let me know what you think of the Scarpetta Factor. Sorry abouot the crochet it is much easier if you learn with someone showing you. I did not get any books this Christmas the only book type gift was a Scrabble Dictionary for my word games. Keep warm and safe. Love Joan

Sybil said...

Hi Angie, I do like all your new books to be read as and when...I would enjoy them all I am sure. I particularily enjoy all of Alan Bennets...the one you have there is great.. I had a good laugh at your crochet attempts...woudl be mine as well...although I can crochet in a straight line...but have never discovered how to go in or out !!!
Much Love Sybil xx

StitchinByTheLake said...

Angie you can learn to crochet, really you can. I wish I was there - I'd teach you. Let me know how that new Patricia Cornwell book is - I love her stuff. blessings, marlene

Grammy Staffy said...

How nice that you got all those books for Christmas. With all that to read you don't have time to crochet anyway.

I consider you a very special blog friend too. Thanks for all the smiles that you have added to my life. I am so lucky to have met you through Marie's blog.

Have a great week. Hugs, Lura

Eileen said...

My mother, my mother-in-law, my sister, and a friend all tried teaching me to crochet with NO LUCK!! I'm all thumbs and no brain!
I appreciate so much that talent in others!

Great books and wonderful to get that phone call!

Enjoy!
Happy New Year!
All the best,
Eileen

Marie Rayner said...

Ohh, How ever did I miss this my dear friend!! Nevermind I have found it now! Just popped over with Happy Birthday wishes for you and look what I found!! tee hee. Tis like a gift on your birthday for ME! I love Jodi Picoult and am reading the one about the child with osteogenesis imperfecta now. It's a good un. Can't quite see the title of the one you are reading now. Which one is it? I love Pam Ayres! I have only discovered her since moving over here. What a gem! OH, and Angie, it's too bad you haven't been able to cotton on to the crocheting. I was looking forward to getting a lovely pair of socks from you next year. lol Guess I'll have to get them from Keith eh? Thought so. lol HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY! It's not every day one turns 21! xxoo

Sybil said...

MORNING BIRTHDAY GIRL xxx
hope you have a lovely day ad enjoy the virtual cake that Marie has made for you lol...I woudl have nipped up to help you enjoy it but unfortunatly we are "marooned" with the snow and ice. Temp. this morning was down to -10!!
Love sybil xx

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Stopping by to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! A little birdie (Marie) told me it was your special day. Hope it is a wonderful one for you!

Kath said...

Motherhen from Simple Rhymes is going to get a smack.
Because she's forgotton Angies Birthday from Can you hear me at the back.
Ive tried an hour to send an e.card but it dunt want to know.
AOL keeps shutting down so pooters on go slow.
So have a lovely Birthday Mate am sorry I forgot.
Mi Birthday books been idol this week cos am nursing a sore BOTT.Heeee.
Hope Keiths made ya a nice big snow cake LOL!!
ENJOY EVERY MINUTE.Take Care God Bless Kath xx

Karen said...

I heard it was your birthday, so what better time to leave my first comment:) Hope you had a nice day. Your cakes are amazing! Just beautiful!

Grammy Staffy said...

Dear Angie,
Before I go to bed tonight....before the clock strikes midnight....I just have to say...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ANGIE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

If you listen closely you can hear me singing to you at the top of my lungs. I may not have a great voice but I can sing loudly....and with feeling....don't laugh... I'm singing the best I can.

Marie told me it was your birthday today. I want you to know that I am sending you my very best wishes.

Now I know that you are just waking up on Fri. morning but it is still 5 minutes until midnight here so it is still Thursday... that makes it still official to wish you HAPPY BIRTHDAY and send love your way. Hugs, Lura

LYN said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANG!!