One of the great “B” stories of the 2008 Presidential campaign was the dog fight between Former Massachussets Governor Mitt Romney and Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Both candidates had their own place in the race: Romney had a good fiscal and economic record, but his “Road to Des Moines” conversion on abortion issues and former peddling to LGBT interests was too much for many social conservatives to handle. Meanwhile, Huckabee has a poor record on fiscal issues, having supported a number of tax increases as Governor, but the former Baptist minister simply could not be questioned on values issues. The end result? An extended fight between the two for conservative voters in which Huckabee eventually prevailed but was left too wounded to make a serious challenge to McCain in the final primaries (in retrospect, Virginia was the Huckster’s last stand).

Now, both are back in the running for the nomination in 2012. Romney is already generating buzz amongst establishment types, and he continues to maintain a high media profile. However, right now it would appear that his reputation amongst Republicans is declining. From Hot Air comes a PPP poll showing Mitt below 50%. Their take:

He’s at 48 percent this month after having hit 63 percent in June, before the fade began. Even PPP doesn’t have any explanation for it. I’ll give you two possibilities. One: Huck and Palin are in the public eye these days much more than Mitt is, even if it is for the wrong reasons. Romney had better be careful that he doesn’t become an afterthought and end up being seen as a “minor candidate.” Two: With Huck and Palin natural rivals for the religious conservative vote, the perception may be building that Romney’s the RINO in the race by default. He’s always had that rep to some extent, of course, but being the odd man out among the big three only cements it.

As I’ve said many, many times here, it’s very early. Romney still has a chance in this thing. I see his roadmap to victory being becoming a solid voice on conservative issues in the media and then surviving the aformentioned Palin/Huck fight. His big place to shine? Venues like CPAC, and by cozying up to Fox News as their “legit” commentator over Huck’s more showbiz orientation.

However, the big problem with that strategy is that right now it would appear that it is the moment for the confrontational conservative. Huck is drawing big ratings, and Sarah is dominating pretty much every media outlet from the blogs to Fox News, from People to Newsweek (they say that no publicity is bad publicity). The Chicago Tribune has a great article up about Huck and Sarah’s tours and the draws they’re bringing in.

“Team Huck” rolls into the bookstore like a NASCAR pit crew, red uniform shirts adorned with the corporate logos of Mike Huckabee’s website, his speaker’s bureau, his publisher, and “Huck” emblazoned on their epaulets.

They strip the protective wrappings off a large, heavy object — a podium they install at all such appearances. Mike Huckabee doesn’t sit at tables. He stands, as a president would, even to sign books.

And sign he does. And sign and sign and sign. As many as 600 copies of “A Simple Christmas” an hour with sales to match, and no time lost to opening remarks.

The contrast between Huck and Palin (subtle but important) would indicate that their fight is where the action is. However, as I said, Romney’s slow but steady effort has merit–if he can stick to it. As Palin and Huckabee have found, celebrity can be intoxicating.

Think Progress » Fox’s Fuzzy Math: 193 Percent Of The Public Support Palin, Huckabee, And Romney.

Recently, Fox News was exposed again for attempting to deceive by playing video not associate with a story and then attempting to imply it was.  They have been exposed several times for reporting on republicans that have been disgraced but instead of putting the R next to the republicans name, they would but a D in an attempt to brainwash the foolish over time and associate negative things to the democratic party.  Typical Christian republican behavior.

Check out the Fox News Chart Below and add up the numbers.  If you are Christian Republican you are not likely to notice a problem but the rest of us will get a laugh out of the claims.

According to Fox News: “It looks as if the rogue route is helping Sarah Palin. Her book tour has meant new support. A new Opinion Dynamics poll for 2012 shows her on top when it comes to landing the nomination. Palin is at 70 percent, about a third higher than this past July. Mike Huckabee stands at 63 percent. Mitt Romney’s 60.”

Lets me see if my grade school math is still with me: 70 + 63 + 60 = 193.  WTF?

No wonder Christians prefer intelligent design over science, science involves too much math.   It be hard, it hurt brain.

Honestly, I hope Huckabee, Palin and Romney do end up going after the GOP ticket and I hope Palin wins.  If she gets elected, she is likely to quit half way through the job but then again, she won’t get elected president.  I have faith the majority of Americans are not that ignorant.

If you want to go see 14th century England then you must visit Canterbury in Kent.

Travel to St Becket’s shrine in Canterbury and then hear the tales of chivalry, romance and horror from the colouful pilgrims of Chaucer’s period. It has a multi-lingual show and special commentary just for kids is also available. They are open daily but check the details before going by telephoning them in advance.

Canterbury Cathedral had a tradition during the medieval era to welcome every visitor. It was founded in 597 AD and houses the Mother Church of the Anglican community and it has a Romanesque crypt, 12th century quire and some of ancient and best glass windows in the country. In 1170 Thomas Becket was murdered here so it attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is closed or restricted on special occasions and events otherwise its open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Goodnestone Park Gardens are set in 14 acres of garden which also includes two arboretums, woodlands area, walled garden with roses, clematis and many herbaceous plants. A small part was extended in 2000 and a new gravel garden in 2003. Better check its timings before leaving and they do open by appointments also by charging you a little extra.

When England created the Eurotunnel, it excavated 4.9 million cubic meters of chalk marl from the Channel tunnel. This site of 30 hectare is located at the feet of the Dover Cliffs and has breathtaking beauty. It is a popular place for walking, fishing and for those who enjoy the countryside of Great Britain. It is signposted from the A20 west of Dover. and open from 7am till dusk.

Kent’s first premier railway ran from Hythe to Dungeness lighthouse via Dymchurch and New Romney running for just 13.5 miles. It is a superb one third full size steam locomotive with comfortable carriages and cafes at Dungeness and New Romney makes your journey a pleasant one that you will never forget. The Model Railway Exhibition at New Romney has gift shops at most of the prime stations and an adventure playground which makes it an exciting holiday for the whole of family. Hythe station is quite close to M20 junction 11.

The Old Lighthouse is a historic Grade II building, recently having celebrated its centenary. It was opened by His Royal Majesty the Prince of Wales in 1904 and it was got ready in 3 years and survived the two world wars before being decommissioned in 1960. For so many years it had guided the various vessels sailing in the English Channel. Access to it is very easy either by A 259 or RH&D Railway to Dungeness.

If you are looking for an out & out adventure then come to The Rare Breeds Farm Park where you can encounter the friendly farm animals, two giant play barns, woodland adventure course, Quiz/Sculpture Trail, summer butterfly gardens and tunnels, aerial runaways and play fort, trailor rides, animal encounter paddocks, countryside interpretation lodge and a walkthrough aviary. M20 J10 on B2067 between Hamstreet and Woodchurch. It is open the whole of the year from 10:30am except on all Mondays from October to March.

There is something for all ages to see in Kent, so visit soon.

I’ll get this out there from the get go.

I am a Democrat.  Fiscally conservative, but let me tell you there are some basic rights that I believe in and I think the Democratic ticket supports these rights in general with more gusto and steadfastness than the Republican party.

Regardless of my party affiliation, I appreciate and will vote for an candidate on either side that is bright, forward thinking, honest, and hardworking.  For example – Mitt Romney – love the guy.  His business savvy would be a great benefit to the country  in this economic downturn – yes I can admit it even though I am an Obama Mama.

In the same breath – there are some individuals in the political “field” that I can’t stand.  Public enemy number one for me is Sarah Palin. I mean seriously, I understand it shes cute – but how in the heck did she make it onto the ballot as the VP candidate for the last election, and why is anyone still listening to her babble? The woman makes me want to grit my teeth every time I hear her answer any questions… I think she is completely self serving, dishonest and ignorant.  I know some of you all may hold a different view point – but this is mine.

I remember when she was first announced as the VP candidate – I thought the McCain Team was being stealthy – I am all about woman power and couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say (plus I took comfort thinking that if the man I was voting for lost we would have our first female VP).  The next thing I remember is hearing the Couric interviews, and my mouth dropping to the floor…. seriously?

Here’s the Youtube link if any of you missed these gems:

Her Foreign Policy Experience?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nokTjEdaUGg

2nd in command and you don’t know of any S.C. cases?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rXmuhWrlj4&feature=related

This book shes putting out “Going Rouge” makes me scratch my head…. Going Rouge from what Palin? From the ethics committee that was breathing down your neck, from actually carrying out a full term as Governor, or from single handily destroying the McCain campaign? I’m not sure here.

In honor of her actually taking up a blog posting I thought I would share this funny article with you all… I hope you love it and it gives you sweet dreams of actual intelligent people running the world hegemony not a woman who may take the the second highest position in the country and can’t name any other supreme court case besides Roe v. Wade….

http://www.care2.com/causes/politics/blog/sarah-palin-plays-victim-on-oprah/

wow.

People from Maine are coming here to Massachusetts to get flu shots.

They just showed on the news, a few minutes ago, a woman from Maine who drove all the way to a FREE FLU CLINIC in Dorchester.

Apparently, the fact that Massachusetts allows gays to marry has not “tainted” the HINI vaccine here. Hopefully, the good folks up in Maine who are coming to The Bay State for flu shots are NOT the ones who were so busy agitating to outlaw gay marriage…they had no time to agitate for free flu shots IN their area.

 Naturally, securing flu shots for their area is obviously NOT as important as stopping gays from getting married. I understand that. What I don’t get is why come to Massachusetts? Why not go to Texas or some other gay-hating place where the vaccines are gay-free?

I’ve been living here BEFORE and since gays won the right to marry – and so far I’ve NOT noticed a difference in my life that I can attribute to gays.

Well, maybe I spoke too soon. I noticed that as soon as we gave gays the go-ahead to marry, my teenage son decided that he should NOT be asked to wash dishes and that if he does, he should ONLY be made to wash those that HE used!

Our unemployment rate has climbed. I am sure that is somehow the fault of gays. I just can’t figure out the connection, but I’m sure there are people who can. Because I am convinced that we would have weathered the economic crash…if only WE HAD NOT ALLOWED GAYS TO MARRY.

I still see people getting divorced and others shacking up together with NO intention of marrying. I BLAME GAYS FOR THAT! If we had NOT allowed gays to marry, Massachusetts would be the land of June Cleaver.

Indeed, we were well on our way with the Romney’s. Stay-home mom. Cute brood of kids. Bevy of groomed grandkids. But no, we had to go and let gays get married. The Romney’s left!

Now what do we have? Divorces, alimony battles, neglected kids, an overburdened foster care system.  That’s what you get when you let gays marry!

Failing schools. Another repercussion from gays getting married. Need I explain how that happens? Gay teachers suddenly started coming out and openly dating kids. Kids start exploring gay lifestyles and say: to heck with school and studies. Our MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) scores headed to damnation.

From the moment we decided to let gays marry, people started having abortions in alleyways. Yep…even animals had more abortions! Heterosexual couples reasoned: if gays can’t have kids – why should we? So they started aborting their pregnancies.

In fact, so many things went wrong in Massachusetts since we let gays start marrying that dwelling on them are just … too painful.

So I tell the good folks up in Maine: thank God, YOU saw the light. You decided to uphold the sanctity of marriage. And so, there will be NO more kids born out of wedlock in Maine. No more abortions. No more divorces. No fornication. No ads from people in Maine looking for unusual sexual liaisons…

Every person will marry. Couples will be enfolded in a loving relationship for life, produce healthy, well-adjusted kids…who are likely to become missionaries who will then come down to Massachusetts and convert us.

96 percent of Maine’s population is white…and the few non-whites will leave.

Kids up there will no longer live in poverty…and life will be just loverly!

According to the 1999 US Census figures for Maine:

10-percent of Maine’s population earned less than 10-thousand dollars. That will change dramatically. In the new world of no-gay-marriage Maine, by the 2010 census, that figure will dramatically drop to just 2-percent.

1 percent of Mainers make 200-thousand-dollars or more. More people will now rapidly join that group…now that gays can no longer marry and break the family structures that prevented them from achieving and earning.

7.8 percent of families live below the poverty level. That will drop.

28 percent of families with female householder, no husband present, live below the poverty level. No husband present? Maine has households with NO husband present? The only explanation is that these women must be gay!

11 percent of individuals live below the poverty level. They’re gay too. Otherwise they would all be millionaires.

Here are some figures for MAINE from the National Center for Children in Poverty:

• 15% (40,952) of children live in poor families
• 33% (13,532) of children in poor families do not have an employed parent
• 57% (6,512) of children whose parents do not have a high school degree live in poor families.
• 65% (26,788) of children in poor families live with a single parent.
• 18% (14,762) of children, under age 6, live in poor families.
• 13% (26,190) of children, age 6 or older, live in poor families
• 5% (1,937) of poor children live in families with no parent present.
• 2% (4,074) of children (who are not poor) live in families with no parent present.

Now that MAINERS HAVE VOTED TO STOP GAYS FROM MARRYING, that state will now rapidly begin to prosper and change for the better.

Just sit back and watch their GDP shoot past ours. And then all you LIBERAL MASSACHUSETTS denizens will rue the day – yes, sackcloth and ashes – you let gays marry here!

Most Americans think Sarah Palin is not qualified to be president.

TOPICS: GOP 2012 race, Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty

Full results (pdf)

RELATED STORIES:
7 in 10 say Palin not qualified to be president
Analysis: Palin’s high-risk, high-reward strategy

It seems that in the early race for the GOP nod for the 2012 Presidential run, former Arkansas Republican Governor,  Mike Huckabee has pulled ahead………A new Rasmussen Poll…has him leading Romney ( who\’s PAC has $2 million vs Hucks $430,000, or so ) by  44% to 39% …….now I know it’s three years out…but the race has already begun and will be the exclusive primary story since Obama will be the democratic nominee………..

And just in case you didn’t  know this……Huckabee favors the conservative republican, Marco Rubio in Florida, over the moderate republican Governor Charlie Crist in that states run for the senate…..Says Huckabee of Rubio…..“It stunned me when the [National Republican Senatorial Committee] came out and made an endorsement for Charlie Crist in that race. That was absurd,” Huckabee said. “Guys like Marco are the future of the party. What I see in him is what I want to see in all of our candidates.”.

The thought that Crist has clear sailing down there is increasing becoming clouded…….

Interestingly, right now Palin leads forever choice Newt Gingrich in that poll…….

Stay tuned for more……….

Mitt Romney is sucking up to AIPAC and inspiring violence against Iran.  He makes mormonism look so unappealing.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) condemned the Obama Administration’s approach toward Iran, a republic he described as “unalloyed evil” and controlled by “ruthless and fanatical” leaders in a speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee today in San Diego.

“Stop thinking that a charm offensive will talk the Iranians out of their pursuit of nuclear weapons,” said Romney. “It will not.” Later in the address, he punctuated that sentiment by noting: “Once an outstretched hand is met with a clenched fist, it becomes a symbol of weakness and impotence.”

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/romney-on-iran-unalloyed-evil.html?wprss=thefix

WOOHOOO!!!! Thanks to everyone who participated in our drum carder sale – I’ve reached my sales goal, and the new Fancy kitty Kitten carder has been ordered! Unfortunately, this means that the sale is ended…. but it ALSO means that soon I’ll be able to card up squishy soft batts for you! I’m super excited about being able to offer a whole new line of spinning fiber – it should be tons of fun! In the meantime – here’s the newest stuff in the shop, from last weekend’s dyeing adventures:

Lots of yummy, floofy Romney (my personal favorite fiber to spin!) and domestic top to choose from! These are all big braids too – they’re all over 4 oz, great for planning larger projects! The domestic top is a brownish-gray base, so the fibers all came out wonderfully muted and heathery. It was especially difficult to put ‘Serenity’ up – but I’m still working away at my Corgi Hill Farms batts, so I have enough to spin on for a while. Happy spinning, y’all!

Mancano ancora tre anni alle elezioni presidenziali del 2012 ma la partita per scegliere il candidato repubblicano che, molto plausibilmente, sarà chiamato a fronteggiare Obama, sembra essersi già aperta.

Da alcuni giorni Rasmussen ha iniziato a raccogliere le intenzioni di voto della base conservatrice e, dai dati che emergono, sembra che la rosa si restringerà a due nomi: Mike Huckabee (autore del libro Do The Right Thing: Inside the Movement That’s Bringing Common Sense Back to America) e Mitt Romney ex governatore del Massachussets. Huckabee sarebbe per ora in testa alle preferenze repubblicane con il 29% dei consensi, Romney si attesterebbe invece al secondo posto con il 24%. Abbastanza distante dai due l’ex candidata alla vicepresidenza Sarah Palin con il 18%.

Analizzando più a fondo i dati forniti dall’istituto di ricerca, lo svantaggio della Palin emerge soprattutto dal confronto singolo con i suoi rivali. Nel caso di uno scontro con Mike Huckabee, infatti, la Palin si attesterebbe al 35% contro il 55% dell’ex governatore dell’Arkansas, mentre nel caso di una sfida contro Romney il distacco risulterebbe ridotto di due soli punti percentuali (37% a 52%). Il confronto testa a testa tra i due candidati di punta , invece sarebbe, al momento favorevole ad Huckabee, che si imporrebbe con il 44% contro il 39% di Romney.

Ciò che emerge con chiarezza (almeno a questo punto) è che entrambi i due candidati sono visti in modo favorevole dalla base conservatrice (78%), per adesso molto ottimista sull’esito delle future presidenziali: secondo l’81% degli elettori dell’elefantino, il vincitore delle prossime primarie repubblicane coinciderà con il quarantacinquesimo presidente degli Stati Uniti.

Ovviamente è ancora presto per poter parlare di programmi e di strategie elettorali, ma da questa fase embrionale delle elezioni primarie risulta chiaro che i tre principali pretendenti sono gli stessi attori della passata campagna elettorale; Huckabee e Romney infatti, seppur a fasi alterne, furono le uniche due figure che riuscirono a contendere a McCain la candidatura. Che sia anche questo un segno di quanto il Partito Repubblicano non riesca a trovare una novità al suo interno?

Okay, we’ve all heard the saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Why does the GOP not get this? The latest Rasmussen report states that if Huckabee and Romney are two of our choices for Republican Party Candidate, Huckabee has a slight advantage over Romney. (Huckabee getting 44% of the vote; Romney 39%).  Worse yet, 81% of Republican voters polled said that they believed this candidate would beat Obama in 2012!  HELLO!  These are the same choices we had last time!  DIDN’T WORK!

I don’t really know how else to explain this to the Republican Party “powers that be”.  We don’t want the same old crap!  Have they not learned anything by watching the Tea Party movement?  We want someone who represents us.  We want a true conservative.  Both socially and fiscally conservative.  We want a return to the Constitution and we want limited government.  We want our lives back – no more bailouts, no more socialism, no more porkulus. 

If Romney and Huckabee couldn’t beat McCain in the primary, and McCain couldn’t beat Obama in the election, what makes anyone think that Romney and Huckabee can beat Obama?  This ain’t fuzzy math, people.  It is simple.  Thank you Mr. Romney and Mr. Huckabee for your service.  Now kindly step aside and make way for someone new, fresh, and truly conservative to lead the party.  Please don’t let the door hit you when you leave.  Do not pass go.  Do not collect 200 dollars. 

There just has to be someone better.  I have to believe it.  This cannot be the best we have to offer.  Once again, I am truly, truly disappointed with the GOP.  And then you got that “Republican” chick up in NY – Oh, that is a whole different post cause she makes me want to scream.  Wolf in sheep’s clothing = Dem running for office as a Republican. 

Please, Grand Ole Party, Please, do NOT put some more of the same old people on the ballot in 2012.  I’m giving you plenty of notice!  Start looking now.

Romney, Palin, Pawlenty , Huckabee, Gingrich and Jindal are crisscrossing the country and the planet doing favors and…In search of money, attention and support already………..

Featuring wool from the Nantucket Conservation Foundation sheep.  Collection will be launched and available at the Cranberry Festival ~ Saturday, October 10th 11am-4pm at the Milestone Cranberry Bog.

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty today launched his political action committee and a new Website — in the latest signals that he’s gearing up for a likely presidential run in 2012.

Politico’s Jonathan Martin today documents the impressive array of advisers Pawlenty, R-Minn., has already attracted to his side, building a team filled with extensive presidential resumes — including Terry Nelson, Sara Taylor, Phil Musser, Alex Conant, and Patrick Ruffini — plus other veteran Washington hands, such as Sam Geduldig and Michael Toner.

On ABCNews.com’s “Top Line” today, we chatted with Martin about the political operation Pawlenty is already building — and how he’s trying to make an early splash to position himself as a viable alternative to former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., the once and almost certainly future presidential candidate.

“He’s trying to send a statement to kind of a political community of donors, of operatives and of journalists, ‘Look I’m here to play ball, I’m going to be the establishment alternative to Mitt Romney,’ ” Martin told us. “Everyone knows Romney is taking all the necessary steps you take to a second run, but there’s really sort of a drop off after that, there’s no clear center-right establishment figure. I think Pawlenty is moving very quickly — amazingly, quickly.”

While Pawlenty says his new PAC is about helping Republican candidates in 2010, and not his own potential ambitions beyond that, there’s a Wall Street Journal story linked prominently on his new Web site. The headline: “Gov. Pawlenty Paves Way for a 2012 Run.”

(Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., was scheduled to be on the program but had to cancel because of committee votes. We’ll work to get him on the show again soon.)

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty today launched his political action committee and a new Website — in the latest signals that he’s gearing up for a likely presidential run in 2012.

Politico’s Jonathan Martin today documents the impressive array of advisers Pawlenty, R-Minn., has already attracted to his side, building a team filled with extensive presidential resumes — including Terry Nelson, Sara Taylor, Phil Musser, Alex Conant, and Patrick Ruffini — plus other veteran Washington hands, such as Sam Geduldig and Michael Toner.

On ABCNews.com’s “Top Line” today, we chatted with Martin about the political operation Pawlenty is already building — and how he’s trying to make an early splash to position himself as a viable alternative to former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., the once and almost certainly future presidential candidate.

“He’s trying to send a statement to kind of a political community of donors, of operatives and of journalists, ‘Look I’m here to play ball, I’m going to be the establishment alternative to Mitt Romney,’ ” Martin told us. “Everyone knows Romney is taking all the necessary steps you take to a second run, but there’s really sort of a drop off after that, there’s no clear center-right establishment figure. I think Pawlenty is moving very quickly — amazingly, quickly.”

While Pawlenty says his new PAC is about helping Republican candidates in 2010, and not his own potential ambitions beyond that, there’s a Wall Street Journal story linked prominently on his new Web site. The headline: “Gov. Pawlenty Paves Way for a 2012 Run.”

(Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., was scheduled to be on the program but had to cancel because of committee votes. We’ll work to get him on the show again soon.)

[Lots of Boh pictures today, folks, and minimal knitting. Oops.]

I managed to knit a few more inches to the next buttonhole yesterday, which means it is time to begin the waist shaping. I do think I’m feeling even healthier today, which means I can no longer justify the knitting to reading and writing ratio I’ve been employing over the last few days. (On the whole, a good thing!)

Now, onward to that ridiculous dog.

(Note that my 28-thirty features prominently in this particular photo. I intend to wear it today as well, as it really does add just the right amount of warmth on these overcast, windy days.)

The snoring was particularly loud, due, I think, to the fact that Boh’s face and feet are propped up against the back of the couch.

Are you taking my picture again? Really? Come on.

Well, fine. Take all the pictures you want. I’m ignoring you. See? My eyes are closed and I’m making my silly snoring sound again. (Note that back ear.)

We hope you’ve enjoyed this Boh interlude. We’re back to our regularly scheduled Wednesday — which will require a second cup of coffee.

My sense of humor is returning, which makes me hopeful that I’ll be back to my usual (healthy) self today. A few weekends ago, I was having a conversation with my officemate about The Offspring. (He LOVED them, and even seemed a bit nostalgic for the days when they were on the radio all the time.) Thus, the title of today’s post. I sat down to think of a way to indicate that I had finished the raglan increases and divided the sleeves from the body on my garter yoke cardigan, and The Offspring came to mind.

I know you can’t tell from the photo, but I’m thrilled with the fit so far. I was too lazy to put this on scrap yarn, so it is still on a slightly too small circular.

When I joined the Cascade 220 and began working the raglan increases, I have to tell you that I had some doubts about my color choices — I just wasn’t sure that this brown was the right match for this handspun. I think I just needed to see more of the brown to get a sense for what it will look like, because I absolutely love this. Also, I think this is the first sweater I’m making with Cascade 220, and I am thoroughly enjoying knitting with it. I might need to acquire a bunch more the next time Webs has that incredible anniversary sale…

Here’s the first skein of my Crown Mountain Farms brown bfl before washing and setting the twist.

And here it is, all finished and ready to wait patiently for the other skeins. This is 150 yards of 3-ply worsted weight. If I can maintain this yardage per each 3 oz, I should be able to get 8 skeins, or about 1200 yards, to work with.

More gorgeous fiber came in yesterday’s mail, which certainly improved my mood. (I am not a very good sick person — too impatient and pouty.) I’m planning to head to campus for a little while today, but don’t worry, I’m going to take it easy to ensure that I’m over this little weekend flu bug. (Which means I’ll probably do some more knitting. And annotating.)

Mitt Romney’s Marathon Run

By: Byron York

Chief Political Correspondent

September 27, 2009

(NATE BEELER)

A bridesmaid in 2008, he’s laying the groundwork for a successful bid by raising money for GOP candidates, courting party activists, writing a book and getting plenty of face time on TV

Mitt Romney has the look of a man who’s running for president. And if you’re running for president, three years before your party’s nominating convention, it’s absolutely essential to say that it’s way too early to think about running for president. So the former Massachusetts governor demurs when asked his intentions.

“It’s way too early to make that consideration,” Romney says. “Who knows what the future holds?”

Romney is sitting in a suite in Washington’s Omni Shoreham Hotel, where the next day he will address the annual Values Voter Summit, a gathering of conservative activists sponsored by the Family Research Council. In the suite, across from a credenza stacked with catered sandwiches, Romney’s staff has set up a teleprompter — monitors, those glass panels on high stands, the whole thing — for him to practice the speech

via Mitt Romney’s Marathon Run | Washington Examiner .

Despite the fact that I haven’t actively listened to any Michael Jackson since the summer, every time I go to abbreviate the garter yoke cardigan as GYC (you know, when I label photos and such), I hear the chorus of PYT in my head.

I’m just over halfway through the raglan increases now, and I’m hoping to separate the sleeves from the body before the end of the weekend.

I started spinning my CMF bfl yesterday as well. I’m going to work through this an ounce at a time, with the idea that if I keep 4 bobbins in rotation, I can spin 3 ounces and then ply them together, and then start on the next skein. In a perfect world, I’d spin all the singles first and ply the earlier bobbins with later ones to help increase my chances of uniformity, but since I only have 6 bobbins, and no storage bobbins, I’m thinking that working through this a skein of yarn at a time is the way to go, both for my storage options and my momentum. Speaking of momentum, today I should probably aim for more reading/writing and less knitting and spinning. The pace of the semester is really picking up, which means the book piles are growing.

I’m not even going to try for a smooth transition. I snapped this photograph of my lunch sauteing yesterday: fresh farm onions, bok choy, carrots, and homemade sauerkraut.

Time to hit the books. (Well, after I pour another cup of coffee and knit a row or two.)