Jal's Sock Blog

I caught some hoo-doo from Booga Bill for how "domestic" my blog has become with my sock knitting and caulking entries. What can I say? My unemployed life hasn't been very exciting and I'm just trying to keep busy! My Texas Caviar entry did inspire Nik to make a batch, so I'm glad she's enjoying that recipe!

Friday, John and I braved the rain and DC area rush hour traffic, headed north to Wilmington and attended the CTM party. We finally got there around 7:00 pm. It was cool to see how many people showed up at Stanley's Tavern. John thought maybe about 5 people would be there. I wasn't sure who to expect, except for "the regulars" (me, Bill, Chris and Kara). I got to introduce my husband (hee hee) to everyone and to find out what folks had planned for the future. I heard Jodi was in town but didn't make it to the party (Jodi: Where were you???). We hung out till about 10:00 and headed home.

Saturday was rather tame, as we got some lunch at Arby's and putzed around Laurel looking for some work shoes for John. In the late afternoon, we headed to Raymond's for Brianna's birthday party. We kept William company as he grilled up the burgers and dogs. I stuck to the chicken dish Lisa cooked, as I didn't want to be the one who got the "5-second rule" burger. Both Lisa and Ray are fantastic cooks and treated us to a wonderful meal. The evening ended with a quick stop by my folks' place to pick up the Jackass and then home for some TV and reading.

Today was also kinda quiet. We picked up some chicken at Pollo Campero and headed to William's house to get some of my stuff. One dresser, a rocking chair and an antique school desk was all we could fit into Jackass. A stop at Mom Becky's to pick up the red Corvette and we were back home where we've been lazing around the living room ever since. Not a very exciting weekend, but spent with some of my favorite people and my loving hubby.

Caulk-a-doodle-doo

Now, you know EVERYONE has this problem. The caulk around the bathtub isn't always as bright white as it should be. In fact, it may be some shade ranging from light pink to black. That's mildew folks, and sometimes you can't get away from it, no matter how much Tilex is used or how much scrubbing you do. This was the frustration I had with the master bathroom tub. I inhaled a lot of Tilex and Comet dust before deciding to strip the old caulk!

Part of the problem with this tub is the grout line joint where the tub meets the tile surround. On the back end (not where the faucet part is), there's a huge gap between the tub edge and the tile. And under the spigot, a couple tiles aren't aligned properly. Water tends to pool in both these spots, leading to the mildewage. John thinks the folks who put this bathroom together must have done it after lunch when they weren't so alert, as the green bathroom doesn't have this problem.

I used a caulk remover product and got most of the old caulk off. Some scraping removed a little more than I had expected (oops!) and I had to do a little patch of the grout. On the parts where I wanted to remove some of the grout, I couldn't hack into it (didn't want to scratch the tub or break any tiles), so I decided to move onto the next step. After a cleaning of the naked grout line and a lesson on how to use the caulk gun, I was ready.

Yikes! The first squeeze of the gun had caulk shooting out into a big pool in the corner. Good thing I had paper towels and a trash bag handy! After a gloppy line was laid, I used the handy dandy Dap Cap caulk finishing tool to scrap off the excess and create a smooth trim. Unfortunately, it scraped off a little too much, since my first caulk line was on the one with the big gap and the tool was made for a smaller sized joint. Another go with the caulk gun and using my finger to smooth it out worked a little better, even though the edges of the caulk line were a little uneven.

At this point, John came home and gave me a "hmmm" kind of look, but I pressed on. When I was done, it didn't look so bad. New caulk makes all the difference in the world! No more mildew (for now). We'll see how "mildew resistent" this caulk really is. I pulled out the old shower curtain from the green bathroom (which now has shower doors) and put it up along with a new liner. A quick makeover and brighter, revitalized shower area!


Newly caulked tub

The Chumados had a two make-up games last night. The first one was against the Franklins, who they've beaten before. They won that game. The second game began after 8:00 pm and was the continuation of last week's game where they got rained out in the 4th inning. I don't know what inning it was, but as soon as the Mighty Dux pulled ahead of the Chumados, the Ump (?) called the game. A tough loss, as if there had been more light, I'm sure we would have won. Even with this loss, the Chumados are in the playoffs for the first time in recent years. Congrats Chumados!!!

Tonight, the gang is going to Camden Yards for Orioles floppy hat night. I'm so sad to be missing out on getting a free floppy hat! John and I will be heading up to Wilmington to attend a little party for the folks at CTM, as today is their last day. The company is closing up the Wilmington office and condensing its operations in Dallas, TX. It's amazing the number of former employees attending this gathering, some traveling a from a number of states away. It's not because we care about the company, but more about the people we worked with for years. As Bill put it in his blog, we became a family, although quite dysfunctional, but a family none the less.

So, HAPPY FRIDAY, people... and if you go to the O's game tonight, pick up an extra floppy hat for me!!!!

First Sock

As some of you may know, I've been knitting for about 2-3 years now. I started as most people do -- by making scarves. Some turned out really nice, some experimental disasters. Last summer, I made my first garment, which is really pretty but it didn't come out exactly as I expected. I love the colors though. I've been looking to give this tank away for a while now, but keep forgetting to take it to the Chumado games to see if anyone wants it. If you do, let me know. Here's a preview:



Anyway, I've made a couple ponchos, a sweater coat for my niece, a couple baby dresses for friends' kids, a beachy sweater for my sister-in-law and my first sock! It actually feels really comfy. As this was an experimental sock, I didn't make the cuff part very long. I was anxious to get to the heel, which used a technique I'd never done before. Turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself!


Ankle sock made with Paton's Grace cotton yarn

I started another sock with some self-striping yarn. I don't know when I'll get back to making the other sock to match this one, but hopefully soon! My next project is the Einstein Coat from the book, The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville. I think my mom will like it, although I have a feeling I will have to make one for my aunt as well. Knit on!

07/22

I received some sad news today about Mike Schmoyer's dad, Jerry. He passed away on Friday night after a long battle with cancer. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet him a few years ago when I still lived in Delaware. Mike's folks came to Philly (from Allentown, where Mike grew up) to see Les Miserables with Mike, his brother Jason and his wife, Joy. I went as Mike's guest, as he had an extra ticket, and afterwards, we went to a fabulous restaurant down the street from the theater for dinner. I enjoyed the play and also enjoyed the company and hospitality of the Schmoyer clan.

Mike's parents are the kind of folks who didn't want to be called "Mr. and Mrs.". They were "Jerry and Diane", which to me will never seem proper, as I grew up in a family where everyone had some kind of title (respect for your elders and all that). So, all my parents' friends are "Aunt" or "Uncle", even though there is no blood relation, and the parents of my friends are "Mr." or "Mrs." so-and-so. This is where I have trouble calling my mother-in-law by her first name, as in Thai tradition, she's now my mother too and should be addressed as such. John thinks my dilemma about what to call her is very funny.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Schmoyer family tonight as I keep two others (John Sr. and Joan Burroughs) we lost this past April in my thoughts as well.

DCV Dr. Pepper

It's been a pretty slow week... nothing too exciting planned for the weekend either. Lots of fixes on the "Jackass" (my Isuzu Rodeo) by John, who installed new rotors and brake pads on Monday, and made an emergency fix of the driver's windshield wiper mechanism during last night's torrential downpour. Now if we can only figure out why Jackass squeals when started and the engine is cold from sitting overnight. It doesn't seem to be the belts and I'm hoping it's not something too expensive to fix.

I am also in the midst of finally completing a summer sweater for my sister-in-law, Ann. This was to be her birthday present (from last month!), but knitting it has been a little slow. It's made from Bamboo yarn, which is in this really beautiful Tequila Sunrise colourway, but not as soft as one would think it would be. It feels soft on the skein, but once knitted, it was a little scratchy. I hope she'll like it anyway. I'm also giving socks a try and will post some pics once I'm done.

Have you tried the (fairly) new Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper? Diet sodas have come a looooong way, for those who are not fans of diet soda. Although I know WATER is the ultimate diet beverage (and I do drink a lot of that as well!!!), if you've been thinking of switching to a diet soda to cut some calories, give this soda a try! It is YUMMY! Have an awesome weekend and if you're going to a party, take some DCV Dr. P along!

Weekend Warrior(s)

The renovation continues! This weekend was just me and John down at the beach cottage, with John doing 95% of the work finishing the bathroom. I did a little painting and clean up, reorganized the downstairs linen closet. Of course, I had a little time to go to my favorite Leonardtown yarn store, Crazy for Ewe, where they were having a sale. Yippee!

Sunday, John went to a Breton Bay Estates Board of Director's meeting that lasted 2 hours. Sadly, they didn't serve any refreshments at the meeting and he didn't take anything with him, so when he returned, he went straight to the fridge for a cold drink! We headed home and met up with Sean, Freddy and Mike at Rock Bottom for a beer and dinner. They can't wait for football season to start in 2 weeks -- Sean's not much of a baseball, golf or lumberjacking games viewer, which was all they were showing on the TV's in the bar.

Here's the bathroom renovation in a nutshell: Installed new vinyl floor tiles, replaced toilet seat, vanity and sink, put up a new cabinet above the toilet, replaced medicine cabinet with mirror and light bar, installed dimmer switch and new outlet, new shower curtain, towels and bath mat, painted two walls mint green.



It's a good thing John knows how to lay flooring, install cabinets, do plumbing and electrical work. I would still be trying to figure out how to cut the floor tiles had he left it all up to me!



Oh how I wish I had taken the "before" picture of the old shower curtain!!! Here's a picture of the old floor:



The floor was gold speckled and it had these fleur-de-lis accents here and there. Sparkly! Some of you saw the renovation in progress on 4th of July weekend. I hope everyone will be able to come down and see the finished bathroom! Till then, holla!

Radio Family

Years ago, while making the daily morning trek up University Boulevard or down Mezzerott Road to my classes at the University of Maryland, I listened to the "Don and Mike Show". I woke up to their radio show on the old WAVA and turned to it as soon as I got in the car, as the show made my commute more enjoyable. When I moved back to the DC area last year, I was happy to be able to listen to them again. Yesterday, I read that the wife of Don Geronimo, Freda, had been killed in an auto accident. I'm not sure why I was so saddened by her death, as I never met the woman but often heard her call into the show. Don and Freda shared an on-air banter that let us peek into their lives as a couple and family and allowed the listeners to feel like we "knew them" personally. They not only let us in on some of their family spats but also their love for one another.

And maybe that's what struck me so personally. Being newly married, I hope to have a long, happy, loving life with John, but realize a freak incident can take that away. Life is too short, so don't take your parents for granted and enjoy every moment you can with your loved ones. I leave you with this blurb about happiness:

Work like you don't need money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching

Let's Never Speak of This Again...

Apparently, the friend who was originally not so happy with our eloping is not so angry with us after all. She was surprised and mad for a bit, but also at herself for thinking nothing special was going to happen at the party -- which was the reason she didn't attend. I guess she felt left out of all the fun and in sharing the special occasion. Maybe next time she'll know better than to miss a B-sponsored event! Per Freddy, John threw the event of the year in 2004 with his 12/12 party and so far this year, last week's party has been the best. There are still lots of birthdays coming up, so lots of opportunities to take away those honors! I just feel bad for whomever hosts 12/12 this year, as we had 12/12 door prizes for our guests last year and everyone had a smashing time (for being a Sunday!).

This has actually been the first laid-back, no plans weekend in a while, so I have nothing else to report. Be safe and take care!

Poor Little Penguins

John and I went to see "March of the Penguins" this afternoon at the AFI Silver theater. The movie was fascinating... very well done. I hadn't been in that theater since I was 12. They did an awesome job renovating it!

Afterwards, we went to Austin Grill for some drinks and queso. Freddy joined us for a few rounds of ketel one and cranberry. I saw Kurt and Paul (guys I knew from high school days) at the bar. Kurt works for Discovery, but he didn't know Bianca, Tracy or Dave, who work at Discovery too. I haven't seen Kurt since my brother's 30th birthday party (Wow! It's been almost 8 years?) and I probably haven't seen Paul since senior year of high school or so. They both still look the same as they did back then.

Earlier today, I had a lovely chat with Booga Bill via MSN Messenger. He always lifts my spirits and has encouraging words for me. John and I plan on going up to Wilmington at the end of the month for CTM's final hurrah at Stanley's. My fingers are crossed for Bill (and the rest of the crew) that they will find new jobs very soon.

I leave you with a picture from this weekend's "wedding". Not the best photo of me (sweaty hat hair head and blimpy!) but John looks happy, doesn't he? I think this was after I said I'd take John as my "awfully wedded husband" and John shrugged when Freddy asked if he would take me as his lawfully wedded wife. Yes, that's a toilet paper sash around Freddy's collar. Good times. Holla!


Padre Frederico

Breton Bay Days

B House at Breton Bay

Another fantastic weekend started on Friday afternoon with our drive down to the B family beach cottage in southern Maryland. It took 2 hours (45 minutes longer than normal) due to the long weekend exodus out of town, but was a pleasant ride. I immediately headed for the bathroom and ripped down the old 60's shower curtain, window curtains (made out of the plastic shower curtain), and put up the new shower curtain, liners and towels. Sadly, I forgot to take some "before" pix. The bathroom looked 60% better with just that change. It was a simple tacos and a dvd kind of evening with "Hitch" being the movie of choice. Pretty cute movie.

Saturday was a very busy day. I headed off to Target to look for some things for the house while John and Mike loaded up the old pick-up with junk to take to the dump. I met up with them at Lowes and helped pick out a new vanity and faucet. John started on the bathroom renovation by removing the old vanity and putting down new vinyl floor tile. He put in the new vanity and did a little more tile before calling it quits. John helped Mike pull the boat out of the water, as there was a leak somewhere. Turns out it was some hose in the back that was only half clamped on. Whew! An easy fix that would wait for the next day. We headed out to dinner at the Happy Dragon, which is a surprisingly good Chinese restaurant not far from the house. The evening ended with another dvd - "Harold & Kumar go to White Castle".

Sunday - the big party! We had invited about 20 friends to come down. It was a whirl through BJ's Warehouse to pick up some food, a stop at a roadside stand to buy farm fresh corn and back home. William arrived with his boat around 11:30. After putting William's boat in the water, it too was taking in water. So, they had to drag it out and again, another easy fix. The plug in the back had not been put back in.

Folks started trickling in and Sean set up the volleyball net. Some enjoyed the pool, some just hung out by the water, and some played volleyball for the first time this summer. Burgers, dogs, hot sausage, Texas caviar, bean salad, corn on the cob and chips galore was on our menu. After dinner, about half the crew went out on the two boats and the others played more volleyball. Even John played!

After the boaters got back from their tour of the bay, we gathered everyone together to thank them for coming out and had William say his famous line... "Introducing for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. B", only this time, it wasn't a joke. Yes, John and I got married on Monday (the 27th). Just us. The way we wanted. We told our families on Monday and Tuesday, but hadn't told our friends. It was tough trying to decide who, when and how, as we knew there would be this big ordeal about "Why did you tell so-and-so before you told me?" and so forth. So, with most of our friends at the party, it seemed like the best time. One person, who was not at the party (although her husband came), is not so happy with me and John right now. Her husband called her, put me on the phone and I told her the news. She said she wasn't going to talk to us anymore. I'm not sure why she can't simply be happy for us. It's not our fault she didn't come to the party! But overall, even if I had told her before everyone else, I'm sure she would have been mad anyway, as John and I didn't get married in the manner in which she thought we should have done it (with all our friends in attendance).

The whole group threw us an impromptu wedding (on the volleyball court) officiated by Freddy. Nicole, Nate and Tori acted as photographers and Sean give away the "bride". It was quite hilarious. Unfortunately, I'm all sweaty and looking quite blimpish in the pics.

The evening ended with horseshoes. I believe the teams were William and Nate vs. Freddy and Khalid. The losing team got dragged on their butts down the hill by the winning team. Hope those dragging marks on your butt and back heal quickly, William! We were sad to see our friends leave, but were so happy everyone had a great time and that our secret was out.



Monday, the B family took one last trip on the boat. Mike and Griffin took a spin out on the inflatable float tube. Poor John lost his favorite hat while driving the boat. We parted ways with Mike, Diane, Joss and Griff as they headed to Diane's stepfather's house for a visit. We went home, cleaned up and joined everyone at Robert & Pokey's for their 4th of July party. It's their annual all day event beginning with breakfast, walking down to see the Takoma Park parade, more food and fun at the house, and ending with a walk to the junior high to view the fireworks.

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it down to Breton Bay and for making our weekend fun and special!