I was hoping to have something witty and fascinating to share on my blog today, but alas....I've come down with some kind of ailment, confined to my throat, and it's wearing me down. I first noticed I was getting a sore throat last Tuesday, so I'm about to celebrate the one-week anniversary of whatever this is. It has drained my energy and given me coughing fits.
I'm sure I'll survive, but I do wish it would leave me alone and move elsewhere, but not necessarily on to another unsuspecting victim.
I took a few photos in my flower gardens this afternoon, after attacking some weeds (dandelions, mainly) with a dose of cider vinegar. It's great stuff for killing weeds and is non-toxic to the environment.My weeping cherry tree is outdoing itself this spring. This is the best blooming it has produced since we planted it about six years ago.
The cluster of primroses by the rock is up to its usual flamboyance.
Ditto for the Solomon's Seal, which I almost always call "Solomon's Tears" by mistake. I guess the little hanging bell-shaped flowers remind me of tears.As I was lying on the sofa a minute ago, feeling sorry for myself, the phone rang. It was someone conducting a political survey. The lady assured me the survey would take "just a few minutes."
First she asked me general questions about my preference in a gubernatorial candidate. I answered them but asked again how much longer the survey would take.
She assured me again that she had "just a few more questions" and asked that I please "stay with" her. Then she started asking a series of questions a specific candidate for governor.
Perhaps this doesn't sound like a big deal, but here's the situation: Just about every citizen in the State of Maine, or so it seems, has taken out nomination papers to become governor.
After I'd answered all of the callers questions about candidate #1, she then moved on to candidate #2. Suddenly, finally, I could see where this was headed.
I apologized for having no more time to devote to the survey, then I hung up.
I feel kind of guilty now, because she was only doing her job, but the survey was taking at least fifteen minutes of my time, probably more.
The folks who develop telephone surveys need to take a course in brevity as the route to snagging willing survey respondents.
And now I'm headed back to the sofa.
Sorry you're not feeling well.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the pictures of your plants. You must have a very short growing season in Maine.
I have been known to hang up on phone surveys. The people doing them always act like they're going to lose their jobs if you don't complete the survey, but enough is enough, and when I've had enough I hang up.
Now, on to a different subject. I wanted to email you about the February sweater you've been knitting, but didn't find an email listed so now that you've posted, I'll ask my question here.
What kind of yarn did you use for yours? Did you block them?
How do you know you have the right pattern? There seem to be a lot of edited versions floating around. I need to do it in the plus size.
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteMy e-mail address is davisjean@mac.com.
I've used medium weight yarn (#4) for all of the FLS's I've made, either 100% wool or a cotton/acrylic blend. I really like the Lion Brand Cotton Ease, although I know it's not considered the best yarn by most yarn shops. I've blocked each FLS. The pattern I use is here:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-lady-sweater#
Hope this helps. i'm currently knitting a February Lady sweater for myself. The body is done; today I started the sleeves.
Such a pretty header photo. Sorry to hear of your malady, perhaps you should see the doctor as it could be strep throat. Speaking from experience, it can knock you flat quickly! Gosh, I don't like the survey calls...as you mentioned everyone and their brother it seems is running for governor here and I haven't even begun to think about all the candidates, too busy enjoying the sun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jean,
ReplyDeletePerhaps I should knit the baby sweater first. Hope you don't mind if I use you as a resource for questions.
I've always found Elizabeth Zimmerman to be pretty poor at writing patterns.
I don't ever answer surveys for anyone. Try some peppermint tea, maybe you're having an allergy to some of the spring pollen?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your weeping cherry tree....AWESOME does not do it justice.
ReplyDeleteNow about this throat. I woke this morning with a raging sore throat and a full plate of tasks to complete before the end of this day as I begin a Census 2010 assignment tomorrow. Rats. Pray please that I am not getting whatever you have.
Do feel better soon and please continue these wonderful flower posts.
Gorgeous photos, Jean. I really love the weeping cherry!
ReplyDelete