Happy Valentines Day

And another vintage Valentine from my collection:

Happy love day.

Knitting for the First Time in Almost Fifty Years

There was very kind lady in my church who taught the 9-11 year old girls how to knit, crochet and embroider. I can't remember her name, but I do remember going to her house, sitting in her little living room and watching her gentle worn hands teaching us a new skill.    Every time I pass her house (which is right off Grant Road in Los Altos), I think of her.

Ever since then, I have had a desire to knit but have been intimidated by it.   I know how to sew,  embroider, quilt, needlepoint...but knitting, well that has always scared the bejesus out of me.  I have been in awe of those who create such beautiful things with yarn.

For Christmas, my dear husband gave me a knitting class put on by a wonderful store in town called uncommon threads , a full service yarn shop which is filled with all sorts of knitting and crocheting supplies.

In two class sessions, we learned how to cast on, knit, purl, make some holes, and cast off.
This is my finished sample product:

There are all sorts of mistakes and I was tempted to rip it all out and start over.
 My daughter encouraged me to keep it.
I think I will find a nice little spot on the wall in my sewing room to hang it.

At first I felt awkward and clumsy but after awhile got into the rhythm of knitting/purling.  I soon felt that nice calming affect that knitting provides.  And I understand why it has become so popular.

I can already envision some serious knitting projects in my future.  I see knitted scarfs, baby hats, blankets, and perhaps a sweater (eventually).  Before I get ahead of my self though, I think I should continue with  a lot more practice.

 A LOT more.

An Afternoon in the City By the Bay

Spent the afternoon with these three....
 

Such a cute family

Starting at the Asian Art Museum, which is housed in the old San Francisco main library.

Chandelier in the Samsung Hall at Asian Art Museum

Love these quotes which are engraved in the cornice above the loggia and grand staircase.

We then walked (over a mile up and down SF hills) to Grace Cathedral to view this beautiful art installation using 20 miles of ribbon.

Beautiful...highly recommend you check it out.  It will be removed at the end of the month.

It was fun to walk the Labryinth

How do you like my Cole Hahn "glitter shoes"?

He did the whole thing!

In front of the beautiful bronze front doors to Grace Cathedral

Ended the day by walking (another mile or so) to Chinatown and eating at Great Eastern restaurant
(my favorite and has been voted best by Zagat since 2006).  There are pictures of President Obama eating here in 2010.

Chinatown at dusk on February 1st.

 Oh, so deelish.

A most wonderful afternoon spent in my favorite city by the bay.