During a visit home for a friend’s memorial two weeks ago, the thick, humid night reminded me of everything I left behind six years ago. My sweating pores, inscribed with a history of East coast summers, felt eerily at home among friends from my past, in a city that I love as memories collided with my present.

I wrote that around this time of year, in 2002. I’m now older than Sara was she passed away. YouTube wasn’t around then, but luckily, the most touching part of the night was recorded.

Watch to the end of the song, to hear the additional lyrics Brendan wrote to Sara’s song. If you’ve ever lost friend, this may resonnate with you. I can’t believe it’s been five years… you’ll stay with me forever, Sara.

Now I am missing you so much
Now I feel like I’ve lost everything I’ve ever had
Now I am happier for knowing you
And sadder than I’ve been in my whole life
Now I wish that we could be dreaming our superstar dreams
And talking about the haircuts on the TV screen
I’d make you laugh and you’d make me happy
Now I have to close my eyes just to see you again
Now I was so proud just to be your friend
And We’ll be together again my friend
Its just a moment in time

So, it’s been over two weeks since I received this fabulous present in the mail from the even-more fabulous Scout. Part of me was shy about posting this, as not to mix my business life with my knitting life. But I trust you all. Now you you know where I work. Don’t get me fired (or Dooced!)

She’s done it again… surprising me with her color sense, her dye talent and her generousity. I’m so lucky to know her, even though we’ve yet to meet in person. Did you hear her on Sticks and String? She mentions on her blog that she also just recorded an interview with another popular podcast that involves citrus fruits and flowers (airdate TBD).

Sorry for the blog silence here of late. It’s extended to emails, blog reading and general socialbility. The injury (which is feeling better, thank you), combined with too many hours at work has drained me of any will to write. Oh, and I discovered LOST (through seasons 1 & 2, dabbling on online streaming season 3 episodes).

I have been a-knitting, so more is forthcoming: EZ BSJ, son of Brancusi and Cat Bordhi’s INSANE new book. But for now, thank you, Miss Scout: for thinking of me, for sharing your gift with the world at large, and for being my friend.

The neck is feeling much better. Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of concern! Acupuncture cleared up a lot of the general stiffness, but concentrated the strained area. And, yes, I’ll tell my mom next time before blogging. (It’s her ringing on my cellphone in the video below.)

Have a great Friday and lovely weekend.

This weekend was one of hosting. Not web hosting, kids, people hosting. I love sharing San Francisco with friends. I want people to experience the places I call my favorite. Personally, I love my taste, so shouldn’t everyone?

Tracy was in town for her work. Here she is enjoying a latte this morning, post-breakfast, pre-cream puff. I’ve known her since 1991 when I was a little suburban child who moved to the big city of Philadelphia. We ran in the same activist and punk-esque circles. Luckily, I get to pay her to be my friend, as my company hires her company to do web work. And, as you’ll see in a future post, her company’s going to build my swim team’s new site.

She arrived on Friday and we had sushi for lunch at Hotei (across the street from sister restaurant and best sushi in town, Ebisu). Delish. I don’t get sushi that often because someone I sleep with doesn’t like it.

Then, we drove over to my office to give her coworker a tour and load them up with product. Dinner was at my favorite East German restaurant (oft-mentioned here), Walzwerk).

Tracy’s gig was on Saturday, so I didn’t see her. Instead, new-to-town and Scout connection, Dottie and the man went out on a photo tour. I joined them after swim practice for another favorite, burritos at Papalote. Which, of course, had to be followed by a Ritual Roasters‘ latte.

This morning’s breakfast was a bust, so no link to that. But Tracy had time for another latte (pictured above) and a cream puff (as did the manfriend) at Beard Papa’s before catching her plane back to Philly, her wife and her gorgeous daughter.

So, if you’re coming to town, you can pretend you’re me and enjoy these fine establishments. Don’t mind the hipsters, the food is fab and worth it.

Go tell one of my favorite knitters, Rachael, to have a fabulous birthday! While you’re there, read about the miracle reunion of Digit, one tough little kitty.

It’s the start of a brand-new day.
A little knitting at the breakfast table.

Delicious coffee.

Some Cheerios.

And, posting this is going to make me late to work.

(extra points if you can finish the vacation Bible school song lyric from the title!)

Thanks for so many kind words, both here and on flickr about the Brancusi sock. Although I was proud of the design, hearing that other people respond to positively makes it that much better. And after a day like today at work, you guys were my highlight.

Coming home after 10 1/2 hours at the office, not working out, no walk in the park for Janie Sparkles, and no sense of accomplishment or pride in what I did today makes me understand addictive behaviour. All I wanted to do was eat a bowl of buttered noodles and bricks of cheese. I understand why people eat or shop to fill an emotional void. Anything to provide a little release or break from the mundane that weighs us down. Don’t worry, I didn’t go out and buy an iPhone…

Dinner with C and a friend at a local pasta joint (how I love thee, starches) was a better end to a day that hopefully won’t be repeated tomorrow. Knowing that knitting is sitting there, waiting to be done, whether or not it’s my design, gives me comfort. Being able to share this activity with like-minded souls (and soles) instills peace.

So, thanks again. And for anyone else who’s had a hectic Monday (or Tuesday or Friday or anyday), go touch your fiber, hug your loved ones or animals, think about the things that truly matter, and smile.

Avert your eyes, sensitive viewers.

Here’s some gratuitous man-on-dog action.

Little puppy Tank is growing. He barely fits on my lap!

Just another perk of a dog-friendly office.

More knitting-related (and hopefully Paris, too) content coming this weekend. Until then, enjoy the unbearable cuteness of my little furry boyfriend.

No, that’s not Janie Sparkles; it’s Foot Foot! He’s a warm brown brindle Frenchie that we’ve run into at the dog park. Last night, he, Janie and Bibby had a wonderful wander in the dusty paths of Cesar Chavez park in Berkeley. It was our first big off-leash adventure since going away.

While not directly about Paris (they are French bulldogs after all), leaving Janie at Pet Camp was the hardest part about going away. I’m sure she enjoy her play sessions, both with the small dogs and the gentle larger dogs (we asked that she be moved up because she likes ’em bigger). It’s just not the same as sleeping in our bed or snoring next to us on the couch.

It appears that she lost some weight during her stay, as we expected. Foot Foot’s mom said Janie makes him look like a porker. That’s what you get when you’re not food-motivated. She has been a more frequent member of the clean-plate/bowl club and pooping like a champ.

Her stay at camp didn’t affect her personality. She’s getting so much love at the office and looking for cuddles and belly rubs whenever possible. She’s just as playful as always and seems truly happy to see us.

Four years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you that I’d be a knitter. The same goes for being a dog person. Although I’ve got the man of my dreams, my heart belongs to this furry little lady and her friends.

Did you know it was Scout’s b-day today?

Neither did I!

Please go tell her how much you love her. She’s an incredible mother to two beautiful children, a one-woman yarn dying force of nature, and And if you’re in the mood, check out a her shop to experience some of the best customer service on the interwebs!

Let’s all raise a martini glass to her (filled with your libation, notion or yarn of choice)! Happiest day to you, baby!