Pidge Scarf

(This scarf is thicker than I'd like. Here is the pattern, but I am going to attempt to make another, casting on 22 stitches instead of 30.)

5mm US 8 needles
I'm using white and brownish-purplish (ha) medium weight acrylic yarn. I dislike acrylic yarn because it is so stiff, but it was all I had when I started.

Cast on 30 stitches.
Row 1: *K 2, P 2. Repeat from * to last 2 stitches. K 2.
Row 2: Knit

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until desired length is achieved.

Bind off.

Remember to add button holes! I am leaving this out, since the directions vary based on the buttons being used.

Red-Squared

I am making this scarf for Robin.

It's red.

It has squares.

(5mm US 8 needles.)

Cast on 35 stitches
Rows 1-10: St st(starting with K)
Row 11: *K 5, P 5. Repeat twice from *. K 5
Row 12: *P 5, K 5. Repeat twice from *. P 5
Row 13: *K 5, P 5. Repeat twice from *. K 5
Row 14: *P 5, K 5. Repeat twice from *. P 5
Row 15: *K 5, P 5. Repeat twice from *. K 5
Row 16: *P 5, K 5. Repeat twice from *. P 5

Repeat rows 1-16 until you reach your desired length.

Repeat rows 1-10 once more.

Bind off.

(I'll add a picture when I've finished.)

Artichoke Dip

This is an incredible easy recipe that is fun to experiment with, but I must admit that I prefer it as is.

2 cans (14 oz) of artichoke hearts (packed in water)
1 can (8 oz) of diced green chilis
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups Parmesan cheese*

Mix everything together and bake in a bread pan at 350 for half an hour.

* You can really use any kind of cheese you like, though the softer cheeses don't seem to turn out as well. In my opinion, Parmesan works best for this dip.

A word of advice to save you from making the same mistake I once did - this dip consists of relatively subtle flavors. It is VERY easy to overpower it with even minimal spices (especially salt.)

(I'll take a picture the next time I make it!)

I really dislike the American health care system (well, lack thereof.)

That is all.

While I am unbelievably happy about Obama’s victory last night, I can’t help but be disappointed in some of the local propositions.

Proposition 7
Proposition 7 is an initiative statute regarding renewable energy.
Result: NO – My Vote: YES

I am really surprised that Propositions 7, 10 and H all failed to pass. In a place full of hybrid cars and recycling, all propositions promoting clean energy were rejected. I would blame it on the abundance of “blank check” commercials (with tiny disclaimers at the bottom stating that PG&E graciously paid for them), but that didn’t seem to change the outcome of Proposition 8.


Proposition 8
Proposition 8 is an initiative constitutional amendment that, if passed, would eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry.
Result: YES – My Vote: NO

There are two reasons I voted against this:

1) It’s none of my fucking business who you decide to marry.

2) I see love, in any form, as a beautiful thing. Even though marriage (in the traditional sense) is a bit silly and old-fashioned, I do appreciate any two people loving each other to the extent of feeling it necessary to proclaim said love to the world. That’s what marriage is about (to me), not a religious bond, not any sort of promise or a misguided feeling of ownership.

I am ecstatic that we have elected a black man to be our next president. That being said, I truly do not understand why selective discrimination is acceptable.


Proposition B
This measure requires the city to take about $30 million out of the budget each year and use the cash to build affordable housing over the next 15 years.
Result: NO – My Vote: YES

Of course! We have one of the worst homeless populations in the country, but I suppose fixing the problem won’t give voters anything to talk about over their chai lattes from Starbucks. (Note: While this proposition failed to pass, Proposition D was approved by a landslide. Hmm…help house the homeless? No. Decorate a pier? Sure!)