Knitted Temperature Blanket - December 2020

I heard about temperature blankets at the end of last year.  I've never made one before and it sounded like a fun long term project ... and I finished it this evening.

The idea of a temperature blanket is to knit or crochet a row (or a number of rows) on a blanket each day for a full calendar year.  The colors used each day correspond with the temperature outside.  The more colours you use to represent temperatures and the more varied the temperatures, the more colourful the blanket.

To be consistent, I chose to use the temperature at noon.  I debated whether to use Toronto's temperatures (regardless of where I am) or the temperatures of where I am (so it's a Teena ~ temperature blanket).  I decided to make a Teena ~ temperature blanket.  In theory, it would have been interesting to see how it turned out as I traveled often for work plus go on vacation during the year but with COVID, I haven't done as much travelling as I usually would in a year.

I'm using nine colours from Red Heart Comfort and Bernat Cozy Style yarn.

• Blue:  -6C or colder
• Green:  -1C to -5C
• Light purple:  0C to 4C
• Teal:  5C to 9C
• Red:  10C to 14C
• Dark purple:  15C to 19C
• Yellow:  20C to 24C
• Orange:  25C and higher
• Grey:  first and last rows and divider rows between the months

The warmest temperature (orange) was 35C in Toronto on July 2 and the coldest (blue) was -10C in Toronto (blue) on February 14.  In hindsight, I wish I had added another colour from 30C and higher ... who knew July would be the hottest in 86+ years and every day but one in July would be 30C and over?!  I thought about undoing the blanket to add a different colour from 30C onwards but that mean I'd have to undo about 40 rows to go back to the first 30C row.  Um ... no.

I cast on 200 stitches.  The first and last five stitches of each row are seed stitches (knit one, purl one, knit one, purl one, knit one).  In between, I'm doing stocking stitch (knitting the odd rows and purling the even rows).  I added two rows of seed stitch at the beginning of the blanket to stop it from curling (stocking stitch does that and I hadn't thought of that when I started).

December

Warmest in December:  9C (teal) in Toronto on December 11 and 24
Coldest in December:  -3C (green) in Toronto on December 15, 17 and 26

November

Warmest in November:  24C (yellow) in Toronto on November 10
Coldest in November:  0C (light purple) in Toronto on November 18 and 24

October

Book ~ "A Batter of Life and Death" (2015) Ellie Alexander

From Goodreads ~ It's autumn in Ashland, Oregon - 'tis the season for a spiced hot apple cider with a serving (or two) of Torte's famous peach cobbler. It's also the perfect time for Jules Capshaw to promote her family's beloved bake shop by competing in The Pastry Channel's reality show, Take the Cake. The prize is $25,000. But as Jules quickly learns, some people would kill for that kind of dough. Literally. 

Then, just as Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron, the corpse of a fellow contestant is discovered - death by buttercream. What began as a fun, tasteful televised adventure has morphed into something of a true-crime detective show for Jules and everybody else on set. Who could have killed Chef Marco, and why? Can Jules sift out the killer before someone else gets burned?

Juliet (aka Jules) was raised in small town Ashland, OR, but dreamed of seeing the world.  She grew up helping her parents in their bakery, Torte, and went on to culinary school.  She got a job with a cruise line and didn't get home often after that.  She met her husband, Carlos, an executive chef, on a cruise and things were going well until she discovered he had a secret.  With a broken heart, she headed home to figure things out.  It's been a couple months and she now shares ownership of Torte with her mother.  She and Carlos had agreed to not contact each other until the new year but Jules thinks of him often.

The Pastry Channel has come to Ashland to film their show, Take the Cake.  Jules has been asked to be one of the contestants.  Torte could use the $25,000 prize money to buy a new oven among other things so she agrees.  When one of the other contestants is murdered, Jules can't help but get involved, especially since she was the one who found the body, her mother is dating the chief of police and Jules' high school boyfriend is a police officer.  Did someone want to win the contest enough to kill off the competition?

This is the second in the Bakeshop Mystery series and I liked it.  I've read all in this author's Sloan Krause Series.  This works as a stand alone ... I'd recently read the first one and the last one in the series and there was enough information provided.  It's written in first person perspective in Jules' voice.   It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. There are recipes at the end.  I look forward to reading the others in this series.

Knitted scarf

I finished knitting a scarf tonight. 

I used a skein of Bernat Blanket Yarn (Faded Blues) (it's sooooo soft and warm!) and 8mm needles.

I cast on 20 stitches and kept knitting and knitting and knitting until I ran out of yarn ... it ended up being about six feet long.

Coronation Park, Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail, Toronto, ON

I went for a walk (about 10km) this afternoon and headed south to Coronation Park ... it was sunny and a bit chilly.  It's been a while since I've been out for a good long walk ... it's been cold, wet and dreary lately ... so it was good to see the sun.

I kept going to Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail ... I love this park and trail!

The Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail is 7.5 acres of public green space on a spectacular part of Toronto’s waterfront. Previously a parking lot, it’s now full of life, ready to be enjoyed by morning joggers, picnic-goers, strolling families and everyone in between.

The 1.3 kilometre trail is named in honour of Bill Davis, who was the Premier when Ontario Place first opened in 1971. It’s surrounded by thousands of native trees, plants, flowers and beautiful sedimentary rocks and boulders. Inspired by the Ontario landscape itself, the park was designed in consultation with people from across Ontario, including the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. It’s a breathtaking tribute to our province and a gift to the people who love it.

1. William G. Davis Trail 
2. The Ravine with Moccasin Identifier 
3. The Pavilion 
4. Romantic Garden 
5. Fire Pit 
6. Bluff
7. Summit

Book ~ "No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality" (2020) Michael J. Fox

From Goodreads ~ The entire world knows Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in "Back to the Future"; as Alex P. Keaton in "Family Ties"; as Mike Flaherty in "Spin City"; and through numerous other movie roles and guest appearances on shows such as "The Good Wife" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm". 

Diagnosed at age 29, Michael is equally engaged in Parkinson’s advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the world’s leading non-profit funder of PD science. His two previous bestselling memoirs, "Lucky Man" and "Always Looking Up", dealt with how he came to terms with the illness, all the while exhibiting his iconic optimism. His new memoir reassesses this outlook, as events in the past decade presented additional challenges.

In "No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality", Michael shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, aging, the strength of family and friends, and how our perceptions about time affect the way we approach mortality. Thoughtful and moving, but with Fox’s trademark sense of humor, his book provides a vehicle for reflection about our lives, our loves, and our losses.

Running through the narrative is the drama of the medical madness Fox recently experienced, that included his daily negotiations with the Parkinson’s disease he’s had since 1991, and a spinal cord issue that necessitated immediate surgery. His challenge to learn how to walk again, only to suffer a devastating fall, nearly caused him to ditch his trademark optimism and “get out of the lemonade business altogether.”

Michael J. Fox is an actor and author, originally from British Columbia.  He quit school in grade eleven to move to L.A. to pursue his dream of being an actor.  He married actress, Tracy Pollan, and they have four children (the youngest recently graduated from high school).  After the birth of their first child, Michael found out he had Parkinson's disease.  Over the years, the symptoms have have gotten worse and he eventually retired from acting, though he has done some short term parts over the years.

This book is his story of dealing with Parkinson's and how it has limited his life over the years.  He's got to think about every move he makes before he makes them.  Plus he's had other health issues including having a tumour removed from his spine which was causing him excruciating amount of pain.  He has the support of his family and some great friends.

I liked this book ... it's an interesting story.  I liked the writing style ... despite all he is going through, his personality and sense of humour came though.  I didn't know much about Parkinson's and learned a lot about it (but not in a preaching way).  I'm surprised I haven't read his first two books but I've added them to my "to be read" list.

Honeycomb (aka Newfie) knitted mittens

I just finished knitting another pair of Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens.  They are fun to make.

I used 4 ply yarn and 5mm double pointed needles.

Wrist

1. With A, cast on 42 sts
2. Knit 1, purl 1 for 18 rows
3. Purl
4. Purl, increasing 2 stitches on each needle for a total of 48 stitches

Pattern

1.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
2. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
3. Purl 2 rows with A
4. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
5. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
6. Purl 2 rows with A
7.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
8. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
9. Purl 2 rows with A
10. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
11. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
12. Purl 2 rows with A

Thumb

1. In step 12 above, purl 2, put 7 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb and cast on 7 stitches, purl to the end.  Purl 1 row.

Mitten

1. Knit the pattern until long enough (I did 6)
2. Knit 1 row
3. *Knit 4, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
4. Knit 2 rows
5. *Knit 3, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
6. Knit 2 rows
7. *Knit 2, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
8. Knit 2 rows
9. *Knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
10. Thread the yarn through remaining the loops and pull tight
11. Weave end inside

Thumb

1. With A, pick up the 7 stitches from the holder
2. Pick up 7 stitches around the thumb hole for a total of 14 stitches
3. Knit to fit length of thumb
4. Knit 2 together all around
5. Thread the yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight
6. Weave end inside

Honeycomb (aka Newfie) knitted mittens

I just finished knitting another pair of Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens.  They are fun to make.

I used 4 ply yarn and 5mm double pointed needles.

Wrist

1. With A, cast on 42 sts
2. Knit 1, purl 1 for 18 rows
3. Purl
4. Purl, increasing 2 stitches on each needle for a total of 48 stitches

Pattern

1.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
2. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
3. Purl 2 rows with A
4. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
5. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
6. Purl 2 rows with A
7.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
8. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
9. Purl 2 rows with A
10. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
11. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
12. Purl 2 rows with A

Thumb

1. In step 12 above, purl 2, put 7 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb and cast on 7 stitches, purl to the end.  Purl 1 row.

Mitten

1. Knit the pattern until long enough (I did 6)
2. Knit 1 row
3. *Knit 4, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
4. Knit 2 rows
5. *Knit 3, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
6. Knit 2 rows
7. *Knit 2, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
8. Knit 2 rows
9. *Knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
10. Thread the yarn through remaining the loops and pull tight
11. Weave end inside

Thumb

1. With A, pick up the 7 stitches from the holder
2. Pick up 7 stitches around the thumb hole for a total of 14 stitches
3. Knit to fit length of thumb
4. Knit 2 together all around
5. Thread the yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight
6. Weave end inside

Float Toronto, Toronto, ON

Gord and I went for an hour float this morning at Float Toronto on Queen Street W (at Beaconsfield).  We find floats very relaxing and it's been a year and a half since we've been.

Because of COVID, the lounge and
grooming areas are closed

Also known as Floatation Therapy, REST Therapy (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique) or Sensory Deprivation, floating involves lying in a salt-water solution in a specially designed tank (often referred to as a float tank, sensory deprivation tank, or isolation tank). Your experience in a floatation tank is about everything you won’t be doing. You won’t be fighting gravity. The 850 pounds of Epsom salt in the water takes care of that while you lie on your back. The water is kept at a skin receptor neutral temperature which means that you lose track of where your body ends and the water begins. Your ears stay just below the water, and the tanks are insulated against sound – noise from the outside is unable to reach you. After you shut the door to the tank, you float in total darkness. 

During your float the outside world is gone and amazing things happen. It turns out that when you’re not fighting gravity or constantly taking in information your body has a lot of extra resources at its disposal. Your mind is free to navigate without distraction, your brain pumps out dopamine and endorphins, and your body gets to rest, de-stress and heal. It’s likely to be the most relaxing thing you’ve ever experienced.

The tank is high enough for me to stand up, wide enough for me to stretch my arms out and my fingers just touch the side and a lot longer then me.  I started with the light and music on but turned them off about halfway through.

Happy Boxing Day!

Boxing Day is traditionally the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as a "Christmas box", from their bosses or employers.

Today, Boxing Day is the statutory holiday. It is observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and some other Commonwealth nations.

In Canada, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much like Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) in the U.S. It is a time where shops have sales, often with dramatic price reductions.  Many retailers open very early and offer doorbuster deals and loss leaders to draw people to their stores. It is not uncommon for long lines to form early in the morning, hours before the opening of shops holding the big sales, especially at big-box consumer electronics retailers.  In-store shopping isn't permitted this year in Ontario because we went into a month-long lockdown today.

Merry Christmas!

Book ~ "Any Night of the Week: A D.I.Y. History of Toronto Music, 1957-2001" (2020) Jonny Dovercourt

From Goodreads ~ The story of how Toronto became a music mecca. 

From Yonge Street to Yorkville to Queen West to College, the neighbourhoods that housed Toronto's music scenes. Featuring Syrinx, Rough Trade, Martha and the Muffins, Fifth Column, Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, Rheostatics, Ghetto Concept, LAL, Broken Social Scene, and more!

For many years after I moved to Toronto in 1987, I went to lots of bars to hear live music ... not so much any more.  Since this book covered those years, I thought I'd check it out.

The author talks about many groups that played in Toronto ... some I knew, some I'd never heard of.  I found myself saying, "I remember them!" and then going to find them on Spotify and then following them there to listen to another time.  He covers many genres of music (folk, blues, rock, pop, rap, punk, etc.).  I've been to many of the bars he spoke of like Albert's Hall, Grossman's, the El Mocambo, the Horseshoe, the Opera House, the Diamond, etc.

The author wrote with knowledge and passion.  There are bits of interviews with some of the singers and groups along with pictures.  As a head's up, there is swearing.

Honeycomb (aka Newfie) knitted mittens

I just finished knitting another pair of Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens.  They are fun to make.

I used 4 ply yarn and 5mm double pointed needles.

Wrist

1. With A, cast on 42 sts
2. Knit 1, purl 1 for 18 rows
3. Purl
4. Purl, increasing 2 stitches on each needle for a total of 48 stitches

Pattern

1.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
2. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
3. Purl 2 rows with A
4. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
5. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
6. Purl 2 rows with A
7.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
8. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
9. Purl 2 rows with A
10. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
11. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
12. Purl 2 rows with A

Thumb

1. In step 12 above, purl 2, put 7 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb and cast on 7 stitches, purl to the end.  Purl 1 row.

Mitten

1. Knit the pattern until long enough (I did 6)
2. Knit 1 row
3. *Knit 4, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
4. Knit 2 rows
5. *Knit 3, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
6. Knit 2 rows
7. *Knit 2, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
8. Knit 2 rows
9. *Knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
10. Thread the yarn through remaining the loops and pull tight
11. Weave end inside

Thumb

1. With A, pick up the 7 stitches from the holder
2. Pick up 7 stitches around the thumb hole for a total of 14 stitches
3. Knit to fit length of thumb
4. Knit 2 together all around
5. Thread the yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight
6. Weave end inside

Honeycomb (aka Newfie) knitted mittens

I just finished knitting another pair of Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens.  They are fun to make.

.

I used 4 ply yarn and 5mm double pointed needles.

Wrist

1. With A, cast on 42 sts
2. Knit 1, purl 1 for 18 rows
3. Purl
4. Purl, increasing 2 stitches on each needle for a total of 48 stitches

Pattern

1.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
2. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
3. Purl 2 rows with A
4. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
5. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
6. Purl 2 rows with A
7.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
8. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
9. Purl 2 rows with A
10. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
11. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
12. Purl 2 rows with A

Thumb

1. In step 12 above, purl 2, put 7 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb and cast on 7 stitches, purl to the end.  Purl 1 row.

Mitten

1. Knit the pattern until long enough (I did 6)
2. Knit 1 row
3. *Knit 4, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
4. Knit 2 rows
5. *Knit 3, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
6. Knit 2 rows
7. *Knit 2, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
8. Knit 2 rows
9. *Knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
10. Thread the yarn through remaining the loops and pull tight
11. Weave end inside

Thumb

1. With A, pick up the 7 stitches from the holder
2. Pick up 7 stitches around the thumb hole for a total of 14 stitches
3. Knit to fit length of thumb
4. Knit 2 together all around
5. Thread the yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight
6. Weave end inside

Book ~ "Chilled to the Cone" (2020) Ellie Alexander

From Goodreads ~ The deep freeze has thawed in Ashland, Oregon, and Torte is gearing up for a busy spring. When a surprise opportunity to launch a pop-up ice cream shop comes her way, Jules jumps at the chance to showcase Torte’s signature iced drinks and cold custards. But selling the desserts of her dreams comes at a price and, before she knows it, Jules’s life swirls into a nightmare. 

One of the town’s most colorful characters, a street performer known for wearing capes and a cone-shaped hat, turns up dead just as Torte 2.0 is set to open its doors. 

Can Jules get the scoop on what happened to “The Wizard” of Ashland before her new business venture reaches a chilling conclusion? 

Juliet (aka Jules) was raised in small town Ashland, OR, but dreamed of seeing the world.  She grew up helping her parents in their bakery and went on to culinary school.  She got a job with a cruise line and didn't get home often after that.  She met her husband, Carlos, an executive chef, on a cruise and things were going well until she discovered he had a secret.  With a broken heart, she headed home to figure things out.  It's been two years and she now shares ownership of the bakery with her mother and Carlos has been living with her trying to work things out.

A pop-up opportunity opens up and Jules decides to try it out for the summer.  She's going to sell drinks, ice cream and pastries from the store.  She and her staff are getting the space painted and cleaned when The Wizard, an elderly homeless man, is found dead on the train tracks nearby.  Most of the townspeople had helped the eccentric man over the years but there were some who would have wished he'd stop hanging around.  Did one of them kill him?

This is the twelfth in the Bakeshop Mystery series and I liked it.  I've read all in this author's Sloan Krause Series.  It works as a stand alone ... I'd read the first one in the series last month (but none of the others) and there was enough information provided.  It's written in first person perspective in Jules' voice.   It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. I look forward to reading the others in this series.

Union Chicken Carolina BBQ Wings, PC Chef

In the last couple of months, Gord and I have taken advantage of of PC Chef's promotions of ordering one of their meal kits and getting one free a few times ... and they've been good!

I noticed this week that Union Chicken has been added to their restaurant line-up.  I've been to their Union Station restaurant a few times and have liked their meals so I ordered a couple of theirs, which arrived yesterday.

We had Union Chicken Caroline BBQ Wings for supper this evening (it's regularly $25).

The kit came with everything.

Ta-da!  I'm not a fan of coleslaw so didn't put it together ... Gord will have it another time.  Instead I put some cheese garlic bread on.  The wings were good.  They were spicy without the sauce but I tossed mine in the BBQ sauce and they were good (Gord's not a fan of saucy messy wings).  Then I dipped them in the ranch sauce.  The wings were good and this was an easy kit to pull together.

College Falafel, Toronto, ON

I picked up "east coast" donairs for lunch today at College Falafel (at Ossington Avenue and College Street).  The owners, Oljana and Bard, are very nice and friendly and they make very good donairs.

There are a wide variety of condiments but traditionally a donair has meat, tomatoes, onions and sauce.  I got just tomatoes and donair sauce (I'm not a fan of onions) and Gord got onions and his sauce on the side (he's not a fan of tomatoes and wanted to control the amount of donair sauce).  The donair is served in a pita pocket.  The meat was good and tender and the sauce was tasty.

Union Chicken Chicken Pot Pie, PC Chef

In the last couple of months, Gord and I have taken advantage of of PC Chef's promotions of ordering one of their meal kits and getting one free a few times ... and they've been good! 

I noticed this week that Union Chicken has been added to their restaurant line-up.  I've been to their Union Station restaurant a few times and have liked their meals so I ordered a couple of theirs, which arrived today.

We had Union Chicken Pot Pie for supper this evening (it's regularly $22).

The kit came with everything except flour and an egg.

Topbox - December 2020

My December Topbox arrived today.

Get 4 hand-picked deluxe samples delivered to your door for $15 per month. It's the best way to discover the products you'll love.

Here's what I received ...

Lise Watier Age Control Supreme l'Expérience 60 Revitalising Night Care 

Artistic Colour Revolution Reactive Nail Lacquer (Artistic Life) 

Kalaya Body Butter - Wild Maple 

Be a ... Bombshell lip gloss (Hot Mess)