Sunday, August 25, 2013

Cat Stakeout


I did trap the kitten. Once I managed to get enough emotional control to not burst into tears (what the hell is wrong with my head?), he was easy. He was already not shy of me, and after initial wariness and coming out and meowing at me a couple times, he went right in.

I was afraid I had taken too long to do this, that he would be too old, but the SPCA accepted him into their kitten adoption program after an intake interview. So hey, I hope he lives a happy and well-fed life.

Mama has not been so easy. When I went to feed her that evening I could feel her glaring. "You took my kitten" she glared. (Hmm, melodramatic much?)

I didn't intend to take this picture. I was just sitting there, waiting and messing around with the camera, and she slunk right through the frame.


I've made several attempts to trap her, including not feeding her on Friday at all, but that just seems to have driven her away. She hasn't shown up for several nights now. So I sat on Saturday, a distance away, with the trap cleverly disguised by a purple towel and a trail of tuna fish leading to the back of it, waiting to see if she'd come. Nothing.

I can't wait around too long in the evening because here's who showed up one night. I skipped feeding that night and came the next morning. Blurry picture, but I think you can make him out:


We are moving, a week from Tuesday. The rent-a-boxes arrive this Tuesday.
I just want it to be over. It won't be nearly as unpleasant and complicated as moving out of state, but still. I'd like some time to just stare at the wall in peace.

I have been making my lists again. And I've been an adult and completed things from the list (hello moving boxes, movers, dentist, mechanic, SFSPCA, transit, and doctor. Yes, I'm getting movers. I'd rather pay them instead of spending 3 months in physical therapy for the inevitable back injury.) Some people enjoy lists, but I don't. Crossing things off doesn't do anything for me; it just reminds me of how much else is on the list. I never seem to completely finish off every item, which is what gives me a sense of closure. Probably because I keep adding things.

At least I finished off  some socks. When they are done, they are DONE (unless I screwed up the toes. You'd think I'd have completed enough pairs by now I would have toes DOWN. but no)

The yarn on the left is some prized Rabbitworks Fibre Studio Toe Jam sock in Revenge. I liked this pattern so much for some other very-variegated sock yarn, I went the lazy way and did it again.

On the right, I lifted the stitch pattern and erm, not much else from the Tern pattern. I did them cuff-down, heel flap, in fingering-weight yarn. I don't like larger gauge socks & short-row heels don't often fit me well. If you look closely you can see that they're fraternal. I accidentally added an extra row between cables on the 2nd sock. Whoops. I didn't discover it until I the ankle & by then I didn't feel like ripping.  Hmph. They are each handsome in their own way.

The terns use Cherry Tree Hill super sock with Louet gems toes (and a strand of wooly nylon. This is a test to see if it can help strengthen the 100% wool toes from my Toenails of Doom.) I like the different colored toes but they weren't a choice. I have the US women's size 11 feet & usually need a minimum of 420 yards. Cabling of course sucks up even more. I have only a few yards left of the blue. I once made size 7 socks for a friend and wow, it took like 1/2 the time. So you people with your man-socks complaints can just cry me a river.

4 comments:

pacalaga said...

Those socks are awesome! I love the stitch pattern on the terns and CTH is my fave yarn. I have size 10 feet so I grok. (but Temple's feet are size 14 man socks, so I'm still gonna complain.) 😉

kmkat said...

1. What is the pattern for the highly variegated yarn? Is is in Knitting Socks With Hand-Painted Yarn by Carol Sukoski? (I hope -- I have that book but haven't knit anything from it.)

B. I started a pair of Terns once but didn't get very far. The weird gauge flummoxed me. Maybe I will try again using your method: just borrow the stitch pattern.

iii. I stared very hard at your Terns but still couldn't see the difference. If anyone ever comments on their fraternalness -- and they never will -- just say, Yes! Isn't it FABULOUS!

d. Poor Mama Kitty. You are such a good citizen to capture Young Kitteh, socialize it some, and take it to the SPCA. Young Kitteh will have a much better life because of you.

V. Yay for hiring movers! I have never moved that way, but next time... (if it is not feet first, that is)

Joan said...

Definitely with kmkat on hiring movers. Our backs are too precious and life is too short to be taking risks. Most important item on your list: a really enjoyable knitting project to dip into for stress relief during the move.

Our house is still unsold and our lease is up next July. When I get back from Seattle in October I'm going to have to look for another property to rent. Knowing all the while that there will still be at least one more move to come after this next one. Yuck.

Carrie#K said...

Mama Cat is probably quite happy with you, you've saved her child a life on the streets.

I am in awe of the doilies. And that stole! Fabulous! Although I see you do like I do, point out all it's (imagined, in your case) flaws.

I cannot believe it's September. AND that you're moving again. Joy? This should be it for awhile, I hope.

One of these days we're going to have to get together!