As if I need a new hobby...but I just can't resist learning something new. Besides, these pendants are a small, fast and easy way to solder with glass. 
The first steps are to prepare the two-sided artwork and glass wrapping with copper foil. Then the soldering begins which requires the right amount of heat combined with techniques I learned from Sheryl to build up the solder. I assembled several tonight ready to be soldered together and added beads to my completed knitting skeleton. She's a happy knitter!
Several of my bicycle friends were tied up today so I ended up going it alone to all of the I Bike Douglas events. That's okay, I made friends with several of the Coasters and had a kinda vagabond day hanging out in downtown. There was an antique bicycle show at the Farmers Market and I 
sat on a bench in the sunshine listening to live music and knitted. It was fabulous and I couldn't have wanted to be doing anything other than that all morning. Then I rode around for a while, made a quick stop into Twist, then to Mosley Street Market to hang out with Sheryl to work on another stained glass pendant. A final stop at the Anchor for yam fries and a Woodchuck was the power I needed to finally make it home.
Today was National Bike to Work Day and I did my part in participating although all of my coworkers chose to drive to work. Maybe this thing will take a while to catch on. I'm also going to do my part in trying to encourage others to ride to work on Fridays when possible. At least there's more bicycle awareness going on in Wichita and talk of more bike paths. In the meanwhile, I'm stuck with bumpy sidewalks and a not so treacherous intersection across our Higway 54. The weather was beautiful and I was excited all day knowing I'd have a pleasant ride home.
This is my 2nd Firefly Fringed Scarf. This time for one special neice and from a different yarn, Hempathy (34% Hemp/41% Cotton/25% Modal) by Elsbeth Lavold. It's got a smoother texture than the Firefly yarn but just about the same drape factor. Saw this color of green and Amy immediately came to mind.
I've got to give it to cyclists who pedal to work. It takes some fearlessness in this city. I experienced that today with my first 14-mile (round trip) sidewalk ride to work. In addition to maneuvering around rough sidewalks and inattentive drivers I learned:
Thought is required for clothing and shoes that transition from riding to the workplace
I need to allow a full hour to make it to my office on time
A pant leg flapping in the wind will invariably end up in the chain!
Happy Mother's Day to you and your mom. I took my momma to the downtown Hyatt for brunch. We found that the Hyatt buffet doesn't compare to the quantity or quality of the Airport Hilton but we are always looking to try something new. Then we went to see the movie, Bounty Hunter. I think this movie got a one-star rating but I was pleasantly surprised how adorable Jennifer Aniston can be. Mom enjoyed it too so that's what's really important. Love You, Mom!
Jackie and I met up on our bicycles at Panera then rode together to the Old Town Farm & Art Market just opening for the season. We were thrilled to find a bicycle vendor booth with freebies from the Health & Wellness Coalition such as helmets, bike locks, reflective vests and t-shirts. The Bike Cave was also there for service and tire checks. Douglas Avenue was closed for the River Run making it smooth riding for us to the festival.
My neice, Amy, ran in the River Run and I met up with her afterwards at the Vagabond. Funny girl, drinking beer after a run. 
Then mom showed up and we walked around the festival taking in the music, art and a funnel cake. As if funnel cake wasn't enough, I also met up with Laurie and her husband at the food court for roasted corn and a corn dog.
Just about all the cool Twist girls have made this scarf from Classic Elite Yarns (75% viscose/25% linen) and I just finished mine. The fringe is made by unraveling 7 stitches of stockinette from the triangle side of the scarf. It goes well with one of my most favorite Corona hats!
The Wichita River Festival is right around the corner. In case you missed it, I absolutely love working downtown. Especially in May when the festival is underway. The city is just setting up the food court that sits right below my office and all the action begins this Friday. 
In addition to our normal walks to the coffee shop during morning breaks, my coworkers and I will be taking in all the food and musical entertainment throughout all of next week.
I've managed to ride Hoolie around on my lunch hour a couple days each week. Today, I tried out a new lunch destination: a walk up Bierock stand in Riverside. It's across from the Riverside Perk coffee shop. They have a few different varieties of bierocks but I went with the beef and cheese. It was pretty good. There's outdoor seating and soon they will be adding Hawaiian Ice and ice cream to their menu.
My first motorcycle ride of 2010 started with a quick overnite 200 mile road trip to Oklahoma City. My friend Sharon had a club meeting and invited me, husband, her brother and his girlfriend, Dawn, along for the trip. We spent Saturday night hanging out in Bricktown watching people. Sharon has a new white paint job on her bike and Dawn had her first out-of-state ride on her Buell. I got to open up the throttle on my new engine and I absolutely love the crisp sound and improved horsepower. It was a good warm up to a fun summer ahead.
