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Sheena's Soapbox: A Convenient Truth Edited
Sep 20, 2007 at 10:52am
I should take up knitting again and knit myself up a pair of my very own leg warmers.
I should take up knitting again and knit myself up a pair of my very own leg warmers.
Movie in the Park - suggestions? Edited
Jul 9, 2007 at 9:35am
Oh - I had the LP Soundtrack to FAME! (And legwarmers to match -- my mother actually knit them for me....) :shocked:
Oh - I had the LP Soundtrack to FAME! (And legwarmers to match -- my mother actually knit them for me....) :shocked:
Burnett Ave housing development - tax burden concern Edited
Jun 28, 2007 at 4:57am
MATURING IN JERSEY Thursday, June 28, 2007 BY JUDY PEET AND ROBERT GEBELOFF Star-Ledger Staff It has been called the "new clean ratable," and Mt. Arlington's got it. More precisely, the Morris County borough has "them": upper-income, upper-age-bracket folks in the market for upscale condominiums. They don't commute, don't demand a lot of services and don't have kids to put pressure on the school system. They are a municipal dream and the reason this small resort town of 5,326 on Lake Hopatcong jumped to second place in municipal growth in New Jersey last year, according to new town-by-town population estimates released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau. "The condo developments have given us quiet, controlled growth in Mt. Arlington," Mayor Arthur Ond ish said of projects like Lakeshore Village on Bertrand's Island that contributed 1,045 new residents since 2000 and 482 newcomers in the last year alone. "You can't ask for much better than what we've got," he added. Woolwich, the Gloucester County farmland-turned-suburb, ranked first with an estimated 14.6 percent rate of population growth. Mt. Arlington, with its 7.2 percent growth rate, however, is one of the few North Jersey municipalities bucking the statewide trend of near-zero population growth. "Throughout this decade, New Jersey, and the entire Northeast, have been the demographic lag gards," said James Hughes, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. "We are more expensive than the rest of the coun try, and we are more built out. "It was inevitable that people would go elsewhere," Hughes added. "At least for the foreseeable future, New Jersey shouldn't de pend on new ratables to offset rising costs." Sluggish population growth has made it increasingly likely that New Jersey also will lose one of its 13 congressional seats after the 2010 Census. In statewide esti mates released in December, New Jersey grew by just 0.2 percent, falling out of the national top 10 in population for the first time since 1920. The national population growth rate is about 1 percent a year. Since the 2000 Census, New Jersey has been bypassed by Georgia and North Carolina, the estimates show. New Jersey's standing is slipping for two reasons: More people continue to move out of the state than move in, and the state no longer dominates the way it once did in attracting immigrants. The town-level figures released are based largely on building permit data and are adjusted to match previously released county estimates. Based on those figures, only about half of New Jersey towns are gaining population, while only 1 in 5 is growing faster than the national average. It's a dramatically different picture than the late 1990s, when rural North Jersey was growing at so rapid a clip that it touched off fierce anti-growth sentiment and a sweeping campaign to preserve open space. Last year, the state's most dramatic growth was in South Jersey, primarily because that is where land remains for large-scale development. Woolwich, for example, was a small farming town off Exit 2 of the New Jersey Turnpike before it was discovered by developers less than a decade ago. Close enough to Philadelphia to attract commuters, Woolwich more than doubled in size since 2000 and led the state once again last year, with another 1,094 residents. New Jersey's largest cities, while experiencing a construction boom, are not seeing a population explo sion, according to the census figures, largely because what is going up is replacement housing. Newark, for example, showed barely a .5 percent increase and Jersey City was only slightly higher. The good side of slow growth is that it "eases pressure on the environment and the transportation system," Hughes said. The bad side is that "this state has depended on development to offset rising costs for decades. We're going to have to find another way." Mt. Arlington, meanwhile, basks in its growth. Although old-timers in this tightly knit waterfront community once favored by New York entertainers were "a bit cautious at first" about the condo newcomers, things have thawed considerably "once people got a chance to know each other," the mayor said. It didn't hurt that in the past five years, developers have gifted the town with a new 5,000-square-foot library, a new lad der truck for the fire company and funding toward new recreational fields. There was no problem with schools, because most of the newcomers didn't have school-age children. In fact, since 2000 -- a time during which Florham Park stu dents increased by 32 percent -- Mt. Arlington saw the largest drop (12 percent) of any school district in Morris County. The borough did see the scary side of planned communities, however, when Kara Homes -- whose new developments for ages 55-plus were responsible for most of Mt. Arlington's growth last year -- filed for bankruptcy protection last November. "It was a pretty tense time, " Ondish said, adding there were worries that the development wouldn't get finished. Recently, however, the company announced it had refinanced Horizons at Pennington Woods and will soon finish the project. Judy Peet may be reached at jpeet@starledger.com and Robert Gebeloff may be reached at rgebelof f@starledger.com. © 2007 The Star Ledger http://www.nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-11/1183006274249500.xml&coll=1
MATURING IN JERSEY Thursday, June 28, 2007 BY JUDY PEET AND ROBERT GEBELOFF Star-Ledger Staff It has been called the "new clean ratable," and Mt. Arlington's got it. More precisely, the Morris County borough has "them": upper-income, upper-age-bracket folks in the market for upscale condominiums. They don't commute, don't demand a lot of services and don't have kids to put pressure on the school system. They are a municipal dream and the reason this small resort town of 5,326 on Lake Hopatcong jumped to second place in municipal growth in New Jersey last year, according to new town-by-town population estimates released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau. "The condo developments have given us quiet, controlled growth in Mt. Arlington," Mayor Arthur Ond ish said of projects like Lakeshore Village on Bertrand's Island that contributed 1,045 new residents since 2000 and 482 newcomers in the last year alone. "You can't ask for much better than what we've got," he added. Woolwich, the Gloucester County farmland-turned-suburb, ranked first with an estimated 14.6 percent rate of population growth. Mt. Arlington, with its 7.2 percent growth rate, however, is one of the few North Jersey municipalities bucking the statewide trend of near-zero population growth. "Throughout this decade, New Jersey, and the entire Northeast, have been the demographic lag gards," said James Hughes, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. "We are more expensive than the rest of the coun try, and we are more built out. "It was inevitable that people would go elsewhere," Hughes added. "At least for the foreseeable future, New Jersey shouldn't de pend on new ratables to offset rising costs." Sluggish population growth has made it increasingly likely that New Jersey also will lose one of its 13 congressional seats after the 2010 Census. In statewide esti mates released in December, New Jersey grew by just 0.2 percent, falling out of the national top 10 in population for the first time since 1920. The national population growth rate is about 1 percent a year. Since the 2000 Census, New Jersey has been bypassed by Georgia and North Carolina, the estimates show. New Jersey's standing is slipping for two reasons: More people continue to move out of the state than move in, and the state no longer dominates the way it once did in attracting immigrants. The town-level figures released are based largely on building permit data and are adjusted to match previously released county estimates. Based on those figures, only about half of New Jersey towns are gaining population, while only 1 in 5 is growing faster than the national average. It's a dramatically different picture than the late 1990s, when rural North Jersey was growing at so rapid a clip that it touched off fierce anti-growth sentiment and a sweeping campaign to preserve open space. Last year, the state's most dramatic growth was in South Jersey, primarily because that is where land remains for large-scale development. Woolwich, for example, was a small farming town off Exit 2 of the New Jersey Turnpike before it was discovered by developers less than a decade ago. Close enough to Philadelphia to attract commuters, Woolwich more than doubled in size since 2000 and led the state once again last year, with another 1,094 residents. New Jersey's largest cities, while experiencing a construction boom, are not seeing a population explo sion, according to the census figures, largely because what is going up is replacement housing. Newark, for example, showed barely a .5 percent increase and Jersey City was only slightly higher. The good side of slow growth is that it "eases pressure on the environment and the transportation system," Hughes said. The bad side is that "this state has depended on development to offset rising costs for decades. We're going to have to find another way." Mt. Arlington, meanwhile, basks in its growth. Although old-timers in this tightly knit waterfront community once favored by New York entertainers were "a bit cautious at first" about the condo newcomers, things have thawed considerably "once people got a chance to know each other," the mayor said. It didn't hurt that in the past five years, developers have gifted the town with a new 5,000-square-foot library, a new lad der truck for the fire company and funding toward new recreational fields. There was no problem with schools, because most of the newcomers didn't have school-age children. In fact, since 2000 -- a time during which Florham Park stu dents increased by 32 percent -- Mt. Arlington saw the largest drop (12 percent) of any school district in Morris County. The borough did see the scary side of planned communities, however, when Kara Homes -- whose new developments for ages 55-plus were responsible for most of Mt. Arlington's growth last year -- filed for bankruptcy protection last November. "It was a pretty tense time, " Ondish said, adding there were worries that the development wouldn't get finished. Recently, however, the company announced it had refinanced Horizons at Pennington Woods and will soon finish the project. Judy Peet may be reached at jpeet@starledger.com and Robert Gebeloff may be reached at rgebelof f@starledger.com. © 2007 The Star Ledger http://www.nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-11/1183006274249500.xml&coll=1
WHO IS HE Edited
Jun 28, 2007 at 3:22am
I've seen two different guys around the village lately that look unkempt and appear to be hanging around without anywhere to go. I have no idea if they are indeed homeless or just look as though they might be. One was tall and thin wearing a knit cap and a few shirts, one of them longsleeved yesterday around dinner time near the dunkin donuts. The other I see from time to time walking around and is also tall but heavier and usually wearing a shirt that doesn't appear to be large enough. I've seen him in Millburn, too, and have heard him talking to himself. Maybe we're talking about two different people here?
I've seen two different guys around the village lately that look unkempt and appear to be hanging around without anywhere to go. I have no idea if they are indeed homeless or just look as though they might be. One was tall and thin wearing a knit cap and a few shirts, one of them longsleeved yesterday around dinner time near the dunkin donuts. The other I see from time to time walking around and is also tall but heavier and usually wearing a shirt that doesn't appear to be large enough. I've seen him in Millburn, too, and have heard him talking to himself. Maybe we're talking about two different people here?
WHO IS HE Edited
Jun 27, 2007 at 3:06pm
Today, at about six pm, he was next to Bunnys, wearing a knit cap, in the soaring heat.
Today, at about six pm, he was next to Bunnys, wearing a knit cap, in the soaring heat.
My Lovely Dad's Paying Edited
Jun 21, 2007 at 8:03am
HOLD YOUR HORSES!!! There will be potatoes in form of VODKA! Mem: I love your family and I love your parents, Big R and Beautiful B. I don't think I know a family that is so close knit. There are 8 of you kids and your father and mother have every reason to be darn proud of all of you. I know how you come together when it is tough and how you stick up for each other when push comes to shove. Your family took me in as I had no family in this country. I have spent many a christmas, new years, easter, 4th of July, thanksgiving and family celebrations as a guest and although Big R will always be tough Big R, I have seen him more times then I can count when he sits back and looks around at his family and friends. He scans the room takes a drag of his unlit cigar then a big smiles appears and he leans back and closes his eyes. He is an intelligent man, he knows darn well he did a great job.
HOLD YOUR HORSES!!! There will be potatoes in form of VODKA! Mem: I love your family and I love your parents, Big R and Beautiful B. I don't think I know a family that is so close knit. There are 8 of you kids and your father and mother have every reason to be darn proud of all of you. I know how you come together when it is tough and how you stick up for each other when push comes to shove. Your family took me in as I had no family in this country. I have spent many a christmas, new years, easter, 4th of July, thanksgiving and family celebrations as a guest and although Big R will always be tough Big R, I have seen him more times then I can count when he sits back and looks around at his family and friends. He scans the room takes a drag of his unlit cigar then a big smiles appears and he leans back and closes his eyes. He is an intelligent man, he knows darn well he did a great job.
Hudson Rooftop Bar? Edited
Jun 14, 2007 at 3:23am
Well in that case, let me suggest tailored khaki pants, a fire engine red top, natural-colored heels (or red if you're feeling naughty) and a light, calf-length sweater (perhaps one of those very loose knit ones; the holes are great for this warm/cold weather). I'd still go with the bamboo/straw handbag.
Well in that case, let me suggest tailored khaki pants, a fire engine red top, natural-colored heels (or red if you're feeling naughty) and a light, calf-length sweater (perhaps one of those very loose knit ones; the holes are great for this warm/cold weather). I'd still go with the bamboo/straw handbag.
First IPod purchase query. Edited
May 14, 2007 at 10:53am
I have been know to lurk around the Ipod display at the Apple Store on more than one occasion. I am so intimidated by the choices that I panic and walk out. My needs are few: I want something to play my favorite tunes as well as listen to audio books. I don't like the look of the ear piece that goes with the $149 one - it goes over the ears. The tech guy says men like them, but women find them uncomfortable and he suggest buying another style of in the ear that retails about $50. I am not crazy about stuffing my ears, however. Funny thing is, I really enjoy listening to AM radio, but the IPod seems to overlook that need. I have had little radio/cassette players in the past, but they are cumbersome and cassettes are a pain. The thought of needing 1,000 tune capacity is mind-blowing to me, but I do not want to undersize the thing and then need upgrading. I want something that will work while I walk, garden, sit, knit, etc. Any suggestions or opinions?
I have been know to lurk around the Ipod display at the Apple Store on more than one occasion. I am so intimidated by the choices that I panic and walk out. My needs are few: I want something to play my favorite tunes as well as listen to audio books. I don't like the look of the ear piece that goes with the $149 one - it goes over the ears. The tech guy says men like them, but women find them uncomfortable and he suggest buying another style of in the ear that retails about $50. I am not crazy about stuffing my ears, however. Funny thing is, I really enjoy listening to AM radio, but the IPod seems to overlook that need. I have had little radio/cassette players in the past, but they are cumbersome and cassettes are a pain. The thought of needing 1,000 tune capacity is mind-blowing to me, but I do not want to undersize the thing and then need upgrading. I want something that will work while I walk, garden, sit, knit, etc. Any suggestions or opinions?
What's the funniest and/or best thing your kid has said lately? Edited
May 1, 2007 at 2:55am
While glancing at the Neiman Marcus catalog that just arrived I remembered how my daughter referred to her oh-so-proper grandmother. My daughter was only about 4 and still trying to figure out which grandmother I would be talking about. (One lives in Texas and goes barefoot while wearing shorts; the other lives in Rittenhouse Square and wears only Ferragamos and St. John Knit suits.) I said "You know the grandma that lives in the building with an elevator." "Oh!" she replies, "Grandma Bows-on-her-shoes!". I guess when you are only 30 inches tall a grandmother's choice of shoes is the easiest way to tell them apart......
While glancing at the Neiman Marcus catalog that just arrived I remembered how my daughter referred to her oh-so-proper grandmother. My daughter was only about 4 and still trying to figure out which grandmother I would be talking about. (One lives in Texas and goes barefoot while wearing shorts; the other lives in Rittenhouse Square and wears only Ferragamos and St. John Knit suits.) I said "You know the grandma that lives in the building with an elevator." "Oh!" she replies, "Grandma Bows-on-her-shoes!". I guess when you are only 30 inches tall a grandmother's choice of shoes is the easiest way to tell them apart......
Gas Fireplace Edited
Feb 28, 2007 at 1:22pm
We did a similar thing, though it was a fireplace we never used with real wood anyway. We got our gas logs from the Fireplace Place in Summit, too. The realistic Eiklor Flame set (Prehistoric Rocky Mountain version) looks great and is top of the line. I tried to get it at a discount from the manufacturer or any of the other dealers in NJ, but they are a tight-knit cabal and I couldn't find it for more than $10 less than what Summit offered. Despite the very hard-sell to pay an extra $250 to have them install it for me, my contractor (who installed the gas line) did a fine job of setting it up. The price depends on the size of the fireplace, but we paid $900, I think. It looks great with the flat-screen TV over it, and we love the ability to turn it off when we go to bed.
We did a similar thing, though it was a fireplace we never used with real wood anyway. We got our gas logs from the Fireplace Place in Summit, too. The realistic Eiklor Flame set (Prehistoric Rocky Mountain version) looks great and is top of the line. I tried to get it at a discount from the manufacturer or any of the other dealers in NJ, but they are a tight-knit cabal and I couldn't find it for more than $10 less than what Summit offered. Despite the very hard-sell to pay an extra $250 to have them install it for me, my contractor (who installed the gas line) did a fine job of setting it up. The price depends on the size of the fireplace, but we paid $900, I think. It looks great with the flat-screen TV over it, and we love the ability to turn it off when we go to bed.
knitting store Edited
Feb 8, 2007 at 8:04am
i am as excited as all of you about the shop: i have been passionate about knitting and fiber arts for quite some time and i really wanted to share that, and i can see i have found my people! we are definitely going to have classes and mini-workshops that focus on specific knit-fix and skill-building themes, and that introduce the ever-expanding field of fiber crafts. hopefully i will have a class schedule finalized by end of month and i will email it to you and post it on our door. we are stacked to the gills with yarns galore, and will be setting up the reading corner, the felting bar, and the dyeing space/teaching area within days. couches are due to arrive this weekend so there will be comfy seating in place of ugly boxes and assorted chaos (well i can't promise will subside that quickly!) very soon. meanwhile, feel free to stop in, sign up for our e-list with latest knit-news and browse/shop our current selection of yarns and related materials. thanks for all your enthusiasm!
i am as excited as all of you about the shop: i have been passionate about knitting and fiber arts for quite some time and i really wanted to share that, and i can see i have found my people! we are definitely going to have classes and mini-workshops that focus on specific knit-fix and skill-building themes, and that introduce the ever-expanding field of fiber crafts. hopefully i will have a class schedule finalized by end of month and i will email it to you and post it on our door. we are stacked to the gills with yarns galore, and will be setting up the reading corner, the felting bar, and the dyeing space/teaching area within days. couches are due to arrive this weekend so there will be comfy seating in place of ugly boxes and assorted chaos (well i can't promise will subside that quickly!) very soon. meanwhile, feel free to stop in, sign up for our e-list with latest knit-news and browse/shop our current selection of yarns and related materials. thanks for all your enthusiasm!
knitting store Edited
Feb 8, 2007 at 2:51am
OK, so I have some information that I'd be remiss not to share. I contacted Knit Knack originally because, while I am a former knitter, I've really gotten into wet and dry felting these days. You work with pre-spun fiber and it's a really cool and flexible medium. I can do a lot of things with it (especially sculptural) that I felt I couldn't achieve with knitting. But I digress... Problem is, not that many stores carry felting fibers and supplies (same fibers are used for spinning too). The only one I know of in the area is The Yarn Tree in Brooklyn. So, my options in the past have been to either (a) order fiber online that's usually priced at or above retail anyway, not to mention shipping costs and the inability to see and feel it in person or (b) schlep all the way to freaking Williamsburg whenever I need something. I emailed Knit Knack to feel them out, suggesting they consider selling these things in the future since both felting and spinning are really gaining popularity and they'd have a bit of a corner on the market (not to mention a loyal customer of me!). Well, well, well, wasn't I shocked and pleased to hear back from Meera (who I'm guessing is the owner) that they're already planning on selling pre-spun fiber, not to mention felting supplies and books (and presumably spinning and dying supplies as well?). She's an avid spinner and a dyer and has recently got into felting. They'll actually be selling four different kinds of fiber (harrisville, louet, ashford, ashland bay, she says), which is more than The Yarn Tree carries. Not to mention all sorts of knitting and crocheting stuff as well. I am absolutely elated. With all the yarn stores that have popped up, this twist could really make Knit Knack unique and help it stay around a while. Enough of my geeky felting excitement. You want to know the opening schedule and details. I got that from the fabulous Meera too. And since that latest email was pretty informative, I'm just going to copy and paste it (hope she doesn't mind!). Here's what she said about opening: I am so reluctant to set an "official" opening date since i have already missed one (but that was more for the contractor as some folks function better with concrete deadlines in place) and the back area is still non-functioning (except for our fabulous utility sink installed with felters and dyers in mind!). Still, I'm optimistic the grand opening will be on or about the end of the month, BUT meanwhile we are unofficially open as we unpack and stack and receive more incredible shipments of materials. You're welcome to come in and preview and shop, if you like--most of our yarns felt too. I just put in a nice order with Harrisville that should be arriving soon enough and yes, I am carrying some basic needle felting supplies and kits. By the way, I have quite a few felting books as well, including a new favorite "feltmaking and wool magic" by jorie johnson. We have a lot of "studio" books for inspiration so once we have organized our reading room (a corner really), there will be loads of fun stuff to reference. Our hours during preview: tues-sat: 11-7 sun: 12-4 closed monday Once we have our grand opening, the goal is to have 2 late nights which will be friday and saturday so the hours will likely shift down to 12-8, or 1-9.
OK, so I have some information that I'd be remiss not to share. I contacted Knit Knack originally because, while I am a former knitter, I've really gotten into wet and dry felting these days. You work with pre-spun fiber and it's a really cool and flexible medium. I can do a lot of things with it (especially sculptural) that I felt I couldn't achieve with knitting. But I digress... Problem is, not that many stores carry felting fibers and supplies (same fibers are used for spinning too). The only one I know of in the area is The Yarn Tree in Brooklyn. So, my options in the past have been to either (a) order fiber online that's usually priced at or above retail anyway, not to mention shipping costs and the inability to see and feel it in person or (b) schlep all the way to freaking Williamsburg whenever I need something. I emailed Knit Knack to feel them out, suggesting they consider selling these things in the future since both felting and spinning are really gaining popularity and they'd have a bit of a corner on the market (not to mention a loyal customer of me!). Well, well, well, wasn't I shocked and pleased to hear back from Meera (who I'm guessing is the owner) that they're already planning on selling pre-spun fiber, not to mention felting supplies and books (and presumably spinning and dying supplies as well?). She's an avid spinner and a dyer and has recently got into felting. They'll actually be selling four different kinds of fiber (harrisville, louet, ashford, ashland bay, she says), which is more than The Yarn Tree carries. Not to mention all sorts of knitting and crocheting stuff as well. I am absolutely elated. With all the yarn stores that have popped up, this twist could really make Knit Knack unique and help it stay around a while. Enough of my geeky felting excitement. You want to know the opening schedule and details. I got that from the fabulous Meera too. And since that latest email was pretty informative, I'm just going to copy and paste it (hope she doesn't mind!). Here's what she said about opening: I am so reluctant to set an "official" opening date since i have already missed one (but that was more for the contractor as some folks function better with concrete deadlines in place) and the back area is still non-functioning (except for our fabulous utility sink installed with felters and dyers in mind!). Still, I'm optimistic the grand opening will be on or about the end of the month, BUT meanwhile we are unofficially open as we unpack and stack and receive more incredible shipments of materials. You're welcome to come in and preview and shop, if you like--most of our yarns felt too. I just put in a nice order with Harrisville that should be arriving soon enough and yes, I am carrying some basic needle felting supplies and kits. By the way, I have quite a few felting books as well, including a new favorite "feltmaking and wool magic" by jorie johnson. We have a lot of "studio" books for inspiration so once we have organized our reading room (a corner really), there will be loads of fun stuff to reference. Our hours during preview: tues-sat: 11-7 sun: 12-4 closed monday Once we have our grand opening, the goal is to have 2 late nights which will be friday and saturday so the hours will likely shift down to 12-8, or 1-9.
Thoughts on Maplewood reputation vs reality Edited
Feb 6, 2007 at 11:48am
MB - We were nervous before we moved here too, for all the same "on paper" concerns, but we just got such a good feel from Maplewood there was just no way we could go anywhere else. Taxes - yep, they've gone up steadily since we've moved here. I knew this would happen because, in general, taxes go up. Just stinks because we started at a pretty high baseline. Commute - this was a huge seller. We things go perfectly, it's AMAZING. Quick as can be. When they don't (which sadly happens more than I'd like, mostly at night, morning is pretty good if you take an early train - 7:01am for me)... well, let's just say, I'm happy that I don't have even LONGER to go. A ten minute delay turns that 35 minute commute into 45 minutes and so on. Schools - bun in the oven now. Can't even hypothesize as to what the school system will be like when the kid gets to the critical middle/high school years, so I just don't even worry about it. Irvington/Newark - level of concern probably depends on exactly where you are looking as some areas are closer to the border than others (obviously). We've never had any problems or concerns. And think of it, if you moved to Millburn/SH than you'd be next to us Maplewood riff-raf! What we love about Maplewood are the untangible qualities, most particularly the close-knit community vibe. Mapleberry is not a joke. My DH and I know about 80% of the people on my block VERY WELL. We have many block gatherings and everyone always chats, hangs out, and is just generally awesome. We lend things, borrow things, and help each other out. We got this vibe about Maplewood even before we moved here and it was so important to us. We know many people in some of the other towns that don't know any of their neighbors, which just seems like such a wasted opportunity, but it's just not the way it is there. Go with your gut. It won't lead you astray. Only you know what's really, really important to you.
MB - We were nervous before we moved here too, for all the same "on paper" concerns, but we just got such a good feel from Maplewood there was just no way we could go anywhere else. Taxes - yep, they've gone up steadily since we've moved here. I knew this would happen because, in general, taxes go up. Just stinks because we started at a pretty high baseline. Commute - this was a huge seller. We things go perfectly, it's AMAZING. Quick as can be. When they don't (which sadly happens more than I'd like, mostly at night, morning is pretty good if you take an early train - 7:01am for me)... well, let's just say, I'm happy that I don't have even LONGER to go. A ten minute delay turns that 35 minute commute into 45 minutes and so on. Schools - bun in the oven now. Can't even hypothesize as to what the school system will be like when the kid gets to the critical middle/high school years, so I just don't even worry about it. Irvington/Newark - level of concern probably depends on exactly where you are looking as some areas are closer to the border than others (obviously). We've never had any problems or concerns. And think of it, if you moved to Millburn/SH than you'd be next to us Maplewood riff-raf! What we love about Maplewood are the untangible qualities, most particularly the close-knit community vibe. Mapleberry is not a joke. My DH and I know about 80% of the people on my block VERY WELL. We have many block gatherings and everyone always chats, hangs out, and is just generally awesome. We lend things, borrow things, and help each other out. We got this vibe about Maplewood even before we moved here and it was so important to us. We know many people in some of the other towns that don't know any of their neighbors, which just seems like such a wasted opportunity, but it's just not the way it is there. Go with your gut. It won't lead you astray. Only you know what's really, really important to you.
Where to buy knitting supplies? Edited
Jan 29, 2007 at 5:44am
As of Thursday, right here in Maplewood! I received this e-mail the other day: happy knit year fiber fans, welcome to knitnews from knitknack for january '07. what's new at knitknack? everything because knitknack is almost open! FEBRUARY 1 our doors open--come in and check out the yarn as we continue to unpack inventory and wait for the comfy couches to arrive! we are so excited to share our creative fiber-filled space with you and have a fantastic selection of yarns including the following: Artyarns Araucania Be Sweet Peace Fleece Farmhouse Yarns Louet Malabrigo Ella Rae Frog Tree Alpaca Sheep Shop Lobster Pot Noro Cascade Rowan Muench and more... need some needles? we carry a nice selection including Addi Turbos and Natura, Crystal Palace and Pony. looking for a good read? check out our awesome pattern books for sale and individual patterns from French Girl Knits, Sheep Shop, Fiber Trends, Alchemy, Rowan and more. we also carry many books and publications including the latest issues of Interweave Knits, SpinOff, and Fiber Arts. back to school our class schedule is not yet finalized but intended workshops are as follows: knit 101 purl 101 crochet 101 pattern basics square off: mitered & granny squares simply socks: intro to dpns (an intermediate sock class will introduce 2 circs and magic loop sock methods) simple lace kidsknit it felt good: felting 101 make a mobius the wheel thing: spinning 101 try dye knit one, bead too start to finish: knit it kit all classes are taught at knitknack unless otherwise noted. class descriptions, fees, materials and date/time will be finalized soon. the knitty gritty shop hours monday: closed tues-thurs: 11-7 fri-sat: 11-9 sunday: 12-4 location: 1914 springfield avenue, maplewood nj 07040 phone: 973.763.6066 www.knitknack.biz
As of Thursday, right here in Maplewood! I received this e-mail the other day: happy knit year fiber fans, welcome to knitnews from knitknack for january '07. what's new at knitknack? everything because knitknack is almost open! FEBRUARY 1 our doors open--come in and check out the yarn as we continue to unpack inventory and wait for the comfy couches to arrive! we are so excited to share our creative fiber-filled space with you and have a fantastic selection of yarns including the following: Artyarns Araucania Be Sweet Peace Fleece Farmhouse Yarns Louet Malabrigo Ella Rae Frog Tree Alpaca Sheep Shop Lobster Pot Noro Cascade Rowan Muench and more... need some needles? we carry a nice selection including Addi Turbos and Natura, Crystal Palace and Pony. looking for a good read? check out our awesome pattern books for sale and individual patterns from French Girl Knits, Sheep Shop, Fiber Trends, Alchemy, Rowan and more. we also carry many books and publications including the latest issues of Interweave Knits, SpinOff, and Fiber Arts. back to school our class schedule is not yet finalized but intended workshops are as follows: knit 101 purl 101 crochet 101 pattern basics square off: mitered & granny squares simply socks: intro to dpns (an intermediate sock class will introduce 2 circs and magic loop sock methods) simple lace kidsknit it felt good: felting 101 make a mobius the wheel thing: spinning 101 try dye knit one, bead too start to finish: knit it kit all classes are taught at knitknack unless otherwise noted. class descriptions, fees, materials and date/time will be finalized soon. the knitty gritty shop hours monday: closed tues-thurs: 11-7 fri-sat: 11-9 sunday: 12-4 location: 1914 springfield avenue, maplewood nj 07040 phone: 973.763.6066 www.knitknack.biz
Sheena's Soapbox: A Convenient Truth Edited
Jan 7, 2007 at 1:04am
[b][color=red][size=25]MY LAST POST FROM AN AIRPORT![/b][/color][/size] So the trip is almost over. LIVE FROM EL PASO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT... for the last time! Okay so here's some final reflections... [b]I was at Wal-Mart last night and I happen to be in the little crafts section since I all of a sudden have a knitting desire. Full Disclosure - that desire is completely over... what would ever possess me to think I could do all that string stuff is beyond me. I was tempted to get the little beginner's set. It had those two mini iron bar things with the little latch and I'm thinking.... "TSA is definitely not letting me get security clearance with those babies". I figured I could knit something during my very longggg flight... oh well. Even after I realized I couldn't carry on those mini weapons, I thought "but hey... put it in your luggage and you can try it when you get home..." Think again... I opened one of those "how to" books and there's like a million different types of stitch things and diagrams and different size hooks and all that other craziness. Again, I will repeat, what was I thinking??!![/b] [color=purple]So I guess the moral of the story is... know your limitations... I'm going to stick to reading my Economist and perhaps debating foreign policy with whoever the lucky person is who sits next to me... as long as that person is not a mini-person (baby) who continuously SCREAMS and is an agent of Planned Parenthood as I had asserted before.[/color] On a final note, my life is a non-stop comedy. I had yet another near-death experience as if I don't encounter one of those every time I get out of bed. [b]PICTURE IT[/b] Where: Airport Who: Me Time: 15 minutes ago.... I was coming down the escalator and the gentleman in front of me had stack-able bags and one of those lovely bags (rather...um...HUGE) managed to fall of his base-bag (with the wheels)... LO AND BEHOLD... I'm faced with the daunting task of trying to jump over/move the bag before someone tripped over it and all hell breaks loose. I managed to ever so eloquently (oh I lied... it was a sad picture) - JUMP over his bag and move it before the next plethora of people encountered a near-death experience. Woman behind me says (oh and I'd like to believe I saved this woman's life had I not moved the GIGANTIC Bag) - "Gee that was a close one". Me: "Yeah... no joke..." [color=blue] Okay so I guess I should board the plane now.... ugh... Be home in 7 hours!
[b][color=red][size=25]MY LAST POST FROM AN AIRPORT![/b][/color][/size] So the trip is almost over. LIVE FROM EL PASO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT... for the last time! Okay so here's some final reflections... [b]I was at Wal-Mart last night and I happen to be in the little crafts section since I all of a sudden have a knitting desire. Full Disclosure - that desire is completely over... what would ever possess me to think I could do all that string stuff is beyond me. I was tempted to get the little beginner's set. It had those two mini iron bar things with the little latch and I'm thinking.... "TSA is definitely not letting me get security clearance with those babies". I figured I could knit something during my very longggg flight... oh well. Even after I realized I couldn't carry on those mini weapons, I thought "but hey... put it in your luggage and you can try it when you get home..." Think again... I opened one of those "how to" books and there's like a million different types of stitch things and diagrams and different size hooks and all that other craziness. Again, I will repeat, what was I thinking??!![/b] [color=purple]So I guess the moral of the story is... know your limitations... I'm going to stick to reading my Economist and perhaps debating foreign policy with whoever the lucky person is who sits next to me... as long as that person is not a mini-person (baby) who continuously SCREAMS and is an agent of Planned Parenthood as I had asserted before.[/color] On a final note, my life is a non-stop comedy. I had yet another near-death experience as if I don't encounter one of those every time I get out of bed. [b]PICTURE IT[/b] Where: Airport Who: Me Time: 15 minutes ago.... I was coming down the escalator and the gentleman in front of me had stack-able bags and one of those lovely bags (rather...um...HUGE) managed to fall of his base-bag (with the wheels)... LO AND BEHOLD... I'm faced with the daunting task of trying to jump over/move the bag before someone tripped over it and all hell breaks loose. I managed to ever so eloquently (oh I lied... it was a sad picture) - JUMP over his bag and move it before the next plethora of people encountered a near-death experience. Woman behind me says (oh and I'd like to believe I saved this woman's life had I not moved the GIGANTIC Bag) - "Gee that was a close one". Me: "Yeah... no joke..." [color=blue] Okay so I guess I should board the plane now.... ugh... Be home in 7 hours!
Recommendations for a Catholic Middle School? Edited
Jan 2, 2007 at 10:46pm
Esiders Skip Marylawn. Lacordaire is a great school but with the traffic would be a pain to get to in the morning. Are you in South Orange or Maplewood? If you're looking for a all girl's school there are several right on the train line. Ilana I know kids who went through Saint Rose in Short Hills. They are now in college. The school was close knit when they went. At one point I think there were around 100 students from South Orange and Maplewood alone. They loved going there. Aquinas also has a great school. We see their youth group doing different types of activities helping others. Several years ago some friends transferred their oldest son to Sorrows because they felt he needed a more structure environment. He did very well there. The following year they transferred his brother as well. They do have a strange schedule though. Or at least they use to. One Friday a month was a half day.
Esiders Skip Marylawn. Lacordaire is a great school but with the traffic would be a pain to get to in the morning. Are you in South Orange or Maplewood? If you're looking for a all girl's school there are several right on the train line. Ilana I know kids who went through Saint Rose in Short Hills. They are now in college. The school was close knit when they went. At one point I think there were around 100 students from South Orange and Maplewood alone. They loved going there. Aquinas also has a great school. We see their youth group doing different types of activities helping others. Several years ago some friends transferred their oldest son to Sorrows because they felt he needed a more structure environment. He did very well there. The following year they transferred his brother as well. They do have a strange schedule though. Or at least they use to. One Friday a month was a half day.
What great (or not so great) prezzies did you get? Edited
Dec 26, 2006 at 5:17am
1 hand knit silk scarf 1 fossil key wallet 2 ralph lauren shirts 1 pair of adidas Pro Model S in Orange - yeah baby 1 FineDrive GPS (although I was told I had to share) It was a great holiday in the house of hoops...
1 hand knit silk scarf 1 fossil key wallet 2 ralph lauren shirts 1 pair of adidas Pro Model S in Orange - yeah baby 1 FineDrive GPS (although I was told I had to share) It was a great holiday in the house of hoops...
Miscarriage/stillborn sympathy protocol? Edited
Dec 19, 2006 at 10:33pm
Wow, thanks for all the helpfulness. They have a beautiful little girl but he comes from a large, close knit family so I know (among all the other reasons) that this must be so hard for them. He lost his dad and brother to cancer in the past 7 years and with this too, we really feel for them. Thanks again for everyone's honesty and helpful suggestions. -S
Wow, thanks for all the helpfulness. They have a beautiful little girl but he comes from a large, close knit family so I know (among all the other reasons) that this must be so hard for them. He lost his dad and brother to cancer in the past 7 years and with this too, we really feel for them. Thanks again for everyone's honesty and helpful suggestions. -S
Another lip balm tragedy Edited
Dec 19, 2006 at 4:09pm
Only this one involves laundry; not some freak. I just folded a fresh load of clothes, only to find an empty Crabtree & Evelyn lip balm & every one of my fave jersey-knit all cotton tee-shirts (winter uniform) COVERED in grease spots. Yep; washed and dried. I am assuming that the spots are nicely set and am planning on soaking the hell out of them in a strong oxy solution for a few days. I figure that I have nothing to lose. Unless, of course, someone has some sage solution to the problem.
Only this one involves laundry; not some freak. I just folded a fresh load of clothes, only to find an empty Crabtree & Evelyn lip balm & every one of my fave jersey-knit all cotton tee-shirts (winter uniform) COVERED in grease spots. Yep; washed and dried. I am assuming that the spots are nicely set and am planning on soaking the hell out of them in a strong oxy solution for a few days. I figure that I have nothing to lose. Unless, of course, someone has some sage solution to the problem.
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Festive dress, huh? Is that all you have to go on or is there anything else? Festive dress for a ball sounds like a cocktail-ish dress attire, though I'm just guessing here. I say, go for fall/earthy colors. That's festive. Also, shawls are festive for the season. I say, a safe bet would be to go for the black cocktail dress (or, say cream or tan) and punctuate it with accessories, say, an orange or red handbag/clutch or the like. A red/maroon/crimson dress could also work with muted accessories. I must strongly discourage you from wearing pumpkin earrings or large, overt leaf-patterned clothing. And while I could probably knit you a shawl made of corn husk, I think it's best to stay away from that.