Down Under

I read a wide variety of books and love books to be recommended to me. I learn something of the person as well as the book subject matter. So it was a very satisfying read to delve into DOWN UNDER by Bill Bryson. It was given to me by my son on his return from his 2 week turned into 8 week trip to Australia. AU has always been my number one dream destination. I got as far as the Philippines and Hong Kong and Japan and Thailand and Vietnam but could not find a way to go down under. Now through blogging I have met some really delightful bloggers in Australia. I am not sure what they would think of this book. At times it is a hoot and at times irreverent but I loved it. Bill B. travels as I like to, stopping at every nook and corner, cross roads and bump in the road. Some people have to stay at the big resort but I much prefer going off the byway. After all, I can stay at the Westin, Holiday Inn, or Marriott here and anywhere else they would look the same. I am glad to say my son took after me and wandered hither and yon on the East coast, met a lot of people and never stayed in a resort hotel. Even rented a camper van and went to a ute round up. He loved AU and wants us to plan a long trip back. So I have marked a number of pages. I may have to see some of Bill B"s little known but treasured spots.

I discovered the source of the sock malady. I knit the lace too loosely. My teacher says I was afraid of it. So I RIPPED it back and started over one needle size down and I love them again. 2 weeks of knitting shot but a great lesson. I also need a better way to hold tension of my yarn. I am trying continental on a smaller piece but this is my usual throwing. Now I look at people's hands while they are knitting. I dislike to knit the last stitch on a dpn especially if it is a purl. It is still very awkward and I fumble as I move the spare dpn into play. Ah well, things to practice. If we were perfect right off the bat, there would not be anything to learn and have fun doing it.