Mossy Cottage Knits

Traffic Flow Management the Seattle Way

In my April 23 entry, I talked about the phenomenon of of the metered highway on-ramps here in Seattle and the drivers who interpret the stop-and-go lights literally, stopping and going and stopping and going and stopping and going, rather than taking the first green light as their signal to head right out onto the highway. This morning I was astonished to see another yin/yang-ish variation on this theme. The on-ramp I take for my commute to work is usually metered but this morning the light was stuck on green. But, this being Seattle, the drivers were stopping anyway! Sure enough, like a choreographed ballet, the next driver in line would drive up to the line, stop, wait a few seconds, and then drive on to the highway, all while the green signal light blazed merrily away. The next driver, the same thing. And the next. I lived in New Yawk for many years, and couldn't even begin to imagine New Yawkers doing this. In fact, under these circumstances, the organized line would have dissolved into a mêlée with everyone racing for the front. Did I stop? Uh, no. (Did I tell you I lived in New Yawk for many years?)

Knitting Knews
Some interesting developments on the Cat Bordhi front. First, I stumbled across another blog which had a picture of Cat signing books after her Guild presentation. Notice the lovely knitted items sitting at the front of the table. To the left are her "magic bags," soft knitted and beaded drawstring bags in bright colors designed to hold trinkets or amulets, especially ones that bring good juju. On top of the bags is the gold sock I mentioned in my review of Cat's presentation. I think, in the book the sock is knit by the mother of Ben (the main character). And last but not least, the charming and enchanting Ben doll. This picture doesn't do Ben justice. His face is more sculptured than the picture shows, with lovely, subtle indentations indicating his eyes, lips and nose. And his hair flounces joyfully around in fluffy terra cotta dreadlocks. I fell in love with Ben straightaway. Yes, K; you have some competition.

Also, I was thrilled to find out that Cat herself had read my review of her presentation. I was a little concerned that the review might come to her attention, especially since it doesn't start out in a particularly flattering way. But, according to her email, she enjoyed the review and may even want to use it as a marketing piece on her own website, which is being developed as we speak! I emailed her back but haven't heard anything more.

Dye Garden Dyegest
Today's picture is of a lacy, silver-leaved ground cover called "snow in summer." K has this planted all under her apple tree.

Posted by Ryan at December 5, 2003 10:22 AM