Hello from an extremely muggy, warm Pittsburgh. I confess that I am really just sooo over all this heat and humidity! Steve has not mowed in a month… yes, you read that right. We did get some rain which curiously made the weeds grow, but the grass is still… dead. Lush and green are not terms to describe summer in my backyard right now! (Although I think nothing can kill those damned thistles…they are green – always!!)
Released —
I checked the court website after 5PM on Wednesday, and sure has heck… I was called up! So I scurried and finished getting my “court bag” ready for my service to the courts. Water – check. Book – check. Knitting – check. Masks – check. ID – check. Jury Summons – check. Traffic from the South Hills into Pittsburgh Proper can be a gamble. It can go from 20 minutes to an hour in the blink of an eye. Actually, a mere 5 minutes can make or break your commute… and the 8:30AM starting time put me right in the cusp of that travel dilemma. I erred on the side of caution and left at 7AM and got to court at the screaming early time of 7:30AM. Good thing I was early, I had no clue that knitting needles were considered weapons. (However, the much pointier ink pen… fine, just fine!) Purposely pulling the needles out of ones knitting is painful no matter what time it is, but 7:30AM… the swear words were echoing in my head! I briefly considered telling the gentleman that me without knitting was not a good thing, but I bit my tongue. I have never “checked my needles” before but there is a first for everything! I was masked, and I counted 104 potential jurors, including myself. Yep 104 souls in a small room, with no ventilation, and a noisy-ass, but barely working AC unit… and just 9 of us were masked. However, each and every one of us were released from our service because all *three* criminal trials decided to proceed without a jury… thank you very much, citizens of Allegheny County for sitting around for HOURS on end. I was fortunate (??) to sit next to a masked physician who shared that COVID is “so bad” in Allegheny county right now… his office is packed full of sick people. Yay. But, I don’t need to return… so there is that!
Investigating —
New watercolor paints (Daniel Smith Watercolor tubes). A new ceramic palette. New paper (Arches on a recommendation by Kym). New brushes. My first watercolor class drops Monday and so I am going to spend some time this weekend getting acquainted with my new tools! I also have been thinking lots about a permanent watercolor work space… 90°+ is not comfortable for my outside spot and right now my “dumping ground” is a table in the living room… which needs to stop! So my goal today is to figure out a permanent inside home for my paints and get it set up and ready for Monday’s class!
Forced (reading) FTW —
One very good thing that was the result of yesterday’s attempt at Jury Duty was the removal of those knitting needles because it forced me to pick up the book I brought along… The Transit of Venus. I had started this book at home where the distractions are many… and the start of this book is a bit tricky. There is a writing style to get comfortable with, there are characters that sort of just drop in on the page to get to know… and there is a time line to figure out. I pulled out the book mark and restarted (sitting next to that physician who was reading The People in Trees.) Sometimes, all a book needs is a bit of time… (in a space where you’d really like everyone… okay, I’d settle for most… masked!) I ignored everyone and got lost in The Transit of Venus… and you know what, that was all it took! I am now counting the minutes until I can pick it back up today!
eFfortless —
I did not forget the simple things this week. I embraced the simple. Pulling a few weeds each morning. Dishes as meditation. The simply joy of stockinette knitting. And yes, pinning out some patterns so I can begin sewing next week.
That is all I have for this week! I will see you all back here on Monday (with a word update! Gah!!)
I was surprised when I read that you packed your knitting needles!! I had heard that they were considered weapons. Sorry everyone (almost) was unmasked but happy that you were released. Transit is on my TBR list – thinking it mght be a good book for the winter…have a great weekend! And, yeah, still stinkin’ hot here too.
I am glad you didn’t have to serve on a jury, but goodness, what a process to be excused! I have never been called, but if I am, I’ll know not to bother bringing my knitting (I wonder if crochet hooks are allowed?). At least you had a book so you used your time wisely.
Our lawn is looking much the same as yours. I’ve been watering the flowers and vegetables/herbs, but I don’t bother with the grass. It’s very easy to tell who waters their lawn and who doesn’t when you walk around the neighborhood! It looks like we might get some more good rain this weekend — but I’m honestly starting to think it’s probably too late for grass this year.
Have a great weekend!
I had the same experience with knitting needles the last time I reported for jury duty! I asked a few questions and got an answer that it was basically “for my own safety”. The defendant could grab the needles out of my hands and threaten me and the rest of the jury. I was feeling feisty so I asked if it had ever happened, and the clerk, said, “No, but it could.” (And crochet hooks were “weapons, too.) But, hey, you were masked, don’t have to go back, have done your civic duty, and got into ToV. That’s not so bad, and I hope you have fun with new watercolor things this weekend!
I am always surprised when people are allowed to knit on aeroplanes, as I thought Sharp objects weren’t allowed. Glad you didn’t have to stop. Your garden sounds like mine, weeds only surviving the heat. Roll on Autumn.
I’ve had mixed results with knitting needles in court – it depends on who is working security around here, I guess. I’d mostly rather read in those situations anyway because reading takes me away in a way that knitting does not. And I know just what you mean about some books needing a long sit to get started. Glad you got going successfully on yours.
I’m glad you were released from jury duty this go around. I served once and found it interesting. I was glad to help then but that was way before Covid reared its pesky head. I need to request The Transit of Venus.
I hope that 104-people-in-a-room situation does not presage Covid for you! Too bad knitting does not prevent germs from flying around a room.
I’m so glad you’re finished with your jury duty stint. Sorry about your needles . . . but I’m glad to hear you were forced to spend time with The Transit of Venus! It certainly does have a tricky start. But a careful read will bring much satisfaction in the end! Here’s to a good week, Kat! XO (And I can’t wait to hear about your watercolor class!!! Enjoy!)