Spring has sprung

One of my colleagues organizes a building-wide purchase of daffodils to benefit the American Cancer Society. It's a little spooky how much cancer finds its way into our tiny community... might be something in the water...

One of my friends died of cancer last Friday. E-- was amazing. He knew what was happening to him and he used his final weeks to see all of his friends and say all of the things that people don't get to say to each other until it's too late. Two of his good friends were there to bid him goodbye just minutes before he slipped away. If love is all you can take with you, E-- had a suitcase full.

Once word got around of E--'s condition, people swarmed to his side, bringing him all kinds of food to tempt him (the stomach cancer ruined his appetite) and the phone rang off the hook. E-- observed, "if I had known that it would be so much fun to die, I would have done it years ago."

E-- planned his own memorial service, which is going to be a party this weekend. He told us, "I don't want any tears or long faces. Just remember me and have a good time." We will, buddy.

A Knitpicks box arrived yesterday, with yarn that I ordered in a moment of weakness. There's a great sweater/jacket in Jackets- for Work and Play (Best of Knitters' Magazine). "Chanel Revisited" is a simple v-necked cardigan, of boucle yarn worked in purl stitches, with a crocheted border of worsted yarn. I'm using Quarry, an alpaca/merino blend for the boucle (Dakota Mahogany) and Wool of the Andes (Amber Heather) for the edging, and this yarn beautifully matches a skirt I bought last year. I am not not NOT going to cast on for this sweater until the Emperor's New Sweater is finished, though.

It's also time to think about what goodies to nab at the LYS April Fools Day Sale. I think I'll bop over there and case the joint...

Edited to add... Yikes! Our LYS is for sale!! No!!!