Shutter Island

Anyone else read Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane?

Please notice I am not necessarily recommending it. The book is about the events that occur over a 4 day period at a hospital for the criminally insane which is located on Shutter Island, off the coast of Massachusetts. The plot is very disturbing, violent and extremely confusing but I would also say it is a well-written book. I have been googling various sites looking for clues to the ambiguous events in the book and most people seem about as confused as I am. If you read the book, send me an email... I have several thoughts. Do they still sell Cliff Notes? If so, I sure need them for this book.

No, I am not going to see the movie that is coming out in a week. I am almost always disappointed with books that have been made into movies. Also, I do not enjoy scary movies and this one could be terrifying.

P.S. I reread the book. The 2nd time though was easier as I knew what sections I needed to examine closely and I was able to catch all the clues that helped me understand the ending. I think I really liked this book AND I am kind of surprised at myself....I would like to go see the movie!

Dish Rags

I wash the dishes in our house. (Well, most of the time. The ones that need scrubbing, at least.) Thus, I choose the tools for washing the dishes. I have to say: I'm a dish rag holdout. Modern science has brought us sponges with all manner of scrub-brush attached, but I still prefer a simple, cotton, knitted, dish rag.

This does mean that I've worn through a few rags in my time. One thread gives, then another, until I'm spending more time manipulating the rag to find a solid patch than I am actually scrubbing anything.

Such was the case last weekend. I pulled the oldest dish rag out of the drawer, and mumbled something to the effect of, "It might be time to start watching for a craft sale." The best rags are the hand-knitted ones you find all over the corner table at the charity fair (or made by your mother-in-law), of course.

Amanda turned and said, "You know, those really aren't that hard to make."

Music to a hobbyist's ears. "Oh really?"

"Absolutely. Simple, introductory, knitted square."

She saw the twinkle in my eye before I said anything. "Have any yarn?"

Of course, Amanda had yarn. And, one of the reasons I married her, she was ready to spend a few minutes teaching me. So now, three hours and a couple of aching knuckles later, I have new dish rags.



Mine's the shaky one on the left. Amanda made the one on the right, so she'd have examples to show me at the right times.

An interesting skill. I wonder if I'll ever find the time to go back and try the many different twists and loops I kept pestering Amanda about. She's just sure that there's a Knitting Anarchists Society, known for breaking all the rules, which I should seek out.