I was going to name this post “Heaven”. But, as most of you know, there are serious wild fires going on in Southern California. The sun gave off an orange glow all day yesterday because of the smoke. I drove out to meet a client in South Pasadena and could smell the smoke there. According to KNBC.com, almost one million people evacuated from their homes. In San Diego County, one in three homes ordered to be evacuated. More than 1,600 homes destroyed. 
Hard to fathom that any of the fires was started intentionally by someone. But arson is suspected. If only these people can feel EACH AND EVERY heartbreak they caused.
It is a good thing that the wind has died down for the moment.
What was that “Heaven” business about? Well, just a quick mention now that I have sufficiently dampened the spirit. We went to Osteria La Buca in Hollywood for dinner last Thursday. The food was heavenly. I don’t remember having ever enjoyed food that much. Everything from appetizer to desert that we had was just fantastic. I ordered Tenette with Bolognese sauce. Hand made pasta cooked to perfection. The sauce looked simple. But with just one bite and I could taste all the love and care put into making it. Yum! Highly recommended. Do make dinner reservations if you want to go in the evening. The place was packed!
I FINALLY finished “My So Called Scarf” on Tuesday. It is a nice 7 feet long. I like my scarves long. I am also quite impressed with the dye job of Manos del Uruguay. I thought that with the deep, rich colors of the yarn, it would definitely bleed a little when I soak it in warm water. Not a bit. The water stayed clear! Oh, and I love my foam tiles for blocking. 
My Harmony needles arrived yesterday. The tips are a little sharper than the Inox’s metal tips, which I was hoping for. (Photo shows US #3 Harmony and Inox.) The colors of the needles are quite fun! Definitely darker than what Knit Picks’ web site shows. Now I will have to see if they are durable. Time to cast on again for Spider Queen!
i never thought about using foam blocks for blocking… it’s brilliant!! I shall be purchasing some foam blocks shortly!!!
Is my scarf completed yet?
interested to know what you think of the harmony needles. i have toyed with the idea of getting a set…not that i NEED them or anything, but you know, it’s nice to have a complete set of circs in all the sizes.
I like your blocking mats.
The scarf looks amazing. The colors are incredible.
Osteria sounds divine.
Hi Mary, thank you for stopping by. I added the link to the company that I bought the tiles from. Don’t forget to check it out.
CB, hmmm… Doest that mean that I can knit all day?
Chris, Harmony needles really look and feel fabulous. I just wonder if they are strong enough and if the tips will get dull. Have you tried other Knit Picks needles?
Andy, thanks!
Eric, thank you! I love those colors too. I can’t wait to use it when the weather gets colder.
Jason,
Great job on the scarf! I bet it wraps around a few times
Those blocking tiles look very useful. I might get some to block my dollies on. I look forward to seeing your Spider Queen. I still have to do the border on my version but I have to finishmore of te projects first.
Thank you Jane! The foam tiles are great. They really take the needles quite well. And since they are blocks, your blocking space can be narrow or wide, large or small. I didn’t have to move any furniture to block my scarf!