Healthcare, knitting and books

Healthcare:

I didn't think that I would be getting particularily political about anything really ever in my life but what President Obama is asking Congress to do right now is something that is near and dear to my heart. He is asking Congress to come up with an affordable, useable and universal healthcare system for all the citizens of this country of ours. He is also asking them to look at the Medicare and Medicaid systems and make them a more affordable program for our government. I just finished catching up on my favorite blogs and QueerJoe had this as his post this Monday. I will just link it here because I can't really say the same thing any more clearly or eloquently as he does. I work for Group Health Cooperative as a POS (point of service) claims processor so I am well aware of the costs of healthcare and just how outrageous they really are. I also now how much it costs to provide that care as GHC is not only and insurer but also a healthcare provider. The for-profit companies are in a more precarious position than GHC is but not by much. While we are a non-profit company, we are facing a budget gap this year due to the economy and resulting lay-offs across the state. I strongly suggest that everyone who cares about your own health and that of your family make a point of getting in touch with your congress-men or -women and urging them to become a part of the solution and not just another speed bump in the road.

Knitting:

My knitting is not getting very far very fast. I got some lovely Mini Mochi sock yarn for my birthday and I have started a pair of circle socks with them. I think this was a match made in heaven as the pattern does wonderful things for showcasing the color changes and softness of this yarn. I heartily recommend this pattern for any handpainted yarn that has long color stretches. Having not tried this with short color stretches, I can't say what it would look like but as I am quickly falling in love with the pattern there is likely to be a second pair in the making this year.

My Sayuri is coming along nicely. I have finished one front and have moved on to the right side. It is almost the same length as the left and therefor almost ready to be joined in the round to complete the body. I am so looking forward to wearing this sweater this fall. It is just heaven to knit with the alpaca yarn but feels wonderful against the skin.

I am working on a Marigold vest as well and it is almost ready to join in the round for the body as well. I have just a couple more rows before the v-neck is where I want it to end. This is a really quick knit and I think that it will be a very versatile sweater once completed.

I have adapted my pleated riding jacket to be knit as one piece for the body. I have cast on most of the 400 some odd stitches needed but haven't really gotten any further than that.

Books:

I have started reading again as I used to and have since finished a book or two. I picked up and read the Friday Night Knitting Club. I had heard alot about this book and so I thought I would give it a try. The author, Kate Jacobs has a wonderful style about her writing and the book is both funny and heartbreaking. Definitely an easy read and good story. I look forward to reading Knit Two when I get a chance. I finished something else but as I am not near my bookcase I don't rightly recall what it was. I am reading Cast in Silence by Michelle Sagara though. As always her Elantra series is funny, well-written and enthralling. I heartily recommend her books for anyone who likes a good fantasy novel every now and then.

I hope everyone is well and keeping cool in the record heat that has hit Washington this last few weeks. I hate to say but I can't wait for the rain and cooler weather of the fall in Seattle.