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This-N-That

Today's post will include two completely unrelated topics.  I'll label them and not bother to find a segue to link them.  (You know how it goes sometimes.)

Part I
Tena, my knit buddy, has also been knitting away at one of her WIPs a beautiful alpaca reversible cable scarf for her husband.  (The link shows you how to knit a cable.)  Here's a couple of closeup photos of her completed work.



I didn't think to ask Tena what pattern she used but have found a free example that comes very close.  Just click here.  Although the vertical lines between the cables may be a bit different, this pattern would certainly help the average knitter design their own version.

The star of this scarf is the alpaca yarn.  Again I didn't get the name from Tena (we were just too busy catching up) but any light weight alpaca will do.  This scarf is about 6 feet or just under 2 meters in length and is so very soft and warm.  It's perfect for those cold, wet and dreary days we get here in Vancouver before the sun brings us spring.  Tena and I agree this light gray colour worked for the cables but that perhaps a lighter colour might show off the details even better.  She did the right thing though and used the colour her husband picked for himself.

Part II
I have lived in Canada nearly 10 years and feel I can speak with lived authority about Canadian culture.  Those from the U.S. after a visit don't necessarily pick up on some of the nuanced differences between the two countries.  One of the big difference I see is the propensity of Canadians to use self-deprecation in their humour.

The CBC has a radio program called the Irrelevant Show, a comedy program that is perfect in highlighting my point about Canadian humour.  A recent program included a take on a U.S. Black Ops program where U.S. agents are preparing to infiltrate Canada.  It is the first skit found on the link, but if you like, listen to all 26 minutes; you'll hear about the Canadian penny which has been discontinued, the midlife crisis of a Canadian astronaut, and a song to say goodbye to a couch/chesterfield.  I hope you enjoy this peek behind the curtain of Canadian culture.



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