Hobbies

I learned to crochet around 1991, and have made many afghans and a few sweaters since then. I prefer crocheting to knitting as it builds faster and you see results more quickly. Also, you can make larger items all at a stretch, rather than doing them in pieces and sewing them together, although that is possible too with different patterns.

I have known how to knit since I was a child, but didn't really learn how to read a pattern and make things until around 1990. Since then I have made numerous sweaters, mostly for my two daughters and a few for myself. My favourite type of sweater to make is the fairisle. I love working with colours and designs rather than all one colour, and fancy stitch patterns. For that I turn to my mom. I have made dog coats, stocking caps, scarves and slippers as well as sweaters.

One of my favourite pastimes is reading. I read anything from murder mysteries to fantasty and romance, although romance would definitely come last on the list. My favourite authors include Patricia Cornwell, Sue Grafton, Andrew Greeley, Clive Cussler, Mary Stewart, Dean Koontz, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, Catherine Cookson, Lillian Jackson Braun, James Herriott and Stuart Wood.

As I work at a television station, I am a little tired of TV by the time I get home from work, but I do enjoy watching good movies. I like everything from romantic comedies such as My Best Friend's Wedding and Sibling Rivalry to action flicks like Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Speed and Eraser, to thrillers such as The Game and Primal Fear, to "stupid" comedies like Austin Powers and Monty Python and almost anything with Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey or John Candy, to dramas such as Forrest Gump, Frequency or Braveheart. I think my current favourite movie of all time is "The Green Mile". My favourite actors are Tom Hanks, Tommy Lee Jones, Mel Gibson, Danny Glover and those named above, and my favourite actresses are Julia Roberts, Andie McDowell, and Kirsty Alley.

I also love musical productions. Live, I have seen the Phantom of the Opera, Oklahoma, Les Miserables, My Fair Lady, Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell. One of my favourites is the Sound of Music. Although there are so many good ones, it's hard to choose. I love the music from West Side Story.

I love to do many types of crafts. Right from candle making to sewing, quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, plastic canvas, covering hangers, and of course, knitting and crocheting. Many years ago I sold hundreds of dollars worth of crafts at craft shows around town, especially at Christmas It is a satisfying, fulfilling thing to know that people value what you have made with your hands.