I don't know what I am missing, but I am just not getting what the heck I am supposed to be doing here.

Lower Body
Using US#8/5mm needle and double strand of [A], CO 120[132, 144, 156, 168, 180 ] sts.

Place marker and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

Cont with double strand of yarn, work in 3x3 rib as directed above until work measures 3 inches.

Next Rnd: K2, place marker, p2tog, p1, work 51[57, 63, 69, 75, 81] sts in patt as set, place marker, p1, p2tog, k3, place marker, p2tog, p1, work 51[57, 63, 69, 75, 81] sts in patt as set, place marker, p1, p2tog, k1.

Work 3 rnds in patt as set.

Next Rnd: [Work in patt to marker, slip marker, p2tog] to last st, k1. 112[124, 136, 148, 160, 172 ] st.

I get it until I get to the "Next Rnd" part. As far as I can see you decrease 4 stitches on that round....and then work 3 rounds in pattern set. What is the set pattern, the ribbing? And the markers are confusing too, because I already have 1 marker at the beginngin, but I am placing 4....am I supposed to ditch the first marker now, or just ignore it?

Thanks in advance...I just want to get some knitting done today, and this double ribbing has been SO SLOW.

Sounds like you're understanding it. Pattern as set is the ribbing, as it's been going up to this point.

The second set of markers tell you where to decrease, the one on the needle already marks the beginning of the round. You might need it there later, so I'd leave it.

Fabulous...thanks! Last night I got confused as to how I ended up with 160 sts when I only decreased 4....but I think that was more not being able to read because it was 2am. :lol:

:roflhard: Knitting done at 2am should always be rechecked in the morning!!