My little dishcloth factory

This is what happens when you're struggling with a cold , want to knit something but the brains have left the building . That and my supply of dishcloths is dwindling to almost zero. I knit 5 actually , but two are now in my neighbours' kitchen . The flower petal ones are a free online pattern by Hazel Schrock . A really easy , fun knit that looks more complicated than it is. The other is my plain vanilla standby , found on the ballband of Bernat Handicrafter 100% cotton years ago . I love using these because you just can't wear them out no matter how many times you wash them and throw them in bleach to disinfect them . There's always someone knitting these up for church bazaars and fundraisers . They usually sell like hotcakes, so obviously I'm not the only one who likes them.

I had a rather nice surprise today . I participated in the Ravelry Scarf Exchange, but the person who was supposed to knit for me didn't follow through . I was a little bummed out but still happy that I kept up my end. That's the chance you take when you do this kind of exchange. Today I received an unexpected email from a very kind knitter in New Zealand who has volunteered to be my Knitting Angel . Since she's already knit a scarf for someone else , I'd like to pay that kindness forward. I haven't decided exactly what I'll do (charity knitting or make a donation to Medecins sans Frontiers in her name) but a very big thank you Marjorie .

Re-entry

I can't believe we're already into the second week of 2008 . We had a wonderful start to the new year with Casey and Chantal's wedding . We were all a bit nervous , because planning this at a distance, you're relying on the integrity of people you don't know. Everything just went perfectly , from the minister, who somehow made this occasion very personal even though she'd never met the bridal couple , to the photographer, limousine driver , PapaBear who drove us all to Magen's Bay and the great ladies who cooked up a terrific beach BBQ for after the wedding. Later in the day we had a small reception back on the ship. The rest of the trip was just sun,rest and relaxation and way too much food. The meals on a cruise ship are just stupendous . I think we all gained a pound or two while we were away.

Back to reality ...re-entry was a little rough . The weather here has been just terrible , rain, freezing rain , snow and then more rain . Unbelievable amounts of rain . Casey had a minor flood in his basement , the sump pump just couldn't keep up with all that rain . Thankfully we were home when that happened or it could have been much worse . I've been battling the mother of all colds all week. This is the first day that I actually feel like myself . What a difference a week can make ... but still it 's been a very good beginning to 2008 !

December

This would be the major reason for the blog being so quiet this month . The needles were clicking right along with Christmas knitting. Well the big night (we celebrate Christmas Eve ) has come and gone and all the recipients (except one, who'll get hers shortly ) are happily wearing their hand knits. You can tell that I had just a bit of Noro in the stash . BTW the Noro striped scarf is just one scarf , couldn't decide which pic I liked best so posted both . This scarf was for Casey , who since his teens, wouldn't wear Mom's knits. Something about cool factor . Well he definitely likes this .Who'd a thought it possible - knitting and hand knits are now cool !

On reflection of the year past , it has been a good year. There were some challenges and sometimes I've felt like I'm on an emotional roller coaster ride , but we are a very fortunate family in so many ways . We have all our necessities of life and then some left over for things like a wool stash . Most importantly though ,we have each other and some very dear friends . I've lived with some losses over the years and realize that we only have today so we should try to make the most of it . I'm generally a private person , which makes it surprising that I even started blogging in the first place . So , for whoever reads this blog please forgive this lapse into sentimentality ; it's the season and I couldn't help myself . That's my story and I'm sticking to it .

After writing this I'll start packing for our week away from snow and Casey's wedding . Great idea to have a wedding in the Caribbean in January ! So on that note I wish everyone who reads this a very happy, healthy and wonderful New Year - catch you in 2008 !

Snow Day !

It's official , winter is here ! We're having a good old-fashioned snow storm today . I spent a couple of hours digging out to be promptly plowed back in by the plough . Luckily our neighbour has a snow blower and he very kindly cleared the end of the driveway for me . I usually shovel it myself because I have the time and like the exercise, but this dump of snow was too much for me. It's been snowing all day but seems to be easing off now . More tomorrow and Wednesday . Looks like we'll be having a white Christmas this year.

It's been a great day to sit inside and knit and listen to Christmas songs, which is what I've been doing in between going out to shovel snow . I finished one of a pair mittens that and have started on the second one . Tonight will continue on Casey's scarf . I sent out the scarf for the Ravelry scarf exchange yesterday . The only pic I have of it is wrapped up in that shiny red package . Yep , so anxious to send it out didn't take any other photos . Something else that 's now official - I'm losing my mind/memory .

Scattered

Well I've gone from random to scattered ! Is that progress ? On some fronts life is just rolling right along in a good way . Other aspects not so much . Preparations for Casey and Chantal's wedding are going along well . Christmas shopping is mostly all done . I've decided to cut back on all the usual Christmas baking . I'll still do some but mostly to give as gifts. On the not so much side , my friend Marie's health is really deteriorating and I'm really worried that something might happen to her while we're away . I might not worry as much if her morale were better, but she's going through a rough patch right now . The holidays are always difficult for seniors living alone but this year seems to be worse for her . I've made arrangements for someone to check in on her while we're gone and get her meals and groceries etc. organized , but I still worry . Keeping fingers crossed !

Oh boy does it feel cold this morning ! It seems like we've jumped from an exceptionally nice autumn directly to winter . We've had a bit of snow off and on since last week and there's more to come this week-end. It makes for treacherous walks with the pooches , especially Alaska and Zeus as they tend to walk me rather than the other way around . They're all back to good health , thank god , because getting them to take the meds was a challenge . Zeus is growing so fast , I'm wondering how big he'll be when he's full grown . Quite the size I think as he's got humongous paws. He's just one big ball of energy ; sometimes I think Alaska wishes Max would bring him back to the SPCA because he never gets tired of goofing around .

Knitting progress is on the not so much side of the balance sheet . I am knitting just not finishing . I ripped out 2 WIPs and will re-knit hopefully to get them done before Christmas . One was the Calorimetry and mittens to match. I wasn't happy with either so rip , rip , rip . The very good knit is the scarf for the Ravelry scarf exchange . Done and blocked and being sent this week-end - just in the nick of time! I have another scarf on the needles and the poor Monkey socks , which seem destined to just languish in my knitting basket. So much for the sock a month KAL . My stole is just this much from being finished . I still have almost a month before it really has to come off the needles . I live in hope !

Going to the Dogs...

Literally . Some days I think I should open up a doggie daycare and at least get some wool money for taking care of all the dogs in my life. Most of whom don't belong to me , but that's what moms do . Max's new puppy is recovering very well from his bout with kennel cough. Unfortunately , Alaska , and now Bingo are each taking their turns with it . I spent the better part of last week going over to Max's and dosing Zeus , which proved to be quite the challenge . Smart dog found more ways to fool me into thinking he'd taken his meds and then spitting out the pills as soon as my back was turned . Couldn't even fool him with putting the pills in various disguises ( treats) . Alaska and Bingo are not as sick as the little guy was but I'll be glad when they're back to being healthy .

Knitting continues . Thank god otherwise I think I'd really lose it . I've done the 10 repeats on the Japanese Feather stole , but I think I'll do a couple more as it seem to be a little on the short side . I'm also still working on the Monkey socks as well as a Christmas gift for Chantal . I'll take some photos when the ends are all sewn in . I tend to put that off till the last minute .

On Friday I received a very nice package containing this terrific box bag bag . I ordered this from Catherine's etsy shop zigzagstitches . It's such a great bag , the perfect size for a sock in progress . Because this was her 100th sale she was kind enough to add a needle case which also fits in the bag . Totally unexpected , but very much appreciated . Go visit .

One done , one in progress ...

Christmas knitting is well underway chez nous . I finished this scarf the other day The weather finally co-operated enabling me to get this outdoor shot instead of the usual boring indoor-on-the kitchen-table pic . That would be the next one. This is the " One Row Hand spun " scarf pattern a la Yarn Harlot . A very nice reversible scarf pattern and though this isn't hand spun yarn I'm really happy with the scarf. The yarn is Luxury Collection Alpaca Peru . This was my first time knitting with alpaca, but certainly won't be my last.

I still have the Monkey socks on the go but decided that the time has finally come to take the Japanese Feather Stole of the back burner . Casey & Chantal's wedding is fast approaching and I need to get it done. If I dedicate at least a couple of hours a day I could conceivably get it done by next week . Being as that these needles are always restless , it'll be quite a challenge to keep from casting on another knit. Think I'm up to it ?