Saturday, December 31, 2016

Tidings

Just going about my morning ablutions today, when, after flushing it, the toilet started gushing water from the tank.  I don't know if any of you do this, but when there's a repair calamity around here, I think, "Is there any way I can work around this, so I don't have to call someone in?"  That flashed through my mind this morning, but this wasn't something that could wait.

Goodbye $300+.

Other than that, it's been knitting and watching football today.  No plans for tonight, except more of the same.  Even when my husband was alive, New Year's Eve was a stay-at-home event.  We went out on New Year's Eve maybe twice in the 4 years we dated, and the 14 years we were married.

These have been finished for a few days.  Remember the Christmas Pickle yarn from a while back?  I made myself a cowl with what was left over after the mitts.

 Also made one out of two Knit Collage yarns held together.  It's huge, as you can see, and very thick.  I don't know that it will ever be cold enough here for me to wear it, but I like it.


On the subject of bulky yarn, my newest crazy-for-it pattern is Wee Speedy.  In less than one half of football, I made it.  All to do now is weave in ends and find The Perfect Adorable Button.

Here's to a knitting-filled, peace of mind and spirit, happy, friends a-plenty 2017!

Friday, December 30, 2016

Singing

I am sitting here on the couch surrounded by projects.  Rather than make a to-do list, I just stack up all the things that need to get done, and handle them when I can.  Right now, there is the preemie set I'm trying to finish to send to my cousin's granddaughter.  Then, there are 3 or 4 things that need to be prepared to go into the mail.  My camera's here, which means there are pictures to be downloaded.  Like these:
Hats in a range of sizes, from the pink on the left which fits me to the Koigu number on the left which is supposed to be preemie-sized, but seems a little big to me.

These are from a baby sock pattern that I return to time and time again, though the socks are too big for a newborn:
I like them because they are fun and easy to knit, and they look like "real" socks.  They will go into the layette I'm still going to send to the baby.

Knitting, watching football, putting away the last of the Christmas decorations, rearranging the furniture in the den because it all shifted around to make room for the tree anyway, doing laundry, reading a bit. . .

How are you winding down the year?

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Rejoice

According to Blogger (and I've no reason to doubt its counting abilities), I will post Post #1000 on Sunday.  It's amazing how it worked out, really.  I certainly did not arrange for it to happen.  Still, that, plus the fact that Sunday begins the Tenth Year of Knitters' Hunk, moves me into Contest Mode.  Yes, I'm there a lot, but that's how I roll.  Check in on Sunday to see what you could win, and how you might win it.


Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Sugarplums

A grocery trip had to be made today, as just about everything left in the house was either for cats, dogs, or could be found in the menu section marked "Desserts."  So, after the 7 AM feeding of the cats, and insulin injection of Maddie, I got dressed and went to Publix.  Publix isn't my go-to for usual, big grocery shopping, but I really like the store and figured any little boost to get out the door was worthwhile.  I even put on one of my favorite pair of boots:
Again, any little thing was going to be helpful.

The Chick-Fil-A across the street from Publix has gotten drone coverage of its Christmas lights.  A still was all I could do this morning:


The Christmas decorations here are coming down bit by bit.  Today, I took down the cards I received, used to decorate the door jamb going into the living room.  There were some beautiful cards this year --- maybe the prettiest group I've ever gotten.

My cousin's granddaughter is doing well.  Her parents got to hold her for the first time yesterday.  I have to thank Kathy, a former NICU nurse, for giving me encouraging words to pass on.  Not only was the baby born early, but she was born in Tennessee --- not a problem except that her home, doctor, and baby "stuff" are in Indiana.  There's no indication of when anyone will be leaving the hospital, or be able to head back North.

I'm still working on things to give her, though have changed my search from "newborn" to "preemie" sizes.  This
may look like a Pride flag, but it's actually the first two rows of a baby sock.  I made its partner last night, binding off as I was nodding off.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Angels

Well, here we are.  The last color prompt of Blankapalooza.  Thank you to infinity and beyond to all who have participated.  I look forward to receiving your squares and fashioning them into blankets.  The one last suggestion:

KNIT A SQUARE IN A HOLIDAY COLOR
OR COMBINATION OF COLORS

SILVER
RED
GREEN
BLUE
GOLD

OR WHATEVER COLOR(S) FILL YOU WITH JOY.
WHITE

Monday, December 26, 2016

Cheer

Briton gave me the book, and Hannah the big purple mug + Ghirardelli caramel hot chocolate mix.  They were both perfect for a grey, misty Boxing Day.

There's also been knitting, naturally.  I've made four hats in the last 3 days.  I'm working on a layette for my cousin's son and daughter-and-law, whose first child is due February 3rd.  However, the little one had different plans, and was born yesterday!  So, I'm trying to pick up the pace a wee bit.  She's currently in NICU, so when she'll truly need them is up in the air.  

Bridget will be receiving a little giftie for participating in the "Twelve Days" question the other day.  "Five gold rings" seems to be the default choice.  For sheer poetry, "Seven swans a-swimming" is hard to beat.  The upkeep on the swans and their habitat, though, must be sizeable.




Sunday, December 25, 2016

Drummer

I certainly hope all of you have had/are having a wonderful holiday.  Here today, it was me and Son, as Daughter chose to go to Boyfriend's parents' house.  When your nearly-30-year-old is just as excited about, and just as happy about, Christmas as a young child, it can't help but be a good day.  We ate cold pizza and Christmas cookies all day, because who wants to cook and then sit down at a table for food when you can grab something on the fly and get back to your presents?

Briton surveying his new Funko Pop! army before
Rupert invaded.

I got the one thing I expressly asked for:
a boot jack.

Happy, Merry, Blessed, Joyful to you all.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Reindeer

Are you following Santa on either Google or NORAD?  It's such fun.  I remember when one of the local stations in Nashville started showing flight data;  it was all new and novel and cool.  My children were always fascinated with it --- each Christmas Eve, it was on the computer screen all night.

When I got back from dinner with Hannah and Will, I opened a box that came in yesterday.  I couldn't imagine what it was, and when I looked inside, I almost cried.
This is a 12x12x8 box, and it is solidly full to the top with blanket squares.  Nancy, who lives in Nevada, sent them, and I am completely overwhelmed.  There is still nothing I've ever heard or seen that changes my mind on knitters being the most generous people on the planet.  This is above and beyond, Nancy, and your work and generosity are going to help out someone in need.

Finally, since it's Christmas Eve, the red boots:

Wishing you all happiness, love and friendship tomorrow, and every day to follow.  

Manger

I found my yearly new Nativity on etsy a couple of weeks ago.
It was made by a potter.  It's little, but it's so powerful.  And very different from all my others (which is my number one purchasing criterion.)

Also left out my completed paint with stickers piece:
It was an elephant!!

Heading out in a little bit to have Christmas Eve IHOP with Hannah and Will.  Briton is working until around 10 tonight, then coming by here.  It's my favorite day of the year, and I'm glad to be seeing my babies.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Jolly

Pretend "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is not only possible, but happening to you.  Which gift would you want?


I think I'd have to go with the Five Golden Rings.  The Lords-a-Leaping are definitely out.  (And, yes, if you answer, you will be prize eligible.)

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Stockings

Almost every Christmas, my "aaarrrggghh" moment is about stockings.  As in, I've got practically nothing to put in them.  When my children were younger, waiting until near the last minute wasn't as terrifying: there are all sorts of small goodies available.  When they're teenagers, and now adults, it isn't the same.  A pack of Pokemon cards or some Barbie clothes just won't work.

Which is why I'm very proud to say that stockings were the first things I got done this year!

I'm almost finished with wrapping, so Christmas can just come right on along.

How about you?  Are you ready?

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Magi

Let's see if I can scrounge up some wisdom here, and answer Kathy's Monday Questions.

Have you ever been stuck in an airport?  Where?  For how long?
Yes, in Newark.  It was snowing, and the planes were having to be de-iced.  It wasn't a horror story --- may an hour, an hour and a half?  I truly can't remember.

Have you eaten any holiday goodies yet?
No, unless you want to count my Christmas nougats:
We bake cookies on Christmas Eve, so we aren't overrun or over-tempted by goodies right now.

If you made socks with all the sock yarn in your stash, how many pair would you make?
Oh, I can't even begin to figure that out.  Lots.  Let's just say lots.

What is the best yarn store you've ever been to?
Yarn, in Charleston.  Sadly, it's no longer there.  It was a jewel.

Have you seen anyone wear a Santa hat this season?
My son has a cardboard standee of "Rey,"
and he's put a Santa hat on it.  There was also someone wearing one at the car dealership I went to today.  (For service;  don't get excited about a new car. . .  :[ )

Have you played a fun game and want to share?
Hmmmm. . .  Not in a while.  I like board games, but haven't broken any of them out lately.  I play Alpha Betty on my phone several times a day.

Peppermint or gingerbread?
Peppermint.  (I remind you again of the nougats. . .)  I don't like gingerbread.

Have you cancelled a subscription lately?  How did the company respond?
No --- all my subscriptions are intact.

What should I bring to a 90-yer-old's birthday celebration?
Knit slippers?  A knit lap blanket?  Flowers?

Tell us a favorite holiday gift you remember from your childhood.
Wow.  The first thing that came to mind is a drum set.  Then, I remember my first record player, a big purple poodle stuffed animal, and the football jersey of a favorite player.  They all tumble together.  I think I got my Mark Spitz poster for Christmas.  That was sweet.



Monday, December 19, 2016

Winter

It's cold and gray here, which is just fine with me.  This type of weather at this time of year drives home the fact that Christmas is near.  It bothers me if it is sunny and warm around Christmas;  I still hope, hope, hope every year that it will snow.  Cold air and gray skies make that seem possible.

Speaking of snow and Christmas and beautiful things:
(From my cousin, Patty.  As you can imagine, we get a lot of equine-themed cards, and they are almost all gorgeous.)

Very committed to knitting today.  I even did some blocking over the weekend.  This is a KAL shawl that I'm working on --- I just want to show you the colors right now, not the design.  Hence, the back.

I've discovered "painting by sticker."  Have you heard of it?  It's exactly what it sounds like --- match a numbered sticker to its place.  Wonder what this could be?

And finally,
What?  You don't have Sam Elliott and Jerome Flynn watching over you as you knit?




Sunday, December 18, 2016

Paper

I like wrapping presents.  Even after all those Christmases in that tiny room in the back of the jewelry store wrapping and wrapping and wrapping.

The cats got some early holiday gifts courtesy of Chewy.com.  Their monthly home trial items this month were a toy
(Petstages Tower of Tracks)
and some treats
(Wellness turkey and cranberry.)
They loved both of them.  Loved.  Maddie has sort of claimed the tracks toy:
She went for it even before it was unpacked.  She could hear it and was intrigued.

So, once again, Chewy gets A+'s from the Deans.  And a thank you for an early Christmas!

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Holly

"The Holly and The Ivy" is such a wonderful title, don't you think?  It evokes the sight of greenery dotted with bright red, and the smell of trees and logs burning in the fireplace.

I also have a visual of "Silent Night."  A cold night, everything covered with snow, and a long sweeping curve of a road with a bright light seemingly at its end.  Either the road itself, or something that stands at the deepest part of the curve, is a "virgin."  For the longest time, I thought "virgin" was a geographic thing --- " 'Round yon virgin," like "around that bend," or, "go all the way around the house."
"Are you here to see the new baby?  Just go around that virgin there;  you can't miss it."

Friday, December 16, 2016

Shepherds

If it is
1) Christmas,
and you are a
1) knitter,
2) collector of lion and lamb things,
and
3) collector of Nativity scenes,
there will be many sheep and their caretakers around your house.  Like so:


This is my favorite Nativity.  Less than 3" tall, plastic, with glitter, probably purchased at Ben Franklin.  I don't remember a Christmas without it.  It and the Liddle Kiddle Santa at top right go on the tree last of all.

48

If you've ever rented a movie on Amazon Prime, you know you have 48 hours in which to watch it.  (By the way, why do we "watch"...