Unraveled Wednesday 1/22/25

 Good Morning All,

I do hope everyone is managing with this bitter cold weather (IF you are in polar vortex that is).  I looked at two different weather apps this morning.  One told me it was -5 outside and the other told me it was +1.  To me they feel pretty much the same!  Those crazy kids (C&M) took Iris out for a walk yesterday!  They texted a picture to Fletch and she was so bundled up (thank goodness and as she should be).  I don't know how long they were out or how Iris took to the frigid air.  Colin had bought a fleece bunting (complete with bear ears, covered feet and covered hands) for Iris, so I'm sure she was toasty.  And, my friend Leslie had crocheted her the cutest hat.  (At this point I am remembering how Colin would literally howl and scream and cry any time I tried to put a winter coat on him - LOL - he was the child who would go outside in the snow in shorts and a tank top.)

Yesterday I did get out to do the grocery shopping...but many shelves were bare (none of Fletch's yogurt, no broccoli, no scallions, etc., etc.).  However, there were plenty of fresh flowers and I just had to get some.

Actually the yellow roses are from the prior week.  They never really opened up, and some wilted, but I added some new flowers to brighten up our days a bit.  There is also a vase on the table.  Today I will probably venture to a second grocery store to see if I can find what the first store was lacking.  First, though, I have promised Fletch that I will bake some oatmeal cookies for him.

Before I get to the baking though, it is time to link up with Kat and her Merry Band of Unravelers to talk all about making and reading.

Only a little knitting was accomplished during the past week.  I know the sock looks the same, but a number of rows have been added.

I need/want to pick another color for this sock (there is not enough of the light grey for 2 socks).  I will try to get to that today.  Also on the intention list is to get back to my Heart Warmer Cowl and to cast on a hat.  Colin continues to walk on these chilly mornings and I think a nice warm hat is in order for him.  As usual, I'm full of good intentions. (Isn't that quote something like the road to hell is paved with good intentions?  Hopefully I will not end up in hell.  LOL)

Reading has been excellent though.  I have two books that I highly recommend for you.  They are so good that I have, in fact (Carole - do NOT laugh) started keeping a journal (yes - moi) of quotes.  I kept a journal like that years ago and then stopped.  Anyway, onward to the books.  The first is The Heartbeat Library by Laura Imai Messina.  This novel is all about loss, grief, healing, friendship and is simply marvelous.

The second book is one a number of you have already read:  The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer.  Gratitude, reciprocity and community.  Lovely concepts.  As I mentioned in my post yesterday, our neighbor Rob bringing over fresh baked bread from his oven made me think of this book (and I will be sharing cookies with him!).  Reading this book got me thinking about how my grandparents lived in Vermont.  They did an awful lot of bartering.  At one point my grandfather was running the village creamery and would trade butter and milk for meat from other villagers.  My grandparents never had much but they did have plenty.  Having read this I am also reminded that I bought "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Kimmerer but have not read it.  I need to make room on my nightstand for that book for some "before I turn out the light reading" each night.

That's a wrap for me on this Unraveled Wednesday.  Be sure to head over to Kat's to see what others are up to in the making and reading worlds.  I guarantee you will be filled with inspiration.