Unraveled Wednesday 4/1/26

 Good Morning Everyone,

Welcome to April!  I feel like I'm running behind - after a less than ideal (meaning extremely restless) night of sleeping (or not), I fell asleep early this morning and then slept in longer than usual for a day when I'm scheduled to be with Iris.  I've showered and coffee has been poured, but that's about it!

Yesterday I was able to procure a leg of lamb for Easter dinner!  The 7 hour leg of lamb that I will be cooking (Patricia Wells' recipe) is cooked along with potatoes, onions, carrots and tomatoes and becomes so tender that it falls off the bone.  According to the recipe, you should be able to eat it with a spoon.  I never have, but it's a good recipe.  I need to get a couple of bottles of wine to pour in - most likely I'll use white this time (you can make it with either red or white).  I plan to also have asparagus, but I will pick that up later in the week.  And a coconut pie which I'll most likely make on Saturday.

I also accomplished quite a bit on my long to do list including rubbing all the cabinets in the kitchen with orange oil.  It smelled so good!  And the cabinet doors are no longer dusty!

Now it's time to link up with Kat and her Merry Band of Unravelers to talk about making and reading.

My Panning for Gold sock has not seen any love since Monday, but it is further along than last week.

I'm roughly half way through the heel flap which this time is a simple slip stitch rather than eye of the partridge.  Maybe I can manage the balance of the heel flap and heel turn whilst at C&M's today (while Colin and Iris have lunch together).

Monday's mail included a bounty of new yarn stash!  First up is the April yarn for The Farmer's Daughter's 2026 Sock Squad.  Aptly named Morning Honey.  I love it!

And the yarn I ordered from Lisa at Fibernymph Dyeworks arrived.  Fast!!  First up the set up minis that I requested.  The color way is River Rocks and I couldn't resist it.  There's a bit of Stellina in the yarn, so sparkles!!

And then two full skeins from Lisa:

The skein on the right is her Pollinator Pi color way and the one on the left is Mountain House Winter.  Both are gorgeous!  I've knit with Lisa's yarn in the past and it does not disappoint.

I'm pretty sure that Pollinator will become socks for Colin (bright!!  cheerful!!) since he has talked of wanting to have bee hives.  And Mountain House Winter may become socks for Fletch.  Of course, I need to finish what's on my needles and there are so many other things I want to knit.  More hours in each day, please.

Reading has been good.  I finished listening to Blaze Me a Sun by Christoffer Carlsson about a crime in a Swedish town.  This is the book that Fletch and I had started listening to but stopped when Fletch got bored.  I decided to finish it.  It was good, but I wish I had paid more attention (meaning stayed awake) early on when Fletch and I were listening.  I'm not planning to jump out and find other books by this author, but I did enjoy it.

With my eyes I read Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins - a saga of family, home, identity, love.  It was good though in places it felt a bit long and drawn out.  Still, a good read.

Fletch and I are continuing to listen to The Long Ships by Frans Bengtsson after dinner.  There is much that I had forgotten about this story that we read out loud decades ago, including a lot of humor.  We are both really enjoying this one.

And that's a wrap for me.  Time to pour some more coffee and try to wake up.  Happy Wednesday!

Catching Up 9/30/24

 Good Morning!

The last day of September!  How is that possible?  I enjoyed my little break away from the computer and I sure hope everyone is ok and weathered the storms without incident.

Fletcher's brother Damon and his wife, Peggy, arrived Monday afternoon and we had such a nice time.  We took a short walk along the canal (and did see a blue heron in flight!) and then had lunch out.  

Two brothers

 Tuesday night Colin & Mailing came over for dinner and then a fire in the pit.  Unfortunately Damon & Peggy left early Wednesday after receiving a call that Peggy's grandson had been in a horrible car accident while on his way to work.  They live out in the country, but Carson was taken to Norfolk General where there is a trauma unit and he has been in the trauma ICU ever since.  Peggy has been keeping us updated - Carson is now breathing on his own and the MRIs show no spinal damage at all.  Still, it will be a slow and long recovery period.

The rest of our week was quiet.  We did not get the major rains from Helene, but it has been misty and rainy all week.  Everything feels damp and clammy.  I'm not complaining...we were fortunate not to be hit and we need the rain.  I did manage to do some knitting and stitching and reading.  We also started a different jigsaw puzzle since it was too crappy to be outside.

The border pieces are huge, but the balance of the pieces are mid- to very small in size.  The title of the puzzle is 299 cats and a dog!

Friday's mail brought my October Sock Squad yarn from The Farmer's Daughter.  Love these colors!

The colors are not right in this photo (thank you grey, damp morning) - the large skein is really blue and the smaller one is more like a rust color.  Very pretty together.

So, what have you all been up to?  I trust that everyone is well and gearing up for a wonderful Fall!

Weekending

 Good Morning!

It looks as though the sun is TRYING to come out, but it's a bit of a struggle.  Rather like me waking up, or attempting to wake up.  I actually slept a little better last night and got up late (for me) (after 7 a.m.) this a.m.  After writing this post I need to pull myself together for a doctor's appointment at 9:30.

So, how was your weekend?  Mine was fine.  I missed getting together with Dee but thought it best to wait another week.  Even though Fletch and I tested negative for Covid, I was still feeling a bit run down.  I did manage to block out Odyssey and it is now awaiting an opportunity to be worn.

And this next picture will show you the lace detail a bit better:

So delicate and pretty.  I love it!

A little organization of stash was accomplished as well.  I had groups of yarns set out for various projects (all different shawls) and I was tired of having project bags all over the place.  The yarns have been put away and will come out when and if I feel like trying to knit another shawl.  

Meanwhile, there was a bit of stash enhancement!  Before we left for TX, I received an email from MDK that I had won a give-away.  Woo-Hoo.  What I won was a kit for the Albers Shawl (found in the MDK Fieldguide #6, Transparency).  The kit arrived last week.  Six gorgeous skeins of Rowan Kid Silk Haze:

This might be the shawl/scarf I need to knit next!!

As mentioned previously, Dee and I have been (had been) thinking of knitting Planetary.  Fibernymph Dyeworks was having a sale, so I snatched up a set of mini skeins to use in that.  They arrived on Friday.

Along with the mini skeins, a set of stitchmarkers was included (so sweet):

Luckily I have not yet ordered the yarn for the body of the sweater.  After reading the pattern through, I was left scratching my head.  I'm not a very experienced knitter and some of the directions were more than a bit confusing to me.  I could still be suffering from Covid Brain Fog, but I'm thinking this pattern might just be beyond me at this point.  I'll think about it.

Yesterday I finally got out for a walk along the River Trail in Valley Forge Park.  I had to run to the grocery store because someone (Mabel) had consumed just about all her food and we were in danger of running ouy.  (I also wanted to get some scallions to use in the dish I was making for dinner.)  So, after picking up a bunch of cat food I headed down the road.  The trail was a little muddy in places and there were quite a few people out and about.  It was chilly enough that my eyes watered and my nose was running, but boy did it feel good to get some FRESH air!  I am hoping to get out again this afternoon.

Time to pour another cup of coffee and start my day.  Here's hoping your Monday is off to a great start!

Weekending

 Well Hello!

Snow is still on the ground,  but the temps are warming up and I think by Wednesday it will be in the 50's.  Fletch did see/hear that we have a good chance of snow on Christmas Day.  Mailing's parents are hoping we can all go for a walk in Valley Forge on Christmas Day...we shall see.  I would love a walk in a snow storm!

Our tree is up and fully lighted now and we have decided to leave it that way - no ornaments this year.  I am missing seeing some of my favorites, but I am also really enjoying the simplicity of it and being lazy - lol.  It will also make the post holiday clean up that much easier!

Fletch was able to find a nice thin one that is perfect for the small space we have in the living room.  The tree is pretty fragrent and I love coming down in the morning and catching the scent of it.  Tyg has been sleeping under it occasionally!

We did put a wreath on the front door.  Years and years ago (like probably 35+) Fletcher's Mom gave us a pinecone wreath that she had made.  I will try to get a picture of it to share.  Right now it is just around 6 a.m. and still very dark.  And I put a few of our favorite things out on the buffet.  The jewel tree that Fletcher's Mom also made for us, the birch log we found on a hike years ago and then Fletch drilled holes for candles in it.

A bit of fresh holly and a little Santa in a canoe.  I love the snowflake runner too.

I managed to finish up the little kitty socks for Mailing yesterday afternoon.

The grey at the cuffs and heels is sparkly and wow!  what a PITA that was to work with...as well as the black yarn on size 1 needles.  Intarsia in the round is not (for me) an easy thing - a bit fiddly.  BUT, I do like the way they turned out and I hope Mailing likes them too.  I decided to not put the whiskers on these.  I like them just plain.

You all were so encouraging about going to the yarn shop that is closing...so I had to do that!  I drove over Saturday afternoon and my timing was good as there was only one other person shopping then.  The owner is retiring for a couple of reasons:  1) she has family moving back from CA and she wants to spend more time with them and 2) her "right hand assistant" for the past 10 years recently took a job in her chosen field of social work and is no longer helping/working at the shop.  She was thinking of closing by 12/31, but told me she may stay open into the first or second week in January because there is still so much yarn in the shop.  I found it to be pretty much picked over, but managed to find two skeins and everything was 45% off!

I've never knit with Berroco Sox before, but it is 75/25 and 100 grams (440 yards).  The Manos Del Uruguay Alegria I have used previously.  It is also 75/25 and 100 grams (445 yards).  I may use that yarn for a shawl.  Not sure yet.  But the two skeins set me back a whopping $21.00.  Not bad!  All books were $5, but I didn't see anything worth getting.  There was still a bit of Kidsilk Haze by Rowan, but the other Rowan yarns seemed to be gone.  I may or may not go back before New Year's and see if the discount has been increased.  There was some MadTosh sock yarn and a few other brands, but as I mentioned, pretty well picked over.

Today I'm heading back to the office.  Turns out I have two more packages to ship out via UPS for Christmas!  I also have a bunch of stuff I want to print in color, some things to print for Kevin and then overnight to him, and Bruce will be in the office and I need to meet with him.  I only plan to be there a couple of hours, but we shall see.

I'll probably not be on the computer much for the next week or so (or I may be!!).  There is wrapping that needs to be started (and finished) and some other things to do.  So, if I'm not on line much let me take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful holiday.  And...Happy Winter Solstice - we are hoping to be able to see the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter tonight (last night was too overcast).

Weekending

Hello All,

Whew, another whirlwind Monday morning.  I had a doctor's appointment at 8 - another "spot of bother" removed (that is why I never hang out in the sun any more)...stopped for coffee at a new place near me (good coffee, a little slow on the service)...then at the office in time for a conference call.  Meanwhile the e-mails are flying from the CEO and a million and one things to do.  It's all good.  But really I want to talk about the weekend.

Saturday was the Allentown Fiber Festival.  Dee and I met up just before 10:00 and proceeded to shop!  Unlike other festivals, there are no animals at this one.  This really needs to change (in my opinion) - sheep and alpacas are needed!!  I didn't even see rabbits this year - usually there is a woman spinning angora with a bunny in her lap.  This was the 4th year for the Festival and each year it gets a little bit more crowded.  The venue (Merchant's Square Mall) is not the most attractive place and parking is at a premium.  Inside it was crammed with vendors (and some were in tents outside).  Anyhoo, here is what I got (I think I showed great restraint in my buying):

Some pretty yarn (the skein on the right was on sale for only $15!).  The cake is over 700 yards and I loved the shades of green.  There's a bit of sparkle to it as well.  I think it will make a gorgeous shawl.  I couldn't resist the DPN holder that has foxes on it.  And...a new project bag.  This one is quite sturdy and opens up and folds down so you can just keep your caked yarn in the bag and pull from there.  It has a drawstring closure and there is a sturdy handle too.  Love the kitties with the yarn.

The tiny object in front is a pair of the smallest scissors I've ever seen.  So light for my notions pouch and just cute!!  The only other thing I purchased were some individual little stitch markers.  And that's it!  See?  I really was conservative.

By the time we were done looking and shopping it had gotten pretty hot.  We drove over to Emmaus (only a few miles away) for lunch and a stop in at the new digs for Conversational Threads the local yarn shop.  Their new shop is gorgeous.  Lots of room for sitting and knitting and lots of natural light.  I didn't see anything to buy there, but there was plenty to tempt me.  Dee and I ended up at the local coffee/bike shop for some sipping and knitting.  A perfect day!

Sunday was spent doing chores and getting out some warm weather clothes.  Winter has definitely departed.  In fact, we had a very loud thunderstorm last night/early this morning - woke me up at 3:30!

What Month is This???

Good Morning!


I feel as though the earth has tilted and I'm in a different zone now  It was in the 60's yesterday!  In February!  After Phil predicted 6 more weeks of winter...


We've had heavy fog, heavy rain and mild temps.  The birds are singing Spring songs and our backyard is one giant sponge (that is where it isn't pools of water).


I shouldn't really be surprised as this happens a lot of years.  I'm just hoping it doesn't come back to bite us.  This entire week is supposed to be very mild.  Colin is hoping we can be outside Thursday and enjoy a fire in the pit.


Before we know it, gardening season will be here.  Yesterday while I was knitting, Fletch was busy planting some seeds in a starter tray:

I believe he was planting carnival peppers - a type of habanero that can be various colors - all on the same plant:  red, orange, green, purple, etc.  Should be fun.


Saturday I drove up to Lahaska to meet Dee at Twist a very lovely LYS just outside of New Hope.  Of course I managed to add a little bit to my stash:

The yarn on the right is Madeline Tosh and the colorway is Tart.  This will be for socks for Fletch (he didn't like the skein I bought the last time with him in mind....he does really like this one).  The multi-colored skein on the left is Cascade Heritage in a wool/silk blend.  I just loved how there are so many different colors in this skein.  Socks for me!!  After shopping Dee and I hung out in a coffee shop in Peddler's Village.  What a relaxing, fun day!


And here is where Sigla was last night:

I managed to get the ribbing done at the bottom last night and I am ready to cast off!  I did attempt to try it on over the weekend, forgetting that the circular needle I'm using is 32" - no way that will go around my upper body - LOL.  Luckily no stitches popped off when I attempted the try-on.  I'm anxious to bind of and try it on.  I measured a lot, and I'm 95% sure it will be as loose as I want.  I should know tonight when I bind off after yoga.


A gloomy, grey outside and I need to buckle down and do some work.  Hope you all have a wonderful week!