Pumpkin Sunrise

  How was your weekend? My weekend was spectacular - the most important news is that I made it to the diabolical section of my sudoku book. I do a puzzle during lunch and now that I'm in the diabolical range a puzzle takes me a few lunches to figure out. Delightful!! Do you puzzle? If not you should, it's fun. I also do the NYT puzzles on a daily basis.  My husband started ripping off the deck floor because it was rotting and what was to be a simple job has turned into fixing many mistakes when it was built. Nothing ever goes to plan does it? I think he's happy out there.  I did a lot of reading and finished the 14th book ( The Locked Room ) in the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths and I have already started the 15th book which is also the last book in the series. My knitting has been nice. I continue to knit for limited amounts of time because of the fantastically healing wrists.  Those precious knitting times are a joy. My wrists are a joy as well. I've got a mig

  Spring has sprung around here! I take such great delight on my walks, drinking in the spring views and listening to all the birds. Sometimes I know who is singing and sometimes I have no clue and use the Merlin app to identify my mysterious bird singer. We had some work done at our house this week. At the beginning of the week, we had the plumber come to do some jobs around the house and install a new water heater. Ours was still working but it was aging and we wanted to replace it before it broke down. Yesterday, we had the concrete leveled for the back patio and for the front walkway. Nothing terribly exciting but necessary. I love spring because I see neighbors outside working in their gardens and it's nice to say 'hello' and catch up with each other. Yesterday was a beautiful knitting day. I worked on the scarf and the socks . What could be better than that? Probably starting yet another project but I didn't. My wrists have been behaving and I continue to be mind

  Good morning! How are you doing?  Right now I am sitting at my kitchen table in the morning writing this post. Yesterday the rain came all day long, today we are in for some more rain. Our backyard is a mud pit and I try to walk Frodo from one tuft of grass to the other trying my best to avoid mud - the success is intermittent, but my determination is strong. On my daily walk yesterday, I snapped that tulip photo from a neighbor's garden. We cannot grow tulips in our yard because the deer eat them up but I guess where she lives the deer are respectful. My daffodils continue to bloom and are wonderful to look at. I came across these two gratitude quotes and decided to write them down to remember them.  Today I am grateful for: - my healing wrists - being finished with an antibiotic - my raincoat and umbrella - leftovers - a captivating novel on a rainy day - easy peasy sock knitting - Frodo and Holly - phone calls from the kids - silence - the kindness of others What are you grate

  There has been so much rain this week. There are times when I am out on my daily walk with Frodo and I wonder why I'm happy, then decide it's because the sun is out. This week, I'm wondering why I feel blue, well - it's because of the endless gloomy skies. Sure the sun comes out at the end of the day and I do appreciate it but I like some sunshine sprinkled in with the rain, please. This week the trees have been sprouting and the green sheen can be seen wherever you go. I like this part of springtime - the newness and the green-ness, it pairs perfectly with Easter and rebirth. How are you? How's your week been?  I continue to work on his socks for no more than one hour at a time. This approach seems to be the sweet spot of knitting without any wrist pain. Earlier in the week, I pulled out my sketchbook and did some abstract sketching and painting. I really enjoyed myself. I mostly read when I'm not knitting. I have a shawl blocking in the laundry room and I pl

  I cannot believe we are celebrating Easter this weekend. The Lenten season has gone fast and yet is has gone slow at the same time. I am excited about the weather being more like springtime and less like wintertime and I say this with my fingers crossed.  How are you?  Earlier this week, my husband and I went to the conservatory to see the spring flower show and it was the first time going without my sister and brother in law. We had a nice time and enjoyed seeing the flowers. I was surprised that some of the glass roofs of the greenhouses were drippy from the outside rain. I guess a lot of work and maintenance goes into the upkeep of not only the plants but the structural integrity of the buildings as well.  I've had the whole week off from my classes and have focused my attention on knitting (carefully so that the flare doesn't flare up again). I'm looking forward to seeing my local family on Easter Sunday and eating lots of food. Happy Easter!

  And just like that, spring has arrived. Yesterday was a warm and sunny day - everything is starting to bloom. Maybe it's a little earlier than usual compared to previous springs, but I do like it. The weather is heading back to colder weather over the weekend and I thought I heard the word snow once more in the forecast.  Spring is such a fickle season and that is one of the reasons I like it.  I pulled my sketchbook out to draw a downy woodpecker. I was outside and heard a woodpecker and used the merlin app to identify the bird. I then fell down a rabbit hole of differentiating a downy woodpecker from a hairy woodpecker (I do love a rabbit hole!). I spontaneously wanted to try a sketch. I could list a million things wrong with my sketch, but I am focusing on the fact that I did a sketch and did enjoy the process. Creativity also blooming. I hope you are experiencing some spring time magic where you are!!

  Along with sock knitting mania comes some lovely time sitting and enjoying the afternoons. I didn't have classroom classes this week but still had Tai Chi. Next week we have a break from all classes then I start back up the following week for the second half of the spring semester. One of the best decisions I've ever made is doing these classes. I've met lovely people and I do enjoy absorbing knowledge. Spring is in full force here. The birds are singing away and this weekend the clocks go forward one hour. My body has already done the time change, I've been getting up at 4:30 a.m. like a crazy person. I just go with it. Frodo is ready to go to bed at 7:30 p.m. at night. Holly doesn't do time changes, I guess. I'm on the second sock and of course with my sock knitting mania I have some wrist pain from my arthritis condition. I guess I have to ease up a bit? Double pointed needles have that way about them for me, and I am going to look into flexi-flips and see

  Good morning! How are you on this first day of March? March!, can you believe it? Time just fly by sometimes and sometimes it moves at a snail's pace. I love winter but I have to confess, I'm excited about spring jacket wearing weather.  With a new season so close to arriving, I'm thinking of goals. Personal goals, menu planning goals and what I want to focus on.  Whenever the summer schedule is released at school, I might do more exercise classes, maybe. I enjoy Tai Chi so much, maybe I would like the others and the only way to know is to try one out. What I choose depends on what class it is and when it is offered. I try to bundle my classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I like Thursdays and Fridays free for my regular life and other commitments. My knitting goals are to not have knitting goals. I am thoroughly enjoying my free and easy knitting time. Below is a shawl I started early in January. After a month long break from it, I have returned to leisurely knit

  Good morning! This week has been busy with classes and routine doctor appointments. The arthritis doctor has a few tricks up her sleeve for some of my dry mouth issues (from my autoimmune disease - Sjorgren's Syndrome) that make me feel hopeful. What was the most important thing during that doctor visit is that I felt seen and heard. I am thankful for her and her team. Speaking of hopefulness, look at my daffodils sprouting up! Some of the daffodils are just starting and some already have a head start. I love winter, but I'm looking forward to spring. The crocuses seem to be taking their time this year, as well as the snowdrops (unless those pesky deer have eaten them, grr). Even though I am still knitting my baby blanket, I have gathered four skeins of potential socks to be and am dreaming of a wonderful sock frenzy cast on. 

  Good morning! How was your weekend? My weekend was the weekend of broken things. On Friday, I went to print and the printer would not print. After the two of us trying our best to troubleshoot, we decided that the printer was broken, it would not hold onto the wifi (and yes the wifi was working). To be honest, I've hated that printer since we've bought it a few years ago because it was difficult and not user friendly.  So, we went out and bought a new one and guess what? It works! Yesterday my brand new toaster (bought in December) quit working. I've submitted a warranty claim on their website, let's see what happens. I toasted my sourdough bread the old school way, in the oven. Besides the broken things, I had a great weekend. On Saturday morning I read some and knitted some. Yesterday, we attended our grand-nephew to be's baby shower and it was fun to see family. I helped with some of the dishes. My sister helps me out so much whenever I need help. Oh! It snowed

  Good morning! How are you? Around here, we have had warmer weather that has melted the snow away and so we have a muddy backyard. It's nice to wear regular winter weather but damp weather sometimes feels colder. This week once again, I pulled out the paints and started on my Valentine cards. They are not finished but it was fun to sit and paint hearts in various pinks. I hope to work on them later on this afternoon. The baby blanket is so close to being finished! I'm already plotting away the future baby sweater to cast on. I usually use the Elizabeth Zimmermann pattern 'two needle baby sweater' which as you might guess is mostly memorized in my head. I'm excited for non-credit classes to start up once again. I'm taking more history classes (who am I? I didn't like history in high school.) and of course Tai Chi, which is my favorite class ever.

  Good morning! How was your weekend?  On Friday, we received about five inches of snow and so I stayed home snug inside watching it all unfold outside. Frodo and I are in a routine where I bundle him up in his winter coat then I proceed to bundle myself up. We are outside for a few minutes then we undo all the bundling once we are back inside a warm house.  On Saturday, we went to the local library and I checked out a few more graphic novels for fun. I do love admiring the artwork and the visual storytelling.  Sunday morning we attended Mass after a month or so of lingering illnesses, maybe the walls shook maybe not. It was nice to be back, to feel healthy and to be grateful for everything. We attended our grand-nephew's 3rd birthday party. What a fun age! He was a delight to watch as he opened his gifts and he loved everything. We should all be so joyful! Over the weekend, I did lots of knitting and reading. We might be above freezing today!

  As I sit at the kitchen table typing this post, the snow is gently falling down. I guess we are getting 3-5 inches of snow today, maybe. You never know if they are guessing right or not. I am so grateful to have a warm house and lots of knitting to keep me busy. I've been mainly working on the baby blanket in the evenings. During the day when I am free, I tend to work on a shawl. I love my January knitting! I have no deadlines (self imposed but still freeing). My Tai Chi class started up this past week! Oh my, I missed the class while we were on break and it was so nice to be once again moving my body not remembering the sequence and being at peace with the not knowing. Delightful! As you can see, I did some watercolor painting the other day. I resist pulling out my paints but when I do take them out and paint I enjoy myself and wonder why I resist? A mystery.  I hope you have a lovely weekend and are warm inside if you are getting the same storm.

  Frodo wants you to know it is too cold outside! How are you guys? Life around here has been nice. After weeks and weeks, I finally started to feel better over the weekend. (YAY) On Saturday I made dinner for my sister and brother in law. What was supposed to be nine people attending, dwindled down to just the four of us. This is what happens with winter gatherings and viruses. We had a great time and did play a board game as well. I've been knitting up a storm, still! I am just going with it until the knitting fever ends sort of like Forrest Gump and his running.  Sunday morning was lots of snow, crazy winds and the roads were a mess, so we stayed home and stayed warm inside. I did my Sunday chores and relaxed. How was your weekend?

  Good morning! How is your January going so far?  I am getting better but not fast enough for my liking. I need to work on that state of mind, I meditate daily but need to accept my reality. Yesterday,  my iphone alerted me that I am not as active as I usually am. Boy did I get angry at my phone. Doesn't it know I'm ill? (I did change the settings so that the phone doesn't alert me to any 'trends' in exercising and minds its own business). Part of the reason I took it so personally is because I am itching to get back to my exercise routine, I miss it so!! My plan is for Monday morning easing back as long as I feel up to it. We are supposed to get snow, my husband is hoping it's a little bit and I am hoping it's many inches. He had his summer season of glory, I need to have my own season. My physical body might be in recovery mode but my creativity is bursting. I have cast on a new shawl will that color changing yarn in the photo above. Frodo approves of the

  Good morning! How are you? Happy New Year, may this year be full of blessings to all of you. Well now, I finally have an empty home after having our son, daughter in law, grandson and granddaughter here for six nights.  I am still experiencing fatigue and symptoms from the virus even though I am feeling better. It was a challenge hosting family while recovering. Also we babysat the kids overnight (!!) while my son and daughter in law went for little getaway. I am thankful and grateful my Aunt came over both days to help out with the granddaughter who never sleeps during the day. (snack-naps do not count!). They all left early in the morning, and while I was tired, sleep deprived and fatigued, I put away Christmas plus all the toys and doodads you need for babies. Today I am looking at a squeaky clean house. I am planning on reading books and falling asleep while doing so! My exercise routine is on hold as I slowly get better. Maybe next week I can muster up some energy for some yoga

  Yesterday we went to the art museum and then had lunch out. Above is the nativity the museum displays every holiday season - the arrangement of figurines changes year to year which makes it fun to see the differences with the aid of a photo of course.   Are you ready for the holidays or getting ready? I am trying to be ready. I continue to take it easy with knitting and barely do one hour a day. My hands are mostly recovered but I don't want to risk any repetitive injury. While my hands may be idle, my mind is active with what to knit next. My daughter wants a sweater (yay!) and I'm itching to knit something for myself. I'm creating lists and more lists as we inch closer to Christmas Day. My son and his family will be here almost a week. I have menus to consider and outings to plan out and to offer. Hopefully the grands will be healthy this time around which will help me sleep better. I'm still recovering from lack of sleep! Are you baking this year? What are you baki

  Good morning! How was your weekend? How was the time change? I have a rough time with the time change no matter which time change it is. I am tired and hungry at the usual times that are now changed. This morning, both pets were confused with the morning routines. As I sit and type this up in the kitchen, the sun is shining! It's supposed to be partly-cloudy, but the sun didn't get the forecast yet. Let's hope the sun stays for a while. This weekend I gnomed myself out. I worked on them, inching closer to my goal of seven total. I finished number five yesterday and cast on number six. I have more to knitting projects for after the gnomes are completed for the holidays and gosh, I'm starting to dream of knitting for myself.  I also painted a birthday card for my mother in law who loves my artwork. She is a talented artist herself but has advanced macular degeneration and cannot see well enough to watercolor. With her vision aid, she can enjoy my handmade cards. Over th

This past week my creativity has rebounded. Phew! I tend to go in waves on what exactly inspires me to knit, read and/or sketch. I've learned through the years to just chill and see what inspires me and when inspiration strikes, run with it. Currently, I'm knitting gnomes and the gnome knitting obsession initially was slow and somewhat of a chore. Yesterday, after I completed the fourth one, I was officially in the gnome zen of knitting. What helps my creativity is being out in nature. My daily walk is good for me physically and mentally. I see color combinations that would be great in a hat or a mitten. May there always be days where I have more ideas to knit and the projects are overflowing in my notebook. I have been thoroughly enjoying the dip in the temperatures and wearing wool on my walks. Frodo would disagree, since he is 14 (!!) he will be outside for a little walk if it is above freezing, he just cannot take cold weather like when he was a younger pup.   Of course, th

  My weekend was nice and a beautiful change from the chaos of getting new appliances. The chaos was worth every single minute. The temperature has been dropping, finally. I am all in for some chilly weather. Those little ones on Halloween will be freezing!  I've been working on gnomes, making steady progress but slow process. So far I have two completed. I have found my rhythm though and that makes the knitting feel fast.  Can you believe it'll be three weeks until Thanksgiving? I will have a full house and I am hosting dinner this year. My lists are detailed - the more I write down the less overwhelmed I feel about the time together with family. How was your weekend?