Pumpkin Sunrise

Son's birthday cake, YUM Joining Amanda

Since the kids are have been home and we've returned from our vacation, I've settled into a nice summer routine.  I must say I am still getting used to grocery shopping for four people and cooking for four people.  Who knew that nine months off would get me out of practice! This week I've managed to only go to the grocery store twice.  Last week I think I visited four times.  It was a little ridiculous on my part.  I love making lists.  My problem is that some family members like to announce AFTER I've returned from the grocery store food they would like to have in the kitchen.  I think we are all getting use to the protocol. If you finished the last bite, write it down.  If you drank the last drop, write it down.  Do not tell me-write it down (there is something wrong with my memory).  So now when I wake up I find slips of paper with food lists where I drink my cup of coffee.  The system is working :) Got any good...

Oh it's so wonderful to be knitting something a little different.  I started this featherweight (third one) cardigan a while ago and it sat in my knitting bag while I was distracted by other projects.  I picked this up and finished the raglan shaping, separated the sleeves and started the body of the sweater.  I know! So productive.  The yarn is silk and is pure heaven to knit.  I am hoping that wearing silk will be just as divine.  I wanted drape and I'm pretty sure I will be getting some drape in the fabric. I finished my Citron shawl in yesterday's post . I started The Story Sisters  a couple of days ago.  I am only at the very beginning but I love the ease in which to story is flowing.  Once I am a couple of chapters into the book I will be able to opine. I am in the mood for some eerie, creepy writing and this book might just fill my need.  I finished The Orchid House and it just did not thrill me at all. What are you knitt...

I just could not wait to show you this shawl. I finished it over the weekend and managed to take some photos in the VERY hot weather.  It was nearly 90 degrees when I took these photos.  I cannot wait until fall arrives because I have a lovely new accessory to wear. I couldn't resist this photo.  See Frodo?  He is patrolling his little world :)  Little did he know that I was taking his photo.  Whenever he sees the camera he thinks we are going outside for a walk about the yard. If i aim the camera at him he looks away to give me the best profile he can muster up (or is he ignoring me?) I knit this shawl with size five needles and it was the perfect size for cobweb lace.  Once I had a couple inches knit up the fine lace was very easy to handle.  This project was addictive for me mainly because of the progressing colorway.  I was always eager to get to the next color block. I much prefer the citron with 880 yards of lace than ...

This is Frodo's little friend.  He is a milk snake and lives in the crack between the pool and the grass.  Once in a while this little guy likes to rise early in the morning and sunbathe.  Frodo loves to paw and bark at the snake when he finds him in the grass. Both are stubborn and eventually I have to move one of them to stop the disturbance.  Guess which one I will pick up? My weekend was filled with:  a movie , knitting with friends, laughing with my family, finishing a project, and opening up a very very algae filled swimming pool! How was your weekend? Joining Amanda

finally off the needles! Joining Amanda

Here is another little beauty that I picked up while visiting a thrift store.  It is hand made and somehow I believe it's made by a younger person.  I just LOVE the turtle etched onto the side.  I have a thing for pottery and I have a thing for vases.  So this creation fits the criteria of being bought and brought into my home :) Have you found anything second hand that you would like to share? Joining Lady Cordelia

Even though I had a lovely week of vacation, my knitting has progressed ever so slowly.  Why is that?  I always accomplished more when I am at home.    I am still (sigh) working on the citron shawl .  Currently I am knitting the edging and each row is taking forever. I am hopeful that there will be a post next week with it blocked.  In the photo above is my lovely new project, cinnamon grace shawl .  There is a bit of sparkle in the wool.  I really like this pattern because I have it roughly memorized :) I am still (sigh) reading The Orchid House -I decided not to photograph it because it's been languishing around these yarn along postings.  I love the story when it flashes back to the 1940's.  I have a very difficult time reading the current time story line.  I cannot pinpoint exactly why.  My guess is the dialogue is not running smoothly like I think it should in my mind. While I was at the library, I happened to come...

I thought I would share with you some photos of our beach vacation.  We were in North Myrtle Beach, SC.  When I gathered everyone's schedule to plan a vacation it was immediately clear that the only week available was in May! That means if you want to swim in the ocean and not become an ice cube you must travel south.  We wanted a family atmosphere (read that as:  quiet, clean, and less crowded).  That is how we picked North Myrtle beach.  It was lovely to have oceanfront accommodations, the balcony view was perfect. I believe that I am fully recovered from the eternal ride coming home from the vacation.  Long car rides do me in mentally and physically.  My house is mostly tidy.  The laundry is caught up. I am now in the "summer" time of the year with both kids home.  It's nice to have a full house again. Another great way to kick off the summer is trying some new recipes.  My sister and I are both participating in...

We drove ALL day on Friday leaving the beach vacation and arrived to home sweet home at 9:10 p.m.  We lost so much driving time around the DC area.  But that is the past.  So is my whining like a 3 year old in the car.  I know, you are shocked that I whine.  I do and it's heard by all and I get cranky.....and like a 3 year old, if you stop and feed me I settle down. When I did get home to the greatest place on earth, I had two lovely packages waiting for me from some giveaways.  I won.  Twice!!  The top photo is a pair of lovely mugs from MJ at wander wonder discover blog.  Thanks MJ!!!  I love them better in person :) My other giveaway win is from Sylvia and Simona from artsy ants blog, they are a truly artistic sister duo and you need to check out their blog.  Their lovely jewelry ensemble was created by indieandchic .  I am amazed at the intricate detail of the jewelry!  Beautiful and thank you :) So I am o...

goodbye vacation Joining Amanda