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Weekends

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On my daily walk, I'm lucky to pass a duck pond, over the weekend these geese were so busy splashing about they forgot to swim away.  Usually they honk and make a huge to do, I guess they were living in the moment and enjoying themselves. My weekend was a fine one.  Sunshine was abundant and the temperatures were nice enough to be out in a light jacket.  All the trees and bushes are budding and it smells like spring.  It's getting near the time to pack up all the wool shawls and accessories. I started some oh so simple yoga routines for the morning.  A mere 15 minutes.  Can I confess that I'm sore from head to toe?  Yep.  Walking is heart healthy but it does nothing for being flexible and limber. I am very committed to doing the routines.  I'm using this app . I'm also cleaning up the diet.  I've been tiring of the same meals, the same slow feeling.  So I dusted off my whole food cookbooks and have been sketching out some meals that are new.  Loaded wit

Springtime Thoughts

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This little guy was out and about earlier this week catching the sun's rays.  I think he only just woke up and he seemed slow.  Frodo never even saw him! Frodo might be losing his hunting instincts ;) Today I'm grateful for: -budding trees and bushes everywhere, spring has exploded in 48 hours -the cooler weather returning-it was a little too hot this week -birds singing and my the robins are in abundance -returning to a summerish menu-with so many vegetables in each meal -light jacket wearing days with non winter boot shoes  -my fiestaware -I smile whenever I eat! -savoring my smallish knitting projects while daydreaming of larger to be projects -daytime that lasts past dinner time for a quick walk -fictional books that transport me to another time, place and entertain me what are you grateful for? have a great weekend everyone!!

Yarn Along

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My knitting has been mindlessly simple this week.  I am making a pair of socks for my husband out of my favorite sock yarn for him.  A few of you asked why this brand and even though I only make socks out of 75% wool and 25% nylon blend for him, he can wear a hole in the majority of brands.   Trekking  is sturdy and durable for two years which makes this a favorite.  I think it has to do with the twist of the yarn. I finished my pi shawl  and did a post about it.  I'm so pleased with it and thank you for the lovely compliments.  I still can't believe it is off the needles-I could easily start another lace project but I'm taking a few days off to mull over what I want to knit next. Since snagging up this copy of The Perks of Being a Wallflower  on Saturday-I immediately started reading it.  My son read it over the summer and insisted that it was a must read kind of book.  It is a sad and it's filled with teenage angst.  It's a fast read and if you want to em

Pi Shawl Complete

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I'm excited to show you this work of art!  I finished this last weekend and once it was blocked and I tucked in the ends, I only needed photos.  At first I snapped many outside and every single one looked terrible.  I think because it is so sheer!  So inside photos had to do. I have no idea when and if I will wear it-I love to knit circular shawls but have yet to wear one.  Now I must confess I loved having it on my lap while knitting the edge lace bind off.  I was toasty warm.  So I'm thinking it might be a cuddle up on the couch throw!!  Why not? The yarn was from one of my knitting friends and that awesome shawl pin made of glass was from another knitting friend.  She purchased this at Rhinebeck a couple of years ago from the Moving Mud vendor I think this photo shows off the lace work the best.  I positioned my husband in the kitchen, set the camera and boom-great photos :)  Ravelry notes here . Whether you wear circular shawls or not, I think everyone

Weekends

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On Saturday we went to a library fundraiser to peruse the used books.  Once again I found many books that I could add to my collection.  I know!  You are thinking "but Karen, didn't you thin out your books this past January?".  Yes, I did indeed.  But you see I do not own THESE books (except for Cutting for Stone my memory failed me and I bought it and discovered I already owned a copy when I arrived home).  Love the Pooh book that was printed 1952, it's on the far left. It was a beautiful weekend and the sunshine was soaked up by not only me but Frodo!  He has been spending more time out in his little yard.  I'm watching my lilac bush develop leaf buds overnight.  It was nice enough to have a door opened a bit for some much needed fresh air.  My husband and I are back to walking after dinner since daytime lasts much longer.  Frodo sits and stares us down until we remember it's walking time.  Frodo believes in mental telepathy.  (so do I!!) The weekend

Plentiful Bounty

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Whenever I visit family, I bring home gifts.  Some edible some not.  Some are in the photo and some are not.  The biggest container is homemade peach butter, the tallest is maple syrup and the tiniest is raspberry jam, all gifts from my dad and step mom.  His maple syrup season was not as plentiful as in the past.  I think he was disappointed because he recently built a "sugar shack" dedicated to processing the sap to syrup.  Well maybe next year will be better. The tea cup and saucer were a gift from my sister.  But there is a story!  My sister's husband's aunt (Aunt Jane to us) recently died over the winter and my brother in law has been in charge of the estate.  I was thrilled to receive this vintage set and will lovingly think of her.  The stamp on the bottom of the tea cup says Germany.  I have a hefty collection of roosters so it has found a welcoming home.  Thanks sis!! What is not in the photo are homemade Easter eggs.  My step mom crocheted some lovely

Heaven in a Shawl

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This quick little shawlette is 198 yards of heaven and is it a quite fun fast pattern.  When I finished I thought there was no way possible for it to fit around my neck and look nice. But the miracles of blocking never fail.  I soaked for 15 minutes even though it is cotton and I aggressively blocked the daylights out of it.  Seriously I pulled and pinned to its utmost. Not only does it make a nice shawlette to wear around your shoulders or neck, it is an all season kind of shawl.  The yarn I used, Cascade yarns Ultra Pima retained its sheen :)  Now that is a slice of heaven! Ravelry notes are here