Pumpkin Sunrise

  Just like the Catholic Church, I'm in Ordinary Days. We are truly in the winter season and the wind is cold. I am wearing my wool socks and wool sweaters daily. Whenever I'm outside I have a hat, shawl/cowl and knitted mittens. I'm not complaining at all, I would rather freeze to death than sweat to death. My husband is withering away though, he loves summer and hotness. Have you noticed the days are getting lighter and lighter? Truly one of the blessings of January and February. It might be cold out but the daylight lengthens and brings hope. This week I've been focusing on lots of journaling and reflections. I find comfort in putting thoughts down to paper and mulling over all of my wispy threads on life and happenings. Along with daily writings, I've been meditating twice a day using the Insight Timer App , which I highly recommend. There is plenty to do that is free. I chose a year subscription to get to the courses. I'm sleeping so much better these days.

  I finished another project this weekend, I'm telling you - I am riding a knitting wave during these January days. This shawl was a fun knit and the kit was gifted to me by a knitting friend. The wool was delightful to knit with and because it is DK weight, the project was a fast knit. I loved the squishy wool and the speed of the knitting. The kit pattern mentioned that a few of the colors would be used up completely so of course I ran out of yarn in those two colors.  I just used other colors and solved my yarn shortage problem. I ran out of the gray and the indigo. I still think it looks pretty good and no one would know.  What are you working on this week?

  How are you and how was your weekend?  All of the photos are in reverse order because Blogger wants to vex me so.  We were crazy enough to take walks this weekend because the sun was out but holy cow was it 'brisk'. I put Frodo's little coat on under his harness. He doesn't like wearing it but I believe he was thankful for the added warmth. Isn't he just dapper?? Gosh, I love him so. Because of the mini deep freeze I'm going to make my husband a pair of mittens, of course inspired by the Bernie meme. There were a few patterns trending on Ravelry and I've chosen one. I'll take some pics later this week - I am not following the brown colors though - I'm going with a burnt yellowish green as the base. I also balled up six skeins of wool for my next sweater cast on. Stay tuned for that as well. I wore my sweater that I finished last week and it is WARM. I believe traditional wool is warmer than super-wash wool. It felt extra toasty warm during the day

  I know some of you are wishing for spring, my husband is wishing for summer! I, on the other hand, am in my winter glory. I love everything about winter. I sleep better, knit better and enjoy the days fully. Soon enough I will be yearning for some light jacket wearing but for now I am in my element.  The above photo is my art journal spread. I try to create one a week and then journal. The journalling is private but the layout is not. I used Tombow markers to create the dark gray background then used a white pen.  Yesterday I had three inches cut off the length of my hair. It was a long time coming. I kept the length for the wedding updo. Shoulder length is the best length for my hair and I am loving the cut. The sun was out and I almost was grumpy from the squinting. I caught myself and stopped the grump. Sunshine is limited in the winter! On the way home, I drove in silence just enjoying the light playing on the hills, trees and roadside buildings. I managed to pull out the noteboo

  I finished a sweater ! Overall I loved knitting this color work yoke pullover. The directions were clear and the color work addictive. As I was knitting this project, I worried that the sweater would not fit since it was looking small in my lap. Of course, I didn't do gauge either but to be honest I tend to knit exactly what is called for in stockinette stitch. I was using regular wool (not super wash) and knew I would not gain some growth after soaking and blocking. I was pleasantly surprised that the fit was just fine. However the length was a little short. Blocking fixed that so all is well. Unfortunately the wool bled during its soaking and tinged the white wool a wee bit. I don't think it's noticeable but golly, I was dismayed seeing the brown in the water. I highly recommend the pattern !  Ravelry notes

  How was your weekend? I had a blissful uneventful one which is the best kind of weekend to have. No stress is a blessing.  During the week my husband and I were walking daily, but this weekend ended that streak because the weather wasn't cooperating. My husband likes non-windy days and we both like non-rainy days. I cannot remember which day (they all blend together, ha ha) but on our return home from a walk we were caught in sleet, which is by far better than rain.  I read a bit and knitted a lot. Sunday was the usual chores around the house.  How was your weekend? Another sunrise!

  In another universe I would be telling you I finished the second sleeve last night.  However, I was shy two rows before the cast off and I just had to quit for the evening. If I am tired, errors abound! So today after the dishwasher repairman comes to look at my one year old dishwasher (yes, so true), I will be blissfully finishing the sweater then soaking and blocking. Phew!  While I still have a shawl and a hat on my needles, I'm thinking of the next cast on project. I know that Kat  has cast on a heartwarmer cowl  which I have made twice before ( one for me and one was a gift ). My sister gifted me some lovely yarn during the holidays that will make a perfect cowl for me since this winter that seems to be what I wear the most.  There was someone else in our blog community that mentioned they were knitting this cowl pattern but I cannot remember who - please let me know in the comments! I've been squeezing in more reading time during the day. The holidays and the wedding g