Spring Coming????

I can't believe our weather! Two weeks ago I posted how cold it had been, how much snow we'd had, how long our power had been out, and now all I can see outside is beautiful, warm sunshine. It has been sunny and dry for several days now and supposed to stay this way for 4 or 5 more days. High temps are running in the 50's and low in the high 20's - no wonder I feel good. Hubby is out playing some golf and I'm trying to catch up/clean up all the stuff on my desk. I have the top layer done, but still have things to put away so I can get to figuring our income taxes this next week.
Knit-wise, I have 3 current projects "on the needles"
This is a February KAL and I've selected a pair of Mitts that will look all cable-ly some day soon (I hope).

My second project is a colorwork KAL (knit-a-long for your non-knitters). I've never done colorwork before, and finding it quite fiddly getting started. We get a new "clue" each week, so don't know yet what this will be (maybe a hat - maybe a drawstring bag??)
The final knit project I'm still working on is the Moving Mountains Baby blanket for our first great-grandchild to be born in June. I've done about 18" in length so far, only another 18" to go. Really enjoying working on this project!

SNOW!

These pictures say it all. Good day to stay in and knit!!!
ETA: Then the power was off from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Could have been worse, I guess.
ETA1: Power off Thursday from 6am to 2:00pm - getting cold and very tired of this weather!!!!

It's Still Winter!

Residents in our part of the world have been going along thinking we were never going to have Winter-type weather. Well, IT CAME!!! It snowed several times over the weekend, melted a little, then snowed again last night and is forecast for more snow through tomorrow. It is beautiful, but cold and treacherous to get around in.

Knitting wise, I've been working on the g-grandchild's baby blanket. What a joy to be knitting for a g-grandson, and then another joy when he is born this summer!

The New Year is Here!

Our 49th wedding anniversary was Friday, December 30th. Hard to believe it's been this many years, through thick and thin, we've made it. We celebrated by going out to dinner - doesn't take much these days to make us happy! We did stop on the way at Shipwreck Beads in Lacey, WA and I purchased all the "fixin's" for a Pandora style bracelet. I've seen many of these on TV and checking them out at a jewelry store was a major price shock (ea bead runs from $20-$40). The beads on these were murano glass. I purchased the bracelet and some beautiful glass beads and with hubby's military discount, I got the whole thing for right around $20. However, after putting all the beads on it, the bracelet ended up being too small, so I need to order the next larger size, but I'm lovin' it.

In preparation for Christmas, we had a little panic when I was plugging one set of light cords into another (an artificial tree), and the plug-in touched a piece of pipe cleaner that had metal in it, sparks flew, I jumped and hubby and I looked at each other like....what just happened. All the lights blew out so we had not choice but to go get another tree. This time just got a small one and put it on an end-table. It's 4 ft high and a lot easier to decorate. So some good came out of it.

We had a nice family Christmas. On Christmas Eve our daughter, hubby and our 2 grand kids came over from Richland, WA. The other daughter, hubby and 2 more grand kids came south from Covington, WA. We did the Papa Murphy's pizza thing for dinner, after snacking a lot, then most of us played Uno until 10pm or so when Covington family left for home.

The next morning, after opening gifts and having breakfast, we all went up to Covington for a wonderful Christmas dinner which included deep-fried turkey, ham and all the trimmings. We played Tripoli after dinner. All in all a wonderful day. My gifts included a Kindle Fire, Pioneer Woman cookbook, kids/family photo albums and some nice smelling things from Bath & Body Works.

The day after Christmas, Monday morning, our Richland family left for home and we kinda vegged out the rest of the day. Come to think of it, I've not done a whole lot this entire week. I'm going to my knitting meet-up tomorrow, so have to see what I can take along to work on that's not too complicated for knitting in a crowd of very fun talkers!

I've told myself I have some goals for 2012 - no resolutions.

1. Learn to de-stress more to keep my sanity!
2. For knitting I want to learn to add beads, and do colorwork.
3. Finish as many WIP's as possible!!!! (Like these below!)
I'm sure more will come up, but that's it for now.

IT'S ALMOST HERE!

Today is "scurry around day" as well as Christmas Eve. Our daughters and families are coming this afternoon and I need to get done with last minute things. Still don't have my Christmas cards out - but guess this year they'll be Happy New Year cards instead.

Merry Christmas to each and everyone. Enjoy my favorite Christmas video with Kermit the Frog and John Denver.

THE PUSH TO CHRISTMAS

It's time (actually past time) for an update on what's been happening around my house.

I've actually slowed down and am "enjoying the reason for the Season" this year. In the past I have overworked myself into a frenzy trying to get "everything" done. This year I'm just taking it easy and if it doesn't get done - it doesn't get done. So there!

I just finished the first of the Augusta Mitts. Don't know if I like them so long, but they're a Christmas gift for granddaughter and hope she likes them this length. I love the mock cable pattern - so easy to do!

DH and I spent the afternoon yesterday at our youngest g-daughter's gymnastics meet in Bellevue. This was the state tournament and she did quite well. Fun watching her, but 3-4 hours on gym bleacher seats got old real fast.

During our Thanksgiving Dinner we got a phone call from our oldest g-daughter and found out we are going to become g-grandparents next summer!!! Wonderful news, and what's a knitter to do?? Go buy yarn, of course, so this is for a Moving Mountains-baby-blanket which I'll be starting shortly. This picture is of the yarn I'll be using - Berroco Vintage.

Then while I was at it, I just "had to have" this yummy Alpaca/Merino for a Origami Falls Cowl.

Winter Is On It's Way

We've had some morning temperatures in the high 20's, so guess there's no doubt about winter being early this year. I'm never ready for it, but guess I have no choice. At least it's a good time to cuddle up with my knitting or other crafts.

Actually this is what my craft table looks like in my office at the moment. I'm making some sets of knitting stitch markers. I've not done any beading for a year or so, thus it's nice to get back to doing some. Of course, I get sidetracked when I see some of the beads I have (in my stash!!!) that would make a beautiful pendant or other type of necklace so it's hard to keep on track with the stitch markers.
And, this is what I'm making. Going for a total of 15 sets - only 13 to go!!!
I've also worked some on my Alivia shawl, but it's in time out right now. I've knit this one particular row 3 or 4 times now and can't get the count right. But, I'm still loving the pattern and the yarn - at this rate it'll be a "Spring" shawl.
Went to the podiatrist this morning and got some new orthotics at a horrendous price and insurance doesn't cover them. But after only wearing them for an hour or two, my knees already feel better - so maybe I should have gone six months ago!!! I'm bad about putting off doctor appointments.