Dreaming of Spring

 I can't help it. I know it's the middle of January. I know winter still has a long way to go, but I keep finding myself thinking about spring. I'm blaming it on the current fiber that I'm spinning called "Spring Dreaming" it reminds me of Easter eggs. I'm also blaming it on theses tiny little Daffodils. So stinkin' cute. Yellow is the color of spring. I love yellow.

Just so you know I'm not totally out of touch with reality. This is my current reality. It's cold, snowy and brown. No yellow in sight. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that that crazy ground hog won't see his shadow and spring will come early this year. One can always dream...
Sally

Slow Down

During this past week Alan (Grace and I) have been in full swing recovery mode. What that really means is that we have been doing a whole lot of nothing. Well, that's not exactly true. We have been doing a whole lot of stuff you can do while sitting on the couch watching TV. Thank goodness the weather has been cold, snowy and unpleasant, making staying inside a desirable option. Slowing down can be difficult. Keeping to a schedule and checking things off my lists is how I operate. I did go back to work this week leaving Alan in Grace's capable hands, but other than that we have had what you would call a "stay-cation" of sorts. With the extra home time I was very glad to have the freezer stocked with a variety of  soups. I finally got around to baking bread in my Dutch Oven. Besides the fact that it takes 12-18 hours to raise and then another hour of heating the pot and cooking time I think it turned out pretty well. I checked the freezer this morning and found a few more containers of soup and some chili so I think we can make it through the weekend. Alan is hoping to go back to work on Monday. It may be a shorter than usual day, but he is more than ready to get back to his normal routine. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Sally

Going on a Journey

I fell in love with every single pattern in this book so I figured that was a pretty good sign that I should go ahead and buy it. There are really only 6 patterns, 3 by Jane Richmond and 3 by Shannon Cook. I've decided to make knitting all 6 my goal for 2014. I've also decided to try using the recommended yarns for each pattern. So far I've purchased the yarn for the 3 smaller items, fingerless mitts, socks and a hat. I've finished the mitts and have started the hat. I figure once I get these 3 finished I'll move on to the bigger patterns. There is a gorgeous shawl, a sweater and a cozy cardigan. I've never knit everything from a pattern book before, but I think I'm up for the challenge. If you knit, check out this book. You just may want to take the "Journey" with me.
Sally

5 Days

Day 1

 

day 2

 

Day 3

 

Day 4

 

Day 5

 

I picked up this little Blue Hyacinth at the grocery store last week. We had just taken down all of the Christmas decorations and I was feeling a little blah. Watching it bloom over the past few days has been a joy and it smells like Hawaii which has made dealing with this crazy cold weather a little more bearable.
I wish it would stay exactly as it is today, but I know that's not going to happen.  Hopefully I can find another one just starting to bloom the next time I'm at the store.
Sally

Home Sweet Home

Alan had his surgery Tuesday and everything went well. He spent 2 long days at the hospital and now he's home. He's been given strict orders to rest which he seems to be more than happy to comply with, but finding a comfortable position is tricky. He will probably be home "resting" for about 2 weeks. We are so appreciative for all of the prayers and positive thoughts sent our way over the past few months. Hopefully his recovery will go according to plan and we will be back to our "normal" selves very shortly.
Sally

Let the Light Shine

Since we moved into this house over 3 years ago we have had the most annoying florescent light hanging above the kitchen sink. At times the humming would drive me nearly bonkers. The nasty light is GONE and a very quiet LCD light has taken it's place. Whenever Alan volunteers for "Mr. Fix It" jobs that involve electricity I get a little nervous. He was pretty confident that changing out the light was well within his ability. He was so right and I will never doubt him again.... We still have a little bit of touch up painting to do, but that's the easy part. It feels so good to be able to cross off another home improvement project. It's only January 4th, who knows how many jobs we will be able to accomplish this year? I wish the list were not quite so long.

Sally

Happy New Year!

I'm sitting here at my desk drinking a little hot toddy and sending out a "cheers" to all of you for a wonderful 2014. Like most of the country, it's cold in Louisville today. We've had a tiny bit of snow but nothing like the Midwest and East are getting. Really that's just fine by me. The kids helped me take down all of the Christmas decorations. Second year in a row that we haven't gotten that job done before the first.... The house feels totally naked. Clean, but naked.

 I may have a bit of a Rum Chata problem. Do you know this stuff? It was introduced to me this past year and I can't get enough of it. I've been using it as creamer in my late afternoon coffee. My dad even bought me a bottle for Christmas because he and the kids seem to enjoy it just as much as I do. If you haven't tried it, I'm just saying it's pretty good stuff. After all that undecorating, I think a nice Mexican dinner out is a grand idea. hmm. I guess that means I'll be having a Margarita soon, so just one hot toddy for me today.  Stay warm and cozy where ever you are.
Sally