On the Other Side

 Christmas 2015 has come and gone, and there was some wooly goodness. Many of the hats and gloves hit that I knit for friends and family hit the mark. Dan's sweater was not one of those. I should have stopped when I felt the sleeves were too big for the armholes. They are. I will reknit them to the next size down. But I can look forward to that when we return from our trip to Israel next week.

 New Years Eve afternoon was spent with pipe band friends. We played at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort, piping in the New Year, of Scotland, Hogmany, at 4 pm. D was on call so we booked it back home for some Netflix and leftovers. I was pleased that my back withstood the excitement of marching and playing the bass drum. I have my physiotherapist to thank for that.

 Managed to get the hot water bottle cover knitted. Several false starts: not enough Malabrigo, yarn too scratchy. But I figured I could be a bit of a princess over this attempt at my own wellness. I heat the magic bag in the microwave and that won't be available on our trip.

Got into a bit of a pickle with a skein of alpaca lace. But I wasn't about to let it get the better of me. I was a bit punky and Emily helped me take down the tree, so I conquered this mass of tangles.

 And cast on another Alpine Frost to give to a host this fall when we go to New York. I know. 2016 will be the year of gallavanting. Don't forget Ireland in July. Total dream trip.

 So happy to be able to fit in a trip to the ranch for my sister's birthday. I hope to drive up there more this year and play board games and bake and have fun.

 We brought croissants that needed to be thawed, proofed and baked. Lordy, they were good with thick bacon and freshly gathered eggs. Perfect for a breakfast birthday party.

 While we were gabbing at the table, I cast on my Gale's Art Graffiti On Asphalt socks. I did the first 2 inches of 1x1 rib in 2.5mm and then went down to 2.25mm for the ribbing pattern. These are the "A Nice Ribbed Sock" that fit Scotty so well for his Christmas present. I want socks that fit well, too.

 I love my sister's wood box, it's so practical and handy.

 And I love her fire. But not enough to have one of my own. It's like having another pet with the feeding and cleaning.

 On the trip home, driving the Coquihalla Highway, I worked on the best car knitting ever: the 3 Colour Cowl. I love travelling with this project so much, that it hasn't gotten any love at home and has rather languished. I still haven't decided if I'm going to cast on a shawl (with wooden needles) for my travel knitting. There is a terribly long flight plus coach travel. I want the intersection of easy to knit, but something I want to wear. Perhaps another stole. Laceweight is good for travel.

Taking some time to journal as I prepare for this budding year. My word is wellness. I hope to gain strength and feed myself with good food that makes me feel well. I have reclaimed my sleep but seem more tired than ever. I long to walk outside and maybe tackle some simple hiking.

And writing. I'm saying it out loud and on the blog. I am going to work on my first novel. I need to schedule time. I feel lucky now that I have a more open schedule. Some of it was on purpose and some of it fell on me. But I will claim it and satisfy that itch to write this year.

This year, I wish for you to make wishes.