Start With Me

 The parmesan shortbread was given the green light at book club last night. We think it can be improved by topping it with red pepper jelly. So I made a double batch this morning. As my kids get older they are more interested in savoury treats. This is the kick off to the Christmas baking for me (if you don't count the Christmas Cake). Coming soon: butter tarts and traditional shortbread. I'd really like to make Latvian cookies with some of the beautiful jelly we were given.

 The dining room was scrubbed down yesterday and all the books returned to their shelves. Even the mantle has some Christmas touches with our wedding gift silver candle sticks. This year I look forward to lots of red and silver. Roses and alstroemeria make a simple and long lasting bouquet. I was a little worried because one of our friends owns the best florist shop, but she is too kind to say anything about my Safeway flowers. I put flowers in the bathroom, I love flowers in the bathroom!

 I am increasingly using candy as decoration (can you see the vase of candy canes next to the holly on the coffee table?) . But I want it eaten, too. This is a mixture similar to what my mom used to put in our stockings. Love the ribbon candy, but I can't invest in having my mouth torn apart until after our concert. I'm excited about playing ukelele with the kids and singing a solo: Rudolph in doo wap.

The temperature continues to hover around 5 degrees (Celsius) and dipping into freezing at night. The sun is so pleasant! The touches of red really cheer me up. Thanks Jane Brocket for the inspiration! I want to link you to Completely Cauchy, but perhaps on a day when her post is not PG-13.
I love the promise of family gathering and singing with children that this season brings. We will be flying from concert to concert (2 extra at Emily's university). But we love to be bathed in music.
There has been a little knitting on a selfish brown Malabrigo Moody Kerchief for me. I need to get back to the list.
Let the season begin.

Adventures in Yarn

 On Saturday I went on a yarn crawl, maybe more of a stagger than a crawl. We met at 88 Stitches in Langley and did a bit of damage. I was there a few weeks ago and wanted my friends to enjoy this friendly store.  I bought Malabrigo for another Moody Kerchief, some Kidsilk creation and the new Jane Austen Knits magazine by Interweave Press.  S and I were done long before J could deliberate, but that's our normal. Great lunch at Mozarts.

 Then the unfortunate trip to Port Moody and Black Sheep. I thought we would go back on the Trans Canada Highway and cross the Port Mann bridge to double back. Because of the Fraser River, the roads are not direct, even though the stores aren't far as the crow flies. But S is more local and wanted to take the new Golden Ears bridge. I said fine, but I can't navigate in Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows. Well, apparently, with all the heavy rains, the lane and signage changes, she can't either. I have proven that I will follow her anywhere, even down a dead end gravel road.
It was like being in an old X-Files episode. Partly because we're watching the old seasons, and partly because this is where they were actually filmed.
By retracing our steps (and driving in circles almost an hour) we made it to the most charming, bright and friendly Black Sheep shop. Well worth the adventure.

 I added more Kidsilk Haze and the Mohair Bias Loop pattern to the basket, as well as some Rowan fine tweed and two copies of Coastal Knits (one for a gift).
The store samples were exquisite. I think I'll rip out the stocking stitch of my Dahlia because the rowing out is too obvious. I can do better.

 I cast off the long neglected socks and cast on the Kidsilk  Creations scarf. Not sure if I want to wear it or give it away. I feel a bit 'clownish' in it, but a more sophisticated person could carry it off.

I also finished knitting for my great nephews. Squeee. I can't show just yet. Lurkers, you know.
I'm working on the Moody Kerchief and the Mohair Bias loop. Just bought another scarf so my  Xmas knitting list is shrinking! That's one way to complete a list.

Thankful Anyway

 It's American Thanksgiving, but I got to do a little Black Friday shopping in downtown Chilliwack this morning and we had a lovely, sunny day to be thankful for.
I'm thankful the plasterers are gone last night, though they finished at 9 last night. All their plastic barrier and drop cloths are gone with them, but a lot of dust remains. Today I washed and painted the wall below their fix. It happens to be our fireplace wall, our feature wall. I'll have to do a second coat where the plaster meets the ceiling.

 I am done the endless beginning of a non-Christmas gift. I knit a couple of Santa hats and maybe squeed a little. They are charming and the opposite of a raft of garter stitch. I may be making one for me to wear at work. Is it OK to be silly at hospice? I also have a Snoopy scrub top.

 The amazing amaryllis is outdoing its predecessors. Never have I had a bulb before December. To celebrate, it is now in a sweet Christmas pot. Don't worry there will be more pictures as it grows like corn.

And a package arrived from Louisiana as part of our Knit Girllls afghan square swap. A huge package from ScottieGirl1 on Ravelry. She knit me a beautiful, soft, blue square and added so many goodies. We laughed about the American "Smarties", nothing like the ones I grew up with. I'll make the family BBQ shrimp with Dirty Rice as a treat. I'm allergic to sea food, but they love it.
And I am thankful for friends and family. Every day.

Outside Inside

Havoc.

Everything is topsy turvy as the workmen fix the leak in the ceiling over our fireplace. Furniture is shoved against the wall, the table is full of mantle items. 

On Thursday J came over for  knitting because I had to answer electrician questions. He must be a very desperate electrician to need answers from me. On Friday I hid in the basement and took back my crafting cupboards, moving them to the old play room and reorganizing them. Please don't touch them (don't open the cupboard and throw the stuff within a 2 meter radius!). I may have more sewing confidence now that I know where my stuff is.

I do have to say they are very tidy, but still very noisy and not easy to anticipate. Will they come this morning? Should I be here? Can I go do errands?

Oh, but outside. It has snowed and the snow stuck! Black ice and wind. Yes, in a turn around of a few hours, the winter arrived. It's as cold as November! Hats, scarves, mitts (with fingers). Last week I was walking the dog while wearing a sweatshirt and rain shell. I was going to do some weeding. Yesterday was full arctic gear.

She doesn't care. She loves weather. I filled the bird feeders and suet holder. I think the wee birds are as shocked as we are.

In knitting, I am working on some epic garter stitch that is the basis for a surprise gift, so very boring to you (and to me also). As soon as I do decrease every one of the 205 stitches I will cast on a Christmas gift or a silly Santa hat. If the hat works out, it will probably go in the gift pile anyway.

Overseas cards are finally ready to post. I always have a challenge collecting addresses. Next will be completing the Amazon orders for nieces and nephews far away. Then I'll get all the contents of the gift drawer exposed and start my plotting.

And On This Path

 Spent the last few days in Knutsford. The weather is at least a month ahead. The Coquihalla Highway was beautiful on the way up, with snow on the side of the road and mist in the deep canyons. Long Lake was frozen, thawed, and started to freeze while I was there.

 We had to walk around the lake because it was very windy and the old aspen trees are dangerous when they fall.

 Dexter and Jake are the dogs in charge when we're outside.

 My sister kept saying, "It's not cold." But I had my Malabrigo Moody Kerchief and fingerless mitts all the time.
We went to electrictree and had a great visit with our older sister who is one of the shop owners, with her daughter. It was decided we would do a knit a long (KAL) of the Bandana Cowl from Purlbee.com. We chose Cascade Eco Wool and the suggested 16 inch circular needles. Loved the yarn, didn't like the needles. I was able to help my sister cast on in our old way, do double decreases and even venture into short row shaping. I cast off just as I was ready to go.

But even though it was beautiful in Kamloops, the Coquihalla pass was blocked by snow and spun out vehicles. After a wee bit of drama, I chose to go home by the Fraser Canyon, the Trans Canada Highway. It doesn't have the elevation for snow, but is very twisty and turny. Luckily I spotted a confident semi tractor trailer with a refrigerated box and followed him from Spences Bridge to Hope. It started to rain and got suddenly dark in Litton at 4:30. The next hour was a bit scary with tunnels and curves and steep grades, the wipers on triple and the visibility low. But, thanks to my security truck, I made it to Hope, which is almost home, and it stopped raining.
I was happy to get home to work the next day and then just relax. All roads lead to home.

Project Success

The 12 hats are finished and will go to Mexico for Christmas. Thanks to Needles In the Hay for the spectrum challenge. I was born in Peterborough, but have no memories of it. I would love this to be my own LYS (local yarn shop).
I had to finish these early so I could complete another project: KGASS, the Knit Girllls Afghan Square Swap. The next round starts in January. Maybe you'd like to join us? I have one more square to knit and gather up the goodies I have been picking up to mail. In return, someone from the group is knitting me another blue cabled square. These will become a blanket someday. Yay.
Then I can flagellate myself with Christmas knitting. Some of it will be secret. The last thing I usually do is a hat for D to lose in the barn. Already have that yarn. I am going to the ranch on Wednesday so I can do some secret knitting there. I have invited so many people to Ravelry, who knows who lurks in the dark corners?
Today I will be pleased with the win.

Hail Weather

 I made the best of some rainbow yarn that was donated to our Chilliwack C ommon Threads knitting circle. Kate knit a wonderful Baby Sophisticate cardigan with this yarn, but it just hurt my teeth. I used it for highlights and stash dived for the white. We now have almost 3 layettes for the Hospital Auxiliary.
Just got in from walking the dog (we're managing the big block again, 4 miles) . We left in sunshine and by the time we passed the high school and turned the corner to head home, it was hailing. Really. Well, it is November.

And to keep a dear friend warm and comforted, the red cache coeur (Ysolda's Damson) was cast off Saturday night at work and blocked at midnight when I got home. It was dry enough to sneak to her at church before her husband had to go on a trip. I don't know how the results of her tests went, but I would like her to know she's not alone. I am not just a fair weather friend.

Happy Hallowe'en

Friday Flowers

 I'm stealing this idea from Cornflower. I love how she used non-petally flowers today. I looked at my garden, grabbed my camera and felt a rush of excitement. I love these lost flowers that mark the change in seasons. I confess I let my parsley go to flower.

 New pots in purple with pansies to cover spring tulips.

 The anemone still holds her graceful head on a delicate stalk.

 Pink poppies are still beautiful when they are generating seeds.

And my beloved columbine. I was given seeds from my sister's heritage garden and was so pleased to be able to take the same seeds to her new farm. We think of BIL's grandma who came over from Ireland and kept her hats in a trunk with the original travel tag.
The preservation of last years flowers give hope to next spring.

Compelled

 I was at my daughter's Jazz Band concert in Langley and heard my friends from knitting night saying, "That's pretty close to 88 Stitches." Why yes it is. So I scooted over. The concert was great, but my back is giving me problems and driving is the problem. I snuck into Fort Langley and still did not find shoes that are as interesting as Converse but for this older knitter. I felt my feet were too big. But at 88 Stitches, I was Goldilocks at home. Can you say wall of Malibrigo? Sue was super and I felt like I needed to stop in again to pick up more. The Kidsilk Haze is because I never buy it. Now it is mine.

 This Sweet Fibre is so gorgeous. It is hand dyed by a local dyer,  Sue's daughter, in fact. I was compelled to take it home with me. It's sock, 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon. I will make myself a shawl. Another one.

And yesterday morning I was compelled to make a shawl for a friend who may be facing a terrible diagnosis. I still say maybe not, but she deserves something warm and comforting. A Damson in Shibui baby alpaca. I shall call it a Cache Coeur to keep her heart safe.
I am giving up my knitted Hallowe'en wig that was my compulsion last month to rip this thing out.
How quickly can I knit this up before I get back on the crazy train that is all the Christmas knitting?

Muffling

 The presents are presenting themselves. J doesn't read blogs, so I think I can post progress here, but not on Ravelry.com. This is Grumperina's Volna scarf. I'm doing it in Fame Trend. The colour changes are like Noro, but stay in Jean Green.

Mom asked for a skinny scarf. The Crystal Palace Bunny Hop has 8% Rabbit Angora and is so soft. This is Falling Water, and I like it better than the lacy ripples I did a few months ago. This pattern sings (and screams, as in screamin' fast). Two mufflers, check.
There are other gifts in the planning stage, but I have had confessions of lurking and have very unfortunately introduced Ravelry to many new friends. The blog is not safe. Don't they know they can just look in my knitting bag(s) for the evidence they seek?
Any ideas on how I can get them to comment and come out of the shadows?

Unexpected Finds

 The Wooly Bears are out. Also called Wooly Worms (no longer creeped out by Wooly Wormhead). You could easily miss them if you are travelling too quickly. But when I walk the dog, I like to take my time and enjoy the lovely area we live in.

 The view is not always of the mountains. When it's really rainy and cloudy, the  mountains are hidden in their shrouding. But the sky can still be beautiful. Even though I am not a fan of Canada Geese in my yard, I am touched by their beauty in the sky and how they mark the autumn. Unfortunately while I was engrossed in taking this picture, our rotten neighbour's daughter, the Troll, brought the vicious black labs to the same park and let them run loose. They were in the tennis court, but the doors weren't shut and when Roxy came at me with teeth bared and barking like a devil, I was still greatly frightened. This was on top of a painful back from my first chiropractor visit and the bad behaviour of my own big dog who is afraid of the garbage and recycling trucks that are out on Thursday.
I consoled myself by baking a birthday cake for my best friend, and pumpkin muffins for the family. My friends had a great birthday party!! What great friends!

 Surprisingly I finished the baby sweaters. The green alpaca is from a fail to mix two colours. I love the shell buttons. Hopefully we'll have a baby shower soon.

 The Baby Surprise Jacket is always a treat. This one was completed surprisingly quickly. Thanks Knit Girllls for the yarn prize. This one will join a hat and booties to support the Chilliwack General Hospital Auxiliary.

Last Sunday was the Rotary Club Book Sale. A huge event, you never know what you'll find. Although the prices are no longer one dollar each, they are all 3-5 dollars and worth sifting through hundreds of thousands to find a few gems. The genres are better organized now and I have so many books I am more discerning. Also Jean bought the other ones I want and I can borrow them.
It is time to put reading on the to do list. I need to read more than just at bed time because I have a long queue including book club books and non fiction.
If I wake up before my alarm is set, I get to read in bed. I love unexpected finds.

Yarn Bombing

 I got home from work today, a little sore from the chiropractor and got a wonderful surprise. Thank-you KPJJ1 from Ravelry.com.

 We had some high jinx at the Chilliwack Common Threads Knitting Circle last night. What fun. I took Emily's scraps and knit a long scarf about 7 inches across. I finished it while we enjoyed our tea and goodies at Decades Coffee Club.

 DamnMagpie and I cable tied it to the post outside the coffee shop and whip stitched it together with dental floss. Thanks for playing with me. I wonder how long it will last?

Definitely need more silliness in my life. Maybe a dancing evening with my alto section.

Fresh Look

I was happy to be home this week. It feels like I worked a lot and I did a lot of housework. But the cool evenings are setting in and I am practicing nesting.
The baby sweaters are off the needles and I walked to the mall today to buy buttons. I usually walk the dog and then drive to the mall, but I wanted some time away from work and to go at my own pace.
This is a big weekend with friends for a Haiti Art Auction (I'm baking and manning the kitchen), kids fun day (I did the craft) and tomorrow I lead a drumming circle and sing a solo (Ordinary Miracle) at church. Did I really think I could go to the round up at the ranch?
Monday is back to work for three days this week. And October is being eaten away like a waning moon.
I am taking time to set up Christmas knitting and finish off a few projects. Not the black shawl which I know I will love to wear, but don't love knitting. We are planning a pi-along when the Dahlia is done. Looking forward to that.
But right now I'm happy to look out and see my mountains and my back garden in the long autumn light.

With Gratitude

This is how I like my turkey: in a sandwich with roasted vegetables. I made the turkey on Wednesday so my family wouldn't do without Thanksgiving dinner while I was on Saltspring Island knitting. They did go up to MIL's for huge dinner by awesome Ukrainian cook, and tonight I go to my eldest sister's for fancy turkey dinner. 

I am thankful that I had an extra day to unpack, do laundry, plant the autumn plants and dig out my winter clothes. 

Hope you are surrounded by friends, family and plentiful food. We have much to be thankful for.

Saltspring Retreat

 Sunset on Saltspring is a wonderful start to the day. Our retreat days started early with huge breakfasts and went late after delicious organic dinners from vegetables grown on the site of the Harbour House Hotel.
 This is the view of the marina from the front stairs.

There were lots of colours to choose from for our Fearless Fair Isle knitting lessons with Barb Brown. Caroline dyed lots of extra electrictree sock yarn for us and rolled it into small cakes. We each made a bag of 3 colours including several new techniques, a three colour row, and real, live steeking. I don't call these lessons 'tips'. Tips are too tiny. These are mind-blowing knitting secrets from the Shetland Island knitter and the combined knitting experience of some great fibre artists.
I also got a great lesson in drop spindling and feel quite full of myself.
There was a bit of stash acquisition, but it's hand-dyed by electric tree and some was for Emily.

The weather held and we had fun tromping up and down the quiet roads to wineries, bakeries and a farmers' market. I got to meet up with a few knitters I had met years ago at Sivia Harding's retreat and am so grateful to get to know them a bit better. I also made a new buddy who is fearless and way too fit, but funny, funny and fun. Thanks.
I had so much fun spending time with my sister, niece and great niece and just breaking up with our own brand of humour.
You should have been there.

Gratitude

 I am treading water to keep my head above my in box. Thanks to David Allen for this quick tip. Why have I  not been doing that? I have papers all over my desk, under my macbook, under my ipad. No idea where the book club notes got to? Oh, yes, the garbage. I wouldn't have looked there because I usually recycle (I usually make notes before I recycle). But my rule is, if it's not in the right place, look in the wrong place.
I am grateful I had enough time in the afternoon last week, after an 8 hour day shift, to make up the Gratitude banner I had been scheming since seeing one in Pinterest. No need to thank me for the time-sucking website.

 I also stopped by our local DecorWest shop and picked up a runner in the shade of wheat I was hankering for and a red pitcher and platter that remind me of Fiesta ware. In Attic24's website, she notes that the touch of red makes a happier home. I am slow to add red to our home except at Christmas and Valentines. I should bring out the red cushion, too, but it doesn't like my burgundy shawl.

I am thankful I had time to knit the September hat in the brown colour of the spectrum for Project Help Mexico. I also whipped up a baby sweater for  a friend who is due in November.

Went to Burnaby on Friday for the second in a series of Palliative Care lectures. The traffic couldn't have been worse! I listened to Lorna Doon because I hadn't updated any podcasts! Oh well, I'm enjoying the book, too. The course was deep and touching and I hope to be more effective at talking about the difficult things with patients and family. 

The trip to Vancouver Island this weekend got off to a rocky start. Why does no one keep track of the time? We have a ferry reservation for a reason! We went to Victoria, dropped off runners and root beer at the Bear Den (Scott's condo) then set up in our rooms at the Queen Victoria hotel. I like an old hotel that is not part of a chain. This one has been redone to the best of her abilities and I got a deal through expedia. It's right across the street from the Royal BC Museum, where I spent many hours as a child. My sister and I lived with Aunt Anna in the summer and the museum was free. Her brother, Uncle Lloyd took us to the beach and China Town and Beacon Hill Park. We were happily spoiled. The other Uncle Lloyd had a birthday the same day as me and I remember pancake parties with cousin Sheldon and a full table of relatives. I got another birthday in August when I came home.

Anyway I cast on the Baby Surprise Jacket in the Regia Cotton top Color yarn I won from the Knit Girllls Podcast  and got a lot done. I also knit the funny pieces of the back for the Dahlia cardigan and pieced them together. I'm afraid to knit too much until I check in with the other two KALs to place the afterthought sleeve. D likes the colour a lot. It comes out grey in the camera, but it's really teal (like the family tartan).

My October visit to my Bellingham friend is bumped to November. I am working this evening and next which means apologies to the choir and knit group. I hate that, but they need me at work. I am feeling a bit off kilter. The to do list is choking me. Plus I have a big list of chores I do at the turn of the calendar (hello watering plants!).

Today I am going to take it one step at a time. Thanks for being there so I can put my crazy thoughts in order. I am grateful for you, gentle reader.