Baby its cold outside

 

I know this sounds weird...but I really enjoy manual labor.  Isn't it great to get out there and really work?  I'm always up for a little outside work as long as it is not mowing the lawn (I learned how this summer) in 90+degree temperatures, or weeding the dusty garden in gale force winds, or anything else that causes me to break much of a sweat or swear.  Okay, so maybe I don't really love manual labor.  But I do love the satisfaction that comes when you stand back and see what you have accomplished.  A job well done. Invigorating.  My husband does not share the same opinion.  He opted to watch football this morning while I shoveled.    No matter, it is I who reaped the cardiovascular benefits.

 

Between all that piling up of snow, I snuck in some smooches too.  The kids didn't last long.  It really was freezing cold out this morning.  About 10 degrees with some blowing and drifting snow.  I kept thinking about how fluffy and wonderful the snow was.  Perfect for skiing.  It won't be long now.

 

I'll admit that there was plenty of lounging around this weekend as well.  Watched this and this.  Both pretty good. 

 

Oh yes, a bit of organizing and making as well.  Trying to keep up with my mitten advent calender that I started last year. I am ready to be done with it.  I think that I lost my enthusiasm for it on mitten #4.  

   

But alas, I am only on #14. 

We are headed over to our friend's house for a bar-b-que.  Yep, that's right-- with potato salad and all.  We decided on a throw back to summer.  Hope you are warm wherever you are!!

**For anyone intersted, the pattern I used for the crochet mittens can be found here.

Celery Beret

So a few weeks ago I started the Polly Beret.  It was a fun little project from the very start.  Little did I know it would turn into such family entertainment.

 

We were headed into town yesterday to score some equipment at the local ski swap and I thought I should sort of look the part.  You know, Nordic or something.  I had yet to debut the beret in public- nor had my family gazed upon its finished loveliness- so I thought, why not?

Out I came from my bathroom (where I fidgeted for at least 15 minutes with the hat...how do you wear your hair under one of these things?) and my husband, who was sitting with his laptop, did a double take and smirked. Anticipating some snide comment I said, "You think it is silly don't you? Would you be embarrassed if I wore it out today?"  Without laughing (I don't know how he kept a straight face) he said, "No you wouldn't embarrass me at all, go on with your bad self." (direct quote.) I told him that I really liked the color of it- Bernat Soy yarn in Celery.  Who doesn't want to wear a celery colored had?

"Huh" I thought, "it must really look okay!"  I swelled with pride and accomplishment knowing that I had crocheted something that I could actually wear.  In the kitchen now, the next person I encountered was Laurel.  At the sight of me her face twisted and she was obviously disturbed.  She pointed to my beret and said, "I don't like you with that on."  My confidence began to waiver.  Before I knew it Hannah piped in with , "Mom, uh, are you really gonna wear that because it looks really dumb."  Emma, who is always taking care of my feelings said, "Its okay Mom, I promise not to laugh at you.  If you really like it you should wear it.  Do I have to go with you?"

Just then, Carl waltzed in casually and started singing, "Cel-er-ey beret, the kind you know that your Grandmother makes." (the Prince song)

That did it.  I yanked off the hat and marched back to my room to find some other form of acceptable head attire.  I laughed the whole way! It was pretty funny.

cozy crochet

I didn't think I would hear myself say it, but I am ready to move on. Summer was lovely, but hello Fall.  We had some rain this weekend and as much as I love the warm sunshine...it was quite cozy inside.  I know that in a couple of months the rejoicing over clouds will feel ridiculous. 

Being a Pacific Northwest native I think that there will always be a deep seated need for misty mornings, slugs on the sidewalk, windshield wipers, umbrellas, rubber boots, moss, and wood fireplaces.  Is it weird to miss that sometimes?

The rainy weather made it so much less guilt provoking to plop myself down on the couch, feet propped up, laptop on my lap, hot cider nearby, with some yarn in hand.  I have missed you little G hook.  Where have you been all summer?

Finished this twirly little scarf.  I just love patterns that can be memorized and repeated- that way I don't have to take my eyes away from the movies I'm watching to look at the directions. Once that was finished I moved onto this little beauty.  Not done yet, but the weather calls for more clouds and rain this week.  Its looking good.