Posted by ann

The Boar and I did yard work this weekend. What I hope is the last leaf bagging extravaganza for the year. And as usual, we vowed that next year we would hire landscapers to do it. We shall see when the time comes if we make good on our threats ……

I also managed to make a big dent in the Christmas Shopping list. I was beginning to panic slightly because not only had I not gotten much shopping done, I didn’t have any ideas about what to buy. Yes, I am one of those annoying do-ahead people. Don’t hate me – you should be grateful for people like me – that makes one less body, one less pair of elbows to bump into at the mall on the day after Thanksgiving! I spent a few hours on the laptop – thank God for online shopping – how did we ever manage without it? Do you know of any especially good sites? Here is one of my faves.

Speaking of Thanksgiving …. a list of upcoming happy good things:

D#1 gets home tomorrow!! I can’t wait to see her!!
This is the first time in a long while that I will not be doing the basting. We will be going to my MiL’s for our turkey dinner. I am totally enjoying the prospect!
I am also looking forward to making Aunt Mabel’s Cranberry Pie Cake and taking it over to MiL’s house.

gobble, gobble!

Posted by ann

Here is a look at my next project. It is the Stacy Pullover from Big Girl Knits. This picture does not do a good job of capturing the honeycomb stitch. The yarn is Brooks Farm Four Play that I bought at Rhinebeck – last year! My first thought was to do a top down raglan, using the percentage system but also keeping in mind some of the design details mentioned in BGK book. Then I thought, why not just knit that sweater you really like from the book?

The first hurdle was trying to decide which size to knit …… the pattern states specifically – do not knit larger than your measurement. I did the dirty deed and took my measurements. They were one inch less than one size and two inches greater than the next size down. AGH! So I cast on for the smaller size and started knitting. I spent the entire time wondering if I will have yet another unwearable sweater. I remind myself that I hate feeling like a sausage in knitwear. Two inches is a lot of negative ease. After getting a considerable amount of knitting done, I RIP. I am not doing this again. I am not not going to wear this sweater. If it comes out too big, I will take it in during the seaming. I would rather do that than have it be too small and then try to compensate in the blocking.

It is another gray & rainy day here. Perfect knitting weather!

I forgot to mention how much fun I had on Saturday with The Bakerina. Ricki & Peggy joined in the cooking fun. The divinity is divine – but good God is it ever labor intensive! My Kitchen Aid was going overtime. Fortunately with a kitchen full of cooks, I got to sit there and watch them! Here is the view from my chair …..

that, my dear, is the beauty of my genius.

Is it time to panic?

Posted by ann

Jen is arriving tomorrow for a day of divinity. This is a fudge like candy that is typically made around the holidays. After hearing about my marshmallow recipe, she suggested we try divinity – perhaps it is the next step in my candy making education.

So, why panic? Jen is a lovely, reasonable woman. She is smart. She is funny. She knits.

It sounds like an ideal day doesn’t it – what’s the problem?

Have you read her site? Do you get that she is a gourmet cook?

I am going to make us lunch.

I’m sweating already.

Posted by ann

Company is coming! Peggie E., she of the fabulous spinning and Bakelite needles is on her way. She wants my help in setting up a blog – stay tuned for linkage!

I have a pot of this on the stove and the Hitch Hiker all set for her to test drive. Now, how about a picture of puggy kisses?

ah, sweet!