Holy #$@#! It's Cold

This is the reason why we moved away from Rochester, MN.

Today: Windy conditions and snow showers. Significant blowing and drifting snow. Dangerous wind chills approaching -35F. High 1F. Winds WNW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of snow 40%.
Tonight: Bitterly cold. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Dangerous wind chills may approach -30F. Low -12F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph.

Inspired

I've never been so inspired to knit a shawl until now. I don't wear shawls but when I saw this one I knew I had to make it. I am fascinated by it. I have to make those stitches. It's definitely the engineer/geek in me that is driving me to make it. It's just so geometric. I'm convinced that the above Wollmeise will be perfect for it. What do you think?

Almost done!

I set a goal this year to be done with my Xmas shopping by Dec. 1 so I could just knit, craft, and cook the remainder of the month...no pressure. I didn't hit the goal perfectly but by Wednesday I will be done. YEAH ME! Earlier in November I canned all my holiday knitting and now I can knit without pressure. Knitted gifts will be extras. If I finish they will be given at Xmas otherwise they will be a "just cause" gift later.


In between my shopping, I found time to make this guy. The kids have officially named him Sven Vanderhoodle. Quick and fun other than all the sewing up....not my favorite thing to do. But he was worth it.

Lastly I was tagged by my friend Serena to list 7 things I love. I've gone beyond the obvious of friends, family and my dogs.

1. I love homemade mac and cheese on a cold day.
2. I love watching my husband taking something simple and "teching" it out.
3. I love laughing so hard you cry.
4. I love that my entire family enjoys geocaching and that the kids beg every day to do some more.
5. I love white frosted Xmas cookies. (can you tell I'm hungry?)
6. I love to pet yarn...especially Malabrigo.
7. I love curling up on the couch with my husband and yarn (of course). Xmas tree lit and fireplace going.

One extra....this weekend I bought Pictionary for us all to play. I did not buy the kids version even though I have a 9 year old. We let her decide if she could draw a word or not. We didn't expect much from her...and then she amazed us all. She was fabulous at it. And if you didn't guess what she was writing and then she told you what it was you were shocked you didn't get it. Her drawings were simple. And after she drew the picture sometimes she just sat there wondering how stupid you were. One of our favorites that my husband did not guess was Red Meat. She drew a blob with a circle (bone) in the middle and then drew a cow. Makes perfect sense, right?! This caused me to do number 3 above. I love that kid!

It's Snowing!

It's November in North Carolina and it's snowing! Actually it's stopped now but thats okay. What a great gift to wake up to. Having been a northerner all my life I shouldn't be so excited but snow is something special here. I love that it is that way. We all stepped outside at 6:30am to feel the snow fall on us. It wasn't the same old get up and get ready kind of morning. We were all smiling.

I've been Xmas shopping all week and today is going to be a stay at home in my sweats kind of day. I have lots of knitting I want to do and some internet shopping in mind. Plus, I just received the new Interweave Knits magazine. I'm off to make myself a latte and cuddle up with my computer and magazine.

Cold Hands

I finished up a few knit items that had to be done and now I'm free to knit whatever I want. My hands are cold so I think Fetching is in order as well as Through the Loops new mitten pattern Reykjavik. Both will give me instant gratification and warm hands.

The item that had to be finished was Clapotis. I love it! I love Malabrigo Silky and it only took 3.5 skeins to make it. I have plans to make a skinnier version in some new yarn I purchased. We'll have to see when I get to that.

Girls Weekend

I escaped this last weekend to Vermont for a long girls weekend. A much needed vacation. My flights were great. The food was great. Burlington warmed up for my arrival...63 degrees in November! It was nice to visit and see old friends. I learned a lot this trip...

What I learned this last weekend in Vermont...

1. Extreme ping pong can be dangerous.
2. Geocaching is fun and is now my new hobby.
3. You can burn your finger if the battery cap is not on.
4. Not having children is very good for your chest.
5. Running uphill = hitchhiking
6. The MamaMia soundtrack really riles women up.
7. The "flagshop" is very busy on a Sunday afternooon.

I'm sure I learned more...and I apologize to those reading this who have no idea what the heck I'm talking about...but those who do will appreciate this.

Possibilities

I am happy/grateful that I woke up today and was able to show my girls that anybody of any sex or race can be whatever they want to be. We have a African-American President-elect and North Carolina voted in their first female govenor. Anything is possible girls....anything.