Sunday, December 30, 2012

After the Snow





Today was bright and windy as yesterday's storm moved away.
I had wanted to take a walk but the blowing snow stung my eyes.

I picked up a sweater that I haven't worked on
 in months and sat down at my drawing table again...

Ideas are plenty and now there's the time to explore them.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

A Florida Walk

morning thunderstorm from my parent's back porch
favorite park from my childhood
 a home in my old neighborhood
spanish moss...sigh
the woods
 the trail

The day after Christmas started with a heavy morning thunderstorm.
As is typical of Florida, the weather quickly cleared.

My brother and I have started the tradition of taking a walk 
through the woods behind our old neighborhood.
This time we tried a new trail...so beautiful.

We also took a drive around Lake Alice and saw a small Alligator, maybe 3 1/2 feet long.
For some reason it feels odd if I don't catch a glimpse of a gator while home!

I returned with three different types of acorns filling my pocket.
What a great day.
*smile*

Friday, December 28, 2012

A Belated Merry Christmas







This year I was fortunate to be with my family in Florida for Christmas.
It was so great to be together again, even if only for a few days.

On Christmas Eve we went to visit one of my Mom's friends 
who allowed us to pick grapefruit and tangerines from her trees.
Although she wasn't home, she had left the pickers out for us to use.
Fresh citrus for Christmas!

Thanks Mom, Dad, D and MGM for a wonderful time.
I love you all very much.

And thank you to all that may happen upon this blog once in a while.
I appreciate you letting me share my little day to day experiences with all of you.

Merry (if Belated) Christmas to you all.

xo, j

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Back Online

chocolate brown baby alpaca & a bowl from Vermont
chestnuts


My internet was out for a couple of days but now it's back.
I took these photos yesterday when the sun was bright,
clouds have since moved in and rain is on the way.

Christmas is bearing down and I'm working 
without a day off this week...

If only I could lumber away like a bear
and sleep for a couple of months.
*smile*

Monday, December 17, 2012

Silence


An unthinkable tragedy in Connecticut last Friday.
We hold the families close to our hearts.
They were just babies...



Friday, December 14, 2012

Always Late for Work...





Satsuma oranges and the new issue of Kinfolk magazine.
It's been an exhausting week...
knitting occupies my hands
and soothes my heart.
Thank you for the kind thoughts.
xo, j

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Goodbye Howard




It was casual but elegant, you would have been so pleased.
I'll miss you, dear friend.

Monday, December 03, 2012

patterns & colors

my knitting kit
winter green, peat and grey
blue sky alpaca royal petite knitting patterns, complete with alpaca 'trading cards'
grey, yellow and pink

"There isn't time as in a universal tick tock,
there are times..."

   -Brian Greene, The Fabric of the Cosmos


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

First Snow

leaning out my window
paper clay beasties
love this cover

I woke this morning to the unmistakable silence of snowfall.
Small flakes falling steadily onto the backs of squirrels.
I wish that I could take off from work on the first snowfall of the year
to tromp through the woods (with a hawk on my arm!)

Sorry I haven't been posting as regularly, life is a whirlwind as of late.
Dutifully knitting away and squeezing bits of paper clay into beasties.
Hope that everyone is happy, safe and well.
xo, j

"Take your pleasure seriously"
-Charles Eames

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Greenhouse & Green Mitts



sweet basil, lights, white cyclamen, norfolk pine
and yellow paphiopedilum 
baby alpaca mitts

Today I opted for the heady rush of exhaling plants
and made a trip to the greenhouse not a half mile away.
The yellow orchid stole my heart...

So busy at work lately...

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Cabbage, Beets and 'Taters




This past weekend my city mouse friend braved the country 
(and muddied her expensive boots!)
 to pick the above seasonal veg from her friend's farm.

The season has been quite mild but
 this will probably be the last viable harvest.
The cabbage is enormous, weighing in at 9 pounds!

Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving Holiday.
I'll certainly be chopping, peeling and roasting.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Late Afternoon Walk


crab apples
knitting gifts
belted kingfisher


Today I made a last minute trip up to the mountains.
There were only a couple hours of sun left so my walk was short.
By the time I left the moon was almost set and it was 27F.
brrrrrr!

Thank you all for the lovely comments on my previous post.
It really made my day and prompted this little walk.
Thanks for getting me out of the house!
xo, j

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Beautiful Day

just one more sleeve
the last tree with leaves outside my window
4 out of 6 orchids are spiking, the flowers are coming!

It's an absolutely perfect autumnal day.
The sun is bright and a chilly breeze makes it perfect for a walk in the woods.
Alas, I must go into work soon.

I should be knitting Holiday presents but I'm so close to finishing this sweater.
My gauge was a bit off and a smaller size would have been more appropriate
but it's Debbie Bliss Cashmerino and very soft.
It will be great to just bum around in.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Morning Walkabout

doorstop
dried flowers
pink shadows

Walking around the apartment this morning, 
trying to see the usual things in a new way.

"It's a matter of never giving up before one has
managed to re-create the first impression..."
-Pierre Bonnard


Sunday, November 11, 2012

Pinks and Sweets




It was a beautiful day with the temperature reaching 72F.
That's unheard of this time of year.
I did some necessary shopping then went for a walk around a neighborhood park.
Kids were playing soccer and many people walking their dogs.

Back home to tea and cookies and a lovely magazine.
Wishing everyone a relaxed end to their weekend.
xo, j


Saturday, November 10, 2012

Rose Hips, Pomegranates and Paper Clay






A grey day with clouds that look like snow.
I went for a short walk and found these bright red rose hips.
Pomegranates are back in the grocery stores and I couldn't be happier!
I love the delicious little seeds.
Keeping busy with the little paper clay animals.
(They look a little too cute...but I don't care)
Lots of knitting and reading.
Hope your weekend is full of wonderful treats.