Wintery Mix

This morning I woke up to a light covering of snow on the ground.

By afternoon it had turned to rain as the temperature rose.

Last week I tried my hand at some drop spindle spinning.

It's been a long time but I was able to come up with a small,

albeit slubby, ball of alpaca.

The strawberry snowflake sweater is coming along 

quickly as it is worked on #8 US needles.

All those wrist warmers were done on #2US, these now feel enormous.

Such a beautiful color!

Sunday Sorting Out

A bright and cold day.

Yesterday slipped away from me 

but today was full of pulling out drawers

and sorting through their contents.

A small snack of Clementines,

they won't be around much longer.

Started another knitting project.

It's a strawberry tweed snowflake sweater.

*smile*

Hope everyone had a great weekend,

xo, j

Spring Bulbs

For the most part we have had a mild winter.

Outside of work yesterday morning I noticed the Daffodil bulbs 

have been lured into a false sense of early Spring too.

The temperatures have since plummeted, and the 

month of February is usually snowy.

I will cover the little shoots with leaves and hope for the best.

Meanwhile, my indoor bulbs have started to bloom.

Pink and Grape Hyacinths are a daily joy.

Food for Thought

I just received my January/February issue of Selvedge magazine.

There is always something to delight between the pages.

This time it's embroiderer Karen Nicol and her book Embellished: New Vintage

I haven't read the article yet; I like to take it in small delicious morsels!

Will definitely have to check out the book.

A featured quote,

"It's of no benefit to mindlessly copy.

We have to add the magic of our way of seeing."

Monday Morning

This past weekend was my 49th birthday!

Instead of doing something spectacular I stayed home 

and had a bit of a clearing out.

Seemed appropriate.

Read through many knitting patterns, looking for my next project

and continued to mull over a new idea...just need to jump in and start!

Hoping for snow showers today.

The squirrels are relining their nests with dry leaves 

Four scoops of seeds for them to share with the birds.

So sorry that I've been lack in my posts,

but keeping an eye on all my dear friends.

Hope you have a lovely week.

xo, j

Ice Storm

The night before last there was an ice storm.

By morning the roads were quite passable but the trees were still coated in ice.

I stopped at the local trailhead on my way into work to snap some photos.

The trail was very muddy and the ice beginning to melt

but I was able to take my new backpack for a short walk.

A breath of fresh air to start my day.

Greeting Cards

"There are two kinds of people in the world...you and everyone else"

I wish I was better about writing and sending cards to people.

My love of stationary fills three boxes on a shelf

but I never seem to get around to writing anyone.

My Mom is a brilliant letter writer and has such lovely handwriting.

Alas, my script bounces then tightens, leaning one way and then the other

wandering across the page and defying me to mis-spell!

Today in the mail came a perfect card from V.

The story she shares inside is so enchanting it feels like 

I'm peering over her shoulder as she writes.

Wonder what is must be like to have such long summer days

and then long winter nights...I'm fascinated by Norway...

Thank you, darling friend.

The ballerina card is from my sister-in-law.

That card is so spot on!

"Thankenstein" came from my brother.

Who wouldn't love a card with 'mad scientist' on it!

*smile*

A Foggy Walk

The fog has been thick as felt for three days now.

A fine mist covers everything, accumulating into drops

that roll down my face and clothing.

Saturday I was dutiful and went to the grocery, laundromat, etc

so Sunday I took off to the woods.

A few more little paper clay creatures awaiting sandpaper and paint.

If I could just slow everything down for a few moments

there are so many things I want to make!

Hope all is well.

xo, j

Some Sun

Some sun this morning although cloudy days lie ahead.

An old painting I dug up,  Sophie sunning her toes on

her ironing board perch and a newly opened orchid.

Feeling the need to clean through the apartment...

maybe this weekend.

Monday Morning

I received the most beautiful bowl for Christmas from a friend.

First it held brown asian pears and now green grapes.

So very pretty...just like Sweet P.

Yesterday I went through all of my yarn.

It took the better part of the afternoon but I have eliminated a 

very large trash bag full of skeins I will never use.

I'm taking it into work to see if anyone can use some.

If not, a girl there has offered to donate it to her church.

Ah...to know exactly what I have and where it all is!

Wishing you all great week.

xo, j

Afternoon Walk

I took a lovely walk through Jacobsburg State Park today.

The temperature was quite mild so the trail center had iced up a bit.

Staying along the edges was the safest route.

Roasted chicken and butternut squash for dinner later.

First I'll finish up the last inch or so on my sweater.

Knit from the top down it will be ready to go as soon as I bind off!

Hope everyone had a beautiful Saturday.

xo, j

Nancy's Grapefruit

This morning I cut up another of Nancy's grapefruit.

This is one of the fruits I picked while in Florida last week.

The taste is amazing and the distinctive smell covers my hands

and fills the apartment with sunshine.

Only one more left!

yum

Happy New Year

raccoon

I slept through the New Year and woke up late.

Had a cup of coffee and then pulled on my hiking boots 

and over to Pool Wildlife Sanctuary for a walk.

The park was empty.

My foot steps crunched and squeaked through the snow,

accompanied by the songs of Juncos, Cardinals and Nuthatches.

I left small piles of sunflowers and chestnuts as I went along.

Welcoming in the New Year with gifts to those who may be hungry.

May 2013 bring health and happiness to all.

xo, j