Purling Oaks

Pondering stash, redecorating, and a reminder

I just read an excellent perspective on stash acquisition and creativity at Tien's blog.  I do enjoy my stash but it is good to keep in mind that I don't *need* it.  I think know I built my stash primarily though the joy of acquisition and I'm sure that will continue.  I do enjoy shopping, especially for fiber-related beautiful stuff.   I have noticed I have been just a little more selective during the past year.  Oops, that was because I didn't have place to put it for most of last year.  Well, it was good training.

The blog redecorating occupied a few hours today and I'm glad to have a personalized banner again.  The old one disappeared a while ago and I never made time to create another one.  I also knit 14 more rows on Icarus this afternoon.  (See that, Stacey?)  I'm still deep in Chart 1 and enjoying that I'm "getting" the pattern.  (I'm just whispering that last phrase --- I need to put in another lifeline.....soon.)

I found another reminder in my photo library that Spring will come.

I'm approaching my 400th post.  I think a contest/giveaway may be a good idea.  Stay tuned.

Chamomile and some randoms

Chamomile, pictured in the past summer's herb garden. 

I have no topic so today's post will be bits of random.

• This morning is a contrast of sunny blue sky, temperature of 15 degrees F, and snow on top of a slushy driveway that turned to ice overnight.
• I'm getting a haircut today although my goal is to grow out my hair.  I'm just getting a trim to keep it under control neat-er.
• I'm probably going to be skating today (see first point) on my way to my stylist.
• I've been considering trying a henna in my hair.  However, letting my hair assume a state of no-chemical-intervention is beginning to appeal more.  Just to peek at the "original" me, perhaps.
• Counting today, only two more days of February.  Begone and good riddance.
• I made banana bread last Sunday morning using the recipe that Cookie posted.  Delicious.
• Despite the weather yesterday, I was able to visit the dentist for my permanent crown replacement.  I *really* need to stop grinding my teeth.  Julie sent me a link to a meditation CD that I am going to try.
• I've been reading Kim Harrison lately.  I especially liked the book I finished last night, The Outlaw Demon Wails, because the heroine is beginning to gain some wisdom and not be such an irresponsible but likable kid. 
• I should send a fan/love letter to Rita Mae Brown for her beautiful descriptions of country life that I most recently read in this Mrs. Murphy mystery.  A lovely tonic for winter blahs.
• Stacey made this for me.  Thank you.  I really appreciate the squishy and technical expertise.  I'm going to figure out how to add it to my sidebar this weekend.

• I found this image on the digital camera (courtesy of DH).  Blue is snoozing, Fuzzle is on the chair and Black Dot is in the background.

• I'm definitely changing the template for the blog, too.  Darn fonts! 
• Have an excellent Friday!

Breakfast goodness

Yesterday's breakfast looked and tasted so good, I decided to share it. 

I'm nuts, truly, but the strawberries and the hot (instant) oatmeal really were yummy.  Besides, the sun was shining yesterday and that makes everything better in the winter.  I'm "goofing off" this morning and I'll be driving into Madison soon for a massage and some shopping.  Unfortunately, the sun isn't shining today.  Here's what I see out in the back yard right now.....

I do like the way the snow paints the big oak tree in the woods.  The snow on the birdfeeder shows how much snow has fallen since last night.  I'm not too cheerful about putting on my boots today but I know that March will be here very soon and Spring won't be far behind.  There's green grass under some of that snow.  I know.  I saw it yesterday!

This may look like twenty-five pounds of feline cuteness but White Dot (left) and Black Dot were actually struggling for control of the top of the chair this morning, a favored sleeping spot.  They can't wait for Spring to arrive either.  The grooming brush tells me Spring is on the way, though. 

Happy Saturday!

Last year's photos

For lack of real content, I looked back through my photos from one year ago today and found that I was interested in my coffee cup -- perhaps I was thinking I needed more?  I was also knitting the Spring Enticement Shawl (ravelry link) (and untangling some yarn, it looks like).  I'm pleased to be able to say that I've been wearing the shawl this week to keep my back warm while I've been typing away in my home office, getting a draft of a project completed.  The draft is complete as of this evening and tomorrow will be spent organizing my supporting materials and hopefully making some final edits.  The mohair may be mixed with rayon and other fibers but it is nice and comforting.

Dr. E is hanging out with our mom and clearing snow with the tractor.  Mom's healing and improving daily, which is quite super.  My brother is a supportive guy but also subscribes to the "let them do it themselves" school, which is what Mom needs right now.  I'm sure I was getting a bit too, um, fussbudgety concerned about her progress and it is good I'm taking time to wind myself down.  (Thanks, Brother!)  It is nice to be able to catch up a bit with work projects, too.  Work's been great about giving me time with family but I hate to have things piling up.  Give a little, take a little.

What were you doing a year ago today?

Back home

Good news---Mom came home from the hospital on Saturday.  (I'm having a bit of deja vu typing that phrase.)  Overall, pretty decent outcome considering the other possibilities:  Broken kneecap, bruises on her arm and hip.  She's mobile.  Probably too mobile, I'm having trouble getting her to rest her leg.  /sigh  But I'm happy she is getting cranky and feisty because that means she's feeling better.  At least I think I'm happy about that..........  She went to a half-day of quilting class today to meet with her peeps.  It was good for her but tiring.  Now starts the home visits from the OT, PT, and RN

Dr. E. (my brother) is visiting for the week, which is very good.  I'm hanging in there but a nice long vacation sounds great.  Just being able to get back to work would be fine, too.  I just wasn't too prepared for what the month has produced.  (Okay, I'll stop whining.)

I haven't picked up my knitting but I have been cooking and cleaning and nagging.  I should be back with my knitting soon. 

Thank you to everyone for the well wishes.  I'm sure they're working.  

Boring scarf, less boring other news

Noro-striped scarf, hospital view. Yes, hospital...unfortunately. Mom fell Thursday, banging up her knee and nose. Causes for the fall as yet unknown but she's contributing blood to the effort. I am getting more knitting done this time though. So is Mom, but her knitting is warming her lap as sleeps right now. :D I would snap her photo right now but won't .... hospital garb being less than fashionable. Plus I probably would be low on the cookie list when she gets back home. Looks like at least one more night here, so who knows what the scarf will look like tomorrow!

Things that make you say hmmm.....

Last week (which seems like a decade ago but I digress), I needed, err, wanted to divide a skein into two equal cakes to prepare yarn for the Simple Yet Effective Shawl (ravelry link).  Being a geeky kind of knitter, I pulled out the scale (required for equal cakes), put the skein on it and you can see what I saw.  Gee whiz.  I know there is some variation in weights for both my scale and the yarn but this is a bit much.  (ETA:  Carrie has a good suggestion.  The humidity when I weighed was probably 30 percent or less.)   However, life is too short to worry much about it outside of having blog fodder.   Only one knot in the entire skein and it is pretty yarn with lovely color changes.  It will be just the thing (simple and colorful) to perk me up until Spring comes.  (and maybe after but let's not dwell on that.....)

Another hmmm moment:  I had my teeth cleaned today.  Always a good experience at this dental office.  However, an old crown came loose while I was in the chair.  Overall, a sort of fortunate thing.  I guess.  A time saver at the least.  I did notice something odd in my bite last night but I brushed my teeth and forgot about it.  I had other stuff to fill up my brain matter at the time.  Unfortunately, it is/was a very old crown so I'm happy I opted for the supplemental dental insurance at work this year.  /sigh

I've been remiss reporting family birthdays the past two weeks.  DH's birthday was at the end of January and we had a nice but low-key celebration.  Happy Birthday to the man who keeps me steady and I love with all my heart. 

Sunday was Mom's birthday. We had a nice family luncheon of pickled mussels, panko-crusted cod, smashed pototes, baby peas, a loaf of artisan bread, and chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream at her house.  Mom enjoyed a bit of everything.  (At least, she said she did.)  She's feeling a bit better but is still building her strength back up.  Happy 76th Birthday, Mom!  I love you!

Okay, the full moon stuff can stop anytime.  It's been a hard couple of days, gremlins and trouble-makers.  Time to take a break, okay?

Gosh, I need to change the blog template, especially the font size, but I think I'll wait a few days......

Good news and some randomness

Mom is home as of yesterday afternoon. Yea!!! She is feeling better and able to eat. Big deal, that eating. O.o Additional testing showed she can stay feeling better with a new med or two and a change of diet. I'm hanging around for a bit longer to make sure this change is working out as intended.

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Some random bits.....

I progressed a few rows on the Noro scarf but it looks the same.......enough that a photo isn't worth the pixels.

The snowbanks in Oshkosh along my driveway are higher than my waist.

I am so looking forward to the higher temperatures (40s!!!) that I won't miind the mess they'll bring.

Stepping outside my routine, if I can call it that, lets me view my routine from a relatively objective point of view. Now I have more food for thought and action, perhaps.

DH will be home tonight from the east coast...always a good thing.

I am fortunate and blessed to have caring friends and family. Thank you for all the well wishes and support.
Happy Friday

Did I pack my socks?

Mom's spending this evening in the hospital...the first night in many years. We/they don't know quite what's going on....just that there is some internal blockage, digestion-wise. I made it up to the hospital late this afternoon. I believe some more investigating will be going on tomorrow. She did ask for her knitting, which I picked up for her at her home. Which shows the value of having emergency knitting kits stashed all over.....right? Never be without knitting. Yes, I did grab several projects on my way out the door this afternoon. I only hope my clothes packing was as complete. Ahem.

Hug your honeys! I'll post updates as time and information permit.