Hiding Out From the Heat

We are in the midst of a record shattering heatwave. Paul and I spent our day being thankful that we installed air conditioning in our house when we moved in, discussing changing dress codes from "Business Casual" to "Business Underwear" and betting on how many times Jack would poop. This last activity is unrelated to the heat--Jack stole a half loaf of bread off of the counter. I won the bet but the IOC will probably disqualify my win since I left the bread on the counter in the first place.

Big Girl

Here's a recent shot of our precious Lilly taken by her doting Aunt Julie as they enjoyed a local town fair. I can't believe that the little babe we welcomed to the world just a short time ago and this one are the same.

Girly Girl Mitts

Last fall, I purchased some raw alpaca fiber at the Shenandoah Fiber Festival and through the winter, I processed it and worked on spinning it. I combined a small portion of it with some soft Blue-Faced Leicester roving and spun it up in a medium weight yarn. On a whim, I dyed it pink because it was so soft and I just knitted a pair of fingerless mitts that I have to share. They are to be a gift for a favorite niece who loves the color pink and is all-girl.

My Favorite Kind of Day

All my life I have sat at school or work on windy, rainy days like this and wished I could just be home, doing what I wanted. I'd gaze out the window and think how lovely it would be to stay indoors, drink tea and knit ( or sew or read a good book.) Today is just such a day and guess what I'm doing? I'm so thankful--and blessed--to have come to this point in my life.

Summer, Summer, Go AWAY!

I know I will probably regret feeling this way in January or February when it's cold, snowy, and icy or all three but I'm going to say it anyway. I hate summer and I want it to be gone. Our house is comfortable and I've been hiding out in it since Springtime, when it first got hot and the humidity passed 50%. The folks on TV love to go on about records but this one didn't surprise me: Summer 2010 in the northeast U.S., was the hottest since 1871, when official meteorological record keeping commenced. I had a bad feeling about it when the temperatures at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival--always the first weekend in May--was 98 degrees. And, as for that argument about the Humidity VS. Heat, I just don't go there. I think they both suck.

Outer Banks retreat

A few weeks ago we had a phone call from my sister-in-law. A friend had offered her the use of a beach cottage in the Outer Banks and, in turn, she invited Paul and I to join her and her husband there. It was such a delicious surprise! Within 48 hours, I had bought a new bathing suit, Jack was sent to the doggie hotel and we were on our way. For five days, the weather was perfect. The four of us spent our time hanging out at the beach, reading, eating simple meals (most specifically, barbecue from a local landmark carry-out) and just visiting. It was so simple, so relaxing and probably one of the best vacations of my life. Ann and Ossie: Thanks for the memories!

Cousins' Update

Here are a few shots of our darling granddaughter and her adorable cousin. I was reading to Cora--we were discussing the gentle art of accessorizing--and Lilly came onto the scene with her mom holding her as she practiced a few steps. Clearly, Cora did not appreciate that I was no longer focused on the magazine.