Where have I been?

It's been a little crazy busy in my world for the past three weeks, but I decided to take a few minutes this morning to say hello and to update my blog. I hope everyone has been well and happy!

On the knitting side of things, I continue to be amazed at all that has become available over the past 30-40 years! While I love the vintage styles, I'm finding it difficult just to knit all the current styles I'd like to have in my wardrobe. It sure is fun though and very satisfying when you have produced a garment that you love and get to wear, no matter what era it comes from! For the first time yesterday, I got to wear my Cosima sweater I had worked on and off on and it just felt so snuggly and comfortable. I'm still not too sure about the buttons I chose for it, so that is subject to change even still. I didn't have my sweater with me when I bought them, so lesson learned. Not only are we so lucky to have the availability of such great patterns in this day and age, but fantastic fibers as well! I used Berroco Cuzco for this cardigan, and it was well worth every penny of it! The only changes I made were casting on 118 sts for the neckband rather than the 162. I didn't want it hanging down the front that far. If I were to make it again, I would also add some length to the body. All in all, I'm pretty dang happy with it and love wearing it!!

I have finished several other items as well, but the best part is, I am having so much fun watching others when I gift them with a present. After I made the Thorpe for Nate who works at Panera's where my knitting group meets up at each week, another one of the guys there told me he was jealous. The following week, I presented him with one and he was thrilled! He told me nobody had ever made him something before, and now each week since, he is sure to let me know how much he appreciates it because it keeps his ears warm as he goes from class to class in the mornings at school. Last week, he told me all of his friends now want one and would be willing to buy them from me. I have been there, done that, in a previous life, and I really just don't want to get started doing that. For me, it takes the enjoyment out of the hobby, because it becomes a "have-to". Not only that, I'm not sure about Kirsten, the designer, appreciating a possible violation of copyright of her pattern. So, who knows, maybe as time permits, I can dig into some more of my acrylic stash and come up with a few more hats for Trevor's friends, just because. These are all young college kids struggling to make ends meet and still go to school, so they deserve to be rewarded, in my opinion!

I finished another scarf to send off to the charity I found on Ravelry called Handmade with Love. They are hoping to collect 2000 scarves by Thanksgiving to distribute to local women's shelters in Southern California. I had a lot of fun with this one and really like it I think, because it's design is pretty unique. I love the way it curves and it's lightweight for the climate in that area. The pattern is another freebie on Ravelry and is called The Boteh Scarf. I used some sock yarn called Sockotta by Plymouth Yarns that I am not in love with for socks. Too much cotton content for me.

If you would like to help with a charity, there are plenty out there that need help. I have been out of the loop for the past 3 weeks, so I need to also check with Bev Q (bevtheknitter on Ravelry) to see if she is still accepting hats for Warming Families. My friend Courtney has also put out a call for a charity in our area that is not so much collecting knitted or crocheted things, but clothes period! If you have cleaned out your closets and would like to help, please see her blog post here. It is so hard to choose sometimes, which charities to give to, but we can all make a difference in someone's life in some way, even if you don't knit or crochet!

I have a lot to catch up on, so I'm going to save the rest of it for another post, so as to not overwhelm you. Before I leave the knitting/crocheting side of this post, I want to show you my socks I finished for Fall. My 'Pumpkin' socks are now one of my favorite pairs...just too darn cute...or at least, I think so!!! :=)

For everyone that has been asking about Scooter's back issues...THANK YOU! The spinal injections he received seem to be working, and he decided last night to take on a healthier lifestyle. He tells me all the time how proud he is of me with my workouts, etc., and last night we talked about his eating habits. While he eats the same healthy meals I prepare, his problem is portion control. I like to cook so that he has leftovers for the next day's lunch, but sometimes it doesn't make it that far. He says it's too good and wants it all that night..lol It's also very hard for him when he is out on the road for his job, but he is getting better all the time about making better choices. I'm just going to have to start cooking so as to not have more than what he should eat for that particular meal. A little more work for me, but it's worth it to have a healthy partner next to me! Anyway, he still needs to take it easy for a bit yet, to give the medicine time to do its work, but it's so nice to see him happy again because he isn't in pain.

We are getting so excited about the holidays and spending time with family and friends. After all, that's what it's really all about, right? Scooter still has some vacation time left, so we are hoping the snow season behaves itself so he can use it and we can have some fun! We both have birthdays coming up and love surprising each other. It's so fun to tease each other with hints..lol

Also, the past three weeks, I have been reconnecting with a lot of friends from the past, as far back as high school, which I will tell you is most definitely over 30 years ago! I am enjoying that so much!!!! Several of us have made plans to get together and I'm so looking forward to it! One of the best bits of news I've had recently is that I have reunited with a sister that I haven't had a relationship with in several years....all because of the internet! We rediscovered each other on a social networking site and have made plans to get together for Thanksgiving! YAY!!!!! I saved the best for last, and now am keeping my fingers crossed that it all comes together as planned!

Have a great day everyone...take the time to put your feet up, have a cup of hot tea, and count your blessings! :=)

I hope to be back on a more regular blogging schedule again, but just know that y'all are always in my thoughts. I hope to hear how things are in your world!!!