Picking up speed

Ok, so I had some serious intentions for the month of June...they just didn't happen, and thinking back now, I can't even come up with an explanation of why. I mean, I knew Christmas was only six months away at that point. Now here it is, only 3 1/2 months away and I do know some knitters who are nearly done by this time, or at least halfway with their Christmas projects. Hey, don't shoot the messenger...I'm just sayin'. I don't even really know why I think about it, because I certainly don't do that much knitting for Christmas gifts. In years past, I always had a "gift closet", where I would put things I picked up throughout the year on sale, or things I had knitted, crocheted, cross stitched, or painted. I never had to worry about rushing out for a gift..there was always that 'something just right for so and so' I could pull from my closet. I even did it when my ex husband and I moved to Kentucky in 2001, and continued it until I moved from there back to California in 2006. I guess I forgot all about it, because I have yet to do that since then. I have now made note of this, and will start one again...right after Christmas.

I will start moving a little faster now on some projects I would like to get done this month...especially when I woke to this today...

When I stepped outside to snap these photos, I even felt a few raindrops on my face. I knew it was supposed to cool down for a couple of days, but I must have missed it when they changed the forecast to this...

Today: Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. A stray afternoon thunderstorm is possible. High 77F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 53F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph

Maybe this explains why I'm down with a cold? Seems to happen everytime there is a sudden change in the weather/barometric pressure. I do feel a whole lot better than I did over the weekend, and even yesterday.

I have opened up all the windows and am loving the cool fresh wind blowing through! Maggie isn't quite sure about the rustling sound of the leaves though. It's all new to her. It would not bother me at all if it were to stay this way for a bit!!

Yesterday, I really just wanted to stay home in bed, but I had promised a friend that I would get some CDs to another friend for him. I had no thoughts of staying, but once there, the offer of some fresh brewed espresso, and that quick trip turned into a 2 1/2 hour visit! Carol is what I would classify as an expert knitter, so it's always so inspiring and fun to see what is on her needles. She is so helpful with different techniques, and if there is a shortcut way of doing something, she knows about it. While there, she gifted me with my first Alice Starmore book, The Celtic Collection!!! What gorgeous patterns in it!!! Thank you so much, Carol!!!

Maggie also received a gift from Bodhi, the wonder Lab, and hasn't stopped playing with her new toy since. To say she loves it, would be an understatement!!! It doesn't look like it, but I think "Kong" weighs more than her, as it's a solid piece of rubber and is heavy. You can also put treats in either end of it, but for now, she isn't missing something she doesn't know about yet.

Once Scooter and I settled down for the evening after dinner last night, I was once again motivated (that blah feeling was subsiding) to cast on for the second of four squares for the afghan I mentioned in yesterday's post. Carol has offered to help me with them since I got a little behind schedule with my mom and I both getting sick. I refuse to let my friend down though..they WILL get done and be sent off next week!

In other knitting news (sorry I bounced around there a bit), I'm anxious to get back to my Special Olympics scarf mentioned in a previous post a few days back. I love the pattern that alternates garter with a reversible lace stitch. I got so carried away with the lace part though that I forgot to change back to garter, so a little frogging will need to be done so I can be on my way with it again. I love this pattern and would like to thank Colleen for it! If you're interested, she has been so kind as to offer it for free over here.

Oh, and did I mention what an enabler Carol is??? On her needles at the moment is the most gorgeous scarf that I knew I had to come home and order the yarn for immediately! It is called the Coin Lace Stole but there is also a version for a scarf. If you are on Ravelry, it can be found here, and if not, it's offered as a free pattern at elann.com. I chose to order some alpaca and silk blend in a lace weight and in a deep red colorway from WEBS. I was considering a blend of bison and cashmere, but I think I will wait for Stitches and get it there. Anyway, this pattern I'm going to knit is a variation of the Clapotis. Don't get me wrong....some of my friends have knit the Clapotis, and I love how it looks, but I have just never had the urge to knit it. Especially after they told me how boring it was after a while. I fell in love with this version right away, maybe because of the lace pattern in between the dropped stitches? I'm a sucker for lace!!