Wind + rain = fire

November is not a good month for NaBloPoMo, I have decided. I thought I would be able to do it, but my birthday interferes, and the Christmas knitting doesn't allow it. It takes time to draft a post, which takes away from knitting time. With such a large family that includes 13 grandchildren locally, November is also when I start my shopping for the holidays. So, yes, I missed posting yesterday. I could try to blame it on Scooter. After all, he's the one that decided we are now going to burn in our fireplace. And he loves it as much as I do!! He didn't think he would, but turns out, we made our living room and den so cozy warm, that after a couple glasses of wine, and a very long morning out shopping again, we both fell asleep earlier than normal. We woke up after midnight, which meant I missed my deadline for the day, but ya know, it was totally worth it! I would give up blogging any day to spend time with my wonderful husband in front of the fireplace! This was a huge deal for Scooter. Our fireplace had never been burned in, even though our house is now 15 years old. It was pristine white and I kept a candleabra in it with candles. We were going to have a gas insert installed, but we just didn't get off our bums...well, that, and we were busy with other home projects. The next thing we knew, fall was approaching which meant that's not exactly the best time of year to get the best price on an insert, and who doesn't want to get the best price possible? So, we have decided we will wait until after winter now to have it done, and meantime, we will burn wood in it. I'm so excited...it was wonderful to have a rip roaring fire on such a cold, rainy, windy day. Who knows, maybe Scooter will nix the idea of an insert. I think he's secretly enjoying the smell, and the crackling, popping sounds....and so am I!

This morning I worked quite a bit on my hat for a soldier and am now ready to start the crown shaping. I should be able to have it completed tomorrow and ready for mailing. That's the only thing I've had time to knit for the last couple of days. I'm just hoping I can find the time to kick up the knitting into high gear.

In keeping with the things I'm thankful for this month, I'm loving retirement and am so thankful I was fortunate enough to do it earlier than planned! I'm thankful for a loving, supportive husband who provides us with a nice home. I'm thankful for the most awesome father-in-law who makes sure we go home from each visit with three boxes full of home canned peaches, apples, plums and grape juice. It's time for another visit very soon...YUMMM!!!