Ahoy Matey!

One of the best feelings in the world, is when you accomplish a goal you set for yourself. As I stated in my last post, one of those for me was to start spending more time in and on the water. That happened for me today, and I had such a great time doing it! My sister came through on her promise to start teaching me to kayak. We arrived at the boat launch around 10 this morning, and I would've taken pictures, but not knowing what to expect, everything began moving so fast. The next thing I know, my boat is rented, I have on my life vest, hat and sunglasses, I've soaked myself in sunblock, and I'm being instructed to "get in your boat". Ha! Easier said than done when you're in a 'sit-on' style kayak. Balance is everything in these little pieces of molded plastic. Your whole body is exposed, as opposed to the kind of boat my sister has. Her legs are in the shell, but it's not the sea kayak like you're probably thinking. These types of boats are not the kind you roll over with. They are for lakes, and areas of calmer water. We paddled about a mile upstream to a small island, took a break and had a snack, and headed back to the launch site where we started. It was such a beautiful day, and I loved the area we were in. There are no motors of any kind allowed in this particular section of the lake/river, although one boater apparently didn't know any better, or didn't think the rules applied to him. He did stir up a good sized wake with his fishing boat, but I managed to stay afloat..hahaha! It was actually pretty fun riding the waves. This was a great workout, I survived the whole experience, and wouldn't you know....I managed to stay relatively dry until the very end. I was getting out of my boat when it capsized onto its side, dumping me into the water. Balance, remember? My sister had a good chuckle over it, but only because she said she did the same thing her first time. Hahahaha 

I'm looking forward to more kayaking trips, and spending more time with my sister. Long story, but we were estranged for several years, so it's great having her back and doing that sister bonding thing like it's supposed to be!

My step-granddaughter requested a shawlette when she saw me post my Lyrica Euterpe (Rav link) by Romi Hill on Facebook. I found out her favorite color to wear, and picked a design that was 'her'. The Holden Shawlette by Mindie Wilkes is a wonderfully written pattern and knits up very quickly. I chose Heritage (fingering weight) by Cascade in a pink, and am so pleased with the results. I think Andrea is going to love it, but then, she's a sweetheart and is happy with everything I send her!

I'm still chugging along on my Cabled Cardi by Norah Gaughan. It's definitely a challenging design, but I love always improving on my skills.
I have also started a surprise cowl for my sister, which I will post about once I'm finished. I can tell you though that I'm using Zen Yarn Garden in the Serenity DK, and oh my oh my oh my...is it ever heavenly to knit with!!! I love a yarn that has a fairly decent twist to the ply, and is lofty, and this yarn definitely delivers!

Have a wonderful week!