Weekending

October 16, 2019 By Carole

I know it’s hump day and all but with the Monday holiday and the book club posting yesterday I’m just now able to catch you up on my weekend. It’s not like it was a particularly epic weekend or anything, but it’s Wednesday and I’ve got to post about something so it might as well be the weekend.

Okay, so.

Friday. It was rainy and icky and I pretty much chilled at home other than a dash to the grocery store. I had to get stuff for snacks, of course, plus enough to carry us through until next week. I really make it a point to only grocery shop once a week.

The snacks were delicious and we had our first fire in the wood stove that night. It was great for ambiance and it took away the chill from all that cold rain, too.

Saturday. I went shopping at Home Goods with Jessica and Jackie. I’ve been on the look out for pillows and such to make our bedroom Christmas-y. I found a great red throw, as well as a new pillow, a Christmas shower curtain, a truck for Jackie, some napkins, placemats and a bunch of other stuff I probably didn’t need.

Dale and I went to see Downton Abbey in the late afternoon. The scenery was beautiful and I loved the set and costumes on the big screen. The story itself . . . it wasn’t disappointing but it wasn’t really a great movie, either. Honestly, it was more like watching a really long episode of the show. After the movie we went out for drinks, apps and music and had an all around nice evening.

Sunday. And Monday. I hibernated. I mean, did you see that I went out among the people almost all day Saturday? I earned two days of not leaving the house. Dale was working with the band both afternoons at a local farm for a fall festival and I hung out at home. I did some knitting. I listened to a book. I made quahog chowder and I baked chocolate chip cookies.

I did some crafting with the Cricut and I turned a plain white tray (that I got on the clearance rack at Home Goods) into this one personalized with our last name.

And I made a onesie for a friend to give as a gift.

Each day when Dale got home we were able to sit outside on the deck and have a cocktail before coming in to twinkle lights and snuggles on the couch.

It was a very good weekend.

Read With Us: Some Discussion Details

October 15, 2019 By Carole

This week it’s my turn to promote the Read With Us Collaboration going on between Kym, Bonny, me and . . . well . . . hopefully many of YOU. In case you need a refresher, we are currently reading the book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. I actually finished it last week and I’m eager to discuss it but that will have to wait because our timeline is that we all read it in October and then we all discuss it in November. You know what that means, right? You’ve still got plenty of time to read the book and join us because our first week of discussion isn’t until November 5th.

Speaking of the discussion end of things, here’s how it going to work: we’ve divided the book into thirds so that each of us can host the discussion one week. On November 5th it will be Kym and she will cover the 1st third of the book. On November 12th it will be Bonny and she will cover the 2nd third of the book. On November 19th (I bet you know what’s coming!) it will be me and I will cover the final third of the book. Finally, on November 26th, we will do a wrap up and summary of the journey we all took with this book. For this time that’s going to be done by Kym because, frankly, this whole thing was her idea but going forward (assuming this works and we do it again) we will take turns with the summary and wrap up.

Each week of discussion will include some questions in the blog post to get us all talking. And, for now anyway, the talking will happen in the comments. You know I’m a big proponent of answering every comment you leave with an email but for the sake of this project, and so that it feels like an actual conversation, I’m going to try and answer your comments in . . . the comments. We’ll just have to see how I do with that!

So. Keep reading if you haven’t finished. Start reading if you haven’t started. And sit back and ponder if, like me, you’re already done. There’s a lot to unpack from this book and I’m very excited about diving into it with all of you.

Eye Candy Friday

October 11, 2019 By Carole

It’s October and my zinnias are still going strong! I keep thinking each bouquet I pick will be the last but even though our nights have been cool, our days have been warm-ish so they are still blooming.

Thanks for all the good thoughts for my colonoscopy yesterday. The doctor told me they removed five small polyps so it’s very good that I went. And I’m now on the 3 year plan. Damn. But it’s worth it because screening saves lives.

And would you look at that . . . it’s the weekend. And it’s a long one, too. Play hard, friends!

Three On Thursday

October 10, 2019 By Carole

Hello and Happy Thursday! Today I have 3 things for you that are sort of . . . public service announcements. One is something for you to support, one is something for you to watch, and one is something to make sure you do. Ready?

First up, something for you to support. Lady Dye Yarns is collaborating with Romi Hill to commemorate and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. That’s the one that gave women the right to vote, in case you weren’t sure. Diane Ivey (the Di in Lady DYE Yarns) is planning to travel across the country to visit different yarn stores and have open and honest discussions on race, diversity, inclusion and current events in politics. I love the idea of face-to-face conversations about these important and often difficult to discuss topics and have joined with others to support this project. You can, too! It costs just $19 and all of that money will go towards lowering the cost of Di’s visits to these yarn stores. You can read more about it and sign up here. There are only 97 slots left so hurry and grab yours and let’s get this sold out!
Second up, something for you to watch: Unbelievable on Nextflix. This 8 episode show is based on the true story of Marie Adler, a young woman who is accused of lying about being raped, and the two female detectives who eventually capture her rapist after he has committed the crime several more times. Dale and I both really enjoyed this show. The writing is great, the actors are terrific, and the story will not only break your heart but also fill you with hope. After you’ve finished watching the show, be sure and listen to Episode 581 of the This American Life podcast where they tell Marie’s story, complete with interviews with several of the parties involved.
Finally, something to make sure you do: have a colonoscopy when you hit the appropriate age and then have follow ups as recommended by your doctor. I’m having one today . . . lucky me. Does not eating the day before suck? Yep. Does the actual preparation part of the procedure also suck? Yep. But do colonoscopies save lives? You bet they do. And if my mom had had one when she turned 60 then she probably wouldn’t have died at the age of 66 from colon cancer. Because of that history I started this business in my 40s and I go back every 5 years. Today is my 3rd time having all this fun and I’m actually a little late getting it done. My fingers are crossed that they don’t find anything and I’d love you all to send good vibes my way for a perfect outcome. Thanks.

And that’s what I have for you this Thursday. If you wrote a post for this week please add your link below so we can all read what you have to say.

Unraveled Wednesday

October 9, 2019 By Carole

I finally finished the Peace Cowl! It needs to be blocked and then photographed but it’s done! And also, I don’t really love it . . . which might be why it hasn’t been blocked and photographed yet.

But we’re moving on.

I have two projects I am currently working on:

On the left is the Chevron Love Slouch Hat from Knitterly Things. I bought the Toasty Warm kit from Julia last winter and finally cast on last week. On the right is Geek Socks from Knitty, also with yarn from Knitterly Things. This is sock number two, I finished the first sock at the conference last week. Well, I sort of finished it. The pattern calls for an afterthought heel, which I’ve never done before, and I haven’t attempted it yet. Both the hat and socks are gifts.

I’m currently reading Just Mercy for Read With Us, our online book group, and I’m really enjoying it. I hope to be finished later today. At the same time I’m listening to The Dutch House, Ann Patchett’s newest book. The story is wonderful and the narration is by Tom Hanks which is making it even more wonderful!

What are you knitting and reading this week? Be sure and visit Kat and let us all know!