While I’d sure prefer eye candy of the flower variety I’m working with what I have here on the frozen tundra – a photo of an ice sphere from when we visited the Ice Castle at Loon Mountain last month with Kim and Ken. Brrrr. But pretty, yes?

And the weekend is upon us and I’m excited that we have no social obligations, just lots of time for hanging out and relaxing and maybe even some home improvementing. Shut up. That is so a word. Have a great weekend, friends!

February 2014 was full of snow and cold and ice. It was also full of joy and friends, getaways and flowers, knitting and fiber and so much more.

Knitting man socks is a labor of love. One must cast on 72 stitches and one must knit and knit and knit. And then knit some more. A pair of man socks is an accomplishment. Wanna see my lastest accomplishment?

Socks for Dale.

I haven’t knit him a pair since his 60th birthday so clearly these are way overdue.

The yarn is Spritely Goods, the color is called Militia.

I photographed them on top of the OED because that thing is an accomplishment, too.

I love the Oscars and so I simply must share my thoughts on the show with all of you. I know this might not be a hugely popular topic but I did offer my subscribers a couple of other options so hopefully everyone will still find a way to participate. And now, 10 Thoughts on This Year’s Oscar Show.

1. I thought Cate Blanchette was fantastic. Her dress was my absolute favorite and her speech – the world is round, people – was great. Her performance in Blue Jasmine was definitely Oscar worthy.
2. I also thought Matthew McConaughey totally deserved to win for Best Actor and his speech was also fantastic. He managed to give a condensed philosophy of life and he did it without getting played off stage – well done!
3. I thought it was great that Let It Go won for Best Song. I’ve heard some criticism of Idina Menzel’s performance (and what was up with John Travolta butchering her name?!) but I think she’s wonderful. And the writers of the song, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, gave one of the most creative acceptance speeches I’ve ever heard.
4. I’m sad that Philomena didn’t win any Oscars. It was actually my favorite of all of this year’s Best Picture nominees.
5. My least favorite was Gravity – and boy did that one clean up! I guess I’m just not into movies in space. Or something. It left me unmoved.
6. The All Star Selfie was brilliant.
7. And speaking of brilliant, Ellen Degeneres. The pizza bit was hilarious and I cracked up when she came out dressed as Glinda the Good Witch after the Wizard of Oz tribute. I did think her crack at Liza Minnelli was a little mean.
8. Jared Leto is hot. Oh, that hair.
9. Jonah Hill is the spitting image of his mom.
10. I am still disappointed that The Butler and Saving Mr. Banks were ignored.

Those are my thoughts – I hope you all enjoyed the show! If you wrote a post for today be sure and add your link below. And if you want to receive the Ten on Tuesday email each week then please click here to subscribe.

I feel like I could just copy and past the post I wrote about SPA last year. And the year before. And the year before. Etc, etc. Because, truly, SPA is always a fantastic time. And truly, what else could it be when you put together great friends and a shared love of the fiber arts in a town with excellent shopping and dining opportunities?

Here are just a few of the reasons why it’s so awesome.

I get to share a room with the best roommates ever, Sharon and Jo-Ann. As Sharon would say – we travel well together. No muss, no fuss, no drama, just lots of laughs and stories.

I get to spend time with people I see only rarely and that time is often spent spinning and chatting. It’s the perfect chance to catch up and relax.

I get to plan our dining excursions. It requires some effort and some organizing but, you know, I like to be in charge and I enjoy doing it. I hit a home run on Saturday night for sure when I got us a private room at the Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro - from the rabbit to the braised short ribs to the scallops, everything was fresh and flavorful and delicious.

I get to shop. There are my favorite fiber vendors, of course, but there are also outlets. And L.L. Bean. Enough said.

I get to knit and spin and relax.

I get to have the time of my life.