Not Enough Hours in the [holi]Day!

I have over promised myself this weekend, friends...again...lol! Happy Ho! Ho! Ho! to you and yours, and a Happy New Year coming right up here...but nothing for today. Well, except for this:

Yep. That is my tiny house with some giant presents, but we have only nearly knocked the tree down twice, so I am calling this a win! A busy win, but a win, nonetheless. 

I hope you are having some fun through this holiday weekend, and I hope to be back with more words in a week or so. Until then, thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health! 

Merry Christmas!

Happy Feet?

Forget the Christmas Shoes. I find that I do not really enjoy songs that make me cry at Christmas. After all, I can find those in abundance anytime I like. 

Here is where I say that sometimes I get sad and I need a good cry. At these times, I find sappy hallmark movies or country songs, and I just cry it out so I can go on. But, who wants to cry at Christmas-time? Not me.

I would rather find the joy and share it where I can. If joy is scarce, which it is sometimes, I know I will always be able to find some in my sock drawer! Even on a down day, in the midst of grief or the stress the approaching holiday can provide in abundance, I can always just take out my hand-knit, Christmas socks and smile.

There are sparkly pairs, knit in that yarn I found in the small shop at French Creek! I thought it might be itchy, and maybe it is a tiny bit itchy, but I could not say 'no' to some holiday twinkle toes!

And the fun stripes! Do you see those...the ones that are a bit more than the traditional red-and-green? Such fun color names on those pairs...I think they are Christmas Island (reminescent of the Island of Misfit Toys from the Rudolph clay-mation fame) and Jollyville! Oh, the fun we all had ordering from Simply Socks at our Christmas Knitting Party that year...and now several of us have matching Christmas socks!

Remember the year I knit socks for everyone in the family? Like 7 pair, in the same, stripey yarn from Knit Picks? Oh, that was a fun year...and those were super fun to knit. Sweetie still has his, too, so sometimes our feet match, but not usually outside the house. His feet are much more distinguished than mine...lol!

And Ralphie's House is hiding over there in the corner too...I sure do love what Jeanne does with Destination Yarn colors, and every time I wear these I can see the leg-lamp, the bunny PJs, the Bumpus dogs and the dad who "worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay." Yes, these were fast favorites in my Christmas sock rotation as soon as they were off the needles!

As a matter of fact, the only thing that does not make me smile about my Christmas socks and their memories is January...which always comes. In January, all the Christmas socks get a final wash, then they go back into the drawer until the end of November. But for now, it is all Christmas, all the time...including the socks, so Yay!

In January I will go back to my other fun, hand-knit socks, some with fun names...and I will start my January sweater. I am pretty excited to be knitting in a cashmere blend for 2020...but that is for another post. Be sure to tune in next week to see all the Christmas knitting, and then in January to see where we go from here! 2019 has been quite a year, has it not?

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to be on the lookout for joy, and Knit in Good Health!

It's Christmastime...Let's Eat!

When I woke up this morning, I started cooking. This is fairly unusual, ask my husband! But he had mentioned that bacon would be good for breakfast, and I did sleep in until 7, so bacon (and eggs and pillsbury crescent rolls) it was! No actual "picture-of-bacon" proof, but this sums up the morning:

Tongs for bacon, spatula for eggs, wooden spoon and measuring cups for cookie dough (two kinds today!), and more! Let me tell you, the house smells great! This is a good thing, because last week, I had a major kitchen fail, and it cut me to the quick. You see, the knitters' Christmas party was last Saturday, and I was looking forward to the annual sock photo...

...and the "bloopers" (is she giving the socks the finger?!?)...

...aaand the food! I planned a chocolate-covered cherry trifle! I even borrowed a trifle dish...oh! This was going to be one fantastic dessert! But, the cherries did not gel, the chocolate custard did not set, and the merengues did not dry. It was very sad, but I made devilled eggs that were devoured, so in the end it was all good! And it was another fabulous party...

Thank you, Google Assistant, for turning some of my best photos into a fab movie for the blog! There is still so much to do today because...well...Christmas! Oh, speaking of Christmas and Thank Yous, THANK YOU to mah knittahs for all the creative and wonderful stocking stuffers!

Yes, this party continues to be one of THE best parts of my Christmas season! Lavender filled neck pillows, new magnets (including a magnet that is a tiny clipboard with tiny notepad...gah! Love!), yarn socks, potpouri, ornaments, snowman poop and chocolate!, notions bags, notions (which I put directly into the notions bag), did I forget anything? So stinkin' great, all of it! Thanks again, ladies!

So, that is where I am today, and it is time for me to get back to it. What is keeping you busy on this fine day? Or are you finally getting the chance to sit and relax a bit? Wherever the next 24 hours takes you, I hope your day is good! If you are in need of a feel good moment, here is picture proof that I am not only feeding my family on this gloomy winter day, but my porch pumpkin (yes, it is still out there...lol) is helping out the squirrel population...or the oppossums...or the chipmunks... (Gosh! I hope that I am not feeding the skunks...do skunks even eat vegetables???)

As always, thanks for stopping by, and Knit (and eat) in Good Health!

It's Here! It's Here!

It's here! It's here! Today is the annual Knitters' Christmas Party! That means that my next post will be full of pictures like this:

Our very first CKW Christmas Party, in 2008!

And this...

Our very first Sock Picture, in 2010!

But this post, notsomuch. We have s prison visit before the party, so that is what it is, but I am looking forward to some funtimes with my friends this afternoon!

What are you looking forward to this month?

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health!

So Thankful!

What a lovely Thanksgiving we had! Complete with cousins (cousin photos compliments of Tom Apathy Photography!)... 

and Pop Pops and Pappys and Grammas, oh my!

in-laws and out-laws and Pencil-Nose...

And so much good food...

Time together that started with four of them running the Cleveland Turkey-Trot! (I stayed in the warm house with the children, so I have no actual pictures of them running, lol!)

Now it is just down to getting ready for the next holiday, so I believe there will be baking today...and (of course) help from the girls, who are in town until tomorrow...yay!

There is still quite a bit of shopping to do, candy-making, cookie-baking, and a little knitting too...but what would Christmas be without a little bit of "gotta-get-it-all-done" stress motivation? Lol! How are your holiday preparations coming along? Watch for my updates on Facebook and Instagram, and here on the blog!

Whether we meet all the deadlines or not, I am glad you stopped by today. I hope that your heart is full, that your home is warm and that you will have ample opportunity to Knit in Good Health!

Happy Thanksgiving!

May your heart be full of love, your mind full of gratitude and your belly full of your favorite holiday feast today!

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health!

Birthday Fun!

Last week, this goofball turned one year old!

Of course there was a party, complete with themed food, 

and a full house!

People were wall-to-wall when it came time to open presents, so it was a challenge to get a photo of the Birthday Boy by himself (sans other peoples' hands, legs, and...ummm...backsides)...

But we all had a great time! That boy's mommy and daddy know how to throw a great party! They even invited all the cousins...

Birthday Boy (on the right): Dude! You made it to my party! Did you know I'm one?

Cousin: Yeah. I turned one last month.

Birthday Boy: You did?!?!?!

Cousin: Don't you remember? You were at the party?

Birthday Boy: Oh. Oh, yeah...that's right...it was a, uh party. Right Pappy?

Cousin: Nevermind. Happy Birthday, Cousin.

Birthday Boy (to next guest): Dude! You made it to my party! Did you know I'm one?

The other cousins were more actively involved, you might say...

Birthday Boy: Ummm, those are my presents, little girl.

Cousin (dark haired girl): I know! I'm helping! Aaand, I am your cousin!

Birthday Boy: Ummm, you are opening my presents...

Cousin: I know! You have great presents! Aunt Jess, can I play with that one?

Cousin (with blonde hair): This is a really cool truck!

Birthday Boy: I know. Ummm, you seem to be touching it.

Cousin: Well, you pushed it into me...

Birthday Boy: I know. There is nowhere to go! Have you seen all these people?

The whole day was so much fun, culminating with a little dude and a Mickey Mouse banana cake...which was yummy. The pug was hoping for a taste, for sure!

So, that's what we did last weekend. Today, I have other things going on, like clearing a space for the Christmas tree...right...here!

I assume that the tree will come out soon, since it now has a space...but who knows? Remember that one year that putting the tree together (all three pieces) took me two weeks? Hahaha! Hopefully I will be quicker than that in 2019! Are you putting up your tree this weekend? Next weekend? Or are you skipping it this year?

Whatever your holiday traditions, I know that Turkey-day is next on most everyone's agenda, so I hope you have all your shopping done for that at least! And thanks for taking the time out of your holiday schedule to stop by and check into the blog!

Now, gift-giving season is here...sooo, Knit in Good Health, people!

I can't believe I nearly forgot to show you the birthday monsters!

Happy Birthday Boy!!!

This boy, right here, is having a birthday soon...his first! 

And these girls have come into town for the party!

That means this Gramma and Pop Pop will have a very busy weekend, and we could not be happier!

Of course, it also means an insanely busy weekend, so this will be a short post...but it is backed by an abundance of joy!

I hope that your weekend is joy-filled, and that you have something to celebrate.

Thanks for stopping by, and knit in good health!

Family Friends, Faith and Donuts

When I was a little girl, I had some very special friends. One of these lived in my town, but not super close to my house, so a play date meant getting Mom to drive me to her house. On summer and weekend visits, I sometimes snuck my PJs in with my toys, in hopes of extending the visit to a sleepover...the phone call went something like this:

"Mom, can I spend the night at Kathie's house?"

"Well, I'm very busy, and I can't stop right now to bring your pajamas."

"That's ok. I brought my PJs and toothbrush!"

"(stunned silence...)"

In truth, and to be fair to moms everywhere (who are NOT idiots), I am sure she was not stunned after the first couple times. Still, she remained silent for a moment, probably trying to gauge whether the other mom and dad were ok with having that extra kid overnight. 

"Well, if Kathie's parents don't mind..."

"They don't mind! Thanks Mom!!! (click!, before she could change her mind) I can stay!!!"

After some years, Kathie and I even started started referring to our moms as "Mom" and "Other Mom." Our moms were friends, too, and I felt perfectly at home in both houses. It was especially fun when I stayed at Kathie's on a Saturday night, because I got to go to church, and there were donuts after! As a kid, I thought the donuts were one of the best parts of the visit. Looking back, there was something far more important on those Sunday mornings.

I went to church with my mom most Sundays, but at our church, I never felt connected to God. I could get to Him, I was told, if I went through the priest and memorized the right prayers. But Kathie's church is where I first learned about a personal relationship with Jesus. When I finally went in search of that relationship, at the age of 27, it was that kind of church I wanted to be a part of. I am so thankful to Kathie and her parents for loving me and welcoming me into their family, even during my awkward years, helping to build the foundation for my faith today.

Last month, Kathie's dad passed away, and it feels like I've lost a spiritual parent. Her dad was not as involved in our childhood shenanigans as her mom, and I was not particularly close to him, but today I am so appreciative of the man he was...of the way he modeled what a man could be in my life. I am sure that he was not perfect, even though I don't remember witnessing his flaws...but he was a good man, a godly man, and a great example to me. 

Today, Kathie and her family have had one last goodbye to their dad, husband, grandfather, uncle and an all-around great guy. I was able to stop in for visiting hours, and it was great to see and hug them all again. But I know that my visit is just a small part of this day...so I wanted to take a moment here to leave some words of thanks for Kathie's dad, Frank Koci:

Thank you for being committed to Christ and to your family. 

Thank you for sharing your home, your food and your time with me.

Thank you for living your faith in a way that showed me that dads do love Jesus.

Thank you for loving your wife and children, and the extra kids who showed up on Saturday night...PJs in hand.

Thank you for raising a daughter who has loved me through thick and thin, because she learned that love never fails from you.

Thank you for never saying, "What? Pam again? Doesn't that kid have her own home?"

Thank you for taking me to church and being part of my introduction to Jesus.

I suppose it goes without saying that I am also thankful to Kathie's mom, the "other mom" of my childhood, for all of this and for the fun times and good conversations we had in your kitchen through the years. I am a little sad that adults don't pack a set of PJs and plan "impromptu," Saturday-night sleepovers. If we did, I would pick your house...because friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them.

Kathie, Betty, David, Bob, extended family and all of you who have come along since we stopped having sleepovers, I offer my condolences and prayers because I know that Frank will be missed. I also look forward with you to the day when we all get to heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be!

Blog friends, if you have In-Real-Life friends like Kathie and her family, treasure them and the memories you have made together. And if you do not, may I introduce you to Jesus? He wants you know that he has people here who are just waiting to welcome you into the family, and he is eager to welcome you into a relationship with him. He invited me with donuts and a second family.

Thanks for stopping by, and if you knit, Knit in Good Heath!

November?

When did this happen?

Last week, as far as I know, I was writing something about snowpocolypse and setting goals for my knitting...then I think I took a nap...and now it is November? Just a few weeks ago, I am sure it cannot have been more than that, I was putting away the Christmas tree and starting my January sweater, and now it is time to start planning my next January sweater? When did this happen???

Maybe it was the #MondayswithAiden that made it go so fast. Just last week he was the tiniest, newest member of our family, all baby fat and snuggles, all the time...

...and now he is off and running! 

I mean walking...

No...I mean running!!!

But still snuggling a bit, here and there, too...but there is little recent evidence of this, because I am not good at the art of the selphie. See Exhibit A:

That right there is me not even knowing I was taking a picture, let alone pointing it in the right direction. Luckily, Dollface did not get this gene, and neither did her boy! See Exhibit B:

But I digress...I think I was saying something about how quickly this year is flying by, right? Right. Is it just me, friends? Or are all of you ready for the holidays looming on the horizon with yet another new year just two months away?

Perhaps I should just give in and put up the darn tree! Once I get that out of the way, then I could just knit in peace while I wait...no! Must. Be. Strong. Turkey, then tree. Turkey, then tree. Turkey, then tree. OMGosh! I HAVE TO BUY A TURKEY!!! IT IS NOVEMBER!!! Am I the only one freaking out here?!? 

Wait. I know what to do. I'll knit a monster. Yes, that will help. Pardon me, friends...and welcome to November. I will just be over here, knitting monsters and trying not to lose my mind...how will you be keeping it together?

Whatever works for you, thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health!

Photo evidence that I can selphie...kinda! lol!

Darn Socks

Two things.

Thing one: I knit.

If you know me, even if you have only known me for a short while, you know this. You know that I knit like a fiend, and I am not ashamed. I knit at home, and I knit in public. I knit alone and in a crowd. I knit in meetings, I knit at meals. I knit where it is quiet and where it is loud.

Thing two: I knit socks.

When I started knitting, I really did not like it. I had started with crochet early in my life (my grandmother on my dad's side taught me when I was 10-ish), and I was a master at making yarn bend to my will with a small hook. When I first picked up needles, I was frustrated at my lack of control over the yarn and the fabric. Then...socks. 

One day, I realized that I could knit socks. Just like generations of women (and men) before me, I could make something practical and wearable with yarn...something necessary and also beautiful. I was enamored, and I dove in!

Unlike many generations that have gone before me, I do not have to knit socks in order to have socks. I know this, yet I still knit them. Factory-knit socks are cheaper, easier to launder and readily available around every corner. Still, there is something primal and connected for me about knitting my own socks. I am connected to previous and future generations of sock knitters. I am connected to the story of the yarn, and to the process of choosing and knitting the pattern, just as each stitch is connected with the last and the next. 

That is why I sometimes darn (mend) my hand knit socks. It is not because I am out of yarn and cannot get more. It is not because each pair of socks has its own purpose and must be saved. It is the connection. It is remembering on laundry day that this is yarn that came from a friend who is a local dyer (Jeanne at Destination Yarn). She made this colorway (America the Beautiful) when she was just starting out, and I am so proud of her success and the company she has built! I love wearing spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties, fruited plains, seas and shining seas...even if they are a teensy bit faded after 10 years of wear and washing!

Every time I wear these socks, I treasure the times I have spent with Jeanne, her family and our knitting group. And every time I take these out of the wash and notice that the heels should be darned again, I just get my needle and yarn ready. I am not ready to give up on this pair, and all the joy it brings me!

All of my hand knit socks, whether knit with hand dyed or commercially colored, hand spun or mass produced yarn...each pair gives me the warm fuzzies when I wear them. And when I run the darning needle and yarn around the stitches that are worn, I also reinforce good memories...hours of entertainment, social interaction and great vibes...even if my hand knit socks never come out of my shoes. Of course, if you ask to see them, I will gladly oblige, and I may even tell you their story. Stop me if you've heard this one...lol!

So yes. I knit, and I knit socks (and sometimes I darn them, too).

Oh, one more thing: Bacon. 

Because...well...bacon!

Happy Saturday, friends! 

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health!