Happy New Year!

That black lace dress won me a trophy for "Best Dressed Female" at the New Year's Eve dinner and dance we went to. Hopefully, a sign of good things to come for us in 2013. Happy New Year!

So Long 2012

It's not often I look at the passing of time as a good thing but I'm ready to say goodbye to what seemed like a year of stress and worry. Looking back there were some good times like a wonderful Caribbean cruise vacation, a couple motorcycle trips, a week in Sturgis and a very nice Christmas. But most notably, I'm ready to move on from the problems of death, finance, health and occupation that 2012 dealt to me for the hope of a better year in 2013. I've got a black lace dress and new shoes -- tonight we celebrate!

Christmas Knits

I sent two knitted gifts to Washington. For years now, I've made wool felted slippers for those special in my life. They can be time consuming but I've made so many now that knitting them are second nature and I've developed my own tricks in making them. I prefer to use Lamb's Pride wool that has a 15% blend of mohair. I felt heavily in a top-loading washing machine with dish soap and dryer balls in hot water. Once felted, the mohair makes the slipper dense and fuzzy. I then take a pair of clippers and slightly trim down the mohair fuzz. A warm and cozy gift for Dr. Dan.
Next a gift for Laura and while I'm at it, myself. We picked out the yarn during our June road trip at a yarn shop in Taos, New Mexico. It's a one-skein Schaefer Nancy yarn shawl. We liked the samples in the shop and getting it done before Christmas was good timing for her a sentimental gift.

Christmas 2012

I didn't ask for any gifts this Christmas. Our focus was more on health, faith and family this year. But Santa did pull through for me and didn't have to think very hard about things that I might like. Like anything Harley or Jeep. Elfs on a shelf are big this year and mom gifted me with a huge, vintage Longaberger laundry basket with wooden lid. We had special times with family, close friends and most importantly the gift of health. All very good blessings this Christmas.

Somewhat The End

Today was not the end of the world as the Mayan calendar predicted, but nonetheless it was a terrible day that put an end to almost a five year work relationship. Without going into too many revealing details, it was a partnership that was often stressful, challenging, respectful, appreciative and fullfilling professionally. Not the end of the world but a change that I would never imagine to happen.

Wine, Crafts & Good Cheer

I called up my inner circle of high school girlfriends to come over for a night of wine, crafts and good cheer. We made Shrinky Dink wine glass charms, a photo ornament and a commemorative ornanment filled with the names of the Sandy Hook victims we should never forget all the while sharing the Christmas spirit. I'm so lucky to have some very special friendships that have lasted the test of time.

Knit & Purl's

Yarn shops give me a destination while traveling and I was relieved to find a shop less than two miles from the clinic. So, while husband rested, I got out for a couple hours to visit Hank & Purl's. The shop mascot sheep greeted me at the door and I found a great pattern for boot cuffs. It made for a very nice little getaway.

Mayo Knitting

Knitting is my therapy, reduces my stress, anxiety and makes me patient. So when I had to pack for a worrisome trip with husband to Mayo Clinic for testing, I actually packed an entire (small) suitcase of yarn, patterns and needles. Going into it, I didn't know what to expect, how long we would be there or how anxious I would be. I chose simple patterns such as Ripple, Wingspan and Citron and they helped to settle my nerves and allowed me to wait patiently in my "knitting zone" between appointments. After 7 days, I was left with some lovely reminders of a positive Mayo experience and he a positive outcome and treatment plan.

DIY: Note Magnets

I woke up early on Sunday with a long list of To Do items and decided to start my day off with a DIY project. I purchased a sheet of adhesive magnet squares, sliced some used wine corks in half (horizontally and carefully) and secured with super glue. Easy as that -- upcycled fridge magnets.

Holiday Greenery

How I love you, December. Not the cold, but the next stage of decorating my porches, galvanized pots and buckets, birdbaths and windowboxes with fresh greenery and holiday flair. This year I'm going with a cardinal and pinecone theme. I got a lot done today on my front porch and patio and tomorrow I will finish the hanging baskets in the back.