Here we go.

Back from Rhinebeck and there is so much to tell.  And as I don't want to forget the little things--because together, they are what make all the things larger than life--I decided now was a great time to dust off the blog and get back to this space.

So here we go:  I declare a renewed interest in capturing the every day.  And as I re-enter normal daily operations of doctor appointments, PTO and PTA, lunches, laundry for days, stop-and-go knitting, shopping/cooking, small business tasks, marathon training, keeping house, etc., I am wearing all the handknits to help me hold onto the incredible spirit of Rhinebeck.  It filled my "love tank" as my Rhinebeck housemates called it, and I'm mindful that the path I'm on is not TO somewhere.  It's my very destination. And I am posting this now to help me remember how lucky I am to get to live this sweet life.*

Sandra

*except the broken Jennie the Potter mug by Will.  Because that was not so sweet.  And not even a super cute mantra bracelet gifted by my dear friend Hallie will convince me otherwise.

Afoot.

So, well, it seems I'm okay with doing sweater quantities.

I'm excited because a technique I've developed to keep the beautiful character of a hand-dyed skein but (!) having a true dye lot seems to be working.  I daresay alternating is not required, though I'd still do it a few rows before switching skeins just for insurance.  

I'm also dabbling (literally) into speckles.  This is Night Bokeh:

In other news, we've been lucky enough to get away for a couple of short family trips.  Specifically, we headed to Philadelphia and Williamsburg on two separate weekends.  We're discovering that short overnight trips are completely doable--and extremely fun--now that the boys are older.  

I need to go through my pictures but in case you are on Instagram, you can find me there, too (handle is 3pumpkinslittle).  Here's a fun one of the boys on the steps of Philly's Please Touch Museum--it was after I told them I was done shooting, which should give you an idea of how many photos I took.

Sandra

Our little mover.

Many wise people have told me you can have it all.

Just not at the same time.

The past few months, my “all” has been wrapped around coaching Max on a school team, dipping my toe into more serious dyeing, dealing with sequestration woes for clients, juggling two competing schedules for basketball, swim, and lacrosse, serving on the board of our new elementary school’s PTO, and training for my fourth half marathon.  Occasionally, I cook and keep house.  And knit—not as much as I’d like to, but it is still a constant.  

We also decided to host Will’s fifth birthday at the house—Imagination Movers style, with family, friends, and his entire preK class.  Because you only turn five once.   

He had a ball.  Momma needs a nap.

 

Sandra

Ramblings.

Another outtake from the weekend holiday card shoot.  It makes me laugh.  My camera remote doesn't have the best range so I'd have to scoot close to the tripod, then dash back.  The picture also makes me realize how lucky I am to have these fellas standing by me, indulging me with so much.  (I am impossible, you know).

I am headed to a quick conference.  Only three days away from the crew.  And yet it feels like so much more.  I know some folks would welcome a break, and I was probably one of them a week ago.  But now?  As in right now when I should be packing?  I don’t want to leave them or miss a single goodnight kiss.  See?  Crazy impossible I tell you.

Serenity now.

Why on earth would we try to squeeze in our Christmas card pictures on a weekend already jammed with: a birthday party, chorus event, PTO fundraiser, back to back swim practices, car maintenance appointment, board meeting for Charlie, impromptu evening out for me, and of course teaching my weekly aerobic class (a student reminded me it’s been sixteen years together—whaaat?).

I lost my keys during the photo session.  Charlie found them later, by flashlight.

All I can say is, if it’s true that all’s well that ends well, then we’re officially well.  But whoa.  Happy Monday.

p.s.  here’s an outtake.  Max’s face pretty much sums it up. 

Thanksgiving 2012.

So, how was it?  Ours was really lovely.  A plentiful table with lots of plates to fill—a cook’s dream, right?  I think so.  Especially as this cook might have cooked a bit much.  Plus, we were lucky enough to have Charlie’s folks visiting us over the holidays.  It was a good week.

Some new recipes turned out to be keepers (looking at you, Clementine Chess Pie).  And chocolate dipped Oreo turkeys made an appearance.

And the next day?  Three sleepy knitters braved the Black Friday line at a crazy hour to score some deals at our local yarn store.  One knitter, who shall not be named but is notoriously NOT a morning person, was even pleasant during the wee hours (though her two former roommies were  scared to death slightly nervous to meet her at that hour).

I don’t think there are many who would understand the lure of hand dyed wool on sale.  Unless you’re a knitter, that is.  Because if you are, well, then you understand completely.  And I daresay, if you live in the DC area, you were in that line, too!

Here is my haul.  

Worth it?  Totally.

Flower fancy.

I assume I am not the only one that feels as if Thanksgiving is a big ole sneak this year.  I mean, honestly.  How can it possibly be here?

But early school dismissals and long lines at the grocery stores don't lie so I guess I better snap in and prepare for hosting duties.  It will be a bigger group than in recent years and promises to be a great gathering so I'm excited.  

I'm hoping I'll have time to pop into the wholesale floral warehouse for blooms for an arrangement.  Several weeks ago Caryn and I did a flower gig for a wedding and it was fabulous.  Definitely one of my favorites, all romance and ruffles and vintage-y, just like the sweet bride wanted.

The flowers I pick up this week will likely be in seasonal tones of pumpkin and scarlet--which is good and feels appropriate.  But then again, maybe I'll pick up something a little more unexpected.  No matter what the calendar tells me, I still feel like filling my vases with something pink.  

Sandra

Little Avengers.

Cap, Iron, and Fury headed out tonight...

And if this momma keeps eating the Halloween candy and wears green tomorrow, she'll make a fine Hulk.

Happy Halloween!!! 

Sandra

p.s.   I think I've finally found the time to make my way back to this space.  And there is much to share!

A heart grows fonder.

I know I won’t sleep well tonight, if at all.  There are a few reasons.  First, I’ve evidently hit a phase in my life where I can’t shut off my mind when it’s bedtime (and my mind is awful noisy).  Second, Charlie is away on an assignment and, well, I just miss him.  Last, and I’m dreading this one, I usually dream about 9/11 around the anniversary.

So I’ll be thinking of my sweetie, remembering, and wishing I could squeeze him tight.

I might also have a cocktail before bedtime (don’t judge). 

Be good to those Marines, honey.  You know what I mean.  And if you don’t-- what I mean is, don’t scare the junior ones (think of the stories I’ve shared of me shaking in my shoes in court!). 

We can’t wait until you’re home. 

Love,

me and these three

Out of it.

Lately, I’ve not been quite myself.  Some sad and tragic events for folks I know have left me feeling rather fragmented.  They are from different walks of my life, yet the news hit one after another.   It is the worst sort of news.  The kind that involves services.  And children reading eulogies.

I’ve discovered the tears come much easier as I grow older.  I’m a flat-out crybaby, as it turns out.  I know that I will never understand why certain things happen.  And I am trying to find grace in accepting such facts of life.  I do not have to look far—there is no finer example than in the faith of the two families affected.  And this, of course, brings tears to my eyes.

To distract me a bit, I think I’ll pick up a challenging knit.  Something with cables and multiple repeats requiring vigilant counting, and heck, maybe even some color work.  That, or I will cast on a stockinette cardi and get lost in some mindless tv.  I’ve said it before but here it is again:  there is no better therapy for me than some wool and some sticks. 

I have one more week of summer with a full house of boys and noise.  I am going to try to slow it down and cherish it.  There is more to life than getting bent out of shape over Legos everywhere (though I maintain that finding them in my pantry is a bit much).

Sandra