I’m really enjoying learning new patterns and stitches in knitting. I just finished the rainbow scarf/shawl last night. One thing I’ve discovered…you really do need to block your work when you make something like this. To block a hand knitted garment, you need to wet it, then lay it out on a thick blanket or comforter that you don’t mind a little color bleeding on, gently stretch the piece to the shape you want, pin the edges, then let it dry completely. If you ever have to launder the piece in the future, you need to repeat the steps for blocking. I will block both of the scarves I just finished this week and show you what they look like after.

I have quite a bit of both yarns left, so I think I’ll make some hats with matching fingerless gloves for the grands. They should love that! I really love the lacy section of this piece. Now I’m thinking I need to make something that’s all lace…like a sweater or vest or a bigger shawl. 

I ordered a couple of books this week. One is the 50th Anniversary of the Foxfire Book of Simple Living. The first Foxfire book was published in 1972. I would have sworn my family had the first volume when my PopPop was still living, but he died in 1971. At any rate, I remember that book in the bookcase out at the farm and I read it on Sunday afternoons during the traditional nap time. I’ve wanted to be a farmer all my life. I sure took the long way around Robin Hood’s barn to get here.

I think I’ll take a few days off from knitting. Or, at least set a specific time to knit. Like, during the evening news. It’s rainy right now. I need to start a little spring cleaning. I need to move around and stretch my legs and breathe. Like the green shoots peeking up between the carpet of leaves around the house, I’m feeling life coming back into these bones.

I know you may be anxious to get out there and rake up the leaves from your flower gardens, but let them lay for awhile. There are bees and bugs in there…sleeping. And, when the dandelions start to bloom, leave them alone. Those sleepy little bees are going to be SO hungry. Let them have the first sips of spring from those cheerful yellow blossoms.

I had the opportunity to talk with an old friend of mine. Joanie owned a lovely home goods store in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. After my divorce from Hubby #2, I found it impossible to get a job in medicine. I knew everyone in town and the gals who owned the little downtown shops were my friends. I started working one day a week for each of five stores. I was known as the “Downtown Shop Girl”. I loved working in Joanie’s store. Her late husband was an attorney in town and when I found myself as an extra in a Charles Bronson movie being filmed in town, I was paired with Bob on the platform at the train station. 

Joanie is big time into genealogy and we had a lovely conversation about our tips and tricks. The second book I ordered was The Pioneers by David McCollough who also wrote 1776 and John Adams. The book follows the original settlers of the Mid-Ohio Valley and I can hardly wait to see if I find familial connections in its pages. Joanie is a member of the DAR. I know I have family from both my parents’ ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War. So, maybe I’ll also become a member. We’ll see. 

And, here it is…Friday. Another week done…another week closer to true spring. Before we know it, we’ll be mowing again!

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“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”

Colossians 3:23 ESV