The Ce-ment Pad is Open for Business

The usual spring busy-ness is in full swing, and I'm loving it.

But, the weather is unseasonably warm. I had to drag the table and chairs outside the other day, and get into my summer groove of enjoying a large glass of wine on the ce-ment pad after work.

I have wine, knitting and an audio book. While I'm sitting in the sun.

I need nothing else, except a friend or two to join me every once in a while.

Mind you, the place isn't actually fit for company right now. I haven't be home long enough (and sober enough) to pick up all the garbage in the hedge that the snow was hiding. Yuck.

Surprise weekend getaway

Last Thursday, I was hanging out with some colleagues sharing a few beers.

My host asked me if I wanted to join him at his family's cottage that weekend. His son was otherwise occupied and the friend that was going to join him bailed.

Since I had no weekend plans, and was just a wee bit tipsy, I said yes.

It was fantastic.

He fished. I knitted.

I learned how to use a slingshot (and, I only suck about half the time).

We saw an eagle, among other wildlife specimens.

We hiked along the hydro line.

The view from the deck was amazing.

I didn't want to leave. I hope it doesn't take two years to get around to the next visit.

This is the sweater that never ends

Remember what I said about finishing that sweater in one weekend? Well, that didn't happen. It got put away in favour of listening to a fellow play his guitar in my living room until 8 AM and then sleeping all day. Not what I had at all planned, but fun nonetheless.

But over a couple evenings, I merrily whipped down one sleeve, and didn't even mind being caught in that knitting vortex where it feels like I've been knitting forever, but haven't actually achieved any length. I never worry about that, because the next time I pick it up, I'll be two inches past where I meant to stop.

That didn't happen, though. I was at a friend's cottage last weekend, and the sleeve was perfect. I ribbed for two inches and then cast off.

I am no fool. To keep my mojo going, I picked up the stitches and knitted on the other sleeve until I ran out of yarn (the last skein was left at home, and I didn't want to pack my ball winder and swift).

So, Sunday night, I was happily curled up on the couch with Edgar; watching The Golden Compass on TV. I happened to look down at what I was doing. And noticed that the last skein is a completely different colour. Completely.

As in, more brown than purple, though this isn't the greatest photo.

So, now I have to rip out the finished sleeve and then work alternating rows. Shit. For an easy sweater in bulky yarn, this sure is taking a long time.

My parents went to Detroit & Iowa

and all they brought me were these freaking amazing gifts!



That's right, I am now the proud owner of an pink John Deere hoodie with matching gardening gloves (Iowa) and a key chain made in the Henry Ford Museum's shop (Detroit).

I'm gonna be too cool for school, because my three nieces? Got the exact same sweatshirt. I think that's the best thing ever.