Ready to Bind and Happy Thanksgiving

This quilt, I am embarrassed to admit, has been in the Unfinished Projects bin for way too long and I'm not really sure why. I think at one point I was unhappy with the machine quilting and considered a redo, but I took it out again, fixed a couple of spots, added the binding and soon it will be on its way to its intended recipient in Vermont - I hope sweet little Jaycee hasn't outgrown pink, flowery quilts.

We're having a quiet little Thanksgiving dinner here at home today. My kids are all at their various in-laws for dinner and thankfully didn't have to travel very far. We'll get to chit-chat later when time zones and dinner hours permit.

I am off for the morning swim in few minutes, tho the temp is not much above 62. The pool is heated, but still -- brrrr! Health and happiness to all. --cds

Who Knew Swimming Was Such Good Exercise?

Well, I did know that in theory, of course, but have never put it to the test.  Apparently it is very good exercise because I have somehow dropped about 7 pounds since August without really trying - except for being in the water mostly every day. I haven't given up chips or cheese or the occasional Sam Adams either. 

See you at the pool.  --cds

I Do Love Knitting Patterns

Normally I do not go around quoting lines from Harry Potter books (out loud anyway because that would be geeky even for me - in my head tho I always have lines from books and movies floating about).   However, I (along with Albus Dumbledore) do love knitting patterns, but have been frustrated recently over online patterns for knitting toddler-sized socks.  The ones I've looked at, started, hated, and ripped out seem so unnecessarily complicated.  So I made up my own. 

Sorry, but this yarn looks good next to a pile of Smarties.  The yarn is a self-striping acrylic light-weight baby yarn knit with #1 US double points.

I've reached the point where I think I understand sock-making - heel turning, gussets, toe weaving, etc. - so I really just took my favorite parts from various patterns and made a sock.  These are intended for our littlest Vermonter Ruthanne who has new LL Bean snowboots and needs to fill them up with winter sockies. 

My plan is to take this pattern and practice increasing (and decreasing) in various spots in order to make lots and lots of socks for kids and grownups.  And, if I can figure out how to do it, I may post the instructions on this blog as a pdf file, or something.  I have NOT reached the point where I understand computer stuff.  --cds

List Making Monday

1.  Stop procrastinating and follow up on all those return notes and emails I owe to everybody in the world.

2.  Stop procrastinating and make the phone calls to schedule those annual appointments, everything from teeth to boobs to banks.

3.  Stop procrastinating and finish the projects you've promised to do for your friends and relatives.

4.  Write an essay on procrastination - I remember the very first time I heard this word - funny story.

5.  Stop procrastinating.  (Have a good day!) --cds

Beach Day

So Wednesday was Beach Day since we haven't been for quite a while - weirdly, it's way too hot during the summer months.  But it will be just right from now until May or June.  We usually go down to Fort DeSoto Park, about an hour and a quarter drive by the time we negotiate Tampa traffic and cross one of the bay bridges.  Beach attendance was sparse when we got there.

 So when I got bored taking pictures of wavelets and birds,

 I switched to secretive photos of beach walkers.  Here is the March of the Bronze Men:

 Tourists:

 Recently-arrived snowbirds, from Michigan is my guess:

Still too white-skinned to pack away the long-sleeves and jeans.  And full of motivation to walk the beach every day ("this winter, we'll get healthy!").  Actually this couple does look rather healthy.  Me and my Mom slouched in our beach chairs and ate cheese crackers.  --cds