Pumpkin Sunrise

Quick Beam Hat

2026-06-10T06:07:09.470-04:00

How are you? Are you in the midst of summer weather? It has been hot around here. I am grateful for the AC and the ability to hide in the AC. I've been enjoying the goldfinches that come to my thistle feeder. I am serving up safflower in the other bird feeder and all my regulars from the winter visits are enjoying the change up. I am lucky I have a kitchen window that overlooks the bird feeders, that makes doing the dishes a delight.

I finished my hat! I loved knitting this project because of its simplicity. I could knit this one again and again. Now I wish for fall already so I can wear it now. I've tucked it away in on my fall/winter shelf and it awaits a chilly day. sigh.

What have you been working on this week?

Happenings

2026-06-08T06:08:07.631-04:00

Good morning! How are you?

I'm doing pretty good, every day I feel better and more like myself if that makes any sense. At the end of last week, we went to the art museum to see the new exhibits and then had lunch out. I enjoyed the outing so much, it's been quite a while since my husband and I went out just the two of us.

I have energy now that the new medicine is working and I deep cleaned the kitchen. I will not tell you when it was last done because it's been a long time and I really do not remember. I also deep cleaned the bedroom again, it's been a long long time.

Late last week I splurged and bought moisture chamber glasses and am having my reading prescription as well as transition lenses made for them so I can have the best of both worlds. I need to wear them with the scleral lenses on SUPER windy days. I'm sure you are wondering why I need to read, well, if I am outside I would like to read a book or see my knitting and if I am walking I look at my phone. I'll let you know how it goes with them.

Since I am feeling better I've been exercising more and that makes me feel better and it makes my mood a really happy one.

How was your week?

Knitting News

2026-06-03T06:02:13.145-04:00

Good morning to you!!

I am making progress on my three knitting projects but when I'm working on one I am looking at the others wishing I was working on them. I really want to finish the hat (burnt orange) and have merely an inch to knit before the decreasing. This is the project that I feverishly work on each evening and hope to finish by next week.

The socks and the shawl are both making minimal progress while I focus on the hat.

What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-06-01T06:01:56.841-04:00

Good morning! How are you?

Boy did this week fly right by and now it's June? How has this happened? All of a sudden it's late spring and there are hints of summer. I dropped into Whole Foods quickly and spontaneously bought a mini watermelon and was quite surprised it was yellow inside when I cut into it (I did not read the sticker....). I do not like the texture and the taste was 'okay' until I ate a yucky piece (do I sound like a kid or what!).... Oh how I regret this purchase. Lesson learned, I must read the stickers.

I pulled out my color pencils and did a big swatching session. I'm hoping I will be inspired to create some art or at least try to create some art. After feeling unwell for so long I'm now starting to feel like myself and want to dive back into creative pursuits that I shelved. No matter how my health is I am capable of knitting and reading but any kind of art producing like watercoloring, drawing or sketching is not something I can muster. I'll keep you posted on how I do because it's going to be babysteps.

I started a shawl on a whim the other day! I haven't made a project page yet but I'm enjoying it's simple beginnings.

What have you been up to? What crafting can you do while having an illness?

Knitting News

2026-05-27T06:07:36.166-04:00

Good morning to you!! How are you today?

I'm doing well and have been enjoying two knitting projects this week. The sock is coming along I am now on past the heel flap and gusset working my way down to the toe. I love a plain sock on the needles. Sadly the socks will not match because the color way repeat is so very long and I just don't feel like figuring out how to make them match.

The hat that I started near Christmas has been resurrected this past week and I'm now putting a marker in every time I work on it so I can see the progress. I can't remember how many inches I have yet to do but I like seeing my progress. The Musselburgh hat is one of my favorite hat patterns because it is a VERY warm hat to wear when it's super cold outside.

What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-05-25T05:51:50.550-04:00

Good morning! How are you? Happy Memorial Day!

Our weekend which is still going strong today has been filled with the local grandkids being here. Today they are coming over for the day and we will have burgers and fries for dinner. Yesterday I made brownies so we already have a dessert.

I've been trying to build up my exercise routine after weeks of slacking off due to my health issues. I guess slacking off isn't the right wording. I did take a slow walk yesterday and heard the spring peepers (frogs) for the first time. Truly spring!! I love hearing all the birds as well.

My bird feeders have been visited by: cardinals, sparrows, nuthatches, chickadees, goldfinches and many titmouse. I have a thistle feeder and a safflower feeder and best of all the raccoon who lives in my woods does not bother with them (yet).

We went to the local garden center for deck flowers and those are growing nicely since it's been raining nearly every day.

What have you been up to? Do you do annuals on your property? Do you have local wildlife in your yard?

Knitting News

2026-05-20T05:50:22.253-04:00

Good morning to you! How are you doing today?

Well would you look at that! I started a sock after months and months of envying every one else's socks on the needles. These will be for my husband, I knit in front of him and he doesn't know they are for him. I'm using my memorized pattern that is from long ago customized to his feet. I do not have to think about anything.

Thank you for all the well wishes from the last post about my mini health update. I am so grateful for you and your support. It has been a very difficult year but I am hopeful that I am moving in the right direction.

What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-05-18T05:59:48.471-04:00

How are you! I'm doing pretty good. I've been enjoying the weather up until yesterday when we were hit with heat and humidity. I wilt completely. Sigh. I was enjoying my walks outside but now I will exercise in my art room instead.

We attended our nephew's son's tee ball game, such delight! Little wigglers out in the field are adorable.

Now for a mini health update -- I had extensive heart and lung testing over the past few months, I'm hoping that's the end of it. My heart is completely fine! My lungs show so mild involvement of my autoimmune disease (Sjogren's Disease) which my inhalers are controlling . The pulmonologist believes my shortness of breath is due to neuromuscular weakness from the autoimmune disease and has started me on an immunosuppressant. I am now navigating the side effects and the timing of the medicine during my day. I am thankful the medical testing odyssey is over (hopefully). I am thankful for a doctor who has taken the time to figure this out for me, it's been four years of worsening symptoms and having doctor after doctor pass me to the next doctor or say it's anxiety or worse shrug it off and imply it's in my head. I am lucky I have the antibodies showing I have Sjogren's disease, there are people who test negative for everything and it takes decades for them to get treatment only after their body is destroyed by the disease.

The next few weeks are busy because the local grands are in between switching daycares so we are helping out with watching them. They keep us busy!! Especially the 2 year old soon to be 3 years old, she is non-stop movement!

How are you? What's new?

Sunshine Blanket

2026-05-13T06:52:18.797-04:00

Good morning! How are you today?

I finished the baby blanket and yes, I did run out of yarn. I was three rows shy of finishing and instead of ripping out to the previous repeat I just ended the blanket. I don't think anyone will know except you and me.

What have you been working on this week?

Happenings

2026-05-11T05:56:00.004-04:00

Good morning! How are you doing today? Did you have a nice weekend?

I've been enjoying abundant blue sunny skies, they tend to happen near the end of the day but it's nice anyways. Yesterday for Mother's Day, my husband and I went out for some ice cream (I had fake ice cream since I'm lactose intolerant). I was quite surprised that many many people had the same idea! I had a quiet weekend with both kids calling me yesterday. It was a great celebration.

I've resumed my walking the neighborhood last week and while I am not very fast, I am out there and enjoying the birds and the spring signs. Almost all the trees are leafed out! I find the weather perfect, it is cold in the mornings and I wear a light jacket and a baseball cap. So comfortable. Once the hot weather comes I will resume exercising indoors.

Over the weekend, I tried my best to finish the baby blanket and didn't quite make that goal. Also I fear I do not have enough yarn, if I don't have enough yarn, I need to rip out a repeat to finish the blanket. I'm going to check my yarn stash first to see if past me left a half skein somewhere!

Kirwin Shawl

2026-05-06T06:10:00.004-04:00

Good morning! How are you doing today?

Well I'm pleased to report that I finished this shawl a few days ago! My knitting needles are on fire these days. It's been nice to be enthusiastic about my knitting, I think I was in a knitting rut for the end of winter. I changed the pattern so that there were two garter stitch ridges between the eyelet section otherwise I followed the pattern. I enjoyed knitting this shawl overall. I barely had 400 yards of wool so the shawl doesn't quite wrap around and drape. I had to do a loose tie but I think it still works out. This will probably be a gift for someone some holiday.

What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-05-03T08:49:48.466-04:00

Good morning! How are you?

I'm writing this early Sunday morning instead of early Monday morning, since tomorrow is really busy. Since I last posted, I have made significant progress on my shawl and hope to cast off today. Right now the sun is shining brightly which is nice considering they are calling for rain next week.

In the above photo, my daughter, son in law and grandson sent me a 'just because' care package. I love it! I was so surprised when it arrived. They are excellent at knowing what I like but my daughter says I'm easy to buy for.

Below is a photo of my early Mother's Day gift from my son, daughter in law and grandchildren. I cannot wait to do the puzzle and dive deep into writing answers about my life. How I wish there was something like that for my mom when she was alive. That would be a treasure.

My adult classes have ended before the summer session begins. I like having these breaks to catch up on other stuff that I neglect (dusting!).

What have you been up to? What's new?

Belle Sweater

2026-04-29T06:10:00.002-04:00

Hello! How are you?

I'm thrilled to show you my sweater that I finally finally finished! I started this sweater around Christmas time and it's taken a long time for me to knit it up. Of course, size four needles is quite the undertaking for a sweater, but I also wasn't feeling well during all that time.

I cannot wait for the cold weather in late fall to wear this!

The only changes I made to the pattern were picking up the neck line and knitting a bit of ribbing. I just didn't like how the original pattern curled up. I think it was my loose knitting at the beginning of the cast on that contributed to the curling. I also lengthened the sleeves by an inch and the length of the body by an inch as well.

What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-04-27T05:51:00.003-04:00

Good morning! How are you and how was your weekend?

I'm doing pretty good. Once again the weather went from hot to cold and once again I am happy about that. However, every I have difficulties dressing for the weather. Yesterday, I changed twice - I wasn't warm enough.

This weekend was quiet and uneventful. My husband and I did some clothes shopping and then gathered all the clothes in our closets that we did not want anymore. I got rid of all the clothes that are too big for me,

On Saturday my sister and I went out shopping and I bought some watercolor pencils, above is the doodle I did with them. We had a nice time out and about. We stopped at a new juice/smoothie place which was 'okay'. We miss the one that went out of business over a year ago, they were so tasty!

I did a LOT of knitting. I'm trying to see how much knitting I can get done before my medical tests next week, it's a game that I think I am winning at. I would love to finish this shawl and the baby blanket before the following Friday. Stay tuned...

Yesterday after Mass we went out for an early Mother's Day brunch with the kids and grandkids. Whenever I eat out I rejoice because I do not cook that day.

Knitting News

2026-04-22T06:10:00.003-04:00

Good morning! How are you doing?

I have been bitten by the knitting bug this week, I started a baby blanket over the weekend, I cast off on my yoke sweater and now I'm back to working on this pink shawl. I am excited about all of the knitting projects and wish I could knit them all at the same time.

Yesterday I tidied up my knitting bag and put away needles and accessories that I'm not using right at the moment. I've made room for more projects.

What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-04-20T05:57:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are you doing? How was your week?

We've been busy around here. Last week we had landscapers grade and seed the 'old' pool area. When we bought this house a few years ago the previous owner had an in-ground pool that was barely filled with dirt and filled with weeds, tree saplings and tons of stinging nettle. Finally, my husband can mow the area and eventually we can use the area to play with the kids.

The grands slept over Saturday night. Our grandson is four years old and our granddaughter is two years old, because of their energy we were both so very tired. I cannot remember having the energy when my kids were little like that. So many decades ago. However I get to hand them back over to their parents and when I was raising kids, that wasn't an option.

My granddaughter woke up at 6:30 am because there was a bird in her room screaming. Ha ha. I found that funny. I told her it was outside singing, she didn't believe me. Oh well.

Over the weekend I wasn't feeling the greatest, just the same mystery symptoms the doctors are trying to figure out, but after Mass ended on Sunday morning, I felt a lot better. I did laundry and best of all I started a baby blanket for a woman who is in our bible study expecting her first baby.

I did a deep dive in my stash and unearthed three skeins of yellow. And that is why I have a stash, for impulsive knitting gifts. I can always find an excuse to justify my stash and you should as well!

Knitting News

2026-04-15T06:03:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are you doing?

Look at my sweater!! I love it so much. I continue to work a little bit each day on that second sleeve making small progress but still it's progress. See that neckline? I am going to fix that, it drives me nuts and I know blocking will not make it lay straight.

Medical Update: It's been quiet here on this space because I've been dealing with ongoing medical tests and referrals. I have been followed by a pulmonologist for my shortness of breath and have inhalers and they are helping with the lung issues. I did a CPET test at the end of March and the results indicated cardiac limitations. So after three weeks of waiting for doctors to call me and also to call each other to consult on the CPET test, I am finally scheduled for a cardiac MRI and a right heart cath at the beginning of May. I am okay with whatever they unearth. I want to be diagnosed and treated and then left alone, ha ha. This past year has been quite the challenge. I suspect all of this is due to the autoimmune disease (sjogren's) but I'm not sure as of yet.

What are you working on??

Happenings

2026-04-13T05:55:00.003-04:00

Good morning! How are you doing?

I have been soaking up the beautiful weather over the weekend. I even took a walk in the neighborhood because it wasn't too hot or too cold, it was just right as Goldilocks would declare. I delighted in the abundant blue skies and leafing out trees. This is when I like the spring season.

I've been cycling through my fiction and non-fiction books as I sit on the back patio enjoying the sunshine. Of course I've been knitting. I worked mainly on the hat since it's just mindless endless stockinette knitting.

How was your week?

Knitting News

2026-04-08T05:28:00.003-04:00

Well well well, I am making progress on the impulsive shawl I started while still working on my yoke sweater. I am basking in the spring-like color and enjoying how each row gets longer and longer. I might give this as a holiday gift or I might keep it for myself. I'm not sure yet.

I reached the first sleeve cuff on my yoke sweater, a victory! I have about 10 more rows then I can start the second sleeve.

My knitting time has been limited. I have more medical tests this week and of course picking up the sweet grands at daycare. A full busy life is a wonderful blessing!!

How are you? What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-04-06T06:05:00.003-04:00

Good morning! Happy Easter! How are you doing today?

I'm doing pretty good. Since I last posted, I've been busy with the local grands because their daycare was closed Thursday and Friday (also today) for the Easter holiday. They were here both Thursday and Friday with their dad who worked from home and it was very busy.

Saturday we went to the Science Center where I did not take one single photo so you'll have to pretend you have some photos. The whiplash weather was nuts! We had 81 degrees Saturday then on Sunday it was 46 degrees....My body cannot handle it. The warm weather always makes me feel unwell.

Easter Sunday we went to Mass then afterwards to my sister's house for a luncheon. I brought a veggie tray (my standby contribution) also I baked the free turkey I earned at the local supermarket during November. There is no way my husband and I can eat a turkey. I gave as much as I could away and have put the rest in the freezer. I labeled it so I know what it is too! (I usually don't label then I wonder what on earth it is....)

The little kids had a chilly Easter egg hunt and best of all my sister made this cute Bunny cake which was easy for me to eat because it was a Jello cake. Sometimes my dry mouth makes eating something awful. I have a few tests for the pulmonologist this week even though I do not see her until mid May.

How was your weekend?

Knitting News

2026-04-01T06:05:00.002-04:00

Good morning! How are you?

The weather is getting warmer and spring is definitely here. It's raining and will be raining off and on for the week. So that will really make the trees and bushes green!

Yesterday afternoon on a whim I started a new project that will most likely be a holiday gift. I was just itching to start something else instead of working on my sweater or my hat. I already have the stitch pattern memorized and I did tweak the directions a bit.

What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-03-30T06:03:00.006-04:00

Hello! How are you? I'm doing good.

My weekend was mainly uneventful overall. Can you believe next weekend is Easter already? Lent has flown by this year for me. I attended Saturday night Mass with my sister at a different church and I cannot pass by a beautiful Mary statue without photoing it. Of course I edited out all the cars in the background so the photo is kind of crazy but She is beautiful to behold.

Since the weekend was uneventful, I worked on my knitting projects equally. Also I started walking outside once more. Only up and down my street a few times, staying close to home. I love being out in nature and hearing the birds sing.

Some of my daffodils got zapped by that unexpected snowfall we had a while ago and some have miraculously survived and are showing off. April, which is just around the corner, is one of my favorite spring months. Not too hot but abundant in blossoms.

How was your weekend?

Knitting News

2026-03-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning!

I am happy to report I started the first sleeve of my yoke sweater a few days ago! I am so excited that I'm on the sleeves because they go so fast. That is assuming I am knitting every single day, ha ha ha. I think the fit will be perfect but I know I will do something of the curling neckline that I do not like at all. My gauge must have been loose when starting the sweater then it must of tightened up.

What are you working on this week?

Happenings

2026-03-23T05:57:00.003-04:00

Good morning to you! Spring has definitely sprung here. We had unusually warm weather yesterday and thankfully today will be back to regular cool weather. I don't like the hot weather but I do like the sunshine and the flowers blooming.

My second session of adult learning classes started up last week, so I am busy driving to and from campus attending lectures and making new friends. Of course I continue to take Tai Chi, it's my favorite class.

I don't like to cook, which is no surprise to you readers who have been here awhile. But I do like to make salads. I made the best one ever a few days ago that had lettuce, spinach, kale, parsley, red pepper, cucumber, mozzarella cheese and pepitas. Of course the shrimp too. It was delicious. I like to use a tiny bit of oil and vinegar as my dressing. I could eat salad for dinner every single day.

I also did some knitting and reading over the weekend. And most importantly I started to do tiny sketches in hopes to rekindling my love of creating art.

How was your week?

Knitting News

2026-03-18T05:45:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are you doing today?

It will not come as a surprise to know that I did minimal knitting this past week. We had our daughter in law and grandkids sleeping over since Sunday to help out while my son was traveling to work. Today will be my first evening free!!

I did manage to add some rows to my hat in between playing with the kids. I am nearly half way with knitting the body of the hat.

What have you been working on this week?