Monday, January 27, 2014

Hmm.

Well, I guess I'm not going to update here any more than I did last year (roughly twice a month....in a good month) if *THIS* month has been an indicator. Ha! 

Though it has to be said: Winter is not my favorite time of the year. It certainly is pretty with the snow and all but, man, is it gloomy, gloomy, gloomy at times. Last year I didn't feel it so much but this year is not as good. I have some potted hyacinth bulbs popping up now in my living room and I don't know if it makes it better or worse. It makes the contrast between deep winter and spring so much worse somehow. lol (I'll take it though. I have them in pink and purple and I do love the flash of bright color.)

One thing I would like to do this year is read more. I started off SO GOOD last year with that but it dropped off in the summer...because of life....CANDY CRUSH obsession (ugh ugh ugh)........definitely didn't finish on a high note in regards to reading. I have SO MANY books downloaded or on the shelf here. It's not all about the numbers, of course, but there's no doubt it's better time spent than ANOTHER HOUR of Candy Crush gaming (UGH!!!!!!!!!!). 

The first book I read this year was The Hobbit. A re-read after I realized I could NOT remember how it ended *and* couldn't tell how much was new and what was original in the 2nd movie that we saw over break. (Otherwise known as, I have officially read too many books (thousands) and am starting to forget even the ones I've read more than once. Getting older is not being kind to my memory. *sigh*)

Interesting fact: I still have the Tolkien gift set that was gifted to me when I was 12-ish. AND it's in pretty good shape. (That would be 30 years ago. *ahem*) The husband had his OWN set of Tolkien books when I met him at age 19 and I've always read HIS copies instead of mine. Because I'm evil like that. Ha! (His are really rough now.) I think we need to upgrade to digital copies though because the pages are seriously yellowed and dry. I'll still keep these forever though. They certainly aren't for everybody (I actually hated them when I first got them - not much in there for a pre-teen girl, you know?) but I know I will still enjoy reading them again every so often.

First finished knit of 2014............sort of. I did MOST of it in 2013. Actually, I think the only bit I did in 2014 was the bind off and blocking. Heh. 


It's just a simple drop stitch scarf. (Truly. SERIOUSLY simple.) Why work so hard when the yarn is this pretty, right? I'm content to let the yarn do the heavy lifting here. (It's a Mini Mochi yarn. The tags are long gone but I THINK it's called 'Autumn Rainbow'?)  It's single ply and slubby so I'm slightly worried about the yarn breaking if any of the yarnovers 'catch' on something I'm wearing (like a zipper, etc.) but I'll think of something if/when disaster strikes.


Also finished another Flora McSample stocking. Just one left to stitch up on these guys! (In progress.) Fingers crossed I manage to turn these into actual stockings before next Christmas. I really like these and will be sad if they get stuffed into the drawer for too long. :(

The 'kittens' turned 7 months old earlier this month. 

Well, maybe not so much kitten-y any more. Almost full grown with their adult coats coming in like gangbusters, is more like it. I really need to get a picture of them jumping around in the snow. I still let them out on the deck for a few minutes when it's sunny out and they both LOVE snow. Eating it, digging in it, etc. They are like big, fluffy snow bunnies out there. :)

Not so much loved: the thorough combing they have to get when the snow melts and they dry off. They HATES that part. (Bitey little creatures, they are! A handful of treats afterwards soothes all though.)

17 comments:

Traci said...

That's why I listen to audiobooks while I play silly games... make me feel not quite as unproductive ;)

Anonymous said...

Pretty projects! Love the colors on your new scarf.

Margaret said...

Oh that scarf is gorgeous! Wow! Love your little stocking too. The kitties are getting so big! They do look like adults now. I bet the combing of the coats is well hated by all. Long hair! Wow!

valerie said...

Love your new scarf and stocking finish! The scarf is super colorful! Oof, stay warm. I am cold and I live in California! I have no idea how people who live in snow do it. The kitties have gotten so big!

Annie said...

That scarf is so beautiful it almost makes the cold weather worth it! I sure hope the yarn holds up.

Cute stocking too.

Your kitties are really growing up. You can keep that combing business! That would drive me batty.

Julie said...

Awww your babies are so adorable, furry cuddles from over the pond, I bet they have such fun in the snow. With all that fur, they are made for snow adventures.
Splendid scarf, love the colour variation in that one.
Happy Reading!

Vickie said...

The scarf is beautiful, but not as beautiful as Fitz and Livvy! Oh my, they are just gorgeous.

Dani - tkdchick said...

That scarf may be simple (btw I could really use a snazzy scarf like that up here in Canada this winter!) scarf but its wonderfully effective!

Roberta said...

Love the scarf design and colors. The kitties are so beautiful.

Jackie's Stitches said...

The winter photo is beautiful! Another thing to live in it, I know. This year thankfully it seems like we have had more winter sun than last year.

The scarf is lovely! The color shifts really work with the pattern.

Terri said...

I love the scarf!! Great work with it and your stitching.

Gorgeous kitties!!

Carol said...

Well, at least the kitties like the snow!! I am with you, Melanie--this seems like the winter that will never end. Day after day of sub-zero temps and blinding snow! At least we have the sunshining today and it has reached a "warm" 13°!! Heat wave!!!

Love that scarf--just gorgeous. I sure wish I lived closer and you could teach me to knit. and your stocking is adorable. I have that chart, too, and hope to stitch it soon. (Maybe I'll send it to you to finish--ha ha!! I still have my stocking and heart shaped finishing phobia :)

Give the kitties a cuddle for me--they sure are beautiful/handsome and I'm shocked that they are now 7 months old! Stay warm now!

Maggee said...

Your scarf is beautiful!! The colors are so vivid. They blend perfectly! It is so pretty! And the kitties do look grown now... amazing how their coat changes everything! Hugs!

Leslie said...

At the mention of hyacinths ~ you make me want to go out a buy a few. Maybe they will bring a glimmer of spring time! : ) It's been a long cold winter!
I love all of your finishes.. and I am with you, when I can accomplish something other then defeating a level on Candy Crush saga.. then I've really accomplished something. I've been craving a good book lately.. one that I will actually hold in my hand.
I read the Hobbit 23 years ago, when I was pregnant with Michelle. Funny thing, ever since she was old enough to read she was obsessed with the hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I wonder if it had anything to do with my pregnancy reading material. : )

Have a great weekend.

Anne said...

I too have the best intentions to blog more than 3-4 times a month, but it never happens...so much else to do right?! Like read and re-read things like the Hobbit :D I did that awhile back and like you, didn't like it when I was 13. I tend to re-read the LOTR and other books because I forget some of the details! Wonderful scarf! I love those colours. Your kitten is so precious! Just a little fluffball of smoky gray :D

Anne said...

I too have the best intentions to blog more than 3-4 times a month, but it never happens...so much else to do right?! Like read and re-read things like the Hobbit :D I did that awhile back and like you, didn't like it when I was 13. I tend to re-read the LOTR and other books because I forget some of the details! Wonderful scarf! I love those colours. Your kitten is so precious! Just a little fluffball of smoky gray :D

staci said...

I remember that I read the Hobbit, I think I was in 4th grade. But I don't actually remember much of the book itself. I've vowed to do more reading this year :)
Love your scarf, the colors are gorgeous!