there and back again..

gee, I didn't realize how long its been since my last post. I had the pleasure of visiting my family in Canada for awhile. I had a great time, loving on my nieces and nephew. It rained and rained the whole time but I loved it.  The heat is creeping up and up and up in southern california now, I am wishing I was back in Vancouver. Camping at the beach is right around the corner and I am finding it hard to knit since its more of a cold weather hobby but for now the knitting needles are still calling my name... I finally broke down and ordered some brooklyn tweed loft, its a lovely yarn, scratchy but soft, tweedy and I love the colors. Not working on anything in particular perhaps a really long scarf or cowl, but mostly just a lot of random stripes I think I will order it again sometime in the future or in the winter. I just shipped off my camptown races in madelinetosh merino light for my mom. Its cozy and bright, perfect for that drizzly northwest weather! Hope she likes it as much as I liked knitting it.

weekending.

tulips

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I got my flowers yesterday from the hubby. Tulips, which are my favorite! Finished my first stranded project, the From Norway with Love hat, pattern is here. Sizing ran small or I knit it too tight, either way it will go to one of my nieces. Oh and I finally ordered some tanis fiber arts yarn. Blue Label Fingering yarn in Garnet and Plum. I have been eyeing these yarns for quite some time and gave in. The colors are so pretty, more vibrant than in the pictures. Now I just need to figure out what to cast on...

hot chocolate

Oh will this cold ever end.. really I shouldn't complain but it so chilly lately around here. Sammy keeps me company during the day. I couldn't resist a picture of Miss Sammy. She gathers all the pillows and cuddles on them. She arranges them herself, its really funny to watch. I woke up this morning craving hot chocolate so I tried out this recipe. If you love hot chocolate you should try it but I warn you, this is a chocolate overdose, not for the faint of heart :) I added a little espresso and I used dark chocolate. Yum! I recently finished two projects, my Frederick & Anne Scarf and my Magrathea shawl. Both gifted to my Mother in Law and Sister in Law. I have to say that I am quite proud of the scarf, my first lace project and it seemed like it took forever. I only had to frog back twice throughout the whole project and I blame that because I got distracted while watching tv. Both the project were for the Downton Abbey KAL on ravelry. Today I cast on for a new project, another little jumper for my niece but this time in blue and red. Thinking I'll add some details like pockets or something like that. This weekend my hubby and I are off to a little mini road trip up the coast. It has been awhile since our last mini road trip and next month the plan is to visit my family again in Vancouver. I'm still not working yet so trying to make the most of my time. A little sad that Sunday will be the last episode of Downton Abbey for this season, just can't get enough of that show but excited that it will be back for at least 2 more series. In March Call of the Midwife will be back so that is something to look forward too!

apple cake.

Catching up on some chores today. Yesterday made some maple apple cake, this recipe, via pinterest. It was pretty yum, delicious with coffee. The hubby loved it! I might make it again but with some peaches possibly or sliced pears. Braised chicken for dinner tonight with some greens. Off to post office first to drop of a package for my sis and my little niece amelie for whom the dress and the bootees are for. 

weekending

The local farmers market has a great band that plays every weekend mostly big band type of music which is one of my favorites.. sat around and listened for a little bit. We bought some agua fresca from one of the stands, peach mojito for me and raspberry watermelon for the mister.  I went home with some fresh made tamales for dinner this week, as well as some blood oranges, a little bouquet of Iris's and some fresh bread. Yum! .... Progress on my scarf is coming along nicely. I have too many projects going on right now so I need to actually sit and finish one of them.

a walk in the woods

Listening to this  album, on my player right now, love love love her voice! The wind and rain came in today and last night. It was very cold and its supposed to be even colder tonight.. I went for a walk in the woods with my dogs this morning and we were greeted by a hummingbird, she kept flying around us. I was able to capture her in flight.. Lovely new yarn, malabrigo in arco iris which I think might be for a new shawl, not sure yet... and my scarf for the Downton Abbey Knit Along has started off nicely.  Lemon and blueberry cake to kick off the new season.