Writing and knitting and bears, oh my

I've been busy with Bear Bear and nieces and editing and finishing projects. I should have photos and stories to share shortly.  The only thing I've actually completed is the sweater I started knitting during the Winter Olympics a year ago. I had to stop because of the elbow injury.  Now that's as good as it's going to get(considerably better than it was) I'm incorporating more of my activities back into my life.

I've also done a fair amount of shoveling. Not Boston marathons of shoveling but enough every day that my upper body is starting to look good. Mother Nature is a very effective trainer, and less expensive than a gym membership.  I am one of the happy minority enjoying this winter.

What's new in your neck of the woods? (and why do we call it that?)

Blessed

The temperature was so cold here the other day that the boots cracked. I've reverted them to the purple vinyl and am ordering a gorgeous, durable pair of rain boots online. I saw the perfect pair when shopping in Toronto a couple of weeks ago.  Too bad they didn't have my size as the sale price is considerably less than it's-no-longer-Boxing-Week regular price.

It takes a special kind of creative to walk across the floor of the library and pop your sacrum.  Freaking painful too. I had to get creative about lying on the floor at home to watch the hockey game while reading a book. The game was horrid. The book was fun. Kristan Higgins' The Perfect Match.  It was a good break from all the suspense and horror I've been reading lately.

I needed to stretch my back last night. Sitting is painful, standing and walking less so.  I walked slow shuffling steps on the spot while knitting a sock. My family has gotten used to my odd behaviour. Nothing much fazes them.

An interesting note. While it's only been six days since I stopped daily posts, I find I'm still thinking of at least one good thing a day.  Today's is remarkably easy.  Unlike most of North America, including cities within twenty minutes of us in all directions, we have power, little snow and the sun is shining. Temperatures are dropping like a stone but we're in a sweet spot, weather-wise.

Hockey night tonight

Another long day at work but we accomplished a fair bit and I helped a boy find books for his project about how pencils and crayons are made. No luck on the pen front.

I opted out of a night out to spend time with the family. It's important and I'm really feeling the need lately to spend as much time with my parents as possible.  It's a good thing I made that decision. My dad totally ignored my breakfast announcement of evening plans and went ahead on dinner with my attendance as part of the equation.  Oh well. It was steak out on the grill so no hardship for me. 

An exciting night of hockey with lots of parental interaction to round out the night. My phone was buzzing throughout the game as Stashaholic and I discussed the play.  My other game texting buddy was busy but Yoda cheered for her. I've never seen a parrot take such an interest in sports. He screams Wheeeee when our team scores and Eeeeek or What???? when the opposing team gets a goal.  I am greatly amused by him.

In other news, I have decided to make a pair of socks for my great-aunt for Christmas. She appreciated the last pair so much it seems mean not to knit some more for her. 

Perception

Winter is on its way.  My poor garden wasn't prepared despite the fact that I've had several extra weeks to take care of it. Other things took priority. My convalescing friend is doing much better.  She no longer needs someone with her all the time. I picked up a couple of things while I was out shopping then popped by her place for a short visit.  Mentally, she's ready to be out of the house and back to work. Physically will be a bit slower.

I'm working on my own routine and habits. My jeans are looser but I feel like they should be the opposite. Funny how our perception is often skewed. 

I've been designing sweaters, jackets and wraps in my head. It will be interesting to see if anything comes of any of them.  I have quite a few lovely skeins I want to work with on those projects. First, I will finish my cherrybomb wrap. It's going to be a bolero, I think.  I'd made a big mistake that necessitated five inches being ripped out but I actually picked up the stitches on the right row.  I'm better at this knitting thing than I think.  Perception again.

I had a great time with my friend and her daughter when we went to see Thor: The Dark World. I shouldn't root for the bad guy with such enthusiasm but Loki is delightfully complex. 

Tomorrow, I will be quite late posting, if at all.  I'm going to see Eddie Izzard with Stashaholic.  I heard him say he's doing the follow-up to the Death Star Canteen. Apparently, all trays have been removed.  I'm really looking forward to it.