Now we are 35

Officially, but I would like a re-do for the week. Both my kids came down with a cold the day before my birthday. Husband was already sick, turns out to be bronchitis. The high point of my actual birthday were these Brown Sugar Cookies made up with dark brown sugar, were a chewy delectable happiness even without frosting.
A box from Mara-Darling arrived later in the week filled with things that kept me from hiding myself away in the back of a closet with my knitting stash till May. Delicious chocolates from Snake & Butterfly , smoked cocoa nibs, gorgeous yarn, and a delightful book of Victorian needlework.
I also managed to finally find the cable to my camera, I suppose I should take some pictures.
I had finished a top this week, my "birthday present" to myself. Only to try it on and realize it's a style I should avoid at all costs as it was less than flattering with my broad shoulders. It will be frogged this weekend and the yarn re-purposed.
The fast approaching government shut down is also a point of stress.
Wahoo. Maybe we can just skip to next year?

It snowed again!

This time it even stuck around for a bit. There were still patches in the backyard this afternoon. I loved the way the snow clouds obscured our view, it was like the storm rolled in and ate the mountains.

It's also my dad's 60th birthday. Happy Birthday Dad!

Did I mention the yarn?

My biggest birthday present was yarn. Seven entire sweaters worth. One sweater for a cabled pattern that will fit my Darling Husband who is 6 foot 5 inches. That ends up being quite a bit of yarn! One of those sweaters just needs a touch of finishing. It only took me two days to knit up. I'm feeling much love for bulky yarn and huge needles. Only seventeen more knit projects to finish in the next two months. I might be over-estimating the time available to me.

Lately I've been trying to push myself physically. Actually exercising. Eating the way I know I'm supposed to as opposed to the way I would really like to. Custard eclairs and maple bars are not allowed to be standard fare! I want the clothes I am making to fit exactly right. I am so very much my own worst critic. ;-)

So much to do, so little time

My birthday went well. There was a little shopping, of which I need to take pictures. There was a lovely dinner out that included a large slab of chocolate cake with fresh berries. Every where we went, people were exceptionally nice. Yay! Made for a very entertaining day.

Then we got home. There has been discussion on possibly, definitely maybe, going home for a bit of a vacation this summer. Like nine weeks or so from now this summer. I am still in the midst of my wardrobe re-vamp and getting off my rear after winter hibernation (this is excusable, we had snow last week). I've got nine projects on the knitting needles right now as well as fabric for three sewing projects prepped and ready to go. Which is only half of the projects I think must be completed in those nine weeks or so. Yes, that is twenty two projects of various sizes and mediums in just over two months. It's also going to be time to re-henna my hair, as well as get back to regular work outs and weight lifting sessions. Did I mention the landscaping and victory garden that we are attempting to put in? I've got seedlings of eight types of tomatoes, four types of melons, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, sugar peas, and greens. The raspberry we bought last year is coming back beautifully. Then there are the herbs: mint, lemon thyme, catnip and lavender so far. I only have my red geraniums for flowers right now, with black pansies and hollyhocks soon, as well as bright red nasturtiums and cosmos. Did I mention the poppies (California orange and coral Oriental/Flanders)and the marigolds?
At least the kids' lessons are a steady routine. I've started looking into accredited distance high schools for Darling Girl. I'd rather not have her bouncing high schools, which would otherwise be likely thanks to Dear Husband's job. At least I have few months to figure that one out.