Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas
 and all the very best wishes for a peaceful, healthy New Year.

Afghan squares

I've started knitting some squares to put together as a patchwork afghan.  Each colour will have a different stitch pattern. I'm enjoying doing the 6" squares rather than knitting the afghan in one piece. Each square seems like a completed project in and of itself. I'm learning new stitch patterns as well and that's interesting. When I'm knitting with a particular recipient in mind, as I am in this case, the added pleasure is that I think of them every time I work on the project.

Mystery

Life is full of mysteries. How does a little brown seed transform into a large green plant? Why are all the galaxies so different from each other? How do bumblebees stay up in the air? So many mysteries all around us.  But here is a question which rattles around my brain: Why do some people hear the call of God’s love and embrace it, and others don’t? It truly is a mystery to me.

Simple Winter Hat

I just finished a cozy sweater for my sister who is recovering from surgery and I felt like doing some quick project before I embark on something more time consuming. I had some leftover chunky light blue yarn and I paired it with some champagne mohair that has some shiny metallic threads in it. This photo makes the colours look washed out and dull

but this shot gives a pretty accurate representation of the colours and the sparkle highlights.
The hat was super quick to knit with chunky wool.  I cast on 44 stitches using 6.5 mm needles for my average size head and a snug fit. I knit 1 1/2 inches of k2p2 ribbing and then switched to stocking stitch. To shape the top, k2 together across the rows three times then thread the yard through the remaining stitches and pull tight. Sew a seam down the back and presto - a new winter hat.

Brisk, Very Brisk

Yup, snow this morning. Not only snow but cold : -10C with an Artic wind. I got to try out my new winter boots. Our little dog and I had a real power walk this morning, both of us marching along as fast as we could. It wasn't a long walk at all but we were both glad to get back in the warm house.

Tomorrow will be somewhat warmer at 3 C but perhaps we are in for an early winter. It is so unpredictable; some years winter starts in November, and some years it doesn't really start until the end of December. On the plus side, the coming week is supposed to be sunny, if on the chilly side.
Hope you're all warm.

Nature

This is my Father's world, 
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas-
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world,
O let me ne'er forget,
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heav'n be one.

Maltbie Babcock

November Bouquet

November bouquet from the very last bits of the garden.