True Blue Winter

I finally finished the winter set I've been crocheting!  I love the yarn - Malabrigo Kettle Dyed Pure Merino Wool in Indigo - and the variegation it gives.  Also, I think this is a color that is great on anyone!  The yarn and buttons (Celtic Hearts) are from Magpie's Cottage in Sheboygan Falls, WI.  Kim has been a great help to me as I'm learning to crochet.  Now, what to make next?  Suggestions?

Winter Days:

I have been struggling with the shorter days, but a friend posted on Facebook this morning that in only 12 days and the days will start getting longer again!  Yee-haw!  Good thing I have switched to CFL bulbs in most lamps, as they seem to be on almost all day during the winter!

We had snow yesterday, but not as much as they predicted.  I enjoyed seeing the beautiful cardinals in the snow covered trees, and wish now that I would have bundled up to try to photograph.  I'm sure we will have many more snow days, so I can take advantage of the beauty then!  Winter days are great for working on projects, though.  I am crocheting a great neck wrap that will match the hat and fingerless gloves I just finished.  I finished a baby bib and hope to start on some sewing projects.  Last winter I didn't have as much to do, so was bored trying to adjust to not working, but this winter will be a whole different story!

Soup seems to be my favored go-to dish at this time of year.  I made a great potato soup the other night that was a big hit.  Of course, I used no recipe, so who knows if it will turn out the same the next time!  Kind of like my chili.  I love to cook and find comfort in chopping all the ingredients and doing the prep work.  Funny how things have changed.  It used to be that I wanted to get things done as quickly as possible, but now, whether it's sewing, crocheting or cooking, I take my time - rip out when necessary and start over.

I can't believe it's been a year since my retirement.  We are using the last of my frequent flier miles to go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in February - FIRST CLASS, I might add!  I will be 7 1/2 months pregnant, so will probably need the extra room!  I'm looking forward to it and the sunshine and fresh food.

I am reading the book Blogging for Bliss right now, and hope to get some hints on how to make my blog better and more robust.  I am so new at this, that I am lucky I can make a post!

Always Evolving,

The Real Housewife of Sheboygan County (or Shevegas, as the locals call it!)

Re-vamping the blog?

I haven't blogged in quite some time, and lots has changed. I have spent the past year getting married, volunteering at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center as a docent, completing the Master Gardening program and volunteering with that, having a big wedding blowout over the 4th of July, vacationing in Wales/Scotland, getting pregnant, and now am learning to sew & crochet. Also getting ready to have our first child at the geriatric age of 42!

So, am thinking about a re-vamp for the blog and getting serious about this, as a way to showcase projects I'm making and my trials and tribulations as a new mom-to-be and new crafter.

I have a new Janome sewing machine that has been fun to work with and have been making some crochet hook and knitting needle cases that I might sell through our local yarn shop. Won't make a new career for me, but will keep me in yarn for my crochet projects. Once you start working with nice yarn, you really don't want to go back to the stuff from the big box stores.

Also, I forgot to mention, that we got a puppy last February and he will be a year old tomorrow. Yes, it's been quite the year and for 2010 I think I will have LOTS to say and show.

All for now.