Unraveling a Mystery

For the past few weeks I've been working on a mystery sock which was the focus of a KAL sponsored by the Knitters Brewing Company. It was one of the more difficult patterns I've ever attempted and the source of quite a bit of frogging.  However, I kept at it and one sock is DONE! (The sock is actually gray, not beige.)

It was supposed to be the "canvas" for embroidery, but I just couldn't bear to put any kind of stitching on the cables.  The heel on this sock was really unique as well; it's created by a series of yarn overs that are then decreased.  One of these days I'll start on sock #2.

Even though it's been kind of chilly here today, our yard is looking very springlike.  The flowering plum is blossoming as are lots of pretty daffodils.

It was spring inside our house, too.  When we got home last week, the minute we walked in the door, we smelled this almost sickeningly sweet smell but couldn't find the source for a couple of days.  After we'd almost given up, DH found it.  The corn plant had a hidden stalk of flowers behind the canary island pine.  I cut it off, Dick took a photo, and we put it outside!

Still haven't posted about our trip, but I will soon.  Stay tuned.

Just Walkin' in the Rain.......

Walking in the rain isn't so bad when the spring flowers start to bloom.  The skies may be grey, but color is everywhere!

Daffodils are in their glory!

 Camelias are right outside our living room window.

Forsythia  is finally showing its cheerful yellow blooms.

Early Clematis blossoms are straining their arbors.

This Star Magnolia is so beautiful.

Many shades of Heather adorn the hillside gardens. Yes, walking isn't so bad now.

It's the season of pink snow!  Spring has arrived! Hurrah!

Signs of Spring

This afternoon on the way to look at tile for the kitchen, we stopped to admire some of the local flowering plum trees. Each year they provide a spectacular show, especially on streets where each yard has a tree. On days like today, which was rainy and cold, they are a welcome sight. (For the first time EVER, I had icicles on my umbrella because it hailed really hard while we were on our walk!) When the blossoms start to fade, the grass and streets will be covered with pink "snow."


Jill sent us a few pictures this week. As you can see, Dick had fun with the grandkids.

Jane had fun reading to Daniel. I wonder what he's saying to her?

After we left Chicago, it warmed up enough for the kids to enjoy playing outside. David caught a toad, but I'm not sure the toad was as happy about that as David was.


I've been working on a couple of knitting projects this week, and while I worked, enjoyed watching the EagleCam.Have you seen it? It's on 24/7 and great fun to watch Mom and Dad care for their young. The nest is high in a tree near a fish hatchery in Decorah, Iowa. Check it out! You'll be glad you did.