Back Home, Catching Up, Yarn, Audio Books, and Exercise

 

The blue afghan grows, inching closer to a 2nd white section.  I've worked on this a few more days.  It's very light weight and as it grows; I like it more and more.  Left the blue blanket at home so only worked on it the last few days before I left town.

The colorful corner to corner blanket has grown 4 more colors...from blue to orange, to green, and currently light gray.  It measures almost 40 inches a side, and in the green section I've started the decrease; so less than half the blanket left to finished.  I worked on this while we were out of town; but still a bit too large to work on it while on the plane.

So this Buckeye Asymmetric Scarf was what I worked on while traveling to and from Hilton Head n the plane.  Smaller items are best for plane travel.  It's growing nicely and might be done fairly soon.  It now measurers 49 inches long and is 10 inches wide as it's widest point.

I started listening to this book, but ended up returning it early...2 fold.  I had several books on my shelf at the time and wasn't going to be able to get them all finished in time and this one called out to me the least...however, I may check it out a 2nd time.  This novel is a recollection of The War in Burma.  It's not a part of the war I know much about.

This was one of the other books I had on my shelf at the same time, and I really enjoyed Kelly Rimmer's other book, The Things We Can Not Say, so went with this one.  A story inspired by a real-life heroine who saved thousands of Jewish Children.  Elzbieta is drawn into what happens in the Jewish Ghetto's by her neighbor Sara.  Let me know if you've read this.

Exercising....mixed bag.  In January I planked 13 times, only 5 during Feb

I did Yoga 3 times in January and only once in Feb.

I went for a walk 5 times in January and did better in Feb 8 times.

Went for a bike ride 6 times in January and 5 times in February.   

February is a shorter month, plus 2 days were travel days, but still...you can see a downfall from January.  January I walked 119.9 miles and 115.95 in February...so that difference isn't too bad.  Gotta see if I can finish a bit stronger in March.

Knitting A Baby Blanket and Scarf, World War II Audio Books, and Horses!

 

The Blue corner to corner baby blanket is growing.  The white section is now done, and blended into light blue which has blended into the darker blue currently.  It now measurers 30 inches a side and 48 inches in diameter while on the needles (that often changes a bit), and has 154 stitches on the needle.  We're not yet at the decreasing point...not sure how large I want to make it...it's an eyeball thing for me.  Most people that make baby blankets go for about 30-36 inches.  Mine are always larger, more a crib size or afghan size vs "baby size".  Only time will tell.  I'm happy to see the shading changes.

The Buckeye Scarf (bottom in the picture), has been waiting in the wings for a while.  I started it just around Thanksgiving, then put it aside when I was started working on The Blanket of Many Colors.  Decided it was time to bring it out again, and I like to have projects to switch back and forth between.  As I mentioned above size to me is an eyeball thing.  This Buckeye Scarf will be a gift for a friend who's an avid Buckeye Fan.  I knew it wasn't currently large enough but wanted to compare to a scarf I made myself awhile back with the same pattern.  I like these asymmetrical scarves.  More fun to make than a regular scarf; and perhaps a bit dressier when worn.  The wing measurement is currently 37 inches (the previous one I made is 56 inches), it's 8 inches at it's widest part, while the completed one measures 10 inches.  The width of The Buckeye Scarf will probably be a bit wider on completion, as the yarn is a bit heavier.

Still in WWII mode....this book, "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand is hard to put down.  The book was a best seller and has in fact been turned into a movie, though I've not seen the movie.  This is a true story of Louis Zamperini, his participation in The Berlin Olympics, joining The ARmy Air Force and being a downed pilot.  The courage, hope, and endurance of men against severe conditions and horrible brutality is a testament to the human soul.  I highly recommend this book.

 One of many scenes I've enjoyed these past couple of months as I walk and or ride my bike.  The loop is just over 3 miles through beautiful Sea Pines Plantation in Hilton Head.  Hubby and I have really enjoyed our time away from The Ohio Winter.  I've not made a counting yet for my planks, bike rides, walks, or yoga for the current month of February to compare to January, but my gut feeling is it's less.  We've had some super windy days with cool temps which have lessen my exercising.  I need to pick up the pace with just a week left here before heading back to cold Ohio.

 

Buckeye Scarf, Thanksgiving and Reading

 

Started this newest project, a scarf in Buckeye Colors. These asymmetrical scarves are fun to make.  This is using Cascade 220 Superwash yarn 100% Superwash Merino Wool.  It's really nice yarn to work with and will feel good about the neck.  The skeins are small, only 136 yards and I just recently started on the 2nd skein.  I'm estimating it will take 3 skeins to make it a nice size; but we'll see.  I do have more than 3 skeins, just in case.  Purposed this yarn at my local yarn shop when they had a going out of business sale, so it was a good buy.  Sad to see them close.

Speaking of Buckeye Colors....this is our brunch before the Ohio State vs Michigan game a few days after Thanksgiving.  We had egg casserole, Cinnamon Rolls from Mama Mimi's (something they only make at Thanksgiving and Christmas), and of course Champagne.  Sadly, our team didn't play well, and Michigan won.  Their first win in 10 years.

Due to Covid, we did not join the large family gathering (too many people, indoors, without everyone being vaccinated.  But, we did set a nice table with heirloom family dishes.

Dishes that have been in the family a good long while.  Hand painted china, service for 12 given to me by my Great Aunt on my Dad's side of the family.  Dad's father's sister, Aunt Irene.  Irene was born in 1895 and lived to the age of 92 years old, dying in 1988.  I don't know how old she was when she either purchased or was given this set of dishes.  I know one of her sister's, Viola had a similar pattern on her dishes.

We dressed for dinner.

Another lighter book from my listening list. I found the book entertaining.  A story of life for two women, best friends for years when they become empty nesters.  

I also listened to this book while walking, working in the yard, doing kitchen prep etc.  The book is different than the TV show.  The parts that were different, I won't divulge in case you'ld like to read/listen to it.  One of the differences I liked better in the book; and a second major difference I liked better on the tv show.