Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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What’s New on Wednesday

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The first day of December has emerged as a gray, rainy, somewhat depressing day weather-wise. We’ve seen no snow yet, although we have seen a few flakes that were here one minute, gone the next. Today’s temps will be in the 50’s, which is a bit balmy for December. Though I love seeing all the Christmas decorations throughout Blogland, this house will continue to be a No Christmas Decorating Zone for another week or so. I just can’t decorate this early. I’ve never been able to. If decorations are up too soon, I get used to them. I no longer see them. They lose their magic. And I want them to be magical. I suppose this is also a reaction to the over-commercialization of Christmas, where every store seems to trot out the Christmas decorations as soon as Halloween has passed. In good time, they will appear. In good time.

What’s new here at MHC? After being locked into a 2 year cell phone contract with AT&T, we finally made our escape and went to Verizon.

I have nothing against AT&T, my Dad worked for them for 40 years, but their coverage out here in our little town is simply terrible. Our town continues to dither about a cell tower. Things being what they are, Verizon has the best coverage here. Now, when the power goes out, we can actually call the power company.  When I get a business call, I will no longer have to get in the car and drive to an area where I can hear the message. Yesterday, I actually spoke to a colleague about a potential coaching job while working in my studio. It’s a big deal here.

See, I’m not lying. I have been working in the studio. The quarters are tight, but I have to say I am proud of how it all flows. Yesterday, I had the ironing board set up, the cupboard doors open, the sewing machine humming; all to the sound of Don’s guitar as he practiced downstairs.

I’ve also been doing more of this:

Another scarf in Mochi Plus. Gorgeous colors, aren’t they? The addiction continues. I hope to take some photos at our new yarn store very soon. Today is too gloomy and dark. Hopefully, tomorrow.

If you live anywhere near Shelburne Falls, MA, Don is playing at a wonderful cafe called Mocha Maya’s this coming Saturday at 8:00 pm. You can find them here.  Don’s a wonderful entertainer and I can guarantee you’d have a great time.

What are you up to today?

A New Addiction

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I caught this addiction from my sister, Meredith. I blame her. She’s an enabler. Mer did a post about this wonderful crochet pattern that she’d discovered through another blogger. It’s called Queen Anne’s Lace. She urged me to check it out. I did, and I’m hooked. This is an easy pattern – it works up quickly. And if you use a self-striping yarn, like this Mochi Plus by Crystal Palace – oh, how pretty it is.

This one’s for me. Not because I’m selfish or anything (well, maybe a tad) but because I needed a prototype, if you will. I’m also going to try it in a chunkier yarn. I think a chunky yarn would make a warmer, heavy-duty scarf for the winter. This one is the kind I could wear all the time – inside or out. By the way, I found the pattern here.

It sure makes a difference having Letitia around to model my creations. She does it well, don’t you think?

I know of a couple of young ladies who would look adorable in one of these – perhaps for Christmas? Between these and the afghan, I’ve become crocheting-obsessed. And I love this yarn, which I found at my (drum roll) new neighborhood yarn store! It’s in an old barn. I’ve already been there twice. I’m going to take some photos there and post about it later this week.

Scout has a comment on all this endless ‘creating.’

I hear you, Princess Scout, I hear you.

Don’t forget to read my book review of Mrs. Kennedy. Just scroll down one post. I’m giving away a copy of this wonderful book to one lucky commenter. You must comment on that post and you have until Wednesday.

Falling Leaves, Aging, Dog Hair & Crochet

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We had our first hard frost last night. The Catalpa tree, always the last to lose its leaves, is shedding them at an alarming rate. The drive is covered in big, heart-shaped leaves. Piles of them.  It’s time to say goodbye to the glorious colors of autumn and hunker down for the coming winter.

Happy November. I have a special spot in my heart for this month – the month of my birth. My birthday always hovers within a few days or a week of Thanksgiving. Since I usually feel like I’m somewhere in my late 30’s, the actual amount of years I will celebrate is always a bit shocking. After a sleepless night last night (for both of us), my husband looked around the living room this morning and said “The pack is aging. The wolves are circling the house saying, we can take them.” Scout is going to be 12 in December, a young 12, but 12 nonetheless. Riley’s age is a guess, but he’s probably around 9. And Don and I? Well, we’re young at heart. Cue Frank Sinatra.

I swiffer every day. I vacuum every day. I use a lint brush on the furniture almost every day. Then I sit here in the morning light and all I see is dog hair. Everywhere.  See the white hair on the table? Thank you, Scout.  We have two very hairy dogs here at MHC. In fact, our new Vet couldn’t believe how thick Riley’s undercoat is. And Scout: lots of fine cat-like hair that flies everywhere. Oh, and leaves. Riley seems to be a magnet for every fallen leaf in the yard. It’s as if he’s made of Velcro. But I forget it all when I see their sweet faces. Sort of.

It makes cleaning a challenge. And it makes crocheting a challenge. I seem to be picking long white hairs out of my stitches rather frequently. I suppose a part of Scout is in everything I crochet or knit! I’ve been hooking away while watching the World Series.

I think I’ve made it a bit too wide, though since Don and I usually sit together on the sofa, I’m aiming for something that can cover us both with room to spare. I love doing these scrappy ripple afghans because it’s such fun to play with color and texture. I’m rather liking this so far.

I’m off to swiffer.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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