Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Do I start with the good news or the bad news?

Bad news: we have a nor’easter headed this way tomorrow, bringing heavy wet snow (because it’s been relatively warm) and anything from 6 – 12 inches is possible. We still have snow on the ground from the last big storm. I’d say about  4-5 inches.

I’ve had it with this winter. Truly had it.

There was some hope that we might not get much snow, but as we get closer and closer to Sunday, it looks as if our luck has run out.

Okay.

The good news? I’ve started to crochet Don’s afghan/throw. I decided to go with a basic double crochet stitch because it’s easier on my hands. Doing a ripple stitch involves too much twisting and turning of my right hand. And Don doesn’t care whether there’s a swirly pattern or not. I started working on it yesterday.

I’m really enjoying it. I’m careful to take breaks in order to protect my hand. I looked back in my Etsy sales information and I think the last time I crocheted consistently was in 2013. I did pick it up a few years ago to make a few berets for the Blythes. But that was just a blip. I had to check some things in my handy little book on crochet. But now, I’m back on track.

Once I get going, it’s so relaxing. I feel grounded. And heaven knows, I need that right now.

I’ll update the crochet status when I add some more colors.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

 

Just had to share this. I love these sisters  – the sculpts were designed by Eat Zongzi who lives in China. I was compelled to fetch my big girl camera yesterday because they looked so darn adorabl. From the left: Wren, Lily, and Rosie.

The dolls help so much. I was feeling cranky the other day, well on my way to a bad mood. But later, I had an urge to photograph Nina and just like that, the mood lifted.

Who would have thought these little beings would be healers?

Oh, the finals of women’s figure skating were glorious! So life affirming, such support for each other no matter what  country they represented. A breathtaking gold medal winning skate by Alyssa Liu. An amazing comeback by Amber Glenn. Three extraordinary skaters from Japan – talent and poise were everywhere. The biggest emotion seen on that ice? Pure joy.

We needed this now; something positive and good in the midst of the horrific. I think I’ll replay those performances today – more than once.

Don’s out running a quick errand as it’s snowing now. NO MORE! Actually, it will turn to rain later, so I hope the rain erases the snow. It’s taking so long for all the snow on the ground already to melt. We don’t need more, Mother Nature.

I am over this winter.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Thank you so much for your lovely thoughts on the 18th anniversary of the blog. They mean a great deal to me. Bless you. Without all of you, I’d just be talking to the ether.

The snow is slowly melting but we have so much on the ground that it’s going to take a long time. In the meantime, I suppose we’ll get more snow. Sigh. I spent the other day filling nylon knee-highs with salt, tying them off, and throwing them up on the edge of the roof over the kitchen. Don helped out and came up with the idea to tie some wire around the end. The wire hangs down and we can easily remove the whatever-you-call-’ems. The ice was so thick on the edge of the roof that it wouldn’t melt. These little devices help to jumpstart the process. I learned about them during the winter where I was all alone here with Scout (Don was acting in Boston.) We don’t want any ice dams on the roof.

Fun, right?

We’re watching the Olympics, of course. We haven’t missed a night. It’s a nice escape from the turmoil going on around us. I’m in awe of the athletes, no matter what country they are representing. I cheer for all of them.

The other day, I was clearing out a big basket and I found this little wicker baby carriage. I completely forgot I had it! It’s very old. I bought it way before I got into Blythes and little dolls. So it was a lovely surprise. It’s now living on the Blythe shelves. But first, Derek took it for a spin.

It is decorated with hand painted flowers.

The little pad for the baby is hand stitched. So lovely. The carriage is lined with what is now very fragile fabric.

Gosh, it’s so sweet! This happens rarely, but I love it when I rediscover something I had forgotten existed. Especially when it’s so sweet!

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.