Winter

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you ..... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself."- Ruth Stout

I feel like this past week has been like that or atleast the later part. Monday was a little stressful trying to finish the stockings and mittens that #1 daughter requested. Then Tuesday I was working on the Hemlock Ring which I finally finished on Christmas Eve. I blocked it and was able to wrap it by noon on Christmas Day. Have to say I love apircream!

Christmas day was so relaxing. #2 kids started the day later than they normally do. After they took turns unwrapping we sat around for hours before we went to my mothers. We exchanged presents with my brother and family and relaxed some more. #1 son showed up and we exchanged more presents and started dinner. #1 daughter showed up and we exchanged presents with her. We ate about 3 and then #1 son left to go to his gf’s family. #1 daughter came home with us and we lounged around and then went to bed early.

The man had Friday off and it was as leisurely as Thursday. Falling right into this new routine, when the man went to work for ½ a day on Saturday, I slept until 8:30! I was feeling alittle too leisurely obviously! I rectified this by starting work on a pair of Urban Necessity gloves for #1 daughter from yarn my mom bought me for Christmas and a pair of socks for myself with yarn from #1 daughter. I must admit I made out extremely well again this year. But #1 daughter made out the best….Sir T bought her a promissory ring! {{happy dance}} I love this guy. But even if I didn’t he makes her happy and that is all that matters. He is still in school and graduates in June. She is fresh out of the Army, trying to get employment in today’s job market and taking classes. What’s that saying… “the world is their oyster.”? I am very happy for them. :^D

Sunday I finished one glove, started the second and did some spinning. I am trying to organize the yarn and needles that got pulled out during the holiday knitting spree so I lost ½ the day to that with more to do today.

Tomorrow the kids both have Dr. appointment’s and the man has to be tested for TB. One of the guys that worked in his shop was gone for over a week. Then he came in, said he had been in the hospital with TB and everyone he was in contact with had to be tested and then he left again. The man’s boss thinks it is BS but I would like to err on the side of caution.

Eventually I know this seclusion and calm is going to pass so I am just going to enjoy it while I can! If it would last until March it would be awesome and I could emerge renewed. However I don't think that will happen! So for now, I have books to read and I have even been thinking about what I want to plant this year. I think we need this time to wind down, look back and get ready for the new year.