Sunday, October 8, 2017

Catching up in October.............




October, how did you get here so fast?  It is already the 8th and I feel so far behind.  This is my favorite month of the year because it finally starts to cool off a bit.  Not that it has yet but I am expecting it to by mid month.  I am so jealous of all of you experiencing Autumn, cool nights, beautiful days, crisp air, changing leaves and that Autumn smell, I miss it so much.   

This weekend I had a list of things to do a mile long.  I started on Friday, my typical day off and I feel like I have accomplished most of it.  If I don't stay on top of things at this point in the year I will fall down a dismal hole of being behind and never catch up.  I have decorated for Halloween, finished Little Buddy's costume, bought a baby gift, bought new Crocs for Little Buddy to wear with his braces (he wears them out so fast!).  I have taken my car in to get fixed only to find out they need a part and I can't get it done until next weekend.  Have you ever heard of not being able to get your key out of the ignition?  Well neither had I until it has happened to me every time I try to turn off my car.  Since I drive for work that is 7-10 times a day.   I bought Little Buddy a shirt and pair of pants for an upcoming wedding.  We finished all of our homework for next week because I do not have time to do it during the week.  I met my dear friend Holly for a great breakfast and chat on Friday, it was a special treat with a very special friend.  I pruned two small palm trees and ripped out dead plants.  I finished paper work and have cleaned up half my house, the other half is for today.  Oh, and I also crocheted.  Not the above shawl but a new one.  The crazy thing is I still have more to accomplish today.  Yikes, aren't you supposed to rest on the weekend?

The shawl above was started just after Max passed.  I just had to start something new.  I grabbed this beautiful yarn from my stash, it was gifted to me, Madeline Tosh Vintage in the color Earl Grey.  It seems appropriate for cool Autumn mornings.   This is the Yes Yes Shawl by Bernat design team.  I have had this shawl in my Ravelry library for years.  It was easy to make, has a great chart, and just flew off my size I hook.  This was made with just over two skeins of yarn, about 410 yards and is not meant for me.  It is soft and beautiful,  hopefully it will make a great gift.



Speaking of gifts it is quickly approaching the dreaded Christmas and you might be looking for a few fun gifts for family and friends.  Do you remember the wonderful wedding Little Buddy was in this past February?  The lovely bride Taylor, has opened up a new jewelry making business as she makes her way through nursing school.  This is a small sample of her wonderful bracelets.  She has all sorts of choices and I'd love you to take a look.  She is offering free shipping on all items for the near future.  You can visit her here on Facebook.  She has an etsy shop called D and G Design Shop but for some reason I can't link to it.  She makes all sorts of special orders.  If you need her email let me know.  IF you visit her, let her know I sent you.


Here is a slight preview of Little Buddy's Halloween costume.  Yes I know that R on the left side is crooked, you should see the rest of the costume!  I am not known for my sewing skills that is for sure.   Let me just say sewing felt that stretches is a challenge.  If he ends up being happy with it that is all that matters.


Speaking of Little Buddy, yesterday he found a mustache in his dress up box.  He wanted to turn it up because he wanted a smiling mustache.  But don't let his smile fool you, he has been a pistol lately!  Very bossy and talking back, back to forgetting to use the potty, and constantly telling us all what to do.  Hmmmm....................... wonder where he gets his bossy attitude from?

Hope you all have a great week and are loving the weather wherever you are.  Stay safe and find a bit of peace in your week.  Even a little bit helps in these uncertain times. 

33 comments:

Christina said...

Phew, so much done in such a short time - I am tired just reading your post! Little Buddy always brings a smile on my face. The little ones can be such hard work when they are going through a bossy phase... But I always try to tell myself that assertive children probably grow up to be assertive adults, which is a useful trait to have to navigate our complicated world. I hope you get some more time to relax today xx

Mac n' Janet said...

Love the mustache! You got so much done, if it doesn't cool off here soon my house will turn into a tip, the heat has just worn me out.

Lilbitbrit said...

I do love the shawl. Time is flying. Keep up the good work on the little pistol. I have got my key stuck in the ignition and it is very frustrating. Usually it has been something to do with the position of steering wheel, or left in neutral instead of park. Wishing you and family the best.

Anonymous said...

I noticed the mustache, but oh wowza .....that boy has quite the fringe of eyelashes. Why is it ALWAYS the boys that get the great lashes!!!!

Hope you have a calmer week this week and for both of us ....I hope it cools off soon. It does NOT feel like fall here.

Nance said...

I think wanting a Smiling Moustache is a good sign, despite him trying out a more Assertive Personality. Growing Up is a very iffy business sometimes.

We're waiting for Fall Weather here in NEO, where it's still hot and summery. Instead of pretty leaves turning colours, they are browning, crisping, and falling dead to the ground. What a strange and disappointing year.

Try to build in some restfulness. So will I.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Meredith your life exhausts me just reading about it. Love that shawl. You are so talented. Oh Little Buddy does make me smile but I understand the 'pistol' part also. Tiger seems to be going through a bit of a rebellious stage. So glad I'm just the Grandma! Hugs to you.

kathy b said...

Meredith,

Your shawl colors are so perfect for fall. Lovely work as always.
Wow, you are accomplishing tons. !!! Glad you tossed in time with a dear friend.
Im so sorry I laugh when you say Lil B is talking back. That is such an older kid thing to do, I think he is in some ways wise beyond his years despite his potty battles.
I'm enjoying the FALL weather for you!! Al is here, and I'm trying to not worry about her. She seems good. Tomorrow is the tearful airport send off.

Jo said...

I feel tired reading about what you've been up to. Yes, weekends are definitely for resting so make sure you put your feet up for at least half an hour. The shawl is beautiful, such pretty yarn, I love the colours. Whoever receives that as a gift will be one lucky girl. Oh I do chuckle at Little Buddy's antics, a smiley moustache, whatever next?

Babajeza said...

Too much going on for my taste, too. About fall: it's raining. :-) Have a nice Sunday afternoon. Regula

The Well Fed Wheel said...

Leave it to Little B to think of a smiling mustache. LoL When you are that cute you can pull off being bossy. ;-) If it helps it's not cool crisp fall like weather here in the Carolinas either. Very warm and hummid. The leaves are kind of starting to turn though so the cool crisp can't be far behind. Love that shawl....that Earl Grey yarn is gorgeous!!

mamasmercantile said...

Always a joy to visit your blog and seeing Little Buddy's smiling face, the smiling moustache was an added bonus. Love the shawl Meredith the colours in the yarn are stunning perfect for the season.

busybusybeejay said...

I feel exhausted just reading your post.How busy you have been.I love the shawl pattern and crafting is such a good distraction.Hope you have a better week with Little Buddy.Bx

Between Me and You said...

I yearn to own some Mad Tosh anything but my skills(and budget) don't warrant any, yet! That shawl is stonkingly beautiful. Love the pic of the smiley-moustache-wearing-pistol!!Have a great week, Meredith.xxx

CJ said...

What a beautiful shawl, that yarn is amazing, it really is. Love that happy moustache. The bossiness made me laugh, he is keeping you on your toes I think. Everyone in this house is bossy, it makes for a lively atmosphere. I've had my usual relaxing Sunday. Football in the morning, really fast lunch, football in the afternoon, some speed gardening, ripping out dead plants etc., washing out, washing in, washing away, vacuuming, oh you know how it is. Glad it's not just me who gets to the end of the weekend and wonders where the Taking It Easy bit was. If you want some cool crisp autumn, hop on a plane and head this way, you'll love it. And I shall take you to an excellent yarn shop as well. CJ xx

Teresa Kasner said...

Your shawl is a work of art! You really are amazing how much you get done in your week. I'm a bum compared to you. LOL! We're just having an easy going weekend.. watching some TV.. just watched Hoarders about a Greenville NC mansion that was filled with garbage.. makes me feel better about myself. LOL! I'm crocheting a hat for my granddaughter and I'm grumped out as I'm finding too many knots/tied ends in the skein. Take some time for some deep breaths my friend! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Araignee said...

The shawl is so beautiful!!!! I love the way crocheted shawls drape-so much nicer than knit ones.

Judy S. said...

Love your shawl and the photo of LB. Have a good week and if you figure out why time is flying so fast, please let me know!

Caffeine Girl said...

You have been super busy. I don't know how you do it. I admire everyone who works with kids and still had energy for kids at home.
Your shawl is just beautiful, and it has to be super soft since it's made from Madtosh.
I used to sew my children's Halloween costumes, and I have to say that they were pretty lame. They didn't think so at the time, but they get a good laugh when they look at the old photos.
Bossy kids! There are a few of those at my school. My latest pet peeve is when students call me "girl." There have to be some benefits of getting older.

Gracie Saylor said...

As I read Christina's comment, I laughed out loud because she started out just as I intended to :) You are a wonder, Mere, and I admire so much how you care for others. The shawl is b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l!!! Now I will try to imitate Little Buddy's bossiness and encourage you to be good to yourself and cram in a good amount of rest for yourself in your packed schedule. Wishing you peace. xx

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Your shawl is pretty. I bought some yarn the other day at Hobby Lobby. Plum berry and I want to knit a scarf for myself. Busy week with finalizing our celebration on Sat. Cleaning and only a little baking. Buying some baked goods elsewhere. Cooler week and some rain. Now I need a nap! Have a good week!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

That picture of Little Buddy is awesome! What a cutie!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Wow! I think you've definitely accomplished a lot. And yes, I had the stuck key thing happen to me years (many years) ago ... I think it was when I was still driving my 1979 Grand Prix. The key got stuck in the ignition so the whole thing had to be replaced. Lovely shawl. Honestly, I don't now how you find the time for crochet when you accomplish so much with work and home and Little B. I've got a granny shawl and cocoon shrug I've yet to complete and no excuse except that I forget what patterns I was using for them. When I lose my crojo, I just make granny squares. :) It's good to know that Little B is just a normal kid going through phases. Such a cute little pistol. :)

Delighted Hands said...

Beautiful shawl-nice to commemorate Max, too.
I think the busier we get-we see it in our 'boys' as they try to control the stress in the house! Moms are the keystone to calm....

bittenbyknittin said...

Beautiful shawl! And I love the idea of a smiling mustache! If it makes you feel any better, we are not experiencing fall yet either, here in NE Indiana. Usually by now we have had a hard frost and may be enjoying "Indian summer". Not this year. The trees are still mostly green, temps keep reaching toward the 80's, etc. I'm wearing shorts and a T-shirt today. At least we have had some rain.

Lee said...

WOW.You sure are one very busy lady.I LOVE Autumn.Your Shawl is just soooo Beautiful and the colours so pretty.Little Buddy is a delight.hugs to all xx

Mrs. Micawber said...

You are so productive, Mere! Do you ever sleep? How you get all those things done, AND blog, is beyond me.
What a lovely shawl - I like those glints of coral in the yarn.
Hope you found some time to rest this weekend. Have a great week!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

What a happy moustache, looking forward to seeing him all dressed up for Halloween xx

Claudia said...

Little Buddy is so adorable!!!! Like you I too am delighted it is finally October and similarly am impatient for the big cool down.... lol Your shawl is gorgeous and will make a fantastic gift, someone lucky will be enjoying cups of Earl Grey in her matching shawl!

elns said...

HAHA! Time really flies! LB is shaving already eh? hehehehe. So cute. That is the best photo! I'll have to bookmark it or something for pick me ups! YAY!

The shawl is gorgeous. displaying it on that white outfit really shows it off! I just realized I have some of that yarn (not sure which weight) stashed. mwahahaha!

All the best to you Mere!

Jodiebodie said...

Oh Meredith, times with special friends are so precious - I'm so glad you managed to get some time to nurture yourself and your friendship in the midst of all the busy-ness.

Rest? What's rest? Your October sounds like mine in mirror - instead of weather cooling off, it is warming up for spring and the garden is just taking off with lots of spring pruning and planting to be done!

I thought I was busy until I read your post! Fortunately, we both found time to do a bit of crochet (or in my case, un-crocheting!)

Your shawl is beautiful. I love the shapes in the lace.

Enjoy your Hallowe'en celebrations. My family doesn't celebrate Hallowe'en but my youngest has been pestering me to buy a pumpkin for her to carve. Now she is old enough, she got a tiny one to practice on in readiness for a big one! I hope LB enjoys his costume and behaves at the upcoming wedding (no more bossing!). I remember your earlier wedding post with LB's cute sign.

Anyway, it is a milestone birthday in the family and we have things to cook but it was nice to catch up with all of your news, Meredith, while I stopped for a lunch break. Back to work! Hugs, Jodie xxx

Jo said...

You have been busy - me too, it has taken me four days to try and get over here!Your shawl has the real colour palette of October. Glad you getting some crochet time. Jo x

Vera said...

Your shawl is besutiful, and a smiling mustache is the best!!

Christine W said...

What a beautiful shawl! A nice one, with memories, I think.