New Year

Well our new years plans didn't come off as planned. Derrick ended up in the ER being diagnosed with diverticulitis. So we had a low key night with antibiotics and pain meds.

We did talk a bit and made some plans for the year to come. We want to eat healthier, exercise more and all that stuff. We are both going to try and focus some on our careers. I hope to take my real estate licensing test this month and hit the ground running! We also want to market the condo better so that our occupancy is higher.

Alex still had friends over and some fireworks were lit. I think they all had a nice time. It was the first time that they all got together since some went away to school.

The pugs are pictured above the way the spent the new years, ironically this was also their resolution. To spend more time in this position. Missing from the picture is Goblin and Angus.

Relaxing Knitting

On Sunday some of the members of my knitting group came over and we spent 4 hours knitting, chatting and snacking. It was so nice to sit and relax. Michelle and Tina worked on socks, Maggie on a baby blanket, Abby on legwarmers, Betty on a shawl, Robin on her cardigan and I worked on Alex's fingerless mitts as well as my Ingenue sweater.

Maggie brought her two week old daughter Margaret. Oooo baby noises. She was so sweet.

The weather was unseasonably warm, we had the door open and the thermostat read 75 degrees.

I was so proud of how nice the house looked, still decorated for the holidays. I might be sad to see it all come down next week.

I also received my certificate certifying that I have completed my real estate course. Now I need to find a broker to work with and take my licensing test. Then I'll be ready to work!

Getting Ready for the Holidays

This year seems for be a little more laid back than past years. This is probably due to the kids being so much older.

We will be going to my sisters home for Christmas Eve, this is always fun. We see extended family members, share stories, and good food. On Christmas morning we host a breakfast. I plan the meal weeks in advance and try new things every year. We have any where from 6 to 15 people. On Christmas night we go to the in laws for a meal and crazy gift exchange. There is always much laughter!! Then as a finish to the season we host a New Years Eve Party. We have guest who just drop in for a short while and those here for the duration. This will be the second year that Alex had his friend here too. Nothing livens up a group like 15 teenagers! We have lots of food and light the fire pit, there is music and stories and the laughs go on and on.

Wishing you and yours a joyous season and a happy and healthy new year.

A Wonderful Sunday

Sunday I hosted my knitting meetup group. I prepare an awesome (if I do say so myself) Chesapeake Chowder. I do have to Thank the Love of My Life and my son for Cleaning the entire house. They were such a huge help. They even did the baseboards. I will definitely be keeping them!

There ended up being nine of us. It was such a great way to spend an overcast winters day. I worked on a pair of cabled sock made with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, and Alex's tribal sweater. Thanks to Cheryl for un-knotting the yarn that Loki "knitted". That puppy sure has good taste. He tangled a baby alpaca, wool and silk blend that I am using for Alex's sweater. Michelle brought cookies and socks to knit. We had two new people join our group Lenore and Kathy. We were also glad that a few we haven't seen in a while were able to attend. Robin came with her daughter Veronica. Veronica brought a friend, Abby. I love seeing the next generation appreciating hand work. Amber (not my Amber) was here to share all her big news. She is engaged, so can now safely knit a sweater for her sweetheart. Her other news was that she is being deployed to Iraq for 6 months.

I am so blessed to have a hobby that allows me to meet and become friends with so many awesome people.