Sense and Sensibility (and Socks)

Okay. I'll admit it. I've never read any of the works by Jane Austen. But that is changing after today. I begin with Sense and Sensibility.

And if you know me, you know there's more. I've also joined the Jane Austen Yarn Club. The first project is the Sense and Sensibility Sock, pictured here. I'll be combining two of my favorite pastimes--knitting and reading.

Courting, Marriage, and Valentine's Day

I know it isn't Valentine's Day yet, but in case you forgot think of this as your head's up. Here are some thoughts about courting, marriage, and Valentine's Day.

My desk, where you'll usually find me when I'm home, is next to a sliding glass door. There's a snowball bush at the fenceline where John has put a bird feeder and nearby, a bird bath. I love to take a break when I'm reading or knitting to watch the little wild birds. Yesterday there were two small birds on the ground, dancing and chattering, jumping up and down, bowing, and flying a few feet away from each other and then flying back. They kept this up for nearly five minutes. Clearly they were courting. It was both comical and endearing.
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I was leafing through an old magazine when I came across an article entitled "the secret to a lasting marriage" and, of course, I had to read it. There weren't any surprises. The "secrets" included playfulness, choosing to stay in love, unusual gifts, communication, going on dates, kissing every day, and having a sense of humor. The secret the editors judged as the best one, though, was "Marry someone you love exactly as they are and be sure they feel the same. That way you'll never expect more of each other than you are each happy to give." I thought about this and it's true, but only true to a point. The reality is that we change and grow as human beings and as marriage partners. We adapt to each other and, if we're very lucky, we bring out the best in both ourselves and in our spouse as we grow older. We adapt, we are flexible, we listen more than we talk, and, as the years pass, we have shared memories, private jokes, and code words. We continue to chatter to each other in our secret language, we fly away from each other and then back again. In many ways we act very much like the little wild birds I described above.
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I know there are some who don't like Valentine's Day and view it as being just another commercial holiday and another way for retailers to encourage people to spend money. This commentary entitled Don't Be My Valentine sums that argument up quite well. And I think this is true if one believes that all Valentine's Day means is chocolates, flowers, cards, gifts, and dinner out.

That isn't what Valentine's Day is for me. By mid-February I've become tired of winter. I am not entranced by snow or the idea of snow. I see treachery in ice, not beauty. I'm sick of gray skies, bitter winds, and cold rain. I long for warm sunshine, rows of hollyhocks, and sweet peas along the fence. And I know I'll have to wait weeks more for spring. Valentine's Day represents hope that spring will come again. And it reminds me that sometimes we have to live through some unpleasantness and hard patches and just wait and be patient.

The 2009 100-Book Challenge

I have joined the 100+ Reading Challenge and will be updating this post throughout the year to list the books I've read in 2009. All of my books will be obtained through my public library, unless otherwise noted.

1. The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking, Nature, Art and the Comforts of Home by Jane Brocket
2. Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann
3. Cruel Intent by J.A. Jance
4. The Judgment by D.W. Buffa
5. Pepper Pike by Les Roberts
6. Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman
7. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
8. Essential Knits for Kids by Debbie Bliss
9. A Matter of Justice by Charles Todd
10. A Private Patient by P.D. James
11. Bright Futures by Stuart M. Kaminsky
12. The Runner by Thomas Perry
13. A Demon in My View by Ruth Rendell
14. Mermaid by Margaret Millar
15. The Fallen Curtain: Stories by Ruth Rendell
16. Divine Justice by David Baldacci
17. Death in Paradise by Kate Flora
18. A Judgement in Stone by Ruth Rendell
19. Lethel Legacy by Linda Fairstein
20. Birds of Prey by J.A. Jance
21. All the Colors of Darkness by Peter Robinson
22. Night and Day by Robert B. Parker
23. You're Invited!: Quilts and Homes to Inspire by Barb Adams and Alma Allen
24. The Legacy by D.W. Buffa
25. Rhapsody in Green edited by Roy C. Dicks
26. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off by Cookie A.
27. Birds of Oregon by Roger Burrows and Jeff Gilligan
28. Knitting socks with Handpainted Yarn by Carol Sulcoski
29. The Opinionated Knitter: Elizabeth Zimmermann Newsletters 1958-1968 by Elizabeth Zimmermann with additional text by Meg Swansen
30. A Thin Dark Line by Tami Hoag
31. The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook by Lynne Vogel
32. Red Bird by Mary Oliver
33. The 8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
34. Run for Your Life by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
35. Going West!:Quilts and Community, introduction by Roderick Kiracofe with contributions by Sandi Fox
36. The Associate by John Grisham
37. The Boxer and the Spy by Robert B. Parker
38. A Mortal Curiosity by Ann Granger
39. Wicked Prey by John Sandford
40. Quilting Designs from the Past: 300+ Designs from 1810-1940 by Jenny Carr Kinney
41. Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting by Lorna Miser
42. Aurora: An American experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft by Jane Kirkpatrick
43. The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman
44. Family Practice by Charlene Weir
45. Making History : Quilts & Fabric from 1890-1970 by Barbara Brackman
46. Kaffe Fassett's Country Garden Quilts : 20 designs by Kaffe Fassett
47. Made from Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life by Jenna Woginrich
48. Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditional Roots by Sarah Fielke
49. Swimsuit by James Patterson
50. Massachusetts Quilts: Our Common Wealth by Lynne Zacek Bassett, editor
51. Vintage Baby Knits by Kristen Rengren
52. Fiber Gathering by Joanne Seiff
53. Finding Our Tongues: Mothers, Infants and the Origins of Language by Dean Falk
54. Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces by Robert Shaw
55. The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner
56. Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
57. Fire and Ice by J. A. Jance
58. The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
59. The Osage Rose by Tom Holm
60. Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie
61. A Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart
62. The First Cut by Peter Robinson
63. True Detectives by Jonathan Kellerman
64. Dead of Winter by Rennie Airth
65. True Detectives by Jonathan Kellerman
66. Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen
67. Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave by Ann Budd & Anne Merrow
68. 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs
69. The Language of things: Understanding the World of Desirable Objects by Deyan Sudjic
70. A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd
71. Minnesota Quilts: Creating Connections with Our Past by Minnesota Quilt Project
72. The Mitten Book by Inger and Ingrid Gottfridsson
73. LA Requiem by Robert Crais
74. The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Isles
75. Free Fall by Robert Crais
76. The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais
77. Hardball by Sara Paretsky
78. Cats on Quilts by Sandi Fox
79. The Big Book of Socks: The Ultimate Beyond-the-Basics Guide to Knitting Socks by Kathleen Taylor
80. Quilt Romance by Kaffe Fassett
81. Layer Cake, Jelly Roll and Charm Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott
82. Rough Country by John Sandford
83. The Professional by Robert Parker
84. Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly
85. The Monster in the Box by Ruth Rendell
86. Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman
87. The Library: An Illustrated History by Stuart A.P. Murphy
88. The Reason for Crows: A Story of Kateri Tekakwitha by Diane Glancy
89. Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons
90. The Knitter's Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber by Clara Parkes
91. The Knitters Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying yarn by Clara Parkes
92. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
93. Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosely
94. Evidence of murder by Lisa Black
95. Takeover by Lisa Black
96. How to Keep a Sketchbook Journal by Claudia Nice
97. Wolf to the Slaughter by Ruth Rendell
98. Ontario's Heritage Quilts by Marilyn I. Walker
99. American Quilts in the Modern Age, 1870-1940 edited by Marin F. Hanson and Patricia Cox Crews
100. American quilts: Nature, Art, and History by Robert Shaw

Spring Bulbs

I planted some narcissus bulbs and an amaryllis. This is a photo of the narcissus bulbs. The shadow to the side is of the Christmas tree, stripped of all its decorations.

One of Our Christmas Guests

This is Gavin and Jessica's dog, Jake. He visited us on Christmas Day and greatly enjoyed playing with the toy we gave him. Jake is a funny and fun little dog.

Christmas, Disassembled

I took down the Christmas decorations for this year and they are now all neatly packed away in boxes, awaiting next year's festivities. I enjoy looking at the cards from friends and family once more, the ornaments made by the boys from when they were small, and those John and I made for our first married Christmas. They will lie, safely in the boxes in the cupboards, until we're ready to enjoy them once again.

Domesticity

If you, like me, enjoy knitting, quilting, baking, and gardening then I suggest that you immediately go find a copy of this book!

Unfortunately, the photos of knitted items and quilts do not come with patterns although they do offer inspiration. There are many personal stories, but it is the photographs that make this book. I like both the coziness and the colors.

You can read more about the author here. Her blog is titled Yarnstorm

John's Parents

I found this photo of John's parents on his camera. It was taken several years ago.

Skitty Sitting

Skitty the Pretty Kitty belongs to Owen and Sarah. We are Skitty sitting while they are on vacation. Skitty is a very well-behaved cat, although he tends to get mischievous at night. I can sometimes hear him trying to get into the bathroom cabinets and I often find one or two Christmas ornaments under the tree in the morning.

The Weather Outside is Frightful

And beautiful as well. This is the view I saw this morning when I sat at my desk. The bird feeder is in a snowball tree, apply named today.

Hunkering Down

The weather predictions are that the Arctic Express is on its way. If that's true it means we may have some harsh weather for a week or so. It begins with winds of 35-45 mph this afternoon, followed by snow tomorrow which will continue for a few days, perhaps a week, with temperatures in the low teens and snow and ice on the ground.

Too many people don't know how to drive in snow and ice which always means accidents and that means I'm planning on staying home as much as possible. It also means there's the very real possibility of losing electric power and those living in the country and/or small towns are usually last on the list to have it restored.

When I lived out in the country with small children, I always prepared well for these events. I made certain there was plenty of dry wood in the house as our only heat source was a wood stove. I cooked a variety of foods and got out extra quilts, wool sweaters, and socks.

I still get the urge to hunker down. I've made chili, a lasagna, chicken noodle soup, and cornbread. These can be easily heated on the barbecue. There's half an apple pie left and I'm making a couple of batches of cookies. I've made two pots of coffee and one of tea. There's plenty of milk, juice, fresh fruit, and bread as well as potable water and water for other uses. All the laundry is done. I've gotten out more quilts. I've charged up my cell phone and I-pod. I have projects ready that don't require electricity-- piecing jigsaw puzzles, knitting, hand-quilting, reading. And if all else fails, I can nap.

Okay. I'm ready.

Clear Skies

There hasn't been much rain so far this winter. I especially love the cold, clear nights.

November 11, 2008 Remembrance Day

Don't forget to wear your poppy tomorrow.


For The Fallen (fourth stanza)
by Lawrence Binyon, 1914

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Isn't It Wonderful Voting Is So Boring!

At some point in their lives, I brought each of my young sons with me when I voted. This was when we had polling booths in Oregon, before the advent of everyone voting by mail. One son, and I can't remember which one it was, told me when we were on our way home "That was boring, Mom."

My response was "Yes! And isn't it wonderful that it was boring!" He looked at me, confused, and I continued. "We drove five miles to our polling place and arrived here without any problems. In some countries, people would have had to walk half the day or more. No one stood outside the polling place to intimidate us. No one had guns. No one told me I had to vote a certain way or he would hurt or kill us or your Dad would lose his job. I had privacy when I voted and I put my ballot into a locked box. I know it will arrive at the county courthouse safely. The poll worker checked to make certain that I was eligible to vote and later someone will check my signature to make certain it was I who voted and that I only voted once. My vote is secret; I don't have to tell anyone how I voted. I was able to vote freely and easily and I know my vote will be counted. Voting is boring. And oh, we are so very, very lucky that it is."

Saturday Shopping Trip

John and I did our usual Saturday shopping yesterday. We went to Albany and bought groceries, went to the thrift bread store where I snagged English muffins, bread sticks, and a loaf of raisin bread along with loaves of our everyday bread, and filled the SUV with gas which has gone down in price to $2.13 a gallon. Then we headed for Corvallis, driving by the river, a beautiful drive.

We stopped by the Folk Club where I found a small, decorated star shaped box for my collection and then, as it was still cloudy, but not windy or showery, we went to the Farmer's Market. There weren't many people, only a few dogs, and the babies were all snuggled up in their strollers. Musicians, one a lone violinist and the other a group of three men playing instruments and singing folk tunes, at each end of the market. There were mushrooms, kale, pumpkins and squashes for sale. There was also jars of honey, cauliflower in shades of yellow and purple as well as white, peppers in red, green, yellow, and variegated. I bought a bunch of lovely dahlias. We spent some time at the library, picking out books, CDs, and DVDs and then headed home. It was a lovely, quiet day.