Under the weather/various

Well, I haven't exactly lived up to my intentions, but I have a good (ahem) excuse. I've been under the weather with a late summer cold. It's irritating to feel so lousy when there's so much I want to do.

I've tested a few new recipes:
Chocolate Chip: a keeper
Chocolate: not good
Brown Sugar: good
Brown Sugar/Coconut/Masa: weird

I'm heading to Trader Joe's today to restock some supplies and next want to make crystallized ginger. We'll see how it turns out.

In other news, I saw a bear and 3 cubs last week. Bear sightings here in Auburn are fairly common in the canyon area where I live. There are purportedly 3 different groups: Three mammas, two with three cubs each and one with two. They came really close to the house, but unfortunately, I couldn't find my camera. But then last night (middle of the night) there was definitely some kind of creature/animal just outside my bedroom. Bear? Asthmatic deer? Not sure, but it was creepy!

Progress/pressure

So about two weeks ago (gosh, where did that time go?) I wrote that I wanted to (once and for all?) really try out this cookie thing I've been wanting to do and making excuses about. I've been somewhat successful.

I have tested 3 recipes, deeming one a keeper, and one a possibility with modifications. I have been brainstorming name ideas, and well, that's about it. I am trying to keep up the momentum, but with no real deadline (other than a self-imposed calendar deadline) I'm having a bit of trouble.

So, this is another attempt at keeping myself honest. I WILL try another recipe today. I will look up a couple things on my list about how to start a business. I WILL!

Back to normal, sort of

So Mom's home and doing quite well. May start driving tomorrow, is back to drinking coffee (and maybe wine!) and things are looking good.

And for me, I'm down to about 4 more months of my "vacation." And since I've always wanted to try out the cookie thing, and since I have the time to put into it now, I'm embarking on a project: I'm giving myself a month to try and come up with a specific plan. Here's where you come in: I need support (well, pressure, really) to keep myself moving forward. I'm my own worst enemy. I need some questions, follow up, yes, some outwardly imposed pressure to really give this my all.

I may decide it's not the route for me, but it should be a sweet discovery, either way!

Looking up

Things are looking up. Mom will go home tomorrow from her extra stay in the hospital. What a relief. She's doing much better, and hopefully won't have any more problems.

It's hard for me to remember what I did before going to the hospital every day. I'm hoping to do something fun on Saturday with M. Also catching up on chores, etc.

I have been invited to join a new reading group. It meets on Wednesday and the book is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. So far (about 20 pages in) I'm not loving it, but hoping it will take off. I'm excited to meet some new people, and have been wanting to join a book group for a long time, so I'll press on.

Hospital, revisited

Yesterday Mom was admitted to the hospital again. She has an infection and they've nearly pinpointed it--near the internal incision. She's (finally) back on antibiotics, though still not allowed to eat or drink. And the nausea continues. Poor Nay. Hoping that tomorrow they'll drain the fluid near the colon, and between that and the antibiotics, she'll start feeling better. It's been really frustrating.

From this experience I have learned:
1) Arrogant medical staff don't respond well to impatience
2) I don't want to be a nurse
3) I treasure that I can eat and drink at will.

Hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Another week

Again, (though in a different way) I have to say what a difference a week makes. Last week at this time, Mom was just home from her hospital stay/surgery, and doing great (albeit tired). Thursday, Friday, Saturday, each day got better.

But then came Sunday. An infection on her tongue (of all places--apparently not uncommon post-hospital stay) and a Urinary tract infection. Then things began to fall apart. Each day got a little worse, she got more and more nauseated and started having abdominal pain. So, tomorrow we go back to see the surgeon (or the Physician's assistant) and hope to find out what's going on. She's (totally understandably) very frustrated and tired of feeling sick (and tired of puking!)

I'm staying with her again tonight, hoping her low grade fever doesn't get worse (has gone down since this afternoon) and she can get some sleep. At least she seems to be able to sleep pretty well these last few days. Small favors, right?

Hoping for a better, healthier day tomorrow and some resolution to the backsliding. I want to see the Nay on the mend!

Grateful/Celebration

Last week at this time we were feeling anxious about Mom's surgery on Friday. What a world of difference a week makes.

The surgery went well, and yesterday Mom came home. She's doing great.

Today the Dr. called to tell her the growth wasn't malignant. What a relief! How grateful we are that all's well. Though her appetite isn't really back, a little ice cream celebration is probably in order tonight!

Yipee!

Slow progress

Have been spending time at the hospital with mom. It's slow progress. Difficult, icky mornings, with afternoons much better. She's progressed from lots of nausea and no food/drink at all to clear liquids, to full liquids (soup, ice cream, pudding). And she's able to walk at least 2-3 times as far as yesterday. It's frustrating for her, since she's been so active. But she's making progress, and will continue to.

Hanging at the hosptial

Mom's surgery was on Friday--Saturday was a bit better, and I'm on my way to Roseville now to see her today. Hoping it's a bit better. So far a bit of pain, lots of nausea. Ick for her.

It's funny to be back where my dad spent so many miserable days. But the nursing staff is top notch, very caring and helpful. That makes such a difference.

I'm getting lots of knitting done which is a great by-product. Days spent indoors at the hospital are long, so having a project (socks for me) helps make the time pass so much faster.

The Library

I'm at the library, making myself work on my resume. I can't seem to do it at home. I thought all the people would distract me, but since I can't see much in the distance without my glasses, and since I (now) can't see the computer screen with my glasses, all I really can see is a blur of people who I may or may not know. Perfect.

Just returned from a mini-vacation with Bob and Alex, in from Munich. A day at the Yuba river, and then two nights at Donner Lake. Talk about summer heaven. Canoeing, sailing, swimming, eating dinner on the dock. Fantastic!

I'm lining up some new knitting projects, as next week (7/31) is Mom's surgery and I should get a lot of knitting time sitting around the hospital. Also have been doing some baking (hope to do more this weekend) to have cookies on hand in case we need a "for the nurses and staff" platter.

Next up: start reviewing the DMV handbook so I can get a Cali Driver's license. Ick.

Good Sunday

What a nice day I had. Up not too-early, then long walk down the canyon to the river and back up with my longtime friend Kathy (I've known her for 43 years! wow!). Great to have a friend you liked back then and like even more now! Then visit with mom, retrieve a few more things from my "storage area" (the room off her garage), and back home. Then an afternoon iced coffee with a new friend, and a late afternoon spent reading outside. Late dinner, and off to bed.

Life is good.

Up tomorrow: visit Aunt B, who is struggling with a serious illness. Hope to bring some sunshine to her day.

Promises, promises

Ok, so promising to post within a week was a bit unrealistic. But I do have photos.

A couple weeks ago we went to Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz (I rode the Giant Dipper Rollercoaster twice--I LOVE THAT COASTER!) and to a show (Three Girls and their Buddy: Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller) at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.

I got to visit one of my all time favorite and much missed places while there: the Half Moon Bay Nursery. Here are a couple photos from that visit (more later).


Giant Dahlia with Bee


Another Giant Dahlia

I love my new camera!

Absent

I have been really absent from this blog. When I started it, I wanted it to be a chronicle of my trip across the US. Since I've gotten to Cali, I haven't felt I had much of interest to say.

But, drum roll please, I finally got a new camera, and have some photos to post (once I load the software!). This week, I promise. And I have a few updates to write (a few trips, adventures, etc) so stay tuned. I'll be back soon (in days, if not hours).

Foggy Bay Area

Trip to Tiburon/Stinson last weekend was great, though foggy. Had GREAT food, a fun Birthday party at the beach, and a couple great bike rides. Dinner at the Buckeye Roadhouse was a highlight, as was drinks on the patio at Sams in Tiburon Sunday afternoon (in the sun).

The last week I've spent mornings hiking in the canyon, and aftrnoons doing I don't know what. It's great.

Friday night was "Menopause, the Musical" in Reno (very funny, and lots of fun) and a fun shopping trip to Scheels (in Sparks, NV, a HUGE sproting goods store that after nearly 2 hours, I'd only covered about 25% of).

Tonight watching Rugby on ESPN, and wondering how I ever played that sport!

Memorial Day weekend

I can't believe it's already Memorial Day weekend. It seems like it should still be early March to me. I feel like I lost a couple months in the transition, moving, driving, settling, etc. But here we are near the end of May.

The weather here has been lovely. Warm in the day (but not sweltering) and cool at night. With a nice breeze. Soon enough it will be hot. We heard planes flying low the other evening, and thoughts of fires in the canyons came to mind. All's well for now, but living so close to the canyon (and the dry hillsides) you do worry a bit.

Off to the bay area for the weekend. Tiburon/Stinson, and maybe a trip home via the east bay. Can't wait!

New Digs

ok, so I've moved (again). I found a place in Auburn, across town from my mom's. It's closer, more convenient, and feels more familiar (I grew up here for heaven's sake!). Moved in on Wednesday--still have a lot of boxes to retrieve from Mom's but it's starting to feel like home. Needs help with the window screens (it's a bug and mosquito fest--it's somewhat secluded--on a hillside shaded by oaks) but otherwise is cook, and peaceful. And close to trails that head down to the American River canyon. Hoping to make that hike a regular part of most days (hot weather notwithstanding!).

My Cali turf

Here are some photos from the area where my mom lives. I've spent about an hour most days walking/running/hiking in the area--it's beautiful this time of year--the landscape of my heart. Soon (very soon) it'll be brown and dry and very hot, but right now, it's still green and slightly tender and lush.

The last day of the trip

We drove 3000+ miles with my cross country skis in the back of the car. Because we thought we'd ski along the way (nevermind I was still recovering from a sprained ankle!). By total fluke of weather, our last day we got stuck in Truckee, CA (near Tahoe) due to snow over the Donner Pass, and our lack of tire chains. We FINALLY got to ski that day outside Truckee. At last I used those skis! It was so fun and worth the extra day and all the jostling around of the skis in the car!)

Arches National Park, Utah

We only had about an hour before sundown at Arches (Utah) but it was enough time and totally worth it!

Colorado

One of my favorite places on the trip: the Black Rock Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It's in Southern Colorado--not too far from Telluride. It was amazing--far better (I think) than the Grand Canyon. A total hidden treasure! (this photo doesn't do it justice--it was awe inspiring.)

Garden of the Gods, CO

More from March trip: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO. (March 2009)

More photos from March XC trip

St. Charles, MO. We rented bikes and rode along the river. Cute town, nice ride.

A few more photos

Having a bit of trouble importing photos--but here's one from my trip from NJ to Cali in March. This one is the St. Louis Arch under cloudy skies.

Photos at last (part 1)

Photo/Left: Somewhere in VA? Photos posted from my cross country trip (was that almost two months ago? Wow!).

Photo/Below: the ponies (the only ones we saw) at Chincoteaque.

The World Wide Web

I just broke down and signed on to Facebook today. I'm now sorry I didn't do it sooner. I've found several friends from high school that I haven't seen or talked to in years. It's an amazing tool. It's one more way to stay connected when I feel so far away from my former life.

I swear I'm still trying to post some photos--FINALLY took my disposable camera (photos from the trip cross country) to get developed. Should be ready this weekend. Soon!

Adjustment

Though I don't miss working AT ALL, I do miss seeing people I liked and was friends with every day. The biggest adjustment for me so far is isolation. I've been spending lots of time at my mom's and trying to meet some new people, but it's a slow process. Most of the firends I had when I lived here (high school and my first two years of college) have moved away. I do have one good friend from high school who's still here and I'm seeing her tomorrow for lunch. Have spent the last couple days hanging out with some of my mom's friends (from her Model T and classic Mustang group). It's nice, but need some buddies closer to my age!

The weather had been beautiful, but turned hot yesterday. Today was at least 90. Makes working out not so nice.

Sunday M and I took a very cool hike along the north fork of the American River. Was beautiful and only slightly challenging, and reminded me of why I love this area. The lupine, poppies and other wildflowers are all blooming and it's gorgeous!

Still working on photos--soon, I promise!

Limited technology

I've been remiss about posting, as I've been living with limited technology for the past 10 days.

M and I have rented a tiny house in Grass Valley (temporary, month to month) and we have no land line, no TV (except the fuzzy "air" reception) and no regular internet access. In order to play on the computer, I have to go to the Library, a cafe, or down to my mom's house (about 30 minutes away). It's definitely cramping my style.

The new (temporary) place is fun though. Grass Valley is a little Gold Country town next door to another cute town, Nevada City. There are lots of restaurants, antique stores, and old Victorian houses here. It's more mountainous (it's about 2500 feet) and more pine-tree-ey. It's fun to live somewhere and get to know the town. Though I grew up near here, I never spent much time here.

There are two yarn stores up here--so far I've only been to one. The house is adjacent to a park with hiking trails, and once this week's rain stops (deluge!) I hope to get back into an exercise routine.

Have been spending lots of time with my mom--see here about every other day or so. Will spend Easter with my family, and we're reviving our annual egg hunt and beer in the afternoon interlude after a couple year's absence. Should be fun1

New knitting group

Tonight I went to my first session of the local knitting group in my home town. It's every Tuesday from 6-9, at a nearby (to my Mom's) coffee shop. I talked my Sis (Thanks Linda!) into going with me, and it was great. A nice, friendly group of about 12 women. They were mostly pretty accomplished knitters (and one crocheter) but welcoming and friendly. It was a lot easier for me to walk in with my sister.

There's another group in a nearby town every first Wednesday of the month--it's tomorrow night, so I may not go this month, but a couple of the people at the Auburn group go to that one too, so I'll have at least someone I've met before.

I still miss my Thursday Down Cellar group (Hi everyone!) but it's nice to try a new group and meet some fellow knitters.

Stunning

4 days into my new Cali life, and I'm LOVING the weather. I hit CA at just the right time--the daffodils are just finishing, the poppies (I love those golden CA poppies!) are blooming, the oak trees are just leafing out, and the hillsides are a glorious shade of green.

Promise to post photos soon. Very little knitting. Enjoying long walks and great food and fabulous weather!

Settling in

Spent Monday afternoon washing my filthy car, doing laundry, etc (who am I kidding? My mom did all my laundry!). Had a nice, quiet evening.

Tuesday started the mundane--banking, paperwork, etc, but I'm biting it off in small pieces. Took a great long walk around nearby loop (beautiful vistas of the snow-capped Sierras--hope to post some photos later this week), and then wrestled boxes and organized stuff out in the "shop" so I can later actually access some of my stuff. Trying to get like things together.

Today I'm picking up M and driving over to Nevada City to check things out. Lovely weather here, supposed to be 65 and sunny here. I'm loving it!

Home at last

2 weeks exactly, and finally home. Stayed last night in Truckee (just outside Tahoe) due to snow and chain control. Headed home this morning, and got to Mom's around noon. Got my car unpacked, 3 loads of laundry done, and went to the car wash to get all the driving residue gone. Mom's a GREAT car detailer!

Nice, relaxing evening. Tomorrow I'll start working on my lists (taxes, bank, etc) and hopefully start working out again.

Sunny but breezy here today--cool. Tomorrow's supposed to be 65--NICE!

Almost home

Sunday afternoon, and we planned to be home today. Drove as far as Reno last night, went out for Martini's and dinner, and spent the night. The weather was ok in Reno, but snowing over the Donner Summit.

We drove from Reno to Truckee this morning, but there was chain control on I-80, so we stopped for lunch (yay, great Mexican again!) and spent the afternoon with M's friend who lives outside of Truckee. Went cross country skiing, and played Scrabble all afternoon. Have decided to stay the night here and attempt the road in the morning. Funny how we thought we'd have bad weather on the East Coast and we're about 70 miles from home and are stuck!

All in all, I'm glad to prolong the trip one more day.

The days start to run together

I was doing so well keeping up with where we were each day, and really dropped the ball for the last few.

Tuesday we drove from Hays Kansas to Colorado Springs, Colorado (we didn't take the detour to see the worlds largest ball of twine--shoot!) We got to Co. Springs in the late afternoon, with time to do a short hike in the Garden of the Gods (beautiful, red rocks in interesting shapes). Stayed Tuesday night in Colorado Springs.

Got up early Wednesday morning and toured the Helen Hunt Falls and the 7 Falls in Cheyenne Mountain Park (or something like that) in Colorado Springs (lots of stairs, and pretty, though still snowy). From Colorado Springs, we headed to Vail. Took a short stop in Breckenridge (cute and still lots of ski activity) then drove on to Vail where we spent the night with a friend of M's.

Thursday morning, we left Vail, and headed further into Colorado, and stayed at Ouray (pronounced You-ray) Colorado, a tiny town nestled in in a beautiful alpine gorge. Most of the hotels had their own hot springs, and the town even had a pool open daily fed by the hot springs. On the way there, we took a short side trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The admission was free in the winter (love that) and the scenic overlooks (some visible from the car, some a short hike) were stunning and breathtaking. I would by far rate this higher and more scenic than Grand Canyon (smaller scale, of course). It was truly a highlight.

Friday morning, we left Ouray (about 15 miles out of the way but worth it!) and headed west toward Utah. We took a mid-day break in Telluride, my personal favorite of the Colorado ski towns we saw (Breckenridge, Vail, Telluride). We took the free Gondola ride from Telluride to the top fo the mountain, and then down to Mountian Village. Had a great lunch at the base of the mountain (warm enough to eat outside and watch folks end their ski runs), and even got to stop in at a yarn store. Fun day.

Friday late afternoon we drove through Moab, and into Arches National Park--got there with an hour before sunset and saw most of the park. Took a short hike and scampered up into the double arch (not for folks who are afraid of heights!). Was amazing, and accessible, and a real highlight. Spent Friday night in Green River, Utah, just about 50 miles from Moab (tried to stay in Moab, but the half marathon runners had booked all the rooms). Today we're on through the rest of Utah, and into Nevada. I think it's going to be a long driving day.

Our estimated date of arrival home in California is late Sunday. I am looking forward to not lugging a suitcase in every night, but I could easily go for another week of this. It's the trip of a lifetime.

Thoughts on Kansas

Kansas is a large state. It's somewhat flat, very brown and dry. Even the "big" towns seem sleepy. The hotels here seem to (for some unfathomable reason) be among the most expensive. Strange.

We left KC yesterday afternoon, and drove straight through to Hayes, KS, over half way through the width of Kansas. Had dinner in a cute brew pub last night (the ONLY game in town). The weather yesterday was lovely--above 70, and sunny. Wide open blue skies. Looks like more of the same today--perhaps up to 80. There's a Walmart across the street from the hotel, and I'm thinking we'll stop in before leaving. I have so many cold weather clothes with me, but nearly none for warmer weather. Would like to supplement what I've got if they have something cheap and attractive. Would prefer Target, but those have been few and far between.

As a treat for breaking up the driving, I started a new knitting project yesterday--a bear for the Mother Bear Project: I know I'll miss the Lake Street Irregulars deadline (tomorrow?) but I needed a change and it's a quick knit.

Today we're heading for Colorado. May try to go skiing again (tomorrow?) weather permitting. May spend a couple nights in Colorado--I've never been there (except to the Denver airport) and would like to get to see more than the highways.

Mission: Kansas City

Yesterday we drove from just east of St. Louis to just east of Kansas City. We stopped in at the Arch in St. Louis (very cool, though didn't love the city itself) and then drove on to St. Charles, Missouri. We rented bikes there, and rode along the Missouri river. It was a great stopping point--a really cute town, with a well maintained, brick paved historic district. Cute shops, outdoor restaurants, etc.

From there we headed to Columbia, MO, thinking we'd find a brewpub or some local dinner place in the college town. No luck. We stayed in Independence MO, just outside of KC. Today's plan is to check out KC, eat some more BBQ (didn't realize I was the fan I seem to be!) and maybe try to get through a bunch of Kansas. The states are getting bigger with fewer highlights (which may mean more knitting!).

St. Louis here we come

Did a Tri-State day yesterday: Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois. Had BBQ for lunch in Lexington Ky (a highlight was the Kentucky Bourbon Ale (beer aged in Bourbon casks), saw the beautiful horse farms with white and black fences around Lexington, and tried to take a Bourbon Distillery tour, but our timing was way off, and we missed the open hours.

Drove to Mt. Vernon, IL last night. Lots of rain and overcast and mist, but today looks a bit more promising. Plan to tour around St. Louis today, and maybe spend the night nearby. On a continued quest for the best BBQ. Stay tuned!

In search of BBQ

Friday we hit another eating high: found a place called The Tavern in Charlottesville, VA and had the best breakfast (and by breakfast, I mean at lunchtime). Biscuits, gravy, grits--YUMMY.

Did more driving on Friday, crossing through West VA, and into Kentucky. Stayed about an hour outside of Lexington KY Friday night, and today plan to see the Lexington (and maybe Louisville) areas. We're in search of BBQ for lunch or dinner. So far, we've had at least one AMAZING regional meal a day, and are hoping to keep it up.

The weather has been iffy--snow and rain showers on Friday prevented views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We tried to see something called the Natural Bridge ("One of the 7 wonders of the world!") but decided not to pay the entrance fee. The slight detour took us by "Foamhenge" though, which was pretty funny.

Made a short stop at the Greenbriar in West Virginia--a beautiful old Hotel and Resort (golf course, clay tennis courts, spa, etc). Would have loved to see it in the spring or summer (or when there wasn't snow on the ground!)

Knitting progress: minimal, but have been enjoying the drive, sights and journey.

Westbound at last

Today we finally turned westward, after 2 days of southerly driving.

Saw the sunrise over the Atlantic (from Ocean City) this morning, and then drove south through Assateague (saw a few ponies, but it was really windy and cold which inhibited walking on the beach) and Chincoteague, and had one of the best lunches of my life: a small seafood stand on the side of the road (after searching all over Chincoteague for an OPEN restaurant--it's definitely off-season here) just south of Chincoteague. The crabcake sandwich and hushpuppies were to die for.

Drove through Virginia Beach (with a short side trip to the lighthouses at the fort there), and on to Charlottesville VA tonight. Tomorrow is maybe Monticello, or maybe skiing at a local resort. We'll see how the weather is.

Still looking for a camera, but in the meantime bought a disposable today. But posted photos will have to wait. The time is flying by. . . .

Southbound

Got the truck loaded yesterday, but didn't leave NJ until about 6pm and thus made it only to Delaware Tuesday night. It was an emotional day, but successful.

Today got a slow start--trying to find a new camera, but having trouble finding what I want (thus no photos). BEAUTIFUL warm weather (though hear a storm and temp drop are on their way)--had to change into a short sleeve shirt!

Drove from Newark Delaware through the Maryland coastal area. Had lunch near Rehoboth Beach, and drove down the coast to Ocean City MD. It was beautiful and sunny and we could see the Atlantic on one side and the bay on the other. Tomorrow plan to look for ponies at Assateague and Chinquateague (sp?). Also have a list of knitting store in VA to try and locate, so it's sure to be a fun day!

Will keep posting about progress (or lack thereof!). So far, it's great, and loving the pace. Thanks all for the comments! (The Stuarts give a shout out to Alex--they're having a ball!)

Moving day

Today's moving day. The truck arrives in about an hour.
We're hoping to leave by early afternoon and make it to Virginia tonight. Would like to see the ponies at Chinquateague and Assateague (sp?) and the beaches. We'll see.

I had hoped to post more photos, but I'm being thwarted in my effort to buy a camera. Hope to find one today.

Goodbye New Jersey. Goodbye East Coast!

Clumsy

Missing the last step and twisting an ankle = slowdown in progress. Silly me. At least it's not (as initially thought) broken. Only a bit swollen and purple, and a bit tender. Thank goodness for ice, Advil and ace bandages! I can see the light at the end of the packing tunnel.

Today I picked all my knitting projects for the trip--way way too many to complete, but enough variety (and mindless knitting) to keep me busy. Craft room is 99% packed.
Next up: all my clothes and shoes (ack!)

Squeezing in some creative time

The endless packing continues, and though the laundry room is the only mostly complete room, I've made lots of progress. My goal is now to complete nearly all by end of day Saturday so I can play a bit on Sunday, organize on Monday and then load on Tuesday. We'll see if I can pull it off!

In the midst of all the work, I have been able to squeeze in a bit of creativity. I'm packing up my craft room and knitting/yarn last. I'm working on my cross country knitting project plan, and it's close. I think maybe the yarn can be packed tomorrow.

In between building, packing and taping up boxes, I have managed to squeeze in some creative time--I'm about done with a scarf I unearthed that was about 80% complete, and then shoved in a closet. I just have a few rows left. I also made some beaded stitch markers to give to my knitting group tonight.

Got my car serviced for the 3000 mile trip, and so things are falling into place . . .
20090304_IMG_1346
Originally uploaded by karensedmonds

more winter

Well, if it wasn't obvious before, here is part of the reason I'm looking forward to moving back to the warmer west coast.

We got about 6 inches of snow today, not quite the Nor'easter they predicted, but cold and icy nevertheless.

Hasn't inspired me (too much) to power through packing (it's endless) but I'm making progress slowly but surely.

Some stats:
Basement: 85% packed
Linen closet: 100% packed
Kitchen: 50% packed

Next up: continue to work on kitchen . . .

Packing and Knitting

Since a photo of boxes would not be very exciting, here instead is a photo of the bolero I just finished for Ryley. I gave it to her yesterday--she's 18 months and adorable!

I spent all day today packing, and made a dent, but it's still overwhelming. . . 

One day to go

One day to go and then I'll be out of work for the first time in 22 years. I'm excited.

I move back to California on March 10, and hope to record my adventures en route and once there in this blog. Stay tuned.