Restless

If you'd asked me a month ago what I'd do with two weeks at home with no outside obligations except my regular freelance work which is done from home anyway, I'd have given you a list of projects. Knitting projects to finish and new ones to cast on (duh!), recipes I'd like to try, a …

Here and There

My routine for the past year or so has been pretty, well, routine. Early morning exercise, a few hours of business -- my consulting practice and/or household business -- then off to Mom's for the afternoon, and home again. Weekends are similar -- more Mom time and usually less work time. But over the past …

Striped Socks in Pairs

I don't set New Year's resolutions, knitting or otherwise. Occasionally, I'll send an intention, often vague, into the universe -- "try not to worry so much" or "live more mindfully" or "don't buy new yarn until you've used at least as much from your stash." Just kidding about that last one. But even though I've …

Hands and Hearts

One of my life's treasures is friendships that span decades -- women (mostly) who've shared the ups, downs, and in-betweens, who can burst into laughter at the mere mention of a childhood memory and whose knowing glance and touch at long-ago or present pain is a balm. Trusting these friendships will last into our old …

New Normal for Now

I'm happy to report that Mom's been home for a few weeks and has regained her pre-pneumonia strength and balance. It helped that she was quite fit before she was hospitalized and that we walked with her around the hospital floor several times a day whether she wanted to or not. Last week, we introduced …

Another Epic Rally

Turns out that Chris and Karen's overnight visit to Nantucket, followed by a 12-hour journey home to Northern Virginia, was just the first travel rally of our vacation. [Note: neither Patrick nor I participated in either rally. We're supporters only.] Months ago, Hannah and her squad of four NYC Sister-Friends had synced their work schedules …

Back to the Old Stomping Grounds

I'm regularly surprised by how long it's been since we moved from the Washington, DC, area. I know, I know, "surprising" probably isn't the right word if I keep doing it, but really -- 21 years?! We've been fortunate to maintain friendships by visiting once a year or so and seeing friends whose travels take …

Return to the Shop

It's been ages since I dropped by the marvelous JP Knit & Stitch for a sit-down with some kick-ass knitters. Yesterday's hourlong session renewed my spirit and my commitment to not let so much time pass before I return. Shelley, the brains and brawn behind the Sheep Ahoy Cruise, was working on two projects. I'm …

Project for a Dark & Stormy Night

Since finishing the striped shawl, I've been in a bit of a knitting rut. To be candid, it mirrors my present state of mind -- preoccupied with challenges that leave me mentally jumping from one thing to another. But I believe I've found a remedy of sorts, in the form of a small, relatively quick …

Hope There’s Nothing But Cashmere in Heaven

I don't know about you, but I haven't made many new, close friends in my 50s. I'm blessed to have quite a few Sister-Friends, those phenomenal women with whom I share strong bonds of trust, love, and shared experience. Most of them I've known for many years. Imagine my delight several years ago when I met …

Knitters’ Road Trip

Long-time readers will know of my knitting cruise adventures with my Canadian sister-friends, Barb and Cathie. Recent life circumstances required us to get together for a couple of days in lovely Ontario. Cathie flew in from Vancouver and I from Boston. With a right-off-the-lot rental car, we headed west to Barb’s home in the countryside. …

Sheep Ahoy & We’re Off!

The fourth annual Sheep Ahoy Knitter's Cruise has just set sail for Bermuda! Mom (Nancy) and I are on board for our second trip together. She's a veteran of all four! Dear friend Cathie has come from Vancouver for the adventure. We are very sad that fellow Canadian and dear friend Barb had to cancel because of …