Looking back

Over the first week of 2024

Happy new year. Is it still ok to say that?

The first week of this year has certainly been soggy. We live in Cambridgeshire, flat lands, with lots of good walking, normally. But alas we have been restricted to the village roads due to flooding. It will be sometime before we can venture off road for a walk. Of course it could be worse, at least most property in our area is dry.

I have been feeling off for a few days, coughing, fuzzy head, just generally feeling blah, but not so blah that I can’t function properly. Most of the family have been struck down with a virus and I’m hoping that we aren’t going to get it. Especially as we’ve not seen them for over a week. Positive thinking …..

Saturday 6th would have been mum’s 89th birthday - 8 weeks since she passed away.

We are slowly working our way through the Christmas fare, still over half the cake, it went to France and back untouched! I think there are a couple of mince pies, chocolate bars and a Panettone - that will make a great bread and butter pudding. I’m trying to be good, eating the cake with cheese for lunch instead of after lunch with a cup of tea.

Today, as I was standing ironing I noticed the odd flurry of snow flakes. Nothing much, blink and you’d miss it. It really has been so cold though and there is snow in the forecast for later. Not that we ever get much here. We walked to the allotment earlier for some leeks and the wind was bitter. Forcing us to scurry home, hence the ironing, instead of a walk.

The days seem so long at this time of year especially when it’s so dull and you end up with the lights on at 2pm. Roll on the longer days I say.

Knitting

I’m working on a blanket and cushion for Jess. Alternating between the two for a change. Patterns are Ten Stitch Blanket and Zick Zack scarf (just using stitch pattern) both free of charge on Ravelry.

Reading

I’m currently reading The House of Fortune by Jessie Burton and listening to The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. The following are on my reading pile - The Evening and the Morning and The Armour of Light by Ken Follett and The Restless Truth by Freya Marske. Those should keep me busy for a while, along with a whole host of books to listen to whilst knitting. I know lots of people bang on about being present whilst knitting but listening to a book turns my head off and stops me reaching for my phone to check stuff out. To each his own I guess. With that I’ll sign off, get my headphones, pick up my knitting and enjoy both the story and the stitches.

Until next time, keep warm