… to do better in updating this here corner of the innerwebz. I hadn't truly thought that it had been as long as it has since I'd last posted. Sorry about that. So how about some updates?
• I hadn't knit jack-all in the better part of six months. The mojo hath deserted me. However, I'd made a pledge to turn the fine skein of wool sent to me by my mother-in-law into something useful, and so I did. Behold the Haruni shawl:
Pattern crafted by Emily Ross. Mine is knit from a single skein of Cherryfield Farm Natural Romney Wool. (Of which I still have a fair-sized ball left.) Mother-in-law was thrilled with the gift and the sentiment, since it had been a rather trying year for her. I'm glad I could help.
Next up…
• I have noticed that when someone attempts to re-enter your life, it is more often an indication of why they had been pushed to the background in the first place than an affirmation of their place in your future.
Those of you who follow me on the big blue Eff site might just recognize this statement. Now that I've had the better part of a month to stew contemplate the whys and wherefores behind it, I'll explain it.
I received a comment to the previous posting that I have yet to make public. (And I likely won't, as the writer gave far too much personal information in it for me to feel comfortable doing so.) What it boiled down to was a "wow, I can't believe I found you after so long/when did you become so bitter/how can I persuade you of your inherent wrongness?" I offer you this quote:
I guess I'm glad I saw this first or talking to you would have broken my heart. You are far too young and too smart to be this angry and this bitter.
She then proceeded to tell me her life story and all her assorted woes, complete with a narrative about how wonderful government was and how much it had given her, and why should I be so against everything she believed in?
To this I indeed offered a reply, citing surprise at having been "lost" in the first place, assuring her that I had no need of her concern nor her censure, and ending with the sentiment that I was sorry she had wasted her time, since I was apparently such a stranger to her.
Really, you live barely twenty miles away and know full how to get in touch, yet you haven't bothered to lift a finger to call or email me once in the last ten years. Now you want me to take your advice? Now you want me to believe you're such a good friend? Now I'm supposed to drop everything I know and believe and say, "Oh my… you're absolutely right and how did I ever get through my day without your wisdom?"
Spare me. And I'll do you the service of a true friend and not uncover your foolishness by putting a public face on it. Then I'll hit "delete."
So we move on.
• HSH is taking her duties as a Junior Girl Scout seriously, and has been working hard on badges. After spending a frigid weekend camping outside (in NOVEMBER, fer cripes sake), she decided to turn her attentions to the Simple Meals badge. She made mac-n-cheese from scratch, turned a simple salad into a meal with the addition of protein (ham and egg) and carbs (croutons), and baked cupcakes for the troop. She tackled a simple dinner (french toast and sausages) and learned something a little more complex: fresh bread.
It was very good. So good, in fact, that it disappeared before I could get a picture. Kid's got promise. She's also made honor roll. More through threats and persuasion than true desire on her part, but a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.
• We have acquired another living critter in the house.
This is Thomas. He's a fine wee cheetie, and full of piss and vinegar. The shelter said he was a year old. I don't think so. This isn't a kitten – he's too large for that – but he's got some growing to do and is far too speedy and frisky to be a full adult. We figure about 7-8 months old.
We picked him because he was laid back and cuddly, and so he remains. Just about anyone can pick this cat up and pet him. Including the dog.
Which was the other reason we picked him. Freckles needed something to light a fire under her butt, and this was just the ticket. Cat likes dogs. Dog is tolerant of cat. In fact, we're pretty sure that Freckles thinks it's HER cat. They play together, race each other, attack each other, and share just about everything. Except the food bowl. Freckles kind of draws the line on that one. And while they'll cuddle like this occasionally,
Thomas will just pretty much curl up with anyone. He's particularly fond of Hizzoner. Freckles has learned to share her humans, as well.
So here we are, at the beginning of a new year. 2012 had its ups and downs. I hope for better in 2013, but knowing what's looming over the horizon, I refuse to hold my breath.
Instead, I will tend to this, my own little corner, and not lose too much sleep over that which I can't control. I won't hesitate to point out the absurdities, and I will continue with the "I told you sos" as scheduled, but I think I'll try to add in more of the fun stuff as well. I think we'll all need a little more fun stuff.
So have fun tonight, be safe, PLEASE for the love of God don't drink and drive, and I'll see you next year.
K out.
Merry New Year to you and yours. I've turned off the news channels for the better part of 3 weeks now, nearly 4. My mental health has greatly improved for it.
The cat is absolutely adorable! *sneeze* I wish I could have one just like him.
Posted by: Beth | 31 December 2012 at 17:57
I love that your pets cuddle one another! And does HSH want to take a weekend trip up to Delaware and teach Willow how to cook? All Willow has really mastered so far is peanut butter toast. I'm really impressed HSH has made bread from scratch... even I use my bread machine to make the dough (and then bake it in my oven).
Posted by: Jo | 31 December 2012 at 21:48
Happy New Year to you too! I have found my life much happier by turning off the news, dropping my daily reads and just occasionally checking out Twitter. And knitting. Knitting as much as I can. I refuse to alter my life or live in fear of what the government holds for us. We will just adjust as needed and tighten our belts.
As to the "friend", I went through that with a cousin's wife, they actually live in your neck of the woods. After wishing her a good day she replied that there was no way she could have a good day due to the fact I believed what I did. Excuse me? Your happiness depends on me believing Obama is my lord and savior? No thank you. Get your own source of happiness cause I am not going there. Oh well, you can't help some people.
Posted by: Chris | 01 January 2013 at 20:13
Wow, now I am curious. Cat takes a great picture.Stay healthy and safe and happy 2013.
Posted by: Jeanette | 01 January 2013 at 23:52
Happy New Year! Congratulations on the new addition. I love the photo with the dog!
You made a good decision about the "friend". Why add extra insanity to your life.
Haruni is gorgeous!!
Posted by: Karen | 02 January 2013 at 08:16
By the way, love the shawl. It's on my "list"! Love the kitty. Stay frosty Thomas.
Posted by: Cindy in un-Happy Valley | 07 January 2013 at 11:32
The shawl is so elegant looking. I love it!
Your daughter is growing and doing well cooking.
I have a cat named Thomas. He is so cute.
I am glad the cat and dog get along well.
Posted by: Karen Wooten | 15 January 2013 at 21:20