Last Weekend in January, Resolutions Going Strong

Hello Dear Readers,

I had the photos for this post set up on Monday, but somehow didn't get around to posting until today.  You may recall we painted the hallways and living room a few months ago, and this weekend I prepped the kitchen for painting which was enough to inspire Chris...

Who blew though the kitchen and onto the office with vigour.  It was so nice to see him happily absorbed in something, I'll have to think up more household tasks he'll enjoy, maybe laying down wood floors in the hall? He even painted the ceiling in the office, which is great if I'm going to end up working from home more, I can lean back in my chair and enjoy the white white ceiling.

I've continued apace with my New Years Resolution knitting, and finished the tea cozy from the book Last Minute Knitted Gifts, though mine is Cascade 220 and not cashmere.  Here it is being modelled on my teapot, though it's a bit snug.

I really like the look of the thermal pattern, I think it would be nice for a "cozy" human sweater.  The cozy came in handy as I had friends over for tea Sunday afternoon, part of my Year of Me campaign including spending more time with friends.  Have I mentioned the Year of Me?  I think I have, but it bears repeating, to myself and others, otherwise I (and they) might forget to spoil me this year.

I also blocked the Airy Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, which was finished knitting a few weeks ago but languished in the blocking line, and being mohair it really needed it.  It is actually quite warm, and longer than I thought it would be based on the books photo.  I was considering lengthening the scarf, but I'm trying to stick more or less to the patterns, just for fun, just for a change.  My plan is to knit only from my existing stash (except possibly for a sweater for Chris), but I still have quite a few items lined up to make so I hope to be knitting well into March, if I'm careful.

I'm risking life and limb taking photos on our back deck as we are experiencing the cold snap weaving it's icy fingers across Europe.  I wore one layer of bamboo socks and then my alpaca knee high cable socks that I made in Germany to cycle to work today.  My fingers still feel like they are going to fall off when I cycle, but I nicked my brother's snowboarding salt heaters for my hands. Unfortunately I only have one pocket in my cycling coat on the left breast.  So I cycle with one hand on the bike and one on my breast..... I probably look like I'm having a heart attack, but it gets me home in the end!  

Chris's cousin is coming up this weekend which will be nice, and I'm working on Sunday.  I have 57 days to find a new job (my contract is up at the end of March) but I wouldn't mind being unemployed- just for a little bit - to get some rest!

Cheerio!