Wednesday, November 13, 2019

To everything there is a season

Today was the first day I've been home alone in this quieter and emptier space. A few busy days* made this easier, but now other crises** are crowding in. Sigh; "time and tide (and trouble) wait for no man."

I stopped waiting for 'man' as well. Since last weekend almost all the leaves have dropped. There is a reason it's called "leaf litter," and between the mess (which eventually mucks up the gravel and grass) and the ideal-for-raking dry, calm conditions, I have been agitating to get them cleaned up to no avail. So I gave up on it being a family project and started raking and carting them off to the burn pile by myself. Which apparently shamed inspired Rick, who then got busy and finished the lion's share (with some help from Brian). Amen.



The hats I knit for my farrier and his wife from their flock's yarns are now blocked and drying. I do hope they like and USE them but regardless, I enjoyed knitting them and trying new yarns. I'm going to knit a hat from some colorful handspun next, then figure out where it fits on my Christmas gift list. Too bad I don't like to wear hats; they can be gratifyingly fun, quick projects.



Jackson is doing pretty well as an only dog. I was surprised at what a good host he was to my friend's exuberant eight-month-old flat-coat – he even played with her just a little bit! That made me think he could be okay with a new addition, although it would have to be the right dog. Problem is, I don't know if the right dog for Jackson is necessarily the dog I would choose for myself if Jackson was not a factor. And the dog(s) I want are not breeds that Rick likes – and vice versa. Yes, we've been discussing dogs, without détente. I even pulled the "birthday card," which didn't work any better for getting my way on a dog than it did for getting another, more able-bodied horse. So I'm just spoiling and enjoying my old man for as long as I can right now.





Yes, I've completed another trip about the sun. It was pretty low-key, although a blogpal surprised me with this lovely yarn set, Kate brought me some goodies, and Brian made me sinfully decadent brownies. Well, he made them for himself as much as for me, but he can afford the calories better than I can anyway. 😉

Our weather is gradually changing over to a more typical wet pattern. Fortunately for our new neighbors, the builders got their shop 'dried-in' today.

*After Sunday morning's events I took Brian to work and ended up being gone most of the day. Monday Brian didn't have school; my friend Kate came over for a visit with her young dog; and the people who 'rented' Blake brought him home. Yesterday I had to work, and then pick up Brian from school in the afternoon.

**Yesterday I learned that my step-brother is in the hospital again. This morning I learned that a dear friend's husband, who has been in the hospital for several weeks now, has decided to stop all treatment. This afternoon I went down to the basement pantry for something and found water spraying out of a pipe connected to the pressure tank. At least that LAST one can be fixed....

That's all for now from . . .

6 comments:

Leigh said...

I love leaf litter! I'm odd, I know, lol, but it becomes bedding in the chicken coop and mulch for the garden, so it's fun raking it up knowing it will go to good use.

Chuckie made me laugh and it's nice to see Jackson looking happy.

Love your tams! Beautifully done. Recipients will be thrilled with them, I'm sure.

Retired Knitter said...

You are not only a talented spinner, you have a talent for knitting! Beautiful hats.

Happy Birthday Michelle!

I hope in your quest to get another dog, you might consider an older dog - a non-puppy. The world is full with discarded (by stupid humans) older dogs that are wonderful wonderful pets and just need a forever home.

Michelle said...

Leigh, I was mostly feeling overwhelmed by all the outdoor and indoor maintenance piling up that I can't get done all by myself. As soon as the rain starts, the leaves on the driveway, yard, flowerbeds, and pasture become a slimy mess, so they needed to be moved to more appropriate places ASAP!

Thank-you for your kind words, Elaine. As for dogs, I am not set on getting a puppy; rescues are fine by me. Still at loggerheads with Rick over KIND. I like the herding breeds; Rick, not so much.

Anonymous said...

that photo right before the yarn photos really speaks to me (insert audible sigh here). i've never seen so many different colors in one shot. and i'm always a sucker for a chuckie photo. applause, clapclapclap. --suz in NE ohio

C-ingspots said...

My goodness you have been having a busy time lately! Happy belated Birthday Michelle! Low-key is always a welcome way to celebrate a birthday imho anyway.

I know you didn't ask, but I'm going to say it anyway...enjoy this one-on-one time with Jackson while you can. I'm sure he cherishes having your attentions all to himself and you won't ever get this opportunity again. You can always get a new dog/puppy when the timing is perfect, and that will enable you to then devote all your attentions and time to the new dog. That initial time with a new dog is so important. Just take your time, don't rush into anything. And who knows, maybe by then Rick will be more agreeable. *sigh*

In my own personal experience, sometimes exactly what you've been pining for comes in a package you'd never have expected.

FullyFleeced said...

lovely hats- what kind of sheep does your farrier have?