Friday, January 01, 2010

New Year's potpourri

Happy New Year! Where to start? How about last night's FO?This is the Knotty but Nice hat I started on Christmas Day, with the leftover yarn from that four-ounce skein of spindle-spun longwool. It is a beautiful design, but when I tried it on for size, I was dismayed to find that the heavy cabling in the center acts like a girdle, making the hat want to work up to perch on top one's head! I doubt blocking will change that; hopefully the recipient will be able to wear it - or at least appreciate the gesture (the fleece came from her ram).

This morning with the help of my trusty little assistant, a name was drawn for the Oregon Coast photo notecards. Deb W, if you haven't finished your Christmas thank-you notes, you could wait and do a few of them on the cards I'll be sending you next week! Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who was interested.

After taking care of that little pleasure, I headed down in the rain to do chores. As I finished up, the sun broke out. I didn't think twice about seizing the moment for the one New Year's tradition I have. Ever since I was a teenager in Texas, I've tried to start each new year out on horseback, and I've rarely missed out. I was afraid that this year I'd have to settle for sitting on Russell's back in his stall, because it has been raining a LOT. Instead I was blessed with this:I have no doubts that God knew I needed this balm to my spirit; such joy it brought!

After a short ride I left Russell to his breakfast, and headed back to the house for mine. The sky was grey again, and raindrops were falling. But no matter; I had been in the saddle, and my sweet husband had omelets waiting. Here's hoping 2010 started as well for you.

That's it for now at . . .

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a delightful way to start the New Year. I have always wanted a horse, but at this point, it is not to be. At least I can live vicariously through other horse-lover bloggers on the internet. Give Russell a treat for me, okay? (And I'm sorry to read about the accident.)

Jenny Holden said...

Looks like a lovely day. I'm very glad that someone got out for a ride. I'd have to fit crampons to get Gimli out of the stable this week. We've had to put down muck out of the midden to walk the horses to the field! Another two weeks of this they reckon. Oh help!

Juliann said...

What a beautiful start to your new year, on horseback under a blue sky.

Deb W said...

Wheeee! I won?? Neat! (Thanks Brian, you said it was in the bag, just like we agreed) ha-ha

An English Shepherd said...

Yes looks like you started 2010 in the best way :-)

Wizz

Theresa said...

Can't think of a better way to kick off the new year, and Russell looks like he's enjoying the foray too.
No such luck here, poured all morning and into the afternoon.

thecrazysheeplady said...

The hat is beautiful. Even if it just becomes a display piece, anyone would treasure it. Glad you got a ride in. I took a bag of carrots out for everyone's birthday, but didn't think to take a bridle. Glad your new year is starting much better :-D.

Kim said...

What a cutie! And aa great start to the year. Happy New Year!

Molly Bee said...

OMGosh! Someone was looking out for you weatherwise so you could continue your tradition. I LOVE that hat and now must scurry off to add it to my project list! :-)

Theresa said...

Hi Michelle,

Nice horse! Good way to start the new year. I'd love to have another one as I grew up with them and did some training - one of my all time best things in life to do. But, alas, I'll not do as my mother did and get a horse and never have time to ride it. We have had a couple on this farm but none right now - so hard to find a good one. And, too many sheepy duties to keep us busy!

Sharon said...

Great pix Michelle, but my favorite is the playful shadow shot.