Time to Organize

Project 365: Day 267

We like to buy a lot of things from the bulk section of the co-op so our pantry cupboards have little bags of this and that strewn about. I finally got fed up with digging through messes to find what I need, so I consolidated them all into miscellaneous canning jars. Which led to organizing the whole pantry, which led to putting away Christmas presents, which led to organizing and culling my knitting pattern binders. Sometimes the mood just strikes to put things in order and luckily I had the time to do it today. I also had time to make my first batch of starter from the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day book and start my new knitting project, the Olivine Vest (Ravelry link).

In our past life (in Boston) Paul and I spent our Christmas weekends by relaxing at home and at least one trip to the off-leash dog park. Last year, our first year back in Minneapolis, was chock full of Christmas events. This year we went for a happy balance between our Boston-style Christmas and our family-crazy Christmas, with a blend of family events and time to relax at home. We have one last event tomorrow when we head to my Mom's house and then it is back to work we go.

All is Calm

Project 365: Day 266

The (really, really heavy) snow has been shoveled. Today's family celebration time is complete. The Christmas Linner (Lunch/Dinner) has been eaten. Christmas gifts have been given and received. Time to settle in for some calm, quiet time at home. Or, maybe it is time to catch a showing of A Christmas Story. Yes, yes. It isn't Christmas without at least one viewing of A Christmas Story.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas day!

Nutcracker at Rice Park in St. Paul

Knitted Elf Ornament from Sarah

Christmas - Part 2

Project 365: Day 265

Merry Christmas! We woke up to a very highly hyped Christmas snow storm. We ran errands like crazy last night in order to free up today for relaxing at home and lots of shoveling. Jamie came over to visit me and we exchanged presents and worked on some knitting. She gave me many great birthday and Christmas presents including an adorable apron that I was gushing over at Anthropologie when we visited the store in NYC. It was very nice of her to take note and give me this awesome apron:

(photo from Anthropologie)

I have already put it to use making homemade caramels and dinner tonight. Thanks, Jamie!

We just ate dinner and opened the Christmas presents that my dad dropped over in advance. I am totally a Christmas Eve present opener, if at all possible. Christmas Eve is close enough for me! I am happy to report that my dad set me up so come next harvest season I will be canning up a storm. I got a pressure canner, a food mill, strainer, jelly bags and pectin. When I combine this gift with the canning utensil kit my grandma gave me for my birthday, I am well prepared to preserve till the cows come home. And, if all of the supplies weren't enough to convince me of the bounty canning foods yields, my dad also gave us a box of his canned goods including blackberry jelly, strawberry jelly, salsa, and maple syrup. Maple syrup! Now, that is a labor of love.

I think the caramels have cooled, so I must head off to cut and wrap them. I hope you are having an excellent December 24th.

Jack and His Growth Formerly Known as a Skin Tag

Project 365: Day 264

I took Jack to the vet this evening because he has a skin tag that has recently become all nasty and big and gross. The vet took a needle aspirate of it and has deemed it suspicious and advised us to get it removed. Our little dude is going in for surgery soon.

Like in a Magazine

Project 365: Day 263

Christmas gift from co-workers Becky and Michele. Hee hee. Mom, this will likely be making an appearance at your house when Paul and I come over for Christmas!

Birthday - Part 3 Continued

Wow! Paul outdid himself once again, making me feel so loved and spoiled on my birthday. We had such a fun day, starting right from the top of the morning when Paul made breakfast.

After breakfast I settled into a bath with a book while Paul went to the gym. When he came home, he was bearing this huge bouquet.

It was only then that he revealed to me the next part of the plan. We were to head out to get a quick bite to eat for lunch, go ice skating and then to a yarn shop.

The ice skating rink was right in the middle of downtown St. Paul, amidst the historic buildings. The weather was very cooperative, with a light dusting of snow falling while we skated. At one point during our time on the rink, I looked at Paul and then looked around at everyone else and realized that it is impossible to ice skate without a big smile on your face!

Then, we headed to The Yarnery where I was given the instruction to pick out yarn that I liked. I chose Malabrigo worsted merino yarn to make an Olivine Vest. The vest pattern was recently published on Ravelry and I can't wait to make it.

Next up was a trip back home to open my presents. As if this day wasn't already completely awesome, Paul had prepared a story to accompany my gifts. It was such a sweet delivery and his presents were really well thought out. Included in my gifts was the Sweater Wizard software. I'm not even going to tell you about my other presents because you might be tempted to come and steal Paul from me. They were that awesome.

It was then time to get dressed up and head out to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Alma. They have a tasting menu for vegetarians and one for omnivores. They knew it was my birthday so they started our evening off with complimentary glasses of Cava wine. The food was delicious and came in small enough servings that I was able to enjoy the 3 courses plus dessert without stuffing myself silly. All of the dishes were perfect, both in terms of presentation and flavor.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Paul for the memorable day.

Also, thank you to everyone else who took the time to be a part of my birthday by calling, emailing, posting on Facebook, taking me out to eat, buying me a massage, baking me a cake, giving me lovely gifts and anything else you did to mark my birthday. You all helped make my birthday remarkable and I am grateful.

Happy Winter Solstice!

Project 365: Day 262

I look forward to the return of light that this day symbolizes while also being grateful for how the darkness enhances the feeling of warmth and safety that being in my home brings me.