First I would like to thank Ceci, Helen, Sheryl and Janice 
for the kind words. They truly helped carry me through a difficult day. Thank you for caring. It is so appreciated.
After crying a few tears on our anniversary, I decided to remember funny times… those rare moments that have me laughing decades later. I also spent a few hours cooking. I baked a half ham slathered with dijon mustard, sweet potatoes and cooked some of the purple hull peas I had frozen from our garden. The meal, though eaten alone, was delicious, as were several consequential leftover dinners. Today for breakfast, visiting Jacob and I enjoyed grilled ham and cheese sandwiches on whole grain and there is more ham to freeze for later. No ham ever goes to waste in this house!
I have devoted more time to knitting. I finished the second fingerless mitten… this one without mistakes! Since I plan to use them at home, I don’t mind they aren’t perfect but will serve their purpose well. They were knitted with Caron® Simply Soft Paints in the color Oceana. I don’t know the yarn weight for sure but it feels and knits like sport weight and the sizing was perfect using size 7 needles. The pattern called for either DK or 
worsted weight. I frankly don’t know what ‘DK’ means as much has changed since I ‘understood’ knitting terms.
The next thing I knitted is a snuggly cowl. It’s made completely with garter stitches and finished 13″ x 60″ before stitching into a loop. I used Lyon Brand® Homespun® bulky weight yarn and size 10 needles. The color of the yarn is Painted Desert.
Not only do I love the soft texture and colors but I will enjoy the versatility of the garment. I can wear it as shown as a long cowl but because it’s so long, there is plenty to cover my head on misty, rainy or windy days. I can even wrap it around my neck twice for a snuggly turtle neck. With the width, I can completely cover my shoulders and upper back for added warmth. It will be useful in so many ways this winter and I know I’ll enjoy wearing it!
I’m currently knitting a narrow scarf in shades of turquoise and gray worsted yarn. When this is done, I hope to make some lacy, feminine fingerless mittens. I also plan to drag out a sewing machine and make myself some flannel and fleece pajama pants and if yardage allows, some warm t-shirts too.
Have a great week!!
Shirl