Hot, hot, hot

Wow, is it ever hot. Where I grew up it got hot like this but the humidity was less and it usually cooled down at night. Not so much here. I do not really mind though. You just make different choices. For the past month, we have hosted a young man (15) from France. We have had a wonderful time showing him around the Northwest. He fit into our family like a recently discovered cousin. I took him to the airport today and I will miss him enormously. As fun as it is to host an overseas student it is ever so hard to say 'good-bye'. So, I won't say 'good-bye' I will say 'a biento' (till later).

Sunny Sedona

We are currently in Sedona, AZ for a nice, quick vacation. We have hiked and today we went on an early morning jeep tour. Wow, was that ever fun and informative. Our guide had a lot to tell about the rock formations and the plant life as well as the native people. More later.....

Finished

Well, I finished the sweater I was itching to do. Now I am excited to start another one and implement my new ideas. I have done my guage swatch and now I need to calculate my cast on amount and it is off to the races. I have to get my garden going also but it has been cool and rainy. My tomatoes are ready to go out as well as one of my bean plants. I have to get after the slugs too before they eat everything. Darn slugs!

Spring Fever

Today I took some time to plant some tomato starts as well as some basil, chives, pole beans and pole peas. I'm looking forward to spring. I love the snow but I am ready to move on. I did take the plunge and cast on a cardigan sweater which will suit the cool spring days here.

Not working...

....but not bored either. I recently quit my job which seems rather foolish in this current environment. I needed to take some steps to de-stress my life. Actually, I haven't quit my job entirely, I just stepped down from a big part of it. I still get to plan the fun, monthly events. I also started teaching a beginning knitting class at our local community college. That sure is a lot of fun. My students are learning quite a bit and expanding their skills. I am enjoying getting to know new friends and spreading the love of knitting.

Winter Weather

Oh my, we are trapped at home because of the weather. Our vehicle has 4-wheel drive so we can get around when necessary. It feels very "Christmassy". I am getting a lot of knitting done but not my Christmas shopping. Wednesday will be a sad day for me so I think I will lift my spirits by getting some baking accomplished. I could also get some gift sewing done. I got my on-line shopping done for my siblings and hopefully their gifts will arrive in time. This weather is effecting many parts of the country. Because of the cold weather I am itching to cast on a nice warm sweater. I must stick to my gift knitting or I won't make it. Speaking of that, I'd better get back to it.

Green tomatoes

I really like fall, it is a busy time of year though. I planted a lovely garden this year which is over-run with tomatoes!!! Unfortunately, they ripened late and I have lots and lots and lots of green tomatoes. I searched through my canning books and found a nice recipe for a green tomato relish. I'll have to give that a try. I am going to do pickles out of the lemon cucumbers and then make salsa out of the peppers and red tomatoes. That should keep my busy for a few days.