Friday, June 22, 2012

Last Days in Newport


Ahh, the carefree days of summer are here. Carefree for just a little bit, that is, until we move next week. It is with joy and many fond memories that we leave our home of the past year, Harbor View. We will miss the sunset walks at the water's edge, Fidget's home made swing in the yard, the friends we've met, and the places we love here.


But you can't wish yourself somewhere. Even if we stayed, many of our friends are moving on as well. This is why we send out a newsletter every few months. Keeping in touch makes it bearable. 


We have rented a tiny loft down in southeastern Virginia and the Pres and I are trying to figure out what we'll need and how we'll get it there by July 2. In January our renters will be gone and we'll be able to move the bulk of our goods from storage to our lovely old home in Portsmouth. 


But for now there are teas parties and circuses on the lawn, last play dates and goodbyes with friends. We are so very thankful for our time here. God has blessed us greatly. 


If you are among those dear to us who we are leaving behind, do not fret. A newsletter will be coming out in the next few days with our new address and more info on what we've been up to and what we expect to do next. You remain in our hearts. God has encouraged us with your friendship, and you with ours, we hope. We do not plan to lose you!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Rosy Hedges and Rosy Outlook



Update on my Pink Hedges socks, from Jane Cochran's pattern Jane's Hedgerow Socks available on Knitter's Review. I finished these last night and will be blocking today to send them out shortly after. Unfortunately I cannot give such an optimistic update of the Pres' Father's Day socks.

Here is as far as I got before I tried it on myself to try estimating how long to make the foot. The sad news is it barely fit my foot. I guess the nylon in the yarn is making it tighter than normal yarn. I discovered this two days ago and have not known what to do. I considered making the pair and giving them to someone small. But I picked this yarn for the Pres and think he would get a lot of use out of socks from it because of the muted masculine colors. So this morning I decided to frog it, that is, take it all apart, and start over with larger needles. There's no way I'll finish by Father's Day but at least I will still get to give him a thoughtful present fairly soon. 


Yesterday I had a knit and bake day with dear friends from Bible study. I will miss them when we move but am so happy I get to store up memories of sweet fellowship before we go. God is so good.


Saturday, June 9, 2012

A few things we're up to at Harbor View



 Baking as usual. Baking lots of breads and trying new things like a scrumptious Banana Bread from Bon Appetit. I have also made chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal cranberry/cherry cookies this week.





Visiting the Newport Mansions. I am pretty sure this one was Marble House. Though after awhile they all run together. It is really annoying that you're not allowed to take pictures inside. That did not stop one woman on our tour of Chepstow this morning. That annoyed me even more.


This one is called Chateau sur Mer because when they built it they had terrific views of the ocean and bay. Sadly no more since the area has been built up over the past hundred and fifty years. Because of its roof Fidget and I said it would be a prime candidate for filming a haunted house movie. We imagined bats flying out as we walked up to the door. But we enjoyed the tour.


Staying inspired with heavenly yarns (color 3820 Raspberry Print). This one actually has aloe vera in it! I am making spa socks for a friend. Not to take to a spa, but to feel like you're giving your tootsies a spa just by wearing the socks. 


This yarn (color 9807 Blue Multi), which is a sleek 50% acrylic and 50% nylon, is turning into Father's Day socks for the Pres. They are shorties for cycling. They're not getting done quick enough, is all I know.  I am not sure they'll be finished in time. I'm still on sock 1! But I will be keeping busy right through our house hunting.