The blog has been a bit dark of late so let’s take a day to look at the brighter things.

I am not entirely in the Christmas spirit yet – life has been pretty busy and I’m in ‘double down and push through’ mode. But the house is decorated and we are opening Advents every night. This year, Brandon got me a mini-wine Advent and I have a yarn Advent from A Homespun House. I also just ordered some fingering weight so I can knit the Cozy Comfort blanket with all my new minis. The kid has a crystals calendar from Etsy, the Stickii Advent (we also subscribe to one of their monthly sticker packs) and the obligatory chocolate Lindt from her Neena. And Brandon has his usual mini liquor calendar in the tree stand I ordered from Etsy last year.

I finally finished my first cross-stitch, which was Halloween themed. I’m not super speedy with stitching- I need ideal light and a good eye day – and I’m sure I’ll be finishing up the next project, which is winter themed, in July. But although I’m not really good at it, I do find it very relaxing and meditative especially when paired with a good podcast.

This weekend the kiddo’s Scout troop will be packing grab and go lunch bags for Food Gatherers of Detroit to distribute, and she also has a Christmas band concert. Brandon is leaving for a few days to visit his family, and got boosted on Monday to prepare. I will be ferrying the kid and trying to finish up a few knitting ornaments and stay on top of the tide of Vlogmas that threatens to overwhelm me in an avalanche of tinsel, Christmas carols and frothy coffee displays every time I turn to YouTube. There will also – I’m sure – be some Scandinavian detective novels (I’m in that mood again).

Happy Friday. After today I have five more workdays in 2021…not that I am counting. Be well, enjoy your weekend, shop local and small business and wear some nice warm socks while you’re at it. xo