Snow.

We survived the first snow with no major catastrophes. Ryan made it home safely (if grumpily). And I went on several awesome walks. The day after the big snow was clear and sunny. Perfect walking weather!





There's a definite air of festivity once the sky clears and people emerge. Neighbors collaborate on ideas for snow removal and car excavation. Music and laughter abound. And the local Farm Store becomes The Destination.





Unfortunately, just as Baltimore was starting to get all of us dug out, it began to snow again. I'm a bit dismayed because the our roads haven't really been plowed - and it looks like I may not make it to work (or anywhere else for that matter) for the rest of the week. One more foot of snow on top of almost 3 feet of packed snow.. no good!





But we're safe, warm, and have plenty of food and water. And since Ryan's home this time around, he got shovel duty! ;)

And he baked some pound cake, which I'm going to go eat now...

No more snow!

Apparently not.

Ryan's gone off to N.C. to visit friends. And I'm snowed in. Very.

Can you find my car?



Yeah, that's my side mirror.

So what's a girl to do?

Bake.




Knit (while watching Torchwood).




Take pictures.




Play with a "new" (rescued from the depths of the closet) camera remote.




Drink coffee. (Don't worry - it's not done yet.)




Oh, and of course, play in the snow!




Fun, fun!!

Are we there yet?

I know I'm not alone in feeling that spring is long overdue. 20 degree days make just about everything not-fun, unless you happen to enjoy swollen, cracked fingers and snotcicles. ;)

Even Squirrelly is ready for some warmth.




My riding has been very sporadic, and even my knitting has slowed down to monogamy. (Of course, that might be the backlash from the insane holiday multi-project marathon...) 2010 might become my year of selfish knitting. I have at least 8 sweaters worth of yarn, and numerous design ideas floating around in my head. We'll see what comes of that.





Ryan and I spent last Saturday afternoon spending Christmas money at the Red Canoe. I do think it's a very good use of a cold day and extra money... I forgot to take a picture, but we also got a half dozen of their incredible muffins. Perhaps we'll spend this Saturday afternoon there as well. ;)




So that's about all. Except, I think I may need to knit a pair (or 3!) of these!

Spring, anyone??

2009 Knits

2009 was my most productive knitting year thus far. I was surprised to look back and realize that I completed 4 adult-sized sweaters (and half-completed 2 more). Yay!



I already have at least 9 sweaters queued up to knit in 2010. I'll be interested to see how many I actually get around to! There are finally plenty of hats and scarves piled around the house, so perhaps this will be the year of the sweater. (Maybe the year of lace though.. I cast on for Percy just this morning!)

New York City

When my mom was little, she used to go into NYC with her dad to celebrate her birthday. Her birthday being so close to Christmas made it a perfect time to go - the city was even more decked out and sparkly than usual. It's been years since Mom has been to NYC in December, so it was time for another trip!

Ken, Ryan, Mom, and I took a very long drive to NJ, where we stopped at a friend's house and devoured her wonderful homemade eggplant parmesan. Dottie and her son then escorted us (through high winds and cold rain) halfway to the city on the train. Somehow, after they turned back for home, we managed to board the wrong Path train into the city and ended up far from our hotel. We got some help in the subway though, and finally made it to our warm beds.




We took full advantage of the warm(ish) weather and clear skies our first day there to walk 50 blocks to Central Park, and then all throughout the park. The boys donned their Christmas hats. (On the left is Ryan's Botanic, knit with "lettuce" Malabrigo and black Paton's merino. Ken's Koolhaas is on the right, in "Vaa" Malabrigo.)




I was very excited to see Tom Petty in bronze: ;)



And the Guggenheim was gorgeous.



The lobby of the Empire State Building was absolutely incredible. The craftsmanship that went into making this building is rare, and it looked impeccably maintained.







Our second (and final) day in the city started off with fantastically yummy bagels. We managed to see a lot, including Habu Textiles, Purl Soho, Murray's Cheese, and Uniqlo.






I was fascinated by the architecture in the city, and took more pictures of buildings than anything else.






I'd love to go back again, perhaps with a bit more pre-planning and a bit more time to spend. It was quite a trip!

White Christmas

We have snow. Lots of it. (Don't laugh - 20" is a lot for MD!) The dog thinks she's a Husky...




The cat, while first being quite sure he wanted out, is now quite sure he loves indoors....




Icicles galore... (I think that means our insulation hasn't been updated since the 40's...)






I hope yours is a warm, merry Christmas!

Tuck in B&W