Ten on Tuesday: It's a blur
Ten on Tuesday: 5 Best of Summer / 5 for Fall
Well... what a summer.
At the beginning of it, I had no idea that I'd be bidding farewell to my sister and her family in addition to my daughter as they moved overseas! Ann & family had about 5-6 weeks to take care of things before moving to Spain for at least 2 years. Maddy planned, worked, and saved hard over the past year or so in order to spend the next year traveling and exploring in New Zealand.
It's been a super shitty summer in many respects, not the least of which was the death of Rusty's dad, and from the beginning I've made it a point to focus on the good stuff this summer -- and on the things that I can control.
Five Best Things I Did This Summer
1 - I spent lots of time with the kiddos.
2 - I spent a few glorious days up north.
3 - I did lots of art stuff -- viewing, participating, and even making.
4 - I read books -- thanks to audiobooks, I've read more than I have in many a summer (winter, spring and fall).
5 - I made time for Auntie Camp II before my nephews left for Spain -- abbreviated, but so much fun!
Five Things I'm Looking Forward to Doing This Fall
1 - Catching my breath. It was a very busy summer and I just need some time to collect my wits.
2 - Cooking. We've been planning our weekly menus and cooking at home for most of the summer, and I'm aiming to keep that going.
3 - Reading. That will certainly continue, and I'm still aiming for a BINGO by Thanksgiving.
4 - Knitting & Sewing... and getting a grip. I just sewed some adorable ladybug buttons on a sweater for Gin (an FO post to come!), but I've somehow misplaced a cone of Habu Tsumugi Silk for another project; there's a "quick" A-line top that stalled awaiting binding at neck and arms; one thumb-less mitten for Jun that's awaiting a thumb and a mate. So much to organize. (I have been making progress at washing the knits, though!)
5 - A Getaway! I'll be spending a few days in the Hudson Valley with some friends next month -- knitting, laughing, cooking, eating, and going to a little thing called "Rhinebeck." It's been 9 years since I visited in the east and I cannot wait!!
Saying goodbye does make for a crappy summer, but I'm glad there was also good, and that you chose to focus on it. I think that time to catch my breath and begin the gradual turning inward are some of my favorite things about fall. I hope your misplaced Habu shows itself soon and may the lines be short at Rhinebeck!
Posted by: Bonny | 20 September 2016 at 10:47 AM
Wow! You've had lots going on. Here's hoping Fall is a bit more peaceful. And Rhinebeck! Do enjoy!!
Posted by: Vera | 20 September 2016 at 10:52 AM
Your summer was busy and I'm sorry about the icky parts but it sounds like the good parts outweighed those. And you know fall will be terrific because Rhinebeck. Wish I was going to be there.
Posted by: Carole | 20 September 2016 at 11:48 AM
You managed to scrape together a lot of good things in that shitty summer! And fall looks to be great. (So jealous of your Hudson Valley adventure! What fun for you.) XO
Posted by: Kym | 20 September 2016 at 02:51 PM
Oh, I am so envious of your Rhinebeck trip! But, what a fun and full summer!
Posted by: AsKatKnits | 20 September 2016 at 04:02 PM
Your summer was certainly a mixed bag, but your ability to keep your focus on the good things was key. You are going to have a rip roaring good time with the gang next month!
Posted by: margene | 20 September 2016 at 04:56 PM
Have a wonderful time at Rhinebeck! And I hope you find the "missing" yarn.
Posted by: Susan | 20 September 2016 at 05:03 PM
I am so excited to meet you at Rhinebeck!!
Posted by: Beverly | 20 September 2016 at 08:10 PM
How about going to Madrona next February? Have you been? It is magical. I went every year for several and have missed the last two, one because of work and this year because my beloved 11+ year old white Boxer was dying. He passed away a week ago. The physical exhaustion of caring for a big dog has lifted and to some extent the mental exhaustion is gone as well. But the grief is even more than I expected. Madonna is something I am looking forward to next year without worries about home responsibilities. Come along!
Posted by: csjlaw@mac.com | 20 September 2016 at 09:59 PM
RHINEBECK!!!! Looks like you have a great fall in the works and a lot of great memories from the summer. Seems like it was a low season for a lot of us; I'm glad the calendar is turning over!
Posted by: Mary | 21 September 2016 at 05:33 AM
Bring on the fall! You're going to have such a great time in NY, it was such an experience last year! Here's to the great times of last summer and so long to the bad. 2016 has been a strange one for sure!
Posted by: Patty | 21 September 2016 at 10:04 AM
RHINEBECK! I am so envious. I hear the Apple Cider donuts are amazing. I took a class from Sonya Phillips last weekend and she waxed poetic on the experience of being in the thick of yarn, sheep, a true NE fall with leaves, acorns and DONUTS. Sigh. On the other hand, I second the idea of your coming to Madrona. Quite a different experience but still a powerful gathering of knitters, yarn, teachers and fiber love. It would be fun to meet you. And I am taking notes of the books you read. I have been haunting the Parnassus Bookstore website for owner and author Ann Patchett's recommendations for best books of 2016. I just got her new book Commonwealth and plan to dive in soon.
Posted by: Karen B | 21 September 2016 at 11:31 AM