What in the world......

I look back at the date and wonder how a year and almost a half have passed since my last post.  Can that be possible??  Well, obviously!  Life has definitely happened, and I sit here thinking about all the things I need to get done today and in the next week because.......CHRISTMAS IS COMING!  It is the age old story for this house and me....rushing to get ready.  Oh mercy.

In my knitting basket are several projects, not the least of which are some simple washcloths that will tuck in and amongst other small items in Christmas packages.  These little cloths, with their owl sentinels standing ready, came about when I spied this pattern on Ravelry and realized how perfectly delighted my sister would be with this fellow.  Owl-lover that she is, she has discreet tastes when it comes to what she collects.  It must have reason or show some distinct detail to be her "pick."  This fellow definitely has an air of distinction AND he certainly has purpose.  One of my daughter's saw the results and......yep, I'm making more.  She came up with a great idea--extend the pattern on to a full second section of just the seed stitch and the result would be a very nice little handtowel....again with distinction.  She's right--the yellow one seen in this pic on the needles is not that very thing and scheduled to land in her Christmas stocking.

Another daughter put in her order for some of these simple knitted cloths that she would like to use as the old time favorite dishcloth.  No frills, she said, though--just a simple cloth.  And then I found another pattern--geezz I love free patterns--for a scrubbie that will go perfectly with these little cloths.  My needles are flying because there is only a week to go.  There is a great pleasure in working up these little pieces, watching them stack up in the basket and knowing that someone I love will be using them daily.  Maybe that's why these washcloths seem to be seeing quite a revival in popularity.

Today screams for cooking as well, and I'll be making several pans of a delicious little chocolate treat called "Cocoa Blocks."  The recipe, a wonderful find on King Arthur Flour's website, is noted for making an amazing cup of hot cocoa, but I'll have to tell you that it takes two blocks to accomplish--one to swirl in the hot milk to melt and one to eat while you're waiting for the melting.  I spied a "Cappacino Blocks" as well while on the site, and we may just have to try that one as well......

So here's to simple things at Christmas--some handmade gifts, a relatively clean house, a warm cup of cocoa and a bit of fudge.  Yes, that will be good indeed.  A wonderful holiday to anyone reading.  May your days be blessed.