Happy Christmas to all!

Knitter's Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
There was unfinished knitting not under the tree,
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep---he was no help at all.
And the sweater for him was 6" too small.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash.
Tripped over my yarn and fell down in my stash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how far I still had to go.

When out on the lawn I heard such a noise,
I was sure it would wake up both Dad and the boys.
And although I was tired--my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment that it must be St Nick.

Yet what I heard left me very perplex-ed
For nothing I heard was what I expect-ed.
"Move Rowan! Move Patons! Move Koigu and Clover!
Move Shelridge! Move Starmore! Move Spinrite!
Move over!

Lopi, don't circle around, just stand there in line.
Pay attention you sheep and you'll work out just fine!
I know this is hard as it's just your first year
But I'd hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer."

I peered over the sill. What I saw was amazing:
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing!
And then in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's big boots stomping on the porch floor.

I rose from my knees and got back on my feet.
As I turned around, St Nick I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his heat to his toe
And his clothes were hand knit from above to below.

A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back.
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His hat was a wonder of bobbles and lace
A beautiful frame for his rosey red face.

The scarf on his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
On the back of his mitts was an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I spotted a small label:

"S.C." in duplicate on the cuff.
So I asked, "Hey, Nick, did YOU knit all this stuff?"
He proudly replied, "Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to knit when I was just a kid."

He was chubby and plump, a well dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I'd thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.

He spoke not a word, but looked down in his lap
Where I had laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He began then to knit, first one cap then 2--
For the first time I thought I might really get through.

He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks,
While I sat back drinking a scotch on the rocks.
Quickly like magic his needles they flew,
Good Grief! He was finished by two!

He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
I heard him explain as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year, start your knitting sometime around JUNE!"

Let it Snow....

Or really I would rather it not. It has started to come down hard here and it's not supposed to stop until tomorrow. I am leaving work early I don't want to be stranded for Wyn's birthday!

Package Sent!!!!

I have sent my All Hollow's Eve swap package out! I had to mail it from the hotel I am staying at but it's all good. Here's a teaser pic....
I was happy with the way everythig came together so I hope my swapee is too.

Week 5's topic

If you could go anywhere at all to enjoy a wonderful fall vacation - where would you go and why? Somewhere you've been? Somewhere you've heard has amazing fall colors? Somewhere that's LESS fall-like than where you are?

I have heard that Vermont is beautiful in the fall and I would love to see it. As hard as it is to believe, I like IL in the fall. I live along a river and there is nothing prettier than driving along it with the trees changing. Not to mention being in the corn belt you really get a sense of what the season is all about, Harvest time.

Week 4 a questionaire

Q1: Where did the idea of Jack-O-Lanterns originate?
A) Scotland


Q2: Halloween is the 2nd most successful commercial Holiday - what's the first?
B) Valentine's Day

Q3: What is the intense fear of Halloween called?
B) Samhainophobia

Q4: The mask worn by Michael Meyers in Halloween (the Movie) was actually a mask of who?
D) No one - it was an old hockey mask

Q5: In 2004, what was the most popular Halloween Candy?
B) Snickers


And finally - tell us what YOUR favorite Halloween Candy is! I love that I have a kid who trick or treats! I try not to buy a lot of candy but she is great about sharing her loot. My favorite Halloween treat is popcorn balls. Especially homemade ones. Chocolates come in a close second with those Reeses pumpkins topping that list.

My Package Came!!!!

I received a wonderful package from my secret swap partner. It included a green cloth plus super soft mittens, Puma shower gel and cologne, nail polish (which my daughter loves!), hot cocoa mix, chicken soup mix and fabulous alpaca blend yarn in a lovely dusty blue.



The only problem is I can't figure out who to thank. I think I have read every ones blog and either I am really obtuse or I missed someone. So if this package was from you.... THANK YOU!!! I am a very happy spoilee.

Week three's topic a day late

What's the oddest/strangest/weirdest Halloween decoration you have ever gotten for your home? Or, if you've never had a "wow, did I REALLY buy that?!" moment - what's the strangest Halloween decoration you've seen somewhere else?


I don't think I have anything too odd (but that doesn't mean that someone with less refined taste might not find something ;) )! I do think the vintage grinning black cats and pumpkins are a bit creepy. They look more maniacal than happy to me. I am into the black silhouettes and apothecary jars for Halloween right now. Hallmark had a line out a couple of years ago that I loved (Hauntington).