Saturday, January 24, 2009

January drifts


Day slides into evening, night dissolves into morning, and before I know it, another week has past.

We decided to postpone the adventures in San Francisco until the weather is less precarious. Instead, Chris and I went out for brunch at Mimi’s CafĂ© on our way to Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley; this was my old stomping grounds growing up- the end of our street was a service entrance into one part of the park- and it had been years since we’d been there.




We wandered around the Botanic Garden, following winding paths and experiencing the stark beauty of winter plants; I found myself drawn to the bare Manzanita trees, thickets of ferns, and groves of coastal redwoods.




After a visit to the Little Farm to greet the residents, we took a meandering hike up to and around Jewel Lake, and then stopped off on the way home to take in the view at Inspiration Point.







Sam made it back from Snow Camp in good health, but missing a vital “appendage”- his cell phone. Fortunately for him, a staff member found it in one of the cabins while cleaning up and forwarded it by mail; he’s been experiencing a severe case of disconnection and has learned why Mom tells him to log his phone numbers in Outlook, just in case.




Monday afternoon was my friend’s memorial service; the turnout surprised her family, but not those of us who came to know Kathy after she moved to town. The chapel was standing room only, filled with customers, students, business owners, council members, Coast Guard auxiliary, and many friends; six rows were filled with just knitters and I’m certain we emptied a full large box of tissues in our pew alone. The reception afterward was equally well attended- so much so that I didn’t get a chance to speak with any of the children; fortunately, we are having an old-fashioned wake tomorrow at a friend’s home and will be putting together a Remembrance Book, filled with our stories and tributes, to give to the eldest daughter. The fate of the store is up in the air; Kathy died without a will, so until probate is completed, the doors remain closed to business. Providentially, the owner of the quilting store down the street has offered the use of her back room to the Friday night knitting group; one of my concerns was that we would drift apart without our anchor Kathy, but everyone seems committed to continuing what she unwittingly started nearly six years ago.




Jessica called; she’s been laid off again (no huge surprise) and has finally decided to leave San Jose. She has moved to Cloverdale- lock, stock, and cat carrier- and is staying with the sister of one of her former boyfriends (don’t ask me- I’ve never understood her relationships) while looking for work. Hope this works out for her- the area around Santa Rosa is one of my favorites, more rural than urban, and I think it will be a good change.




Work persists on taking up too much of my time and brain power, but happily I have approved vacation time coming- February, I’ll be going to Stitches West for a long weekend, a Garden Club field trip in March, and then a week in June for Sam’s graduation and Robb’s visit from Florida. I also have the week after Christmas scheduled, but I’ll be taking some time in the fall as well- six months is just too long without a break!




My knitting basket and movie are calling- Sam’s scarf is only half done and I need to start the tote I wanted to make Jessica for her birthday next month; here’s a photo of the apron I made for the last swap I did- what do you think of my model?




14 comments:

Debbie said...

Your model looks thrilled to be posing. The outdoor photos are great too.

Tulabell said...

You are simply amazing - what with all that is going on in your life and you're still able to make the time emotionally to work on projects! I think that is how some people are though, like you without them they may go haywire? Anyway, I love the apron! I know what you mean about that work stuff too. How much longer do you have before you can retire?

Dory said...

Hi Meg. Sure have missed you... Your model cracks me up. :o)

So, I've spent all week learning to knit. I'm practicing getting the basic knit stitch down - seems to me that learning to have the same amount of *tension* on the stitches is rather important, huh? It's a work in progress.... I am really enjoying it though. Very relaxing.

Shannon said...

Oh I love the model- and the apron! You are so talented! I so wish you lived closer so you could teach me some of your fabulous hobbies like sewing and knitting. Maybe on our next girls weekend we can do some little projects?

Have a great Sunday sweet friend!

Anonymous said...

Love the model. Seriously, dah'ling he's lovely! :)
The pictures of the trees are beautiful and I'm a little jealous that you went to Mimi's Cafe. LOVE that place!

VENTL8R said...

I think Chris missed his calling. Really!

Junie Moon said...

My goodness, so much going on in your life. I am glad to hear about the good turn-out for your friend, losing a loved one is an awful experience but it does make our hearts sing just a little when folks honor their lives as y'all have done.

50s Housewife said...

Love your pictures! Your model is so funny! He just looks thrilled. :)

mumof3boyz said...

I love the apron and it looks so good on your model.

I agree with Shannon, our next girls weekend you are teaching us all something!

Jane! said...

Eleven more guys with aprons and much fewer clothes and you could make a calendar.
He's a sport, though!

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

Time does have a way of marching along. Thoughtful post.
:)

nikkicrumpet said...

LOL I'd say that's not the happiest model on the planet...but he may be the most accomodating lol

Dory said...

I finished my first scarf yesterday! Yahhhhh ME!!!! :o) (Going to start another one in a bit.) I'm I can get my camera to cooperate, I'm going to take pictures of it. Just to show you. :o)

Anonymous said...

And what a model he is! Looks oh so happy to do it, too...
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. Sounds like she was very loved, which is a great thing to leave behind, if you have to leave.
While you're making your vactaion plans for the upcoming year. remember the Renaissance faire here in June and July! We're Scottish, remember! And you'll need another trip to Kentucky by then! LOL And by the way... thanks again for the book suggestion... the first kept me busy while I was stuck in bed, the sequel is making me wish I wans't backlogged on so many other things because of the sickness.
Take care friend!