So Sweet!

Hiya, all!

Minnesota is experiencing a very strange spring indeed - heavy snowfalls this week caused power outages, within in a week of weather in the 70's.  It is very strange to watch snow coating newly green grass. 

However, we are supposed to have some sunny, warmer days this week, which I'm hoping means that the snow is gone for good, at least for a few months.  Even hardy Minnesotans have their limits! 

My dad is doing better; he was transferred to a rehab facility just 10 minutes from where he and Mom live.  My sister finished her 2-week stint of helping them out and my brother flew out on Thursday to step in.  It will be my turn from May 18 through June 1, and then we'll see how they are doing and if we each need to take another turn.  Still hoping we can get them to move out here by the end of the summer, so that Geoff and I can both take care of them better, without having to fly out of town to do it.

A pretty shot of the IDS Center, where I work, blending into the sky:

A shot of beautifully cut vegetables at a local Panda Express:

My beloved dachsie Madeline, thrilled to be outside on on of her first walks of the spring:

And Nathan wearing his first tux!  He went to a prom for the Best Buddies program, which provides social opportunities for the physically and mentally disabled kids.  Isn't he dapper, for a 16-year-old?  He had a blast getting a chance to show off his rather notable dancing skills, and even had a chance to twirl the girl of his dreams around on the dance floor!

Now, on to the knitting!

I made matching sweaters and hats for my adorable neighbors, Mya and Eden:

Their pop very kindly helped snow-blow my driveway a few times this winter, and I've been dying to make them something but wanted to finish the big blog project first.  I love their tiny little-girl piping voices; they are always very excited to see me when we both drive up to our houses at night, and like to see Madeline (although the little one, Eden, is just terrified of her and won't come close enough to touch her!)  I made them a little larger so that they would fit into next year.  I told their parents that I'd be more than happy to come over and spend the evening with them soon so that they can have a break and go out to dinner; I would love to watch Beauty and the Beast with two tiny girls!  The pattern is the Strawberry Pink Sideways Cardigan from the Lion Brand website, and the hat is the Daisy Chapeau by Jil Eaton.

Here is little Finley, in another kind of daisy hat (this one, the Upside Down Daisy from Susan B. Anderson, has a daisy plopped down on top with the stem sticking up and the petals pointing downwards):

I also finished a cowl for my cousin Michelle (Pattern is the Pakuna cowl by Victoria Meyers): 

And I finished a sweater set for the former baby Adeline, who is now over 2 years old, for her to wear next fall; the pattern is the Bubblegum Baby Set on the Lion Brand website.  I used 5 different skeins of Vanna's Choice, and made stripes of 2 garter rows each, weaving in the thread ends as I went along according to Sally Melville's recommendations in The Knit Stitch, which worked brilliantly - it was so nice to get to the end and have no weaving in to do!  Maybe this will make me more likely to choose striped projects in future.

 

At knitting night this week, I was lucky enough to see Adeline's little brother, Sullivan, with his mom, Kristin:

... both of whom are adorable, IMHO.  I had the pleasure of holding him and jouncing him about to keep him happy while his mom ate; she hinted that she wouldn't mind at all if I came over to hold him sometime, and when I get back from New Jersey I'm going to take her up on that!

I went to Bella Lana, which was having a 20% off sale for May (yay!) and treated myself to a few choice skeins, and ran into my friend Karen, who was just a bit late for knitting night.  We went to get a cup of tea, and she showed me an adorable sweater she'd just completed:

I love the little running people! 

Now I'm off to see Nathan's Youth Improv Group performance - it is the last class until fall, which is kind of a bummer, as I really look forward to those performances (as well as the bubble tea at the Tea Garden next door!)  Oh well, I'm trying to talk him into taking the sketch writing class this summer.  We'll see how that goes.  My Uncle Jack is coming, as well as my niece Amanda and her husband, Josh, and my nephew Aaron.  We're all going out to Ike's for burgers afterwards - it should be a blast!

Happy May day to you all; I hope your spring is wonderful and you are enjoying walking outdoors without umpteen layers of clothing as much as I am!

XOXOXO always, Mar

Comments

[Barb]

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday, dear Mary!
Happy Birthday to You!

I so hope you have a joyful day and a great year ahead.

[Linda Chan]

I logged on to your page, saw the snow, and thought I got an old entry! :)
I'm glad your father is doing better and your son is so charming in his tux!
As always I love your knitting. You get so much done and it is all so beautiful.

[Barb]

Hi Mary (again)-
I've been out of town for a little while and just now catching up on my blog reading (but I had to get my birthday greeting in yesterday :-) )

Loved this post - your son is just too handsome dressed for prom (he really is a cutie) and then there is all of your knitting! You never cease to amaze & inspire us. I just know that the Twin Cities have the best dressed kids out there.

Hope you had a happy day!

[Norma]

Belated birthday wishes and a very Happy Mothers' Day!