Friday, February 27, 2015

Odds and Ends and Lambs Running

Good afternoon everyone. I'm back again here finally after the unfortunante Cat Pee Incident of last week. I had to replace my laptop but luckily, the hard drive was okay and so all my files and work are in tact. Thank goodness for that! I was able to get a new Mac Book Pro and I am getting used to it. It is smaller and was less expensive than the last few computers I have purchased so that was somewhat of a relief. Another unanticipated expense of this winter from you know what. 

I read this article on Jon Katz' blog this morning and it made me think about the future for us here at our farm. None of us know what the future will hold, do we? You can plan and plan and plan and then life throws you curves that are unexpected. But it is always interesting.

Did you know I will be speaking in Boston next week about color and my new book Crafting A Colorful Home? If you are local and close to the Roslindale Public Library, stop by for this free event. It will be interesting to not only knitters and crocheters but anyone interesting in Making Things and in Interior Decoration. I speak at 7 p.m. More information here. As for parking, here is what the library says: 
Limited on-street parking is available in the vicinity of the Library at 2-hour intervals or at the Taft Hill Terrace City Parking Lot opposite Adams Park (Off South St) for free.  The Roslindale Village commuter rail station parking lot at One Belgrade Avenue charges an hourly fee.
Call them at 617-323-2343.
There is more information about getting there here

I promise you I will bring a smile and some much needed color to this winter that has been so difficult. Bring a friend and make a night of it. I will be signing and selling books with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Boston Public Library System.

The other day, the sun was shining and it was almost 20 degrees. Amazing how happy that can make a person when days have been hovering at 10 and nights have been continually below zero. I send Julia off on the school bus at 7 a.m., reminding her about mittens, hats and scarves but like most teenagers, she is oblivious to the cold. The other day, I was driving to town and saw a woman snowblowing in flip flops. I kid you not. Me, I am always bundled with hat, gloves, and scarf, two pairs of pants (one wool) just to go anywhere. We are -- like so many people who live in the country and heat our home with wood in our furnace -- out of wood. We went through 8 cords which is 2 more than we have ever used here at this house. There is no wood left around to be had as everyone is in the same situation. We have had to resort to purchasing oil which is way more expensive and doesn't feel nearly as warm. 

I'll send you off on your weekend with some photos of the lambs running. I bet you didn't know that lamb and sheep can really move it. At certain times of the day, the lambs run like crazy which is so much fun to watch. I have a video on my sidebar called Lamb Races from several years ago. I have been trying to shoot a new one to post but haven't had luck quite yet. These stills will have to do for now. 







This last photo is my favorite. What power in that little lamb flying off the hay bale. 


Have a great weekend everyone! I promise more regular content now that I am back in business with my new laptop.

8 comments:

Auntie Shan said...

Actually, FLIPFLOPS in this weather really *don't* surprise me any more! I just satisfy myself with the thought that FROSTBITE will hopefully remove their "Stupid"-DNA from the general Gene-Pool!! [EVOLUTION, gotta love it!] -- seriously. I'm a "winter-baby", born & bred for this weather and I still go out dressed like a bear! Those -25F or colder DAYtime windchills are more than enough incentive when having to shovel for a couple of hours! - Wish that I could borrow your sheep to trample my snow...

Anyhoo, glad to hear that you're getting through you're New-Computer-"Break-In" period. BTW, that isn't the GUILTY-CAT on your Header, is it? -- whatever... I leave you with a little bit of humour that someone posted in the Comments of another Blog that I read. *ENJOY*! :-D

DOG VERSUS CAT DIARY


EXCERPTS FROM A DOG’S DAILY DIARY:

8:00 AM–Oh, boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9:30 AM–Oh, boy! A car ride! My favorite!
9:40 AM–Oh, boy! A walk! My favorite!
10:30 AM–Oh, boy! Getting rubbed and petted! My favorite!
11:30 AM–Oh, boy! Dog food! My favorite!
12 Noon–Oh, boy! The kids! My favorite!
1:00 PM–Oh, boy! The yard! My favorite!
4:00 PM–Oh, boy! To the park! My favorite!
5:30 PM–Oh, boy! Pretty mums! My favorite!
6:00 PM–Oh, boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6:30 PM–Oh, boy! Watching TV with my master! My favorite!
8:30 PM–Oh, boy! Sleeping in my master’s bed! My favorite!


EXCERPTS FROM A CAT’S DAILY DIARY:

Day 183 of my captivity:
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry, hard cereal.
The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild scolding I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.
Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded; must try this at the top of the stairs! In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair; must try this on their bed.
Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmmmm, not working according to plan.
There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More importantly, I overheard that my confinement was due to my power of “allergies.” Must learn what this is
and how to use it to my advantage.
I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He’s is obviously a half-wit. The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly.
I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured.
But I can wait. It is only a matter of time……………..

Kristin Nicholas said...

Hi Auntie Shan! No - I do not think that Charlie (the cat in the header) is the guilty culprit. I have it pinned on Tommie who is usually outdoors but has become an indoor cat for the last month or so. He is really mad at being inside and so is I think taking it out on me and my computer.

Frances said...

Kristin, congratulations to you on getting the new Mac Book Pro (I type this message on my own MBP's keyboard.)

Yes, this has definitely been a historic winter...from ....

I keep thinking how much we east coast folks will be rejoicing when we do eventully see a glimpse of spring.

Meanwhile, I am glad that my exorbitant NYC rent has so far entitled me to indoor warmth. All the same, I have been knitting wooly socks.

xo

Auntie Shan said...

Dare I say it?
TOMMIE "gunning" for your computer...
;-}

Michele in Maine said...

Oh, that last photo will make a great postcard! Love the lamb races so much. It must give you a good (and much needed) chuckle every day.

We're also going through wood at an alarming rate, even though I bought more than last year. I hate hearing the furnace run - it makes me crazy. But wood hauling (and shoveling) is getting old. So happy to see the sun for a few days!

Hang in there!

bonnieknits said...

Hi Kristin,
Just wanted you to know that your newest book is fabulous! The richness of color, detail and information is truly a bargain.

Your work as a designer and terrific eye for color is why I became a fan many years ago through knitting and embroidery.

Thanks again!
Lavonn





Anonymous said...

thank you for your fun storeis

Fracksmom

Beau said...

Re: the last photo: My reaction .... Lambs in a steeplechase. I began imagining an entire story revolving around training for the spring steeplechase. Winter does funny things to the mind. :)

May we all have the worse of winter of '15 behind us! Thanks for putting joy into our lives. You are appreciated.

Kristin Is Now Writing Over on Substack

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