Actually I was thinking about the things that have kept me busy and at the same time comfort me.
A few weeks ago my 17 year old grandson texted, ‘Grandma can you make me a Grandpa sweater?
In a flash I responded, Of course!!
But first I had to research a Grandpa sweater, never having heard of it. It seems it is a fad of teens and the sweaters over-sized and long sleeved from the ’80’s and 90’s. So, I sent photos to G2 (grandson 2) and he chose a Man’s Fair Isle sweater pattern I purchased from Wool Time Fun. This is it.
G2 Grandpa Sweater Done with Bernat Softee Baby yarn which is a DK (3 weight). Snowflakes Fair Isle from Wooltimefun.
Next I saw a photo of a sweater worn by Prince George Christmas 2015 and I decided it would be perfect for my youngest grandson (G3) to wear this winter, and I just finished this last week.
Prince George Christmas Photo Pullover Pattern by Amie Richan Designs
It was a free pattern from Ravelry done in Caron Simply Soft (4 weight)
There was a lot of yarn left over from the Fair Isle patterns so I am knitting toddler sweaters in stripes from the left overs. (stay tuned).
So that is what I am thinking about today amongst many other things and it is only 10:43 a.m.
This is going to be an excellent day and I wish the same for you .
Everyday things that mean the world to us, but, we don’t realize it most of the time..
Today my Cafe where my friends and I meet several times a week is having its 15th Anniversary. Cafe O Roaster and Bakery.
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I was just thinking it’s like that song from the 80″s by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart, ‘you wanna go where everybody knows your name” .
Some of us were there the first day it opened and have come ever since. One friend drives in from the country every day it is open. I usually go 3x/week.
Until I was thinking today about the anniversary, it had not occurred to me just how important it had become in my life. How important the people have become.
Old world charm and comfort.
Coming in the door, greetings made and received by numerous folk, and a quick chat before the first latte is ordered.
If you are in Kitchener do come in to visit at River and Victoria St. N.
…..as I mindlessly hummed an old hymn, about a conversation I had many years ago with a minister of a new age type church who said the old hymns were dead, all about battles and evil. Today’s church was about light and hope.
I thought then as I do now – look around. Evil is showing its face across the world. If you don’t see it, how can you battle it?
Whether you have faith or not, the existence of Evil cannot be denied.
Here is a bigger thought: TRUMP DOES NOT DISTRACT. TRUMP IS THE DISTRACTION. A pawn for the forces of Evil.
I watched the BAFTA awards today. I PVR’d it on a whim the other day. I had grown weary of the infantile circus The Academy awards had become and wasn’t sure I wanted to watch another awards show.
This year, 2025 was hosted by David Tennant who has become one of my favourite actors.
Pure joy. Pure class. Pure dignity.
It doesn’t matter who lost and who won.
This was the most entertaining, joyous, event ever.
The time flew. Laughter flowed.
It was a view into a civilized life. And it beckoned.
‘Imagine if you will’….one of my favourite phrases.
And it is pure imagination to ever think this western world would ever be any of those things.
I never comment on politics but there comes a time when a stand must be taken.
Canada has been attacked by a world class bully and cannot, should not give in.
In this difficult time Canadians must come together and help each other. It will be economically painful, but necessary and we need to reach out to each other and help each other. I don’t necessarily believe that donating to a cause will do. But look around your neighbourhood, your town, your city. Who can you help?
The Premier of Alberta, went south to the golden idol of evil, drank the lemonade, and now cannot be trusted. I suspect all her acts and words are at the direction of Trump. She wants to please him.
Will this economic war be painful? Of course. We are soft and have not had to endure, but there comes a time, and that time is now.
I hope our politicians do not sell us out. I hope our people will be strong.
I believe to submit will not only end our country but will prop of the forces of evil. Evil exists and it has been a long time since it has had such a strong foothold on western society and the world.
Perhaps you think I am being overly dramatic. Perhaps. But the idea of world domination is no longer a fictional story.
I went to the library this morning. Post yesterday’s snow and before today’s starts.
It’s about a 15 minute walk. Uphill. In the summer when all my joints seems to move seamlessly.
I love winter. The crisp clean air. Sounds muted by blankets if snow. I also love summer, and fall and spring.
Days like this I take a bus up the hill. Two small stops.
As I limped along I wondered why I was doing what I was doing. Where was my happy gait? My summer gait, as I have come to call it. You know, spring in the step and all that.
It’s -5C with a wind that makes it feel like -17C.
I looked around and noticed that everyone had a struggling gait, even the children.
So maybe it’s not my age, but environmental factors. Yes, that’s my story and I’m ……
P.S. My book club this month is Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon. A true thriller with a capital TH. I was exhausted by the time I finished. If you are looking for gripping thriller you might enjoy this.
I have registered for the February club meeting also and put a request in for the book today. It’s called The Trees by Percival Everett. I am not familiar with his books so I took out two others by him to read called So Much Blue and Telephone.
The afternoon snow has started as I write this so I shall cozy up with a chianti and book after lunch.
I didn’t post yesterday because felt like I was boarding a train of some sort. You know, appearing to start something regular, like it was a resolution.
I avoid resolutions, but at the same time make a list of goals. Actual doable things. I’ve talked about this before. Reassess at six months, reassess and continue or change a bit to reach my goal. Except this year I will do it every three months.
And I share it with just one person – my sister of choice on the other side of the world. My list is ready but I have not yet sent it to her but will do so before our first FaceTime in two days.
Resolutions, Intentions, Goals, aside I got thinking about this past year and am pleased with my progress re: last year’s goals. Didn’t hit 100% success but then it never is intended to reach perfection. It is the progress that counts,
But what struck me most was reflections about months of angst and worry (mostly about others), and the realization that everyone survived and placing myself in a state of worry was quite unnecessary.
So, if I was going to make a resolution, it would be to avoid worry. What a waste of health that was! (Although that may be easier said than done).
In the coming year there will be grief, sadness, difficulties, joy, happiness, and contemplation.
And I will Thrive.
Who said, “It’s not what happens but how you deal with it that determines strength of character”? Or something like that.
And my wish for all of you is that you not just survive but WILL THRIVE IN 25!!
bridgesburning 