busy busy!

Though I have had a lot of down time, it has been a busy month - hence, the no-writing. I have been writing; it's just been more dissertation-related instead.

I have managed to do a lot of knitting. The baby blanket is finished! It is ready to go....if DB ever gives me the mailing address. I am quite happy with how it came out. The drape is nice and the cotton seems to be holding its shape well, which was my one concern. I think it will be a nice practical - machine-washable- baby blanket though.

I started working on a prayer/comfort/healing shawl in a pretty dark blue yarn - it has little bits of emerald and gold in it. It's very pretty and coming along nicely so far. I think I'm almost done with the first ball of yarn, of three.

I'm just about settled in here, except for the part of me that wants to be in Missoula. Let's say maybe it's about 75% for Missoula. As much as I love being near friends and family, I love my life with DB and our little home and just how things are with him.

Aside from knitting, I've been reading a lot. I got a Barnes & Noble nook for my birthday (and a gorgeous brown and red leather cover), so I've been enjoying that. I love the free books, and they have just about replaced all the classics I gave away. I earned some gift cards through survey-taking, so I used those to catch up with other favorites that weren't free.

I am really happy with it, and am looking forward to toting a lighter load for the next move. I pared down my book collection to about two small shelves, mostly favorite collections like Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie and those by my favorite authors: Isabel Allende and Madeleine L'Engle. I still have quite a few Gabriel Garcia Marquez books, but I think my taste is changing a bit and I don't like him quite so much. I also kept a few odd ones I just love, like Palace of Tears and House of Leaves. I have a cozy reading nook (!) by my bedroom windows - my favorite yellow chair, comfy pillows and the fleece blanket I got in Florence. I added a small ottoman (perfect also for storing knitting projects!), a plant and my plush sheepskin rug. Perfect! It gets sun in the morning and afternoon, and in the evenings I can hear the frogs, crickets and wind rustling in the trees. The yard behind is relatively wooded, so it makes for a pleasant and relaxing view as well.

I went to a wonderful wedding for two friends DB went to college with, and then lived with in SF. He couldn't come, but I roomed with his two former roommates which is always fun. The setting was gorgeous, with a lovely ceremony....the dinner was tasty and quite a nice change from the usual wedding fare. I had a great time dancing, and then hanging out at the bar afterward. All in all, it was a great weekend. I just loved the favors - temporary tattoos with the bride and groom's names.

Well, I think it is getting to be time for me to curl up with my nook. I love this perfect autumn weather for snuggling up with a blanket and good book.