Thesockladyspins

May 30th had a visiting grizzly complete with two yearling cubs, camera at hand got 3 pix before she and cubs wandered off. 2023 season off to a good start, 2 blacks and 3 griz in my yard. Sock knitting continues as always, pix of latest finished pair of Monstersocks. As soon aas they were finished started another pair using a midnight blue Hawthorne from Knit Picks, but instead of Monstersocks am going back to old standby fair-nordic patterns, dk blue will be main colour then orange, med gray, red and white for the patterns. Fairly conservative for my knitting. Went into town on Monday, oil change, checked in at Speedy Glass about a new windshield (come back in a week), picked up my new glasses, then a motel for the night. Tuesday had dentist appointment at 9 am, think its the last for a while, then renewed ICBC (license plate and insurance for another year), picked up some groceries and lastly Kal Tire where I finally got winter tires off my Subie (they go back on October 1).

1st black bear of 23 season on Saturday 20th, up close to dark willow bushes so didn't get a pix, 2nd yesterday in bright sunshine. June is usually the most active they are in my yard, almost always see the most then. For the grands of neighbours that haul my trash to the dump. Made them a size and a half bigger than last winters socks, so they should be good for next winter. Made 3 trips to town from middle of April to middle of May, first was for dentist (expensive), optometrist needed new glasses, a really big grocery order (first one in 6 months), and to drop off inc tax stuff to the accountant. Next was for follow up at dentist and to sign inc tax papers. Third was for fun the Williams Lake Spin In, got to see lots of old friends. One more to go glasses are ready for pickup. My lilac bush is about to explode, love the smell but can't bring any into the house or I am stuffed up in the first 30 minutes and have breathing issues.

Sorry about neglecting the blog, stuff got in the way. Did finish the bugly socks (I'd hoped for really ugly didn't quite pull it off). So tried for another pair, this time closer but still no cigar. March was not a particularily good month for me. Had a big birthday that I'd just as soon forget, weather was lousy, 6 months now without a trip to town and car problems. Finally had to have vehicle towed to town, turns out it was major battery issues. Car was in town over a weekend and when notified that it was ready I was lucky to catch a ride in with a neighbour going in the next morning. When we got to town Linda Lou dropped me off at Downtown Service, got car and first thing went and got a haircut (first in almost 7 months, 4 inches curly stuff removed). Then briefly into SaveOn for produce and left after that for home. Even without driving in knew that I was going to be tired, sure enuff a quick nap in Alexis Creek helped. Now knitting shortie socks for the ...

First butt ugly Monstersock finished except for dealing with the ends. Each end is either knit in or out so all I have to do is trim (shag) each end so hopefully nothing will show up on the right side. Second sock started while watching the football game yesterday. Several daytime highs now above freezing means my driveway in places is solid ice, ever so glad I'm not planning on going anywhere.

First off I want to thank everyone that left a comment after the last post. Gathered up a bunch of odds and sods, enuff I hope for another pair of Monstersocks, this time not much advance sorting. Kept the mostly light shades in one bag and the much darker colours in another. Started with a light colour then two of the darker. Aiming for the ugliest Monstersocks ever. The two bags on the floor beside my chair, reaching in and knitting with whatever I've grabbed. Then keeping the just finished ball out of the bag so I don't end up using the same until time to start over with the colours. So far the sock is suitable ugly. Its now been a bit over three months since I went into town, middle of October started with a bad cold then the weather turned crappy, kept putting it off. Even walking with a cane my balance isn't the greatest and am terrified of falling so just stayed home. Audra and another neighbour have brought me milk, eggs and bread from Tatla, that plus c...

After finishing this pair of blues and green I easily had enuff of the yarn used to make another pair. But just to be safe and sure I added the ball of the purple. Second sock of the new blues, greens and purple almost down to the heel. And I finally finished the red socks for Lynne A. I have another pair of socks with patterned foot on the go but I think it will be the last pair I make like that, arthritis in my left hand makes it hard to hold the second colour while doing patterns. The weather has finally got itself back to normal January temps, still in the low 20's° F but so much easier to take than the -37° below zero F. If you are a regular reader of my blog please leave a comment once in awhile.

The second blast of arctic air arrived 17th December, 5 nights when temps were below -30° c with the coldest on first day of winter -36.9. For now temps are back to what is normal for December. I'd bet my yarn stash that there will be another bout of extreme weather before winter is over. I am very grateful that the propane truck came down and filled my tank on the 15th just ahead of of the arctic air. Redish socks for LA are now well down the foot, can only work on them in the morning when my left hand isn't to sore, arthritis is a PIA. Just plain solid colours (no patterns) are OK in small increments. Did finish the blue - green Monstersocks and have enuff of the odds to easily make another pair. The socks for neighbours grands arrived and they fit. Over the years I have made 30 pair for these two kids. Think the Mom is keeping them for memories and if and when these kids have kids of their own. I've been keeping track of patterns for a sleeve to sleeve sweaters...