And so it continues

 Now the ants are moving into the passage. Will need to sprinkle cayenne pepper down where the floor boards leave spaces. Will this ever end? I am starting to wonder if they are trying  to find somewhere to winter - in our house!!! If I have anything to do with it, that is NOT happening. The house is starting to smell of vinegar, can't say it is very pleasant, but not a lot we can do about it.

Ants and retirement

 So, there is an ant war going on in our house. For some reason that I do not understand, the ants have decided now is a good time to try and invade the house. They are even in the bathroom, which makes me think they may be looking for water? Even so, they most certainly are not welcome inside. We are doing our best to keep on top of the problem, but know that this is only the tip of the iceberg. For that reason alone, I am looking forward to the cooler weather arriving, as I know they don't like it when the weather gets chilly.

I am also nearing retirement age. I turn 65 soon, so have started the process of applying for the pension. The hoops you have to go through is a little daunting. I have given them all the information that I can, and really hope it is enough. I know they won't backpay the pension, so you need to apply early. That way, if there is anything they need, you should have time to get it.

My Log cabin blanket is coming along nicely, and will take a picture of it soon, and upload it here. I don't actually have as much colour choice as I thought I did. Probably because I have used more of it on other projects than I thought I had. I can always go and get some more, that is no problem.

Surprise!!!

 Yes, I am actually writing something today. Not gonna be a long post, as I am fighting the beginnings of a migraine. Hoping it won't turn into a full on migraine. We shall see, I have taken something to fight it off, hence the reason this won't be very long. 

I am trying to be a good girl, and not start something new in my knitting. I am actually trying to work on two projects. The Lakemoor Vest, and my Log Cabin blanket. The Lakemoor Vest is done in two colours, and of course the log cabin in several colours. I will put up a picture of my progress on both later. The log cabin is much further on than the vest, but that is because it is so much easier to knit. I do have several other projects waiting in the wings for me to complete - I am NOT going to admit to how many UFO's I have on the go. Although, fewer than I have had in the past, due to the fact that some have come off the needles.

Winter is on it's way here, the days are starting to get cooler, and shorter. So, I really should get some winter things either started, or finished. I have enough hats, enough scarves and wraps, so maybe I need to look at something different. I am thinking of doing more socks, it has been a while since I knitted any socks. Goodness knows I do have enough sock yarn already. I do want to try two socks at once, on two circular needles. I have different coloured cables that would make it easier to see which row I am on - that is the plan, anyway. But, that is for later. Let's try to get this vest, and blanket finished first. 

Been a while - again

 Yes, once again it has been a while since I last wrote here. Just need somewhere to vent, where I know it won't be read. And I won't be judged.

I am actually feeling a bit down today. Yesterday was really bad with a big ant problem. They were all over the dished on the bench, in the bench top oven, in the microwave, and on the water cooler. I seem to be the only one concerned about the ants being inside. They are also all over the bath, even being near the ceiling!!! I truly don't know what to do about them. The more ant bait that is put down, the more that seem to be appearing. To be honest, I am looking forward to cooler weather, because I know they don't like the winter weather. But once it starts to warm up again, what happens then?

Anyway, back to my knitting. I am making a log cabin blanket out of my nice 4-ply yarn. It is looking quite nice, and I am starting to have a little fun with colour. I actually like working with colour, and a log cabin blanket is just the thing for it.

Of course, I am also reading. I enjoy reading, almost as much as I do knitting. Both keep me going. Even though I actually haven't been able to finish a book in a while. I think I have just been too stressed out about other things. I reach retirement age this year, and have to decide whether to fully retire, or to just be semi-retired. I would like to do only two days at work, but we will see. It is mostly for the social contact, otherwise, I may just end up staying at home all the time, and that really won't be good for me.

Should I continue with this blog?

 Not really sure why I keep this up. I don't write here very often, and as far as I know nobody is that interested in what I have to say. If that is the only reason for me to keep this up, then it is a waste of time. If I am doing it just for my own interest, then I should keep going. Maybe it could just be a way for me to keep track of my projects. I really am trying to keep on top of them, and am getting better at working on only one at a time. Can't say my number of projects has shrunk by much. The trouble is, for each one that I finish, I usually cast on two more - if not more. 

But, having said that, I am actually working on a blanket for a friend. She has asked me to knit a baby blanket, and she has provided the yarn for it. So, I am being a good girl, and although my other projects are really calling out to me, I am behaving myself. It is really hard to do. I have a lace weight project that is so close to finishing, but it will just have to wait a little longer. Once I finish this blanket, I may well finish the lace project. I really want to see it complete, and start wearing the stole.

Really feeling it now

 I have been up since before 5 o'clock this morning, and am really starting to feel it now. Hoping I will actually sleep well tonight, and won't be overtired by then. 

I finally finished the log cabin blanket I was knitting as a wedding anniversary present for my husband. It is all done in 4-ply yarn, and most of it was from stash. I am really pleased with how it evolved as I worked on it. Having finished it, I have now started three projects - yes, that is right, I really did say three projects. See, this is why I never run out of projects to work on. But, I do run out of needles, so tend to just go get some more of the size I need. It's not I really need more projects, really. It's just that these are baby knitting, and baby knitting is usually quick. Having said that, I have realized that I don't actually have that much baby yarn in my stash - horror!!!!! Good reason to order more, which I have done. At least I actually have a project in mind for one lot of wool that has been ordered - see not going into stash. That has to be good. 

Improving but. . .

 Having COVID, or recover from it is bad enough. But, I am also fighting hayfever - how does that happen?!?!? I have also started a cold sore. Give me a break - seriously!!!  Ahh well, at least I can watch the racing at Taupo. It is so good to see the supercars back in New Zealand.

Knitting wise, I am struggling to stay with only one project - really nothing new there. I have about three lace projects on the go, so decided I really needed to work on one of them for a short time. To that end, I am working on Kirremuir, which is a Lucy Hague pattern. This is one I have not done before, I have looked at it, but just not had the yarn to work it. I found some lace weight yarn in my stash that was waiting for the right project - and waiting for me to rediscover it - and the pattern is working up lovely. It takes a bit of concentration, so I don't work on it for too long. It is similar to Lindisfarne in that it is worked in the round, and at the end is steeked. That still scares me even though I've done it three times. Cutting your knitting just does not sound right. But, it worked with Lindisfarne, so should be okay with Kirremuir, right?

Covid

 So, I have come down with covid. This is the second time for both my husband and myself. I can't say this time feels better than the first time, it feels like  a really bad head cold. Having said that, it is a headcold that is really knocking me about. So, to help me over this hurdle, I have started a log cabin. But, this log cabin has my own twist on it. I am doing it in mostly sock wool from my stash, and it has a very simple cable, and a very simple lace pattern on it. I am doing a very simple basket weave - 4sts by 4sts - and I like the way it is looking. It may yet change again, as I start to feel better, and more able to think of other 4 stitch patterns that are suitable for a man.

Kirriemuir...

 Is a challenge. It is lace weight, cables, in the round, with 372sts. A Lucy Hague pattern that I don't think I can work on for too long in any evening, as it takes even more concentration that the Boteh Shawl I am also doing in lace weight. I wasn't going to start another project, but just couldn't resist. I really like Lucy Hague patterns, even if they are a challange to do. But, having said that, that is the very reason I enjoy doing them. This pattern also has a steek section, which I have only done on Lindisfarne - another Lucy Hague pattern. Thank goodness this is done in one colour - imagine doing a two colour lace weight pattern!!!! Now there would be a real challenge!!!! Don't think  I am ready for that just yet, though.

Another finished item

 I am feeling so good. I've finished yet another UFO, it has been on the needles for goodness knows how long - as is usual for my UFO's. It is an Ashford pattern, and again will be good for the coming winter. I love the red colour, as it will be nich and bright in the darker days of winter.

It is a really easy pattern to work. and it nice and long, so will be able to wrap around me a couple of times.

Finally finished something

 I've been meaning to try and work on some of my UFO's. Not been doing so good on that, but, I actually have finally have completed something that has been on the needles for goodness knows how long. It is a cowl that I think needs to have more stitches on it, but I didn't know that when I started it. It is called the Rivendell Smoke Ring, and I suppose it is meant to be small. I did like knitting it, but if I ever make it again, I would use more stitches. Anyway, here is a picture of the finished item.

The colour looks way better in person than it does in the picture. It has a luxe thread that doesn't really show up very well. It is going to be warm in this upcoming winter weather, though. So I can be greatful for that.