Handspun and Homemade

Well, here they are, my very first handspun, handknit socks.

I'm a little proud. My babies. I've been wearing them all day.

I boughts this lovely Merino Top at Birkeland Bros in Vancouver. Spun it up my lovely Louet. And it actually turned out to be worthy of needles.

Unfortunately, my ball of yarn came to an end shortly before the last toe. You may recall this same experience I had on another pair of socks. Frustrating? To say the least. But I forged on with a color that seemed relatively similar, that is until I took pictures. Sigh. I won't be fooling anyone I guess.

Hey you, judgy judgerson....where's your homemade socks?

New Flash

We have been keeping it busy for the first half of August. Some exciting events are transpiring here in the Kootenays.

First off, as we have lived in this house for almost three years (well two and a half, but close enough) it is way past time to move. Plus we are starting to feel like this house has a curse on us, so a change is in order. We have officially put our house up for sale. We've had lots of showings already, and all good feedback, but no offers yet. I hope it happens quickly, I am already getting tired of cleaning the floors and house every other day. The joys of selling a house with two dogs.

Another exciting event happened yesterday. Our truck, which was a hefty lease payment, went back yesterday! What a weight off the bank account. So we are now a one car family, weird! I wasn't even a one car family before I married Mr Rona.

We have been inspired by my mom and step dad to try kayaking, so we have gone out for a few tries at it. It is an excellent workout. We sleep very well after a day of that.

Dorian went for his first boat ride this month. He did very well. He also enjoyed sitting in the chair that Julien always sat in.

We got a boatload of raspberries this year, so I think we will try our hand at making raspberry jam. I just made the second last batch of Zuchinni jam from last years crop, good thing, the zuchinnis are in full swing already. I recently bought a small jar of jam from the store and I couldn't believe how awful it tasted. I guess it is homemade jam for us from now on.

We had fourteen dead pine over the last year, thanx to the pine beetle. So our friend who is an excellent faller came and knocked them over for us. We have a big mess to clean up. It would be nice if they would lift the fire ban so we could start burning all the branches. It is turning into a rather enourmous pile.

Please excuse the dry content. We seem to be stuck in a holding pattern temporarily. I will try to spice it up soon.

Julien, October 4, 2004 - August 1,2009

Dear Julien,

I remember picking you up like it was yesterday. It was the best day we could ever ask for. We were so excited to finally take you home. We're a family now, your dad said. You were perfect. In every way. We couldn't put you down. We tried to kennel you for night, but your little cries broke our hearts, so we cuddled you all night instead. I miss cuddling you every single day.

We had so much fun with you, and you were such a little ham. We often pretended there was a zipper somewhere in your fur, and inside was a little boy. You were our first little boy and you always will be.

You brought joy to my heart every single day. I couldn't wait to get in the door and see your smile and wiggling bum, complete with a little hop. We took you everywhere, and everyone who met you, loved you too.

The hole in my heart is unbearable. One year is passed and the tears have not dried. I regret every moment that led to that day. I replay it often and try to change the ending, but it always ends up the same. I will never see you again. I will never hold you again. I will forever wish you were here, sharing life, and doing the things we loved to do.

Julien, I will love you forever, and miss you until the day I die.

xoxo

Mommy