Where Does the Time Go???

It's hard to believe that January is half over already.

Wasn't it just New Year's Day not to long ago???

Since the holidays are over, I feel so much better.  My positive outlook on life has returned and the winter depression has lifted.  Maybe from now on I should say I suffer mainly from the Family Obligation and Expectation Depression with the all expense paid guilt trip thrown in!

Next year I will be making it perfectly clear well in advance that there will be no participation on my part in any holiday celebrations.  None what-so-ever!

So on to January and a new creative energy boost.

I think in my last post I mentioned that I would be a test knitter for a vest pattern designed by Julie at Knitting at Large.  There have been a few glitches in the pattern so that is on hold for the moment.  Isabell was looking forward to this project.  She had taken the yarn into her own paws and was ready to help.

But now we have to wait!

In the meantime, I'll be starting on a sweater for my Mom that will be a smaller version of the a-line cardigan with the collar that I made for myself.

Not to worry, there are other fun things that Izzy can help with.  Like helping me finish up stuffing the bunnies.  Would you believe there isn't a scrap of poly stuffing anywhere in the house when I really need it.  But this bag of washed wool fleece will work just as well.  I had cleaned this wool many years ago and must have been a little too vigorous because it's slightly felted in some places.  Not good for spinning, but makes fine stuffing.  And cat beds.

The finished bunnies.

I've been working on my Izannah Walker inspired doll using the Dixie Redmond instructions.

The basic body is cloth and the head and shoulder plate is then covered and sculpted of paper clay.  

I have never used this product before, but am finding it easy to work with.  It dries nicely without cracks.

My helpers are nearby as usual.  Several times this morning Isobell has emptied my plastic water container onto the floor and Penny likes to chew the bristles of the paint brushes.

I've drawn on the outline of the hair and features just for reference.  It still needs several coats of paint.

I'm certainly no sculptor, but this  is fun.  I'm pleased with the results so far.  Brad and Kami and I went to Needle and Thread near Gettysburg several days ago and I purchased two Civil War era reproduction fabrics to make dresses.  By my next post I'm hoping to be ready to start the clothing.

And yes, I've been getting out of the house!  Horay!  Even on some of the coldest days of the month so far, I've been out doing errands and taking small trips.

Last week my friend Marian and I went on an international grocery excursion to Frederick, Maryland.  And would you believe I didn't take any pictures!  I guess the moment just swept every thought of the camera out of my head.  Any way, we had fun visiting two Indian groceries and a Mexican bakery, all of which were along Route 40 west of Frederick.  Then we went back to Hagerstown and ate at an Indian restaurant (I think it was called Sitar) that's in the shopping complex across from the Valley Mall.

It was an excellent day!  I came home exhausted.  It's been a while since I've worn myself out having fun spending the day with a friend.  Thanks, Marian!!!

Goodies from the bakery.  The layered pastry with cream filling at the top right was soooo yummy.

I just couldn't resist these tiny eggplants at the Indian grocery.  

I thought they were baby eggplants, but when I cut them open, they had fully developed seeds.  Must be a miniature variety.  The green vegetable is a bottle gourd.  I stir fried the veggies and the gourd was very much like zucchini but it wasn't as watery and didn't get mushy when cooked.  Maybe we'll try some in the garden this year.

Hope the year is off to a good start for all of you.

My only regret is...   Please, don't shoot me!!!  We haven't had any yet....

Maybe we could have just one nice wintry snow storm so we don't forget what time of year it is.

I love sitting inside warming my hands with a cup of  hot chocolate and some wooly craft work in progress watching the snow fall!