Sky Watcher

Today's sky is one that I've been seeing for much of this week, the flat gray sky of November. I often dismiss these skies simply because the sun isn't shining brightly, but while I was taking photos I began to appreciate that they do have their own type of beauty. 

What you can't see in these photos is the blustery wind that was blowing at 20-30 mph. The temperatures weren't too bad, but the wind made it feel much, much colder.

If you squint you can see all the spiky little balls hanging on my neighbor's sweet gum tree. In the next month or so most of them will be on my lawn and driveway. I've thought about spray painting them gold and making a wreath, but I've never done it. I can't decide whether that would reflect the loveliness of nature or just be tacky. Thoughts? Maybe I won't know for sure until I actually do it. 

I hope your own November skies are reflecting some beauty and the last weekend of November has some rest, relaxation, and reflection in store for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing all who are celebrating a very Happy Thanksgiving, 

and a very Happy Thursday to those that aren't!

Unraveled Wednesday

Joining Kat and friends for Unraveled Wednesday. The turkey is brining, crescent rolls are in for their first rise, raspberry jello salad is gelling, stuffing is stuffed in the casserole dish, and I'll start the pies as soon as I'm done here. It's dreary, cloudy, and grey here, so all I've got is a November-light photo of another completed Rikke hat.

I knit this one with worsted weight but don't like it as much as the dk versions. I'm not sure who this one is for, but I do think it will make a good snow-shoveling hat for someone. Since there hasn't been any unraveling in the kitchen, I hope to have the afternoon free to cast on another Rikke and get a good bit of knitting done. 

I haven't had much time for reading, but I am listening to a delightful full-cast version of A Christmas Carol while I work in the kitchen. It might be a bit early for Christmas listening, but Roger Allam does the voice of Jacob Marley. I get to listen to a hopeful, seasonal story and continue my infatuation with Roger's swoon-worthy voice.

What are you making and reading this week?

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If you haven't already, please follow this link to take our quick Read With Us survey.  We'd love your input -- whether you read Just Mercy with us or not.  Thanks for helping us make Read With Us even better!

Recent Reads

I've read some pretty good books (with the exception of maybe one of them) recently and thought I would link to my reviews of a few of them in case you might be interested. 

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (4 stars)

Reiki  by Pamela Miles (4 stars)

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (4 stars)

The Body by Bill Bryson (4 stars)

Solar by Ian McEwan (3 stars, but ... )

A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle (4 stars)

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (5 stars)

If you've come across any good books lately, I would love to hear about them. I'm currently reading only one book with one in my "to be read" pile, so I would greatly appreciate your recommendations in the comments!

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Be sure to check out Kym's blog today for her summary of Just Mercy. 
Kym has also put together a Read With Us survey that we would love you to answer. It's eight easy questions about your experience with our first "bloggy book club", and your chance to provide feedback and recommendations. Here's your chance to tell us what you think! 

Sometimes Monday ...

... is a day to pat yourself on the back! I didn't exactly clean out my refrigerator like Kym and Kat, but after a few hours on Amazon, another few on Etsy, and some texts sent to ask about niece's and nephew's sizes, I completed about 75% of my Christmas shopping.

Nobody from my family reads my blog, so I'm not giving away any secrets. I purchased some wonderful books that I enjoyed this year for people that have called me "an excellent book-chooser", which was lots of fun. I've admired the clear antique kitchen glass panel above for years and finally just decided it was a perfect gift. I wouldn't have minded it for myself, but it did feel great to purchase it as a gift for two dearly-loved family members. 

I still have oodles of hats that I'd like to knit, a visit to the liquor store, and I've only gotten a few things for Ryan and Justin so far, but being 75% done with Christmas shopping made it a pretty darn good weekend. I hope your weekend was equally enjoyable and productive!

Sky Watcher

Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a thing in blog land called Saturday Sky. A blogger named Sandy started it, and people posted photos of the Saturday skies in their neighborhoods. I don't know when it started, nor when it ended. I have Saturday Sky posts from 2015, and I searched several long-time bloggers, looking for more information but couldn't find many details. Margene has stunning Saturday Sky posts dating back to 2006. If you've got some time, take a look at some real beauty here. (I miss you, Margene, your mountain, and Mylo, too!)

I still look up and watch the sky, and yesterday when I was taking down laundry, I did just that. I put down my dry clothes, grabbed my phone, and took some pictures. 

Nothing extraordinary, just some slices of the sky as more and more clouds roll in. Today it's gray with rain threatening, but I got to watch the progression. What's your sky looking like today?

Hope you have a great weekend, rain or shine (or snow)!

Three on Thursday

I'm joining Carole and friends for Three on Thursday. I try to be thankful every day, but I find myself actively looking for things now that Thanksgiving is just one week away. Here are three things I'm thankful for, encapsulated in one photo taken while I enjoyed lunch at C3ntral Tavern. 

• Meditative knitting with one of my favorite yarns, in one of my favorite colors, for one of my favorite sons.
• A wonderful drink made with orange vodka, triple sec, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice.                     (Gotta get my Vitamin C.)
• Swedish meatball mac & cheese, delicious and delectable!

Bonus:

The man in the yellow graduation gown, sparkly red sequined hat, and several long pearl necklaces walked in and sat down while I was having lunch. I don't know if the other guy at the bar knew him (I've often seen him walking around Elkton), but he offered to buy lunch for the graduation gown man, whatever he wanted. He opted for just a soda, but I'm grateful to live in a place where such acts of kindness are so freely given. 

Be sure to visit Carole for more Three on Thursday thoughts. (I'm betting you'll read about lots more gratitude!)