Where has the year gone?

It's the middle of October already and my thought to at least blog once a month never really got off the ground.

We got a kitten and I am not sure why. Meet Oliver, age 3 months, rambunctious as a todder...

Dad bought me a Nook and Kimi a Kindle for 'Christmas' but we of course got them early. I am thoroughly enjoying mine and Kimi's been reading much more than she ever has before so I would have to say both gifts are a hit. I especially like being able to download library books since buying books can get very expensive.

I've been knitting Christmas gifts for the family and have almost finished my list. Just a few more things left to make. I'm currently working on a sweater for Kimi and a hooded cape for my friend's niece which are both known and so can be mentioned here.

My Rav news: I am having loads of fun in the HPKCHC group. I've met so many wonderful people there and they encourage my crafty habits. One of my friends there 'enabled' me to buy a skein of Wollmeise and I am anxiously awaiting it's arrival.

Current reading:
Nook - the Zanth series by Piers Anthony - just finished Night Mare and am waiting for Dragon on a Pedestal to become available
Audio - the Belgariad series by David Eddings - currently listening to Queen of Sorcery

January 2011

We ended last year and started off this year with the family playing video games on the Wii together and lots of good foods to eat.  My omusubi were even almost triangles!  Mom would have been so proud of me.   It was a nice change from the usual TV watching and everyone doing their own thing.  

It’s been a busy 2011 already.  I finished the Comely Neckwarmer  as a gift knit and a pair of socks for my baby niece which probably won’t fit her for another 2 years (back to the drawing board there).   At the last minute I decided to make bowser hat on Ravelry for my brother since it's his birthday. I have Fancy Feet Tuesday’s sock for me in my work bag and a simple dishcloth to occupy me on the stationary bike.  I still have the Bernat Cozy Cable Hooded Cardigan and the Choo-Choo Cabled Sleeveless Shell on the needles but having a time out and I’m working the Mystery 220 bead KAL for the fun of it. 

Favorite Recipes this week: Taco Pizza from scratch and hot artichoke dip

Christmas Day

Today is my quiet day.  I got up before Kimi and finished sewing her pillow cover and a Japanese knot bag to add to her stocking.  All her other gifts she had picked out herself so there was no surprise happening.  She was thrilled with both.  Now she is off to her Dad's house and then his Mom's so I have the rest of the day to myself.  I am going to sit here, drink my tea and work on her fingerless gloves.  If I finish them I will work on the little teddy bear I am test knitting.  She's already claimed that one too. 

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful time at my brother's house for Christmas eve.  At the request of Kenji and Kimi we bought a Tur-duc-hen for dinner.  It was interesting.  I'm not sure it was $78.00 interesting though.  It was mostly turkey and we were a little disappointed that there wasn't more duck.  We were all looking forward to trying the duck lol. 

We decided to start a new tradition of going to see the lights after dinner.  Even at only 3 months old she really seemed to enjoy them.  It seemed the perfect time for something new since this is Hiroko's first Christmas.  When Kimi was small we had the advent wreath which we might bring back for Hiroko when she's old enough to appreciate it.