Turns Out We've Been Celebrating All Year

Eighteen years ago, Phillip and I made a rookie move by choosing December 7th for our wedding date. We thought it would be so romantic to celebrate our wedding at our favorite time of year, and we were right.  But Greenhorns that we were, we had no understanding that Christmas would forever overshadow our anniversary, especially once we had kids. Oh foolish Us of 1996: How could you fail to think that one through? There has rarely been enough Mistle-Dough in the budget in December to fund anniversary presents or celebrations.

So Phillip and I were laying around feeling a little sorry for ourselves that another anniversary was going to come and go without fanfare. In a fit of petulance, we looked up what the traditional gift for the 18th anniversary is supposed to be (you know, paper, taxidermy, etc.).

It's Porcelain.

Whose significance eluded me until Phillip pointed out that we both began and ended this year of our marriage, by replacing a toilet:

In February, Throne #1

In September, Throne #2

Thanks, Indoor Plumbing! So we didn't give each other new teapots, but we did get two new peepots. Happy Anniversary!

And More Dragons!

Well, our good friends at Abstract Fiber never cease to amaze! As soon as I published the Dragons pattern, the yarn orders started over at Abstract, who responded by making kits available!

CLICK HERE to shop for your own Dragons kit.  Each kit includes all the yarn for the scarf, and sells for a thrifty $65. You can even choose your own colors!

And it's been suggested that a Dragons KAL take place, over at Ravelry.  Join in the fun, and I promise to check in on you, cheer you on, and answer questions. Man oh man; Ain't knitting grand?

Time to Let Go

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Yesterday I sent my finished manuscript to my editor.  It was not unlike kicking one's offspring out of the nest.  Time to fly or fall, little book. Don't forget to Flap!

You know how when you finish a really terrific knitting project, you don't know what to do with yourself for a while?  Getting your life back from book writing is a lot like that.  I keep noticing gross chores around the house that nobody has done since I started the book, and thinking that now I don't have any excuse for not doing them.  Super-nasty ones, like cooking dinner.  

I gotta dream up a new project, STAT.

But since this is the third book I've written in 18 months, I'm going to take a wee break first, in order to recharge.  My family and I are invited to the lake for some R&R, which is most welcome. I'm looking forward to spending the last little bit of summer doing actual summertime things.

At least until I look down and realize there is no pile of wool in my lap.