Friday

Another week passed! Retirement is amazing. No set bedtime or rising time, no having to leave the house before it's light outside, no putting up with work people! 

A funny thing is that I'm reading less! I used to read everyday during my lunch break, and after student dismissal. At home, there are just too many fascinating things to do! I have to make an effort to read. I try to read when I go to bed, but it's now making me sleepy. 

The bottom is done! I had to take it off the frame to do the top right section- being a lefty, my left arm isn't long enough to comfortably do the top area, and my right hand isn't coordinated enough to do it. I was hoping to finish the project by March 1, but don't think that will happen. New goal is to be done by March 15. 

After this project, I want to take a month off from counted cross stitch. I have a few crochet projects I want to get going- a poncho/sweater thing for Amary, and my yearly lap afghan for the Burlington County Farm Fair. 

We had snow yesterday, which didn't stick much to the roads or walks, but was a mess coming down. Ralph swept off the steps, and I stayed in all day. Today it's really cold- 23 at 10 a.m., so I may stay in again. Another retirement benefit- I don't buy gas nearly as frequently! I go out almost every day, but rarely go more than 10 miles away. All the places we like to eat, and all the craft stores I go to, are less than 10 miles away. 

Last month we took a morning and went to Thrift stores! We skipped the local Goodwill, because it's a hot mess. We went to 2 church run stores, and a huge store. I got 2 paperbacks at one. At another I got a bunch of small counted cross stitch ornament kits in a bag for a buck! Ralph got 2 pair of pants, one looks brand new, and 2 bike helmets. We decided to make the rounds once a month, then go to lunch. 

 It only took one day for this pattern to be posted online! There's also an Alt US National Park Service pattern up, which I printed out. We live in interesting times.