Making the Most of Winter's End

February days are often cold and gray. However as the northern hemisphere begins to turn ever so slowly toward Spring, the light begins to change. I mean to enjoy the last winter days. Late afternoon and again after dinner, I brew a cup of tea. A week or so ago, my son sent me a tea sampler of Harney and Sons Teas. Since then, we have been chatting about various flavors. My favorites are Egyptian Chamomile and Japanese Sencha (Green Tea.) I don't do lots of baking but something about a winter day calls for warm brownies or a homemade cookie. At least once a week, I make a pot of soup. While I tend the soup, I watch the sunset. Spectacular winter sunsets are compensation for cold days. If I could, I'd knit something the color of the sunsets. Instead I bought some green yarn.       

This Spring and Summer will bring two new babies to our family. One baby will be born to a nephew and wife and the other to a niece and husband. Currently I am knitting a toddler size Antler Cardigan. I bought this Perfection Worsted Yarn from my local yarn shop. It is an acrylic/domestic merino wool blend. Generally I don't knit with acrylic yarns but this has a nice hand and it will wash well. I finished two small sleeves and cast on the body this week. I knit the sleeves on two circular needles, a method that is easiest on my arm and shoulder. The gender of this babe will be a surprise so I chose a medium green color. I usually knit baby sweaters in a 9 months or larger size as little ones begin life at variable weights and then grow quickly. Their clothing needs to be loose enough to be comfortable with some room to wiggle. I continue working on the Christmas Quilt squares for my youngest grandson. He has certainly become a toddler that likes to move and needs plenty of room to wiggle and climb.

Enjoy the yarn on your needles, homemade soup, hot drinks, and winter sunsets. They won't last forever.