Books, Just Life, Knitting

TGIF | Late December.

Well friends, we’ve made it to the last Friday of December. Here’s what’s going in my world right now.

Thinking about … what to read next! I thought I’d be reading Demon Copperhead at least until tomorrow, but I now have just 50 pages to go. I have a nice collection of books to choose from – Katie gave me four previous Booker winners (and I already had three); I picked up four new releases at the Barnes & Noble 50% off sale; after the B&N shopping, Katie helped me cull my shelves for unread books that she wanted me to read or read along with her; and I have a decent stack of modern classics (all picked up on sale) written by women, plus one whopper in A Suitable Boy (that my sister and I want to read together in 2023). Funny thing is it looks like a lot – with upcoming bookclub selections, Bleak House, and Little Women not even included – and it’s less than 50 books. I’d like to read them ALL in 2023. I know a few of y’all have recent favorites in these stacks (you’ve influenced these purchases!) and I’d love to know if you have suggestions on which titles I should start with.

Grateful for … the annual White Christmas tradition with my sister. Karen hosted me and Lucy yesterday afternoon. She and I had snacks and knitted while we watched (also grateful that Lucy napped!) I don’t know how many times we’ve seen the movie – enough to know all the dialog and costumes and much of the stage direction – and watching together is the best!

Inspired by … the white amaryllis blooms (they started blooming on Christmas Eve) and getting the Christmas decorations put away to be ready for a fresh start come Sunday.

Fun … I’ve started the test knitting for Heidi Kirrmaier’s new sweater (Ravelry link) and whoa in a very good way! … the construction, especially in combination with the “stripes” of the seeded rib, and of course – Heidi’s instructions (I am currently working the last line of instructions on page 6 of 12). also – how about that color?! I purchased extra yarn to make Lucy another sweater to match. I don’t think I’ll need to wear my reflective vest when we take our morning walks!

We have a quiet weekend planned and it feels perfect. Wishing y’all a healthy and warm end of 2022 and beginning of 2023!

12 thoughts on “TGIF | Late December.”

  1. I’m happy to see you are doing that test knit! I have a hat on the needles that I hope to finish by tomorrow night and then all my needles are cleared except for Pixie’s Groove so I can get back to that to start the new year. Enjoy your quiet weekend

  3. The amaryllis blooms are beautiful. My one bulb is growing and has a bud so I am watching it with hope. I like that White Christmas tradition with your sister. We also have a quiet at home weekend planned. Happy New Year.

  4. White Christmas tops my list of favorite holiday movies and I love that you and your sister have this tradition!

  5. How thoughtful of your bulbs to bloom just in time for Christmas! I love seeing your big stack of books, and knowing you, I think you could make it through most of them in the first quarter of 2023. Looking forward to seeing that new sweater take shape!

  6. Can’t wait to see this sweater when it’s finished! A quiet weekend here, and fingers crossed this fog rolls out so I can go cycling-not every day in January you have 60+ degrees forecasted! Happy New Year and welcome 2023.

  7. Your amaryllis are beautiful and a good reminder to me to force some of my hyacinth bulbs. Wishing you lots of happy knitting, reading, and enjoyable time with Lucy and family in 2023!

  8. I just LOVE that movie. And your white amaryllises are stunning!! I hope you enjoyed a quiet weekend and got that fresh-start feeling after ‘putting away’ Christmas. (We will likely leave ours up ’til next weekend. I tend to push it…just hate to lose all that extra ‘glow’!) Good luck ordering your reads! What a delightful start to your 2023 list!

  9. Your amaryllis blooms are simply stunning Mary! Love the white. I may sneak out to see if I can find a bulb or two on sale now that we are home and the holidays are over! Really like your holiday tradition with your sister too – so nice. My one plan for reading is to read Middlemarch!

  10. Nothing like a big stack of books to ring in the New Year! I’m at my daughter’s reading through her stack of Christmas gifts, and taking home a few she finished before the holiday. Of course, I have my own stack at home, and like you, added a couple more from the B&N sale. Happy Reading, and Happy New Year!

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