October was a bust—but I’m not letting that get me down. I’ve now got two sock patterns on the go. They’re currently resting, waiting for a proper day off when I can sit down, focus, and hopefully make some real progress.
Sensing my mounting frustrations, Tony decided to take action. He’d heard me mention a book called Super Socks—something I’d flagged as a possible Christmas gift. Off he went, determined to surprise me. And surprise me he did! Not quite the edition I had in mind… but what arrived was a children’s storybook titled Super Socks. Not exactly a guide to heel turns and toe shaping but never mind. It’ll make a lovely gift for someone small and imaginative.
Meanwhile, my sock patterns wait patiently, and I’m choosing to see the mix-up as a gentle reminder: not every detour is a disaster. Some just lead to unexpected sweetness.
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Those winds I mentioned last time had their way with some of my peony buds—still tightly closed and green, they were knocked flat. I cut them and brought them indoors, not expecting much. For a while, they did nothing. One even drooped dramatically, as if giving up entirely.
Then, quite suddenly, one opened. And another followed a couple of days later.
Peonies don’t usually last long as cut flowers, so I’m making the most of this unexpected show—soft pinks unfolding in their own sweet time.
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I’m halfway through a stretch of seven working days—today was day four. Humpday! It’s downhill from here. I'm looking forward to my weekend off.
Each morning before work, I’ve been picking up the mohair and knitting a row or two. It’s become my thing, soft yarn, slow stitches, and a few moments of calm before the day begins. I’m enjoying the process, even if progress is gentle. It’s not about racing to the finish—just about starting the day with something soothing.
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My expectations for November are simple and sweet. First up: a quiet celebration for our wedding anniversary this weekend. Nothing grand—just something warm and meaningful.
I’m hoping for more morning mohair progress, and maybe a breakthrough with at least one of my sock patterns. Two completed socks would be a triumph. I’d also like to make a start on a small cross stitch design I’ve planned as a Christmas gift.
And then there’s my back. Some days are better than others. I’m looking forward to the time when all days are better. Progress, however small, would be very welcome.
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So here we are: socks paused, peonies blooming and mohair making fluffy progress in the mornings. So far November is unfolding gently. I've kept my plans simple because as we just saw with Tony's gift, sometimes plans go awry.
