It's snowy and cold, typical for a Manitoba Christmas.
Ken & I have been having a great time being back yard birders this year. We were so excited when some Pine Grosbeaks paid us a visit in November. Sadly, one male got sick and died here. ;>(
The Pine Grosbeak is the size of a robin, and were very tame. We had both males & females here.
We also have a dozen or more Common Redpolls, and both species were happy to share the sunflower seeds.
We've been adopted by a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers (crow size) who don't seem the least bit concerned when I walk around while they're here. The male let me run in the house to get my camera to take these pics. Apparently I can't post the video I shot - it needs to be on Youtube first and I haven't done that.
On to knitting:
I finally started my Royal Tahoe Shawl on October 20, from the Tahoe Shawl by Nazanin Fard. While not a difficult knit, it's been going a bit slowly as I've had to put it down for smaller projects, such as socks for my granddaughter for her Christmas stocking.
This is the pattern for the main body of the shawl, complete with matching beads.
This is the border:
And here is the edging on the bottom.
I've managed to acquire a skein of Wollmeise sock yarn from a friend who was destashing. Although I think this is a lovely yarn, I'm not sure I understand all the fuss around it. Of course it won't see the light of day as a pair of socks, so am looking for ideas for what it should be. I'm thinking a nice warm cowl or shawlette to wear with my shiny black winter coat.
I've managed to maintain my weight loss so far at around 30 to 34 lbs. It just depends on the week. I'm thinking I need to get serious again after the New Year celebrations and try to take some more off. A lot will depend on my physical health. In early December I injured my knee and aggravated it last week. I was able to see a sports injury doctor fairly quickly and he diagnosed degenerative osteoarthritis and a "mild" tear to the meniscus. If that's mild, I'd hate to find out what a serious tear felt like. Because of the knee issue, I've not been walking much so feel like a slug.
I'll leave you with a picture of our tiny Christmas tree and wish you all the best of the holiday season and a Happy New Year!
