Oh December

This time of year seems to sneak right up, doesn't it? I was quite ahead of the game a few months back and started working on gifts and projects, plans and ideas and that energy has slowed a bit in the past few weeks. But here we are, December 3 and it feels like a whole lot needs to be pulled together, this week especially. I did get the advent calendar done, albeit on December 1st! We are doing activities this year instead of gifts. You may remember our bonanza from last year. The weather is finally (and beautifully) cooperating with my cozy, staying snug-in state of mind. After a long (and I mean at least 3 months) string of 90 degree heat, our rainy season has finally kicked in and I have been hearing the smack-a-pat-pat of the water dripping from the gutter on the roof the last few days - all weekend really. It has been wonderful weather to make comfortable meals like chicken stew and drink a mug of hot cooca. Rylie, busy as she is, will stop right in her tracks when she hears the rain and declare "What's that? It's rain, mama?" Despite the weather sending me obvious cues to stay put right on the couch with the above mentioned mug of cocoa, cheesy Christmas movie, and my knitting, we did venture out and pick up our tree yesterday. We are trying new lights this year, they are old fashioned with really huge bulbs. They look great but the tree is BRIGHT, brighter than I am used to but I think I like it - so far.

Speaking of knitting, I have something very exciting to show you, maybe later this week? Here's a hint to hold you over. I got a text of the best kind from my dear friend Jill on Saturday night:

You must go to council thrift on Pico at La Cienega - some yarn shop gave them huge boxes of yarns, really expensive, good quality stuff. They have more in the back, ask to see it! $1 a skein for stuff like Noro, Debbie Bliss and Blue Sky Alpaca.

Needless to say, you know where I'm going today right now!