Monday, July 28, 2025

A Quiet Weekend

We had a nice, quiet weekend. Exactly what we needed.
I spent lots of time knitting, planning a new knitting project, making simple meals, watched a few episodes of a new-to-me show on Prime, watched the entire Billy Joel documentary (it's a long one but worth it!) 

I only planted one pot of zinnias this year. They're the mini ones and perfect for little bouquets.
I combined them with a few clippings from my perennial garden and some cilantro that was going to seed.





I just finished two sweaters and was about to finish a third so I wanted to cast on a new project. It took me forever to decide!!!! Finally I was texting with my friends Mandy and Sassy and Mandy suggested the Spring Cleaning Shawl by Stephen West. YES!!!! Exactly what I needed. I haven't knit a Stephen West shawl in a while and they are always fun. The man's brain is amazing. How does he come up with this stuff?! He's known for his bright colors but I decided to go more neutral with a pop of color. This way, I can wear it with many things and it will match both Rhinebeck sweaters.

I've made more progress since I took this picture. I'm loving it.






After dinner, I was finishing up my Fettle sweater, enjoying some wine while I watch Casualty 24/7 on Prime. LOVE it!






I was almost done with my Fettle Sweater, but needed one more skein of yarn.
So Buddy and I took a nice ride up to Red Bank to Mother Knitter. Then we went for a nice walk through town and down to the river. I found the seafood restaurant, Boondocks, I had discovered on Instagram. We need to plan a date night soon! Great atmosphere and the food sounds delicious.






One of the buildings in the distance is The Atrium at Navesink, one of our senior living communities I work for as a corporate senior graphic designer. It's like a cruise ship that doesn't move! The views are amazing.




Super simple and quick summer dinner. Nothing fancy. Just penne, fresh basil, tomatoes, olive oil, salt and cheese. 


My newly finished Quill Tee :) I love it.


 

Friday, July 25, 2025

Summer Yarn and Flower Charm

We had beautiful, picture perfect weather this past week at the shore. The air was crisp in the morning and warm and sunny without the bad humidity we usually have in July. I was able to spend some time sitting outside, knitting, watching my favorite podcasts, taking walks and soaking up the sun.

I finished another Evina Cardigan. This one is for me. The previous one was for my sister, Liz. You can read about that here. We are making these to wear to Rhinebeck and I LOVE them! My sister crocheted the squares and I did the knitting. My sweater is knit with KnitPicks Simply Wool Worsted in the Wilhelmina color way, a natural undyed medium brown/oatmeal color. I have to add some buttons and then it's ready!










I brought a few zinnias from home to cheer up my work office.




Sox loves to "help" block my knits...




Time to finish up my Quill sweater (I only have a few rows to go) and then onto something new. I'm thinking of starting the Night Lights shawl next. Time to shop my stash!



 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Lunch Hour Walk

 





















Taking a stroll over lunch hour to stretch my legs and take a break from my computer screen.