I've been knitting...(duh)

Since I've been out of touch lately, thought I'd update you on what's been going on...

I whipped up a couple of cowls this weekend...

First one is Cambrian Cowl from Coastal Knits. Really, get this book!! I could knit every item in it and be perfectly happy with every project. This yummy cowl is so clever, it's knit with bulky yarn (quick) and can unbutton and fold down for warmer weather (love it!). Here's the schematic for the pattern:

Now I have to go find buttons for my FO. It's a Christmas present for someone who may or may not read my blog, so no final pics till after the holidays.

Here's the second cowl:

It's called Bandana Cowl. Duh...looks like a bandana, huh? It's another quick, clever knit...start at the front tip and work short rows for the front "v", then some decreases around the neck. It's very cute to wear. I made mine with a navy/heathered bulky called Berroco Vintage Chunky and it took less than one skein. I made some mods on the neck that are on my pattern page on Raverly, if you're interested. The pattern is free and would be a great, quick knit for giving for Christmas. But I'm keeping this one for me!

Last week we were all home...no work or school. Well, I worked on Monday, but that was the only day. It was a fun, relaxing week just hanging out with Mike and the kids. We really didn't do much, which was nice; no running around or stressing out.

Thanksgiving was easy, quiet and delicious! Mike and Justine won some cashola in the football pool my dad does every year, so that was fun! We didn't have any family in town visiting, but that's ok, everyone is busy these days and travel is so expensive. It is a difficult holiday for me to be so far from the family though...Christmas is easier, I guess because it's such a wonderful distraction.

I have a ton of Christmas shopping to do, but I'm going to tackle it with a good attitude and plenty of "pick me ups" from Starbucks! I'm hoping to recruit some friends to shop with too...

New PR and Second Place!

Mike and I ran another 5K on Saturday - The Native Sun Mandarin Run. It was touch and go to even do the race, my leg was hurting, but ice and resting helped and on Saturday morning, it was feeling pretty good.

Another factor...when we woke up on Saturday it was 32 degrees! We bundled up (this means layers) and headed out to run...what are we nuts?!

The race was great! Very small, only about 500 runners. Nice flat, fast and pretty course.

I got a new personal record of 33:26 (7th of the 11 in my age group).

Mike got SECOND PLACE!!! He ran 25:08 (check that, an 8 minute mile pace)!!!

We didn't stay for the awards and now we sure wish we had. He can call and pick up his award this week. How cool is that...second place!!

Because Native Sun was the sponsor (it's a health food store, alot like Henry's, without the great produce, for your CA folks) we had wonderful after race snacks. Fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries) with granola, yogurt (or ice cream), bagels and bananas...and OJ!

All Dressed Up!

Joey's costume...scary! He looks like a bank robber from some TV show.
Got a Madonna song in your head? You totally get Veronica's costume!
I took these photos Saturday night before their party. Last night, they had percussion practice. They're too old to trick or treat anyway.

Justine and friends heading out to Trick or Treat!

Walk like an Egyptian!

Happy November 1st to you! I really can't believe how fast this year is going by!! I see that as a good thing though...time flies when you're having fun, right?!