Annabel is 5

What a glorious, sun-filled, visit we had to New Hampshire last weekend! It was an island of blue-sky, beauty set amidst the grey and drizzle which has been the rest of this month.

The reason for our trip? Annabel's fifth birthday, where fun was had by all. I didn't get any photos of the birthday action because I was far too busy enjoying it!

Here's the star of the show on her birthday eve:

See what alcohol does to a young girl's teeth!

Oh! Thank Goodness for the speed of dental surgery!

I don't have any photos of us playing with the Whoopie Cushion....

But here are some shots of the little Ester Williams in action:

Here's Rugby Robb with a bad case of Irish Handcuffs. It's only the sleeping doggie bookends that are keeping him upright!!

Whenever we go to Chez Annabel, it's like a spending time at a Kibbutz, wherein we get assigned tasks. This year's tasks where not too difficult.

Supplies for the party had to be picked up from Memories:

The three of us had to sample the merchandise to make sure it was up to scratch!

There's my Cookie Dough Waffle Cone at the window!


Lucky wanted French Vanilla.

These earless goats wanted a piece of the action. (Why would you cut off a goat's ears? It makes me sad.)

I was set the arduous task of finishing this sweater knit by Annabel's mother and grandmother. I think it had been languishing in the project bag for quite some time so it may have to go to Annabel's young cousin instead.

During the long drive to and from our destination, I got started on this dress for Annabel:

Pattern: Elanka.

Yarn: Rowan Handknit Cotton in gorgeous oranges. (I want one just like it - only much bigger!)

This weekend I taught the fella how to machine knit. He took to it like a duck to water and is making himself a blanket out of some of my stash yarn:
He wants to learn how to use the sock machine next but that means I have to teach myself how to use it properly first. Maybe next weekend?

Big Girl's Land Update: I put in an offer on Friday - Keep your fingers crossed!!

Happy Summer!!

Secrets and Lies

Secret Project glimpses:

Pumpkin Pie - New pattern I'm working on for a relaxed Autumnal pullover.

Cable Junction - Long awaited pattern for a commissioned piece from ages ago - this one really eats up the time but should promise to be a gorgeous jacket!

Lies:

I have bought the most wonderful piece of land and am planning to build my dreamhouse!!

Just a tiny lie..... no money or contracts or anything like that have swapped hands - it's all waiting for me to stop being a scaredy-cat and get on with it.... details to follow once I've pulled my finger out!

Off up to NH this weekend to help celebrate Annabel's 5th birthday - my, my, my how time flies...