What I am Reading

This is all of the books I have read so far in 2018.  There will be a new release in this series in April.  I am currently reading The Adjustment.  Suzanne Young is the author and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series The Complication.  

2018 Here I Come

Well I have decided to come clean with my knitting works in progress.  I have hopes to get back on track enjoying my hobbies and freeing myself of what I "should" be working in in my spare time. 

You are looking at from top right My Granny Stripe Blanket in worsted weight.  I am hoping to finish this blanket this year.  In the blue project bag at the bottom is my Timber Cardigan, which I dearly love!  In  the middle of the photo are two(yes, two) sock knitting projects.  One is a vanilla sock knit from a sparkle sock blank from Fibernymph Dyeworks.  The other is a modified sock pattern the Evergreen Socks that can be obtained through Ravelry.  There is a poncho project-that I am considering frogging in a turquoise blue with white, black and gray colorwork.  Lastly my mitered square blanket I cast on 64 stitches which makes about a 4 inch square.  These projects and their progress(or lack of ) can be found on Ravelry.  I am Angellac.  This looks to be an exciting knitting year!!

Balance

I have picked my word for 2018 and it is BALANCE. 
I am hoping to find a better balance with home life, work life, how I spend my leisure time and a new balance as both of my adult children are off in college.  I have started to change some things already.  Regarding work I have been exploring more methods of obtaining continuing education hours.  I have often attended night courses after a full days work.  That leaves the farm work left to my spouse (he is willing, thank goodness).  I am hoping to key into classes I really want too take even if it involves travel or webinars etc.
I am planning to continue with farm pursuits- as I still enjoy produce from the garden and fruit trees. I may slow down on the canning and food preservation in favor of smaller quantities and bigger diversity of produce. I have purchased a couple of new cookbooks hoping to gain inspiration cooking for two.  I also enjoy animal husbandry so the goats and sheep still have a solid stake on my attention. 
As far as hobbies, I am ashamed to admit I have read very little over the past year.  I have purchased several books- some paperbacks and some downloaded ebooks- still reading little more than two books last year.   That is crazy, given that I like to read.  I am hoping to give up a little knitting time to put reading back on this year's agenda.  I also am fascinated with punch needle and rug hooking.  I have ordered very basic supplies and an educational cd(as well as watched a few You Tube videos on the topic).  Fiber arts will remain an important aspect of my spare time.  I have started to spin more wool.  I have committed to spinning 15 minutes a day for 2018.  I hope to rediscover my fiber stash making yarn that I can use later.  Any further crochet plans are on hold until I complete my granny stripe blanket.  It is already 75% complete.
Last year I felt both rushed and stressed with obligations trying to "make it all happen".  In part the stress of deadlines and goals was self imposed.  I will admit I can certainly be harder on myself than anyone else.  Things should level out a bit where the college kids are concerned.  I won't be planning anyone's senior year in high school, prom or graduation.  I can pass on some of that college responsibility to the proper young adults.
I hope to spend more Sunday dinners with my parents.  To message my mom less and call more.
I plan to go on more dates with my spouse of 24 years.  Cherish the quieter times sitting on the couch sharing a bowl of popcorn.  He makes the best popcorn.
And lastly, to look up and enjoy the view.
I hope you can find better balance in your life too.