And It Begins Again

For 15 years I have spent my February holding hands with seniors who are writing their first major research paper. It is always on Hamlet. I then spend days, nights, and weekends helping them get through the meticulous and time-consuming process without failing any other courses. It is the curse of the shortest winter month, the time when it seems that spring will never arrive.

But it has. My crocus and snowdrops are coming up around the forsythia. There are other signs that spring will be here in the woods. Racoons have had cute litters in the barn that keep trying to break into the sheep feed.

We have a stray little puppy girl She showed up at the house last week in full heat. Hobo had been having a good time. I brought her into the laundry room because it was cold. She then left through the dog door in the morning, and puts herself up at night on her mat. A very smart girl. I'm taking her to the vet next week, and I hope someone will want her. She is a sweetheart.

I think that the Koigu project may go into hibernation for awhile. I want to finish the shrug, and against doctor's orders (!) I cast on for the Star skirt. It is fun and the best project to work on in school. Not to much patterwork or counting so I can talk to friends and keep my hands busy.

Linda, Debbie and I went on a wool hunting trip this weekend. In just two stores we had enough to fill a trunk. I bought some beautiful colors and textures, and two garments of white wool (!). Debbie was reluctant to buy a pleated Pendleton suit even though it was about the right color. I told her to get it and I would wear it to church on Sunday. Well. It is a perfect fit and just gorgeous. Now I have to call Debbie and tell her that I will give her her two dollars back.

Today is warmer. Not warm, but warmer. The sun is shining and I'm happy. The gym was closed today, so I had some time in the morning to take all four dogs on a long walk and turn the heel on my second sock. The grandkids are coming this afternoon, so I'll stop at the grocery and get home in time to kid-proof the house.

A female puppy in heat showed up at the house a couple of days ago. My first thought is take her to the pound, but she is loving, sweet, and I just can't do it. So in a couple of weeks I'll take her in for spaying, shots, etc. Linda (friend) said she might have a home for her. When it became bitter cold I told DFH I was bringing her in to the laundry room. He said what if she howls. I said I would sleep with her. I brought her in and put her on a couple of sheepskin mats. As I spoke to her and petted her, she stretched and yawned and fell asleep. She didn't explore. The next morning I put her out. The next evening I looked for her outside and she wasn't around. I thought she might be with Hobo in the barn. I went to the laundry room and there she was! Curled up and asleep. I didn't show her how to use the dog door; she figured it out from my two. And she doesn't try to get into the house through the second door. She knows her place. She is probably a beagle-lab mix, smallish and yellow. I hope to find a home for her, but if not, she can stay. She even loves cats.

I haven't had much time to knit this week, and I don't have much time to finish the scarf for DFH for Valentine's day. I have to work on it at school or when he is not home. I'm hopeful I will get it done - then the socks, shrug, and toreador jacket need to get done. Yes, I have yarn and have purchased yarn for several more projects for DFH, me, and the grandkids. Socks for them, skirts for me. I am also starting a hooked rug to support the efforts of Linda in finishing her hooked rug. I haven't hooked in years, but I'm sure it's like riding a bike. Wait, I can't ride a bike. I nearly killed myself last year trying to ride a paved straight path with DFH. Oh well.