It's been a long time since I've posted .... and it's been a long winter. Robert & I have been planning the build of our new cottage since last fall & we're getting antsy now. Robert & his builder friend, Gilbert, insist that we don't need an architect to draw plans on such a simple home, but the design of certain facets don't come easily to me & I wish we had an architect to discuss things: I am stumped by the placement of the beams in the living room & dining room. I wish I understood how the screen porch will connect to the house, and I want the planning to be over. I can't wait for the build to be over ... I want to knit by a window in my new living room, I want to make tea looking out of the kitchen window, I want to have my morning coffee in the screened-in porch. Most of all, I wish cats were more portable. They hate to travel in the car & get severely car sick & stressed. I will miss my Sasha on the weekends when the time comes. What will I do without him? He brings me so much joy ... more than any other kitty with whom I have ever had the privilege of sharing my life. 

I have embarked on a weight loss program (again, sigh)... my weight is straining my back & shoulders, & I hate the way people treating me now. I'm often the biggest person in the room, yet people act like I am insignificant. My opinions seem to matter less, especially at work.

I took a break from knitting while I planned our new house & now that I have resumed, I am rusty. I am making mistakes left & right ... frogging on even simple projects. I will soldier on.

I gave away my dollmaking stuff today. When I packed it up yesterday, I was sooo down - I felt like I was mourning a death. It was such an important part of my life, for so long. I had such high hopes when I began. And I had so much fun & it led me to meet so many great people. Sometimes I miss dollmaking, but I no longer have the energy to dedicate to it. Maybe one day, I will take it up again. In the meantime, I knit. But I need a more creative outlet ....so I will seek it out. I will keep you posted.