FriYAY!

Hello, Lovelies!

Honestly, I have been feeling a bit down in the dumps ( as I'm sure many of you have too!). It definitely has nothing to do with Winter. I'd live in the arctic north if I could! Another lifetime ago, when I travelled and lived in Europe I was waved off with dire warnings about European winters and how I'd be back in South Africa as soon as I couldn't wear flip-flops all year 'round. I bought my first EVER pair of winter lace-up boots, blue Sketches, in Amsterdam. My new friends taught me that snow, sleet and icy rain was " just weather " and no excuse for not bundling up and going out in -10C. I adapted and thrived! What a shock for a 6th generation African! Must be my Scots-Dutch-Danish-French ancestry? Mongrels are always hardier than purebreds, right?

The first thing I saw this morning, through the steam of a 5am coffee and after feeding 2 x Cats + 2 x Dogs + 3 x Apple Platys + 1 x Neon Tetra + 4 x Phantoms + 3 x Algae Eaters + 3 x Goldfish, and after I fired up my computer, was Noelene's version of the Arcadia Floral Square! Oh my, Noelene does have a fabulous way with colour placing!

To clear away the stormy clouds in my head I've been taking advantage of every sunny day so far, which haven't been many. I don't wish for sunny days though ever since we experienced that awful drought in 2017 where Cape Town City almost ran out of drinkable water! Last year, our Winter rainfall was above average but still, the entire month of July 2019 saw not a drop of rain which makes "rain in July" very welcome! Anyhow, my point is...the front steps of our cottage make a perfect spot for some winter-sunbathing and crochet. You'll find me here if you stop by, listening to The Fall of Civilisations Podcast by Paul Cooper...just to cheer myself up you know?

We've been watching the skies of late! Combine smoke from chimneys and rain clouds and you're in for a spectacular show. I snapped this with my lowly cellphone one early morning from the steps of the cottage, looking East.

This coming weekend Mr HooksnTales and I, plus the two Dogs ( did you notice I said TWO? ) are heading West to our off-grid Housie to see if it's still standing after last weeks epic storm. Next FriYAY, I will post some pics as we hope to see snow on the mountain peaks. Also, I'll introduce you to our new rescue called Leia ( as in Princess from Star Wars ). If you want to see our little Housie just click on the OFF-GRID LIFE tab under the cover pic above.

I'll be working on a new pattern, sat on a blanket under the Almond trees, while Mr HooksnTales mows the lawn and makes me cups of coffee ( just kidding!! I'll make coffee as long as he makes dinner! ).

Reading Material already packed:

1. Latest IDEAS magazine.
2. The Litte Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.
3. The Art of Making Memories also by Meik Wiking.
4. Making Winter by Emma Mitchell

But before I wrap up ( heehee ), THANK YOU all, so much, for your lovely comments on the previous post! I've randomly chosen ( the old names-in-a-hat method ) 3 x recipients for the gorgeous Jasmine Sweater by Ana D  so please check your Ravelry inbox if you left a comment. This week, our GIVEAWAY is Spring Posy by Rosina Plane . If you do comment, don't forget to add your Ravelry name!

I hope you all have a lovely, peaceful and productive weekend.
Stay safe, stay calm and crochet on!
💙 Jen

PS: It's been bitterly cold and our old girl, Roxy spends most mornings wrapped up like a little sausage.