Sunday Wonders _ L

L is for Leisure.

When I stopped working for money, I was very happy and had all kinds of plans for that extra time.  It was so nice not to have a schedule of any kind.  I could wake up in the morning and do whatever I wanted.

I did create a new craft for myself with the rug hooking.  I did make a few more quilts.  I knit more things. I could spend more time in the garden. I could read more books.  I grew my stash of necessary items to pursue all these interests. 

But a funny thing happened after about three years of all this non-stop fun.  I got bored with myself.  I began to look around for an activity that I could enjoy once or twice a week that would take me out of the house.  Since I had always wanted to learn tai chi that was what I did.  Only two mornings a week.  I could walk to and from and get even more exercise.  It was all good.

Tai chi happened to be based in the seniors rec center.   It wasn't much of a leap for me to join the seniors' association and get involved with volunteering. 

Meanwhile, Anne was doing her volunteering at the thrift store.  There was a need for someone to take in the donated dolls: the babies and the Barbies.  They needed baths, their faces washed and their hair combed.  Their clothes needed washing, ironing and some mending.  Every week there are more orphaned dolls who need  a helping hand.  I enjoy the dolls for their clothes and hair - I know I am a closet fashionista - and so I volunteered.  Enter another few storage bins.

Leisure is different things to different people at different times.  But, for me, it's good to know that at least part of what I enjoy makes a difference in the life of my community.  It's good to know that I have  opportunities to keep active and - I hope - healthy.  And being able to use my talents and skills learned in my  past years in administration keeps my brain alive.

KAL done!

By this time I'm not knitting along with anyone.  Here it is...

I could no longer even walk into the sewing room because The Cardi was just waiting like an elephant in the corner.   So, for the past two days, whenever there's been some spare time, I've been seaming.  OMG, I hate this part!    I'm smiling because it's done and the sun is so warm - for about two minutes.

It's great to have the right tools! Laziness is always a factor when I work.  There I was with the sweater pieces in hand and I'd forgotten my pins.  I was so-o far away from my knitting gear and right beside me were the clips that I use to play hairdresser to the Barbies.

They worked wonderfully!  So well  that I will probably not use those slippy, slide-y plastic pins again.  I'll be watching for those clips when the dolls arrive.

So,finishing is a big relief - and I have a new, warm cardi to wear in our winter freeze.  I like the clear weather and the crisp, cold is great for walking.  Nice to have all those wooly hats and gloves now.
Tomorrow, I'll tell you why it takes two days to seam a sweater - once I've started, that is.

And to show that I've learned nothing...here's what made me buy the newest Interweave Knits:

What a day!

So - yesterday started off so pleasantly.

We had lunch with an old   a long-time friend.   We had a delicious lunch, caught up on the gossip and then went to get a preview of Christmas.  Our local seniors' rec. center turns in to a gingerbread house and officially lights the way into Lynn Valley on December 1.

We were so relaxed that when we finally got in our car to do some boring errands - like buy a new fridge - that we didn't even notice that one of the tires was flat.  We left the driveway and rolled back in.
Changed the tire.  Drove to the tire store in hopes that the tire could be repaired.

  While that was going on, we could shop, shop, shop for a fridge.  And even when you've looked at them all online, somehow, the reality is different.  And, of course, the price you thought you'd be paying is never the one you end up with.  No one seems to think a new fridge is very exciting but me.  I love getting new stuff.  I don't care if it's just a new can opener.  I like having the clean, newness ready for my use. I like learning the new way it works.  Oh, how my life needs these small excitements. 

So, we were successful with our appliance purchase - we'll see on Monday when it's delivered.  Then, since were in the neighborhood, let's go buy those new running shoes.  Off we go.  Oops!  The phone rings and it's Tire Guy.  Sorry, can't fix it so if you can come back right now we'll install two new tires by 6pm.  How can we refuse an offer like that?  It's only 4.45!

Crawl through the rush hour traffic and hand over the car.  Tire Guy sets to work and we go off for a half-hour walk.  It's a clear and frosty evening and the moon is shining huge and white over the mountains.  We tried to get a photo but it really just looks like a big white polka-dot on black fabric.  The moon-ness of it is completely lost.

Tires on.  Home again.  Grab a bite to eat and pull on our mitts and woolly hats for a walk up to the gingerbread house.  They're turning on the lights tonight!  And a beautiful sight it was.

Santa arrived and there were lots of people - and kids - to visit him.  The lights made everything magical.  The sweet little girls in pink tutus danced and everyone sang.  This was a much more fun excitement.  And a great end to the day!

Ruby Tuesday

I was rummaging around in the archived photos and found this beautiful poppy being born...

For more Ruby Tuesday, stop by and visit here.  Thanks to Mary T for keeping this meme going.