Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Some knitting and packing wool

The world here on the other side is still cold and the darkness is lit by candles, but now that the sun has rested, she has started her steady pace towards us. The mere knowledge of this makes the days seem longer. Not that I am yet tired of this season, no, no, not at all, I am very much enjoying all that this time of the year has to offer and am really loving the total stillness in the nature, nothing is moving, growing, the birds are silent, even the wind has died out. Soft white snowy blanket covers everything and occasionally you can spot tiny, tiny footprints crossing the plain surface.
The celebration was one of the best ones for a long time, of course due to the fact that we all were together. I have had little bit of time to knit and weather permitting, I have been walking. I completed one sock and one fingerless mitten and even though I did not plan much ahead and thought that I would not even make a pair for the mitten, I think I will knit it a companion.

I am writing this in the midst of packing. We (DH and me) are off tomorrow up to the north (there is still plenty of Finland above the Arctic Circle), about 3 more hours by the car. We have a small log cabin, old one, up north; there is no electricity, nobody has been there for ages, so the cabin is nesting there inside snow. We will get up early tomorrow, so that we will drive in darkness to be able to take use of the two daylight hours to get to shovel the path to the outhouse (yikes!!) and to the wood shed; and to get the heating (wood) going before the darkness falls again and to be able to bring the temperature inside the cabin little bit over zero Celsius before it is time to crawl into the sleeping bags (mine is good to sleep in -40°C so I will be good!). We will stay there for a few days. It will be a nice challenge! How to keep up the good spirits with the cold and the darkness. Wood and wool for warmth, candles for light.
So packing wool... Socks, longjohns, wool sweaters, cowls and shawls, mittens, fingerless mittens, scarves, hats... everything will be necessary. I need to be warm to be in good spirits, I can stand hunger and thirst for a bit, but I lose my good temper when cold. Heaven forbid my grumpy face, so I am bringing everything. (Plus chocolate and nuts, they will restore the energy levels quickly!). I am taking along something to knit, but I have not yet decided what. Something small and portable. Most likely it will be a sock, a pair for the striped one.

I will take pictures along the way (as long as my batteries will last), and will post them when I get back. We won't be back this year, and we won't be talking again until next year, so I am wishing you all a very happy new year,

Wool with you (and me)
Lene

PS. The cabled mittens were my own pattern.

24 comments:

  1. This does sound like an adventure, and I will greatly look forward to your photos when you return. I hope 2016 brings you wool, warmth, plenty of light, and much love!

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  2. Oh wow! I'm not sure I could handle that adventure, but will look forward to your pictures. It does sound lovely and peaceful...maybe I could handle it in the summer? Safe travels and have a wonderful time. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, fun and wooly new year!

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  3. Anonymous17:40

    Happy New Year early. The trip to the cabin sounds wonderful. Good news, Wisconsin received snow, finally. That makes me happy.

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  4. Anonymous17:40

    Happy New Year early. The trip to the cabin sounds wonderful. Good news, Wisconsin received snow, finally. That makes me happy.

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  5. This is SO exciting - please take pictures - my dream is to stay in a log cabin over the winter
    I love the socks - masterful; have a great New Year !

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  6. Enjoy your getaway! And Happy New Year to you and yours, Lene :)

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  7. Anonymous18:52

    Happy New Year, Lene. Enjoy your stay in the log cabin, it sounds very adventurous!

    Liesbeth

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  8. Wish you a wooly Happy New Year.

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  9. danana19:51

    Dear Lene, Your photo at the beginning is charming - I love the little piggy-bank! He is so optimistic! And your words are beautiful, very poetic. I hope you have a lovely adventure in the woods, safe and warm, and I look forward to hearing from in the New Year! Sending you warmest wishes - Donna

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  10. Anonymous21:04

    Really, really loving your December posts!

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  11. Wonderful New Year wishes Lene! Stay warm!

    I love those socks!

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  12. Love the socks. Do you know the wool you used? I love the vertical line running up them. Stay warm and Happy New Year!

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  13. Those socks are lovely, I really like that red vertical stripe.

    Happy New Year! Enjoy the break and thanks for the wonderful December posts. I do hope you decide to keep up the frequent posting in January!

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  14. Anonymous01:48

    hello lene...the trip to the north and the stay at the cabin sounds romantic and wonderful...wishing you crisp, star-filled nights...warn snuggles with you dh...cozy, crackling, light giving fires...and quick trips to the out-house...joys, health and peace in the new year...take care...sally

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  15. Such an adventure you will have. I am looking forward to your photos. I love reading about your part of the world. The mitten and the sock are beautiful. Is the sock your own pattern?

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  16. Sounds wonderful ... and cold!

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  17. Thank you for your December posts. As always, they are worth reading.

    Your trip sounds challenging but fun. Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  18. Anonymous17:46

    Lene-as I sit this morning with coffee, a fire, knitting and a quilt my world is frozen, too. Not so deeply nor as beautiful as yours, but the same feeling abides. Stillness and darkness my companions. Your words, photos and knitting are kindling for my fire. Kindness and blessings to you.

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  19. That sounds like a grand adventure!! I'm looking forward to seeing the photos that you take :-) Lovely knitting projects and you're so right, if you're warm it's so much easier to be happy. Enjoy!
    Best wishes on a happy and healthy 2016!!

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  20. What a wonderful way to do stripes without worrying about a jog! I'm going to have to tuck away this idea for a rainy day...

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  21. love the sock stripes and line!!

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  22. Happy New Year Lene. Look forward to your post. The sock looks smashing.

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  23. Happy New Year !
    I love reading your blog. The way you describe where you live is magic. I can just imagine the cold and the rustic little house you will be staying in . It sounds just perfect for reading and and knitting and having some tranquil time.
    I am so looking forward to reading the posts in 2016.

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  24. Marie10:31

    I hope you enjoyed your trip in the North and knitted a lot!
    No newsletter to receive your posts? I should like it so much. It's a pleasure to read you.
    Best wishes for 2016! Happy New Year!

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