A few things to share

Seems I wrote that big old post about my brother and vanished from the world of blogging. Sorry folks. Or maybe I am not sorry, some of you just might be glad and doing your own version of the happy dance.

In between rambling about relationships and today, there have been a few things I've been meaning to share. So, ready or not:

Travel & Weekend Antics
Did I mention that we are traveling north to visit with our favorite folks this weekend? Rudy, Pilot, Needlefingers and Brando are hosting their annual Cache Slash Fest (a big, fun, scary geocaching event). We missed it once and I pouted for days. This year, however, the stars and our schedules are aligned, so we are leaving out mid-day and making the trek. I'm particularly excited that it's autumn and I love to travel when the leaves are changing. It's gonna be cold, however, so my suitcase is bursting with fleece and sweaters. Brrrrrr. Good excuse to wear some of those fingerless mitts I've made, eh?

Gratitude
I've decided to start a gratitude journal. Any of you do that? I've pondered it for a bit, but felt that between my actual journal and this blog, it might just be something else to manage. However, after reading an article in "Real Simple" recently, I have become yet again taken by the idea. Phin inspired me by her top five list she posts regularly as well. I might just pull an empty journal from my stash and get started this weekend. I'd like to know if any of you do anything like this and would be willing to share your thought process in doing so.

Knitting
I finished the body of the Tree Jacket. I think I went a tad too far with the garter top, wanting to make sure it went well below my bustline before I started on the more open work. I suspect the yarn is much stretchier than I anticipated and therefore I didn't allow for the give. I started the first sleeve, but have ripped back twice as I think it's too big and wanted to start my decreasing sooner. I hope to wrap it up soon. I feel other projects calling my name.

Crafting & Trading
I sent off my part of the recent crafty trade that several of us had worked out. I hope you each have your package and are washing up a storm with your Tribbles and dishcloths. Many of you have e-mailed that your contribution is in the mail, and I am antsy and glowing with excitement. I can't wait to open each package.

Off to wrap up preparations for our trip. Wishing someone would pack for me. Wishing the trees would change just a little more. Wishing my sinuses weren't revolting against this recent extreme dip in temperature. There's a saying about wishing, though, isn't there?