haekelmonster

It is a mystery to me how anyone can tolerate (or even like) what the son calls music in the volume he chooses. (If you do not believe me, I recommend „Meurtre par Strangulation“ by Maître Gims. Death by strangulation, accompanied by the piano. For pure, authentic sound reproduction make sure the volume control is up …).

Makes me long for the days, when the boy was a little child. He had three CDs – no more, no less – that we would listen to day in, day out (occasionally interrupted by a Moomin audiobook): One was “The birds’ wedding,” a CD my sister had recommended and to this day the only one I ever heard by Ralf Zuckowsy (a singer who is very popular among children in Germany and released hundreds of CDs).

Then there was „Peter and the Wolf“ with Loriot narrating the story. My favorite CD of all times! Hard to explain to anyone not German. However, take my word: The brilliant storyteller, the orchestra, the conductor – all of it is glorious!

And finally there was „Noah’s Ark.” Unfortunately, that audio book too has never been translated into any other language. Hence, the not German speaking world misses out on listening to the story (only interrupted by classical music) of all these animal couples trying to make it to the ark on time, despite all obstacles, their standing in line (patiently or not), and the challenges they were facing.

Why am I writing this? Because one of the pieces of music on that last CD that the son particularly liked is the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” (originating from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker). No wonder, I immediately reacted when coming across the Fee Dragee socks on Ravelry. That very day, I cast on a pair of Sugar Plum Fairy socks, my third pair of socktober-socks.

I even managed to finish knitting them in October, however it took me until last night to close the toe with kitchener stitch and to take a midnight picture right there on the sofa.

Midnight … school started again this morning (after two weeks of fall vacation), hence the night was rather short, nerves were slightly on edge and Maître Gims sounded a wee bit louder than usual.

In short: I would have preferred the Sugar Plum Fairy in my ears rather than on my feet …

I was in the garden again today … necessary for both of us – the garden and me. Another late summer day: blue sky, sunny, 70-degree-weather.

Because, if the weathermen’s forecast is correct, tomorrow the weather will change. It will be cooler, more cloudy … Rain on Tuesday. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind the rain, but the prospect of dark and grey gives me the blues.

No blues for you? Well, lucky you.

Like a lizard, I need warmth and light. Looks like I am pretty much alone with that right now. Everyone else on social media seems to be looking forward to wooly hats. They want cardigans and dream of being wrapped in shawls.

Really?

Socks – okay. But I knit (and wear) socks all year long. Hence, the second pair of socktober socks is done, and I am working on my third. All other knitting is still waitlisted …

The Birkin that may never be a Birkin. And the blue cashmere shawl. Finally, a new crochet WIP.

All in good time.

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Postscript:

The little vine I brought in France last summer, my Bordeaux from Bordeaux, has grown incredibly;

the fox / cat / squirrel (no, 😱 not the squirrel) killed (and ate) a dove. All gone but the feathers;

I am done with raking foliage.

It smells fall.

The doctor said it would be good if I knit less and stop staring at the computer screen. At least for a while, because of severe muscle tension in my neck and back. Sounds familiar? He would then tape my neck, prescribe physiotherapy and send me home.

Since then, I have been non-stop in the jungle garden (no, I did not tell the doctor): raking up the leaves, tidying up, cutting back shrubs, chopping and splitting logs for firewood. Sisyphus’ work in a way (spending hours outside, working hard, however in the end it does not show at all), on the other hand enormously satisfying. There is nothing better for my head and spirit than working outdoors and having fresh air (not good for my neck though …).

When crawling back inside the house in the late afternoon I am too tired to work on anything but simple projects. Luckily, we’re in socktober. Luckily, I came across the Vanilla is the new Black sock pattern. Not complicated at all, great fit and a beautiful extravagant heel. Downright perfect!

In Lana Grossa’s Glamy, a self striping sock yarn with subtle glitter accent, they knit up in no time. I am definitely going to knit another glittering pair, however – next time I might choose a solid color yarn like Lana Grossa’s Late Night, as stripy and glitter are slightly too much (at least for my taste).

Be it as it may, those socks will now proceed to the drawer, their new home (until summer is finally over = end of next week). Especially as a new pair of striped socks is already on my needles. Regia in red and blue, knitted top-down, classic heel-flap (red), wedge-toe (red). So easy – it is boring. Hence, I added a row of little sheep at the second sock’s leg.

If things work out, the pair will be finished tonight. In time for the weekend.

Tomorrow, the man will work on the logs (he is looking forward to it, I can tell), whereas I seriously consider not doing anything at all. Nothing but baking an apple cake for school festivities and sitting in the sun.

Yes, I think that’s what I’ll do. ☀️