Here we are in 2026 – how did that happen? It really does feel like time has accelerated recently . In some ways that’s good, as I’m getting closer to retirement, and my grandson is growing up into a person I can communicate with. Since I had a decent amount of time off work (over ten consecutive days), I had the opportunity to reflect on my goals for the year as well as checking in on the mid-year point for the Year of Projects. Of course, I’ll start though with news of my knitting.
Stitched or Still-in-Progress
I managed to finish my December project in time to meet the challenge criteria for the Down Cellar Studio Pigskin Party, but I haven’t blocked it yet. I have a badly-lit photo showing that the project was completed – I’ll share a blocked picture when I have one. (I also noticed that my caption for this project last week was wrong. 🤦♀️)
Because I finished that time-sensitive project on time on New Year’s Eve, I was able to pick up the shawlette I started a month ago, and I made great progress on it! This was intended to be a Christmas gift for a friend, but I ended up not getting together with her over the holiday season. So I’ll keep this for her to gift later, once it’s finished.
Cast-on Conversations
The big project start from the past week was my Advent shawl to use the Advent calendar I bought from Yarn Café Creations. I had shared the picture of all the packaged minis, and as of now I’ve unwrapped and caked up the main color (As You Wish) and the first six minis, the first four are seen below. All of the colorway names are inspired by The Princess Bride. I’ve been pretty consistent knitting on this to be done before the Super Bowl in February.
And I ended up frogging the socks I’d started last month and cast on a new pair.
And as for my mid-year check-in for the Year of Projects, I’m glad I was so conservative in selecting my projects – I’m adding to the list as I’m inspired, and with only a couple exceptions I’ve done pretty well.
Financial Finesse
While my budget got a bit off-track in the second half of the year, I still managed to pay down my existing debt more than I’d planned. Of course, I ended up increasing my fixed loan debts because I decided to acquire a recliner so we’d have seating for all of the tall people in the house. I used an interest-free loan, and it will be paid off in six months.
My grandson’s mama has started working, and she’s agreed to give me a monthly contribution toward the household. That will hopefully make up for the increase in utility usage from all these people. And my son has agreed to monthly rent as well, though I haven’t heard that he’s made any sales yet since he resumed working on January 2nd.
Grandson Glimpses
I celebrated New Year’s Eve with my grandson while I was dog sitting my friends’ golden retriever, Baxter. The munchkin adores Baxter, and the feeling is mutual. We went for a couple walks, despite the cold, and he thoroughly enjoyed the giant Christmas tree.
Yesterday (Sunday) we celebrated his THIRD birthday, and that was full of fun. While I’d wanted to make a cake for him, he wanted cupcakes. We had pizza followed by cupcakes, and he was SO excited. While we were singing “happy birthday,” my son decided to slide the cupcakes with the lit candle towards him, so he promptly blew out the candle. 🤦♀️ Lots of Paw Patrol presents, plus a new pair of Spider-Man pajamas.
Lots of fun plans for the year, so let’s go!
Knit on. 🧶
Kninja Knitter 
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