January

Happy New Year friends of our blog!

I almost decided not to make an appearance here this year and rather post updates on Instagram but I knew that in time that I would regret that. I go through phases where I log out of all social media platforms and often delete or deactivate accounts yet I always come back to the blog. So, my intention for this year is to update at least once a month and if time permits maybe more but most certainly a monthly update. That way I have all our memories here too. We have set a slow and steady pace this year and I hope to carry that through the year. Slow + Steady. There is always so much happening all around us that we often get too caught up in the rush and forget to stop and breathe. This year that will be different. Yes, we have plans and those have been set in motion but I still believe that we can plan and do and be without being catapulted into the midst of chaos. Does that make any sense at all?

 

I started my knitting year with a sweet Helena's Bonnet I have been meaning to knit up for ages. I found it on ravelry some time back but never actually got around to casting on. The initial plan was to make one for Danika - this one is for my nephew (he arrives in May). I had the honour of test knitting Northwinds Mittens for Nora of Fox & Folk this month. I have never participated in a test knit and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Nora's patterns have always caught my eye and I loved learning to Latvian Braid. I'm sure the pattern will be up on her website soon so keep checking back for it.

We have kept with Clonard Distance Education for our home school curriculum for Garren this year. We flew through it in grade 4 last year and it follows the same principles and layout as he experienced when he was at Merchiston Prep. It makes sense to him and if ever the need should arise we can whip him back into the schooling system without a hitch. He has enjoyed the various themes set for this term so far with History's "Hunters-gatherers and herders of Southern Africa" being his favourite. We have painted on rocks and Oupie has regaled tales of his army days when he befriended a San and this person taught him a few secrets to living out in the wild and bush!  Fridays I spend a little more craft time with Danika. We craft up an activity from the theme we have set for the week. Garren climbs in and enjoys it too even though it's a little on the "baby" side for him. This month we focused on All About Me and Pets. Joshua is in his last year of school, I cant believe it. He has been proudly wearing his new blazer with new trimming to show his colours achieved and he feels confident he is on the road to where his heart wants to be. He also received his ID document book so that adds to the whole feeling of being quite grown up - right? This also means that he gets to register to vote with us this year.

It really hasn't been a good start to the year in our vegetable garden. The weather has been a little bipolar! We have had days were the heat would debilitate and with highs of over 40 degrees Celsius we would hide out inside until the cool afternoon and swim away until late in the evening. Then wild winds would blow in and knock down our veggie tee-pees and then bring in rain for days. Dont get me wrong... we have had a good harvest of carrots and tomatoes and lettuce and bush beans but our spinach hasn't fared well at all. We will keep at it. Rob added a new row of carrots, spinach and coriander. I love that stuff I add coriander to everything!

In conclusion January has been a good month all round. 

Not excellent - Not outstanding  - Just Good  - Just Satisfying - Just Beautifully Slow + Steady!

Exactly the way we hoped and planned it would be. 

I for one am ready for February and all the simple pleasures and sweet moments that will come with it. 

this post was shared with Ginny's Yarn Along link up.