Fall, knitting, weather, knitting

I love Fall.  I love the crispness in the air.  I love walking in the park and kicking leaves.  I love the cooler nights and sleeping with the windows open and using a blanket.  I even love the mad dash to the bathroom in the mornings when the windows are still open and our bedroom is "crisp" too.

This year has been, so far, the second wettest year in Cleveland's recorded history.  As of yesterday, we had 51 inches of precipitation and it was only October 4.  The record is 53 inches.  Usually, in the last quarter of the year, we get approximately 8 inches of precipitation (rain or snow).  We are going to break the record.  While part of me is excited (I do so love breaking records) another part of me is totally peeved.  We went from 90 degree temps to 50.  Now, I don't mind 50.  What I didn't like about 50 is the freaking rain.  And, for the record, I deplore umbrellas.  All my coats have hoods.  I work in downtown Cleveland at 9th and Lakeside and it is windy.  In fact, the one time when we had clients in from  Chicago, they complained to me about the wind . . . the one guy said that every time he had been in Cleveland, he thought that we deserved the title of Windy City over Chicago's claim.

So, getting back to this weather thing, instead of having a crisp Fall, so far, we have had a cold, wet, damp Fall.  At the park on Sunday, there was no kicking of the leaves, it was more like slopping through the muck.  And, as we all know, wet leaves stink.

On the other hand, I have been getting some serious knitting done.  I made a hat for myself and one for Zachariah, using Jared Flood's pattern called "Turn a Square."  Zachariah's is in green and golds (the yarn was knitpicks).  Mine is black and multi colored reds (the yarn is knitpicks and Noro Silk Garden).  I also did a scarf for Zachariah and am working on one for me.  In the matching pattern called Noro Striped Scarf. The cool thing about these patterns and the multi use of different yarns is that it feeds my knitters' ADHD but is simple enough that I can do it while watching tv, riding the bus, eating lunch with my friends.

I also made a baby bunting thing and matching hat.  My niece (who is 39) is pregnant with her and her husband's first child.  They both have children from previous relationships but the youngest of the older three will be 18 this month.  Amy and Ron were married in 2009 and just told everyone that they weren't planning on kids but, as we all know, it is easier to sing that song than to have everyone asking you "Well, any knews yet?" Dave and I went through that whole wonderful experience so it is really a good plan to say, we aren't planning and then being joyfully surprised when hopes and dreams are realized.  They are both so very happy and I am so very happy for both of them.

And, someday, I will break out my camera and take pictures.