05 December 2012

positive mental appetite

At 57 degrees of northerly latitude it's dark a lot just now. When the sun does shine it is brief and blinding. But mostly it's dark. And then, last night, the snow arrived. In an effort to stay sane I am trying to see it through the shiny eyes of a five year old who cannot remember the last time she saw snow. They're very shiny eyes.

I am trying not to see it through the eyes of a car-less woman who has to push about 20kg of fully loaded pram a mile up a snowy hill to school before nine o'clock in the morning. Those eyes are not shining.



But when I got home from the Arctic expedition school run this morning, I found the perfect prescription for any weather woes. Meaghan Smith's It Snowed blaring out of the computer, all the gifts and wrapping stuff laid out on the table, happy baby in his bouncer, and a plate piled high with buttered toast. (It really doesn't work without the toast.) I predict the warm fuzzy feeling lasting until we need to tackle the hill again at 3pm.

The recent cold snap has accelerated progress on my current knitting, because this jumper/dress looks like it is going to be so comfortable and warm that I can't wait to finish. Just the sleeves left to do. The Boss has grown out of her jeans, but I think I might have to go and find a cheap pair, because these colours will look great with denim.

Bulle in Araucania Toconao Multy


Where books are concerned, I've been indulging in Nigella Christmas - it's such a great way to start feeling excited about all the catering that the next few weeks promise, rather than being daunted by it. On Saturday, a brunch party at our house is followed by a kids' party at a friend's, so what better day to delve into Nigella Christmas? Chestnut soup, mince pies and Christmas morning muffins beckon for brunch, and Parma ham bundles should transport easily to the party (dates stuffed with goat's cheese and wrapped in ham).

It's important to lay down reserves for those daily Arctic adventures after all.


23 comments:

  1. Don't you have a baby carrier for your wee lamb? Seems it would be easier to strap him to you than push a buggy!

    Lovely sweater btw. Great knitting.

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    Replies
    1. Too terrifyingly icy for a carrier unfortunately. While we share a latitude with the Scandinavians, we don't share their municiple efficiency and our pavements will be lethal til about March!

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    2. And of course there's nowhere to put the lunch box/homework bag/nativity costume/charity Christmas gifts/swaddle for toy baby Jesus who's cold apparently/cupcakes for unspecified purpose... Oh when I said fully loaded pram I wasn't kidding. The girl naturally couldn't carry anything due to snowballing priorities!

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  2. What a beautiful jumper/dress. It would deffo look good with denim :)

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  3. gorgeous yarn and pattern. it seems to me you'll be needing to knit something warm and cozy next for those arctic expeditions of yours!

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  4. I now have a mental image of you pushing a pram loaded to the brim including cupcakes. Now all you need is a cape to complete your super hero status! Stay warm!!

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  5. LOVE that yarn company and the colorway is gorgeous! Lucky you to have snow. All of ours has melted away :(

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  6. How sweet to have snow, can you believe I am sitting here in 78 degree weather? It just seems wrong to Christmas in shorts and flip flops, but
    there you have it!

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    Replies
    1. I must say, the past couple of years spending advent in Singapore made me miserable, it just didn't feel like Christmas in the shorts and flip flops! We escaped for the holidays each year, once to Japan and once to the UK, we just HAD to get a blast of cold to help Santa on his way!

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  7. Your Bulle looks lovely! and your food plans sound perfect!

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  8. Hmm that sounds delicious! Well done for being so organised with presents too!
    The bulle looks fabulous in those colours, I wouldn't mind a grown-up version..

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  9. Agreeing with Tracey. Weird to be gardening in a tank top today.
    Also, kind of sad that neither of my kids knows what it feels like to bundle up and be in snow.
    Hugs,
    C

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  10. I love chestnut soup!

    Darling little sweater for The Boss there :)

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  11. woah, all that snow! and here I was complaining about the cold in London. have been indulging in xmas reading (and watching and listening) too (: merry xmas!

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  12. Sounds perfect , after the expedition, I mean. That dress is beautiful! xx

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  13. I love it! The only thing you forgot was a hot cuppa cocoa!

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  14. Oh I hope you knit the dress for yourself too!

    Just think of all the extra mince pies you can eat with all that cold weather exercies (was just reading that you use up more calories in the cold) - Happy Days!!

    Brunch sounds wonderful.

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  15. Wishing you all the best for 2013 for you and your beautiful family!xo

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  16. Happy New Year to you!!! Hope you're doing well and keeping warm.

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  17. What a great blog you have! Reading this post really made me smile. :-)
    I'm going to have to visit again lots and lots now that I've discovered you.
    Until next time.....
    Carly
    x

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