Joining with Amy at Love Made my Home.
This is my first Five on Friday of the New Year so it seems appropriate to share five firsts of the year.
As mentioned in my short post yesterday I have recently returned from my first holiday in several years. In the past I have often traveled alone, usually meeting up with family or friends in different parts of the world. This latest trip was the first time traveling with a wheelchair
This poses a number of issues like, luggage; how to transport the crutches; not to mention the anxiety of wondering if the assistance booked will work. Luggage was kept to a minimum as it had to fit in the backpack pictured, which would go on the back of the chair. A couple of strong elastic loops stitched to the bag held the crutches neatly in place and I was all set to go. There was also a small cloth kit bag that sat on my knee. This filled up with all the layers of clothing peeled off as the journey to warmer climes progressed. When there is not much luggage room it is amazing how many layers of clothing you can get on before expiring from heat.
The assistance worked well apart from a slight hiccup at Birmingham Airport on the way out but obliging strangers were happy to help.
First knitting project
I started a pair of socks over Christmas, (which still need to be finished). They could have been taken on the journey, but that would have involved two balls of wool and as already mentioned space was at a premium. What a good excuse to start a new project! This lovely hand dyed yarn from Abstract Cat Yarn on Etsy and Close to You Shawl pattern on Ravelry fitted perfectly into a small bag. (I took a circular needle but have transferred it onto straight needles to photograph) As you can see, not a lot of knitting was accomplished, although it was a great conversation piece on train, plane and ship.
First daffodils
On returning home one of the first tasks (after the mountain of washing - how did that happen with such a small bag, but, just like Mary Poppins it just kept coming) was to stock up at the supermarket. There is something very depressing about an empty fridge. Steering my fully laden and decidedly wobbly trolley towards the check out, I almost ran over a box of daffodils. They looked a bit neglected propped up by the sweet rack so I liberated a couple of bunches for myself and my lovely mum. They look much more cheerful in the beautiful studio pottery jug a friend gave me for Christmas.
First bowl of fruit
One of the rewards of the dreaded shopping is a cheery bowl of fruit. I could not resist the carton of Sweeteenie with glossy skin and leaves. (That name has to be the figment of a PR person's imagination). It is no doubt an extravagance paying for leaves you cannot eat, but they look so pretty and the fruit are very sweet and juicy too.
First Craft Club meeting
This morning was our first Craft Club meeting of the year. A small group of us meet up once a month to "make" together. One of us, hosts and provides an activity, tea, coffee and cake and we take it in turn through the year. We lost one of our members last year, which we all found very hard and difficult to carry on. Doti would be very cross with us if we did give up, so we have begun this year with new enthusiasm. The bag of threads we were using this morning were Doti's, so she is still with us and part of our group.
Stephanie organised the activity and we made an early start on Easter creating eggy motifs for cards or a garland. None of us quite finished our creations, but there was cake to eat and lots of chat to catch up on!
Still not quite finished but nearly there.
I am looking forward to catching up with all the other Five on Friday posts.
It is good to be back with a fresh start to a new year.
