Greetings Unravelers!
I forgot to share yesterday my temperature chart, but it deserves a mention. One stunning thing I noted… Pittsburgh only had 4 days in the first quarter where the high temperature was in the 20’s.
Let that sink in a minute. Yes, that is right in 3 months, we had just 4 days in the 20’s. Every month had some temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s… yes, January, February, and March had days that got that warm. If I had not been tracking temperatures, I might not believe it.
This week I blocked my Nymphaladia (which is not yet on Ravelry) and wove in the couple of ends. I love the dramatic change from Monday’s photo!
I also began work on the heel turns on my mystery socks! I don’t think there is one single thing in knitting that brings more wonder that the simple process of turning a heel, and suddenly that flat flap begins to take form and a sock is born from a tube and a flap! I was a bit shocked to see that the color matching sock yarns were dramatically off in matching. Yes, one skein had a significant bit less of the green dyed part. So, these will be off-kilter socks but perhaps that is just what I needed to remember this off-kilter time!
It seems I have finally broken through the Reading Dam with gusto! My read’s this week were all noteworthy! Also, in case you missed it Mary is leading us all in SAH Book Bingo which began April 1st! I wonder if I can fill three cards between now and Labor Day? Anyways, Book Bingo is one of my very favorite things and I hope you join us!
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There has been lots of discussion about this book… and much of it revolved around “don’t read it.” However, I am a Rebel (aka Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies) and being such I felt compelled to read this book. I initially gave this book 4-stars but in thinking about the book for a few days, I really think this is a book deserving of a 5-star rating.
The story’s main characters, Lydia and her son Luca, survive a horrific event and must flee their home in Acapulco. This story revolves around that escape and the people (good and bad) that they meet in their journey.
I was moved by their journey, by their hope, by their determination, and especially by some of the people they interact with. The writing is wonderful – engaging – and it pulled me in from the first sentence. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was excellent.
Look past the hype and the naysayers and read this book! You will be glad you did!
The Unquiet Dead by Ausma Zehanat Khan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Book one in a series always is a bit of a challenge as you figure out the characters, their backgrounds, and how they came to be together. Rachel and Esa have wonderful potential. This story tackles a devastating time in history (the Bosnian War Crimes) and did so incredibly well! I struggled at first to keep things straight, but thankfully reading on the kindle makes remembering details easy. I am eager to read more of this series.
Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill Levine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book with my small group, and we watched Amy-Jill’s companion video series. If you want someone to give you a remarkable history lesson on Holy Week – this is the series for you! Levine’s insights and knowledge are wonderful. I learned so many things and my book is full of notes. I highly recommend it!
Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss by Margaret Renkl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At first, I did not think I was going to like this book at all, especially when I read a woman belongs in her husband’s church – yikes, that was cringe-worthy for me. But, I pressed on and am I glad I did!
Every day the world is teaching me what I need to know to be in the world. In the stir of too much motion: Hold still. Be quiet. Listen.
YES! I needed this reminder. I also needed to shed solidarity tears with Margaret as she sat in the pediatrician’s office with her newborn baby, tired – exhausted really, with a hungry, crying baby, trying her damnedest to breast feed with mastitis. Thank god for doctors that listen and remove the guilt and free you to be a better parent. “The best mother is a happy mother,” she said. “Give that baby a bottle.” AMEN!!
I loved her bird stories, her childhood stories, her parents stories, and how she looks at life. It is not perfect, but my gosh – it can be so beautiful.
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I love your temperature chart! Only one day in the 20s during winter? That has to be super shocking for PA! What a strange year.
I love your knitting projects – that shawl is stunning!
And your reading – my goodness! I have The Unquiet Dead on my TBR so I’m glad to read that you see potential in the series.
Thanks for the linkup!
I am really enjoying the temperature chart (thanks for the inspiration!) but no… 4-days had highs in the 20’s, still not at all normal!
Your shawl is gorgeous Kat! Glad to hear your reading is back on track (maybe there is hope for me?). And glad you were able to enjoy Late Migrations – one of my favorites!
I knew that we had a mild winter, but I’m not sure I realized just how mild it was!
Your blocked shawl is absolutely stunning!
That shawl is just lovely, Kat! And the colors seems so perfect for you!
(We had a really mild winter here, too.) (REALLY mild.)
It’s a beautiful blocking miracle! And off-kilter socks for an off-kilter pandemic and too-warm winter. The socks are lovely, the other things definitely not.
I love that shawl, and the colors are perfect!
That temperature chart is cool and your shawl is gorgeous. I started American Dirt but didn’t finish it after reading some excellent articles on just why it’s so problematic.
so glad you broke through your reading plateau, send me the mojo! Today I am making it a priority! Lovely shawl and the photo is quite stunning. Hoping you are safe and sound!!!
That temperature chart is really cool…. I know for a fact we’ve only just enjoyed a couple of 60 (or almost-60) days!! I don’t think we even had a proper “January Thaw” this year.
That shawl is GORGEOUS!!!
That shawl is just lovely…some of my favorite color flavors going on there. I just turned a heel myself this morning and you are correct…pure joy.
I finished American Dirt earlier this week! Quite a book! The shawl is amazing, I adore the colors.
I never thought of keeping track of the weather, what a great idea for a bujo.
Intrigued by American Dirt …and I love your shawl! Look forward to seeing it on you, too!
Cheers~
The shawl is so pretty. Blocking a shawl is magic – is it not? I am glad you are reading again. I seem to be picking up a book and then putting it back down. Not sure if it is the books, the time, me or a combination. And off kilter socks for this off kilter time – very appropriate. Thanks for hosting us.
I’m adding American Dirt & Late Migrations to my list…you’ve piqued my curiosity with both of those reviews!
that temperature chart is astonishing! (where do you find the data? I tend to look forward about the weather and don’t know a good place to look back … I’ve also thought it would be good to note the rainfall) Can’t wait to see how you record all these books on your card(SSSS … I think it’s a safe bet to say you’ll cover FOUR!)
Love the shawl! Thanks [as always] for the book recommendations.