I spend alot of my spare time during the off season knitting which I enjoy.  Right now I’m knitting each of my grandchildren ear  warmers and mitts called Tabata.   They are designed by Anne Hanson of the Knitspot.  If you are a knitter you may want to check out her site.  She has some awesome patterns and an enjoyable blog. The yarn I purchased is Fourth of July from Briar Rose.  If your looking to purchase some really nice yarn or fiber this is one shop you need to check out.

So while I continue to knit away the hours I keep thinking about spring…..changes to the pond…..new plants to offer…..what plants are thriving in the greenhouse. When the planting season ends things begin happening in the greenhouse.  With seedlings and dividing of plants there is alot of do to get ready for the following season.  Put on the gloves, play in the dirt,  then watch the plants begin to grow.

 It won’t be long and most of us will begin the task of spring cleaning our ponds.  While there is still alot of activity in the warmer climates those of us in the north continue to wait.  Being a mild winter thus far only makes us more anxious for spring.

Other signs of spring are starting…..here are my Helleborus starting to peek out of the ground.   Its usually a good sign.  And then the daffodils…

Today it is about 50 degrees out…..the robins are now busy at work.  They wouldn’t stay still long enough for me to get their picture, maybe next time.  Hopefully it won’t be long now.  I’m getting stir crazy waiting on the warmer weather.  When I talked to some of my customers in the warmer areas of the country, I get excited.  They are already outside working on their ponds and deciding what pond plants they want this year. 

So since I can’t go outside and start gardening, I decided to do some cooking instead.  I best do what cooking I can before the busy season is here.  Today it was cream puffs…..chocolate pudding filling.  It’s almost as good as going outside and gardening.

I spent most of the day knitting on my Christmas presents.  These fingerless mitts knit up fast and make great presents.  My dear friend, Anne designs some of the best!  This is a pattern,  Fine Cable Mitts from Knitspot in luscious black cashmere and mink from Great Northern Yarns.  

Then the other colors….what’s not to love???????

 The colors remind me of waterlilies so I don’t miss the pond as much during the winter.  At least that’s what I told myself so I didn’t feel as quilty ordering several different colors….when I look at my pond now the plants that are hardy and there for the winter are all brown but the water is crystal clear.  I don’t see the fish much as they are all hiding at the bottom staying warm.

Well I think I need to get back to my knitting and get some of those presents done.