Laowai

This past week it got nice and chilly. I moved all my geraniums into paper bags. They will hang out in a dark room in the basement – napping until spring. 

I've been in the mood for knitting. The project that I've had so much trouble with – my summer sweater – is finally moving along. I should have it done soon so I can get back to knitting with wool. Yay!

The sweater started out like this but I didn't like the shape and edging of that pattern.

So I ripped all that yarn and started with this basic t-shirt shaped sweater. I think I will be able to wear it like a vest with slim shirts underneath.

I've been enjoying walking in the not-hot weather. Lake Michigan was looking pretty on one stormy day.

My Zinnias are still going strong. I think I might try to save some seeds like my grandma always did.

I've not had a great year for tomatoes. I brought a bunch of green ones inside because it feels like frost is coming.

Bea has been going to an after school club where they make things out of glass. She made this little mushroom. I love to see her doing arty things. Even though she is mostly interested in science and biology at school she is a great fearless artist too. 

In old house news – this shower fixture is giving me big anxiety. I've talked to multiple plumbers and contractors since the fixture stopped working. Most of them say it's not repairable and that we need to take down all the tile to replace it. And some of them have given me ridiculous quotes. Uhg. I'm crossing my fingers that the latest contractor will help come up with a creative and affordable plan that doesn't involve retiling the whole shower.

It's a good thing I can take nice long walks at the Chicago Botanic Garden to calm myself.

Brian and I went to see our first opera of the season – The Flying Dutchman. 

We sit at the tippy top where the seats are cheap but also the sound is very good.

That's about all I have to report. Brian is doing lots of traveling so I think I will tackle some sewing projects while he is away.