Half socked

This past weekend flew by and despite trying to get as much fresh air at the sea side and into the countryside for a walk I found myself longing for my bed. Under the cover's all snug and cosy with my knitting and books. We bought a new mattress a couple of weeks ago and it's just divine to say the least. Amazing what you put up with when you don't really think about changing something like a mattress but, when you do you sure notice the difference and reap the benefits of a much more supported and comfy sleep.


Sleep is a very important part of my life, it's a whole ceremony and I have to have crisp cotton sheets and natural fibres on my skin and the pillows have to be just right! A bit fussy I know, but I value each and every drop of slumber I get!


The grey weather outside and the warm invitation of a bed have led me to read a little more. Lately, I have found myself having very little time to read anything other than scientific articles and research in nutrition (my professional subject), but this post by Wendy of Read Read Read's blog got me motivated to get down to ticking off a few books I have had queueing up over the past few months.

So, I scooted off to my local library to get 'Never let me go' out and first of all I'd like to thank Mr. Ishiguro for yet another amazing novel and Wendy for helping me to get my reading head on again! I loved The Unconsoled which I read about 18 months ago. Never let me go is proving to be a book I can't put down and I am savouring how much it is reminding me of the fragility of life yet with haunting undertones. I am only half way through but hope to finish it this week. Have you had any time to read a good book lately?

 We also went down to the de la warr pavilion on Sunday afternoon to but tickets for us and Alice's English Granny and Gramps to come and see her in her performing arts school annual production. They always do it in February half term holidays and this year it's Peter Pan. Alice loves her musical theatre and ballet and relishes taking part in these great productions. I usually chaperone for the school but my licence has run out so I'm having a break this year.

It was great to have a look at the Andy Warhol exhibition again, amazing that this is free and right on our door step.

I simply couldn't resist buying these Fred measuring cups from the pavilion's shop to add to Alice's baking implement collection. What's not to love about Matroyshka dolls? and especially functional ones! Little Miss Alice has now started to write out her first recipe collection book and is taking a sweet interest in cooking but more so in baking. Who can blame the girl :0)

We had a lovely fresh, crisp walk and scooter along the sea front followed by hot chocolate and coffee.

My venture in the knitted DPN sock world is proving to be a bit of a learning curve for me but oh so gratifying when it all starts to come together. I'm loving how this yarn self stripes, how cool is sock yarn! This very first DPN sock I've knitted is by no means perfect but I decided these will be my "learning socks" and by hook or by crook I'm determined to get them perfect!


Want to see something silly? here goes....

Can you spot the difference?

He he, one sock on and one sock off! And yes for those of you who have closely inspected this photo, I don't shave in winter. OK, so that will gross some of you out but hey ho that's just what I choose to do. My neighbour's must definitely think I've lost the plot coming out into the cold half socked!

Therein that heel lay the challenge for me but I squeeled with delight when it all came together. I never in a million years thought I could teach myself to knit in the round. I can't tell you how delighted I am and possibly also a little addicted? {Can you see a couple of holey holes lurking in those threads?}

Sorry but I am still having a WONDEROUS WALLOW in those colours and stripes....yummy. I must get cracking with the next sock before it starts to warm up in these here parts. 

Thanks so much for visiting and all your comments are read and well enjoyed, I try to visit your wonderful blogs too and hope to see you all soon.

Penelope xox