The newest workout: shovel aerobics

Actually, I can't really complain much about the amount of shoveling. Honestly, 9 inches of snow (especially this fairly light, powdery stuff) is nothing compared to what those poor folks in upper NY state have been enduring for the past few weeks. I just can't imagine having snow piled up to the eaves of my house!

For all the fuss, I'd have thought that the storm would be worse. Yes, the south end of Lake Shore Drive had to be shut down last night due to white out conditions, but this is Chicago after all. We're hardy folk used to weather extremes and harsh winters. Right?

I'd much rather have the snow than the extreme cold of the past 2 weeks. Snow can be pretty and fun. I've enjoyed watching the dogs deal with it: drifts in the back yard are as tall as their shoulders, and they bound through them valiantly, following their standard route patrolling the boundaries of the yard. And Hannah just loves to snap her jaws along the surface, snatching up mouthfuls of snow. I swear, Hannah will eat anything.

Diversions

The Spring 2007 Interweave Knits came in the mail yesterday! There are several patterns that interest me, but none more than the Cable-Down Raglan by Stefanie Japel.


Front and back are stunning. I love the shaping and the tailored look. As soon as I finish Mermaid, I think this will be my next project.

I had to dive into the stash today to see what I had on hand that could work for this pattern. The pattern calls for Louet Gems Worsted (100% merino wool), but I only have one odd skein of that in my stash. While I haven't been following the Knit from Your Stash fad this year, I do realize that I have quite a stash by now and that I really should use yarn I have on hand if at all possible. Besides, I'm already awaiting two packages (my first shipment from the Rockin' Sock Club and some stuff -- not yarn, but accoutrements -- from Knit Picks), and I just don't want to have a third on the way right now.

So, a quick run through stash reveals these choices for the Cable-Down Raglan:

• Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in the Sage color. (80% cotton/20% wool)
• Debbie Bliss Wool Cotton in color #702 (?), a royal blue. (50% cotton/50% wool)
• Knit Picks Merino Style in Hollyberry (a deep red) color. (100% merino wool)
• Lorna's Laces Dove in either Lilac or Chocolate colors. (80% wool/20% cotton)

I'm leaning towards the Lorna's Laces Dove in Lilac, 'cause I think this tweedy yarn and soft, spring-like color will work very well with the pattern. I'd love to hear other opionons in the Comments, though.

OK, I'm off to bed now. A cab is picking me up a 6 AM tomorrow (yikes!) so I can catch a flight to Dallas to attend a 2-day meeting. At least it will be moderately warmer there.