Sorry for going a bit quiet on all my lovely readers. The last bit of March went flying by as it was Spring Break for my boys and since then it’s been madness.
For one thing, the weather up here on my mountain doesn’t seem able to make up it’s mind. First it’s 60+ temperatures (farenheit for those of my non-US readers) with loads of mud everywhere, then it’s 6-10 inches of snow and below freezing temps.
A few weekends back was Easter, which my family tends to celebrate as the beginning of spring. For the first time, in a long while, we actually had a warm weather day here on the mountain to celebrate my favorite Spring holiday. Generally we are still contending with just above freezing. Our egg hunts are either conducted indoors or wearing full winter gear.
I’ve been working away on much of the book-keeping tasks that seem to be neglected until tax time rolls around again. Every year I promise myself that I will do a better job of keeping up with that job. So far I’ve not done a stellar job with meeting that promise.
Of course, the good news is, each year the amount of book-keeping work increases as my design, writing and teaching work load increases. As my darling friend Pam says, it is a “quality problem”. Who knows, 2013 may well be the year I finally hire someone to do the book-keeping for me. That might whip me into shape.
Speaking of getting into shape. My birthday resolution of improving my health is coming closer to my grasp. I’ve been working on developing the habit of going to bed before midnight. Amazing what getting decent sleep does for one’s attitude overall, not to mention the improvement in energy during the day.
I’m also exercising more each day. Some days it is just 1/2 an hour of dancing in my living room to my favorite disco tunes. This is really entertaining to do when my children are home after school. Who knew one could embarrass their children when no one is around? Wait til I dance in the grocery store aisle when shopping with them.
I’ve been reading a rather inspiring book that one of my PJ Jam friends recommended. “Younger Next Year for Women; Live Strong, Fit and Sexy – Until You’re 80 and Beyond ” by Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, M.D.
The book is really reiterating some of the info I already knew about keeping active and involved in life to stay healthy. Written with a rather humorous voice at times I have been finding it entertaining, as well as motivating me to get off my duff and get active again.
I will be going to see my medical doctor soon for an evaluation as part of my fitness program. Partly because I hope to repeat the appointment in a year and see an improvement. My 50th birthday is only 6 months away now, so I’m thinking that will be my first milestone to shoot for.
It would be lovely to walk up my own driveway by then without feeling winded. And in case you are thinking I’m really a wuss for being winded going up my drive, it’s a very steep drive and I live at nearly 8500 feet above sea-level.
Meanwhile I have a few new designs out. Flowered Wedding Favor Box is worked in thread and is quick to stitch up. Work the flowers in your wedding colors, or make one trimmed box to hold a gift for Mom this Mother’s day.
And if you missed the issue of Crochet World that had my Button Showcase Bracelet in it, you can now find the pattern on the Red Heart Website.
I hope you are all enjoying your Spring and finding time for some outdoor play to balance your crochet time.
Mamas2Hands 
I would like to concur that Andee’s driveway really IS that steep, and surprisingly how much being at 8500 ft takes away your stamina.
However, I’m sure that many of you have noticed just how beautiful the view and surroundings are for her, so in my opinion, that really does put many, many check marks in the Positive column!