We’re smack dab in the middle of November already!

I’m currently sitting at Ann’s, having already been to the laundromat this morning to wash some big stuff, and I have the doors open! It’s 57F, which isn’t really all that warm — but for mid-November it is! It feels good to give the place a little airing out before it’s not an option at all.

I brought a basket of knitting with my to the laundromat, and it’s here at Ann’s, too, in case I have a little time while I’m waiting on the dryer.

We’ve been watching Valhalla Murders on Netflix, which is subtitled — normally not a big problem, but Icelandic seems “quick,” and I have to pay attention! All that to say… I haven’t been knitting or stitching a whole lot.

And now thoughts are turning to vacation projects. Chances are that I’ll knit very little, if at all, but I must be prepared! I think I’ve decided to rip the sock that I was knitting for Maddy and make it a Musselburgh instead. I have two skeins of the Gauge Dyeworks Colourwheel and intended to make something for Maddy & Viv out of each, coordinating but not matching — initially, a pair of socks & a hat. Now, having seen an incredible Musselburgh variation (@theloopycat on IG), I think I’m going to knit two hats — one straight-up as the yarn comes off the skein, and the other with the variation. All that to say… I think one of those hats will be vacation knitting.

There are still some important little details to finish — reinstalling a few STOP and YIELD signs, and likely the guardrail at the end of our street — but in terms of equipment and work needing to be done on the actual street or sidewalk, especially in front of my house…

…it’s done. It’s messy, but it’s done. I think I’ll reconnect the hose tomorrow (60F & sunny) to get that all cleaned up.

The kiddos came over yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours.

They have their “routines,” at Nona’s… watching movies, LEGO & K’nex, puzzles, Minecraft, coloring, painting…

Ginny found some money — a dollar bill, a couple of coins — which inspired her to set up a little store. She collected some random things from around the house & gave me the money so I could go shopping! I bought some yarn & some photos, and complimented her on knowing what her customer would want! I should have taken photos of the shopkeeper with her shop! (Next time…)

I had to steal those last two photos from Kate’s IG story. I love that perspective.

Kate & I ran up to Green Bay yesterday for the second time in as many weeks.

There were a couple of stops on our list, one of them being the Pro Shop at Lambeau Field. They have a cute Lambeau Leap “photo op” installation and we just happened to walk out that door, so…

Rusty has a scrapbook entitled “Vietnam and Other Tales.” He got the scrapbooking gene from his mom, and there are some doozies between them!

He was about 22 in this photo. He was going to be drafted and enlisted instead. On his way to the infantry, he raised his hand when someone asked if anyone could type… and so he was spared the infantry and became a company clerk! I always think of him as my Radar O’Reilly. He later directed an arts & crafts program. It was on leave when he first visited Australia, and 50+ years later he’s returned… he is so enjoying it, too!

My sis & Addie queried me last night about what my dad did in the war. He was in the Air Force, and was a mechanic (“oh yeah,” she said). And then I did a quick search for the only photo I have…

Not in the greatest shape. So then this morning…

…I spent a little time fixing it. Not as much as I could have! The mouth isn’t quite right but it was nearly obliterated and there were no teeth to work with, so to speak, so I’m okay with it.

Happy Veterans Day, Rusty! RIP, Dad.