Monday, January 19, 2026

January Cold

 

I thought I took a better picture of all of the Grackles in this tree. They really didn't like having their picture taken and started flying away. My daughter used to call them Walmart birds. They seem to love french fries. 
 
Happy Birthday to Edgar Allan Poe! 1809-1849
 
One of my favorite authors. Think of it, he didn't use AI he didn't have a computer. He wrote long hand and had so many more life experiences than I will. He had so many in his short 40 years of life. Albeit a much harder life than I think I will live. It just struck me today as I was reading my email. Yes, I belong to a Edgar Allan Poe reading list. And Yes, I have read all of the theories on his death. Such a mystery. I miss the man who started on January 19 1949 to put a bottle half-empty cognac and three red roses on his grave in Baltimore. For over 60 years. The morning he failed to show up, I grieved for that unknown man. Odd I know, to that man it was a service. It was that unknown man I thought of first this morning.
 
 
But this week, I have been reading books about Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The first book, (I don't normally read current fiction but this was good.) My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie and the old book by Anya Seton My Theodosia. I have read a series of books by Kenneth Roberts and not being a New Englander,  I really loved them and his version of history. But how in the world how I have gone down this rabbit hole. 
 
I got this bound and steamed and put away for October. I guess you could say it was my third finish for 2026.
I finished my rug for the challenge too. 

  
I got it bound and steamed too. I think it turned out pretty cute. I tried to use only my old wool that I had. I did have to get into some of my newer wool a bit because I have used up so many of my old bags and bags of past projects, which was a very nice surprise. I always like having an excuse to buy wool. 

Then the rug that my daughter drew out for me when she was in college. Its called Rise and Shine. 

 
So that is my first finishes for 2026. Which should have been finished in 2025 but you know how life crowds in and plans get changed. We are having a real winter for us. Cold and foggy days. Its our version of snow I guess you could say. I always think its perfect hooking weather. Except of course, having Polly who thinks we need to go for walks. Which is why I got her. So hooking kind of takes a back seat. 
 
My plans are to play around in dye pots this week. I bought four or five yards of white wool and I need some colors. Nothing is quite so much fun to me is dyeing wool. Its like magic. Making such fun colors and then using them to make rugs. I do love rug hooking. 
I hope your week will be wonderful and full of creative endeavors. 
Thank you so much for stopping by to read my scribbles.
 
~Kim~ 
 

 


 

10 comments:

Saundra said...

You've certainly not been a slacker when it comes to rug finishes for 2025. So ya ready to start with a new series of rugs for 2026?
I used to read and sadly haven't picked up a book to read unless it is awaiting for some appointment. That is if I don't have a rug to bind, and then that's what keeps me busy. I admire your thirst for reading!

Angela said...

Hi Kim, I loved the story about the Poe visitor- I never heard it before! So interesting. Always enjoy book recommendations though heaven knows I don't need any more. LOL Your rugs are beautiful! I have been framing cross stitch pieces from years ago as well as crocheting coasters for my home and a baby blanket for grandbaby number 8 due in May. Happy January! I get to be another year older this month. : )

Gretchen Joanna said...

Poe is a writer I've never been interested in. But I know what you mean, about going down a rabbit hole. There are plenty of writers who make me so curious. Most recently, I think Nevil Shute is amazing. His stories are good, but to think of all the practical and broad experience he had, the knowledge it took to write about so many things in such detail...

I'm happy for you about your rugs! It's always wonderful to use up some wool (and buy new!), or to complete a project. I am looking forward to finishing some projects this year, instead of traveling.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Thanks for the Poe facts. I knew nothing about him.
Rugs all look great!

TheCrankyCrow said...

Wowza...3 finishes already in the new year. I am such a pathetic slacker..in starts, finishes, progresses and otherwises. Happy Birthday to dear Edgar, indeed. His "visitor" has always fascinated me as well. To be so remembered! Now your newest rabbit hole is something I'm not much familiar with...I might have to do some investigating...or not, ugh. I think, of late, I live more underground in rabbit holes than above ground. Unbelievably cold here...and about to get even colder. I was at the lake the past week and we had snow every day but came home yesterday. Here it is just cold...REALLY cold. (Did I say that already? LOL)

Bonnie K said...

Poe is wonderful. I never knew about the headstone visitor. How sad. I was always a Hamilton fan. Love your rugs. Cozy work.

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Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Wow, I wish I had your energy! All of your rugs are so pretty. Have a great week!

Pom Pom said...

You did get to dye wool! Your finishes are super lovely!