ho ho ho

I'm getting excited for Christmas. I know, I know. What about Thanksgiving and all the turkey yumminess? Well, it'll be virtual turkey for me this year, although I do have loads of pumpkin bread and pie supplies thanks to my pumpkin conspirator friends! Being a Yank in England is a funny experience when our national holidays come along. For Fourth of July my brother was trying to convince me to hang a big-ass American flag off my balcony. Hahaha. Yeah, not a good idea. It was a funny one though.

The wedding shrug is about 70% complete. I'm at the flat pattern bit on the other sleeve and side now so with any luck, this sucker will be done this weekend. And none too soon as I'm heartily sick of this pattern already and keep having to keep my eyes from drifting longingly to the Mr Greenjeans supplies for mom's Christmas present. 60 more rows. 60 more rows, seaming, and blocking and I'll be free!! I'm so excited.

And speaking of Christmas, I think I'm going to be up the proverbial creek this year if I don't get a move on with my Christmas shopping. Methinks online shopping for everyone this year with just a few exceptions as there is no way I'll have room in my suitcases next month. Plus, I'm really not one of those who loves last minute shopping. The crowds drive me nuts and suck out all the Christmas cheer from my bones. This year's going to be chaotic enough with my brother's wedding happening before New Year's and I'm all about minimizing holiday stress. I'll have to start poking around my favorite online shops this weekend.

And speaking of online shops, is Elann.com the best kept yarn bargain secret out there? Seriously, I got their newsletter earlier this week and was floored once again by their selection and prices. They're even beating KnitPicks! I may have to appease the stash gods once again when I get home.

Well, it's off to the dissertation for me now. I finished reading Northanger Abbey last night and my chapter on education awaits. I need to see how my readalong friends are doing with the novel.

Toodles!

ETA: I know, I'm back. But look! Cass the enabler has posted great gift ideas for knitters. Oh my weekend is going to be fab!