A few weeks ago Christine told us about her friend Peaknits Blogiversary contest. She admitted she was a bit hesitant because she thinks I always win but nevertheless she told us about it. Imagine my chagrin when I did, in fact, win. Honestly Christine, if you had hundreds of blogs on your bloglines you’d be entering contests left and right and you’d win more stuff too! What’s cool is that the same morning I found out about the contest I’d been admiring her adorable booties over on Ravelry. When Peaknits has a contest, she really does it up right. Not only did I get a gorgeous pink colorway of Yarntini (a favorite for sure!) but there’s also a fabulous little handmade bag (note the interior detail and the zipper pull) as well as some delicious chocolate, a scrummy candle, and some adorable summery stitch markers. Thanks so much Ms Peaknits! Speaking of contests, here’s your chance to get even Christine (and you other knitters be sure to check out Knitting Sutra’s contest asap, you won’t be sorry).

One of the fun things about being gone for awhile is that the mailman has left all sorts of goodies in the mailbox and on the doorstep. Not least of the new arrivals is the latest Redbird Knits sockclub kit. This one is a lovely two-fer. I think the blue one will be the perfect mindless knitting filler so that one will have to go on the needles right away. I also received the copies of Dominknitrix and Poetry in Stitches I’d anxiously been waiting for.

We had sufficient rain this year that combined with the occasional sprinkle when the house sitter came enabled the garden to survive until our return. The Stargazer lily has opened as well as the sunflower our chipmunks planted. The sweet 100s tomatoes are beginning to ripen and my first zinnia has bloomed.