I love the lull between Christmas and New Year. The town is quiet, and time seems to stand still to allow plenty of pondering before January hurtles us forward into a new year and this time, a new decade. Yikes!

Speaking of plenty, I spent time thinking about all that I’m grateful for.

In no particular order:

wonderful customers and readers of my blog, especially those who keep in touch, leave comments and share their stores

my lovely son and daughter (above)

an appreciative husband (below) wearing the shirt I made him for Christmas. It fits perfectly and he was ultra proud and happy.

Good food, at home and in restaurants.

These works of art were part of our New Year’s Eve lunch at Te Whau vineyard cafe on Waiheke Island. What a place. A view over the water that may bring you to your knees, exquisite food, understated, le Corbusier-inspired architecture. If you haven’t been, I recommend that you save your pennies (it will take a few) hop on the ferry to the Island and treat yourself.

citrus scallops

wasabi crab mousse (hiding under the radishes)

things to make

a new year means fresh possibilities for new projects! I’m inspired by the many Habu goodies that arrived just before Christmas.

lace weight linen (XS-55)

spiral slub (A-172)

“Shippo” Tail Scarf kit (paper linen & silk stainless steel)

Kushu Kushu Scarf kit (merino & silk stainless steel )

I’ll be adding them to South Seas Knitting this week.

Happy New year everyone!

–Mel