The Winter That Never Was Finally Is (Was)

Well, all the bragging that we didn't have any more than 2" of snow at once this winter has caught up with us. Last week we got our first real storm of the season, and the kids got two days off of school. I ended up finally getting to use the snowblower (3 times, actually). The kids and dogs were loving it. Too much in my eyes to get at one time. It got heavy halfway through the storm because it was mixed with rain. Before that it was light and fluffy. Jewel outside in the snow, Maggie in one of her favorite spots, the front bay window.

This was the day before, I think, in the midst of the storm. They both love the snow. They usually spend at least half an hour just laying in the snow before they'll come in. If I try to get them to come inside they look at me like I'm crazy. The only thing that can lure them inside is a treat, lol. I keep a towel by the door to wipe them off. Jewel usually shakes off outside before she comes in, but you have to be fast with Maggie, she shakes as soon as she gets inside and makes a mess.

I had a video of Jewel in the snow, shoving her face in it, crazy thing. I forgot to upload it, and it's on the computer at work as I'm still awaiting the return of my touchscreen computer. And I call this The Winter That Never Was Finally Is (Was) because the snow has melted a lot, it's been beautiful out pretty much since the storm except for some fierce winds yesterday. Tomorrow could be messy, forecast is for up to 15cm of snow, but it could be rain in our area as well. I guess it's a wait-and-see kinda thing.

I do have one FO, a pair of felted slippers in mens large to fit 10/11. The lady's husband got her a pair for Christmas, and she likes them so much she got him a pair. Fiber Trends Felted Clogs, Patons Classic Wool in chestnut brown and pumpkin, Ravelry details here.

I'm going to close on a rather sad note. The store where I work has been around for a long time. The owners started it over 30 years ago, it was mostly computer and photography stuff based from their house back then. They moved it to town, the first location on Main St. T has his 21 year anniversary there next month and I my 12 year anniversary. Back in December 2000, I believe it was, we moved the store to the larger and current location. Over the years it has expanded from computers, photography, and custom framing to cell phones and yarn. Also along the way at one point there were candles and environmentally friendly stationery and some gift shop type stuff. The latter three haven't been there for several years. Anyhoo, originally the store was to be passed on to the owners' daughter, but she passed away at age 23, six months before I started working there. (Not to get too involved, but she has some health issues, but it was an out-of-the-blue kind of thing that was not expected at all.) They have a son, too, but he lives in a group home and requires 24-hour care. They've since adopted two kids, the now young man works at the store, but he's moving away in the summer, and the girl (who happens to be my BF's niece) has no interest in the store at all (she's still in high school). So the owners really want to retire, they put the store up for sale last summer. The lease on our spot is up in October of this year, and we knew that come October that's it unless someone should happen to buy it. T and I found out last Monday that they are closing the store on March 31. No more LYS. The town will also be losing a place for passport photos, black and color photocopies, digital retouching, custom framing, cell phones, fax service, etc. There is another computer shop in town, but I think our store is going to be missed by a wide variety of people.

So anyone in our area, there is 25% off of everything in the store except for computers. This does include in stock digital cameras, ink cartridges, and of course all of the yarn, patterns, needles, accessories, etc. The sock yarn is getting highly picked over. I do have one last order of Classic Wool and some Kroy coming in a week or so. Any yarn left when the final day comes is going home with me, and I will sell it for the owners. I have an unused rec room where I can keep it. The way the yarn has been flying out the door since last Tuesday, though, I don't think I'll have a whole lot to look after. Today was the highest selling yarn day we've ever had.

Happy knitting!