I’m all about mindless knitting right now. For me that means socks. I finished the pair I was working on when I last updated you on socks, but I have yet to take a picture of them. I also made Elliot a pair of tube socks. Kids grow fast, and tube socks will allow the socks to grow with him. I made Audrey tube socks too, but added ribbing to the top as she has narrower feet than Elliot.

I apologize for the quality of these photos. It is hard to get pictures of kids standing still, especially when you spend most of your waking time in a recliner with your ankle elevated.

I’m now working on a pair of socks for myself. I’m not making as much progress now, as I’m off prescription pain meds and lucid enough to recognize boredom.

How are your socks coming along?

I’m a week out from surgery on my ankle. The pain has improved, but I’m still stuck in a chair with my leg up most of the time. I’m not in a great head space, but at least the space around my head looks great.

I made an Iowa Hawkeye hat for myself by blending two patterns. I used leftover Beaverslide Dry Goods fingering weight yarn and size 2 (US) needles (size 3 for the colorwork). The hat isn’t blocked yet, but nothing is getting blocked around here until I can walk.

Thank you for all of your well wishes. I’m hoping to get back to blogging and reading soon. I’m so thankful for my Blogville Knitters friends. If you ever free at noon central standard time you should join our Skype call. I’ve made dear friends on the call and would love for you to join us.

I broke my fibula last week, so I’ve been silent in this space. I’m pretty drugged up at the moment, but wanted to take the time to let you know why I’ve been quiet.

I’ll be back to writing as soon as I’m not high as a kite. I can’t wait to share my nerdy whiteboard of knitting plans.

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For New Years Eve I made Spinach and Artichoke Dip stuffed sourdough braid. It was delicious. We’ve already discussed other things to stuff in this bread. There is probably a turkey and havarti stuffed bread in our future.

I’m working on a new pair of socks for myself out of Stranded Dyeworks BFL Nylon in the Wash Your Hands colorway. I like how they are knitting up, and I’ll get a lot of use out of them.

I decided to spend December reading Christmas novels. It was a great decision, as it involved light reading, which was all my brain could handle in the lead up to Christmas. I plan on reading only Christmas novels again this December.

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan. This novel had a lot of drama for a Jenny Colgan book. Neil the Puffin is always a treat to read about. Overall this book was fine. I give it two out of five stars.

Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan. I really liked this book, but do wish the ending would have been different. I wish there were more books in this series. I give this book three out of five stars.

The Christmas Surprise by Jenny Colgan. Rosie Hopkins is back, and she is slightly less annoying than she is in the second book in this series. I find myself cheering for the entire town, and I would love to read more about them. I five this book three out of five stars.

That Wintery Feeling by Debbie Macomber. This book was awful. I’m dumber for having read this. The only good thing about this book is the main characters visit Anchorage, so I was able to think about Marilee. Don’t read this book. Maybe give this book to your enemies. I give this book zero stars.

In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren. This book is a modern Christmas version of Groundhog Day. It is fabulous, and involves the right amount of magic for a Christmas book. I highly recommend this book. I give this book four out of five stars.

Tis The Season by Lorna Landvik. This enjoyable, fast read is the story of changing lives for the better. The story is told through a series of letters and e mails. It was a feel good book that was easily finished in two days. I give this book three out of five stars.

Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah. I read this book every December. This love story involves magic, which I love in a Christmas book. I give this book four out of five stars.

I hope you were able to enjoy some books this holiday season.