Soup and sweaters

I keep thinking it's Monday. The week hasn't even begun and I'm confused - a bad sign? Home cooked soup isn't a bad sign, though. I wanted something to help clear out my poor sinuses so I made a potato-lentil stew with plenty of ginger, cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon and pepper. Mmmmm. Basically it's butter, olive oil, and the spices (about 1/2 tsp each, 1/4 tsp of cayenne unless you like it spicy), a cup of lentils and diced-up onion, carrot, parsnip, big potato, and celery. Simmer for an hour and make a plate of garlic cheese biscuits and you're set for dinner!

I've been swatching for a sweater (gasp!) for myself. Cross my fingers I'll be wearing it by next year. Oooh, I hope I'm not jinxing myself. I want to make this one longer than the pattern, but I love the shawl collar and the fair isle pattern. I think I'll use dark brown for my version. My gauge was spot on (who knew?) so I'm going to plunge ahead. It's about time I made something for myself!

Indigo banded cardigan - Knitscene fall 2009

I'm slowly getting my mojo back, in between moments of sheer panic at the thought of all I have to do. Keep sending those good thoughts this way, people! I'm always so grateful to hear from people - what is everyone up to? Are you looking forward to fall as much as me or are you squeezing the last drops of summer from these ever-shortening August days?