This week has flown by. There have been many unexpected bumps in the road that have made it challenging but it’s Friday! I’m looking forward to a quiet day at home, wrapping up our first homeschooling week of the year, and doing a little reading of my own this evening. On Fridays I write about joy here at The Cozy Burrow and the last few Fridays have had a common theme: books and knitting. This week is no different!
The Kindergarten level of Torchlight is so satisfying and wonderful – I am happy to be experiencing it. This week we have been studying Russia and will have Russian tea this afternoon while reading Anya’s Secret Society. And we’re expecting a thunderstorm which will make it all even cozier. What a fun way to end the week! For a fifth of her life, Bronwyn has known Russia as the bad guy. It’s nice to see some of the more nuanced aspects of Russian culture like the Moscow Metro and to learn about Siberian tigers.
I finished The House of Doors last night. It was excellent. I can’t imagine that it won’t make the Booker longlist in a few weeks and I’m so excited about it gaining traction here in the US. More about it on Wednesday because I hope to go back and reread certain parts to wrap my head around it. Mary said that this book is for careful readers and she’s correct. I’m still not sure if I totally get it so this book is begging for a total reread soon!
And now, on to Enchantment!
I finished my first Runaway Shortie (Ravelry link to pattern) on Sunday! I don’t know when I’ll be able to cast on the second one because I haven’t managed a single stitch this week, but I’m looking forward to having these on my feet. This one feels so sturdy and that’s not always the case with the socks I tend to knit.
I am hoping to do some knitting this weekend. I’d like to give my Junction sweater some attention since it’s been neglected for a bit now. The bummer is that I don’t have anything going on audio and none of the books on my Summer Reading list are readily available to me. I think I might have to branch out and get something unexpected — Sarah has inspired me to return to Maisie Dobbs. So I just borrowed the ninth book from Libby and am looking forward to listening to it. This series is the perfect knitting companion!
Two more things:
1) did you see Barack Obama’s summer reading list? (above) Have you read any of these titles? Are there any on your list? I’ve read two: Hello Beautiful and Birnam Wood. I’m already anxious for his end of year list!
2) This was published in May, but I’m loving the books on this NPR list. I have Kairos, Silver Nitrate, Family Lore, and The Wind Knows My Name on my fall reading list. And of course, Tom Lake in August!
I have no idea what to expect from the weekend other than a few hours at the library on Saturday. I hope your own weekend is full of exactly what you need. Take good care!
The Cozy Burrow 
That sock is so pretty. And sturdy as well? Quite a combination!
When you mentioned that Bronwen has experienced Russia being the enemy for most of her young life, it made me realize that I had exactly the same experience in my young life. Sigh.
Fun to read Obama’s book list. I, too, have read Hello Beautiful, which reminded me a little of Anne Tyler. Will be checking out Blue Hour. Love that title.
Have a wonderful weekend! For us, it will be a Barbie/Oppenheimer weekend.
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I am so jealous that you’re seeing those this weekend! We are especially excited about Oppenheimer but Barbie looks like a lot of fun too. I can’t wait until they’re available to stream!
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Both worth seeing. I’ll be writing mini-reviews of both in today’s post.
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Lots of good reading and knitting!! And the books lined up for schooling look very good. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your rainy teaparty this afternoon.
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Thanks, Vera! The afternoon was so cozy and the kids enjoyed playing in the rain before it turned into a thunderstorm. Always a nice activity for a summer afternoon!
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That stack of books is lovely. We have loved What a Wonderful Word and What a Wonderful Phrase with out word loving grandson. He goes back to those regularly. I love that your curriculum is literature based. I think I would enjoy learning with you too.
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I will look for What a Wonderful Phrase – thank you! What a Wonderful Word is adorable and I love the illustrations in it. What a fun resource to have at home! I also loved that Torchlight is literature based – there’s so much to explore!
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Lots of food for thought here, Katie! Perfect to get my brain engaged and moving! I, too, saw Obama’s summer reading list! I like when I have read some of the same books he did! (and I will have Poverty, By America soon)
Have a great weekend… and I hope it includes the beginning of sock two!
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It makes me feel so smart when I’ve heard of ANY of the books on his list. I’m interested in your thoughts on Poverty, By America. I’m not sure if I’ll be up for reading it though!!
No start on the sock yet but I did spend some time with my sweater yesterday. I hope to do lots more knitting this weekend too! I hope your weekend is lovely 🙂
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May your weekend be full of opportunities for reading and knitting. This week has been a little quieter for me and I’ve enjoyed time at home.
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Thank you, Cathy! I’m happy to hear that you’ve had a quiet week and that you’ve been enjoying it. Take care this weekend!
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Your sock is beautiful and sturdy! I love to see pictures of stacks of books, and it reminds me of my house with all the piles here and there of books. Feels like home. Have a fun weekend. Do what you love and love what you do!
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Thanks, Linda! I hope you also have a lovely weekend 🙂
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I was proud of myself for recognizing several titles on Obama’s list! I’ve only read the one so far (Birnam Wood), but I have Hello Beautiful on hold at the library and Poverty by America on Kindle (the author is part of my local speaker series this fall, so I bought the book when it was a daily deal).
I hope you can find some knitting time this weekend! And I hope you enjoy your time with Maisie!
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I am also proud of myself when I recognize any of the books on his lists! I started Elegy for Eddie yesterday and listened to about 1/3 of it (those Maisie Dobbs books go so quickly on audio!). It is so good! This is the one where a young man with developmental delays is killed at his workplace, a paper company. Maisie grew up with him and is approached by others she knew as a child to investigate his death. I am especially touched by how everyone cared for Eddie throughout his life!
No second sock yet but I have spent some time with my Junction sweater. I’m happy to at least squeeze in some knitting on the weekends. Are you still in TN? I hope you’ve been enjoying your trip!
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Your sock looks great. I want to knit a pair of those soon. Too many other projects on the needles right now though. Again, your insights into your reading is wonderful.
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The books for Kindergarten look so fun! I hope you had great reading and knitting opportunities this weekend. One day I’ll give Maisie Dobbs a try!
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I am thrilled with this curriculum, Laila! It’s so perfect for us right now. And you will love Maisie Dobbs!!
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I always love seeing the books I’m reading on his list. I have Hello Beautiful and Birnam Wood on my bookshelf, The Wager on hold at the library, and I’ve read Poverty, by America and Blue Hour – both I would recommend.
Good luck with your second shortie sock. I can’t wait to try that pattern. I’ve been in a knitting rut but I think that’s summer!
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Thank you for recommending Poverty, By America and Blue House – they both look amazing! I hear you about the knitting rut — and I think these socks will help pull you out of it! 😉
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House of Doors!!! I have the King biography almost ready in my Libby queue – it’s long and I’m hoping to get it in August.
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What ambition! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it.
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