spring break!

It's officially spring break, and I'm breathing a big sigh of relief! The past few weeks have been a mixture of hectic and wonderful. My knitting circle had its annual retreat last weekend, and much fun was had by all. Only one narrow escape: I nearly drove my Jeep right into a downed tree on a winding country road as I came over the crest of a hill. Thank you, trusty brakes...
I finished up this little guy, whom I've named Lars in honor of his blue and yellow attire:And got a good start on his friend, who still needs a face and ears:

Pattern: Mother Bear Project Teddy Bear, by Amy Berman
Source: Knitting for Peace
Needles: Clover US 6 bamboo 24" circs and DPNs
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino & Cascade 220
old gold, new denim, natural marl, denim marl

The girls at knitting night on Wed. surprised me with these gorgeous flowers as a thank-you for organizing the retreat:
I have some big plans for spring break -- finishing up my blue cabled blanket, sewing buttons on my cabled cardi, finishing up teddy bears #2 and 3, and trying out the afterthought heel technique on a sock. Girls gone wild, I tell you!

We've also been apt. hunting, which is its own form of hell, in my book. Afterward it's a great source of conversation topics (like the eternally hilarious combination shower/sink I once saw in an apt. near Lake Mendota in Madison), but not nearly as delightful while you're in the midst of it.