Grammies and Birthdays

The Boys were nominated for Grammies in TWO categories (Best Country Duo/Group and Best Country Song).  They did not win, but we were all very excited.  You can bet we all  watched on February 10th!  Meanwhile, Wife #2 (and lead grandma) hosted a Grammies and Birthdays after-party yesterday, the 17th.  There are birthdays among us in February for the two brothers as well as granddog, Sydney.  Any excuse for a party!

The real star was Hudson, of course.  As #2 put it, he demonstrated his 7-week-old tricks.  He also warmed a lot of laps.   This is his very cute birth announcement (photo at about 2 weeks).  Here's looking at ya!  MY photo taken right off the refrigerator door.  Yes, it is b-and-w.








Meanwhile, I am getting my knitting mojo back and have completed the first of my watermelon socks, courtesy of Abi Grasso's skilled hand painted yarn. 

Three Feasts

Thanksgiving was the usual eat-too-much, but oh-so-good, day.  Lots of family (16 of us) were around for over 7 hours (at least that is when I left), and good visits with everyone.  It was the first time that all three of Husker's wives were present under the same roof.  They are both such talented ladies!  During non-eating time, I worked on the Blue Yonder socks -- one down and one almost done.  (I have had hints from two people that they would like to have them.  In fact, one person reminded me that we wear the same shoe size.)

If Thanksgiving was not enough food, we followed up with more family (18), all down at Grace Friday night for another food extravaganza.  Grace overlooks the route for the Parade of Lights that occurs each year down Main Street, which meant that the valet parking was diverted to a another location a block or two away.  I dropped off my car and hoofed it to Main.

That was not the end of the evening, only the beginning.  We then carpooled to Billy Bob's Texas to see a concert by the Eli Young Band.  What a night! 

Did I tell you how fat I am getting?  Obviously, I was not starting a diet yet because there was one more feast Saturday night before out-of-towners head home that I must tell you about.  Maybe I should have prepped by going for a long walk -- like 5-6 miles.  This time, 20 of us were present for one final sit-down dinner of home style pasta, salad, garlic-cheese bread, gelato, and wine and wine and wine ... lots of laughter and memories were made.

By the way, the Little Husker sweater and cap are finished, but I have started the booties four times!  I am making the Lovebug Booties designed by Carrie Bostick Hoge, but seem to get my fingers in a knot or something.  I have done something stupid three times and have started over.  Can fourth time be charmed? 

Crazy Girl! Crazy night!

Eli Young Band wins Best Song at ACM Awards, 4-1-12, no fooling.  We are over the moon and proud as can be.  Crazy Girl was the standout song of the year.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . . the knitting goes on.  

One green sock down and one to go.  In fact, the 2nd one is down to the heel turn.  Every time I make a pair, I learn something new or a better technique.  This is definitely one of those things that practice makes perfect.  Carnegie Hall -- here I come. 

I will definitely be getting some practice because I went to the DFW Fiber Fest last weekend and came away with two colorways of Madeline Tosh.  More about that as I get to them.  Think Scarlet and Earl Grey. 

Our New Year's Eve minus One Day

At our age, Husker and I are not the club-hopping, late hours kind of couple.  However, when it means going to see your son entertain a sold out crowd on December 30, 2011 at Billy Bob's in Cowtown -- you grab your All Access badge and get going. 

We arrived about 9 pm in order to catch the Boys and chat with family and friends before they began the "meet 'n' greet".  We ducked out when their working time began with meeting and posing for personal photos with fans.  The Green Room at Billy Bob's has a lot of famous names on the walls including the likes of Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Rascal Flats, etc.  There among all the logos, signatures, and other identifying emblems is the Eli Young Band.  Wow!

While spending a little personal time with his son, Jon, Husker learned that the Boys' next late night TV appearance would be on Leno on January 9, 2012.  Mark your calendar.  I am sure they will play their platinum number, Crazy Girl. 

The show did not start until 10:35 -- way past this granny's bedtime -- but we both managed to stay bright eyed until it was over about 12:30 a.m. following two encores.  The night had turned very cold and that made the walk to the car seem longer.  Getting home and into bed was uneventful after a very exciting evening.

Needless to say, going out on New Year's Eve is NOT on our calendar. 

By the way, I did get some knitting done lately.  I completed 13 little bitty preemie caps and delivered them to the NICU at Cook Children's Hospital.  I have now signed up to be a "regular" in the volunteer stitchers.  For a break from making tiny little caps, I made a full sized baby blue Tuva for me to go with my grey fleece winter jacket.  See Ravelry for the pattern.  Very happy with both projects.