February in Review

February is always a packed month, but this year it was especially so. We had many celebrations, much work, much fun, visiting and exploration.

The very beginning of the month started in Cape May, NJ, for our 6th anniversary. My birthday is also in this month and we spent that at he beach, as well. At the end of February, we took a very special family trip to New Orleans, LA. I also went on a quick jaunt to Ardmore, PA.

It was super cold this month, with a few weird warm days sprinkled in to keep us on our toes. But #watchercats were out and about in Feb, taking in the sun when possible.

We tried a few new restaurants, and explored NJ a bit this in February. But we also got to visit old haunts in New Orleans! It was a treat to share some of our favorite spots with family!

February is always kinda of blur, being the shortest and coldest month here. There is the faintest whiff of spring in the air, but I have a feeling March will be another long wintery month. Let’s see!

January in Review

Alright, the year is 1/12th over. Full steam ahead, go go go.

January was cold, busy, and brief. Lots of work, lots of naps, lots of cold walks.

We visited with family, celebrated with friends, watched the sky and stayed at home. And now January is over.

Only 48 more days until Spring. Let’s get started.

July in Review

I'm learning a lot this year. Life has been busy. July was busy. 

But July was also great! We did so much this month, had plenty of visitors, got to the beach, worked hard, and spent time with family. 

1) Tommy Boy. 2) Bippi The Ravenous. 3) Elvis as a black hole. 4) A change of scenery. 

One of the highlights of July was how much swimming we got to do! We managed to get to the beach a few times but we also made it to the pool! Hot days and pool sessions at night are the best!

1) Lovely objects from Arcana Obscura. 2) Evenings poolside. 3) Leisurely breakfasts. 4) That golden hour. 

We had many guests, and one of the best parts about it is trying new things near us, or seeing the things we love with new eyes. 

1) Ocean Grove. 2) Lakewood. 3) Brick. 4) Ocean Grove again. 

Not much quilting qot done this month, but some did, so that's something. We were able to explore some new places, see a minor league game, have our first official 4th as New Jerseans. 

1) Local fireworks. 2) Local roses. 3) Backyard surprises. 4) Favorite sights.  

I was able to walk around this month; My favorite things to do! There were some watchercats and watcherdogs out! And now that the cats have gotten used to our new house and having open windows, our family has some watchercats of their own! 

1) Shopdog in Red Bank. 2) Watchercat in Asbury Park. 3) Cats at home. 4) Front yard friends.

July wasn't easy but it was Summer fun. The first few days of August have been mild but what will the rest feel like?

May in Review

OK May, you kinda got away from me but you were a good month! 

We took advantage of this pre Summer month by seeing some sights, working in the yard, heading to the beach, entertaining family & friends, and working hard at jobs & at home. 

1) Yarn bombing at Convention Hall. 2) Gold caps in Howell, NJ. 3) Dreamy sunsets on the Asbury Park boardwalk. 4) Fancy carpets in Cape May, NJ. 

A lot of May was spent taking care of our cat family, our people family, and our home. I am constantly delighted by our house and those we gather around us. It was wonderful to take stock of that this month. 

1) The Doctor. 2) Pit Star. 3) Sticky. 4) (me and) Tommy Boy. 

Blogging, quilting, and all things creative were done this month, but they took a back seat to living life. We celebrated birthdays, helped create Micro Societies, hosted guests, BBQed and worked a lot in May. 

1) The pool at The Asbury Hotel; newly opened. 2) High Contrast in AP. 3) Ever expanding Bossk collection. 4) GITD ghoul. 

Every month in our new home has been interesting and exciting, but May was a real eye opener. We started really seeing how things will be year to year in our yard, with flowers, bushes, and birds we never kew we had popping up all over. Watcher cats and dogs cropped up in new places. Exciting events and openings happened around town.

1) A good neighbor always keeps a #watchercat. 2) Keeping a #watcherdog eye on the yard. 3) Watcher cat most modern. 4) I gained a follower, but only for a block.  

Along with all the new things we learned we were also able to keep up some traditions and create ones that may stick next year. Family visited this month and we hope they will come back often and soon. I spent some time at my mother's school, helping to finish out the year. Friends took back a Memorial Day Weekend tradition that can now continue. We saw shows, went to the fair, played and planted. 

I wasn't wrong to hope that May would be exciting, maybe I was too right. With Summer, I'm hoping comes swimming, bright and sunny beach days, lots of work getting done, but some relaxing, too, please!. Bring it on, June!

April in Review

April was a surprising long month. At least, time seemed to go at normal pace, not zoom by as many months seem to. And what a full month it was!!

The month started out with parties and celebrations, planting, visits, and the weather warming up, life heated up, settled down, and I feel like we are cementing our place in this new environment. There is so much to look forward to in May, but let's take a look back at how awesome April was. 

1) Little nugget. 2)Springtime in Ocean Grove. 3) All the Pinks in Asbury Park. 4) A safe shard. 

I got a good amount of sewing in in April! I was right on track with making one quilt a month at the beginning of April, but I fell behind, somehow... I will try to make this up at some point. I've really enjoyed being part of the 2016 Finish Along, OMG, and Year Of The Stash, so far this year... I can't wait to continue.  

1) My May goal. 2) A new block. 3) Vintage squares. 4) A city by the sea.

Planting, plants, yard work, and the beach were big themes this month. Having a yard is great, even when we have to mow! It's really exciting to plant this year, while keeping in mind how it will look next year, as well. An opportunity I've never had before!

1) A broken bud comes inside. 2) An expected azalea. 3) Yard blooms. 4) Party Leftovers. 

April started out with parties but there was a lot of work to be done, as well. But we had some relaxing time with family and friends. 

1) The look of someone who should not be in the guest room. 2) The look of someone who should not be in the sink. 3) Flounder finds some space. 4) Just the right place. 

So many amazing things happened this April, you guys! I hope everyone out there feels as happy and excited about this month as I did, and I hope that feeling carries us right through May!

March in Review

The first quarter of 2016 is over. March saw snow and seedlings. It was a busy month, with lots of waiting, circling, but with some settling down, too. 

1) Ritzy neighborhood #watcherdog. 2) Apartment #watchercat. 3) City dog one... 4) ...and two. 

We did some exploring around where we live. March finally started to feel like a month to be out and about in our new environment, especially when the weather started to get warm. 

1) Bright truck. 2) Bright blooms. 3) Gloomy lobster. 4) Grey bridge. 

A lot of quilting got done this month and for that I am grateful! I am cherishing the time I spend on my work. 

1) A finish. 2) A star. 3) My star. 4) Orange! 

We travelled a very little, ate well, saw friends, missed friends, saw family, and tried to get in the swing of new routines and time changes. 

1) Bedtime. 2) Yard time. 3) Jacket time. 4) Snack time. 

We enjoyed time at home and outside and made many plans for the coming months. 

March's famed lion was pretty tame, but the month sped up quickly. April is rolling in, let's see how well we roll with it.

February in Review

For such a short month, February sure was busy!

We had some visitors, some celebrations, saw family, worked, but also put some things on hold. A fairly typical month, with ups and downs.  

1) Elvis. 2) the Fab Four. 3) Tom. 4). Elvis again. 

We had several guests, but one notable one came to stay for a long while. Elvis will be with us for several months, and he's causing quite a stir among our cat family. He's a great guest though, and we adore him!

1) snowy back view. 2) Cloudy train view. 3) Sunny beach view. 4) Blizzard rose view.  

This month the weather was better than usual for February. But much like all of the Februarys I've experienced, it was mostly consumed by wishing the weather was better. 

1) New tattoo! 2) New block. 3) Juice and work. 4) a faux watercolor. 

Many new projects were started in Feb, which was very invigorating (more on all that, soon). Quilting was a prominent feature of the month, which it should be. My MadCatBOM went into it's second month. I hope to keep it up all year.  
Even though some great things were started or continued, some things were postponed. We put our annual anniversary trip on hold. But hopefully that will be rescheduled soon. 

1) Pick a winner. 2) Get a prize. 3) An auspicious address. 4) An attentive #watherdog.

We had a book giveaway at the end of the month. I got some reading in for the month, which will be posted soon! I'm finding giveaways to be interesting and fun!

We got to see family several times this month, we may have even started a game night tradition! Our first (or second if you count  my family's obsession with 500 rummy) game selection was Machi Kori. It was quite fun!  

1) Wake up! 2) Eat up! 3) Bun up! 4) Bundle up!

February was a bit more hectic, a bit more stressful, but on the whole, there were more ups than downs. March, you're supposed to come in like a lion....I'll be interested if you'll be friendly or fierce. 

December in Review

2015 is over, can you believe it? What a year it's been!! 

December held holidays and festivities, new experiences, family and friends, and of course, the beach. Which is all one can hope for for any good month, or year!

1) Our yard is rich with friends. 2) The neighboring block is as well! 3) The Stephen Crane house has some permanent residents. 4) A beach friend takes a meal. 

December was unseasonably warm (although, since it was last year too, we might have to call it normally warm), so we were able to continue explore our new home. We were able to meet a lot of our furry or feathered neighbors.

On one occasion we were able to witness one neighbor eat another. Our new backyard provides endless natural entertainment! 

1) A visit to school. 2) A visit to mail. 3) A visit to Deal Lake. 4) A visitor in our backyard. 

We visited friends and family, some well, some ailing. But we saved lots of time for walking around and enjoying the town. The warm weather meant plenty of beach time. We found some unexpected treasure, such as bird wings and bottle stoppers. 

1) Backyard fog. 2) Boardwalk snow. 3) City bus. 4) Front door brush. 

We got down to work, both with with our day jobs and with quilting and sewing. For me, sewing was a priority. I'd love to keep that up in the new year! We did neat new work, as well. In December, we were able to visit The New School of Monmouth County and helped the students learn ancient games like Mancala and Ahmet. 

Mad Cat Quilts had our first giveaway which was fun and educational. I can't wait to have another... I was also able to update the shop, something I hope to do more of this year. 

1) A giveaway. 2) Front. 3) Back. 4) A winner. 

Having some time and space now and in the new year is so exciting, we are already taking advantage of it by making home made wreaths, trying out science experiments and working on lesson plans and pattern making.

The house is still under construction as far as unpacking but in December we made headway on displaying our many collections.  

1) Pink sky at night... 2) Homemade crystals! 3) A mysterious drive. 3) Lost at sea. 

December went at the perfect pace, new adventures were had, but life outside the city isn't nearly as hectic and grueling. Calm, but productive. January 2016, I hope you're just as calm, but I also have big plans for you. Get ready.  

November in Review

I know I say this every month, but can you believe it's December????

November was amazing. There's no other way to put it. There were ups and downs, sure, challenges, of course. But mostly the month zoomed by in a whir of excited contentment (if there is such a thing). 

The main thing was getting settled in the new house...

1) Collecting collections. 2) Storage solutions. 3) Old routines in new places. 4) My idea of decorating. 

...and getting the cats settled. 

1) Bippi. 2) Tom. 3) Pit. 4) Flounder. 

There was plenty of exploring, seeing family, hanging out with friends. There was also some hospital visits and holiday festivities mixed in the month. 

1) Cape May, New Jersey. 2) Good bye 15th Street, Brooklyn. 3) Hello 3rd Ave, Asbury Park, NJ. 4) Sunset Beach Days. 

Even familiar places can seem new. 

1) Fall takes over Greenwood Cemetery. 2), 3), & 4) So many new sunsets. 

A lot of quilting got done, and I'm feeling good about about my goals. I've been working on new things, but moving has helped me unearth all my old UFOs and get some work on those done, too!

1) Lines. 2) Paws of the helper. 3) Pins. 4) And more pins. 

November was a time of work, but it also felt like a suspension of activity. Sort of like a glorious working holiday. Although I hope December will stay as calm and quiet and productive, I get the feeling things might amp up before the year ends!

October in Review

Another month where I don't get the Month In Review up in a timely fashion. Well, I have a good excuse. 

To say October was busy would be pitching it lightly, indeed. The month was entirely taken up with preparing to move to a different state. Getting the transition ready at work, at our apartment, at our new home, and with the family was intense and exhausting. In the end, all went well, and the movers came at the end of October. 

1) My morning view. 2) Sand toys. 3) Brooklyn says goodbye. 4) New growth. 

We were able to squeeze in visits with friends for dinners and drinks. We tried to eat and drink at as many of our favorite places as we could. We only traveled to our new home, but that was plenty of travel this month. And the weather was beautiful and warm throughout October, so we enjoyed the beach as well as both our new town and our old one. 

So much work was achieved this month!! Quilting was rejuvenated, despite life being so hectic. Watchercats were out in force. But we also had some sad news on the #watchercat front. One of several signs it's time to move on, I suppose. 

1) Not even trying to use that cat tree on 11th Street, South Slope. 2) Being sneaky on 10th Street in South Slope. 3) Notably absent on 6th Ave in South Slope. 4) Still in bloom on 8th Street in Park Slope. 

1 + 4) Out with the Old... 2 + 3) ... in with the New. 

During the end, and most stressful point, of the month, we got a rare treat! We were able to go to the World Series! It was elating but heart breaking at the same time!

The majority of our family felt so-so about the move and didn't arrive at the new house until November. 

1) Bippi enjoys the vantage of stacked boxes. 2) Tom tries to act normal. 4) Pit can't see what all the fuss is about. (PS where's the food?). 4) Flounder helps me pack.  

The anticipation for how busy October would be was totally eclipsed by the excitement (and stress). There's been a lot of work already done this November... let's see what else we can do.  

September in Review

Another month closer to the end of the year, can you believe it?

September was a great month! Maybe not the wild ride I was expecting, but it was certainly a wild ride!

We spent a lot of time Down the Shore at the new house, friends came to visit for the beginning of the month, we visited new places, participated in happy events, and had some quality time with old friends. 

1) Nola #watchercat! 2) An old friend on 8th St. 3) Sneaky, teeny, watcher in Prospect Heights. 4) Keeping an eye on things on 10th Street. 

This is the second year in about the last 20 that I've been in Brooklyn for September and it's always a little strange to me. The weather is amazing; one minute Summer, than the next Snap! Fall. The watcher cats were not as prevolant as I would have thought, though. 

1) Neighbor goose. 2) Alabama style mushrooms. 3) Orange cats are almost everywhere in Park Slope. 4) An impressive Post Office.  

1) Porcelain berries in the backyard. 2) Hilltops in Red Level, AL. 3) Yellow beasts in Asbury Park. Cuties wrapped in Pink. 

We got a lot done in September, but we got to relax a little, too. Some quilting got done, but not as much as would feel healthy. We went on some dinners with friends and it was nice to hear what they've been up to and forget our own adventures for a spell.

In the middle of the month, we traveled down to Alabama for a family wedding. It was lovely to see family and see a new state. We even spent a few days in NOLA after. 

1) The cutest chapel. 2) Staten Island looking majectic. 3) The brightest jelly. 4) Nola looking magical. 

1) Jersey bee. 2) After the storm. 3) Bird on a wire. 4) Brooklyn bee. 

The end of the month it was back to the grind. 

September went fast and although it had it's relaxing moments, it was all about work and it was all about anticipation. There's a lot to get done in October, so let's get started. 

August in Review

Summer is the greatest, don't you think?

1) Brooklyn street balloons never disappoint. 2) My favorite flavor at Blue Marble is now gone. 3) I would live in you forever. 4) Workers working in the Summer sun. 

Well, my blog doesn't think so. This was another stinker month for blog posts. But Fall is almost upon us and that means back to school, and back to work. 

August was great. Packed with work and work and some fun things, too. 

1) A swell in South Slope. 2) A party on Sackett Street. 3) A spider sits in the sky. 4) Rink in Brick. 

Although blogging suffered quilting saw an uptick from July, which still means you would need a microscope to really tell. 

Travel was minimal with one constant destination: Down the Shore. 

1) Prospect Park Zoo busy bee. 2) Peach and white blooms on my commute. 3) Sagging for good vibes. 4) A Home Depot bee hard at work. 

We got to see friends for leisurely living room visits, work related parties, and Summer time beach BBQs. We even managed to squeeze a family visit or two in there. 

Work at work was slow, but steady, and work at home switched gears to packing, painting and preparing -- Big changes are in the works. 

1) I see this fellow all the time now on 6th Ave. 2) Two cats live in this house on 7th Street, but I could only capture one of them. 3) New neighborhood new watcher poodles in Asbury Park, NJ. 4) Boardwalk kitty observes your beach going on the AP strip.

We saw piggies, watchercats, and bees galore this month.

Pit Star looking regal. 

August lead us in some new and exciting directions; now we are getting on board for September's wild ride...  

July in Review

July was certainly bright. And fast, and busy. 
After several years of having this blog, I think I see that Summer months are my slow months here. Good to know, July. 

Blogging in July might have lagged, but only bc life moved by at whirlwind pace. Next year, I plan to take July and August off from blogging altogether. 

We had some big adventures and some big changes, but mostly we just moved along and let Summer take us for a ride. We saw family and friends and went Down The Shore as much as possible. 

We worked hard, trying to stay on task at work and at home. Quilting was minimal, but hopefully will pick up. There are quilts waiting!

Bc July was so busy, and August is almost over, and it's time to move on, I'll let my instagram pics take center stage. 

1) Bright blues in Prospect Heights. 2) A bird with bug in Asbury Park. 3) tent time in Ocean Grove.  4) Watchers and brick in South Slope. 

1) Hip...  2)  Hip...  3) Hooray...  4) ...for Asbury Park!

1) Happy fourth on Olin St. 2) Sneaking a peak in Prospect Heights. 3)Just chilling in South Slope. 4) Copy cat on 7th Ave. 

1) Bippi. 2) Dragon. 3) Beach street cat. 4) Tyger. 

Even when blogging and quilting and taking a moment to breath gets hard, I still post on instagram. 

July was bright, alright, perhaps blinding. I'm just letting August lead me where it wants me to go...

June in Review

The year is half over. Can you believe it? June went by so fast. 
For about half of June I felt like I was saying "hang on, wait up!" and for the rest of it, I felt like I was just hanging on, myself. 
There were certain events happening that I felt like speeding up, but I would never have wanted to skip all the great weather, beautiful days, visits with friends, festivities, and temperate Summer-ness that June had to offer. 

Love note from Brooklyn. 

Although work was a little crazy this month, I tried to take some time for family, friends, travel and projects. 

1) North Side, Asbury Park, on a foggy day. 2) Sitting in the park waiting for music and Fireworks. 3) Lacey evening walks. 4) Grand openings and grey skies. 

In June, I participated in Jersey Collective, an artist take over of their instagram feed. It was a wonderful experience (read my interview here) and I can't wait until my next go in Dec 2016. It meant that we had to spend the better part of a week in NJ and we combined that with Father's Day, and my mom's student's graduation. 

At home, we tried to see friends for concerts in the park and pride among other things. We saw art in the city, and stumbled on it at home, too. 

1) Lazy Summer creatures. 2) Lake side walks. 3) Fun times and fast cars (and action figures, of course). 4) Spotting of a different kind. 

Watcher spotting was at an all time high in June, and a favorite past time for my commute. 

Sewing, on the other hand, was on the downswing, but picked up towards the end of the month. I'm hoping the coming months see more productivity. 

Blogging, too, took a down turn. It's such a time consuming effort! But worth it in the end, so I plan to rally!

1) All perfect symmetry. 2) All wide eyes. 3) All high and mighty. 4) All no nose. 

June certainly wasn't slow, but it was delicious in all it's candy colored Summer glory. Put on your sunglasses, I think July is gonna be bright! 

May in Review

Can you believe we are fast approaching the year's half way point? I barely can. But on the other hand, so much has already happened this year!

May seemed to decided to skip the end of Spring and shoot right into Summer.  We had some rather warm days (to put it mildly) and it has us wondering how hot will Summer really be? As a way to beat the heat, and save the Spring, I tried to see friends and family this month, enjoy cocktails and meals, flower spying and watcher spot as much as possible. 

We traveled Down the Shore, for leisure and for secret projects. We worked, we played and we even saw a hot dog car! 

Quilting was a little slow, as I had more paper work than paper piecing in my life in May. I managed to finish one of my goals for Q2 of the 2015 Finish Along. I have another month to catch up... which I may never do if I keep starting new projects!

I took an unexpected break from blogging at the end of May, but am back on it now, and here's how to find me all over the internets. 

So while Brooklyn bloomed, May sped on. Now June, can't you slow us down?

April in Review

Phew, April went fast! 
This month really felt like Spring to me, with daffodils making their debut and trees flowering like mad all over Brooklyn. We began to take more regular trips Down The Shore in April, which definitely heralds the warmer weather. 

1) Trees blooming in Park Slope... 2) and Kensington. 3) There were a few grey days and April showers. 4) And some spectacular sunsets. 

Work geared up for the family this month, what with warm days and the start of baseball season. But it felt good to get our hands dirty and change up our routine. Although we were worn out from the end of March, when it was still cold, family members fell ill, and we were generally tired and stressed, having the upswing at our day jobs cemented the start and change of Spring. 

1) Giant eggs for Easter. 2) My black metal album cover. 3) High contrast in Prospect Park Zoo... 4) and in Asbury Park. 

The month started off with great focus on our work at home as well. Quilting, blogging, and sewing were all chugging along in the beginning, but petered out a little towards the end of the month. I'm diligently trying to stick to the blog schedule (more on this soon) I have been working on since end of March, and doing well IMHO. I made my Finish Along list for Q2 and got working right away at the beginning of April, but at it's end I have no finishes to show for it. Other goals have been achieved tho! We got back into the house hunt, as well. Which is both invigorating and stressful. 

1) Olin Street, Ocean Grove, NJ. 2) West Cape May, NJ. 3) 8th Street, Park Slope. 4) 8th Ave, Park Slope. 

1) Serious Tavis. 2) Pensive Pallas. 2) Pondering Pit. 4) Bippi and a sun beam.

We were able to travel a few times this month, hitting some of our favorite spots, seeing family (although briefly), and watcher spotting out of town! We were able to walk some towns, some zoos, and some beaches .
At home, we watcher spotted, visited with friends, cat sat, made some food and ate out, went to the zoo, read books in bars, and general enjoyed the heck out of Brooklyn. 

1) I kept calling everything at the zoo "zebras" for some reason. 2) Finally back to beach combing. 3) Classic coffee. 4) Tavis refuses to DJ. 

So, happily and easily,  April budded into a beautiful bloom! It's Spring growth felt like it was propelling us with leafy tendrils into something new. We shot forward thru the month and now we can only wonder what May has in mind for us... 

March in Review

March didn't really come in like a lion or go out like a lamb. It was more of an oxen or buffalo. Something slow and heavy and hearty, plodding along. 

1) Rainbows on the ground. 2) Pizza day. 3) Spring in spirit. 4) More pink. 

March was a pretty good month, but a long one. The weather stayed cold, stayed snowy, and kept our dreams of Spring at bay. We worked a lot, traveled little, but managed to work on some other goals.

1) #flowersforeleni 2) The doorway to my workplace. 3) I'm not the only one who likes it. 4) Pit helping me with sewing. 

It was a good month for sewing. I was able to join in on the comfort quilt being made for Rachel of Stitched in Color. If you're interested in participating, head over to Tales of Cloth and join in. I posted some finishes for On The Windy Side's 2015 Finish Along. Go there to look at all the great finishes for the Q1. I also made some starts this month so hopefully April will be full as well. 

One hint of Spring was out in the windows around town, as there were many more more watchers out this month.  

1) 1st St and 7th Ave. 2) North Park Slope. 3) Underhill in Prospect Heights. 4) South Park Slope.

I was able to see some friends for dinners and coffees. We were able to make some headway spring cleaning, bought some toys, made some food.  And I was able to spend time with my little family. We've had a tough time in the last few days of the Month as one of our furry members has been sick and in hospital. We eagerly await his safe homecoming. 

(EDIT - Tom is home and on the mend!)

1) The sky is starting to look like Springtime. 2) Last magically white snow storm of March. 3) Earlier in the mouth was pretty powdery, too. 4) Bright skies for photo shoots. 

So March was long, and in some ways harsh. But it's plodding steps breaks the ground for Spring's buds and shoots. We hope April will bring green growth and good health. 

February in Review

This year is zipping right along. February is a big month in my world. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, parties,  visits with family, connecting with friends. I try to pack this short month with wonderful and (heart and heat) warming events. 

1) This (black and) white cookie has my name on it. 2) I wanted to take this tub home with us. 3) Frozen bay visits. 4) White tarps, white skies. 

There was a white and snowy theme this Feb. It was cold. But that didn't stop us from exploring the beach, enjoying some down time, eating good foods, and getting some work done. 

Work was surprisingly busy for such a still month. But it moved along in an relatively  uneventful way. 

Work at home was more stop and start. But I am trying to keep my goals in mind and stay focused. I've been trying new things, as well as finishing old projects. 

Towards the end of the month, watcher cats and dogs started reappearing in windows in the city and abroad, birds started chirping in the trees, and the hope of Spring's arrival was on the air.

1) Night watcherdog. 2) Pit is staying bundled for now. 3) Tom, too. 4) Watchercats are rare, elusive and mysterious!

February roared by with Winter's harsh, snowy, breath. I hope March brings more than the whisper of Spring. 

January in Review

It's hard to believe how fast January went. The year is one 12th over already!

There was a lot of hard work this month. But it was straight forward with no major surprises which was a nice change.  It helped the month move along promptly. 

I tried to keep my goals for 2015 in this month. To start, we rang in the new year watching the fireworks in Prospect Park. Our tradition sets a nice start to a new year. We managed to go on our annual museum trip, this year to the Neue Gallerie. It is always refreshing to see art this month! We were amazed by Klimt's work up close. 

1) Watchers have been sparse so far this year. 2) You can't not marvel at this entry way. 3) Since loosing track of my number one #myfavoritetrucksofparkslope, this one has moved into that spot!  4) The long, chilly, line to get in was worth the wait!

We tried to create in January, as well. I sewed quite a bit but started more projects than I finished. I didn't make much progress on my 1Q Finish Along, but I was inspired for new projects. 

We got to spend some time with friends this month. We got to wander around the city. The weather was pretty snowy, and Brooklyn is beautiful in it's Winter clothes.  

1) Little hearts (more coming soon). 2) Winter's garden. 3) Snowy paths around Grand Army Plaza. 4) Coffee with Crimson. 

We were able to escape the city in January, as well. We headed to NJ to see family and found some great good sea glass on the bay. We also headed to our favorite shore town and did some house hunting. Seeing the ocean in winter is pretty wonderful. 
At the end of the month we headed back to Southern NJ to spend a special date.    

1) Interesting people at the library. 2) Mild skies above the ocean. 3) Static kitties in Park Slope. 4) Defeated Daleks looking dejected.  

I was able to set some goals for the upcoming year, and it's been helpful to look at that list and keep on track. January was productive, but all too brief. It was cold, snowy and stark in many ways but highlighted by colorful adventures. 

February is the shortest, darkest, month, has some of my favorite holidays (and I don't mean President's Day), and takes us one more step to Spring. January whooshed by fast and furious, February, what pace will you set?

December in Review

Wow. 2014 is over. 

We spent the last month of the year gearing up to spend time with family: making gifts, cleaning house, getting things done at home and at work. When our family arrived at the end of the month we were ready and happy to take some time off with them, and show them the city we love. 

1) Festive Winter skies. 2) Library scenes. 3) Not your usual nester. 4) Squirrel brunch. 

In the beginning of the month. I tried to stay home, cleaning and quilting and nesting. I managed to finish some things, but I started some new projects, too. The weather was cold for a bit and it was nice to cuddle up at home. 

1) One of our favorite kitties. 2) HST madness. 3) Lovely day Down The Shore. 4) Glass houses in Brooklyn. 

We did manage to get out some, for walks and to visit some of our favorite place in Brooklyn. At home, we collaborated on some xmas gifts, and projects. 

By far, the best part of the month was the end when our family came to visit from Tennessee! I got to take them to some of my favorite spots in Brooklyn. It meant so much to me to be able to show them My Little Town. For xmas we went Down The Shore, to show them our other favorite town, and our home away from home. The weather was amazing, so warm people put their feet in the ocean!  

1) Lights on the houses, lights in the sky. 2) Cold and festive. 3) Welcoming light in. 4) Nighttime, last of the year.   

When family departed we headed back to BK and back to work. We spent the last minutes of the year in our traditional way, watching the sky explode over Prospect Park. 

December was a lovely, temperate month, with mild weather, easy days, and wonderful guests. January has begun cold but not too harsh. 

Over all, 2014 was a great year! Busy and productive filled with new things, learning, and learning experiences. But there was time for rest, contemplation, relaxation, as well. It was a year to reflect on strengths and weakness and what we can improve. But it was also about cherishing what we have and what is good in life. 2014 was a time to get ready for change, to prepare and plan. I hope 2015 sees many of those changes come to life, and is a time for improvements all around. 

For 2015, I have some goals. January, let's get started!