The last day of November

Well, here it is the last day of November. Christmas and the holidays are right around the corner. One of the things that I really enjoy around this time of the year is wreath making and being off from work. I live in Central Pennsylvania where hunting is BIG. I know that folks who aren't accustomed to this cultural quirk are sometimes a bit put off by it all. The Monday after Thanksgiving is the first day of deer season. Schools take the day off because no one would be there. Some schools take off Monday and Tuesday. And if you'd live here, you'd realize what a necessary thing it is. The deer herd in Central PA is huge. There's lots of corn, grain, and other crops grown all over the place and it's food for the deer. The amount of hunting licenses sold by the Game Commission is calculated by how much the herd needs to be culled.

The other hunting story that amazes me always is bear hunting. That occurs before Thanksgiving. Now, you think bears live in Alaska and the wilds of northern Canada. Nosiree, Bob -- the bear season here in PA in 2007 yield over 2000 black bear. Again, I realize that most of this bear habitat is located in the center section of the state, but I find it amazing that bears have adapted so well.

Anyhow, none of this has to do with knitting, but what it does have to do with is that I get to take time off from work this time of the year to use up my comp time. The boss is an avid hunter. And I make Christmas wreaths.

I have a clamping machine and I have a nice work area set up in my basement. I used to make LOTS of wreaths for a local club who sold them as a fundraiser. The club has disbanded and now I just have a few private customers and make them for gifts. It's a very enjoyable thing to do. But it does take away from some knitting time. Plus it really sets off my carpel tunnel in my wrists.

The other thing I do is watch the various craft and food shows that feature the holidays. And I must say, DIY, HGTV, and the Food Network need to get their act together. I've seen the same shows year after year. The other thing I've learned is that Martha is EVERYWHERE! Martha has long blocks of time on at least three different networks. I enjoy learning about the projects that are on her shows, but Martha's tone of voice is SOOOOO condescending. It really takes away from her presentation and it makes me wonder why someone who talks down to her guests/helpers the way she does, why is she making something herself?

Oh, well, that's my view on the world for today. I'm off to the basement to make a few more wreaths. More knitting tomorrow.