The 16 small squares are done. This blanket is made working from the centre out. The centre square is crocheted first, then the four rectangles that will be attached on all four sides of that square, then these 16 squares will be joined into blocks of four and placed in all four corners.

The designer has you use only two colourways – so eight and eight. I went rogue and used 14 colours plus the 15th (lime) for bordering, so they are all different.

Later I will have to work out how they will go together, but for now I can get on with the next part of the pattern.

On the drive home today, which will be at least two hours, I may weave in ends on the Peacock Tail Bag pieces.

Saturday night was interesting. A big storm whipped up, there was lightning, there was wind, there were pine cones hitting the roof, and my power went out. Wifi continued for an extra half an hour (apparently it has a back up battery) then went out. I had to make do with candles for light. The more inconvenient part of the power going out was that the pump for the water supply was also not working so I had to make it all night with only the small amount of water in the filter jug. I didn’t bother trying to wash my face or brush my teeth.

While the wind was at its strongest, I thought I heard a thud, but put it down to thunder. Well after I had climbed into bed I heard a chainsaw going and realised that the driveway behind the cottage had been blocked by falling trees and the neighbour was clearing it. That was a little close for comfort.

Next day, I had a text message that there was bottled water in the main house, so I helped myself, had a quick wash and breakfast, and went out walking to see what damage the storm had brought. Not only had trees fallen across the neighbour’s driveway, but two more had come down along the road to the highway. There is only one way in and out here – it’s a No Through Road – so some of the residents had had to park on the road and walk to their houses. Or, in the case of my hosts, stay elsewhere for the night.

I walked for a couple of hours and when I got back BC Hydro had worked their magic and fixed the power line. It was lovely to be able to (a) flush the toilet, (b) make a cup of tea and (c) fire up the laptop and see what I missed!

That was enough excitement for the weekend.

Tai Chi Man joined me at the cottage yesterday afternoon as his conference was over. This morning, we have to pack up and clean up, but aren’t in a rush to get going. It’s wet and cool and we are quite happy tucked indoors.

Happy Monday to all!