Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Green Socks - the sequel.

Another stunning design from the house of 'Dogwomandon't Socks' The recipe follows.......
The vine stem continues down into the heel flap.


Green-socks - no ham!

A lace sock pattern with a wavy travelling vine that extends down the heel flap. Top down construction with traditional heel flap.
Yarn - 100g sock weight - plain yarn.
2.5mm dpns (circs).
Stitch markers - optional.
Stitch holder.

Cast on 60 sts across either 3 or 4 dpns - divide with 15sts across set of 4 needles or 15, 30, 15 across 3. If using the latter mark the centre of needle 2 (30 sts) with a marker.
Work in twisted rib for approx 12 rows. K1tbl, P1.

Knit 1 plain row.

Commence with lace pattern - with using chart or as below.
1) k3, yo, k1, yo, k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1, p2 - repeat 4 times in total.
2) all alt rows across all needles - k13, p2.
3) k3, yo, k3, yo, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, p2 - rep x4
5) k3, yo, k5, yo, k1, sl 1 k2tog psso, k1, p2.
7) k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k3, p2.
9) k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k3, yo, k3, p2.
11)k1, k3tog, k1, yo, k5, yo, k3, p2.
Continue until leg is required length.

Heel flap.
Worked across 30 sts. (Place remaining 30 sts on a holder or spare needle).
1) K15, turn.
2) sl1, p14, k2, p13
3) sl1, k13, p2, k14
Repeat for 24 rows in total.

Heel shape.
1) sl1, p16, p2tog, p1 turn.
2) sl1, k5, ssk, k1 turn.
3) sl1, p6, p2tog, p1 turn.
4) sl1, k7, ssk, k1 turn.
Continue increasing one stitch until all sts are used up - 18 remain.

Gusset
Pick up and knit 14 sts down the side of the heel flap.
Knit row 1 of lace pattern (2 repeats) across held sts.
Pick up and knit 14 sts up other side of heel flap - then k9 sts from heel.
So you should have 2 x 23 sts plus 30 = 73sts.
Next row - k9, k11 ktbl - to last 3 sts, k3tog, k1.
Pattern instep - work row 2 of chart.
k1, ssk, k 11 tbl, k9.
Next row - k gusset stitches.
pattern row 3 instep.
k gusset sts.
Next row - k gusset sts - to last 3 sts - k2tog, k1.
pattern row 4 instep
k1, ssk, k to end.
Rep last two rows until you are back to 60sts.

Foot
Cont with plain knitting for sole and pattern for instep until you have the required length.

Toe
Knit needle 1
Instep sts - p across to make a single ridhe.
Knit needle 3.
Decrease for toe
Row 1 - Needle 1 - k to last 3 sts, k3tog, k1.
Needle 2 (3) - k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Needle 3 (4) - k1, ssk k to end.
Cont until 16 sts remain.

Graft toe sts using kitchener st.

Copyright PWL designs. (lace pattern adapted from Barbara G Walker - 2nd Treasury of knitting patterns.)
Feel free to use this pattern - I have double checked it and had it test knitted - but please yell out if you find problems/errors etc.

BFL handspun.


scarlet 002
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

My Haldane Lewis wheel will soon be off to a new home. I had a little of this yarn spun on to it. So I finished it off - the balance I will spin on my Traveller. This is hand-dyed with Koolaid - overdying an experiment that didn't work *sigh* - I think in the end there will be about 100g - chain plied.

Scarlet


scarlet 003
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

50g hand spun - chain plied. Merino and silk mix.......mmmmmm!

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Fair Isle


fairisle 100
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

From the plane as we flew back to Aberdeen.

Lerwick harbour


fairisle 097
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

A rather impressive ship - we could see the sailors way up in the rigging as we walked passed.

Lerwick


fairisle 092
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

View from our B&B window.

An early start.


fairisle 087
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

The start of our journey home via the ferry.....again! Twice in four days - I deserve a bravery award.

A local!


fairisle 028
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

This little Fair Isle kitty was asleep amongst some fleece in a cattle byre - hence the slightly disgruntled look!

Show me the way to go home.

Blogger has piccie hiccups - I'll post them later via flicker.

We left Fair Isle (via the ferry *gulp*) a day earlier than planned. Not cos we were unhappy, quite the contrary in fact, but we had flights to Aberdeen booked, M had to get back to work and to go on call and we were both missing J! We got the 7.30 ferry - not as rough - but still no picnic - I hunkered down on the back bench under a blanket and slept.

People are so kind up that way - one of the locals showed us the bus stop from the pier, on route another local offered a lift to the stop at the airport so we could warm up with a brew whilst waiting for a bus to Lerwick - in fact the whole time we were north of the border we met with nothing but warmth and kindness - after living down south it came as a shock!!!

We found a B & B - clean, warm and welcoming, spent a day exploring Lerwick - they have the best museum - really well put together and fascinating. Caught an earlier flight and drove all the way down the country back to Brighton in about 10 and half hours!

Now we wait...............and talk it all through.....no matter what the forum or NTS decide we have to be 100% sure that moving to Fair Isle is the right thing for all of us - Me, M, J, the animals - and also what the effect of us going will have on our wider family that we will leave behind. We are talking a lot!

Next week we're away on the family holiday to CentreParcs - distance away from home will I think help us weigh up what it best for us all. It is all a muddle in my head at the moment - a relaxing week of saunas should calm down the whirring turmoil :-D

Sunday, September 30, 2007

More pictures.

How's that for a view?
From the south up towards Burkle.
Hmmmm a long way down.
Aero-generators and a rainbow..........still looking for the pot of gold.....maybe I'll find it soon.
The older pier (?) at North Haven.

There are more to follow and the end of our adventure too. Maybe tomorrow.

Fair Isle Adventures.

A week ago today M and I drove to Scotland. We were heading to Fair Isle to stay with Angela, Darren and their family at Burkle http://fairislefibres.blogspot.com/. On route we stopped with the fibrealicous Fee http://www.iwannabiscuit.co.uk/ whose folks made us so welcome in their wonderful home (a big thank you to them - especially for the route map).

Monday we continued up to Aberdeen. We went across the Forth Road Bridge - an amazing experience in itself.

Caught our flights from Aberdeen to Sumburgh (I still don't like flying overmuch) no problems........but Angela had let us know that there were NO flights to Fair Isle that day so they were holding the ferry to Fair Isle for us at the pier........this is where the adventure bit begins.

There is a picture further down of the ferry - The Good Shepherd IV - she's a great boat, but, oh boy does she wallow!!!! Lucky for me I'd taken travel sickness pills - if I hadn't I would have heaved the whole 2 and half hours. I slept most of the way, bracing my legs as a slept, the little voice in my head counting the minutes. The crew were great - very friendly - as a first welcome to the folk on Fair Isle it was promising.
We got there in one piece - a bit wobbly...........was it worth it? YES! It is so beautiful, wild, open, exposed - I could wax lyrical for a good while. M and I spent ages just looking a the view from Angela's lounge windows - we couldn't take our eyes off it.
We had a great time - good hosts, good food, M even cooked one night - comfy beds and a warm welcome from all those we met. We explored with the help of Darren and his go-anywhere van. They answered our never ending stream of questions. The kids were happy and full of beans from morning to night. M fell in love with the pigs (joke - kind of)
Would we go back? Yes - tomorrow - ok with you?

The time passed so quickly - we didn't see half of what we intended (it didn't help that I developed a hacking cough/cold - which passed fairly quickly but on Wednesday it made me feel like shit!). We were meant to stay til Friday but weather/travel can be unpredictable so we left a day early...............

Further adventures follow.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Back


Am back from our 'wee' adventure. Am knackered by same! Proper post to follow when full recovery made......meanwhile here is a taster.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Mitteny-handwarmer-thingys.


greensocks 002
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

Finally getting around to making the mittens to match my Irish Hiking Scarf. Own pattern - lacey top and cuff - lovely and warm - soft and snuggly.

Green Socks No Ham!


greensocks 007
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

Own design WIP. Proof that 2nd sock is under construction. Opal Uni on 2.5mm dpns, top down.

More greensocks no ham!


greensocks 004
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

Close up of lace vine and stem pattern.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

An Ode (in the style of Father William)

"You're not old Father Michael" the boy brat said "and yet your head is quite bald?"
"It's being married to your Muvver for the last 20 years and learning to do as I'm told!"

"So was it Mum's constant nagging that made your locks fall out?" Persisted the small whiny child.
"Most likely" replied the brow beaten bloke "she'd drive anyone insane and wild!"

"20 years" said the boy "is a very long time. Did marrying Mum make you happy?"
"Hurumph!!" Said his Father "I'll not answer that in case it makes her more crabby."

Said the boy with persistence "But I need to know. Did your love remain fervent and true?"
His Dad rolled his eyes with mild surprise and replied "Do you know - I haven't a clue."

The Father called to his wife of long years "Is our love, Dear, still fervent and true?"
The silence did echo as his wife didn't answer...............................................................
(Well what would you do?)
But at last a mumble came through....."I'll answer that 'Yes' dear because I'd still say 'I do'."

The wife and the husband smiled at each other as each remembered plighting their troth.
20 years on, one chubby, one bald and one small annoying boy growth!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Mona socks by Cookie, A.


mona 004
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

Started 12/08 - finished today. (I wasn't faithful to them and got 2nd sock syndrome - however 2nd sock was knit in 3 days - yesterday I knit from the heel flap to 1/2 way through the toe.

Reggia Silk sock yarn in cream - used 74g. 2.5mm dpns. Knit to fit size 4 1/2 to 5 UK foot size. I did shorten leg to accomodate my tree trunk ankles.

Check out mega fungi on Laburnam stump!

Mona - the close up.


mona 003
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

A better look at the stitch pattern. It is easy to follow and to remember so you can work without the chart.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

spinning


snakespun 009
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

Sp sent this. She said this was her 1st complete fibre and dyed by herself - Watermelon. Navajo plied. Destined of mittens I think. Fibre is Corriedale Pencil Roving.

Pottery courtesy of M. Snake is Raku fired. Balls are hand carved, biscuit fired then glazed fired in a conventional kiln.

More spinning


snakespun 002
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

Another sp gift. I think it came from KnittingKitty it's a tencel and wool mix - spun like a dream. Pot is courtesy of M and is Naku fired.

Giant Salmon Pink Birdeater


tinyxstitch 001
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

more fondly known to us as Tiny, post moult - he still has some growing to do though. He's a hungry spider who is very feisty

tinyxstitch 006


tinyxstitch 006
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

Completed Cross Stitch from Subversive Cross Stitch - gifted to me by Glittrgirl. When I made this - it described exactly how I felt!

Update

1) Thank you to everyone who has been so kind to me whilst I have been off walking my black dog in a blue fug. I really do appreciate it so much.

2) Things got worse before they got better - Saturday actually started to see improvement for us all. I am climbing out of my pit - a few inches each day. I walked in the woods, picked blackberries and talked to people I love and they have been there for me. Thank you to you as well - you know who you are.

3) Maggie from http://liverpool-leftovers.blogspot.com/ sent me a kind email which has replenished my faith in blogging, so I have resolved to blog again but on a more sporadic basis. I have also elected to moderate comments. I hate taking this step - I value honest opinions - but not from anon commenter's who are too bigger cowards to put their money where their months are.

4) Very little knitting to report - lots of unfinished stuff I need to settle down to. I have been restless. Lots of spinning though - as per yesterdays post - there has been other spinning too - I'll put up pictures later.

5) Glittr at http://www.glittyknittykitty.co.uk/ sent me a giftie, a book called 'Subversive Cross Stitch'. Now if I'm honest I'm not a fan of cross stitch.....my Big Sis is brilliant at, really talented (huh she reads my blog occasionally ;-) ) but seriously she's GOOD. But this little book tickled me (thanks glittr) I've completed one am working on 2nd....again picture to follow.

6) I pissed off my spinning SP - major time (I think) with my last post - sorry and all that - just being honest, but the fibre she sent was/is lovely. I have spun loads of it with excellent results and I am truly grateful she sent a 2nd parcel so full of fibre-fun and I'm also sorry that she was so ill during the round. Peace my friend.

7) We're going to Fair Isle for almost a week will see the fantabulous Angela http://fairislefibres.blogspot.com/ all of you who know 'why' we are going, please keep every thing crossed for us. Thank you.

8) Family are well. Loobles is getting so old and smelly - but she's still wagging. Conkers is having fun kitty-ma-fying every lone spider who ambles into the house, Tiny moulted - one big hairy spider. J is working so hard at his home school - it's like someone swapped kids on me. It's as if a 100 pennies all dropped at once, very gratifying. M's new meds have increased his depleted potassium levels and he says that he almost feels normal again. Ma and Sis (and her hubby) have been very supportive.........thanks for letting me rant, rant and rant some more!

That's it. Up todate. Still not going be online too much but .......it's good to feel well enough to be back.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Stuff still happens.


spinningxx 009
Originally uploaded by loobles2002

Mainly spinning. SP gift fibre by Spunky Eclectic - colourway Tahiti (?) 104g in total, double plied.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

News but first this.......

I have some stuff to get off my chest but got distracted by the moth M rescued from the road this morning....it's big. I think it might be a kind of Anisota Stigma - Orange Oakworm Moth - please correct me if I'm wrong - I'd love to know what moth this is. The aforementioned is the closest that I can find to it in books and online. It is very beautiful

1) I am about to take a prolonged blog break (this may change if my mood improves) but it's unlikely. I need to spend time getting my head together - major time. Some cruel things have happened to me recently of which I will not speak - cos it's unbelievable - but it's shaken me to the core and damaged my already very fragile self confidence. I have to heal myself.

2) Not only is this a blog break but a Knittyboard break too. Thank you to all the wonderful people who have been so kind to me recently. Messages and shows of support have meant the world to me. Just goes to show that there are still truly good people left in the world. Also thank you to the bloggers who have left kind and supportive comments - again much appreciated.

I am taking a Knitty break - because - there's been some weird shit on there and also on the Knittyhead forum at Raverly - it's been squashed/resolved but it shook my faith in the forum - what the fuck would the board be like if people didn't follow the 'play nice' rule? Saw a little taste and didn't like it. I need to think this through.

I also just had a crap SP round - again! The person I sent to was great - the person who sent (?) to me wasn't - all I have to show for taking part is a few, brief emails - I don't even know who she is. I believe that she sent a parcel and it's loss is in no way her fault - but a card, an e-card, chatty friendly emails, posts on the thread - would have been nice too. Whoever you are SP - please think carefully before you SP again - cos it's a mutual, give & take sharing thing - whether you are quiet and shy or not! I now formally abandon any thoughts of ever SP-ing again I've been shafted too many times and and am fed up with the whole thing (I have also had some blinding rounds - thanks Yorkie, Katie-Lee & others) but the last couple - abysmal.
**********Update**********************

I feel I must post this addition. Early this morning I received a replacement parcel from the lady who is my spinning sp. It was full of lovely fibre, wrapped in a rainbow of tissue paper. The colours were perfect for me and show thought as does the choice of fibre type. I thank her for sending a 2nd parcel - it is appreciated.

I also need to add - cos I missed it out yesterday - that she has been ill during the round.


3) I can't remember being this sad for a long time........my Pa would have been 70 tomorrow *sigh* I miss him.

4) I'll leave the blog/knitty id up and running for now.

5) Those I count as friends (you know who you are) feel free to email if you want perilainchbury at hotmail dot com.

So long.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Flicker Socks

Finally finito! Pattern by Cookie of Monkey, Pomatomus and other excellent sock fame. Her wonderful patterns including this one came be found/purchased here
http://www.cookiea.com/index.php Needles - 2.5mm ebony dpns, yarn Opal Uni - in a jade/turquoisey type shade - colour no/name escapes me.

Sock one I whizzed through and the pattern is great, easy to follow and a interesting knit - through no fault of the pattern though I did get 2nd sock syndrome. I cast on for number two straight away and knit the cuff/leg but hit a brick wall for the heel & gusset etc. I knitted two rows yesterday - more crappy family stuff intervened - so the bulk of gusset, foot & toe were completed this afternoon.

I have two more pairs of socks on the needles and will endeavour to finish them before casting on for Cookie's Mona pattern which I purchased today.......am I a Cookie-Ho?

Friday, August 10, 2007

Spinning & Startitus

Alpaca and silk all spun and done. The colours match M's moon globe perfectly.
A close up. It has amazing sheen and is so very soft - I could roll around nekkid in it!
Ok - I own up - I have had the most terrible startitus - maybe it's a sign of my unquiet mind that I can't settle to anything, especially exsisting projects - though I have worked on the 2nd Flicker sock and M's vanilla socks as well this week. So we have, a spiral pattern sock in the lovely yarn Kathrow's sent me, a flaming skull bag intended for felting and a stole worked in Peri's Parasol lace.....how could I not knit something in this pattern?
I am more into my spinning at the moment than my knitting and have faithfully finished one load of fluff before starting another - so proves I can be constant *rolls eyes* . As soon as the alpaca and silk was plied I selected my next victim. Bright and I mean *puts on sunnies* BRIGHT scarlet merino and silk mix.....it almost glows.

The rest of the week has been quiet - by choice. M has been caught up in bike maintenance (prep prior to Centerparcs in Oct), J as been almost permanently in the pool, with the odd break for Beano/book reading and a mega, huge water balloon war in the garden (I'm still finding bits of balloon all over the place). It's been good to be still after the last few weeks. M is back on call so I foresee a quiet weekend. Mind you we're out tonight and J has a promised cousin sleepover on the horizon.

I also booked tickets for Shoreham Airshow in September - the boys love it and I get to stay home and knit :-D and I booked tickets for M and I to go and see Newton Faulkner in November, we last saw at Joogleberry's in February - before he really took off - he is amazing live - so am looking forward to that.

Now I am off to clean and iron......whoooooo.......can a women take this much excitement in one day?

Giving the finger!

You Are a Ring Finger
You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything.
You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas. You are also drawn to the written word.
Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world.

You get along well with: The Pinky

Stay away from: The Index Finger


Thanks to Sue and Glittr for this idea ;-D

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

A little ray of Suemoon-shine!

Little did Sue over at http://knittiotherapy.typepad.com/ know that her kindness would ease an awful morning. The little sheepie pencil/needle case was filled with a mutual favourite, blast from the past..............Caramac Bars - yummy! Thank you Sue <3

I have had little time to think, muse over and digest my MIL's death. Today it hit me, mayhap I've been in shock. It's taken almost 3 weeks, but I'm glad it finally came out and I feel better for a prolonged blub. Sue's gift arrived in the middle of it, gourd knows what postie though when I opened the door, but it was just the catalyst needed, perfect timing.....maybe Sue is psychic ;-)

Today is M's last day off before returning to work. Yesterday he and J went to see the Transformers movie, which, I am informed has amazing special effects. Today we are planning a tea time beach picnic picking up fish-n-chips on route to eat on the pebbles. Sounds good!

Had to post this, taken Sunday night, on our bed - I have entitled this picture 'Oh inscrutable cat.' It was so hot in our bedroom, I had just rescued this old pink cotton sheet to throw over us as it was way too hot for quilts or duvets. It been on the bed no more than 10 seconds before his haughty blackness came and lounged on it with this smug look. Pink sheet coated in black, velvety Conker fluff......perfect!

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Kitty cuteness overload

Now this is how to spend a hot Sunday............with a long relaxed snooze!

J however has other ideas *sigh* 10-1 my knitting/iPod gets splashed.

Oooooo stuff

Finally, I finished something! I know they're just plain ole vanilla sockies.....but these are not just any plain ole vanilla sockies.....these are plain ole vanilla sockies knitted in Posh Yarn's Emily sock yarn (colour Mayday) 80% lambswool, 10% cashmere, 10% angora and they are so soft and cushiony (is that a word? -If it isn't, it should be cos it's a perfect description of how these socks feel to the feet). The colours remind me of a sunset. I have a enough left to make matching mittens :-D which are on the needles.
Spinning! Alpaca and silk from Scottish Fibres. My, oh my, this fluff is wonder fluff (apart from the shedding) it spins so easily, smoothly and evenly. It has an amazing lustre and the silver mixed with white silk is so very pretty but subtle. I would also like to take this opportunity to say 'Thank You' to Doreen from Scottish Fibres because she sent me a replacement parcel for one that had got lost in the chaos of the UK postal system - it reached me in two days - and she was so gracious about the whole thing. They give excellent, fast, efficient service! Now all I need is my MIA spinning secret pal parcel to arrive......my poor Sekrit pal has been poorly and now her parcel she sent weeks ago has gone AWOL - postal service sucks right now.

Finally, do you ever get a refrain of a song or just it's lyrics stuck in your head? I do and for the last 24 hours my mind has been singing this to me........

'She was a wallflower at 16,
She'll be a wallflower at 34.
Her mother called her beautiful,
Her daddy said "A whore".'

No prizes (cos I'm broke) but go fry your noodle on them!

Friday, August 03, 2007

Freedom to breathe

Funeral over and done with. Don't misjudge me here. It was very sad. I was extremely moved. M read his poem - brilliantly and I fought off the tears. But I am relieved to be done with it all (for now - ash scattering/probate still to do) - but the sense of tension or feeling fraught has eased for a while and I really do feel we can all 3 breath again. The family will lay off suffocating us for a bit (fingers crossed).

We decided to cancel camping in the New Forest next week SIL Z and her lot decided not to go either. I think we are too tired for adventures right now.

But we do all need a break, so.................last night we decided, over a curry, upholding a tradition MIL would have approved of, to go away as a group to CenterParcs soon.

They have never been there - we have soooooo many times - but it's a great holiday, very relaxing, and we are more than happy to go again ;-D

Today I booked a 4 bedroom villa - with it's own sauna etc for early October *yay* and now we all have something to aim for, to feel excited about, which should help us through the gutty bits that remain.

Happy news.

I finally finished some socks, so little knitting has been managed. I spent a lot of today with J - just doing stuff - nice to have the time and energy to give to him - he's been great though.

Now I have a glass of wine with my name on it to quaff and some chill time with my man to enjoy - so no more blogging for now.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

I am sitting waiting my finger nails to dry....typing probably not such a hot idea then. I am listening to Pink Floyd's - 'Wish You Were Here' album - now that's gotta to be an age thing. And it's an age thing that is on my mind.......

I was bullied as a child from about the age of 9 until I was around 14/15. When I finally dealt with it, got closure - to use a recently over-used term - I swore I would never be bullied again. Well, here I am at 40, having to allow someone to bully me (temporarily) because they are grieving. I can feel the 9 year old me peering out of my 40 year old eyes. I know all the sensible stuff - gee studied psychology long enough - I know I am better than them, that I will rise above it all and I will maintain my dignity at all costs. I will never look back with guilt/shame. But that doesn't make it any easier to bear.

'Shine on you crazy diamond.'

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Count yer blessings.

Tomorrow is MIL's funeral. Two weeks to the day since she died. Time for a start of closure. It feels a long time coming. I think both M and I will be pleased to move on and start getting back to normal. We have been swamped with petty bickering, long-long constant phone calls and all the worst bits that death can bring out in people. Lucky for us (in a way) that we have been there before and therefore have built resilience to some extent.
A good few years ago I read a book called 'Simple Abundance' - it was one of those you dip into as you need/feel like. One thing stuck with me, that everyday you think and make note of 5 good things in your life or that happen that day. I used to do this every day but now I do when I need to make sense of stuff or to get make head really straight. So here are my five;
1) I have good people in my life everyday. I have M, who has so kept me sane for 20+ years and whom I adore. I have J - who makes me proud, who makes me laugh and who amazes me daily. I have my own family Ma, Big Sis and her lot, SIL Z and her family - all people who talk straight to me, make me laugh and who 'do' care.
2) I have my health (so do my family). I am so lucky. Minor aches and pains, the odd migraine or cold but most of the time we are a very healthy lot.
3) Less soppy - but I live near the sea. I love the sea. The smell, the sounds, the incoming weather fronts, the gulls, the cliffs, even the pebbles.
4) I have hobbies and interests that I love. That I can loose myself in, in a selfish, self absorbed way that enables me to free my mind from the dross that can weigh you down. It gives me a sense of artistic expression which stops me from feeling limited in my life.
5) I am at a place that for 99.9% of the time I am content and happy - riches indeed.
OK - so this is way cheesy! I know. But it works because it makes you take the time to stop and examine the positives because normally it is all too easy for them to be buried under the negatives.