Thursday 30 December 2021

Book ~ "The Last House on the Street" (2022) Diane Chamberlain

From Goodreads ~ When Kayla Carter's husband dies in an accident while building their dream house, she knows she has to stay strong for their four-year-old daughter. But the trophy home in Shadow Ridge Estates, a new development in sleepy Round Hill, North Carolina, will always hold tragic memories. But when she is confronted by an odd, older woman telling her not to move in, she almost agrees. It's clear this woman has some kind of connection to the area ... and a connection to Kayla herself. 

Kayla's elderly new neighbor, Ellie Hockley, is more welcoming but it's clear she too has secrets that stretch back almost fifty years. Is Ellie on a quest to right the wrongs of the past? And does the house at the end of the street hold the key? 

Told in dual time periods, "The Last House on the Street" is a novel of shocking prejudice and violence, forbidden love, the search for justice, and the tangled vines of two families. 

1965
Ellie is a white university student who spends her summers working in her father's pharmacy.  When she hears about The Summer Community Organization and Political Education (SCOPE) Project, whose goal was to recruit white college students to help prepare African Americans for voting and to maintain pressure on Congress to pass what became the Voting Rights Act of 1965, she signs up.  Her family and friends in her small town try to dissuade her but she feels strongly enough to risk losing her family and friends for this cause.  While involved, she experiences violence which only makes her conviction stronger.

2010
Kayla and her husband were building their dream home when he passed away in a freak accident in the house before it was finished so she has a love-hate relationship with house.  Kayla and her young daughter move in and strange and scary things start to happen.  Ellie has moved back home for a while to take care of her ailing mother and brother and she and Kayla become friends.

I've read many books by this author and thought this one was just okay.  In 2010, it is first person perspective in Kayla's voice and in 1965 in Ellie's voice.  It bounces back and forth between the two different time periods and the chapters are marked as to what the time period is and whose voice it is.  I found the writing slow for most of the book ... it's not until towards the end that it picked up.  

When I decided to read this book, I didn't know what it was going to be about.  The focus is less on the mystery of why someone doesn't want Kayla to be in the house (which is what I was expecting) and more on Ellie's 1965 story, which was fine as SCOPE was a worthy and interesting cause (I hadn't heard of it before) but there were a lot of details and information which I found slowed the writing down.

Given all that Kayla was going through, with her husband recently passing away and being terrorized to drive her out of her house, she didn't seem overly stressed.  It seemed like she was more concerned about being loyal to her husband's dream of living in the house than protecting her young daughter, which seemed unrealistic.  I found that Ellie, given her privileged white upbringing was just too gung ho about being involved with SCOPE.  It was quite a switch in her lifestyle (one house she stayed in had an outhouse and no electricity) and her family and friends disowned her yet she still carried on with the cause.

As a head's up, there is swearing and violence.

Tuesday 28 December 2021

Honeycomb (aka Newfie) knitted mittens

I just finished knitting a pair of Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens. They are fun to make.


I used 4 ply yarn and 5mm double pointed needles.

Wrist
  1. With A, cast on 42 sts
  2. Knit 1, purl 1 for 18 rows
  3. Purl
  4. Purl, increasing 2 stitches on each needle for a total of 48 stitches

Pattern
  1.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
  2. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  3. Purl 2 rows with A
  4. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
  5. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  6. Purl 2 rows with A
  7.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
  8. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  9. Purl 2 rows with A
  10. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
  11. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  12. Purl 2 rows with A

Thumb
  1. In step 12 above, purl 2, put 7 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb and cast on 7 stitches, purl to the end.  Purl 1 row.

Mitten
  1. Knit the pattern until long enough (I did 6)
  2. Knit 1 row
  3. *Knit 4, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  4. Knit 2 rows
  5. *Knit 3, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  6. Knit 2 rows
  7. *Knit 2, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  8. Knit 2 rows
  9. *Knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  10. Thread the yarn through remaining the loops and pull tight
  11. Weave end inside

Thumb
  1. With A, pick up the 7 stitches from the holder
  2. Pick up 7 stitches around the thumb hole for a total of 14 stitches
  3. Knit to fit length of thumb
  4. Knit 2 together all around
  5. Thread the yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight
  6. Weave end inside

Book ~ "Bake, Borrow, and Steal" (2021) Ellie Alexander

From Goodreads ~ As the autumnal hues of November fall over the Shakespearean hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, Jules and her team at Torte are working on their biggest event ever. They’ve been invited to create chocolate showpieces for the gala opening of a new exhibit, Shakespeare’s Lost Pages at SOMA. The museum, located on the campus of Southern Oregon University, is getting ready to unveil the Bard’s lost manuscript, Double Falsehood, which is being touted as the greatest artistic discovery of modern times. In addition to molding luscious, silky chocolate into magnificent structures, Torte will be serving an authentic Elizabethan feast straight from the pages of a sixteenth century cookbook featuring Lardy cakes, Frangipane tarts, and jellies with chestnut cream.

Jules has underestimated the amount of work required to pull off such a culinary feat. She finds herself in the strange position of feeling frazzled and stressed as the day of the gala approaches. However, her team rallies around her and once the massive works of chocolate art are safely installed at the museum, she can finally let out a sigh of relief and revel in the excitement of the grand celebration. But her relief is short-lived. Right before the unveiling, news quickly begins to spread that Shakespeare’s lost manuscript is missing. Not only that, but the security guard tasked with keeping the priceless artifact safe has been killed. Is this a case of a heist gone terribly wrong? Or could it be that a killer is lurking in the museum archives? 

Juliet (aka Jules) was raised in small town Ashland, OR.  She grew up helping her parents in their bakery and went on to culinary school.  After working for many years on a cruise line, where she met her husband, Carlos, she moved back home to take over the family bakery.  She now shares ownership of it with her mother, who recently married the local head of police.  After a two year separation, Jules has worked things out with Carlos and he is running the winery they have majority ownership of.

A lost manuscript of William Shakespeare has been discovered and, since Ashland is home to a Shakespearean theatre and the town has a Shakespearean theme, the director of the local museum has managed to have it exhibited in there.  It is a big deal and Tortes has been hired to provide the catering for the opening night gala, which has all the staff at Torte racing around preparing the food.  At the unveiling gala, there is a lot of tension, both with the museum staff and the Torte staff.  It doesn't help when it's discovered that the manuscript has been stolen, the maintenance man has been attacked, a guard killed and the director of the museum is then arrested for everything.

This is the fourteenth in the Bakeshop Mystery series (I've read them all) and I thought it was okay.  It's written in first person perspective in Jules' voice.  It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity.  I suspect there will probably not be many more in this series as everyone is settled down happily and Jules is thinking about having a baby.

Sunday 26 December 2021

Happy Boxing Day!


Boxing Day is traditionally the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as a "Christmas box", from their bosses or employers.

Today, Boxing Day is the statutory holiday. It is observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and some other Commonwealth nations.

In Canada, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much like Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) in the U.S. It is a time where shops have sales, often with dramatic price reductions.  Many retailers open very early and offer doorbuster deals and loss leaders to draw people to their stores. It is not uncommon for long lines to form early in the morning, hours before the opening of shops holding the big sales, especially at big-box consumer electronics retailers.  In-store shopping isn't permitted this year in Ontario because we went into a month-long lockdown today.

Saturday 25 December 2021

Honeycomb (aka Newfie) knitted mittens

I just finished knitting a pair of Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens. They are fun to make.


I used 4 ply yarn and 5mm double pointed needles.

Wrist
  1. With A, cast on 42 sts
  2. Knit 1, purl 1 for 18 rows
  3. Purl
  4. Purl, increasing 2 stitches on each needle for a total of 48 stitches

Pattern
  1.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
  2. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  3. Purl 2 rows with A
  4. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
  5. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  6. Purl 2 rows with A
  7.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
  8. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  9. Purl 2 rows with A
  10. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
  11. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  12. Purl 2 rows with A

Thumb
  1. In step 12 above, purl 2, put 7 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb and cast on 7 stitches, purl to the end.  Purl 1 row.

Mitten
  1. Knit the pattern until long enough (I did 6)
  2. Knit 1 row
  3. *Knit 4, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  4. Knit 2 rows
  5. *Knit 3, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  6. Knit 2 rows
  7. *Knit 2, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  8. Knit 2 rows
  9. *Knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  10. Thread the yarn through remaining the loops and pull tight
  11. Weave end inside

Thumb
  1. With A, pick up the 7 stitches from the holder
  2. Pick up 7 stitches around the thumb hole for a total of 14 stitches
  3. Knit to fit length of thumb
  4. Knit 2 together all around
  5. Thread the yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight
  6. Weave end inside

Merry Christmas!

Friday 24 December 2021

Local Public Eatery, Toronto, ON

Gord has lunch every Friday at the Local Public Eatery (in Liberty Village) ... he likes it there and he's gotten to know the staff.

Today I joined him!  With our COVID numbers rising here in Ontario, I was hesitant to be out at a restaurant but was okay when I saw the protocols the Local took when we arrived.  We had to show our vaccination certificates and ID when we arrived.

Monday 20 December 2021

Nova Scotia's Community Haul ~ December 2021

My December Nova Scotia's Community Haul subscription box arrived today.

Weddings and school concerts, charity bake sales and chase-the-ace - our community halls are where Nova Scotians have come together for generations to celebrate and support one another. Since we’re together apart for the foreseeable future, we’ve transformed the community hall into a Community Haul. 

Community Haul, partnered with Symplicity Designs set out to create a safe and fun way to help the small business community through the next year. Our product forges connection, creates community, and offers you the opportunity to explore Nova Scotia - all from the safety of your home. 

We've launched a local subscription box to celebrate Nova Scotia business owners and help reboot the regional economy. By pledging your community support with a subscription, you can help keep the lights on for dozen of small businesses during these economically stressful times. What's more, every box sold will support the IWK Foundation to provide care for the women and children in the Maritimes.  

I'm originally from Nova Scotia and it's been fun receiving stuff from "back home" and helping support their economy.

Coconut Candle Company - December 2021

My December Coconut Candle Company subscription box (full size) just arrived ... the theme is Christmas.

Get a surprise selection of unique candles that we've never released before before released delivered to you. Choose between 1 month, 6 months (3 boxes) or 1 year (5 boxes).

Each themed box has a value of well over $100 and includes surprise gifts from other small businesses.

Sunday 19 December 2021

Honeycomb (aka Newfie) knitted mittens

I just finished knitting a pair of Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens. They are fun to make.


I used 4 ply yarn and 5mm double pointed needles.

Wrist
  1. With A, cast on 42 sts
  2. Knit 1, purl 1 for 18 rows
  3. Purl
  4. Purl, increasing 2 stitches on each needle for a total of 48 stitches

Pattern
  1.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
  2. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  3. Purl 2 rows with A
  4. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
  5. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  6. Purl 2 rows with A
  7.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
  8. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  9. Purl 2 rows with A
  10. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
  11. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  12. Purl 2 rows with A

Thumb
  1. In step 12 above, purl 2, put 7 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb and cast on 7 stitches, purl to the end.  Purl 1 row.

Mitten
  1. Knit the pattern until long enough (I did 6)
  2. Knit 1 row
  3. *Knit 4, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  4. Knit 2 rows
  5. *Knit 3, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  6. Knit 2 rows
  7. *Knit 2, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  8. Knit 2 rows
  9. *Knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  10. Thread the yarn through remaining the loops and pull tight
  11. Weave end inside

Thumb
  1. With A, pick up the 7 stitches from the holder
  2. Pick up 7 stitches around the thumb hole for a total of 14 stitches
  3. Knit to fit length of thumb
  4. Knit 2 together all around
  5. Thread the yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight
  6. Weave end inside

Saturday 18 December 2021

Cat Shelter Building Workshop, Toronto Street Cats, Toronto, ON

I spent this morning volunteering with Toronto Street Cats building cat shelters.  The workshops are held throughout the fall and winter season in the garage of the Toronto Humane Society ... today's was the last one of the year.

It's my fourth year volunteering with them ... it's so nice helping the kitties in Toronto keep warm and dry during the cold winter.

Our mission: improve the lives of Toronto’s homeless cats by offering spay/neuter services, free for feral cats, and building overwintering shelters. We are also working to increase public awareness about Toronto’s homeless cat population and the importance of spay/neuter and trap/neuter/return (TNR). 

We are part of the Toronto Feral Cat Coalition, working together to implement strategic TNR programs to sterilize Toronto’s feral cats, decrease shelter intake and reduce euthanasia rates.

There are lots of strict protocols to follow ... we were all socially distanced and required to wear masks.


We taped the insulated walls together in the bins and then taped the tubing entrances ... I started with the first part (I like it better) then moved on to taping the tubing to the shelters.  Thom cut the tubing for the entrance ways, cut the Styrofoam for insulated walls and drilled holes into the bins after the insulated walls had been taped inside.

Before

Friday 17 December 2021

Book ~ "Enjoying Rum: A Tasting Guide and Journal" (2021) Frank Flannery

From Goodreads ~ From classic to new-generation rums hailing from countries around the world, this book gives you the information you need to enjoy rum with knowledge. Whether you are a straight-up sipper or a frozen-with-an-umbrella-drink type, "Enjoying Rum" offers a hands-on guide and reference to the world of rum and its many varieties and tastes.

With the growth of rum distilleries worldwide, this spirit is surpassing its reputation as just a spirit to mix in an island cocktail. The days of Captain Morgan’s being the only option are long gone and savvy spirit aficionados are developing a newfound respect and love for this once-swashbuckling spirit. There are now subtle and distinct flavor variations and nuances in rum options that hail from diverse regions around the globe. The premium rum market is growing fast as a segment of the spirits market both in the U.S. and abroad.

"Enjoying Rum" offers insight into the growing world of this versatile liquor - with its complex flavors tastes and classic cocktails that are synonymous with relaxation. With this book in hand, you may be inclined to make rum your spirit of choice as you:
  • Discover rum's dry, sweet, rich, and mellow variations
  • Choose from a collection of classic cocktail recipes
  • Follow tasting notes on a full range of rums

Enjoying Rum is the perfect gift for your rum-loving friends (or just for yourself!) - no matter what flavor path they choose.

I like rum, especially spiced and dark rums, so thought this would be an interesting book to check out.

The author provides high level information about the history of rum, how rum is made, how to read labels, tasting rum, a spotlight on some famous rums (Bacardi, Captain Morgan [one of my favs], Mount Gay, Appleton and El Dorado) and a handful of rum cocktails.  At the end, there are almost 60 pages so you can journal as you taste different rums.  

I read it as an ebook ... it works better as a book book because you are invited to write in the book and use it as your tasting journal.  It would be handy if a link was provided so you could download a printable pdf and can keep track of the same info for your future reference.

Tuesday 14 December 2021

Book ~ "Massey Hall" (2021) David McPherson

From Goodreads ~ Known for its intimacy and sense of occasion, a night at Toronto’s Massey Hall is magical for both audiences and performers. For many musicians, playing the hall is the surest sign that they have made it. Looking out over the crowd, performers often comment that they feel they have joined history as they stand on the stage where Sarah Vaughan, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, and so many other legends have stood.

Based on scores of interviews and meticulous research, "Massey Hall" chronicles not only the historical and musical moments of the past 127 years but also the community of artists and supporters that has built up around the hall. Covering both emerging artists such as Shakura S’Aida and William Prince and musical giants from Herbie Hancock to the Tragically Hip, this full-colour book is a celebration of music, community, and our shared cultural heritage.

Massey Hall is a performing arts theatre in downtown Toronto ... I've been to many concerts there so was interested to learn more about it.  Plus I like to learn about history.

Opening in 1894, Hart Massey wanted to build a music hall in order to fill the need for a meeting place where people from the Toronto area could meet and enjoy choral music not of a religious theme. He also wanted to construct the building in memory of his son, Charles, who loved music.  Massey also did not want the music hall to make large profits ... he wanted both rich and poor to attend events.  It closed in July 2018 for a two-year-long renovation including a new seven-storey addition and two smaller concert rooms and recently reopened.

The book covers a lot of information:
  1. The House that Hart Built
  2. The Early Years:  Opening Night to the Great Depression
  3. The Jazz Age and Beyond
  4. For Folk's Sake:  The 1960s
  5. Let There Be Rock:  The 1970s
  6. The 1980s
  7. Canadians Take Centre Stage:  The 1990s
  8. The New Millennium
  9. The House of Gord - focusing on Gordon Lightfoot
  10. Last Call at the Hall
  11. Revitalization
  12. Artist Development and Outreach
  13. Legendary Leaders
  14. A Beacon of Hope

There were many pictures and it was interesting to see how styles and tastes had changed over the years.  It was entertaining to hear stories about Massey Hall, especially from performers.

Monday 13 December 2021

Jingle All the Way knitted dishcloth

The Year of the Dishcloth is organized by the Kitchen Sink Shop

November's pattern is Jingle All the Way. I made a couple mindless errors (purled when I should have knitted) but I didn’t notice until I was finished ... next time I'll be more careful.


I used Bernat Handicrafter cotton yarn and a 5mm circular needle.

Cast on 37 stitches.

Border
  • Rows 1-5: K37
  • Row 6: K3, P31, K3
  • Row 7: K37
  • Row 8: K3, P31, K3
  • Repeat Rows 7 and 8 4 more times

Pattern
  • Row 1: K16, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K16
  • Row 2 (and every even row): K3, P31, K3
  • Row 3: K15, K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K15
  • Row 5: K14, *K2tog, YO* x 2, K1, *YO, SSK* x 2, K14
  • Row 7: K13, *K2tog, YO* x 2, K3, *YO, SSK* x 2, K13
  • Row 9: K12, *K2tog, YO* x 3, K1, *YO, SSK* x 3, K12
  • Row 11: K11, *K2tog, YO* x 3, K3, *YO, SSK* x 3, K11
  • Row 13: K10, *K2tog, YO* x 3, K5, *YO, SSK* x 3, K10
  • Row 15: K11, *YO, SSK* x 3, K3, *K2tog, YO* x 3, K11
  • Row 17: K12, *YO, SSK* x 3, K1, *K2tog, YO* x 3, K12
  • Row 19: K13, *YO, SSK* x 2, YO, S1, K2tog, PSSO, YO, *K2tog, YO* x 2, K13
  • Row 21: K14, *YO, SSK* x 2, K1, *K2tog, YO* x 2, K14
  • Row 23: K15, YO, SSK, YO, S1, K2tog, PSSO, YO, K2tog, YO, K15
  • Row 25: K16, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K16
  • Row 27: K17, YO, S1, K2tog, PSSO, YO, K17
  • Row 28: K3, P31, K3
  • Row 29: K37
  • Row 30: K3, P31, K3
  • Repeat Rows 29 and 30 4 more times

Border
  • Rows 1-5: K37

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Sunday 12 December 2021

Be a Santa for a Senior Holiday Gift Drive, Toronto, ON

Since COVID, I've been keeping my hands busy by knitting and among other things, I've been knitting Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens. I've given lots away but still had many and I was looking for someplace to donate them.

Yesterday I came across the “Be a Santa for a Senior Holiday Gift Drive” program, run by Gwen Potter.

Gifts donated will go to recipients of the Meals on Wheels program run out of West Neighbourhood House (Ossington/Dundas W). Most of these men and women are over 55 and live alone.

I connected with her yesterday and she just picked up 28 pairs of mittens and a hat (she's in my 'hood). I'm so happy my mittens will find a home!

If you want to donate $, she will purchase gifts on your behalf. You can donate via the GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/64ff080a.

Saturday 11 December 2021

"Die Hard", Revue Cinema, Toronto, ON

It has become a holiday to tradition for Gord and I to see his favourite Christmas movie, Die Hard, around this time of year.  A couple theatres used to show it but COVID put a pause on that last year.

Drunken Theatre put it on at The Revue Theatre last night and tonight (we went tonight) ... it sold out both nights.

40 Stories. 12 Terrorists. 1 Cop. 220 Drunken Cinema attendees. The odds are against John McClane ... That's just the way he likes it.

HO! HO! HO! Drunken Cinema is hosting a special “X-Mas” themed interactive movie game to celebrate the return to DIE HARD back at The Revue!

We will take you on a sleigh ride to Nakatomi Tower (A.K.A. Revue Cinema) to celebrate with John McClane and Hans Gruber!

Come and enjoy one of the most beloved Christmas films out there with your friends at Drunken Cinema!

There will be popcorn, a holiday themed pre-show and a themed cocktail!

19+ EVENT!

*Customized game card and a glowstick is included in the price of admission.


We got in line at 8:30pm and were 7th and 8th.  Within minutes, the line-up was going up the street and around the corner.  Once they opened the doors, the line-up moved pretty quickly.


Before the movie started, there were old and new commercials and coming soons shown along with a 22 minute Tales From the Crypt Christmas episode from 1989 starring Mary Ellen Trainer, who was a reporter in Die Hard.  The movie started about 10:15pm.


Everyone was given a green or red glow stick and whenever McClane’s name was said or there was something Christmasy, we had to wave our glow sticks. In addition, we were given cards … whenever someone smoked, I had to wave my glow stick. Whenever someone was killed, Gord had to wave his.


It was fun to see the movie on the big screen again!

Loons Restaurant & Pub, Toronto, ON

Gord and I had supper this evening at Loons Pub (Roncesvalles Avenue/Howard Park Avenue).


Gord ordered The Reuben with a salad.


I ordered the Big Mouth Burger (with no lettuce or onions) and fries, with a side of gravy.

Honeycomb (aka Newfie) knitted mittens

I just finished knitting a pair of Honeycomb (aka Newfie) mittens. They are fun to make.


I used 4 ply yarn and 5mm double pointed needles.

Wrist
  1. With A, cast on 42 sts
  2. Knit 1, purl 1 for 18 rows
  3. Purl
  4. Purl, increasing 2 stitches on each needle for a total of 48 stitches

Pattern
  1.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
  2. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  3. Purl 2 rows with A
  4. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
  5. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  6. Purl 2 rows with A
  7.  *Knit 4 with B, slip 2 purlwise with A*, repeat to the end of row
  8. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  9. Purl 2 rows with A
  10. Knit 1 with B, * slip 2 purlwise with A, knit 4 with B*, repeat to the last three stitches, knit 3 with B
  11. Repeat this row 4 more times (5 in total)
  12. Purl 2 rows with A

Thumb
  1. In step 12 above, purl 2, put 7 stitches on a stitch holder for the thumb and cast on 7 stitches, purl to the end.  Purl 1 row.

Mitten
  1. Knit the pattern until long enough (I did 6)
  2. Knit 1 row
  3. *Knit 4, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  4. Knit 2 rows
  5. *Knit 3, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  6. Knit 2 rows
  7. *Knit 2, knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  8. Knit 2 rows
  9. *Knit 2 together*, repeat to the end
  10. Thread the yarn through remaining the loops and pull tight
  11. Weave end inside

Thumb
  1. With A, pick up the 7 stitches from the holder
  2. Pick up 7 stitches around the thumb hole for a total of 14 stitches
  3. Knit to fit length of thumb
  4. Knit 2 together all around
  5. Thread the yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight
  6. Weave end inside