I haven't got as far as turning the heel yet, but I remember it was the trickiest part.
I agree it is relaxing. I also find hand sewing relaxing. I cannot use a machine - it stresses me out. My friend Sue says  - you should use your machine it's so much quicker. But I have trouble setting it up, trouble adjusting tension etc, and I just like doing it all by hand even though my stitches are terrible. I make pillowslips out of old ripped sheets, and cushion covers and things. It's my downtime.Enjoy your cooler days. :-)

Anyone who can beat bottom dwellers, can handle anything!! Lol

Lol. I' ve done 8cms of the top. The retro pattern from a knitting book inherited from my Mum was published the year I wad born (1946), and is in moss stitch which is slowing me down. Also I have tendinitis in my right shoulder, so can't knit for long periods - I've had that since Xmas when I overdid things a bit.
Waiting for bees now, I've forgotten how it works.

I hope you are keeping cool, we are keeping warm. :-)

I have decided to go above ground when this coral is finished. I'm going to try bees. It's many years since I did them.

😅 Now you have inspired me to make some warm socks.

Good morning Kathleen. Having a few relaxing days at last, just catching up with housework and no more appointments for a while!
When do you set off for your peaceful hamlet? I bet you and hubby are looking forward to a good break.
I've been trying baking lately - not good at it. My bingo friends said my cake was delicious but I think they were being kind. Lol. I said I'm never baking again. I spent way too much time on my feet, and made a heap of dishes to do.Too much extra work!

Our day started cold and miserable, but now it's getting hot. We're shopping in our closest big town.

Knitting of course. Stupid fingers.lol

Good luck with the knotting. It is so satisfying to have something concrete to show for your efforts. My mother was a knotter, so I have been knitting all my life. I've made my own jumpers since I was 13.
When we lived in NZ, we had our own sheep, and I learnt to spin my own wool. That was really enjoyable. Socks are actually harder than a cardigan or jumper, because turning the heel can be tricky.
It's strange that we are both having cold weather. Usually we have the opposite.
I hope you are enjoying the challenge with your new job.