Last Tuesday, at SSK (Silver Spring Knitters, our local group), I coerced Heidi into modeling my newly completed hat.

The cap is a summer version of a hat I wore all winter long. (I’m obsessing a little bit about hats right now, lots of deadlines for sweaters, vests, socks and minutely crocheted shawls, and all I want to do is make hats.)
After we had settled back in…

We had some unexpected (to me, at least!) visitors:

You may recognize James, I’m holding Jay, and in the bottom right corner is the back of Selma’s head. (Note they all have dressed for the event–James in a nice jacket, Selma in a skirt and crocheted shawl, and Jay in his Spiderman Jammies–everyone picked out their own outfits, I hear.) They had come to surprise me and James had worked quietly with the Martha, our group’s fearless leader to arrange their visit. James said something like this, when he arrived:
“In the military, when someone has a big achievement, we like to make a fuss, have a ceremony and give them a plaque to commemorate the event. Amy’s first book
was just released in March, and to celebrate Jay and Selma and I had this put together.”
Then, they unveiled the coolest surprise ever:

James wrote to my publisher to ask them for a cover of the book, and they sent him one! Then he took it to our local frame shop and worked with the framer to come up with the perfect frame. I love it. And I was so touched that James took all that time and effort to say publicly that he was proud of me. What a sweetie.
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Congratulations! That’s such a wonderfully nice thing for him to do. You’re a lucky gal. Of course, you deserve it!
That’s fabulous – and much nicer looking than most of the military plaques!
I’m not sure which I’m more in love with: your man or your hat!!!!
Oh, yes that was so sweet of all!!! Wonderful family, and wonderful friends!
And that means you’re wonderful too. We’re always surrounded for the people that’s alike us, isn’t it?
lol…
That’s great for you!
Congratulations!
What a lovely idea!
And you know, he’s right to be proud of you!
Reason #6,928 why I/we are going to miss you so much!
What a wonderful and sweet surprise-congrats!
awesome…. You deserve it!, We are all very proud of you!!!!!
that is so sweet! wow!
How awesome is that! You deserve to be spoiled in public – enjoy it!!
The absolute best and you totally deserve this honor.
Kudos
Aunt Carole
yay! what a sweet gesture. you definitely have a good man.
Amy, A very nice “attaboy” or should I say “attagirl?” Uncle Jack
What a fantastic surprise!! Congrats!!
Awww what a sweetie, you deserve it though!