change of plans

So, I'm knitting away on my Mom's birthday gift, the flamingo mittens, when I get a call form her. (This is not a odd event - I talk to my Mom pretty much daily.) She and I are chatting about this, that and the other thing, when she asks what I'm knitting. "Right now, or just in general?" I ask back. "In general", she said. I told her - the usual, an assortment of mittens, socks, some lace stuff and a sweater or two, why?
"Have you ever heard of fingerless mittens?" she asks, "you know, mittens with an open top".
"I'm familiar with the concept, yes." I answer.
"I think I'm going to make myself some. I could really use them when I go back to Florida. They'd be great for riding my bike in the mornings. What do you think?" she says.
"Sure - that would be a great idea. If you can wait until the next time we get together, I've got the perfect wool for you." I answer, trying to stop her from knitting them herself. (I'm her enabler - I give her the good stuff that she seems incapable of buying for herself. It makes me happy to give her nice stuff to knit with).
"Great! I'd like pink and green to match my bike. Do you have anything like that?"

Ummm, I can probably find something that will work...

Perfect timing. I was just getting to the top of the first flamingo mitten. So I've stopped there. I think I can put her off until her birthday next month. I know she's in the middle of socks for the grandchildren, so plenty of time.

(still have to add the thumb to this one...)

Mom taught me the basics of knitting when I was about 8. We both let it slide for years, then I picked it up again a while back, and retaught her about 3 years ago. Gave her good wool and tools, and she's been cranking out socks and hats ever since. When her sister (my Aunt) came down to visit last year, we got her knitting again too. She's now cranking out Aran sweaters for my Uncle!

The song "Circle of Life" from the Lion King is now running through my mind...