Must also learn how to do the Russian Join as I didn't have time when I needed to start another skein (these are large sized socks).

And no, that is NOT a hole in the heel in the photo ... some light problem.
The wool is lovely, and although the sock is "big" it will be warm in the winter to bum around in without shoes, or fine over a sock liner in boots. So ... to finish the toe and then work the other sock. A good "mindless" project to pick up and put down when you have 20 minutes to "do nothing" in between going off somewhere.
POST SCRIPT: have decided to wimp out on doing the toe: I'd have to work 2 "heels" and then knit them together -- forget it. I'm opting for Nancy Bush's heels in
Knitting on the Road -- seems to have worked for her every time!
NEXT socks will be a toe up pair to learn the progress, and then onto the Grapevine socks!