marthacelia

final package from Robin

2009-10-08T18:57:00.005-04:00

I found the @#&*@$**% camera so here is my thrid and last package from Robin, my super pal!!

doggone it

2009-09-19T23:08:00.003-04:00

I missed a week again, but I had a bad week, Last Friday, not yesterday, my two co-workers and I were called in and told that there would definitely be a change in the next couple of months; one of those changes was definitely our job would be taken into another dept as our calls were so far down It may be possible, they don't know, that we could apply for a job there. No guarantees there would be a opening, or that we would be chosen. Happy recession.

anyway, on a better note I have almost got together everything for my final package. I hope my partner will enjoy it.

Have a great Sunday.

Mea Culpa

2009-09-03T21:15:00.003-04:00

I didn't realize I should blog once a week, I thought it was a month, so I am sorry. However, my summer has flown by, but i had a lovely vacation week where all of my grandchildren were around. I cannot find my camera again; it is because I take such few pictures and I don't know how to overcome this problem. Also when I posted on my second package i forgot one of my favorite things, a woolly sheep tape measure. I know my swap mate couldn't know how much the crossword books would be when she sent them, but when my daughter was in the hospital for surgery and then the next day when we had to go back twice to the er for an allergic reaction, it sure helped pass the time.

my second package

2009-08-22T20:48:00.001-04:00

I got my second package this past week, and once again I can't find my camera (in my own defence it is very small, and I take few pictures) so I won't have a picture until I find it! I got four skeins, yes four, of the loveliest greenish blue (that's my description, and am not good w/ colors) 220 yds each, a candy bar which was gone in a minute, 2 crossword puzzle books.

2009-07-16T22:54:00.008-04:00

I was a very lucky secret pal because my pal sent me my first package already and it arrived on Monday!!! I have had a crazy week and therefore didn't get this up and posted. My grandchildren came to visit on their way home from the shore and Elizabeth posed with all my stuff. Two books about making bags/purses, cables for my interchangeable knitpicks needles a book mark which is on the far right in front of the knitting book and to the right of the cables.

After we did this we all had a Barbie fashion show to keep her busy while Sarah and I talked. Then we posed them and took a picture of the models and Elizabeth the designer. I promised her I put that on my blog as well.

Williams sweater

2009-07-12T15:47:00.003-04:00

Here is Williams sweater and I finished it just in time to go on vacation w/ him. It is made of cotton acrylic mix both child and mother friendly. I made it a bit large to get more wear. Also it is knitted from the top down and there was ABSOLUTELY no sewing together.

2009-07-02T21:20:00.003-04:00

secret pal 14 questionnaire

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Questionnaire for SP14
Here is the questionnaire for SP14. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages you'll want to have it posted to your blog no later than July 10th, but sooner would be better as it can be helpful to us in selecting your pals.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
wool, cotton, none I really don't like

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
well I treated myself to the new ADDI interchangeable in the Bella needle storing bag and the rest in covered baskets

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I started when I was 8 but started really knitting in my early 20s, made an afghan out of variegated and navy blue wool squares while in high school. I consider myself intermediate to advanced. My Mom taught me; as a little girl I first tried to knit at the shore while my cousin Eileen (who is 80 y.o. today) knitted argyle socks for her boyfriend, now her husband. Knitting these socks was all the rage for young high school and college girls in the 50s. She said he wore them--I asked not so long ago.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wish list, almost all of it is mystery books

5. What's your favorite scent?
well , I don't know the base scent, but I wear CURVE by Liz Claiborne so I guess it is non-flowery as any flowery candles, or flowers themselves, or potpourri make me sneeze and cough. I like the smell of vanilla and cinnamon etc.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
anything chocolate , but never coconut

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? none others really
play my DS.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like rock and roll and some of the new stuff, but I rarely listen to music

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love fall colors, esp oranges, also red, green, favorite shades of green either light lime or hunter, far a part shades I know, & also purple.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
live alone, have a Labrador retriever

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
mittens

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?13. What are you knitting right now? I like to make sweaters and afghans and now love to knit bags, esp. felted ones.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? yes indeed

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? circular exclusively, easier on my joints, and not real fond of plastic 16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
no

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
ok I can brag here, my oldest UFO is six months!!!, before that I had a sweater that was started two years before I finished it in Feb 2009

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Christmas and Thanksgiving are my favorites

19. Is there anything that you collect?
bookmarks

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
INTERWEAVE, VOGUE KNITTING, can't think of anything right now. I love unusual tape measures

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
yes, but I can't remember it's name. I plan to take a class on it, it is where you make different small squares, but make all in one piece by picking up from a former square with only a few number of stitches on your at any one time. Reminds me of bargello. There is a really pretty purse of this style in a recent INTERWEAVE, I think

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
no, but I love to wear them, I don't know what to measure as I don't like to knit socks, but I take a 7 1/2 shoe now that I am old.

23. When is your birthday? November 1.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?yes, gertrudesgirl

on a more upbeat note

2009-06-28T15:02:00.001-04:00

I have been really sick w an chest infection for several days and today sort of feel myself. So I will be able to get back to my grandson's sweater. stay tuned.

English errors

2009-06-28T15:00:00.001-04:00

I hate it when I do this. In the first paragraph, I meant I know, not no. duh:(

Hello

2009-06-28T14:52:00.002-04:00

I have no idea whether anyone will read this; I also no that if they do they may be annoyed with me. I am sorry, but I have to get this off my chest. Three well-known folk died this past week. For all of them the main reason their deaths were noticed is that they were entertainers. An honorable job. Michael Jackson was a great entertainer, no question. What bothers me is that in each remembrance of all three, triple the time is used for Michael Jackson, and then the other two are thrown in. I wasn't that fond of any of them, but they were equally famous/notorious. I call for equal time. Lets face it there deaths are very sad, one the stars took time to try and help other cancer patients, but none of them were rocket scientists;). I feel very bad for the loved ones left behind to hurt and mourn, but I think these things should be kept in perspective. thanks for listening.

Williams Sweater

2009-06-20T22:11:00.002-04:00

I am knitting a sweater for my almost 2 year grandson. I am blogging because it is one of nicest patterns to knit that I have done in a long while. It is from the site www.knittingpureandsimple.com. It is done from the top down on a circular needle. I made this kind of sweater many years ago in the 70s and then I discovered Elizabeth Zimmermann. This is a delightfully designed sweater to knit this way. I am really enjoying it. It is called Baby Tunic and works up nicely. I am making it in a variegated denim blue yarn. It should really look great with his blue eyes. It is a hoodie.

I'm back

2009-06-06T13:02:00.003-04:00

I sort of got out of the blog habit, but I am now back. I have joined a swap and this is a good reason. I love swaps, I am like a kid and I love to get packages!!!!

I signed up my two granddaughters for an AMERICAN GIRL camp at the local bookstore. Then the president kindly sent me my economy money to spend, so I am buying my three granddaughters new dolls (the third is too young for the camp, but would be heartbroken w/o one). The fourth granddaughter is only 18 + months.

Mystery Swap on Ravelry package

2009-05-11T20:52:00.006-04:00

Please see the pictures of the lovely swap I received from GOLDENEEDLES.

I am still alive

2009-03-23T18:41:00.002-04:00

I am still alive but have been very lazy. so I will be back.

spelling again

2008-11-25T18:51:00.001-05:00

I get so embarrassed when I misspell, and it usually happens when I post late at night. It was a leaf bookmark, and lovely yarn, but I love it also.

My Autumn Swap came

2008-11-24T22:34:00.005-05:00

I received my package today from Mary N. It is great; I got a French Press cosy, candy galore, love soft yarn, a bookmark (leave) for my collection, a purse, and fabulous, I say, fabulous coffee. Here are pictures. I am sorry that two of them are sideways, I had flipped on download, but obviously it didn't work. The Christmas stuff is just to give a nice background. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to readers in the US.

weekly quiz

2008-11-15T14:16:00.002-05:00

Hi, we were to look for someone who shared an interest and then discuss it. The second one I went to was Chan knits, she loves dogs and food with pumpkin in it (try pumpkin soup, to die for, I don't have a recipe--my work has gourmet fresh made soups each day), and BOOKS. I am a compulsive reader and I always give books to my grandchildren and children for Christmas, with other gifts, and always have. I used to tell them that one thing I would always buy, if they asked, was a new book. I loved her button, buy books for Christmas, and have gone to the site and added the button.

bad times at Ridgemont High

2008-11-11T20:41:00.002-05:00

It has been sad around where I work so many people laid off and too many of them older than 56 and it is going to be hard for them to get a job. Then tonight when I got home the kid next store was just leaving and I asked him to help me carry something heavy. He told me he was on his way to visit his Mom in the hospital (somewhere in her 40's very young looking and keeps fit) for kidney stones and a kidney problem. She was most upset thought because she had wanted to get to a job fair and she didn't want to stay as she had no insurance. I said Anthony don't tell me your mother lost her job. He said her boss laid her off two months ago. She has three kids, luckily their father has their insurance and Anthony has CHIP (he's 18). This is my blog so I can be frank. I believe that if our current administration had done a better job our economy would be in better health , starting with the lies before the Iraq war. I am so sorry that so many people are hurting nd just so very mad.

I am still alive

2008-11-11T10:57:00.003-05:00

Just dropping in to say I am still here.

ok

2008-10-15T16:49:00.002-04:00

I am going home and to bed, losing not loosing, I hate to spell incorrectly, maybe if I had taken the time to use spell check???

spelling again

2008-10-15T16:36:00.001-04:00

and coffee, I filled this thing out three times and kept loosing it go figure, so I rushed the last time.

spelling

2008-10-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

whoops I spelled autumn wrong!!

Autmun Coffe Swap Questions

2008-10-15T16:30:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Questionnaire
About Your Yarn Passion

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? When did you first learn?

Knit, since I was 8 y.o., but seriously since the 60's, I am 65, you do the math2. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular)

The lovely wood options from Knitpicks, a delight to use and beautiful

2.Is there something you've been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?

not really, just always need extra cords for options interchangeable and extra 5, 7. 9s as they are the most popular size and always have a couple things going

3. What kind of projects do you enjoy making? Any types you just haven't ever gotten into as much as others?
Sweater, I have really gotten into totes and purses, shawls, afghans

4. What's on your needles\hook right now? What's your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?

A shawl and a sweater for myself, which yarn was a gift for Christmas three years ago. If only these young women in my family would have all these babies ;)

5. If you were going on vacation tomorrow, what project(s) would travel with you?
The easy shawl I am making

6. What are your favorite types of yarns? Any you're allergic too, or just hate working with? Anything in particular you've been dying to try?not really

7. What sort of colors do you love in yarns? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there any you can't stand?
I love reds, oranges and greens, and I like to sometimes use the new self stripe

Your Coffee Passion
1. Do you prefer caffeinated or not?caffeinated

2. Whole bean or ground? For what type of pot or press?
Whole, french

3. What types of roasts do you enjoy? Are you more the light and lively or dark and robust type?dark robust

4. How do you 'take' your coffee? Creamers? Sweetener? Other add ins? creamers and sweet and lo, DON'T LIKE FLAVORED COFFEES, except sometime chocolate

5. That first morning cup - is it about the taste, or the caffeine?
caffeine

6. Do you enjoy going out to coffee shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?I hardly ever go, but like Starbucks

7. You've just made the perfect cup of coffee - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?a lovely large glass cup and saucer

8. You're enjoying that perfect cup, and have a magic cabinet in your kitchen - when you open it, magically, your favorite treats will appear to enjoy alongside the coffee - what are they? Are they sweet? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?sweet

All about YOU!
1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?reading
2. Do you collect anything?bookmarks
3. What is your favorite part of Autumn?
My birthday

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?I wear perfumes like Je Raviens and Curve, but if I have any scents in the house except vanilla or cooking type smells my sneezing starts

5. Are you allergic to anything?almost everything outdoors that is pretty

6. Are you on Ravelry? What's your ID?gertrude's girl7. How would you spend an ideal fall afternoon/day?

On a porch overlooking the ocean—love the shore in the fall.

I am back

2008-07-26T21:17:00.002-04:00

it has been a long time since I blogged. Today I went w/ my daughter, two of my granddaughters, Sarah's sister in law and her two youngest, to see the new American Girl movie. it was really very good and Joan Cusak is it hoot. Takes place during the depression, very apt during this recession with banks closing!!

I am not retiring in Sept, but going half time, again the cost of everything since we have experienced inflation. but I am happy. I will work four five hour days and have a three day weekend.

2008-04-27T21:00:00.000-04:00

I really have to stop posting late at night. It was formed into a nice rectangle, not triangle. oh well there also another typo but not as important, just lack of an e on shape.

felted bag

2008-04-27T20:52:00.004-04:00

This is a new bag I just finished knitting and felting and I am really pleased with it. It turned out so nice. It is a clutch and I made it for a gift so I am really glad it came out well. I think one of the things I like best about it is that it dried into such a nice shape. I think that had a lot to do with the fact the shaping is well prepared before shrinking. The bottom is sewed into shap and then the flap is added within a certain section which forms a very nice trangle.

week three question

2008-04-22T20:40:00.002-04:00

If I had a great home, and enough money to never have to work and a lot of land I would be able to hire a gardener. Therefore I would sit on my screened in porch and watch him/her plant my lovely garden and when it came up I would sit there and knit or read or both. I don't like the outdoors , esp in spring because everything makes me sneeze then cough then wheeze and have to take steroids. I love the look of flowers and vegetables growing and wish I could have cut flowers in the house as I used to.

whoops

2008-04-11T20:54:00.001-04:00

The bag needs to be felted, not the recipient.

spring fling question 2

2008-04-11T20:45:00.002-04:00

Since some of us is beginning to see glimpse of Spring, while others are still getting snow have you change what projects are working on? Have you put away the hats, scarfs and mittens, and brought out the cute tank top sweater projects and lacy wraps? Have you change yarn to something more lighter and cooler, not so heavy and bulky?

Well, the weatherman told me it was to be 76 today so I put on Capris and my favorite spring shoes and froze to death at work. Won't do that again!!!!

I am still knitting on wool as I am making a gift for someone that needs to be felted. In the summer I am going to try a lace KAL--if I don't wimp out.

spring fling coffee questionaire

2008-03-23T00:44:00.003-04:00

Coffee1. What is your preference? Whole beans or ground?
ground coffee
2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy?
leaded dark roast
A rich, bold roast; a light, fresh one, or something in between? Leaded or non?
3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up?
starbucks
4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both?
both
5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers?
neither flavored coffee or creamers

6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup?
I like mugs or cup, but I prefer a glass one.

7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it!
It is the first cup of the day, hot, large, creamer enough for a lovely brown color, sweet & lo and time to sit and enjoy it

8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company?
I should get healthy but I'd get someting chocolate, that brownie sounds great

Yarn1.

Do you knit or crochet?
Knit, rarely crochet

2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with?
alpaca, wool. silk

3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now?
How much time do you have? A bag for shopping, one of those ones that has holes and stretches, to be green, so I am making it green, a sweater for me, a purse from my purse of the month club

4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? What about those that you'd never find in your stash?
red, orange, greens, plums, -- I am not overly fond of yellow. I don't like neon. I prefer not to get hairy yarns like you use for fake fur, although I make it for my grandkids, but that is out of love, for them, not the yarn.

5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? Any you just detest?
I use round needles for everything. I love my new ones from kint picks

6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan?
I do have enough tape measures for a lifetime, but I do like the new stitch markers that are made for the larger size needles, not the ones for smaler ones. I would like one of those dohickeys you wrap the yarn around, they're wood, I can't think of the name

7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with?
probably the bamboo

Spring1.

We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are?
some days, but that isn't a hardship for me as I love cold weather. I am not especially fond of spring, I have allergies to lots of spring stuff and it means that soon I will be sweating.

2. What's your favorite spring flower?
affodils and hyacinths

Do you have one?

3. What do you most look forward to about springtime?
vacation will be coming

4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day?
Sit inside and look out and knit -- I am not an outdoor person except for front porches and the beach. My house doesn't have a front porch and I do miss that from my childhood in the city of Philadelphia

5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? How do you spend that day? what helps cheer you up?Odds n Ends
Actually, a nice rainy day is nice if one is off work, and if it isn't the beginning of 3 or 4 days of rain

1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles?
bookmarks

2. Are you allergic to anything?
many flowers, darn it as I do like them, and to cats, very allergic to cats

3. Do you have pets?

a lab
4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro? What are the last 2 swaps you participated in?

the cocoa one, and a swapbot square exchange

5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them.
Oh dear my kids, the one about the soldier, my daughters's and several of the knitting blogs.

my buster buddy guarding my computer

2008-03-02T15:10:00.003-05:00

my cocoa swap package from Germany

2008-03-02T14:32:00.006-05:00

Ok here goes for the third time; I think it is going to work this time.
Here are the pictures of my wonderful cocoa swap package from GERMANY!!!! Her blog is the first on the chocoholics Alex E. I got a great mug; candy!!!!, 2 cocoas, some lovely hand spun yarn by Ales, a card w/ a great poem and the loveliest and great surprise, knitted bag, and last but not least, relaxation tape. And of course, by buddy. I hope these pictures are not too late for her to be in the contest. I have tried three times to download these pictures and just couldn't get the computer to co-operate!! My granddaughters are going to fight over this little Doll, esp the oldest who loves tiny things!!!! thanks Alex. Whoops, I forgot, the buster buddy is holding one of the four stitch holders she sent. I snapped them separately since they are small. Alex must know me well, cause as my family would tell her, grandmom is a black sheep and my mug was a cute black sheep. Just kidding, I'm a good girl.

Bad Thursday

2008-02-22T10:59:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning was not good. Mostly my own fault. I cannot not let go of the recording of my late husband's voice. He died 7 years ago; he was the only one who got up on time in our house so he got me up for work. He had a recording that was his alarm, and I can't bear to erase it so every morning I get a call at 4:50 AM, most times I just erase it, but I like knowing it is there. Secondly, my fault, you know how in safety films etc they warn about too many loose electrical cords? Well, I always believed they were dangerous, just not dangerous for me. Rearranged my family room, got new recliner w/ a handle on the side for the foot rest. Placed it right next to the rat's nest of wires for the computer, IPOD etc, and noticed at times cords got caught on it. Next to them was a table w/ a tall glass lamp. I have been sleeping in the recliner because of bronchitis and need to sleep fairly upright. 4:50 AM the call comes, as I reach for the phone a cord must have caught, the lamp one, over goes the table, the lamp and lots of other stuff. I have on the floor huge shards of glass that could cut an artery in a New York minute. It's not the kind of thing you can leave till you get home from work. If I weren't careful I'd cut myself and I was worried about the dog also cutting himself and slowly bleeding to death. So I got myself going, cleaned up the large shards and the now broken table (very old, shouldn't have been used on carpet, not steady; could I have made more mistakes!) Then I lugged all this out to the trash as it was trash day. Now I had little pieces on the carpet to vacuum up. God bless my niece who is also my cleaning lady, she doesn't understand vacuums, can't deal with vacuums if they aren't really easy. She had stopped using my vacuum (bag less) and I figured it was not working well for her because she didn't know how to empty it. (She is a really sweet, dear woman who is a twin and they were the babies of the family and just never pushed to figure stuff out themselves) I was correct there was a huge amount of dog hair and the hose was clogged so between coughing fits I cleaned that out and then finally vacuumed up those little teeny pieces.
This was an hour and a half later. If was now after 6 AM and I hadn't gotten to sleep until after two (another long story) and I had to be at work by 8:30. I was pooped. I called work and said I'd be late because I had to clean up some dangerous glass. Slept two hours, went in and explained and lost two hours paid time off (I knew this was not alert enough to drive safely). What a morning! Lessons learned: listen to your mother when she warns you of dangerous practices!!

what a day

2008-02-15T20:06:00.003-05:00

Well, the day itself was pretty good, but the evening is going to the dogs. I worked late so I could catch up and get some money ahead from being out sick this week, then I ordered dinner to pick up, a healthy one, got gas, got my prescription, picked up the food and home I went. First the depressing news re the state of the nations econcomics, really was depressing as I really really want to retire at the end of the summer when I am 65 ten mos old, then I forgot that my grocery order was coming and now I was late and realized when I saw the truck stopped. He wasn't happy, very polite, but naturally no happy. Then I couldn't find my door key, I dropped it. So I had to use my very well hidden key, no longer hidden, have figure somewhere else. found the other car keys, found the lost ones in the car (had to be there as I had just taken them out of the ignition. Then the dog had stolen the "i can't believe it's not butter" again!! two tubs now. Then I looked at the letter in the door from the condo. I am never, never, never, late with my condo fee. It is due the first, but grace till the tenth. It had to travel 40 minute ride from Lansdale to Philadelphia; I mailed it on the 8th and they said that it didn't get there at all, and they didn't download it until the 12th!!! I mailed on Tuesday 2 cards to my granddaughters in Maryland, a three hours away, that were not picked up until 4:45 from post box and they arrived on 2/14, when they were due!!!!! Explain this and 25 dollar late fee. Then I found out the charger on my phone is completely dead. Oh, well.

On the happy side, my cocoa blogger pal received her box and says she likes it.

Cocoa swap

2008-02-08T20:29:00.000-05:00

Well, it is packed and ready to go, my cocoa secret pals box!! So someone should get ready!!
I hope she likes it.

almost ready to mail

2008-02-01T13:17:00.000-05:00

I sent an email to my partner to say I would be late because of work, but just a day or so. Last night finished knitting my bunny rabbit for the cocoa swap and I think it is going to be cure. It is very, very soft. I have great marshmallows to send--my daughter made them!!!! She is also on this swap.

2008-01-18T11:04:00.000-05:00

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

I used to try to knit for winter in the summer and fall, but that has gotten mixed up this year. Also I joined the purse of the month club, which isn't really a winter thing. What I should do is finish my sweater, I am up to the sleeves, it is a fair isle around the bottom, bottom of sleeves, and yoke. It is made all in one piece similar to the Lopi's patterns, so the body is done, I am on sleeves and then they will be all hooked together and I will knit the yoke, which will be the fun part because it has the pattern. Before my daughters were knitters they couldn't understand why I had projects going at a time, now they understand the UFOs. To get back to the point, yes unusually my winter knitting is for spring and summer and summer and fall for winter.

2008-01-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

Life is very hectic, but I am trying to finish my grandson's knitted pants. We are busy at work and I am wiped by the end of the day, but I am keeping on. more later

cocoa swap questionnaire

2008-01-09T23:02:00.000-05:00

The Questionnaire!
It's here at long last... so let's hear it for the Questionnaire!
Cocoa:1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa?
Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?
In a big mug, with big marshmallows put into it when really hot and then as they are almost melted scoop up and eat, just the consistency of the ones toasted over a fire.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
see above

Yarn/Knitting

1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?

wool, wool blends almost any kind of nice yarn. I love red, orange, greens esp hunter green

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
Knit

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?
round needles, I love my new options from knit picks

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?

yeah I am pretty good after all these years

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?
The knitpicks DVD for learning Continental knitting

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)

The pattern that can be a washcloth, a triangular shawl, a baby blanket etc.
One casts on three sts; done in garter st; increase in the first stitch until you reach half the size of the square OR length of the shawl. Then, if making a square decrease the first stitch of every row until there are three stitches left, bind off. This makes a nice edging, and non-knitters think you really did a difficult pattern.

Miscellaneous1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?
same as summer, except I like winter better, knit read, spend time with my family and if it snows looking out and watching it come down

2. What is your favorite animal?
dogs, esp labs

3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?

not really, I get the it's way too hot in summer blahs.

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?

5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
I am hoping to be able to swing a visit to an old, old friend across the country.

6. What are your favorite treat?
chocolate or homemade pies

7. What is your favorite board game?
two, cribbage, not really a board game, and YAHTZEE

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
both, three grown and married children and a lab named Samson and best of all 6 grandchildren

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?

No. I am allergic to cats, but if you don't let the cat lay on the stuff and nap there it should be ok.

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T21:36:00.000-05:00

Had a lovely holiday with friends and family. Christmas at both my sister-in-law's home and ate at my son's home. I had one daughter's family and my other sister-in-law and her family over for New Years. However, I am on a restricted salt diet; however, I didn't think about sauerkraut and ate two helpings on NY day and another at dinner last night. Just let me say--shouldn't have done it!

I am working on leggings for my grandson and also a hat. then I will work on the KAL I have joined hope to heck I can do this lace.

Happy New Year!

2007-12-21T20:46:00.000-05:00

My package from Cheryl Winterwonderland coffee swap came today and it is great, 2 skeins of yarn, coffee in a cool jar, a decoration for the tree, candy, socks, my favorite kind of mug (glass) and a scarf. I am adding pictures of two of my granddaughters holding all my loot.

Winterwonderland swap contest

2007-12-20T14:42:00.000-05:00

During the winter season I would like to go to a nice cold place, like somewhere in Canada or Vermont or Vail etc. with my all my chidren & grandchildren. I wait at the apres ski area (this would be a really nice place, with soft chairs and firplaces and a bar with waiterstaff--see how politically correct). I will sit by the fire but near a large window and watch the snow come gently down. I will be knitting, drinking coffee or cocoa and the occasional vodka mojita (SP)--not too many or I couldn't knit. When everyone else came in from the sking they could tell me what I missed (ha,ha). I love winter.

my final spoiler package

2007-12-16T20:14:00.000-05:00

and BJ did spoil me.

New Scarf

2007-12-13T12:03:00.000-05:00

Here is the scarf I made for my daughter Heather. Modeled by her daughter Kennedy!

Favorite winter activities for Winter Wonderland Swap

2007-12-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

Even though I have COPD and every time I walk out of the house in the winter I cough it is still my favorite season. However, outdoor activities are not. When I was young I loved to sled, going outdoors in the winter I did voluntarily (even shoveled my mom's walk VOLUNTARILY to get to play in the snow). Now my favorite winter activity it is to knit or read by my window and watch, hopefully seeing some snow, the winter weather. I don't want the snow this coming Saturday though as my one daughter and two granddaughters, and I have to drive into Philadelphia to see the NUTCRACKER. Which brings to mind another favorite winter activity: family game night where many members of the extended family get together at my house and play games. If New Years Day is on a Friday or Saturday we have it on the holiday, if not on a Saturday close to the holiday. AND drum roll please, my favorite winter activity: CHRISTMAS!

Williams sweater and a scarf done

2007-12-10T23:23:00.000-05:00

well William's camo sweater is done and he looks very cute; I call him GI Joe, and the shawl I was making myself was a very pretty pattern, but not fun to do, I got to a point that I was tired fighting with it and bound it off and gave it to my daughter Heather, who looks very nice in it. Sarah and Heath will be taking pictures for me to post. keep knitting, and my swap folk you are in my mind.

Hello Evryone

2007-11-30T15:48:00.000-05:00

I have been really busy trying to get ready for Christmas, finish my knitting projects and work on my two exchanges. Tonight, because I don't have her address at work, I will send directly to my SP11 her last gifts and then, since it is over on November 30th I will reveal my name. She has been a lot of fun as a partner. My upstream partner also has been great!! This is fun!!

I am knitting away on William's sweater, and hope it will be done soon.

Late November and Thanksgiving musings

2007-11-21T17:10:00.001-05:00

Here I am in late November trying to catch up before the Winter coffee people get rid of me for not posting. I am excited about this new exchange. I also am winding down my SP 11 exchange which has been great fun.

Tomorrow I go to my sister-in-law's home for Thanksgiving dinner; this year all my kids are elsewhere. Ray and Deena went to Italy for 10 days, Sarah & Ron have Thanksgiving w/ his family since Randy is theirs all day Turkeyday; next year is their Christmas to have Randy, but he'll be with them Christmas eve and early, early AM for Santa. Last but not least my oldest were going to be entertaining her in-laws but he father-in-law hurt his back and can't drive the three hours to her house. They will see her Christmas Eve and we will see her Christmas day!! I hope you all have a lovely holiday, whether you have turkey or tofu.

Carol will have Christmas, (and my son is cooking also later in the day), and I have Easter.

I love this holiday and love to be with my sisters-in-law. When my husband died, and then they lost his younger brother suddenly a year later we all drew closer. I always got on well with my in laws--my mother and father -in - law have also passed away, but where great in laws, and we had and still have great times. I am an only child, and my cousins, with whom I am close have their own families. I would be welcome, but Maggie, Carol and their families are the people with whom I raised my family and who remember Ray as I do. There is quite a lot of us, and we are loud; some dislike this, but we find it fun. Believe me, an only child who has lost both parents and husband treasures the idea of a large family. I did my part and had three great kids and have 6 grandchildren. More the merrier is my motto.

See ya.

Sad k\Knitting Story

2007-11-07T22:57:00.000-05:00

I spent tonight "finishing" Kennedy's bunting so Heather could take it home with them this weekend. Tucked in all those knots, sewed the bottom together and tomorrow night I was going sew on the buttons. Turned it right side out and thought I must have sewed together on the wrong side. THEN I realized that on the left front border I had picked up the stitches from the wrong, not right side. sadness, pulled out the left side, thank God it was easily ripped out, and is only 5 rows, with buttonholes. I picked up the stitches for the front and put it away to really finish tomorrow. Oh well, this could have been much worse.

question of the week

2007-11-05T11:25:00.000-05:00

When did you first start drinking coffee? What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began!

I started in nursing school, 1960. It was the thing to do (along with smoking cigarettes). We also had very little money, like most kids in school, so we went to the local hang out, got a cup of coffee and made it last. I was 18. At first it was to be cool. I actually (shudder) drank instant coffee!!!! I grew to love coffee. I drink a lot.

more holloween

2007-11-03T20:37:00.000-04:00

Baby Kennedy on first Halloween, my son's dog (for a Mom who doesn't believe in dressing up dogs!) but it is cute. Heather send a Halloween picture of Katie.

2007-11-03T20:36:00.000-04:00

my secret pal 11 package

2007-11-03T20:15:00.000-04:00

I mentioned that I have had some kind of virus (human, not computer attack) which kept me from enjoying my 65th birthday--missed a surprise luncheon at work, seeing my grand kids, going to my son's for dinner tonight. Not the most exciting birthday for sure. I have been sleeping most of the time as I felt so awful. So, I just ignored my dog Sammy's barking. When I went to let him out for bedtime there was a big package for me!!! In it was coffee, puzzle book, bookmarks, all that gorgeous yarn, and even BEGGIN STRIPS for my dog. Both my dog and my grand kids are grateful for the Dougie treats as they love to give him the treats and he loves to eat them!! This package came the day after my birthday!! with a birthday card!! I know I am gushing, but you don't know how this cheered me up. I still felt lousy but this was so nice a surprise. thank you secret pal. Historical note. I told you this was my 65th birthday, the crochet granny afghan I photographed this on was made by my grandmother, as far as I know, before I was born, but definitely at least 65 yrs old. Interestingly, she sewed it together (the squares) with regular sewing thread, most of which is still intact? PS I am finely starting to feel like a human again. I almost forgot, see the handmade soap. I also have done four puzzles already.

2007-11-03T20:13:00.000-04:00

I am here

2007-11-02T18:15:00.000-04:00

Sorry to be late blogging for the swap, but I have had some kind of nasty virus I am fighting, I will be back.

Winter Wonderland coffee yarn swap

2007-10-28T22:11:00.000-04:00

What are your favorite kinds of coffee?

dark roast and strong (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!) I use flavia everyday,as it is always fresh for one person. The ground I save for occasions.

Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee?
ground coffee

time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? only chocolate
Do you enjoy special blends?
ok
How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? Decaf?
cream and sweet and lo

Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer?

a glass mug or glass cup and saucer. Somehow coffee just tastes better in glass (my one son-in-law even sort of agrees

Winter and Holidays - PLEASE be descriptive! Your pal will need this information to be sure to put together a package you will enjoy!

What is your favorite part of Winter
the weather, the three big holidays, and having weather cold enough to wear WOOL. Love wool

Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday?
Christmas

If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree?
yes, it wouldn't be right w/o one

Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package?

either or both

Do you collect anything? Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snowflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect?
I don't collect anymore as I have run out of room, so all I collect now are bookmarks and playing cards --holiday and travel. Don't take up room, easy to store and great for displaying and bringing back memories.

Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats?
scarves

What is your favorite holiday or winter treat?
Christmas and treat pumpkin pie

Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory.
A craft one: when I my kids were little I kept forgetting to trace their hands like my Mom did when I was little (then put on the tree). So I got green felt, traced all three hands on it and embroidered it. I am really glad. I had to do it then since the girls were heading into teens, and I didn't want all adult hands.

Yarn and Crafting Do you Knit or Crochet?
knit since I was in grade school. seriously for 4 years.

For how long?Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks? Circular or straight?
circular, addi and the new kits from Knitpicks

What sort of projects do you enjoy making?
really like felted bags, sweaters and for my kids, and trying shawls. made one for myself I love out of cotton, and trying to finish another in lime and green, but no time right now. The cotton was my first real lace type product and using a worsted weight cotton made it easier to see the patterns come up and get used to the technique. Still find it much more challenging (lace patterns, ) than some other things. .

What are your favorite types of yarn to work with?
wool, alpaca, I 'd love to be able to afford cashmere(sp?)

Do you spin or dye?
no

Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else?
have needlepointed in past, but not as much late years. when I am not knitting I read or do crosswords

General
When is your birthday?
Nov. first

Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!)
three, all married, six of the most beautiful grandchildren in the world, nay the universe and Samson my VERRRRY laid back black lab.

What are your favorite colors?
Red, Orange and lime and hunter type greens

Do you have any allergies?

seasonal, candles not good for me as everything but scentless or vanilla make me sneeze.

Holloween Pictures

2007-10-28T21:52:00.000-04:00

Sarah's youngest three have already gone to a party. I posted these so folk could see the girl's costumes. Their other grandmother is a professional seamstress and everything she makes she makes well. The wedding dress actually moves in the back like a ball dress, it has little ruffles like when a train is bustled, she made her a bouquet and a veil. What about the mermaid!! Aren't they great! The bumblebee is William.

2007-10-28T21:50:00.000-04:00

I am back

2007-10-24T12:53:00.000-04:00

I have been sick off and on that last two weeks and in and out of work. I am back to work once more. The worst part of being sick was not feeling up to doing anything, including read or knit. So I am behind on my knitting. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons so it is a bummer to me that here in PA we have summer still. This is also the reason I got an infection; I have COPD and the ragweed is rampant, I am constantly coughing and often that means an infection of top of it. soo.

I am joining another swap with trepidation. My first two were great. The third I never got my tote. My hostess said she was going to be my angel as she could find no one else and that she only had to put handles on to send it off. Never came. I wrote back and asked if she had the correct address. She ask me to resend; I did, and that's the last I heard. The tote was due the end of summer!!!

I love sending things for the swaps and enjoyed that part of it a lot.
I am doing a lot of whining so just ignore me--it helps to get it out of my system.

I am back

2007-10-13T22:03:00.000-04:00

Well I have a Medicare account and back up insurance so I feel much better. I am up to date with my secret pal online;I hope she likes it.I just never did get a tote from the last exchange very disappointing. I am almost finished with my bunting for Kennedy, but I have to order more yarn, bummer!! I started the little set for my grandson and I think it will be nice.

contest entry

2007-10-02T18:01:00.000-04:00

Actor - Sean Connery
Actress - Katharine Hepburn
Animal - dog
Band - U-2
Book - hard, I read constatnly & rarely re-read, but I'd say EXODUS, cause I used to read it over and over and still like the story
Bubble Bath - calgon
Candy - Butterfinger
Color - Orange
Flower - Yellow Roses
Food - Macaroni & cheese homemade
Lip Balm - whatever is on sale
Lotion - Aveeno
Movie - REDS
Song - Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I'm 65
TV Show - LAW & ORDER all of them
Vacation Spot - Ocean City

It's October already!!1

2007-10-01T21:46:00.000-04:00

I have had a heck of bad week and a half!! It seems if one is born on the first of a month Medicare starts the month before. My late husband's retiree insurance instructions. Thinking a had six weeks to accomplish this sign up I called Friday before last and learned the above. a week of getting a different answer at the insurance company every time I called and having to get a birth certificate really fast which is not easy after 911. Anyway it looks as if it it taken care of so fingers crossed. You'd be surprised how learning you turned 65 a month early throws one for a loop. I have had time for nothing else!!!!

On a much happier note my younger daughter and I went down to see my daughter Heather and her family. We had a really nice time. Heathers little girl, Kennedy and Sarah's William are only a few weeks apart but William is such a big boy! when Heather was born she had a cousin born 8 days earlier and she and Sean were miles apart in size as well. I have a really cute picture of her cousin and her on the couch and we did the same with Kennedy and William. My son and his wife came down also so it was sort of a family reunion!!!

Pretty close to finishing the bunting for Kennedy, I tried it around her and it is going to be fine size wise.

Back later.

knitting away

2007-09-16T16:10:00.000-04:00

I have started the bunting for Kennedy; it is in pink camo, a camouflage yarn and I think it will be very cute. The pattern was purchased from Morehouse yarn and is all garter stitch. It is made in one piece, 120 Sts gartered for 30 inches and then neck shaping done etc. the piece is sewn together at the bottom, sts are picked up for the bands and knit in button holes. I add a hole in the back for the car seat and the front being buttoned allows the car seat belt through. When I made it for my nephew I added a hood. My grandson who is growing very, very fast will be too big for this style, so Sarah is deciding if she wants just a camo sweater or a two piece suit for the winter.

I learned an interesting thing this month. I will officially be 65 on Nov. 1, but for Medicare, since I am born on the first of a month I am 65 in October, go figure.

I will post a yarn picture later.

September is here

2007-09-04T19:59:00.000-04:00

I just got back from my daughter's home in Maryland where over the holiday weekend I got a lot of time with my granddaughters Katie and Kennedy. I am going to knit the same bunting for Kennedy and William. William is a big fellow and I will have to enlarge the pattern, so I had an epiphany, I am making Kennedy's first we'll try it on William and see what is needed!! Sarah had suggested camouflage for William and Heather thought it would be fun to make Kennedy's in camouflage also. I found Bernat's camouflage yarn and they have a really cute pink and I am waiting for it to arrive!! Time is looming, I have to get going!!

August

2007-08-23T22:05:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in awhile as August is a hard month for me; my wedding anniversary was August 12 and I am always a little sad.

Still no tote from toteIV exchange, but I guess that's life. It was very well run and there is always some who cannot or will not go along with the program. I love the swap idea and have lots of fun. I am enrolled in a secret pal one for the first time, and a younger member of knitlist would like to have a square swap; I did one before, several years ago, and it was fun. Hope it works out.

Summer is almost over and Seoptember is on it's way, another bad month for me as Ray died on Sept. 21, 2000 and his whole family still miss him.

Enough depressive talk on to nicer stuff. I am soon to start knitting for my two new grandchildren. I know what I am making for William, a bunting in camaflouge yarn. I don't know what I am going to knit for Kennedy as yet; I have to talk it over with my daughter and look at patterns.

Almost time for bed, good night.

Hi Mom

2007-08-16T22:38:00.000-04:00

I thought you might like some pictures of your grandkids.

Love ,

Sarah

The Secret Swap Questionnaire

2007-08-12T00:32:00.000-04:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love working with wool and don't mind acrylic when making things for children or the elderly in nursing homes.I don't like knitting w/ metallic or stiff yarn
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Longenberger baskets with and without lids3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
55 years literally, learned a little one summer when I was 10 and my teenage cousin was making argyle socks for her boyfriend. Knitted off and on through my teens and started knitting very regularly while I was in nursing school, 1962 my friend and I knitted sweaters for ourselves.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?yes Amazon
5. What's your favorite scent?Je Reviens
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?oh yes, any kind of chocolate but NO coconut
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?none8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love rock and roll and opera.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?Red or orange not overly fond of yellow
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
A black lab named Sam
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?mittens and scarves
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?sweaters and now I am addicted to felted totes.
13. What are you knitting right now?A purple green variegated shawl-see picture.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?of course
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?Circular
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?both, but have devil of a time figuring out how to make them work17. How old is your oldest UFO?going on two years.
18. What is your favorite holiday?Christmas
19. Is there anything that you collect?playing cards and bookmarks as souvenirs--they don't take up a lot of room but are lovely memories.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?VOGUE, INTERWEAVE and CAST ON
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?I would love to learn how to knit in the continental as well as the English form I use now.
22. Are you a sock knitter? no
What are your foot measurements?can't wear socks right now I have to wear ugly support socks.
23. When is your birthday?November 1.
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? no--what is it?

my shawl

2007-08-11T23:37:00.001-04:00

I have been knitting for my children and grandchildren and never finishing too many things for myself; I did finish a lace patterned shawl in white, worsted weight cotton. Now I m working on a lace shawl for myself in a beautiful purple green variegated, sock weight yarn; I love the pattern, but it is too easy to mess up if I don't remember to count stitches every two or so rows. I learned after three or four rips that the lifeline in lace knitting is just that and much needed. I have two now, lifelines that is. A picture of the current project is above. I don't have a picture of my first shawl, but it is just as I expected to be when I started. It is lovely and long (I am vertically challenged and much too short for my weight and need the length) and warm in the winter. It had a scarf that could be attached with a ribbon, but I don't like it that way and use the scarf in the winter. I originally started the first cotton shawl when I thought I would be going to GB during the summer of 2006; I felt it would be just right to travel since it would be warm but easily folded and stored if not needed. Unfortunately that trip fell through.

new granddaughter & no bag

2007-08-11T15:09:00.000-04:00

Well, I have a lovely new granddaughter born on August 6 in Easton, MD she is beautiful if I do so say so myself. Here is a picture of Kennedy and me. She was 6# 3oz with very little hair!!! I stayed till Thurs when I had to return to work.

I still have never received a bag on the tote exchange IV and am bummed. I don't understand why, if someone cannot provide the bag as they thought they could, they don't just tell the moderators. Whatever.

2007-08-03T21:29:00.000-04:00

Well, I was supposed to leave on Sunday for Maryland where my daughter Heather is scheduled to have c-section. However, she is having contractions tonight so she is nervous about who would watch my granddaughter if she goes early which is why I am leaving tomorrow morning. It is a three hour drive quite exciting times, but I feel badly I couldn't leave tonight, but I have trouble driving at night.

I am in the tote exchange IV and am waiting for my bag to come, but no luck so far--hope it comes soon. this was such a well run exchange, but there are always those who are late or whatever. I don't care that she is late; I just wish she had emailed me. Well it will come someday.

2007-07-31T22:16:00.001-04:00

PS way back I said I wanted to retire in Nov, not gonna happen. Will re-look at decision in Jan. I'm crossing my fingers.

The joys of being a grandmom

2007-07-31T20:02:00.000-04:00

Grandmother is the best job in the world. My first grandchild came to our family with my son in law when he married my daughter. In 2002 came Rachel in February and her cousin Katie in August. The thing is Kate was to be born in OCTOBER 2002! However, along she came in August, all two pounds 3 oz of her. She is our little miracle! She is fine as frogs hair and cute as a button, but boy it was scary for awhile. The NICUs (neonatal intensive care units) are amazing and people who care for these babies are heros. As scary as it was it was also a very special time for me. I had to drive 12 hours to get to NC from Harleysville. My 80 year old mother-in-law didn't want me to go alone so whe rode the whole way with me. She was a lovely woman and her calmness so helped Heather, Katie's mom. She and I stayed 3 days at Heather and Ken's home and Ken at a Ronald McDonald house. It was a two hour ride from their home in Jacksonville NC to Wilmington NC where they were. We had never been completely alone in each others company and it was a time I remember fondly. She was a lovely woman. This isn't to say we always have a perfect relationship; no relationship is perfect, but as a mother-in-law she was top drawer.

The reason I am getting so sentimental, something in which I usually don't indulge, it is because Katie's mom is getting ready to have her second little girl on Monday (she has to have c - sections) and I will be going down this weekend to be around when the new baby comes. This time Heather had a full nine months to carry the baby.

A sort of funny thing about the 12 hours trip down and back and the long trip each day. I did fine on the way down, and on the trips to and from the hospital, but on the way home I just kept getting sleepy while I drove and had to pull over to take little naps (mother had to be scared but she never let on), and I still cannot drive any long distances w/o having to stop and rest. Crazy right.

2007-07-08T19:22:00.000-04:00

Well, I can't seem to keep up w/ blogging but I am going to keep trying. Today, Sunday, I am trying figure out if I can retire in Nov 2007 instead of Sept 2008. I am so ready; I am tired of work; I am tired of not having control of my life. My health has gone down, my knees are bad and off and on I have to use PTO, paid time off which is a very unfair to the employee system. Whatever time we take off, vacation, sick time, doctor's, dentists, businss meetings we must use said PTO. I am fortunate enough to have just had my fourth grandchild, my first biological grandson, although I already have a super step grandson. My older daughter in due in about three weeks w/ her second daughter. My daughter w/ the new son has two l ittle girls and each time she has had a child I take off and give her a helping hand for a week. When Heather had her first baby girl she was very early, 2.2 lbs, emergency section, and her grandmom and I drove down and stayed several days with her. So this week I am w/. Sarah and then Hether needs someone to be w/ Kate while she has the section, and I am going to do it. I enjoy these times. My Mom was w/ me for two out of three new babies and it was great, unfortunately she was gone when my son was born. Anyway because o f this and a two day vacation I had in May I had to cancel the week at the shore w/ Sarah and her family. I am sad about this, it is not the end of the world, and I want to go to her this week more than the shore. What makes me mad is that for two years in a row I have had to cancel a vacation because of too little PTO and being unable to borrow PTO. No one can easily live and pay bills w/ a week w/.o pay. This system is great for employers, but not so great for the worker. I am also tired of working for a company who gives one extra week PTO when you reach ten years and for the rest of the years you work you get a xeroxed congratulaton sign. I just celebrated my 23rd year, don't ya think they could at least have given me a free meal in the cafeteria, cost $8.00; they are doing well and $8.00 bucks won't kill them Also our business usually has a big turnover at my level so there aren't that many of us that last that long!! Well enough whine, whine, whine. I will hope and hope.

On a happier note above are some of my, my grandchildren!!!! Sarah and her new son, my three granddaughter's left is Katie, Heather's little girl, the little one is Elizabeth and then Rachel, both Sarah's daughters. I have to hunt down a picture of Randy. I found Randy and his favorite haircut!!

A good thing

2007-05-17T19:05:00.000-04:00

Today a really nice thing occurred. Sarah, Ron, Randy and Rachel gave me lovely diamond earrings for Mothers Day. When I wore them they hurt my ears. They had a very safe back, but it was so tight it pinched my ears, and pushed the top of the earring into my ear almost through the hole, and made it bleed. I went to the local jewelry store thinking they probably could fix it, but that it would be expensive and take a long time. When I got there I told my tale to Mr. Koehler, the owner, he said easily fixed. Gently he pried the two sides of the earring further abpart (these are the earrings that are a half circle with the stones in them and the post at the top of the half circle) which put the catch further away from the earring itself. No pinch, no blood but wearing earrings, AND no charge.

Finally, I am starting to post on this blog

2007-05-15T14:43:00.000-04:00

Got this blog in August of 2006, but never got the courage to post. Go figure. Right now I am on my lunch break at work. I was just discussing with my daugther the new International Tote IV swap. I love this exchange; I have participated twice. Each participant knits a tote, or sews for that matter, or crochet. I knit. Each particpant is matched w/ two people, one who remains anonymous and until she sends her tote, and another to whom a tote is owed. When I get the hang of this I will post pictures of my last 2 bags--they are lovely. Hopefully, more to come.