A little Funny...

This was a forward I received in my email from a friend, and it was so funny! I thought I would share it! Hope it makes you smile!


PECANS IN THE CEMETERY

On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.
"One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me," said one boy.
Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence. Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate.
Sure enough, he heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me." He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off.
Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.
"Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls."
The man said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk."
When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me."
The old man whispered, "Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord."
Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.
At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done."
They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the kid on the bike.

Christmas... It's about the Cross!

Only three more days til Christmas. We are celebrating the REASON for the season! I am so happy that we decided to 'slow down' this year, and truly have time to be able to relax and reflect this time of year...about what is really important.
I found a video on YouTube that someone did, with the song by the group called "Go Fish" - I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did - cause I am posting it here. :o)))
Take the time to remember what Christmas is....may God bless you

Easy Baby Cardigan - Frogged!

Well, I ended up frogging the baby cardigan I was working on! GRRRR!!!!!
I was doing the sleeves, and the decrease rows just didn't look right to me. They looked 'funny'. I felt that the cardigan was too 'plain' in the straight stockinette stitch. And after looking at the sleeves for a few minutes, I ripped the whole thing out! (not that I am a perfectionist or anything.... So now to start from scratch again... sigh!!!
I think I am going to use a different pattern with some interesting designs - I have one in mind already.
I'll post as I get it going again.

MY FAVORITE WEB SITE

I have a favorite website I have to share!!! It belongs to our 24 year old son...so maybe, I am, of course, more than a 'little' bit biased...but I think its great! And I am very proud of him.
It is here... so if you feel inclined, check it out.
Hugs!

Ready for the Christmas Season - Part Two!

I just checked my emails after I did my last post, and I had received an email from DaySpring about their "Jesus is The Gift" 'movement'. Very cool - and the website has some great ideas on ways to make Christmas more meaningful. I thought I'd share it, in case you want to check it out. I did not write the following poem, but it is so appropriate. Have a blessed Christmas season!!!

Jesus is the Gift
Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits every heart
and it is with His love that all celebration starts.
We rejoice in Him as we remember His birth
and thank God for sending His only Son to earth.
His life led from a manger to a cross on a hill
where He faithfully followed His Father’s perfect will.
He freely laid down everything so that we could live,
and there is no greater treasure anyone could give.
Like a scarlet ribbon His love wrapped around the cross
and He offered it to us all at the greatest cost.
So each time that we give we remember what He’s done
and honor the perfect Gift—God’s one and only Son.— Author is Holley Gerth

Ready for a Merry Christmas season!!!

I am so amazed!!! Here it is - December 14th - and we have our tree up already!!!! (doing the happy dance!!!) LOLOL

In the last few years, we've not had it up until December 23rd or so! I wanted us to be able to ENJOY Christmas this year. You know how sometimes this time of year, we get so busy and stressed out, and before we know what has hit us, we forget WHY we have Christmas in the first place???

THIS year, and in years following, I don't want to get so caught up in the 'busy-ness' that I forget that we are celebrating the birth of our Savior!

The night before last, R dragged the tree out of the box, and set it up in the living room, and I spent yesterday afternoon putting LOTS of lights on it! I love LOTS and LOTS of lights!!! Then this afternoon, my oldest DD and I hung the ornaments, and I finished up with the little glittery icicles all over the tree. I think it turned out pretty pretty! LOL

I even went 'all out' and hung some blue "arch lights" in the kitchen windows, and dug out some of the ceramic Christmas decorations that my Momma had made for me in the past. She did such a beautiful job with the ceramics. They are each something that I treasure, and will become family heirlooms, just because she made them. (yes, I am extremely sentimental)

So we are listening to Christmas music on the stereo, and watching lots of Christmas movies. Like I said, we are going to enjoy the season from now on...and especially the 'reason' we have it!!!

So go make yourself a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy it too!!!

smorgasbord of stuff...........

I just got back from my *last* post-op appointment with my Orthopedic Dr. for my shoulder surgery. He's 'turning me loose'! Yay! My shoulder isn't back 100%, but it has only been 5 months since I had surgery, and he said I am doing very well.
I have been working hard on finishing the baby sweater I posted about yesterday. Its very easy, but I need a little challenge, so sometimes its harder for me to work on something easy!!! I think I am going to make a little knit lace baby hat for a break!
I am posting a 'group' picture of some of the little baby hats and a couple of pairs of booties that I am making for the '20 Hats Project' to give to babies in the NICU. If you want to know about any of the patterns, email me privately, and I will send you the links to the individual websites, as they are not of my design. They are free patterns I found on the internet though, for charity use.

December, already???

I can't believe we are already into the month of December! Time is just flying by, it seems!!!!
We finally got a snowstorm a little over a week ago, and the snow is still here! Along with icicles hanging from the eaves and gutters, and ice patches on the ground too. You must be careful how you walk out there! I am not a real lover of cold, so I only go out if I have to. I don't mind staying inside at all!!!
We have been busy with the Cup 'O Joy. We've been working a lot lately. I love it! Last weekend was Paul Colman (now one of the "Newsboys"). He is not only a gifted singer/songwriter, but a real gentleman too. His drummer, Carl, was a very nice guy too!
We haven't run out of turkey or stuffing yet! :o))))))) I did finally throw it all in one dish, and make it into a casserole, and then put a casserole dish of it in the freezer. We got a lot of meals out of that Thanksgiving dinner! LOL
Still knitting...I am trying to put it into 'high gear' and finish a baby sweater that my youngest DD asked me to make for a friend of hers with a new baby girl. It's a good thing I decided to make it in a size 6 months...the baby is 3 weeks old now! The sweater is turning out cute so far, and I am using a new yarn called "Vanna's Choice" which is a worsted weight yarn and I really like it. It is wonderfully soft and cuddly, and I got a really pretty rose color for the sweater.
The pattern is a free one I found online here: Easy Baby Cardigan
Here's the progress so far:




I am using my birthday present Knit Picks Harmony needles, and they are a dream to work with!!! I love them!!!
Which brings me to another rabbit trail... KnitPicks has the MOST awesome customer service department I have had the pleasure of dealing with so far. They are outstanding! My size 4 Harmony cable needle tip broke (I just about cried!) They are beautiful needles - laminated. I called KnitPicks customer service and told them what happened - they sent me another pair - I got them in three days. No questions asked!!! I think that is great service. So if you ever wondered if they were good to order from, I would recommend them.
The three baby canaries are weaned and moved to their own cage this week. They are so cute! Two of them have their Daddy's 'crew cut'! Momma has already said she wants one, so I am watching them so I can pick out a male for her. Their daddy is a beautiful singer.




well, time to go get dinner started...tonight I am using the last of the leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, and making it into yummy Cream Of Potato soup!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had our Thanksgiving day dinner with a few of our kids. R. and I got up at 7 a.m. so that I could get the turkey stuffed and into the oven. We had bought an almost 24 lb turkey, thinking that one other son and his fiancee were going to be here to, but it didn't work out that way for them. Had the turkey stuffed and in the oven by 8 am. Our youngest DD showed up with our oldest DS in time for the Packer/Detroit kickoff.
Then our other DS showed up with his wife, and then we also had our 25 yr old DD here.
After I was all done, we ended having way too much food! LOL Turkey, stuffing, I made mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, baked yams, gravy, our youngest DD's favorite: brown-n-serve rolls, and Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad and pumpkin pies that I had made yesterday. Oh and sliced veggies, and olives, and pickles in a relish tray. And fish for our DDIL, who is a vegan.
I'm tired!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!! We sent some food home with some of the kids, and will have plenty of leftovers!!!!
The nice thing is it is still early in the evening, and everything is cleaned up and put away already. So guess that means I have time to do some knitting!!! Gosh darn it, I am so disappointed. NOT!
Hope everyone had a great turkey day! It's back to my diet tomorrow. I have lost 21 pounds so far, and want to lose another 15-20 lbs. I am starting to feel better, and have some more energy than normal. It's easier to be motivated when I can actually see the scales are reading less.
Don't eat too much!!!! LOLOL

Options Knitting needles!!!!

My DH had ordered me a big surprise for my birthday. Something I have been wanting for a long time, but couldn't spend the money on. Guess what? It was not one, but both set of KnitPicks Options circular needles!!!! He got me the silvalume set and also the Harmony Wood set that came out not too long ago!!! I have to say, I was so surprised, and happy, happy, happy!!!!!! I couldn't wait to try them out - so right now I have a baby hat on the Harmony wood, and a baby hat on the silvalume set! They are soooooo easy to work with!!!!! I feel like I am knitting faster! (of course that's probably all in my head :o) ) But they sure work slick!!!! And the Harmony needles are sooooo purdy!!!!! I love all the colors on the needle!!!! LOL

I've been wearing my Mobeius shawl that I made for myself last winter a lot lately! I have gotten a lot of compliments on it, which is comforting, because I knit it out of a bulky yarn that is a kind of a wild looking color-way. It has teal and blue, and yellow and orange in it. It looked great in the skein, but when I made it - I thought the colors were a little too wild. I was uncomfortable about wearing it for a while because of the wild color combo - but since I have been FREEZING lately, I decided not to worry about the color and think about how warm and cozy it is instead. (Since I got back from Mom's in California, I just can't get warm!!!!) I had one friend ask me if I would knit one for her, and how much would I charge. I have no idea!!! LOL I told her if she bought the yarn - I'd think about it and let her know, but I am thinking about not charging her anything. Anyone have any suggestions about how much I should charge for something like that? It is knit on size 15 needles, if I remember right, and works up pretty quickly...but I do have to find my pattern.

We don't have snow yet (we have had some flurries) - but I feel like its cold enough, that the snow must be just around the corner. And I have to say, I am not looking forward to it!

DH is going to be taking some vacation days starting tomorrow. Tomorrow we are going to go 'thrift shop hopping' and then he won't have to go back to work for another week. Thats going to be nice to have him around the house.

Well, I am going to go play with my options needles for a while, and do some of the 'laundry-that-multiplies-no-matter-what-I-DO!!!!' UGH!!!!

Santa Hat for Babies

Knitted Santa Hat Pattern




This knitting pattern fits a variety of sizes.

* For preemies, use a size 3 or 4 US needle and baby or sport weight yarn
* For newborns, use a size 6 US needle and worsted weight yarn
* For older babies, use a size 8 US needle and worsted weight yarn (as knit)

Yarn
Small amounts of white eyelash yarn, white worsted weight yarn and red worsted weight yarn (such as Red Heart Soft Yarn)

Instructions:

Holding one strand of the white eyelash and the white worsted weight yarn together as one, CO 54 sts.

Work in K1, P1 ribbing (k1, p1 across) for 2 inches. Change to red yarn and knit in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) until total length of hat (including brim) is 4 inches.

Start decrease as follows:

Row 1: *K4, k2tog; rep from *
Row 2: *P3, p2tog; rep from *
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: *K2, k2tog; rep from *
Row 8: Purl
Row 9: Knit
Row 10: Purl
Row 11: *K1, k2tog; rep from *
Rows 12-14: Work in stockinette stitch (purl one row, knit one row)
Row 15: K2tog across
Rows 16-21: Work in stockinette stitch

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail to stitch up the seam in the cap. Thread yarn through remaining stitches on needle and draw up securely. Stitch up seam in hat, changing to white yarn to sew the brim seam. Make a fluffy white pompom and attach securely to the top of the hat.

©Lissa Kadlec 2006 This pattern may not be reproduced, sold and distributed. You may, however, feel free to use this pattern to knit hats for charities.

Tabitha's Heart: Unexpected Blessings

Follow the link to Tabitha's contest site. Have fun!

Tabitha's Heart: Unexpected Blessings

Make My Life a Living Prayer...

I guess by now, everyones figured out that I am a big Alison Krauss and Union Station fan. I haven't heard anything they have done that I didn't love.

One of the musicians in her band is Ron Block, and he has released two albums that are two of my favorites! Of course the other band members have done the same, and they are good too. Ron's are definitely christian, and enjoyably...bluegrass.

I just took a look at a different video on YouTube.com, and then found this one by AKUS... "Make My Life a Living Prayer".

I love the song - and especially what it means. I want MY life to be a living prayer to God, also. More than anything. I am constantly aware of my 'human-ness' and how I fall short of the kind of person God wants me to be. But I plan on not giving up...knowing that to God, I am a work in progress...and with every breath I take, I want to be talking to my Savior ...asking for His help becoming the child of God that He has made me, and trying to let other people see Him in my life, and maybe...want to know Him too.

So...here's the video of the song, done on the Tonight Show by Alison and her band. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and I hope that it touches a chord in your soul.

Home again...for now...

I am back in Wisconsin again for a couple of months, depending on how Momma does. It's good to be back home. I am suffering from 'jet lag' tho...I really understand what that is now!
My plane arrived at midnight at the airport on Friday, and by the time Ray and I got home and took care of the birds, it was 2 a.m.
Then last night was Saturday, and we had signed up to volunteer at the Cup O Joy for a concert with Anthony Evans (son of the Pastor Tony Evans). What an awesome concert! Anthony has a great voice, and a really great sense of humor. It was a wonderful night, albeit was another late one. So I am hittin' the hay now...I can hardly keep my eyes open.
I'm posting a few pictures though...of my friend's twin babies, that are now eight weeks old. I got to spend some time with her and the babies a couple of days while I was in CA - she and her hubby are my Mom's neighbors.
Adorable babies....and the greatest friends and neighbors you could ask for! They are a very special family!!!
TaTa for now!!!
Enjoy the baby pics - yes, that's me , holding them..

Photos of GiGi's Summer Breeze Crocheted Sweater

As promised, here are some photos of the sweater I crocheted for GiGi.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss CD?

Ok, Ok, this post has absolutely NOTHING to do with knitting! I just had to tell you about my new 'favorite' CD! I am a big Alison Krauss & Union Station fan! I love her music, Union Station's, and Ron Block's. I get updates through my email about her new releases. I got one last week about a new cd with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss??? That sounded like an unusual combination to me! But I really like Alison's music, so I looked for the CD and got it.
It's different from anything I have heard, but I love it!!! The unusual combination of Robert and Alison WORKS!
It's my current favorite CD! If you like Alison Krauss, you need to give it a try.
Ok, enough about my music!!! Gonna go listen some more!

GiGi the Chihuahua

I have been bringing up box after box of "stuff" from the "dungeon" so Momma can go through it and weed out some STUFF. She has a bazillion holiday decorations that she wants to part with.

I have been checking the animal shelters in the area, looking for the 'perfect' small dog for Momma, since she had to have Bella put to sleep last spring. Momma has been so lonely without Bella around. Last Saturday, I decided to be adventurous and drive to San Mateo and 'brave' Hwy 101. It wasn't too bad, actually. I had my trusty MapQuest map printout and I had no trouble finding the Peninsula Humane Society, out at Coyote Point, on the bay. I found a few little dogs that I was going to 'interview' to see if I felt that their little personalities would be what Mom needed. The lady behind the desk said that the ones I had asked about probably wouldn't be a good match for Mom....but they had a little chi that she thought might be good. So I met 'Gilda', as she was named at the time. I fell in love with her!!!! What a sweet, tiny, timid little dog!!! I called Momma, and asked her 'how much do you trust me?' - LOLOLOLOL!
And so I adopted Gilda, and took her home to Momma...who also fell in love with her.

She is no longer named Gilda... Momma named her GiGi - and she is as sweet as can be!!! She is only about 4 or 5 lbs, so not too heavy (good so she doesn't hurt Mom's legs anymore than they already are) GiGi has learned how to use the doggie door to go outside and do what she needs to do, and she has only had a couple of accidents, so she seems to be house broken. She is playful, but gentle with Mom. And I think GiGi must think she is in doggie heaven, because Momma has been feeding her small meals 4 or 5 times a day (GiGi was very skinny when I got her) and meals consist of cooked chicken breast, rice, carrots, and some Pedigree canned food mixed in. Needless To Say, GiGi finishes all of her food. :o)

Mom asked me if I would make GiGi a sweater, so I did a search online and found a great site with free chihuahua sweater patterns. I crocheted a little sweater for her using a pattern called "Summer Breeze". It's finished, except for the final finishing touches of a ribbon, a couple of buttons, and a couple of bows. I will post a picture when I get those touches added, andd then I will have GiGi model it. It turned out really cute!



Momma has a Dentist appt today, so time to go get her there.

Been a while...

It's been a little while since I posted last. I am in California right now, helping my Mom for a while.

I got to meet the Sweet Peas last week, and they are adorable! Bianca Lazetta and Ruby Christine are just as sweet as can be! I got to take my sweaters and things that I made over to give to them. I made another trip over there today to see their Mommy and them, and take all the things that Mom had made for them too. The babies look adorable in all the hand knitted gifts.

I finished the last Five Hour Baby Sweater I was working on for Mom. I also made one of the Knit Dress Dishcloths that I got the pattern from on MonthlyDishclothKAL@yahoogroups.com. It turned out so cute! I used the new Sugar and Cream Stripes cotton yarn. I used the one in the Pinks colorway. It wouldn't be hard to adapt the pattern to make it for a barbie dress.



I started a "Grandmother's Favorite" dishcloth for a little break. You know the CO 3 st, K1, Yo, K across one? Super simple, mindless knitting!!! LOL

I am also working on another pair of the Lacy WoolEase Socks, this time I am making a pair for Mom. She really liked the pair I had made for myself, and wants me to make a pair for her in a pinkish rose color.

I will post pictures as soon as I can. My Mom has a Mac computer, and I don't, so I am not to good at doing things on hers. It may have to wait until after I get back home.

It is a beautiful sunshiney day today, so I think I may take advantage of it, and go outside for a bit.

Hugs!

Time for reflection...

Our Pastor at Oakbrook read this poem on Sunday after his sermon, and he didn't make it through without tears, and this poem brought tears to my eyes too. So, instead of a knitting post today, I thought I would print this poem...hopefully it will touch someone else the way it touched me. Its a gentle reminder that once we have been saved by Christ, we shouldn't forget those that are still lost without Him.

I Stand By The Door

written by Samuel Moor Shoemaker

I stand by the door
I neither go too far in nor stay too far out
The door is the most important door in the world
It is the door through which men walk when they find God.
There's no use in my going way inside and staying there
When so many are still outside and they, as much as I, crave to know where the door is
And all that so many ever find is only the wall where a door ought to be.
They creep along the wall like blind men with outstretched, groping hands
Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door, yet they never find it.
So I stand by the door.
The most tremendous thing in the world is for men to find that door -
The door to God.
The most important thing any man can do
Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands and put it on the latch -
The latch that only clicks and opens to the man's own touch.
Men die outside that door
As starving beggars die on cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter
Die for want of what is within their grasp
They live on the other side of it, live because they have found it
Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it
And open it and walk in and find Him.
So I stand by the door.
Go in great saints, go all the way in
Go way down in the cavernous cellars and way into the spacious attics
It is a vast roomy house, this house where God is.
Go into the deepest of hidden casements of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood
Some must inhabit those inner rooms,
And know the depths and heights of God
And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is
Sometimes I take a deeper look in, sometimes venture in a little farther
But my place seems close to the opening
So I stand by the door.
There is another reason why I stand there -
Some people get part way in and become afraid
Lest God in the zeal of His house devour them
For God is so very great and asks all of us.
And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia and they want to get out
"Let me out!" they cry, and the people way inside terrify them more.
Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled for the old life
They have seen too much.
Once taste God and nothing but God will do anymore.
Somebody must be watching for the frightened
Who seek to sneak out just where they came in
To tell them how much better it is inside.
The people too far in do not see how near these are to leaving
Preoccupied with the wonder of it all
Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door but would like to run away
So for them too, I stand by the door.
I admire the people who go way in,
But I wish they would not forget how it was before they got in
Then they would be able to help the people who have not yet even found the door
Or the people who want to run away from God again
You can go in too deeply and stay in too long and forget the people outside the door
As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place
Near enough to God to hear Him and know He is there
But not far from men as to not hear them and remember that they are there too.
Where? Outside the door.
Thousands of them, millions of them
But more important for me, one of them, two of them, ten of them
Whose hands I am intended to put on the latch
So I shall stand by the door and wait for those who seek it.
I had rather be a doorkeeper, so I stand by the door.

Ravelry!

I just checked my status on the Ravelry website and there are only 262 people ahead of me!!!! I am so excited! I can't wait to be able to join the Ravelry community. It looks soooo cool!
I'm going to go knit - work on my dishcloth KAL and the baby sweater... two 'priority' items to finish.
I have been busy catching up on my housecleaning. I want it done before I have to go to Mom's. I don't want to leave DH in a dirty house.
Next week I will be flying out to my Mom's in California. Her health has not been very good, and she wants me with her when she has some tests run, to find out what is going on, as she has new symptoms. She is a month away from being 86. I will be there for about a month, so the really tough part comes in now...I have to pack. (I am NOT good at that!) and then I have to decide what knitting projects I want to have along with me to work on. Decisions, decisions!!!

Nuttin Much New

Nothing much new going on... I have been working on my Monthly Dishcloth KAL...that's been interesting, because they only give you about 10 rows a day to work on, and a suggested yarn color to use. So, I have no idea what it is going to be yet. It's kind of fun though to see the pattern 'magically' appear right before your eyes. I think I should be able to figure out what it is when I do tomorrow's rows. Maybe. :o)
Today was a "work" day for me. I made the mistake of picking up my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sponge. I swear, I become a Woman Obsessed when I am using that thing. (Did I mention I think that they are A-mazing??? LOL) Before I knew what I was doing, I had washed down all of the cupboards in the kitchen, and all the countertops, and some of the walls, and the toaster, and the can opener, the coffee maker, the bread machine......you get the idea!!!! When DH came home for lunch, he was making fun of me! He gently grabbed my hand, and then he TOOK my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge away!!!! (the NERVE!!! the audacity!!!! the horror!!! ) And then he made me sit down and eat lunch with him!!! (and wouldn't let me near Mr. Clean!) LOLOL
After he went back to work, I decided I was going to shampoo the carpets. We only have an 'indoor/outdoor' carpet in the kitchen and a small hallway with berber carpet. My youngest DD, Kim, had given me her "old" Bissell ProHeat Carpet Shampooer. I love that thing!!!! (almost as much as Mr. Clean! - OK - I AM crazy, alright?) So I shampooed the carpets, vaccuumed the hardwood floor in the living room, and then went and knit on my dishcloth KAL for a while.
When DH got home from work, we were going to try and take a nap (he said I looked tired for some reason... :oP) - but Kim came over, and was banging on the door, and when we didn't hear that, she came around to the back of the house, and knocked on the outside of our bedroom wall...which woke up all three of the doggies, which in turn woke DH and I up, ...so no nap. It was alright....she was quite amusing...she had gone to the Dr. today, after I nagged her to death, and she found out she has bronchitis (Mom was right!!!! (that would be me)) and is now taking several prescription medications for the cough,etc. and the medications made her kind of loopy and goofy (actually, she was VERY loopy and goofy...and incredibly amusing :o) . Thankfully, she had come up here with a friend, and the friend was the one driving. LOLOL
So...now its time for supper (hamburgers, baked potato, and whole kernel corn), and a movie ("The Bells of Innocence" with Chuck Norris) to relax with, and then I am going to spend some time working on the baby sweater I am making for my Mom to give as a gift.
TTYS!

Scattergories - Join Me!

Anyone want to join me? Let me know and I'll come over to your blog to see!

Scattergories MEMEThe rules are: Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the questions. They must be real places, names, things ... nothing made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question. If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can't use my answers! So join in the fun...

1. My name: Melissa
2. Famous Singer: Michael Martin Murphy
3. Four letter word: Much
4. Street: Main Street
5. Color: Mauve
6.Gifts/Presents: Music Box
7. Vehicle: Mini Cooper
8. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Mugs
9. Boy's Name: Marvin
10. Girl's Name: Marianne
11. Movie Title: Miss Congeniality
12. Drink: Margarita
13. Occupation: Musician
14. Celebrity: Mickey Rooney
15. Magazine: McCall's
16. U.S. City: Monterey (ok, bonus question here...CANADIAN city?: Montreal)
17. Pro Sports: MotoCross?
18. Fruit: Melon
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: Messed up MakeUp
20. Something You Throw Away: Mushy fruit
21. Things You Shout: More!
22. Cartoon Character: Mickey Mouse

TAG! If you're reading this and want to Participate, then you're tagged! It's fun to do!

Finished Lacy WoolEase Socks!

I just finished my Lacy WoolEase socks I have been working on!!! Woohoo! I put them on to show my hubby and they are SSSSOOOOO comfortable, they aren't coming off for a while! I love them!!! They were the ones that were the KAL from the EasySocks group I am on.
They were fun AND easy, and inexpensive too. I have to admit, I am really happy with them! I'm going to show them to my Mom when I see her next month, and I am going to start knitting a pair for her now, because I think she is probably going to want some. And they would be perfect for her 85 yr old diabetic feet!

I am NOT Martha Stewart...LOL

Today I just have to share my favorite housecleaning item ... yes, I AM crazy. Y'all knew that before!!! I do not LIKE to clean...but I like my house clean and neat. (however, it is NOT always clean and definitely not neat as I am "Organizationally Challenged")
If I could afford one...I would suggest to my darling, patient DH that I should probably get to have a maid. But...the money tree doesn't grow near our house...so there's only me...the Organizationally Challenged, Attention Deficit Disordered, NON Martha Stewart personality, here. DH thinks I am insane (honestly, I have no idea WHY he thinks that?) and that I need to get a life, because I have finally found the *M*I*R*A*C*l*E cleaning helper. DH says I am obsessed...but the thing is so darn neat, that when I start using it, I start cleaning everything I can get my hands on. (that is really sick, isn't it???) And the name of the *M*I*R*A*C*L*E* cleaner that I tried and fell in love with is the Mr Clean Magic Eraser and that thing IS everything they claim it is!!!! It cleaned the soap scummy stuff off the tub that nothing else would get rid of, it cleans birdie poo off of walls, and fingerprints off of cupboards, and grease off of stoves, and dirty floors....and OMG!!!!! If you haven't tried it yet - do it because you will have more time to knit, Knit, KNIT!!!!! (I really do sound insane here, don't I??????)

Now that I have given you my version of " The Loopy-Knitter's Home-Keeping Tips for Attention-Deficit-Disorder, Organizationally-Challenged, Knit-A-Holics" - I am going to reward myself with a Diet Rite soda, a Hershey's chocolate bar, and work on knitting that second Lacy WoolEase sock. OH...and here is one other tip for you....
A DIET soda + chocolate = ZERO calories. Yes, it's true what you've heard. They really DO cancel each other out. :o))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Socks and Dishcloths...

I have been working on some "Lacy Woolease Socks" - part of a monthly KAL in the EasySocks group. This is only the second pair of socks I have knitted. The first pair I knitted were 'toe-up' and this pair isn't. I got so messed up when I got to the heel!! I frogged the first sock several times, and finally asked someone on the list for help, and they gave me a link to a great sock tutorial website with step by step pictures. That really helped!!!! So, I am proud to say...one sock is completed. I tried it on and is it ever comfy!!! I think I will be making more like this!
I have also been working on a "Lacy Round Cloth" designed by Ronda White(she is on a couple of knitting groups I am on and is a very talented lady!)... I am using Peaches and Cream yarn in a pretty colorway appropriately named Orange Sherbet. The pattern is fun and easy to work. Here's how far I have gotten on it ...

It is officially the third day of Autumn and looking very much like it outside. The tree leaves are changing their colors, (and they are such beautiful, and glorious colors!!!! God's handiwork is truly amazing!!) Many of them are already dropping their leaves...and you know what that means ....I hafta go rake them!!! LOL

Pregnancy, Estrogen and Women!!!! LOL

This has NOTHING to do with knitting - but I think it is funny...so I am posting it. I got it in an email from a friend, and I am not the author. I don't know who is - but this is awfully close to the truth!!!! So I hope you enjoy it!

Pregnancy, Estrogen and Women
Pregnancy Q &A &more!

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No,35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

"ESTROGEN ISSUES"
10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "ESTROGEN ISSUES"

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelette.
3 The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1- 800-".
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from "outer space".
8. You’re not as nice as you used to be and you used to be a witch.
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.

10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND
10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND, the Number One thing only women understand:

1. OTHER WOMEN

It has been a rather quiet day today. Nothing too exciting....unless you consider a visit to Physical Therapy exciting.LOL My PT has a slight southern accent, and she told the receptionist to have me come back to the "pulleys" - and it came out sounding like "po-lice". Now that's there big joke in there when I come in she says if I get out of line they're going to call the "PO -Leece". I think they know me well now. LOL
I made a big batch of Oatmeal Cookies today. I have been thinking about them for a while...yummy!!!! I use the 'classic' Quaker Oatmeal recipe. It's the best...well, I like them.. LOL
My friend that was expecting twins had them yesterday morning by C-section. They were both healthy, and good sized for twins. Fraternal twins, girls, if I remember right, one was 6 lbs and the other was 5 lbs 12 oz. Their Mama is petite, and the last few months was ALL babies!!!!! She looked good, but very uncomfortable!
So now, I have the little crocheted toys I am making for the babies almost done. I hope to finish them tomorrow, and then get the box wrapped up with the sweaters and hats that I knit already, and some little onezies that I bought and applied sweet little iron on appliques to. I found the perfect ones for them - they were little pea pods, with "Sweet Pea" on each. My friend had a baby blog for her pregnancy, and called it "The Sweet Peas".
I'll take pictures of the gifts when I finish the toys. The little piggie and donkey toys are crocheted, and they have little crocheted flower garlands to tie securely around their necks, that are crocheted with No. 5 perle cotton and a size 6 crochet hook - yesterday I fell asleep while I was working on the little flowers, so I didn't get too far. (I had a nice nap though! :-)
But I did finish crocheting the flowers and the vine garlands tonight while we watched "City of Angels" with Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan for the umpteenth time. It is one of my all time favorite movies!
Hopefully, if all goes as planned, I will be posting pictures of completed little baby toys tomorrow!!!!
We work at the Cup O' Joy tomorrow night. A group called "Obadiah" is going to be there. They are an 8 man gospel group from Milwaukee, with some awesome harmonies!!! I am looking forward to working with them again!
time to head for bed!
hugs!
Lissa

An Autumn Wednesday...

I got up wayyyyy too early this morning!!! But I guess that means I have more time to get "stuff" done, so I should be happy, right? S'alright.
I think Autumn is officially here. Time is going by so fast! Does that happen as one gets older? It sure seems like it flies by way too fast for me. We have had some cool, crisp nights, and the leaves are changing colors, and beginning to cover our lawn. I love going out and listening to the wind blow through the leaves this time of year. They SOUND different. It's a peaceful sound.
We watched a really good movie last night. Called "Deja Vu" with Denzel Washington. It has you on the edge of your seat all the way through it. (And I really like Denzel Washington! He is a great actor!)
I finally finished the 'final' touches on my "Felted Spring Bag" (that was the name of the pattern) that I did in Autumn colors. I wasn't overly pleased with the way it turned out. The LYS recommended a type of yarn to substitute for the one called for, and said it would felt the same. It didn't. Live and learn. But it was a fun, super easy pattern. I wanted to do the handles differently, so instead of I-cord, I made a very thick braid with the yarn, and felted that. I found some interesting fabric for the lining, and then I couldn't find any buttons I liked for the closure, so I got some wood toggle buttons and 'painted' them with some nail polish that was the perfect color. I'm putting a picture of the closure too...the LYS had this closure on some of their bags. It is simply a thick ponytail elastic sewn to one side of the bag next to the button, and then you pull the elastic loop over the button on the opposing side. It makes a good closure.




















The last bird fair we went to, we ended up not selling many birds. But we traded a few. LOL
For trades, my favorite one was to acquire a Black Wing Jardine parrot. One of my DD's named him Kermit, because she said he sounds like a frog. She's soooo funny. LOL But it seemed to fit him, so Kermit he is. He is so much fun!!! Here's a picture of Kermit helping DH with his bird food.


And here is his little friend, Izzy, who is a Cinnamon Green Cheek Conure (also another great trade) at work...he's doing his job in the Supervisory Capacity as Chief Bird Food Inspector.
He really loves his job, and helps DH every night! Izzy takes his job very seriously!


The birdies are telling me its time to let them wake up, and that I should get them their morning pasta blend, and feed the dogs...the day is "officially" starting now. One more cup of coffee, and I think it will be alright.

"Lifehouse" - Everything Skit on GodTube

No matter how many times I have watched this video, it still gives me chills, and makes me cry. It demonstrates so well the spiritual battles we all go through, and how very much Jesus loves us and the lengths He will go to so that we can be safe and with our lives, dance with Him.

Finally....

How frustrating is it when you can't remember your username or your password?? After three days of trying to figure it out, I finally remembered!!!! My mind is obviously not totally coherent! LOL

I haven't done too much knitting for a couple of weeks. I just haven't been very motivated, and haven't been able to focus. It was not helping my shoulder feel better either. But...I picked up my needles again, and am getting back on track!

While I took time off from knitting, I read "Where Willows Grow" by Kim Vogel-Sawyer. One of the ladies getting physical therapy, that is there quite often when I am, recommended the book...she said someone gave it to her, and she couldn't put it down. I requested it on inter-library loan, and she was right....I couldn't put it down either!! It was a very good book!!!

The bird fair my DH and I had a table at last weekend was disappointing. We sold two parakeets! Our lovebird prices were right around the average...but we heard a lot of people say that no one seemed to be buying birds that day. At the end of the fair, we ended up trading some baby lovebirds for some breeder canary pairs and some breeder bourke parakeets. They are quieter than the lovies, although we still have lovebirds too. I also got my first parrot!! A lady at the table right next to us had three that she had raised, and this one kept 'talking' to me all day, and at the end of the day, the lady (Pam) said she thought he liked me. LOL!!! I'm such a sucker!!!!
He is a Jardine, and was hatched in February and hand fed, and very tame. We named him Kermit, because of his beautiful green coloring. We are having fun getting used to him. Parrots are so much different than what we are used to in small birds! I am ready a book called "The Guide to the Well-Behaved Parrot"...which is very interesting and full of advice and things I had no idea about. Did you know that a parrot will 'wag' its tail when he is happy? So far Kermit seems to be very happy and I know we are with him!

Whats On My Needles right now:

Cute Baby Kimono Jacket from the Mason-Dixon Knitting Book

BallBand Dishcloth from the Mason-Dixon Knitting Book

still working on those crocheted baby toys for a gift

Fan And Feather (Old Shale) knitted purse (will be felted) - pattern from the Bag-A-Holic group at Yahoo.

Ciao!!!
Lissa

Sidetracked...must be ADD

I'm convinced that I must have Attention Deficit Disorder...I get distracted so easily!!!

I've been working on another knitted felted bag...I think I mentioned it in a previous post...but I can't remember... so maybe what I'm suffering from is senility. But I am confused and go off in a tangent...so maybe I've got dementia... oh...who cares!!!! LOL

Let's see...back to the felted bag...I needed to work on something different for a while (which means I got distracted, and saw something that I had to do NOW). I decided I wanted to make some little crocheted toys for my friend expecting twins. I have the cutest crochet pattern leaflet - about 20 zillion years old (I can tell, because the original price tag on it was 64 cents!) So I got some Lion Brand Jiffy yarn (soft and slightly fuzzy) yesterday at JoAnn's, and started a cute little crocheted piggy. I also got enough for a little Siamese kitty, and a little lamb. Then I will decide which two are the cutest and give those.

On my CD player, is 'my' newest 'discovery'. Katie Melua She is kind of a soft jazzy/blues singer. I don't even like jazz or blues...well, not really... but I love her music.
I first heard her singing a song on the movie Mrs. Potter, with Renee Zellweger... I heard her singing a song on the soundtrack and I loved it...so I had to look her up.

gotta go get ready for PT...fun, fun, fun!!!!

hugs,
Lissa

long time, no post...

My Momma pointed out that I haven't posted anything to my blog for a while... and I ALWAYS listen to my Momma.... so here 'tis!!!

I had the surgery on my left shoulder on the 20th of July, and the Dr. says I am healing well. I still have the immobilizing sling to wear...but Doc says I should be weaning myself off of it...so in another three weeks or so, I should be out of it. I have been going to Physical Therapy 2 -3 times a week, and that has been going good. I still need to take my pain medication though. so I am either sleepy or loopy (loopier than normal!!!!)

The Dr. also gave me 'permission' to knit carefully. So I am working on knitting a felted bag. The flap is a fan-and-feather pattern, with a seed stitch rim around the opening of the bag, and the body of the bag is in stockinette stitch. I used Noro Kureyon for the flap, and Lamp's Pride Bulky for the body of the bag. I invested in an Addi Turbo Circular Needle for the project and do I ever LOVE it!!
Someone on my Bag-A-Holic group said Knit Picks Options needles are comparable to the Addis...so I will be checking into those. The Addis are great...but I can't afford them. LOL

Well, my shoulder is telling me to stop!
Hugs!
Lissa

Can't Take The Joy

I get daily devotionals from Jason Mitchener and I had to share this one! It is so true!!!!


Can't Take the Joy by Jason Mitchener

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
John 16:22
Some friends of mine wrote a song called "Can't Take the Joy!" The song beautifully expresses one awesome truth about joy ... no one can take it from us.
Jesus told His disciples that when He left them for a little while, they would have great sorrow. But when they saw Him again, they would rejoice and no man could take their joy away from them. The disciples didn't realize at the time that He spoke of the sorrow of His death and the joy of His resurrection.
In John 15:11, Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
What He had just been speaking about is abiding in Him and obeying Him. As long as our hearts stay fixed on Jesus and we obey Him out of love, our joy will remain with us.
People may try to steal our joy. A husband may desert his wife. A friend may turn against us. A son or daughter may run away from home. A brother may lie to us. Situations like these could easily steal our joy. But if we keep looking to Jesus, they can't take the joy! It's when we take our eyes off Jesus, that our joy can be stolen.
Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus reminds us that no matter what other people may do, He will never desert us. He will never turn against us. He will never run away from us. He will never lie to us. Jesus will always be here for us and only truth comes from His lips.
The presence of joy is not dependent on the circumstances around us. It is dependent on Jesus.
You may be dealing with pain or illness. You may be experiencing the loss of a loved one. You may be faced with debts too numerous to pay. And yet, even with all this, you can have joy in Jesus!
Trust fully in Him and they can't take the joy!
(If this devotional has blessed you, please pass it on.)
From a fellow traveler just passing through,
Jason Mitchener

Finished baby sweaters!!

I finally finished the last little touches on a pair of baby sweaters I knit for a gift. I used the 5 Hour Baby Sweater pattern, which is one of my favorite patterns. I can't make it in five hours, no matter how hard I try!!!!!


But it still is a quick pattern, and easy, and it takes regular WW yarn - so it works for me!!! I usually end up using Caron Simply Soft yarn - I just love the feel of it, and I like working with it. I also made a couple of little hats to give with the sweaters. For them, I used a pattern called the Ripple Eyelet Baby Hat... it's another one of my all time favorite patterns, because it is easy, but challenging enough to be fun!

I use the Simply Soft yarn for newborn size, and slightly smaller needles with baby yarn for Preemie sizes. (I have made a lot of little baby hats to give to the NICU at one of our local hospitals.) Now, back to the sweaters... I found some really cute little daisy buttons, one set with white petals and yellow centers, and another with yellow petals and white centers. Since these sweaters are going to be for twin girls, I really liked the sort-of matching buttons. I used little velcro circles on the sweaters for closures and sewed them on underneath the buttons.
The colors for the sweaters aren't your typical baby colors...but I really like them - and I think they look good together. Reminds me of grapes or vineyards.


I had a physical therapy appt. today. Apparently, my shoulder is healing really well. Which makes me very happy! Pretty soon, I'll be able to do my 'usual' stuff (which means I get to knit, knit, knit!!!!)
I have been 'craving' chocolate chip cookies for the last week or so. Nestle's Toll House cookies. There's nothing better! So I finally broke down and made some yesterday and they turned out perfect. Which is bad, because dang it, they are really good. And I can hear them in the kitchen, calling my name....maybe it wasn't such a good idea to make them after all....NAH!