This was sent to me by my oldest friend, Katie. It seems an extremely appropriate reminder for me to pass on. My sister lost her battle with cancer in December, fortunately for me I did value her and still do. She will always be my sister.
For Georgene
To Realize
To realize
The value of a sister
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.
To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.
To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.
To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.
To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
who has given birth to
A premature baby.
To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
you can share it with someone special.
To realize the value of a friend or family member :
LOSE ONE.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
DANCE AS IF NO ONE IS WATCHING
I think that it is time for me to establish some rules regarding my knitting and blogging life. I think I have OCD as far as both are concerned. Yesterday morning, my husband (from now on known as The Silver Fox), who is recovering from surgery, had a problem with his incision and had to go to the emergency room. It’s not normal to think, heh, maybe I can fix this myself, ER means the day is shot. As three surgeons hovered over him, my mind was on how badly my plans for the day were off schedule. This is not a nice person thinking this!! I’ve spent so much time in the hospital this year that they no longer need to ask our name and the little café stand in the lobby knows that’s it’s a venti latte, whole milk, two splendas, not a good sign. The Silver Fox is fine, and no I could not have fixed it myself, but my day never got back on track, I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning trying to play catch up. I’m ashamed to admit that when I took his prescription to be filled and they told me it was a thirty minute wait, I opted to run into the yarn shop, rather than go all the way home and have to drive all the way back into town (town is 7 minutes from my house). I NEEDED a beginner’s knitting book for one of my daughter’s and I spied a sale basket of yarn, $2 a skein!!! Can you believe that, I grabbed up some, perfect for her to practice on. I found two skeins of Muench Tessin in a cute yellow multi, a skein of Rowan Tweed, in sienna, a skein of Filatura di Crosa, Zarabella in a pastel print, and last but not least a skein of Reynolds Utopia in a bright green. I asked why only $2, seems that the dyes lots changed or the ballband had come off. I think she’ll enjoy trying different things with it.
Now to the rules I have set up for myself:
No knitting or computer until:
Beds are made, showering done, completely dressed, kitchen straightened, laundry in, if there is any ironing from the” no dryer allowed” group, just do it, trash out, make sure dinner is given some thought (I’m notorious for forgetting to take things from the freezer, until daylight starts to dwindle, and I find myself with a frozen block of chicken or chops). Then and only then can I get down to serious business, knitting.
WIP
For The Lone Knitter’s blanket drive:
Blue and white baby blanket
8 X8 squares in primary colors for a little boy’s blanket
Pink and white blanket for a little girl’s blanket
For Warming Grace:
Pink print squares
Blue print aquares
For Knit a square for Grandma Purl:
Finish squares (not a good idea to do four squares at once on the same needle in four different color of yarn, to much tangling)
Waiting in the wings to be started:
For family:
Moderene Log Blanket (Mason-Dixon pattern) for my third daughter’s new house
Rambling Rows Blanket (Cottage Creations) for my fourth daughter’s new house
8 Wonderful Wallaby Sweaters (Cottage Creations) for my grandchildren
Socks for the Silver Fox
Purl Scarf for oldest daughter
Purl scarf for my second daughter’
Ivy sweater for my youngest daughter (élann ran out of the proper yarn)
A tweed scarf for my son
Irish Hiking Scarf for ME
A blanket of the shades of green that you see as you fly over Ireland (it always reminds me of a beautiful quilt, so I need to capture that) for my sister, complete with Celtic knots. (having trouble getting all the greens I need)
An afghan for my sister’s new home, she has become the Californian Dreamer.
The list is daunting and there is more!
I think that it is time for me to establish some rules regarding my knitting and blogging life. I think I have OCD as far as both are concerned. Yesterday morning, my husband (from now on known as The Silver Fox), who is recovering from surgery, had a problem with his incision and had to go to the emergency room. It’s not normal to think, heh, maybe I can fix this myself, ER means the day is shot. As three surgeons hovered over him, my mind was on how badly my plans for the day were off schedule. This is not a nice person thinking this!! I’ve spent so much time in the hospital this year that they no longer need to ask our name and the little café stand in the lobby knows that’s it’s a venti latte, whole milk, two splendas, not a good sign. The Silver Fox is fine, and no I could not have fixed it myself, but my day never got back on track, I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning trying to play catch up. I’m ashamed to admit that when I took his prescription to be filled and they told me it was a thirty minute wait, I opted to run into the yarn shop, rather than go all the way home and have to drive all the way back into town (town is 7 minutes from my house). I NEEDED a beginner’s knitting book for one of my daughter’s and I spied a sale basket of yarn, $2 a skein!!! Can you believe that, I grabbed up some, perfect for her to practice on. I found two skeins of Muench Tessin in a cute yellow multi, a skein of Rowan Tweed, in sienna, a skein of Filatura di Crosa, Zarabella in a pastel print, and last but not least a skein of Reynolds Utopia in a bright green. I asked why only $2, seems that the dyes lots changed or the ballband had come off. I think she’ll enjoy trying different things with it.
Now to the rules I have set up for myself:
No knitting or computer until:
Beds are made, showering done, completely dressed, kitchen straightened, laundry in, if there is any ironing from the” no dryer allowed” group, just do it, trash out, make sure dinner is given some thought (I’m notorious for forgetting to take things from the freezer, until daylight starts to dwindle, and I find myself with a frozen block of chicken or chops). Then and only then can I get down to serious business, knitting.
WIP
For The Lone Knitter’s blanket drive:
Blue and white baby blanket
8 X8 squares in primary colors for a little boy’s blanket
Pink and white blanket for a little girl’s blanket
For Warming Grace:
Pink print squares
Blue print aquares
For Knit a square for Grandma Purl:
Finish squares (not a good idea to do four squares at once on the same needle in four different color of yarn, to much tangling)
Waiting in the wings to be started:
For family:
Moderene Log Blanket (Mason-Dixon pattern) for my third daughter’s new house
Rambling Rows Blanket (Cottage Creations) for my fourth daughter’s new house
8 Wonderful Wallaby Sweaters (Cottage Creations) for my grandchildren
Socks for the Silver Fox
Purl Scarf for oldest daughter
Purl scarf for my second daughter’
Ivy sweater for my youngest daughter (élann ran out of the proper yarn)
A tweed scarf for my son
Irish Hiking Scarf for ME
A blanket of the shades of green that you see as you fly over Ireland (it always reminds me of a beautiful quilt, so I need to capture that) for my sister, complete with Celtic knots. (having trouble getting all the greens I need)
An afghan for my sister’s new home, she has become the Californian Dreamer.
The list is daunting and there is more!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
I'm not just a pretty face...............
I recently was asked the question, "do I knit?" Well, yes I am a knitter among other things. I have over the years done: crewel, counted-cross stitch, needlepoint, crochet, theorem stenciling, sewing and cake decorating. I'm basically self taught, we lived in West Africa for four years and there was only so much reading I could do, I needed to do something with my hands. I met a wonderful group of women of all nationalities and we met several times a week, everyone was always working on something. For me it was sink or swim, learn and join in or spend four years, cursing the heat, the lack of water, electricity, the constant rain for six months of the year and the brutal heat and dust the other six months and children who just wanted to go HOME. There was nothing to buy there, so initially I became the resident seamstress, we made dolls and toys for the orphange. The first opportunity I had to get on a plane, I was out of there with a list of needed supplies and two empty suitcases!! I think my stash fetish began then, the fear of running out of something and not being able to jet to Europe to replenish!! Cake decorating came because there were no bakeries and when you have half a dozen children, they expect birthday cakes. A very talented woman, whose husband was with the U.S. Military Mission, started a Wilton cake decorating course. She was able to get the supplies flown in with the Misssion's food supplies. Try making buttercream roses in a 115 degree climate, not easy, if we had power every airconditioner was run a full speed, just to keep the icing firm enough to work with. Needless to say, when we returned to the States, I swore I would NEVER make another cake, if I could buy one. I didn't count on the fact that I had actually gotten to be a pretty good little baker and gourmet cook (what you can do when you have to!). So yes, I am a knitter, but I do have other talents, I've just run out of wall space and my daughters aren't into these "treasures", my son and his "Better Half" , Miss B, do seem to have an appreciation and I so enjoy passing them on to them. That, my friends, is a glimpse of a very small part of my life. Hubby Dearest is stil recovering from his surgery and has gone from quite and docile, to grumpy, uncomfortable and bored to death. I told him to take up needlepoint, Rosey Grier, the football player is quite talented, I got the "you've got to be kidding me look". Tomorrow, I'm going to start working on my escape plan!! That is after I bake Birthday cupcakes for Master W's party at school. How many parties do these children have??? No, I did not get much knitting done today.
I recently was asked the question, "do I knit?" Well, yes I am a knitter among other things. I have over the years done: crewel, counted-cross stitch, needlepoint, crochet, theorem stenciling, sewing and cake decorating. I'm basically self taught, we lived in West Africa for four years and there was only so much reading I could do, I needed to do something with my hands. I met a wonderful group of women of all nationalities and we met several times a week, everyone was always working on something. For me it was sink or swim, learn and join in or spend four years, cursing the heat, the lack of water, electricity, the constant rain for six months of the year and the brutal heat and dust the other six months and children who just wanted to go HOME. There was nothing to buy there, so initially I became the resident seamstress, we made dolls and toys for the orphange. The first opportunity I had to get on a plane, I was out of there with a list of needed supplies and two empty suitcases!! I think my stash fetish began then, the fear of running out of something and not being able to jet to Europe to replenish!! Cake decorating came because there were no bakeries and when you have half a dozen children, they expect birthday cakes. A very talented woman, whose husband was with the U.S. Military Mission, started a Wilton cake decorating course. She was able to get the supplies flown in with the Misssion's food supplies. Try making buttercream roses in a 115 degree climate, not easy, if we had power every airconditioner was run a full speed, just to keep the icing firm enough to work with. Needless to say, when we returned to the States, I swore I would NEVER make another cake, if I could buy one. I didn't count on the fact that I had actually gotten to be a pretty good little baker and gourmet cook (what you can do when you have to!). So yes, I am a knitter, but I do have other talents, I've just run out of wall space and my daughters aren't into these "treasures", my son and his "Better Half" , Miss B, do seem to have an appreciation and I so enjoy passing them on to them. That, my friends, is a glimpse of a very small part of my life. Hubby Dearest is stil recovering from his surgery and has gone from quite and docile, to grumpy, uncomfortable and bored to death. I told him to take up needlepoint, Rosey Grier, the football player is quite talented, I got the "you've got to be kidding me look". Tomorrow, I'm going to start working on my escape plan!! That is after I bake Birthday cupcakes for Master W's party at school. How many parties do these children have??? No, I did not get much knitting done today.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
It just keeps getting better--------
Above are beautiful shades of lavender to purple
Spring! It's coming, it's here, this is Artyarns, Spring 127 and a slightly shaded pink and green
A scarf for me?? Or will I wind up gifting it????
Above are beautiful shades of lavender to purple
Spring! It's coming, it's here, this is Artyarns, Spring 127 and a slightly shaded pink and green
A scarf for me?? Or will I wind up gifting it????
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Try, Try Again!!!!
Still no luck with getting my pictures on my blog. It is so discouraging because I followed my adapted version of the yarn diet and have received all but one of my orders and there are so many pretty colors to show you. Then because my husband had surgery on Tuesday, I was allowed another pass, so I took full advantage. Is there such a thing as yarn gluttony??? I'm beginning to worry and perhaps I am just a compulsive buyer who will never have enough of a stash to feel content. I managed to finish a baby blanket for the lone knitter's blanket drive and I started another as I sat waiting for my husband to come out of surgery, so much better than pacing the halls.
It's a drab January day and winter has finally arrived, however late, with the temperatures in the teens last night and this morning. I'm looking out at the garden and Mother Nature is making a lame attempt at snow, just a few flakes which are melting as they fall on the brick terrace. Funny one of the yarns that arrived today is called "Spring", it's by Artyarns and it a lovely combination of pinks and greens. I promised myself that I will stick to a schedule, a knitting schedule that is, and I'm already behind, so much to make, so few hands. If I'm not turning out completed projects , how can I justify (even to myself) any more yarn purchases. I have it in my head that I HAVE to make shawls for my two little granddaughters to wear to their First Communions in May, but how can I bring any more wool into this house, I'm out of hiding spots. Anyone happen to know of a pretty pattern, child size, for a shawl, cape or shrug??? Will continue attempting to post photos, I think I may have to go back to my PC.
Still no luck with getting my pictures on my blog. It is so discouraging because I followed my adapted version of the yarn diet and have received all but one of my orders and there are so many pretty colors to show you. Then because my husband had surgery on Tuesday, I was allowed another pass, so I took full advantage. Is there such a thing as yarn gluttony??? I'm beginning to worry and perhaps I am just a compulsive buyer who will never have enough of a stash to feel content. I managed to finish a baby blanket for the lone knitter's blanket drive and I started another as I sat waiting for my husband to come out of surgery, so much better than pacing the halls.
It's a drab January day and winter has finally arrived, however late, with the temperatures in the teens last night and this morning. I'm looking out at the garden and Mother Nature is making a lame attempt at snow, just a few flakes which are melting as they fall on the brick terrace. Funny one of the yarns that arrived today is called "Spring", it's by Artyarns and it a lovely combination of pinks and greens. I promised myself that I will stick to a schedule, a knitting schedule that is, and I'm already behind, so much to make, so few hands. If I'm not turning out completed projects , how can I justify (even to myself) any more yarn purchases. I have it in my head that I HAVE to make shawls for my two little granddaughters to wear to their First Communions in May, but how can I bring any more wool into this house, I'm out of hiding spots. Anyone happen to know of a pretty pattern, child size, for a shawl, cape or shrug??? Will continue attempting to post photos, I think I may have to go back to my PC.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
The new and improved version of Knit from your stash (aka The Yarn Diet)
1. Runs from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007
Amendment, if you didn't know about it until now, like myself, start date is January 15th. That leaves ample time to stock up (seems only fair)
2. All original rules #2 remain in effect
The adjustments are:
If your husband is, just a for instance, going into have surgery next week, naturally you'll be concerned. Concern buys you a pass, again only fair. I think Florence Nightingale would be in agreement.
If you have gotten some amazing knitting books for Christmas and don't have the proper yarn, you get a pass. Do you really think it would be nice to insult the gift giver? I think not.
If you are knitting for The Lone Knitter's Blanket Contest and have tons of sock yarn but no DK or worsted (at least not enough for a blanket), once again you get a pass.
Should you decide, as I did, to start making gifts for next Christmas (since I usually think of it in late October when time is running out) again you get a pass. After all why shouldn't your mom have that great silk scarf and I'm sure nieces, nephews, you own children and grandchildren are all looking forward to The Wonderful Wallaby (the hooded sweater by Cottage Creations)-----so it's time to make your list and GO SHOPPING.
If a new neighbor moves in wouldn't it be nice to march up and introduce yourself with a lovely housewarming and welcome to the neighborhood gift; the Mason Dixon Moderne Log Cabin Blanket. Again, you're going to need yarn. (I had to add that one , daughter number 3 just moved into a new house and daughter number 4 is in the process of buying their first house and that's my "Special Mom" gift, and I don't have the colors that go with their decor)
OOPS!! Almost forgot, if it's your birthday, you get to buy whatever yarn you'd like.
All in all, I think the new and improved Wool Watcher's diet will work. Don't you??
1. Runs from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007
Amendment, if you didn't know about it until now, like myself, start date is January 15th. That leaves ample time to stock up (seems only fair)
2. All original rules #2 remain in effect
The adjustments are:
If your husband is, just a for instance, going into have surgery next week, naturally you'll be concerned. Concern buys you a pass, again only fair. I think Florence Nightingale would be in agreement.
If you have gotten some amazing knitting books for Christmas and don't have the proper yarn, you get a pass. Do you really think it would be nice to insult the gift giver? I think not.
If you are knitting for The Lone Knitter's Blanket Contest and have tons of sock yarn but no DK or worsted (at least not enough for a blanket), once again you get a pass.
Should you decide, as I did, to start making gifts for next Christmas (since I usually think of it in late October when time is running out) again you get a pass. After all why shouldn't your mom have that great silk scarf and I'm sure nieces, nephews, you own children and grandchildren are all looking forward to The Wonderful Wallaby (the hooded sweater by Cottage Creations)-----so it's time to make your list and GO SHOPPING.
If a new neighbor moves in wouldn't it be nice to march up and introduce yourself with a lovely housewarming and welcome to the neighborhood gift; the Mason Dixon Moderne Log Cabin Blanket. Again, you're going to need yarn. (I had to add that one , daughter number 3 just moved into a new house and daughter number 4 is in the process of buying their first house and that's my "Special Mom" gift, and I don't have the colors that go with their decor)
OOPS!! Almost forgot, if it's your birthday, you get to buy whatever yarn you'd like.
All in all, I think the new and improved Wool Watcher's diet will work. Don't you??
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Today I have to get some serious knitting done.
I've dallied enough with looking up patterns, organizing my yarn, and attempting to fix my blog. I still am not able to get the photos on, which is great disappointment.
Now on to the business of knitting some blankets for theloneknitter's blanket drive!! Hope there are others interested. Should I ordered more yarn?????, or get to the knitting............
I've dallied enough with looking up patterns, organizing my yarn, and attempting to fix my blog. I still am not able to get the photos on, which is great disappointment.
Now on to the business of knitting some blankets for theloneknitter's blanket drive!! Hope there are others interested. Should I ordered more yarn?????, or get to the knitting............
Monday, January 08, 2007
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Maya Angelou said this:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou said this:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Sunday, January 07, 2007
IS IT ME OR MY COMPUTER, THAT IS THE QUESTION??????
I've been trying to post some updates and have been having NO LUCK. I have lots of photos of my new stash additions, which I can't seem to get uploaded. I would love the have you mosy on over to http://theloneknitter.blogspot.com, she is having a contest that I'm very keen on. Shortly, when I master this new computer, all will be revealed. Meanwhile, have a Happy New Year!!!
I've been trying to post some updates and have been having NO LUCK. I have lots of photos of my new stash additions, which I can't seem to get uploaded. I would love the have you mosy on over to http://theloneknitter.blogspot.com, she is having a contest that I'm very keen on. Shortly, when I master this new computer, all will be revealed. Meanwhile, have a Happy New Year!!!
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