Christmas Gifts and Gift Giving

Over to the right are two sweaters I made for my doctor.  The blue one was a gift for her, made from Caron Simply Soft yarn.  She liked it so much that she contracted me to make the green one from Lion Brand Wool.  They both came out really nice.  She is one of those tiny people who look good in everything.  The pattern is from Lion Brand "Swing Coat," which is free.  Works up quickly and is easy to follow.

I am finishing up two scarfs from a knit pattern that I designed.   It is knit and has shaping so that it is comfortable around your neck.  Below is two pictures of it in different types of yarn.  I have been working on Christmas gifts and am still coming up with ideas!  I think it's a little late and I need to stop, what do you think??  Smile. 

My grandchildren will be here on the 19th to celebrate Christmas.  I look forward to that day every year.  I couldn't get all my sons together to get a picture of them so I have substituted my grandkids and they love having their pictures taken and are wonderful hams!!

I have not been journaling for my soul and spirit like I promised myself I would.  I will not make a New Year's Resolution because if I am going to do it, I am just going to do it for myself and not because I forced myself.

Today I had to clean the cat litter box early because it seems that Regan and Bearli were competing as to who could make the messiest litter.  oh woe-man!  Anyway, I got up at 5:00am because I couldn't stand it anymore.  

I am sending off my long distance Christmas gifts.  I made shopping bags and felted baskets/bowls for all my friends.  I love making felted stuff.   Someone gave me some very old fisherman's wool and I have been using that for the baskets.  It looks pretty classy, if I do say so myself.  I also made my granddaughter a felted camera case for the new camera she is getting.   It is pink and gray with little doghouse and doggie buttons on it.  The camera is pink and silver so that will fit well, I think.

I have been veg-ging out in front of the computer.  And Wed evening I even went to the evening Karaoke Night.  It was so much fun.  Too bad people take themselves so seriously or more ppl would get up and sing and relax.  I was an entertainer...once an entertainer, always an entertainer.  I have such a great time singing all types of songs.   It is not ego, it is enjoying oneself and getting joy out of the talents that God gave to me.  But I do live with a lot of elderly (sometimes that seems to equate to grouchy...) and disabled people and sometimes I think their faces would crack if they had an honest emotion.  Yikes.  Bad me. 

Well, 'moff to finish a few chores, take meds, address gift envelopes, finish two scarfs.  Hope everyone has Blessings pouring down on their heads!!

Linda

Recycling Felted Sweaters and Blessings on this Thanksgiving!

I guess no one is wondering where I've been but that has its good points, too.  Smile.  I have been sick sick sick and I'm tired of it.  Having said that, life goes on.  I found a really neat printed felted sweater at a thrift store and decided to make wristers and whatever else I could salvage from it.    First, I shrunk it...then I cut off the sleeves about 4" down from the shoulders and made these wristers from some fuzzy yarn I had hanging around.  I lined them up so that the ribbing for the sleeves was at the fingertips and the seam was on the inside of the wrist.  Then I cut out an oval for the thumb and using a steel crochet hook, I sc around the edges and added a little bit of lacy chains.  They came out so warm and snuggy.   They were scooped up right away at our craft fair.  I have the top, which I cut into a bolero shape and added white baby yarn in a lacy pattern with a little shell at the back bottom as per the picture below.   It's done and I like the finished bolero.  The parts that are left will become coasters, headband, cat toys.  And I am proud of recycling things.

I have some of my sons and grandkids coming to Thanksgiving.   We will hold it in the community room downstairs so that my two sons who are allergic to cats don't have to breathe my 2nd family (Bearli "Longboy" and Regan "fluffboy" cats).  I am going to try a new technique for cooking a turkey.  I got the idea from America's Test Kitchen which is one of my fav shows on tv.  I will also do the desserts... pumpkin surprise cheesecake (the surprise is that it is lowfat!! and yum) and blueberries in phyllo cups with little things to add.  I think my grandkids will love making those on their own. 

I have so many blessings, today and everyday but I really like having Thanksgiving with my family.  Oh, what a blessing!  I miss my sons.  It is making me cry to think of them.  I know that our children grow up and 'become' but that doesn't mean that I don't wish they all lived close by and dropped in once in awhile or even called once a month or so.  sigh.  Nuffathat.

I will close on that note and write more later or tomorrow.  I need to vent which I haven't had the energy to do lately due to stoopid sikkies.  bleah.  Blessings on this Earth and the People on it.  I know there is both good and bad going on...it has always been that way.  Thanks to the media, we know much more about the bad than we ever wanted or needed to know.  Blessings on President Obama so that he will lead us in the Right Direction and foster love and caring.

Stay In Your Jammies Sunday

     I just didn't want to get up today.  That happens to me about once every year.  I love the mornings but today I washed up, changed my jammies, and decided I was staying in all day and not going out to play.  I will crochet and knit a bit and watch a few uplifting spiritual programs and just veg.
     This sweater is one I recently made for a Flower Girl.  It came out pretty.
     Yesterday I ate my way through the hours, so to speak.  I walked to CVS and other shops and stopped at a Chinese Buffet.  Then I came home later and ate Luby a La-amb.  It was great food but I felt sick to my stomach later.  Silly me.  Today I must be nicer to my body and started off with oatmeal. 
     I got to talk with my youngest son yesterday for 33 Minutes!!  It was so good to hear his voice and know that he was still carrying on.  He spoke a bit about his brother, Shawn, and how he was feeling and I even called Shawn and left a msg.  I know he will not call back but I know also that I will do what I think is right and then he has to take it from there.  It is absolutly lousy to be estranged from your children.  Especially when the said children should just get on with their lives!
    I am going to close  now becase I don't want to think about these things right at this time.  I deserve a break. 
     Blessings on your day!

Here I am, ready to complain...went to the dentist's office today...

and had a tooth pulled.  Credit scores always amaze me!  I lent all my savings to one of my family members and immediately, I broke three teeth...and, even though I'm on disability, I was able to borrow a goodly amount to put on my dental work.  A crown/cap, pulled tooth, new partial with a new tooth.  Yikers! 

**These boys are my oldest son and my third son. Doing one of the things they like to do best... computers and gaming.  We had a visit from Big B's family recently and we went to #1 Son's home.  Don't I LOVE to watch my grandkids faces as they interact and play.
**I am getting ready for a Nov 7th Craft Fair here in my community.  We have advertised outside so, hopefully, I will sell enuf to put a bit in my savings.  Every little bit helps, right?
**I have been suffering the slings and arrows of people who don't know me but feel they have the right to guess who I am.  I guess I am suffering them joyfully or some such because it doesn't bother my head (only my heart whom I am reasoning with).  It is wonderful to become more mature and learn to let people's "stuff" go and just let them be.   I am feeling down and working on that every day. 
**I have been having dreams of the past and they are most uncomfortable.  I wake up in a fog even though I know they are only dreams. 
I have not been blogging because the fibromyalgia/PTSD/Lyme disease has made me very tired and I have had to choose my chores and things I want to get done.  And today I choose to write and unload my mind a bit.  I cooked Luby a La-amb for myself and I LOVE it.  It is made from lamb cut up into small chunks, green beans (a lot!), 2 large onions, and a large can of Italian peeled tomatoes.  You brown the lamb chunks and onions in olive oil and then add the green beans (if you used canned, drain well) and tomatoes and cook for 4 or 5 hours over low heat.  It is best served over brown rice...but my fave is putting it into pita bread pockets.  YUMMMMMM.  I will be making my grandmother's fudge recipe next week for the craft fair.  The hardest part of making the fudge is not eating all of it!!  I have to make signs for my tables...yes I have TWO tables because I have a good bit of crafts PLUS recycling and stuff I will sell.

**I am blessed and thankful for the roof over my head and I never forget that.  I am thankful for two sons who love me.  Someday maybe the other two sons will forgive me whatever slings and arrows I have sent their way and stop wasting their lives blaming me and others for their lives and become friends with me again.  I am thankful for my ability to crochet and knit and greeting card recycling.  I am thankful for friends who read my blog and who support me in my moods and tiredness.  I am thankful for Russ S who has kept me "in computers" and now I have a laptop.  Yay!!  Thank you God for making wonderful people... okay, and thank you for the not so very wonderful people.  Big Smile.  I am VERY thankful for the God/dess who made us all.  I wish everyone could have as clear and straight a relationship with their Higher Power.   I have gotten much from the support and surprises I have gotten from God.  I am thankful for my ability to walk to the mall behind our buildings.  It is nice exercise and nice places to look at stuff....and we have a Dollar store.  Nice addition!!  I am thankful, just so thankful to be together in my brain and head and to be able to see my grandkids...the Frosting on the Cake of Life!!  Smile.
I have so much more I should write for myself but am getting tired.  I think I'll blame the dentist for taking the rest of the day off...tic.

This is a picture of my mom c. 1943.  She was a pretty lady and I miss her.  I want to see her again some day to apologize for what a bratty kid I was and hug her!  I have since fixed the picture but it is on another computer.  This one will do.
I have been so busy getting ready for our upcoming Craft Fair on November 7th that I have not had or taken the time to blog.  I really like to journal my thoughts just for me.
I feel so organized...I already started wrapping Christmas gifts that I have made.  Wow.  I impress even myself. 
I have no money.  sigh.  I am learning to live on a fixed income but not learning quickly enough to have savings for my 3 teeth that need fixing.  And soon I may get Medicaid.  That will be so exciting.  I wonder if they pay for dental... probably not.
I got to spend this past Saturday with my granddaughter, Tegan.  It was nice to see her face.  I enjoy just being around the grandkids and observing them and storing thoughts of them in my memorybank.  I also visited my friend, Pat, from FL.  She is visiting her mother who lives with sister Jean.  All the family was there.  It was so nice.  My friend Eileen enjoyed the visit, too.  Yay.  I love showing off my friends to each other and having them enjoy each other. 
Well.  Again, it's time to start crocheting on a sweater I have almost finished...if Bearli will let me, that is.  He has been attempting to get into the clear plastic boxes that hold yarn and thank goodness, so far, he has not been able to get at the yarn.  He is such a rascal...such a um er ah...cat.  Big Smile.  I love my cats.
Keeping this short.  Someday I plan to add more patterns.  Until then, Blessings on your day.
linda

Spending too much money!

These cuties are made with a new glow-in-the-dark yarn.  They are just the right size to be a security blankie.

I have been thinking about how much money we spend on beauty products and cleaning stuff.  I have discovered that I can get around all that.  For rough elbows and feet (callouses or things like that) (and this works for many ppl, not all) get in the shower with an inexpensive face scrub (I use St. Ives Apricot Scrub) and using a rough washcloth and the scrub, wash your elbows and feet where they are calloused with the washcloth.  If you do this every day or every other day, I find that this roughness goes away.  I also find that gargling with hydrogen peroxide mixed with water works very well on your gums.  I have a friend who gave me two different wrinkle "removers" that cost $74 or more!!!!  What is that???  There has to be a better way.  I buy Aveeno creams and they work so well.  I use one on my face and eyelids that make me look "shiny" and keep my skin soft.  If anyone reads this and has any good ideas in this realm, please let me know.  I have checked out Craftbits.com and they have some great recipes for beauty and cleansing!
Last night was bad dream night.  I am glad I am not a kid anymore and don't wake up crying and screaming (that I am conscious of anyways).  I just get up and go on knowing that they are not real.
Not much else to say today.  I am overwhelmed and have taken on too many projects.  Not something I often do...
Blessings!

10 Uses for Aspirin

Compare this recent picture of myself and the one above.  Are there any vestiges of my babyface in this one??  The haircolor is the same--Natural!!  It gets boring from time to time and I used to dye it.  No more.  Don't have the money, time, nor the wherewithal (love that word).
I am sharing the following list of Ten Brilliant Uses for Aspirin that I got from a magazine.  It is public knowledge so I thought it would be okay.

10 USES FOR ASPIRIN


1. Give a dead car battery a boost: When you turned the key in the ignition & your old but trusty car won't start...you call roadside assistance but they won't be here for awhile, reach for the aspirin bottle in your purse, drop 2 tablets into the faulty battery. The acetylsalicylic acid in the painkiller will react with the battery's sulfuric acid to produce a strong enough charge to start your car!

2. Patch up pinholed walls with ease: When you have tiny pinholes/small nail holes, you can disguise these marks without having to spackle & paint. In a small bowl, crush 3 aspirin tablets into a fine powder, then add two drops of water. Stir until blended. Using a plastic spoon, apply themix to the problem spots & smooth with the back of the spoon. The thick paste will fill in & seal the holes, making them barely noticeable.

3. Lift stubborn sweat stains effortlessly: (underarm, specifically) Place 5 aspirin tablets under running water to soften them, smooth the pills over stained areas. Leave on overnight, rinse with hot water in the morning. The salicylic acid in aspirin loosens the sweat/dirt/antiperspirant residue that causes discoloration.

4. Restore & refresh faded highlights: Try this at-home fix: Mash one aspirin tablet & add it to a bottle of shampoo, then wash hair as usual. The salicylic acid in aspirin will dissolve the chlorine buildup, restoring your hair's shine in a single wash. (Worth a try!!)

5. Soothe a scratchy throat fast: To help ease discomfort, dissolve one aspirin tablet

in glass of water. Gargle with solution for 10 to 15 seconds, then swallow. Repeat following day, if needed. The acetylsalicylic acid in the pill will penetrate inflamed throat tissue & quickly numb the pain & reduce swelling.

6. Eliminate bug-bite itch--STAT: To soothe the itch, moisten the affected area of your skin, then rub an aspirin tablet over the bumps. The pill's anti-inflammatory agents will seep into the sores, reducing swelling & discomfort! This really works, I tried it!!!!!

7. Minimize pores in just minutes: To get rid of a pimple, crush an aspirin tablet in dish, add enough water to form paste. Apply mix to blemish & leave on overnight. Aspirin restricts the production of prostaglandins (unsaturated fatty acids secreted by cells that cause inflammation) while easing irritation.

8. Soften callused heels in a pinch: Mix 1 Tbs. lemon juice with 5 crushed aspirin tablets. Apply the blend to your calluses & cover with a plastic bag. Leave on for 10 minutes, then remove & rinse with warm water. The combination of the acids in both lemon juice & aspirin will exfoliate the rough layer of dead skin cells.

9. Double the life of flowers: Drop two aspirin tablets in water-filled vase before adding * the freshly cut blooms. The H20 is breeding ground for bacteria, which causes the flowers * to wilt. Aspirin decreases the pH level of the liquid, which makes it inhospitable to ** bacteria.

10. Wipe away pesky rust marks: To remove rust marks on bathroom or kitchen countertops, wet the area, then smash an aspirin tablet & sprinkle it on the mark. Let sit for 10 minutes before rubbing with a damp sponge. The acidic components in the pain reliever will loosen the iron oxide particles, while the abrsive quality of the powder will help remove any stuck-on grit. (Hm. I wonder what else this would work on.)
 
Enjoy your day and I hope this helps just one person and I will be happy!  Linda

Wednesday and still Cold-City!!

I have a cold and I sound like a guy on the phone.  It has been a long time that I have been ill.  Do you think I should take myself to the doctor's?  "Yep," says Linda, stupidly. 

These smiling faces are my son, Tim, and his wife, Julie.  They are good together! 

I am still trying to make time to knit and crochet for our upcoming Craft Fair, however, I keep getting caught up in patterns online.  I collect patterns and love sitting down to look through them for what I want to make next!!  I love new techniques.  I have been crocheting for over 55 years and I still find new techniques.  It is amazing to me. 

I will keep this short because I don't have much to say today.  I had nightmares last night and that is overriding anything I might add that is good.  In my nightmares I am always looking for something and I am always without clothes in some way and trying to save people.  What a mix-up that is, huh?  Nuffathat.
Have a most wonderful Wednesday.  I pray to Norma to watch over Julie and help her to work her way through what she is experiencing.  Norma, are you listening?  Smile.  I am thankful for small things:  toilet tissue, water, (or is that big thing???), and my computer that allows me to search and learn.

This Cat Sweater is the first sweater I knit that included working with colors. It was frustrating for me & very satisfying because I did indeed finish it!!

The pastel colored thingy is a baby "cocoon" that I crocheted using heavy soft yarn. It came out well, if small. It could be used for a preemie or a doll. It was just an experiment that I didn't write down. I think it would be great for a little one coming home from the hospital. It also has a hat to match. Soft, soft, soft!

Yikers!! Still bleah. This chest cold has moved up to my sinuses. Never had that happen before. I am allowing myself the time to read, rest, and blog.

I am still crocheting a hexagon sweater with a pattern that I got on http://www.ravelry.com/. My granddaughter is a size 14 girls and I am adapting that pattern and also using double yarn so that it will be warm. See how that goes. I am knitting a pair of slippers to felt for my friend, Melinda. I can't wait to see how they turn out! I use a little "wonder" washer pail-type washing "machine" to felt things. The apartment washers do not open once they start and all my felted things would be minute and sized for Barbie and Ken. Smile.

I have to say again and again that I am very Thankful for everything I have and everything I don't have. I have learned over time that things don't matter truly. I have de-stuffed many times and am just about finished de-stuffing. I still have too much. Hm. I am Thankful for my abilities: to handle the pain and physical stress I have from my illnesses; to be in touch with my sons and know where they are; to have friends here who help me; to be with no car now so that I will learn to be simpler and spend less money!; I am thankful for all that God has given me and I think about it every day!! Every day that I am able to overcome my Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (disease? disorder? whatever) reactions, I am thankful. I am very thankful for my counselor who is a Spirit Guided Person and is very resourceful and very nice. I am thankful for Friend Eileen who brought me chicken soup while I was sick!!

Nightmares and Fibromyalgia and PTSD

These are two floorcloths that I designed and painted. The first one was easy (done with lots of painter's tape for the lines), the second one is mostly freehand and I am not an artist but I love the results!! I had a craft room then.....

It has been a most horrible past two weeks. I guess Fibromites call it a "flare up." I don't know what it is but I have been living two lives: one in the day with trying to set up the RIDE program for doc's appts. and getting a Bus Pass to replace the sold car (couldn't afford the car insurance on disability--oh, well); and the other life is at night. After I go to sleep, I have nightmares on and on and on. When I was younger, I would wake up sweating, crying, and have to call someone to help "ground me." But now I just wake up, read a book, hold Bearli or Regan and brush them, or get on the computer knowing that I will not be able to sleep again. And I am ALWAYS and FOREVER tired. I get so tired I could fall down and I can't lay down because it hurts so I wait until night time and do my "Getting Ready to Sleep" campaign. I read a book for awhile, Drink some hot Ovaltine (yum. My favorite drink of all besides to-go stuff), make word and variety puzzles, and then play my handheld FreeCell Game (which has been WELL worth its value!!). And then I just hope sleep comes. I do have trazodone and sometimes use Tylenol PM, however, I hate doing that. Trazodone has a little "hangover" and I feel driftier than normal after I take it. Tylenol PM does help the pain and works occasionally.

So. Here I am, tired, wound up, and grouchy today and it was my day for an appt for a mammogram. I didn't anticipate it and am not afraid of them so things should have gone fine. However, I had the mammogram done and felt totally disoriented in my head and I had to sit down to focus. Then later I had weird pains hither and yon on my body. Bleah. The doctor once told me because of the arthritis (duo kinds) in the back of my neck/spine that I sometimes will have parasympathetic pain. And I think that is what happened. Don't know for sure but it was weird. I must have looked green because ppl kept asking me if I was alright. I told them I am fine. I was NOT about to go to the emergency room just because of a little "green tinged" skin. Hm. What do you think I am?? OLD???? Decrepit?? I am 62 and don't look a DAY over 61. So there.

We have been having sing-alongs downstaires in the community room two afternoons a week. It has been so much fun. Every once in awhile I let loose and act up. I love it. I remember so many of the songs. My hearing impairment doesn't do for me to learn new songs, however, my brain is ALL SET with the oldies and soft rock and 1940's, etc. Yeah!!!

I have been knitting and crocheting up a storm for the craft sale here that will be held Nov 7th. I also am still working on Christmas gifts. I want so much to make most of everything I give but that doesn't seem to be the case this year. I started off with a bang and then went steadily downhill. I got three out of six grandkids done. Not bad, I guess. Two of the grandkids I didn't finish I think is because they don't "appreciate" home made things and I kind of got logged down with that thought.

Please have a most blessed week. I love my sons and their families and want the best for them. I would love to hold them in the palm of my hand forever but that is not the way of life. I want to win the Lottery and give them each money for schooling, a house, new car, trust funds for their children, etc. etc. etc. Again, that is not life. But I can still fantasize, can't I???? Smile.

This beautiful rascal to the right is my granddaughter. She is SO Cool!!

-----I had an insight this morning that I couldn't wait to write down and share with myself so I could read it over and see what I think. Smile:

-----Sometimes when people are jumping in to tell you about THEIR pain in response to something you've said--they COULD BE telling you that they understand, NOT trying to one-up your story. I know that is sometimes the case from my end and I have never turned it around to observe from the other person's viewpoint. Hm. I think that is a valid looksee that I must have now so I can understand people better.

-----I have been knitting and crocheting up a storm to get ready for our annual craft sale in the community in which I live. We have fun, eat a lot (badme), see interesting stuff, get a few more ideas, and buy something we probably don't need but it's beautiful.

-----I think daily of my sons: Timothy of the "working to get along better in life" mode; Shawn of the "anger is my aim, being smarter is my game" mode; Brendan of the "being promoted, taking care of family, and helping others" mode; and last BUT NOT LEAST, Kevin of the "having severe diabetes and trying to make Jenn's life easier" mode. I miss them and love them so much. I never thought that anyone or anything could be as beautiful as the day each one of them was born and looking at this newborn with clean and clear eyes of motherhood. Wow. That is all I can say. Growing up with them (and I did) (I think it's a requisite in parenthood) was a map for someone with energy and creativity. I guess that is why God gave me that Right/ Rite. I wasn't big on maturity, nor was I full of perfection, but I WAS protective of them like a mama lion!!!! Probably to their detriment. I just happen to lose my Motherhood Book of instructions that they came with....oh, wait, there wasn't one. grin.

-----I'm going to go do the dishes. I'd rather be posting but.... Blessings.

That "puppy" to the right is Bearli 'Longboy.' Isn't he beautiful??

It has been awhile. Everyday I look at my blogspot and then leave it. I don't know if I think that it will mature and grow on its own or what! smile. I am having a fasting blood test this a.m. and will be taken by friendSue. She is so nice to be around and we have some good conversations.

I have been going back and forth with my senator(s) (There is supposed to be two however only one responds.) regarding the health care reform. I read a statement by Senator Jack Reed and it said nothing clarifying where elderly and Medicare fits into this new plan. I am concerned. Right now I have no medical insurance, but eventually I will get Medicare--that is, if it still exists. I don't know. I just pray to a Higher Power that things will work out as they are supposed to. I know that I won't vote for Obama again. He has done too many negative things to people since he got in. I thought this would be a better change and at first it looked like it might be...then time marched on and it seems that things are not what they "orta" be. Again, I will pray for what God's Will is and to accept Her/His Will.

Bearli is here looking for bugs. His favorite thing is to watch spiders on the ceiling and that longboy can Jump High!!

I will keep this short today. I only want to thank my friend, Pat, for hanging in there for me and being there for me. It's nice to have the same friend for 58 years!! Yikers. And she is the same person and has the Same Face as always.

I love my son, Kevin. I miss roller skating with him and his sense of humor. I also miss his caring. I pray for him often.

I love my other three sons, also, but today is Kevin's day. Thank you, God, for all I am, all I have, and all I have experienced.

Quasi-Victorian Woman's Topper Pattern

QUASI-VICTORIAN WOMAN'S TOPPER

This hat was fun to do. I created two similar ones and will post the pics, also.

The pattern has not been tested. If anyone makes one, please let me know if you find any errors, have any questions or problems. Thank you.

Materials: J hook; Red Heart Soft Yarn in 4 colors (altho' for the fourth color [white] I used Pompadour)

{Sample hat used: (A) Burgundy, (B) Medium Green, (C) Lilac Ombre, & (D) shiny white yarn}

Gauge: I didn't measure anything, just made a hat for an average head (mine = 22-1/2"). I used a smaller hook for the peach-colored hat which has a different finish.

Special Stitches Used:

1. Treble (Trbl): (this st is sometimes called a 'Triple') wrap yarn around hk twice, insert hk in next st, pull up a lp (4 lps on hook), *yo, pull thru two lps on hook* 3 times.

2. Double Treble (DT): wrap yarn around hk three times, insert hk in next st, pull up lp (5 lps on hk), *yo, pull thru 2 lps on hk* 4 times.

3. Triple Treble (TT): wrap yarn around hk four times, insert hk in next st, pull up lp (6 lps on hk), *yo, pull thru two lps on hk* 5 times.

4. Long Single Crochet (Lsc): insert hk into specified st and pull up lp longer than usual.

ABBREVIATIONS: Beginning = Beg; Chain = Ch; Double Crochet = dc; Fasten Off = FO; Half Double Crochet = hdc; Hook = hk; Loop = lp; Repeat = rep; Single Crochet = sc; Slip Stitch = sl st; Space = sp; Stitch = st; Yarn over = yo.

HAT:

Rnd 1 (RS): With A, ch 4. In 4th ch from hk, place 2 dc, *ch 1, 3 dc in ring* 3 times, ch 1, join to beg 3, TURN.

Rnd 2: Slst into 1st ch-1 sp; ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same ch; *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp*, rep 2 times more; ch 1, join. TURN.

Rnd 3: Slst in 1st ch-1 sp; ch 3, 2d in same sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp,* rep 2 times; (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, join. TURN.

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in ea dc to ch 1 sp. In ch 1 sp, work 3 hdc, *dc in ea dc around, work 3 hdc in ch 1 sp* around. Join, ch 3, TURN.

Rnd 5: Dc in ea dc and hdc in ea hdc around. (56 sts) ch 3, TURN.

Rnd 6 - 10: Dc in ea st around.

Rnd 11: Change to Color C; ch 3, crochet in back loops only, dc around. Join. DO NOT TURN.

Rnd 12 - 13: Rep Round 11 (56 sts still. smile)

Rnd 14: Attach B in last st worked. Ch 1, sc in same st, TT in unworked loop of Rnd 10 above, skip st behind TT, sc in next 7 sts; *TT in next unworked st in Rnd 10 above, sc in next 7 sts* Rep around, ending last rep with--sc in next 6 sts, join to beg sc. FO.

Rnd 15: (NOTE: because I used a lighter wt yarn--Pompadour--I crocheted this round very loosely.) Attach D with slst in 1st st, sc in same st and in next TT, *in next unworked st on Rnd 10, make TT; make DT in next unworked st of Rnd 11, sk 2 sc behind sts just worked, sc in next 6 sc* around. End last rep with--sc in last 4 sc. Join and FO.

Rnd 16: Attach A with slst in 1st sc, sc in same st and in next 2 sts (work over "stuff" behind long crochets so work looks neater) *make DT in next unworked st on Rnd 11, Trbl in next unworked st on Rnd 12, dc INTO next st on Rnd 13, long sc into next st on Rnd 14, sc in ea of next 4 sts* Rep around, end--sc in last sc, join.

Rnd 17: Ch 1, sc in same sc as joining. Sc in next 2 sc, 5 hdc in next st. *sc in ea of next 6 sc, 5 hdc in next st* around, end sc in last 3 sc, join. (I recommend working over double treble and treble below by catching the yarn in the back from the row below to make work neater and more 'stable').

Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next st, 2 hdc in ea of the next 3 sts, hdc in next st *sc in ea of next 6 sts, hdc in next st, 2 hdc in ea of next 3 sts, hdc in next st* around, ending -- sc in last 3 sts.

Rnd 19: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining and in next st; *sk next sc, (2 hdc in next hdc, 1 hdc in next hdc) four times, sk next sc, sc in next 4 sts* around, ending last rep with == sc in next 2 sc, join in beg sc.

Rnd 20: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, sc in next st, hdc in next 5 sts; 2 hdc in ea of next 2 sts, hdc in next 5 sts. *sc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next 2 sts, 1 hdc in next 5 sts* around, ending--sc in ea st to end. Join. FO.

Rnd 21: With WS facing you, attach D in 2nd st to right of joining st. Ch 1, (draw up a loop in this st and in ea of next sts) {4-sc dec made}, ch 3, sc in back loop of ea st around to next sc, Ch 3, *4-sc dec, (ch 3, sc) to next sc, Ch 3* around, end--sl st into "eye" of 4-sc dec.

Now the tricky part: with RS facing, flatten/fold 1st six rows into hat. See first picture above.

With RS facing you, flatten/fold 1st 6 rows into hat.

Attach B in top part of any dc on Rnd 6, sc in top of each dc until you are above a corner of beg granny square, 3 sc in this corner st. Keep as even a count of sc as you can between corners, work around in this manner. Join, FO. Weave in end.

Attach A to beg sc, slst in ea st around, join. FO, weave in end.

There you have it--a floppy, soft, comfy, interesting hat!!!

The Next Step

The picture is of a pair of felted slippers that I made (crocheted). I think they represent well my life....sturdy, not perfect, and they help me take the next step and protect my feet.

This is THE Big Lesson that I have learned: Take the Next Step in your mind before you take it for "real" in your life. I didn't learn it until it was past saving some things in my life, however, I know it now. For example: if I had looked at my actions with my son, Shawn, I would have kept sending him to the counselor until he finally got bored and opened up; if I had looked at my actions in regards to men, marriage, relationships, I would have looked at the next step and gotten an idea of where I was going; if I had looked at my own actions in regard to the PSTD, I would have gotten help sooner...but ALL of these things came with maturity and after it was too late to change. Maybe that is part of our Higher Power's Plan? To live through things so that we can better help our grandkids? Who knows.

Rambling on enough. I haven't written in awhile because I have been busy creating--knitting, crocheting, singing, writing up a hat pattern. I also have been having a flare-up of the Fibromyaglia. It is painful both physcially and mentally. The pain is handle-able if I keep busy, but the depression and not being able to focus my brain endlessly is a problem. I catch myself staying inside and avoiding people. I know that is familiar to many others and so won't whine. Supercilious Grin here.

I miss my cousin, Dolly. She was such a good friend and such a funny girl! She had diabetes and died early in her life. Dolly, if you are 'listening,' I love you!! And I miss my cousin, Alan. He also died early in life (25 yrs old). I so wanted to communicate with him but didn't know how. Alan, I miss you and love you!! Hugs for both you and Dolly. Hey, maybe you met in Heaven and are both watching over me. (I know this is a fantasy but it would be so great!! They would have been good together.) wishful me.

I am waxing nostalgic today and I gotta quit because it is making me down. Yikes. My Bearli kitty is having to have a time-out in his house (which is sitting right here beside me). He has full run of the house, table, counters, etc etc etc, but I don't allow him behind the computer because he chews. Not good. So he is talking to me and asking me what is going on.

I will keep this short. Pat, you are in my prayers every day and in my thoughts a whole bunch. Blessings on my boys and their families. I pray for health, growth and always the ability to carry on for them all. I love my grandkids more than I thought possible!! I always wanted to be a mother and was still a foster mother when I started having grandkids and it was so difficult to make the transition but I think I've "got it." Big Smile. Love to my family and friends, love to all people (I'm working on this one big-time!) Emmalemmon47

This is Monsieur Bearli, checking out the stitches on the playmat I just finished. Busy guy, 'eh?

We had a sing-along yesterday afternoon here in the community room. What fun. We all sound so good together. Maybe we ought to take this show on the road? Grin.

I couldn't sleep so here I am early in the a.m. after feeding the cats, making the bed, and not much else, already online.

DIL, Julie, is trying to quit smoking! I am wishing and hoping and planning and praying.... that she can do it! Then maybe my son, Tim, will feel like joining her. I don't want any of my sons or anyone actually, to have cancer. I'm glad I never smoked. It is a smelly, nasty, EXPENSIVE and health-draining habit. Yikes!!

Looks like I am in "dribs and drabs" today with my writing. This a.m. I wrote each of my sons a note. I keep an envelope (that I made, of course, smile) for each of my four sons and from time to time write them notes. I want them someday to hear what I have to say and how I am feeling. And also ask for forgiveness for the mistakes I made, write what is in my heart, the love I have for each of them. They were such a treat to raise...made me look at the world thru different eyes, I'll tell you! And some of them have senses of humor which made life fun. They were active, lovely children. (I hear them now, Boys aren't lovely...) And I want them to know how much I appreciated having them in my home, my life, my heart. I was not a perfect mother but we did have times when we went out to the park, hiking, beach, movies, wherever we could go to get in a "little trouble" and be active. I hope someday that Shawn remembers those times. sigh. Nuffathis. I am going to check email, get dressed. Today is the day I go to the Sr Ctr for lunch and craft class. I make stuff for charity and hobnob with the craft wizards.

Blessings.

The hat on the right was a test pattern for me. It is made with shells and I discovered too late that I should have (oh, those should-haves!) planned ahead and the ends shells would have been more even. Anyway.

Our weather has been absolutely perfect! I even ventured to the store and didn't die from the heat. yay. I know that many ppl prefer heat but I like medium. I'm with John Denver when he sings, "I'm the kind of guy who likes to stand in the middle, I don't like all this jumping back and forth, me I'd like to live with my feet in Dixie and my head in the cool, cool North." tehee.

I have been catching up on correspondence, cutting postcards and bookmarks from old greeting cards (now I have to run the postcards thru the printer for side 2), playing with Bearli and Regan, and just all-around feeling good about things because they are getting done.

The one thing I have not done is put printed labels on and straightened out my files. Some day....

I miss my first husband, Jackie. I don't know about you but if I had some things to do over again I would have hung in there better and let other things go. Saying more about it doesn't bring him back but I do want him to know that I have Big Plans on seeing him again in Heaven. I hope God is in agreement with that plan! smile.

I am feeling melancholy so today is probably not a good day to write. I think about my son, Shawn, often. I wish him the best life. I do not dwell on things like I did, thank God, but I do still "wish." I pray a lot for Shawn.

I am learning how to get along without a car. I will get a bus pass, work with RIDE, pay gas to friends, walk!! I will get along. I am close to stores. The doctor will be a bit of a problem and my counselor but things will work out. I couldn't afford the car insurance at all.

I think I have rambled on enough to satisfy the blogspot gods and will close with Blessings for All and (to all a good night?? noooo) hope your days are going as they are supposed to go.

crocheted dress, peaceful, friends, media

Here it is! The birthday dress I crocheted for my youngest grandchild. She loves it. I followed a pattern from one of Annie's Attic Crochet books. Don't have it with me right now. The one on the cover of the book was pink and white. It came out well!

I have no more Harry in my life, thank goodness. I tried my best to hang in until I could talk to his doctor but I just couldn't make it. I was kind, although I did say what was true and factual. He didn't listen. He doesn't know. He is too involved in his issues. I wish him the best and I hope that God follows him into the next phase of his life.

I visited with my 3 youngest grandchildren this past weekend. What JOY!!!! They make me feel so wanted and loved. And I want and love them so much. I wish we lived closer. My grandson said the same thing. They are very loving chilren and their parents are SUCH great parents. As we all know, though, parenting isn't all there is to grow a child, cause if that was the case, these kids would be huge successes and ideally peaceful in their lives. They are all God loving, also. And Jesus, too, of course. Smile.

I actually walked yesterday to CVS for meds. It isn't far but when you have fibromyalgia and Lyme Disease, etc., it feels like a trek. But I DID IT!!! And feel okay today. I push myself because the alternative is lousy...lying in bed or on the couch and being bored and depressed. I am never bored but sometimes depressed. As I get older, I get better and more peaceful. YAY for peaceful!!

I have a best friend named Pat. We have been friends since we were about 3 yrs old. We are in our early 60's now. It is wonderful to have that shared past, kids games to remember, friends and family. Her mother, Alice, is still alive and doing well. She has senior dementia but seems physically healthy. She is 94 or thereabouts and I love to visit her. She laughs at my jokes! tehee. Alice with lives with her daughter, Jean. All of the family is so nice. I feel like I have a second home. I love making things for them and seeing them. It builds my self-esteem, makes me know that the world is better in places. When I watch/read/hear about some of the things that happen in this world, I am sad. I know that many of these things have been happening all along, but the media brings out the worse in any subject, event. The reporters get paid to get sensationalism and to fill the pages with garbage. I wish just once that a newspaper would pay a reporter to find uplifting stories and events and fill a column every day. Just once. Wouldn't that be great??

Bearli and Regan are well. They play together very well...and fight. But I have not heard growling or hissing at all. Thank God. They need each other for when I cannot be here. I am so thrilled to be a Cat Person. I grew up very afraid of cats (don't know why, but my sisters and brother are the same still!!) and that went away about 7 years ago when I took in Regan. He was so beautiful and so cute and so busy!! How could I resist him? And over time I got to know cats and feel comfortable now. And I love them, every one of them! All of my friends' cats. I would love to have a home big enough to take more in...oh, yeah, and money to feed them and take care of them. smile.

I am thankful for this blogspot on which I get to vent and write my thoughts. I am thankful for the people who set up such things. Blessings on everyone's day. Thank you, Heavenly Parents!

Good Morning. It's August already!!

The hat on the right is a crocheted, felted "affair" that I worked up out of leftover pink and red yarn. It came out quite well. Again, another standard hdc increase each row pattern with earflaps added on using a 3-dc shell as a base.

Time goes faster and faster as I get older and older. I can remember being bored in school and watching the clock and now I don't even get a chance to look at the clock!! I remember playing the Wonder Ball game (..the wonder ball, goes round and round. to pass it quickly, you are bound. if you're the one to hold it last, the game is passed and you are OUT!) And Chinese jumprope, regular jump rope (can't for the life of me remember any jump rope songs...) and hand clapping games (..I am a pretty little Dutch girl, as pretty as can be, and all the boys around the town are crazy over me. my boyfriend's name is Jello, he comes from Monticello, with a dimple on his nose and 3 black toes, and that's the way my story goes. etc.) Time flies when you are having fun and you don't even know it!!

I haven't written in awhile because life has gotten the best of me. I have, however, figured out how to "work with" Harry's problems, so that is a big plus. I fully believe that he has had Schizophrenia all of his life but no one has ever gotten close enough to him to notice...not to mention that he pulls back when you start getting close to him. He had a really rotten background/upbringing and I understand. It just took me awhile to work with it. NOT because I am good or perfect or whatever, but I will go with him to the doctor's and see if I can't get the doctor to do some tests. But at least Harry seems happier being apart from everyone and back to carrying his briefcase.

I have been crocheting up a storm plus I knitted a felted purse (pictures to follow). I feel so accomplished.

Today I am going to see my youngest grandkids. I can hardly wait to see their bee-you-tee-ful faces!! I love these guys. They are adorable, funny, smart, interested in life, great faces, growing up with good parents, wonderful!! But I don't get to see them enough due to not being able to sit in a car that long or able to drive that far. But I will see them again on the youngest one's birthday.

Meanwhile, Timothy and Julie moved about 5 minutes away. It will be great to visit them today, even though there home will be overcome with moving boxes. We will bring them a pizza for housewarming gift, plus other little stuff.

I love my Heavenly Parents and am thankful for my home, my friendcats, my ability to grow, and my blessings.

Regan just jumped on top of the refrigerator. Guess he is exploring. It is usually Bearli who is up there. Hey, Regan, glad to see you awake and exercising!!!

This hat is one of the first crocheted felted hats I ever made. I guessed at the pattern. It is actually done in hdc with a 8, 16, 24, 32, 40... progression, changing colors as I wanted. I used leftover LionBrand wool from other projects. The ear flaps started with a shell made of 5 dc and then just sort of progressed. I think it came out great. And it fit. That is the important part.
I have not written in awhile because I have been trying to get myself together after a few "run-ins' with Monsieur Harry. I am quickly learning that he may have Alzheimer's or even an ongoing problem with Schizophrenia and it makes a normal conversation very difficult. However, I am going to hang in until Harry's doctor's appts in August to see if I can get Harry to discuss the anger he has OR possibly I can mention a few things in the appts. I am praying that this goes as it is supposed to and that Harry will get help.
Other than that, I sold my car. Did mention that earlier? Now I am at the mercy of buses, friend Eileen, and RIDE. I will live and I actually enjoy riding on the city buses as you meet the most interesting people.
Computer is running fine, printers are doing well, and converter box on television is doing great. Now I just have to figure out how to get the driver for the HP all-in-one so I can use the scanner. I am so proud of myself. Not bad for an old lady of 62 who doesn't look a day over 61!

I have checked out my followers blog (Cheyenne) and it is a great blog!! She is quite a designer. (Cheyenne, thanks for sharing.) Today I was able to read over the Chicken Stitches, Lion Brand, Dishcloth Designers blogspots and they are so creative. I wish I had time to join many more.
Visited my stepdad's farm this past weekend. My stepdad (Raymond Cretinon of Kingston MA) died of pancreatic cancer 5 years ago but I still like to visit his family. I loved going to the farm when I was a teenager. There was room to run, lots of animals to see, and lots of garden stuff. I especially fell in love with my stepdad and my Aunt Jean Cretinon Coffin. She is a very kind and gentle soul. My stepfather (who was nicknamed "Biddy" because I guess they thought it was funny--he was a large man--not tall, but big-boned--and was the farthest thing from a Biddy ever!!) was such a hard worker. He was always doing something and taking care of some animal. I saw him once push a bull off his foot and was amazed at how confident he was in that enclosure with the bull. Yikes. Raymond loved my mother sooo much. It was nice to see that she had such a fan.
My brother Richard is in the hospital. He fell out of his wheelchair and broke his hip. He is only 55 years old and is in such bad physical shape. He didn't take care of himself at all. Richard's son, Little Ricky, called to let me know. I am going to get to see his children soon. Yayyy. I can't wait to meet them. I used to love to go see my nieces and nephews. But now they have all grown up and gone their separate ways and I only get to see them occasionally.
Yesterday I did visit my counselor. It was a very "working" session. They always are. I am trying my best to be the healthiest I can so that I can be a better person.
Anyway, I am going to get dressed and go to the library. Blessings on my sons: Timothy (who is moving to a new apartment with my beloved dil, Julie; Shawn (he needs prayers, friends, love, support, maturing); Brendan (who has a difficult time at work...the work is fine, people are not...and his family whom I love dearly!!!! and his wife, Bek, the best mom in the world); Kevin and his wife Jenn who are going thru a rough time. I wish them the best and the most blessings ever. Blessings on my friend Bonnie who is going through cancer and has been for a year now. Blessings on my friend Pat who has hung in as my friend for 59 years. Blessings on my friend Harry who doesn't seem to have ever had anyone who cared enough for him to get to really know him. Blessings for the World that is topsy-turvy. Blessings on our President and guidance to do the Right Thing. Blessings on me and let me find homes for all this love I have!!

Wednesday with Bearli and Regan and...Life

This is a bag that I made a few years ago. It was awkward to make. The pattern is from Carol Ventura and I love it! It has been various things in my home: a clothespin bag, a "hold the felt yarn" bag so Bearli won't eat it. The only thing I would change is I wish I had put a long strap on it so I could use it for a shoulder strap purse. But I still love it!! And the one on the right is a soft-sided felted bag that I created myself. I love the way it came out. It went to my dil for Christmas.

A few days ago, a neighbor was being extremely rough on his new puppy (black lab, I think) and I ran across the parking lot and told him to "stop, just stop." He yelled back at me for awhile and told me that the vet told them to treat the dog like that. I can't believe anyone would sanction bouncing a dog off the ground and hitting him on the head. Yikes. And a little girl was watching. Anyway, I told that person that I would report it if I saw that again. So today, someone called me to tell me that I was going to be sued, the woman has a lawyer cousin or brother, etc. I am in awe of people! All I will say if they stop me is that I said and did what I thought was right. The end, right? Wrong. Because I am obsessing about it and worrying and I don't need to. bleah me.

Today I am going to the bank to replace my lost debit card. I have never lost one before. I guess I'm due.

I have been crocheting baby hats and am now making a blanket from the bulky yarn that the Sr Ctr had in their closet. It isn't bad. I am making a hex "squre" with a bit of design in it. I am listening to old-time cowboy western music. It is different and I recognize so many of them. I even remember the words to most of them and I am not that old!!

I am feeling down and sciatica is down there with me...plus the things that are happening with Harry. He has been just horrendous and yelling and grouchy and angry. And forgetful. I think he is going into Alzheimer's and on Monday I will go to the doctor's with him and make sure that something is said about this change in Harry...or maybe it has been this way all along and no one has been close enough to him to see it. Anyway, that is another worry.

"Ghost Riders" in the skyyyyy. On that note, I will close and hope to write again soon. I have not felt like buckling myself down to write but I know there is much I should journal.

The world still has beautiful people and environment on it and life goes on...

Good Morning! It is gorgeous out and I am trying to make myself feel better. Tell me how easy

Ageless Wisdom, Perspective; Regan

This big boy over in the picture is Regan. He is a Maine Coon and was two years old here. He is now 7. I loved his tail...it looked like a peacock feather. Regan is the most patient child cat! He looks at me sometimes like he knows exactly what I am saying. His eyes are a clear Green and he is a joy in my life.
I found an article about Ageless Wisdom. At the beginning of the article is a quote by Madeline L'Engle: "The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been." I have been trying to put that exact thought into words for a long time. I have integrated myself and am now all that I have been, am now, and will be. There were 50 Reasons Why Older is Better and a few bear repeating: #47. You know from experience--yours and that of others--that a CLEAR CONSCIENCE and PEACE OF MIND far outweigh fame or fortune. #48. You are learning to put the past behind you, put the future into proper PERSPECTIVE and live each day as if it might be your last, for someday it will be.
I think that PERSPECTIVE is the one thing that I learned through my many years of life's experiences and counsleing...through flashbacks, times when I wasn't "with myself," raising children, PAIN. I don't "mind" physical pain but the people who can hurt me scare me to death...my sons, their families, my sisters and brother, my parents, grandparents, people I looked up to. What helped me through all the pain, etc., is PERSPECTIVE.
Took me YEARS to build that perspective, to realize that that is what has saved me. I have also learned to love people as they stand. Perspective has helped me with that. I had an occasion recently to look back at how much pain I caused myself, too. I realized that, because of my perspective, I can let so much go that isn't important in the long run and I am calmer and more peaceful for it.
I wish my children and their families Perspective. I wish Harry Perspective. (Our 12-week anniversary is today.) I pray that I and they can accept that life is all about ups and downs and is never what we want but what we need. Blessings on Timothy, Shawn, Brendan, Kevin, Julie, Lisadil, Tegan, Devin, Bek, Emma, Caleb, Natalie, Jennifer, Abigail. I want them all to know that I love them dearly, think of them often. And Regan and Bearli, my 2nd family. Smile.

I used to be an interpreter for the deaf and had to quit because I couldn't afford all the certificates and licenses that you needed. I loved going to the Continuing Education Classes and meeting other people and being immersed in sign language and I miss it. I am still in contact with deaf friends but that is not enough practice to keep up the receiving end of interpreting. Rats. But I did teach sign language classes and Deaf Culture Classes for over 30 years and that was such a good thing for me. This picture of me is rather dreadful...I look done in and dragged through the mud. Did you ever have one of those faces? bodies? days?
I will watch the Bristol Parade on Harry's big screen tv today. It will be relaxing. I have brought with me felt to cut out baby slippers while I watch. I love to do these projects while I watch tv. Don't know why, but they relax me and make me feel accomplished at the same time!
Short post today because I am tired from our "day off" yesterday. We did a lot of walking and a lot of looking plus we had wonderful scallops at a tiny arcade restaurant in the Swansea Mall. And Ice Cream from Haagen Dazs (however you spell that!!) Fat City!!
Blessings and prayers for my sons and the hope that they will know a Higher Power.

This fine girl is a doll made for my granddaughter Tegan.
She looks just like my granddaughter (except Tegan's hair is straight
and not banana curly). I had so much fun that year making up dolls
for the granddaughters. I made a Cinderella for Emma. I love creating
little "people" for little people!!
Today is Tired Day. My son Shawn has hurt my heart for a very long time. I think that anything I did in the past (although I don't know what it is because he hasn't talked to me in ages) has been overpaid and I am tired of being talked to like I was nothing. Shawn asked that I no longer email him because I shared with my whole family a prayer from Billy Graham and also pics of rare and beautiful things. He said he will never open another email from me and that if he wants to know "my" God that he will look for him. So I thought very carefully about what to say to him and left him a message on his phone (he has not returned nor answered my phone calls in years) telling that "I love you Shawn but I am very tired of having my heart hurt. I have had enough. I told him that the things I sent him were not "ABOUT" him but rather a sharing of things I thought were pretty common sensical. Your family loves you and misses you. I Love you a lot." I tried to remain unemotional and I think I did well. It is so sad that he has separated himself from his family for so long. I can't control him and won't even try. I will just continue praying for him as I have done all along and craving that he will let me know him someday. I had to write about this or I could not get any peace ever again. I love that kid, Shawn. He is 38 years old and so beautiful, talented, and funny. I know there is so much more to him than that and I think he is a lot like me. I pray that Shawn will find peace and the ability to get close to another human being and feel trusting and worthy...Shawn IS worthy. He doesn't know me, just like I don't know him. What a sad state, God. (Please, God, some help here. Help Shawn to know peace and what Your Will is for him.)
On another note, I am listening to Harry's Big Ben/Westminster Chimes clock. It is beautiful == but loud!
I have been working on downloading FOs and designs from my picture CDs. It feels good to finally getting toward being organized in my files and patterns.
I ask a Blessing on everyone and that we all will be tuned in to God's Will for each of us. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to grow in this life and learn and love people. I have come a long way. In my own small brain, I think that growing and learning in this life is the goal...but I would never second guess Heavenly Parents. Peace to all. I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

My Mother and her family...a start

This is a picture of Gwendolyn Maybelle Stimpson Monk Cretinon c. 1942. I think she was (and is) a pretty lady. My mom died in 1997, after being brain dead for 7 years. My stepfather, Raymond Emile Cretinon, couldn't let her go because she had responses and her eyes moved so he thought she might wake up. It was a very tough time for my dad, Ray. His nickname was Biddy because he worked on his father & mother's farm and worked with the hens. He was the farthest from a hen you could ever see. Smile. Anyway, my mom used to work at Barbour-Welt, I believe, when this picture was taken. She was raised in a family of 13 children and she told stories of how each girl had one dress and they exchanged them daily so they could wear something different. My mother had 3 brothers: Orrin, the oldest; Buddy, the middle son, and Earl, the youngest son. They have all passed away now. My uncle Orrin was kind of stand-offish and I really didn't know him. He married Gertrude and they had two children; Roger and Melissa. They at one point shared an apartment building with my Grandmother and Grandfather Stimpson...this was when my Aunt Carolyn was still young because I remember visiting them and seeing my Aunt Carolyn (the youngest child--who had a twin sister who died at a very young age...Marilyn) going off on dates with 4-wheeled white roller skates on her shoulder and wearing roller skating skirts. This was in Brockton MA. Anyway, My Uncle Buddy married Beatrice and they had no children. However, Uncle Buddy and Aunt Bea "took in" the nephews and nieces at different periods of time,usually for the summer. My cousin, Jeannie, (daughter of Muriel Stimpson Simanski) and my sister, Judy, and I. We got to have bbqs and go to Cape Cod (Scusset Pier) to fish and beach. My Uncle Buddy was great. He talked to me (not at me or down to me) and taught me lots of things about business and words. I loved him a lot. Aunt Bea was rather strict and impatient but a very nice lady. They always had a dog--a miniature black collie, I believe it was. And the dog was very spoiled and their "baby." And I was afraid of dogs....you figure that one out...
Uncle Earl married Gloria and they had two children; Douglas and Donna. We spent a lot of time at Auntie Gloria and Uncle Earl's place for bbqs and playing. My mother played cards with my Auntie Gloria. She was one of my all-time favorite people and very honest and outspoken. I loved it!! Auntie Gloria and Uncle Earl divorced later and Uncle Earl remarried Joanie. Auntie Gloria remarried Carl Clark. The family seemed to split and hasn't been the same since.
That is about it for the uncles in my mother's family. I will write about the aunts another time.
Harry is off playing Bocce and I am going to spend the day working on projects as soon as I get off the computer.
My son, Shawn, sent me an email in response to one I had sent out to everyone in my family regarding a prayer from Billy Graham. It was a wonderful, Common Sense prayer. Shawn reacted very strongly to it and told me that he will from now on delete any emails from me and he doesn't want to hear from me. I am sad about that but I am also tired of the excessive reactions he has to anything I send him. He said that I said that mothers are always right. I said that in jest and he has taken it angrily and in a way I didn't mean it. It is as if no one's sense of humor is valid except his. I am so sorry that Shawn is so angry and so alone. He doesn't want anything to do with anyone in our family and my heart hurts that he has chosen this route. I pray truly that he matures someday soon and lets all of his anger about the past go. We have to look at our past and INTEGRATE it into the person we are becoming. I have done that and I pray so much that he will be able to do that and not waste time. I truly don't want to die without a clear path of communications between us. But I also truly don't want to spend my life trying to figure out how to help him. He has to do something himself if he ever wants to be happy and fulfilled. Life is important and Shawn's life is important. Shawn says I don't know him. Well, get off yourself, Shawn, and let me know Who You Are!! I am waiting.

Victorian Jacket, Sold Car

This is a picture of my favorite pattern. It is a Victorian Combing Jacket and I have made 2 of them with mixed results. It is an old pattern and I love it and will keep making one until I get it right. Meanwhile, my Juliedil will wear it to keep herself warm.
I got a great email from my cousin, Sunshine (real name Delores but that is a great nickname, hey?) and she has a website gallery of the purses and bags that she sews. Delores is the third child of my Aunt Dotty. The other two children are Dorothy (called Dolly to keep all the Dorothys straight!) (Nana was Dorothy Tower Monk, Aunt Dotty was Dorothy Monk Cruz), and Ernest Cruz. My favorite cousins were Dolly, Sunshine, and Betty Golek, who is the daughter of my Nana's twin sister, Velma. Got all that.
Plus I got in touch with my cousin Nancy from my mother's side of the family. Nancy's mother's name is Carolyn Stimpson Day and her father's name is Robert Day, who is a twin to Harry Day. Nancy and me and my sisters and brother all lived at the same address in N. Easton MA and had good times playing in the "swamp" out back and our yard had an interesting "hole" that I guess was the base for a garage that never got built. We made a fort there and it was fun. When I think back on the games we played: tag, hide-and-seek, paper dolls. It was such a great and innocent time. Yikes.
Harry and I have been companions now for 11 weeks. Things are moving along and we are straightening out his finances. He is "all over the place" with banks, paper, and "stuff." And it is slowly getting done. It is tiring but when we are finished, he will be set.
My car has been sold and today the ppl are picking it up. Whoa. It was sold fast and neatly. i am sure that Heavenly Parents had their hands in that one. Now I will share Harry's car and that is fine because neither of us goes anywhere far or for long.
And life goes on. I am old enough that I ought to have learned to "quick relax" by now but am still working on it. I am so glad that I have a follower. I am growing and blessed. Have a great day, everyone. Persevere!!

Bearli & Regan, Genealogy

These two fin critters are Regan (the big Maine Coon cat) and Bearli (the little feral cat) about a year ago. I came across the picture and was amazed at the difference in their sizes. They get along so well. They fight and play with the best of them!! My two rescued babies.
I got a message from my cousin Nancy on Facebook and was very happy to hear from her. I have been trying to get my brain together to write down some of my history so that my sons and family can look at it later and have some type of records. I missed getting any of that from my mother and father's families. I did a great amount of genealogy and have copies of documents (marriage certificates, death certificates, etc.) and even cards and "wiregrams" from my father and Uncle Harold (father's side) when they were in WWII. They are so great to have. I have none of that stuff from my mother's side. It is sad. But I will share what I have with anyone who wants to pay the copy fees. Yikes!! They are immense records. My cousin, Linda Beek, (my mother's cousin's daughter) had many records MANY!! but she died about 2 years ago and her husband would not share those with me even though I asked. Rats. Oh, well, I will get what I can and let the rest go.
Harry and I are going to Walmart today to get stuff for the kitties and some DDR for my computer. I want RAM, lots of memory so that my computer will not bog down. Yayyyy memory. Smile.
Blessings on everyone and have a Great Sunday!! Love you, Nancy.

Here I am, frustrated again!!

...do you suppose it is time to do some meditation and save my body from high blood pressure??

This cutie is Bearli. He is 14 months old and my baby. He is a rescued cat and loves Harry. I am SO thankful for him.

Today I have already taken a neighbor to the library, worked on some projects, played with Regan and Bearli, fixed some stuff on Harry's computer, started a card to send to my #3 son's kids for July 4th, not to mention the normal stuff like shower, clean the kitchen, and straighten up the bedroom. I am THANKFUL that I only have 3 rooms. Smile.

I received pictures of Caleb, Emma, and Natalie yesterday. They are SO beautiful and energetic. Natalie looks a whole lot like Caleb. Will post pics later to show you what they are up to. Caleb was motorcycle riding in the pics, Emma is moving right along in her Karate class. She broke boards with her hands!! I am so impressed. Natalie loves to take part in the home schooling by crawling all over the materials and checking them out. I long to drive there to see them and check out their school room and see what they have been doing. And maybe take a dip in the pool! Hm.

I have a follower! Yay. I have checked out her blogspot and she does wonderful work!! Her name is Cheyenne Henderson. She has the best patterns! Cheyenne, you really should publish a book with those patterns. Yikes, Stripes!! Thank you for joining my blogspot. Now I am not "alone." Big Grin.

Today we (Harry and I) go to lunch and then to Crafts Class where I will attempt to teach a 2-needle side-seamed sock pattern. And I am finishing putting together my 2nd afghan for the homeless. Easy-peasy and I feel accomplished. Blessings on everyone.