Life's a Tangle

Musings on a lazy late spring day

2009-05-28T13:34:00.003-04:00

There is nothing like a spring columbine bloom to make your heart happy. These are little plants that I had put out a the cabin. We have a lot of shade and are trying to naturalize the area. Got these from an organic co-op farm. One still had a bloom left in it for the spring - most have finished for this year.

I am seeing better after a kenalog shot on my eye. Pushed my blood sugar up a little, but only temporary. Worth it for the results this time. The redness and swelling has cleared up. And that has helped the vision a little, so am able to knit more. Am working on a fuschia kimono wrap for a new great niece due here in early June. Making it in what I hope is a 6-9 mo size so she can wear it this fall, winter. They and my brother go to their house in Red River NM a lot, so cool weather clothes can be worn most of the year for a little one.

Having something new to knit kinda sparks the spirit a little - same-o same-o gets a little boring and I have been boring lately. So here is to a new leaf in my daily life.

Have a nice day and smile at someone!

Can Spring be far away?

2009-03-05T12:30:00.007-05:00

I love the first peek at springtime! The weather is fickle - from 22F at night earlier this week to 70's in the day in the next few days. Perfect time to get out the pruning shears, work on the shrubs, Knock-out roses, planting new Clematis bulbs and all of those other early spring chores. Nothing brings back life better than digging and working in Mother Earth and thanking God for the benefits she gives us. I always start out with great plans, but don't have the help to carry them all out. My husband doesn't feel the same "spirit" when working in the yard. It's just about the bottom of his most hated chores list - or guess that would be the top of that list. Our bushes around the back show that. They weren't trimmed back last year, and have almost over-taken it and the walkway around it. He has the impression that planting things as close as possible to both the deck and each other is the way to go instead of allowing growing room for things.

Anyone need any Nandia starts? I have about a dozen from my bush in the front if anyone wants to come and get them! They are cheap! LOL

Life sometimes is a tangle

2009-03-02T19:00:00.010-05:00

I realize that I needed to dig down inside myself and pull out the things I am grateful for - instead of letting "life" swallow me up as I have for December, January and February - especially after the eye surgery. It was so so much more difficult than I had been prepared for or expected.

So I need to be thankful and appreciative that I am alive - there are people whose loved one didn't wake up this morning or will not tomorrow. So many take it for granted that there will always be a tomorrow - and it is not for certain. So for this, I am grateful.

I am also thankful for my family. My daughter brought me a beautiful orchid in bloom for my birthday - unfortunately the temperature was in the 20's and destroyed the blooms and buds on it. She was so disappointed - she said she put it in her jacket and thought it would be ok - but didn't cover it in her car or anything. But it was a really pretty color and I will baby it and hope it blooms again next year! She then brought me a bouquet of tulips and lunch one day - it was one of the first things I had eaten that didn't come out of a can or a freezer bag since my surgery. Made two meals out of it all. The boys both called and got me to meet them for lunch on my birthday - so that was thoughtful thing for them to do.

I am finally able to knit a little - getting some sight and improving on the eye hand coordination needed to knit - was a little funny when I first tried. Have one baby bootie finished out of the Koigu KPPM - now to finish the other. Had plans to deliver them tomorrow, but its not going to happen. Knitting has been so relaxing and I missed it terribly.

Someone who I had mentioned and prayed for during her tough time and subsequent surgery wrote in her blog things that made me ashamed that I had let the months swallow me up, instead of facing them head on with the same courage she showed - through a much much more difficult surgery and life altering recovery. Most of you probably read Alison H's blog but if you don't you should!

So I am going to keep the link for this entry, and when I feel that "feeling" coming again, I am going to read this and remember - it takes courage to keep on going sometimes.

Knittalk Secret Santa

2009-02-04T10:04:00.004-05:00

It appears that I have success today in getting a photo to load. Photobucket has changed in how it loads pictures and was giving me trouble - both yesterday and today,but think I have it conquered! Thanks to Sharon for such a great package, and to my daughter for the carousel horse to hold it together! I am anxious for my eye sight to improve so that I can try to knit with the Zephyr - really excited!! I can see light and shadow today, so am making progress, and got a little sleep last night, so have improvement in that area to. Sleep makes the days a little more tolerable.

Groundhog, again

2009-02-03T16:04:00.002-05:00

I am hoping for Groundhog day in reverse. Yesterday was groundhog day - and my 8th eye surgery in less than 20 mos now. So I am hoping that instead of repeating over and over, it will end with yesterday. I am just a little high on pain medication, have an eye that is swollen shut, that is weeping tears and weeping etc..so that could be my problem with loading the picture in the last post and now bloggers etc.

Will try again in a few days and see if I have better luck! It is cold, but the sun is out - always so deceiving, makes one think of warmth, but hearing the heater come on over and over reminds me that it is quite cold out. Tomorrow is only going to be a little above freezing all day - and this is fairly deep in the SE of the US - we have had a relatively cold winter this year - colder than the past couple. But at least it has been dry - very little to no snow, so life goes on as usual. About this time of the year, I do feel sorry for the people who live in the north and are slogged down in snow and ice - just to the north of us, Kentucky has really been hit hard with heavy ice. Many volunteers have gone from here to help in the restoration of power to people in KY. Chattanooga is always a sharing town - when natural disasters occur, people are always ready to go and help. Always makes one proud to hear that.

Back to bed I go - but one last little tidbit - a dear author, knitter and friend to many, has had her trials for the past six weeks. She is 3 days out of major surgery and was asking for yarn and needles to make a scarf for someone in Stanford hospital who has touched her life. Alison is doing better, and I am sure, amazing her drs with her progress. She is amazing me - but doing something which is such an "Alison" thing to do! Yeah! Go girl!

Life's funks

2009-02-03T15:45:00.002-05:00

I have been in a general funk for December and January - didn't get into the "Christmas" spirit this year -even though I did have fun selecting boxes for my two Secret Pal gifts - hope they enjoyed them as much as I did. And I have a wonderful one to post about. Sharon of Calgary Canada sent me such a wonderful surprise. Due to my many allergies, she sent it direct from her yarn store and wowed me off of my feet! A beautiful mini-cone of Zephyr lace weight in Marine blue, with matching silk thread- perfect for knitting some bookmarks. I already had decided to get busy and knit start knitting some for those many little gifts always needed around the holiday season, to say thank you to so many people - and have heard that this silk knits up perfect, so am ready to give it a try. See what you think of the box - it has taken me several tries with my new little digital camera - ALL MINE, I don't have to share! - to get a half decent image. So the more I play with it, the better I hope to become.......there is always hope!

Well, blogger is being contrary - I can't get the picture to upload! Will keep trying - it is too great to miss.

Secret Pal 13 Question of the week

2008-12-16T20:33:00.003-05:00

The next question is: Are you doing any Christmas knitting?

NO - have not been able to do much knitting at all for the past several months. My eyesight has not returned as I had hoped and has kept me from knitting very much. I have real difficulty in seeing sometimes. So no knitting for anyone this year - other than a hat for me that is almost finished. It was put aside for a few days for another little project that is finished.

When is a secret not a secret?

2008-12-14T09:57:00.001-05:00

About 2 years ago, I created a yahoo email address solely for the purpose as a secret identity for Secret Pal's, Swap-bot, etc. Have used it ever since as such, thinking it was secret and showed the email address – that I thought was cute – and used as other ID's. But……………last week, I used the post to a Secret Pal on my KnitTalk list and got a surprise. When she replied to me on the post, I saw my name there, big as could be! Not the cute ID I had created or expected, but my big fat name! My current hostess in Secret Pal 13 tried to give me a hint, I see now, and I didn't catch it about my name showing. Soo, it has taken me several days to find how to change the name shown with the email address – so it is finally done! And I am sorry to all of the SP's of the past, taking away a little of the surprise!!

Here again!

2008-11-25T10:42:00.001-05:00

I have lapses in posting - seems the cause is always the same lately - another eye surgery, and my vision is not rebounding like I had hoped. Makes knitting a little difficult. Started a cute little women's lace hat - Ravelry pattern here- have almost finished the lace edging - so the body part should go fast. But am having difficulty seeing clearly enough to do the lace part - and it is real simple.

Time to get to laundry and housework - doesn't take much vision to do that!

Secret Pal 13 Questionaire

2008-11-08T14:58:00.003-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like to knit with soft, flowing handpainted/variegated yarns. Some natural yarns (wools, cotton) mixed with some acrylic ok. No box store acrylics, fun furs etc. No bling for me.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Everything from a sewn needle case, to a wine bottle cover to a plastic storage container.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? About 5 years - off and on, depending on my RA - I am still at probably the Intermediate stage.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Amazon

5. What's your favorite scent? Allergic to many scents - I like vanilla, but can tolerate candles in small doses

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? A big one, front and center! Love Chocolate, but also like many other Christmas favorites. Don't like licorice - but people probably wouldn't send it!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Don't spin - but can crochet, have dabbled in a lot of other needle crafts -

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Behind the times - only can play MP3's on my computer, like Christian gospel, Smooth jazz, classical piano,

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Love jewel tones-favorite is fuschia, but really like purples, magenta, teal, turquoise - no pastels.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Just hubby and I - lost our Min Schnauzer last fall - I am looking for another one - husband is not!! LOL

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Scarves, hats - a lot of hats, head wraps - I have trigeminal neuralgia and an eye that is very sensitive to the cold air. No ponchos - I am fluffy and don't need more than I already have! Love stoles, shawls

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Right now I am learning to knit lace shawls so that is my favorite at the moment

13. What are you knitting right now? Dishcloths for Thanksgiving gifts, shawl, and Tudora and a hat for Christmas gifts

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Love to - I enjoy thinking about the person who would put time and energy into making something nice for me.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circulars, bamboo, but am also loving my Knitpicks

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I would love a ball winder

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Recently cleaned up my UFO stack so probably only about 2 weeks

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe? Love holidays, like to decorate, Observe Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Angels

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Need some tips for my Knitpicks, currently not subscribed to any mags

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Socks are next on my list if my hands can handle the small needles

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? not yet - wear a size 9 xw

23. When is your birthday? Jan 15

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? kn1tg1rl - working on getting my personal things in - can spend hours window-shopping!

Nice people in the world

2008-10-31T13:47:00.007-04:00

I had to drop out of SP12 due to eye surgery. However, my partner sent me a great little box any way - shows that there really are nice people out there - Wendy is one of them!

Some really nice cotton yarns, plus being in the summer, some Welchs fruit snacks.

Then in another swap, with the TeaTime Knitters we had a final swap as the group closed.

I got a really cute little teapot for one, plus some yarn and tea. But the greatest thing was a cute little wrap that Deborah had knit for me. Deborah and I have hit up a great internet friendship that I wouldn't trade for anything. And she knit this shawlette while suffering from rheumatoid arthritis as well as other things. So it is really special to me. Now just waiting for some cold weather to wear it!

Pre-Halloween Fun

2008-10-31T13:33:00.003-04:00

Glitterfy.com - Glitter Graphics

Last night was a nice night for family. The "boys" of the family were in CA on a Sales Meeting for the week so that left the girls here alone all week. So we got together last night and had dinner at our house. One had to work and the addition of our daughter made a fun time. It was also pre-birthday for the Dad of the house - he is a Halloween Baby - so we had a good time.

To me - things like this are what makes good times. It doesn't take dinner out, or a movie or a trip somewhere to warm my heart - it is family that brings the warm willy's to my heart! Just a little softy!

Happy Halloween to all! And Happy Birthday to my Honey!!

Dear Diary…uuhh Blog,

2008-10-25T11:14:00.001-04:00

I have been a little AWOL, recovering from another eye surgery, but all is well. Waiting on healing to let me know the final verdict on vision – some improvement but nothing spectacular!

Fall is slowly creeping down into the south. Temperatures went below 70 and saw the sweaters and sweatpants and jackets start appearing – the early birds so to speak of fall. Always kinda laugh to myself at this – is it a race to see who wears the first sweater? Sometimes it seems like it. I will have to get my container of misc fall things down from the attic and put up the shorts and some of the crop pants for their winter sleep. Sure that they are looking forward to a nice long nap. Sounds good to me about now too! Husband woke me up when he was getting ready this morning, not sure why he wanted me up. Guess he felt like it was time for me to get up.

So on that note, will end for today. So have a nice day ya'll – and come back soon! Will promise to write again soon!

Why my blog was lifeless!

2008-08-11T18:32:00.003-04:00

I again have let my poor blog's feelings get hurt and lonely! Months and nobody paid any attention to it-especially me, its mama! However I have reasons....err....excuses??
I had another eye surgery, seems to not have helped my vision any, actually it seems worse. Then have had 2 bad falls, messed up one knee, have had fluid drained 2 times, and broke my thumb which had to have a pin put in. So not even knitting time here. So that wimper in the corner you heard was from me. I go back to my hand surgeon tomorrow and will see what he has to say. Maybe will be free from this little velcro cast - am tired of it, and summer does wonderful things to them that even Febreeze cannot help!

So here's to health - each of you please appreciate what good health you have. I really have come to be thankful each day for the good things in life.

Graduation Day

2008-08-10T10:04:00.004-04:00

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Today is a nice day to add a new post to my blog - my daughter is graduating with honors from UT at Chattanooga. She will have a degree in Micro-Biology with Highest Honors from the biology department. Months of work on her research project paid off its dividends. I am very proud of her!

SP 12 Question of the week

2008-06-12T13:51:00.006-04:00

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What's your favorite summertime drink?

I am living in the South and am Texan by birth so Sweet Tea is always the answer. I now drink less sweet because of the sugar but still tea is my drink - even with breakfast at times!

Most southerners drink their sweet tea unadulterated, nothing but tea and sugar. The recipe is simple: Brew 3 family sized Lipton tea bags in two cups of water, pour it in a gallon pitcher, and add a cup and 1/2 of sugar while the tea is hot. Fill the pitcher with ice cold water and ice. Serve over plenty of ice.

That's what a southerner wants when they order tea. "Tea" in the south means "sweet tea."

Here is a recipe for a great summertime special tea that I like to make - Called Summer Tea

6 oz frozen orange juice
6 oz frozen lemonade
1 cup pineapple juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
10 cups cold water
6 small tea bags with 4 cups water

Brew tea. Add sugar and cool. Combine remaining ingredients. Makes 1 gallon.

2008-06-11T13:34:00.003-04:00

I am so glad to have a computer again, withdrawal was really rough! I enjoy reading emails from my groups, looking up new knitting patterns, seeing work others have done, all of it is really inspiring and makes me want to knit even more.

Today was the weekly Coffee and Knit time at my LYS Genuine Purl in Chattanooga - a great shop if you are ever in the area! - and I took my new JaggerSpun Zephyr silk/wool lace weight yarn to work the "homework" swatch for the KAL the shop is doing. It is a pretty shawl and I have wanted to jump out and start one for a long time. So the time has come - if I can manage the laceweight yarn. It is going to take some getting used to - I have knit some with the fingering weight, and in comparing the two sizes, didn't feel that there was that much different in them, I went ahead and bought the laceweight yarn. So today was a session of feeling clumsy like when I first started knitting, so I need to practice and get the "feel" for it. It is a beautiful soft pink - called Lady Slipper.

It really is a beautiful yarn! I made my first swatch with size 6 needles but think I will try the 7 for the next little swatch. I knit kinda tight and I think I will get a better fabric with the 7. Wish me luck!

SP 12 Questionaire

2008-06-09T17:17:00.009-04:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

My favorite yarns are merino wool, cottons, wool blends. Specifics I like: anything by Lisa Souza, Socks that Rock, Rowan. Acrylic mixed with natural fibers are ok if they give it soft smooshy texture (like Rowan Cashsoft, Tapestry or Calmer)

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

A cloth needle roll, my Knitpicks case, a plastic storage bin for my circulars

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting about 3 years, took a class then joined a group that met weekly until everyone kinda went their own way. I am probably a fearless advanced beginner/intermediate - haven't tried a sweater for myself yet.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, need to check and update my Amazon list - the list is HERE

5. What's your favorite scent?

I am allergic to a lot of heavy floral scents. Like some fruity scents like strawberry, apple, or light single floral scents - rose

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

A large one front and center!! Love milk chocolate, or mixed with caramel, mint or peanut butter or, or, or...

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I knit and crochet primarily. Really want to quilt. Don't have a yen to spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Only one around without an iPod, probably can play CD on my computer, listen to cable TV's music - jazz, old rock and roll, Christian, classical, swing

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like jewel tones - fuschia, turquoise, bright colors. Pastels, yellows oranges and lime greens aren't great on me.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married for 34 yrs, 3 grown children in town, recently lost our Schnauzer of 13 yrs.

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

Scarves and hats - yes
Mittens – no, no fingerless gloves
Ponchos – no, but love shawls - I am "fluffy" so need longer ones

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Learning socks and shawls, baby items for friends and relatives, scarves, dishcloths for quick gifts

13. What are you knitting right now?

A baby sweater, a baby hat, starting a shawl in my LYS KAL

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

They are great - appreciate the time someone spends on me.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I use circulars primarily – have some in bamboo, and my Knitpicks options

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No, unless you count my living room chair!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

The baby sweater is maybe 1 mo old.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I love holidays - like to decorate for them.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

T-shirts from places I visit, like postcards from different places

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I don't have any mag subs right now - they have not been in the budget. But I enjoy them a lot. I really enjoy books too.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I haven't mastered mitered squares, entrelac, am in the process of working with laceweight yarn for the first time.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I am new at knitting socks. I have a large foot - size 9 1/2 WW

23. When is your birthday?

January 15

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

kn1tg1rl - working on my inventory of books, yarn etc. Become my friend!

I'm Back!

2008-05-21T18:53:00.004-04:00

I have returned - not actually from the dead, but from the heap of dead computer land. Mine died, rather suddenly, a complete and final gasp, leaving me in severe withdrawal pain. I have had withdrawals from prescription meds that were not as bad as this was. I would go to the library and use their computers, but time was limited and not always comfortable if I got one of the ones on a stool.

So to catch up the past few months - I am slowly still healing from the broken leg - able to walk with a cane and my brace. Have healed from my eye surgery - but have little functional healing. Very little sight in the eye and no one knows why. Very discouraging after 5 surgeries, much much pain, and money to have almost no sight in it. But God knows and holds my future, so am waiting to see what the future holds.
Do have a computer, a cast off from my future DIL, but it runs and after de-bugging it, and ordering more memory it is up and running. Am now in process of ordering software and installing and all of that stuff.

The wedding plans are coming right along - will be Sept 6 so already have dress, wishing I could wear pretty sandals, but am happy I can walk down the aisle. Hope I can dance at the reception - at least once or twice.

Many everyday things have gone on - but will stop here - all are happy and healthy - and getting skinnier - have lost about 30 lbs this winter and spring - being home and not grabbing fast food and cokes while out, I think has helped.

Have a great day - weather here was great - 75 today!

Family Matters

2008-02-26T10:04:00.003-05:00

I have been a little behind in keeping posts going on here. Have had a lot of family matters going on that have taken up my emotional as well as actual time. Have had my share of doctors appts - they always seem to fall together for the 3 mo, 4 mo and 6 mo checkups. So have been on the doctor merry-go-round recently.

Also have had to deal with family issues in Texas. My beloved grandmother passed away Feb 19 at the age of 99 years, 9 mos of age. We were so hoping that she would make her 100 birthday. But in the last few weeks of her life, it became evident that she probably would not last that long. I was able to catch a last minute flight from Chattanooga to San Antonio via Atlanta. My sister picked me up and we drove an hour to her house where I spent the next day until she finished her day teaching and her daughter finished class and drove up from TAMU Kingsville. Then we hit the road northwestward, spending the night in Fredricksburg. Would have liked to have gotten there earlier to have seen some of the historic town, but was glad to just have a bed to fall into. Got up the next morning and drove another 2 1/2 hours to Abilene. Just throwing in some town names in case anyone reading is from Texas - gotta share my Texas roots! The service was nice - about 3/4's of the chapel was family. After the service one of my cousins had reserved a room at a local restaurant, and a fajita buffet. There were 3 step-sons left of 7, 29 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren. All but 2 of the grandchildren were there - my brother who was in Hawaii - he isn't getting home until today - and one other. It was so nice to see cousins I haven't talked to in years and years. And to see their families, and pictures were flying all around of various families. Everyone wrote down email addresses, and completed family trees so our book can be updated with new additions, new spouses, and all. It really was a celebration of a great family.

I have now come on out west to Andrews, to spend a little time with my dad and step mother. A chance to visit my mother's grave, and just a time to be with my dad. He isn't getting any younger. And we just got word that his brother that was unable to make the funeral, has pneumonia and isn't expected to recover. He lives so far away, they are deciding if another trip is in them right now or not.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-17T17:10:00.000-05:00

This past week as I mailed a few Valentine's cards it brought back memories that I think all of us have had at one time or another. Sometime along second and third grade, was the time we really got into Valentine's. Making the boxes that each student put their cards in, but also the anticipation of that one special card - that one that surely was chosen especially for me, as I looked over all of my cards - over and over before picking out the one that would go to that certain person! Surely he was doing the same, then debating whether to write, I Love you, as I too made the decision. Risk writing it and being laughed at? Or finding that he too, at least for one day, felt the same way?

As I received my Valentine's last week, I remembered all of the young folks going through the same agonizing selection. Hopefully someone found their "true love" even if only for one day.

Eye surgery

2008-01-31T16:35:00.000-05:00

Well, been there and done that, again! For the 4th time. When my mother told me not to run with scissors, I would fall and poke my eye out - I should have listened. I had my surgery the day after my daughter's birthday (see last post. I would have put it off as long as I could, but knew I had to bite the bullet and go ahead and get it done. So it is done! And hopefully it will be the last for this particular problem. I have a little sight in the eye, but just enough to cause problems. Last night I was going to make a dump cake, and re-read the recipe before going to the store - and I thought it said to put cornflakes in the topping - so like a cook, who hasn't done this one in a while, I bought some cornflakes. When I got home, I used the ingredients for the topping, and realized that it said a cup of something else, and a cup of coconut flakes - not corn flakes! Yuck! I did it again! These things are common for me - and as I sit here and write this, I realized why it was so dry and kinda yucky - I didn't melt the sticks of butter and pour over it before baking!! My brain just doesn't kick into gear sometimes, especially on days I don't feel well and yesterday was one of those. Since I began to get more ill, it is crazy, the things I think and do. My family has to suffer along with me on my crazies. So this is my dear diary entry for today!

2008-01-27T15:35:00.000-05:00

Well the sweetest Carebear I have ever known had her 22nd birthday birthday on Jan 21. I was busy getting ready for surgery and didn't have time to post that day. Here's wishing her another 22 and another 22 and so on forever. Maybe someday, and not soon enough for her liking, she will drop the carebear label, but never in my heart. She has been called that all of her life and I still do half of the time when she says hi on the phone.

Yarnfloozies Anniversary

2008-01-21T11:29:00.000-05:00

For her blog anniversary, she is having a contest to come up with a rectangular stole to use up some lace weight yarn she has in her stash. I immediately thought of Sivia Harding's Moonshadow Stole. There is a KAL on her Yahoo site featuring this stole now. I wanted to start it, but have waited because tomorrow I am having my 4th surgery on my right eye, in 9 mos. Not knowing the outcome, and how much it will impact my life for a while, I have held off on buying the yarn kit. But if it goes as the dr thinks, I should be back up and running soon. Keep me in your prayers.

Dishrag or dishcloth - topic of the week

2008-01-19T23:39:00.000-05:00

When I was growing up, we always called them dishrags. Using that word now, brings back memories of when I was a child running around in the house, and being called to get a dishrag and clean off the table, or set the table, or help with the dishes. I often, when not concentrating on it, use the word still today - college education put aside! My MIL used the word all of the time, and so does my husband. So I think it is a Southern word that is used still today in many households. Would be interested to read a Northerner's blog and see how they feel about the word.

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Exchange

2008-01-16T19:40:00.000-05:00

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Primarily Knit

2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?
My 16" circulars but would like a Knitpicks US7 16". Love their needles
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try? I only have access to a range of colors in Sugar and Cream. Would like more of Peaches and creme and maybe try some other cottons.

4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?
Old - not vintage - just old! Dishes are Fiesta, so like bright colors
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite? Kinda answered earlier - bright, vibrant colors

6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends? Count the days until it ends, however, we don't always have much winter here in the SE US.

7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps? Get out among people, Knit

8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps? Unfortunately, chocolate, or anything sweet

9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa? Tea mainly, no coffee

10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? Maui, and find the waterfalls my son rappeled down

11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? Severe allergies to cats and cigarette smoke

2008-01-08T12:57:00.000-05:00

To all my friends who sent me best wishes in 2007,
or promises of good luck if I forwarded something;

it did NOT WORK.

For 2008, could you please just send either money, chocolate or gasoline vouchers.

Thank you

Holidays are over!

2008-01-04T18:16:00.000-05:00

Well Christmas has come and gone - at least in most places!

This house, however, leaves most items up all year long. Minya and Eric couldn't resist a photo of Chattanooga's picturesque Christmas scenery!!

Eric and Minya are in Panama right now - with plans of riding bicycles northward through Central America arriving either in Texas and visiting relatives or straight on through to Tennessee. They arrived in Panama on the 29th and have had to wait until today the 4th to get ready to ride out. One of their bicycles, which was crated and on their airplane, only arrived yesterday. So they have spent countless hours on the phone with Delta searching for it. Eric's patience was runnig low the last time he called, but today the enthusiasm was back. Eric is my child with the most adventurous spirit as far as seeing different countries. My others are just as driven, in different ways.

Carrie, my daughter and youngest child who will 22 next month, had taken this week off to go hiking in the Smokies, but we had a cold front come through. It was 16° here last night, so she made a good choice to stay home until the weather was better.

Jeffery, my middle son, just spent a week climbing Mt Washington - and for those not familiar with either New Hampshire or mountain climbing - it is noted for the highest wind gusts in the world. And Jeffery and his partner did it in a blizzard. No sense - in my book. Stay home in front of a fire!!

Don't really know where the children got this wandering spirit - other than my DH hitchhiked from Central Texas to Yellowstone the summer between his junior and senior year in high school. He also did some backpacking right before and after Eric was born, 30 years ago.

So may each of you reach higher for the goals that you have had in the back of your mind - anything is possible if you want it enough!

What will matter

2007-12-19T15:42:00.000-05:00

Being in a wheelchair for these past 2 1/2 months, has given me a lot of time to contemplate my life and the things that are important to me. Since trips out are limited, I have learned that I can live without little things I have bought - just because I think it made me feel better. Not any other reason. Didn't really need it, husband is working so hard to pay my medical bills as well as keep up with the house and every thing else. I ran across this poem and think it is an excellent piece that summarizes things I have
been thinking about.

A Life that Matters

by Michael Josephson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten
will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations
and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won't matter where you came from
or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.
It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter?
How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought
but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success
but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned
but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity,
compassion, courage, or sacrifice
that enriched, empowered or encouraged others
to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence
but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew,
but how many will feel a lasting loss when your gone.

What will matter is not your memories
but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered,
by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.
It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

© 2003 Josephson Institute of Ethics

My Surprise

2007-12-14T18:22:00.000-05:00

I received my box from my Secret Pal for SP11. Was it wonderful!! I haven't been out to a yarn store since I broke my leg in mid October so I was yarn hungry!! Very! And my pal spins! So I was gifted with the most wonderful hand spun and dyed yarns. Plus a woven shawl in colors just for me. Fuschia and black. I have wanted to wear it, but temps have been record highs in the 70's. A book from my list, and a new knitting magazine - as I said I haven't been out shopping anywhere. Plus some other goodies. Pictures hopefully are coming! Thanks so much, It's a Secret!

A Winter quiz

2007-12-08T18:05:00.000-05:00

I found this on Lil Knitters blog and thought it was so cute, I would share it here. I, like Lil Knitter, am a Snowman. Not sure why, I would rather be inside drinking the hot tea instead of outside in that cold wet stuff.

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Knitting patterns

2007-12-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

I collect knitting patterns from the internet - hoping that somewhere in the night, my brain and hands will take over and mysteriously knit for me. I have hundreds - more than I can knit in a lifetime - even some I don't really like or need - like a truck - I don't drive a truck, my husband doesn't, I don't even know anyone that does. Could make one for either of my son's but they have about given up playing with trucks - they are 26 and 29! Soo all of this to say - I have found the perfect pattern to add after my last post - it is also called Slip and Slide! Perfect! Maybe make one to sit on so I don't slide in the shower again. Aahh a perfect idea. The pattern is on wonderful Maile's site of free patterns - she is a prolific pattern designer, with beautiful lacy designs. I am mesmerized by all of her patterns. But this one will have special meaning for me.

Slippy slide in the shower

2007-11-23T12:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday after cooking all morning I was ready for my only my second shower after breaking my leg. Our shower has a built in seat in the corner, and after taking down the sliding doors and putting up a rod and shower curtain, attaching a hand held shower head I was ready to go again. It is difficult for me to get in, with the step up and with being unable to put any weight on my broken leg. But I have managed to do that. Soaped up to my hearts content, rinsed, then stood up and rinsed and rinsed - you get the picture. Went to sit back down to lather up my broken leg one more time - it can build up quite an odor in the sock, in the airboot! - and when I sat down - I was on the slippy slide! Slid all of the way to the bottom of the shower. Instinctively I pulled my knees up or would have slammed my broken leg - without the boot - into the shower wall! DH and DD heard my scream and came running in - but by then I was laughing! Then came the task - how to get up from that position without harming my broken leg. But after giving it some serious thought - well somewhat serious - how serious can you get, drippy wet, naked, on the shower floor in front of daughter and husband in a bathroom built for less than one person - you have to stand up to shut the bathroom door before using the commode! But I managed to lift myself up with the help of my walker with my one good leg - thank goodness for the exercises the PT had left with me for my legs. And broken leg was no worse for the ordeal!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T22:29:00.000-05:00

My New Parrot

Recently I received a parrot as a gift.
The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every
word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

I tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently
saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else I
could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Finally, I was fed up and I yelled at the parrot.

The parrot yelled back.

I shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.

So, in desperation, I threw up my hands, grabbed the bird and put
him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.
Then suddenly there was total quiet.
Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that I'd hurt the parrot, I quickly opened the door to the freezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto my outstretched arms and said "I
believe I may have offended you with my rude language and
actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate
transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct
my rude and unforgivable behavior."

I was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As I was about
to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his
behavior, the bird continued,

"May I ask what the turkey did?"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I am blessed by.....

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

I am blessed to have my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in my life. He has promised to be with me through good times and bad - through a year that has had 5 surgeries and years that have had none. I have to trust that His promise that "All things work together for good for those whose trust is in the Lord" means what it says. That there have been people who I have met while in the hospital, while in surgery, while in recovery, whose lives I may have left a tiny touch on that will see Christ in me.

I am blessed by a wonderful family. My husband and children have done so much to help me in the past month since I have broken my leg. My husband has done so much work around the house to make things more accomodating for my wheelchair, has done laundry, bought groceries, cleaned up dishes, done so much that I am grateful for. My children have taken me to drs appts even when it was inconvenient for them.

I am blessed by wonderful friends. My dear friend has called me everyday to check up on me, has cooked and brought me food time after time. Many friends from my church have brought food and helped us out.

I am blessed that we have a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with friends here that are also misplaced Texans - other than they are Aggies and I am a Baylor Bear! We have a great meal, great conversation and an overall terrific time!

I am blessed by wonderful doctors who have taken care of me, understood the stress that I have been under, have been there to help me realize that I have to take care of myself.

Life has sometimes hidden in misfortune, many wonderful blessings for us. Take the time to count and appreciate the wonderful people in your lives.

A different kind of Fall

2007-10-27T17:15:00.001-04:00

I had been sitting on my bed, folding clothes to take to Goodwill on Friday Oct 12. When I got up to walk off, my leg buckled and the next thing I knew, I was sitting there with a double fracture of the leg plus and ankle fracture. Verizon didn't send my calls through to my husband, so next on my list was DS #2. He rounded up his brother and Andy and all came to my rescue. Thanks to my computer chair they were able to push me out the back door, down the steep hill to the car - better than down the 6 then 7 steps inside the house! Hours and hours later - 2:00 am to be exact, we left the emergency room with a splint and little pain medication.

So on Monday, we made the same perilous trip out the back, down the hill, to the car to go to the Ortho's office. We should get frequent patient miles from him - he repaired our daughter's ankle two years ago after she crushed it rock climbing.

Any way, on Tuesday I was in surgery, and home on Friday. Then have been kept busy with Home health nurses, Physical therapists, and Aides to help me bathe. The baths have been wonderful because they were able to help me wash my hair!!!!

My means of getting up and down the stairs - on my hands and knees or down by sliding on my butt! Hey, it isn't pretty but it works!

I have been so encouraged by all of the letters from "cyber" friends I have received. It has helped a little in keeping away the "get me out of this house" blues. But it has been 10 days and I am going a little stir crazy - and I have 3-4 mos of no weight on my leg. By spring I will be certifiable crazy!

Fall

2007-10-06T17:52:00.000-04:00

The calendar says it is fall but the weather makes one think it is still August. The high temperature today was 91 and that is 15 degrees above average. The almanac says we are in for a colder than normal winter - but now, nothing would surprise me.

There will be no pretty leaf show this fall - they are just brown and curling up and falling off. Many of the old trees have died during this entire heat and dry weather. We had less than an inch of rain in September which normally is one of our wettest months. We are almost 20" below normal so this the third year we are finishing somewhere in that range. Rain would be nice, real nice. Even some snow might be nice, but not too much - being in the mountains the entire city comes to a halt if there is a snowflake within 20 miles. So Happy Fall to all!

Flowers of summer

2007-09-25T14:59:00.001-04:00

Many are showing their flower gardens as the last of summer brings forth new blooms. Here in SE TN, temperatures have been so hot and so dry that everything has turned to dust. So while I don't have much outside to show - I do have some treasures from inside to show. One of my favorites, next to African violets are my orchids.
They are dependable to show their beauty year after year, with only modest care, and occasional dividing and repotting.

This is a denbrodium that my oldest son gave me quite a few years ago. I have several pots of it, but they don't bloom at the same time. So I get to spread its beauty around.

This beauty is called Sugar Sweet - and it is covered with dozens of small, yellow fragrant blossoms. It is a real treat when it blooms.

Seeing these lovelies helps me forget that we haven't had but 1 rain for the month of September, which is normally one of our rainiest or that yesterday set a record temperature at 94 degrees! I may have to go to the street corner to panhandle to be able to continue to pay our electric bill. Any donations are appreciated!!

September Exchange

2007-09-22T18:24:00.000-04:00

In the TeaTimeKnitters September exchange, I was having my eye problems and wasn't able to knit to start it. Deborah, the list mom, sent me a care package - which was wonderful of her. Look at all of the nice things she sent me! A beautiful rose lace dishcloth that is incrediblely soft, a cannister of tea with a tea bag retriever (don't know what to call it - LOL), some loose tea bags, some little dice that will make great stitch markers, a pad of leaves sticky notes - all great and exciting things. Deborah is a great list mom. And if anyone wants to join - TeaTimeKnitters is the name.

Thankful Heart

2007-09-22T14:45:00.000-04:00

About 2 weeks ago I was told my retina had partially detached. I was devastated - having already been through 4 surgeries to work on my eye. But this week, I saw my regular ophthalmologist, who told me he saw no retinal detachment and that what the retina specialist saw could have been a fluid bubble behind the retina, making it look like it was detached. It could have been caused by my hitting the curb so hard in the hit and run accident I was in. Whatever the cause, I was so thankful that my retina had healed.

I feel that it was a healing from God, due to the prayers of the faithful - friends putting me on prayer lists, friends in Texas praying for me, internet friend - and new internet friends sending me messages of encouragement - all were heard by God.

2007-09-22T10:31:00.000-04:00

Knitting and my eye

2007-09-17T14:09:00.000-04:00

I have done quite a few dishcloths for Carrie. She will be moving into the cabin that Andy has been working on for the past year. It is almost finished. So I thought some dishcloths to match her kitchen would be nice. Then I also am in an exchange and need one for it. It is finished but need to weave in my tails and block it. Someone needs to invent an automatic tail weaver and make a fortune. I think it is the job knitters like the least of all!

I did receive some bad news two weeks ago. My retina has partially detached again. So that means I am looking at probably 3 surgeries - one to repair the retina, one to eventually remove the oil from my eye, and one to try to remove the scar tissue that has formed. I am not looking forward to these surgeries. The pain, the inability to function, the effect it has on my body for this extended period. I have lupus and fibromyalgia, plus a gazillion more autoimmune diseases, so my body does not react normally, nor heal normally. But one does what one has to do.

Busy month

2007-09-15T13:57:00.000-04:00

I have been busy with so many things that I have neglected this. There have been a lot of happenings going on. I will have a new daughter in law next September - with a year to plan the wedding! Jeffery and Tara went on a vacation to Colorado and he had a ring with him, and proposed on a mountain top there. Could not have been more fitting for him. He has climbed many of the fourteeners there, plus 2 faces of Grand Teton, a glacier in Alaska for 6 weeks - an outdoors person. I am glad that she likes to climb with him - they do quite a bit of rock climbing around here. Chattanooga has some of the best areas of rock climbing in the nation.

Then Carrie has gotten adjusted to being back here and in her final year at UTC. When she is not in class, she is in the lab doing research with her genetics professor. She is looking at graduate schools vs taking a year or two off to do some research then go to grad school with a better idea of what she wants to do.

Eric, my oldest is also in school this semester. He is planning another trip in January - Chile - to see S America. It is the only continent, other than Anartica that he hasn't been on - so more world to conquer.

I have been busy knitting and....I don't know how my days fly by. I plan to get certain things done, but they just don't happen. I am going to PT 2x a week to try to get some conditioning. I have gotten so weak after all of these surgeries this year. So it is good for me to get stronger.

So it's time for me to go there - so until later.

2007-08-24T20:25:00.000-04:00

I must apologize to my Secret Pal and my Hostess. I can't read!! That is the only excuse I know of! I was supposed to read and send back a reply to one of the emails - I only read it. Now I have my Secret Pal and am looking forward to SP11. Am thinking about all of the things I would like to get her - and in reading her blog, I find that we are a lot alike. So I think doing this will be fun.

I also have another pal to exchange with in the TeaTimeKnitters. We exchange tea or coffee, a teacup or mug, and a knitted kitchen item this month. I have a partner in MN - need her to send some rain and cool weather down our way. We set a record high for the 4th day in a row this week - 104 today, 103 yesterday, 106 before that and 100. We will end this month as the hottest month on record. Usually we only break 90 one or two times a month.

I see on other peoples blogs pictures of their flowers and yards - here even my hot weather plants have died - geraniums, begonias, and my yard is a dusty mess. Water is rationed so that the only days one can water are based on even and odd house numbers can water on the even or odd day of the week. I hope the winter is not as cold as the summer was hot. We need some cold weather to kill the insect pests and things. Mother Nature has played havoc with the weather across the US this year.

Since the heat makes me stay inside and one can only take so much of the boob tube, and my hands can only do so much knitting, I was playing on the computer and ran across this today. Scott McKenzie singing San Francisco in 1967 - I would have been about 12 or 13 - but I remember it. San Francisco sounded so....romantic, while from my parents it was a place of all evil in the world at that time. Listen to a little of the song.............aahh to be young again.

National Invisible Chronic Illness Week Awareness

2007-08-21T20:14:00.000-04:00

Find more videos like this on Illness-Disability-Healthcare-Caregiver Ministry Network

SP 11 and Ravelry

2007-08-18T11:56:00.000-04:00

I have heard from my SP partner, but haven't received my email from my hostess. Have left a comment, so hope someone will get to it in the next few days. As far as Ravelry...........

Secret Pal #11 questionaire

2007-08-15T19:57:00.001-04:00

Here are is the questionnaire for SP11.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I like cotton, have started trying to do some lace knitting with some fingering weight yarn. Hate the fun fur stuff.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have 2 fabric roll cases made by a friend of mine. But I need something for my circulars.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I took lessons at my LYS about 1 1/2 yrs ago, and am an advanced beginner, maybe an intermediate depending on the pattern.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes at Amazon

5. What's your favorite scent?

Vanilla, am allergic to most scents but still like candles

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Oh a giant sweet tooth! Love anything chocolate, but do try to keep it in check.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I do not spin, have started some scrapbooking, know how to crochet but wrist arthritis made me stop

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Computer can play, like jazz, oldies, gospel, piano, Way behind technology - don't have an MP3

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Favorites are the mauve to rose to deep fuchsia, love blues and purples, not a brown person

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

At home are just husband and me and our old Min Schnauzer. Very allergic to cats
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves and hats seldom cold enough for mittens, would prefer stole/shawl type over poncho

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Do a lot of dishcloths for family, scarves, baby items.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Dishcloths for my daughter's new apt. and the Tulip baby sweater

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

I love to receive them - to me I know the work involved in something and I appreciate that someone took some of their precious time to make me something.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Use circulars almost exclusively, some bamboo, but most are aluminum. Am planning on ordering some KnitPicks

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No but would like to

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Not very since I am a new knitter - but do have an old crochet unfinished afghan that I just gave away a few years ago!!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I love holidays, like to decorate for them with candles, wreaths, kitchen things, candy dishes

19. Is there anything that you collect? Barbie ornaments,

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I do not have any mag subscriptions - buy single copies now and then as budget allows

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Would like to learn how to adjust a sweater or top fit me.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I would like to learn to knit socks. I wear a 9 1/2 WW - Lower calf is 13, ankle is 9", arch is 10", widest part is10"

23. When is your birthday? January 15th, 1954

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

No, but if they expand may try to get on.

What a nice surprise!!

2007-08-15T19:41:00.000-04:00

I was late getting Monday's mail (like, Tuesday morning) and there was my first puffy! Oh how wonderful I felt! It was special and just for me! Deborah B. sent me a little goody bag full of .......what else, goodies!! I took some pictures but can't download them to my computer straight, so will wait until later to try to load a picture. So my description will have to set the picture in your mind! A beautiful rose pink dishcloth that she had knit - and she must have peaked into my closet, because if that is one of the color choices, I have it. Then comes the tea part - a cute canister of fruit flavored tea with the cutest little tea bag ... what do I call it? A tea bag retriever? A tea bag squeezer? Any way it is way cute, even my 21 yo daughter wanted it. And some bags of a vanilla flavored tea, a fall leaf notepad, and a Super Size skein of Sugar and Cream - I have not seen that size here before. And some dice beads - they will make some really cute stitch markers! Deborah B was so nice in sending this package to me. I was thrilled! Thank you Deborah B.

What I did on my summer vacation!

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

This is my essay already prepared for when I go back to school - if ever needed!! I have had an event filled summer and have the debt to show for it.

I have had 4 retinal detachments and surgeries to repair them. The last involved attaching a schleral buckle around the eyeball to try to hold it to one shape to keep the retina from having to stretch and conform to the macula. I even have a photograph of my "vacation" - but warning - it is not for the squeamish!! Not even for the almost squeamish!! It is even hard for me to look at now. I am still in pain from the last surgery and looking at the picture brings back memories of how really painful it has been.

So I have had a vacation FROM sunlight, the beach, baseball games, church because of the lighting, a little housework - but that only lasted about 2 days each surgery!!. So..........there you have it! All of the escapades of this one eyed woman!!

I have managed to begin a little knitting again. Earlier, when I had a little time and felt good it was taken up with dishes, laundry, etc and then resting meant shut eye sleep during the day. I am doing some easy dishcloths for Christmas gifts to get my speed back up. I have a gazillion baby gifts that need to be made so they are on my list.

2007-07-04T19:51:00.000-04:00

Time goes by

2007-03-22T11:46:00.000-04:00

I have found it difficult to find things to add to this daily journal as I have never kept a journal before and am not necessarily a wordy person. I read a lot in school, but was not a witty writer.

I am FREE all week as my husband has gone to Florida to spend some time with a gathering of some of his siblings, so what shall I do?? Spend all of our money? or tackle some projects around the house that I have intended to do then would not have time to finish before he would be headed home, hungry, dirty laundry etc. Knit all week.............vegging in front of the TV, eating junk food.........possibilities are endless.

I found this list one day and thought it appealed to me - I love to read, but have not been able to since my right eye has developed all of its problems. I can read for short periods, large print, but not an all nighter that a good book brought forth. So here goes:

Take the list below, paste it into your own blog, put READ next to those you’ve read, WANT TO next to those you are interested in, AGAIN & AGAIN next to those you’ve read and can’t stop, and leave blank those you don’t care to read.

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown) Never ever
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) READ
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) READ
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell) READ
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien) AGAIN AND AGAIN
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien) AGAIN AND AGAIN
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien) AGAIN AND AGAIN
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) READ
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden) READ
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte) AGAIN AND AGAIN
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien) AGAIN AND AGAIN
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) READ
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) READ
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold) READ
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte) Again and Again
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis) READ
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck) READ
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom) READ
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks) READ and CRIED
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand) READ
34. 1984 (Orwell) READ
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel) READ
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom) READ
45. The Bible READ
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy) READ
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) READ
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck) READ
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver) READ MOST
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) READ
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald) READ
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough) READ
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) READ
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand) READ
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy) READ
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) READ
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery) READ
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell) READ
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett) READ
76. Tigana (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith) READ
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White) READ - son's favorite book
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck) READ
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier) AGAIN AND AGAIN
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen) AGAIN AND AGAIN
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer) READ
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding) READ
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck) READ
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton) READ
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford) READ
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Whew!! I can see an age gap in the books listed. Many old standby's or 70's and 80's school required reading. Then the newer books when my children were too old to be interested in or had other interests in reading. Makes me want to go to the bookstore or library though!! Go hunt for my coupon for Books a million!!

I have been knitting - just don't have a working camera to take the pictures. Making a sweet baby cap for a little girl - the Petal baby hat done in a beautiful peach/coral King Tut cotton. I am doing most of my baby items in cotton for here in the south. Breathes well, holds up well. Have finished a violet 12mo dress for another baby gift. Will try to finish up pictures with my camera and see if I can post some pictures.
Now to go and plan my week.........................

Long time, no see

2007-03-10T14:46:00.000-05:00

Old phrase from my childhood - haven't been here in a while. Had a minor surgery about 3 weeks ago, and can't bounce back from it very fast any more. I had another lumpectomy, pathology was ok, which is always a relief, since breast cancer took my mother's life.
Then to add insult to injury - had a root canal last Monday and they are always a pain - a real pain, not just a metaphoric one!!
But all are healing - they just put me behind on everything. Have decided I need a few things - a personal assistant - probably part time would be ok. A maid, house cleaning service - full time for a while - there is dust on everything, some carpet stains that need removal. A personal home repairman - hot water heater is dying - have to go to garage (down a flight of stairs) to turn on the hot water to take a shower, then back down to turn off the hot water. Go turn on to run dishwasher, then back down and up after turning it off - think you get the idea. Let's throw in the story at this point in time - my husband is a carpenter by profession............what's the story...the cobbler's kids had no shoes?? That is my situation. So I could keep a handy man busy for some time. Now the talk about all of this has gotten my blood pressure up so guess I will stop for now!! See you another day!

2007-02-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

Your Blog Should Be Blue

Your blog is a peaceful, calming force in the blogosphere.
You tend to avoid conflict - you're more likely to share than rant.
From your social causes to cute pet photos, your life is a (mostly) open book.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Happy Birthday daughter dear!

2007-02-07T20:25:00.000-05:00

I have been totally remiss in not wishing my daughter happy birthday! She turned 21 on January 21st - so it was a monumental step for her. She had some friends take her out to dinner, then by another friends apartment where they had a surprise party for her. I was so happy that they did that. She is so far from home and I was glad she had made such good friends in one semester of school. Made this mother's heart a little warmer.

Finally home!!

2007-01-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

I am finally home from my extended Christmas trip to visit family and friends. Visited with a high school friend, made many new friends, went to a dance at the Senior Citizen center with my 20 yr old daughter and her grandfather and step grandmother. She got to 2 Step with him - so far the only granddaughter he has been able to dance with. Such little things make such terrific memories! Sometimes it is nice to just sit and BE with your family - not necessarily doing things all of the time. Then time for the flight home - all I can say is, I know how a sardine feels! American Eagle uses every half inch of space in their planes and don't share it with passengers!!

Texas

2006-12-29T21:39:00.000-05:00

I have been in Texas since Dec 18 - have had wonderful time with family, friends etc. Had my first go round of authentic Mexican food, the best steak fingers in Texas, and am headed next week to some of the best chicken fried steak there is. Now all I need is some brisket BBQ by the Mesquite Burners here in town - they do local functions and things. Have had colder weather than we had had in Tennessee - cold, cold wind and rain, snow predicted for tomorrow. But all is fine when staying with parents and eating lunch at the Senior Citizen Center everyday. LOL Hope all had a great Christmas and New years is coming up!!

Lost Mt Hood Climbers

2006-12-17T14:23:00.000-05:00

I so feel for the families of these climbers - I could be in their shoes one day. One of my sons has been on Mt Hood, another in Alaska climbing on a glacier - they are very experienced, but when you push to the edge, no one knows what can happen. My oldest when hiking through Yellowstone area spent 36 hours in a small tent with his partner in a blizzard with only limited food that didn't have to have hot water to eat. They, another time were close to hypothermia when God, I certainly feel, brought them a warm spring that was not gaseous water. They were able to get in, warm up then re-suit up to continue on to a warmer place. So one never knows what lies ahead in these expeditions. These pictures are of son #2, they are what were handy - couldn't find any of Eric.

Christmas Knitting

2006-12-17T14:11:00.000-05:00

I have managed to do some knitting among the other necessary chores. Not enough - I am not finished for Christmas - and I fly to Texas tomorrow!! So I will have some "to be finished" gifts to give when I return in January. But being with family is priceless and the members who are going to have to wait to get a gift will appreciate that thought too! My second son and girlfriend came over and took us out last night. A family type place, not fancy, but perfect for the chance to visit before I leave. My children are all young adults and I am glad to say - they are people I enjoy being around.

These pictures were taken several weeks ago, so more is done than is shown.....and a new scarf started.

2006-12-13T07:04:00.000-05:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There is:
1
person with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Eric, now in Hawaii

2006-12-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

Well - my oldest is having it rough - living and working in Maui, Hawaii. He arrived safely, was able to pick up some furniture from a guide leaving for another place, so all he needed was a bed. And surely he can come up with that soon. But he has spent years sleeping in his sleeping bag in frigid weather, so a roof over his head and a sleeping bag will do him for a while. He is a trail guide and a rock climbing guide - and in his spare time a snorkeller, learning to scuba dive, rappel down water falls - etc. Just your average day at work! All of the relatives are lining up for visits to see him!!

After Thanksgiving Blessing

2006-11-28T15:20:00.000-05:00

It is always hard to get your young adult children together for many occasions. It is harder in my family this year because our daughter is an exchange student at the U of NM - many miles away. She went on a ski trip with some other exchange students and had a great time. They cooked their own Thanksgiving meal, which opened all of their eyes to different traditions from different parts of the country. My boys are still around here - temporarily! My oldest is leaving Thursday for Maui where he is going to be a hiking and rockclimbing guide. His partner on his last hike, the Continental Divide Trail, is already there doing this and Eric is going to join him. Because Jeffery is a mfg rep and goes out of town, leaving Sunday afternoon to reach their destination to be set up by Monday am, we decided to have a breakfast with them and their girlfriends Sunday morning. It was early for me - I needed some rest after the busy of Thanksgiving - but it was worth it. To have them together one last time before Eric leaves - for what may be a long time - was great. I just praise God for the wonderful young adults that my children have grown into. They don't always make the same choices I would have - but that is how life moves. I just ask God to watch over Eric in his move and to protect him in his trips with paying hikers.

Thanksgiving Blessings

2006-11-21T14:10:00.000-05:00

After the trips to the dentist and some visits to the chiropractor, my autoimmune stuff flew into a huge flare that has had me in bed for a week and a half.......never good in November and December! Too much to do. Thankfully my kids are coming tonight to help with cooking for our contribution to the annual Thanksgiving meal. We have spent Thanksgiving with a group of 4 families with a few extras thrown in now and then, for about 15 years. Each family has developed a tradition of bringing several cherished dishes, so while it seems boring to cook the same things, everyone expects them. And it helps with the grocery shopping list!

Hope all have many things to be Thankful for this year - especially family and friends.

Another trip to dentist

2006-11-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

Well, Mr. Tooth took me on another field trip today after my visit to the chiropractor. It was to his favorite place - the dentist's office. I thought it was to just get my crown seated - but noooo, there was a surprise waiting for me. I got another root canal! The tooth had been bothering me,but I thought a filling was going to be enough. Will this never end?

Today is also a big day because it is election day - and the end to the most contentious, mud-slinging race I have ever seen, between the candidates for the Senate seat. I live in TN and it has really been nasty. I did my civic duty and voted. I also intend to write the national parties who were responsible for much of the mud and voice my view.

It was overall a dreary rainy day to be out - and is now time for a nap!!

Until the next time.

Fritz, my friend

2006-10-27T06:48:00.000-04:00

I really know how the saying "Dogs are a man's best friend" got started. They love you unconditionally and all they ask for is food, water and a little love in return. So it is with our dog Fritz. He is getting on up there in years, so he is no longer our full of energy bouncing terrier of years past - but then neither am I! But he will sit forever and let you rub his head and ears or flop over and let you rub his belly..........aahh!! That, he says, feels soo good! He also is a good pillow to cry on, to listen to my pain, and to be there as long as I need him. He is a great friend, indeed to have.

2006-10-26T12:53:00.000-04:00

Mr Toothache took me to see my dentist. With my illnesses, we have become fast friends - or rather I am a frequent flyer or I am sending his kids to college! I came out of the office with a root canal, and two broken fillings fixed. Always very painful to me! My jaw is swollen, my tooth hurts, and I need some TLC, but hubby is sick with a cold/sinus junk and I am staying across the ocean on our bed to try not to get sick with whatever it is. My dog is the only one who understands..........and the yarn store. Buying new yarn always helps the feelings! Bought Lion Cotton to make a sweater for my Great Nephew to be - who lives in W Texas. Thought cotton was a good fabric to use there, sometimes it never gets cold enough for a real sweater. He is due in March, so am making a 12 mo size so it will fit him next October-November etc. Plenty of time.........after I finish all of these Christmas projects!
Need another fairy helper to come to my aid! Until we write again.........Have a good day! We are to get rain, unpleasant, but we really really need it.

2006-10-25T17:47:00.000-04:00

Thank you kind sir - you must not have seen me frog some of it today at our knitting circle - I was busy talking and failed to pay attention to whether it was a knit or purl row.............and I did the wrong one! And didn't notice it was wrong until quite a few rows later, so nothing to do but frog. But all is well and the scarf is on its way to being finished!!

A Falling time of year.

2006-10-24T19:21:00.000-04:00

The leaves always serve as a reminder of the cycle of life - they glow their brilliant reds, golds, yellows - then begin their journey down to the ground, swirling in the wind, landing sometimes way down from where they left the tree.
They also are a reminder that Christmas is just around the corner and I need to make headway on my projects, instead of getting sidetracked with other projects that run through my head, on their way to other people! I made some headway on Jeffery's scarf - but into the frog pond it went - needed more stitches cast on and a larger needle - just keep experimenting until the pattern gets set.

I think I hear dishes calling my name - and they don't always use an inside voice!!! Until we meet again!

Branching everywhere

2006-10-21T16:11:00.000-04:00

This is my first lace project and I guess it looks like it - and not much like the illustration shown from Knitty.com! I am having trouble with uploading live pictures - so you have to take my word on it. The thing that keeps me going - is the saying about how lace looks before it is blocked! So maybe I can salvage this Christmas gift. I have cast on, while watching UTexas beat Nebraska, for my son's scarf - just a simple 2x2 rib, but done in a bulky yarn, it always looks good and goes quickly. However - plans do change!!!! Somewhere during the UTennessee - Alabama game - remember it is the 3rd Saturday in October! I ran into brain freezes. Maybe it was the snow in the Nebraska game. Maybe it was the needles I was using...maybe..1st I cast on 2 times in doing the rib, wanting to end in a knit on each end. Dumb Dora cast on 32 thinking I will have 2 extra stitches - which defeated my purpose. Somewhere I realized that 30 divided by 2 was an odd number, so I would have my odd repeat. But something about the needles kept bothering me. After my multiple cast ons (because Dumb Dora again forgot to purl the next rows instead of starting with knit.) Hard to watch football and knit!! Got that straightened out......but something about the needles were bothering me. Sure seemed large for #9's. Hmmmmmmm.....the package said 9, 9 inches that is. So my bamboo needles were a size 9 inch #13 needles. So to the frog pond again, quick trip during halftime to Hobby Lobby to get another pair from their very meager supply. So 3 hours of knitting and about 3 inches of scarf. So I take back all of the good things I said about the 2x2 rib scarf.

2006-10-13T23:08:00.000-04:00

OTN, I have Christmas presents galore - and the elves haven't shown up to work yet. I am beginning to get a little anxious, as I don't knit as fast as they do.

A Pink Ribbon

2006-10-13T22:51:00.000-04:00

Today, as I continued to work on this "thing of computerese" I added a pink ribbon. The flowers are for my mother, who lost her battle with breast cancer almost 5 years ago, and two months short of my parents 50th wedding anniversary. October is National Breast cancer month, so please, anyone reading this, have your yearly mammogram! If you have never had one and are hesitant, as a friend, your mother, anyone to go with you and have it done.

A new chapter in my life

2006-10-08T13:06:00.000-04:00

I chose my blog name because it describes how I feel about my life right now. I feel like I am trying to find myself in the middle of changes in my life. Sometimes it is scary not knowing what the future holds, but at other times it is exciting. I do know who holds my future, that is Christ, so I know I have to go through this period that I am in now. My youngest child is in her 3rd year of college and has gone out of state as an exchange student - read that as across country!! I am disabled and can no longer work - so that means that I also cannot do a lot of things around the house that I used to.
I have taken up knitting, had crocheted for many years, thought this would be easy! Think again! The illness is in my central nervous system and I am having trouble following simple pattern instructions. But all is well, it is just a hobby!