Camp StitchALot is over for 2008

Just fond memories are all that remain. What a wonderful time I had at this unique retreat.
With the exception of Tim's escapades, he came down with the flu and had several self-made crisis, it was a great time.
My sister and I spent most of the 5 days in the hotel, only going out for a couple of meals. Applebees, Lucky's Steak house and Big Boy. Other than that, it was a very intense weekend!
On the way to camp, we stopped at Michaels, and I found a lilac boucle yarn and the sweetest little pattern, for Charlie Ann to have a "Grandma made" sweater. Just a little garter stitch hooded cardigan. So while I was at cross stitch camp, much of my time before camp(it officially did not start until 7 pm on Friday) and after(officially ended at noon on Sunday) knitting.
Saturday morning found me in Betsy Stinner's Amish class. She lectured about the Amish lifestyle. She always does loads of research and has the most entertaining class. My kit includes a tiny basket made by an Amish woman which Bets met and commissioned to make them for her. The kit includes the floss, and fabric to make "smalls". These are a scissor fob, a needle book and a pocket to hold scissors. These then are all kept in the basket.
There were about 5 boxes of cast off charts.........and yes, I brought some of them home with me. As I learned to say this weekend, "I just couldn't help myself".
Coming home was an experience. Finally Tim agreed to come and pick me up in DeWitt, many of you do not know that he absolute hates me going to camp. Never mind that I have been going since 2000. He hates it. He is always "ugly" about my going, but truthfully, it costs us nothing. Nada, my sister always gives this to me as a gift. A wonderful gift.
To say that the ride home was a strain would be an exaggeration. But I will continue to go, as long as I can. I believe it is healthy for couples to have individual interests. Enough said on this negative subject.
So I am home again and questioning my choice to be in the home care. In the long/short, it is not cost effective for me to be doing this job. With the price of gas and the clients either not being there or changing their minds about how long I should be there...........I managed to bring home a whopping 7 dollars for 2 weeks. And this did not include the cost of my gas. This was after the state reduced my unemployment for what I had earned. What a bug-a-boo.
So I come home to Tim having the flu, but on day 3. While at camp, I got the coughs. Last night my rib cage was so sore I was sure I needed to have an ace bandage on me to aleviate the pain when coughing. Today the coughing is subsiding, but now I have a temp. But that was after doing all the running to get the car insurance changed and the tags for the two cars. Tomorrow a few more bills to pay and then just rest.
I did have a good time at my camp, but Tim managed to reduce my joy with all the phone calls and problems..this too shall pass.
NOW, I am focused on Knit Away Day and of course my upcoming trip to Nevada and California.
This post is very rambling, but that is the way my brain is thinking right now.
I am off to read a little...tomorrow I will hope to put the hood on the sweater, the body is done, only sleeves and the hood to go. The pattern has the hood sewn on after knitting, I think I will just pick up the stitches at the neckline and graft the top to finish. Then on to the sleeves. I wanted to have it done by Easter, but no way will it reach her on time. They will still be surprised!
Knit On.

Woosh!

That's how my week went. Nothing particular, just seemed way too "busy". I did not seem to accomplish anything much out of the ordinary. I think I am becoming unraveled. Not rattled, just not quite as organized as I once was. I need to reclaim that!
I am leaving for camp on Wednesday and I have a bucket load of stuff to do here at home and plenty of other things dragging me out of the house--daily.
So, maker of lists that I am, I have a list. Detailed. Will she or won't she complete the list before Wedneday morning? Stay posted.
In the mean time.........
Knit On.

Sunshine, lollipops, rainbows everywhere!

Ok maybe not quite, but it has been a good week.
My friend Kathy has told me that she has a job-God does provide.
I hope this job is what she needs, it is a major change in a career direction for her, but she is happy with that!
I continue on in Home Care, I really do like it. It is varied and doesn't seem to get stale, ok it is only week 2, but in that it involves different every day, I like it.
Tim is super excited and that is saying it mildly, about going out for the wedding. He even checked out several books from the library on information in that area. I gently reminded him that Mom will be going also, and she might tire out if we try to do too much. And the main reason for the trip is to see Douglas. How that makes my heart sing, "to see Douglas".
On the Knit Away Day, Cherrie is really getting it together for the prizes!! She is organizing ideas for how exactly they will be dispersed. Her personal goal is to have every one leave the day with a "prize"!
My Camp is in just over a week-ackkkkkkk! I have my name tag to stitch and a home to polish up before I can get in that car and leave with my brother-in-law, who is my chauffeur to DeWitt. I will be on the scenic route in that I will be going from here to DeWitt, spending the night. Then on to Davison. I am still not sure of the arrangements to get me home. But I hope they will. Talk about traveling blind!
So off to knit, I am making premie hats. FOW handed out a directions sheet if we wanted to help with this project. There are 7 sizes, so I challenged my self to make the 7, of course. I have 2.5 done so far. I would like to have them finished by this Thursday as I will not be there next. I am going to change to double points instead of the circulars.......seems to me that it might go more quickly for me. I still fight those dangling needles which aren't being used.
I want to try and get a sweater knit for Charlie Ann. I know I can not get one done for Easter, but I sure would like to try! Yesterday I bought her a tiny bunny with a back pack. I figure Grandma could tuck a bill or two in there!
So I need to get that ready to send out early next week. Much to do!
Knit On.

Miracles Happen Every Day

Some of you know, my son Douglas does not live here in Michigan.
Earlier this week, my mom received an invitation to a wedding.
On the invite was an email address and a phone number.
I did not receive an invitation.
Ellen(My youngest sister, the one living at Mom's presently with Husband, two kids, dog and cat-anothere story there) scanned the invite and the envelope and sent it to me.
First I emailed a friend who lives in LasVegas, asking about Henderson NV-where it stated the wedding would be.
She emailed me back.
Ok, then I sent an email to the address.......it came back undeliverable 3 times.
This ticked me off, I was suspicious that Mom was being scammed for money for a wedding present.
Especially as we had not heard from Douglas since October 2005. At which time there was a mention, maybe my girlfriend is pregnant. And a plea for money, which I was able to scrounge up, without asking Tim.
We have heard nothing................nada............blank for all this time. My heart grew sadder and sadder, especially at holidays and on his birthday.
So in my Ticked off state, I called the number. "Hello" This is AnnMarie is Douglas there....... "OH, I knew you would call. I told Doug you would"

My boy is alive! I have been praying feverishly, as have several others.
Long story short, I talked to Deja for about an hour and a half...........Charlie Ann Mayhew is 19 months old. I AM A NEW GRANDMA!!!!!!
They had sent a packet to our Holland address, but we haven't been there for over a year. Hopefully the US Mail will return it to them.
Yesterday they next day FedEx-ed a packet to me...........it came today.
After crying for an hour-sobbing with joy...........I called the number again.
I talked to my Douglas for over an hour. He wants only for a wedding gift for me to be able to come to the wedding.
Ok--Tim does not know anything yet..............I don't want to tell him and disappoint him. Doug is his "boy" and it broke his heart as much as mine.
Today Tim was at a conference for church with the Pastor.
I took the envelope and waited in the church parking lot for over an hour for their return.
When they pulled in, they both looked at me puzzled.
I raised the FedEx packet---concern crossed both faces.............
I told them, "Miracles happen every day."
Then I pulled out the picture of Douglas and Charlie Ann..................with Spanky(my cat, who Doug took when I married Tim-he's allergic, but that's another story)
Tim started to cry................so while I shortened the story. He knows, as I do, that Douglas is alive.
Douglas is doing well. A good parent and a good provider.
The above picture is but one of the many I received. From Birth to 2/24/08 when this one was taken. It is the the first one Tim saw....

Words can not tell you all how happy I am ...this is such a wonderous thing that God has given Tim and I, and our family.

My Littles are here and that is another Joy. Life can be and is good.

Just in time for Feb KAL socks

Americana yarn......thank you Dawn!

I also finished up 2 other pair in Encore.

On to the next.

Last night at Knit Nite, we were presented with the opportunity to make hats for premies. Sign me up for 7, I said. They should go quickly and there seem to be seven sizes. If I can make 10 pairs of socks for orphans, I can do this. Besides, my enabler, Tim, brought home a shopping bag of yarn from the school. The teacher was tossing it........it may be older, and acrylic, but perfectly usable. So it will become hats as alot of it is baby fine yarn!

Waiting for the beef short ribs to fall off the bone in the crockpot. With oven fried french fries and tossed salad, supper will be complete.

The sun is presently shining. WOOD-TV says 97.2 inches of snow so far. ENOUGH ALREADY!

Camp is in 12 days for me!!! Sorting of stuff and packing to do yet. Better get busy, but first have to finish the skull wrist warmers for Alex's 16th birthday, tomorrow.

Knit oN.

So now it's gotta snow??

Of course, it is still February.
I went to my first client yesterday. It went ok. I must admit I was a nervous wreck, but I did it. Not difficult-so far-but I still need to find a full-time job. This will keep me "out there" if nothing else.
I finished another pair of Encore socks, will have to take the pic and post.
Sunday went great, those little girls SANG every word. And smiled. My heart was just goo. and of course the tears were there too. Same for crusty ole Grandpa. I am so happy that I push to do this for them. They let Daddy know they were disappointed that he wasn't there(he had told them he would come-sigh*Don't promise what you don't intend doing, there is plenty of disappoint in life with out that*)
For lunch we had quesadillas-homemade. And they love them. I tell you if you don't have a quesadilla maker, you are missing it. We use ours alot, chicken beef, just cheese..........it is great!
Off to try a cheese bread recipe,
I have two places to go today, but not until 10 so I have some time to do this and knit!
Knit On.

Last Sunday in 2008's February

All I have to say is what?! February is gone already?
But on an other note, so are two months of winter.
Not much time to write, but I wanted to make sure to get some notes down.
The kids are so happy to be here. Tim on the other hand is being a grump.
Too much work, I know, but I am also of the opinion, that better management of his time, would make it easier. That and less laying on the couch being sad.
Heck, I found a job, I applied for another, I am trying. Not to mention that I do still receive unemployment!
Oh well, I ain't gonna let it get me down...
I have turned the heel on my February KAL5 socks, need to get them done!
I can use the ones I knitted Tim for Valentine's Day, but the feels like cheating since they aren't for me!
I also want to get those 'Americana " ones done too!
Well, I hear little feet on the stairs, my day has begun!
Knit On.

Gone from the Blog a few days,

and look what happens!
From the beginning, the Valentine Party was success! Everyone who attended had a great time. The talent time was wonderful, several who weren't scheduled to appear wanted to share also. The crafts were well accepted. The desserts were delicious. The movie time was great. And the popcorn maker only added to the movie atmosphere!
Sunday brought church and an all-church potluck following the service. Let me tell you, the Methodists sure know how to put out the chow!! What an assortment. The kids just go wild with all the choices. Tho they have learned which dishes they will not like, lol. But dessert is always a favorite of the kids.
On Tuesday I went on an interview at Evergreen Commons, for a Home Care position. I filled out the application and went on my way with a well, return on Thursday at one for orientation.
So Thursday came and I planned on being there at 1. I get a frantic call, you need to be at the church! The budget meeting is now!!(it's 10 am-me with no shower no where near ready!) So off I go! Leave there at 12:30 and head to Holland. By 3 pm. I learn I have a J-O-B. And I already have "clients".
So there goes all my goof off time...
I start on Monday. To me it mostly sounds like a "paid daughter" position. I have no medical training, just common sense and age on my side, lol.
So off I go to a new adventure.
Speaking of adventures..........last night, Knit Nite, Cherrie and I presented the opportunity to attend Knit-Away-Day! It was well received! We are planning on fun times here gals, so don't miss this!
Well, Tim is on his way home and we are going to the Fennville Library. Him to work or something, me to check in and out books! Gotta get my reading done for the book club, I need a prize. And Mary, the librarian tells me they are great prizes!! Me I am hoping for my own copy of One Skein, lol. Probably not. But I can dream.
Knit On.

It's Valentine Saturday!!

Tonight Tim and I are hosting a Valentine Party at the church. We have a couple of crafts for the kids, hope that those attending bring a "favorite dessert", and have a few movies, The Lake House(the main feature for "adults"), The Impossible Elephant for the kids and The Ultimate Gift, if a second is needed(probably not so we have a Sunday afternoon movie!)
Tim will be playing a few selections on the organ, we have invited anyone else wishing to perform in the talent portion to do so also, but there will probably be no takers on that-their loss.
If nothing else, Tim and I and the Littles and the Pastor, his wife and their 3 grandchildren will be attending. The weather is to be fine. So here's hoping.
This is something Tim really wanted to do.
Tomorrow is a potluck after church. I plan on making a General Tso Chicken dish to take in a crock pot. I am cooking the chicken tonight. And the rice to go in the other crockpot tomorrow morning. I have a bag of apples needing to be used, so I think an apple crisp is in the making this morning too!
That will make sure there will be enough for the littles and us, volumewise at the potluck. By this I mean, sometimes, there is not enough......no loaves and fishes thing happening. The first thru the line-especially if it is the Youth-fill up their plates and by the end of the line, not so much if anything to choose from.
I have a cabbage also, so maybe a coleslaw too? We will see when I run out of steam, lol.
So far the reactions to Knit Away Day are positive!! It needs to be a little planned so people who come aren't disappointed, but with my friends help(of course they are the ones coming, lol) it will be a success!! I am so pleased/excited to be able to do this!!!
Even with the continual uneasy-ness of unemployment, I find that I am at Peace. I really like my life right now, I am happy. Is that selfish to be so, I don't think so, it has changed the focus here in our home from money. Now don't get me wrong, there isn't any extra-and I mean any but that doesn't seem to be too big an issue. I have learned a new "skill"-reclaiming yarn( I love finding the 100% sweaters), cooking more and knitting and knitting and cross stitching.
Speaking of which, Camp is coming close..........my name tag and my "kit" have to get done!!
So the plan is to finish up the clogs for Tim, and then attack the cross stitching.
I am also planning on stitching a sampler which I found(with Mima's help) in DMC 111-now I stole that color from my friend, Patricia. I saw a sampler in which she is using it and fell in love. I love monochromatic colored stitchings.
Enough chit-chat for now...........this has become long.
Off to to the mandatory morning knit-Tim is gone to work at the library, so I won't feel guilty, lol.
Knit on.

Fridays are great!

Belated Valentine wishes to all from me!
Yesterday morning Tim was gifted with a bag of M and M's, Cherry Gel Hearts and a pair of knitted socks. I got a wave goodbye. Not to worry.
He came home with heart "peeps", a cookie and cream candy bar(my personal favorite!) and a lottery ticket(which did not win). A cookie he got from school, heart with frosting and a strawberry newton cookie.
We had supper of a ham slice and home-made German Potato Salad(I don't care for it, but Tim loves it-even tho I did not use his mom's recipe) and green beans.
Then I ran off to Knit Nite..........came home to him playing love songs on the organ!!
Then we watched LOST. A nice evening!
Ok I did not finish up the knitted black bear, almost-going to be in the Easter Basket now, lol.
Nor did I get the clogs finished, will just be an I Love You gift......and still a surprise!
Today, I feel human again! I have felt so crappy this week, I was afraid pneumonia was setting in, but by being careful to get enough rest and fluids, I think I may have headed it off! Will continue my routine to do so......
At Knit Nite last night it was brought to topic to have a Retreat/Getaway...some of the ideas are way out of my budget, and not really what I want to do. I want just some knitting girlfriend time, not shopping or sight-seeing. I do those with Tim when we go away as he is great about indulging me with shopping(read here looking in many shops). So I just want the time to spend more time with these ladies I like so much.
So............... I have decided that in April the American Bear Cottage will be hosting a Knit Away Day! I have a chosen the date of Saturday the 26th. The 2nd Saturday wouldn't work as that is Prayer Shawl time at church so I was down to 3 choices. The 26th was the best choice. Note: If you participate in Angel Food, this is a pick-up day, but come after you pick up........or arrange for someone else to pick-up for you. Girlfriend time is important!
Keep posted for details! If I can pull off the annual Christmas Open House, this will be a piece of cake!
I am on a mission...beware, lol
Have a great weekend, and
Knit on

Migraine Monday,

moved into to Too-Cold Tuesday.
Last night the Littles went home. No Valentine making, but my frig is covered with art. From all 3. They were good, but Grandma just wasn't up to par. So we colored watched Dora, Dragon Tales, WonderPets and I don't know what else. Before you get to thinking that the TV babysat.....no I watched the news, Rachel Ray and the 1.5 soaps that I like.
Monday evening brought a Finance meeting at church, followed by a council meeting. Meetings are for those who don't want to do, that is my opinion today. What if Jesus' friends said, hey wait, we have to get a committee to decide?????
I have the Faith that what needs to happen-will, regardless of the nay-sayers.
Today, I got the valentines made and posted to the family members, sorry friends, I love you all, but I didn't get them done in time.......
Two days to complete the clogs, but wait, I saw a great idea where they are gifted before they are felted!!! That is what I am going to do to Tim, he will freak-or think I have lost it.
His socks will be done also, easy peasy......as will the little black bear, which he doesn't know about.
So off to clean out the fireplace and start tonight's fire. I would have liked one all day, but with leaving in the middle to run errands......what was I thinking??!!
I decided to wait.........NOW is the time, lol.
Keep warm and
Knit on.

Frozen Tundra!

Or so it looks outside. Today church was cancelled! Too cold, too blowy snowy.
Tim went out just after lunch to get a paper, milk and pop. He forgot the milk......and me with the Littles here, sigh. I would like to make him go back, but really, I am not that heartless..we will do okay, we have milk and canned milk if I want to cook anything using milk.
We watched Wild Hogs movie, funny!
I am knitting the 2nd sock for Tim's valentine.......he wouldn't try on the first one at any point so I figure if they don't fit, I will have a pair, lol.
So it is almost nap time, I will get some fixin's out to make some Valentine cards later in the afternoon. I may take a pic of them when we get done. Can't think of anything better to do on a snowy Feb Sunday afternoon! Ok maybe a nap, but with the kids, that probably won't happen.
Off to knit...
Knit on.

Don cha just hate it when you..

pay off the "note" on a car and then it decides to cost you money????
Well today's bill was $517.06! A new fuel pump and fuel filter, but now it at least runs. Yesterday Tim came home from a conference on Blueberries-we could make money on these?!-and parked in the driveway. I went out right away to go to Knit nite....and no start?! What?? He just came home.......so I called Barb, no answer, Called Mary, she was in a meeting..........so Kathy........she came from Holland and picked me up. Now that is a Knitting friend!! and She took me to Dittos to pick up a few more sweaters to reclaim. Barb brought me home. I am such a ride bum! But, but it was to make it to Knit Nite....!
I love my girlfriends at Knit Nite!
Joan showed off the knit embellished sweatshirt, cute, cute, cute. I am going to have to find me a sweatshirt quick to try this out!! My camp gals will love it!
I bought four more sweaters to reclaim....a wool and cashmere vest.......already done! Only the soaking and drying to do.......I don't remember the others but they were pretty!! (of course) So I have to get me a winder...Kathy says to use a 40% coupon at Joann's so I need to get one of those!!
It will happen when it needs to...I am so having fun ripping out the sweaters and finding new fibers for my knitting hobby.
Off to knit on Tim's second sock, the Valentine ones which he knows about.....the clogs should be ready for felting on Monday afternoon, or Tuesday at the latest. Now just to find the place for them to dry where he won't find them.......the Victorian room! We keep it closed up when the Littles aren't here!
Tomorrow is Prayer shawl meeting at the church, in the morning Pastor Dave, Tim and I are going to a conference workshop.......so hopefully we will get the Littles and maybe Alex after the prayer shawl knitting.
Angel Food ministries seems to be starting well, I know there will be bumps, but it is a wonderful thing that is happening.
Knit On.

Good thing I am not a Momma Sheep...

I would be tossing the kids in the dryer, or would that be lambs?? hehe.
So the hanks are not dry.......I am still so tempted to put them over the dining room register.. I am winding the whitish one on a toilet paper tube, slow going. but I really want to knit up a swatch of the reds. I know, I have plenty to finish up first. Tim's socks, Tim's Valentine Clogs.......my sweater....my socks..a prayer shawl and to cross stitch for camp too. which is now just over 30 days away......yikes, I gots to get organized!!!
Off to get busy..........oh but first, Tim took a vacation day today and he is attending a conference at Lake Michigan College about blueberry-ing. Hope he doesn't come home wanting a John Deere again, sigh. That has to wait for a little bit.
Knit on.

Here's the end result of 2 sweaters

reclaiming of the yarn!! I am just waiting for it to dry and then wind up into balls. Sure could use a winder now! (Note to self: ask for one for my birthday, in March). This could be addictive! When they are dry, I will knit up a swatch and see how it felts.......they could be slippers, and who knows?

Ta, Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Here are Kendra and Nicole with our Valentine Gingerbread house! They had so much fun decorating this. I must confess, I did the roof while they were outside playing in the snow. Kendra loved putting on the candy, but she did not like the mess on her fingers.

Colee was good with it for about 2 pieces then she would drift away, come back and put on a couple more. Just not a fast enough process for our Colee. Tristan tried to help, but he fell asleep on the kitchen floor! Tim came in an took him back to the livingroom and rocked him for a time. I told Tim those days are passing way too fast.

So yesterday, Tuesday, I went to FOW for knitting in the morning, working on my american socks-the yarn a gift from my friend from St. Joe, Dawn-I have one done and almost to the heel on the second. I can knit on it when Tim is home, but when he is gone, I am trying to get a pair of felted clogs done for a Valentine surprise! I think I will make my goal, today I should be able to finish the main part of #2. Then the soles of both to go. And finish up his little black bear! Will he be surprised.

Anyway back to my tale of yesterday, I found this cool pattern called Fuzzy on Knitty for a felted boot slipper! I wanted to obtain some yarn, but not having extre$$ was creating a challenge. So I went to HL used my 40% off coupon and got a safe color, blue. Then I searched Ditto-one of the local resale/thrift shops in Holland for sweaters to "reclaim" the yarn. I found 2 (the sale of the week is 2 for 1) 100% Lambs wool hand knit sweaters. One in red and one in a reddish tone, with white accents on the yoke. All of this for $3.00!! So if this doesn't work, too hard to dis-mantle, or the yarn won't loose its crimp, or it won't felt. I won't be out too much $$ wise.

So of course being a patient woman, not, I started yesterday at about 4:30 pm to go at it! By midnight, yes, I did help Tim bring in wood, made supper and checked on my emails, I had most of the red one into hanks and all of the reddish and white one in hanks. I then soaked them in the bathtub in cool water until saturated. Then I gently squished out some of the water and hung them to dry on my drying rack. They were straightening out!!

This morning they are still damp, but definitely straight. Now just to wait, so I can knit up a swatch and check for felting, pretty exciting..........a whole new adventure for me.........I am already thinking of that pretty coral sweater which was silk and something..........oh and the cashmere and silk, beige one. LOL. I am off and running...........Tim of course thinks I am crazy, but he is tolerant and as long as it is CHEAP, he probably won't complain too much.

So off to see what else I can do today, oh and of course work on that clog.

Knit on.

Saturday morning peace time...

well, until the group gets up! That's right the Littles are here! I missed them so much and I think they missed me too.

Yesterday I finally learned how to put the pictures from my camera to the computer. I also signed up for a Flikr page to keep them on. Now they can go on my blog!
So, here is the pair of socks I made for the Sock A Month Knit a-long, which I signed up for on Ravelry. They are made from Encore Colorspun Blue on Blue. Size 6 needles and they only used one skein! The pattern is Joan's socks, which I received at Friends of Wool about a year ago. Pretty shadings I think and they are warm. Now Tim wants a pair too. I am making him a navy pair.

Kendra and Tristan have had hack jobs on their hair, it makes me sad. Poor Kendra she said she asked her mom to cut off a little. She cut about 6 inches and did a poor job. Again something for me to clean-up, but I am happy that I am able to and the kids trust me. Tristan's is way too short and again a hack job. But I will neaten him up tonight, I did cut up the scraggles last night.

Today we have some picking up to do in the morning and then in the afternoon, we will put together the Valentine Gingerbread house! I have some Necco candy hearts and lollipops(they maybe can be trees?-will have to see) and we will use only the red, pink or white-won't it be fun convincing the kids not to use it all???

Winter snow warning.

Those weather people are so smart........this time they were right!
We are having Snow, yes snow with a capital letter. Tim says about an inch an hour, but that is the way guys measure, right? I don't think it is that much, but it is plenty and coming down!
I am straightening up the messed up house, with me home it doesn't get put back any better than before, February is going to start with me starting....now if I just don't get distracted.
Last night Tim took me into Holland where we went grocery shopping, something we do about every 3 months, oh we get the fresh stuff as needed, but canned goods and such as that only every 3 months it works well for our house.
Then I was dropped off at Knit nite, I love those girlfriends. We are planning a cookbook......we are all great cooks or know great recipes.......and Earleen also wants to add hints and stories. Imagine stories from us, lol. Some of them are a hoot, like broiled kitty?? Or the doggie door story? Or the flapping goose?
Does any one remember the Grit?? It was a weekly newspaper that my Grandma got, it had great stories.........we would have lots and lots of material for it today!
So I have to treat myself to an hour of knitting, I am working on the mohair shawl today.
Then I have to drag in wood, kindling, re-arrange the canned goods, do laundry, put away laundry and re-hem a pair of curtains into valances for the kitchen. Maybe I will have time to run up a set of panel curtains for the computer area, it seems cold around the edges today. I have the fabric, just need to get these things done. The bed is made with a different quilt and shams today. My log cabin house one, it seemed appropriate for a snowed in day.
The Littles are to come today, but I doubt that Tim will go get them. So I am trying to get their mother to deliver them here before she goes to work. I hope I am successful!
Off to knit, Rachel Ray is coming on and maybe I will get ideas for supper?
Knit on.

And on it goes...

took the tests on Tuesday........I "was" to get the results and a plan today.
Ladybug's doors are frozen shut.....and I mean shut! So I called and I am staying home. Enjoying Rachel Ray, and then to do housework. Need to get it all ship-shape before my Littles come tomorrow.
Yesterday was yucky bad weather, so I knit.......I finished up my blue Joan's socks in an Encore Colorspun in soft blue on blue. They looked so nice. Tim now wants the navy colored yarn made into warm socks for him. OK, least I can do.
I am still working on Sonnet, but got way-laid by the socks. My feet are so cold.
have to work in more socks, but get the sweater done.
Up to pull out the DMC for the red, white, blue project for camp........see Mima, I did not forget!
So off to enjoy the show and knit.......then the drudgery.
Knit On.

Monday, and dreaming

Daring to Dream-overcoming barriers that hold you back. That is the name of the study program I joined yesterday at church. Now usually I am not one for bible "study", but the title of this 50 day program and the time of my life, well it just seems like it might fit.
Dreams-you remember then don't you? What you wanted to be when you grew up? Me, my first choice was a Home-EC teacher, boy does that date me...
The and a recurring "dream" is was to be an archaeologist........yes, me, prissy, exacting me in a "dig". I love the finding part of history, so maybe a museum curator is in my future. Right here in North Glenn, I don't think so.
Then my dream was to have a store, antiques, handcrafted items and such. A friend of mine had one such store, and I helped alot.......windows, displays, painting, rep-arranging-you name it I did it. I learned alot about how things work together to be pleasing to the eye. For a time I actually got people to pay me to tell them how to arrange furniture and things to be better enjoyed daily!
Back to real life, now I just have mine and Tim's things to arrange.........but that is ok, I see it developing in my Granddaughter, Kendra. She is my little me(sometimes my little Rachel, too), she likes to make it pleasing to her eyes, lol.
Today, I promise I am going to Allegan to take that testing stuff, the weather is still yucky, but I "gots to go". We will see how useful this will be in life, but off I go.
But to reward myself to going, I am going to FOW's Tuesday morning open Knit. Yes, Mima, it seems I don't do much but knit lately.........much to finish up before Camp!
So since I want to get a good start on the day...........I am out of here!
Knit On.

Friday, Saturday and now it's Sunday,

So where did the last few days go?? Well, let's see....on Friday, I was able to get my new glasses. I am trying to wear them more they do help with eye fatique in the evenings especially. Then I ran quickly up to Holland. I was on a mission!
I had to get the pattern to FOW, which I used for the market bag for one thing.
Trip to the credit union for another. But my big reason was to hit the thrift store in search of "new" jeans...mine are getting not only very comfortably, larger, but also very worn and saggy looking. So off I went, well, I was successful in my mission for I found and bought not only 2 pairs of jeans, but 2 pink turtlenecks and a lime green sweater! All for only $10! So was I ever successful.
Saturday found me back at FOW's doorstep-really next door. I attended Chris Blysma's Stashology! Fun and fun. We learned how to be random, something not only I struggled with but also several of the others too! But we did learn and we did see how well this could work. So after a delightful lunch and a little more instruction, we were turned loose in the shop to explore the newly learned skills about choosing what makes our hearts sing! No longer does one have to feel guilty about only purchasing one hank, ball or skein.(This is something which I have personally struggled with when we visit other shops and areas.) I now know how to use them!
Back home after the class only to learn Tim had decided we would not be getting the Littles after all. My heart is sad, I miss my Littles. But I did tell him we would be bringing them home next Friday. NO EXCUSES!
Sunday morning found me very tired, I apparently did too much late Saturday, I brought in 10 loads of wood, so it would be dry to burn in the wood burner. (It never gets brought in ahead of time, I am tired of trying to burn wet wood. So while I can only bring in 4-5 logs at a time........I filled the rack almost half full. And gathered up 2 5-gallon buckets of sticks for starters! This will make my life much easier!) Well, it was too much, my body fought me all night long with leg and abdomen cramps. Extremely painful.....and waking me up every 1-2 hours all night long. But off to church we went, I was the reader of scriptures, so there was no playing hooky. I am glad I went, the message begins a new series, Dare to Dream again.......... How appropriate at this time in my life!
While I have constant dreams about things to create and do for me, my home and others, I don't seem to have any Dreams-you know the big ones, if I had all the money, what would I do? Where would I go? How would my life change?
So at this crossroads of my life it seems a good time to examine and learn to dream, again.
Knit on...........I am. Gotta get that Sonnet Sweater at a stage I can show it off on Thursday!(Just for you Cherrie!! love you!)

And the Lake Effect continues...

last night we received about 9 inches of new snow.......Thankful am I that I do not have to venture any further than the mailbox!
It is Knit Nite and perhaps, Tim will take me in or not....I am not ready to leave the nice warmth of the wood stove and my slippers, lol.
Making the rice pudding today in the crockpot as a surprise for Tim! He will have worked outside for much of the day, shoveling and clearing snow. Even tho there is no school, the sidewalks must be cleared.
I finished up the market tote for the shop, in a linen. It turned out nicely, if I say so myself, and I wrote up the adjustments to the pattern so the shop will have the directions.
Personally, I like my lime green one, knit in Sugar and Cream, a much "happier" looking bag. But, in either color it is a nice bag!
Now to tackle the finishing up of a couple pair of socks and make a pair of black mitts for a friend of my sisters-to ride on the Harley with, no less!
so I have plenty to keep my fingers moving-not to mention the pieces I need to get started on for my kit for camp. A curious tradition my sister and I have is to create a co-ordinated kit for accessories, ie. a scissors fob, needlebook, whatever. I do think my absolute favorite was the squirrel fob that Mima made me.......it is the cutest.
so off to stay out of trouble.............
Knit on!

In spite,

of the continuing cold that persists outside, we have been pretty comfortable. Of course, that means throwing a log or two on the fire every hour or so. And it also means that today,(while Tim is gone to work-how did he plan that?!) more wood must be hauled in. I figure that I have wood enough for about 4-5 hours, so by noon I shall have to be bundled up and venture out! By then I will be ready for some "exercise".
On the knitting front, I am about 1/2 way done with the body piece of the Sonnet sweater. I am liking the colors and they interesting way the pattern is working up. Already I am thinking of new ways to make the next one "mine" shorter length, perhaps? Less of a neck opening? Will see how this one fits tho before I venture out to do another. And I have only a few inches to finish up on the market bag. It is in linen and looking quite "green friendly". Already having one in lime green Sugar n' Cream(or maybe Peaches and Cream) any way it is cotton yarn. The girls and I love it to take to market. In fact I have "on the needles" a second one in a coral color-so there will be 2 bags when we go to market. No squabbling over who carries the bag. Of course now with Tristan being 3, he will probably want to carry a bag also.....better get busy, Grandma, lol.
The Littles did not come this weekend, Tim worked late on Saturday, painting at the library(yeah!) and with the cold snow and blow, we decided that it would be better for them to stay home. Of course we learned at church yesterday, they did not have school today(Martin Luther King day), so it would have been ok to take them home mid-day today. Next weekend for sure they are coming!
So for today, I have to plan supper, and try to get the stuff outta the dining room, check on the cottage, haul wood, do laundry(that never ends!) and knit. Oh and get the valances finished up for the kitchen. Plenty to keep me out of trouble. Have to get 2 days worth done, as tomorrow I want to go to knitting at FOW in the am and have to be in Allegan for the testing in the pm.
So my week is starting off busy!
Knit on!

I am a cast-on-aholic..

yes it's true. I am. Today I cast on some of the Red Heart yarn my sister gave me for Christmas. I had asked for 3 skeins of the same, but surprise, I received 3 different, lol. That being the case I thought now what could I do with these? Hmmmm.......the light and lofty is being incorporated with the remainder of the baby blanket light and lofty for an extra special Prayer Shawl. The autumn-y colors are still waiting to call out to me, as is the bulky.

But the one skein, called Monet, so you can imagine it is soft blues, greens, pinks and purples..........was dying to become a sweater. So it is going to be Sonnet, from Knitty.com, which is pictured above. This is an interesting knit item as it is knit sideways! This looks to be fun, there is a slight pattern(if you want to insert it) or it is just knit in a garter stitch...easy-peasy!!!
So my goal is to have one skein knit up a week, at least. Of course I have to purchase more skeins, while the dye lot may not match, I don't think that will be a major problem. It will just add to the uniqueness of the project.

I wanted a cardigan to wear with jeans and a turtleneck and this will just fit the bill.

So off to finish up the kitchen, think about supper and be thankful that I am in a warm safe house.

Knit on.

corrections

Caution: fingers faster than brain.
should read Frozen
honestly................

Cold Weather warmings..

Here is a new favorite of our home:

Rice Pudding
8-10 servings
1 cup white uncooked rice
1 cup sugar
8 cups milk
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt

1. In slow cooker, mix together rice, sugar, and 8 cups milk.
2. Cook on High 3 hours.
3. Beat together, eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, vanilla, and salt. Add to slow cooker. Stir. 4. Cook on High 25-30 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon. Serve warm.
Easy_peasy.

Here is the Salmon-Potato Cakes.1 lb. fresh or grozen skinless salmon fillets
3 cuups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
2 slightly beaten eggs
1 T. seafood seasoning
2 T. buttoer or margarine
1 Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse, pat dry. In a large skillet cook fish, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 6 to 9 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Place cooked fish in a large bowl and flake with a fork, cool slightly.
2. Add potaotes, eggs and seasoning to fish. Stir gently to combine. Shape mixture into 6 patties. In a 12-inch skillet cook patties in hot butter over medium heat for 4 minutes per side or until browned and heated through.
(Note: I did not have the shredded hash browns, so I used the cubed type and treated the mixture more as a"hash". Browned on one side and then stirred to brown the rest.)
This was a hit at our house too!

So there are a couple of things to keep you warm this upcoming cold, cold weekend!
Knit on!

Already?

It's Thursday already......and I don't have the things any where done that I had planned on doing this week..of course.
The Monday church meetings went well.........very well, one down, 11 to go.
Tuesday my friend Barb took me with her to FOW's Tuesday morning knitting! What fun. I returned home and shortly after that the 2 Kens from church came and drove my Ladybug away. They planned on making her driveable....and they did!! She is purring like a kitten again, still needs a little more intense work, but she is good for local driving!
Yesterday was a knit, movie and laundry day. I saw 2 or 3 movies(what a slug!) and knit up a storm. Started on the market bag for the shop, thru one skein, 2 to go. Laundry pile did not get finished, back at that today.
For supper last night we had Barb's 4 stack supper or something like that she called it. Bacon on the bottom, onion slices, hamburger patties, onion slices, sliced carrots, topped with sliced potatoes, all in a pan on the stove, add a little water and cook til potatoes and carrots done, about 30 minutes. Comfort food at it's best!
So off I go today to switch cars so I can go to Knit Nite at FOW.
Knit on.

Monday it's cold

I just can't seem to get warm today. And of course, I can't just stay home and periodically throw a log on the fire, no, I went to MI Works today at 1 to learn about opportunities to help me find employment!
Have to go back on the 22nd to be tested, as to better know where my opportunities may lie.
Tonight I have my first church council meeting where I am the chairperson, sigh. After yesterday's act, this might be a hard or easy one to follow, depending on how much order I can maintain among the natives.
On the knitting front, I am almost finished with the "can you do this the rest of the way for me" baby blanket by my sister. Understand, she does lots and lots for poor lil ole me, so it is not really work!
Then I have to get busy on the market bag, and the prayer shawl on the needles at this time, drag out my crayon box jacket and of course start again on my surprise jacket, not to mention the american socks and of course my KAL for socks-cabletini is the pattern. So I have much to keep my fingers moving.
Tomorrow I will absolutely get in some me knitting time!
Off to make meals on wheels supper for Tim, Salmon/hashbrown casserole. Sounds strange, but it is very yummy! Not fishy at all.........and hello, Paula Deen, it calls for butter!! So how could that be bad tasting!
Knit on!

Sunday for me,

is a new start. Just as each and every morning is a new day, Sundays are also a "clean slate". Even with the rush, rush of a Sunday morning, it is wonderful.
This morning does not seem to want to come, it is still darkish out side and at 7:45 that seems late to me for sunshine.
Today we are celebrating Tristan's 3rd birthday! Even tho it was last weekend -we are doing it today! The cake is in the oven, the pork loin soon to go into the crock pot and then get the kidlets up and the day is on!
I had better get going for now, I always seem to be the last one to get to the bathroom. Thinks that's because I get everyone else up and running first???
Have a great day and Knit On.

And so it goes.

Friday, another weekend approaches. If I was still a work away from home gal, I would either be glad it was Friday or be glad I only had to work 1/2 day Saturday. For now......it only means it is Friday and the Littles will be coming!
Tomorrow is a Leadership workshop for church and Prayer Shawl group in the afternoon. After those obligations, we will go and bring our Littles home...we missed last week as I was feeling puny. Much much better now, but still not a stitch of motivation, but I am hoping to get it by this afternoon.
I am almost finished with the current Prayer shawl, then I have been asked to knit a market bag like the one I made last spring. I will be paid in yarn, that is ok as I want to be able to get the remainder of yarn for my surprise jacket. Speaking of which, I need to get it back into the rotation, or better yet start a rotation, lol.
Tonight for supper is planned a pizza! Tim found a crust mix which is gluten free, so we will be having that! It has been a long, long time since we were able to have one, so I am looking forward to it.
The weather is icky, I am lucky that I do not have to go out today and drive. Last night coming home from Knit Nite, was enough of a challenge for me for a time. It took almost an hour to reach my front door!! Slick and sloppy were the good words.
Well off to finish up the few rows left on the beautiful robin's egg blue shawl and then crochet on the shell edging(which will not ravel as the fringes do with Homespun).
Knit On.

January thaw?

So it seems today, warmer weather, not sure of the temps, but there is melting everywhere. Just days ago, we had to have the drive plowed out! Talk about money down the drain.....luckily our neighbor does it fairly inexpensive, so it is not too bad a blow.
Started on Cabeltini socks with the yarn Kat gifted to me-I think it was meant for me, not Tim, lol. I joined a KAL on Ravelry to knit a pair of socks a month for 5 or 6 months, I don't remember which right now. But anyways, I will have some socks just for me! Not gifts, but ME. And trust me, ME needs a little self-indulgence at no cost right now.
I have started the task of dis-mantle-ing Christmas at the Teske house. I want to be attentive to how things are packed this year. Usually I am pretty organized in regards to color and rooms, but this year in decorating, I found room for improvement. So while I have a little time during the days, without a guard, I will pack up accordingly.
The Littles aren't coming this weekend, I just don't feel well enough to take care of them. Today is Tristan's 3rd birthday, but as I did not plan a celebration, I figure we can do it next weekend. Perhaps I will be able to visit Kendra and Nicole at school during the week, that would be fun!
So off to get some chicken in the oven for my man's dinner, he is working at the library painting. He did his church job this morning, so maybe we can have a peaceful evening.
Knit On!

With that done,

the inventory at my local Yarn Shop, I will have you know....I am tired.
Fiber bone tired.....who thought that fiber could whip one, but two days of crawling, walking and a little stool climbing certainly did.
With that done, I have had gratification of stroking much fiber, wool, cashmere, silk, bamboo, alpaca and much much more, I have to get busy.
Get busy finding a job. Love alone does not make the world go round. At least not in this household. So come Monday it is probably "beat the street" or at least the internet searching. I really do not want to go to Manpower and have me placed, but it may come to that.
Looking on the brighter side, I do only need to work for 7 years, so if it is something I did not choose as my first "career", it won't be hopefully for the rest of my life.
On a better topic, I have joined Ravelry's SAM5-knit a pair of socks a month group. I hope to expand MY personal inventory of socks. Selfish you may say, but I believe I should reward myself for the time and knowledge I do possess.
I also have a cute set to create as my take along cross stitch kit for the upcoming camp Stitchalot. It has a scissors tassel, pinkeepn needle pocket and a biscornu pin cushion which all fit in this Hershey's Kiss time in a red, white and blue design. My sister, Mima, got the chart and the tin for me, so I had better get it done, lol. She and I always room together at the camp, we in the last few years, have gone up on Thursday and come back home on Monday, camp itself actually runs from Friday night thru Sunday noon(or so). But since this is the only time we see the Stitchy Sisters, who are friends met thru the internet, we try and stay the extra days.
Stitchy Sisters are a group of women who talk or read by email daily, how is that for a commitment to friendship. We live across the United States with only about 6 of us live in Michigan.
So off to have a cuppa tea and plan the day!
Knit on-or stitch on which ever gets to my hands first today.

so the laundry,

is almost done! Then of course tonight there will be more.
Talked to Momma today and she is making plans for Saturday's Christmas for the family. I feel so bad she got to crying as my youngest sister lives there with her husband, 2 kids(6 & 2) a dog, a cat and they have taken in the daycare persons dog for 2 weeks also, anyway, back to the tears. Mom does not feel well, and they seem to think since she is home she should take care of the kids for them while the sitter is gone.....it is too much for her.
Wish I was closer, they could PAY me to take care of them, and leave Mom alone!
We will be taking the "Littles" and Alex along on Saturday, I hope for it to be a fun time. Last of our Christmas's here........then the daunting task of dismantling the trees and alll of the decorations, but unemployed, I will have time to do that!
Off to knit for a time, I have a pair of fingerless mitts to finish up before Friday evening. and to wrap the gifts for Saturday.
Tonight is Knit Nite, the highlight of MY week!

and so the search begins

today I emailed a resume for a job.......not a career, just a job.
That is all I need, if I could find a way to make money and stay home, I would do it in a heartbeat! While the fact that there is no paycheck coming is a big dark cloud looming, I do like being home. No I haven't organized those closets, cupboards or the craft room. Nor have I managed to finish up the laundry, maybe tomorrow. If Tim would quit changing clothes, I could! LOL.
So we made it thru the Christmas Day festivities, Tim seemed disappointed, but he usually is after our trip to his parents. There is no explaining how that works, but dysfunctional is a starting place....
So he has gone back to work, me I went back to the couch until 9:30.....that has got to stop.
Sorted thru some junk as the refuse company is coming tomorrow, and started on the routine stuff.
But I need to log in daily-at some time-to look for a job. Until this unemployment $ starts coming I am very, very nervous. I have never had to do this and wonder how it will all work.
We are still recovering from the lack of electricity, apparently we picked up nothing for the time we were trying to be warm...but that is resolved now.
So off to plan for supper...leftovers, or steak>>>>no choice for me, leftovers!

Electricity is Wonderful

we had been without power from 8 am on Sunday to 1pm Monday
we had horrible winds and zip it went.
we fared pretty well, no harsh words over being cold.

it only got as low as 45 around the edges, good thing we know how to build and maintain a fire.
I made sausage, peppers, onions and potatoes for supper on the top of the wood stove
In the morning I boiled eggs- gotta make potato salad for Teskes Christmas night, but no worry about that now~!
So now it is Christmas morning, and as usual, I have stocking stuff and the kids presents to wrap. Until the outage I was pretty much on target........oh well, maybe next year!
Happy Christmas to all!

It's c-o-m-i-n-g!!!!

I as the little girl excited about Christmas!!
Yesterday I found, in the basement, a box containing our STOCKINGS! It had been lost for 2 years, and I figured Tim had just discarded of the contents, because it was important to me.
I was wrong, I tell you! There was my stocking and all of the other stockings we last used in Holland. We hang them for everyone who will be here on Christmas day. (I don't hang Douglas' as he won't be coming, I just had a thought..........maybe I should start hanging his!) And most important........................drum roll if you pleases...................my very first homemade Christmas ornament! Yes, that clump of sawdust mixed with Elmer's glue.......with the red and green string to hold it up, that I made in Kindergarten. It has hung on every single tree since I proudly brought it home, except for last year. I tell you finding these was/is an omen. For better things to come. If the sawdust clump is on the tree, the upcoming year has to be better!
Today I sing at church, The Carol of the Mother.
A soft melodic song, a lullaby.........I wish the director of music had taken a little more time to practice with me, but she must have confidence in my style.
So off to get the day started!
Reee

Christmas is coming.......

in 3 days!
Today thru the gift of friends, I was able to do some shopping, and carefully I parted with my dollars. My Littles, will be excited with the choices which will be under our tree. I even got my own Personal Scrooge a gift or two.........he will be sharing them as I may label them from Santa. For truly the spirit of good will and love has enabled me to be able to purchase them.
Tonight, DH surprised me and is taking me to see the newest Nicholas Cage, National Treasure movie, don't get all worried that we are blowing money, it is a whopping eleven dollars for the both of us to go, have popcorn and pop! He informs me it will be my only Christmas present, as he has chosen not to get me anything, my heart is heavy thinking that, he could have not said it and fluffed thru.........filled my stocking with fruit, pudding or even a bottle of Coke, but he doesn't seem to be able to think outside of the box. Oh well, he will someday learn from my example....it isn't about how much you spend, it's about how much thought you had finding the just right gift.
So do not worry about me he will get the hint!
I still have some things to knit up---yikes there is a storm coming and Tim says the littles may just be spending Saturday night(as usual to go to Sunday service), Sunday and maybe the night, if the weather is bad! So there will go my wrapping time.......so I had better re-think my Saturday morning..I can always knit while they are here, they think I only knit for poor children and orphans anyway, lol.
Tomorrow night we will have a birthday cake for Kendra! She was 7 on Thursday! Of course it doesn't seem possible that so many years have passed since that little doll was born.
So off to the movies......and on to the blessed Season.
Christmas love to all who read!

Wednesdays are wonderful days.

I am very blessed in my life to have wonderful friends who love me warts and all. I already knew that my family did but to have these ladies show it really helps.
My Dear friends, in no particular order, Barb, Kathy, Ann, Daryl and Mary have all in their own way shown me- that it is a good life.
Barb stopped by today as I was making soup, bean and chicken vegetable, and rolls and blueberry cobbler for our gift for the Praise Worship dinner. She and I had great fun messing up the kitchen and sampling the soups!
Kathy and Mary have supported me on the phone, Daryl and my dear Ann have sent me the best cards in the mail-all of the support is helping me to realize I do give, I do matter...
don't worry my friends, I will bounce back, it may take a little time, but at this wonderful time of year, I will shine again.
Off to take out the cobbler...looks yummy so far.........

And so it goes

unemployment.........sigh.
Filed for that today, tomorrow an eye appt, Friday the dentist...
Wednesday is PRAISE at church........soup supper with rolls compliments of the Teske household. Ok just me as Tim is doing nothing to help, this is not going to be a gripe session, but since I am not working and have no value to him-so it feels-I am the house elf........no Christmas here for me I am told. Well ,buddy boy, that swings both ways, tho my heart is not that hard and never could be.
Tim is so focused about money and complaining about not being able to take a vacation, hello........what about your hurting spouse.
I am sorry Reader, I am just having a couple of poor little ole me days, they will pass.
but I am sad! Hurt and rejected and I need support
Will have to find it else where, in prayer and calls to Mom and Mima who always love me bestest.
On a good note, only 2 loads of eternal laundry to finish. and then I really have to hustle on the Christmas present scene and Kendra's birthday, wonder if I have a cake mix to bake a birthday cake for next week??
Take back the pop bottles and get one!!My allowance is 10 dollars...........honestly that is not enough for gas! So I will just give him a grocery list for things and if they don't appear........then we will do without.
Bad day in marie's life.......but I am healthy and have lots of pretty string to knit or some to cross stitch with too.........and stamping stuff!!
Hey and I have beads, and bracelets to make and a white elephant to find, what could I part with??
Made 2 1-hour hats for the project at FOW...up to 4 to take on Thursday....
So off to knit and let my heart sing with each stitch!

And so it goes

it

Rain, Ice and no snow?

Can it really be early December? It is raining, sleeting and messying out.
As luck would have it, at least for my having to drive, I am at home
Today the plan is to create more Christmas gifts.
One day at a time, looking toward "tomorrow" and I don't mean literally tomorrow, just ahead.

The Annual Open House was a Success!!

After much activity, the Open House on Sunday the 2nd, came off without a hitch! Ok one hitch, we forgot to put out the shrimp! So we have that in the freezer still, lol.
All decorated and filled to the brim with friends and family we kicked off the Holiday Season. There were about 130 people who came out in the rainy dreary weather to join in the fun. And fun we all had, from ages 2-92!!
My knitting gals came and their faces were all aglow! They even sat and knitted for a time, I wish I would have had the time to sit and knit a spell with them. I am sure we will talk about it somemore on this upcoming Thursday. I love the fact that people feel so at home here and that everyone, or most everyone, wants to either stay in the cottage or here in the main house with us!
The Littles were perfect, only one incident where our Kendra fell, scraped her knee and tore her tights-not a bad scrape, but a good lesson in that her new out of the package tights were ruined and she was so proud of them. That's ok tights can be bought new, but our Kendra can not be replaced.
I must also give kudos to not only my sister, Mima and her DH, Chuck but Mom also, the all pitched in and got it not only "on the table" but kept it so.
The rest of the week I am on vacation, yes, after the fact. Much to DH's dismay, I chose to take the time off after, not before, as I explained, if I took it off before, I would have to work everyday!!
Yesterday was a many nap day, after Mom left at 10 they started and I think I had a total of 4 or more........and still fell asleep before 10:30 pm. This morning I feel more like me! Off to do the mandatory morning knit.

So Mom is here...

and so is the Thanksgiving holiday!!
Countdown to the open house is also here.
Tim is still painting and painting.......just finish already.
Who am I to talk, I have curtains to finish up and stuff to stash away.
and decorations and decorations and decorations to drag in and place.
Let the fun begin.
I have to be at a certain point by Sunday evening and I just at this time don't see
it happening....but I do know in my heart it will.
This morning when I let the dogs out, I saw snow in the air.
IN the air is where I hope it will stay!
Off to sit for a spell.
Working on the Professor Harold Hill method, the Think method.
Where if you think about it it will happen...from The Music Man.
I am thankful for all my family and friends.
I wish with all my heart my children could see fit to be loving and caring
and home for the holidays, but that is broken in them for now.
Perhaps one day, I will see them again.
Off to tea and an afghan!

Thanksgiving and beyond

Here in our home we have much to be thankful for-health, jobs, family, a great house, the list goes on and on.
In the next 10 days, ok not really counting the next 4, because I refuse to decorate before the day after Thanksgiving, things will be getting crazy here!
Our annual Celebration of the Holiday Season is on Dec. 2 from 1-6pm. We will be all decorated and ready to go, by hopefully the Friday night before....that means in a total of 8 days the whole house will be transformed into a Christmas home. Now that wouldn't be so hard, except, we actually have to work at our jobs, Tim has painting, plastering and building projects to complete PRIOR to being able to decorate certain rooms. I have some papering and sewing projects to complete also..........YIKES! And here is the kicker, our "littles", our young grandchildren, who spend(and have since the first of the year) will be spending the weekend here. ONLY Saturday night and part of Sunday (the 24th and 25th) but they will be back the evening of the 1st. So everything HAS to be decorated by then, only refreshments and tiny and I mean very tiny details to complete.
It should be very interesting, very interesting. Between Tim and I we have given out over 150 invitations and we have a list to mail and some yet to give away...we are soooo ambitious.
To top it off, Tim has taken a part time Santa position, only Friday the 23rd, Sunday the 25th and then not again until after the open house, so I will need to plan very carefully when I need his help.
I am hoping to get Mom to help with decorating the cottage, as that is where she stays when she is over. Maybe we can get those on target by Saturday the 24th, and the Victorian tree that day also as the littles could help decorate it.
It should be interesting.
Along with that tidbit, I think I am safe in posting that the position I applied for last week, is to be mine. Alas, no more money, but a move away from the team leader who is so disrespectful. Honestly, most of the time I don't care, but last Saturday, he cut me to the quick and I cried all the way home. I hate that I let his snide nasty comment hurt me, usually I am thicker skinned than that! So this week I wil try to avoid any and all conservation with him. I do know that I am getting really burned out, I have worked 6 Saturdays in a row, with this upcoming Saturday to be my Last in the Douglas branch. That means 7 weeks I have worked 6 days a week. I never would have applied for this job in Fennville, but for that. The other gals are totally capable of working 2 on, 1 off, but tooo selfish to work as a team. So this team player chose to look elsewhere. I do believe that I can do what I do at Fenville's branch. It is a different branch as the locale is somewhat different than Douglas. We will see..........I am on vacation for a week starting Dec 3, so when I leave work on the 30th at 1, I won't be returning to the Douglas branch.

Of course this could change as the bank seems to always manipulate employees lives as much as they can legally do.
OK enough on that! I have gotten up way too early and have way too much to do today, so I think I will lay on the couch for awhile................................and maybe catch a quick nap.

So Tomorrow is the day,

that I interview for the lateral move job. Not any closer to home, probably not more money, but hopefully a better atmosphere with co-workers. The bank was sooooo busy today that I never got a chance to properly finish my application, but I will take a resume with me. What will be will be........my "chances" were better before another gal in my own office applied also. She would save 17 miles driving a day.........I wish I could be bigger hearted, but I do so want out of the control freak's reach. It could be better and it could be worse, any way it goes I should still have a job.
Yesterday was a federal holiday, meaning a day off...........I accomplished nothing, ok I did knit and watch Lifetime movies, lol. I am almost done knitting the shawlette that I purchased yarn for last Thursday. I am extremely disappointed, it was to be a wine colored blend, chosen with the shop owners expertise, while I like the fiber and the pattern it is knitting up purple to my minds eye. I will take the dress and they project back to the shop on Thursday. As I will have at least one skein to return, I may look to see if there is another color-wine this time.
I am excited to report that our church's women's bazaar the first weekend in November will be allowing outside participation next year. I wrote a letter to the committee and suggested and offered to help with the details, only with my experience leading the project was it approved, for ONE year........uh, huh... that's right, but with this stick in the mud group that is a real bend!
Off to bed, I am tired, go figure only 2 CSRs(teller) to work the day after a closed Monday, I swear they are trying to kill us off!

Ok, ok.........I'm writing already!

Another 1/2 day, had lunch with Tim, good ole' boy joint, and a chuck wagon with fries!
Then over to Fennville to visit my friend Stacy, who is the team leader there. I got a tour of the Fennville facilities.
Then to South Haven, hit a thrift store, Walmart and Menards....no frying pan, no shade, but did get some of the items on my list. Including supplies for the newest giftie thing I am creating.
Then home for supper and church choir. I have been asked to sing a solo for Christmas...guess the old gal still can sing!
Finished up the prayer shawl I was working on last month, as I challenged the women who came to the PS ministry meeting last month, I figured I had better deliver the goods this weekend when we meet again.
I have already started another with some of the yarn stash I acquired thru thrift shopping.
A beautiful deep red color, Red Heart clouds I think, it will make a durable and soft shawl.
While it is wonderful to knit with the "fancier" yarns at the shops, I do think for prayer shawls, it is the prayer, and the softness that make the shawl, not designer yarns.
So there you have it, some of the things I am thinking and doing, not much, work and come home.
Oh I did go to the library also!! But no Mary...........gone for a conference Tim tells me........maybe next time.
Knit On.

Trick or Treat!!

Today was a half day at the bank for me! Yeah! I went to Kendra's school and participated in helping with the party. I was there for the time they went outside and the whole school walked in a parade. She was so happy, big, big smiles to see her Grandma. It just made my day!
Tim(my warrior, who made skull soup for students today, lol) will be home shortly and we will be going to run a couple of errands together. Have to be back quickly as trick or treat will start and we may get the neighbor kids! Maybe Jim will stop with the grandkids also, but as they came to see Kendra, I got pics of Tristand and Colee also.
Tomorrow is the first of November.........only 32 days til the Open House, the good thing is we aren't planning a Thanksgiving dinner, but Tim says we may go out! His folks aren't coming, I won't be inviting Rachel and all, I figure we will have the littles at least for Friday and the weekend after Thanksgiving so we may do the cooking then. Mom is planning on coming over, so she says ok by her to go out!
Back to the Open House, December 2............used to seem so far away..........much to do. Mostly putting the "blocks back in to the box", if you know what I mean...I will be knitting gifts throughout the month of November for Christmas, and plan on what else creative and unique to do for gifts in that time also.
Tim home off we go!

Hot days, time away and a bummer!

This past weekend, my DH, Tim and I went away..........to Beulah!! We spent the night on Crystal Lake at the resort........beee-u-tee-full. On Saturday we "wended" our way to Leland and went to the Fiber Fest there!! Quite different than the one at the Allegan Fair grounds in August. Mostly finished items.......but very, very interesting. Of course I found a hank of yarn at Briar Rose's booth and got a shawl kit at Mary Turk?s gonna be a webby gauzy thing...in turquoise.
We met up with friends and spent the rest of the day with them, went to the Early Bird for lunch then off to Fishtown, what a cute place. Then we drove up to Sutton's Bay, more shopping and looking.........poor DH by this time his allergies were acting up and he was miserable. But being a trooper, he kept on. We ate supper at Boones, good eats there too! Even tho the weather was HOT, it was a great time.
Then back to our room in Beulah....after a nights sleep we headed home. I think we stopped in every turn out there was...very pretty. Saw the Point Betsie Lighthouse and lots of water and colored leaves, a very nice weekend, Thank you Tim.

Now for the bummer, my puter is at the dr......sigh. The modem went in a storm and they are fixing that and virus and stuff.............can't they come virus proof???? For Grandmas!?
any way in a day or two I will be back online at home.
I am anxious to be on line as I just checked and I have been accepted into Ravelry ! Let the fun begin!
In the meantime I am working on Christmas presents..........elves gotta knit all year round you know!
Knit On!

Another Sunday gone

What a day! The littlest Grandchildren were baptized today! All three of them! Then the whole family came here for a quick lunch. What a nice day.
Took a quick nap, and then off to the Country Health food store in Pullman, got some spices as I plan on making Green Tomato Relish on Tuesday, the tomatoes have to soak in a brine over night, so I will do that tomorrow.
Tomorrow night, Tim and I are going to the Casco Community Band's concert the last one of the season......always a treat.
Busy busy here......planning already for the Christmas Open House, anything this big has to be planned, or Tim's life is miserable. This year, I may bend and do the cottage and the Victorian trees before----gasp-----Thanksgiving, MAY...........we will see. Those are really the easiest trees as they don't really change much. The rest of the house, well that is a quite different story.
I have completed almost nine pairs of socks for orphans........I wanted to do a dozen, now if I didn't have to work this week at the bank I know I could do it, but I shall give it a valiant try. It has become a personal challenge.
On another note, I am resurrecting the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Casco. Will see how many ladies join in the fun, for me...........another reason to knit!!
Many thing are popping at church, Charge Conference on the 23rd, the Praise Worship on the 26th, the Chicken Dinner on the 29th---work in the Prayer Shawl Ministry in Oct........the Bazaar the first Saturday in November........this looks to be a very busy time for us, here at the Teske home!
Tonight I made pickled cherry tomatoes, they have garlic buds and basil leaves mixed in.....sure look pretty, hope they taste as well as they look...will report on the taste later...
Enough for now.........off to make orphan socks!
Knit On!

Tomatoes, salsa.........

all done. Ok for now, 1/2 bushel of tomatoes, green peppers, onions and hot peppers make Marie's Famous Salsa. 40+ cups of it!! All canned and waiting to be carried down to the canning products shelf!!
I had a 1/2 day today and this is what I accomplished! Now just to make it last till next season. Ok maybe not! I have 1/2 bushel still waiting, but they may end up being just tomatoes....hey I can make lots with them!! I forget how much satisfaction is derived from canning....and how much mess........But the kitchen and stove are all back in order.
Not much knitting, or anything else this week, I feel that I have been just drifting along.
Work continues to be work......too bad, it used to be fun. But now it is all about the numbers.....and I don't mean counting the money.
This weekend, if sunny and decent weather is here, I hope Tim and I can finish up some of the outside stuff......or if not paint the entryway. Christmas is coming and I **need** these things done, lol.
In 9 days my nephew is getting married in an outside ceremony, I hope that the weather is just beautiful as some fall evenings can be! The good news is that Tim and I will be able to attend, thru much finagling at work, I will be able to leave early and make it......of course we will have to change in the car, lol. right.
Tomorrow is Knit Night, something I don't want to miss.........I love those gals. Each one is special, but a couple of them, well you know......Some of us are going to be at Boot Camp. Hopefully finances straighten out and give me some flexible income......if not, I won't be able to attend. We will see.........I have to get stuff done here also.
Tim has taken on another job, bless him. He is working for the library 2 nights a week as a maintenance person....he is finally realizing that only he has the flexible schedule and stamina to do this for us. I will continue to find ways to live cheaper, but we do need a little cash to get supplies, lol.
We are going to be taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course..it works if you work at it........so we will try.
Off to read a little, a Susan Wiggs novel and then try to get to sleep at a decent hour.
Knit on!

Hello to a new week!!

Fall is in the air and I love it!! But that also means, we need to be like a squirrel, packing away nuts for the winter, get those outside projects finished!!
Yesterday, Tim found two doors, and a thermopane window! One of the doors will replace our broken windowed back door and the window with some adjustments to the opening, will fit in our bathroom. No more plastic over the window in there, to maintain a comfortable temp! If, we can save the wooden molding around the opening, the project will only have a cost of $4.97!! If we need new molding, only about 15.00 more, so the whole thing might still come in under$20.00-lucky am I that Tim is so handy.
The Littles are here today, off to church soon and then for a time in the afternoon. They were happy to see us. Last evening, we all went to Tim's folks and cut hydragea blossoms for me to dry...........maybe they will be used in this year's Christmas decorating!! Plans for new and different trees are forming in my head as I write, lol.
Yesterday we also visited Aunt Erma-- and her neighbor Curly, let Tim pick over a bushel of ripe tomatoes for me to make my famous homemade Salsa! Hurrah, last year we were unable to make salsa as we did not have a stove, but this year we are ready, even have 24 more jars!
So I am off to make breakfast for the troops, and hope that MY plans for the day are not dismissed!! Take care! Oh, and knit on!

If it were'nt for bad luck.

well, you know the saying. The Ladybug('91 Escort) seems to be better for a time. As for the van, we are hoping that we have found a replacement. It is one I like much much more than the one we currently have, but it is all up to the financing. It has to stay within the budget.
On a up note, Knit nite was last night and after much trying, I was finally able to make it. I needed to be there........I did not accomplish much knitting, but I sure did feel much better after being there.
Having to work on Saturday will mean a shorter weekend for me, but I had better get used to it as I will be working lots of Saturdays in the upcoming months. Sigh.
So I will just have to pick one project per weekend and go with it! This weekend I would like it to be my homemade salsa! Have to get those tomatoes while I can! Of to fight the war of banking!

The last day of vacation

is today. Tomorrow it is back to the weekly grind, sigh.
Wait! there is knit night and plenty of weekend things to do!
Today I hope and plan to finish up two projects, number one, the computer room's new day bed's throw pillows and new valances!! And to make up new curtains for the bathroom. Planning for winter, it seems strange as it is to be in the 80's today, but I am thinking ahead.

Nothing else on the planbook, but I am sure to get so knitting in and maybe, just maybe some Christmas gift planning also! Never too early..........I know, I know, my family members already have afghans/throws............I will try to find something unique. One thing I know for sure is that this weekend coming up I need to get that bushel of tomatoes and make salsa!
Have a great day readers.........all one or two of you!

Vacations are never long enough.

Today marks the only day Tim and I will actually be alone.
We have done some of the things we planned, but Alex was here, and that changed some of the plans.
On Tuesday we had a great day in Lansing and seeing Mima.........it was a good day. I scored a few balls of yarn for my blue crayon jacket project... have to get busy on the pink one so as to start the blue one.
Today we are off to the Four Winds, probably within the hour!! Not being gamblers, I am not sure why, but we want to see it. We are each armed with a roll of quarters!
Tomorrow, Alex is back and so are the littles. Plus Tim's mol...........for the weekend.....and thru Monday. So back to the full house, which as of yet, does not have the "projects" done.
So even tho projects shout our names, we are going adventuring!

Yarn

Can a person have too much sock yarn?? You wear them every day right? OK, maybe not in the summer so much, but all winter long. I did add to my stash at Friends of Wool last night not much, only 3........and having Ruby hold another, lol. I do like knitting socks, easy, portable- and yet at times challenging.
Ruby had just finishe a beautiful 3 button shawl, will have to think about that one. I love the idea of a shawl, but am I really the shawl type, too much adjusting for me??? Still thinking about it.....
On another note, I am on vacation, no real plans, hope it doesn't just get wasted........Tim has no plans either, ok sleeping and eating on a schedule, blah.........eat whenever is what I would like a total week of non-comformity!! But alas with my DH it just won't happen, sigh. So we will have fun!! I hope to travel to Lansing on Tuesday to see my sister and check out some shops in the Lansing area, we will see..........have to take the 15 yo Grandson school shopping also.
going to be great not to have to travel to the workplace tho.
Later..........................

It's over already??

Fiberfest that is, we went after work as planned. Not quite as early, as Tim fell asleep and was *late* picking me up from work. Then the issue of getting him lunch, (of course he was to eat before we headed for the festival) which we did, after going thru 2 of the "barns". Wowsers , what great stuffs. I saw the square needles, which I would still like to try, but the sizes available were 10 and up. Glass needles, but outta my range at $45. Needles with fimo tops-hey I could do that?! And needles out of walnut and cherry.........again only in very small or very large sizes..guess I am on the look out for dowels in cherry or walnut...hmmmm, maybe with some fimo tops! I did purchase a surprise for my sister.......first and foremost a cross-stitcher, but she will appreciate the gift. A book for Tim, sigh, it was to me my choices, but I agree it is something we can use to make unique gifts. No more on that, as my sister reads the blog! And I did get some string........beautiful, 85% alpaca, 15% wool, in a denim-y color for my next crayon box jacket. Since I had not a major project in mind, ok I do but I have the fiber of choice already chosen, no a major purchases. Just a most enjoyable day!
After the festival, did we really leave before the end? We found 3 thrift stores........I have an upcoming craft show, next week and I need some display/sale items. I found several wood things, which I will paint black. That is the color I like to decorate/accent with lately, for that primitive look I love so much.
Then home to a supper of Italian sausage cooked with onions and green peppers and a baked potato, yum! Just as we were finishing..........our friends Ken and Janet stopped by with 2 outfits for my Kendra, how nice that she thinks of my grandchildren so often when doing the garage sales! Understand the kids all love Janet, as do we!
After they left, Tim had to run out to church for the weekly cleaning, I just sat and read my Harry Potter book, almost 2/3 finished, and tried to stay awake til he came home. I did and then I crawled off to bed!
Today finds the morning with thunderstorms, not sure if we will go to church as we were going to play hookey, but learned last night that one of our friends from church suddenly passed away. Tim has to go into work at 8, for a couple of hours, so we will decide be before then. Looks to be a lazy day, no kids for the weekend, for the first time in 8 months and no kids at all since early June. They have gone back home, hope it is going well.
Enough ramblin's from me for now.............

Today is the day!!

I'm going to Fiberfest!!! Of couse there will never be enough $$ for one of those triangle looms, but I am still in hopes of finding one somewhere at my cost, lol. But it will be a nice day! The calm, the fiber, the sense of being with those who enjoy it as much as I do! Too bad I have to count money for the bank in the morning, but it will help me to appreciate all the more the festival.
On a sad note here, the grandchildren were taken home last night by their mother........they have been living with us since June.......I am not sure of how this will turn out, I only hope that the parents time of "relief" will make them realize how special all of these children are. It breaks my heart that the parents haven't been or even adequate in the parenting department. But our 15 year old is a wonderful young man and with his help and ours so will the littler ones!! On an up note, we now can clean up the house and when we come home after work, it will still be as we left it! But things won't be waiting for me like bouquets of Queen's Anne's Lace either.
They will still be here on the weekends and school starts soon for the three oldest. Only the 2 year old will be there all day. Believe me if things don't look right when we pick them up on the weekends, there will be actions taken. I am trusting God to help Tim and I make the decisions it needed.
So off to the bank I go, and then to the Festival!!!(missing out on the DeWitt Ox Roast, but maybe next year!)

Another day closer to vacation

By this time next week, I will officially be on vacation from the work day week. Yahoo!!
I will be outta the bank until Sept 5........a long time coming. Of course with the purchase of the new homestead last year, we have no vacation fund, so we are vacationing at home. Working on the projects we would normally try to get done and put in a 40+ hour work week. This summer having the kids has put most of that on hold, so now it is most needed. One thing I want to especially get done is finish organizing the craft room, I selfishly want it so I can just walk in and place my hand on whatever it is my little heart desires to do at that time, not "search". Now don't misunderstand this is a little room, lined with book shelves, so there is no comfy stitching/knitting chair! But to actually have all my stuffs organized, well, that would make me very happy.
Fiberfest is tomorrow, while it actually starts today, and we will be going. IF you have never been able to go, and you knit, stitch or whatever, you should!! It is an amazing thing to see!
DeWitt's Ox Roast is this weekend also, and while it is tradition that we attend that, I have to work on Saturday morning, so we would miss out on the parade. Not to mention that the current cost of gas is prohibitive. So for this year we will do the Fiberfest and stay at home missing the fireworks.
I have 6 pairs of the dozen socks completed and delivered to FOW!! They go quickly and I feel good about making them. Off to knit for a time before work, but I needed to post a little something.....

So now that summer is almost over-aakkkkk

I am going to give it a go at blogging again.
My sister is ribbing me about not posting since march, hey who had the time???
My four grand children have been living with us most of the summer.....they came on a Monday with just the things on their backs, good thing we had clothes and diapers here! The 15 year old did bring one change of clothes, at some point we did go back and get him some more clothing, but other than that!! Nothing came here!
The kidlets have had a great summer, the 15 yearold watched them during the days and DH and I made sure supper and bedtimes were not his responsibility, as it most likely would have been at home. They went saw and did many things even tho Grandpa and Grandma work full time..camping boating on Lake Michingan, swimming twice a week or more ..........good kid summer!!
Me I have renewed my interest in knitting, and at present have accepted a challenge to knit up 12-a dozen, no less, pairs of "Magic 28" socks-my local Yarn shop, Friends of Wool has been asked by someone to have the knitters do these up for a couple adopting a child from Russia. The socks will be gifts from the family to the orphange. I feel driven to do this as I have the grandchildren so near........of course it is turning out to be a great lesson to them on the sharing of what one can with others!
I will try to keep you up on things, thanks for reading!! Knit on!!

Leavin' on a jet plane

That's right, I'am leavin' for the sunny south. Now don't get to jealous or excited for me...I fly out on Saturday afternoon and leave Myrtle Beach on Sunday morning in a van headed north! I am going to drive my mom back home. Lucky me of 3 daughters, she decided I was the one who could best afford the time away from my home to do this for her. Oh well, she is good to DH and I, so we have given her this time with just me.
DH will be taking me to the airport with the 4 grandchildren in tow. I wonder how the little ones we be at seeing Grandma off?
Much to do, even tho I am going to be gone for only 2.5 days, so I had better get off this puter and get busy!

Camp Stitchalot

it Was great! From late Thursday til mid-day Monday and then back to the reality of home and work. Next year I am taking the Tuesday after off also!
I attended an over one class taught by Ruth Sparrow Gendron, what a hoot!! She is funnier than a stitch, get it? A Stitch. I did learn much in her class, thoroughly enjoyed it also.
Then an evening class on punch needle, Charlotte Dudney. Now I have another addiction!
The Sunday class was a minature sampler which mounted in a tin rectangle, taught by the Queen herself, Deb from Stitches "N" Things! In that class I won a door prize!
All in all a good weekend, aside from being on the second floor-no elevator-and the smoke alarm going off in the room at all hours!
It was great to see all the Stitchy Sisters who were able to attend this year, and talk on the phone to those who did not come. Next year we hope all of us can make it!!
Have to do some finishing touches on my Easter exchange and get it off to the Post Office and just wait for the Easter bunny to bring me one.
Wonder what marvelous item will come for me??
Enjoy the wonder of Spring, it is everywhere, even in the strong thunderstorms that rolled thru early this morning!

Don't you love Spring coming?

End of snow, and the greening of the earth, wonderful. I can hardly wait to see what will be poking up thru the ground here! Doesn't look like any bulbs were hidden so far, but we can remedy that in the fall.
With the coming of Spring also comes Camp StitchAlot!! A two day camp for cross-stitchers in Davison, my sister and I attend along with approximately 50 other ladies! It is a great, relaxing(?) and fun time. It has become a major annual event in our lives-leave the job, the kids, the dogs/cats and most importantly, the husband home. A time just to be the girls we are, no meal times, laundry or daily routine!! Just sleep, stitch, eat and laugh.
One draw back this year is that I will be missing my Thursday Knit-Nite group. I have really developed a group of friends there. We laugh and share it is very important to me. While I haven't learned much about knitting that I did not already know, I have become addicted again. It was my first handcraft and my first love. It is great seeing pretty string become a useable item.
Off to pack for camp.........oh and there is that pesky name tag to finish also..........