OMG!

This week has been crazy!
Sunday, church, Monday work, run to Holland, pay bills, Church council meeting, Tuesday, work, check in to Library for details on new job, run to Holland, choir, Wednesday, run to Holland-had a great time thrifting-buy groceries, talk to Librarian about schedule for May, cook dinner for the PRAISE dinner and service, talk to Douglas for almost 2 hours, Thursday, work, run to Holland, a little thrifting, come home, go to knitting-whew-.
So here is the plan for the next few days, Friday, run to Bodfish Farms to distribute Angel Food flyers, call woman in Douglas to help them get information, go to Walmart get stuff for Movie night, work, clean cottage, Movie night(hope I don't have to go...), Saturday, Tim has to be to church at 7 am to go get Angel Food, Knit-Away-Day starts at 8 am, and runs to midnight, Tim will be in and out.......Sunday potluck at church with Auction following.........Sunday night collapse.
There you have it!
Knit on--If you have time, I don't think I will until Saturday!

Here she is, My Charlie Ann..........

here is one for now, more to follow..
Knit on.

Our official Easter photo

what a spring looking group. Kendra is wearing a hat also, but it is a cloche type and does'nt show much. Tristan is tired of posing....
We had a great day-always do.
Knit on.

I have been knitting

Here is the hood portion of the sweater for Charlie Ann. Notice the little heart shaped buttons??

and here is a pic of the whole sweater. Just waiting for a pic of her wearing it!

These are my sister's socks. to keep her tootsies warm.

Today I should finish a new pattern I tried for a prayer shawl. I am using the Cotton Candy colored Homespun which my friend Ann gifted to me. Pictures to follow.....

Knit on.

Here are April's socks

Which were to be March's, in that my home has battled(and almost won!) the flu in the last 4 weeks, I missed posting for March. So I am taking the easy route and marking them April's-that is allowed, right??

orphan yarn-probably acrylic-no idea, but they feel yummy on! Just a basic sock pattern too, nothing exciting.

Sent a package

to California yesterday, loaded with goodies. I can't post a pic of one item cuz, "they" might be reading the blog! Will soon tho!
I am again at odds on what to do about the home care job. The one client seems to think my time is optional. Come but don't stay the full time, leave early. This one is just not making any money...especially now that gas prices are $3.49!!!
Spring is here, I can hear birdies singing this morning. The world here is surely washed clean, there was rain wind, thunder and lighting last night - much of it!
It is not to be a pleasant weekend, more rain and cooler temps. Good thing I have inside things to do, by this I mean knitting, lol.
Off to do just that!
Knit on.

And the rain came down.

Apparently last night thunderstorms drove thru the area. Luckily, we slept thru them. But after today, well, that 4-letter word is forcasted....sigh.
News on the job front here............maybe. Investigating the possibility today, my only day without home care in the week. Lots of errands, laundry and chores to to also. But I will try to make a valiant effort.
I have to get on the stick and get some new pictures in here! I have yet to post my March socks and to start up a pair for April. Maybe a quick croc pair from Fixation?
Speaking of crocs....Tim placed rails for a shelf system on the basment stairs and yes, I hooked the strap of my krocs on it and busted the button which holds the strap in, sigh. Always me.
Do you think krocs can be worn in CA?? Or just try and get a new pair of birkies?? I am liking the birkies idea.
So not much is happening here, just much of the same with the exception of Cherrie coming over yesterday afternoon. We sorted out the prizes for Knit-Away-Day. At this time we have 38 small bags! And more to come!! We will be having a door prize every 1/2 hour from 8:30 til Midnight and more chances to win also. Cherrie has been working on this, thank you.
We are hoping for good weather so the outside can be used also....we will see...........
So off to knit(really crochet) on my shawl for THE Wedding. It is done just putting on the edging and then to block it out. I have to make it to Penneys yet to spend the gift card Douglas and Deja sent for my birthday-new duds for the trip out west!
Knit on.

So here I sit trying

to get my week started. I was up too late, Lifetime movies, lol.
But I did awake before 8-5 minutes before. Laundry and household chores await me, as always, but I think I will take some time this morning to work on the prizes aspect of the upcoming Knit-Away-Day! I have something fun in mind!
I talked with Douglas again yesterday, it is so good to talk with him. It is like we never lost contact. He is planning so much for the wedding and us coming, I hope he doesn't crash and burn emotionally. He is also planning on doing the food for the reception. Lots of self pressure.
Well just a little entry today, off to be productive, uh-huh..............
Knit on in the mean time.

68 degrees today!

What a nice temp for a Sunday!
The Littles were here since Friday evening. Early Saturday morning we all took a picnic lunch and went out to reclaim/recycle some used deck/ramp treated wood. Thru joint efforts of Tim and I(mostly Tim) we brought a total of 2 trailer loads. Plenty of rails and most of the wood needed to make new steps for the front entryway. Winter has played a cruel joke, our cement steps are starting to crumble, it seems they are only cement blocks with a concrete frosting covering them, sigh. Luckily, Tim is very handy and can create a new set, provided we have the materials, most of which we have now, Thank you!
Last week found me back to work at the home care, it went well. Wednesday was the best day I have had in a long time health-wise. I accomplished much here at home, but after an illness like we two had here, well, it will take a little time to get the rhythm back! But it is coming..........
I knit a Prayer Shawl last week in light blue Red Heart Baby Clouds. Sorry Red Heart, but this is nasty stuff to knit with, big puffs which continually get caught on the needle. But on size 17s it was a quick knit and looks good in the basket for distribution.
Hope/plan on starting another this week also. My shawl for the wedding is knit out of cotton twist, in a pretty pink and greens varigeted, I have only one hank to knit and then it will be bound off, dropping the stitches for a lacy effect. I plan on crocheting a border rather than fringe it. I don't think I am really a "fringe" girl. Bohemian, yes, but not to the point of fringe-y, lol.
Off to knit, want to finish up that shawl..................
Knit On.

Rainy days and Mondays

don't always get me down. But today it is dreary. Not to mention, I was back to work at the "paid daughter" position. I decided to keep the position, no it is not really making us much money, but if I don't find other employment, well, I will ask for more clients and at least I will have some kind of job.
Tim and I are both trying to get our strength back after this horrid flu. It is so draining, on sunny days it is better, but then we do too much and are beat.
Unless I get on the stick, I won't be posting my March socks.........sigh. I will just be late with posting on the blog for the knit along. I did get a pair done, but just don't have the energy to do the camera thing.
The littles were here for the weekend, Friday thru to Sunday afternoon. My Kendra no longer wants to go back home, talk about breaking my heart! We will get them again next Friday, it is much much easier for them to be here 2 nights, it gives them a chance to play outside and have a routine. They sang in the youth choir at church, every word. OK Tristan did not sing every word, but he had not practiced with them and the song director did not want to "make him" sit down, he just stood up there and watched Kendra. Colee sang her heart too and played the tamborine on the first number! Was her Grandpa proud?!
So off to get chef's salads for supper............tired of the same old things...
Knit on!

Long recovery

I finally feel better. Going on Day 2! I have a few errands to run this morning, and then home to make supper and go out to Knit Nite!
I have missed my knitting gals!
Here on the homefront, the big, big news is that we have purchased the tickets to go to Las Vegas to be able to attend the May 31st wedding!! We leave on the 29th and return on the 3rd of June.
Now just to hope that Mom and Tim can get along, sigh. Since Mom has helped get us there she seems to be acting rather childish lately, "I paid for the tickets(ok we put them on your credit card....), so I get the window seats on the plane. So I will be having a clear view of the asile.
Ok, I will just bring sock knitting, lol. you can't diminish my joy of going!
I hope to finish up Charlie Ann's sweater today or tomorrow and get it in the mail to California!
California here I come!!!
Off to get the mundane chores out of the way for today!
Knit On.

Tomorrow is Easter?

with 12 plus inches of new snow on the ground?? Michigan sure can be fun.
Flu bug is on the way out of the household, all that remains is the "tireds". And a little coughing.
I am getting excited as we are getting the Littles today! I have missed them so.
I will be getting the Easter Baskets ready this morning, before they get here and then tuck them away, to be discovered tomorrow morning!
Speaking of which, we plan on being at the Easter Sunrise service. And taking the makings for a breakfast. I will be putting together a "strata" a first for me...never made one of those before. My friend Rachel who lost her husband recently, will also be helping. I am happy for her help and happy to give her "something" to do. The firsts without a spouse of many years is only a hardship I can imagine.
Started the sleeves of Charlie Ann's sweater last night, so it should be completed soon. Then mailed out to her for those cool desert times.
Happy Easter to All.
Knit on.

working on Charlie Ann's sweater

I picked up the stitches for the hood. I am liking how it is going.
Without a diagonisis from the doctor, I have decided that I too have the flu...the coughing is all but gone, not a temp, but I am cold..I slept today til 12:45 and that is just not like me.
I am laying low hoping to get this over sooner.
Today is my birthday, my pastor called to wish me Happy Birthday, nice. I called him back and he did not recognize my voice...he is worried about me. I told him if this is how 55 feels, I will go back to 54!
So just a little entry for today, so you readers will know I am doing ok. Just ok.
Knit on.

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.