Thankful Thursday

Thank you God...

for the opportunities you offer for us to make a difference in the lives of others.

Chat Soon

Karrie

Merry Christmas to All
And to All a Goodnight

Thankful Thursday

As the Christmas Season is drawing every closer to its pinnacle, I wish to take this minute to remember that which I am thankful for though sometimes the little things overshadow....

I give thanks for my children. Children who I love "more than the stars in the sky, the fishys in the ocean and only less than God himself".

I strive to remember this as I argue with my 5th grader that even though he had a Christmas presentation today at school, that there still is one tonight at 7 pm... and that conformation by his friend that there isn't doesn't count.

And I am Thankful for the opportunity to spend the next two weeks with my beloved children, though my daughter is heck bent on reminding me of what I was like at 14 - attitude and all.

I am thankful that I can fill my cart with whatever I want, and not worry about how to pay for it. I will remember that an enjoyable grocery shopping experience it can be if I but change my attitude. It is all up to me, and its always nice to reward my self with a well earned magazine in the process.

I am thankful that my shopping is done (though not wrapped) and that I am not worrying about how I'm going to find a way to gift my child with one gift. Many years ago I was 19 and working at Meijer on Christmas Eve. There was a lady that came through with $100 + worth of toys and only $60 cash. It was 8pm, I was tired, crabby and wanted to go home. She was obviously trying to get what she could with what she had. It wasn't until I aged a tad that I realized that I should have just put it on my credit card and wished her Merry Christmas. This has stayed with me ever since.

I am thankful for my family and in-laws, that I moved back so my children would know their extended family. Enough said there - you all have family and in-laws right.

I am thankful for my husband - though at the minute we are experiencing the first "Holiday differing of opinions" - again I bet you know.

And finally I am thankful for my friends, in body and blogland. You all add joy, helpful advice, a listening ear, encouragement all year through and I can't imagine how void my life would be without all of you.

So I will take this last post before Christmas to Thank God for all the blessings he has poured down on me and wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas. Be Safe...

Blogger Hugs - Karrie

Some thoughts.....

I am skipping through the house tonight as I have written my letter of resignation for the Home Health Co. - Yippee - Looking forward to staying (mostly) on one schedule.

Some other thoughts....

I have struggled for some time with the fact that we don't go to church regularly. We will go for awhile and than not.

Not that I don't believe, I do... very much so. God is a pivotal aspect of my everyday life, both in prayer and deed. It is also an everyday aspect of my interactions with my children. Jesus is the basis for what I do. When I go to work, I do so with the belief that I am doing God's work of helping others in need, showing Jesus' love.

While contemplating this again (insert guilt here), I was struck with the thought that very rarely in the bible --- (OK I am not a scholar, however, 10 yrs of catholic school and various churches) --- rarely in the bible does it mention Jesus going to the synagogue. However, throughout all the pages of the Bible it repeatably teaches of how he helped the poor and sick, did onto others and showed undying love.

Joyce Meyer, a preacher, teaches that guilt is from satan to make us feel lousy.

So... my thoughts are that I should pitch the guilt, continue as I am and hopefully I will find a church that I am so compelled to attend its a burning need. I once mentioned that I volunteered instead of going to church and I figured God would like that more. My "friend" told me that God would like it if I did both, and that has made me feel less ever since.

Why did I post this? I really don't know. Except that I'm tired of feeling less because I have not found a church that fills whatever it is that we go to church for. Maybe, that by admitting such, it will cease to have power over me. I don't know....

Have an awesome week.... and thanks for listening to my ramblings and being a sounding board I guess. Karrie

Thankful Thursday

Well the transmission is shot - period. But it is 100% covered by warranty! If that isn't a true blessing this holiday season.

I have finished the socks for my BF and the the following knits for her husband. I made a hat out of this same yarn (forgot to take the picture) the hat a plain pattern I picked up off the Internet - the mitlets, pattern courtesy of Yarn Harlot link off Knitty.













This other hat is my LAST Christmas "have to" - I used leftover yarn from my daughters hat and mitlets, combined the two and created this. Am really pleased as it uses up leftovers leaving me a whole skein to now use in something else.



So work tonight and tomorrow then to get everything wrapped, shipped and done.

Thank you God for a car repair that is covered, Talent that allows me to create my Christmas presents, completing those Christmas presents before Dec 24 and having blogger friends to share this (and who understand) how wonderful it is.

Have a great Thankful Thursday - Karrie

Good Morning and Thank You to God

Well I am temporarily "laid off" from my 2nd job as of last week and when I was talking to the person acting as HR I must say I was a little ticked. I know that I have not been thrilled with the drive or the interruption to my life for some weeks now... but I was counting on the extra cash here for the next few weeks.

However, after removing myself from the situation and having a little time to cool off I am taking this as a blessing and writing my resignation letter which I am thrilled to have this monkey off my shoulder. Thank you God.

Friday I was out doing errands, ran around to 1/2 dozen places, dropped my daughter, when to head back out and the van would not shift into gear. *&*&^%$@!@#$%!!! Now I just had my transmission replaced. Went in and called my mechanic, 12 mths/12,000 miles. The trans was replaced in Feb at 72,200 miles -- I have 82,400......Thank You God its still under warranty. Inconvenient to say the least, but hopefully no great big repair bills before Christmas.

Had a great weekend at work - Knitting is coming along (will post pics later this week) and if I'm at home I might as well clean right :) AND I FOUND my yarn for the afterthought heal THANK YOU GOD!

So Happy Monday, have a great week, Thank God and check back..... we'll see what else shoots the crapper before Christmas....... (1. Vacuum..... 2. Job..... 3. Van......)

Christmas Question and Answer

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be aSCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire blog and paste into a new blog. Change all the answers so that they apply to you.

'Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper perferable with big bows
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? around Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day
5. Do you like eggnog? NO!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? "Husker Do" (it was a game)
7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Yes--but hasn't made it out of the box in a few years.
8. Hardest person to buy for? DH
9. Easiest person to buy for? DD
10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received? Granny pants - I buy myself the nice stuff
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? July
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? They wait to be recycled but I can't, I feel too guilty
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ribbon Candy
16 Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored... but we have clear because the DH insisted that our next tree had to have them and now declares he never said that
17. Favorite Christmas song? Joy to The World
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? ______ Dasher Prancer Vixon Commet Cupid Donner Blitzen, Roudolf
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Me an angel, DH a star... currently nothing
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Christmas displays starting before Halloween - rude nasty people -
23. What is the "corniest" family tradition you do, or miss doing? no traditions
24. What is the worst thing you've seen related to Christmas?- Santa smacked into a tree
25. Which looks best theme trees or homey trees? One of each... at least.
26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies? both!!!
27. Do you like Fruitcake? My grandma's fruitcake. Delicious. I've been trying for years to find something commercial thats close, no luck.

ISE #5

I received a wonderful surprise today, Thank you Kim! On top of a wonderful surprise, it came before I went to work so I was able to enjoy it and wear it out to meet my GF for lunch (she was very appreciative of the scarf too).

Included with my awesome scarf was a very nice skein of wool yarn..... hummm.... what will it become??? and a tin of tea (my absolute favorite drink for the cold). Looking forward to enjoying a cup tonight at work.

And for those of you who visit me, this is me, repleasant in my new scarf. (Patheticly this is the only clean area of my LR.... but I did get the laundry caught up and presants wrapped this weekend.

Thankful Thursday

So, this Thursday I am being thankful for the projects that are finally getting done! As I posted awhile back, I was a little overwhelmed by the Christmas Knitting that was pending. Things are looking up other than the fact that my right arm hurts and I'm afraid its from knitting too much.

This is a picture of a hat and mittenlets I am making for DD - Hat is finished and I've done the one mitten two times now and am not happy with either one. Soooo, this mitten will be ripped back a 3rd one begun.

For my MIL and SIL I made a set of 12 wash clothes, in a Longenberger tote - both sets are finished Yoo Hoo!!

This is a felted bag that I started in early October. I than waited about 3 weeks deciding on what type of handle I wanted. Went with a simple I cord that I stitched in place. Than I waited 2 more weeks to felt. My only other felting project didn't come out so well, so I was a little hesitant. It finished OK. (will post after pic later)

Lastly, I have been working on two sets of socks and I am sooooo tired of working on them I could spit!!! As you might have guessed, I don't typically do a long leg cause 1) I like them short and 2) I hate doing that many leg stitches. My DH (green) states that his leg must be long enough for his work boots (Yuck) and than his foot is longer than mine and wider around. This translates to me as doing 2 pairs of socks for just 1 product. I have approx 2 cm left before the toe decreases!

The second pair (pink) is for my BF in NY.... who wares a size 9 again, I feel like these have gone on forever (mostly I think cause I am doing 2 different pairs and not concentrating on just one). Anyways, I am almost done.... another 1/2 inch in the leg and than 3 rows contrast color and the after thought heal done in the same strawberry. EXCEPT that I have currently misplaced the strawberry and can't find it. I've torn through all my "knitting places" 2 times and now I have to hit the quilting, present, workroom area... Phooey.... I'm exhausted and going to bed :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Hello to all! Sorry I've been scarce - working A LOT!

Wanted to make sure to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Working away on Christmas gifts... with the way I'm going with pics, I'll have completed projects instead of just WIPs. In retrospect, that would be a good thing.

Reminding myself, and all of us, not to lose sight of the meaning of the Season in the hustle, bustle, and stress of the season.

Cheers!

Karrie

Thankful Thursday (a little late)

Sorry I didn't do my Thankful Thursday on-time and I'm going to break a few "rules" here... don't report me.....

Last year early Dec I had a "friend Tim" who fell down a flight of stairs and completely lost all memory. He didn't know who he was or even his mom. I saw his mom at Christmas and sadly, "Tim" still couldn't remember anything.

I ran into mom Thursday night and God be Praised, "Tim" was listening to music in July when all of a sudden the song brought all his memory back!

This is my Thankful Thursday, the people and things that touch our lives.

Love to all - will be back next Thursday .... Karrie

Christmas Anxiety

As I review my list of "too dos" for Christmas, the heart starts to speed up and I become SOB..... classic signs of an anxiety attack. So I am going to take a page from my blog buddy Tanya at Casting Away and make a virtual To Do list for Christmas. Hopefully this will reduce the symptoms and increase the productivity.

• Socks for DH
• Socks for BFF in New York (note the earlier due date for shipping)
• Socks for DD in Oct STR shipment
• Mittens for niece
• Hat for Son
• Hat and mittens for DD (OK, yarn was bought specifically for this purpose in July, might have to choose which project will be done after Christmas).
• 2 sets of 12 wash clothes for in-laws (almost done)
• Quilt for b-day Dec 29 (no the blocks are not finished yet and yes I'm quilting it myself)
• 10 Chair cushions. Have to make a pattern, try on muslin for fit, make 10 cushions with non-skid bottoms. Commissioned work.

Not so bad, except that I'm working 2 jobs the equivalent to basically full time.

Oh my chest hurts.

I'm closing now, I'm going to finish wash cloths and hopefully cross that off my list.

THANK YOU ALL

... for your support. I appreciate the words of comfort and support. It really does help.

Happy Motherhood to all of us :)

Thankful Thursday

Ever have those times when things are going along so well that you KNOW you're in for something.

My something landed.

She's 14, knows it all, is way too cool for her own good, is going to do what she wants, is going to defy me, and is planning on "getting high" this weekend. Or so she told a friend. So she thinks.

I am about to become the worst thing on the planet in her eyes.... that's OK, its my job.

So, why am I thankful?

I am thankful that I have a daughter to drive to nuts, ruin my sleep and scare the begeevers out of me. I am thankful for her friends that are more worried about her than she is. I am thankful for my blog friends who love me even though I am about to become "the most awful person on earth". I am thankful for a loving God who will guide me through this rough patch. And I am thankful that I am not alone.

I Love Midnights

I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned this (only 100 times) but this fact was brought home again this morning.

Life in the ER is hectic at best and usually one questions hourly why they chose this and why they're still here. Monday's are the absolute worse. So this AM when we had a call off and there were just 2 RNs for the AM and only 3 for the pm on the busiest of days, I praised Father God above that I no longer have this additional stress.

Don't get me wrong - midnights has its own host of problems. Your "sick" people are usually Really sick. Death happens with regularity in the wee hours of the AM. But all in all I would rather be on the graveyard shift any night than back on afternoons.

Thankful Thursday

I dedicate today's post to Sophie Quayle. I will try to remember to thank God daily for my children's health and happiness through even the difficult days.

To my child...Just for this morning,

I am going to smile when I see your face, and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children; the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms; and the mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, and a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day...-Sally Meyer copyright 1999

This was posted by Sophie's mom October 5th. 4 year old Sophie went to live with God in Heaven October 6 at 11:55 pm. Emily had just one more day.

A Great Big Thank You

While wandering thru my blogroll, I happened upon "Spastic Shepherd Knits" http://spasticshepherdknits.blogspot.com/ when she was having a contest. For the winning answer, she sent me this awesome present...

The bag is super cool and has a button that looks like a vintage coin. The chocolate is my favorite kind! Its suppose to turn cool here in the Midwest this week, so I can close the windows, light the pumpkin candles and enjoy the Apple Butter while making up some new socks with the beautiful new yarn!

Thank you so much Tricia!

Thankful Thursday

The positive about a Thankful Thursday is I try to make sure I post. The bad, I realize if I haven't posted since last Thursday.

Oh Well.... Today I am thankful that my children are getting older and more self-sufficient. Granted, I am sure there will come a time when this is not a blessing, but when your tired and want nothing more than a hot bath the fact that oldest child can call friends to drive her to said destination (and home) without me having to get out of my jammies.

On the knitting front, I am working on my scarf for ISE 5 and about 1/2 done. I hope that my recipient likes it... will post pics when done.

I have 2 sets of socks on the needles that both have just the toes done. I haven't been working on them so much cause I've been working on the scarf. The bad thing is I'm due for 2 more sock shipments at the end of the month. Hopefully I can get the scarf done this weekend and than 1 of the pairs of socks done before I receive another shipment.

Happy Days, Happy Knitting .... Karrie

Thankful Thursday

You might notice that I recently joined a blogger group of "Knitting Nurses" which I am very excited about. Anyways, as I was moving between blogs Yarnsticks has a Thankful Thursday which I thought was a great idea. There are so many things that I am thankful for but its nice to remember and share them so.....

I am thankful for my mother. This might sound pretty lame, but at the moment I do not like her very much (am royally p.o. at her actually). However, even though she is currently at the bottom of my list, I recognize that she can be helpful. She is a good sport about coming over to help me with things that I have very little interest in doing by myself (big cleaning jobs, wallpapering, yard renovations, etc).

Happy Thankful Thursday to You!

Karrie

A little of my own medicine.

Yes your right Tracy, I have not posted. To me there has been nothing in my life interesting enough to post. But this is the update.....

I have been flopping back and forth between nights and days (work wise). I am moving to midnights (yippee) at the hospital... but I still had a few afternoon shifts to complete. And I have a 2nd job with a newly forming Home Health Agency, where they want me to work 1 day a week -- days -- as in mornings (YUCK). So I end up with days where I have only 3 hours sleep. This equates to very little of anything getting done on the no sleep days.

I feel like I do nothing while at home but run a teenager here or there. I'm rushing so much I'm terrified I'm going to have an accident. Yes I know I just need to slow down but there are days where this is easier said than done.

Friday, I hosted the "pit party" after the game. Yes, I am the cool mom. Actually wasn't all that bad - told her she could have people over till 12 and than I would do drop offs. Ended up with about 13 kids over and 7 to drop off. $5 pizza and some soda. All in all a good evening.

So tonight I switch back to midnights for 2 and than back to days. We'll see about this HHC agency thing - I have my doubts, especially since its the only thing I flip back to days for, I have to be out of the house by 8 and although the $$ is helpful, if I'm losing my mind it doesn't pay for itself.

In Knitting News - I have my ISE5 person and am anxious to start my scarf. Hoping to get the yarn this week. I have finished my GFs socks and cast on 2 new pair. Yes I still own everyone pics, my DH has the camera since my DD broke the one I use to use.

Thanks to Tracy (again) I followed one of her commenter's back to her blog (CPA knits) and through her found a blogroll for "Nurses That Knit" which I have joined - very exciting stuff -- at least for someone with little life of their own (me).

That's the skinny all - catch you soon...... hopefully in one of my coherent states

Karrie

Blog Surfing

So I'm surfing through all the blogs that I check in on and no-one has posted. Granted its not like I have "That" many, but one would think that someone would have posted for me to comment on/chat with. No one. Nothing. But than again I haven't either.

So.....

I have joined the International Scarf Exchange #5 - am very excited as this is my first exchange ever. Tried to get that button thingy on my sidebar... but no luck. Now, all I have is tools next to all the other ones. I wish I could find an adult ed class that was about fixing your blogger. But I digress.

ISE 5 - Thank you Leah for turning me on - I will get a person to gift with said scarf here in the next few weeks. Have found a pretty cool "play" scarf pattern. Have to start gathering cool stuff to include in my box.

Received my first installment in the Lucky Lurker Sock Club - very pretty!!! I finished my August STR, will post pics next week. Have just the decreases to do in my GF's socks and they'll be done, am finishing up a scarf that has laid around since last spring when I got tired to working on them and I'm going to hopefully cast on a new one for a hostess gift I need for tomorrow (they're quick). So.... my size 1's and 2's will both soon be empty and than hopefully full again with Lucky's and the STR June that I'm behind on.

That's about the skinny here - were off to the camper this weekend. Hopefully when I get back (a) someone will have visited, (b) my blogger friends will have posted, (c) I'll have many finished and started projects to display - Happy Saturday all! K

As Summer Comes To A Close

I realize that by the calendar summer isn't over, however, to me when the kids head back to school, fall is here.

I love my children. I love spending time with them... I just wish it wasn't 3 months long. That is too much togetherness with anyone. I have been looking forward to them heading back to school, but now that it is here, I am going to miss them.

My little girl is no longer a little girl.

She's starting HS and this marks both the end of her childhood (for me) and the beginning of something new, scary (God I remember HS) and wonderful.

Deep breath, let time march on.

Rain Out

So Lissa's first performance at the first game of the season starting High School...... Rain Out.

In other News....

I started a diet Wed and have lost 8 pounds and can put on a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear. (YIPEE)

Received the STR and have it on the needles, working on the lace edging, really like it so far. Have four days off this week so I 'm hoping to get quite a ways along.

The kids go back to school in 8 days!!!!!

Life is getting better all the time. :)

New STR in the house

I've decided that since June's shipment hasn't been knit yet and I'm already behind with it I will move on to Aug shipment and than catch up.

So, to that end, I have wound the yarn into two balls and will commence with "Love Lace". Have to admit that at the moment how one gets from two cuffs to socks is a little confusing but hopefully by the time I get there it will be clearer and others will be there to to lead the way.

On other fronts, its 86 degrees, muggy and forecasting thunder showers (again) and were off to a the first football game of the season. Lissa is sick, can hardly talk and is fortified with Motrin and Darvocet to try and make it through tonight.

Happy knitting all.

WHAT ABSOLUTE FUN!!!!!

Yes it was exhausting, but it was also one of the best times I've had!


I am so very happy that Lissa decided to join band and went to camp. What a great way for kids to start HS. She will walk in knowing over 100 people, having relationships, people she can ask questions of and feel completely at ease. It was amazing at how the kids (seniors to freshmen) all bonded and while I am not naive enough to think that "pecking order" will disappear, I know she will be OK.

I think what I liked the most was that everyone in the band even the nerds and misfits, now belongs to something and is important. I remember starting a new school and how you were trying to find your place and how some never did. Band gives the kids so much.

I also found it amazing how a bunch of kids (including 50 freshmen mind you) can take sheets they've never seen before on Monday and end up with a routine and music in 5 days. We continue with practices the next 2 weeks, but our first game is Friday (yes as in the 24th).

And Tracey, talk about sleeping with one eye open! Boy do you have that right. Got quite the education in the first 2 days. Not that I didn't expect to have to keep a close eye on things but I was not prepared for taking the night shift in order to perform my chaperon duties (yes as in I slept during the day so I could stay up all/most of the night).

It did feel like we did nothing but eat and sit and sit some more and than eat again. I did manage to get quite a few projects done. Need to unpack so I can post pics. Was a very successful knitting week. Also acquired a wee bit of new yarn in the process. Come on, you didn't expect me to take "a trip" and not search out a yarn store did you?

I'm Off to Band Camp

See you all next Sat, wish me luck... I'm heading to the trenches.

I Have Returned

Vacation was Exhausting, but fun. We decided to drive this year (thank God I didn't follow thru on my plan to pull out the 3rd seat for extra room).

Made a stop in Avon, OH at BIRDS OF A FEATHER, ... what a great store! It is a quilt store on the lower level and a yarn store on the upper - all housed in a 100 year old barn. DH spent the better part of the time checking out the barn while I checked out the yarn (the kids checked out the pastry from the shop next store). Snagged about 8 Christmas presents worth of yarn.

This is a bulky that included the pattern for the mittens. Now on a 96 degree day one might say who could think of mittens (only the depraved I know) but they are so warm and cozy they'll be just right for cold winter Michigan days. They flew off the needles (maybe 2-3 hours) - #2 is 2 rows from completion. I've decided to use the same pattern on other yarns bought that day for my nieces Christmas presents.

The pink is for Liz, mittens and if I have a smidge leftover I thought I would make a coordinating hat with a stripe or 2 of the mitten yarn. Same with the blue for Amanda.

I also purchased 2 skeins of Malabrigo on a recommendation from Laura at "Sham I am" (who I am missing terribly since she's out of blogland).

These will be for my son (hats) I am iffy on the yellow but the DH seemed to think he would wear it and I really liked the color. The blue will match his jacket.


For my daughter I found some black and pink (the fav colors) for a hat and than the solid pink will be "Mitlets" - a mitten with no thumb or fingers. She's in band and I'm hoping that she can wear these while playing.


Finally, while away I worked on my girlfriends birthday socks, so far they're going fairly well. I'm trying to figure out how to add funky cuffs to a basic sock patter - this was my first attempt.

VACATION

Were off to DC for the week - Talk to you all soon - Karrie

Lucky Lurker Sock Club

Did anyone else notice/join "A Swell Yarn Shops" sock club. I decided to try it out.... figure that by the time it starts (Sept) the kids will be back to school and I'll have more time. That and its only a 3 month club currently.

In other news, I interviewed for a job in Maternity yesterday. Can't tell how it went but the Manager said she should be making a decision on Friday. I gave it to God - if that's where I'm meant to go fine, if not I'll keep looking. I always thought I wanted ER and I do like aspects of it very much, but..... I'm ready for a change.

We're gearing up for vacation - take off for DC on Sunday - going to try and hit a couple of yarn shops on the way... we'll see how much cooperation and complaining I encounter.

Happy Days - Karrie

I need some commiserating...

I hate birthdays. Its not the getting older, its only a number and I don't feel my age anyways. Its the let down. I try very hard not to expect much (anything) and there are usually good parts but it also seems there there is enough to just make the day crummy. In response to the icky birthdays (since childhood) I have tried for those around me to not celebrate just "1 day" but rather to celebrate the night before, day of and something special the day after.

This year was no different. However, as I type this, I realize that brooding on the bad and how the day was crappy will do nothing but make the day worse, so.... I will tell you about the positive:

The good... from my BF I received a gift certificate to Blue Moon Fiber Arts so I can buy more yarn. What a friend! She listens, she understands me and she searched for that something special (OK maybe she didn't have to search too far, but there was definite effort there). In the past she has also gotten me a 6-pack of coke. Yes they are little things but they mean a lot cause she shows that she understands what means a lot to me. That's a friend.


So, how do you feel about birthdays?

Vacation Time Well Spent

Although summer has barely started we're off to a breakneck speed. We had friends visit from NY last week which was such a pleasure. About 4 yrs ago I encouraged my friend Joyce to start quilting, which is now a passion. In the last year I have let the quilting go in favor of knitting. While she was visiting, we visited the local quilt shops and I was inspired (again). SO...... following their visit while we were at the camper I accomplished:

These two quilt blocks from a current block-of-the-month (BOM) that I joined in Feb. More involved than my usual projects, each block takes about 3 hours to complete (cutting/sewing). I have 3 more that I am behind on but am very pleased with my progress.

I also worked on a BOM that I am behind on that started last August. This will be a scrappy quilt when complete. I finished 13 blocks while vacationing ... about 6 months worth of blocks that again I am behind.

Not to be left out, I also worked on some knitting. These are Duet's for me. I have just the knitchner stitch to finish.

Also worked on DH socks. They are agonizingly slow to come off the needles. One is complete and I have 4 inches to go.

So that's it in completion land so far.

Projects Completed

Two postings in one day - I just can't stand myself. ANYWAYS.......

As I've posted earlier, my mom and I are working on my house/yard. I am attempting in phases to remove as much grass as possible cause there is just too much to mow. So little by little were changing things. The center area with stump will eventually be filled with Vinca Vine. In the mulch filled areas I am going to plant spots like random poka dots that will be filled with different flowering plants so I have some color all summer long.

Where the black circle is (old trampoline) I am going to attempt an arbor of sorts, but that might be next year, we'll see. Still this year I want to continue past the air conditioner to the edge of the patio and around the corner there. My DH requested that I leave a way for him to mow from one area (that you can't see) to the other... hence the grassy section to the right of the picture. I'm hoping as things go along though he'll let me fill that in too.
In inside news, this picture came out a little bright, but that's the blue that I painted last winter and the bead-board wallpaper we put up this past week. Big difference. Clean, brighter and updated. Something that I can live with until we do a major kitchen remodel which I know needs to be done but am working on the where-with-all to accomplish said project.

Anyways, doesn't look like much but were talking several hours of combined sweat here - especially as its been 80 to 90 since middle of May.

On July 2 in history

Thanks to Tracey at Never Ending Mind http://neverendingmind.blogspot.com/ I am participating in the following - tag yourself if interested and leave message -- I check out yours. Karrie

Here are the rules: You go to http://www.wikipedia.org/ and type in your birthday (only the month and day). Then you write down 3 events, 2 births, 1 holiday, and then you tag 5 friends.

July 2 is the exact middle of the calendar year, there are 182 days before and after (except leap years) and it is always on the same day of the week as Jan 1 (except for leap years).

1. 1937 Amelia Earhart disappeared
2. 1947 A UFO crashes near Roswell New Mexico - the government denies the whole thing.
3. 1962 The first ever Wal Mart opens.

I share my birthday with:

1932 Dave Thomas, founder of the "Wendy's " chain
1986 Lindsay Lohan

Canada Day is celebrated on July 2 if the 1st is on a Sunday.

And there you have it.

Too Many Projects

My mother has decided to inform me that I have too many projects "in process" and this is why I feel nothing gets done (I hate it when mothers are right!). SO we are in the project completion or complete as far as I can phase. First is the kitchen. I started painting it this winter and have 1-1/2 walls done with the 1/2 wall needed only a second coat of paint. Than I picked up some wallpaper (wanted bead-board but too $$ right now) that looks like bead board. We are attempting to hang that Wed. This will at least have the walls looking clean and finished. After my June visitors leave, we are going to rip out the kitchen carpeting (yes carpeting, green, 70's UGLY)... but that has to wait a little.

Than on to the backyard. We finished laying the 11 patio blocks to complete last years project and were going to cover more grass with mulch to eliminate additional grass. This should decrease the mowing in the back by 1/3. Will post pictures upon project completion.

Chaperone 8th Grade Field Trip

My daughter's 8th grade field trip to Cedar Point (Sandusky Ohio) was today. 2 hours each way with a bus load of teenagers trying desperately to spread their wings. I had ten in my group - mixed boys and girls. We didn't have to hold onto them -- just make sure they got there, check them in at 2:30 and gather them again to head home at 7:30.

I wasn't too worried. I'm an ER nurse. I handle confusion second nature. I have a VERY strong personality (read _itch here). I set rules and expect them to be followed. So.. I told the kids I expected them to be on time and to me 5 minutes early was on time, Have Fun see you at 2:30 / 7:30.

These kids were so AWESOME!! They (all of them, especially the boys) were a minimum of 15 minutes early, they checked in, waited patiently, followed rules. No problems, no complaints, no raised voice or threatening looks on my part.

I had such a good time with these kids. I thanked them all and needed to sing their praises.



Have a great weekend.

Yarn Acquisitions

I have acquired a few more items lately, hoping to actually get them knitted - all socks, although while at the LYS I was tiptoeing down the felted bag path - thinking they'd make nice Christmas presants, but we'll see.....

ANYWAYS

This piece was picked up off e-bay - kettle dyed blues. Its was nicely wound until the cat (Shadow the yarn theif, look downward to the grey cat) decided he was bored. I'll be winding this shortly.

I happened to catch Duet Sock Yarn just as she posted a bunch of new colors and obtained this "Sterling". Pictures not great (sorry, need to learn the camera). Its Blue Jean with multi blue jean, purple, and cream.

and this....

I forget the name. I had seen something previously with the green and it was out of stock so I grabbed it when I saw the green again.

Finally, I stopped at the campers LYS looking for Malabrigo. (I pulled a list of stores off Malabrigo web site... FYI call the store first. Although listed they did not sell the yarn... Drat if this doesn't mean I'll have to visit a few more stores to find it)

I did however, pick up some purple Merino for a hat for my son for Christmas and the other skein to work the cuffs on a pair of socks for my girlfriend.

Well thats how I spend my Memorial Day weekend. We went camping Sat/Sun (I sat and knitted -- love camping) and Today I'm headed to work (don't be sad - can't pass up the OT-- it pays for the yarn purchases)

Happy Memorial Day All

When I am an old woman...

I hope I...

1. Live to a ripe old age being active in mind and body.
2. Can continue to knit, quilt, and volunteer.
3. Am young enough in mind and spirit to not critizie the "young generation" but rather generate enough respect that one can have a good conversation learning from each other.
4. Am comfortable enought financially to not have to each cat food (I saw this once on TV and the image/idea scares the bejevers out of me).
5. Continue to learn and change with the times (refer to #3 here).
6. Be active in my grandchildrens lives so they have memories to carry with them into their adulthood.

I hope I don't...

1. Outlive my children.
2. End up with no quality of life, laying in a bed in an ECF smucked. Please let me be active till I die.
3. Have a sour outlook on life making everyone around me miserable.
4. Loose my eyesight or manual dexderity (refer to #2).
5. Smell. Working with the public its amazing how many old people smell... BADLEY!
6. Live somewhere where I have no family around me.

Friday Night Knitting Club - New Fiction

I recently finished the above titled book and must say I was VERY disappointed. The story was very good up until the last 50 pages. Then, the main character (Georgia) is killed off. Boom. It was an absolute awful ending for the interweave of stories that swirled between the pages and around "Georgia". In my opinion this was a waste of time.

7 Things

I was suppose to tag 7 people to blog 7 things about themselves. I'm not a tagger. So if you read this and want to do it, leave me your blog address in comments and I would love to read your 7 things.

7 Things About Myself

1. I love all things soft and fuzzy (as long as they are not running wild in my house).

2. My first husband I married at 19 and divorced at 22. I have not spoken to him since and still miss him very much.

3. I have a compelling need to make a difference in the lives of those around me.

4. I am an optimist, always.

5. I know, speak to and have a lot of acquaintances, but very few people I call friends. I often feel very lonely.

6. I will be your biggest cheerleader (OK nag). Don't tell me you want to do something and not mean it. I won't let you forget.

7. Up until now I have thoroughly enjoyed my children at every age and not regretted when they have turned 1 year older. Now the years are passing way to quickly and it is not that far off until they will be on their own which makes me very very sad.

Still Here

Yes, I am still around. Between the overtime and the switching from days to nights to days again, I have been out of the loop for the last 3 weeks.

In the few hours of wakefullness while at home I have managed to do one or two things. First, I have been doing a bit of updating to the house. Seems that whenever spring rolls around I get the itch to do so. So, I moved around the furniture and added a bit of cloth here and there to try and get a softer, country cottage/shabby chic look. (Cat in the foreground is Shadow, he is the baby)

I have also been working on the Grasshopper STR - finnished one. I again shortened the leg of the sock as this works best for me. (Weird angle taking the pic myself, but you ge the idea. Leg acutally comes up about 3 inches.

Sock #2 is on the needles and almost to turning the heal. Other than that the laundry, weeds, and spring cleaning are calling (screaming actually). As always, there is just Too Little Time!

Finally, this is Kitty Kat. He is my favorite.

April 20 - Is spring here?

Well the sun has shined for 2 whole days and is suppose to for another 2 whole days, maybe spring is actually going to make an appearance? I won't hold my breath.

I'm tired of working on socks. So I decided to pick up another UFO and see if I could make headway. Its a baby outfit. No more for me thank you. It was actually started for a friend whos little one is now a year. Its a 9 mth. I've heard tell of some who put special things like this away for when they actually have a grandchild. Maybe. God help Lissa if she presents me with one anytime soon.

So STR ships next week. I hope I get my sock groove back as I don't want to fall behind. I have enought UFO/block of the months that I need to finnish with the quilting. Than again.... there's always retirement in 30 years.

Happy Days :)

Finnished Socks & New Purchases

I finnished my sons socks - his first pair. He was so pleased that he had to wear them to bed that night.

I used a short leg as that how we were all of ours, short row heal (really love it). Than I used BMFA "Alina's Toe". As noted below - this was my first foray into socks on circs and 2 at a time. Both went well, some learning ensued.

These were a pair that I had cast on prior to my sons. Actually I had cast them on once in a pattern designed for the stripes to be vertical - after finnishing the sock (didn't fit) I ripped it out and went back to horizontal stripe. They are for me - messed up needle sizing betwn sock 1 and 2 (my push to do them 2 at a time) so although they stripped compatably the fit isn't exactly the same.

Out shopping yesterday I was in a new (for me) YS, this of course required a stop and purchases. I have some yarn left from my sons socks so I picked up Red to compliment and make another pair. The blue/brown/purple is for my DH - and the cotton candy colors for me or my daughter.... we'll see.

I'm beginning to acquire this stash thing I swore I wasn't going to do. Oh well, just have to find places to put it.

Knitted Chickens

I am not a chicken lover.

I eat ckn - but only not on a bone.

There isn't anything cute about a grown ckn.

I love the YH chicken pictures. I wish I had been able to make a chicken.

Funny how when you get a bunch of people together the absurd and riduculous that one would not entertain the thougth of any other time

becomes the coolest.

I wish I had made a chicken.
I wish I were at camp.
I wish I was with a bunch of other knitters getting my knit on.

Thak goodness for my cyber friends who completely understand this.

With Love to you all --- Karrie

My Darling Husband

After 18 years of marriage the man got it right. When I got home from work Sat, he told me he had gone out to buy me an Easter plant. But while standing in line thinking about it he decided no, that I would rather have YARN!

So he put it down and gave me the money so I can buy more fiber therapy. I was SO pleased. He was right. I would have just killed the plant (have many such dead specimens to confirm this) but am soo excited. New Yarn. He figured it out. On His Own. There's always hope.

A little of this, a little of that

Sewing time has been limited latey as I have been on the needles more than anything. However, one project I was working on was this "Belle" dress for Sophie. I'm hoping all the fuff will make her smile. The headband also has tulle attached to flow down her back.

A friend of mine posted some wonderful bags she picked up, great for holding sock projects. I mentioned my just passed obsession with Longaberger Totes (pictured left). A very nice co-worker gifted me with the blk courderoy with tan/blk check handles. This led to a frenzey of purchases off e-bay. As they began to arrive I explained to my DH that I spend less buying these off e-bay than I would have if I had driven down to Longaberger (gas $$), bought bags ($$), bought lunch ($$) and stopped at a yarn/quilt store in town ($$). So all in all I saved him money. He loves the way I tell him I'm saving money while I'm spending it ;o)

Took a "field trip" with the DH last week. He had some work to do in Toledo, so I tagged along - great excuse to knit down and back. Also convinced him to stop at a Toledo LYS that I wouldn't normally get to. He even enjoyed himself. Brought home those pictured. The Brown/Blue are Lorna's Laces "Jeans" for the DH, blue/purple are for me and the blk/multi for my daughter. Blk/multi are bamboo which is my first foray into this fiber. Also picked up the red/blk below for my son. As he is the only one without socks, his are first.

Socks on Circs.

UPDATE: 2 socks at a time


I tried to teach myself socks on circulars with little progress and lots of knotted yarn. So I broke down and looked for help. One class in my available time was full. No others were offered. Undaunted, I booked a private lesson.

So, Today I learned socks on circs. Not so bad - I have 1/2 inch of cuff #1 done (yea yea big deal) however, no knoted yarn and progress can be seen. Unfortunatly, I have to work tonight so progress won't be seen tonight either.

However, Most Importantly - I GET IT!! Soon I will be 2 at a timing it!

By-the-by, purchased addi turbo's -- nice -- also Addi Lace Needles - AWESOME!! - Currently using one of each because they are differnt colors and easier to tell if I have the right needle in my hand.

Happy Knitting and Hello to beautiful weather! Karrie

Lillian Mae Browning Steel

My Grandmother. Someone who influenced my life and who I am so much more than I realized in my youth. A spunky lady. Grandma was 40 when she had my father - very late in life in the 1940's. She was always old in my youth. Grandma and Grandpa never drove, their entire life.

Grandma was always knitting or crocheting. I have several afagans still, and memories of slippers, baby doll purses, barbie clothes. The greatest legacy though was not in the things she made me, but in that she taught me. She patiently taught me to crochet and than knit. I didn't do it well but she was lavish in her praise and always asked what projects I was working on.

Grandma moved from 30 minutes away to 5 hours about the same time I moved into my late teens. I continued to keep her informed about my happenings in notes and such. Grandma would take her post and sit down with a cup of tea.

Grandma died at age 90 in 1995. Although shes not here in body she is in spirit. Every time I cast on I think of her and know she would be so happy and so interested in my projects.

Thank you all for looking and your comments - I am really liking this blogger thing - love being linked with others sharing my same interests from all over the world, especially there aren't many people in my circle of friends/co-workers who do needlecraft.

I switched to size 2 needles for the leg and they are still a smidge tight - the pooling / stripping I believe is part of what size needles one uses and how tight one knits.

So now I'm working on dishclothes (christmas gifts for the in-laws), pink and purple stripped socks (on needles), a quilt for charity and ....

I did manage to finnish a baby sized quilt out of my UFO's that had been hanging around about 3 years - unfortunatly I didn't take pictures. Oh Well - its DONE

Happy Spring all - Karrie

ROCKIN SOCKS

They're done!!! They're beautiful! I love the way the color washes across - I wish the gray was more on the bottom and the brown and green on top - but not so much that I was going to rip them out!

The only problem is that they're thicker than my normal socks so I'll have to buy shoes to accomadate them..... ah well.

I did change the leg a little making it shorter than the pattern called for as I don't wear my socks high up the leg, more around the ankle.

Now only 4 or 6 weeks more till the next shipment.

I'll just have to work on the pink ones I started, the 2 skeins of yarn waiting, the baby outfits, or any one of the 20 quilts I have started. Too many projects, TOO LITTLE TIME...

Well I'm still all alone - no visits, no comments. I really don't understand how to get everywhere I want to be and all. Would love some instruction but don't know where to find that either.

ROCKIN SOCK CLUB

Finnished Sock #1, working on #2. Stayed pretty much with patter but shortened my cuff - I don't like my socks high - more crew height. Can't wait to finnish #2 so I can wear them!!!

Of course if I stayed off the computer and on the needles I might get more done... than again I have to get back to the quilting too at some point... to many crafts, TOO LITTLE TIME

In the beginning

... there was a knitter and quilter who joined an on-line knitting group (Socks That Rock), and discovered a whole world of blogging that she never knew existed. Fumbeling her way around she one night discovered that she could create a blog for herself and join the other knitters she discovered on-line. This made her very very happy. Now if she can only figure out the rest....