Crochet Galore

Crocheting Update and a Winter's Break

2012-01-22T20:02:00.001-05:00

The round ripple, crib blanket sized, completed this morning and ready to make its way to the new mom to be. I had initially wanted to end in pink but the blanket was 54 inches which I thought was large enough so beige it was and edged in a scallop.

Also ready for take off this week are my little bags with their Valentine treats to two special little misses. I finally decided on flowers instead of the hearts for an embellishment. These are such fun little bags to make. The pattern can be found at Tangled Happy, Boutique-bag

My round ripple for Pammy Sue's CAL is still in the works. Plans are to work on it and try for a finish the end of this week.

Currently on the look out for an afghan pattern suitable for an engagement present. I have found a few patterns and trying one out right now but would appreciate any suggestions. I did see a beautiful Fisherman's afghan but so far have not been able to locate the pattern. Books out of print!

And as far as my winter's break ... I still am having a lot of issues with Blogger. I cannot always leave comments, can't follow or see my followers, and find the screen freezes on posts, on my blog as well as others. I just haven't time to try and find another avenue although it seems that that is something I really need to do. To limit the frustration I will be taking a blogging break for a while. When I do get to design another doily, etc., I will post and I certainly will be out visiting your blogs, I could never stay away from that. So for at least a few weeks I will be seeing how I can resolve the blogging problems and spend more time with my hooks. Keep warm and safe. See you at your house!

God bless,

Up and slowly moving

2012-01-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

Time to get the coffee brewing and start the day. A little later these past days, back to normal schedule tomorrow. Was nice to have a few days of quiet. Bandages and stitches coming off and out today. A bit of soreness but the numbness is gone. What a relief. Will need to have the other hand done as well, but not sure yet when I will do that.

Crisp, cold (bitter) and sunny this morning. A picture to see the sun streaming through the orchard, very beautiful. Time for that coffee and my morning prayer. Blessings to your day.

Where the stash is ...

2012-01-15T11:44:00.002-05:00

The CAL is coming along nicely. Its a very easy pattern and yet looks so much more so. I love how the double crochet front posts make this look. There certainly will be more in the making!

A very sweet pattern for Valentine's Day ... I adore this little heart. A wonderful insert in cards of the day. I will also be using as an embellishment. Pattern here.

A few special little misses will be getting these little totes for Valentine's Day. They will be filled with crayons, hair accessories and trinkets ...

(unable to get the link for this little darling right now due to blogger issues.)

And embellished with the lovely heart. I am looking for an initial pin/charm to put in the center of the thread heart.

Sunday Blessings

Its Cold!

2012-01-14T14:29:00.000-05:00

Bundling up and heading out. Yes, I know its winter but ...
the wind, so strong the past two days. F r e e z i n g !

Now the good thing, great to spend some time crocheting away. The ever growing ghans are so pretty and providing some nice warmth as they are worked on! Hope to get a few more rows on Pammy Sue's CAL and to post a picture either later or tomorrow. I think this has taken over as my all time favorite.

Grabbing the crochet bag and ready to brave the cold ...

Have a wonderful weekend.

Round and Round

2012-01-10T06:00:00.003-05:00

I love round ripple afghans. Over the past few years I have made quite a few. I enjoy crocheting them, I love how they look and the recipients are thrilled with them. Currently a pink/brown/beige one is working up for the arrival of a little miss come spring.

To acknowledge my fickleness when it comes to crochet and especially round ripple afghans, I have also just started this stunner. Pammy Sue of Scotty's Place is hosting a crochet a long on this pattern from the December 2011 issue of Crochet World. I am smitten! I can see "several" in the future.

Hop over and join in. You'll be glad you did! Its a great and fun pattern to make.

Crocheting in circles and loving it!

The stash has spoken

2012-01-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

and for once I have listened. The color sequence for this was 10 rows however, the last one ended up being just five rows as I found I didn't have any more of the green yarn. Normally, I would have high tailed it to Michael's or WalMart and purchased another skein (and probably a "few" more in the process) but measured and this grannyghan is at 43 inches. More then enough for a very comfortable lapghan so a row of single crochet followed by a row of reverse single crochet and its complete.

It is very satisfying to be able to complete a project just from what's on hand. The winter months will be a good time to continue decreasing the yarn mountain and increase the lapghan supply. I have two patterns in mind for the next ones with one being from scrap yarns. Looking forward to that as I have never done one like that before. First to finish a round ripple.

I'm happy to report that the hand is doing very well.

Only two days and I could use the blow dryer this morning.

I'm happily surprised.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Its a good thing!

2012-01-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

We've finally hit single digit on the thermometer. Good day to stay tucked in.

Carpal tunnel surgery yesterday went like a breeze! Got there at 7:00am was on the way home at 9:30am. How amazing is that? Smarts a tad today but nothing that can't be dealt with. Catch this ... I can even crochet!

Taking advantage of some quiet time. Think I will get some good soup simmering in a bit, light some candles, find a good old black and white movie and kick back.

First to figure out how to do my hair single handed ...

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2012

2011-12-31T08:58:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a most happy,

healthy and prosperous

New Year.

Abundant blessings,

In the New Year ...

2011-12-29T19:18:00.000-05:00

The crochet front has slowed a bit (a lot) ... I still love crochet. I'm ever so slowing adding rows to my grannyghan ... six rows to go and counting. Have to admit haven't picked it up since before Christmas. I still wander to the yarn section of any store that carries it and browse. (Notice the word browse ... not purchase ... my abundant stash will not allow any more!) I continue to search for the "next" project (probably twenthieth in line at this point) and I'm thinking of trying to be a bit more creative in some doily designs next year ... but the hook moves ever so slowly these days and in the next week to come.

Carpal tunnel surgery for next week for the worst of the hands, my right (I'm left handed so go figure). I'm looking forward to the relief that many have told me they received and happily all for a fifteen minute procedure. Isn't it just amazing at what can be done today?

New Year Blessings ...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

and unto us a Savior is born ...

Merry Christmas

Abundant blessings,

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T07:07:00.000-05:00

Today you will know the Lord is coming,

and in the morning you will see his glory.

Merry Christmas to Our Brave

2011-12-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

Remembering all those who are

serving our country

and our army boy.

We miss you and love you.

God bless and Protect

A Joy of The Season

2011-12-20T21:30:00.001-05:00

Giving ... from the heart. There is no treasure worth more. Priceless, weighted beyond measure.

Last week, arriving home after a long day to find a card tucked among the mail in the box. A card that had traveled from far away lands. A message of holiday blessings and with it a crocheted star. Delicate and beautifully made. A treasure. It will be displayed during this Christmas season to be enjoyed and to remind of a giving heart, of joy received. It will then take its place in my daily prayer book, a forever treasure. Thank you dear sweet girl, Tammy. You are joy.

The Weather Outside is Frightfully Cold ...

2011-12-18T19:54:00.001-05:00

The temps have taken a drastic drop. A night to be tucked in and under a crocheted afghan ... mmmmm, cozy.

My favorite chair, surrounded by several in progress works of yarn and hook, is calling me to come and sit. With peppermint moca coffee, I think I will also grab the granny throw and settle in. Its lapghan size now. I think it will get one more color sequence (ten rows) and then edged. Crocheting afghans during the winter months is so comforting. Its like being covered in a blessing.

We begin the final week of advent.

How quickly now Christmas is approaching.

Let the Heavens drop down gentle showers,

let the clouds rain down the Just One,

...and let the earth bring forth a savior.

Christmas Spirit

2011-12-16T06:27:00.000-05:00

I find it such a delight to see the cars transporting their newly purchased Christmas tree. Strapped to the top of a car making its way to its place of prominence. This sight alone brings me such holiday spirit.

During the next week I hope to be more aware of the season and its reason and to celebrate each day for the gift of all time that is given us. God's blessings to all.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

“May Peace be your gift at Christmas

and your blessing all year through.”

~ Author Unknown

Making Merry Christmas Memories

2011-12-10T15:17:00.001-05:00

Met at a friend's house the other day to learn to make a kissing ball. They had made them before but this was a first for me. Didn't realize that the base of the ball is as small as an orange. They said that the juice from the orange would keep the greens good. In seeing the orange size I never would have believed the size these become.

Supplies were put out ...

the oranges were tied with twine and we started inserting the greens, holiday music in the background ...
can't forget to mention the peppermint tea and fresh from the oven cornbread. It was delightful!

And look at what we got! We liked their fullness and decided not to trim into a more round shape. Found two birds in the ribbon box so on the ball they perched. Each of us now has our home made kissing ball on our respective lamp posts.

I have declared this a tradition. What a lovely way to have shared time with friends.

This truly makes for a Merry Christmas memory.

May your weekend be merry and bright.

A Christmas Memory

2011-12-09T06:00:00.004-05:00

(written December 2009)
Sometimes when you think of presents you picture a beautifully wrapped gift with all the trimmings ... not always so, the fondest and most cherised memories are those wrapped in love ...

A friend once asked what was the best Christmas present ever? She described walking into her grandmother's house and there stood three red barbie doll suitcases ... one for her and each of her two sisters; she was probably about 9 years old at the time. Listening to her describe her delight when she saw them was priceless. What had made her think of it was she had been thinking of how to wrap her grandchildren's presents thinking that they might enjoy ripping off wrapping paper rather then pulling them from a bag with tissue paper. It was with this thought that she remembered those red suitcases and the fact that they had been unwrapped had made no difference, in fact, I think from listening to her speak of having "walked in on them" had an amazing element of surprise ... I guess so, for forty something years later the impact remained. This gift is closely held to her heart, a cherised memory. But the gift is more then a little red suitcase, its a grandmother's love.

I related to her childhood memory and thought of the anticipation and excitement of which my brother and I would approach Christmas morning. Carefully displayed around the tree was the bounty of Santa, in all its glory, every item standing unwrapped. When I think of Christmases at those times, I was probably around 8 or 9 years old, I remember a Christmas afternoon ... Million Dollar Movie was on, the theme song from Gone With The Wind ... even now I hear it and I remember being sprawled on the floor with a coloring book and the big box of crayola crayons. I loved my gifts, each and every one, but coloring I adored.

I would color the pages in succession, never skipping around, until the book was completed. On some pages the entire picture would be outlined in black, then carefully select colors to use within the black lines. Sometimes the different items in the picture would be outlined in a darker shade of the color I used in that space. Sometimes I would color in circular motion, sometimes back and forth. For me coloring was an art. I loved it! It was my greatest memory ... for a moment ...

and then I remembered the coat.

I think I was 19 or 20 (the year being 1969 or 1970). I had stopped (and I cannot remember why, I think maybe my mother had asked me to pick up something there) at the showroom of a coat factory in town a few days before Christmas. Maxi coats were in fashion and becoming more and more popular by the day. There in this store was a most beautiful coat. It was a wool, orangey red with a hood, and had a tapestry strip that ran up the front, around the hood and down. It was absolutely wonderful! You should have seen the size of it ... all I'll say is that its "several" sizes smaller then what I wear now, and it fit like it was made just for me.

Later, while we were making preparations for Christmas Eve dinner the following night, I spoke of this coat and then thought no more of it. Christmas Eve was always very special, although we didn't have family any where nearby it was always a grand dinner, set up in the dining room, the tree was also in the dining room in front of double glass doors making it very pretty during dinner. The four of us, my parents, brother and I. This would have been the last time I had ever celebrated Christmas with my brother, but that's for another time.

After dinner, before or sometimes during dessert, we would open our gifts. A warm, cozy Christmas Eve exchanging presents. After everything was done my mother asked me to go to her bedroom, for what now I do not remember, but when I walked into the room, there hanging on the closet door was the coat. Unwrapped, just hanging on the closet door! I think I almost fell over. How my mother ever got to get this coat, I don't know. And when I think of this now, how she did that for me. And so, what was my best present ... the coat? ... No... its discovering a mother's love and five seasons later, in my 60th year, its so very clear. Thank you mom.

Love cannot be boxed, wrapped in paper or adorned with bows, glitz and glitter. It stands unashamedly unwrapped, uncovered ...

bare and bold. To receive it, there is no greater gift. It is the ultimate. -glor

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

You cannot change

the direction of the wind,

but you can adjust your sail.

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Everything but stockings hung by the chimney...

Now ... to get to those stockings!

Have a wonderful Wednesday ...

Blessings and Joy.

Christmas Favors of Joy

2011-12-03T16:51:00.000-05:00

Seems like my theme for the Christmas season is Joy.

I saw these saucer sized little dishes in The Christmas Tree Shop and just fell in love with them and came home with a bunch. So glad I did. They've become the favor for this Christmas.

Filled each little dish with candy, topped with an ornament and shrink wrapped.

Found these ornaments and cards at a local dollar store ... the card's sentiment of joy inside ... goodness ... matches the ornament. I love it when that happens. Hadn't planned it!

Cut out the Greetings and the inside sentiment, laminated them together.

Sometimes I have a theme in my mind of what I want to put together sometimes not, as in this year. Seems like no effort on my part, these just came together.

Joy to your holiday!

Merry Christmas.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-01T06:14:00.000-05:00

It only takes one smile to offer welcome...

and blessed be the person who will share it.

It only takes one moment to be helpful...

and blessed be the person who will spare it.

It only takes one joy to lift a spirit...

and blessed be the person who will give it.

It only takes one life to make a difference...

and blessed be the person who will live it.

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving...

make every day a holiday and celebrate just living.

-Amanda Bradley

The day after ... Soup Day ...

2011-11-25T07:59:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving over, turkey soup simmering on the stove. I think that's my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner ...the soup after. I'm a big fan of soups especially in the cooler and winter weather. Speaking of soup, I have to share with you the recipe I got from Tammy of T's Daily Treasures earlier this week ...

Spiced Lentil Soup: Brown 1/2 cup diced onions, 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/3 cup of barley in 1 TBS of olive oil. Add 3 quarts of vegetable stock and 1 cup of orange lentils. Cook til tender. Add in 1 can of chickpeas, 1/2 lb of spinach and 12 oz of salsa. Heat through and serve. (Tammy said she used more salsa than called for and frozen spinach.)

This is a keeper recipe, easy to make and absolutely wonderful! You just have to try this, you'll be happy you did.

Well, a bit of housekeeping to do this morning then to meet a very dear friend that I haven't seen in quite a long time for lunch. Great way to keep the momentum of the holiday going.

Hope that your day is a blessed one.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.006-05:00

For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird, and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-11-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Thoughts given to blessings bestowed and for which I am thankful. One of those blessings is the wonderful people that stop by and leave such heart felt comments and encouragement. To those that I have discovered who create, share and inspire with their written word.

To all of you I say thank you. I hope that you find the blessings that I have found from each one of you.

God's blessings and grace.

The season has arrived...

2011-11-22T06:06:00.000-05:00

For me, always felt this week was the beginning of the holidays ...hard to believe that it is here. Don't know where the time is going. The days just seemed to have flown by. Busily preparing the house. Actually, it looks like a cyclone has gone through with boxes here and boxes there of decorations slowly making there way to their place in the house. The past few years have had minimal decorating but this year its all coming out. Our little grandbaby certainly does add to holiday spirit. Toy shopping is again on the list!

This year will be using the Turkey fryer for the first time, hear that it makes a very moist turkey in only about an hour cooking. Anxious to try it but I think I will miss the smells of Thanksgiving from a roasting turkey.

Hope your week is going well. Wishing you all abundant blessings.

Adorable Christmas Penguin Crochet Along

2011-11-11T06:00:00.004-05:00

Crochet Along hosted by Stitchy McFloss begins today. Is this just the cutest little critter? Yarns selected and hooks ready ... actually hook moving as I started this last night. He will have a place of prominence beneath the Christmas Tree this year.

The patterns says he will be 14 inches high without the hat, he's looking mighty big already and the head and body are only about a third of the way completed. Quite different from the afghan or doily work and I am loving this. Great fun to work on ... thanks Stitchy!

Hop on over to Stitchy's and join in! Will look for you there.

Merry Crocheting!

A Day in November

2011-11-09T06:22:00.000-05:00

Isn't the contrast of the green, green leaves again the blue, blue sky beautiful. Would you believe these pictures were taken this past Sunday ... November! Quite some difference from the previous week of heavy snow and power outages. Its a rather strange autumn this year. Some areas have the golden leaves while yet many trees are as green as Spring. Temperatures are back to high 60's. To that I hear a very hard winter is forthcoming.

Sort of hard to believe isn't it?

An Early Nor'Easter

2011-11-03T21:49:00.000-04:00

Last weekend found a good amount (over a foot) of snow, lots of broken tree limbs and loss of power. I'm hearing that this coming Sunday is the power restoration day for many. We were fortunate, only two and a half days without power.

With our trees still full of leaves the added weight of the snow brought down branches every where you looked with roads and driveways being blocked.

In the midst of all this snow it was amazing to see the contrast of the autumn and winter. It was quite an extraordinary mix of beauty.

Digging out Sunday morning I had to stop and take a picture of the leaves, the snow and the blue, blue sky. I couldn't get a picture to do justice to what I was seeing but this does give a general idea. It actually was breathtaking. Even still, I'm hoping that this isn't a sign of what's to come for this winter. A nice gentle winter ... yeah, that's what I like. Guess we'll see.

Where has a week gone?

2011-10-28T12:51:00.002-04:00

Last post was a week ago. Hmmm, let's see what has happened since then. I have been blessed ... spent the weekend with a very dear friend. As always, it was a time of enjoyment and refreshment. Returned to closet and house cleaning. A ride in the fall crispness and this lovely visit was inspiration to getting the house prepared for the holiday season. In years past one of my Christmas trees would always make an appearance on Halloween ... yup, you read that right ... Halloween. I would usually decorate from October 31st straight through to December 22. Recent years have found elder care and illnesses diminishing the amount of decorating but I have to say our little grandpumpkin has put a new spunk into the mixture. I rather doubt a tree will appear this coming Monday, but then you never know! I did do some Christmas shopping yesterday.

On the crochet front ... my Christmas whimsyghan is completed, but not to my liking as I had expected. A few ends to weave in yet, then to the wash and most likely put away for a time. Maybe at another time I will like it more (but I really don't think so).

The granny square has bitten again and now the hook has taken off with the Afghan Squared pattern by Lion Brand. So I "shopped" my stash and found these lovely colors I had gotten quite some time ago. A win, win as I love the pattern and the yarn was right there on hand!

And ... saving the best for last ... army boy on his way for two week leave. Here tonight, meeting his new little Godson for the first time. My little family, all together. My heart is full.

2011-10-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

Joy and Blessings,

Thursday Thoughts

2011-10-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

Love Gathers,

Greed Divides

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-10-19T06:52:00.000-04:00

Crafting plans ... that's what. Since the wool festival last Saturday and some recent knitting web surfing the I want to try the knitting needles ... again itch is returning. Not to mention a new itch for rug hooking. Goodness, it seems like everything I see I want to make or learn to make. Just one of those people I guess who enjoy creating things. Oh, I do enjoy shopping, but, in my opinion, the ready made doesn't really hold a candle to the handmade. I still have a few "seasonal" blankies that I want to do for my little pumpkin (crochet) but putting knitting back on the to do list. We have a wonderful yarn shop not to far from here and they hold Saturday morning classes. Their Fall class is currently underway but will check and see what the Winter project is going to be. I think maybe it best to do something like that then I will have someone to oversee and assist.

And yes, a small rug project. Something for a nice wall hanging. Now to look for some supplies and a pattern.

The only problem ... not enough time! We'll get there, I'm sure.

Enjoy your day with whatever medium you are using.

Isn't it wonderful?

Good Day

2011-10-18T06:45:00.001-04:00

Looks like carpel tunnel may be the thing although nerve testing is the next step ... figured that. They did take x-rays of my neck though and found that the space between two of the vertebrae is closing in so that may be adding to the numbness and symptoms or even causing the symptoms. The tests will determine which. Don't see this all happening too quickly so something "to do" over the winter months, but glad I finally got moving on this. Have to make sure these hands are good for crocheting!

Planning on visiting a dear friend this weekend. It should be a more then a pleasant drive with the coloring of the trees right now. A nice time to go visit. Looking forward to this. This is a 40 year friendship, a treasured one. One of the blessings of my life.

Hope your day is a good one.

God bless.

Monday Happenings

2011-10-17T07:07:00.001-04:00

And the work week begins a little later for me today then most days. First order of the day will be to the hand doctor. Decided finally time to get the hands looked at ... thinking maybe carpel tunnel? Have lived with this for a long time, many years now. Some days worse then others. I think we so often learn to deal with things and work around the problem but I heard not too long ago that at some point this couldn't be fixed so I figured I should at least get looked at. Called on Friday for an appointment and figured would get in sometime in November, maybe December and lo and behold an appointment had just opened for this morning. Gave that a quick thought and figured I should go for the opportunity of now and adjusted schedules. So work begins this afternoon.

Have a great day.

Blessings.

Sheep and Wool Festival, Rhinebeck, NY

2011-10-16T07:53:00.001-04:00

Spent the day in Rhinebeck, NY yesterday at the Sheep and Wool Festival. My first time there, but certainly will not be my last. We had a wonderful time. It was packed, wall to wall people, vendors ... too many to even try to count, yarns like I have never seen before and the most exquisite work, mostly in knitting giving me another tug to get out those needles and give another try! The two friends I was with are also into rug making and I think I've been bitten by the noodle bug (noodles are the strips of fabric used for rug making) and, keeping true to my love of crochet, Shirret which is crocheting rugs from fabric scrap.

The first stop on entering the fair grounds was ... would you believe ... Kangaroos! We were mesmerized by these darling animals. They are smaller then I thought and low and behold mama had her baby in her pouch. It was the cutest thing. Can you see the little one?

I did get a few pictures of Shirret rugs and did purchase the tool. These are made from scrap materials, old clothing, etc. A wonderful way to recycle as well as produce amazing rugs.

I do believe that I am going to give my hand a try at rug hooking as well. I did get a picture of the completed Santa pattern that one of my friends bought.  After that the camera went into my purse and stayed there. Just wasn't enough time and room for photos.

Most of the vendors are housed within buildings so I think other then the outdoor food vendors, weather is not too much of a concern. We saw that when a short lived rain shower hit. Everyone outside ran for shelter, waited for it to stop and resumed what they were doing. There's nothing there that could dampen the spirit. Most of where you went there were lines, there were throngs of people but I think that added to the excitement.  People everywhere, vendors or visitors, were friendly and very accomodating. That's crafters for you, a wonderful group of people. We came away rejuventated and more then ever ready to craft.

On the way home we talked of next year's Festival.    A good time was had by all.

Good times with good friends, that's a blessing.

Simplistic Goodness

2011-10-15T06:00:00.002-04:00

Last week I was given two buttercup squash. They look like green pumpkins to me. Never had a buttercup squash before but had been told of their wonderful nut like taste and potato like consistency. Initially I tried to cut it open to scoop out the insides to cook but holy cow, these pumpkin looking squash are as hard as a concrete block. My husband offered to get his saw but I decided to plop it into a baking pan with about 1/2 inch water and bake in the oven. Ahh, success. The first one I cooked I had left in there for probably 45 minutes, the one I did yesterday was only about 25 minutes. Both times were long enough that the skin was soft and I could easily cut apart and proceeded to make
Buttercup Squash Soup that is delicious. And I have to mention and oh so easy!

I simply scooped out the seeds, peeled the squash and cut into chunks. Kid you not, eating this just like it is is wonderful, the taste is amazing. Seeing how good this is I didn't even bother looking for a recipe. I just sauted a diced onion and three minced garlic cloves in oil, added the buttercup chunks, three cups of chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer away until the squash breaks down. I did slice half a red pepper that was in the fridge and threw in to add color. Complemented the squash quite nicely. Talk about an autumn soup. It was delectable and will be a keeper in my kitchen.

I found an Onion Soup recipe the other night which was given to me many years ago (probably about 20 or more). Another very simple but very good soup ... saving that for another day.

Making for a Fabulous Friday

2011-10-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

Well, first thing I have the day off ... that's for a terrific start. Then, on the horizon is cooking, baking and crocheting and a cup(s) of coffee through it all. Quite a perfect day at the homestead.

For cooking, I will be making the following recipe ...someone sent me this recipe a while back, can't remember who, but I've been itching to make it. Its for the crock pot but as I'm home today I may make it on stove top ...

Walter's Chicken Casablanca

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 large onions, sliced

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 lbs. skinless chicken pieces

3 large carrots, diced

2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

2 Tbsp raisins

1/s tsp each cumin, turmeric, salt and pepper

1/4 tsp each cinamon and cayenne pepper

14 1/2 oz. can chopped tomatoes

3 medium zucchini, sliced 1 inch thick

15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained

2 Tbsp parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp cilantro

Saute onions, ginger and garlic in olive oil. Transfer to Crock Pot. Brown chicken in same pain over medium heat. Add carrots, potatoes and zucchini to Crock Pot. Place browned chicken on top of vegetables. stir seasonings in a small bowl and sprinkle over chicken. Add raisins and tomatoes. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours. Add garbanzo beans, parsley and cilantro 30 minutes before serving. Serve over rice or couscous. (I may put this over noodles).

While that is simmering will pop cupcakes in the oven ... lemon with lemon icing ... mmmm, one of my favorites.

Then I think it will be time to get the hook moving. The candy corn afghan and the pumpkin hat have been delivered to my little pumpkin. My Christmas afghan is half plus done. I thought the colors made this sort of whimsy and would be cute with a Santa hat. I'm thinking of putting a pocket on this to hold a Santa doll. Seeing how this comes out I may make a girlie one replacing the blue of course with pink.

Then off to see the "pumpkin". It doesn't get better then this, at least not yet. The army boy will be home next month on leave. I am counting the days...

Have a most blessed weekend.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-10-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Don't let yesterday use up

too much of today.

-Will Rogers

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-10-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

All over but the shouting for another year.
Apples have been picked, crates filled and on their way to the coolers and market. Seems like autumn started slowly this year due to all the rain but has quickly caught on over the past two days. Beautiful colors abound.

Much ado for the week ... busily cleaning and plans being made for a Saturday excursion to a Wool Festival ... over 100 vendors, lots of yarn in all forms from the sheep themselves to shearing, spinning and hanks of wool. I can imagine apple cider and donuts to be a much desired treat. Promises to be a lovely day ... weather and all per the forecast.

The candy corn afghan completed with a Christmas one being worked on for the little pumpkin. Yup, my holiday afghan has taken back burner ... again ... lol. Maybe next year!

Hope your mid-week is going well ... take good care.

Autumn Blessings,

Warm Fall Weekend

2011-10-07T09:45:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday
   Morning ...
     Happy Weekend.

Gorgeous Fall weather, 39 degrees when I got up this morning. So crisp and refreshing ... but ... would you believe the forecast for this weekend is 84 degrees.   Not to sound ungrateful or anything, but these temperatures are stealing my sweater and sweatshirt weather. My absolute favorites!!!  Oh well, I'm sure that this won't last long and I'll be sunggled in my sweats again before I know it.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings and joy.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-10-06T06:32:00.000-04:00

If we wait until we feel good,

we will never do anything.

-St. Teresa of Avila

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-10-05T06:25:00.002-04:00

Harvesting is still happening here in our neck of the woods and shortly will be done for another year.

Row upon row of apple trees, heavily covered in produce, now standing bare of fruit and being readied for their winter rest. Trucks making their way through the country roads to transport to the cities and markets. Another sign of the season.

I am grateful for the tranquility that surrounds us. Far too often taken for granted.

Thanks be to God.

A Bounty of Blessings,

Tuesday Treasures

2011-10-04T06:00:00.002-04:00

My little grandson, I call him my little pumpkin ... so what does his mama do? She comes upon the cutest little onesie and home it comes. I am thrilled to pieces.

Adding to the pumpkin hat, one third of a "candy corn" blanket completed. Should have done by Wednesday and my little pumpkin will be in fashion for the harvest season. Just started this tonight, using a size N hook and nothing more then alternating double and single crochets. This simplistic pattern works up very quickly. May add some motifs of candy corn, pumpkins, etc., if I can find what I'm thinking of. Completed, it should measure about 36 x 32 inches.

Already thinking of the holiday season and possibly what to make. Having a little pumpkin gives much joy to the hook.

Blessings and Joy

to Your World.

Crochet of The Season

2011-09-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

Soooooo ... Debi (Hooks and Yarns) left me a link for an adorable baby pumpkin hat ... http://www.favecrafts.com/Halloween-Crafts/Baby-Pumpkin-Crochet-Beanie# ... thank you Debi!!
I tried out the pattern last night with stash yarn.

The pictures, both here and in the pattern, do not do this little hat justice. This is simply adorable.

And of course since this is for our little man we have to have the right colors of the season for a blanket (reminds me of candy corn) and I think I will like the hat with this orange and the lighter green.
Hmmm, I think I need to do a holiday one too ... two more projects ... have I mentioned that I have many projects?

Thursday Thoughts

2011-09-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Listen to what

you know,

not what

you fear.

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-09-28T06:00:00.002-04:00

In my small world of yarn and thread and hooks I'm still working on my Christmas afghan. Do I dare say this has been going on for over a year now (having been packed away for a significant amount of time)? In other words ... slow pokin' it. I have managed to get 4 strips together with another two to be joined leaving 4 more strips, 28 squares to go. I really liked this afghan at the beginning but some of my enthusiasm has seemed to wane, however, I will persevere. I think once its all together and the border put on I'll be quite pleased.

Now enter my usual fickleness ... look what I saw at Debi's Hooks and Yarns ... ohhhhh, it has me distracted. And you know what that means ... this could be on the hook before week's end ... another project! And how I love projects. The way I figure, the more the merrier! Thanks Debi for sharing another wonderful pattern, you're keeping me happy.

Oh by the way ... I'm looking for a pumpkin type crochet wearable for our little grandpumpkin ... any suggestions?

Mid-week Joy

Today

2011-09-27T06:30:00.000-04:00

Just a quick stop by to say hello

and wish the best to your day.

Blessings and Grace,

What to do with apples ... a wonderful recipe ...

2011-09-26T06:00:00.004-04:00

Was at a house today where the autumn baking scents were amazing. I have been looking for recipes for apples and here I was sniffing the aroma of German Apple Cake. Oh my gosh!!!! ... just thinking about this is making my mouth water, we were give the most generous portion to sample. This was undescribably delicious. We left with the cake recipe and a container of homemade apple sauce. Now, I don't mind apple sauce, but to me its more of a take it or leave kind of thing, usually leave it ...however, if its this apple sauce of today, its a take it. I have to call and get the recipe for this tomorrow. For now, the cake is the focus. I was told these freeze very well, in fact a few that had been made today were going to be frozen for Thanksgiving. I plan on doing the same.

German Apple Cake

3/4 Cup oil

3 eggs

2 Cups Sugar

1 Tsp Vanilla

2 Cups Flour

1/2 Tsp salt

2 Tsp Baking Powder

2 Tsp Cinnamon

4 Cups Cubed Apples

1 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Mix: oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla.

Add: flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon

Add: Apples and nuts

Bake at 350 degrees in a greased 13x9x2 pan

55-60 minutes

Enjoy!

Its Official ...

2011-09-23T20:08:00.001-04:00

There's something about this time of year. I love the crispness of the air, the smell of leaves burning, the amazing coloring of the world around me. The magnificent joys of the days that lead us to the holidays. Each season holds a special beauty, but Autumn is such a delight to me. Each year I hope that the leaves last longer, the color stronger ... maybe it will this year.

Have a lovely weekend ...

Autumn has arrived.

Just Another Scarf - A Free Pattern

2011-09-21T06:00:00.004-04:00

Just Another Scarf

Size G hook
Double Strand Crochet Thread (approximately 500 yards)
(equivalent to Size 3 thread)

I love the feel and texture from the doubled thread although this would work with yarn or cotton as well. The guage is not important so a larger hook would also be fine if you want a looser scarf.

1. Chain 136, single crochet in 2nd stitch from hook and in each stitch across, chain 1, turn.
2. Single crochet in each chain across, chain 1, turn.
3. Single crochet in 1st stitch, *chain 3, skip 3 stitches*, repeat across, chain 2, turn.
4. Double crochet in first stitch, *3 double crochet in chain 3 space, double crochet in each of next 3 stitches* across, chain 2, turn.
5. Double crochet in 1st stitch, front post double crochet in each stitch across to end (turning chain), double crochet in turning chain, chain 2, turn.
6. Repeat row 5, chain 1, turn.
7. Single crochet in each stitch across, chain 1, turn.
Repeat rows 3 through 7 for desired width.

Early Quit Today

2011-09-20T15:05:00.000-04:00

And quite unusual to be home this early but I certainly will take it! Shortly will start supper and probably supper for the next few nights. I love when I can just pop dinner in the micro or on the stove and be ready to eat in minutes. That's part of what comes with the wonderful Fall weather, so many great things to make that taste even better the next day and with the cooling temps its a pleasure to cook. Stew, casserole, stuffed peppers all over the next few night's dinners.

Will be posting within the next few days (hopefully sooner ...maybe tonight) my scarf from July's road trip. Haven't put out a free pattern in a while so I think its about time especially since I have the cooperation of blogger to post at the moment. This hasn't been tested, but I think it will be easy enough. I did this with Royale Double Strand Crochet Thread (its like using size 3) and I love the feel and weight of this. This one will go perfectly with my brown vest, very appropriate for this time of year. Sadly, I don't have the color name of the thread ... I pulled this from my stash and the wrapper was missing. I do remember though this was a very large ball and I had paid $1.39, quite a bargain!

Time to fire up the stove, start chopping, mixing and cooking! See ya in a bit.

Blogging woes .... a g a i n ...

2011-09-17T12:52:00.000-04:00

Blogger is at it again ... still can't see who my followers are, can't seem to follow other blogs, many times cannot even leave a comment (this has been happening for a while now) and now the blogs I follow and some listed on my blog itself, I am having trouble going to and if I can see the blog its only the text. I think all this is a large part of the reason that blogging is no longer enjoyable to me. Very frustrating to say the least.

I certainly have enjoyed the many blogs I have discovered in the past and the wonderful people I have met and now I am so missing visiting you. I keep saying I have to find a new place for blogging. As soon as time allows, I think that will be my first priority.

Not to end on a sour note ... we're having a most beautiful Fall day. VERY crisp! Certainly need to have some bundling going on ... its great!

Blessings to your weekend.

It's starting ...

2011-09-16T10:53:00.001-04:00

Fall is not only in the air - its a sweater and sweatshirt kind of day - but the leaves are starting to turn, the orchards are being harvested, the comforter has been taken out to keep a bit warmer at night ... my favorite time of year. I think this year I need to find some wonderful apple recipes ... apple crisp, apple cake, apple sauce ... yup, that's the ticket! Seems like Fall got here so quick ... don't know where the time is going ....

ahhh, ... yes I do ... watching a new little one grow! Gives big smiles to grandma and grandpa.

Happy Fall Weekend ...

10th Anniversary - A Prayer of Remembrance

2011-09-11T07:24:00.000-04:00

2001 - September 11 - 2011

Almighty and Ever-Loving God, we remember September 11, 2001, and pray for all those who were affected by the terrible events of that day. We remember with love and respect, all of those who went tragically to their deaths.

We remember those who still suffer from their injuries of that day ten years ago and pray for their recovery. We remember the still grieving families and friends and all who lost loved ones.

Gracious Lord, comfort all who mourn, embrace all those in sorrow, give courage to all who suffer. Continue to console them in the hope that all who trust in You will find peace and rest in Your Eternal Kingdom. Bless them with Your presence and surround us all with Your love.

God of peace, who vindicates all injustice, bless all those defending and protecting our country and its ideals of freedom and liberty. God of all nations, look with love on this world and on its people. Restore tranquility to all nations and bless the work of Your creation.

Heavenly Father, answer our prayer and bring us hope through Christ, Your son. May Your kingdom of justice and of peace reign and may the earth be filled with Your glory. Amen.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-09-08T08:09:00.001-04:00

“Your greatest pleasure is that which

rebounds from hearts that
you have made glad.”

~ Henry Ward Beecher ~

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-09-07T13:45:00.000-04:00

Big time rain for the past two days. It has certainly cooled the temperatures and brought out the old sweatshirt. Haven't picked up the hook now in about a week (golly, Dominic's a week plus a day old now ... think that has anything to do with it?) ... but tonight could be a night to work on the Christmas afghan. Cozy up with a good cup of tea and hook is just what this weather is calling for. Will have to see what time I get back home.

Weigh-in day tomorrow ... still hovering at the 20 pound loss mark and that's ok. I'm quite happy with that. Another 20 to go and I'm hoping to see that happen over the next several months, actually by next spring is my target. I'm not pressuring myself over it, find that I enjoy the program much more, eating quite healthy and no deprivation at all! Moving about much easier, its such a good thing!

Time to get moving ... be in touch.

Have a good Wednesday whatever you are doing.

Labor Day

2011-09-05T05:50:00.000-04:00

The Look of Love

2011-09-02T10:44:00.000-04:00

He's Here

2011-08-31T21:42:00.000-04:00

7 pounds, 13 ounces
20.5 inches long
9:48pm August 30th

Our first grandchild ... Dominic ...

and we are in love.

What Happens on Monday?

2011-08-29T12:12:00.001-04:00

at Crochet By The Sea

Stop by and visit with Faith and hook-up and share your thoughts, stories, crafts, whatever, of the things that you enjoy.

Ahhh, crochet ... oh boy oh boy, do I enjoy that ...

Pulled out my Christmas afghan that I started last year, want to have it for the holidays this year. Our little one's afghan is growing so that should be done shortly (and no, he's not here yet, his due date was yesterday, in a way I was grateful that he stayed put during the hurricane).

And most of all, what do I enjoy ... the stars, the sun, the moon ... all that is around me. The crispness of the air that tells me Fall is in the not to distant future. Such beauty, blessed by Him and ours for the taking.

Good Night Irene

2011-08-28T17:40:00.001-04:00

and thankful to say that. Hurricane Irene came and is almost gone with minimal effect. A large limb across the driveway, lots of twigs and branches and leaves swirling about, saw and drove through some flooding, but again minimal. Every so often strong wind gusts are still coming through and I expect some more fallen limbs at the very least but the predictions are good ... sun for tomorrow. Actually, the sun popped out for a little bit this afternoon and for the most part dried up the roads. A bit more then an hour north of New York City, not too far from the Hudson River, we weren't sure what was in store, at least by what we were being told. Last night the grocery shelves were bare as were the streets. It was good that people paid attention, made their purchases and retreated to their homes.

Many were not as fortunate as we were. My heart goes out to them, I will keep them in prayer.

It takes a day like today to realize what we have and what really matters. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, take care, be safe.

Tuesday Treasure

2011-08-23T08:23:00.000-04:00

The sounds and sights of a late summer day ... it is glorious. A crispness to the air, streaming sun painting stripes across the back yard, the sounds of the tractor in the orchard preparing for the harvest which will come in a few weeks.

A pleasant morning home today so a later start. Enjoying the quiet, coffee to be made, prayers to be said and then house care. All in all a God blessed day. I am thankful.

To your day ...

blessings in abundance.

Sunday Morn

2011-08-21T08:02:00.000-04:00

A sabbath, a time and day to slow a bit and take notice of that around us. The blessings that are tucked in every nook and corner of our surroundings. Some times it may be hard to see but they are there.

Summer is passing over to fall, you can feel it in the air. That tinge of cool lurks in the air now. Love it. Its inviting me to do some serious home organizing, starting this week (about time!) so crochet and cross stitch may take a breather for a bit.

May the blessings of this Sunday fill your heart.

God bless

Thursday Thoughts

2011-08-18T06:29:00.000-04:00

Do not go where the path may lead,

go instead where there is no

path & leave a trail.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

2011-08-16T06:37:00.001-04:00

The rain is still at it, day three and counting. On and off down pours last evening made for a bit of difficult driving and some flooding. Thankfully, it has calmed back to a steady shower.

Guess the tomatoes and basil have gotten their fill of water. I usually try planting basil inside in pots and get an ok amount but this year I had planted two plants outside and its amazing. The plants are large and the flavor of the basil is incredible. We're enjoying tomato salads almost every day.

Found a new recipe at Kalyn's Kitchen - Pasta with Hot Italian Sausage, Kale, Garlic, and Red Pepper Flakes ... this is a serious keeper! I have never used kale before but certainly will now. Served this with a tomato, onion and basil salad, fresh french bread and it was a feast. I tried for leftovers but what was there disappeared a short time after dinner. You gotta try this ... you'll love it.

May you be showered

with blessings.

2011-08-14T19:26:00.000-04:00

Its been an umbrella kind of day. For the most part, just a soft, steady, summer rain. One that can make sleep most appealing, however other duties prevailed.

Unplanned but accomplished was the cleaning out of a hall closet. One of those take something out deals and see something else that really has no purpose or use anymore which led to the next thing you see and so on and all of a sudden a closet dejunked and straightened. Looks quite nice now, if I say so myself, but the highlight was a crochet project that I finally paid attention to and brought out of the closet. Hmmm, this has been around now for ... ahhhh ...quite a while. Its actually a fairly good size, almost fitting the top of a queen sized bed.
Do you see the hook in it? I'm happy I left the hook with it, now I just have to pick up and continue with no second guess as to which size I was using. How's that for an excuse for the hook collection I have been building?

Well I think this is all I have patience for. I have been having quite a difficult time getting this far with Blogger today. I still can't see my followers nor can I follow other blogs and more often then not can't leave comments. I really hope this straightens out soon.

Anyway, hope that wherever you are, your evening/day is blessed.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-08-11T06:00:00.008-04:00

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn;

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning;

We will remember them.

- from Laurence Binyon's World War I Poem,

"For The Fallen"

Remembering Seal Team 6

and their families

in thought and prayer.

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-08-10T06:17:00.000-04:00

A rainy night last night and the perfect setting for crocheting. Started this pattern I found at Ralvery called I Love This Wrap which is so generously provided as a free download. Hopefully this will be the first of many. A few of us will be making these and others and lapghans for residents of a nursing home. Looking forward to this and sharing what we do with yarn and hook.

I always seem to have several (many) projects going on but this is going to take precedence over anything else for a while. We will get together next week and set our meeting and crochet schedule to see what we can complete by the holidays. Starting to collect toiletries and trinkets as well. Will share as time goes on what we have completed.

Happy Crocheting!

Tuesday Treasures

2011-08-09T06:00:00.005-04:00

What a delight to find in my mail box the package from Sandy (Sunflowerz Crochet) with my win of her giveaway ... Stitch Holders. First you just have to look at the cute way she wrapped these up. Is this just too cute? Simply adorable.

But the best is what's under the wrap ... I think these are so pretty. These are my newest treasures. They will be with me whenever I crochet, which is almost all the time!

What a pleasant way to mark my rows of crochet. Thank you Sandy!

Back in the groove ...

2011-08-08T06:00:00.003-04:00

a few days away ... good friends, good food, good time ... recharged.

The drive produced a scarf, not a shawl as I originally planned, but I'm happy none the less. A little peek here of it made in the double strand crochet thread. This will be especially nice with my brown vest and white sweater for this winter. Its a very simple pattern and goes up easily and quick. I like the drape and feel of the crochet thread. I am anxious to see how this works up in yarn and have started one using Caron Simply Soft. Hope to share the pattern shortly.

And speaking of shawls ... there will be shawls though in my future. Interestingly enough I received an email from a sweet friend who is cleaning out her mom's stash and has yarn to share and mentioned making shawls. Looking to get some made for nursing homes. I think this will be my project for the fall and cold weather. I like that, doing what I love and hopefully making someone happy.

Here's to the start of

a wonderful week.

2011-08-05T06:10:00.002-04:00

Road trip, out the door shortly. Of all things I take the crochet bag packed first, never leave home with out it! We'll see what the hook has in mind for the drive.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-08-04T06:00:00.002-04:00

“Friendships begin because,

even without words,

we understand how someone feels.”

~ Joan Walsh Anglun

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-08-03T06:00:00.002-04:00

A cross stitch finish. My third one for Fall, my favorite season. Just hope that I can get them finished and ready for display to enjoy. Busily going through designs I have downloaded to select the next one. Not sure whether another Fall, maybe Thanksgiving or Christmas. I also have to begin to tackle the Winter design I purchased ... the one that is large and that I wanted to work on over time. Let me tell you, it will certainly be over time. But's that a story for another day.

As in my previous posts, my next project will be a shawl, actually I hope to make two shawls. One for the warm weather, nice for summer evenings when there's a bit of coolness and one for the winter months. Stitchy McFloss suggested a red heart shawl and I love it. Looks like it would be cozy and comfy for the cold weather. You can find it at http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/friendship-shawl . I think we'll do a crochet-a-long on this one probably sometime around/after September.

For the summer type shawl I have been looking for some airy, light, almost flimsy pattern and after searching for quite a bit decided to grab something out of my stash and a size N hook and wing it. I found two different double strand crochet threads. The peachy came from Walmart a few years ago, on sale for something like $1.39. And the blue Royal came from the Dollar Store. Those I have 5 or 6 of. I'm letting the hook do its own spin and see where this goes. Its going to be simplistic with probably only single and double crochets. I may even try a size 10 thread to see what that does. I think this will be my car project for the weekend.

So that's the needle and hook adventures of the moment. Moving that hook, threading that needle, such a really great thing!

Good Morning

2011-08-02T08:45:00.000-04:00

Stepping out in a few. Do have a finished cross stitch, hope to get a picture later to share. I think I have found the potholder I was looking for too, finally! I have several other stitching that I want to do too but the the fingers are get itchy for the hook as well. Will be taking a short trip this weekend so looking for a crochet take along ... doily maybe, or maybe I'll find that summer airy shawl. I do have a shawl lined up for much cooler weather (thanks to Stitchy McFloss), will share that link later as well ... mention was made of a possible crochet shawl crochet-a-long, do I hear of any interest?

In the mean time,

have a good day,

blessings and joy.

Projects, projects and projects...

2011-08-01T06:00:00.007-04:00

Understand, which I'm sure you do, I have lots of projects in different stages of completion ... crochet, cross stitch, knitting (not much on the knitting front though), patterns waiting to be sewn, painting ... goodness, probably too many to mention. However ....
seeing what Stitchy McFloss, Sandy Sewz and Debi have and are making I'm pretty sure my list is going to get longer. Will you just take a look at these beauties ...

Stitchy ... Stitchy McFloss ... is making a shawl. Is this just gorgeous! Got me to thinking, I could use such a pretty thing to warm the shoulders now and then ... soooooo, I'm looking for a shawl pattern, lite and airy. Stitchy is doing hers in knit and I know right now I don't have the patience for knit, but will look to do one in crochet. You don't think the fact that she's sampling chocolate during her knitting had anything to do with this do you? Hmmm, there's a double calling here.

Sandy ... Sandy Sewz ... just completed her first quilt. I am in love with this. Everything about it! The colors, the style. Heard me being called here as well. On my list to learn how to do.

And Debi ... Crochet, Crafts & Gardening (Hooks and Yarn) ... designed this wonderful 4 hearts square. I have to have a lapghan for those chilly winter nights, especially around Valentine's day with this pattern! And Debi so generously shares her patterns.

Yup, my to do list just got longer. Can you blame me?

Sunday Morn

2011-07-31T08:50:00.000-04:00

A warm day on the horizon. You can hear it in the summer sounds of the morning. But still lovely. So pretty the sunlight sprinkling through the trees and across the lawn.

Slowly moving at the moment, waiting for the coffee to finish, time for morning prayer and thanksgiving for this day. Then heading out to MIL's to make early afternoon dinner. Will have crochet to go bag in tow. I never leave home without it!

Have a blessed day.

Friday's Fancy ...

2011-07-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Its a working Friday and shortly will be heading out the door to begin the day but had to let you know that I finally finished a blanket. All it needs now is a spin in the dryer and a sweet little one to wrap itself around. It was good to be crocheting again after a bit of a break, due in part to my new found cross stitch fascination as well as the heat wave of the past week. The break in weather was just enough to happily spend the past few days with hook moving!

Having said that, the weather break is about to be broken and another heat wave is on the way (so they say). So looks like my autumn cross stitch will be reappearing and maybe get completed over the weekend. This will be my third Fall design. I would like to have a few more and then start on Christmas and winter charts.

In true addiction fashion I am building my cross stitch stash. I pick up a handful of floss each week, the goal to have each color available. I figure this way I'll have whatever I may need for a new design readily available.

Time to get moving here ...
ya all have a great day, ya hear!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-07-28T06:00:00.008-04:00

Happiness is inward

and not outward;

and so it does

not depend

on what we have,

but on what we are.

-Henry Van Dyke

(1852-1933)

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-07-27T05:56:00.003-04:00

Happy things, that's what.

Finally the hook is flying again. Nine more rows to go to finish, then I think I will edge in a simple single crochet and one more ready for Dominic. The round ripple has been frogged out to the 18th row as a mistake was discovered and I just couldn't let it go so that is next on the agenda. That is a much heavier blanket so I'm not rushing with that one as the fall and cooler weather will be better for that.

Originally Dominic's expected debut was September 6th but then changed to August 28th. However, last week he took quite a drop and doc says within two weeks, maybe sooner. We'll see.

And a winner ...left a comment with Sandy at Sunflowerz Crochet and am one of five who won one of these wonderful stitch markers. These Sandy made herself. Aren't they pretty? I am so very excited. Thank you Sandy!

Wishing You a Winning

Wednesday of Blessings

Tuesday Treasures

2011-07-26T09:46:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I joined a potholder swap with Faith at Crochet By The Sea ( http://crochetbythesea.blogspot.com/). Sadly I have been most remiss as I have not even started my potholder, as with everything else as of late ... its coming ... its coming ... I hope to one of these days say its completed. Anyway, the week before last a package was waiting for me when I got home one evening and what do you suppose was in there ... this darling potholder dress made by Faith. I cannot begin to express what I felt when I took this from the box. It is so perfectly made and one of the most beautiful crocheted pieces of work. It was made with love and I can feel that when I hold this treasure.

Also was this magnet bought on an excursion by Faith and her husband to the Amish Country. Words cannot not express!

Yes, these are two new treasures and they will certainly be cherished. These no doubt are go to pieces when days are a little less brighter as they cheer the heart. But, I have to tell you, the best treasure of all is the heart and soul of the friend I have met at Crochet By The Sea ... Faith. I have been blessed.

Grab an umbrella ...

2011-07-25T15:14:00.000-04:00

I

its raining, its pouring (at times) and thankfully so. The temperatures the past week have hit the three digit mark (don't even want to say or think the hundred word again) and everything is dry and brittle so a nice summer rain is more then welcome.

Have become lax on the blogging front, much to tend to lately but hope to get back to my stitching, crocheting and blogging and especially visiting your wonderful blogs very soon. The weekend was full of joy and excitement with a shower for the expected babe, who, by the way, may be putting in appearance in the not too distant future.

Adjusted work schedule this week leaves this afternoon free, so enjoying the lullaby of the soft falling rain, will brew a cup and get the hook dancing. How about a cup with me?

Setting down the hook ...

2011-07-17T18:43:00.001-04:00

but just for a few moments. An extremely busy week is approaching but I would like to get this done before the weekend. Going to give it a good try!

In the meantime, my time out was because I was so excited to see my cross stitch ... Winter Sampler ... which arrived yesterday afternoon. But I have to admit, initially I was a bit overwhelmed. I had wanted a piece to work on in cross stitch "over time" that was larger and more intricate. Talk about asking and receiving!

For me, a novice at best, this is huge! However, I still do love it. I can see that it is going to be quite a bit of time just getting ready to stitch. Will you just look at the chart, and this is only one out of four. Look at all that floss!

I have always admired the work of stitchers, but I certainly have a greater respect for the time and effort they put into their master pieces after seeing this and this is not one of the big ones. I was reading a blog recently where a project being worked on had 12 charts to it. Can you image?
This piece still does talk to me though, I can picture a chilly winter's eve covered in my toasty afghan adding stitches to this treasure. That's part of the beauty too ... no time limit, just enjoyment, stitch by stitch.

However, time to get back to my hook, she's awaitin' ...

Have a good evening!

Fabulous Friday

2011-07-15T12:46:00.000-04:00

My little blanket is finished. Thanks for the suggestions on outlining the name. I'm still not sure I like the lettering style but I do think the outlining makes it much better.
The baby shower is quickly approaching (as is his arrival) and I still have two unfinished blankets. They may not make it for the shower but they will be done for his birth day.

I think of a new little one, a grand and it makes me smile and warms my heart. Someone said the other day wait until you see your child holding his child. And when I think of that my eyes fill. Not sure that there are words to describe that, guess, as everyone has told me, grandparents everywhere understand that.

So for the next few days at least, cross stitch on hold and the hooks are becoming lively again. Two blankets and some potholders on the horizon.

Haven't mentioned my weight loss mission for a bit but I'm still with it. Actually, I've made the conscious decision that this really is a way of life and this is how it will be. Slowly plodding along. I really think that Weight Watchers is the best. I have had a few weeks of gains but all in all for the time the average is a loss every week and20.2 to be exact! Gotta acknowledge that .2 ... every bit counts ... lol ... and not only a weight drop but cholesteral and A1C (diabetes) levels showed a decline at last check-up. Its more then a good thing!

Well, off to get busy with all the home front chores. We're having amazing weather. Oddly, there's been a slight coolness to the air that you would normally find in the Fall. As that's my favorite time I'm not minding. I always think Fall is too short, a nice long one would be just fine!

Blessings throughout your day,

joy in your heart.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-07-14T06:00:00.002-04:00

Laugh often, long and loud ...

Laugh until

you gasp for breath.

And if you have friends

who make you laugh,

spend lots of time

with them.

Happy Tuesday

2011-07-12T09:13:00.000-04:00

Unusal Tuesday, off for the morning so enjoying a leisurely start to the day. Thanks for the comments and suggestions on the last post for my baby blanket. I think outline/backstitch of the letters may be the answer. A little cooler day or evening though before I pick up the yarn.

We should hit 100 degrees today. Not a fan here of these summer heat waves, but with what I hear the temperatures are in the middle east I shouldn't and can't complain. (I'm sure you'll have to remind me later in the day that I said that!)

On the crafting front, did get some stitching in last night. I really need to get my few completed pieces finished and display ready. Adhering to my true blue craft addiction ... a Herrschners sale showed a book of Christmas Cross Stitch (originally $24.95 for 97 cents) and a crochet book also for 97 cents. Now how could I pass that up? So, as you can see, I'm waiting with anticipation for the mailman.

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, stay cool and safe. See you tomorrow!

Blessings

Spectacular Sunday

2011-07-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

A spectacular start to the day. The army boy called, sounds very good and doing well, thank God. Our prayers continue for blessings and protection. Said temperatures yesterday peaked at 118. A tad hot I would say. Water, drinking lots of water is an absolute necessity.

I'm on my second attempt at adding baby's name to the blanket, having ripped out the first design. I just can't seem to find the right alphabet design. I'm wondering maybe I should try to outline this or maybe I should just leave the blanket without the name. Any thoughts or suggestions?

In the meantime I'm still looking for another alphabet design ...

Haven't gotten to cross stitch in a few days now but I did order a Christmas Sampler. Enjoying very much the small charts I have found but want to have a larger one to work on over time (like I don't have enough projects!) and fell in love with this. Since I retired I have come to enjoy winter

(for the most part) and Christmas has always held a special place in my heart and when I saw this thought it was the perfect piece. Now that I look at this again, I can see this certainly will be a long "over time" piece ... lol ... but I can also create several smalls from it. This is my first large piece so I hope I haven't bitten off more then I can chew!

Hope your day is a spectacular one.

Joyful Blessings

Fabulous Friday

2011-07-08T09:06:00.001-04:00

Ahhhh, a day off and hopefully a clean house! Time to get the mop going here, much ado. Baby shower within a few weeks. The due date has been moved up to August 28th. Excitement building each day closer to our first grandchild.

Do you remember the tiny blanket I made a while back with the cross stitched lamb on it? It has come out of storage and being made ready. My husband thought it would be nice to have our little one's name on it so after looking through my cross stitch mags I came upon this alphabet ... upper and lower case ... and the needle is moving.

A few of the blue outfits and dog. Looking for a lamb stuffed animal to no success. For now the dog will have to do, at least he's the right color blue.

Another project in the works is my next autumnal stitching, very cute, bright and happy! Key ingredients. I also really need to get moving on a potholder for an exchange I signed up for. I can feel once I pick up the hook again I will be back to heavy duty crochet mode. A rather nice place to be, I must say. Well, these are what will keep me quiet and busy for the next few days/week.

TGIF and blessings.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-07-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Those who deny freedom to others

deserve it not for themselves.

-Abraham Lincoln

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-07-06T06:13:00.000-04:00

A big stretch and yawn and hitting the floor running. Busy has been the order of the day lately and looks like will be for a while yet. Haven't even had time to pick up hook or needle, miss that!

Hope your day is a sunny one in all ways!

Joy and Blessings.

Such an Important Day ...

2011-07-03T21:45:00.000-04:00

In the lives of every American. Happy Birthday America with thanksgiving and praise to those men and women who so proudly served and are serving and stand to defend freedom. God's abundant blessings on you all.

Our son, one of them, serving in the Army Infantry.

We love you.

And also a special day in our household ...

Happy Birthday

to my husband.

God Bless America

Sunday Morning ...

2011-07-03T09:19:00.000-04:00

a summer rain is falling. Almost the sound of a lullaby in the otherwise quiet. A wonderful time for reflection, time for a few moments to stop the pace and just be. I'm thinking of starting a memories post and would love to hear from you about your favorite memory. In this hectic world its nice sometimes to stop and remember and relish the simplicity of years gone by. Leave me a comment, send me an email and lets stroll memory lane.

What brought this to mind is that we will spend some time this afternoon with cousins and there will certainly be talk of back then, laughter and heart stirrings. I am looking forward to this. The last time we had visited we had brought with us the largest Hershey bar we could find. When my husband was a child and they would visit their grandparents, Grandpa would always give Hershey chocolate to the grandchildren. He and his cousin had spoken of this not too long before our last visit ... they said that he would open the cupboard and there were stacks of candy bars just waiting for the little visitors. A bar would be opened and three squares would be broken off and given to each child. The candy bar we brought with us on our visit brought big smiles and conversation flowed through the afternoon of childhood memories. Growing up I hadn't had grandparents and I find such delight in hearing these stories. Yes, a day of reflection in the making. It will be wonderful. It is good.

I hope your day holds some treasured thoughts and moments as well. Blessings.

Fabulous Friday

2011-07-01T07:58:00.001-04:00

The day is starting in fabulous splendor. Appreciating the beauty of nature ... another day to be in awe with. The coloring is magnificent, the golden sun streaming through the rows and rows of apple trees against the so blue sky, my little feathered friends chirping away, weather prediction of a high of 82 and abundant sunshine. Makes me think of a summer day as a child, sitting on the porch having breakfast. Its a day I haven't thought of in a long time but its a fond memory. I couldn't have been more then 9 or 10 and the feelings of love were all around. The plans for play were being made and just as soon as breakfast was done out the door to the others and we ran and played all day long, as we would each day over the summer months. I don't see many children out "playing" too much any more. I'm not sure if I'm too busy to notice or does technology keep them in?

Much ado, several birthdays to celebrate ... son, mother-in-law, husband over the next few days. It's been quite a busy week with not much time for crocheting or cross stitch. Hopefully that will change next week. Miss my needles and hooks.

Have a lovely day and weekend. Morning coffee calling ... need to answer!

Blessings to your day.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-06-30T05:48:00.000-04:00

A friend is a person

with whom I may

be sincere.

Before him I may

think aloud.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

What's Doing Wednesday

2011-06-29T06:00:00.003-04:00

A little bit of this and a little bit of that ... the craft of the hour continues to be cross stitch. These are some of the freebies that I have found, aren't they wonderful? Another autumnal one has just been started. I have accumulated quite a stack of freebies. I hope to get "several" for each season and holiday and a small tree to show them off on.

Need to get seasonal fabric to back these with. I guess the term to how I want to finish these would be "flat folds" ... slowly learning the cross stitch lingo and process.

Now before you get concerned about the lack of crochet content (rest assured, still my first love) I had met a few friends last week at Barnes & Noble and one was crocheting with this amazing yarn with sequins that she had just picked up at Michael's. Just so happens that I found myself at Michael's the following day ... goodness, you say, what a coincidence ... just had to pick up a couple of skeins. So, so soft and gorgeous ... the pictures really do not do it justice.

A scarf of this magnificent yarn will be in the making for next winter!

The sequins are not blue and green, more of a silver to match the yarn. A reflection must have been picked up. The glitter is just the right amount and very pretty.

Just love that yarn! This will be a coupon user for sure.

Hope a Wonderful Wednesday

is What You Are Up To

2011-06-28T06:06:00.001-04:00

Just a quick hello and off into the day. A little rusty here on blogging but here goes ...

Our oldest son turns 35 today. I am in awe. Doesn't seem possible. My little premie, so tiny and now so grown. Such a handsome man ... its ok for a mom to say that, isn't it? (And its true too!) My first baby who will be having a baby in a few months. Younger son arrived in Afghanistan over the weekend and should be to his base today or tomorrow. He is now eight hours ahead of us so as I'm getting up and going he's well into the afternoon. Cross stitch is continuing to be my relaxation mode of the moment. Again, as in crochet, there are so many generous people sharing such delightful patterns. Have to get some pictures and post my newest Christmas and Fall stitchings. I'm loving the small designs but am now looking for a large one to tackle, one that can be worked on over time in between crochet and small stitchings.

Blogger is still giving me some troubles. I can't see who my followers are and worse yet I can't follow on other blogs. I really hope this straightens out soon.

Time to start the day. Morning prayer and coffee on the immediate agenda then off to work. You will remembered in my prayers.

Sunshine and

blessings to

your day.

Pansies are for Thoughts

2011-06-17T13:54:00.001-04:00

And a few thoughts going out for a good day and pleasant weekend. We started the day with thunder and heavy rains, at least I don't have to water the tomato plants today. They got their fair share and will again later today if the weatherman is correct.

Our son left on Tuesday, to the other side of the country, preparing now to go overseas the beginning of next week. Quiet has become a close friend at the moment. Quietly in the evenings I am stitching, cross stitching. Preparing some autumnal designs for display this coming Fall. Helps to clear the mind and relax. Also looking for some cute and sweet holiday designs and finishing techniques. I want a few pillows of the larger type designs and ornaments for the smaller. Right now I am attracted to the "smalls". They are quite lovely.

I'm still finding problems with blogger so between that and my quieting, blogging has been cut down quite a bit. Hope to resume more frequency shortly.

Blessings to your weekend.

The boy is home ...

2011-06-07T20:49:00.000-04:00

arrived at noon today. My army boy. (Not sure he would like to hear "boy" but they, both of my sons, will always be my boys, can't help it, that's what they are!) He looks wonderful. It was such a nice dinner tonight having my little family all together.
Seeing them both sitting there, now grown men. It is amazing to me at how quickly we got here.

He's here for a week, then back and off to Afghanistan for a year but I'm not really going to think too much about that for the next few days, just going to enjoy him being here.

Welcome Monday

2011-06-06T06:55:00.001-04:00

We're starting with sunshine, chirping birds and the hum of a tractor in the orchards. Such lovely sights and sounds of the warmer weather. The farmer around the corner is now building his garden, each day I see new plants have been added. Its a very large garden and certainly will fill his retired hours with its care. His crop will be amazing.

The hook has been a wee bit quiet for a few days with the needle taking over. My little reindeer cross stitch is completed with an autumn piece begun. I am on the search for a friendship type of design for a very special friend.

Welcome to the new week and hope that your days are filled with joy and happiness.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-06-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Treasure your relationships

not your possessions.