“It’s easier to have a positive baking experience when one follows the recipe a little more closely” is what I told my daughter last night while she was complaining about her Christmas tree cut out cookies that that kind of melted in the oven. I wonder why?? Could it be that she was making shortbread cookies and cutting out shortbread doesn’t work? As I gently tried to suggest to her before she put them in the oven. They tasted good just didn’t look like Christmas trees. …in such a hurry. Ah well I guess she’ll figure it out.
10 on Tuesday said to list 10 ways to save money. Hmmm, my first thought was “buy less yarn?” but I’m thinking I should reconsider that. If I buy less yarn then I won’t have anything to knit with, hence I’ll get really cranky and perhaps even depressed. So then I’ll have to buy drugs to help me get un-depressed and see a therapist for my depression and heaven knows that isn’t cheap. I’ve decided thinking of ways to save money is counter-productive and I’m not going to do that anymore—at least not where yarn is concerned.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I hope I'm not too late....
It's time to share Holiday Eating Tips with everyone I care about. (I have no idea where this came from-I didn't write it--wish I had--but I love it!)
Holiday Eating Tips
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! toodles, Anita
Holiday Eating Tips
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! toodles, Anita
Friday, November 21, 2008
Light Bulbs
I had one of those light bulb experiences yesterday. Know how you can use an expression for years and know what it means then suddenly have it become real to you? There’s a good reason old sayings are old sayings!
As you know--if you read me ever at all--our life is pretty challenging because of Richard’s Alzheimer’s and I adjust to that better some days than others. But a lot of little things can absolutely break me, which is what happened Wednesday.
Every day brings new experiences and a series of things--basically just Life—had happened culminating in a flat tire on my way to choir practice and it was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and suddenly I realized: I’m the camel and I’m carrying a big load and that flat tire was my last straw! For about 15 minutes I sobbed and was hugged and patted by some friends—who also tried to feed me—and soon I felt better and could go back to choir and sing.
Interesting huh? Think about youself (as camel) and what straws break your back? Although I don't think we can predict what straws do that-they change due to circumstances. Just a Friday thought.
10 on Tuesday (or Friday. Late is such an ugly word.)
10 things I’m thankful for
1. My good health
2. Richard’s good physical health
3. Kaila
4. Carter
5. Koty—where ever he is
6. Friends and family
7. A job I love
8. Enough money to do what needs to be done and a little bit more
9. That I sing and read and knit and clog
10. That I have choices
As you know--if you read me ever at all--our life is pretty challenging because of Richard’s Alzheimer’s and I adjust to that better some days than others. But a lot of little things can absolutely break me, which is what happened Wednesday.
Every day brings new experiences and a series of things--basically just Life—had happened culminating in a flat tire on my way to choir practice and it was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and suddenly I realized: I’m the camel and I’m carrying a big load and that flat tire was my last straw! For about 15 minutes I sobbed and was hugged and patted by some friends—who also tried to feed me—and soon I felt better and could go back to choir and sing.
Interesting huh? Think about youself (as camel) and what straws break your back? Although I don't think we can predict what straws do that-they change due to circumstances. Just a Friday thought.
10 on Tuesday (or Friday. Late is such an ugly word.)
10 things I’m thankful for
1. My good health
2. Richard’s good physical health
3. Kaila
4. Carter
5. Koty—where ever he is
6. Friends and family
7. A job I love
8. Enough money to do what needs to be done and a little bit more
9. That I sing and read and knit and clog
10. That I have choices
Sunday, October 26, 2008
October stuff
Okay, so in October my mother, my Aunt Lavonna, and my Uncle Darrell all turned 80 year old. Their children (my cousins and my sister and me) decided to throw a big birthday party for them. they all go to the same church so deciding where to have it was easy, we split up the tasks and it was a really fun party! And the first time in years that the family has been together and no funerals were involved! All the first cousins were there except of course my deceased sister. This is a picture of all my first cousins on the Hern side of my family. I'm the oldest as they are so fond of reminding me!! I have a bunch more on the Russell side. I'm the oldest on that side too. Imagine that! lucky enough to be the first grandchild on both sides of the family!!
And here are the birthday people with their cakes. Aren't they cute? A good time was had by all.
Here is Carter busted with the evidence all over his face and in his hands (Oreo cookies)
I had a picture of Carter beinging a big armload of my yarn to me but I can't seem to find it now??
Oh well, later I guess toodles....Anita
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Printed Word
What I've been reading lately:
Death's Half Acre by Margaret Maron--I really enjoy the Deborah Knott stories. No intellectual value but pleasant reading.
Lie Down With the Devil by Linda Barnes--as usual private detective Carlotta Carlyle manages to get herself into trouble more than once in this book. At least she didn't end up in the hospital. There's always quite a bit of angst in her stories but in this one I noticed a possible change of direction in the story line.
Wailing Wind by Tony Hillerman--I've suddenly become hooked on Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn and Bernie too. This one was sadder than the others I've read -I actually listened to this one on cd.
Damage Control by J.A. Jance--you just can't go wrong with a Jance book whether it's Beau in the big city or Joanna in the desert. Her stories are intriguing and not too simple or too complicated. Just enough to keep me interested.
Have I mentioned the new Vicki Bliss book by Elizabeth Peters. In EP's usual fashion her stories move along at a quick pace and there is always an element of humor. My favorite book by her is Die for Love absolutely too funny! I also loved her books she wrote as Barbara Michaels but she doesn't write those anymore--too sad.
Right now I'm listening to 3rd. Degree by James Patterson one of his Women's Mystery Club series.
Waiting in the wings are Mercedes Coffin by Faye Kellerman, The Blessing Way by Hillerman,
Body in the Gallery by Katherine Hall Page and Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart (a new series by her) one of my all-time fave authors. I'll let you know how they all turn out.
toodles and thanks for dropping by! Anita
Death's Half Acre by Margaret Maron--I really enjoy the Deborah Knott stories. No intellectual value but pleasant reading.
Lie Down With the Devil by Linda Barnes--as usual private detective Carlotta Carlyle manages to get herself into trouble more than once in this book. At least she didn't end up in the hospital. There's always quite a bit of angst in her stories but in this one I noticed a possible change of direction in the story line.
Wailing Wind by Tony Hillerman--I've suddenly become hooked on Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn and Bernie too. This one was sadder than the others I've read -I actually listened to this one on cd.
Damage Control by J.A. Jance--you just can't go wrong with a Jance book whether it's Beau in the big city or Joanna in the desert. Her stories are intriguing and not too simple or too complicated. Just enough to keep me interested.
Have I mentioned the new Vicki Bliss book by Elizabeth Peters. In EP's usual fashion her stories move along at a quick pace and there is always an element of humor. My favorite book by her is Die for Love absolutely too funny! I also loved her books she wrote as Barbara Michaels but she doesn't write those anymore--too sad.
Right now I'm listening to 3rd. Degree by James Patterson one of his Women's Mystery Club series.
Waiting in the wings are Mercedes Coffin by Faye Kellerman, The Blessing Way by Hillerman,
Body in the Gallery by Katherine Hall Page and Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart (a new series by her) one of my all-time fave authors. I'll let you know how they all turn out.
toodles and thanks for dropping by! Anita
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Ten on Tuesday
10 Awful Things About TV Today
1. Reality shows
2. Reality shows
3. Reality shows
4. Reality shows
5. Reality shows
6. Reality shows
7. Reality shows
8. Reality shows
9. Reality shows
10. let’s see, what else? Oh yeah!
11. Reality shows.
10 Great Things about TV Today
1. Oklahoma Education Television Authority
2. Local news
3. Watching my niece (a reporter on KFOR)
4. NCIS
5. Weather Alerts (but not too many)
6. That we have it
7. ummmm, I think that’s it for me, I'm more of a book person
1. Reality shows
2. Reality shows
3. Reality shows
4. Reality shows
5. Reality shows
6. Reality shows
7. Reality shows
8. Reality shows
9. Reality shows
10. let’s see, what else? Oh yeah!
11. Reality shows.
10 Great Things about TV Today
1. Oklahoma Education Television Authority
2. Local news
3. Watching my niece (a reporter on KFOR)
4. NCIS
5. Weather Alerts (but not too many)
6. That we have it
7. ummmm, I think that’s it for me, I'm more of a book person
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Learning.....
I’ve learned:
that I have to enjoy each day for what it gives us.
that sometimes I have to search the day for something happy.
that sometimes I have to sit on the side of the bed and pretend to laugh because I haven’t laughed all day and my body needs laughter (and bodies can’t tell the difference between real and pretend laughter—true!).
I’ve got to listen to some music every day.
that I need some sort of exercise everyday even if it’s only a few minutes.
patience as Richard tries to tell me a story when the words are inside his head but won’t come out of his mouth. (need more work on this one)
that it all comes down to me in the end so I should quit bitching and just get on with whatever has to be done.
that I can ask for help.
that I can get help if I just keep asking.
that some people help even when I resist it. I don’t always know/accept what we need.
that churches may be houses of God but they are filled with people who don’t know what to do or how to help (and seem to resist efforts to get assistance) and that it’s not their fault) (this one is hard).
that even though he now doesn’t know that he doesn’t know and isn’t in so much pain, that I know and am in more pain than before.
that sometimes I feel paralyzed inside but I can keep moving forward even during those times and that feeling will pass.
that I can’t let people/friends (even though they are concerned) drag me down with their sympathy.
to say “we’re doing the best we can” and try to change the subject.
To tell myself it is what it is and go on
That I’m waiting to learn not to be angry and/or resentful which closes me up to everything.
that I’ve still got a lot to learn.
that I still don’t believe God gave this to Richard
that I wish I could quit learning
that I hope each day I am still alive in spirit and body
that I have strength to give to others even when I feel empty.
that I love my husband even more than I knew I did.
That my life isn’t over even though it feels that way
That God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called—I say this many times a day for strength.
that I have to enjoy each day for what it gives us.
that sometimes I have to search the day for something happy.
that sometimes I have to sit on the side of the bed and pretend to laugh because I haven’t laughed all day and my body needs laughter (and bodies can’t tell the difference between real and pretend laughter—true!).
I’ve got to listen to some music every day.
that I need some sort of exercise everyday even if it’s only a few minutes.
patience as Richard tries to tell me a story when the words are inside his head but won’t come out of his mouth. (need more work on this one)
that it all comes down to me in the end so I should quit bitching and just get on with whatever has to be done.
that I can ask for help.
that I can get help if I just keep asking.
that some people help even when I resist it. I don’t always know/accept what we need.
that churches may be houses of God but they are filled with people who don’t know what to do or how to help (and seem to resist efforts to get assistance) and that it’s not their fault) (this one is hard).
that even though he now doesn’t know that he doesn’t know and isn’t in so much pain, that I know and am in more pain than before.
that sometimes I feel paralyzed inside but I can keep moving forward even during those times and that feeling will pass.
that I can’t let people/friends (even though they are concerned) drag me down with their sympathy.
to say “we’re doing the best we can” and try to change the subject.
To tell myself it is what it is and go on
That I’m waiting to learn not to be angry and/or resentful which closes me up to everything.
that I’ve still got a lot to learn.
that I still don’t believe God gave this to Richard
that I wish I could quit learning
that I hope each day I am still alive in spirit and body
that I have strength to give to others even when I feel empty.
that I love my husband even more than I knew I did.
That my life isn’t over even though it feels that way
That God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called—I say this many times a day for strength.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Catchin' Up
Well, hey y'all! How is everyone? I don't know about you but I've been waaaaay too busy. September always seems to be a busy month even when you no longer have kids in school. I thought I'd try to get caught up since I haven't posted in a while. This seems to be one of those "I don't know what I've been doing but I've been really busy doing it" times though.
Well first of all, Richard's cast came off about a week ago. He drove me crazy asking how long till it was removed (short term memory issues) but finally the magic day arrived. He's still wearing a splint from time to time. I was really worried he'd go out in the garage and find a saw (in spite of all our best efforts to hide or get rid of all sharp objects) and remove it himself, but fortunately he didn't do that. He says it still hurts a little and it keeps swelling up, I'm a little worried.
I finished my Summer Shawlette, it's really cute, I'll get a picture up soon. I've started a Heartbeat Sweater of Berroco Love It Colors. It has long color sequences and is striping up nicely. Also, this time it seems much easier--I haven't frogged the other one yet so after I finish this one I may try to re-group and finish it. It's really a cute pattern from Just One More Row. I've also started a multidirectional scarf of Noro Silk Garden Sock that will be so pretty. I'm working on an entralac shrug from I think the Vogue Knitting Just Wraps book. I happened to be at my favorite yarn shop a while back when a
shipment of Silk Garden Sock arrrived and I went into sort of a frenzy and bought several skeins -none of which I needed. But then, where yarn is concerned--what's need got to do with it?
Last weekend I attended a 2 night 3 day Literacy Conference and left DH with care-givers, one of who was going to be my son and his wife. However she got sick-they thought she had a stroke! and was put in the hospital for the same 3 days I was gone, so I had to make rather sudden and different arrangements. I called my two daughters to re-arrange their part of the week-end and our good friend George to take Rich out a bit on Saturday which thank heavens he was able and willing to do. Never underestimate the power of a good friend. Fortunately Teresa is fine, it wasn't a stroke but connected to migraine headaches and they are treating her for that.
and finally on Thursday I remembered to send her some flowers!
I enjoyed the conference a lot. It was work but I was away from home on a break from Alzheimer's in a hotel room all my own by myself! If I hadn't tripped and fallen (again) it would have been perfect. RB, Joni and I had been carrying supplies into the conference center and using one of those two-wheeler cards that can fold down into a flat cart with 4 wheels. RB and I were walking back outside to get another load and she was pulling the cart and to the left of me. I decided to walk around her and look at a sign posted on the building. Well when I stopped she did too and instead of walking around her, I tripped over the cart. I went down in a series of what felt like bounces off several things but it was all cart. I hit the side of my leg which left a black and blue bruise the size of my fist and still hurts, (I'll spare you the pictures) and the front of my leg and hurt my hand trying to catch myself (had to wear an ice pack and an elastic bandage all weekend). I felt rather like a beached whale! probably looked like one too! But the worst part was that I couldn't get up! Part of me was hanging off one side of the cart, another part off the other side, and the middle of me was just sort of ...well I'm not sure but in the middle of the cart. Finally I managed to roll off and sit on the sidewalk at which point friend Joni started laughing and didn't quit for the whole weekend! I'm certainly glad to have provided her with so much entertainment....or not. Anyhow, it wasn't my best fall...my most spectacular fall was falling backwards out of the library van (see Monday, Jan. 28, 2008).
I knew there was a good reason I have a magnetic ball of yarn and needles on the back of my car--besides helping me find it in the parking lot, there are a lot of white cars! While parking the other day, a car drove by me and braked rather suddenly, then drove on and parked a couple spaces away from me. A young woman came rushing towards me and ask do you knit? me-yes her-for fun? me-yes her-me too! So we chatted a bit, compared favorite yarn shops--she didn't have one so I suggested she try mine, we exchanged names and parted ways.
I thought I'd leave you with a pic of Carter and Grandpa playing chase in the backyard.
Toodles till next time and remember to laugh every day! Anita
Well first of all, Richard's cast came off about a week ago. He drove me crazy asking how long till it was removed (short term memory issues) but finally the magic day arrived. He's still wearing a splint from time to time. I was really worried he'd go out in the garage and find a saw (in spite of all our best efforts to hide or get rid of all sharp objects) and remove it himself, but fortunately he didn't do that. He says it still hurts a little and it keeps swelling up, I'm a little worried.
I finished my Summer Shawlette, it's really cute, I'll get a picture up soon. I've started a Heartbeat Sweater of Berroco Love It Colors. It has long color sequences and is striping up nicely. Also, this time it seems much easier--I haven't frogged the other one yet so after I finish this one I may try to re-group and finish it. It's really a cute pattern from Just One More Row. I've also started a multidirectional scarf of Noro Silk Garden Sock that will be so pretty. I'm working on an entralac shrug from I think the Vogue Knitting Just Wraps book. I happened to be at my favorite yarn shop a while back when a
shipment of Silk Garden Sock arrrived and I went into sort of a frenzy and bought several skeins -none of which I needed. But then, where yarn is concerned--what's need got to do with it?
Last weekend I attended a 2 night 3 day Literacy Conference and left DH with care-givers, one of who was going to be my son and his wife. However she got sick-they thought she had a stroke! and was put in the hospital for the same 3 days I was gone, so I had to make rather sudden and different arrangements. I called my two daughters to re-arrange their part of the week-end and our good friend George to take Rich out a bit on Saturday which thank heavens he was able and willing to do. Never underestimate the power of a good friend. Fortunately Teresa is fine, it wasn't a stroke but connected to migraine headaches and they are treating her for that.
and finally on Thursday I remembered to send her some flowers!
I enjoyed the conference a lot. It was work but I was away from home on a break from Alzheimer's in a hotel room all my own by myself! If I hadn't tripped and fallen (again) it would have been perfect. RB, Joni and I had been carrying supplies into the conference center and using one of those two-wheeler cards that can fold down into a flat cart with 4 wheels. RB and I were walking back outside to get another load and she was pulling the cart and to the left of me. I decided to walk around her and look at a sign posted on the building. Well when I stopped she did too and instead of walking around her, I tripped over the cart. I went down in a series of what felt like bounces off several things but it was all cart. I hit the side of my leg which left a black and blue bruise the size of my fist and still hurts, (I'll spare you the pictures) and the front of my leg and hurt my hand trying to catch myself (had to wear an ice pack and an elastic bandage all weekend). I felt rather like a beached whale! probably looked like one too! But the worst part was that I couldn't get up! Part of me was hanging off one side of the cart, another part off the other side, and the middle of me was just sort of ...well I'm not sure but in the middle of the cart. Finally I managed to roll off and sit on the sidewalk at which point friend Joni started laughing and didn't quit for the whole weekend! I'm certainly glad to have provided her with so much entertainment....or not. Anyhow, it wasn't my best fall...my most spectacular fall was falling backwards out of the library van (see Monday, Jan. 28, 2008).
I knew there was a good reason I have a magnetic ball of yarn and needles on the back of my car--besides helping me find it in the parking lot, there are a lot of white cars! While parking the other day, a car drove by me and braked rather suddenly, then drove on and parked a couple spaces away from me. A young woman came rushing towards me and ask do you knit? me-yes her-for fun? me-yes her-me too! So we chatted a bit, compared favorite yarn shops--she didn't have one so I suggested she try mine, we exchanged names and parted ways.
I thought I'd leave you with a pic of Carter and Grandpa playing chase in the backyard.
Toodles till next time and remember to laugh every day! Anita
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wow
I just finished watching a press conference about the temporary center for evacuees from New Orleans and the surrounding area during Hurrican Gustav here in OKC. I am so proud of our City. The police department, United Way, Red Cross, religious communities, mental health, animal control, and more were prepared to help. We were able, willing and ready to take these people in. Everyone who arrived was registered and put in an internet location so family can locate them, they're running warrant reports on everyone and 3 people have been taken to jail, people with unsavory "history" are being housed other places. Pets are here and owners can visit. There are cots, food, and supplies for all. I tell ya, everything has been thought of. 400 people were expected, 1800 arrived, they are prepared for 2000, but 4000 could be housed if necessary. All who are in charge are calm, organized and prepared. Wow
OTN A Fiesta Ballet scarf, a Summer Lace Shawlette of Fiesta Boomerang, a Noro Silk Garden scarf, a Fixation sock, a Christmas stocking of Encore from last year, a multi-directional scarf of Miss Priss----can anybody say UFO? Oh and I forgot the vest of Plymouth Baby Alpaca! Oh well, I guess they'll all get finished sooner or later---or not! I'm also frogging a Heartbeat sweater of Schaffer Laurel--love the yarn didn't love the pattern. I seem to need more concrete instructions rather than follow pattern till it fits. Maybe I'll try again later when my life is calmer. When one never knows what to expect it's easier to have directions that I can just follow!
I went to GY yesterday to take Nina a birthday card and visit a bit and Kay and Margie were there, Carol, Ellen and Polly all came in, and Nina and Pat after their lunch. Then DH and I went to the Arts Festival at OCCC with friends and looked at art, ate, and listened to music. It was a good day. And I think, I'll close on that note. Happy Labor Day--or in my case No-Labor Day!!! : ) toodles......Anita
The picture is my mother, a grandchild and her son-in-law aka as Richard, my DH.
OTN A Fiesta Ballet scarf, a Summer Lace Shawlette of Fiesta Boomerang, a Noro Silk Garden scarf, a Fixation sock, a Christmas stocking of Encore from last year, a multi-directional scarf of Miss Priss----can anybody say UFO? Oh and I forgot the vest of Plymouth Baby Alpaca! Oh well, I guess they'll all get finished sooner or later---or not! I'm also frogging a Heartbeat sweater of Schaffer Laurel--love the yarn didn't love the pattern. I seem to need more concrete instructions rather than follow pattern till it fits. Maybe I'll try again later when my life is calmer. When one never knows what to expect it's easier to have directions that I can just follow!
I went to GY yesterday to take Nina a birthday card and visit a bit and Kay and Margie were there, Carol, Ellen and Polly all came in, and Nina and Pat after their lunch. Then DH and I went to the Arts Festival at OCCC with friends and looked at art, ate, and listened to music. It was a good day. And I think, I'll close on that note. Happy Labor Day--or in my case No-Labor Day!!! : ) toodles......Anita
The picture is my mother, a grandchild and her son-in-law aka as Richard, my DH.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
It seemed like a good idea....
the bicycle seemed like a really good idea
Need I say more? The rest of the bruises and scrapes on his arms and legs don't show. Four weeks until the cast comes off. Dressing himself is difficult and eating with his left hand is a little tricky! He might lose some weight in the next four weeks!
A New Wish List:
1. A four-leaf clover
2. A bluebird of happiness
3. Someone to help me clean my house
4. Peace (my own, somebody else is in charge of the world!)
Started a Summer Shawlette of Fiesta Boomerang. It's going to be pretty and warmer than I expected. After finishing the Forest Canopy I couldn't settle on any of the UFO's I had so I needed to start a new project!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Busy and Fun Week!
Wow what a busy week! About 10 days ago I was ask to present a "fiber" program to a group of about 50 home ec teachers attending a state conference. They had signed up to take a tour of the library and wanted a program. (in case you don't know, I work in the library and seem to be the knitter-in-residence) It sounded like fun in spite of the short notice so I said yes. Starting Monday, I began gathering from the library system, pattern books, how-to books, non-fiction by Yarn Harlot, Wendy Knits, Crazy Aunt Purl etc. and fiction with knitting themes. I went through my stash which seems to be fast approaching SABLE and made arrangements with Gourmet Yarn Co, to borrow some skeins of fibers I don't own. I very much appreciate that as the cashmere and assorted fibers I don't own really enhanced the presentation. I took a variety of needles-which I seem to have plenty of-and quite a few finished projects: Lady Eleanor, Clapotis, a Christmas stocking, some miniature Christmas ornaments, socks, a forest canopy shawl that was knitted but I didn't have time to block choosing instead to go to bed the night before! I wrote a speech, did the outline, practiced and crossed my fingers that I'd stay on topic and finish in 45 minutes. I had a wonderful time and they seemed to really enjoy the presentation, at least they were very complimentary afterwords. I also gave them a hand-out with some internet resources available.
That was Tuesday, then on Wednesday I was scheduled to speak at a Senior Citizens Group at a local church. I do that quite a bit but this group wanted an author program. I have this book talk put together a couple years ago about Oklahoma Authors (I have one about Christmas books too but that's beside the point.) and agreed to present that. Our state has an amazing number of very successful authors. And fortunately, I've been priviledged to meet many of them and hear them speak at state conferences. I also coordinate an author visit once a year for a system wide program and that's fun. Get a grant from the Friends of the Library to mpay them andp--well I digress. So I bundled up a stack of books to display, made my Oklahoma Authors list hand-outs fro them and headed out. Program went great, fortunately I'm not one of the group of people who fears public speaking. Did you know that more people fear public speaking than death?! But I love it, after I retire I intend to supplement mny income by doing just exactly that. Book reviews, book/author talks, and now fiber talks too! oops I'm digressing again...
Thursday, thank heavens, nothing was scheduled so I set about uncovering the top of my desk again and lo! there it was! Friday, I rested.
Friday night I finally got to block my Forest Canopy Shawl. It's made of Fleece Artist Seacell Sock weight yarn. I bought the yarn when we were in Alaska last summer. I think it's beautiful.
Don't you?
Well, I guess I'll leave you with a picture of young Mr. Carter. He decided to brush his teeth by himself and I happened to catch him at it. Aren't toddlers funny? Toodles.....Anita
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Funny youtube, cat observations, birthdays
HAPPY SATURDAY! It's a good day and this is my birthday month! I'll be 59 (shudder) How did I get to be 59? I remember waaay back in my 20's when I thought 55 was as old as I neeeded to get and I could pass on anytime after that....my how our perspective changes!
I am a librarian (sort of). This Youtube was circulating at work yesterday and I thought it good for a hot Saturday afternoon chuckle!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB4HvVEMFig&NR=1
Carter is Bella’s Exercise Program
Carter, who is 18 months, adores Bella (the cat) , who is 4 years old and has never been particularly fond of children-or anybody else now that I think about it-except Richard. Carter is really quite gentle with her but she absolutely doesn’t trust him. Her favorite activities are eating and sleeping in no particular order. His favorite activities are running and yelling also in no particular order. He’ll spot her hiding/sleeping somewhere, kind of squeal and head towards her. She runs off; he follows at a brisk trot. She runs faster. He breaks into a full run and around and around the house they go until one of them gets tired/distracted or the other begs to be let out the door if she doesn’t have access to her pet door. As near as I can tell, this is the only exercise she gets. So I let them play chase. Of course I never let him try to pet her without supervision and he loves her. Too bad she doesn’t reciprocate; and they could live happily ever after……. As it is, it’s highly amusing to watch…..and she does need the exercise!
I am a librarian (sort of). This Youtube was circulating at work yesterday and I thought it good for a hot Saturday afternoon chuckle!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB4HvVEMFig&NR=1
Carter is Bella’s Exercise Program
Carter, who is 18 months, adores Bella (the cat) , who is 4 years old and has never been particularly fond of children-or anybody else now that I think about it-except Richard. Carter is really quite gentle with her but she absolutely doesn’t trust him. Her favorite activities are eating and sleeping in no particular order. His favorite activities are running and yelling also in no particular order. He’ll spot her hiding/sleeping somewhere, kind of squeal and head towards her. She runs off; he follows at a brisk trot. She runs faster. He breaks into a full run and around and around the house they go until one of them gets tired/distracted or the other begs to be let out the door if she doesn’t have access to her pet door. As near as I can tell, this is the only exercise she gets. So I let them play chase. Of course I never let him try to pet her without supervision and he loves her. Too bad she doesn’t reciprocate; and they could live happily ever after……. As it is, it’s highly amusing to watch…..and she does need the exercise!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
10 on Thursday
10 things to do when it’s too hot to go outside
1. Knit
2. Read
3. Play the Autoharp and sing
4. Make some No-Bake Cookies (mmmm-chocolate)
5. Have a pizza delivered for lunch/supper
6. Watch a movie
7. Take a nap
8. Take a cool shower
9. Spend some quality time with the cat
10. Sit and ponder life
1. Knit
2. Read
3. Play the Autoharp and sing
4. Make some No-Bake Cookies (mmmm-chocolate)
5. Have a pizza delivered for lunch/supper
6. Watch a movie
7. Take a nap
8. Take a cool shower
9. Spend some quality time with the cat
10. Sit and ponder life
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
I should not have done that
I should not have posted my rant on the blog. I feel especially bad for people who feel guilty and have no need to. I know that our friends think about us just as I think about my friends who are enduring trials. Sometimes I have these meltdowns and I felt really alone and scared and anxious last Saturday. I apologize to all who became distressed by reading the post. It’s okay that I vented just not here. However, a lot of really nice things have come my way since and I’ve heard from a lot of folks, so from my point of view-that’s a good thing. Thank you everyone and I’m so sorry if I made you feel bad.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Pity Party
It's been a tough week. You may not want to read this as I'm feeling very sorry for us.
The good news is that Bryan took Richard Saturday and Sunday and Rich had a wonderful time and I had some alone time which was nice. I did some knitting, reading and cleaning.
Then Tuesday, Rich had a heat stroke with a full blown seizure and I had to call 911 cause it scared me so. We spent 5-plus hours in the ER, him asleep while they ran tests and gave him IV's, me all alone--knitting/reading as usual. Our son came over on his lunch hour and I told the girls not to come, that he was okay and we'd be home soon, but none the less it was a really lonely afternoon. I kept thinking do I call anyone? who would that be? I did call our friend George who came over after work to see Richard. He's a very caring and loyal friend. No one ever calls me so do they want to know? People say "call me if I can help" but I'm sure hesitant to call when I never hear from anyone and when I do ask for help and none comes. Even our church! I haven't been to church for the last four Sundays but has anyone called to see if we're okay? no... Even our minister never checks on us and I sort of thought that came under the pastoral care category. The previous one didn't either but I never expected any thing from him!! He never even followed up after I got the diagnosis and hysterically called him and he suggested I call my mother. We've belonged to that church for over 30 years and I've done my best to give of my time, my money, and my talents, and it sure would be nice if I got some support but everyone seems to think we're contagious. Richard's friends have completely vanished. I hope after we get through this curse that I have more compassion for others than I'm receiving. I'm so alone.
Yesterday and today Rich is sick. All he wants to do is sleep and I'm at a loss as what to do here. Should I be worried or is this just the normal progression? I'm afraid to leave him here alone. It's a good thing this isn't written on paper cause tears are falling really hard on the keyboard!
Okay, I've vented a little bit--I don't really feel any better but I have no one to vent to. Who wants to listen when they might be the only person who's called me in the last month?? I think that comes under the heading of "preaching to the choir". I say to myself a doxen times a day "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called" and it helps as I seem to be taking care of Richard pretty well. I think I must have severe caregiver stress. gotta go get some kleenex. I should feel better later...... if you read all the way through this, I'm sorry for subjecting you to my misery, but I gotta tell someone and an anoymous blog screen seems to be it.
The good news is that Bryan took Richard Saturday and Sunday and Rich had a wonderful time and I had some alone time which was nice. I did some knitting, reading and cleaning.
Then Tuesday, Rich had a heat stroke with a full blown seizure and I had to call 911 cause it scared me so. We spent 5-plus hours in the ER, him asleep while they ran tests and gave him IV's, me all alone--knitting/reading as usual. Our son came over on his lunch hour and I told the girls not to come, that he was okay and we'd be home soon, but none the less it was a really lonely afternoon. I kept thinking do I call anyone? who would that be? I did call our friend George who came over after work to see Richard. He's a very caring and loyal friend. No one ever calls me so do they want to know? People say "call me if I can help" but I'm sure hesitant to call when I never hear from anyone and when I do ask for help and none comes. Even our church! I haven't been to church for the last four Sundays but has anyone called to see if we're okay? no... Even our minister never checks on us and I sort of thought that came under the pastoral care category. The previous one didn't either but I never expected any thing from him!! He never even followed up after I got the diagnosis and hysterically called him and he suggested I call my mother. We've belonged to that church for over 30 years and I've done my best to give of my time, my money, and my talents, and it sure would be nice if I got some support but everyone seems to think we're contagious. Richard's friends have completely vanished. I hope after we get through this curse that I have more compassion for others than I'm receiving. I'm so alone.
Yesterday and today Rich is sick. All he wants to do is sleep and I'm at a loss as what to do here. Should I be worried or is this just the normal progression? I'm afraid to leave him here alone. It's a good thing this isn't written on paper cause tears are falling really hard on the keyboard!
Okay, I've vented a little bit--I don't really feel any better but I have no one to vent to. Who wants to listen when they might be the only person who's called me in the last month?? I think that comes under the heading of "preaching to the choir". I say to myself a doxen times a day "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called" and it helps as I seem to be taking care of Richard pretty well. I think I must have severe caregiver stress. gotta go get some kleenex. I should feel better later...... if you read all the way through this, I'm sorry for subjecting you to my misery, but I gotta tell someone and an anoymous blog screen seems to be it.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
HOT
I really do not like this heat. I get all sweaty and itchy when I go outdoors. I have enough trouble with my own personal power surges to spend any "quality" time outdoors right now. It's dash out the door, check the tomatoes, dash back in. My talents lie more indoors: cooking, knitting, singing and playing, etc.
Bryan took Richard yesterday morning for an over-nighter. I've been cleaning all day. Saturday I rested and played. It's hard to even clean when he's here because he follows me around so close and wants to help but...doesn't help even when he tries.
I really need to get rid of some of my "stuff". (Not knitting stuff or music stuff but other stuff.) I seem to have too much furniture for the size of our house but I have several antiques that I absolutely love and the rest of the furniture is necessary for sitting upon or eating upon, so I'm sort of caught between a rock and hard place. (How many of us still eat at the table or do you just trot your plates to TV trays in front of the you-know-what? I'll bet we're not the only ones who do that when it's just the 2 of us!) Anyhow, back to subject, with 2 families living in one house, it's a challenge. We get along just fine but we are crowded. That's okay, I'll really miss them when they leave.
I cut up an ice cream sandwich for Carter the other day and he stared at it a bit (didn't recognize it) picked it up dropped it and said "hot!" which makes sense if you think about it. He knows hot cause he burned his fingers on the iron awhile back. He has learned to jump up in the air and both his feet actually leave the ground at the same time. He's been working really hard on learning that. I don't remember all this stuff from my own kids. Either they're too old, I'm too old, or I was just too busy to take note of these exquisite little moments.
I finally got control of my Forest Canopy Shawl and it's coming along fine now. I can work on it in a group now but it took a while. Yesterday I was at Gourmet Yarn in the afternoon and had to laugh. There was a big crowd and everyone was pawing through the bags of Noro Sock Yarn both Kureyon and Silk Garden. The colors are so absolutely beautiful it's almost impossible to resist it--and I didn't. I brought home 1 skein of S8--greens and blues for probably socks, and 2 of S264 which is turquoise-y and light brown-ish and blue and who knows what other colors are in there that I can't see yet but the whole things looks like my sister so I think she'll be getting a scarf for her birthday or Christmas. It was really funny, Sandy and David were trying to put price stickers on the lables and they couldn't keep up with us. Linda P. came by with Nina and it was good to see them and hear a little bit about camp, but she was headed home for a nap and a ballgame--at the same time I think! Polly was there and Liz and Karen and Martha, and some others but I don't remember who all. I've got to take some pictures and post of my new stuff and projects.
I watched "The Other Boelyn Girl" last night. Good movie but what a terrible time to have lived--royalty being so difficult and all. English history is facinating. I've always enjoyed the Phillippa Gregory books even though uit's been a while since I read them. I'm planning to watch "Knocked UP" this afternoon. I saw the "Waterhorse' a couple weeks ago and it's really cute. I finished "1st. to Die" by James Patterson-wow. I've ordered "@nd Chance" now-I think I'll need to read the whole series. I'm reading "Final Notice" by Jo Dereske a Helma Zukas, Librarian mystery. They're pretty entertaining.
I am so aggravated that Guild was cancelled this month. I coildn't go last month but I can this month but now I can't cause we aren't having it. I should have just invited everyone over to my house!
For now, I think it's lunch time-guess I'll go see what leftovers I have in the fridge! Then possibly nap time if all goes well! toodles, Anita
Bryan took Richard yesterday morning for an over-nighter. I've been cleaning all day. Saturday I rested and played. It's hard to even clean when he's here because he follows me around so close and wants to help but...doesn't help even when he tries.
I really need to get rid of some of my "stuff". (Not knitting stuff or music stuff but other stuff.) I seem to have too much furniture for the size of our house but I have several antiques that I absolutely love and the rest of the furniture is necessary for sitting upon or eating upon, so I'm sort of caught between a rock and hard place. (How many of us still eat at the table or do you just trot your plates to TV trays in front of the you-know-what? I'll bet we're not the only ones who do that when it's just the 2 of us!) Anyhow, back to subject, with 2 families living in one house, it's a challenge. We get along just fine but we are crowded. That's okay, I'll really miss them when they leave.
I cut up an ice cream sandwich for Carter the other day and he stared at it a bit (didn't recognize it) picked it up dropped it and said "hot!" which makes sense if you think about it. He knows hot cause he burned his fingers on the iron awhile back. He has learned to jump up in the air and both his feet actually leave the ground at the same time. He's been working really hard on learning that. I don't remember all this stuff from my own kids. Either they're too old, I'm too old, or I was just too busy to take note of these exquisite little moments.
I finally got control of my Forest Canopy Shawl and it's coming along fine now. I can work on it in a group now but it took a while. Yesterday I was at Gourmet Yarn in the afternoon and had to laugh. There was a big crowd and everyone was pawing through the bags of Noro Sock Yarn both Kureyon and Silk Garden. The colors are so absolutely beautiful it's almost impossible to resist it--and I didn't. I brought home 1 skein of S8--greens and blues for probably socks, and 2 of S264 which is turquoise-y and light brown-ish and blue and who knows what other colors are in there that I can't see yet but the whole things looks like my sister so I think she'll be getting a scarf for her birthday or Christmas. It was really funny, Sandy and David were trying to put price stickers on the lables and they couldn't keep up with us. Linda P. came by with Nina and it was good to see them and hear a little bit about camp, but she was headed home for a nap and a ballgame--at the same time I think! Polly was there and Liz and Karen and Martha, and some others but I don't remember who all. I've got to take some pictures and post of my new stuff and projects.
I watched "The Other Boelyn Girl" last night. Good movie but what a terrible time to have lived--royalty being so difficult and all. English history is facinating. I've always enjoyed the Phillippa Gregory books even though uit's been a while since I read them. I'm planning to watch "Knocked UP" this afternoon. I saw the "Waterhorse' a couple weeks ago and it's really cute. I finished "1st. to Die" by James Patterson-wow. I've ordered "@nd Chance" now-I think I'll need to read the whole series. I'm reading "Final Notice" by Jo Dereske a Helma Zukas, Librarian mystery. They're pretty entertaining.
I am so aggravated that Guild was cancelled this month. I coildn't go last month but I can this month but now I can't cause we aren't having it. I should have just invited everyone over to my house!
For now, I think it's lunch time-guess I'll go see what leftovers I have in the fridge! Then possibly nap time if all goes well! toodles, Anita
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Here's what's happening in Anitaville
It’s been a while since I posted. I'll try to do better in the future.
I kinda-sorta gave up on the Goddess Mystery KAL. Just too busy to concentrate. I did begin a Forest Canopy Shawl but I can’t seem to concentrate well enough on it either to get going smooth. It’s knit a few rows, tink a few rows, knit a few more rows, tink a couple and so on!! I’m also crocheting a pink ruffled baby bonnet for a co-worker. She has two boys and I thought pink and ruffles were just what she needed for this baby girl. As soon as it’s finished I’ll post a picture. A friend is getting married and I thought a knitted washcloth (one of the Fiber Trends patterns) would be nice along with a hand-made bar of soap for her personal shower, but that isn’t happening!! One shower is Friday, the other Saturday and I just don’t have time—work does so interfere with one’s social life….. Crocheting really makes my hands hurt a lot more than knitting does. I guess that’s why I don’t crochet much anymore.
Last Friday I taught autoharp, limberjack, spoons, yodeling and juice harp to music teachers getting the Kodaly Certification at OU. (see picture of my class) It was so much fun! This is the 5th. class I’ve taught for OU. They rotate several of us each year and this was my year. I’ve basically got my hand-outs prepared and in the computer so it’s just a matter of tweaking them a bit and all the printing. Also, OU has this rather famous trombonist who also plays the spoons, and he’s always so gracious to come down and give my class a demonstration. He’s played for the Pope, 4 presidents, and who knows how many other dignitaries. He’s travelled all over the world. I’m including a You-Tube of him for your viewing pleasure. Also a web address detailing his accomplishments. You’ve got to watch him it is just too cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSwI9Off-iI
http://www.ita-web.org/about/iwagner.asp
On the Alz. front, we’re doing the best we can. The oddest thing: a few months ago ALL my finger picks disappeared. I searched high and low, (being short I usually forget the high part) up and down, in and out, absolutely everywhere and then some! No fingerpicks anywhere, so I bought some more. Then I spent about $40 on picks for my class for the students. When I got home Friday evening after teaching all day, Rich says (in his fashion after I interpreted) “you’ll never believe what I found today”. I ask what, he said I’ll show you and I followed him to the bedroom where he gets a small cardboard box down from his closet shelf (where I’d already looked at least several times) opens it and there are all the missing fingerpicks. I gasped, where did you find these? With a big smile he says I don’t know and hands me the box. It was like he ransacked the house, found all the picks and put them away. He had to get into my autoharp cases-all 3 of them-to find some of these. Beats me how he does these things. So now I have 40-11 finger picks and probably can’t use them all in this lifetime! But he was so happy to have found them for me…. forget the fact that he's the one who hid them!!
I’m currently reading Buckingham Palace Gardens by Anne Perry. It’s the newest in her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series. I just finished Dyer Consequences by Maggie Sefton. I don’t think the writing is great. She overdoes the “sly smile” phrase and the lead character is a little too much smarter than anybody else in the town including the police. And really, it’s kind of dangerous to be her friend-they keep getting killed! But I do like the descriptions of knitting, spinning, dying etc. I’ve read all of hers and will continue to read them as long as she writes them! I’m listening to 1st. to Die in the Women’s Mystery Club series by James Patterson. It’s good I just don’t spend enough time in the car to get much listened to at a time! I’m getting ready to start a non-mystery non-fiction called The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel. I’ve also got at home Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs who wrote The Friday Night Knitting Club.
Well I guess that’s enough for now. Toodles…..Anita
I kinda-sorta gave up on the Goddess Mystery KAL. Just too busy to concentrate. I did begin a Forest Canopy Shawl but I can’t seem to concentrate well enough on it either to get going smooth. It’s knit a few rows, tink a few rows, knit a few more rows, tink a couple and so on!! I’m also crocheting a pink ruffled baby bonnet for a co-worker. She has two boys and I thought pink and ruffles were just what she needed for this baby girl. As soon as it’s finished I’ll post a picture. A friend is getting married and I thought a knitted washcloth (one of the Fiber Trends patterns) would be nice along with a hand-made bar of soap for her personal shower, but that isn’t happening!! One shower is Friday, the other Saturday and I just don’t have time—work does so interfere with one’s social life….. Crocheting really makes my hands hurt a lot more than knitting does. I guess that’s why I don’t crochet much anymore.
Last Friday I taught autoharp, limberjack, spoons, yodeling and juice harp to music teachers getting the Kodaly Certification at OU. (see picture of my class) It was so much fun! This is the 5th. class I’ve taught for OU. They rotate several of us each year and this was my year. I’ve basically got my hand-outs prepared and in the computer so it’s just a matter of tweaking them a bit and all the printing. Also, OU has this rather famous trombonist who also plays the spoons, and he’s always so gracious to come down and give my class a demonstration. He’s played for the Pope, 4 presidents, and who knows how many other dignitaries. He’s travelled all over the world. I’m including a You-Tube of him for your viewing pleasure. Also a web address detailing his accomplishments. You’ve got to watch him it is just too cool! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSwI9Off-iI
http://www.ita-web.org/about/iwagner.asp
On the Alz. front, we’re doing the best we can. The oddest thing: a few months ago ALL my finger picks disappeared. I searched high and low, (being short I usually forget the high part) up and down, in and out, absolutely everywhere and then some! No fingerpicks anywhere, so I bought some more. Then I spent about $40 on picks for my class for the students. When I got home Friday evening after teaching all day, Rich says (in his fashion after I interpreted) “you’ll never believe what I found today”. I ask what, he said I’ll show you and I followed him to the bedroom where he gets a small cardboard box down from his closet shelf (where I’d already looked at least several times) opens it and there are all the missing fingerpicks. I gasped, where did you find these? With a big smile he says I don’t know and hands me the box. It was like he ransacked the house, found all the picks and put them away. He had to get into my autoharp cases-all 3 of them-to find some of these. Beats me how he does these things. So now I have 40-11 finger picks and probably can’t use them all in this lifetime! But he was so happy to have found them for me…. forget the fact that he's the one who hid them!!
I’m currently reading Buckingham Palace Gardens by Anne Perry. It’s the newest in her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series. I just finished Dyer Consequences by Maggie Sefton. I don’t think the writing is great. She overdoes the “sly smile” phrase and the lead character is a little too much smarter than anybody else in the town including the police. And really, it’s kind of dangerous to be her friend-they keep getting killed! But I do like the descriptions of knitting, spinning, dying etc. I’ve read all of hers and will continue to read them as long as she writes them! I’m listening to 1st. to Die in the Women’s Mystery Club series by James Patterson. It’s good I just don’t spend enough time in the car to get much listened to at a time! I’m getting ready to start a non-mystery non-fiction called The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel. I’ve also got at home Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs who wrote The Friday Night Knitting Club.
Well I guess that’s enough for now. Toodles…..Anita
Thursday, June 26, 2008
It's Twins
...and fraternal ones at that. I finally finished that pair of socks I began last August on our Alaska cruise. I didn’t like working on them for a long time and now I wonder if I somehow connected them to my sister’s death. Oh well…whatever! They’re done now and I like them a lot!I’ve joined the Goddess Mystery KAL, but seem to be having a little challenge getting started so I decided to finish my cotton Heartstrings top so maybe I can wear it this summer. I’ve been working on several wool projects and I live in Okla-hot-homa for heaven’s sake!! What am I thinking?
Not much to blog about…I’ve been teaching Bible School at church in the evenings—another of those what was I thinking moments—and I think I might not do this again for a couple years. Working all day, rushing home to get Rich fed and settled, then to the church by 5:15 and deal with flocks of children, then get home pooped and the day is gone! It’s a little too much with Rich thrown in the mix. Maybe as the memory fades I’ll reconsider…. I’m not too good with groups of kids.
And here's Mr. Onery aka Carter. He's only 16 months but we're getting a glimpse of what the terrible two's are going to be. Yikes, I'd forgotten!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
10 thing That Annoy Me About My Job
10 things that annoy me about work
1. I have to go there or we don’t eat and we’re homeless
2. Time spent there interferes with my social and/or knitting life
3. The drive is too short to be productive (like listening to Books on CD) and too long to be short. (if you understand this, you might be concerned….)
4. I have to stay for 8.5 hours once I get there
5. I only have time to knit 1-2 rows during lunch
6. If I decide to go out to lunch or to walk during lunch I can’t knit at all. (I just haven’t mastered knitting and walking—I have enough trouble walking in normal circumstances! I’ve tripped and fallen so many times it doesn’t even embarrass me anymore but my knees and ankles are getting tired of it)
7. I have to actually work while I’m there---ewwwh!
8. They won’t hire family members
9. I can’t think of anything else, I really like my job! If ya gotta work, this is a good place to do it!
1. I have to go there or we don’t eat and we’re homeless
2. Time spent there interferes with my social and/or knitting life
3. The drive is too short to be productive (like listening to Books on CD) and too long to be short. (if you understand this, you might be concerned….)
4. I have to stay for 8.5 hours once I get there
5. I only have time to knit 1-2 rows during lunch
6. If I decide to go out to lunch or to walk during lunch I can’t knit at all. (I just haven’t mastered knitting and walking—I have enough trouble walking in normal circumstances! I’ve tripped and fallen so many times it doesn’t even embarrass me anymore but my knees and ankles are getting tired of it)
7. I have to actually work while I’m there---ewwwh!
8. They won’t hire family members
9. I can’t think of anything else, I really like my job! If ya gotta work, this is a good place to do it!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Respite Care
Oh. My. Gosh. My son and his wife volunteered to keep Richard last weekend. Rich really wanted to see Bryan--he rode his bike about 10 miles in the heat last week to visit his workplace. We're not sure but think he may have ridden on I-35, His work is just off the interstate. Rich was so excited he ask me everyday when he was going.
Bry picked his dad up after work on Friday. I had planned to go see the "Sex in the City" movie and get a bite to eat. Instead I finally rummaged in the refrigerator and ate some leftovers and knitted and read all evening.
Saturday, I slept late--no one standing beside the bed at 7:04am saying, "it's daylight". Then I got ready and wound my way to Gourmet Yarn and stayed there until about 3:30, knitting, visiting, relaxing. Did some shopping, picked up Swadley's Q for supper and headed home for another very pleasant and quiet evening. Sunday, again I slept in, then drank my coffee and read my paper in bed! woo-hoo! I was very naughty and skipped church, but I figured God would understand. Bryan took Rich fishing early Sunday morning and brought Rich home about 2:00. We all had a wonderful weekend!!
This is the first time in ayear that I've had a break from Alzheimer's and I was way past due. Bryan said they decided to take Rich about every 6 weeks and give me and him a break. I told him that was the best gift they could ever give me.
Bry picked his dad up after work on Friday. I had planned to go see the "Sex in the City" movie and get a bite to eat. Instead I finally rummaged in the refrigerator and ate some leftovers and knitted and read all evening.
Saturday, I slept late--no one standing beside the bed at 7:04am saying, "it's daylight". Then I got ready and wound my way to Gourmet Yarn and stayed there until about 3:30, knitting, visiting, relaxing. Did some shopping, picked up Swadley's Q for supper and headed home for another very pleasant and quiet evening. Sunday, again I slept in, then drank my coffee and read my paper in bed! woo-hoo! I was very naughty and skipped church, but I figured God would understand. Bryan took Rich fishing early Sunday morning and brought Rich home about 2:00. We all had a wonderful weekend!!
This is the first time in ayear that I've had a break from Alzheimer's and I was way past due. Bryan said they decided to take Rich about every 6 weeks and give me and him a break. I told him that was the best gift they could ever give me.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Been on vacation part 2
Because Richard is in stage 5 of Alzheimer's, about the only way we can travel anymore is if someone goes with us or we take tours with groups. For a variety of reasons, the tour groups seem to be working out best. They're fun, cost-effective, and I don't have to drive or organize anything except our suitcases! I can ride and knit (again). The only problem is that there's very little time to go off on your own so I've missed yarn shops in several places but that's the way it goes!
We just last week went to Nashville and thru St. Louis, Memphis, and Little Rock. We had a tour of St. Louis—beautiful city they've really invested a lot of money into themselves. Lots of public art, sports arenas, other tour attractions, and food. We had dinner at the Bevo, a German restaurant built as a windmill--been there a while I think. Our hotel was across the street from the Arches. I opted not to ride to the top but enjoyed looking at them from below.
In Nashville, we had a tour of the city, visited the Ryman Auditorium (see previous post), the Country Music Hall of Fame, had a dinner tour on a riverboat on the Cumberland River,
attended the Grand Ole Opry (I was almost disappointed Friday night show is a little lame compared to The Saturday night show), the Hermitage which was in reality a plantation.
We ate and walked and ate some more. We hurried up and waited, hurried up and waited and so on....
Saturday morning we headed to Memphis for lunch in a blues café, a Rock and Roll tour of Memphis, and some shopping. Same day on to Little Rock and the Crowne Plaza Hotel which was fabulous. Talk about customer service-they were really amazing. Home on Sunday.
Richard did really well until about the 5th. day and it seems that he'd had enough. He didn't get ugly just confused; the (organized) chaos gets to him. Too much stimulation confuses him and he becomes unable to manage even silverware. So we spent some time in our room or just quietly walking around to settle his brain. It just shuts down when confused. He had a good time and enjoyed all the music of which there was a lot.
Did I mention the Coyote Ugly Café? And the pictures on the bar? And the waitress draped all over him?
That would be (pleasingly plump ha!!) me on the left....
I finished my Lady Eleanor made with Noro Silk Garden. You just can't beat Noro for colors but there seems to be a lot of knots in the balls of yarn. At least that was my experience. But it's wonderful otherwise and I plan to use it again and maybe again! I love the shawl. It was just perfect on the Riverboat. Just a smidgeon of cool in the air on the water and it gave exactly the right amount of warmth! More pix of it on Ravelry under Autoharpgirl.
That's Richard on the right.
The colors don't show up too well. It's bright and beautiful. Color #87
Well okay for now. If you haven't read it see the previous post detailing my "debut" at the Ryman Theatre.....
We just last week went to Nashville and thru St. Louis, Memphis, and Little Rock. We had a tour of St. Louis—beautiful city they've really invested a lot of money into themselves. Lots of public art, sports arenas, other tour attractions, and food. We had dinner at the Bevo, a German restaurant built as a windmill--been there a while I think. Our hotel was across the street from the Arches. I opted not to ride to the top but enjoyed looking at them from below.
In Nashville, we had a tour of the city, visited the Ryman Auditorium (see previous post), the Country Music Hall of Fame, had a dinner tour on a riverboat on the Cumberland River,
attended the Grand Ole Opry (I was almost disappointed Friday night show is a little lame compared to The Saturday night show), the Hermitage which was in reality a plantation.
We ate and walked and ate some more. We hurried up and waited, hurried up and waited and so on....
Saturday morning we headed to Memphis for lunch in a blues café, a Rock and Roll tour of Memphis, and some shopping. Same day on to Little Rock and the Crowne Plaza Hotel which was fabulous. Talk about customer service-they were really amazing. Home on Sunday.
Richard did really well until about the 5th. day and it seems that he'd had enough. He didn't get ugly just confused; the (organized) chaos gets to him. Too much stimulation confuses him and he becomes unable to manage even silverware. So we spent some time in our room or just quietly walking around to settle his brain. It just shuts down when confused. He had a good time and enjoyed all the music of which there was a lot.
Did I mention the Coyote Ugly Café? And the pictures on the bar? And the waitress draped all over him?
That would be (pleasingly plump ha!!) me on the left....
I finished my Lady Eleanor made with Noro Silk Garden. You just can't beat Noro for colors but there seems to be a lot of knots in the balls of yarn. At least that was my experience. But it's wonderful otherwise and I plan to use it again and maybe again! I love the shawl. It was just perfect on the Riverboat. Just a smidgeon of cool in the air on the water and it gave exactly the right amount of warmth! More pix of it on Ravelry under Autoharpgirl.
That's Richard on the right.
The colors don't show up too well. It's bright and beautiful. Color #87
Well okay for now. If you haven't read it see the previous post detailing my "debut" at the Ryman Theatre.....
Been on vacation
MY DEBUT AT THE RYMAN
While on vacation, we visited the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, original home of the Grand Ole Opry. During tours, they had a photographer and you could get on stage and he'd take your picture behind a microphone (it wasn't on). Well, when it was my turn, I decided to yodel--I wasn't about to miss a chance to sing on the stage at the Ryman! There were about 150-160 people touring at this time and the auditorium got very quiet as people quit talking when I started. When I was finished, they applauded. The acoustics in that place are amazing. The people in the back of the balcony could hear me even without a mic. When I told my kids and mom and mentioned that I was the only tourist who sang during their photo, they replied to a person--well that's no surprise! (Do they know me or what?!) Checking one thing off my "bucket list"! More later.......
While on vacation, we visited the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, original home of the Grand Ole Opry. During tours, they had a photographer and you could get on stage and he'd take your picture behind a microphone (it wasn't on). Well, when it was my turn, I decided to yodel--I wasn't about to miss a chance to sing on the stage at the Ryman! There were about 150-160 people touring at this time and the auditorium got very quiet as people quit talking when I started. When I was finished, they applauded. The acoustics in that place are amazing. The people in the back of the balcony could hear me even without a mic. When I told my kids and mom and mentioned that I was the only tourist who sang during their photo, they replied to a person--well that's no surprise! (Do they know me or what?!) Checking one thing off my "bucket list"! More later.......
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Color me....aqua!
#00FFFF |
Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well. Your saturation level is very high - you are all about getting things done. The world may think you work too hard but you have a lot to show for it, and it keeps you going. You shouldn't be afraid to lead people, because if you're doing it, it'll be done right. Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation. |
Well this was fun! I'm aqua too. I was checking so many mismatched things that I thought for sure it would tell me I was impossible to color code!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Knitting progress and philosphical thoughts
I noticed last night that an adorable darling 15-month-old grandson is just a smidgen less adorable when he won’t go to sleep at 3:00-5:00 am. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and happy. Ya gotta smile back at him even through bleary eyes.
My Lady E is just 9 tiers short of being finished and fringed! I’ve mastered the skill of “knitting backwards” on this project too.
My long suffering /neglected socks are now having their little heels turned and they seem very happy about that. Don’t ask me how I know that, I just do….. And my Miss Priss Clara Barton colorway multi-directional scarf is about halfway through. You might ask (or not) how I’m accomplishing so much knitting suddenly. WELL! For the last 19 days, I’ve been hosting an author at several of our library branches who is doing a book talk and discussion about one of her books (it’s Rilla Askew and Fire in Beulah—a pretty amazing book—I recommend it) and while she talks-I knit! I’ve heard her talk many times but I can still knit and listen so I’m really making progress! It’s wonderful to be able to knit at work. :) !
I’ve been participating in the “10 on Tuesday” thingy you might have noticed and the one for last week was “10 Wonderful Things (or Things I Love) About My Life”. And to my dismay, I couldn’t think of 10 things. The Zomig is supposed to take care of that I thought but apparently not. And then just this week I started listening to “20 Wishes” by Debbie Macomber and so I’ve decided to sort of play the Glad Game (remember Pollyanna?) and try to get myself out of this bog I’m mired in. Yes, a lot of life is kind of stink-y right now but a lot of life isn’t! I’ll keep you posted as I come up with my 10 things and/or 20 wishes.
Is anybody reading this blog? I’ve said I write it for me but it’s nice if it gets read. I seldom get any commentss (and I’ve noticed I haven’t been added to some of my friend’s “favorite blogs to read” lists….just joking) It’s okay. So if you drop by, stop and say hi! Okay?
Toodles……Anita
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My Lady E is just 9 tiers short of being finished and fringed! I’ve mastered the skill of “knitting backwards” on this project too.
My long suffering /neglected socks are now having their little heels turned and they seem very happy about that. Don’t ask me how I know that, I just do….. And my Miss Priss Clara Barton colorway multi-directional scarf is about halfway through. You might ask (or not) how I’m accomplishing so much knitting suddenly. WELL! For the last 19 days, I’ve been hosting an author at several of our library branches who is doing a book talk and discussion about one of her books (it’s Rilla Askew and Fire in Beulah—a pretty amazing book—I recommend it) and while she talks-I knit! I’ve heard her talk many times but I can still knit and listen so I’m really making progress! It’s wonderful to be able to knit at work. :) !
I’ve been participating in the “10 on Tuesday” thingy you might have noticed and the one for last week was “10 Wonderful Things (or Things I Love) About My Life”. And to my dismay, I couldn’t think of 10 things. The Zomig is supposed to take care of that I thought but apparently not. And then just this week I started listening to “20 Wishes” by Debbie Macomber and so I’ve decided to sort of play the Glad Game (remember Pollyanna?) and try to get myself out of this bog I’m mired in. Yes, a lot of life is kind of stink-y right now but a lot of life isn’t! I’ll keep you posted as I come up with my 10 things and/or 20 wishes.
Is anybody reading this blog? I’ve said I write it for me but it’s nice if it gets read. I seldom get any commentss (and I’ve noticed I haven’t been added to some of my friend’s “favorite blogs to read” lists….just joking) It’s okay. So if you drop by, stop and say hi! Okay?
Toodles……Anita
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Monday, April 21, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
10 on Tuesday
This week's 10 is Favorite Funny Movies and here are my 10 faves and one bonus movie!
In no particular order
In no particular order
1. Heaven Can Wait (Warren Beatty version)
2. Princess Bride
3. Elf
4. Young Frankenstein
5. A Mighty Wind
6. Heart and Souls
7. Mrs. Doubtfire
8. Three Men and a Baby
9. Oh Brother Where Art Thou
10. The Full Monty
11. The Committments
Out of my mind.....
Well, hello. It's been a while since I posted. Seems to be a really busy life but when I try to think of what all I've been doing....I can't. So, I don't know what I've been doing but I've been really busy doing it!
A couple weeks ago I was reading one of the yahoo groups I subscribe to on lace knitting I think and a discussion of a 12 step program for lace knitters came up. Someone then made this comment "12 steps? I thought it was 3 steps--buy yarn, knit objects with deliberate holes in them, do it again---or something like that. And it made me think "we" (knitters/crocheters) need a step program. So "borrowing" the comment from that person, I think this works...at least for me.
1. Buy yarn
2. Knit / crochet
3. See steps 1 & 2
Now if we could just come up with an acronym--something catchy--like AA, ACoA (where I spent some time working on issues) people would look at us with respect or perhaps awe that we were addressing our issue (not problem) head on! We could get buttons, t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc..... or maybe not. just mindless thinking...... is that an oxymoron? "mindless thinking"?
Okay, well! Richard and I had a disastrious Sunday. I woke up with a migraine, took a Zomig about 8:30 and laid down and didn't wake up until 2:30! My tablets have never knocked me out like that before! But at least the headache was gone. I found Richard still in his pj's, hadn't had anything to eat all day long and was bent double with pain. So I get us both dressed and head to the emergency room (for the 2nd. time since Feb. with this problem I might add) and finally after a ct scan they figured out he has a hernia--oddly enough in the exact same spot he had one repaired 5 years ago which (the anesthesia) triggered the Alz ( anes.--alz) a little known bad combo. Anyhow, now he's got to have another surgery tp repair the repair and this is not good news cause the anest. could increase his dementia. So I'm kind of reeling here.
RANT APPROACHING...sorry, can't help it: Allright, I do have help. My kids and sister and mom try to help me as needed but ultimately it all boils down to me! I have to make the financial, medical everything arrangements for both of us (I finally did our taxes yesterday) plus work full time. I want to laugh hysterically when people say "are you taking anytime for yourself?" and SMACK them when they pat my arm and say "well God doesn't give us any more than we can handle". (I had to go talk to my minister about that one! and she said it was okay to smack them---not really but she agreed with me) So it often doesn't feel like I have any help at all. I do seem to get a lot of advice...like I need more "I need to" things for my already never ending list. End of rant
Yesterday I finally surrendered Richard's driver's license. I think that was possibly the hardest thing I've ever had to do--take away his freedom. Today we're going to get him an official state id card. Here's Carter and Grandpa (Richard). They're very close.
Someone reading (a college English teacher!) my blog awhile back told me I should publish our experiences. I'm not sure that I'll ever try that, but it did make me think I'd try to journal some of our experiences.
On The Needles: still working on the Lady Eleanor entralac. I sure enjoy knitting this project, but it is taking a long time. Course I do take time out to work on some socks and a scarf and some other things.
Toodles and thanks for reading! .....Anita
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter weekend
Friday I left work at lunch to finish grocery shopping for the weekend. Have you ever noticed that you go in the grocery store intending to pick up less than ten items that happen to be on a list and leave with umpteen bags having spent $101??? Oh well, I guess we'll eat it all sooner or later. My Mom arrived Friday afternoon for the weekend and we had a pleasant Friday evening. Meant to go to church services but somehow didn't make it.
Saturday we all went to my sisters house for a family dinner. There were 7 great-grands there, 3 who are 17 months, 14 months, and 11 months. Busy busy little boys. One baby girl 6 weeks old--so precious--and a 16-year old, an 11 year old, and a 7 year old-all girls. It was ...shall I say...wild and crazy? The baby boys were funny and cute, all first-time Easter Egg hunters but they seemed to get the idea pretty well. We all got a share of holdng tiny Katie and went home full of food and entertainment. and had a nap....
This morning up and to church--I was singing in the choir, then home finish dinner and sit down whew!! Mom left about 3:00 and guess what--nap time again!! Two! hours later I wake up and hope I'll sleep tonight. Gosh what a fast day and a fun weekend.
Oh yes, for my RKR (required knitting reference) I'm still working diligently on my Lady Eleanor. It's not going as fast as I want byt it's getting there. I also spent some time on the bunny pattern in the March Creative Knitting. It's cute, but the pattern needs stream-lining. Too many stops and starts.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
10 on Tuesday
10 PLACES YOU'D TAKE A TOURIST TO IN YOUR HOMETOWN
1. Cowboy Hall of Fame (or whatever it's called now) one of my personal faves. I love the artwork. And it's got a great gift shop!
2. Cole's Garden also fabulous sculpture and very peaceful
3. RonaldJ. Norick Downtown Library and Learning Center beautiful award-winning building
4. Bricktown for a meal just for fun
5. Oklahoma River if it's full......
6. OKC Museum of Art wow! the Chihuly alone is worth the trip
7. OKC Zoo It's a wonderful zoo
8. Bombing Memorial because it's very moving
9. Bombing Memorial Museum not me, I lived through it but most folks want to visit it
10. Civic Center Music Hall to a performance of some sort
and there are other place I'd take a visitor in my town such as my favorite local yarn store....
I do have bronchitis (thanks for asking) but I should be better very soon because I went to the Dr. today and now I have "drugs"!
1. Cowboy Hall of Fame (or whatever it's called now) one of my personal faves. I love the artwork. And it's got a great gift shop!
2. Cole's Garden also fabulous sculpture and very peaceful
3. RonaldJ. Norick Downtown Library and Learning Center beautiful award-winning building
4. Bricktown for a meal just for fun
5. Oklahoma River if it's full......
6. OKC Museum of Art wow! the Chihuly alone is worth the trip
7. OKC Zoo It's a wonderful zoo
8. Bombing Memorial because it's very moving
9. Bombing Memorial Museum not me, I lived through it but most folks want to visit it
10. Civic Center Music Hall to a performance of some sort
and there are other place I'd take a visitor in my town such as my favorite local yarn store....
I do have bronchitis (thanks for asking) but I should be better very soon because I went to the Dr. today and now I have "drugs"!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
I'be got a code--or sobethig
Cough-ouch-sneeze-sniffle-cough-cough-cough-cough... can't talk, can't breathe, I think I've got brochitis. I've only had it once before but I think I recognize it....
The timing is terrible. Our choir is singing lots of special music in the morning for Palm Sunday and I can't.... I just hope I'm well enough to sing Easter Sunday. I'll probably miss the Guild meeting tomorrow. As a matter of fact I think I'll go lay down again. I haven't even done any knitting, just laying and sleeping.
Tought I'd leave you with anothe picture of Alaska and the Yukon. later.....wheeze
Friday, March 7, 2008
I prefer to think of myself as "thrifty"
For sometime now I've been reading on the knitlist yahoo group about buying the "tackle kit" or "worm binder"thing-y from Bass Pro to hold circular needles, and I agree that they look like a good idea. I think they're about $20 each but I don't know how many zipper bags are in each kit.
Well I've come up with my own idea. For several months I've been keeping my circular needles (excepting the Knit Picks Harmony set) in gallon size Zip-Lock bags. One bag for each size, all lengths. (one bag full of all my size 4's, another all my size 5's etc)
Next, I bought some "book rings" at Wal Mart for 97 cents--got eight--these were 1.5" each and clipped them through the holes in each bag. A 3-ring binder would work too, but I like this method. And ta-da here we are for less than $5--organized
Well I've come up with my own idea. For several months I've been keeping my circular needles (excepting the Knit Picks Harmony set) in gallon size Zip-Lock bags. One bag for each size, all lengths. (one bag full of all my size 4's, another all my size 5's etc)
I experimented with various tapes and with Masking Tape--seems to work best--I put a strip across the bottom of each bag on both sides to reinforce it. like this
Then using an electric 3-hole punch (If you don't have access to one, they have them at Kinko's I think) I punched it. I write the size of the needle on the bags using a Sharpie. I'm going to include a list of all my lengths and different brands soon....um-hmmm, soooon
Next, I bought some "book rings" at Wal Mart for 97 cents--got eight--these were 1.5" each and clipped them through the holes in each bag. A 3-ring binder would work too, but I like this method. And ta-da here we are for less than $5--organized
So, whatta ya think? Let me know. I like it and I guess that's all that counts
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
I voted....
My conscious. I am totally for what's good for the City, but in my opinion this was Maps for Millionaires. I hope I'm wrong since it passed over-whelmingly. (I knew when I went to vote and there was a line of men that I was doomed). Besides, I like my City the way it is.
Pictures:
This is Carter holding the green hat I made him.
He doesn't much like hats. And here he's helping me do the dishes.
Another Pic of the Lady Eleanor
And here's Bella, she a Manx--no tail. She can't be bothered to open her eyes, she's busy sleeping.
Pictures:
This is Carter holding the green hat I made him.
He doesn't much like hats. And here he's helping me do the dishes.Another Pic of the Lady Eleanor
And here's Bella, she a Manx--no tail. She can't be bothered to open her eyes, she's busy sleeping.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Say what?
I’ve always found comfort in talking to myself….out loud. I always know what I’m talking about and never have to repeat anything…. Once my (then) teen-age daughter ask me who is my “special friend” with whom I’m always speaking. It was kind of empowering when people started walking around with things in their ears and talking to what appeared to be themselves. (Took me a while to figure out they were on the phone) How does this relate to a blog? Every day I say to myself “self, today you will write in your blog, and every day I don’t. It often seems as if I just don’t have anything to say except how challenging it is to deal with Richard, but in the interest of my mental health, maybe that’s what I should write about. (Please no comments about talking to myself out loud vs mental health.)
About a month ago, Richard (who has temporal lobe dementia-similar to Alz) had his driver’s license revoked and he’s very angry and frustrated which I totally understand. (even though I feel relieved) But living with constant anger is exhausting. I did notice that in trying to be more upbeat to him I actually made myself feel better…go figure. However, last week, he ask me what was wrong with him and so I explained his sickness and he was devastated. It seems that he’d “forgotten” that he has it and watching his heart break for the 2nd. time just about did me in. I really hope that we don’t have to go through this situation many more times. Now I’m trying to figure out how to get him lunches while I’m at work and he’s at home and he’s stubborn and doesn’t want any help but no longer can even fix his own sandwich. I arranged with our church to deliver a meal on Mondays but he won’t take it or else he leaves the house about the time they’re supposed to get there. It’s a challenge….but I’ll get it figured out sooner or later.
Knitting: I took a class for the Lady Eleanor entralac stole a couple weeks ago at my favorite LYS (all these acronyms confuse me) and invested the $$’s in Noro Silk Garden Yarn to make it and I LOVE IT. The technique is fun, the yarn –colorway 87—is gorgeous, and I really enjoy working on it. I think it might take me a while to complete but that’s okay. I took a picture for you.
About a month ago, Richard (who has temporal lobe dementia-similar to Alz) had his driver’s license revoked and he’s very angry and frustrated which I totally understand. (even though I feel relieved) But living with constant anger is exhausting. I did notice that in trying to be more upbeat to him I actually made myself feel better…go figure. However, last week, he ask me what was wrong with him and so I explained his sickness and he was devastated. It seems that he’d “forgotten” that he has it and watching his heart break for the 2nd. time just about did me in. I really hope that we don’t have to go through this situation many more times. Now I’m trying to figure out how to get him lunches while I’m at work and he’s at home and he’s stubborn and doesn’t want any help but no longer can even fix his own sandwich. I arranged with our church to deliver a meal on Mondays but he won’t take it or else he leaves the house about the time they’re supposed to get there. It’s a challenge….but I’ll get it figured out sooner or later.
Knitting: I took a class for the Lady Eleanor entralac stole a couple weeks ago at my favorite LYS (all these acronyms confuse me) and invested the $$’s in Noro Silk Garden Yarn to make it and I LOVE IT. The technique is fun, the yarn –colorway 87—is gorgeous, and I really enjoy working on it. I think it might take me a while to complete but that’s okay. I took a picture for you.
I’m still got a couple of other projects, but for now this brings comfort. Speaking of comfort—the comfort shawl I made for my friend who isn’t healthy was delivered. She said she’s always cold and that it would help. After I finished it, I got sick and didn’t want to take germs to her so it took a while to get there. Recently, I spotted a woman in a store who was bald and had a bandana tied around her head and I wished that I had a supply of chemo caps knitted and in my car to give to those who need them. It feels like something I need to be doing and the urge is getting stronger. Similar to the urge to carry around board books and give them to babies! Which I don’t do either. I guess I need to write a grant to someplace to fund all my ideas…..
And speaking of books: Have I mentioned that I read for escape and/or pleasure. Sometimes I’ll read something intellectual—well may not that drastic—but at least something good for me. But usually – give me an intriguing mystery and I’m in another world. I love mysteries. It’s always kind of disappointing if I can figure them out. I also like surprises. I’m about to finish The Blood Ballad by Rett MacPherson. Her character is Tori O’Shea, a genealogist who is always solving a mystery in her small Missouri town. She’s written 10 previous to this one and I’ve loved every one of them. I just finished Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich—so funny, and am listening, in the car to Oh, My Stars by Lorna Landvick. This is the first of hers I’ve read (not a mystery) and she reminds me a bit of Billie Letts. Good characterization. I have waiting Jan Karon’s newest Father Tim, Home to Holly Springs and The St. Patrick’s Day Murder by Leslie Meier who’s another cozy writer with a recurring character. I’m on the list for the newest Mary Higgins Clark, she’s awesome. I also like Edna Buchanan.
Here’s a couple pictures of Bella. She’s an only cat. I’ve been wanting to get Rich a dog, but Bella is such a pill she’d move out again. Besides she’s his cat anyhow.
And speaking of books: Have I mentioned that I read for escape and/or pleasure. Sometimes I’ll read something intellectual—well may not that drastic—but at least something good for me. But usually – give me an intriguing mystery and I’m in another world. I love mysteries. It’s always kind of disappointing if I can figure them out. I also like surprises. I’m about to finish The Blood Ballad by Rett MacPherson. Her character is Tori O’Shea, a genealogist who is always solving a mystery in her small Missouri town. She’s written 10 previous to this one and I’ve loved every one of them. I just finished Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich—so funny, and am listening, in the car to Oh, My Stars by Lorna Landvick. This is the first of hers I’ve read (not a mystery) and she reminds me a bit of Billie Letts. Good characterization. I have waiting Jan Karon’s newest Father Tim, Home to Holly Springs and The St. Patrick’s Day Murder by Leslie Meier who’s another cozy writer with a recurring character. I’m on the list for the newest Mary Higgins Clark, she’s awesome. I also like Edna Buchanan.
Here’s a couple pictures of Bella. She’s an only cat. I’ve been wanting to get Rich a dog, but Bella is such a pill she’d move out again. Besides she’s his cat anyhow.
I hope the grammar police (you know who you are!) don’t take after me. I’ve tried to watch all my there, they’re & theirs, all my it’s and its, and all my commas but who knows. Grammar is sometimes a mystery.
toodles....Anita
Monday, February 18, 2008
Age--bah humbug!!
Yesterday I worked "move in" day (6-count 'em, six! hours) at the huge Friends of the Library Booksale. Boy was that a mistake! I discovered what I already suspected--I'm waaay too old to do that kind of physical labor anymore---not that I'm that old, just too old for that work....what was I thinking???? Moving thousands of (heavy) boxes of books into the Made in Oklahoma Building seemed like a good idea when I volunteered for it but....I guess that's what I get for thinking. However, there is a pay-off. Because I busted my buns trying to carry boxes most of the day, I get to go to the pre-sale, a 2-hour preview where we're restricted to just a few books but it sure is fun to look at them all. It was all I could do to restrain myself from ripping open the boxes labeled "crafts" and look for knitting books! But I behaved. Besides I was injured 3 times--no surprise right? My boob got smushed by a box sliding rapidly down the rollers (I didn't realise they stuck out that far), I was whacked on the arm by something-who knows what-and someone dropped a box of books on my foot and at first I thought I had a broken toe but it wasn't.
Regardless, I suggest you visit the Booksale this coming weekend. Saturday and Sunday are free, Friday night you have to join the Friends ($10) to get in. Books are very inexpensive, magazines almost free, lots of dvd's and cd's--it's a great bargain. and did I mention that it's fun!
I'm finally working on the Baby Alpaca Grande Vest by Plymouth in pink and I like it. It's a pretty quick and easy knit but alpaca seems to get in my throat and make me cough. Does it bother anyone else?
I was on TV today-not that anyone besides my mother saw me. Not that I even wanted them to! I was interviewed on Channel 9 about the Winter Readfest Reading program for senior citizens. I wasn't scared but my body sure isn't tv camera friendly.
If you missed the Knitter's Guild meeting, you missed a good time. Linda P. taught us 4 cast-ons. She's a very good teacher and explains techniques quite well. A change of officers is always interesting. Each new year presents a bunch of new ideas, I hope they pan out and no one gets discouraged.
Well, I think it's time to rescue my knitting from the baby (grandson) and work on it some. He is such a busy little body but so cute!
toodles....Anita
Regardless, I suggest you visit the Booksale this coming weekend. Saturday and Sunday are free, Friday night you have to join the Friends ($10) to get in. Books are very inexpensive, magazines almost free, lots of dvd's and cd's--it's a great bargain. and did I mention that it's fun!
I'm finally working on the Baby Alpaca Grande Vest by Plymouth in pink and I like it. It's a pretty quick and easy knit but alpaca seems to get in my throat and make me cough. Does it bother anyone else?
I was on TV today-not that anyone besides my mother saw me. Not that I even wanted them to! I was interviewed on Channel 9 about the Winter Readfest Reading program for senior citizens. I wasn't scared but my body sure isn't tv camera friendly.
If you missed the Knitter's Guild meeting, you missed a good time. Linda P. taught us 4 cast-ons. She's a very good teacher and explains techniques quite well. A change of officers is always interesting. Each new year presents a bunch of new ideas, I hope they pan out and no one gets discouraged.
Well, I think it's time to rescue my knitting from the baby (grandson) and work on it some. He is such a busy little body but so cute!
toodles....Anita
Thursday, February 14, 2008
I was tagged by Emily
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (I could pretend that I am reading something intellectual or spiritual or maybe self help but the honest truth is right here):
Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs, page 123
Find the first 5 sentences. found
Post the next 3 sentences. Here we are:
When Ryan knocked, Purviance again asked that he identify himself.
He did. A million locks rattled.
Tag 5 people. Let's see:
Margaret
Terri
Rosemary
Barbara
Sue
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (I could pretend that I am reading something intellectual or spiritual or maybe self help but the honest truth is right here):
Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs, page 123
Find the first 5 sentences. found
Post the next 3 sentences. Here we are:
When Ryan knocked, Purviance again asked that he identify himself.
He did. A million locks rattled.
Tag 5 people. Let's see:
Margaret
Terri
Rosemary
Barbara
Sue
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Out of my mind......
My grandson Carter has been sick. He made it all the way to one full year and two weeks before he got an ear infection, but he's got one in both ears! And both eyes are practically swollen shut. Poor little guy...but the Amoxycillan kicked butt and took names (so to speak) and he's so much better tonight. (I've never really quite understood that expression but for some reason I've always like it? go figure)
I read in a friends blog about the loss of a new life and I feel so sad for her and her family. Sometimes things can seem nearly unbearable. I know that for a fact as I'm sure most of us do.
I really love my mysteries, Janet Evanovich is a hoot. I try to read things that make me laugh--I know mysteries and laughter seem mutually exclusive but some of them are funny. Have you ever read the Southern Sisters series by Anne George? They are laugh-out-loud hilarious. Sadly she passed away after only 7 books. I belong to the OK. State Literacy Coalition and am chairing the "cookbook" committee. It's tougher than pulling hen's teeth to drag recipes from everyone. They want to share them it just seems tough to do it. I understand. If I have to I'll just put in all my favorites and make up names of contributors to go along with them! So if you see your name in a cookbook, think nothing of it.....Billie Letts (Where the Heart Is and more) says she gets all her characters by studying strangers.
Knitting: finally finished the comfort shawl and hope to deliver it tomorrow night. Bought my Noro Silk Garden for the Lady Eleanor. Remembered today that I bought yarn for a Ms. Greenjeans, and still want to make a rounb washcloth which I never have. Got two multidirectional scarves going. And the ever faithful (same) pair of socks! And I've got to stop knitting from time to time and work on my Sudoku puzzle. Is anyone else hooked on those? In my opinion it takes a rocket scientist to do a crossword but I can do sudokus.
There was something I really wanted to talk about tonight, but it seems to have left me....
About a month ago, my husband (the one with with Alzeimer's) (well actually my only husband) was stopped for running a stop sign and his driver's license is being revoked. To add insult to injury the ticket cost $172, those stop signs are expensive. Anyhow, it's been a rough few weeks. He's very angry but the funny part is he knows his truck isn't working (hmmmm imagine that) but he forgets he doesn't have a license. This is such a strange disease. I hate it.
I think I'll post a picture. This is on the ship our last night at sea headed home from Alaska. The moon was so pretty shining on the water that I tried to capture it.
toodles....
Monday, February 11, 2008
Noticing
Wow! Where does the time go. It's been two whole weeks since I've posted. Life is just too fast, has anybody else noticed that?
speaking of noticing, I've been noticing something about my stash. It's inadequate. I have lots of yarn but I don't seem to have enough of anything to make more than a scarf. I'm not sure why this is. Used to be that I couldn't afford to buy large amounts of nicer yarns (I can now if I want to) so I'd just buy 1-2-3 skeins or hanks of something for--probably a scarf! Another variation of my problem was that I'd buy enough but never could find a pattern that fit the yarn so I began only buying larger amounts when I already had a pattern selected. But that doesn't seem to have worked either. Either I lose interest in the pattern or lose the pattern itself! So now I can't decide whether to keep all these 1-2 skeins or get rid of them. I do like to make scarves and lots of them will work for mittens too, but still.... I know Linda keeps a store--I mean stash--so when she finds something she wants to make, she's ready. That rarely happens for me. What are your buying habits? Tell me what you think I should do with all my bits and pieces. I might add that I've grown quite attached to some of them. ;)
On the needles: I've got about 3 more rows and bind off, then block my comfort shawl. I think that it's just warm and cozy enough. I'm going to put some buttons on it so it can be worn over the shoulders without falling off.
I'm back to working on my socks that I've had going since August I think, maybe longer. Time to finish. I only have 3 pair of socks that I've made and I'm wearing them out.
I finally started the Baby Alpaca Grande Vest but of course I bought the wrong yarn so I'm having to adjust the pattern. I think it will work out. If not...there's always the frog pond!
I'm reading Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs. If you like CSI or those types of shows, she's perfect for you. I just finished Tell-Tale Horse by Rita Mae Brown, another good author.
Singing: I've lost my picks so I can't play my autoharp. They've got to be around here somewhere. Sometimes I think I live next door to a black hole the way things seem to vanish.
So choir is my current singing outlet. good training.
Clog: well clogging has definitely taken a back burner. I'm planning to go to a workshop in Texas in March if I can get away. There are just sooo many things to do and not enough time to do them all! I'm definitely going to have to be re-incarnated eventually.
toodles, Anita
speaking of noticing, I've been noticing something about my stash. It's inadequate. I have lots of yarn but I don't seem to have enough of anything to make more than a scarf. I'm not sure why this is. Used to be that I couldn't afford to buy large amounts of nicer yarns (I can now if I want to) so I'd just buy 1-2-3 skeins or hanks of something for--probably a scarf! Another variation of my problem was that I'd buy enough but never could find a pattern that fit the yarn so I began only buying larger amounts when I already had a pattern selected. But that doesn't seem to have worked either. Either I lose interest in the pattern or lose the pattern itself! So now I can't decide whether to keep all these 1-2 skeins or get rid of them. I do like to make scarves and lots of them will work for mittens too, but still.... I know Linda keeps a store--I mean stash--so when she finds something she wants to make, she's ready. That rarely happens for me. What are your buying habits? Tell me what you think I should do with all my bits and pieces. I might add that I've grown quite attached to some of them. ;)
On the needles: I've got about 3 more rows and bind off, then block my comfort shawl. I think that it's just warm and cozy enough. I'm going to put some buttons on it so it can be worn over the shoulders without falling off.
I'm back to working on my socks that I've had going since August I think, maybe longer. Time to finish. I only have 3 pair of socks that I've made and I'm wearing them out.
I finally started the Baby Alpaca Grande Vest but of course I bought the wrong yarn so I'm having to adjust the pattern. I think it will work out. If not...there's always the frog pond!
I'm reading Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs. If you like CSI or those types of shows, she's perfect for you. I just finished Tell-Tale Horse by Rita Mae Brown, another good author.
Singing: I've lost my picks so I can't play my autoharp. They've got to be around here somewhere. Sometimes I think I live next door to a black hole the way things seem to vanish.
So choir is my current singing outlet. good training.
Clog: well clogging has definitely taken a back burner. I'm planning to go to a workshop in Texas in March if I can get away. There are just sooo many things to do and not enough time to do them all! I'm definitely going to have to be re-incarnated eventually.
toodles, Anita
Monday, January 28, 2008
Party Hearty--All Fall Down
Whoa I completely forgot about the parties when I posted last night. It's been a party filled weekend. First, we celebrated Carter's first birthday with what turned out to be quite a gathering of folks including three babies. One could hardly turn around in our not-so-big-but-warm-and-loving house, but gosh did we have fun. The house now looks like a day care with all the toys and Grandpa tripped over something and nearly fell on Carter (sitting on the floor) but recovered nicely with no injuries just lots of whoops!
Sunday, I was invited to lunch with a group of fiber fanatics Christmas Party (slightly delayed by the ice storm). They were so much fun and so funny and I'm just thrilled to be a part of this laughing group. I really look for opportunities to laugh...sometimes it's easy to forget.
Today I accomplished a fall that was pretty spectacular even for me. (I do all my own stunts) I was climbing into the library (3/4 ton) van. I have to step on the running board, grab the steering wheel to balance myself, then finish climbing in as it's very high off the ground and I'm not. Well something happened--I have no idea what--and I began tumbling backwards. I recall thinking uh-oh I'm going to hit my head as down I went. When everything stopped moving (that would be me) I was lying on the ground with one foot stuck under the seat of the van, (up in the air I might add thank heavens I wear britches most of the time) which was something of a stretch for me being five foot tall and the rest of me sort of hanging upside down and on the ground. As I looked under the door across the parking lot I saw one of the maintenance guys who hollered are you okay?” Yes I answered when I could catch my breath from laughing. And again yes when he came dashing over to help me up. I once told people that I fall down so often that it doesn't even embarrass me anymore, but this one was a trick. I sort of wish I had a picture....or maybe not.
Sunday, I was invited to lunch with a group of fiber fanatics Christmas Party (slightly delayed by the ice storm). They were so much fun and so funny and I'm just thrilled to be a part of this laughing group. I really look for opportunities to laugh...sometimes it's easy to forget.
Today I accomplished a fall that was pretty spectacular even for me. (I do all my own stunts) I was climbing into the library (3/4 ton) van. I have to step on the running board, grab the steering wheel to balance myself, then finish climbing in as it's very high off the ground and I'm not. Well something happened--I have no idea what--and I began tumbling backwards. I recall thinking uh-oh I'm going to hit my head as down I went. When everything stopped moving (that would be me) I was lying on the ground with one foot stuck under the seat of the van, (up in the air I might add thank heavens I wear britches most of the time) which was something of a stretch for me being five foot tall and the rest of me sort of hanging upside down and on the ground. As I looked under the door across the parking lot I saw one of the maintenance guys who hollered are you okay?” Yes I answered when I could catch my breath from laughing. And again yes when he came dashing over to help me up. I once told people that I fall down so often that it doesn't even embarrass me anymore, but this one was a trick. I sort of wish I had a picture....or maybe not.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
not so easy but workable
Well, having a blog is about as hard as I thought it would be. Seems as if there's never anything cheer-y to write about. It's been a busy week in Lake Woebegone--oops that's a different group! (and probably under copywrite protection) But it's still been a busy two weeks.
Okay, maybe one more picture of the birthday boy-Carter.
Good way to close an entry. See you later!
My husband, who has Alzheimer's was stopped for running a stop sign and as a result his driver's license has been revoked. Hell hath no fury like a man who isn't allowed to drive. And guess who he's been taking it out on?? The Dr. add Naminda to his meds and I think it's staring to kick in, his mood has improved a little bit. But it's heart-breaking to watch this disease do it's dirty work. The good news is: Safe Return works! The policeman called them who called me and I went and picked him up instead of him being taken to a hospital or the jail. I highly recommend it if you are in this situation. And I feel pretty good that if he wanders off that he'll be returned to me. Okay on to other things...
Like knitting. I'm working on a comfort shawl of Berocco Foliage for a friend with cancer. In the interest of speed I'm using a drop stitch pattern but it's turning out much better than I thought it would with that pattern, and size 13 needles.
Here's my finished Multi Directional Scarf of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn and size 5 needles. Pattern from Simpatico Yarn in Texas. I love it and have received many compliments.
Okay next are the socks I've been working on for quite some time. They are of Regia Kaffee Fassett. I plan to finish them someday. Pattern is knit2, purl1 all the way down. Something simple, dare I say boring? which might be why they're going so slow. who knows?
Moving right along is the Heartbeat Sweater from Just One More Row made of Schaefer Laurel colorway Henen Hays. I'm finding this patterna bit of a challenge but think it will be worth it.
Hopefully soon I'll figure out how to place pictures and text so that they aren't so far apart!
And last but not least is another multi directional scarf of Shaefer Miss Priss Clara Barton.
Okay, maybe one more picture of the birthday boy-Carter.
Good way to close an entry. See you later!
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