Read Knit Sing Clog

fiddlestix

2011-02-03T18:36:00.000-06:00

I don't know what happened. I was writing along and apparently hit a wrong key and everything I wrote including the picture disappeared.

I'm being nagged to update this so I'm trying. So much has happened that I don't know where to start. Richard is still in the Alz unit at the nursing home and seems to be content. I don't think he knows where he is but he also doesn't know where he isn't and thats ok. He's always glad to see me, knows who the kids and I are and yet is ok when we leave.

Kacie and Jimmy and Carter got married. He had a good time at the wedding then took a 3 hour nap.

Kaila, my grand-daughter had a baby girl, Sophia who is just darling. Her grandfather, our son Bryan fell head over heels in love the minute he saw her. It was cute. Sophie is a month old now. wow, time flies.

Amanda and Shag are getting divorced and that makes me sad but things happen--or don't happen.

I'm doing quite a bit of knitting but I haven't been taking pictures. I'll work on that.

We've been snowed in for 3 days now, guess I'll go to work tomorrow, or at least try. After breaking my leg two years ago, I'm so afraid of falling and breaking something else.

Ok that's it. Thanks for stopping by. toodles....Anita

oh my gosh!

2011-01-28T10:28:00.002-06:00

Hi I'm still here and going to try to get back in the swing of writing in this thing. Life is just really really busy but I need to catch you up.

How lucky can a girl get?

2010-08-13T20:29:00.000-05:00

There is no better day to have your birthday than on Friday the 13th. Especially when it's the only one in the whole year! I woke up this morning and thought "today is the first day of the rest of my life" come what may. I was treated to breakfast at Jimmy's Egg, I went to work late (I don't know why I bothered) left after two hours and met Sally and Amanda for lunch--at Red Lobster! Had a pedicure and a haircut (not at the same place). Had lots of HB-days on Facebook, ate RL leftovers for supper and now I'm relaxing. I began the projects on my LIST --it's kind of a pre-bucket list dealing with house repair so I can make some decisions about where I'm going to live, and just feel really good about the day. Tomorrow, I'll get to spend time with Ellie and Holly--we share birthdays in August and have celebrated together for years, and then knit with friends! Yep, life is good--something I never thought I'd say again. I know this is an odd picture to go with this post but I took that in the Yukon 3 years ago and I've always liked it. So there! that's it for now....

Reading and....

2010-08-09T20:30:00.000-05:00

If you haven't read "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, you should. It's really good but it's also quite disturbing. I'm listening to an audio version and I've got to tell you that I'm overwhelmed. I love it.

I don't know why I turn on the tv, there's really nothing to watch.

I think I'm caught in one of those hamster wheels running in circles. I don't want to go to work, I don't want to stay home. When I'm at work I keep thinking of all the stuff I need to do when I get home and when I get here all I want to do is sleep. The houe is a mess. Not a disaser but a mess. I'm not tripping over trash or anything like that. I still can't see the top of my dining table but it's getting closer. Life has just been such chaos since the day Richard ran away and the events following that defining moment. Sometimes I wonder if there's a parallel universe and people are watching me on tv?! I'm tired and grieving I guess. I probably should go for some grief counseling.

Ever since I broke my leg last year and spent 4 months in 1. a cast, 2. a boot, and 3. a splint my other knee and leg have hurts like crazy. The cast, boot and splint mad walking a very uneven process and that's when it started and it just hasn't ever gone away. Odd but quite uncomfortable.

Let's see if I can think of anything else to complain about? nope that's it for now!

Talents I didn't know

2010-08-08T22:32:00.000-05:00

I just discovered that I am "bi-stitchual". Is that not the coolest thing. I didn't even knbow this word existed. It means I can knit and crochet both. That's like being double-jointed which I am that too, but I was born that way and I had to learn how to be bistitchual.

I like to make up new words. For example lupper is when you have a meal in the middle of the afternoon instead of lunch and supper. Lupper. One can eat only two meals a day if they have brunch and lupper instead of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oddly enough I can't think of other words I've made up. I suspect that I use them often enough that they no longer seem made up to me! I know there's a web site where you can see new words made up by other people but I've lost it. If anyone knows what it is let me know. It was really fun to read.

Still knitting on "Spring is in the Air". I've got to pay better attention to my pattern. I leave out yo's or drop stitches and have to tink back and re-knit. I guess I've only been working on it for about a month but it seems like forever.

And doing a little wedding planning. They're doing most of their own planning but I get to help a little bit.

What's so funny?

2010-07-27T10:21:00.000-05:00

I spend a lot of time looking for things funny. Yes I said "things funny" not "funny things" cause I think there is a big difference. I think I got this idea from George Carlin who pointed out really funny things about something that weren't obvious. Such as "always do whatever's next" or "what does it mean to pre-board? do you get on before you get on?". Just google George Carlin and you'll find lots of these. Laughter is very important in life, it creates endorphins (I tend to think of them as tiny critters running around my brain tickling me), relieves pain, makes your face look better--all kinds of things. But when circumstances are very sad (like a loved one with Alzheimer's) it becomes difficult to laugh. So that's why I say to my self "self, you've got to find something funny today or create it if you can't find it".

And that's how I got this story: Richard now lives in a locked memory care unit in a nursing home. It's sort of like he died but not quite. He's never coming home again and the house can feel it and I definitely can. Going to visit him is hard because I'm so sad when I leave but recently I became aware of this and it amuses me every time I go. He has a roommate Vernon (whose name has been changed to protect the innocent) and neither of these men can remember each other. They've lived together for a month now but each time upon entering the room Vernon introduces himself to Rich. They shake hands and the next time they do it again! It is really funny especially since I've witnessed it several times now. When he leaves the room Rich will look at me with a confused expression and I'll say "do you know him" and he'll say "no, I've never seen him". A couple times, I've gone in and Vernon will be sleeping and Rich will be standing beside the bed, hands clasped behind his back leaning forward slightly watching him sleep. That one I can't figure out. If Vernon were to wake up suddenly it would probably scare him half to death! He'll come in the room and see me and say "oh excuse me I thought this was my room" I'll say "it is come on in" and he'll say "I'll just go ask them where it is". I've heard tales of Richard going into other's rooms and they all do it. Everytime we go to visit Rich spreads his arms wide, looks surprised, and says HI! like he hasn't seen us in years instead of a couple days. That kind of joy is hard to resist. It's nice to be loved. toodles.....Anita

just out of my mind...

2010-07-21T20:20:00.000-05:00

Today I was driving down I-235 and a car getting on just barged over into my lane--not staying in her own lane at all and not looking. If I hadn't been watching carefully, I would have hit her. I slammed on the brakes and hit the horn and she flipped me off!!! I couldn't believe it--she cut me off nearly caused a wreck and blamed me!! I swear.

Well guys are finally coming by to look at my roof. That terrible hail storm we had in May totaled my roof which was only 3 months old. All the roofers have been so busy that they are just now making it by to give me estimates. I have to get new siding too. I really could use some down time. My brain is exhausted with all the thnking and decision making I have to do these days.

Rich seems to have settled in pretty well-did I already tell you that? He's always happy to see me but it's okay when I leave too. Sad...the long slow death.

I'm knitting a "Spring is in the Air" shawlette. It's crescent shaped, I like those better than triangles. I'm using pink Lorna's Laces sock yarn and clear beads with a pink cast. It's really going to be pretty and I'm enjoying the project too. I'm really hooked on lace and the beads just add so much.

Did I mention that Kacie and Jimmy are getting married? In October. I'm glad for them.

I'm reading "Skein of the Crime" by Maggie Sefton. It's okay, very light. Her first few books weren't all that good but it's a knitting mystery and it fills a niche. She's getting much better--has progressed to hardbacks from the paperbacks. Monica Ferris also writes a needlework series and I really like her. So many books, so little time. I'm listening to James Pattrerson in the car and I've got Debbie Macomber waiting on me. Also Earlene Fowler, Carolyn Hart, and Susan Wittig Albert. Like I said....

Well just thought I'd ramble on a bit, pretty quiet around here, stay tuned.....toodles, Anita

Friday-Friday-Friday

2010-07-16T21:17:00.000-05:00

OK, so I was minding my own business (for a change), riding the elevator to the basement room in the medical building where our early onset support group meets. I had taken my cell phone out of my pocket and set it to vibrate was attempting to put it back in my pocket when it leaped out of my hand. It made an arc in the air--very graceful, slow motion--and as I watched in disbelief, fell straight down the elevator shaft thru that very small space between the elevator and the floor after the door opens. Never even hit the sides just went straight down and through the opening. My first thought was oh s--t, my second, well at least it wasn't my keys so I can get home and in the house... If my life were being threatened and I had to drop that little sucker like that or die--I'd be dead. There is no way I could have done that in a million years. I can't even hit a dart board on purpose! So I had to call the head maintenance guy the next morning and hope that it hadn't shattered when it hit bottom. He rescued it still all in one piece and found it quite amusing when he returned it to me. I fail to see that much humor in the situation but oh well, it takes all kinds! I did discoer that I could be without a cell phone for 16 hours and survive. So how's been your week ?

My Fairy Name is Gossamer Moonwitch

2010-07-16T18:00:00.004-05:00

Don't ask..... It isn't worth knowing.

My Fairy Name

2010-07-16T18:00:00.001-05:00

spelling vs typing

2010-06-07T19:59:00.001-05:00

I am actually very good at spelling. It's typing I'm a disaster at. Just though I'd share that little observation. toodles....Anita

Celebrate the Greatest Generation

2010-06-06T20:44:00.002-05:00

Today is the 66th. Anniversary of D-Day. (If you don't know what D-day is---google it.)

My father E. E. (Red) Hern was part of the group of men who endured and survived that incredible event which changed his life forever. He was very young, as were I think most of the soldiers who fought in WW2. I'm going to write a portion of what he wrote down for us to have about his experience on June 6, 1944.

"I was part of the 146th. Combat Engineer Battalion, stationed in Englan, preparing for D-Day. We were divided into boat teams, 44 men on each team consisting of Army and Navy personnel. Everyone was trained for Demolition to blow the heavy steel obstacles designed to prevent boats from landing at high tide, and to destroy the German Teller mines.

We left England on an LST boat pulling the LCM barge where everyone would be loaded one hour before landing. The LST motor failed and the skipper (an "old" Navy man 33 years) made the decision to load everyone on the LCM so they could keep moving. We crossed in very stormy conditions and extremely rough water yet were in position to make our move inland to the shores of Normandy in France at low tide.

We, Dog Red Boat Team #6, landed at 6:27am--3 minutes before H hour at 6:30am on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. We all carried C-2 explosives, gas masks, rifles, a bangolier which totaled about 100 lbs. (I think daddy probably weighed about 125 lbs. soaking wet).

As we were coming into Normandy, it was just breaking daylight. The Germans started to throw heavy artillery on us. The closer we got the heavier it got. Suddenly this day became real on top of being seasick! The skipper put us right on the beach (an amazing feat) but the first men to hit the ground were killed instantly. Due to such heavy opposition from the Germans the soldiers were unable to get the explosives tied and blow them before the second wave of men arrived in 20 minutes and were accidently killed, so they headed toward the sea wall."

Daddy said it took him 3-3 1/2 hours to reach the sea wall and by that time about 50% of the boat team had been killed or wounded. Later in the day, the remaining men went back to the beach to find the wounded and take them to the seawall for evacuation later to a hospital ship. Everyone able helped carry the men in because 7 of the 8 medics had been killed in the battle.

They had been up nearly 24 hours with only K-rations and candy bars to eat, if they had time to eat. At 3:30am the morning of June 7th. they were ordered to return to the beach to complete the blowing the obstacles. During this activity, daddy was hit by an 88 Artillery shell fragment and two of his buddies carried him back to the seawall. Unable to walk and with no medics, they carried him so he could stay with his outfit. He said, in about 3 weeks he was able to walk again.

He felt very proud to be a part of the men who defeated Hitler and established the liberation of Europe. The 146 Combat Engineers Battalion was awarded the Presidential Citation Award for Outstanding Service to Their Country Under Enemy Fire.

Thanks, Daddy to you and all the men just like you for keeping me and everyone I love free to be. I love you, your eldest daughter, Anita Faye.

Daddy died in 1995, forever a victim of war, yet a man proud of what he'd accomplished who loved the men he'd served with. At an Army Reunion a couple years later, his "Army Buddies" told me that daddy, with his always on and very quick sense of humor kept them going after this battle before they were picked up or rescued or whatever happened to them. They said he kept them laughing and moving even when he was injured. What a legacy.....

Some Pictures

2010-06-04T12:13:00.006-05:00

Maybe two days is a bit early to celebrate blog enteries, but hey! it's important to celebrate things.

This is Carter, he's 3 now. Look at that expression, he is so onery but adorable. Here, he's about to terrorize the cat here. (I stopped him) Really all he wants to do is love her but she's stingy with her affection.

This is Richard and me about 2 days before we moved him to the assisted living. It hurst to even look at him.

This is some of my Early Onset Support Group. They are my heroes. They are courageous caring people who struggle with the craziness of Alzheimer's in their spouses. Both caregivers and spouses are mostly in their 50's or early 60's. Lisa's (at the end of the table) husband just died at age 57 and he'd been sick for 10 years. It's tragic disease. The long slow death.

This is good for now. We'll talk more later! toodles..........

I'm back maybse I hope so we'll see

2010-06-03T15:30:00.002-05:00

Well hi how are you? I know it's beena long time since I posted. I probably don't have any readers left. Suffice to say that a LOT of things have been going on and I'm still trying to catch my breath and figure out where I am.
I am trying to get used to living alone now that Rich is in the Memory Care facility where he is about as happy as it's possible for him to be (not very) but he's adjusting and so am I. It's hard. I'm still knitting and trying to get used to cooking for one. I bought several goofy things like a bread machine that makes a 3/4 lb loaf and a 7-inch electric skillet (which is only good for eggs I think-too small for anything else!) but they seemed a good idea at the time!
I'm starting to play a little music now and then too. I've got the teaching gig at OU coming up later this month so I need to work on that. Bella, the cat and I are trying to get used to each other. She's really Richard's cat and isn't too happy living with just me but she'll get used to it. I've always been the one who feeds her anyway--go figure, you'd think she'd like me best!!
I hope to get some pictures posted soon-like today or tomorrow.

Okay, this is a beginning. I'll try to post a little more often now. If you read me, leave a comment and say hi. toodles.......

some pix

2010-02-26T13:53:00.003-06:00

This is one of the buffalo that were painted for OKC during the Centennial. I drove past this one on my way to GYC during Nov. and Dec.

Carter and Papa studying something on the ground in the sunshine.

Pretty Kaila wearing her scarf of the Poppin yarn. She's our grand daughter. She was on the tail end of the flu here. and she still let me take her picture!

This is a close up of the ribbon yarn in a scarf.

close up of poppin scarf. This was hard to work with, at least to look the way I wanted it to.

The End and the Beginning

2009-12-31T20:53:00.003-06:00

I feel like I should write something profound for New Year's Eve but I can't think of anything. So I"ll review the year:
January is a hit the deck running month. many events at work and nothing can start until Jan. Ice storm-slip and fall landing on my tailbone. ouch. going on a "yarn crawl" to St. Louis. So much fun! Kaila's birthday. Carter's birthday.
February: Winter ReadFest begins; I take Carolyn Hart on a 4 library tour. Such a nice lady. caregivers are arranged. we leave for yarn heaven. Second day out break my leg. not going to ruin trip. friends valiently lift me in/out/up/down and push wheelchair. I can't do.crutches and end up (once again) face down (with smashed nose) on the ground! have to miss Friends of Lib. booksale. darn.
March: trying to recover. caring for dementia husband while supposed to keep leg elevated! take William Bernhardt on 4 library book tour while in cast and on crutches. me not him. ohboy. Month finally ends. so does ReadFest.
April: fairly uneventful month. leg still in boot. hurts most of the time
May: attend "Lion King" performance. wow! what a show. matinees on Thursday afternoon aren't expensive! make note to self to remember this. teach autoharp et all classes in Tulsa for OU School of Music. fun.
June: busy work month, quiet personal month. challenges with Richard.
July: trip to Colorado with Village Tours. hard work but fun. beautiful country. went to top of Pike's Peak (which Mr. Peak never did) had dinner in a restaurant made from an airplane. cool.
August: went to Branson/Silver Dollar City with Deb, Joe, Mom, Tailor, & Kyoko. rather hectic and close in vehicle but fun. (note: once you've seen the Dixie Stampede show you've seen it. went several years ago and it hasn't changed)
September: not much new. same ole same ole at work. Luke & Co. (me) was entertainment at Aging Consortium Annual meeting. small but appreciative audience. I miss singing. Oklahoma State Literacy Conference happens. oh yes how could I forget? cataract surgery on each eye two weeks apart. was easy went well next to no pain but very expensive and all those eye drops!
October: just frequent challenges with Rich. started having seizures again. escaped from the day care-that was exciting!
November: good grief where has the year gone? cooked thanksgiving for us, Kacie, Jimmy, Carter, & Frankie. good time.
December: missed all the parties cause Rich got sick. started gift shopping about the 23rd. put small artificial tree up. major blizzard Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. couldn't get to shed to get ornaments. poor sad tree only had lights, 1 angel, 1 crocheted snowflake, and 2 red bells (that double as earrings) but it had a certain charm all its own. went to Deb's with Mom and all kids/grandkids. 6 children 3 & under. someone sceaming "mine" non-stop. kind of funny yet very noisy. our kids came on the 27th. and we had a really good time. So now it's New Year's Eve, Rich is in bed and I'm watching re-runs on tv and writing in this. I certainly hope your new year is as pleasant as mine is. Good night all.......and Happy New Year!

It's very white

2009-12-24T21:27:00.003-06:00

It's very white outside and very cold and very windy. So much of all these things that basically all Christmas Eve Services in town nhave been cancelled. And that just doesn't happen in the Bible Belt. We personally have been in all day snug as a bug in a (knitted of course) rug. And also of course the tv stations were ecstatic 'cause they got to do "Blizzard 2009" coverage all. day. long. B o r i n g. The malls are going to be screaming cause they all had to shut down early although I heard some newscast person suggesting they stay open and let people who are stranded come in for warmth and sleeping. Not a completely bad idea I guess.

I finally decided to put up a tree and bought a really cute little 4 ft. artificial tree that I think will do me for the rest of our lives with lights already on it. White lights aren't my favorite but I'm planning to replace them with colored bulbs. (bulbettes? they're so tiny) However the Christmas are in storage in the shed out back and I can't get to it cause the snow has drifted up again the door, so...the lights may be the only decorations on it! There is one lone crocheted snowflake on it that I found on the floor and am really not sure where it came from?

I won some more of the lottery. Yesterday while grocery shopping I cashed in the previous winning ticket and bought another one (thereby reducing my previous winnings to $8) and glory be I won another $12. I may just win a whole million $12 at a time!! Stranger things have happened....maybe.

I'm working diligently on Mom's red shawl in hopes of having it finished by Monday to give to her when we go up for my aunt's funeral but I don't know if I will.

Okay think I'll go now. Sweet dreams of reindeers and a fat man in a red suit and world peace and sugarplums. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.....

Winning is Winning!

2009-12-23T09:36:00.003-06:00

I won the lottery......well some of it anyway......$12 to be exact. Hey! It's $10 I wouldn't have already had (after deducting the cost of the ticket). winning is winning period. This is the second time I've won--$7 the first time--I must be very lucky.

Two days till Christmas and I still haven't done my shopping. I'm planning to get started this afternoon. I need no derogatory comments, chortles, or scornful/pitying thoughts thank you very much. I've been busy.... ;).

Apparently it's going to snow here for Christmas. Rich and I will be home alone so no traveling is a good thing. Our kids are coming over on the 27th. so that should work out just fine. I've got knitting projects to finish. A red shawl for my mother and some high-top tennys for my new great-nephew. I wonder why grandchildren are called "grand" and children of nieces and nephews are called "great" instead of "grand nephew or grand neice"? Does anybody know? or is it one of those do-do-do-do things?

My Aunt Lavonna passed away yesterday. She was the last of my dad's siblings. Now there's only all of us cousins left. Hopefully we will continue to see each other and not lose touch. I looked more like this aunt than her own children do and more like her than I looked like my dad. Genetics are a funny thing. Very interesting though. you know blue eyes vs brown eyes; red hair vs blonde/dark hair. very curious.

That's her in the middle at the birthday party last year. (Mom on the left and Uncle Darrel on the right) They all turned 80 in Oct. 2008, it was a fun party. We used to have huge family gatherings on that side of the family. Lots of kids to play with and lots of fun and this bunch has terrific funny bones. Lots of laughter. I remember once at a dinner we ran out of room on the table so everyone took turns holding one of the bowls until we all were fed. Perhaps you had to be there but it makes me laugh just to think about it. My Grandma Hern was famous for her chicken and noodles (made from scratch of course) and there was no way you were leaving her house hungry.

Well guess I'd better get busy. If we don't talk again then Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to everyone. toodles.....Anita

All better!! Thanks for listening!

2009-12-14T19:53:00.005-06:00

It's safe to read again. I feel much better today. I just can't get used to being a prisoner and being scared I'm going to die from all this stress. Life is very difficult and some days are harder than others. Besides which I love this man and it's devastating to watch him be destroyed by this horrible disease.

A picture of my Traveling Woman Shawl made of Fiesta Boomerang. btw I fixed the curling edges.

A fuzzy baby hat made of Erdal Eyelash and a darling but sleepy baby.

RANT ALERT

2009-12-13T18:52:00.002-06:00

If you are not prepared to read a rant, then stop right now. I'm in tears I have no one to talk to so this is where I'm going.
**************************************************************************************
I exist and just barely. I have no life. This horrible disease is taking my life as surely as it's taking Richards. We don't have much entertainment anymore. If we go out we're always alone--rarely any invitations from (persons I perceived as) friends. Usually if we are with someone I've instigated it. One of our children is around frequently, one around regularly, and one seldom. Rich is reaching the point where I'm reluctant to leave him home alone so that means I don't get out very often either and not without lots of planning and I'm beginning to think why bother? There are people that will (sometimes) help if I ask but I get so tired of asking especially when they say no-- 2 or 3 no's and I get the picture. No one ever calls and offers (except for Rebecca who tries to take him 2 or 3 times a month for an evening so I can relax a little) There are places I can get help but it's an application process and I'm just so tired all the time. And then if it doesn't work out I'm so disappointed.

There were three party invitations today, one just for me and two for both of us. Knowing he couldn't handle two parties, especially after a busy morning with the church cantata I chose the one I knew he would enjoy the most--the one just for me was a given no, can't leave him alone. So what happens? He disappears about 3:00 and I hope he's just gone for a walk. He returns in about an hour and a half and he's doubled over in pain and goes straight to bed and practically passes out. I let him sleep for an hour, wake him and remind him of the party but his head hurts. I give him some Tylenol and he sleeps more. Finally I wake him again and he's still too sick to go...so here we are. He's in bed and once again I'm alone again--well always is what it feels like. There were two knitting events yesterday and I did leave him home and go to one for about 2 hours but I just didn't have the energy to arrange Richard-sitting for the evening event.

We've belonged to our church for over 30 years and we've been an active participating couple. We've given our time, talent, presence, money--that's what the Methodist Church asks of its members. I've tried to be of assistance where and when I was needed. But our minister never calls to see how we're doing or even asks when we're at church. The previous minister didn't either. I recall calling him when we first got the diagnosis and he suggested I call my mother and that was the last I heard from him. My best friend told me it was wrong to "expect" help from the church. This disease is destroying my faith. People say they pray for us all the time but I can't feel any positive effect. I really want to believe that God loves us but it feels more like He doesn't know we exist. Oh yeah and there's the one member who told me "no more playdates" after spending an afternoon with us. I can barely be civil to that man.

And no it's not time to put him in a nursing home. He still knows all of us and he'd die if I put him there. It's hard enough getting him to the adult daycare. He pretty much can't do anything for himself anymore, dressing, bathing, he can feed himself but can't fill a plate. He doesn't seem to know what anything is. It's hard to describe. I seem to be running out of steam finally.

Please don't leave any sympathy comments. I'm not asking for pity, I just need to tell someone.... And if you have a friend who needs help then don't wait for that person to call you--you call them and say I'm coming over. Believe me, they are dying on the inside and it's just a matter of time before they're gone completely.

Found more pictures

2009-10-11T18:27:00.008-05:00

from the top: an airplane turned into a restaurant, th chapel that is 4 chapels at the Air Force Academy, from the top of Pike's Peak you can see four (maybe 5) states--plus you can get a little sick from being so high up in the air, something very funny??, the Arkansas River at the bottom of the Royal Gorge, a cabin from the gold-mining days--obviously very old, just trying to catch up. 3 posts in 2 days is a lot for me!

A few pictures

2009-10-11T17:49:00.006-05:00

Carter's first horsebacki ride Bryan (son) Rich and Teresa (favorite daughter-in-law)

Advent calendar scarf. Same scarf in all 3 pictures in spite of how the color looks.

My TV interview that you might have seen

2009-10-10T10:17:00.004-05:00

Okay so here's the scoop.
I've been quite annoyed since OKC sold my parking garage to Devon. They're going to use it for their employees only! la-di-da. It was a City owned garage, my taxes paid to build it (I wasn't the only one--other taxes were used too;) --and then they sold it and didn't even ask me if it was okay. Now this may sound silly but, about 700 people who work or live downtown (not counting the homeless) don't have anywhere to park now and it's making me really cross. The mayor talks all the time about how they're trying to make OKC Downtown a happening place.....but don't we need adequate parking for that to happen? People who were going to the County Courthouse for various reasons, people going to the library, or even people going to the Thunder Store,not to mention all the lawyers offices down there have to share about 15 meters and lord help you if your meter runs out cause the meter-persons love to write tickets. I had worn my Lady Eleanor to work that day and it was the only warmth I had so I wore it at the interview which was outside. My daughter-in-law said my questions were good but my shawl was great! And I feel better now that someone actually listened to what I was thinking. Do you s'pose I'll be discovered now and become a big tv commentator?? toodles Anita

Rules of the Universe-the Sequel

2009-08-03T21:51:00.003-05:00

1. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
2. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
3. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
4. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
5. Opportunities always look bigger after they have passed.
6. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
7. There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness' (except for knitters-I added this part)
8. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
9. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
10. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

I tried to download/upload-whatever it is we do to them-some recent photos and they wouldn't co-operate. It's a mystery to me--I'll try again later.

10 days from today I will celebrate--celebrate might be too strong of a word--let's say I'll observe my 60th. birthday. I really can't figure out how I got this old. I'm only in my mid-thrities at least until I look in the mirror and then I see my mother which isn't a bad thing but it is rather startling. I gotta wonder what the future holds and if I'll outlive the "disease". I've always believed in karma and I tell you sometimes I wonder what I was like in previous lives.

I will finish the Advent Scarf hopefully tomorrow. I'm really tired of this project. Maybe I can get some photos and get them loaded to show you. I've always closely identified with Oscar the Grouch and some days I just want to throw up my hands and say wtf.

and on that cheerful note I'll close.......toodles Anita

Rules of the Universe Part 1

2009-07-30T21:40:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Joni (also my personal shopper but that's a different story) sent these to me and I'm going to share them with you in a series because they are funny, yet true! Here's the first 10.

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2. Don't worry about what people think; they don't do it very often.
3. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
4. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
5. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
6. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
7. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
8. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
9. It ain't the jeans that makes your butt look fat.
10. The decrease in one’s metabolism is in direct proportion to the increase in one’s appetite. (I added this one from experience)

Tuesday my friend Rebecca, who is a wonderful gift in my life, picked Rich up at day care and took him to supper so I could have a relaxing evening knitting with my friends. After I broke my leg Rebecca and Kerri-her daughter-came over and cleaned my house, changed my sheets, did my laundry, and brought meals several times. She drove us around and helped collect wheel chairs and such things and was just so much help. I can never tell her how much I appreciate her.

Have any of you tried the new cupcake bakeries? Oh my gosh, they are so good and expensive but worth it.

OTN I'm about to finish the Advent scarf. I'm really going to try and get some pictures posted this weekend, I'm way behind.

Well that's it for tonight. I finally was drug kicking and screaning to Facebook like I need another computer place to read. Thanks for dropping by....toodles......Anita

Scenic Site Saturation

2009-07-09T19:53:00.002-05:00

Yep that’s what I said—I reached the Scenic Site Saturation Point and I knew if I looked at one more beautiful site in Colorado that my eyes would explode. But it’s kind of hard to not see the beauty in Colorado.

We took a vacation last week to Colorado Springs and visited all the places you are supposed to visit there: Royal Gorge, Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs Cliff dwellings, Cripple Creek (yuck), the Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, Pikes’ Peak-where-I-ate-a-donut-and-thought-I-was-going-to-faint-not-from-the-donut-but-from-the-thin-air. Hard to breathe up there. I was rushing to the restroom thinking I’d better go cause if I faint I might wet my pants and that would never do. I didn't--faint or wet my pants. We also had supper and a music show at the Flying W Ranch, and another supper at this restaurant that is partly made from an airplane. Pretty cool. There are gift shops everywhere and I am a grandmother…do I need to elaborate? I didn’t think so.

I only took one project, my Advent Scarf, to work on and that was a mistake. Some of those lace patterns are just to complicated to work on in a crowd. So I knitted and tinked knitted and tinked knitted and tinked then finally gave up. Got it going again after we got home. So 13 hours of knitting wasted, but it kept me out of trouble.

I’ve had something of an epiphany but I’m not ready to talk about it yet.

PTSD??

2009-06-26T13:51:00.002-05:00

It’s been a less-than-exciting 2-3 weeks. Every day is a brand new experience. As I've mentioned, one can have no expectations.

Almost 3 weeks ago now I put Richard in adult day care for his own safety. He’s had a heat stroke two years in a row and I’m just not in the mood to go through that again. I told him this was his job and he sort of accepted that. The first evening he told me he didn’t want to go back and I told him we’d talk about it and he went out the back door for a “walk” When he wasn’t home by 9:30 and it was also dark-thirty I got anxious and called 911 and 4 police cars, the police helicopter, some friends, and our daughters were all driving around looking for him. Finally at 10:34 he walked around the corner and strolled on home wondering what all the fuss was about. Of course he couldn’t tell us where he’d been and no one could believe that he hadn’t been spotted by somebody! The police ask me if I was going to make him go back to the center and I said you betcha I am. I felt like I had no choice. Course I did but the choice was leaving him home alone no fluids, not eating and getting sick and I couldn’t do that.

As you can imagine, the rest of that week and the next were pretty terrible but at least he didn’t walk off again. He’s now beginning to enjoy it just a little bit and it’s doing some good for him. He’s communicating better and talking a little bit better and he seems to be calming down some. He gets very agitated—part of the disease. He told me there were 3 women that wanted him.
My blood pressure has gone down since I’m not worried about him all day. His blood pressure is perfect but he has no stress.

That evening I was very stressed and Kacie said call your mother so I did and of course the minute she said hello I burst into tears. Partly from worry and partly from sheer frustration, I felt like I’d been trampled by a herd of buffalo. Anyhow, Carter, my 28 month grandson, heard me crying and was alarmed. He brought me a ball of yarn and said “ball” when he gave it to me, went over and scooped up my current project (which he’d pulled the needles out of earlier) and brought it over and carefully set it in my lap, then went back and brought my pattern to me. Oh and I got a hug and kiss too. I thought that was pretty perceptive for a 2-year-old to recognize that my knitting makes me feel good.

So it’s been a difficult 2-3 weeks but he’s doing much better and seems rather resigned. He really needs to be a bit worse to be content, as it is he kind of knows he really doesn’t belong there but…..there is no alternative.

OTN: Stranded socks, Advent Calendar Scarf

Tick-tock, tick-tock

2009-06-08T19:54:00.004-05:00

Isn't it amazing how fast time flies? Even if you're not having fun?? You break your leg; you spend a month in a cast, a month in a boot (that is ugly and cost $458 I might add. I don't spend that kind of money on pretty shoes and I get two of them--that match!) And two months in an air splint and suddenly it's June! What happened to February, March April and May? And then you find out you have to have cataract surgery. For heavens sake, this getting old business is for the birds! I never signed up for this--I don't want to pay dues to join this club!! It's in the Rules--no dues to join the getting older club. and I think I've had enough character-building experiences in my life to last me over the next few years!! Ah well... it seems life is what happenes when you've made other plans--I don't remember who said that, besides me, but I'm sure someone did.

Today I started Richard in Adult Day Care. He just came in and told me he didn't want to do this anymore. I told him it was a job. When I picked him up he looked like a storm cloud--let me re phrase that-- a tornadic storm cloud. He told me they worked him to death! but he was laughing and seemed cheerful. I told him I was so proud of him, getting a job and all. (lies to people with dementia don't count as lies, it's in the Rules) So we will see how tomorrow goes. I told him he had to go for a couple of days and try it out. Cross your fingers for me. He just isn't safe on his own anymore, doesn't eat, drink water, wear a hat, he wanders long distances, and he leaves the house wide open. He's had a heat stroke the previous 2 years and I'm just not in the mood to have one this year. Oops...I'm beginning to feel a bit grumpy!

OTN is the Advent Scarf-I'm on Day 8-- and a Crusoe sock, just one so far. I really want to learn to do two socks at once on two needles or two on one needle-magic loop style. I just can't seem to learn anything new at the moment. Overload I guess. Sock Summit looked really interesting but I seem to have missed all the drama and I guess without any classes there's not much point in going. One of these days I hope.

We are taking a tour in July. Going to Colorado Springs and see all the sights. Should be fun. I really enjoy the tours although we're usually in the youngest 4-6 of the group. It's really the only way we can travel at the moment. I can't do all the planning, driving and care-giving for Rich and take a trip unless I want to die. stress-related you know. At least driving in front of the train only crosses my mind about once a week now.

I'm doing a pretty fun thing this week. I'm teaching music teachers who are working on their Master's degrees how to play autoharp, spoons, limberjack, juice harp, and yodel. I do this for OU about every three years but I did it last year and now again this year. It is so much fun, but I'll tell you a secret--music teachers are a pretty rowdy group. I guess because they have to be really creative and creativity needs to express itself. (sounds good anyhow)

Kacie and Carter moved out. mostly. As soon as they're all gone--furniture etc. I'm going to do some re-arranging. I'm really anxious to get my yarn room back. And a guest room. I do miss them--that baby is a hoot and so cute--but let's face it--he's two years old and we all know what two-year-olds are like! I've already done that three times I think it's his mom's turn to have that pleasure. aaahhh the pitter patter of little feet! toodles....Anita

Nothing to talk about?

2009-05-06T14:59:00.002-05:00

I want to write something but I can’t think of anything to talk about.

OTN is the Advent Scarf, I’m up through Day 5 and am really enjoying it. I want to knit another shawl but can’t chose a pattern; trying to decide about a summer shell and a cardigan, and there is always the decision of what to have for supper. And so it seems goes life---one decision after another—got to be making some major ones soon.

Richard is about the same. I’m trying to convince myself he should go to Adult Day Care but it’s a very hard thing to do. I feel like I’m locking him away, but at least he wouldn’t be so bored-they have activities all the time. I’ve started some grief-counseling and that’s helping. Depression is a scary thing and it creeps up on one.

Guess I’ll go see Mom this weekend being it’s Mothers Day and all. Haven’t been since Christmas and that’s terrible but I was pretty out of commission for quite some time with the broken leg and still am a bit. It’s healing very slowly, I guess stress probably contributes to that. We won’t mention my age-which the doctor mentions every time…..

Kacie and Carter are moving out and that makes me really sad in some ways and okay in others. I’ll get some closet space back and “my” room with my yarn, patterns, music instruments, bookcase, desk, and chair. I need to change the carpet in there, I’m thinking of purple! Did I hear you say Purple! snort!? What’s wrong with purple?

Carter is being his adorable (although 2-year-old) self. Cute and funny and all boy. He discovered jumping in puddles this week. He just likes jumping of any sort. He got quite cross with me Tuesday night when I wouldn’t take him outside because it was raining and dark. It’s hard to make a 2 year old understand that grandparents are not especially fond of standing/playing in the rain. I never was come to think of it. If it’s raining, I want to curl up with a good book or someone to cuddle with. And that’s the way it is.

Speaking of books, right now I’m reading “Wormwood” by Susan Wittig Albert. #17 in her China Bayles series. She came through here and did some library programs when “Nightshade” was published a couple years ago and she’s really nice and she knits!! Before that I read “Just Take My Heart” by Mary Higgins Clark. She is such a good author, but I don’t know if she knits or not. I’m listening to the Tony Hillerman books on CD in the car and James Patterson Women’s Murder Club also on CD. I doubt that either of them knitted or knit. I also have “Cream Puff Murder” by Joanna Fluke (total fluff but fun and has recipes) and “Look Again” by Lisa Scottoline at home to read. I really need to get busy with my reading. They’re already overdue! Did you know that Kathleen Taylor, a knitting designer and blogger, is also a mystery writer. She wrote the Tori Bauer series several years ago and I loved them, and hope she writes some more one of these days. She said she did too. Her blog is http://kathleen-dakotadreams.blogspot.com/ I suggest you read them. They are in paperback.

Pictures soon I hope. Toodles Anita

10 on Tuesday

2009-04-14T17:26:00.002-05:00

Today's 10 on Tuesday is : 10 Signs That You're Getting Older:

1. Why in the heck does it matter if I recognize "signs" of age!!! You are only as old as you think you are (at least until you look in the mirrow!)
2-10. see #1

We Knew This Already!

2009-04-08T10:06:00.000-05:00

It seems the Mayo Clinic has just released a new study saying knitting and crocheting are good for us. That they reduce stress, blood pressure, help manage pain and depression and reduce memory loss in older adults. Finally, justification (as if we needed it) for toting around all the bags full of knitting projects! It’s nice to be confirmed though. Here are the web addresses one from CBS and the other (same video) from the Yarn Market Newsletter. I hope its okay to list them here-no copy write issues involved.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4917058n

http://www.yarnmarket.blogspot.com/

10 on Tuesday

2009-04-01T14:55:00.001-05:00

You say it’s Wednesday? It’s an un-imaginative person who can’t adjust the day a little bit if necessary.

10 Things on My To-Do List
1. Look into daycare for Richard--he's wandering too far
2. Finish vest of Blue Sky Organic Cotton
3. Bake almond croissants
4. Cook brisket
5. Plan menu for Easter
6. Vacuum the floor
7. Find someone to clean the house occasionally (why not? We pay someone to mow the yard.)
8. Get a picture of Carter in spite of his avoidance
9. Read and score the Aging grant
10. Read the “Red Leather Diary” and/or “The Lace Reader” and prepare a book review for presentation.

Relaxed and calm....

2009-03-23T22:04:00.003-05:00

I had a really wonderful relaxing weekend. Some shopping, some knitting, some hotel time (kids were staying at the house and I needed to get away), some time with close friends, and had I known the hotel had a swimming pool and a hot tub I would have stuck in a bathing suit. I figured they probably frowned on skinny dipping. Not that I would have done that but....which brings me to the realization that I'm going to be over 59 in a few months and there's a whole list of things I haven't done yet. Probably most of them aren't good for me but shucky-darn you never know. Oh well perhaps a subject for another post. Back to my week-end--it could not have been better. And Richard had a great time at Bryan's so we were both in a contented stupor Sunday afternoon!

I've got to take some pictures of FO's, I've finished a couple things lately, the scarf and the Heartbeat Sweater.

Just two more weeks in the boot then I hope I'm well. I decided a few days ago I was tired of having a broken leg and it was time for it to heal. So I put down the crutches and started walking on it-in the boot of course. It gets tired and I rest and I've become good at asking total strangers to hold my hand and help me down steps! Actually I've always talked to strangers. One can develop lasting friendships while standing in long lines--post office, UPS, voting, entry competition place at State Fair, etc.

I got home from work about 5:00pm and Rich wasn't here. By 6:30 I was worried and had called a couple people looking for him and I decided to get in the car and go look for him. He likes to walk and he's not getting lost (yet) but he's going farther and farther away. Last week he walked the 5 miles from our house to my office downtown. I'd just put the key in the ignition when a van honking loudly pulled up in front of the house and the driver yelled "I've got something that belongs to you" and he got out. I'm looking at some adult day care places to put him. They are expensive and it's scary and I also feel like I'm taking away his freedom and reducing his quality of life, but who knows? he might love it there?! It's going to reduce the quality of my life too now that I think about it. Have you ever wondered why you were born? In the Bible it says that we were "knit" in our mother's womb for a specific purpose and you just gotta think "hmmmm?". toodles

You're free Chees-y Bread!!

2009-03-20T20:59:00.002-05:00

Remember the Domino Pizza ad for cheese-y bread with the little girl trying to set it free out in the yard? No? Oh...well, never mind then.

The lovely and stylish purple cast came off my leg a couple weeks ago to be replaced with a really ugly and heavy boot (at least that's what they call it). The first couple days I kicked myself several times on the side of my right foot until I learned to walk with my feet apart. Probably looks pretty strange from the back but it is what it is. And then I somehow plopped my crutch on my right "little piggy that had none" and I smashed it darn good. As I"m groaning in pain my daughter says, "Well Mom!! Why did you do that?" like I did it on purpose! Anyhow two more weeks of this and back to the doctor for a verdict of whether or not I'm totally healed.

I finally finished the brown Silk Garden scarf and it's pretty but that was a weird experience. I had to go buy a 3rd. ball of yarn because the two I had were so very different that they looked like different colorways. It turned out pretty but I've decided that one needs to be careful with Silk Garden. When making a Lady Eleanor it doesn't really matter if they are different or not cause Ms Ellie is such a riot of color and I love that.

Also I'm almost done with the Heartbeat Sweater by Just One More Row. It's a really cute pattern but I just haven't enjoyed knitting it. Too much guessing for me, I like definite instructions. But I know I'm going to like it when finished just prolly won't ever make another. I've got a long list of projects and just keep buying yarn. Oh well keeps me off the train tracks (that's a story for another time) and I just want to start and finish a bunch of things NOW!! So many projects, so little time.

I'm kind of giddy today. I'm getting a break from care-giving this weekend and I am so looking forward to my time. He's getting worse and I'm getting worried about safety. It is so difficult to basically lock a person up when they want to be free even if for their own well-being. Guess I'll be crossing that bridge in the next few weeks.

Okay so that's really about all I have to talk about. Toodles...Anita

TOP TEN TIPS FOR BREAKING A LEG

2009-02-25T14:56:00.003-06:00

It occurs to me that I could offer a valuable community service to anyone who is planning on breaking their leg by offering some plan-ahead tips. So here goes:

10. Go grocery shopping ahead of time. It’s really difficult to get to the store, use the little motorized carts, (no chance of whiplash though they go way too slow), get purchased groceries into your car, and even harder, into your house and put away. Oh yeah, buy lots of stuff—you’re going to need it.

9. Learn to walk on crutches in advance. These jobbies are challenging (see previous post about falling off of them and smashing nose). Today I am celebrating (but cautiously-no dancing around) eight full days of not falling off the crutches! Yippee!

8. Also, some wheelchair training is a good idea.

7. Eliminate all unnecessary items (like rugs, tables, toddler toys, etc.) from the floor of your house in order to navigate more safely through it. Course it looks pretty plain but hey! you’ll thank me later.

6. If someone says “I want to bring you dinner”. You thank them nicely and say you’d love that. Send them a thank you card (I’m a bit behind on those)

5. If someone says “I’ll come clean your house” see answer for #6

4. Stock up on books to read, yarn for knitting, DVD’s of favorite movies, and other sedentary activity items.

3. Have the plumber install one of those shower heads that has a hose as part of it so you can sit on a bench in the tub to shower. One never realizes how wonderful showers are until one can’t take any.

2. If possible be prepared (I wasn’t a cub scout/girl scout leader for nothing—as a matter of fact I was “cookie chairman” one year but I digress). Purchase a bench for sitting in the shower, a “grabber” for reaching things from your chair with the elevated broken leg, (these can also be used for pinching should the need arise), stock up on masking tape and plastic bags for wrapping cast in while showering so it won’t get wet. One almost needs to have a nap after one is finally prepared to get into the shower. It’s exhausting just getting ready.

1. And last but not least: Shave your legs before you break your leg. It doesn’t matter if it’s February and you stopped shaving around Halloween or Thanksgiving for the winter, it’s quite embarrassing to have nurses, doctors, x-ray techs, (daughter-in-law who probably went home and told my son do you know that your mother doesn’t shave her legs in the winter –eeewww—she’s a nurse too), and other assorted people looking at your unshaven leg and thinking who-knows-what about you! Cause once it’s in that cast—well I rest my case….

SO! Here you go…my suggestions for if you are planning to break your leg! Toodles……Anita

movin' On

2009-02-21T16:31:00.002-06:00

It's time to get past that venting post. It's two weeks into the "cast episode" of life and I'm learning to adjust. The leg doesn't hurt quite as much as it did and Tylenol takes care of that. I gave up hard drugs after the 3rd. fall off the crutches! BTW it's been 5 whole days since I last fell so I think I finally passed that learning curve.

Today is Friends of the Library Booksale and I really wanted to go but didn't get there. Next year. They always have so many knitting books that it really hurts to miss it! I just can't manage to get the wheelchair and me in and out of the car without potential disaster. This sure has slowed me down. I guess I needed to rest or something.

The trip to St. Louis was really fun. I didn't get as much yarn as I wanted to but did get some really good stuff. A hank of cashmere and silk in a pale pink that I love. It has 400 yeards and I figured I could make something with that but I think I'll try to get a second skein of it. It is sooo soft. I guess the price ($34) scared me off. That is my favorite from the trip. Several balls of Elsabeth Lavold Hempathy for Argosy scarves. I tried not to buy for the sake of buying and have so many scarves planned that I erred on the side of cautious I guess.

OTN I finally picked up the Heartbeat sweater again. I think it's going to work okay this time but I really don't like the pattern. It leaves too much to by guess/by gosh for me. I like finite measurements! I've been making soapsacks in the hopes of creating the perfect pattern. Rich has trouble with the soap and the washcloth together in the shower so I thought this might simplify things. I used it and like it so we'll see. The Silk Garden color 47 scarf has fallen out of favor so it's resting until it can learn to behave (I learned about time-out for projects from Karen M. on the trip) The two balls, same color same dye lot but so different that I can't decide if I can live with it or not. It's a gift and I'm not sure I want to give away something that I don't like.

Speaking of...two years ago on the yarn jaunt to Fort Worth I got the pattern for the Round Trip Shrug in Knitter's Magazine and also in a Best of IRX Book. I thought it was so cute and made it and didn't like how it fit at all. Last weekend while my (very good) friend Rebecca was cleaning my house for me while incapacitated she ask me what to do with it. (she found it probably on the floor beside my bed) I said oh that thing...and she said she liked it. I made her try it on and it looked really cute on her so I told her to take it home-it was hers now! And that made us both happy!

It's been a quiet day. Our friend came by and took Rich out for a while which was good for him. I think he's ready for me to go back to work! I'm very grateful for the help and love.

Well, guess that's it for now. Kacie is taking me to the Mall tomorrow and I'm so excited I can hardly wait. Weird, I'm not really that much of a go-to-the-mall person but the whole idea of an outing is so exciting!! Toodles.....Anita

Mad and Venting

2009-02-13T14:45:00.004-06:00

I so totally hate this!! Take it from me, don't ever break your leg. I obviously have no sense of balance or I wouldn't have fallen and broken the damn thing in the first place, but to add insult to injury I still can't walk on the %&#@* crutches. I keep putting weight on the broken part and I'm not supposed to when I lose my balance. I've got a "knee walker" but it's too tall for me even though it's on the lowest setting, I seem to have really short legs, and it's already bruised my knee and it's too heavy for me to lift in/out of the car then get myself in/out of the car too.

And poor Richard can't help at all with the Alzheimer's. But he keeps trying. And I keep crying and whining and wondering what kind of awful person was I in a previous life? And it hurts too. I got in the shower today but that's a story I'm not going to share. (you're welcome) Pretty scary. Okay, I'm calming down now. I just needed that weekend get-a-way so much and then I go and get really hurt and complicate life even more. I feel like such an idiot.

It's Winter, not FALL!

2009-02-11T14:40:00.005-06:00

but you couldn't prove it by me!

First, it "iced" on OKC about 3 weeks ago and I had the (dubious) honor of being the first employee to slip on the ice outside the building and fall. Two more staff and 4 customers fell after I did and before they got the salt down but still... I landed hard on my tailbone and it still hurts.

Last weekend I was invited to go on a trip to St. Louis to eat, visit yarn shops, Trader Joe's, World Market and other places we could think of to go. There were 6 of us. We left Thursday morning and took a lovely meandering route to get there. Then Friday, we visited our first stop, The Loopy Ewe, a wonderful shop and really fun place to be, then headed to an Italian Deli to meet some of Emily's friends for lunch. Well, I got a phone call (that I was afraid was about Richard for whom I had to make quite complicated plans to get him taken care of) and headed out the door. The steps were round and uneven in height, the sun was in my eyes, I was worried but probably-truth be it known-I wasn't paying close attention and I fell. I felt my ankle twist and I landed on my left side. Marjie saw me go down and she was out the door at my side almost before I quit bouncing. Terri (I think) was right behind her. They tried to help me up but my left foot wouldn't cooperate, it just sort of hung there. They finally got me in a chair and back inside with my leg resting on another chair and a bag of ice on it. They ask did I want to go to the ER but I wanted to have lunch. I had a fabulous pulled pork sandwich with a brocolli salad that I remember was really good but not much else about it and a canoli (yum!) THEN I was ready to go to the ER.

I was transported by Teresa who also stayed with me until the group came to get me and was told I had broken my fibula. They put a plaster splint on it with an ace bandage wrap and told me to stay off of it like in a wheelchair.

We visited the Walgreen's, got my perscription filled and some crutches for me to use. (I should have re-thought that decision) picked up supper went back to the hotel and had a picnic in the lobby. Used the hotel wheelchair to get me upstairs, but it wouldn't fit through the door. So Emily called her friends and borrowed one.

I woke in the night hurting and took a pain pill about 4:00 and when I next woke up about 6:30 to visit the facilities I decided to try the crutches (on which I practiced the night before and was doing acceptable well) which was another mistake. I instantly went down backwards onto the still hurting tailbone. I sort of remember getting up and getting the crutches again and promptly fell over sideways smashing my face in the carpet and causing a run-a-way nosebleed. Poor Emily was in shock. She got kleenex for me, said No More Crutches for you, put me in the wheelchair and wheeled me to the bathroom. (She also informed me that I wasn't very good at accepting help was I) Then, God love her, she cleaned up the blood from the carpet. (I'm sure it was the pain pills that made me so clumsy--never mind any of my other posts about falling)

Getting me in an out of the van on the way home was an adventure with people on either side of me and behind me (my reputation preceded me I guess) to prevent falling also shouting words of encouragment not to put weight on my broken leg and other stuff. This group of women were wonderful! They could easily have decided I ruined the trip but they were more kind and helpful than I deserved. A thousand thank you's to Marjie, Emily,Terri, Kay and Karen. I had a really wonderful time in spite of the break.

So Monday morning bright and not-so-early I went to the orthopedist that my daughter-in-law (the nurse) works for -- that's handy don't you think?-- and they affirmed the diagnosis of the ER. And now I'm in a cast from toes to knee. I'm currently waiting on the arrival of a scooter thingee to rest the broken leg on and propel with the good leg. Right now I hurt all over, leg, tailbone, hands and arms from the crutches, nose for obvious reasons, and I'm PO'ed!! I don't need this, I've had enough character-building experiences the last few years to last a lifetime. And I really thought I was going to make it all the way through my life without ever breaking anything-ha! So much for thinking. I had a kind of meltdown earlier but I'm feeling better now. Nothing like a good cry to wipe away the cobwebs or something like that. I'm sure there's an old saying that fits somewhere. Now for a picture. So the good news is it gave me something to blog about!

Below is a short row scarf of Silk Garden Sock Yarn and a Firebird Faroese style shawl by SimpleKnits pattern on Ravelry. Shawl is from Fiesta Boomerang, Alaska colorway. All yarns purchased at Gourmet Yarn Co. in OKC.

More new beginnings

2009-01-20T22:52:00.002-06:00

I watched the Inauguration of our new president this morning and I was very moved. I believe Barack Obama will be a good president. He has a very ambitious agenda and high standards for himself and he won't be able to solve all the problems he hopes to but I think he'll get us moving forward again and restore some hope to people who are losing their jobs right and left and who don't have medical insurance. Aretha Franklin's version of My Country T'is of Thee was wonderful. Course who doesn't like Aretha Franklin?? For a long time, I've felt such a sense of sorrow and shame for what we as a country did to the slaves and Indian Tribes and now I feel a little bit lighter somehow.
My granddaughter's 17th. birthday was last Friday and my grandson's 2nd. birthday is this Thursday. I wish either or both of their parents had had these kids a little further away from Christmas and not in the same month, let alone the same week! It does make for challenges. Actually, he was due on her birthday so it's good they are at least a week apart. But anyhow, it was a chaotic weekend but fun! I've tried to teach Kaila how to knit 2-3 times, and she's tried but really isn't interested. Darn when I'm dead she'll wish she'd learned!! Or perhaps not.

OTN: I'm about to finish the Fire Bird Shawl from SimpleKnits (Vicki Mikulak) that I bought on Ravelry of Fiesta Boomerang, a simple knit1, purl1 rib scarf of Silk Garden a gift, and am ready to start a new scarf from a KnitSpot (Anne Hanson) pattern that is oh, so pretty called Tudor Grace. And I need a new pair of socks.

On the Alz. front, there is a new support group for members of early-onset victims of this disease here in town and I've been going. It's such a relief to hear other peoples stories and realize that they're the same as mine. That I'm not going crazy (at least not totally) and the strange and difficult behaviors are common to all Alz-patients. So far, we've spent a lot of time getting acquainted and comparing diagnosis horror stories and reactions of friends and relatives, but I'm ready to ask some questions about how we as caregivers feel and react during some of the incidents.

I sure don't feel very interesting today so I think Ill give it up for now.

Toodles......Anita

Bits and Pieces

2009-01-05T22:19:00.004-06:00

What a busy month. Well it's a new year--begin again.

Mom had open heart surgery, was in the hospital/rehab for 17 days, is home now and wants to drive! Being forced to stay at home isn't any fun I guess. Myself I just got tired of cooking 3 meals a day during my two week vacation! It was almost a relief to go back to work.

I finished Tayten's Christmas stocking (great-nephew),

Carter's Christmas stocking (grandson) a short row scarf of Silk Garden Sock (gift for a friend),

and a vest of Baby Alpaca Grande (me) (picture coming soon) which will probably be too hot for me to ever wear considering I have terminal "hot". Not flashes (or power surges) just hot. All the time....this is such a special time of life.

I give a Christmas BookTalk in December several times so I spent most of the month reading Christmas novellas which is usually entertaining.

We saw 2 movies this season:Four Christmases--very funny and Marley--also very entertaining.

'nuff for now....later....thanks for dropping by....Anita

holiday musings

2008-12-02T15:20:00.001-06:00

“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.

I hope I'm not too late....

2008-11-25T08:52:00.002-06:00

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

Light Bulbs

2008-11-21T10:15:00.002-06:00

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

October stuff

2008-10-26T21:23:00.005-05:00

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

The Printed Word

2008-10-08T17:44:00.002-05:00

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

Ten on Tuesday

2008-10-07T10:33:00.001-05:00

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

Learning.....

2008-09-30T13:05:00.000-05:00

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.

Catchin' Up

2008-09-28T19:11:00.007-05:00

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

Wow

2008-09-01T10:40:00.005-05:00

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.

It seemed like a good idea....

2008-08-24T21:15:00.003-05:00

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!

Busy and Fun Week!

2008-08-10T13:04:00.010-05:00

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

Funny youtube, cat observations, birthdays

2008-08-02T13:27:00.004-05:00

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!

10 on Thursday

2008-07-31T20:10:00.000-05:00

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

I should not have done that

2008-07-30T10:45:00.001-05:00

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.

Pity Party

2008-07-26T13:08:00.003-05:00

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.

HOT

2008-07-20T13:01:00.005-05:00

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

Here's what's happening in Anitaville

2008-07-15T15:25:00.002-05:00

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

It's Twins

2008-06-26T15:28:00.002-05:00

...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!

10 thing That Annoy Me About My Job

2008-06-10T21:55:00.001-05:00

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!

Respite Care

2008-06-09T22:21:00.002-05:00

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.

Been on vacation part 2

2008-05-30T21:10:00.008-05:00

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. Louisbeautiful 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

2008-05-30T10:01:00.002-05:00

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.......

Color me....aqua!

2008-05-01T16:01:00.002-05:00

you are 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.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

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!!

Knitting progress and philosphical thoughts

2008-04-25T11:41:00.002-05:00

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

+

knit? blog?

2008-04-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

Knit? blog? knit? blog? hmmmm knit

later, Anita

10 on Tuesday

2008-04-15T23:16:00.002-05:00

This week's 10 is Favorite Funny Movies and here are my 10 faves and one bonus movie!
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.....

2008-04-15T08:39:00.005-05:00

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

Easter weekend

2008-03-23T19:15:00.009-05:00

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.

10 on Tuesday

2008-03-18T20:42:00.003-05:00

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"!

I'be got a code--or sobethig

2008-03-15T19:34:00.004-05:00

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

I prefer to think of myself as "thrifty"

2008-03-07T21:24:00.006-06:00

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)

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

I voted....

2008-03-05T20:37:00.009-06:00

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.

Say what?

2008-03-04T21:31:00.004-06:00

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.

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.

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

Age--bah humbug!!

2008-02-18T20:23:00.004-06:00

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

Age--bah humbug!!

2008-02-18T20:23:00.001-06:00

2008-02-14T12:11:00.001-06:00

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

Out of my mind......

2008-02-12T20:18:00.003-06:00

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....

Noticing

2008-02-11T20:48:00.000-06:00

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

Party Hearty--All Fall Down

2008-01-28T20:16:00.000-06:00

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.

not so easy but workable

2008-01-27T15:15:00.000-06:00

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.

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!

Evening thoughts....

2008-01-13T17:43:00.000-06:00

Time certainly flies whether you're having fun or not! A whole week has gone by since my last post.

In my never-ending quest to master the MP3 player, I bought another one. It's a lot more anita-friendly and I'm having more success with it than the others. (3 to be exact) My whole family now has the discards.... I've mastered turning it on and off, loaded the software on my computer, and even transferred 3 audio books to the player! woo-hoo! Next step is figuring out how to listen to them instead of what the little devil wants to play, but I'm sure this too I shall achieve.

I keep planning on adding some pictures to this site but I can't seem to take any that show my FO's well enough.

On the reading front: currently reading "Back on Blossom Street" by Deborah Macomber. It's okay, a little more romance than my preference. I like the interaction among the strong
women characters who share each others strengths to navigate those difficult challenges of life. Has anyone read "The Knitting Circle"? That one was tough but very good. I haven't been able to tackle "The Friday Night Knitting Club Yet" but "Chicks With Sticks" (really a YA novel) was great! The Monica Ferris needle work series is fun and Maggie Sefton is okay. The writing is a little weak I think but they're still fun to read. Mary Krueger's knitting themed books are good too.

You may wonder about the word "clog" in my blog title. Clogging is a style of dance that pretty much originated in the Appalachian Mts. in the 1700 and 1800's. It consists of dance steps from many different cultures (immigrants) including Irish, English, Scottish, German, and African American. Tap dancing, a more perhaps intricate and sophisticated style of dance evolved from clogging. It's high energy and a lot of fun. Also hard on your knees and if you're (getting) older! I was 48 when I finally found a local group and started dancing. Due to a variety of reasons, I haven't been able to attend the practices in several months and I really miss it. I've always said that those of us who clog must REALLY enjoy it because no one would sweat that much on purpose!

Well, I think I'll go watch disc 3 of "Big Love" I've become rather hooked on that show.
Till next time.....

Sunday Morning Going Down

2008-01-06T14:23:00.000-06:00

I get out of bed early Sunday morning. I have on my nice blue long nightgown with little cap sleeves and a lacy v-neckline. Over this I put my (favorite) ancient, worn out, shabby, stained, faded, pink terrycloth robe. I get my cup of coffee and sit down to read the paper. Soon I notice that my feet are cold so I go and get my red furry slippers, sit back down. Soon it feels like the temperature in our house drops a bunch and I go put on my burgundy sweats with the seat seam coming apart but if I wear them under something long no one can tell. (notice I haven't removed anything thus far) Finally, I'm comfortable and I finish reading the paper and drinking my coffee. Are you visualizing this yet?

Totally unsuspecting, I head to the bathroom to take my shower, spot myself in the mirror and wonder who that (homeless?) woman is and how did she get in my bathroom! I darn near scared myself looking in the mirror! (you might not realize I still had bedhead!)

I go in the front room to my unsuspecting husband and ask if he's noticed how lovely I'm looking this morning and how I dressed up just especially for him? He replies that yes he has noticed but figured it was in his own best interest not to mention anything, in particular, my attire.....

Darn I hate getting old, but being comfortable is really a good thing.....

Blocked!

2008-01-04T20:23:00.000-06:00

I think I have "knitter's block". You know kind of like writer's block? I can't figure it out, I have literally hundreds of patterns, miles of yarn, enough time and I just can't seem to get started and stay with any projects. I thought I might need drugs...but then I remembered that I already take drugs (the legal kind) so I'm wondering if I need fewer drugs....? or maybe more....? Hmph. I just don't know what the problem is.

I think sometimes life just gets in the way. I work all day, come home, cook and clean (not nearly as much as I should probably)--but we all do that, right? I'm a caregiver for my husband who has dementia and sometimes (well really often) that's pretty intense and demanding. He's fairly self-sufficient but not entirely. My daughter and her baby live with us so although I'm not a grandparent raising grandchildren, I'm helping.

Our power was out for almost 8 days during the ice storm and I had to work really hard at being grateful for all the people who offered us places to stay and fed and cared for us instead of being angry that all our neighbors had power and we didn't. We fell in that group of people who were served last by the repair crews because there were just a few of us in each spot. (oops guess I'm still a little bit angry) BTW a big thank you to Sandy at Gourmet who caught me at the worst of my hysteria during that time. Oh well I'll go to the Knit In tomorrow night and get inspired!

Does anyone read the quilting series by Jennifer Chiaverini? I really enjoy her books because they could just as easily be knitting, but the one I just finished was a bit of a letdown. I realise that it was probably intended as a "holiday story" cause it's a very short novella, but it pretty much repeated things from previous books. Still worth reading though. I've started Hand of Evil by J.A. Jance. She's a really good author.

Here's a couple pix from Alaska last summer, so beautiful. Lush and stark.

and one more of the glacier. It's pretty amazing.

Such a beautiful state and such an interesting population. I wanted to ask people how they got to Alaska. I thought of "Northern Exposure" everywhere I looked, remember that show?

I've got to get some knitting posted--if I ever get anything finished/started...

Okay, I feel better now. see you later.......

It's always the little things

2007-12-31T22:54:00.000-06:00

This morning I got out my brand new small memo book with the elastic attached to hold it

closed (too cool) opened it and began my last to-do list of 2007.

#1. Tag Agency- get truck tag remember ins. veri. card

#2. Take title of old car to car lot from trade in

#3. Gourmet yarn--wind all the yarn I bought at the sale

#4. Borders--get 2008 Pattern a Day calendar (on sale half price woo-hoo) (does anybody else look at all of them first? What if something happened to me and I didn't get to see them all? then I'd have to spend eternity curious as to what I missed.. I'm the same way about my vacation but that's for another posting)

#5. well that's enough. Some of my list will transfer to tomorrow's list of things to do, and some will continue to transfer maybe never to get done. Such a little thing to give such a big sense of accomplishment when I can draw a line thru each completed item. sigh...it really is the little things....

Speaking of little things, heres a picture of my grandson who is now 11 months old:

That's his mom holding him. He's been walking for almost a month now and even takes a few running steps now and then. I also have a beautiful grand daughter who will be 16 in Jan. but I haven't loaded any current pictures of her so I'll have to add her picture later.

Then there's this little thing: my mp3 player which I'm ready to throw on the floor and stomp on! The young man at Target said (even) I would be able to operate it. I beg to differ. You'd think anybody that tries as hard as I do to keep up with the times could have a small measure of success but apparently noooooo....

Here I sit all alone, everyone else in bed (in Carter's case, thank heavens) as I wait for the new year to begin. In all honesty I wouldn't still be up except my niece is a reporter on KFOR and she's covering Opening Night downtown in OKC and I want to watch her.

Happy New Year to everyone!! See you next year!

CORRECTION!

2007-12-30T00:06:00.000-06:00

That pretty cat picture wasn't my cat. It's Kay's cat, I have no idea how it got in my picture files though?? This is my cat:

Bella who was rudely awakened to have her picture taken. I sure wish I knew how I got that picture of pretty Lexie in my picture files though. My apologies to Kay for trying to steal her cat.

I set sale for GY

2007-12-29T22:57:00.000-06:00

Got myself up this morning, got myself ready to face the day, and after just one crisis, headed out the door about 10:15 to the Gourmet Yarn Co. Sale and then to do my grocery shopping. I'm still re-couping from the power outage where I lost everything in the fridge and freezer. Well one thing led to another--such as friends showing up at the shop--and 3 hours later we were headed to lunch. Got home close to 4:00 and still haven't gone to the grocery store! I decided if we didn't have it then we didn't need to eat it until tomorrow....assuming I'm in the mood to go to the store then!

I got some good buys-pretty yarn at the sale, used my Christmas gift certificate, and I'm happy.

This is Boomerang in the Alaska color and the Plymouth Royal Llama silk in the purpleish color. It's going to be the 3-button wrap and other is for a Mr. Greenjeans. At least that's the plan today. Who knows what will happen when I finally get to begin those projects. You know how it is--so much yarn, so little time.

I'm beginning to feel so smart! I seem to be figuring this blogging thing out somewhat. I'm just a little bit computer challenged. And I'm ready to throw the MP3 player against the wall. The clerk at Target promised me that this was a really simple player and even I would be able to figure it out. un-huh.... All I want to do is listen to audio books while I knit....

Well I think I'm ready to announce myself to the Oklahoma Knitters group even though I haven't finished adding everything I want to add. more later..... and thanks for dropping by!

Still learning...

2007-12-27T22:10:00.000-06:00

Okey dokey, so far so good. Now I'm going to (try and) insert a photo.

This is the RCR (required cat reference) for knitters. This is Bella, I'll get some better pix of her soon. She's a Manx who was a stray several years ago as a kitten. Doesn't she have a pretty face? She's a very spoiled "only cat".

Pondering

2007-12-27T13:35:00.001-06:00

Well, I finally decided to give blogging a try. I've been feeling somewhat inadequate lately since so many folks I know have blogs. My plan is to discuss my hobbies (reading, knitting, singing and playing the autoharp, and clogging); then there's my husband, grown children, and grandchildren of which there are two. I work in a library, I mostly schedule programs for senuor citizens--a very rewarding activity--of which I'm periously close to becoming one myself. As a friend states: you'll probably find our more than you want to know about me but hey! I like to talk and sometimes there's no one to listen!!