SNOWBIRD

Phoebe's Sweater

2012-01-20T04:59:00.002-06:00

Sorry that I have not posted a lot lately, but it's been a busy three or four months here. I did, however, manage to work in some knitting. My goal was to make my great niece, Phoebe, a sweater/coat. I chose the sweater/coat in the book Phoebe's Sweater. What else could I make for a great-niece with the same name as the book.

Here are some pictures of the sweater/coat in the blocking stage. It was gifted to Phoebe for Christmas.

Thanks to my nephew for helping with the pictures. I had to select a place to block the sweater/coat and my coffee table, with some improvised blocking materials, helped. Here are more pictures.

And another picture including the buttons and hood:

Another picture of a close-up of the hood and sleeve. Almost can see stitch definition:

And another picture with a close-up of the buttons:

And another shot of the buttons, hood and sleeve:

AND, FINALLY, PHOEBE SPORTING HER CHRISTMAS SWEATER/COAT FROM AUNT SNOWBIRD:

I made this a size 6 so she would have a couple of good years of use. Phoebe is four and 1/2 years old.

I hope Phoebe enjoys the sweater/coat and her book.

LOVE,

AUNT SNOWBIRD

Happy Birthday Little Sister!

2012-01-07T06:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my little sister on this your special day -- January 7, 2012. I hope you have a blessed and wonderful day my best friend!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T22:35:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to my family and friends. May you enjoy many blessings during this holiday season!

Knitting Patterns

2011-11-27T23:04:00.000-06:00

I've spent my time off working on knitting projects. One project, in particular, is for my great niece -- a sweater/coat. It's a design I've wanted to make for a while. Needless to say, the pattern could have been written better. The sweater/coat part going up both front sides needed to carry the design going around the bottom of the sweater/coat. If the design had been carried up the fronts, the stockinette stitching probably would not have had the tendency to curl on itself and less blocking would be needed. Otherwise, it is a quick knit and will be gifted. My right hand, arm and shoulder are doing okay with this project, but definitely feel the pain from the repetitive motion.

Besides knitting, I've been cleaning parts of my house. Let's say, I gave it a good try. I only do so much and have to stop. I tried doing more than I should and could hardly walk for two days. Lesson learned about the metal parts and pieces now in my lower back. So, from now on, I will do things in increments.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. It was a time to reflect on all our blessings. I never want to take my blessings for granted.

So happy for the Christmas season. It is one of my favorite times of year. I especially enjoy Christmas Eve church services. It puts everything in order for me. All else is accessory.

Snowbird

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T21:15:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family! I hope you have had a blessed day!

Snowbird

Vacation

2011-11-14T11:15:00.000-06:00

Finally, have taken some time off from work -- this week and the week of Thanksgiving. A much needed rest. I have some little projects around my house including knitting to finish. I got up this morning and almost felt lost not having to do the 8 - 4:30 work thing. It's raining outside, so all the little projects will have to be done inside. On Wednesday, going to a knitting club meeting. That should be fun. I need to get little sister over here to work on my computer so I can post some pictures. I've been depending on Bunny to help me whenever I need to post. Right arm still hurts, but I've put off having anything major done to it until after the first of the year. Well, what to do first?

Snowbird

Time Goes By

2011-09-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

Today is one of those days that makes stop and think about everything that has gone by in my life and whatever may happen today and then the surprise of all my tomorrows. Sometimes I think too much on a reflective type day. I do, however, count my blessings and thank God for always being there for me. I pray that God will help you reflect on all that is good and find peace in your reflective moments too.

Snowbird

Happy Birthday America

2011-07-04T10:29:00.007-05:00

In memory of a grandfather many generations ago

who helped make us a nation.

Johann Adam Anspach

Revolutionary War Veteran 1st Sergeant

Capt. Michael Forrer's Company

Berks County (PA) Militia.

Crossword in Cross Stitch

2011-07-04T09:55:00.004-05:00

I picked this out of a magazine recently and my young niece, Bunny, stitched this design for me. It is absolutely beautiful and has great meaning. Crosswords are one of my favorite word games along with Scrabble. The flowers remind me of certain family members -- Grandmother, Dad, Mom, sister and niece. The old fashioned flowers remind me of my Grandmother. My Mom was forever planting flowers when she was able and little sister has picked up the mantle and continues in Mom's footsteps. I am hoping that Baby, another young niece, will continue in her Mom's footsteps as she too likes flowers. My Dad's favorite flower was the Iris. The biggest decision, however, will be the choice of frame and where to hang this in my house.

Thank you Bunny for stitching this beautiful piece for me.

Snowbird

Catching Up - Glass Bowl, Knitting and Mother's Day

2011-06-18T10:16:00.010-05:00

I have been so negligent about posting on my blog. Letting other things get in the way. What has Snowbird been doing with her time? For one, I took a glass bowl making class. The bowls are either square or round and made with strips of glass laid one on another. The bowl turned out great for my first attempt. The picture does not do the colors justice. It looks almost like tartan plaid. I chose Christmas colors and will sit this on my coffee table filled with gold glass balls during the holidays. It is my goal to take the class again in the future. Might try a round bowl the next time. Signing up for a wrapped glass jewelry making class in July if all works out. Should be lots of fun.

Have not had the knitting needles working too much lately. Trying to let my right arm rest as I have a torn rotator cuff. Tore it last year when I fell in the shower. It can be pretty painful when I throw my yarn. Yep I'm a thrower. Never did learn the continental way of knitting. It's all in how you learned to knit. Have had a few injections to help alleviate the pain, but am going to have it repaired in the next couple of months.

Thought I would mention that I received some nice presents on Mothers Day from my nieces. Got a knitting book "A Knitter's Home Companion" and cook book "Southern Pies" from Bunny. I read the knitting book the very next day from front to back. Really enjoyed it a lot. The Southern Pie book is great. It seems our family is not really big on cake, so this will give me a host of recipes to try. Baby got me and her mother Kindle's. What a surprise. I have put on some free books from Amazon and also added a Bible. A great way to carry a lot of books without all the weight. An artist at the Centre for Living Arts in Mobile, Alabama makes book covers and created a cover for our Kindle's. The cover is great. You would think it was just another book, but it contains my Kindle. I think Baby had a great idea getting her mother and me Kindle's. Not much space left in the two houses for too many more books.

It is extremely hot in the Deep South. I don't spend any time outside. This is the time of year I dislike the most about living in the South. There is a lot to be said about the winters though.....

Until next time, have a wonderful weekend!

Snowbird

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T14:05:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone has a blessed Palm Sunday. A day of reflection. The beginning of a very special week.

Baby Blanket

2011-01-30T13:49:00.005-06:00

This blanket is for a good friend who now has her second grandchild. I have known her since I moved to the Deep South (34 years this July). I use to knit and crochet for her daughter all kinds of niceties years ago. Now I have the opportunity to knit blankets for both of her grandsons. Time sure does fly by. The blanket is an easy knit from the book Simple123 Knitting. I added one more pattern repeat as I didn't like the length. I will probably make this one again for gift giving in the future.

Helmet Liners

2011-01-30T13:38:00.005-06:00

Finally! I have taken the time to post about the helmet liners I knit before Christmas for our guys in uniform. It took me more time than I care to admit, but I finished them so that they could be sent off. The ladies at our church made over 40 helmet liners. My contribution is shown above. My hope is that they will keep our soldiers warm. God bless and keep all our troops safe!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T19:04:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you have a blessed holiday!

Snowbird

Instant Gratification?

2010-11-04T21:36:00.003-05:00

So I've spent the last couple days thinking about Tuesday and comments made to me since election day 2010. It seems that even though the present administration in Washington DC has only been in office 22 months, the populace expects change to happen overnight. The previous administration was in office 96 months. A lot of what the people voted for 22 months ago regarding change (if we are using an equal timetable) should happen over 48 months since we do not know whether the present administration will be in office two terms (96 months). With that said, we have become a nation of what we have pegged the younger generation of once being. Are we too looking only for instant gratification? Do we have to have everything now?

I often wonder if I could sit in Congress and change things --within the confines of the law -- as quickly as the populace would expect. I wonder how many of us understand what it really takes to introduce any piece of legislation and then make it law.

We live in a fast paced society. As fast paced as our life is, we expect the laws that may affect us for a lifetime, to be generated just as quickly as we live. Life is not all about techonology, computers, e-mails, faxes, cell phones and the like. Life is about our very being. What we do and how we do it will shape our lives for many years to come.

We need jobs in America. We all need a measure of health and a way to maintain good health. We need to keep jobs in America and not send them overseas. We need to find a way to give everyone the healthcare they deserve whether privatized or through Federal means. We also need to make sure with all we give, this is not just a handout. Rather it should be something the American people can say they have earned.

The American people do not need radical ideas and philosophies. We were a nation built on the very basic of basic ideals. We only want what is best for all.

So it is my hope and prayer, in the months to come, that Congress will work for "the people" and not against "the people". I hope they will remember that "the people" are struggling right now. There are human needs that power struggles will not cure.

I am not looking for instant gratification. I am looking for a Congress and administration that will look at healing the ills of "the people". I want a Congress that is not looking to pat themselves on the back for whatever they do or will not do. I want a "working" Congress. My tax dollars pay for you, so put your pencils to the paper and get busy. No matter how long it takes (no instant gratification needed here), work for me "the people".

Missing Daisy

2010-09-06T23:22:00.002-05:00

Dear Daisy,

It has been eight years since you passed on this date. Thinking about how long I knew you before you left -- 36 years. Since childhood. We started 6th grade together. You left too early -- age 46. Your body could not fight.

There are days I want to talk to you. I miss your great smile and laugh. You were my Lucy that I will always owe so many nickels for listening and being a great friend. I miss you Daisy! God keep you in His loving arms until we meet again someday.

Snowbird

Helmet Liners

2010-08-30T20:52:00.003-05:00

A new knitting project is on the needles -- helmet liners for the troops. It was an unexpected project, but a lady at my church called me one evening and asked if I would be interested in participating. So I volunteered some of my free time to knit the liners. She brought me tan wool yarn (5 balls) Sunday at church and I have one liner half done on the needles. My hubby asked how I felt about knitting for the troops and I told him it was something that I've never done before. I can remember reading articles on how knitting was done for the troops in the big wars (WWI and WWII) and have read Red Cross information on patterns offered during those periods. I will knit and think and wonder who will wear these items. It is my prayer that the troops who wear these will stay warm and come home safely.

It is my pleasure to knit for someone who would die for my freedom. I can think of only one other person who has died for me. God bless our troops and bring them home safely!

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-20T22:19:00.003-05:00

A time to remember all the men in my life -- my husband, brother, nephews, friends and my Dad. My Dad passed in 2005. I think about him a lot and miss him so much. He was such a great Dad. He always listened. He could "read me like a book". So he said often. I couldn't hide much from him. Very intuitive man. What I think about most was how in his final years his mind could no longer hang on to life. Alzheimer's had taken a strong hold. He did remember my name on one of the final days that I visited him. That was a plus. It's my prayer that a cure for this devastating disease can be found soon.

Today, my little sister, who lives next door, brought me some freshly picked blueberries from bushes my Dad had planted years ago. It was one of his favorite summer fruits. Bunny (my niece) reminded her today that they should pick them. So over came little sister with a quart bag of washed berries for me. It made me cry. A wonderful reminder of my Dad and one of things he enjoyed in life -- tending to his blueberries.

Happy Father's Day to all Dad's and those who are not. This is a special day. May we remember also our heavenly Father whose love for us will give me the opportunity again some day to see my Dad in heaven. I praise Him for this wonderous love.

Snowbird

Knitting - Reading Mitts

2010-06-19T06:03:00.003-05:00

My first knitting post in a while. Bunny took a quick picture for me. I'll try to get a different picture with close ups. I made Bunny "Reading Mitts" for her birthday. You can find them on Ravelry. Easy knit and fun to make. When I have a minute I will post the "Baktus" I made Baby for her birthday. I hope you like the mitts. Bunny, I'm sure, will use them this coming winter.

Happy Birthday Bunny

2010-06-13T06:42:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Bunny! I hope you had a wonderful day and enjoyed your party!
It was so much fun to be with family and to share your special day!

Birthdays!

2010-05-31T13:43:00.003-05:00

I have been remiss and failed to post an important birthday in April so I will catch-up today. April 14th was my niece, Baby's, birthday. Happy belated birthday little girl. She is my namesake and keeps me on my toes. She has the greatest hugs too! Love you bunches. Later on I will post a picture of the lace Baktus scarf that was part of her birthday present from me.

Today is young nephews birthday. For posting purposes he is my resident weather man as that is what he is studying in college. The dilema is what name to give him for my blog. So I thought I would do a little research and see how many Greeks gods there were that controlled the weather. Guess what? There are at least three. Could be more, but here are the three I could find:

1) Aeolus controlled all the winds from his island;
2) Zeus was responsible for thunderbolts; and,
3) Poseidon was responsible for marine weather.

Which one should be his blog name? Maybe I will let Bunny, Baby and young nephew choose his blog name. He wants to be a storm chaser -- running after a tornado or two or three. But living on the Gulf Coast gives him another look at marine weather. I will let him read the blog post and help decide.

By the way, Happy Birthday my resident weather man. I hope you enjoy this your special day. Last day off before summer college courses start up again!

I need to get busy and think about my other nieces and nephews and their birthdays. Two birthdays at the beginning of the year that have passed. Both young nieces live in Michigan. Need to find names for them too for the blog as well as the others. Just keeping them all straight for posting purposes. Whew! Happy Birthday to everyone, but especially today for young nephew as this is his day!

Snowbird

What is a Mother......

2010-05-09T19:37:00.002-05:00

It takes a Mother's Love
to make a house a home,
a place to be remembered,
no matter where we roam.

It takes a Mother's Patience,
to bring a child up right and her
Courage and her Cheerfulness
to make a dark day bright.

It takes a Mother's Kindness
to forgive us when we err,
to sympathize in trouble
and bow her head in prayer.

It takes a Mother's Wisdom
to recognize our needs
and to give us reassurance
by her loving words and deeds.

And that is why in all this world
there could not be another
who could fulfill God's purpose
as completely as a MOTHER!

Happy Mother's Day!

This was given out at church today in the form of a bookmark along with a cloisonne butterfly.

In memory of my own Mother. I miss you and love you Mom.

Snowbird.....

Miss You Mom

2010-05-05T04:52:00.003-05:00

It has been one year since my Mother passed away. I think about her each and every day. Isn't the ability to have memories the most wonderful thing about our human brain? I think about all the time we spent together from a little girl onward. Some memories are good and some are not so good, but that is part of life.

My favorite times with my Mom was eating one of her homecooked meals, shopping for fabric and patterns, buying items for the house or just sitting and talking. I enjoyed listening to her life stories of growing up in the South. Most of all her thoughts relating to her children, family and friends.

Mom came from that "greatest generation" as Tom Brokaw called them. She was thrifty and practical. I watched her life change over the years and especially when age would no longer let her do the things she enjoyed most like gardening. But she could still supervise that activity. One of my most recent favorite times was sitting with her and watching my little sister and nieces prepare their container gardens under her watchful eye. Mom definitely had a green thumb.

Mom taught me how to sew, how to can and freeze foods, how to garden and how to love God, family and friends. She didn't have a Mother when she was growing up so nurturing was not her strong suit, but she loved her children, family and friends in the best way she knew how.

It is my solace that God is caring for her and she is enjoying each and every day now of her new life in eternity.

I miss you so much Mom!

Drill Baby Drill?

2010-05-02T04:24:00.003-05:00

"Drill baby drill" has taken on a whole new meaning over the last couple of weeks since the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. I'm thinking that a few people living on the Gulf Coast wish that little catch phrase had never been said. If you live on the Gulf Coast like I do, I would like to tell a few folks where to put that catch phrase right now.

The oil spill is disastrous. As of my last reading of the news, the oil could possibly make it into the Atlantic. For now, measures are being taken to try and keep the oil away from the shores, wetlands and nature areas. There are too few measures being tried to handle such a monumental disaster/task. I believe that countermeasures in case of disaster should have been in place before drilling was allowed. Waiting until after a disaster is a day late and a dollar short.

Can you tell I am extremely angry over this? You would be too if you lived on the Gulf Coast and knew what the beautiful shorelines will soon become -- one big gooey black mess.

Apart from the oil, what about the families who have lost loved ones in the disaster? Very little has been said about them and even those who were injured.

Yep, I'm pretty angry over this as are a lot of folks on the Gulf Coast.

Health Reform

2010-03-23T21:39:00.003-05:00

Been thinking a lot lately about Health Reform and the legislation that has passed and was signed into law today. Senate now ironing out some additional wrinkles to make sure all is a fit.

My thoughts were about 2009. What if I did not have health insurance? My medical bills were astronomical. Six figures to be exact. Lower back surgery, injections, heart tests, etc. all racked up a pretty steep bill. If I had to pay this bill, I would have had to file for bankruptcy. I don't believe any middle class American has six figures just laying around in their checkbook to readily write that big of a check. At least none that I know of personally.

Also, would the doctors, hospitals and medical facilities negotiate prices with me like they do with Blue Cross and Blue Shield to make it equitable. You know that "reasonable and customary" language. I don't think so. I would have been responsible for the full price of the services rendered -- six figures.

Overall, I am blessed to have health insurance even if I had to pay deductibles and co-pays in 2009. The prescriptions were costly too. Thank goodness for my health insurance that lets me only pay a small portion of the overall cost of the medicine.

But I do think back to a time when I was a little girl when I had to have three surgeries. Who paid the doctors and the hospitals? My Dad did. He paid for it over a period of years until it was paid in full. That was a challenge when you have a family of six that included four children. The expenses and incomes 50 years ago are not nearly what they are today, but the cost of unexpected medical expenses still put a hurt on my parents budget. They did without to make sure I was healthy. Thank you Mom and Dad. They could have used good health insurance.

So speeding forward again to the present and maybe the last 20 years. I ask myself this question: What would it have been like for my parents to be without Medicare? Who would have helped when my Dad had cancer treatments? Who would have helped when he broke his hip? Who would have paid for their medicines? Would all four of the children been able to have put all their funds together to pay for cancer treatment, broken hip and medicines. Would we (four children) have been able to afford the nursing home that cared for my Dad when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had to have constant care 24/7? Would we have been able to have taken care of the expenses when my Mom fell and broke her pelvic bone?

What about Social Security? What would my parents have done without this monthly check? They would have had to live with one of the four children because without an income, you don't survive in this day and age. Kind of reminds you of how it use to be years ago when entire families shared houses -- Mom, Dad, kids, Grandma and Grandpa and the occasional Aunt or Uncle. Understand now why houses where so big at the turn of the century. I would have made room for my parents. Kind of role reversal when you're in your golden years -- kids taking care of parents like parents once did for kids.

Then I think about all those who have lost jobs, who no longer have Cobra benefits, who have lost health insurance, who are not eligible, who can not afford health insurance, who have pre-existing conditions, and the list goes on and on. What about all these people? I could have been one of those people in 2009, but I was fortunate to have Health insurance and an employer who has built this into my benefit package. My blessing! I am thankful each and every day for the treatment I received in 2009 and the medicine I am taking daily to keep my heart health in check. I want others to have blessings too! I want others to be thankful too!

Well, I could write a book on this, but I save my thoughts for another time.

I am truly blessed! I thank God for all you have given me! Please bless others who are in need!

Snowbird

Anniversary

2010-03-12T20:20:00.002-06:00

Today would have been my parents 61st wedding anniversary. Both have passed. I miss them a lot. Have thought about them on and off all day today. My thoughts today have been about many of their anniversaries in the past. My Dad always with the perfect gift for my Mom. He had the best taste in jewelry. My Mom had so many nice pieces personally selected by my Dad. Mom always liked practical and her gifts to my Dad reflected that on their anniversaries.

On Easter this year, my Dad will have been gone for five years. On May 5th, my Mom will be gone for one year. It doesn't seem possible. I know if she had lived, she would be worried about my health. I probably would not have told her about my heart condition. She would have worried incessantly. It was her death that made me get a physical. It's amazing the things we do when we lose a loved one. I would never have jumped through the medical hoops if it had not been for my Mother's death.

I miss you Mom and Dad. My hope is that you are enjoying your new home and celebrating big time! Please dance together again, on this your 61st wedding anniversary, like you use to do while you were here.

Snowbird

AHA and Coffee Drinkers

2010-03-03T23:09:00.003-06:00

Interesting little article I read on coffee drinkers today and a conference held in California by the American Heart Association. I have always read the pros and cons about coffee drinking and heart health. This article set my mind at ease -- Coffee is Generally Heart-Healthy.

In part, the article stated:

Another study that has followed more than 3,000 men and women for 20 years found no association between coffee consumption and atherosclerosis for just about every demographic group -- men and women, blacks and whites, smokers and nonsmokers. Participants in the study included people whose coffee consumption ranged from none to more than four cups a day. "Based on these data, there does not appear to be any substantial association between coffee drinking and increased or decreased odds of developing atherosclerosis or its progression over time."

Wonderful I said to myself because I should have bought stock in coffee. I have consumed more than my share over the years. So what has caused my advanced atherosclerosis at the young age of 54? Pure genetics. No high cholesterol or trigylcerides. Just pure ole genetics. It's the "gene pool" at work. Should have seen the harbinger years ago with all the older relatives and the heart disease showing up. Just knew it wouldn't skip a generation or two or three. Thank you "gene pool".

At least I can sit comfortably and enjoy my wonderful cups of coffee every day and not worry about the health benefits. Maybe its the non-dairy creamer? That's it. Read the ingredients. That's cause for worry. Back to good ole "moo juice". Can't beat Mother Nature and straight from a "contented cow" to flavor that cup of coffee.

There is a cup of coffee at Starbucks just waiting for me tomorrow with my name on it.......

Snowbird

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T06:33:00.002-06:00

Olympic Hat

2010-02-14T05:52:00.005-06:00

Yahooey! Check out Clever Knits for her version of the Olympic hat. It is also on Ravelry under Olympic hat. No offense to the original designer, but the designer hat is nowhere to be found for purchase that I can see right now. I just love how quickly Clever Knits took the time to put a pattern out there for this particular hat and for all the knitters and fans of the 2010 Olympics. May make a slight change to the cast-on part of the pattern and maybe the finishing to make it my own. Now I will wait and see when the cabled sweater will appear. There are other olympic-style patterns on Ravelry for all to enjoy as well.

Happy knitting to all during the olympics.

Snowbird

2010 Winter Olympics - Vancouver

2010-02-13T12:15:00.002-06:00

So I watched the opening ceremony last night for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. I was so excited by the presentation, but saddened by the loss of an athlete yesterday. Hopefully, the other athletes will proceed in their individual competition and not let his loss bring down their spirits. May the spirit of the lost athlete be with them all and may they compete safely.

I did notice something in the opening ceremony worn by the US athletes -- the knit hat. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. So I checked the designers web-site and did not see it for sale. Yes, I want that hat. Hopefully, I didn't miss it. Probably not the only one that wants that hat. Wonder if the designer has been inundated with calls and requests for the hat and the sweater. We'll see what pops up on the site within the next few weeks.

Oh well, need to check the viewing schedule to see what I can watch today.

Snowbird

Two Year Blog Anniversary

2010-01-26T17:47:00.003-06:00

Today is the two year anniversary since I starting blogging. A lot has happened in that two year period. Some of the events during that time period have made me take pause.

In May of 2009, my mother passed away. Definitely an unexpected loss for our family. There has been a great void in our lives since then. I miss her each and every day.

In the fall, a nephew came to live with me so that he could attend college here. I have been trying to think of a name to give him for blog purposes and so far I've come up with nothing. He has to be the New York Yankees #1 fan. Maybe something along that line. Or maybe something to do with weather since that is his focus in college. Something will come to mind.

In September, I finally had surgery on my lower back. At the time, I thought I made the greatest mistake in my life. The pain did not seem to ease up. Thankfully, young nephew was with me during the day to help me get around. He was my lifesaver for 6-8 weeks while I was recovering. He still does so much for me around the house and never complains. Now I can walk and stand again with virtually no pain. I do know when I've done too much because my back screams with pain. So I know my limitations. Goal is to walk two miles a day again.

Knitting was not the greatest in 2009, but I hope that 2010 will be different. So far I've finished a baby sweater that is a gift for a friend and there is another one on the needles for yet another friend. Also, I have a baby blanket on the needles for a friend who will be a grandmother soon. It is my decision this year to knit birthday gifts for the family instead of store-bought presents. I sure hope they like their gifts.

Hopefully, 2010 will be a great year with memories to be made and more to write about on the blog!

Snowbird

Flashback Challenge - Book #1: Heidi

2010-01-17T14:55:00.004-06:00

Finished reading the first book in my Flashback Challenge -- Heidi -- real early this morning. Have a real bad cold so nothing to do but sit up in the recliner to keep from coughing and read. Not a long read really -- 14 chapters.

The author is Johanna Spyri. The original title was Heidi's Years of Wandering and Learning and published in 1880 in Germany. Title was shortened later to Heidi.

What I like about the book is the simplicity of life and people. You can see the dramatic affect a change of scenery had on Heidi from the known (life on the mountain with grandfather) to the unknown (life in the City of Frankfurt, Germany with Clara and Grandmamma). Some people adjust well to changes and others do not. Her lack of adjustment was more out of love for those she left behind as well as the environment. It doesn't mean that she didn't learn to care for Clara and Grandmamma because she did. She learned powerful lessons from Grandmamma. Grandmamma helped her to adjust her thinking regarding prayer and reading. The book that she learned to read from was no doubt one based on scripture stories of the Bible. In fact, it was the story of the Prodigal Son that Heidi read to her Grandfather that changed his heart regarding people he had abandoned in the past when she returned home to the mountain. The story starts and ends with a simpler life.

Sequels to the book Heidi were published by Charles Tritten in 1958. One is Heidi Grows Up and the other is Heidi's Children. I have not read either.

So I am on to my next book. Thinking about a book I read in 6th grade and did a book report about -- Annie Oakley. Again, it should be a short read, but one that should take me back a few years in my life when I can definitely say "life was simpler".

Happy reading to all!

Snowbird

The Flashback Challenge

2010-01-03T12:09:00.005-06:00

If you love to read, then this is a very exciting challenge. It is not an exhausting challenge, but one that will let you revisit your childhood, teenage years and adulthood thru the memories of books that you have read and loved. Just browsing thru blogs, I found this challenge on Scrabblequeen's blog. She is linked to another blog Booklust for the signup.

The challenge runs from January 1 - December 31, 2010. The reading levels are as follows:

Bookworm - Up to three books

Scholar - Four to six books

Literati - Over six books

Within these levels, there are mini-challenges! These are:

*
1. Re-read a favorite book from your childhood;
2. Re-read a book assigned to you in high school; and,
3. Re-read a book you loved as an adult.

Probably will go for the Literati in the challenge. I can think of a number of different books that I want to revisit and will probably start with the Heidi series from childhood; The Robe as a teenager plus others from literature class; and, heaven only knows which ones I will pick from adulthood as I have many on my list of favorites.

Happy reading!

Happy New Year !

2010-01-01T19:41:00.004-06:00

Snowbird and part of family went to the downtown festivities last night and enjoyed the music, the Moon Pie rising and fireworks! My first really big big outing in quite a while.

Today, I made my family a semi-traditional New Years meal that included: Hoppin' John, cornbread and collards. The collards were drained and patted dry from the can and buried in a pizza with turkey pepperoni, lowfat mozarella cheese, feta cheese, and tomato sauce. I thought if you can put spinach on a pizza, why not collards. Pretty much covered all that was needed for good luck and wealth in the food that was made.

I have picked up the knitting needles again after a really long absence from knitting. The surgery and recovery along with going back to work has not helped my creativity one bit. Hopefully, I can get going again with the knitting. I can think of all sort of gifts I want to knit for Christmas this year. Just need to set my mind to it and get the needles clicking.

My best to all in this new year of 2010!

Movement in the Nest

2009-11-07T12:37:00.004-06:00

Snowbird has been in the nest comfortably resting for a few weeks (since September 28th) and finally I can begin to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Lower back is healing nicely and doctor is happy with my progress. So much so he is letting me return to work part-time on my birthday for half days (only for two weeks). Then we will see what happens after my next doctor visit.

I am able to walk and stand for longer periods of time now. I still get tired and definitely know when I've done too much. Some movements are still restricted and I need help around the nest from family to make it all work. Sitting for longer periods of time in a chair with the help of a pillow for comfort. It is such a great relief.

This morning I actually picked up my new Patterworks catalog and was eyeing some cashmere and silk yarns for Christmas presents. That's always a good sign. Definitely know I'm feeling much better and my tail feathers are on the mend.

Blogging Sabbatical

2009-10-11T11:21:00.002-05:00

I have decided to take a sabbatical from blogging for a couple of months due to my lower back surgery on September 28th. It is quite uncomfortable trying to sit in the chair at the computer even after almost two weeks since the surgery. I will be back at it in a few months or at least prior to Christmas.

See you later....

Snowbird

Fixing Tail Feathers

2009-09-27T04:38:00.004-05:00

Monday morning Snowbird will have an operation to fix what has been ailing her for a few years -- her tail feathers. Finally! It has been a long time coming, but doctor determined that L5 needed to be replaced. After many injections and final testing, doctor felt this was the best recourse. Hospital stay will be about four days, two weeks with constant assistance at home and another four weeks to finish recovery. It will take a year for the replacement to totally heal. Snowbirds goal is to be able to walk a couple miles a day again. God willing, I'll reach that goal. Everything with time.

So I'll be out of the nest for a few days, but will be back in again by next weekend and, hopefully, will post again within a few weeks. Who knows, recovery might lend itself to some healthy knitting time. That is if I can knit without sitting for long periods of time. I'll have to think about that and what I can use in my nest to help me knit.

Until the next post.....

Snowbird

Autumn Has Arrived - Happy Fall !

2009-09-23T06:18:00.006-05:00

Okay, I'm a day late, but I'm thrilled that one of my favorite times of the year is here -- AUTUMN. It is a time when God lets the trees rest. That has always been my thought. When they begin their rest, the greatest colors and smells abound. I don't sense it so much in the Deep South, but in Michigan the senses are on overload. I miss this time of year in the North. I use to go and sit in piles of leaves just to take in the smells. Check out Michigan.org and the nice little salute to Fall in Michigan.

My other favorites are pumpkins, apples and all those good Fall bounties. Apple and pumpkin pies. YUMMY! Big sister made a homemade apple pie from Michigan apples last weekend. Too good for words!

I have brought out my little scarecrow to put on my hearth. He has a little chalkboard that he holds that says "Happy Fall" and is fiber-optic. Going to hang my lit Fall wreath in the dining room and take in all that is good for this time of year.

Can't wait for Thanksgiving! A wonderful time to end the colorful season and be thankful for all that God has given me and my family throughout the year.

I hope you enjoy this time of year as much as I do because it also gives me license to go full swing with knitting. I have a few projects on the needles and all will be completed soon for another post.

Happy Fall!

World Alzheimer's Day - September 21

2009-09-21T22:02:00.003-05:00

I would be remiss if I did not post about this very special day -- World Alzheimer's Day. I lost my Father to Alzheimer's in 2005. Nothing can describe losing your parent twice -- once to Alzheimer's and then to death. This disease is not only devastating to the Alzheimer's patient, but also to loved ones, family and friends.

Alzheimer's can rob a person of memories present and past. Minutes on a clock can become hours and vice versa. Colors will become faded and unrecognizable. People who are family and friends are now strangers. Simple things to me and you are tasking to an Alzheimer's patient such as buttoning a shirt, tieing shoelaces or zipping a zipper. Places that were familiar are now strange.

Strides are being made in research to help with this dreaded disease, but it seems like more and more people are being diagnosed every day. Can research keep up with the numbers? Is medication enough? Is the protein that may be at the root of this dreaded disease really the cause?

For now we have to depend on our contributions and funding to assist research scientists and doctors in finding a cure and to provide the best medicines available for our loved ones, family and friends.

SUPPORT ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH !

Road Trip to the Gulf

2009-09-19T22:00:00.004-05:00

Today after attending a memorial service for a dear friend that passed earlier in the week, I took a road trip to Dauphin Island, Alabama. A good trip to say the least. Actually took the car ferry from Dauphin Island across to Fort Morgan, Alabama and drove back home.

The ferry ride which was about 45 minutes gave me time to reflect on the day and the future. It also gave me some much needed perspective. Being at the water usually does that for me. I spent some time at Gulf Shores State Park watching the water and the waves. I don't know what there is about the sound. It seems to fixate me. I could of stayed all weekend, but other plans would not allow. Just the short time on the ferry and being on or near the water helped me to wrap my arms around things that have been bothering me for a few weeks. In particular, my upcoming back surgery. I can honestly say I'm ready to have the doctors proceed. Recovery of six to eight weeks seems like a long time, but the older you get, time flies by faster.

Sometimes I wish I could be nearer the water, but not a good thing on the Gulf Coast from June to November. But I will plan more trips to the water in the winter.

By the way, I saw a wedding on the beach at Gulf Shores. How happy that couple must be. I actually clapped from the pier when I saw them kiss. Starting a new life together. I wonder if they knew that others were watching with the serenity of the water and waves as the background music? I hope they have a happy life together. This event kind of made my day better especially with the early morning memorial service.

Snowbird needed the road trip and the water/waves to soothe her soul....

What Is a True Friend?

2009-09-09T06:15:00.003-05:00

What is a true friend? I've found different definitions over the years, but for me, personally, I've divided the people I know into two categories: (1) acquaintances; and, (2) friends. Acquaintances are those who may know you, but do not know your intimate thoughts or feelings as does a friend. I've been told through the years that a "true friend" can taste the salt in your tears.

This past weekend, I experienced the knowledge of categorizing a person as either an acquaintance or true friend. It all revolved around a telephone call with a question and the receipt of three text messages as I was leaving MI to return to AL. The text messages were revealing to say the least even though cryptic or coy. The messages helped me throw the stone over my shoulder so to speak (see previous post). So for now, I have added another to my list of acquaintances. How long are our list of friends versus acquaintances? I guess that's something to think about. Does it all really matter? I like having both.

Folk Lore and Change

2009-09-08T19:24:00.003-05:00

Snowbird made a quick trip to her home state of Michigan this past Friday and returned on Monday. It was a whirlwind trip driving up, making a u-turn and coming back home. Trip was dual purposed and all was accomplished.

The trip actually made me stop and think about where I've been, where I'm at now and where I'm going. It's interesting how things really change in 32 years or even 7 years ago when I was there last. It reiterated to me that you can never go home and expect everything to be as you remembered. The home place, schools, streets, stores, roads, to name a few, have all changed. For me it was a realization that time waits for no man and certain things sometimes can not be had again. You only have your memories.

When I was leaving Michigan, it reminded me of a lore I read once: You stand at the seashore with your back to the sea and facing the shore. You throw a stone over your shoulder into the sea to leave everything behind so you can move forward. I essentially did that when I left Michigan, not literally, but figuratively.

Everything that kept me in knots, with the exception of my family, has been left behind. I will visit, but my thoughts and expectations will be different.

I left the red roses to now change to white....

In Memory of G

2009-08-24T19:33:00.003-05:00

I lost a wonderful person in my life on Saturday. For this post, I will call her "G". She was a part of my Sunday mornings for a long while. I would listen to her play the church organ with so much fervor. Music was her joy. You could feel her joy when she played either on the organ or piano. When she had to quit playing because of her sickness, I had to change the way I listened to the music during Sunday services. I was so use to listening to "G' play, it took me forever to get use to the new organist. "G' always had a smile and wonderful greeting for everyone whether at church or when you saw her at the grocery or anywhere.

You will be missed "G". I know you are hearing God's music now. Music that I can't even begin to imagine. We will meet again someday "G". Until then, you are in God's care and surrounded with love and music beyond all thought.

Tropical Storm Claudette?

2009-08-16T19:12:00.002-05:00

Where did she come from? I've been watching ANA and BILL in the Atlantic, but this one seemed to sneak up on the Gulf Coast and was named overnight. Oh well! Hopefully, this will be a little breeze and nothing serious. But then, that's HOPEFULLY. We'll see come tomorrow. Hurricane season is upon us.

Save the Children

2009-08-05T19:48:00.005-05:00

Not sure why all of a sudden I felt this strong need to support a cause outside of the realm of knitting, but today was the day to jump into something new. I looked at the Save the Children web-site and decided to become a sponsor of a child in the United States. Why the United States? I am particularly concerned about the needs and poverty in our own backyard.

Children have always been of paramount concern to me. I worked for a period of time for a school district in Michigan and I witnessed firsthand the needs of children. For years I have thought about the programs the schools had back then that took care of children and wondered what would have happened to these children without the programs. My thoughts were always about the needs of the innocents--the children. Would the lunch those children received, on any given day, be the only meal for the day? Would the after-school programs be enough to change that child for life? Would the programs give the child the impetus or push to succeed in life? I will never know how some of the children so long ago have faired in this life, but I can now monitor the successes of a program that puts back 91% of their donations to help children in one way or another. Will I quit knitting because of my involvement in this program? NO. I will quietly watch and read all of the updates that will be sent to me by Save the Children and will keep knitting, donating and supporting other causes as well.

Tomato Tango at Cathedral Square

2009-06-21T21:21:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, my sisters and I decided to get up early and head to the downtown area to visit the farmers market. In addition, the local botanical gardens had a booth set up to promote their herb gardens -- Tomato Tango in Cathedral Square. They were serving tomato sandwiches and flavored teas for a small donation. I have to say that I am a sucker for a good tomato sandwich. My sandwich had a basil infused mayonnaise and also avocado dressing. Since it has been so HOT in the Deep South, I had to follow it with a peach basil iced tea. Overall it was quite tasty. Finally, our sweet tooth set in and we decided to try miniature pies--sweet potato and buttermilk. Yummy! Little sister came home with a gigantic cantaloupe. It was a wonderful outing with my sisters and we need to do it again sometime -- just the three of us. Thanks to Bunny for letting me borrow her picture of tomatoes for this post. We forgot the camera on Saturday. Tomatoes are compliments of Bunny's little sister Baby. Fresh from her plants.

Life and Legacy

2009-05-24T22:27:00.002-05:00

The last couple of weeks have given me a lot to think about especially with the loss of my Mother. It has made me review the time I spent with her and my earliest memories. I know as the days and weeks go forward my recollections will increase. Sometimes it is the surviving family who will try to piece together the life and legacy of that dear departed one. Discussions over the past couple of weeks have been an attempt to put her life and legacy together. It will take time for all of us to gather our thoughts and memories. The next thing is to put them on paper. I know it will be a time when we can laugh and cry, but it is something that I feel we need to do for the generations that will come after us. We have family photos and pictures that will help us piece together the 88 years of my Mother. Sitting down together on Friday evening, the process began. We reviewed pictures, wrote down names, years of events and made a trip to the country on Saturday to visit with my aunt and uncle for more information.

Sometimes people fail to realize how much is lost when a loved one passes. It is good to write down who people are in pictures, why/when the picture was taken, memories of the family and even recipes.

My sisters and I (my brother too) are going to make an attempt to put the life and legacy of our family down in writing. Geneologies are a good place to start because the detail is a tremendous asset to future generations. Our pictures are going to be duplicated for the four of us and also the grandchildren with as much description for each picture as possible. We discussed purchasing a good Kodak printer/scanner with photo quality ink, photo paper, digital scrapbooking software and other photo software programs to aid us in this endeavor.

In the long run, this will bring us all together in a common effort -- life and legacy of our family. What will we leave our children and future generations? Only the printed page we work on now will tell them.

Baby Sweaters

2009-05-16T06:35:00.010-05:00

I have finally taken some time to sit down and post about the baby sweaters that I knit for my local church. These were bundled with other items that will go to a central location for distribution around the world. The church was able to gather enough items to make 25 separate bundles that contained: diapers, diaper pins, receiving blankets, gowns, soap and sweaters. I was so thrilled to be a part of this endeavor and have started another sweater of many for next year. The following pictures are the little sweaters made with yarn leftover in my stash:

All six sweaters bundled and ready to go.....

The bundle shows the colors almost exactly and better than the individual pictures below.

Sweater #1

Sweater #2

Sweater #3

Sweater #4

Sweater #5

Sweater #6

Loss of a Mother

2009-05-10T07:06:00.002-05:00

This is a particularly hard post as I lost my Mother on Tuesday, May 5th, and she was laid to rest on Friday, May 8th. Her illness was sudden and her death just as fast (within 3 hours). The pain is great, but I know she is in God's arms and for that I am appreciative. I miss you Mom. I miss you so very much!

Prayer Shawls

2009-04-19T12:54:00.005-05:00

Seems like forever since I posted anything to my blog. So what have I been up to lately? I've been knitting prayer shawls for my local church. Two shawls are finished and are shown folded below on my ironing board:

The shawls are rectangular using k3, p3 stitches to make a patternweave design. I chose k3, p3 and three rows before switching to p3, k3 as it reminds me of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The top shawl is true raspberry color and the shawl on the bottom has a mixture of green, red, purple, turqoise, brown and gold colors. I had the raspberry shawl completely knit using a different design and did not like how it turned out. There was nothing else to do, but "frog" it and start over. The yarn is from my stash. The next picture is a better look at the design. The raspberry shawl shows up red here, but it is really the color of the first picture.

I delivered these to the church and am now working on baby sweaters for charity that will be put together with other baby needs to be delivered throughout the US and around the world.

There is such a good feeling when I knit knowing that the finished product will either comfort someone or keep a little one warm and that all of my love for God is included in each stitch.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. It is always a great day for me! Easter reinforces everything that I believe about Gods love in a really big way.

Baby Goes Victory Gardening?

2009-03-22T12:44:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post about Bunny's little sister Baby and her new gardening venture. I would like to say that she is working with her Mom on making a Victory Garden, but it is a raised bed garden instead. Baby has planted tomatoes and onions in temporary containers. She has flowers growing in other containers. Baby and her Mom are taking a couple vacation days this week and are going to put together their raised bed garden. The beds will contain a number of 4' x 4' containers. She has some ideas about other vegetables and flowers that will be in the garden and I am excited to see Baby's handiwork. Pictures will be posted soon of Baby's garden.

Baby is the cook in our family and has given us some great meals with her creativity. She inherited her love of cooking, especially baking, from her grandmothers. Her great great grandmother worked in a bakery. Baby works in a bakery at a local high-end grocery here. Wouldn't Pops (my Dad) and GGGrandma be proud of her culinary skills? I know we are. Her GGrandma would be happy to see her gardening skills too. GGrandma used to love planting a little garden and flowers. I guess you never know what will sneak through the gene pool to our children.

So you will know, Baby and Bunny are my nieces that live next door to me. What a joy it has been to watch these two grow up into fine young ladies! Proud aunt that I am......

Proud Aunt That I Am

2009-03-16T19:22:00.004-05:00

This aunt has to do a little bragging on young niece--Bunny. She has finished stitching a large sampler named "Elements". Needless to say, I am very impressed with the finished project both front and back. She asked me to teach her how to cross stitch when she returned from England (after a year getting her masters degree) and that was all it took. She bought books, checked books out of the library, searched the internet and then went to stitching. The "Elements" sampler pattern was a gift to Bunny for Christmas. She has been working on it steadily over the last few months. So now I would like to share the finished object:

I am just immeasurably proud of Bunny. When she frames and hangs her handiwork, I will post again so you can see the finished piece. Bunny, I hope you don't mind that I snatched your picture from your blog to show it off to the knitting community.

Just a Little Knitting

2009-02-14T15:28:00.007-06:00

I've ventured off into some more charity knitting and then some knitting for a friend who wanted a scarf or two or three or four. This has been what I call mindless knitting, but it was fun. Here is the charity knitting I have been doing for Save The Children:

It was an easy way to use leftover yarn pieces and not let the yarn go to waste. I modified the intermediate pattern on the Save the Children web-site from knitting a flat piece that has to be seamed to knitting the cap in the round. I believe knitting in the round is much more effective, faster and less needlework at the end. I changed the ribbing on some of the hats so the knitting would not get monotonous. The hats are premie and regular size depending on the size of your yarn.

These are the scarves I knitted for a friend at work. She wanted a narrower scarf that could be worn inside the office and that weren't bulky to wear in the Deep South. So here are the results:

The picture doesn't show the yarn definition that well, but then you get the idea. Friend was happy with all four. I am making another black scarf for her to give as a gift. This friend also wants to learn how to knit and you can guess what she wants to learn how to knit. So we will go shopping after work one day and get all the appropriate items to teach my friend how to knit a SCARF.

I've taught our receptionist how to knit a sock. I really did think she was taking on too big a project since she hasn't knitted anything in quite a while. We'll have a 101 on kichener stitch for the toe of the sock. Other than that, she did just fine. She is working on the match to her sock and should be done soon.

Need to get back to the recliner and pick up the crochet hook and finish a baby blanket.

Thanks Bunny for helping with the pictures for the baby caps and scarves!

One Year Blog Anniversary - January 26, 2009

2009-01-27T07:17:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was my one year blog anniversary! I was going to post yesterday, but by the time I came home the lower back was hurting too bad. So I got ready for bed and crawled in and never got back out. So I am posting a day late.

I have thoroughly enjoyed posting my thoughts and knitting projects for the past year. Above all, it is a means of sharing and making friends in the blogging world that I would never have known otherwise.

My 2009 has an agenda for knitting along with crocheting, embroidery, sewing, cross stitch and walking one mile every day. Before I really get 'rockin and rollin' with some of these projects and ideas, I have to schedule surgery on my lower back. The third epidural has worn off and it hasn't been a month yet. I've made it up in my mind that I can't spend all my evenings laying down. So by the end of the week, I will have called my doctor. For me, it's choosing a better way of life other than constant pain.

I look forward to another year in the blogging world and all the posts and reading the posts of others!

Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T06:23:00.002-06:00

History will be made today with the first African-American to be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. The real transition of power will start today.

After all the hoopla, it will be time to get down to business. Our nation is struggling. We need our folks in Washington to sharpen their pencils and WORK. I'm really quite tired of hearing speeches. I'm looking for results. Main Street is struggling. People are hurting. I know changes won't happen overnight, but let's get the ball rolling Washington!

A thought crossed my mind one day regarding unemployment and businesses closing: If our Congressmen had to go without a paycheck or benefits or housing, I bet they would make changes a bit faster. What do you think? Sometimes, I think the lawmakers in Washington are in a bubble and are isolated regarding the state of our nation and what actually makes this country tick. Maybe they need to live for a month with people who are struggling to understand their economic plight. Don't let them access big money. Live on menial means.

I'm looking at the Northern states and how bad the unemployment is right now and the harsh winter to boot! Food banks and church pantries are probably depleted in these economically impoverished states. It is sad when my local church stated that their food pantry was low because it wasn't just individuals that needed food, but whole families. And we are in a state that right now seems to be a little stable, but maybe looks are deceiving.

Well, I'm jumping off my soapbox and will get ready for work.

Congratulations to our new President and Vice-President!

KnitForKids Sweaters #6 - #12

2009-01-05T20:24:00.014-06:00

Finally, I finished my KnitForKids sweater projects for 2008 and now have time to post the pictures. Here are sweaters #6 - #12:

Sweater #6

Sweater # 7

Sweater #8

Sweater #9

Sweater #10

Sweater #11

Sweater #12

And the last picture above is sweaters #1 - #12 all folded and ready to be shipped to the Knit For Kids organization. I was bound and determined that I would meet this goal with bad back or not. This past Friday, I had epidural #3. My back has kept me from sitting for long periods of time. I have figured out how to lay half-way down in bed and yet sitting at good angle so that I could finish my childrens sweaters. I have different goals for 2009, but it does include a couple Knit For Kids sweaters.

On to other projects that include: two baby blankets and one baby sweater. Then back to my adult knitting for Bunny and Baby (their sweaters).

Happy knitting everyone!

Happy New Year! Throw Me a Moonpie Mister!

2009-01-01T08:04:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year from the Deep South!

Our local city raised a gigantic moonpie at midnight. Why a moonpie some may ask? It is because Mardi Gras parade riders throw moonpies each year along with beads to people along the parade routes. Yep, Mobile is the "home of Mardi Gras". A lot of people think this fun in the streets for a few weeks before Easter started in New Orleans, but it didn't. Mobile, Alabama has Mardi Gras as its "claim to fame". I guess now, nationally, we have another claim to fame each New Years that will light up downtown -- A HUGE MOONPIE.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T07:48:00.008-06:00

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas!

This is a picture of the sugared fruit wreath in my dining room. It seemed to turn out better than the Christmas tree pictures. The wreath is simple in nature. It is a reminder, every time I look at it, of my thankfulness to God for his daily, bounteous blessings!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Remember Christmas is not about the gifts, it is about the birth of Jesus. Everything else is, as I consider it, accessory. If you had a chance to enjoy Christmas Eve services at your church or a local church, it helps keep in the forefront the "reason for the season". I do not like to start my holiday without this very important service or at least reading the gospel record of why I should celebrate Jesus' birth. A point well made this year is that even though we don't know the real date of Jesus birth, it is important to celebrate His birth. The shepherds and angels celebrated Jesus birth. The record is written in the Bible so Christians can reflect and, if they choose, can show honor as did the shepherds and angels. Whether the date is December 25th or some other date, we will not know. What we do know is that the events surrounding Jesus' birth were magnificent. So magnificent that Luke chose to record those events so that we could forever remember, first and foremost, the entrance of our Lord and Savior into our earthly world. What an entrance! His entrance lead to an earthly ministry that would affect and change the lives of individuals for centuries to come.

Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas!

Another Year Older and Granny Watch

2008-11-16T21:25:00.002-06:00

Yep today was another milestone--one year older. My family didn't let me forget this day. I received some very nice presents and gift cards to one of my favorite book stores.

It has been an interesting week to say the least. My Mom fell and fractured a pelvic bone last Saturday. So all of us are on "Granny watch" for up to four weeks or two months at the most. Doesn't help my lower back helping her get up and down, but you do what you have to do. So when she is safe and secure in her recliner, I lay back down and give the back some rest and suck down the medicine. My sisters and nieces are very much involved in my Mom's care too. We have rotating schedules. When your Mom is almost 88 years of age, any fall is dangerous. We knock on wood that this one was not a broken hip.

Well, going to hop in bed and look at some of my new knitting books. Have to be at work early tomorrow-6AM. Work schedule changed to take care of Mom. We all have some very understanding employers.

America Has Spoken!

2008-11-05T14:36:00.002-06:00

So yesterday, November 4, 2008, was our time as a nation to cast our vote for either Democrat, Republican or Independent. Late last night the votes were tallied and the winner was declared--President Elect Obama. Both speeches from John McCain and Barack Obama were great.

Now it is time for our future new President and his soon to be appointed staff to help all Americans put this country back on track. Economics is the issue that seems to be in the forefront and it monopolizes the thoughts of many Americans. I am very blessed to have a job and a husband with employment. I thank God every day for those blessings. So many Americans are losing jobs with no prospect of finding immediate employment. I pray that jobs will become available to all those seeking employment so that their economic needs will be met.

I am not sure if I can help in some small way economically, but I posted, as a comment, in someone else's blog that we, as knitters, can help by supporting our LYS or LNS. We can also support those within our own states and within the US by purchasing knitting supplies from them. Not to say we can't shop outside of the US, we can. We have a demand for supplies related to knitting, spinning, weaving, crocheting, etc and there is a supply. Remember to check out the resources made available whether it be on-line, in magazine advertisements or your LYS or LNS. I think one of the things that made me the unhappiest, was to see our LYS close. We have a new yarn shop and I couldn't be happier.

I haven't posted any knitting lately, but I have my KnitForKids sweaters knit through #9. I don't have them seamed yet, but I will get to that soon. My goal is to have all of them made through sweater #12 before mid-December and in the mail. Pictures to come soon.

My Dad's Special Day

2008-10-18T08:10:00.007-05:00

I am taking time out today to post about my Dad. This would have been his 80th birthday. He passed in 2005 from complications due to Alzheimer's. So today I will make a special trip to the cemetary to spend some time with my Dad. The flowers will be changed and a nice Fall arrangement will be put in place. Days like today make me cry, but I will have my family with me. It's nice to know that we will all be leaning on each other. I MISS YOU DAD!

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

2008-10-16T06:39:00.002-05:00

A Note to my Big Brother....

Happy Birthday! This is your special day and a special day for your little sisters. We love you so much! I hope this day brings you much joy and love!

What does my Big Brother mean to me? He is the guy that taught me how to tie my shoes, ride a bike, improve my reading and play board games. He is the guy that would buy his little sisters big bottles of soda and yum yums and let us ride with him in his car! When he married SIL, he never forgot his little sisters. When he and SIL went on vacation, he would always bring us back some little treasure. He still comes South to visit his little sisters and Mom at least once or twice a year.

Big brother loved sports growing up and still does. Now he has his own family of three children and nine grandchildren. He is an integral part of their lives. He loves to watch his grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. If you ask him what he has been up to, he will usually tell you something surrounding the children or grandchildren. He and SIL are on the go constantly keeping up with the grandkids.

But it is not always the children and grandchildren. Big Brother and SIL have volunteered at the local elementary school to tutor children. Big Brother also watches out over SIL's mother. She is elderly and a widow. He takes her to doctors appointments, to visit family and friends. He also spends the week nights with his elderly MIL so she will not be alone. SIL still works. Big Brother is retired. So care of his MIL is foremost too in his life.

I believe my brothers best attribute is his ability to give of himself, but he is also probably one of the best conversationalists I know. He can engage you in conversation and never make the conversation about himself. His conversation will be questions and general points. When the conversation is finished, you will know he never talked about himself. I don't really know many people like that and can name maybe two others in my lifetime that have that ability.

Big brother also loves history. He watches TV, reads or listens (books on tape or cd) to whatever he can on history. I don't believe I could win a game of Trivial Pursuit against Big Brother when it comes to history. He has instilled in his little sisters the drive to know more about history. So we all dig into history in some form or fashion in our own ways because of him.

My very favorite things is to hear that deep voice of Big Brother say "hello" to me on the phone and his wonderful laugh!

I could say so much more, but I will save that for another day and blog. So ending this special post to Big Brother, have a great birthday on this your very special day!

Love always,

Little Sister #2 aka Snowbird

Election Year 2008

2008-10-11T21:31:00.007-05:00

I thought I would take a minute to reflect on election year 2008. Suffice it to say, there is a lot of mud slinging going on out there. It is hard to believe what people are saying on both sides. Some is spoken with truth and some is spoken in pure ignorance. I pride myself in making sure what I know about either candidate is supported. It would behoove other Americans to do the same. It appears that very few are checking their facts. This causes me great distress. We are supposed to be a nation of informed individuals. But, are we? From things I've read and conversations I've had recently, it appears people are taking everything at face value or because so and so said this or that. Shame on you for not doing your homework America. Both candidates have web-sites to check their platforms and there are watchdog groups to make sure facts are in order.

I work in a profession where everything I do is based on facts and knowledge. I pride myself in being able to offer correct information and answers to my customers with supported, approved documentation and facts. In my field of endeavor, incorrect information or wrong answers could mean lawsuit.

To make this election year more meaningful, do your homework. Check your candidates fact sheets. Know what your candidate stands for and what he doesn't stand for. Then vote responsibly for the candidate of your choice. Responsible voting is not gut feelings and warm fuzzies. Responsible voting is a careful check of everything your candidate stands for, your candidates record past and present on issues related to: economy, energy, war, education, health, etc., and how your candidates position makes that person the right one for the highest job in the nation for the next four years. All of this information is public record.

America is feeling very troubled over the last few weeks. Our troubles have become the worlds troubles. When we show high levels of ignorance, remember the world is watching. Technology has made America an open book. I have seen and heard things on both sides of this election that must be appalling to outsiders--the world connected to us by technology. Remember we are supposed to be a nation of "informed" individuals. I hope I am not taking that word "informed" for granted.

In November, vote for your candidate of choice and vote with pride knowing that you have done your homework. Voting is your right and your privilege. By living in America, we are proud to be able to vote Republican, Democrat or Independent. Our great nation has given us choices. Again, vote for your candidate in November and vote with pride knowing you have made an informed choice.

Up and Down the Road and an Estate Auction

2008-10-05T18:12:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you tend to take for granted what you see traveling the same road for over thirty years and then one day something changes. That is what happened to me this week. It started with a notice that someone had put next to my mailbox about an estate auction on the main road near where I live. I looked at the information and then dismissed the notice.

The notice hit particularly hard yesterday driving down the main road. I looked and it was the auction. Cars on either side of the road. A white tent was up with chairs. I looked again and could not believe my eyes. I had watched the lady that lived in this house for years tend her flowers, mow her lawn, maintain the gates and take care of her house and property. Now everything she had was being auctioned away. Sometimes you take for granted that everything behind those gates to the property and doors of the house is okay as usual. I now recall I had not seen the little old lady with the cotton bonnet outside for quite some time. Just knowing that everything she had would now become the property of someone else just about broke my heart. I could not stop. I did not want to intrude on her property and privacy which she had guarded so well for many many years. Now everything was in public view.

I hope the people who purchased this lady's possessions will take care of them as well as she did. I will never look at the house or property the same.

This auction was also a realization for me that time does go by and things do change.

Lower Back Update, Bedrest and Debates

2008-09-26T23:04:00.004-05:00

Today I had another epidural and was sent home for bed rest. I will be resting in bed tomorrow as well. I am already just a wee bit stir crazy laying down or sitting halfway up for the better part of the day. So I took a nap this afternoon, read a little bit, and this evening watched the first Presidential debates and the after comments by the news commentators.

I just can't wait until Sunday rolls around so I can get up and move around more. Might even get in a few stitches on the needles. By-the-way, the sweater (beige/brown flecked) on the previous post has been completed for almost three months. Did I mention that using a camera is not my long suit. I asked Hubby to take a few pictures to post on the blog, but it was always in passing and has just now finally got done. I just might need to learn how to use that camera of his. ;)

KnitForKids Sweater #5 for 2008 Plus More

2008-09-23T05:00:00.008-05:00

Finally, I had the opportunity to get Hubby to take some pictures for me of #5 KnitForKids Sweater and #6 that is on the needles this past weekend. #5 has been done for some time, but just have not taken the time to post the finished sweater. Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea. I think this will look good on a little guy. So here it is with one of my roosters guarding the finished product:

Here is a picture of KnitForKids #6 that is on the needles. The yarn is a lighter weight and has a knubby texture of baby colors. So this one will be ideal for a little one age two and under.

I am probably not real fond of this yarn, but using up the stash. Really quite a simple knitting project to do, but it is sitting for extended periods of time that I can not take right now. I may take this one with me when I lay down (semi-propped up in bed) in the evenings to rest the back and work on it for a few rows until done. Talk about falling short of my goal for the year 2008. I really need to get cracking.

And then there is the February Lady Sweater for Bunny that is on the needles:

This is made out of a multi-color cotton thread that I picked up at Patternworks. The picture really does not do justice to the color of the yarn. When finished, I will post again, but from a different area in the house to get the correct lighting. I started, stopped, frogged, started, stopped, frogged and started again to get the correct size for Bunny's sweater. I used a different type of raglan on this since the lace is called gull stitch. I wanted something that would play off that stitch and have included a raised stitch and yarn over at the raglan instead of M1. I think it makes the blend much better. My personal opinion only. I have multi-color cotton yarn to make Baby her sweater as well in shades of pink. All of my knitting in time and as the back allows.

First Day of Fall 2008

2008-09-21T16:24:00.006-05:00

Welcome the first official day of Autumn! This is my favorite time of year. I love the changing of the leaves, the days getting cooler and the smells of autumn! Sad to say, changing of the leaves (we have tons of pine trees in LA) and smells of autumn are not really evident in the Deep South, but cooler weather is right around the corner in about a month or so. We don't have temperatures like Michigan, but it will be light sweater or jacket weather in a few months.

Thanks to a friend in Michigan for supplying me with some pictures in the past to fill my need for Autumn in the North. This friend likes the Fall of the year also! Thanks Northern friend for helping make this day and season very real and like home for me!

World Alzheimer's Day - September 21

2008-09-21T08:37:00.004-05:00

Today is World Alzheimer's Day. This day has special meaning to me since my Dad died from complications surrounding Alzheimer's. It also has special meaning because there are so many others in the knitting community who have/had family members with this disease. Please remember to support research for finding a cure. There are many ways to contribute either nationally or locally.

Our office always dresses up on Halloween. I always dress for a cause rather than in Halloween character. This year I will dress for a cause and it will be to support Alzheimer's research. Please check out The National Alzheimer's Organization for ways to support.

You can support in other ways as well. Please check out Through the Loops. She has a wonderful vest pattern available for a contribution to Alzheimer's research.

Please take a moment to look at Theresa's blog and how she dealt with this terrible disease caring for her Grandmother. Her way of dealing with this disease will touch your heart!

The statistics are staggering as to the number of people with this dreadful disease. Currently, there are more than 26 million people across the world living with Alzheimer’s and that number will quadruple by 2050. Every 71 seconds someone develops Alzheimer's. I recently watched programming on PBS regarding the disease and it was so close to home for me. The research is ongoing and the number of people developing the disease grows each and every day.

The Devastation of Alzheimer's:

The devastation of Alzheimer's is to see someone who was so adept at math forget how to measure, but can read every word of this post.

To know that that person can no longer discern colors, but can read every word of this post.

To know that that person does not know what day, hour, month or year it is, but can read every word of this post.

To know that that person can not tell you where he lives or his address, but can read every word of this post.

To know that that person can tell you things that happened 30, 40, 50 or 60 years ago, but can not remember five minutes ago and can read every word of this post.

To know that that person can not remember eating five minutes ago, but can read every word of this post.

To know that that person can not remember certain names of his family members, but can read every word of this post.

To know I can not reverse the damage already done by Alzheimer's, but that maybe just maybe somewhere in the future there may be a cure in sight and I can help in some small way. Maybe not for my Dad, but for the Dad of someone else.

Snap Crackle Pop!

2008-09-17T18:47:00.003-05:00

Another doctor visit today and outcome is that Snowbird has to go next Friday for another epidural in her tail feathers. Trying to get this pain to go away with physical therapy (strengthen muscles) and injections. If this doesn't work, then the more invasive treatment will be next--SURGERY. Got to line up those disks so that the shifting will stop. If I lay down, the disks line up and pain subsides. If I stand up or sit for any length of time, the disk shifts out of place. So when I walk or sit down, it is snap, crackle and pop and shooting pain. The broken part is rubbing constantly.

So what about my knitting? I have devised a way to prop myself up in bed and knit on some projects without sitting totally upright. Works for a while and then the needles are down.

Hubby and I have tentatively planned a vacation in November, but I don't know if I can take the airplane flight without having to stand up every 15 minutes or so. Do not have tickets yet until I know for sure what is next on the agenda for the lower back.

So for now, I'm going to sign off and go prop myself up in bed and try to get a little knitting time in for the day!

Knitting Addiction?

2008-09-10T18:14:00.006-05:00

I never really considered myself addicted to anything, but then again knitting can be "habit forming". Addicted versus habit forming. Is there a difference? I saw this post over on Smoking Hot Needles today and thought I would share this little ditty that she picked up at Theresa's site:

Yep, I have a stash like that in my closet or should I say CLOSETS. I laugh when I write this because then I'm thinking maybe I am addicted to knitting. My yarn is in multiple closets even hubby's closet. HEHEHE! Young niece, Bunny, helped me organize my yarn, fabric and crafting goodies in plastic containers so that they would store nicely until I am ready to use them. Did I mention that Bunny is the family secretary. She keeps us all organized. What did we do without her for a whole year while she was in England getting that extra degree?

Anyway, check out Theresa's site and download this cutie. I think it represents the mindset of a few hundred knitters out there in blogger knitting land.

P.S. Take a look at the neat little scarves that Smoking Hot Needles is working up right now for gifts. They are gorgeous. I believe the patterns are there too.

In Memory of Daisy

2008-09-05T22:38:00.004-05:00

In Memory of Daisy

October 26, 1955 - September 6, 2002

GOD GRANT ME

THE SERENITY

TO ACCEPT THE THINGS

I CAN NOT CHANGE

THE COURAGE

TO CHANGE

THE THINGS I CAN

AND THE WISDOM

TO KNOW

THE DIFFERENCE

You will always have a special place in my heart and are missed each and every day! Thank you for sharing and for being my "Lucy". I owed you so many nickels when you passed. A debt that I know can never be repaid. Rest in God's care Daisy!

Gustav, Hanna and Football!

2008-08-30T07:36:00.004-05:00

The Gulf Coast is preparing for Gustav. Even though the storm is slated to hit further West from LA (lower Alabama), just a slight wobble of this storm can move it either East or West. The East side of any hurricane is devastating to anyone unfortunate to be on that side of the storm. Not only is the wind bad, but the rainfall and tidal surge is horrible. I do not wish anyone bad luck with this storm and PRAY that it will weaken before landfall, but the weather maps and forecasts don't indicate this at all. EVERYONE PRAY PRAY PRAY THAT THE WINDS WILL SUBSIDE. I hope that all individuals in the New Orleans area have made their evacuation plans and are heading out now. Then right behind Gustav is Hanna. Hanna is going to make her way somewhere in the Caribbean and where it will end up is any one's guess. Yes we are approaching peak for hurricane season. The downside of living on the Gulf Coast--June 30th thru November 30th every year. November 30th can't come quick enough. The same thought pops into my head this time of year: snow or wind, snow or wind, snow or wind.

Yep! It is college football weekend. So besides all folks down here preparing for hurricanes and tropical storms, all football fans will be glued to the televisions. Not sure what game I will watch today, if any. I hope your team wins! Did I mention I like those Michigan Wolverines! GO BLUE! Sorry Tide and War Eagle fans!

Domesticity

2008-08-23T09:59:00.005-05:00

My niece, Bunny, and I have been waiting for months for the release in the US of Jane Brockets book "The Gentle Art of Domesticity". To my surprise the book was on the shelf at my local bookstore a whole month early. If you have read the blog Yarnstorm, you will enjoy the book. The blog and book gives us the license to be "domesticate diva's" and to love every minute in what is called "the simple pleasures of home".
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For me, I never really thought of knitting, embroidery, quilting, cooking, baking and cleaning as domesticity. Maybe cleaning, but not the other five. As far as knitting, embroidery and quilting, it is satisfying the "crafty bug" deep inside of me. Cooking and baking are necessity unless it is around the holidays. I don't mind cooking, but it doesn't rank high on my list of favorite things to do. Nevertheless, reading this book sheds light on all things considered "day-to-day" and makes them more than ordinary. Her books helps you feel fulfilled in what was once considered mundane tasks or chores.
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I love the fact that Jane Brocket looks at books, movies, art, textiles, food and nature and brings them into the comfort of "home-sweet-home" so they can fill our senses of hearing, taste, touch, smell and sight.
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After reading just a few pages of this book, you may be swept back to simpler times (that is if you have some age on you) of sewing, gardening, canning and do-it-yourselfers. I really think there are a lot of people now who are jumping on this bandwagon. Reading some of the blogs out there in the internet world, I can really see where young people (and older folks) are enjoying gardens, canning fruits and vegetables, sewing, knitting and embroidering. Maybe there is something to this "domesticity" thing. Do you think it helps the inner spirit? I do. With the fast-paced world and 40 hour work weeks that seem to never end, we need someone to promote sensory-satisfaction (sewing, knitting, quilting, etc) in the confines of our humble abodes. Thank you Jane Brocket. I will wear my "domesticity" badge with pride!
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This will be a good weekend read since Snowbird is resting her tailfeathers and is also waiting on what remains of Tropical Storm Fay to make her way into LA (lower Alabama).

Diagnosis Finally!

2008-08-20T19:15:00.002-05:00

FINALLY! There is a diagnosis for Snowbirds tailfeathers--the lower back pain. It is called SPONDYLOLISTHESIS. That is a mouthful to say without slurring or stuttering. One vertebra slips forward in relation to an adjacent vertebra. And what caused the slip? Two cracks / breaks / fractures in L5. How did that happen? Who knows. Doctor said it could have happened in childhood and just gotten worse with time and the disk finally slipped. The back has always bothered me, but has been worse over the last 7 years. So we will have a program of treatment which includes injection in lower back to reduce inflamation on Monday so he can see the nerves and what all is being compressed.

Sitting is not the best thing for Snowbirds tailfeathers and it shows with the lack of knitting projects. I have spent most evenings laying down because I can't stand the pain from sitting for long periods of time. Makes the 40 hour work week almost unbearable too. Constant pain can not only be physically tasking, but emotionally draining as well. I tried knitting halfway sitting up in bed, but not really comfortable. Knitters will try anything to work on a project. So if I do a couple rows here and there, I might be able to complete another project without any undo stress on the tailfeathers.

*
Thank God for this doctor! Maybe Snowbirds tailfeathers will be on the mend.

Beijing - 2008 Summer Olympics and Tropical Storms

2008-08-16T07:22:00.003-05:00

Yep Snowbird has been caught up in the Summer Olympic Mania. I have watched mens and womens gymnastics, diving, swimming and beach volley ball to name a few. Last night I watched Michael Phelps tie the record Mark Spitz made in 1972. Not giving away any age here, but I remember when Mark Spitz made that history 36 years ago. It was a joy to watch Mark Spitz being graciously interviewed last night and his comments about Michael Phelps. Two great athletes together. More Olympics to watch this weekend.

I will also try to post some knitting this weekend. The needles have been put down somewhat through the Olympics and also to give Snowbirds tailfeathers a rest. The lower back has been giving me fits. So I do my eight hour work day that involves sitting for the better part of the eight hours (I try to take a "walk about" every hour-on-the-hour to stretch and relieve the pressure in lower back). When I come home, I do whatever little bit needs to be done and then lay down to take the stress off the lower back. Thus the needles have been put down. Doctors appointment on Tuesday for next plan of action for my tailfeathers.

Almost forgot! Watching the goings on of Tropical Storm Fay in the Atlantic. Errr! Do not like tropical anything when it has to do with weather and I think you can understand since I live on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The cone on the weather maps make me just a tad bit nervous. Those cones seem to be inching over our way every time I look. I hope this one keeps low winds and just blows through without incident. Will have to wait and see.

Standing on My Soapbox--Trumped Up Resumes

2008-08-01T19:08:00.007-05:00

Sometimes I feel like things need to be said and other times it's good just to suck it up and say absolutely nothing. However, I am on my soapbox now.

I look at how hard I have worked throughout my life (35 years worth) and what it has taken me to get where I am at in my insurance career (licensed insurance agent with two designations and working on #3 and #4). Then I look at what others are trying to accomplish in their careers, but it is done with dishonesty.

When a resume is published and disseminated, make sure what you put on that resume is, in fact, true. Do these people who "trump up" their resumes think they will never get caught? It usually comes out in the wash. Most of the time, it is the little things that will break the resume falsifier.

I know of an instance here locally (and not in my office) where the person has made out that they have certain experience, qualifications and education. Now this is all questionable. Case-in-point: Most offices use a word processing program that we all know. Do you know how to print an envelope using this program? This is the basic-of-basics that even this old timer can do. Yes, they can send e-mails all day, but then most elementary kids can do that with their eyes closed. Do you know what an FEIN is? This person should and yet did not, but was supposedly in a previous operations position where this is actually "101" knowledge. Why lie about your work history? You either have the knowledge, are qualified to do the work or you are not. It is one thing to boss people around (and a lot of people are good at dishing out orders), but it is quite another to "know" the job for which you were hired. Remember: questions and comments in the workplace are a dead giveaway as to whether you are what you say you are. Liars are usually found out.

This is one time that I can honestly say that this individual needs to be discovered and fired. I don't say that often, but then I think falsifying a resume deserves the harshest outcome.

I can truthfully say in my working life of 35 years, my jobs have been secured honestly and without falsifying my resume. "Atta girl and boy and kudos" to all of you who have secured your jobs honestly with a resume that is not trumped up. Shame on all of you who have done otherwise!

P.S. I DON'T BEGRUDGE ANYONE A JOB, BUT OBTAIN IT HONESTLY!

Larry, Moe and Curly in My Backyard!

2008-07-20T13:14:00.008-05:00

Guess what I woke up to on Friday morning before going to work? Larry, Moe and Curly were standing in my backyard! Not really, but that is what I have affectionately named these "guys" who found their way into my postage stamp backyard.

They just sort of meandered into the yard thru a portion of the fence that was half-way down in the back left-hand side of the yard adjoining a farm. It was really quite humorous to see them walking around and just eating the grass that, by the way, needed to be mowed. Young niece, "Bunny", walked down to the owners house to let "farmer Bob" know that we had company in my back 40. Unfortunately, "farmer Bob" was not home. Husband went down later to try and contact "farmer Bob" without success. So the plan was to make sure the side gate was shut and they could stay all day while we were working until someone came home to let "farmer Bob" know that we had his steers.

My Mom kind of watched throughout the day to make sure the gate stayed closed and the steers were safe and that someone didn't call animal control in the subdivision. When I came home they weren't in the back yard. As soon as I walked into the back yard, here they come again over the broken down chainlink fence to check out my surroundings. It was just too funny. "Bunny" and "Baby" (young nieces) went down to "farmer Bobs" who was now home to tell him that Larry, Moe and Curly were in my backyard. Here comes "farmer Bob" with a pail of grain to lure The Three Stooges back home. It was just unreal. "Farmer Bob" kept apologizing about the steers in my back yard and he fixed the fence. Have you ever seen steers/cows jump? These guys actually jumped over the fence that was halfway down. Now I laugh at the nursery rhyme about "and the cow jumped over the moon". Steers/cows can really jump.

I did get a little mowing done on the back yard thanks to Larry, Moe and Curly. Hubby finished the job over the weekend trying to dodge the "cow piles". Hubby also had to adjust the satellite dish so that we could watch TV as it was no longer pointing in the right direction thanks to Larry, Moe and Curly.

"Farmer Bob" plans to add more animals to his little piece of heaven besides cows and horses. The plan is to add some chickens too. Hopefully, the neighbors adjacent to the farm won't mind the "million dollar smell" and the sound of "farmer Bobs" animals being that close to the subdivision. I really don't mind at all. It is better than the smell of paper mills, chemicals and the sound of sirens all the time. Something about watching and hearing nature that helps calm the inner spirit!

Come visit any time Larry, Moe and Curly! If the grass is up, it is yours!

Music to My Ears! Do Snowbirds Have Ears?

2008-07-10T17:39:00.008-05:00

I guess I never thought about whether a bird has ears. When I was thinking about something to write in the blog, it just hit me. So I did a little looking and found these two links with really good information: #1 and #2. One of the things I found interesting in the reading was: Birds can be music buffs and can distinguish between human composers such as Bach and Stravinsky. So what do you think Snowbird would be listening to as she writes today? And do you think birds would love to listen to this violinist? You can find him here. I was personally able to hear him perform with the local symphony and it was absolutely "music to Snowbirds ears". He is fantabulous. Is that a word? If it isn't, it is now. I have downloaded most of his music to the Zune for easy listening. If you ever saw the Ladies in Lavender, the music is being played by this violinist--Joshua Bell.

Snowbird loves all types of music. I grew up in the rock n' roll age, but I have never limited myself to only that type of music. Living in the Deep South, I have even come to like "country" and "blue grass" music. But there is something about "classical" that makes me appreciate the depth of the music. I can listen to the music all day. It is like nature is talking to me when I listen to classical and the various instruments contributing to the overall sound.

Now I would love to see Yo-Yo Ma in concert. My nieces have seen him perform. Another child prodigy playing the cello at age four. Maybe someday! Until then, I will listen on the Zune!

Such beautiful music to Snowbirds ears!

Middle of the Night / How to Soothe the Spirit?

2008-07-08T04:10:00.003-05:00

Don't you just hate it when you can't sleep? That's me. Up again in the middle of the night. Right hip and leg hurts so I'm up to move around. May take a couple of Tylenol and lay back down, but for now, I'm up.

It's also a good time to sort and think things through. Some things I'm thinking about:
(1) Health (lower back and hip) What is next in line for treatment of this problem? Call the doctor today for results of MRI.
(2) Job (commercial insurance) Is it time for a change? Non-stop stress can be a killer especially when you live on the Gulf Coast and spend 1/2 the year in hurricane season and insurance companies don't like where we are located. I like my job, but not the endless stress and mountains of paperwork.
(3) House (need to look at buying) What do I want and need? Simple wants and needs. A place to put my yarn stash and knitting chair is top priority. The rest will just have to fit in somewhere. I like the house I am renting next to little sister, but is it a fit for me and hubby? Hubby would like to move out of the South, but I'm not up to that big of a transition just yet.
(4) Knitting--What project should I work on next? Where to begin? Sweaters or socks?
(5) Cross Stitching--Which project to make for gift giving?
(6) Clean (spare room needs my attention) How to do with lower back issues? I want to make it my craft room.
(7) Lawn (definitely needs attention) Do I hire this done to achieve results that will make Snowbird happy? Did I mention hubby likes to do the grass thing, but not the landscaping. Lawn work for Snowbird is not an option right now.

I use to go to Gulf Shores or Dauphin Island and sit at the water when I needed to think issues through and through. Haven't done that in a while. There is something about sitting next to the water and listening to the waves beat on the shore that helps restore your spirit and then problems or issues just seem to take a back seat.

I've also thought many issues through when I pick up my knitting needles and go for it. Long term sitting not good for back though. Knit a little bit, then stand up and go for short stroll (even if it's just to the end of the driveway or through the house). This takes place all the time.

Maybe a short short road trip on the weekend. Ugh--price of gas! Maybe across the bay and back. I could handle that without breaking the bank.

Waves/water, knitting or road trip? Which one will Snowbird choose to soothe her spirit?

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

2008-07-05T07:35:00.002-05:00

To all knitters, crafters and bloggers, have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend from Snowbird and family.

Snowbird and hubby enjoyed the day off. We ate dinner at little sisters with "Baby" (niece #3) cooking for the group. She made burgers, baked chicken (for those on diets), potato wedges, corn, green beans and baked beans. Her Mom provided apple pie. We didn't have room for the apple pie. Maybe we will enjoy a piece today with a big cup of coffee. Thank you "Baby" for doing the cooking. It is always a joy when "Baby" cooks for the group.

When all of the cooking was going on, little sister and I sat down at the computer to do some geneology research. With little sisters help (she keeps me focused), there were some additions made to the geneology book that just seems to keep growing. We are going down different lines in the family tree now to see who is sitting out there in the branches. We both love that sort of thing. Especially the history associated with past members. We have my Dad's family through the Grandmothers line back to the Revolutionary War. We have a past Great (#5 I believe-always have to check the #) Grandfather who was in the Revolutionary War. So we look back at July 4th with pride knowing that somewhere back there a family member helped establish history and was part and parcel to our nations birthday in some way.

Again, Happy 4th to all!

KnitForKids Sweater #4 for 2008

2008-06-30T19:22:00.004-05:00

KnitForKids sweater #4 is finally finished. I have #5 about 3/4 of the way finished and it will probably be posted over the 4th of July holiday. Everytime I make one of these sweaters, I wonder what child (and in what country) will wear one of my sweaters. I like the fresh peach color of this one. Hopefully, a child somewhere will like it too!

Sleepless in LA (Lower Alabama)

2008-06-26T00:59:00.014-05:00

It is 1AM and Snowbird can't sleep. The last few days have been stressful. It seems I go to bed and wake up thinking about my friend that passed away so young with cancer. The minister at her funeral today said she was 57 (young by my standards). She had fast growing cancer of the brain, lung and liver. A couple of months ago, she was outside at a family members house jumping on the trampoline with the youngsters. Today, she was laid to rest. It is things like this in life that seem so unreal to me. You often ask: "why this person?" Then I step back and think it is not my place to ask that question. My friend had a strong faith in God and lived a life that emulated her faith each and every day. She was not one to slap you in the face with her beliefs, but rather her character displayed her faith. She earned the respect of her working peers and friends by simply being herself. It is hard to say that in society today. I remember her last phone call and note to me in response to a card I sent her. These I will always cherish in her memory.

Early this morning, I will go for an open MRI on my lower back and hip to see what is causing the extreme pain apart from the slipped disk. This is supposed to help the doctor with the next phase of treatment. Snowbird has felt like her tail feathers have been clipped for a long while now and it is time to mend. I can't mend without help from the professionals. So we go through the protocol of treatment on this road to recovery.

I have been reading The Wandering Bunny blog and keeping pace with this young lady's day-to-day life. She is relentless in her love of books and cross stitching. She has also picked up some other arts and crafts along the way--sewing and possibly crocheting. Snowbird has attempted to teach Bunny to knit, but maybe that will come later on down the road. For now, I am happy that she has found some things in life that will occupy her time. I believe that the other blogs she has read and living abroad has fueled her drive to cross-stitch, sew and the like. I am amazed at the young people now who have developed a love for these crafts. It is absolutely wonderful. Bunny's sister, who I call Baby, loves to cook and read. Maybe we can convince Baby to blog so we can keep up with her loves too! Both girls are such a joy. Snowbird doesn't have children of her own, but I often say I have custody rights to Bunny and Baby. Did I mention that Bunny and Baby live right next door and they are my nieces. I smile as I write this.

Well enough for this middle-of-the-night writing. Tomorrow is another day. Wait it is tomorrow already. Until the next post....

In Memory of Patsy

2008-06-22T13:54:00.007-05:00

This is a sad day for me. This morning a good friend passed away after a brief battle with cancer! So hard to say everything I can about Patsy in this post other than she was a hard worker, a good friend and someone you could always talk to about anything. She was always there to listen even when my world seemed to fall apart in 2002. She listened as I talked to her about family, marriage, my Dads' sickness, the death of a very close friend (and how much that friend meant to me) and anything else I needed to talk about. Now I think about Patsy and losing her as well. God hold you Patsy in His care on this day! God please comfort her husband, mother and friends who all loved her! This picture is for Patsy who always used a purple pen in her day-to-day work; the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. She loved God so much! I will miss you Patsy!

Clean and Recyle on Saturday

2008-06-21T08:37:00.005-05:00

Well Snowbird will certainly be busy today with the help of hubby. Waiting for dear hubby to crawl out of bed. He likes to sleep in on Saturday. I'll make some coffee and have a little breakfast and maybe work on some knitting until he gets up. Like to keep the noise down. But after that, going to clean house and take some items to the recycle center. The picture posted is the last accumulation of plastic bottles and cans that made it to the center between two households--mine and little sisters. Today's load is equally as large and about one month later. I have purchased bins to store the cans and plastic so that they don't make it to the regular trash pick-up. I can't say enough about recycling. Every little bit helps. Take care of Mother Earth and she will take care of you. I am researching to see if I can find a knitted (washable) grocery bag so that I won't have to deal with plastic bags. Looking for one with a great bottom and sides that expand with durable handles. So many things on my "to do" list.

Happy Fathers Day!

2008-06-15T07:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Fathers Day to all the men in my life. Especially to my hubby, brother, uncles, nephews and friends. But most importantly this day is special because of my own Father. He passed in 2005 from Alzheimers, but he is always remembered on this day. What can I say about my Dad?
(1) He was first and foremost a husband, Dad, Grandfather and friend.
(2) He was always there to talk to when I needed someone to listen.
(3) He never compromised values, but stood for what was right and ethical. His greatest vice--smoking.
(4) He came from that "greatest generation" that Tom Brokaw wrote about.
(5) Dad could "pinch a penny and make Lincoln cry" I would always say.
(6) He was a good provider. When he passed, we said that "my Dad was the gift that keeps on giving". He made sure my Mom was taken care of even after his passing. He always planned ahead for the "rainy day".
(7) He taught me how to fish.
(8) He always had an orchard both in MI and AL. What a difference between the states in what you can grow.
(9) He planted a garden as long as he was able.
(10) He was never wasteful. He would pull nails out of boards and put them in mason jars just in case he needed them for a future day. He would stack the wood in his shed for another rainy day of need.
(11) He always put his work clothes in the laundry room. My Mom never had to pick up after him.
(12) He liked a good cup of coffee.
(13) His favorite cookies were what we like to call oreos but were vanilla on one side and chocolate on the other filled with creme in the center. He really liked cookies.
(14) Chocolate was another favorite. He liked chocolate covered Cherries and Hershey's Kisses. He was always content with having just one or two and then savoring the rest over a long period of time.
(15) Licorice was another favorite candy.
(16) His favorite other drinks were creme soda, root beer or ginger ale (Vernors).
(17) He was a farmer at heart, but machinist by trade.
(18) He would say he was a "jack of all trades, a master of none". There was really nothing that he couldn't fix.
(19) He was a grandfather. He loved all of his grandchildren equally and was a great influence on his two granddaughters in AL. They called him "Pops".
(20) He wore a billed baseball-like cap always and drove a pick-up truck (his last vehicle).
I could ramble on and on and on about my Dad, but it would become a book. These are a few things I remember most about my Dad that I don't mind sharing with the world.
I hope you like the picture I have selected for this day. It was when he was in the Coast Guard and is the best representation of what my Dad looked like day-to-day except the uniform changed from khaki to navy blue (work clothes).

Happy Birthday Niece #2

2008-06-12T21:19:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Niece #2. I hope this has been a wonderful day for you! Time sure does go by fast. I remember your entry point into this world at about 2 pounds. But, by the power of medicine and maybe a little help from above, you have surprised everyone. You graduated tops in your class in high school and college and moved across that big pond (Atlantic) for a year to get your Masters degree in England. Who says small packages can't contain big things. Way to go little girl! Each day is a new adventure! I hope all of your adventures through this life will serve you well! Love ya!

[Glitterfy.com - *Glitter Photos*]

Future Figgy Goodness!

2008-06-08T07:50:00.006-05:00

These little beauties are on their way to becoming fig preserves, strawberry and/or raspberry fig jam. Nothing better than a biscuit with good butter and fig preserves and/or jam. The fig tree is loaded this year. So I have to make a concerted effort to get out there and save as many as I can before the birds have a field day with the figs. I also really like fig newton cookies, but just don't know if I have the nerve to try to bake these little goodies. Saw Martha Stewart make homemade fig newton cookies one time, but..... Hmmm! I may just have to get my nerve up and give it a try.

Boyfriend Curse?

2008-05-30T19:18:00.006-05:00

I've read so many articles and postings on the "boyfriend curse" in knitting. Well, I'm here to say that I don't really believe in curses, but I've experienced the question as to whether or not it is or isn't a curse to knit for your boyfriend. Many years ago, I decided to knit a tennis sweater for my then boyfriend. This took place in the early 1970's (so I'm giving away some age here). It was gorgeous to say the least--off white with red and blue stripes at the waistband, sleeves and neckline. Pretty proud of myself, I was! I gifted this sweater to boyfriend and it fit like a dream and he really liked the sweater. Now the question is: Did the relationship last? Well, what do you think? I, til this day, can't say what the ex-boyfriend did with the sweater. I think of all the "woman power" that went into knitting that thing. When SNOWBIRD moved to the Deep South, boyfriend just went POOF! After a while, he married someone else.
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LESSON LEARNED!
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Did I knit hubby a sweater before I married him? NO!
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Hubby pestered me and pestered me until I finally relented and put yarn to the needles and made him a great looking dark green sweater. I have only made him one sweater in our 14 years together and that has been in the last five years. Don't want to take any risks. Hubby has decided he wants another sweater out of a hemp blend for durability. Do I dare knit another? Probably will since the curse is only for boyfriends.
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So what makes boyfriends run when you knit them a sweater? Haven't found any answers to that one yet.

Socks!

2008-05-25T00:10:00.006-05:00

This is my latest endeavor! Knitting another pair of socks. Check out Grumperina's blog for her GOOD NEWS! Really like the yarn in her name by Lorna's Laces, colorway and the feel. I purchased my yarn at Birds N' Yarn. Shipment was super fast. The only differential is that mine seems to be spiraling instead of consistent rows of one or the other color. I have more skeins in a different dye lot that I will be trying to see if the same thing happens. May change the ribbing to a solid color and the body of the sock with the variegated. Whatever! I still like the sock so far.

T G I F!

2008-05-16T06:32:00.004-05:00

I T'S F R I D A Y! Finally! It's been busy the last two weeks. Have been in physical therapy three times a week for lower back. It is helping some, but pain is still there. So PT this morning and then back to the doctor for discussion and then off to work I go to finish my 40 hours.

Working on two pairs of socks and will post some updates this weekend when my photographer of choice (hubby) can make some time to take pictures for me. Oh yes, I did buy some more sock yarn and it is LOVELY! Just could not help myself and I have my eye on some more that I just saw this morning blogging around that I may have to add to my stash!

Update on Sam (see picture posted earlier of my sisters rescue dog)! He has gone from about 8 lbs at rescue to 35 lbs and is about 5 months old. Wonder how much Sam will weigh in about one year? He is growing like a weed!

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-11T04:04:00.002-05:00

Happy Mothers Day to all Mom's everywhere! Especially Happy Mothers Day to my own Mom who is 87 years old. She still gets around great and is as sharp as a tack. I hope everyone has a great day! Aren't we thankful that Anna Jarvis in the early 1900's thought that Mothers should have some sort of special recognition.

KnitForKids Sweater # 3 for 2008

2008-04-27T21:10:00.004-05:00

KnitForKids sweater #3 for 2008 is finished. This has been done for about a week, but just needed to take a picture and post. Behind on my knitting goal for 2008 KnitForKids. Need one for the month of April. Must select the yarn and get to "throwin." Yes, I knit by "throwing" the yarn and not "picking" the yarn. This is the way I learned to knit many years ago. I can knit "picking", but like my pace by "throwing". I guess each to their own way of knitting.

EARTH DAY 2008 - WHY RECYCLE?

2008-04-22T18:30:00.006-05:00

Today is EARTH DAY 2008. A day to celebrate our great earth, the air we breath, the land we walk on and the beauty we enjoy. Do we take these things for granted? Some evidently do. Do we try to preserve our earth so that we can continue to celebrate its beauty? We should start somewhere in our quest to keep our air and soil clean and toxin free. Have you tried recycling?

Why recycle? Think of everything you put in your trash cans and then to the curb for pick-up and then it is toted off to a landfill somewhere. How many tons of garbage do Americans dispose of every year? Check out Keep America Beautiful for some interesting facts and figures about how we are treating our earth and, in particular, our great nation.

I set a personal goal to recycle plastic bottles, milk jugs, aluminum cans, glass, paper and anything else that our local recycle center will accept. It takes a little more effort, but I couldn't believe how much my family and my extended family next door accumulates in just one month. When I thought this through, how much have I contributed to the landfill problem?

The starting point for me was a program I watched one day on PBS about Rachel Carson in the 1950's and early 1960's. A woman ahead of her time. Her quest was to take care of nature and eco-systems. The end of the program focused on plastic bottles and batteries that are thrown into landfills. I could not believe how much waste. Better yet, what did not decompose in landfills--plastic. I cannot begin to imagine how our trash is affecting any eco-system? I would like to put my head in the sand and not think about it, but I can't stop thinking about the eco-systems. My choices can affect life.

This is something I truly truly support. I have been able to see the eco-systems in the Great Lakes Region of the United States and on the Gulf Coast. Both areas of the country worry about how to maintain healthy eco-systems. One life supports another life and so on and so on. When this breaks down because of our polluting air, land and water, we have problems.

Okay, I'm trying to get off my soapbox now.

Help in some small way-- RECYCLE.

SAM, I AM !

2008-04-19T06:44:00.013-05:00

This post is about a rescue. A small bundle of wonder that weighed 8 lbs. found by the side of the road that is now almost 20 lbs. and still growing. This bundle of energy is a chocolate lab. Luckily for him, my little sister (who has a soft heart for animals) found him and gave him a caring home. She came walking over to my house with him all wrapped up and I thought I had another member of my family. She said this one was hers and had already named him. MEET SAM!

Sam now has a backyard full of toys, a new doggie igloo, plenty of water and food, a vet who is watching out for his health, a master that walks him almost every night (let's correct that, Sam walks his master) and a German Shephard next door that thinks Sam belongs to her. The shephard runs the fence when Sam is in training mode. He has a lot of "puppyness" that he will grow out of with age. He is a pure joy. We are glad to have this chocolate lab as part of the family. SAM, I AM!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIECE # 3

2008-04-13T21:32:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday niece #3, my namesake. It does not seem possible that you are 24 today, April 14, 2008. Thank you for all of the many years of fun and laughter that you have brought to my life. I wish you the very best birthday possible!

1928 - 2005 In Memory of My Dad

2008-04-03T22:37:00.009-05:00

April 4, 2005 seems like yesterday when you quietly went to sleep and left us. You are missed each and every day. Thank you Daddy for always being there for me. Words can not say thank you enough for always being my protector. I wish I could have protected you from the disease that ravaged your mind and took your memory. With all that you lost, you did not forget my name. I pray that a cure will be found for this disease called Alzheimer's. Rest in God's loving care Daddy! You will always be missed!

Please support research for Alzheimer's. Help those with Alzheimer's and those in the blogging community as well who may have/had family members with this disease. Check out Through the Loops for a wonderful way to help in the research and treatment of this disease. When you donate for the knitted vest pattern in memory of Dr. G, you will be helping support Alzheimer's research.

Sobering statistics regarding Alzheimer's:
• As many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s.

• 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime.

• Every 71 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s.

• Alzheimer's is the seventh-leading cause of death.

KnitForKids Sweater #2 for 2008

2008-03-31T22:10:00.003-05:00

This is sweater number two for my 2008 KnitForKids personal goal. I like this one better than the first sweater posted. It seamed up better in the bodice. I am behind one sweater, but will get to it shortly.

KnitForKids Sweater #1 for 2008

2008-03-30T20:30:00.008-05:00

Finished seaming a tee-sweater for KnitForKids. Not sure if I really like this one. I'll stick to tried and true in the future. The bodice and bottom ribbing is different on either side. The common denominator is the variegated yarn in the body of the sweater. Added a row of single crochet at the neck and sleeve edges in the variegated for contrast. I'm just glad that a child somewhere will have something warm to wear.

I'm seaming another sweater for this charity and will post it shortly. Trying to knit about 12 sweaters or one a month for 2008. The thing is to make sure that I knit for all sizes (2 - 10) and not just the smaller sizes. I don't have children of my own to knit for, so knitting for this charity fills the void. Yes, I am one sweater behind. Need to get the needles clicking to meet my goal.

Neighbors Barking Dog

2008-03-26T04:47:00.007-05:00

What do you do when it is 3AM and every morning the neighbors dog wakes you up barking? This is every morning. It is early morning and every night as well. I like animals, but how do you sleep through the constant barking? Is the dog cold (it is 42 degrees outside)? Is the dog thirsty? Is the dog hungry? I have gone to my back door and shouted at the dog to be quiet, but to no avail. Do I go over to the neighbors house in the middle of the night and ask them to do something with the dog? Do I call animal control or ASPCA? What do I do? The neighbors behind me and on the other side have dogs and you don't hear them. It is frustrating enough to make this snowbird cry especially since I do the 40 hour work week! I'M GOING TO MAKE COFFEE, GET MY KNITTING OUT AND THINK THIS THROUGH!

Legend of the Dogwood Tree

2008-03-23T21:58:00.001-05:00

There is a legend, that at the time of the Crucifixion the dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it: "Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross...two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red, and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see it remember...that it was upon a dogwood tree I was crucified and this tree shall not be mutilated or destroyed, but cherished as a reminder of My death upon the cross."