Autumn and Time Goes By

So the last year has been unreal. So much going on with work, health and trying to obtain some normalcy in life. If normalcy is still obtainable after the last year. I can finally see again (great eye surgeon) and the knitting has picked up speed with socks, hats, cowl's and quite a few WIP's. Crocheting too. Blankets for anything I can possibly devise. So pictures are definitely forthcoming.

Can tell it is Autumn. Have made it through worst week of hurricane season on the Gulf Coast and pray for no more storms. College football in full swing. Loving it a lot. So I knit and watch a little football.

Looking for a job where I can work remotely from home. It would mean a pay cut, but the last year has helped with that decision. So hoping this will come to fruition.

Have really enjoyed the knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and crafting podcasts. Even some audio podcasts. It is great to see what other "makers" are doing throughout the world.

Been listening to a couple of audio books. Will comment on those later. Going to re-read Pride and Prejudice. Not sure how many times this will make.

Finally, please pray that those affected by the hurricanes over the last month will get the help and support needed. I know the military is now in Puerto Rico. Supplies and water making it in the country. More is needed. Navy medical vessel is on its way to the island. The smaller islands and territories need help too. Check out the charitable organizations that can make your donations count for Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the island groups. Any amount will help the vast need.

Will chat later from the nest.

Snowbird.

Where Has Snowbird Been?

It has been quite a while since my last post. In fact, it was in 2015. So what has Snowbird been doing over the last year? Quite frankly, I have been studying. Yep, I have been working on one of those insurance designations that is time consuming and has multiple parts. Well I finished the last test in September and waiting for the grade which I should have within the next couple of weeks. I feel very good about the test and excited to have this behind me.

So what is this insurance course that has taken up the better part of a year? Certified Insurance Counselor or CIC as it's better known through the National Alliance. I chose to take the five part course using an option that is webinar-based over a five week period and then test for each segment. This happened for each of the five segments -- webinar for five weeks and then test. So as the courses became available, I would sign up and then I was in the insurance zone. Spent many nights awake before testing; just studying. So it is wait for the final result.

What will I do with my time now that I'm not in the insurance zone using up all of my weekends and evenings to study insurance? You can only guess. Yahoo! I am itching to get back to my knitting and crafts. I might get some help with a long overdue project that just needs to be finished. It doesn't require knitting, but sewing and quilting is required.

Can I say I have really missed crafting.

Miss Clara's Raglan Sweater

One day last week, I went to the bookstore at lunch. After making my selection and waiting to check out, I noticed the elderly lady in front of me. It wasn't so much the woman, but the sweater she was wearing. Only a knitter would notice the raglan sleeves and know immediately that it was a hand knit sweater. As she was waiting for the clerk to obtain a book she had on hold, I asked her if she made her sweater and, to my delight, the answer was yes.  She had made it years ago. When she turned around, I could see the knitted bands up the front and the specially selected buttons. The sweater was a beautiful buttercup yellow color. The raglan sleeve was done by yarn overs. Continuing to talk, she said she had started another sweater just like it back in the 90's, but had run out of yarn/fiber. I told her that was okay because every knitter in their lifetime had done the same thing. It was so nice to talk to her on that day. My day was very stressful at work and I usually don't leave for lunch, but just meeting and talking to her took away some of the anxiety from my workday.

Thank you Miss Clara for being at the right place at the right time.

HI HO HI HO Off to Work, Work, Work

I wish I could sing about going to work, but not really.
I appreciate my job and vocation and never want to appear unthankful to God for the blessing he has given me to work and help care for my family, but then....

So today is eight days in a row that I have been in the office chair trying to push through the insurance paperwork. Cannot tell you how many weekends since September 1st that I have been in that office chair. The last quarter of 2014 and January have been extremely hectic. Missing one person in the department and other changes have put an undue burden on a lot of people. I have been in this business for a very long time, but this year has made me decide that maybe I need to slow down a bit. Entirely too much work for one person to do. There are some options that I am looking at along with my husband. I can possibly work at home and he can too. So we are going to pursue this option. It will mean a pay cut, but the sacrifice would be worth my well being not only physically, but mentally and spiritually. So I will fill out the application and see what happens next.

I am hoping that slowing down and reducing the stress will allow me to do the things I love -- knitting, crocheting, embroidery and anything else that fits into crafting.

So with God's help and turning all over to him, I am looking to make changes. Praying all will work out.

The Mockingbird Next Door - Life With Harper Lee

My latest read  was The Mockingbird Next Door - Life With Harper Lee by Marja Mills. Not sure why this caught my eye, but it did. I am careful about books that have tried to capitalize on Harper Lee.  Ms. Mills has managed to give us a birds eye view of Harper Lee, but also to let the mockingbird continue to sing through her original work and thus maintain her privacy.

Interjection -- I read a lot and especially anything that has to do with Monroe County, Alabama. My mother grew up in that county. So I've lived a life hearing stories from that area. Continuing...

Needless to say, Marja Mills must have had the "journalistic gods" with her on the day she tapped on the front door of Harper and Alice Lee. To be invited in and then to spend time with the elusive author is what I call "happenstance" (circumstance especially that is due to chance). What are the chances? But it did happen and we now get a firsthand look at the life of Nelle Harper Lee and her older sister Alice Lee and their close friends. How she has managed to elude the press and people who would have otherwise stalked her is beyond me. I do know that when you go "visiting" in Monroe County or any little crossroads in that county, people will know you are there. It is a grapevine like none I've ever witnessed before. A license plate number that begins with letters other than their own county, is recognized as someone "visiting". The grapevine starts buzzing as to who might be "visiting". People will know who you are before you leave the county. Enough about the grapevine....

The book was an escape for me. It took me on a journey that you wouldn't understand unless you had relatives who grew up in that area. It is an understanding of a close-knit community of friends. Friends who treat you the same no matter who you had become in the eyes of the outside world. They let Harper Lee continue to live her life without interference and kept her confidences so she could do just that -- live a basic, unencumbered life.

Harper Lee did not write another book after To Kill a Mockingbird. A sequel could have followed. There is so much about Scout, Jem and Dill that would have made a sequel within reach.

My prayer is that more people will continue to read To Kill a Mockingbird and take to heart the life lessons conveyed by Atticus, Jem and Scout.

Thank you Marja Mills for not giving up and staying the course or as they say in Monroe County "keep on keeping on".

Silk Hankies

So I found out quite by accident something that has intrigued me to the point of reading and finding out its history in the fiber world -- silk. I guess my interest was piqued when I went to the Alabama Fibers Arts Festival a month or so ago with my sisters. I purchased some sari remnants.  After that I was on a mission. I have read, watched videos and made an additional purchase. My recent purchase -- silk hankies. Yes hankies. Not like the cotton-type put in your handbag or you embroider with pretty designs, but squares made from individual cocoons that have been processed, stretched over frames and then dyed.

The processing and laying out of the hankies one on top of the other renders what looks like not much fiber, but when you start pulling the individual layers from the center the magic begins. What didn't look like much silk to begin with rendered this amount of silk to knit with:

A total of 22 cocoons made this much silk. I did not spin the silk, but opted to pull the fibers (really long fiber length) and will knit with it this way which will do just fine. I have three more packets to pull.

The silk fiber was purchased from See Jayne Knit. She has an ETSY shop and sells some of her hand dyed silk hankies there along with information on the amount of silk you can get from the hankies and expected estimated yardage. The color of my purchase is Monet.

I will knit something special as a gift and will post end results later.

Happy knitting....

Snowbird!

Chevron Baby Blanket

So I had a special request from a woman I work with for her new little grandson. She gave me a piece of the gray and white chevron pattern that would be the design for the bumper pad and crib set. So I thought about this pattern and decided on my version of chevron while still using the gray and white. I incorporated a hit of blue for a little guy. She really liked the blanket.

Alabama Fiber Festival

Last weekend my sisters and I took a vacation day on Friday and went to Montgomery, Alabama. One day for family visit and another at the annual Alabama Fiber Festival.

Friday we spent the day with our 90 year old aunt. She is the last in my Mother's family. What a delight to spend time with her. She is as sharp as a tack and doesn't miss anything. My favorite picture of my aunt is one where she is holding her cellphone. Not bad for 90 years old.

On Saturday, the three musketeers went to the Farmers Market in Montgomery and looked at the flowers, fruits and vegetables. Really wish I had a pick-up truck. I would have loaded it up with plants and bushes for my backyard. Instead, I came away with red and green pepper jelly, Mayhaw jelly and apple butter. Saving the pepper jellies for Christmas to serve over cream cheese with crackers.

Then on to the Alabama Fiber Festival. What fun we had! Got to look at all kinds of fibers as well as the real live alpacas, sheep and rabbits. Bought an organic cotton baby afghan kit and two sari silk skeins. Little sister and I took a spinning class. Harder than you might think. Big sister took a weaving class. We came away with so much to talk about. Dreams of future purchases of spinning wheels and looms danced in our heads. We are planning on going to the next fiber festival in Georgia to be held in the Fall.

Relaxing today. May pick-up an afghan I am crocheting for the newest member of the family -- great nephew baby Nick.

First Book Read in 2014 - The Joshua Code; Job Change

Finished reading my first book of 2014. The Joshua Code written by O.S. Hawkins. A spiritual guide book to various scriptures in the Bible. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It definitely made me think about my past, present and future. There are times I need to read something besides fiction, biographies or history. This book fulfilled the times for something else to read. It also helped me to look hard at my present and where I want to be in the future....

I want to read more and work on my crafts in 2014. I have been too involved in my secular employment to the point where I am truly burn-out. I haven't found the energy to read or work on crafts. Both things I love. I have decided to find another job. I have worked for this company for 8 1/2 years and will not spend another December not enjoying the holidays because of my job.  When I left work on Friday before Christmas on Wednesday, I had chest pains and could hardly see to drive home. This from someone with heart disease. I will not let the stress do me in. So I am looking to either work at home or dial back considerably. I intend to keep my agents license and the designations that I have worked so hard to obtain over the years. So the change I will make is where I obtain a paycheck twice a month.

Time to call it a day and get some rest. TGIF tomorrow.

Memorable Christmas

Needless to say, Christmas day was memorable in Mobile, Alabama. A tornado hit mid-town Mobile.  This is the second time in a week that a tornado came through this portion of Mobile. The first one was an F1 and the second an F2. The second tornado a result of a weather system tied to crazy jet streams and it was named EUCLID. When did the weather channel start naming storms moving across the US? Hopefully, they will stop that nonsense quickly. Being in the insurance business, naming a storm on the Gulf Coast creates all kind of havoc. Hopefully, we are done with this type of  bad weather for awhile. Since I live in the outskirts of Mobile, no damage here. The mid-towners didn't fair as well. I hope they can get their repairs done and back to some sort of normalcy soon.

Other than weather, Christmas was great. Received some readables including crafting and knitting books. Also, got to spend the day with my family. What greater gift can there be.

If all goes well in 2013, I might be able to post more knitting projects. Have a few ideas and things in the wings that will make it to the blog.

Happy Holidays to everyone and I hope you have a blessed New Year!

Life Lesson

I wish I could say that I have learned a lot in my almost 57 years on this earth, but life lessons occur often. Today was another life lesson for me. This one was a tough pill to swallow. I worked for an individual for 11 years and knew a lot of this persons friends and family members some of whom were clients. We got together at company functions, birthday parties, etc. I left this individuals employe in 2005 for a better job opportunity. This person passed away last week and I went to the services. I was snubbed by this persons brother and a close friend. I talked to them daily if not each week for 11 years and saw them regularly. So imagine my surprise when they acted like they didn't even know my name. My leaving this persons employe caused this individual to take a nosedive? I don't think so. I could not stop this individual from the choices made. I forgive the individuals for their action. More importantly, I pray that God will give my former employer peace; peace not accomplished here on earth.

Family Tree - Needles in a Haystack

So I've spent some time lately with little sister shaking some family trees. Not the Northern family or even those on the East coast, it's the Southern line that we are working on diligently. I must say that I am not impressed with the documentation found so far and the skills of the enumerators. Their skills (spelling) have a lot to be desired. What you might find in one year may be totally different in the next ten year census (spelling). How can they be so far off? Not all are bad. In fact, I've found some that are really quite good. I was totally impressed with the information that the census-taker provided. But, for the most part, they are pitiful.

So with the complaining aside, I have managed to tap on some Southern walls and found quite a bit of information on my Grandfathers family. There are, however, some proverbial "needles in the haystack". I'm going to keep digging until I find my "needles".

Between myself and little sister, we have spent some hours researching, looking and ordering information. I hope that we can leave our family with enough information so that they will not question who were the leaves on their trees ever again.

I might need to pick up the knitting needles again and think of something else for a change. I'll get back to the tree soon though.

Snowbird

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July to all my friends and family. It is very hot in the Deep South. We will cook out later in the day with Angus burgers and brats on the menu. Potato salad is made (for little sister). Spaghetti salad is in the refrigerator (request of young nephew).  Rest of food provided by other family members -- Bunny, Baby and my little sister. Thinking about making some peach cobbler (my quick recipe). We'll wait and see.

Thank you to my grandfathers many generations back who fought in the Revolutionary War and now we can celebrate their victory with them.

I hope everyone has a safe and blessed holiday!

Happy Birthday Baby and Bunny

So I'm a little behind posting to the blog. I hope my nieces, Baby and Bunny will forgive me for not wishing them a Happy Birthday online. They are two wonderful young women whom I have had the pleasure to watch grow up since they were itty bitty. I love them dearly.

Love you both!

Aunt Snowbird

Light Reading

Since January 1st, I have put in more time reading and less time knitting to spare the use of right arm. It seems to be working.  Less constant pain, but it's still there. The following is a list of the books read from January to present:

1) The Quilter's Apprentice (Jennifer Chiaverini)
2) The Violets of March (Sarah Jio)
3) Friendship Bread (Darien Gee)
4) Ice Run: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
5) A Cold Day In Paradise: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
6) Winter of the Wolf Moon: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
7) The Hunting Wind: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
8) North of Nowhere: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
9) Book Is the Sky: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
10) A Stolen Season: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
11) Misery Bay: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
12) The Forgotten Garden (Kate Morton)

As you can tell, I've become a fan of the Alex McKnight series by Steve Hamilton. Another will be released in the next couple of months. Definitely will read. Thanks to Stitches of Violet for posting this author on her blog. They have been great reads. I especially wanted to read Steve Hamiltons' novels as his story lines take place in the UP of Michigan.

I have started another book by Kate Morton. Her books are large reads, but enjoyable. Others are on the Kindle to be read. Some are classics.

To my reading, I've added scriptural from the Bible. I've read the gospel account of St. John and almost finished with St. Matthew. It is my goal to read all of the New Testament by years end.

More later.....

Snowbird

Spun Sugar - Baby Sweater

So I was asked a few months ago to knit a pink sweater for a friends granddaughter that made her appearance in January. Just a little late posting this, but better late than never.  I was in a quandry as what to knit as I did not want to do my traditional quick sweater. So I took in a few patterns and my friend liked the one with buttons best. So did I. This is the outcome of my knitting project with the pattern taken from the July 2005 Creative Knitting magazine:

 

Not the best picture, but taken with a cell phone at work after I gifted the sweater. I enjoyed making this sweater and gifting it for the new little girl. The grandmother cried.

Snowbird

Big Boo and the Rainbow Bridge

I thought I should post something about the passing of my best four-legged friend for over 18 years, Big Boo. He was the first present I ever received from my Hubby. Hubby did not like me being alone when he was not around. So Big Boo entered my life. He was a freebie. The first yellow kitten I picked-up, I kept -- Big Boo. He has been very sick over the last four months. So on February 16th at about 9:30 PM, Big Boo said goodbye to me and Hubby. He has made his way to the Rainbow Bridge as I was told by Big Boo's doctor -- Dr. Chris. Thank you Dr. Chris for taking such good care of Big Boo these last few months. I knew when I got up on the 16th that it was going to be a hard day for my little furry friend. I came home and he could hardly walk without falling over. I held him for a couple of hours while he slept. He woke up in convulsions. Hubby and I called Dr. Chris and made the trip to his office.  We stayed with Big Boo to the end and brought him home to lay him to rest. I am going to get two yellow roses to plant near Big Boo in his memory. I will always miss you Big Boo!!!

Phoebe's Sweater

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!

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!

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