I don't make resolutions any more. Fifty years of failure have taught me something. (At last.)
I do ponder the year that is ending, however, and consider what was worthwhile, what was learned, and what things are worth carrying forward into the new year.
Gretchen Rubin, who wrote The Happiness Project and Happier at Home reminds me that the basis of a rich and contented life is the friendships and the relationship you have with those who are closest to you. So I feel very blessed to have made some new friends and to have kept in touch with other (not brand new friends), and to have gotten to hug some old friends. I'm happy that Good Guy appears to be quite contented here as well.
Somewhere else I read the idea of choosing a word to give you guidance in the next year. Just one word----and you don't have to choose hastily. I'm working on it.
Yesterday, we got a sermon to carry us forward into the new year, based on a child's evaluation of the Christmas Eve service. He yelled at the end, "Hooray, hooray! Jesus is born! Let's get busy!"
Our pastor thinks that's a fine motto for his congregation for the next year of service. Our church serves a Christmas Dinner for the community both at church and delivering meals to people. This year we (they----I only baked a cake) served over 700 meals. I can't remember the exact number, because I was so gobsmacked when he said the 700 part.
So I wish you peace and joy as you consider the year that's ending. And I wish you happy anticipation as you look forward to the upcoming year. There is much to do. Let's get busy with a big happy grin on our faces.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Fin 2012
Hi Friends---
One last shout out and fragment posting to all my faithfuls who share their lives at Mrs 4444's Half Past Kissin' Time at the tail end of every week. (Friday Fragments gives us a place to store our bits and pieces.) I'm waiting for Mrs. 4444 to send us a rent bill. Check us all out here.
1. I am amazed at the amount of food teenagers can eat. I extend my admiration and sympathy to all of you who are still raising your children. I now see the whole economic crisis with fresh eyes.
2. As a way of focusing my attention on the reason Christian folk celebrate the solstice season, I have simplified a great many things that I used to fuss over. It has made life much simpler and sweeter in December. If it isn't a tradition that is important to Good Guy---it doesn't matter.
3. My most inventive present this year was having sausage made by a friend for GG's gift. He was so surprised at being presented with a heavy, frozen package (stored in my car in a cooler since the night before). This is the man who proudly told his golfing partners that his wife bought him a pork roast for Valentine's Day. You've gotta love a guy who's so easy to buy for.
4. On Sunday morning we watched the children's program at Brotherbob's church in Beaver Dam. All the kids were sweet, but there was one little shepherd who was beyond cute. Merry Christmas little boy!
5. My daughter knows how to please. Check out the front of my new sweatshirt.
6. I thank you, Mrs. 4444 for the virtual Yarn-of-the-Month club. You always use your powers for good. I'm gifting you back with a virtual year's worth of puppy chow.
I bid you all a Happy New Year (and a safe and joyful New Year's Eve.)
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Your'e Invited to the Slugfest
On the day after Christmas, with the refrigerator filled with leftovers, we are sitting around like slugs.
It is possible we are showing even less initiative than slugs; it's hard to tell. It would be fun if you were here, (if we knew one another better) so we could just relax, have a cup of whatever your favorite beverage might be, and just kick back and read, or knit, or chat.
This past year I took some advice from Gretchen Rubin and worked on my friendships. I sent more birthday cards, I made some phone calls, I texted messages, I got dressed and showed up at places I used to by-pass. This really did make my year much richer and fuller. I thank you all, since not all my friends are known to me by sight.
I had a funny experience over the weekend while we were visiting at Brotherbob's. After church we went out for brunch, and Mrs. Brotherbob was greeted with hugs by a big family who were also at the restaurant. When I was introduced to some of the members of the family, I realized the children had been on the prayer chain for months and months. Everyone looked quite happy and healthy that day, which was gratifying, indeed.
Still ahead for us is the whole family bash on Saturday with ethnic foods and crowded rooms and lots of laughing and fun. My sister and brother-in-law have lots of room and paper plates, and outlets to plug in the crock pots so we will gather there. Before that I have baking and meatball making to do.
But not today. Today is for hibernation and vegetation. If you come over, knock and then walk right in. And bring your knitting. Or your book.
See ya!
It is possible we are showing even less initiative than slugs; it's hard to tell. It would be fun if you were here, (if we knew one another better) so we could just relax, have a cup of whatever your favorite beverage might be, and just kick back and read, or knit, or chat.
This past year I took some advice from Gretchen Rubin and worked on my friendships. I sent more birthday cards, I made some phone calls, I texted messages, I got dressed and showed up at places I used to by-pass. This really did make my year much richer and fuller. I thank you all, since not all my friends are known to me by sight.
I had a funny experience over the weekend while we were visiting at Brotherbob's. After church we went out for brunch, and Mrs. Brotherbob was greeted with hugs by a big family who were also at the restaurant. When I was introduced to some of the members of the family, I realized the children had been on the prayer chain for months and months. Everyone looked quite happy and healthy that day, which was gratifying, indeed.
Still ahead for us is the whole family bash on Saturday with ethnic foods and crowded rooms and lots of laughing and fun. My sister and brother-in-law have lots of room and paper plates, and outlets to plug in the crock pots so we will gather there. Before that I have baking and meatball making to do.
But not today. Today is for hibernation and vegetation. If you come over, knock and then walk right in. And bring your knitting. Or your book.
See ya!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Stop the Car!
I should title 60% of my blog postings, Live and Learn. Yes, I know that would be dull, and you'd skip over it saying, "Oh, I read that already."
But, this weekend while we took a quick trip to Brotherbob's and stopped to watch Women's Basketball in Green Bay, we passed through snow country. The kind of snow that leaves the trees laden and beautiful and the kind that leaves lovely statues of snow people in yards.
So, in a fit of Being Prepared, I brought a camera. Eureka, the batteries were new. I even remembered to take it out of the purse and aim it at scenes of beauty.
The error this time was that we were moving at a steady 50 miles per hour and everything is blurry. New snow can make things appear overexposed as well. I will treat you to a sample.
The top one would be the clearest, since I was in a stopped car while Good Guy was patronizing a meat shop. It is only snowbanks, but I haven't seen any like that for a good long while unless it was near a big box store.
This is more typical of the quality I can share with you. It was awesome to see, yet you have only my word for it. You can feel that you should do something, but you can't make yourself LIKE it. I like to have pictures, and thankfully, Good Guy takes good ones when he thinks to take a camera.
I'll give you the link to his blog when he decides he likes to write as well. (Don't hold your breath.)
In the meantime, think cool thoughts----and have a very merry Christmas (and for some of you, a happy birthday, too.)
As for me and my house, we have just had a funny Christmas Eve with a non traditional supper of spaghetti, tossed salad, garlic bread and brownies. Our traditional CE meal was too much work and will be duplicated at the celebration with my sisters and their families on Saturday. So First Daughter, the Photographer, and two grandsons were with us for supper and the evening. Great fun. Everyone enjoyed the meal.
Now on to the stocking stuffing and putting the manger with the wee baby into the creche set. Happy Birthday, Dear Baby.
So, in a fit of Being Prepared, I brought a camera. Eureka, the batteries were new. I even remembered to take it out of the purse and aim it at scenes of beauty.
The error this time was that we were moving at a steady 50 miles per hour and everything is blurry. New snow can make things appear overexposed as well. I will treat you to a sample.
The top one would be the clearest, since I was in a stopped car while Good Guy was patronizing a meat shop. It is only snowbanks, but I haven't seen any like that for a good long while unless it was near a big box store.
This is more typical of the quality I can share with you. It was awesome to see, yet you have only my word for it. You can feel that you should do something, but you can't make yourself LIKE it. I like to have pictures, and thankfully, Good Guy takes good ones when he thinks to take a camera.
I'll give you the link to his blog when he decides he likes to write as well. (Don't hold your breath.)
In the meantime, think cool thoughts----and have a very merry Christmas (and for some of you, a happy birthday, too.)
As for me and my house, we have just had a funny Christmas Eve with a non traditional supper of spaghetti, tossed salad, garlic bread and brownies. Our traditional CE meal was too much work and will be duplicated at the celebration with my sisters and their families on Saturday. So First Daughter, the Photographer, and two grandsons were with us for supper and the evening. Great fun. Everyone enjoyed the meal.
Now on to the stocking stuffing and putting the manger with the wee baby into the creche set. Happy Birthday, Dear Baby.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
A Lovely, Peaceful Day
As you know the weather forecast for the Midwest was full of warnings and doom for the winter storm event. In the past, this was the sort of weather we expected when it was winter. It was going to snow and then it was going to blow, and we'd have to shovel, and driving would be hazardous.
Remember when this happened all the time?
In those days, we had to bundle up, plow out, and get to work. Oddly enough, no bad weather ever kept old folks from getting themselves to their doctor's appointment! It was like a big social event, going to see the doctor.
But for us today, we wandered around the house, occasionally shoveling our way out to refill the bird feeders or to brush off the snow. We had music playing and the tree alight, while I wrapped presents and drank cocoa, and tea. Then I did a little knitting, and then I took a nap.
It's too snowy to go out and do more shopping, or socializing. Weight Watchers was cancelled. (A lucky day for me.) None of us who were going to lunch together thought it was worth risking our lives to get together for lunch. We'll do it next week instead.
So it was a peaceful, quiet day, broken by the sound of the snowplow going by now and then.
But we enjoyed watching the snow accumulate, and watching the cardinals, juncos, chickadees, mourning doves, blue jays, and redpolls decimate the seed supply.
Merry Christmas!
Remember when this happened all the time?
In those days, we had to bundle up, plow out, and get to work. Oddly enough, no bad weather ever kept old folks from getting themselves to their doctor's appointment! It was like a big social event, going to see the doctor.
But for us today, we wandered around the house, occasionally shoveling our way out to refill the bird feeders or to brush off the snow. We had music playing and the tree alight, while I wrapped presents and drank cocoa, and tea. Then I did a little knitting, and then I took a nap.
It's too snowy to go out and do more shopping, or socializing. Weight Watchers was cancelled. (A lucky day for me.) None of us who were going to lunch together thought it was worth risking our lives to get together for lunch. We'll do it next week instead.
So it was a peaceful, quiet day, broken by the sound of the snowplow going by now and then.
But we enjoyed watching the snow accumulate, and watching the cardinals, juncos, chickadees, mourning doves, blue jays, and redpolls decimate the seed supply.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Checking in, Briefly
I'm still alive and kicking, but I have a big sign on my workroom door.
Send this off in time----NO EXCUSES!!!
The triangle quilt I showed to you a couple of months ago will be a Christmas gift once the machine quilting is done. Therefore I have no projects in my knitting basket, and other gifts will come from my kitchen instead of my yarn supply.
What time I have at the computer is spent lurking around on Facebook to see what my relatives are up to, or making friends with people who read and knit on Ravelry.
I will be happy to have this project sent off so I can picture somebody wrapped up and cozy in a flannel lined quilt, AND my life of sloth can resume its normal shape and size.
I have something cool to show you though. My friend on Ravelry made these for presents and shared the recipe with us, and I puttered around in the kitchen long enough to put some together.
Layer in a quart size container:
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
On the tag write:
Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup of cocoa mix in a mug and stir in one cup of very hot water. Store the remaining mix in an airtight container.
Well, I've enjoyed this little sit-down with you all, but I have to get back to my sewing machine. I hope you are enjoying your holiday preparations and have some time to sit back, look at the lights, and have a cuppa something soothing. Listen to some music while you're at it.
All the best! Merry Christmas!
Send this off in time----NO EXCUSES!!!
The triangle quilt I showed to you a couple of months ago will be a Christmas gift once the machine quilting is done. Therefore I have no projects in my knitting basket, and other gifts will come from my kitchen instead of my yarn supply.
What time I have at the computer is spent lurking around on Facebook to see what my relatives are up to, or making friends with people who read and knit on Ravelry.
I will be happy to have this project sent off so I can picture somebody wrapped up and cozy in a flannel lined quilt, AND my life of sloth can resume its normal shape and size.
Layer in a quart size container:
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
On the tag write:
Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup of cocoa mix in a mug and stir in one cup of very hot water. Store the remaining mix in an airtight container.
Well, I've enjoyed this little sit-down with you all, but I have to get back to my sewing machine. I hope you are enjoying your holiday preparations and have some time to sit back, look at the lights, and have a cuppa something soothing. Listen to some music while you're at it.
All the best! Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Delightful December
That title should cover things---on the off chance that I don't get back here until the calendar has turned. I am assuming that we will all get up and carry on as usual on December 22, and the world won't be ending because the Mayans ran out of room on their calendar deal.
It's my birthday month, which doesn't bear thinking about when I think of what number that will flip to, but as my dad used to say, "Consider the alternative".
We have ten family birthdays this month, most of which I won't attend, yet the calendar is full of notations for them all. I share my birthday with my first cousin, Beth, and my daughter-in-law, Robin. And Frank Sinatra. He doesn't come around too much anymore, though.
We have, at this stage of our lives, distilled our Christmas preparations and celebrations to the things we love best and enjoy the most. I am an expert at politely declining more jobs taking on tasks I'm not that interested in. (The Up Side of getting older.)
I don't do cookies until the last minute before company comes, because I can't leave them alone. Usually I have a daughter-in-law bring sweets. She's a wonderful baker and will take the cookies home with her---a big help to me. (Should there be any left over cookies.)
So, I wish you peace and joy during the preparations of this month. We celebrate Christmas, loudly and proudly----but whatever your celebrations this month I wish you joy.
It's my birthday month, which doesn't bear thinking about when I think of what number that will flip to, but as my dad used to say, "Consider the alternative".
We have ten family birthdays this month, most of which I won't attend, yet the calendar is full of notations for them all. I share my birthday with my first cousin, Beth, and my daughter-in-law, Robin. And Frank Sinatra. He doesn't come around too much anymore, though.
We have, at this stage of our lives, distilled our Christmas preparations and celebrations to the things we love best and enjoy the most. I am an expert at politely declining more jobs taking on tasks I'm not that interested in. (The Up Side of getting older.)
I don't do cookies until the last minute before company comes, because I can't leave them alone. Usually I have a daughter-in-law bring sweets. She's a wonderful baker and will take the cookies home with her---a big help to me. (Should there be any left over cookies.)
So, I wish you peace and joy during the preparations of this month. We celebrate Christmas, loudly and proudly----but whatever your celebrations this month I wish you joy.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Friday, post Thanksgiving
Hi-ho, Friday Friends!
A belated Happy Thanksgiving to my pal, Mrs. 4444, who hosts this chance to bombard one another with trivia. You may face the music or duck and run, but you can link up here.
I am resistant to Christmas Shopping Manipulation, so commercial TV and radio stay off as much as possible. I was annoyed with marketers screwing around with Thanksgiving Day, thank you very much. We just can't possibly have enough greed early enough in the season to satisfy them. (OK, I'm done grumping.)
In that same spirit, I avoid "Black Friday" shopping as well, but I may browse around online for some bargains I don't have to fight for. Fighting crowds in stores is never my idea of sport.
We had a small, but congenial crowd for Thanksgiving, with Good Guy cooking a turkey breast and all the fixings, and Number One Daughter came to have dinner with us. Everything was very delicious. The cook outdid himself.
The Photographer was traveling to have dinner with the Iowa kids, and the Student reported that their turkey was cooking way too slowly in her Easy Bake Oven. She hoped they could stay awake long enough to eat on Thanksgiving Day. I should check on them.
It has been my habit to be the first of my friends to get her Christmas cards sent. Not as much in the past couple years. It may be a symptom of OC behavior, but I always preferred to think of it as being well organized. (Totally delusional!)
Our Skype book club got together on Tuesday night and once again we had picked a book that didn't appeal to everyone. But I guess one of the values of doing this is the reading of things you wouldn't necessarily pick for yourself. Next month we will have the author of our choice joining us, so I hope we all enjoy her book. I'll have to do a book post pretty soon. I have stacks of stuff to read, and lots of completed things to tell about.
If you are one of the millions of people who are affected by having family members who are dealing with Alzheimers Disease or dementia, and you haven't read Still Alice yet, do read it. It is heartbreaking, but so important to know!
I was looking at the Christmas card choices at Barnes and Noble the other day. Snowmen, cardinals, kittens, puppies, trees, sleighs, ......one card with a church on it...way in the background. A nativity scene? Nope, not that I could spot.
Well, friends, it isn't much but it's all I have time for. By the way, I have word that cell phone numbers will be made available to telemarketers soon. Look up the number to call to get your cell phone on the do not call list. If you don't want to pay to be annoyed. (If you're a telemarketer, I apologize--sort of.)
Have a great weekend! Watch for your Christmas card!
A belated Happy Thanksgiving to my pal, Mrs. 4444, who hosts this chance to bombard one another with trivia. You may face the music or duck and run, but you can link up here.
I am resistant to Christmas Shopping Manipulation, so commercial TV and radio stay off as much as possible. I was annoyed with marketers screwing around with Thanksgiving Day, thank you very much. We just can't possibly have enough greed early enough in the season to satisfy them. (OK, I'm done grumping.)
In that same spirit, I avoid "Black Friday" shopping as well, but I may browse around online for some bargains I don't have to fight for. Fighting crowds in stores is never my idea of sport.
We had a small, but congenial crowd for Thanksgiving, with Good Guy cooking a turkey breast and all the fixings, and Number One Daughter came to have dinner with us. Everything was very delicious. The cook outdid himself.
The Photographer was traveling to have dinner with the Iowa kids, and the Student reported that their turkey was cooking way too slowly in her Easy Bake Oven. She hoped they could stay awake long enough to eat on Thanksgiving Day. I should check on them.
It has been my habit to be the first of my friends to get her Christmas cards sent. Not as much in the past couple years. It may be a symptom of OC behavior, but I always preferred to think of it as being well organized. (Totally delusional!)
Our Skype book club got together on Tuesday night and once again we had picked a book that didn't appeal to everyone. But I guess one of the values of doing this is the reading of things you wouldn't necessarily pick for yourself. Next month we will have the author of our choice joining us, so I hope we all enjoy her book. I'll have to do a book post pretty soon. I have stacks of stuff to read, and lots of completed things to tell about.
If you are one of the millions of people who are affected by having family members who are dealing with Alzheimers Disease or dementia, and you haven't read Still Alice yet, do read it. It is heartbreaking, but so important to know!
I was looking at the Christmas card choices at Barnes and Noble the other day. Snowmen, cardinals, kittens, puppies, trees, sleighs, ......one card with a church on it...way in the background. A nativity scene? Nope, not that I could spot.
Well, friends, it isn't much but it's all I have time for. By the way, I have word that cell phone numbers will be made available to telemarketers soon. Look up the number to call to get your cell phone on the do not call list. If you don't want to pay to be annoyed. (If you're a telemarketer, I apologize--sort of.)
Have a great weekend! Watch for your Christmas card!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Heading into Winter
I think I need to explain my header---which may not be there very long.
It's the waning days of November already and time is flying by, yet the prospect of winter seems to me rather like that picture of heading into the dark, foggy future.
I shouldn't even be saying that since we are having unseasonably warm weather this week, and I just went out to fill bird feeders in my pajamas and bathrobe.
But this isn't my first time around the block. And the short gloomy days, if/when they appear, affect my mood. I try to sit in the full sun at lunchtime to get a dose of light, but we don't always see the sun here in Great Lakes country.
So, that's my explanation for today's header, and I promise I'll substitute it for some gratitude pretty quickly. Check back and see.
It's the waning days of November already and time is flying by, yet the prospect of winter seems to me rather like that picture of heading into the dark, foggy future.
I shouldn't even be saying that since we are having unseasonably warm weather this week, and I just went out to fill bird feeders in my pajamas and bathrobe.
But this isn't my first time around the block. And the short gloomy days, if/when they appear, affect my mood. I try to sit in the full sun at lunchtime to get a dose of light, but we don't always see the sun here in Great Lakes country.
So, that's my explanation for today's header, and I promise I'll substitute it for some gratitude pretty quickly. Check back and see.
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Sportin' Life
I have never been accused of being athletic myself, indeed I was raised in an era when perspiring wasn't encouraged among people of my gender. Hard to believe now, but women couldn't be expected to run the full length of the court when playing basketball.
Actually, if it weren't so disgusting, it'd be funny. My kids all played sports though, and their Pop was an amazing ball passer.
The main reason we require television (besides Jeopardy), is to watch sports. We need to see as much Big 10 Football as possible---no matter how heartbreaking it turns out to be for us. I'm a Wisconsin fan, Good Guy roots for all Michigan teams which means we have to root against Ohio State. That's just how it is.
And Professional sports? We have two Packer fans, one Lion fan, and we watch football all day Sunday, on Monday night, and Thursday night---if it's a good match-up.
We do not watch professional basketball, or hockey, but we do watch golf. (My kids make fun of that since they think it's something like watching knitting or quilting.) But if you've tried to play the game, you appreciate the skill it takes to play well.
Which lead me to say that when my friends ask me if I've seen this or that---usually the answer is "No!" because we just don't watch that much other stuff.
I thought I'd watch lots of things we don't usually see while Good Guy was away, but I ended up watching baseball anyway. I've been brainwashed!
I'd write more---but San Francisco is whupping Da Bears! Whoo-hoo!
Actually, if it weren't so disgusting, it'd be funny. My kids all played sports though, and their Pop was an amazing ball passer.
The main reason we require television (besides Jeopardy), is to watch sports. We need to see as much Big 10 Football as possible---no matter how heartbreaking it turns out to be for us. I'm a Wisconsin fan, Good Guy roots for all Michigan teams which means we have to root against Ohio State. That's just how it is.
And Professional sports? We have two Packer fans, one Lion fan, and we watch football all day Sunday, on Monday night, and Thursday night---if it's a good match-up.
We do not watch professional basketball, or hockey, but we do watch golf. (My kids make fun of that since they think it's something like watching knitting or quilting.) But if you've tried to play the game, you appreciate the skill it takes to play well.
Which lead me to say that when my friends ask me if I've seen this or that---usually the answer is "No!" because we just don't watch that much other stuff.
I thought I'd watch lots of things we don't usually see while Good Guy was away, but I ended up watching baseball anyway. I've been brainwashed!
I'd write more---but San Francisco is whupping Da Bears! Whoo-hoo!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Friday the Ninth
Oh, at last! Lovely TGIF day and time to join all of you at Mrs. 4444's house with my tote bag of bits.
Join up at Half Past Kissin' Time and post your interesting things that are too small for a whole post. Actually, judging from some of the bits I leave behind, they don't even have to be that interesting. Just so they aren't bugging you anymore.
Here we go:
1. My task yesterday was to fill my Operation Christmas Child box and get it turned in. But I spent so much time at the eye doctor's office that I never got it done. I can't go shopping with my pupils dilated and my eyes burning!
2. Good Guy had carpal tunnel surgery on Wednesday and he's doing wonderfully well. He just had his left hand done, and since he's a southpaw I thought this would be more difficult. I think he's doing better with his left hand, because he's performing his own therapy. He just can't function without using it.
3. Do any of you know how to resuscitate a Christmas cactus? I think I will have to take mine down the street to Saint Bev and get a diagnosis. Parts of it are great, and parts are withering.
4. This is the weekend that #1 son and his family are moving into their Iowa house. #3 son would like to help, but (doggone it) he has to work this weekend. (He really would like to help, but moving for me has moved to the Just Hate The Thought column on my things to do list.)
5. I must stop knitting and start reading. I downloaded two library books to my Nook, and got two books in the mail yesterday. What am I doing tapping away at this keyboard????
6. My daughter recounted a comment she heard over the weekend that made her chuckle.
"Look at that car. It reminds me of Husky and Starch." Not every age group will make that connection---and I'm sorry. If it needs explanation, it just isn't a bit funny. Like most jokes.
That's more than enough. Way more than enough. I'm looking forward to reading your contributions.
Join up at Half Past Kissin' Time and post your interesting things that are too small for a whole post. Actually, judging from some of the bits I leave behind, they don't even have to be that interesting. Just so they aren't bugging you anymore.
Here we go:
1. My task yesterday was to fill my Operation Christmas Child box and get it turned in. But I spent so much time at the eye doctor's office that I never got it done. I can't go shopping with my pupils dilated and my eyes burning!
2. Good Guy had carpal tunnel surgery on Wednesday and he's doing wonderfully well. He just had his left hand done, and since he's a southpaw I thought this would be more difficult. I think he's doing better with his left hand, because he's performing his own therapy. He just can't function without using it.
3. Do any of you know how to resuscitate a Christmas cactus? I think I will have to take mine down the street to Saint Bev and get a diagnosis. Parts of it are great, and parts are withering.
4. This is the weekend that #1 son and his family are moving into their Iowa house. #3 son would like to help, but (doggone it) he has to work this weekend. (He really would like to help, but moving for me has moved to the Just Hate The Thought column on my things to do list.)
5. I must stop knitting and start reading. I downloaded two library books to my Nook, and got two books in the mail yesterday. What am I doing tapping away at this keyboard????
6. My daughter recounted a comment she heard over the weekend that made her chuckle.
"Look at that car. It reminds me of Husky and Starch." Not every age group will make that connection---and I'm sorry. If it needs explanation, it just isn't a bit funny. Like most jokes.
That's more than enough. Way more than enough. I'm looking forward to reading your contributions.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Wednesday Fragments
I just need to whiz by here for a minute to say that I posted an entry for today.
1. Hooray for us. We survived yet another interminable election cycle. We probably have about three weeks off before our representatives start running for office again.
2. We had snow in the air all day yesterday. It didn't stick to anything or accumulate---but it was definitely snow. I remember.
3. Good Guy has carpal tunnel surgery this afternoon. I think I'll start some supper in the crock pot so it will be ready when we return from the hospital. (He may not want to do the cooking tonight.) smirk.
4. I've decided I must have a sadistic streak. GG can't eat or drink anything today until we report to the hospital-----and I have such an urge to bake some muffins or something that would smell good. Wouldn't that be awfully mean?
5. I was almost ready to finish my current knitting project when I decided mitt #2 was bigger than mitt #1, so I ripped it all back to the beginning of the thumb gusset. I have the instructions on the computer which means they aren't always right at my elbow when I need them. Relying on my memory isn't that great an idea, I think.
6. I finished book number 78 for the year last night. I'm falling way behind!!!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
A Fine Idea
Once in a while I read something in the newspaper that really turns my crank, as they say.
This Sunday in the Detroit Free Press "Life" section there was a feature written my Kristen Jordan Shamus called Serving up Solidarity and showcased a really useful get together.
There's a national organization called Dining for Women, which was founded almost ten years ago in South Carolina which meets for potlucks and visiting on a regular basis. The idea is to bring your contribution of food plus what you would spend on dinner "out" to contribute to organizations which empower women in Third World countries.
More info at www.diningforwomen.org.
I haven't checked the link yet, but the article was very engaging. What a neat way to get your friends together, have a guilt-free visit, and do something meaningful for somebody else! At each meeting there is some learning going on about the plight of women in the rest of the world, and the money raised goes to the national organization. They decide where the money goes, and are on track to raise $800,000 this year.
Since in some countries a girl can go to school for a year for $25.00, this money could impact lots of women's lives.
The article says that women are welcome to come, even when they can't contribute much/any money, just for the opportunity to learn more about the cause---and that we do have much to be grateful for in this country.
I'm certainly grateful, and plan to be extra grateful all month. I think Thanksgiving is a much more celebratory occasion than Halloween. I'm scroogy that way!
Happy Election Day, everybody! (I'm grateful that the ads will be over!)
This Sunday in the Detroit Free Press "Life" section there was a feature written my Kristen Jordan Shamus called Serving up Solidarity and showcased a really useful get together.
There's a national organization called Dining for Women, which was founded almost ten years ago in South Carolina which meets for potlucks and visiting on a regular basis. The idea is to bring your contribution of food plus what you would spend on dinner "out" to contribute to organizations which empower women in Third World countries.
More info at www.diningforwomen.org.
I haven't checked the link yet, but the article was very engaging. What a neat way to get your friends together, have a guilt-free visit, and do something meaningful for somebody else! At each meeting there is some learning going on about the plight of women in the rest of the world, and the money raised goes to the national organization. They decide where the money goes, and are on track to raise $800,000 this year.
Since in some countries a girl can go to school for a year for $25.00, this money could impact lots of women's lives.
The article says that women are welcome to come, even when they can't contribute much/any money, just for the opportunity to learn more about the cause---and that we do have much to be grateful for in this country.
I'm certainly grateful, and plan to be extra grateful all month. I think Thanksgiving is a much more celebratory occasion than Halloween. I'm scroogy that way!
Happy Election Day, everybody! (I'm grateful that the ads will be over!)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Laughter on Sunday
My mentor, Flylady, tells people that Sunday is for Rest and Refreshment. In that spirit, I often avoid the computer on Sundays.
Not so this Sunday as I came across something so funny I wanted to share it with you. If one of you invented and marketed this I thank you for the chuckles and please don't be offended.
I found this on an Uncluttering site. Uncluttering has become very popular and I wish my spell-checker would catch up with the times.
So, I present to you, in the spirit of ....Don't Buy Useless Stuff......
http://unclutterer.com/2012/10/31/unitasker-wednesday-magical-ostrich-pillow/
Excuse me while I wipe away the tears!
Not so this Sunday as I came across something so funny I wanted to share it with you. If one of you invented and marketed this I thank you for the chuckles and please don't be offended.
I found this on an Uncluttering site. Uncluttering has become very popular and I wish my spell-checker would catch up with the times.
So, I present to you, in the spirit of ....Don't Buy Useless Stuff......
http://unclutterer.com/2012/10/31/unitasker-wednesday-magical-ostrich-pillow/
Excuse me while I wipe away the tears!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Friday, November Second
Another week has whizzed by and we're speeding toward 2013. Who can believe it?
When I was a kid, and the whole span of my life was what I knew of "time", the idea of living until it was the year 2000 was mind-boggling to me. Phhhhht! Little do we know.
Well, I've started getting Fragmented before I even begin. If you want to link up and read what others are contributing of their bits and pieces all you have to do it go here: Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time. She gets us all together for this little coffee klatch every Friday.
Joel's socks are finished and will be all dry and shipped off to him today. These are for the nephew who is considering learning to knit in order to provide himself with warm socks. I wouldn't discourage him---for many reasons. It gives one something productive to do while cussing at sports on TV. It gives aunts a welcome gift for one of the people they know. We need warm socks up here.
Especially this week. We have had wind and cold. I KNOW that the east coast and many places are in dire straits after Sandy. This is not a complaint from me---it is a statement of fact. We live up north. It gets cold.
Reading. Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen. (Gross but funny.) Also The Dim Sum of All Things, by Kim Wong Keltner.
I'm in a swap on Ravelry (which for those of you who'd rather take a beating than bend thread, is an online resource for info, patterns, friends, groups, swaps, etc for knitters and crocheters) and so I have to do a little shopping. I have books and yarn to swap, but no really amazing candy.
I have a shoe box prepared for Operation Christmas Child as well. It isn't full yet, and I haven't shopped for little kids for a long time. I hope I put all useful and suitable things into it. I don't want to be one of those "dumb rich folks" who send useless things. Any guidance you have is most welcome.
My cat, Tony, who's an inside cat, occasionally makes a dash for the door (in what I assume is an adrenalin rush of some sort). Well, he outsmarted himself by rushing out into a cold downpour and he retreated directly under the deck. Once he dragged his wet, bedraggled self back inside, I found raspberry brush all over the house. He spent a long time grooming after that little adventure. Good Guy dried him with a big fluffy towel, but that was just the beginning of getting back to normal.
He is seriously furry---and large.
Good Guy is slated to have carpal tunnel #2 performed next week on Wednesday. I hope it is earlier in the day this time. He was without food from midnight until after 2 p.m. last time. Fortunately he has but two hands, so this should conclude this particular surgical procedure.
Our medical file for this year is growing quite stout. All I have left this year is an eye exam, flu shot, and a pneumonia booster since I've reached extreme age.
Good Guy and I celebrated Halloween in our customary way, which is to lock the doors, turn off the lights, go to the show (Argo) and eat out for supper. I enjoyed the movie immensely, and we had some pizza. (The last one I had sent me to the ER.) I didn't eat much but it was good.
And last, but not least, in the Very Good News column, Number #1 son, (meaning the oldest of three) who is relocating to Iowa, sold his home in Minneapolis in the first week it was listed. What a wonderful thing! Now to hold our breath hoping everything goes as expected.
I hope you are safe and warm, wherever you are. And praying for those who are displaced, cold, without power, and miserable. Give what/if you can.
Have a great weekend, if you can.
When I was a kid, and the whole span of my life was what I knew of "time", the idea of living until it was the year 2000 was mind-boggling to me. Phhhhht! Little do we know.
Well, I've started getting Fragmented before I even begin. If you want to link up and read what others are contributing of their bits and pieces all you have to do it go here: Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time. She gets us all together for this little coffee klatch every Friday.
Joel's socks are finished and will be all dry and shipped off to him today. These are for the nephew who is considering learning to knit in order to provide himself with warm socks. I wouldn't discourage him---for many reasons. It gives one something productive to do while cussing at sports on TV. It gives aunts a welcome gift for one of the people they know. We need warm socks up here.
Especially this week. We have had wind and cold. I KNOW that the east coast and many places are in dire straits after Sandy. This is not a complaint from me---it is a statement of fact. We live up north. It gets cold.
Reading. Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen. (Gross but funny.) Also The Dim Sum of All Things, by Kim Wong Keltner.
I'm in a swap on Ravelry (which for those of you who'd rather take a beating than bend thread, is an online resource for info, patterns, friends, groups, swaps, etc for knitters and crocheters) and so I have to do a little shopping. I have books and yarn to swap, but no really amazing candy.
I have a shoe box prepared for Operation Christmas Child as well. It isn't full yet, and I haven't shopped for little kids for a long time. I hope I put all useful and suitable things into it. I don't want to be one of those "dumb rich folks" who send useless things. Any guidance you have is most welcome.
My cat, Tony, who's an inside cat, occasionally makes a dash for the door (in what I assume is an adrenalin rush of some sort). Well, he outsmarted himself by rushing out into a cold downpour and he retreated directly under the deck. Once he dragged his wet, bedraggled self back inside, I found raspberry brush all over the house. He spent a long time grooming after that little adventure. Good Guy dried him with a big fluffy towel, but that was just the beginning of getting back to normal.
He is seriously furry---and large.
Good Guy is slated to have carpal tunnel #2 performed next week on Wednesday. I hope it is earlier in the day this time. He was without food from midnight until after 2 p.m. last time. Fortunately he has but two hands, so this should conclude this particular surgical procedure.
Our medical file for this year is growing quite stout. All I have left this year is an eye exam, flu shot, and a pneumonia booster since I've reached extreme age.
Good Guy and I celebrated Halloween in our customary way, which is to lock the doors, turn off the lights, go to the show (Argo) and eat out for supper. I enjoyed the movie immensely, and we had some pizza. (The last one I had sent me to the ER.) I didn't eat much but it was good.
And last, but not least, in the Very Good News column, Number #1 son, (meaning the oldest of three) who is relocating to Iowa, sold his home in Minneapolis in the first week it was listed. What a wonderful thing! Now to hold our breath hoping everything goes as expected.
I hope you are safe and warm, wherever you are. And praying for those who are displaced, cold, without power, and miserable. Give what/if you can.
Have a great weekend, if you can.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Love Letters
Remember Snail Mail? That stuff that used to come with your name written in cursive on the front, and contained a message inside written by a friend, a mom, or some other actual person?
Snail Mail is one of the loves of my life and last February I spent a whole month writing a letter a day to friends and family. I loved the writing, and a couple people I love even wrote back expressing their appreciation for the fact that I sat down and thought about them for an hour while I wrote them a letter.
It was cool, and I'll do it again.
After the month of letter writing, I signed up to get addresses to send post cards at Postcrossings. This is fun, and the messages are short, and are from all over the world.
But the real impetus for posting today about letter writing was to share this link with you.
http://talentsearch.ted.com/video/Hannah-Brencher-The-world-needs;TEDNew-York
Take a couple minutes to watch Hannah share her story, and then take twenty minutes to write a real letter, with a stamp, and envelope----the whole magilla, and send it off, sealed with a kiss. Somebody will love you for it. I promise!
Snail Mail is one of the loves of my life and last February I spent a whole month writing a letter a day to friends and family. I loved the writing, and a couple people I love even wrote back expressing their appreciation for the fact that I sat down and thought about them for an hour while I wrote them a letter.
It was cool, and I'll do it again.
But the real impetus for posting today about letter writing was to share this link with you.
http://talentsearch.ted.com/video/Hannah-Brencher-The-world-needs;TEDNew-York
Take a couple minutes to watch Hannah share her story, and then take twenty minutes to write a real letter, with a stamp, and envelope----the whole magilla, and send it off, sealed with a kiss. Somebody will love you for it. I promise!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
A Matter of Priorities
I have been annoyed with the nightly news for many months now, who pander to the manipulators who are directing the political machinery. And I have no doubt we are being manipulated.
I do not believe the political news is the foremost, more important news in the country--ever. Well, maybe on election day. Maybe.
And tonight because of the devastating damages resulting from Hurricane Sandy colliding with a storm from the west, the weather took precedence over the political scene. The governor of New Jersey, which has been hard hit by the storm just made a very sensible statement. At this moment he couldn't care less about the election.
I found this interview, which wasn't the one I saw, but it's almost as good.
Just click Here:
I'm not trying to beat the drum for any candidate. I'm only wishing I could reclaim some of the lost news that got overlooked in the last six months of blather. I hate that I have to go to the BBC to find out what's going on in my own country and elsewhere.
This day, and Governor Christie, just put the frosting on the cake for me, so to speak. Not only today is other stuff more important. It's always more important.
Whew! Thanks for listening----if you're still there.
I do not believe the political news is the foremost, more important news in the country--ever. Well, maybe on election day. Maybe.
And tonight because of the devastating damages resulting from Hurricane Sandy colliding with a storm from the west, the weather took precedence over the political scene. The governor of New Jersey, which has been hard hit by the storm just made a very sensible statement. At this moment he couldn't care less about the election.
I found this interview, which wasn't the one I saw, but it's almost as good.
Just click Here:
I'm not trying to beat the drum for any candidate. I'm only wishing I could reclaim some of the lost news that got overlooked in the last six months of blather. I hate that I have to go to the BBC to find out what's going on in my own country and elsewhere.
This day, and Governor Christie, just put the frosting on the cake for me, so to speak. Not only today is other stuff more important. It's always more important.
Whew! Thanks for listening----if you're still there.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Just Another Friday
It's always good to reach TGIF day, broom in hand, to gather the unruly bits together to dump upon your friends. Join up if you have stray thoughts to share which don't quite merit a full post of their own. (Though I have to say that I often post things that probably don't merit a full post.)
Thanks, Mrs. 4444 at Halfpastkissintime!
1. I completed some of my "assigned" work while Good Guy was listening to music and riding the bus in The Big City. I didn't get everything done, but I made a long list to keep myself on task.
2. I finished piecing this quilt top, to "use up scraps". This is a euphemism of sorts. Unless one has the self discipline to actually throw some bits away, you end up with more scraps---they're just smaller. But this is my result:
3. This is the weekend of a family tradition in which Good Guy and the Photographer bet on the outcome of the college football game between a selected Michigan university (this year Michigan State) and the Mighty Wisconsin Badgers. I have never actually seen any money change hands...but the pride factor is enormous.
4. The Tigers are down two games in the World Series to the Giants, after sweeping the Yankees. If you're a fan you know that. If you're not, you can skip over this. I am disappointed, but not devastated. (I'm not that much of a baseball fan.)
5. On Tuesday night, I got to be a part of an online book club, meeting on Skype! That was really neat and when the technology works right, it is amazing to be able to do that! (Thanks Auntie Pam!)
I bid you good day, and hope you have a great weekend. It looks like we will be freezing our tootsies off now that the weather has changed. But we had a gloomy week with lots of rain. Maybe our lakes will fill back up again. Hope, hope.
Cheerio!
Thanks, Mrs. 4444 at Halfpastkissintime!
1. I completed some of my "assigned" work while Good Guy was listening to music and riding the bus in The Big City. I didn't get everything done, but I made a long list to keep myself on task.
2. I finished piecing this quilt top, to "use up scraps". This is a euphemism of sorts. Unless one has the self discipline to actually throw some bits away, you end up with more scraps---they're just smaller. But this is my result:
4. The Tigers are down two games in the World Series to the Giants, after sweeping the Yankees. If you're a fan you know that. If you're not, you can skip over this. I am disappointed, but not devastated. (I'm not that much of a baseball fan.)
5. On Tuesday night, I got to be a part of an online book club, meeting on Skype! That was really neat and when the technology works right, it is amazing to be able to do that! (Thanks Auntie Pam!)
I bid you good day, and hope you have a great weekend. It looks like we will be freezing our tootsies off now that the weather has changed. But we had a gloomy week with lots of rain. Maybe our lakes will fill back up again. Hope, hope.
Cheerio!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Something in Common
He will be honored on a special day this year, (if the Lord tarries, and just shortly before the Mayan calendar had to end for lack of space) on December 12, 2012. Nudge, nudge. Get it?
12/12/12.
By the most amazing good luck, that is also the Banner Birthday for three people in my family!
My cousin, Beth, my dear daughter-in-law, Robin, and I share this anniversary of our birth.
I am pretty sure that the Packers and Mr. Rodgers don't care about that. So far I haven't even called it to their attention. But it'll be a pretty big day in Green Bay, I think.
I may go and call it my birthday party. Only we will know.
(Photo credit: agtimm on fanpop.com)
Monday, October 22, 2012
To My Deer
Years ago, when Good Guy and I were writing letters to one another, he sent me a beautiful poem in the autumn months.
We both love poetry and this has become a favorite of mine.
The author is Robert Francis, and the title is Fall.
Leave the bars lying in grass.
Let the wanderers freely pass
into the pasture now.
Gone are the fawn-shy heifers, gone
the little calf almost a fawn,
And the black two-year cow.
Leave the bars lying where they are.
Let each black-triangled birch bar
be white and triple warning:
One for all tender things that go,
One for the near and ultimate snow.
One for frost by morning.
In that first snow a frightened deer,
Swifter than snowfall, swift as fear,
May pass here flying, flying.
What if no fence could foil his speed?
Spare him the leap, spare him one need
of leaping. Leave the bars lying.
We both love poetry and this has become a favorite of mine.
Leave the bars lying in grass.
Let the wanderers freely pass
into the pasture now.
Gone are the fawn-shy heifers, gone
the little calf almost a fawn,
And the black two-year cow.
Leave the bars lying where they are.
Let each black-triangled birch bar
be white and triple warning:
One for all tender things that go,
One for the near and ultimate snow.
One for frost by morning.
In that first snow a frightened deer,
Swifter than snowfall, swift as fear,
May pass here flying, flying.
What if no fence could foil his speed?
Spare him the leap, spare him one need
of leaping. Leave the bars lying.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Three People
Okay, I admit it. I am not insecure.
On numerous places this week, exactly the same message has popped up. "Three people have unfriended you." Then I can click here to see who and why. Well, maybe not why, but who.
The first time I was tempted to check it out, but then I remembered that my sister had closed her Facebook account. I don't need to be FB friends with someone I talk to pretty regularly.
Then another person told me they were getting exactly the same message. "Ignore it", I told you. It's the same garbage that pops up and wants you to see who is "looking for you".
I'm in the phone book, easy to find----and I'm pretty sure there's no such thing as privacy any more.
So if a real person has "unfriended" me, so long, it's been good to know ya. Mostly I think it's baloney. As unrelated to me as the message to check out singles in my area. (muffled laughter.)
On numerous places this week, exactly the same message has popped up. "Three people have unfriended you." Then I can click here to see who and why. Well, maybe not why, but who.
The first time I was tempted to check it out, but then I remembered that my sister had closed her Facebook account. I don't need to be FB friends with someone I talk to pretty regularly.
Then another person told me they were getting exactly the same message. "Ignore it", I told you. It's the same garbage that pops up and wants you to see who is "looking for you".
I'm in the phone book, easy to find----and I'm pretty sure there's no such thing as privacy any more.
So if a real person has "unfriended" me, so long, it's been good to know ya. Mostly I think it's baloney. As unrelated to me as the message to check out singles in my area. (muffled laughter.)
Friday, October 19, 2012
This and That
Friday Fragments time once again, and I am more than ready to unload my backpack into the Friday Frag melee.
You can do the same thing, by putting those nagging little bits, too small for a whole post into the mix for the rest of us by linking up with Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin Time.
1. I thought I'd enjoy exploring new radio stations on our XM radio while Good Guy is gone. One thing I've discovered is that there are (roughly) 50 Hip-Hop stations. We have a great many CDs I have been enjoying.
2. To keep from wasting a week, I made a list. The quilt top should be completed today, and I've turned the heel on the sock.
3. My book isn't done, yet. But I have until Tuesday. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
4. I got the bill from "anesthesia"---and I am coded as a person of extreme age. I'd like to be annoyed about that, but it just makes me laugh. At what age does "extreme age" begin? Do any of you know?
5. My yarn arrived this week for the October project from Anne Hanson's Knitspot club, Fall in Full Color. A really nice, generous person would be considering what to make for Christmas gifts with this luxurious yarn. Fergetabboutit! That would be the golden and green variegated yarn above. It is named Belgian Wheat and the picture doesn't do it justice, believe me!
6. My friend, Carole, just had a knee replacement on October 10th, and she went home three days later! I was happy to languish, getting nursing care and therapy for a whole week. I feel like a wimp now!
7. The sock is for my dear nephew who is considering learning to knit. He said-----so he could have some warm hand knit socks. I think knitting is a good pastime for people who live where there are long cold winters, because then TV time isn't just a dreadful waste of a season.
8. And last, but not least, Go Tigers!
You can do the same thing, by putting those nagging little bits, too small for a whole post into the mix for the rest of us by linking up with Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin Time.
1. I thought I'd enjoy exploring new radio stations on our XM radio while Good Guy is gone. One thing I've discovered is that there are (roughly) 50 Hip-Hop stations. We have a great many CDs I have been enjoying.
2. To keep from wasting a week, I made a list. The quilt top should be completed today, and I've turned the heel on the sock.
3. My book isn't done, yet. But I have until Tuesday. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
4. I got the bill from "anesthesia"---and I am coded as a person of extreme age. I'd like to be annoyed about that, but it just makes me laugh. At what age does "extreme age" begin? Do any of you know?
5. My yarn arrived this week for the October project from Anne Hanson's Knitspot club, Fall in Full Color. A really nice, generous person would be considering what to make for Christmas gifts with this luxurious yarn. Fergetabboutit! That would be the golden and green variegated yarn above. It is named Belgian Wheat and the picture doesn't do it justice, believe me!
6. My friend, Carole, just had a knee replacement on October 10th, and she went home three days later! I was happy to languish, getting nursing care and therapy for a whole week. I feel like a wimp now!
7. The sock is for my dear nephew who is considering learning to knit. He said-----so he could have some warm hand knit socks. I think knitting is a good pastime for people who live where there are long cold winters, because then TV time isn't just a dreadful waste of a season.
8. And last, but not least, Go Tigers!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
So Many Choices
This week in New York City, certain cabaret lovers and musicians gather. At least, that's what Good Guy tells me is going on there, and it's where he is this week. I'm not a Big Apple fan, so I get to stay home and Do As I Please.
I really look forward to this perceived freedom, only to discover that, basically, I always do as I please and having the house to myself doesn't make much difference in my activities.
Other years, though, I have goofed off for the entire week, and not accomplished much. So this time I made an ambitious list for myself. Anytime I'm wondering what to do next I can work on something on the list.
I have a book to finish, I'm piecing a quilt top, I have a sock in progress, I have to quilt the Words quilt on the sewing machine.
Thrown in as interruptions are book club (yesterday), dinner with my daughter, bible study, and catching up with friends by letter writing, phone calls, or visits.
Yesterday we enjoyed discussing a book that was published first in 1943, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Some of our best reads have been older books that are "re-reads" for many of us. I don't recall ever reading this before, though one of us had read it in high school as required reading. Oddly enough, there are many parallels between this book and another that I'm reading, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, by Katherine Boo.
Prejudice, corruption, and using chemicals to escape from the realities are probably universal truths, as sad as it may be.
Have a great Thursday! Or Friday!
I really look forward to this perceived freedom, only to discover that, basically, I always do as I please and having the house to myself doesn't make much difference in my activities.
Other years, though, I have goofed off for the entire week, and not accomplished much. So this time I made an ambitious list for myself. Anytime I'm wondering what to do next I can work on something on the list.
I have a book to finish, I'm piecing a quilt top, I have a sock in progress, I have to quilt the Words quilt on the sewing machine.
Thrown in as interruptions are book club (yesterday), dinner with my daughter, bible study, and catching up with friends by letter writing, phone calls, or visits.
Yesterday we enjoyed discussing a book that was published first in 1943, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Some of our best reads have been older books that are "re-reads" for many of us. I don't recall ever reading this before, though one of us had read it in high school as required reading. Oddly enough, there are many parallels between this book and another that I'm reading, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, by Katherine Boo.
Prejudice, corruption, and using chemicals to escape from the realities are probably universal truths, as sad as it may be.
Have a great Thursday! Or Friday!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Pride Goeth Before...
I am not stellar about finishing my own projects, but when I am entrusted with a task of great importance, I really do my part.
I mentioned earlier that Sis #2 went through town last Thursday gifting me with fabric and yarn. At the same time she left a project for me to work on. Here's a little background.
Her second oldest grandson has been patiently waiting for her to finish his quilt. And it has been talked about for a very long time. First he thought he wanted a "Cheetah Quilt", which was a daunting prospect, indeed! She looked for ideas, she talked about it with quilters, graphic designers, artists, fabric folks---you name it.
When she was all geared up to start, she hears him say, "Grandma, I think I'd rather have a dog quilt."
Dogs, thank goodness, she's all over that! Then you shop around deciding on colors, finding dog fabrics that will go together, and finding the pattern to use, and about twenty things that must be done before you can begin.
When that part was nicely done, and the top was mostly put together, she decided she wanted to quilt dog faces into the larger squares. Back to the artist for dog faces the right size----and over the winter she left it with me and I did some of them.
Another season of the year passes. It's a hot summer. The kid doesn't need a quilt when it's 90 degrees every night. But by last weekend, the faces and some other things are quilted and it is time to add outer borders, and put on the binding.
When she left here an hour ago, that puppy is almost ready to present to Patient, Long-suffering Ryan just in time for a long cold winter on the shores of Lake Superior. It is nice and big and puffy and warm and I may just have to drive up to watch the Big Presentation. (If I go, I'll take some pictures, and I promise to share.)
I helped with it, and I'm Proud!
I mentioned earlier that Sis #2 went through town last Thursday gifting me with fabric and yarn. At the same time she left a project for me to work on. Here's a little background.
Her second oldest grandson has been patiently waiting for her to finish his quilt. And it has been talked about for a very long time. First he thought he wanted a "Cheetah Quilt", which was a daunting prospect, indeed! She looked for ideas, she talked about it with quilters, graphic designers, artists, fabric folks---you name it.
When she was all geared up to start, she hears him say, "Grandma, I think I'd rather have a dog quilt."
Dogs, thank goodness, she's all over that! Then you shop around deciding on colors, finding dog fabrics that will go together, and finding the pattern to use, and about twenty things that must be done before you can begin.
When that part was nicely done, and the top was mostly put together, she decided she wanted to quilt dog faces into the larger squares. Back to the artist for dog faces the right size----and over the winter she left it with me and I did some of them.
Another season of the year passes. It's a hot summer. The kid doesn't need a quilt when it's 90 degrees every night. But by last weekend, the faces and some other things are quilted and it is time to add outer borders, and put on the binding.
When she left here an hour ago, that puppy is almost ready to present to Patient, Long-suffering Ryan just in time for a long cold winter on the shores of Lake Superior. It is nice and big and puffy and warm and I may just have to drive up to watch the Big Presentation. (If I go, I'll take some pictures, and I promise to share.)
I helped with it, and I'm Proud!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Seventeen Cities
Last week on the right side of my Facebook page, there was an interesting factoid which said that "the average person has been to seventeen cities".
At first I just scratched my head in wonderment that anyone would say that. How would you do research to determine that? What constitutes a city?
My house is about a ten minute walk from the border with Wisconsin, yet my next door neighbor admits to having been in only two states. I have a classmate from nurses' training who loves the U.P. and has rarely left Michigan. We've talked about this and she claims to be blissfully happy here (with the help of her antidepressants), but I claim she has no idea if/what she's missing.
I know there are many reasons to remain at home. We couldn't travel much while we had to show up at work every day. (Darn work.....it really cuts into your free time!)
But for others, fear of the unknown is a factor. Finances always play a part as well. Left to myself I probably wouldn't have seen much of the world, but Good Guy loves to see new things. I am afraid of getting into situations where I can't communicate, so I don't want to see Asia, but he has no qualms.
While you're knitting today, count your cities. I think we will raise the "national average".
Note to self: Dubuque and Omaha count.
Happy Monday!
At first I just scratched my head in wonderment that anyone would say that. How would you do research to determine that? What constitutes a city?
My house is about a ten minute walk from the border with Wisconsin, yet my next door neighbor admits to having been in only two states. I have a classmate from nurses' training who loves the U.P. and has rarely left Michigan. We've talked about this and she claims to be blissfully happy here (with the help of her antidepressants), but I claim she has no idea if/what she's missing.
I know there are many reasons to remain at home. We couldn't travel much while we had to show up at work every day. (Darn work.....it really cuts into your free time!)
But for others, fear of the unknown is a factor. Finances always play a part as well. Left to myself I probably wouldn't have seen much of the world, but Good Guy loves to see new things. I am afraid of getting into situations where I can't communicate, so I don't want to see Asia, but he has no qualms.
While you're knitting today, count your cities. I think we will raise the "national average".
Note to self: Dubuque and Omaha count.
Happy Monday!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Friday
It's the First Friday of October and the anniversary of the day I first became a Mom---which has been my most important and satisfying job (so far).
Here in the U.P. it is windy and cold, our leaves are blowing around and there is no doubt that the seasons have changed. But on this day so many years ago in Chicago is was a golden day with a certain Fall smell in the air that always makes me smile now. (It was probably some combination of leaf smell, car exhaust from Lake Shore Drive, and breeze off Lake Michigan.)
That was Fragment Number one. We are gathering here today on this solemn occasion to share our week's end bits with one another. Thanks to Mrs. 4444 of Half Past Kissin' Time.
This whole going to the hospital gig is getting old. I've had my heart checked out (okay). The gall bladder is gone. And this week Good Guy had carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand. (He's a southpaw, needs both hands done--so opted for the right hand first---after he was done golfing for the summer.)
I feel like one of the old ladies who used to elicit an eye roll, when they would gather for lunch and discuss their doctors and surgeries. To paraphrase the poet, "I am not resigned."
Fragment Number Two: Sister #2 and Daisy spent an afternoon with us yesterday en route to a reunion in Wheaton, Illinois. She came bearing gifts, and that's always fun. One bag was full of scrap fabrics, one was full of two kinds of yarn, and the last was a project for me to work on over the weekend. Which is what I will do when I'm done sweeping here.
I have had a number of people mention that making yogurt seems.......silly, I guess, would be the best word. Like a lot of bother for something you can easily buy. That's the way I feel about making marshmallows. Why bother? But I eat a lot of yogurt, and it isn't cheap---and it isn't always that good. Sorry, commercial yogurt makers who shall remain nameless....
Anyway, somebody asked and that's why I posted it.
It is really much more fun to anticipate baking a lovely apple pie instead of a birthday cake.
I did a really stupid thing this week. Well, maybe more than one, but the one I'm willing to share is that I must have thrown my stack of envelopes containing checks and billing stubs away with my paper recycling. I have to remember not to do those two chores at the same time. I got to thinking about my day, and couldn't remember ever mailing the checks. So I called the cardiologist's office and they never got my check.
I take comfort in the fact that the recipients will surely send more bills. I never thought I'd say that. I mourn the loss of my five stamps, though. Boo-hoo!
Four Friday Fragments. That'll do for now. Have a great weekend!
Here in the U.P. it is windy and cold, our leaves are blowing around and there is no doubt that the seasons have changed. But on this day so many years ago in Chicago is was a golden day with a certain Fall smell in the air that always makes me smile now. (It was probably some combination of leaf smell, car exhaust from Lake Shore Drive, and breeze off Lake Michigan.)
That was Fragment Number one. We are gathering here today on this solemn occasion to share our week's end bits with one another. Thanks to Mrs. 4444 of Half Past Kissin' Time.
This whole going to the hospital gig is getting old. I've had my heart checked out (okay). The gall bladder is gone. And this week Good Guy had carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand. (He's a southpaw, needs both hands done--so opted for the right hand first---after he was done golfing for the summer.)
I feel like one of the old ladies who used to elicit an eye roll, when they would gather for lunch and discuss their doctors and surgeries. To paraphrase the poet, "I am not resigned."
Fragment Number Two: Sister #2 and Daisy spent an afternoon with us yesterday en route to a reunion in Wheaton, Illinois. She came bearing gifts, and that's always fun. One bag was full of scrap fabrics, one was full of two kinds of yarn, and the last was a project for me to work on over the weekend. Which is what I will do when I'm done sweeping here.
I have had a number of people mention that making yogurt seems.......silly, I guess, would be the best word. Like a lot of bother for something you can easily buy. That's the way I feel about making marshmallows. Why bother? But I eat a lot of yogurt, and it isn't cheap---and it isn't always that good. Sorry, commercial yogurt makers who shall remain nameless....
Anyway, somebody asked and that's why I posted it.
It is really much more fun to anticipate baking a lovely apple pie instead of a birthday cake.
I did a really stupid thing this week. Well, maybe more than one, but the one I'm willing to share is that I must have thrown my stack of envelopes containing checks and billing stubs away with my paper recycling. I have to remember not to do those two chores at the same time. I got to thinking about my day, and couldn't remember ever mailing the checks. So I called the cardiologist's office and they never got my check.
I take comfort in the fact that the recipients will surely send more bills. I never thought I'd say that. I mourn the loss of my five stamps, though. Boo-hoo!
Four Friday Fragments. That'll do for now. Have a great weekend!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Let's Make Yogurt
I have made yogurt at times for many years, and it is easier with a commercial incubator such as this one, than to incubate it at low temperature in the oven.
Using my incubator, I first make sure that all utensils are spanking clean. That includes the pan for heating the milk, the spoons, the thermometer, and the container on the right which will contain the yogurt mixture.
Heat four cups of milk in a saucepan to the temperature of 185-190 degrees. If you don't have a thermometer, watch for bubbles to form around the perimeter, and for skin to form on the top.
Remove from heat until it gets cooled to 105 degrees, when you can remove about 1 cup of cooled milk and stir about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of plain yogurt in with it. When there are no clumps or lumps add this mixture to the other three cups and stir it all together and pour it into the incubator.
Plug it in and leave it alone for a minimum of four hours. Some directions advise letting it process for many more hours, and the longer it sits the more firm it will get. So there is an element of personal preference there.
Do not add sweetener or fruit or anything else until you are ready to eat some. Any other things will affect the process, I am told.
I use a little of my previous yogurt as starter for the next batch. I know you can Google yogurt makers and find them available in even more convenient configurations. My daughter's has individual cups, which you may prefer to having one large container such as mine.
Bon appetit!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
End of the Impasse
I am pretty sure that the owners of the NFL teams aren't especially concerned about my reaction to the officials' strike, or lockout, or whatever they called it.
They don't care that I was disgusted with the whole picture--which to me symbolized greed (on both sides), and massive ineptitude, and was putting an asterisk on the season. I feel bad for the replacements, who did the best they could in a difficult situation.
But I'm happy to read this morning that an agreement was reached. That's a relief.
They don't care that I was disgusted with the whole picture--which to me symbolized greed (on both sides), and massive ineptitude, and was putting an asterisk on the season. I feel bad for the replacements, who did the best they could in a difficult situation.
But I'm happy to read this morning that an agreement was reached. That's a relief.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Playing Ketchup
Yoo-hoo! Over here. (Waving arms, frantically...)
1. I'm safely back from Virginia and North Carolina where we visited with Younger Daughter, met a really nice man, and visited with one of my longest known friends in my whole life. It was a great trip in every respect and I bow in thanks to my dear husband who drove through clouds and sheets of rain in the mountains. Very scary stuff, but he's a champ!
2. I'm healing and feeling fine!
3. I used a basket of tomatoes on some fine spaghetti sauce, which now resides in my freezer. The house smelled wonderful during that process. I look forward to a taste of summer in January sometime.
4. Do you have animal companions? The first night we were back our cats drove us batty. They walked all over the bed and stuck their cold noses in our ears and were so forgiving of our leaving them, we hardly got any sleep. Enough, already!
5. Another foodie endeavor was yogurt making in Daughter's incubator. She hadn't used it before so we made a batch on the Sunday we were together visiting. When I got home I used her recipe instead of my usual one and the resulting product is excellent. Mild with a nice firm consistency.
She had an incubator with separate cups, and mine makes a quart container. They both work fine.
6. Today is a blue sky, golden leaf sort of day and I'm going outdoors and enjoy it now as much as possible! I hope you do too.
1. I'm safely back from Virginia and North Carolina where we visited with Younger Daughter, met a really nice man, and visited with one of my longest known friends in my whole life. It was a great trip in every respect and I bow in thanks to my dear husband who drove through clouds and sheets of rain in the mountains. Very scary stuff, but he's a champ!
2. I'm healing and feeling fine!
3. I used a basket of tomatoes on some fine spaghetti sauce, which now resides in my freezer. The house smelled wonderful during that process. I look forward to a taste of summer in January sometime.
4. Do you have animal companions? The first night we were back our cats drove us batty. They walked all over the bed and stuck their cold noses in our ears and were so forgiving of our leaving them, we hardly got any sleep. Enough, already!
5. Another foodie endeavor was yogurt making in Daughter's incubator. She hadn't used it before so we made a batch on the Sunday we were together visiting. When I got home I used her recipe instead of my usual one and the resulting product is excellent. Mild with a nice firm consistency.
She had an incubator with separate cups, and mine makes a quart container. They both work fine.
6. Today is a blue sky, golden leaf sort of day and I'm going outdoors and enjoy it now as much as possible! I hope you do too.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Checking in and checking up
It's Monday and it's in the midst of a couple of fairly eventful weeks.
Thursday last week saw me showing up for the appointment for separation from my stone-filled gall bladder. When I was a student during the Dark Ages, this surgery entailed a week in the hospital and considerable pain, incisions, stitches, long recovery time.
This wasn't quite an ambulatory care procedure, but I did get to stay overnight. The surgeon--a very solemn fellow---declared that the surgery had gone perfectly. I managed to get a smile from him when I told him so many people were praying for him that I thought he'd be able to fly to work under his own power.
The whole day went fine, but I found another medicine that makes me feel icky during the night. I had a headache from not having coffee for 24 hours, a victim of my own bad habits.
I was happy to return home to my own bed where I could sleep without interruption, until the phone rang. But it's a blessing to have friends who care if you're okay.
So our next adventure will take us off to see a Daughter and meet her Sweetie. We are planning a way to pack lightly. (Feel free to laugh right here.) We are always trying to plan to travel light. But this time I'm not supposed to carry heavy stuff, so I'll enforce it better than ever.
I'm setting off without any computers or electronics that would help me stay in touch with you. But I'll let you know when we are safely home again.
I will be trying to avoid watching the teams I root for. I feel like Bad Luck for them.
Take good care of yourselves, and each other.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Turn Turn, Turn
Even after all these years of retirement, Labor Day weekend and the beginning of the school year seem like a new beginning.
Can you think back to that delusion you had that once you didn't have to gear up for another school year (as a student), that life was going to be really easy? My goodness, that seems like a long time ago!
From grade school to the awfulness of Middle School, and then the pressures of High School. I'm sure that's harder now than when I was in High School. Even though I went to class and worked as a waitress in a truck stop after school. (I'm sure I didn't work every night----though it seemed like it.)
In nurses' training we were up at six a.m., worked on the wards until after the morning coffee break, then we had classes until three p.m.---after which I used to collapse in bed and sleep through supper. Then we had enforced study hours until nine, and we had to be back in the residence by ten.
That doesn't leave much time for a social life. I don't think the enforced study hours lasted much longer past our class. I can't imagine that kids in the next few years buckled under to that. In order to try to have a greater percentage of the class make it past the first six months, they tried to help us have good study habits.
Now when I look back on the busy-ness of having five kids and two of us parents with jobs, and kids playing sports in a town twelve miles from our house, I think we must have had a lot of stamina. All of us.
I have finally settled into a life style that matches my energy level. Retirement suits me well. Though today I read about a woman who took up body building when she was 71.
Hmm.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Of Knitting
I bought this pattern and two beautiful skeins of alpaca lace yarn, to give myself a Real Treat after I'd lost 35 pounds.
This is as opposed to baking the biggest pan of brownies in the free world. It was a tough choice, but I'll have to learn sometime!
But I digress. I suppose you can guess, even if you are a non-knitter, that knitting with yarn the diameter of a spider web, with needles that a very small makes for a time-consuming project. But, it's summer and who wants an afghan on their lap, right?
If you were here in the days of Good Guy's sweater, you'll think I'm hung up on this cranberry color--and you would be right. I have a jacket that color too. My new jacket is green though, so perhaps there will be a change.
In other news, the surgeon will make short work of my gall bladder problems next week on Thursday. At least that is my ardent prayer and hope.
Good Guy and I grabbed for the gusto on the last hot day we had and went for a swim in a actual lake. We are in Michigan where, it is said, you are never far from a lake, river, or stream. I wasn't worried about the getting into the lake part. It was the getting into the swimsuit part that worried me. (There will not be any pictures of that. Trust me.)
With that chuckle, I will leave you for today. Cheers!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
We Love Words
The Limelighters (remember them?) had a line......"In answer to a diminishing number of requests..." which always cracked me up.
If you visit here often you know that I'd rather use words than pictures, and that photography isn't a skill of mine, but since you clamored so politely, I'll share such as I have. This is the Words Quilt.
The largest view:
With the borders this puppy measures 92"x 92". Winters are long here and our bedroom is about 62 degrees. The basic pattern I used, for those who do this sort of thing and keep track, was called Olde Hickory designed by Pam Puyleart.
(Always give credit where credit is due.) I needed something I could adapt to use the large funny cartoon pieces that I wanted to showcase.
This would have gone quickly if I had just followed Pam's excellent directions, but I needed to work in the word panels, so that caused some delays and extra fiddling.
There are fabrics with coffee words, and the language of flowers, quilting words, and these animal cartoons and sayings. My favorite is a quotation from Groucho Marx, who said, "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." I can't get this layout to do what I want it to do, so I will leave it at that. (Knitting pictures later----by next week.)
Have a great weekend!
If you visit here often you know that I'd rather use words than pictures, and that photography isn't a skill of mine, but since you clamored so politely, I'll share such as I have. This is the Words Quilt.
With the borders this puppy measures 92"x 92". Winters are long here and our bedroom is about 62 degrees. The basic pattern I used, for those who do this sort of thing and keep track, was called Olde Hickory designed by Pam Puyleart.
(Always give credit where credit is due.) I needed something I could adapt to use the large funny cartoon pieces that I wanted to showcase.
This would have gone quickly if I had just followed Pam's excellent directions, but I needed to work in the word panels, so that caused some delays and extra fiddling.
There are fabrics with coffee words, and the language of flowers, quilting words, and these animal cartoons and sayings. My favorite is a quotation from Groucho Marx, who said, "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." I can't get this layout to do what I want it to do, so I will leave it at that. (Knitting pictures later----by next week.)
Have a great weekend!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Friday
I have decided that I have a limited amount of creative energy. Therefore when I am quilting, sewing, knitting and gardening, I have no time to blog.Therefore I am appearing here briefly to leave a fragmented message of sorts, link up to Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time's Friday Fragments, say hi to all my Friday Buds, and get back to my busy work.
Not much is happening with my little library. I wrote up a flyer to carry around to the neighbors and to encourage their participation---as soon as I can find the time, and overcome my extreme shyness. (Oh stop that foolish laughing! I might be shy!)
I have completed the WORDS quilt top. It is enormous and I have bought 3 yards of 104" wide fabric for the backing. I need to rent a hall to get the layers together, I guess. I have no table space or floor space free that is large enough to get this done. I'll post a picture over the weekend.
It looks okay from a distance, but the real charm is to view it up close, because so many of the fabrics have words, jokes, proverbs, etc. printed on them. It is also very personal since it has our own preferences imprinted upon it.
I signed up for Knitspot's Fall in Full Color club, in which after joining and paying the membership costs, a knitter is provided with beautiful handspun, hand-dyed yarn and a beautiful pattern (which in my case, will expand my learning). So I have spent lots of time trying out the pattern on other yarn, so I know what I'm doing.
This has taken considerable time. Enough said.
Also on the needles is another project in lace weight yarn on size 1 needles. I am making progress, but it takes about 10 rows to make an inch, and there must be 200 stitches on the needles by now. Slow going. I'm not starting the project above until this is done.
And, lastly, I am piecing a Triangle quilt of all my brown, beige, tan, gold, yellow and natural muslin scraps. (No new fabric.) This sounds like it should be a "stash-buster", doesn't it?
Alas, the more scraps you use, the more scraps you have. It's like some of the salads you order when eating out, where you eat steadily for 20 minutes and have only eaten 1/3 of the salad.
When I informed my quilting buddies of this project, they all chuckled indulgently. Silly old Annie!
So that's about all I can dredge up. (I see the surgeon on Monday. I'm feeling fine.)
Not much is happening with my little library. I wrote up a flyer to carry around to the neighbors and to encourage their participation---as soon as I can find the time, and overcome my extreme shyness. (Oh stop that foolish laughing! I might be shy!)
I have completed the WORDS quilt top. It is enormous and I have bought 3 yards of 104" wide fabric for the backing. I need to rent a hall to get the layers together, I guess. I have no table space or floor space free that is large enough to get this done. I'll post a picture over the weekend.
It looks okay from a distance, but the real charm is to view it up close, because so many of the fabrics have words, jokes, proverbs, etc. printed on them. It is also very personal since it has our own preferences imprinted upon it.
I signed up for Knitspot's Fall in Full Color club, in which after joining and paying the membership costs, a knitter is provided with beautiful handspun, hand-dyed yarn and a beautiful pattern (which in my case, will expand my learning). So I have spent lots of time trying out the pattern on other yarn, so I know what I'm doing.
This has taken considerable time. Enough said.
Also on the needles is another project in lace weight yarn on size 1 needles. I am making progress, but it takes about 10 rows to make an inch, and there must be 200 stitches on the needles by now. Slow going. I'm not starting the project above until this is done.
And, lastly, I am piecing a Triangle quilt of all my brown, beige, tan, gold, yellow and natural muslin scraps. (No new fabric.) This sounds like it should be a "stash-buster", doesn't it?
Alas, the more scraps you use, the more scraps you have. It's like some of the salads you order when eating out, where you eat steadily for 20 minutes and have only eaten 1/3 of the salad.
When I informed my quilting buddies of this project, they all chuckled indulgently. Silly old Annie!
So that's about all I can dredge up. (I see the surgeon on Monday. I'm feeling fine.)
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Great New Addition
I think you may have gathered from previous grumbling, that we have limited handy person skills here.
On the other hand, this dear man was happy to build my little building, make it waterproof, weatherproof, attractive, sturdy and he did it all quickly.
These tasks remain to be done. I need to move the pile of dirt and stones which Good Guy dug up to make a hole for the 4x4 and the cement. I need to print and distribute the letter I drafted to invite my neighbors to borrow books, for we are eager to share. And I need to choose books to put into the box. That part sounds like the most fun.
So Little Free Library, Number 2588 is almost up and running. We are pretty excited!
These Critters are The Contractor's animal companions. They would dearly love to be out of the car licking his ears while he secured the house to the stand. Meet Fritz and Suzette. Suzette, the older black poodle, is quite a proper, fun-loving dog. But TC says that Fritz is fun impaired. He won't chase a frisbee, but he runs around because Suzette does. Perhaps he'll learn as he goes.
Thanks for all your concern and good wishes. I am feeling fine as long as I avoid fats. It's pretty easy when you know it makes you feel uncomfortable.
So now I'd better get at my librarian duties. Come back soon and borrow a book!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Fragging
Hi all y'all. These fragments are gathered by me, and linked to Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin Time, as usual, as she hosts Friday Fragments once again. I hope.
This week has been more eventful and fragmented than usual. In that....
1. I spent 48 plus hours hospitalized to Rule Out a heart attack. It was more likely a gall bladder attack--and it proved that it's easy to over react when you are unaccustomed to pain. My symptoms had our local heart specialist declaring me "a puzzling case". (Lesson learned, I can't handle an outing that includes a cheesy, cheesy pizza.)
2. I had to get out of the hospital in time for a crown prep at my dentist's office first thing on Monday morning. Some choice, huh? The primary pain will be to my bank account, I suspect.
3. Tuesday I saw my own doctor, which made me feel MUCH better. Funny how that works.
4. Wednesday I was grateful and happy to spend a day with my sisters, brothers-in-law, nephews, and their families. The Photographer and Grandsons were on hand too, camping on the shores of Lake Superior. It was a lovely, cool, breezy day and it was so pleasant to catch up with their lives.
I spend time with my sisters pretty regularly but it's rare to have all the kids together, too. We all loved it. Daisy Dog loves it up there in the sand. Dig, dig, dig, all day long.
5. I had a nice loss today at Weight Watchers, as a result of my malady. I knew I was really in the hospital, that it wasn't just a bad dream, when the tray showed up with green jello on it. I said that to the nutrition department employee when my tray came, and she busted out laughing.
6. And last, but not least, I read a really fine book this week by Carol O'Connell called The Chalk Girl. She writes the most delicious characters, even the minor characters.
That will have to do for this week. It was most unpleasant brooding about how I felt. I felt like that person in the quotation, "A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package."
Have a great weekend. I can't wait to see what you've swept together.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Friday Dribs and Drabs
I'm late, I'm late, not because I have so much to share. Rather I miss you all when I don't take part in Mrs. 4444's Friday Fragments clambake. If you don't already join up, here's the place.
1. My granddog, Maggie, became injured on her walk a week ago Monday. She was lacerated badly enough to require a trip to the vet and a number of stitches on her torso. Since she could reach them with her tongue and teeth, she also needed to wear a t-shirt to keep her from worrying it all day long.
This morning I got the message that they wouldn't need to return to the doctor to remove the stitches because Maggie took care of that herself today. Busy, busy.
2. I have been berating myself for leaving my car windows open during our biggest rainstorm of the summer. I hadn't been able to close or open any windows except the driver's side front window.
Good Guy (my hero) fixed it by pressing the window lock button. (Slaps forehead!!)
That reminds me of the quotation---We already have enough youth, what we need is a fountain of Smart!
3. Do you think it's culture shock to the beach volleyball players to be playing at night in the chill and damp of London?
4. This weekend marks yet another reunion this summer. Good Guy's dad was part of a large family and one of his uncles also had a large family. Many of these fine folks will be together at an enormous feed, game, visiting opportunity and we are hoping for excellent weather. I have only heard about some of these folks, and I'm looking forward to meeting them in person. (Now I wish I'd done my memory calisthenics!)
5. I finally finished my WORDS quilt top and I'm looking forward to having it out of my workroom. It is bigger than 90"x90". I couldn't do much with it in my small space and had to move my operation out into the living room. That speeded things up, because I couldn't leave a mess in there. (Company's coming, so the factory had to go back into it's usual quarters.)
6. My Little Free Library is almost all built. (I hired a guy who is having fun doing it.) More about that when the installation is completed.
7. Our harvest has begun with my favorites all represented. I made a meal out of salad and cooked green beans last night. Good Guy opted for leftovers, of which there was a good selection.
That's all folks. Have a great weekend, and I look forward to reading your entries. Don't you love Mrs. 4444's puppy???
1. My granddog, Maggie, became injured on her walk a week ago Monday. She was lacerated badly enough to require a trip to the vet and a number of stitches on her torso. Since she could reach them with her tongue and teeth, she also needed to wear a t-shirt to keep her from worrying it all day long.
This morning I got the message that they wouldn't need to return to the doctor to remove the stitches because Maggie took care of that herself today. Busy, busy.
2. I have been berating myself for leaving my car windows open during our biggest rainstorm of the summer. I hadn't been able to close or open any windows except the driver's side front window.
Good Guy (my hero) fixed it by pressing the window lock button. (Slaps forehead!!)
That reminds me of the quotation---We already have enough youth, what we need is a fountain of Smart!
3. Do you think it's culture shock to the beach volleyball players to be playing at night in the chill and damp of London?
4. This weekend marks yet another reunion this summer. Good Guy's dad was part of a large family and one of his uncles also had a large family. Many of these fine folks will be together at an enormous feed, game, visiting opportunity and we are hoping for excellent weather. I have only heard about some of these folks, and I'm looking forward to meeting them in person. (Now I wish I'd done my memory calisthenics!)
5. I finally finished my WORDS quilt top and I'm looking forward to having it out of my workroom. It is bigger than 90"x90". I couldn't do much with it in my small space and had to move my operation out into the living room. That speeded things up, because I couldn't leave a mess in there. (Company's coming, so the factory had to go back into it's usual quarters.)
6. My Little Free Library is almost all built. (I hired a guy who is having fun doing it.) More about that when the installation is completed.
7. Our harvest has begun with my favorites all represented. I made a meal out of salad and cooked green beans last night. Good Guy opted for leftovers, of which there was a good selection.
That's all folks. Have a great weekend, and I look forward to reading your entries. Don't you love Mrs. 4444's puppy???
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
When It All Comes Down....
Remember that song? "When it all comes down, I hope it doesn't land on you."
Tech savvy people would link up to the YouTube version about here, but I'll spare you that agony. By the time I linked that up my computer would decide it was done doing this for the day and I'd have one more day of no blogging.
But I digress. When this week began, I had an "engagement calendar" that was almost totally blank---with one brief notation about a book club meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
,
I had no company, no appointments, no expectations at all. In truth, I was a little bummed. Now suddenly I've had phone calls and a flurry of conflicting opportunities to see folks and go places. Mostly all at the same time.
I feel like the girl with two prom dates. So what gets chosen?
There was a long pause here-------while I gave it some serious thought. At this stage of my life, the most important relationships to nourish are family connections. Since I've already made time (and enjoyed) a reunion with nursing classmates, I'll pass on this, and spend some time with cousins who I hardly ever get to see. I think that will be the best use of my time.
My creative endeavor for the day is remaking a denim skirt which I found at the thrift shop (the tags were still on it) and it cost me $.50. I couldn't resist all that inexpensive fabric because the skirt is floor length and sort of flared, so there's lots of denim there. You can always use a nice denim skirt that fits right, I always say. I just need someone to help me hang the hem, once I put a new waistband on it.
Our book club read is Moloka'i by Alan Brennert, which has to do with the treatment of lepers and leprosy in Hawaii from the late 1800's through the mid 20th century. It sounded like it would be unrelentingly grim, but it really isn't. A great many innocent people were banished out of ignorance, but of course, that's nothing new. I expect there's plenty of that happening right now.
My "knitting team" is going to knit like fiends all through the Olympics to benefit various charities which are left to each knitter's own discretion. I'll use up ends and small yarn skeins and knit 8 inch squares for warm afghans for AIDS orphans in South Africa. I can handle the warmth of an 8 inch square----even if it's beastly hot here during our Olympic watching.
I pray that all that English care and security will result in a disaster-free Games. The world truly is small now, and I no longer watch just to root for the home team. There are so many amazing athletes who have worked so hard, it is enough to enjoy the contests.
And on a related subject, the Tigers have risen from the doldrums (at least temporarily) and are reason for enthusiasm once again. I'll enjoy it while I can. It gives me something to do until football season begins again.
Hang in there, and stay cool if you can!
Tech savvy people would link up to the YouTube version about here, but I'll spare you that agony. By the time I linked that up my computer would decide it was done doing this for the day and I'd have one more day of no blogging.
But I digress. When this week began, I had an "engagement calendar" that was almost totally blank---with one brief notation about a book club meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
,
I had no company, no appointments, no expectations at all. In truth, I was a little bummed. Now suddenly I've had phone calls and a flurry of conflicting opportunities to see folks and go places. Mostly all at the same time.
I feel like the girl with two prom dates. So what gets chosen?
There was a long pause here-------while I gave it some serious thought. At this stage of my life, the most important relationships to nourish are family connections. Since I've already made time (and enjoyed) a reunion with nursing classmates, I'll pass on this, and spend some time with cousins who I hardly ever get to see. I think that will be the best use of my time.
My creative endeavor for the day is remaking a denim skirt which I found at the thrift shop (the tags were still on it) and it cost me $.50. I couldn't resist all that inexpensive fabric because the skirt is floor length and sort of flared, so there's lots of denim there. You can always use a nice denim skirt that fits right, I always say. I just need someone to help me hang the hem, once I put a new waistband on it.
Our book club read is Moloka'i by Alan Brennert, which has to do with the treatment of lepers and leprosy in Hawaii from the late 1800's through the mid 20th century. It sounded like it would be unrelentingly grim, but it really isn't. A great many innocent people were banished out of ignorance, but of course, that's nothing new. I expect there's plenty of that happening right now.
My "knitting team" is going to knit like fiends all through the Olympics to benefit various charities which are left to each knitter's own discretion. I'll use up ends and small yarn skeins and knit 8 inch squares for warm afghans for AIDS orphans in South Africa. I can handle the warmth of an 8 inch square----even if it's beastly hot here during our Olympic watching.
I pray that all that English care and security will result in a disaster-free Games. The world truly is small now, and I no longer watch just to root for the home team. There are so many amazing athletes who have worked so hard, it is enough to enjoy the contests.
And on a related subject, the Tigers have risen from the doldrums (at least temporarily) and are reason for enthusiasm once again. I'll enjoy it while I can. It gives me something to do until football season begins again.
Hang in there, and stay cool if you can!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Bits on Friday
Hi, Fellow Fragmented Friends,
Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin Time lets us link up and share on Fridays. Check out the others HERE.
We are pathetically grateful for this little break in the heat wave. We even got out to walk this morning between the fog lifting and the heat descending. It's a delicate thing, timing when to go.
While we were in the northern suburbs of Chicago earlier this week, we drove to Arlington Heights to find a culinary delight we've never found anywhere else. A restaurant called Johnnie's has Italian lemonade---a treat that's like no other on a 100 degree day. It's like the finest ground ice in the world permeated with lemon flavor. It is heaven when the weather is hot. For less than four dollars we both got an hour of escape from the heat.
My garden is lush with sugar snap peas, flowering beans, trillions of little tomatoes, beet greens galore and radishes--now going to seed. I need to get in there and pull them all out.
When I returned I had two books in my mail stack. One was another copy of 29 Gifts, and the second was How to be an Everyday Philanthropist by Nicole Bouchard Boles. It is really full of great information!
What must it be like to write your best, and sometimes only, work early in your career as a writer? Think of To Kill a Mockingbird, or Catch 22. I think that must be frustrating even if you have written something iconic.
I have relatives visiting the area from Wyoming. I have to try to find and see them today--somehow. They are camping and both of them have cell phones, but around here cell phone service is tricky if you are down in a hollow near a lake shore. We shall see.
Sometimes people get trapped by their good deeds. My sis and her husband have a place on Lake Superior where, for years, they have hosted a soiree on the day of a local bluegrass jamboree. She doesn't sound like it has quite the charm it used to have, though now it is more of a potluck than it used to be. I'm hoping the weather is cooperative for the Jamboree. (The generation of listeners has gone from the tie-dye, bell-bottom crowd to the pot-bellied, polyester crowd.) The irony!
That's enough fragments. I have to go and see what Karen has learned this week! I count on her to keep me in the knowledge loop.
Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin Time lets us link up and share on Fridays. Check out the others HERE.
We are pathetically grateful for this little break in the heat wave. We even got out to walk this morning between the fog lifting and the heat descending. It's a delicate thing, timing when to go.
While we were in the northern suburbs of Chicago earlier this week, we drove to Arlington Heights to find a culinary delight we've never found anywhere else. A restaurant called Johnnie's has Italian lemonade---a treat that's like no other on a 100 degree day. It's like the finest ground ice in the world permeated with lemon flavor. It is heaven when the weather is hot. For less than four dollars we both got an hour of escape from the heat.
My garden is lush with sugar snap peas, flowering beans, trillions of little tomatoes, beet greens galore and radishes--now going to seed. I need to get in there and pull them all out.
When I returned I had two books in my mail stack. One was another copy of 29 Gifts, and the second was How to be an Everyday Philanthropist by Nicole Bouchard Boles. It is really full of great information!
What must it be like to write your best, and sometimes only, work early in your career as a writer? Think of To Kill a Mockingbird, or Catch 22. I think that must be frustrating even if you have written something iconic.
I have relatives visiting the area from Wyoming. I have to try to find and see them today--somehow. They are camping and both of them have cell phones, but around here cell phone service is tricky if you are down in a hollow near a lake shore. We shall see.
Sometimes people get trapped by their good deeds. My sis and her husband have a place on Lake Superior where, for years, they have hosted a soiree on the day of a local bluegrass jamboree. She doesn't sound like it has quite the charm it used to have, though now it is more of a potluck than it used to be. I'm hoping the weather is cooperative for the Jamboree. (The generation of listeners has gone from the tie-dye, bell-bottom crowd to the pot-bellied, polyester crowd.) The irony!
That's enough fragments. I have to go and see what Karen has learned this week! I count on her to keep me in the knowledge loop.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
From the City
I mentioned in my last post that we were going to the city to listen to music. On Sunday night we hear Barbara Cook, who played Marian the Librarian when The Music Man was first on Broadway. Which puts her in her mid-eighties by now, yet she's still singing wonderfully. Sometimes she forgets the words, and her voice isn't what it was forty years ago, but she is still amazing and we loved being able to hear her again.
Last night we heard Diana Krall sing and play a mean jazz piano, with a great back up group of a guitar, drums, and bass. Diana used to open for Tony Bennett, and she's a formidable talent. Along her path she accumulated a fine husband, (Elvis Costello) and has five year old sons. (Twins, I assume.)
We stayed in an old fashioned, European style inn, with dormitory style bathrooms----for those of you who lived in old-fashioned dorms. Actually, it was presented as a Bed and Breakfast, but the people there weren't as friendly as real B&B folks are. Maybe it's just my Midwest mindset, but I can strike up conversations and be friendly to strangers without being pushy. I think.
We were in Evanston, where it was hot, just like almost everywhere else in the country. The farmers in Illinois and Indiana are very concerned about the drought conditions, because 30% or more of the corn crop is already lost. Very worrisome.
My e-mail urged me to join a zillion others and pray for rain. Plenty of nice gentle rain. Join us if you wish.
Anyway, today we returned home where it is now cooler and clouded over and perhaps there's some thunder in the air. We won't turn down rain here, either. It will probably rain, since I soaked all my planters and watered the garden a bit. My garden has peas forming, cucumbers climbing the fence, blossoms all over the bean plants, and tomato plants like a jungle! Tomorrow's job is to do some pruning and tying I think.
I am always happy to be back home. The Rearranger is resting in my suitcase, and I am happy to see all three of our animals. They are glad we came home to open the windows for them, so they could smell and hear what's really happening. Bliss.
Stay cool, wherever you are!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Loafing
I read this week that routine is good, but if every day blurs into the next, time seems to go more quickly.
I can not attribute this wise saying to the proper author, but I think I read it on The Happiness Project blog. But who knows, because I have been entertaining myself by reading both online and with Actual Books this summer in the heat. And I feel as though I'm "enduring" more than experiencing the season.
My sewing room is the warmest place in the house, so I'm sure not entertaining myself in there! The west side of the house benefits most from AC, so our afternoons are spent there, reading.
I have read in no particular order, these books. I will rate them from 1-10, with 10 being "Don't Miss This!"
1. The Unbidden Truth by Kate Wilhelm (7). Great characters who stay in character throughout.
2. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert (8) Read for book club and I learned a lot about the treatment of lepers and leprosy in Hawaii in the last century.
3. Second Chance by James Patterson and Andrew Gross (7)
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (8) I may be the last person in the USA to read this. I enjoyed it even though I found the premise troubling.
5. Delicious and Suspicious by Riley Adams (4) Silly--like so many "murder mysteries" set in bakeries, quilt shops, and such.
6. Split Image by Robert B. Parker (7). There's never much action in Parker's books; I just love the snappy dialog.
7. Big Jack by J.D. Robb. (8) I read this on my Nook, and I know I liked it, but I have the worst time remembering stuff I read on it! And when it's a library book, it expires and I can't go back to refresh my shaky memory.
8. Star Island by Carl Hiaasen or maybe Hiassen . (8) Guilty pleasure. Full of gross stuff and bad language but so, so funny.
The only thing I've read this year that I'd advise you not to miss is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A truly memorable book on many levels. Louis is truly a man you need to know.
We'll be off enjoying fine music for a few days. I'll have a computer, but may not take time to check in.
I can not attribute this wise saying to the proper author, but I think I read it on The Happiness Project blog. But who knows, because I have been entertaining myself by reading both online and with Actual Books this summer in the heat. And I feel as though I'm "enduring" more than experiencing the season.
My sewing room is the warmest place in the house, so I'm sure not entertaining myself in there! The west side of the house benefits most from AC, so our afternoons are spent there, reading.
I have read in no particular order, these books. I will rate them from 1-10, with 10 being "Don't Miss This!"
1. The Unbidden Truth by Kate Wilhelm (7). Great characters who stay in character throughout.
2. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert (8) Read for book club and I learned a lot about the treatment of lepers and leprosy in Hawaii in the last century.
3. Second Chance by James Patterson and Andrew Gross (7)
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (8) I may be the last person in the USA to read this. I enjoyed it even though I found the premise troubling.
5. Delicious and Suspicious by Riley Adams (4) Silly--like so many "murder mysteries" set in bakeries, quilt shops, and such.
6. Split Image by Robert B. Parker (7). There's never much action in Parker's books; I just love the snappy dialog.
7. Big Jack by J.D. Robb. (8) I read this on my Nook, and I know I liked it, but I have the worst time remembering stuff I read on it! And when it's a library book, it expires and I can't go back to refresh my shaky memory.
8. Star Island by Carl Hiaasen or maybe Hiassen . (8) Guilty pleasure. Full of gross stuff and bad language but so, so funny.
The only thing I've read this year that I'd advise you not to miss is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A truly memorable book on many levels. Louis is truly a man you need to know.
We'll be off enjoying fine music for a few days. I'll have a computer, but may not take time to check in.
Monday, July 9, 2012
The Joys of Old Friendships
A very good morning to you on a cool early morning, when the forecast is for a "reasonably" hot day. I will take my blessings however they are doled. I love these cool, dewy morning hours and try to accomplish as much as possible before I get red-faced, irritable, and tired.
Well, that is probably too much information. Suffice it to say, I am happy that someone invented air conditioning.
My real subject for the day is the blessing of old friends. Good Guy and I got to spend Saturday evening with a wonderful couple from the town where he used to teach school. He has known them for many more years than I, since I only came on the scene 24 years ago. (See, I told you we were old!) So they qualify as old friends, and their younger kids, all married now, were just starting school when I first knew them.
So we caught up on the town obits, the news of the children and grandchildren, what they are reading, where we've been traveling, and how good it is to get together again.
Tomorrow I'll see my "back to my youth" old friends when my nursing class has a reunion. I always have to laugh at my reaction, because (to me) my classmates all look the same as ever, but their husbands are really aging.
Our planning has focused on how many of us can get together at one time, plus what to bring to the potluck. Program consists of finding something for the husbands to do, while the wives gather in small enough groups to visit and catch up.
We are fairly unique, I think, in that we have a round robin letter that circulates among eleven of us so we get news of each others several times a year. It makes its circuit about once per season, but I certainly wouldn't get individual letters from each of them that often. Nobody writes that many letters anymore, do they?
These get-togethers are cause to reflect on the ways we are the same people we were when we were 18-21 year olds in nurses' training, even though so much time has passed and we have experienced so much of life. It reassures me somehow, that even though most of us have grown wiser and have weathered some stormy times, there is still some mischief to be seen. The people who were always full of fun are still laughing, and the smartest are still smart. The stylish are still looking fine, and we are all staying out of the obituary column.
Nobody smokes anymore, though many took it up when they first left home. (I thought I was the voice of reason, telling everyone it was dumb to start. They thought I was a big nag, and I probably was.)
My only distinction in the group was as the class wit, so you must understand that it was a very small class indeed. (Cue in the laugh track.)
Well, you will have to excuse me now so I can get to work on my contribution to the potluck. In true Weight Watcher fashion, I should have signed up to bring a veggie tray. Alas, I am going to bring porketta, simmered to tenderness, and buns. The husbands have to be fed---and some of them still eat meat....and maybe it isn't too late to be more than the class wit.
Well, that is probably too much information. Suffice it to say, I am happy that someone invented air conditioning.
My real subject for the day is the blessing of old friends. Good Guy and I got to spend Saturday evening with a wonderful couple from the town where he used to teach school. He has known them for many more years than I, since I only came on the scene 24 years ago. (See, I told you we were old!) So they qualify as old friends, and their younger kids, all married now, were just starting school when I first knew them.
So we caught up on the town obits, the news of the children and grandchildren, what they are reading, where we've been traveling, and how good it is to get together again.
Tomorrow I'll see my "back to my youth" old friends when my nursing class has a reunion. I always have to laugh at my reaction, because (to me) my classmates all look the same as ever, but their husbands are really aging.
Our planning has focused on how many of us can get together at one time, plus what to bring to the potluck. Program consists of finding something for the husbands to do, while the wives gather in small enough groups to visit and catch up.
We are fairly unique, I think, in that we have a round robin letter that circulates among eleven of us so we get news of each others several times a year. It makes its circuit about once per season, but I certainly wouldn't get individual letters from each of them that often. Nobody writes that many letters anymore, do they?
These get-togethers are cause to reflect on the ways we are the same people we were when we were 18-21 year olds in nurses' training, even though so much time has passed and we have experienced so much of life. It reassures me somehow, that even though most of us have grown wiser and have weathered some stormy times, there is still some mischief to be seen. The people who were always full of fun are still laughing, and the smartest are still smart. The stylish are still looking fine, and we are all staying out of the obituary column.
Nobody smokes anymore, though many took it up when they first left home. (I thought I was the voice of reason, telling everyone it was dumb to start. They thought I was a big nag, and I probably was.)
My only distinction in the group was as the class wit, so you must understand that it was a very small class indeed. (Cue in the laugh track.)
Well, you will have to excuse me now so I can get to work on my contribution to the potluck. In true Weight Watcher fashion, I should have signed up to bring a veggie tray. Alas, I am going to bring porketta, simmered to tenderness, and buns. The husbands have to be fed---and some of them still eat meat....and maybe it isn't too late to be more than the class wit.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Five on Friday
I usually sweep together my "bits of the week" and dump them on my friend, Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time. However I am without bits this week and besides that, I am awfully late to link up, so I will write about something else.
Once a blogger decides to have their comments count up to benefit others somehow, they become aware of many worthy causes that are competing for their attention and donation. So one of the first places I found and trusted was an organization called Charity Navigator. They call themselves the guide to intelligent giving, and gave me information such as what percentage of what they raise goes to the people who are supposed to be helped. (Good to know.)
Other interesting ideas have come from other blogs, from the news, from friends, and newsletters. Just a couple weeks ago I found a posting from Be More With Less that sent me to a story about a man who decided on his fiftieth birthday that he was going to set this amazing goal. He was going to try to bring about a change for someone in every country of the world. He was going to study, find a cause, and make a personal connection whenever possible.
From another blog I read from time to time I found Kiva, which does microlending to people in other countries. The amount you can lend is modest, plus as the money is repaid, you can use the same money to help another person. (I think this is really cool, because you can scroll through people and countries and choose, and if you'd like to join a team of givers, you can do that too.)
If you stop by here you know that I am a book lover, so I am crazy about the idea of Little Free Libraries. The idea here is to build community in your own neighborhood by putting a sturdy waterproof box on a pole in your front yard, stock it with books, and encourage your neighbors to take a book and leave a book to share. The organization will sell you a box or provide you with plans to build one, and provide a label to attach to explain what it's all about.
Another worthwhile cause I have found is Forgotten Children, which has many volunteer helpers, which keeps administrative costs to a minimum. Check them out. They are doing good work.
I have had contact with other causes that I feel do a good job, too. I wrote letters for Soldiers Angels, and learned about Doctors Without Borders (a personal favorite), agencies that help the children of prisoners, a facility nearby that serves addicts and introduces them to the Lord, Heifer International, the Salvation Army, the local women's shelter, and the cancer closet.
It is only fair to tell you that if you donate to a place, and they have an address to contact you, you will receive further pleas for money. Let the donor beware.
I'm not sharing this with you because I'm so generous, but because sometimes I benefit from the vision that others have, and I'm trying to pass that along. I am so challenged by the man who wants to change every country! I will tell you more about that just in case you don't hunt for that link yourself, but not tonight. Come back again.
In the meantime give something away! Even if it's just a happy grin.
Once a blogger decides to have their comments count up to benefit others somehow, they become aware of many worthy causes that are competing for their attention and donation. So one of the first places I found and trusted was an organization called Charity Navigator. They call themselves the guide to intelligent giving, and gave me information such as what percentage of what they raise goes to the people who are supposed to be helped. (Good to know.)
Other interesting ideas have come from other blogs, from the news, from friends, and newsletters. Just a couple weeks ago I found a posting from Be More With Less that sent me to a story about a man who decided on his fiftieth birthday that he was going to set this amazing goal. He was going to try to bring about a change for someone in every country of the world. He was going to study, find a cause, and make a personal connection whenever possible.
From another blog I read from time to time I found Kiva, which does microlending to people in other countries. The amount you can lend is modest, plus as the money is repaid, you can use the same money to help another person. (I think this is really cool, because you can scroll through people and countries and choose, and if you'd like to join a team of givers, you can do that too.)
If you stop by here you know that I am a book lover, so I am crazy about the idea of Little Free Libraries. The idea here is to build community in your own neighborhood by putting a sturdy waterproof box on a pole in your front yard, stock it with books, and encourage your neighbors to take a book and leave a book to share. The organization will sell you a box or provide you with plans to build one, and provide a label to attach to explain what it's all about.
Another worthwhile cause I have found is Forgotten Children, which has many volunteer helpers, which keeps administrative costs to a minimum. Check them out. They are doing good work.
I have had contact with other causes that I feel do a good job, too. I wrote letters for Soldiers Angels, and learned about Doctors Without Borders (a personal favorite), agencies that help the children of prisoners, a facility nearby that serves addicts and introduces them to the Lord, Heifer International, the Salvation Army, the local women's shelter, and the cancer closet.
It is only fair to tell you that if you donate to a place, and they have an address to contact you, you will receive further pleas for money. Let the donor beware.
I'm not sharing this with you because I'm so generous, but because sometimes I benefit from the vision that others have, and I'm trying to pass that along. I am so challenged by the man who wants to change every country! I will tell you more about that just in case you don't hunt for that link yourself, but not tonight. Come back again.
In the meantime give something away! Even if it's just a happy grin.
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