I'll hit this spot one last time in May to:
Register my appreciation to the soldiers, sailors, marines, and MASH units of every generation for stepping up and serving. Thanks, thanks, and thanks again.
My flag is flying and I'm reminding you that you can send a letter of support. Get an address at Soldiers' Angels and give someone a smile when that letter arrives. I hate to think that our people who are serving in Afghanistan feel that they are forgotten or left unsupported.
Plus I'll tell you that we have bought a car. A brand spankin' new one with the new car smell and the whole magilla. It joins our fleet of Toyota Camrys. We are selling the red car and keeping the green car (for me). It is old and reliable and I love that car.
Our ride over to the car dealer in a nearby town was so pleasant yesterday. The farm fields are blushing green, the trees are budding, the woods are full of trilliums, and the sun was shining. It's a beautiful world---if you don't watch the news.
I wish you a pleasant weekend. Have a cookout and a good time, but remember the solemn reason for the long weekend.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Success!
I took one knitting project with me when we went traveling last month. It was difficult and I needed to concentrate on it all the time.
It was also a failure. I tried and ripped it out numerous times and it is, once again, just a ball of lace weight yarn.
When all else fails, read the directions. I decided to take a Craftsy course on shawl knitting and you have evidence of the power of a good teacher and a persistent student.
I'm always so paranoid about running out of yarn that I was a nervous wreck while I was doing that scalloped border bind off at the lower edge. I had one ball of this beautiful yarn and it was pretty well used up. Would I come up short with 1/3 of the border to go?
Who said that knitting is dull? The suspense was enormous! Good Guy would ask me, "Are you going to make it?" and I would just sigh. Who knows....
I learned a lot, but now I think I need to cast on another one so I don't forget what I have learned. What do you think? Do you need a shawl? I think this will be stunning with my flannel shirts and jeans.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Squeeee!
This marks one of the times in the year when I hate to be inside for a minute---which is saying something, since I'm vying for The Biggest Couch Spud Ever award.
But I love the days in spring when the trees are just leafing out. After our little sputter of warm weather, followed by some really nice rain, our trees are trembling on the brink of popping their leaves. I can practically watch the change in the lilac bushes from one hour to the next.
The lilacs are loaded with flower buds, and I hope they don't get frosted, because we had none last year after our early hot weather, followed by frost. So maybe they'll make up for it this year. The only down side of that is that lilacs give my sister a headache---so I'll have to meet her someplace else.
One of my sisters is returning from many weeks away during the winter, and the other is counting down the workdays until retirement at the end of the month. Happy times for us all.
The new retiree announced yesterday that they have plans made until the end of the year. Good for them, but as my daughter says, "We plan and God laughs." Or maybe just shakes His head and smiles benignly.
I wish you all again a Happy Mothers' Day. I can't hug my mom on Mothers' day but I continue to honor her example and her dear self. I don't mind it anymore when I hear her words coming out of my mouth. Now and again she was very wise.
But I love the days in spring when the trees are just leafing out. After our little sputter of warm weather, followed by some really nice rain, our trees are trembling on the brink of popping their leaves. I can practically watch the change in the lilac bushes from one hour to the next.
The lilacs are loaded with flower buds, and I hope they don't get frosted, because we had none last year after our early hot weather, followed by frost. So maybe they'll make up for it this year. The only down side of that is that lilacs give my sister a headache---so I'll have to meet her someplace else.
One of my sisters is returning from many weeks away during the winter, and the other is counting down the workdays until retirement at the end of the month. Happy times for us all.
The new retiree announced yesterday that they have plans made until the end of the year. Good for them, but as my daughter says, "We plan and God laughs." Or maybe just shakes His head and smiles benignly.
I wish you all again a Happy Mothers' Day. I can't hug my mom on Mothers' day but I continue to honor her example and her dear self. I don't mind it anymore when I hear her words coming out of my mouth. Now and again she was very wise.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Fridays in May
Hello, Mrs. 4444 and you happy band of Friday Fragmenters. It's nice to hang out with you once again. (You too can deposit your flotsam and jetsam of "not quite enough for a post" ideas here with this like-minded and kind-hearted group.) Just click here to link up.
In this neck of the woods we have been greeting one another with comments about the weather for many long months. It has been a pleasure to hear folks say (at last), "Isn't this a gorgeous day?"
Today is a bit chilly, but the sun is shining so it's gorgeous anyway.
Once it is warm again, the cats recall that wonderful day that they got outdoors and ate grass, saw a chipmunk, ran under the porch when a car started across the street..... Ah, the life of adventure! Only one of them goes outdoors to patrol the bird seed bag and terrorize the chipmunks. The two we got from the shelter are indoor cats 99.9% of the time. Occasionally they're faster than I and sneak out. (Very, very seldom.)
My grandson is happy that there has been more pleasant weather for track events. It's hard to do some things indoors, and he's a shot putter. When I think of being a spectator at track events I mostly shiver. That's how I remember them, even in nice weather years.
Our travels have taken us to two wonderful European cities, which I won't pretend is only a 'fragment' of a post. But it was apparent to me that both were very conscious of energy conservation issues. Hallways in hotels had motion sensor lights rather than be illuminated all the time, we had a hotel room where the lights went off automatically when you took your key out of a special holder to leave and lock the door.
I think the "engineering" in my home is far from cutting edge. Just sayin'...
My daughter and I breezed through completing a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle a couple of weeks ago. In a fit of confidence, I borrowed a 1000 piece puzzle from Saint Beverly, but this one will take us ten times longer to do. There are multiple pieces that are cut the same shape----(sigh).
I took only one project to knit when we were away, thinking I'd have to stick to it and master lace knitting. I was one frustrated knitter when I returned with needles and a ball of yarn. The yarn was really good and strong though. It still is lovely after being used and undone a dozen times.
But I wasn't a quitter, and I signed up for a lace knitting class online, through Craftsy. I hope you can get to the site; my cookies take me to my own projects which isn't where you'd need to be. Anyway, I paid for an excellent class which taught me a great deal. Including patience.
About time. So I'll give you fair warning. If you want to make a lace shawl, get yourself a mess of stitch markers and be prepared to count, count, count. Don't try to do it when you are tired or will be distracted, or when you're drinking wine, or watching a baseball game when the closer is screwing up. Ask me how I know.
Well, this isn't a lot, but I have to get my Fragment Feet wet gradually.
And there are lots of other folks to visit. Thanks Mrs. 4444, you're an angel. But you still have that mischievous twinkle in your eye!
Happy Mothers' Day, all of you who qualify! May you hear from all your beloved children.
In this neck of the woods we have been greeting one another with comments about the weather for many long months. It has been a pleasure to hear folks say (at last), "Isn't this a gorgeous day?"
Today is a bit chilly, but the sun is shining so it's gorgeous anyway.
Once it is warm again, the cats recall that wonderful day that they got outdoors and ate grass, saw a chipmunk, ran under the porch when a car started across the street..... Ah, the life of adventure! Only one of them goes outdoors to patrol the bird seed bag and terrorize the chipmunks. The two we got from the shelter are indoor cats 99.9% of the time. Occasionally they're faster than I and sneak out. (Very, very seldom.)
My grandson is happy that there has been more pleasant weather for track events. It's hard to do some things indoors, and he's a shot putter. When I think of being a spectator at track events I mostly shiver. That's how I remember them, even in nice weather years.
Our travels have taken us to two wonderful European cities, which I won't pretend is only a 'fragment' of a post. But it was apparent to me that both were very conscious of energy conservation issues. Hallways in hotels had motion sensor lights rather than be illuminated all the time, we had a hotel room where the lights went off automatically when you took your key out of a special holder to leave and lock the door.
I think the "engineering" in my home is far from cutting edge. Just sayin'...
My daughter and I breezed through completing a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle a couple of weeks ago. In a fit of confidence, I borrowed a 1000 piece puzzle from Saint Beverly, but this one will take us ten times longer to do. There are multiple pieces that are cut the same shape----(sigh).
I took only one project to knit when we were away, thinking I'd have to stick to it and master lace knitting. I was one frustrated knitter when I returned with needles and a ball of yarn. The yarn was really good and strong though. It still is lovely after being used and undone a dozen times.
But I wasn't a quitter, and I signed up for a lace knitting class online, through Craftsy. I hope you can get to the site; my cookies take me to my own projects which isn't where you'd need to be. Anyway, I paid for an excellent class which taught me a great deal. Including patience.
About time. So I'll give you fair warning. If you want to make a lace shawl, get yourself a mess of stitch markers and be prepared to count, count, count. Don't try to do it when you are tired or will be distracted, or when you're drinking wine, or watching a baseball game when the closer is screwing up. Ask me how I know.
Well, this isn't a lot, but I have to get my Fragment Feet wet gradually.
And there are lots of other folks to visit. Thanks Mrs. 4444, you're an angel. But you still have that mischievous twinkle in your eye!
Happy Mothers' Day, all of you who qualify! May you hear from all your beloved children.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Paying Tribute
I have already recorded here that I avoid funerals as much as possible. (And I was gratified to see some of you nodding in agreement.)
However, I will at least put in an appearance at the visitation portion of one of the most beloved members of our church congregation.
Wally Jones served as a greeter for more years than I can recall, with a genuine grin and handshake for everyone. He always made me feel like I was special to him, and I'd guess everyone who knew him felt the same way. What a wonderful gift!
Not only that, but he died last Wednesday at the age of 99, having been a serving member of our church for 83 years! Can you imagine? And it was said that he died as he dismounted from his exercise bike!
I am thinking that about now he is standing right inside the Pearly Gates shaking hands with folks as they enter and telling them Welcome, you are Home at last!
So, Dear Friend, this serves as my parting hug to you with a big I love you and a thanks for everything. See you later. Find my folks and give them my love, too.
However, I will at least put in an appearance at the visitation portion of one of the most beloved members of our church congregation.
Wally Jones served as a greeter for more years than I can recall, with a genuine grin and handshake for everyone. He always made me feel like I was special to him, and I'd guess everyone who knew him felt the same way. What a wonderful gift!
Not only that, but he died last Wednesday at the age of 99, having been a serving member of our church for 83 years! Can you imagine? And it was said that he died as he dismounted from his exercise bike!
I am thinking that about now he is standing right inside the Pearly Gates shaking hands with folks as they enter and telling them Welcome, you are Home at last!
So, Dear Friend, this serves as my parting hug to you with a big I love you and a thanks for everything. See you later. Find my folks and give them my love, too.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Turning Tide
Once in a while there is such a change in situation and attitude that I can notice it even while it is in progress.
After this extremely long and discouraging winter that has intruded upon Spring, I can actually feel my mood and energy level change when we have a mild and sunny day. Accomplishing tasks seems possible again.
Of course, the changing angle of the sun is also pointing out that there are places that have been long neglected. That gives me some incentive to work as well.
I never consider myself depressed, but I must confess that I have been somewhat low on good cheer and energy. This week, however, even though we had one cold and rainy (even icy) day, we had warm days and sun. Bring it on! I got out to rake in the garden. I walked. I recycled paper. I worked on a baby quilt.
Life is good! Who needs excitement when sunshine is enough to make life happier?
After this extremely long and discouraging winter that has intruded upon Spring, I can actually feel my mood and energy level change when we have a mild and sunny day. Accomplishing tasks seems possible again.
Of course, the changing angle of the sun is also pointing out that there are places that have been long neglected. That gives me some incentive to work as well.
I never consider myself depressed, but I must confess that I have been somewhat low on good cheer and energy. This week, however, even though we had one cold and rainy (even icy) day, we had warm days and sun. Bring it on! I got out to rake in the garden. I walked. I recycled paper. I worked on a baby quilt.
Life is good! Who needs excitement when sunshine is enough to make life happier?
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Tulips and Favorite Foods
Just a couple of quick words: The tulips on today's header were blooming in Istanbul while we were there.
They were celebrating a Tulip Festival, and the city was beautiful with blooming tulips everywhere!
And this was my response to yesterday's photography prompt. Favorite food.
I don't have my favorite food here but this was at hand, and will fill in nicely.
They were celebrating a Tulip Festival, and the city was beautiful with blooming tulips everywhere!
And this was my response to yesterday's photography prompt. Favorite food.
I don't have my favorite food here but this was at hand, and will fill in nicely.
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