Thursday, April 30, 2009
a Link to G K
One of the small pleasures I allow myself is getting a newspaper delivered to the front yard a few days a week. Although there are times when I find that I am reading news from Sunday on a mid-week morning, and the comics are easier to navigate on my computer.
Still, there’s nothing quite like folding the page “just so”
putting it beside my breakfast plate
and reading a column written by Garrison Keillor.
It’s like having a friend without the slurping of coffee.
today, he says we should not get sidetracked by the past
so here is a link to his homepage
Now you don’t have to go out in the rain to bring in the paper
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Outside my window Spring 2009
Our South Meadow is lovely this time of year
Husband’s view of the violets
then click on the picture
to see what I see from safely indoors
I’m still not quite clear on why the cats with their hair and dander don’t aggravate my allergy so much as pollen will while I am outside
but Mahalia and I both like to take in the view
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Finding my Voice Again and Again
my Angel of Learning got her head rubbed several times “for Luck” lately; she was a long ago gift from a nice parent for teacher appreciation
My bi-focals and my voice got a workout this week.
Teaching Assistant Sub jobs took me to different buildings.
On Tuesday, in a Second Grade class, I read aloud the Spelling words list for a quiz, saying a sentence with each word in proper use.
Wednesday, at one junior high classroom, in the morning I was the Narrator for a Reader’s Theater about Earth Day.
In the afternoon, I read a chapter from The Outsiders to an Eighth Grade Accommodated Reading Group. As we were putting the chairs away to go back and join the rest of the class (who had been doing Silent Reading) I overheard one of “my” students tell another that he wished I would be there all the time.
Thursday morning, in the church Nursery, it was storybook reading, about a little teddy bear going through the routine of the day. Two-year-olds like repetition.
Friday, different junior high, read aloud a chapter from The Diary of Anne Frank to a full class.
Sunday morning Worship Service was a greater event.
At some time awhile back, I must have signed the volunteer sheet to say I would read the Scripture. When I got the e-mail saying which chapters and verses, I thought “that seems like a lot”
Although we do have the requested version of the Bible on the shelf, I went to a place on the ‘Net and copied the texts, then went to my word processing program and dinked around with it—like making the letters much enlarged and in bold.
I also wrote at the top exactly what I was going to say (such as my name) so that all I had to do was read it.
As always, the presence of a microphone, plus knowing there is a recording going on, really makes me nervous.
Also, I had to figure out about how to get from my usual seat way in the back to the podium without all eyes on me. When I got dressed this morning, I made sure to be wearing shoes which do not click with every step.
As luck would have it, just before it was my turn, there was a hymn when the congregation would stand to sing.
I was able to walk up to the first row just fine.
Then as the audience was getting comfortably seated again, I stepped up onto the stage.
I had my Bible with me just in case, but actually, I read from the printout pages. Putting the letters in bold was definitely a smart thing to do.
Then I stepped down at one side, just as the minister was walking up on the other.
Pretty smoothe transition, I thought 
A dear friend gave me a thumbs up as I passed, and another reached out and brushed the back of my hand with her fingers as I passed by. She had a big smile on her face.
Whew! Done with a worthwhile project!
During Fellowship Hour, several folks said I done good (one fella who has never talked with me before), that I should read more often, that it shows I can be a teacher in storytelling mode.
As mentioned, I feel like I have read quite enough this week.
Time for a Sunday siesta.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
about the “Pattern” page
About the pattern sheet for son’s aphgan
(see Pammie’s comment #5 of previous post)
I took the first cone of yarn with me to my Yarn Group
and tried 6 crochet hooks of different sizes and handles
looking at how even and tightness of stitches done
and finally settled on the Addi 4.5 mm making the proper size granny square
and comfortable enough to use it steadily for a couple months
after we measured the size, I pulled out the sheet of paper in the bottom of my bag, which happened to be the computer printout receipt for some of the cones of yarn
then did the ciphering you see
I figure I will sew together 9, then crochet those together
just to give a little texture
I put the dots in the middle square, thinking I might get some tan yarn for a center highlight,
but Husband nixed the first square I made,
saying the Northwoods color works good alone
I have two cones ended, meaning 48 squares of 180 need
but I’m taking time off this evening to crochet a bookmark to put into a sympathy card
And N C I S begins in less than 30 minutes,
so I better get this out to you
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, April 20, 2009
Having fun over here
Okay, folks, I have begun a new crochet project,
and I am so busy having fun hooking the squares that I don’t want to take time away from it to tell you
that it will be an aphgan for son Lucas
each square is 6 inches on a side using a 4.5mm Addi hook
the color is Peaches-n-Creme cotton color Northwoods
and I need to have it done by the third week of July
Please forgive my distraction.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Looks like folks having fun with Do Re Mi
When the choir director at church told me to write down a place to go on the Internet, I had no idea what to expect.
Having known her for many years,
I figure she won’t do me wrong 
Well, here it is on You Tube, and you can enjoy it also…..
There are several camera angles, but this one seems to have the least blur.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, April 16, 2009
It’s been Two Years, but still….
Memory of Virginia Tech as written so thoughtfully
at Gifts of the Journey the Ways We Remember
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Same Action, Two Meanings
When I was a kid, there was a show on tv with the name Dark Shadows. A couple of my friends rearranged their hours to be able to watch it every afternoon, but my mother absolutely forbid viewing at our house because
“it had vampires”.
Not that I think she ever watched it herself to decide,
she often just passed along information from someone at church or beauty shop.
I didn’t care much, I usually prefer what I’m reading and watching to have very human characters.
These days, I am working in junior high schools where at least one copy of the book TWILIGHT is on a desk and eagerly opened up during free reading time.
And one girl got in trouble with the teacher because she was trying to tell me all about the movie, even though I had tried to shush her myself, was not encouraging at all.
It seems the vampire theme has come ‘round again.
I have not read any of the TWILIGHT book series, and do not plan to see the movie. A couple of my favorite bloggers Kristine at Random and Odd, and Susie at What was I Thinking, who have teenage daughters, have written very good posts about TWILIGHT, and I trust their input about as much as I can muster up the interest; paycheck job of interacting with adolescents or no.
On Easter morning, I was sitting at the back of church while communion was being passed. Although I was baptized when I was young, and the minister spoke a wealth of background and blessing for the symbolism, I decided not to participate because a memory had surfaced, one of the times my mother said terrible things about vampires and blood, and works of the devil.
Vampires of lore drink blood, which is a terrible thing, I guess. I’m told the vampire in TWILIGHT drinks only the blood of animals, which is why many parents allow the kids to read it. Yesterday, I put a wonderful beef roast and potatoes in the crockpot and we had a feast for supper.
During communion, there was a song about drinking the blood of Jesus. I can’t find the lyrics on the ‘Net, but communion is all about how Jesus’ body was broken for you, His blood shed to wash away sins.
Sometime back in those days of Barnabas Collins and arguments with my mom and having church activities shoved at me, I remember thinking that vampires drinking blood and Jesus cleansing blood must be some really great storytelling. And why did my mother not see that the same action meant different things to other folks?
Anyway, I did not take communion on Easter morning, a high holy day for Christian believers.
My mother lives two states away, yet is able to still cause me to have inner conflicts.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Friday, April 10, 2009
the Service for Baby Hats
Last Sunday, I went to an event at the hospital which introduced the current Art in the Atrium project.
I had read a tiny notice on the community calendar in the newspaper, and the speaker was Dave Proeber, one of the photographers for the paper, so I figured the program would be interesting.
I was pleased to have made the effort.
It seems Mr. P volunteered in a church hall and taught a photography class for any interested persons, no matter the age. One boy was in 7th grade, one lady a gr-grandma.
For the program, he used the photos as slides, then had the student describe the picture-taking scene.
For the display, the photo prints are matted and framed and line the walls of the halls near the Atrium elevator.
After listening to the folks, and having some yummy stuff to nibble on, I walked around looking at the pictures, and if you are in the hospital building sometime this month, yerself should seek them out.
Like any bunch of anything ... some good, some just okay.
As I was standing there in the hallway, I noticed an attendant pushing a wheelchair with a young mother holding her new baby.
While they waited for the elevator, as an aside, I asked the attendant why the baby did not have on a pretty knitted hat to go home?
She whispered that the nursery is all out of them, but the mother did not even know anything about it, so it was okay.
Well, as soon as I got home, I pulled out the peg loom and got knitting. And at my Yarn Group on Thursday afternoon, I made a plea for the buddys to do the same.
We are not the only group to send in hats, but it seems we have been slacking some.
A baby should have a hat on during a cold and rainy day in the early Spring.
my baker’s dozen is going over today
and yes, they all were knitted since Sunday, even though I had TA Sub jobs three full days this week
Such a kind and understanding spouse, I have 
what with eating cereal for supper, and wrinkled work shirts
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Lab Results are Fine
Awhile back, I wrote about the spot on the tip of my nose and my trips to our health clinic.
At that time, the doctor said the results from the lab would come in ‘early next week’, so on Monday when I got home from work, I dashed to the phone’s answering machine, and also checked the mails.
Nothing
Tuesday, same thing, so I called the office and got the gal at the front desk who said the doctor was already gone for the day and the nurse was quite busy. She did what she is allowed, which was to say her computer said my lab results were in the mail, since Friday.
I took this to be a good sign, the report came back as routine, rather than emergency.
Finally, Wednesday, an envelope in the paper mailbox when I got home from work and grocery shopping.
The doctor’s handwriting is not something a 5th grade teacher would give a high mark for, but I could make out the lettering saying:
Biopsy Benign OK findings suggest this was rosacea lesion
which is a relief (no carcinoma), but there is
nothing more about cause, prevention, follow-up treatments
nor what to do about the biopsy hole with its loose scab which remains on my nose and the band-aids are beginning to itch
Soo, I guess I will have to use a search engine on the handy-dandy interwebs
I grow tired of paying medical office co-payments
Thank You, my Dear Ones for your loving support
shown as messages, comments, and prayers
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, April 06, 2009
Blankie Gone Today
A former co-worker and I have kept in touch these last few years. We both still have jobs in education, albeit very different than the place where we met.
A couple years ago, I was Thrilled when she sent the link to her wedding photos (a beautiful bride, of course), and then a few months back, I became Ecstatic when she sent the sonogram picture of her baby G.I.R.L. which I am told the doctor says could be born any time soon.
This afternoon, I mailed off the crocheted blankie.
body is double crochet stitch with 2.75mm steel hook and Aunt Lydia’s bedspread cotton color Oasis
stripes and border color Linen
Although the color pink is usually for a girl, I had already crocheted many rows before that sonogram came by e-mail, plus everybody who has seen this aphgan in real life says it should be fine.
It was kinda neat how I did the mailing. I had packed the box yesterday afternoon, put it into the car this morning, with the plan to mail it after the TA Sub job today.
I was in a small town, the school on the farthest west edge of the district.
As I was standing by the door during Bus Lane duty, I mentioned to a co-worker that I had to mail a package on the way home, and dreaded the construction all around the Normal Post Office, so I hoped the line would not be too long, since I had to get home to see OPRAH. Ya see, my blog buddy Karen from Chookooloonks (in my sidebar) was on the show today.
A boy about 4th Grade age was nearby and spoke up that the post office is just down the street next door to the library, and it is real easy to get to.
The other adult was just about to say something about him listening to us, she did not look happy at all, but I ignored the expression on her face, turned to him, and asked more about the local post office location.
He was all happy that I was listening, and then asked about who it is would be on Oprah.
When I told him that the talk would be about mothers, he lost interest pretty quick, being a young boy and all.
But I thanked him for the directions.
The post office was right there on the main street.
The clerk was working a suduku (sp?) puzzle, so definitely not a crowd of people.
I was in and out in less than five minutes, then was able to drive right on home, getting inside with a few minutes left to check the mails and put the kettle on for some hot chocolate.
Well, anyway, I’ve been working away with yarn in my hands, not typing too much.
Will send more news when I have something else to say.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
ps the red and gray stripe, all cotton sweater I am wearing
was purchased at the thrift store for 66¢ = cheap comfort