Granny Squares Blankie

Posted on Friday, 8 July 2011 by MrsDOF

The other day, I received an e-mail which had the words “I hate to ask this” written within, which means the person might be asking for me to do something I might find odious, such as having Sarah Palin as an overnight guest.
But no, all she wanted was a crocheted bookmark. There was more words regarding circumstances, including an offer to pay with money, which is not allowed within my certain circle of friends.
Money is expected from the boorish woman who saunters into the back room of the Activity Center every now and then, more or less putting in a purchase order for her next gift-giving occasion, but we haven’t seen her in awhile. More telling is that no one has asked, nor offered, information about her.

Back to the subject of bookmarks, I crocheted some

Bookmarks first week of July-- all crocheted on the front porch on lovely summer mornings

Soon as I get done here, I’ll be folding those little beauties into envelopes, getting ready to mail while the post office is open on Saturday. One is going to the gal who made the request, one for sympathy, others… well, they’ll learn why.

You might notice that I haven’t mentioned the ironing, which is being procrastinated on a humid afternoon. The idea of using a steamy appliance right now is not at all appealing to me– I would much rather do a little typing while sipping my homemade latte.

Also fresh off the hook is a baby blankie, just finished the white border this morning

Granny Squares Blankie for Bill's grandbaby

Tried 3 different yarns and patterns before deciding on Bernat Cottontots and my 4.0mm Etimo crochet hook.

Oh, if that project had words… come to think of it, words are inadequate to describe supplies and effort. In fact, looking at the photo, I still want to reach over and switch a couple of the squares to a different place, all the better to be eye-catching or balanced, but there was limited amounts of certain colors, I bartered for a skein, and I did spend more than I first intended. First time in quite awhile that I bought yarn AT FULL PRICE, but the border needed to be white, and I didn’t have any.

The cotton granny squares blankie is crocheted for the baby on its way to a fella I haven’t seen since he was a baby himself.
Actually, I’ve known my friend Bill since church camp days, he was a groomsman in our wedding, so soon as I heard the news that his son and wife are expecting, seeing Bill will become a Pappy in early August, I began scheming hook and yarn gift.
Very glad it turned out okay to me, the new parents will have final say for its uses.

Did I mention the ironing? the board is set up, the clothes in a pile waiting.
Normally, I put some tunes on the stereo and wade right in. Today, not so much. Doesn’t seem like a Friday thing to be doing. Time was, the ironing got done Sunday afternoon, getting Husband’s work shirts all done for the work week ahead. Often, the rhythm of working out the wrinkles is good for me.

Maybe I’m into the mid-Summer blahs. Or the letdown of having completed a crochet project, not knowing what to begin next. The Fall Fest at the nursing home always needs crafts, so I will dig through the hobby room to come up with something.

A friend stopped by to pick up some rug yarn I had mentioned. I brought it home from the Activity Center– we needed the space in the storeroom. I’ve crocheted a half dozen tote bags, but yarn donations keep coming, and my friend is getting adept with her crochet hook. She’s planning a tote bag. I have an ancient pattern book for rug yarn toys, but no modern person would use the final item.

Well, anyway. the Ironing Board is in the way of packing envelopes, so one task at a time. It’s time I left the seat awhile, my backside ain’t getting any smaller.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Crochet | 5 Comments

the Lovely month of June

Posted on Thursday, 23 June 2011 by MrsDOF

By Popular Request, a new writing for the blog is needed

In case you are wondering what I’ve been up to (and it does seem as if concern about non-updates is rampant) then I should show proof that I have been otherwise occupied.

About a month ago, we bought a new king-size bed. I signed papers declaring I have to give somebody else a money payment every month for the next 2 years. First thing we have scheduled in awhile, but our savings account is earmarked towards the roof which needs replaced in the worst way.

In order for that bed to be delivered, our old queen-size bed would get moved across the hall for son to use, and the old twin bed would be set in the littlest bedroom, so there had to be a whole lotta rearranging done.
Husband and son Chris did a bunch of the hauling around while I was at my last day at school working as a TA Sub. They said it was quieter thataway. Both had aches and sneezes for days afterward.

Oldest Son’s former room has become my Hobby Haven. Stuff jumbled on shelves, and in bins, and hanging in bags on hooks along the wall. Actually, it doesn’t look much better these days, except there is a bed in there holding up some of the stuff, with a corner open and comfy blankie for Scratchy the cat to be able to sit and look out the window.

In the course of stirring up dust, I had to empty out the plastic bin which holds the wrappers from various yarn goodies. Cannot tell ya the last time I could see the bottom of the plastic, but it’s been awhile

yarn label bin-- about 6 months worth May 2011

aahh, the memories this brings back--my hands were busy!

Evidence that yarn is used for worthy causes. Paper bin recycle got filled

So the bed was delivered, then I went on a trip to my hometown for a high school reunion, and to visit relatives. Too few of the folks I would love to be with again, but driving alone across 2 states, I did enough.

When I returned to our little house on the prairie, we realized that getting settled in, and making open spaces, is going to take quite awhile. Boxes in places I don’t want them to be, but there seems to be nowhere else for them to go. Must get over being sentimental so much.
Son Chris lives here again, and there are adjustments on so many levels.

Even though I just finished my fifth year, all new paperwork for my Teaching Assistant Substitute job had to be turned in, including a current Physical, TB test, DPT booster shot (which my arm still has an ache) and Contact person in case of emergency.
And a first for my connection with the school system: my own e-mail address! Yay! So much easier than phone machine messages.

Meanwhile, I am crocheting like a fiend to keep up with social events.
Graduation parties, we have already been to one wedding, with another this weekend. And a couple bookmarks for Sympathy cards. I don’t remember to take a picture of everything I make of yarn, but this is from the most recent week.

wedding bag, graduation, sympathy bookmarks Third Week June 2011

On my hook today is potholders in red and black, due for a reception happening on Sunday afternoon.

I had to get printed photos for relatives who do not do the computer, then used up much of Monday with writing labels and addressing envelopes, and getting information from the Post Office about postage rates. 84ยข times 10 packages, add 7 more cards with notes, and then needing to hand to a real clerk the “lumpy” envelopes so they know I’m a trustworthy person and the knot inside is not a bomb threat. Sometimes I make a reason to go to the post office, just to see the nice people there.

Husband and I are taking a Community Education Cartoon Drawing class at Heartland College. We are liking it alot, with him doing much more practice than I am.
It seems I am carrying on my habit of going to hook and yarn when the creative urge strikes, rather than picking up a pencil and sketchbook. But I’m learning so much, taking notes, and we really like the guy Instructor. Maybe sometime in future, what I learn now will come in handy. A picture is worth so many words, et al…

Looking at my Planner book, and realize that Summer is one third over. Two months from the date of the solstice starts the new school year.
It is not good for morale to be doing a daily countdown, especially when so many blocks on newer pages have something written as an upcoming and fun event.

Anyway, it is almost my turn in the shower, so I gotta git.

This afternoon is Needlework Group, with some of my best buddys.
Hope your Summer is fine.
Ain’t warm weather better than shoveling snow?

~~love and Huggs, Diane

ps my Decrepit Old Fool has a bit of his own nostalgia

notebooks — yarn wrappers—

Posted in Crochet | 4 Comments

Belated Memorial Day

Posted on Saturday, 4 June 2011 by MrsDOF

My dad was a Veteran of the Navy. He had intended to make a career of being aboard ship, there wasn’t much back in the Valley with a hold on him. One time when he was home on Shore Leave, his brother arranged a date with a friend of his girl, which is when Dad and my mother met, and later married.
the Conflict in Korea happened along, and Dad was injured. Medical Discharge put the kabosh on any Navy Career plans. He claimed a 60% Disability the rest of his days. Someday I plan to ask the Veteran Affairs Dept for the papers pertaining to his situation, because details are mixed up, and memories fade.
Back in the Valley he would live and work and raise a family.

flowers on the grave of David M. Schiffman, Sr. Memorial Day 2011

Dad had several operations on his left leg, where he was physically wounded, and a couple on his right leg. All the time of favoring his sore leg made the other one weaker. Most of his visits would have been to the Veteran’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, although I remember trips to other hospitals for consultations.

There is a poem about soldiers in a cemetery, which speaks a line about red poppy flowers. That particular bloom has come to be a symbol for Veterans all over.

In the time when my dad was making regular visits to a Veteran’s Hospital, the red poppy flowers were folded of paper by the patients themselves, at least those who had use of their hands. Dad’s injury/latest surgery being on his leg, often in a cast and wheelchair, meant he could use his hands for a long time.

Some of my words may not be historical fact, but my own memory. I suppose I could look up all kinds of details and dates, but I was 16 years old, and what did I know?

I remember being a Volunteer a big room in the hospital probably First Floor, surrounded with guys wearing bandages and casts, and in wheelchairs, such as Dad.
Most were older, veterans of WWII, and Korea. But some were guys not many years ahead of me, back from Viet Nam.
And we were cutting red paper, and trimming wire ends, and packing carefully so all the effort did not smush during transit. Having a 16 year old girl as an assistant was distracting for some old soldiers, but the Leader said I was good for morale.
The boxes of folded flowers, with green wire stems attached, were carried away and sold for donations all over the place, usually on Remembrance Day by members of the Disabled Veterans Auxiliary.

Those silly paper poppy flowers brought in much needed money to keep programs going. Some of the Veterans were permanent residents of the hospital, so programs to help cheer them up are appreciated.
Another time, in my hometown, I helped to fold poppy flowers at the VFW Hall. The lady leader then was amazed that I knew so many shortcuts to help make them pretty.

When my brother David and I were shopping for some flowers to put on Dad’s grave, I went automatically to the bouquet with the poppy flowers. He wanted another, but since I was paying, he said my choice would be fine.
On the way out to the cemetery, as he was driving, I told the story of my teenage times and how I had helped fold about a gazillion red papers into flowers for Veteran’s Day.
There is more than years between the oldest and youngest of Dad’s offspring. It is so sad that Dad died when the kid was only 14 years old, but we make the best of it.

Driving across half the mid-West on Memorial Day to get back to my house on the prairie, I listened to radio announcements about patriotic events in small towns.
At one Rest Area, there were old soldiers with fake poppy flowers, asking for donations in a can. I dropped in a dollar coin, but did not accept a flower. The ones given out today are not folded by hand, nor made of paper. They look like the fabric petals come off an assembly belt, much the way the poppy flowers in that bouquet in the picture.

Good intentions will have to be enough. David was pleased that the cemetery staff had already put a small American flag on the graves of all Veterans. It must take them days to set ‘em out, then pull them in again ready to mow.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

related links: Decrepit Old Fool, Memorial Day 2011

Silver Fox Whispers, Memorial Day Thoughts

Posted in Family | 1 Comment

Hello for just a minute

Posted on Thursday, 26 May 2011 by MrsDOF

Hello, My Dear Ones,
We are under a Tornado Watch, well actually, the sirens went off and the lights flickered
so Husband and I grabbed Annie the visitor dog, our own cat Oscar, then went down to the basement to finish our supper of Chinese take-out, using tv trays. I brought over a freshly laundered throw rug for Annie to rest on. She does not like lightning, nor being in a basement with semi-strangers, but we do our best.
Chris’s cat Scratchy would not allow himself to be wrapped in a towel for carrying, and he ran off to hide under Chris’s bed, so I told him to stay there!

I mentioned to Husband if it did not clear good enough within 20 minutes, then I was going to play hooky from the meeting at church this evening, but then the phone rang, with our Kind Leader saying the meeting would be Cancelled,
she does not want anyone blowing away tonight, so stay home and dry

Ooie — that lightning was close!! but the wind has eased off still raining, so we are back upstairs at glowing screens

I am still getting ready to be driving tomorrow to the Ohio River Valley for the MFHS Alumni Banquet
the storm system is supposed to pass over by Friday, with the weekend okay sky, even 2 states to the east

My guys will be at home doing housely things, I’m not sure what’s what, but it’s gotta be better than the present

Will be off the computer while I’m gone. the basic emergency cell will make do as always
We are looking into getting me a new mobile device, with text messages
but I figure that’s a Summer Project learning curve.

My take-along crochet project will be starting a cream color bedspread cotton baby blankie, using a big cone of thread found when we moved stuff/ made room for beds.
Who knows when I bought it on Clearance (the sticker said $1.10 for 16 ounces of crochet thread) but it surfaced at a most Blessed time of Financial woes, what with new water heater, property taxes, and new king-size bed this month.
Nothing quite like already paid for supplies to feel like a bargain now.

My To-do List has several items not crossed off, so I should be getting back to it. Usually this screen is procrastination, but tonight is best for a nice chat.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Crochet, Family | 5 Comments

Mother’s Day and then some

Posted on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 by MrsDOF

for weeks, I have been coveting a pair of huggie style earrings, where the hinge is at the bottom of the piece, and the clasp almost disappears at the back of the ear. the first time I saw the style was at the store getting my watch battery replaced, and what was in the case was so lovely and priced at $780

These from a different store, covers the style, even if they are sterling silver with cubic zirconia stones, and I’m grateful seeing 60% off the number on the tag, making $21 so much more affordable.

Husband took this picture because I was just gushing about how light they are.
I barely know I’ve got ‘em in :)

What with buying a new water heater, having the transmission on my car fixed, brake work for his car, license tags and insurance for 2 vehicles, property taxes, and staring at paying for a new roof,
I’m glad for a little Mother’s Day boost. Very comfortable in my ears, and I’m able to answer the phone without wincing. I don’t sleep with jewelry, but some comments while I was browsing the Web mentioned being okay then.

Mother’s Day came and went with little fanfare. Church service was nice, but I was so busy with arrangements for a funeral lunch (which happened Tuesday) that I didn’t have close attention.
We went away on our bicycles for lunch on Sunday, to a place which appreciated the business.

Monday was Husband’s birthday, and his gift was a good report at the dentist. I had to pick him up and drive him because his car is in the shop getting brakes work.
We stopped next door at Wendy’s for lunch, then went to sign the paperwork to buy a new king-size mattress and frame.

Youngest Son is moving back home (damn this economy and its drain on young people no matter how hard he works) so we are moving our queen-size mattress with a new frame to his room, then getting a whole new bed for us.

Funeral Lunch on Tuesday, with the family and guests appreciating everything. We used 60 plates counting the volunteer crew, serving cold meat sandwiches, a potluck variety of donations, and 2 gallons of sweet iced tea (I left it to brew overnight, and it was a fine success)

Tried something different this time (I can say that wisdom comes with experience– this was my fourth time being Leader of a funeral’s kitchen crew)
in that I asked a fella to come a bit later to wash the dishes, when the rest of us were tired from prep work, set-up,and serving. He done good, we all did, but I so appreciated not having to lean over the steamy dishwasher to pull out racks.

We will miss a good friend at church, but she was 89, the last 10 years a widow, and I’m sure she now rests in the arms of Jesus.

When I got home at 2:45pm, I cleared the kitchen table and laid out the supplies for a batch of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies and 2 batches of Puppy Chow.
With Husband’s help doing the labels and boxing, all was ready to go by 7pm what time I wanted to park my bottom on the couch for watching NCIS.
He took pictures all along, but refused to do a guest post on my blog.
I still don’t like doing the steps for putting pictures here.
When my show was over, I jumped up and drove the goodies to a friend’s house. She took her whole car full of many people’s donations to a bake sale at Meadows Mennonite Home, happening today.

Here it is, nearly Noon, yet I am still in my robe… stealing time (there were 3 jobs on SubFinder, all with teenagers at the high school) of semi-rest. The tablecloths are done, the towels are in the dryer. While I’m out this afternoon, returning them to the church kitchen is on the Errands list. Also have to do the paperwork for the meal to tally up.

Coming this weekend is another opportunity for a potluck dish, since our Youth Pastor is having his Ordination Service. I’m not the chief for the kitchen crew, but already someone asked what I will carry in.

My husband calls all my grocery buying and cooking efforts as being part of my “community service”. He says my little extra touches help people to feel comfortable and welcome.
I know I would not be able to do so much of the background work if I did not have a great guy who brings in a paycheck, and props me up with encouragement, and tapes labels list of ingredients on Puppy Chow wrappers.

Goodness, I’ve had a whirlwind several days. And there is more to come, since half the house has to be rearranged for new beds, a homecoming son, and his cat. Please cross fingers that Oscar and Scratchy can become friends.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Family | 3 Comments

Genesis says they made themselves loin coverings

Posted on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 by MrsDOF

Being quite particular about what I’m willing to have next to my skin for hours at a time, I can understand other people being the same way when it comes to choice of clothes.

One of my earliest memories is kicking my mom when she was trying to shove patin leather shoes onto my growing feet. Not only were the dang things too tight, they had slick soles which had all-too-often caused me to slip on the gray stone steps of the church building on Jefferson Street.
And the dress! there was what might be called a lovely ruffle bow, but the knot hit an exact spot on my back where I had to lean against the hard wood pew. Comfortable was not how I would describe that outfit. But I did look cute in the picture.

I’ve gotten even more set in my ways as I get older. A few years ago, I told a well-intentioned woman that I would not be attending an evening’s fancy event because I didn’t want to have to wear a dress and pantyhose, yet I would still be able to smile in the mirror in the morning.
And last year, my mother had much to say about me wearing slacks to my nephew’s wedding. Overlooking the fact that I had driven 500 miles to be there, and my rank on the Important People List might have been as high as #17.

The other day I was reading an article about survivors of the tsunami in Japan. They haven’t had a hot shower nor even a clean t-shirt since the disaster. I’m sure a dress and pantyhose is a distant memory.

Three times in a week, I’ve had conversations about clothes.

My first was with a mom, who is gently paving the plan for her 8 year-old daughter to wear a dress to church for Easter. The more time I have with the child, I have become aware that she could be a mini-me in the comfortable clothing department. She likes her pants and athletic shoes.
As a mom, I can side with my friend, but a little part of me is cheering on smart girlie.
We shall see what the morning brings.

My son Lucas wore sweatpants through all of Second Grade. First time I saw him in denim blue jeans was when he came home on a weekend from college.

Next discussion was with my Husband. Now, he is just as adamant about his choice of clothes as I am. He buys pants and socks a dozen pair at a time, and worries about the next time he might have to place an order.

Well, we were scrambling through WallyWorld, but a nice-looking shirt caught my eye. I stopped to study it. 100% cotton was good, and the pockets are the style he likes. He had halted alongside me, and was waiting impatiently.
He said the pinstripe would not do. He likes solid colors. I told him that my eyes couldn’t see the stripes from 6 feet away, and the cotton cloth feels nice.
He walked away towards the dairy case… end of shirt possibility.
Later in the car, he said that style of shirt has sleeves way too short, and he likes to be able to button the cuffs yet still move around.
Sigh. I’ll keep looking and hoping. Although I’m not sure how many more times I can iron his old shirts to keep them looking fine enough for the office.

Latest discussion was with a friend at church, who I gave a compliment about how nicely put together she looked. Her Facebook status told the tale of an adventurous week.
She mentioned that her skirt came from the thrift store, and she does feel better in a skirt and top rather than a whole dress.
I have not been able to find a skirt in a blend of fabric I like, nor adequately hide my hips.
I own 8 pairs of the same style of pants (2 have stains) and perhaps should check at Penney to see if there are any available.

Well, anyway. Clothes is a subject in my mind right now.
Easter finery, and a banquet/reunion in May.
And I haven’t a thing to wear.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Personal | 2 Comments

Yard Entertainment

Posted on Thursday, 7 April 2011 by MrsDOF

I sat down near the south window to do a little knitting on the tiny pegs loom. It really helps to have bright light over my shoulder, and the folding tray for support.

Instead of picking up the yarn and hook, I stared out the window at a blue jay pecking on the ground in the growing grass. Soon, its mate hopped in closer, and they both nibbled on whatever it is that blue jay birds like to eat.
The markings of male and female are quite similar, so I cannot tell which is what. Cardinals, the male is bright red with black near the beak, and the female more of a brown with some yellow spots.
Those birds are loving the natural part of our yard. We don’t spray plants or weeds, so critters seem to like it. I wish the guy who does the yard work next door wasn’t quite so vicious with trimmers, and would allow the bushes to fill in better. Although old cat Oscar likes to linger under bush branches, all the better to capture birds or baby bunnys.

In a minute or two, a squirrel happened by, with a mouthful of dead leaves. I haven’t raked nor given the yard a Spring Cleaning, so the squirrels are pretty good with recycling.
It climbed the oak tree where it is building its new nest. Up into the tree, rustle and pat, down the tree, gather more plant materials, climb way high again.
My motherly helpful heart wanted to just fill a basket with dead leaves, then use a winch and rope to get the building supplies closer to the site.

After awhile, the squirrel came down the tree, but did not go after shelter stuff. With just a few hops, it was over in the part of the yard near the blue jays, and picking up something off the ground to gnaw on. Something tasty must have been resting under winter’s snow.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Thinking | 2 Comments

A Mishmash of Stuff trying to wear me down

Posted on Wednesday, 6 April 2011 by MrsDOF

So my day actually began yesterday, when Husband’s car, which I was driving to work because mine is already in the shop for transmission work, his car decided to glare a little red light on the dashboard.
It had something to do with the brakes, yet pushing on the pedal did stop the car okay.
I made it there and home again, but did not go off to do any extra errands. There will be brake fluid added as soon as we get the proper brand.

ASAP, I set SubFinder for Do Not Disturb so it wouldn’t call about a job. I would be either walking or on the bus if we needed anything. Already worked a day and a half, and got a TA Sub job lined up for Friday, so being off today is fine for the budget. Well, maybe not, with all the happenings which need to be paid for. But money isn’t everything.

The bathtub drain was going real slow over the weekend, then on Monday, the kitchen drain clogged all the way. Husband had to auger out the long pipe thru the laundry room on Tuesday evening.
The house smelled like sewer while I was watching my favorite shows on tv.
Very grateful for a mate who is able and willing to do housework.

Wednesday morning came a phone call that the guy we had asked to replace our 22 yr old water heater had a change of schedule, and would be doing it today. Good thing I wasn’t at a job, there were phone calls, and delivery to the back porch, and check pickup.
Not to mention moving all the stuff away from stairs to the basement, and the path to the other side of the furnace.

Meanwhile, frittered away a bunch of time staring at this screen. Learned from my hometown newspaper website that my cousin Richard, age 66, has passed away in Texas, and my cousin LuAnn age 7 months younger than me passed away in Ohio.
When I get up the energy, I will call my mom and learn the details.
There is a whole list of information I need from her, but things right here in the house call priority.

Which I guess instead of being here in the comfy chair, I should ask the guys if my help is needed. There is much grunting, and the sound of wheels on a dolly bumping wooden steps.

My own preference is to stay out of the way, and nobody has called my name, which I will take as a signal to continue.

My mind seems to be going every which way, and I cannot even find the rhythm of crochet stitches. I pulled out almost a row of the baby blankie because of a split in the yarn. My hook is not obeying the pattern. I set the whole thing aside, then went to hang laundry outside on the line. It could not be in the way of the workers downstairs.

Gonna go see the gaping hole behind the steps before the new thing comes in. Hope this new energy efficient model helps with heat and water saving.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Partner | 1 Comment

Granny Squares Aphgan

Posted on Saturday, 2 April 2011 by MrsDOF

Over Christmas Break, I re-arranged a few boxes and shelves in my hobby room (aka the first bedroom on the left, which was Firstborn Son’s room for a long time).
In there, I found a plastic tub with crocheted granny squares, and a skein of yarn to put ‘em together with. Done before Middle Son’s wedding, but set aside. One of those UFOs which tend to pile up in a crafter’s place. (hobby parlance = UFO — Unfinished Object)

Anyways, I decided since the squares were all done, getting them together would be a good project to donate to the Relief Sale.


made of BERNAT Super Value 4-ply acrylic yarns, using a size I crochet hook.
there are 96 granny squares. Measurements, including border, are 45″ x 63″

the photo was taken in the Fellowship Area of the Mennonite Church of Normal, with the blankie resting on the planters, under the skylight.

I was told by the Relief Sale Volunteer at the Handicrafts Booth that a nice older gentleman bought it for $45, for his wife to use on her twin-size bed at a nursing home.
He wanted her to have something new and pretty, making her room more homey.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Crochet | 2 Comments

It was a Good Week of Spring Break

Posted on Thursday, 31 March 2011 by MrsDOF

These were done while I was home during Spring Break.

I will be going to my Needlework Group this afternoon. For ‘show n tell’ I have a pair of potholders, a baby hat knitted of sport weight yarn (on the doll’s head), a baby hat of 4-ply yarn, and a crocheted tote bag.

Husband says I should write something on my blog, aka too long a time has passed since I wrote something for the blog. Many times when I tell him something that happened at work, or a phone call, or about watching a blue jay bird in the yard, he will look across the table and tell me “that’s worth blogging about”.
And he often mentions things he reads on other people’s blogs, or someone’s 15 seconds of fame in the blogosphere.

So it is not for his lack of nudges which keeps my writing at this place being neglected.

I was off a whole week for Spring Break. It was a fun time. I rested, for the most part away from people. Since I’m older now, it doesn’t bother me to be alone, with music and crochet hook keeping me company.

One day, I took a friend’s daughter to the local zoo. We got there in time for the meerkats to have their breakfast, then went on down the path for the sea lion feeding.

And definitely exited through the gift shop. Lunch, and a card game, and dropping her off at grandma’s.

One morning, I had a dentist appt. I seem to be doing the floss and brush procedures well enough, for there are no new problems in my mouth.
Across the street from that office is a crafts store, so I always stop in while I’m in that part of town. I learned that Hobby Lobby will be carrying mainly its own brand of crochet hook, which is made in China. Not that I, myself needs any more crochet hooks, but I don’t like the limits in selection for newbies I might be wanting to teach, or send out for supplies. Having a tool in the hand is very personal comfort, plus a different hook is useful while working with a variety of yarns or patterns. For having all kinds of shopping opportunity from all parts of the world, what is actually in the aisles is the same thing over and over.

Went to a TA Sub job on Monday. Fairly easy duty. It’s my thought that the regular TA isn’t given a whole bunch of responsibility by the Resource teachers. Plus, being the first day back after Break, all of us were adjusting to routine again.
Did piles of photocopying for several teachers getting ready for last quarter lesson plans. Back in the days when Husband was working in a photocopy shop on campus, those machines needed someone to hover, monitor, and keep the pace going.
In the years since then, running a copy machine has developed into a few touches on the screen, then organized pages drop into the tray.
At least if the person reads and follows the directions on the screen. I had to demonstrate for 2 other people how to get the nicely stapled results coming out for me. And admonished one that the lid should be closed when making a copy, because that 2″ of black ink along the edge is wasted toner.

Monday evening, my right foot decided to become painful. I had walked home in old and slouchy shoes, so I figured having been off a week, my body was getting adjusted again. Taking off my shoe and sock, there was a lump on the top of my foot, just behind the pinkie toe. And it seemed to be hurting more when standing.
Tuesday, I went to the medical clinic and had x-ray taken. Doc says it doesn’t not seem to be stress fracture; most likely tendonitis.
Stayed home Wednesday and rested some more.

My crochet hook, and round peg looms have been good friends through all this. Now I’m working on a bedspread cotton baby blankie, for a little one due the first week of June.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Crochet, Knitting Loom | 3 Comments