Today was a 3-point errand route
Post Office to mail off a birthday package
Credit Union for monthly CASH
McDs for Eats, which I decided to bring home since I was alone with nothing to read
somewhat of a mistake,
the girl cat sat about 10 inches from my elbow and mewed pitifully with wanting some ground beef bits
(yeah, she got last morsel size of a marble)
and now I will play a cd of soft music while I crochet a bookmark
~~love and Huggs, Diane
There is hearsay evidence that the State of the Union speech by our US President Obama was re-scheduled because of a conflict with the Season Premiere of the television show LOST.
Must go verify this non-news.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Today was a Snow Day for schools, and the Activity Center where I go for my Needlework Group. Then I got an e-mail saying this evening’s committee meeting also cancelled, so I am one woman who is happy to stay home!!
The flakes stopped falling around Noon, with 3 marks over 8” measured on the front steps. Yes, I’m a teacher at heart, I went out with a ruler.
When I got my driver’s license when I was a teenager, my dad taught me many extra things about the car, such as how to put on chains, where to check for oil. He also said to always clear off the car as soon as possible after a big snow… not to wait until I needed to go out. Ya just never know if something comes up, such as a family member needing something.
Over the years, I try to stick to do that,
get ready for going, even if I have no plans.
So I went out with my shovel and a broom, then cleared off both cars and a little path around each, and the mess at the end of the parking place where the snowplow heaps basketball size lumps. The big spot in the middle is still full of level snow. It looks odd, and that is where son Chris usually parks when he comes by, but I was running out of oompf, yet I still had to shovel off the front walk.
I miss having 3 sons to help with all the work here.
Best job ever, when I was a stay-at-home mother.
The wind is picking up, blowing powdery white stuff against the window. Sounds almost like sand on the glass.
Weather people seem to have the forecast Correct.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
the 2009 calendar from the door of the fridge is about to be stored up on the high shelf, so I am looking through for the highlights
JANUARY was typical winter weather for the prairie, yet I had TA Sub jobs the first week. Schools and ISU were closed on the 15th because we got 5.4” snow and -11o overnight. On the 20th I told SubFinder that I was Unavailable so I could stay home and watch the President Obama Inauguration. There were several meetings pertaining to Family Fun Nights for church, which I did not sign on as a Volunteer this year. I might do an item donation or two, but not the time and energy of the last couple years.
FEBRUARY I went to a funeral service for our friend Tom Yoder on the first Wednesday. Family Fun Nights preparations kept me and the kitchen committee quite busy. Both cats got their teeth cleaned on Thursday the 12th. We went out to movie theaters 4 times! Geo hooked up the new box so we could receive the different type of television signals.
MARCH sons Lucas and Chris both had birthdays! and their mother did not send cards. There were several days of TA Sub jobs, even with Spring Break began the fourth Monday. Lucas went to California to see his sweetie. Geo’s unicycle arrived in a box on the porch. Many yarny items donated for the Mennonite Relief Sale. I finished a bedspread cotton baby blanket for a friend due in April, and began to crochet granny squares for the Lucas and Milly wedding gift.
APRIL My car went into the shop and came out a week later. I don’t like driving Husband’s car. Goodness, my month was boring. Apparently too much rain, we were mopping water in the basement. I was a volunteer at a Blood Drive at church. Crocheted several granny squares.
MAY Early on, I worked TA Sub jobs 5 days. On May 9, Geo mowed the grass in the morning, we rode our bicycles to an Open House at the bicycle shop, for lunch and so I could buy a helmet.
He mentioned he had a bit of pain, so I pedalled back home and fetched the car. That night, we were in ER, and at dawn my husband had major surgery. The rest of the month is a blur of phone calls, visitors, crocheted items done at his bedside, and drives to Urbana for son Lucas.
I told SubFinder I was Unavailable until the end of the school year. He was discharged on the 18th, yet still needed care, so I cancelled a trip to my high school reunion in Ohio. One fun afternoon event was an adoption party for our Youth Minister’s daughter.
JUNE on the first day, when there were thunderstorm warnings scrolling at the bottom of the television screen, son Lucas went on an airplane to live in California for good, and Husband was re-admitted to the hospital with an infection. He was in 4 days, then home again on strong antibiotics, with a couple follow-up medical appointments. on 15 June, Geo gratefully returned to work on Short Hours/ Light Duty, with his boss being a chauffeur since bicycle riding was out of the question.
I had my mammogram, which I try to make the appointment near my birthday, and a colonoscopy because I’m getting older. I’m told I don’t need to have either one again for years.
There was much watching of dvds in our own living room, and yard work being done by friends.
JULY son Chris went away on an airplane to visit Aunt Stephanie in Washington DC. He came home on the train 10 days later, having had a wonderful time. I had 7 dental appointments in 5 weeks, with one being a root canal. The cats got their birthday check-ups and shots. They are doing fine for being 14 years old. Fastened off last stitch of the Lucas and Milly aphgan on the 29th. (It seems I still need to put its tale on the blog)
AUGUST Being done with a huge pile of granny squares all sewed into a queen-size aphgan, I decided to master the Diagonal Box Stitch crochet pattern, and proceeded to work up 2 baby aphgans, several dishcloths, and a pair of potholders. They all found sweet homes. Geo began riding his bicycle to the job again, and went to the park for practice on the unicycle. Lucas and Emily legally married with signatures on paper in California.
I was a Teacher Sub for the Pre-K Sunday School class, and the church picnic at the water park was a fun time.
Rehearsals began for the play The Women of Lockerbie, which we would perform at Camp Friedenswald during Women’s Retreat. School Started, and I had TA Sub jobs during the very first week.
SEPTEMBER The weather was lovely. I wrote that word 7 mornings in a row, then rain and overcast, then Lovely another 7 mornings. Which was greatly appreciated because we travelled to the eastern shore of Great Lake Michigan, aka Harbor County, state of Michigan, for son Lucas to have a ceremony for everlasting love to Emily Coogan (she’s keeping her name). A wonderful time, getting to know some great people, all of whom I wished lived on our street so we could chat more often.
The next weekend, I was crowded into a van with many supplies for Women’s Retreat, including full suitcase of yarny donations with sale proceeds going directly to Camp. Being on the program committee was an amazing experience when I had to pull up energy and charisma I never realized is in me.
OCTOBER Rain..Rain..Rain. Several TA Sub jobs, much activity in church kitchen, many knitted baby hats for the hospital. Much mopping of water in basement. Our wedding anniversary came and went, then dinner at a new place a week later. Got the news that a childhood friend had died from complications of diabetes. Last day of month I wrote “Lovely Morning!” and we rode our bicycles to breakfast.
NOVEMBER First day of the month also says “Lovely Morning!” and I went to a jewelry party after church. First Monday of the month, I got a root canal, on the tooth next to the one done last summer. Volunteer at church Blood Drive. Few TA Sub jobs, for various reasons. Thanksgiving turkey ordered and picked up, and just 3 of us had a nice feast. I sewed a couple gift bags, having gotten the idea from pals at church. Shopping in craft sales at high schools.
DECEMBER Four dentist appointments in 4 weeks. Holidays upon us. End of College Semester Stress. Programs at church. Newsletter Preparations. House Decorations few but sentimental. Lucas here for a couple days. Snow..Snow..Snow.. Cats bickering. Husband brings bicycle into house to get warm for repairs.
This Week Craft Supplies Box Arrives. School Semester Starts. No Jobs Available. Crochet 3 bookmarks. Knit baby hat. Sweep kitchen floor. Crochet 2 potholders.
Sit in chair nearly 2 hours to read my notes
and Type Year’s Recap.
Why are we still here?
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Update:
my spouse wrote about our year at Decrepit Old Fool
Aunt Lydia’s bedspread cotton color is called Monet multi
first bookmarks done with it
Awhile back, I told someone the story of my yarn spindles
that one in the picture is my latest
it’s actually a paper towel holder, but when Husband said I should put it into the cart, I was happy to do so
Does a fine job of holding my ball of thread
~~love and Huggs, Diane
My hand has writer’s cramp from filling in all the spaces in my new planner/schedule/ Holy time-keeper.
First was days School is closed, next is days I’m already booked for a TA Sub job, then Child Care Volunteer, then appointments, weekly Yarn Group, monthly meetings, special events.
All caught up until my birthday in June.
Then I came over to the computer to tell SubFinder when I’m Unavailable so the phone doesn’t bother me when.
Yep, the New Year is looking mighty Fine.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
A few days ago, someone asked me what was my favorite thing I got for Christmas.
Well, since my own sister tells me that I am “hard to buy for” I will say that I did not get too many THINGS for Christmas.
The way I usually prefer for someone to show they care is to DO something. I tend to be a Giver person, so when someone puts out some effort to get something DONE, DONE SOON, (and DONE the way I like it) then I am quite appreciative.
This happened over and again the last few weeks. Middle Son Lucas came back for a visit from California. There was a taxi and a train and airplanes and shuttle van and a different train, and much communication with relatives.
The newlyweds had Christmas morning apart because Emily is allergic to cats, and we have two of them at our house. But our son was with us, by his own choice and efforts, and we are so glad to have him.
He got to be with his wife’s family for a couple extra days because of flight cancellations due to inclement weather. Good thing he carries a laptop to stay in touch with his job.
Our house Internet connection was being quite uncooperative. Husband delayed other tasks he had planned to accomplish while on Break to do diagnostics, get technical advice, order new parts. It hasn’t been this easy to make a connection since last Summer.
True Love is us staring at our screens.
For several days I was fretting over the family newsletter.
I don’t like writing so much, it tends to feel like an assignment for a class. Then son Chris offered to compose something. He sat down right here in this chair and managed to write enough to fill the front and back of a sheet of paper. The kid has a way with words, just like his dad. All I had to do was push Print. Which I did, so that the printer spit out 70 copies.
This evening I sent out e-mails to a couple folks making sure the street address was up-to-date. One said to just send text by e-mail, the other gave me the new information and says looking forward to receiving the paper. Communication overlaps.
Two of the gifts received took effort and have great joy with final product. The first is several jars of jelly, jam, and chutney from Mary and Jay. I know they work hard to bring forth all those pretty goodies, and we definitely like spreading bread from the bakery with such yumminess.
The other box holds bars of soap. Not just any soap. Cashmere Bouquet, which is the only thing with fragrance I allow near me. Usually, I buy several bars when I travel back to Ohio, but in 2009 there was no energy for my reunion. Husband was in the hospital at the time. When I opened the wrapper on my last bar of soap, I got into a bit of a panic, thinking I would have to try to find something else to use in the shower.
While talking to my sister Darla, who lives in Arizona, I told her of my plight. She said I should ask our youngest sister Danna to send me some from the Valley.
I talked with her a couple days before Thanksgiving, and she said she would try to get some soap for me. She mentioned it to our mom and sister Denise at their dinner. Then Mom went on the hunt. The store I usually buy from when I’m there does not carry Cashmere Bouquet soap now. All three of them were looking in different places, when finally my sister Denise went online and found a site which delivers.
Had TEN bars shipped to me in a box waiting on the porch one afternoon when I got home from work and running errands.
Now that is family Thoughtfulness!
and why did I not think of ordering it myself? maybe
when I use up all that I have now and need to buy more
We also received several dvds, changing hands and viewscreens already. Husband likes to watch a movie while walking the treadmill. I like to watch while sitting on the couch while working with yarn in my hands. Every once in awhile, we sit and watch together, such as the movie UP which was my request of both Husband and Santa, but only one actual case was wrapped under the tree.
The tabletop tree and Nativity Scene will come down in the next couple days before school begins a new semester.
The cats will be so happy to have space again.
and I’ll bet you all are glad
to have the cobwebs swept off my blog 🙂
~~love and Huggs, Diane
On Saturday, Husband and I went to two partys (my chosen spelling).
The first, at Noon, was to celebrate college graduation of a neighbor/ friend. For her, I crocheted a little bag, put in some presidents dollar coins, then put that into a crocheted tote bag in ISU colors. Both she and her mother were impressed with my creative talent. Alas, with a story too long to write, I do not have a picture of the gift.
I will say that we had a nice time chatting, we met fiance and grandmothers. The potato salad and Folger’s coffee were simply wunnerful.
At 6pm, we went to a holiday party at the home of his boss and wife, with several of his co-workers also enjoying good company and tasty food, especially spinach and feta phyllo pockets.
We played a game where each of us had brought a gift worth about $10, nicely wrapped so nobody could tell what might be inside. Each person grabbed a number slip from the basket. Person #1 chose a package from the pile on the table. Person #2 could either steal that first gift, or choose another from the pile. We played along in number order.
Husband had purchased a small thumb piano at Crossroads crafts, very similar to this one, the picture of which I swiped from Google Images.
the guy who got it seemed smitten, it did not get stolen
Geo came home with a cool hour glass timer,
which he has taken to work to rest on his desk
After way too much worrying about what I would carry in for the party
I crocheted a burgundy color bag, filled it with kisses
wrapped it with 2 bookmarks
wrapped them with 2 potholders
then stuffed it all into a holiday colors bag
This item was chosen by game person #6, the lady of the house, who had already received a pair of potholders as a hostess gift.
She oo-ed and aahh-ed over each thing she lifted out, while others were impressed with my creative talent.
Her mate spoke up saying that none of the husbands would try to steal that one.
I was game person #7, and I chose a new package from the table. It held two goblets, with the labels Mr. Right and Mrs. Always Right. Which I believe is an accurate description of us as a couple of old married folks. It’s what I came home with. I’m not sure what fate they hold.
The packages which got “stolen” a couple times were a box of 4 wine glasses, made of a nice glass, and purchased on Clearance to be within the price range. The other was a “movie night” which had popcorn and pop, sweet treat, maybe a gift card?
It went home with the guy whose wife had filled and wrapped it, then put his name on it. Much razzing about that.
There was also a box of different flavors of homemade fudge. Our host ended up with it, and he laid it out on the counter to share with us guests.
By 10 that evening, we were all talked out.
And now I’m all typed out. And the sink is full of dirty dishes which need to be placed into the machine where they will get washed and rinsed and ready to be used again.
Hope your week is off to a good start 🙂
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Last evening I was all excited to have a TA Sub job available! Whew, earning a bit towards postage for sending out boxes! Plus in a building where I have not been a Sub yet this semester, a drive in the country on a pretty morning. There were machines and trucks at work in a corn field, which is very telling about the weird weather lately.
The office did not give me any Sub notes, but as soon as I got to the room the First Grade teacher explained my duties as a one-on-one with a student. One Adult—One Special Needs Student (our tax dollars working hard)
I know my job pretty much, but I have found that a teacher wants to be sure the lesson is heard and her expectations met within that classroom. And this one is fair and flexible.
She then asked if I know how to run the copy machine, and would I please go make 24 pages? I love being a TA, getting paid to operate an automatic machine.
When the kids filed into the classroom, it seemed that my assigned student was not there. I was sent to the cafeteria, where the Aide motioned for me to wait while a little boy finished his breakfast. I thought he was mine, so I did.
I rescued a still-wrapped, warm biscuit just before it went into the trash (our social program food dollars). School kids send so much food into garbage bins.
One day at a different school, I watched a boy toss a cheese and cracker snack pack into the trash—something his parents paid for and had not even been opened. When I asked him why he threw it away? he said his mom doesn’t like him to bring stuff back home. She thinks he eats all his lunch.
The boy I had supervised walked down the hall to K-gdn. The child I was to assist was nowhere to be found. The office assistant had to call two phone numbers to learn that he would be absent today.
The teacher said she did not need me for anything else, other teachers were doing fine, there was no pile waiting beside the copy machine.
So, I was sent away after being in the building a whole 40 minutes. When I got home, I called PayRoll and asked what to do about my Time Sheet, and was told that I would be paid a Half Day for driving there and waiting until cleared to leave.
There are no other jobs on SubFinder for today. I had a biscuit with butter and Ginger Peach jelly, and a cup of tea as a mid-morning snack. So it looks like a dvd and some knitting will be happening!
So nice that I have a working husband. You already know how easy my life is, and still I’ll be paid for a few hours to be at home 🙂
~~love and Huggs, Diane
My weekend project
was a peg loom knitted hat in holiday colors
made of 4-ply acrylic yarns
I set it up on container of hot chocolate, hoping for a better show of how the colors came together
but, baby, it’s cold outside so I didn’t want the door propped open any longer, even if the light is good on this dreary day
It’s comfy and warm, and all mine own, for when I’m doing playground duty and other fun times, such as last evening when we went to WallyWorld.
Folks try to keep their eyes from staring, but because my hat is one of a kind, they can’t help but look.
Maybe I’m a bit of a show-off in this case.
Hope your week is beginning well.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
