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

A different use for yarn

Posted on Wednesday, 23 March 2011 by MrsDOF

as sent by son Lucas. project for Spring
although my frugal self is wondering why perfectly wonderful, still-in-the-wrapper yarn is being used this way. I would assemble the odd bits.

Thanks for thinking of your mom keeping the kids occupied 🙂

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Recipes | Comments Off on A different use for yarn

Spring Break! so far, so good

Posted on Monday, 21 March 2011 by MrsDOF

Although Spring Break for the school district began on Friday; at church we still had to work for the Mennonite Relief Sale, and the Appreciation Lunch on Sunday.
Even this minute, the towels from the church kitchen are sloshing in the washing machine, so perhaps I will feel like I’m really on vacation once they are dried and folded and returned to the building.

Meanwhile, my Planner book is filling up with: this afternoon of helping one friend get ready for a rummage sale, taking a friend’s daughter to the zoo and lunch (gonna love Tuesday morning!), a dentist appointment on Wednesday, car in for oil change, my regular weekly meeting of our Needlework Group, and at least one evening of ordering pizza delivered.

Don’t I have great expectations?
Notice that Spring Cleaning is not evident.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in School | 1 Comment

Same Duty, Different Subject

Posted on Thursday, 17 March 2011 by MrsDOF

Today is supposed to be my “personal day”. The time when I do enrichment activity, such as looking after babies, or sitting with friends in the Needlework Group. I’m yearning for solitude, time to not be glancing at a To Do List.

Instead, I did some errands, then went to the Yarn Group early. I actually crocheted almost a row on the latest baby blankie before others came.
In walked a couple girls from the university. Word-of-mouth is out for a certain Sociology class that the Senior Activity Center is a good place to be, to mingle with oldsters, get lessons, and have the paper signed by the director.

I could tell that the main knitter of our group was in no mood to be a teacher today.
And so, I invited them in to the storeroom, told them to choose yarn, gathered some crochet hooks.

Got them started on making a slip knot. While they practiced that, I went to the pattern file and found a couple magazines with good illustrations of the basic crochet stitches.

During the time there, one girl got all the way to having a 4″ sample square of single crochet, and the other produced 18″ of foundation chain that was nicely spaced.

When they went away, they had some knowledge of crochet, hooks and yarns in hand, and patterns to covet in a magazine.

One of my Group pals says I am a good teacher. I wasn’t really in the mood, so I must be a great actress as well.

In the storeroom, we found several bags of yarn donated to the Center.
Lovely yarn, good quality yarn. We will have to sort it soon, so the storeroom doesn’t look quite so cluttered.
I brought home a wrapped cone of cotton, which is great for a tote bag, or potholders.

As if more yarn needs to come into this house, but I’m crocheting as much as my tired hands will hold.

There is laundry to shuffle around. Until later….

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Crochet | 1 Comment

Story and Random Thoughts

Posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2011 by MrsDOF

Awhile back, I had a day’s TA Sub position as a Job Coach for a student at the high school.
The bus dropped us off in front of a junior high school, where he works in the kitchen.
His assignment was to Mix Trail Mix, which meant pouring bags of circle cereal, chocolate chips, and a bunch of other ingredients into an enormous bowl and stir well. He seemed to have a difficult time understanding why he had to do this. His cognitive ability did not want the food to be all mixed up. At long last, we were able to put a cover and label on the food, and he moved on to the next task.

The next day, I was at a Pre-K room in different building. When it came time for snack, I went to the kitchen to fetch it, along with cartons of milk. There was Trail Mix divided into containers with the teachers’ names on them. I had a nice little giggle, for knowing where it came from.

Back in the Pre-K classroom, I used a measuring scoop to divide the Trail Mix into serving sizes for the little students. When permission was given to eat, one girl carefully separated the ingredients into piles all in a row. Then she proceeded to eat all the chocolate chips, then all the raisins, and on down the row. She did not taste any one item until all the piles were apart and the types not touching each other.

If I were not a TA Sub roving around the many school buildings, I would not have had any connecting points with Trail Mix. I might not have known that kids of different ages want their food to stay as it is. Even if I have been known to do the same separation thing myself.

I have decided that I like the moving and learning the different parts of the job. Being the last couple weeks in the same position/building is beginning to get on my nerves, just a teeny bit. We have made great progress, I have done what was asked of me, and I like the Team. Growing restless is a personal quirk, for sure.

However, Friday is the last day before Spring Break, and I have not been asked to return to that position afterwards. Not sure it would even become permanent, there are no funds to hire a TA full-time.

Other tidbits:
When walking to the building, it is very nice to be able to cross the street easily because a police car is sitting near the flashing sign for School Zone. Drivers actually slow down, and put their phones out of sight. May the black-n-white be there more often. Amen.

Chili for lunch is a good day to be at that particular junior high. Very good cooks.

Seventh Hour rest room break — check stall for potty paper before fully entering. Two had none by that time of day.

Be willing to donate 2 sharpened wooden pencils for students who forgot to carry one into the room. Some teachers refuse to allow returning to locker for items, even if the student has a known trait of forgetfulness. Which means I didn’t get my pencils returned.

Once reputation is known as “being willing and able to run the copy machine” then papers with post-it directions will appear like magic, even from other teams

Crocheting while on break under the skylight at the end of the hall will get many requests for gifts, and queries about lessons.

When walking home, the pedestrian signal to cross Gregory Street will not be heeded by a driver of a red pick-up truck, who did not have on the turn signal, was talking on a cell phone, and still managed to honk the horn while turning right without stopping on Red. Good thing there is an island between lanes for me to halt, or my toes might have been crushed.
Husband is getting through a book about Traffic. He often reads the juicy parts to me while we are eating supper. True, so True, every word I’ve heard, and experienced.

This evening’s tv schedule has nothing I want to watch.
I suppose I should make a list of things to do tomorrow, but it seems I’ve done already enough thinking, and writing, and hook holding today.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in School | 3 Comments