We got snow!!

It is the first time in several years that we actually got measurable snow! The photos are of my front yard & cars. The TV said that Dobson got 9.5 inches and Mount Airy got 11 inches. It has been a few years since we've had this much, and these days we get excited about a "dusting". Everything shuts down in NC when it snows. I feel sorry for those people who need to finish their Christmas shopping this weekend. Although we all get excited about snow, I'm glad I don't have to get out in it!! Peace to all....

The Latest on Earl Grey

As you can see, Earl has lost the "tilt" to his head that was caused by the ear infection! Praise God! He is doing well...very active and enjoying his toys, eating a lot, growing like a weed, and his hair is getting longer! He loves to snuggle up with his Auntie Shizuku when she is asleep and not paying any attention. She is very tolerant of him, although she does let him know who is the boss! I decided not to put up a real Christmas tree this year, but am using the large ceramic one again. Maybe next year he will be calm enough to not destroy the tree. I'm not a big one for decorating for Christmas anyway, so it's okay. Have not gotten much done on my projects lately, so nothing "crafty" to show. A good friend gave me two beautiful VHS tapes of Tasha Tudor, done awhile back. I have enjoyed them so much, and even joined a Ravelry group called "Take Joy". I ordered two books from amazon.com also; A Corgiville Christmas and another book about her life. I do wish life were simpler these days, but things continue to get worse. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Photos of Earl Grey

Once he got used to the flash, I think he actually liked having his picture taken. I am still a bad photographer (and a bad housekeeper!) He started "playing" a little while ago. I am encouraged that he will feel better soon!

The New Kitty

For a couple of months now, well ever since he first appeared with his Mom, we have been very partial to a certain grey and white kitten. We even named him Earl Grey, even though we really had no intention of bringing in a new kitty since we lost Dorrie last August. But I noticed yesterday that he was leaning to the left, and this morning he seemed worse. So I just had to gather him up and take him to the Vet. Yep, an ear infection, and a blood test for the dreaded leukemia (negative!), and treatment for various other pesky yard cat problems. I have never seen a yard cat become a snuggle-puss as fast as Earl. He was rubbing faces and purring his little heart out as soon as I first picked him up!! When we got back home, he did some exploring, ate a little tuna and disappeared for a nap. Poor baby is worn out from the excitement. I will take a photo when he reappears later. Well, actually, he looks like the stuffed kitty in my recent post with the scarves (also called Earl Grey). We are praying that he makes a speedy recovery, and that he wants to remain a house cat.

Doll, book and afghan

What do a doll, a book and an afghan have in common? Nothing...except I chose to put them all in the same photo. I have not been sleeping well lately, so have had some extra reading time. I finished "The Memory Quilt" by TD Jakes on Sunday morning, early. I love this book and highly recommend it. A good Christmas lesson for us all. The doll is a Goodwill find. She cost $1.00, and was in with the stuffed animals for sale. I used to make a lot of Raggedy Ann & Andy's in the 1970, so decided that I'd bring this one home. Although not an Ann doll, she has personality, and you can tell by the workmanship that she was made by a person somewhat unfamiliar with a sewing machine, but wanted to put love and caring into this doll. The dress is made from 1980's quilting fabric! The rug yarn hair is sewn into the head instead of onto it!! She is not "signed". Very unusual embroidered eyes. The mile-a-minute afghan is one I finished yesterday. The center color is "woodsy" by Red Heart and the other two colors used are Red Heart Aran and some unknown dark brown from my stash. Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one. I did not cook here this year, but we were invited to my daughter's house, who lives on the side of a mountain, an hour away. It was a lovely day, and we had a pleasant time. I can't say that I didn't have to cook, as my daughter got busy with other things and I finished the meal for her. I am glad that things will be back to normal this week, even if only for a short while until Christmas break.

I'm not political.....really...

www.ourworldasweseeit.blogspot.com says what a lot of us are really thinking. I think this cartoon is funny. I almost fell off the chair laughing.

Scarves for Christmas

I have been working on some loomed scarves for Christmas gifts. There is always a need for a last minute gift, and making these scarves is a bit of a tradition with me. I use my DecorAccentsinc.com 6 inch scarf loom. I've had it for several years now & have made many scarves on it (both acrylic and hand spun!). I had to use my stuffed kitten "Earl Gray" in the photo, as Shizuku didn't want to be bothered to pose for the photo. She's still not feeling too well this morning. The small quilt in the background is a pepto-bismol pink log cabin star that I recently discovered in my closet. Soon as I finish a project these days, I promptly forget about it. I'm getting old and forgetful. By the way, the Fall Shawl on the Wall in the Hall is still there, unfinished. Good grief, if I don't hurry up & finish it...it won't be Fall anymore. Too many projects, too little time!

First Basket

A friend has kindly reminded me that I have not updated my blog in a long time and wondered if I was okay. I am still coughing a lot and Shizuku is still "snarking", but my grown children seem to have recovered from the "bug" nicely. Thanks be to God. Last weekend, a friend of my daughters was kind enough to help me to make the above basket. It is from a kit by Commonwealth Mfg Co and I think is called "Gran's Cotton Basket". It isn't cotton though. It's reed. I had fun making this basket, my first attempt. My thanks to my daughter's friend for her help and advice! The basket is round, and is approx. 9 inches wide by 8 inches tall. I will keep yarn balls in it, or maybe a sock in progress. I have one more basket kit to make. It was a find at the Goodwill Store, and is by the same company and is called "Krista's Oval Basket". It is much more complicated. I also have finished a stripey pair of socks, in Fall colors, but gave them away before I took a photo. (oops) Have a blessed day!

An update/part two

Guess I should say something, even though I don't feel much like it. Kathleen is going back to work today, Donald is doing OK and went back to work last Friday. I am "up and down". Still don't feel like doing much and coughing a lot, but I'm still here! Hanging in there....

*************

Thursday Morning.... The family cat, Shizuku, is sick. I think she has what we have had. She has watery eyes, nose and sneezing. I didn't think cats could catch what humans have, but it seems she has. Poor girl, she was so busy taking good care of me and now she is sick, too. I've got an appointment with the Vet for her at 10:15 (she isn't going to like that!) I haven't gone to the Dr. myself, but quickly made an appointment for the Chan. Mothers are like that...yeah, they are.

Flu, or not?

Our whole family is sick!! Kathleen has pneumonia. I have bronchitis and Donald is coughing, sneezing, etc. This has been going on since last Friday. Last night, during the night, I had trouble breathing. Shizuku, the family cat, went to Donald's door and said "hello, hello" until he got up to check on me. By that time, I was back in bed & doing better. Dear, sweet cat! And thanks to Donald for listening! Please keep us in your prayers, especially Kathleen, as we spent last Sunday in the ER (all day) with her. I don't know what this is, but it is nasty. Thank goodness you can't catch it from looking at blogs. I am not on the computer much these days. Keep well!

New Header Photo

I decided to add a photo to the header, above. I found this photo on the internet, I'm sorry I can't give credit to the photographer, but I can't remember where I got it. It is of Galway Bay in Ireland. My Dad used to sing the song "Galway Bay" when I was little. He was an Irish tenor and had a wonderful voice. It always made me want to see the place myself, but I never have. My daughter has, though. The song was also sung in a pub scene in the movie "The Quiet Man", staring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. What a great movie. I could picture myself living in Ireland, surrounded by sheep. Oh well.

Photos from the Festival

Sheep on the farm


A lady spinning angora, right off the bunny!!




Blacksmith at work, making a spoon with a horsehead handle. He has quite an out-going personality


General view of the vendors.

The sun was shining, and it was in the mid-70's for the Fall Fest at Rising Meadow Farm. We ate lamb burgers for lunch with a Tunisian salad. I behaved myself and only bought two types of wool. The first is some black Navajo-Churro (about 4 oz.) and the other is Gulf Coast Native (about 17 oz.). I can't wait to get started on the black wool!! I have spun it before & enjoy working with it. My daughter drove us to the festival. It was a long drive, and we were both tired when we got back to her house. I got back home after dark, but made it OK, even driving alone. There were a lot more vendors there this time, as the last time we attended it was in 2004. I'm thankful that I saw the morning reporter on Channel 8, do an "ad" for the Festival. I have to say that it was a good day. The sun was out yesterday, and it is raining today. I'm so glad that we got to go and that we had a good time. I even got to see a few people that I know & haven't seen in a long time!

Farm Fest tomorrow

Tomorrow is the Fall Farm Fest at Rising Meadow Farm in Liberty NC, which is south of Greensboro. The website says it is from 11am until 4pm. My daughter and I went several years ago and had a good time. We are hoping to attend tomorrow! I hope I can remember to take my camera. The last time we went, we had lunch there and ate some Middle Eastern food, and I bought some fiber to spin. There were also some llama's just wandering around the crowd. The weather should be good. Although it was supposed to rain today, it has turned out to be a bright sunny Fall day. I just love going to the Fall Festivals!!

Fall Colors

The first photo is of my daughter, working on her tri-loom at the WWSIPD. She recently learned the twill weave, and she uses a lot of alpaca, which she buys from an alpaca farm off the Blue Ridge Pkwy. She also makes a lot of square, lap-afghans, which she donates to someone who needs one.

The second and third photos are of my "Fall Shawl in the Hall on the Wall" heehee. I am using some good ole Red Heart yarn, but it is old yarn, not this new stuff that feels like it is made from pop bottles!! I can only work on the shawl for a short amount of time, then I have to go & sit down(bummer!). I enjoy weaving, and giving these shawls away. Although I don't consider them a Prayer Shawl, and I don't "decorate" them with Christian symbols or a card, I love these shawls just the same!!

I'm back.

The above photo is of the World Wide Spinning in Public Day at Greenberry House in Meadows of Dan, VA last Saturday. It was a pleasant day, weatherwise, and the company was good, too. I think a good time was had by all. My daughter and I left a little early so we could go by Mt. Plains Fabrics in Fancy Gap, VA. I used to spend a lot of time up on the mountain, but can't anymore. I can't drive that far myself, and have to depend on someone to take me. Well, upon looking at the photos on my two friend's blogs, I have decided to take some positive action, and do something about my weight. Last January I stopped chewing my fingernails, after 60 years of doing so....so I know this is possible. I'm tired of looking like Jaba the Hut. You know what they always say...."Inside every fat person is a skinny person crying to get out". Enough said.

Now on to the latest on this ailing computer. My son got it working 24 hours later, but I am still afraid of it. Adding photos to this blog was one of the questions on our minds. I am hoping that we won't have more problems. It has stopped raining today, and am hoping to see the sun later on.

Big Computer Problems!!

I am on a computer at the Community College. My son's computer, which is what I use at home, is on the "endangered species" list. He says that he is working on it, but there is only a 50/50 chance for it. I never knew how dependent on the computer I had become, but have had no access to one all weekend. I don't know when or if it will be fixed, but I will be offline until it is fixed or replaced. See ya'll later...........

Mary Travers

I am very much saddened by the death of Mary Travers, yesterday, of the singing group "Peter, Paul and Mary". I have loved their music since I was a teenager and am sad to know that a great voice is now silent. Rest in peace, pretty lady. You will be missed.

World Wide Spin In Public Day

I am showing an older photo of me spinning on the front porch with the yard cats! I hope to go to Greenberry House in Meadows of Dan, VA this Saturday for WWSIPD, weather permitting. I love to go to Leslie Shelor's yarn/fiber store, and have only been able to go once. Click on the link on the sidebar, to get more ideas and places to Spin in Public. God Bless!

Hopping Mad!

I try not to get really angry! It's not good for my health, etc. But I did yesterday. Let me back up...two weeks ago I purchased three packages of metal crosses from the craft shop on the outskirts of Mt.Airy, NC. They were priced at $3.99 each, which is more than I usually pay, but they were pretty. The crosses were eleven to a bag and I think were made by the Darice Jewelry Design company. When I got home, I emptied the bags into the container where I keep my crosses. I put a cross on every Prayer Shawl I make for the Hospital. Last week, when I tried to use one, the darn thing bent in my hand!!! I went back to the craft shop on another errand last week and told the clerk about it. She said to bring them back. Yesterday, I did. The daughter of the owner was working there and she had a "too bad so sad" attitude. She could have cared less, and refused to make it right, even though I bent two of them in my hand right in front of her!! I told her that I was not coming in the store if that is the way they treat an old time customer. Her Grandmother and I had been good friends. I will drive to Ben Franklin store 50 miles away now! My concern is, if these crosses were that bendable, could there possibly been LEAD in the metal?? I shudder to think about that, and I am glad that I am not able to use them. What's wrong with this world when a merchant won't back up what they sell. FOR SHAME. What goes 'round, comes 'round, I always say.

Isn't this interesting?

I gleaned this from another blog. Kind of makes you wonder which president they are referring to, doesn't it?? I'm not political in the slightest, but this does make a definite statement. Even so, come Lord Jesus!

New Yarn Shop in Mt.Airy, NC

I visited the new yarn shop in Mt.Airy, NC this morning. My curiosity got the best of me (sheepish grin). It is a beautiful, uncluttered store with a good selection of yarns for every need. I even got to try out a pair of square knitting needles. They were nice to use, but I am used to "circulars" and the long needles felt a bit odd. I bought 3 balls of sock yarn (which I certainly didn't need) and some handpainted roving. Bee-ewe-tea-ful! I really enjoyed myself, ate lunch out at my favorite Italian Restaurant (best Submarines anywhere) and then went to walmart for catfood. It was a nice day, and the weather has been cool the last couple of days. Oh, by the way, the name of the shop is What's Needlin' Ewe, and it is located on Main Street in Mt.Airy, NC

It's Tasha Tudor Day!

Today is Tasha Tudor's birthday, and some of us are celebrating her life and works. To honor the day, I am showing my two books of hers that I purchased in the early 1990's. I also made macaroni and cheese (receipt in the cookbook) for our supper! We really like mac & cheese, and I hope that we enjoy this receipt (that is how Tasha spelled recipe). It is cooling now, and I've got to fix a veg (probably green beans, my favorite) and warm up the roasted chicken. I'll let you know later how it was!

Note: The mac & cheese was good, but I would make it differently next time. I used soymilk, because that's what I had on hand. Next time I make it, I would use a can of evaporated milk. The soymilk left a "vanilla" taste. Live & learn

Prayer Quilt

Yesterday, I attended a meeting of the Prayers & Squares group of Richmond Hill Baptist Church, Boonville, NC. I took some more fabric that I wasn't going to use, also our family cat-quilt for Show & Tell, and received my very own Prayer Quilt!! As you can see by photo number one, Shizuku loves it too, and has claimed it! (Oh my gosh, look at those "lazer-eyes". She's saying "MINE!!") The second photo is the cross on the back of the quilt. Every quilt that they make has a cross like this on it. The third photo is of the label. Click on any of the pictures to take them larger. I feel very blessed to have found this group, and am very honored that they have given me this quilt. I'm going to have to share it with Shizuku though, but after all, it is a cat quilt...what can I say?! Thank you, new friends at RHBC!

**Note to Tanya: The Prayers & Squares group of RHBC said that they would be in prayer for your Prayers & Squares group in Japan. Hands of faith reaching around the world.

Tasha Tudor Day

I saw this photo on Beansieleigh's blog and just had to check it out! I have been a big fan of Tasha Tudor ever since I received a subscription to "Victoria" magazine as a gift. I ended up subscribing for several years. Someone told me lately that Victoria is never more, and that's too bad. Anyway, I have always been fascinated by this lady and her lifestyle. I am going to see if I can order some of her books. I am told that she passed away earlier this year. I wish I could follow in her footsteps.

Good-bye Dorie

I am showing Dorie's birthday photo one last time. I try to keep positive, and not dwell on negative thoughts, so this will be my last tribute to dear Dorie. She will be waiting for me, along with our other kitties we have lost over the past 36 years. Bet Jesus is laughing at her little tricks, and saying "Dorie, get off of that counter, NOW". Life goes on....

Dora is sick/ the bad news

Dora Jean got very sick yesterday and had to be rushed to the Mr.Airy Vet yesterday after hours. He has kept her overnight and we haven't been able to come up with a cause for her problems yet. He did some blood work and sent it off today and it will be back tomorrow. At present, she is on antibiotics and fluids, still at his office. She has been sick, off & on, most of her life (15 months) but this is the most serious of everything yet. Dr. Truban is cautiously optimistic. I am praying, and hope that anyone reading this will ask the Lord to spare her life. She is not the most loving cat, and she is very willful and determined, but she doesn't deserve to suffer. I hope my next post will be a more positive one.

UPDATE: Dora spent 3 days at the Vet's office and this morning he told me that they found Leukemia. We had her put to sleep this morning to protect Shizuku, who we had tested this morning also, and she doesn't have it. I have had to make so many of these "life & death" decisions now. This all happened so fast. Rest in Peace, Pretty Kitty. You will be missed.

Bear Sweater

I call this bear Chuck. He came from the Goodwill store. On his foot is written Harrods 2003, so I am assuming he originally came from England. He is an incredibly soft bear and needed a sweater. I have a favorite Aran bear sweater pattern from www.aranknits.com and it seemed to be the logical choice. He seems to be pleased with his new sweater, so am I. The yarn is McIntosh in "Grapevine" color from Red Heart. It is part wool and part acrylic and I like it alot!

The Meeting

I attended a Prayers & Squares meeting at Richmond Hill Baptist Church, Boonville, NC, yesterday and had a very good time. Stupid me forgot to take my camera. Somehow, I don't think it would have been polite to take photos at a church I am not a member of, so guess it worked out for the best. I am so glad that I gave them the fabric I would never use. A lot of it was already in use by them!! Some of the ladies were cutting fabric, some where making the "quilt sandwich", one had brought her sewing machine, and some were tying knots. Someone had already hemmed the quilts, and they were "fit to be tied", so to speak! A group of ladies (recipients) came in at 11:30am and there was a Dedication Ceremony, and then we all sat down to lunch. The lunch was prepared by the Church custodian, who is one of the quilters named Lot, she is originally from Tiawan. I could tell that she is a real asset to the Church!! After lunch, they resumed working on whatever they were working on before, but I was so tired that I went home for a nap, totally exhaused (from watching them). Many thanks to the members of this group for their hospitality and I enjoyed my visit a lot!

Prayers & Squares

In my quest to find a new home for some of my fabric that I will never use, I found the Prayers & Squares chapter at Richmond Hill Baptist Church in Boonville, NC. I have given them eight boxes of fabric and have met two of the church members. I hope to go to a meeting this coming week, Lord willing. I am very impressed with this project, and hope to help them out by making some small quilt tops for them in the future. I have been working on Prayer Shawls for several years now, and I think that the quilt project would help me to use up even more fabric. Now that the walmarts no longer sell fabric in this area, and we have to drive 35-50 miles each way to buy a yard of fabric, I am happy to help this group out. To maybe find a group in your area, go to www.prayerquilt.org

Yellow Brick Road

I finally took a photo of the Yellow Brick Road quilt top. I bought the pattern on the internet in '01 or '02, and just never made it. Then I misplaced the pattern (typical for me these days). While sorting out fabric last week to give away to a church group for Prayers & Squares quilts, I found the pattern. So far I have gotten eight boxes of fabric cleared out and out of the way. Wow! This was an easy quilt to do and it only took me a couple of days to make it. I am glad to get the top done, and look forward to quilting it. Now that I have all that fabric out of the way, it will be easier to get into my studio, and maybe I won't feel like everything is about to fall on me!! As always, click to make the photo bigger (it looks better that way), and the quilt top is a twin size, according to the directions.

Grace

Grace went to the Vet today and got checked for FIV and leukemia. It is Negative!! Praise God!! We are so relieved that she didn't get the virus from Ace. Grace is a real sweetheart, and what we all call a "helper cat". Always willing to lend a helping paw! We are so thankful this evening. Many thanks for those who expressed concern and prayed with us for her health. God is Good!!

Spinning fancy yarn!

I recently finished spinning this "fancy" yarn. It is 8oz. of dyed coopworth wool & a strand of gold sewing/quilting thread. You can click on the photo to take a closer look, if you want. I am rather pleased with the way it turned out. I bought the coopworth from Leslie of Greenberry House, Meadows of Dan, VA when I was at the sheep shearing day at Tazwell, VA in April. I try to spin a little every evening, when the work for the day is done and I can listen to a classical music program on NPR called "Performance Today". Sometimes I listen to Celtic music or some of the Japanese CD's my daughter sent me when she was living in Japan.

My daughter's other cat, named Grace, will be tested for FIV & leukemia today. We are praying that she did not catch anything from poor Ace. A progress report...I am almost through piecing the Yellow Brick Road blocks (bought the pattern in 2002). Photo when finished.

Lonely sock

Just a few minutes ago, I finished a sock! Well, it's only one sock, but I will start the second one this morning, after a finish a few routine tasks. No SSS here (second sock syndrome)!! The yarn is Happy Feet by Plymouth, and the pattern is written for the yarn, it is called Mock Cable. I have used the pattern before, but it really stands out with this thicker yarn. Socks are a good summer project, as you don't have to have your project draped all over you. I've been knitting socks since 1998, but figure I won't ever be able to use up my stash of sock yarn. I've never been brave enough to try a crochet sock, although I have seen some interesting ones. Maybe someday.

Yesterday, I gave away about six large boxes of quilting fabric to a local church that makes Prayers for Squares projects. I was asked if I want to come to a meeting, but I declined. I had advertised on Yahoo's Freecycle group. I wish this group well with their projects, and am glad that I could help. Giving stuff away (for a good cause) feels good, everyone should try it! In the process, I found a quilt pattern that I had been looking for for a couple of years!! It is called "Yellow Brick Road", by Atkinson Designs, I think. I have already picked out the fabric I want to use (18 fat quarters)! The fabric I gave away will not be missed at all!!

Photo of a photo

My daughter gave me a couple of photos of Ace today and I wanted to try to post this one. It turned out sepia tone, but the real photo is a beautiful one. Just wanted to pay tribute to a wonderful cat one last time. He is missed so much.

Prayers for Ace/Update

Ace, my daughter's cat, has been a very sick fellow. He was FIV for three & a half years, now he is full-blown "Aids". She has had him back & forth to different Vets for the past three weeks, but nothing has helped much. He just won't eat. He is a very beautiful and loving cat, and it breaks my heart to see him so sick. Please pray for Ace, and also for my daughter, as she is not ready to let him go.

UPDATE: Ace passed away yesterday July 9th, in the morning. He will be greatly missed.

Sock Monkey

All last week my son was home on "vacation" between semesters, that is, when the students aren't there, instructors don't have to be either. He decided to move stuff from one (leaky) storage building to another. That is when he found Sock Monkey. Later that day, Sock Monkey was being attacked by some carpenter bees in the new location, so my son brought him inside the house. He has been inside ever since. My daughter saw him and said "he's evil". (She also thinks that clowns are evil, go figure!) Truthfully, I have always felt a little uncomfortable around him, but he does deserve better than the bees!! He was made for me many years ago by a dear friend named Sheila, in Ohio. I've lost touch with her now, and I think I will give Sock Monkey a place of honor in the house. I found a free pattern on the internet for a sock monkey knitted out of sock yarn. Maybe I'll make him a friend (or maybe not). It is at www.thepatternbox.com if anyone is interested. Knit on!

"Safe House" quilt

Some people think that a Log Cabin Quilt with a black center dates back to the Civil War. At first, I had heard that a Log Cabin with black centers meant that you are a bad housekeeper! Some believe that it meant "safe house" for runaway slaves, some are of the opinion that this theory doesn't hold water. The Log Cabin is one of my favorite quilt patterns and I keep a large plastic container full of 2 inch strips. Whenever a fabric is too small to use for other things, I cut into 2 inch strips. They are so useful for other patterns, too! I think I have mentioned before that I was born in central Ohio, and that my Grandpa Atterholt (during this time of the summer) used to tell me about how his family was part of the Underground Railroad. He was born just a couple of years after the war ended. It all makes sense to me, as the family was Brethren, and the Brethren were active during the war, helping runaway slaves get to freedom. I don't really care about the arguments in the quilt world. I just know that I'd like to believe the stories about the "signal quilts", and that somehow quilting played a roll in helping people to be free.

Cat napping

Isn't it funny how cats will always open one eye and move slightly when you run & get the camera for the cutest pose ever? Grrrr. Happens to me every time! But the Chan always keeps me company while I'm on the computer (and she sleeps on my pillow at night). Guess you could say that she's my bestest "four-footed" friend! It has been hot here, and the best thing to do in the afternoon is to take a nap! I have been absent from blogging. I've been busy with my charity projects and doing some sewing (imagine that), but I just don't have anything important to say on this Blog. In fact, I've considered killing this blog. Just haven't decided yet. There are still many Blogs that I like to visit, and I comment when I have something worth saying, so I'm here, just keeping quiet. Have a Blessed summer!!

Beach Dreams

I grew up around water. First it was Lake Huron, then the Atlantic Ocean, but I have lived in "them thar Hills" for 28 years now. From time to time I have missed the Ocean, but not greatly. The last few nights I have been dreaming of water, big bodies of water. I guess I will learn the reason later, as my dreams always mean something. I have never had any great love for Wilmington, NC, where my late husband was from, and where I lived for a number of years (until I could get away from there), but I was looking at the Weatherunderground photos (where the above photo came from), and tears actually came to my eyes. I want to see the ocean again, I want to walk in the sand one more time, while I am still able to walk! I want to walk out on Johnny Mercer's Pier again, and check out the fish that have been caught! The quilter's guild I was a member of for a few years (Quilter's-by-the-Sea) is having their Annual Quilt Show soon. I wonder if I would remember any of the members? I doubt it. Dream on.

Dulcimer Frustration!

I bought my dulcimer in 1996 and have off and on since then tried to learn to play it. This week, I joined a Ravelry knitting/dulcimer group. It has been very interesting and informative, but I am still at "square one". I think I have forgotten everything I knew before. I'm a frustrated dulcimer player!! Everyone says how EASY it is to play, but with fifty-bazillion ways to tune it (unlike my Dad's ukulele, that you just have to remember "my dog has fleas" heehee), I am very confused. Any other dulcimer "wannabees" or sympathetic players out there? I'd appreciate the advice! Aaarrrgh! Think I'll go back to my Prayer Shawls. That's NOT frustrating!

Poor neglected blog...

It is no secret that I hate to take pictures. Mother used to annoy the heck out of people, wanting to take pictures, so guess I am the opposite of that, too. Anyway, Dora just doesn't like to have her photo taken. Whenever I unzip the camera case, she will either run, move, or do something unflattering (like hike-a-leg). Donald decided to try his luck taking her photo. Although Dora has a disgusted look on her face, she did sit still for him. I'm still hoping for a great photo to put in the sidebar. People must think that she is still a tiny kitten!! Donald took photo #1, and the "look" in Photo #2 is when I took her picture. humph!

A pair of socks

I have finished a pair of socks, finally. I have to force myself to work on socks these days, but these are finished. I have one more pair of these on the needles. This yarn is Bernat Sox, it is an acrylic, and is made for someone else. Although I prefer to work with wool, I realize that others cannot wear wool. The pattern is "Mock Cable" and is modified from a Happy Feet DK pattern from Plymouth Yarn. I am pleased with them and I hope the person they are intended for will be, too. More rain today, it's been raining all week. It it verging on Biblical proportions (just kidding). I have soggy yard cats on my front porch!

Memorial Day 2009

I don't have a cute picture to post for Memorial Day. I only want to thank the many men and women who gave their lives, are Veterans, or are currently serving in our Military. Thank you, thank you. Job well done. God Bless!

Pilot Mountain

The photo in the header is of Pilot Mountain. My son took the photo while we stopped at a minute market on Hwy 268. We were heading to my daughter's house last Thursday. The "knob" of the mountain does not show, but notice the cloud just hovering over the mountain. Donald was impressed with the photo and so am I. I think Pilot Mountain is the reason I wanted to move here, and I never tire of looking at it. Legend has it that fairies live under the knob. That same day we all went up to visit with Leslie Shelor at Greenberry House (yarn/fiber store) in Meadows of Dan, VA and then we went to Fairy Stone Park. All in all, it was a nice day. The rain cleared up and the sun came out. The three of us don't get to go places together all that much.

Ooops...

Guess I haven't posted in awhile. It seems there was too much going on too fast and I just couldn't cope with it. I decided to lower the shades, block out the world, and just get thru it. I'm not saying that everything is OK now, but better. Shizuku and Dorie have been looking out for me as best they can, and my children also. At least the sun is out today, and the sky is a magnificent blue. My son says that God's color is blue (I've always thought of His color as purple, oh well). I'm hoping to go to my daughter's house on the mountain tomorrow, if I feel up to it. She is going to take me to Meadows of Dan, VA, to see the yarn/fiber shop there. I have been spinning a lot lately and I would like to trade a whole bunch of sock yarn for a smaller, portable spinning wheel....anyone interested?? God Bless You All.

Black Shetland fleece

As an afterthought to my last post, I decided to take a picture of the black Shetland fleece I am working on. The difference is so amazing. It is the softest wool I have ever worked on. It came from a sheep named "Blackie" from a farm in Pilot Mountain, NC. The lady I bought it from used to have a very nice yarn shop in Pilot, but closed it after her Mother died. Makes me want some Shetland sheep. Dream on.

Finished quilt top with kitty help

I was trying to take a photo of the newest quilt top I finished (the sheep fabric). I had posted a close up of a single block earlier. Well, from out of nowhere comes my helper, Dora. Before I could snap a picture, she had climbed to the top of the quilt top. Aaarrgh! She almost tore it. This is definitely a quilter's cat!

I am now carding some "black" shetland fleece that I bought about 3 years ago. I had finished carding the grey Romney (thank goodness!) and went on to the next on my list. The difference is incredible. The carding is still hard on me, but the end product is so different! Wish all I had to card was Shetland!!