Bear with me...

A lot going on in this neck of the woods or should I say, my mind. On overload here and I'm doing my best to put on a good front. After the front performance, I collapse into a deep sleep just like a bear in hibernation.

My posting will be limited and I will be scarce on social media. I need some "me" time to re-group me, myself and I.

My friends...

I long for the old days. The days of carefree attitude, fun and freedom. I'll try to refrain from posting my TRUE thoughts here but divisions in life are difficult whether by politics, finance, personality, family etc, sometimes it feels overwhelming to the soul.
Quite frankly these are the times I immerse myself into my hobbies. I'd much rather spend time not thinking about those very things I SHOULD be thinking.

Meet Dorothy. A great pattern to knit and dolls are my friends. I happen to have my dolls of the past.  Well, most of them although I'm missing my Chatty Cathy doll that my dad bought for me a long time ago (I won't mention how long ago ;) ). I'm also missing a stuffed skunk who had a vinyl face. I loved that skunk. He slept in a doll cradle with my dolls and I was the kid who could not sleep unless my dolls were lined up, warmed with a blanket and I did not allow their faces to be covered...they must breathe, you know ;)

 I had a very vivid imagination as a child and I've been blessed to retain some of that childlike imagination (comes in handy when caring/playing with grandkids ;) ).

Life is complicated and too often overwhelming so on that little note today I'm going to turn on some music from the 1940's, grab my knitting and scrapbooking and enjoy living in own little world surrounded by my friends of the past.

And Life goes on....

Just when Life hands lemons and one thinks "you've got to be kidding me?" One reaches into the depths of the mind for happy moments. I know these are repeats but they bring a smile to my face. All I need is to go back a few weeks to bring a happy smile and Folks? This is what Life is all about.

One of the loves of my Life... animals/pets. They certainly bring peace and harmony (unless Mr. Bettis is at it again)to my Life. We are considering becoming a horse owner once again. A lot of work but I miss it.

 A friend's niece who insisted on a picture of us together. She was truly a delight to spend time at our anniversary party and brought innocent child humor to brighten everyone.

 Our daughters bring nothing but joy to our lives and I don't know what I would do without their sarcasm and humor. (some have said, they're just like their mother ;) ). I know this is a repeat, but we are still in awe of the secret party they planned and and pulled off.

                                                              Family love...

                                  A precious tender moment between auntie and nephew.

 My sisters (this is the youngest and the only one of our wedding crew who was in attendance at the party) bring their own platter of humor and snark to an event...ya gotta laugh.

 A beautiful memory of the youngest daughter with dad at her honors ceremony a few years ago. Has it really been that long ago? Daily phone calls from her usually bring nothing but chuckles and snark...she's a chip off the ole block and we look forward to those calls.

         Our Life with Widget. He's growing like a weed and developing his own little personality. We have been blessed to enjoy every precious moment of his new Life.

                                            Our daughter and her precious son.

Our youngest son and his boys. I have been blessed with the opportunity to care for the little ones since the oldest was an infant. They live a few hours away so I stayed with this lovely family for 2-3 days a week. I'll cherish those memories and hold them close to my heart. I have been replaced/sacked (as we refer to it ;) ) in lieu of daycare. I'll save my rant of daycare for another time. Although I'll miss the boys, we honor and respect the parents' decision. I have been approached by a few locals who want to hire my services so when one door closes another door opens. Time will tell. As for now, I'm going to the take the time to concentrate on our life as empty nesters and that time is booking quickly.

I have learned to tune out a person/conversation by reaching into these memories. They bring a smile and make people wonder what I'm thinking. 

Life is much too short for idiosyncrasies/issues. Seriously folks? At the end of the day do they really matter? After the past 6 months of watching loved ones pass on before us, we're grabbing Life by the tail. We are still reeling over the loss of our brother-in-law who was taken too soon and that will take time.

We have been blessed with loving family and of course our dear friends of whom I couldn't survive Life's lemons without. 

God Bless each and every member of my family and our dear friends who have been there in the past year thru trials and tribulations of our Life' lemons as well as the blessed moments. You are and have been a true blessing and I cherish each and everyone of you.

Just when I thought...

Just when I thought the coming days were a bust....the mail-lady arrived. Woo-Hoo! One week ago I ordered this yarn from across the Big Pond and it is here already. Better prices and delivery service then domestic orders. I'm smitten.

 A lovely red sparkly dk weight. I know exactly what will be knit from this but I'm waiting on diamante buckles to arrive.

 Then there's PANK (as a friend and her pup call it). Bright happy PANK to be cast on for something fun. The Sirdar Crofter yarn is a gorgeous array of color to match the PANK. Not that the PANK can't hold it's own ;).

 James G. Brett yarn is oh-so-soft. I think this is my favorite brand after touching and knitting with several.

 All in all, 15 skeins of yarn for a lot less than here in the USA, if in fact one could get it. First time ordering from this company and the shipping was prompt. They didn't package it quite as nicely as Loveknitting and the selection is similar but they had a few different colorways than Loveknitting.

I'm off to knit my troubles and concerns away. Have a great day!

If they only had a brain

There comes a time when one realizes there are people without a brain and a heart. For that little 'wake up' moment' I'm grateful to have both :)

That defining moment....

That defining moment in Life when it's necessary to bond with a nice wine and listen to some Sinatra music.

It's Not Fair

Ok girls (and any guys who read this), let's talk. After seeing pictures of myself lately I decided it was time to take off a few pounds. So I ventured to the market and spent $$$'s on "healthy foods" and trust me, it's pricey. I did some calculation based on my lifestyle of little exercise and came up with a good plan (or so it appeared). Plenty of fruits and vegetables, little starch (breads, pancakes etc) and meat along with my milk. Yes, I must have a nice cold glass of milk a day and I'm not talking about that watered down 1% stuff. I want MILK!

No candy, cookies, cakes, chips etc allowed.

I have been on this stupid diet for 2+ weeks and have never been so disappointed in my life. I weighed myself and not one ounce has disappeared. Hubby is on the same diet and he lost 5 pounds! yes, I know the whole man/woman/diet saga, it ranks right up there with childbirth, exercise etc when it comes to the comparison and I'm not happy.

 I have eaten enough carrots and lettuce that even the rabbits are wondering if there will be any left for them. Water: I've drank and retained enough to rival a camel and rice cakes....really? No flavor, yes I know they come in flavors but let's get real folks. *sigh* at this rate I may need to grow a rice paddy in my backyard.
What I wouldn't give for a homemade oatmeal raisin cookie....

 or a mini ice cream cone. But noooooo....I'll grab a carrot stick and try my best to pretend it's a potato chip. The husband picked up donuts on our Sunday trip. I did not give in to temptation, he ate two and he lost weight??? Perhaps I should check those scales and see if he's rigged them.

It is unfair I should endure a total of 36 months of morning sickness, waddling like a duck and labor pain (although I fared rather well in that dept only suffering thru a total of 8 hours for 4 kids) and then another 6 months trying to lose to get back into my own clothing. It is unfair that I am 'punished' after those childbearing years with a body that has suddenly compared to that of the male species; thickening waist, little chin hairs etc. REALLY? If I wanted a beard, I'd knit one! (yes there are patterns to knit beards).
Forgive the rant, I'm on sugar withdrawal.....and if I see that husband of mine eating another donut, I'm smashing it and filing separation papers....LOL

Time Travels

The Pritchard house is a historic landmark and one we toured while traveling back in time. Quite interesting to learn the lady of the house sat on the balcony and watched her children play but when the battles of Kernstown took place the only thing she saw from the balcony was a bloody battle with hundreds of dead soldiers and horses. I can't even imagine the fear of her and her family.

The hubby and I.

It was an awesome day of learning and I'm so glad we took our friends' offer to join them. There will be many more events and we're ready to go.

The sad part of it all was the fact we traveled back in time to an era and when we left the area we passed shopping strip malls, one after the other. It was rather striking to admit we have become a society of 'stuff' and for the most part, throw away stuff. We plan to change that in our lives.

Back in Time

Contrary to the following pics of a re-created past (and there are a lot of 'em) we're beginning a new phase of our life as empty nesters. We have vowed to do more "couple" activities and we're fortunate enough to have dear old friends (don't tell them I said old ;) ) who have introduced us to the world of Civil War re-enactments. It was a beautiful day and we began our journey at 8 am.

A true southern belle resting in the shade.

 A demonstration of fashion included these ladies. Seven layers of clothing before donning the final dress. Surprisingly the undergarments kept them cooler than one can imagine and the poor Irish dirt farmer only owned 2-3 dresses in the day.

 The Calvary arriving on the scene for battle.

 A cannon shot....KA-BOOM! I tried to capture this picture without modern people but this person moved 3 times and then stood right in the way of the pic. Oh well...it was still an amazing event.

 Sharp shooters and I'm shocked they didn't get shot due to the time it takes to re-load their guns.

 The 18th Virginia of Imboden's Brigade

 See this guy? His name is Dusty. My friend and I fell in love with him. He and I bonded for over an hour while talking with his soldier. He actually rested his head on my shoulder and slept for awhile. I love horses. Our daughter owned one for many years and while they're a lot of work, they're worth every moment. Something about their warm breathe, beautiful eyes and their distinctive smell (and horse lovers know what I mean) just melts my heart.

We concluded our day enjoying a delicious meal with our friends. They have no idea what it means to us to enjoy this outing and we're looking forward to another re-enactment over my birthday weekend.

P.S. Hubby and I were talking (non-stop) about the day and we have thoughts about present day living compared to 'back then'. I'll reserve that rant for a later post as I want this one to leave you with warm thoughts, reflections and smiles.

Remember when?

Remember when I said my knitting corner was clean? And remember when I said (previous post) I would not cast on for another project until I finished one?

*sigh* hanging head in knitting shame ;) All of that went by the wayside within hours. I had my eye on a doll pattern and with one swoop of my clicking knitting trigger finger it was purchased and downloaded. Trust me, it happened fast...so fast that I'm still in knitter's shock...lol

With that in mind, my little clicking knitting trigger finger then hopped onto a yarn site and another yarn order is on it's way. I need therapy ;)
What I SHOULD be knitting and what I WANT to knit are two entirely different things.

I may need to find a knitter's control device for this computer.

Friday musings

It's a cool one in the mountains. Add in a daughter who thought it was oh-so-funny to inform me that it's only 24 weeks till Christmas and I have become a 'mad-knitter'. 

Finally off the needles, I love this sweater. It was finished a week ago but something wasn't quite right with the collar. I quickly discovered I picked up too many stitches of the fronts so I frogged the snowflake yarn, a rather daunting task. It is not an easy yarn to rip out. I picked up the right amount of stitches for my gauge and re-knit the collar and all is good.

I've cast on for another one and the matching hats will be knit later.

 I posted this little sweater a while back but just couldn't capture the correct color. This does not reflect the true color but does show off the style. After pulling this one out of the finish box I think I may need to make another one. I like this style too.

It feels like fall in this neck of the woods, my favorite season. That said, I'm wondering where is summer? Mind you, heat and humidity are not my friends but it's cool here and when I say cool, I mean jeans weather.
I cleaned my knitting corner which should last all of today. So many knits are on the needles and I vow to not cast on for another project until a few are off the needles.
Check back tomorrow to see if I actually adhere to that one ;).

Enjoy your Friday!

TBT

Back in the day when kids could be kids. Playing outside in all kinds of weather with imaginations running wild. 

That's me on the left, my cousin in the middle and my baby sister on the right. I was fortunate growing up. We lived on acreage of my grandparents' farm with my aunts and uncles and plenty of cousins to keep us entertained.

They were the best of times. Were there family skirmishes? You betcha but my Native American grandfather instilled the 'family code' and so we learned to quickly resolve issues, forgive and forget. Sadly that's not the case today but I will hold onto those dear family memories (and yes, even those of upheavel).
Hope your Thursday brings a happy memory.

Speechless

Hard to believe but I'm speechless today. 

 I think I'm on overload right now.  For the past 6 months I've needed to be strong for so many others and I think that strength is zapped right now. So bear with me while I recup for a bit (won't take me long I'm sure, although those Appalachia boot straps are well worn).

Grabbing my knitting, a hot cup of my favorite beverage and chillin' out.....

Going Home

Second time in 3 months we said good-bye to another family member, my uncle J. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye. The family met for lunch at a local coney island style restaurant (one of his favorites). Then it was off once again to the local home to say our good-byes. You'd have to know our family to know in spite of the hardship we're gonna have some laughter mixed with tears. It's a celebration of Life and my uncle wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

We were raised near our grandparents' farm surrounded by aunts, uncles and many cousins so the family has many memories. 

 It was truly a celebration of Life with family I haven't seen in years, childhood friends, love and laughter; after all, that's what Life is all about.

RIP Uncle J and give our love to B (brother-in-law), mom-mom and pap-pap until we meet again.

Let's Talk

Knitters, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and as a certain comedian would say, "Let's talk" about garter stitch. For far too long it has received a bad rap. Some have even said, it doesn't look store bought. If one wants a handknit sweater to look store bought then one needs to purchase that machine knit store sweater.

 An easy stitch for beginners and expert knitters alike, it is a beautiful stitch. Let's face it, I swoon over a cable, aran, lace pattern but always return to the simplicity of the garter stitch particularly when it is incorporated with stockinette stitch.
Love this unisex pullover, perfect for a cool fall day.

 Baby and kids' sweaters can be whipped up in no time. Stripes are perfect and let's get real folks, they're outgrown far too quickly to spend too much time on them. Although, I am guilty as charged for knitting intricate baby/kid designs just...well....just because I can.

 I finally knit a sweater for myself last year. Brown wool and buttons from my grandmother's antique collection resulted in a perfect stylish sweater. I've worn this one quite a bit and have always received compliments. Garter stitch yoke, neck down and it's whipped up in no time flat.

 Every once in a while a knitter needs an easy knit and garter stitch fulfills that need. Whether it's a dishcloth, sweater, pillow, afghan, garter stitch can't be beat for mindless knitting (and heaven knows I can be mindless from time to time).

What's your favorite stitch?

Monday, Monday...

It's raining, dreary and the temps have dropped. I'm not a fan of heat and humidity so the temps dropping is a good thing in my book. This summer has been a meh kinda season. It's either 'hotter than a pepper sprout" with humidity levels equally as high or it's raining and cool. July 4th and we were sporting sweaters, sweatshirts and turning on the heat in the car on our way home from the fireworks. 

Today will be a mish-mash for me so I'm offering cupcakes for your pleasure. Chocolate with buttercream frosting and a mini oreo on top....yum.

 Just to be a funny one this morning while looking at the so-so weather today, a pic from an early 2010 blizzard; Snow measured in feet covering the 6 ft shed in our yard. Hard to believe we shoveled that much snow but we did.

It's a Monday...what can I say?

Sunday Scrappin'

Today was to be a laid back day...church and a barbeque. Stuff happened and so all was cancelled as hubster cares for a very dear friend (previous post reading is required). We're thankful to give service to others when called upon.

My service is not required this time so I will be holding down the fort as the hubby says. I finally have the stuff together to begin scrapping our album. Below are a few pics of the anniversary that hopefully will find their way on scrapbook paper.

My daughter preparing a plate and I have no idea what was so funny. Just like our wedding day, some of this day is a blur.

 The family just finished a hearty laugh and I had no idea why so my favorite nephew and I are having one of 'our moments' as he tries to 'splain (you'd have to know his humor to appreciate it). This nephew is a chef in a very respected, classy and pricey restaurant. I understand he happily volunteered to do most of the cooking for this event which according to all reports made our non-cooking daughters very happy.

The only one of our wedding party who attended the party...my baby sis. I know it was a rough day for her but she put her best foot forward and celebrated with us. She and her husband (my hubby's childhood/teen best friend) also celebrated their 30th anniversary in March exactly 1 month before God called him home.

 It takes a while for me to get into the swing of scrapping. This album is finished with the exception of journaling (4 yrs now and I still don't have it done ;) ). It's not the pictures I'm referring to but the layouts. I really want to have awesome pages for our album much like these pages.

 The paper is a shabby chic style and I want to incorporate this along with the chalkboard paper so we'll see how it turns out.

I'm spending today scrappin' and If you don't hear from me, you'll know I was smothered in mounds of paper and pictures.

Angels...

This neck of the woods is busy...commitments beyond our control and events spontaneously planned. My mind is on overload so those spontaneous events are ever-so-welcomed.

A short-term cancer diagnosis and another family member became an angel. Cancer sucks.

We knew it was coming but I don't think anyone is ever really prepared and after our brother-in-law in April, this is going to be a tough one. 

My mother-in-law gave this book to us to keep for grandchildren. She is in failing health but never once ceases to think of her children, grands and great-grands; An angel on earth.

I've carefully turned the yellowed and worn pages wondering how many times did someone read the rhymes and giggle. I don't 'do PC' and I'm a true believer in reading the old fairy tales and rhymes to children. 

Next up, a new knitted dishcloth for my farmhouse spigot. After all, a new spigot must model a new dishcloth in style. The pattern and the colors remind me of angel wings.

 A conversation with our friends last night resulted in a spontaneous outing next Sunday. This past year (Lent readings etc) has truly been an eye opener for me. 
In the past I have been given wings but allowed others to clip them on a whim. Not anymore. I have those wings and for the very first time in my life, I took flight. I no longer look back, Life is too short.
  We're looking forward to some R&R and laughter next Sunday and I know we'll have tales to tell. Our friends are true angels on earth.