tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36638638396228610892024-03-04T23:28:56.236-06:00Sheepishly Speaking..........Talking about spinning, knitting, life and anything else that sparks the brain cells!Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-72223166776613790892016-12-30T06:45:00.000-06:002016-12-30T06:45:09.303-06:00Limbo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas Limbo, to be exact. You know.....that time between the day after Christmas until the day after New Year's Day. Sometimes longer, depending on the variables.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">It's that time when you can't really get back into the daily routine because the decorations are still up everywhere, there's still a week's worth of leftovers in your fridge, and you haven't quite figured out where to store the Christmas presents.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">You made a decision that for the whole week you would do nothing but knit and spin. In your pajamas. The whole day. Every day. You would totally relax; it would be calm and quiet. Hey, maybe start reading the new book you wanted so badly....to add to your collection. You know....the other 3 received the past 3 Christmases that haven't seen the light of day since.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ahhh, well. Then life steps in. There's still errands to run, bills to pay, freezers that need to be re-organized, cookies need to be put into freezer bags and away. And that checkbook register better get balanced before another deduction from the account.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cleaning? Laundry? Oh yeah. At least a bit here and there.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">You want to start undecorating the house. Put it all away, Move the furniture back in place. It'll look so clean and organized. But there was a monsterous ICE STORM on Christmas Day. The outside temps haven't and will not go over the freezing point for the next month. The storage boxes for all the glitz and glitter are in the old farm house (read: storage unit) that is a good 50 ft. away. And there are 2" of sheer ice covered by only 1" of snow from here to there......and everywhere. Not to mention the wind has been whipping into double digits for the past 4 days.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">What to do. What to do. Well.....how about writing in your blog that you've been sorely kept up on? How about a nice long nap? Or a few, scattered throughout the day? Watch a movie. Catch up on a TV series? You're bored; in a tither; your mind is filled with a myriad of things you really want to do for enjoyment.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Christmas Limbo. Maybe I'll knit something.</span></em></strong><br />
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-89085652948943189892016-11-13T10:06:00.000-06:002016-11-13T10:06:58.083-06:00Trouble...Trouble....Trouble.....Right Here in.....where ever.<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, I guess I've been missing the mark on posting more often. I need to get off this merry-go-round.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">So....the political crap is over. No, let's say the first chapter. 'Cause you know this book is going to go on for a very lonnnnngggggg time. I just hope some idiot doesn't get the idea to turn it into a mini (maxi?) series! Enough.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Finally got all the outside work done...perennials cut back, yard paraphernalia put away. Just gotta get the storm windows up. But the weather lately has been fantastic!!! Warm, breezy, sunny. Who wants to think of storm windows??</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">About 6 weeks ago, I started having some trouble. Thought my gall bladder was on the fritz. "Go to the doctor" was BH's mantra. Well, I had to find a new doctor, at a new-to-me clinic. Which I did. A female. I was very happy. She's thorough, kind and <u>listens! </u> She set up all kinds of tests for me, being I haven't seen a P.A or N.A in over 3 years. All the usual female things, plus the bloodwork, xrays, CTscans, etc. After listening to my chest, she asked if I've ever been told I have a heart murmur. "NO....never!" "Well.....you do". And she advised that she would set me up with a cardiologist.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Yada, yada, yada. Went for the echocardiogram....they called with an appt.; went to see him.....and, yeah.....it's there. And then some. Turns out there are 2 problems...and I was born with one which caused the other. So....this week it's off to have another CTscan with dye injected to get a better picture of the damage. Then it will be regular monitoring of the situation until such time as they deem surgery is imperative. I just hope it's not before the end of the year!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">To put it simply....he tells me it's the same heart condition that John Ritter died from...that was undetected in him. So now I'm a little stressed.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">No heavy lifting, no pushing, pulling for the time being. At a time when we were supposed to be helping son-who-bought-his-first-house do some renovating. Crap.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">So....on to planning for Thanksgiving. I intend to do all the cooking and baking next week, including the turkey breasts and gravy. Into the freezer it goes. On T. Day....all that needs to be done is the mashed potatoes and another vegetable (green beans or peas/carrots). Everything else gets warmed up....and "Bob's your uncle!!"</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner??? OMG!!! This is going to be a very poor Christmas, as far as hand made gifts and home baked goodies go. I am definitely not in the mood. Right now I'm knitting some small tree ornaments for our new DIL. A tiny hat, socks, mittens, scarf and sweater. Because I'm winging it, with no written patterns, it's taking me forever to get the right size needles, number of cast-ons, etc. I ripped out a scarf....A SCARF....of 10 stitches...about 8 times till I finally got it right. Geezzzz.....</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Oh, and I FINALLY finished the grey Aran cardigan!!! Can I get an AMEN??!!! It's only been on the needles since early last Spring! It sat in the closet, waiting to be sewn together for about a month or 2. And then sat again for another month until the buttons got sewn on; another 2 weeks to finish knitting the collar; another week before it got washed and blocked. Even when I took the pictures, I didn't have the energy to pull out the mannequin for a proper staging. So here it is......</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I bought the buttons, especially for it. Pewter, hand crafted, stamped with the Celtic Knot. The sweater fits beautifully, but it's as heavy as a jacket. I don't care; I love it.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Then a couple weeks ago, I had a bright idea that I'd like to knit a "Poor Boy" cap...or as I want to call it....an "Irish Walking Cap". Well, that took a bit. But it's a prototype, knit from a wool/acrylic commercial yarn. I bought it years and years ago to make a sweater(BSA.....before spinning addiction) and never liked it. Too "splitty", too thin, too soft, no body. I like the way it turned out, but I will knit the next one with my own handspun 100% wool yarn. And I might have to add more decreases to the crown than the pattern calls for. All in all, I do like the pattern. Gotta sew a snap on the brim to hold the front of the crown pleat down.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I was a little kid, my grandpa used to wear this kind of cap all the time. I loved seeing him in it. He was a rough-n-tumble, dashing 2nd generation Irishman, who would scare the Beejeesus out of us kids with his deep, rough voice. But his heart was made of butter! And he had a sense of humor and a gleam in his eyes. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Well, that's all the news from Wherethehellisthesnow for now. Wishing you all a peaceful, thankful, blesse'd Thanksgiving! Till we meet again......</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></em></strong><br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-88056314603510044392016-09-16T11:24:00.000-05:002016-09-16T11:30:19.051-05:00Country Wedding, Country Life, Country Miles<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello! Well, we returned from NY last Thursday. Our oldest son got married. We're so happy for him; I'm "over the moon" happy!!! After 23 years of marriage and 2 sons, his previous wife decided she didn't want to be married, never did, and left them last year to persue a career in NYC. But enough about that.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Our new daughter in law is wonderful. She makes him laugh, smile and really enjoy life. He never had that. She kisses him, hugs him, looks after him. He never had that. And his sons, 24 and 22, are as happy as we all are.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">They had the wedding in the backyard of the country house they bought in April. They moved in in July and have been renovating everything. Both of them have always wanted to live in the country. Their dream has come true.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The reception was held in the backyard, also. Tents, tables/chairs, dance floor were all rented; DJ was hired; food was catered, wedding cupcakes and a small cake for them to cut were ordered from the bakery.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">All the family members and friends spent 3 days before the big day setting up, preparing, running errands and enjoying each others' company. It was truly wonderful! My sister, friend and I decorated the arch and bought the runner for the ceremony outside. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">So they left last Sunday for a honeymoon in Vegas......Vegas, baby! Due to come home today. I am sure they had a great time; hope they won some big money!!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">We had a bit of a setback on the day we were to leave NY and come home. The serpentine belt broke on our van. Thank goodness newly married son is an auto mechanic....and we have AAA. It was towed to his work place, he fixed it and we were on the road, just a 1/2 day later than planned.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The ride home was uneventful....except I missed the exit we always take to avoid Chicago AT ALL COSTS! So....we wound up going through Chicago...for 2 1/2 hours....just through the city. The suburbs were no picnic either.....construction all the way. Traffic was brutal!! Then we hit a deluge of a rainstorm heading to Wisconsin. But we made it to our destination and hotel before the final leg of the trip the next day. Whew!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">So happy to get home....to OUR place in the country. Until we opened the door, walked into the kitchen and had a big surprise!! It seems while we were gone, a bunch of mice decided to move in and have a party of their own!! We don't know how many, but from all the damage and signs left behind, you'd think there was dozens!! OMG!!! Never had this happen before. (No pictures were taken, needless to say).</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">So I spent that night and the next 3 days cleaning and disinfecting. They even found BH's cought drops in his armoir, took about 8 of them into the bottom drawer of his dresser and proceeded to chew the wrappers off and eat some of the cough drops. They also left a bunch behind the armoir. So....that drawer of clothing had to be washed all over again. Besides the 6 loads already on the agenda. Aaaaarrrggghhh!! </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">2 days later, on Sunday, we traveled down to Minneapolis (150 miles one way) to take our "City" son some kitchen supplies and small appliances to his new apartment, and then a trip to my brother's to pick up all the stuff son wants to store here. Took a van-load down, brought a van-load back. Stopped at the big box hardware store and picked up 4<u> heavy duty</u> mouse traps. Caught 3 of the little buggers, one each night. Nothing since Wednesday. Hopefully that was all of them, or at least the message got out to the rest of the hell-raisers. Keeping my fingers crossed!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Miles and miles and miles. One more trip this weekend to pick up the other son from the airport....in Minneapolis. He's been in Switzerland for the past 2 weeks visiting his daughter, her husband, son and all the inlaws. First time he's been there. He's planning on moving there permanently after the holidays.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Then the youngest son bought a house....in the 'burbs of Mpls. Closing is Oct. 5. I'm expecting that we'll be going down there again to help him move and see his first home. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">My brother's Irish band is playing at a bar in the northern 'burbs on Oct. 1 and wants us to come down again. They played there, and we went, at the end of August. They've been invited back for the bar's 1st anniversary of it's opening. Well, Oct. 1 is my birthday. We're not sure yet if we're up for another 2 1/2 hour ride, a party, a stay-over, and another 2 1/2 hour trip back home. We're pretty much traveled out!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">And that's what happens when you live in the country. Lots of doings, lots of privacy and pleasure. Lots of unexpected turmoil. And. an. awful. lot. of. MILES!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></em></strong><br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-67049535675273382442016-08-18T07:29:00.003-05:002016-08-18T07:34:10.802-05:00Wedding Bells are Ringing!<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been quite a ride on this merry-go-round lately. 2 1/2 weeks ago, our son back in NY called to say he is getting married.....on Sept. 4. Yes, the day before Labor Day. We received the mailed invitation last Friday. We are over the hill excited for him and his new bride. This has not been an easy year for him. But... they bought a house in the country back in April, and despite the unforeseen problems that come with buying a country home, they are loving the life. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Now this is where it gets crazy. So....for about a year now, I've had it in my mind to create a Bridal Shawl for our granddaughter, who is engaged but they have not yet set a date.....thankfully. Well, then crazy thoughts occurred to me during the spinning for the yarn....."hey! Why not make a shawl for a future daughter-in-law, or 2 or 3....how about one for a future granddaughter-in-law? And what about one for a future sister-in-law?? Yeah! Why not!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Needless to say, 4 skeins of yarn have been finished totaling about 2,000 yards. But no shawl was started. Until 2 1/2 weeks ago.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">So.....knitting is in progress. But I'm beginning to doubt that it will be finished in time. We have to leave on the 30th for the drive back to NY. I have about 2 more feet to knit. It's very slow going because there are a LOT of beads being knit into the lace pattern. A LOT of beads. Crystals and pearls. A row with beads takes about 20 minutes to finish.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Right now I'm taking a break. My eyes are going wonky, my thumb knuckle hurts and I'm starting to get cramps in my hands and upper arm.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The shawl will still need to be washed and blocked when - if - it gets done.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">One of our sons here is moving into his new apartment on Sept. 1. We need to get down to his area to pick up all the boxes he needs to store up here, as well as a Harvest table and 2 benches we gave him that my dad made for us. He has no room in his new place....it's a studio apartment.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">My brother called 2 weeks ago......he wants us to come down to a bar in southern MN to hear his band play. My other brother is coming in from Washington state for a visit that weekend also. We'll have to stay overnight. But he's planning a big BBQ on that Sunday for the family. I really can't afford to lose that much time from the needles. Don't know how this is going to play out.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I'm trying to knit at night while watching TV with BH. It's going ok. Then I suggested to him I need to stay up later at night to work on this. The first...and only....night, we stayed up till midnight. Haven't been able to do it since. But I've been getting up between 3 - 3:30am and knitting until it's time for breakfast....then going back to it all through the day when I can.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">So housecleaning and yard work have been put on hold. I just hope I can get it done before we leave. Otherwise, we'll be coming home to overgrown gardens and pushing our way through cobwebs and dust bunnies to get through the door.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">But there's more! The other son is looking to buy a home....so constant phone calls for my input; another son is leaving for Switzerland at the end of the month; daughter still needs to get to the big box and grocery stores, as well as getting out for a day of fun. BH wanted to put the new motor on the wood stove.....we finished that yesterday after working on it for 2 days. I have to help because he can't see the screws and has trouble holding, using, the screw driver due to neuropathy.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I have our "dress" clothes to wash and iron; packing to do; get all the camping gear together (yes....my big idea is to camp while in NY. Put me away now.); make sure all the bills are paid; everyone is taken care of and on the right page; and.....I'm sure there's at least a half dozen more things I've yet to think of.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">The weather has been hot and humid! I'm done with summer....bring on Fall. Please. Quickly. I can't wait till this year is over....I need a break.</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-84632275750328962672016-07-21T12:17:00.003-05:002016-07-21T12:20:42.957-05:00W.H.A.T?????<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't posted in almost 4 months??!!! Yikes....time is just zipping by! Well....in these past months:</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Daughter had knee replacement, which means I stayed with her for 4 weeks. Thank goodness she lives just a couple blocks from us. Then it was PT twice a week for 8 weeks.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">BH did something to his hip on the very day of her surgery. He was unable to walk more than a few feet, couldn't stand for any length of time, and had to walk at a 90 degree angle. He also couldn't lay in bed, so slept for 5 weeks in the recliner. Until we finally got in to see the ortho surgeon.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">I took a run home a couple times a day to make sure he was ok, was eating, and I straightened up the house.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">He finally had xrays done, which then led to an MRI. Yes, his hip is shot, very little cartiledge left, but his back is in real bad condition. The nerve cord is crushed at the bottom of his spine, he has herniated discs and dissolving cartiledge between the discs. So....cortisone injections into the nerve cord to ease the pain. Forever. Or until it no longer works. Then we're talking surgery.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">So, when I finally did come home from daughter's, there was a lot of cleaning to do. Yeah....that took a few weeks. In between Doctor's appointments, lab work, xrays, yada, yada, yada. We just finished the last of it this Tuesday. Nothing on the calendar for 3 months when daughter goes for another cortisone shot in her elbow. Yep.....that's bad too.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Then there was BH's 80th birthday party to prepare. Which wasn't supposed to happen until September, giving me a breather for a couple of months. But....circumstances beyond my control, which I won't go into......and.....badabing, badaboom.......I've got 2 weeks to put a big party together. I was LIVID. But...sallied forth. And now that it's over, I'm sooooo happy it went that way.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">In between all this, I've been knitting and spinning. More spinning than knitting. I just don't have the mojo for it. It took me over 2 months to finish a colorwork patterned ski hat; and I've been working on a "no brainer" scarf/shawl for the past 4 months. Just recently have I had the want to pick it up and continue.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">I finished knitting my grey Aran sweater before daughter's surgery. Put all the pieces in a storage tote. They're still in it. Waiting to be blocked and sewn together. I checked some websites last week for Celtic metal stamped buttons for it. Found them. Haven't ordered them yet.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">We are in our 2nd of 4 days of daily temps in the mid 90's. With humidity at 120 percent. Yeah....120 percent. I don't care what the weatherman says. It's stifling; downright brutal. Unbearable. Fans and both A/C's running 24/7. I can't wait for Fall.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">This is the time when I say......ok. That's enough Summer. Let's move it on.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Hopefully, my next post will be sooner. Hopefully, with pictures. Hopefully, Fall comes very early this year!!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></em></strong><br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-80504574948967416702016-03-28T07:46:00.000-05:002016-05-09T19:06:04.930-05:00Is It Spring Yet??..........<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First....a belated Happy Easter to one and all. Days are flying by! Is it Spring where you are? We get a morsel every now and again. Temps still below freezing at night and we've been getting a couple of inches of snow overnight. Yuk.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Well, it's been busy....but not. Know what I mean? It seems like everyday brings its own chores and "have to's", but it doesn't really seem like anything is getting accomplished. Because I have no desire or energy to to the everyday crap.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Anywho.....I've got 4 bobbins, now cakes, of the laceweight yarn finished for granddaughter's bridal shawl. I'm still spinning. And I see by today's assessment that I need to blend more Merino and silk. Haven't found the right pattern yet; still looking.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">On the grey Aran sweater, the back, sides and one sleeve are done; the other sleeve is 1/2 done. What a time I've been having!! I've never ripped out so much knitting in all my years. Don't know if my head's just not wrapped around it or what. I'll sure be glad when it's done.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Daughter is going in for knee replacement surgery the middle of April. I'll be staying with her for most of the recovery, I think. 6 weeks says the surgeon. PT 2 or 3x a week. Oh boy. That pretty much takes care of Spring cleaning and the first month of summer for outside work.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">BH turns 80 in July. This is causing a lot of stress. I originally wanted to plan a BIG party for him. BIG. With all the out-of-state family coming here. But....things being what they are....I'm re-thinking that whole scenario. I do not like asking anyone to spend money, their vacation, and time to travel half-way across country for a few days. And I fear there would be a lot of "regrets", cannot make it, in response. Not that they have anything against BH, just that the "family" has kind of fallen by the wayside, if you know what I mean. How sad.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Well, I will come up with a different plan and it will be a wonderful celebration of his life and the most wonderful, giving person that he is.....come Hell or high water!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">We're going to the Casino for an overnight with my brother and SIL this coming weekend. This will be exciting! We've never done that before with them. They seem pretty excited about it, as we are. It'll be a lot of fun.....win or lose!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Today I have an appointment at the beauty salon to get my hair cut, styled and a body perm. I wanted blonde highlights too, but she said it wasn't a good idea to do it at the same time as the perm, to wait a couple of weeks. Ok. Lordy!! Haven't had that much work on my hair since.....my......Senior Prom!! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">48 years ago!.......ouch!... </span><span style="font-size: small;">I hope it turns out the way I see it in my mind. I'm taking pictures of the "do" that I want to insure no misunderstanding. hehehehehe.</span></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Well that's enough of that. Here are some pics for your enjoyment. </span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFHvFpEIeRud_DjyftpKL4licoa02q0Xcw2_R-_fQ9W6J2nj95UMqYzl-_KQStnSOLFjFIrz7jS7hl-1BYZX_jXAPXfbtNlDrhdUF19OOHgSYmj8PtOFAGghjKaT4Yuvhw_mrBQxoe6qu/s1600/Merino+and+silk+single+laceweight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFHvFpEIeRud_DjyftpKL4licoa02q0Xcw2_R-_fQ9W6J2nj95UMqYzl-_KQStnSOLFjFIrz7jS7hl-1BYZX_jXAPXfbtNlDrhdUF19OOHgSYmj8PtOFAGghjKaT4Yuvhw_mrBQxoe6qu/s320/Merino+and+silk+single+laceweight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong><em>single spun</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbrFEdUAZgNf72YMhU5Y_Kskxl1pM1MaKvKLH35JXiCogcmhvvfZukpYCH38AlDW9tDL-pQL0rA_RpfUqltVrz_ncYDCsYvwRGXhML55Xb75BwcoipzsXKhveH78P-0W9TluOOqs8oz1C/s1600/Merino+silk+and+angelina+laceweight+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbrFEdUAZgNf72YMhU5Y_Kskxl1pM1MaKvKLH35JXiCogcmhvvfZukpYCH38AlDW9tDL-pQL0rA_RpfUqltVrz_ncYDCsYvwRGXhML55Xb75BwcoipzsXKhveH78P-0W9TluOOqs8oz1C/s320/Merino+silk+and+angelina+laceweight+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong><em> 2 ply</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>The pic of the front is the real color.....don't know why the back looks so washed out.....too much light, I guess. Oh well.</em></strong></span><strong><br />
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</span></em></strong><br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-77868962884741729542016-02-27T11:12:00.001-06:002016-02-27T11:12:21.148-06:00White Sheets......<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When's the last time you bought a set of white bed sheets? Remember white bed sheets? So clean, so crisp, so....grandma's beds. I love white sheets.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">I haven't bought new sheets for......18 years or so. Yep. The last set was an exchange of flannel sheets we received for a set of cotton ones. And they were "Martha Stewart" design. I don't care much for M.S., and would never purposely buy something of her line. But I liked the pattern and the material....so there ya go. There are 6 sets of sheets in the linen closet. A few of them are before the "deep pockets" sheets that came out with the introduction of 10"+ thick mattresses. So I have a couple sets of the "deep pockets", but they're showing their wear.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">I've had it in my mind that I want white sheets. I'm sick of prints and matching coordinating colors. White. It's the way to go. Can't wait to hang them out on the washline this summer. Nothing is better than crawling into bed on fresh sheets that have been dried outdoors. And white is a bonus! Just like Grandma's.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">I bought 6 sets of white pillow cases last year. I use them as pillow protectors under the regular cases. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">So now we have a new set of white sheets....and, I'm shy to admit....a set of beige. Because we all need<u> some</u> color in our lives. I'm sure my Grandma would approve.</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-57819762357347856622016-02-16T04:56:00.000-06:002016-02-16T04:56:09.772-06:00Size DOES Matter.........<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I started another Aran sweater. Grey Perendale/Romney cross, plied with Corriedale. Spun and plied a nice 4-ply. I've never done 4 ply before. I take a published pattern, for the size, decreases and increases....I hate doing a lot of math. But then I incorporate my own stitch patterns that I pick out. It's all good.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Got the back done over the weekend. I like knitting the back first; it feels like a big accomplishment. Knitted on size 8 circulars. I like circulars when there are a ton of stitches. But not working it in circular. Then the front sides. So...started the right side, but went to straight needles...10" in length. Got about 4" done, but not happy with the feel of the fabric. Stitches look too close, feel is too dense. May have to go back to circular needle. So, get out the adjustable set (whatever they're called); find a not-too-long connecting wire, screw on the size 8 tips and begin the other side. About 3" into it, something's not right. Oh the fabric is working up beautifully, nice and light. If Aran can be called light. But something's not right.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Get out the needle sizer. Crap!! The needles used for the back were size 10, not 8. Aaaarrrrghghhh! Well, thank goodness, it wasn't the front sides that were knitted up first. All those stitches on the back....all those cables, bobbles and cross-overs. Yikes.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">So today I will rip out the 2 front panels and start again. FYI : I have 2 needle sizer thingies. One is plastic and I could never figure out which hole was the correct one for the size. Does the needle have to go all the way through easily, or is it just the tip of the needle? A needle could give me 3 different sizes. That can't be right.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">But I found another sizer, metal, from Susan Bates company. Perfect!! The needle only goes through 1 hole easily.....not too big, not too small. And that's the size. Why can't manufacturers develop a way to permanently mark circular needles?? C'mon.....really??!! With all the technology today???</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The now completed back. With raglan sleeve openings. I love raglan.</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-815797923568453452016-02-06T11:38:00.001-06:002016-02-06T11:39:51.418-06:00Of Mice and (Wo)Men...........<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My day was planned as of 5:30am. Lots to do, lots to do. Lots of <u>wool </u>things to do.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">I have this black wool, purchased at a yarn store for cheap! Because the owner says there's no call for fiber anymore. People want yarn. ok. $10 for 8 oz....it's got blue glitz in it!! Sold!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">It's terrible stuff....lots of VM, nepps and second cuts. But I sallied forth because I have 2 lbs. of black top that I want to ply with it. Already I'm thinking of making a felted, Fedora-style hat with it.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Then I happened across 3 bobbins of white Corriedale that I forgot about. Hmmmm....well let's get those babies plied and I'll have 3 empty bobbins. That's going well.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">2 days ago I started blending Merino and silk for granddaughter's wedding shawl. I've had the silk for about 4.....yep....4 years. Waiting for the right project. The Merino was purchased this Fall when it was on sale from my favorite fiber place. Also iridescent Angelina. So, one single is with silk, the other, Angelina. A beautiful 2-ply yarn will be the outcome. At least, that's what I see in my head.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">I've also got 1 more inch on the back of an Aran sweater being knitted. A 4-ply grey and white. Looks very nice. Love the patterns. It's just the beginning. 4 more sections to knit.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">So, housework has been hit or miss for the past month (or so). If I can see it, it gets cleaned. If it isn't noticeable, it's good for another week or so. So far, it's working. It's winter, afterall. And my penchant and energy for housework is nil.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Got the blending board set up this morning, ready to go. Working on the 3rd bobbin of Corriedale 3-ply. 1 bobbin of black top is done, another needs to be. The crappy stuff with the glitz is all spun up.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Going into a drawer in the kitchen, I discover little.....black.....dots. Ovals, if you will. Yeah.....we all know what that means. Especially those of us living in the country. Damn!!! Go to the spice drawer, one of their favorite eating establishments......yep......they got the dill. Dill. Who knew? Checking all drawers.....2 more with evidence. Clean the drawers, get rid of all the damage. Tell BH, "we had a mouse in the drawers". He says "well, better set some traps tonight. You want to go pick some up later?" Sure.....there's a new thrift store in town I'm dying to check out. Not for mouse traps, mind you. Just for fun.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">We do have these little sonic thingies all over the house. Plugged into the outlets, they let off a low hum. We've had them for 3 years now and they seemed to be working just fine. But...there's always that one little son-of-a-gun that thinks he's Mighty Mouse. We'll get you, my pretty.....we'll get you. Warn your friends and family.</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-55009650443332121572016-02-01T07:13:00.002-06:002016-02-01T07:14:24.095-06:00Is It Just Me....or......<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every year at this time, I feel yukky. It's my medical term for "not quite feeling good, not quite really sick. No cold or anything; just yukky. Every year. I feel anxious, tired, uninterested, bored and sometimes, nauseas. Eh.....maybe it's the weather, the season. Does anyone else go through this at this time?</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">In other news, I don't think I mentioned this before, but took daughter to the Orthopedic Doc for a cortisone shot in her elbow (every 3 months), and had him check her knees too, which have been giving her problems for quite some time. Xrays show.....both knees are shot....no cartiledge in either....replacement surgery is required. Yeah. So he'll do one at a time, 6 months apart. We'll have to make the consultation appt. for March, hoping surgery for April and the next in October.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">She just missed 2 weeks of work with the horrible congestion, cold, sinus trouble. That has finally abated, and she's going back to work today.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Granddaughter called yesterday afternoon to say her fiancé surprised her with a puppy!! Oh yay. A puppy. A brand new puppy. Born in November. He got it from a pet store. "No Refunds". So, they went to the office of their new apartment they just moved into 3 weeks ago to pay the pet deposit. Only to find out....no dogs or cats allowed in their building. They would have to move to another building (3 in this complex)....and there is no apartment available until April. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">So, I gave her all the "ooohhhh nooooo's" I could think of, and I knew why she was calling, so I also had to say emphatically that since our pets passed away some 5 years back, BH and I decided no more pets. Not at our age. We don't want the responsibility and really don't have the energy level for it. And we took damn good care of our pets, dog and cat, that lived to be 14 yrs. old each. I made suggestions about their friends, getting the word out at work, even calling my brother who lost his dog last year.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Well, she sent me a message last night that they took the puppy back and explained the situation to the clerk. She did not say, however, if they got their money back. But, even if they didn't, sorry to say....it's a hard lesson learned. She already has a bunny, who's 8 years old, so it's not that they're "petless". </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">What else.....well, I finished those colorwork socks, and started on another Aran sweater. Grey. From a new book with more patterns. So far, so good. I'm half-way up the back. I've been spinning this black wool with blue glitz. Got it really cheap from a yarn shop that no longer deals in spinning fiber. Yeah. It was a challenge. Lots of nepps, second cuts and VM. And....8 oz. of the stuff to boot!! Well, now I'm spinning a black "top" to ply with it. I think there's over a pound of that. I've still gotta prepare some white Merino and get it spun laceweight for granddaughter's wedding shawl....that will then have to be knitted. What am I waiting for? I don't know...it's just the way I roll. I work better under pressure. They haven't set a wedding date yet....whew. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Weather has not been too bad. This past weekend we were in the high 30's. And it doesn't sound too bad for this week. Let's keep it going...Spring can't be far away.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Today we're going to the Casino for an overnight. Can't wait!! Maybe that's just what the doctor would order for my malaise. Sounds good to me. And maybe.......just maybe.......there's another Jackpot with my name on it! Oh, that'll cure the winter yukkies just fine!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></em></strong><br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-14297983208809057082016-01-22T12:05:00.000-06:002016-01-22T12:06:37.778-06:00I've Got 12 minutes......<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12 minutes till I have to leave to pick up daughter for a doctor's appointment. She's been down with a horrible cold....head, chest, sinuses for a week now. Missed all week of work. Today is Friday....time to get to the doctor. Because tomorrow is the weekend. And we all know what that means.....if any medical problem is going to get worse....it most DEFINITELY will be worse on the weekend. We're talking Urgent Care or ER. Ugh.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">So, had trouble with the car last weekend. No power steering. BH is saying it's probably from the cold. -25 overnight for like 4 nights in a row. That's actual temp, not wind chill. Yeah, but we've had nights...and days....like that every winter. Why is this different?!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">By Sunday, it was no better...and the temps were warming up a bit. So he suggested we call the garage and take it in. Well.....got the call yesterday....yeah....there's NO power steering belt. It's gone. Just gone.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Well....alrighty then. That kind of explains it.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">So...we picked up the car today....but had to walk a bit over a mile into town.....because the van wouldn't start. Again. If it gets below 0, it will not, it refuses, to start. Ah....but it was 14 degrees overnight....ABOVE 0. And it's 16 degrees now. We walked into town to pick up the car. To pick up daughter. To take her to the doc. She's sick. And the weekend is upon us. And we all know what that means.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Time to go.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Have a nice day.</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-30450475569134013472016-01-18T08:04:00.001-06:002016-01-18T08:11:41.161-06:00Is It Cold Enough For Ya........<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another ridiculous question asked all too frequently at this time of year in the Northwoods. Pppfffftttt. Makes you want to smack someone in the face....if only you could move your frozen arm into a 45 degree angle and forward with force.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Anywho.....yes, after a very, extremely mild beginning to winter, we are where we always find ourselves in January and February. It has been -25 degrees overnight for the past few nights...reaching 0 during the day. We've been lucky, though....no strong winds added to the mix.....just yet. Then we're looking at 30 - 40 below. Yeah, you've heard all the horror stories on the Nightly News.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">This is the first week since Christmas that I can actually, aimlessly, putz around the house wondering what to do, what to do. So....I'm trying to spin and knit. Finished a hat and scarf that was sent to Limbo before the holidays. And then had the brainstorm to try a pair of colorwork socks. Which are almost finished.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now I have to plan the next project. I'm spinning some random fiber picked up at a yarn store some months ago. And I have to get started on spinning the yarn for a wedding shawl I want to knit for our granddaughter. The wedding date hasn't been set yet, thank goodness. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Speaking of which....she returned from Kuwait a week before Christmas, had to spend a few days in Texas for out-processing, and got to MN just a few days before the holidays. She and fiancé came up on New Year's Day and stayed overnight. We had a great Christmas/NYD celebration.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">And then 1 week later, they had found an apartment and were moving in that weekend. We had all their things stored here while she was overseas and they had been staying with his parents a few months before she left. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">So we offered to load up all their belongings and bring them to the new place. Otherwise, they would've wasted a day traveling back and forth, loading and unloading. It's a 2 hour trip one way. And after the great, uncommon temperate weather we'd been having....wouldn't you know it....yes, weather report says below temps that weekend with winds, double digits below 0. Of course. Why not. I told her we would unload the van, take the tour of the apartment, and leave for home. We did. It was 14 degrees in her town when we left; at 3:30pm when we got home, 2 hours away.....it was -3. Minus 3. Yeah. We made the right decision.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">But we got the job done and they were very thankful and appreciative. We were very happy to be able to do this for them. I also loaded up 3 grocery bags of food and the picnic cooler too. Just so they wouldn't have to worry about running to the store first thing to stock up. Cereal, pancake mix, syrup, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, crackers, salsa/nacho cheese, homemade bread and hard rolls, ketchup, mustard, mayo, sugar, salt and pepper. Lunchmeat, cheeses, bacon, eggs, milk, butter, hamburg, and a big bucket of homemade chicken and rice soup. Food.....that's how I roll.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "arial";">Yesterday I started a group on FB....."For the Love of Irish.....Aran Knitting". Got 27 members already and some great discussions and comments. This is going to be fun!! I love Aran knitting and couldn't find a group. I do belong to 10 different fiber, spinning, knitting groups but nothing this specific. Although, it's not intended to be strict. So if you're looking for something different....check it out. The more, the merrier.</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><strong><em>I should really be doing some house cleaning (spits on the floor), but I'm just too busy....and it's waaaayyyy too cold outside, which means BH is in the house with me 23 1/2 hours a day (someone's gotta bring in the wood and empty the compost bucket.....<u>and it ain't me, babe!)</u> You know or can imagine what it's like to have a man....<u>a retired man</u>.....in the house with you...23 1/2 hours a day ! Yeah. It'll make your head spin! And I'm still recovering from all the holiday/post holiday hoopla. Ehhhh....maybe a little dusting and run the vacuum today. Yesterday it was cleaning the bathroom and straightening up the house. Tomorrow it'll be laundry; Wednesday, grocery shopping. You have to build up the stamina slowly. It's the only way.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em></em></strong> </span>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-56770095753733490712015-12-22T08:42:00.000-06:002015-12-22T09:27:06.334-06:00Do You Believe?.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ohhhh, yes, yes, yes. I believe in the miracle of Christmas. From my own personal experiences since I was a child.....</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">There were 6 of us siblings. We didn't have much money; my mom did not work out of the house. My dad was a life-long alcoholic who tried to do what was right. He worked on the railroad. And he worked. But times being what they were, between sketchy paychecks and my mother's inability to manage money, much less a household of kids, things were tough. But....we did live in our own house, we did watch out for each other, we DID love our parents. We didn't have birthday parties or gifts. We had a cake, invited a few neighborhood friends, got kisses and hugs. So Christmas for us was the highlight that we waited for all year. That was our magic moment.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">My mom would bake all the cookies, the house would be scrubbed and cleaned from top to bottom, and decorated beautifully. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">And no matter how hard times were, come Christmas morning....we had a ton of gifts! Almost all we asked for and some we never thought of but were so happy with, all the same. How did they do it?? My mom and dad would be smiling from ear to ear at the excitement, laughs and giggles of us all going through each and every gift.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Back in those days, all the aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents came to our house Christmas night. My dad had 4 siblings, their spouses; my mom had 2 siblings and their spouses. And there were 21 cousins at the time. Our house was shaking from the rafters, all the laughing, running, playing, eating, talking! Great times.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Since I've had a family of my own, some 47+ years now, I've tried to recreate the same Christmas feeling. Back in the day, things were not easy. We went through a lot of rough patches during the years. But, come Christmas.....the kids had all they asked for and more. I did work part time when they were small; I worked full time when they were older. One year, things were so bad and I won't go into the sordid details of an ex and his shinanigans.....but my kids had the most wonderful Christmas thanks to my brother and sister.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bakings dozens of cookies, decorating the house to the hilt as best I could, and the tree.....oh the tree.....it had to be decorated just so....as if it came from a magazine. It was the magic of Christmas. It all came together and turned out to be a wonderful time. I would sit in quietude and wonder "how did this all come together? How did it all finally work out? Where did it all come from?" A miracle, for sure.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then we would all go to Mom and Pop's in the evening for more Christmas magic. Now they had 11 grandchildren with more on the way. All our kids, cousins, enjoying the excitement, the thrill, the love and the Magic of Christmas.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, we're much older. My parents are gone 5 years now; the kids are grown with families of their own, and we're spread out all over the country. Some have chosen to leave the family because of their own feelings and that's a shame. My energy is waning, and some years I just don't know how I'm going to pull this off. But through persistence, and a LOT of Christmas music playing throughout the day, it all gets done. The baking, decorating, shopping, crafting a lot of gifts, wrapping, boxes and Christmas cards sent out, phone calls all through the weeks. It all comes together. And come Christmas Eve, we sit back in amazement at the beauty and wonderment of it all. We reminisce of holidays gone by; we pray for those who don't take part, that some day we'll all be together again; we wish them well. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">And we celebrate with our small family still within driving distance. We revel in their excitement and joyfulness of another Christmas at home. We thank God and Baby Jesus for all our blessings, not just today, but all through the year. For giving us the means, the health, the energy to give to others; to instill in them the meaning of family and being together through it all. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">It's the time for new beginnings. Put the old behind us and start fresh. And if this proves true through the year, then, yes.....it is the miracle of Christmas.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">May you all have a very Blessed, Magical, Merry Christmas.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-8168746078226483782015-12-16T05:37:00.001-06:002015-12-16T05:37:40.189-06:00So....Are You All Ready for Christmas?.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em>Have you noticed that this is the usual refrain from everyone you meet this time of year? I generally smile and say "oh yeah, just about". It's a lie. What I really want to say is....."ask me on Christmas Eve; I'll have a better idea."</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Well, this year, I..am..ready. Sort of. If the next couple of days work out as planned, I will have a whole week of nothing to do! Yay me!!</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Oh, of course, there's Christmas Eve dinner to prepare, but that should be a breeze....if all goes as planned. Now, I don't want to waken the Christmas gremlins, so we'll just leave it there.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Did a new theme for the tree this year. Our 2nd year with our artificial one. I love this tree. I've been doing white ornaments for years now....little angels I made in my crafting days; small glittered snow flakes, acrylic icicles,white lights and white garland. It was very beautiful, in my opinion.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>But this year, the thought of doing all clear glass ornaments that our older son's girlfriend had been gifting me with for years, and some my mom made for me many years ago, seemed like the way to go. So, I got them out and proceeded to hang them on the tree. I had forgotten how many there were.....quite a few.....and soooo beautiful!</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>I also came across a dozen small, glittered fruits I used years ago while crafting things for sale. Since I'm not crafting any longer, I thought these would add a nice touch. And they did.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>How about candy canes? Haven't done that for a long time. I came across a dozen red/white pipe cleaners also used for crafting. So, I cut each one in 1/2, formed the hook and hung them on the tree....perfect! </em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>There's also the white lights (the tree was bought pre-strung with lights), my favorite, and of course, the white garland and acrylic icicles.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Ta-dah!!</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Well, besides all that, all the gifts are wrapped....all the gifts that needed wrapping, that is. We still have 1 person to shop for tomorrow and there's a few things coming in the mail. Cookies are done and in the freezer as are the breads. One box has to be packed tomorrow and taken to the post office. I can remember when we used to send out 10 - 12 boxes each Christmas. And I'm not talking small....oh no. These were boxes from the grocery store that they received cereal stock in. Huge! BH and I used to laugh (sort of) at which cost us more.....the gifts in the boxes or the postage to send them all out!! And back then, we were going "hand to mouth". Geeesh.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Dinner will be on Christmas Eve, as it was last year. Due to our youngest son's girlfriend. They will travel to her mom's on Christmas Day, and then on to a very close friend's party that evening. A tradition she's had for a handful of years. We don't mind. We tell all the kids the season runs from Eve through New Year's Day. Whenever they can make it here, that's when we celebrate.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Oh, yeah, dinner.....well, girlfriend is a vegetarian. Last year, we had 2 pans of lasagna...one was meat-eaters, the other veggie. Ah, but this year....we're having all seafood. Fish filets, breaded/fried and broiled; crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, macaroni salad, chef salad and yummy rye bread. Dessert is, of course, cookies and....Baklava!! A surprise for GF, who grew up in Greece. I didn't make it last year for whatever reason, but I'm ready to tackle it this year. Because.....I...have...all...this....time...on...my....hands. If all goes as planned.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em></em></strong><br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-35143824965652998912015-11-28T07:33:00.001-06:002015-11-28T07:33:50.029-06:00One Down.....One to Go<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanksgiving is over and done. We had a really great day; son and girlfriend, other son and our daughter. Dinner was a little later than I like, which meant the cleanup was later.....but we still managed to get in a couple of games, a movie and a LOT of talking and laughing.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now to clean out the fridge and put a ton of leftovers in the freezer. Gotta make room for Christmas baking ingredients. Today I'm hoping (hahahahaha!) to get some decorating done. I would like to get the deck.....decked.....with lights, wreath and such; get the lights on the windows all over the house and get the lighted garland above the kitchen cabinets. That should do it for now.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Doing the usual slipper boots for gifts....I have 6 1/2 pair more to go. I have about 1/3 of the other gifts ready to be wrapped. Made my lists yesterday of things to bake, ingredients to buy and the rest of the gifts yet to be purchased. I've cut the list of baked goodies in half. Have you seen the price of eggs?!! What is up with that?!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> BH suggested I make my lists now, including finishing up the decorating. Then there's daughter's apartment to be decorated, put her tree up and take her Christmas shopping.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">AND, best of all.....our granddaughter will be home for Christmas from her deployment in Kuwait!!! 2 months early, to boot!!Ohhhhhh......Happy Dance!! Can't wait!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">What I'd really, really like to do is get back to my spinning. But wheels and wool are put away until Dec. 26......my<u> favorite</u> day of the Christmas season! I can do this.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We don't do anything special for New Year's, happily. Haven't had company for a few years now, except daughter, who will probably be here for a few hours in the evening. But definitely not near or past midnight. She can't manage to stay up that long and neither can we. But that's ok. It's a perfect, quiet, restful end to a very, very hectic season. And by that time, I'm happy to see it end.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cold.....very cold.....weather has come upon us as of Thursday night. But not more than a dusting of snow, thankfully. I wouldn't mind if it stayed like this till Spring.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, here's hoping the rest of the month goes smoothly with just a minor hiccup here and there. Because, you know, there's <u>always </u>a hiccup somewhere. Onward and upward........</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-51853049914924597842015-11-26T07:04:00.000-06:002015-11-26T07:04:41.855-06:00Happy Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em>Wishing you all a blessed day filled with plenty of good food, warm homes, warm hearts, family and friends around the table and wonderful memories of days gone by. May you be thankful everyday and remember all your blessings, big and small.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>We have a roof over our heads; we have wood in the stove to keep us warm; we have the means to fill our table with delicious foods. No one in our family has ever suffered from an incurable disease, had a life-altering accident or found themselves without shelter or employment.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Everyone has struggles and sometimes we wonder how we're ever going to climb that mountain. We fret over why bad things happen to us or those we love; how are we ever going to get through?</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>But we're not being bombed everyday; we don't live in fear for our lives every minute of every day. We're not living on the streets or in shelters; we don't have to wonder where our next meal is coming from. No one is in danger of being killed by gangs, drive-by shootings or drug addiction. Our children are well taken care of, not abused or neglected and left to run wild.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>And those of us who have loved ones in service to this country are thankful everyday for their lives, thankful that through the grace of God, they will be home with us soon. We pray for their continued health, well-being and safety. And we mourn for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, their life, in an endless, incomprehendable, unnecessary war. We pray their families will have peace as they cling to each other for emotional and physical support.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>We have so much to be thankful for, from putting our feet on the floor each morning, to just being able to live our lives day by day. Give thanks every day.</em></strong><br />
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<br />Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-27668707279053362172015-11-18T11:28:00.002-06:002015-11-18T11:28:55.785-06:00Got a Freezer....or 2.....You're Golden!<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My mother always drove herself nuts when holiday dinners rolled around. She would cook all day. And back in the day, when we were all young kids, a 27 -28# turkey was the norm. We had to eat dinner by 2 or 3pm because my father would leave about 7pm to get back to the woods for deer hunting.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, she'd get up at 2 am, get the turkey in the oven by 3am and spend the rest of the day, peeling, chopping, cooking, mashing, and getting the table finery ready. One year, my grandparents decided they were coming to our house for dinner.....don't get me started. Suffice to say, if tranquilizers were the norm, Ma would've needed a whole bottle. Thank goodness there was beer or wine to cut the edge.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Of course, pies were baked the day before. Insight is a good thing.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, for my 48 years of preparing my own family holidays, I did what my mother always did. As the years went on, and the kids disappeared for other venues, the turkey got smaller. But somehow, there were always others to take their place. Other relatives and friends who found themselves to be alone were always invited and welcomed to our table.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Also as the years progressed, I've begun to lose interest in cooking and baking. Holidays have now become a drudgery I would just as soon leave to someone else. But I don't. I salley forth.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last year, something was going on. Maybe I was in the middle of Christmas preparations along with Thanksgiving. Maybe some people didn't know if they were going to be here; maybe there was a danger in the weather. Anywho, it occurred to me: "why not prepare most of the dinner and put it in the freezer?" Just about everything can be frozen. Everything. Except the mashed potatoes and maybe one more fresh veggie side dish (green beans).</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">GENIUS!!! So, I spent the week before preparing candied yams, butternut squash, 2 kinds of stuffing (we now have a vegetarian in the family......), cranberry relish and roast turkey. Even the gravy is made and frozen. Come Thursday, it all goes in the oven to warm through (except the cranberries, of course). The potatoes are peeled, cooked and mashed, green beans done. Table is set beautifully as we await the family.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I do have to say, the only way this can really all be accomplished is because we have 2....yes 2.....freezers; a big upright and a big chest. If only my mom had freezers. Even 1 would've eased her crazy cooking day.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So now, on Thursday, I will have time for a glass of wine or 2....3....how many glasses are in a bottle, anyway? Don't have to worry about something burning or forgotten about. At 12pm, the wine starts flowing. My daughter exclaimed one year, "Mom, wine already....it's only noon." And you know the standard response:</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Ahhhh, but it's 5:00 somewhere!"</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-16108310272747368492015-11-13T12:02:00.002-06:002015-11-13T12:13:33.655-06:00Ohhhhh....This is Going WAYYYY Too Fast!.........<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In about 5 - 6? (I try not to look at the calendar from this point on)weeks, we'll be in the throws of the Christmas season. Christmas!! What the hell happened here??! I'm not ready. I'm not getting ready. I don't want to get ready. This could be a problem.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Well, that's not all true. I have a tote filled with gifts I've been accumulating over the past couple of months. And I do have a LOT of handmade crafts of all kinds in storage for just such an occasion....that being that I'm bogged down, don't want to go out and shop, don't know what to buy, don't want to spend the money when I have totes...that's right, <u>totes</u>, plural..... FULL of handmade crafts.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Anywho.....enough about that. Spinning and knitting have taken me over! I know I'm an addict, but this has been full on! Hence, the lack of posts for the past month plus. So, one day a month ago, I was perusing my magazine and book collection. Low and behold.....what I thought was just 1 Aran pattern book became <u>2</u>!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Honestly....I don't remember buying 2 Aran books. Of course, the one was purchased some years ago....maybe 8. I either bought both of them or the Irish knitting fairy has been very good to me.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">So I found a new pattern; one with all twisted cables intertwined. Just what I was looking for! And there it was! Not just one, but a whole book of new Aran patterns. Well.....that just called for knitting a scarf immediately with one of them. Long story short, (HA!) the scarf is done. But then I started thinking, how about a hat? But to do the vertical pattern wouldn't work. BUT....how about the cables lay on their side, around the head, and then I knit a 1" rib on one length (the forehead) and pick up the stitches at the other side and continue in a stockinette crown?! This looks like it might work. It sounds like a LOT of work. Almost done with the cables, slipping the first stitch on each row for an easier pick-up. I'll have pictures if it turns out.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I had to break down last week and super clean the house. Hadn't been done since the beginning of September. Nothing more than a little dusting, vacuuming, clean kitchen and bath. I couldn't tell the "dust bunnies" from the wool. It was getting bad.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">I just finished spinning 2#s of the most delicious, dark, dark, chocolate brown fiber. It wants to be a Fair Isle sweater. I think I have enough complimentary yarns to do the job....after the shhhhh....<span style="font-size: x-small;">holidays. </span><span style="font-size: small;">And now there's the softest, beautiful top being spun. It was purchased a couple years ago at a little shop while coming back from vacation. The tag said "8oz. Corriedale". But, geezzzz, it feels and spins like Ashland Bay merino colorway. It's striations of grey, white, sky blue, teal green and a light brown. But when it's spun, it's a beautiful steel blue/grey. Loving it!!</span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-size: small;">It was the only ball the proprietor had, or I would've bought more. It's spinning up laceweight; will be 2-ply. <u>It</u> wants to be a shawl. And so it shall. With steel grey glass beads knitted into it. And maybe....the other single will be white merino...blended with iridescent Angelina. Doesn't that sound divine??!! </span></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Well, BH has been hard at it cutting down trees, cutting logs, splitting and stacking. He's working on <u>next year's</u> supply! What a guy! All the yard work is done for the season; just the storm windows to put up next weekend. We're supposed to have moderate temps all next week.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">We finally went and got a futon for the spare room. Gave my brother the twin bed for his grandkids. What a job putting the futon together! I told BH we're <u>really, really</u> getting too old for all this heavy lifting and construction! But, knowing us, I'm sure there will be another project in the not-so-distant future.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Anyway......the spare room looks great. "Looks like a sitting room" says BH. Indeed. Sitting. And spinning. Or knitting. Maybe sewing. Reading. Napping. </span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia";">It's all good.</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-31847764644076450442015-10-10T06:11:00.002-05:002015-10-10T06:11:55.256-05:00This Can't Be.......<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's almost the middle of October!! Whaaatttt......???? We have 1 more month....1 more month, chickies....till the hurrying, scurrying, nerve-rattling, mind-blowing holidays start rolling in....like an avalanche. Already the stores are bringing out the Christmas decorations. WAIT!! Fall just started!! The kids are back in school barely a month. I don't even have the Autumn wreath on the door yet.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">There's still apples to be picked, perennials to be cut down and lawn ornaments to be put away. I'm behind schedule already. We've been waiting for a couple of heavy frost nights for the apples. I think we've had one. A hard frost came through the other night....so they will be picked tomorrow, regardless. As for the perennials....well, they haven't quite died back yet. Maybe this coming week, at least the yard paraphernalia can be gathered up and stored.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">But Fall Festivals are everywhere!! Every little town, village and burb is having a celebration. Craft shows have begun and the apple cider is flowing.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">For 2 weeks we've had temps in the low 50's for daytime highs; mid to low 30's at night. Today....71.....tomorrow....83!! 83 in October is more than I can bear in northern Minnesota. No. No. No. It's just not right. A/C's were removed last week; the fans were cleaned and stored away this week. Of course. At least BH didn't get the "bug" to put up the storm windows yet!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">BH is happy.... he's back to logging. So every afternoon, I get a tally of how many trees, how many cuts, how many total pieces are stacked for next year, how many more trees he needs to cut, how many more pieces that will give him....yada,yada,yada. You get the picture. But at least it gets him out of the house for a few hours.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">I've been knitting and spinning like crazy. For no particular reason other than I really want to get as much fiber spun up as is humanly possible from now till next Spring. There's a LOT of fiber. I should live so long.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a few things off the needles this summer/fall. Haven't taken any spinning pics for some reason. Hmmm......</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">We took a trip back to NY to see family over the Labor Day holiday. Stayed for 10 days. It was good seeing family again. We haven't been back in 5 years since my parents passed away. It sure was a different feeling, one that was uncomfortable and makes us realize, yeah, this will never be the same again.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Daughter and I have been spending a lot of Saturdays out and about. Traveling around to different areas, just having a good time. Today, we're going to a craft show in the next town. First one of the season for us. It'll be fun. She really enjoys our time out together.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Skyped with granddaughter earlier this week. She tells me that rumors are going around they'll be home for Christmas!! She's in Kuwait, been there since June. Their tour was supposed to be till the end of January. Don't know what happened; don't care. Just bring her HOME!! We're soooo excited....I pray this comes to fruition. She tells me the took a lot of tools to another base to be re-calibrated; they were told to inform family no more packages or mail is to be sent to them after Oct. 15 and the troops will be moving from barracks to tents next week, making room for their replacements coming in. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Son bought a new car a couple months ago. So he's in 7th heaven! It's his "dream car", he tells us. My caveat to him: "if I hear you bought 1 replacement part, I'll never speak to you again!" He likes to "soup" up his cars. His apartment is loaded with boxes of new parts...including a transmission and 2 engines. It's a sickness. Kind of like someone buying pounds and pounds of wool, stored in large totes everywhere.......eh.....yeah.......</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, that's about all the news. I think we're caught up now. See you before the snow flies.......I hope.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-52680258929508808592015-08-23T08:03:00.001-05:002015-08-23T12:25:38.965-05:00Absense Makes the Heart........<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">SING!!!! Yeah...that's right. Retirement 24/7/365 is not all it's cracked up to be. Can I get an "amen"? </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So....BH is going to son's for the day. They're going to chop wood (but it's raining now, and supposed to all day). They'll probably sit and yammer all day. I gave him a warning: "DO NOT come home by noon!!"</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We spend a LOT of time together. Every day. Every hour. The only time I have to myself is when I get up in the morning at 4am till he rolls out of bed at 6 - 6:30. Sometimes he's up at 5am....don't get me started.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I love him dearly! Don't know what I'd do without him. We've been together for 28 years...married for 26. But COME ON! It didn't used to be so bad....when I was working. But then I retired. Now I'm just tired. Badabing, badaboom. (old joke).</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I do manage to get out with our daughter, taking her grocery shopping, to appointments and occasionally, we have a day out together. One time, he suggested that he go grocery shopping with us so he can pack the bags (our grocery stores don't do that for whatever reason) and carry them. Aaarrggghhhh......NO....that's ok; it's not that bad; I can manage. Whew...escaped that one.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The poor thing.....he used to bowl every Thursday night. But we had 2 teenage sons at home then. He used to play softball every Monday night; quit that at 65 and became an Umpire. That was great!! He was gone 2 nights a week, just about every weekend....for.....hours!! He gave it up at 69 years of age. Fishing in the summer, too. Just about everyday he would be gone...from 5am till sometimes 5pm or later. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But health problems started rearing their ugly heads. Neuropathy in his legs and hands. He can't run any more and his hands shake so bad, it's difficult to manage fine motor skills. No more fishing. OMG! I just realized....I sound like a real Bitch!! Complaining about him being home all the time. Well.....I feel like a Bitch today. Sorry.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anywho.....my plan is to clean the house today. But I'm trying to talk myself out of it. I haven't won yet. Who wants to waste time cleaning house when you have the whole day to yourself.....to do whatever.....just relish the day.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, we're taking a trip back east in a week and change. Visiting family. Haven't been back there in 5 years. It'll be fun. Just the 2 of us. Together. 24/7. Again. I'm thankful for small blessings. No. Really. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPrvvZ52Axt8Jz6DokwlpiqT_xu8IIDTX27rXcqCy8Cy6RMMsfupW90QyPA0_2jFWv_x34Qa4589YZEC9-gThbnEVkwPfxNoPRjP2v8AlMFSOgIuXECYcFwmrd5Uy-KPRGjOrPsUMoEKh/s1600/I+keep+hitting+escape+but........jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPrvvZ52Axt8Jz6DokwlpiqT_xu8IIDTX27rXcqCy8Cy6RMMsfupW90QyPA0_2jFWv_x34Qa4589YZEC9-gThbnEVkwPfxNoPRjP2v8AlMFSOgIuXECYcFwmrd5Uy-KPRGjOrPsUMoEKh/s320/I+keep+hitting+escape+but........jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-15752311526504808712015-08-10T12:11:00.002-05:002015-08-10T12:16:35.850-05:00The Good....The Bad.....and the Aggravating !<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well how've you been? Oh things are just great here (<span style="font-size: x-small;">note: sarcasm).</span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We've been bopping right along. After a bout of hot, humid weather, we finally had some decent temps, no humidity last week. It was heaven!! I got to bake 4 dozen hard rolls. Good thing, too, because we were on the last dozen. This week's temps look pretty comfy, too. We had a couple of nights in the 40's. Yeah...bring it on!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Finally got to Skype for the first time with granddaughter last week. What a kick that was. Never used a web-cam before. It was great seeing her face to face. We talked for about 20 minutes. She works 2nd shift, finishes at midnight.....which is 8 hours ahead of our time. Well, by the time she ran to the PX, then went out in the yard to be under the flood lights so she could see better, it was 2:30am her time. She's always been a "nightowl", so this is right up her alley. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">She sounds good, looks good (just a little tired, maybe), but everything is going along well for her. She loves her job and is enjoying the camaraderie with her fellow soldiers. 6 more months, God willing.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">BH and I have been keeping up with chores around here. We finally emptied out all the boxes we packed a couple years ago for the big move. Last week we got over to the old farmhouse (used for storage) and re-arranged everything else and cleaned up a bit. Whew.....that's done.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So far the lawn mower is working great (fingers crossed every time). And it was repaired with no charge to us. A new pull cord and somehow the throttle spring was missing.....that's why it wouldn't start. They replaced that too. BH is in his element again, and all is right with the world.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I finally got into the totes with the hand knitted wear and pulled out the pieces that needed to have photos taken. That's done.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last week, I was visiting my very favorite fiber supply website when I see they're having a sale.....a 2 day sale. Choice of merino, corriedale X or cheviot X. OMG!! I've been waiting for this!! Told BH about it....."order 10 pounds" he says. He's sooooo easy. "no, that's too much; I'll just order 5....5 pounds will do it". Ohhhh but merino!! Ohhhh but I really need corriedale. After a few minutes of discussion, it was decided by him and I......4#s of corriedale and 4#s of merino. Yes!!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, now I had to go through my stock and see what can be re-packed to make more room. This is not an easy task. But it was done. Thursday the fiber arrived. Mmmmmm......luscious fiber !!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I love to dye the corriedale. The merino is for a special project. Well, 1/2 of it anyway. I've been thinking for months.....I want to make our granddaughter a Wedding Shawl. I have some silk that's been waiting for the perfect project; and a LOT of crystal beads. I've been perusing websites and books for shawl patterns. I have a handful to choose from. In a month or so, I will start blending the silk with the Merino and prepare it for spinning. Probably start around the holidays if not right after. Granddaughter is scheduled to come home at the end of January. And it takes about 6 months to plan a wedding properly, right?</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">OK. So you know that into every life a little rain must fall. Well, it came our way on Saturday afternoon....through the night....all night. Only it wasn't just rain. No sir. It was a friggin' monsoon. It was so bad, daughter and I went on a shopping excursion an hour away in the morning. By 3pm as we were on our way home, it hit. It took us 2 hours to get home. We stopped twice because I couldn't see the road and the highways were flooding. What an adventure!! By the time we were a couple miles from home, we could laugh about how crazy it was. All the streets in our neighborhood were getting flooded.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, yesterday morning, BH takes some things over to the storage house, comes back and tells me there's water all over some things; he had to wipe it up. WHAT??? Did it come through the windows?? No. He didn't think so. Did it come through the door?? No. He didn't think so. "Come over with me and take a look; you'll know what I'm talking about", says he. Well. Well. Well. What the hell happened??? The ceiling is buckled and water is dripping through in large areas, in numerous places. There's a 2nd floor on this building. But how did water get through to the first floor if there's no water upstairs??? Aaarrrgghhhh.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, we cleaned up, covered up, moved things. And then we went outside. And I looked up at the roof. And there it was. The torrential winds and rains had ripped up the roof right over the door, about 3 ft. wide and long. Oh the wood is still there. Only it's in splinters and raised up (ripped up). Ok. Now what??</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">After a cool-down, gathering of thoughts, we discussed and concluded that a new roof was going to have to be done. So we called our son. This is his profession. He told us what the options will be. We're going with a steel roof. He's going to talk to his boss and get his input. Because the roof is at least <u>75 years old</u> (that's right....75), and no one can, for sure as hell, stand on the roof without fear of breaking through somewhere.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We're praying for good weather all this week, because it probably won't be gotten to until the weekend. And then I hear on the radio this morning......possible rain showers tomorrow night and Wednesday morning. Oh what the hell. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And I live by these words: "Nothing's so bad that it can't be worse". It's my mantra.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And now for something completely different:</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Blue/grey twisted rib tube socks</em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK97f3m2A_kU2mjBME8apuCj4ulhDnrSjPncfFBwUMMENd0I-1E1D0-cmkGo27UMN1giMh3Qu5-YmiANRiRAA6DIIODwTuwS3kxpG-jDyOKkGGQoq1P1D0iCCqoMvuoVi_n4E3jwpIO90/s1600/Blue+grey+twisted+rib+tube+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK97f3m2A_kU2mjBME8apuCj4ulhDnrSjPncfFBwUMMENd0I-1E1D0-cmkGo27UMN1giMh3Qu5-YmiANRiRAA6DIIODwTuwS3kxpG-jDyOKkGGQoq1P1D0iCCqoMvuoVi_n4E3jwpIO90/s320/Blue+grey+twisted+rib+tube+socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B8ETkL70YCnwiwhF70GXT4r2gFxzmC5bFhEqtJPzsXoEWqGjm140zcr05QI7vxroH4pK-gzhgWznnW2vCvuDxhqpn1Op1AtCkrONwbZD-5WbKiB8EJghMX9qXfEO5zkUvO8yfcBjSPB2/s1600/Brown+ombre+hat+and+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B8ETkL70YCnwiwhF70GXT4r2gFxzmC5bFhEqtJPzsXoEWqGjm140zcr05QI7vxroH4pK-gzhgWznnW2vCvuDxhqpn1Op1AtCkrONwbZD-5WbKiB8EJghMX9qXfEO5zkUvO8yfcBjSPB2/s320/Brown+ombre+hat+and+scarf.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<strong><em>Brown ombre watch cap and scarf</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe4dqqu1NcxMn_6qtNGsm7BzHHSaVmixVPoUlPjfnppE1tXZ-zggYOzVoxCXh5ImHm3qoYtHUvrP-6w7B9cuEvBxK8V6j7Qy74uAO6syrgqarrKzHPSjXbPthrGbOVXh7vsVqCnzXkMBb/s1600/Green+grey+tube+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe4dqqu1NcxMn_6qtNGsm7BzHHSaVmixVPoUlPjfnppE1tXZ-zggYOzVoxCXh5ImHm3qoYtHUvrP-6w7B9cuEvBxK8V6j7Qy74uAO6syrgqarrKzHPSjXbPthrGbOVXh7vsVqCnzXkMBb/s320/Green+grey+tube+socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong><em>Green/grey twisted rib tube socks</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WTo5WK0ZlcXe2LlVbhnrMdOwNwljcerzksHjzFNtnSnQZJuBjQf6rUVJldvXrKB_kXO6bYK_6Qp-_f5q6T9bu2psW5EBXrooX8rC90FJ7yG8nW_0PiaZoCc_PCvW28LUiaJq9epPfeor/s1600/Hand+dyed+Maroon+Shetland+wool+tube+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WTo5WK0ZlcXe2LlVbhnrMdOwNwljcerzksHjzFNtnSnQZJuBjQf6rUVJldvXrKB_kXO6bYK_6Qp-_f5q6T9bu2psW5EBXrooX8rC90FJ7yG8nW_0PiaZoCc_PCvW28LUiaJq9epPfeor/s320/Hand+dyed+Maroon+Shetland+wool+tube+socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong><em>Maroon/grey twisted rib tube socks</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7HhEDD_ArSpUaTJKTgH5RPx3Q42DeZJFWuR51J6JTcSC_RG2PulXUrkGXxi0d17hOdykStQwnfhFSB-y5Sh-s_ps8nZIZyYMZKXVk4Xa-Ro65lpNBKm7hhUEwYj0r9i7YrnBC2rI2_Vy/s1600/front+view+close+up+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7HhEDD_ArSpUaTJKTgH5RPx3Q42DeZJFWuR51J6JTcSC_RG2PulXUrkGXxi0d17hOdykStQwnfhFSB-y5Sh-s_ps8nZIZyYMZKXVk4Xa-Ro65lpNBKm7hhUEwYj0r9i7YrnBC2rI2_Vy/s320/front+view+close+up+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<strong><em>White Border Leicester/w iridescent Firestar Cabled vest</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-s4i7UU3mGD1fjWiVwHnc3NDpq-DP0TMFlpM70qLabqMGIptYSqysLTfbj6xbaLq1awmV2AbNJHTjrGZW3Xx5L2uRIaXxpLgUfRgew4UQWpK36MSDV6Bmvlznwfmp3BhnzeVDWSQzMkV/s1600/White+vest+front+panel+cabeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-s4i7UU3mGD1fjWiVwHnc3NDpq-DP0TMFlpM70qLabqMGIptYSqysLTfbj6xbaLq1awmV2AbNJHTjrGZW3Xx5L2uRIaXxpLgUfRgew4UQWpK36MSDV6Bmvlznwfmp3BhnzeVDWSQzMkV/s320/White+vest+front+panel+cabeling.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfbue7fm09cjl44yKq65y5vu3S4G9pVmRbLDbyyxYAAedW_A1r1tXy1UtT4lQEh5JaWTNiXSbM7JnM6UqIjW1cjGr_wSynmkuoOooaZsvc8YD-qcIkEOlPr64EUBXV0AappaMC1Zz38Y0/s1600/embossed+brass+tone+buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfbue7fm09cjl44yKq65y5vu3S4G9pVmRbLDbyyxYAAedW_A1r1tXy1UtT4lQEh5JaWTNiXSbM7JnM6UqIjW1cjGr_wSynmkuoOooaZsvc8YD-qcIkEOlPr64EUBXV0AappaMC1Zz38Y0/s320/embossed+brass+tone+buttons.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<strong><em>Embossed, brass-tone buttons</em></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8m4pPa1SMTJUmCq_ZlHdOnhEj0L3Qr6ErbYOWNB8npNPPoG9BJnj1yPa-OM6iVz3xVboGUmEl7cQejkJSWIMFEsAl8lcv012Um-hlTMu3axBsl79BODqKQxPXL48PgKhnNfB6QTuv-Ts/s1600/White+vest+back+side+cableing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8m4pPa1SMTJUmCq_ZlHdOnhEj0L3Qr6ErbYOWNB8npNPPoG9BJnj1yPa-OM6iVz3xVboGUmEl7cQejkJSWIMFEsAl8lcv012Um-hlTMu3axBsl79BODqKQxPXL48PgKhnNfB6QTuv-Ts/s320/White+vest+back+side+cableing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>I LOVE this pattern! It's my 4th(?) vest, different colors of course.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>The tube socks are really fun to knit, too. I've gotta do more of those. </em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Wishing you all a fantastic week!</em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-64712092849498858482015-07-17T06:51:00.000-05:002015-07-17T06:51:01.964-05:00Is It Over Yet??............<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Summer. I'm not a big fan of summer. It's ok for the first few weeks, but now we're into the middle of it. The beginning of the worst of it. The heat. Humidity. Bugs. Incessant weeds and grass mowing. Ear shattering thunder storms. Torrential rains. And the ever present tornado warnings. No thank you; I've had enough. Let's move on to the next season. Fall. How I love Fall.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anywho, so since we last visited, some housecleaning and yard work has been done. Unfortunately, it needs to be done again. We'll get to that. The hot, humid days have been upon us with a reprieve or 2 in between. That's a good thing.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">All boxes that were packed up for the "big move" 2 years ago are now unpacked and most things have been put back in place. There are 2 boxes marked "Keepsakes"......things I definitely don't want to throw out, but don't want to be dusting off anymore either. Then there's 2 boxes marked "Donate"....which will go to one of the SecondHand stores here in town. One of these days.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yesterday was a gray day, threatening rain all day (which didn't arrive till we got into bed last night), so I spent the day setting up a page on FB, supposing it to be a link to my Etsy store. Hoping to get things back in there for sale by the middle of September. Since it's all woolen apparel, I didn't see putting it in now, paying the fees and have it sit there. Am I wrong? Hmm.....How many people realize that, yes, there will be another winter; yes, there will be another Christmas shopping season. And it'll be here quicker than you can say "Bob's your uncle". So.....plan ahead.....shop now? I know there's such people out there....but I've never really been a stalwart. I do admire them immensely, though.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We've heard from granddaughter a few times now by FB messaging. We've got the webcam all set up, got Skype downloaded, ready to go. Just haven't worked out times we can video chat together. 9 hours difference over there. And she does spend a lot of free time chatting with her fiancé. That's quite understandable. Also, her work schedule is the afternoon shift....from 4 to midnight. We'll figure it out pretty soon, I'm sure.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Remember the new landscaping lawn mower that I bought for BH a couple of months ago? The one that made his eyes almost pop out of his head and me choke when we saw the price? Yeah....well Monday we had to take it back....to be serviced. I wanted to throw up. Right on the show room floor. In front of all the shiny, clean, brand-spanking-new mowers.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yeah. It seems the engine revs started dying the last time he used it. Quite a noticeable change in the engine sound. BH checked it out on the "net"....called the service dept. Yep. Most likely needs a new air filter. No, no, you can't rinse out the one in there now. It's made of <u>paper</u>.....it'll disintegrate. A new one will be $5.00.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now the price isn't bad. What's bad is he mows the grass every week, sometimes twice a week. Probably 2 acres at least. The mower is 2 months old. So through the season, we're probably looking at 3 or 4 filters. And for the original price of the mower....well.....you'd think they'd have a better, reusable filter, right? Ppffftttt.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, not only that, but then I find out the pull cord is stripped of it's cloth covering, right down to the plastic wire core. How the hell did that happen??? Aaarrrggghhh. BH is <u>not</u> the most observant or careful person when it comes to .........anything, really. It was no surprise when he said he never saw the damage being done. (There's a very funny story of our visit to the DMV for renewing his driver's license and the required eye test....I'll tell you later. It's hysterical, trust me!)</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, anyway....it's in the shop. "Can you give me a rough time estimate when it'll be done?" BH asks the service guy. "Well, we'll take a look and see what's wrong; probably have to order the parts; we'll get to it by the end of the week. You should have it back week after next". Are you friggin' kiddin' me????? A garage can put a new engine and transmission in your car in less time than that!! We're not talking a riding mower here; it's a push...ok.....self-propelled...woohoo.....mower!! Probably 'cause it's under warranty....yeah, that's it. Not making any money on it, so push it back to the end of the line.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, I'm exhausted now. Get a cup of coffee and see if that restarts my "engine" for the day. I'll be checking in again soon....unless the heat and humidity do me in.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-20727380041148796472015-07-02T07:26:00.001-05:002015-07-02T07:29:15.507-05:00It's.....July??!!<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Holy crap! This season is going fast. Not that I mind all that much. Fall is my very favorite time of year. So...hurry up, Summer....get it over with.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Whatcha doing for the 4th? We've got son and daughter coming on Saturday. A cookout is planned. Something simple and not too expensive, I'm planning. Today is grocery shopping day....and other assorted errands.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Good news!....I am totally done with the inside work. The last room was scrubbed and freshened on Saturday. So, yesterday I weedwhacked, pulled weeds, fixed the little fencing around the hedges, trimmed the annuals back so they bush out instead of growing tall and "leggy", and Miracle-Gro-ed the gardens and planters. Yea for me....a gold star!!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now on to the rest of the outside work. I want to scrub down the siding on the house. First time in 12 years. BH is very nervous about this....he thinks the color of the siding will get all "splotchy". Oh, for crysakes. Well, that will be accomplished next week.....great weather is predicated all next week.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then it's the car.....washing inside and out, preceded by a good vacuuming inside and then shampooing the upholstery and carpeting. And if time, weather and energy allow.....I just may tackle the van. And, of course, there will be the old farm house...which needs to be straightened up and re-organized. And boxes. Need. to. be. unpacked. ugh.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We're planning a trip back to NY at the end of August to see family. Did I tell you that already? Anywho, we've been trying to plan this out since last year.....but something has always come up. Fingers crossed, it'll finally happen.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Other than that, nothing new going on. Tomorrow should be a very relaxing, puttering around kind of day. Maybe I'll get pictures of the latest vest and get them posted. Oh.....a coconut/banana cream pie will be in the making tomorrow for Saturday. At the request of BH. His birthday is the 9th.....so a little extra celebration is definitely called for.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">You all have a very safe and happy July 4th!!!</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-90090730466456455752015-06-29T16:59:00.000-05:002015-06-29T16:59:03.098-05:00In Case You Were Wondering.....<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What am I doing right now? Well.....dinner is on the stove, staying warm. It's 4:50pm. BH is out in the back 5(acres), behind the old farm house, throwing the rest of his chopped wood into the basement. He said there was about 200 pieces left.....out of the 5200 he had stacked outside. You read that right.....5200 pieces. Which is our wood supply for next winter. "It'll only take me a half hour or so".</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm assuming there should have been an underline in the "or so". We had no lunch today...so I'm starving. I wanted to eat before 5pm so the kitchen would be cleaned up at a reasonable hour and we could relax for the evening. I think I missed that train.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">What's for supper? Grilled (in the house) salmon, rice/w stir fry veggies, Waldorf salad and wheat bread. Jello for dessert. I haven't made Waldorf salad in many moons. Can't wait to have it again!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, they're calling for thunderstorms tonight. I opened the windows about 4:15 after having the A/C and all the fans running all day. 85 we had for a temp and a bit on the humid side.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I also blew a fuse. The second one in 2 days. The first time in about 20 years. I guess I need to watch what's running on the same circuit a bit better. I think it's because we moved the higher BTU A/C into the family room on that line. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So I guess the A/C, 2 fans and the dryer can't be used at the same time. Ohhhhh.......Oleeever......Oleeeever..........(my favorite saying from "Green Acres"). Remember how Lisa had to unplug the coffee pot to plug in the toaster? Yeah....it's that kind of thing.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ok. He's here. Time for supper. Mmmmmmm........</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3663863839622861089.post-63741081310584237682015-06-27T07:02:00.001-05:002015-06-27T07:02:18.828-05:00Whirlwind.......<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pretty much this month. So we took son to the Martina McBride concert last Friday. It was amazing!! She is a great performer. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening......and son is still talking about it. I took videos with my camera and converted them to a DVD for him. He got to shake her hand at the end of the concert...he was the first and only one at the edge of the stage for the last song.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yep...that's him in the first photo. He says he'll carry this memory with him forever.....no doubt!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Got the word from granddaughter 2 days ago.....her unit will be leaving for Kuwait on June 30. There's talk they'll be serving in Iraq as well. God bless them all.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I've got 1 more room to do for the annual cleaning. Plan to get at it today. Then I'm done with all the inside work; time to move outside. Not my favorite thing....outside....in the summer. The heat, humidity, bugs......LOTS of bugs....of every species. Of course, no shortage of mosquitos.....the state bird of Minnesota.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">No knitting has taken place this month. Lots of spinning though. However, why does it always seem that the closer you get to finishing a fiber, the longer it takes. It seems like there's no end to this particular color. And my patience is running thin. I want to get it done and move on to another.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Grandson's graduation party is today. We will not be attending. A very, very long story. Lots of drama from our son and his fiancé.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They have pulled us into a nasty situation which we have nothing to do with. And now there's a lot of anger on their part at us, and a lot of hurt on our side. The fact that invitations were sent out a couple of weeks ago....but we received ours just Wednesday. Grandson was supposed to stop by our home Sunday to invite us personally, but never showed nor called. It makes us feel like it was never intended for us to be part of the celebration; a last minute thought or decision on their part. Oh well. We've been through this before with another adult kid. This is NOT the family I grew up in. This is NOT my parents' family. Never will be. What a rotten shame.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So....cleaning today; taking daughter grocery shopping tomorrow. That takes a few hours.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">More rain in the forecast for tomorrow. We've been getting quite a bit of rain. I wanted so bad to douse the flowers with MiracleGrow to make them "thicker and lusher" as the advertising says, but they're wet enough with Mother Nature's help.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Still don't have the screen house up yet. BH promises it'll be up by the Fourth of July. We'll see......</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And that's all the news from Upnorth, MN. Hope you all have a great weekend!!</span></em></strong>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650080322918612873noreply@blogger.com3