Well, we left Cleveland around 9:00 a.m. -- a tad later than we originally planned. We woke at 6:00 with the goal of being gone by 8:00. Lindsey, unfortunately, didn't feel well and we were delayed.
Anyway, we drove the first day to Sullivan, Missouri, which is west of St. Louis, getting out of the car around 7:00 p.m. EDT. The next day, we drove to Plainview, Texas. We didn't make it to Carlsbad Caverns as we decided that it was way to far south and we had a reservation and plans to meet friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We traveled from Plainview to Rio Rancho, NM, stopping a couple of times for fun stuff like Blizzards from Dairy Queen and we did some shopping in Santa Fe.
Today we spent we our friends. It was great. They have a 3 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. Actually, the kids won't be 3 and 2 until next month. They are 12 months and 10 days separate from each other. The oldest one is getting molars and isn't the happiest camper around. Nevertheless, we did have a great time.
We won't be going to Taos. It is a tad out of the way from our trip tomorrow where we will be heading west and north to the Grand Canyon. We will be camping at the Grand Canyon for the next two evening,
The two evenings after that we will be camping in Cedar City, Utah (by Bryce and Zion National Parks -- very awe inspiring -- makes you realize the wonders of God!).
The following evening we will be staying in Las Vegas . . . where I am sure God isn't often mentioned . . . but we have an acquitance there who got us a great rate at one of the hottest casinos. We don't gamble and I told her all we needed was someplace to lay our heads, fill our bellies and maybe swim.
After that we start heading toward California.
Anyway, it may be awhile until you hear from me again.
Be safe!
QR Code - go ahead see if it works!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Nothing to do with knitting
I am done.
I finished my last class, last evening, doing my final presentation and turning in my final paper.
I graduated from high school in 1972, took the ACT in 1974 (with my Mom, no less), went part-time to school until I got married in 1980, went back in 2001, transferred to Tiffin University in 2004 and finally, finished, yesterday.
I start work on my MBA at the end of August.
Thank you and good night!
I finished my last class, last evening, doing my final presentation and turning in my final paper.
I graduated from high school in 1972, took the ACT in 1974 (with my Mom, no less), went part-time to school until I got married in 1980, went back in 2001, transferred to Tiffin University in 2004 and finally, finished, yesterday.
I start work on my MBA at the end of August.
Thank you and good night!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
what could this stuff be??
I love felting stuff. I love making felted stuff. Felting hides sins and errors. I love the fact that I take this weird looking thing and with a little hot water (well, sometimes lots of hot water), it becomes a wonderful thing that makes you go AHHHH. Not, ahhhhhhh like a lace shawl, but more the ahhhhh like "hmmm so that's what it is supposed to be!" So, maybe its not "ahhhhh" at all, but "hmmmm"?
In any event, I finished Wendy's Lucy bag and Jane's felted bowls for the One Skein SP. Wendy is a friend of mine and loved my Lucy bag. She wanted it in her sons' school colors. So you might start with something soft and weird looking, like this:
and end up with something like this:
It ends up a tight and neat bag that is a really wonderful thing for holding all those things you need to take to fall football games. Plus, as her DH, so nicely put it, "if you get cold you can always pull it over your head!
Then I had my One Skein project for Jane. These things were really fun and the second one (the smaller one), I knit in one evening!! They would make great Christmas presents. Anyway, again you start off with this puddle of knitting and end up with nicely felted bowls.
This is the large unfelted one:
and this is the small unfelted one:
and this is how they look when they are done:
FYI, the orange one has a yellow bottom and the yellow has an orange bottom . . . aren't we just too, too clever!
In any event, I finished Wendy's Lucy bag and Jane's felted bowls for the One Skein SP. Wendy is a friend of mine and loved my Lucy bag. She wanted it in her sons' school colors. So you might start with something soft and weird looking, like this:
and end up with something like this:
It ends up a tight and neat bag that is a really wonderful thing for holding all those things you need to take to fall football games. Plus, as her DH, so nicely put it, "if you get cold you can always pull it over your head!
Then I had my One Skein project for Jane. These things were really fun and the second one (the smaller one), I knit in one evening!! They would make great Christmas presents. Anyway, again you start off with this puddle of knitting and end up with nicely felted bowls.
This is the large unfelted one:
and this is the small unfelted one:
and this is how they look when they are done:
FYI, the orange one has a yellow bottom and the yellow has an orange bottom . . . aren't we just too, too clever!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Leaving on a jet plane . . .
Okay, we aren't leaving on a jet plane. We are leaving in our Town&Country minivan on Saturday for three weeks. Our first official stop will be Albuquerque. My boss' daughter lives there. We are great friends. As it turns out, her Mom will be there too. Very cool stuff.
A little segue to explain this. I have worked for my boss for 33 years. I have a great relationship with him and with his family, obviously. For example, my DDs were in his DD's wedding in 1999. I am sure that there were people that thought that was WEIRD. It was great fun. I made their dresses for the wedding and they were lovely things, even if I do say so myself.
Anyway, we are looking forward to visiting with her and her DH and two lovely children. Her kids are going to be 3 and 2 in August . . . which reminds me that we should bring their birthday presents with us!
We have a couple of "official stops" including Grand Canyon, then Utah, Las Vegas (one night only . . . just passing through), Yosemite, Crescent City, CA, Yellowstone and then on home. We are camping at all those places (except Vegas). My DH and I did this trip the first year we were married (26 years ago) and have been talking about doing it again when the kids were old enough. We decided that we had to do it this year. Sarah starts her nursing clinicals in August and she has school almost the entire summer next year. After that, she will, hopefully, be working full time and wouldn't be able to join us. Hence, a three week vacation for this year!
Anyway, I will be gone for three weeks starting Saturday, July 22 and won't be back (probably) until August 12. If I have time and access, I will post some stuff here. Be safe.
A little segue to explain this. I have worked for my boss for 33 years. I have a great relationship with him and with his family, obviously. For example, my DDs were in his DD's wedding in 1999. I am sure that there were people that thought that was WEIRD. It was great fun. I made their dresses for the wedding and they were lovely things, even if I do say so myself.
Anyway, we are looking forward to visiting with her and her DH and two lovely children. Her kids are going to be 3 and 2 in August . . . which reminds me that we should bring their birthday presents with us!
We have a couple of "official stops" including Grand Canyon, then Utah, Las Vegas (one night only . . . just passing through), Yosemite, Crescent City, CA, Yellowstone and then on home. We are camping at all those places (except Vegas). My DH and I did this trip the first year we were married (26 years ago) and have been talking about doing it again when the kids were old enough. We decided that we had to do it this year. Sarah starts her nursing clinicals in August and she has school almost the entire summer next year. After that, she will, hopefully, be working full time and wouldn't be able to join us. Hence, a three week vacation for this year!
Anyway, I will be gone for three weeks starting Saturday, July 22 and won't be back (probably) until August 12. If I have time and access, I will post some stuff here. Be safe.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
There are great successes and little mini ones
First of all, I got my knitpicks interchangeable needles yesterday. I organized them, took them home (had them delivered at work where I know someone will be there to receive them) and DID NOT use them last evening. Instead, after Z-man was in bed, I finished my homework. AHHH, heaven. Of course, I then edited it today during lunch.
I also dug out the information that CSU needed for my financial aid audit. Gee, and the only reason I knew that I was going to need this stuff prior to getting any financial aid was because I CALLED THEM. The first person I talked to told me I had to call FAFSA. FAFSA said that I had to call CSU. Please, people make up your mind.
I also packed up all my packages for my Secret Pals. For the One Skein, I sent the yarn for July and the finished product. We are going to be on vacation and I did not want her to wait too long to get her stuff. I sent a shawl pattern and Shimmer (Stained Glass) to both Kimberlee (SP8) and Denice (Summer Fling). I sent Jane (One Skein) the finished bowls and the yarn and pattern for I'll Pack A Hat from KnitPicks. I don't remember what the yarn was but it was a yummy green. I sent Rach (CASP) sock yarn and a pattern for a lacy sock. It too was from Knitpicks and in green . . . must have something about green yarn this time around. I also sent her some tapestry needles and a little photo album that I picked up at Target. I hope everything clears customs okay.
Anyway, I have to go. Class is this evening. It is the second last class. Yeah. Of course, the MBA stuff starts August 12. It just seems amazing though that this group of fellow students and I have been together for almost 22 months. I'll miss them . . . even the weird ones.
I also dug out the information that CSU needed for my financial aid audit. Gee, and the only reason I knew that I was going to need this stuff prior to getting any financial aid was because I CALLED THEM. The first person I talked to told me I had to call FAFSA. FAFSA said that I had to call CSU. Please, people make up your mind.
I also packed up all my packages for my Secret Pals. For the One Skein, I sent the yarn for July and the finished product. We are going to be on vacation and I did not want her to wait too long to get her stuff. I sent a shawl pattern and Shimmer (Stained Glass) to both Kimberlee (SP8) and Denice (Summer Fling). I sent Jane (One Skein) the finished bowls and the yarn and pattern for I'll Pack A Hat from KnitPicks. I don't remember what the yarn was but it was a yummy green. I sent Rach (CASP) sock yarn and a pattern for a lacy sock. It too was from Knitpicks and in green . . . must have something about green yarn this time around. I also sent her some tapestry needles and a little photo album that I picked up at Target. I hope everything clears customs okay.
Anyway, I have to go. Class is this evening. It is the second last class. Yeah. Of course, the MBA stuff starts August 12. It just seems amazing though that this group of fellow students and I have been together for almost 22 months. I'll miss them . . . even the weird ones.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Organization is just a myth and other stuff
So, I spent Saturday cleaning out Lindsey's drawers. I do this at least once a year. Don't think that I am stupid or anything and buy her too many clothes, it is that she gets hand-me-downs from two families . . . one of which has two daughters. Lindsey loves this stuff but she hates to part with anything.
Anyway, there were two reasons for my cleaning her drawers this past Saturday. The first is that she isn't home and it is always easier to do it when she isn't arguing with me about every item of clothing. The second reason is that the Federation of the Blind are coming on Thursday and this will give them mucho stuff. Six bags later, her drawers will actually close. The kid wears a 14 slim. There were jeans and pants that were a size 10. The smallest shirt was a child's size 7. She makes me crazed. She had underwear that had never been worn and was still neatly folder straight out of the package. Of course, she wouldn't know that the underwear was there because everything else was just thrown on top of it. Oh, and that is another thing, all of her clothing goes to her room folded. So why isn't it in the drawers that way??? Besides the fact that her drawers were overcrowded?
Being as I was in the mood, I stopped at BigLots on Sunday and bought three bins with latch tops and handles. I sorted some of my yarn into it. Sock yarn, wool and other yarn (I have some lovely Malabrigo) and other stuff. It is a lovely thing. I still have a bag with my reference and pattern books and all my straight needles that I never use. Oh, and the stuff that is buried in the back of the closet. Plus my neighbor is a wonderful garage saler and finds wool for me everywhere she goes.
Of course in organizing this, I discovered that I did not need to make another trip to my favorite LYS to get more yarn for Z-man's sweater. I had it. It was just mixed in with the other stuff. Ah, well, I could return it but I might make a scarf and mittens to match his Wallaby.
Speaking of which, I have one sleeve of the Wallaby done and most of the other. I had most of the body done but decided I hated it and frogged the whole thing. It was just too tight and I was very frustrated because I had checked gauge and everything. Lo and behold when I reread the pattern, I discovered that I was supposed to change needle sizes after the binding was done, oh, duh.
I have also discovered that I love using all those free make-up bags and such that you get stuff in. I have Z-man's sleeve in progress in one that I got from Avon (it actually had curlers in it and can easily hold this small project. For bigger projects I use bigger bags. They are usually plastic lined and fit tidely into my tote bag that I schlep everywhere.
p.s. I have received a very clever card (from Twisted Yarns) and a postcard from my CASP. Very fun stuff.
Anyway, there were two reasons for my cleaning her drawers this past Saturday. The first is that she isn't home and it is always easier to do it when she isn't arguing with me about every item of clothing. The second reason is that the Federation of the Blind are coming on Thursday and this will give them mucho stuff. Six bags later, her drawers will actually close. The kid wears a 14 slim. There were jeans and pants that were a size 10. The smallest shirt was a child's size 7. She makes me crazed. She had underwear that had never been worn and was still neatly folder straight out of the package. Of course, she wouldn't know that the underwear was there because everything else was just thrown on top of it. Oh, and that is another thing, all of her clothing goes to her room folded. So why isn't it in the drawers that way??? Besides the fact that her drawers were overcrowded?
Being as I was in the mood, I stopped at BigLots on Sunday and bought three bins with latch tops and handles. I sorted some of my yarn into it. Sock yarn, wool and other yarn (I have some lovely Malabrigo) and other stuff. It is a lovely thing. I still have a bag with my reference and pattern books and all my straight needles that I never use. Oh, and the stuff that is buried in the back of the closet. Plus my neighbor is a wonderful garage saler and finds wool for me everywhere she goes.
Of course in organizing this, I discovered that I did not need to make another trip to my favorite LYS to get more yarn for Z-man's sweater. I had it. It was just mixed in with the other stuff. Ah, well, I could return it but I might make a scarf and mittens to match his Wallaby.
Speaking of which, I have one sleeve of the Wallaby done and most of the other. I had most of the body done but decided I hated it and frogged the whole thing. It was just too tight and I was very frustrated because I had checked gauge and everything. Lo and behold when I reread the pattern, I discovered that I was supposed to change needle sizes after the binding was done, oh, duh.
I have also discovered that I love using all those free make-up bags and such that you get stuff in. I have Z-man's sleeve in progress in one that I got from Avon (it actually had curlers in it and can easily hold this small project. For bigger projects I use bigger bags. They are usually plastic lined and fit tidely into my tote bag that I schlep everywhere.
p.s. I have received a very clever card (from Twisted Yarns) and a postcard from my CASP. Very fun stuff.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
from SP
I had put something on my post LAST WEEK about the cool stuff that I had received from my SP . . . but when she sent me an email about it, I discovered that it wasn't there. Crapola batman!
Among other things, my wonderful SP sent me a tin of Margarita jelly beans . . . unfortunately, it is now empty. . . I even shook it to make sure . . . nope I guess I ate them all. The tin will be perfect for row markers and other little knitting things. I also received from Strawberry Lemonade mix in a very cool plastic strawberry. I also received a pencil holder that is great and bright and is perfect for DPNs. And, two skeins of some pink and purple and gray paradiso from Cat's Meow. It will be perfect for the wrist warmers on the new cover of Knitty (see, that was the reason my blog post disappeared . . . I didn't know what I was going to do with the yarn and the yardage and gauge is perfect for this project!).
Sorry about the delay in posting!
Among other things, my wonderful SP sent me a tin of Margarita jelly beans . . . unfortunately, it is now empty. . . I even shook it to make sure . . . nope I guess I ate them all. The tin will be perfect for row markers and other little knitting things. I also received from Strawberry Lemonade mix in a very cool plastic strawberry. I also received a pencil holder that is great and bright and is perfect for DPNs. And, two skeins of some pink and purple and gray paradiso from Cat's Meow. It will be perfect for the wrist warmers on the new cover of Knitty (see, that was the reason my blog post disappeared . . . I didn't know what I was going to do with the yarn and the yardage and gauge is perfect for this project!).
Sorry about the delay in posting!
4th of July
Phew, it was a great weekend! Four days off work and mucho time to do lots of things.
On Saturday, the girls and I went shopping at an outlet place . . . but managed not to buy many things. The girls were babysitting for a friend's grandchildren and spent the night.
On Sunday, Z-man and I worked upstairs. I reorganized my stamping stuff and updated my stamp binder. Plus, I started hemming Dave's shirt sleeves. He hates wearing long sleeve shirts and I had told him that I would hem his recent long-sleeve shirt purchases. What a pain. It took HOURS. Long sleeve shirts are blousier than short sleeve shirts so you have to make some adjustments and then there just isn't much ease to hem with.
I also finished Wendy's Lucy bag and felted it . . . I will add pictures later. I also finished my bowl for my One Skein SP . . . will add pics later. And, made another smaller bowl with the reverse colors. The second bowl I started and finished Monday evening although it still needs to be felted.
Some of my siblings and some of their children came over yesterday for a picnic. Other friends were supposed to come but they had a flood in their basement and were moving furniture and sopping up a mess. Anyway, those of us who were at the house had a great time. We ate lots of food and drank gallons of coffee . . . which might explain why I was still tossing after midnight. Well, it was that and the fact that the girls went to some fireworks display. I went to lay down at 10:50 and they weren't home. Kept listening and tossing and checking to see if maybe they had managed to sneak in while I wasn't looking (or hearing). I must have dozed off for a couple of minutes and then it was 12:10 and I checked again. The car was in the drive AND they had managed to get to bed quietly!
After everyone left, Dave and Z-man and I sat on the back porch and I balled the yarn for Z-man's Wallaby sweater. Z-man played and had a great time. He is so very fun to be around and is a very sweet kid. I also started his sweater on the bus this morning. The instructions are very clever in that they suggest that you start working the sleeve in order to check gauge.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July. I know that I did.
p.s. I forgot about some of the cool stuff that I got from my Secret Pal . . . I got Margarita Jelly Beans (already been consumed but the tin will be great for little do dads and such), a really cool pencil holder which Lindsey will want but can't have, Strawberry lemonade mix which is staying at the office and two skeins of the Cat's Meow Paradiso which I think will be perfect to make Fetching {http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html} from the new Knitty.
On Saturday, the girls and I went shopping at an outlet place . . . but managed not to buy many things. The girls were babysitting for a friend's grandchildren and spent the night.
On Sunday, Z-man and I worked upstairs. I reorganized my stamping stuff and updated my stamp binder. Plus, I started hemming Dave's shirt sleeves. He hates wearing long sleeve shirts and I had told him that I would hem his recent long-sleeve shirt purchases. What a pain. It took HOURS. Long sleeve shirts are blousier than short sleeve shirts so you have to make some adjustments and then there just isn't much ease to hem with.
I also finished Wendy's Lucy bag and felted it . . . I will add pictures later. I also finished my bowl for my One Skein SP . . . will add pics later. And, made another smaller bowl with the reverse colors. The second bowl I started and finished Monday evening although it still needs to be felted.
Some of my siblings and some of their children came over yesterday for a picnic. Other friends were supposed to come but they had a flood in their basement and were moving furniture and sopping up a mess. Anyway, those of us who were at the house had a great time. We ate lots of food and drank gallons of coffee . . . which might explain why I was still tossing after midnight. Well, it was that and the fact that the girls went to some fireworks display. I went to lay down at 10:50 and they weren't home. Kept listening and tossing and checking to see if maybe they had managed to sneak in while I wasn't looking (or hearing). I must have dozed off for a couple of minutes and then it was 12:10 and I checked again. The car was in the drive AND they had managed to get to bed quietly!
After everyone left, Dave and Z-man and I sat on the back porch and I balled the yarn for Z-man's Wallaby sweater. Z-man played and had a great time. He is so very fun to be around and is a very sweet kid. I also started his sweater on the bus this morning. The instructions are very clever in that they suggest that you start working the sleeve in order to check gauge.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July. I know that I did.
p.s. I forgot about some of the cool stuff that I got from my Secret Pal . . . I got Margarita Jelly Beans (already been consumed but the tin will be great for little do dads and such), a really cool pencil holder which Lindsey will want but can't have, Strawberry lemonade mix which is staying at the office and two skeins of the Cat's Meow Paradiso which I think will be perfect to make Fetching {http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html} from the new Knitty.
Friday, June 30, 2006
I did some shopping
This is an illness. Seriously.
Last evening I stopped at my LYS and picked up a pattern for a hooded baby sweater (my niece and a friend are both pregnant). I also picked up some yarn for both sweaters. Very cool stuff. Bright yellow and deep red. I guess I'm not into "baby" colors for babies. These sweaters are great. They have zippers up the back. Z-man had a sweater that had a zipper up the back and it was wonderful. They get knitted from the hood down.
I also decided to jump in and get the Knitpick needles. I ordered the set. I also ordered a 40" and 60" cable and a size 15 tips.
While I was at it, I also ordered some more yarn. I ordered a couple skeins of sock yarn, some Memories yarn for felted bowls. I'm planning on sending a skein of yarn and a pattern to my SP8 and Summer Fling Pals.
I'm going to send my One Skein Pal some sock yarn and a pattern for some really nice socks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ah, its an illness. A really bad illness, but its safer than transquilizers!!! Gee, I wonder if I could take my knitting habit as a medical expense.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
This is stupid and non knitting related, well maybe
Why is it that I am always the one to find the empty roll . . . you know the empty toilet paper roll, the empty paper towel roll. I thought it was just at home, but twice today, I have replaced the empty roll at work in the coffee room.
Dave too find the empty rolls at home, but the kids are semi-blind to it. I say semi-blind, because they will leave one square on the roll. Therefore, it is fair to assume that they know it is coming to an end but doesn't want to have toe change the roll. I realize that it is sooooooo hard to do so. For the toilet paper in all the bathrooms, it is a matter of either bending down and getting a new roll out of the cabinet or, in the case of the kid's bathroom, we keep them stacked on the back of the toilet (dual purpose in that it keeps them from piling it high with "STUFF"). The paper towels are a little more difficult in that they have to go to the garage . . . hmm, ten steps to the kitchen door, ten steps into the garage, repeat on the return . . . and there isn't a HOLDER. We keep the paper towels on the counter top between the sink and the breakfast bar.
At work, the paper towels are stored in a cabinet directly above the holder.
I know, it is the unwrapping that frightens them. Maybe I'll do a manual or training class on unwrapping.
Dave too find the empty rolls at home, but the kids are semi-blind to it. I say semi-blind, because they will leave one square on the roll. Therefore, it is fair to assume that they know it is coming to an end but doesn't want to have toe change the roll. I realize that it is sooooooo hard to do so. For the toilet paper in all the bathrooms, it is a matter of either bending down and getting a new roll out of the cabinet or, in the case of the kid's bathroom, we keep them stacked on the back of the toilet (dual purpose in that it keeps them from piling it high with "STUFF"). The paper towels are a little more difficult in that they have to go to the garage . . . hmm, ten steps to the kitchen door, ten steps into the garage, repeat on the return . . . and there isn't a HOLDER. We keep the paper towels on the counter top between the sink and the breakfast bar.
At work, the paper towels are stored in a cabinet directly above the holder.
I know, it is the unwrapping that frightens them. Maybe I'll do a manual or training class on unwrapping.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The bowl for the One Skein project is becoming a project. Somehow, I miscounted the cast on. DUH. and have five more stitches. I am at the decrease and have been frogged the last couple of rows more than once. Bah humbug!
Wendy's bag on the other hand will be ready for felting by this weekend. You (whomever reads this) are my witness(es) that it will be done this weekend. Seriously. Really. I will do it as soon as I am finished replacing all the toilet paper and paper towel rolls in the house.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Why is everything taking so long
I finally finished the long strap on Wendy's Lucy bag . . . I think it took longer to knit those 17 stitches 200 times than it did to knit the rest of the bag. I have a good four inches done on the short strap. And, I think I have that whole Kitchner's thing down. I did not cast on Z-man's sweater this weekend. We, Dave, Lindsey and Z-man went outlet shopping. I love shopping with Dave. I always feel so guilty when I buy stuff that is extravagent and he just does it. We bought new cocktail tumblers at Mikasa. They were $8 each and we bought four. He also bought seven new shirts. I have to cut the sleeves off of two of them since he won't wear long sleeves but he really liked the colors.
Anyway, on the way to Lodi, I managed to get mucho of the strap done. On the way back though we took the scenic route and had the windows rolled down. It was a lovely drive and I didn't do any knitting.
Last night (Sunday), I had the tv on, knitting in hand and Elizabeth Zimmerman's instructions on Kitchner's at hand. Dave commented on the fact that I was watching tv, reading and knitting? HA! I am superwoman. I did point out to him finally, that the knitting and reading go hand-in-hand.
We are going to have a discussion over the fact that he keeps messing with my knitting stuff. I have my knitting needle case, two bags (one with books, one with WIP) next to chair. During the summer months, he becomes the domestic diva and vacuums. A lot. And moves the furniture. And keeps messing with my stuff. He picks it up, puts it on the chair that I sit on and doesn't put it back. Makes me crazed.
This morning I was working on my bowl for my one skein SP. But for whatever reason, I have decided that knitting on the morning bus hurts. I must sit funny or something. Maybe I should switch sits. It also doesn't help that one of regular riders gets on and friggin always opens the window. I end up wanting to wrap my knitting around myself. Its morning. I've only been awake 45 minutes. I want to be snuggling in my bed with a blanket and he opens the stupid window. I think, tomorrow, I will sit in his seat!
Anyway, on the way to Lodi, I managed to get mucho of the strap done. On the way back though we took the scenic route and had the windows rolled down. It was a lovely drive and I didn't do any knitting.
Last night (Sunday), I had the tv on, knitting in hand and Elizabeth Zimmerman's instructions on Kitchner's at hand. Dave commented on the fact that I was watching tv, reading and knitting? HA! I am superwoman. I did point out to him finally, that the knitting and reading go hand-in-hand.
We are going to have a discussion over the fact that he keeps messing with my knitting stuff. I have my knitting needle case, two bags (one with books, one with WIP) next to chair. During the summer months, he becomes the domestic diva and vacuums. A lot. And moves the furniture. And keeps messing with my stuff. He picks it up, puts it on the chair that I sit on and doesn't put it back. Makes me crazed.
This morning I was working on my bowl for my one skein SP. But for whatever reason, I have decided that knitting on the morning bus hurts. I must sit funny or something. Maybe I should switch sits. It also doesn't help that one of regular riders gets on and friggin always opens the window. I end up wanting to wrap my knitting around myself. Its morning. I've only been awake 45 minutes. I want to be snuggling in my bed with a blanket and he opens the stupid window. I think, tomorrow, I will sit in his seat!
Monday, June 19, 2006
No knitting this weekend
Okay, simple equation here. There are 24 hours in the day. No matter what day of the week you are talking about there are still only 24 hours in any given day. However, if you stay up past midnight on any given day, you will then be able to really push that whole issue . . . but I guess that would mean that you would have had to get up at 12:01 or something.
Anyway, last week and this week I have way to much stuff to do and 24 hours a day isn't going to cut it.
I was in charge of the United Way raffle that we did last week . . . it went very well. We raised over $1,700. Not too shabby. I was disappointed that I did not win the tickets to WICKED. I did, however, win a gift certificate to a nice restaurant that is a favorite lunch place. I have invited a friend that can't usually afford to lunch and won't even allow me to occasionally "buy." Since it is a freebie, it should work okay.
I had my presentation on Thursday (went very well . . . at least in my mind). It was on Eli Lilly and is a case study for my Capstone course. Ah, capstone, another issue for another blog. I have my case analysis that is due this Thursday. "Should be simple because you are basically using the same information that was used for the presentation in the case analysis." Well, at least that is what the prof said . . . she lied by the way.
So, I have a 12 to 15 page report due this Thursday. I also have to read some Ethics stuff . . . even the prof says is boring . . . and have six worksheets with respect to the reading that is also due Thursday. It is on Confucious, Hinduism, Judai/Christianity, etc. zzzzzzzzzzzz
oops sorry I started to doze . . . .
I didn't knit all weekend. Nothing. Never ever touched it since Wednesday morning. I had school Thursday and it is the only day of the week that I don't bring my knitting on the bus (I review school work instead and don't take a lunch). I had a car pick me up at 5:30 a.m. and worked until 6:30 on Friday, had a dentist Saturday morning and then came straight to the office until 3:30 and then we went to neighbors for the evening. Later, I worked on my paper.
On Sunday, we took Linds to BW for the string camp. She will have a wonderful time. The campers sleep in dorm rooms. They wake at 7:00 and are out of the dorms by 8:30 a.m. They have sectional/orchestra rehearsals and private lessons in the a.m., after lunch they have recreation activities, then dinner, more rehearsals and then more recreation and back to the dorms at 9:30 p.m. The goal is to not only teach the kids how to work as a team and orchestra but to absolutely exhaust them! Check in was at 11:30 and was totally disorganized. I don't think that it was the school that was disorganized more like there seemed to be too many parents that had too many stupid questions. The school specifically said: DO NOT BRING YOUR LUGGAGE OR INSTRUMENTS TO CHECK IN. Anyone want to venture a guess as to how many parents and students were standing there with luggage and instruments????
Anyway, we didn't get home until after 4:00 p.m. Since it was 90+ degrees, Z-man and I first spent some quality time in the pool and then he vegged out watching Wizard of Oz and I wrote thank you notes to all the people who helped with the raffle. After he went to bed, and I had a glass of wine, I went back to my paper. I hate my paper. It is the SECOND last one I have to do and I hate it.
Back to the 24 hours, I don't have time. Nevertheless, yesterday I kept trying to figure out how I could squeeze in time to cast on Z-man's sweater. I thought about bringing the yarn on the bus with me this morning and balling it but decided that would be silly.
Actually, to be honest, except for my bus time, I cannot knit until this paper is done. Well, maybe I'll knit tomorrow at lunch . . . but I probably should work on my paper or the ethics stuff . . . oh, bah humbug.
Anyway, last week and this week I have way to much stuff to do and 24 hours a day isn't going to cut it.
I was in charge of the United Way raffle that we did last week . . . it went very well. We raised over $1,700. Not too shabby. I was disappointed that I did not win the tickets to WICKED. I did, however, win a gift certificate to a nice restaurant that is a favorite lunch place. I have invited a friend that can't usually afford to lunch and won't even allow me to occasionally "buy." Since it is a freebie, it should work okay.
I had my presentation on Thursday (went very well . . . at least in my mind). It was on Eli Lilly and is a case study for my Capstone course. Ah, capstone, another issue for another blog. I have my case analysis that is due this Thursday. "Should be simple because you are basically using the same information that was used for the presentation in the case analysis." Well, at least that is what the prof said . . . she lied by the way.
So, I have a 12 to 15 page report due this Thursday. I also have to read some Ethics stuff . . . even the prof says is boring . . . and have six worksheets with respect to the reading that is also due Thursday. It is on Confucious, Hinduism, Judai/Christianity, etc. zzzzzzzzzzzz
oops sorry I started to doze . . . .
I didn't knit all weekend. Nothing. Never ever touched it since Wednesday morning. I had school Thursday and it is the only day of the week that I don't bring my knitting on the bus (I review school work instead and don't take a lunch). I had a car pick me up at 5:30 a.m. and worked until 6:30 on Friday, had a dentist Saturday morning and then came straight to the office until 3:30 and then we went to neighbors for the evening. Later, I worked on my paper.
On Sunday, we took Linds to BW for the string camp. She will have a wonderful time. The campers sleep in dorm rooms. They wake at 7:00 and are out of the dorms by 8:30 a.m. They have sectional/orchestra rehearsals and private lessons in the a.m., after lunch they have recreation activities, then dinner, more rehearsals and then more recreation and back to the dorms at 9:30 p.m. The goal is to not only teach the kids how to work as a team and orchestra but to absolutely exhaust them! Check in was at 11:30 and was totally disorganized. I don't think that it was the school that was disorganized more like there seemed to be too many parents that had too many stupid questions. The school specifically said: DO NOT BRING YOUR LUGGAGE OR INSTRUMENTS TO CHECK IN. Anyone want to venture a guess as to how many parents and students were standing there with luggage and instruments????
Anyway, we didn't get home until after 4:00 p.m. Since it was 90+ degrees, Z-man and I first spent some quality time in the pool and then he vegged out watching Wizard of Oz and I wrote thank you notes to all the people who helped with the raffle. After he went to bed, and I had a glass of wine, I went back to my paper. I hate my paper. It is the SECOND last one I have to do and I hate it.
Back to the 24 hours, I don't have time. Nevertheless, yesterday I kept trying to figure out how I could squeeze in time to cast on Z-man's sweater. I thought about bringing the yarn on the bus with me this morning and balling it but decided that would be silly.
Actually, to be honest, except for my bus time, I cannot knit until this paper is done. Well, maybe I'll knit tomorrow at lunch . . . but I probably should work on my paper or the ethics stuff . . . oh, bah humbug.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Books, I bought me some books
Ah, someday I will be able to get to them all and make adequate use . . . but alas, it won't be today! Well, especially since I ordered the books from Amazon and they won't be here until Friday!!
Anyhow, I ordered three books from Amazon.com. Two knitting and one really weird one but one that I know that I will use.
The non knitting one will only be appreciated by anyone who has ever had to live through incredib
ly boring powerpoint presentations. They can be hideous and real snorers. It is called Beyond Bullet Points.
Now doesn't that just sound so incredibly exciting!!!
I have a presentation to do Thursday night (a powerpoint no less) and after listening to this guy's podcast and the information he provided, I am going to have to change my presentation . . . oh, yeah, tomorrow is Thursday . . . hmmmm, I shouldn't be blogging . . .
Anyway, the other two books are knitting related and since I am really getting into reference materials, I have decided that I would just buy the things for me. So, at the same time I am getting my powerpoint book, I will be getting:
and
Anyhow, I ordered three books from Amazon.com. Two knitting and one really weird one but one that I know that I will use.
The non knitting one will only be appreciated by anyone who has ever had to live through incredib
ly boring powerpoint presentations. They can be hideous and real snorers. It is called Beyond Bullet Points.Now doesn't that just sound so incredibly exciting!!!
I have a presentation to do Thursday night (a powerpoint no less) and after listening to this guy's podcast and the information he provided, I am going to have to change my presentation . . . oh, yeah, tomorrow is Thursday . . . hmmmm, I shouldn't be blogging . . .
Anyway, the other two books are knitting related and since I am really getting into reference materials, I have decided that I would just buy the things for me. So, at the same time I am getting my powerpoint book, I will be getting:
and
However, I went back and forth on the Yarn Harlot books and moved them to my wishlist. I'll wait another day for those.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Non Knitting Stuff
I have only six more weeks of school . . .
I feel like a kid when we were getting out of school . . . happy dance, happy dance!!!
I have a presentation this Thursday (worth 35% of my grade) and 10-15 page paper (worth 25% of the grade - due a week from Thursday) and then all I have left is a five week Ethics course and the teacher is awesome. He did our Action Research Projects and besides being funny, articulate and cute, he seems really interested in what we are doing and how to do a better job of it. I have to find some nice woman for him. Really, really.
I've spoken with the people at CSU regarding the MBA and the missed classes (will have to make up the Team Dynamics at Progressive in Fall 2007 . . . gee that seems so far away) but will be able to start the rest of the program in mid-August and will be done with my MBA in June 2007 (well, except for that nagging Team Dynamics which will take six hours over two classes times).
Z-man goes to Zoo Camp tomorrow -- 9:00 to 4:00 with all kinds of fun activities -- giving Dave an opportunity to clean his classroom without a five year old underfoot!! Maybe he will be able to get his entire classroom done by Friday. There is a 3:00 p.m. program on Friday for parents.
Linds goes to string camp at BW on Sunday. It is totally different kind of camp for her. And, yes, she does have to take her violin. But she will have a great time. We bought her portable music stand today and extra strings. Phew, those extra strings are expensive! $29 for a set and even though this isn't a knitting post, I can only imagine the yarn I could have bought.
Speaking of which I also bought Size 15 DPNs yesterday at LYS. I need them for the bowls.
We did find knee socks at Target for her for school next year. The school dress code has changed that requires that only knee socks may be worn. She and her girlfriends thought it would be cool if I would knit up a couple pair for them! HA!!!!
Anyway, I need to get back to my presentation . . . and, oh, yeah . . .
Happy dance, happy dance . . . this long process of my getting my BA is finally coming to an end!
p.s. Mom and Dad, I know that you know that I finally did it . . . 34 years after HS graduation but I finally did it!! I love you. Too!
I feel like a kid when we were getting out of school . . . happy dance, happy dance!!!
I have a presentation this Thursday (worth 35% of my grade) and 10-15 page paper (worth 25% of the grade - due a week from Thursday) and then all I have left is a five week Ethics course and the teacher is awesome. He did our Action Research Projects and besides being funny, articulate and cute, he seems really interested in what we are doing and how to do a better job of it. I have to find some nice woman for him. Really, really.
I've spoken with the people at CSU regarding the MBA and the missed classes (will have to make up the Team Dynamics at Progressive in Fall 2007 . . . gee that seems so far away) but will be able to start the rest of the program in mid-August and will be done with my MBA in June 2007 (well, except for that nagging Team Dynamics which will take six hours over two classes times).
Z-man goes to Zoo Camp tomorrow -- 9:00 to 4:00 with all kinds of fun activities -- giving Dave an opportunity to clean his classroom without a five year old underfoot!! Maybe he will be able to get his entire classroom done by Friday. There is a 3:00 p.m. program on Friday for parents.
Linds goes to string camp at BW on Sunday. It is totally different kind of camp for her. And, yes, she does have to take her violin. But she will have a great time. We bought her portable music stand today and extra strings. Phew, those extra strings are expensive! $29 for a set and even though this isn't a knitting post, I can only imagine the yarn I could have bought.
Speaking of which I also bought Size 15 DPNs yesterday at LYS. I need them for the bowls.
We did find knee socks at Target for her for school next year. The school dress code has changed that requires that only knee socks may be worn. She and her girlfriends thought it would be cool if I would knit up a couple pair for them! HA!!!!
Anyway, I need to get back to my presentation . . . and, oh, yeah . . .
Happy dance, happy dance . . . this long process of my getting my BA is finally coming to an end!
p.s. Mom and Dad, I know that you know that I finally did it . . . 34 years after HS graduation but I finally did it!! I love you. Too!
There are days and then there are others . . .
Didja ever just have one of those weeks?? I cannot even begin to tell you how weird this week has been.
Among other things, I had bought some yarn for my One Skein SP project awhile ago. There I was knitting away and, to be honest, I bought the stuff on sale. I talked to the woman at the LYS about it (it was in the $5 bin) and she said "sure it will felt." Today, I was at the same LYS trying to find some yarn for a wallaby sweater for Z-man and the some of the same yarn was in the same bin but this stuff had labels. In fact, one of the staff was rewinding an entire box of different yarns some of which was this stuff. It turns out that the stuff I was going to buy was Superwash. Oh, crap!! I had just spent the last week and two balls of yarn making a bowl that won't felt. LESSON LEARNED: only buy stuff with labels, no matter what the staff says! However, on the upside, when I was knitting with this stuff, I kept thinking what a wonderful cowl it would make. So, I will get a cowl and I bought my SP new yarn to make a bowl (and I did, indeed, read the labels!!).
Z-man graduated from kindergarten this past Thursday. I didn't cry. Really, I didn't. I really only had something in my eye! It was a wonderful ceremony with all the kids, Fr. Mike was great and Mr. H was also wonderful. Fr. Mike introduced Dave and told all the kids and parents how blessed they were to go from Mr. H to Mr. J in first grade. To be honest, it is really wonderful that the school has some incredible males to be role models . . . especially since so many of the kids do not have positive male role models in their lives. Anyway, Fr. Mike also commiserated with Z-man over the fact that next year, he will be blessed (or condemned) by having his father for his teacher.
Fr. Mike started his comments talking about the fact that the garden at the rectory is finally at the point where they can plant flowers (they had a fire a couple of years ago and much of the stuff from the fire was dumped in the garden area). Anyway, he asked for donations of perennial plants. He said that they were, once again, overwhelmed with the generosity of the parishiners and neighbors.
He then proceeded to thank the parents for allowing the school to nurish their flowers and plants . . . in that we have allowed the children to be like the plants . . . cared for and loved by some really wonderful people.
Mr. H, the kindergarten teacher, is a wonderful guy. He presented each of the children with special awards. There were awards for being the most improved, for trying the hardest, for being the friendliest, for being artistic, for being the most energetic, for being a leader, etc. Z-man got an award for alway having a ready smile, every day, morning and evening.
Ah, I sat there and wondered how much this might impact the kids in the long run. Would there always be that point where Z-man isn't just feeling like smiling but will because, after all Mr. H gave him the award for always being there with a ready smile.
It was a wonderful day.
Friday, June 09, 2006
One Skein Pal
I received a skein of Bernat's denim style yarn from my One Skein Secret Pal. It is a purple and white and is almost like a heather. The pattern on the label has a hat and scarf on it. I'm thinking that it will match my youngest DD's winter coat. She is always cold and I can see her hunkered down and snuggling with a warm cap made with her favorite color. Very cool!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Dyeing yarn
I spent some time with my siblings this weekend. One of my older sisters has taken up dyeing yarn. She had two skeins that she did and they are beautiful.
I have started the handles on Wendy's Lucy bag. I was going to do an I-Cord on the bind offs but just couldn't get it to work so I just did a standard bind off. The handles are not that difficult, just tedious. I want to get this done this week and get it felted by the end of the week. I am going to use a balloon to do the shaping for it.
I didn't get mucho knitting done this weekend as I have two much homework to do. This strategic planning stuff is exhausting. I need to really focus and organize it better. There is too much data and we have to whittle it down to five pages. And the worst part is that it is boring!
I have started the handles on Wendy's Lucy bag. I was going to do an I-Cord on the bind offs but just couldn't get it to work so I just did a standard bind off. The handles are not that difficult, just tedious. I want to get this done this week and get it felted by the end of the week. I am going to use a balloon to do the shaping for it.
I didn't get mucho knitting done this weekend as I have two much homework to do. This strategic planning stuff is exhausting. I need to really focus and organize it better. There is too much data and we have to whittle it down to five pages. And the worst part is that it is boring!
Friday, June 02, 2006
My SP8 sent me some awesome stuff
I received a package from my Secret Pal. I don't have my camera with me so I cannot post pictures of everything, but here is what I received:
I have looked at this book sooooo many times. I am so excited. I love bags. I don't know which one to start with. Ohhhhh.
And then . . . there were these:
They are great additions to support my stamping "habit"!
I also received some beaded stitch holders . . . they have beautiful, a pale green, marbelized beads.
I also received a note card set and even though I love the internet and email, I also love sending personal notes and cards. These are beautiful.
There was also a great box which will be a great place to store some of my knitting do-dads . . . and I have lots of them . . . but then again, you can't have too many!!
Again, thanks so much. I love this stuff. What fun.
I have looked at this book sooooo many times. I am so excited. I love bags. I don't know which one to start with. Ohhhhh.
And then . . . there were these:
They are great additions to support my stamping "habit"!
I also received some beaded stitch holders . . . they have beautiful, a pale green, marbelized beads.
I also received a note card set and even though I love the internet and email, I also love sending personal notes and cards. These are beautiful.
There was also a great box which will be a great place to store some of my knitting do-dads . . . and I have lots of them . . . but then again, you can't have too many!!
Again, thanks so much. I love this stuff. What fun.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
HAPPY JUNE!
I love June.
I love the weather and the beginning of the season. I love working in the garden and doing battle with the weeds!
I love the fact that my kids will play outside.
I love going to bed with all the windows open and waking up to the sounds of the birds. I will even tolerate my oldest daughter's complaining about the lack of air conditioning because the birds twitter louder than she does.
I love the fact that school is almost over and Dave and the kids will spend quality time at home and he will tell them to leave me alone at work. He is the sweetest guy. I love the fact that because he will be home, the dishes will be done and dinner will be ready. I love that he takes them places (the zoo, the dentist, the doctor, the orthodontist) and doesn't resent doing this.
I love sitting on the back porch in the evening, with a glass of wine and watching the kids swim in the pool. Or sitting on the back porch with Dave and a glass of wine and knowing that the kids are all tucked in bed.
I love June.
I love the weather and the beginning of the season. I love working in the garden and doing battle with the weeds!
I love the fact that my kids will play outside.
I love going to bed with all the windows open and waking up to the sounds of the birds. I will even tolerate my oldest daughter's complaining about the lack of air conditioning because the birds twitter louder than she does.
I love the fact that school is almost over and Dave and the kids will spend quality time at home and he will tell them to leave me alone at work. He is the sweetest guy. I love the fact that because he will be home, the dishes will be done and dinner will be ready. I love that he takes them places (the zoo, the dentist, the doctor, the orthodontist) and doesn't resent doing this.
I love sitting on the back porch in the evening, with a glass of wine and watching the kids swim in the pool. Or sitting on the back porch with Dave and a glass of wine and knowing that the kids are all tucked in bed.
I love June.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Memorial Day Weekend
What a wonderful weekend. Our weather has been "iffy" for a week, including the fact that Tuesday evening we had a frost and some of our plants were damaged. But Saturday, the weather started getting sunnier and warmer and by Monday it was 90 degrees.
Saturday, Dave, Z-man, Lindsey and I went to JoAnn's. Much of the stuff was on sale and I had a coupon for 10% off of everything (sale priced items too!). We bought a tree for the family room . . . one that I cannot kill. I picked up some more yarn for the hat for Dave's student who is losing her hair. Lindsey picked up two pairs of flip flops and some funky yarn to decorate them with a friend . . . they had a great time.
Since I can only get Dave into Joann's about once a year, I also wanted to get his input into new fabric for the dining room chairs. The Z-man is getting to the point where I want to get him out of his booster seat but the fabric on his chair is totally worn and disgusting plus all the chairs need to be firmed up a bit better.
The fabric was on sale for 60% off plus the additional 10%. We found a nice floral print that will look great. Funny thing is that when we got home, we discovered that it was almost the same pattern as the chair in our family room but the background was a little darker.
Saturday night, I stayed up until about 3:00 a.m. doing a really bad job on my homework. Shouldn't have done that. It was probably a total waste of time.
On Sunday, Dave, Z-man and I worked in the garden. It was hot and sunny so we took many, many breaks. When Sarah got home from work she joined us. We finished up around 6:00 p.m. and jumped clothes and all into the pool. It was heavenly. My butt and the backs of my legs hurt.
Sunday night as I watched the news, I had time to reflect about Memorial Day. My youngest sister has two sons in the service. One is in the Marines and is currently in Iraq. The other son is in the Navy and he is currently based out of Florida but cruising someplace. I pray that they both return home safely. I also pray for all those friends and families who have lost loved ones in any conflict on both sides. For everyone who dies, there is a mother and father and others who mourn their loss.
I remembered a Palistinian mother who was very upset when someone called her young son who was a suicidal bomber a "martyr for the cause." She was furious. She said that he wasn't a martyr but a tool used by madmen. Her pain was palatable.
I also remembered the mother and young wife from Brookpark, Ohio, who talked about the sacrifice of their son/husband. Their pain was also palatable.
I have my Dad's picture that was sketched when the USO went through the hospital in the Phillipines during World War II. My Dad was in the hospital for a year and he sent this drawing home to his mother. She framed and hung it in her dining room. I am sure that for her at the time her pain was palatable. He was so sick and she wasn't sure that she would ever see him again.
Memorial Day is a day to honor those who serve and those who have sacrificed. But in many ways it doesn't pay tribute to the mothers who bore and raised these children. Those who made sure that they went to school and learned how to ride a bike, who stood proud when they joined the military even when their heart was breaking. It doesn't pay tribute to the young wife or husband who stays at home and prays that they will return or must receive the folded flag when they don't. They deserve a tribute too.
Honor the troops. Pray for peace.
Saturday, Dave, Z-man, Lindsey and I went to JoAnn's. Much of the stuff was on sale and I had a coupon for 10% off of everything (sale priced items too!). We bought a tree for the family room . . . one that I cannot kill. I picked up some more yarn for the hat for Dave's student who is losing her hair. Lindsey picked up two pairs of flip flops and some funky yarn to decorate them with a friend . . . they had a great time.
Since I can only get Dave into Joann's about once a year, I also wanted to get his input into new fabric for the dining room chairs. The Z-man is getting to the point where I want to get him out of his booster seat but the fabric on his chair is totally worn and disgusting plus all the chairs need to be firmed up a bit better.
The fabric was on sale for 60% off plus the additional 10%. We found a nice floral print that will look great. Funny thing is that when we got home, we discovered that it was almost the same pattern as the chair in our family room but the background was a little darker.
Saturday night, I stayed up until about 3:00 a.m. doing a really bad job on my homework. Shouldn't have done that. It was probably a total waste of time.
On Sunday, Dave, Z-man and I worked in the garden. It was hot and sunny so we took many, many breaks. When Sarah got home from work she joined us. We finished up around 6:00 p.m. and jumped clothes and all into the pool. It was heavenly. My butt and the backs of my legs hurt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday night as I watched the news, I had time to reflect about Memorial Day. My youngest sister has two sons in the service. One is in the Marines and is currently in Iraq. The other son is in the Navy and he is currently based out of Florida but cruising someplace. I pray that they both return home safely. I also pray for all those friends and families who have lost loved ones in any conflict on both sides. For everyone who dies, there is a mother and father and others who mourn their loss.
I remembered a Palistinian mother who was very upset when someone called her young son who was a suicidal bomber a "martyr for the cause." She was furious. She said that he wasn't a martyr but a tool used by madmen. Her pain was palatable.
I also remembered the mother and young wife from Brookpark, Ohio, who talked about the sacrifice of their son/husband. Their pain was also palatable.
I have my Dad's picture that was sketched when the USO went through the hospital in the Phillipines during World War II. My Dad was in the hospital for a year and he sent this drawing home to his mother. She framed and hung it in her dining room. I am sure that for her at the time her pain was palatable. He was so sick and she wasn't sure that she would ever see him again.
Memorial Day is a day to honor those who serve and those who have sacrificed. But in many ways it doesn't pay tribute to the mothers who bore and raised these children. Those who made sure that they went to school and learned how to ride a bike, who stood proud when they joined the military even when their heart was breaking. It doesn't pay tribute to the young wife or husband who stays at home and prays that they will return or must receive the folded flag when they don't. They deserve a tribute too.
Honor the troops. Pray for peace.
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