Friday Fill In - 12/12/2008

1. Friends are gifts from God.
2. Good health; it's sometime genetic, sometime luck and lots of work (eating right and exercising).
3. I'm ready for the weekend or vacation or both.
4. Rolling over onto my husband's pillow in the morning and lingering in his smell is one of my favorite smells.
5. The oldest ornament I have are ornaments that our parents got us when we were teens (dated - probably 1969 . . . it was the year my brother got out of the Army and both of my older sisters got married . . . reducing the kids at home to four).
6. Take some one box of angel food cake mix and a can of crushed pineapple, mix it all together, bake per cake instructions and you have a heavenly low fat dessert.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to staying up until Lindsey gets done with her swim meet so I can pick her up, tomorrow my plans include taking Zachariah to swimming, cleaning the house (including the breakfront) and setting up Christmas tree and Sunday, I want to go to Mass, do the Christmas cards, clean and clean and clean.

Secret Pal 13 - Package

I order most of my presents online and have all packages delivered to my work (my mail man has "issues" with boxes and packages and has been known to lean boxes against my mail post out by the street rather than pulling in the drive). Anyway, so I have been getting boxes and packages delivered for a couple of weeks now. Most I check and make sure that it is correct, reseal the box and stack them under my desk. So, yesterday, I got this envelope from Robyn's Nest and says "Yarn Kit." Since I do not buy things for myself during this time of year, I couldn't recall what it was that I had ordered. Trust me, I love Robyn's stuff but just couldn't remember what I had ordered.

I didn't.


My secret pal did!!!! Look at what I got . . .


This yarn is fabulous. It is Sweet Surrender Spark Sock Yarn, in Sunshine colorway. The color is incredible.

The package also included stitch markers, a pattern disk, size 2, 32" circular needles, candy and a little rubber duck!

So very cool!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Knitting stuff and Christmas -- EDITED -- see RED text

I am a failure. Okay, some of you have convinced me that I am not a failure. I guess failure is too strong a word. So what is the word for "biting off more than they could chew"? Oh, and a procrastinator too.

I started this season planning early. I made the two elf hats. I started LOTS OF STUFF and didn't finish a thing, except the elf hats. Bah humbug and all that stuff.

I have no excuse except that instead of sticking with one thing until it was done, I would start something then start something else and then something else and something else . . . and go back to one or the other and just didn't finish anything.

Zachariah's socks, both of them, are completed to the heel. I mean, seriously, how hard could this be!

I have one and a half gauntlets made in one yarn, started another pair in another yarn (need to tick this one back . . . way too small needles!).

I have the flower patch mitten done to the thumb gusset. Which is perfect if the person I am making these for only needed one mitten. Unfortunately, they need two and I am not sure I like it anyway. Way too dark, but warm.

I have the Lucy bag mostly done, more than half way through the Lucy bag's first strap.

Lindsey informed me that she didn't like her hat and wouldn't wear it anyway. At least I didn't get it done before this announcement. But, she would like a pair of knee high slippers, like these. She will be lucky if she gets these instead.

Zachariah asked me about his sweater. The sleeves are done. The body is done to where I have to attach the sleeves. Sigh.

Sigh.

Sigh.

Sigh.

And, I have to have cataract surgery probably before year end because, surprise, surprise, I cannot see anything out of my left eye. Do you suppose I could milk the cataract surgery for months of not having to do anything except knit and read?

So, the way I look at it, I can either really apply myself, and not sleep, and get some things done or figure that I am way ahead of schedule for next year.

Miscellaneous stuff

I found this on Jerry's blog and thought I would share with all of you

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I am the middle of eight. My sister was born 14 months before me, and lived only a short while. Her name was Linda Ann, and I like to believe that my name came from a combination of her name and my Mom.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? A couple of weeks ago, at my friend's home, when she talked about her husband who died last year.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Gosh no, but my kids do.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Pepper turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Three. two girls (22 and 14) and a son (7).
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Probably. I am fun, even if I do say so myself.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Yes.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? fear of heights, not a chance
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Wheat Chex
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Butter Pecan
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their hands
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? fat
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Mom, every day.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO DO THIS? Sure. I love learning more about others.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? black
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? 1/2 Turkey sandwich with mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato, honey mustard and a cup of chicken vegetable soup.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Through a Glass, Darkly (book on CD)
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Deep Green
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Frying Bacon, fresh brewed coffee, baking bread, baby hair
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My daughter
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I, ummmm, borrowed it from Jerry. And yes, I like Jerry.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? baseball, football, basketball, tennis, golf, swimming, I guess I would rather not
27. HAIR COLOR? brown
28. EYE COLOR? green hazel
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Pizza
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Sleeping with the Enemy
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? maroon
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? do I have to choose
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? cheesecake
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Through a Glass, Darkly
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have one. I use a touch pad
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? didn't watch tv
42. FAVORITE SOUND? my kid's laughing
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? California/Oregon/Washington coast
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can remember so many really silly stupid things and can not only relate what was said, but who was sitting where and what they were wearing.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Cleveland, OH

Simple Woman's Daybook - 12/08/08

FOR TODAY ~ Monday, December 8, 2008

Outside my Window... it is cold. We didn't get as much snow as had been predicted and it is supposed to be 40 degrees tomorrow!
I am thinking... this past weekend was good. We enjoyed fun and laughter.
I am thankful for... gift of patience, sense of humor, spirit of adventure
From the kitchen... stuffed shells, brocolli/cauliflower, mushrooms & onions, garlic bread . . . and leftovers tonight!
I am creating... all of kinds of things and not finishing anything. I cannot knit without lots of light
I am going... to have cataract surgery by the end of the year . . . hopefully
I am wearing... black (shoes, tights, slacks, shirt and sweater) The shirt and the sweater have "stuff" on them.
I am reading... listening to Twilight
I am hoping... to finish the shopping tonight, you know "THE SHOPPING."
I am hearing... the radio announcers discuss how really bad the Browns are this year
Around the house... need to get organized, especially if I have surgery
One of my favorite things... listening to the kids laugh together
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... shopping tonight, Lindz' first swim meet tomorrow, Lindz' violin lessons on Wednesday, Lindz' school concert on Thursday, Lindz' second swim meet on Friday . . . oh, and work and our department party on Friday and work and . . . sleep, yes, have to get some sleep in there.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Lindz and her friends went to homecoming the Tuesday before Thanksgiving . . . yes, they go to an all-girls school . . . no, they do not have a football team . . . yes, most of the girls go to other schools' homecomings . . . no, they don't care if they did, they still want their own homecoming. So the students have a powder puff football game against the teachers and then, a dance.


In order: Elise, Lindsey, Cortney and Abby . . . Cortney and Lindsey have been best friends since second grade. Elise is incredibly mature and Abby is really bright but very scattered. My DH thinks she bleached her hair to match her personality!

Christmas meme

Kathy had a Meme on her blog about Christmas so I snagged it.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? My hubby is allergic to EVERYTHING so we have had an artificial since the get go. Two years ago, we bought a pre-lit.
3. When do you put up the tree? this year, it will be on the 13th and the 14th -- it takes the entire weekend (and will be a perfect excuse as to why we cannot go to a function that we don't want to attend . . . gee, we have plans . . . sorry about that!).
4. When do you take the tree down? before Martin Luther King weekend . . . which is when we celebrate Zachariah's birthday.
5. Do you like eggnog? YES
6. Favorite gift received as a child. a winter coat in 9th grade. It was sooooo grown up!
7. Hardest people to buy for? my daughters. They are picky.
8. Easiest person to buy for? my son. He isn't picky.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I plead the 5th on this one! LOL.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? As soon as I find something and think "what a good Christmas present
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No (although I have given presents to charity shortly after receiving them).
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? fruitcake
16. Lights on the tree? yes.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I LOVE all Christmas songs and can listen to all year.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home and my extended family comes to my home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel. Grew up with a star. But when we got our first Christmas tree, my hubby told me about being a child and being at a friend's house and seeing the angel on the tree. He loved it. His parents were not the best and often their holidays were sad. He said that he always remembered his friend's angel and saying to himself that someday he would have a huge tree with an angel on the top. He does. He always will.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning -- no matter how much the kids ask.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? the advertising that starts in October
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? we have a very eclectic tree with HUNDREDS of ornaments. If we find something unusual or special, we buy it. My hubby is a sucker for those.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We have been doing appetizers only for dinner with my family. My siblings all have in-laws to visit and eat at. We don't so they come to our house and have appetizers and visit and then go to their in-laws for dinner. It works.

Friday Fill in - 12/05/08

We need not to be let alone.

We need to be really bothered once in a while.

How long is it since you were really bothered?

About something important, about something real?
-- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, 1953

1. Snow is great . . . as long as you are inside, by the fireplace, sipping wine or hot chocolate.
2. I'm looking forward to Christmas (my most favorite holiday . . . I enjoy the Christmas Eve Mass, the excitement that crinkles off the children and I like to see if I can surprise people with great presents).
3. Christmas is the best holiday ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Bonanza.
5. I'm done with the shopping for my kids (and don't buy anything for my husband -- thank goodness that we made THAT decision the first year we were married).
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is Christmas Eve Mass.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to laundry (seriously), tomorrow my plans include eye doctor (to check on my cataract -- it is worse), 4:30 mass (Lindsey is playing the violin) and Chuck and Michelle's party (they are great friends) and Sunday, I want to finish making the cards for my Christmas exchange at work!

Totally distracted

Did you just ever have one of those days weeks where you just couldn't get it together and motivation was just . . . .

I think it is because of the holiday and travelling and eating and meetings and drinking and meetings and travelling. First of all it is THURSDAY. My sister called to tell me that her surgery went okay. And, I being the ever vigilant older sister said, "I thought you were having it tomorrow." I had even made a note for myself to call her later to wish her well. Oh, and by the way, it is my other younger sister's birthday. Make note to call her. Jeez.

I also have a cold that is just making me feel murky. Not sick just sssssllllllooooowwwww.

And, by the way, I work with stupid people. Seriously. I am in charge of the Holiday Project. The woman who has been in charge for the last ten years is currently being treated for Lymphoma. She is doing well and just came back to work part-time yesterday. She looks great but can only manage about four hours (which, frankly, I think is incredible). She has a wonderful outlook (as she said, there is an upside, her prep time for work has been cut in half since she doesn't have to play with her hair!).

Anyway, because of her dedication to the holiday project, we decided to focus our efforts on those agencies who provide services to those with cancer, their family and caregivers. We have wish lists from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Malachi House (a local hospice for the indigent), The Gathering Place (a local support center) and Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospitals Child Life Department. So, the signs have gone up (we have Christmas trees on every floor -- 15 trees in all -- a sign by every tree identifies the agency being "served" by that floor).

So far today, someone has removed two of the signs. You might ask "why." I did. Actually, I think when I found out about the second sign being missing, my response was something like "what the f*&%!" Turns out that one of our departments is having a meeting and "borrowed" the signs for their purposes. Stupid. Did I mention that the signs not only list the agency and the wish list for the agency but the floor captains and their EXTENSIONS. Would it have been too hard for this stupid jerk to call someone and, oh, I don't know "ask" or at least inform? Ah, but I forget, the person that borrowed the signs is a diva and a very important diva in her own mind.

Once the sign issue was resolved, I received an email from one of the floor captains. She wanted to know (because she had been asked) whether we would taked used items. Hello. This is a holiday project.

Then I got a call from another person informing me that the gift cards being requested by one of the agencies is going to be used by that agency to buy items needed and not given to the people being served by the agency. She wanted to know if I was "okay with that." "NO, by God, they must give it to some kid who has cancer and isn't allowed out of the hospital and that way instead of having a game to keep him occupied in between bouts of illness, he can look at his Target gift card and know that someone gave it to him."

Oh, I am so crabby. But feel so much better. Thank you for letting me vent.

Janet - dear friend

Janet
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

This is a pic of Janet. Janet is my bestest girl friend. We have known each other for almost 29 years. She will be 70 next Monday. She moved from Ohio to Dallas this past January. Her husband had died in November and she wanted to be near two of her sons who live in Texas.

Anyway, all four of her sons (ages 50, 49, 48, 47) and their families, her brother and his wife (from Florida), her cousin (from Los Angeles) and I gathered together on Friday at her home to celebrate her birthday. It was early because her boys were going to be there for the holiday and figured it would be a good time to do so. Most of her grandchildren were in attendance too. It was loud and fun.

Her husband had died of Alzheimer's last November. He had been diagnosed 20 years previously. When he was diagnosed, Janet's father had recently died and her mother, who was an invalid, came to live with them. Actually, it was her mother who noticed that he was having some serious problems.

Janet took an early retirement at age 62 to take care of him because he just couldn't be home by himself anymore. Last September he had collapsed (at my home) and was hospitalized. The social workers and doctors said that he couldn't go home, yet, but was not sick enough to be in the hospital. He needed to have 24 hour rehab care. In many ways, the decision was a blessing. It was one that most of Janet's friends felt should have been done earlier, but would have been very difficult for her to make. By the social workers and doctors making the decision, it was out of Janet's hands. Needless to say, he died before he was ever able to return home. Probably, for the first time in 20 years, Janet had freedom to live.

She looks good for a almost 70 year old, although she was complaining that she was getting gray but only on one side. LOL.

Her sons were admonishing her that she needs to call them every morning to let them know she is okay. She responded that she might start doing that, but if they can never get in touch with her, they should call me since she talks to me almost every day or at least emails me (or I her) almost every day.

She is a dear friend. I miss her and it is really a blessing to have email and relatively inexpensive long distance!!

flower patch gauntlets

flower patch gauntlets
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

I am using the flower patch sock pattern and making gauntlets for one of my coworkers for Christmas. I am using Wool of the Andes and Noro Silk Garden. It is loverly.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 11/25/08

It is a day late . . . and next week, it will either be done on Wednesday or not at all . . .


FOR TODAY
Outside my Window... it is raining. But it was supposed to be snowing. I prefer rain over snow.
I am thinking... that I need to make my appointment for physical therapy.
I am thankful for... my health, in spite of the physical therapy stuff . . . there are so many that are not healthy
From the kitchen... made city chicken on Sunday with mashed cauliflower and sweet potatoe fries (baked, actually, not fried), and bread
I am creating... Janet's Lucy Bag. I am onto the straps
I am going... to my sister's for Thanksgiving
I am wearing... black slacks, red sweater, black and gray checked jacket
I am reading... nothing, I have become a slug
I am hoping... to become unslug like when I return
I am hearing... cars slushing through the rain and, oh yeah, my heater clicked on!
Around the house... it is a sty . . . seriously, nothing is getting done.
One of my favorite things... chili, so explain to me why I ate veggies for lunch. sigh.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... taking off from work tomorrow, making cheesecake and an angel food thingee, Jane and Joe are coming over tomorrow evening, going to Peg's house for Thanksgiving, leaving for Dallas on Friday at 6:50 a.m., going to Janet's birthday party (well, going is not really the right word since I am staying at her house and the party is there), she has plans for us all weekend.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... my future son-in-law's daughter got Flat Stanley from school and I took it to Washington with me.

Friday Fill Ins - Friday, November 21

1. The last band I saw live was Elton John at Blossom Music Center.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is spending time with my family and laughing.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is almost done, I hope.
4. Thoughts of decorating fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear high heels without my feet hurting or limping.
6. Bagpipes remind me of marching into St. Colman's on St. Patrick's Day with the pipes playing and drums whirling. It brings tears to my eyes.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to nothing, tomorrow my plans include go out to my daughter's future in-law's farm for the day and dinner and Sunday, I want to relax and maybe make some cards!

Contest by Kalurah

Contest, there is a contest that I want to tell you about.

Actually, it is a super cool contest so don't miss it (although if you enter and win . . . . then I don't . . . hmmmmmm).

Anyway, go for it friends. You won't be sorry. And Kalurah's items in her shop are fantastic and her photography is well worth a visit to her blog.

ELF Hats - DONE!!

Well, I finally finished Mary's ELF Hat. Seriously, I needed to add the pompom at the top.
The hat is actually much longer than the picture looks (23 inches without counting the pompom). Also, the colors actually look better in "real life" than they do in this pic. I also made one for Zachariah.



Both hats: one for Zachariah and one for Mary. The one with the blues is for Zachariah and, to be honest, I like it better. The colors go better together and even the red looks, I don't know, redder?

The label is from Dave Daniel's in honor of his Aunt Linda. She had provided him with the memory as a boy. The goal is to knit the hat and on Christmas morning leave it outside for your child (grandchild, nephew, niece) to find. Hopefully, the goal is that they find it and believe that they found a hat that an ELF lost the night before.

Here is a pic of the label that I received from Dave.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 11/17/08

FOR TODAY ~

Conscience is what makes a boy tell his mother before his sister does.
-- Evan Esar

Outside my Window... it is cold and snowy, depending on where you live. Where I live (about 20 miles west of downtown Cleveland), we have a dusting of snow. If you go 20 miles east of downtown Cleveland, they have about 8" of snow. I glad I live west.
I am thinking... seriously glad that I live west of Cleveland. It all has to do with the edge and shape of Lake Erie.
I am thankful for... have I mentioned the snow and how happy I am that I live West of the city?
From the kitchen... it was a very busy weekend. We had steak and baked potatoes and broccoli for dinner on Saturday night. Yesterday, Dave spent the day at school moving desks and fixing computers, etc., so we stopped at White Castle (I have never had White Castle) and picked up burgers and fries. Not bad. The cool thing is that they have sweet potatoe fries (yummy).
I am creating... a Lucy bag (shhh)
I am going... to go get my breakfast as soon as I am done with this (LOL)
I am wearing... brown slacks, green shirt, floral sweater
I am reading... Mobility (very boring)
I am hoping... to get my Christmas shopping done soon.
I am hearing... not much of anything, it is very quiet (snow does that)
Around the house... Dave and I cleaned the garage (after dinner Saturday night) and in time to get our vehicles parked in it. It was a blessing this morning to be able to just walk out and get in the van without dealing with snow and/or ice.
One of my favorite things... hot tea with good cookies or biscotti.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... I have a presentation on Friday. I need to get a handle on the budgeting issues. Lindsey has swimming early a.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... exciting isn't it. It is my bike. It has been put away until Spring. I miss it already.

and if you are looking for Simple Woman blog, please go here.

Friday Fill In - 11/14/2008

1. Please feel free to share my blog.
2. When I bake bread I can't help sniffing it occasionally.
3. My favorite thing to cook is lasagna.
4. Laughter is something I can't get enough of.
5. That's the thing I love most about my husband.
6. People at meetings that always ask questions that have already been answered at least once or more always makes me think to myself, what the heck?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include coordinating a Reconciliation Retreat for the second graders at our church, 4:30 mass and Sunday, I want to put my feet up!

A day late . . .

During World War II, my Dad was in the Army, stationed in the Philippines. Six months before the war ended, he (and many of his comrades) came down with yellow jaundice and spent a little more than a year in the hospital. At one point and while he was still in the hospital (actually, on 9/24/45), one of his friends did this pencil sketch of my Dad. My Dad, in turn, sent it to his Mom who had it hanging on her wall in her dining room. After Grandma died, my Dad got the sketch back. Against my Dad's better judgment, my Mom hung it her sewing room. And now I have it. And yes, he was this good looking.

I miss you Daddy. Thank you for everything. For the sacrifices for your family and your country. For the pain you suffered for years. For your love. For your patience (five daughters/one bathroom . . . the man was a saint). And for your kindness and gentleness.

May we never forget the sacrifices made by so many in order to keep us safe and secure.

Orchid - first bloom

While I was travelling during the last week of October, I was really concerned about my orchid. The plant was ready to bloom before I left and I kept thinking that the silly thing would bloom while I was gone. However, when I got back to work, the biggest bud had yet to open. When I came into my office last Friday, this is what I saw . . .

and here it is up close and personal.

Isn't this just loverly. I bought the orchid plant a year ago at Smith & Hawken's store in Crocker Park. It was discounted as they wanted to get rid of plants in order to put up the Christmas stuff.

Orchid plants, per se, are not pretty. But the blooms! Well worth the wait.



The plant now has many other blooms.

Seriously, I have people that walk past my office and come back to ask, first, "are they real" and then "wow, how did you get that to do that?"

To be honest, I just did what the packaging and instructions said. Trimmed it back and watered it.

Pretty cool stuff!

And so you might ask me why I keep this at the office . . . because I am here more than I am at home. Of course, it also doesn't help that it is now swim season and Lindsey has to be in the water in the early morning (5:15 on Wednesday and Fridays and 5:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays) which puts me in the office by 5:45 every morning, and, as you can see from the window behind the orchids, it is pitch black outside. The only light is those being shed by the Browns stadium. So for now, when I get here so early, I have a lovely thing to look at.

Simple Woman - 11-10-08

FOR TODAY ~

We learn something every day, and lots of times it's that what we learned the day before was wrong.
-- Bill Vaughan

Outside my Window... I am home today (the washer repair guy is coming sometime between 10:00 and 3:00) Many of the trees have lost their leaves but there are still some that are lush with bright reds and yellows. Since the temp dropped quite a bit over the weekend and this morning it was icy, we have red and yellow that look crystalized.
I am thinking... I would like to work four days a week. I could work from home. I wish my company wasn't so ensconced in a traditional work day pattern.
I am thankful for... gas prices that are under $2.00
From the kitchen... last evening we had baked chicken (crusted with corn flakes -- mix mayo with italian seasoning and some garlic salt, rub chicken breasts in it and then press into crushed corn flakes), cabbage and noodles (too many noodles to the cabbage), brocolli (steamed) and garlic bread. Tonight we are having pseudo stuffed cabbage (or lazy woman's stuffed cabbage . . . you don't make cabbage rolls, you just mix the ground meat, rice, cabbage, onions, seasonings, diced tomatoes, top with a can of tomato soup and bake).
I am creating... Lucy Bag for Janet; socks for Zachariah; gauntlets for Lindsey
I am going... to finish my cleaning the upstairs
I am wearing... jeans (it is Monday and I am at home), a black sweatshirt, slippers
I am reading... not much of anything. I am supposed to be reading Smila's Sense of Snow but have not even started it. I also have to do a presenation a week from Friday and need to prep for that so I really don't have time to read anything except some professional journals.
I am hoping... that last week wasn't our Indian summer and that we will have at least one more week of warm weather
I am hearing... the wind blowing through the trees
Around the house... the washer died after one load on Friday evening. A repairman was coming on Saturday but never showed up. I called another guy yesterday and he is supposed to be coming today. Yesterday, Lindsey, Zachariah and I schlepped the laundry to a laundromat. If it weren't so expensive, it would be a great way to do it. We had everything washed, dried and folded within 75 minutes.
One of my favorite things... spending time with my family (even when they are annoying).
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... meetings, flu vaccine, more meetings, swim team practice every morning (except Mondays), first reconciliation retreat on Saturday
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... one of the pics I am considering for our Christmas card enclosures.

SP 13 Questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
wool; I despise acrylics and fingerlash yarns

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
some containers

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
40 years or so ago . . . my grandmother taught me, cables and mohair. My level would be advanced . . . although I really prefer straight knitting

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
you betcha, see my blog lists

5. What's your favorite scent?
NONE

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Heath's bar, of course I have a sweet tooth.


7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
stamping and scrapbooking

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
soft rock

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
green . . . I can't stand yellow

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married. three kids. cat -- outside

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
yes.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
anything felted

13. What are you knitting right now?
felted bag and socks.


14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
circulars


16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
yes


17. How old is your oldest UFO?
huge secret

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Christmas and Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
no


20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
anything Vogue

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
not right now

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I am just starting knitting socks but don't know my foot measurements

23. When is your birthday?
10/09

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes, mlj1954

a project

On November 28, I am going to Dallas to spend the weekend with a friend. Her sons are having a 70th birthday part for her. As it turns out, I was invited to attend a meeting on Monday, December 1, so I will be going down the Friday before, spending time with Janet, attending my meeting on Monday and returning to Cleveland on Tuesday.

Janet had commented on how much she like my Lucy Bag. So, I am going to make her one. This morning (really early), I wound the yarn, have the needles . . . now all I have to do is find the pattern.

Friday Fill In - 11/7/2008

1. My blueprint for success includes making lists.
2. Butterfinger was the last candy I ate.
3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer.
4. Knitting can be good therapy.
5. I'd like to tell you about my job, but then . . . . .
6. Sense of humor is my strongest characteristic.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having Lindsey's friend spend the night, tomorrow my plans include swimming in the a.m. and going to a reverse raffle* in the evening and Sunday, I want to go to mass in the morning, making dinner and enjoying time with my family!

________________

* A reverse raffle is when instead of the first ticket being drawn is the winner, the last ticket being drawn is the winner. Usually, the grand prize is about $2,000 and the last four people will split the pot . . . and then sometimes, one of them will want to hold out for the entire pot.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 11/03/08

Pay no attention to what the critics say... Remember, a statue has never been set up in honor of a critic!
-- Jean Sibelius, quoted in Bengt de Torne "Sibelius: A Close-Up" 1937

FOR TODAY ~
Outside my Window... the sun is shining and it is going to be a beautiful day.
I am thinking... I need to open the stack of mail waiting for me and turn in my time
I am thankful for... having a job
From the kitchen... lasagna, yummy. I made enough for two nights.
I am creating... socks (how about that, my new passion)
I am going... to work as a poll worker tomorrow
I am wearing... brown slacks, burnt orange shirt and brown sweater with fall leaves (very seasonal)
I am reading... Third Degree by Greg Iles (good read)
I am hoping... to finish socks tomorrow
I am hearing... files being moved around . . . we are shifting space
Around the house... bikes are being put away, cars will be parked in the garage
One of my favorite things... reading
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... working the election tomorrow; taking Wednesday off; going to Book and Bean for knit group on Wednesday evening while Lindsey is at violin; going to reverse raffle at Z's school.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... while in DC last week we were invited to a private tour and dinner (Wolfgang Puck runs the catering) at the Newseum. The Newseum opened in April. It is fascinating and a must see if you are ever in DC. Here is the link to it.

PA300105
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

This is a piece of the North Tower that is now at the Newseum which opened in April 2008. On the wall behind it, are front pages of newspapers from around the world. I will post other photos that I took in DC. Mostly at the Newseum. We were allowed to have dinner up on the top floor which has an outside patio overlooking the Smithsonian and the Art Museum. To the left was the Capitol and the Supreme Court; to the right was the Washington Memorial.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 10/27/08

FOR TODAY ~

It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.
-- John Andrew Holmes

Outside my Window... it is dark . . . it may snow today . . . not the sticking kind of snow . . . the kind that is rain turned to snow turned to rain turned to snow . . .
I am thinking... I need to dig out my gloves (isn't that a riot!)
I am thankful for... my family, even when they irritate me.
From the kitchen... pulled pork, sliced and baked potatoes (with onions), green beans with bacon
I am creating... socks for Zachariah . . . I figured that maybe if I start with the kid with the smallest feet, I might even finish a pair!
I am going... to New Jersey and Washington
I am wearing... brown slacks and orange shirt and green sweater . . . with trees and leaves on it . . . I look like Fall.
I am reading... Mobility (its for work . . . very boring, well not always).
I am praying ... that my sister's surgery for her nerve decompression on both feet and legs (she is diabetic and has diabetic neuropathy) goes well. She will have one surgery on Thursday, October 30 and the second on December 4.
I am hearing... not much. It seems to be very quiet around here.
Around the house... I am packed and ready to go. Zachariah and I played all day yesterday. No vacuuming, no sweeping, no dusting . . . I did look at the tree in the family room and though it needed a bath but I should have done that when it was warmer outside.
One of my favorite things... Fall . . . I love the changes in the air and the trees.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week.... I leave for NJ tomorrow morning (early . . . like 5:00 a.m.), meeting in Somerset, train from Trenton to DC, meetings in DC all week, return to Cleveland on Friday in time for Halloween. On Saturday, Lindsey, Wendy (my neighbor), Sue (Wendy's sister) and I are attending the Speaking of Women's Health Program, sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic. We have gone about 5 times. It is well worth the money and the time.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

late September 2007 036
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

This is what fall looks like off my back porch . . . The pool is closed for the season. The trees are changing colors (it seems a little bit slower and more sporadic this year . . . usually, the trees all start changing colors at the same time so . . . this year the changing has been spread out more). The darkening sky. Because we sit right on Lake Erie, we get what is called "Lake-effect clouds." Of course, with Lake-effect clouds, we often get "Lake-effect snow." Lake-effect snow is caused when the air temperature over the land is very cold and the Lake water is still warm. The moisture from the Lake when blowing over the land can cause Lake-effect snow. Fortunately, it is not cold enough yet. My husband likes to call it the Lake Erie Cloud Machine. The clouds can be totally awesome and a great show . . . better than anything on tv.

Whoduknit - Trick or Treat Swap Package

These pics really don't do this package justice. My package came from Barbara. It is fabulous. It included two books, Kay Hooper's If there be Dragons and Greg Iles' Third Degree.

Two skeins of Patons' Kroy Sock stripes in great browns, oranges (more burnished oranges than orange orange) and black, along with a patter for the Old Shale Smoke Ring.

It also included a bat washcloth (and your knitting is incredibly neat and precise), a knitted bookmark, two packets of M&M limited editions (razzberry and wild cherry), a package of limited edition Margarita Jello, along with a handful of dumdum suckers. The package also included halloween socks that make noise (gee should I wear them on the plane coming back from DC on Halloween?).

And, this is great, a loaf of bread. A wonderfully beautiful loaf of bread. We are going to be having it with dinner tonight. We would have had it last evening but by the time I got home, my hubby had already made dinner (hash, eggs and toast).

Thanks so much Barbara. This was an incredible package.

Friday Fill In - 10/24/2008

I think that one possible definition of our modern culture is that it is one in which nine-tenths of our intellectuals can't read any poetry.
-- Randall Jarrell

1. Right now, I'm feeling satisfied . . . I just ate eggs, rye toast, coffee. Yummy.
2. Home in bed with a good book and my knitting is where I want to be.
3. How does one convince their boss that working from home would be a good thing? Well, maybe he knows that I want to be home and in bed.
4. My calendar and to-do lists keep me on track.
5. Please don't play with my yarn.
6. My family fills me with joy.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include weigh in at 8:00, take Zachariah to swimming at 9:00 and the Library afterward, take Lindsey to Sarah's house in the afternoon, Mass at 4:30 and Sunday, I want to sleep in, pack for my roadtrip, share dinner with my family!

pishhhhh

What this country needs is more free speech worth listening to.
-- Hansell B. Duckett

So yesterday I took off from work. Since I have eight vacation days that I have to use before year end, it was a good day to sleep in, have lunch with a friend and go to the doctor

`

It was a relatively successful day . . . in the grand scheme of things.

`

I slept until 7:30 (I think it was the garbage trucks trucking on down the street that woke me), took a shower and then decided that since it was quiet, it would be a good time to attach Zachariah's sweater arms to the sweater body. BUT, I cannot find the sweater body. What the heck.

`

Hmmmm, it should be next to the chair in the family room. Nope. Pulled the chair out, reorganized my knitting needles, again. Found some self-striping sock yarn.

`

Oh, maybe its in the closet. I took everything out of the closet, put summer clothes away, bagged up stuff that needs to be given away, found more yarn (I really should go on a yarn diet. Seriously . . . I could open a shop).

`

I know, its by the sewing machine, found more yarn (Oh, dear Lord). Spread all the yarn I found on the bed and sorted it by weight or type (I have some handspun stuff). And, seriously, I could do a multitude of projects without buying any yarn. No, really. I AM GOING ON A YARN DIET.

`

I cannot find it. It is in a bag. Somewhere. But, I was running out of time and now have resorted and restored the yarn, cleaned the closet and under the chair.

`

I met my friend for lunch. We were semi-successful in watching what we ate. We each had a cup of chicken soup and split a sandwich. Okay, the sandwich was a Reuben but it was really good. We also discussed the reconciliation retreat that I am organizing for our 2nd graders for their First Reconciliation. My friend is the Director of Religious Education at my church. It is November 15. We pounded out the details. I plan the thing, talk through the details with her, she makes suggestions and communicate the details to the parents. We decided that our theme would be As Light as a Feather, with the idea being that after reconciliation, your heart is light as a feather. Lots of fun with feathers. Now I just need to sell the thing to Fr. Neil.

`

I dropped Sandy off at church, went home, read the newspaper and went off to the doctor. My doctor is not a happy camper. When she came into the exam room, she was thrilled to see me knitting (too many people do too techno stuff and it makes her crazed . . . this being said while she boots up my records on her computer . . . LOL). My blood pressure is good as is my cholesterol. On the other hand, I am pre-diabetic, overweight, my hips, knees and back hurt, etc. etc. etc. So, she wants me to do water aerobics (easier on the hips, knees and back), get up from my desk at least five minutes every hour and walk around, go for physical therapy and lose an entire person. Seriously. She suggested surgery (according to her I am a good candidate, relatively young, healthy and grossly obese . . . what a horrible term). I would have surgery in a minute. My insurance company does not currently cover that option. So, it will be physical therapy, continue with WW, and water aerobics. How fun.

`

And to the success of my day off, I only checked emails once and voice mails once. How cool is that!

Presidential Election Contest with Abigail and Augustus

Are you as tired of the Presidential campaign as I am? I have to admit that I am now keeping a CD in my van because we have commercials every other minute on the radio. On Sunday, I flipped channels and couldn't come up with any music . . . all political commercials. Bah humbug!

Given that, however, I thought you might enjoy abigail and augustus presidential race poll. You should go here and check out this contest on Bea's Blog! Also, if you let her know where you came from, I get another point. Now, how cool is that!!

And good luck!

Simple Woman's Daybook - 10/20/08

FOR TODAY ~
Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.
— Gloria Steinem

Outside my Window... it is Fall. The leaves are changing and beginning to fall.

`

I am thinking... I am bored. I need to find a good project (at work) to keep my mind off the projects I would rather be doing at home.
`

I am thankful for... my daughter finding love. He is kind and good, sweet and gentle, hardworking and honest. She is blessed
`

From the kitchen... Chicken Parmesan, Tortillini, corn, garlic bread . . . it was a delicious if not monochromatic dinner
`

I am creating... baby hats for Save the Children . . . click here for information.
`

I am going... to NO meetings this week. How cool is THAT!!!
`

I am wearing... brown slacks, beige shell, an oriental themed brown/gold/green jacket
`

I am reading... magazines . . . catching up on my magazine reading
`

I am hoping... for a quiet week, full of laughter (is that being quiet though? hmmm?)
`

I am hearing... traffic, radio, people arriving at work
`

Around the house... cleaning out clutter. moving summer clothes to storage and winter clothes to closet.
`

One of my favorite things... eating dinner with my family (whether it is just Dave and I and the kids; or when my sisters and brothers and their families are all together).
`

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... physical on Wednesday (I have decided to take the day off); cleaning clutter from office; start working on next year's budget (for work).
`

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

. . . . a pic that I took in late summer, one of the ones being considered for our Christmas cards . . . .

P9210019
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

Save the Children - Pass this information on!

Charity Feature - as posted on Lion Brand's website:

Four million babies die each year within the first month of life in poor countries. Save the Children and the Warm Up America! Foundation have joined forces to encourage people who knit and crochet to make hats for newborns. This simple solution, which provides warmth to newborn babies can help improve the survival rate.

"We are thrilled to partner with Save the Children on this initiative," said Mary Colucci, executive director of Warm Up America! Foundation. "We are encouraging knitters and crocheters of all ages to host gatherings with friends and families, local community groups, or classmates, and to help us spread the word through their social networking sites."

The caps will be distributed to pregnant women and new mothers and their babies in Save the Children's global programs. Early next year, Save the Children will also take the notes to the President-elect in Washington, D.C.

Celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Debra Messing (of Will and Grace and The Starter Wife) and Lisa Edelstein (of House) have picked up needles and hooks to participate.

Knitters and crocheters can make hats using any pattern they wish, but keep in mind that because the babies that Save the Children serves are often low birth-weight, the caps should be on the smaller side. A circumference of 9 to 11 inches is ideal. Any smooth, washable yarn can be used.

You can go to Save the Children website by clicking here.

For information and patterns from Lion's brand, you can go here.

Friday Fill In - 10/17/08

1. Follow the yellow brick road and you will find that it leads to home.
2. Knitting and books are something I always take with me on vacation.
3. To achieve your goals, you must be willing to make sacrifices, adjust, and change.
4. I am incredibly shy and have a tendency to laugh at myself is something I'd like you to know about me.
5. I have four sisters and two brothers.
6. Rootbear floats with a bit of chocolate sauce . . . yum!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being home with Dave on a Friday (he has been scoring Friday night games since April), tomorrow my plans include dentist appointment, WW, being a eucharistic minister at 4:30 mass and Sunday, I want to do as little as possible!

I've just so never gotten into that . . .

I do not want people to be agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them.
-- Jane Austen

Seriously! A co-worker who eats lunch with me often is, ummmmm, how can I say this, and be politically correct, an annoying prat. I was thinking something else but annoying prat works well.

I've become a knitting fiend. I was also a semi-closet knitter. I knit at home and when I travel and when I'm visiting my sisters. I have taken knitting some places (like meetings at church) where I know that I can sit in the back and quietly knit away.

I knit on the bus but trust me when I tell you that my bus riding is like riding with family. I kid you not when I say that we all sit in the same seats, generally arrive at the transit center at the same times every day and, in many cases, park in the same spots. I have had my bus riding family ask what I am knitting, or have someone who normally doesn't sit with me, plop down to find out what I am knitting now.

It has only been in the last month that I have been taking my knitting to lunch. I had on occasion, especially when I was in a time crunch, but now I do it every day.

So, to the annoying prat, today one of the other women that sits with us often, said "gee, I should get you to teach me how to do that." A snort emitted from the annoying prat.

Then someone stopped at our table to see what it was that I was doing because she "knows it wasn't the thing I was doing the other day." The annoying prat, got up, said "sit here . . . I am so tired of people asking what it is that she is doing . . . I've just so never gotten into that . . . " and off she went. Weirdo.

I shouldn't be surprised. If we are not talking about something of specific interest to her, she will get annoyed. For example, a bunch of people we work with scrapbook and I mean serious scrapbook. They go to this really cool scrapbooking retreat at a local college every February. And, they have a blast. It isn't just the scrapbooking. It is spending time with friends, eating, drinking and being merry and getting some serious scrapbooking done. I am planning on going this coming year.

Anyway, the week after the scrapbooking retreat, she got annoyed anytime anyone mentioned it, to the point where she finally said something like "when are we going to be done discussing this?" Weirdo.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

So, why do we have her join us for lunch? Because no one else puts up with her. Thank you for listening. I feel so much better!

Oh, and by the way, this is what I am currently knitting. Pretty cool!

The economy and positive spins

The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable.
-- John Kenneth Galbraith

~

Saw this quote and it just made so much sense.

~

When I was working on my MBA and we had to take several finance classes, the one student was trying to get the professor to answer some of her very pointed questions. She wanted him to explain to her how she could plan her savings, investment and lifestyle strategy so that she could retire at age 50.

~

His response was that the only way that anyway could guarantee that is if the stars and the moon align correctly in the sky . . . and all things remain aligned forever . . . in other words, there aren't any guarantees.

~

I have consistently put money in my 401k since we were allowed to do so, probably 25 years now. I would never, ever have been able to save the kind of money I have saved. I generally ignore it. Unfortunately, in order to be eligible for scholarships at my daughter's school, you have to complete a PSAS (Private School Aid Service) form. One of the questions you have to answer is how much you currently have in your savings, including 401k. Bah humbug. It is down by 26% . . . now, since I have been investing for 25 years, I still have a rather nice nest egg, it is just down by a lot . . . a really big lot. On the other hand, I'm not planning on retiring for another ten years and in light of this economy, a good thing!

~

So, in trying to keep a positive spin on things:

~

• It is good to see that gas prices have dropped so much (I paid $2.73/gallon on Sunday; Dave paid $2.63)
• I still have enough in my 401k that, if it became necessary, I could pay off my house and still have money left over
• We are all healthy
• The kids are doing well in school
• Sarah is in love and Kyle is a great guy with a good head on his shoulders.
• We are eating out of our freezer (a good thing which we do every fall and saves a boatload of money)

~

I hope everyone is holding their own.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 10/06/08

I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it.
-- Rita Mae Brown

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window... it is especially quiet . . . it is Columbus Day and since my office is surrounded by government buildings, there is very little traffic (both cars and people).
I am thinking... I should have taken that job with the government when it was offered 36 years ago . . . LOL
I am thankful for... the job I have. I am well paid, work with great people and generally have a good time.
From the kitchen... made stuffed shells on Saturday and we will finish them on Wednesday. Yummy (italian sausage, cottage cheese, spinach, mozzarella, garlic, mushrooms, onions)
I am creating... fingerless mitts from Joann's Sensations Soles and More. If you want to see a pic, go here.
I am going... to start working out every morning (hopefully) once our fitness center is finished.
I am wearing... black slacks, pink shell, black and gray jacket
I am reading... Dead until Dark
I am hoping... to do better at WW this week
I am hearing... the radio and people arriving at work
Around the house... I should have really dusted this weekend, but I didn't. Too bad. LOL.
One of my favorite things... not dusting . . . LOL.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Parents Advisory Committee meeting at SJA this evening, Athletic Boosters meeting at SJA tomorrow evening, knitting group at Books and Bean on Wednesday (while Lindsey is at violin), taking Paul out for lunch with the rest of the managers on Friday (at the Harp), ignoring the drop in my 401k.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Zachariah doing his Buddy Holly/Elvis Presley imitation.

Friday Fill Ins - Friday, October 10

1. One of the best concerts/plays/movies I ever saw that I really didn't think I'd like was Elton John out at Blossom in 1981. Super fabulous.
2. Chicken Marsala is a recipe I recently ordered that was delicious!
3. It's time for cleaning out the garden beds.
4. Iced tea is quite refreshing.
5. If I never hear the word "DUDE" again, it'll be too soon.
6. To one side of the curving road was a hunter, and on the other was a deer with a no hunting sign over his head.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to enjoying the evening because I am taking Friday off and getting my haircut, tomorrow my plans include going out to lunch for Dave's birthday and Sunday, I want to find a lace pattern!

Time . . . fleeting and flitting away

Time is that quality of nature which keeps events from happening all at once. Lately it doesn't seem to be working.
-- Anonymous

This has never been truer than when you look at the knitting you want to get done for Christmas.

I was at a knitting gathering at a local coffee shop last evening and some of these people are just incredible in the stuff that they are making and want to finish by Christmas.

Me, I would like to be done with Mary's Elf hat . . . which if you want to see progress on it, you will have to go here since the blogger gods will only allow me to post one picture a week or something.

and maybe Zachariah's sweater

and Lindsey's hat

and Janet's bag . . . ooops that has to be done by the end of November . . .

Lindsey and John Homecoming 2008

Lindsey and John Homecoming 2008
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

Lindsey went to St. Ed's homecoming with John. She has known John for almost three years. They had gone to CYO Camp together. As it turns out, he lives only about five miles from our house.

Strangely enough, Lindsey was thrilled when his mother drove them to homecoming. It isn't that she didn't trust John's driving (he has had his license for three months), it was that Lindsey knew that Dave was going to embarrass her by asking to see John's driver's license. Nothing wrong with that but she would have been mortified. I on the other hand got to explain to her that if she would ever feel uncomfortable or anything ever happens where she thinks she needs us, she should call. "Oh, Mom! He goes to St. Ed's." Uh huh, and soooooooo.

She looked beautiful and they had a great time and her feet hurt because they did so much dancing. She also had leg cramps the next day because . . . she isn'tused to wearing shoes with heels!

SP 12 Swap

SP 12 Swap
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

This is the pic of the wonderful things I got from Nelda for the SP 12 Swap.

I had posted earlier about everything that I received from Nelda but finally was able to get a pic posted. The package included:

This package was super fabulous. I hope I remember everything:

two HEATH Bars (I love Heath bars)

one LARGE milk chocolate, almond and toffee bar (I mean HUGE)

Learn to Knit Socks (I am determined)

Initialled stationery: mini memo & pad; Magnetic listpad; note cards

Laura Ashley journal

Some really cool embellishments for my scrapbooking

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Things I Learned from Knitting, whether I wanted to or not

Two skeins of Cascade Quatro Yarn in a wonderful blue/green/gold colorway. It is a highland wool and a total of 440 yards

Two skeins of Louisa Harding Ca'd'Oro (Wool/Acrylic/Mohair mix in a green/gold colorway (about 140 yards)

One skein of Pagewood Farm's Hand-Dyed sock yarn in greens (serious greens . . . several from light to dark) (about 450 yards)

A smiley tape measure

Crystal Palace Bamboo Needles (size 2)

Ann Budd's the knitter's handy guide to Yarn Requirements

Sock Shaped Point Protectors

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 10/06/08

FOR TODAY ~

People that are really very weird can get into sensitive positions and have a tremendous impact on history.
-- Dan Quayle

Outside my Window... it is raining. It wasn't supposed to rain. My umbrellas is in my living room, at home and I am at work.
I am thinking... I am going to get wet going home unless it stops raining.
I am thankful for... being able to feel the rain and hoping that this will be the most difficult or tiresome thing I have to deal with all day . . . . LOL . . . that is so funny!
From the kitchen... nothing . . . we went out last night
I am creating... finished Zachariah's ELF hat. Started Mary's. Frogged Mary's. She has such a tiny little head. I think I may have to drop another ten stitches.
I am going... to journal all my food this week. I have been doing rather well in this whole lifestyle change thingee
I am wearing... black slacks, purple shell, black sweater . . . woo hoo, two weeks in a road that I didn't wear red on a Monday!
I am reading... Dead until Dark (the October read for Whoduknit)
I am hoping... to get Mary's hat done soon so I can start Janet's bag. I frogged the MS4 again, sending beads and yarn flying. I cannot do it when people bother me.
I am hearing... birds . . . there are birds in the trees outside my window
Around the house... Dave is home today (Polish Festival at school). Therefore, dinner will be ready, all the sheets will be washed and he will probably vacuum. He is so good.
One of my favorite things... DAVE (see above)
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Dave's birthday is tomorrow (57). My birthday on Thursday (54). That's it.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Dave made an appointment to close the pool next week. This is a pic of one of the first times Zachariah was ever in the pool. He loves the water and spending time in it. He takes swimming lessons on Saturday mornings. It is great fun. He was seven months old in this pic.

Friday Fill In - 10/3/2008

I'm glad I didn't have to fight in any war. I'm glad I didn't have to pick up a gun. I'm glad I didn't get killed or kill somebody. I hope my kids enjoy the same lack of manhood.
-- Tom Hanks

1. October means a change in season, colorful trees, hints of winter and Dave's and my birthdays.
2. Politicians scare me!

3. Leaves are falling all around, it's getting cooler and means it will be great sleeping weather.

4. My favorite horror movie is NONE because I don't watch them. I did like Sleeping with the Enemy though.

5. Laughter = good memories.

6. It was a dark and stormy night and I was inside looking out.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending the evening with Janet, tomorrow my plans include swimming, WW, lunch (after WW . . . LOL!), Lindsey's going to homecoming with John and Sunday, I want to go to church, attend a fundraiser with Janet and Dave and dinner out!