So what have you read?

Instructions:
1) Look at the list and put an 'x' after those you have read.
2) Add a '+' to the ones you LOVE. (I added a - sign for the ones I didn't like)
3) Star (*) those you plan on reading.
4) Tally your total.

How many have I read? 61 (granted some go back to High School English classes)

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen x
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte x+
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling x+
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee x+
6 The Bible x
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte x
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell x -
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens x
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott x +
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy x
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller x -
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare (I've read a lot of Sir William, but not all of his work.)
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier x+
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien x -
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger x
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger x
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell x
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald x -
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens x
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams x -
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck x
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll x +
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame x +
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy x
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens x +
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis x +
34 Emma - Jane Austen x
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden x +
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne x
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell x
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown x+
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meany - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery x
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood x
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding x
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan x
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel x
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons x
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens x
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley x -
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez x
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck x
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov x
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas x
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding x+
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville x
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens x
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett x
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce x
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens x
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker x
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro x
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White x
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Alborn x+
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle x
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery x
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams x
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole x
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute x+
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas x
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare x
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl x
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo x

She may not live to see 15

A+
F
A+
F
A+
D-
F
F
F
A+
D-
A+
A+

So, you might ask is this some weird pattern?
Could it be a code?
No, it is my darling Lindsey's grades from her Honors English class. Currently her average is a D-. English, her most favorite subject in the world. The A+ are Homework grades, the Fs and Ds are from quizzes.

The school uses a program called PowerSchool. Unfortunately, since the start of this semester, PowerSchool wasn't working. Everything hit last Thursday and the initial average grade was an F. Lots of things happened after they hit.

I sent an email to her teacher and Lindsey which basically said:

"Lindsey,

Unless you have a really good reason why you have an F in English, and a B- in Chemistry and Algebra, you will be grounded until all of them are at least a B+. No exceptions, including Youth Ministry, Winter Formal, talking on the phone and just plain "hanging out."

I would like to suggest that maybe you should try, oh, I don't know, how about studying?

We will talk tonight.

Love,

Mom"

Her teacher is fabulous. Before he got my email, he had already tracked her down at school and talked to her, including telling her that he is available during any activity block to work with her.

He also sent me an email. I responded. He responded. I called. We talked. His concern was that there was such a huge gap in her grades. He said that through discussions in class, he knows that she has read everything she is supposed to read but is obviously not paying attention to the details.

Lindsey, of course, responded that he asks such inane questions. The nerve. Even though he told all the students that because this is the study of American Literature which includes the study of the authors, they will need to know such wonderful details like birth years and death years, some of the history of the time, etc. The nerve. She isn't happy when we say that he can ask anything he wants. He is the teacher. He told them what to expect. Pay ATTENTION to the DETAILS. Read it more than once. Take notes.

Keep in mind here, that both Dave and I have been in school almost full time through 2007. Dave finished his Masters in 2000, I went back to school in 2001, finishing with my MBA in 2007. She is used to us studying. She has watched us take notes, do homework, write papers (with the MLA handbook open and used). Dave is a teacher. Complaining about teachers, homework, questions on quizzes or having to study does not cut it in our household.

The school sent a letter which received on Saturday. She has to go to a "special" study hall during activity block every day through at least Friday. At that point, her grade gets checked. Dave did ask her how many Honors students are in the special study hall. He got "the look."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She did go to Andrew's winter formal on Sunday night. He had paid for the tickets, etc. However, they did not go to her winter formal which was on Saturday night.

Monday (there was no school), she headed towards the computer. I asked her what she was doing and she said "checking my email." Nope.
She wanted to go to Youth Liturgy practice last evening. Not.
She was appalled when she found out that our computer and phones can be checked to see who/what/when.

I understand that I cannot block her from checking email or socializing at school, but for Lindsey not being able to talk on the phone, computering, etc. is devastating.

We did tell her that spending a boat-load of money to send her to a private high school is a privilege. If she doesn't get her grade up, we will move her. Period.

Hip Mountain Mama Contest - Win a Zuma Bag

Three posts in one day . . . Wow.

Anyway, I wanted to make sure that everyone knew about the contest over at Hip Moutain Mama.

Enter and you can win Namaste new Zuma Bag. I don't know about you, but I love bags, especially new ones in great colors.

So go on over to Hip Mountain and sign up!

Photos from the weekend

Lindsey and Andrew (a Sophomore at St. Ignatius High School) went to St. Ignatius' Winter Formal on Sunday. He and his parents belong to our parish and they got to know each other through Youth Ministry and Youth Liturgy.

He is a great kid and I really like his parents.





By the way, the pencil sketch with the yellow birds, just beyond Andrew's left shoulder is a sketch that Lindsey did for Dave and I last year.

And here is another one.

Lindsey said that they had a great time. There were a number of kids at the dance that she knew.

She also said that Andrew knows how to do ballroom dancing and so they danced all evening and he spent a lot of time with her teaching her steps and how to dance. She said it was soooooo much fun and really very nice to not just be standing and "swaying" to the music.

Also, Sarah called me on Friday at work to tell me that Kyle had asked her to marry him and he gave her a ring. They were gone all weekend. So, my fun was that I never told Lindsey or Zachariah (he would have blabbed). Sarah got home before Lindsey did on Sunday and had gone to bed early. When she was up in the morning, I had her go wake Lindsey to tell her and show her the ring.

It was great fun with lots of screeching and hugging all around.

They are talking about a spring, early summer wedding. So I have a little more than a year to lose lots of weight and knit up a shawl.

Cocoa Swap Package - from Laurie

I received a fabulous package from Laurie. These pictures just don't do it justice!! She really did a grand job.

I received SEVEN packages of a variety of hot cocoa mixes. Yummy. I will have to definitely pace myself. A beautiful blue mug which will be perfect for those cocoa sipping times and a set of Stampin-up stamps (Year Round Cheer).

She also sent along a pair of Knitpicks Harmony tips (size 9). If you have never tried these needles they are wonderful. She also sent a skein of Magallanes 100% woold (hand-dyed by Araucania Yarns - Chile). The yarn is my most favorite colors (blues and greens, a lovely combo).

Shortbread cookies and chocolate dipped stirring spoons to go along with the hot cocoa. Along with a darling lamb which is currently perched on my adding machine watching me type this. The lamb is a cute little scarf wrapped nicely around its neck and Laurie knit me a neck warmer to match (a good thing since my office is frighteningly cold this morning).

Thank you so much Laurie this is a wonderful package and is greatly appreciated!

Friday Fill In - 2/13/2008

1. It seems like there are just too many people with their hands out . . . and it isn't the people that are need but states, counties, companies . . . and will they just continue doing business as usual or will they make appropriate changes?

2. Put the toilet seat down and wash your hands with soap and water when you're done, please?

3. If I thought you would read the directions before starting, I'd quit hovering!

4. Joy and happiness is what I think of most when I think of you.

5. To me, Valentine's Day means not a lot. Dave may buy me some chocolate covered strawberries which is sweet but which isn't exactly what I would prefer.

6. The Lord gives me strength.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet evening, tomorrow my plans include Lindsey's sectionals (all day) and Sunday, I want to relax, but Lindsey is going to Winter Formal with Andrew!

Cocoa Swap Topic #4 - Winter Doldrums

As we head into those doldrum parts of the Winter season (thank you very much Puxatawney Phil for seeing your shadow yet again)… It makes you dream of the seasons you love…

What is your favorite season?

Spring . . . no Fall . . . no Spring . . . definitely Spring

What do you love most about that season?

We got married in April.

The smell.

The new growth, seeing the first green of the season

What is your favorite thing to do NOW to keep you from stressing about MORE winter to go?

hybernating (right I have three kids!)

cleaning

decluttering

Oh, and our new favorite, we Wii almost every night!

more weather stuff

Thought for today:

Perhaps imagination is only intelligence having fun.
— George Scialabba

I dropped Lindsey at swimming this morning at 5:30 (we are down to the final week of early morning swimming). It was 52 degrees, with this being the forecast for today:


Hi: 61°
Showers in the morning...then occasional showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
Lo: 35°
Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers in the evening...then showers likely after midnight. Very windy and cooler with lows in the mid 30s. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph. Gusts up to 50 mph...possibly increasing to 55 mph after midnight. Chance of rain 70 percent.

My niece lives in Davis, CA. This is her forecast:
Hi: 52°
Rain showers. Highs 48 to 54. South winds 10 to 20 mph with local gusts up to 30 mph.
Lo: 40°
Rain showers likely. Lows 35 to 41. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

A dear friend lives in McKinney, TX. And her forecast:

Hi: 67°
Sunny...breezy. Highs in the upper 60s. West winds 15 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Lo: 39°
Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Northwest winds around 5 mph shifting to the east after midnight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is so unusual for Cleveland. I am in awe.

Of course, the forecast for the rest of the week is:

52°F
Current:Mostly CloudyWind: E at 0 mphHumidity: 92%
Thu43° 27° (chance of showers)
Fri40° 23° (chance of snow showers)
Sat32° 22° (chance of snow)

weird weather and odd February

Okay, so I was checking on some of my favorite blogs. The Twisted Knitster lives in Orange, CA and he has the weather bug on his blog. His current temp (at 8:11 a.m. on 2/10/9 EST) is 37 degrees.

~

My temperature at the same time is 47 degrees. In February. When we left the house this morning at 5:10 a.m. (it is the last week of swimming practice, unless they get pass regionals . . . which isn't going to happen . . . just sayin'), it was 41 degrees. The high for today is forecast to be 59 degrees. The high tomorrow is forecast at 61, that would be Wednesday. Just for the record, the last two Wednesdays, we had snow. Lots of snow. Last week we got 12 inches. The week before we got 14 inches and ice and bitterly cold (like 10 degrees) and most of the schools were closed. Of course, last week, I announced to my workplace that if it was snowing this Wednesday, I am not coming in!

~

And is it any wonder why everyone in my house is walking around with a cold?

Simple Woman's Daybook - 2/9/09

If necessity is the mother of invention,

then resourcefulness is the father.
— Beulah Louise Henry

FOR TODAY
Outside my Window... the sun. Seriously. It was 43 degrees on Friday, 50 degrees on Saturday and 48 yesterday.
I am thinking... Mother Nature is playing with our heads
I am thankful for... four seasons . . . even when I complain about them and their various extremes
From the kitchen... dinner last night was good . . . left over meatloaf, cut into bite size pieces, sauted with 1/2 pound Italian sausage, pepperoni, onion, pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes and a variety of different pastas (penne, bowtie, twirly stuff). Yum. Especially good way to use up the meatloaf
I am creating... nothing. Spent the weekend fixing, repairing, hemming, cleaning.
I am going... to keep walking in my bathroom and smiling . . . nothing like a clean bathroom to make you feel all warm and fuzzy (gee, don't I have high expectations).
I am wearing... black slacks, purple shell, black sweater, cluster grape earrings
I am reading... And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
I am hoping... to finish it by tomorrow.
I am hearing... the radio
Around the house... clean. It all started with the toilet in the master bath (it broke and had to be replaced) and snowballed from there. To the point where I have BANNED the kids from using that bathroom. Seriously mean. However, we do have two other bathrooms, one of which is strictly their's and that Dave and I don't use.
One of my favorite things... music. I love music. All kinds (except rap). This past Saturday night was the Youth Liturgy and their music ROCKED. Seriously, joyous and praising God and family. Lindsey plays the violin at Youth Liturgy and they practice on Tuesdays and play the first Saturday of the month. The day of the Mass, they start practicing at 3:00 with Mass at 4:30. I take my knitting to that practice and sit and listen to the joyous sound. I am not alone, there are generally four or five other parents there early too.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... swimming practice EVERY morning, meeting tomorrow night, Regional swim meet on Saturday (this is likely the end of the road for this year), enjoying the freakishly warm weather
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


A couple of days of especially warm weather and we lose the snow . . . .

Snow, snow go away

These are actually in reverse order (Blogger sometimes just eludes me).

This is the snow we received on Wednesday, February 4. We got an additional 12 inches.

Last Sunday, February 1, Zachariah spent lots of time in the snow. The temperature was about 40 degrees and the snow was piled high!

if you go back and look at the first pics you cannot even see where he had played on Sunday! Go figure.

Friday Fill In - 2/6/9

1. Please don't tell anyone how much I weigh. LOL.

2. Can you make good decisions in the morning?

3. The color red makes me want to smile!

4. I have a craving for hot fudge.

5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it at the first time I held my kids.

6. Eyes are incredible gifts . . . I have had problems with mine (they are "fixed" now, thank you very much) and I cannot imagine not being able to see.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being home, tomorrow my plans include WW, swimming, library, 4:30 mass, dinner and Sunday, I want to finish the taxes, even though they are recommending that you don't file anything until 2/11 . . . oh yeah, that's next week!

Inspired Approach

A friend forwarded me the following. It is a message to be sent and the cost to you is the cost of the envelope, a $.42 stamp and the time to address the envelope and mail it.

Your will, Lord Jesus Christ! Nothing more... nothing less... nothing else.


Dear Friends and Intercessors:

This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.

As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to President Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.

Here is what I would like you to do:

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

On the back, write the following message.

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.
It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.
Responsibility begins with conception.

Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this information to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the President.

WW @ Work

We are starting a WW @ Work TODAY. I am the coordinator. The upside of having and @ Work and being the coordinator is great:

• We have over 30 people. I get a 75% discount on my registration which means I will pay $46 for the 17 weeks.
• I will be inspired as the role model for all (LOL - I make myself laugh sometimes)
• It is so convenient to go to meetings. Seriously convenient. No excuses.

Now, all I have to do is get off my butt and move it and things could fall into place. I have set a couple of concrete and attainable goals:

• journalling every day . . . even the bad and ugly parts of it
• water -- both drinking it and participating in water aerobics classes
• walking -- my back hurts, a lot, so I have to figure out the best way to do this. That pain and my asthma make walking outside almost impossible. But, I have access to a fitness center. You might ask how much it costs to join the fitness center? Hmmm? Oh, its free. Its a perk for working here. We have fabulous fitness center and locker room and showers and its open 24/7. Again, no excuses.

My niece is getting married in 21 weeks. If, IF I focus, I can lose a minimum of 21 pounds AND if I really work at it, I can lose 42 pounds. This is something I have done before. Wish me luck.

Superbowl Commercials.

I have to tell you that this is my most favorite Superbowl commercial. I didn't watch the game, but I do enjoy reviewing the commercials.

By the way, Aunt Kathy is having a contest the entire month of February! Go here for her blog and contest.

I haven't been getting a whole lot of knitting done. The thing that I have been working on, I've decided that I don't like the pattern (not Lindsey's scarf), the other thing pictured in yesterday's post. The bottom was okay, I just don't like the pattern up the bag. Hmmmmm. I do believe it is time to frog. Also, the person that I was eating lunch with yesterday finally said to me, "you don't look like you are enjoying doing that." She was right. I don't like it. Don't enjoy it and need to frog it. However, it is for a swap so I either need to do something else or keep going on this one!

Simple Woman's Daybook - 2/2/09

"Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world.

It beats money and power and influence.

It is no more or lessthan faith in action."

- Henry Chester

FOR TODAY
Outside my Window... the SUN is shining, the sky is blue, the snow is melting, and it was 43 degrees yesterday and 34 this morning.
I am thinking... If all the snow melts, it will be a huge mess, but great for the Lake
I am thankful for... having a job.
From the kitchen... Chicken with peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and raisins over rice.
I am creating... not much
I am going... to a meeting this evening to calm some ruffled feathers. Sigh.
I am wearing... black slacks, black t-shirt, multi-colored jacket (black, orange, brown, pink), brown necklace
I am reading... nothing right now. I have five books from the library but went to bed last night instead of reading.
I am hoping... to be home by 9:15 tonight.
I am hearing... the radio talk show
Around the house... switched table linens to Spring colors . . . entirely optimistic
One of my favorite things... switching table linens by the season.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... work, meeting tonight, work, swim meet at CWRU, work, violin lessons/KAL, work, meeting, work
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... a little project I am working on.

Friday Fill In - 1/30/2009

Life is a great big canvas,

and you should throw all the paint you can on it.
— Danny Kaye

1. I'd really like to be home right now, with a good book, a good movie and my knitting.

2. OUCH is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.

3. Possession is 99% of the battle.

4. I HEART Captain Jack Sparrow.

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like wine and cheese.

6. This winter is just going on and on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing (Lindsey and Sarah are both out, Zachariah could be in bed by 7:30, Dave by 9:00, me by midnight), tomorrow my plans include WW, swimming, Library, relaxing and Sunday, I want to go to Mass, pick up Lindsey, relax!

Snow and pics included

Check this out. This is the view outside my office window.

All schools except for one suburban school district and Cleveland Municipal School District are closed. My hubby's school closed by 6:00. My daughter's school closed at 6:30 . . . not very helpful, considering she has to be at swimming at 5:15. When we left the house, we had about four inches of new snow fall. The weather gurus (the only job in the world where you can be WRONG 50% of the time and still be gainfully employed), anticipate another eight to twelves inches of snow by 7:00 p.m. tonight.

When I got to work, I could see across the street.

In fact, from my office window I can see the Brown's stadium and Lake Erie. Seriously, I am in the building closest to the Lake besides the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Guess what, in the pictures below, on most days, you would be able to see, the Amtrak station, the Browns stadium and the flashing sign with ads, time and weather. Check it out, they are all gone:

I am so looking forward to the drive home. My general rule of thumb is that if it takes me more than three hours for my 30 minute commute, I won't be in the next day. It doesn't look good for tomorrow.

A contest at Bitty Bits & Pieces

For those of you who love contests, you need to go on over to Bitty Bits & Pieces and check out the Valentine Day Contest.

Tell her I sent you and post it on your blog for more chances at winning.

If you don't like contests, you should go check it out anyway cause the prizes are really cute and clever.

Secret Pal 13 - Package #2

Wow! I received a package from my Pal and it is fabulous. Truly and incredibly fabulous.

See this is the box, with all these nice packages.

Do you see the ribbons on the left side? Seriously, look at them. They are magnetic and are used to mark patterns, as bookmarks and are so incredibly clever. The possibilities are great!

Oh, and here is the entire package. There are candy bars -- three Crispy Crunch bars and two Skor bars. Yummy, yummy, yummy. There are two books: One Noni Happy Stripes Oven Mittens and Trivets and Leisure Arts I can't believe I'm Felting.

To go with the Noni book is two skeins of Cascade. One skein of Citron (the light green) and one skein of Highland Green.

A notebook/journal is peeking up from the left. I love notebooks/journals and this one is perfect to tuck into my knitting bag.

And then there are the mittens.

Aren't these totally awesome. Oh, in the picture to the left the mittens are the pile of green to the left. Hmmm, bet you can't seem that well.

Can you see them now?

What kind of mittens are these, you ask? They Bella's mittens. They are based on the movie/book Twilight. They are in a wonderful green and have cables up the back and are 12 (count them) 12 inches long. Perfect for Cleveland weather.

The cool thing is that someone in my knit group had shown me the pattern and told me where to get it (through Ravelry and can be found here). I don't have to make a pair for me . . . I'll just have to keep my 14 year old from snagging these until I make her a pair.

I did try to take a picture with it on my hand so you can get a good idea of how it looks:

These are truly wonderful. And it was a wonderful package. And I am SO SPOILED.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Cocoa Swap Topic #3 - Marshmallows/Whipped Cream

Marshmallows/Whipped Cream - The big debate.

How do you prefer you top your cocoa?

If you like marshmallows, do they need to be the big ones, little ones, homemade, gourmet, flavored? If I use marshmallows, I prefer the little ones over the big ones. In fact, if I only have big ones, I cut them into quarters or sixths. How weird is that?

If it’s whipped cream, is it fresh, the kind in the can, flavored? I prefer real whipped cream over the can stuff. I prefer the tub stuff over the can stuff (and actually prefer the fat-free tub stuff over the regular tub stuff). Which might explain why we have had a can of the can stuff in the fridge since Thanksgiving.

Or are you a fluff gal? Never done the fluff stuff. Just seems weird and terribly sweet.

Or… do you like your cocoa naked? If I make cocoa at work using the packet stuff, I add a tub or two of half/half to give it a little boost over the water. And, often will add a shot of coffee to it too!

Thought for the day:

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness.

Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."

- Scott Adams

Simple Woman - 1-26-09

"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."

- Thomas Jefferson

FOR TODAY ~ Monday, January 26, 2009

Outside my Window... there is snow, lots of snow, we have already had 44 inches. The normal average for the "season" is 63 inches. We still have February and March and April, and sometimes early May. February's usual average is 14 inches, March is 10 inches and April is 3 inches. if we still to average, we will have 71 inches, oh and we still have to get through this last week of January, for which they are predicting a potential for up to 8 more inches.
I am thinking... snow is nice to look at, from a distance, like Florida
I am thankful for... spring and summer and fall
From the kitchen... two cakes: pineapple/angel food and cheesecake for a co-worker's birthday tomorrow.
I am creating... a scarf for Lindsey . . . see the pics below
I am going... to a meeting, lunch and shopping
I am wearing... jeans, turtle neck shell and knit sweater
I am reading... 19 minutes by Jodi Picoult
I am hoping... to finish Lindsey's scarf by the end of the week
I am hearing... not much. The snow is very quiet. My blackberry keeps buzzing, I suppose to should check it to see if anyone from work needs anything right away. Sigh.
Around the house... replaced a zipper. wound some yarn.
One of my favorite things... not having to wake up to the alarm
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... meeting today and one tonight at Lindsey's school, meetings tomorrow, meeting Thursday, meeting Friday.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I started this scarf on Christmas for Lindsey. The initial problem was that I couldn't read the pattern (remember the eye surgery), so my sister wrote it out for me. It is really easy and given the ease I may adapt it with beads for Sarah's wedding shawl . . . add about three more repeats in a lace weight with beads. It just might work.

The advantage to this is that it is in Knitpicks "bare" and when Lindsey gets tired of the "bare," it can be dyed.






A close up:


And this one is a little bit back with the balance of the skein of yarn to be done.

You know when you use size 3 needles the thing just goes on and on and on and on and on.

Friday Fill In - 1/23/2009

1. Oh, I am so sleepy (the early morning swimming practices are beginning to take their toll)!

2. Some changes, big and little.

3. During the winter, I prefer to hibernate.

4. Single digit temps again; are you kidding me???

5. Right now I'd like to be home. In bed.

6. Books are my favorite gadget (not what you thought!!!)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow my plans include WW in the a.m., Zachariah's swim lessons, a trip to the library, timing at Lindsey's swim meet and Sunday, I want to replace the zipper in a jacket, go to Dave & Buster's for Zachariah's birthday!

Impressed, Cautious, maybe a tad optimistic

We possess or are entitled to many treasurers by living in the United States, including the Freedom of Speech (which is why blogging is so prolific), express our opinions and the choice to vote for whom we choose and the freedom to wear our hearts on our sleeves, whether those hearts are filled with new found love, lost love or bursting with patriotism.

~

If you read blogs, any kind of blogs, EVERYONE voted for or is in favor of President Obama. As my husband duly noted, it is like when an accident occurs or something exciting is going on. Everyone was either a witness to it, voted for it or, in many cases when things go sour, voted against it.

~

I have to be honest and tell anyone who reads my blog that I am not a Barack Obama fan. I think the man is charming and charismatic. I am not sure that he has the experience or expertise to lead our country. However, I am also not a John McCain fan.

~

As a matter of fact, I (along with many of our acquaintances, friends and families) were torn during the election process. I mentioned on more than one occasion, that I would have liked to have had the option and I think it should be automatically included on the ballot, that we could vote for "None of the above. Start over."

~

I was impressed with President Obama's speeches. I thought his victory speech was much better than his inauguration speech. I find his attentiveness to his wife to be charming, but then Bill Clinton was attentive to Hillary, in public.

~

One of my co-workers, who happens to be an American, whose skin happens to be a rather dark brown, mentioned to me after the inauguration that his problem with response everyone is having, especially African-Americans, is that (and I am going to try to quote this as best as possible):

~

"The thing to remember is that he is not the Messiah. There are going to be people who are going to be horribly disappointed. It reminds me of the Jews during Jesus time, expecting a King and getting a wonderfully normal human who showed them the way. Unfortunately, they were blinded by what they expected and ended up being disappointed, disenfranchised, angry, bitter and resentful. Obama cannot work miracles given what he has been given. Too many people will expect it and it just cannot happen without their putting forth the effort themselves."

~

Incredible. On the other hand, this is part of what the President said. He didn't say "I am going to fix everything for you. He did say that we have to be involved. We have to be responsible. We have to take part and dust ourselves off.

~

I do wear my patriotism on my sleeve. I love being American. When my children ask me what nationality I am, I am not Irish-American or French-American or Scottish-American. I am American. We, as a people need to rid ourselves of the hyphens in our lives.

~

And then millions of dollars were spent on a gala. Millions and millions of dollars. For the last Bush inauguration his administration was skewered for spending less than half the amount.

~

And I was embarrassed that Bush was booed. We used to show people the respect due their office. What a wonderful impression we leave the rest of the world. No wonder they hate us.

Much better than any packaged cocoa -- Almond Cocoa

When I take the time to make this, my kids always say that this is so much better than any packaged cocoa. Go figure.

1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1/2 cup instant coffee granules
1 cup sugar
1 cup hot water
6 cups milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract*
Whipped topping(optional - Lindsey and Zachariah don't like whipped cream)


Directions:
In large saucepan, whip together Cocoa, coffee, sugar and water so there are no lumps. Mixing constantly, bring to boil.

Boil 2 minutes.

Add milk. Reheat but do not boil.

Add extracts and stir.

Pour into cups or mugs. If desired, garnish with whipped cream.

Enjoy.
____________

*for Mint Cocoa substitute Mint Extract for Almond Extract. Do not substitute anything for vanilla extract.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 1/20/09

FOR TODAY ~ Tuesday, January 20, 2009

"Come to the edge, he said.

They said: We are afraid.

Come to the edge, he said. They came.

He pushed them, and they flew..."

- Guillaume Apollinaire

Outside my Window... ice, cold, snow
I am thinking... that our soon to be new President get the cooperation and encouragement from Congress and the Senate, because no matter how good a person or what good intentions he has, without their cooperation nothing can be accomplished.
I am thankful for... the fact that I live in a democratic society
From the kitchen... meatloaf, parmesan rice, beets, and fabulous salads
I am creating... secret stuff for secret pals
I am going... to spend time boxing books for the local school district
I am wearing... black slacks, black sweater, red and black jacket
I am reading... just finished Scarpetta
I am hoping... to get some projects finished
I am hearing... the news on the radio
Around the house... need to get the carpets cleaned
One of my favorite things... staying home and warm when its cold and blustery outside
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... book packing today, meeting tonight for American Red Cross, violin and KAL tomorrow evening, possibly staying home on Friday, timing at Lindsey's swim meet on Saturday
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Zachariah's 8th birthday was Sunday and we had some friends and family over to help him celebrate.

Here he is waiting to blow out his candles while we sing happy birthday:

and he has success in blowing them all out:



and here is Aunt Jacquie helping him with his multi-colored cake:

Friday Fill In - 1/16/2009

1. Enough with the COLD, the bitterly, bone chilling cold. It was -10 degrees when I left for work this morning . . . with a wind chill, it is -30 degrees.

2. Schools that close causes me to be conflicted.

3. I've been craving good chocolate, really good, not I can buy a bag of candy bars chocolate, but really good stuff.

4. Listening to my children laugh makes me laugh.

5. I wish I could go to someplace, anyplace warm next week.

6. Organizing my stash has been on my mind lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting warm, tomorrow my plans include dentist, making Zachariah's birthday cake, cleaning the house, attending the Volunteer Appreciation dinner at Church and Sunday, I want to enjoy time with my family while we celebrate Zachariah's 8th birthday!

These are the pics that I used for Zachariah's birthday invitation. We don't do a whole hog blow-out party for the kids. We invite family and some very special friends (usually, they have asked to be included, including the kindergarten teacher and his wife . . . Zachariah had Chuck as his teacher and my husband and he are the stalwarts of the primary grades at their school). Anyway, the invitation said something like:

"How could you deny this face?

Please come to my birthday party"

"Pizza, cake and ice cream.

All the major food groups."

Retro Cabled Jacket

I really like this middle picture . . . the one with it open. Isn't this a classy looking coat?

However, I despise the way it looks buttoned. WHY??? Why would someone button it so that three buttons are buttoned down and pulled across the boobs and then, just to make sure that no one makes any mistakes, it hangs open to expose your gut. I suppose if you were pregnant, it would give you room to be comfortable but seriously, why would anyone want their gut "framed."

Sigh.

Elevenses: Competition!

Elevenses: Competition!

Elevenses: Competition! Go here and read about her contest. And, if you mention my blog and that you got there from here, I get an extra entry. Woo hoo.

Also, the fun thing is that you get to read about everyone's favorite characters. In case you missed mine, I voted for Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables with a close second being Jo March of Little Women. Decisions, decisions.

Cocoa Swap Scavenger Hunt

What a great way to learn about everyone!!! Now I really do need to get a bottle of Bailey's and Marshmallow Fluff!!


1. Who wants to try plant fibers? Emily
2. Who wants to learn to crochet? Alicia, Michelle and Jenn wants to learn more crochet stuff
3. Who collects yarn? Don’t we all???? Chelle, Holly, Emily, Jenn, Kate, Me, Michelle, Penny, Ruth, Sarah
4. Who loves yellow? Alicia
5. Who doesn’t like fruit flavors? Jenn
6. Who loves Malabrigo (who doesn’t??? hahaha) ? Alicia, Ruth
7. Who has one mitt to go to finish her Endpaper Mitts? Elizabeth
8. Who’s favorite animal is a dog? Alicia, Channon, Chelle, Holly, Jenn, me, Michelle
9. Who likes to paint? Kathy
10. Who has too many stitch markers? Michelle
11. Who likes Bailey’s in their cocoa? Becca, Channon, Jenn, Sarah
12. Who likes Starbucks salted caramel cocoa? Darcy, Holly
13. Who can’t stand vanilla flavored cocoa? Channon
14. Who’s favorite animal is a hedgehog? Ariel
15. Who might stab themselves over Neon Yarn? Laurie
16. Who’s oldest UFO is at least 15 years old? Kate
17. Who likes crystallized ginger? Chelle
18. Who likes whipped cream in their cocoa? Alicia, “the Knight” Channon’s hubby, Elizabeth, Kate, Laurie, me, Michelle, Monica, Penny, Rachel, Ruth
19. Who likes marshmallow fluff in their cocoa? Becca
20. Who needs stitch holders? Holly, Laurie

my knitting, explained.

and yet another quote to explain my knitting:

Victory is won not in miles, but in inches.

Win a little ow, hold your ground, and later,

win a little more.

— Louis L’Amour

Simple Woman's Daybook - 1/12/09

"The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."

- Mark Twain

FOR TODAY - Monday, January 12
Outside my Window... its snow covered. We had about 12 inches of snow get dumped on the area between Friday evening to Saturday afternoon, with another inch or so arriving on Sunday.
I am thinking... that I really need to find my hooded sweatshirt.
I am thankful for... boots, warm boots, warm, water-proof boots
From the kitchen... Chicken Parmesan on Saturday, Chicken/Brocolli/Stuffing casserole on Sunday and a lentil/pea/tomato/beef/pasta/rice soup for dinner tonight with a good bread.
I am creating... a lace scarf for Lindsey . . . took it to Ava's birthday party yesterday and got a good inch or so knit up.
I am going... to have to use more lotion on my hands and feet.
I am wearing... navy blue slacks, white scoop necked t-shirt, light blue wool jacket
I am reading... Scarpetta (still) -- too busy of a weekend.
I am hoping... to start on a project for my Cocoa Swap Pal
I am hearing... snow plows
Around the house... the halls are still getting undecked, have the tree left to do.
One of my favorite things... standing outside my children's bedroom door and watching them sleep
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... work. Nothing tonight or tomorrow night, Lindsey's violin and my knit group on Wednesday, meetings at work on Thursday and Thursday night and a doctor's appointment on Thursday, not much on Friday and a dentist appointment on Saturday morning.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...





Mini-Mochi that I won on the Carefree KAL . . . isn't this stuff totally cool!

AND, also from the SP13, Yvonne sent me this as one of the prizes from the Scavenger Hunt. Woo Hoo . . . the pictures just don't do the colors justice.

Finish or Frog.

Frog it or finish it . . . what a novel idea.

Anyway, there is a group on Ravelry and you can also join, I believe by going here.

And here are the rules:

2009 is going to be the Year of Decisions. I'm tired of my WIP pile getting out of control. I often lose interest in a project or fall out of love with it. Sometimes it was just not the right project and I leave it thinking it's a shame to frog it. But no more. This year, I challenge all of you to join me in the Finish or Frog It 2009 knitalong. Here are the rules. They're pretty simple.

1. On Friday, take a moment to evaluate your knitting projects.


2. Decide if you can either finish something or frog it.


3. If you finish a project, post a picture with the Finishing Friday button below. Link to this post so others will know about the Knitalong.


4. Tell us how it feels to have finally finished this project and let us know how long it's been on your UFO or WIP list.


5. If you frog a project, post a picture with the Frogging Friday button below. Link to this post so others will know about the Knitalong.


6. Tell us when you started it. Tell us why you fell out of love with it. Tell us how you plan to re-purpose the yarn.


7. I have officially started a Ravelry Group called Finish or Frog It. Post your pictures there, add a comment to the appropriate discussion thread (Finish or Frog) or email me or leave a comment with a link to your post so I can keep track of whose finished and whose frogged what.


8. I'll have a monthly prize give away for the random Finished O and the Frogged O.


9. There is no requirement to either finish or frog an item every single Friday. Friday is simply a benchmark to remind you to reflect. Go at your own pace. Once a week; once a month; once a quarter or even once a year. Use Friday as your incentive or reality check.

See, how hard could that be!!!

and then, peace settled over the land

So, this morning, I woke up. Laid in bed for awhile and then realized that it was unearthly quiet.

It had snowed. A lot.

A veritable winter wonderland.

I think we got 12 inches of snow.

No swimming.

No swim meet.

We undecked most of the halls (the Christmas tree is yet to be done).

Did the laundry.

Had a wonderful dinner.

Bowled six games of Wii bowling with Dave.

Drank some wine (his excuse for bowling badly, since you are supposed to be drinking beer with bowling).

And made paper airplanes.

Not a bad Saturday at all.

I hope your Saturday was as peaceful and relaxing and fun as mine. Life is good without the "hectic" in it.

Friday Fill In - 1/9/09

1. It's January; it's Cleveland; it's cold.
2. Warm feet is what I crave most right now.
3. Cork and wine go together like wine and cheese.
4. Laughing is so (emotionally) nourishing.
5. Let us dare to step back and spend time with family and friends.
6. I need to clean my home.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with Dave and Zachariah, tomorrow my plans include going to WW for my weigh-in (LOL), take Zachariah to swimming, buying a birthday present for Ava, undecking the halls, and Sunday, I want to go to Mass, enjoy a great breakfast with my family, go to Ava's first birthday party and spend time with my siblings and their children!

its a beautiful thing

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."

- Abraham Lincoln

~

So, 2009 has arrived. We are just getting around to getting back to normal. The kids are moping around and sleepy. Poor Zachariah has had a really bad transition time. In part, it is because over the holidays, we were all home. Most evenings, he went to bed around 8:00 p.m. and slept until 7:30 most mornings. Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, we shuttled him off to bed by 7:00 p.m. In his mind, it was because we were being mean, truth be told, it was because Mom and Dad looked at his face and decided that he needed to sleep . . . "butttttt its not my bedtime yet . . . . "

~

Lindsey, of course, had been swimming throughout her break, although instead of 5:30 a.m. practices, they were swimming from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. They had a couple of swim meets over the holidays but this week is a bear. They have practice every morning at 5:30. They had a meet Tuesday evening (she got home around 9:30 p.m.). She has another meet this evening and another one on Saturday. Because finals are next week (and all the high schools are on the same "finals" schedule, there are no meets next week but they still have practice.

~

My surgery on Tuesday went well. I knew how bad my left eye was but didn't realize how bad my right eye was until my left eye was fixed. LOL. I have "perfect" vision with my left eye and once my right eye has totally healed, they anticipate that I will have "perfect" vision with my right eye . . . well, except that I will have to wear bifocals. Its all in the details.

~

This second surgery allowed me some time with Sarah that I wouldn't otherwise have had. We had great fun. The afternoon of the surgery, I laid on her bed while she cleaned her room. We also watched Mamma Mia at the same time. It is a cute flick and there is one scene when the mom was helping her daughter get ready for her wedding that we sat and watched together. It opened up an opportunity for us to talk about us and her and letting go. If you have ever had to deal with a child leaving, you need to listen to that song and watch that scene. Just have tissues available.

~

We also talked about school. She hates it. So, she has registered to take a nursing assistant course which lasts about eight weeks. She has taken so many classes with no end in sight but flits from one thing to another. Dave and I have been paying for all of this and, frankly, it has been getting very frustrating. I think I have decided definitely that many people should not go to college right after they graduate. I think our society or at least what most of my friends and family and the school systems expect is that ALL students should immediately go to college or HAVE to go to college. It isn't true. I believe that Sarah will probably go back to college someday (hmmm, maybe just like me). But for now, she will do this. I did tell her that I expected her to finish it. We will not be paying for any more.

~

I went to the knit group last evening while Lindsey was at violin. I find it interesting the variety of the talents and skills that each person brings to the table. The one woman is into mini-knitting. Mini-hats and mini-mittens.

~

Another woman, makes prayer shawls. Her goal for 2009 is to start and finish at least four. FOUR.

~

Another made Irish Hiking Scarves for all the adults in her family for the 2008 Christmas. Big deal you say? She made 13 of them. After the holidays and everyone ohhhhhed and ahhhhhed, she realized that she was the only adult in her family without one. So, she is knitting one for herself. She says she feels guilty about doing it but . . . . She is also the person that told me about Goodreads.

~

Another woman knits incredible purses and bags. She had this fabulous bag that she made over the holidays. Seriously. Over the holidays. And its lined. Very cute. And, when her sister saw that it was lined, her sister said, "you must be giving it to someone . . . you never line anything that you keep for yourself." She was right. The woman that made then handed it to her sister, laughed and said, "think of it as either a late or early Christmas present."

~

I am still working on the scarf for Lindsey. She has decided that she wants to knit a hat with the same yarn. Of course, it is fingering weight and she couldn't figure out how to wind it and ended up with a mess. Do you think it would be rude to put a sign on my stash that says "keep out, this means you, Lindsey"?

~

Anyway, for 2009, I think I need to spend time watching people and learning from them. The kids provide incredible gifts (even if it is a 14 year old who grunts at me that she has nothing to share and then spends the next hour on the phone telling her friends about her day . . . sigh). There are incredibly talented individuals that I have contact with. Online and in bookstores on Wednesday evenings. I am lucky that my husband and I are gainfully employed and, as far as I can see, will remain so for the foreseeable future.

~

And I can see, across the street . . . and its snowing and really, really rather lovely.

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 1/05/09

FOR TODAY
Outside my Window... it is dark . . . and I am posting this in the evening. I almost forgot as it has been a couple of weeks.
I am thinking... my eyes are tired. It has also been a couple of weeks where I have spent about 9 hours staring at the computer.
I am thankful for... my eyes. They may be tired but I can see.
From the kitchen... Stuffed shells, unstuffed cabbage casserole, cheesy garlic biscuits, waffles, bacon, all of this made this weekend.
I am creating... a scarf for Lindsey. Knitpicks, Bare in fingering weight with a simple pattern (four row repeat:

CAST on 40 stitches:

ROW 1:K2, K2tog, *YO, K1 (repeat four times), K2tog (4 times) . . . repeat from * until you are within ten stitches of edge, YO, K1 (four times), K2tog (twice), K2

ROWS 2, 3 and 4: Knit

repeat until length you desire)

I am going... to have surgery on my right eye tomorrow
I am wearing... brown slacks, green shell, flowered sweater
I am reading... Scarpetta
I am hoping... to finish Scarpetta tomorrow afternoon
I am hearing... traffic
Around the house... we are playing on the Wii all the time. My arms and back hurt.
One of my favorite things... water.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... surgery, reading, relaxing, repeat.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Sarah and Kyle . . . a couple of days before Christmas.

Cocoa Swap Questionnairre

Questionnaire
The Yarn…
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Both -- prefer knitting

2. What is your favorite one-skein project? What item do you find you knit the most of?
anything felted. Although I tend to do a lot of fingerless mitts.


3. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you’ve been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?
wood, circular . . . no particular size. I enjoy knitpicks options. I am working on adding the various harmony tips.


4. What’s on your needles\hook right now? What’s your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?
My oldes UFO is a secret. It is a sweater that I have been working on forever. I hate it. I really don't want to pull it out because I would have to remember what it was that I was doing, exactly.

I do have a scarf and a Lucy bag on the needles, and mittens (really heavy mittens).



5. What are your favorite types of yarns? Are you allergic to any yarns, or just hate working with something? Anything type/brand of yarn you’ve been dying to try?

I love wool. I DESPISE acrylic anything.

7. What are your favorite colors? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there that make you want to stab yourself in the eye with your needles?

I love greens and aquas.


8. What is your favorite knit accessory, your fancy needles? stitch markers? your yarn cutter? What do you have TOO many of? What do you wish you had?

Knitpicks options needles. Any tips or cables.



The Chocolate
1. Do you prefer boxed/packets, or something homemade?

boxed chocolates is perfect

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?

Both

3. Do you use any ‘add ins’

sometimes mint

4. Are you a year round cocoa drinker or just in the winter months?

year round

5. Do you like flavored cocoas or are you just a ’straight chocolate’ kind of person?

Flavored are good

6. Do you enjoy cocoa from restaurants or shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?

I like regular cocoa (don't like Starbucks, generally, too strong).


7. You’ve just made the perfect cup of cocoa - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?

Thick mug and I am generally reading a book at the dining room table.


8. You’re enjoying that perfect cup, what treats will you enjoy with it? Are they sweet or salty? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?

Salty and crunchy stuff to go with the chocolate



It’s all YOU!
1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking and stamping

2. Do you collect anything?

Besides yarn??? Nope.

3. What is your favorite part of Winter?

staying inside and reading a good book

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?

vanilla. I cannot wear perfumes because my hubby is allergic to EVERYTHING!!

5. Are you allergic to anything?

Smoke.


6. Are you on Ravelry? What’s your ID?


Yes, mlj1954


7. How would you spend an ideal winter afternoon/day?

ummm, reading a good book with my feet up and sipping cocoa


8. What’s your favorite animal?

dogs.

letting go and other stuff

So, it is the new year. So for 2009 I am letting go of a pound and then another and another . . . I have at least two and possibly four weddings that I know of in the next year or so. My niece, is getting married for the first time. She will be 37. She is freaking out but he is steady and kind and very good to her. Two of my nephews will be getting married -- one for sure and the other probably. And of course, there is Sarah and Kyle.

I have to say that 2008 was okay for my family and I.

Sarah broke up with her former boyfriend in early January -- a real highlight -- he lied to her even when he knew he was going to be caught. Turd breath.

Zachariah made his first communion in May. He is such a joy -- most of the time. Although if he mentions one more time about my belly being similar to Santa Claus' we are going to have words!

Lindsey won all kinds of awards at school, including earning a couple thousand $$$ in scholarships . . . a real help.

Dave continues to be Dave. He is such a great guy and I love him so.

I started my new job and love it, most of the time.

As we all know that financial issues facing everyone have been tough. Sarah's job disappeared but she has decided to focus on school, including taking this semester to get a nursing assistant's certificate so she can get a job (what a novel idea). My 401K took a hit, as did everyone else's. I wasn't going to look at it and just shred the reports but for the financial aid for Lindsey's school, you have to report how much you have in it. Bah humbug and all that fun stuff. It dropped, oh, about, 100K+. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Being positive, however, the fact that I had that much to lose is a good thing.

Sarah has fallen in love with a wonderful young man. He is a farmer. An honest-to-God, corn and soy and pig farmer. He loves her too and they are talking about getting married. So, the problem is I have had to let go.

And, I have to tell you, I am so angry with my Mom I could spit. Sarah thought I was angry with her (which I was) but then I discovered that I was talking to my Mom. Since my Mom has been dead for ten years the conversation was rather one-sided but I did manage to fill in some of her lines as I knew exactly what she would say:

"You lied to me."
"I didn't lie."

"You did so"
"How"

"You NEVER told me that it would hurt so much to let her go. NEVER, Mom. You told me about loving that baby and the joy of holding her the first time and sleep deprivation when she was a baby and on her first and second and third and fourth . . . date(s). But you never told me that seeing her skip out of the house, floating on air and not being here with me would hurt."

sigh "Okay, so it was the sin of omission. I had seven kids. And letting go of each of you hurt, in different ways for each of you. It is part of being a parent and a mother . . . the letting go . . . so go for a walk, cry in the shower and tell her you love her."

"Mom, I am still mad at you . . . you lied."

sigh "Dogs get mad, people get angry and disappointed and hurt . . . I didn't lie . . . I let you go and I knew from the first time I saw you with our Sarah that someday you would be hurt and you would still let her go . . . I wish . . . "

"Mom, I wish too . . . I love you . . . "

Doing Right in 2008 -- a contest on Jane's blog

Hey, hey, hey!!! Happy New Year everyone!

Speaking of New Year, Jane has a contest on her blog and if you click here you can find it. If you link it to your blog, you get two entries . . . so go join the fun. It is also a great way to put a positive spin on what you did right in '08!!