My Favorite Time of Year

Seems to me that I am lax most of the year when it comes to writing in this blog.  Don't ask.  Perhaps life is too ordinary to keep blabbing about it.  I do a lot of things, make a lot of things, but, taking pictures of the progress is like taking pictures of good looking food before it's eaten.  You have to do it quickly.....snooze or you loose.  A lot of my projects have been gifts so they're gone.  I did manage to take a picture of one of my shoulder bags before it too goes out the door.  I am undecided on whether to keep the flowers on the flap.  It kind of gives it a south-of-the-border look, and I didn't want that for this one.  The bottom of the bag is red, like my favorite brand of shoes (which actually inspired my choice of color).  So, here it is, made entirely of crocheted grocery bags and survey flagging:

Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I want to wish everyone a great holiday.  I know it's been tragic for a lot of folks in our country.  For those suffering from the horrific tornadoes and floods and loss in this country and I really need to include the Philippines and the awful typhoon, I wish a lot of helping hands and financial aid.  Recovery will be slow but sure.  I know firsthand what total loss looks and feels like, so I say a prayer for all of you and hope it reaches the right ears.  Bless you all.

Gobble, gobble...........

Almost Thanksgiving Day.  For once in a lot of years I'm not cooking.  We're actually going somewhere else to eat for a change.  The turkey above is probably still alive and fathering the many young hens and toms we've had in our yard over the years.  We don't hunt turkeys.  I've been told that it's not even worth it; the wild ones are a little chewy.....kind of like chewing on a garden hose.  We've been taking pictures of them in a rafter of 35 to only 9 sometimes.  Along with the deer and a combination of turkeys and deer in the same frame, we have had the joy of wildlife with them and other remarkable creatures for about 15 years.  It almost feels like if I opened the back door, they'd ask to come in.  They're not afraid of us.  It's so unusual.

So, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  This year has been a hard one all over the country, and the world.  Don't forget to be kind to your neighbors.  Life has been a challenge for many.

What a Year!

I can't remember a year that's felt this long. I truly believe all the political mess and coverage has just gotten to me and probably a lot of others as well. Some of the people on the hill I just want to knock on their butts and shut that self-righteous mouth up. They actually think it's all about them. They forget, they work for us and we pay them. Hope they give it a rest for a few weeks, I'm so up to here with what they're doing.

Christmas is here, and I have a moment to reflect on that. We're not big on presents. We pretty much gather to give thanks at the dinner table. I know that doesn't contribute much to the economy, what little we do buy for each other, but I have enough and if I had more, where would I put it. I don't ever run out of anything, and I'm not a clothes horse. We're pretty much grateful to have each other, and I raised good kids.

So, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all of you.

Another Passion: Quilting by Hand

I don't know what it is. I guess since second grade I've been proud of my accuracy in stitching. My art teacher even noticed how straight I could draw a line without a ruler. So when it comes time to do a little quilting, I prefer to use a needle and thread instead of a machine. I know it takes longer, but I am so much more satisfied with the result.

My latest project is a quilt that is made with two-sided squares which makes it immediately reversible and saves me from working with a bulky full sized top. I can carry the squares anywhere there's time to work on them, and the possibilities are endless. I just love it.

So Many Projects and More to Go

My mother, God rest her soul, had sent me boxes upon boxes of projects she never started out of the most exquisite yarns in some of the most delicious colors. This summer I spent most of my time to do the stash justice and completing some wonderful winterwear and a few garments for spring. It will be my pleasure to show them off in the near future.

In the process of making some neckwear. I'm also in the middle of making a requested pair of over-the-knee stockings for a family member. That, in itself, is a project and a half.

On another note, I'm glad the heat in this part of the country has subsided. So tired of 90's and 100 deg. heat indexes.

On a way out there note, I hope our president gets his proverbial crap together and make his argument more convincing. Real people know who the jerks are in congress and in the race for next year's election. Snide is out, Republican a******s! So is smug!

My Pomatomus Socks

I finished these quite a while ago, I just never thought about showing them. They've been on my feet for two winters, and hold up really well. The pattern was one of the most fun to make items for me. I love a challenge. So I decided to finally take a picture.

Birthdays..........wish they'd just go away!

For me, anyway, my birthday is always a drag.  I have everything I need, and I'm one of these people other people don't like because I just don't react well to presents.  I don't like getting......I like giving!  I think it's because when I was young, my family had to do without, a lot.  So, I got used to a good meal and maybe a cake and that seemed enough for me even then.  Just tell me "Happy Birthday", and I'll be just fine.  I'm a no-frills person because that's how I am, not because I'm a martyr, which is what they think.  I'm happy every day untill someone makes me miserable.  I've also found out the world doesn't like happy people.  To all of them I say it's their loss. 

So, my birthday came and went yesterday.  It was an interesting day spent with just my family, who will never understand me.  Good cake, MmmmmmmChocolate!