Taking a break...

From Crocheting that is....

Been working on some Christmas presents (YES already!!) and trying to finish up that last sock from the Opal Rodeo yarn Ashleigh sent me. I gave the first pair from them to Mom, this pair is mine.

I also want to get some Christmas gifts made and out of the way. That way I don't have to rush at Christmas time and don't run out of time! Several people are getting handmades this year both due to finances and my newfound creativity LOL

Sold a few of my pattern books I won't use any longer so I have a little spending $$. Still got a few left- may list them here if they don't sell on Crochetville or the Crochet4SaleorTrade list.

May go eat breakfast with my dad in the morning- Mom is going to some kind of sale with a friend. And I need to get out of the house... except for going to Wal-mart I feel like I'm stuck in here.

Received a great box from my Sea of Yarn swap partner Wed. Although it wasn't really the summer colors we were supposed to be trading there was some great yarn in there and I will use all of it! My favorite was the Caron Rainbow dreams in variegated purples. A sweater may come out of that if I can find a decent pattern I like. Crocheted sweater (not cardigans, the pull over type) patterns are soooo hard to find especially something fancier like I could wear to church. I also got some novelty yarns, some bath stuff in vanilla sugar (mmmm smells good), some Jiffy yarn and 3 skeins of RH Super Saver in Coral. Not sure what the coral will go for yet.. I love peach colors!! Thank you Veronica! It was great! I don't think I'll do another though since it is sooo expensive to ship yarn. Especially a big package like that. I think I'll stick to the secret pal exchanges and the smaller exchanges. Besides, I do have the YarnExchange group on Yahoo that I run and the requirement there is much smaller and much less expensive.

OK back to crocheting .... gonna see if I can get some of those gifts out of the way plus finish that sock and a baby afghan for a gift. Dang if there isn't always either a wedding or a baby being born at church these days!! It never stops!

TTFN!

One last entry...

Before bed...

gotta be at my Cousin's in the morning at 5:30 to watch Carson while she's having some more minor surgery done.

Well, my reveal package and Sea of Yarn package got mailed off today. A bit late but better late than never. I still haven't received my Sea of Yarn package yet but my partner assures me it's on the way.

I did get a package today from my partner on Yarn Exchange on Yahoogroups- a skein of Caron Simply Soft brites in Papaya. Nice fall color!! Still deciding what to do with it. Thank you Pam! Now which yarn to send out....

Question for cat lovers: WHY is it that when you're trying to crochet, at least one cat insists on sleeping in your lap and if you're doing nothing you can't get them into your lap to save your life??? Ever try crocheting with 25lbs of cats in your lap?? Didn't want to try it tonight since I was working on a baby gift and didn't need black/grey cat hair of different varieties in the baby afghan.

On a last but very important note, please pray for little Sydney Kerley, daughter of Chad and Shauna and granddaughter of Peggy and J.V. (good friends of ours). Sydney was born 7/27 slightly premature and has been airlifted to Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville with problems with her lungs being underdeveloped. Please pray for Peggy also as she is still struggling with cancer.

Cascade Fixation

This is a yarn with spandex in it... does anyone have any ideas what to do with it? I received some from an elf in the mail and not quite sure what to do with it or what kind of projects it's used for. Anyone have any ideas??

*having my tomatoes and coffee for Breakfast before going to mail off my secret pal's reveal package- I've already been found out!*

Also have my new secret pal's name for August-October and my secret pal has already emailed me! Time to get crackin!

Finally... Pics of my goodies

Finally... I got a chance to get my camera out and post some pics of my goodies!! The first set is goodies from my Reveal package from my Secret Pal for summer, Ashleigh (AshEgypt) on Crochetville. She spoiled me with all this wonderful yarn and other items from Europe and Egypt! Stuff I'll probably never have a chance to work with again! Cool!

A shot of all of it... on the couch back are the Mini-Martha poncho and a fancy scarf from Egypt.


A skein of sock yarn Ash sent from Egypt- cool! I've been wanting some grey socks!! In the background is another scarf from Egypt. Very pretty!!


Top: The white scarf; Bottom:a skinny scarf she made and the sock yarn along with some cotton/linen yarn she found.



My first pair of socks from the Opal Rodeo sock yarn she sent! They came out a little big so they will go to someone special as a surprise... luckily my feet are small and the 100gm ball is enough for 2 pairs... so the 2nd pair (that fits better) is mine!!


From my first package from Ash; a skein of Patons Cha Cha and 2 balls of Lanas Stop Jazmin from Spain. I'm thinking Sandals!!



I also got a surprise in the mail from an unknown elf.... it had to have been someone reading my blog... cause I didn't mention it anywhere else.... 2 skeins of Noro Kuryeon #134!!! I've been drooling over the stuff since Ash posted a ditty bag she made out of the stuff! I don't know who the elf was but Thank you very much!! I love it! Beautiful color... just like the ditty bag.


Another Crochetville elf sent me a couple of hooks... E and F... now I can do some more baby projects!! Thank you!!

Oh and I also got a box of UFO's and yarn from Melissa for charity items!! Thank you Melissa!! I didn't get the yarn before it was wound into balls but Smokey sure says he appreciates the box!! He's so fat he barely fits!!


A 2nd pair of socks (This one is all MINE!!!) from the Opal Rodeo #1151 is in the works and I'll post pics soon as they're done. Wow I've got enough to keep me busy for a while!! And just a day or two agao I was complaining about no mail... I should complain more often!! When it rains it pours!!

Now to go work up some of this stuff... after I finish organizing the scrap yarn etc. in my craft room that is....

Wow what a surprise! Thank you Elves!!

As I said, I need to complain about no mail more often!!

When Scott and I got up there was a package sitting on my porch and 2 more in my mailbox! The box on the porch contained yarn and UFO's from Melissa- Thank you Melissa! This will make great charity ghans! We may be up for a meet-up in September! How cool!

The packages on the porch contained:

2 hooks, an E and an F from a Crochetville Elf. Thank you Elf- you know who you are!!

And... are you ready for this??

2 50gm balls of that coveted noro kuryeon #134 wool yarn I've been drooling over since Ashleigh showed that ditty bag!! I opened the package, found an invoice inside.. I didn't order this?!?! Apparently someone ordered the yarn and had the seller ship directly to me! No evidence of who... Someone's been reading my blog... *grin*... Some anonymous crochet elf!! Hmmm Ashleigh did you do this one?? Whoever it was... THANK YOU!!!! Now to decide what to make with it... stuff is so expensive/fancy don't want to use it for "just anything"... gotta find a special project for it! I love it- thank you elves!! And I didn't even sign up for Christmas in July since I knew I couldn't very well grant any wishes this month! I know you don't have to but I don't like signing up for something like that if I can't reciprocate.

*off to pet my new yarn, use my new hooks and wind some cakes of the charity yarn*

Reveal Package

I got my reveal package today from my super cool Secret Pal on Crochetville..... my suspicions were correct; it was Ashleigh (AshEgypt on crochetville) from England. Figured out a week or two ago but didn't want to say so in case I was wrong.

And all this after complaining about no mail yesterday! I'll have to complain about no mail more often!!

Ashleigh's been a super cool Pal.... along with the wonderful yarn and goodies I'd already received, my reveal package contained 2 scarves and a skein of sock looking yarn from Egypt (Ash is studying Egyptology in Liverpool England- Neato! Thanks Ash- I don't think it's pathetic... I've been wanting some grey socks!!) and a couple of little skeins of cotton and Linen yarn, a Mini Martha Poncho (The one she thought was too small- well it came out just about right for me, I'm so tiny!!) and a skinny scarf made from Ribbon yarn.

All in all it was all super cool! Now to get my camera out.. will try to get a picture of the socks being made from the Opal Sock yarn she sent in her first package.

On top of this I received my yarn winder in the mail today! Talk about a super crochet/mail day! I've been busy tidying up scraps and playing with my goodies!

Thank you again Ashleigh!! I love all the goodies!!

Nice sock weather

Wow what a change...

in the weather that is. It has cooled off considerably and is supposed to be in the 70's-80's all week. Supposed to rain today but so far hasn't yet.

Makes for nice sock weather! I'm working up that wonderful ball of Opal Rodeo sock yarn my Secret Pal sent me plus doing some worsted socks for fall/winter. I may try to do a holiday pair or two and sell. The Opal is working up great- I got a 100gram ball and even though it said enough for one pair of adult socks my feet are small enough I only used 50 grams on one pair of socks so I'm going to get 2 pair out of the ball! Super cool since that stuff is expensive if you go to buy it and it's hard to find. I'd love to have some of that in either the Tropical Fish, Parrot, or the Pinks and Reds (can't seem to find out the color name/number on that one).

Will post pictures when I get done with the 2nd pair. Haven't found out who my pal is for sure yet (got a good idea if I'm right) but I want her to see.

Haven't had a chance to work up the sandals I've had in mind yet.... She sent me 2 balls of Lanas Stop Jazmin which I've never seen before... not sure if that's classified as a thread or yarn but I do know I can't find any more of it anywhere! Where does she get this stuff?? Anyway I'd love to make some sandals out of that as well as some black yarn along with the Patons Cha Cha she sent me. Sorry I didn't get a pic of all this before it got worked up! It was the neatest package! Some of it I wasn't sure I could work with but after I tried it I love it!!

Speaking of weather, got the screens open on the doors... would have the windows open but Scott is asleep and of course wants the bedroom blind shut. It's about 70 degrees out right now... just about right.

Back to the living room where the breeze is blowing and working up that last pair of socks while the laundry is going!

Empty mailbox.... again

Well the mailman came early and I hurried out there, thinking surely some mail would come today.... nothing but a bill I didn't want.

I should be getting a couple of checks, a reveal package soon from my secret pal, a Sea of Yarn package and some other people have promised me a thing or two but either they haven't sent yet or it's disappeared. I hate empty mailboxes... wish some of that anticipated or expected mail would get here! I need to mail a couple of packages myself but waiting on those checks to get here, starting to think the mailman ate them. Wouldn't mind going shopping for some more sock weight yarn either but..... again waiting on my spending $$.

Oh mail..... where are you?? Our mailman must have a heck of an appetite. Either that or I got ripped off on some mail I should be getting.

Christmas in July- at 101 degrees

It's scorching hot outside (at least it will be when the sun gets good and up) and I must be nuts.... been sitting on the couch in between cleaning sessions crocheting either Christmas presents or some new pairs of socks. YES socks. And got a sweater or two in mind for cooler weather if I can find the time. Oh how I wish I could find some sweaters and things to recycle the yarn from!!

Will post a pic of the socks when done.... the pair I'm working on CROCHETING at present (people have this stereotype that most socks have to be knitted) is being made out of this really awesom ball of Opal Rodeo sock yarn my super cool secret pal sent me. I'd never seen the stuff before and when I went to look it up this stuff sells for anywhere from $10-15 a ball!! Sheesh! Won't be buying much of that for myself! A ball is just about enough to make one pair of adult socks.

My SP has sent me the most awsome yarn I can't wait to use all of.... the Sugar N Cream has already gone into a Dishcloths/Hanging towel set for my Secret Pal, The Opal Sock yarn is being worked up as we speak, and still contemplating the proper project for the Lanas Stop Jazmin... not sure if you call that thread or yarn but have some sandals in mind for it if I have enough to manage them. Oh and some black WW yarn trimmed in the Patons Cha Cha she sent for another pair of sandals. Sounds cool huh? If I can get it all worked up.

I am still looking for E and F hooks... have patterns that call for them but all of them except one of my E's seems to have sprouted legs and walked off. Either that or my parents' ghost followed me and has hidden them!! Speaking of Which I owe TARA some ghost stories!! Soon as I get to type them up my friend! I fully believe in ghosts, lived with at least one for years, and the lady who lays our carpet swears we sent one home with her inside a tin man statue we gave her! Yes, I have had some interesting experiences with ghosts I have yet to have time to tell. So no dear, you aren't nuts.... and don't let anyone tell you you are.

Off to finish that sock and spend some time with Scott!

I love this Blog question... and answer!

This is too too funny if you're a knit/crochet addict! I got it off of Donna's profile.... on Blogger they ask you a random question to be answered on your profile. Here's a really funny answer.

Q: You're wearing a sweater that stretches down to your feet. What color belt do you put on?

A: Forget the belt! I'd change into a T-shirt, unravel the sweater for the yarn, and crochet something with it!

ROFL!! Spoken like a true Yarn Addict!!

Freezing in a Heat Wave (responses)

Just a few responses to comments and emails left on my post about places freezing you out:

Thanks to all of you for your support! Evidently there are quite a few others out there that see this as the same problem!

Tara, good suggestion- a shawl is definitely more elegant but how do you eat with a shawl hanging over your arms/shoulders if you're out eating? LOL Proves kind of hard at least for me. Shawl seems better for church where it's often hot in the auditorium (during the summer) and freezing in the classrooms. At most of these eating places, you need a SWEATER with actual sleeves. It's that cold. And at Hobby Lobby you better have Eskimo gear!! Shrug is too open in the front for most places, leaving your front to freeze. (And if I want my bra frozen I'll put it in the freezer!!)

And I'll ignore the smart aleck who told me to stay home. What do you want me to do, die of boredom cooped up in the house?? Never mind, don't answer that- it was a rhetorical question. I have a pretty good idea which smart aleck that was.

A few Responses

Thanks everyone for your comments lately... please don't stop- I appreciate so much knowing you're here and reading! I'll try to drop in on your blogs (and say hi!) as much as possible!

I thought I'd respond to a few things people have said on here:

Kari, Sorry about the Earnhardt name... the kitty's name was my idea. Actually I'm not even really a racing or Earnhardt fan but Scott is- figured he'd like it. He seems to care less just like a lot of things. Sometimes I wonder what world that man is in.

Deneen, I'm jealous- you get to go swimming!! Just kidding! Actually was gonna say thanks for your comments and support.

Oh Dot?? Are you out there somewhere? And where is Mr. Spike? I have to say all my products are kitty tested and approved. Seriously was gonna link to your wonderful blog and designs but having trouble finding/accessing your blog? It says it's private? Maybe our beloved Dot can design that Shrug Sara and I were talking about! Dot, I just wanted you to know I appreciate your experience, caring and knowledge- you're a sweetheart!

Hmm Who else do I owe a comment....

DONNA! AKA YARN TOMATO... Of all the blogs out there you visited mine! Wow! Hope you liked what you read! Thanks for all your great work on Crochetville!

And Last but not Least, Sara- My ever-present buddy! I look forward to hearing from you every day and miss those blog updates when you go into hermit style! You rock girl! Keep bloggin and crochetin! (notice I didn't say knitting! ROFL!) Seriously, knit if ya want to- all I can say is as long as knitters don't fit into the snob stereotype they're OK with me.

SHARON that goes for you too- don't you go all snobby on me just cause you knit too!!

And Lisa, my ever-present friend and confidante... thanks for your friendship and support! Love ya!!
If I've forgotten any of my buddies, I love ya all anyway! Thanks for lifting me up!

Eating in an Igloo or Oven-like Temperatures.. your choice

Sara struck on a topic on her blog that drives me nuts. Actually a side topic. Her topic was in response to someone's dismissal of crocheted and knitted shrugs; For those of you who don't know, a Shrug is an off the shoulder type sweater (or just covering the shoulders and long sleeves.)It is open at the front, or semi-open and is meant to keep mostly arms and shoulders warm.

The topic she hit was: people being air conditioned to death inside when temperatures are like an oven outside. Even with it being almost 100 degrees here lately, there is no need for every restaurant, business establishment, store, etc. to run their air conditioning on literally 50 or 60. You can't go out to eat around here without carrying a jacket or asking the manager to turn the air down. Doesn't matter if the outside temperature is 20 degrees or 120 degrees. The inside temperature will be about 65 in most restaurants.

Remember last Dec. 23 when we got about 15" of snow and it lasted for a week?? We were one of the handful of people who could get out in a 4 wheel drive that morning when there was about 5 or 6 inches already on the ground and a blizzard outside and decided to find some breakfast at Cracker Barrel. What did we find? Besides being short on help due to the storm that is, there was a very small fire in the fire place and freezing cold air blowing from the vents and fans running full blast. Their response?? Some people were complaining in the kitchen about overheating.

OKKKK.... All I can say to that is.... DUH!!! If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!! Literally!! There's a raging snowstorm outside and they've got the air on cause people are hot in the kitchen?? My dad loves to write on their little table inserts where it says Why we have a fireplace at our place; His answer: so we can run the air conditioner in the wintertime!

Even in 100 degree Heat, you better take a sweater with you! A list of the worst places around here about freezing you out?

Cracker Barrel (and that goes for just about every one I have ever been in, here in town or out of town)

O'Charley's (who once told us the management and help liked it that way and they wouldn't change it. Needless to say it was a LONG time til after management changed before we went back.) Hasn't been too bad in a long time.

Applebee's- though I love their food (known for being cold on one side of the restaurant and hot on the other)

Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah (will either be sweaty hot or freezing cold)

and the all time #1 worst igloo? ** Drum Roll Please**

HOBBY LOBBY

Yes, that's right... our favorite craft hangout.... if you're going in... you'd better have your eskimo gear on winter or summer!


Now see what ya did Sara? Ya got me started! Seriously this is a hot topic .... unless the restaurant (or state depending on where you are) is a non-smoking place many also run the air to draw out cigarette smoke from smoking sections. Or at least they use that as an excuse. It seldom helps air quality.. just makes the restaurant cold and smoky. Which is hard on those of us with breathing problems. Then you freeze to death on top of it.

May I also mention the idiots who design restaurants with non-smoking sections at one table and smoking sections in the next.. no distance or barrier between them. Either you want to breathe smoke or you don't. Most of those that smoke don't much care if someone is smoking next to them but those that don't or who can't be around it don't want to breathe it... hence the purpose of smoking and non-smoking sections. Irates me to no end when restaurants put them right together.

Not much I can do about the air quality issue in restaurants but I'd better make myself a nice sweater or shrug- mine is getting worn out. Wouldn't want my top half to freeze off while I'm eating. But like an idiot where will I usually go with my parents to breakfast? Cracker Barrel of course.. there really isn't much other place to get a decent breakfast in town other than fast food.

OK I'm stopping here before I freeze myself to death. Just stay warm when you go out to eat! Or Shop!

Stretched Afghan... my style

Also called the Rectangle Granny but I hate that name! This is my version!



WW yarn.. how much depends on how big you want your afghan to be. Experiment! This one was done from scraps and Unfinished Objects people sent me and is still in progress as this was written.

Thanks to the few that have sent me Scraps and UFO's.. they are being put to good use!

H Hook

Chain 13

Round 1: 2 double crochets in the third chain from the hook, chain 1 and then *3 double crochets, skip 2 chains, chain 1, 3 double crochets in the next chain across to the end. In the end chain you will be making a corner, chain one space, then another corner. In End chain (3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets, chain 1, 3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets, chain 1).

Working on the opposite side of the chain in the free loops: note: you will be making 3 double crochets in the free loop of the same chain where you made the 3 double crochets on the other side.

Skip 2 unworked loops, *3 double crochets in the same loop where you made the 3 double crochets on the other side, skip 2 unworked loops across to end chain. You will only be making a corner and a half in this end chain (the other half of the corner is already there).

In End Chain: Corner (3 double crochets, chain 2, 3 double crochets), chain one, 3 double crochets, chain 2, join to first double crochet with a slip stitch.

Round 2: Slip stitch in next 2 stitches to next chain one space. Chain 2, 2 double crochets in chain one space, chain one, *(skip next 3 double crochets on row below, make 3 double crochets in the next chain one space, chain one) across to corner. Make a corner as described above in corner, chain 1, 3 double crochets in each chain one space to next corner. Make another corner and chain one.

Make 3 double crochets in each chain one space, chain one, skip 3 double crochets on row below across to next end. Make a corner in each corner, chain one after the corner, 3 double crochets in each chain one space to next corner, make another corner, chain one. Continue til you reach the joining, then join to first double crochet with a slip stitch.

Repeat Round 2 til afghan is desired size. This looks really pretty if you use several coordinating colors!

Yay! I'm not abandoned after all!!

Whew! I was starting to think you guys didn't love me anymore!! Don't worry, I still love all of ya even if you haven't been leaving me a "Hi Marla, how are ya" comment!

Deneen, Dot... no need to be ashamed! I haven't frequented your blogs as much lately and I miss them... been busy trying to get this rats nest.. er that is... house in some kind of order. Believe me, it ain't easy.

In the meantime I've been working on some Christmas presents (YES already)... among the few I can post here, britches dishcloths, regular dishcloths of the smaller variety, and a few I can't post here since there are snooping eyes :oP

I also have a scrap comfortghan in the works. You may have noticed I ask that you not throw away ANY UFO's or scrap yarn you don't want to fool with- I have been using some UFO's and "scraps" (many of which are full or half skeins) people have been about to throw away but sent me instead for charity projects. I do baby, animal and adult charities and also comfort items depending on the yarn I get. My budget is too tight right now for charity yarn (even bargain charity yarn which I haven't found any bargains lately) so this is where most of my charity projects come from.

Here's a picture of what I am working on at the time



That's the Scrap Comfortghan made with UFO's and a couple of unwanted skeins someone sent me! Pretty huh? And just think those UFO's were about to be thrown away. Unfortunately that's all the pics I can post... too many prying eyes on here to post other pics of stuff I'm working on.

OK back to the ever present task of laundry... men are so messy! But I love him anyway!

Help! I'm a blog orphan!!

I've been abandoned all of a sudden!! Where are all my readers? I know just a few of you all usually leave comments but... has everyone been scared off by hurricanes or what?

If you drop in for a visit, please leave me a comment. At least once in a while :o) About the only ones that have commented lately have been Sharon and Sara. Where are some of the rest of my readers? Deneen? Dot? Lulu? And anyone else?

On the upside, I've been trying desperately to work some on the house and not making much headway. So much to do... on top of that I finally found my thank you note material and have some left I need to write from the wedding and things sent just before the wedding.

Special thanks to Mom and Sharon for cleaning off my kitchen table.... Now Earnhardt has a place to take a nap!!!



No he isn't usually allowed on the table but this time he was so cute he got away with it! Oh well tablecloth has to be washed anyway where my child, er husband drips food when he eats.

Back to trying to organize things here which should take me til about Christmas! And Please, if you stop by leave a comment. I leave comments on everyone else's blogs even if it's only to say Hi.

Project Hope needs

I got an email back from Pat, my contact at Project Hope and here was her reply about what is going on at the shelter and how anyone can help:

Dear Marla,
Thanks so much for your concern. We have an outbreak of feline pneumonitis at the shelter. Its an upper respiratory infection that is easily passed by coughing/sneezing etc.
The prescribed antibiotic (Clavimox) will run about $15-20 per cat and at present there are 36 cats.
We are a 501-c3 organization and will be happy to send reciepts to any and all. Donations may be earmarked specifically for medication/vet care or any other item or service a person may wish to contribute to and it will be used specifically for that purpose. It may be designated specifically for one particular animal if the person so desires. Sort of an "adoption" with the animal remaining at the shelter under our care but having money donated to provide his medication.
We can always use cleaning supplies. Especially bleach, paper towels, laundry detergent. Rubber gloves, shoe covers, hand sanitizer, anything for infection control.
We could use manpower. someone to watch the front, answer the phone etc. Anyone wanting to volunteer at the shelter should contact our shelter manager to see what help is needed. We most certainlly wouldn't want anyone to carry the pneumonitis home to their own kitties. Perhaps a cat owner could help with the dogs and dog owner with the cats.
We can use soft blankets, towels etc for the sick kitties need frequent changes. Thus producing more laundry.
Computer skills to set up a shelter program we have would be beneficial, someone to deal with the public and answer the phone.
Marjorie Smith is the shelter manager and she can be reached at the shelter at (618) 524-8939.

The shelter will be closed for 30 days to get a handle on this outbreak. We won't be accepting any animals or adopting any out during that time.

Again thanks for your care and concern, any help will be greatly appreciated. Hug Angel, Smokey and Earnhardt for me. I'm so glad they are in a wonderful forever home.

Sincerely, for the animals
Pat.


Looks like they can use snuggles (crocheted or knitted), monetary donations for cleanup costs and the cats' medicine, cleaning supplies, surgical gowns and footies if you happen to have access to any of those, plastic gloves, hand sanitizer to say the least. For more information please contact Project Hope at the link or phone number above or mail checks to:

Project Hope Humane Society
P.O. Box 125
1698 W. 10th
Metropolis IL 62960
Phone: 618-524-8939
Email: szque_525@hotmail.com

Project Hope in danger of closing

While at my parents' tonight, I happened to catch a glimpse of the Paducah Sun; Seems there has been an outbreak of conjunctivitis and some other respiratory infections at Project Hope in Metropolis, IL causing them a major crisis right now. As soon as all the money is spent on antibiotics for the cats and kittens there, and cleaning up the shelter, lack of funds could cause the shelter to close.

Project Hope is the No-Kill animal shelter from which all three of my kitties have come. Animals are never put to sleep for lack of a home. Please stay tuned; I am gathering information as this is being written on what can be done. I can't help the shelter financially right now myself but I'm sure there are people out there that would love to do so. I'd hate to see this shelter close.. they rescue a lot of abandoned and abused, neglected etc. animals.

We just adopted Earnhardt from there about 10 days ago but he wasn't at the shelter when the outbreak started according to his records and my contact at Project Hope. We got him from PetSmart which keeps kitties for adoption from local animal shelters.

Here's my three kitties that have come from Project Hope:

Angel

Smokey

Earnhardt


I do know they are needing some other supplies as well. Will update as soon as I find out what and how they can be supported. I do know according to the paper each dose of medicine for each cat costs $14.xx, and cleanup is a major expense right now as all cats will have to be treated and the shelter decontaminated. They need surgical gowns, etc. as well right now.

*Singing* A Froggin I will go....

No not my work but some UFO's someone sent me. Got some nice balls of baby yarn to work with- at least suitable for some preemie items if not more.

And SHARON, since I know you'll ask... a UFO is an unfinished object that someone doesn't want anymore. Hence the name UFO. Also called an Orphan or "orphaned project". And Froggin... you should have heard that one. Frogging is what you do when you rip out your work.... since you rip-it rip-it rip-it, it is called Frogging.

Anyway here's my yield from some ufo's someone sent me. They also sent me a 1.2oz ball of chenille I have no use for. Will probably barter it.

Baby Yarn:


Chenille:


OK back to checking posts and more sorting of crochet stuff!

Spoiled rotten

He's Rotten.. just rotten. Take a look at the proof:
Helping Mom Crochet.... or laying on my pattern is more like it...




See how pretty I can pose for the camera?







Meanwhile the other two cats are enjoying him.... however Angel is savoring all the lap time she can by herself. She doesn't mind the other two being around but she wants all the time she can get with "her" Marla. Was gonna put some pics of Angel up here playing with Earnhardt but couldn't get her still long enough. Who needs kids? Like Lisa said, I've already got 4.... a husband who's 38 going on 5 and 3 with fur.

Lucky I can manage any crochet time around here....

YAY!! BLOGGER IMAGES BACK UP!!!

Guess they finally got their act together!! Now I don't have to post from the web anymore!!! All was posting and loading except the DONE page, and it wouldn't load without that!

What a relief!

Gift package patterns

Finally!!

I got around to writing down and typing up the hanger cover patterns and washcloth pattern I made up for a wedding gift. Made a couple of things to go with it but they weren't my pattern so I can only post the four that were.

Here they are in the posts below: 3 padded hanger covers and a washcloth! The blogger images feature has been a pain last few days. These patterns will also be posted to my website for future reference.

Hope you enjoy!!

Padded Hanger Cover W/Flower

Padded Hanger Cover W/Flower





F Hook
2oz WW Yarn in main color, small amount flower color
1 15"(approx) padded clothes hanger

Hanger cover:

Ch 4
Row 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st.

Row 2: Ch 2, DC in same Space, *Skip next st, 2dc in next st, repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (12 dc, 6 ch-1 spaces made)

Row 3: Ch 2, CD in each st. and ch-1 sp around. Join w/ sl st. (18 dc made)

Note: Somewhere around 6 or 7 rows, slip your hanger cover on hanger and begin working around hanger.

Row 4-36: Ch 2, dc in each st. around, join w/sl st. (18 dc)

Row 37: ch 2, hdc in next st, *dc next 2 st. together. Repeat from * around. (6 dctog clusters)

Row 38: Ch2, dc in each st. around (12dc), join with sl. st.

Fasten off and weave in tail well.

Optional Hook Cover:

Ch 28

Row 1-5: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn.

At end of row 5, join both sides to form a tube as follows: Slip st. through booth thicknesses, pulling yarn through both loops of one side and only one loop of the other. Slip over hook and join with a slip stitch in 2 or more places to hanger cover.


Flower:

With Flower Color, ch 8 and join to first ch to form a ring.

(Ch 4, 2 triple crochet, ch 4, sl st) 5 times in ring. Join with a slip st. to base of first ch 4. Fasten off. Slip gently over hook cover.

V Stitch Padded Hanger Cover

V Stitch Padded Hanger Cover





F Hook
1oz WW Yarn

Row 1: Ch 4, 7 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st.

Row 2-41: Ch 4, dc in same st.,* skip next st, (dc, ch2, dc) in next st. Repeat from * around. Join w/ sl st to beginning ch 2.

Row 42: Ch2, hdc in same ch-2 sp. (dc 2 together in each ch-2 sp) around. Join to beginning ch 2 and pull tight to close end.

Peek a boo Hanger Cover

Peek a Boo Padded Hanger Cover



F hook
1oz WW Yarn

Row 1: Ch 4, 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st. to 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Row 2-37: Ch 2, dc in next st., ch 1 *dc in next 2 st, ch1. Repeat from * around. Join w/ sl st to beginning ch 2.

Row 38: ch 2, hdc in next st, (dc next 2 dc together, skip ch1 sp) around. Join to first st. and pull end tight. Fasten off. Weave in tail well.

Washcloth pattern

Ladies' Washcloth



F hook
1oz WW yarn

Shell=5dc in same stitch

Ch 45

Row 1:DC in 4th ch from hook, (Shell in next ch. Sk next 2 ch, DC in next ch, Sk next 2 ch) across to last 7 chains. Skip next 2 chains, Shell in next ch, sk next 2 ch, DC in next to last ch and again in last ch. Ch 2, turn.

Row 2-18: Shell in each ch and dc in 3rd dc of each shell across. Dc in last dc. Ch 2 and turn at end of each row except last one.

Fasten off and weave in tail well.

Tag, you're it

That's Angel and Earnhardt's latest game thru the house. One smacks the other, then the chase thru the house is on. Now that I have 3 cats, I can truly say I have a 3 ring circus in the house. As if the house wasn't enough of a mess... I'd post pictures but how do you catch a picture of two cats playing tag.

Earnhardt's decided to get awfully brave- this little scrawny 2lb, 3mo old kitten runs and jumps with all four feet at full speed onto 20lb Smokey's back. Poor Smokey, all he does is whine and jump like "get this thing off of me". He does a little chasing himself but not as much... he's more fat and lazy.

Little Mr. Tough Stuff better watch who he's picking on... Smokey hasn't decided to clobber him yet but when he does... Smokey's about 5 or 6 times Earnhardt's size.

Like I said, I have a 3 ring circus in my own living room....

Earnhardt- Our New Baby

Everyone please welcome Earnhardt to the family! He was adopted this afternoon from Project Hope. He's 12 weeks old and very loveable! Actually the Earnhardt name was my idea, I figured Scott'd like it.




Guess who's already scattered kitty litter all over the floor (clean) from his box?? Good thing we keep a couple of vacuums handy! At least he IS litter trained! Good kitty!!

The other cats aren't much on him yet but they'll come around. Smokey hasn't come too close yet, and Angel got as far as nose to nose then meowed at me like "What is this thing in your lap?"

No picture....

You may have noticed that there's no picture of the baby blanket as I had promised.... That's because the blogger images refuses to cooperate right now- not because I forgot to put it in.

If you want to see the pic of the baby blanket scroll down several entries - there is a pic of it from a few days ago I can't seem to get on here.

Mission: Clean and Crochet

Well maybe not in that order as such.

I've finished the baby blanket for the shower Sunday several days ago.. now I'm working on a wedding gift for another shower NEXT Sunday. Money is a little tight right now so just about everyone who's getting married or having a baby is getting crocheted gifts since I have 10 tons of yarn to organize/use up/get rid of. Most of it is getting used for something or put in the closet. YES I have a yarn closet and NO the yarn isn't in there at the moment (and you don't want to see my yarn/craft/computer room either!!!).

Which brings me to cleaning.... something has to be done about the boxes etc. in the living room, hallway and the piles of yarn and sacks and you name it in here. So that will pretty much keep me busy today except for a probably trip down to Paducah later- gotta pick up my DVD players I had fixed if nothing else. We also may run by PetSmart... my SIL said Project Hope had some kittens there. May see if there's anything we like but will be a young kitten(s) if we get anything since the adoption fee is higher for older kittens and cats. Very young kittens are about $20 just for their first vet checks etc. then you have to pay to have them spayed/neutered etc. later.

So with that I leave you with a pic of baby blanket, a round ripple from New crochet Basics... will post pics of covered hangers and sachet when done and also made up a covered hanger pattern that I will post here and on my website when I get it done.

Fried Chicken Sunday

By now I should be sick of Fried Chicken... But I'm not. After church, lunch was truck stop's buffet... you guessed it- Fried Chicken is on it every Sunday along with 2-3 other meats and various vegetables, soup, salad bar etc.

I had been promising dinner to my MIL and SIL for a while since they've done the same for us several times. Well, about the only thing I had in the freezer that needed to be fixed was a bag of chicken quarters..... ROFL The rest is self explanatory. Nice except I forgot the can of jellied cranberry sauce in the fridge. Oh well will use it later.

Scott has gone to the depot to pick up some food... typical- I can't keep him away from that place when I want him home, and when I want time to myself I can't get it. So I'm messing around on the puter til he gets back. I got my after dinner nap interrupted for this too- hmmph!! The nerve of the man- wakes me up saying he wants to go to the depot for a few minutes.... just because I am asleep in his lap! I shoulda told him tough and went back to sleep.

Now to work on a small wedding gift before my child *oops I mean husband* returns!!

In Memoriam and correction

When I put the tribute up to John Fielder who was Disney's voice for Piglet and several others, I made a mistake; I listed him as the voice for Tigger as well. I didn't think that sounded quite right.

It seems another prominent Disney voice has recently passed away as well: Paul Winchell who did quite a bit of animated voices including Tigger in Disney's Winnie the Pooh. Disney fans are mourning the loss of 2 of Disney's most famous voices.

Another Reba Recipe

Thanks to Lisa I now have the link to Reba McEntire's Broccoli Casserole up, and will post a couple of other recipes soon as I have time to get them up.

Click on the Reba's Family Recipes link to the right, the Broccoli Casserole has been added there and links to the other 2 I have will be put there as well.

Mission Reinstall

That's right- everything on my puter literally got reinstalled tonight. You name it- Windows and everything. It's been throwing fits lately at certain things so it got a whole workover.

Must have worked- fixed all my problems except for the color/video problems I've been having with web sites and blogs. That's right- can't see the backgrounds on websites and blogs. The rest of the graphics show up fine, just not the backgrounds or fonts. My blog is in black and white. WAHHHHHHH!

I thought it was blogger at first- I emailed Sara and said hey what's up with Blogger. She told me it must be me to restart my puter. I thought SHE was nuts til I went to my website.... there was no background image there either. So I went down to my dad's and pulled everything up on his. What the heck's wrong with my puter??? AOL and other techs and I have checked all Windows and AOL settings... a tech even told me it could be my video card damaged. I seriously doubt that but we'll see. Gonna do some checking around before I take it somewhere to be looked at. I'd hate to spend a bunch of money if it was an error or setting I could fix myself. Even a system restore didn't work. So something's up. Not a major deal, just a major annoyance.

Anyone out there a puter junkie and know how to fix this?

Reba's Family Recipes

I wanted to share with you some links I've found of Recipes that my favorite singer, Reba McEntire has shared from her family's kitchen over the years. A friend of mine has asked Reba.com to publish recipes she's shared with different magazines, organizations for cook books and the like. We'll see if they post them but in the meantime here's some I found online.

Reba's Beans and Tennessee Cornbread
Reba's Hot N' Chunky Chili
Reba's Praline Sweet Potato Casserole
Reba's Mexican Cornbread Casserole
Reba's Broccoli Casserole (Thanks Lisa!)

Susie Luchsinger's Corn Chowder (Reba's sister Susie- an awesome Christian Country artist)

We're still looking for Reba's Banana pudding and several other recipes she's shared.

Angel's new hangout...

Sara, have your cats been talking to mine??? Angel has now gone from the back of the chair (pushing me out as you showed Whitey doing) to laying by or in front of my monitor and playing with my mouse as Topper does. I kid you not:



Why DO cats just have to lay on/in front of your mouse and monitor?? Next she'll be chasing the cursor across the screen. Yet she pays not a bit of attention to my Marine Aquarium screensaver.

OK who's been giving Angel all these ideas? At least Smokey's too fat to get up here (either that or he hasn't discovered this spot yet).

New carpet

Some people were asking for some more pics of the house since we've done a bit of work. Still boxes and bags everywhere but I did manage a clean picture of the bathroom where we just had new carpet and accessories put in.



Navy and hot pink... or actually Sassy Pink as it's called. OK playtime's over... gotta see what I can do with some of these boxes etc. in the living room!

Attention Disney Fans...

It seems our friend John Fielder, the voice of Tigger, Piglet and many other Disney Characters has passed away. I did find this article link posted on some other blogs but seems very little details have been given.

John Fielder obituary.

Baby afghan and blogger photos

Here's a pic of the round ripple baby afghan I finished last night for a baby shower in a couple of weeks. Need to get working on both the house and turning some UFO's into comforghans or such.

I found out real quick I don't like the new blogger photo upload... the photos I posted look terrible, while if I post the original photo they look fine. Something's garbled between the communication. They need to improve something real quick if they're going to use this for blogger photo posting.

The first of many...

Pictures of Disney... and some stories/details.


Me and Scott at the Castle

I had to drag him into this picture- one of the photopass photographers took it using my camera. He hates having his picture taken so I had to bribe him into a few pictures.

Speaking of pictures I have a few on disk that someone took... still trying to see if there's one good enough to post. Most of them were pretty blurry. Haven't heard a word from the professional pictures yet.

Haven't really got much done on the house yesterday; Dinner after church consisted of Chong's buffet (my favorite chinese restaurant here in town) then trying to do some straightening out on my puter, then a nap then it was time to get Scott's lunch and stuff ready to go to work. Did get the dishwasher unloaded and most of the stuff put away, a few things moved around and some more rows done on the round ripple baby afghan I'm almost done with for a shower in a couple of weeks. Will definitely post a pic when I get it done. It's from New Crochet Basics.... I think.

Need to get my butt in bed as it's 4:30am and Scott will be home soon but alas; laundry awaits in piles that have outgrown the hamper.

I will leave you with one or two only halfway decent pictures from the wedding:

Putting the ring on his finger


Mr. and Mrs. Scott Potter



Ain't we cute??

Of Pot Roast and Pizza....

OK OK not together... YUCK! Even I couldn't stand that combo.

Been a wierd day. I wound up working in the house all night and was still up when Scott came in, and put the planned pot roast, vegetables and ingredients in the crock pot, planning to have Pot roast for supper. That was 7:15am; laid down about 8:30am finally. Intended to sleep til about 12 or so and then get up when Scott did and get some stuff done (The house is still a pigsty, boxes everywhere).

Next thing I know Scott is waking me up saying my cousin is on the phone. I wake up, put my hearing aid in and talk to her a bit; she's wanting to know if we'll meet them and my parents later for supper at Chuck E Cheese's with Carson since he was good at Day camp. I relay the message to Scott and he says OK so I tell her we'll meet them and hang up the phone.

First I looked at the clock... 3:48!! Why the heck didn't he wake me up when he got up??? He says "Well you looked like you wanted to sleep so I left you there." MEN!!! BAH! HUMBUG!!! If I had wanted to sleep he'd have been pestering me to get up and do something with him! Don't get me wrong, I love him dearly... just have a lot more training to do.

On to the next saga... When I told Missy we'd meet them at Chuck E Cheese, I totally forgot about the pot roast cooking in the crock pot. So we wound up having pizza for dinner last night (Fri. night). Wasn't bad, and I think Scott has about as much fun as Carson did. Carson was really really good til the last minute when Marsha told him it was time to go he got in the climbing tunnel to keep from having to leave. We all hid and he decided to come out and find out where we went- he thought he'd been left!

So back to the forgotten pot roast... thank goodness for removeable stoneware- it's in the fridge untouched and my parents are going to join us for dinner tomorrow night. Now does anyone have a maid I can borrow for the kitchen???

Seriously I did sneak a little bite that was swimming in the mix (thing's done- it's falling apart)- it's delicious! I have to say I think I'm gonna love my new SmartPot Crock pot I got with gift cards! Gonna fix some green beans, and maybe boil some mini ears of corn with it tomorrow, serve tea and let that be it. Just my way of saying thanks to my parents for helping me move since our "moving buddies" all opted out on us for one reason or another at the last minute. My dad also spent several hours over three days up here putting in a garbage disposal for us so I can cook comfortably.

Scott and I are discussing getting some more animals... maybe. I don't want any more cages to have to clean out so if he comes home with something caged it's gonna be HIS responsibility to clean out. I love Taffy (my bunny) but hate cleaning that cage even though it isn't hard to change the sack around the litter pan under her cage. Myself, I'd rather have another kitten or two. Angel is still my baby but I wouldn't mind having a couple more. Then again I snap back to the reality of the two cats we have now that run the Indy 500 thru the house about every 2 hours or less.... We'll see what happens. Wouldn't mind a small dog either except someone has to take that dog out every so often whether rain, sleet, snow, heat.... you name it. My MIL just opens the door and lets all 8 of hers (YES- I said *8*- she has 8 shelties) out and they come back in a few minutes but I couldn't imagine doing that. Esp. if I were to get a little dog. Most of these are medium sized or larger dogs.

Hate to cut blogging short, but if my parents are coming over then there is a kitchen to be organized.... TTFN!! More pics/details to come from Disney World soon as I get time to post them!

GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!!

There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind; God answers prayers according to his will. He does what we ask, IF it is best for us according to his plan. I have no doubts and have even further evidence.

Everyone who knows Peggy Kerley knows that she had ovarian cancer diagnosed a year ago. Today her reproductive system is clear, but just 2-3 weeks after she was pronounced clear of the cancer it was found to have spread quite profusely. We have all prayed for the last week that an experimental treatment program, possibly her only physical means of help would accept and agree to treat her. This program is almost impossible to get into due to the huge stream of people applying. I myself had a long talk with God last night again about this among other issues.

I received an email tonight from our church saying just today she has been accepted and will begin receiving treatment immediately!! We are more than thrilled! God does answer prayers. Although this is no guaranteed cure, it is a very critical step in her healing. God does listen, he does answer. It may not always be the answer we want; however we are taught to pray "Not my will but thine be done". Often hard to accept, I know. Please remind yourself to pray this way and ask God to help you accept "Not my will but thine".

Please pray hard for Peggy, that the treatment program erradicates her cancers and she may be healed to her normal loving, giving self again. She has a granddaughter due in August- she needs to see that granddaughter grow up.

Please pray hard also for Richard Adams who is struggling very hard right now with cancer and chemo. Please also keep his wife Barbara and young son Andrew in your prayers. They all need God's comfort right now.

Thank the Lord for all he has done today.

Calling all Reba Fans and Recipe Buffs....

I'm on a mission. I'm looking for either Woman's World April 1996, or the recipe to Reba McEntire's Banana pudding. I have the mexican cornbread casserole, TN cornbread, Reba's Beans and some others. I'm especially looking for either that article or the recipe.

Actually I'll take any Reba recipes you have out there that she's shared at one time or another. Anyone out there willing to share the article or recipe? I'm planning to put up links to the others I've found. I hear she has quite a few recipes floating around that she's shared at one time or another out there.

The first week....

Take one.

But seriously, just an update on what all's gone on here all week. Maybe when things get completely settled (who knows when that'll be) I'll get back to my more natural "my thoughts" posts.

Last Monday:

Moved Angel, moved countless other items to the house. Unpacked (or dumped suitcase is more like it) from FL. 2 loads of laundry to cover mine and Scott's yucky clothes from FL.

Played on parents' computer at the house since they had a cd of a few wedding pictures someone had taken for me. A few are OK- I'll see if there are any that are actually good enough to post on here. Our cousin was having trouble with his camera when he took them.

Showed my parents all the pics from Disney World and Sea World. Got a few interesting shots of me and Scott different places which was tough- Scott hates having his picture taken.

Tuesday:

More of same. Couple visits to Paducah (now just down the road about 10 miles) for different things, also moved some more little things. Managed to mess up the DVD/VCR player in the move so now we have to get that fixed. Luckily the repairman isn't usually expensive. I hope not- I want my toy fixed!!

Wednesday:

We won't even go there- too boring for details.

Thursday:

Mr. Draffen calls and says Carpet we ordered (that was delayed in production a couple weeks- was supposed to be laid the week before the wedding) is in, can he lay it Friday. We first told him no we couldn't have the room ready that quick.

Make a run to my grandparents' since it is my grandmother's 86th birthday. After a quick visit we go get a sandwich with my parents then back to the house to strip carpet.

My dad volunteers to help so we called back and said Friday would be fine. Spent most of Thursday afternoon and Evening pulling up carpet and getting stuff off the floor in the bedroom and bathroom.

Friday:

By noon the bathroom has a beautiful deep navy carpet rather than ugly old linoleum, and the bedroom has a sparkling french blue instead of a drab sculptured brown/tan mix. Most of Friday evening is spent getting little stuff back into closets etc.

Saturday:

Guy laying carpet was supposed to help us move furniture on his own time, but had a family emergency and couldn't. So we called one of Scott's buddies who had said he'd help us. He's working all weekend for extra $$. Great.... Everyone's all willing to help til you really need them. We'd have been glad to pay him ... probably more than he'd have made working. So Scott and my dad (Who has a hernia and isn't supposed to be doing all the moving) got stuck moving a bedroom suit and bed.

Sunday:

Church day. Scott and I actually arrived early... I was shocked. He is a worse pain than I am to get up out of bed.

Also Father's day. After church we went to eat with my parents then down to my grandparents again. Scott has to go back to work tonight.

Monday:

Monday afternoon sees my dad coming up and running a wire to install a garbage disposal. My poor father has been so busy it's ridiculous! After Scott goes to work I head for Linens n things and Kohl's to take some things back and pick up a few things. Then more unpacking and finally an hour or two watching a movie and working on a baby blanket for a baby shower.

Tuesday:

My dad goes to install rest of garbage disposal and has to take it down to the store to ask about a loose part. Meanwhile Scott and I run all over Western KY on a wild goose chase someone sent us on checking out who serves Calvert City limits in cable and also checking out Direct TV. After wasting half a tank or better of gas, looks like DirectTV in Paducah was the better choice after all. Looks like we may sign up for that. Probably soon as his check comes in Fri. morning. Have to roll my AOL over to my own account too.

Angel is becoming accustomed to her new home and making herself quite at home. She's sitting behind me currently (pushing me out of the chair is more like it) taking a bath. Who knows where Smokey is... probably on a table he's not supposed to be on. He's a real little devil sometimes but cute when he wants to be.


All Caught Up!

That's the week in recap! I'll end off with 2 special prayer requests. Please pray:

Peggy Kerley, a dear friend of ours who has had a relapse of cancer is in Lexington KY checking out an experimental treatment program. Please pray hard that she gets into the program and that it helps erradicate her cancer.

Richard Adams, Another friend from church, also has cancer and is fighting a very tough battle with cancer. He needs the Lord's help and all the prayers you're willing to send his way! Please pray also for his wife Barbara as she struggles with his illness and to raise their young son Andrew (about 6). Please pray for Andrew as well- he needs his daddy!

Night everyone! Will post more updates later as time allows!!

The good news is....

We got 99% of the furniture moved in today. My Daybed from home, rest of bedroom suit (The double bed to it wasn't in use there because it was too big for the room I was in- Scott was already using it here), and more little stuff from my room. If I ever see another piece of furniture or box of crap again I'm going to scream. Now all that's left to move is the sewing desk and some other small details.

The bad news is....

The sewing desk is more like a huge computer desk and will probably have to come apart to move. Plus all the crap has to be unloaded from it so it can be moved. Heaven only knows what I'm going to do with all that. It'll go in my spare bedroom- this should be fun trying to set it up on the other side of the antique bed. If I see one more piece of material I'm throwing it out the window.

On the crochet front:

Been getting yarn together for my Sea of Yarn swap partner I have to send to. Some brand new skeins from the store, some other new ones from my stash and a couple of slightly used skeins I added in. I will pick up some more new skeins as time and money allow.

I'm adding Rainbow Wraps for Baby to my wish list. Does anyone have one they'd RAOK me or trade for a nice skein of yarn? I'm just getting to my yarn; books (both to be sold/traded, and my personal stash) are still buried. I found what was left of my RWFB book under my daybed when we moved it. Apparently Angel thought it was her toy. Let's just say those USED to be complete legible patterns.

The Cats

Smokey and Angel are getting along fine- even starting to chase and wrestle and act like a couple of 2 year olds. Great... now I have 2 cats and a husband who all act like 2 year olds. At least Taffy the rabbit is quiet for now. I had to separate the 2 cats at 4am the other morning- they decided the house was the Daytona International Speedway racetrack. The chase started across the couch, over the kitty condo, thru the living room, down the hallway, across the bed in the bedroom, over mine and Scott's heads, under the bed, around the commode in the bathroom (smokey was too fat to squeeze through- he went over and almost fell in).... back down the hallway thru the living room into the den where I finally shut Smokey up in the Den. Once Smokey was shut up in the den, Angel curled up on her kitty condo like "I'm a good girl", took her 30 minute long bath and proceeded to go to sleep. I don't know who started the chase but I was out for blood on both of them.

Coupons

As in the grocery kind... I've decided to start back on some of my coupon lists and things. I've found some pretty good ways to save money thru coupons. They aren't magic but every penny helps. Found a good deal on chicken quarters at WM tonight- bought a 10lb bag for $4.30. Now if we can just pick up a propane bottle tomorrow for that gas grill... or I can bake/roast.... Frying isn't a bad idea either but we've already had that once this week. I'm not a health nut by any means but I don't want to overload on frieds and junk too much.

OK 2:30am and I'm catching myself yawning. Scott is already in bed so I better go join him. That bed better be dry too- I threatened to kick his butt earlier if he didn't go dry his hair. MEN! He had the nerve to step out of the shower and not even bother to run a towel over his hair. Told him if he didn't get it dry pronto he'd be sleeping alone. Needless to say he learned how to use a hair dryer real quick LOL.

Dunno where the cats are but as long as they're quiet.... no Daytona 500 is gonna go on tonight! Maybe tomorrow night when Scott goes back to work I'll be able to actually crochet a little bit! Night all!!

I'm baaaaack!!! Well sort of....

Hi Everyone!

I'm back but still buried under mountains of belongings, thank you notes, wedding cards, gifts and you don't even want to know what all.

Only one crochet related note to report: I did receive a wonderful package from Tandi on YarnExchange (on Yahoogroups). It contained several skeins of yarn and a package of Crystalite hooks (the smaller sizes). I love those things!!

Ok Two crochet notes: I do have my Yarn Exchange partner on Crochetville and will be checking that out and getting her likes and such soon.

To my secret pal who has been great with the cards and things- thank you! You're wonderful and I really enjoy hearing from you. Hmmm do I have you figured out?? Maybe... we'll just have to see. Even if I do have you figured out I'm not saying for sure!

The wedding came off great and a week in Disney world was great! Just makes me wish I was close enough to do that about once a week. I could take up a permanent space in Magic Kingdom. Even the days it rained, no other place I'd rather be!

As for wedding pictures, I do have a homemade CD of which some turned out good- stil waiting on the professional pics. Will put them up as time and all allows. Also pics from FL!

Right now we're so buried it may be who knows when before I come up for air and post again. On top of moving we pulled the stupid stunt of having carpet laid tomorrow in the bedroom and bathroom. Actually it was supposed to have been done before the wedding but the production on it got delayed so we're just now getting it done.

Must go as I owe 2 cats and a husband some attention, not to mention the mound of thank you's from AFTER the wedding I haven't touched. We don't even want to start on the piles of crap covering every room in my house except the two being carpeted.

Thank you all for your wonderful comments, support and prayers. Please do keep our new marriage in your prayers!

One last post....

Before I'm a married woman!

Well Rehearsal went off fine, like a chinese fire drill but I'm told that's normal. Seriously, all went fine. I am having to keep a tight rein on my mother though- seems while I wasn't around this morning she told off one of the wonderful ladies who has worked so hard on the food and all for the reception... and get this.... All because the lady was going to serve coffee and some other drinks with punch at the reception and Mom didn't want anything but punch. GEEZ!! How stupid can you get!!!! Who really cares if they serve coffee with the punch, cake etc???? Good thing I wasn't around... I'd have had one less mother for sure. I told her if she tried anything like that tomorrow they'd be having a celebration without the bride. If she didn't believe me, try me. Needless to say she's been pretty quiet all night. And she better be tomorrow too. She knows better than to call my Bluff.

Other than having to shut her up (which was highly expected), Everything has gone pretty good. Just ready to get this done and over with. All I want is to be married peacefully- no more details. I still told Scott we were in our lawyer's office (he's also a minister and the one who's marrying us) the other day- we already had the marriage certificate, we should have just done it right there, had his son witness it (he's a lawyer also) and be done with it! LOL My dad responded "Why the he## didn't you- I'd have paid you dearly for it." ROFLMAO

Don't get me wrong, I love my mother but she has some serious issues sometimes that I have to fight tooth and nail to keep them from becoming my problem too.

So hopefully after everything comes off smooth tomorrow we'll be heading for FL and Disney World for a week first thing Monday morning. It's about a 14hr drive from here and I'll be doing most if not all the driving. Please pray for our safe arrival and return!

I did get a bit of crocheting done in all the madness last few days.... worked a bit late tonight on a baby blanket for the minister's grandbaby due later this summer. Also made a water bottle carrier for carrying thru the parks while we're gone. My own pattern. Don't know if I'm posting the pattern yet (may try to publish- I love the design) or not but will definitely post pics when I can... would love to know what this yarn is and if I can get any more of it. It was sent to me without a label and don't remember who I got it from. It's a navy blue, fuschia, and teal variegated. Beautiful but I don't know what it is and have never seen anything like it. Feels like maybe Caron or Wintuk or something like that.

OK have to be up early in the morning so I'm hitting the sack. Will fill you with details soon as I get back. Probably no wedding pics yet though since it will take a while to get them back. Will try to post at least one or two though if I can get them in a scannable or digital format.

Please pray: Peggy Kerley, a dear friend of ours (and wife of our lawyer/minister marrying us) has had cancer to return and her situation is very serious. Please pray for Peggy as often as you can- she needs all the prayers you can offer on her behalf.

Please pray also for our marriage, safe arrival and return from Florida.

See you all next Sunday night/Monday, God willing.

Coming up for air

Hi Everyone,

I'm still here- just buried in a sea of boxes, junk, wedding gifts, information... and fighting not to pull out my hair LOL.

You may see a little more of me before the wedding on Sunday but I won't promise. Sorry it's been a week but as you can imagine it's been nuts around here. Haven't even had time to crochet. I do need to get another water bottle holder made though to take thru Disney. Scott and I are leaving first thing Monday Morning after the wedding and will be back late next Sunday the 12th.

A lot got done today- spent most of the day at the mall, picked up gifts for my attendants and Scott's, took care of the info on the guys' tuxes- they are ready to be picked up soon as they are ready Thurs. or Fri., had Scott's ring re-sized, some gifts for ladies helping with the wedding and some things for my flower girls. While we were at the Christian bookstore by the mall, I found a little book I like called Life lessons to live by. I've just sneaked peeks at it... can't wait to read through it. Oh and shoes- picked up the girls' shoes. Now if I can just get one of the guys at church who operates the sound system....

Sorry this has to be short but it's 2am and I'm about to drop. Hopefully I'll get some little snippets of time to post between now and then. I'm sure I'll be full of details when I get back!

A Packing I Will Go....

You guessed it! Been packing more stuff for moving- and getting rid of too! Clothes, Crochet and sewing accessories, some of my Lee Middleton dolls and stuffed animals, you name it. Also have a small end table to move that will go between 2 recliners in my den.

Been up to my booth today too- lots of moving stuff around. My aunt's closing her booth so she gave me or Mom anything we wanted out of her booth so she wouldn't have to haul it. I took a few little knick knacks and a desk and a large bookcase about 4'X4' that I can put a lot of little stuff on. Had to move a ton of stuff around in my booth to make room for both. Now I have to go back tomorrow and take some of the stuff I have bagged to go in my booth for sale. Hopefully I can get some more out of here so I don't have to move it.

Hopefully we can move at least one or two pieces of furniture this weekend and try to get that over with. So much to move, so little time/space.

Back to packing- gotta round up some more boxes!

I'd love to relax .... (Also the book of James)

But too much to be done that won't do itself. Still about 25 or 30 more Thank you notes to be written, more packing- both for the honeymoon and the move, throw in Taffy's cage needs to be cleaned/washed out so I can take her up to the house, every day chores like laundry.... Oh- and add PMS to the Mix. Luckily that never lasts long but I feel like I either need six more weeks to get everything done or about 10 more of ME.

Angel's being really clingy lately- she knows something's going on, that everything in the house is all torn up and she doesn't understand. I know moving and getting used to another cat are going to be hard on her. Actually I feel sorry for her- she has almost as much change to go through as I do.

Forgive my rants- I'm on an emotional kick tonight between the PMS, the pressure to get everything done and in order. Two weeks til the wedding and I'm ready, just would like to go through everything in slow motion so I can enjoy it and not be rushed so it all seems like a blur. Thank God (Literally- if he is willing to allow it) for two weeks alone with Scott after the wedding- one of them in Florida at Disney World, which should be my favorite place on earth. I want to take the time to enjoy it, enjoy Scott and our time together as newlyweds, and just relax from this whole fiasco. Someone shoot me if I ever move again.... or send me Samantha the Witch. Or the US Army to do it for me.

Not much new on the crochet front.. only chance I've had to crochet lately was during slower points at the Yard sale Saturday on a lapghan I've started with a skein of Holly & Ivy yarn I had, and another one I got from Sara.

It's even Sunday night and still nothing on the Gospel channels. I don't watch them much because they often preach different ideas than I believe, but once in a while I find a preacher or show that is straight from the bible, not a specific religion or far-off teachings that I like to watch. No CD player upstairs so I can't play my favorite gospel CD's I usually play to relax. I feel like some good bible study/worship right now but unfortunately it's after 1am and evening services let out several hours ago. So it's me, myself and I (and God) and my bible. I find myself studying the remainder of the book of James. We're just finishing up the study of the book in our Sunday School class. Mostly regarding Faith, works, and faith in action. We had about a 3 week pause while one of the elders came in and spoke with us about a church growth seminar we had not long ago. Important and interesting but I'll be glad to get back to our actual fellowship and bible study/discussion class. (Our Ladies' class also focuses on our relationships as Sisters in Christ and how we can support, encourage, and help one another.) During the study of the book of James, I have found another verse I'm fond of: James 4:17 Anyone then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Many of us, and especially myself would do well to remember this. For some reason this spoke to me. OK, not for some reason, for the reason there are a lot of things I know I should be doing, but they don't always get done. And it's not usually because not everyone can do everything either- it's often because of procrastination, or things that are less important get put first. I know I'm not the only one, but I should always remember which things are more important and matter the most. Like my spiritual life and my call to do good when I can and strive to live a Christian life; My prayer that I be forgiven when I fall short by saying and doing things I shouldn't and failing to say and do things I should.

This isn't my version of preaching, just speaking what's on my mind at the moment. If my thoughts touch someone else spiritually, it's just one more good thing I have done.

Actually I feel much better having expressed my thoughts on here as well as to God; I know he is listening as well. I am going to go and finish the book of James. No, I don't read my Bible every night, although it would do me good to do so. However I find it gives me more joy every time I make the time to pick it up. If you're looking for something to read, take a look at the book of James. If you're troubled in any way, I'd recommend the book of Job also to start out with.

*Taking my own advice and reading my bible like I should do every night- then another good deed that is to be done- saying thank you and finishing some more thank you notes for gifts and kind actions regarding our wedding*

Another day, another dollar....

Well, after a decently successful one day yard sale (considering the tiny little bits of junk I sold for almost a steal just so I could get rid of it, and the few people we had- it turned out almost cold today!) I am about $90 richer. With the exception of the yard sale ad, about $80 (the remainder) will be going towards our honeymoon. I also had a duck visitor in the yard next to me while I was cleaning up.




With 2 weeks to the wedding, next week is going to be PACKED. Trying to pack and move, Scott has a Dr's appt Tuesday with my Dr., attorney appt. Tuesday (he's a friend and also a minister- he's the one who's marrying us), then hair appt. and pictures Wed. morning.... don't know what else is going on yet but I'm sure I'll be running my tail off... *checking to see if my tail is still there*

Hopefully Monday the payment will have posted to my credit card so I can book the reservations. We're going to be staying in Downtown Disney World. We decided not to spend as much on the hotel room (we can always get an expensive one next year when we have more $$ saved) and concentrate on things to do like the parks. Scott wants to drive over to Sea World and Universal too... We'll see... depends on how complicated it is. I remember some about Orlando highways but not a lot so we'll see how it goes.

OK now that most of the garage sale stuff is cleaned up, back to that junk pile..er.. my room that is. Lots of packing still to be done. *sigh* I'd love to sit and do some crocheting about now but I'm not Samantha the witch either- this stuff won't move itself.

Movin on up

Well, not the Jeffersons but close....

The entertainment center from my room is gone, as is the small old sewing machine table (that used to be my grandmother's). Lots of little odds and ends, and more is being packed up and gotten ready to move.

Actually I should be at the house working... stuff's gotta be put up and more stuff gotta be brought back here for (hopefully) the final garage sale before I move. The rest of the stuff will go... well.. somewhere.... either my booth, goodwill, freecycle, etc. The big comforter can stay in a closet somewhere until sold but the rest- there is no room for. House is a good size for me and Scott but there isn't a ton of extra storage room.

Gotta find a bookshelf for my Disney VHS collection- we already have DVD shelves. I used to have all the Disney movies on VHS til they started putting out all the sequel movies- now I'm short a few. Added them to my wish list on Crochetville. Should make one for my website but no time for the next 3 weeks or so.

Also Wed. my cousin Missy and I got to get together and run around for the first time since she moved back here almost 10 years ago. Oh we see each other, but Wed. we met for lunch at Red Lobster, went to the mall, picked up my wedding dress, and took her and Carson (her son) by my house- neither had seen it yet. Four year old Carson gets out and promptly says "Hey- you don't live here!!" ROFL We had to explain this is Aunt Marla's NEW house and she's going to be moving to live with Uncle Scott who's going to be her new husband after the wedding. The kid's smart but I don't think he totally understands the concept of marriage. Anyway he spots Scott's plug n play video game system and wants to play. We just told him the tv was broke (it isn't hooked up at the moment) and he responded "You guys gotta get that fixed". ROFL- Kids...

Missy also talked me into going into Victoria's Secret... They have some beautiful stuff but MAN those prices!! I picked out a couple of sets for the honeymoon, but nothing too racy (I HATE strings and refuse to wear one!!) I told Scott (after we're married- before anyone gets offended) he can either settle for at least a little material in the back or take it off! Can't afford any of their bras though... man, those things were $38-48!! Anyone wanna get me some Victoria's Secret gift cards/certificates for the honeymoon???

Well, back to packing.... and vacuuming (dust and rabbit hair behind everything!)... and moving...

Chasing my tail

No I'm not a dog or cat but I feel like one- Feel like I'm chasing my tail trying to get everything done and Mom isn't helping by creating more things for me to do.

I did go to LNT tonight and used all but about $10 of my gift cards- got my comforter, dust ruffle and sheets. Still don't have enough for the shams yet though. Hopefully I'll get some more LNT credit etc. between now and the wedding or shortly after. Now all I really need is my pillow shams, and the programmable recipe crock pot I'm after. Can't find it anywhere in town at the stores.

I've probably still got about 50 thank you notes or so to write and getting further behind every day- seems like every day we get another card with money or a gift card or someone sends a gift from somewhere. Not that I'm complaining about the gifts but all those notes... ugh! I'm writing a ton every day and still not finished.

I've GOT to dedicate at least one day this week to moving things- have a few small boxes packed up and that's it! I should have a whole truck load by now to take up there but I can't quit chasing my tail long enough.... Almost everything has to be done at once. Almost everything is done for the wedding except for picking out gifts for the attendants, bridesmaids' shoes and jewelry, picking up my dress Wed., and arranging the order of songs on the music CD. Oh yes and dropping the invitation off at the church so it can be put in the church bulletin.

So, even though I should be working on packing or thank you notes, I'm exhausted so I'm about to hit the sack. Soon as I turn the air down that is- my parents have it freezing in this house! Glad I still have a pair of winter jammies here at the house! BRRRR! Night all! Angel and I are going to bed!

What I've been up to today...

Hmm Let's see.... Playing Memory, Watching Disney Channel, Playing Chutes and Ladders (well sort of anyway)....

Yep, you guessed it. I've had Carson again tonight while my cousin and family were at her graduation from college. Wasn't too bad except I had other thingsI needed to be doing. Like moving stuff. Bringing stuff from the house that should have gone in the Yard Sale today.

Yes, I've also been running another 2-day yard sale today. Not bad sales for as few customers as I've had. I was told there weren't many yard sales out today. Tomorrow should be fairly big though as Canterbury hills Subdivision next door to us is having their subdivision wide yard sale. Hopefully I can get rid of what's left. I brought down most of what was at the house that was of any value that needed to go. Sold a ton of towels!! Lord only knows how Grandma ended up with so many towels!!! I've never seen so many in my life- bet she had more than Wal-mart!

Hopefully tomorrow evening after the yard sale we can go to Linens N Things and use our gift cards to get new bedding. That's the main thing we're missing. That and carpet in the bathroom and bedroom. Oh and the programmable recipe crock pot I'm wanting. Still can't find it anywhere in town.

Since I've been running since about 7 this morning and I'm definitely NOT a morning person(!!!!), I'm about to check my boards, blogs etc. and go to bed for the night.

Will update more tomorrow hopefully!

Computer (and Diet Pepsi) Break

That's what this is called- a computer break. Taking some time for ME on the puter, and who knows- may even crochet a little. Been busy running all day with errands, been to the house tonight to pick some stuff up and take some stuff. Picked up some stuff to go in my booth at the antiques/collectibles store for sale and some that goes back to the stores after shower etc. I STILL have at least 2 trips to make to different stores. I haven't taken all the stuff back to Kohl's yet and gotta make another trip to Wally World- missed a couple of things first time.

Been getting writer's cramp all night writing on that huge mountain of thank you notes from my shower. I'm MAYBE half done and I've probably written around 100 so far. Many of the gifts were from 4 or 5 people or more, and I got a TON of gifts! No I STILL don't have them all put up. It's almost more than I can get done, all the cleaning out and bagging for yard sale of old stuff and putting away the new- all before the wedding.

Especially since I'm gonna have to jerk a knot or two in a certain fiancee's tail about cleaning up around there and introduce him to the clothes hamper and garbage can. If the man knows where the two are, he's gonna learn how to use them. See, every once in a while he slips up and does the laundry or cleans the house- showing me he CAN do it.... but getting him off his rear end sometimes is a different story. Typical man. Although I can't really complain tonight- he did put up the shower rod, curtain and new commode seat in the bathroom and put my laundry cart together. More work than usual for him. Now if I can just get him to take care of his stinking laundry, clean the grime out of the shower and throw his garbage away.... he'll be perfectly trained ROFLMAO!!

Sara (who has 4 very cute kitties!!) wasn't kidding when she said a woman's work is never done!! Actually I already knew that but.... I'm getting a double dose of it between moving and wedding planning.

I have 2 pieces of good news:

1: I have to go tomorrow and talk to a lady at the Executive Inn- a part time job is open at the Antiques shop there (NOT the same one I have a booth at) and a couple of friends of ours recommended me for it. So, say a prayer there..... could use a little bit of work a few days a week. Maybe more after the wedding is over with.

2: I have a new FO!! Actually Several! The Neon afghan is finished, and the two baby afghans were finished to an extent to become two very different sized preemie afghans! And the Kitty snuggle is finished. Now to finish those two baby afghans intended for the showers this summer...

OK must get back to work.. er.. play. So I'm gonna follow in so many other bloggers' footsteps and leave you hanging abruptly. Til next time- don't do anything I wouldn't do!

The Prodigal Blogger returns...

Yes, I'm still here- sorry it's been almost a week. Been trying to do about a couple month's work in a couple weeks' time or so. It's been a week and I STILL don't have everything put up from the shower yet and the duplicates etc. taken back. Well I have a few but still have a load of things to take back to Kohl's and Wal-mart where people didn't mark items off the registry as bought.

Today's been a long day and currently my sinuses are killing me. No Sudafed Non-drying Sinus (my miracle worker)in the house for almost a week now. And I haven't been able to get to the drugstore/pharmacy counter when they're open lately. Our wonderful legislators in KY passed a law the other day requiring all products containing Sudafed (or pseudophedrine I think it's called) to be dispensed only in pharmacies, you have to show an ID, they record your buying habits... and a whole bunch of other crap!! Why? Because a handful of idiots are buying it to make drugs with!! So they punish everyone by making it hard to get, watching our buying habits like everyone buying the drugs are drug pushers/sellers.... Come on you idiots, I just want some relief here- I'm no drug pusher. Just a sinus sufferer. One of millions may I add. I bet the idiots who came up with that law never had sinus problems!!

On the up side, I did manage to get MOST of the bathroom closet cleaned out in the house and our new towels etc. put up. You've never seen so many towels, washcloths etc. in your life as Grandma had in that closet. I kept a handful for cleaning, rabbit's cage etc. and still bagged up 6 Wal-mart sacks and 2 garbage size bags full of them for my dad to keep and the yard sale I'm planning in about 2 weeks.

Well, if we can get the inside of the bathroom door painted, a mirrored medicine chest put up, and carpet in the next 2 weeks I think the bathroom will be ready. Want to do carpet in the bedroom too if $$ allows- it will allow but don't know if we can do both at the same time or not. Now, if I can just get everything out of my living room... Hopefully there can be some kind of order by the time I move in.

Looks like a honeymoon is in the works for me and Scott. We didn't think we were gonna be able to manage it but I think we're gonna be able to after all! We're talking possibly Disney and stay at one of the resorts directly in Disney World... we'll see how it goes! Say a prayer that it all works out for us!

OK I'm outta here- headed upstairs for a nice hot bubble bath before working on some more of that huge mountain of thank you notes! TTFN! Ta Ta For Now! (That's Tigger Talk!)

Shower Success.... and a HUGE SURPRISE!!!!

Wow! My wedding shower was so huge, it's taken me 2 days to get the pile in the living room reduced to a few bags/boxes left, and I haven't even started on the one in the kitchen, much less begun to put things up. That's gonna take me the rest of the week and it's only Monday!!

I am so fortunate- I received SOOOO many nice things, a little money, an abundance of my red dishes (I got so many duplicates of the dishes, I'm about to scream if I ever see another red dish again- ROFLMAO), and a TON of gift cards to Wal-mart, Linens N things, and Kohl's where I have my registries. I only got a few duplicates of other misc. things so I am going to take those back to their respective stores, add that to my gift cards, and finish up what I didn't get. About the only major things I lack are my comforter/sheets set for our main bedroom, sheets for guest bed, bathroom rugs/decor (and we still need a few towels), and curtains. The rest are just "like to have" items that we didn't get that we asked for. Some of what's left will probably be used to finish redoing the house. Of course, we aren't rich but our house (when we get through remodeling) and all of our items are very nice, so we have been very blessed!

MY HUGE SURPRISE.....

I opened this lightweight box and card that read "Love, Mom and Dad" and the Envelope just read "Marla" instead of "Marla and Scott" like the rest. So I open the box and there's nothing but tissue paper.... I start laughing and I asked Mom "OK who's the practical joker (I'm thinking she wrapped an empty box just for the fun of it)??" She just said look under the tissue paper, so I did. I found a plain white envelope with a bank statement in it. OK now I'm confused... why is there a bank statement in an envelope?? I opened it up and before I got a chance to look at it there was a note attached:

BALANCE ON BLAZER
is
~0~

THAT'S RIGHT- THEY PAID OFF WHAT WAS LEFT ON MY 2002 CHEVY BLAZER!! So Scott's and my income just jumped quite a bit per month- I still had about a year and 3/4 left to pay on it. Though they drive me nuts to no end sometimes, I really do have 2 wonderful parents!! They also bought a bench I'd been looking at at Wal-mart; it's sitting in front of the house under the den window. I'll post a picture soon as I get up there with my camera.


Well, since I have had a HUGE weekend and have been working on the house and putting things up for 2 days, I am going to go relax and crochet something for a while.... before I have to start on that HUGE mountain of thank you notes!!! With sooo many gifts, gift cards, etc. and some of them were from three or four people.... I don't even wanna KNOW how many I'm gonna need to write!!!!