Show and Tell Day

Here are a couple of the items I've made recently to take a break from Charity Projects:

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Victorian Ombre Stocking





Coffee/Tea Trivet and Coaster Set



 

These are both for sale on my Etsy Shop under MeowCreations.

Marla

Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet

Marla's Nursery

Gifts of Love

Charity Projects

When doing charity projects for this fall and winter, Don't forget the littlest ones in need, Newborns, Preemies and Toddlers. Marla's Nursery, Bevscountrycottage.com are great places to start looking for new patterns or patterns you haven't thought of or seen in a while.

Remember- that weather is turning cooler fast!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Where is Everyone and Etsy

Where is Everyone? Seems like not many people blogging the last few days. Mimi? Pammy Sue? Anybody?? Sure seems quiet around here.

Well, I finally did it- I went and opened an Etsy shop. I don't have much on there right now, just some supplies until I can get some of the things I've made photographed and/or finished. I'm listed under MeowCreations on Etsy if you want to drop by. I listed some cotton yarn I have no idea why I bought, and some craft trim that looks more like plastic canvas yarn. A Pattern book and a couple of stockings will surely follow soon as I get Scott back to work (He was off last night after working 11 nights in a row so I spent the time with him) so I can get some stuff together and get photographed.

I decided this year since time was so short to forego trying to list any Halloween stuff and go straight to Christmas more or less. I want to see if there's going to be any success at all on Etsy before I go listing a bunch of stuff.

Well I'm off- gotta see if I can find an affordable cell phone for Scott since his is about shot and it's essential since we don't have another form of communication for me to check on him and his blood sugar. Also gotta go take my dad to pick up one of his trucks being (or has been) worked on. Everyone keep posting those ideas- I love seeing them!!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Etsy

I've been poking around on Etsy just seeing what is for sale on there and while I've seen a lot of good stuff on there too, there's a lot of... well.... overpriced crap to put it politely. Among the good stuff is stuff I wouldn't give you 10 cents for nor would I post it with my name under it, much less expect a customer to pay for it. That's my main pet peeve- Patterns and creations that look like a 2 year old could do better.

*Off my soap box now*

I do have a shop set up  but dont have anything listed yet... that will come as time allows. Have any of you had any luck on Etsy? Please leave me a comment.

Have had to take it easy on the crochet lately- arms, hands and wrists are sore more due to work and an abundance of crochet work lately than anything. Have a great day all!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Sock Monkey and Hat link

I finally found a crochet pattern for free for a sock monkey toy from Red Heart. Their free pattern site isn't working so you'll have to follow the link Sock Monkey Toy and Hat.

Since Cash is tight right now I skipped my Hobby Lobby trip this morning to run errands and use up some of my stash. That dang propane bill really did us in- another reason I want to sell the house and move- Natural gas I can pay by the month according to the amount I use and don't have to worry about it running out in the winter or refilling it when it does.

I've been making stockings from various patterns, some to give away but one or two I may sell, we'll see. Gotta get a jump if I'm making Christmas things this year.

Not much going on on the internet today or in blogland either. Looks like everyone is busy or working too much. Til Next Time.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Halloween Layout

I got bored- the result; a new layout for the season. I don't like anything scary or NO SPIDERS but I had trouble finding something cute that the print would show up. I found some great seasonal layouts on pimp-my-space.com and plan to use some of them from time to time. What ya think of my candy corn??

Got a good part of a sock finished yesterday and part of Doreen's afghan. Now my right hand/arm is sore (more than usual) so I may have to take a day off from crochet and visit Hobby Lobby. I also finished a stocking last night... well except the top edging. My day off so I'm going to relax and do pretty much whatever I want. Off to Hobby Lobby!! Happy Halloween everyone!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Show and Tell

Just take a look at this granny square afghan I found in a consignment shop... lots of work involved for only $13. Lots of work I didn't have to do or squares I didn't have to Join LOL

Seriously it's in a very pretty Aqua, Rose and Wedgewood (Red Heart Colors) so it will go great with my living room. Just as I was thinking of breaking down and making a Granny Square afghan..... I love making the squares but hate the joining and edging of each little one. If I did make one I'd use the Grandala Square pattern on Alice's Crochet with Raymond blog.

I'm also thinking of opening an etsy shop for my extra supplies, etc but have to get a few extra things together, everything in order, my old paypal acct in use again or create a new one..... still in the thinking stages at this point.

Brrr it's a nippy 50-60ish degrees this morning and Everyone still has the dang air conditioning on!! Geez these people must think we live in the desert!! I'm off to try to work on Doreen's afghan and those warm socks before work!!

Wish the weather would make up it's mind... 60's or 80's?


Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

I want new projects!!

Wah! I want all these new projects I see...... got a ton of them in mind but I have so many WIP's right now and there's only one of me and since I have to do this thing called work for a living..... crochet often gets put aside. I gotta finish these WIP's that are driving me nuts so I can start on some new things. Here's what's waiting to get finished:

Doreen's afghan
Rainbow wool sock
Primary colors square baby blanket
Sugar plum stripe baby blanket
Scarf at home on the couch on knitting needles

And I have not cleaned my house (other than little tidbits) or decorated for fall yet... just not in the mood. In the mood to shop and look at and pick up new things and get ideas, yes.... but to actually clean up to put it out.... No. I've had a hubby off half the week being a pain in the butt, now he's back to work and my days off were spent keeping up with him.

I have several WIPs in mind, including a stocking or two for Christmas decor but I gotta finish a few things first. I'm also toying with starting another blog to post all my zany adventures at work. I do have some hilarious stories to tell.

If you have new projects or esp holiday projects/patterns, post them on your blogs- I'd love to see them!!

Hope everyone is well and keep that yarn moving!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

A WIP Pic for you ..... Early

OK So it's not Wednesday for about 2 and a half hours yet... I'm putting this on while I have a chance to get the pics posted. The first one is a sock I started (who knows when it'll get finished) out of bargain bin Rainbow Wool Yarn from Hobby Lobby. I hit the jackpot the other day and they were in the process of marking some other yarns way down when I left today... stuff like $5-10 sock yarn, wool yarns, baby yarns etc for $1.50 to $3 or so.... boy how I wish I had an unlimited bank account!!! Anyway here's the starting of the sock out of one skein...

And an apple pic I found on the web to enlarge for our friend Doreen who lost all her apple kitchen stuff in a fire, save a few dishes. Her afghan I showed last post is still in progress.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Current WIP

I realized I hadn't posted in a while so I thought I'd post my current wip.... I did make a boo boo on an end but didnt notice it til several rows later but I think I can fudge it and make it not noticeable when I do the edging.

A full size afghan (or will be) I'm making for Doreen, the lady I mentioned who waits on us at IHOP; her trailer burned Labor day and she's already gotten some help and is back to work but I'm going to try to get this done before cold weather. Right now she's living in an RV where her trailer was, no air, heat, electric, water etc. Hopefully she can get back on her feet enough to get her another trailer or apartment.  That trailer looked like it was barely big enough for one person much less her and her son before it burned anyway. Hopefully she can get something a little better.

It's humbling to know that someone you see every day could be living in such bad shape and it not be obvious. Shows you never know someone's situation just by looking at or talking to them, and the amount of people out there that need help yet it's not obvious. She never would have asked for help otherwise if she hadn't lost everything.

So most of my baby blankets etc. have been put on hold until I finish this one. Maybe a small project here and there but this one comes first.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Nashville

Here's a few pics from my trip I promised well over three days ago...




ATT Building AKA the Bat Building



















Hard Rock Cafe Nashville- LP (Titans) field in background




Wildhorse Saloon Hostess Stand





Wildhorse Dance floor- Line dancing lessons in progress



My friends Tammy and Lisa

Sorry guys the few concert pics I took turned out crappy.... we had great seats, about 30-40ft from the stage for George Strait and Reba but my camera isnt equipped for concert photos. The two of them were great as usual.... I'd never seen George before but he was very enjoyable if the music had been turned down about 20db or so.... and I'm literally deaf without my hearing aid and it was still too loud once he went on.

Lee Ann Wommack Opened for them and I thought I'd enjoy her show as she's normally a very pretty girl with a nice voice.... her performance was cut short and what she did was so bad half the people walked out til the next act went on. Her normally pretty hair was unkept and very stringy, not stage like or professional at all and her clothes were worn, baggy and sloppy. Not the norm for this lady at all- I hope the people seeing her know she can do much better and not hold a bad performance (I hope it's just one) against her.

Other than a respiratory infection I still can't get rid of the last of, it was all a very enjoyable weekend. Hope you enjoyed a few pics!

Marla

Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

I'm Too Sexy....

For those of you with dirty minds thinking this post is dirty.... I'm not the one thinking I'm too sexy.....

 

Looks like Miss Ginger needs to learn some manners....

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Roses and Angels

I'll get to the pictures I still need to post later but for now you must hear this odd story.....

My 59 year old uncle passed away a year ago at the end of this month at the same time I was in the ICU with my diabetes. He lived 2hrs away in Nashville, rarely came in to see my grandparents and us, wouldn't stay more than overnight when he did, but called them to talk every morning. We didn't find out until he died that he didn't want the family to know he was more or less an alcoholic. When he was dying for a brief period my aunt asked my dad to come down there and he was about to, then I got sick and there was noone to take his mother since she won't stay with just anyone.

My 91 year old grandmother lives with my dad, last night they were at Cracker Barrel eating and this older gentleman was sitting by himself just having coffee while they were eating. My dad kept noticing he was watching them, and finally the old man left smiling then about 30 minutes later he  reappeared with a dozen roses in his hand. My dad told my mom, "Someone's having a birthday". Suddenly the older man came back to my parents' table and said "I hope you don't mind but I bought her some roses, she's as beautiful as ever". Puzzled, my dad said that was fine and thanked the man and asked if he knew my grandmother from somewhere, the older man replied "I never got to say goodbye, mother.", handed her the roses and walked away.

I have to wonder if that wasn't my uncle checking on my grandmother in some form of an Angel. Even if not, I do believe in Angels. The last one I saw was when my grandfather died, I didn't tell anyone for ages thinkjing they'd think I was crazy, until one day my grandmother mentioned "the man standing by the bed when Pappy died".  I questioned her about it and she said "There was a man wearing a white gown standing by the bed when Pappy died." She went on to describe exactly what I saw three years ago now when her husband died. I can't help but wonder if this was her son visiting. If that was you Rendy, we haven't forgotten you.


Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Headed to Nashville

Hi All- will try to post some pics soon as I get a chance, I'm headed out to Nashville for a reunion with a couple friends and a good concert. Everyone say a prayer for my safe trip and return and also in remembrance of 9/11 and those who died and lost loved ones.

Talk to you all soon!! Hopefully with pics!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Where's Noah when you need him??

We need old Noah here to build us an ark. It's been raining since yesterday afternoon, now a soggy, wet mess. not fit for man or beast. Supposed to go to a concert in Nashville this weekend and meet a couple of friends and it's turning out to be a real disaster. First they moved the date, one friend isn't even staying with us (after that was the original plan) and the other friend is running straight into town then straight out after the concert.... not much to do in Nashville right now since Opry Mills is closed and most of the rest of the stuff is on the other side of town. Thanks a lot Gaylord for selling Opryland.... I could get lost in that place.

I've been having trouble finding padded hangers lately.... the type you'd hang a robe or lingerie on as our stores here don't carry them much anymore. They're the type I like to crochet around but they're scarce anymore.

Oh well looks like not many people on here today either.... gonna run do some crocheting before I gotta get stuff ready to go tonight so I can leave in the morning. May post from Nashville if I get bored.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

A pic I missed somehow ....

This pic was the main reason I posted the kitty pics..... I have NO idea how it got missed.... maybe blogger failed to upload, can't remember.  Anyway here's the missing one. I managed to catch 4 cats sound asleep all in a row...... From Front to back.... Cracker Jack, Harley, Shadow and Ginger.

Spoiled brats were all spread out between the kitchen and Living room so you couldnt get through without stepping on at least one of them. It's rare to catch them together like that. Only Angel was asleep by the door a few feet away, not part of the "pile".

Oh well at least they weren't on top of my crocheting!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Some Labor day pics for you

I did manage to catch a couple of pics on Labor Day... Although none of me or crochet. This is all you get right now since I've been busy working and fighting a nasty respiratory infection that isn't going away.

My ornery hubby  who hates having his picture taken..... finally got him to cooperate.

And a rather large leaf hopper crawling on the glass door.... couldn't get as good of a pic as I got a view of him from the inside but not bad.....

Now working on an afghan for a lady who waits on us at IHOP nearly every morning; her house burned on Labor day and was pretty much a total loss. Wish me luck as I'm slow at getting full size afghans done. I picked a pretty Mixed Berry color in HL's I Love This Yarn and a label pattern sort of a shell pattern. Only a bit fancier. May take a day or two off work and see if I can get rid of this nagging sinus/cough. Would give me some extra time to work on it anyway.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Some Pics For You

Hi Everyone,

I have a few pics for you.... but still forgot to take the pics of the mittens before they're put together. Anyhow here are a few I caught of my meow babies, and the work in progress on the square blanket. I'm getting bored with these colors now so I started a new one as this one is almost done.

Here's the kitties, my co-hosts.  Here's Mr. Harley about 4 mos old now....

Mom please.... you're interrupting my nap time.

Shadow: Alright Mom but hurry it up will ya?

Harley: You called, Mom?

Ms. Angel Asleep by the door

and last but not least here's the pic of the square blankie I've been working on. The yellow stripe was an accident but I like it. I thought I had bought mismatched skeins of yarn so I started on the yellow then after a couple rows found more of the crayon color to finish it that I knew I bought in the first place. Starting on a girl's version now. The pic doesnt really show the colors as well. Now if I can just remember to get a pic of those kids' mittens and post the changes to the pattern.....

Marla

Marla's Nursery

Gifts of Love

Mittens in progress

The pattern is my own for Warm Snuggly Mittens found at http://giftsoflove.bravehost.com/ and I've tweaked it a bit to make them smaller for kids. If the adjustments work they'll be added to the pattern. Pictures to come! I didnt realize I didnt have a picture of them up. Soon as they're together I'll get a pic up and one on the page.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

New Solid Square Blanket pattern - testers welcome

This may have been thought of before but I had to add some things to make it work and not curl on the edges as with traditional solid square patterns. I've made one or two but not finished with the current one.... if you test this please send me a picture of yours. If you make this please make one for a baby in need as well.

Solid Square Blankie

H Hook and Baby yarn for Preemie or newborn
J hook for Baby/Toddler or larger.

Ch 3, join to form ring.

Row 1: Ch 2, 11 dc in ring. Join to ch 2 you first made. (12 dc)

Row 2: Ch 2, Dc in same stitch, 2 dc in each remaining stitch around. Join. (24 dc)

Row 3: Ch 2, dc in next 2 stitches, *2 dc in next stitch, 3 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch (corner made), dc in next three stitches, repeat from * around. Join to first ch 2.

Row 4: Ch 2, *dc to 3dc group (corner), 2 dc in first stitch, 3 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, dc in each stitch to 3dc group and repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to first ch 2.

Repeat Row 4 to desired size. If desired you may do the last 3 rows in a coordinating color for edging. A great way to use up scraps or solid colors. If you make one for personal use or a gift please make another one for charity as cold weather is coming up.

Testers are welcome- please do send me a picture as the one I'm working on isnt finished yet.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

200 posts and Padded Hanger/washcloth patterns

Hi Everyone-

This is post #200, a milestone I never thought I'd reach. I noticed this by accident today as I started to post these patterns. There's been several weddings at church lately and these are very quick to make up. There are three hanger cover patterns and a washcloth pattern. Enjoy and pass the link to this post along rather than the pattern please.

Saturday, July 09, 2005


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

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 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.






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.
 
Enjoy!!
 
Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Missing Kids and Jiffy Blanket

I've added 2 links to my blog and hope you'll pass them along. Even if you can't help, maybe someone else can. One is BringKyronHome.org, a website set up to help find Kyron Horman. In case you haven't followed the news he's the 7 year old boy who mysteriously vanished from his school in Oregon. No I don't live anywhere near but I follow the news stories especially of missing kids- the most vulnerable of crime victims.

Another is Missingkids.com, it is the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Look at your local Wal-mart stores too- pictures of missing kids are posted there as well. You never know when you might spot one of these missing kids.

As you can see, kids, especially the youngest ones are my main passion. That's why I'm involved with charities for children and babies. The Jiffy Blanket is going slow- mostly the main foundation row done but is my only real project right now.

I think we've found the houses we'd like to consider since there's not much new popping up on the MLS in the area we're looking at but we've got to sell ours before we can consider either of them. Please pray for ours to sell so we can move.

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement regarding selling house and moving- I'm wearing myself out trying to figure out what to do next!! Love to everyone!!


Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Jiffy Shell Blanket and houses

Hi all,

I've slowly in between house preparing and hunting been working on a shell blanket with Jiffy yarn. When the cats will let me that is. They see me crocheting and automatically my lap is to be theirs, and of course can't have cat hair on crochet so unless they're put up..... But I'd like to get this finished before cold weather. I already know of a baby or two on the way who could use it. If not one of the charities could. 100 degrees out right now but it won't be forever.

We've also been busy trying to work in our house hoping to sell it ASAP so we can move from Calvert 10-12 mi down the road to Paducah. Our house is listed on the market but we've got to sell it before we can buy anything else. We do have some prospects in mind we'd like to take if ours sells but nothing concrete yet.

Of course the catch 22 is that we cant buy one until ours sells but then again if ours sold tomorrow we would only have until closing (2-6 weeks) to find another one and get moved. Thankfully we aren't looking for a really big one to move into and some of our furniture left when we took Scott's grandmas house will be sold or left.

Thing is I have to run to town in the mornings (13-25 mi from where we now live) and it takes a ton of gas to run back and forth between the time I finish and the time I have to work just to work in the house. Slowly getting there.

Thanks all for keeping up with me and the words of encouragement! I look forward to your blog posts so I can see what everyone else is up to!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Link fixed- Volunteer Angels

I've fixed the link to Volunteer Angels- Thanks Susie for letting me know it wasn't working! There was a glitch in the html link when I looked into it.

Not much typing or crochet today- sore arm/shoulder either from picking up something at home or work. I've gained a couple more followers.... thanks to you guys (gals) for keeping up with me! I enjoy reading everyone else's blogs.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

House Listing up and possible blanket

Well the house has been listed for sale, and while much of my crafting is on hold I am going to attempt a blanket with Jiffy yarn for this winter. One person looked at the house already and said it was nice but a bit too small. My next project will be a moving sale to make the house look a little larger and get some of the clutter out of there. We can't buy a bigger place until of course we sell that one. Then again if we sell that one we're going to have to find some place to go, and fast. It's a catch22. Hopefully things will move quickly.

On the blanket side I'm using white Jiffy yarn, starting a simple shell blanket. It won't be fancy but will keep a baby warm. I'm taking a short break today before I have to work tonight- I'm worn out between working in the house and working at work. Catch everyone later!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Blogger a pain today.... House for sale

Blogger is being quite a pain in the ...... today- won't load keeps saying it doesn't recognize me. Hmmph! My time is too short for such nonsense.

If you wonder where I've been lately I've been very busy getting my house ready to list on the market for sale. Finally got that accomplished yesterday. Crochet has been put on hold as much of my crocheting has been put up to make the house look presentable. Hopefully I'll get time to work on some projects in my spare time.... hmmm what spare time come to think of it. Have a great week everyone! Will try to post some pics soon!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Two more places to help

I'd like to remind everyone of two little advertised places to help. The links are at the side of my blog- Relief Share and Volunteer Angels. Most of my donations go to either a Newborns in Need chapter or to Relief Share. If you're looking for newer places to help that aren't all over the internet I'm sure these two would love to hear from you.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Busy in the House

I've been really busy trying to clean up/clean out the house lately, my house is for sale and we're hoping to move to a bigger place as soon as a buyer is found. So if you wonder what I've been doing I've been running myself like crazy.

My hours have been cut some the last couple of weeks- normally I'd throw a fit and they'd give me more hours but this time I needed the rest/renovation time off so I didnt say much. Debating on whether to give part of the profits of stuff to consignment, letting them sell most of my items or have a moving sale.

Not many posts here lately cause my crochet work is at a crawl at best right now. I've been busy purging my charity items, sorting through, getting rid of, sprucing up the house so we can show it, you name it. Who's had time to crochet or knit in the middle of all this? Even my craft room and some of my yarn and fabric are getting a purging of stuff I probably won't use again.

Wish me luck and prayers and all that good stuff on getting the house sold- I'm anxious to find a bigger place and move as soon as possible!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Small change

Have you ever noticed how everyone leaves change lying around?? I find change all over the place people don't want to bother to stop and pick up. It's not worth it to them to pick up a penny, dime, nickel or even quarters you find laying on the ground. Well, usually I turn the change I find back into my savings acct. but believe this- I picked up enough change the other day in a single day a few days ago to cover mailing one of my charity boxes!! A whole $7 worth! In my rounds to breakfast, across parking lots, store/restaurant floors, you name it I find change everywhere and it pays off.  It may not be worth it to some to stop and pick up those loose coins but if they don't want the change, send it my way!! It paid off for one of my charities the other day!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

New, better template

Well, how do you like my new template?? I like this one much better- the graphic was nice on the other one but hated that grey background and never could quite get it right. Only thing I can't change is the date/time stamp color- I'd like that to be hot pink or purple too, it's probably in the html somewhere but haven't had a chance to mess with it.

No crochet pictures this post..... got a few things done and working on some ufo's but mostly trying to get it all out of the house for the time being. Got a few houses in mind I'd like to look at as far as moving but it all hinges on selling ours and I'm moving slow due to time constraints (and a husband in the way while he's off). Can't do anything til I get most of this junk cleaned out/put up etc. so we can list the house. Got the small shed torn down and having someone come in and help me clean up this Thursday.

Now.... enough gabbing- I gotta run see if I can't get something done! Let me know how you like the new template!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Running low on baby things to donate....

For the first time in a long time I'm running low on baby things to donate.... faster than I can make them seems like they go out. I do what I can but my funds are limited- need to stock up on dollar items etc I can donate out. If anyone has any quick patterns for things like baby size balls, or places to buy new items cheap please do let me know. I have a couple or so charities I donate to then help out with needs I see in my area- mostly working people who don't have extra $$ for baby things.

I'm working on enlarging someone else's sweater pattern and working on a hood for another right now... both going fairly slow due to working so much and trying like crazy to have a little time to clean out my house. Sweaters have been my thing lately.... not the weather for them right now at 90-100 degrees most places but will be soon.

Halloween items are cute but haven't even had time to think about making any- hopefully things will slow down a little. If you haven't already, please take a look at my previous post and share with your fellow animal lovers and bloggers- pictures and stories of my rescued kitties.



Marla
Marla's Nursery

Meet Harley- and the rest of my loving "Rescue Babies"

Meet Harley, the newest Member of our family-

About 8 weeks old, Harley was dumped near my husband's work at about 3-4 weeks. It took a couple of weeks to catch him, and by that time he was almost starving since he couldnt eat the scraps the guys were leaving him. After they caught him, noone wanted him. He had a large growth on his neck, which is why someone probably dumped him. Well that growth turned out to be a worm that had embedded himself under the skin. After removing it and treating an infection, Doc pronounced Harley fine and he's found himself a new home. And right at home he is- on top of Daddy.

        

Harley and My 4 other cats, Angel, Ginger, Cracker Jack, and Shadow would all be dead by now if we hadn't taken them in. They were all abandoned, about to be put to sleep (Yes even as small kittens) or would've ended up in the local "Humane Society" where they would have been put to sleep either immediately or within 3 months, depending on how full they are.

This is a plea to everyone- PLEASE spay or neuter your pets especially those that go outdoors or you don't intend to breed, and if you are considering adoption- seek out your local animal rescue group or animal shelter. These guys wouldn't have had a chance to make it past a few months if we had just let them be "someone else's problem"

Angel - adopted at 10 wks. Scheduled to be euthanized in a few days. She's been my baby since August '03

Ginger (Calico) and Cracker Jack- Brother and sister headed for pound at 8 weeks, born Oct. '05

Shadow- abandoned near my parents' house in the woods at about 12 weeks, starving to death literally. Labor Day '08 we took him in.

These guys would have all starved or died of neglect or been euthanized otherwise- noone wanted them. Everyone had "Enough animals". Or "Not messing with a cat".

Sad these pretty faces (not to mention loving companions) wouldn't be here otherwise. They take up a little, but very little time where often we would otherwise be doing nothing. They're well worth the time they do take.

New template and a break at last

Well the new Template is up, not sure its what I want but..... for now it'll do. We'll see if I can tweak it a bit more to suit me.

I'm finally getting a break- I've been working like a dog the last week or so, not even really time to work in the house or anything else. My house is for sale but it's a mess- nothing wrong with it other than needing a good cleaning and touch up here and there.

I've been working on some sweaters to donate to charity and maybe one for a gift using patterns from Bev's Baby Jacket on Bevscountrycottage.com and some other blogs/sites I've run across. A little crochet time to myself between the house, husband, job and the cats including the new kitten. We've named him Harley, he had a rough start, a worm under his skin and an infection but he's doing nicely now at about 8 weeks or so. Little bugger is growing like a weed- he fit in one hand when Scott brought him home. I'll try to upload a picture later.

No new patterns to report yet but I am working on an improvement to someone else's they asked me to make an addition to.

OK outta here for now, Everyone stay cool and safe in this hot weather!!

Trying new template

I'm trying a new template so if it comes out all crazy please bear with me and I'll be back to normal shortly.

My bib pattern online and boxes to be mailed

I am still doing tons of cleaning out and have found lots of materials I won't use and baby stuff (that I won't keep or bought/made to donate) so packed several boxes worth. Soon as I can get them taped, address and to the post office they will be going out to Newborns in Need chapters and Relief Share. That much stuff gone out of my house and helping someone else. Less clutter for me to walk around :0)

My Infant Feeding Bib pattern was also done with some extra embellishments by Mimi at Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Yarn. Very cute! She is a blog friend of mine and does beautiful crochet and knit work.

There is also a new baby in the house- We have a new 7-8 week old kitten Scott brought home from work a week ago that someone dumped at the shop. It had a huge growth on his neck which was probably why someone was so cruel. We took it to the vet and the vet pulled a large worm out from under his skin, doctored his neck and pronounced him fine otherwise. So I guess we're up to 5 cats now. May try to post some pictures if I can get this thing to cooperate when I have my camera chip with me.

I'm also working on improving a sweater pattern of a friend of mine's to include a hood and trim. Once it's done will send to her and it'll be up to her so post it on her website since it's really her pattern.

Back to mailing and crocheting all!! Everyone have a great day and make something for someone in need- the weather's hot now but it'll be cold soon and babies will need sweaters, booties, hats, etc. Only 65-75 for highs today on the northwest cost of WA and OR- imagine that when most of the country is at around 100!!

Baby stuff and new blogs

I've been using Bev's Baby Jacket on bev's country cottage and the Wooleater Square patterns mentioned earlier to make some needed baby things lately and frankly I'm about crocheted out. Between crocheting and work (I'm a cashier so I pick up everything that comes thru my line) my poor wrist has about had it.

I don't have any new patterns to report the last few days but getting some ideas so I just may have to think up some. Now if I can just get them worked out. I did get a picture up of my Infant Feeding Bib so do go enjoy that pattern. The picture is done in cotton but when gifting or for charity I recommend good washable acrylic- the mom doesnt have to worry about how to wash it and put a note in that good old hydrogen peroxide will get out almost anything. Cheap stuff too.

Still trying to clean out the house hoping to sell it as soon as possible so lots is going to consignment.

Later all!!
Marla
www.marlasnursery.com

Wooleater Square/Blanket Deciphered!!

I finally figured out the wooleater square/blanket pattern written in Austrailian terms by Sarah London (http://sarahlondon.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/wool-eater-instructions/).

Here's a US interpretation. Note that this is HER pattern, not mine, these are just some translations to make this easier- it took me a time or two to figure it out and some frogging, and I consider myself an experienced US crocheter, but I finally got what those terms mean. Hopefully this will help the rest of you scratching your heads.

Round 1: Ch6, Join to form a ring. * Ch 5 (I like 4 better), work 4 Triple crochet together into ring as follows: Yarn Over twice, into ring and pull up a loop so there are 4 loops on hook, Work off two loops twice, leave last loop on hook.

Repeat 3 times, there should be 5 triples made counting the ch 5 and 5 loops on the hook. Pull yarn through all 5 loops and work off. One Cluster Group (cluny group) made.

Chain 5 again and slip stitch INTO THE RING. Repeat from * three more times to make four cluster groups.

Round 2: Chain 2, Working UNDER the chain 5 of previous row, find the center stitch where you tr crocheted those 5 stitches into one, now make 12 Triple crochets in this one stitch. That's what's meant by "into the top of the cluny group". Chain 2 again, slip stitch into the slip stitch you made of the previous round. Be sure not to make these 12 Tr's in the chain 5!! Keep them in the center stitch made by joining the Tr's on the previous round.

Round 3: Join new color between andy 4th and 5th tr of the previous round. In Other words, Join in a ch 5 stitch from the previous round.

Chain 5, doing a BACK POST stitch, you're going to Triple crochet the Ch 5 and 4 triples together again, working around the posts of the cluster (cluny) group below. Work over the posts of the next 4 tr's, chain 5 again, slip stitch between the 8th and 9th triple of the previous round (where you made the 12 whole triple crochets), chain 5 again, work a cluster group of 8 BACK POST triple crochets around the posts of the next 8 stitches, using the same manner as above, crocheting the *8* together to form one. Chain 5 again, slip stitch immediately between the 4th and 5th triples of the 12 triple crochet group below.

Repeat until you reach spot where you joined this color yarn, then slip stitch in the same stitch as joining.

Round 4: Pretty much a repeat of round 2:

Chain 2, 12 Triples into the top of the 4 cluster group, chain 2, slip stitch into the slip stitch on previous round, chain 2 again, 8 triples (whole ones this time) into the top of the 8 you tripled together below.

Continue in this manner finishing with a slip stitch.

My own adaptation: I would repeat rounds three and four until reaching the size square or blanket you want. I'm testing that out as we speak- will let you know if any corrections.

WWW.Marlasnursery.com

Hi Everyone,

Please note if you're looking for my patterns, the correct site is http://www.marlasnursery.com as I had to abandon my free site marlasnursery.bravehost.com on account of space problems and such.

Please do feel free to use these patterns for personal, charity (if you make a pattern or two for personal, please make one to donate somewhere for a baby going home in only a diaper) but please do not sell these or the items made from them.

If you have or know of a charity group for babies, please share these patterns with them. They are there to help as many babies as possible who might otherwise have nothing.

Thanks Everyone!!
Marla

Correction to pattern site

Hi Everyone,

my apologies.... apparently my site is www.marlasnursery.com not marlasnursery.com- the marlasnursery.com is apparently a preview site and incomplete. Please do make sure for the complete site you go to www.marlasnursery.com.

Happy Stitching!!

Marla

Reba's Recipes

I have lost a couple of these due to websites shutting down, am posting the links I have here..... These are Recipes Reba McEntire has shared through the years. Enjoy!!



REBA McENTIRE'S MEXICAN CORNBREADCASSEROLE

1 lb. ground beef1/3 c. chopped onion1 (8 oz.) jar mild Mexican pasteurized process cheese spread1 (8 1/2 oz.) pkg. cornbread mix1 (8 3/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained1 tbsp. butter, melted2 tbsp. chopped green pepper2 tbsp. chopped red pepper
Brown meat; drain. Add onions; cook until tender. Stir in process cheese spread until melted. Spoon into four (12 ounce) casseroles. Prepare cornbread mix as directed on package. Add remaining ingredients, mixing just until moistened. Spoon over meat mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.


Recipe: Reba Mcentire's Hot 'n Chunky Chili

Reba Mcentire's Hot 'n Chunky ChiliYield: 1 Batch1 lg Onion, chopped2 T Vegetable oil2 cl Garlic, minced2 lb Lean, boneless beef chuck,Cut into 3/4" cubes1 28oz. can whole tomatos inPuree1 6oz. can tomato paste3 T Chili powder1 ts Dried oregano1/4 ts Crushed red pepper1 lg Green pepper, chopped6 T Shredded yellow Cheddar ch.Hot white rice (optional)In large saucepot over high heat, cook onion in oil 3-4 minutes, untiltranslucent. Add garlic, cook, stirring 1 minute. Remove to plate. Add beefcubes in batches, and cook until well-browned, 5-6 minutes. Return onionand garlic with beef to saucepot. Add tomatoes with puree, next 4ingredients and 1 cup water. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally tobreak up tomatoes, 1.1/2 hours or until beef is tender. Add green pepper,uncover and simmer, stirring occasionally 30 minutes. Season with salt totaste. Spoon chili into individual serving bowls. Serve with cheese andrice.From: Woman's World Magazine - unknown date

Recipe: Reba Mcentire's Broccoli Casserole
Reba McEntire's Broccoli CasseroleYield: 8 Servings1.00 Fresh broccoli; chopped1.00 cn Cream of mushroom soup;-undiluted (10 3/4 oz1.00 cn Water chestnuts; sliced; (8 oz)1.00 Cheez whiz; (16 oz)1.00 c Raw minute rice1.00 c Cracker crumbsPreheat oven to 375 degrees. Steam broccoli just until crisp. Drain.Mix b roccoli, soup, water chestnuts. Cheez Whiz and rice. Place ingreased 2-qua rt casserole. Top with cracker crumbs. Bake 20 to 30minutes, or until bu bbling. Makes 6-8 servings.


So far these are the only ones I've found still online...... or in magazines. If I find any more I'll post them here.

Baby patterns on one domain

Hi Everyone,

Just letting you know I have purchased the domain www.marlasnursery.com and am in the process of moving all baby patterns to this site. They will be at the bravehost site for now but if the patterns links don't work while I am in the process of moving them and getting a redirect set up, they will be at www.marlasnursery.com/patternname.html.

Please do forward this site to anyone you know who makes baby patterns for charity or has a charity group.

Marla

New Bootie Pattern (Well sort of....)

Hi all, this is a bootie pattern I created and have been using, it's basically another version of Bev's Very Easy Booties or created based on them. It makes the booties (with my crocheting anyway) just a little more solid looking. Will upload picture soon as I get one as all mine have gone out to charity or for baby gifts.

Cute and Easy Booties
Pattern based on Bev's Very Easy Booties

1/2oz Baby yarn
H hook (newborn or 0-3mo size)
G hook (large Preemie size)

Chain 26 (28 for 0-3mo size)

Row 1: Hdc in 2nd stitch from hook and each stitch across. Chain 1, turn.
Rows 2-5: Hdc in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. At end of row 5 turn but do not chain 1.
Row 6: Slip Stitch in first 5 stitches, Chain 2 (counts as Dc), Dc in next stitch and each stitch across to last 4 stitches. Leave last 4 stitches unworked. Chain 2, turn.

Row 7-9: Dc in each Dc across, Chain 2, turn. At end of Row 9 turn but do not chain 2.


Fold Bootie in half. Using crochet hook, slip stitch in the INSIDE loops of both sides of ankle, toe and remaining free loops on bottom of foot. Finish off. Be sure to weave in your short end. Now turn booties inside out and fold down first two rows.


Optional:

Change Colors for cuff at row 6 AFTER slip stitching in first 5 stitches. Note: leave a few inches of each color for slip stitching bootie shut.

Boys:
If you want a longer crew style cuff for boys, you may continue with Dc for rows 10-13. Finish off after Row 13.

Girls:
If you want an edging for girls Chain 3 after row 9 or 13, sc in next dc, repeat to end.

You may chain 60 for a tie if you like, weave in and out of Row 6 but I don't usually unless they're pretty big at the ankle.

Enjoy!!

Marla

Coupon sites for saving $$

Hey we can all use some breaks when it comes to spending $$, no? Here's my fav coupon sites:

Coupons.com (lots of pet food coupons here this week!)
smartsource.com
redplum.com
coolsavings.com

Don't forget many of the websites have coupons for their products as well- including food coupons!

Quiznos' website has coupons from time to time- treat yourself to a discount off a great sub!!

And don't forget to donate a few to your church, food bank, or charity!

Marla

Patterns Reposted

Hi Everyone,

Just a note to let you know most of my patterns for babies/preemies have been posted at http://marlashouse.bravehost.com/nursery and the few I don't have up there will be coming soon.

Until then, please use the ones I have posted or Bev's at Bev's Country Cottage and donate to your local hospital or family service organization.

Perhaps you know someone who is struggling financially or down on their luck with a newborn you might help out. If you make one of my patterns for personal use, please make an extra to donate. There's a lot of babies out there who need some extra warmth!

Marla

New Marla's House Site on Bravenet

Well it isn't completed but I have much of a new website up, mostly posting charity/baby/preemie patterns at the moment. If you're looking for charity patterns please visit http://marlashouse.blogspot.com and I'm getting them reposted as soon as I can between work and dealing with house/Scott.

Thanks Everyone and please pass this website along! My old one was listed many places and all of those links are now dead. Hate having to do this but Yahoo left me no choice.

Keep crocheting!
Marla

Geocities site is GONE

Dear Friends,

I tuned in to update my Geocities site a few days ago only to find the whole thing GONE and the domain erradicated/discontinued. Those of you looking for my patterns, there are a few listed on here until I get the rest listed/posted somewhere else. There are also a few posted on Newbornsinneed.org under their crochet patterns.

Until I assess how much stuff I had backed up from my website, if you stored any of my patterns, I would greatly appreciate it if you would email them or send a text file to MissMarlaC@aol.com. In the meantime I am working on posting them elsewhere but it may take a while.

Thank you to all who have tuned in and anyone who can help recover patterns and information lost.

Marla

The Outfit .... yes, for burial

I finally finished the outfit (all except ties in the back) that goes with the preemie's boy burial set I was working on. Quite a challenge since these usually need to be left open in the back due to the babies' delicate nature and the necessary ease of dressing therefore. Lost ya? In other words the babies are fragile and any burial outfit needs to be easy to put on.

Since this doll is a little overstuffed, a preemie body would be smaller so it would fit a little looser (sorry still no pic yet) than the doll I have it on. The bonnet is very simple and not frilly at all for a boy yet elegant. The outfit is somewhat of a sleeper without the long legs (may try a version of this later)and no sleeves. It is based on my Preemie Onesie but made very different at the bottom.

The pattern itself must be written out in detail so it will not be in this post but I will have it up as soon as I can get the details written out. So you will have to be in suspense until then....

Preemie Boy Bonnet

I'm working on a set for a preemie boy- I decided since I had come up with a pattern for what will probably be burial booties, I needed to come up with a set. Since there's tons of patterns out there for preemie girls' burial, this one will be for a boy. Maybe more than one option. Depends on what I come up with. Here's the Bonnet, a very simple pattern- sorry no picture yet.

2-3lb Bonnet to go with booties

Baby yarn- 1/2 to 3/4 ounce Main Color
for bonnet and booties on previous post
About 2 yards of coordinating color
for ties on bonnet and booties

Note: Chain 2 counts as first stitch in each row.

G hook

Chain 34

Row 1 Hdc in 3rd chain from hook (on first row) and each chain across.
Rows 2-10 Hdc in each chain across, chain 2 and turn.

At the end of Row 10 finish off, leaving about a 6" tail. Weave tail through every other stitch on last row and gather to form the back of the bonnet. Tie or join with a slip stitch using a crochet hook to other side of bottom row of back. Weave in ends or you may tie a bow at the back of the neck.

Using same or coordinating yarn, cut a piece approx. 16" long, weave through the sides and top of the front of the bonnet to form a tie. I prefer to use the yarn especially on non-burial bonnets since some ribbon may irritate a live preemie's delicate skin. If used for burial, however, you may use either you wish.

Will come up with a pic as soon as possible.

Quick Medium Preemie Bootie

I posted this one a couple of days ago and made a correction or two. Like I said it's not an original design but my own details and idea. Sorry no pictures yet.

Quick Medium Preemie Booties

2 strands baby yarn or 1 strand soft sport or worsted weight
I used 2 strands Caron Cuddlesoft.
G hook
Note: Chain 2 counts as first stitch in each row

Chain (19)21

Rows 1-3: Hdc in third chain from hook and each chain across. Chain 2, turn. At the end of row 3, turn but do not chain 2.

Row 4: Slip stitch in first 5 stitches, hdc in each stitch across to the last 4 stitches, chain 2, turn.

Row 5-6: Hdc in each stitch across.

Leaving ankle part open, Fold bootie in half and slip stitch in ends of row 4 and 5 and join top of foot, toe, and bottom of foot with a slip stitch. Finish off and turn bootie inside out. You may use a piece of yarn or ribbon to tie ankle part closed or leave it open, your choice.

I haven't measured these yet but it should fit a medium size preemie maybe 2-3lbs. or so.

I love Bev's pattern for a Preemie Hat in the Round with this pattern, they make a great set- don't have the link handy to the pattern but it's on the preemie baby part of her site. http://www.bevscountrycottage.com

Pattern change - please read and pass along

If you've ever printed off a copy of my Marla's Preemie Shell Afghan or Marla's Baby Shell afghan from my website, this blog or Bev's Country Cottage or other site, please go print off a new copy.

I had to change both patterns a few days ago due to a crucial error in the third row on each one. Sorry for any mix up this may have caused. Very experienced crocheters may have been able to figure out what was missing but some others may have missed it. Hope you'll use these patterns to donate some baby blankets!

In Addition please pray for the family of Chris Copeland. Chris was killed this week in an auto accident. His sister Jodie has been my best friend for 25 years, ever since first grade.

I haven't posted any patterns in a while- here's one for a quickie preemie bootie I made up. I know there's some similar ones out there that are purely coincidental. I just happened to think this one up, it's not an original design but my own idea.

Quick Medium Preemie Booties

2 strands baby yarn or 1 strand soft sport or worsted weight
G hook
Note: Chain 2 counts as first stitch in each row

Chain 21

Rows 1-3: Hdc in third chain from hook and each chain across. Chain 2, turn. At the end of row 3, turn but do not chain 2.

Row 4: Slip stitch in first 5 stitches, hdc in each stitch across to the last 4 stitches, chain 2, turn.

Row 5: Hdc in each stitch across.

Leaving ankle part open, Fold bootie in half and slip stitch in ends of row 4 and 5 and join top of foot, toe, and bottom of foot with a slip stitch. Finish off and turn bootie inside out. You may use a piece of yarn or ribbon to tie ankle part closed or leave it open, your choice.

I've also been doing some knitting but not ready to venture into making patterns there yet!!

Brrrrr it's cold outside

Hope everyone's staying warm- we're freezin here at highs in the 20's and 30's but I know many people have it much colder. Hope all you crafters are making lots of warm items either for yourself or to share with those less fortunate.

I've been doing some crocheting lately and a little knitting- it's been hard since Scott had surgery a week and a half ago. He's doing fine, just got him still home from work and in my hair so I can't get much done.

Been doing more cleaning out all around- trying desperately to keep the junk factor down but also getting ready for a yard sale in the spring.... debating what's worth keeping around til then and what to get rid of ASAP. I've put some things on Freecycle, took another batch to Goodwill and still cleaning out. Cleaning out some things from my booth downtown too that haven't sold and debating what to put in yard sale there and what to offer on Freecycle or take to Goodwill.

More than likely will stay inside for tonight- cooooold out there. Check out bevq.blogspot.com- she's got a new pattern or two for charity purposes on her blog last day or two! Have fun!!

later all!!

Well the Prodigal returns....

Well, the Prodigal (ME) is checking in again. Busy busy busy lately, but I do have to refute one comment- Mimi said I put her to shame washing and putting things up etc.... YEAH RIGHT!!! My dear come on over from MO to KY and take a look at my beautiful house! Junk everywhere, Christmas stuff (including gifts and boxes from) still strewn everywhere because I haven't found a place to put them yet. Then come into my spotless kitchen with the dishes in the sink and laundry next to the washer and dryer and clean waiting on the table to be folded or hung.... Cleaning house... yeah right!! I need to be but as you said, a woman's work is never done. Especially with one of those husbands that has a recliner and a tv!!!

So yes, I have been working at cleaning things out.... just not cleaning UP or working at it but barely making a dent in this mess. I feel like throwing everything out and starting over!!

My Computer/Craft/Yarn room is a total wreck of stuff I haven't been able to part with, mostly YARN and UFO's... unfinished objects. Chances are it will either be finished quickly or go to someone who can. That's about the only way I can organize so much stuff is to get rid of loads at a time that's unusable or not being used.

OK enough writing- I know I am missed, but if anyone misses me that much they can come down and help me sort out this mess and deal with a messy husband.... I love him but I'm about to trade him and his messes to the Indians. Of course, by Sunset I'd be ready to trade again and get him back.... LOL Maybe one of these days I'll even have time for crocheting and posting patterns again!

Speaking of husbands, tests confirmed it- he has gallstones as well as a hiatal hernia which can both be fixed in one operation so we have an appointment with a wonderful surgeon I know of next Tuesday. He has saved the lives of two people I love very much already (literally) and also took my dad's gallbladder out several years earlier. He is the one (with God's help and guidance) who pulled my grandfather out of a massive amount of cancer three years ago that would have otherwise been terminal in a couple of weeks and at a time when noone else would even take the chance to operate on him. He also saved another dear friend's life several months ago who was told she only had a few months to live due to cancer. As of about a month ago, she is at present Cancer free. I have absolutely no hesitations letting him take care of Scott, but please do pray for us anyway that the healing will take place quickly.

Till next time everyone!

Marla

More cleaning out....

Here we go again with the cleaning out phase.... seems it's never enough. I've been cleaning out trash, unusable items for Freecycle or our Church's Benevolence room to give to someone in need, etc. So far several items have gone- our old Stove went to someone needing one (We got a new one for Christmas!), some odds and ends and books that are just collecting dust went on Freecycle with more to go, and noone has picked up the microwave on Freecycle so it will go to church Sunday to give to someone.

In the midst of it all I've been trying to crochet a couple of preemie caps and a small teddy bear. No hurry on either project so they are relaxing. Just some in-between-projects crocheting. Scott is doing much better and went back to work from vacation and sick leave tonight. They haven't officially told us the results of his tests this morning but the girl did tell him today she saw some stones in his gall bladder so I am sure they will at least suggest that coming out sooner or later.

Just thought I'd check in- I haven't had time to work much on my knitting lately but I'm determined to get back to it so as not to forget it. If I can just master baby hats and maybe booties I'll be satisfied- I can crochet the rest!

Speaking of Freecycle and giving, I had left some books out for a lady I know on my group today and when I returned home there was a huge sack on my porch. Scott said "Look, someone left you a present!" I didn't see it and said "What the heck are you talking about??" Then I saw the garbage bag on my porch and went to investigate thinking it must be a wierdo neighbor's prank to leave garbage on the front porch. I opened the sack and it was FULL of jeans and a couple of pairs of shorts which I needed badly and had asked for a couple of weeks ago on Freecycle and forgotten about since noone replied. I have had SUCH a terrible time finding decent jeans lately- most of mine, the legs if nothing else are worn to a frazzle and even if I could afford the ones in stores they're crappy looking at present (I hate the "style" that's out right now... such a crappy looking wash and design) and more importantly haven't been able to get the new "trendy" ones to fit. If they fit in the waist, they don't in the seat or the crotch or so on... you get the idea. Come to find out they were from the lady who picked up the books- she had seen my request and her daughter had just cleaned out her closet. I am so grateful even though I haven't been able to try them all on yet to see how many I could wear.

I'm not complaining though, but that is almost worth the added laundry to the countless loads I have around here to do or put up etc. Mom folded some while she was here the other day but I have been so busy they are still sitting on the table. Think Scott put any up? Of course not. Usually I make him at least put up a few of his but he hasn't either lately so more laundry is sitting around. At least I can tell Clean from dirty.

So with laundry and cleaning out, I'd better get back to the houseWORK!! Later all!!