Random 5 on Friday

Goodness, it's been awhile since I've posted.  Fallen behind on all 5 blogs.  Partly because of work, partly because of doing LOTS of genealogy.  Partly because of computer issues, still not totally resolved.

• Got notices from windows, Int. Explorer, and Mozilla FF that everything needed updating, argh.  I never use Internet Explorer, so haven't been doing any updates, seemed pointless.  I did the windows update, even though much of it seemed to be directed to those who game, who need more animation etc.  Started having issues with pop ups (something called pup.whitecloud and it's variations), so ran the long virus scan even though I'm set to do it daily at 3 am, also ran the malware quick scan which was suggested.  Thought it ran all the time, but I guess not the free version.  Found some junk and got it taken care of.  Few hours later the problem returned, so this time I ran a full malware scan and it found a few more (took several hours to run).  Then I thought maybe doing the update for Moz FF would help, as part of it was security related.  That made things MUCH worse!  While on Moz FF everything I went to my gmail or did a google search the problem came back.  After running a 3rd scan, I uninstalled the most updated version of Moz FF.  Did some reading and it seemed installing a much older version might be the solution, I did that; it was the most popular of the older versions.  It crashed.  So once again I uninstalled it.  After using Int. Explorer for a day a friend suggested I'd like Google Chrome better.  Yes, I like it better then Int. Explorer.  For one it keeps me signed in, where as Int. Expl, doesn't despite my clicking the box that says keep me signed in, remember my password.  But, I don't like Chrome better then my Mozilla FF.  Am attempting to get used to it.  The font isn't one to my liking, both in size and how light it is; very hard to read.  I read it's suppose to be able  customize...but I'm not seeing a way to do that without signing into chrome, opening another account which I really don't want to do...for fear it will automatically convert me to google+ which I want NO PART of.   Sigh
• I've joined the smart phone generation and am getting used to it.  There is a learning curve, but so far am enjoying my windows phone.
• I've not knitted or crocheted in a couple of weeks, might be a record for me
• Been really enjoying the research I've been doing for a friend, learning so much about her family, and love that she and her family are so into it.  Also been researching for my SIL and have put trees on line for her, her sister etc.  Still also trying to solve some mysteries in my own family tree on my Mom's side of the family.  Have been quite successful with gaps that were there from years ago when I last worked on it; but still have several mysterious that are quite puzzling.
• Didn't do my Monday Memory linking this past Monday, I'm just not getting any participation so am trying to decide whether or not to continue.  Will probably try it a few more weeks before making a final decision.  Soooooo, please........I know EVERYONE has memories.  Please swing back on Monday, join the linky and let's see if we can get this thing off the ground.

Hope you all enjoy your long weekend.

Snookie's Story on Memory Monday

Welcome to another addition of Memory Monday.  This one picture has caused me to wonder, to question, to ask, and to research for many many hours.  Why?  The person on the far left, behind the dog had a nick name of Snookie.  When I was young my Mother, who's the little one here in this picture talked about a person named Snookie, a cousin that lived with them for awhile.  Doing the family tree for my Mothers side of the family years ago didn't answer the question who was Snookie.  Everyone in the above photo has past...well, I really don't know if Snookie is still alive or not.  But, since all others are gone; to no one to ask.

I have in my possession a child's oak roll top desk that I remember my Mother saying belonged to Snookie.  Left to right Aunt Viola who died very young, behind her Uncle Harold (nickname Whitie),  my Grandmother who died when my Mother was still young and in school, Aunt Millie, My Grandpa who died when I was very young, and Aunt Muriel.  These are The Barrows who lived in Chillicothe, Ohio near The Mead Paper Mill.

Only one of my cousins remembers hearing the name Snookie in her growing up years.  When I discovered this picture Snookie got a real name, Mildred Armstrong.  My Dad remembers hearing that name, but didn't whom she was.  My one cousin who remembered hearing the name of Snookie and Mildred Armstrong thought she was a friend, not a family member.  That theory seems to be supported in the only documentation I've yet to find, the 1940 census when a Mildred Armstrong is listed as living with the above family; she's listed as a boarder.  It still puzzled me though because of my memories from Mom and in her handwriting on the back of the picture it says cousin.

Yesterday, the mystery was solved.  She is a cousin a Watson's cousin.  Grandma in the above picture's maiden name was Watson.  One of her sisters, Bertie is Mildred's mother.  Bertie was apparently married several times, Mildred hasn't been found in any census living with her parents.  That part of the memory still remains a mystery.  But, at long last I can know whom the owner of my antique child's roll top desk is.  In this picture, I think you can see family resemblance too...look at Mildred Armstrong and then at my Aunt Millie(Mildred).....hum...

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Mara-chi Surprise

This isn't a picture looking back, this is the type of thing/picture/moment that creates a memory.  This was my younger brother's 60th birthday party.  He's the one of the left with me in the middle and my older brother on the right.  The question is how long will it take for us to look at this as a memory and say...remember when?  The questions could be remember when we looked that young...remember when we all got to the restaurant before you and surprised you....remember when the Mara-chi bands played?  Or maybe remember the one picture of the 3 of us that turned out ok!  Seriously, the 3 of us never seem to be able to get a semi decent picture........so, my bets on remember that one picture where we all looked ok.......where is it.  lol

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School Daze, Memory Monday

Remember when kids dressed for school?  Here's a picture from the way back machine for you.  I'm in the middle, pigtails holding my package of school supplies.  This was the first day of first grade!  Welcome to another Memory Monday.

I sometimes wonder if the very relaxed/sloopy/anything goes as the dress code for school's today is reflected in the relaxed/sloopy/anything goes attitude of so many of our countries young people today?  Isn't dressing for the occasion a way to show respect for it, a way to show that's it's different then playing in your backyard, or hanging out with your friends.  What's appropriate in clothing, behavior, language etc isn't, or shouldn't be the same for school, as play or church.  People should act differently when with adults then they probably do with the kids their age etc.

Feeling old today I guess.  This photo was taken in Marion, Ohio the fall of 1956 I think.  The awesome part of this is, I've recently made 2 trips back to the neighborhood.  It looks very different with trees now grown, it was a very new neighborhood then built, for so many returning veterans.  The girl sorta behind me on my left, Debbie I just met up with this past Sat and had a wonderful visit with her, her younger sister Pam, and another friend, Wendy from those days so long ago. 

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I Choose Happy

Today is August 3rd, wow..where does the time go.  Seems we've barely gotten to enjoy the summer and we've been seeing back to school sales everywhere.  Really dislike seeing them all summer, can't we enjoy summer first.  Clicking on the above picture will take you to a very different type of blog challenge.  It's different because there's no linky, it's different because there's no sign up list.  Never done a challenge without those items, so it will be interesting to see how this works.  It's a very relaxed challenge, lol.  Relaxed and challenge don't seem to even to together, but the idea is to do it for fun, not to stress.   Here's a cut and paste of One Gals Musing's blog post about it.

Forget Your Troubles! C'mon, Get Happy!

On August 1, this year's August Happiness Challenge begins. The idea is very simple: "Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world."

Really. That's all there is to it. No rules.

I like finding an icon that will make me smile every time I see it for 31 days.

**Apparently we'll just use the comments as a list to visit from.

I'm not sure I'll do this everyday, as it's been a good number of months of one challenge after another and I think I'ld like to get back to "normal" blogging,  whatever that is , but
Focusing on the positive is something that calls out to me.

Happiness is a choice I think, we can't rely on others to make us happy...so anyone needing a little happiness, reach up there and take it.  And enjoy it.

Hearing birds chirping outside my window this morning as I type this scheduled post makes me Happy, what makes you happy?

Another thing that makes me happy is sweet memories, so pop back in on Monday for Memory Monday.

Random 5 Friday, It's Good to be Back

• Missed the last couple of weeks, as I was traveling.  Hubby, DD and I had a wonderful time.  Take a peak here on my traveling blog.
• Getting over a wicked allergy bout that hit again on our return from vacation.  We landed in a terrific rain storm that lasted too many days,  that seemed to reverse all the good I got from being in the beautiful, dry mountain air of Park City, Utah.
• The work week was pretty nasty after vacation, we were over over booked, and understaffed, and it was a mighty long week.
• Spent a good deal of time working on my mothers side of the family (doing the family tree), and think I've found a lost cousin we've wondered about for years.  Posted a long letter to him yesterday and have my fingers crossed that it is indeed him, and that I get a response.  Too bad some of these folks eluded me before, Mom would have enjoyed the additional information I found.   **edited becasuse this was a scheduled post to say, my cousin called last night-though I didn't get to talk to him he left a message so will make contact today...pretty excited.  
  
   These 2 pictures you can tell are from long ago, back in 1951, I was 1 then; and he's now 75.  Wonder if he played music all his life???  So many questions.
  
  
  Beyond the clues these 2 pictures tell us, he played trombone and liked dogs....I know very little about him.   Hope that will be remedied soon.  My cousin Lee said in his phone message it was good to hear from me.  Wonderful start.
• Looking forward to a gathering of old neighborhood friends (from childhood) in my old hometown this wkend.  Some of you might remember I met up with one girl friend I hadn't seen in 50 years earlier this summer.  This is 2nd go round, but a few others are joining us.

This is the picture she took of me at President Hardings Memorial, a place we played often as kids.  This will be the meeting place again this week.  I love making connections.

I've been very disappointed so few have joined me in Memory Monday, so am trying once again to invite you all.  Monday's are often dreaded days, let's make them more fun.  PLEASE join me on Monday, post a photo and share it's memory with us.

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Pedal Pushers and Flowers in Niagara Falls

More fun on Memory Monday.  Chuck, Mike, Mom, and Me.  Dad's behind the camera.  I remember thinking how cool it was the flowers could tell time!  This was The Canadian side of Niagara Falls.  Back in the day, we took a mini vacation.  Think maybe a 3 day.  We stayed on the American side, think the lodging was cheaper, but I remember Mom talking about how much prettier, cleaner the Canadian side was.  Not sure of the year but think I was in 2nd grade, while Chuck was in 4th and Mike in Kindergarden?

Pedal pushers, and kids today think Capri's are a new thing, lol; not so much.  Then later when they guys wore a version of them they were called clam diggers.

I can remember how carefully Mom packed.  She packed for all 5 of us, in just 2 suitcases.  Remember when you had to carry your luggage, before wheels and over sized bags to stuff?  I remember her having a folding little travel iron that she could touch things up on the bed in the hotel room.  Who out there is as old as me and remembers stuff like this?

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The Magic of Cardboard and Tissue Paper

Join me in the way back machine again for another round of Memory Monday.  Long long ago, when make believe was truly magical.  Mom used tissue paper to make a fire place.  We had those cardboard ones later...prefab design, but here Mom use a book case and turned it into a Christmas Fireplace so we had a place to hang our stockings and a place for Santa to enter the house.  I loved having tea parties, big brother Chuck was playing along.  Shouldn't there be a rule against wearing ones pistol at the table?  lol  Younger brother Mike in the jumper seat.  Oh those were good times, not because we got alot at Christmas, we didn't ...money was tight; but oh the magic of make believe.  Mom was sooooooooo good at it.  She was so very creative.

This was in an old house on Johns Street in Marion, before we moved into our new house on Lilac Lane.  If memory serves this was really an old house we rented, there was an open furnace right in the living room.

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Year of Projects, It's Sunday

 Slow progress on the green sweater for DD, though it does now measure 17.5 inches approximately.  This is the back.  It traveled with me recently to Park City Utah.  I was able to knit on the way out, not so on the way back, the flight was too crowded and it was night coming back.  I'm a bit concerned with where my markers are.  I think...it is my imagination...that I see a little texture change in the rows beneath them?  Wanting to be sure I don't drop any stitches I put in markers every 40 stitches, and am now wondering if that was a bad idea?

 Finished 2 cotton washcloths.  One is straight forward garter (on the left), with a few rows of purl for a half way look; while the 2nd one is a paw print.  I'm not sure the paw print shows up well in the photo, but it does in person.  Both need ends tucked.

I now have 4 washcloths done for my 2 pay it forward gifts that appear on my YOP list.

Didn't knit much at all while on vacation last week, was enjoying family time with hubby and DD.

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AND...don't forget to pop in tomorrow for Memory Monday!

A Red, White and Blue Memory

It's Monday...Monday Monday, and just that day...are you singing with me.  Memory Monday and again something from the way back machine...though a bit more current then last weeks post.  Left to right, older brother Chuck, Grandma (Dad's Mom), Dad, Mom, Me and Mike my younger brother in front.

You can't tell from the picture but I believe this was taken around a 4th of July family celebration.  Mom always made something for the occasion.  I think her shift was blue and white, and my shorts were white with a red and white handkerchief print blouse.  Grandma, never was seen in anything less then a dress and necklace.  AND she never owned a pair of slacks.  The most casual I can remember her being dresswise was when it was hot she rolled down her nylons and twisted them to keep them up.

Remember how everyone had to squint into the sun to get their picture taken...lol My eyes are closed, Dads are close.  I think I was about 12-13 ish here so the picture was taken some time around 1962 ish.

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Random 5 on Friday

It's Fridaytime for another fun round of Random 5 (Friday 5, guess people call it several different names)

• Spent a good part of week organizing stuff here, my desk was sorely in need.  Looks much nicer now...hope I remember where I put stuff, lol
• Looking forward to a week in the mountains with Hubby and Darling Daughter.  Been Christmas when we were last all together.
• The hardest part of packing for a trip for me is what yarn to take.  I never gauge the right number of projects to take, and typically take too much; but I don't want to have craft time with out something to work on.
• Been so rainy, wet, and humid here am hopeful the dry mountain air will give hubby and I a break from the allergy problems.  He's sneezing and coughing and I'm going crazy with itchy eyes.
• Am so enjoying the flowers in the yard

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Mark your calendars and be sure to pop back her for Memory Monday's, the more the merrier.

Singer Sewing Machine Back in the Day

It's Memory Monday time.  I remember when my Mom would sit at a machine like this and make my school clothes.  This is a singer treadle sewing machine that now sits in my office a short distance from my computer.  It belonged to my Aunt Mary, Dad's sister who passed at the age of 92.  The machine is actually still threaded sorta...the bobbin.  The machine belonged to my Grandmother before my Aunt.  We're not certain if Grandma purchased it new or it was passed down from another family member.  Searching using the serial number it appears this machine dates back to 1910, and is therefore 103 years old.  I believe with some oiling I could in fact still use it.

I learned to sew, not on this machine; but the one like it my Mother had.  You got exercise with your legs sewing in those days as you kept the machine running by pumping the pedal with your feet.

Having this in my possession makes me smile, it makes me remember My Mother, My Grandmother and My Aunt and a different life then we now all have.

My Mom

My Aunt Mary

My Grandmother.  She and Grandpa sitting in front of their house.  I only have a few pictures of my Grandma.  She must not have liked to have her picture taken.

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Like Arnold, "I'll be Back"

I'm a bit confused whether I'm a week behind or on time at this point, but...meh who cares.  lol  That's my new attitude.  I'm not going to stress...thank you all my YOP peps for convincing me of that.

So here I am at the beginning of my year 3, whatever week it is.  The idea of this Ravelry Group is to make a list of projects you want to make and check in every Sunday morning with updates about the progress of things.

Last year I felt like I didn't do particularly well with my list (lots of big projects), so am making my list a bit different this time round.

My selfish list:

• I'd like to myself a shrug and or shawl...and or maybe a special scarf.  Not just a typical scarf.  How's that for living the window and door open?
• I'd like to finish the green sweater I started after Christmas for Darling Daughter
• I'd like to make myself a cable stitch skirt (been so long ago I wanted to do that, I'm going to have to find the pattern again).

My Charity Work:

• I'm going to continue to assemble afghans from donated squares/stripes/pieces, but I'm not going to pick a number to strive for.  I'm hoping to make more then before, particularly if I can work my way through all the odd sized donated pieces.....those take more time.

I spend so much time working on the blog, documenting the donations, sending thank you emails, posting on forums and social network sights my actual knitting and crocheting time for the charity, Bridge and Beyond is less, and I think I need to revamp my thinking...realizing even when not knitting or crocheting for the cause I am still working on the cause.  Thus, the no number.

Previously Committed Projects:

• I have 2 people I need to make gifts for a pay it forward commitment.   is about half done, the other is only in thinking stages.

1. Knitted Cat Washcloth Done, ripped out and need to start over the 2nd cloth which is a paw print Washcloth..person #1's gift
2. Person two...I think a hand print washcloth and a basic knit cloth.  One is in the works.

Things to Consider:

• My nephew and wife are having a 2nd chid, maybe a baby afghan?  I made one for their first boy, but...they got several so maybe I won't make one this time?

Please scroll back and see the finished (though still in need of laundering and blocking), feather and fan afghan, Sea and Sand.

Pictures show the green sweater in the works, finished cloths, and possible next couple of ghans to be assembled.

 Inviting you all to come back tomorrow and participate in

 A fun way to share cute, funny or interesting stories and linky love...let's brighten up Monday's.


   

Fabulous, it's Friday

Finally it's Done!  Terrible picture with it being cloudy, bad lighten; but was anxious to show this afghan is finally finished.  It's a knitted feather and fan pattern with each section being a 20 stitch repeat.  This one is named Sea and Sand, Sand and Sea.  In the beginning I called it Sea and Sand, but later kept interchanging the names.  This afghan has been in the works over 1 year.  I found a post from June 4th of last year where I had about 3 stripes done.  Now, it's not like I worked on this everyday or didn't work on anything else during this time; but...it's been a long time...much longer then I like to have one going.

And So for the first time in ages I do have a Finished Object to share with you on Friday AND a post for Random 5, Friday Five, 5 on Friday.  All badges are clickable, join us!

• Hope you had a wonderful and safe 4th of July.  Sadly our fireworks weren't quite as good as normal.  It rained, not stormy so they went ahead.  But, I wonder if they couldn't shoot them off as high because of that?  And or, because of the dampness they didn't last as long in the sky?  No matter, Happy Birthday America.  You're an awesome country and I so appreciate all the sacrifices of those that made it possible for us.
• Obviously I'm really excited to have the above afghan completed.  It's still in need of being laundered and blocked, but and a better taken, but it's DONE!
• More planning for the trip to Spain next Spring has taken place AND, we now have all our tickets for flights confirmed.  We've decided not to stay the full 10 days in Malaga (Marbella Beach Area), we'll be there a week then fly to Barcelona via Madrid for a few days, AND we now have confirmed hotel reservations there in Barcelona as well.  Gonna give our brains and our charge card a rest before we move onto the next step...which will be planning tours, though I do have a lists of things we want to see.
• House smells so good right now, hubby is making his "World Famous" Baked Beans.  We're going to a Baby Reveal party later today with family (normally we would have spent yesterday, the 4th together here at our house so this is combined deal).  We'll soon know whether my youngest nephew, Ryan and his wife are having a little boy or girl.  I'm pulling for a girl which would give them one of each...wouldn't that be nice.
• Continuing to work on my SIL's family tree, but also pulled out my Mom's side file that I've not worked on in a good long while and am happy to say...I'm finding some of the missing pieces from before!

Pop in tomorrow for the 3rd Year of Projects, it's a group through Ravelry, always happy to have more folks join us.

AND don't forget to join in on Monday for my Memory Monday...I've already gotten 4 or 5 posts written and placed in que.  Looking forward to seeing you all, the more the merrier.  The more you link and visit the more fun folks.  Join any or all of the meme's.  Enjoy the rest of your week-end.

Walking Through the Old Neighborhood

It's time for Memory Monday.  I've pulled something from the way back machine for you today.  This is my older brother Chuck on his bike.  The picture was taken on Easter Sunday probably right before or after Church, can't remember that part.  You can see from the cars in the photo the picture was taken in the 50's.  This was on Lilac Lane in my old hometown of Marion.  Some of you may remember my mentioning a group on Facebook filled with people who have fond memories of living there as children...some still live there, though not on Lilac Lane.  The bike was new and was red, my brother LOVED his bike.  The driveway was gravel and shared with our neighbors The Belvilles (Frank, Bernie, Pam, and Shannon).

The bush there on the corner was a favorite spot for my folks to hide an Easter Egg or two.  I think this had to be before Church, after church we would have changed clothes to do the hunting in the yard for the eggs.  The trike there would belong to my younger brother, Mike.

The other day a childhood friend, Wendy and I met here in our old neighborhood for a day of fun and remincing.   We walked around the neighborhood remember who lived where.  In fact we spoke to the gentleman that owns my old house.  He owns and lives in the house that was Belvilles, to the left and owns and rents the house that I grew up in, the white one on the right where the BIG bush is.  The driveway is still a shared one, but is now blacktopped.

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