Yikes, What is this? Don't go Barefoot!

One evening a few weeks back hubby and I were walking out through the backyard with cocktail in hand to reconnoiter the flower beds; as we often do after a day of working in the yard. It's sometimes to admire our work, sometimes to plan what to do next. Hubby often doesn't have shoes on at this point. Me, I'm rarely without them. This pictures shows you why. Seriously I happened to look down and saw this big ugly thing. I think if you stepped on it those pinchers could do some damage. It was about 2 inches long and gave me the creeps. I went in the house to get my camera and hubby's shoes. I wasn't about to step on this wearing sandals--to much of a chance it still might get my toes or something. So, I took it's picture then waked it good a couple of times with hubby's shoes. It wasn't all that easy to kill either. Then scoped it up and tossed it way behind the shed. Maybe it'll be food for some of the critters.

You see anything like this in your yard? Any thoughts what this ugly things was?

I'm gonna pick up some yarn now and make some yoyo's. I've not made or donated these little buggers (lol, couldn't help myself) before; but am currently in a bit of a funk about what to work on; so this mindless but useful item seems like a good idea. I'll be using R,W, and Blue variegated for Fisher House.

The Ending of a Season

The ending of the summer season is upon us. Groaning big time here. Yeah, I know it's been hotter, more humid then normal and people have really complained. But, you know what comes next? Fall, gray colorless days once the flowers and leaves are gone. And then the real ugliness will be here. Short dark days, cold days, wet days, icy and snowy and dangerous days.

These beauties are already gone from my yard; but I want to enjoy them more so have posted them here to share with you. I've already cut all the dead brown stuff, or almost all. I've worked out there about 6 different times now. I do try to break it up as it's hard on the body. Hubby's made multiple trips to the dump with the debries. Each trip he's taken several of the largest trash cans full plus 2 to 3 bags. I have alot. In the back yard I have 3 large fence rows to trim and weed. That's about 99% done. Around the back of the house (which I've not yet started) is quite a bit; then there's the 2 sides of the house. Might do one side today. Though this is a scheduled post so by the time you read it, hopefully I've gotten more done. Can't do the 2nd side though, don't want to disturb Momma Bird. Looking out one of the kitchen windows the other day hubby noticed Momma Bird right up by the house. I wish I could get close enough for a picture. Hum....maybe I'll try. Let you know how that goes.

This is WIP (works in progress) s of the writing of this blog post:
Opal Ghan (crocheted)
2 scarves (knitted)
Candy Corn Ghan (crocheted), longest wip I've ever had
**repairing 2 ghans

Queen for a Day, Memories of Mom

Isn't this apron adorable? I wasn't looking for one when this jumped out at me shopping one day. Loved the pattern and style, looks old timey to me.

Starring at it there in the store I realized why I liked it so much; it reminded me of Mom. Not even because she always wore aprons, cause she didn't. Or at least not in later years. I do remember when I was a young kid she wore them more. I think all ladies did back then in the kitchen. Both she and Grandma did.

The memory that came to mind was a New Years Day long ago. It was always our family tradition to put away the Christmas decorations, take down the tree etc on New Years Day while the pork and kraut was cooking. One particular New Years Mom and Dad were acting foolish, playing around. Mom must have said something about doing all the work (that part of the memory is a little fuzzy, I was really young). Anyway next thing I know Dad's put Mom's apron on and is vacuuming and dusting and telling her to sit down and be "Queen for The Day". It got to be funny with them goofing around off and on all day as we preceeded to get the un-decorating done.

I don't routinely wear an apron, though I always do when making homemade noodles cause flour is everywhere. I always wear one when making tons of egg casseroles for Christmas gifts. Both of these projects require spending the entire day....really the entire day in the kitchen with rather large messes as I'm working fast and furious. So the apron will get put to good use. I sometimes need a second apron on these occasions when my daughter is in from out of town to help. So Mom, this cute red apron is hanging on the hook in the stairway by the kitchen ready and waiting. Even when not wearing it reminds me of you and the wonderful love you and Daddy had. This is my Q memory.

Miss you.

My alphabetical Memories:

Other Memories:
A=Advice, Afghan, Apples
B=Bread, and Bernie
C=Camping, Creativity and Courage
D=Dancing and Delaware Dam
E=Energy and Etiquette
F=Friday
G=Gown (wedding gown), grape pop
H=Hammocks and Holidays
I=Ice Skating and Isaly's
J=JACKS, Mother and Daughter, childhood games
K=Kindess, something we're taught
L=Love Story
M=Memories, One Year Ago Today (Making Do and Mohican)
N=Noodles Over Niagara
O=Ouija Board Memories
W=Wow Mom, The Wisteria

**Hey since I know many who visit this blog are also knitters and crocheters, don't forget you can win free yarn by entering the contest over on Bridge and Beyond**

Making Connections

Through the years of knitting and crocheting I've made some pretty wonderful connections. Connections with people with big hearts who help charities. People who've helped me help the homeless on Bridge and Beyond is just one example. Connections with people on forums, mail lists, blogs, and social networks that help each other, answer questions. You've hopefully noticed my newest social network connection, The HIVE, I have the badge in my sidebar with a link to their site. It's brand new folks. It's a wonderful group of people who are creative and do lots of different things with their skills and talents. Artists who skills I marvel at, hobbyist like myself, and manufacturers and other professionals. There's beading, scrap booking, woodworking, ceramics and more. Lots of categories growing daily to accommodate lots of interests.

The site is fun, it's easy to use and everyday I make another connection, enjoy reading a blog I might not have found otherwise, and learn something new along the way. The problem I may have is spending too much time there because it's just plain fun! And, the other item I should warn you about is a growing list of things you might want to make when see the wonderful things other people are doing; you'll want to do them too. But, having said all that, I still encourage you to pop over, tell em Sandy sent ya. I love making connections and bet you will too.

The above scarf is one I made while traveling in Colorado about a month ago. It's knitted, a first for me with a lacy pattern. The yarn is cotton and I think will serve nicely for a summer scarf. Often air conditioning can be chilling to this old neck of mine, so when out at night a little something is beneficial. You might remember when I started this lace scarf.

Knitted Scarves should be for?

Finished 2 more scarves. You might remember when I purchased this yarn I blogged about how funky I thought it was. My intention was to make 2 fun skinny scarves for my niece for Christmas. I was patting myself on the back about how ahead I was getting. Not something I do with regard to shopping ahead for Christmas. Since this photo the one on the right is also completeled. Actually only had a row or two left; but had camera in hand for another purpose so took the photo a wee bit ahead of time.

My niece is tall, and young and I thought these would be fun to go with sweaters; more for inside wearing thus the skinny decorative. But, now that they're finished, I'm thinking of sending them off to Passions of the Heart; a charity for battered women. Partially because I think they're a bit short for my niece? Kids/teens wear scarves longer then we adults? Partially because I have time a plenty to make something for Christmas, and partially because I'm not sure these look youthful now that they're finished.

They measure about 4 inches wide by 56 inches long. They're light weight and quite stretchy so no doubt will grow as scarves have a tendency to. They were knitted on large #19 needles after all.

Opinions ladies?

Flush Party, Remembering You, Mommy

I've not shared the picture of this stone before. It's my Mother's and Dad's stone. You can see by the date if Mommy were still living she would be 82 today. This is the 2nd birthday she's not been with us. This stone is in the family plot in Chillicothe, Ohio; though Mom is still with Daddy at home. He'll have fresh flowers for her today, beside her urn and naturally be melancholy all day. The inscription, "Together Forever" is so true in their case.

This photo, a far happier time, though sadly not a good photo. Left to right, younger brother Mike, Mom, Me, Daddy, older brother Chuck. This photo was taken in 2007 at their 60th Wedding Anniversary. I remember her this way smiling. We had many wonderful times together, fun times, funny times; and it's always those times that I remember most.

And this potty picture reminds me of one of those funny times. Some of you know I've been posting stories and memories from time to time, alphabetically. This then is a funny story for my P memory.

The family used to camp, tent camp. We didn't use electric and many of the camp grounds in those days were pretty primitive. I would about bust a gut waiting- waiting- and waiting to go potty, couldn't even use some of the awful roadside potty's in those days. So Mom and I would get really really excited IF we had flush potties where we camped. On one family camping trip we were driving through an area to decide if we wanted to stay there; when Mom and I jumped out of the car, RAN inside to the bathroom and flushed every john in site! We got to giggling and told everyone we were having a flushing party. Dad was still in car when he heard all the commotion and laughing and wondered what in the world we were up to. We explained, "we're having a flushing party!" So, Mom when I saw this plastic covered potty seat in an airport recently, naturally I got my camera took a picture, AND thought of you. Somehow I think you were there laughing at and with me all the while.

Love you Mommy


My alphabetical Memories:

Other Memories:
A=Advice, Afghan, Apples
B=Bread, and Bernie
C=Camping, Creativity and Courage
D=Dancing and Delaware Dam
E=Energy and Etiquette
F=Friday
G=Gown (wedding gown), grape pop
H=Hammocks and Holidays
I=Ice Skating and Isaly's
J=JACKS, Mother and Daughter, childhood games
K=Kindess, something we're taught
L=Love Story
M=Memories, One Year Ago Today (Making Do and Mohican)
N=Noodles Over Niagara
O=Ouija Board Memories
W=Wow Mom, The Wisteria