Thanksgiving early!

We had our Thanksgiving dinner at church today. This was the fellowship hall before we all descended and messed it up! Seriously, it was amazing. So delicious. There was so much food left over that they were sending turkey, ham and rolls, etc., home in bags for people.  We used to take all of the leftovers to several homeless shelters around town.  We purposefully made extra just so we could do this. But because the food is made in our home kitchens and not in a commercial kitchen, the city won’t let us feed the homeless anymore.  Isn’t that ridiculous? It’s good enough for all of us to eat, but not for the homeless people. So much food gets thrown away now because of this.  I just don’t understand the bureaucracy sometimes.  Sorry, I didn’t mean to have a political rant there.  I just hate to see the waste of good food, actually wonderful food, when so many people are hungry.

I think it’s the first year I haven’t worked in the kitchen, but my back is not happy these days and there’s no way I could stand up long enough to do dishes.

Last night was the 50th birthday party for our minister, Troy. It was a surprise party and was held at the local skating rink. Well over 150 people were there, which was a great turn out.  And no, Dennis and I didn’t skate but we enjoyed watching everyone else.  We even had one person being pushed around the floor in a wheelchair.  Good times with great friends.

I took some pictures for Mandy...so in this one he was waving at her and saying “Hello Mandy!”  Mandy is great friends with him and his wife. She, Troy and Kelly used to hang out all the time together when they were younger.   He is such a great guy and since we’ve known him for so long, it’s been wonderful to see him mature in his faith. He was the youth minister for years when Jamie and Alex were younger. Now he has three kids of his own and the oldest is in college. Where do the years go?

I had a few emails and comments about the dryer balls. I have used tennis balls in the past, but the wool dryer balls are less much less noisy and seem to make a lot less static electricity in the clothes. I use all seven in each load, but all of the videos say that three or four ball’s work fine. I just leave these in the dryer at all times for convenience. I think the more the better!

I also had a few people ask about the pattern for the hats I’ve been making. Teresa had originally brought me a machine made hat that she had.  She wondered if I could duplicate it. It’s not an exact duplicate, but she said she likes this one even better than the machine made one.  So the pattern is basically my own and I’m more than happy to share it here.  I think I have only used bulky yarn once because everyone I make them for prefers the lion brand homespun yarn better.   If you have any questions feel free to ask. I’m not a pattern writer so I hope you can figure it out.

We have another beautiful sunshiny day here today. Dennis is out moving wood around the wood pile and I’m resting my back as usual. I hope you’ve all had a wonderful weekend.

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lives my head high.” Psalm 3:3

Blessings,

Betsy

Super Sunny Saturday!

Happy Saturday to you all. It’s a beautiful day here today.  In the 40’s and not a cloud in the sky.  We are enjoying it.  So far not a stitch has been knit, but that’s okay.

We had breakfast at Shari’s restaurant with Paul and Lori.  They are our camping neighbors at the lake and friends for over 25 years.  Then it was off to the store to get some information about our woodstove.  We then washed and vacuumed my car.  I took Chloe to the vet last week and she’s losing her summer coat and hair is falling out in clumps, so it definitely needed vacuuming.   After a long, long phone “chat” with my sister I thought I should quickly talk to you all before we leave for a surprise 50th birthday party for our minister.  I’m not used to these busy days.

I did make some progress on Brad’s socks last night.  Both cuffs are done and In the process of turning the heel on the first one.

I finished another hat for Teresa.  She loves the one I gave her this week and sent me a picture of herself in it this morning.  It matches her coat perfectly.  I would show you the picture but I don’t have her permission to post the photo.  Here is the blue one I’ll give her tomorrow.  It’s the second one exactly like this that I’ve made this week so it probably looks familiar.

Have any of you heard of the wool dryer balls that you use instead of dryer sheets?  Mandy made her own from wool yarn and loves them.  I had ordered the three white ones that you see from Norwex, but they are REALLY pricey.  It was one of those party things where I felt obligated to buy something.  Well, they took over four weeks to arrive and I got impatient, so I made four of my own.  Oh my goodness!  I love them.  I wish I had done this years ago.  They cut down on drying time significantly, thus using less energy and is a big money saver.  It’s supposed to be better for your clothes by putting less chemicals on your clothing.  Those dryer sheets also coat the dryer and lint screen with a waxy buildup.  I didn’t realize how much until I cleaned the inside of my dryer.

They are super simple to make.  Directions are everywhere on Utube, just search for wool dryer balls.  Basically you tightly wind balls from 100% wool yarn to about tennis ball size and then wash them in VERY hot water and dry on high heat for several loads of jeans or towels.  That felts them and makes them perfect for use as dryer balls.  They are easier on your clothes than the plastic balls and you can add a few drops of essential oil for scent if so desired.

Okay, gotta run.  Is this what retirement will be like when Hubby is home all day?  I’m used to sitting and knitting part of the day, but he’s all go, go, go! :-)

“Let is hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Blessings,

Betsy

Another Square

Happy Friday Everyone!

Well I didn’t think I would have time to knit on the newest square for the “12 blocks of Xmas” KAL, but I started it just before Bible study and I almost finished it before I went to bed.

The designer states on the pattern that it pulls in a bit and has to be ironed when complete. Since I’m using acrylic yarn I don’t think ironing it would be the smartest move. I’m hoping when it’s put together with the other blocks it will naturally stretch itself out.

I got absolutely nothing done at home this morning. After checking everyone’s blogs, I put a load of laundry into the washer and left to go visit Pearl at the nursing home. I ended up spending almost 3 hours with her. Pearl is Neil’s mom. She’s adopted us as her kids and I enjoy every minute of the time I spend with her.  She’s in better health than I am and can run circles around me. When I got there this morning she was in her exercise class.

She is one of the happiest people I know, although she does get pretty lonely. She lost her husband of 63 years a couple of years ago and she misses him so much.  Pearl is also the most amazing seamstress I have ever met. She used to sew costumes for television shows and won all kinds of awards and ribbons.  She made pintucks, smocking, embroidery and all of those fancy stitches. Each stitch, each seam, each zipper, are perfectly executed. I’ve never seen anything like it. She makes virtually all of her own clothes and used to make Gordy‘s suits. No one can believe that she made them as they look like they are professionally tailored.

Remember the blue hat that I made a couple of days ago for Teresa? Well last night at Bible study someone needed a hat so I gave it away. I just started this one a few minutes ago to replace it.

Time to go change the laundry to the dryer and put another load in. It was really foggy this morning but now the sun is shining and we have a beautiful blue, blue sky.  When the sun is shining I feel muchmore like getting things done. Are you like that? I hope you all have a lovely afternoon. 

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

Blessings, Betsy