Thursday, July 10, 2014

Hot, Hot, Hot

My oh my! What a week and a half I've had. Fun times, but very busy.  In the middle of it all I've been working a row or two at a time on Piper's Wonderful Wallaby sweater.  I'm almost to the neck ribbing and then I'll knit the hood. And viola!  It will be done. This is really a quick knit, even though it's taken me almost two weeks.  I really haven't done much crafting at all for that length of time.

Now that it's almost done though, I'm thinking the color is much more boy than girl.  My thought process was that it would be a great fall color for her when she's living in D.C. this fall.  Also, if they have another baby someday, (this is a Grandma talking, remember?), and it turns out to be a boy he could wear it too.  That's why I didn't choose a "girl" color.  I may just have to make her another one.  She loves red so that could be an option. Any thoughts out there?
I think this just looks HaPpY.  That doily looks difficult but it's really not too bad.  It only took a short time to complete.
Look what came in the mail for me from Tammy at "T's Daily Treasures" over on my sidebar. She lives in an exotic locale on the other side of the world. That's my teaser for you. Go ahead. Check out her blog.  I know you'll be glad you did.   I love this beautiful doily and I'm so honored that she thought of me.  I think I'll take it to the trailer where I can enjoy it all summer and then I'll find a place of honor for it at home this fall.
I also got a box in the mail today with 6 skeins of beautiful yarn from Barbara waaaaay back east. I wanted to show you a picture but my camera battery died.  I'll give you more info next post and show you a picture. I'll also tell you about sweet Barbara and her generous heart.  Don't forget to come back and visit again.  :-)

This is my big brother Roger and his wife Rachel.  This was his first visit to see us since we moved to Spokane almost 21 years ago.  He lives in Iowa so it was a long trip for him.  I never knew Roger well as he is quite a bit older than I am and was away in the Navy before I was old enough to know him at all.  We talked more in the past few days than we have in our entire lives and we learned a LOT about each other.  A few tears were shed. There were lots of hugs and I was truly sad to see them leave this morning.  They just bought a new truck and camper and promise to return soon.  Roger was a trucker for over 40 years and I'm amazed he's still enjoying pulling that 28 foot camper all around the States after all the driving he's done over the years.  They were in Arkansas last month visiting Rachel's family so it seems they are enjoying retirement.
This is their truck and trailer.  Sorry about the blurry picture. I took it through the screen in the window.
This is his toy too.  He carries it in the back of the trailer.
And this is what we did yesterday.  Yep.  That's me squinting into the sun on the back of that motorcycle.  We took a ride up to Mt. Spokane.  It's been over 30 years since I've been on a motorcycle and I had a blast!!!!  Fun times!  I guess I'm not as old as I thought.  :-)
See those clouds In the picture above?  They aren't really clouds at all, it's smoke from a wildfire just a few miles away.  In fact, Hubby and I looked at a house just last month that we wanted to buy but it sold before we could make an offer. That house and all neighboring areas have been evacuated.  This is a reminder to me of why we always decide to stay in town instead of buying an acreage outside of Spokane.  There are way too many forest and wildfires.

This is Nikki, Roger and Rachel's dog.  She was a wonderful houseguest and got along well with Chloe and Mandy's cats who are staying with us.  She was a "found" dog who was wandering the street so we're not sure what she is but she is REALLY smart.  She sure loves her Mom and Dad and really likes to ride in the truck on her pillow.
I snatched this recipe from Jennifer at Thistlebear blog. (Also on my sidebar).  It's really easy and light. Both Roger and Rachel are diabetic so I used sugar free whipped cream.  Just slice up an angel food cake and lay in the dish. Cover with whipped cream and decorate with sliced strawberries and blueberries.  So good and easy for a HOT summer day which we have been having.  90's all week and 102 forecast for the weekend.
Sorry this is so long for you to read.  Hopefully things will calm down a bit for a little while.  I'm looking forward to playing in the water at the lake this weekend to cool off.  I hope you all have similar plans to keep cool where you are.

Blessings my friends and I pray you all have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Betsy

16 comments:

  1. You sure have been super super busy! I think your sweater will look cute on Piper and keep her warm, no matter what color the yarn! I bet you're looking forward to spending the weekend at the lake.. do you have AC in the trailer? You might need it! I look forward to seeing you when you come to Portland. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  2. I like the colors in the sweater you're making and think it will be perfect for autumn! That's awesome that you got to spend some time with your brother and his wife. It's already too warm here and now I am hearing rumors that some places may make it up to the 100 degree mark...sigh, I was hoping for a moderate summer :(
    Stay cool!
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  3. Hi there, How creative you are... I love the sweater --and it definitely can be for male or female... Beautiful!!!!

    Glad your brother came to visit. Amazing how family members get 'closer' as they get older... Our priorities change and family become more important... Glad you enjoyed the visit --including the motorcycle ride.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  4. Such a positive post, Betsy! Now I know that you are a woman of faith who is brave enough to ride a motorcycle and ENJOY it!!! WOW! Piper's sweater will be just right for this fall and as you noted it could be used for Piper's sibling :) then you can make her another sweater in a bigger size. Tammy generously sent me something too. I will try to post soon to show you. xx

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  5. Wow my dear friend Betsy you are such a fun spirit...love Ito see you riding that motorcycle ... Yes I always knew u r an adventurous one :) love Piper's sweater ... It will be perfect for her.

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  6. Wonderfully happy post Betsy. How touching that you and your brother finally got closer. :) Look at you on a motorcycle!

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  7. I love your Wonderful Wallaby sweater! It is such a great pattern. I have one I've knit for myself, and I wear it all the time when the weather is cold. You have reminded me that I need to knit one for my little granddaughter Lucy. And how nice that you were able to have such a great visit with your older brother!

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  8. Loved reading this post. You've been very busy. The sweater is adorable, and I am sure Miss Piper would love it no matter what color it is because you made it for her. So glad you got to visit with your brother and his wife. Loved seeing you on the back of that bike! You rock! Blessings to you always sweet friend. :)

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  9. Betsy, my goodness you have been busy. I actually love that chocolate brown for a little girl, I think it is delish, why not crochet a pink flower to make it a little more girlish, one you can easy remove if number two is a boy. So glad you had a wonderful time with your brother and his wife, you were very brave to get on that motorcycle, and I am glad you wore a helmet.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  10. the wallaby sweater is cute! i knit a sweater for my granddaughter in neutral varigated colors as well. She has a little brother that can wear it. I like the fall color of the one you made. It was supposed to be over 90 today but clouds came in which was nice since we drove to Albany for mom's memorial service. Nice it wasn't so hot. lovely pink clouds at sunset made me happy! Off to watch grandbabes soon-now that will make me happy! Stay cool and enjoy that cake!

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  11. Look at that beautiful sweater! It's coming along so nicely. I'm glad you had a nice time with your brother and his wife. I have a brother quite a bit younger than me and I don't know him well. He was still in elementary school when I went away to college. There are some personal reasons that I don't have much contact with him, but I hope that when those reasons improve then I can get to know him a little more. I'm happy you made my cake! Yours looks lovely. I enjoyed making mine and people loved eating it. :)

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  12. I love the motorcycle picture. The one with you squinting into the sun. :) I have made so many Wallaby sweaters. I think the color is fine. It won't show dirt like a little girl color would.

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  13. Hi Betsy. I love the little sweater for Piper. And it would be nice for her to be able to pass it down to her baby brother!
    How wonderful for you to have had your brother and sister in law come for such a nice visit. What a cute picture of you on the back of his "bike" too! Are temps that high a normal thing for your area? We are used to it in the summer here. But I find it harder and harder to take. I like the climate in Big Bear!! Hope you had fun in the lake!!!
    xo Kris

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  14. Hi, I'm popping over from Gracie's blog. Looks like you enjoyed a nice visit with your brother and his wife. Looking forward to watching your projects. Have a wonderful day. Heather

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  15. Wonderful post Betsy. I love that doiley... beautiful pattern. Must do some crochet again.
    Love that cardigan or jumper for Piper think its a great autumn colour!

    How special is your visit with your dear brother and his family. What fun to travel like that.. bike included :) think most of us are young at heart.
    Its just the body that wears out. I pray you will spend more time together soon. Shaz in Oz xxx

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  16. Betsy, I've been the worst commenter as of late, but I have been reading and enjoying your posts and snapshots of your busy days! That little Piper...oh, my goodness! What a cutie pie! And I love the autumn colors in her sweater that you are knitting for her. So happy for your time with your brother. I know it must have been special for him, too. Love and hugs, Dear Betsy! :)

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