Friday, March 13, 2015

Home Again!

I finally made it home late Monday afternoon and have been busy grocery shopping, cleaning and meeting with friends.  Not much time for the computer, although I have tried to read your blogs and comment.  I hope I've caught up with all of you now.  One exciting thing I noticed while at Mandy's was that I've reached 100 followers!  How exciting.  Read on my friends, and there will be an announcement.  Very mysterious aren't I?

So, just before I left home I finished this baby set in light blue.
When I got home I finished the socks for this set in pink and white.  I know they'll be going off to a charity or local hospital, I just haven't decided where.  Taci, how are you doing with your hats for Brazil?  Do you need these?
I had these blankets done up to the squares in the corners before I left home.  So I've made 72 of these little square since Monday night.  Then I joined them together and crocheted two rounds around each blanket.  Those little squares.  Goodness.  It takes forever to make 72 of them. Join them together and sew in all of the ends.  When I know the gender of the baby to recieve each blanket, I'll do a final row in a corresponding color.  I always like to have these on hand for baby gifts and as most of you know from reading this blog, I've made literally hundreds of these blankets over the years.  The look really wrinkled, but once they're finished I'll wash and dry them and they'll look wrinkle free.
Besides Mandy's slippers and Pipers two pair of socks, I made these 11 dishcloths out of Hobby Lobby's "I Love This Cotton" yarn while I was gone.  Dishcloths and socks make great airplane knitting because they don't take up much space or arm movement.
I've ordered gripper soles from Amazon for Mandy's slippers and then I'll mail them back to her.  It's supposed to arrive sometime at the end of next week.

One of the last pictures I took of my princess before I left for home.  Isn't she a doll?  She fed me a green M&M on facetime this morning.  Green is her favorite M&M so I am very priviledged that she would share with me.  Gosh I miss her hugs and kisses.
Mandy texted me this picture last night.  She and Piper only had to get a few items at the grocery store so she let Piper push the little cart around the store for the first time.  She said she did very well and stayed right with Mandy and didn't run into anyone.  How cute is this?  She's growing up way too fast for Grandma.
I had lunch today with my best friend Jenny.  We ate at Panda Express which we both enjoy.  As we ordered, we both chose the same items.  Isn't that funny?  It was really good and we had a nice chat before she had to get back to work.

It's feeling much like spring today.  68 degees!  So nice and I'm enjoying it after the cold the past few weeks.  It is supposed to rain all weekend and I really hope it does.  Everything is so dry and our snowpack is non-existent.

And now, to celebrate all of you lovely followers.  All you have to do is leave a comment and I will draw two names and each will recieve a gift from me.  I can't wait to hear from you all.  I will draw the names and announce the winners on Wednesday March 18.  I am so grateful to each and everyone of you for taking the time to read my little blog.  I have made some wonderful friends through this and I so appreciate each one of you.

I hope you are all having a wonderful week and enjoy the weekend to come.

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.  Psalm 130:5

Amen and Amen.

Blessings my friends,

Betsy

51 comments:

  1. Betsy well done for reaching 100 and today now 101. I seem to be stuck at 79 but it goes like that.
    Piper is adorable, she looks so grown up pushing her shopping trolley. Love your makes you are so talented. Have a nice weekend.
    Rosezeeta.

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    1. Rosezeeta, I was stuck in the 80's forever. I can't believe 100 people want to read my chatter. Thanks for visiting.

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  2. Hi Betsy, I've just found you via Teresa (Kasner's)'s blog. Your granddaughter is so cute, and you've been super busy on the yarn front :) I've added you to my reading list (actually I just figured out that I even have one lol - must spend tomorrow adding things to that!) so I hope I qualify for your exciting giveaway (though if I live too far away for posting - England - I'll understand,)
    Jillxo

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    1. Jill, Welcome! I'm glad you found me. Teresa is a sweetheart and a great friend. Of course you qualify...I'm happy to mail to England. I have several bloggy friends there.

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  3. *C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!* on the 100 Followers! I remember when I reached that and was so excited. Count me in on the giveaway.. fun! I loved seeing the Piper pictures.. she is growing up fast. My 2 little guys here are sprouting up and getting tall. When are you planning to come to the Portland area again? We miss you! I still want to make one of those blankets again.. I adore them. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. I hope to visit soon. I actually have another trip in April that I'll tell you about soon. Then maybe I'll drive to Portland for a day or two. :-). I miss you girls too.

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  4. Congratulations! Glad to pop in and cheer you on to your next 100! I have added you to my sidebar! ~Lea

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  5. Awww Miss Piper is always so cute. :) So love that she was trying to share her green M&M with you...just too cute. Oh I love the blanket squares. So very pretty. The sweater sets are just adorable. You always make such beautiful love gifts to share with others. Blessings always sweet friend. :)

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    1. You are so sweet. Piper is my sweetie and I miss her so much. She gave me lots of iPad kisses today but it's just not the same as the real thing.

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  6. You are such a great knitter and crocheter and fast too! The baby sets and blankets are beautiful! I am like a slug but before I got "ill" I was a fireball but that was part of the reason I got sick too....many years of working way too hard. Now I take better care of myself but I get little done..lol!
    Congratulations on 100 followers! Glad you got home safe and sound and had a chance to catch up on everything and everyone. Was that ice cream Piper had in her cart? Smart girl!
    I still haven't tried one of those blankets but one of these days! I love making blankets and washcloths too....yours are very nice. Well, it's off to bed....it's been a long, wonderful day but time to put my feet up and do some handwork. TTYL!

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    1. Yep it was ice cream! I love ice cream too so she's a girl after Grandma's heart. She's allergic to dairy so they get her the coconut or spy milk ice cream. Thank you for your sweet words.

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  7. I love the Annapolis area! lucky you. I also love your blog. mary in Cincinnati

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  8. Thank you so much for your sweet words. I think Annapolis is pretty too...but more traffic than I would want to deal with on a daily basis! :-)

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  9. I enjoy all the knitting and crocheting projects you share and do for others. I enjoy your blog and enjoy our friendship so much. Maybe one of these days I head over there to see you. Phil enjoys eating at Panda Express as well. I was running around today with a long sleeve shirt on and no coat, 65 degrees here. Am gonna head for the beach with friends tomorrow for a day out with the birthday girls who are celebrating another birthday this month. It looks like a yr of celebrating for us. But it's fun to be with friends. Glad you are back home and mostly settled in. Have a great weekend, Betsy!!! Congrats on 100 followers! xxxxx

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    2. I have enough leftovers from Panda for my lunch tomorrow. Dennis has an all day meeting so it will be perfect. I hope you have a wonderful time at the beach tomorrow. I miss it.

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  10. Welcome home, Betsy :-). It got to 67 degrees here today but is getting cloudy ready for this weekend's storm. Guess what! The leader of our church art group is driving some us down to a Hobby Lobby that just opened. We are supposed to go tomorrow. I'm glad you have gotten so much good work done. Congratulations on gaining so many followers...I am not surprised! I am so glad I found your blog and have the privilege of a growing friendship with you :-). xx

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    1. Gracie, It's raining here this morning too, but we need the moisture badly. I hope you have a wonderful time today at Hobby Lobby. I can get lost in there for hours!

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  11. Welcome home Betsy. My, you knit so fast! Love the beautiful baby sets!!!! I know you are already missing your girl. That has to be so hard.
    I am also way behind in blogging, as I have not been feeling well.
    Glad to see you posted! I love to come visit you!
    XO Kris

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    1. Not such fast knitting. Those baby sets were almost done before I left. It was those 72 pesky squares that gave me a run for my money! :-) I hope you're feeling better very soon. This has been a rough winter for your family.

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  12. COMGRATULATIONS on having 100 followers my friend. It's so great to have so many wonderful friends, isn't it ? I love reading your blog and I'm so happy we are friends. Yes and yes my dear friend ( to the sweater sets) if you would like to donate I will take the . My mom absolutely love them. I'm posting tomorrow hopefully about the hats progress. I think I might have around 40 by bow ? Thanks again for all your help and for being so generous my dear friend.

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    1. Taci I am so thankful that you are my friend too. I'll send the sweater sets very soon. I ordered some mailing bags on Amazon that should be on their way to me now.

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  13. What a wonderful girl sharing her favourite colour M & M with her Grandma, its hard when they are so far away isn't it. My 4 grandchildren all live miles away but I see them as often as I can. Love the blankets they are a real delight.

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    1. Yes it is hard to have those grandbabies far away isn't it? Thank you for commenting and so faithfully reading my blog.

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  14. Little Miss Piper sure is growing up quickly, hope you are settling down back at home after a wonderful time visiting her.

    I love everything you have made, you are a fast worker!

    Glad to hear the weather is warming up where you are.

    Helenxx

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    1. Piper is growing up way too quickly. It's still much warmer here than on the east coast from what I've heard. It's good to be home.

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  15. Congratulations on reaching 100 followers, you have been busy all your makes are lovely. :)

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  16. Congratulations to you Betsy! You continue to amaze me with your skills and generosity.
    I remember well our three kids pushing that tiny cart around the store. :)
    Please include me in your giveaway. I would love a present made by you!

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    1. Of course your name will be included. I can't forget you! :-) Thank you for your kind words.

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  17. I am so glad you are home safe and sound, although I know you are missing both of your girls. Piper is indeed growing up, just the fact she is sharing a green m & m tells you that. She is adorable. You have been so busy Betsy, you amaze me with what you get done.
    Sending you a big, big hug and aren't those new followers lucky to have found a friend in you.
    Meredith

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    1. Yes, sharing green M&M's is a big thing! :-) I am the one to feel lucky to have so many friends through this blogging world...and you are one of the best.

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  18. Wow 101 followers that's great! Bravo. We all love reading what your upto. I only have 37 followers and I love it! I love reading about your pretty little Piper and her adventures. And I love it when you go down to the lake.
    I've made this blanket too but not as many as you. You must have it memorized by now! Haha

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    1. I love the lake too...and I have one more big adventure planned before the lake this year. I'll tell you all about it soon. :-). Yep. The blanket is pretty much memorized unless I go a few months without making one and then this old memory isn't quite what it used to be. lol

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  19. I love reading your blog. your dish cloths are lovely too. Are you allowed to knit on planes. since 9/11 in the UK we are not allowed to take knitting needles in our hand luggage so i have to sit for the 9 hours going to Florida every year without my knitting!

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    1. Thank you so much for reading my blog Denise. I knit on airplanes all the time. I knit flying to Japan and back and also around the US. Scissors can't have longer than a 4 inch blade though, so I always take my little school childrens blunt ended scissors that have about a 2 inch blade. I NEVER take my good knitting needles just in case I have an over zealous TSA agent. I also take a pre-stamped self addressed envelope to mail my needles back to me-just in case. But I've never had to use it, I would go crazy without my knitting. :-) I'll have to remember not to take it along if I ever fly to the UK again. :-)

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  20. All of your knitting and crochet is beautiful, Betsy. I really love the baby sets, they will be so warm and cozy for the babies who receive them. Nice to see Piper, she is getting so big. I loved those little shopping carts when mine were younger. I hope you're having a good weekend.

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    1. We have rain today so I'm snuggled in by the fire this afternoon, alternately knitting and surfing the web. I think the baby sets will be going to Taci for her Brazil project. Happy Saturday!

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  21. Goodness gracious, you are a knitting and crocheting machine! That's a whole lot of completed projects. The baby items are so lovely and the blankets absolutely beautiful, wrinkles or not. Lucky recipients to be blessed with such heartmade gifts. Piper is a cutie and growing so much. Best wishes,
    Tammy P.S. I'm not entering your giveaway ... I already received your lovely felt heart and have it hanging in my bathroom with my collection

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    1. Most of them were done before I went to Mandy's-so not so fast! :-). Thank you for being such a faithful reader of my blog Tammy

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  22. Hello, Just got home from a nice trip to Arkansas to celebrate George's birthday. I will blog about it tomorrow.

    Now--it's time to start working in the yard, cleaning up all of the 'junk' from the ice storm. What a mess!!!

    Glad you made it home safely --but I know how much you miss that adorable granddaughter.. She is growing up so fast.

    Love the two little sweater outfits --both of them. Gorgeous...

    Hope you are doing well.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. I was following your trip on facebook. Lots of fun! Now your hard work begins, but I know your yard and flowers will be gorgeous once again.

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  23. I missed this post somehow, but when I saw it just now, I was oooo-ing and ahhhh-ing over your little knit baby sets. So cute! I printed out that dishcloth pattern when Taci showed the ones she had made for her sister. I like the look of them and thought I might be able to knit something like that. We shall see! Piper looks so little pushing that cart. Sweet.

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    1. I do like those baby sets too. I can make one in a few days. The dishcloths are super easy. I can give you the pattern if you would like. I know you can make then. Easy, peasy.

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  24. Thank you! Your blog inspires me to keep busy and to do for others!
    Megs

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    1. I'm glad! Helping others is one of life's greatest blessings.

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  25. That Miss Piper is adorable and she is growing way too fast. I am always in awe of how much you get done. You are just a whirlwind. Glad you are home safe and sound. Oh, congrats on the 100 followers.
    Hugs,
    Sharon

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    1. Thank you. I've slowed down this week and I'm being lazy. :-)

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  26. Piper is adorable and I know how hard it is to be so far away. Mine just live in Yakima and it hard for me! Your trip sounds wonderful though and I hope you get to do it again soon, because they do grow up so fast. Isn't being a Grandma the best?! Your charity knitting has reminded me that I need to get going on some of my own. My knitting group is knitting hats for teens who are in foster care and often get overlooked during the holidays. The young girl who started this project last year was able to give a little donated something to 50 teens last Christmas and she is hoping to up it to 150 this year. We are knitting hats, mitts, and scarves. She is also seeking donation of store gift cards. Such a neat thing to be a part of. Did you get a ton of rain last weekend? We sure did on this side of the mountains! The storm that blew through was like a November storm.
    Have a super week---
    xoxoxo

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  27. Oh it IS hard. I miss her so much. Your knitting group project sounds wonderful. I would love to find some local ladies who would like to join forces with me but I haven't had much luck so far. Thank goodness for the internet. We got lots of rain over the weekend and more today. We need it so much.

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