Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Cold! and Snow... rinse and repeat!

Merry Christmas Everyone!  It's looking a lot like Christmas here and has been for a few weeks.  Last night the forecast was for 5-8 more inches of snow on Friday and 2-5 more on Saturday.  Since we have about 10 inches on the ground right now, I don't think we're in any danger of not having a white Christmas.  (Just as I typed "White Christmas", the song came on the radio!)  A sign maybe?  **sigh**

Dennis snow-blowed about 5 inches from the driveway and walks before he went to work yesterday.  Then it actually warmed to above freezing for the first time in weeks.  Today we're back in the freezer for the foreseeable future.  Last weekend it was -14F on our back deck.  Way too cold!

Two more blankets were put together for the Crisis Nursery this week.
And another.
I finished my Project Peace cowl a little early.  You were only supposed to do one repeat a day but since I wanted to give it to it's new home on Sunday, I did more than I was supposed to.  I used Knit Picks Stroll fingering weight yarn and it's SO soft.  80% merino wool and 20% nylon.  After washing and blocking I really fell in love with it.  My friend also loves it and stopped by the house to see me yesterday and was wearing it.  That makes it worth it, when you see your hand knits being worn and loved.
All gift knitting complete, I returned my sock in progress that is living in my new project bag Kris made for me.  I love this bag.  These are the "Petty Harbour" socks which are a free pattern on Ravelry.  They are so soft and the pattern makes a stretchy fabric that seems to fit everyone well.
Saturday's mail brought this sweet little house from Brad's mom.  Since she has a house identical to it, she thought I needed one too so Piper would know  how to find us!  I love that we get along so well with Mandy's in-law's.  It sure does make life a lot easier for everyone.  Brad's entire family is flying to spend Christmas with them in D.C.  We were also invited to be there, but because of my health issues it wasn't possible this year.  We will miss them, but hope they all have lots, and lots of fun.
Another sweet package came from Becky L. (GrandmabeckyL) on my sidebar, in Portland.  She makes these beautiful calendars from photos she takes.  Thank you so much Becky!
Debra, (As I See It Now), over on my sidebar, sent me the first season of Gilmore Girls.  Yes ladies, I think I am the only woman in the world who has never seen the Gilmore Girls.  Wasn't that absolutely the sweetest thing of her to do and entirely unexpected.  I'm sure I'll be like the rest of you and well and truly hooked after the first season.  Thank you Debra!!!
I adore snowmen!  My sweet husband bought me Olaf on Sunday.  We were wandering around JoAnn's while I was trying to get a little exercise after church and saw this little guy.  And he was on sale!  Everytime I see an Olaf anywhere it makes me smile.  He's so sweet and innocent and happy.  Just how I would love the world to be.
And here's little Miss Piper vacumming up her mess.  As you can tell by the table, she had been busy crafting with paper.  She loves to help Mommy clean and the vacuum is her favorite.  I wonder if she'll be so eager when she's a teenager?  :-)
Our sweet Caleb's school picture.
And beautiful Kyleigh.
I can honestly say I have never, ever been around such well behaved and sweet kids.  I know they're my grandchildren, but they play so well together, are polite to everyone they meet and stick up for kids that aren't being treated well.  Their school is HUGE on anti-bullying and it shows in how they treat others.  Even when we took them shopping at Thanksgiving, a little girl fell down in the parking lot and both kids ran over to her and helped her up.  Kyleigh hugged her because she was crying and Caleb picked up her bag and put everything inside for her.  They both kept telling her it would be okay.  That sure did this Grandma's heart good. 

This hasn't been a great week for me.  I had a Retinal migraine last Thursday.  I have been having them more frequently.  I lose my sight entirely for a few hours and then the headache arrives.  It was bad until Saturday night and I've had a lingering headache ever since.  I've also been dealing with numbness in my legs and this week it's started in my arms. If it affects my hands I'll have a huge problem with it, since knitting and crocheting keeps me sane.  Yesterday Dennis drug me to the doctors office.  He even took off work to take me.  Long story made short, I have a referral to see a neurologist now.  I'm sure it will be after the first of the year before they even call to make an appointment, so who knows when I'll actually see a doctor.  It's always something and I'm really, really tired of all of this.

A bright spot in my day is reading all of your blogs and the comments that you all make here.  I appreciate it so.

I hope you all have a lovely and safe Christmas.  If you're driving anywhere in the cold and snow may you be granted travel mercies.

"Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel."  Isaiah 7:14

Blessings Always And May God Bless Your Christmas!

Betsy






18 comments:

  1. Oh sweet friend I am sorry you are getting the Retinal Headaches again. I send prayers and ((hugs)) your way. :) This was a great post. I always enjoy reading your posts and keeping up with what you are doing. Merry Christmas to you and your family sweet friend. :)

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  2. I get those types of migraines too and they are the worst. You really have had a time. Here's hoping the new year brings you much joy and most importantly....good health!!!

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  3. Love the blankets, beautiful colour combinations. You are certainly blessed with beautiful Grandchildren and they are a delight helping others so willingly. They are a real credit to their parents. Sorry to hear you are not feeling well again, hopefully you will get an appointment quickly. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers over this holiday period and that a blessed Christmas is wished for you. Hoping that next year will be a better one for you and your health.

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  4. I'm sorry to hear you've had a difficult week, Betsy. I hope you're feeling well soon, in time for Christmas. I loved seeing your projects. The cowl is beautiful and I can see why it's so loved. Great to see your grandchildren too, they're all getting so big. I'm touched by how well you know them all, even though they live far away. I hope the snow isn't too bad for you. We may have a white Christmas here too, which is pretty unusual for this neck of the woods. I saw a statistical analysis of white Christmas probabilities by region and we're in the 5% range, so if we do get one, it will be very special. Take care and feel well.

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  5. I enjoyed reading your post today.. thanks for sharing the kids school pix.. they are darlings and I loved hearing how well-behaved and caring they are. That is wonderful to hear. Fun shot of Piper too.. little miss tidying up after crafting! Cute! I am sorry to hear that you're having more health challenges.. dang it. I hope the doc figures it out and fixes it! They say we might have snow on Christmas.. wouldn't that be amazing? ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
    *M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
    ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

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  6. Saddened to hear you're still struggling with health issues. I hope the new doctor can help you find relief from the pain.

    The Project Peace Cowl is beautiful. I decided not to block my cowl. The blankets are adorable le and will be greatly appreciated.

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  7. Sorry to hear about your headaches Betsy. Wishing you all the best health-wise for the new year. Love your Peace Cowl and the blankets you've been working on are going to be so appreciated. Stay warm with all your snow and cold!!!

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  8. Grandchildren; it's the best! I'm sorry for the poor health. I will be praying for relief for now and speed in getting the neurology appointment.

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  9. Thanks so much for this post, Betsy...it is the next best thing to visiting with you face to face. I am telling the Lord I want you to be well NOW, and am feeling very stubborn and insistent about it! I love seeing the wonderful things you have been making and the neat gifts you have been given. [I know nothing about the Gilmore Girls and will now have to check them out on Wikipedia] It is wonderful to see and learn about your sweet grands. Your weather reminds me of the winters I endured in upstate NY for nearly 20 years. Please stay warm and safe and know that I would love to be with you cheering you on. "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation." Love with hugs from Gracie

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  10. Dear Betsy! I am SO sorry you are having all of these health issues. I am praying for you, my friend, and I do hope 2017 will be a turnaround year for you, healthwise. Your beautiful creations! Oh, they will bless everyone who uses them! I know every stitch is done with love, and it shows. That is just so sweet how your grandchildren are so polite and helpful to others. That really touched my heart. I am sure they have seen a fine example in you, so you have to take credit for this, at least a little bit! :) God bless you with a wonderful Merry Christmas! Sorry you can't travel to be with your loved ones, but I hope you have a happy day with your husband there at home. Sometimes those are the best kinds of days!

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  11. Many thanks for popping into my blog and posting on my latest post. Do hope this New Year sees you fully recovered.....time is the healer they say....a cliche but true :-) You've been busy too I see lots of lovely makes. Aren't grandchildren just the tops! Beautiful photos!
    A Merry Christmas to you and yours from across the pond :-)

    Take care now!

    Hugs
    Amanda xx

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  12. Betsy check out the healthy knitter blog for your peace cowl. I think you may have won something.

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  13. Betsy. first of all Merry Christmas. I know you will be missing your family this year. I am sending you positive and loving thoughts during the holidays. Next I share your migraine issues. I had four the week before we went to my son's graduation. I am seeing a neurologist and have tried lots of medication that made me very ill but works well for others. I finally got botox shots in my neck and head and it has helped. Well helped minus those four headaches. I lose my vision too, it is very scary. Sending you a hug.

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  14. SO sorry to hear that your health issues continue Betsy! Makes day to day life (and special celebrations) difficult. I sincerely hope that this next year brings you better health. I am a snowman lover too and just happen to have an Olaf also! I bought it for our youngest granddaughter's Nordic Princess room here, but it brings me happiness too. Speaking of grandkids, what a beautiful story of love you shared - love it!
    Wishing you and your hubby Christmas blessings!
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  15. A word of comfort: Fireman gets visual migraines . They come and go in clusters. They are very disturbing when they occur. Neurology isnt' very impressed with his. I hope yours go away soon. Your grands are just adorable. Your peace cowl is amazing . Love the color. Big hugs for a healthier year ahead Betsy. God Bless

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  16. You and your blankets - you are a busy beaver! So neat your use your gifts & talents to bless others.

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  17. I've been trying to catch up on blog reading. I'm still way behind but your blog is one of the ones I try to read as soon as I can. I'm so sorry for your retinal headache. I've had these. My doctor called them ocular migraines and gave me some sample meds to take. I have only had 3 and they have been spaced apart but I really don't like the vision loss. It's scary. I hope you find some answers. You've certainly had your share of health issues and it's time for some relief. I have some acrylic yarn boxed up for you if I can just get myself in gear to put it in the mail. Will that work for blankets or mittens? I hope so.

    Take care of yourself and stay warm.
    Hugs, Sharon

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