Friday, February 10, 2017

Another Friday

Hello my friends!  Another week has gone by.  Another week of sitting in my chair and crocheting/knitting.  I've been enjoying podcasts from crafters all over the world.  It's been a snowy, icy, windy, cold week here, so it has been good to be cozy at home.  My back is still very painful.  I'm not sure that's normal at this point so if there is no change over the weekend, Hubby is wanting me to call the doctor on Monday.  Would you please pray for a huge improvement over the weekend?

I have been busy though.  My hot pads were in a terrible, disgusting shape.  Stained and burnt.  (Don't ask!)  This week I thought, this is crazy.  I've made tons of these to give away, I need to make some for us.  So I chose my brightest cotton yarn that makes me happy and crocheted away.  Within a couple of  hours I had these.  They are SO easy and are a free pattern on Ravelry.  Just look up double thick crochet hot pads and they'll pop up.  The ones I had before I made over 20 years ago, so they last a long, long time and are completely machine washable/dryable.
I finished the "Wonderful Girl" socks.  Another free Ravelry pattern.  I did change the pattern a bit and put one cable up the outside of each sock.  I love these.  Knit Picks Tweed Fingering weight yarn.
I also finished the "Lala's Simple Shawl" and will be donating it to the local Veterans Home for the ladies there.  People seem to forget there are ladies in the VA Homes, and these are perfect around their shoulders.  I have donated many of these shawls and they are always received with gratitude.

The bottom photo shows the stitch pattern a bit closer.  These photos were before it was blocked since I'm not physically able to do that right now.
Another pair of socks have begun.  These are the "Petty Harbour" pattern again, which is fast becoming a favorite of mine.  Knit Picks "Gemstone" hand painted yarn. This photo was from last night.
Here they are this morning.  One heel turned and I'm working on the second.  I have a big sock yarn order that is supposed to arrive tomorrow.  It will have enough yarn to keep me busy all year. Possibly Christmas presents????
Two more pairs of mittens are done.
And four more baby hats.
I bought the pattern below on Ravelry yesterday.  I've only purchased two patterns online and both were from this lady.  She is amazing and a really nice lady too. Her "real" job is a physical therapist and she's been messaging me hints about my back ever since I hurt it.

This pattern uses up the ends of sock yarn skeins since you don't use an entire skein for a pair of socks.  I've started two blankets with my "mini" sock yarn skeins, but don't like either of them very much.  So I thought I would give this a try.  My colors are going to be different than hers because of my particular leftover colors, but the pattern itself is lovely.
Here's my view most of the time.  In my recliner knitting and watching podcasts. You can see a little of Chloe there on her bed on the floor.  She's never far away from me.  I love my Chloe girl!

For a change of pace.  Here's our youngest son Alex in the building he's rented for his business.  It's in Tawada, Aomori, Japan.  This room originally had 6 classrooms in it.  This week the construction guys tore out all of the walls. Yesterday we got a picture showing the green floor is all gone too!  His office will be in this building, (he lives in an apartment behind the building.)  The local museum is renting part of this space for display and a library.  Another young business person has rented office space from him too.  That's good, because he still has an apartment in Tokyo.  He spends about two weeks each month at each location since he still has several clients in Tokyo.  His heart is in northern Japan though, and he has many friends there.  He has lived there since he graduated with his Masters Degree at 19 and spent his summers teaching English in Aomori since he was 13.

Isn't he a good looking guy?  He's my baby, even if he is 28 years old now!  He's accomplished much in his young life.  He translates fluently in Japanese and Chinese and also teaches often.  We sure miss him.  He still finds time to FaceTime with us several times a week.
Here he is clearing a path from the business end of the building to the living quarters.  Did you think Japan is tropical?  They get more snow in Aomori on average than we do in Spokane!
And here's his Dad clearing our steps on the same day, only here in Spokane!  It has begun to warm up into the 30's this week though, so we're hoping for some melting.  Yesterday we had an ice storm that shut down most schools.  They don't close schools often here.  Yesterday was our first snow day in Spokane this school year and we have over 4 foot of snow in our yard!  That gives you some idea of how bad the roads were yesterday.  Hubby went to work though.  Nothing stops him.
I'm going to go back to my chair now.  I hope things are going well for you all.  I'm trying to read all of your blogs and stay up with all of your news.  Have a lovely week everyone!

"Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"  Philippians 4:4

Blessings,
Betsy














21 comments:

  1. You will be in my good thoughts for a total improvement over the weekend on your back! So sorry that happened. You have to promise to be more careful with yourself from now on, ok? I am also making crochet baby hats as I will be taking them in hand over to "Operation Diaper Bag" on Monday. Love your makes. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. So sorry to hear about your back, Betsy. Hope it's lots better by Monday. You've done some really nice projects lately. When you knit socks, do you work on both at the same time? Seems like a good idea! A friend crocheted that hotpad pattern, and I'd love to have it. Is it on Ravelry? Love the color you chose but I didn't know you also crochet as well as knit! Now I need to check out that shawl pattern. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Judy, Yes I work on both socks at the same time. It helps avoid the dreaded " second sock syndrome". The hot pad pattern is free on Ravelry and it's called the "Folded Potholder". I've been crocheting for 50 years now! It's my first love since I've only been knitting for about 15 years. Have a great day!

      Delete
  3. Hi Betsy, I am so sorry that your back is not better. Just prayed for your back and hope by Monday you will feel much better. You have made so many nice things! I have hot pads like that made year ago and just from regular yarn. I want to make them again with cotton yarn if I can get the pattern. I don't remember if I had an account with Rivalry and my notebook with my passwords to different things have not showed up yet at this house! Maybe I will have Bob try to get me on as would really like to make those again. He knows more about the computer than I do! Have you been to Japan to visit your son? Have a pleasant week-end. Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let me know if you can't find your passwords and I'll be happy to send you the pattern. Yes, I've been to Japan several times to visit Alex and we've traveled all over the country. It's a beautiful place.

      Delete
  4. Good golly. I can't keep up with you! How DO you get SO much done?
    Your son is just amazing. It's not easy to be successful in Japan. My son lasted only a year before he was ready to come home. Good thing to because he was in the area hit by the tsunami. I would have been crazy. Of course he came home and went to work in the Navy Yard at the time of the mass shooting. We tease him about being a human bad luck charm.

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh my sorry that your back isn't healed up yet. But you have kept yourself occupied. Megan said she liked the colors of your hot pads. Colors look like ones in Africa! I'm hoping all gets better with your weather soon and you can go out for a bit of a walk to help your strength. Thanks for sharing what Alex is up to. Busy young man and thankful he keeps in touch with you! Hugs and prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  6. The double thick hot pads are by far my favorite. I have several that my sister made for me. Your finished projects are great - nice job!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Betsy you will certainly be in my prayers, I pray that you will see some improvement over the weekend. Loving all your projects you are certainly keeping busy. The hot pads are such a lovely colour, so bright and cheery. You are certainly blessed with a very handsome son, you must be so proud of the work that he does. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow you are a busy, busy lady. Love everything you have done, very talented. I hope your back feels a lot better by Monday.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely finished pieces Betsy. Gosh you get an awful lot done! Here's hoping your back is much better.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the hotpads. I also really like the shawl and the socks re gorgeous! I'm concerned that the longer you sit the worse off you will be. I think having a physical therapist to talk to is great. Your back is supported by muscles and if you don't keep them strong you will always have back troubles. I had a friend that did a lot of sitting and I told her that when you are still for that long your organs think you've died and begin to shut down....now that may be a bit strong but now, years later, she is way overweight, has gotten diabetes, has leg and foot problems and has nerve damage and is constantly fighting ulcers and sores which are so dangerous to diabetics. She did that to herself. I know you fell and are in pain but even in the hospital they do not let people lay for that long. They get them up and moving. I'm not a doctor but "I play one on T.V." lol! If you explain your activity level to your doctor I am sure they would recommend that you keep moving but ask them first how much and what activity or exercises you should be doing to get you up moving again. Maybe you need a different doctor? I'm just concerned, truly, with all your illnesses and I'm pretty sure you're a lot younger than me. I think you need to make your health and not your handwork your priority. You need to be proactive in caring for your body and not just depend on the doctors. I am not trying to offend you or lecture you. I sincerely care about you and want the best of health for you. Please take everything I said with a grain of salt as I certainly do not know your health history but since I've known you it seems you have been plagued with one thing or another. I wish good health and longevity to you my friend. Hugs......Sam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You certainly have NOT offended me! The past two years have definitely been one thing fter another. Before that I traveled the world by myself and was alway, always busy. I do make sure to get up and walk around every hour at least. I've been told no bending or lifting over 2 1/2 lbs. for 3 months until the bone heals. My pacemaker problems finally seemed better except for the persistent tachycardia. The doctor called yesterday on his own to check on me no said physical therapy will most likely happen in a few more weeks after the fracture has more time to heal. I truly appreciate every thing you say. Believe me, I want to be better. I have plans to live out!!
      Blessings,
      Betsy

      Delete
  11. Such wonderful things you are making as you heal your back. I did not knownJapan got that much snow! Your son has done exceptionally well!!!!!
    Stay warm!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a snow-bound winter for you! Keep feeling better; love the socks you are working on, very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sending prayers your way sweet friend. :) Love all your pretty projects. You are always making something lovely for others. I hope your son's business goes very well. How exciting for him. :) That is a lot of snow! Wishing you a day filled with many blessings sweet friend. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. The Gemstones socks are just wonderful . I will pray for you NOW . I want you to feel much better. I love the cable on the other pair of socks. Our sons are both far far away. yet the both stay in contact often. NO snow for my son, in mexico. Altho he did use some canned snow to show it to his students and they laughed and laughed. Your mittens and VA shawl are lovely too

    ReplyDelete
  15. Bless your dear heart, sweet friend. I am praying for you and trusting God to make you well and not allow you to have to go back to the doctor. I know He can do this for you. What would we do without Jesus? Where would we turn in such times of trouble, anguish, and pain? He is surely the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Your potholders, socks, mittens, scarves, and hats are just so beautiful...did I forget anything? ALL of your creations are so impeccable and beautiful. I love visiting with you here. God bless you and heal you speedily.

    ReplyDelete
  16. WHile you are getting much done my friend I am concerned about your back. Please call the doctor and see what might help. Maybe some therapy, a massage from a good massage therapist, some acupuncture? You need to get better. Sending you a hug.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi dear Betsy,
    I'm praying for you, and if not better, I really think hubby is right to see why not, there's no harm in asking your Dr such a simple question, and possibly every benefit long term.
    Mm knew it snows heaps in Japan, have friends/ brethren who are missionaries in Sapporo, Hokkaido, for twenty five years and more now, so have seen in their letters how high it gets there.
    Love your knitting crotchet... those pot warmers are so very cheery.
    And yes that shawl would be a Great blessing to any older person. Shoulders need to be warm and the back of the neck... and feet for that matter 😄
    Lord bless dear Betsy.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Shaz in Oz.x

    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi, I'm glad you are getting a lot of 'stitching' done while you are unable to do much of anything else.... I'm sure your pup loves having you there.....

    Wow--that is awesome info about your son. I'm sure you ARE proud of him... That is awesome.

    Happy Valentine's Day to you and your loved ones. We are enjoying this special day in Arkansas at our special little cabin on the mountain!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete