Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Blue Sky

Hello my friends!    It's been a hot, hot, hot week.  In fact, it's so hot that when we came home from the lake for church Sunday morning, we stayed home and haven't gone back!  Highly unusual but I'm enjoying my AC in the 95F+ temperatures that we've had all week.  They are forecast to continue for the next 10 days at least.  Ugh!  We pick up the new trailer this Saturday, and Alicia and Jeremy are staying in it at the lake Saturday night though, so we need to head on out there Friday to get things ready.  Neal and Jenny are using the trailer all next week to go to Silverwood amusement park in Idaho for their annual trip with their adult kids and grandkids. I'm SO glad people are using the trailer.  It's what we got it for.

Look at this blue sky!  On Saturday, Dennis and I took a road trip up north to our friends property about 10 miles south of the Canadian border.  Here, I'll take you along.  It was a beautiful, if hot, day.
The grasses and fields are very dry.
A bit blurry as we were whizzing up the road, but it's still beautiful.
So dry.  No wonder we have so many fires burning.  We don't have blue skies now.  We have had BROWN skies for several days because of the smoke and not much wind to blow it away.  Although wind would make the fires worse so it's a "catch 22" situation.
Crossing the Columbia River north of Kettle Falls, WA.
The next pictures are of our friends property where they spend weekends, (they live in Spokane too.)  They have 10 acres and have put in 3 RV spots with water, electric and a sewer dump.  This way there is room for friends and family to join them.  The property has been in the family for years.  We're planning to go up either later this month or in September with the new trailer to spend a weekend with them.
Look at this view!  I could sit there all day and look at this.  Bob has built benches all over the property at particularly beautiful spots for Laurie to just sit and enjoy. This is one of them.
Looking the other way.  You can just see our truck and their motorhome back in the middle left in the photo.  They have a beautiful brand new Winnebago motorhome.  You want to talk luxurious?  Oh my goodness it's gorgeous.  I could seriously live in it.
On our way back to our humble little trailer.  More views of the  mighty Columbia River.

I took part in an "Everything but Yarn" swap that Kathyb held on her blog Compassion Knits.  I was paired up with Nancy of the Wyoming Breezes blog on my sidebar.  Nancy is a prolific quilter who makes the most gorgeous quilts and donates them to "Quilts of Valor" for our veterans.  You should definitely stop and visit her. 

Yesterday I received my swap package from Nancy.  Look at all of this goodness.  The cowl is gorgeous and my favorite color.  Lots of tea, candy, knitting notions, soap, post-its, a little fan, magnet frames.  Oh my goodness!  She put a lot of thought into this package.  Thank you so much Nancy!  I appreciate each and every item.
I made some new hot pads and dishcloths for the new trailer, but  on second thought, I think I'll put them in the camper we use all of the time and put the older ones in the new trailer.  I purposely made the dishcloths longer and narrower than usual because of where they hang on the oven door to dry in both of the trailers.  There is not a lot of space since I also hang the dish towel there.  This is just cotton I picked up at Michaels and had in my stash.
I have also started a pair of socks for Alicia's son Kale.  I promised him and Hayden each a pair of socks before fall gets here and that will be soon, so I thought I should get started.  Heel, toes and cuffs will be of this stash yarn and then I  have some camo colored yarn for the body of the sock.  Since they are most definitely BOYS, they will appreciate the camo color.  Their Dad taught survival school in the military and still takes people out for weekends of training.  In fact, he was out last weekend.
This is a pair of Monkey Socks I've had on the needles for a couple of months.  It keeps getting set aside for other projects.
A closer look.
I took a bag of goodies to Holy Family Hospital this morning and forgot to take pictures first.  I had 43 crocheted hats from Nita.  I made 27 knitted and crocheted hats, 2 crocheted baby blankets. 2 sweater/hat/sock sets, (one pink speckled and one blue speckled) and 2 burial buntings.

Only one pair of mittens was finished this week.  It was a red pair.  I think you can see it in your mind since I've posted so many mitten pictures!  :-)

I just took a yellow cake out of the oven.  I know, I know.  It's not Weight Watcher friendly, but I need cake today.  I'll frost it with chocolate frosting and we'll have some after dinner tonight.  I'm planning to stay in the rest of the day unless we go over to Larry and Nita's to swim tonight.  We went there Sunday night and swam in their pool and then I dangled my feet in the hot tub while the others got completely in.  It's a no-no for me because of my pacemaker.  I love hot-tubs, but the germs in public ones always freaked me out a bit.  Since Larry and Nita keep theirs impeccably clean, I used to enjoy sitting in theirs, but no more!  Oh well.  I guess it's a small price to pay to keep my heart beating.

Mandy, Brad and Piper are getting all settled in their new home and finally have internet again.  I was able to face-time with my girls this morning for quite awhile.  Mandy had a job interview yesterday that went very well and it sounds as though she will begin her nursing career again now that they have family to help a little with childcare if needed.  She will be working part time and I think she's looking forward to it.  Brad is enjoying his job and I think they are all having a good time with family around them.  They have been in the new house a week and Piper has already found a friend right across the street who has been over to play with her.  I'm SO happy for all of them.  AND, I bought my plane ticket to fly to Omaha at the end of September to spend Piper's birthday with her.  Yippee!  I've missed the last two and I don't want to miss anymore if I can help it.

Alex face-timed with me from Japan for almost 2 hours last night after Dennis was in bed.  That time difference really messes up his talks with Dad!  One is sleeping or working when the other one is doing the opposite!  Luckily I can stay up later and sleep later in the morning so I get to enjoy our visits.  He takes me on bike rides around Tokyo or Tawada, (where his office is.)  He also takes me shopping with him and even introduces me to people he knows via his phone!  Technology is wonderful!  He's doing well and is in Tokyo until Friday when he heads back north.  His company has officially been in business supporting him and others for one year this week!  He also got two new contracts yesterday, so he was in a great mood and very happy with where he is in life. It's wonderful to see your kids successful and happy, but golly, I miss having him closer.  He's great about face-timing several times a week, but it's just not the same as being able to touch him.  I think it's a Mom thing!  :-)

I hope you're all having a great week and enjoying summers bounty.  Unless you're down under and then I hope your winter is mild. :-)

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

Blessings always,
Betsy

27 comments:

  1. Mmmm....cake. I just had a piece myself! Your swap buddy did good-real good!!!
    Beautiful scenery. I've never been out west and you are making it look like heaven!

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    1. I ate a piece of the cake last night and had a stomachache all night long! That will teach me...probably not. You need to come visit me sometime. I would love that! Just jump on a plane and come!
      Blessings,
      Betsy

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  2. I enjoyed the scenery from your trip north! The river is very beautiful up there. I can't wait to see you decorate your new little trailer. I'm kind of wishing I had a little teardrop trailer so I could use it to go visit my granddaughters. But I would be scared to spend the night alone in it. Dayle is not able to even think of traveling until his back is better. Nice swap gift! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Isn't it funny that it's "your" river too? That Columbia is a mighty big and long river! I don't know how much I'll be decorating because so many people will be using it, but I do have a different quilt for it that the one that came with the trailer. I would be afraid to pull it around myself but I probably should learn.
      Blessings,
      Betsy

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  3. Looks like a wonderful place to camp and relax.

    I've never been told to stay out of hot tubs and I've had my pacemaker for nearly four years. Is there some specific reason why you were told to avoid going in the hot tub?

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    1. I think it is because I tend to faint and then my heart stops. With me, heat exacerbates the problem immensely. That's why this hot weather is really bothering me. My cardiologist has told me to stay inside the AC. When I travel, no standing in lines. I either have to board the plane first or wait until last. Fainting is NO fun!
      Blessings,
      Betsy

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  4. Hi dear sweet sister and friend, my mum always had to board the plane first she had to be lifted into the plane, she couldn't bend one of her legs and had to sit up front in most leg room, I often travelled with her as her companion. She had to be lifted out too, of seat as well as plane. I've never been in hot tub, apart from a bath. However do faint easily so understand that, esp standing in queues, I also sit down fir hymns as can't sing and stand. It makes me lightheaded and feel sick, as often not well esp in morning. Sitting down is good. I just sit at back so don't stand out in church. People look at you and to them you look fine and mobile, so bit self conscious I guess.
    Yes, sunny blue skies here too no rain, sadly badly need it here.
    Vet busy not blogging much had hour and more dental appt today, I've a tricky mouth they take forever to do things as consequence. I laughed and said I told you I'm a problem child. And he said, yes, amd didn't believe you..
    Now he does :D love your knitting sick especially really amaze me, fascinate me I guess as never seen homemade socks here. Love the monkey ones wonder why they're called that. Look nothing like monkeys.
    Well nice chatting sweet, Betsy, so glad you can FaceTime family, esp son Alex ways away... . I might be able to FaceTime you one day.... Not that I have that app no idea how it's done.
    God bless and keep you through this hot patch dear friend, dad and his girls are going to Botanic Gardens tomorrow must take camera, if remember you can see some... when next post.
    Hugs Shaz in Oz.x

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  5. I've heard on the news about your heat there and in Portland, OR...setting records! It's not been bad here....80's which is unusual....we usually have 90's to 100's this time of year and very humid but it's not this week.
    So glad Piper and her family are settling in and everything is going well for them. Congrats to your son for his success too!
    Love the beautiful views from your trip but it is obvious how dry it is there. I know the electric guys here have to be careful driving on dry grass because the tires can cause a spark!
    Your Monkey socks remind me of monkey bread for some reason (I think I'm hungry after hearing about your cake...lol!)....so pretty though!
    I love your swap presents and your hot pads and dishcloths. I make mine bigger than normal also....whatever fits your lifestyle. How do you measure for the kid's socks? I'm still having problems on how to measure and I just grab a sock I've made before for myself. Can you go by shoe size? Zappos has a chart that tells you size and then in inches what that is. This toe-up sock is going to be a little different so I'll have to be careful.
    How scary for you with the heat and your heart issues....be careful. Glad you are able to FT with your kids and what a prolific volunteer knitter/crocheter you are! What a blessing you are to others! Hugs ~~ Sam

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    1. It does seem as though the weather is a bit confused doesn't it? Really hot here and not bad in the Midwest when it's usually the opposite. So many fires have been set by just what you said. A little spark, from a truck in a field or a train, etc. Of course, there are always the "not so smart" people that throw cigarettes out of their car windows too. I followed someone yesterday who did just that. I actually stopped my car, backed up and stomped on the still burning cigarette! What are they thinking?
      I'm still trying to figure out how to make Hayden's socks. Kale can wear a woman's small size as he's a bit older so that will be easy. I had both boys trace around their feet so it would give me a ball park visual. I'm making Kale's first and I'll have the younger one try them on to see how much small I need to go. Real scientific huh? Ha! Ha! For kids I've only made socks for Piper and there are lots of patterns for toddlers so that was no problem. I've never made toe-up socks before. I've tried, but they defeat me! Have a great day!
      Blessings,
      Betsy

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  6. What a gorgeous blue sky! Thanks for taking us along on your trip up north. Nice swap package too!!

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    1. It IS pretty isn't it? I love it here.
      Blessings,
      Betsy

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  7. Great swap package !!!!
    I think your letting people use the camper is awesome.
    Your sock is beautiful. Just lovely. Perfect pattern for that yarn.
    and finally, So happy you and Alex had a nice long chat!

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    1. I love my swap package. FIlled with so many things that I like. Thank you for the compliment on the sock. I really like the Monkey Sock pattern. It's very easy to memorize, even for me.
      Blessings always Kathy,
      Betsy

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  8. I am sorry, did you say something after cake? Yellow cake with chocolate icing is my favorite....yum. Gosh, you've been so busy and to lots of lovely places. It's all dry and brown down my way, too. Hope we get rain soon, and you all, too. Wishing you a lovely day sweet friend. Blessings always

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    1. Hello Vicki! I did enjoy a piece of the cake but now I'm regretting it. Isn't that always the way? I hope you get some rain too. We desperately need it as you can tell by the pictures. Have a lovely day my friend.
      Blessings, Betsy

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  9. Betsy I'm longing for blue skies. We are in monsoon season so we have had thunderstorms everyday now. I love your knitting. I just finished a baby hat and booties.
    Not sure what my next project will be. What kind of yarn do you use for hot pads?

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    1. Hi Regina. Isn't it funny we always wish for the weather we don't have at the moment? I answered the question about the yarn on your blog, but to answer it here too in case anyone else is interested, I used Lillys Sugar and Cream cotton from Michael's or JoAnns. I hope that helps. Blessings, Betsy

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  10. Wow! You have so much going on and are doing so much. That hot weather sure makes life miserable. We have had some of those days here but cooled down this afternoon and we have gotten some rain. So glad you can fly out for Piper's birthday That is so special. You have beautiful scenery where you live. How wonderful of you to share your trailer with so many. Enjoy the rest of summer and stay safe and well! Nancy

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    1. Thanks for visiting Nancy. I think the weather has flip-flopped across the country. Areas that are normally hot are having cooler weather and we're having the extreme heat. It's crazy! I'm excited to fly back for Pipers birthday to I've missed the last two and I'm looking forward to being with her. Have a lovely day. Blessings, Betsy

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  11. We've got hot weather...Wed and today. 102 today and a bit higher Wed. Hazy sun says my weather app on fone. Ha! Thankful for air conditioning! Your knitted items for trailer are nice. Good to read of all your activities and you're feeling good again! Sweet!! I enjoy your comments on my blog posts very much. Stay cool my friend!! God's blessings to you and Dennis too!

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    1. Hi Becky! This heat is crazy isn't it? I am feeling a bit better. I've been having a lot of dizziness the last couple of weeks though. I don't know if maybe it's the heat. Tell Phil hi for us too. Blessings, Betsy

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  12. Your friends have a gorgeous property. Such a shame about all the wildfires that have been burning all over the place, even in Europe. Your humble little trailer is serving you well and I'm glad the new one is already being put to good use. I'm very impressed with the donation you and Nita were able to make to Holy Family Hospital. You do manage to always keep yourself busy, productive and entertained. :) Hugs and blessings,

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  13. Hi Tammy! The fires are awful. We can't even see two blocks down the street this morning. I'm going to the lake, but will probably be inside with the AC on because the air quality is in the "unhealthy" range. I like to make things for others, especially those who need them. After all, it keeps my hands busy and my mind occupied and I certainly have NO use for everything I make! I also pray for the recipient as I knit & crochet. Have a lovely day my friend.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  14. Oh, how wonderful that you got to face time with your dear son! I can't even imagine how hard that must be to be so far apart...you are so brave and strong. Your friends' property is just amazing!! SO beautiful! I can see why you are anxious to go back and soak up that view!! So many wonderful things you have shared, sweet friend. I am SO happy and thankful you are doing well and enjoying life and you get to go see little Miss Piper for her birthday! Oh, how wonderful that will be for all of you. I am praying for you, dear friend, and trusting God to bless you with abundant health to enjoy all that is ahead of you. Sending hugs and much love to you!

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    1. Thank you so much for your sweet comment Cheryl. And I definitely appreciate each and every prayer that you send up for me. I have still been having quite a bit of dizziness the last few weeks, not sure if it's the smoke or the heat or something else. But I'm trying not to let it stop me from doing things. I hope you have a lovely weekend and I'm praying for you and your family. Blessings, BetStill

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  15. You sound so happy Betsy, things are going well with your children and grandkids. You have that new trailer for visits and new adventures and of course your gorgeous place a t the lake. I wish you a wonderful week my friend.

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  16. After all your health challenges it is a joy to hear of all you are doing now, Betsy! My trip has been wonderful so far, beautiful scenery and weather, and precious time with family members. I am back in NE at my niece's farm and this is fair week. Some of the household are preparing vegetables, eggs, and apples for judging. Fun! 🤗💞

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