Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Happy Spring?

Oh my!!  I've been looking at some blogs this morning and it sounds like at lot of my friends are getting hammered by this snowstorm on the East coast.  I am so sorry.  We did have a beautiful spring day here yesterday but this weekend has snow/rain predicted so although I'm sure it won't be as bad as what you are all going through, I do sympathize with you.  Spring seems a bit fickle this year. :-)

Murphy has been visiting our house the past few weeks.  Have you all heard of "Murphy's Law?"

You all know the computer saga.  Then, last Thursday at dinner, Dennis broke half a tooth off eating rice. Yep.  Plain old white rice!  Two dentist visits later he has a temporary crown with the permanent one to be placed next week.

I'm having my back molar pulled tomorrow.  Not looking forward to that.  The endodontist who did the original root canal said it should be pulled since it is cracked. So THREE dentist visits later, all to different specialists with the accompanying fees and xrays, it still has to be pulled tomorrow.  Pray for me please.  I don't mind dentists but I DO mind pulling teeth.

Then, remember how proud I was of cleaning my refrigerator a few weeks ago?  Ladies, (and any men out there,)  do not, I repeat DO NOT clean your fridge!  I woke up yesterday to a dead refrigerator.  Look how clean it is.  I really liked this refrigerator
 Look how empty it is!
 The repairman actually came out yesterday, but the news wasn't good.  This five year old refrigerator needed a new compressor among other things.  The compressor alone was $800.00!  It was working fine the day before!  How can this be?  We declined the repair and I went last night, while Dennis was teaching the last class of  Financial Peace University, (how ironic is that), and bought a new fridge.  A cheap, old fashioned, freezer on the top, no bells and whistles refrigerator.

The repairman told me that the life span of new refrigerators seems to be 5-7 years now.  The ironic thing is I took all of my stuff to Nita's house and she put it in her 52 year old fridge that still works like a charm.  No more fancy fridges for me!

To top it off, we got our invoice for the lake place rental where we keep our trailer.  It's gone up almost $300 this year!  Now it has gone up every year $10-20, but $300?!!!  And there are tons of new rules, fees, fines, etc.  When we started staying there, our little section of the resort had only 7 trailers, now there are 42!  It's not nearly as much fun and I guess with lots of people come more problems.  Plus they've cut down the time we can be there.  Only May 1 - Sept. 30 with absolutely NO off season access to your trailer.  We've always been able to come and go as we wanted to check on things, clear snow off of the roof if needed and then start staying as soon as the weather warmed enough.  No more.  Lots more rules.

Dennis and I are going to do some talking about this.  We desperately wish we had somewhere else to take our trailer, but every place is full, which is why they can do this to everyone.  As much as we love it, we may end up selling the trailer.  Lots of decisions to be made and soon.

I know that lots of people have much worse issues to deal with and we have been blessed to have this place for 6 years and it may not seem very important in the grand scheme of things.  But Dennis has a very stressful job and he enjoys the relaxation he finds when camping. And, of course, you all know how I feel about my cozy little home away from home.

We have discussed buying a few acres in the mountains ourselves, but by the time we have a well dug, power accessed to the property and a septic dug, it gets way, way too expensive.

So Murphy has been busy, busy around here.  Please pray that my oral surgery goes well.  They are knocking me completely out because of my pacemaker so at least I won't know what is happening. :-)

On a much, much brighter note, Alicia and the boys came to stay last weekend to visit Jeremy and both boys literally begged me to teach them to knit.  Here we are Saturday morning.  They were sitting on the loveseat, yarn and needles in hand when I got out of bed.  We started lessons before I even had my shower and got dressed!  They were SO excited.  By Sunday afternoon Kale had a dishcloth over halfway done and Hayden was trying with all his might to master the knit stitch.  So much fun.
 Here are my little knitted Easter eggs I made a few years ago.  I need to get a few more done this year.
 I thought I would show you the top of my sewing machine when it's closed up.  I keep all of my vintage knitting needles in a mug along with pincushions given to me by blogging friends.  I have butchers string for tying packages in the purple canning jar with a lid that has a hole for a straw. It works great.  My food/yarn scale, button jar and a basket of washi tape finish it off.  I had to close the blinds because the sun was so bright this morning.
 To the left of my sewing machine is the dresser that Dennis used as a baby.  I used it for each of our children too when they were babies.  The drawers are small and graduated in size so it was perfect for baby things.  Now it's my craft dresser where I keep fabric, patterns, ribbon, elastic, etc

The camper banner was given to me by Nita and was going to go into the trailer this summer but I don't know what I'll do with it if we decide to sell. Sad Betsy.
 I spent a little time organizing my yarn closet again. I'm using up lots of stash and haven't bought anything so I'm pretty happy with that.  I bought a few baskets at the dollar store and that has helped with the organization process.  I have several blankets on the bottom shelves for the Crisis Nursery.  I better be making a trip there soon to deliver them.
 Since I last posted I made a few dishcloths.  I found out about this pattern from Judy at "Stitch Along With Me" over on my sidebar.  It's the Diagonal Knit Dishcloth and it's free on Ravelry,  A fun variation of the Grandma's Old fashioned dishcloth, even though mine look at bit wonky.
 Two more circular dishcloths.  All four were made with "I Love This Cotton" from Hobby Lobby.
 I have well and truly fell down the mitered square rabbit hole.  I finished a nine-patch square and started another one.  Gosh, these are addictive.
 My red socks are only being worked on at doctor appointments right now.  Not much progress is being made.  I had an appointment yesterday with my primary care doctor.  He and his wife just finished a pair of socks.  He knitted one and she knitted the other.  Apparently they do that all of the time.  He told me a few years ago, that she taught him to knit to relieve some of his job stress.  He really enjoys it although other guys give him a hard time for it.  He and his wife even yarn shop together, although he said she always gets what she whats and he's okay with that!
That's about it.  Lots of stuff happening and not much time at home right now.  I hope all is well with you and that you aren't snowed in too bad.  If you are, I hope you have lots of tea or coffee and yarn or a good book.  And chocolate.  Lots and lots of chocolate!

Have a wonderful  rest of the week and I'll be back soon, (I hope), with one less tooth in my mouth!

Even with all of the "stuff" happening, it could always be worse and I know and realize just how blessed I am with a loving husband, wonderful friends and family.  Life is good!

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments." Deuteronomy 7:9

Blessings,
Betsy

23 comments:

  1. Prayers for your tooth extraction. I dislike dentist visits, for any reason.

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  2. Goodness, so sorry about the tooth extraction. I need a crown done and I'm putting off and off.. I am just not that impressed with the dental office I'm using. That is SO cute that those boys wanted to learn to knit! You are very kind to teach them. I hope you don't have to sell your trailer, it's been a highlight of your life. I didn't see your vintage faux tortoise knitting needles in your mug. I hope you still have them. Have a super week. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  3. Oh Betsy. Im praying that your extraction goes very easily as mine did. Lots of ice afterwards. Almost no need for pain meds. I did get a few jaw jabs of pain that were quite brief and was told it was socket syndome. Not bad.
    Now your doctor and his wife sharing sock knitting is amazing.
    As for the camper, good things will come. You love it so much, you'll figure a new way to keep loving that camping feeling. Im reading BLUE MIND about how important being in and around water is to our mental health!

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  4. I am going to start knitting someday.

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  5. Prayers sent your way sweet friend. ((hugs)). I hope you don't have to sell your sweet little lake home away from home. I know how much you two love it there. Don't really understand why you can't go there to check on it anytime you want to though. Loved seeing all the things you have made. Also, it is awesome that they wanted to learn to knit. It's a skill that will last them a life time. Blessings always sweet friend. ((hugs))

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  6. Sending healing vibes your way for easy healing of your tooth extraction.

    We had TWO refrigerators fail in very short time. The first was a Samsung and the door hinges failed. Samsung did not make replacement parts for it and were terrible with their customer service. Fortunately our DEALER made that one right.

    Then THAT refrigerator failed within 3 years. Either the compressor or the condenser went bad. Big $$$$$ and our house was on the market. So we bought a no frills, stainless steel fridge and hoped for the best.

    It's the new guy's problem now. LOL

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  7. So sorry to hear of all your troubles. The trailer bit got me the most. I know how much my Mom loved her trailer and she went through the same thing with the campsite she loved so much. Every time it changed hands things got worse.
    Your yarn closet is amazing. AMAZING. I am in complete awe!

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  8. I'll be praying Betsy. I love your knitting. I just finished a finished a crocheted dishcloth and it looks wompy too. It's nothing fancy like your knitted one.
    I need to make more because I'm always in need of dishcloths. I bought a set of terry cloth ones at Walmart but because I change them frequently I run out all the time.

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  9. Murphy is a busy guy! Prayers for your dental surgery and for a solution for your lake home.

    I replaced my refrigerator a couple of years ago. I bought a plain model with a small freezer and no ice maker. I miss the ice maker, but I've adapted.

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  10. Sorry that Murphy troubled you! I enjoyed seeing all your fiber projects, in progress and finished, and it is fun to know of the knitting couple, and lovely that you taught the eager boys to knit! I'm praying for a safe and painless tooth extraction for you. I have no pain but they noticed while I was getting my teeth cleaned on Tuesday that I have a cracked tooth that needs to be crowned so you and Dennis have my sympathy. I am sorry to hear of your lake trailer situation, but so glad you have had and shared years of enjoyment there. I called my 98 year old Uncle Arthur yesterday to wish him a happy birthday and he reported they were expecting a big snowstorm today on Cape Cod. I'll have to check the weather to see what happened. It's raining here and I am enjoying it. xx

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  11. I'm sorry your fridge quit on you so quickly with no warning! New ones as good at the old ones, for sure. Glad you found another one. The one we have now is nothing fancy either. I make my own ice and pour my own water!!!! HAHA! wow....that's a big increase in rent space at the lake! Not good! We're doing well...and happy that the house is finished today! We have a few things back on the walls now, including the clock in the living room! Prayers for your tooth extraction tomorrow and you all are up to snuff soon!!! Tooth issues are NO Fun! Hugs my dear friend!

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  12. Hi dear sweet sis..
    Much prayer for many mercies with you in tooth extraction.. praying esp for good aenesthetist and skilled dental surgeon.. both important and swift healing with no infection post op.
    Praise re new fridge. I'm ever so grateful my fridge freezer like your new one still works.. it truly is a tremendous miracle I know, and very grateful.. as its many years old..
    Praying for wisdom and grace for you with lake.
    Maybe sit down and do some sums.. youre allowed to use it five months out of twelve.. so $300 increase is over 5 months is an increase of $2 a day.. (5 months approx 150 days).
    So is it worth an extra $2 a day or $14 a week extra??
    Maybe keep it till Dennis retires.. as that's coming up isn't it.
    It would concern me though that you can't maintain it in off season though..
    Praying sis..
    "God hath His way in the whirlwind and the storm and the clouds are the dust under his feet."
    Hugs and prayer at the throne of grace on your behalf. Xxxxx

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  13. Oh Betsy, I am so sorry about all the stuff going bad or out or just a pain, I just pray your tooth problem is not going to be to bad for you! And the little trailer and lake new rules, geesh. But I love that you look on the bright side LOL
    And the little Easter eggs are just so cute! I did laugh over the warning to not clean out the fridge, my fridge has been clanging for a long time now! I had a friend that had a washer for over 30 years, she wanted a new updated looking one and it lasted 5 years...
    Blessings and Happy spring, Roxy xo

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  14. Oh My Goodness---Your lake house situation is not good... Is there not another restful/peaceful campground where you can just move your trailer???? I hope you don't have to sell it... I see all kinds of trailer-parks around here ---so hopefully, as you check out the area, you can find a neat place to relax.....

    I had a big molar pulled a few years ago ---and was worried about 'chewing' without it.... Had NO problem and glad to get rid of mine (since it was cracked and couldn't be fixed).... I hate spending money on dentists --and as we get older, it seems as if more and more money has to be spent. We don't have dental insurance---so we only go to the dentist when necessary....

    You gave me the BEST excuse EVER since I have been saying that we need to clean out our fridge.... NOW --I won't do it!!!!!!!! ha ha

    Nice to see boys interesting in knitting and doing art/craft work....

    Have a good day, my Friend.... Hope you come to a good conclusion when it comes to your little trailer.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  15. Best wishes for your extraction today! Love how organized your yarn is...putting me to shame - lol. Sorry about the trailer issues. Hopefully you will find a good solution.

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  16. I think my frig is about as old as your friends and still going! No bells and whistles. Maybe you should buy a older used one. And if Dennis is stressed maybe he should retire and/or take up knitting. You could get a camper and 'go on the road'! Life waits for no one!

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  17. P.S. I hope your dental surgery goes well and that is so cute about those boys being so excited about knitting. Also, why would anyone get grief for knitting? They're just jealous because they don't know how! What a great idea to each make one sock and then you have a pair! Awesome!

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  18. Oh, my, I think it is high time for Murphy to leave your home!! He needs to go! LOL! I am so sorry you are having such trials. I am praying for you...I trust your dental appointment went very well today. I am sure you are not feeling very well this evening, but by tomorrow, hopefully, you will be much better, sweet friend. That is so awful that you may have to give up your precious camper! I just wonder if the dear Lord may be pointing you towards your dream of living closer to little Miss Piper. Who knows, but I know He has GOOD plans for you, and He is with you always. I hope things start turning around for you soon. Sending lots of love and hugs!

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  19. Hi Betsy, Murphy's law has been busy here also although I don't know if I have ever heard of it before. I have been more tired than usual. Really tired! Dermatologist says I am anemic from his blood tests, had a blood test for the primary care doctor and sent a copy to the GYN. He says I a stable and Gyn says my iron is okay but my hemoglobin is not and that is why I am tired. I think the primary care doctor only looked at the iron so have been trying to get through to him via the nurse and this is taking forever. I also had a tooth break off last Sunday night. Temporary crown on now! I know there are lots worse off but sometimes it is hard to not feel sorry for myself. So I can sympathize with Dennis about his tooth. Sorry about your refrig and the raise in the lake rental. How frustrating that seems and unfair! I am late reading this so I think you probably had your tooth pulled today. I hope everything is going well with that and that you recover quickly. That is so neat that you are teaching those boys to knit and that they want to learn!! Also unusual about the doctor and wife each knitting one sox but a nice thing to do together. Thank you for sharing some picture of your house and you sure have a lot of yarn. The knit Easter Eggs are darling. Hugs, Nancy m

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  20. Hi Betsy, Murphy's law has been busy here also although I don't know if I have ever heard of it before. I have been more tired than usual. Really tired! Dermatologist says I am anemic from his blood tests, had a blood test for the primary care doctor and sent a copy to the GYN. He says I a stable and Gyn says my iron is okay but my hemoglobin is not and that is why I am tired. I think the primary care doctor only looked at the iron so have been trying to get through to him via the nurse and this is taking forever. I also had a tooth break off last Sunday night. Temporary crown on now! I know there are lots worse off but sometimes it is hard to not feel sorry for myself. So I can sympathize with Dennis about his tooth. Sorry about your refrig and the raise in the lake rental. How frustrating that seems and unfair! I am late reading this so I think you probably had your tooth pulled today. I hope everything is going well with that and that you recover quickly. That is so neat that you are teaching those boys to knit and that they want to learn!! Also unusual about the doctor and wife each knitting one sox but a nice thing to do together. Thank you for sharing some picture of your house and you sure have a lot of yarn. The knit Easter Eggs are darling. Hugs, Nancy m

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  21. Hope you're feeling lots better by now! BTW, my dishcloth is wonky, too; the last bit of that pattern and the Gramma ones all turn out that way. If you figure out the reason, let me know. It snowed here for a while this morning, coaster-size flakes! It's all gone now though. Hope you have a great weekend! Hugs!

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  22. Oh dear, Betsy, that is a lot at one time. I hope that your tooth extraction went well. Sorry to hear about the increase and all the new rules at the lake. I know how much you count on going there.

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  23. So sorry to hear about the large increase and changes at your camping location, I know how much you both love to go there. It was a joy to see you passing on your knitting skills. Hope all went well with your extraction you are in my prayers. Gerard is recovering well and is thankful your well wishes and prayers.

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