February!

Hello, good morning and welcome to February. I haven't heard if Mr. Groundhog saw his shadow or not, but I know lots of people are ready for winter be over and done with. We've warmed up around here. It was 43F yesterday. It was also my 66th birthday yesterday. I missed my third Sunday in a row at church yesterday. I don't know that I've ever done that in my entire life. I still have a ridiculous cough and I'm so over it. Even though the doctor told me that I'm no longer contagious, people really panic when they hear coughing in public so I've stayed away from everyone. The antibiotics for bronchitis finished yesterday so I hope I'm almost done with this stuff. I hope you're all doing well and ready for the month of hearts, flowers, pink, white and red and the hope of spring in the air.

Meanwhile, I'm still showing Christmas things! Ha! I didn't want to show the cross-stitch ornaments I made the family for this year until I knew that everyone had opened theirs. They've been finished since October and here is the revealing photo. 

Tada!!!!

I used to make each person a different one every year, but then I would forget who I gave which design to. Several years ago I decided to make them all the same and just write the year next to the pattern so I wouldn't repeat. It's worked out fine so far. They all seem to love to get them and I love to make them. The backing fabric is different every year. I just buy a package of fat quarters every couple of years and it gives me a choice of what to use.

The finished photo of the "Grace" baby blanket. I do love to crochet this pattern and you see it repeated a lot on my blog. Again, this is Lion Brand Mandala Bebe yarn in the "Diagon Alley" color way. I think my last post changed Diagon Alley to Dragon Alley and I didn't catch it. Ha!

This is the "Christmas Blanket" that I was working on in my last post. I was asked to share the pattern source. I do know that it's a free pattern on the designers blog but I can't find it now. I know I originally saw it on a YouTube video by Elise Rose Crochet. I copied and pasted the pattern into the notes app on my iPad but didn't copy the designers name. I'm sorry I can't find it, but I will keep looking for the website. I apologize. I'm usually better about writing the designers name down.

This was so much fun to crochet. I made it in three days last week and I did make it two rows wider and two rows longer than the pattern called for. It ended up being the perfect size for the back of the sofa to just throw over your legs on a chilly night.

I like how it fits perfectly on the back of the sofa. (Please don't look at the Zoey hairs on the grey sofa. They are impossible to keep off, no matter how much I vacuum.) 

First I made all of the centers and then crocheted the rest of the squares. Then I laid them all out in order and whip-stitched them together. Finally I just did a simple shell border as the pattern called for.

My current project is a cross-stitch birth record wall hanging for our granddaughter that is due in April in London. I think it's really sweet. This was several days worth of stitching. As you can tell, it's a fairytale theme. Perfect for a little girl with the last name of Queen!

We FaceTimed with the kids there for quite a long time yesterday and the Grandpa projects are already being listed out since we left in December! There are shelves to be put up in the playroom and a few other small items. We don't have firm plans yet to return to London, but possibly late spring, early summer. We'll have to see. Grandma will need baby cuddles and "J" is wanting to see us too. It's just that long flight...... Why can't we just twitch our noses like on "Bewitched" or nod like the old "Dream of Jeannie" show and be somewhere else? 

Here is the Mr. Snowman diamond painting that usually visits in January and February. This is my rotating frame that I switch out seasonal diamond painting pictures. Mr. Snowman has been too generous with his snow around the country this winter and I'm tempted to switch him to the spring picture so maybe the cold and snow will let up. Ha! I do wish you could see how he sparkles in the sunlight but I can't get it to show up properly.

The surgery to remove the mass in my colon is scheduled for February 10. I don't know if they'll do it if I'm still coughing, so I would definitely appreciate prayers that I would get over this plague quickly. I really don't want to have to wait another month or more to get scheduled in. I'm not worried about the procedure itself, just that nasty prep that will have to be done again. They said a colonoscopy usually takes about 5-10 minutes of actual surgery time and that we should plan 1 1/2 to 2 hours for this surgery. Not fun although I guess I'll be sleeping through the entire thing. :-)

I hope you are all doing well and digging yourself out if you're in the areas that received so much snow and cold. Dennis's brother just called a few minutes ago and said it was 43F at the time at their house near Miami, FL. It's 10:30 in the morning, well, I guess 11:30 there! That's almost unheard of. And the snow in Pensacola, FL last week! It's really a crazy winter this year. I sure hope you're staying warm, or cool depending on where you are in the world.

Also, keep praying for the craziness that seems to keep creeping into every part of the world like an invasive species. I pray for peace and comfort from the Lord to His children everywhere. Every day I pray that I can be more like Him and share His love with everyone I can. I hope you can feel that love.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

MAKE ME A BLESSING

Music by: George S. Schuler

Text: Ira B. Wilson

1        Out in the highways and byways of life,
          Many are weary and sad;
          Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
          Making the sorrowing glad.

 

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
  Make me a blessing to someone today.

2

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
  Tell of His pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
  True, every moment you live.

3

Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
  Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
  Unto your mission be true.

Brrrrrr.

We're heading into the deep freeze this week. I'm told on Friday it will really hit and we'll stay there awhile. Doesn't matter much too me. I've been inside with a head cold since last Friday. I've spent a ridiculous amount of time on my iPad on a coloring app. It's mindless and relaxing and sometimes that's all that my stuffed up head can deal with. :-) I should be cleaning. Or crocheting. Or knitting. But I'm not.

I did finish the Christmas stocking for the new baby. It does still need to be blocked. Once she's born, I'll put her name in the red space on top like I did for Alex, "T" and "J". I enjoy the color work but it's not super relaxing for me. I admire those of you whose blogs I read that do a lot of it. I have definitely come to realize that I'm a production knitter/crocheter, not a process one. I like to get a lot done so I can donate it to those in need. It takes me a lot longer to do color work. I'm trying to force myself to slow down and enjoy the making of things though and not just rush through them.

I'm working on a "Grace" baby blanket right now. I really like this pattern. Each row changes and keeps interest going. I'm using Lion Brand Mandala Baby in the "Dragon Alley" color way and an "H" crochet hook. 

I'm planning to make an afghan for the back of the sofa that I saw on a you tube video last week. It's called the "Christmas Blanket" but I'm not really sure why. It's done in an off white/cream for the main color and small bursts of brown, dark green, and burgundy. Although it could be for Christmas, it looks more like cottage colors to me and would be appropriate year round. I hope to start working on it soon.

Good golly the world has gone completely crazy lately hasn't it? I'm appalled by so much that I'm seeing on the news and reading and seeing in other places. I'm SO glad that I have the Lord of all creation watching over me. No matter how dark it gets, He will be standing right beside me. You can also have that certainly if you don't already know Him. He's just waiting for you to turn to Him in faith. 

I'm praying in particular for the Christians in Nigeria who are being killed by the hundreds, but yet it doesn't seem to be important enough to make the news. I'm also praying for the Iranian people who are closer to ridding themselves of the evil regime that his been dictating their lives since 1979. I can't imagine how brave they are being right now. So many people needing our love and support. I can't help but think the return of our Saviour is closer than we could have ever thought. 

I'll be back soon my friends. Stay warm and toasty unless you're down under, in that case, enjoy your summertime!

Blessings and love,

Betsy

Are You Washed in the Blood?

by: Elisha A. Hoffman

Verse 1

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow'r? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Chorus

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Verse 2

Are you walking daily by the Savior's side? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Do you rest each moment in the Crucified? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Chorus

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Verse 3

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Chorus

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Verse 4

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb; There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean, O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

Chorus

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Blue Skies, Smiling at Me! Nothing but Blue Skies....

 We have had the most outstanding weather with blue skies. We had a little skiff of snow a few days ago that was gone in a few hours. The weather has been unbelievable for January, but I'm not complaining at all. We're even supposed to have a few days next week in the 50's and maybe even 60F again. So nice!

I've been enjoying being home and in my cozy place again and actually have some crafty things for you today. First of all I want to say another Happy Birthday to Dennis who turned 70 last Friday, the 9th. Brad, Mandy and Piper took us out to a sports bar we all like for dinner. It was packed! We got the last available table and there were several groups waiting when we left. We didn't sit around and visit so we could leave the table and let others eat. Instead, we went back to their house and shared a cheesecake that I had made and dropped off at their house. The dogs played while we went out and we were all happy to be together. Miss Piper sat next to me and cuddled a bit. I love that at 13, she's not afraid to show her old grandma affection, even in public. I got to brush her hair while we were at her house. We both enjoy that. 

I took this photo last week for Mandy who had bought Dennis this shirt for Christmas. I wanted her to see how well it fit him. He looks pretty good for 70 doesn't he? I love this guy. Tomorrow he's driving up near S. Dakota with his cousin Curt and Jeff our pastor, to disassemble bunks at the church camp. Someone has donated all new bunks to the camp for the new season. That was so incredibly generous. Tuesday and Wednesday he'll be at the Mission all day. Retirement? What retirement? Ha!

These were what I found with my orchids when we got home from London. There are two more buds ready to open. This plant has done better than any other orchid I've had in the past.

I finished my Christmas socks the day after Christmas, so they'll be put away until next year. I threw the label away, but I believe it was Opal sock yarn. They were doing very well being twin socks until the end of the heel turn. I think the section of white at the bottom of the heel must have been different lengths for each sock because I measured so carefully when I began. Oh well, they're close enough and most don't see the foot of the sock anyway.

I began these in London and they were my flying home socks. I finished the first sock on the flight from London and started number two sock flying from Dallas to Omaha. I haven't touched them since we got home until this morning during Sunday school, when I turned the heel.  These are also using Opal sock yarn bought while in London on my last visit. The pattern is Petty Harbour which is a free pattern on Ravelry.

Because I love Opal sock yarn I ordered more during this last visit. I ordered it on a Monday and it arrived from Denmark on Wednesday. I got all of this yarn for 36 pounds. I'm not sure what the exchange rate to dollars was, but it was worth it. This yarn is so hard wearing. "J" told me yesterday that her Mommy wears her new Christmas socks whenever she is at home. She has to wear business attire to work so no hand knit socks there! :-) I'm so glad to know my kids love the socks I make them.   

If you remember, we spent a few days in the Cotswolds with Alex and "J" when we were visiting. Of course I found a yarn shop in Cirencester where I bought a tote bag and a skein of beautiful yarn. The bag shows some of the different villages in the Cotswolds on the front and back. Isn't that skein of wool gorgeous? It's made from Cotswold sheep. Yummy. It's so soft. Seeing the sheep in all of the fields as we drove around made me wonder if one of them provided my beautiful new yarn?

The back of the yarn label.

The front of the label.  It says, "Colour's of the Cotswolds."

I started this blanket last Monday. I'm trying very hard to clean up my stash a bit and use up some scraps. This was a valiant attempt at using worsted balls. However, the basket the balls hide in still looks just as full. I don't understand it. Are those yarn balls reproducing in the basket? This will be donated to the memory care unit at Parsons House where Mom lived. I have three or four blankets made for them so I'll probably deliver them next week. I have found that the dementia residents really like these colorful blankets and often choose them to use even when more solid colors are also available. Maybe the bright colors trigger a memory?

I also began knitting a matching Christmas Stocking on Tuesday for the new baby due to be born in April in London. We know it's another girl but that's it. I'll finish the stocking by adding the name once the baby is born. Alex, "T" and "J" all have stocking identical to this one.  I hope to begin the counted cross stitch birth announcement very soon. I have the pattern here but need to find the time to get all of the materials together and begin stitching.

My plan while Dennis is gone during the day this week is to get some sewing done. I have had the fabric for three new dresses since before we moved from Spokane. I washed the fabric this afternoon and will cut them out tomorrow and hopefully begin sewing too. 

I also have to shorten some jeans for a single gentleman at church. He's super short and rather round. I do a lot of shortening of sleeves and pants for him. I tell him every time that I'm not a professional and they won't be perfect, but I'll do the best I can. He's fine with that. We both grew up in the same small town in Iowa. I remember being terrified of him when growing up. He was a member of a gang. A REAL gang. Drug dealers, guns, etc. He was actually shot in the head and left for dead. His fiancé was shot and killed. He never married. The bullet is still lodged near his brain. But it completely changed him and his life. He turned his life over to God and is completely different. He spent years in jail and you would never, ever believe that he lived like that before. It's amazing what God can do if you just surrender you life and your will to Him.

Well, this turned into a letter didn't it? I'll stop babbling now and let you get back to your life. But first I have to tell you what "J" said to me yesterday on Face Time when I asked her how soon she was going to bed. Her answer? "Grandma, I'm going to go to bed straight away after I go to the loo and brush my teeth." It amazes me her vocabulary. Straight away? And of course, the loo. Our son is becoming British too, using words like bin for garbage can, lift for elevator, boot for trunk, biscuit for cookie and on and on. I love our conversations. :-)

Take care my friends and I'll be back soon.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

Text: Daniel W. Whittle            Music: James McGranahan

    1.        There shall be showers of blessing:
  This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
  Sent from the Savior above.

 

Showers of blessing,
  Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
    But for the showers we plead.

2

There shall be showers of blessing—
  Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
  Sound of abundance of rain.

3

There shall be showers of blessing;
  Send them upon us, O Lord!
Grant to us now a refreshing;
  Come, and now honor Thy Word.

4

There shall be showers of blessing;
  O that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
  Now as on Jesus we call!

5

There shall be showers of blessing,
  If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
  If we let God have His way.