She keeps going to Alex's bedroom door and laying down outside of it. She spent a lot of time in there with him, especially the week after his surgery, when he was pretty much bedridden. We're all missing Alex and Fifi a lot. I went through almost an entire box of Kleenex yesterday as I was cleaning house. I really don't know why this time was one of the worst leavings. I never want to see any of the kids leave, but for some reason, this one was particularly bad.
Enough of that though. I need to be THANKFUL for the time they were here. They have arrived safely in Tokyo. They face-timed last night about 11:15 as they walked off of the plane, but then we lost the connection while they were walking to customs. His foot seemed to hold up during the flight well, except for being very sore and stiff. He got the stitches out on Wednesday and the doctor told him to wear compressions socks for the flight because of swelling. They seemed to help a lot.
In other news...I'm in a swap on Ravelry. Have any of you done a swap on there? I've participated in three others before this one and I have sent my packages off faithfully, only to not get anything in return. In any of the three. So I'm trying it one more time. This one is a dishcloth swap and we were told we could add something to the package or not. My partner likes to write letters and put stickers on them. She also knits socks. So I've included a box of notecards, matching stickers, a bookmarker I crocheted, washi tape and a DPN holder in addition to the dishcloth. The reason I'm telling you all this is to ask your advice. After looking at this package, am I doing something wrong? I can't figure out why no one sends a return package. After all, that's the idea of a swap right? I've tried to keep a good attitude and say, "it's better to give than to receive," but three times? I've decided that this is the last one I'll do for awhile if I don't hear anything back. Maybe that's a cruddy attitude? If so, I apologize.
A closer view of the dishcloth. I really like this pattern and it's pretty simple too. With the variegated yarn it really shows the design. My swap partner likes jewel tones of dark blue and purple so I hope she likes this cloth
Craftwise I've made 1 pair of mittens since my last post, worked a bit on the cozy memories blanket and spent some time on the mystery project too. No pictures because really, how many mitten pictures do you all want to see and not enough progress on anything else to show you.
I also bought some geraniums this morning to plant in the pot at the lake. Once all of the flowers are planted and the gazebo is up, spring is officially here. The gazebo is up, so as soon as the flowers are in the pot we can start spring! :-)
I hope all is well with you and that you are able to enjoy some beautiful weather wherever you may live. I truly appreciate all of the sweet thoughts and advice you all have given to me about my children being so far away. It's good to know I'm not alone and many of you have experienced the same thing.
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most Hight will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1
Blessings,
Betsy
That's a lot of crying, my friend. I guess you could look at it as cleansing of your body.. tears and sinus? :-) But I'm glad you're at the point of appreciating what time you did have with them and remembering the good times.
ReplyDeleteNow.. as to the swaps. I did three of them on We Love Lucy Group on Ravelry. The first time I sent way more than I received.. the 2nd time I stuck with the guidelines and the other person totally spoiled me and must have spent like 10 times what she should have so I felt guilty. Then the 3rd time I overdid.. and got very little. I did another swap where most of the group did not follow through. So.. I have officially given up on swaps. Too much trouble, too much cost.. sending to England costs more than the stuff you send. :-) Enjoy the lake, my friend. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
I know how much you miss Alex and Fifi---but you are correct when you say that you need to be glad that you had so much great time with them.... God Bless YOU and them.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you will get to the lake since I know how much you love it....
We are fine --and getting ready to head to the beach in NC this month... We love going to the beach a couple of times a year --not just to walk and enjoy the beach BUT to enjoy that special seafood we get there... ha
Hugs,
Betsy
Hi there dear sweet Betsy, am hurting with you dear sis, but it is a wise lady that has learns in whatsoever state I am in therewith to be content.. As you are endeavouring to do, it is natural to struggle, also so don't be hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteRe swaps, I too tend to avoid them. It's nice to share etc but when you live in Oz it is expensive.
You are doing absolutely nothing wrong, your gift it's truly a delight to me and most generous.
It seems to me to that the person running these swaps isn't doing her job to see that things are followed through with.
The only swaps I've done are card ones and even them I cut back on them, I too have received nothing and sent it off faithfully.
I can't help but wonder if God wants us to do them too. That may seem strange but we end up with things we may not necessarily chose...and wonder what to do with. I know it's nice to share though too.
My advice is if you wan to do chose one that is run well. Not a big swap, and small one. There are US blogs Christian ones that do swaps.
Love and blessing upon you, hubby, dog all missing your dear ones, and may the dear faithful Lord watch over each of them and keep them in the hollow of His hand.
(BTW I'm not sure did I miss the story of how Alex went to Japan?)
Thanks so much for the inspiration, and blessing us with your sharing.
Shaz in Oz.x
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Hello Betsy. I understand your sorrow re your family leaving. It is so hard. I do try my best now to enjoy the memories as well as the time together - I found my time with family used to be spoiled by thoughts of them leaving. I try to just enjoy our time together - not easy though.
ReplyDeleteRe swaps- I have joined in several and have found them to be quite unsatisfactory - on several levels. I don't feel you are wrong to feel aggrieved re your experience. I hope this latest one will be a good experience. Have fun at the lake. Anne x
Betsy. Your swap stuff is perfect. I think the successful swaps involve bloggers who already know one another. THe opposite happens. People get so generous even with guidelines, that I feel like I cheated my recipient even when I know I sent a lovely package. So Id advise you to organize a swap for bloggers you know . Ask them to participate. You will have a wonderful time
ReplyDeleteHello, It is always hard saying good byes. We have two of our children living across the country and one grandson and wife in China. I have started going to a knitting group that meets on Thursday mornings. Crafters are so nice! Nancy
ReplyDeleteOh the sorrow of having to say goodbye to a loved one after a visit is indeed a bitter pill. But be of good cheer friend, at least you can "see" him on the computer. :)
ReplyDeleteI have never done a swap before, but the reason I have not is because I have read where several people were upset because they found themselves in the same situation as you have. Your swap was quite lovely and I can't imagine why anyone would not think so. There are many selfish people out there who only think of themselves...it's all give me, give me and never any thought to give to others (which you are always doing sweet friend). If you continue to do swaps, I'd only do it not expecting anything in return...that way, if you do get something in return...it's just icing on an angel food cake!
Enjoy your time up at the lake...and I love that knitted pot holder....knitting and I have become fast friends you know! :)
Blessings always sweet friend.
It is so great that you got to see Alex and Fifi in Tokyo through Face-time even though I know it is sorrowful to have to say "until we meet again." The swaps I have done have been fun, but I felt others sent me more than I sent them, and the last swap was left too open ended by the organizer who just sent out lists of everyone interested to everyone so the choice was overwhelming. I have not even sent to half the list of those yet! The dishcloth you made is beautiful! It was in the high 80's here yesterday and is 56 and raining here today! I hope you are having a good time at the lake xxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteDear Betsy! I am SO sorry you are missing them so much...oh, my, that is such a sad, forlorn feeling, and I just trust the dear Lord to comfort you and give you His peace. Your poor dog! That is so pitiful. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteI completely get it. Mine have all flown away in turn and watching them walk away in the airport is the most terrible feeling. Two have come back but they are still hours away. When I thought of how my life would be when I was a grandma's age I never imagined I would be all alone.
ReplyDeleteI also get how you feel about the swaps. I do giveaways and it always irks me when I spend so much time putting together a great gift and then I never even get a thank you from the winner.
I am sending you a big hug Betsy, I cry every time my oldest leaves for Ohio, I just can't help it. I am a mom and want them all around me, they have outgrown me before I have outgrown them. I think your poor sweet dog looks like and Andrew Wyeth painting, bless her heart. I think your swap is perfect, I would be thrilled to receive it and would try to send you something wonderful in return. I have never done a swap but can understand your frustration.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you sweet Betsy,
Meredith
Oh how sad your heart must be. I am so sorry. It must be terribly hard to have your kids all so far away!!! Big hug!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the dish cloth. So fancy!!!!
I know you are at the lake, and enjoying the weekend.
xo Kris
A quiet house we had when our grandchildren went home after their baby sister arrived. I had to get used to it. But their mom said we are welcome to have them for overnight stays when we want to. This time it will be planned. Don't worry about sadness of your adult children leaving. They are very much part of your life. It's hard for them to be so far, I'm sure, but thankful for internet and face time...what a concept these days...snail mail years ago.
ReplyDeleteHave a good time at the lake. And as for swaps, I've done it once with crafts. It was good but other person took awhile to send me what she made. I've done birthday card swaps and that was fun but more fun if you know the person more but still it was blogger rapport and a fun to read other's posts. Is the washcloth knitted or crocheted? Lovely color! We've had two cold days and it's rained quite a bit today. Friday it was high 80s! Sigh! Have a good week, my friend!