Thursday, July 14, 2016

Some things...

Life has been quiet here recently, and I'm not complaining one little bit.  Based on the state of the world, I'm happy in my quiet corner of it.  I've spent a lot of time at the lake this week, my happy place.  We had a dinner party/meeting Monday night that I came into town for.  Tuesday morning I went back and then yesterday had to come home for a dentist appointment.  I could have driven back afterwards but it seemed like a waste of gas because we have Bible study tonight.  Tomorrow afternoon is my knitting group and then it will be back to my second home again.  

The rhythm of summer hasn't quite caught up with us yet.  Usually we're at the lake more than at home this time of year, but we have both had so many commitments this summer.  Dennis finished teaching the last Financial Peace Univerity class by Dave Ramsey last night.  We had several couples who graduated and got their certificates.  We have been teaching this for many years at our church and I can't begin to tell you the impact it has had on lives.  We rely WAY too much on credit in our country.  This class brings about freedom in many ways.  Okay, enough of that, onto knitting.

Nita finished more squares and I joined them over the weekend.  This one used up all of her odds and ends of yarn that weren't enough to make a blanket in one color.  This blanket makes six that I'll be delivering to the crisis nursery tomorrow.
My Christmas gift shawl/wrap.  It's getting big, as you can tell with it bunched up on the ends of the needles.  I am so enjoying working with this new Loops and Threads fingering weight yarn.  It is SO soft.
A closer look so you can see the lacework better.  The color is more true in the first photo above this one.  My counters are brown speckled, not blue!  :-)
How about some Piper?  She and Mandy went to the National Zoo in D.C. On Tuesday with some friends from MOPS. (Mother's of Preschoolers). Here she is with an elephant.  She even has on the hat that Papa got for her!  I think it was pretty hot that day.
She loved the cows too.   They face-timed with me and she told me all about the different animals she saw.
Here she is with her Daddy.  They were playing 'possum!
Mandy sent me this one yesterday.  They had a bad thunderstorm and poor Polly is terrified of thunder and lightening.  She said Piper was trying to comfort her, telling her it would be alright.  So sweet.  Polly is the BEST dog with Piper.  They couldn't have asked for a sweeter dispositioned dog.
THE MITTENS ARE DONE FOR 2016!!!!  There are 90 pairs done.  Now I'll start for NEXT winter.  I must admit I'm a bit "mittened" out for now and I'm going to take a break.  Thank you again to Sherri for making 13 pairs and sending them to me to donate.  Isn't this a colorful photo?
That's about it.  My dentist appointment went well.  Hurray!  I actually don't mind going to the dentist because we have a great one who never, ever hurts me at all.  It was just a cleaning and I don't go back until the next cleaning.  Yay!!!

I hope you're all enjoying your summer too.  We're beginning to enjoy the fruits of the garden at the lake.  We had zucchini, radishes and strawberries given to us this week.  Yum!  There is nothing like fresh from the garden fruits and vegetables.

Have a lovely week my sweet friends.

I find this verse appropriate based on the happening over the past few weeks.

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44

Blessings,
Betsy










16 comments:

  1. It is so good to catch up on your latest, and I loved Piper's report, too :) Yay for all your pretty stitching projects, and especially for the completed mittens for this year! We hosted an outside wedding here last Saturday. It was lovely, but we are still recovering from the excitement! I'm working on a post, and praying that we may know the Lord's peace in the midst of the world's turmoil. Love to you and yours, dear Betsy. xxxxx

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  2. Wow.. your mittens done for the year.. good job! I'm glad you're getting to go to the lake a lot. We leave for our lake camping in about 4 weeks or so. Thanks for sharing Piper pix.. she's growing up fast. Our little grandsons keep shooting up, it's amazing how fast they grow. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  3. Goodness! Just look at all those mittens! I am completely gobsmacked.

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  4. a post of great handiwork for needy ones dear sweet sis, ninety mittens, six blankets a gift shawl and ever so very cute Piper her daddy and her animals ..
    ...what fun indeed! aren't we blessed that we have the internet these days to keep in touch!
    Thanks so much for the inspiration.
    Shaz in Oz.x

    {Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

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  5. Hi Betsy! All of those mittens! So pretty a picture it makes! I love the shawl too. I am going to start one soon.
    We are at the lake. Been here all week. For some reason I am homesick and ready to go home.
    Two of my kids took the classes your husband teach. So great. I love Dave Ramsey's podcasts
    Piper is beautiful!
    Hugs
    Kris

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  6. Hello. Just catching up with my favourite Blogs. Those mittens are a lovely splash of colour on another dull day here ( yesterday was better) We have not really had many Summer Days here in the UK. Your shawl is looking good. These grandchildren certainly grow up fast :-) We went to see our eldest in his final production at his Primary School He is eleven now and starts High School after the Summer break. Where did those eleven years go? Take care. Anne x

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  7. Wow! Mittens finished so quickly. They are gorgeous. Also love your shawl. The Possum picture is great!!

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  8. Well done on the mittens such a great project. Loved to see Piper she is certainly growing. The shawl is a lovely project the colours are a delight and will make such a warm gift, made with love. Take care.

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  9. Love all your projects. The mitten picture would make a great banner or business card so.
    My doggie is named Piper. I love that name. Piper is terribly afraid of storms. He can hear them when they are miles away.

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  10. The mittens are fantastic ... well done ... as is the little blanket of colorful squares. Love your pretty shawl, too. You are so right about the credit industry. It's been the downfall of many people. I remember an interview Jay Leno did with a lady who had just turned 100 years old. He asked her what was the best invention in her lifetime -- she said the microwave, for quickly heating food for her husband. And the worst invention, she said, was the credit card. She didn't believe in getting anything on credit -- if you don't have the money, you don't get it. People who live their lives with that thought in mind, can weather any financial storm. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  11. I am in love with the shawl. It's beautiful. Is it a pattern on Ravelry? Love the colors you have chosen. There is just something so special about knitted lace. Love all the mittens. The happy pics of little Miss P. always make me smile, too. I so love that you have the Dave Ramsey plan in your church. It truly does change lives. Blessings to you my sweet friend. :)

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  12. You are so wonderful Betsy, I can't believe you have those all done and school hasn't started yet, good planning but now you deserve a break. Piper is adorable.
    Hugs to you and enjoy the lake,
    Meredith

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  13. Hi Betsy, your mittens are so great. Well done. I love the little blanket too. I think it's so interesting that you teach that class at the church. I have read some of Dave Ramsey's advice and I agreed with all of it. We are very careful with money, my husband and I, and it has really paid off. We may not have the huge house or fancy vacations that some of our friends have, but we have peace of mind and a good cushion, and those are priceless. We are fortunate to have a good income and we'd just be wasting it to act any differently. We have no debt aside from our mortgage and pay off our credit card in full every single month. I don't think we've ever carried a balance. Most of my friends, and all of my relatives, think it's just so silly that we do things this way, but I look at the problems they've created for themselves (in every area of their lives) because of overspending, and I know we've made a good choice. We are happy and at peace and we have everything we need and then some, without having to live with the stress of debt. I'm glad you're helping others to see this message too. I hope you're having a good weekend!

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  14. The mittens are wonderful and I am sure dearly loved by those who receive them as gifts. I haven't been to a Ramsey seminar, but I have read a book by him and know someone who followed his principals of getting free of the credit trap. Have a wonderful week!

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  15. Look at all those mittens! You are amazing....really! I love your new shawl and the colors are gorgeous. I have been looking for yarn; some pretty dyed yarn but it is so pricey so I will keep looking or dye my own if need be. Company is coming though so it will be after that for sure!
    Piper is so cute and I love the "possum" picture! LOL! This summer is going fast but then I can't wait for Fall and Winter so that's a good thing! LOL! I hope you get more lake time. Hugs..........Sam

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  16. Glad to hear that things have been relatively calm and happy your way, love those photos of the elephants!

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