I Did It!

I blogged every single day in the month of November! I have never done that before and I made it a personal goal for this month. I must admit it wasn’t always easy and I hope I didn’t bore you. I am going to try to blog more frequently than I did before, but I’m sure it won’t be every day. I admire those of you who are so consistent with daily blogging.

I have a question for all of you. Has anyone ever made this blanket? It’s called “mystical lanterns” and I have seen the pattern on ravelry but I would like to know if it’s available within the US. Isn’t it beautiful? I thought it would be a great way to use up scraps.

Those colors!!!!!!

I completely forgot yesterday was Thursday. I mean I seriously completely spaced off that the day was Thursday. How do you do that? I forgot the ladies luncheon at church. Luckily I didn’t have any leadership roles in that, I was just going to take food and eat. :-). I also forgot to print out the new square for the “12 blocks of Christmas KAL”. I printed it late last night and I am going to start it this afternoon. Sometimes I think there’s something seriously wrong with me.

Especially when I do something like this.

That is a cookie sheet full of Dennis’s favorite cookies that were destined to be iced sugar cookies. I’m not doing any other baking to speak of this Christmas, so I thought I could at least bake him some sugar cookies. I mixed up the dough this morning and put it in the refrigerator for it’s two hours of cooling. The first two sheets came out of the oven just fine. But when I took the third sheet out I dropped it and this was the result. Of course they were the prettiest cookies too! No chopped off arms or legs on the gingerbread man. Isn’t that always the way?  Just keeping it real for all of you. There is no perfection at this house. Ha!

Since I had flour all over the place anyway, I made some homemade noodles and we’ll have chicken and noodles for dinner tonight. Also at Dennis’s request. My back has about had it though, so I’ll be down for the rest of the afternoon.

I’ll leave you with a picture of the little wall by our front door.

And this is the little table directly underneath the above picture.

The predicted snow has not materialized here yet. I think we’re just a little bit to warm as it’s 36F.  Less than 10 miles west of Spokane on the High Plains it’s been snowing for hours. You don’t find me complaining though. Ha ha! I hope you’re all having a wonderful Friday afternoon.

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” John 1:9-10

Edited to add, I am having a terrible time posting comments on some of your blogs. Many, I have resorted to commenting anonymously and just signing my name, but others won’t let me comment at all. One that comes to mind right now is Regina‘s blog and I don’t have her email address to let her know.  I don’t know why this is happening, but I have read of other bloggers who are having the exact same issue and it seems to have something to do with blogger and Google. I will keep trying my best, but if I usually comment and I haven’t for a week or two, please send me a quick email and I will comment to you through email. I’m still reading all of your blogs, I just can’t let you know it if I don’t have an email address.

queenbetsy2@gmail.com

Blessings,

Betsy

Snow?

I had planned to have a day in today but then I heard the forecast tomorrow is for snow. So I changed those plans and went to the grocery store this morning instead of tomorrow as planned. Even though I didn’t get there until after 10:30, it was still very quiet. Usually I try to go around 7:00 in the morning and I can just zip around the aisles and get what I need and be gone. I think grocery shopping is my least favorite chore of all time, so I like to get it done quickly.

After returning home, I cleaned everything off of the kitchen counters and scrubbed them. I had done some small appliance removal before I left the house. I decided the blender and food processor are not used often enough to have a prime place on the kitchen countertop. When we moved into this house, we had much more counter space than in our last house. I wanted to have clean counters without a lot of clutter. Ha! They are always jampacked with stuff and I have decided that I have had enough. They look much better, but could still use more decluttering.

Today I’m sharing our nativity with you. Many of you have already seen it in past years. I made this 40 years ago for the first Christmas we were married. All of these years and not one piece has ever been broken! Isn’t that amazing? I had an in-home daycare for years and years when we lived in Omaha and still, nothing was ever broken. This will definitely be passed down to Mandy someday. The little figures even have their eyes painted on!  I definitely have to say that of all the things I have ever made, this has the most sentimental value to me.

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” 

Luke 1:30-32

Blessings,

Betsy

Another rainy day

I took Chloe to the vet at 7:30 this morning and left her there to get her teeth cleaned. They called a little while ago and said she did wonderfully and didn’t need to have any teeth pulled. That was great news. Then, after a few more errands it was back home. I get to go get her about 3:30 and goodness, I miss having her here. She is my constant shadow.

I thought I would share the progress on Dennis’s sweater with you today. I can only knit a little bit on it every day because this yarn makes my hands hurt.  I have about 2 1/2 more inches before start the ribbing.  This sweater looks tiny but my gauge is spot on!  We shall see.  Alex may be getting a sweater for Christmas. :-)

I think I have shown you this little sign before, but I still love it. It has faded over the last few years, but since I can’t find a replacement I still hang it outside, right under our address sign. Dennis found this for me while we were out shopping for the kids about five years ago.  He said nothing could be more appropriate for me than this sign! I think he’s right.

I spent about 10 1/2 hours yesterday working on Christmas cards. It’s a process I enjoy, but I’m certainly not used to writing that much anymore. Computers have taken over our lives.

I hope you are all surviving the week after Thanksgiving well.  I think I’m completely done with my Christmas shopping now and we didn’t even go to any black Friday sales!  I love being done with almost everything by December 1, so I can actually enjoy the season.  I hope you’re having a lovely Wednesday my friends.

“ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

Blessings,

Betsy

Another day, Another Blocks complete...

I finished the eighth block in the “12 blocks of Christmas” KAL. I’m sorry for the poor lighting and the glare. It’s been raining nonstop here for two days so I had to have the overhead lights on just to get the colors to show up.  This particular black is called “windmills”.

Here is the second completed strip with the last four blocks.

Wow. The light is so bad it makes the navy blue square look black doesn’t it? I’m sorry about that, at least you can see it better in the top photo.

After taking a box to the post office this morning for Mandy and her family, I went to Hobby lobby to try to find a red ink pen.  All I wanted was a red or green ink pen and they didn’t have anything. My only option would be to spend $44.99 for a package of 10 different color pens. That certainly wasn’t happenin, so I went next-door to Michael‘s. They didn’t have anything at all!  So I got back in the car and drove to Staples. Oh my! There was a plethora of options. I found some ball point pen’s I fell in love with. They are Pentel Energel liquid gel ink retractable pens. They write so nice that I think I will get some more in other colors. I got five pens for $3.99. I thought that was a great deal. I’ve spent the last few hours filling out addresses for Christmas cards. I had five boxes of 18 cards each and I have already ran out. I guess I’ll be shopping tomorrow to find more cards. I knew I sent around 100 cards each year but I think it’s closer to 130!

I wanted to share this sweet little nativity scene that was given to me several years ago by my dear friend Teresa.  She is on my side bar as “Teresa Kasner”. If you have never read her blog, you really should check her out. She posts the most amazing photos of the Columbia Gorge and the area surrounding Portland, Oregon and the Oregon coast.  She has several collections and it’s always fun to see her additions to those collections.  She lives on a little farm with her husband Dayle.  Isn’t this just the sweetest little nativity? Teresa made them for myself and a couple of other blog friends when we met for lunch one day. It always gets a place of honor in our home. I love nativity scenes and I have several throughout the house. They keep me focused on the real reason why we celebrate Christmas.

I hope you’re all having a wonderful Tuesday. I’m so thankful it’s raining outside and not snowing. I would take a Seattle winter over a normal Spokane winter any day if I had a choice. :-)

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”  First Peter 1:8-9

Blessings,

Betsy

Testing, One, Two, Three. Testing!

So here I am sitting in the cafeteria the hospital next-door to the lab where my testing is being done. They gave me a shot of radiation and now I’m waiting two hours for it to circulate through my body and then I go back for the scans.  I had some scrambled eggs hashbrowns and orange juice for breakfast here. Surprisingly good.
The people that work here are really very, very friendly. I brought my knitting and I’ve been enjoying watching the waterfall outside the window and hearing the interactions of everyone as they come in on their breaks. The technician told me I have to be careful and not breast-feed any babies for a few hours after the scan is because of the radiation. I thought that was absolutely hilarious!  Here is the waterfall I’m sitting by.  Inside of course, as it’s only 25F outside.

I thought I would share the pictures of Mandy and Brad’s Christmas decorating with you. I asked her permission first. I think they do a beautiful job.

Living room:

Front of the house:

I love the airplane and runway.

Wreaths around all of the outside lights.

Bright white pillars.

We never decorated this much, but we did a lot more than I do now. I love Christmas lights. 

I hope you’re all having a wonderful Monday, getting back into the routine of going to work. It was sure hard for Dennis and I to get up early this morning.

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”  Psalm 100:5

Blessings,

Betsy

Foggy

Oh my. Goodness it was foggy when we left for church this morning. It’s 2:00 and the sun is trying to peek through the clouds, but if it’s like yesterday, we won’t see the sun all day.  We are in an “inversion” where the air isn’t moving.  It happens often here in the winter since we sit in a valley between mountains on three sides of us.

I wrapped some gifts when we got home from church and Dennis worked in the garage for awhile until it got too cold.  Yesterday I put out a few things for Christmas.  Here is the table under the T.V.

Just a few favorite things.  The little poinsettia figures on the left I made in a ceramic class 39 years ago.  The snow people on the right were gifts our first Christmas, 40 years ago.

I made an extra pair of mittens for Piper last night but I already wrapped them without taking a picture.  I want to get their box mailed soon and beat the rush.  That’s about it.  I have another medical test, a Nuclear Medicine test tomorrow morning early.  I’ll let you know how that goes. Meanwhile, happy Sunday!

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”  Galatians 1:10

Blessings,

Betsy

Surprise Snow

Good Morning!

It rained most of the day yesterday, but about bedtime it changed to snow which was NOT predicted for us.  Snowqualamie Pass heading toward Seattle was closed in both directions because of cars off the road.  It took everyone by surprise and was especially inconvenient because it was the big football rivalry game for Washington yesterday, so lots of people were driving over the roads...in both directions.  The bus carrying the University of Washington’s band members actually turned over on the way to the game.  The news said that no one was seriously hurt, but many were taken to the hospital.  Washington State University’s band learned the other team’s song over a couple of hours in the morning and played on behalf of the other team.  Although we aren’t football fans, even we know that this is THE game of the year for these two teams and the rivalry is high.  It was good to see the cooperation and compassion this year as all were trying to help each other.  Unfortunately, our eastern side team lost but there’s always next year. :-)

We’re having a quiet day here at home.  I put away fall decorations yesterday and Dennis brought up just a few Christmas boxes today.  We’re not putting a tree up this year.  I just don’t have the heart for it without kids coming home and my back will thank me for it too.  I’m just putting up the Nativity and a few sentimental favorites.  Not the “NOEL” cups though, because they make me cry without Jamie changing them to say “LEON” every morning like he did as a child.  It always made me smile.  Here are the few boxes I will put out.  Actually the top box has my seashells, etc. that are usually out all year.  I had already emptied it of Christmas when I took the picture.

I finished the seventh block on the KAL yesterday.  I think its one of my top two favorites so far.

Now a quiet afternoon of knitting mittens for Piper is planned along with some Netflix.

Mandy and Piper are with Brad’s family doing their annual Christmas cookie baking today.  She sent me several photos, but this one was by far my favorite.  Piper is wearing a shirt Papa bought her, a sweater I knitted and an apron I gave her.  It makes me feel just a little like I’m there too having fun with everyone.  I so appreciate that right now because I am struggling a bit this year.  Look at our cutie, missing teeth and all!

I hope you’re all having happy and relaxing Saturday everyone.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Blessings,

Betsy

Black Friday?

Happy Friday everyone. So did any of you go shopping for Black Friday? We had no plans to, but ended up stopping by a jewelry store this morning to get a necklace repaired.  Yesterday did not turn out quite as it was planned, but it was a good day anyway. We ended up just staying home for the day and having leftovers from earlier in the week for our Thanksgiving dinner. Poor Kale is still pretty sick this morning so it’s probably a good thing we didn’t go to their house.  

Dennis met Jeremy late in the afternoon about halfway between our homes and exchanged food. Dennis gave Jeremy the pies we were supposed to take and he brought us some leftover turkey. Yay! Turkey sandwiches for dinner tonight. Yum. We also watched the new Christmas movie on Netflix yesterday.  I think it’s called the Christmas Chronicles or something like that.  Very cute.

We had a busy morning today though. We had breakfast out and then went to the jewelry store to repair my necklace, then to the church to do a few errands there and on to the grocery store. Then we came home and got Chloe and took her for a pedicure at the Petsmart. There are a lot of people out shopping, but since we were doing errands and not really shopping, we avoided most of the crowds and check out lines.  Now we’re home for the rest of the day and are snuggled in by the fire. It’s begun raining so it’s nice to be home. 

The Thursday KAL block was released a little late yesterday, so I didn’t get very far. I started it just before bedtime last night and haven’t knitted a stitch yet today. I do like this pattern though.  Once again, Amelia is my knitting buddy!

 I hope you’re all having a lovely day after Thanksgiving and you didn’t have too much turkey yesterday!  I’m looking forward to my sandwich for my dinner tonight.  :-)

“ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

Blessings, Betsy 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.  I am grateful for the gift of your friendship and caring.  Thank you for bringing me that friendship and joy through this strange world of blogland.  I never would have guessed that I would have heartfelt friends from all over the world that I have only known through a computer screen.  I AM blessed.

Our plans for Thanksgiving have changed today. One of the boys woke up very sick this morning, so we will not be going to Alicia and Jeremy‘s. Since we don’t have any food planned here at home, we may go to a local restaurant that’s been advertising Thanksgiving dinner. Not exactly the Thanksgiving we had planned,  but I’ll be with my love of my life and it will all be fine.

And now, a bit of humor for my friends in the USA today.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100:4

Love and Blessings to you all,

Betsy

Holiday madness

I just got home from Walmart. Boy, oh boy! Was that ever a mistake. I had to get kitty litter. That place was sheer insanity. I can’t believe how many people wait until the day before a holiday to buy the food they need. Oh well. I’m home now and not going back out for the rest of the day. It’s a damp, damp cold out there today. Snow is around us, but we are only supposed to get rain here in the valley. 

This is where I spent the morning.

The neurologists office. Although that is a pretty cool replica of the spine hanging there isn’t it? Basically I got no answers. The nerve conduction study on my arm and leg said everything is fine there, which I was already pretty sure of, and he has no clue what’s happening with my back. He is going to order yet another test, but says our insurance company has consistently declined it for other patients. He’s not holding out a lot of hope. So I guess we have to wait and see what they say and take it from there. He says this might be it.  There may be nothing they can do for me. They may try Botox injections.  Meanwhile I’m in another “holding pattern.”  

He was very impressed on what I have done to try to get better. Two separate six-month stints in physical therapy. Two different chiropractors. Acupuncture. Massage. Not to mention a Spine and Pain clinic who just wanted to pump me full of narcotics. He actually told me he doesn’t think he’s ever had a patient who tried so many other things before coming to him.

Enough of that.  I just thought I would update all of you because you have all been so supportive and caring of me.

A few people asked me what kind of tree that was with all the berries. I honestly don’t know. I know someone has told me the name of it in the past but I don’t remember. I’m so sorry.

I finally finished the socks and washed them. They’re a little bit bigger than my sock blockers, but you get the idea. The lighting is horrible here today so there are lots of shadows, but I think they turned out well and that Brad will like them.

The color changes were going almost perfectly until about 3/4 of the way down the foot and then all of a sudden, the stripes didn’t match. That part will be in his shoes so I guess it won’t matter too much.

Are you already for Thanksgiving? I hope those of you that are traveling have a very safe journeys and you enjoy your time with your families. 

“ I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all of my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”  Psalm 9:1

Blessings always, Betsy

Costco!

I went out early this morning to do some errands.  I had to go to Walgreens for a prescription and then wanted to get pies at Costco. The goal was to be there when they opened so I could get in and out before the crowds hit. Oh my! I got there 15 minutes before opening and they were already letting people in. That place was packed! I did get an apple and a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.  Here they are sitting on Dennis’s beautiful workbench in the garage. :-) They should stay cool enough there.  Sorry about the glare on the Apple pie.  The lighting in the garage isn’t the best.

I have always baked my own pies and, if I do say so, I made a pretty mean pie crust! But my back just won’t let me stand at the counter long enough to roll out the dough and make the pies anymore. Costco’s pies are actually very, very good and quite reasonably priced. They are huge. The pumpkin is $5.99 and the apple is $9.99.  Very, very reasonable.  I almost couldn’t make them for this price. This is our contribution to Thanksgiving dinner which we will be spending with Jeremy and Alicia and the boys.

I finished the latest square for the “12 blocks of Xmas” KAL. I think this one is my favorite block so far and it was really fun to knit.

We have beautiful blue skies again today although that is supposed to change and we are to have lots of rain on Thanksgiving. The mountains all around us are supposed to have snow. Since Alicia and Jeremy live in the foothills of Mt. Spokane, I’m hoping that this snow bypasses their house. Look at all the berries on the tree in our backyard. All of the trees are loaded like this.

I’ve had a busy, busy morning and so I will reward myself with knitting time this afternoon and some knitting podcasts on the TV.  I went to seven different stores and I have done three loads of laundry. I also paid bills and made several phone calls for Dennis. I think I’ve earned that knitting time! I did buy another roasted Costco chicken for dinner along with a Caesar salad mix and I will bake an acorn squash. That sounds pretty good and fairly easy. I hope you’re all having a wonderful day today my friends. 

“ Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”  Isaiah 25:1

Blessings, Betsy

Deer oh Deer!

We took a load of wood out to Alicia and Jeremy yesterday afternoon and there were about 30 to 40 deer in the meadow by their house. Some of them posed nicely for us.

Nothing exciting has happened here since I posted yesterday. I went out and got a haircut and did some grocery shopping this morning.  The. I came home and vacuumed all of the animal hair up again around the entire house and now I’m going to sit and do some knitting and rest my back. The G.I. doctor called this morning and scheduled yet another colonoscopy for the middle of December. Yippee yay! It’s only been three weeks since the last one and I’m not ready to contemplate that prep again! This Wednesday is the nerve conduction study at the neurologist for my back, leg and arm. I’m hoping they can figure out what’s happening with my back. This is kind of my last resort.  If the neurologist can’t figure it out, I  don’t know where to go from here.

Have I ever shown you this blanket that I crocheted several years ago? Pearl, who I told you about recently, gave me this pattern and this afghan is big enough for a king size bed. I love it. Very simple and mindless and yet I get a lot of compliments on it when people stay in our guest room.  I have washed this dozens of times and I think it still looks nice

I’m going to do some knitting on Brad’s socks this afternoon. I’m about halfway down the foot of the first sock and both heels are turned. It usually fairly easy knitting from here on out.

I hope you’re all having a happy Monday.

“Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.”  Psalm 63:3-4

Blessings,

Betsy

Thanksgiving early!

We had our Thanksgiving dinner at church today. This was the fellowship hall before we all descended and messed it up! Seriously, it was amazing. So delicious. There was so much food left over that they were sending turkey, ham and rolls, etc., home in bags for people.  We used to take all of the leftovers to several homeless shelters around town.  We purposefully made extra just so we could do this. But because the food is made in our home kitchens and not in a commercial kitchen, the city won’t let us feed the homeless anymore.  Isn’t that ridiculous? It’s good enough for all of us to eat, but not for the homeless people. So much food gets thrown away now because of this.  I just don’t understand the bureaucracy sometimes.  Sorry, I didn’t mean to have a political rant there.  I just hate to see the waste of good food, actually wonderful food, when so many people are hungry.

I think it’s the first year I haven’t worked in the kitchen, but my back is not happy these days and there’s no way I could stand up long enough to do dishes.

Last night was the 50th birthday party for our minister, Troy. It was a surprise party and was held at the local skating rink. Well over 150 people were there, which was a great turn out.  And no, Dennis and I didn’t skate but we enjoyed watching everyone else.  We even had one person being pushed around the floor in a wheelchair.  Good times with great friends.

I took some pictures for Mandy...so in this one he was waving at her and saying “Hello Mandy!”  Mandy is great friends with him and his wife. She, Troy and Kelly used to hang out all the time together when they were younger.   He is such a great guy and since we’ve known him for so long, it’s been wonderful to see him mature in his faith. He was the youth minister for years when Jamie and Alex were younger. Now he has three kids of his own and the oldest is in college. Where do the years go?

I had a few emails and comments about the dryer balls. I have used tennis balls in the past, but the wool dryer balls are less much less noisy and seem to make a lot less static electricity in the clothes. I use all seven in each load, but all of the videos say that three or four ball’s work fine. I just leave these in the dryer at all times for convenience. I think the more the better!

I also had a few people ask about the pattern for the hats I’ve been making. Teresa had originally brought me a machine made hat that she had.  She wondered if I could duplicate it. It’s not an exact duplicate, but she said she likes this one even better than the machine made one.  So the pattern is basically my own and I’m more than happy to share it here.  I think I have only used bulky yarn once because everyone I make them for prefers the lion brand homespun yarn better.   If you have any questions feel free to ask. I’m not a pattern writer so I hope you can figure it out.

We have another beautiful sunshiny day here today. Dennis is out moving wood around the wood pile and I’m resting my back as usual. I hope you’ve all had a wonderful weekend.

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lives my head high.” Psalm 3:3

Blessings,

Betsy

Super Sunny Saturday!

Happy Saturday to you all. It’s a beautiful day here today.  In the 40’s and not a cloud in the sky.  We are enjoying it.  So far not a stitch has been knit, but that’s okay.

We had breakfast at Shari’s restaurant with Paul and Lori.  They are our camping neighbors at the lake and friends for over 25 years.  Then it was off to the store to get some information about our woodstove.  We then washed and vacuumed my car.  I took Chloe to the vet last week and she’s losing her summer coat and hair is falling out in clumps, so it definitely needed vacuuming.   After a long, long phone “chat” with my sister I thought I should quickly talk to you all before we leave for a surprise 50th birthday party for our minister.  I’m not used to these busy days.

I did make some progress on Brad’s socks last night.  Both cuffs are done and In the process of turning the heel on the first one.

I finished another hat for Teresa.  She loves the one I gave her this week and sent me a picture of herself in it this morning.  It matches her coat perfectly.  I would show you the picture but I don’t have her permission to post the photo.  Here is the blue one I’ll give her tomorrow.  It’s the second one exactly like this that I’ve made this week so it probably looks familiar.

Have any of you heard of the wool dryer balls that you use instead of dryer sheets?  Mandy made her own from wool yarn and loves them.  I had ordered the three white ones that you see from Norwex, but they are REALLY pricey.  It was one of those party things where I felt obligated to buy something.  Well, they took over four weeks to arrive and I got impatient, so I made four of my own.  Oh my goodness!  I love them.  I wish I had done this years ago.  They cut down on drying time significantly, thus using less energy and is a big money saver.  It’s supposed to be better for your clothes by putting less chemicals on your clothing.  Those dryer sheets also coat the dryer and lint screen with a waxy buildup.  I didn’t realize how much until I cleaned the inside of my dryer.

They are super simple to make.  Directions are everywhere on Utube, just search for wool dryer balls.  Basically you tightly wind balls from 100% wool yarn to about tennis ball size and then wash them in VERY hot water and dry on high heat for several loads of jeans or towels.  That felts them and makes them perfect for use as dryer balls.  They are easier on your clothes than the plastic balls and you can add a few drops of essential oil for scent if so desired.

Okay, gotta run.  Is this what retirement will be like when Hubby is home all day?  I’m used to sitting and knitting part of the day, but he’s all go, go, go! :-)

“Let is hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Blessings,

Betsy

Another Square

Happy Friday Everyone!

Well I didn’t think I would have time to knit on the newest square for the “12 blocks of Xmas” KAL, but I started it just before Bible study and I almost finished it before I went to bed.

The designer states on the pattern that it pulls in a bit and has to be ironed when complete. Since I’m using acrylic yarn I don’t think ironing it would be the smartest move. I’m hoping when it’s put together with the other blocks it will naturally stretch itself out.

I got absolutely nothing done at home this morning. After checking everyone’s blogs, I put a load of laundry into the washer and left to go visit Pearl at the nursing home. I ended up spending almost 3 hours with her. Pearl is Neil’s mom. She’s adopted us as her kids and I enjoy every minute of the time I spend with her.  She’s in better health than I am and can run circles around me. When I got there this morning she was in her exercise class.

She is one of the happiest people I know, although she does get pretty lonely. She lost her husband of 63 years a couple of years ago and she misses him so much.  Pearl is also the most amazing seamstress I have ever met. She used to sew costumes for television shows and won all kinds of awards and ribbons.  She made pintucks, smocking, embroidery and all of those fancy stitches. Each stitch, each seam, each zipper, are perfectly executed. I’ve never seen anything like it. She makes virtually all of her own clothes and used to make Gordy‘s suits. No one can believe that she made them as they look like they are professionally tailored.

Remember the blue hat that I made a couple of days ago for Teresa? Well last night at Bible study someone needed a hat so I gave it away. I just started this one a few minutes ago to replace it.

Time to go change the laundry to the dryer and put another load in. It was really foggy this morning but now the sun is shining and we have a beautiful blue, blue sky.  When the sun is shining I feel muchmore like getting things done. Are you like that? I hope you all have a lovely afternoon. 

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

Blessings, Betsy

Thursday!

It’s a dreary, overcast, foggy day outside today. We have only had one day of sunshine in the last week, but I’m not letting it get me down. I spent the morning running errands. I confess to you all, I went to Michael’s again and bought more yarn this morning. I couldn’t resist their buy two, get one free sale. I bought 6 skeins of Lion brand Homespun for more hats for Teresa. Then it was on to Walgreens to pick up a prescription for Dennis and Walmart for a few cleaning products. Now I’m home and just finished sweeping all of the floors. Let me tell you, that is a never ending job with two cats and a dog.

I just printed out the pattern for the next block in the “12 blocks of Christmas” KAL that was released this morning. I’m thinking of knitting it in a lime green yarn.  The designer says this one takes a lot of concentration and I’m sure that because we have Bible study tonight, the square won’t be completed today.

I did start and finish a “granny’s favorite”dish cloth last night and put a cuff on the first of Brad’s Christmas socks and started the 2nd cuff.

The dishcloth all folded nice and neat.

The socks as they look now.

Guess who lost her two front teeth?  One came out last week and one today.  Both came out at school where she was given a pretty box each time to keep it in.

Thank you for all of the sweet and wonderful comments on my post yesterday about my “ordinary life.”  It seems that most of you want to see how other people live our daily lives. And to be honest, I do love my ordinary life. I’m not into a lot of drama. I hope you are all having a wonderful, wonderful Thursday and for those of you in the path of the snow and ice storm, stay safe and warm. 

“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13

Many blessings, Betsy

A hat!

I don’t have a whole lot of exciting news for you today my friends. I haven’t left the house today. After getting some chores done this morning though, I whipped up this hat in a couple of hours.

It’s a super simple pattern that I found free somewhere a few years ago and made a lot of adjustments to. I think I’ve told you before, but I make them for my friend Teresa. She wears them, but gives them out to anybody that she sees needing a hat throughout the winter. Last year I think I made her seven of these hats. She texted me Monday and told me that she didn’t have any left. I had one I had just made for myself that I gave her yesterday and told her I would have a couple more for her by Sunday. They don’t take long as they’re made with bulky yarn on size 10.5 needles.

Last night I also started a pair of socks for Brad for Christmas.  I hadn’t planned on it being so hard to see the dark yarn in the evening though, so all I got finished with were the cuffs. Now I’m onto the leg of the first sock.

A bit of a closer look.  I’m using the Hermione pattern which is free on ravelry.

It’s another very cloudy day here today and I’m enjoying staying inside and watching Christmas movies this afternoon. The banana bread was wonderful last night with my tea. And the house smelled so good.

A few people have asked what Alex was doing in London last weekend. He was visiting a friend that lives there.  It’s a city he had never been to before and so he had a lot of fun exploring. I’ve been there twice and Dennis has been there several times so it was fun to see again the places that we enjoyed so much.

I’m enjoying this posting every day for November but I’m afraid I am boring you. My life is pretty much the same from day today. I hope you all are having a lovely Wednesday and I’ll be back tomorrow.

“Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” . John 6:35

Blessings,

Betsy