Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Thank You

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful birthday greetings. Just look at all of the cards I received. Many of them were from you.

Piper sent me this notebook that she had made at school. This is her original artwork. I want to think of a very special way of using this notebook. Isn’t she a wonderful artist?

Jenny & Neal gave me these balloons at a surprise party Saturday night. There were about 25 people waiting to surprise me at a local Chinese buffet. Believe me, I was shocked. There were even two couples from the lake.  I’m  usually not very good with surprises and I don’t like being the center of attention, so they promised me that they had only invited our small group Bible study and a few people from the lake. 

Jenny also gave me this recipe book. It reads more like a normal book with a few recipes sprinkled in. I think I’m going to enjoy it.

John and Sally who are friends from the lake gave me these two signs to put in our new trailer.

Although this wasn’t technically a birthday present, I’m counting it as one! Debra, who is Araignee over on my side bar, had her seasonal soap giveaway.  There is absolutely nothing on the market as good as her lotion bars and I use her lip balm every night before I go to sleep. But that bar of soap. Oh my! It smells absolutely divine.   Thank you once again Debra for your unending generosity with these giveaways.  She makes all of the labels too.  
She also made the sweetest little snowman card, but now I can’t find the photo I took of it.

I won a gift card to Knit Picks from my friend Kim‘s YouTube video at “Napier’s Knits.” I used it to buy these two skeins of sock yarn.  They are both stroll tonal colorways. Aren’t they beautiful? Thank you Kim!

I finished the Amulet Shawl by Helen Stewart yesterday evening.  Here it is blocking.  It was so wide I couldn’t get the whole thing in the photo.  I also used Knit Picks yarn for the shawl. It is the Hawthorne fingering weight yarn in the colorways “graffiti speckle” and “kerns”.

A bit of a closer look. Look at all of those beads. I really do surprise myself at how much I enjoy putting beads into my knitting.  I just checked it and it is almost dry.

I’m still crocheting on my giant rectangular granny blanket. It’s about the size of a twin size bed right now and I’m starting to run out of yarn. I’m going to keep going as long as I can before putting a border on. I’m rather enjoying it. I would work on the intricate shawl for a while and then switch to the granny blanket that I didn’t have to think about.

We had about 5 inches of snow this morning when I had to leave to drive up “the hill” to the neurologist. Luckily, the main roads weren’t too bad I just had to navigate my way out of our neighborhood and up a few roads on “the hill.”  I don’t even have that many doctors appointments anymore, but I always seem to have them when it snows! It’s still coming down out there but I don’t think it’s accumulating much more as it’s warmed up to about 35°.

I ended up getting 19 injections directly into the muscles this morning. My goodness they were painful! He said he went a lot deeper into the muscle this time. It’s kind of a last ditch effort. I go back to see him in seven weeks and will decide what the next course of action is. I’m hoping against hope that these injections work.  It was fairly painful driving home and leaning against the seat. When I got home and took my shirt off and there was blood all over it! That hasn’t happened before. This afternoon I’m going to just take it easy and sit in my chair and do some crocheting.

I’m keeping people all over the world in my prayers regarding this coronavirus that seems to be spreading at an alarming rate. We are hearing of more and more people every day who are affected by it in one way or another. I pray that it can get controlled quickly.

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday afternoon.

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand on the earth.”  Job 19:25

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”Psalm 16:8
Blessings,

Betsy

23 comments:

  1. You received some really lovely birthday gifts. I absolutely love the shawl you made, so delicate and the beads are such a beautiful addition.

    ReplyDelete
  2. “I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand on the earth.”

    Amen! Glad you had a happy birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, Betsy, you were royally spoiled and you deserve it! I am thoroughly impressed with your beaded shawl, it's magnificent and I do hope you keep it for yourself. What a treasure! The notebook is such a treasure and indeed, Piper is a wonderful artist for such a young lady! I'm impressed! I hope the new injections knock the pain out forever.. I'm sorry you suffered so much during and after the shots. No fair! Enjoy your crochet afternoon.. I am doing the same. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. How nice that you had such a great birthday! The notebook that Piper made for you is so special.
    Too bad those injections were so painful. Surely they will help.
    The shawl with the beads is amazing. You do such fine work.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm not surprised at the turn out of friends at your party or the many cards. You're such a sweet lady and I know you are loved by many. The shawl is beautiful; everything you make is perfect, you're one talented gal.
    I'm so sorry to hear about all those shots. Praying that the pain you went through does great to make things better.
    God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my goodness, how blessed you are with such sweet family and friends. (My card to you just got mailed. I'm so far behind lately.) Back when Jeff died, my granddaughter Madison gave me a fat spiral notebook that she covered with colored duct tape and wrote a sentiment on the first page . . . it's what I use to write stories in for her journal she can have back someday when I pass on. Just a thought on how you might use Piper's gift. And, oh my, yes, she is such a great artist! That is a beautiful picture she did! I love kids' drawings -- better than any Rembrandt or Degas! Your shawl is absolutely stunning! The beautiful lacy-ness of it, and your bead work, so so pretty! You are truly blessed with a wonderful talent. 19 injections! I cannot even imagine getting that many at one time. I'll be praying about this and asking the Lord to give you comfort and relief. Love to you, my sweet friend!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh, my goodness! The injections and their aftermath sound just awful! Bless your heart. I sure hope you feel much better soon! I can't get over how good Piper can draw! That is just beautiful! So thankful you had such a wonderful birthday, and may God bless you with many, many more!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am so happy to see that you were properly spoiled!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am so glad that your birthday was great. As for the snow, I think we may be getting some again, it must have escaped from your part of the country. lol
    HUGS

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh dear - your back treatment sounds more like a torture! I hope it does the trick and there is no need for anything further.

    Your shawl is gorgeous Betsy! I don't believe I have the patience for all that beading - it would make me crazy!! Cute signs for your camper too. Glad you had such a nice birthday.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh wow! You really did have a happy birthday. So many pretty cards and gifts...lots of friends who love you. I can't imagine getting 19 injections. I'm such a fraidy cat when it comes to shots. I worry about the steroid injection in my spine...when will I need another one. I'll be brave and think about you going through 19! Glad you had such a special birthday. Piper drawing is very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh what lovely gifts sweet friend. Your shawl is lovely. There really is something so wonderful about a knitted shawl. They are just so cozy and warm. Like a big hug. I am praying in agreement with you for the shots to work on your back. Keeping you in my prayers always sweet friend. ((hugs))Blessings always. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday celebration! Your shawl is just stunning! What a work of art...I love the beads! Sure hope the injections work...my Mom goes every two weeks and gets stretched out...it seems to have helped her pain.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy Birthday YOU are loved! You made me smile, because every time we plan a ladies lunch we always get a snow storm!!
    Piper is such a talented artist!
    Hugs, Roxy

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am glad you had such a wonderful birthday and gifts. I am not keeping up to birthdays very well this year yet. I need to write them down from my old calendar to the new and hopefully I will do better. Love that shawl your making. Hope your painful shots help you. CFS bad lately. Maybe the weather? Take care. Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing some of your birthday celebration with us...would love to be closer to you two! Your Grandma Queen book is precious and your shawl is stunning. I so admire your work and your life, Betsy...and appreciate you sharing the verses. Amen!! ((hugs))

    ReplyDelete
  17. My dearest sweet Betsy..
    .. oh how feel wuth you the ebbs and flows of this blog post.
    I am so glad your birthday was a hit and you were spoilt right royally! Lovely items to share but especially love Pipers art work and think the idea to write Grandma's memories was a great one for Piper to have again one day.

    Oh that shawl, it is simply exquisite detail and creative genius in my books. Dips me lid to you dear Betsy. You've excelled. I hope I remember rightly that this one is for you?

    Now your treatment has bern much prayed over. For nearly 20 injections to have caused that amount of bleeding it must have been horrible. I was actually shocked when read you were driving andtruly wonder if that was wise. Pain lessens ability in response on snowy roads.
    Am praying the last ditch attempt is blessed of God as was first treatment. May His mercies and wisdom abound in all things.. in Him we trust.

    Sorry for such late visit .. šŸ˜Š
    Thanks for sharing, and may God bless you.
    Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

    ReplyDelete
  18. PS meant to say beautiful scriptures.. we are having good rain here.. praying in other places firegrounds and drought areas too. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice bunch of birthday cards from your family and friends. Piper's artistic work is very nice. Your shawl is pretty and more yarn that you won? How cool that is!! Fun birthday surprise!! Hope your back continues to heal. Shots in back...ouch then bleeding? Take care my friend!! Praying for all the flooding 1-84 from Hermiston to Pendleton to go away and those that are stranded and first responders!šŸšØšŸ˜¬ Walla Walla as well...glad I'm not headed that way Sat.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am thrilled that you had such a good birthday. How wonderful that a surprise party was arranged for you, you deserved it. Love the shawl the beadwork is a delight. Such a thoughtful gift from Miss Piper her artwork is wonderful. It might make a great project book to keep patterns and such. Have a great weekend, we are expecting another storm to hit.

    ReplyDelete
  21. It has been years and years since I have seen so many birthday cards (when dear hub turned 60 I had requested a card shower for him and it was awesome) I am so glad your birthday was wonderful, you definitely deserved it!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm so glad your birthday was so wonderful--you are so loved! The shawl looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. The lace and beading on your shawl are exquisite.

    Sending good wishes that the injections work well for you.

    ReplyDelete