Sunday, January 31, 2021

Finishes!

I have some finishes for you today. I can’t believe it’s been almost a week since I wrote a post. I don’t know where the days go, but they seem to fly by.  We had another FaceTime video today with Mandy while she walked through the house again with the son and daughter-in-law of the owner. This time our realtor who is drawing up the paperwork was with them. She had to see the house herself before some of the paperwork could be completed. I can’t believe the progress they have made in cleaning out the owners personal items. It looks so much bigger than it did before. They are leaving much of the furniture and that will be wonderful. We may replace some of it eventually, but at least we know we have enough to get started when we get there. Dennis is especially excited about the desk and a bookshelf they are leaving in the office. Larry and Nita are giving us a futon that they have. Everyone says it is a very comfortable full-size bed when converted from a sofa to a bed. We will put that in the office too and it will provide an extra guest bed.  They are leaving an entire master bedroom set, complete with nightstand, chest of drawers, dresser with mirror and a queen size bed. We have our own mattress that we will use, but since we gave away all of our bedroom furniture, this is like a gift from the Lord. 

Really the only furniture we kept was our guestroom set, the end tables in the living room, the storage unit that was under the TV and two lazyboy recliners. That’s it!  The bedroom set will be perfect in the other guestroom. That room will be Miss Piper‘s room when she comes to stay with us and I think it will be nice for a little girl.  They are also leaving the dining room hutch and table, kitchen table and chairs and a sofa, loveseat and end tables in the living room! I was a bit worried when we gave all of our furniture away, knowing how much it would cost to buy all new furniture if we did decide to buy a house. But just look how God blessed us. He not only provided a house in the perfect location for us next door to Mom, but he also provided furniture too! He is so good.

I am excited to have a dedicated crafting area at one end of the family room where I can leave my sewing machine out and have my yarn stored where it will be easy to get to. Now that I know this is happening, I’m very eager to move and get started on our new life. I did book the POD for our move in September. I have also reserved a U-Haul trailer for May.  Dennis and I will fill the U-Haul and take it back then. It will be our first time in the house to see what all needs to be done.

I’m sorry about the lighting in the following pictures. It was very hard to get good photos this week as it’s been snowing lightly or raining nearly every day. Tomorrow is supposed to be 47°F. Isn’t that crazy?  I will take it since tomorrow is my birthday and you all know how much I detest winter. I feel like God is giving me a gift of springtime weather. A little bit of warmth and spring rain showers.

This is the baby blanket that I was crocheting on last week. I used the same cross-stitch pattern that Teresa is using on her blanket from Lucy at Attic 24. You can find photos of Teresa‘s blanket on her blog which is on my sidebar under “Teresa Kasner.”


I just made up a very simple border of chains and a shell stitch using triple crochet. The second photo is much closer to the actual color of the blanket. This will be donated to the hospital nursery here in Spokane.
Next I have been following a lady on YouTube named the “Crocheting House Mouse.” She is crocheting a mystery shawl where every night her husband chooses a color out of her scraps and puts it in a bag for her so she will be surprised. That is the next row she puts on her shawl. She only crochets one row a day.  Well, I used the same pattern, but I used one entire skein of Knit Picks speckle yarn in fingering weight and several of my scrap sock yarn balls. I was trying to make it in more muted colors and not overly bright. I just ordered enough material from “Goods” store in Pennsylvania to make five summer dresses. I chose colors to go with the speckle yarn out of my scrap bag that would match some of the colors in those dresses.   I think this light shawl will be perfect for the summer evenings.  I’m sorry it isn’t stretched or blocked yet. I really have no place here to block something this large.

Two more pair of mittens were made using two strands held together of the Lion Brand Cupcake yarn. These mittens are so soft. One ball of the cupcake yarn was enough to make four pair of mittens with just a little less than one yard left over! It was wonderful. I felt like I had used almost every bit of that yarn. Thank you to the person who gave me this yarn. You know who you are. Four little children will have warm hands next winter because of your generosity in donating this yarn.

As I said earlier, every day for the past week we have had rain or snow. One day it would snow 3 to 4 inches and the next it would rain and wash a lot of it away. Then it would snow again overnight and then turn to rain again. Right now we have a little piles of snow but most of it is gone. I’m sure that if it gets as warm as they say it will tomorrow, the last reminders of the white stuff will disappear. Yay! I know some of you are just getting your first real snow this weekend. Debbie, I’m talking to you! I hope you’re enjoying it as much as you thought you would.๐Ÿ˜

Brad and Mandy gave us a gift card to the Olive Garden for Christmas. I’m going to call in an order tomorrow and Dennis will stop and pick it up on his way home from work. That will be my birthday dinner! I also have a grocery pick up tomorrow morning and I ordered a little 5 inch cake ๐ŸŽ‚ that will be the perfect size for Dennis and I to each have a piece tomorrow night after dinner. That way there won’t be a big cake sitting around waiting for me to eat the whole thing! And really, we all know that’s what would happen.๐Ÿ˜‚ Alex already FaceTimed this evening from Japan to wish me a happy birthday because it’s Monday there already!

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday and are safe and well. No luck so far on getting vaccine appointment for Dennis but I keep trying. How are you all doing in the process?  I am so sorry this is so long. Thank you for hanging around if you made it this far. I guess I had more to talk to you about then I realized!

Blessings and love, 
Betsy

30 comments:

  1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR BETSY! Sound like you have a lovely day planned. The blanket and the mittens are wonderful. Fun idea from House Mouse to let her husband pick up the next random color of yarn. Your shawl is pretty. It sure does sound like your house purchase with all the furniture was definitely meant to be. Congratulations! Definitely something to look forward to when so much has been on hold. Take care of yourself. Stay safe and warm. Best wishes always, Tammy

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  2. Betsy I am thrilled all is going so well with your move and the bonus of getting the furniture is wonderful. You can replace it all slowly or add to it overtime if you feel the need. The baby blanket was a delight and it is always a joy to see the mittens and know that little hands will be kept warm. Take care dear friend.

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  3. Hi dear Betsy
    I'm soooo excited for your house.. isn't God grand??
    Surely He knows best.
    You gave and you received pressed down and overflowing as the Scriptures say.
    Faithful is He Who calleth you, Who also will do it.
    Thrilled at thd provision.
    Many happy returns of the day for you too. Our Monday is nearly over at 10:10pm.
    Funny isnt it. Youre about 17 hours behind us.
    LOVE that baby shawl soo pretty, and the cupcake woollen mittens, what a lively gift.. as is your shawl too for the summer. Now if you lived in southern hemisphere your birthday would be in summer and you could go for a birthday swim with me... my birtbday in Feb too! I'll prob go on Wed or Thursday ..
    Enjoy your day.
    Thanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
    Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X

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

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  4. Wow! things are really moving along on the house front. So happy for you anda Dennis!! The baby blanket is so sweet Betsy - you made some beautiful things! Your shawl is very pretty too. We are in the midst of the snow event on the East Coast!

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  5. Your new house sounds wonderful. I bet you can't wait. I feel the same way about getting my house finished so I can get out all my toys again.
    Your pink blanket is lovely. I love that edging. So sweet.
    And yes....I am enjoying the bit of real snow we got yesterday. It did turn over to rain last night but the white stuff is still there. I can't find my snowpants though which is making me unhappy. The Mister got a ride down the hill on the sled bringing my Amazon package down last night but I can't imagine being out in just my sweatpants. I have no idea where I put the darn things. It hasn't snowed in ages. I probably can't fit into them anyway. lol...

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  6. First of all, happy, HAPPY birthday ( a little early). I hope you have a wonderful day.

    Good luck with all the move preps too. It will be nice to have some of the furniture already there. It won't be long now.

    As for the vaccine .... Steve has had his first shot, but there is little chance of their being vaccine for his second. I've had no luck getting an appointment although I am registered on my county's website. I can't believe the mess the government has made of this process. Funny how there was plenty for all the politicians and Al Roker to get his. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?

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  7. I am here on the other side of the world and I feel so excited for you! Wonderful to hear all is going well with the purchase of your new house. I am pretty sure you will make great use of all that furniture they are leaving behind..what a stroke of luck. That must be a relief for you! That's a gorgeous baby blanket, such a generous gift. Happy Happy birthday Betsy. Enjoy your birthday meal this evening with Dennis xx Amanda x

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  8. Oh what a wonderful blessing about your upcoming new home. And God’s abundance provisions!! Really so happy for you both. And Happy Birthday to you! You are so quick in your crocheting! And did you say you see your own dresses? But I know what you mean about (where does the time go)
    Have a great birthday... hugs, Roxy

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  9. Happy Birthday Betsy! I'm so glad that things are going good for you and hubby. I can only imagine how excited y'all are about the house. Your shawl is beautiful!๐Ÿ˜ I'm so excited that you like the surprise revile everyday. I think hubby is enjoying too.๐Ÿ˜‚ Take care and have a wonderful blessed day.๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ’—

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  10. Happy Birthday! God’s hand was definitely in the house sale. I’m glad that everything is falling into place. I’m on a vaccine list but no appointments: I doubt that will happen until March or April. Enjoy your day.

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  11. Happy Birthday! How wonderful you are "going out to dinner" to celebrate! I found that Olive Garden reheated very well, if you live a distance away. Your projects are all just lovely. The house certainly fell into place for you! It is meant to be.

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  12. Since I am reading this a day late--Happy Birthday!!!! Your knit/crochet works are beautiful!

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  13. Happy Birthday! I hope you have a special day! So happy to hear about the house...it will be perfect for you. You must have a time line down and will be moved by next winter so that is good! I am sure one winter in an RV is enough for you...I know it was for me! Lovely blanket, shawl and mittens you have been busy! :)

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  14. All your finishes are lovely!
    Hope you had a great birthday

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  15. I am so happy you got furniture in your house you are buying!!! We never know what God will give us!!! My sister and "spouse" were up near Mt. Rainier yesterday and she posted photos of the snow and how much there was by the building that was overloaded with snow~~~wow~! Happy Birthday!!! I am figuring out something small cake wise for us as well. Maybe get 6 cinnamon rolls from Panera and have them put chocolate icing on it? We have a vanilla cinnamon roll we split for a snack that we ordered with our lunch at the drive thru after church on Sunday. Nice snow you have!! Take care and thanks for sharing all the items you make! Hugs!

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  16. How exciting that the house is going to come to you with so much furniture! That truly is a blessing. We got our first shot this afternoon. The process was very organized and efficient. We get our second shot on the 22nd. Finally, Happy Birthday! Your dinner and little cake sound perfect for you and Dennis to celebrate with. Have a wonderful week!

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  17. Happy Birthday!!! I hope the food from Olive Garden was delicious and the tiny cake too.
    The pink baby blanket is so lovely. I love the ruffle around the edge.

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  18. Happy Birthday!!! Your blog is so inspirational!! My husband just came home with a sewing machine. I think it would be called mid-century, that is I think it may date back to the 50s or 60s. Now, I just need to figure out how to thread it. It looks like one needs a degree in engineering for that, but I will call a friend๐Ÿ˜ƒ I very much enjoy seeing all the beautiful things you make, and I love the positive, uplifting, inspirational, faith-filled nature of your blog as well!

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  19. Betsy, this is a wonderful post. Happy Birthday! Dinner from Olive Garden sounds perfect ...and the tiny cake too. Your weather sounds like ours. We have had so much rain, I'm beginning to worry that our little cabin might wash down hill and into the pond. I was so excited that we might get a little sunshine tomorrow but that has changed to mostly cloudy with a chance of rain or light snow. It's crazy! The baby blanket is beautiful and I love the mittens. I am not a winter person either. Give me summer anytime. Have a very happy birthday!

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  20. Me again. I meant to say how excited I am about your new home...and that you will have a sewing/craft room again. Will be looking forward to pictures. Love, Henny

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  21. *H*A*P*P*Y* * *B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y*!*!*!* Betsy! I'm so happy for you that things are working out so well for you with the new home. The baby blanket turned out wonderful and the shawl.. the colors are fabulous in it. And I think the double strand mittens are a great idea for warmth for the little ones. Your snow is gorgeous but I'm glad you aren't having piles and piles like the last few years. We're having daffodils ready to bloom here. Kind of crazy. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  22. Oh, I just love that pink afghan! The color is so vibrant and beautiful. Everything you make is just gorgeous, and it is so much fun to come here and see what all you have been creating. I know you are super excited to get to your new home, and even though it sounds so far off, it will be here before you know it. May God work out all the details and let it all come to pass the way you are wanting it to. Many blessings to you!

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  23. Hope you had a very happy birthday Betsy! Everyday gets you a little closer to having your midwest dream come true! Very happy for you both! Yummy on the Olive Garden birthday dinner—used to be one of my most fav places. I absolutely love your pink baby blanket-soooo lovely!
    No vaccines here in Oregon for seniors living independently. The governor has decreed that teachers get priority. It is a very political decision imo, but despite the outrage about it, she refuses to budge. Sigh. I sincerely hope you’re able to get one soon for you and your hubby.
    Take care and be safe!
    Aimee

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  24. Have been reading your blog for sometime. Would love to have you as a neighbor! Happy Birthday๐ŸŽ‚๐ŸŽˆ๐ŸŒน

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  25. Hi Betsy! Hope you had a very happy birthday; it sounds like you have lots to look forward to in the coming year. That is a beautiful baby blanket! I really like that stitch and the border you made. Is your snow gone? No snow on this side of the mts., but we have an abundance of rain. Happy Ground Hog's Day!

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  26. Happy Birthday Betsy! It is exciting to see how everything is coming together for your move and new house. the time will pass quickly. Nancy

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  27. I hope your Birthday dinner was fabulous! @ Love your bird. The move is coming along Betsy!!!! Praying it all goes nicely. It is always a bit of a slog to purchase and close and move, but ......the bonus of Piper is just too wonderful to care about the work of it

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  28. Ohh that baby blanket is sooo pretty!! I love the edging you did on it. I think every sewer/crafter/hobbiest yearns for a dedicated crafting area or room -- I know I do! What a blessing to have the house working out for you guys! And now . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETSY!! A couple days late but heartfelt all the same!! Hugs and blessings and many prayers!!

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  29. Hoping your ๐Ÿ’œ๐ŸŽถHappy Birthday celebration๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ’œ is continuing, dear Betsy! I so admire all your lovely stitching! ๐Ÿงถ My youngest daughter and her husband are in Spokane this week visiting his mom. Today is his mom's and his birthday! He turned 40 and she 62. This is the first time in a year they have been able to visit. God is good! His mercies endure forever. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness! ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ™

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  30. Such wonderful news about the house and furniture. I bet the family that is working on the house is thrilled that you will take the furniture and love the house. I am so happy for all of you!

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