So nice!

We have had the most beautiful weather for the past week. When we got home last Monday, I opened the windows up and I haven’t closed them since. It is supposed to be in the mid to upper 80s for the next several days, but I’m going to try very hard not to turn the air conditioner back on. I am so enjoying the fresh air in the house. My cold is hanging on and I still sound like I’m trying to cough up a lung up as gross as that sounds. I didn’t go to church yesterday because I don’t want anyone to think that I’m trying to make them sick. Mandy has been sick since a couple of days after we got home too. She’s running a fever and has lost her voice along with the other symptoms. It seems like we all brought some crud home. Flying is definitely not what it’s cracked up to be. I blame the guy that was practically sitting in my lap, coughing, on the flight over the pond.

I think I'll be staying home again today. I love going to our old apartment building and crocheting on mats for the homeless with the ladies, but I think I should miss another week and keep myself and my cough at home. It's okay. I always have something to do here at home.

Someone doesn't get very far away since we got home. Right now she's sitting on my lap, snuggling with me while I type.

I finished another dish cloth with Hobby Lobby's "I Love This Cotton".

And another baby blanket. I don't remember the name of it but I used Baby Bee Sweet Delight Pomp Nake. It has sparkles in it and is a fun, easily memorized pattern. I actually started another one this morning. They will be going to the hospital for donation.

I really liked this sweet picture I saw online.

I've joined a group of ladies at our church on Wednesday morning that are studying with BSF, or Bible Study Fellowship. People all over the world, of all ages are studying the same thing every week. It goes through the entire school year. There are lectures each week that are taught by people who have attended a class earlier in the week.  Homework every day too. This year the subject is the book of John and I'm looking forward to learning even more about it.

I liked this picture too. I need to remember this. Laugh more! Have a great day my dear friends.

Blessings and love,
Betsy

We’re Home!

Well, we’re back and everyone of us is sick. It’s not a vacation without someone getting sick is it? Well, I was the first one that started it all out. We arrived on Monday morning and by Tuesday night I was sick. I ran a temp over 100 and even over 101 for several days, so I didn’t dare go around people. Believe it or not I missed all of the wedding festivities. The preparation’s, the rehearsal dinner, the wedding itself. Sunday afternoon I finally felt good enough to go to lunch at “The Mill” and sit on the grass and visit with people in the outdoors. Dennis, Mandy, and Brad all have it now too. Alex tells us that the three of them are also showing the same symptoms of sore throat, runny nose, and cough. I tested myself twice during the week and was negative for the dreaded Covid. I know that there are still normal, colds, and things out there, but whenever you cough or sneeze people look at you and it’s very nice to be able to say “I tested myself, it’s not Covid.” It gives most people a lot of relief to hear you say that. Although, I did stay away from everyone except my family, who was staying in the house with me. Even then, I stayed in my bedroom at both of the Airbnb‘s in London and in Cambridge so as not to share germs  with anyone.

I do have just a few photos to share with you. The first one is our layover in Charlotte. Brad is reading a manual for work of some kind, and everyone else was off exploring as we had a few hours there.

Before I got really sick, we went out to lunch with Alex and my best friend Jenny, who had just arrived from Ireland. She took a two week tour of Ireland before coming to London for a little over a week. We ate at the best Thai restaurant called Took-Took, in West Hampstead. Jenny leaves to go back to Spokane on Thursday.

I didn’t get any decent photos of our London Airbnb because it had all of the family around and as you know, I don’t post photos of either our daughter-in-law or the baby. But this is the street that our Cambridge Airbnb was on. It was a quaint little area and very quiet. Oh my goodness it was hot while we were there! And of course, there is no air conditioning anywhere. Don’t those chimneys remind you of Mary Poppins?

This was our bedroom upstairs overlooking the street.

I loved the old-fashioned bathroom, especially the floor.

We even had a little fireplace in our room.

These stairs are even more steep than they look. I don’t think it would be very easy to get old in this house.

The kitchen had obviously been remodeled recently with a fantastic stove, and lots and lots of cabinets with dishes and glasses and cups galore.

Even a washing machine is provided along with that cool retro refrigerator.

There is a piano to play, a stereo with albums from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Perfect for us if we had had time to play them. There was even a nice backyard outside of those doors.

On Sunday was a lunch at “The Mill” in Cambridge. Right outside is a little park where we could sit and visit in the breeze and watch the people go by in punts.

Isn’t it a lovely view? Our daughter-in-law’s sister lived in the building on the left while she was completing her advanced degree.

Here are two of my handsome man while waiting for the wedding to begin. Dennis officiated just as he did for our daughter Mandy, and that’s our handsome son Alex waiting for his bride. You all know, the story of how they’ve actually been married for over two years, but had planned this wedding several times, having to cancel because of Covid. She had such a gorgeous dress, and it was decided to just have their wedding anyway, and renew their vows.

Mandy, Brad and Piper all dressed up in their wedding finery. Piper was the flower girl and was in charge of the bags of flower confetti for after the service. I’m told that she did a wonderful job.

I’m so sorry I can’t share pictures of our dear daughter-in-law and baby “J”. Baby “J’s” dress was just like Piper’s and she walked down the aisle too. It was a fun ceremony from start to finish of the day, ending with an ice cream bar that I’m sure was very appreciated by the overheated guests. At least that’s what I’m told. Obviously I wasn’t there to join in. Can you believe it? Apparently, Saturday it was a record setting day for heat in the UK. We spent eight days in there and I had five of them in bed trying not to give the crud to others. And it was hot the entire time with a cool down expected today.

There is a reason for everything though, and I know that the kids have forgiven me for it. My biggest regret is that I won’t be in any of the wedding photos because I know that was important to them. For myself, I don’t care if I ever have my photo taken again!😂

This was our view from the airplane window just before we started our descent into Omaha. It was definitely good to be back in the Midwest with it’s wide-open spaces. And, can you believe it, much, much cooler temperatures than were here before we left or in London while we were gone? We slept with the windows wide open last night and it was wonderful.

Now that I’m home home, I will try to start catching up on blog’s again. It was so late last night when we got home and fell into bed and then Dennis had to be up at 4:00 am this morning to take his brother to the airport. Doug did a great job with Mom this week and they had a good time together. She celebrated her 87th birthday yesterday. Woo-hoo!

Take care and stay well everyone.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

On Our Way!

At the airport and waiting to board!

Talk to you all on our return!

Blessings,

Betsy

It’s time!

It’s a beautiful day here today, although it is supposed to be in the 90's again.  This will be a short post because I still have to pack for our trip and we leave Sunday morning. I've done virtually nothing because my back has been dealing me fits all week. I dread sitting on that plane for hours and hours. 

I have gotten a bit of crafting done and have read three books this week while playing invalid! Another baby blanket for charity is finished. I really like this soft lilac color. The blanket is made from Bernat Softee Baby, but hasn't been washed or blocked yet.

I also crocheted three dishcloths using the Suzette stitch and Hobby Lobby's "I Love This Yarn."

And I knit one yesterday in the Moss Stitch using the same yarn in Apple Green.

I also started another baby blanket using a beautiful cream sparkle yarn in filet crochet diamonds. I forgot to take a photo in progress, so I'll show it to you when it's finished. 

I have socks on the needles to take on the plane and work on when time allows throughout the week. Of course I have an extra skein in the suitcase just in case I finish the first pair. I do have my yarn taken care of even if I forget to pack underwear! :-) Brad, Mandy and Piper are on the same flights as we are both to London and home again. We have bnb's in London and Cambridge with them too. It promises to be a great time all around with lots of family fun.

Today is our 45th anniversary. I cannot believe that this man has put up with and tolerated me for all of these years. I am truly blessed. We are so happy together and more in love today than the day we were married. God has been so good to us and we're grateful to all He has done for us! Hopefully He will give us many more years together.

And now I need to get busy. We're going to Texas Roadhouse for dinner since neither of us have been there before and we've heard it's very good. 

I won't be blogging while we're gone because the entire week will be packed with wedding fun and preparation. I'm not even taking my laptop with me. However, I will have my phone with me so even though I won't be able to comment, I will be reading your blogs.

Please pray that my back holds up and I'm able to take part in all of the festivities. That's my one big concern. I don't know what has caused this latest flare-up but it hasn't been pleasant.

Take care everyone and I'll be back soon!

Blessings and love,
Betsy

It’s HOT!!!!

Yes, that’s multiple exclamation marks! It has been awful here for the last four days. This is what the temperature said in my car on Wednesday. Do you see the "feels like" temperature? 119F! It has said basically the same thing since Sunday, and I’m sure it will be at least that again today according to the weatherman. And guess what? We woke up yesterday to our AC not working. Oh my goodness, it was hot sleeping last night. The humidity was up to 97% and only down to 80F during the night. But, we had a miracle happen, a repairman was out about 10:00 this morning and it's running again. We're down to 81 in the condo now. Apparently, the capacitator gave out. He said it's happening all over town because the A/C's are built for 95F and 50% humidity. We have been running much higher than that for both.

Right after we woke up to the broken A/C, Mom called and said her holter monitor was beeping. I dressed quickly and went over there to check it out. The battery was low so I had to sit there for 1 1/2 hours while it charged.  Sunday we were almost to church when Mandy called and said Grandma told her it fell off and she was holding it to her chest. We turned around and drove back across town to find that it had come off in the shower. I placed a new adhesive patch for her and re-attached everything, but by then it was too late to go to Sunday School. Just another day in our lives.

But the A/C and monitor batteries  weren't the only things that happened yesterday. I was on my way to pick up prescriptions for Mom when I had a flat tire. At 3:00 in the afternoon. It was SO HOT! I got the tire changed at a tire shop down the street and got the RX's, but oh my goodness what a day!

In addition to that, Dennis had his appointment yesterday with the surgeon about his hand and they scheduled the next surgery for November 2. He will basically have to have his thumb cut off and put back together with screws and plates. Not great news since it was the person who made the original splint that caused it to heal wrong.

Monday my entire morning was spent with Mom buying shoes. The salesman was amazing. Her feet have really been bothering her because of neuropathy and swelling. She desperately needed new shoes.

Look at these piles of boxes. She tried EVERYTHING on several times because she didn't remember trying them on. He just patiently put them on her and tied the laces again and again. Probably at least 100 times, maybe more.  She just couldn't remember anything and was getting frazzled. We ended up getting her three pairs and hopefully it will help her feet be less painful. We were there 2 1/2 hours! This kind of thing is partially why I don't get much knitting or crocheting done anymore, but it's okay. She needs us and we do love her. I admit to getting frustrated at times, but I think that's only human. I hope it is.

Here's Dennis's newly released hand from the splint, for a couple of months anyway. He's having trouble moving it after so long in a splint but I think it will eventually improve.

And I finally remembered to take a picture of my shawl for the wedding. It looks black, but it's really a very dark navy and cream with a few places of a lighter blue. The original design was knit and only went to just before the lacey part. It was way too small, so I added the big crochet border. 

This shows the crochet border and beads in both sections, knit and crochet.

Another angle. I think I have a few thousand beads in this thing. What do you all think? Do you think it will it be okay with my dress I put in a previous post? I'm glad to have something to cover my back and my front too.

I've worked on this a bit since I finished the shawl. It's to hot to pick it up right now though. It will be a baby blanket for charity.

And finally, I know I'm late to the game, but I wanted to say how saddened we both are about the devastation on Maui. We love the island and have been there several times. Here we are with our photo under the beautiful and historical Banyan Tree that's been on the news so much. It was a gorgeous tree. We went to the elementary school's craft fair there under the tree and bought Christmas ornaments that I cherish. Such great memories. We spent a lot of time on Maui and had a couple of favorite restaurants in Lahaina that we went to many times. 

The harbor at Lahaina. Our hearts go out to everyone there who lost relatives and friends, as well as those who lost their homes, businesses and jobs in the fires. Dennis has clients that he worked with for years that live on Maui near Haiku. One of their homes just missed being destroyed in the upcountry fire.

As if this all isn't enough. Our beautiful Spokane is surrounded by fires right now. I mean CLOSE. The Medical Lake, or Gray Fire, is just west of Spokane. We have lots of friends that worked in Medical Lake and our kids went to college very close by. Over 185 homes have been destroyed there so far and it's only 15% contained. Many of you may remember Jeremy and Alicia who live at the base of Mt. Spokane. They were evacuated on Friday and are still under evacuation orders. They don't know if their home is still there or not. We have lots of friends who live and have been evacuated from the fire north of Spokane, the Oregon Road Fire.  It's really awful and the air quality has been very bad for those in town. Please pray for all of them

Boy howdy, this seems like a downer of a post. I didn't mean it that way. So many are suffering because of fires. We had one bad day with lots go wrong, but it's not usually like that. We're normally pretty happy campers and one bad day isn't enough to bring us down. Try our patience? Yes. But bring us down? Nope.

We're doing great! Especially now that the AC is on again. It's still warm in here but it will get better. I never want to leave you on a low note. We know that God is with us and cares for each one of us. 

Take care my friends. Stay cool if it's hot where you are too. We're told we have another couple of days of this and then the weekend will be better. Thumbs up to that! :-)

Blessings and love.

Betsy

Is It Fall?

No, I don’t I think it’s fall yet, though we have had gorgeous weather the past few days with highs in the 70s and rain at night. But today is supposed to be back in the upper 80s and after that upper 90s for at least the next week. It was a nice little taste of coolness, but now it’s back to being hot, hot, hot. I know it’s not news to most of you who are having the same thing. I just had my mammogram this morning and the technician said she had not ever remembered such a humid summer before. She asked if we had all been moved to Florida and not been told!

It has been busy around here. We had the first day of school. I’ve had doctors appointments Monday and Tuesday this week with Mom and this morning was my mammogram. I’m so glad to have that behind me. I don’t even remember what we did last week, but it passed by in a blur, as do most days anymore. I have finished all three sweaters for the wedding and I’m hoping to finish up my shawl today.

Yesterday was Piper’s first day of school. Doesn’t she look happy? She will be on the safety patrol and is in the oldest grade in the school. I can’t believe she’s going to middle school next year. Where has the time gone?

One of the neighbors moved their resident yard Sasquatch out by the sidewalk, so the kids could have their pictures taken with it for the first day of school. I thought that was pretty nice of them.

And look! All three flower girl sweaters are now done. I need to take Pipers over for her to try on, although I’m not sure what I can do between now and the wedding if it’s not right! Yikes!

I thought I would share a few photos of the outside of Mom’s apartment building. It’s an independent living facility that provides all meals.  There is no nursing care, although there is a company that you can hire in 15 minute increments to help with anything you need. We have them give Mom her insulin injection in the evening. That has been such a blessing, as it has made it possible for us to do things with friends in the evenings.

The flowers are absolutely stunning all around the building. Can you see the rockers on the left side of the photo. There are six or seven of them that are normally occupied during daylight hours. Mom loves to sit out here during the day and visit with her friends. 

Another view. I love the statue of the Saint Bernard with a little girl.

There are lush flower beds and hanging baskets everywhere. Aren’t they gorgeous?

The other day we went to a restaurant called DJs dugout that is next-door to our old apartment. They make the best prime rib sandwiches. It’s a sports bar, so they have big screens everywhere with every sport imaginable on them. Last year, when Alex‘s family was here for Thanksgiving, we went there for lunch when the World Cup was being played. We were the only ones cheering for the United Kingdom in the whole place!

Next Tuesday, Dennis goes to see the hand surgeon again. They won’t do surgery until after we get back from London.  On Wednesday, we’re going to drive to the Amana colonies in Iowa for a couple of days.  When we lived here before that was our yearly getaway. Dennis’s mom and dad would keep the kids and we would go there for the weekend. The last time we went was our 15th anniversary and we got the chime clock that’s in our living room. We moved to Spokane right afterwards. In a couple of weeks we will celebrate our 45th anniversary, so it’s been 30 years since we visited. We’re staying in a B & B in Homestead, one of the seven villages. They serve meals family style in most of the restaurants and the food is amazing. I remember the cinnamon rolls being the size of a dinner plate. Yum!

Take care everyone and try to stay cool.

Blessings and hugs,

Betsy

I’m still here!

Good Morning! It's been awhile. Frankly, I have no excuse except that life has been busy, busy, busy. I've been busy before this and still blogged, so that's not a good excuse. I haven't even been reading your blogs. The sweaters have had me knitting at home, in the car, at church. You get the idea. 

I did finish a pair of socks on Sunday. I kitchenered the toes in Sunday School and one more Christmas gift goes in the box!

I just took this picture of the pile of sweater pieces for Piper's sweater all done except the neck and button band. I hope to finish it today. I still have to buy buttons for all three sweaters, but at least the making of them will be complete. I have enjoyed knitting them, but I'm glad to have them done a few weeks before the deadline!

This has been my view while knitting on the sweaters. It's been so hot, I haven't cared about going outside anyway. As you can see, the sun is shining brightly this morning. The terrible heat wave seems to have broken here, but the humidity is still hovering around 80-90% so it's still not real pleasant outside. It was finally cool enough to take a walk after dinner last night and we enjoyed that a lot and it was wonderful to be outside again. 

Lots of time has been spent with Mom. We've had two doctor appointments for her in the past four days. We always take her out to eat when she has an appointment. She loves that. Yesterday was the neuphrologist, (kidney doctor). She has lost 8 lbs since she saw him last and she certainly doesn't need to lose weight. Here we are at Cheddar's and she's having her favorite, baked potato soup. They accidently brought her a second cup of soup and she ate it all, plus her salad. 

Piper and Lizzie stayed with us three nights last week and all of us enjoyed it. The puppies LOVE Piper and let her dress them up and carry them all over the house.

Of course the puppies loved it. Here they are, taking a nap. Always together. It's crazy how much they love each other.

Nap time! She is waaaay past the napping age, but a busy weekend and tennis camp in the mornings while she stayed with us wore this girl out. Can you believe school is starting already? She goes back next Monday! 5th grade! Where has the time gone?

Last weekend was the county fair and she entered projects that she had done on her own and with her 4H group. She got Best in Show and will go to the State Fair with a photo she took at the fly-in a couple of weeks ago. She also got several blue ribbons, and second and third place ribbons. We're very proud of how hard she has worked on everything.

Before I forget, I need to answer a new reader, Laura, from her comment. No, we don't live in the UK. We live just north of you in Omaha, NE! Our youngest son and his family live in London and we go visit them at least once a year. I bought the yarn when I was staying there for a month in January to help care for our precious granddaughter. We'll be going back again the beginning of September for a week.

And for the rest of you my dear friends. I'm so sorry I haven't been reading or commenting on blogs, or have written on my own blog for a few weeks. I have absolutely no excuse, except that I have been a bit down. I have no reason for it. I have a wonderful life, wonderful husband and good friends, including all of you. Really, I think it could have been the heat getting to me. You all know I have absolutely no tolerance for heat and it's been so awful. Most of you have had it too. One of the side effects of one of my meds is "heat can be fatal." I do have to be very careful. But I still have no good excuse. I'll do better. I promise.

Now that I should have the last flower girl sweater done today, I will be able to concentrate on my own shawl for the wedding. I bought two books on Amazon that have crochet borders and I'm going to try to add length and width by crocheting a border on my knitted shawl. I just couldn't face unpicking the bind-off and then trying to get those hundreds of stitches back on a needle! So, I'm going to wing it and crochet something.  Because I definitely will need that shawl. I'm not used to having such scoop necked and low backed clothes. I also wish I had lost 80 lbs. before this wedding, but I guess that's not going to happen. I have lost 4 lbs! You can't tell though. :-)

Thank you all for hanging in there with me and sending notes and messages asking if all is well. Yep. All is well. God is on His throne and the world is still turning. I'm just being super lazy for some reason. I do love and care for you all and I apologize deeply for having worried you. I'll be back soon! I promise.

Blessings and love,
Betsy