We Made It!

And it's beautiful here. Palm trees and all! We left Omaha about 9:30 Monday morning after loading the truck and driving across town to the storage unit and unloading the truck into the camper. Luckily our refrigerator cools down really fast in this camper, so we could just put the frozen food right into the empty refrigerator.  Then we hitched up and drove down the interstate.

This was our first campground of the trip. No leaves on the trees but still warm and humid.

 

We drove about 6 hours and arrived in Joplin, MO where we spent the night. That was NOT a great campground and we seemed to be the only overnighters. Everyone else was set up to be permanent residents. The campground wasn't well kept up at all, especially for the amount charged. It was a bit creepy and we were happy to leave the next morning. The above photo was our set up that night where we didn't even unhitch the trailer. We just put down the stairs and ate dinner and then we read for awhile and went to bed. We didn't leave the trailer except to take the dog outside to go potty. We got an email asking for a review of the place which Dennis filled out without my knowing until afterward. I think it was the first review he's ever done that wasn't a great one. 

But then we saw leaves on the trees and that made us happy! Driving the second day through Arkansas, we saw our first leaves budding out on the trees. That was so exciting after a winter in Nebraska with naked trees! Here the leaves are just buds that I call the "spring lace". Within a day or two they will open up fully into leaves.

The second night was in Texarkana, Texas and it was great. Very nice people at the campground and it was well kept up although pretty empty. A few other people came in after us, so we weren't the only overnighters there. We still didn't unhitch since we were leaving early in the morning the next day.

I tried without success to load a video for you of our drive through Houston. Oh my gosh. It had rained on us all day as we drove from Texarkana to Galveston, but the video wouldn't upload to the blog. Of course when we arrived in Houston it was raining so hard everyone around us had their hazard lights flashing and we were all driving about 20 mph. We couldn't even see the car in front of us at some points. If it would have been safe for us to pull over we would have, but there was no place to stop. Finally when we were almost to Galveston it slowed to a sprinkle. Pulling a 35 foot trailer was NOT fun through the storm in the city at all.

Then we arrived on Galveston island and this was our first glimpse of the gulf and it was beautiful to us.

And the below photo is where we are set up for the next three weeks. It's beautiful. Absolutely wonderful. The people are so nice here, both staff and other guests. Today there was a craft fair and also a local man here selling tamales at lunchtime. There is a heated pool and a hot tub. Also a heated lazy river. Activities all day for kids and adults. We went for a walk with Zoey and everyone we saw talked to us. Some have been here since January to avoid winter at home after spending the holidays with family. Most winter people will leave around the time we do, April 1. We're already wishing we had decided to stay longer and are discussing coming back for a few months next winter if it continues to be this enjoyable. Could we actually avoid snow altogether? Time will tell if we can actually do this.

I bought Dennis some salsa at the craft fair. Locally made and he said it was delicious. I may actually buy some of the handmade jewelry or a small drawing next week. Who knows? That's about all we did today. It was windy and cool so we didn't go to the beach today. We settled in instead. Tomorrow we'll go on a long walk on the sand and forget it's only March and that it snowed back home yesterday. :-)

I started this blanket as we drove. Cindy at the "Delighted Hands" blog on my sidebar sent me the link to the pattern after my last post. It's an easy four row repeat after the first few rows but I still made lots of mistakes and had to frog several times because I was busy being the navigator and not paying attention. I have only done one round since we arrived but tomorrow I will do more. A woman walking by tonight as I was crocheting that one row stopped to see what I was making and volunteered that the nearest place to buy yarn was Hobby Lobby and how to get there. I appreciated that and the fact that it's how everyone here that we've met seems to react to our arrival. Like they're glad to meet us and happy we're here. It's a nice change to how the world has seemed lately most of the places I go. People have seemed to be angry and ready to snap at the littlest things. Here they are relaxed and happy. Lots of families on spring break. Kids riding bikes and playing basketball on the court. Two little boys stopped on their bikes and asked if they could pet our dog. Zoey loved it. Any attention is wonderful to her.

I hope you enjoyed our trip south with us. I don't expect much excitement happening around here. We plan to walk, read and sleep. I'll crochet or knit too and we'll probably meet some new people and maybe join in on some bingo or other activity. We'll see. We have no schedule to keep or place to be and it's a nice change.

Take care my friends. One thing we haven't forgotten is the war in Iran and the Ukraine. We're still praying for all of the military and innocent people in harms way. I keep telling myself that God is in control and will work it all out for the good of those who love Him. I'm so glad I have that promise and so can you. I can't imagine trying to go through life without Him in it.

I'll be back soon.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

Spring?

Hello and happy Friday to you all! We've had a busy few days just doing "stuff". Yesterday was warm in the low 60's, so we put the back seat down in the car and loaded the entire thing up with everything we had removed from the camper last fall, plus food and bathroom things. Zoey was so excited to be back in the camper. She ran right in and to the bedroom. She loves the bed in there. :-) So do we! Because...we're leaving on Monday for a month long camping trip. At least we plan to be gone a month. But with everything happening in the world you never know for sure and plans can change can't they?

Monday we'll drive as far as Joplin, MO where we have reservations and then Tuesday to Texarkana, TX. Our final destination will be Galveston Island, TX on Wednesday. We have reservations at a campground there for three weeks. It's supposed to be directly across the road from the gulf so we're looking forward to some beach walking and sitting. We have no plans yet for our trip home and will decide that when we're closer to leaving. I would really like to visit a friend in San Antonio, but it's a bit out of the way so we'll see. 

We're going to the tulip festival in Pella, IA at the beginning of May with our normal camping crew. The next week we'll be just outside of Salt Lake City at a resort for a camping meet up with a favorite YouTube channel. It sounds like a lot of fun and our first time participating in that kind of trip. 

This summer we hope to take Piper to Helena, MT to see her cousins that she hasn't seen for years. Then in September, another trip to Spokane is planned to visit our "family" there. In other words, if all goes well, there will be a LOT of miles put on our truck and 5th wheel this year. In addition there are several camping trips planned around here with our friends.

Of course, we're well aware that a lot of things can happen to change our plans but we're hopeful. This is what we wanted to do in the first part of retirement, but those plans changed quickly when we realized we needed to be here for Mom. Originally, we had planned to live full-time in our camper for at least 5 years and travel around the country. That has changed, but we can still go out and do trips like this.

The photo below is how I've decorated the mantel for Easter, although we will be gone for most, if not all, of the time leading up to it. The wooden tomb was made by Benton, my blog friend Pamela's son from "Closed Doors, Open Windows" on my sidebar. He does such beautiful work. I've showed it to you before right after I received it. The wooden "stone" can be moved from in front of the tomb. It is such a wonderful reminder of the sacrifice our Lord and Saviour made for us when He died on the cross. Pamela, please thank Benton for me again. I love the work he does.

Yesterday I made these easy overnight cinnamon rolls again. You can't get any easier than this.  

Put 15 frozen round dinner rolls in a bundt pan. In a bowl mix, 1/2 c. packed brown sugar, 1/2 c. chopped walnuts OR pecans, 1 small box COOK & SERVE, **** NOT INSTANT****, dry vanilla pudding, 2 TBSP cinnamon.  Sprinkle over the top of rolls. Melt 1/2 cup butter and pour all over the top. 

Place in unheated oven overnight or around 8-10 hours.  Then bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Make a glaze of 2 cups powdered sugar, splash of vanilla and a little milk OR water. Pour just a little over the top of rolls. Turn onto a plate. Pour remainder of glaze onto the rolls.

These are SO good. And super easy. You'll thank me. Ha!

I finished the shawl for the hospital and began another one. I haven't washed or blocked this yet but I really like the way the colors work on the shawl. The next one will have similar colors but in a rectangular pattern instead.

I saw these baby blankets today online. This is NOT my photo or my blankets but aren't they so pretty and delicate? I need to find this pattern and make some. It looks like the Virus pattern to me so I need to do some research. My hands are itching to get started but I have to find the pattern first. Do any of you have it? Is it an easy pattern? 

***Edited to add: Cindy from "Delighted Hands" on my sidebar sent me the exact link to the blankets in the photo. Plus she rewrote and arranged the pattern to take out the ads and make it easier to read and emailed it to me. My blog friends are the greatest! Thank you Cindy!

This definitely fits this week. Or even today. It was sunny and 66F when we went to lunch. An hour later it was in the 40's and raining. Now it's 32F feels like 22F. Crazy. Possible tornadoes are predicted. A wintery mix could fall overnight. Just another day in Nebraska! :-)

 Our son is flying home tonight and since he usually goes through Quatar, he's been rerouted through Shanghai, China. Prayers there too please?

In great news, our friend Donna that I told you about last post will be able to go home tomorrow. Of course her four ribs are still broken, but therapy has taught her how to move around without damaging them further. Thank you for praying for her. She, and us, appreciate it very much.

Blessings and love.

Betsy

THERE IS A REDEEMER

Text & Music: Melody Green

Jesus, God's own son

Precious lamb of God, Messiah
Holy one

Jesus my redeemer
Name above all names
Precious lamb of God, Messiah
Oh, for sinners slain.

Thank you oh my father
For giving us your son
And leaving your spirit
'Til the work on earth is done.

When I stand in glory
I will see his face
And there I'll serve my king forever
In that holy place.

Thank you oh my father
For giving us your son
And leaving your spirit
'Til the work on earth is done.

There is a redeemer
Jesus, God's own son
Precious lamb of God, Messiah
Holy one

Thank you oh my father
For giving us your son
And leaving your spirit
'Til the work on earth is done.
And leaving your spirit
'Till the work on earth is done.

Plans? What Plans?

Hello and happy Friday morning. We do still have plans, just not sure the details or when. We're planning to go camping soon, but will most likely be heading south somewhere. The weather is so up and down here. It's in the 70's F here for the next few days and then back down into the 30's. Do those of you in Texas, Louisiana or the vicinity know of any RV parks that don't cost an arm or a leg and are still safe? Ha! The plans now are to head south next week sometime. Maybe. Who knows until that day comes?!

Meanwhile, Miss Piper spent the day with us last Saturday. Brad & Mandy had a memorial service for their neighbor, so Papa took Piper to her Taekwondo competition. She won a 2nd and 3rd place medals which was very good since they were skills that she had just learned recently. Afterwards she came home to us and had lunch and some very rousing games of UNO before Mandy picked her up. We sure love this not so little girl. She's growing into quite a young lady. She's on the honor roll with straight A's. She also loves us and isn't ashamed to show it. 

Lizzie came over and stayed with us too. These two dogs love each other and are so excited to spend time together. Piper was working with them on their obedience training in this photo. I love Lizzie's ear flop! :-)

Mandy sent me the photo below yesterday with the caption. “She has such a rough life!” Ha! She's snuggled up in Piper's bed while Piper is at school and Mandy and Brad are working. They both work from home and Lizzie loves that. She's much like Zoey and doesn't like being left alone. We call them both our Velcro dogs. They are VERY attached to us and each other.

I put up my St. Patricks decorations yesterday. I don't know we'll be around much to enjoy them. I don't have very many, but I have a crocheted garland on the island and door decorations too. 

I started another prayer shawl for the hospital. I like the colors together. I don't normally put light brown with pinks, but I do like it.

I had my very own inspector while taking the photo. She's very particular about my work and has to make sure it's up to her standards. I cross my fingers until she gives it a passing opinion.

This happed earlier this week here in Omaha. Thankfully both of these vehicles were sitting still at a red light or it could have been tragic. Can you imagine driving into a hole like this? No one was hurt and the two gentlemen in the truck helped the lady in the car out.  Apparently the pavement just collapsed. 

The dinner at church, Florentino's, was a great success. The kids spent Friday at the Open Door Mission borrowing their commercial kitchen so they could make thousands of meatballs. They were about 3 inches in diameter! Dennis said they were delicious. I opted for chicken fettuccine and had so much that I took over half of it home for dinner the next day. The kids did such a great job with serving and clean up. They wore white shirts and black pants with aprons, just like a fancy restaurant. I can't believe that I didn't take any photos. The fellowship hall was decorated like an Italian restaurant. There were even three fountains complete with goldfish that Dennis's cousin Curt built. He used the wood from the camp bunkbeds that were demolished for the new beds. :-)

So, it was all wonderful until we got to the parking lot. We had driven another couple to the dinner. Ted is 92 and his wife Donna is 89. They have been at the church since before Dennis and I met in Sunday school class there in 1975. Ted was one of Dennis's dad's best friend while growing up. In other words, we go back a long, long way. They are a lovely couple. 

Usually they drive themselves everywhere, but not after dark. Neither of them like to drive when it's dark out. Dennis had just helped Ted into the car and I was holding the door for Donna. The car next to us had parked very close so I suggested we close the door and Dennis back out before she got in. She took a step backwards and we still don't know what happened, but she fell straight backwards, hitting her head on the asphalt. We ended up taking her to the Emergency Room. I was worried about a head injury. Her head ended up being fine, but she broke 4 ribs! I couldn't believe it. Not cracked, broken. She was moved yesterday to a facility to help her rehabilitate, learning how to get up and down. She has had both knees replaced, so she's in a state. 

We visited her again yesterday and apologized yet again. We feel responsible, and she keeps saying we didn't do anything wrong. I just feel like we should have prevented it somehow. Ted says she has fallen a few times recently, but they won't consider moving to an assisted living. They have stairs at their house and it's such a worry to a lot of us at church. If you're a praying person, would you pray that she'll heal quickly? She wants to be at home and we also found out yesterday that there is covid in the wing that she's staying in. Yikes.

Well, the state of the world isn't improving is it? I pray that if you don't know the Lord, you would consider reaching out to Him. This could all end very badly with all of the weapons held by different countries. I would love to know that you would be in Heaven with me some day. 

Blessings and love to you all,

Betsy

What If It Were Today?

Text and Music: Lelia N. Morris

1. Jesus is coming to earth again,
What if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign,
What if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride,
All the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide,
What if it were today?

Glory, glory!
Joy to my heart 'twill bring,
Glory, glory!
When we shall crown Him King;
Glory, glory!
Haste to prepare the way;
Glory. glory!
Jesus will come some day.

2. Satan's dominions will then be o'er,
O that it were today!
Sorrow and sighing shall be no more,
O that it were today!
Then shall the dead in Christ arise,
Caught up to meet Him in the skies;
When shall these glories meet our eyes?
What if it were today?

Glory, glory!
Joy to my heart 'twill bring,
Glory, glory!
When we shall crown Him King;
Glory, glory!
Haste to prepare the way;
Glory. glory!
Jesus will come some day.

3. Faithful and true would He find us here
If He should come today?
Watching in gladness and not in fear,
If He should come today?
Signs of His coming multiply,
Morning light breaks in eastern sky,
Watch, for the time is drawing nigh,
What if it were today?

Glory, glory!
Joy to my heart 'twill bring,
Glory, glory!
When we shall crown Him King;
Glory, glory!
Haste to prepare the way;
Glory. glory!
Jesus will come some day.

Snow?

 Hi Everyone! Is it warming up where you are? Not here. We've been SO WARM around here. Yesterday was 66F. Today it feels like 12F. We're supposed to get anywhere from 3 to 12 inches of snow. School was cancelled for today because of the forecast and it is now 12:30 pm and we have yet to have a flake fall. Who knows if we'll actually get anything or not. Personally I hope not, because we want to go camping next week. :-) We were thinking of heading south for a few weeks but that's a lot of diesel fuel and we've had such nice weather around here that we had changed our mind and decided just to go to the state park here. We'll see what happens in the next few days with the weather. We have a funeral to attend on Monday so we'll be home at least until then anyway.

I know Valentine's Day is long gone, but I thought I would share the photos of our 2nd Annual cupcake decorating party with you. Nothing spectacular, just lots and lots of laughter and fun. We first had pizza and then we decorated and then we sat and talked about nothing and everything. A very happy and fun evening and a great way to brighten up the mid-winter blahs.

A plateful of yummy. I baked 72 cupcakes on Saturday morning.

Amanda had 24 of her very own since she has Celiac disease and can't have gluten. She had so many to decorate that she went fairly plain with her cupcakes.

Yum!

Left to right, Dennis's cousin Curt. Our pastor Jeff, his wife Angie. Dennis and Barb, Curt's wife on the left.

Right to left. Amanda, Barb, Curt, Jeff and Angie.

We sure do have a great time together. This is the same group that rides bikes with Dennis in the summer and all of us except Amanda camp together quite a bit too.

***Edited to add that most of the cupcakes were taken to Sunday school the next morning and shared there.

I had my CAT scan yesterday. The "thing" on my adrenal gland must not have changed since last years scan, because after the radiologist looked at the first few scans he determined that I didn't need to have the contrast added. It was nice not to have to be poked for yet another IV. I'm still waiting to hear back from the endriconolgist, (I didn't spell that right), to let me know all of the results of the scan and the bloodwork from last week. I'm feeling pretty optimistic though. No news is good news.

We're planning to go to the first fish fry of Lent at the Catholic Church down the street tomorrow night. We'll go with Curt & Barb and another couple that we've known about 45 years, Tom & Sheryl. We've done this together every year since we moved back to Omaha. This particular church feeds about 1500 every Friday night of lent. It's quite a production and helps pay for the extra's for their school.

We're also hoping to go to the big RV show here tomorrow during the day. We really like looking at RV's although we have absolutely no plans to get a different one. We are very happy with our new camper even though it was technically 2 years old when we bought it. It was brand new, but still on the lot. Sales had slowed down a lot in the past few years. We got an amazing deal on it because they just wanted it gone to make room for the new models. Anyway, back to the RV show. It's always fun to see the new things they come up with.

I hope you're all well and staying warm and dry and we'll all keep dreaming of summer. :-) I'm praying in particular for the people of Iran, Israel and the entire Middle East right now. It seems that things are reaching a boiling point and hopefully the Iranian people can cast out the regime that has been imprisoning them all since 1979. 

Blessings and hugs,

Betsy

When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

Text and Music by: James M. Black

1 When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, 
and time shall be no more,
and the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather 
over on the other shore,
and the roll is called up yonder, 
I’ll be there.

Refrain:
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

2 On that bright and cloudless morning 
when the dead in Christ shall rise, 
and the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather 
to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, 
I’ll be there. [Refrain]

3 Let us labor for the Master 
from the dawn till setting sun;
let us talk of all His wondrous love and care.
Then when all of life is over, 
and our work on earth is done,
and the roll is called up yonder, 
I’ll be there. [Refrain]

Warmth!

 Hello and happy Wednesday to you all. I've been hit and miss around here recently and I'm sorry. Monday we had 73F and we decided to play outside most of the day. We went to the cemetery and put flowers on my parents and Dennis's parents graves and then took a long walk around the grounds. It really is a beautiful place. We're planning to order a headstone for Dennis's sister and have it put on the last family plot, next to his Mom's. Karen was cremated, but we would like to have a place to put flowers for her and I know she would like to have it close to Mom's. 

Then we came home and just spent time outside with Zoey since it was so nice. I wasn't allowed to eat at all Monday because of the surgery yesterday so we were also trying to distract me from food. Ha! Look who was in the field behind our condo building. Rusty, our resident fox that the neighbors have named.

In these two photos we watched him catch a mouse and...

...carry it off towards his home. We all like that he's taking care of the mice. Apparently they have been much less of a nuisance this year. We've never had an issue with them but I'm glad he's finding something to eat. Where you see those trees on the far left is the beginning of a big ravine that goes for blocks with trees and a small stream. Lots of wildlife live in in. We've seen the fox, coyotes, hawks, bunnies, etc.

I'm making a little progress on the cross stitch for the new baby. I've had too many distractions this week to get much crafting done.

I did finish another pair of socks. These were made with the Opal yarn I bought from Denmark while we were in London. The pattern is Petty Harbour and was a free pattern on Ravelry.

I've put up the Valentine's decorations for our 2nd annual cupcake decorating party on Saturday. Our normal group of friends that we camp with and did gingerbread houses together, will be here. I'll bake about 60 cupcakes and I bought lots of decorations, frostings and glitter to put on them. We'll provide pizza for dinner and have a grand ole time! :-)

Just a few fun things around the condo.

Some little hearts I embroidered a long time ago.

Outside the front door.

I made this Scandinavian Heart banner many years ago with the pattern from my dear friend Teresa Kasner.  She was a blog friend who lived near Portland, OR that I visited very often. I had four blog friends that lived in the area and we always got together for lunch when I visited Mandy, who lived in Portland for over 10 years. Teresa passed unexpectedly a few years ago and it was devastating to many people. She was very multi-talented and was also very active in the community. She freely shared all of her knowledge and skills with everyone. She designed these little Scandinavian hearts and provided the pattern from on her blog home page to whoever wanted it. I think her blog is still up if you're interested in reading about her. It's named "Teresa Kasner". I would love you to get to know her.

I had the surgery to remove the mass from my colon yesterday. It was 33 cm long! That's 12 inches! I can't believe it. The labs came back about an hour ago and it was NON-CANCEROUS! Praise the Lord! It says they took it out in 76 pieces! The surgeon look young enough to be my granddaughter. My nurse told me that he chose her to take care of both of his parents when they needed a similar surgery. That's a pretty high recommendation. That made me feel better going in. It took a little over 1 1/2 hours and they sent me home right away. That's just crazy to me. I'm a bit wobbly and very tired today but I guess that's to be expected. The GREAT news is that I get to have another colonoscopy in 6 months to make sure it hasn't grown back or turned cancerous. Oh goody!

Next Wednesday I have a CAT scan with contrast to check out a nodule on my adrenal gland that they're keeping an eye on. Labs for that are tomorrow. Who said getting old is relaxing? Ha! I've been blessed though with nothing serious coming of any of it. The Lord is watching over me and I feel it. As Christians, we're not promised that we would have no problems in this life, but a wonderful promise that He would walk through it with us and the promise of life everlasting with Him. That's what I'm looking forward to.

If all goes well with the next tests, we're still hoping to head south with the camper by the end of the month for at least a few weeks. We have to be back by the end of March for Dennis's doctor appointment. Although, it's so warm here, it may be better to just hang out here. It's 57F here right now with more 60's and 70's in the forecast for next week. It's really unusual. We've broken several records for warm weather while so many of you are freezing. March will probably be a humdinger!

Take care my friends. I'm praying for all of you and this crazy world we're living in. I sure appreciate my friends in blogland who bring sanity and love into my life.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?

Text: Francis Ridley Havergal

Music: C. Luise Reichardt

1 Who is on the Lord’s side? 
Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, 
other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? 
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side? 
Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, 
by Thy grace divine,
we are on the Lord’s side. 
Savior, we are Thine.

2 Not for weight of glory, 
not for crow and palm, 
enter we the army, 
raise the warrior psalm; 
but for love that claimeth 
lives for whom He died. 
He whom Jesus nameth 
must be on His side. 
By Thy love constraining, 
by Thy grace divine, 
we are on the Lord's side. 
Savior, we are Thine.

3 Jesus, Thou hast bought us, 
not with gold or gem,
but with Thine own life-blood, 
for Thy diadem.
With Thy blessing filling 
each who comes to Thee,
Thou hast made us willing, 
Thou hast made us free. 
By Thy grand redemption, 
by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side. 
Savior, we are Thine!

4 Fierce may be the conflict, 
strong may be the foe,
but the King’s own army, 
none can overthrow;
Round His standard ranging, 
Vict'ry is secure,
for His truth unchanging 
makes the triumph sure.
Joyfully enlisting, 
by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side. 
Savior, we are Thine

February!

Hello, good morning and welcome to February. I haven't heard if Mr. Groundhog saw his shadow or not, but I know lots of people are ready for winter be over and done with. We've warmed up around here. It was 43F yesterday. It was also my 66th birthday yesterday. I missed my third Sunday in a row at church yesterday. I don't know that I've ever done that in my entire life. I still have a ridiculous cough and I'm so over it. Even though the doctor told me that I'm no longer contagious, people really panic when they hear coughing in public so I've stayed away from everyone. The antibiotics for bronchitis finished yesterday so I hope I'm almost done with this stuff. I hope you're all doing well and ready for the month of hearts, flowers, pink, white and red and the hope of spring in the air.

Meanwhile, I'm still showing Christmas things! Ha! I didn't want to show the cross-stitch ornaments I made the family for this year until I knew that everyone had opened theirs. They've been finished since October and here is the revealing photo. 

Tada!!!!

I used to make each person a different one every year, but then I would forget who I gave which design to. Several years ago I decided to make them all the same and just write the year next to the pattern so I wouldn't repeat. It's worked out fine so far. They all seem to love to get them and I love to make them. The backing fabric is different every year. I just buy a package of fat quarters every couple of years and it gives me a choice of what to use.

The finished photo of the "Grace" baby blanket. I do love to crochet this pattern and you see it repeated a lot on my blog. Again, this is Lion Brand Mandala Bebe yarn in the "Diagon Alley" color way. I think my last post changed Diagon Alley to Dragon Alley and I didn't catch it. Ha!

This is the "Christmas Blanket" that I was working on in my last post. I was asked to share the pattern source. I do know that it's a free pattern on the designers blog but I can't find it now. I know I originally saw it on a YouTube video by Elise Rose Crochet. I copied and pasted the pattern into the notes app on my iPad but didn't copy the designers name. I'm sorry I can't find it, but I will keep looking for the website. I apologize. I'm usually better about writing the designers name down.

This was so much fun to crochet. I made it in three days last week and I did make it two rows wider and two rows longer than the pattern called for. It ended up being the perfect size for the back of the sofa to just throw over your legs on a chilly night.

I like how it fits perfectly on the back of the sofa. (Please don't look at the Zoey hairs on the grey sofa. They are impossible to keep off, no matter how much I vacuum.) 

First I made all of the centers and then crocheted the rest of the squares. Then I laid them all out in order and whip-stitched them together. Finally I just did a simple shell border as the pattern called for.

My current project is a cross-stitch birth record wall hanging for our granddaughter that is due in April in London. I think it's really sweet. This was several days worth of stitching. As you can tell, it's a fairytale theme. Perfect for a little girl with the last name of Queen!

We FaceTimed with the kids there for quite a long time yesterday and the Grandpa projects are already being listed out since we left in December! There are shelves to be put up in the playroom and a few other small items. We don't have firm plans yet to return to London, but possibly late spring, early summer. We'll have to see. Grandma will need baby cuddles and "J" is wanting to see us too. It's just that long flight...... Why can't we just twitch our noses like on "Bewitched" or nod like the old "Dream of Jeannie" show and be somewhere else? 

Here is the Mr. Snowman diamond painting that usually visits in January and February. This is my rotating frame that I switch out seasonal diamond painting pictures. Mr. Snowman has been too generous with his snow around the country this winter and I'm tempted to switch him to the spring picture so maybe the cold and snow will let up. Ha! I do wish you could see how he sparkles in the sunlight but I can't get it to show up properly.

The surgery to remove the mass in my colon is scheduled for February 10. I don't know if they'll do it if I'm still coughing, so I would definitely appreciate prayers that I would get over this plague quickly. I really don't want to have to wait another month or more to get scheduled in. I'm not worried about the procedure itself, just that nasty prep that will have to be done again. They said a colonoscopy usually takes about 5-10 minutes of actual surgery time and that we should plan 1 1/2 to 2 hours for this surgery. Not fun although I guess I'll be sleeping through the entire thing. :-)

I hope you are all doing well and digging yourself out if you're in the areas that received so much snow and cold. Dennis's brother just called a few minutes ago and said it was 43F at the time at their house near Miami, FL. It's 10:30 in the morning, well, I guess 11:30 there! That's almost unheard of. And the snow in Pensacola, FL last week! It's really a crazy winter this year. I sure hope you're staying warm, or cool depending on where you are in the world.

Also, keep praying for the craziness that seems to keep creeping into every part of the world like an invasive species. I pray for peace and comfort from the Lord to His children everywhere. Every day I pray that I can be more like Him and share His love with everyone I can. I hope you can feel that love.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

MAKE ME A BLESSING

Music by: George S. Schuler

Text: Ira B. Wilson

1        Out in the highways and byways of life,
          Many are weary and sad;
          Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
          Making the sorrowing glad.

 

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
  Make me a blessing to someone today.

2

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
  Tell of His pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
  True, every moment you live.

3

Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
  Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
  Unto your mission be true.

Brrrrrr.

We're heading into the deep freeze this week. I'm told on Friday it will really hit and we'll stay there awhile. Doesn't matter much too me. I've been inside with a head cold since last Friday. I've spent a ridiculous amount of time on my iPad on a coloring app. It's mindless and relaxing and sometimes that's all that my stuffed up head can deal with. :-) I should be cleaning. Or crocheting. Or knitting. But I'm not.

I did finish the Christmas stocking for the new baby. It does still need to be blocked. Once she's born, I'll put her name in the red space on top like I did for Alex, "T" and "J". I enjoy the color work but it's not super relaxing for me. I admire those of you whose blogs I read that do a lot of it. I have definitely come to realize that I'm a production knitter/crocheter, not a process one. I like to get a lot done so I can donate it to those in need. It takes me a lot longer to do color work. I'm trying to force myself to slow down and enjoy the making of things though and not just rush through them.

I'm working on a "Grace" baby blanket right now. I really like this pattern. Each row changes and keeps interest going. I'm using Lion Brand Mandala Baby in the "Dragon Alley" color way and an "H" crochet hook. 

I'm planning to make an afghan for the back of the sofa that I saw on a you tube video last week. It's called the "Christmas Blanket" but I'm not really sure why. It's done in an off white/cream for the main color and small bursts of brown, dark green, and burgundy. Although it could be for Christmas, it looks more like cottage colors to me and would be appropriate year round. I hope to start working on it soon.

Good golly the world has gone completely crazy lately hasn't it? I'm appalled by so much that I'm seeing on the news and reading and seeing in other places. I'm SO glad that I have the Lord of all creation watching over me. No matter how dark it gets, He will be standing right beside me. You can also have that certainly if you don't already know Him. He's just waiting for you to turn to Him in faith. 

I'm praying in particular for the Christians in Nigeria who are being killed by the hundreds, but yet it doesn't seem to be important enough to make the news. I'm also praying for the Iranian people who are closer to ridding themselves of the evil regime that his been dictating their lives since 1979. I can't imagine how brave they are being right now. So many people needing our love and support. I can't help but think the return of our Saviour is closer than we could have ever thought. 

I'll be back soon my friends. Stay warm and toasty unless you're down under, in that case, enjoy your summertime!

Blessings and love,

Betsy

Are You Washed in the Blood?

by: Elisha A. Hoffman

Verse 1

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow'r? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Chorus

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Verse 2

Are you walking daily by the Savior's side? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Do you rest each moment in the Crucified? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Chorus

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Verse 3

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Chorus

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Verse 4

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb; There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean, O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

Chorus

Are you washed in the blood, In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?