Worthy Hooker

Finished a project

2012-01-25T08:03:00.003-06:00

I wanted to be a good blogger. I wanted to have something to say and say it well. I now know I don't take the time to do this. Yesterday was particularly hard on me. I don't know why but I could not stop crying and bring my self out of a grand funk. I was missing my Deddy so bad and felt like it would be better to just join him so I could be held like he held me as a little girl. I finished a cute knitted set for my great nephew Jericho yesterday (mittens, hat & scarf) but even that didn't make me happy. My kitties gathered about me and loved on me and that didn't help. I am not sure but I think it is the drugs I am on for pain. I had hip replacement surgery in Dec and even though the pain is gone from the bone issues, living with the recovery is driving me insane. I am not good at being dependent. I want to walk through my little house and do what I want not what I am limited to doing. I have never suffered depression until I lost my Deddy last year. I could not understand it or empathize with those suffering from it. He was my best friend, my confidant, my everything and now that is gone. I have my bf Ed, my daughters Brandy & Melissa, but it just isn't the same. I knew I could call him and he he could cheer me up. I could sit in the room with him while he slept and I just felt better. I wear some of his ashes around my neck and that comforts me but some days just not enough. Being Christians, I know I will join him someday but it feels like that will be forever. I talk to him, I listen for his voice and sometimes I think I hear him. Lately, he has been telling me he has ham in heaven waiting on Lexy. She is my 15 yr old dog whose health is not good. He use to sneak her ham from the table and I think he is telling me to send her home but that is just killing my heart, and not what I want to hear. I want him to tell me one more time that he loves me all there is. Even though I know he still does. Maybe when I can get around again without a walker, I will feel better, but right now it is just too much for me to process. I am blessed & I know it. Today I think I will focus on that and not sad things. Good news is my hip doesn't hurt. They found a lot of broken bone in there and spurs that had to be the root of my evil pain. The left hip is worse but I cannot feel it so I may wait a while to get it fixed. Cross that bridge when I get there kinda thing. The pictures are not as good as the real thing but they are really more red than they show up to be. I hope he enjoys them as they were made with pure unconditional love. Today will be a better day right? Right! Hanging in here til I can function on my own again. I will also try to be a better blogger. Peace love and happiness to all of you and your blessings.

Birthday Quilt

2011-11-22T19:07:00.002-06:00

My Birthday was on Nov 17th. This is a quilt top I made on that day in 2 hours. Today I purchased the batting for it. Fusible batting for a Queen size quilt and at only $7.99. Now I need to purchase the backing. I cannot wait to quilt it!!! I have been crocheting too but lately all I want to do is sew/quilt.

Romantical Weekend

2011-09-06T17:26:00.003-05:00

Just got home from a very romantical weekend with my hunnie Ed. It was the most beautiful place ever. A great cabin at Elliott Lake. I am tired from all of the relaxation...LOL This picture is the view from our porch. The lake was extremely low but we didn't go to swim or fish or boating. This was a just a couple of days of rest, relaxation and romance. I am happy to be home but miss the peace and quiet of east Texas.

Sugar free Margarita Cake

2011-07-30T13:23:00.003-05:00

Ok I was asked to try to make this as sugar free as possible. I think I am an over-achiever but I did it!!!! First let me say Thank You to "Just a Pinch Recipe Club" and Nancy Thomas for sharing the original recipe. It sounds awesome, but I needed an alternative!!!

Here goes:

For Cake:

1 stk "best life" buttery baking sticks" softened

4 eggs (I used an Omega 3 rich egg) you could use a substitute here I suppose

1 box Pillsbury Sugar Free Yellow cake mix

1 box sugar free instant pudding (I used a large box)

10 oz or 1 1/4 cup No sugar added margarita mix (Master of Mixes) found at Wal Mart for me.

2 tsp lime juice

1 Tbsp lime zest

For Glaze:

1 container of Pillsbury Sugar free white icing/frosting Softened in the microwave

1 Tbsp of Margarita mix

1 Tbsp lime zest

(This made WAY more than I needed so I put the rest back in the container for a later use.

Preheat oven to 350ᵒ and prepare a Bundt style pan with a non-stick spray.

Mix butter, eggs, margarita mix, lime juice and zest together.

Add cake mix and pudding then mix til well blended.

Pour batter in pan and bake for 45-55 mins Let cool 10- 15 minutes & remove from pan. ( I just turned mine over and it popped out and was fine.)

Combine the remaining ingredients for glaze until it is smooth. Pour/drizzle over slightly cooled but still warm cake. I used about 1/3 of the glaze on my cake. I squeezed some fresh lime juice over the cake and added a few pieces of lime to decorate.

Enjoy!!!!! Hope you like it!!!

One year of love and joy (chaos and mayhem too)

2010-10-15T16:00:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe we have had our kitty boys for one year. I am a bit shocked that time has flown by so fast. Today's picture is Twoey and he has tripled in size from a year ago!Knitting: I am working on a scarf my sister started. A simple k3p3 pattern in alpaca. I also have a mitten on dp needles to practice for a charity.
Crochet: I am hoping to start a yellow yarn and ribbon purse very soon. Keeping my toes crossed.
What else??? Not much. I have a colonoscopy on Tuesday. FUN...NOT!! But hey I am 50 and need to get ur dun. Now off to exercise......O:)
139 lbs lost and keeping on keeping on!

Walk for Cancer research

2010-10-09T15:44:00.003-05:00

Lexy and I went out today for Bark For Life (American Cancer Society). This picture of her shows she won the smallest dog in the walk contest. The Frisbee is almost as big as she is. The weenie dog was bigger because he was longer and they were the same height. She did not enjoy the walk and was sick for most of it. We only walked 3/4 of a mile but that was awesome since we never walked that far before. My neuropathy makes me slow but the old lady was just not happy to be amongst other dogs or to be walking. I dragged her most of the way. I was proud for our first time out. We were tired when we got home and I took a small nap but I think we deserved it. Lexy also won 1st runner up for "Name" they thought her name was Carkie (her breed) and I just didn't go through the explanation. lol
Survived to walk another day!!!!
Many Blessings!

130 down more to go

2010-09-09T22:36:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is my first time ever (I know I cannot believe it either) to have allergy testing. I have been miserable for 34 years and just now getting help for this horrible affliction. I hope they find out what is making me so miserable.
I have lost 130 lbs since Dec 23rd, 2009. 229 days. It has been a long battle but so worth it. I have not felt better in ages. That is a little over .5 lbs a day. Almost .6. I have been doing a lot of exercise in the water and actually swimming!!! For a spinal cord patient, that is a huge feat!
I am working on so many yarn projects. I started some animal cozies today and still working on a baby kimono. I finished a hat but it looked too big so I added elastic in the ribbing and now I think (after measuring and finding the avg size of a baby's head{14 inches})it may be too small. *sigh*
I found a pattern today for felted house shoes and plan to try those out very soon. That is a lot on my plate for now. I have been sorting through some old boxes and found a lot of sewing projects and cross-stitch projects. I cannot die for 40 more years. I have too much to do. I will post some pictures soon. My camera is in need of a chargie poo from vacation. That is why I posted the picture of me from vacation. That is Aug 2010 and 128 lbs down. close to now.
Many Blessings

Rocky Mountain High and Cooler Weather

2010-09-04T11:19:00.002-05:00

We enjoyed our trip to CO. A visit to the John Denver Sanctuary and then the Denver area was more than I could expect. Visiting family is always nice. I had a chance to go into the mountains (RMNP) several times and the cool weather was great!!! It is now nice and cool here in North Texas too.
I have used my purse for a few weeks now and I am loving it. I need to charge up the camera and then I will get those pictures. Anyone out there working on a knit or crochet project??? What are you making? I am making baby things for my niece in SA, TX. I hope I get them finished. I have good intentions O;)
Off to knit. Many Blessings.

Body Lifts and new bags (related items??)

2010-08-06T11:12:00.003-05:00

The past few days I have been obsessed with hanging skin. After 122 lbs lost, you find you have that excess skin that annoys everyone. My issue is arms. I work my arms while in the pool and think my biceps look great. However, the bat wings make it look as if I am not working my arms or that I draped a curtain over them to hide them. It is weird to have defined biceps and then the bat wings. I know my thighs are saggy but that doesn't seem to bother me so much. I think because I like sleeveless clothing, my arms bother me most. My crafting keeps my hands from freezing up and I even exercise my hands in the pool. I believe exercise increases your lifespan and adds to your quality of life. I often wonder if my new journey is more challenging than first expected.

Ok new bags...I have finished a bag that is my own design inspired by another pattern I saw somewhere a while back. I will have a picture soon, but I am shopping today for a lining. I think the lining will be the best part of this bag. Why? I hear you asking. I am going to concentrate on the things I want the lining to do for me. I want pockets for organizing. I usually just toss together a lining and forget I need zippers and pockets to hold things together. The pictures of the lining will come soon. I am going to really make this a super project! OK back to life, getting dressed and shopping for the fabric and notions.

Enjoy today. No matter how hot it is, you can make it a great day. Effort to happy results in a worthwhile job/journey. You can do it if you want to. Give it a try!

Big Update!!!

2010-07-31T20:16:00.002-05:00

As of today, My update is 122 lbs down from Dec 23rd surgery. I am doing great. I am happier than I have ever been. I have a fabulous man in my life that encourages me to do my exercises and helps me eat right and takes good care of me. My kids are doing good in their lives and wow.....things are great for a change. It has been a long hard road for me but I am hoping I have turned a corner and now it is time to make things happen. It seems kinda silly at 50 to think the second half will be awesome, but I do, I really do!
I am excited about some WIPs I found today. I will have plenty of things to keep me busy for sure. I am working on a purse. I need to finish a baby blanket and I have spent a lot of time today looking for baby hat patterns. My niece Amanda is expecting and I want to make things for her.
We just finished watching a movie called "The Eye" with Jessica Alba. Man it was awesome!!!! If you like thrillers, you will love this one.
Not much else to say but will try to stop by here more often.
Be well & Be Blessed

Too Long

2010-03-20T12:32:00.003-05:00

I don't seem to be committed to this blogging thing. Not sure why. I enjoy sharing new things happening to me. Thing is I am doing so many things, that I forget to blog! I have lost 81 pounds since my surgery on Dec 23rd (81 days for those counting). I am feeling better than I have in many years and enjoy the exercise in the pool. Enjoying the exercise is huge for me. I have had several ah ha moments lately. One was walking around the dollar store with no pain or fatigue. Standing in line didn't even hurt. Last night at my friend Debora's house, I didn't need help getting out of her incredibly soft, low, cushy recliner. WOW!!! 2 huge things for me. I am running out of clothes that fit. I want to go & try on clothes but I think it is too soon. I know it is too soon. I am just so tempted.
One thing that bothers me is people who don't know me do not know my story, my journey, my struggles. They don't know how I have suffered and still I get up and move on. They still see a fat girl, moving slow and struggling. I feel like they are missing me by not knowing my 81 pound loss.
What crafts am I working on? I am working on a baby blanket. I am trying to finish a circular shrug, and so many other things. I am really trying to finish up projects. Now we are starting a group project of making potholders. I am choosing tawashi cloths as I think they will be unique.
The picture is at 77 lbs. I wish it was a better one, but next time I will smile!!! LOL
Be well & be blessed!

A good day!

2010-01-09T18:01:00.003-06:00

It has been a roller coaster week. From great health news, to the loss of our beloved Dan The Cat Man, to bitter cold here in Texas.

OK so I had my IVC filter out and I had my first meeting with my surgeon. The removal of the filter was harsh compared to inserting it, but since it had a clot in it, it was a great thing I went through all of that. Precautions are sometimes more scary than routine items in our lives, but necessary to protect us from ourselves. My meeting with my surgeon was great too. I lost 28 pounds before surgery and now 20 lbs since surgery and that was 2 weeks. It isnt easy to follow all of the rules, but I can tell you your tummy will rebel if you do not treat it right!!! I tried some scrambled eggs this morning and before I could get about 1/2 of it down I realized I ate too fast, and my pup Lexy got to finish it off. There is a wonderful system built in to stop you from being stupid...LOL!!!

Dan The Cat Man....what can I say? Our hearts are broken and we miss him so much every day. He was Ed's best buddy ever and it was tough for him to make a decision about the quality of his life. He had lost function of his potty needs and he was just miserable. His little eyes were always glazed over and his 3rd eyelid seemed to be rising and not receding as it should. He crossed over the rainbow bridge on Jan 6th, 2010 at the age of 22 or 23 (we were never sure exactly how old he was). Rest in Peace my beloved friend. Five short years were great to share with you. I want you to remember we DID NOT LEAVE YOU BEHIND when we moved. (Like Norma did!) I hope you found Charlie, as I know he was your best buddy before we met you. Now both of you can play in the sun pain free and cancer free. We love you Cat Man!!!

The same day we lost Dan, we found a feral cat in our back yard dead. We don't know what happened to him, but fear it may have been weather or illness. We guess he was the daddy to our two boys Gizmo & Two. Rest in Peace yard kitty we are sorry your time here is over.

Now to the cold. I know it is winter & I am not complaining, but this is coldddddddd! Since my hormones are changing and since my surgery, I cannot warm up!! I have on 3 prs of socks today and house shoes!!!
I hope all of you are warm and safe in the arms of our Lord and that serenity surrounds your heart.
Be Blessed & be well!!!

Life turns on a Dime

2009-12-31T11:23:00.002-06:00

My goodness how quickly things can change! I am feeling 100% better! I was able to see my nurse and get some help with my illness. I took Mucinex and cough syrup and I can say I feel like a new woman. Ed & I got out last night and took a small walk. That felt good. I didn't go far, but it was far enough. Today I am going to try & catch up on laundry. I hate doing it, but it is so far behind, I cannot think beyond that!
Happy Birthday to my friend Linda and to John Denver. I miss his music so very much. When I need a lift or when I need inspiration, he always touches me.
So another year comes to a close. I plan on making 2010 my year for greatness. I intend to work on my health issues, and organizing my life a bit. I have too much stuff and need to off load a lot of baggage. I want to serve others more in some way and help where I can.
This year it will not be about my weight. That is under control. Eat to live not live to eat. Time to stop using food as some sort of social mortar.
I hope everyone has a great year and achieves everything they desire.
Be well & Be Blessed!

Worst Day yet!

2009-12-29T19:13:00.003-06:00

On the brink of exhaustion, and no longer strong enough to be tired, I finally saw the nurse today who has started me back on the road to feeling fabulous. I have coughed so much I am weak. No sleep and this new low calorie intake altogether, have just left me weak. So weak is my word of the day. I drove myself to the doc's office and barely made it inside and back to my car. I stopped at the grocery store and picked up cough medicine and that was like hiking a mountain. Then the snow started before I got home. I came straight in and took meds and went to bed. I feel better now, but I did not think I would make this day sane.
The coughing has eased up and the nurse says my lungs are moving air really well with minimal wheeze. No fever, good BP and overall good vitals, so what the heck is the matter??? I bet sinus.
I upped my protein today and will try to let that give me more energy as I get through this stage. Now off to sit in the bed, knit & watch TV...I got in my exercise for the day!!!!!
Be blessed and be well!!!!

PS....it is snowing in Fort Worth AGAIN!!!!!

A New Year Starts for me!

2009-12-28T19:03:00.002-06:00

My New Year started on Dec 23, 2009. Forever a date of my rebirth and joy. I had Gastric Bypass Surgery and am doing FABULOUS!!!!!! I can barely get in 300 calories a day and feel no hunger, no pain and no deprivation. One thing that is making my life miserable is COUGHING! UGH UGH UGH!!!!! It hurts and I can get no relief. Cough syrups have alcohol in them and I can no longer have any alcohol of any kind. *sigh* I have some good medicinal stuff here too!!! I feel like I eat all day long. At times it is a chore to eat and I hate that, but the rewards will be great. I lost 28 pounds before surgery & my beginning weight will always in my mind include that 28 pounds. I have no intention of stating my beginning weight anywhere but I will try to post progress.
Now on to the photos here. I caught Gizmo in the dryer while I was doing laundry. What a character! Of course he made a quick exit. He is crazy but we love them somehow! Enjoy!
PS...I need to get back to crafting because my mind is bored. I have so many projects I don't know what to do O:P
Be Blessed & Be Well

I turned 50!!!

2009-12-03T15:45:00.003-06:00

OK our vacation was great!!! I was able to spend time with my parents and other wonderful family members and catch up with those I seldom see. The trip itself was a fabulous chance to catch up with my daughter and just chat, laugh and cry. Girl stuff. Great times! On the way home (and this can only happen to the Hite women) I was stopped for speeding. I was blessed that I only received a sealt belt citation and it wont hurt my record. Not but about 2 or 3 hours later, Brandy was stopped too....speeding. She got a warning. This is what living a good clean life does for you!!! I recommend it to everyone!
OK so I had my birthday on Nov 17th and I turned 50. I will be getting a tattoo very soon. that is my gift from Brandy. I hope I like it when done...lol Being 50 is no different than 49...good for me!!
Today's pictures are of my daughter at Pretty Place, SC. enjoy!!!

Home from my trip to SC

2009-11-14T12:23:00.001-06:00

We are home safe and sound. As soon as I can organize my thoughts and do some laundry, I will be back to tell all. Boy what an adventure!

This is why I cannot type.......

2009-11-04T16:25:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I just need my keyboard and these guys get testy!!! Who said this was the spot to nap anyway??? I think these guys are trying to tell me something...LOL!!! Gizmo is on the left and Thing Two is on the right. That is Two in the one kitty photo. Too cute for words!

Monster

2009-10-25T18:24:00.005-05:00

OK here is my famous monster. I hope everyone likes him as much as I do. Click on the pictures to see it bigger. Some of them are fuzzy but I had a lot of wind and and unsteady hand!!! I just had to make socks & a scarf since he will be going back to Spokane with my Grandson Alex very soon.

Enjoy and be blessed!!!!

Group project Scarf

2009-10-25T18:24:00.000-05:00

This was our 3rd group project with my knitter friends. It is a head scarf made from cotton. We had fun learning this stitch and I am sure it will come in handy again. I love the colors and how it feels after I washed it and ironed it flat. Enjoy!

Blogger slug

2009-10-23T19:53:00.006-05:00

o

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I am not a daily blogger. I am so involved in so many things, I cannot get to blogging daily as well. I mean to, but fail miserably. Frankly I'd rather be crocheting or knitting or painting or sculpting etc. At this rate I will need to live forever to get it all done. I finished my monster for Alex. I need to get pictures up and when I get my new card reader installed, I will do that. He is so stinking cute. I am working on 3 purses, fingerless gloves for my SIL and gawd knows what! Work work work. Projects are piling up everywhere!
My latest chaos involves 2 very handsome boys. They decided to make this their home and we are caring for them until hopefully my sister adopts them and moves them to San Antonio. They are 2 orange tabby kittens we call Gizmo & Thing Two. Two as I like to call him is gentle and sweet and Gizmo is wound up tighter than a drum! I have the scratch marks to prove it! In these pictures, Gizmo is the one with the flea collar and in the picture of the 2 of them Two is on the bottom of the picture. Two is darker orange than Gizmo but they both have a blonde cast more so than orange right now. They spend a lot of time on my desk asleep and so my keyboard gets pushed aside. I just added pictures so the ones on the top of this blog are newer and Two is in the back with Gizmo in the front. If you get confused just ask me.
Halloween is around the corner & we have purchased the candy and the yard decorations are going in....I hope before the neighborhood judging. The rain has stopped and things look like they are drying out. I am glad because I am tired of the mud!!! It is in my house everywhere and I cannot take another day!!! I need to clean my kitchen and get something made for supper maybe egg & cheese sandwiches. Sounds good to me.
Be well & be blessed!

Long Time No Blog

2009-09-28T19:17:00.004-05:00

Yes it has been a while since I last posted anything at all. I have been busy and nursing my bad knees. I have now received Orthovisc injections and am doing better but the PT is the best part. I am in a heated pool exercising and boy that feel great!!! The jury is still out on how well these injections are working. I seem to have had a better time with the Synvisc, but we shall see!
I am currently crocheting a purse and found a huge bag of pearls to sew on it...can't wait to show it off!!! I am knitting a monster and a pair of socks. Not all at once, but you know...when I can I do!!! LOL
The pictures I am trying to upload are of my spider lilies. They are finally established and blooming!!! Made me so happy!!! Please enjoy them as much as I do!!
Be well & be blessed!!

Soap Nation Photos

2009-08-24T02:16:00.002-05:00

These are the better photos from Soap Nation. I took the ones of the boys *wink*. Ed took several of the women and seemed to cut off their heads and get just their chests....now wonder how that happened???? LOL I may show those to you some day!
SOAP NATION

Be blessed & Be Well

SOAP NATION!!!!

2009-08-22T16:20:00.004-05:00

Just walked in from Soap Nation and had a blast!!! I met and got three soap star autographs from All My Children. I was able to see and spoke to Kassie Depaiva from One Life to Live but failed at getting her autograph because I could not hold out long enough to stand in that line again.
I will have some pictures when I finish editing them and cannot wait to show the hunkie men from General Hospital. Thank you ABC, Soap Net and soap stars for a delicious day for all DFW soap fans and for those who traveled from other states to see their favorite stars. A huge thank you to Billy Bob's Texas for hosting the greatest get together ever. My only suggestion is that it is not handicapped friendly and you guys need to work on that!!!!!! Otherwise, it was a blast!!!!!
Soap Nation opens for a concert of Sara Evans tonight at Billy Bob's and we are still trying to decide if we are going back tonight or not. I am whipped. They played almost every Sara song today and I felt like we were at her concert already.
Winding down is a lot of work too. I need my meds and a nap!!! Oh....and to get out of this bra!!! LOL

Be Blessed & Be Well.

Lunar Flowers

2009-08-11T12:13:00.004-05:00

My Lunar plant bloomed during the full and has continued to bloom as it wanes off. I wanted to share their beauty with you and maybe make you smile. Enjoy!

Carribean Blue Bag Finished & lined!

2009-08-06T11:16:00.001-05:00

This is finally completed and I have it lined, and in use!!!!

Jamaica Bag!

2009-08-04T09:10:00.002-05:00

Finished & Photographed!!!!!

Frogging

2009-07-18T12:00:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe I am once again frogging. I get a project to the point where I think I am doing good & find a mistake! UGH!!!!! The bag I am knitting looks like a Rasta hat so I nick named it "Rasta Bag" I had to frog 10 rows! I was devastated! It is over now and I am about to start pattern again.

Update on Dan The Cat Man. He is living outside. I suppose that is where he wanted to be since he wont come in. He is eating, stopped pulling his hair out and is very thin, but happy. For now we leave him out and he runs off the other strays. He has stopped that annoying screaming he does too....what a relief!

What can I say about Deddy? Seems he is stable and improving. He was moved to a regular room and is out of ICU. Mother says he has his moments (I am sure he does!). I spoke to him on the phone and he seems lucid and happy and was funny and his old self. I hear it does not last long. I hope they can get him healthy again. I hate feeling helpless and isolated from him when he is so sick. He is a rough old codger but he is fighting it out!!! Go Mista Jim!

I am pleased at the number of High School Classmates on Facebook. There are some I know and many I dont remember. Sad huh? Maybe we will have a 35th in 2013 & I will go catch up. I did not know many back at the 20th, but I still showed up. Who knows??? I have not found many NC Classmates....wish they would sign up to Facebook too.

OK I have been at the computer long enough it is time for some yarn time and some girlie movies. I will have new pictures to post soon. I promise! My work is never done.
Be Well & Be Blessed!!!

One glove down one to go!

2009-07-03T12:40:00.004-05:00

Ok so I was supposed to snap a picture of the finished glove and post it here 2 days ago. I took out my camera to take said picture and the battery was dead. I have yet to find the charger and so I snapped a picture with my phone. This is a gift so I wont spoil it for the recipient, but it is my first successful cable knit project! The pattern was shared by a friend so I cannot post it here, but will ask if I can link to it just in case someone wants to try it. I had this made to the thumb gussett once and had to frog it back to the cast on knot because I had it all wrong. Man that stinks!!!!
I hope you enjoy this one! Let me know!

My deepest sympathies go out to my friend Elanor at the loss of her dear husband on Friday. I know her heart ache and I know the journey ahead will be a tough one. I have been here & I know.

Be well & be blessed!!!!

Free Crochet Wishcloth

2009-06-23T15:51:00.005-05:00

Loves me Knot ©2009 Angelictoo
This wish cloth is designed to have raised “knots” for excellent exfoliation.
Click on pictures for larger view!
Hooks: one size J and one size K
Yarn: any 100% cotton will work great! If you want a “scrubbie” you can carry along strips of tulle with yarn. This makes an excellent “loofa” type scrubber.
Terms:
fl = front loop
st = stitch
yo = Yarn over
There is no set number of stitches so it can be made any size. (I will demo with 30) Sample is worked with less

With K Hook, chain 30.
Change to J hook from here on out

Special stitches:
begHLK: insert hook under both loops of first sc yo draw up loop. Insert hook into fl only of next st and draw up loop, yo draw yarn through all 3 loops on hook.
HLK (Hite Love Knot) in last stitched worked, insert hook under both loops. Yo draw yarn through st. Insert yarn into fl only of next stitch, yo draw up loop yo draw yarn through all 3 loops on hook. 1st stitch made. 2nd stitch, insert hook into last st worked (under both loops) yo draw up loop. In next st, insert hook into fl only yo & draw up loop now yo and draw yarn through all 3 loops on hook. Each stitch will be worked twice.

Row 1: only this row is worked off pattern. sc in second loop from hoop. Sc in each st across. (29 sc)

Row 2: begHLK in first sc of row. HLK to the last sc. Sc in last sc of row. Ch 1 and turn.

Continue Row 2 until cloth is as tall as you like. This can make a great back scrubber too if you make it long enough. Weave in all loose ends. Enjoy!
If anyone finds a mistake in the pattern, please let me know & I will fix it asap!
Be Well, & Be Blessed.

This is a close up of the "KNOTS"

Felted Bag --- First Group Project

2009-06-22T00:22:00.004-05:00

The first group project for Non-Bitchy Knitters did not go off as well as hoped. Only two friends were able to be there and only one person had their project finished besides me. the Felted Bag was a great test of new knitted stitches and felting processes. (Click on link for free pattern) I dressed min eup with glass beads, 2 silver buttons and Moonlight Mohair (that felted nicely). I also made it my own (part of the group project instructions) by crocheting a Romanian Cord handle. Remember you can click on the pictures for a larger view.
I have carried my wallet, cell phones, eyeglasses etc in my bag for a long time. I get a lot of compliments and people always comment on the colors and pattern the Lattice made. The colors were not highly contrasting, but I like the subtle hint of colors.
Enjoy! Be well & be blessed.

Living room Paint choice

2009-06-20T15:40:00.003-05:00

Ok so the living room has been painted and the colors look great to us. We feel cozy and happy in there. I have yet to hang artwork or pictures in there but that day is coming. Remember to click on the picture for a larger view. Of course, the computer will not give you the exact colors, but I hope you can figure it out. It is a warm gold with a spicey trim. Almost orange but deeper than that. Enjoy!!! We are!

The photo above was my inspiration piece and I have a pillow on the sofa that I used to get the colors as well. My tea pot is the spicey color & the artwork has both colors in it. I love that piece!

New flowers and a dog tale

2009-06-15T12:32:00.006-05:00

I first must tell of my horrible experience with a dog last night. Actually it was a puppy. He ran out in front of me and hit my car head on while not being supervised by his owners. When we left him, he seemed to be beaten up and scraped, but would be okay. My daughter told me he could have a concussion and internal injuries not visible to us at the time. I hope the little guy lived. I really do. The stupid owners need to either chain them up or put up a fence! My heart was broken and my nerves shot! I dreamed about hitting him over and over again. This made me wonder why things like this happen. Was I being slowed down to avoid a tragedy of my own? Or a wake up call to the owners? Who was supposed to receive this message? I have a dog of my own and I try very hard to protect her like a child. I hope their child did not die over night.
Now to happier things. My flowers. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoy them in my garden. They will always bloom in pictures and bring me great joy in my garden.Don't forget that you can click on the thumbnails and see the bigger picture!

I am finishing up a present for a dishcloth/towel exchange. I hope to have pictures soon. I have one knitted cloth, a knitted & crocheted towel and a crocheted cloth. I am so excited. I am on the last one and it goes fast so maybe the next day or so I can post them. I am finishing up a hat and several bags to photograph to share. I have so many places I share pictures, that I forget to leave them in some places. I will try harder.
Ed's brother is here visiting and we have had some laughs. I took his Mother to see the angels while she was here & last night we took him. That is a great sight for anyone visiting Fort Worth. Of course I have a picture to post & will maybe tomorrow!

All of this post was typed while the cat was on my desk annoying me because he can. I hope something makes sense as I had to erase all that he typed. LOL! Dan says hi to everyone even though he spelled it "8yrhen739502[x."

Be well & be blessed every day!

Another rose blooms

2009-06-06T23:04:00.002-05:00

This is the next rose to bloom in my series of rose pictures. This morning it was yellow & orange. I just love this rose bush. I cannot wait for it to mature and produce a lot of blooms at a time.
Update on my tree "Hope". It is as tall as me!!!! I need a new picture of it and that will be coming soon. For now enjoy the rose!
Be well & be Blessed!

My friendghan is finished!

2009-06-05T23:30:00.003-05:00

Okay so I did not cuy out my boyfriend's belly in the background but it makes me giggle so it is all good. I love this beautiful afghan. My friend Sheree & Elanor made these squares & sent them to me & I made mine & sent to them. Fun huh? Look at the beautiful colors. We all used one pattern and just randomly chose colors. I love this so much, I gave it a place of honor on my Grandmother's sewing maching (an old Singer treddle) in my living room. In the winter I may swap it out and use it over my lap while at the computer. Everytime I look at it, I think of the hard work those ladies put into every stitch. All I did was add a simple scallop border. Ladies...I love you all so much! Thank you!
Be Well & Be Blessed!

Croknie Thursday night

2009-06-05T01:42:00.004-05:00

Today was some better. My living room is almost finished with a mild amount of touch up work to be done. I am not sure the furniture placement is pleasing to me, but I will work on that tomorrow. It will be a busy day tomorrow as I have a lot of prep work cleaning & organizing for upcoming visits from family. I still need to do a lot of laundry because I am way behind and then the basics. I dont know where I will find time to craft! Shame on me!!! It was a great night around Jenn's table sharing gossip and laughs. God knows I needed to laugh. laughter really is good medicine. I am still working on 2 baby blankets and they are going slow. One of them will be featured here with a pattern for free. Now to just get the pattern written. The free pattern for the scrubbie is on it's way as well. Writing patterns takes a lot of patience that I do not seem to have.
Today's picture is my hunnie bear & me taken a few weekends ago. I don't take a good picture, but isn't he cute? *wink* Love you Ed!
Everyone be blessed & be well!

Heidi's gifts

2009-06-03T16:40:00.002-05:00

Pattern for face scrubbie to come soon!

Flowers

2009-06-03T16:09:00.004-05:00

In looking for reasons to smile and be happy today, I decided to capture my flowers forever in pictures. I am so excited to share them. I am not much of a gardener, but women in my family have had green thumbs before me and I hope to add a little plant life to this earth and help cool it down & provide oxygen. As I plant my trees, shrubs, and flowers, I reflect on life and its meaning. I doubt any of us ever know our true purpose or when/where/how our journey will end. I wonder sometimes if I want to know or do I just want to have fun along the "Yellow Brick Road". Isn't that what Dorothy learned so long ago? Experience life along the way, make friends you can depend upon and know that home is where you can return and feel safe and warm. My flowers anchor my personal roots. My soul does not live in Texas. It stays here with me because I still have part of my journey here. I know my soul flies over the mountains to breathe in the cool crisp air then comes back to me refreshed. Look at my beautiful flowers and reflect on their beauty and connect them to your life. Let them make you happy and refresh your soul. My cousin's funeral was today. I could not be there. My sadness is very deep and still hurts more than words can say, but she loved to have flowers and vegetables etc, and I know she understands I found some peace in my flowers....with her there blessing my efforts.
Please enjoy!
Be blessed & be well.

Type of rose moss above & next few pictures

Marigolds above

I dont know what the flowers above are, but I love their beautiful color. They seem to like a lot of water and I need to give them some Miracle Grow. Maybe that will make them happy too!

Angel Wing Begonias above

Dahlias above and below

Loss

2009-06-01T15:08:00.002-05:00

Today my dear friend and cousin passed away. All I can say or think is I will miss her always. I loved & adored her and know I will hug her again some day. My family's sadness is heavy today but I know our burdens can be lifted through faith. Prayers go up for her children, grandchildren and her precious husband. I wish I were there to hug them all.
God bless us one and all.

Trace Pictures

2009-05-22T01:06:00.001-05:00

More Pictures to come but for now.....Take a look~ here

Cat Man

2009-05-21T23:18:00.004-05:00

Some days it is all about Ed. Today it has been all about me. Dan The Cat Man has been right up my hiney all day. Wanting to be next to me or at least in the same room. Today he was even in the bathroom the entire time I was in the shower. He sang out his crazy meow and I had to assure him I was in there (twice) and had not left him. I get home tonight from the fiber get together, and he is in my chair. I of course have to encourage him to get out of my chair and he starts his hollering. Then comes back and settles next to me on a pillow next to my chair. His left eye is a bit goopy, but he seems ok. Maybe today is just my day for him to be wanting Mom. To be nearly 22 years old, he is looking pretty good!

Today's meet up was a lot of fun. I worked on my hat pattern and Heidi fixed my mistake in my secret project. Thanks Heidi!! Lots of laughs, and always good times. I hate to leave. We need a weekend day when we can all just get together and laugh longer!

Trace Adkins Concert!!!

2009-05-17T03:12:00.003-05:00

If I start out by saying WOW, I hope you won't be too thrilled right away. Combine the experience of Military men (and women), Trace Adkins, Emily West and an awesome crowd, and you have the makings of a fabulous concert. I have seen Trace in concert before in the confines of Billy Bob's Texas and the only advantage there was air conditioning. However as night fell on May 15th, 2009, it no longer mattered that we started out in the blazing sun (for 2 hours!). Who cared? The show opened with a new artist to me named Emily West. My gosh that girl can sing! I was very impressed. She was a bit shocked to receive a standing ovation, but it was well deserved. She won't be singing to crowds of 8 or 9 on music row for long!
Then there was Trace. My goodness what a nice tall drink of water that man is. I have loved his voice since before he was shot by one of his wives. She did not slow him down at all. He gives everything he has to each song and in no way is boring. If it is a love song, you feel love. If it is a tribute to the military as in "Arlington", you know he is saluting the depth the military gives fighting for our freedom. He performed rock, country, soul, gospel, and all was the best he had to give. Thank you Trace for singing "Chrome". *WHEW* This was a Mother's Day gift from my daughter and she was there with me on row 4 stage left almost center. I am blessed with an angel of a daughter. It was the best night ever.
Now let me brag on the Military. Orchestrating the arrival, parking, congregation and exit of all of those hundreds of people was flawless. I doubt I have ever made it out of a concert, professional sports game, high school football game, or even a funeral as quickly and flawlessly as we did last night. I cannot say how impressed I was and how safe it made me feel to know our military is so damn good! & I am a military widow!!! Hubby was all about military standards and ethics. Now I know why!
This one Hot Mama will never forget a moment in time when a tall guy from Louisiana stepped on stage and took my breath away not just because he is a cutie patootie, but because he is frooking talented!!!
My deepest thanks to Fort Worth NAS JRB for sharing their house with us civilians and making us feel so special. My even deeper thanks go to my daughter Brandy who made my night so special. There are no more words to express my heart. Thank you to the MP who gave me a lift to the car when my feeble legs could not make it back. I was wiped out. I will post pictures soon to my Picasa Web Album so you can see how much fun I had....be on the look out!!!
A truely special thanks also goes to the best manfriend a girl could ever have. Ed, thank you for letting this silly female go and fan crush on a celebrity when you know I only come home to you. You are a prince among theives my love!!!!
Be blessed and be well friends!

Girls loved their gifts

2009-05-06T15:57:00.007-05:00

The girls loved their birthday & half birthday gifts this past weekend! They were born on the same number day 6 months (plus a lot of years) so they share birthday numbers. My daughter started the whole half birthday celebrating.
(Oxymoron?) I don't know! The pictures are of the girls posing with their treasures. I was surprised that Kendall loved the doll as much as she did. Now she has ordered one for her whole birthday. I have another order for one that I need to start soon. I will maybe make some for quinceaneras too. So many people love her. The sequins did not hold up well on Kendall's bag but they looked cute for a while. I taught her to crochet while she was here. In just 2 days of working with her, she left knowing how to chain and single crochet. WOW!!! Isn't that awesome??? I do so enjoy teaching someone a craft. It gives them something to believe in and know they have it anytime they want solace.
Be blessed and be well!!!

Kendall Purse

2009-05-01T18:33:00.003-05:00

Kendall's purse is finished and not a moment too soon. She just left Waco a bit ago and will be here any minute. I hope she likes it because the glue is not dry and I want her to play with it while here. This is a children's version of the fat bottom bag but from Japan. It was not easy to read the instructions but the chart was awesome.I hope you like it. Let me know in a comment if you wish I always enjoy those!

Wrapping up Earth Week

2009-04-25T23:44:00.003-05:00

I just walked in from seeing Disney's movie "Earth". I enjoyed my time seeing it in the theater, but was bummed at the content. It's stories about migrating families was almost exactly like "Planet Earth". Basically it was those same stories retold. I was also amazed at how many small children were there and I suppose were never warned about the reality of nature and how hungry will eat the weak. I heard several kids gasp and several parents tell them lies about how the baby antelope type animal got away and survived.
I was also very annoyed that a man and his child were behind us and talked constantly through the movie. Teaching your children to watch, listen and learn with no talking is a huge responsibility parents seem to neglect. Heck even a lot of them are talking and making noise. Don't take babies, young kids to this movie. Take an older child and prep them for reality. Then use it to discuss nature, our planet and the horrors at how we are failing it.
I know now why I rely so much on my delivered to my house movies. So much more joy. New Goal: Get my entertainment center set up and get it working to play surround sound and dvds. Man I wish I knew how!!!
All in all, this movie is as good as "Planet Earth" was, but I wanted to see new footage and new stories.
I give it *** of *****. Like anyone will care! Ha!
Be well and be Blessed!!!

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day!!!

2009-04-22T19:47:00.004-05:00

John Denver has an album about Earth Day, our planet, and how we are killing not only it but each other. In his Earth Day Song he says:

Celebrate earth Day,
every day
Celebrate earth Day,
every day
Celebrate land and sea
Celebrate you and me
Celebrate earth Day,
every day

Although I try to be more conscious of the world around me, I am as wasteful as a human can get. My city does not recycle and so I don't either. Shame. One thing I do try to do is plant things. I am not as good as I once was, but I try. These pictures are the pictures of Hope. Hope is my tree from the Arbor Day Foundation in 2007. Here is the story of Hope:
I planted this tree as a twig. Because it was so small, I tied a red ribbon around it so it could been seen. My neighbor mowed it down 3 times, my daughter stepped on it several times breaking it off, and it refused to die. I saw strength in this tree that was the basic story of my life. "Keep getting back up, Grow and refuse to give up" In February of 2008, I transplanted it to my new home across town from where it started out. Last spring, it came back established and the pictures today show how well it is doing. I would say it is about 4 ft tall and is beautiful. It is strong enough to bend in the wind and rise up from nothing to be this beautiful. This tree is my contribution to cleaner air. Next to it is one that we planted last year also from TADF. It is supposed to be a dogwood too, but I don't really know what they are. I will take pictures of the other one soon. Maybe every year I can add a dogwood to the yard and get a nice "crop" of trees going.
I hope you did something good for the earth today and every day ahead. When your day is harsh, think of Hope. I do.
Be blessed.

First Rose Day 3

2009-04-22T19:44:00.003-05:00

This is a snapshot of the very same rose from Sunday, taken 3 days after it bloomed. Can you believe how beautiful it is? Nuf said!

First Rose

2009-04-19T19:14:00.003-05:00

Today was the first day my first rose was in full bloom. I believe this rose is established and will do fine. I hope you enjoy the picture as much as I do. The good thing about roses is that a picture lasts forever. Most, no all of the cuttings I tried to root this year are dead. I planted near a fire ant bed and that was not good. I think I will try again but in a pot so I can get the roots better established. This soil is hard clay and not a happy place for rooting I assume. Remember you can click on the picture to see the larger image! Please just enjoy no more words are necessary.
Be Blessed every day and thankful for it!

Another Dan Adventure

2009-04-18T10:31:00.004-05:00

I seriously think Dan needs his own blog. He is a 21 yr old cat with more personality than I can ever describe here. His latest tricks include early morning howling and sleeping postions you would not think comfortable. This is one of them. He is sitting on the arm of the sofa with his head on the back of the cushion. He stayed like this for over an hour. He is never phased by the camera unless I am trying to film him howling. I promise to capture that one day.
I have several projects ready to be lined and then I share. Today, I am hoping to work on this office. I need to organize and recycle a lot of items. I must not be the only hoarder, but I am sure ashamed of the way I tend to hold on to things that make no sense. I think it has to do with things in my childhood disappearing without warning. Long story that is only as good as the Oprah show it will air on.
Family update. All seems well with the kids. Melissa & Roy need your prayers to find new jobs. Brandy needs prayers to improve her people skills and to be thankful for 2 jobs when most people have none. Alex my wonderful GS will be 8 in July. I cannot believe this because he is still my fragile baby boy I soothed when he seemed destined to cry 24/7. All of this happened during 9/11 and I think my calm helped him to calm down more than anything else. Ed & I could not be happier. I think when God closes a door, he does actually open a new window. Now let me say I think he opens windows with really bad views, but you have to see the bad to appreciate the wonderful things you are blessed with. Out of bad ashes comes good joy and happiness.
Lexy is doing okay. I think she has picked up fleas from Fort Woof Dog Park, but I will be making a natural rinse to try and kill of the buggers. I will also salt the carpet to rid us of these pests. We are using Halo foods so she should be getting vitamins & minerals she needs.
Yarn updates: I am working on a new project bag and fingerless gloves. I finished a sock for Melissa and packed it in a box I need to mail to see if she can wear it. If so I make the second one. If not, we frog and start over! Okay, off to start this office project. I sure wish Martha Stewart would come help me organize!!! Hey Martha!!!!!

Topsy Turvy Baby for Katy

2009-04-11T17:31:00.004-05:00

I enjoy making things that people might enjoy. Kids sometimes enjoy something different and handmade because no one else will have one. My niece Katy has her 3rd birthday in May and I have been working like a mad woman trying to finish her "Topsy Turvy Doll". She and he sister Kendall are part Hispanic and my goal was to make a doll that looks like her and is not Dora the Explorer. This doll is 100% cotton and totally washable so it can take the love a 3 yr old may give it. The colors are a wonderful turquois, purples, pinks, white and a tan for skin color and brown for the hair. If you see this, I would love your comments left on this site. I will try to get more (and better) pictures later in better light. I was too excited to wait. Happy Easter!!!

Maunday Thursday

2009-04-10T02:00:00.002-05:00

I know the time has turned over to Friday & I should be getting ready for bed but I needed a moment of reflection. I attended the Maunday Thursday Services at a local Christian Church. I felt empowered for another year. I like cleansing my soul, taking communion and laying down my burdens. Makes life so worth living. I am posting a picture of my baby girl Lexy because she feels cheated that Dan has had so many pictures on here. I don't take her picture often because she always makes a bad face. In this picture, she actually has a sweet face and I could not resist. She is a Carkie. That is half Yorkie & Cairn Terrier (like Toto in Oz). She is a super smart dog and will turn 13 this year. I adore her and had to share her loving face with anyone who reads this. I don't think anyone ever does because I seldom get comments. I may have to do something drastic!!!!

Alex's Socks!!!

2009-04-06T03:38:00.003-05:00

OK....all done is all done! I finished Alex's socks!!!! I am so proud of me and the fact that his first sock (premiered here) did not live out it's life as a widow. I even think he has not out grown them!!! I know if they are too little for him, his Mom can wear them as she has a tiny little foot.....lmao! Enjoy the picture.
As all pictures, you can click on it to see a larger view.!!

Vote Earth Day

2009-04-06T03:18:00.002-05:00

My household went all dark for Vote Earth Day. My city did not but a few bldgs downtown did turn off outside lights. I hope other cities did participate. It makes a huge statement when people care about the Earth enough to turn off the lights! I know the pix are not the best, but it was dark O:P

Friday Fun Times

2009-03-20T23:01:00.002-05:00

There is NOTHING like moving or spring cleaning to test a relationship. We have now done both and survived it all. Now I never said it was easy or fuss free, but we managed to get the living room shampooed and cleaned up...I even washed windows! I KNOW skeery! We moved some furniture (It's a girl thing) and that helped make the room look bigger. I like it. I have the corner now and maybe I can keep it more craft oriented and tidy (tidy as I can be with all those WIPs). I have a lot of those! I am tired so this is a quick and down and dirty post, but at least I got to it!!!
Be blessed

Toe Up Math Problem

2009-03-18T00:44:00.004-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

OK so the new pictures for today are the new images of the finished toe. I am about to work my way up the foot when math becomes a new problem. Ok stay with me a minute. It tells you to work the toe until you have 15 stitches on each needle (4 x 15 = 60) It then tells you to knit 13 and then k2tog this leaves 14 on needle 1 and 15 on 2, 3 & 4. Right? Still with me? Now it is time to start working on a lace pattern and the chart is 13 spaces wide. Instructions say work the lace pattern across the 29 stitches and then knit plain the last 30. 13 + 13 = 26 right? what do you do with the extra 3 stitches? 29 - 26 = 3 I am so confused!!!!!!
OK back to the pictures. Doesn't that toe look great??? I am so happy with it that the 8+ frogs no longer matter!!!
It is bedtime for Irish girls so I am off to brush teeth and take meds.....Erin Go Bragh!!!
Be Blessed!!!

Free Crochet Wishcloth

2009-03-17T00:32:00.004-05:00

Ok so what is a wishcloth? It is a crocheted, homemade cloth that can be used as a dish cloth or wash cloth.Today I will give you instructions to make one that I feel has a lot of thickness, strength and yet soft enough to use on your delicate skin. I call it the Wishcloth. Please enjoy.
The stitch is not fancy and I did not invent it. I will just tell you how I use it.

Hook size H
Cotton Yarn (I used Sugar & Cream)

The pattern math is a multiple of 2 plus 3 for the end chain up.
For this cloth, I chained 43
sc in the 4th chain from the hook (ch 3 = 1st dc-ONLY here) *dc in next ch, sc in next chain* repeat * to * to the end of the row. You should end with a sc. ch 3 turn Now listen closely here you need to dc in the last sc of the previous row. Your chain 3 up for this row will never count in your stitching. This makes sure you don't have those pesky holes in the ends of the rows. Alternate sc in the dc and dc in the sc to the end of the row. This second row is the only time you will do a sc in the top of a turning chain up. When you sc in that chain up, you will ch 3 and turn. Now on Row 3, dc in the last sc of the previous row and sc in the dc of the previous row all the way to the end of the row. SC in the last dc of previous row (do not stitch into the ch 3 turn) ch 1 (this ch 1 never counts as a place to stitch into either) and turn sc in the last dc of previous row and continue in pattern to the end of the row. Clear as mud? I hope clearer.
I made about 40 rows or until it was a big as I wanted. You can judge for yourself how big to make it.
I gave this wishcloth a try out, test drive last night before this post. OMG it holds soap so well I could use less. It was a soft scrubbie, did not hurt my skin but exfoliated dry skin really nicely. Please if you find this, try it and have an opinion or question, ask me, let me know. I will work with all comments and questions as best I can. I feel like anyone who makes it will love it as much as I do. I cannot wait to make more for my kitchen. If you carry a strand of tulle along with the cotton, it will be an awesome scrubbie for the kitchen. You can buy it on the roll at most craft stores and cut it into strips as wide as you want by removing the cardboard tube and cutting it across the roll....give that a try! It works great!
Don't forget to click on the picture above to see a larger image.
Be Blessed!

Toe Up Sock round 3

2009-03-16T00:22:00.005-05:00

I had to frog this new technique about 8 times. I think I finally got it right. I am on round 3 of the sock pattern and exhausted. The Eastern cast on is very nice and neat bt it was awkward to learn. Thing is, I could see when it was wrong. Now if that makes me an experienced knitter, then I guess I am. This sock will be very pretty and I cannot wait to get it going. The Kitchner Stitch on a toe is nice but this method is smooth and so nice to look at. I do not have small delicate hands so for me it was tough to get it going in the round. The instructions were also a bit vague about moving to 4 needles. I figured that one out with the help of my Mother. (Thank you Momma) I left the picture of my sock to be up above and you know you can click on it to see the better picture, so take a look. Leave me an opinion. I hope to get more done tomorrow. Tonight, I am sick of ripping it out.
Today, before the knitting, my beloved Ed went with me to a freecycler's home and we picked up landscape edging. Now let it be known that I drive an old Buick Roadmaster, and she thinks she is a truck. I have hauled a lot of stuff. These concrete edgers were so heavy, that my car looked like a low rider. Most of them are still in the car. I do not know where I will be putting them, but I hope to clean them good and paint them first. What do you think of red? maybe green? Ed is a gift from God. He loaded all of that stuff and tomorrow will do the majority of the unloading. I should make a plan so I don't move them too many times. *to do list*
What else is up? Not much the ground is so wet it squeaks when you walk on it. Ed put the last of my roses in the ground today so I hope they do ok. The climbing roses look good, but the peach roses do not look so good. I will cross my fingers for these yellow ones. *Thank you Debi*
Ok Be blessed and may peace guide your decisions today and every day.

More Dirt under my nails!

2009-03-09T16:25:00.003-05:00

Today was a cloudy & overcast day. I had purchased some bulbs and needed to get them in the ground. since my sprain in my right wrist, I have been unable to use my good digging arm like I would enjoy doing. I used the next best thing. The most wonderful man a girl could have in her life. My Ed dug all of the holes for me and planted my Dalias, Star gazer lillies, and a purple clematis. My clematis was placed in the hole where the dead wisteria was. We left the wisteria in there for the clematis to climb on. I hope it will be pretty along the fence and on those old dead vines. Maybe I can get another wisteria for my yard, I sure miss the one I tried to transplant. I had never handled dalias before and I am told that my Grandmother was a pro with them. I hope they grow and spread and come back fuller every year. The lillies are for my daughter. If they come up, they will be a big surprise for her. She loves them and so I wanted to make her smile a bit. I am almost finished with the purple purse. I need to make a handle and then I will showcase it here. It is made from recycled plastic bottles so I say keep drinking from them, recycle and make me more yarn!!! *smile*
My current project is a red suede purse. I am running a strand of nylon along with it for strength which is lending a bit of design to the bag. It will be a while before it is done, but I am trying to get it done.
I am also working on a potato bag, a baby blanket, and who knows what all.
I just want to virtually say thank you to my hunnie Ed. He does so much for me and is just the best gift I could have received in my life. The house is slowly starting to look like a girl lives here...hehehehehe.
Thank you my love!!! You are the best!!!
Be well and be blessed.

Gardening Angelic style

2009-02-25T12:43:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I drove to a fellow freecycler's home and cut some pieces off of her roses and took some climbing rose cutting she had pruned earlier. Since it was Fat Tuesday and free Pancake Day at IHOP, I forgot to put the cuttings in water. With roses, this is not a huge issue but you need to get to them asap for success. Today, I ventured out with my screwdriver (tool not drink), scissors, root stimulator, gallon of Miracle grow water, cuttings and Dog, Lexy. I stabbed holes in the ground with the screwdriver, cut new stem openings with the scissors, dipped into the water and then the stimulator and then poked the roses in the ground. This was fun until a stray pit bull mix ran up in the neighboring yard and growled at me & my dog. Good news s he ran off without incident, but I had no phone and could never have gotten away from him. I planted all but 4 cuttings from the peach roses in one spot where I previously had a rose, and the climbers next to the fence. Four of the Peach roses I planted next to a little spot where I have a gazing ball and 2 solar lights. I have bulbs to plant but ran out of steam before I got them planted. *sigh* I have to take it in small doses or I cannot walk afterward. Pray with me that they live, thrive and someday bloom. I would love to have some roses in my yard. Maybe these will like the host and grow quickly and produce beautiful blooms.
Makes me feel good to contribute to growing something living and green.

Yarn Harf

2009-02-22T12:44:00.006-06:00

If you have ever had Yarn Harf, you know how frustrating it can be! My story is simple but true. I made my SIL a felted tote that included some furry yarn as an accent. When I felted the bag (no I was not drinking!) I washed it with the extra furry yarn inside where I was storing it as I worked on it. *mental head slap* When I took it out of the bag, I wanted to cry. It was a tangled, mangled mess of furry fiber. Instead I put it in a tote bag and walked away from it until yesterday.

The picture shows how it looked when I rediscovered it this week. I spent hours untangling it and rolling it into balls. I was covered in fur that fell out as I went.

The balls don't look much better, but they sure do in person trust me. I have no idea what I will do with these little monsters but I now feel better that they are not a massive ball of yarn harf tangle. I just had to vent...hahahahaha & Now I feel better. Thank God for blogs.

Groundhog's Day

2009-02-02T18:27:00.003-06:00

The Yahoo Messenger Pingbox is not working & I am just mad I cannot figure it out.

Dan the Cat Man saw his shadow today but no one asked him what he thought of winter and the doom of 6 more weeks of it! As you can see in the picture Dan is in prayer in the window asking that no more ice is bestowed on Texas. Looks like ice behind him but it is just the sunshine outside. He was soaking it up today.
Still working on my many projects and did not get out today. Tomorrow I have a procedure done where I have a probe in my nose of 24 hours. YUCK and can you say it with me?? It will test for reflux in to my Eustation Tubes. Something has to cure these crickets & buzzing I hear in my ears all the time!
OK so the 3D Chuck tonight was pitiful. The glasses were not well made and it gave me a headache. I wish I had kept my movie theater glasses. The show was sorta dumb too. I should have known it would be.
Heroes....nutty to you this year? I just didn't get it like I normally do. A fun show like Pushing Daisies is not coming back and all of these weird shows are still around.
OK enough for tonight. I need to finish up Ed's personal badge in Pogo.
Be well & blessed.

New stuff

2009-02-01T23:26:00.005-06:00

Ok so Ed & I have made it! 2 years together and 1 year under the same roof! Yeah Ed!!! Both of those dates fall within the same 3 days so we celebrate a LOT!

Notice my Yahoo messenger to the left. Give it a try and let me see what happens! I hope it will work. Could be fun!

My daughter was here today. I finished up her taxes and Ed's taxes. Good job if you can get it. Brandy is making me dinner one night and Ed is not kicking me out! Pay is decent.

My scarf project is coming along. I wish I could knit faster though. I have 2 bags in the works and many more yarns crying out to be bags. The picture is a sneak peak at the bag I am working on now. It looks blue but is really a deep rich purple Eco yarn from Caron. I am shocked at how soft it is!

Ok I am off to the store......be well & blessed!

Ravlery

2009-01-28T23:40:00.002-06:00

I spent a good part of today and yesterday organizing some (& I mean only some of my yarns) for Ravelry. None of it is really organized, but it is helping me to see where some of my stuff is and what is really there. This is really a confession of the first of several Rubbermaid tubs.
I know it is a sickness, but I am coping with it just fine! Is there yarn therapy out there? If so I dont want it. I want to get faster with my projects so I can finish stuff up and move on to the next thing. My AADD makes me hop from project to project and sorta drives me nuts. Our office has become a serious clutter of boxes and bags. My passion is making bags and so I am not sure I am helping myself much! *smile*
I sprained my wrist. That slowed me down a lot! I ambetter now but my adviceisnever spray cleaner on the floor before you get on the floor to clean it up....you can slip and fall! Lesson learned.

My Flower

2009-01-27T15:42:00.000-06:00

I am a
Daffodil

What Flower
Are You?

All of November Gone!!!

2008-12-05T20:08:00.002-06:00

Shameful! I missed blogging for all of November. Maybe it was all of the birthdays (mine included) or the traveling (San Antonio) or The Holidays. I have been online so no excuses there. I have been concentrating on the library books I have found at the local new and improved Haltom City Library. Let me say first off that it is so much fun there a barrel of monkeys would be ignored! They have a great arts & crafts section filled with modern books just waiting for me to paroose through them and get new ideas. I will be working on a new bag idea from some stitch ideas I have jotted down. I may even post the final project as a freebie... maybe O;)
What is next? I think I need to finish up current projects. I KNOW! Crazy idea, but I am going to strive to do better about projects in the works. Afghans will not count because they are always a work in progress. Bags, clothing, and other fancies will need to be finished before I start something new.
Christmas lights. *sigh* Mine are not up yet. I am not able to do it myself and stll waiting on BF & DD to get out there and set me up. This is my fav time of the year and I LOVE the pretty lights!!! Tonight we saw a sampling of our area lights. Some neighbors go overboard but I love it!!!
OK I am going back to my computer ills. I had only 748 mb of space left on my main drive and had to burn & trash all day. It is sad when you explore My Computer and it says there are no files to be found.....O:o
Be kind to one person today chances are they will pass it on to one more person and if you get kindness, it could have been started by YOU!
Be well & Many blessings today!!!

One Week after Zoe

2008-10-23T21:16:00.002-05:00

I turned over Zoe to her owner like a responsible adult. I missed her but it was the right thing to do. Today, she was back. I took care of her until Ed got home. She got out but came right back to my door. Well, she got out again and ran up the street. We looked for her but she was gone. Later a couple came walking down the street and had Zoe. We pointed out her home and they turned her over to them. A bit over an hour later, she was barking at my door. I am torn as to what to do. She was almost hit by 3 cars today. I was screaming trying to get her out of the street. I feel like I care more about her than her owners care.
Moral dilemma.
What would you do?
*sob*

One Day with Zoe.

2008-10-19T19:02:00.002-05:00

On our way to pick up dinner Thursday night, the sweetest dog was spotted running amuck in my neighborhood. She was sweet and friendly and when I opened my car door, she hopped inside and settled down for the ride. I tried to contact our Animal control, but they had all gone home and I left my number. This sweet pup was loving, trained and had no identification. We picked up dinner and off we went back home. She was introduced to our pets and got a very cold reception. My Lexy does not play well with others. After we ate (she loves french fries) we let her out of the kitchen holding room and she became the best lap dog ever. Ed & I loved having her here and she seemed to like us as well. She slept on the bed with us and was a perfect companion. Lexy still did not like her...she slept on the floor as usual.
The next day, no call came in from Animal Control so we put out fliers. Since one of them went right out in the owner's yard, we quickly received a call and were told her name was Zoe. We had spent all night trying out possible names and never got to the Z's. She was so excited to find out we knew her name. The owners came a few hours later and our sweet Zoe was gone. She had slept in Ed's lap all afternoon and they both enjoyed a long nap! We miss you Zoe. Visit anytime!

Alex's sock

2008-10-13T16:23:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the first of Alex's socks!!!! I cannot wait to cast on sock #2 so this one will not be orphaned!!! Isn't it cute????? I sure hope it fits! If not he can save it for his kid. The Yarn is Baby Bee "Sweet Delight Baby" in Baby Camo. I bought my skein at Hobby Lobby.
I hope you like it as I had a lot of fun making it. Let me know what you think.

Kendall's Daisy Hat

2008-10-06T01:03:00.005-05:00

I finally finished the hat I designed. *pat on my back* It is a gift to Kendall born out of no project on Yarn Shop night. I borrowed a crochet hook and bought some clearance yarn and just started to crochet. The pictures are not so good for inside pix, but the hat is a light lavender. It is made of a soft yarn for which I cannot remember the name of right now. Nice huh? It is late and I just suffered some serious computer issues. Maybe I will write out the pattern some day and offer it up for anyone who might read this. I suspect no one does, but I do a lot of talking to myself anyway so....what the hey...lol! I hope Kendall loves it as much as I loved making it for her.
Blessings and peace to you always!

PS.......the yarn is Sirdar "Snuggly" DK

Teach an Old Blog New Tricks

2008-10-01T14:55:00.004-05:00

I have been back from vacation for a while but just have not taken the time to write in my blog. I have started a pair of socks for my grandson, made a hat for my niece, and even made a holder for my MP3 player. I finished my project bag made from the brown Sensao yarn. Will get you a picture of all soon. The dishrag Tag is finished. I knitted mine in 3 &1/2 hrs which made me very proud. My team did not win, but we had a lot of fun. The picture today is of the Rocky Mnts in the Estes Park area. We had so much fun. If I could afford to live in the high country, I would move today. I don't mind the thin air or the heights. Matter of fact my soul lives in the mountains. My second image is an Aspen Eye. For some reason, many of the knots on an Aspen tree look like eyes. Creepy huh? I found them to be beautiful and as if the wood fairies were watching out for us.
There will be more updates as I can get to them. Blessings to you all and may peace guide your actions always.

Vacation Time

2008-08-29T23:22:00.001-05:00

I am off to a Rocky Mountain High Vacation. While I am gone, Be blessed with Peace and Love in all you do.

Phone Calls

2008-08-25T12:41:00.002-05:00

I have to blog this because it made me snort laugh. Anything that entertaining and I have to share.
When you receive a wrong number call, and you actually tell the caller they are mistaken, you expect no more calls. Not so with some people. Hold on tight this gets funny!
The first calls I think I told you were while I was getting dressed for my trip to Irving for my car. I was in a hurry and nervous. After 2 times of the machine catching the calls, I picked up and told the lady (I assume elderly) she had the wrong number. She called back. I said "Seriously, you have the WRONG number!" She called back 5 more times only once leaving a message on the machine. OK 9 calls is a lot of wrong number calls. When I returned home, I called her back (don't you just love caller ID?). I told her again "Private residence...NOT an apt management office. You see the issue at hand was no AC working in the apt, and other maintenance issues. I know I would be miserable if I had no AC, so being the nice lady I am, I was trying to help. I thought she was all straight (saying it was her daughter's apt and she had her grandson over there and he is 5 and it is hot) [I was right on the elderly part] . She called back the next day. Not once did she call but 3 times. I thought if the machine picked up, they would get the message. I found out it was her daughter this time using her phone. I call back. I give them the same info again. OK the calls stop (that was Wednesday last week)
Today, the phone rings from a Popeye's Chicken place. I let the machine get it and it is the daughter again. I try to pick up during her message and she keeps talking to the machine and hangs up....she cannot hear me I guess. I was LOUD...lol If you know me you know she must have been confused. I call Popeye's. I figure she is at work. She is and the person who answered the phone sounded none too happy. The daughter came to the phone and I explained. She explained her side and I went to my computer to look up the real number. The apt number is 1 number different from mine, just one! Instead of calling Popeye's and the hateful person there I call her mother. (BIG mistake!) I explain who I am, what has happened and giver her the correct number.
I SWEAR to the heavens.........the phone rings and it is coming from Popeye's. Wrong number again! I give her the right number (I have googled it...LOL) and send her on her way.
Now these people were nice and never rude and I was never too rude, but can you just imagine??? If the phone rings again from them, I will surely let you know!

Big Day for Kenna

2008-08-24T17:27:00.003-05:00

It was a very big day for my niece Kenna. She is 6 turning 7 and she got her ears pierced!!! Wow what a brave thing to do!! I am so proud I had to post a picture of her ear...LOL The stone is for November and that is the month of her birthday, mine, Brandy's and Melissa's just to name a few...LOL We have about 5 others it is such a busy month!

OK be well......I need to get dressed for supper. Going out!!! Yippee!!! Someone else cleans up!
Peace be with you!

OK...knited for bag

2008-08-23T23:38:00.004-05:00

This is the bag I bought in exchange for making the baby blanket
Cute Huh!!!

I am so happy with it! OK so now I have to show you what I made the other day:

This cute little bag is made with a fuzzy yarn and nylon cord. I shopped the fishing supplies for this one! It is cheaper to buy there than hardware or crafts. I do not understand because you get more by going to sporting goods. The handles are Romanian cording and it is worked in HDC throughout. It is fun and happy just like me! If you do not know how to make the cording, you should learn. It makes the best handles and drawstrings.
All quiet on the home front.....countdown to CO is just a week and then cooler weather here we come!
OK goodnight and many blessings to you all!

Will knit for bag Saga 2

2008-08-19T21:57:00.001-05:00

OK so this is Saga 2: I had a crappy day so hang on. I finished the blanket last night and slept like a log. First time in a while. I had an appointment to take my car to Irving for an official DPS inspection or Waiver. I had more faith in the waiver. The rain was pouring out of buckets like the proverbial cow on a flat rock. I was out on my sticker, driving illegally and hydroplaning like crazy. Joy oh joy my car passed the inspection and I was off to the post office. I need to stop here and tell you about the crazy lady that called me at home this morning 9 times when I told her she had the wrong number. It made me forget to take my meds. O:( She even called after I left home!
OK so no meds, nervous, rain, hydroplaning (YOU with me???)
I then go postal. The cute blanket above had to be mailed to my sister hopefully over night. I stood in line for 40 minutes while one guy waited on a Spanish speaking lady trying to get a passport and she could speak no English. The other postal lady was more interested in chatting about her Olympic nails. UGH Because I recycled the box in which my sister mailed materials to me, I could not over night the box. This is what I heard when I got to Nail Lady.
My options were: go home repackage (remember no meds today) and come back, send it 2 day (this option has 3 price points and all get there in 2 days), or as my mind deciphered, cut open box, turn inside out and repackage. I had no sharp weapons (They were probably glad to hear this) to cut box open so I sent it the most expensive amount 2 day and called it a postal defeat.
I needed meds.....LOL
How does the blanket look? What are your thoughts? Feel free to be brave and leave a comment....if you go anonymous, please sign the comment so I know who you are! These are 2 of the four I have...will post the others when I finish fixing them. You know flipping, cropping etc...LOL! AND you do know if you click on the picture you get a bigger one right??? SAY? O:P

Baby Blanket or will knit for Bag Saga 1

2008-08-15T18:29:00.000-05:00

OK so I am knitting this baby blanket for my sister's friend. I think it is going along fine but it is due back in San Antonio by next Thursday. If you don't hear from me in a day or so, please excuse me...LOL Those of you keeping track, I live in North Texas and SA is in South Texas. NOT around the corner. I guess I am asking for prayers here. I am a beginner knitter and not secure yet in my abilities. PS....it is suposed to be wavy *cackle*
Let me know what you think. Sis I am trying real hard to get this done....keep the faith.
Until then, I will be knitting. PS again....I found a lot of great deals at Hobby Lobby in the clearance section. I will tell you more later. Of course there will be pictures. Someday I hope to put things on Ravelry. Where do some of these people get all of the time they seem to have to be as organized as they are??? Figure that one out & I will buy you a snow cone!

Market bag idea

2008-08-12T18:25:00.005-05:00

OK so here is my exciting idea. I am trying to use more market bags than plastic or paper at the grocery store. I have a lot of pillow cases so here is what I did to this one.

Pillow Case Market Bag

Measure down from top opening of pillow case 20 inches and cut across. Set aside. Take the bottom and measure 5 inches and cut across. Repeat 1 more time. These 2, 5 inch pieces will be the handles. the closed end of the pillow case will also be used so set aside for now.
Turn the 20 inch piece inside out. sew a 1/4 inch seam across the bottom closing the bag up. Now take the bottom closed off part and prep for the next step. Iron the closed off part. Fold the top in so 1/2 of the fabric is now inside. Repeat this step. You will now have a casing for the bottom of the bag to re-enforce the bottom. It should remind you of quilt edging. Place the raw seam of the bottom of the bag inside this casing and sew a straight seam across the top edge to seal it off and one more time 1/4 of the way from the first seam. Now you have no raw edge on the inside of the bag and the bottom should be very nice and sturdy. Now this next step will make the bottom of the bag square. Fold the corners of the bottom seam flat with the side. You should have a triangle formed when you match the side and the bottom seam flat together. Measure in from the tip of the triangle along the bottom seam 2 inches and mark with a fabric pen or do as I did and iron it back 2 inches as a mark. Sew a seam along this line. do this on the other side as well and you will get a square bottom. Now make the handles. Trim off the old seam opening up the fabric to one long piece. The old seam is the only waste on this project. Turn wrong sides out and fold in half lengthwise press the fold. Sew along one of short edges and then down the open side length wise. Turn right side out and press. turn in 1/4 inch of raw edge and press handle flat. Sew the handles to the cuff open part of the pillow case making sure they are evenly spaced. I folded the bag in fourths and pinned them in place making sure they were not twisted. I also sewed them along the top edges and along the seam of the cuff of the old pillow case (see picture)
That's it!!! Press the bag and take it with you to the market on your next trip.
My pillow case has a small hole in it on the side not photographed so I will be crocheting a flower to sew on it...LOL This is why I chose this particular pillow case. I know a lot of people have old ones laying around so...get busy and make your own recycled bags and save on plastic. If these get dirty...toss them in the wash. Have fun & tell your friends!!!
Be well and may peace guide you every day!

Swap Bot Received!!

2008-08-11T18:21:00.003-05:00

Today my swap gifts arrived and I love them. It was food themed so I got cloths with apples and pears on them. This was my first swap on swap bot so I was anxious. I hope you can see the patterns. I see them because I know they are there....LOL
My next swap in in the dishrag tag and a crochet flower exchange. I am currently making the flowers as I have to make 10 of them. However it is blooming fun..hehehehehe
It is so hot here lately, I saw the devil all packed up and hitchhiking out of Texas. He looked a lot like a man I use to associate with....I tell no tales here!!
Not much else to say today but stand by because tomorrow I have an idea I am working on and can't wait to post about it!!! YOU may enjoy it too. I am trying to be more green and the cashier at Kroger gave me an idea and she didn't even realize it. More to come...stay posted!

Pot Scrubber

2008-08-05T15:54:00.000-05:00

Today's ramble includes a pot scrubber I made. There has been a lot of chatter lately about using nylon in dishcloths and here is my answer. I did not buy it by the yard from a bold of tulle but from a roll of about 25 yards. I popped off the ends and removed the cardboard. I then cut it in half (width wise) and then each piece in half (WW). Therefore, I got 4, 25 yd pieces that were one long strip each. I made this pot scrubber using the pineapple stitch I told you about in my post a couple of days back (in my Kitty Purse) . It will be a gift so I have not tried washing dishes with it, but I can say it will do a fabulous job. The rolls of tulle are either in fabric stores in the bridal section or I bought mine at Hobby Lobby in the Fabric Dept. It was about 5.00 US monies and comes in a LOT of colors. You just carry it along with your regular thread. Any stitch could be used for a dishcloth can be used for this method.
Give this a try. It is so easy. I think you could make a foot scrubber out of this too but I doubt you would want to use it on any other skin. You may be tougher than me though...LOL
OK so the heat. UGH someone turn off the sun please. It is time for cool weather to start coming in. We are whipped here in Texas from the heat.
Let me know if you try the nylon tulle idea. I enjoy exploring new ideas.
Be well and blessed in all you do!!!

Baby Hoodie

2008-08-04T14:38:00.004-05:00

OK I can finally post the pictures of the baby hoodie I made. The Mom has received it and it finally came together as I had hoped. I made the gift tag from the invitation. My Mother wanted to see the finished product and there it all is!!!

The tutorial I will post from this project is the tie cord. It is easy, simple and makes a sturdy cord. This is called the Flat Faux Braid:

ch the number of stitches you will need for length. 3 sc in second chain from hook and 1 sc all the way to last stitch where you will sc 3 times in same st. Now sc in each chain up the back side of the ch to the end where you will sl st in first sc. now if you look at the center of this cord you will see what looks like a ladder.
Insert hook under first bar of ladder and up through next space. yo and pull yarn up to top of cord. yo and draw yarn through both loops on hook . Essentially you will be sc in the ladder bars all the way to the end. at the end, fasten off and weave in ends.
You can see the cord in the detail picture of the hoodie pics above.
Let me know if you need help with this. Give it a try....easy peasy!!!
It is very hot here today so I am off to get a cold bath and play in the bubbles before I am forced to get dressed!
Blessings to you all and may peace be your guide.

Hello Purse!!

2008-08-02T17:26:00.008-05:00

I hope everyone who sees this is well and blessed. I am and I like to know others are. We had a storm come in on Wednesday night and knocked down fragile trees and out goes the power. The computer modem was fried and it was very hot until the ac came back at around midnight.Thursday I spent the night getting back online and sacrificing to the freon gawd. LOL I missed that ac in this heat!!!
I am posting my latest purse creation and will do a tut for the stitch I used. The name of the stitch is the pineapple stitch and I LOVE IT!!!! It is very cool.
This picture is the close up of the stitch. It is easy and gives a great look.
Basic Instruction: insert hook in stitch indicated yo pull through, insert in next stitch yo and pull through, yo and pull all 3 loops on hook. the next stitch is insert hook into the last stitch you used on the previous stitch , yo and pull a loop through, insert hook in next stitch yo and pull through, yo and pull through 3 loops on the hook. In other words, you will dive into each stitch 2 times.
In days of yore, this stitch was used with different colors on each row so you could see the horizontal bars better. Variegated yarns work well too as in my project. Here it is...My Hello Kitty Pineapple bag. I still need to line it and give it a solid bottom. I am trying to resolve that issue with how would I wash it? LOL I am thinking maybe some sort of plastic?? What do you all think?The bottom is oval and a bit whankie in the picture but will look better when I am done and that picture will come soon. Isn't Kitty cute???? I love her and try to use my craft skills to make one of a kind items for my own uses.

No one ever leaves a comment (except scriggles....ty my dear friend!!!) Leave me a comment if you like this bag or need help with the stitch. It is easy and you should give it a go!!! Many Blessings!!!!

2008-08-02T17:26:00.007-05:00

Flower Pattern

2008-07-30T12:13:00.005-05:00

I just sat down and worked up this pattern. I in no way intend to infringe on any copyright. If you have this pattern copyright, please let me know and I will remove this post. Your pattern must be word for word like mine and date posted must be clear.

You will first need to make a magic ring. I think this is the nest way to start a circle and you can find it here: Magic Ring

I used an H hook and kitchen cotton. You can used any size yarn and hook to make any size you like. Gauge is not important.

OPEN FLOWER

Rnd 1: ch 3 (counts as 1st dc and throughout pattern) dc 23 into center of ring. Draw up snug but not over tight as you can adjust to your desire. sl st into 3rd ch of beg ch 3.

Rnd 2: sl st between the ch 3 from rnd 1 and the first dc. ch 5, dc in space between dc and ch 3 from rnd 1. ch 1 *skip 3 dc and dc in space between thrd skipped dc and next dc, ch 2 and dc in same space, ch 1*, repeat* to * 6 more times for a total of 8 V's . sl st in the 3rd chain of beg ch 5.

Rnd 3: sl st into space of 1st V of rnd 2. ch 3, dc in same space, ch 2, 2 dc in same space. ch 1 *2 dc in next V space, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, ch 1*, repeat * to * 6 more times. sl st into 3rd ch of beg ch 3.

Rnd 4: sl st into next dc, sl st into ch 2 sp from rnd 3. ch 3, 6 dc in same sp, sc in ch 1 sp of rnd 3, * 7 dc in next ch 2 sp, sc in ch 1 sp of rnd 3*, repeat * to * 6 more times, sl st into 3 ch of beg ch 3. Fasten off and weave in ends.

MORE CLOSED UP FLOWER: differences only from Open flower:

Rnd 3: between each set of *2dc ch 2 2 dc* sc in ch 1 sp of rnd 2

Rnd 4: sc between 7 dc is into sc of rnd 3

Note: Differences are intended to be subtle, but are evident. *wink* Picture 1 is open and picture 2 is closed.

2008-07-03T12:30:00.006-05:00

Wine, Women & Wool Thursday

2008-07-03T12:30:00.005-05:00

I finally went back and took the picture again!!! 14.01 a gallon for gas??? really???actually the sign is slid too far to the left but at first glance, it looked as if the price of gas had skyrocketed out of belief!!! Who sets the price per barrel anyway? Where is this person and how do we organize an old fashioned Texas lynching??? Seems everyday it is rising and no one is doing anything to stop whomever sets the price. Someone send me a link to how the price per barrel is affixed and let me see what we can do....I know some good old boys!!!
My BF's Mother has been here all week. We have had a good time plus she drives a sporty little Sky from Saturn. It is red hot and a convertible. I have the sun burn marks to prove it!
Craft news: I frogged an entire sock I made. Yep didn't like the way it looked so frogged it all. I am either nuts or just crazy. I sent out my exchange squares for my Barefoot crochet group this week. I forgot pictures so nothing to show for my hard work. *doh* I finished side front #2 on my halter top and will be buying lining and more yarn at the Hobby Lobby near me to finish it up. I may not look fabuloso in my halter but I bey it will be cool and comfy!!! I am also working on a small purse from nylon again. It is multi-colored and I hope will be done soon as I am tired of looking at it...same goes for my beaded nylon bag. Tedious work for sure! I am sure I will enjoy it when done though.
OK off to clean up the kitchen *YUCK* but it has to be done!
Peace to you all & be well!!!

I need to blog more often!

2008-06-24T17:14:00.003-05:00

I had a wonderful picture to share with you and I accidentally deleted it. I am heart sick. It was quite funny. Oh well on to other matters. It has been a while since I blogged. I just cant seem to make it a priority. I have a picture of my newest knitted dishcloths.The red, white & blue one has a tulip design in it (photos dont do justice) and the yellow one has a baking theme on it. These came from KAL in a group I am in. If you are interested in the group/patterns let me know. I just love dishcloths.I could make a hundred of them and may end up that way.
I am making strides in getting my house organized and things given away to freecyclers. I like that the things get new homes. It makes me feel more green.Look up the organization in your area it is a great way to pass along old items that may be treasures to others.
OK I am whipped from a long day of cleaning house. I am off to crochet and cook supper. Peace and many blessings to you all.

Girl's Day Out---Sex & The City

2008-06-02T01:21:00.000-05:00

OK saw it!!! LOVED it!!! Laughed, cried, laughed some more. I sat in horror and disbelief and sighed with joy. I hated to see it end. Good news is I saw it with 8 other women I knew or met for the first time through friends....and had a fabo time!
OK so a lot is going on. My new fridge is being delivered tomorrow and I am so excited I cannot think straight!!! Very very happy day. Shhhhhhhh but my socks are coming along and the deadline is so close now I am skeered to think about it. Why do I always do this? Last minute stuff makes me crazy. I frogged 16 rows of heel flap and cursed the stooooooopid mistake I made...LOL it is all good now!!!
I was just approved for an online exchange so I will be getting busy with those designs very soon too. It is a dishcloth exchange with a food theme. I am up for a challenge & except all ideas you find. I am thinking of designing one of my own! How crazy is that?
If I can figure out how to get the pictures to my computer, (camera & I are having problems), I have pretty new things to show off.
OK enough for now, I need sleep so time will fly by to my fridge delivery time...LOL
Be well and peace is possible if we all believe!

My Oh My What a Wonderful Day!

2008-05-16T15:08:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful day in Fort Worth. I could not be happier. My sister is in town and that is a PLUS!!! I cannot wait to spend a lot of fun time with her!

My HORRORscope for the day said (and I quote)
Issues of trust may be dramatized now, especially if you believe that someone is withholding some information from you. There are those who have complete faith in you and are willing to share their deepest secrets. But others may say unpleasant things behind your back and there's not much you can do about it. Consider the source of what you learn and just spend time with those who you can trust.

By Rick Levine

Friday, May 16, 2008

Isn't it great that our lives are blessed by so many personalities? My goodness how boring if everyone were like us! Love those who treat you with respect and equality and keep your eyes out for those who don't.
I am still knitting my secret project and I finished my squares for my exchange partner. I am trying to work on a sweater for my dog, but think I should use a pattern and not try to develop one just for her. My idea is good just not fine tuned....it is always a learning process this thing we call life.
I will be lining purses very soon so the sewing machine will be out and smoking. Laugh if you must, but I am determined to get past this waiting game my purses seem to get caught in. Cross your fingers and hope you too can finish unfinished projects. You KNOW you have some!!! *wink*
OK off to the races where dishes are clean and laundry is folded....now we put them away..LOL!
Be well & may Peace be with you always!

2008-05-13T20:21:00.000-05:00

Long time no see. I have been busy with real life and sometimes that takes priority. No problem though...I like a bit of reality in this crazy fend for yourself world. The picture to the left is a hedge near my home. I feel like this bush many times and just laughed so hard I had to share.
What had been going on? I have been knitting, crochet, cleaning house & emptying boxes and sorting my art supplies. I am trying to get down to the bare bones on some of my craft stuff. So hard. There are so many things I enjoy.
I have been also playing a lot of hours in Pack Rat. We finally got a lawnmower that will work and I lost 3 to 5 trees in the ordeal. I should have marked them better when Ed planted.
Speaking of plants, one of my Valentine roses bloomed in time for Mother's day. It is a pink beauty and smells like a wonderful old rose (not the phony ones today with no scent). I also had great luck with my Moon Flower.
I included pix pf those too. I will be getting back to my picture taking as I have missed it so much.
Nothing else exciting going on here & I like it that way. Happy Mother's day to all Moms and I hope it was a great one!!!
Be well & Peace to you all

Saturday shines

2008-04-19T13:10:00.000-05:00

The first weekend after the spring storms. We had golf ball size hail and a lot of lost tree limbs/leaves. My tomatoes held up great and so did the car. As we finished getting it covered, the storm hit with little or no time to spare. All is well and this weekend looks like a yard festival for this household.
WIPS: Brandy's bolero, afghan for Melissa, secret knitting, second sock for my Dad, second sock for me, always sections for WUA, 2 purses, and gawd only knows what else. I could do just this all of my remaining life and not get done.
I am really trying to get organized and get rid of stuff too. I separated another box into freecycle, trash and keep today. *patting self on back*
If I could get all the trash out, I would be so much better for it. That is my goal....trash trash trash!
Why do I keep all of these papers???? Shred!!!
OK back to work.
PS my hand is doing very good here. It is healing nicely and I massage it often to reduce the scar tissue.
Blessings to you all and give peace a chance.

Facebook Fun

2008-04-13T01:30:00.000-05:00

Ok so here goes. I am on Facebook and enjoy PackRat and now building houses. If you want to come join me, here is the link for building houses:
http://facebook.frozenbear.com/r/?app=fbhomes&source=603484009_user
If you want to join PackRat (trading cards for grownups) you must be my friend on facebook and join packrat....join through me and I get points!!!! So you can leave your ID name in a comment here and I will add you as my friend and help you get started. It is more fun than a barrel of monkeys so come join me!!!
Be well & give peace a chance.

Storm damage in daylight

2008-04-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

Wow!! I slept through this nasty storm. Seems the storm hit around 330 to 430 am and slam dunked us in our sleep. Ed said the storm woke him up but I snoozed right on through it. That corner of the house is our bedroom. The light red circles are were branches were snapped like toothpicks. What a mess!!!
Tonight is Wine, Women & Wool night and I can't wait to see the ladies. My hand surgery went well and now the healing begins. The stitches are out but the wound is not completely closed. I have done this route before but with a larger wound. It takes time, but it heals nicely.
Time to run but I hope those of you cleaning up from this round of storms has minimal damage to deal with and thank God there were no deaths!
Be well & give peace a chance!

Surgery day

2008-03-31T15:18:00.000-05:00

My hand surgery went well this morning and I am home safe and sound. The bad storms are over head now so I will keep it short & sweet here. I will be relaxing and taking it easy until I can crochet & knit again. Be well!!!

Happy Monday

2008-03-24T12:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday to all. It is one of those days for me. I am about to leave for an appt for pre-op surgery on my hand and then off to do some home improvement work. I think I will be getting to bed late tonight. I am still working on my cotton bag & looking for the camera. I know it is here just cannot put my hands on it. I want to also tell you My Mother is going crazy on her knitting. She makes socks now and is a demon at the speed part of sock making. I will get a picture of her socks & see if I can show off her work too.
I will take a picture of the sock I made for my Deddy and show you but I will warn you it looks like a "Who" sock from Dr Seuss. I have laughed about it many times but hope it fits. He has a 13 1/2 shoe size with a EEE width. I challenge YOU to make one that don't look like a Who sock.
Speaking of Whos. I saw Horton hears a Who. I love it until they stuck Anime in it. Those of you who know and love me know I HATE Anime. I am tolerant of it for sure ( I just hate how kids today copy Anime & don't draw their own original work) but it was uncalled for in this film. It distracted from the Seussical feel of the film. I laughed so hard at times I felt like I was 6 again & reading "Green Eggs & Ham".
OK I need to get my shoes on. I should not have stayed up so late last night playing Mahjong Safari. I am now whipped in the sleep dept. LOL MY Fault & I know it!
Thought for the day: Bitter is the seed that is sown from hatred, Thorny is the flower grown.
Be well and give peace a chance.

Maundy Thursday

2008-03-20T17:22:00.000-05:00

Today is the celebration of the Last Supper. To me it is the holiest of communions. I am a Disciples of Christ and plan on trying a new church tonight. That is a bit risky because once we tried a church and they did a lot of Gregorian chants. It was a lot different from our norm so we have not been back to that yet.
I finished one of my Dad's socks and started another purse. I am also working on a cotton bag for my sock projects. I have about 20 things going.
Today health wise, it has been a great day!!! I tell you that Synvisc stuff is good as gold to me!
I know why CATastrophe has the first 3 letters as CAT. Dan broke a glass bowl today and sometime in the night, he knocked the laundry detergent off of the washer and broke the cap so the laundry room now needs major clean up. He is on my hit list for sure!!! I did step on his tail when he did his speed bump impression. I will tell that tale another day.
I am missing my Wine, Women & Wool night and sad about that but I have transportation for Saturday so I will see the girls then.
OK I dont know much else except that my parents are in TX from SC and will not be stopping in to see me & I am a bit sad about that too. Maybe I need a mild pitty party...LOL
Love yas!!!!!
Be Well & Give Peace a chance...pay it forward.

Saturday Snippets

2008-03-15T15:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday to you all! Progress is measured only by the depth of the lesson learned. Wow that seems deep but really we all know this. You cannot go forward without a lesson learned! I am proof in the daily life I struggle to cope with and find answers to. Monday is only worth living through because Tuesday follows. I am finally at a place where I can walk around in comfort and not struggle to just stand. Synvisc has changed my life for the better. I am surprised it works so well with my OA. Today is a good day and I feel like this has been a good experience. Now I admit the pain of the injection is brutal but it stops hurting the next day.
What am I working on??? I have a pair of socks for my Dad (one sock done) and a new yarn I am trying to make into socks (not even cast on yet but frogged 3 times UGH). I am working on a purse, a swiffer cleaner pad, and a red purse I just started. I have the gloves going in a light purple that I will be making flowers for. I am sure there are other projects, but I am so unorganized, I am not sure what they might be.
When I find my camera, I will post some pictures of finished projects. Until then, I will remain text only. LOL Be well & think peace.

Wine, Women & Wool Thursday

2008-02-28T14:28:00.001-06:00

Here we are again, Thursday. I am excited to go to the LYS tonight and just think of nothing.
My health update is hopeful. I will begin Synvisc injections on Monday and I have heard they are very effective. My OA has progressed to the point it can now be labeled as severe. I do not like that however, I will just have to overcome it somehow. I managed to clean some carpet today and worked on this @^$#@#**$ router for our computers a bit. I thought I had it whipped and then *POOF* it didn't happen. UGH
I finished my wrap and a diagonal potholder. I am working on a few other projects that need to be finished. I will let you know what they are as soon as I can get them out and choose the next victim...LOL!!!
OK so Gary Coleman was on Good Morning Texas today. So many things need to be said, but I agreed with Brenda that he seems to have no joy in his soul. He & his wife have been married for a few weeks and have not consummated the marriage. He has estranged himself from his family and avoids any discussion of them. His demeanor also changes when they are mentioned. He seemed a bit combative and touchy unless discussing "I can't Believe it's Not Butter". He is the new spokes person and I am not sure he is a good one for them. He also was a bit touchy about his former co-stars from his TV show. I choose to just wish him some happiness in his soul and maybe he could use some therapy.
OK enough opinion, off to get ready to see the ladies!!!
Be well and keep on creating!!!

Fun Friday

2008-02-22T22:45:00.000-06:00

Last night with the girls was like a fun time at Six Flags. I hurt from all the laughing and giggling I do around those ladies. I think I should gather them all up for a day out to lunch of Pocket Sandwiches.......LOL! *sorry inside joke* *wink*
I finished my wrap today!!!!!!! I sewed on the last pocket, wove in the ends, washed it, dried it and covered up with it earlier. It did not block as well as I prefer, but I usually iron on the kinks in acrylic works.
I will work it out.
I made the prototype of a cell phone pouch. I will be teaching a class on this item and also teaching the basics of crochet. If you see this, & are in the Fort Worth area....you should take my class!
I will try to share the pattern after the class. Pictures will be posted soon. (OK as soon as I find my camera!)
What else is on my mind??? The death of a Dallas Police officer. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. I lost my husband at a young age and I knowhow bad it can be. Your children will need you now but also lean on someone you trust as well. You will need support to stand strong for the kids. My heart goes out to all of the family & police officers.
Elections will be coming up soon (Mar 4th) I still have no idea who to support. I would like to say thank you to Hillary Clinton for her courage to cancel her rallies today in honor of Officer Lozada.
OK I am off to find the perfect yarn to start some mitts. I have some purple I want to use, and maybe it will work.
Be well & prosper!

From Inside the Boxes--Wednesday

2008-02-20T13:45:00.000-06:00

OK so I am sick of the boxes already. I open one and try to find homes for my things and another box appears in it's place. I suppose I will keep on keeping on until I make it out of the mess.
Today is my Deddy's 75th birthday....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEDDY!!! What a milestone! I am so proud of him and his life. The accomplishments of his life are endless and I hope to have half of the accolades he has achieved. Thank you for being a great Dad!
I am fast approaching the end of my wrap and cannot wait until I reveal it in all of it's glory. It is taking so long to post a new photo because I am determined to finish some items before I start anything else. OK short & to the point today because I cannot work if I am on the computer...LOL
Be well and prosper!

Wine, Women & Wool Thursday!

2008-02-07T15:41:00.000-06:00

I am going to the sit & bitch tonight & I am overjoyed! It has been a long time since I was able to join the ladies and I miss them all so much. What am I working on? LOL I have so many things in bags and boxes I have little or no idea. I have the wrap to knit on and a square to crochet. In fact I need to make 2 so I shall be busy. Maybe I can work on those things tonight.
Pain....what a hateful thing to have on you 24/7. People who do not suffer with pain do not understand the limitations it places upon you. For 12 years (as of Feb 28th) (and yes it was a leap year that year too) I will have been suffering the worst pain known to man. From my spinal cord injury all the way to today with my knee joints degenerating as fast as I can think. 2008 will be a year for me to seriously take inventory, not only of my belongings all in boxes now but of my life and my way of life. I must lose weight. It is a burden I can no longer carry. Literally. I would have bariatric surgery and my insurance pays for it but no doctor will do it without a lot of money up front. I live on a fixed and below poverty income so how do I save up that money? OH WELL....for me to solve. I ask that you pray that I very soon can get in the swing of things and get my life cleaned up, cleared up and organized so I can move ahead. Right now, I am just not there. I may not get there soon. Tomorrow is a new opportunity to not only start over, but to start out happy. To build from the ashes of the day before. I say this because I will be hobbling in to the craft group tonight with joy and less frustration because my ladies make me feel good and make me laugh. This makes it the reason I go. I hope you have something like this in your life. I hope you can laugh in the face of adversity. Be brave and just laugh.
Blessings to you all.....Happy Thursday!