Here I am

I know, I've been gone for a while. I've been busy, in a befuddled mood, and cruising toward my Spring Break Vacation.

Work has been nuts, been busy knitting (more later), and been busy working in the garden.

We are headed over to Edgar's Acres tomorrow for ten wonderful days. I'll be taking pictures, posting them, and trying to get everyone up to date on what's been going on (if anyone is stopping by anymore).

For some reason this winter has been a bummer for me. It's been extremely LONG. I'm not sure exactly why, but have a clue. I've been hanging around with a huge weight on my back, which has now been removed. It's been one of those "mom's worry weights" and now that it's gone, I feel like I can take the time to starting breathing and stop praying. I've been kind of beating myself for feeling that way, but then decided, being a mom and feeling the way I do about loving my sons is just fine. That is just part of the mom job. Anyway, I feel better now and am getting back into the groove.

The sun is around, the days are longer, and we all feel good. I am a blessed woman and know it.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of my wonderful Irish relatives and friends.

Love you to my sons, all three of you (yes Matt, that includes you too).

TTFN

Sue

OHS Stocking Hat

Diane, our dear friend and OHS supporter has been at it again. I got this email from her the other day and I am sure you all will find it fun. Look real close to the picture.

"I love it, love the way it looks on, and had so much fun making it. Loosely based on this pattern and given a deep ribbed cuff and finished off with the OHS pattern.
http://knitting.about.com/od/hatpatterns/p/striped-hat.htm

I've been on a knitting kick since mailing this year's stockings and am zeroing in on twenty finished. A trick I'd like to share with other knitters is to keep a basket out with a few balls of yarn and some needles along with a pair of scissors and a yarn needle. Out of sight, out of mind. If everything is handy, it's easy to pick up in odd moments to knit a few rows w/o giving it a thought. I intend to keep mine out all year round and challenge myself to make as many as possible this year.

Diana"

Thanks Diana for your handy tip, and for being on a knitting frenzy. For those of you who want to join in the year round knitting, I've posted the stocking pattern again (see first picture). Remember, the link to our Yahoo page is to the right at the top of the blog page.


OPERATION HOLIDAY STOCKING
Worsted Weight YarnSize 7 Needles
Skill Level: Advanced BeginnerRating: Easy

Cast on 28 stitchesKnit 6 rows (garter stitch)Starting with right side, work 24 rows in Stockinette Stitch (SS)

Work short rows as follows:
Knit 18, turn
Purl 9, turn
Knit 10, turn
Purl 11, turn
Knit 12, turn
Purl 13, turn
Knit 14, turn
Purl 15, turn
Knit 16, turn
Purl 17, turn
Knit 18, turn
Purl 19, turn
Knit 20, turn
Purl 21, turn
Knit 22, turn
Purl 23, turn
Knit 24, turn
Purl 25, turn
Knit 26, turn
Purl 27, turn
Knit 28, turn
Purl one row even
Knit 6 rows even in Stockinette Stitch
Shape toe:
Row 1: *Knit 1, Knit 2 together, repeat from *, last stitch knit 1.
Row 2: *Purl 1, Purl 2 together, repeat from * , last stitch purl 1.
Row 3: Knit 2 together to end of row, with last stitch knit 1.
Row 4: Purl 2 together to end of row, with last stitch purl 1.
Cut yarn about 12 inches and draw through remaining stitches and fasten off.
Sew seam with 12 inches of yarn.

Happy knitting, and thanks all of you for your support.

TTFN

Sue
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Observations

I'm still around knitting, thinking and going through my usual daily routines. There have been several times I was going to post something but decided my blog didn't need to hear about my miffs and beefs about various observations. Then I got to thinking (trouble I know) that my blog is my blog and is for me to share. I do recognize it's never a good idea to jump on my blog when I'm in full steam, but best to wait a while. Here are some observations I've made and have totally (a) perplexed me, (b) angered me, or (c) astonished me.

The Barbie Doll Syndrome. It really exists. These are the 20 something ladies who wear the 3 inch stilleto heels (and don't know how to walk in them), long blonde hair, slender with no hips, but well endowed ("enhanced" like Barbie is a better word). Those suffering from BDS have no clue of what's going on around them. They aren't dumb (as some say blondes are), but this particular group of blondes are so full of themselves that they come across as dumb. They walk in front of you, bump into you, slam elevator doors in your face, let doors close in your face, and have no clue they are blocking a doorway because they are so engrossed in their text messaging. Ladies, think past yourself and take notice of the world around you. Other people DO exist.

The Cane Experience. Try using a cane for a couple of days and see how you are treated. I had an occasion to use one for three days and this is when I observed BDS. I also noticed that men do hold doors open for those with canes twice as many times as women. Younger women are least apt to hold a door open for you while you walk slowly through a doorway. Young men seem to make a point to chat while you take your time through a doorway. If you need to take an elevator, good luck. No one will hold the door open for you. You just need to plant yourself in front one of the elevators, and hope it eventually will be the one that opens up and then try to get in before you[re trampled. It's the damned "door close" button. People can't leave it alone.

Getter older isn't for sissies. That's all I'm going to say on that.

I'm working on two baby blankets and one pair of socks. The socks are for my commute to and from work and fit in my purse. One baby blanket involves using a chart so it's my knitting for weekends where I can set up the chart to follow while knitting. The second baby blanket is my knit in the dark if need to, or knit while watching television. You guessed it, garter stitch.

Well, I'm off to get my day started. Got some prep work to do for the garden this year.

TTFN

Sue

Recap

NOTE: I was asked the other day why I hadn't posted anything new on my blog since December 22nd. I guess I forgot to hit the "post" button.



In getting ready for 2010, I can't help but look back at 2009. It was a year of baby blankets and socks, cabbage worms, and good byes, and lots of love, friendship and fun.



I'm still working on the stained glass blanket I started. Two segments are done and I'm working on the third. It's warm so it's a winter project. There is a lot of love going into this blanket.

Susan and I got our heads together and knit a prayer shawl for Joyce, a breast cancer survivor. We each knit a half and Susan then grafted them together. Joyce continues to be healthy and doing well. We are grateful for the advances in medical treatment for breast cancer.
As part of the sock frenzy I started on, I did the Kool Aid socks. These are knit from the knitted piece of white fabric, and then dyed with Kool Aid. The texture is different because I was unraveling the knitted fabric while I was knitting the socks, but they are so comfy, and were fun to knit.

Our dear little A.J. left us this year and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We miss our old guy, but know he is in Heaven waiting for us.

The sock frenzy continued the whole year. Marlaina was the recepient of one pair. She fell in love with them while I was knitting them, they fit her like a glove, so for Christmas they were included with a book, needles and yarn for her to knit a pair.

Susan joined David and I on the gardening this past year. It was a bountiful year for us, mostly in the potatoes and onions crops. The cabbage and brussel sprouts were attacked by cabbage worms so we won't be planting those in the primary plot in 2010.

I finally reached my goal and donated a lock of hair for Locks of Love. It was a thrill for me to do this. I don't think I'll do it again. I confirmed I'm not a long hair person.

Baby Blanket No. 1 came out nicely, and Mom and baby were thrilled. So was I.

Baby Blanket No. 2 was another success all the way around. Little Juniper loves it.

Believe it or not I went to my 40th high school reunion. It was fun!

Baby Blanket No. 3 was the Brazilian Bears Blanket and I was very pleased with it.

Susan turned 60 so we had to have a big party for her. It was one of the best parties I have ever hosted or been to.

Baby Blanket No. 4 came out really nice as well, and is loved by little Nolan.

Operation Holiday Stockings was another success this year, with us sending out around 1100 stockings to troops primarily in Afghanistan.

I knit the Rachel socks and she now has warm feet.

The year ended with a lovely holiday season with family and friends.

I only knit two gifts this year for Christmas. The socks for Rachel, and a scarf for Matt. I decided I wasn't going to get all stressed out, and just enjoy the holidays (and the knitting).

Now that 2010 is here there will be more knitting, gardening and living. Happy 2010 everyone!

TTFN

Sue

December 22nd

It's December 22nd and we are now ready for Christmas. It's taken David and I a week to get the house ready, but ready it is. We don't have the outside lights up, but that's because David has been down with a ugly cold, and I'm not inclined to get out there and do it alone. All of my gifts are wrapped and under the tree, however, so now I can just relax and knit.


Because of my allergy to live Christmas trees, we have always had an artificial tree. Now before any of you lose your breath thinking Christmas isn't a real Christmas without a live tree, let's stop and think about those of us allergic to the spores and molds on live trees which cause us to lose our breath.


This year the tree looked like this when David got it up. We both looked at it and thought well, we've lots of ornaments and we can get more lights.

After three evenings and lots of new lights, and lots and lots of ornaments, we are pleased with the results.
Now, tell me honestly, doesn't that tree look lovely, and doesn't it look like a live tree. Thought so.

I'm actually on schedule, in fact done, with my Christmas knitting this year. I knit this pair of socks for Rachel and she reports her feet are now all toasty warm.

The yarn is Zauberball Crazy by Schoppel Wolle. It's a fun yarn to knit but I have to admit, there were times the two plys of different colors tested my old eyes. It was worth it though if Rachel's feet are toasty warm. The stitch for the leg is from Charlene Schurch's book Sensational Knitted Socks and is called the Corded Rib. (Love that book.) Rachel, if you want another pair, just let me know. I love knitting socks.


The other morning I was getting my first cup of coffee when I heard stuff dropping. I went into the bedroom to see if David was okay, and he was on his way to see if I was okay. That's when it dawned on us, the noise came from outside. I turned on the deck light and this is what I saw running past the door.

Followed by another one. Aren't they beautiful? They are, but still don't want them on the deck. I had put some old dried lavendar on the table on the deck and that is apparently what they were interested in. Needless to say, once the two rascals were out of the yard, and we let the dogs out, they were busy, busy, busy smelling the tracks.

I love December 22nd. The days are now getting longer instead of shorter. Mind you, this year I'm not complaining about weather, or darkness, or any thing like that. I just like having the daylight hours increasing each day instead of decreasing. It's not because I am depressed by the darkness, it just means we are getting closer to gardening weather. The shorter days haven't been that bad this year because the weather for the most part has been nice (for winter). After last year's crippling snow fall for the holidays, this weather is a lovely gift from God. I just like the idea of more daylight and being able to get outside and maybe getting my hands dirty in the garden.

On the flip side, more dark and cold weather means more knitting gets done, and knitting with wool. Granted, it's harder to stay up later because it's been dark for a long time, but nice knitting weather it is. Since I've finished my Christmas knitting, I am knitting a little something for me. Of course, I'll be staring another pair of socks for commuting, but that really doesn't count. Commuting knitting is knitting to keep y0u busy while going to and from work.

Well, I have a big shopping list I need to take care of, and a guest room to get ready.

TTFN

Sue

It's Official!

After sending stockings to our troops for five years, we decided it was time we got serious. Operation Holiday Stockings is now a Washington state non-profit corporation, and we will be filing for the federal equivalent in the near future. We will be having our first board of directors meeting after the first of the year since we are all so busy getting ready for the holidays.

So many people have helped out in the past five years to make this possible, and for me to keep a promise I made in March of 2006. That was the promise to continue sending stockings as long as we have soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. It looks like we will be doing so for at least two more years.

We have a very generous list of donors and participants who made Operation Holiday Stockings possible this year, and here they are:

Karen, Seattle WA
Dawn, Seattle WA
Kim, Seattle WA
Rebecca, Seattle WA
Barb, Seattle WA
Bartell’s Drug, Newcastle WA
Al, Shoreline WA
Sue, Bellingham WA
Bedford Jewelers, Bedford MA
Bellevue Club Hotel, Bellevue WA
Susan B, Bellevue WA
Beta Sigma Phi Preceptor Alpha Nu, The Dalles OR
Bitsy, Olympia WA
Gordon, Seattle WA
Randy & Janice, Seattle WA
Kirk Boettcher DDS, Bellevue WA
Glennda, San Antonio TX
Matt & Joan, Bellevue WA
Heather, Molalla OR
Jan, Barre VT
Cheryl, Barre VT
Irene, Barre VT
Beverly, Barre VT
Mary Lynn, Barre, VT
Eastside Knitting Guild, Bellevue WA
Elaine, Shoreline WA
Katie, Bellevue WA
Maryann, South Milwaukee WI
Lisa H, Bellevue WA
Mary, Arlington MA
Nancy, Corvallis OR
Kristi, Seattle WA
Jeffrey Johnson, DDS, Bellevue WA
Kari & Mike, Bellevue WA
Katlyn, Lancaster PA
Glenn & Lisa, Seattle WA
Ladies of the Elks, Sequim WA
Lou & Nora, Sequim WA
Diana, Lyle WA
Susan, Lakewood CO
Barbara, Arroyo Grande CA
Susan M, Bellevue WA
Gordon & Carolyn, Seattle WA
Emily, Seattle WA
Terry, Casper WY
Lisa, Seattle WA
Melissa, Seattle WA
Sue P, Seattle WA
Rachel, Portland OR
Cynthia, Seattle WA
David, aka Frank, Portland OR
Linda, Springfield OH
John, Portland OR
Jim & Rebecca, Seattle WA
Kathy and Friends and Family, College Place WA
Ginny, Hazelhurst WI
Cathi, Seattle WA
Sierra Hotel, Bellevue WA
Silver Cloud Inn, Bellevue WA
Louanne, The Dalles OR
Ricardo’s Family Restaurant, Bellevue WA
Stitches from the Heart, Bellevue WA
Doug & Bev, Chelan WA
Leslie, Sequim WA
Sue R, Bellevue WA
David, Bellevue WA
Chiya, Clyde Hill WA
Sandra, Shoreline WA
Kay, Sequim WA
Beth, Edmonds WA
Lisa P, Bellevue WA
Marina, Bremerton WA
Dave, Bellevue WA
Joe, Bellevue WA
Melinda, Grass Valley CA
Zoe, Seattle, WA
Matt T., Bellevue, WA
Grace, Seattle, WA
Donna, Seattle WA

To everyone who have provided stockings, stocking stuffers, postage money, sweat and tears, and emotional support these past five years, thanks so much. For everyone who has sent prayers to the soldiers we send stockings to, and who have prayed for Operation Holiday Stockings since 2005, thanks so much. This is an effort of many, not just one, and an effort of love and support for the men and women who are away from their home over the holidays. Operation Holiday Stockings has been, and will continue to be, our thanks to the deployed troops, and to their families at home.

TTFN

Sue

Updates

Operation Holiday Stockings is all buttoned up for 2009. Before bringing you up to date, however, I wanted to show the beautiful stockings Melinda sewed for OHS. We already had this year's stockings stuffed and packed, but we are now well on our way for 2010. Thanks Melinda.
Last week David and Matt sealed up all 16 boxes and got them ready for mailing to our troops in Afghanistan, Cuba and Japan. We shipped over 1000 stockings, each one full of love, prayers and goodies.
We shipped 600 stockings to one unit in Afghanistan. They have suffered a lot of losses since being deployed, and we are praying these stockings bring a bit of cheer to them.
We had a special visitor at work. This is Calum, and his mom and dad, Grady and Jenn. What a beautiful family. Jenn tells me Calum loves the blankie I knit for him, and that makes me feel happy. Calum wasn't the only baby to get something specially knit for him.

Johnny got his very own "grown up" knit sweater from Susan.
He loves the sweater and spent the first five minutes prancing around wagging his tail and then he crawled into Susan's lap to give her kisses of thanks.

Susan knit in the St. John's cross, which is the symbol of happiness. Perfect. Johnny has to be one of the happiest doggies I have ever come across. Everyone is Johnny's best friend, and he is always happy.

In the past two weeks we have been dealing with below freezing weather. The days have been beautiful, with clear blue skies, but COLD. I feel like I'm back in Anchorage. I wore wool sweaters and my wonderful hand knit socks to work each day. For the trip to Sequim this past Friday, I had on two sweaters, a fleece vest, my fleece jacket, wool socks, fleece lined shoes, gloves and a hat. This was just so the ferry ride wouldn't be unbearable. It was 15 degrees outside that morning, and with the wind coming off of the water, it was COLD.

Now we all have been managing and most of us have not been complaining about the weather, because NONE of us wants another December of 17 days of snow. The problem with this type of weather, however, is everything freezes. Dog water dishes, hummingbird feeders, water pipes, and water tanks. Many people had their pipe freeze, and then burst, making a big mess. One friend called a plumber at 6:00 a.m. last Thursday, and a plumber arrived at 10:00 p.m. on Friday. Fortunately for her, the pipe that burst was in her garage and not in her house.

We got to Edgar's Acres on Friday morning to no water in the house. To make a long story short, the water tank (that holds the water from the well and is in the garage) was frozen solid. The plumber there told us this cold spell (lasting 16 days) is the worst they have seen in 40 years. By Saturday at noon we had running water again.

At least in this extreme weather we were lucky enough to have heat and electricity. And McDonald's where they have working bathrooms for the cost of a cup of coffee.

It's warmed up a bit so now it's snow we are looking at. Got to love winter. In eight more days the days start getting longer and we will be that much closer to Spring.

Stay warm everyone.

TTFN

Sue