Up On Cherry Hill

Don't Fear the Felting

2012-01-16T08:14:00.003-05:00

I love to felt. It came to me that some friends, each, wanted another hat (I had previously made them hats, a couple of years ago) and they asked if that would be possible. Sure. Felting can be a crap shoot. That's part of its charm. So off to my stand-by pattern - Felted Hats by Bev Galeskas from Fiber Trends and acquiring the wool I like to use - WoolPak, 14 ply (you can get it HERE, but it's not the only source). I knitted 7 - that's SEVEN of them - and then began to plan my felting.
One needs some sort of washing machine to felt. I live in an apartment and do not have my own machine. I've used the community machine here, in the laundry room, in the past but I can't control the water level... not the best way to felt. I've used the machines at the local laundermat, too, again..... not much control. What did we do before Google? I searched for "felting without a washing machine" and this method popped up..... I LOVE it and will, likely, only felt this way from now on......working the wool, like this provides a lot more control. It took some upper arm effort - enlist the help of a little kid - and there was a bit of splishing and splashing but I'll not go back to the washing machine! I felted all seven in one day and I will admit... my arms ached all night long. Thank You, God, for aspirin.

You will need a large bucket (mine is a 30 pound Feta bucket from where I work),
a toilet plunger, a package of tennis balls and some bits of old bluejeans
(or another abrasive type fabric) and some dish soap.

Fill the bucket about 1/3 the way with very hot, hot water, put the tennis balls and jean remnants into the bucket and add some dish soap. Place the item to felt into the water.

Using the plunger, begin the agitation.... keep it moving!

About half way through the process.... still more processing to go. If the water
starts to cool, pour it out and replace with newly hot - add more soap, too.....

keep checking as you go along to achieve the fabric you want.

It took me 30 minutes to get to the level of fabric and size that I wanted. Rinse well with cold water, squeeze out the excess water and roll up in a towel to remove more water.

Shape over a small bowl and wait for it to dry, completely...... Soooo pretty!

Bible Verse for This Morning:

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.

We are the clay, you are the potter;

we are all the work of your hand."

Isaiah 64:8

Aran is Done!

2012-01-07T09:55:00.001-05:00

I finished it. Sort of in time for Christmas. I gave it to Momma S on Christmas Morning but had to take it back as it needed the 'tails' woven in and a good laundering and blocking. Whew! I enjoyed it and I'm glad it's done. That's how this kind of knitting is. Each row an effort. Sometimes it's a love/hate relationship

that in the end we are happy with and we love.

Bible Verse for Today:

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:4

Basket Weaving 101

2011-10-14T19:02:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, Momma S and I took a basket weaving class..... Lookie there! We actually made baskets!

Bible Verse for Tonight:
"But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile." Exodus 2:3

Aran Progress

2011-09-06T08:37:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have been working on it... sometimes, though, it's only been two rows at a time. Sometimes, I haven't worked on it at all. Now, that it's not so hot, I'll be tackling it again with full vigor and determination. So.... here's where I am.....
(Pattern Source - here)

Bible verse for a Rainy Day:
"So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil". Deuteronomy 11:13, 14

Hurricane Irene and a Little Acorn - Cutie PaTutie

2011-09-05T10:37:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene blew by dropping tons O'Rain upon our heads. Thankfully, we just got wet; no power outs or floods in our house. Number One and S lost power at their Mountain House, so, along with Lady A, sojourned with us for a week. In a moment of looking for something else to show to S, I came upon this little gem in the 'To Do' files. So I Did. From stem to stern, it measures 1.75 inches. Visit pea soup for the recipe! And whilst, there check it out! How to make a bomb! :) Awesome!

Bible verse for today:
"For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes." Luke 6:43,44

Summertime and the Crocheting is Easy

2011-07-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

High Summer is upon us when lazy days of sitting in the shade require a different kind of knitting. Holding wool can be a bit irksome if the heat and humidity are just right. I’ve been crocheting, actually. Lady A’s Momma asked if I could make her some face cloths. She is now almost 6 months old (did I mention before, that there’s a new grandbaby?) and beginning to eat ‘real’ food. Momma wanted homemade washcloths for the sweet baby face sooooo, of course, I obliged. Soft cotton/linen blend yarn and a crochet hook were just the ticket. Just chain about 34 (start in the second chain from the hook) and work back and forth in single crochet (33 st) for about 40 rows. Work around the entire square in sc with chain 3 loops at the corners. At the completion of the sc around round, work sc in every other sc and into the corner loops with a ch 3 in between. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be perfect…. It will be perfectly lovely!

Bible Verse for Today:

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" Isaiah 49:15

Save it for the Birds

2011-06-18T10:02:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the little wooly bits of yarn and fluff, leftovers from my knitting and spinning, that I leave outside for the birds.... they love these for nest making and why throw them in the garbage when the birdies can use them. Just make sure they are not too long so as not to strangle any other animal that might wander close.

Bible Verse for Today:
"He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains; they give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they lift up their voices among the branches." Psalm 104:10-12

A Summer Day At Grandma's House

2011-06-09T21:17:00.005-04:00

A Summer Day at Grandma’s House

Aluminum frame fold-y chairs wrapped
In green and yellow plastic webbing
Sit in the yard where honeysuckle fills the air
Old ladies in flowery print dresses
Wipe their brows with hankies from their bosoms
Old men chin to chest dream in the shade
Of their youth when they were strong like the trees
Children in the tractor tire sandbox
Dig to China
Sun shines through
Sweet tea in sweaty glasses
Where lemon boats float among ice bergs
Watermelon smiles spit pits
Across the grassy sea and
Everyone waits for the promise
That is ice cream
From the salt soaked wooden bucket
Whose steel arm never grows as weary
As the arm that cranks it
Cicadas shed their coats on bark walls
And sing the same song
That Great Great Grandma heard

Tonight's Bible Verse:
" It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth;
You made both summer and winter." Psalm 74:17

New Wheel - Kromski Sonata

2011-05-31T15:14:00.001-04:00

My new spinning wheel arrived last week. Yummy! It's a bit fussier than my Ashford Kiwi... but that's okay. Big sister, Kiwi, has welcomed the new arrival with open arms. Interesting that there are such personifications of the wheel parts... Mother-of-All, Maidens, Footmen, Lazy Kate - I do think of the two wheels as people. Linda wants to know... why do I like this spinning thing? I'm not really sure. I like the 'machine' aspect of the wheel - it's a technology born out of it's own beginnings of spinning rocks, hooked sticks and the drop spindle. Spinning is such an ancient craft. I always wonder, "how did those guys figure this out?" Spinning had to happen before any weaving, knitting, crocheting could ever have taken place. I feel the ancient when spinning. In 1796, flax growers in Ulster, Ireland were awarded spinning wheels as premiums for growing certain acreages of flax. Several of the award-ees were named Clendennin, one of my ancestral names.... were these my forbearers?.... spinners? Besides, a spinning wheel is the very stuff of FairyTales!

Bible Verse For a Virtuous Woman:
"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." Proverbs 31:13

4 Rows At A Time - How to Knit an Aran Sweater

2011-05-30T18:35:00.000-04:00

Hoping that the "if you knit a sweater for your boyfriend, he will break up with you" curse does not apply to the girlfriend of one's son.... I'm knitting an Aran sweater for that girlfriend. This kind of work is a Knitter's project.....all full of the complexities of texture and form. This work, in 3-D, can be daunting; every row a challenge of eyes to chart to written word to hands to chart to hands (until the pattern takes form in the grey matter). For me... I'm working 4 Rows At A Time. Everyday, at least 4 rows must get worked (yes, a rule). It helps me cope (don't get me wrong, I love moving this kind of mountain) - and coping is also necessary in the form of little tics on paper to mark each pattern within a pattern's progress. So here is the beginning... The Pattern - Honeycomb Classic - starts on page 28 of the booklet in the photograph. Will you be inspired?

Bible Verse For Tonight.
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps." I Peter 2:21

Good Friday

2011-04-22T13:19:00.000-04:00

Originally posted to Grannie Jannie's Homemade Pie Blog; April 6, 2007

WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS

Issac Watts, Lowell Mason

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Bible Verse for Today:

"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;" I Peter 3:18 (NASB)

Socks and the Civil War

2011-04-12T08:07:00.000-04:00

Today marks the 150th Anniversary of the Start of the Civil War...... From an issue of Scientific American, 10/26/1861 (SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN? - I think it must have been an ad)

THE WAR.
The government calls upon the loyal women of
America to knit stockings for our brave soldiers. The
following rules are laid down for the direction of
ladies wishing to knit socks for the soldiers:—Get
large needles and a coarse yarn; cast on seventy-eight
stitches, and knit the leg ten inches before setting the
heel. The heel should be three and a half inches
long, and knit of double yarn, one fine and one
coarse, for extra strength. The foot should be eleven
or twelve inches long.

It clearly assumes that the loyal women of America knew how to make socks.
Interesting... coarse yarn, large needles... 78 st cast on.

If you get the chance... watch Ken Burn's The Civil War whilst knitting these.

Bible Verse for This Morning:
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:14

Felted Easter Eggs or How to Get an Egg from a Sheep

2011-04-09T10:18:00.001-04:00

You will need:

Wool fiber (natural and various colors) for felting

Felting needles

A piece of foam to work on

Start by making a small roll of the natural wool – using the needle and felting as you go, add layer by layer until it is the general size and egg shape that you want. Cover with a layer of colored wool and decorate as you wish with small bits of color.

Ta Da!

UPDATE:

Here's a little video tutorial for needlefelting

Bible Verse For Today:

“The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

More Socks From the Needles

2011-03-25T14:10:00.002-04:00

Latest version of socks. To my horror,
they don't match exactly!
Yarn was flawed, somehow.
-grin-

Bible Verse for a Sunny Afternoon:
"For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living." Psalm 56:13

Alannah's Baby Blanket

2011-03-24T08:03:00.011-04:00

You will need approximately (and by approximately I mean you might need more - so be prepared) 1000 yards of worsted weight yarn; 32 inch, size 9US circular needle.

Note: Blankie is worked holding 2 strands together throughout.

Finished size: 29” x 39”

Gauge: 14 stitches and 18 rows equals 4 inches

CO 101 stitches.

Border: work Seed Stitch (as follows) for 8 rows: P1, K1 across, ending with a P1.

1^st Row of Pattern (Rt side) - (P1, K1) 2x, P1, K3, P1, (K5, P1) 14 times; K3, (P1, K1) 2x, P1

2^nd Row of Pattern (Wrg side) - (P1, K1) 2x, P4, K1, (P5, K1) 14 times; P4, (K1, P1) 2x.

Repeat these 2 rows until piece measures approximately 37 ½ inches

Repeat the Border for 8 rows and BO.

Bible Verse for This Morning:

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

Do I Really Have Time For A New Hobby?

2011-03-06T20:07:00.011-05:00

Okay, maybe I've been too involved in cheese, coffee and knitting, guitar pickin' and genealogy to have heard of this (it's only 10 years old) but I've recently discovered this little Treasure Hunting game called Geocaching. Using GPS co-ordinates one treks through forests or urban settings looking for little stashes of dollar store goodies tucked away in ammo canisters or Tupperware. This also entails keeping a log and if you really want to do it up right, you join up at www.geocaching.com and log your finds and hides on that 'official' site. Did I forget to mention you can hide those Tupperware boxes full of goodies, too? Yes, I signed up... my ID is 'sticksandstrings' - a thinly veiled reference to knitting AND guitar playing. Anyway, it sounds like a nice way to take a hike, especially with the little kids in tow. After all what kid doesn't want to look for Treasure?! The one problem with this whole GPS thing is.... I have, since my dad got one in his car, eschewed the whole navigation by satellite thing by reminding all, who don't really care what I think, to USE A MAP! But apparently, the coordinates for caches are necessary to help you find them. So, I guess I'll be on the hunt to purchase a GPS thingy...... But I'll still consult Rand McNally when traveling by car!

Bible Verse for Tonight:
"Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Polar Bear Hat - New Crochet Pattern

2011-01-14T13:06:00.003-05:00

Baby Polar Bear Hat

You will need:

1 skein of worsted weight yarn – Color: White

1 crochet hook, size F-3.75 mm

1 stitch marker

Gauge: 9 sc = 2inches; 5 rows = 1 inch

Hat measures 6-7 inches from top of crown to the edge and a circumference of 18 inches

Round 1: Starting at the top of the crown - Chain 2, 6 sc in second chain from the hook and mark the beginning of the round. Do not join each round or turn… this is worked as a spiral.

Round 2: (in each of the next rounds, continue to mark the beginning of the round with a marker) – 2 sc in each sc. 12 sc

Round 3: *1 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 4: * sc in next 2 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 5: * sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 6: * sc in next 4 sc, 2sc in next stitch * around

Round 7: * sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in next stitch * around

Round 8: * sc in next 6 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 9: * sc in next 7 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 10: * sc in next 8 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 11: * sc in next 9 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 12: * sc in next 10 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 13: * sc in next 11 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 14: * sc in next 12 sc, 2sc in next stitch* around

Round 15: sc around

Continue with round 15 until piece measures from 6-7 inches from the top. End off.

Ears: (Make 2)

Work the first 3 rounds of the hat, as above

Round 4: sc around and end off

Sew ears to the hat in the position that you like.

Bible Verse for Today:

"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." I Thessalonians 5:14

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-13T06:15:00.002-05:00

Our tree this year. Each year, over the course of our married life, we have added a new ornament to the tree. A yearly mission, we made a day to spend the time to choose just the right one and add it to the family of ornaments that have been collected over the years. Some of the ornaments are sweet little raggedy paper things made by the kids in school. Some were made by my hands and the hands of others… crocheted snowflakes, quilted Styrofoam balls. The tree is now filled with 36 years of ornament… some of them belonging to us, the parents and some to the child who still remains at home. Over the years, each of our 4 children was given an ornament – which they chose - and upon leaving home their own little box of memories went with them………Each ornament a moment in time in our lives.

Bible verse for the season:
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Side to Side Sweater

2010-09-04T14:51:00.004-04:00

Let's see if I can make this clear -

This sweater measures 48 inches around and is a tunic length (29 inches). I used 4 different colors/kinds of yarn, in worsted weights. I think, for my own aesthetics, I would have preferred 5 different colors. Use however many you like. You will need a total of about 1850 yards of these varying yarns. I used cotton blends and included one handpainted yarn that contained a metallic strand.

GAUGE:
5.25 stitches and 8.66 rows equals 1 inch.
Note: This row gauge is based upon a stripe pattern that is randomly alternated between varying rows of stockinette stitch and garter stitch. I never worked more than 6 rows StSt or 6 rows of garter at a time. I did the color stripes randomly on the back and then duplicated it for the front. I also matched the sleeves to each other with equal striping. This is your choice. Doing each piece randomly and differently from each other would be interesting, too. There is room for experimenting and surprise in this pattern.... Enjoy!

BACK:
CO 152 stitches and work your stripe/stitch pattern for a total of 208 rows OR 24 inches. BO all stitches

FRONT:
CO 152 stitches and work your stripe/stitch pattern for 69 rows OR 8 inches (left front shoulder complete). Neck shaping: With RS facing, continuing in your stripe pattern, Dec 1 stitch at the beginning of the next 5 RS rows and at the end of the next 5 WS rows (10 decreases - 142 stitches - left neck "slope"). Continue in the stripe pattern for 50 rows. Neck shaping: With RS facing, and keeping to the stripe pattern, Inc 1 stitch at the beginning of the next 5 RS rows and at the end of the next 5 WS rows. (10 increases made - 152 stitches - right neck "slope" - left neck slope to the right neck slope is 8 inches). Work 69 more rows OR 8 inches to complete the right shoulder, for a total of 24 inches. BO all stitches.

SLEEVES: (do I have to say make 2?)
CO 52 stitches. I did work 6 rows (or 3 ridges) of garter stitch for a nice edge. Continuing in the stripe/stitch pattern, Inc 1 st on each side every 2nd row 3 times. Then Inc 1 st on each side every 4th row 29 times until there are 116 stitches and sleeve measures 15 inches long (or the length you need). BO all stitches. Weave in all the tails (yikes!).

Sew the shoulders together. Center sleeves to the shoulder seam and sew onto body, then sew the side seams. Since I used almost all of my yarn supply, I added a crocheted picot edge around the neck opening to finish it off... If I had enough yarn I think a soft, cowl neck would have been nice. Leave the bottom of your sweater plain or you may also choose to finish off the bottom edge of the body with a row of single crochet or a crocheted picot edge or any edge of your choice.

I hope this makes sense.

Bible verse for today:
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." I Cor. 16:13

Learn to Knit - Dutchess County Fair 2010

2010-08-27T17:03:00.008-04:00

Linda and I had a wonderful lunch then a trip to Rhinebeck to teach at the fair. A beautiful day and I'm happy to report.... our teaching services were hardly needed - most people already knew how to knit! Next up: The NY State Sheep and Wool Show - October 16 and 17.

Tonight's Bible Verse:
"Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. " Psalm 100:3

Little Girl Wristlets - Fingerless Mittens

2010-07-27T09:24:00.003-04:00

Little Girl Wristlets

Ages 6-10

1 skein Koigu Painter’s Palette (if you knit a longer cuff section, you may need more yarn)

US3 (3.25mm) double point needles

Optional – Size F (3.75mm) crochet hook and small charms for decoration

Gauge: not too important

Abbreviatons:

CO – Cast on

K – knit

P – purl

M1 – create an increase by lifting the ‘ladder’ between the two stitches in the row below, from the front with the left needle and knitting into the back of this lifted bar (new stitch will look twisted).

Rnd – round

BO – Bind off

Note: These wristlets are knit in the round.

CO 44 onto 3 double pointed needles. Distribute stitches thusly: 16 on the first needle, 12 on the second needle, 16 on the third needle. Join into a circle – be careful not to twist; mark beginning of round.

K2, P2 until tube measures 4 inches (or desired length of cuff)

Thumb Gusset:

Rnd 1: K2, P1, M1, P1, continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnds 2 and 3: K2, P1, K1, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnd 4: K2, P1, M1, K1, M1, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnds 5 and 6: K2, P1, K3, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnd 7: K2, P1, M1, K3, M1, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnds 8 and 9: K2, P1, K5, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnd 10: K2, P1, M1, K5, M1, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnds 11 and 12: K2, P1, K7, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnd 13: K2, P1, M1, K7, M1, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnds 14 and 15: K2, P1, K9, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnd 16: K2, P1, M1, K9, M1, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnds 17 and 18: K2, P1, K11, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnd 19: K2, P1, M1, K11, M1, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Rnds 20 and 21: K2, P1, K13, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Next Rnd: K2, P1, slide the next 13 stitches onto a stitch holder or piece of yarn, P1; continue in K2P2 rib around.

Continue in the K2P2 rib until desired hand length (1.5 to 2.5 inches). Bind off Hand.

Thumb: Knit the 13 thumb stitches with the double point needles, distribute stitches evenly on 3 needles – continuing in the round – picking up and knitting one extra stitch between the two purl stitches that were joined back together after the thumb gusset was completed. Knit in stockinette for about .5 to 1 inch (or desired length. Bind off thumb.

Options: Using crochet hook, work a single crochet border (or whatever kind of border that pleases you) on the cuff, hand and thumb edges. Sew small charms on each to decorate.

Bible Verse for Today:
"..... and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." I Thessalonians 4: 11,12

Where Have You Been?

2010-07-18T08:08:00.002-04:00

Okay, so not much has been posted here, of late. Don't worry..... new knit pattern coming soon!
Stay tuned!

Cool Cat

2010-04-09T21:35:00.005-04:00

I'm a Cool Cat
I got my hat
On my head
When I walk
Down the street
I feel the beat
In my feet
I'm a Cool Cat!

Tonight's Bible Verse:
" I (Wisdom) walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice..." Proverbs 8:20

Solo Sail Around the World

2010-03-31T10:28:00.005-04:00

When I was a teenager, I read "Dove", the account of Robin Graham and his solo voyage around the world. Starting out at the age of 16 (as I recall) he hopscotched around the globe taking several years to complete the journey. Today..... Abby Sunderland is sailing solo around the world at the age of 16. Today she rounds Cape Horn (I feel a sea shanty coming on). Follow her journey at:

http://www.abbysunderland.com/

Read her blog at:

http://soloround.blogspot.com/

Wanderlust is setting in.

Bible Verse for rounding "The Horn":
"For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD Almighty is his name." Isaiah 51:15

The Tea is Cozy But the Toes Are Cold

2010-01-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

Okay.. I just wanted to see the tea cozy "finished" so I didn't wait for the other knitsters to finish theirs! Mostly I finished it as I have to get a pair of socks done and sent to GPa Paul in not so warm Florida. A special request that cannot be denied! I was most happy with the tea cosy - so spicey and kitchen-y.

Last night, my little Liza Dolittle, Emily came over and we had an impromptu knitting lesson and she excelled exceedingly..... she is most enthusiastic.....keep on knitting Miss E!

The winter cold has settled back in and today, on my day off, the Old Man and I did not venture out. And someone in the building keeps leaving the outside door open! Stop that! It is a January, deep in the bones, makes the toes hurt and the nose run kinda cold. But it is January, it is winter, it is the way God made it, so we'll stay inside, for the moment and drink hot chocolate and keep the needles clicking. I like that.

Bible verse for this evening:
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Genesis 8:22

It’s a New KAL

2010-01-10T15:29:00.002-05:00

Some may think that tea cozies are so old fashioned and granny-like but they really are very useful and effective (especially this past week of Arctic Blast, here in the NorthEast). The Tuesday Knitsters have embarked on a new knit-along. Some, among us, wish to learn fair isle and steeking, so what better project than a tea cozy! It’s a small project, doesn’t have to fit anyone and will be forgiving of little blurps (the tea doesn’t care). We are each working out our own design. Here’s mine, so far. I’m using the fair isle bit from the book “The Art of Fair Isle Knitting” by Ann Feitelson; page 113. Using up some very old shetland wool from the stash (that light color in the photo is complete with bug chomps throughout), I cast on 144 stitches on a size US1 needle….then anything goes. I won’t be writing out the pattern. That’s part of the fun! Stay tuned.

This Afternoon’s Bible Verse:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

SnowBirds

2010-01-08T10:19:00.009-05:00

Diamond dust falls
Adorning the boughs of gray trees afar
Sparrows are
Scratching the jeweled powder
Seeking the seed of life

Quiet quilt lights
Upon the blue branches of evergreen
Cardinal is seen
Red bird resting on a soft
Needle bed within

Windblown wisp flies
Frosting the water’s edge of icy creek
Blue jay seeks
A branch of warm shelter
Before the moon arrives

Bible verse for the morning:
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

Triangle Prayer Shawl Pattern

2010-01-04T21:02:00.003-05:00

When we hear that a friend or family member has fallen ill or on difficult times, how we wish we could take it all away from them! But we can only support them by, perhaps, meeting their physical needs - such as cooking dinner for them, or doing their laundry, or driving them to their chemo-therapy or meeting emotional and spiritual needs by holding their hand and praying for them and with them. We knitters have the power to do both by the work of our hands - knitting a prayer shawl - warmth for the shoulders, a hug and prayers for the spirit. Here's a simple pattern for a triangular shape shawl. You will need 600 to 800 yards of worsted weight yarn, however.....this is very adaptable to whatever yarn you may have to use. Use the size needle to go with your yarn choice.

Cast on 5 stitches
Knit 2 rows, mark this side as the Right Side, mark the center stitch.
All following rows: Knit 1, yarn over, knit to the center stitch, yarn over, knit the center stitch and all remaing stitches. You must complete a Right Side row and a Wrong Side row to have symmetrical increases.

Work in the above way until you have used up all of your yarn, saving enough yards to bind off. (I shall leave it to you to develope your own variations on this theme.)

Now, say a prayer, write an encouraging note on a lovely card, wrap it up and give to the one (man or woman) who needs it.

Tonight's Bible Verse:
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

2009-12-18T06:37:00.003-05:00

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth He stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the Light of light descendeth
From the realms of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.

At His feet the six wingèd seraph,
Cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the presence,
As with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Lord Most High!

Words: Liturgy of St. James, 4th Century (Σιγησάτο παρα σὰρξ βροτεία); translated from Greek to English by Gerald Moultrie, 1864.

Music: Picardy, French carol melody; harmony from The English Hymnal, 1906, number 318

Today's Bible verse:
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Dishcloth

2009-10-06T08:10:00.005-04:00

Here's a quick little number, good for kids to knit as it doesn't have the increases and decreases that the "traditional" pattern has. Lily's Sugar and Cream yarn - I used a size US8. You use what you wish.

Cast on 30 stitches. All rows knitted (garter stitch)
Work 4 rows.
Hole row (right side): K2, (YO, K2tog) across. Then knit the wrong side row.
Continue in garter stitch for as long as you like your cloth to be.... then repeat the "Hole row" and the wrong side row.
Work 4 more rows and bind off. TA DA.

Now get out in the kitchen and wash those dishes!

Bible verse for this morning:

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26

Dragonfly

2009-09-29T18:55:00.010-04:00

Cellophane wings
On my screen
Looking in;
Waiting for the wind
To turn to flight.
Summer fading,
Autumn approaching
Chasing the Dragonfly south.

Tonight's Bible Verse:
"To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Baby Bow Tie Hat - Knitted in the Round

2009-08-22T19:06:00.005-04:00

I used sport weight acrylic yarn at a gauge of 5.5 stitches per inch.

You will also need a 16 inch circular needle and double pointed needles.

With sport weight yarn and size US4, 16 inch cable needle (that's the size I used) cast on 72 stitches, join and knit in the round for about 1.25 inches (this makes the roll edge). Then work 7 ridges or 14 rows of garter stitch (in the round you will knit 1 round then purl the next, repeat those 2 rounds). Afterwards, knit every row until the piece measures 3.5 inches from the rolled edge (leave it rolled). Change to double point needles and work decreases for the top as follows:

Rnd 1 - K7, K2tog around

Rnd 2 - knit

Rnd 3 - K6, K2tog around

Rnd 4 - knit

Rnd 5 - K5, K2tog around

Rnd 6 - knit

Rnd 7 - K4, K2tog around

Rnd 8 - knit

Rnd 9 - K3, K2tog around

Rnd 10 - knit

Rnd 11- K2, K2tog around

Rnd 12 - K1, K2tog around

Rnd 13 - K2tog around

There are now 8 stitches left. Divide them in half, placing 4 stitches on each of two DPN's. Working on one needle of 4 stitches, K1, K2tog, K1 - 3 stitches. Now work an I-chord on these three stitches for 7 inches. Repeat this I-chord process on the other needle. Weave in the tails and tie the I-chords into a bow.

Space, the Final Frontier

2009-07-16T15:14:00.001-04:00

Happy Anniversary Moon Men!

Bible verse for the Universe:
"Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created." Psalm 148:3-5

Humming Along on a Birg Song

2009-06-27T08:34:00.002-04:00

Look who came to my hummingbird feeder!

Today's Bible Verse:
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and {yet} your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" Matthew 6:26

LITTLE GIRL SHRUG

2009-06-12T20:29:00.001-04:00

Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun: 2 - 6oz skeins

Needles: Sizes 8US and 10.5US
Gauge: Not so important as you will measure the "wingspan" from wrist to wrist of the little girl and knit to fit her length…. My shrug measured 32 inches from cuff to cuff.

With smaller needles:
CO 19 stitches and work a K1, P1 rib for 2 inches (On the right side, you will have a knit stitch on each end).
Next row: Knit into the front and back of each of the next 9 stitches, K1, Knit into the front and back of each of the next 9 stitches. 37 stitches total. Change to larger needles, knit 7 more rows. Right side should show 4 ridges garter stitch.

Continue in the following PATTERN :
Row 1: K1, (YO, K2tog) 18 times
Row 2: Purl
Rows 3-10: Knit each row
Repeat these 10 rows for the length needed ( I went to about 30 inches from the beginning CO)

On the final Row 10, Change to smaller needles and K2tog - 9 times, K1, K2tog - 9 times. (19 stitches)

Now work K1, P1 rib for 2 inches.
Bind Off

Determine sleeve length - I measured 9 inches towards the underarm from the cuff - and sew the sleeve seams together, leaving the center open to slip onto the shoulders. All done! If you would like to give the edge a more finished look, single crochet, loosely, around the opening.

MATCHING ROLL BRIM HAT
Using same yarn and size 13US DP needles:

CO 40 stitches. Distribute over DP needles and join into rounds and knit for 7 inches or the length of crown you would like. Next row K2, K2tog all around. 30 stitches. Knit one round plain. Next row, K1, K2tog all around. 20 stitches. Knit one round plain. Next row, K2tog all around. 10 stitches. Last row K2tog all around - run yarn through the last 5 loops and draw up tight. Done.

The 65th Anniversary of D-Day

2009-06-06T09:34:00.006-04:00

(phototgraph -Department of Defense)

“We will accept nothing less than full victory.”
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

THE DEFENCE OF FORT MCHENRY - THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER
Francis Scott Key

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'T is the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause. it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Memorial Day - The Story of "Taps"

2009-05-24T19:21:00.003-04:00

The 24-note bugle call known as “taps” is thought to be a revision of a French bugle signal, called “tattoo,” that notified soldiers to cease an evening’s drinking and return to their barracks or garrisons. It was sounded one hour before the bugle call that brought the military day to an end by ordering the extinguishing of fires and lights. The last five measures of the tattoo resemble the modern day "Taps."

The word “taps” is an alteration of the obsolete word “taptoo,” derived from the Dutch “taptoe.” Taptoe was the command -- “Tap toe!” -- to shut (“toe to”) the “tap” of a keg.

The first time taps was played at a military funeral may have been in Virginia soon after Butterfield composed it. Union Capt. John Tidball, head of an artillery battery, ordered it played for the burial of a cannoneer killed in action. Not wanting to reveal the battery’s position in the woods to the enemy nearby, Tidball substituted taps for the traditional three rifle volleys fired over the grave. Taps was played at the funeral of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson 10 months after it was composed. Army infantry regulations by 1891 required taps to be played at military funeral ceremonies. Taps now is played by the military at burial and memorial services and is still used to signal “lights out” at day’s end.
From the US Department of Veteran's Affairs website

Bible verse for tonight:

"No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:4

Various Runnings

2009-05-23T08:10:00.004-04:00

It seems that summer is just about upon us. The porch is ready.... flower boxes all set out. The usual Petunias showed up but this year, I've exchanged the geraniums for portulaca. I'm hoping they will do better. A Hummingbird feeder on a tall shepherd's hook is the new addition to the deck.... I had the little birds last year on a smaller feeder, I'm sure they will be back this summer. There's a Robin's Nest right outside my dining area's window. Momma is very nervous, with all of the in and out traffic through the outer door. Neighborhood kids are a concern.... I was hoping that they did not find out about the nest, but they did. Number 3 son , C was off to Ireland a couple of weeks ago. He's back now, says he wishes he was still there. The new mandolin arrived last week. She's a beauty and inspires me. C brought me a book of Irish tunes for the mandolin from his trip. Lots to work with there - 110 tunes! Today is party day for Little Marianna - her first birthday. Daughter-in-law, Jess is her Auntie. Scattered storms today and tomorrow. No plans for Memorial Day, here.... we are all working.

Bible verse for today:
"Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2

What Can I Say?

2009-05-01T20:08:00.003-04:00

Yes, I belive it is knitted!

Christ is Risen

2009-04-12T16:59:00.000-04:00

"Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...."
I Corinthians 15:1-4 (NIV)

Good Friday

2009-04-10T16:50:00.003-04:00

The Maker of the Universe
by F. H. Pitt

The Maker of the Universe
As man for man was made a curse
The claims of law which He had made
Unto the uttermost He paid

His holy fingers made the bough
That grew the thorns that crown His brow
The nails that pierced His hands were mined
In secret places He designed

He made the forest whence there sprung
The tree on which His body hung
He died upon a cross of wood
Yet made the hill on which it stood

The sky that darkened o'er His head
By Him above the earth was spread
The sun that hid from Him its face
By His decree was poised in space

The spear which spilled His precious blood
Was tempered in the fires of God
The grave in which His form was laid
Was hewn in rocks His hands had made

The throne on which He now appears
Was His from everlasting years
But a new glory crowns His brow
And every knee to Him shall bow

The Maker of the Universe

Bible verse for Good Friday:
"God, after He spoke long ago, to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's nature and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High...." Hebrews 1:1-3 (NASB)

Who Provides?

2009-03-23T08:18:00.003-04:00

If you are a Christian, then you know that God commands you to meet the needs of others, with what He has given you. We should not be compelled by the government (taxed) to provide the wants and dreams of others. If you are a Christian and have needs, then remember... God is your provider, not the government. Look to Him. "With food and covering we shall be content."

Bible verse for today:
"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27 NASB

Knitting Projects Done!

2009-01-24T15:02:00.002-05:00

Sweater for moi - I was able to get a whole bunch of this one done on the train to Florida.

Fingerless gloves for The Old Man. He wanted something that made it easier to drive the car (so steering wheel won't slip through the gloves).

My first attempt at needle felting. I bought the little kit at the NY State Sheep and Wool Show last October. He's soooo cute and now lives with Grannie Annie and Grampa Paul!

Bible verse for today:
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

Train Ride Northbound Part 1

2008-12-05T15:01:00.004-05:00

One photo each hour, after leaving the station at Winter Park, FL. Again, train was moving so shots are blurry (we left the station, late, so engineer was making up time) - Yes, Ian, I know there are settings for the camera to alleviate that blur.... sigh. With regard to captions, when you ride on a train there are no signs to tell you where you are, so there are no captions, although you might recognize Washington D.C.

Train Ride Northbound Part 2

2008-12-05T14:59:00.002-05:00

Train Ride Northbound Part 3

2008-12-05T14:56:00.001-05:00

More Florida Fotos

2008-11-05T19:27:00.003-05:00

A Day at the Beach

2008-10-30T15:12:00.003-04:00

From the Window of a Train-Going South Part 1

2008-10-27T10:22:00.005-04:00

On October 19th The Old Man and I boarded the train in our fair town and headed for New York City. After leaving Pennsylvania Station in NY, I took a photo out of my window, one per hour - this is what I saw (of course, when night fell, I did not take photographs)........in 3 parts.

From the Window of a Train-Going South Part 2

2008-10-27T10:20:00.003-04:00

From the Window of a Train-Going South Part 3

2008-10-27T10:18:00.003-04:00

Knitted Star Pincushion Pattern

2008-08-01T12:00:00.008-04:00

UPDATE!
I saw Linda, today (08/23/08), at the Dutchess County Fair (we taught at the Hands on Knitting in the Wool Room) and she had this great idea for this pattern:
Knit it in a cotton (like Lily's Sugar and Cream yarn) and make dishcloths.
Groovy idea, Linda. Thanks!

Knitted Star Pincushion

This pattern is in Garter Stitch
Cast on an even number of stitches – for the purposes of this pattern:
CO 12
Knit the next row (1 ridge made)

Pattern:
Row 1(Right Side) – K1, M1, knit to the last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1
Row 2 (Wrong Side) – Knit

Repeat these 2 rows until there are 12 ridges, total (if you have cast on a different number of stitches – you will work the same number of ridges as the number of stitches you cast on.)
Bind Off – first motif made.
Next Motif and all following motifs:

With RS facing, pick up 12 stitches – one stitch in each of the 12 ridges –
Knit the next row then repeat the 2 Pattern rows (above), again until the 12 ridges have been made. Bind off Continue in this manner until there are 6 motifs, forming a star. Join the final motif to the first motif by sewing a seam. To make the pincushion (or a small pillow) - Make two stars, sew together, leave an opening for stuffing and stuff. Draw the centers together by stitching a button on each side.

Bible verse for this afternoon:
"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him?" Psalm 8:3, 4 (NIV)

Treadle On Pincushion Exchange

2008-07-29T12:16:00.004-04:00

A couple of months ago, I exchanged homemade pincushions with Kelly in PA as a participant in the Treadle On Pincushion Exchange..... here's the one I sent to her!

Instructions forthcoming......

Bible Verse for today:

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:4,5

Quandt Family Research

2008-07-28T21:48:00.000-04:00

Just added to the genealogy.......

1870 US Census
7th Ward Chicago, Cook Co. IL; Pg. 35
June 13, 1870
Quant, Frederick, age 30, Day Laborer
--------, Mary, age 32, Keeping House
--------, Rosa, age 3
--------, John, age 23, Laborer

1880 US Census
Marion County, IL, Iuka Twp
John Quant, 35, M, farmer, Prussia, Prussia, Prussia
Annie, 26, F, wife, Prussia, Prussia, Prussia
Emma, 4, F, daughter, IL, Prussia, Prussia
Otto, 3, M, son, IL, Prussia, Prussia
Steffen, Reca, 51, F, mother-in-law, Prussia, Prussia, Prussia

1900 US Census
date June 19 & 20th, 1900
Name: John Quandt
Home in 1900: Iuka, Marion, Illinois
Age: 55
Estimated birth year: March 1845
Birthplace: Germany
Relationship to head-of-house: Head
Race: White
Occupation: farmer
Immigration Year: 1865
John Quandt 55, widowed
Max Quandt 15, 9/84, ILL
Anna Quandt 14, 1/86 ILL
Clara Quandt 11, 7/88 ILL

Quandt Listings in the Chicago City Directory 1868
Quandt, Ferdinand - lab r, 48 W. 22d
Quandt, Frederick - stonecutter, Henry Furst, r 10 Luke
Quandt, Julia - wid. saloon 159 Well r same

Quandt Listing in Chicago City Directory 1875
Quandt, Christine - 249 S. Jefferson

Quandt Listings in the Chicago City Directory, 1878
Quandt, Charles - lab, house 1988 Butterfield
Quandt, Christina, Miss - boarding 297 S. Clinton
Quandt, Frederick - lab house 21 Oakley Ave
Quandt, William - carp. house 1986 Butterfield
Quandt, William - driller, house W. Harrison nr S. Desplaines
Quandt, William - lab, house rear 50 Foster

Today's Bible verse:
"Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow." Job 8:8,9

Tea Cozy Birthday Party

2008-07-16T18:29:00.006-04:00

Knitting night seems to be turning into knitting morning and yesterday we gathered to have a wee birthday party for Linda, having a beautiful lunch to eat and a beautiful porch to sit on and enjoy (thank you, Marsha). Cindy Crandell-Frazier - author of Single Crochet for Beginners will soon be putting forth a new book, titled Contemplative Crochet (SkyLight Paths Publishing) and our Linda will be writing the forward to that book. She brought us a pattern for a tea cozy from Cindy's upcoming book and taking Cindy's suggestion, the birthday party turned into a tea cozy party -

How cute!

Ooops, I ran out of yarn so Fuschia Strip it is. Linda was testing the "dynamic" of our group. She said it will help her write the forward.

Bible verse for this evening:

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." Romans 14:17,18 (NIV)

Jessica's Dad Thinks He's Funny

2008-07-15T22:41:00.005-04:00

Okay, it is kinda funny!
Just a little wisdom from the Dad O'Jessica in New Mexico - I'm sure this didn't originate with him, though -

(Disclaimer: Obviously, the following is a joke. If it is not obvious to you...let me explain. The following is a joke. Do not swallow boiling water, etc., etc., etc,. nor push someone down the stairs)

1. If you're choking on an ice cube simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.

2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold while you chop.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer..

5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button..

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you'll be afraid to cough.

7. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

8. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

9. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

Daily Thought: Some people are like slinkies. Not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.

Bible verse about True Wisdom :
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding. Proverbs 3:13

The Porch Is Very Inviting

2008-06-28T16:51:00.004-04:00

Just right for ice tea sippin'!

It's pretty hot in the sun!

Patio tomatoes will soon be tasty!

Today's Bible Verse:

" Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

I Peter 3:3,4 (NIV)

Wanda's Vest

2008-06-20T16:03:00.004-04:00

Wanda works with The Old Man and, after admiring a sweater that he wore one day, she asked if I would make a vest for her. Sure...why not? So here is the vest (waiting for the zipper to come). She wants a matching one for her husband. Does this work for a man?

This afternoon's Bible Verse:

"Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. " Psalm 104:1

Cyclones, Earthquakes, Twisters, Floods and Fires

2008-05-12T09:23:00.004-04:00

Bible Verse for Our Times:

".......the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, 'Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these [are] the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.' " Matthew 24:3-14 (KJV)

I Got My iPod

2008-05-09T08:59:00.004-04:00

I, finally, caught up with the rest of my family and got my own iPod.... Oh My Goodness, I love it! It is an amazing little machine. Mine can do video and I've learned how to download vids from YouTube and I'm having so much fun loading it up with music and cover art and I'll be putting on audiobooks and podcasts. I feel so 21st century. WAY Cool! My only limitation is the fact that my desktop PC doesn't even have half the "gig" space as the iPod. Sigh.

Bible verse for today:

"The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot." Proverbs 10:7

Is Spring Ever Coming?

2008-03-28T11:59:00.000-04:00

Still waiting for the full bloom of Spring! There ARE buds on the lilac bush outside my window and the morning birdsongs are sweet and prolific but.... enough with the cold and the wind and dreariness, already.

Today's Bible Verse:
"For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,
So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise
To spring up before all the nations. " Isaiah 61:11 (NASB)