It's almost Turkey Day!

Tomorrow my mom and I will descend on my brother and sister-in-laws house. They invited us for Thanksgiving. Now you have to understand this is the sister-in-law who is a fairly good cook but unless it has a can of soup, cream cheese or a dip involved she usually doesn't make it. She is very impatient when it comes to cooking, so this will be interesting. Her parents and her one sister is coming so the meal will be interesting. I am going with a positive attitude but I will be thinking of my mom's wonderful meal she usually cooks for all of us. I guess I need to dust off my cooking pans and utensils and start cooking again. To be honest I am tired of going to everyone else's house to please.

Oh well....enough complaining and on with the be thankful side of me! I really am thankful that I have a great family and for me reasonable health. Once I make the decision to have my knee replaced and loose this poundage I think I will honestly feel much better. Pain everyday does wear one down.

The old heel has decided to give me grief again, but I think having the next four days to rest it will be good. Knitting, sewing and enjoying my daughter and grandson will be healing for me.

For a number of years my daughter and I have been doing fun things the weekend after Thanksgiving. We don't hit the big stores but the small shops and we just have fun. We go out for lunch or a late lunch and sometimes breakfast that morning. We talk about all kinds of things and she gives me hers, my son in laws and my grandson's wish list and of course I indulge. My grandson now gives me his on his own, which over the years has become huge....but then again what are grandmas for....LOL. This time of year with my daughter always makes me feel very so good and thankful she is my daughter and that she brought into our lives my great son-in-law and together they gave me one of my best joys in life ......my grandson. Of course they make my life special anytime of the year.
But most of all I am thankful to live in a country that is free and bountiful. I am so thankful for having a good job (even though I get very frustrated with you know who!), my wonderful friends and family and above all were I can worship at the church of my choice.
Take the time this year to look around you and see the beautiful land we live in and the diversity of people that surround our great nation. I know I will ;o)

I Hate My Job!.....well not really.....

Well...I really don't hate my work, I just can't stand my supervisor. She and I were at it again yesterday. I came in with such a good happy face on. I stopped by and chatted with two fellow employees and she came by to see this. Well....my life was hell the rest of the day. This is all the energy I am going to give this situation. I need to finish my degree and find another place to work. I refuse to let this woman make my life so miserable.

On a happier note....I have gotten some things accomplished. I am almost finished with a pair of socks for one of my swap partners, and I plan to machine quilt the little doll quilt this weekend. My daughter and grandson are coming after Thanksgiving with her in laws and I am very excited about that. My son in law has to work this weekend and that makes me sad. I like it when he comes too.

I hope each and everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and that we remember what the holiday is about and give thanks for what we have and pray for those less fortunate.

Pictures

I promised pictures and here are a few. I bought this goofy little pens some time ago. I gave some as gifts and I kept one for myself. I keep it in my knitting bag...it is fun just to laugh at myself for being so into funny stuff. Mine is the one at the far right. Her name is LuLu. The two middle ones are pirates. And the one on the far left is just a cute funny pen. You can buy lanyards for them too. I just bought one for mine.
This wonderful boot I had to wear for almost six weeks. I have had it off for 2 weeks now. My Achilles tendon decided to become inflamed and it was so painful. I have had it rough with this boot and the fact that my other leg needs a knee replacement. I haven't had the energy to do much. I am trying very hard to complete projects that I owe people. My swap partners are unhappy with me I am sure. I am really trying. And below is proof that I am working on things. I have jumbled some of the knitting so it can't be totally identified. lol

I still have to machine quilt the little quilt, finish the second mitten and the second sock. I am not getting home from work until 7:00 at night and I try to work some each day. I also am working on fabric postcards. I will photo those later. I need to knit for about 1/2 hour and then head to bed.



I love the little quilt. I am thinking about make one for myself, only a little bigger with more blocks. Each of the baskets has a yo-yo on it with a leaf. I hand stitched the edges in the buttonhole stitch with black embroidery thread. I loved doing them. With the arthritis in my hands, it has slowed me down so much. I need to stop doing swaps where I make things. I am way too slow. Anyway, the fabric I picked is reproduction fabric from the 30's and 40's. My favorite. I think the person I am doing this for likes this time period too.

Sometimes I go overboard wanting things just perfect and that keeps me bogged down also. I hope she will enjoy it as much as I have making it. But I did put a lot of handwork into this. Oh well....my heart is always there and that is what counts for me.

I found it ...I found it! Or rather Mom did!

Well, when you clean up your area you knit, read, do handwork, and read the newspapers and mail you might just find things you have been looking for! I found my cable to my camera! Or rather my relentless mom did. She was down all weekend and she helped me get things in order. She was determined we were going to find that cable. She found it in my knitting basket that was pushed under my end table. Now you have to understand....this is the same place I sit every night to watch TV, put on my shoes in the morning heading to work, where I read, knit and do handiwork. You would think I would have remembered the cable was placed there....but Nooooooooo! LOL...But it is now found and I can post pictures.

I am so far behind on my swaps. I mean well but I seem to always fall behind and thus many impatient swap partners are frustrated with me. So my resolution to all of this...only one handmade swap a quarter. I can't work fast enough and I get so down when people get impatient with me. I am just getting older and my pace isn't what it was when I was in my 20's, 30's or even 40's. My health issues get my down too.....but I don't want to whine. I do give quality items. I spend more time on my projects that I guess I should.....but my philosophy is to make sure I do quality work and not rush any project. My most recent one the lady even said her work was poor but she got it out. Yes, to my dismay it isn't quality and I play to remake it so I can use the quality part she did do. Oh well..human nature. Just have to go with the flow.

When I get home tonight I will post pictures......;o)

Good Attitude and Turning my Troubles Over

The last number of my posts have brought out in me a firm purpose and what I believe in. I have resolved myself to the fact that I can not solve my own problems but that I need to daily lay them at the feet of my maker. I worry...I fret over so much trying to find answers when answers are not there. I so often forget that when you can't handle the problems in life and feel so lost in your worries.....turn those problems over to God and he will give you the answers you need....not always what you want but what he has decided for you. So.....I have done this and have prayed for those who have hurt me or made my life miserable. Things seem a little less stressful for me and I have an inner peace that is hard to describe...maybe some of you can identify with me.

Today has been a very good morning so far. I was given a wonderful leather notebook and an on the spot award for the hard work I did for the office. This came from the Chief of Staff....not my supervisor. (Yes and I have prayed for her!) She can not praise of let others take credit for anything ......she needs all of the praise and feels she is justified in this. It will haunt her one day....I see the results of it now......I no longer argue with her and let her have her way....she is slowly finding out that she is ....well ....not praised as she would like......not my problem.

Enough of that. I am still hunting for my camera cord. I need to post pictures....sigh.....

I did get to take off my boot on my left foot and I feel so funny without it. I am healing slowly and I will listen to the doctor and follow her stick orders.

Well...enough of my ramblings and I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys our winter coolness!

Finally this Election is over. I am tired of hearing about it!

I have very mixed feelings about the outcome of our election. Change....how many times have we heard that. I believe the next four years will be the hardest we Americans will ever see. I believe we will be attacked further with terrorist actions, and I believe we will see Christians attacked from all sides and they are now. We are still a great nation but we have forgotten one fundamental part of our heritage. Our country was founded on Christianity and we have pulled so far left with that notion that the liberal side of our nation has everyone believing this is an old thought. Christians need to pray and pray everyday for our country and hope that this will not be the complete downfall of Christian beliefs and values. Our salvation is through our Lord Jesus Christ and whoever believes in him will have every lasting life. Our new leader unfortunately does not have this belief and I worry he will lead this country into a false sense of safety which our enemies will attack. This has nothing to do with race...it has everything to do with faith! My heart is heavy and I worry. I saw such a false sense of jubilation this morning and one racked with lack of understanding and sensibility. I have made my statement and I will not further discuss this. I will each night pray and pray for our nation. I will seek God's love and pray he wraps us in healing and loving protection from all of our enemies. I hope all of you who read my blog read and understand how I feel respect my feelings on this subject and I would respect yours. May God Bless this day and those who come before him.

A little more productive!

I had a very nice weekend and I did get some things done. I have learned that I am just incredibly slow. That is all there is to it! Of course this boot thingy is getting me down and keeping me from really accomplishing things. I get so tired. I did get a temporary handicap sticker so now I am not so exhausted in the morning and evening going and getting home from work. I am hoping to even venture to the greatly needed shopping at the grocery store. I am out of everything! I did get the trash down to the road...had to haul it in the car, but that was a major feat in itself......I look like a penguin walking or some of you younger set...a weeble wobble! Unfortunately, I can fall down! LOL

I did treat my self to a pedicure and it was heaven....my feet are so tired and achy....but it was nice and I came home a relaxed so much I fell asleep on Friday. Must have needed it.

On a happier note: This weekend I will get to see my great nephew for the first time. He was born on his grandfathers (my brother's) birthday in July. I can't wait to hug, kiss and spoil and then give him back...I am the best Aunt for that. This is what being a great Aunt and Grandma is all about. I enjoy it so much and the kids love me best....hehehehe!

Still am looking for my camera cord...but not all that hard. I forgot about it this weekend. Once I find it I will have lots of pictures to post.

The weather is cooler and so enjoyable now that I hate to come in the house and work....LOL...but I have to do the work thing or I can't support the yarn and fabric thing! LOLOLOLOL!

Take care all and have a great weekend.

Whew....the weekend is almost here!

I know it sounds like I wish my life away. I don't really. My knee and foot problems are just wearing me down. The doctor finally issued me my form for a temporary handicap sticker until March. I am going on Friday to pick it up from the DMV. I have to walk so far in the morning when I catch the train I am exhausted before I get to work. The afternoon does the same thing to me when I have to walk to my car. I am so beat by the time I get home I can't get a thing done. Okay enough about me hurts and pains.

I have been knitting a pair of mittens for a swap I am in. I have chosen a really neat pattern. It's new for me. I am trying to improve my skills with patterned (intarsia) knitting. I am doing pretty good. Need to work on the flow of the carried threads though.

I have also gotten into fabric postcards and I am really enjoying this. I finally set up my machine in the cabinet I purchased over a year ago. I just need to clean out the room to organize my equipment.

Well....this weekend I am going to pamper myself and enjoy the long weekend....I am off on Friday and I need it so badly.

Wedding Knitting - facinating story!

I was looking at the local Fredericksburg paper online and came across this story about a lady who is going to knit her entire wedding ensemble. There is a real story behind all of this. Go to this link and read the story. It is very fascinating. Rather sad how is started out but kind of neat how she is such a determined person.

http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/102008/10242008/416703/index_html?page=1

No Pics Yet!

Okay...now is when I need to really get down to business and organize my life. I have taken pictures and now I can't find my cord to hook up my computer and camera. When my friends were in town and my mom being there soon after......someone put my cord away and now I can't find it. I haven't hunted in all the possible places but I have looked where I thought it might be. I am so frustrated. When I get home at night I have just enough energy to eat and get ready for the next day. I really need to get myself organized and place the things I use everyday somewhere easily accessed. Okay I did have them that way but either my mother or my friends didn't seem to think laying on table was a good way to find it.....my life isn't my own sometimes. Oh well......once I find it I will be able to share pictures.

Oh BTW....did I talk about the fact that I have a huge grey moon boot on my left foot and leg. My achilles tendon decided to flare up and hurt me so badly that I was getting to were I couldn't walk. My doctor was afraid it would rupture....soooooo for the next 4 weeks I get to wear this gosh awful, gee this isn't sexy boot.......I have had it on now for two and it will be a total of 6 weeks I have to wear this yucky thing.....ugh.............

Keep good thoughts that I find that darn cord so I can post pictures!

Anyone out there have a brother or friend looking for a good Martha Stewart type?

Not really rant...but a sigh of frustration....and a bit of lonliness thrown in.

It was worth a try....LOL.....I am now 16 years alone and I have not found a good man for a companion....what is wrong with this picture. I am either their best friend or they only want one thing and it doesn't include conversation.....mmmmm.....

I have tried everything...church okay I go for the right reasons but it doesn't hurt to look, the grocery store ....that was nuts.!...every match site know to man...and they love to take our money on that....okay haven't tried the bars but don't want to.....not a 21 year old and don't like that scene anyway.......And the worst thing that someone can say to me is ...."all the good ones are taken"......I can't believe that because I am a good one and I am not taken!!!!!

Okay...I have vented enough. I am looking forward to my long week next week. I will be off from work and I am going to sew, knit and enjoy the week. I am going to take a lady to lunch that I went to High School with. She has a severe case of MS and she just moved into my area, got in touch with me and I thought this would be nice for her to get out for the day. She doesn't drive anymore and is divorced. My good deeds still abound....I enjoy it.
(But keep in mind if you have a guy just hanging around and you don't know what to do with him....LOLOLOLO)

I am Very Tired

It's October 1, 2008 and this begins the new year Federal employees. This was very tough getting through this year. I have the supervisor from hell. She, I have come the conclusion, is very predigest against older females. I am 16 years older and she finds fault with me every step of they way. When I requested a day off to go to the doctor she accused me in a round about way that I was creating a 4 day weekend (I work a compressed schedule and have every other Friday off) and having off on Thur. Friday and the weekend was a habit I was creating. I have never done this and so I am now using Thur. as my day off to take care of my dentist and podiatrist appointment and coming in on my Friday. OH BTW....she took off today...said she was sick....the day after the Govt. fiscal. I have big issues with this...we are all tired...and I drug my tired pain wracked body in so I could get my work done......She is just a BITCH. Enough said.....needless to say.......I am looking for a new job....maybe out of this agency. I am weary of negative comments and favoritism. Okay ...yes I know it happens but this office is the worst I have ever been around. I am too darn old to be treated so shabby.....especially when I try so hard. But I will not kiss anyone A$$! I draw the line.

I am so anxious to start working on my newest adventure ...fabric postcards. I have received the most beautiful ones and I will start mine this weekend!

If anyone would care to send me an encouraging word, I could sure use one, two or plenty! I am pretty beatten down at the moment and I am just weary with all of my health issues. Better yet, just pray for my health to improve and the other hopefully will fall in line...maybe she will leave.

911 - A Time To Reflect

Seven years ago I had just begun my career as a Federal Government worker. I was into my first year as an Admin Assistant for Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). I was secure in my little world I had entered and felt safe in my newly aquired career choice.....one that would bring me the most out of life.

On September 11, 2001 my world took a complete turn. A chapter in my book that turned and changed my life, my heart and my commitment to my faith and country that I never felt before that day. I won't go into too much detail but that day I felt fear and worry that I hope I never have to ever feel again. The crowds of people in a panic state, blocked traffic, sirens, no phone service, worried relatives, and so much more. Kaotic kaos is all I can describe. And the Pentagon I had passed daily for a year, place my own father worked when I was a child...Burned and smoldering.....horror griped my heart and soul. It was like a dream. Coming into the city two days later....seeing armed soldiers and glimpses of snipers placed strategically on buildings......it was a world that I only saw on television in other war torn countries and movies.....not us! I moved warily around the city, fearing I would become a non trusting person...profiling in my own mind, fearing anyone who looked different...sadness filled every crevice in my mind.

Six months after 911 I changed jobs and I began working for Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in my current field as a Contract Specialist. One year and one month later, Department of Homeland Security was formed and INS along with 22 other agencies were gathered under DHS and we became a newly formed Security Defense agency and thus my career soared to what I do today. I worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 4 years and now I am at DHS Headquarters. I have worked for DHS since its beginning.

I have learned so much about America through the eyes of immigrants and law enforcement. We have so much in our country at our fingertips. We too often criticize our law enforcement and how we guard our borders. If you sat with any Federal law enforcement agent and heard their side and how everyday they defend our country keep the "nuts" out it would frighten you to your very toes....There are so many who try to enter our country yet try to destroy what they fully want. Go figure!!!

Our country was built on Christianity, which is forgotten by so many. We are a nation of many...many who are free to express their beliefs, but we are a Christian nation. I am thankful for our choices and the greatness we experience. I welcome anyone who enters our country, but don't try to change it to yours. Embrace your customs but respect ours.

I am proud to be an American and for what we stand for....for the lost lives of those who have defended our country. I fly my flag with pride and I would take on anyone trashing my great country for what it was founded for and what we live each day for....FREEDOM....

Bow your head each day and give thanks that we live in a great nation and the beauty of the world that GOD has given us through his grace and understanding and above all his love.

Disagree with me....move on to another blog....negative comments will not be published...sorry.... my only wish for you is the hope that God Bless each and everyone who reads this.
Iva

It's a new Monday!

Well...I survived my little same day surgery. I have some lady issues and I had to have the dreaded D&C. So far things are fine but I will know more when I go back to the doctor on the 19th. Other than that I had a nice weekend. My mom came down to be with me and of course now my house is all clean and all the laundry is completed. Okay...we all know that is won't stay that way forever...but I will do my best. But for the next week, I can knit and sew guilt free....Okay....I do that anyway....but I don't have to wade through the mess at night now. LOL.

Hopefully I can get some pictures taken of some very nice things I have received...boy I am so far behind there!

Keep me in all of your prayers for my poor old worn out body to heal...did I get some sympathy there....LOL

Secret Pal Question #11

This weeks question is: What is the best thing you've ever received in the mail?
This is a tough question because over time I have recieved many wonderful things in the mail So many new friends with wonderful ideas. I have to say the best thing I ever received....and this is going to sound awful, but it was money. Okay.....now to elaborate. When my ex first left (15 years ago), I was having such a hard time ...both mentally and financially. I sewed for people, worked up to 3 jobs at a time and just wasn't having any results trying to get a really good job to establish myself as a career woman. Well one day I went to the mailbox and there was a card in that day's mail. When I opened it, the card said "from your secret pal". At this point in my life I didn't have 2 nickles to rub together let alone buy things for a secret pal! I was not in any groups and pretty much had a non existant social life. Inside the card was a $20.00 bill and handwritten was "from your secret pal". I received a card every other month for about 6 months with a $20.00 bill. That $20.00 every so often was a big help. By this time I had started my job with the Federal Gov't and my life was looking up more and more each day. What I found out was a lady at church had been doing this. I had hemmed some pants for her son and she said she knew I would not take a handout so she did this until she heard I had gotten my good job with benefits. I was so greatful for "my secret pal". My heart still warms when I think of how God put so many angels in my life when I needed them. It is times like this when I am asked a question and I remember these angels. Sometimes when we are at our lowest we need the little tap on our shoulders from God to remind us to be greatful for the simple things in life because love and kindness will always prevail...no matter what. Always pay forward...you will be rewarded in ways that are beyond any riches you can imagine. Thank you hostess for this question...it has helped me today more than you will ever know!

I am happy because I am close to getting caught up!

I am feeling a little less pressure on myself right now. I have gotten out the swaps I was a little late on and even got one out early! I am now trying to get my pictures taken so I can post the wonderful items I have received from my swaps pals.

I have to say I had a wonderful weekend with my daughter and her family. I took my grandson out for school shopping, and then my daughter and I hit 2 yarn shops and 1 quilting shop. I was good, but I did add some to my stash. I mostly bought things for my swap partners on the next list of swaps and I just truely enjoyed myself. Very healing! Good positive experiences.

Now this weekend it is going to be....organize and put things away. I am planning to put away so many clutter items....not get rid of them because they mean a lot to me....but just put them away to rest! I have to get a handle on all my stuff!

My heathier eating habits are not so good lately....so tonight it is to the grocery store and I am packaging my snacks and things up so I can grab and go in the morning! The whole key to my life right now is planning. Writing things down and checking the list off....I didn't even pay anyone to tell me that! Can you imagine.....I just thought of it myself....I guess I finally hit my rock bottom of the barrel and now I am climbing back up.

Well....back to work and work on my new organizational mindset for work too! I will keep all posted...but still say little prayers for me! I will need all the help I can get!

SP 12 Question

I am so far behind the questions that I can't even remember which one this is....but here goes...this is me trying to get caught up and put a check mark for a task on my list! Yeah for me.

Which Olympic event would best describe your knitting/knitting style?

This is a tough one because I have not even taken the time to watch the Olympics...but I think my knitting style and my knitting would be like the balance beam routines. I execute well, I juggle all the projects at once, but unless I am perfect with my timing...I just fall off of that beam. Right now I am struggling on keeping my balance and staying on the beam of projects. My knitting style flows with that, because unless I get it right I will try over and over again until it looks great for a 10 score......Whoo hoo!

I am so bummed!

Here it is the first of August and I am so far behind I can't see where I am going. We are super swamped at work and trust me...it is going to get worse. It's the Fed. Gov't end of the fiscal year here in the US! I am so far behind in my blogging...okay I had a great vacation with my grandson! He, at 10 loves Elvis, so as a very early BD present, Grandma took him to Graceland and we also did other things in Memphis. What fun...we had such a good time and it will be a time I will always remember and I think he will too!

I have received so many wonderful swap packages and I have sent some....still owe others. But each night I try to complete something. I do have my three day weekend coming up and I am going to relish it. I have plans to get all my swap packages out and spend time at the sewing machine and in my comfy chair to knit. I really need some mental down time. The hot weather has drained me and I found out that yes I will need a knee replacement for my right knee once I make the decision. I have terrible arthitis in my kneess, thumbs, heels, and I am sure other places I haven't had an ache yet in....but I am determined to get through this. My first step is back on my healthy eating and loose more weight!

I am going to work real hard and post more and get some of my pictures from my wonderful swaps posted....sharing is so much fun but lately I haven't had the energy once I get home from work......okay....I need words of encouragement ladies....give me some organizational tips and health tips that I can use! A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!

No More Humdrum Mittens Swap Three Questionnaire

I just signed up for this mitten swap. If you are interested just skip over to MittenSwapThree and sign up!
Questionnaire:
How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I have been knitting for about 34 years.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I would consider myself a little more advanced than intermediate.
What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike?
My favorite colors are pink, purple and blue...okay all colors except orange. I really like brown and cream together for accessories sometimes.
Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns?
I love them...I haven't tried to knit any so all the patterns are so beautiful to me. I love the animals and florals.
Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child?
Oh for me....cause I love them.
What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger?
7 1/2 inches
What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point?
7 3/4 inches
What other things do you enjoy knitting?
I love knitting socks, scarves and shawls.
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)
I like them all. It depends on what I have available when I get ready to knit something. I am partial to the wooden needles...circulars when a bigger project.
What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
Latvian mittens and socks.
What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
I have worked with many different types.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love to quilt. There are times when I can't decide if I want to knit or quilt.
Do you spin? Not Yet Sew? Yes Garden? Not really but love to try herbs. Cook? I live alone so for cooking I have to be in the mood.
Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
Fabric, pincushions, and teacups
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty?
I love butter cookies. Okay I love chocolate...dark....but I am really trying to stay away from all of this. For salty....I love beef jerky...
Anything you hate or are allergic to?
Nothing I know of...I hate to smell cigarette smoke.
Do you have any kids? I have a grown daughter who is 34.
Pets? No
What is your favorite part of Winter? I love to knit on cold mornings. I love the smell of the crisp, clean air. I love fresh fallen snow and drinking a hot cup of coffee with a fresh bagel or pastry in the morning. I would love to say snuggling with my honey, but alas I have no one in my life at the moment. Sad face.....
What is your least favorite part of Winter?
The day after a snow fall. The snow is so messy and I have to go back to work. Okay we really don't get that much snow but I love when we do.

Well...that is me in a nutshell.

House Guests

For the last week and a half I have had two very good friends from High School staying with me. It has been so much fun. We have talked and talked. They have gone to visit family and friends in the area and when I have gotten home my house is clean and laundry is done. Wow how great is that. Now you ask...why haven't I blogged more with time on my hands. LOL....well...the talking part has just kept me run down. I have stayed up way too late and have had to go to work .....getting older just sucks! I wish I could do those all nighters like we did in HS but alas....no my mind says yes ...the body says...what the heck!?!? It has been fun though. I will put some of my adventures on the blog later....for now I need to rest...LOL...or at least try!