Old Photos and more Thanksgivings

My Great-Uncle Leon Viger, (pronounced vee-zshay), who lives up in Algonac, Michigan, sent me this picture of my great grandmother, Gladys Louise Jackson Viger, when she was about 10 years old, circa 1913. I think she is just adorable.



We finally had our last Thanksgiving celebration this last Sunday. My mother, her SO Steve, my sister, her BF Jake, my niece and nephew and my grandma all came over for yet another turkey dinner with all the trimmings. But it was darn good and we all had a nice time. I was exhausted by the time they left though. Took the kids to see Santa on Saturday also. And we'll be getting a tree soon. I can't wait to get that up. I put the Nativity set up last night and as I was ever so gently unwrapping the Baby Jesus, He fell out of the tissue paper, onto the ground and broke His leg. I stuck it back on with fabric tack glue, so I hope it holds. Anyway, that's all for now. I have a three year old who desperately wants my attention.

Innocent Victims of an Obama Presidency by Marcia Segelstein
The good news out of Election 2008 is that all the predictions that racism would ultimately prevent Barack Obama being elected did not come true.
There is, however, a tragic irony that may well also occur as a result of this election. James Kushiner, publisher of Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity, writes about it on the magazine’s website:
“[W]hile blacks have risen from the indignities and injustice of slavery in which their bodies were sold and consumed as property, and have endured segregation and second-class citizen status and racial discrimination, and have now one of their own elected to the highest office in the land, this very president-elect, Barack Obama, will increase the death toll among black human beings if he fulfills his promise to enact a Freedom of Choice Act, which will serve as a firewall around Roe v. Wade, the Dred Scott decision of our times…Discrimination based on the color of one’s skin is not now the burning issue of our time…It’s that we’ve forgotten the value of human skin in the first place.”

This came to my attention this morning and I found it sadly true. The value of human skin. It sickens me that this and other moral issues were not taken into consideration by so many voters at this last election. It seemed the only thing people cared about was #1: money, and who could get them more of it, and #2: upsetting the status quo. Yes, it was past time for a black president, just as it is past time for a woman president. But neither of the choices hold the same moral standards as I do or place the same value on issues that I believe to be more pressing than gas prices and the stock exchange. The moral fibers that still have a loose grip on our society are quickly unraveling and we will soon be in a free fall that no man, black, white or purple, will be able to save us from. We must make a firm aboutface and return to the convictions of our forefathers, the steadfast faith that formed this great nation. God is the only safety net. He will catch us in His arms if we let Him. I pray that America will let Him.

My new hat!

1920’s Inspired Hat

Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun in Cream. 1 skein (6 oz, 185 yards)
hook: size 10 1/2 or K
gauge: 8 hdc in 8 rows = 3.5 inches

To Start: Ch 4 slst in first ch to form ring. Ch 2 (does not count as first stitch, here and throughout.)
Round 1: 8 hdc in ring, making sure to catch tail within sts. Join by slst in first hdc. Pull tail to tighten ring. Ch 2.
Round 2: 2 hdc in each st. Join by slst in first hdc. (16 hdc) ch 2
Round 3: 2 hdc in next st. *1hdc in next st. 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat * * to joining slst of R2. Hdc in that st. Join as before. (24 hdc) ch 2
Round 4: 1 hdc in next st. 2 hdc in next st. *1 hdc in each of next 2 st. 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat * * to joining slst of R3. hdc in that st. Join as before. (36 hdc) ch 2
Round 5: 1 hdc in each of next 2 st. 2 hdc in next st. *1 hdc in each of next 3 st. 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat * * to joining slst of R4. hdc in that st. Join as before. (54 hdc) ch2.
Round 6: 1 hdc in each of next 3 st. 2 hdc in next st. *1 hdc in each of next 4 st. 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat * * to joing slst of R5. hdc in that st. Join as before. (81 hdc) ch 2
Round 7-15: 1 hdc in each st. join as before. Ch 1. (Does not count as stitch, here & throughout.)
Round 16: 1 sc in each of next 7 st. hdc in each st to last 7 sts. Sc in last 7 sts. Join to first sc with slst. Ch 1 turn.
Row 17: (wrong side) 1 sc in each of next 7 sts. * hdc in each of next 4 sts. 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat * * to last 11 sts. Hdc in next 4 sts. Sc in last 7 sts. Join to first sc with slst. Ch 1 turn.
Row 18: (right side) Repeat Row 16.
Row 19: (WS) 1 sc in each of next 7 sts. *hdc in each of next 5 sts. 2 hdc in next st.* Repeat * * to last 12 sts. Hdc in next 5 sts. Sc in last 7 sts. Join as before. Ch 1 turn.
Row 20: (RS) Sc in first 7 sts. Inserting hook through yo part and front loop of st, 1 hdc in each of next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st*. Repeat * * to last 11 sts. Hdc in next 4 sts. Sc in last 7 sts. Join as before. Do not chain, do not turn.
Row 21: Slst in next st and in each around. Join. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
For flower: I used the pattern on page 74 of the Sept/Oct issue of Crochet Today!, and didn’t fasten off or change colors. Pattern is for Flower Pin contained within Floral Cloche pattern.

Well that last post was very bleak. I'm still sick of hearing about the Divine Mr. O, but I'll just keep my head in the sand and continue crocheting and cooking and doing my own thing. Praying that the next four years will go by fast and that we as a collective whole will come to our senses by then.

Josh, Kellen and I have all been sick with a cold. Kellen the longest. His just doesn't seem to want to go away. Running nose and a bit of sneezing, which is not a good combo, let me tell you. I've been working on a long pointy hat for Josh. Got it mostly done and he decided the pointy part wasn't long enough, so he helped me frog it all and I started over, modifying the pattern as I go. I told him he better understand how much I love him. Bought the yarn for a sweater for Kellen also. Really pretty dusty green color, called Meadow. Lorenne wants a sweater, too.

Josh got an eleven pointer the afternoon of November 1. Lorenne, Kellen and Ian (my nephew who had spent the night) went out to see it in the morning. Ian didn't want to touch the deer at all, but then settled for the antlers. He made sure that I knew that he knew that the deer was dead. Kellen kept petting the deer's back with his finger tips and Lorenne just touched the antlers too. They didn't stay out there very long. But they weren't really afraid of it either. He's getting the hide tanned and ground all the meat into burger. I think he'll make jerky out of it.

Anyway, the wind has begun to howl around our house. I'm sure this will be a season long occurance until our pine trees get big enough. So in ten years we'll have one heck of a break. Not much else to report, we don't like a whole lot of excitement. Oh, having one of the three Thanksgiving meals here at our house. My mom, mom's boyfriend, sister, sister's boyfriend, neice, nephew, and grandma will be over the Sunday after T-day. I'm making the turkey, mashed potatoes, lemon pie, pecan pie, berry pie, and cranberry salad. I should probably start cleaning my house right now. See ya round...

Slightly depressed...

well, crap. That's really all I can say. CRAP!!! I did not awaken to happy news this morning. Mr. McCain is not our president-elect and I'm really not a very happy camper about it. But, I continue to tell myself that God's ways are not my ways. He has a plan which I cannot fathom and He alone knows what is in store for this great nation. I can only pray that Mr. Obama is the correct man for the job and that he will lead this nation to the best of his ability.
But, I am deeply afraid that our moral compass is completely broken. Our sights are set not on what we can do for each other, but what can be given to us. We are not unlike those spoiled heirs to massive fortunes who've no skill, no drive, no determination, who end up spending daddy's billions on idiotic ventures and then expect a pat on the head, or worse world-wide recognition, for their "accomplishments". Our ancestors fought for the freedoms we now squander, frittering it away like so much fluff. Because we did not expend the energy to build the country we've no idea how to keep it. And we will loose it, if we do not make a sharp aboutface and return to some standards. I cannot go on, I really am sick to my stomach with the thought of it all. Open your eyes and see what's coming at us full force.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Here are the kids in their costumes this year. Kellen is Super Why, a PBS cartoon super-hero, who, together with three storybook characters solve problems using alphabet and reading skills. (I swear that was his choice.) Lorenne is Word Girl, also a PBS cartoon super-hero, who, with her trusty sidekick, Captain Huggyface, battle against incorrect word usage. (Again, all her choice.) Yes, the costumes are homemade. The first time they tried it all on, they didn't want to take it off. They were running around the room, "flying", trying to get their capes to fly out behind them. Well, be safe tonight. Use a flashlight, don't eat any of those milk chocolate gold coin candies and try to wear something reflective. Have a Spooktacularly GOOd Time!

When I got home today, Josh showed me a political sticker he had gotten from a friend to put on the ol' grape jelly bean van. It made me think about what my grandmother said about the upcoming elections. She said the only thing she can do now is pray to God that the right man is elected. No matter what party. We can only hope that the man who does win is the right one for the right time. I like that. That's all we really can ever do. Just pray. So that's what I've been doing. Praying for the leadership of this country. Not for my guy to win, but for the right guy to win.

I bought a two skeins of yarn Monday at Serendipity Stitches in Lincoln, a yarn store I just found out about. I tried making it into a hat but the style I picked out just didn't suit my head a'tall. So I've ripped it out and started on a baby sweater instead. I really like the yarn though. It's the first wool yarn I've worked with. And it's spoiling me. I've used cotton before but, this stuff is 70% wool and 30% soy, and there is just something about the way it feels. Sooooooo much better than that cruddy acrylic stuff I've been using for so long. Anyway...

Here's a picture of my latest set I've added to my collection for sale at Horsefeathers.

A little acorn hat and matching mittens. I needed to add something for boys and this actually was really fast.

Well, that's all for tonight. I'm gonna go throw a load of wet laundry into the dryer and crawl my way up to bed. Good Night to you...

Just realized that I've not written a thing in a very long time. I've been busy crocheting projects and reading books, to myself and the kids, cooking, cooking and more cooking, at work and at home. I've put up three batches of apple butter, three batches of applesauce, and one batch of peach Jammin' Jelly. (I call it Jammin' Jelly because it's not jam and it's not jelly. Lorenne doesn't like chunky jam [she has a texture problem] so I run the fruit through the food mill or processor and make it very smooth for her. The things we do for our kids.) Anyway...

Our landscape has changed again. The conglomerate that farms the land around us came and harvested the corn in about a day using four combines and four tractors. Kellen was in heaven watching the "trackers" and "ombines" out in the field.

We had his birthday party here too. He got a big boy bike (instead of a tricycle) and a big wagon, plus lots of clothes and some other things. He had a train cake (I also dabble in cake decorating).

And this is a picture of the coat I made for Garrett, my best friend's son. He turned one in August.

So that's what's been going on here. I recently started to stitch up some Christmas presents also. A sweet little jacket with an off center placket, made in this beautiful fushia Lion Brand yarn that feels like suede, and a long pointy stocking cap for Josh made in some camo print yarn. He's really excited about that. All for now...

introducing the baby peas and/or the self-esteem of a little girl...

So you're probably wondering, "Who are these peas of which you speak?" Well, these are the baby peas. Kellen, on the left, will be three in September. Lorenne is seven. Yes, their hair is naturally curly. And they get it from their father. Kellen is going to be a pistol. He'll be jumping off the garage roof as soon as he figures out how to get up there. Mischievous little imp. Lorenne is my sweet girl. Very studious, loves to read, draw, and is a very good big sister, only occasionally aggravating Kellen. They were just sitting there, reading together. Kellen was looking at the pictures, but it was still very sweet.

I have a query... Are there many people out there who routinely perm their two-year old son's hair? Or make them sleep on curlers or something? Is that the case, or is it just silly questions from people? "Is his hair naturally curly?" geeeezzzzz...

I can understand questioning Lorenne's hair as she is old enough to have had her hair permed. But, I would never play on her self esteem like that. I try in every way to make her feel good about the attributes God gave her. Her beautiful hair, her big blue eyes, her dimples. And how smart she is, how funny, how kind and nice and thoughtful. We all must do our best to instill positive thoughts and comments in our little girls, make them see that no matter how they are made, or what they look like, they are all beautiful people. Pretty is as pretty does. I wish more people knew that.

my little job in town...

I mentioned that I had to get a little part time job to meet ends, and I was reluctant, to say the least. What was I even qualified for? I'd worked as a secretary for a time after high school, but the monotony of that particular job manifested itself into me being chronically late for work. The only other work I had done was in food service and taking care of my kids. I didn't really want to work in a kitchen again. But, I also didn't really want to babysit either. Dilemmas. So, in order for me to be at home, I decided to make up a flier for babysitting. I went that day to the library, put up my flier and came home with the town newsletter. (That's how small my town is. Not a paper, a newsletter.) Josh was flipping through it and saw an ad for the local cafe. Thrusting it at me, he said, "They're looking for a server. Call 'em up." So I called, and low and behold absolutely no one had applied for the job. (There's God's hand again.) I met with the owner, a small lady with a huge grin and an even bigger laugh. (Now, truth be told, I don't like waitressing all that much. I get tongue tied very easily. But, I was willing to give it a shot.) During the course of the interview, the owner explained that their current waitress, who was also plating up the food, would rather just waitress. Eagerly, I said that I would rather plate up food. And my job at The Wild Hare Cafe began. It's laid back for the most part. Everyone is very easy-going, very interesting to talk with. It's not every day a small town, midwestern girl gets to work for a lady who's lived in South Africa. And the hours are perfect. Ten-thirty to three, most days, Tuesday through Saturday. And I enjoy going to work everyday. How many people can say that?

our own little pod on the vine...

April sunset - - We moved into our new house in March of this year. Our own little pod. Funny how it worked out too. I'd been searching for two years, trying to find a house we'd grow old in. The house where our grandchildren would come visit us. Our true home was out there. I finally just gave up, half convinced we'd always be living in that single wide trailer. I left it up to God on New Year's. In February, my friend called me up, nothing unusual there, but she mentioned that this house down the road from her was still for sale. After church that Sunday, we drove up the 1/2 mile long lane. It was a two story (what we wanted) with new siding and a couple of outbuildings (what Josh wanted). We decided to call our realtor friend and schedule an appointment. (That Josh was eager to see it was probably our first hint. He'd never shown a bit of excitement over any of the other houses I'd brought to his attention.) We saw the house on a Tuesday. I remember walking around the property with Josh, waiting for our realtor to show up, looking in the outbuildings. While we sat on the front porch looking at the hill in the distance, we decided there was no way we'd ever be lucky enough to get this house. It was listed out of our price range, but we couldn't help ourselves. Plus it had been on the market for 8 months, so it was worth a try. We got inside and I could see us living there. Whenever we looked at a house I always tried to picture how I would decorate for Christmas. Sounds wierd, I know, but I can't help myself. (And it works.) We wanted this house. So we made an offer on a Thursday, and after some negotiation it was all ours by Saturday. We both cried like babies. I still get teary eyed thinking about it. And we didn't go past our budget. Now, I know you're saying that I shouldn't put so much emphasis on material posessions and I agree with you. I spent way too much time and energy looking for a house. (Especially when you consider my two years of searching with God's almost immediate answer. You see, the owners of the house had decided they were moving out west whether they sold the house or not. They were starting a church in Laramie and had delayed their departure a couple of times on account of the house. We were answers to each other's prayers. He was simply waiting for the exact right moment to bring this house to our full attention.) But, I felt trapped, claustraphobic in that trailer. I was starting to go into a depression because of that trailer. I felt like I was in some kind of psychological torture box. Yes, it kept us warm and dry, but I wanted a house for my children. A place for them to come back to and say, "This is where I grew up." We were running out of time. Our daughter was six; our son, two. And I didn't think that was too much to ask. Still don't. And God heard my cries. We've been a lot happier here. Nothing has really changed dramatically. I did have to get a part time job to make ends meet, but that has also been a blessing. But our lives are still the same, we just have our own little pod on the vine, now, and that's all the difference in the world.