A Not So Bad Hair Day:
Thursday, January 17, 2013

Today thank goodness was not such a bad hair day… With my birthday coming up, it was time to renew my drivers license.  I tried to do it on line, but nope.  I had to go in.  It’s like they want you to sign over your life.  You have to bring in your birth certificate, social security card, 3 pieces of mail with your address on it (no longer than 60 days old), your marriage license because your name is different from your birth certificate, and if you’ve been married more than once, your first marriage certificate (because that has your maiden name on it), your divorce papers, and your current marriage license as it had your ex husbands last name on it.  Have I lost you yet??  Ha ha… Then just to be on the safe side I brought in Don’s death certificate.  I figured if I didn’t have that, it would be the one thing they wanted.  Lo and behold that’s the only thing they didn’t want.  All this because of 9/11.  Life was so different.  The good news is even though they moved I found them.  Yeah for me.  Ha ha… I won’t have to go through all that again for another 8 years.  Phewww…

The best news is that you know how your drivers license pictures are always horrible and look like bad mug shots, well, mine came out half decent.  I was shocked that I didn’t hate it.. It’s either shock or the fact that the older you get the more you care less about it.  Ha ha…

Now all that’s left of the birthday nonsense is getting my tag renewed.  And I will remember to put on the sticker.  I had never does this before Don died, so when I renewed my tags, I just stuck the paper in my glove compartment.  That’s weird that it’s called a “glove compartment”.  This is Florida….No one wears gloves… And then again even if it was cold, wouldn’t you be wearing your gloves and not keeping them in a compartment in your car?  Hmmmm.  Something to ponder… Oh yeah, so like I was saying, I put the paperwork in the glove compartment ( it still baffles me).  I had 3 years worth of papers with the stickers attached in there.  Didn’t realize I had to put the sticker on the license plate..  And no one ever stopped me for it.  Guess I was lucky. Will get that done in the next few days.

Well, that’s about it for now.  Glove compartment, who’d a thunk it…..

Until next time.

January 16, 2013 - RECIPE

Restarting per request..

January 16, 2013

It’s been a long while since I have written on my blog.  Nicole misses it so I decided to write today.  It is nice this morning, but will be hot (in the 80’s) again today.  Waiting for the cooler temperatures.  Sure do wish we would have snow here.

I have read many books since the last entry.  All 3 of the “50 Shades of Grey” books.  There was a really good love story in there.  I have read lots of others but can’t remember the titles.  I will have to keep track again.  Ha ha

My latest obsession, besides crocheting, is pinterest. I can spend a lifetime on there.  Ha ha.  It would take me being about 300 years old to do everything I have pinned.  My favorite are the quotes and the dogs and the crafts and the recipes and well, just all of it.  Ha ha..

I saw a recipe, and I use that term lightly, for popcorn.  It seemed easy enough so I tried it.  I couldn’t fathom making popcorn without oil. The recipe is 

POPCORN IN PAPER BAG

½ cup of popcorn kernels
Paper bag
Microwave

That’s it.  You put the popcorn kernels in the brown paper sandwich bag.  Fold the top down twice, and place standing up in the microwave.  Microwave it for 3 minutes (mine took less than 2 minutes).  The bottom came apart slightly (enough to have some kernels to clean up in the microwave).  It came apart at the seam.  Next time I will double bag it.  I was so surprised at how fluffy and good the popcorn came out.  I will be making it again today with the double bags.  

I go tomorrow for my drivers license renewal.  I liked it better when we could do it online.  Now since 9/11 we have to go in and bring all this paperwork with us.  I hope my eyes can read the chart.  HA HA.  I know my hair will be a mess as it got so long and needs to be cut and have low lights put back in.  Hey, it’s a drivers license photo.  They never look good.  Maybe I should google how to pose for your license picture.  HA HA..

Until next time……………..

Continued Journey into Dishcloths ~ Saturday AM, July 14th, 2012

 Saturday AM, July 14th, 2012

I plan on having a simple kind of day.  Dishes, etc.  ha ha.  I do have a new recipe that I want to try today.  Publix was demonstrating it the other day and so I grabbed the recipe. I really need to go to the store, but I don't feel like it.  Maybe later today, or even tomorrow.  I also have another pattern for a dishcloth that is a retro one that I want to try my hand at.  That may happen today too. ha ha.

I am on a roll.  I love this pattern for the dishcloths, which can also be used for washcloths as they are cotton, and so soft. 

If anyone has a pattern they would like to share with me, I would love it.. 

Here is the pattern for the ones above if anyone is interested in it.

Simplicity Dishcloth

Materials: Worsted Weight Cotton: Multicolor – 1½ oz, 75 yd (45 g, 68 yd); Pink – ½ oz, 25 yd (15 g, 23 yd) (Peaches & Crème)
Crochet Hook: Size G-6 (4.25 mm)

Special Stitches
Shell: (sc, hdc, ch 3, sl st) in same st or sp indicated.

DISHCLOTH

Row 1: (Right Side) With Multicolor, ch 31, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sc in next ch] across. (30 sc)

Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc now and throughout), turn, [hdc in next sc] across. (30 hdc)

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc now and throughout), turn, [dc in next hdc] across. (30 dc)

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each dc across. (30 sc)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across. (30 sc)

Rows 6-21: Rep Rows 2-5 four times.
At the end of Row 21, finish off and weave in ends.

Edging

Rnd 1: With right side facing, join Pink with sc to first sc on Row 21, (hdc, ch 3, sl st) in same sc, [ch 1, skip next 2 sc, Shell in next sc] across row, * working in sides of rows, evenly work (ch 1, Shell) 9 times across *; working in unworked lps of starting ch, ch 1, Shell in first ch, [ch 1, skip next 2 ch, Shell in next ch] across; rep from * to *; ch 1; join with sl st to first sc. (40 shells) Finish off and weave in ends.

http://www.bestfreecrochet.com/2011/06/09/160-simplicity-crochet-dishcloth-maggie-weldon-maggies-crochet/#

Until next time.................................
 

An interesting Personal Ad ~ July 2, 2012

"What would be an interesting personal ad to read in the newspaper?  Imagine who might send it, then write the ad."

This prompted me to think.  What would be interesting.  I am such a scatterbrain that everything and anything is interesting.  Heck, the back of the cereal box is interesting.  I really need a life.  ha ha.

Maybe the personal ad would go something like this:

I am looking for someone that will age gracefully with me.  I am kind, caring, considerate, and have a lot of love to give.  I love running on the beach and long walks. I really don't want to put down a physical description as I don't want to be judged on my looks.  A picture will be sent if you really need to see it.  If that's the case, then don't bother to respond, as I know what you care about.  I am looking for someone that is loyal, kind, considerate, and wants to love me for the rest of my life. If you had a flexible schedule or stayed at home that would be great.  I do need a lot of attention, but the reward will be yours because you will never find anyone more honest or loyal than I will be for you.  I will protect you with my life, as I would expect you to do for me.  I don't ask for much and I don't require much.  Just love.  Pure and simple love. 

If possible please respond to the American Humane Society.  

I really want someone to make me feel safe and wanted.

"The Dog".... Gosh, if only it was that simple.

Please jump on in and add your ad.  I would love to hear it.  Don't be shy.  I don't bite.  Get it..  The dog for the ad, don't bite.  ha ha.  I crack myself up sometimes...  ha ha

A Senior Dog’s Prayer - Beulah - June 20, 2012

                              Beulah a lot grey but oh so cute

         Beulah a lot grey but oh so cute spread out

 

 

Wow, I came across this poem and had to post it.  I know Beulah is getting (she's already there) older, and I would never think of letting anything happen to her because she was old.  Coco died at home with Don and I petting him and talking to him.  He was so peaceful until he took his last breath, I screamed, he opened his eyes, and just went to sleep.  I wish I hadn't done that, but it was a reflex action.  He will be missed forever.  With Schmutz we had to have her put to sleep as she was chocking as her tongue had swelled from her heart problems.  We went to the vets and held her while they gave her the medication to put her to sleep.  Again, she was held, loved, and went peacefully.  I will do no less for Beulah whenever her time is. 

 

Beulah is such a nice little girl.  She is kind and loves everyone.  She may look old (one of the neighbors when he sees her always says how's the Old Timer doing.  That's okay.  She is getting older, just like me.  She's gained weight and turned grey.  Hey.. So have I.  I am glad I have someone to grow old with.  All she needs to do is look at me with those beautiful eyes and a tilt of her head and I'm a goner.  Yes, in case you haven't guessed it, she owns me.  ha ha.

 

Here is the poem that just tore me up, and I could not stop crying.  Bless all the old timers who give us all they have and then some.

 

A Senior Dog’s Prayer
 

One by one, they pass my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can’t run and play.
They shake their heads slowly and go on their way.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn’t belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can’t justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
Those younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond the cage

You took me home, gave me food and a bed.
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To You, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the angel who made my last days so dear.

~ Author Unknown

Pinky Ring - Memories - June 11, 2012

                                         This is not my pinky finger, just so you know.

It's just that kind of day.  Sort of melancholy.  You would think that it would be all of last week with all the rain, thunder, and lightening we had.  And we did get it good.  We needed it so bad. Hopefully this will keep the fires at bay.  And it is hurricane season.  Dang.  There was one clap of thunder yesterday that honest to pete, made the trailer shake.  Scared the you know what out of me.  Beulah had already been there since she sensed it coming.  I don't do storms very well.  It just brings home the feelings of being alone.  Oh well..

I started to knit.  Yeah for me...  ha ha.  Well, that may be a gross exaggeration of knitting.  I have learned to put the stitches onto the needle.  ha ha...  And I like that part so far.  ha ha...

I am trying to do some of the things on my so called "bucket list".  I think it's more of a "I'm bored I want to do.......". ha ha.  I have always wanted to learn to really crochet, knit, and quilting.  I am on my way with crocheting, and I love it.  My hands aren't always cooperating though.  With my carpal tunnel and arthritis, they get sore, but oh well, that just lets me know that they are still there. The saddest part of all that is that I have had to take off my pinky ring.  I just about cried.  I have had that on my pinky for 43 years.  I got it as a gift from my mom and dad for my 16th birthday, along with a great sweet sixteen party.  It was my initials DJB with a tiny diamond.  I always thought it sort of looked like a U instead of a J, but I loved it then, and I love it now. Wish I could find those pictures.  Anyway,  I will keep trying to get it on.  The strange part is how strange my finger feels without it.  Over the years my fingers have gotten fatter along with the rest of me, but it still fit.  Now old age is doing it for me. 

Well this was short, but need to take my baby girl out in this insufferable heat.  At least it's not storming.

Until next time.

Crocheted Baby Booties - Start of TS Beryl - May 27, 2012

I am so proud of myself.  I am actually learning to crochet and it feels so good to make things.

As you can see from the picture, I made baby booties.  I was beside myself.  I grew up never thinking I could do much, and so to be able to do this makes me very happy.  And I love my crochet buddies. 

We are making baby booties, hats, and afghans to donate to a Pregnancy Center locally.  It feels good to be part of a community and to be think that tiny little feet will be filling my booties..ha ha.  As I've said a hundred times, it doesn't take much to make me happy.

I will post the directions at the end of this.

We are in the midst of waiting for Tropical Storm Beryl. We have had lots of wind, wind gusting pretty good at times, rain bands that are heavy when they happen, and thunder.  As I am writing this it is bright and sunny out there right now.  It is sort of raining about every half hour or so, then the sun shines.  Beulah will need to learn to walk between the raindrops.  ha ha.

Here is the baby bootie pattern and the website

Bev's Very EASY Newborn Booties
www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevsbooties2.html

Newborn bootie size measurements
Foot Length = 3 1/2 - 3 3/4"
Height from sole to top of bootie is about 4 - 4 1/2"
Instep (from sole to ankle bone) = 1.75" - 2.25"

Size H hook ( For preemies I used G hook)
1 oz of soft 4 ply worsted weight yarn (Simply Soft works great!)
Bottom of bootie foot -- Ch 26(for other ones I used 30 chains)

ROW 1: HDC in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (25 hdc) Ch 2 (counts as a HDC on next row), turn

ROW 2 - 3: HDC in each hdc across row (25 hdc). ch 2, turn.

ROW 4: (you can change colors here if desired) DC in each hdc across row (25 dc) - do not chain 3 at the end, just turn

ROW 5 (top of bootie) : slip st in the first 5 dcs, ch 3 - in that 5th st- (counts as one dc) dc in the same st and then in each dc across leaving 4 unworked at the end.. (17 dcs) Chain 3, turn

ROWS 6 and 7 : (change colors back) DC in each dc across the 17 sts being sure to DC into the very last stitch, ch 3 and turn (17 dcs)

ROW 8: Girls top: Sc into 1st st near hook, ch 3, sc in next st, repeat across to make a ruffle on the top.

ROW 8: Boys top: Alternate making a *FPDC and *BPDC across row, working the stitches in the front or back of the sts in the row below.

Finish off. ~Fold piece in half and whip-stitch up using yarn and big eyed needle - this is the wrong side of the bootie. Flip booties right side out and shape them with your hands to make them more puffy and rounded. FOLD TOP DOWN.

~ * ~ IMPORTANT: Weave a length of ribbon in and out of the row above the heel to tie booties. Or crochet a contrasting colored chain of about 60 chains. ~ * ~

* FPDC = Front Post Double Crochet. Meaning you go down into the stitch below, in the front and make a dc in that stitch
* BPDC = Back Post Double Crochet. Meaning you go down into the stitch below, in the back of the stitch and make a dc in that stitch

**As I stated above I used a G hook for the preemies

**For the other ones I used the H hook and chained 30 and adjusted for it.  Like in row 1 it would be 29, In row 2, 3, and 4  it would be 29, 5 I did the same, etc.  Any questions, just ask.  I am learning, but I know what I did.  ha ha

Until next time....