Just Another Hooker

12:48:00 AM EDT

My BFF has a tween-aged daughter, so while out and about, I picked up a few little gifts for her in the form of lip glosses and a small bottle of "Love's Baby Soft" perfume.  I wasn't sure how to package them up for the trip though.  Luckily, I remembered Dee has a pattern on her website for "Treasure Bags".  This turned out to be PERFECT for the goodies for BFF's daughter!  The pattern is easy and works up quickly.  Thank you, Dee, for making this available to us!

Also while out and about, I couldn't resist some yarn for an afghan for myself.  Aren't these colors yummy?

I don't know why but I'm really into a light pink with light green color thing lately.  Probably because when I look at these colors, I think of roses in the pink color with frosted leaves.  The yarn is Caron Simply Soft.

Lots to get done tomorrow for the trip.  I am soooo excited!  Unfortunately, that means no more entries from me for a little while.

Happy Hooking 'til I return!

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2:04:44 AM EDT

I was going to give up on the computer tonight as I'm very sore from going to the beach Sunday.  Walking on sand will definitely work your calves!  Anyhow, I couldn't resist looking at the sky through the kitchen window for a moment.  Tonight is the peak of the Perseids Meteor Shower.

Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long for the awesome sight of a "shooting star" zipping across the sky.  It made me think of Lahoma since, last year at this time, I was IM'ing with her and asking if she saw them.  Unfortunately, she didn't.  I really miss her a lot.  I still find it hard to believe she has passed.  Sometimes I think, "Gosh, did that really happen?" and then reality hits me.  The calls I made to the hospital where she was at.  The fact that others went to the hospital to see her.  The fact that her obituary and I had a stare-down on the computer monitor.  It is amazing how someone you have never met in person can touch your life.

I'm still trying to get things done for my trip north.  Seems like I make a plan and say, "Tomorrow I'm going to do this, this, and this," only to have someone throw a big humongous monkey wrench into the plans.  I might get one thing on my list accomplished out of, say, about three.  I even tried to call my BFF last night only to have company show up.  I told her I would call back in 15 to 20 min and I did - only to tell her not to wait for me to call but I would try again tomorrow night. 

I sooooo need this trip though.  I haven't been on a real vacation in I don't know when.  The now-ex and I didn't even have a honeymoon.  He was able to take weeks off to go to management conventions, but of course it would cost too much for the wife to go (his story) so I never went with him.

Gosh, it sure feels good to be rid of him!!!  (I'm sitting here thinking of all of the things I had to give up)

Kids are going back to school this week.  Every year I am totally amazed at how early the school year starts.  In Michigan, we always went back after Labor Day.

I get tobe a cheerleader of sorts this Fall.  My nephew is playing football for his school and my niece is playing soccer.  I'm looking forward to seeing their games and rooting for them.  Football games used to be a social function when I was in school.  Only the parents watched the games.  My friends and I would go to meet with other friends and on Monday would have the "who showed and who didn't" chat.  Those were fun times! 

Well, about time I end this.  Think I might see if I can spot anymore "shooting stars" to wish on. :)  

Take care and happy hooking! 

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2:39:35 AM EDT

Wow!  A moment to write.

Just so you all know, I will be writing less in here for a while.  On a good note, that will give me a little more time for commenting - which I still am behind on.

The powers that be are doing construction on the road outside of our house.  Last Friday, they cut the phone line.  No land line, no DSL.  Thank goodness for cell phones!  AT&T finally came out on Tuesday to fix it.

Tuesday, I had my second steroid treatment.  This one went MUCH better than the first.  I didn't go into shock at all.  When I got home, there was a huge backhoe in the driveway.  I ended up parking at the local church lot and walking home.  Would have been nice if they could tell us what their schedule is so that we can plan our appointments around them.

I have a diabetes nutrition seminar on Tuesday of this coming week.  Am looking forward to that.

I have been working on mom's quilt.  Had to scrap the bunny applique idea for the time being.  Going to make a photo quilt for her instead. 

Haven't done any crocheting.  Sorry!

I am also planning a get-away to go to Michigan to see my BFF-since-Jr-High-School.  Haven't seen her since the class reunion in 2004 and I haven't seen her kids since her son was in elementary school (he will be a senior in high school this fall).  I'm trying to get all of my doctor appointments and such scheduled around the time.  In addition to the diabetes seminar, I have to take my Jeep in to have the a/c charged, hit the craft store for yarn and hooks as my BFF expressed an interest in crocheting, and have to get the Jeep washed.

When I get back from my trip, I have more doctor appointments and also will be looking for a place of my own. 

So, you see?  I've got a pretty full schedule this month already!

All I ask is that you bear with me.  I'll update when I can, but the entries may be few and far between for awhile.

Looking foward to catching up with everyone's journals soon!

God bless you all and take care!

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1:05:39 AM EDT
Feeling Indifferent

Hi everyone!  Thanks for the comments about crocheting/knitting/other needlework in a social setting.  Very interesting!

My friend Nelishia asked about the trellis stitch poncho.  I don't have any pics of the one I'm working on, but the pattern I'm using is here:  Trellis Stitch Poncho  I hope this helps.

We took the parents to Red Lobster for their anniversary.  It wasn't bad.  It was only the second time I'd ever been to an R.L.  Everyone seemed to have a good time.

The quilting bug is getting a hold of me again.  I ran across some instructions on quilting as you go along which would probably save a lot of time in putting one together.  This is NOT a rag-type blanket, but just a different spin on making a quilt.  I also ordered a book for more info on the technique and am anxious to give it a try.  Unfortunately it's just been too hot and too humid to be out and about.  I'm hoping to get out tomorrow or Monday to look at some fabric. 

Still aiming for making the bunny applique quilt for mom.  Depending on how fast the technique goes for me, I would love to make one for my brother before the year is out.  Even if I don't make it out to shop for fabric, I may invest my time in a couple of practice squares to make sure I understand the instructions in the booklet.

Can you believe there are only 5-1/2 months until December? (don't shoot the messenger!)

Sorry to cut this short but I have a killer headache that I can't get rid of.

Have a good night!

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1:23:13 AM EDT
Feeling Bitchy

Hello all!  Still busy and needing to make my journal rounds.  Hang in there with me.

Yesterday and today was spent sweeping and mopping the basement - the ENTIRE basement.  I am hoping the aches I feel are just muscles that I haven't been able to use for a while and NOT the un-doing of the steroid!

Tomorrow is my parents 43rd wedding anniversary.  We are celebrating with just the immediate family and going to dinner.

Have you ever crocheted by a pool?  I did for the first time over the weekend.  I had some cotton yarn and started a trellis stitch poncho just to get the feel of the trellis stitch.  Since the yarn is cotton and the project is more for the technique than pattern, I felt comfortable taking it to the pool and working on it while getting some sun.  My niece had invited me to go and her boyfriend went too.  I did my share of swimming but it was cool on Sunday with a strong breeze making things feel colder when you got out of the pool.  Due to the chlorine and other things in the pool, I definitely would NOT recommend taking your best yarn to work with!

I went to a different JoAnn's around here and found 2 skeins of the Red Heart Super Saver - Med. Purple that I've been looking for!  WHEW!  Fortunately for me, they remodelled the store and me likey!!!!  It is HUGE!  Much bigger than the JoAnns I'm familiar with.  Will definitely be going back!

Ummmm, lemmee see.....what else? 

Oh, I started a shawl.  Found the pattern on LionBrand's website at www.lionbrand.com.  You have to register (it's free) to view patterns but it is well worth it!  The shawl is triangular in shape, with fringe, and is an easy pattern consisting of hdc and ch stitches.  (I'd post the link to the pattern but I didn't save it).

And now....this is in today's Dear Abby...

DEAR ABBY: Is it rude or inconsiderate for a person to knit, crochet or piece a quilt while attending a meeting or other gathering? -- CURIOUS IN THE SUNBELT

DEAR CURIOUS: Although I may get some argument about this, I do think it's rude. When someone is attending a meeting or a social gathering, it is considered good manners to give the speaker or other attendees your full attention. And while I expect to hear from readers who say they can "multi-task," to do so sends the wrong message.

What do all of you think?  Is "Abby" right?  What if you know that the person is a former smoker who is only trying to fight the urge for a cigarette by keeping her hands busy?  Are there exceptions to the "rule"?  What if the person in question is fully capable of carrying on a conversation while working on something?  Let me know your thoughts!

That will do it for me for tonight.  Big day tomorrow with the festivities.

Bless you all and take care!

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12:13:51 AM EDT
Feeling Ecstatic
Hearing INXS - New Sensation

Bear with me everyone.  I managed to get behind on emails and comments again and need to literally schedule time to tend to both.  It may sound silly, but I like to give quality time to reading everyone's emails and entries and (usually) give thought to my responses. 

Anyhow...

I had my epidural steroid on Tuesday morning.  It was very early in the morning and I'm glad I was running too late to take my meds as you will soon see why.

The nurse had me sign consent forms and such and I asked her, "What is the most common side effect that YOU PERSONALLY see?"  She proceeded to tell me about a patient that "just didn't look right" as she was leaving and they forced her to sit down before she passed out.

The doctor numbed the area which was somewhat painful but then I felt this warm "rush" come over me and I was telling everyone that I was nauseated.  I don't know if it was the dye that the doc injected or the steroid itself, but I did NOT feel good!  The procedure was over quickly but my blood pressure dropped to unsafe levels (which is why it was good that I didn't take my meds beforehand!).  After literally yelling for a wheelchair, they took me into the next room to chill out for a while until my b/p came back up.  I was sent home with a little discharge sheet and told to take it easy for the first couple/few days.

The pain was evident after the first 24 hrs. but I noticed something.  My legs didn't feel "super-sensitive" to the touch.  Maybe the doc knew what he was talking about???

The second day was much better but I still had to take it easy.

Here is the cool part...Thursday, I went to Wal-Mart and before, I would be in pain just going from the Jeep to the entrance.  NOTHING!  Grabbed a cart and started whizzing around the place and normally, I would get to a point where my legs would say, "This is as far as we're going," and I'd have to force myself to stop and pretend to be interested in an item just to rest a bit.  NOT THIS TIME!!!!  I literally wanted to cry tears of joy!

Even better?  I hooked up with my sis and niece at the pool they go to and swam and did some water exercises.  The only pain I had was some in my hip last night and the front of my thighs from doing squat-type exercises. 

Had some other slight nerve pangs this afternoon but I'm still impressed with the results of the injection.  I do have to go back in a couple of weeks for another one but I'm looking forward to it as long as I feel this good afterward.

The jury seems to be out on whether or not this is a permanent fix for the nerve problems.  Being how my problem is caused from the diabetes (and that isn't going away any time soon), I doubt it will be permanent.  However, I am at least now able to be more active than I was and exercise is always good for a diabetic.

I also got "just enough" sun.  I'm pink but not in pain (and yes, I used sunscreen!).  Supposed to be hot next week so hopefully, we'll be able to do this again soon.

As for hooking, I'm not really working on anything in particular right now.  Now that my pain isn't so bad, my thoughts are turning to Christmas and making a quilt for a family member.  Not sure for whom yet, but I think it will be my brother.  I do have to get my Singer in for a tune-up/cleaning and called a local shop about it today.  Will get it in next week for that.

Hope everyone is staying cool! 

'til next time..........

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2:22:16 AM EDT

And the person with the exceptional eye is....

IndianCrochet!!!!!!!!

Yep, the afghan was supposed to be a 12-point star and is only 11.  Boy, do I feel incredibly stoooopid!  Especially since I JUST NOTICED IT!!!!  Ahhhh well, color me blonde. 

I see I got what was meant to be a nasty comment about the afghan being ugly.  Actually, I kind of think it is too.  Originally, I wasn't going to add the variegated yarn but the person the afghan is for liked it.   So, this is one I don't mind redoing.

Did everyone have a safe and good 4th of July?  We didn't see or do any fireworks but we caught a parade that my niece was in.  That was kind of fun.  The weather was perfect - sunny with temps in the mid 70's and low humidity.  Small town parades aren't much, but I love the atmosphere.  Everyone is easy to talk to and friendly.

Don't know when I will update next.  I am having something called an "epidural steroid" on Tuesday.  I heard from dad that he had one in the past and his legs went numb for a few days.  I'd like to think that was an isolated incident since the office told me that I would only need a driver if I opted to have sedation.  There is no guarantee that it will work and steroids commonly raise blood sugar levels significantly.

Until next time, happy hooking!

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3:03:44 PM EDT
Feeling Embarrassed

LOL!  Yep, laughing out loud at myself.  Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself, others will! 

What is wrong with the following?  I'll answer in the next entry.  This is not a contest, but just a challenge to see how good your eyes are!

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12:37:28 AM EDT
Feeling Wanted

Had a doctor appointment today.  It was actually a test but done in the doctor's office with him present.  Everything is normal!  What a relief, in a way.  It at least rules out any growths or other abnormalities causing my back pain, which is something that my neurologist in Ohio had thrown out there as a possibility.

I somehow managed to get to my appointment an entire hour earlier than need be.  Thankfully, I had my crocheting with me.  I decided to whip up the cascading petals in a gold thread and let you all see what I mean about envisioning it as a trim.

When I got home, my sister and niece were here.  Niece didn't particularly care for my idea (teens, I swear!!!)  but sis seemed interested and also agreed with me on the white one looking good for bridal fare. 

For this, I used a C-hook, whereas the white one I used a D-hook.

Tomorrow we are having people come to give a remodelling estimate so I'm trying to help mom tidy up a bit.  Not much needs to be done but it's the little stuff - windows, dusting, organizing...you know, the stuff we usually procrastinate in doing. :-)  Will be good to finally get it done though.

Have a great Tuesday!

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1:53:00 AM EDT
Feeling Relaxed

Anyone see the movie "The Others" with Nicole Kidman?  Came out about 5 yrs ago.  It was on t.v. tonight and I watched it.  Great movie in a freaky way!  Will have to get this one on DVD. 

Now that I'm officially afraid of the dark for the night (no, not really but it sounded good didn't it?), I have a couple of pics of a "Cascading Petals" bookmark in-progress.

  

Dee had left a comment to see it and I didn't take pics of the one I made for my friend.  The next step is to weave a ribbon through the holes in the work, but can you see what I'm talking about when I say that it would make a nice wedding trim, or if in Gold thread, a trim around the hem of that "little black dress"?

The thread I used is an Aunt Lydia's brand, size 5.  It has a whisper of a silver thread wrapping the cotton strands.  I can just picture adding some pearl beads and sewing this to the top of a headband for a wedding veil.

Not to rush my niece but I wonder when she is going to get married???  LOL!  (College FIRST!!!)

One thing I do when making these is to leave the ending tail very, very long and then weave it back through the shells and gather them slightly.  Otherwise, the holes in the middle of the work will be larger.

The pattern is hard to find on the internet.  It was taken down but I was able to find it through http://www.webarchive.org.  The link is here:  CASCADING PETALS BOOKMARK  There aren't any photos.

Other than working on this tonight, I spent much of my day transferring home videos to DVDs.  I have them divided into two groups - family memories/reunions and videos of my niece and nephew.  It hasbeen good to go back through these.  Some were ancient home movies that mom and dad took on 8mm film and had put on videos.  In some, my brother wasn't even born yet and sis was still in diapers.  Was good to see pics of my great-grandmother.  She was a little feeble thing but smiled for the camera and waved.  I actually had the sense that she was waving at me when I saw it.  She passed away in 1983 at the age of 90-something.

Had a crochet "sighting".  The movie "White Nights" which came out in about 1985 with Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov.  That too was on t.v. and I happened to catch parts of it.  Love the dancing!!!  The crochet sighting comes near the end when they are going to make a break for the American Consulate and an elderly woman is sitting and crocheting but notices the defectors.  I'll leave it at that lest some haven't seen it yet and are interested.  The dancing sequences are worth the watch. 

I also can't get rid of that song from the movie "Separate Lives" by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin.  Specifically..."bam, bam, bam...Well I held onnnnnnnn, to let you go....."  Such a nice song.

Time for me to get to bed.  Still have 5 more tapes to get on DVD and those are just the ones that are here.  I'll have to see if my sister has any to add.  Once I'm done, I'll make her and little brother a copy. 

Take care!

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