Just Another Hooker

2:18:02 AM EDT

Hi all!  I hope this finds everyone okay after the news from AOL.  My feelings are mixed.  On one hand, I saw it coming.  On the other hand, I'm still a little shocked.

I've created journals both on Bravejournal.net and on Xanga.  I'm thinking about going to Xanga.  For a one-time fee, I get a lifetime membership and no ads.  I'm still trying to investigate how to add stuff to the sidebar though.  If you want the link, it is http://www.xanga.com/wipforever.  No need to be a member to leave a comment, but I sure would appreciate you leaving your name if you leave one.  It is always nice to know who reads my stuff.

I've been under the weather for the past week and a half.  Some labs came back abnormal and I was feeling like I had the flu or something - very tired and achy.  My blood sugars were also running in the 400's.  Normal is between 70-110.  Doc added a new med to help and I've made some dietary changes and I'm starting to feel better.  I actually ventured out to WalMart and the Post Orifice (sic) earlier.  I did have hopes of going to get my hair done but going to WM and the PO was enough for today. 

I did start one scarf for the challenge!  The first of many I hope for this year.  My showing last year was pathetic.

I've noticed that AOL seems to have disabled the java scripting as I had a third-party counter on my journal and, although I know people have visited, they aren't showing up on the counter's website. 

My apologies for sounding scattered.  I am at the moment.  I just took a couple of Benadryl caps.  I have a rash pop up on various places of me and can't seem to find a definite cause behind it.  Right now, it is gracing the left side of my face.  I hope it isn't the new pill doc put me on.

Gosh....AOL is closing Journals.  Used to be a fun and active place when it first came out.  That lasted about a year.  I can't blame it all on personality conflicts and game playing that some chose to participate in.  AOL Journals Exodus - Part 1happened when AOL felt we should have banner ads at the top of our journals.  I also feel that, as more people discovered that other blog services allowed for more freedom in features and layouts, they left AOL Journals too.  For instance, it used to be easy to put music in a journal - one that had a nice little control box.  AOL took that away, telling me that they never meant for that feature to be included.  I found out not long ago that AOL never meant for animated .gif files to be used in journals either.  What is the big deal with an animated graphic?

I dunno - perhaps it is for the best in the long run.  It's like the old saying about when one door closes, another opens.

Oh...also, you might want to sign up for "bloglines".  You can add URL's of journals you like to read and it will keep a list of what is updated.  Kind of like an alert except you have to visit the bloglines site and log in to read them.  The site is www.bloglines.com. 

Well, it is time to get to bed and some shut eye.  Have a great night!

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9:25:35 PM EDT

You may want to print this entry out and have it by your computer when you do this.

It's been a long time since I've written out step-by-step instructions for computer stuff, so if something doesn't make sense, please leave a comment or email me.

This will not save any text from your journals.  This will ONLY save files that are in your FTP space.  If you used MYFTP or AOL's File Manager in the past, you can use this method to save files.

1) go to this link at the University of Ottawa.

Downloading Zone

Download the program "WS FTP LE" and install it.

2) Sign on to AOL and minimize it.

3) Start the WS FTP program.  You will see a screen that looks like this:

Make sure that your settings are like the above, except you will put your screenname "@aol.com" in the password field and you will put the password to that screenname in the Account field.

4)  Click OK.

5)  You will see a screen that looks like this:

On the left side of the screen is the folder on my hard drive that I want to save my FTP files to.  On the right side is an example of my FTP space, in the "private" folder. You might have to type "/yourscreenname" where mine says "/wipforever".

I have one file selected (in blue).  To transfer that one file, all I have to do is click the <-- arrow.

To select multiple files, click on the first file name, then hold the CTRL key down as you click on other files you want to transfer.  When you've selected them, click the <-- arrow.

Some of you have multiple folders in your FTP space.  Instead of going into every folder and transferring the files one by one, you can simply click on the folder name and then the <-- arrow.  A box will appear asking you if you want to transfer the folder AND it's contents.  Choose Yes.

To change the folder on your hard drive that you want to save to, click the double dots at the top of the left side list, next to the green up arrow.

Once you transfer your files, you can then delete them from your FTP space by selecting them again and clicking the "delete" button on the right side of the screen.

I think that is basically all there is to tell you.  I do hope that AOL will find some way of allowing us to save the text from our journals.  At least with this FTP program, it will be easy for you to save your photos and graphics.

Good luck and if you have any questions, just ask!

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10:52:47 AM EDT

As most of you know, AOL has sent emails to everyone letting them know that they are discontinuing AOL Journals AND FTP space. 

A lot of you have photos and graphics you want to save before this happens.  A quick fix to this is to get a third party FTP program.  You select the files you want to transfer and download them all at one time to your hard drive.  I will update later tonight with an offer of the program that I have been using.

As for the loss of AOL Journals, I have used Blogger and was not happy with it.  Not all graphic types are supported and even though I tell it to use a particular font, it won't use it.  Font selection is limited.

If you like bells and whistles, two blogging services I have used and liked in the past are www.Xanga.com and www.Bravejournal.com.  You can change your own backgrounds, lot of fonts to choose from, add friends, comments, etc.  Yes, there will be ads if you don't pay for a subscription, but we had those with AOL Journals too.

I have used MySpace, but dislike it out of all of the ones I've tried.  Then too, I dislike MySpace altogether.

I cannot attest to wordpress.com or any others.

Be patient.  I think we will weather the storm.  I will update later tonight about that program to help you transfer your files.

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2:45:28 AM EDT

Hi all,

Just a little update.  I know my entries are few lately and I apologize.  Life just gets in the way sometimes and lately, when it rains, it pours.

This is the time of year when everyone is trying to get things done before Old Man Winter sets in.  I would like to get to Shipshewana one of these days before they close up shop.  I also have tentative plans to go to Michigan for a weekend.  Unfortunately or fortunately, however you want to look at it, I'm also needing to make a trip to KY.  Tonight I discovered that a dear former co-worker, friend, and "mom-away-from-mom" was diagnosed last month with breast cancer.  I'm taking it as hard as one would expect.

On the "up" side of things with me, I met with a representative for the insulin pump company today.  I am in a very "lost" mood right now due to the other news, but without too many details, it was a GREAT meeting.  I hope I will be adding one of these to my life in the very near future.

So, again, I ask that you bear with me.  I'll try to update when I can but please understand that I've got a lot of things going on right now.

God bless you all and take care! 

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12:42:44 AM EDT
Feeling Giddy
Hearing Soundtrack to "Mamma Mia!"

Did you all have a great weekend?  I hope you did and I pray that any readers in Louisiana and surrounding areas came through hurricane Gustav unharmed.

I had an interesting thing happened to me over the weekend.  An old boyfriend looked me up on Classmates.com and wrote to say hi.  It was nice to be remembered.  He was a senior in school when I was a freshman.  Ahhhhh, puppy love (cue music to Donny Osmond).  And don't get any ideas.  I'm not looking for a relationship.  Not now, not yet.  It's just good to run into a familiar face.

As promised, I have some photos of my journey to Michigan.

 

The above are the earrings I bought from the gem store.  Sorry they are blurry.  I had a hard time photographing them.

See?  I really DID do some crocheting while I was gone!

Now for the fun part.  I was given my grandmother's sewing chair.  I have no idea how old this is but it is safe to say that it might be older than myself.  It opens up to store things and it was like opening a treasure chest!

The above is some pale blue yarn that was in the chair.  It appears to be in excellent condition with no faded areas.

I didn't unroll this to see how much was there, but this is black broadcloth fabric, which I think was left over from a witch's costume that Mamaw made for me for Halloween when I was about in 3rd grade.

Some other things which were just neat because they were old:

 

Apparently, companies knew how to market to women.  In this National Life promo, in the black papers on the bottom half of the inside, are sewing needles!

The above was a little traveling sewing kit with needles, thread, and a couple of buttons inside.  You can get a feel of how old this must be by the artwork on the package.  1950's - 1960's?

These were never opened.  I think everything I found had "Made in USA" on it.  The good old days! 

Some lace seam binding.  The actual binding was out of this package, but apparently unused.  Look at the price!  Only 39 cents!

Some really old thread.  Anyone remember Kresge's?  And check out the label for the Coats & Clark thread.  They still make thread but have updated their logo.  On the far left is another Coats & Clark typeof thread.  I couldn't get a good pic of the label.  The thread appears to be like an embroidery floss.

Mamaw's thimbles...

Never heard of this brand!

I have no idea what a thread winder was used for.  Well, I mean, obviously it was to wind thread but why would one need it? Would it be like to wind embroidery thread?

I was also given Mamaw's sewing basket.  More treasures!

 

You can see that the outside of the basket looks pretty good.  Inside is a tag - an old looking tag - for J.C. Penney's.

 

This flower is a pincushion/thread holder.  Next pic shows how the thread was worked in:

Is that neat or what?  Would make a nice gift to someone just getting started with sewing.

Not in the basket, but were given to me are the following pics:

My Mamaw and Papaw! :)

Papaw's father.

I'm saving the best for last. 

In the sewing basket was this skein of what I think is Size 10 crochet cotton:

  Yep!  It was wound just like you would yarn.  Was heck getting that center pull out.  Not a stain or any discoloring on it.

Finally, in the bottom of the sewing basket was something I had missed when I was at my aunt's house and we were going through it:

It is one of Mamaw's crochet hooks, size E.  There is no manufacturer name on it, but I'm guessing it to be a Boye or Wright hook.  The photo doesn't show it but it has a nice goldtone color.  Wonder what she made with it.....  It literally took my breath away when I saw it.  Funny how my aunt and I practically emptied the basket and it wasn't visible.  I picked up the skein of cotton and there it was, shining at me.  I hope it is a sign that she sees I have finally learned how to crochet.  Very emotional for me to find that.  Moreso than the other stuff.

With that, I'm going to head for bed.  I hope you enjoyed the photos.  Maybe the next time you are in a fabric store, you'll take a look at the threads and zippers and see what they are going for today.  Will probably shock you!

Blessings to all of you and thank you!

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12:44:18 AM EDT
Feeling Ecstatic

What was that?  You didn't know I was gone???!!!???  Hmphhhhhh!!!!

Had a WONDERFUL time in Michigan!  Unfortunately, we didn't do half of what we said we were going to do in our pre-planning, but that was okay.  Sometimes, just sitting with your best friend, on her patio, kicked back with a cuppa coffee and talking about "the good ol' days" is better than going to any attraction!

I will say though that we went to see the movie "Mama Mia!" and I do recommend seeing it, particularly if you grew up listening to ABBA.  It is a great "feel good" movie and very funny!  Two things I didn't like were 1) Pierce Brosnan's singing voice.  This hooker thinks he makes a dandy piece of eye-candy, but thinks men should be seen and not heard... (...from ever again).  2)  SPOILER ALERT!!!!!   "Fernando" was NOT one of the ABBA songs used in the movie.  I think I'm going to opt for ABBA's Greatest Hits vs. the Mama Mia! soundtrack.  IMHO.

We also hit up a jewelry store in search of charms for Mom of BFF's 70th Birthday.  I guess up there, charm bracelets are the "in" thing.  This jewelry store also had more in the way of gem stones and I picked up a couple of lovely pair of earrings.  They made a nice addition to the Mickey Mouse earrings that BFF got me from her trip to Florida this past June.

Although BFF and I didn't get to do any crocheting lessons (she looked too terrified), I did encourage her to take classes that are offered at work.  Picture this:  high tech hospital whose "lobby" looks more like an airport terminal than a hospital.  They had Starbucks, other food vendors, a gourmet dessert kiosk (the banana cream torte was delicious!), two gift shops - one catering to older people and the other catering to babies and pediatrics, and...I couldn't believe it.....a specialty YARN SHOP!!!!  No kidding!!!!  Unfortunately, I couldn't afford enough of their yarn to make anything substantial, but they did have very nice displays of felted bags and shawls.  Still, I managed to purchase a couple of pairs of socks for my niece.  One has music notes all over and the other has a picture of a Dachsund (same as her dog) and paw prints all over.

Other than having yarn that was too expensive for us little people, the other thing I didn't care for about this yarn shop was the fact that they didn't sell ONE crochet hook.  Only knitting needles.  Now, if you're going to sell books about crochet, don't you think you'd want to sell some crochet hooks???

My friend's daughter loved her crocheted Treasure Bag (thanks again Dee!) as well as the items inside. 

After four days of visiting with my BFF, it was time for a change of hotels and visiting my aunt.  I hadn't seen my aunt since 2004 and that was for about 20 minutes at a funeral.  It was great to see her and she graciously brought out family photos and let me take some to copy.  At first I thought I'd bring them home, scan them and send them back, but I ended up going to CVS and copying them there.  There was one of my grandparents dancing together at some function.  Another of my great-grandfather who was killed when my grandfather was only 7.  And still another of my grandmother standing with her 3 sisters.  I also learned another tidbit - my great-grandfather wanted the boys named after boxers.  I remember being told of a baby that died whose first and middle names were Jack Dempsey.  I looked up Jack Dempsey and found my grandfather's namesake in Dempsey's bio.

On the second day, my aunt and I visited my grandparent's graves.  On the third day, we visited my uncle's grave (mom and my aunt's brother).  It was a great visit, albeit short.  Hopefully, not so many years will pass before I see her again.

I know you're wanting pics.  I didn't take any but will have some for the next entry.

'til next time!

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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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