Butterflies and Christmas Memories

It's said that a butterfly is a deceased loved one letting you know they are near and their spirit lives on.  I have not seen many butterflies lately let alone be near one.  Today, however, I had one fly up to me.  While he didn't land on or near me, he did flutter around me.  He would flutter in front of me, then fly off ahead and come back, playful like.  I watched for a few minutes before he flew up and away.  I have reason to believe it was sent from my grandparents, or at least my grandfather.  This past Monday, December 19th, was his birthday.  Tomorrow, December 22nd, will be the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Even after all these years, I still think about him a lot and wish he was here.  He loved being a grandfather and he was so thrilled to be a great-grandfather when my oldest, Jennifer, was born.  He passed when she was 14 months old.  I know he would have loved to do things with all of his great-grandchildren just like he did with me and my brother.

My grandmother will be gone 28 years next February.  I think about her a lot as well.  She is the one who initially taught me to crochet.  She started me with granny squares.  I did a lot of those.  I try not to do those these days if I can help it.  Earlier this year I started making jams and jellies.  She made those, too, and I think of her a lot when I'm doing them.  I wish I could have had the chance to do it with her.  She always did them when we weren't at their house.

Every year I think about the silver Christmas tree with the colored light wheel that sat in front of it.  We also opened presents on Christmas Eve after dinner.  Of course my brother and I were so impatient because after dinner, we also had to wait until Grandpa watched the 5:30 news.  He watched it at 5:00, why did he need to watch it at 5:30?  But eventually he would grin at us, get a twinkle in his eye, and tell us it was time.  And away we went.  Of course, when we got up the next morning, Christmas Day, Santa had been there.  He was generous at Grandma and Grandpa's house (So was the Easter Bunny but that's another story for another time).  I remember the excitement I felt when I got my very own little TV when I was about 7, 8 years old.  It was a little B&W but it was all mine to watch what I wanted in my bedroom.  My brother got a 10-speed.

So many memories...I still miss them a lot even after all these years.

Merry Christmas to everyone.  May your holidays be merry, bright and a lot of memories made

Terri

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.  I went to Paul and Kaylena's (my son and daughter-in-law) for Thanksgiving.  She was making her first turkey dinner by herself and I must say, she did a wonderful job.  The turkey was moist and delicious. It was great to spend the holiday with them and three of my grandchildren.  Of course I was missing my two daughters, son-in-law and three of my grandchildren. 

I brought my crochet bag with enough yarn to make the two littlest ones hats should I find myself with down time.  I didn't find myself with down time.  So in addition to completing the WIP I have at home, I will start some hats.  I do have a request for a sweater and a scarf.  I'm behind already.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving 2016 gets closer, I've been reflecting on the past year.  The past two years, actually.  A lot has happened, some good, some not so good.  I would like to think that I've grown as I've made some self-discovery but I'm not so sure about that.  What I have done, though, is be able to think about things a lot more clearly than I would have in the past, and that allowed me to really see and reflect on things that I knew weren't good for me in the past.  I'm not around some people anymore that I realized were a big cause of tension and stress.  I think I knew it years ago but now I'm sure because I don't have that tension and stress anymore.  Not that I never get stressed or have tension from time to time, it's just not that particular tension and stress. 

Normally I would be able to crochet away while reflecting on things but this past year and a half I was unable to do that.  Oh I did manage to do a couple of small projects and I did start a bigger, albeit still small, project back in September that is intended as a Christmas present for my 2-year-old granddaughter.  I haven't finished it yet as I still lose my interest from time to time.  As I feel myself coming out of this - whatever this is, I do find myself looking forward to picking up my hook and yarn while I'm at work.  I hope the upcoming New Year will be a turning point for me...and my stash.

So for now, onward and upward.  The best is yet to come.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

2015

Oh my gosh...my blog actually stayed put and didn't redirect to random ads like it has done the past couple of years.  I really miss blogging about my hooking and my family.  Although I haven't done any big projects for the past year and a half, I have picked up some new patterns, yarn and hooks along the way.  I feel that I am getting my mojo back.  So on that note...here's looking to have a new project to show off soon.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is upon us once again.  Sure it's the unofficial start of summer and everyone has cook-outs and shopping expeditions planned.  But it's really the time for everyone to reflect on our fallen soldiers and how they gave their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom.  I also have a deep appreciation for our soldiers that are continuing the fight today.  I am so proud of them and very proud to be an American. 

Everybody be safe and have a good holiday weekend.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Summer 2012

Okay, let's give this a try.  I haven't been able to update my blog because everytime I log in, my page gets redirected to random ads.  I have no idea why but this time, it stayed on here. 

Here we are near the end of August 2012 and there is a storm brewing out there, Tropical Storm Isaac, who is expected to become a Hurricane really soon.  Although we have a hurricane survivial kit all put together, the Mr.  forgot my importan items - hooks and yarn.  What, is he expecting me to be bored to tears if the power is out and I can't get online?  Of course he has his fishing gear together.  He said that is essential.  I suppose...

My soldier son, Paul, went back to Afghanistan last May (or was it April?) and is expected to come back home March 2013.  He is already planning a Spring Break trip.  I sure do miss him. 

As far as hooking goes, I only did one hat for the Ravelympics...oopsie...Ravellenic Games.  The USIOC had a problem with Ravelry using ...lympics... so the name was changed. I wonder, though, did they issue a cease-and-desist letter to Scooby Doo and the Laff-A-Lympics? 

I do have a baby blanket on the hook for my grandson that was born in January, on Friday the 13th.  I need to get that finished so that I can start my holiday hooking.  Why yes, the holidays are coming up fast.  It's just two blocks away (not quite around the corner yet but close).

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Happy New Year, everyone.  Goodness but it just doesn't seem possible that we are in 2012 already.  I feel like I blinked a few times in 2011 and missed part of it.  But I do feel that good times and good things are in store for 2012.  So how many of you made New Year's Resolutions?  I didn't because let's face it...those are just made to be broken so let's just skip that step, shall we? 

Was Santa Claus good to you?  He was good to me.  My wonderful husband, Kevin, gave me an iPad2.  Both of my daughters were eyeballing it and I had to point out to them that my name was engraved on the back so don't even think about taking off with it.  Gee, they looked disappointed after that.  Poor babies.  I wanted to make sure that it was protected from scratches while in my purse so I made this:

It was really very simple to make using a worsted weight yarn.  I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn.

1 skein Red
1 skein White
Hook size N

Holding two strands together chain 41. 
Row 1:  HDC in 3rd chain from hook to the end of the foundation row; Join with Slip Stitch.
You will now be working in rounds.
Round 2: Chain 2, HDC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first HDC.
Round 3 - 17:  Repeat Round 2. 

Handle:
Rounds 1 - 2: Chain 1 and SC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first SC.
Round 3: Chain 1 and SC for the first 5 stitches.  Chain 8; skip next 8 SC and make a SC in the 9th SC.  SC in the next 11 stitches.  Chain 8; skip next 8 SC and make a SC in the 9th SC.  SC to the first SC in the round and join with a slip stitch.
Rounds 4 - 5:  Chain 1 and SC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first SC.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Whip stitch bottom of bag. 

There you have it.  Easy to carry and it gets protected from scratches when in your purse or briefcase.
I think I will now go make one for my iPod and Android phone, minus the handles.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri