October

Thank you for your comments and private emails.  I still haven't been able to reply to your comments without getting a delivery failure notice, even when I type in your correct email addresses.  

These are the finished squares for a crochet blanket I began working on in June.  I decided to make the blanket big enough to fit our queen size bed.  I think the hardest part of this whole project so far has been laying out the squares.  It took a WHOLE day to get the layout the way I wanted.  I've begun joining the squares and will share that in a future post.

The photos aren't great and the blanket is much wider than the photo shows.
Lisa wasn't home when I delivered the blanket, so I left it at her front door. 

My friend and neighbor, Lisa, has been struggling with severe depression.  Medications are no longer working for her and she's been undergoing alternative treatments.  I wanted to do something for her so that she'd know how cared for she is during those moments when we're not there with her.  I decided a large, warm crocheted prayer blanket would be something she could wrap herself in and be reminded that she has lots of family and friends supporting her.

OTHER NEWS

In my last post, I mentioned that my oldest daughter was struggling with undiagnosed medical problems.  She has had many more tests since then.  One test showed a problem with her gallbladder and she is meeting with a specialist/surgeon later this week.  Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

I'll leave with a pic of my confused Christmas Cactus'.  They have always bloomed around Thanksgiving, but never before Halloween.

 

Take Care!

  

Happy September?

Technically it's still summer for a few more days, but I'm already struggling with what I call my "seasonal sadness."  Autumn often finds me feeling sad that summer has ended and that the bitterly, cold winter is coming soon.

Any of you experience this type of seasonal sadness?  How do you cope with it?

Outside my window...

Baldface Hornet's Nest

This large nest is hanging in the maple tree in front of my house.  I have only seen one in pictures.  I estimate it to be at least 12 inches long and wide.  I asked my neighbor if he's ever dealt with a nest like this.  He told me to stay away from it because they can be very aggressive.  No need to worry about that - there's absolutely no way I'm climbing a ladder to get to that nest!  Then he said it was beautiful and he'd like to have it.  Apparently some people like to decorate their homes with these nests.  I told him he could have it, but he'd have to get it himself :)

 
This year, the Praying Mantis' have been everywhere.  I've rarely seen them in years past, but I've seen one almost every day for the past several weeks.

This little Tree Frog sat on the window ledge outside my office for a whole morning.  It was a great distraction!


Finally...

(I blocked out the baby's name)

...some stitching.  My niece is having a baby soon and I designed and stitched this piece for the nursery.  My son-in-law made the frame and my daughter did the staining and finishing.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out and my niece loved it.

Other news...

We had a great vacation and trip to visit our youngest daughter.  We were also able to visit Washington, DC, Virginia Beach and spend time with my cousin.  I would have loved to spend a whole month visiting DD and my cousin.

This past week brought heartache to our family and community.  A family friend that had been missing since August 22 was found in a nearby community.  Not many details have been published as there is an ongoing homicide investigation and it's all just heartbreaking.

Our oldest daughter is having medical issues that several doctors have been unable to diagnose.  I'm so worried about her and asking for prayers.

Thanks so much for spending some time with me!



  

August Already!

Wow, the summer is flying by!  We have been so busy and every time I think things are settling down, I'm wrong.

My favorite Resurrection Lilies are blooming!

Dottie Dog and the grand-doggers, Hollie and Skye, always want treats.  

Hollie helping weed the zucchini patch

Hollie says swimming is the best part of summer!

Hollie has been my shadow and I call her my gatekeeper because she's always between me and the way out of where ever I am.  When her puppy hyperactivity isn't in overdrive, she is a really sweet girl.  I'm amazed at how smart she is and how fast she learns.

I have been stitching, but I can't show it yet.  My fingers aren't back to working like they used to and I don't know what I was thinking when I chose 40 count fabric.  I'm managing, but stitching on the 40 count fabric is frustrating me.

Hubby and I will soon be leaving to visit our youngest who is now many states away from us.  Since we're driving, I'm hoping to see some sights along the way.

Stay Safe!