Best/Worse/What did I learn today-Visit & Chat with friends

Debbie, not sure what kind, they know I tell them to do things for the kids, I buy what I want so shouldn't be spending big $$$ on items for me..we'll see!

Paul was complaining his blackberry scroller wasn't working well, Jeff took it apart and cleaned then Suzanne gave him hers so by the time it was time to go to lunch, nope, getting late, storm coming through and Paul told us to close up shop.

So here I am, done a few groceries, picked up supplies for Monday for the girls, put something on for supper and making egg salad for a sandwhich, hungry, didn't eat breakfast or lunch so my tummy is saying feed me..

Almost tempted to sit in the tub and soak my sore areas, get into jammies,light a candle, put on Christmas music and just enjoy the ambiance..sure wish I had a bottle of wine..lol that would make the evening perfect.

See that all of Rose's belonging are at the door, boo hoo..

Just feels fantastic to know I'll not be fighting the storms like I have and did again on my way home...

Talked to the young man at the grocery store, reminded him that I want my turkey de-boned, said not a problem so that's looked after..

Gee whizzzzz starting to think I'm too organized..lol

Please give our best regards to Rose, Betty, and tell her we look forward to you posting as to how she is doing. I do so hope she keeps in touch... And tell her Merry Christmas too....And good luck with her studies....

Barb has come to my rescue. She sent me a phone so I'm back in business. Feels so good to have that taken care of. You have certainly been a life saver for me Barb, and Norm, too. I can't thank you enough.

Talk about friendship..omg how wonderful, friends helping friends..been thinking about you Joyce, how are things going?

As I type Barb Rose is putting her things in the van..came downstairs to look for her Christmas present, best I run...be back shortly

Joyce it's so great to have friends that do whatever they can for a friend. You'll think of them whenever you use it.
Betty, glad to see you're done with work and can sit back and relax a bit. The wine sounds great, but is always nicer when there is someone there to share it with you. I hope you don't have too many sore spots anymore. The hot bath will help. There are days when I wish we had a tub. Yes, your Kyle sounds like a sweetheart and it always warms the heart when they are so willing to give of oneself like that. It will help him go far. I wish every child would have the opportunity to learn what it's all about and the feeling inside that it gives them.
Well, Tubby made it through another treatment. I was so busy on the phone with different Drs. trying to cordinate everything, that I really didn't get alot accomplished. One Doc thinks we should consider a feeding tube, I'll talk to him, but doubt that he goes for it. Nurse said Tubby got nauseated at the end, but otherwise handled well. They want to start chemo Monday, and want us to see specialist sooner in the week. Hope the weather will cooperate and Tubby can handle it all.
There's not much going on here, so will chat tomorrow. Please take it easy and enjoy the season, craziness and all. God Bless.
T&S

Shirley, heart just sunk when you said feeding tube!! What an overwhelming road Tubby has to travel on this road to recovery...difficult for him to go through and I can't imagine what it must do to you. From your posts he seems so weak yet they are attempting to do such treatments..wish there was more I could do other than pray, was going to say 'just pray' but pray is what miracles from..

Seemed different getting up this morning and being all alone, nice in some ways I tell myself.

While the bedding is washing I'll get the flowers out and finish all the Christmas arrangements, a few I can deliver today.

Kyle called and said his mom and Noah were off on another hockey tournament, that his dad would drop him off to work on the food hampers/gifts this morning but that he'd need a ride to work at 2:30..if I could then it would mean his dad and my youngest brother Mike could take advantage of this snow and do the trails today witht heir snowmobiles so said I would..so much for staying in my jammies right? lol

Guess you are all busy/busy today getting things done, decorated, shopping or will some of you get to rest up for the weekend coming?

Have the coffee and have muffins, Rose's dad who owns a coffee shop brought me a dozen so I'll share...

Come sit awhile..

Wow Shirley it sounds like the Dr. thinks Tubby might need the feeding tube to get his strength back up. Is Tubby going to go for it?
Betty you are up and goung early.
Joyce It is nice when friends look out for friends.Bet you are glad to have a phone again.
Coffee is good.

Laura, am sure you are playing beat the clock with your sewing, working on things before the young ones get up.

Wanted to get the Christmas arrangements done and delivered today but because I had them on back deck to keep them fresh until I was ready to add flowers the oasis froze, thought by this morning they would have unthawed, not..so most likely will have to wait till late tonight or tomorrow to get that done.

Greg was telling me about a friend who has had a difficult time of late, always admiring Greg's neck warmer so thought I'd use up left over wool I have and make one, if I sit for 5 minutes here and there today I can get one done, got to put the hyde on the other 2 and I think if I watch how I cut the hyde there will be enough to get his done as well..

Other than that I'll be floating from room to room doing odds/sods..

Gee it's nice to have all the lights, trees lit up and see all my pretties..so home'y

Wish you could all be here with me..

Yes that is me trying to finish a quilt.
Need some breadfast. Been up since 3 .

Yes, Barb was truly a lifesaver. I'm happy to have my "link" back! I don't like to think about my folks being out and about without that phone in the car with them. So I returned it yesterday even before the mailman brought the one from Barb. Now everyone is happy! :o)

I've been pretty down the last couple of days. Not so much worrying about my mom cause she seems to be doing pretty good right now, but because of finances.....I know we'll survive, but it surely is a worry. :o(

I have a lot of candy making and cookie making to do today ( a pecan pie, too) because tomorrow is our Christmas with Bill's folks. I always give the BILs and nephews candy, and usually the SILs and nieces something for the house. I got the yarn to make dish clothes, but I didn't get them finished, so they'll get candy this year, too!

It's 15* here right now, but geesh it feels cold in the house. Guess I better start moving around and make my own heat! Hope you all have a wonderful day.

They will be thrilled to get candy this year Joyce..you've a lot on your place right now, at the best of times Christmas is difficult re those who have passed on, those who are ill and finances and you my friend have all at once..don't try and be overly brave, sometimes a tear or two help relieve the pain..

Barb/Norm certainly are God sent..I've many friends the same and I call them my 'earthly angels' they all walk the street, not a day goes by you aren't in contact with one, you just have to be open to the kindness of some in this world.

Too many people let the bad and the ugly surface to the top and take hold of their lives, funny that we can tell children to 'believe' and yet find it hard ourselves...it's not easy to see the good however small and the earthly angels that pass us by but they are there, ever loving and always willing to help!

Sermon's over,

Laura, how close to being finished are you with the quilt?

I started a neck warmer just a few posts ago, sat and got it knitted, don't know why I haven't been using these knitting machines, guess there is nobody to knit for..lol..

So now I shall get dressed, come and cut the hyde and have these next to the chesterfield for my nightly project.

One I just did is on the left, still needs sewing and edges done but 95% done...

Off to make spare room bed, get dressed..yikes just looked at the clock, appt. for perm isn't until 9:30..guess I'll find another project to do..

If nothing else I've sure created a mess

I LOVE it! That's what Christmas is SUPPOSED to look like! ;o)

Betty where is the hyde used on the warmer? Is it like a lining? My daughter's family snowmobiles (all four of them) and I'd love to try to make something like that for them. Do you have any directions for the knitted part?
Had the gathering of my quilter friends last night. As I looked around, I realized I knew more about all of you than I did these ladies who I've known for 8+ years. It was so hard for me to move away from them (50 miles) but look what I found instead. I'm so grateful for all these wonderful new friends I've made here. I truly love you all.....

Oh Barb I love you too.......
Almost done the quilt but doing by hand and feels like it is going slow..
And now of to soccer.......if there are any sewing elves feel free while I am gone to finish any projects.

I love you all too. I don't know what I would do without all you angels. Have happy holidays. BEV

Good Morning Everyone!
The sun is shining and I just know it will be a good day. I'll go outside later and do chores. I have to sweep the porch off for all the kitty litter I put out. DB and wife are coming later to pick up stuff for Wis. group. Tubby just woke up from nap.
I haven't talked to Tubby yet about what the Drs. all said will later. I don't think he will go for it. I don't blame him. I'm not looking forward to the road ahead and I don't know that he is either. We will just take it one day at a time, and let God help guide us.
Tubby has always enjoyed you all and looked forward to chatting with you. I can understand what he feels, you all are angels spread across the world. We love you dearly and can not begin to tell you what your friendship has meant. We wish you all and yours the happiest of Holidays and hope that God will help bring you a Happiest of New Years. Hope Santa brings you all what you want. I have mine, just having Tubby yet is everything I could want except for better health. Love to all!
T&S

You are all so precious and Barb how true it is about having some friends or rather acquaintances that you don't know a whole lot about..always superficial, here we can gab away and all are understanding..

Brrr cold outside...omg was 1/2 way to get my hair down, maybe a block when a man pointed to my front tire, ooops had a flat so continued around the corner where I got out my air pump, Debbie it came in handy again..later I'll go get new tires..

I've got the 'grannie' look, tight perm and short cut..perm only lasts a bit so this time she used smaller rods..oh well, I'm sure it will grow in no time, no sense not liking it.

Barb, I've made these snowmobile neck warmers for well over 25 years, some still have their original, never wear down...

I use the knitting machine and designed it to fit my needs but can just as easily be done knitting..

I'll fake it a bit here for you..

I use 2 colors of wool but you don't have to, one would be fine..


You will knit 2 of the following which will be front and back..


Needles: 3 3/4 I use Canadiana wool

Cast on 50 stitch and knit 1/purl 1 for 12 rows

Now you can knit approx 50 rows or you can create a pattern..by hand would be easier just to stick to 50 rows of knit

after you have the front and back done add them to the same needle (total of your 100 stitches combines)

Needles: 4 1/2

Knit approx 80 rows of knit 1/purl 1 or if you prefer knit 2/purl 2..I prefer knit 1/purl1 as it keeps the shape better

Cast off very loosely

Now with good side of the 80 rows facing you, do the blind stitch to create a circular tube and tie off..

Now fold the 80 row tube in 1/2 and sew very loosely so that the neck piece is now doubled

so now it's starting to look like a neck warmer right, front/back and a neck you have?

With 3 3/4 needles pick up 100 stitches along the side of the front and back pieces so you can knit 1/purl 1 for about 8 or 10 rows..this will make the side edging ..do same on opposite side..unit is finished..

I'll show you Barb if you think you would try each step that I've mentioned including how I attach the hyde..

Your family would absolutely go crazy over them, you can leave your coat open and never be cold, the coldest wind cannot work it's way through the hyde..I've often made them for people who have breathing problems out in the cold...

Betty, I had a flat yesterday! My "new tires" that DH picked up two weeks ago. The beading along the seem was leaking. My car was "tilting" to one side and sure enough...that tire. All fixed now I hope.

I have the same perm I got in February. But with my long hair it takes a bit to grow out, and thankfully give me a nice wave. I was thinking of getting it all cut off, but the kids told me..NO!

I am enjoying some temporary quiet here. The boys went out shopping, DH is at work for a long day, The child is working....and we had a rough night. I know she is a special kid, and I am so so upset of her "so called friends" taking advantage of her good heart. She is very upset....and now Sears Portrait is on my list for taking advantage of kids like this. So not fair and they are getting a phone call.

Bev, that is a beautiful photo. Sure miss you....lots of hugs. I hope your feeling well and mending.

Barb, you are an Angel. Lots of hugs to you and your dear hubby.

Joyce, I am with you in the same boat. Making candy for family and still trying to figure out how to get the kids done. The Dolly Parton song Hard Candy Christmas came on this morning, got me going big time....but I love that song.

Just wish everyones families could be healthy....happy & well fed for the holidays with a warm home and love. Thats all that really matters.

Debbie, can you feel the hugs I'm sending??
Enjoy what time you have to yourself today, did you finish one or all of the odd cuttings I sent you? couldn't you give one of them as an ornament gift..sure wish you lived closer..we'd play at making jewelery for everyone...oooh can you ask them if they can wait until after Christmas???

What happened with Sears Photo..know they are costly.

Bev, how are you and Scotty doing? did you try making the note cards? Should check, think I have some left from last year, I'll go searching.

Just got a call from Dannie, she's leaving Montreal on Monday at 4:30 a.m. and weather permitting should be here early afternoon, glad her son went to visit her taking the train so now she'll have company coming home.

We talked a bit on her coming here till spring, she wanted to make sure I was ok with it?? Wants to pay me rent and buy the groceries, said the kids would come to visit her from time to time and seeing as they are home schooled most of that time would be when I'm at work..told her we'd play everything by ear..

Hate to get into something, have to go to town at 2:00 as I'm taking Kyle to work, sure wish I could have done the Christmas table arrangements to drop off at same time BUT, oasis block filled with water is like a solid block of ice..drats, hate it when I'm all pumped up to do something and then there is nothing...

one sec. telephone ringing...


Greg, Kyle got called into work early so had to take a cab, he'll work most of the afternoon so he'll call when he wants me to pick him up..that changes things..lol

Now I have more time to try and fill

Know what I'll do Barb, I've extra black/green wool I'll do step by step to show you..when you give instructions from memory and the other person is not familiar with your half *(& instructions then it's hard to follow..

Betty last week I had Shane at Sears to get his Senior pictures. I had coupons and everything came out very reasonable, and we split the cost.

So, Shannon & Mike go to get pictures done as a surprise for me, and Mikes mom. Well, drove up Wednesday...no appt available, come back Thursday at 7:00. OK, so they drive up (Hour drive one way) get photos done....and then Sears tells them "you have to come back again, we are closing at 8:00 and can't load your photos!" SO, Shannon & Mike go up Friday...taking Britt and baby for their shots as Christmas gift. 7:00 appt. They did the SAME thing! Told Shannon & Britt, "cant load photos we close in 10 minutes...you have to come back Sunday!"

Shannon said "Can I please get my pictures I had done Thursday" Girl brings them up and prints them.....$65! Shannon said NO, you told me $25, as I got the free collage. Oh no, that doesn't apply for a FRIDAY..today is Friday. BUT...she was there, had them done on Thursday! Nope, they didn't care....even though they told her she had to come back they were closing. Trying to do the same thing to her on Sunday I am sure with Brittanys....which should just be a $7.99 photo package! OHHHH so angry. This kid has drivin an hour...each way, this is to be the 4th trip.

Waving hello to Bev and Shirley, Debbie and Laura, and Joyce and everyone else too.....
Betty you are a true friend to send the directions and now to do a "show me" too!!!! They do intrigue me and since they are something that would be used, I'd really like to try.....
Thank you so much.
I just got back from the local quilt shop and I could be in big trouble next year. They are having all kinds of classes that I would love to take!!!!
Off to finish decorating our tree. Want it to look nice when Norm gets home from work. He is working tomorrow, has Monday off and then works every day til Christmas. At least they are closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve. To me that is family time.....and I want him home!!!!
Be back later.

Deb we cross posted. I'm so sorry she is having so much trouble over the pictures. I sometimes think it is a racket they are running and to treat people like that at Christmas is abominable.....

That's terrible Debbie, think when they are dealing with the young they try to take advantage of them. Never a fan of having my photo taken by professional photographer and for that reason, try to sell you pkgs. upon pkgs. of photo's you don't want..besides, I am not photogenic..most photo's of me go in garbage..lol

Barb, we have a smaller quilting store in Craighurst and they have exciting sessions on new techniques..hard to get to when you work but the lady is so nice told me to come in any Saturday morning and she's teach me.

Ok...

Step 1

Knit 1/ purl 1 ribbing for 12 rows

I continued to knit 50 rows, I did pattern only because as I said it only takes minutes to do so with knitting machine..simply knit 50 rows would do same in alternate or same color

Off to knit the 2nd side..

Betty, I don't have a picture of my kids all together since about 7 years ago....and one from when Shane was only a year old, so 16 years ago. They are all so busy, so Shannon was trying to at least get updated photo for me for the wall. The one the "photog" did from girls wedding a few years ago was horrible. For the last 3 years, I have only asked for a new "family photo" of all the kids together. So that is what started all this.

Yes, they are taking advantage of them....and now, the surprise is OUT...and I am going with them tomorrow to try and clean the mess up.

Good for you Debbie..sad that the surprise got out though, hope you can get everything worked out. Was funny, Suzanne only wanted family photo as well, her hubby went to my brother Bernie's for a visit hours before he was to meet them all at the photographers, these family photo's were to go inside Christmas cards..can I say he was more than tipsy, omg you just have to laugh, anyway because it was the only time they could get together she ordered them, said it would teach him a lesson sending them out with him not quite himself..lol

last time I had family photo done was at my 25th wedding anniversary only weeks before Roger died..talk about hating getting your photo taken, that was Roger...I cherish the photo but every time I look at it I can see illness in his eyes, was strange we didn't notice it before...still hangs on the wall though..

Barb...

Just finished the 2nd piece and now have them both on the needles, if you have circular needle it would work far better..as for me I'll rehand on the knitting machine so it won't matter..

Following you so far Betty.....Thank you.....I did get my cards done though!!!

That's good, Ann was just visiting, said Mike was feeling quite well, little worried about getting the news on Tuesday..sure wish they could have put it after Christmas than have it hang over them during the season..she said to say 'hi' and thank you for the card...

How many more things on your list..lol

Ran out of wool so last few rows I put in green, won't matter because it will be folded in half ..good way of getting rid of some leftover wool

Still waiting for Kyle to call, Lordy, keep this up and I'll have made 2 of these today!

I'll be saying thanks 'Barb' because in order to show you I've had to do it so an extra is always good to have on hand!

Kyle just called, don't have to go get him as Greg will so it will be bath and jammies for me.

Barb will post few words on each of the photo's, do hope you make them one because I know they'll love it..



With good side form and sew a circular tube..blind stitch..know you know how but might be some who don't..

going from side to side you will see along the knitted edge there are what for better terminoligy I will call posts..I put my needle threaded with wood into 2 posts then cross over and put it through 2 posts and continue until I get about an inch

then just pull the yarn, you'll not see any seam

continue down the 80 or so rows

Now turn down the tube in half (all on wrong side of work)

When you sew around the neck do it very loosely because if done tight they'll have difficulty pulling it over their head

Now I'm ready to pick up my stitched for band edge of knit 1/purl 1

Knit about 12 rows once you've picked up about 100 to 110 stitches along the edge..just make sure whatever number of stitches you pick up you use same for opposite side or it will be lop sided