Best,worse,what did I learn today? Visit with friends

I.m up, are you still up Betty? Even though I am so very tired it seems to elude me. Pretty empty household right now, will sure take some getting used to.

The one thing I want all of you knitters to do is to Google ' Issy dolls' . I am sure they could be crocheted too. Have any of you ever heard of them? Two were given to my guy to cushion his palms from all the hand clenching he was doing. They also provided such comfort for me too and I made sure I brought them home with me. They will bring comfort to me for a long time. I was very intruiged how these hand comforters evolved from another need a soldier's mother saw.

You have all provided me with such comfort during Santa Warren's illness and now when I feel his absence so greatly.True to form I am handling my pain and emotions by cleaning. When I am upset I clean plus do washing and ironing..There are several stories I want to share with you about our last days together once I don't feel so raw. The one thing that SW and I had discussed was our Christmas exchange. The one thing he asked was "You think they will have the exchange again once I am gone?" I replied "Do you think these ladies would let this fantastic that we all participated in go by the wayside.?" He so enjoyed all of our reactions throughout the whole process.

Dianne

Still awake Dianne, holding your hand..
just took gravol, hopefully it will take the nausea away.
Funny how we all have coping mechanisms , mine is much like yours, keeping busy 24/7 but I must say that it's cope now or pay later..sometimes best to let the emotions come to the surface.

Found silence in the house deafening, still to this day a tv is on none stop just to hear talking within confines of the house.

Omg there will always be a Santa Warren swap, I'm sure the girls will agree! How very sweet he was thinking of us..shows how kind and thoughtful he was.

I'm just so sorry for your loss Dianne..

Thinking of you this morning Dianne and holding you close in my heart. I wish so much that I could just get in the car and go to Canada just to give a hug or hold a hand or talk or just sit quietly with our thoughts. I will go to google "issy dolls" too and see what that is all about. What is it about we women that makes us go on the cleaning binge when we are troubled? I do it too even though my actions are limited. It takes me three times longer to get something done but I find I am so stubborn then. Won't stop until I finish.
I'll be going out to get my new tulip for my DG garden today. Did Warren like yellow? Or better yet, what was his favorite color flower???
I'm off to get dressed and get my day started. I have turned over a new leaf. I MUST get up and get dressed by 8 am or I can't play that day....No sewing, reading or computer....It will be interesting to see how long that lasts!!!!

Morning everyone! Dianne, glad to see you posting.
I found this when I Googled Issy dolls. it is spelled Izzy dolls...
I have a bunch of yarn and crochet hooks I got from my Mom, I will see if I can follow the instructions.

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/activities/kidszone/colour/izzy

Here is the story of the Izzy doll!
http://www.phylliswheaton.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42:intro-to-the-izzy-doll&catid=10:song-stories&Itemid=2


This message was edited May 8, 2012 8:20 AM

Dianne, the girls who come painting at my house and area seniors made about 500 several years ago..they were sent to Iraq for the soldiers to give out to the children, girls made them pretty stylish..wonder if they have any left to show you the design..will ask June. Never thought of having them for comfort!!

Barb, now that is a good challenge you've got going..best of luck..I've been doing the same, unless I finish one project I've sitting there then no other can be started..am getting through the list and feel better for it!

LindaKay, on some they put skirts, some added hair, different styles, great way to use up extra yarn colors
You'll do fine, another project to take up some of your time..lol

Darlene called me at 6 this morning and said she was down with headache and cold so cancelled painting..just what she needed

Good morning!

Oh Dianne ... it's so wonderful to hear from you! And how could we not have our Santa Warren Christmas swap? I will count it an honor to be a part of it ... As Crissy would say, sending armwraps to you today!

Good morning Betty ...
Not much gardening going on the past few days. We've been getting rain ... glorious rain!! It's been so dry here! My little Marigolds in my planter willl surely love it! I'm not a lover of Marigolds, but they're good companion plants for the garden, and my tomatoes are just a few steps away. I purchased those stackers on a DG CoOp a couple years ago. Danny figured out how to hang them.

Linda, thanks for looking up that "Lizzy" info. How neat is that!

Barb, how are you feeling this morning?

Thea, what about you?
Okay, need more coffee! Will BBL!

Suse, they will look great when in bloom..I'm not a fan of marigolds either, I don't like the smell of them!I can see a couple different plants in them potato vine and some ivy with a few wave petunia's..

With temps still changing like they have been I won't plant my topsy/turvy pots until long weekend in May..worry about still having frost some mornings.

When you think of it Suse, not that many months away that we will be thinking of a Christmas swap, I know, best get through the summer before thinking such things

drats, wanted to post the reason I didn't want to come to work today..

everyone was so comfy..

then with rain stopping just before I left I so would have loved to weed the gardens now that some of the plants are blooming and ground wet, easy for the pickings

LK thanks for getting the name right. I must have automatically typed in that spelling when I Googled it. Love the story behind the dolls too.Here on the Pal Care floor they have lots of the comfort dolls in different sizes. Some the size of a real baby. One young mother who was dying of cancer picked out 3 dolls for her children. She told them to keep them close and whenever they needed her or wanted a hug to give the dolls a squueze and she would get the hug or the message/ There was a story posted in the CC about one of the daughters from thiss incredible mother explaining how the youngest daughter was going off to university but not alone ,her Izzy comfort doll was going with her.

OMG Dianne, brought tears to my eyes! I am sure that indeed it would bring them confort..

Wasn't that long ago I was grocery shopping and a man passed me by, omg, I could smell Roger, the cologne he wore brought so many memories that I actually followed the man around each department and got close as I could..I think his wife finally saw me and not sure she didn't think I was stalking him! They were near the deep freeze when I said, 'pardon me' and explained..they both gave me a big giant hug

For those of you who can download I'm sure you will smile..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=341rybZ42vA&feature=share

Good Morning...

(((((Diane))))) I was so very saddened to hear the news. Kept you both in thoughts and Prayers all weekend.
...Oh yes, I sure was thinking in same lines of keeping Santa Warrens Christmas exchange going.
We Love You, so glad you were able to come and post. Along with others i wish i were closer to you.
I was so glad to see you and SW and the private room, Oh My the as the post was read to me, His words of Love for you...and then reading that very post, tears streamed and once again through smiles of his hope we continue the Exchange...
Thank you Linda Kay for keeping me informed!!

Thea, My Goodness! i sure hope you get some meds to get rid of the Virtigo! I've seen a few people with experience and just wish for you it can be lifted. Gentle arm wraps.

Linda Kay!! How wonderful, again that the Hospital found the little boy for your S.O.H. quilt. He is precious, and I will hold him in prayers as well that they got all the cancer...So beautiful and young. I am printing the pictures!!

Katie, so glad your Trip has gone well...Yay on getting your computer back. Well i sure hope the shoulder will heal properly...Also, will keep you in thoughts and serious Prayers to find a little extra help in California.

Suse, Thank you so much for starting the Prayer Thread. OH Wow!! Just love your new planters!! What a great idea...They would be great for people who don't have a lot of space. Your Honey sure does build you some awesome gardening things! LOL, does he need a vacation? haha, meaning you/he can come to Illinois!

Crissy, Sure hope your doing ok...Been thinking about you too.
Not an easy thing to go through for sure.

Barb, Awe, that baby quilt is going to be so adorable...Just love the duckies,especially the one with the umbrella.
I am so glad the therapy is underway, Praying it helps tremendously...

Betty, Yikes, Sounds like you have whatever was going around here for a while...Had it back in February. Sounds like it might finally be going away? Sure hope so.
Wow, Love the new stained glass piece...it is so pretty.
What a Love Darlene is...
Oh, hahahha with your Dream, too funny!! Well Steve found a Canada Map...As we were driving Checked it out!!
Looks like we will be entering Canada on the Michigan side. Yes he is still wanting to ride the Bike up. I am now searching for the Harlley Travel maps...he is wanting to take some Back roads in...He was wondering how long it takes you when you come...10 Hours, about??

Debbie, Sounds like your trip went well? OMG, hard to believe School is almost over! Hope the "Childs" surgery goes well... I sure hope it's the last of that...Yay, so glad you got your new contact, geesh that took a while!

Waiving hi Shirley! so glad when you can come post. Wow, busy as ever...Hope you take time for yourself too.

speaking of which, I did just exactly that yesterday! Well in between house chores. Have been so busy working the gardens, and cleaning, decided to gather my thoughts and my emotions...They've been on another roller coaster again. Spring/Fall, as beautiful as they are still especially hard on me...

Well, today is suppose to be in the 70's!! Woohooo...AND, don't have to pick Jake up at lunch...he's on a cooking field trip! He was so excited as there are going to be some famous Chefs, from a few of the shows there.
So anyway, un-interuptted work to be done in my own Gardens...Trying to get it descent for Mothers Day BBQ...Plus it's DH's birthday...lol too bad he is still the cook of the day! LOL, he is whining he has to share his day with all the Mothers!!

Well i best get to my work, I hope you enjoy the day.

Oh Judy, do you think you are able to sit on a bike for so many hours? that wories me, but am sure it would be a wonderful drive and cheap on gas. Tell Steve I have a motorcycle camper looking for new home lol (maybe)
Could you do it in 2 half days..leave late afternoon and put in 4 or 5 hours, then get up extra early and put the balance of the hours in..the time I came to your house alone, I believe I left about 5:30am and was home by supper and had stopped several times, lordy, think I did every Cracker Barrel there was enroute, sooo not much more than 10-11hrs. will check on mapquest and see how many hours they say...when do you think you would be coming? I am so anxious to see those that can make it but sure will miss those that cannot!

Yes, same cold as everyone, just seems to hang on..be glad when it finds a new home.

Did the house deal close?

Well, the 2nd quilt has found a home! I think her name is Isabelle. I was told her name, but I don't know if I remember it correctly! I don't know her medical issues, but I was told she is very ill! So say your prayers for her as well please?
She was so pleased to get the quilt!

OMG Linda Kay, doesn't it just break your heart seeing these little ones so ill..haven't even had a chance to experience life. Saying prayers for all in need!! Shaking my head, don't know what I would have done had something been life threatening to my boys or grandchildren..

Judy checked it out, 10 1/2 hours..providing it wouldn't rain I guess you would enjoy the trip on the bike..

B.J. and her sister will arrive early afternoon in Buffalo, she is hoping to visit Niagara Falls state side then head my way and likely arrive evening time. We had a nice chat yesterday so now I'm all wound up and hope I can entertain as well as B.J./Joyce and you did.. tell Steve I don't have Chicago waterfront but I'll try my best AND he won't have to cook..lol

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-bk-gm&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google%20maps

Judy, from your place to Detroit, then to Betty's place, it says 616 miles, that will take 10 hours and 55 minutes to drive!

HAHAHA, you haven't seen Judy or Steve drive. Six hours.

Ducking and running!

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1257034/

Raise my baby swap is open, come and join the fun! Bring your own Moonshine!

So laughing Debbie..remember Steve gave us a motorcycle motorcade to leave town, he'll be doing so again if you don't watch out! Doesn't Paul have a bike?

No, he had to sell it last year.

Too bad, we could have gone into the Canada Day parade on July 1st..too funny, couldn't you just see us?? lol

Did you get your enhanced drivers licence yet?

When time does the Child go in for her operation tomorrow? is she worried?

Just made a post...hit wrong button and poof!

LOL...So as I was saying,
Linda Kay!, So glad another Child is getting extra Love! Awe...Is Isebella in the same hospital?
She and David added to prayers.

Thanks for the milege!
LOL Betty and Debbie!

We will Pray extra hard for good weather...LOL Road right into a Down pour on the way to Ozarks Mo...
We'll ride for several hours stopping when we for gas and stretches along the way.
..Also said I am so excited too Betty!! How cool you talked to BJ! Can't wait, wait and now that Steve is thinking about the trip has me even more excited...ROFLOL, good thing too cause it would take me a month to walk, hahah.

Debbie...So glad Paul will be coming too, Well bummer he sold his bike...Bet he misses riding.

No doubt Judy you would walk..nah, I would have to meet you half way..I think the men will enjoy as well..infact I'll make sure.

Too funny, I just ordered a 60 oz of rye/gin/vodka..put on my list beer and wine because I know we'll have to have one night to rejoice..I may even join in..lol that would be something..you have no idea what happens to me when I have a sip or two..not sure you would be ready.

Been thinking a lot of our Crissy today..bet she sure can use some hugs about now...

so much posted, and can barely see through my tears - typing by touch.....
a dear, dear church froend of mine passed Sunday midnight...... her dh is in our choir, and a nicer couple you'd be hard pressed to find..... she ws in her 80's she was in church on sunday and no sign of touble, although she had many health issues........
can't stop crying.........
whatyever was posted this am, please know I love you and think of you all...... just can't see for tears, to know what you posted..

(((Susan))) I am so sorry for you loss. Good friends are a treasure!

Sorry to hear of your loss Susan..some friends ARE family!!! sending hugs along with the prayers

yes, she was part of our church family - such a lovely person
Here's a picture of Helen & Peter, from our church directory.

(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) to,you Susan! Sorry for the loss of your friend.

oh geeze - missed the picture

Very sorry for the loss of your Friend Helen..
((((((((((((Susan)))))))))))))))

Good looking couple...he will be lost

Apparently he and their daughter Kathy are doing quite well. I phoned him, but I believe he's at her home and I don't know Kathy's ph#
There will be a service at our church on Saturday, so I will join with the Choir (of course) and the ladies of the church will be making a luncheon (I will make sandwiches). The family had thought she was going to pass in January when she had a fall and was hospitalized. This is 4 months later, but I suppose this prepared them for this. Family is coming from Lethbridge and BC to be there for him and Kathy.

Even though one expects it, still comes as a great shock!

So sorry for the loss of your church friend, Susan. Condolences to her family.

In the same vein...one of my favorite authors passed away...Maurice Sendak. he was 83. I think my kids, grandkids and I have read everything he has written. The man was a magician with words.

Jean, missed you..hope you've not been unwell.was he a mystery writer?

Hi Betty...no, Maurice Sendak wrote and illustrated children's books... He did the illustrations for Else Holmelund Minarik's Little Bear series and released Where the Wild Things are in 1963.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Sendak

Thanks for the link Jean!

Didn't win at tv bingo, didn't get close, had more of a chat than being interested in cards..maybe that is why we don't win! Lol

Ann, having a difficult said she went through the cedar chest and took out the clothes she had kept..washed them all, ironed and hang them in the closet..a way of being close to Mike..in two weeks it was death of Mike's mom, Mike's passing, Mike's birthday and anniversary sooo lots to get through mentally..will try to be more attentive over the next few weeks.

Not nauseated tonight but I slept so well once I took gravol last night that I might cut a pill in half and see if I can make it through the night..

Thought I'd be up for Mary and the night shift nut bed is calling..

Night/night

Hello To All;
Suse and Betty - not sure if it's a "wahoo" or not.... Glad the vaca is early in the summer... all the kids can try my nerves...
DSD1 just got in a little while ago and had to take my bath early... so much drama... but she seems so glad to be home. Says she already has a job. Don't have to worry about that one...she works hard
Dianne... Yes we definitely need our Santa Warren Tradition.
I'll pop back in a bit.
HUGS
Mary

Mary, drama so soon? Hope not directed towards you!

Debbie what time do you have to be at the hospital with the child tomorrow?

Hey Betty - no thank goodness... she is fine with me thus far... will see where the next 3 months takes us. She is excited about Disney gotta love that (once upon a time she didn't want to go)

Our Acronym LOL S.W.E.E.T
Santa Warren's Exciting Exchange Tradition....... (HUGS) Sweet Christmas

Betty we have to leave here a bit after 9:00 as there is a LOT of construction, but don't have to be at the surgical center until 11:00, which means surgery is around Noon if they are on time. Praying it is a smooth procedure and no problems. She will be here for a couple days.

I am just not in good form, having anxiety attacks and on edge....so please pardon my lack of posting. The last two weeks have been over the top
and I think my mind is just on leave of absence!

Mary, fingers crossed about your DSDs being home. Facing the same thing here, and perhaps that is my anxiety.