A Different Life II

[Lily&Me]

Hey, that looks pretty good!

Yes, the multi strand yarn is hard to work with when you're learning, and I tend to avoid it, generally.

Looks like your first two rows were good, then you dropped a stitch at the end of the next two rows, which is why you're going off at an angle.

Perhaps try marking the last stitch of each row, after you've made it, to be sure you catch it...it takes awhile to learn to recognize those end of row stitches.

The nice thing with crochet, it's very easy to tear out mistakes and do the row over.

Have fun.

Maggie

[Hittenstiehl]

Thx Maggie, I reread the beginner instructions again and watched some videos.

Couple of things I'm likely doing. I was not putting an extra chain, the turning chain on each end. And, as you said, I was missing the last stitch. It is hard the see, thereby shrinking the sides in.

The sides are still a bit rickety and not neat enough.

So now need I need to figure out how to refine the stitch. I'm not consistently going under. I'm going under one part of the V when maybe I should be going under both parts of the V. Either way seems to work but...not quite there yet and it needs to be consistent.

And of course I want to go in a circle for a hat (right away like Maggie &#128538. Not content with learning beginning straight lines. Patience girl, patience.

[Lily&Me]

You'll get the hang of it....looks like you're still missing your end stitch some of the time, but not always.

If we ever get to camp together, we'll crochet.

Basic hats are very simple, but it's important to get your basic technique down..

Little house is cleaned, sun is shining, and wind has cut back, so Lily and I will head out for a walk here shortly.

Bud, her shedding has reduced dramatically.

I am very happy with the Shed No More product, and am already recommending it to others.

Maggie

[Lily&Me]

I made another batch of ginger tea, this time with decaf, and put it in a corked bottle in my frig...reheating it a cup at a time.

It is yummy.

[Hittenstiehl]

Thank you Maggie, I look forward to crocheting with you some day.

More you tube's. What an amazing thing with SO many tutorials.

I'm going for it. Will make a scarf and use up the 4 skeins of FLUFFY yarn for a self gift. That will help make my hands stronger, give basic technique practice and use up this yarn.

And most of all improve my patience, maybe.

Enjoy your tea, weather, walk and Lily.

[Lily&Me]

I'm in the adventure phase of life...

[skitique]

Hi Maggie
With the 2 Golden's we definitely have shedding problems & friend has told me for years to buy a furminator which is a tool that will thin a dog's coat & take off the loose undercoat. We'll the darn things are so expensive I never did. Before coming to the lake house this week Scott had the dogs groomed & furminated at PetSmart (we normally wash, trim, etc. ourselves) & WOW what a difference! I am going to buy one. No more loose hair when you rub them. Just thinking that use of this with the no more shed might really be a great combo.

Merry Christmas!

Jane

[Lily&Me]

Hi Jane, and happy holidays to you.

I am amazed at the difference in Lily's shedding...so worth it.

Lily has never been professionally groomed, tho when she went to doggie day care once I week I had them bathe her occasionally.

She's such a dear...couldn't love her more, hair and all.


I watched this movie last night, based on the true story of an 8 year old boy...

http://m.jpost.com/Arts-and-Culture/...locaust-350518


Maggie

[paiceman]

Just to make absolutely sure and to re-confirm what I'd been told by a friend who is a vet, in another state from us I checked with a specialist at a new emergency pet hospital where our two dogs donate blood and our own vet on the long term usage and safety of "No Shed". The specialist and our vet looked at the product, punched some things into her computer and said, "good to go". "I am going to start recommending this product".

We too use the furminator, gets fur out, but can't be used every day and in our cold climate it thins out the undercoat our Labs have which is insulation and I am outside a lot with them.

Bud

[Lily&Me]

Candles to go with....rose and lavender essential oils, in about 12oz recycled glass tumblers from Tuesday Morning.

Now that I know how easy it is to make these individually in the microwave, it makes more sense to carry in the Interstate what I need to make more, and just make one as I use them up.

Wood is hauled, and I've gotten myself a very efficient system in place...fill the wood rack inside to overflowing, refill my wheeled cart and one canvas bag from outside for the garage, for the next refill, giving that wood 4 or so days to warm up a bit before bringing it inside.

Frozen cold wood does not burn well.

Lily's had a good walk, I'm settling in to crochet for awhile...finishing up my last prayer shawl til I leave, to take in on Monday.

Maggie

[Hittenstiehl]

Thx for the encouragement Maggie. The candles look great and I really like those nice thick bumble bee glasses.

[Lily&Me]

My grands had their Christmas program at church this morning, where the amazing Miss Emma got to strut her stuff a bit...such a natural born performer.

My son and his family transferred from a more traditional church to this one 3+ years ago...full of families in their 20's, 30's and 40's, college students, and young married couples... where a blue-jeaned pastor and his wife lead a Christian rock band in unconventional hymns.

Lots of lights, music and sound, smiling faces, warm hugs, and solid, comfortable relationships.

I got to take a newborn from a busy dad of three, play with her a bit and then ease her to sleep while he tended to the older ones and other things...the mom and grandma in me knew just what to do, and I loved it.

A very relaxed, friendly, inclusive and unconditional atmosphere...not at all like the church they used to attend, nor the one I grew up in, stiff with protocol and rigid expectations, but one which suits them at this point in their lives to an absolute "T".

A spiritual person, I, but not a churchgoer, I am happy for my son and his family, and see how this church family rounds out the corners of all of their lives.

Over 1400 flights out of Chicago OHare cancelled at this time, due to a major snowstorm.

I'm supposed to fly out of there on Wednesday, to visit daughter and SIL in NYC...we'll see.

Predicting single digit temps here later this week, and it seems I'm going to have my first severe winter to contend with since Doug died.

It's been a year of physical challenges, corners turned, and a few unexpected events...one of those years when the stars did not align, everything did not beautifully come together, and all things did not end well.

Why should this winter not reflect the past year?....it seems that it will.

I may not get to New York, and may not head south on January 1, as planned.

I'm prepared for it...stronger now than two years ago, ready for almost anything.


Maggie

[DIR1]

Hi Maggie... yes, looks like it's going to be a very chilly week... not so bad here, on the coast.. cold nights.. even some non rainy days expected!!! Wowowow!!! The rest of the country doesn't look so fortunate... If you stay home, I bet something good will come of it.... just a feeling...

Ok my sweet friend... enjoy, be happy, have fun!!!! Hugs and love from out here...

[Lily&Me]

Not going to cancel yet, going to wait til Tuesday and see what's going on in Chicago.

Going to be CRAZY COLD here...single digits.


Maggie

[ColoradoLady]

Maggie, I know you want to follow through with your plans, and hope it all works out for you. And it will.....IF IT IS MEANT TO BE! If not, then, THAT is what is meant to be.

Perhaps, your safety will dictate the terms for you. We never know when our Angels will change our plans to protect us. We just need to listen...and just Be STILL!

However things work out for you....be sensitive to your Angels and to your Spirits. Then all will be well for you. God bless you, my good friend. Evelyn.

[Lily&Me]

Thank you, Evelyn.

As it turns out, the backlog of flights in Chicago was cleared by this morning, and there is nothing else on its way in, so should be able to get out of here early Wednesday morning, as planned.

I have my son's car today, so Lily has had her shots, I have had a haircut, been to the store for a few things, popped into the pharmacy...in a bit off for a couple of gift cards, pick up an order, do labs, and volunteer work.

A full day, but I will then have tomorrow to pack and ready things to be gone for a week.

Sun is shining brightly...beautiful weather today for running errands, before the deep freeze later this week.

Doug would say..."Buddha smiles".


Maggie

[DIR1]

Buddha's crying out here!!! Hahaha...

[ColoradoLady]

Good for you! Glad things are clearing and looks like your plans ....are meant to be, after all. The Angels must be smiling for you. Travel safely.

[Lily&Me]

Woke this morning to a steady snow falling...not much accumulation, but the temps have not gotten out of the low 20's today, so it basically froze where it landed and stayed there.

Lily and I had a brisk walk in the frozen sunshine, my first walk in the Yak-Trax on the snow and ice covered road and bike path.

No problem whatsoever, like walking on a clear surface. I am impressed, and think I will tuck them in my suitcase in case I need them in Chicago when I come back.

I'm basically packed, and Lily's go bag is ready and by the door with dog food, chew bones, etc.

She was quite excited to see me put all those things together to go to my son's house. Booger dog.

Not much going on, will be out of here 5am or so tomorrow, so will be back when I can.


Maggie

[Hittenstiehl]

Maggie have a wonderful, exciting, safe, travel and visit with loved ones

Enjoy the big NYC, was one of my favorite places I have lived, and the visit with your/their car.