thoughts ~ love ~ life ~ memories of today ~ family ~ happy ~ sad ~ whatever feels right ~

2010 ...

2010-02-16T02:44:00.002-05:00

2 recent comments have brought me here. I have forgotten about this blog for the most part, especially since I have gotten so attached to Facebook, but for whatever reason, I have been pulled here so something must want me to post.

Hmmm, now that I am here, what on earth am I supposed to post about? We've been working on an addition to the house since mid-July 2009, and are just about to finish it up.

It will be 10 years on the 27th that my mom has been gone. I can't hardly believe that, but it is true. The beginning of the end of a lot of different things in my life.

The snow continues to fall this winter...

I continue to watch my health go down hill.

Heaven gets another Angel today

2007-12-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

This seems to be never-ending for my family this year. I will be so glad to see 2007 end. I am hoping that 2008 will bring happier times.

Ethel Irene Allen (Cissy Bob)a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Wife and (my)Aunt passed away today after many years of battling breast cancer. She will be so greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

2007-10-22T06:44:00.000-05:00

According to

Ryan Garko's (Indians 1st baseman) blog

WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER.

Hmm, is that so?? I am not feeling so strong this year.

Well now what? Eat some crow? I don't think so. So they didn't win. Manny is still the one of the biggest jerks on the field that needs to be brought down a notch or two. I can only hope now that the Colorado Rockies BEAT THE PANTS off of the Boston Red Sox.

Am I depressed about this loss? YOU CAN BET THE FARM ON IT.

Is it only the loss that has me depressed? NOPE.

I have thoughts in my head that I cannot put down in writing because I know that there are those that will read this and be very upset with me. I know what they are, I know what I am feeling. I know it is getting to the point that it will take nothing short of a miracle to change my mind. Is it silly to come to this conclusion over a baseball game, maybe it is, maybe it is.

The curse of the BAMBINO ... HA!
The curse of Cleveland Sports Lives On

DRAT - WE'RE OFF TO BOSTON AGAIN

2007-10-19T00:26:00.001-05:00

Well Red Sox Fans ... Here is exactly what I think of going back to Fenway Park.

Oh well, I guess we'll just have to celebrate as a visiting team once again!

And to our dearest Manny Ramirez...
The Cleveland Indians made you what you are today, don't forget that. No one can deny that you are one hell of a baseball player, but son ... you are paid millions of dollars to play a kids game. All you have to do is HIT ... RUN ... and CATCH a little white ball.

You are not paid to hit a ball and stand in the batter's box with your hands in the air looking like you have no idea what to do next. What you do is not allowed in football ... if you were hitting a game winning run, yeah that would be fine. But "just because", come on, Manny ... even the announcers think you look some kind of flaming idiot at the plate.

You left Cleveland on a sour note, and it sure does show. It may be October but all the BOOs you hear from the crowd when you come to the plate aren't the Ghosts celebrating Halloween early.

2007-10-17T22:53:00.000-05:00

I LOVE MY

Finished off the Yankees - Now They Are Taking Their SOX off!!

2007-10-16T23:42:00.000-05:00

Well we took out the Yankees 3 games to 1. Oh the sweet taste of VICTORY! Nothing is better than seeing the heads of the Pin Strip wearing Yankee Players hanging low! Well, maybe silence in Yankee Stadium as the Indians celebrate a GLORIOUS WIN.

Sorry Joe Torre, I hope you can keep your job (really I do, Steinbrenner is a real butthead)...but buying (or trying to buy) a World Series Trophy year after year isn't what it's all about. It's about a TEAM with HEART and desire to win regardless of payroll.

Now, on the road to Boston we go.

I will admit, the first game was horrible. The guys started out slow in Boston ... but we are up 3 games to 1 now. 1 more win and we are on the way to the World Series!!!

COME ON GUYS ... YOU CAN DO IT. DO IT AT HOME ON THURSDAY NIGHT AND HAVE ONE BIG CELEBRATION AT THE JAKE AGAIN!!!

Biting My Nails Until The Last Out In the 11th Inning!

2007-10-05T21:41:00.000-05:00

Stranded base runners, oh that is so frustrating! I guess it doesn't matter in the end when you have bases loaded, 2 outs a 1-1 tie with Travis Hafner at the plate on a 3-2 count and he smokes that ball past everyone on the field!!

OH YEAH ... Indians 2 ... Yankees - ZERO!!

Ouch! That Hurt!

2007-10-05T07:50:00.000-05:00

Oh my! Yankee fans, did you all get your band-aids out last night to stop the bleeding?? LeBron James in your New York Yankees hat, boy didn't you look like a fool at Jacobs Field?

It was a great night for our Cleveland Indians ... keep up the good work guys!

Mean People Suck

2007-10-05T07:41:00.000-05:00

I really don't like mean people. Especially people that are mean for reasons that are just down right silly. Now don't get me wrong...I am no angel, and I have been known to "speak my mind" more than a time or two, but for reasons that are justifiable.

I was scolded by a distant family member today because my Grandmother had passed on before I was born and I didn't know her and she did. Yes, you read that right. How does someone find it in their being to reprimand you because you were born too late??

Hmm, like I said, I really don't like mean people.

CLEVELAND INDIANS TO THE PLAYOFFS!

2007-09-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

It's no longer a question, it's a REALITY. Yesterday afternoon the Indians clinched the AL Central Division Championship, at HOME, in downtown Cleveland in front of the hometown fans. 10 years to the day that they did it in 1997...the last time they were in the World Series! Ironically ... back then it was game #155, as it was yesterday.

Congrats to my favorite team, the Cleveland Indians ...so many are hoping for a World Series win. October Baseball is alive and well again!

Click here to purchase merchandise like the t-shirt shown from the Indians site. Rest assured, I don't get any perks for you going there. I am just a fan who loves to see other fans wearing team merchandise with pride.

Cleveland Indians to the Playoffs?

2007-09-20T14:26:00.000-05:00

INDIANS MUST SEE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS AGAINST DETROIT

Magic Number is down to 3!

Several months ago, I said maybe this could be the year? But...every Cleveland Sports fan (regardless of the sport) says that ... and the Cavs sure got close enough to taste that championship in June didn't they ... but it was over just as fast as they got there.

My dad was so sick then that he didn't even feel up to watching the games.

How wonderful it could be to see the Indians go back to the Playoffs and then go on to the World Series, they are sure playing good enough ball to get there. I told my husband shortly after my dad died that this will probably be the year that the Indians will win the World Series and my dad won't be here to see it. It will be so bittersweet for me. As wonderful as it would be to see the Tribe win ... knowing my dad didn't see it would be a dissappointment for me.

But... go ahead, INDIANS, win it this year....win it big ... FOR MY DADDY!

What Do You Do When You Feel You Have No Hope Left

2007-09-20T13:38:00.000-05:00

My days are not any better. Honestly, I have tried to be happy, and really, every now and then, briefly, I am. There are moments that happiness seems within reach, and poof it's gone, gone just as quickly as the very cancer that took the life of my Father.

I feel so guilty that I couldn't do anything to help him, I tried so hard. I felt so confident that I had found him help and his saving Grace in CTCA, but it was only false hope. I also feel guilty that I ended up in the hospital just days before he died having to have my appendix out. I missed out on a cruicial 5 days with my dad because I got sick.

I am so lost without my dad to talk to. I am like a fish out of water. He was so much a part of my day-to-day life. Maybe I really never grew up, maybe I spent to much of my life depending on my dad. I don't know, I don't regret loving my dad the way that I did, the way that I do. He was the most wonderful man I ever knew, probably will ever know in my lifetime. This lifetime will never know another man like my dad, he was truly a Gentle Man.

Labor Day visit with family

2007-09-20T12:59:00.000-05:00

For the past several years some of my favorite family members have spent the Sunday of Labor Day weekend at my house for good food and fun.

It was a beautiful day, (except for the mosquitos!) Yep, we live in that FLOODED area of Ohio. We played a couple games of Bunco and just had lots of good talk and fun.

An old poem helps to make an new start ??

2007-08-19T08:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my husband and I were going through some of my Dad's things at his house. Brian came across this poem that I wrote in 2003, just 3 years after my Mom died. I had honestly forgotten all about it, until the moment that he handed it to me. Tears immediately filled my eyes as I began to read these words.

Hopefully, I can take these words that I WROTE MYSELF and put them to good use, and make a new start today. All I can do is try.

Fight And Scream And Rant And Rave

My Mom has gone home,

She was called away.

I will never forget

That sorrowful day.

Fight and scream and rant and rave.

She lost her fight,

She was tired,

And Lord Jesus was in sight.

I bet she's taking care of Jesus' home,

The way she took care of her own.

I bet Heaven's even more beautiful now,

With her by His throne.

I miss her everyday,

But time has helped heal my heart.

She's caused us all,

To make a brand new start.

Life without Mom.

She always used to tell me,

I would be lost without her.

I never believed how right she could be.

Fight and scream and rant and rave.

Some how turned to friendships hand,

Now my one best friend,

Is in the Holy Land.

Watching over me and mine,

Day in and day out,

Giving me strength to go on,

When my heart finds doubt.

Fight and scream and rant and rave.

I hear her voice, so fair,

Reminding of the love,

That's in my heart to share.

Is there darkness in Heaven,

Like the darkness we see here?

Or does a new life begin,

Where there is nothing to fear.

Does she catch a star,

Or make it rain?

When she sees that we need help,

To ease our pain.

Fight and scream and rant and rave.

She gave me the will to fight.

So someday survival without Mom

Would come natural and be alright.

Hold my hand,

Pull me along,

Reach down from Heaven,

And keep me strong.

Sometimes I still need to

Fight and scream and rant and rave.

Because I miss her so much,

And the love that she gave.

She gave me my will,

She made me so strong.

She made me fight and scream and rant and rave.

So that I can carry on, now that she's gone.

written by Susan Perry-Feyedelem
Feburary 4, 2003

These 2 verses really stand out to me -- what do you think?

Does she catch a star,
Or make it rain?
When she sees that we need help,
To ease our pain.

Hold my hand,
Pull me along,
Reach down from Heaven,
And keep me strong.

I am going to seriously think of those and try to get myself back on track! That's what my Dad would want. That's what I am sure of. My husband told me the other day, on my Dad's birthday... he said,

"Susan, your dad lived a life full of love and fun and wonderful times, and during those times he buried his parents at a very young age, 2 children, his wife, several siblings, many neices and nephews, and so many friends. He manged to move on and find his way back to happiness. You know he'd want you to do the same thing."

Thank You and a Poem for Dad

2007-08-03T13:09:00.000-05:00

In McCreary County, Kentucky where my parents are from, it is customary for people to publish "thank you notes" in the local newspaper. This is what was published for the week of July 31, 2007.

I wrote this poem and it was also in the paper the same week. His 71st birthday would have been Aug 1st. It wasn't an easy day for me, but I managed.

There is a wonderful site that is called Find A Grave, it allows you to post memorials for your friends and loved ones. You can even start a cemetery if you need to. Please click here to view my dad's page. http://tinyurl.com/37h38w

What Some Call Moving On

2007-07-23T08:38:00.000-05:00

3 weeks today.

I am still writing "Thank You" cards, getting things in order and the reality of it all is starting to hit me. Daddy is constantly on my mind, I am forever talking about him to anyone that will listen.

Mostly I mope around and force a smile when I have to. In my head I know "life goes on" but it seems so cruel, so thoughtless, to continue everyday life without the one man who was most influencial in my life from the day I was born.

I can't figure out the purpose of this entire thing we call life. We are born, we grow, we love, we work often struggle to make ends meet, only to meet one final goal ... death? Why bother ... when ultimatly the outcome is always the same.

Why love, no matter how good it makes us feel - eventually it makes us miserable.

Heaven gets another Angel today

2007-07-02T20:06:00.001-05:00

Today, July 2, 2007 is the day that I have dreaded for such a long time. My wonderful Daddy left me and went to be with the Lord. I held his hand and told him how much I loved him over and over again.

Losing him is surreal right now. Being his primary caregiver, and knowing how he's suffered the past few weeks have made me strong enough to know that I did not want him to suffer any longer, but being without him is not going to be easy. I am numb today but that will wear off and reality will hit me.

It's been a long 6 weeks since my last post

2007-06-28T13:50:00.000-05:00

2 trips to the Cancer Treatment Center, and what a wonderful place it is. I recommend it highly to anyone who has cancer. They treat you so warmly there and care about each person individually.

Unfortunately, my dad's cancer is just too far gone for help. Today, we are bringing him home from a Toledo hosptial to my home with Hospice Care. His health has changed so drastically in the last 3 weeks. It is almost as if you can watch his changes right in front of your face.

I have become his Primary Caregiver. A position I hold with the utmost respect. I consider it an honor to care for a man that has cared for me and so many others throughout his lifetime. This position will also be the hardest thing I have probably ever done in my lifetime. In the past few months I have certainly become stronger, I know I must have, in order to have come this far.

One week ago, I myself was admitted into the hospital and had to have an emergency surgery because my appendix ruptured and have an ovary removed due to a cyst that was 45mm in size. I still have the drain in, and will probably have it another week. Gangrene had set in, and it was pretty bad.

Our family needs your continued prayers and thoughts over these next few days, weeks, etc.

Love to all my family and friends, those in life and online.
Susan

My first crochet item EVER

2007-05-07T16:49:00.000-05:00

Ironically, I have been in this knitting and crocheting group that donates items for cancer patients and the needy. I have done hats, and the few baby items you have seen pictured, and a few other items, but I have done them on the LOOMS.

I have fiddled with a crochet hook a time or two, but haven't made anything but a mess. Well one of the girls at the last meeting showed me how to make these granny squares, and she told me that she made 20 and then set them together with black to make them look like stained glass.

Well, I have been working on this constantly, during my dad's treatments, in the evenings while watching TV, in the car, you name it. I have gotten it down to it takes me about an hour and a half to complete one entire block of 9 rows. Woo hoo!!

Well, I started piecing it together and this is what I came up with. I still have 10 completed blocks done for another afghan.

I am HOPING the group will let me give this one to my Dad. : )

Treatment #4

2007-05-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

I decided to take my camera in while dad was having his treatment this time. It's not a happy moment in life, but a moment just the same. I still look at him at have trouble believing that this is happening to him. He looks so good, most of the time.

His energy level has drastically changed from what it normally is. He used to be gone every weekend ... his FORD truck that he just traded had over 160,000 miles on it, and it was only a little over 4 years old!!

Now he's home every night, but still living alone. I know he's not feeling good, but he doesn't complain. He's such a trooper, and a fighter. I am really looking forward to our trip to Illinois to visit the Cancer Treatment Center there.

Please, if you are praying for my Dad, don't stop. I thank you so much for them! If you haven't started, please do. Our family believes whole heartedly in the power of prayer and has Faith in God. I can't believe that my Dad's work here on earth is almost done ... I know he has more work to do for God.

A day at Jacob's Field

2007-05-01T20:13:00.000-05:00

We decided to make a family day at Jacob's Field on Sunday (April 29). It was a beautiful, sunny day. The Indians won the game ... and for a few hours, I forgot about the cancer and I actually smiled.

It was Kids Day, so the boys got to run the bases after the game, and that means that we adults get to walk around the front part of the warning track ... I LOVE BEING DOWN ON THE FIELD. It is a wonderful feeling. The "family
picture isn't the best, but they don't give you much time for dilly dallying so, you take what you get!

Since the Cleveland Cavs are in the midst of playoffs ... the decorative concrete (maybe marble looking) "balls" that are out in front of the the Gund Arena) (now the Q) are covered with basketball covers to commerate their achievments. I couldn't resist getting a picture of the boys in front of them. Notice the GREEN BATS? They were give-aways from the game earlier!! They are stamped with Travis Haffner and were GREEN because it was SUPER HERO weekend, and Travis happened to be A.K.A The Incredible Hulk.

OH ... I almost forgot the MUSTANG!! What I wouldn't give to have this car!!

Hope

2007-04-26T13:42:00.000-05:00

The other day while watching a channel on our TV (we have satellite) that I had never even heard of ... a commercial for Cancer Treatment Centers of America came on. It was as if this woman was speaking directly to me, and telling me ... CALL THEM, THEY CAN HELP. Well, I did, and my dad has an appointment at their IL facility next month.

I am so excited, and hopeful. I have felt since I saw this commercial that if he could just get there, he may have a chance. I hope it comes true. They have documented cases of people that have been given 6 months or less, that are survivors...5 year survivors. Another 5 years with my Dad ... I would be so thankful for that blessing!!

I have a smile on my face and my heart isn't quite so heavy today. My Dad must be jumping for joy inside. When he got the information from the Center, he called me and his first words were ... "I wish I was there!"

These pictures were taken on Saturday (April 21, 2007) ... doesn't my Dad look GREAT? If you didn't know he was sick ... you'd never guess would you? I want him to continue to look like this!! : )

What a horrible month

2007-04-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how a few words can change your life in an instant. "You have pancreatic cancer that has spread to your liver and you have about 6 months to live." Words said by a doctor, with a smile on his face, to my Dad. The doctor said these words without compassion, as if he had just said ... "Have a nice day."

I haven't been the same since. The smile on my face has been replaced by constant tears. My nights are sleepless. My days are filled with worry and fear. I can't imagine my life without my Daddy. I have always been a Daddy's girl, how do I go on without him?

I look at him today, he still looks like a healthy man. He still lives alone in the house that he moved into with my mom when I was 10 years old. I lost my mom to Congestive Heart Failure 7 years ago, and now, facing losing my Daddy. I am too young to be without parents. My children are too young to be without the greatest man I have ever known.

YES, I feel sorry for myself. I feel scared for my Dad, because I have no idea what he must be feeling. I know he's not ready to give up his fight for life. I know that he's ready and prepared and that Jesus waits for him without a doubt, but he is so much a part of my everyday life that I can't imagine him being gone.

This is an awful pain. This is an ache that never goes away ... it's there, it gnaws at you constantly. DREAD ... oh it's indescribably painful and I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Nothing takes this pain away.

Today is SAD

2007-03-20T18:53:00.000-05:00

Today we went to the Cleveland Clinic with my Dad ... who of course, I believe to be the WORLD'S BEST DAD ... BECAUSE HE'S MINE!

We were told that he has cancer in his pancreas and liver. We are not sure as to what stage yet or what form. But knowing it's in two main organs, is enough.

Needless to say, if you happen upon my blog, please pray for my Dad, Artmon. Know that you are praying for a ROCK in our family. A man that has touched the lives of so many. He's probably, unknowingly, said a prayer for you in his day.

It has been a rough year for my family and I, and it has only just begun.

3 more caps done for Bev's Chemo Cap Relay

2007-03-11T13:58:00.000-05:00

I will be sending in 7 caps. Here are 3, the other 4 are pictured below. I am hoping to have them in the mail tomorrow (3/12).

Brenda's Spring Trio

2007-03-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

I spent a few hours off and on yesterday working on Brenda's recent Spring Patterns.

I remember someone asked about the 'Easter Egg' ... "What do you do with it?" ... so instead of tying off the end, I did not cut my final Working Yarn Tails, and I weaved them in a few stitches up towards the center, wrapped them around the egg horizontally, then vertically (as if I were wrapping a package) and tied it off with a bow. This way the egg can be filled egg and the kids get their goodies out and it can be closed back up. (With some adult supervision, of course). I just used a bright pink yarn that was handy for my first try. Now on to some other pastels...

My kids went NUTS over her 'Loomed Leghorn Egg Cozy' ... He's a breeze to whip up, and what a cute little decoration he makes. Since I have a smaller child that likes to pick at everything, I used black thread for his eye, instead of the Wiggly Eyes.

Finally the 'Jellybean Basket' ... Not quite so easy. This one takes a little more time, and really becomes tight when you do the first hang-hem around row 5. I had super-glued my Flower Loom Pegs in and one of them popped out from the tension of the yarn. I absolutely LOVE the ruffled edge she uses for this!! : ) I can see this being used for many other things. I didn't have any jellybeans to decorate mine with, but I will make others.

Brenda - Thanks for your creativity and sharing your designs with everyone. : ) All of these and more of Brenda's patterns can be found on her blog ... located here!

A special bookmark for Janice.

2007-03-05T19:15:00.000-05:00

OK ... so I was so excited to get Janice's name in the bookmark exchange, since she's a Colts fan, I thought I'd go with that. Well ... this design looked great on paper. I had it drawn out and I could see it so well. The "Colts" horseshoe trademark logo (I know my blue is a little light, but I didn't have a darker blue).

With a "mock" football background, this is not the traditional bookmark shape ... it's a mere rectangle, which I knew it would be, even in the design phase.

Well, Janice, if it's true what they say about "the thought that counts" .... this one has it all! But I don't know...what is your take on it?

4 caps done for Bev's Chemo Cap Relay

2007-03-04T11:03:00.000-05:00

I signed up for 5-10 hats ... I am on my way. I have so many things going now, and sometimes - scratch that - MOST OF THE TIME - I don't know if I am coming or going.

In August I posted of the death of my precious Mamaw, we lost my husband's Grandma just at the end of Jan. The same time that Grandma died, we got word that my dad's leukemia is active again, and that my mom's brother had to have open heart surgery, (which he had and is recovering from now). (Keeping in mind that my mom, and two of her brothers died at 59 with Congestive Heart Failure, a third brother has also passed, but he was past the magic age of 59). This news was like a blow to the gut to us!

Now, my Papaw is lying in a hospital bed in KY waiting to have Open Heart Sugery as well. I am a Christian, but how much faith can one person have???

Oh yeah, and my dad called to let me know that he has to have a test on his Gall Bladder tomorrow and on Wednesday he has to have an Heart Catherization.

I have another issue in my life ... stressing me out more as much as all of those issues combined. This is weighing on me heavy, and what the outcome will be, well only time will tell.

WAY OFF the subject of the Chemo Hats I went ... but here are 4 of my promised hats. If there is such a thing as a "Prayer Chemo Slumer Cap" (instead of a Prayer Shawl) ... well these are them. I find myself constantly thinking and praying for someone's health over these, and it's not just of those that will some day be the wearer of them. (did that make sense?)

Rubber floor squares make great hiding places

2007-03-03T16:40:00.000-05:00

Even the 14 year old still likes to hide in small places! You've probably seen 'em, those rubber piece together oversized squares that you cover the floors with. Well, my kids have been putting them together as 1 big block and hiding in them or rolling in them.

Mason looses his 2 front teeth

2007-03-03T15:59:00.000-05:00

Within days of each other ... Mason lost both of his top front teeth. The baby looks really leave 'em when these are gone!

My first exchange

2007-03-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

I rec'd this crocheted dishcloth from Carmella a little while ago, sorry it's taken me forever to get it posted.

Spring Training Begins!

2007-03-02T00:12:00.000-05:00

I am so excited ... SPRING TRAINING GAMES BEGIN! And the TRIBE WINS today 13-2 agains Houston!

THIS COULD BE OUR YEAR! I know, I know ... in every Cleveland Sport ... a true Cleveland Fan says those exact words!! But THIS REALLY COULD BE OUR YEAR! (IF Eric Wedge gets his head out of that "wedge" and keeps a line-up and lets these guys gel together as a team ... blah blah blah!!!)

I love listening to Tom Hamilton's radio broadcast ... he gets into it so much! Listen for yourself, and this is low key for him, I can't find a good one online!

Here's some Indians History if you are interested.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME ... TAKE ME OUT WITH THE CROWD.... BUY ME SOME PEANUTS AND CRACKER JACKS ...

OH NO, I am not at all excited about this day!!

NEW COMPUTER & MONITOR

2007-02-26T09:03:00.000-05:00

OK .. so I get a new computer and a new 19" flat panel screen ... YIIIPPPEEE

Now I know I just recently said that if it's a NEED-VERSUS-WANT thing here ... well this is a NEED in my opinion. I do everything on the computer ... who doesn't. My bills wouldn't even get paid without a computer anymore. LOL

Well, I haven't had a new Monitor since my very first computer 10-15 years ago. (The whole need-vs-want thing, I didn't need it, did I?)

So tell me honestly ..."Do all of my pictures on the blog look as washed out to all of you as they do to me"? I always had to edit each one to make them look decent on my old monitor, and I would constantly complain, not sure that complain is the correct word, but it is the CLEAN word about my K***K digital camera taking great pictures to look at on the camera, but when I would download they would look terrible.

I never once gave it a thought that it could have been an OLD MONITOR. Talk about feeling like a real idiot.

Now, another reason to feel like a real idiot ... Windows Vista. Jeepers, jump in and just start over!

Jelly filled Cupcakes!

2007-02-26T08:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I finish yet another of Brenda's projects, ... and I start searching for the cup to block them with last night, but of course there aren't any in the house. It's a want-verus-need factor right now for us and we don't NEED them, so they aren't here!

So the wheels start turning. What can I use, what can I use to at least make this LOOK LIKE it's done for a photo? Why not a jelly jar!? And then I think ... well why not, A JELLY JAR?

SO, I think if next Christmas, I have time, I will make a CUPCAKE topper for at least one Jelly Jar that is in the basket of homemade goodies that everyone gets. HOW CUTE IS THAT IDEA???

However, I think, at least this chocolate one does need a cherry on top or some sprinkles ... my 7 year old, Mason, thought it was a MUSHROOM! LOL But ... in my defense, I finished it up at 12:30pm, I was very tired, a cherry on top, was the last of my concerns. : )

Stephanie's Cell Phone Bag

2007-02-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

I made a little drop in bag, with a wrap around wrist tote. I sure hope you like it. It's in dark sage, with yellow accents. It almost looks like a mitten with no thumb! I found the idea for the pattern over on Kansas's site (is that right?? 's) but I made a much smaller version and sorta winged it from there. My biggest concern was size for your bag Stephanie!!

Yikes, start - frog - start again, frog again. The bag is sturdy and thick ... your cell phone wont be getting cold in this little tote! HEE HEE!

Bonnet Complete

2007-02-23T12:45:00.000-05:00

Thanks Pam for your pattern, hope you like the bonnet. I'll be donating this to a local charity, no baby girls in this family!! : )

Mailman Brings ME Happiness!

2007-02-21T03:08:00.000-05:00

FINALLY...My DA WonderLoom RG arrived, along with my Provo Craft book! The first thing I see when I open the book is the pattern for the BASEBALL inside!! OH MY --- Say it isn't so!! Happiness in a TRIPLE PLAY!!!

But, I immediately start the Bellita Fingerless Mitts by Isela to complete this class project ... one down, one to go! Love this pattern ~ great job Isela.

Latest Looming Projects

2007-02-21T02:43:00.000-05:00

My latest looming projects are pictured. Another baby sweater. I had some left over yarn from Mamaw's shawl, so I thought I'd use it. Not sure if I can keep going with this ... the varigation is changing to the white, it might look funny having the set be different colors!
My Throw-On Sweater Project (Emmy's Pattern) isn't quite right, I need to fix it or frog it! Looks ok on the floor, but not so great on the bod!

From Denise's book, I made the At Home Slipper Socks (I believe is their name). I shortened the top, and a couple rows on the feet for my tiny little feet, but other than that, I think I did it right! LOVE 'EM! WARM AND COMFY!

And from Denise's free pattern page ... I made her flower dish cloth. I sent this to Carmella in an Exchange. I hope she liked it. It was only my 2nd attempt at a dish cloth. Still learning, still trying! : )

Roscoe's Sock-it-to-Me Sweater Gets a Real Workout!

2007-02-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

For a Chihuahua ... you can not keep this dog in when there is someone (or the other dog ... that would be our Lab/Shepherd mix, Clever) is outside! He's just like a little kid, gotta be where the action is.

Mason's Very Own Snow Throne

2007-02-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

Mason started rolling across the snow...it was at least 18" deep but it was sturdy enough to hold his little body up all the way across the entire yard. He came back and sat down on his throne...he thought he was King of the Hill, as he proved by standing on the pile that was created from the shoveling. The red cheeks and huge smile tell the whole story! What else can I say? (The picture of him rolling is zoomed in very close, he's actually down at to the field in the back ground of his King of the Hill picture!)

Shoveling out from the BLIZZARD'S BLAST

2007-02-15T11:02:00.000-05:00

It didn't last too long, and most of the snow did the blowing and drifting, and of course the snow plow that we have wouldn't work when we needed it to. SO... yesterday we were shoveling out from the February Blizzard that left a whole lot of CLOSED schools and businesses in this area.

My youngest one was out for about 15 minutes and realized that the snow is cold and he didn't like it too much. However, Mason (he's 7), well he loves the snow. He and Daddy had a snowball fight ... somehow I think he was no match for Daddy's BIG SHOVEL!

Preemie sets

2007-02-15T10:58:00.000-05:00

My first sweater sets. Wow, these are FUN to make!

My Celebrity Look-alikes

2007-02-14T00:07:00.000-05:00

Not sure if I believe this ... but I'll take the compliment of looking like Christie Brinkley any day! : ) My husband would be happier if Kathy Ireland had popped up in there. LOL

How I store my looms

2007-02-05T20:44:00.000-05:00

I like to store my looms like this ... out in the open, so everyone can see, that way they look and ask questions. Of course, it is an ever changing work of art since my current projects are always on the "table"... But, like I said in my Round Looms Group "Don't look too close at the table, it's really totes under there storing some of my yarn stash!"

There are also a few baskets ... two for extra looms, (one has some books and patterns too), one for sewing items, and one for yarn. A couple vintage looms I bought off of Ebay. Anything fun! : )

This is in our den, so when I say everyone sees it, I mean they really see it. It's a great conversation piece. I am very proud of all the things that I do, so why not show them off.

Hugging Sweater Complete

2007-02-05T13:12:00.000-05:00

My Hugging Sweater is complete. I was quite proud of how it turned out (finally!) I had a few issues in the beginning, and had a bunch of froggin' to do. But...we've all had to do that in the past, right?

Graciela is a great teacher and I certainly appreciate her one-on-one time with me! Thanks, Graciela.

Cardinals outside my window this morning

2007-02-01T12:14:00.000-05:00

I wish my photos were a bit better, but I was in the house, taking them from the kitchen window and, of course, the screens are still in. But ... what a beautiful site to look out and see a pair of cardinals within a few feet of my back door.

I can only wonder, does this have some type of hidden meaning? Is there a sign here that I need to know? Yes, I am in Ohio, and yes ... the Cardinal is our state bird, but COME ON ... it's below zero this morning, and this is not a normal site.

I hope it's good, if indeed it is a sign! I could use some good news about now!

Dusting off some SERIOUS cobwebs!

2007-01-31T10:29:00.000-05:00

J. would be so proud of me. Back in 1984, when I was a senior in High School, this wonderful lady named Jalane... she hates that, so she's just plain "J" well, she started to teach me how to knit. I finally mastered the Knit & Purl, and then my life went into a whirlwind type of spin. (A story for another day).

Of course ... I didn't have time for knitting, so I left the needles and the yarn behind with J.

That was something I have always regretted, but through the years, and each time we've ran into each other here and there, it feels like I have been forgiven for being a stupid teenager ... and the mother-like, best friend that I had back then emails every now and then and when she sees me, she hugs me like she used to and still has that warm laugh, huge smile and wealth of knowledge that I will always be so grateful for her sharing with me.

Anyways...enough with the sappy crap ... I picked up the needles (UNFORTUNATELY ... NOT THE ONES AT J'S) and came up with this mess!

I love you J. - Susan

Mamaw's Prayer Shawl is complete!

2007-01-31T10:01:00.000-05:00

I wanted to get this done before Christmas for Mamaw, but as you can see, it didn't happen.

I am quite pleased with how it turned out. I didn't add any fringe to the ends, my Mamaw is the "no frills" type of gal, and I thought she would be happier without it.

I loomed this on the new Blue Oval KK loom. It is a very simple e-wrap pattern, I wrapped 2 pegs and skipped 1, repeat. (Not sure if this is a published pattern, if it is, I can't say where it's at. I just started wrapping). It is not anything fancy, but honestly, it is very pleasing to the eye with the pink Sensations Rainbow Boucle (purchased at Jo-Ann's, but I notice that the pink isn't available online) and Red Heart White used as one strand. I started and ended with the same shade of light pink at both ends, and the pattern of the brightest pink repeats twice. The shawl is about 5' long, and ended up being about 2' wide. (From memory, I didn't measure the finished shawl.)

I hope you like it too.

If losing Grandma wasn't enough

2007-01-28T17:22:00.000-05:00

Monday night after losing Grandma ... my dad called. His leukemia has become active again. They will test him for 3 months, and if the numbers do not go down the will start treatment.

My mom's brother also discovered he has to have open heart surgery ASAP.

OK ... so what else can we deal with right now?

Heaven gets another angel today

2007-01-22T22:51:00.000-05:00

We got another one of those dreaded phone calls tonight. Grandma M. passed away this evening. She suffered a stroke shortly after the first of the year, and wasn't able to bounce back from it. We visited her on Saturday evening, she knew all of us. Her speach was slow, but she seemed to be sharp. We are never ready to let a loved one go, no matter how old, but we know she is in a better place. We'll certainly miss you Grandma!

Roscoe is sporting a brand new sweater!

2007-01-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

Once again ... A very special thanks to Brenda GA - aka Dome Dweller for her "Sock-It-To-Me Dog Sweater." The pattern can be found on her blog. Brenda is one of the most generous people, so many patterns, so much help, and she hasn't charged a dime for any of it.

I started this late last night and finished it this morning. Roscoe doesn't seem to mind it at all! As I was looming it, I kept thinking, this looks HUGE ... but low and behold, it fits like a dream! I didn't do the ribbing on the legs, he's got such long toe nails, that I figured it'd be next to impossible to get him in the sweater with them on it.

Roscoe is curled up in it, snug as a bug, as I type this up right now. I do believe he'll be getting another one of or two of these for his collection!

A lot of rain & flooding instead of snow

2007-01-19T01:11:00.000-05:00

This is actually a field ... not a lake. (East side)
Focused on a BRIDGE, a field and the road. (East side)
There's about a 2-3' drop here. (East side)
The water is 30-40' up into the bottom of our yard. (West side)

We've had so much rain that the farmers fields that surround us look like little lakes. Even though this picture was take the Dec 1, this has remained the normal view surrounding my home. The creek behind us has flooded our woods, we can't cross the bridge that is about 1/2 mile away. Warm weather here in Ohio ... ice and snow in CA and TX. Very, very strange. We've had less than 2 inches of snow all season, and most of that came in October 2006.

But the temps have dropped and the weather man is calling for a more "like normal" Jan and snowy Feb.

Cleveland Indians moving to Goodyear AZ

2007-01-19T01:01:00.000-05:00

It's official - Cleveland Indians Spring training will take place in Goodyear AZ instead of Winterhaven FL ... for 20 years starting in 2008! I've never been to Florida, and this was going to be a good reason to go. Now I guess I'll be going to AZ instead. DRAT!

Moved my blog over to BLOGGER

2007-01-16T21:31:00.000-05:00

I have spent all day working on moving all my posts over to Blogger. It seems that I can post more pictures, easier here that at Yahoo. I haven't quite figured out all the bells and whistles, I am sure, but I am working on it.

Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Susan

Brenda's bells that I made for my son's classmates

2007-01-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

I want to personally thank Brenda GA - aka Dome Dweller for the pattern for these bells. I made one for each of the kids in my son's preschool class and gave them as gifts this year. They all really liked them. (Even the teachers got one.) They were impressed at how I could do so much (home, etc) ... little do they know those are the quickest gems ever. HA, the jokes on them. : ) Thanks again Brenda. You are a wonderful assest to looming.

See the difference??

When I first started these, I was still learning the difference between Knit & Purl, so here's what happens when you do the opposite. I liked them both, so I made them both ways!!

Hospital charity hats

2007-01-16T20:57:00.000-05:00

After Christmas, I was busy looming for the Local Hospital Cancer Ward, and the ER as well. I took in 10 hats that day, but somehow, I managed to miss a few of them.

I really enjoyed making these Rainbow hats, and my little guys loved them, so did the knitting group coordinator. Another good way to use up some of those small bits of yarn!

My take on the Lion Knifty Knitter Striped Toboggan Cap. I didn't follow the pattern, by any means, I just tried to use up some small pieces of yarn. My boys loved this!! It was heavy, I'd change the brim if I make another one.

I sorta had to wash out the green one to make the darker burgandy one show up.

Ohio State Watermelons??? LOL
My little version of Sara's watermelon hat. (not nearly as cute as her's) but hopefully the kids in the hospital have never seen Sara's version!!
And ... even though Ohio State wimped out on us Monday night, (Jan 8) we here in Ohio still love 'em. So, I made the flat top hat for them.

About my last post ...

2007-01-16T20:48:00.000-05:00

Don't get me wrong, I have things to be thankful for ... I have my children, I have my husband, I still have my dad, and my other family members. (A sister and her family...that I never see, woo hoo). My loving cousins, many Aunts and Uncles and Mamaw Bessie & Papaw Roscoe.

For some reason, it is so hard at Christmas. We had a wonderful Christmas tree! LOL At 7:30 Christmas Eve we were putting it up and semi-decorating it. We've been working on our new house that we moved into this past summer. We've all been sleeping in the same room while we remodeled the entire upstairs. Brian wanted to have all the bedrooms done because our tree needed to be in the very spot that OUR bed was sitting. He was successful ... but a few hours!

We didn't have ornaments, we used lights for that. Budweiser bottles, frost mugs and Cleveland Indians baseballs. There were, however, a few holiday oriented lights. Holly and pointsettias. The kids raided their toy boxes and threw a few Monster Trucks and other items on the branches! Who needs ornaments? Beer, baseball and toys? PERFECTION!

Christmas is OVER! Thank God.

2007-01-16T20:31:00.000-05:00

I was so glad to see Christmas BE GONE AGAIN this year!
For the past, oh let's see, my Mom died in Feb 2000, so those first 4 Christmases without her were just awful. This is an ancient picture of my mom and dad ...

I had just had my 2nd child 3 months before she died, so PPD was bad, but I didn't talk about it. Somethings are just better left unsaid. Then we had our third child 3.5 months premature, PPD once again, extreme. I talked about it this time, but couldn't do anything because I wanted to nurse him.

Then that 5th Christmas, OK the spirit is back, I am ready to go. I have cookies baking, decorations ready to go up, the outside of the house once again looks like a scene from the Griswald's (and I actually helped). Presents are bought, wrapped, songs are playing, and I am singing along...then BAM from out of nowhere - the "LETTER" arrives.

My oldest son, who was 12 yrs old at the time, that had lived with me, forever, supposedly has his dad write us a letter telling us that he wants to go live with him. Not one spoken word from the child, who I see nearly every day, not one spoken word from my ex-husband, which isn't surprising, since we can't be in the same room together, ... just a first class typed letter "Dear Susan"

Of course it arrived the first day of a one week extended visitation where my son would be with his father, so I could do nothing but cry and stew for the entire week. OH... did I mention that it was also right before Christmas and it DEFLATED that Christmas spirit that I was so happy to have back?

So, now to make a long story short, after many months of fighting a losing battle with my ex-husband, the courts and my son on who has his best intersts at hand. (Since he's now 12, he can legally make up his own mind.) He left to go live with his dad...get this, THE DAY AFTER MOTHER'S DAY.

Well, more things this year, does it really matter what? For some reason, Christmas is just a time that I seem to hit rock bottom and often wonder if it's really worth digging my way back up to the top again.

Christmas is almost here!

2007-01-16T15:20:00.000-05:00

I have been finishing up on the projects that I have started for gifts for the holidays. We had our first Family Christmas on the 17th ... and after working so hard to get the John Deere items done so that 2 grandchildren and Grandpa would have matching items ... OH DID I FORGET TO MENTION that no one carried KELLY GREEN RED HEART Yarn this Holiday Season??
So... I switched to Paddy Green. A not so noticeble change, especially if the recipents didn't stand too close to each other.
And after searching every Wally World, Meijer, JoAnn's, etc in the area, and then just "doing it" ... the 7 yr old says to me in his you know Susan, THIS GIFT REALLY SUCKS BIG TIME VOICE, "You made mine in the wrong color, I like Massey Tractors, so I want RED!!"
I really wanted to take the hat & scarf back, but I just apologized politely and went on about my business. (So tell me, why is that I felt compelled to apologize for giving a gift??)
BAH HUM BUG!!
LOL

Prayer Shawl for my Mamaw

2007-01-16T15:17:00.000-05:00

Here's the shawl that I am working on. I don't know for sure, what makes a prayer shawl a prayer shawl, but this is what I am making for my "Mamaw". In less than one year, she has lost her husband and her sister.
Both my parents had lost their parents long before I was born, so truly I never had grandparents. But my dad was the youngest of many ... and so I always called his two sisters and their husbands my "Mamaw & Papaws". I was as old as most of their oldest grandkids and it just seemed natural. They may have been only Aunts and Uncles by the "Family Tree" thing, but in all eyes that mattered, I was just as much their Grandchild as their "real" Grandchildren.
I'm getting all weepy ... Susan

Please meet my two Mamaw's

2007-01-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

Bessie is on the left, she gets the shawl. Ida Belle (Idie) is on the right, she is now in heaven with our Lord. She worked her whole life to reach that goal.

So here's me wearing my Hunting hat

2007-01-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

Ok ... so you can't see my face. It's just a few minutes after the kids are on the bus, I am trying to take this picture myself. (Not an easy task, I'll have to say) ... but all in all, the mirror in the bathroom and the screen on the back of the digital camera really helps out!
I just thank God I wasn't paying for all those pictures that I deleted in film. Sheweee that would have cost me an arm and a leg, and probably my first born.

Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention ... I haven't had any coffee yet this morning, either. Ok, so here's the back of my new hat.

Who says you can't look CUTE while you're HUNTING???

2007-01-16T14:52:00.000-05:00

So, here's the scoop. My dad has ALWAYS been a major hunter. And I have ALWAYS been a major DADDY'S GIRL. Growing up, I was under the hood of cars with him, he'd take me on fishing trips that didn't see the "real" world for a week. (If I wanted to bathe, I jumped in the river!) He took me out to line up his scopes on his guns and I was a GREAT SHOT. You get the picture. So ... two years ago, just about at the end of hunting season, I opened my big mouth and said, "Dad, why didn't you ever take me hunting?" He just looked at me, very dumbfounded, and said, "I don't know." Good answer, especially if you really didn't want a little girl tagging along! Well now, my 12 yr old son, (at the time) has just finished up his first year of hunting, and so the GAME IS ON. (No pun intended). Last year, 2005, I went deer hunting for the very first time. I was not successful ... but it's a fun way to spend time with your family. (at least the drive there, the walking in the woods and the meal, and the drive home!!) BUT ... don't let me fool you, I am sitting in what everyone calls my "Condo in the sky" it's a heated 4x8 playhouse. I take a walkman radio and whatever else keeps me busy. So, I decided to make myself a really cute Hunter's Orange hat for this weekend. And to make it a little more difficult for myself, I decided to take on the task of trying to figure out if I could create a PONYTAIL HAT as well. No pattern, no thought behind it ... just watching TV and off I went. I THINK I SUCCEEDED!

Trying to do a Honeycomb beanie ...

2007-01-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

This is Denise Layman's Honeycomb Beanie pattern. (THANKS Denise!!) And this is my FIRST attempt at it. In my opinion, and my hubby's ... it turned out looking like a nice hat ... but nothing like the pattern! BUT I am sure that is not her fault! It's me, not being able to follow a pattern.
This is the inside of the hat
This is the hat on my son's head. SEE ... There's no "honeycomb" pattern at all. HEE HEE!!
WOO HOO I finally got it figured out ... it's hard to see the honeycomb pattern in this camo yarn, but it did work! It was just me, using the wrong knit stitch! (flat knit instead of e-wrap)
Here's a couple other hats that I have made using Denise's pattern! I was so excited when I finally got it figured out, I love this pattern.

My first charted designs

2007-01-16T14:06:00.000-05:00

The verigated hat was just "off the wall" ... I wanted to see what would happen.
THEN ... my first real charted. I did the butterfly. I really wasn't sure what I was doing, but I think it turned out pretty good. (OK..I really love it, and I am pretty proud of it!) The yarn shows up more shiny in the picture than it actually is ... but all in all, pretty true to color.
These are both going to be donated to a local hospital children's ward for the kids with cancer.

November 16, 2006

2007-01-16T13:58:00.000-05:00

New driveway going in!! Brian was making huge ruts in the side yard when he hauled water ... so, I thought it was time for another drive way. : ) I say another, because we already have 2 here!!
We got the other house up for sale last week. PLEASE ... everyone cross your fingers that we sell it quickly. We've been sitting on this house for a while, emotional attachment on my part, but now ... I have managed to nearly drain our savings completely and making the next payment may be tough. We thought we had renters, but they backed out ... so after 8 months of 2 house payments and 1 house just sitting empty, it's time to let the other one go.

2nd scarf for Brenda Kay

2007-01-16T13:51:00.000-05:00

Scarf (and hat this time) for my cousin ... she's doing wonderful after her throat cancer surgery! Finally some good news in our family for a change!!

Hubby makes me a loom!

2007-01-16T13:44:00.000-05:00

Not quite finished, but a good portion of it is. Now, if I only knew how to use one of these! Any suggestions???

Another picture of the loom my hubby made for me. I just really wish I had a clue of what to do with it!! Please don't tell him I said that!! He worked so hard on it for me, and he's not finished quite yet! What a guy!

My first matched set!!

2007-01-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

This is a gift for one of the kids on our Christmas list, I sure hope she likes it!! I've been at this about a month. Looks like there is no stopping me now!!

And here's Little Miss Sierra wearing the set ... I think she liked it, she wore it for quite a while after she opened it.

November 03, 2006

2007-01-16T13:36:00.000-05:00

I made this one for Geraldine ... Dad said she loved it, that it would match all of her coats! She gives me all her coupons every week, and then some.

"John Deere" Gifts

2007-01-16T13:33:00.000-05:00

I will be giving these (will be making 2 more, just like them) to a couple little boys that LIVE for riding on the John Deere combine with their Grandpa! I think they'll be a big hit!

It's official, I am hooked!

2007-01-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

I have been busy busy busy!! I am thoroughly addicted to this looming. I have started my Christmas presents and birthday gifts.

My new passion - loom knitting

2007-01-16T13:17:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a good friend, Krystyna...I have been introduced to loom knitting!

This is one of the first scarves I have made.

2007-01-16T13:11:00.000-05:00

This is my husband and my boys with our Halloween decorations 2006