Cathy Knits and more

Moving...AGAIN?

2006-08-11T23:01:00.000-04:00

Well, not exactly, but thought I would give Typepad a spin to see if I like it. It has some user friendly aspects that Blogger doesn't have. On the flip side, I am having to learn a new system on how to make it work and look "right". So here is the new site.... at least for the next month to see how I like it.
Check it out over here and let me know you visited. I feel like I am moving to a new city, and I hope I will like it.

Cathy Knits and More

Reading, WRITING, Arithmetic or YELLOW is my favorite color

2006-08-10T20:19:00.000-04:00

A teacher came to me the day before yesterday and showed the example above of a student in 5th grade. Of course the teachers were concerned with the students writing as it was obvious that she had a problem copying her work. Not only that, it was almost impossible to read. It was evident this was not a case of a child not doing their best because the handwriting looks neat. The teacher came to ask me about strategies and suggestions and what interventions might she suggest for this child.

I am a part of the assistive technology team, but usually am not one that is up on this area - but I did have a box of materials to use with students who have a variety of learning problems. Inside this box was a large envelope of colored transparent overlays, along with some instructions and information on their use. I suggested the teacher look over them and get an idea of how they work ( I had only briefly had an opportunity to observe a workshop that addressed the use of overlays with children that have difficulty reading and writing). The teacher took the materials home and read up on the information and came back the next day to shadow the student and make some recommendations. So, she began with placing overlays of a red transparency and a few others for the student to read. Nothing changed until the teacher placed a yellow clear transparency over the page. The student said, "the letters have stopped moving" - now that is a strange comment to me since I have never seen letters "move" on the page. The teacher then took a handwriting page and asked her to copy it on to another sheet. This time, the teacher made a copy of the handwriting on to yellow paper. Here is the page:

Below are the results:

Folks, I have not met this child. I would not know her if she walked in my room, but when the teacher showed this, I got chill bumps. I got excited. This student, who had transferred from a different school system, has struggled with this for quite some time. A simple change in the color of the page from which she was copying from made all the difference in the world.
When asked how she felt about this - did she feel as though it made her stand out and single her out with having to do this. She just said... "I'll just tell everyone yellow is my favorite color".

It would be my favorite color too.

Trivia Challenge

2006-08-08T01:01:00.000-04:00

---- See this? Well, don't click on the image because I can't figure out how to link it to the page. However, it's image for you to download and link to RevGalBlogPals Trivia Challenge(click on that). If you haven't joined in on the fun, well, please join us. It's been going on for a week now and... did you know....

that it has been one of the top 100 popular quizzes on funtrivia?
that the RevGalBlogPals are doing mighty fine when it comes to average scores - we blew the other groups away when it came to average scores in comparison to tournament groups of the same size. (Go to Worldwide standings link to find out how we compare daily).

Topics can be changed to different subjects, and we will do that from time to time - we might try to tie it in with the meme of the week as the topic allows. And... at the end of the month? If you are the winner of the most games, the RGBPs are going to give your site meter a run... and ... you get to choose a topic to place in the trivia challenge. It could humble us.

One does not have to be an official member of RGBP to play, so join in on the fun. Speed and accuracy are the key to this 10 question quiz! (I have to announce to my home folks I am taking the quiz at my house, because I will for sure get interrupted in the middle of it if I don't say something - and the phone can just ring until I finish the quiz.)

So belly up to the trivia challenge and give it a spin. You'll be glad you did.

100 dollar "gift" cards for Georgia teachers

2006-08-06T07:23:00.000-04:00

This year, Governor Sonny Perdue budget included 10 million dollars for each teacher to receive a 100 dollar gift card to purchase classroom supplies. The money is to be used during the tax free holidays of August 3-6. On August 3, I went to the local Walmart to purchase supplies. I knew, being in a small town that teachers would be on the store like locusts on a field. Purchases included glue, markers, card stock, crayons, staple remover, laminating contact paper, and craft supplies (pompoms, craft glue, foam sheets). Total came to approximately 95 dollars. I had left my list at home so I knew there were items I had forgotten and figured that I would pick up the items, use the balance of the card and then pay the rest out of my pocket.
The forgotten list included a kitchen timer, which I need to use while assessing students, paper plates, and coffee filters (for projects in the classroom). Preschool classrooms have all kinds of odds and ends in their room to use for art projects for little hands to create using fine motor skills and their imagination.
So, when I went to the checkout register, I separated those items from my personal purchases. I knew it would be over the balance of my card, but wanted to use up what was there. Well, it denied me - was it because I wanted to purchase items that might not be thought to use in the classroom?
I thought I was being a good steward of the money I was issued. Sure, I could have purchased more expensive items that are deemed school supplies and it would have gone through as a purchase (not that I had a lot of money left on the card).
It's the tip of the iceberg of what teachers spend in their classroom each year. I love the idea of a gift card - I think a better idea is to issue us the money we are allocated during the year, and allow us to purchase items as we need them and see them. There are many times I see a book or an item that can be used in the classroom throughout the year which have been reduced - Each and every month, teachers need supplies that come up that are not anticipated in long range planning. It may be because of an idea that arose during planning for next week's lesson. Well, can't really do a purchase order - that will take weeks before the item arrives, if it is approved and there is money in the budget.
It's not an election year next year, so it will be interesting to see if teachers get the 100 dollar allocation. Of course, it's interesting they call it a gift card. I bet their state allocated Visa is not labeled a "gift card".
Yes, we will have more money to operate our classroom - it varies from year to year. From now on, we will have to purchase the supplies and materials the more conventional way - through purchase order or out of our pockets. Much will come out of the pockets of teachers.

Teachers, how much do you spend of your own in the classroom?

A Book Meme

2006-08-05T22:21:00.000-04:00

Carolanne tagged me for this meme.

One book that changed your life
Hard question since many good books have had such an impact on me to change my life or my way of thinking. The Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton comes to mind. The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris is another book. In terms of "changing my life", I think books have more of a way of shaping us along the journey.

One book that you’ve read more than once.
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

One book you’d want on a desert island.
The Book of Common Prayer
However, I hope I never have to make a choice. There are so many good books to take to read.

One book that made you laugh.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson - that's a laugh out loud book. It's one of the funniest books I have ever read. It's about two men's hike through the Apalachian Trail

One book that made you cry.
Marley and Me - I cried like a baby.

One book that you wish had been written
Find a Job you Love and You Never have to go to Work.
(Makes all the difference in the World!)

One book that you wish had never been written --
The latest book I wish had "never been written" is
Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza - certainly not because of the discovering God, because I wish the holocaust never happened, or any for that matter. It disappoints me so little was done for this poor country during this time. Seems as the world just sat back and watched and did nothing.

One book you’re currently reading
The World is Flat - it's a bestseller - history of the 21st Century and the impact of globalization in the world - fascinating!

One book you’ve been meaning to read
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Now tag five people -
Nike's Psyche, Emily, Mary Beth, LutheranChik, and Norma

Saturday sky and blooms

2006-08-05T17:50:00.000-04:00

I went to a friend's house this morning to deliver some boxes and her large oak tree offered a glorious view of the sky through its branches and leaves. So I offer this view of the sky on a hot summer Saturday.

On her steps, her morning glory, which shows off every summer had a collection of blooms that called the camera's name.

Lastly, an althea bloom caught my attention - member of the hibsiscus family, it's also called Rose of Sharon.

Oh, am I still knitting? You betcha, just haven't gotten the camera out to capture some of the progress, or lack of, yet. Just keep in mind the blog is Cathy knits and MORE.

RevGalBlogPals - Friday Five

2006-08-04T16:06:00.000-04:00

This week we have a treat: a guest Friday Five composed by NotShyChiRev. Enjoy!
1. Describe the last play or musical you saw. (At least provide the what, when, where, and why). What was your opinion of it?
"Anything Goes" by Cole Porter. Our local little theatre put it on and it is always a joy to watch people from your community have fun and do a good job at it to boot!

2. All time favorite play? Musical?
WEll, it's not fair to ask a musician to have to choose ONE musical. Several stick in mind. I never ever tire of the Sound of Music and Oklahoma is another fine one.

3. “The Producers,” “The Philadelphia Story,” “Hairspray,” “The Wedding Singer”…all were movies before they were musicals (okay “The Philadelphia Story” was a play and then a movie, and they changed its name when it became a musical, but whatever). What non-musical movie do you think should next get the musical treatment?

I don't have any idea!

4. Favorite song from a musical? Why?

Another unfair question... for a musician to answer.
I've always liked "Out of my Dreams" from Oklahoma.

Out of my dreams and into your arms I long to fly
I will come as evening comes to woo a waiting sky.
Out of my dreams and into the hush of falling shadows,
When the mist is low and stars are breaking through
Then out of my dreams I'll go Into a dream with you.

Won't have to make up anymore stories
You'll be there! Think of the bright midsummer night
Glories we can share.
Won't have to go on kissing a daydream
I'll have you
You'll be real Real as the white moon lighting the blue.

Out of my dreams and into your arms I long to fly
I will come as evening comes to woo a waiting sky.
Out of my dreams and into the hush of falling shadows,
When the mist is low and stars are breaking through
Then out of my dreams I'll go
Into a dream with you.

5. The most recent trend in Broadway musical revues is to construct a show around the oeuvre of a particular super-group or composer, where existing songs are woven together with some kind of through story. The most successful of these (“Jersey Boys” (The Four Seasons), “Mamma Mia” (ABBA), “Movin’ Out” (Billy Joel)) have made a mint, but many (“All Shook Up” (Elvis), “Hot Feet” (Earth, Wind and Fire)) have bombed. What great pop/rock singer/composer or super-group should be the next to be featured, and what might the story-line be for such a show?

Bonus question for singer/actors. Favorite part you’ve ever played/sung.
As always, let us know in the comments if you play! And standing ovations (as well as more visits, no doubt) for those who link directly to their posts.
I had a heck of a fun time being one of the nuns in "The Sound of Music" - I was one of the ones that got to sing "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" (I wonder who of the matriarchs of the RevGalBlogPals is Maria? :))

But I think I really enjoyed being Mrs. Paroo in "The Music Man" as I got to have an Irish accent in the play in high school and those that did not know me thought I was from Ireland (please just remember that in high school you can have nailed the accent just a little bit at they would have been impressed.

I think REVGALBLOGPALS trivia tournament MIGHT just tie in this weekend with this theme! Go to the tournament to find out (Saturday and Sunday for the change in topic!)

First Day of School

2006-08-04T07:07:00.000-04:00

For many, this will be the first day of school - at least for the approximately 6000 children and the teachers of these children in this county. Many of us have jitters. For some this will be their first year - for others, their last year. Pray that each day will bring growth and knowledge to student and teachers!

Have I given up knitting? No, but I haven't taken any pictures of my work lately. One project is in its infancy, so don't want to take a picture of circular needles with a couple of rows completed, nor do you want to see it! I will try to post a couple of pictures this weekend of some little projects completed.
Now... off to school!

Sonic Report - Where's the cherry limeade?

2006-08-02T20:50:00.000-04:00

WEll, today our little town had a Sonic Drive In open. We parked and placed our order and I was so excited... I was going to get to order my favorite drink from there. Diet cherry limeade - mmmmmm what a treat. And then.. the reply came. I'm sorry..... the diet Sprite that we use in that drink is working right now. Uh... what do you mean? No? Diet? Cherry? Limeaid? Well, I did something blasphemous... I told them to do diet Coke with the cherry and lime in it. Well, it was definitely second fiddle to the traditional drink. But oh my gosh...
I'll get over it.

Trivia Quiz is so much fun!

2006-08-02T17:21:00.000-04:00

The past couple of days the RevGalBlogPals Quiz has been so much fun! Of 2000 registered quizzes, yesterday we were ranked 23 in popularity! Not bad huh????

So take a shot at it - don't be shy - go here and have fun.

Now just for funsies - Saturday and Sunday I will change the subject matter general knowledge, religion (imagine that) sports, literature, and I think I can even get more specific - anyway, we can give it a try.
Place your recommendations in the comments - and your selection just might be it!

RevGalBlogPals - Trivia Challenge

2006-07-30T23:10:00.000-04:00

Do you like trivia? Would you like to play trivia challenge with the RevGalBlogPals? Well, we have set up a Trivia Challenge just for RGBP and their friends. Here’s how it works.

Go to here - go ahead and blogroll it!

If you do not have a created a user name and password, that will be your first step.

After that you are set to go to play in the challenge. The challenge involves:
1. 10 questions – right now it is set to “Mixed Bag”, but that is subject to change.

2. Go to “Play Now” and begin the game.

3. Getting the answers correct and length of time determine your ranking.

4. Playing daily increases your chances of winning the monthly tournament.

5. Monthly winner(s) will be recognized – we’ll give your site meter a workout along with YOU getting to choose a topic for the day during the month!

6. You can monitor your ranking at the “standings” link at the top of the page of the quiz.

7. You do NOT have to be an official RevGalBlogPal ring member -

8. Say hello in the "Shout box" - that's a fun part of the trivia challenge.

9. A new tournament begins every month.

ON your mark, get set, GO!!!!!

Here is a button to place on your web site if you choose.

Let me know if you played!

Rude Awakening - it's inevitable

2006-07-30T15:37:00.000-04:00

I have had my head in the sand for the past couple of weeks. I am pretending that it wasn't going to happen, though I knew it was inevitable.

And.... I love my job. Why the feelings of dread?? ??

Well, I think it is the reason of time - I have plenty to keep me busy, and about the time I get adjusted to being off, the time to go back to work begins.

The first couple of weeks after school starts - there is an adjustment period. I feel a bit lost of what to do with the 40 hours a week of time that is now "free" - then the summer begins. Youngest daughter spends 4 weeks with us in the summer, children come and go, and this year was THE MOVE - 2 whole blocks away.

The first four days of school is planning - filled with meetings, getting the room ready, and open house. I am fortunate to have 2 paraprofessionals who are WONDERFUL - they are truly a gift to have in my room and for 3 women in one room to get along is a blessing - we work as a team and no one gets ruffled.

For the little ones, it takes several weeks for the class to "gel" - for the group to get some form of togetherness. Separation anxiety can be a part of the issues we address during the first weeks of school - let's hope that they will be brief.

Once we "get on the train" there's no stopping! Trying to get psyched up for the big week. Wheeeeeeee!!!!!!

Annie goes to the Rainbow Bridge

2006-07-29T22:01:00.000-04:00

It happened in a split second. Before anyone could do anything about it. The week was filled with family coming in and out of the house. First my niece, and then youngest daughter, then oldest son for 10th high school reunion. Funfilled and never long enough. As oldest son was departing, the dogs were excitedly jumping at the chance to escape out with him. Finally they got out jumping around frolicking. Then Annie, Mama's dog, who is the friendliest and most spirited and happy go lucky started to run - right to the street. She was at the wrong place at the wrong time. We heard a small noise, and knew it didn't sound normal. And then we saw it. Lying in the road........ her tiny, less than 10 lb body was lifeless. One look at her and we knew... she bore no pain as it was immediate. The driver probably didn't see her, nor did they realize what they had done. At least we hope so.

I ran to the house and told Mom - that it didn't look good, to prepare her for the loss. Dear son gently lifted her from the pavement and brought her to the side of the road. "Mom, it was instantaneous...her neck is broken." He brought her to the house in case Mom wanted to see her one more time.

We got the shovel and looked for the right place to bury her. Before we began, son and eight year old had two big containers of water. I wasn't sure what it was for, and when they came back I asked. "To cleanse the road to make it less painful" - he is so thoughtful......

We find an oval basket just the right size, and found the shady spot. Gently placed, Annie goes to a place where there are no cars, and where she can romp and play to her heart's content. She loved frogs and would hold a point with them, so I am sure she would want a few of those there with her too.

A small cross made from polished rocks was placed on her grave as dear 8 year old wanted something special there.

Dear son stayed a couple of more hours to make sure all was taken care of and to allow us to grieve during the initial shock. I'm proud of my son for having such a gentle compassion during such a traumatic time - times like these that though I was not a perfect parent, that I have a wonderfully compassionate son who can offer comfort and hugs at the right times and knows the right things to say.

There is an empty space in our hearts tonight. Tears have fallen and will fall for a dog that was so loved her short life and gave so much love to us all.

Saturday Sky brought to you by......

2006-07-29T14:11:00.000-04:00

!
8 year old. She is part of the Saturday sky team in this area. Pretty nice shot if you ask me!
Well, that isn't the only thing she is good at. We had bubble time - WM had a clearance section for outside play. Some items were 25 cents, some were 1.00 and some were 2.00. So we picked up a couple of different fun things to do. One was making HUGE bubbles. Here is what fun she had.

Notice the whole process required a ~~stripping~~ change of clothes.

Friday 5 - HOT!

2006-07-28T09:10:00.000-04:00

I got this picture from here.
RevGalBlogPals Friday five!

1. What's the high temperature today where you are?
According to weather.com - about 97 degrees - that's a lie - it will get hotter. Heat index has been over 110 most days here.
Update: 6 pm - this afternoon - I saw a thermometer register 105. Heat Stroke weather.... where's the relief? Oh yeah, that will be December.

2. Favorite way(s) to beat the heat.
Well, being in A/C is a good way, but a BETTER way is a cranberry slushie from Sonic - which I did the other day. Oh a nice swim is pretty good too, but the swimming pools are over 90 degrees right now. Anyone have a HuGE ice cube?

3. "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." Evaluate this statement.
Ever cut room temperature butter with a knife?
Better yet, ever walk on pavement so hot that it is starting to soften?
Physically the humidity can be so oppressive that when you take a breath, you think, OH MY GOODNESS, get me in some air conditioning!!!!!

4. Discuss one or more of the following: sauna, hot tub, sweat lodge, warm-stone massage.
Sauna - well just go outside
hot tub - any swimming pool right now in "these here parts"
sweat lodge? WHAT? IS? THAT?
Warm stone massage - well that feels mighty fine.... in COLD WEATHER - hmmmm that happens 3-4 days a year around that

5. Hottest you've ever been in your life
I got so hot one time I threw up. It was on the square in town during the Prom's promenade - all the town shows up - I walked up town to see the festivities - started getting sick - and I knew it was the heat. Walked home..drank a ton of water.... threw up.
Ok revgals, you asked.. you got it.

Non-temperature related bonus: In your opinion... who's hot?
My husband - see? that's my right answer! :)

Day by Day we Pray

2006-07-26T11:51:00.000-04:00

In listening to Pray-as-you-go, meditations focusing on God being with us, a passage was particularly striking to me which I have listened to several times since I first heard it. I found the quote on this site in how Ignatius invites us to picture the world in which we live:
(This is a little different than what was said on the meditation as it is more in depth):

St. Ignatius and his first companions, in the spiritual experience of the Exercises, were moved to a searching consideration of the world of their own time in order to discover its needs. They contemplated "how the Three Divine Persons look down upon the whole expanse or circuit of all the earth, filled with human beings" and decide "that the Second Person should become man to save the human race." Then they turned their eyes to where God’s gaze was fixed, and saw for themselves the men and women of their time, one after another, "with such great diversity in dress and in manners of acting. Some are white, some black; some at peace, and some at war; some weeping, some laughing; some well, some sick; some coming into the world, some dying, etc." That was how they learned to respond to the call of Christ and to work for the establishment of His Kingdom.
Ignatius invites us to look at the world both in seeing the world, and hearing the world, in how we treat others in our words.

The basis of Pray-as-you-go meditations are based on the St. Ignatian style, hence the novena honoring him. The Episcopal Church observes his feast on July 31, as do the Roman Catholics.

You can listen to these meditations through Itunes or download it to your MP3 player or IPOD.

What continues to attract me to this daily 10 minute meditation? Several things that I can think of:
1. Its beautiful variety of music from every century, from most every part of the world, from plainsong, to sacred music from Africa, to praise music of today.
2. I cannot help to be attracted to the beautiful Irish accents during the meditations.
3. Scripture is read twice - each with a different voice, reading the same text so one can hear it with voices that may touch us in a different manner.
4. Last, but not least - the last part. This week they are using a portion Richard of Chichester's well known prayer:

O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother,
May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly,
Day by day.

As they begin the end, they begin with one voice, and then another is added, and it continues until a community of voices end the prayer. It's a beautiful way to end the meditation. And a beautiful way to begin or end your day.

Worldly thoughts about blogging

2006-07-25T23:44:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about blogs in general lately and how they fit in the scheme of things when it comes to life in general and technology. Part of it is because I have been reading The World is Flat - the other reason is because I am participating in a blog that focuses on a knitting book - Mason Dixon Knitting. On that particular blog, folks post their creations and thoughts and comments about the book, but mostly it's about what they have finished, or a question they have about a particular pattern in the book.
Another blog I participate in is a group of mostly women, but there are some men on there, that are involved in the church life - many ordained, but some not - but all have the common thread of being believers and having church being an important part of their lives.
However, I do not know if this is my particular direction or if this is where others are also doing, but I am finding that blogging and reading others thoughts, or seeing what others have to say about a certain topic, especially knitting, church, and education, which are the blogs I tend to gravitate towards is replacing email lists. (whew that was a long sentence and probably needs revising) - I am finding that I am participating in fewer email lists, and using blogs more to get the pertinent information I am most interested. Is it because it replaces some of the drivel that you get on email lists (how many "me too's" and "I agree" does one have to read to get to some meat?)? Is it because of the ownership of the blog that folks reveal more about themselves than they would on a list (I don't think so). Is it because the blog takes on a flavor of its own and it is somewhat predictable and you know what you are going to get?

I find blogs fascinating most of the time and I almost always learn something. I also find those that I hope I never happen upon again (ever hit the "next blog" on the top of Blogger? Whew! Sometimes that'll wake you up!)

After reading a chapter in "The World is Flat" about the history of the Internet, which is fascinating, I got to thinking, what would happen if all of a sudden, we went back to no email, no digital images and attachments, no Internet, no blogs, no online purchases. The thought of it almost gives me a panic attack. Our world would hit crisis mode for sure! However, we survived years upon years without it.

I am thankful that I am a part of this digital age - think I will end my blog posting on that note.

Scenes from Childhood

2006-07-25T18:15:00.002-04:00

Here are some scenes from childhood. In 1838, Robert Schumann wrote a selection of short piano pieces (13 of them to be exact) under the collective name of "Scenes from Childhood"- none of them included jumping rope or playing hopscotch. Here you see both. Don't see children doing this much anymore. Dear daughter here was running off some energy and having fun! Perhaps #5 - Gluckes genug, in D major -translated to "happy enough" will fit.

Notice the hopscotch was created for people who have tinier feet than she does, but she didn't take that into account when creating it. It's all in the process - right?

Sing it over and over and over again...

2006-07-22T21:24:00.000-04:00

This evening I was listening to Friday's Pray as you Go meditation (a day late, but just as meaningful) each meditation begins with a piece of sacred music - may be chant, classical, or contemporary. This music selection was Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Fauré - what is it about that piece of music that mesmerizes me - that I could listen to it countless times and never tire of it (I could say the same the same of the requiems of Faure and Mozart. Is that a sign of GREAT music? Do you have music that puts you in a different world? If so, what is it?

Saturday sky - but more importantly....

2006-07-22T17:58:00.000-04:00

Yes, today is Saturday Sky day and you see the image that I took of the sky around noon. Hot, humid, and nary a sign that it was going to rain. We have had teasers of clouds, of thunder claps, and even a drop or two of rain. We have looked at the radar on tv and have seen what appear to be torrential downpours just a stone's throw away. Frustrating, since we have only gotten 2 inches in 4 months. The grass looks as though it wants to die, and hydrangeas and even the pine trees were starting to show their lack of hydration. Dismal and frustrating for a place that usually gets more rain than we want.
What does it take to get it to rain? Well, I think I found the solution. I picked up the furniture my Mom had purchased. Go ahead and tempt the clouds to do WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO! - So.... move over Saturday Sky, we are making room for Saturday RAIN. I went outside to take pictures. I even took a picture of the drain to show we got REAL RAIN. Of course the furniture was in the truck (table and chairs, no upholstery, thank goodness, so wasn't quite as frantic).
How many rain drains make it into a blog? (or whatever you call them) The beauty of the rain flowing out of that drain - I all but put my feet in it. (oh - and the plant to the right of the drain is Dutchman's Pipe, larval food for pipevine swallowtails as well as some others. It has a bloom on it, but it looks a little ragged - it's also known as the Calico plant because of the unusual bloom.

Last, but not least, a hummingbird at the feeder.

Happy Blogiversary RevGalPals

2006-07-21T09:15:00.000-04:00

I just found out that it is RevGallPals' (sic - typo but will leave it in just to see if someone sees the sick slip) 1st blogiversary - I did not know it was so young! Here is the Friday Five and I will answer it to the best of ~~how my feeble memory will allow~~ my ability

1) What is your first memory of the RevGalBlogPals?
I think I stumbled upon Hazelnut Reflections' blog - perhaps saw a link to the ring, and saw RevGalPals blog - how I got invited, I think I would have to look at the comments on my blog to see who was ~~crazy~~ nice enough to invite me.

2) Have you met any of the other ring members in real life?
No, I don't think I have met anyone - I don't know everyone who is on here yet - since some are anonymous - however, I am pretty sure I have not!

3) Of those you haven't met, name a few you would love to know in person.
I can think of a few -- Mary Beth - we have emailed and found we know some folks in common and have crossed paths, but at different times (how do you explain that?) We have been to common places but in different years that are near and dear to our heart.
Others I would like to meet:
Songbird, Hazelnut Reflections (I am still enamored by her blog title since I am a fan of Julian of Norwich), LutheranChik, and St. Casserole (Still lover her blog name too)
I am going to leave a comment to these folks so they know!

4) What has Ring Membership added to your life?
I know I have "met" some neat folks and it has broadened my concept of the larger church - not just of my church tradition, but of those that go beyond that. There are some blogs, by just reading their blogs, I would feel right at home in their church homes just by reading what they have to say.

5) Describe a hope for the future of the WebRing.
Do we go out searching for others to join us? Or do others find us through the links on our page? (sort of like real life evangelizing isn't it?.. well sort of..) and then...when does a web ring become too big? Will we become a mega ~~church~~ ring?
Ooooh, wouldn't a trivia tournament be fun? :)
Is there a birthday calendar? We can hit their blog on their special day! Site meter would love that!

Happy Blogiversary RevGalPals!

Snake in church? Snow and hail in July?

2006-07-16T16:45:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been an interesting day in the sultry south today. Church was a typical Sunday in July - attendance so so - folks that are typically there were there. After church, our senior warden was looking up at the ceiling fan at the church and said... do you see anything up there? -- Well, all I could see was beyond that close to the belfry what looked like could have been a dirt dobber nest. So nope, my eyes were of no help to her.. senior warden believes she is seeing a snake. Well, we have had our share of wasps up in church, and an occasional dog comes visiting so we figured another of God's creature may appear. We needed younger eyes. Younger eyes are few and far between in our little congregation. Case was unresolved as I left the church to go to lunch with my mom and a friend.

So.... we go to lunch and have a GREAT meal with great company. I look outside by the pool and I thought the sky was looking rather ominous, which I should think that because any rain cloud we might see today should not be descripted like that because we should embrace it. As we were departing, a huge clap of thunder boomed and so I thought I better get a move on to the van so I can pull it up to the door so not all of us would get wet. I run to the car through the rain (though I really wanted to get soaking wet from the rain - to remember what it is like). I get to the car and go to the covered walkway where all of the golfers and their carts had pulled under to protect them from the elements. As Mom and Naomi come into the van, Mom says... "do you see that hail?" - I said no... I didn't feel or see any. She said, look - there it is.. all over the ground. Then she said..you know it looks like snow..it's floating (mind you it is 100 degrees outside) and I see the floating white specks as the wind is blowing from the storm. I look in my rear view mirror and see it all over the ground.. and then I see the culprit. There, standing beside the parking lot, pretty as you please, was a white crape myrtle, whose flowers had experienced no wind nor rain for who knows how long. So this little bit of weather we experienced got us so excited we had blown it to epic proportions of hail and snow. To see crape myrtle snow, go here

Oh yes, the suspect snake church attender - we believe it is now a cord that connects the fan to electricity. Whew, thought we were really going to get a reputation in town.

I think this is on target!

2006-07-16T08:53:00.000-04:00

Your Brain is 60% Female, 40% Male

Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female
You are both sensitive and savvy
Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed
But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve

What Gender Is Your Brain?

Saturday Sky - Saturday Baby

2006-07-15T17:28:00.000-04:00

It's another hot day in Georgia with our car thermometer registering 103 degrees - heat index has been hovering around 115 - it's sweltering and we are in desperate need of rain - I am even praying for a tropical depression to sit on us for a few days. The lows have been in the mid 70s and going outside is exhausting.
The Saturday sky was particularly pretty at noon today and I caught a glimpse of it today while getting in the car.
Now Abby is the Saturday baby -- do you notice that Abby and baby have the same letters in it? I think that is pretty cool - she came with her Meme and my Mom and me to the local bakery while we ate sandwiches. She stole the show as she sat and watched us while we ate - if you look very very closely (maybe even click on the picture) you might notice she has toe nail polish on her little toes. Her first, I am sure, of many "pedicures" in her life. Everyone say hello to Abby!

Pet Peeves - Friday Five

2006-07-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

This has been added to since last evening - I forgot a couple of things!
1. Grammatical pet peeve - oh I have a few -

she don't, he don't
placing apostrophe's (sic) just because it ends in an "s" - in town there is a sign - "lot's for sale"
I have more, but it is not necessary for me to come across as the grammar police - for I know I have my own errors in grammar.

2. Household pet peeve - leaving a gob of toothpaste in the sink...bleh

3. Arts & Entertainment pet peeve (movie theaters, restaurants, concerts) - well, there are a few - however wearing too much perfume can get on my nerves.. In a concert, rattling the program during the performance and talking can make me get pretty testy.

4. Liturgical pet peeve - I have a few pet peeves here, however my biggest one is when the layreader is reading the Scripture and people are following the insert and they are reading the Scripture instead of listening to the reader - I mean, what is the point of READING the scripture while people are reading it in the order of worship? And, when you are reading the scripture and you look at the congregation, all you can do is see the top of people's heads - only a token few are looking and listening (hopefully) to the reader.
Also another pet peeve is folks leaving before church is over - it's like leaving a friend's house before the visit is over.

Addition: Prayers that request that God/Jesus/Holy Spirit to "be with us" - is there a time they are not??? Would it not be better to ask "let me/us be aware of your presence"???

5. Wild card--pet peeve that doesn't fit any of the above categories- you know, I had one to put here, while I was doing #1, I said I would put that down as the wild card - but my memory is so poor, I can't remember it now... will post later if I remember it.

Bonus: Because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God: What do YOU do that others might consider a pet peeve?

Now.... would I do anything that would drive someone crazy or be a pet peeve of someone? Well, actually yes, I can think of one - "K" my dear dear friend yelled at me when I called a book a "chick lit" book - she said that that was a derogatory remark - fluffy with no substance. So let me clarify what I consider "chick lit" -

I think chick lit literature is literature that women tend to enjoy - and that it is of a lighter nature - one that we might read for pure enjoyment.

So I will not use that in front of "K" and try to be careful not to use it, though I do not mean it in a derogatory manner. She has approved of "brain candy" as an acceptable replacement.

I do not like it when my friend "K" yells at me...

Christmas Baby Bib

2006-07-13T22:07:00.000-04:00

Mason Dixon Knitting has a KAL blog and it has taken off like wildfire. After looking at the completed works one cannot help but get bitten by the knitting bug. The book, Mason-Dixon Knitting : The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures, has wonderful simple knitting patterns as you can see on the Knit Along. In looking at this, it looks like it could be a purse, but it is a baby bib. I like the way the tri color yarn self patterns itself - it's a cast on of 40 using size 6 needles - that is how I got the pattern. Cotton yarn on a cone from Elmore Pisgah . Watch out these babies (no pun intended) are addicting.

Ethnic Mail

2006-07-09T21:11:00.000-04:00

Seen on my travels - "Mexican Mail" what an odd name.... or is it only mail from Mexico? Migrant workers? Close to a field so my guess is that it is the catchall mail for many.

Today, after church, the afternoon was spent over at the other house moving more stuff - I really should join the minimalist movement - we have TOO MUCH STUFF - ridiculous. When will I learn?? Now I am walking like I am "stoved up".

Saturday Sky over Georgia

2006-07-08T20:42:00.000-04:00

On a Saturday evening right before sunset, a surprisingly nice summer evening in the 80s (cool for this time of year at this time of evening) with the humidity that seemed to be lower than usual. Could actually sit outside for a bit. For that we should be truly thankful!

Would love to take a skyful of raindrops.... rain come on and stay and play a while!

Short Friday Five

2006-07-07T09:09:00.000-04:00

RevGalPals come up with the Friday 5 - and it's a ~~brief~~ short theme this week.

Short People -A few of my favorite short people - My Mom and Davis (who is featured here with his antics - the latest with his own haircut when he was an aspiring barber) - Davis, I need more of your antics - your mother tried to outdo you by killing a rattlesnake.
Short Hops - My Hops get shorter as I get older
Short Stories - My favorite short story to tell - Three Billy Goats Gruff since the kids in school love it so
Short Lists - Why make a list when you lose them?
Short Stops - Are we talking about stops on the organ or baseball? oh - maybe a short stop is when you leave the air conditioning running in your car so the folks in there don't roast.

Oh yes, here's a short rattlesnake that Davis's mother killed by the pool in the country - don't worry Davis - you will come up with more ideas to get into the blog.

Peas, please and pot liquor

2006-07-06T14:52:00.000-04:00

Any one that knows me well, and even for those that don't know me well, would ever consider me domestic. In fact, I really don't cook, unless it's for a holiday, and when I do, I always feel a little out of sorts, like "what am I doing here?"

Well, in looking at our local paper, I saw an ad for a produce stand (ok, I admit, the softserve ice cream was a selling item to make the trip) - but they also had shelled peas and "lopes" and "maters". So friend Kit and I trekked over to the produce store (which was like a old country store and was air conditioned - yay). And there it was..... a industrial refrigerator full of shelled peas of all kinds. Now in these here parts, cream peas, or white acres, or cream 40s, 8s, or 12s, are the creme de la creme of peas.

We came home with yellow squash, butternut squash, Vidalia onions, and REAL tomatoes... maters. Oh yes, the lopes (I never heard of them called that - but saw it on a sign) - these put the store bought ones to shame ( I realize I bought this in a "store", but you know what I mean).

So, yesterday, I put up some peas, and since the dear husband was driving by there today, I asked him to pick up more peas. Yes, I was feeling a bit domestic - WHAT HAS COME OVER ME??? And I put up some more. Now if we had a big freezer, I would fill up with these peas. Nothing better than these peas and the "pot liquor" -- any one heard of that? Anyway, here is a samplin' of what I did. Notice the okra in there, it adds a little something to the peas - they need to be small and tender and just one or two per package will take care of it.

Oh yeah, the ice cream - softserve - but the difference was that there was fresh peach puree on top. I could have eaten myself sick.

Update on missing items: digital cable cord has been found as well as charger, so things are good...
Missing bag of Socks that Rock yarn has also been found - three skeins of that yarn was in there along with a pair of socks already knitted. I feel better now.

Knitting items will soon be posted. Nothing too much exciting, but knitting is taking place.
Rain would be much appreciated too - we have had less than 2 inches in 4 months. That's unheard of here.

Summertime blogs -- missing items

2006-07-03T17:36:00.000-04:00

Hazelnut Reflections said it...not much to blog about. Except I think I can outdo her today. You see, we have moved, and in the move, we can't find the digital camera cable to unleash the pictures that are in the digital camera. They are being held captive inside the camera - and neither husband nor wife (moi) are happy about not being able to locate it. Nor can I find my sock knitting that is in progress - another reason to be cantankerous, so I can only work on one project in progress. Anything else would have to be a NEW project. (Well, I do have a sweater in progress for Davis, but he won't need a sweater for a bit and it can wait.)

I can't even post a picture of a dog sleeping.... or a Saturday sky...

Back in search of missing items in the move. I should have known better and moved those in my hot little hands with nothing else....

Friday 5 - in honor of Independence Day

2006-06-30T17:11:00.000-04:00

Friday 5 from Rev Gal Pals

1) Do you celebrate 4th of July (or some other holiday representing independence?)
Yes, in the past we have cooked out and had hamburgers and hot dogs. However, this year will be different - with husband's job as golf professional, this is one of his busy days. Not sure what we will be doing, but I do believe that I will be watching the Boston Pops in the evening!

2) When was the first time you felt independent, if ever? Hmmmm, that's an interesting question since my feeling of independence has come in stages - driving as a teenager is certainly one, going to college, getting married. However, after my divorce, I felt like I had finally grown up and could truly be independent - and it allowed me to feel the gift of receiving from others, while still feeling independent.

3) If you're hosting a cookout, what's on the grill? We usually host a cookout, but probably won't this year. We'll gladly accept any invitations that are offered, however, anyone that shows up, we'll try to do something fun!

4) Strawberry Shortcake -- biscuit or sponge cake? Discuss. I like it with biscuit, but just recently had it like that - it was sort of strange, but I like the texture better than a sponge cake or those little cake shells.

5) Fireworks -- best and worst experience - Stone Mountain has an awesome laser show with fireworks. Worst..... I went to a fireworks show at a lake when I was a child and a bug got in my ear....gross.....

1776 - have not seen it so won't get to do the bonus!

Joyce Prince - St. Maarten

2006-06-27T12:56:00.000-04:00

There are times that you run across a jewel of a person and know she touches each and every person in the same way. Joyce Prince, from St. Maarten, offers tours to those that visit this beautiful island. Joyce gives the individual attention to the tourist in such a way that you feel as though you are a VIP that just rolled into town. We left the ship on Thursday morning and Joyce was waiting for us and she seemed to know who we were before we found her. From then on, we were on a trip around the island to see the beauty and uniqueness of the island.
Joyce arranges her trips to what YOU want to see. We were lucky that day as we were the only ones on the tour, as she sometimes takes more than one family. Since it was only my husband and me, we were able to cater the island trip to what we wanted to see. Of course I wanted to see the Anglican Church, (which she happens to attend right now - she is Methodist, but somehow she has a women's group in which she is a part and it prevents her from attending the Methodist Church, so she is attending the Anglican Church). On a tiny street in Phillipsburg, was the Anglican Church, which looked as though some construction was going on.
The streets were narrow and parking was pretty packed, so I only got a picture from the car. I am sure that Joyce would have bent over backwards to find a spot, but we had places to go and see.
Joyce took us to the Guavaberry Emporium, where they make Guavaberry Liqueur and Rum (and jelly, and honey, etc) - Guavaberry grows prolifically on the island so they have marketed these items and made a niche for themselves for this unique flavored fruit - tasty and unique! Husband has the idea of making a guavaberry cheesecake - that sounds yummy! Oh yes, we were graced with the presence of Sint Martin himself, right in the store. (Ok, I tried to upload the image of Sint Martin, but somehow Blogger won't let me).
We saw where the rich and famous lived, as well as the housing projects. Schools were also on the tour where children were still in school, both on the French and Dutch sides. Children wore uniforms. Noticeably, many had their jalousie windows open and clothes hanging on the line. When I asked about this to Joyce, she said, this was their way of living - their island provided the breezes and few people had the luxury of airconditioning and a dryer, some by choice, others because of the cost.
The economy and politics were discussed, especially in light of two countries on a very small island. I know why two countries claim it - its beauty is breathtaking!
So, if you ever find yourselves at St. Maarten, look Joyce up whether it is for a guided tour (in which you will NOT be disappointed) or to rent a car, or even need a babysitter.
We got much more that day than the tour, we felt as though we had a new found friend - she places her customer's happiness and satisfaction above everything else, however, she has room in her heart to be a friend.

I can't wait to go to see ~~St. Maarten~~ Joyce again.

Thought you have seen all kinds of knitting projects?

2006-06-26T21:30:00.000-04:00

Thought I had seen about everything in knitting projects. Some people are over the top in their creativity.
http://greenmountainmama.blogspot.com/2006/05/whiplash-color.html

Get your swiffer out and start knitting!

Potpourri of thoughts

2006-06-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

I know where my digital camera is - that is a good thing. I know where my laptop is - another good thing. However, the cord that connects the two is out of pocket through the move. I KNOW it will show up, just when is the question.
Church today had two hymns with descants I knew. However, it has been several weeks since my voice has hit a HIGH A - and I should have known better....
Knitting - I am still working on pink basketweave baby blanket, but for the past several days, while knitting, my hand is going to sleep after several rows. Any suggestions as to what might be causing it?

Friday 5 - June 23 from Rev Gal Pals

2006-06-23T16:59:00.000-04:00

Seems like I just did last week's Friday five (I did) - suitcase found, house moving still in progress, but I couldn't resist the ice cream meme.
1. Ice cream: for warm weather only or a year-round food?
Ice cream is year round food - it's comfort food. mmmm

2. Favorite flavor(s)
Baskin Robbins Chocolate Mint (note specifically the brand name, though Breyers does a pretty good job.
Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia
Raspberry Truffle from Working Cow Ice Cream (I want to know how they put the raspberry goody inside that chocolate chip).
Edy's French Silk

3. Cake cone, sugar cone, waffle cone, cup?
All of those sound pretty good to me, but I do like a waffle cone :)

4. Childhood ice-cream memory
Well, this is sort of an off shoot of ice cream, but I remember learning this song in school - does anyone else remember it and remember the rest of the words?
If you have a nickel,
You can buy a popsicle,
You can buy it from the popsicle man.
You can have any flavor,
that you wish or you favor,
You can buy it from the popsicle man.

It seems that there was more to this song than this. Please let me know if you know this song, remember it, and even if you don't remember any of the lyrics, let me know. Mrs. Wooten was the music teacher at Kate Sullivan school and we sang on long benches in the music room.

5. Banana splits: discuss.
I like Banana split blizzards better than regular banana splits.... discussion over.

Friday 5 from Rev Gal Pals Zzzzzzz

2006-06-21T20:09:00.000-04:00

Better late than never.....

1. In what kind of environment do you sleep best? (e.g. amount of light and noise, temperature, number of pillows, breathe-right strip, sleeping in the buff, etc.)
I like low light and the radio on NPR - usually 2 pillow, and I wear a gown. If I fall asleep in the recliner - do NOT wake me up to tell me to go to bed. (I HOPE my husband might read this).

2. How much sleep do you need to feel consistently well-rested?
7-8 hours - with a catnap in the after noon

How much can you get by on?
6-7 hours

What are the consequences when you don't get enough?
I start crashing in the late afternoon and I get quite testy.

3. Night owl or morning person?
Morning person - but you would have never guessed that on the cruise.

4. Favorite cure for insomnia
changing locations

5. To snooze or not to snooze? Why or why not?
Snooze just a little, it's like getting a little extra wake up time and an opportunity to think about the day as I slowly wake up. When I "snooze" I never really go back to sleep, just lie there and anticipate the day in my thoughts.

Have you seen....

2006-06-19T13:59:00.000-04:00

my luggage?
Last seen on cruise ship.
Nowhere to be found on terminal - someone who thought it was their red suitcase must have gotten it.

Hope they take care of the dirty laundry in there, and turn in my overdue library book. If they were looking for anything more valuable, they picked up the wrong suitcase!
If you have seen my luggage, it's red, with a super big ziploc bag with dirty clothes in it and the Debbie Macomber book A Good Yarn in it. Will greatly appreciate it.

Out in the Atlantic

2006-06-17T12:23:00.000-04:00

Just a brief note since Internet usage on a cruise ship is a bit pricier than at home, but wanted to let you know we are having a wonderful time and will be returning home Sunday. We have visited St. Thomas and St. Maarten and have enjoyed the relaxation on the boat.

Will give more information when we are on terra firma and have an unlimited amount of time to spend online.

Finished a pair of socks, but not needle to graft at the end. It's in the truck at the cruise terminal.

Daylilies, socks and there's always a first time

2006-06-07T21:41:00.000-04:00

I believe if you click on this image you will get a more impressive picture of the thousands of this daylily garden. Over in Whigham, Georgia, Farmhouse Daylily Gardens has acres of daylilies which offers a feast for the eyes. My visit over there was my end of the school year visit to pick up some daylilies to special folks that work with me.

Fraternal socks, these are - these blue striped socks were knit for Laura - but I am not sure they are going to fit - they are knit from Regia socks on size 2 needles. This yarn doesn't have the substance that Socks that rock do, but I guess that is comparing apples to oranges, since one is 100% superwash merino (STR) and Regia is a superwash wool/nylon blend.
Wasn't too successful in making them identical, but in producing two of the same, just like twins, sometimes you get identical, sometimes fraternal.

Went to get my haircut today and in a whimsical moment while getting my hair done, my beautician, who I have been using for almost 20 years, said, "Want to get your eyebrows waxed for that cruise you are going on?" I said "Sure", so I got my first waxin' - well, I won't say what I said when she peeled the wax off the first eyebrow - because I will keep this blog G rated. Anyway, all I can say is "that was an experience" - Actually I haven't plucked a single eyebrow since high school and have been perfectly content. I don't see much difference myself and my husband couldn't see a difference with it either.
I believe my hairdresser holds some spell over me, since I have been going so long to her, that once when she couldn't do my hair, I felt like I was betraying her. She even knew I was going to someone else... I wrung my hands in anxiety like I was violating some code of ethics that was written in stone somewhere. How long have any of you readers been going to the same hairdresser?

Oh, cruise information - Royal Caribbean, Mariner of the Seas travelling to the Eastern Caribbean.

Tomorrow, we close on our new house. Stay tuned for more information.

Summer Haircut

2006-06-01T15:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Davis,

Though you now live a good bit further away from me, I still keep up with you. I do miss your visits and our chance to get to see caterpillars grow into butterflies. Your mom tells me that you like birds too and have binoculars to watch them. Maybe one day you will grow up to be an ornithologist.

However, Davis, I don't think your calling is going to be as a barber. Your Mom sent me a picture of your self given haircut, and I think it is a good idea to leave your haircuts to Mr. Kim, the "Super Barber" - he seems to know more about haircuts than you do. I think it best to keep on honing those birdwatching and caterpillar catching skills than getting scissor happy.

Here is a picture of Mary G. - rumor has it she is exploring the possibility of her profession as being a soil sampler. Beautiful picture!

Mr. Squirrel wants to ask you something...

Thoughts about school and education

2006-05-31T10:11:00.000-04:00

School is out for teachers and students here and for that I am thankful. I enjoy the time I have in the summer that I don't have during the rest of the year to have some flexibility in doing what I want to do.

We teachers have much to be thankful for in comparison to others in less fortunate places. I do not want to make light of the many troubles that DO plague our schools, for there are many, but in light of others, we should consider ourselves lucky. I am thankful for:

the fact that our students don't have to go hungry while at school
the air conditioning, heating and electricity
the technology that we have available
the support we get from social workers, nurses, and counselors
the supplies and resources that are available at our schools.

I think many of our problems that plague our schools come from the fact that we are a society of plenty - plenty of too much, and not enough of "not enough" so we don't have to be resourceful.
Then I read the following, and give thanks, and pray for those in less fortunate places. Read on....

I copied and pasted this because I didn't know how long this would be posted on the web site.

from: http://www.observer.org.sz/main.asp?id=22203&Section=main

Teachers living in miseryBy Thabile Masuku

THEY live in one-roomed stick and mud houses, wake up everyday to face over 200 pupils on an empty stomach (literally) and toil hard for five days a week, all for nothing in return.
This is the story of four Etjebovu Primary School teachers who have not received their salaries since the beginning of the year. Two of them are on contract, the rest are temporary teachers.
What’s worse, there seems to be no end in sight in their fate. Several trips to the Ministry of Education have yielded no fruits, as they have been given endless excuses and promises. Sometimes they are promised that they would be paid the following month, on other occasions told there are no post numbers and at times that their names do not appear in the registration list.
As a last resort, they have turned to the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) to ask it to approach the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) on their behalf, hopefully with the view of coming up with a tangible solution. “We met SNAT last week and are still awaiting a response,” said one of the aggrieved teachers.
The head teacher of the school, Cyril Motsa, perhaps tells a better version of his staff’s plight. After all, he is the one who feels the pinch of heading a highly demoralised staff and faces the challenge of motivating them with the little resources generated through the school’s limited enrolment. There are eight teachers in the school, which means only four are able to concentrate fully on their job.
“The situation is bad. I can’t imagine how those teachers feel. Just this morning (yesterday) they came to me about their issue. I have reached a point where I don’t know what to say to them. It really is a sad situation and one wonders why they are being punished like this,” said Motsa.
He added that the situation highly affected the teachers’ performance, thus having a major impact on the pupils.
“The sad thing is that no one claims responsibility when we produce a high number of failures. Government won’t admit that she is at fault. This is a serious concern,” he stated.
He further indicated that his school further had a problem of infrastructure; hence they did not have staff quarters. This is the reason they have to find alternative accommodation for the teachers, despite that there are no resources.
“The rooms we live in are so small and unfit for human occupation. As a result of their size, we have no choice but to forsake our families and live on our own. But thanks to our head teacher, who is trying everything he can to make living a bit bearable for us,” said the aggrieved teacher.
She said they now banked their hopes on SNAT, which would hopefully negotiate on their behalf, successfully.
“Meanwhile, we only have to wait and see. It’s like praying for a miracle,” the teacher said.
Education Principal Secretary Goodman Kunene promised to look into the issue and find out what may be delaying payment of the teachers.

Image from http://www.trinitybeth.org/swaziland/day6.htm

girl in pink

2006-05-30T23:39:00.000-04:00

I went to an auction and this picture caught my eye. It will look nice in the girls' bedroom.

Oil on canvas with a pretty frame for 15 bucks... I thought that was a bargain. I didn't measure it but the picture is leaning on our fireplace.

Pray as you go

2006-05-28T11:56:00.000-04:00

I believe I have posted about this previously, but I want to share with you a little bit more about Pray as you go. It started of as a project for Lent - by the Jesuits. Little did they know of the response they would get - so much so that they are continuing this ministry. Each weekday, for 10-12 minutes they offer to their listeners a meditation on Scripture that follows the liturgical year. However, there are several components that I find of comfort and inspiration to me.

Their music selections are diverse - sometimes it is Gregorian Chant, other times it is traditional sacred Choral music, while other times there is music that is contemporary, but always beautiful (and they don't keep you guessing - you can go to the web site and find out what you are listening to and if you like it enough you can find the resource there to find where to purchase it.)
Scripture readings are read by both men and women - and with a lovely British accent, read slowly and meditatively, with a meditation to listen and ponder about. Questions are asked for you to reflect upon as you listen, with some quiet time to listen to your inner voice.
Scripture readings are read twice - to offer more reflection
and... it concludes with many voices... "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. Amen." You can't help but say it with them

You don't have to have an IPOD to listen to it. You can download ITUNEs and listen to it on your computer, just as I am now. It's a free download.

If you notice the picture of the girl that I posted with this, she is listening to it with her eyes closed. It's the feeling you get when you listen to it.... it sends you to a different world, different from the hustle and bustle many of us feel in our lives.

They have asked their listeners to spread the word so others may enjoy and listen. They have already had a huge response of a quarter of a million listeners around the world - more than they ever expected. When you listen to it you will understand its popularity.

Let me know if you have listened to it - are there any of you out there listening to this? It soothes this frazzled being beyond understanding.

ALMOST!

2006-05-22T23:11:00.000-04:00

The Movie Clapper Board Generator
It looked like too much fun :)

Baby Blanket

2006-05-21T07:10:00.000-04:00

Dear Abby,
I have finally completed your blanket - I know it took longer than the others, but there is a reason for that. I finished your blanket one time before. It was ALMOST identical to the one here. However, when I finished, I tried to put a crochet edge on it and I was not happy. I tried to reason with myself, that taking it out completely was irrational and would delay the delivery to you. But heart in my heart, I could not give the blanket created previously. So, it vanished... into... balls.... of... yarn..... never to be seen again by man, woman, or child.
The process began again... this time with a border built into the blanket. A simple garter stitch will ~~keep me from having to crochet~~ cure the frustration of a curled edge - the blanket that didn't quite look finished.
So... the blanket is a little longer... to make up for the fact you didn't get to use it in the first 3 months of your life. And.... considering the weather we are having, it may be November before you can use it to keep you warm. However, it sure will look pretty in the lavender room of your Meme's house.
So, Abby, just remember, it's been knitted twice, so double the love in each and every stitch.

For you knitters, the blanket is from Knit Along with Debbie Macomber - The Shop on Blossom Street (Leisure Arts #4132) - the pattern is "A lesson on Color" I used size 7 circulars using Babysoft yarn by Lion Brand.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Blooming this morning in my yard was this...

Didn't check the name of the daylily.......

Blog blooming

2006-05-18T22:16:00.000-04:00

Strawberry Fields Forever - that's the name of this daylily. It was blooming this morning as we are nearing the peak of daylily season. It was ASKING to get its picture taken.

I am about 4 rows short of being finished with Abby's blanket. Pictures forthcoming!
Tomorrow is the first time we show the house - perhaps they will find this to their liking. Let's hope so.

It's real, I think

2006-05-17T07:22:00.000-04:00

Well, we are putting the house on the market and making a move.. next house - a couple of blocks over, with more space, and a nice garage to make into an apt for my Mom! Details later as more signatures get on dotted lines, etc.
This house will be shown on Friday....pray that they like the house and think it is their next home to be!

Church suppers and balance

2006-05-10T20:43:00.000-04:00

Tonight was church supper. It's feast or famine in terms of balance - tonight we had enough dessert to put any diabetic into a coma - the dessert table's cup runneth over. Vegetables were at a minimum and we had our fair share of fried chicken and a few other main dishes.

Next month, what do you bet.... we will have one dessert with the rest meats and veggies.

Does anyone see that happening? Any suggestions to a solution?

Dean's list

2006-05-08T21:35:00.000-04:00

Congratulations, dear daughter, for making Dean's list!!!!

It's May 8 and I......

2006-05-08T21:15:00.000-04:00

wore wool socks because my feet got cold. Now that just beats all in south Georgia - and we got rain.....and we have had pretty good rain over the past couple of days - and we can't complain about that. We have had quite the dry spell.

Frazzled

2006-05-07T09:50:00.000-04:00

The end of this school year has been VERY busy. I have more IEPs this year to write, plus the coordinations of the meetings has been challenging to say the least. It leaves me with little energy to focus on knitting - as I get a few rows done here and there. I am so close to finishing Abby's blanket, I could be finished in a regular sitting. Also on the needle is Kit's sock - Sapphire, baby, is its name - I try to get a few rows done also.

Until I get a few more IEPs under the belt and all of the copying of them completed, I won't be able to focus well on anything else. It's the ability to focus with energy. There are a couple of things on my plate also that are taking up some energy, but that is in process and not bloggable at this time.
Singing tonight in a concert!

Blarney Stone and Sapphire -Socks that Rock

2006-04-30T21:58:00.000-04:00

I decided to start labeling my Socks that Rock yarn socks with their colorway name since for some strange reason Ilike to call my socks by those names. Is that weird? Sapphire is my favorite, but it doesn't belong to me. My friend, Kit, claimed that yarn when she saw it so I am knitting her a pair. I kind of wished I had knitted a pattern in it, but it's pretty no matter which way you shake it.

Blarney Stone, well, I could just kiss it --- I even like the pooling. I actually did a simple k2, p2 ribbing as the pattern as a baby step to trying a different pattern. I also tried a k1, s1 for the heel (the name of that style heel escapes me).
Neither Sapphire nor Blarney has a mate at the moment, but I don't suffer too badly from 2nd sock syndrome.... yet.
We enter into the last month of school tomorrow.

Has it been that long?

2006-04-27T15:39:00.000-04:00

It's been quite a while since I posted - between the end of the school year paperwork, family, and then a stomach virus, I haven't posted, however, I have been busy with life in general. However, I have almost finished the last of the 3 baby blankets so that will soon be off the needle. Two socks are in progress, a book is being read (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn) and I am trying to walk daily (virus took care of several days of that) - I will post pictures just as soon as I can catch up with myself. Where am I? Hmmm I best check on that.

Where have I been?

2006-04-27T06:31:00.000-04:00

I did not fall off of the blogging log, but I have been busy with work, which this time of the year is the absolute busiest, and I have been knitting, which I need to take pictures to show.
And... then... it happened... both husband and I woke up Tuesday morning sick.... as in let's not move too far away from any bathroom facility. Mom was a hero by getting us some clear liquids in the house to sustain us and stave off dehydration.
Today is our first day of thinking we might be able to do some work today so we are going to give it the old work ethic try.

OTN: Abigail's baby blanket is soon to be done. She enters into~~kindergarten~~her third month of life. Thank goodness I have made it long enough that she should be able to get some good use out of it. Also on the needles - 2 socks, not of the same yarn - one is Socks that Rock Sapphire colorway which I think is really "ME" but will go to a dear friend. The other name - well I can't remember if it is Blarney Stone or Amber Waves, but pictures are soon to come.
So please don't give up on me and think I have flown the coop from blogville, just a brief reprieve.

Easter Sunday

2006-04-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

Easter Sunday was a joyful event. Elliott is the first grandchild of dear friends Beth and Scott and I have been working on his baptismal blanket, a Spanish Christening Shawl - I think he likes it. (He was very impressed - I could tell by his yawn he does.) He has transformed his grandparents and I am getting a taste of what it might be like if grandchildren ever come our way. I don't think I have seen such head over heels love than a grandparent has for their grandchildren - as many of my close friends have demonstrated, there is nothing like it. By the way, look in the mirror and you can see Elliott's "Gran" Beth - she's the photographer.
The shawl comes from the book Folk Shawls (Folk Knitting series) by Cheryl Oberle. Yarn used was Dale of Norway Baby Ull. I used size 7 needles and cast on 155 stitches instead of 195.

Here is a close up of the edge. I think if you click on the picture you might be able to get a better look at it

(Notice Hooper the dog's feet underneath the blanket - he had to be a part of the celebration).

Here is Elliott with his Mom, Ginny, and flanked by my girls Laura and Allison. They grew up together and Laura and Ginny's birthdays were 3 days apart so one year they had their birthday together. Oh how time flies.

Welcome Elliott - what a blessing you are!

Wanna Walk with us? Great 50 days 50 miles

2006-04-15T20:20:00.000-04:00

Easter begins tomorrow and those of us who have taken on walking as part of our Lenten discipline have decided to continue on with the Great 50 days with 50 miles of walking. Won't you join us?

Here I am

2006-04-11T16:44:00.000-04:00

It seems like this weeek is screaming by without a chance to get a breath. Between Holy Week and the end of the year when special education teachers get to do the IEP thing along with testing each of my students individually, I feel like there is no stopping. A whirling dervish spun out of control.

Tonight is rehearsal night for the group I sing with since most of us are involved with Maundy Thursday services, we changed rehearsal to tonight. Tomorrow is Taize service, then Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday with 3 baptisms! I am reading on Good Friday and playing piano for the Taize service, with the rest being in the congregation. Whew. I can only imagine how some pastors are feeling now!

And it is only Tuesday..... taking one day at a time.....

Sky watching sunset

2006-04-08T09:50:00.000-04:00

Back from St. George Island with the ability to download pictures. Here is a picture of a sunset while out on a walk. Beautiful.....

Spring Break on an island

2006-04-04T08:37:00.000-04:00

Well, here we are on an island off of the coast of Florida - we arrived on Saturday and have 5 women 50 and over, a heated pool, several laptops, more cell phones than we can shake a stick at and.....

we had a hard time figuring out how the showers worked.
the regular phone is a little quirky
the connections with cell phones are shaky
we have to get the local radio station on cable (yes, go figure that one out)

I have the digital camera, but brought the wrong connector so.... I can't upload any pictures.

We had a culinary feast last evening with Beth's brother, a chef, and a most well known restaurant that has been featured twice in Southern Living and even in the New York Times. On our menu last featured softshell crab, boiled shrimp w/black pepper, paella and (forgive the spelling) zambuko? (it's shrimp with curry and elderberry liqueur?) - and a wonderful salad with spinach, peppers, asparagus, artichoke, bread and vinagrette - anyway, it was a beautiful meal with great company.
On another note, the heated pool makes it nice as the water for us southern wimps is still too cold for us to swim in the Gulf, however, some of the folks from up north are swimming.

I took a nice long walk and enjoyed a beautiful sunset - alas, they remain in the innards of the digital camera until I get home this weekend.

Today we head to Apalachicola to get some aloe vera for those that are windburned and sunburned, plus to check out the local bookstore and yarn :).

Morning Prayer, Pray as you go, and Podcasts

2006-03-28T22:07:00.000-05:00

Until recently, I had no idea what a podcast was, except it was something to do with computers. On National Public Radio this past weekend, I heard of a podcast developed called "Pray as you go" - it has been developed by British Jesuits on a trial basis during Lent. These podcasts are free downloads through Itunes and each meditation lasts approximately 10 minutes in length. Sacred music, scripture and meditation are all components of each day's podcast.

In addition, another podcast available is the Office of Morning Prayer, read daily by The Rev. Brenda Monroe from the Diocese of Atlanta.

Do you need an IPOD or MP3 player to be able to listen to these? No, you may listen to them through your computer if you have sound capability.

For now, I will listen to these two on my computer - maybe one day I can "Pray as I go" with an IPOD. Until then, I am content to listen in my home.

Crosspost

Think I am not knitting? - WRONG - trying to finish the Christening shawl - pictures soon to come.

Max the Miracle

2006-03-25T17:10:00.000-05:00

This is no ordinary dog -- Max is special -- very special. He came from a shelter in Lake City and his name was Popeye - but his name was changed to Max. Max came to us as a foster dog through a rescue organization and stayed with us for a while. If you notice in the picture, Max only has one eye. We don't know what happened to it. When you look at him, it is not apparent immediately that he has only one eye because of his fur coloring. In addition, when Max came, it was evident that Max may have been in some fight or had something happen to his ears since we kept on pulling out metal which seemed to be sutures.
Probably the most serious problem Max had was that he was heartworm positive, but his age and condition kept him from having the most traditional treatment for dogs that have heartworms. It's a treatment that is hard on dogs, similar to chemotherapy on people. His course of treatment was to give him heartworm medicine and hopefully it would eventually kill off all of the heartworms over a period of time.
Max stayed with us for quite some time and there was a time that I thought that Max would be a permanent foster at our home, which was fine, because he was a great dog and got along with the other dogs in our home.
Then.... some friends came over.... long time friends.. and Max took to Scott like they were long lost buddies. And.... Scott took to Max in the same manner. Scott and his wife Beth have another "child" at home - Buddy. Not knowing how they would get along, we talked about Max going to spend the night to see how things would work out. And though there was an adjustment period, Max and Buddy made a good pair, good enough that the adoption process began. Of course there was no doubt in my mind that this adoption would pass muster with the rescue folks. If there were ever a canine heaven on earth, this place was it. (For example - Max had his own special ramp built so he could get on the bed without jumping - that was difficult for him.)
The vets were skeptical over the course of treatment that Max was taking, but in consideration of his age, they didn't think he would be able to handle the more invasive treatment. So Max became their "guinea pig" and over the course of several years, they continued to test to see if he was heartworm positive or negative. Well, today, they received the good news that Max is NOW HEARTWORM NEGATIVE --- and this is cause for celebration!!! The vets were especially excited over this! And there are a bunch of folks who have watched Max grow healthier over the past couple of years.
A big celebration is going to occur over at Max's house today!!!!
Max will be more famous one day as his "MOM" writes stories about Max and Buddy's escapades. For right now, his fame is with those of us who have seem him blossom and grow with good health!

Week Recap

2006-03-20T23:17:00.000-05:00

It's been quite the week as every evening was a committed one. Book club with group and author interview with Lisa Tucker. "We read The Song Reader, which was her first book published. We really enjoyed her interview and getting insight into her ideas about the book.

Tuesday night was the evening to attend the last concert of the Concert Series in Thomasville - Dawn Upshaw was the performer and we were in for a treat with her beautiful soprano voice.

Wednesday evening I attended the Lenten Series at church - the book that is up for discussion is The Spirituality of Imperfection -

Thursday evening - rehearsal with my singing group -- by the end of the evening I was one tired puppy.

Friday evening, I went no where - the huge magnet at the house was attracting me to stay there..

However, I did accomplish the completion of my portable knitting - Socks that Rock - Rock Star.
I want to begin a solid color sock with a pattern in it, but until I have another set of size 2 circulars, I want to always have a sock that I can do without looking at the pattern.

Sunday was church - in the evening our book group discussed "When Religion Becomes Evil: Five Warning Signs." Next month's read is a selection of Flanner O'Conner short stories.

Sorry I don't have any pictures of completed socks - husband borrowed digital camera and I have not gotten any pictures.

Fruits of my Labor

2006-03-12T23:55:00.000-05:00

Today I worked on the Spanish Christening Shawl from Folk Shawls: 25 Knitting Patterns and Tales from Around the World by Cheryl Oberle. It's finally coming together now and I have finished one side of the edging. It's a garter stitch edging with yarn overs and K 2tog - so not too difficult. I still have a piece of lavender yarn running through the edge where the two connect.

This blanket is for Elliott, who was born in late February and would probably appreciate it if I hurried up and finished it before he gets here this weekend. Verdict is out whether I will be successful in accomplishing that feat. That pesky little thing called a JOB might keep me from getting it done before the next week.
One side completed, three sides to go.

Do you wear a cross?

2006-03-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

I found this meme on St. Casserole's blog.

Do you wear a cross?

Do you wear a cross? Yes I do.

Is there a particular time or place that you consider wearing a cross?
I wear a cross all of the time.

Where do you wear it? I wear a cross on a necklace. I wear it every place I go.

What does the cross look like?
The cross I wear it at the top of my blog and the bottom of it. It is a Daughters of the King cross.

Who gave the cross to you or did you choose it? It is a cross of the religious order that I took vows for last year.

Is this your favorite cross, if so, why? Although it is one of my favorites, I do have one that is a cross that resembles the St. Mary's Window in the National Cathedral. I also have a gold one that I like that is similar to Daughters of the King Cross. Those are the three crosses I own that I have worn on a regular basis.

What does wearing a cross mean to you? It has several meanings to me. It reminds me as to whom I belong to and for me to uphold the cross daily. It also is an outward and visible sign to share my faith.

Wanna play? Tag yourself and tell us if, when and why you wear or don't wear a cross.
Post Script: By the way, this was my 200th posting.... wow....

Abigail's blanket and a bonus

2006-03-06T21:48:00.000-05:00

If you have been reading my posts for a while, you know one of the blankets I made for the babies that were expecting in February (and they all arrived in that month within a two month period) 1 blanket is delivered (to Sophia), Abigail's and Elliott's are on the needles as I type this. I THINK I am about halfway through with Abigail's and the same for Elliott. Here is a picture of Abigail's - with the colors not quite accurate so will have to get a daytime shot outside to get the truer colors.
The colors have a more tropical look - this photo looks faded.

Sophia's parents took a picture of her and the blanket - is she not the cutest thing? And they did a great job of showing off how the blanket looks. Sophia looks great ON pink!

ENFP - but sliding to the I

2006-03-01T22:12:00.000-05:00

I have taken this inventory on several occasions, and most of the time it comes up ENFP - however, I see myself sliding to the INFP as I get older. Take the inventory and see what your type is.

Your #1 Match: ENFP

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.
You are also unconventional, irreverant, and unimpressed by authority and rules.
Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.
You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're qutie the storyteller!

You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

What's Your Personality Type?

New Blog for 40 Days 40 miles

2006-03-01T16:52:00.000-05:00

I have set up a blog for 40 days 40 miles for all who want to participate - go to http://40days40miles.blogspot.com/ to join us - I will invite you so you can post on the blog and we can total up the miles!
Look forward to seeing you there as we walk through Lent.

Lenten Discipline - Let's take a Walk....

2006-02-27T18:28:00.000-05:00

Lent is not my favorite liturgical season... in fact... it's there at the bottom. I don't know why I don't like it - it's just never been my favorite season. Most of the time in this part of the world - all the flowers are in bloom and nary a one can be placed at the altar. (Right now the azaleas are about 3 weeks ahead of schedule and blooming here - dogwoods are holding tight).

Somewhere in Blogville, I saw a blog devoted to walking a marathon's worth in one month. Doable for us sloth type folks and at the end of the month you can be proud you have put in at least 26 miles. Well in my walk today, I had the AHA moment... 40 miles in 40 days... well... in light of the last few weeks with my blood pressure being up and my cholesterol following suit, I thought.. this is it. I will walk through Lent for me... for my family... and friends.. and if anyone would like to join me, you can take this graphic and upload it to your blog and join me in the journey. Wonder how many miles we can log.

For starters, I walked around my odd shaped block which is sort of shaped like a narrow leaf - it's 9/10 of a mile - which makes oh so wish it was an even mile to make it easy.

Let me know if you are going to join me in the walk and I will link you to the side as the 40 milers. Starts Ash Wednesday officially.

Google, Olympics, and Knitting Olympics

2006-02-26T13:44:00.000-05:00

This is just a quick thought - but with over 4000 participants in the Knitting Olympics through the blog world, I think it would be very appropriate for Google to "Google Doodle" a logo with knitting needles as part of their Olympic doodling. I could think of where the yarn and needles would go...can't you???? Wonder if someone could create one?

Your thoughts and comments and perhaps a creation would be cool...huh?

Welcome to the world Sophia Elizabeth

2006-02-21T06:41:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the world Sophia Elizabeth -- 21 inches long and 6 lbs 7 oz at birth (trying to do this from memory) .

Her Mom and Mimi sent this picture with the blanket knitted for her. Does she look peaceful and happy, not to mention BEAUTIFUL????

Please leave a note to welcome her to our world - by a simple welcome or a prayer!

Rewind, erase and go forward please

2006-02-18T17:15:00.000-05:00

Some weeks it would be nice to rewind and start over and I think this would be one of them.

I have been monitoring my blood pressure for a few weeks - it's been high enough that I wanted to keep tabs on it. Well, Tuesday was a stressful day at work, and without going into details, the result was that I felt somehow that my blood pressure was high - well it was, and high enough that the school nurse said, call your doctor, don't drive, etc.

So the end result after the doctor's visit is I am now on a beta blocker and diuretic and will get some blood work done.

Is school stressful??? Well, you bet it is. Most days I think I have the best job in the world, but there are days that give me a reality check that not all in the world is right and I don't live in utopia. I see the impact that our society has on our kids, whether it be television, music, or their environment. For many, school is their safe haven and hopefully we can offer them not only a valuable education, but also the tools and skills to make it in today's world. I also hope we can offer to be role models to those students, especially to those that have to endure situations we have never been a part of in our sheltered lives.

So, as I knit, and as I sing, and as I sit in my warm home, make me ever so mindful that there are many children right at my back door that will never have the creature comforts of a safe home and family.

I do not solely blame my high blood pressure on stress. I would be lying and fooling myself if I did. Most days I let the stress run off my back like water does on a duck's back. Tuesday was not one of them - Wednesday was a day of rest and a day to adjust to the medication. Hopefully this weekend will allow some more rest and time to sit back.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

However, I would be remiss if I did not celebrate with my friend whose children have blessed her with the births of two granddaughters in a two day period. Welcome to the world, Abigail and Sophia!!

Knitting update to come!

Very cold in the Deep South and Bird droppings

2006-02-12T14:48:00.000-05:00

I realize that for some of you, our cold weather is when you pull out your shorts and sleeveless shirts, but for us in the deep south, we are not used to weather where the thermometer does not reach 50 degrees. Today I was able to do something that I don't think I have done before - go to the grocery store BEFORE church, buying items that are required to go in the refrigerator or freezer, leave it out in the car, and go get some lunch and THEN go home to put the items away. For some of you, you may think this is an ordinary sort of thing, but down south, one does not do that. After grocery shopping with items requiring refrigeration, go STRAIGHT HOME.

Well, feeling quite smart with all of this, I went out to the van after church - parked under the big oak tree. I kid you not, there was bird ~~poop~~ droppings EVERYWHERE on the car - and not only my van, but all the other vehicles in the vicinity of the tree. On my half of the windshield, I counted 28 droppings -- now I don't normally go around counting such a thing, but I was conveying the information to my son on the phone to make my point as to how bad it was. I have determined 2 things.

What in the world did those birds eat to create the voluminous amounts of the stuff (sorry no picture - camera was at home getting battery recharged)
the birds could not possibly be of our church tradition, but had to be of another denomination to do such a thing

I do not generally dwell on such matters, but I had to go to the super duper car wash and get a deluxe wash and it still didn't remove it all.

ON a more positive note, I have a pot of chili on, started a fire and getting ready to knit.
By the way - that's a sky watcher photo at the top of the posting - last night on the way to Tallahassee, with the car moving, I captured this photo. Would have had more of the sky there, but the telephone lines were in the picture.

Blanket in Rehab

2006-02-07T17:45:00.000-05:00

Naomi asked in the comment section: Now where is the one you are knitting with all the different pretty colors?

Well, Naomi, here is part of it. I am starting over again. It was too wide. It didn't seem to be right. Plus, I was supposed to crochet something on the outside of the knitted part and I just couldn't seem to get it right. So I am placing the blanket in rehabilitation. It's even been blessed - can't you tell?

My plan is to make it less wide and make the stripes smaller. I just think it will work better that way. IN addition, I am going to KNIT a border while I am knitting it. That way, when it is done, IT IS DONE. No more of this "add a crocheted border to it." This one will be pure unadulterated knitting on it. The baby may make it before the blanket is complete, but she will definitely get it before she outgrows it.

Silent Poetry Reading and Saying Goodnight to God

2006-02-02T22:23:00.000-05:00

WHAT: A Bloggers (Silent) Poetry Reading
WHEN: Anytime February 2, 2006
WHERE: Your blog
WHY: To celebrate the Feast of Bridgid, aka Groundhog Day (It's also Candlemas)

originated from http://goldpoppy.blogspot.com/2006/01/youre-invited.html

I picked this - it was the first piece of poetry I had to memorize and recite in front of a class in Jr. High English Class. First time I remember experiencing cotton mouth I was so nervous. However, I love the poem.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

For a poem whose recitation caused such anxiety, I still have an affection for it.

I write this as I sit in a hotel from Savannah - Diocesan Convention. A most lovely compline service - a feast for the ears and soul in a most lovely Christ Church Savannah.

May God grant you a safe night's end and a peaceful rest. Amen.

See more "Saying Good Night to God."

One Baby Blanket Completed

2006-01-31T18:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, Sophie's blanket is now complete. Pattern comes from Knit Along with Debbie Macomber and is a simple basketweave pattern -easy to memorize the pattern and getting into the rhythm of the pattern. It's about 45 inches square and I used Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (color is Pink a Boo - cute huh) (80% cotton 20% wool) - it says it is handwash only, but in the test I attempted with my swatch, the washing machine and dryer did quite nicely. In fact, I think it looks better after the wash and dry than before. So Sophia Elizabeth, you have my permission to arrive.
Now 2 more blankets to go and I don't think me giving them permission is going to make a difference. Methinks they may make it before their blanket's completion.
I think if you click on these pictures you will get a close up of the pattern.

Blue Socks that Rock

2006-01-31T07:17:00.000-05:00

Socks that Rock seem to be a very popular yarn right now with sock knitters and rightly so - it knits nicely and wears nicely and is wash and dry. 100% SuperWash Merino.

Someone was asking on one of the lists I am on if they had colors that were less variegated, meaning more "tame" I believe. Here is one of them - I can't remember the name--- maybe Faded Denim? Please correct me if I am wrong.

I think it would be a great yarn to try a pattern in the sock!

For more colors, go here to the Fold.

We're not talking about wedgies

2006-01-28T17:45:00.000-05:00

Ok, here is a trivia question - and I do this one from my trivia calendar, but more importantly because my husband is in the golf business and is coming home from THE golf convention. I am not sure how much he frequents the blog, but we will see if he knows this answer. Answer on Sunday afternoon.

What golfing great invented the sand wedge?

Answer: Gene Sarazen, in 1931. He called it the sand iron.

from The 365 Amazing Trivia Facts Calendar, Workman Publishing

I asked husband this question and he knew it right away!

This is a serious addicition

2006-01-27T06:24:00.000-05:00

Yes, folks, I think we have a case of cheetos addiction. I wouldn't ask her to share. Things could get ugly.

Knowing this health conscious mom, MG must have somehow gotten hold of this loot, got up in her rocker and had her a fine time. However, she got caught by evidence of this photo

Mom, keep the picture for blackmail in her teen years!

This is as close as we can get to making snowmen

2006-01-25T18:49:00.000-05:00

This is as close as we can get to making snowmen in South Georgia. The base are plastic individual milk cartons we get for our meals at school, LOTS of cotton (what a mess with glue!), the hats are individual honey mustard containers from school, the rest are google eyes, buttons, pipe cleaners and the mittens made from felt.

I guess the best thing we can say is that we had fun, and they will never melt!

Spanish Christening Shawl Update

2006-01-24T21:37:00.000-05:00

It seems by my blogging I had taken a hiatus from knitting - far from the truth my dear friends. I have been knitting up a storm - however, it's the same ol same ol pattern - so the progress only looks longer and the same. However, I can do the pattern now without looking at the chart which must mean I am in automatic pilot. Do not let it fool you into thinking I haven't had to go in reverse a couple of times and perform some surgery so I didn't have to tink. However, I can say I am approximately 2/3 of the way through the center of this center. There is a border which will soon become a part of the action. So if Elliott can hang out in the oven for a bit, we might see this get done before the due date (late February). However, this is not to say I don't have two more blankets "cooking" for Abigail and Sophie - all are due within weeks of each other. Strict instructions of gone out to my friends whose children have decided to have 3 grandchildren within weeks of each other not to do this again. I feel like the person on the Ed Sullivan Show that is spinning those dishes on top of the dowels.
Ok - details on the christening shawl from Cheryl Oberle's book Folk Shawls: 25 Knitting Patterns and Tales from Around the World - Dale of Norway Baby Ull which is superwash 100% merino wool - size 8 needles - I reduced the size of the cast on to 155 instead of195 ( I am using my memory on this - not absolutely positive) - right now the width of the center is about 34 - 36 inches - the original was to be 5 feet which was larger than I wanted. The yarn, since it is superwashed is stretchy and has a lot of give so difficult to determine its exact dimensions.
And, the Baby Ull is very nice to work with!

A little Green Eggs and Ham please

2006-01-24T07:10:00.000-05:00

Kiddy Lit Trivia Question:

What was the $50 bet between editor Bennett Cerf and Theodor Geisel --- aka Dr. Seuss -- that resulted in the children's classic Green Eggs and Ham?

Answer Tuesday evening

And, as promised, the answer is: According to 365 Amazing Trivia Facts Calendar, Cerf bet Geisel that he couldn't write a book using 50 words or less. Geisel won.

(With many teachers serving green eggs to students as an activity with this book.)

Five Pleasures

2006-01-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

RevGalPals posted their Friday Five (and somehow I thought the one below was it, but I must have been confused). Five pleasures in my life, not in any particular order, and not necessarily the top 5 because I think pleasures rotate according to season, experiences, and circumstances:

1. Singing good music - working through the process and getting it until it is a part of your soul.

2. Seeing the light bulb come on in a young child and they get excited about it.

3. Knitting

4. Going into a GOOD bookstore

5. going to a nice restaurant

I did not look at anyone else's pleasure lists until I did mine. I was very tempted to put massage in there, but I felt like the graphic may have prompted me. It's been so long since I have had a massage, I could not include it - don't know when I will get one either.... but they are wonderful.

Meme

2006-01-20T17:28:00.000-05:00

Four jobs you've had in your life:

Worked at McDonald's in high school - 1.65 an hour
Worked at FSU during college for Information - answered the phone and gave out phone numbers and worked at a desk where students listened to music and checked out magazines.
Worked as a childbirth instructor
Present job as a preschool special ed teacher

Four movies you could watch over and over:

Sound of Music
It's a Wonderful Life
The Snowman (a wonderful 30 minute wordless video for kids of ALL ages - I never tire of it)
Wizard of Oz

Four places you've lived:

Grew up in Tallahassee and lived in a couple of places growing up
in a dorm at FSU
In a Victorian home built in 1907 that needed tons of work on it
present home - ranch style

Four TV shows you love to watch:

Rachael Ray's 40 dollars a day
Weather Channel
Rick Steves Travel show
In Concert on EWTN - great choral performances

Four places you've been on vacation:

Gulf Coast Panhandle of Florida - a variety of locations - anywhere from Alligator Point, Camp Weed (which was at St. Teresa, and now is in Live Oak, FL), Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Blue Mountain Beach (where there is no mountain but high dunes), Destin
Smoky Mountains - I love the mountains
Cruise to Cozumel - introduced us to cruising which we do love
Washington D.C. - I really enjoyed the National Cathedral

My kids have done all the overseas travel - except for the youngest who is more of a homebody.

Four websites you visit daily:

Google
Trivia Channel Page
LOTS of blogs
at least one yarn shop

Four of your favorite foods:

Moussaka
Macaroni and Cheese
My husband makes a wonderful white chocolate coconut cake I really like ALOT
cheesecake

Four places you'd rather be right now:

on a cruise with out entire family
On the gulf coast
in a cabin in the mountains
actually I am very content being right here in our home

If you have read all of this, you have been officially tagged. Took some thinking on this one!

Sky Watcher

2006-01-18T07:04:00.000-05:00

Morning sky - Jan 17 - notice the jet streaming in the picture. It was much more brilliant than my ability to capture it on my digital camera. So you get just a taste.

A much colder day today.... 39 degrees with a high of 53 - nippy for these here parts.

Quick Knit Request

2006-01-15T15:45:00.000-05:00

"Mom, I am going to Atlanta to market - will you make me a red scarf?"
This is the 2nd request for a red scarf as her sister requested one at Christmas. I was excited - two daughters have requested I knit them something so away I went. Knowing I was up against a deadline and KNOWING I had baby blanket deadlines that I continue to be up against, I knew this had to be a quickie - so I got some Wool-Ease, doubled it and got out the size 13s and away I went with a simple garter stitch scarf. This is approximately five feet in length so should do nicely to wear several ways.

Quick and simple, machine washable, and glad to be able to make her one. Now, this picture was not so easy to take because as soon as I took it, Tillie wanted to be a part of the picture so here is another rendition of the scarf ala Tillie:

Here is a nice picture of our church's steeple on a winter day - along with a beautiful sky!

Who has Mittens?

2006-01-10T17:02:00.000-05:00

Our preschool special education classroom is focusing on the book The Mitten by Jan Brett. For those of you unfamiliar with this author, she has the most beautiful illustrations in her book. Mittens are not something you find in the deep south, living 15 miles from the state line of Florida. However, the books is a book about animals and something knitted, so how could I resist?? So the mittens we have are photocopied, but we don't have the real thing. In fact, mittens are hard to find in these parts. I don't want to give the impression there are NONE, but gloves are around here, but not many mittens. I have yet to see a child come to school with mittens on.

My grandmother used to knit us mittens, even if we did live in Florida. The New Englander in her and the love she had for us was the reason why she did. So our hands were traced so she could custom fit them to our hands and we would wear them..... a few times..... since we do get cold weather, but then it warms up quickly (as in 3-4 days).

Well, the speech therapist and I were talking about getting real mittens so they could try them on, sort them, match them, to reinforce the skills we work on with their varying disabilities. Some of them receive occupational therapy, so clothing skills are a part of their curriculum. Color identification, big and little, matching, and even for those with sensory integration challenges, putting ON something different is part of their work.

So I have a request from knitters, or even non knitters that may have a pair of mittens not in use. We would love to receive mittens from folks - they can be for little hands or big hands. Maybe they were a pair of mittens that got two lefties or two righties, or never made it to where they were supposed to go. Or they can be store bought! We would love a letter about cold weather and snow and where they mittens come from. We will place a map outside of our room and mark where we receive the mittens from. And I will post on my blog where we are getting the mittens from. Photos of snow and people with mittens on would be great also!

If you can help spread the word, even a note and a picture of a person wearing mittens would be fun for the kids! And the students that attend the elementary school can also see where they mittens have come from.

If you are willing to participate, you can email at:

cstevens at dcboe dot com

and I will give you the address of the school.

Spanish Christening Shawl

2006-01-08T11:34:00.000-05:00

I have been working on several baby blankets and am trying to finish before their arrival (all in February). The one shown here is from Cheryl Oberle's book Folk Shawls: 25 Knitting Patterns and Tales from Around the World - I am using Dale of Norway Baby Ull which is a machine washable merino wool in fingering weight. Here is my questions. It is about 30 inches wide, which is about where I would like it. I am wanting to make it square since it has an edging on it (if you have the book you can see it there). The original shawl was made to be much bigger, but I reduced the width, so also may modify the edging if it seems out of proportion.
Here is the question. Since this is washable wool, will it still need to be blocked? And I really don't want it wider, but want it square so would prefer to block it so that the length gets stretched a bit to make it square. Does that make sense? I would appreciate any comments from those that have worked with the Dale of Norway Baby Ull and how it blocks.

Red Hat

2006-01-07T13:16:00.000-05:00

Today I can officially wear a red hat for a good reason - I have made it to the half century mark! It's official. I can join AARP, at some places I can get a senior citizen discount, and I can count myself as a true minority in blog land, since there doesn't appear to be as many over 50 bloggers as there are the younger folk.

Today Beth and I will have a 50th birthday party done in our honor - since we are three days apart this should be twice the fun!

If I had more time, I guess I could write down 50 things I can think about on my birthday in terms of thanksgiving, but right now I just don't have the time to do it!
Perhaps later on....

Brainteaser

2006-01-05T07:12:00.000-05:00

What two words, formed from different arrangements of the same five letters, can be used to complete the sentence below?

The young writer _________ for years until he is recognized and his _________ are published.

Anonymous commenter/poster got it right on - mopes and poems! Congratulations!

BTW, I am "unknitting" or tinking - I have made a mess and trying to salvage my mess. More later.

Clarifying weirdness

2006-01-04T20:32:00.000-05:00

Some of you have commented on my #5 weirdness - about calling people out of the phone book that have my maiden name -- so I need to qualify it - I have only done it once - because there just aren't that many of us - less than 100 in the US - don't know the statistics elsewhere. It's an Anglo Saxon name and there is a town in England with the name. James Herriot, author of the "All Things Bright and Beautiful" series, loosely associates the fictional town with this particular town, though I don't believe the actual town is ever mentioned in his books. I found an image of the church that is in the town too. I believe there may be a castle also, yet I doubt I have much blue blood that I have been told about.
Oh well, I need to get back into my knitting - the babies are cooking in the oven and my fingers aren't near the needles at the moment.

Cotton Candy

2006-01-04T08:08:00.000-05:00

I am now with a digital camera so I can post some pictures. Some folks on the list were wondering about Cotton Candy with Socks that Rock - so I took a picture to post so you can see it. It is the most lovely of pink. I believe you can click on the picture and get a larger image of it.

It's Continental

2006-01-04T07:46:00.000-05:00

Trivia Question for the day:

You have a 1 in 7 chance of getting it right.

Which is the highest of the seven continents?

ANSWER: Antarctica, Because of the thick ice cover, it has the highest average elevation of all the continents. (I actually think that is a little unfair since they didn't clarify the question by asking Which is the highest average in elevation of the seven continents, but I don't work for Page a Day company).

Five Weird habits of myself

2006-01-03T18:48:00.000-05:00

Do I have weird habits? Surely NOT! Norma tagged me on this one (my husband said he couldn't think of any - he is such a smart man)

Rules: “The first player of this game starts with the topic “five weird habits of yourself,” and people who get tagged need to write an entry about their five weird habits as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next five people to be tagged and link to their web journals. Don’t forget to leave a comment in their blog or journal that says “You are tagged” (assuming they take comments) and tell them to read yours.”

in the morning - I put my sweetener in my coffee before I pour my coffee and milk in the cup so I don't have to use a spoon. I have not convinced anyone else in my house that that is a good idea.
I hate to iron - really hate to iron - if something is wrinkled, I will throw a damp towel in the dryer with the wrinkled item to see if I can get away with not ironing it.
if I am practicing singing and start with a pitch from the piano, and then sing without accompaniment, I have to check afterwards to see if I stayed in the same key or went sharp or flat.
I prefer drinking iced tea out of a plastic cup instead of a glass one. I also prefer that the tea be just brewed and melts the ice than having the tea refrigerated.
If I go to a town and stay in a motel, I check to see if there is anyone in the town with my maiden name. There is a good chance I will call that number to talk to them. THERE JUST AREN'T THAT MANY OF US OUT THERE!

Hmmmmmm, tagging time - Emily, Naomi, Ellen, Sharon, and LutheranChik

and called it Macaroni?

2006-01-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, I love trivia - and my dear friend Kit gave me a daily calendar with trivia questions. So here is today's trivia question:

To what family of animals do the Chinstrap, Macaroni, and Gentoo belong? (notice no ending of this question in a preposition)

Leave your answer in the comments - and 'fess up if you had to Google it!

Addendum
Oh you savvy folks --- penguins are the choice bird!
Here is a link to a poster of penguins for those that want to be in the know!
Penguin link

XM Radio

2006-01-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I am sort of bummed - my digital camera isn't working - and I really wanted to post pictures on here, but it is not to be. Perhaps I can snag my daughter's camera when she get home today and get some pictures to show.

Today it has rained and been the most dreary of days. I found a Ginger Rodgers/Fred Astaire movie on the television and they sure don't make movies like they used to.

On another note - I have been "radioless" in my car for quite some time. This car has had radio problems from the get go, so I had resolved myself to the fact that I would ride/drive in silence. Last week, my DH rectified that and I am now have XM radio - which is quite nice - other than NPR I really listen to no other station, and this gives you more stations than one can shake a stick at - music of all types, news from every slant, and of course SPORTS. I had no idea there were so many choices in ROCK music, but did you know that XM only has 3 choices in classical? YUP, vocal (opera and choral), Classical on the light side and then the other classical. Interestingly "classical" music (not to be confused with music from the Classical era) spans over a millennium at least, yet it gets clumped into 3 stations - rock which is approximately 50 years old has MANY MANY stations, some by decades, others by - beats all I have ever seen.
Now XM radio has not asked me how I would divide up the wide diversity of classical music, but I could give them some guidance if they wanted my 2 cents worth - I guess the almighty dollar drives them to offer how they offer it.
Do any of you have XM radio? What is your favorite station?

Socks that Rock - Seastone

2005-12-26T22:17:00.000-05:00

I present you with the first pair of Socks that Rock that I have completed, along with what was left over after knitting for size 9 feet.

Size 2 double circulars were used. Basic Sock Pattern. CO 56 stitches.

Love the yarn - great to knit with. Don't like how I did the heel flap - think I got flap happy with it.
Also think I would start off with size 1 needles at the top and then change over to size 2s down the leg. Tweaking for personal sizing.
Now I think I am ready to venture out into some other sock patterns. I would like for the toe shaping to be a little different so will work on that too.
Son has now requested for me to make him a pair of socks, but he thought these were a little loud and "girlie" as he called it. He wants some more neutral colors. Imagine that...

Venite Adoremus

2005-12-24T08:35:00.000-05:00

Of course this is a most appropriate title for this day before Christmas - but it is also the name of an art exhibition for the Episcopal Church and Visual Arts virtual display of items that, as the curators Frank and Griffin Logue requested:

We asked artists to respond to the challenge to let the hymns of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany serve as their muse in both creating and selecting the art for this exhibit. The resulting exhibit offers an interesting array of thoughtful works in varying artistic styles and media.

They did not disappoint with their creativity in combining the hymns of the season to their particular medium or media. For a feast of the eyes and soul, visit the online exhibition. It will nourish and enhance your journey as we all prepare for Christmas.

Interestingly, I counted 4 contributors from the Diocese of Georgia. If I missed anyone please let me know!

Check it out here - which one is your favorite?

You can also check out their blog here at ecva.blogspot.com.
What a wonderful gift these artists have given us.

Paradox

2005-12-23T17:24:00.000-05:00

How come Walmart employees are not allowed to say Merry Christmas, but when I was listening to the piped in music in the store today, they were playing Hallelujah from Handel's Messiah?

RevGalPal Christmas Music MEME

2005-12-23T17:12:00.000-05:00

1) If you had to choose CDs as a soundtrack for the Christmas season, what would they be?
I love John Rutter's Christmas Music
Wolcum Yule by Anonymous 4

2) How do you feel about singing all the verses of "The First Noel?" (Six in our hymnal, but apparently there are nine.)

Well, even though I think some hymns go on and on - I do know that not singing all of the verses is like not reading all of the verses of a poem. Not quite fair to the writer of the prayer, if you consider a hymn a prayer.

3) "O, Come All Ye Faithful" has a lot of verses, too. Which is your favorite?
Yea, Lord We Greet Thee, On this happy morning ( Cyberhymnal web site was down so couldn't get to the page.

4) What music do you play while opening presents?
I try to put some nice music on from our National Public Radio - not many give too much of a rip of the music in the background except me. I probably get in a snit worse about this than anything around Christmas time.

5) Which carols do you consider to be Christmas Eve essentials?
Angels We have Heard on High
O Come All Ye Faithful
In the Bleak Midwinter
So much Christmas music for so little time......

and a Bonus Question:6) What, if any, is your favorite secular Christmas song?
I'll Be Home for Christmas - I love the tune.. I love the words...