Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all--and happy any other holiday you are celebrating. May your holiday season be blessed and full of love.

Update

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday I became very weak and tired--and of course attributed it to chemo and radiation--which it was--but I should have been a little more diligent and been checked out sooner. On Sat. Nov 28 I took an ambulance ride to the ER and was admitted with all sorts of critically low blood levels. I received 4 units of blood and 5 units of platelets and many other meds and was in there until Wed Dec 2. I am home now and feeling a tad better--actually a lot better, but of course not 100%. I will resume radiation on Monday Dec 7 and will probably also resume chemo some time next week--that depends on my blood work. I am staying away from all but family right now due to the really low immune system and not wanting to catch anything. Please keep up all the prayers as they are continuing to work and they are really appreciated more than you know--thank you all so much. Will update as I can. The treatment BTW is working!!

Update

I know that I have told you all that I would keep you updated as I could. I do have good days and some not so good days--but no super super bad days as of yet. I got my second round of chemo this week which finished up on Wed. and will continue to get that 3 days in a row every 3 weeks for 4 more rounds.. I also started radiation this past Monday and will receive that 2x daily for 3 1/2 weeks.

I did get a good report from the radiation oncologist as he reported to us that the tumor has already begun to shrink, which is very good news this early in the treatment.

Last week I felt pretty yucky--white blood count was low and received daily shots of leukine for that. Then I slept the whole weekend away and when labs were drawn on this past Monday it was found that I was anemic with a hgb. of 9.8--since my insurance pays for procrit I was give a dose of that--and felt great by that evening--it works well and fast.

Of course I no longer have hair--and darling hubby took me today and we purchased a cranial prosthesis aka a wig. Insurance will pay for that. It is a little lighter than my real color, and I have a feeling that when my real hair comes back it may get dyed to this color as I like it very much.

All in all for the most part I am holding up pretty well--Our God is taking good care of Dave and I.

Dave also is doing well and is such a great support to myself and I don't know what I would do without him.

I truly hope that I remembered to tell you all everything that I wanted to--if not until next time.

Lung Cancer Treatment

As many of you know we are about to start a journey into uncharted territory. I had a medport placed last Wed. and will be receiving my first chemo treatment on Monday Oct 26. I will receiving chemo 3 days in a row every three weeks for 6 sessions.. Some time during the course of chemo they will be doing radation 5 days a week for 5 to 7 weeks. You will only be receiving these updates when I feel good enough to write them--but I will do my best to keep you all posted. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers you have been sending up for us. Thank you so much--much love to you all.. We are keeping our positive attitude and trusting in God and know that all will be well.

WooHoo!!

Way to go Isaac. This is the third year my 17 year old grandson has been deer hunting and he bagged his first deer yesterday morning--with the first shot--a bow and arrow no less--dropped it dead. I am so proud of him--and it is split open because he field dressed it himself--never having seen it done--all learned from you tube. You can go to my daughter's blog to see a better story on this. Happy Knitting

Gotta love that Grace Y.!!

When you are taking pics of your self in the mirror in the bathroom you can't necessarily expect them to look great--but I think the shawl looks wonderful. I love the size of it--and the color is so striking--one of the colors that look the best on me. I am sure I will get a lot of use out of this shawl that I won in a contest on Grace's Blog "Lovin' Comfort Knits".

Grace has a wonderful blog. She writes about life and knitting. Joy and Sorrow, Sickness and Health, just life in general. She is a very regular poster--a downfall for me right now--but such is life. I try. Thank you Grace for being who you are and allowing us to share in your life. Happy knitting to all. Oh yes--thx for the gorgeous shawl Grace. I will think of you every time I wear it.

Little Lucy Felted

Well here she is Kel--your little lucy felted and I just love her. Thought I would post pics so you could see her. I will try to either have her lined or to have the lining ready by Monday. Have a lot going on so we shall see. See ya Monday. Happy knitting to all.

My daughter Kelly knitted this bag.

Why No Blogging?

This is just to show you that there has been some knitting going on. There are very good reasons for mu total lack of blogging

I want you to know that I will not be closing my blog--as I wish to continue following all those I have been following. I feel I have developed a friendship and bond with all of my pretend friends--thank you so much for that.

I have been really ill--diagnosed with SIADH--which I do not really understand it--it has to do with ineffective anti diuretic hormone and my sodium dropped very very low and I was unable to function for 7 days.. I then spent 7 more days in the critical care unit to treat and find they cause.. And the cause was found. They found a lesion on my lower right lung--which is what they feel triggered the SIADH. It was biopsied and it is a small cell cancer. for now that is all we know. I will see an oncologist on Oct 12--have more testing to determine stage etc and then they will decide on treatment. I do know it is not operable.

I am not posting this for sympathy--but for lots and lots of prayers please--cuz I know they do work. I will do my best to keep you all posted. I am very accepting of my current status and plan to enjoy every day that I do feel well to the fullest and to do the best I can when I do not feel well. Please pray also for my 3 daughter's, my mom, and especially my special hubby who will bear the brunt of this. He is a great guy. That is all for now--and happy knitting.

Crafty Corner and a Contest

Run on over to Knitty Sue's for a great contest.

Here is my knitting corner. It is at the end of my couch on the coffee table and on the floor beside the couch. On the coffee table you will find much. A container with needles--7" wooden needles--dpn's--some circular needles. A smaller container with notions--row counters, stitch holders, crochet hooks, darning needles, scissors, tape measurer, and God only knows what else--pens index cards etc. Some dishcloth cotton for that instant gratification knitting. A finished scarf--a coupla finished dishcloths. Beside the couch are project bags with wips--and some with needles and crochet hooks--and some with sock yarn. In the space under the coffee table are knitting books and knitting magazines. Also lots and lots of patterns on the top of the coffee table--and a crossword puzzle book for when I need a diversion. I certainly don't have to move to keep myself knitting or crocheting. Thx Knitty Sue for the fun contest. What is in your knitting corner? Happy Knitting.

Picture Heavy--Word Light

This is what we did for my 60th Birthday--the day after on June 8--and we did it again last Monday without the presents. Can't wait to do it again.

some knitting and crocheting

Hi everyone--it isn't that I have lost interest in blogging--life has just been very very busy this year. with weddings, graduations, showers, open houses, doctors, etc. What more can I say. DH is going the 22 of this month for testing of his heart function to see if he is a candidate for an implanted defibrillator and pace maker--let's all keep our fingers crossed. I had 2 grandkids graduate high school this year--so hard to believe. Where has the time gone. And DH's grandson is getting married the 26th of this month. Going to try to post more often, but with all that is going on--no promises.

I have made about 16 of the necklaces in the pic above. They are truly instant gratification knitting and are lots of fun. They can be found in the 101 Designers One Skein Wonders book. Ravelry link.

The afghan is a wedding gift for Dave's grandson and the bride to be. Ravelry link I made it with leftover acrylic yarns. Please don't moan--it will get a lot of use and many washings I am sure--so acrylic is the way to go.

So until the next time--Happy Knitting!!

Shower Gift

The shower gift was much appreciated--especially the album. 11 hand knit dishcloths, basket, kitchen supplies, and an album of the groom to be growing up. The shower was really nice and she will make a very pretty bride. I married in to such a nice family. Happy knitting.

I Won!!

I very rarely enter contests--but after seeing this one--and the color of the yarn and the name of the blog. Check it out. Thank you Kathy at Irisheyes knitting blog for the lovely sock yarn. I have never used Lorna's laces and can't wait to try it! You will need to scroll down. I follow the blog and really like it a lot. Happy Knitting.

Happy Birthday to Me

Yep it is the big six-o. Never thought I would live this long. And I am so grateful to be here. Even with all its aches and pains--my life is so full. Three lovely daughters--and their spouses--and they have graced me with 10 grandchildren ages 19 months to 18 years--2 graduated highschool this year. Wow! I still have my Mom and am married to a wonderfu man who spoils me rotten. How good does it get?

She Graduated

WooHoo. Sunday May 21, 2009 was the big day--we are all so proud of her. She and my Grandson are my first grandchildren to graduate. Jordan was homeschooled and is having his ceremony and open house on June 13 with pics to follow. I can't believe I am getting so old. Where have the years gone?

Happy knitting!

Another Dishcloth

The post below wouldn't allow me to add another pic--so here it is--another post.
Isn't this a lovey cloth for a shower gift? I absolutely love this pattern. It is made from Sugar'nCream cotton--color rose pink--on size #7 needles--and the pattern can be found here.

Happy Knitting!!

Wedding Shower Gifts

I know I know--long time no blog. I have been busy with life and such and some shower gift knitting. I am making dishcloths to put in a basket with some kitchen supplies and a small photo album of the groom growing up. I will take a pic of the basket when all is done--and the album.

First off is the Squidge Cloth made on size #7 needles with Peaches&Creme Cotton in the Winterberries colorway. As a matter of fact all the dishcloths are made on Szie #7 needles so I will not mention the needle size again. The pattern can be found here.

Next is the Darrell Waltrip dishcloth made with Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Culinary Colors [The color # or name is not mentioned on the ballband:)] Ther pattern can be found here.

Next up are a coupla Grandma's Favorites. One is made from Lion Brand Cotton in the colorway Sagebrush and the other is made from Lily Sugar'nCream in the colorway Summer Splash. The pattern can be found here.

Fourth are a coupla Ballbands. One is made from Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Color white and Peaches&Creme baby green and the other is made from Fantasy Naturale Color # 8020 and #9706. The pattern can be found here.

And last but not least are a coupla Waffle Stitch Dishcloths one from Sugar'nCream Stripes holiday color and the other from Sugar'nCream Stripes Tie Dye Stripes. The pattern can be found here.

What are you knitting?

They Grow Up Too Quickly

Just a little eye candy for ya. There she is in all her glory. She picked the dress herself and it is gorgeous. Oh to be so young and skinny. But I am happy with where I am in life, and to have such a beautiful grandaughter. You will see above--a back view of the dress, a pic of her with her date, and a pic of her with her mom and dad.

They had great weather, low eighties at 6:30 pm and no rain. How good does it get.

Happy knitting to all.

Prom and Evening Bag

My grandaughter's senior prom is tonight. And I knitted her this lovely evening bag out of Noro Daria Color #24. The pattern was given to me and I don't know where to tell you to get it. Daria is not really a yarn, but rather a shiny cord. It was pretty easy to knit with and this was a quick knit. The pattern does not call for a closure, but I crocheted a loop and attached a pretty little button. I really hope that she likes it. I will be off later today to take pics and hopefully post tomorrow. Happy knitting to all!

Attitude of Gratitude Award

Thank you Gayle so much for this award. This is really a nice award and I am so glad I come across as a grateful person--because like everyone else, I have my days.

Here are the rules of accepting and sharing this award:

The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award:

Put the logo on your blog or post.
Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude.
Link to your nominees within your post.
Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award.
Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude.

If you look in my sidebar you will see all the people that I follow and feel they are all happy and grateful people. I nominate all of you and if you wish to share--go for it.

How did I develop an attitude of gratitude. I have not always been a grateful person. When I was 29 years old my hubby left for another woman and I was the most unhappy and ungrateful person you could possibly know. I had 4 children ages 5 to 9 whom I left with him as I had no job and no skills and was absolutely terrified. My God was good and let me have them back a year later. I became a chronic alcoholic--a hopeless drunk--that was my coping skill. By the grace of God I have been sober a little over 24 years and live a happy productive life today. There has been a lot of growing in those years, and I am not a perfect person--in fact far from it--but I have a true appreciation for the gift of life and try to maintain a grateful attitude no matter what is going on around me.

Now that I have told you all more about myself than I ever thought I would--you all have a great day. And thank you Gayle for affording me the opportunity to share.

Grace, I will try to do your award tomorrow. Happy Knitting.

She Is Done!!

And it is about time! I started her Dec. 30, 08 and just finished her today. She still needs some blocking, but all in all I think that she looks pretty good. Here is a ravelry link for the details.

Here is a link to a earlier post with the details if you want them.

This was a lot of lot of knitting--but was great TV knitting in the winter months. After a while I did get very bored with it and kept putting it down to make smaller things--which is why it took so long. There are lots of mistakes--it has been a long time since I have made a full sized wearable--but I plan to wear it a lot once the weather once again turns cooler.

Happy knitting everyone.

Scarf Finished

Well, I finally finished the gathered scarf. Not a lot of time for knitting lately, but this was a fun project. I made it out of Berrocco Comfort Sock Yarn on size #4 and #8 needles. I cast on 60 stitches instead of 48 and decreased to 30 for the garter stitch rows. I used the whole skein and the scarf is 5" by 57". I like to make scarves 3" or more longer, but did not want to use a new skein for 24 more rows. I am pleased with the results. Happy Knitting.

A Little Crocheting

The owner of my favorite LYS Knitting on the Square in Chardon, Ohio is having a baby in June. She is such a gracious owner and has a very inviting shop with couches, chairs and lets us sit and knit without fees. So I made her the above for her baby.

The off white loopstitch sweater and hat are from a book called Leisure Arts #4, Baby Talk and is made with Cascade Heritage Sock yarn. The off white loopstitch booties are made with the same yarn. The blue loopstitch booties are made with Regia Sock yarn--ballband went with the gift. The loopstitch booty pattern is from a book called Spinnerin #201, Wee Moderns. Both books are vintage and out of print.

It is always such fun to make baby things. Happy Knitting.

Another Nurse Day

Just another one of the many nurses I have in my collection. I just thought it would be fun to share these with you. This nurse was handpainted just for me by a very special friend who passed away on Dec 19 of last year. He gifted it to me in 1995 and signed it on the bottom. And just how special is that. What do you collect. There will be many more to follow.

Happy Knitting

And Finally Some Knitting

First up is a Gathered Scarf. I am making this out of Berrocco Comfort Sock Yarn Color #1813. It is making a really nice scarf but don't think I would make socks out of it.

Next is a pair of socks made from Bearfoot Mountain Colors handpainted yarns, color Gray Wolf. I absolutely love this sock yarn--so soft and wonderful to work with--worth every penny. I used the 56 stitch 56 row sock pattern. My mods-- 40 rows 1x1 ribbing followed by 10 rows st st. I then followed the pattern for the heel flap, heel turn, and gusset. I did 48 rows of st st for the foot and followed the pattern for the toe. These fit my size 6 to 6 1/2 foot. I used a size one 40" circular needle and the magic loop method. Since I have learned magic loop, I don't think I will ever go back to DPN's.

Next are my 2 Multidirectional Scarves.
the green one is made from Plymouth Boku color #3 and the last one is made from Lion Wool color Autumn Sunset. The Lion Wool one was my practice scarf and I used the original ending which is not very symmetrical. On the Plymout Boku one I used the alternate ending which I like much better. This was an instant gratification knit--very fast and easy!! I will be making it again.

I have less than 100 rows to knit on the second sleeve of my Einstein Coat--then the collar, block, and buttons. It has been hibernating a lot. Have also started another pair of socks,

What are you knitting? Happy Knitting.

More Nurses

I know, I know, long time no blog! Life has been very busy and, although I check my blogs that I read daily, and occasionally comment--and spend about 15 minutes daily raveling, I have not taken the time to post.

These are my Nurse Ratchets from my nurse collection. I took a pic of the back of the one so you could see that they all hold enema bags. Aren't they fun. I try not to be a Nurse Ratchet. Even though I thought the title Nurse Ratchet has been around since time began--it hasn't. Nurse Ratchet was in One Flew Over the Cockoo Nest starring Jack Nicholson. I believe that was sometime in the 70's--so it has been a while. Great movie. Knitting to come. Happy Knitting.