this weeks happenings

Hope everyone is doing as well as I am doing. It is raining hard outside and I just had to clean up my blog. Thank you Tina for your help.

I am crocheting on my bag for tomorrow's class and I am preparing and doing my homework for a class I am attending this weekend.

Yarn Expo is in Anchorage this weekend and will attend a class taught by Lily Chin "shortcuts and tricks for crocheters". I will let everyone how it went next week. I am real exited about going.

Other than that everything is still the same. Everyone have a wonderful week. Talk to you next week.

picture of my bag--the beginning

Here are finally some pictures of my crochet felted bag (not felted yet). Will post more after my next class. The top photo (the darker one) is more true to the actual color. I'll be using some other colors too.

Fall into..............dishcloth topic of the week

Hello, here are a few of the many reasons why I like fall. I love fall colors, I love that we are getting closer to Halloween and Thanksgiving and most of all we are getting closer to Christmas and my daughter will come and visit so she can have a white Christmas which we usually have and she certainly does not. This coming weekend I will get my few Halloween decorations out of storage and put up my summer clothes and get my fall and winter clothes in order and wearable condition. I love it when seasons change because it seems like I have a brand new wardrobe.

Thank you hostesses for all the work you do.

Great fall

I'm late with my blog this week. Had a sick granddaughter who for the first time is fever free today. She was sent home from school last Monday and has been sick ever since and as I said today is the first fever free day.

Didn't go to crocheting class on Wednesday. I had car trouble and a man from church came by to check it out--result I'll need a new radiator.

Our fall has been wonderful. Lots of rain but also some sunshine. And turning of the leaves is great. No snow yet and temps are not too bad.

I hope every one has a wonderful week. I am planning to.

Topic of the week

I prefer to use metal crocheting hooks. They feel better than plastic (never tried wood). Plastic hooks feel unsubstantial to me whereas the metal ones feel like I have something in my hand.. I will use them (plastic hooks) when I have no choice. The brand I usually use is Boye. I checked all my hooks and they are all Boye. No other brand; now I have to go its lunchtime for my little munchkins.

Crocheting Class

Hello everyone. Just a short note. I went to a crocheting class last Wednesday to learn how to crochet a felted bag. I learned and I have the bag about 1/3 done and will post a picture soon. I really enjoy the class and making the bag. Now I have to go as my little charge Avrey has arrived and she will be wanting a bottle soon. Have a wonderful weekend all.

dishcloth exchange and odds and ends

Hello, just my very short answer to the topic of the week. No, I don't change yarns when the cooler season comes. I mostly crochet and use cotton. I do try to change colors. Kinda stay away from the very pastels.

Now to the odds and ends. I've been crocheting dishcloth and today a small blanket for my granddaughter's small, plush puppy. Dishcloth are easy to do for me while I'm babysitting. My little charges are Avrey who is 3 months old and Clara who will be 2 years on the 1st of October.

All of us, baby, toddler and I have been having a cold. But thank goodness , we're at the tail end. In the afternoon I pick up my sweet granddaughter Katie from school. This is her first year and I miss her a lot being gone during the day.

Tomorrow night I am going to a crocheting class to learn how to crochet a felted bag. It might take me awhile.

I will go for tonight and make myself a cup of hot lemonade and then go to bed with a good book. Pictures might be posted later. Ingrid

Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Swap Questionnaire

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been doing it?

I crochet and have been crocheting for over 50 years.

2. Have you made dischloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both?

Yes, I have made them before, and I use them and give them as gifts.

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ?

I like Sugar N Creme yarn - I don't really know a lot of other ones much. I've crochet with some before, but don't know their names. I'm not really sure of others, I have heard a lot about Cotton Ease, it might be neat to try that.

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles?

I always use plastic and metal needles. I've never tried wooden before.

5. What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much?

I like all colors; there aren't really any that I don't like. Gray, I like it mostly with other colors rather than alone, and purple and lavender are my favorite colors.

6. What do you like best about Autumn?

I like the change of colors in the trees and looking forward to Thanksgiving.

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks!

I like Apple and Pecan, but my very favorite is Mincemeat pie!

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day?

I couldn't wait for school to get started, usually.

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the timeframe of the swap)

I don't celebrate it, per se, but I do decorate for it and hand out candy to the kids.

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose?

Macadamia nuts, cashews and bread n butter pickles LOL. Hey, it counts as a goodie! I love em!

11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;)

I have grandkids and kids - my kids are grown, but I live with 3 of my grandkids and my daughter and her husband.

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why?

I don't think there is a yarn that describes my personality unless there's something scratchy ;)

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths?

I've used them for both, but mostly for dishcloths.

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays)

Thanksgiving, because it's a family holiday. Everyone gets together and you can eat lots of good food!

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about?

Nope, none that I can think of!

I Got My Dishcloth Swap Package!

Hi, my pal is Diane; I loved your package. All the yarn, I better get
busy. I love the pattern; I will think about you every time I make a cup
of tea for a long time. The dishcloth you made for me is beautiful, and
I love the goodies as well as the lotion, the soap and body spray. What
can I say, I loved everything in my package and you were a great pal
throughout the swap.

Stephanie's Package from Dishcloth Swap

You saw previews of this recently, but mom had asked me to get a picture of the entire package in all its goodness! I'm slow, but here it is! - Your loving daughter :D

My answers to contest/Dishcloth

1. Ingrid M.

2. Risa J.

3. Madonna B.

4. Mary B.

5. Stephanie B.

The end nears--my vacation

Hello everybody, this will probably be the last time you will hear about my vacation. I have spent the last week here at Annie's, going swimming and just hanging out. On Friday (the 29th) was one of the highlights of my trip. A coworker (Mike) gave Annie tickets to attend the RUMC (Roswell United Methodist Church) 26th Annual Patriotic Celebration. What a treat. The Atlanta Wind Symphony (Mike's Band) was playing and the RUMC Sanctuary Choir was singing. The playing and singing of Patriotic songs was heartwarming. The Twentiana Dancers entertained us with a dance. All services were recognized and veterans were asked to stand when their anthem was played. Various little films were shown to let us know how far our country has come over the years. All I can say, what a truly inspiring evening. Thank you Mike for the tickets.

On Saturday we drove to Helen, which a friend, Alisa, had recommended I see. A small Bavarian town in the middle of Georgia. Very nice but oh so hot. This was the first time felt hot since coming to Georgia and during all my travels. We bought an ice cream cone and it melted faster than I could lick it.

On our way to Helen we found a couple of treasures, One, an outlet mall with a Coldwater Creek, Big Dog, Dressbarn and many more stores to browse thru. Oh, what fun. Annie bought me two very pretty and a black cardigan like sweater. Thank you Annie.

A bit farther down the road we came upon a roadside stand "The Tomato House". We bought fresh Georgia peaches, huge, delicious tomatoes (I'm still eating them), fresh white corn and okra. peaches, corn and okra are gone. We ate them ALL up!!

On Sunday we went downtown Atlanta to Annie's favorite yarnshop. She had fun browsing and I had fun watching her.

For the 4th of July we have planned a quite day st home. We'll eat some BBQ'd ribs, deviled eggs and potato salad together with a glass of wine to salute our country.

Thank you all for reading my blog and letting me come to your home to share my wonderful vacation with you.

I will blog about the VVS and the Dog Days of Summer swap. Until then,

Auf Wiedersehn and Good Bye.

Dishcloth Swap Received! And more of my vacation

Hello everybody. I'm doing great and my visit to Dallas, Texas was great, just a little short. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law came to the airport to pick me up. They had my nieces two daughters, Celeste and Caroline, with them. I had never met either of them. They are two beautiful young ladies.

From the airport we went to Fuddruckers (a first for me) to eat lunch. Then we went on home and talked trying to catch up with 13 years of not seeing each other. That afternoon my niece Maria came by and I had not seen her in 13 years either. My, my where did the time go. After talking awhile we realized that she deals a lot with my daughter Annemarie without knowing about each other. Dinner was a delicious baked ham, green beans, corn, deviled eggs, and my favorite green jello mold. I felt like a stuffed turkey when I was done. Thanks again Maxine.

The next day we drove to Oklahoma and did some gambling in a casino there. Driving there, gambling, and driving home took pretty much care of Thursday. Again we spent the rest of the evening watching a movie and talking, trying to catch up. Also, not to forget, my nephew Marty came over to say hello. It was wonderful to see him. He and his wife were getting ready to go to an archery competition. I believe they both took 3rd place. Way to go guys.

On Friday we went down town Dallas, Went to the J.F.Kennedy memorial, visited the old court house and just looked around down town. Then we had a yummy lunch and went on home. In the afternoon Mitch and Darren (Marty's boys) came over to visit. Mitch is an accomplished Saxophone player and he is going to college to get hist masters so he can teach music in college.
Darren is in the Army National Guard. He served in Afghanistan and various other places. Presently he is going to Paramedic school. Both are fine young man.

In the evening Maxine and I went to have some great Texas BBQ and then went to a Dollar Tree store. We don't have those in Alaska.

The next day it was time for me to leave. On the way to the airport Maxine called her brother J.L. and we sang happy birthday to him over the phone. In the Dallas airport I had to throw my water and my toothpaste away.

Maxine, Morris and extended family, thank you so much for making my trip a memorable and fun one. I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Now I need to thank Stephanie for my dishcloth package. Thank you so very much. All kinds of Milka chocolate (my favorite), various soaps, cremes. candles (tea lights) and two holders for same. Great dishcloth patterns and a beautiful dishcloth and some of the softest cotton ever. You truly spoiled me a lot. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness.

[Daughterly Edit: Can you tell that she's on vacation and had just woken up when I brought Mom her package on my LUNCH BREAK??? :D Here's the shots I got of her opening her package - Mom was so excited :)]

[Second Daughterly Edit: I thought I'd taken the photo of all items together - but apparently not (as mom was just more than happy to say "I told you so" about - it's forthcoming. Here, however, is the yarn goodness]

I am now back with Annie and we've been going to the pool, sitting in the sun and waiting for the weekend for some more short trips in and around Atlanta.

Dog Days of Summer Questionnaire

1. Do you knit, or crochet, or do both? How long have you been knitting\crocheting? I have been crocheting since I was in first grade - since 1949. I know how to knit, but I don't like it, so I never really knit.
   
2. Have you knit dishcloths or dishtowels before? I have crocheted dishcloths before. I haven't crocheted a full dishtowel, but I have made and sold towels where I add a bib up top to hang it on the fridge.
3. What are your favorite cotton yarns? Is there a cotton or linen you’ve been dying to try but have not? I've only really used Peaches N Creme and Sugar N Cream, along with a nice cotton my daughter Martina picked up that I used to crochet for my pal in the last swap.
4. Are there any cotton yarns you don’t enjoy knitting with? Not that I've found yet!
5. What type of needle do you prefer using? (Metal/Wood/Plastic) I prefer metal needles. I've never tried bamboo.
6. What other projects do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? I like to make baby blankets - I also crochet squares for Warm Up America.
7. Do you have other hobbies or enjoy other kinds of crafting? Reading - Reading - Reading. And I also play games on Pogo.com and earn badges. I also like planting herbs.
8. What kind of treats do you like? Chocolate? Candies? Nuts? I like nuts (Macadamia and Cashew are favorites, but I eat others too) most of those. I enjoy chocolate now and then, but should limit it as I'm diabetic.
9. What colors are your kitchen and bath decorated in, if any? The kitchen has black appliances, and the bathroom I use is decorated in Sage and Beige.
10. What are your favorite colors and what colors do you dislike? I like all colors, but my favorite is lavender\purple. I even like yellow.
11. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Other beverages? I drink coffee and tea. I enjoy Chai Tea, and Cinnamon Hazlenut Coffee.
12. Do you have any kids (human or pet variety!)? Yes, but they're all grown. I also have grandchildren.I live with my oldest daughter and 3 of my grandchildren now, and they have a beagle named Dash.
13. Do you have any allergies? Not unless you're sending penicillin!
14. Please share 3 tidbits about yourself that you think your pal and other swappers might find odd or interesting.
1. I live in Alaska.
2. I didn't become a US Citizen until 1985. (I was born in Germany and lived there until 1979)
3. I am Kidney Transplant Recipient, and my Kidney will be 5 years old in August.
   

My vacation continues

Hello everybody. I am back in Georgia. We came in last night and slept late this morning. I am doing great and we had a wonderful time in Virginia. Thank you so much again Channon and Mark. You were great hosts and taught me a lot about Virginia during my visit. Thank you again.

We left on Tuesday and went to Alexandria to visit various yarn shops including one in D.C.. It was fun for me even though I'm not a knitter. I "just" crochet. Here are some photos from the yarn shops - of me, and Annie, as well as Chan and Amy, who was Annie's spoiler in an exchange. They were all really great, and it was fun meeting them.




Channon and I


Amy

On Wednesday Annemarie and I went to Washington D.C.. We parked the car across from the Old Post Office, which is a beautiful building:


From there we went on a tour bus down Constitution Avenue to the Capitol Building.



We continued to all major buildings all over town, as well as the various memorials from the World War 2 to the Vietnam memorial. We also went to the Thomas Jefferson. Lincoln and FDR memorials.

The Jefferson Memorial:


Lincoln Memorial



Annie at the FDR memorial



The Washington Monument



We drove by the "Watergate" hotel, embassy row, the IRS building, the Supreme court, the National Archives (this is a place I'd like to go in sometime), the various Smithsonian museums, the Pentagon and we ate at the Pentagon mall. The last stop was on Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House. President Bush did not come out to invite me in for a cup of coffee.



What I saw of Washington D.C. is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. After the tour we drove back to Charlottesville, to Channon and Mark's house. Here's the view from their back porch:



Thursday was a trip to Richmond for a leisurely lunch and more yarn shop visits and on Friday we went to various stores (surprise, surprise - you can see all the shops and yarn on Annie's blog) and visited Monticello. Wonderful gardens, great park and a great hose. Did not go inside because we would have had to wait for almost an hour before our tour would begin, it was raining and I was sleeveless and in shorts. I did buy a book and hope this will suffice.

Monticello Gardens:


More gardens:


As close as we could get to the house (without waiting even MORE time in the rain for our tour):

Friday night dinner out and Saturday morning one more yarn shop....


and homeward bound we were.

The next few days will be relaxing and then it goes on to Dallas for three days and I will have more to report then.

Vacation continued

Hello family and friends. Hope this finds you all well. I am doing great. Am in Virginia near Charlottsville and what a beautiful countryside. Channon and Mark are great hosts and I feel truly pampered. The weather is great sunny and warm, but not hot.

The trip up here was great for me. I think Anne got kind a tired as it was a long drive and I am no help driving. South Carolina as well as North Carolina are wonderful looking States. I had not been to either. As you can see on some of the pictures North Carolina has fields and fields of yellow lilies and even though we traveled on the interstate it still looked so pretty.

















Martina, guess what, yesterday on our way to shopping , we drove through Abermarle county and passed the city of Cozet. Yes, Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown live right here, a country side we are quite familiar with from the books.





We went shopping in Waynesboro and there are quite a few historic sides all around. Tomorrow it goes on to Alexandria and Washington D.C.. I am so exited to to go there and see sights that I know from history books. We have booked a sight seeing tour and will meet our bus at the old post office and go from there to see a lot of the various monuments and catch a glimpse of the White House.

Jacob and Martin, I hope the Ina K soccer tournament went good for you, and Katie how do you like soccer and your dance classes? Martina, congratulation again on your new job and Kirk, I hope all is well for you . I love and miss you all, mom.

Vacation continues

Hello, I'm back. This is Sunday and we went downtown Atalanta to Annie's favorite yarn shop. It was nice and we were even able to find close parking.I bought some cotton yarn for my secret pal in the dishcloth exchange.


On the way home I visited with a turtle as you can see. They are on different street corners like the salmon in Anchorage. Dinner was at KFC as neither one of us felt like cooking. We also took pictures of Magnolia trees because neither one of us knew what they were.

The next day was work for Annie and I stayed at home, did some laundry, cooked Fajitas for dinner, crochet, read and played computer games.

Tuesday we went allover the place buying stuff so I could bake some goodies for Annie's office. I went to a Super Target which did not impress me very much. In the evening I baked cookies, strawberry shortcakes and an apple cake. Oh, and we went to a German bakery where I got me a bread and a slice of plum cake, yummie.
Annie took it to work Wednesday and there was nothing left over, so I guess it was OK.

For dinner we had Sauerbraten and potato balls. Turned out pretty goood

Tonight is whatever night . We went to buy a cooler (styrofoam) at Big Lots for $5. We're trying to get packed and sandwiches made for the trip. Annie has to work 1/2 a day and then it is off to Virginia. I will post more after we get back and before I go to Dallas .

I miss you all, hope the boys will do great at the Ina K. Tell Katie I can't wait to see her dancing and playing soccer. Tina, Kirk, Martin, Jake and Katie I love you and see you soon, grandma.

Annie just got my computer to work and got me online. Try and send me an e-mail so we can see if its working.

Virtual Vacation Swap Questionnaire

Since I'm ON vacation, I thought it was a good time to sign up! You can go here for more info on this swap.

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?

Florida, because I've never been there and it sounds like a wonderful state where I could eat oranges off trees, be in the water, watch alligators, and have a great time! And visit Disneyworld! (or is it Land in Florida?)

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why?

Germany because it's my home and I have a lot of family living there.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries?

Yes! I've traveled from Colorado we visited states all around, including at four corners. I've driven from Colorado to Alabama, and to Texas, and back again, through many states including Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Louisiana

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it?

I think Spain is the most exotic place I've been to.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why?

We used to take travel vacations at least once a month when I lived in Germany while my husband was stationed there. We'd go to places like Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Belgium, Luxumberg, France, England - I've also been to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. I enjoyed these trips because most of them were done as a family.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain.

Yes, I've played tourist in Alaska and Colorado when I still lived there.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comber or an amusement seeker?

Beach Comber. I love the heat.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?

Actually, my favorite kinds of yarn are usually the acrylics like Red Heart and Lion's Brand you can get at Wal-Mart or Michaels. For most things I like making, they're functional and work up just fine - not to mention, I can afford to buy them.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?

Wool. It seems to make me itchy to even work with it now, and I used to have to wear it as a child, because my mother would knit us stockings from wool, and man did they itch! It wasn't even nice wools like you can find today - mostly it was old sweaters that had pulled out to make stockings, because this was after the war.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?

I am a crocheter, and I enjoy making lots of baby blankets I sell in bazaars, dishrags, and hats and scarves - usually for things like my Girl Scout Troop.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation?

Some yarn, and a few hooks for whatever I'm working on.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet?

All kinds of things. I enjoyed making small projects with my girl scout troop (that I've given up after this year ended) or with my granddaughter. We've made bunnies from washcloths, potpourri filled jars and things like that.

I thinks sometimes I'd like learning how to make stained glass; I think it's beautiful, but I don't think I'd have the patience for it.

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise)

I'm not allergic to wool but have discovered recently that even crocheting with it tickles my nose.

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?

Purple. I LOVE purple in all shades. I don't have a least favorite color.

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)?

Savory - I enjoy things like pretzels and nuts and chips, or slim jims - stuff like that far moreso than sweets. Especially since I really shouldn't eat sweets since I'm diabetic.

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know?

No, I don't think so.

The beginning of vacation

Hello all, hope this finds you well. Arrived in Atlanta on Wednesday and you'll be glad to know that the airport is still under construction. Annie was at the baggage claim to welcome me. My flight was uneventful and I wish I had the same flight back instead of having to change planes in LA.

We went to Ft McPherson from the airport and got groceries at the commissary (very small). Went home, unpacked and went to Annie's work to get introduced to her team. From there we went to Coldwater Creek and the store is simply fantastic.

The next day I just took it kinda easy because I was very tired.




Friday Annie only worked 1/2 day and we went to get our nails done (best fill I ever had), also had my feet massaged and nails cut, no pedicure.












From there we went to a BBQ place to eat so we would be fortified for shopping at Big Lots, Publix grocery, and Payless at which time my credit card didn't work. Pretty embarrassing. Thank goodness only the bank's server was down and I'm not out of money yet. Katie don't worry. I will buy your chocolate. I'm sure to save money for that.



On Saturday morning we left for Anniston and arrived an hour early because we forgot the time change. I 20 is the same as I remember it from about 40 years ago. Same fireworks stand were your dad used to buy cherry bombs and set them off under Mawma and Pawpa house. The town of Aniston is a sad sight to see. Almost every other store is closed. Ft McClallan has only some reserve units. So the town is dying a slow death. The median on the road had large trees and I remembered going on the median once when I took you to the Dr. on the base and run over several of newly planted saplings before making it back to the road (one day after I got my drivers license in B'ham).

We then drove around awhile and went to Starbucks and waited for JL and Betty. Had a reunion and went on to eat. I had a pork bbq plate with pulled pork, a slab of cornbread, a huge slice of tomatoe and southern green beans, and all for $6.50. From there JL and Bety wanted to go to Walmart (they don't have one in Double Spring, even though they now have 2 traffic lights). From there Betty went and rented a room at the Travelers Inn ($45.00) and just talked for a few hours.



On our drive home we got a pretty bad scare, a car next to us was going 70 mph (speed limit) as we did. He hit his breaks and came to a complete stop which kinda scared us. His reason? A state trooper was sitting on the side of the highway. We all went on and the the officer passed us and pulled the guy over, yeah.

As you will see, everyone has aged quite a bit and I am very glad that I went. This all for today, more in a couple of days. Boys, I love and miss you. Is there something yo would like me to bring you? Let me know. I love and miss you all but having a great time. Mom, Oma, grandma