Emptyknitster

While we were away, Chloe A-Little-Bit asked me about our family history. It was for a school project but it is the first interest any of the grandkiddos have shown in family history and so I aim to please! We had a great talk on the phone and I promised her some photos when I got home.  "Do you have a favorite item that has been passed down through the family?" YES!!! This cabinet has been called "The Antique" since it came into our house when Mom dissolved my Grandmother's house. The cabinet was originally a walnut bedstead but Chloe's great great great great grandfather rebuilt it. Murray Cheney was born in Addison, Vermont. He met his future wife, Caroline Pickett, while both families were living in Addison. When Caroline's father, Gilead Pickett, died her family moved to New York. Murray Cheney Caroline Pickett Cheney Murray went exploring "out west" and when he arrived in Illinois he knew he wanted to settle there. He retu...

We had a very nice vacation again this February. Mostly relaxing, knitting and soaking up the sun. Our first view of the island from the airplane Beautiful weather Some of the biggest waves we've seen at Hapuna Beach! Great boogie boarding Our Hapuna shelter from the brisk tradewinds "Winter Storm Watch" on the Big Island -snow on the volcano! We did some animal watching... When we arrived at Turtle Beach I spotted this bird in the water doing a little fishing. I just wish I'd gotten a photo, he was walking in the water with his head stretched out skimming the water. After I had settled in my beach chair, there he was... Fish in beak, Going down! Sliding down the hatch! Great meal!  We went to Spencer Beach and spotted several turtles At the Macadamia Nut Factory there were several dozen wild goats hanging around - guess they know a good meal when they taste one!  There were many beautiful sunsets durin...

Steve, Bobby Beal and Dad The stool in the bottom left hand corner of this photo has been around as long as I can remember. Dad made it in shop class when he was a kid. Perhaps he was 12 years old when he made it. This is a close replica of the conversation I had with Mom about its age: "Where did we get the stool?" "Your Dad made it." "When?" "In shop class." "Wow, how old was he?" "Oh, I don't know. About twelve I s'pose." So it's forever been stuck in my brain that Dad was twelve when he made it.  Whether he made when he was twelve or seventeen, it is one of the few things that I have from his youth. Jerry, (Dad) 15 years old Once while visiting Mom and Dad after I was married, I spotted the stool with a new look. Dad had put a flat top on it and Mom had stenciled the top and sides. I wasn't at all sure I liked it, but now, it's nice to have a little of Mom's craftiness. ...

Happy Birthday!

Years ago, when letters were sent containing declarations of love and adoration, the notes were read and reread many times. The recipient often read such declarations to their best friends and then carefully placed them inside a big empty Valentine's candy box, to be pulled out and savored for many years.  Dearest Darling, When you are away I feel as though I'm missing my very soul. Every time you walk into a room you brighten it with your beauty. Promise me you will never leave again for I would surely die without you..... Now, notes are texted.  Love is declared and immediately fades into cyberspace.                            Translation: luv u 4eva          Love you forever.  <3                     Heart BFN        ...

Today, I received a note from Paula,  podcaster of Knitting Pipeline, her scarf was published today! She announced we could show our test knit - Piper's Journey . The pattern was very clear and easy to understand. Paula's pattern provides either written or a chart for the lace edging. I enjoyed knitting this shawl and look forward to wearing it in the near future. Pattern: Piper's Journey Yarn: Wolf Creek Wools of Montana Colorway: Teal and Buttery Yellow Needle size: US 6 Amount: less than 574 yards

Friday a friend brought me a bag full of her mother-in-law's old knitting pattern books and pamphlets. There were some worth a chuckle but when my eyes lit upon this sweater I knew I needed to knit it before Sadie Lou Who got much bigger! A trip to the yarn shop was warranted and I found some wool/acrylic blend. I didn't forget what The Tiger had told me, "Sadie Lou doesn't like itchy sweaters - but I don't care." It's a beautiful shade of blue, one that I think just shouts out that gray skies are going to clear up, and we need to put on a happy face! Jiffy Petal Cardigan

I don't think the Purl Gurl will mind if I cut and paste her post, it warmed my heart!   Today a package arrived at our door.  A very special package indeed!  Isaac was so excited that it came addressed to him.   He sat down to open it up, quite anxious to see what it contained.  When he finally got the tape undone enough to see what was inside, he quickly grabbed out two bags containing an item very near and dear to his heart...  GRAMMA'S ROLLS!!   A gigantic smile erupted on his face and the two bags of rolls were held in a loving embrace.  He immediately said "All Mine!!" and one was popped right into his mouth!  As I went into the kitchen to get dinner going, I overheard him tell his sister, "The rolls are all mine and if anyone eats one they owe me 100,000 dollars."