Not been able to update lately as I got a new computer. So many programs to install for business that the blogging took a back seat for a while.

For any of you Canadian readers that are interested -- the Canadian Fibre Arts Webring has moved to a new manager (no prizes for guessing who). If any Canadians have suitable website and wish to join just click on the banner for more information.



We were also away on family duties. MIL is very ill and we made a mad rush south. Then FIL learnt he needs a triple bypass. My father has had a stroke too. I guess that they are all reaching that age. It is scary. I took my knitting down with me but never managed a stitch. I did pick up Jesse's Cable sweater again last night. First time I have been able to knit in a couple of weeks. If I stop blogging now, I might just get a few rounds in before bed.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

PLEASE - NO!!!!!!

Not 4 more years!

Please tell me I am having a nightmare!

Jesse had a party at playschool today. Not a Halloween party as some parents were not happy about their child celebrating that. Ok so we all have our beliefs. When I grew up in England, there was no such thing anyway. So I make the most of now being the big kid that I am.

I know the kids got far too much sugar there today. Jesse was so hyper that it was like watching somebody on drugs. I did manage to get him to stand stil long enough to take a picture of his cute face painting. He is into silly smiles this week. Makes me wonder how the teachers got him to stand still long enough too!!

Finished the little poncho that I designed. Now if only I could get a good photo of it. It looks really creased in the photo but it isn't. We are low on daylight in this part of the world at this time of year. It is pretty gloomy outside or just too cold to go out and take photos. It is knit from the top down on circulars. The only sewing required is weaving in the yarn ends (BIG YIPEE from me as I don't like to sew). Fits children from 2 -10 years.
If anybody is interested, it is available for purchase in the right hand column of this site (US$) or on my business site in CAN$.

All the stress of the past few months is over. The motion to rezone the lot opposite our house was defeated by a vote of 4 to 2. One councillor excused himself as he is the boss of the landowner and another is too sick to attend. So we WON!!!!!!! I was ready to jump up and make my voice heard if they voted the other way. That may have even got me arrested (although I was sitting next to my ex neighbour who used to be the RCMP Staff Sergeant until he retired). Luckily it did not come to that. Ron and I have put our hearts and souls into fighting this. It probably isn't completely over as we have no idea on what will be planned next -- but it can't be worse than planning to build a 12 plex which will all be rental suites. We are a low rise single family area that was built about 30-40 years ago. Suddenly dropping an apartment building in the middle of us ( BANG SLAP in the middle as it is a small crescent) would have destroyed the great community that we have. Most of us have lived here for over 8 years and some have been here 20 plus years.

One councillor said that we had opposed everything offered - a seniors home, a young offenders home - but we had not ever heard about the seniors home. That would be perfect. The young offenders was not officially on the cards either. It was a rumour and then they looked at a different area. That crescent fought against it and they now have the Playschool that Jesse attends on the land.

All I can say is Thank God we learnt this was all being rushed through in breach of bylaws back in May/June. If we hadn't - they would have passed this before we ever learnt what was happening. Maybe they now realise that their "old boys club" is starting to fall apart. And wait until the next election!!! There will be some changes if we have anything to do with it. (And if I get my Canadian Citizenship by then, then you may even see me stand as councillor)

Hope all the Canadian's reading this had a lovely Thanksgiving. We were supposed to go down to Alberta but Ron had to go north instead. It would have made the trip too short and too crazy by the time he got home.

I am still working on the cable sweater for Jesse. The yarn is quite hard on my wrists so I just do a little of that at a time.

Also designed a little Pumpkin Patch Hat which he proudly models.



My next brainstorm was a little poncho design. #1 problem - why has it only got 3 shoulder seams instead of 4???? GRRRRRRR. I was about 1/3 of the way through the design before I finally woke up. It was really heartbreaking to frog it. But I did it without tears. About 1/4 has been re-knitted. It looks so much nicer with 4 shoulder seams - grin


Jesse seems to be coming on in leaps and bounds since starting play-school. He nearly made me pass out with shock when he came home and pointed to B and said what it was. He knows J for Jesse and Jackie and sometimes R for Ronald. We have a great gift on the fridge. It is a magnetic alphabet that Jesse's Nana Norma gave him. Made by Leappad. It really helps him learn his letters as he can sing along....and he loves to sing.

Feeling gross. Picked up yet another cold - Jesse caught this at playschool. I haven't stopped coughing from the cold we got on vacation yet. YUCKY!

We had the Public Hearing for the rezoning of the land opposite our home last night. I think the residents did very well in letting their opinions be known. My Hubby was almost sick with worry about having to stand up and speak but he pulled it off. Now we wait. 12 apartments in this area just **doesn't** work.

On the knitting front I began a new project. It is from Cabin Fever's wonderful book called Top Down for Toddlers. I am making the cream coloured, cable pullover for Jesse. The yarn I chose to use is a beige fleck. Not been a cable knitter before and I quite surprised at how easy I am finding it. It sure doesn't look too bad for a first attempt.

As promised Jesse's Placket Pullover completed.
The colours are slightly darker than the pic shows. More burgundy and darker green. Both of our cameras were doing this to the sweater. I will try to take a pic of it on the little guy tomorrow - outside.



And here is a picture of him just going into playschool on his first day.



I was SOOOOO proud of him. He went off with the teacher and never really looked backed. The bus brought him home and there was this little face waving at Mommy out of the window. He was so excited to have been on a school bus at last. He rushed in, un-zipped his backpack and pulled out a magnifying glass that he had made in craft-time. He was terribly proud of it. He told me he peed at school (big achievement for him) and that the bus was bumpy. Hopefully I won't be such a wreck on Thursday when he has his 2nd day.

Jesse's new sweater is just about finished. I have 8 rounds of 1x1 rib, sew on buttons and weave in ends. This has been just about the fastest project that I ever worked on. Not sure if it is the pattern or me. The pattern was very well written except for one line which was out of place. Luckily, as I have knitted top down sweaters before, I knew that I should knitting one round of increases and then one round straight. So I should have a FO to show later today or tomorrow. (About time too!)

My little boy has his first day at playschool without me this afternoon. The bus was coming to collect him but Ron and I decided to take him the first time. We want to make sure he is OK and to take pics of him entering the school on his first day. He seems so little to be doing this. I was actually only 4 years old when I started school full time. Back in the early 60s in England, that was how it was done at the local school's. Jesse is only going for 2 1/2 hours - 2 afternoons per week. And I am so worried about my little love. Aren't I silly?

Here is a lovely pic of Jesse on our vacation. This was taken in Robert's Roost RV park in Quesnel, BC (great place to stay).

Jesse's first time at Play-School went quite well. I think Mom was the most nervous. Jesse was rather upset that the school bus didn't come to collect him. He assumed that it would if he was going to school. They do have a small bus which they use for outings....and lucky for Jesse, the kids in the afternoon classes can be collected by the little bus. He is going to be SOOOOOO happy when it comes to get him next week. He already knows the lady that drives it -- she is not only a neighbour but also one of the teachers.

He wouldn't sit for the book reading which was highly embarrassing for me. All the other kids sat and listened to the story while Jesse got into any toy he could find and generally was loud. I think he will be OK if I am not there though.

So all in all, I was happy. The setup is great and Jesse will benefit from more structured activities without Mommy around. He has only ever been away from me for one morning in 3 years!!!!

Thing about making the Poncho Pullover that seems to be the rage at the moment. Cabin Fever sold masses at a recent show evidently and I can barely keep it in stock. It's extremely popular. I wondered if it might be something for me. Not sure if it will suit my short frame though. But perhaps the point might make me look taller???? Comments anybody???

Long time since I blogged. Can't shake the cold/cough that I picked up on vacation. I feel so tired. Still trying to get fit enough to go and have my blood tests done as I am always so tired. I know I work a lot and have a toddler but I don't think I should feel THIS tired.

Talking of my adorable toddler. He starts Play School next week. We go to meet the teachers and other pupils on Thursday. There are only 6 kids in his group. We only know one of them. He starts for two afternoons per week as of the 14th. I am sort of excited and equally as worried. I guess that is what you call "being a Mom".

Had to give up knitting the Georgina cardigan as I knew I would run out yarn. Tried desperately to get more but it is no longer made and nobody seems to have a couple of balls spare.

My new project is a sweater for Jesse. I have had a book for ages but hadn't got around to knitting anything from it yet. It is called Kids to Grown Ups Seamless Sweaters . So far the instructions seem clear and well written. I am making Jesse the Kids Placket Pullover. The yarn is basic Red Hear TLC in a variegated colour called Polo. Red Heart is not wonderful to knit with but it sure is great for a kid like Jesse to wear.

My garden died last night. We got hit by a -6c frost. It hadn't been predicted. I lost all my peas and beans. We had barely had anything from our garden this year due to a total lack of rain. Oh well.

We're all going on a summer holiday
no more working for a week or two.
Fun and laughter on our summer holiday,
no more worries for me or you,
for a week or two.

And if you have never seen the Cliff Richard movie Summer Holiday, you have no idea of the tune to the song above.
We used to sing it as kids when we were on our way to Norfolk (county in England) to see Nana and Grandad.

Anyway, we are heading out on a little vacation. BC here were come. Hope it won't be too hot but I hope it won't rain either.
Not seen much rain this summer so it has to arrive eventually.

Later....

George Bush - Best Bushism Yet

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we.
They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."

George Bush,
Washington, D.C.,
Aug. 5, 2004

Just about caught up from our trip to Barrhead/Edmonton, AB.
The main reason for the trip was to visit the in-laws. Ron's Mom began raditation treatment the day after we arrived. She seemed to cope well but got very tired a few hours afterwards. I think us being there helped her cope better. But after a few days I wondered if she wasn't trying to stay out of bed just because we were there. Ron agreed. So we left on the Wednesday. It takes us 2 days to get there and 2 to get back -- driving the 12 hours in one day is just too much for Jesse. Looks like we will be heading south again soon...we haven't really had a vacation this year yet so we will either go to Barkerville or maybe Slave Lake, AB. The beach at the Slave Lake would be perfect for Jesse and perhaps the in-laws could drive up with their 5th wheel and meet us there. FIL often goes there to fish anyway.

We had our new (2nd hand) 5th wheel hitched behind us for the first time on this trip. The truck misfired every time we hit a hill. For those that have travelled between Valleyview and Edmonton, you know there are LOTs of hills. It was over 30c too. Plus Jesse wanted to stop and pee about every 5 minutes. Needles to say, the trip down wasn't great. The air conditioner was a godsend as was the microwave. Pure luxury after our little truck camper.

We took the truck into a dealer in Spruce Grove to see if they could find what was wrong. Thankfully they did. Cost $300 to fix but it was worth it. Zender Ford has a great little waiting area for customers. Cafeteria, kids toys and TV. We waited for 2 hours and it was the only last 10 minutes or so that was hard on Jesse. The funniest part was when he looked out of the window and saw the mechanic driving off in our truck. He just screamed; "Man steal truck! Man steal truck!" He was mortified. Sobbing like mad. Poor thing. So funny for everybody else though.

On the knitting front. I took out my Bond Knitting Machine for the first time in 3 years (BJ - Before Jesse). Wanted to see if I could make the Shapely Tank on it. Couldn't figure it out so I began to knit another tank. Well wouldn't you know it - I found the pattern for a Bond version of Shapely Tank in the files for the Bond Knitters Club. I will finish the one that I making and then attempt the Shapely Tank. Luckily I have enough yarn here for both.

Just learnt yesterday that Jesse's birth mom is pregnant again. She blurted it out while we were standing outside the food store last night. Ron and I were floored at the way she said it. She says she keeping it this time. I haven't spoken to her mom yet but my guess is that she is pretty upset too. She has been given every chance to turn her life around - but she kept partying, kept loosing her jobs because she could get up in the morning etc etc. Now she says she is moving to Edmonton (on Canada day she told us she was saving up to go the Thailand!!!!!). I am just worried sick about what will happen to her. She just doesn't have the mental ability to look after herself down there. And what of the baby??? Her reality doesn't seem to be anything like the "real' world. I can see the baby being taken into care in Edmonton. At least if she gets into trouble up here, there is her family and us to keep an eye open. Knowing that the baby is Jesse's blood brother or sister makes me feel kind of responsible too. Is that weird? I am very concerned about any effect this will have on Jesse in the future...at school etc.

Been doing a little of the Georgina cardigan each day. It is too warm and smoky to feel like knitting much. But I know realise that I am going to run out yarn. And Elann doesn't stock it any longer. And the wholesale that I thought I could get some from also doesn't stock it any longer. SOOOOOOOO if anybody has, or knows where I can get, 3 balls of Schoeller Stahl Bandolino Colour#727 (Aubergine Oops forgot the North American word - colour is Eggplant), please let me know here. (Remove the obvious before emailing)


Hot and smoky here. Only one downpour of rain in about two months. The grass has forgotten what colour green is!!!!! I seem to be plagued by headaches which I think are heat related.

Ron's Mom starts radiation treatment next week. Ironic that she quit smoking 3 years ago and now has lung cancer. I hope it is not too advanced. Don't think she asks many questions when she sees the doc so I we don't know much either.

Couple of days late. It's hot here so we want to be outside.

Jesse on Canada Day - just before his brithday.



We had a wonderful time with Jesse at the Canada Day parade. Jesse's birth mother watched with us.

My adorable little son is 3 years old today.

Happy Birthday Jesse!!


Will try to post a pic of him later today.

Jonah's funeral is today.



Farewell my young buddy.........

For Jonah

Words can never express how sad we are.

Your life was cut so short.

We are going to miss you so very much.


Jonah passed away on Friday night. He was just 16 years old. He was the lively smiling face boy who delivered our local newspaper. He never complained about anything. He delivered the papers no matter if it was -40c or +40c. He played with Jesse. He chatted about Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. He was a wonderful person. A few months ago he told us that he didn't feel too good. We both thought it was unusual as Jonah was never sick. That was the last time we saw him. We found our he had been diagnosed with cancer. That cancer took his life.

God bless you Jonah

In Memory...
No one told me the way I should feel
You left an aching heart
Lost and lonely, the feeling goes on
You were the one friend I had
You gave me so much love
Now the tears remind me you're gone

It still haunts me there's a silence
Where you used to be
It still haunts me
Just an empty space in history
It still haunts me
But life must go on, on and on

It's still haunting me
It's still haunting me
Haunting me
Haunting me

            Black Sabbath - Lyrics by Anthony Iommi

I am getting a beading bug. Been a long time since I beaded. I noticed that Growing Together has beading classes starting next week. Growing Together is a place two block away that has programs for families and their kids. They have cookery classes, play mornings, toy lending library and such. I taught myself to bead about 7 years ago but I would love to learn properly. It is also a good excuse to leave Jesse with his Dad so that I can take a break for a couple of hours....It is so rare that I do that.

Anyway, has anybody seen any online instructions for making beaded stitch markers? I found this site with ring style Beaded Stitch Markers but I am looking for instructions for making ones like drop earrings.

We thought summer had arrived. Yesterday - Sunny, warm and around 22c. Today - freezing fog and 2c this morning. And guess who planted her bedding plants yesterday. Silly ME!