Screaming Kid Alert

Put in your earplugs. I have mine in but it isn't working so I left him to think about things and came in here. He won't get dressed. "Mummy's job!" he says. At nearly 4 years old, I am fed up with these mini wars every day so I am not giving in today. Or tomorrow. Or the day after. Super Nanny to the rescue!!!!!

Last night I finished the Summer Cardigan. What a nice pattern to knit! I know it is plain but mindless knitting is about all I can deal with lately. Once I finally got my gauge right (my fault for not doing a swatch - not the pattern's) I was zooming along. Buttons are on their way from a supplier as there was not a single purple button to be had in town - unless I cut it off some unsuspecting person's clothing of course...I can see the headlines now tee hee. Will take a photo as soon as I can.

Spring must have finally come to Hay River. Some ducks flew over yesterday and we saw two seagulls. Normally the only birds we see are ravens, sparrows or snowbirds. As soon as you see anything else, thoughts of summer start to swirl in your head. The river is still frozen but with a lot of melted water on top in parts. The back yard still has some snow but it is mainly a mud bath with some patches of yucky brown soggy grass. Guess I should really be happy that there are no mosquitos yet................

Here she is! Sweetie Pie (named by Jesse who actually calls it Sweepie Pie).
It is for a baby or 22 inch baby doll.


Click for Larger.

Absent Without Leave

Not been a good few weeks in this house. Too many sick people. I have been hacking for weeks. Finally found my inhaler (I swear somebody hid it) and after 3 weeks, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Last week saw Jesse with a stomach bug. Poor baby just got over that and he began to cough. Oh boy what a cough! Yesterday I was really worried. His temp went up to 39.3 and he was not moving much. Not like him at all. I gave Tylenol and cool baths and finally called the medical centre. Pure waste of time. "Come in tomorrow if you are still worried". DUH! Then I remembered a 1 800 TELE something # for medical help. The lady was so nice and helpful. Shw was in Nova Scotia -- is everybody really so nice over there? I have not come across anybody who isn't. She gave some ideas to us to try to ease his cough. He is a little better today but still not Jesse whirlwind. Hopefully he will improve by the weekend as we want to get out of here and head to the REAL WORLD.

On the crafting front....Finished a baby dress with matching mop cap and jacket. My own design. I am very proud of it. Here is a sneak peak of the dress. Better pics of the outfit to come.

Hay River Figure Skating Club presents Under the Sea!

Jesse took part in the figure skating show as a Turtle. At 3 1/2 he is so sure on his skates. And he only began to skate such a short while ago. He was awesome. Never fell over at all.

We were lucky to have two Ice Dancers visit Hay River and perform twice. Aimee Hartog / Justin St Cyr who came in 14th in the Canadian Nationals.
Here is a photo of Aimee and Justin with Jesse.

And here he is on his own. He has a turtle shell on his back which you can't see. He looked mighty cute.

CLICK FOR LARGER PHOTOS!

Busy weekend - It was the Northwest Territories Territorial Figure Skating Championships. As Jesse is now a member of Hay River Figure Skating Club, we not only attended but Ron did the music for the skaters on Saturday. And a mighty fine job he did for somebody that knows ZERO about skating. Jackie was supposed to be watching but I ended up chasing Jesse around for about 3 hours. I did get to watch one skater (Paige K who used to live next door to us). She was very good. I've not seen her to ask where she finished yet.

Then we went down with colds on Sunday. Was the busiest Sunday ever for orders for my business and I was getting worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up. I managed. Fell in bed as soon as they were all done.

Started knitting a dog sweater design. I often look at the patterns that I sell and think, I can design one of those. Why are so they so plain? Why are most so thin? So that is what I have on needles now. Not sure if my Shiba Inu Itsy (Langans Brushwood Izuko)will oblige by being my model when it is finished.

No way does she need a dog sweater so she gets rather upset if you try to put one on her.


Almost time for the play school bus to drop Jesse off so I had better get my boots on ready. Then we have his skating class this evening. He just loves it and he is REALLY talented too.

Having trouble getting a decent photo of my felted bag. The grey days and dark colour of the bag are not helping. I will just give up and show this.
The bags is MUCH nicer in "real life". I attached a magnetic catch to some ribbon and then that was sewn inside the bag. Some people have horror stories about wiping out credit cards as they pulled them out of the bag over the magnet. I keep my card in a wallet so I hope that won't be an issue. Not that I pull my card out very often anyway.



The sun made a brief appearance yesterday and I snapped a quick shot of this jackpine in our front yard. It is actually a lot taller than it looks as it is buried in 3 feet of snow.
Love the look of crisp, deep snow on a sunny day.

Long time since I blogged. I do have a good excuse. Pain! Have horrendous pain in my right arm. I don't think it is carpal tunnel. Wore an arm brace for a while and that didn't help. Took strong, doc recommended painkillers which just made me sleep. Can't have that with a 3 year old in the house. The problem seems to be from using a mouse too much rather than from knitting to excess. Even bought a new trackball mouse but that hasn't helped at all. Have good days, and more often than not, bad days. So I just do what I can, when I can.

I DO have a FO to report but no photo yet. I finally finished the Ladies Triangle Handbag by Two Old Bags. I did a few changes in that I incorporate the i-cord bind-off and edging from the Twice as Nice Bag. It made for a sturdier edge. DH asked me where I bought the bag so I guess I should take that as a good sign. Will try to get a photo later.

We have been hit by a blizzard and now have at least 8 more inches of snow to add the 2 feet plus already on our lawn. Roll on April when it will all start to melt.

So much snow that our igloo lost its entrance!

Read how knitters (or anybody) can help save lives all around the world.

My mother-in-law passed away at 11am this morning.

For anybody reading this that smokes, she died of lung cancer. And it was not nice. Lily was only 69.

I am so thankful that I found the strength to quit when I did.

Now you are at rest and out of pain Lily.

Jesse aged 3 1/2 and the first time he sat on Santa's lap without screaming.


'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
in the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
we're happy tonight,
walking in a winter wonderland.

OK so I don't live in a real winter wonderland but we have lots of snow and it is a "balmy" -35c with blue skies and sunshine. Yes it is bloody freezing LOL

Please excuse the bad photo (how many sleeps until I get my new camera???). You can see the moon in the photo (taken at 2pm) and in the opposite direction is the sun. I always find that fascinating.

Jesse's cable sweater has been completed and, and, and, and IT IS TOO BIG. I was trying to surprise him and had not put it up against him to check size. The design is baggy so I was just thinking that was why it seemed on the large side. Oh well. It will fit him next winter.

I am currently knitting a Two Old Bags design called Lady's Triangle Bag. Nice mindless knitting which I really need at the moment.

Heard that my dad in England is not doing well. I feel so torn. Ron's Mom is really going downhill fast and his dad needs some help. I get the distinct feeling that the in-laws are supposed to be more important that my Dad. And I am totally stuck in the middle not knowing what to do. I haven't be able to see my Dad for 8 "expletive" years now.

On a fun note. I found this quiz on Brenda's blog and wondered what my results would be.

SHOCK! HORROR! Well it *is* just a quiz!


You're a witchy woman! Chances are that you see
Morticia Addams as a role model, and your
wardrobe sports a fair amount of black. The
other mothers at school pick up may look
askance, but your kids already know that the
judgement of others isn't what counts.


What kind of a freaky mother are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Guess I should have checked the temperature BEFORE I went outside. Jesse and I went out to clear some of the big snow fall that we had overnight. I was frozen after a few minutes and Jesse (more wrapped up than myself) complained after 5 minutes. The windchill was -38c!!!!




Normally I would leave it for Ron to do with snow-blower -- however it is the Santa parade in town tonight and we wouldn't have been able to get the van out of the drive. The was around 3 feet of snow on one side.

I had to put down my knitting to test a crochet pattern for somebody. But I am not "too" far off finishing Jesse's cable pullover. Some progress on sleeve #1. Should take en eternity considering they it's for a 3 year old.



A little bird told me (my DH is lousy at keeping secrets) that I am getting a new digital camera for Xmas. Now I wonder how he knew which one??? My guess is that he saw me reading Terri's blog about her new Nikon.

No good news on the sick relatives - well not too much anyway. FIL had his triple bypass on Wednesday. So far so good.... I am not saying a word more.
MIL was trying to get comfortable in her hospital bed and was lifting herself up. The nurse in the room heard a crack and MIL had broken her arm. So she is being taken by ambulance to Edmonton to have that pinned.
Needless to say, we are not telling FIL until he is well on the way to recovery.

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.