Christmas Decor - in more ways that one!

We had enough snow early in the winter this year to do this. It is over 4 feet hight and about 8 feet across. Click for Larger pic.




I can't believe how many vehicles are stopping outside out home to look.

We have another igloo in the back yard for the dogs and Jesse to play in.

Some more Xmas decor is a this crochet headband and matching Mary Jane Holly Berry Booties that I designed. At last my reborn doll gets to model something.

Finally

A finished project. I have been working on this design for ages. I don't get much time to crochet or knit these days so it was great to finally finish something.



Click for Larger Image.

"It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!"

Awoke to a lot of the fluffy white stuff this morning. Ron just moved the vehicles out of our drive so that we can clear some of the snow. It is still coming doen a lot.

UPDATE: go here to see my webcam of the snow from my office (if I have turned on at the time). Webcam It may ask you to accept a file - this is OK.
When it opens click on Motion JPEG Single Camera and then when the next page opens you can enlarge it to 640x480 and Image size x1.5 at the left hand side and you may be able to watch the snow fall! You can actually make the camera move too...I will let you work that out yourselves. And school was cancelled on Monday as the roads were so bad. That is not a thing that happens often here. Yes we get lots of snow but normally they can clear it pretty fast.

Pic especially for Geraldine. If you vist her, check our her wonderful cookbook. I have it and the receipes are awesome.




Now a new pic of my SPCA cat Cinders. She is not a fan of snow. She is a fan of my bed though.

The THINGS Kids Say

Some readers here may know that my husband, Ron, was standing in the local Municipal Elections. I won't bore you here but it was pretty stressful for the family. On Monday October 16th just as the snow started falling, we learnt that he had made it.

The next morning Jesse was eager to tell everybody. This is what I learnt from the school bus driver yesterday. He got on the bus and shouted to her "My Daddy got ERECTED!!!!" She said she hasn't stopped laughing about it since. Seems he went to school and told the principal and his teacher the same thing. Good job they knew what he REALLY meant LOL

It's Been Ages

Things have a way of keeping me from blogging.

We were on vacation for much of August. Took our camper and went to the Peacebluegrass Festival in Dawson Creek. Had a blast even though it rained quite a bit. Saw our favourite band Hungry Hill. Jenny Lester is the sweetest person with the voice to match. Can't wait to see them again.

Then Jesse got ill. High fever. Gave him Motrin. Fever went down for a bit, then back up. Got to Vanderhoof and he suddenly said that a kid had put a bead up his nose. Now Jesse is not one to make up stories and it would account for a fever but no other symptoms. Off we went to ER. They gave him antibiotics and steroids to reduce the swelling in his nose as they could not see past that to find a bead. Next day we went back to the clinic. Swelling was down a bit but they still could be sure. As we were not on our way home from vacation, they decided they needed to know for sure if there was a bead. Jesse had to undergo a general anesthetic for them to look deeper. I was worried silly. They let me go into the OR with him. It was awful watching him fight the gas mask. Then I had to leave. It took about 30 minutes. They said he was really badly infected in his sinuses. Jesse had said the bead was small and they didn't see it. But they said it might have been in some of the gunk they got out and they couldn't see it. He was in a FOUL mood when he came round. Kicking me, screaming and generally going mad. When we got back to the camper, we had to apologise to all the neighbouring holiday makers. The next day he was a bit more normal. We kept up the antibiotics and carried on to Smithers (Hi Jenny) and then Prince Rupert).

I love Prince Rupert. I miss the smell of the ocean BADLY. I miss eating Halibut. We went down to Cow Bay and found a new yarn store there. Atlin Yarns. I remembered a customer of mine saying she often sat watching the boats, knitting and drinking coffee. And she was there. Working in the yarn store and knitting. (Hi Shelly.) Wonderful to meet her.

We took a trip Whale watching. It was the most amazing weather that I have even seen in Prince Rupert. Not a drop of rain LOL. We took the trip with Adventure Tours who are the most wonderful bunch of people. If you are ever in Rupert, take your trips with them. Doug, the captain, is also a talented photographer. You can see lots of his photos on their website. He found us whales to watch too. The water was like glass and then suddenly up came a whale. One surfaced within feet of the boat and was coming right as. I was so shocked that I couldn't get a pic in time. But this is it taken after it surfaced the other side of the boat.


The photo below was taken north of Prince George. I can't remember the name of the RV park but it was quiet, had a river alongside and was shady. This is Ron and Jesse goofing around.
We camped right next to this river.

Our vacation was eventful to say the least but we sure enjoyed ourselves.

Then Jesse started Kindergarten. He had already spent the past few months at École Boréale in pre-school. And summer camp was held there too. It was a bit of a non-event for him other than the BIG yellow bus. He had never been on one of those before.

He is doing great in kindergarten. Seems to speak more French every day. He also gets very mad when I don't understand. I try son! I try....

And if that wasn't enough news. Yesterday I adopted a cat. I have spent 10 years cat-free and could stand it no more. The Hay River SPCA had a 2 1/2 year old cat that had recently had kittens. The elderly owner had to go into hospital and couldn't look after them. I was going to adopt a kitten and then thought how mad I was. Went to see the mom cat instead at her foster home. She was quite standoffish but I guessed that was more due to the dogs, kittens, kids etc in the house. Her eyes were stunning. She was a tabby/calico mix. Very pretty. I went home, talked to Ron. Couldn't decide. Contacted the vet (he travels up here once per month from Manning, AB). He was coming up the end of this month and could spay her then. In that time her milk would dry up. I decided to put in my application to adopt her. And yesterday I got the call that I could. Here she is. A bit nervous but not standoffish any longer. And she adores Jesse. Bit more nervous of our two dogs but that will be fixed in time. Please welcome Cinders. Named by my husband - who is not a big cat lover but soon will be. He hasn't met her yet as he is in Barrhead, AB.

Life's To Do List

Saw this on Brenda's blog and felt as if I would like to add it here and see how much I have done. One thing not on here that I wanted to do and now can't - fly on Concorde.

Those in bold, I have done.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 10 provinces
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language
fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an illness that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the
course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something
you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you
missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language (if that means programming a program - I have)
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life

Looking for a Pattern

Has anyboy seen a knitting pattern for a sweater similar to this?


Click for a larger view.

It is knitted with a ribbon yarn. Has a tie at the neck.

If you see anything like this, please let me know.

The week before Easter turned out to be a nightmare. On Tuesday morning Jesse said his tummy hurt. By lunchtime he was vomiting. Next morning we took him to the local ER (very small hospital here). He was put on a drip. His temperature went up. We were told they suspected appendicitis. The plane was coming from Yellowknife to medivac him. Ron and I were beside ourselves. I went on the plane with Jesse - Ron was told he couldn't go even though there was room.

To cut a really, really long story short. Jesse picked up a bit after being in the hospital in Yellowknife. We got shipped to a hotel. He began to vomit again. I had no phone as it had not been put on in the hotel. Thank God Ron flew up the next day. Jesse went back to the hospital for re-assessing. They put another drip in. Decided it was not appendicitis. Not a blockage either. When he picked up enough, they sent us back to the hotel. He was on a strict diet and we had NO COOKING FACILITIES. This was getting beyond a joke. I managed to cook chicken broth with a coffee maker. He had sips of pedialite. No more vomiting. Next day (Good Friday) back to the hospital. Staff in cafeteria made him toast. He pooped! Yippeeeeee. They discharged him.

If I am ever sick or my son is ever sick again, I don't think I will let them fly us north. I went without food or drink for 18 hours as the hospital coulndn't give me any. By time I made it to the hotel, all places were closed (it was 1am). And I think we were treated like hell. Thank God Jesse didn't need surgery and that he is OK though.

On the crochet front. I am in design mode again. So far I have done this much of a baby's outfit. There will be matching diaper cover, shoes and headband or hat.



This is my new baby. She is called Taylor. More about her another day.

ICE CARNIVAL

As often happens, life and work got in the way of updating my blog again.

Last Saturday was the Ice Carnival for Hay River Figure Skating club. My son (4 1/2) was in the show again this year. He loves to skate. It is a passion with him. I think he would live on ice if he could. The Canskate 1 skaters did very well and all kept on their feet.

At the end of the show, Jesse was honoured with an award. We are not totally sure of the title yet as the trophy has not arrived. Due to this they gave him a little present (Hot Wheels) and he will get the trophy at the close of season dinner at the end of April. It was basically a Skate Canada Northern Alberta/Northwest Territories Canskater of the Year Award. We are EXTREMELY proud of him. Sadly skating is over for the season and Jesse is missing it already.


Here are some photos of him at the ice show. Please click for the larger photos.
Jackie Scheller (Coach) and Jesse. Jesse is doing his "smile"






Jesse and his playschool and skating friend Samantha - she is only 2 weeks older than him but so much taller. Sammy is always telling everybody that I have the same skates as her. True, but she can skate 100 times better than I can.

St Patrick's Day and Jesse

Recently remembered that I once designed a St Patrick's Day granny square. So for anybody looking for one, here it is. The pattern for it can be found on my crochet site.


Jesse did not get better with the antibiotics. His x-rays show no improvement to his sinuses. So we get to see a doc next week and see what can be done - if anything. I sure hope this is not affecting his learning.

Getting into Debt and Crafts


Anybody watch today's Oprah? I just caught a bit of it whilst passing a few minutes before going to collect Jesse from French School.

The subject was debt. I am always floored by amount of debt some families have. If I can't afford it, I don't buy it. The only reason I have credit cards is convenience and they get paid off totally each month. And we are not a rich household. We have an average income, none of our vehicles are new (or even newish).

One of the families on Oprah had a lady that enjoyed crafts. She is what I would call a stash-aholic. Here the link to the page

Quote from Oprah's site: Marnie's obsession with crafts is also digging them deeper into debt. Marnie admits she buys on impulse, a habit that resulted in her owning $1,000 worth of beads and $1,500 worth of scrap-booking supplies. "I feel really guilty about spending the money on [crafts]," Marnie says, "but, at the same time, you cannot always just focus on everything horrible in your life." $1500 of BEADS GULP!!!!

I think many people get caught up in the latest online obessions. I see it on crochet and knitting lists all the time. One person talks about something and then everybody wants it. And I bet 90% of them don't use the pattern, yarn or accessory. Ebay is another place that tends to make people lose all sense of realitly. They bid and bid and bid. I have seen patterns that I sell for $4.95 CDN go for $20 US on Ebay.

Easy credit is worrying. It is so easy to get credit cards (especially in the USA) and easy to get loans that promise they can consolidate your debts (but only tell you in the small print that their interest rate is 40%) etc etc.

Please note, these are just my thoughts and views and I don't mind if people don't agree with me. I just couldn't live that way myself.

Yellowknife

On Monday I finally got to fly to Yellowknife to see the neurologist about my numb hand and neck problems. Flew on this. Yes it is a DC3. It was loud but it got me there. Loud I didn't need as Jesse kept me up most of that night and I was really tired.

Yellowknife hasn't changed too much since I was last up there some 8 years ago. Canadian Tire has moved and a new building in its place. Even though we don't have many stores in Hay River and Yellowknife has malls, Wal-Mart and a new Extra Foods, I still wouldn't live there for anything.

The neurologist did the electrical tests on me. My arm and hand was jumping all over the place. Sure felt weird. He confirmed (as I had always thought) that I don't have carpal tunnel. It is a pinched nerve in my neck caused by arthritis (Cervical Spondylosis). Not gone far enough to warrant surgery (thank God). I will be attending physio and using a neck traction contraption every day to try to relieve the pressure. It looks like THIS. I can't wait - NOT. It's like something from the cells in the Tower of London. I suppose if it helps, then I need to do it.

Was reading Paula's blog and noticed that she had made Rock Buns. Immediately sent me into a fit of nostalgia as I remember my Mum (sorry but being a Brit I spell it that way) making Rock Cakes for my dad. They were a favourite of his. Paula asked if I knew the origin of the recipe. I can only think it is because they are hard and look like rocks when cooked. Seems they can be dated back to at least 1861 as British settlers took the recipe to New Zealand. If anybody else knows more, do let me know.

Here is an English recipe closed to the one that Mum used to cook.

Rock cakes

100g butter or margarine

225g plain flour
2x5ml spoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp mixed spice (optional)
Grated rind of half a lemon
100g demerara sugar
100g mixed dried fruit
1 egg, beaten
5 ml spoon milk

Rub the fat into the sifted flour,
baking powder, salt and spices until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Stir in the rind, sugar and fruit.

Make a well in the centre, pour in the egg and milk, and mix to give a
stiff consistency.

Place mixture in rough heaps onto a greased baking tray. Bake in a moderately
hot oven 200C, 400F, Gas Mark 6 for 15-20 minutes.

Jackie's notes: g = gram, 5ml = 1 tsp, Plain flour is ordinary baking flour in North Amercia (in England we have one called Self Raising flour too). The dough should be quite stiff so that when you drop in on the baking sheet (cookie sheet) it does not make a smooth mound.

And I have just found an old ORIGINAL Recipe

Rock Cakes

To six ounces of flour,
add three of butter,
two ounces of currants,
sugar to your taste,
one egg.

Beat all well together, break it into rough pieces, and bake on tins
in a quick oven.

Source: Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, Vol iv, 1856-7

Looking Back....

Just came across a granny square that I designed some 10 or more years ago. I had just joined CP, learnt to crochet and got an urge to try to design something for Valentine's.

Gosh it took me forever. I crocheted, frogged, crocheted, frogged. Then I realized that I hadn't written down the final attempt. It proved to be a very popular design at the time. I think it seems rather dated now. Crochet has changed. It sure isn't just afghans and doilies any longer and clothing patterns are vastly improved.


So here is that square. As Valentine's is not so far off, here is a link to the pattern, in case anybody is interested. It is amazing how many comfort afghans this has appeared in.

Happy New Year to you all!

Hope to keep up with the blog more this year.

We took Jesse to see the fireworks last night. Oh my the wonders of the world through a kid's eyes. He was squeeling with delight. It was truly a wonder for him.

OOps - I've been AWOL again.

Lots of reasons (or should I say excuses) for not blogging. One was that I wanted to leave the post about Emma and her cute son at the top. Hopefully to encourage more people to donate.

Another is that I am just plain busy. Jesse started swimming lessons on Saturdays. I also try to take him once or twice per week. He is doing pretty good. CANskate starts on Monday - that too is twice per week. Orders are pouring in for patterns - that time of year when we get really busy. I have also volunteered to be Treasurer for Hay River Playschool so I am spreading myself pretty thin. Oh yes, and I am supposed to be taking it easy as the pain in my neck and numbness was getting worse. Well at least I am not sitting in this out of the way town bored out of my mind.

But I did manage a bit of knitting. The project was for another Pumpkin Patch Hat. It is either for one of Jesse's friends (won't name them in case their mom is reading this) or it is for the PlaySchool to sell. I just love the pics of Jesse wearing the hat - he looks even more cute than normal. Can't believe he is a year older already.

Trying to Help a Fellow Mom

Emma is an amazing mommy in England. Her adorable little boy has special needs. As he is growing, he needs new specialized equipment to aid his independence and make his life more like other kids. The price of such equipment is astronomical and some of the blogging knitters are trying to do their bit to help out this wonderful family. Read Emma's story.

If you feel you can contribute, please do. Every little will help.

Appears that my tingling arm and fingers and related pain might not be carpal tunnel. I had neck x-rays done and the clinic wants to see me for a follow up. They would not call me in if there was nothing on the x-rays. Can't get seen until Aug 25 though.

Been looking at little things to crochet. Just tiny projects that I can do now and again. What about these earrings?

Overdoing it!

Feeling sorry for myself. I have tingling/numb fingers, pain in my shoulder and elbow. It is pretty difficult to even sleep with this. No it isn't caused by crocheting or knitting but by too much computer work. I bought a Microsoft Trackball and the shape helped but the ball sticks. Evidently it is a typical design fault with this particular trackball. So then I bought a Logitech but the shape is too high for my little hands and that ended up aggravating the situation. I just installed a normal mouse this morning and am currently trying to use my left hand instead. Not doing too well with that. I was just updating a website and accidentally shut down my computer. Lost all the work. DUH!

My right arm is braced and I am trying to rest it as much as possible...pretty hard with a 4 year old around. Trying to follow some advice about carpal tunnel from crochet.about.com before I go and see the doc about it. It will probably take a few weeks to even get an appointment up here.

Finding it hard to keep up with blogging lately. Mainly due to the nice weather that we have been having and also work has kept me very busy.

A few weeks ago we took our 5th wheel camper down through Alberta and across to BC. The weather wasn't too bad considering that rain was predicted nearly every day. We found it to be sunny most days. We toured down to 108 Mile House. Hi to Jessie who showed us around in the dark as there was a power outage. A really bad storm came through just before we got there. The white on this photo (click for larger) is hail not snow. It was all white when we first arrived. I thought we were back in winter.



Then we traveled down to Cache Creek. I fist went there on my honeymoon. The scenery reminds me of the wild west. I love it! This photo was taken on the road between Cache Creek and Lillooet.



Great place to visit just north of Cache Creek is Hat Creek Ranch. We spent one night at a noisy campground in Cache Creek and the next night we moved our camper and actually camped at Hat Creek Ranch. I will know better next time - just camp at the ranch.

The day we took the ranch tour just happened to be the same day that two bus loads of Brits arrived. It was so funny to hear the accents.... I might be British but I have not lived there for around 17 years now. The Brits were really confused - Canadian man with a British wife and a little boy that looks a little Chinese. In the end, some actually came right out and asked me where I was from. As for the tour -- it was really interesting. We took a stage coach ride - reminded me of our F250 Ford Truck -- BUMPY!! There was cowboy riding around. He asked if Jesse had every ridden a horse. Little did he know that there is only 1 in Hay River and I don't think Jesse had ever seen that one. He has only seen horses from a distance when we are traveling. So the wonderful man got off his horse and put Jesse up there and led him around. Jesse looked mortified but I think that was more to do with being watched by 40 Brits than by the horse.



On the way back from our main trip we stopped at Rombs County Bluegrass Jamboree near Fairview, Alberta. It was MUCH more fun than I anticipated. Ron is the musician in the family. I play nothing....well I didn't until last week...Ron bought me a fiddle. Not learnt much about playing it yet. The dogs just howl a lot at the moment tee hee. This week we are going to buy a new 5 string banjo as Ron wants to learn that. And he will too. He is very talented musically. We also hope to visit Peace Bluegrass Festival in Dawson Creek, BC which is this weekend. Will take us two days to get there though.


As you can tell, we are traveling a lot this summer. Not much knitting or crocheting has been done. I have just begun to crochet a bolero which I am hoping to get finished in the next day or so. It is from CaneyLadysCreations. These patterns are great for beginners as there are so many pics to follow. A bit of a pain for an experienced crocheter though - if you print the pattern, you would use so much ink!!!

Sickened and Angry


I was born 8 miles from Central London, England. Most of my family live in London.
I get SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO mad that innocent people get hurt when governments make, IMO, bloody stupid decisions. I could go on a long, drawn out political rant here but I will save you from that.

Is Summer Here?

Or as Jesse would say; "Has the snow melted Mommy?"

We finally brought our 5th wheel camper home from the storage yard. Jesse was SO excited. He always saw the camper as we drove along that main road in town. The storage yard can be seen from there. And every day he would ask when we were going camping. He literally did a happy dance (and nearly wet himself) when went to get it. And then he thought he was sleeping in it last night. That meant tears at bedtime. I told him he could help me take some things out there today so that calmed him. BUT I DIDN'T MEAN AT THE CRACK OF DAWN THIS MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!! He woke me up extremely early asking if we were going to load the camper now. And he was already dressed. Jesse NEVER gets dressed without an argument in the mornings. So even though it is still pretty cold out there at 7c (45F), it looks as if we will have to go somewhere for a night soon.

Kids - they are SOOO much fun...even when they wake you that early. I wouldn't change him for the world.

Need a summer hat - buying one in this town is out of the question. I plan on crocheting one. Have a design stuck in my head. Not sure if I have time to make it though as I have 3 other things on the go already. Hopefully by the time I can make it, I won't have forgotten what I envisaged.

Crochet Partners has a new re-vamped website so I will dedicate this post to CP.

I joined back in 1996. Even was List Manager at one point. I wasn't really happy about a few things and quit - but I am not going into that so don't ask Then I started my own business and after a lot of hard work, it took off. Around the same time, we were lucky enough to be able to adopt a 2 day old little boy. He is the love of my life. He stopped me crocheting and I didn't care. I just never had time. He is now 4. Mommy can do needlecrafts now and again. He knows the difference between crocheting and knitting. Adores the things mommy makes him and tells everybody where it came from.

I have a lot to thank CP for. I learnt so much about crocheting on CP. My dumb beginner questions were answered. Maybe if nobody had responded, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you CP!

If you are in Canada, there is a little Canadian crochet group called Canucks Crochet. Feel free to pop over.

And if anybody wants to know where the previous post about Mother's day went....I decided this wasn't the place to vent.

Finally Have An FO Photo

At last I managed to remember to get a photo take when the sun was still out.



Here is Summer Cardigan.

Pattern by Knitting Pure & Simple. Yarn Scholler Stahl Bandolino. It was another cardigan and I ran out of yarn. Couldn't get any more from anywhere so I ripped it. Glad I did as this is such a nice cardigan to wear. It goes perfectly with the Shapely Tank that I made last summer.

Happy that my birthday is over for another year. It was HORRID!! Not only did I not feel well but hubby put even less effort into it than he normally does. Normally he will make a minor effort. This year -- well he practically didn't bother. Jesse had nagged him all week to take him to get me a present -- he didn't of course. So Jesse was upset too. I don't know if it is because Ron was an only child and his parents were too busy farming to even begin to teach his about feelings, caring, thinking of others or what it is. But it hurts when he can't even make the slightest effort for one day per year. (And if it was connected to his work -- he would have gone overboard).
Thanks to all bloggers who sent me greetings though. :-) Isn't it funny how people you have never met can show more care than your own husband!!!!
BITCH over....
Sorry had to get it out of my system.

Happy Birthday to me!

I feel ancient today. Not feeling well (women's stuff that I get very badly) and was awake half the night. GROAN!

Never mind....little Jesse ran in the room this morning shouting "Happy Birthday Mommy!". He always manages to put a smile on my face no matter what.

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.

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!

Oops. Has it been that long since I blogged?

Things have been rather busy around here.

Firstly the guy that bought the lot opposite has put it for permission to have it re-zoned. We hear he wants to put a 12-plex on the land. The land used to house a lovely old buidling that once was the baptist church. Then it was occupied by the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre until they moved to a new location. Used to be wonderful when they had any special occasion and we could hear fiddling and drumming without having to leave our yard. Anyway, we have all signed a petition and will be at the Town Hall on Monday. Ron and I have done most of the leg work. Fingers crossed for us.

Then I re-vamped Karp Styles. Just new logo menus. "Just" she said. It took days. Wanted to install a new shopping cart but I can't find one that suits my requirements.

Last night we went to enroll Jesse in Playschool. He starts next Septemeber. The school is quite new and has great facilities. As soon as we go there he took off on his own. For 40 minutes he seemed to totally forget us. I think he will do great there. They even have computers. Jesse loves to come and help Mommy work so you never know, he might be the one printing out invoices soon LOL.

Way to Go Fantasia!

The best American Idol winner to date.

The emotion she puts into a song will surely make her a top artist. Not just a singer - she is pure, raw, powerful talent.
I was weeping buckets at the end - had to go and clean my glasses as I couldn't see.

On the knitting front - I have just finished the back of Georgina and cast on for the left front. I think this cardigan might become a fave of mine. It sure looks pretty so far.

The past week has not been fun at all...AT ALL!

Jesse had a bad cough the previous week. Daddy went to Inuvik on Monday. Monday afternoon, I took Jesse to Tree House (a kids play/craft group). One girl had a runny nose.... I didn't think much of it as Jesse probably had the same bug. Next morning we went to Tumbling Toddlers. Fisheries and Oceans Canada had a young guy visit to give the kids a little show about pond life. He bought bugs - Jesse was mesmerized. He and another boy called Brad were laying on their tummies glued to the bowl of water with the bugs. Jesse has never been so still or quiet. But Brad had a runny nose. Meg, Jesse's girlfriend, also had a runny nose. On Wednesday Jesse got sicker again. Luckily Daddy came home Thursday evening. This weekend he has been really bad. Poor kid has been running a high fever and was a bit delirious at one stage. He wasn't too bad this morning but, after his afternoon nap, he was burning up again. Daddy gave him a tepid shower and Mommy gave Tylenol. If he isn't better tomorrow, we will call the nursing desk at the hospital for advice. He has been ill too long. Poor kid's nose is bleeding often as well. Mommy hasn't slept much for nearly two weeks now.

Then we heard that Ron's Mom has been ill since around Xmas. She had back pain when she was here but she said it was due to the long journey...very likely. Seems she hid how bad she felt when we all met up at Easter. Now we learn that she has a spot on her lung. We are worried out of our minds. She quit smoking around the time Jesse was born. I always thought that she quit because of him but now I wonder if she already knew something. Ron thinks the same. Please send good thoughts and vibes her way.

Happily the Northwest Territories has banned smoking in any restaurants, bars or pubs now. Maybe that might stop at least one person dying of lung caner. Basically you can't smoke in any workplace at all...and that includes where waiters and waitresses work. Well done NWT!!!! Hay River had already banned smoking in restaurants. As an ex smoker - I am really happy about this. I cannot tolerate the stench of smoke at all now. It has stopped me going to Christmas parties at Ron's work etc.

American Idol - what a joke
The program totally lost any credability tonight. It is pretty clear that votes are being rigged. But that doesn't totally surprise me. You could set a computer up with a script to dial in over and over again. Imagine what fun hackers can reap on the voting. If they allow more than one call per # then it can be rigged easily.

I didn't like La Toya's attitude too much but she is a GREAT singer. She seemed a tad toooooooo confident. Watch now -- Fantasia will get thrown out next.

I feel pissed off!

Georgina is working up nicely. I love how it looks so far. I am about to decrease for the armholes on the back. Not had too much knitting time this week as work has been busy. Jesse is under the weather again too. Was up all night as he had a bad cough. Poor baby!

The colour of the yarn is very hard to get on camera. Sorry, I didn't feel like going outside as it is still around freezing. But you can get the idea at least.

My Shapely Tank
Yarn: Sonata
Pattern: White Lies Designs



Squashed my index finger of my rh between a wooden box and a wall unit last night. OWIE! Have a lovely black nail and my finger has throbbed ever since. Don't think it is life threatening though :-)

Jesse trouble of the day - knocked over Mommy's plants whilst Mommey was showering. Guess I really can't shower any more eh?

Shapely Tank is finished. It is GR8! I really do like a lot. Will probably make more.

The neck and armholes were too loose. Typical - I actually made a point of casting off looser than normal as I often do it too tight. So I frogged the casting off and re-knitted.
Will post pics as soon as I can.

Now onto my next project. Paula found this pattern for me. Thank you!
It is Georgina by Kirstin Cowan
Yarn is Schoeller Stahl Bandolino (sp?) in purple.
If anybody wants to do a knit-along, let me know.

My dear sweet innocent son (ha ha) managed to get into a cupboard that he can't normally reach today. He found white glue, glitter, crepe paper and a brush. I was in the shower for 5 minutes and Jesse was creating a work of art. The mess was not fun. Now I know he can reach this cupboard I have moved everything. I can't put a childproof lock on it so moving things is my only option. He can open cupboards with most childproof locks anyway. Kids are more clever than the folks that make these things!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me.........

Can't belive that I am 47 already. Where have all those years gone? Mommy to a toddler and 47!!!!!! Perhaps that is why I am always tired. But I am always smiling too. He gives us so much joy.

Jesse sang Happy Birthday to me this morning. It was extremely moving to see a 34 month old singing so sweetly. He and his daddy woke me with coffee in bed. They were both wearing party hats. Jesse seems to know that you wear hats and have balloons at birthdays....so it was his idea.

The Hay River is breaking up today. It had broken at the falls (see photo below for that the falls looked like last weekend) but it hasn't broken near our home. No fear of flooding this year. The weather melted lots of the ice before the break happened.


Alexandra Falls

Just took this quiz on Quizilla. The result is so funny. I will always be the first to admit that my spelling and grammar suck. Give me Math any day!
But clearly my grammar is good when taking a quiz or test. Just not when writing emails, blog entries or letters. Maybe I don't concentrate enough in those situations. Somebody even wrote me an anonymous email to point out that I wrote "sort after" on my website. DUH Jackie! I know it is "sought" after. Brain on a go slow perhaps.


You are a MASTER of the English language!


While your English is not exactly perfect,
you are still more grammatically correct than
just about every American. Still, there is
always room for improvement...


How grammatically sound are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


A few things that bug me are:
"There" car instead of "their" car.
Web "sight" in place of "site".
"To many" where it should be "too many".
"I no" or "I now" for "I know"
etc.
Is it time for me to join the Grammar Avengers????
Well done Pinner Grammar School in Pinner, Middlesex, England for actually teaching me something!!!!!!

As far as my knitting progress goes.....
Have now finished the front of Shapely Tank. I think it will fit like a glove. Perhaps I need to do a few more laps of the block to loose a pound or two. Really like how the tank is turning out and feel really enthusiastic about it. I have some solid purple DK yarn and would like to make a little cardigan to go over the top. Something similar to Sitcom Chic. Anybody know of a nice pattern that I could use?

DH is off on a business trip for two days. I really miss the couple of hours break from the whirlwind two (nearly 3) year old. So if you don't hear from me, I am lying on the floor somewhere, totally exhausted .