Soft Addictions

I have several of them. More about that later, though. *wink*

Hook News:
Ah, that feisty design is now under control. I finally worked out the correct number of beginning chains and I'm off and working. A bit slowly since a tendon in my right wrist is out of whack—but I'm working.

I found a storage tub with more yarn. I swear this stuff is multiplying on it's own. Anyhow, I've sorted out the keepers vs. the give-aways and all is well.

Oh, and the pattern leaflet I've been looking for ("Ripple Afghans for the Family") is now on it's way to my house. *big grins* I will, of course, have to yarn shop once I reach Oregon, but that's a good things. hehehe

Crook News:
Pam called. We added to our ever growing list of “to-do's” the joyous task of picking out our own colors for the outside of the house. WHEE! Tomorrow we will head to the local Sherwin-Williams store and look at swatches. We did some preliminary looking today at their web site and have it down to 2 choices, it all depends on what color the roof is slated to be.

Scratched several things off of our “to-do” list today, with the biggest being setting up the appointment for the movers. They will arrive around 8am on Wed, October 12th. What a great way to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary. :)

Took ride #3 with the cats. This time Abby sat in my arms. No upset tummy. Of course, she's got to get used to the travel case as I can't possibly ride for 10 hours with her in my arms—but this was a good start to more positive traveling with her—we hope.

Now, about those ...
Soft Addictions:
As I said, I have several. I think the worst is this computer and the internet. I really don't have time these days to log on and read posts on boards or read and answer emails, yet I do. I can't seem to stop myself. I'm seriously considering packing up my computer early. No more temptation that way. But wouldn't it better for me in the long run to simply conquer this addiction? I think it would. I don't know if I'll win this battle, but I'm sure going to give it a try. So if you don't hear from me for several days, don't panic; and if you do panic—then pick up the phone and call me.

Questioning myself
Recently I shared with a friend that I was questioning myself and some of my attitudes and actions. I was most discouraged with what I saw in my heart and wondered how in the world I could have some of these cold feelings. I finally had to let it go and talk to the Lord about it. The next day my daily devotion was from Psalms 119, particularly verse 77:

Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

God has softened my heart, and I'm now content with the decisions I've made and the actions I've taken. With His help, my heart will stay tender in this area and I'll keep my focus where it should be.

If your heart is hard, or hurting, why not ask God to help you. He is faithful and will show you His tender mercies.

Big news! Read on ...

Hook News
So I finally set the popcorn ripple aside as it's too darn hot here to work on it—but boy will it be a grand project for the coast of Oregon in the winter. *big grins* I needed something to do, so I tried a pattern I've had in my brain for a bit. It looked grand, but then I discovered that my sample had taken on the shape of an hourglass. :-/ I have put the sample and my notes in an envelope and I'll tackle it again some time.

Feeling frustrated I figured I'd just set my hooks aside for the next 3 weeks. Then I had this major inspiration—while I was in the shower! No paper, no pencil. LOL! Fortunately I remembered my brainy idea a few hours later. I wrote it down, gave it a try last night and it worked. Now I just need to get the size right and I'll have another masterpiece. ROFL!

Crook News
Now for the big news! Are you ready? I wasn't, and I admit that when the words came over the phone today I WHOOPED! Poor Pam. Hehehehe

WE HAVE WALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, walls! They look soooooo wonderful. Would you like to see? Okay,just click HERE for a page with links to the pics. Many of you will be pleased to hear that the garage/guest room walls went up today and the contractor framed in a window (no charge). So you'll have a “view”. hehehehehe

Our packing is coming along well. I'd guess we are around 75% done, with some tough decisions ahead as far as take or dump. I can tell you hearing the news today, and then seeing the pics, have energized me. I can hardly wait. *huge grins*

One obstacle ... digging into all these older boxes has really stirred up dust in the house. Since I don't really have time to do my normal cleaning, it's settling on everything. *frustrated frown* If you have any idea(s) on how to combat this, please let me know.

Book News
Minor gripe here. I've been watching for Cornelia Funke's new book, Inkspell, for a bit. It showed up at B&N.com and the price was 30% off. Since I had a gift certificate left, we drove over today and I picked it up. It wasn't until I was done checking out that I discovered that the online store is now different from the brick & mortar store! *frustrated frown* I was upset, and so later this week I'm going back and return it and get my money back. I'll mail order it and save an extra $4! In fact, I'll probably mail order it from Amazon. hehehe

That will teach B&N to mess with Mad Jenny Rackham. LOL!

Har! Har!

My pirate name is:
Mad Jenny Rackham

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

Liar! Liar! Pants are on fire!

Remember that childhood ditty? It came to mind today when for the 3rd time in the past four weeks an acquaintance showed themselves to be a liar. Of all the human traits that I dislike, the act of lying is at the top of the list. If I catch someone in a lie, it can cause a friendship to go south faster than a speeding bullet.

I'm aware that at one time or another, everyone lies—I've done it myself; but why do we lie? Do we really believe that it's better to tell a “little white lie” as tell the truth? Can we not find a tactful and kind way to tell a friend the truth? Would it not hurt their feelings even more to know we LIED to them? I think it would.

Perhaps our self-esteem so low that we need to make ourself look like a bigger or better person in someone else's eyes. Do we really think that someone will find us more attractive and want us as a friend if we lie? Or do we lie simply because we see it as a challenge—and challenges are exciting?

I'm no angel—I've lied. As a teenager I lied to my parents for the same reason y'all lied to your parents. LOL! I've told those “little white lies” as well. However, I gave up lying when I grew up enough to realize that I always got caught and lying served no good purpose. Besides the older you get, the harder it is to remember your lies and keep your stories straight! Heh!

When someone who is smart lies to me and contradicts a previous statement they made to me, it makes me wonder. Do they really think I'm that dumb? Is it possible they really don't remember what they've said to me? Are they counting on my good graces to not call them on the lie?

Somehow I don't think so. I think most lies are done to either make oneself look “better” to the other person, or to manipulate the person to whom you are lying.

Two of the recent lies revolved around money. The first person simply wanted to do things their way, and when I refused they sent me an email that was designed to bait me. I'm sure if I had not been careful with my answer, the next thing I would have heard was discrimination.

The other financial dealing I don't understand. Perhaps this person just needed more time to come up with the funds. If so, all they had to do was tell me. Instead, they have told me lie after lie about the check being in the mail. I have lost a great deal of respect for this person. I do know I won't be doing any future sales with either of these people.

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”—Proverbs 16-19

But my long time friend—this one hurt. I had suspected that my friend was lying about this particular subject, but having it confirmed wounded me inside and made me angry. I suspect this friend has lied in order to make themselves look “better” to me. It hasn't. It has only made me look at them in a different light—one that is not very flattering or favorable. I'm not sure yet how I'll deal with it—but I will deal with it.

Like I said, if I catch someone in a lie, it can cause a friendship to go south faster than a speeding bullet.

All the news that's fit to whatever

Yesterday we took the cats traveling for the first time. BC did very well. He whimpered once, then settled in and went to sleep. Abby Darlin' wound herself up and before we hit the 1 mile mark she had thrown up and 1/4 mile later ... she ... you know. LOL! We rolled the windows down, opened the moon window and drove home - where we washed Abby, her towel and her cage. Hope trip #2 goes better. hehehe

I now have the china cabinet cleaned out, so the dining room is almost done. I have to pack the last few things, and then make up a box of items to send to my aunt in Illinois and I can check the dining room off my list. :)

The loan inspector for the buyer arrived early this morning, was alone and not very friendly. He took a few pics, measured a few things and was gone in 10 minutes. Whatever.

Had our appointment with the mover on Monday. He came back on Tuesday with his bid, and it's within our budget. We are happy. He even bought Mr. Retired's little putt-putt-boat for $20. Saves us having to move it 'cuz' it's too small for the ocean. :) Oh yeah, after inventorying the house, he said as long as we don't "coast" too early, we should make our target date of 10/15!!!!! Yippee! Anyone want to come help us pack? LOL!

Went over and said goodbye to a friend today. She's going to San Francisco to live and go to design college. *sniffle* Someday we'll be reading about her making a splash in the world of graphic design. :)

I'm still plugging away on my popcorn ripple and starting to hate it. Maybe I should have left one of those other projects unpacked? ;-)

Visited with a friend yesterday, and we talked about how the Lord has truly blessed this move. Everything just seems to fit together. We know there may be obstacles ahead, but we are rejoicing in all that has taken place and we know that God will see us through any obstacles as well.

"Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name."--1 Chronicles 29:10-13

(emphasis mine)

WIP Wednesday

In my project bag right now:

• Popcorn Ripple ghan is 2/3 done. I'm noticing that the side edges are curling. I can't remember if the last one I did also curled or not.

WIP's that will remain WIP's until March 2006 when they get unpacked. Yes, I packed up some WIP's. LOL! Less guilt that way.

• Warm Jewel ghan in burgundy and soft rose
• Baby ghan design in progress - no name, but it's Lilac in color
• Ghan of forgotten name from book of forgotten name made from yarn that I ran out of (this will likely be a WIP until the cows come home! LOL)
  

The Spice of Life

Wow! I can't believe I haven't updated here since Saturday. So much has gone on ... and it will all have to wait until later. hehehe For now, I want to share 2 pics of some little gems I found while sorting through things.


I bought these at a garage sale for a quarter. They don't have stoppers, but I thought they were cute. Click on the little pic to see the real deal in a separate window.





These cuties belonged to my mom. Not real practical to use due to their balance, but cute to look at. Click on the little pic to see the real deal in a separate window.





WIP Wednesday update coming up shortly.

Super Saturday!

The morning started early, as do most mornings. Before sunrise I found myself wide awake, so I dressed and started in on tasks. By 7 the dishes were drying, 2 loads of laundry were washed/dried/folded, and I'd gone through half of the china hutch. I decided I deserved a break, so I started the coffee pot, grabbed my book and sat down to read. I awoke at 8am. LOL!

From there, the day moved fast. Out to the garage to help Mr. Retired, where we found lots of boxes and bags of “toss this”, and now the 2 trash cans are full to the brim. Our neighbor, Greg, came over to pick up the shopsmith and the drill press. Mr. Retired sent him home with tons more “guy things”, and I sent him home with the Christmas dishes. This means I get a new set for Christmas 2006* plus I don't have to pack them for Oregon. :)

I also found all of my mom's china dishes. Now I must decide: keep or give away? I'm leaning toward give away mainly because my mom stopped using these dishes shortly after we moved to California; so they don't bring back as many fond memories as my late MIL's dishes do. I'll decide by Tuesday when we make the Goodwill run.

Greg helped me id some of pop's Air Force stuff, and he's coming by tomorrow to take more “trash” as he'll have room in his cans. He even said if we have a lot of Goodwill stuff to leave it and he'll take it for us after we leave. He has been such a huge help, there's no way we could ever repay him for all his kindness.

*Now about those new Christmas dishes. While Mr. Retired showered and changed, I took a short break and googled “Christmas dishes”. In the process of hitting links, I found myself at the Pfaltzgraff site. There I fell in love—but not with Christmas dishes. I found the perfect every day dishes. Forget the “Fiesta Ware” I was going to buy. I'm hooked—totally and completely on Evening Sun. To me they say, “Welcome. Glad you are here. Join us for a meal and friendship.”

I figure I can fill in with a few pieces of Nuance of Gold and Nuance of Red, and I'll have a wonderful set of bright, cheerful, colorful dishes!

We decided that we needed a packing break, so we took off for some lunch. Stopped at Peet's on the way home for coffee and coffee beans. As we reached the outskirts of town, I talked Mr. Retired into a quick ride to the outlet stores. We went to the Pfaltzgraff outlet and got to look at the Evening Sun dishes. They really are as cheerful, warm and pretty as the look in the picture on the web site. Mr. Retired likes them too, although he says the coffee cups are boats. Once we have our new mailing address, we can order these from Amazon—free shipping too. :)

Hook News:
Last year, I submitted a pattern to Accord Publishing's "2006 Crochet Pattern A Day Calendar™". Rumor has it that the calendar is available in some stores. Strangely, I have yet to see my copy. Now I wonder if my pattern is actually in the calendar.

If you'd like to see the pattern, you can see pictures of it HERE.

I'm still plugging away on my Popcorn Ripple ghan. Gads, I am SO sick of popcorns. I think they are worse than picots. LOL!

One last thing—a link to a picture of packing central. Just a small portion of our labors, and fills half the room!

"The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice" -- Psalms 97:1

Forward, HO!

Forward step #1
Today the Vets of WWII came by for a pickup. We helped the guy load the truck and he took everything. EVERYTHING! So there local non-profit.

Forward step #2
I finished packing all the CD's—for the second time. LOL! If I find any more they may have to stay behind. Hehehe

Forward step #3
Our rental agreement arrived and we promptly signed it and sent it off with our deposit monies. Whoopee!

Forward step #4
With a copy of the rental agreement, our ID's and the PO Box rental form in hand, we went to our local PO and had them verify who we were and that we had a rental agreement for a house in our new town.

Then we had a wonderful chat with the 2 gals working the counter and the other customer (it was okay because no one was standing in line.) The gals couldn't believe we were moving—said they would miss us. The customer asked where in Oregon? Turns out he and his family just moved about 50 miles south of us! He said we will love it! The 2 postal gals both sighed and asked if they could come live with us. Hehehe

We finally had to leave, and they both said to be sure to come back and say good-bye. They were happy for us, but it was touching to see Patricia shed a tear.

Forward step #5
Posted a note on freecycle offering some computer items and other computer related do-daa's. Ted came by just a bit ago and took 5 boxes of keyboards, motherboards, game board, cords, plugs, and plenty of do-daa's. He even took Mr. Retired's telescope to give to someone.

Forward step #6
Tried to call our new PO, but they have that hideous “don't bother us” 800 number that puts you in voice-mail he77. Gads I hate that. So I called our realtor and her office bud was obliging and found the real number for me. Called and talked to Roger, got the info on what to send for a PO Box and tomorrow that will be on it's way. So by the end of Sept., we will know what our mailing address will be.

Not-so forward step #7—or a slice of life?
In the process of boxing the computer do-daa, I punctured the tip of one finger on something. Bled like crazy. Got it cleaned and bandaged. A few minutes later, I found a nice slice on the back of my right hand. Cleaned and bandaged that. Much more and I'll look like a pin cushion for a new doctor or something. LOL!

Forward step #8
Tomorrow the antique dealer comes, so today I spent time cleaning all the pieces with OrangeGlo. The house smells wonderful! I have researched and know what things are worth, so if he's close—it's all his. :D

Forward step #9
Monday the mover comes to give us an estimate. If the contract is what we think it will be, we'll sign on the dotted line and set a firm date. We are hoping for 10/13 or 14 at the latest.

Forward step #10

Philippians 2:4: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

As I read this verse this morning, and then the accompaning devotional, I found myself thinking of my family and how they've recently hurt me. I honestly don't believe they meant to be hurtful—and most likely would be surprised to find that their actions (or lack thereof) have been a source of emotional pain. So how do I handle this?

I can't force them to do what I want, so I have to learn to love them as they are and move forward. So I'm taking that forward step #10 and doing just that.

I hope today found you moving forward.

Well, it was LABOR day

Today I labored.

~I unclogged the vacuum - which meant I took the entire thing apart. Thank you Dyson for clear instructions.

~Packed the last of the "keeper" Christmas stuff.

~Helped Mr. Retired finally clear out the hall closet. Now I have to encourage him to pack the stuff he decided to keep. Maybe I'll pack it and be done with it. hehehe

~Burned my fingertips (not badly) on battery acid. Oh joy, oh joy, oh joy.

~Burned 5 more cd's for use while ours are in storage. I'm making "mixes". It's not bad with iTunes, just select, say burn and walk away.

~Vacuumed the bedroom, hallway and living room -- upsetting BC big time.

~Finally cleaned out the one "table stand" that was in the bedroom. I could not believe what was stashed in that little cube. :-O Shame on me.

~Emptied the clean dishes from the dishwasher and put the dirty ones in. Dirty dishes never end, do they?

~Fretted this morning that we won't be finished in time. Then I sat and read my daily devotion and got "rapped on the knuckles" for worrying, when I should be focusing on doing the tasks well, and trusing God to see me through it all.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Col. 3:23

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 2 Thess. 3:13

Now I'm off to get dinner going and rest. I bet I sleep good tonight.

Poetry?

A Moving Ditty
Copyright © Kimberly Andrew, 9/5/2005

Boxes, boxes -- they never end.
Wrap and tape and flaps to bend.
Inside out and outside in.
I think my Yang has turned to Yin.

No time to relax at the moment for us.
For now we must pack and try not to cuss.
At night we crash into our bed.
While visions of boxes dance through our head.

Oregon -- we'll soon be there.
Where kites will fly in weather fair.
Bread will rise and cookies bake.
Walks on the beach I plan to take.

My honey and I will together be.
Enjoying the sites there are to see.
We'll relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Grow rhodes and roses and maybe some peas.

Perhaps come October I'll come back to stay.
In the chatter and clatter of everyone's day.
But now I must run, for the day moves along.
At least in my heart, there sings a glad song.

Copyright © Kimberly Andrew, 9/5/2005

Bone tired and confused

Tonight I am bone tired, and confused. I packed knick-knacks today.

WHAT. WAS. I. THINKING? when I bought all these gems?

LOL! Half went in the give away bag. I'm too tired to even think about wrapping, packing, storing, unpacking, unwrapping and then dusting for the rest of my life. *blech* Gone, gone, gone.

All but 6 of my cookbooks are packed. These last few will have to go in with baking stuff. I did move 12 more to the give-away bag. *sigh, sigh, sigh*

Before I tell you why I'm confused, I'll share a funny tidbit. This is from our local paper:

The agency's Honor Guard unit unfurled the American flag and rose it on the department's flagpole for the first time while local singer Bob Green belted through a rendition of "God Bless America."

Now I'm not a wordsmith, but I'm pretty sure that flags are RAISED on the flagpoles, not rosed. LOL! I did drop an email to the paper and jokingly asked if perhaps this flagpole was planted in a rose garden. ROFL!

Now, why I'm confused. In the past two weeks, people we know have asked, "What's new?" When we tell them we are moving, better than half the time the reaction is one of either stunned silence or anger. I don't get it. Why can't they be happy for us? We've always been happy for them when changes have come along.

Our family is my biggest source of confusion. This past week I had a birthday. They didn't call, they didn't send a card, they didn't send an email. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. As far as our move goes, they have yet to say they are happy for us. They haven't asked if we could use some help packing, or a meal while we work, or any other thing. What we here is the same silence I heard for my birthday. Maybe they are angry, maybe they are hurt. I honestly don't know.

I do know that I'm hurt by their actions. Perhaps it's good that I'm moving away.

The popcorn ripple

A few posts down I have a link to the popcorn ripple I'm working. Blogger apparently added some screwy code when I posted the link so it doesn't work. For some reason I can't repair the link either. So here's the correct link for those that want it:

Popcorn Ripple from the Craft Yarn Council of America

It's official!

We have a place to rent!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want to see pictures, you can drop me an email and I'll point you to the site. :)

It's ours as of 10/15, so we have much to do between now and then.

Pray for us!

Restoring my faith in mankind

Hook News:
Finding myself projectless I was tempted to rip into a packed box to find yarn and a pattern. What sanity I have left prevailed and I opted to work on that 2-year old WIP. The problem was that I had already packed the pattern. A quick search of my HD revealed a stashed copy. I also found it on the web, so if anyone is looking for a lucious ripple pattern, this might be what you want.

Popcorn Ripple from the Craft Yarn Council of America

Book news:
I just finished reading “Shadowfall” by James Clemens (aka: James Rollins). Figured I'd share my impression with you:

First, I've never read a book quite like this before. I guess the closest would be Jim's other books like “Ice Hunt” and such. I admit that I found it both fascinating and disquieting.

The story was very well told. Jim's skills as an author/story teller become better and better with every book. I liked the characters. All of the good ones, but only some of the evil ones. His descriptions of people and places was wonderful and I could picture things in my mind as I read. I found myself wanting to read faster just to find out what would happen to everyone.

But, for me as a Christian, I found the “gods”, “demons”, and dark side of people and things disquieting. I was uncomfortable enough that several times I put the book down. FWIW, I have the same reaction to parts of “Lord of the Rings”, and even “Harry Potter”.

So, while this was a great book, I don't know if I'll read the 2nd one or not! Only time will tell. :)

Crook News:
Restoring my faith in mankind

Our neighbor, let's call him “G”, is a really nice guy—always willing to lend a neighbor a hand. He was talking to Mr. Retired about our move, and said if we needed to haul anything to the dump to let him know and he'd take it for us.

So Tuesday he came by and he and Mr. Retired emptied out a major section of the garage. We gave “G” our free dump pass and he added some things of his own and off he went. Never asked for money, or a favor in return, just took our stuff with a smile on his face.

Now “G” loves to do woodworking, so when he returned home, Mr. Retired gave him some tools, a sweet deal on his shopsmith and drill press and other wood working stuff.

At 8:30 this morning the doorbell rang and it was “G”. Seems he found a $100 bill in the one old tool box (was my late-fil's toolbox) and he was returning the money. Yup -- he RETURNED the money!

We were both stunned. By rights, “G” could have kept that money and we would not have known; but he felt it was important to do the right thing as an example to his 2 boys ... so he returned the money.

Sometimes good things do come to those who wait. :)

More good things:
Our rental agent called tonight. We may have a home to rent. We will know more tomorrow.

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.”—Psalms 146:1,2

I think I'll sleep very well tonight—even if I do ache from head to toe.