Saturday, December 12, 2015

Why do I do this to myself especially this time of year..........

Why do I decided to go to a continuing education workshop on one of my last free Friday's before Christmas?  I thought it was a good idea to get those requirements for my license sorted out and this one looked very interesting, but really I must be insane?  Who has the time?  Not me, so I called them up and took the online course instead.  That involved me sitting on my tush in front of my computer for 6 1/2 hours over several days, but it also allowed me to work on this when I wasn't taking notes or I was watching endless labs online.


While I don't recommend taking a workshop right before Christmas, I do recommend taking one online.  We can only get so many hours online, but it is definitely worth it.  You go at your own pace, take a break when you need to, or do it over several days.  And when you are not writing, and you are just watching you can knit on something simple.  I am well on my way to getting this Hitchhiker completed before the Holidays.  It is an easy one made with Cascade Yarns Tangier and size 9 needles.  It won't take near the amount of time my first one took because the yarn is thicker and the needle size is larger.  So sorry for all of you making it with teeny tiny, thin yarn.  Join in the Hitchhiker fun at Teresa's.


Since I am all over the place on this post and a bit giddy about getting that course finished I am going to show you how well my parents plants are doing since they have been moved here to my home.  They were all replanted and well to be honest taken care of.  The tiny Christmas cactus is going to bloom.  It was a withered little mess when I rescued it. 


This lovely plant is very happy, showing sweet little red blooms to prove it.


One of the Mother In Law plants is blooming, too!  This plant was in the house I grew up in.  I remember it from when I was very little, it is ancient because I am ancient.  I remember seeing it in our window.  It has survived a long time and seems to be very happy here at my home. 


This morning I spent gathering all the little presents for Little Buddy's therapists and teachers.  There are eight of them at school and three who see him privately.  I am so happy to have this all organized and ready for his last week of school before Christmas break. 


Tomorrow is dedicated to a lot of work at my Dad's place.  I have things to sort things and get ready before they get picked up to be donated on Friday.  It is hard to see it all dismantled, I guess that is what helps to move us on, it isn't my parents home anymore.  There is carpet to be cleaned, shelves to be washed, his linens to wash and pack up, furniture to be de-cat haired, and all sorts of other areas to be cleaned up and dealt with.  It won't be fun but I have to get a handle on it, I feel like it is weighing on me.  His cats have been placed with his caregiver and her family and they are both doing really great.  She sent photos of the terror cat Lydia being petted and loved.  The look on Lydia's face was so sweet, she is happy and behaving so that is all I can ask for.  The cats have only lived with my quiet parents, so getting used to other cats, dogs, kids and a very active house could have been very hard for them.  I am so happy that they have both adapted and are happy.


I will leave you with these bears I made my parents years and years ago for Christmas.  The smaller one was for my Mom.  She got hers first, then my Dad complained that I never made him anything and boy was he surprised that there was a little bear under the tree just for him.  They are a nice reminder that my parents cherished the things I made for them.

Hope you are all having a good weekend.

42 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

The bears are very sweet! So glad you got your class out of the way. I always think I can do more this time of year then I really can. The plants look great!
hugs,
Linda

Jennifer Hays said...

I love those bears you made for your parents. You are a very sweet daughter. I'd never heard that plant called Mother In Law before, how funny. I wonder why? I'd only ever heard it called a snake plant. I hope nobody was calling their mother-in-law a snake, haha. The plants are doing great at your house and how special that one of them is almost the same age as you. That's really cool. I hope you're having a good weekend!

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Yes, I think these processes do help us to move on. I think it's all the emotion that courses through us as we work to clean everything away.
Those teddy bears are special, and it is those types of things that make the process beautiful and incredibly difficult at the same time.
Hugs, and all the best to you tomorrow.
Oh, and I adore the colors in that hitchhiker!

Anonymous said...

1. I did not know that M-I-L/snake plants bloomed. That is really cool.

2. Funny you should show that Tangier yarn. Steve saw some at the new LYS we went to today. He was "disturbed" that the yardage was not as much as I get in my sock yarns. LOL

3. Such sweet little bears. I hope they enjoy all the little lambs they will now get to reside with.

Have a great week.......remember to take a little time for yourself too.

WildflowerWool said...

Beautiful flowers and cute bears!

kathy b said...

Mere, You are a glutton for punishment Lady! Con ED during December? Well you made it work for you AND you got to knit. I LOVE your hitchhiker.
As for the plants I have NEVER ever seen a MIL tongue bloom.
You have two green thumbs.

YOu are so on top of it all . Seriously lady, do you sleep like ELF?
(I got a full forty minutes, Will Ferrell reports excitedlY)
All the gifts for LIL b's helpers. Awesome.

Hugs to you as you do the house thing. We did it for my Husbands parents and it was an odd feeling. Im glad you found the Teddy bears. Gorgeous.
Does Lil B get them?

Teresa Kasner said...

My dear friend.. again, I wish I was close by and I'd come and help you with the last bit of dealing with your parent's things. Please tell me you will have someone there to help you. I was enthralled with how happy those plants are doing! The Mother-in-law's tongue plant RARELY flowers! And the other cactus one with the red flowers.. how perfect that is! I also loved the story of your teddy bears for mom and dad.. how sweet of a daughter you were to them. Your new hitchhiker scarf is gorgeous.. you are so fast!

****************************************
*M*E*R*R*Y* * *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
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((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Betsy said...

You have been SO busy dear Meredith. How have you found time to blog? How lovely seeing all of the plants doing so well with your loving touch. I'm so glad you were able to do your class online. It would ever so much more relaxing to do it that way. And knitting while doing it! I knit everywhere, even in church. I am happy to hear the kitties are doing well. I've thought of them and wondered how they were doing. So much for you to do. Take care of yourself too .
Blessings,
Betsy

Needles and Wool said...

Hi Meredith! I agree with you it is a good idea to continue your studies and online is a good method and you can do it at home :) glad you enjoyed the workshop. Your hitch hiker scarf looks great so far! the plants look healthy you are taking good care of them. Aw that is sweet the gifts look so nice :) I love the bears so cute!
take care,

Lisa :)

Gracie Saylor said...

Meredith, you are accomplishing so much as you process the changes in your life, and I love the memories you have shared. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow as your finish more sorting and settling. Love with hugs xx

CJ said...

Those bears are so sweet, and it's lovely that they were always treasured. I know how hard it will be for you to clear the house, I hope it goes as smoothly as possible. I used to have a huge mother-in-law's tongue but it never flowered - it must be like fabulous Florida sunshine and warmth. Well done on all of your handmade gifts, and fitting in a course as well! I've just spent some time going through a little online course, but I fear once the children finish school on Friday there won't be time for anything else. Sending you a cyber hug, CJ xx

mamasmercantile said...

You have done an amazing job on the plants, they certainly look to be thriving. Good news about the cats been so settled one less thing for you to worry about. Hope all goes well tomorrow, it can't be easy clearing everything out, thinking of you.

HollyM said...

If it isn't enough to take a workshop before Christmas, you're trying to clean out a home. Besides the physical part of cleaning, you have all those memories and sentiments to deal with.. Bittersweet. The teddy bears especially. I've been thinking of doing something for my mom who is pre alzeimers. I'm going to look for a fox pattern as she had them near her home. There was one that would come up and curl up in the sun on the mat on her deck.
On top of all that you've organized gifts for the teachers. I love the weight and colours of the scarf. I did one too for a gift, in finer yarn .

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Thank you for sharing the sweet stories about your mom and dad. They are all such a treasure and what love is all about. Thankfully you have had such love in your life and (me also) that we have "happy sadness" to reflect on! My dad's birthday just passed and I had a nice conversation with him in my heart. (and it's been 18 years) Love all the many things you have made and organized through all this....you are amazing.....I hope you know it! xoxoxoxoRobin

Christina said...

I am glad the cats found a new home and are settling nicely. What a busy bee you are Meredith! Online learning is really good if you are a busy professional, I did an MEd two years ago and could not have done it differently. I am also involved in transforming a traditional course into an online course, much to the delight of the students. Take care my friend, I am glad the little bears make you smile, they make me smile, too. xx

Babajeza said...

The bears are lovely. You must be happy to have them at your place now. Good luck with the continuing education. Arrrrg! Hugs, Regula

Janet said...

Meredith, you seem to be getting quite a lot of stuff done. I find on line courses so much more easy to manage, you can fit them around your own life rather than the other way round.
I love the colours in this new Hitchhiker and the Teddies are so cute. The one on the right looks similar to ones I have made over the years, a Debbie Bliss pattern that I often return to. Enjoy your week.x

Helen said...

I'm glad the cats were adopted and are happy in their new homes :) I hope all the clearing goes well - the bears are so cute and obviously cherished by your parents :) xx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Glad you went with your gut and did the online course rather than pushing yourself. You certainly are much more organized than me. I had big plans for gifts this week before Winter Break, for friends and teachers at school (where I'm no longer working :) but do you think I've gotten it all together? Nope! Not at all. I'm such a procrastinator. Good luck getting things sorted at the house. You're right, until you get it taken care of, it will weigh on you. Love the sweet little bears. Hugs, Tammy

Chris said...

Well my friend, that's just the way you roll!! I have never seen that plant bloom , that's quite amazing. Plants flourish in homes and spaces with good care and positive happy energy! I love your teddies, and I'm happy you found them. Loving your hitch hiker! And all those lovely gifts , you are totally amazing!

Clare said...

Such sweet little bears
Clare xx

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I'm laughing at myself when I've realized the MIL plant is the name of the plant. I couldn't figure out why it had been in the house you grew up in?! Jokes on me! The flowers look great and your scarf is beautiful. Aw, the knitted bears are sweet and glad you parents enjoyed them. Have a blessed weekend and take care of yourself amongst all the work that needs done. Prayers and hugs, my friend! And it's still raining!

linda said...

Meredith if you are ancient what does that make me! we call those plants mother in laws tongue haha you plants look lovely so healthy. Well done for getting that course out of the way I prefer to do them on-line too. I love your second hitch-hiker I can't believe how fast it's growing, I'm so tempted to make one but I must finish the socks and blanket first maybe next year. Have a great week. :) xx

Amy at love made my home said...

It is the time of year for doing crazy things! Glad that you got it all worked out though, it looks as though you made good use of the time! I am so glad that the bears are back living with you too. I think that treasures like that need to go back to their rightful homes! xx

Judy S. said...

Talk about busy! I think you win the Busiest award, doing all you do with a class thrown in for good measure. Wow! Love that new Hitchhiker and that Cascade yarn has made it to FLA! (Named after our mountains!) Those teddies are very cute. Wait'll LB spies them! Oh, and you aren't even close to ancient!!!

Pradeepa said...

Love the colour of your new Hitchhiker. Glad your parents' plants are thriving and the cats have found a new loving home. The bears are so cute!

Kris said...

Sorry Meredith. I know how hard it is to get it all in! But we are woman, and we overextend ourselves, cause we know we will somehow get it done!!
Lovely to have those tokens of memories, to keep alive there at your home. Watching the plant bloom,. Will be like hugs from your parents.
loved popping in to say hi.
Hugs
Kris

kathyinozarks said...

the bears are so sweet-I love the good memories that go with them
Why do you do it?? because you are Meredith lol will be worth it in the end
How awesome to have several plants in bloom-love that, always makes me happy when indoor plants bloom
Merry Christmas

Jo said...

It is getting towards that frazzle time isn't it? Your shawl is looking good. Jo x

Ana BC said...

The shawl is looking amazing. Love that yarn ♥
I hope to catch up soon with all of your posts :-)
(I have been away a bit because of work)

Toni said...

Oh, I'll be thinking of you--and your back--while you clean out your parents' house. I am sure that is draining both physically and mentally. Sending lots of hugs,
Toni

elns said...

Lots of Christmas spirit Mere! I love the MOther in law plant. So pretty and different! I know you've got a lot on your plate and you're pushing yourself as it is, but honestly? That hitchhiker is absolutely gorgeous. Whenever it's finished it's going to be a lovely piece, but knowing you, it's probably already done!

handmade by amalia said...

This is some seriously pretty yarn, Meredith, and a pretty make.
Hope you are all enjoying the season,
Amalia
xo

Pammy Sue said...

Helloooo there! Remember me? I knew I had been WAY behind, but I didn't realize how far until I started reading all your posts. You always get so much done! I don't know how you do it all, especially with LB and all the time you take with him too. Love the colors in your latest project. Those earthy colors are always a fav of mine. The lady who lived in this house before us left a giant Christmas cactus here. I haven't done anything with it except water it twice in the last four months. It doesn't look bad, but it doesn't look like it will ever bloom. Makes me wonder if it ever has. I need to read up on how to take care of it and encourage blooming. I'd love to see it. All your plants look so healthy!

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

I didn't know mother-in-law's tongues (what my mother called snake plant) could bloom! Very cool. My Christmas cactus bloomed before Thanksgiving this year. There's no rhyme or reason for that darn plant. Your scarf is looking pretty.

Rose said...

Beautiful Hitchiker scarves! I keep planning to make one out of worsted weight but haven't yet. Now I'm inspired again! You definitely have a lot going on so be sure to take care of yourself too!

Claudia said...

So late in commenting, sister. I love seeing the bears you made Mom and Dad. And that the plants are thriving! I still want one next time I'm down there with a car. They would be very happy that you've brought them back to life.

Love you.
Claudia

Jodiebodie said...

Wow! So much to do and although you might ask "why do a course when there is already so much to do in December" it is just as important to nurture the intellect as well as the heart. I hope your continuing education is part of your 'me' time and 'not another chore' to be completed.

You certainly have a green thumb. I love the little buds on your zygocactus. What a talented lady you are!

Take care of yourself and try not to overdo things. Wishing you some time for rest and reflection this Christmas and thank you for your regular support and friendship in the blogosphere. See you in 2016! xx

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

How special those bears are, even with little jumpers, too cute xx

Haddock said...

Like to see that plant that was in the house where you grew up.
Yes we can make out when the plants are very happy.

Suzan said...

Wow!! I'm so behind and trying to catch up!!
lovely colors of the scarf? color?
My Christmas Cactus bloomed for Thanksgiving and am envious of all the lovely flowers I see in the stores of the plants I see.
My neighbor at home in Fla. had the thorned cactus plant that you have!!! Beautiful little red flowers!! Your's is very healthy!! And your bears are wonderful!! Nice memories!! A very Merry Christmas!!

Joyful said...

Dearheart, you do amazingly well with the time you do have. You always amaze me. I'm so glad you have good friends close by to help you through this time especially as an emotional support. It's so important. Big hugs as you finalize preparations for Christmas. Take a deep breath and enjoy. Much love and big virtual hugs. xx ♥♥♥