Saturday, January 30, 2021

Feeling chatty on a Saturday................

 





It has been a quiet morning here, just like I like it.  I was blasted with a really horrible headache most of the week so I really just needed to get things done here at home at my own pace.  Little Buddy wrote out his Valentine's to his classmates while I did a bunch of not very fun yardwork, mostly getting dead leaves off of the plants in front of my house.  It doesn't even look like I did a thing even though two giant trash bags of dead debris are now in my garage.  It is beautiful out today, 65 degrees and sunny, don't hate me my friends I know some of you would give anything for a warm day and yard work.  But I think a cold day full of snow sounds fun, it forces you to stay in and do things inside all nice and cozy and warm.  

Kathy B at Compassionknit has recently talked about donating squares to the Pine Ridge Reservation.  That got me thinking.  After my parents passed away I was looking through some of their things and found a few boxes of shawls I had made for my Mom that she had never used.  I also had some I had made my MIL, so I boxed them up and sent them to Pine Ridge Reservation in hopes they would keep someone warm.  So instead of sending squares I went through my shawls and boxed up a whole bunch of them.  I won't even miss them and it will give me an excuse to make even more.  I also added yarn I am not using, and children's masks.  I had a whole box of them I don't need.  We can easily get more.   If you want to send supplies the address is:

First Families Now

2904 BIA 27

Porcupine, SD 57772-3027

They also need masks, children's' books, craft supplies and baby items.  You can find their website here at Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation.  There are lots of ways you can donate.  Thank you Kathy B for reminding me of this very important place that needs all of our help

Hank and Bear continued with stomach issues all last weekend and into Monday.  To give you all a little too much information Bear was not pooping at all and Hank was throwing up and pooping too much.  All has been regulated by some miracle and everyone is happy again.  They are so serious in front of the camera, they make me laugh.  Well not when they aren't pooping or pooping too much!

I started a new project.  It is the Greyscale Poncho.  I saw it and fell in love.  I even ordered the yarn used specifically for it instead of trying to work with what I had.  It is not expensive yarn, and I find although I am a yarn snob that sometimes really reliable yarn is the way to go.  It is washable and durable and frankly if you create a disaster instead of something wonderful it isn't a big loss.  You would think this is a super easy pattern, and it is, yet I have started it over three times because I can't seem to count and increase, and the first time I attempted it I was half way done with the front before I realized my gauge was way too tight..  I am determined to make it work this time. 

So now that my chores are done, cleaning up my plants, laundry, a bit of vacuuming and chatting with all of you, I am going to get busy on this poncho.  Pretty soon it will be too warm to wear it!

Stay safe my friends.


30 comments:

Judy S. said...

So very nice of you to donate all those shawls! As always, I love your photos, especially the ones of LB. Enjoy that nice weather; I can't remember when we had 65 degree temps! Early last fall, maybe? ;>)

Delighted Hands said...

Nice to clean out and put the 'bag' of goodies to a better use! The shawl will be a great project!!!

Nance said...

I like that pattern. It would be a perfect toss-on for me. Alas, I do not crochet. I simply cannot hold out the yarn like that. I look forward to seeing a finished product.

I'm not a yarn snob by any means. I have difficulty with most wool, and I balk at spending big bucks for yarn. The quality of acrylics and acrylic blends has become infinitely better. I don't buy junk. And I like being less fussy about washing.

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Always Meridith a pleasure to visit and read what is happening at your home - LB looks very relaxed and I am sure he is full of imagination as he is playing. Hank and Bear certainly do a great job posing - a relief the pooping issue is over. Great way to share finished projects and extras that will make others happy. Always sorry to read your headache returned last week. Outside garden tidying and fresh air and seeing the two giant bags of plant debris is soothing as well as getting another job done.
Keep on keeping save. Hugs to you all.
Joy

busybusybeejay said...

Snowing here today and not going to get above 1 degree tomorrow.What a great thing to do with your surplusshawls.Great to see Little Buddy looking so happy.

Araignee said...

How generous of you to donate your shawls! I was just blocking some Hap shawls that I found bunched up in a bag this afternoon and I know my sister's always wanted one. Now I am trying to decide if she is knit worthy. It's hard for me to part with my babies even when I don't use them.

Crafty in the Med said...

I have checked out the Greyscale Poncho and it looks very snug and cosy and it's a free pattern...very nice :-) Your furry lads do look somewhat subdued so very glad they have got over their tummy problems. Great idea to donate your shawls and other items. I popped into their webpage and their needs are quite varied so I can imagine all you send will be well received. keep well Amanda x

CJ said...

Lovel donations, no doubt they will be very well received. I love the new shawl you're working, you choose the loveliest colours. Glad those pups are back to normal. Bertie had a bit of intestinal disturbance the other day as well. And he managed to eat some old pasta he found lying in the gutter this evening, so we shall how that sits with him. I hope your migraine has disappeared now and that you're back to full strength. You've certainly been busy! It is all work, work, work here at the moment. I am very grateful to have it though, but it does mean I am doing 7 days every week. But not complaining at all :) I hope you have a lovely Sunday. CJ xx

Wanderingcatstudio said...

That sounds like a very good cause.
The boys (furry and not) are so cute!

Teresa Kasner said...

I hope those migraines go away and never come back. What a wonderful idea to send the shawls to those that live on Pine Ridge Reservation. We watched a documentary about that place and how poor they are and how awful the living conditions are. I will bet your shawls will be loved and cherished there. Thanks for the address, I will try to send something too. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Karen said...

Thank you for the link, Meredith. I will see what I can pull together. My dad worked at the Pine Ridge reservation years ago. It is certainly a worthy cause.

Betsy said...

I'm glad to hear that you had some shawls and other things for Pine Ridge. I've been donating to them for years and years and they are a very worthy place to send items. Thank you for your generousity Mere.
I'm sorry to hear that you fought a headache all week. Believe me, I know how miserable that can be. I hope it's gone for good now. I'm also glad to know that the fur boys are feeling better. I find it almost as frustrating as when a baby is sick because they can't tell you what's wrong or where they hurt. Poor things.
I love hearing about your warm weather, it gives us hope that it will return here too. We talked to Dennis' brother and he's been taking lots of trips down the keys on his motorcycle. That sounds lovely.
Take care my friend. May the crocheting fairies be with you as you work on your project :-)
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

Jo said...

Someone's going to be thrilled to receive one of your shawls, what a great thing to do. Glad to hear that Hank and Bear are back to normal, that can't have been fun for you or them.

linda said...

That's a fabulous poncho Meredith I love the pocket on the front. It's always great to have a clear out and especially if you know the stuff is going to such a worthy cause. I'm glad to hear the boys have got over their stomach problems it can't have been very pleasant for you. I think it's so cute that Little Buddy has written Valentines to his class mates I hope he's written one for his Mummy too. Have a peaceful Sunday. xx

Christina said...

Lovely donations. Anyone receiving one of your beautiful shawls will cherish them. I love to make donations when we can. At the moment, I try to support local charities with a bit of money but sometimes I think it might be nice to make something specifically and give this to somebody who needs it. Maybe little quilts?

Those dogs are trouble, aren't they? Ever so cute though and if you are anything like me, all is forgiven the moment they look at you with their big puppy eyes. My dog is shedding a lot at the moment, I am surprised there is any fur left on his body. I really don't like that but he can't help it and he is forgiven. Of course he is.

I hope you won't be plagued by migraines next week (or ever!). Lots of love xx

Babajeza said...

Have a relaxed Sunda! :-)

kathy b said...

Meredith~!
THe snow is fantasticle!!!! Because , Fireman got the snowblower working! We each take half an hour according to bossy me.

You've got me thinking that I should donate the lap blanket that my friend Regina, who happened to be my father's pew partner in Church , made for him. SHE PRAYEd through every stitch. I m trying to let go of him and so I may take it and send it with my squares.

Puppies are the only one! My friends kitten got into chocolate covered strawberries and had a very sad stomach for a bit. She is lucky she made it along. My cats dont like chocolate . THey like chicken and fish.

Dee said...

Always good to see pictures of Little Buddy and "the boys". Hope EVERYONE is feeling better today. Cleaning up messes is not fun, especially when you have a headache.

The snow has started here. They say we may get over a foot. I'll be working my way down the driveway with a shovel SEVERAL times today, I suppose. Thankfully, the township plows most of it because they have no where to put the street snow except up our driveway. Works for both of us. We have less work, they plow straight to the end.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Mere.
XOXO

mamasmercantile said...

Always a joy to see a photo of the fur boys and of course Little Buddy, he always makes me smile. Wonderful that the shawls have found a new home for a worthy cause. We are missing not been able to travel to Florida, so I must admit to been a little jealous of the weather.

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

What a great donation and I too am partial to news/photos of little buddy and your fur boys!

Melanie said...

Always good to see a chatty post from you, though sounds like sometimes you have a bit much to handle! I can only long for sunny, warm days once again. We just got another 8" of snow overnight. Yes, it's pretty to look at while it's happening, but all that shoveling gets really old. I'm just thankful my hubby was off work today so he could do most of it! It was wet and heavy and I have a bad back and shoulder.

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Buddy with his tank photo is nice!! Love his smile!! Items I donate to Ray of Hope community thrift store help people in town who need items, which is a good thing. They also donated items to people in our area that lost houses from the fires here in Oregon. I like the poncho you are working on. I do not crochet. I did look thru some of my yarn stash the other day and found one that was part acrylic and wool. I think I bought it for a hat or scarf, if I remember correctly. We had rain these past few days . Rain on Wed evening/night made the snowmen disappear that were built late Tues after a bit of snow fell!! Have a good week and take care, my yarny friend!!! {yawn,,,hahaha...good night!}

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

My 3rd winter in FL and I’m not loving this one. Too many cold days! And yes 65 is cold 😉

karen said...

how sweet to donate shawls to a worthy cause. What is up with dogs and their problems? Frodo was going outside and doing nothing way too much so I eliminated a 'new treat' and that solved the problem. He is a sensitive soul.

Ellen D. said...

I am always amazed at all the things you get done! You certainly have your hands full but yet you find time for all who need you.
Thanks for the link to Pine Ridge Reservation. I will check them out.
Have a great week!

Jeanie said...

Your Saturday sounds just lovely. I hope you made tracks on your poncho -- that'll be beautiful. I feel for you with the dogs. I don't know why it is, but when Lizzie hurls, it's always on the carpet, never the kitchen or bathroom floor or even on the wood where it's at least a little easier to clean up! Your weather sounds great and it gives me hope of times to come!

Don't you hate it when you work your tail off and no one -- not even you -- can tell you did it? The story of my life!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for including the address of Family First. It was a nice way to start our morning to send them a package of onesies. Warm babies.

TheAwakenedSoul said...

The poncho sounds wonderful. How nice of you to send all of those shawls and masks to that charity. I am now wearing the shawls and socks that I knit for my mom. She was really sweet about wearing them when I came to visit...

Neighborhood Watch said...

Thanks for the address for donations. I got a box and packed it today with knitted hats, a little sweater, and some kids books. I'm so glad to know where to send things.