a smocked daygown

Fresh and brand-new she will be when she travels home from the hospital in this fresh and brand new smocked daygown made especially for her with love and prayers swimming around in every available space in my heart.

I used the Missy pattern by Children's Corner constructed in a white batiste.

The little miss will be adorned lovingly in her matching knitted pink sweater and bonnet  since she must travel home in style.

"Babies are such a nice way to start people"

                                                                                                       Don Herold

now the sweet bonnet...yarnalong

 It seemed the only proper thing to do upon the completion of the sweater was to knit the matching bonnet for her soon-to-be-born-sweet head. After all it was such a fun project to knit, and the sweater is adorable. So I picked up my #5 needles and the Bernat Softee Baby yarn and began knitting once again. I love the addition of the softest 1/4" pink silk ribbon  woven through the eyelet knit holes.  I am flagging this pattern  as a favorite knitted baby set, especially for little girls. Therefore, I am giving kudos to it once again on this weeks 

yarn along with all of you.

My family is back to "normal" once again after a flurry of family visits and other activities of the past week and a half. But I did find the time to pull my Lenten books off the book shelf. This book, written by Walter Wangerin, Jr., is a new one I purchased last year but never read. I look forward to this being a part of our family Lent devotions as I do like what I have read in the introduction thus far.  During my own personal quiet time this morning I revisited this excellent book by Nancy Guthrie. 

I do love this season.

...to the uttermost

It has only been thirteen days, but we have packed the days as full as we could...to the uttermost. That is where I imagine that Alan is returning to in the clandestine places of my heart, to a uttermost region of the world. I have never been to Taiwan where Alan lives.

But I am extremely thankful for these past thirteen days that we have had to just be with him, to sit and drink potfuls of tea, times of laughter and great chatter, moments of sitting quietly being nourished by familial closeness, visits from family and friends, praying around tables and in circles at special gatherings, comings and goings. We are storing up to the uttermost gladsome memories until Alan will return to us again.

It seemed as if time stopped for a awhile as routine somewhat ceased, but isn't that silly? Time rushes on and we struggle with his short visits end. Yet, we are tremendously thrilled he can continue to pursue his dreams, and make a difference in the world even if that means in a foreign land.

Charlotte has been carefully learning world geography for the past two years. At the end of this year she is preparing to draw and label the entire world including continents, countries, oceans and seas all correctly recorded. She drew Asia this past week. 

"Charlotte, years ago, yet not that many years ago, missionaries such as Hudson Taylor and Lottie Moon had to travel on a boat on this route to get to China", I stated as I traced my finger on the flat map.

 Coursing through my mind and onto the tongue I hear myself say, " And they did not have *Skype*or *Line* either. They were not able to see their relatives or friends or hear their voices for years. It would possibly even take months to hear from the folks back home in letter form."

 Thankful I am for technology on this day in February.

We watched him head to the gate this late afternoon.

thursday

I joined a bridge club this past summer. I am finding that bridge is suffering from a lack of youth these days.  Unless the next generation's interest can be piqued to learn how to play bridge, the bridge games and clubs of yesterday might just fade away. A wonderful group of ladies welcomed me into their club and are patiently teaching me the fun and challenge of playing bridge. I do find it challenging, therefore the brain stimulation is excellent for me. We meet one Thursday afternoon a month and play for about two hours. Finally, I am the youngest one in a group again!

And we picked Alan up from the airport last night! He has been living in Taiwan for the past 21 months. I am truly grateful for technology allowing us to "see" him regularly. He is taking an afternoon nap at the present. His schedule will be off for a couple of days until jet lag has been conquered. For two whole weeks he will be with us!

P for pink and promises

There is a whole lot of pink going on around my house these days.  Knitting a newborn-sized sweater for my first grandchild who is expected to arrive in early March, and relishing His promises of one generation commending His works to another.

The pattern for this sweater was found here on Ravelry.  I have yet to read anything by Elisabeth Elliot that isn't beneficial for the soul, heart and mind. The Music of His Promises is a book written with short excerpts regarding His many promises. I believe our postmodern world has made us callused from "standing" on God's promises in everyday life. By neglecting God's promises or even living them lightly, our spiritual walk might be hindered stirring up unbelief and distrust rather than a strong faith and trust that declares His promises according to His Word. May we be like the father of the boy with the evil spirit who exclaimed, "I believe; help my unbelief". (Mark 9:24)

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all he has made."

Psalm 145:13

Join a special group of knitters and readers at Ginny's Yarn along.

sewing by the light of the window

Sitting in my sewing room by the curtainless window, I am given a clear abundance of light to sew by during the mornings and into the afternoon. With needle in hand I apply black piping, stitch ten buttonholes, and sew on ten black-covered buttons to a 1860's dress.

  The making of this dress was began in the fall and actually, it was Little Women inspired. Charlotte and I will fix a pot of tea on some afternoons and will sit in the living room and take turns reading together. This is delightful reading, the revisiting of this beautiful novel as an adult engages me even more so than when I read it as a child.

     "Go on with your work as usual, for work is a blessed solace. Hope and keep busy..."

                                                                                                              from Little Women

I am also sewing a melange of other *things* of which I will share soon!
 Remember, hope and keep busy!

my sweet creature and a yarn along

Knitting and reading in January fits, much like a horse and carriage, tea and honey, grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup...you get the idea. What pleasure to share one of my knitting and reading ventures on this Wednesday in January at Ginny's Yarn along.

Two Januarys ago, and all the way into spring, my husband and I watched the series All Creatures Great and Small (1978-1990). We absolutely loved it! From used book library sales I was able to purchase this book and its companion, All things Wise and Wonderful. What an engaging treat to read James Herriot's stories of his life as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales of England. These tales of his true to life vet practice beginning in the 1930's are heartwarming, witty, and makes one wish for the characters to come knocking on your door so you could meet them.

I am knitting a charcoal gray vest in this pattern. Because I am knitting and sewing on so many other projects (does anyone else have scattered projects galore?), it seems to be slow going at the present. But I do like to pick it up from time to time, and I take great store in believing I will enjoy wearing it when it is finished.

When Serena, one of my small creatures, moseyed into the sun room this January morning, and ensconced herself amongst my knitting with the book's title in full display, I thought it was a picture perfect scene.

eating my winter porridge...

My most favorite winter morning offerings, porridge with blueberries, a ruby-red grapefruit, a glass of whole milk, and His Word.

If I have mentioned before how to prepare the most yummy tasting healthy porridge, must allow me a moment to repeat it here and you can thank me later.

1 cup oatmeal
1 cup water, preferably filtered
1-2 Tablespoons whey
 Soak overnight, or at least 7 hours.
The next morning, add 1 cup water and a 1/2 teaspoon salt  with soaked oats, cook until done. It does not take long, so breakfast is on the table lickety-split!

Now, for some good things to know, you may use yogurt or buttermilk in place of whey. If you have a dairy issue, lemon juice or vinegar  works well too. I love to add about a tablespoon of butter, organic blueberries, and a fine drizzle of maple syrup, while Charlotte prefers home canned peaches in her porridge. Truly, just use your imagination and go for it.

CHRISTmas eve's eve

The day is dark due to the bouts of pouring rain and  heavily clouded skies, but two electric candle lights burn in my sewing room casting a sweet glow. I am here to share two musings on this day referred to by Charlotte as" Christmas Eve's eve. "

Musing of a serious note: As I was rummaging through stacks of old magazines in the attic with high hopes of finding a particular recipe, I found a letter dated 3 May 1985. As I picked up the lavender- shaded envelope my heart began to be pricked with a cylinder sharp prick when I saw the return address, Mrs.______ ____ _____. This a dear friend from college, we were sorority sisters and  bridesmaids in each other's weddings. I opened it with such a deep longing to call her. Instead I heard her voice across the pages of this ruffled letter. During the time she penned this letter we were both young mothers raising our firstborn children, sons. She was giving me details of Matthew's toddler life and heralding me with the news of the births of sons and daughters of other sorority sisters.
   "I think of you often and wish we saw more of each other. Love, Am-" 
 I slipped the letter into the envelope's pocket with thoughts this Christmas of her husband and three now grown sons. My dear friend, Amy, died three years ago. I do wish I could speak to her today.  But instead I see her handwriting, my memory hears her voice, and I remember her beautiful face. How thankful I am for the gift of inadvertently discovering that letter hidden under some old magazines this Christmas.

Musings of a funny note: The weather is the talk of all the Christmas gatherings this year. It has been...well...weird. These past days have been very warm, unseasonably so in the high 60's and 70's F.
Thunder and rain creating yards that even in the grass display deep puddles. I scooped up the vegetable scraps from meal preparations, slipped off my shoes and ran down to the raised garden beds to throw on for compost. The mud squished between my toes making me squeal and giggle with fun! Just think  bare feet and tepid mud to run through at Christmas!

Celebrating Jesus Christ at CHRISTmas with the joys as well as the sorrows life brings until HE returns.              

Monday Notes 2

An entire week later...

Housecleaning Notes:
Since today is a holiday and summer is chorusing its last siren song, my husband and I mustered up just the proper amount of motivation needed to continue with the ongoing window cleaning job. Now, keep in mind this housekeeping chore began Saturday before last, and we still have nine more windows to clean before we can shout, "We're Done!" But the joy we had when we could see the shine on those windows this afternoon as we sat down to have a cold drink was worth all the effort. Oh, I do not want to forget to mention something while I am about my housecleaning notes. Have you ever tried to clean with *Norwex* products? They are superb...just ask my husband...he is a new devotee after using them for cleaning the outside windows.

Baking Notes:
I love desserts. I love baking them and I love eating them. But common sense tells me that no one needs to eat dessert every day. At my house, in theory, that simply means we eat desserts on Sunday. But lately due to company, parties, and end of summer celebrations, dessert is becoming daily. So as soon as the Apple Crisp we baked on Saturday is all gone, we will do better. Enough said.

The crisp was made with the apple pie filling I canned last year. I have made this pie filling for the past two years and it tastes delicious as well as cutting the time it takes to prepare an apple dessert in half.

And please do not forget to serve it with vanilla ice cream!

Beekeeping Notes:

There is this notion that I think I could be an apiarist. But in year's past my reactions to bee stings were not good. And since I am highly allergic to Benedryl, watching my beekeepers at a safe distance seems the most sensible thing to do. I was outside earlier today and I could smell that woodsy smell of smoke from the smoker they use for quieting the bees, so I knew my beekepers were about working.

I hope your Monday was pleasant and you could work, rest, and play. Tomorrow starts a complete new routine, and I am ready.

Monday Notes

Nature Notes:
I drove my car parallel with a hawk this morning. The hawk was startled as I came around the curve and it flew right beside my car window for about 5 seconds, it was as if we were in a race. Magnificent beauty follows this bird. Yet, I know he is more than likely feeding on live prey in some one's back yard, unfortunately, at their stocked bird feeders.

Baking Notes:
I believe there is a link in the brain that is stroked whenever you enter your kitchen to bake something good to eat. Baking gives you feelings of comfort, home, warmth and love. Charlotte and I were so happy to bake some blueberry muffins this afternoon. A old recipe was scavenged, one that uses whole wheat flour and yogurt in its ingredients. Then we sat down and ate one warm from the oven.

Preserving Notes:
Two pints of cherry tomatoes were cut in half, mixed with 2 cloves of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of basil, 2 tablespoons of oregano, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and a dashing of salt and pepper.  They were spread on a parchment lined cookie sheet and baked on a 220 degree oven for 2 hours.* They will rest in the closed oven overnight; tomorrow morning I will store my dried tomatoes in a glass jar and will receive pleasure to use them on homemade pizzas, appetizers, and salads in the days to come.
*adjust temperature and time accordingly, for example, 225 degrees for 1 -1 1/2 hour.