Neck & Chest Protector

Finishing a project--it brings that sigh of pleasure and maybe a bit of pride.  And this one brought not only the satisfaction of completion and accomplishment, it brought with it a sense of relief.  Perhaps that's a unwise confession to make.  But since I started this project last year, I was concerned that it would be forgotten about for another couple of years before I finished it.  

• For me, every project has several stages:
• 
  
• The excitement of beginning.  It's fresh, and if it's a new pattern, it's an adventure;
• Measuring...and checking progress;
• Encountering the new technique, trying to figure it out;
• Consulting YouTube.com for teaching videos for help;
• Conquering the new skill, then continuing it; 
• Ignoring it for a while...I've gotten bored, finding it tedious
• Rekindled interest...curious to see what it looks like finished, hating unfinished projects;
• Persevering, until the excitement of only an inch to go..
• Finally, finishing.  

After I got home from work, today, The Maverick and I were watching television whilst eating lunch.  I felt like just sitting for a while, and became interested in a programme.  That's when I decided that I was going to finish this chest protecter/dickie.  I'd been "knitting at it"--a few rows two or three days a week since I got home.  With only two inches left to knit on the neck, it demanded finishing.

These items were pretty popular in the 1930's and 1940's, instead of scarfs.  They fit nicely under a dress coat and looked smart.  

A couple of years ago a friend of mine came back from a visit to Eastern Europe wearing something similiar.  So, I became interested in making one.  Internet surfing took me to http://cs.oswego.edu/~ebozak/knit/troop-knitting/bernat/dickey.html

Once I had the front and back knitted, I stalled when I read the instructions, "Weave shoulder stitches together."  What did that mean?  And what's more, how did one do it?  First port of call was at www.youtube.com.  According to the videos, weaving knit stitches together can be done with a techique called the Kitchener Stitch.  I watched the video through a couple of times before I actually sat down and attempted doing it--which turned out to actually be easier than I expected.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq2U0w2UHuM&feature=related

Once I had connected the shoulder, I picked up the neck stitches and used a set of double-pointed needles to knit the turtleneck.  

I think I may try knitting another one--but with larger needles and perhaps with a fancy stitch to be prettier.  But before that, I think I want to knit a little girl's sweater, or two.  It's by special request.  However, before I start another knitting project, it's time to get re-acquainted with my Singer.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

View from my balcony

Although today is a Bank Holiday Monday here in the UK, for The Maverick and me it has been like any other Monday.  

As Langley Parish Administrator, I usually start working on the news sheet for the coming week.  Then I post prayers and scripture readings for the coming week on the parish website:  http://www.langleymarish.com/ 

Before, my work cut out for me.

However, in the spirit of a three-day weekend, I scheduled a project for myself in regards to the balcony.  As I mentioned last year, I decided that the amount of vegetables produced were not really worth the amount of effort of planting and tending it took to maintain the plant boxes.  I did consider planting flowers this year.  However, since I struggle with energy levels, I decided that I would eleminate the "Garden In A Box" project this year. 

There is a three-phase plan to transform the balcony to a "side-walk Cafe" type area.  

Phase One:   Empty the plant boxes, clean up the rest of the balcony.

Phase Two:  Remove the gardening left-overs by donating them to people who could use them.  I prefer this option of re-cyle to throwing usable things away.  

Phase Three:  Buy a small table and chairs to place out on the balcony. 

Work in progress

The winter had taken it's toll on the balcony and the plant boxes.  Some of the boxes had left over stems sticking up--like the sunflower and tomato vines.  My plan was to pull up all the "volunteer" growth and the dried up stems.  This I did.  I took the time to break-up the dirt.  This I dumped into double-layered bin liners/garbage bags.  

Our friends "Techphile" & "Sandgroper" bought a home last year.  Now they have a back garden and want to teach their children the pleasure and work of raising a garden.  Since I was closing the book on my gardening/plant keeping, I offered them the containers and other paraphernailia I had to them.  This includes a large Rubbermaid foot locker.  The footlocker was used over nine years ago to ship some of my personal belongings here to England.  It was no longer needed and I have a feeling "Techphile's" family can make good use of it.

Phase Two of the balcony will happen when "Techphile & Sandgroper" can come over and collect the compost and containers. 

Phase Three happens when I've saved up enough money to buy a Bistro Set.  This is a tiny set, which would be just big enough to be comfortable for sitting at in the morning for coffee or in the evening.  We like to watch the plans coming into Heathrow.  I'll have to find a way to earn some pocket money so we can buy this before the summer if over.  

Phase One Complete

That's if the summer ever gets here.  The weather forecasters are saying this is going to be the coldest month of May in over 100 years.  I arrived home on 18th April, and it seems like we've had maybe one or two days of sun.  I even turned the heat on yesterday!

I managed to get Phase One completed today.  I did a sweep-up of the floor.  I would have liked to washed the floor.  But it was just too cold to be messing about with water.  The last thing I wanted to do was get wet along with being cold today.  

Once the Bistro set is purchased, assembled and being used, I will take another photo and post it.  But for now I'm content that the balcony is tidier.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

Not sewn up...

I truly missed having a sewing machine in Florida.  I took some knitting,  on which I barely worked.  

Quilting became an interest because I found myself quilting the inside of the purses I was making for my three step-daughters.  For one thing, sewing long lines was actually soothing.  

Therefore, I took the opportunity to look at books from the library about quilting.

Purse Three

The quilting isn't seen here, because it's on the inside.  But it fed my creative mind with the idea that I could actually make bags with the quilting on the outside.  I've thought of all kinds of ideas.  

 

I decided that if I couldn't sew, maybe I could do some research and find some good reference materials to help me get started.  Afterall, because I don't have my grandmothers to help me, and don't belong to a sewing group, I needed something to instruct me in how to get started and take me through the process.

Quilting by hand is a skill I have wanted to learn; as for several years I thought hand-quilting was much more authentic, honest.  Having quilted the inside of the bags, I realised that machine quilting was beautiful in its own right.  So, I went looking for a teaching tool for myself.  

The library in Bradenton had lots of options, so I was a bit overwhelmed with choice.  Yet, the book I liked had the word "complete" in the title.  And it had to do with machine quilting.  I used to want to hand quilt everything.  But the truth is, I don't sew quickly.  Therefore, I was more open to the idea of machine quilting.  

Many years ago, I realised that if I checked a book out of the library three times in a row, I should buy the book.  After taking time to read the first few pages, being impressed with amount of specific and detailed information, I knew that it wouldn't take three times of checking the book out to decide to buy it.  It had several projects that I found intriguing, and created a desire to make them.  Thus, off to Amazon.com I surfed, I clicked and I purchased it.  


There was this miss-placed idea that within a few days of arriving home, I would have my sewing machine running hot and heavy.  But, in all honesty, not one stitch has been sewn.  ;-S  I guess it settling back into routines and finding a groove takes longer than expected.  


Before I can do any new sewing projects though, I need to finish the sewing project I started last December.  But I can't say what it is because the project consists of items that will become Christmas presents.  


But I'm sure in the next few weeks I will find a rhythm and the urge for the hum of a bobbing needle will get too strong for me to resist.  


Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,


"Lady Helene"

From Midnight to Maverick!

In case you can't make out where My Midnight Man is standing, he is in a box; the box used to ship a bicycle, more specifically His bicycle.  He rode the bike from London, England to Geneva, Switzerland in June 2009.  He did a sponsored ride to raise money for Crisis--a charity that helps homeless people reclaim their lives.  www.crisis.org.uk

My Midnight Man left the bike in Switzerland with the group who hosted the ride, Discover Adventure.  www.discoveradventure.com.  They boxed up all the participant's bikes and returned the bikes home. So here he is re-assembling his bike.  

My Midnight Man's best friend, "Jon-David", was a great encouragement to My Midnight Man.  

"Jon-David & John the day John left for Geneva"

Due to a work accident, My Midnight Man was seperated from his beloved "Trusty Steed"--"TS" (aka bike!) for over three years.  But that seperation did nothing to dampen his passion for bicycling.  

There were times of frustration during the last three years--My Midnight Man battling pain, boredom, lack of finances and fitness.  But having successfully completed the London to Geneva ride, it put a desire into his heart and mind to do another ride. 

After a long healing time and lots of prayer, My Midnight Man is now pain free and back on his bike.  Yippee! I believe MMM's passionate desire to take action to help others was instrumental in his experiencing God's healing touch.  

The new goal for MMM is to ride from John O'Groats, Scotland to Land's End in England, across Southern England, through London, cross the English Channel, on to Paris, over to Geneva, Switzerland, then further south to Nice, France.  The plan is to ride the trip over a five-week period in the Summer of 2013. That's approximately 2,200 miles or 3,520 kilometres.    

For those who have participated in fund-raising athletics, it is customary to ride with a team or with an organisation that arranges the logistics, like Discover Adventure.  The problem with these groups is that often part of the money required by the organisation is directed toward lodging, petrol for support vehicles and food.  Therefore, not all of the money goes toward charity.  

MMM wants all the sponsorship money he raises to go to the charities he is now focusing on, The A21 Campaign.  http://www.thea21campaign.org/ and ECPAT UK www.ecpat.org.uk/  Both of these organisations work to raise awareness of human trafficing and the eventual abolishment of modern day slavery and the abuse of children caused by child prostitution and pornography.  

My Amazing Husband is hoping to recruit friends to ride with him for different parts of the trip.  He also wants to do the trip independently of fund-raising groups.  And MMM is prepared to ride by himself, if he must.  He will have to cover all his expenses--for bed and breakfasts, any repairs he needs to make enroute, food and communication.  

"Jon-David" was discussing MMM's aspirations to ride such a long way, charting his trip on the map and taking on all the logistics.  The next thing "Jon-David" says is, "Man, you are a Maverick!"  MMM laughed till he was breathless.

Keeping in mind that a Maverick is an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party, those who know MMM will agree that this is an apt desciption!  !-)

Now, My Midnight Man is being called, The Maverick Cyclist.  So, from now I will be calling my independent, unorthodox thinking husband, "The Maverick."  I hope I won't confuse too many people.  

I will keep you posted of The Maverick's progress; and notify eveyone when he gets his own blog and fund-raising page set up.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

Jeb-Lee

So, okay, yes I've been home for eleven days and all the cat photos should have been done before I left Florida.  Suffice it to say, I didn't accomplish that.  I truly meant to post the last photo of the cats right after I got home.  I was too busy resting/sleeping to recover from jetlag to do it.  Enough of the excuses and explainations.  

If you're thinking this cat looks familiar, it's because Jeb-Lee looks like his sister, Sethra.  He is larger than Sethra, weighing about eight pounds.  

Sethra in back, Jeb-Lee in front

He is very affectionate.  One night I was sleeping on the recliner couch.  He jumped up and nestled down between my ankles.  A couple of times I felt his claws prick the bottom of my feet.  I could only surmise that my snoring got too loud and he was protesting! 

If you remeber the photos of his sister, you realise that they are ginger tabbies.  They like to play together.  They often curl up near each other and snooze as well.  

Yes, I miss these entertaining little critters.  I even dreamed that I'd brought Sethra home with me and begged My Midnight Man to keep her.  Funny how the mind works.  

That's the last of the cat photos!  Okay...one more cute one of Sethra....

 

 Yes, this is Sethra in a bowl.  Sissy was sorting through boxes from storage to see of what she could get rid.  This bowl was one of my Great-grandmother's.  It was cracked across the bottom, rendering it unsaleable and almost unusable, in case it leaked.  Sissy had left the bowl on the desk, with other items for donations to local charity shops.  To our amusement, we watched as Sethra stepped into the bowl and proceeded to curl up.  From then on, it was Sethra's bowl.  No disposing of it now!  

I guess I shall have to find my moments of un-expected cuteness from other places!  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

Home, home, wonderful home...

Delighted and relieved are two words that accurately express my feelings about the long journey home being over.  One-hundred years ago making a journey of over 6,000 in a 24-hour period would not have been thought possible.  Now we do it.  The flight between Tampa and Newark, New Jersey was about two-and-a-half hours.  The lay-over in Newark was close to 10 hours, followed by the six hour flight from Newark to London, Heathrow.  Both flights went easily enough--just a little turbulance on the Tampa-Newark flight.  

Monday evening (the 16th) I drove down to one of Bradenton's local Publix stores to make use of their scales to weigh my lugguage.  I had to make sure both suit cases were under 50 pounds (70 kgs).   They were under the limit, so I opted to leave them locked in the boot (trunk) of the car overnight.  

I knew it was going to be a long day--getting up at 3:00 a.m. to shower before leaving for the airport. Sissy and I ate donuts during the drive to Tampa and purposed not to cry, though it was a challenge.  I was really glad for that first cup of coffee on the flight--as we drank water in the car.  

I'd been able to pack my laptop in its case into a large piece of luggage, leaving only the carry-on suitcase to worry with for the day.  

I always like to check the websites for the amount of luggage we are allowed, and the weight limit.  I checked the United Airlines website three times, trying to find out if I had to pay for the second bag.  I thought I could take two bags.  Imagine my shock when the customer service agent told me that the second bag was going to cost me $70.(£44) to check through.  Immediately I was in tears.  The Customer Service Agent was very understanding, telling me that the website was vague, unclear.  So she checked it through for me, without a fee.  To me that was a miracle.  

The flight left Tampa at 6:00 am and arrived in Newark about 8:40 am.  My flight to London didn't leave until 6:25 pm (18:25 hrs).  So what does one do for 9 hours and 45 minutes in an Airport? I didn't have the energy or the finanacial resources to venture into Newark or New York.  Knowing I had to spend the whole day, I packed a journal, a couple of notebooks, some index cards, a knitting project, a magazine and a book.  I mentally purposed to spend some of the time actually writing.  

On Monday, the day before my flight on Tuesday (17th April), as I was double checking my itinerary, I also looked at Newark Airport's map online.  That way I knew where restaurants, food courts, toilets and shops were.  I wanted to know where the best options were for sitting and drinking tea or coffee.

Dunkin Donuts was my first port of call.  Yes, more donuts--but it was four hours since eating in the car and there are no Dunkin Donuts in England.  Dunkin Donuts like to boast about their coffee--but I found it a bit on the weak side.  I guess they don't use arabica coffee or Columbian beans!  

I did walk around for an hour, looking for a quiet-ish place to sit and write.  Caliente Cab Restaurant is next to the food court in terminal C. http://calientecab.com/ I explained to the waiter that I had about six hours to fill before my flight left.  Would he mind if I ordered a drink and then in a couple of hours order food.  I'm sure they see this a lot- as he approved this plan quickly.  So out came my journal, a pen, my MP3 player and my travel alarm clock.  

I spent time writing an overview of my time in Florida and some of my feelings.  After a glass of ice tea, I was ready to move on to another project.  

Donna Fletcher Crow was kind enough to answer an e-mail I wrote to her about her book-writing process.  She advised me that she does a detailed outline of the book, creating chapters along with notes of detail of the surroundings.  So, I decided to work on a book outline.  I did find that I was missing some important information, but I did make progress on what I felt should be in the book.  

Eventually I packed-up the  temporary work-station and walked across the food court and concourse to the gate. I was so tired I laid down on the floor next the window area and dozed for about an hour.  I couldn't sleep deeply, because I just wasn't comfortable enough.  But I was tired enough to zone out for a while.  

From the windows in the terminal, I could see the outline of New York.  I took some photos, but it was difficult without a extra-long tele-photo lense.  

There were several children on the flight.  I thought sure it was going to be an arduous affair, if the babies and children fussed the whole six hours.  Thankfully, once we were underway most of the children settled down and slept.  One baby did have a two-hour crying fit.  However, I had my earphones in, watching movies, which means I was barely aware of the angry crying of the infant.  I said a prayer for the mother and the baby.
 
That's one thing about flying I do enjoy--the movies.  John and I never go out the the cinema.  So getting to see a contempory film is a delight.  I watched War Horse and We Bought a Zoo. 

In a way, it was difficult to pick which film I wanted to watch, as the new Sherlock Holms movie and Iron Lady about Margaret Thatcher were also options.  

There's been lots of advertisements of War Horse, so I'll not elaborate on that.  

Whilst still with my sister, I saw advertisements for We Bought a Zoo.  I thought, "That looks kind of good.  Maybe I'll buy the DVD sometime."  When I saw it was an option on the film menu, I thought--"Good, I'll watch this film".  The film is about Benjamin Mee, a former journalist who finds himself floundering after the death of his wife.  In order to find a way to connect with his children and have a new start, he buys a zoo. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Bought_a_Zoo 

Now here's the kicker--all the actors are American.  I thought the film was about a place in California, as it was filmed there.  NO!  The actual Zoo is in Plymouth, Devon, England!!!  Ironically, I nearly bought the book last autumn.  I may still go buy it.  

For more information about the true Benjamin Mee and the zoo, check out the website:  http://www.dartmoorzoo.org/your-visit/the-dzp-story.html 

I'd requested a wheel chair for transport through the airport beause I knew that walking from the plane through customs to arrivals was further that I could handle comfortabley.  I guess because I was wheeled through in a wheel-chair, I made it through customs more quickly than My Midnight Man expected.  It took us twenty-minutes to connect.  But it was wonderful to see his smiling face and to make it home.  

I've been trying to catch up on my rest and recover from my jet lag.  I did make it back to the office for work on Friday Morning.  It felt good to be on-sight to do the news sheet.  

To make coming home even better, My Midnight Man received confirmation on Friday that BA is hiring him for a seven-month contract.  

Friday afternoon our oldest daughter, "Chantilly" and her family came by for a visit.  To be on the receiving end of so much love is truly God's blessing to me.

Today was my first day back at St. Mary's Church of England.  To be back in the fold was heartwarming and comforting.  

Now that I'm back home, I must get out my social calendar and start inviting people over.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,
"Lady Helene" 
 

Things I've been reading...and other kitties...

When I first arrived here in Florida, I knew that I wouldn't have access to television, as my sister couldn't afford cable.  The condominium community she lives in was purchased by a new owner, who connected cable for all the flats/apartments; of course raising the rent as well.  For the first half of my visit the primary mode of entertainment was trips to the library.

The great thing about being in the USA is having access to some of my favourite American authors that I can't access in the public library systems in England.  Manatee County library offers on-line service; reserving desired books, renewing checked out books and a search service to look for information on all kinds of topics. 

In 2007 I discovered the authoress, Diane Mott Davidson.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Mott_Davidson  If you like mysteries and cooking, then her books are for you.  The heroine is Goldie Korman Schultz--a caterer who gets involved with solving murders.  All of her books include many of the recipes for dishes served at events she caters.  I started reading her series last time I was here.  I was full of anticipation to finish the series while I was here this time--since I knew I'd be here three months.  For readers in America, these should be available through the local library.  For my UK friends, you can find them for purchase on Amazon.co.uk. 

Another authoress I discovered is Karen Kingsbury--http://www.karenkingsbury.com/  She is a prolific Christian author.  She has written several series.  I've read her Baxter Family series--called The Redemption Series; (Redemption, Remember, Return, Rejoice & Reunion).  I've also read three of the four books in the Above The Line Series; (Take One, Take Two and Take Three).  She has written several stand alone books, of which I've read: Oceans Apart.  Karen's characters are met with real life challenges--some who have been taught Christian principles, but get tempted by things in the world.  But there are other characters have strong, solid faith and use it to see miracles. 

A real treasure was the first book in the Mitford Series, entitled At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon.  The hero/main character is Father Tim, an Episcopal Priest.  Ms. Karon writes the way I wish I could--expressing Christian faith in a very believable way; it doesn't feel contrived or preachy.  There is romance, humour, compassion and kindness.  I've read the first two in the series: At Home in Mitford and A Light in the Window.  I have a goal to buy this set of books.  Once again, these books should be available through the public library system as well as Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Jan-Karon/e/B000APIF3E

In 1994 I attended a three-month School of Writing in University of the Nations.  One of the teachers was Donna Fletcher Crow.  I was able to find a few of her many books in the library.  She is a diligent reseacher and her work reflects this.  I follow Donna Fletcher Crow on Facebook and also read her blog.  http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/  I've read two of her epic novels:  Glastonbury, A Novel of Christian England and The Fields of Bannockburn. 

If you're looking to buy books by any of these authors, (or any Christian publications), a great place to check out is http://www.christianbook.com/.  I've used this company for years and they ship internationally.  It is well worth checking out this website. 

About half-way through my visit the cable was hooked up and I've spent more than a few hours watching tv.  Sissy is delighted she can watch Cubs baseball and American Idol.  I've never watched Pop Idol or the X Factor in the UK.  I am guilty of watching Britian's Got Talent.  I've really enjoyed watching Cold Case Files and Criminal Minds. 

I did bring some knitting, but haven't worked on it much. 

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CC--on the dresser

Miss Kitty--a tiny little lady

On the left is CC.  He originally showed up behind my sister's apartment/flat with a flee collar on.  He disappeared for about three days, then disappeared again.  From his behaviour, we think CC was previously owned.  He is very affectionate and usually laid back. He doesn't object to having his tummy rubbed and REALLY loves his food.  

Miss Kitty is on the right.  She must weigh about six pounds.  Miss Kitty's favourite place to begin with was under the bed.  Now she is more comfortable around people and the other cats.  She is still shy, though.  Her fur is very soft.  Usually she will disappear when I come into the room.  Miss Kitty is a real sweetheart.   

Blue Boy

Next is Blue.  He is totally grey with a blue sheen to his fur.  He has the most amazing amber eyes.  Blue is chatting at night, calling out to his furry friends.  He loves sitting in the window ledges and look outside.  I think he misses being an outside cat.  He was very shy and skittish at first, but is getting more comfortable.  Sissy can pick him up and he is comfortable with her.  I've been able to pet him and he responds well to his name.   



Brendal--another little girl with a big attitude



The beatiful brindled (having obscure dark streaks or flecks on a usually gray or tawny ground) coloured cat is named Brendal.  She is a little cat with a boulder on her shoulder.  But she has had a very difficult, short life.  By the time she was a year-and-a-half old,she had had three litters of kittens.  She love her food and is known to go after anyone who is in her territory--or what she perceives to be her territory (the kitchen and laundry room.).  She is slowly responding to human kindness and will accept affection.  She has a long way to go, but she has great potential.