needles & a cup of coffee

Good chart to keep handy!

2012-01-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

I saw this posted on Facebook :-)

2012-01-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

I saw this posted on Facebook :-)

2012-01-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

First sleep-over

2012-01-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

Xander had his first sleep-over tonight at my house.
The others have had theirs at different ages; but Xander seemed about ready now that he's in his late twos.
He is able to sit and discuss things with me now, and enjoys exploring at Nana's house and asking questions.
I did a little video of him at breakfast time while we were alone.
The first thing he said to me when I was getting the camera ready was "Where are your glasses?"
I had forgotten to put them on that morning, with checking on three overnight visitors, scampering around to get the ingredients ready for their breakfast and trying to just "be ready" for them as they were all waking up.
They chose to use the blow-up queen-sized mattress to use out in the living room, so they could watch TV as they got tired. The baby was to sleep on the couch, with the reclining foot rests put up, for extra safety.
I got everyone all covered up and went to bed.
Then at 2 a.m. I abruptly awoke to Xander calling "Nana, Nana..." and he was crying.
I had left small lights on here and there, but I guess he sat up and realized he was not at home.
That's when I took him into our bed.
He slept like a log.
I slept like a woman who had small feet in her face and small arms bumping into me for the remaining 3 1/2 hours of the night.
Then we got up and had some time together before I started cooking for everyone and cleaning up the kitchen, which is quite a juggling task while being followed by a helpful 2 year old.
They left yesterday and I miss them already.

More keepers

2012-01-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

I've been collecting from friends online:

I saw this on Facebook

2012-01-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Facebook----so true

2012-01-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Hello 2013...a little early

2012-01-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the usual. People went out and partied or stayed home with family or friends and saw the new year of 2012 arrive.
New York shared Cee Lo Green and Lady GaGa with the world, and let that ball drop again while everyone did the count down.
All week we'll be reminding ourselves to write the new year, 2012, on checks and paperwork. It will seem so foreign to most of us.
It's already the subject of conversation as people lament about the loss of 2011 and no one can understand just where it went.
This is always an adjustment period, and I, along with the rest of the world, will be adjusting.
I don't particularly like to mark the passing of time by erasing what I've written. Looking at new calendars will give us pause to remember that we're about to face new happenings, and not all of them will be unique adventures. People will pass on to their just rewards and new people will arrive on the planet, with the hopes and dreams of their families attached to them.

Last night I suddenly came up with an idea for this year. Albeit it a strange one...I have decided to practice writing 2013 here and there. I might even say it aloud.
It's all part of my plan to sidestep the "adjustment" one year from now. If I begin thinking and writing and speaking about 2013, I can skip the newness and shock of it next year.
I no longer make resolutions, which seemed to be expected of people everywhere when I was young. So, this isn't actually a "resolution" but it's my New Year Idea.
I have to go practice writing 2013 now.
Just not on checks.

Looks like the end of the year is upon us

2011-12-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

First, a shout out to my grandson, Markie, who was on the Christmas parade float with his team members. They won the Superbowl and we are very proud of them!

Here's Uncle Chad with Taylor at the Superbowl. Taunton Tigers won after a nerve-wracking game, and one of their players even got taken away in an ambulance! But he was fine later on. Congrats to all.

Here's our little group near their Christmas tree. They all got wonderful gifts and had a blast during Christmas. Christmas Eve, we all went to the Cape to Auntie Rachel's home, where she had a great buffet and cousins ran around and it was all fun!

I like this picture of the Jewish Menorah. Actually, I borrowed it from Facebook. The lighting of the 5th candle is exciting; because it is at that time that the light overcomes the darkness!

Here's Ty Ty having some fun with me while I'm sitting at my computer. He's about 10 1/2, or so we believe, and once the doctor got him all fixed up, he has become a happy and playful senior cat. We LOVE him!

Here are some hats I have sent out recently.
The adult hats pictured on the left went to the Emergency Youth Shelter at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. I just recently heard about how our first Americans are living out there. Please look them up online and see how desperately they are living. Anything you can donate will be appreciated!

My neighbor knew that I was knitting and alerted me to another shelter need, in town where we live. I made up some toddler hats for her to take over for them. (above) Right now I'm working on warm scarves to share with the Pine Ridge Reservation. Gently used clothing is also needed for all ages and sizes, and their school is needing books. The situation on the reservation is difficult as far as people being able to take care of themselves or find employment. Most are suffering from the cold weather.

At left is our little sweetie, all ready to go participate in the Christmas sing-along at her elementary school.

And last, but certainly not least, congratulations to the new Rhode Island graduates from the State Police Academy in R.I.
Pictured with the grads in the center, are MA State Police officers who attended the ceremony.
That's my son on the far right!

Coffee Talk

2011-12-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

Well, since this blog is called Needles & a Cup of Coffee, it's time to talk about java.
I have been using my beloved Cuisinart 12-cup coffeemaker for years now. It's starting to sound "strange" like it's laboring to pump that water up and over the coffee grounds.
I went shopping and looked for Cuisinart, seeing that I really liked that brand.
This time, I chose a 10-cup because I thought would be sufficient for us. Also, this one had the stainless steel carafe, which is a thermal carafe.
Well, the first thing I realized is that I couldn't see the brewed coffee dripping into the carafe, so when I removed it to pour into cups, the filter was still full of water, waiting to drip down. So there's a no-see issue there.(No, I didn't think I would see it drip through the stainless carafe....but when it signaled that it was done brewing, I thought it really would be "done" brewing.)
I DID like that the side of the coffee maker had the little clear tube which indicated how much water you had poured into the machine. I didn't have that feature on my other one, and I do like that.
In any case, the coffee, using my same measurements of coffee per cup of water, came out quite WEAK. I did not like it at all.
Overall, it was just not comparing to my old coffee maker, even though it was the same brand.
I am returning it tomorrow and getting a refund. I already went online and ordered one just like my old fave, from the Home Depot site, which offers free shipping, too.
So, in several days, I should be enjoying my new machine, with my old, great, dependable coffee taste! Can't wait!

Gert's Flowers

2011-10-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

Anyone who walks by my house might notice these yellow flowers which bloom each fall, usually while the other blooms of most plants are dying off.
I've had many people mention that in the past.
What I think of each year when I see them budding is Gert. Well, I think of Gert and the fact that winter will be here soon.
Gert and her husband Charlie lived next door to us when I was growing up. I was about 10 when they moved in. I was very busy with my hula hoop.
They were the old people; you know, probably in their 50s.
Our dog, Smokey, made a point of traipsing back and forth between our house and theirs and getting in all the extra attention from Charlie, who would sit on a seat near their side door and pet Smokey for hours. Of course, they added doggie treats to their grocery list because of Smokey. Charlie had health problems and had trouble with breathing, so he'd sit and talk to Smokey and watch us play.
After working in the yard lots of summer nights, my parents would be invited over to Gert's house, where she would offer coffee or cold drinks and some snack, such as cheese and crackers, or some other treat.
I remember that Gert had lost a daughter who came down with an illness and passed on. I think she said the girl was about 12. Gert was always proper and kind and I always remember her using the phrase "Oh, you don't want to do that....because" Being a kid, I began to think that she was being bossy, stepping over the line, telling me what I "didn't want to do". Other than that, I thought she was very pleasant and caring. I realized later that it was just a phrase that was a part of her speech.
There was an incline on her land, which led up to our yard. My parents tried to get me to head down our steep driveway, down to the street, then up Gert's driveway, just to walk about 50 feet. I thought that was ridiculous; but my parents didn't like me or anyone walking on their grass. And that would be considered impolite to walk on Gert and Charlie's grass, also.
Speaking of Charlie, he always told me his stories of when he was in World War I. He's the only person I ever knew who had been in the service such a long time ago. He'd get out this clear paperweight and show me the metal bullet encased in the middle. He never even knew that he had it lodged in his back for years. As he got older and complained about pain, some doctor found that he had a bullet in his back, and removed it.
We had no fence at all, then a split rail fence that separated our property lines for years. Then my father came up with the idea. He was going to have a fence company come down and fence in the entire back yard in stockade fencing. (privacy fencing) I know that we didn't need to fence in any animals, or fence anyone out; but that was his new idea of how the yard should look. The plan was to use the tall privacy fence across the back yard, then coming down to the side yards, the fence would be lower, slanting down; but it was still stockade fencing.
I can still remember Gert's pleas: "Oh, Jim, please don't do that. How will I get up to the back yard to sit at night? Could you have them put a gate there, please? Please don't fence that area in."
A poor, older lady, clearly disturbed because she had made a series of steps from her back yard, up to our back yard, with flowers on each side. Now she would have steps in her back yard leading to nowhere but the blank wall of a stockade fence. But my father wouldn't give in. He wanted that style of fencing in the back yard. I guess it didn't occur to my parents that it would be more difficult to go out and sit on summer evenings if the steps from Gert's yard to ours were closed off. That, and how ridiculous it would look in Gert's yard to have steps made from railroad ties securely put into place and surrounded by beautiful flowers...leading to nowhere. I guess it just didn't matter to them, because the fence was installed as planned.
They still visited on summer evenings and had their snacks, but the convenience of a quick walk to the other yard was diminished.
After I grew up and got married, I only saw Gert a couple of times. She was always pleasant and encouraging, as she had been when I was young.
When she heard that I had my own home, she uprooted these yellow flowers which bloomed ferociously at her house, and sent them, via my mother, over to my house. I gladly planted them under my front window. That was in 1976.
They bloom every fall, and every fall I look at them and say "Gert's flowers are blooming, before we know it, it will be winter."
Then I heard that in the winter of Gert's life she lost her other two children. First her husband, Charlie passed on with his breathing problems worsening, and he is now petting my Smokey in Heaven, I like to think. Gert's son died of cancer. In her 90s, Gert was residing with her daughter and one day her daughter died. I think she had a stroke. I remember that she told my mother that she called to her daughter and when she didn't answer, she went up to her daughter's bedroom and found her slumped against a wall. I remember that she said to my mother, "Oh, it was awful!"
Gert lived a few more years after that, having reached close to 100, as her father had done before her.
I don't know how many people remember Gert, or think of her anymore. I always think of her politeness, caring and kindness....and how that fence, that damn fence just shut her off from our back yard so cruelly.
I've passed by those flowers each fall, growing under my front window, and they are a reminder. A clock ticking, in a way.
Now I am one of the "older" ladies in our neighborhood, just like Gert was when I was a child.
I think of her each and every time that those flowers she sent me begin to bloom.
I planted the few uprooted clumps that she sent to me and they have spread in a line, under my front window. The house has been painted, stained, shutters added and the front window has been replaced, with workers stomping in that area with work boots.
But it's fall again, and Gert's flowers are still blooming , reminding me of a lot of things--mostly of her kindness.

Dear Blog....I've missed you.

2011-10-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

I used to take the time to check my blog almost daily and try to keep up with the latest on here.
Now, it seems that I am taking that time and relaying the information on Facebook to people there.
Sorry, little blog. I will try to make amends.

So, recently I spent the week at my daughter and son-in-law's house while they were away. I took care of their dog and cat and brought in the mail.
I got to spend more time with their elderly cat, who is going on 16 years old, and their American Mastiff who is 5.

I found that she dislikes the TruGreen Lawn truck and man who drives it, and that had I opened the front door, she would most definitely have taken him down in a heartbeat.
She is a good watchdog! (and BIG)

I had a quiet week while my family was walking around Disney World in Florida.
I decided to have a nice lunch ready for them when they arrived back home. They were very hungry when they returned, so that worked out perfectly. I went to the store ahead of time and made a favorite recipe in my daughter's crock pot, when I finally found it.

That chicken recipe is to put boneless chicken in the crockpot (I always boil mine a little first). Then mix up a bowl of one envelope of onion soup mix, a bottle of Russian salad dressing, which is sometimes hard to find. It is sort of a peachy color and I keep that in mind when scanning the grocery shelves for that dressing. There's Italian, French, Honey Mustard, Oil and Vinegar, Spicy Italian, Vinaigrette, Ranch -- and so on.
There are regular dressings and fat-free. I have given up reading the labels when looking for the Russian dressing. I just scan row after row, looking for the color of the bottle.
Finally, at Hannaford, I reached behind a Ranch dressing bottle, and there it was! The last one.

OK, so back to the preparation: In a bowl, you mix the onion soup mix, the Russian dressing and a small jar of apricot preserves. Pour this mixture over the pieces of chicken in the crock pot and cook on low for several hours. You could do 6 hours or so; but like I said, I do boil the chicken a short while before I start, so I didn't need that much time.

I like to serve this with rice, although Pennsylvania Dutch noodles would be great, too. And I made some fresh green beans, which I love -- for a vegetable. When you scoop the chicken out of the crock pot, do make a point of scooping out some of the sauce to put over the chicken on each plate, and it is especially yummy to put a little over the rice, too.

Our two year old asked for seconds, and our 7 year old was caught licking her plate! I was happy to see this, because sometimes children are a little standoffish about eating a new flavor, or trying a new recipe. Most children just eat white rice, either plain or with a little butter on it.

We had them at a Chinese restaurant one time and the kids ordered the white rice. The waitress said to them "Just like in China -- the kids only want the white rice!"

Here is a link for amazing pics from Hurricane Irene

2011-09-08T07:36:00.001-07:00

Click; http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2011/08/31/captured-hurricane-irene-aftermath/4620/

Saw this on Facebook

2011-08-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Irene, Southern New England 2011

2011-08-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

My son-in-law was trying to return home and found the street leading to his house looking like this!

A pic of the sky from my daughter's living room

We parked our vehicles out in front of my daughter's house. This is how it looked out the window.

I borrowed this pic. It was posted by channel 10.

This is what we were watching (see time line on screen) until the power went out.

Getting addicted to sewing

2011-08-18T03:04:00.000-07:00

OK, so now Taylor & I have the sewing bug. What happened was that I got a new machine a few years back; and unfortunately only used it a handful of times. It's hard to explain, but maybe other sewers will understand.
I was so used to my previous machine that this one didn't have that "old shoe" fit.
Recently, with granddaughter Taylor getting interested in sewing, I put my mind to getting familiar with the new gadgets on this machine.
I picked out a pattern for a skirt which I thought she would like.
The fabric was from Tutti Fruiti, and coordinates, so I bought three colors in that brand. What I didn't realize was how extensive the cutting, sewing and gathering would be. It was all worth it, however.
The layers of ruffles would have been easier if I had just used one strip of fabric to make a ruffle. Unfortunately, in this pattern, the fabric was cut into strips 40" long and 2.5 inches wide. After sewing the strips for each ruffle together on the long edge, the pattern called for then cutting the long strip into 5 inch blocks, then laying them end-to-end and stitching. After that came the gathering.
I wanted Taylor to share in a lot of this skirt-making, knowing that she would be so proud to put it together. I did the cutting and gathering, and I had her do a lot of the straight stitching. Her brother, Markie saw us and wanted to try my machine, also.
They both worked on straight stitches and did a lot of the work.
Taylor loves the finished product and I showed her how the elastic is fed through at the waist. She said "Oh, so THAT's how they get elastic in there!"
After that, I had her close the opening in the waist band, so she would be completing the project.

She's a quick learner

2011-07-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Oh, the joys of being 7 and being allowed to learn on Nana's sewing machine! Taylor tried her very first project, making beanbags. One for herself, out of the "monkey" material, and one for each brother, using the "sports" material.

She was ELATED! (And so was I.)

No Comment

2011-07-18T13:31:00.001-07:00

Caylee, we are sorry that you were failed repeatedly

2011-07-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

Vacation boy

2011-07-01T03:16:00.000-07:00

The school play

2011-06-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

It was all about kindness and having concern for others.

friend Lauryn introduced the show

That's our tall boy on the end

That's our girl in green

Being friendly to new people was stressed and everyone sang about this. One of the songs was about how beautiful everyone is, with dark or light skin, blue, brown or green eyes. All these kids putting on the show were beautiful!

Spotlight Dancing School

2011-06-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our little girl who did a great job tonight at her recital!

She did ballet, Irish Step and Hip Hop numbers. She was great in each number, but it was obvious that she was a leader in her Hip Hop group! Good job, Sweetie.

John Deere, you're a dear!

2011-06-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

We get so much enjoyment out of the tractor. It's worth whatever Grampa paid for it, as it not only cuts the grass; it is an exciting mini hay ride for the kids. Markie and Taylor both tried their hand at driving this year! They took it slowly and did a great job.

Growing up!

2011-06-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

Her are the grandkids who were visiting the grave of their great grandparents recently. Look how big they are getting...and can you tell who is the spunky one?

Poor Markie cut his knee on a broken piece of glass this past week. Here he is upon returning from the emergency room with 9 sutures in his knee. Playing Wii helps to take away the pain.

Ten years have gone by?

2011-06-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my first grandchild, who recently turned TEN.

He had a great luau birthday party, including school friends and relatives in his celebration!

My teddy bear

2011-06-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

This is my dear Ty, whom I rescued. I took him to the animal hospital where he was neutered, had bad teeth removed and he was dewormed, along with having an ingrown claw cut out of his foot pad.
Now, Ty says "Life is good" and he is a thankful, devoted little guy.
He has taken quite a liking to my computer table.

Areas of color here and there

2011-06-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

Impatiens I just planted

I added some marigolds to my veggie garden.

I recycled last year's basket at my front door.

A pretty hanging plant, but I'm not sure of the name.

A hanging petunia plant at my front light post

Some of the flowers here and there around my yard.

2011-06-01T05:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year again, people -- I'm attempting to grow a great garden that will supply us with fresh vegetables.
Last year I really loaded up around the plants with good doses of Miracle Gro, which I love.
I did have five-foot tomato plants with giant, hardy leaves and waited forever for them to bear fruit!
I'm taking it a little easier with fertilizer this time.
I solved two problems this year. You know how you're always saying that you'll do such-and-such next time? One thing I wanted to do was prevent my yard-work sneakers from getting covered in dirt and mud every time that I tended to my garden. I didn't have a place to step into the midst of the garden. I also had quite a few leftover bricks hanging around, which I wanted to incorporate into something. Being stacked next to the shed really wasn't too attractive.
So I decided to make a little stepping-stone path to stand on this year, so that I wouldn't be stepping in mud while tying up plants or pulling up some radishes and picking vegetables.
I laid out the whole bricks that I rounded up, and placed them where I thought they would serve me well. Next, I took my trowel and outlined the area. After lifting the bricks up and placing them to the side, I dug out the proposed home of the bricks, then kept placing them back, trying to gauge the correct depth for them, so that they would more or less end up at ground level.
It sounds easy enough, but while following these steps, I was bombarded by mosquitoes and little black flies while sweating! I did use Off; but they were still annoying me, especially around my face.
Why do I pick the hottest days to do these chores? I guess you have to get the garden in by a certain time, because the growing season in New England is short; so you take every clear day that you can to get your work done.
After putting the bricks in the best I could, I stepped on them to try to make them level out at approximately the same height. They're not perfect, but it's the best I could do under the circumstances.
I placed my window-started plants in the soil and watered them. They are now starting to perk up, after spreading out their roots in real soil.
At the time that this picture was taken, I had sprinkled those radish seeds 5 days earlier. I was surprised at how quickly they popped up.
The garden looks skimpy now, but I know that it's only a matter of time before the plants will all be towering.
We are getting somewhat short on full sun now, as our trees have grown and are slowly shading so much of the yard. Before planting the garden this year, my husband and I trimmed quite a few branches from a nearby maple tree to allow for more sunlight to our future veggies.
I will be taking more pics as the garden progresses!

Congratulations to Our Troops

2011-05-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

May 1st -- Our new holiday

For the Littlest Folks

2011-04-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

I just finished the latest batch of newborn hats yesterday. After washing them and giving them an extra rinse, I took them over to our local hospital and gave them to a nurse in the maternity department.
Usually I buy one or two new colors of yarn to work with; and add some leftover yarn from my stash. Whenever you make any item, you always have some yarn left over.
So I made good use of extra yarn with some pom pons this time, in addition to blending some colors.
The hats were appreciated. I pray that each baby who wears one of my hats will be blessed with good health.

Welcoming Spring/Summer

2011-04-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Well, my mother is now officially 92!
We had cake and ice cream for her the other night, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came over.
She says that's all she needs for her birthday. Here she is with Chad, her only grandson.

At last we're having the beginning of warmer weather here in New England!
We really had a winter for the books. It was one of the worst ones on record; and at one point, we had a snowstorm every week for 6 weeks in a row.

During that time, I fell on the ice and hobbled around for a few weeks, favoring my twisted knee. I canceled my appointments and sat around with my knee elevated while I did some knitting.
I did get a lot of crafting done throughout this whole time.
But, along with everyone else around here, I am ready for the spring/summer weather and want more than anything to be outdoors again. Time for soccer and baseball games and going for walks and just plain enjoying the sun.

Home at Last

2011-03-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Here's Ty, who just recovered from neutering and having several bad teeth extracted. Now, I've had everything done for him that I can do, to ensure his continued good health.

As a former stray, he was very happy to spend the winter indoors with us. We're not sure of his age, but we estimate that he might be around 10.

It's Spring in Massachusetts

2011-03-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again! New England just can't get rid of winter this year. But better days are sure to arrive soon. When we think of the difficult times in other parts of the world, I guess a few more inches of snow really aren't that bad.

On my needles right now

2011-02-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

We found out on Valentine's Day that my neighbor's baby will be a boy, so I was able to go out and buy some blue yarn and get started on this blanket.
Although I made a few others already, they are white, yellow and green.
Now to get started seriously on the blue stuff!

Yer crackin' me up!

2011-02-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

With roof problems all across New England in the past couple of weeks, it was quite common to see our neighbors shoveling snow off their roofs.
Because of 6 weekly storms, our drain gutters were mounded up with ice and covered with snow.
My husband got out the ladder and a hammer and hatchet and trudged through the knee-deep snow, moving the ladder along as he worked.
He chipped off large chunks of ice, leaving the gutters in better condition to handle the icy rain storm that was coming up next.
At one point, he put his hammer down once, losing it until Spring comes along!
He got the gutters done, but that left huge chunks of ice all around our doorstep. Trying to walk there would have been like trying to balance on a rocky breakwater at the beach.
I got out there and shoveled up some of the recently dislodged ice chunks to clear the way.
Not complaining, but everyone here is really going to welcome Spring this year!

Not Spicy Meatballs

2011-02-11T11:58:00.000-08:00

Well, because I was snowed in last week, I was sitting around watching a lot of TV.
On one program they featured a chef, who was explaining his fave recipe for meatballs. Since I had a pen and paper handy, I quickly scribbled down his recipe and directions, which he demonstrated.

Although his recipe called for 2 lbs. of ground beef, I did make mine with 1/2 ground beef and 1/2 ground turkey. I've never used the turkey meat, and I think that gave it a slightly different flavor.
After mixing all the ingredients, I browned the meatballs in a pan on top of the stove, then added them to the tomato sauce.

They were good, and my husband said he liked them; but to me that needed a little more pizazz. I thought they could use a little more spiciness.
I think I will try the recipe again, but add something a little more spicy to the meatballs. Still, they were a good option for a cold, snowy day. Did I say "day"? Around here in New England, it's been weeks and months of snowstorms.
Keeping my eyes peeled for Spring of 2011!

Lucky the cat

2011-02-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

We first met Lucky about 7 1/2 years ago. He was so tiny and we saw him following around our female cat, Angel.

He seemed so little and lost that we thought maybe he was looking for his mother. He spent years with Angel and he seemed to get along with other neighborhood cats.
But he could not be touched by humans. I guess he was born in the woods and never adjusted to people.
We could see that he looked small and malnourished and so we decided to at least feed him.
Angel has passed on, but Lucky still comes to see us every day. Well, actually I think he comes to find out if we are offering any food.
Yes we are. I guess we've fed him about twice a day these past 7+ years.
He takes up residence in a double cat shelter that I put together out in the back yard. One shelter is a dog tent and the other one is a molded plastic dog igloo. Both are filled with fresh hay each Fall and I made sure that no drafts are coming up from the bottom, as they are sitting on a plastic tabletop from an old picnic table. I also have plenty of plastic and a tarp covering the shelters, which are together. I made sure the tarp hangs down in front to block snow and rain from coming in to the little houses too much.
Lucky always spends the winters in the shelter. Most of the time, he chooses the one on the right, but with others visiting and trying to get out of the harsh weather, sometimes he takes up residence in the little house on the left.
Just before these pictures were taken, birds were partaking of Lucky's food, so I threw bread out for them, as it was snowing and they were trying to get a bite to eat before it got any worse. That's why you see the bread next to Lucky.

Here he is looking at Ty, who was also a stray. Ty stepped inside my house as I was getting the food bowls ready a couple of months ago, and he stayed.
Unfortunately, Lucky will never allow us to touch him. The closest thing to that is when I put the bowls out and he occasionally sniffs my hand. We can only watch over him and feed him.
And we have to accept that he will always be a feral cat.

My junior year in high school, 1963

2011-01-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I was looking at posts on Facebook tonight, and what should appear?
Bob McKeon from North Attleboro High School, class of 1964, my friend from school, had dug out some old pictures.

He posted this one of me:

An interesting video regarding our current government and the Constitution

2011-01-28T07:05:00.001-08:00

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7286685n

My Crafty Friend

2011-01-21T17:49:00.000-08:00

This is a great candle sent to me by my high school friend, Sheila. She lives in Florida now and has this great wooden candle business. She does all of the designing and the work herself. Mine looks like my cat, Ty and I love it! She can make all different themes, including holiday or specialty designs. The really cool thing is that the candle glows in the dark!

An update on Ava the avocado plant

2011-01-19T06:45:00.000-08:00

Here's Ava, still growing and prospering even though we're hit with one snowstorm after another. She has really surprised me that she has done so well in New England.
Go Ava!
After she spent the summer outdoors, I brought her in, not knowing if she would survive. But she gets that all-afternoon sun, and seems to be relishing it. (She sits next to the sliding glass doors, which are opened frequently during these cold temps.)

Winter Wonderland in Massachusetts

2011-01-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

Here's what we woke up to a few days ago. The bird houses seem to look desolate during a blizzard, don't they? Branches were down in the back yard and our trees out in the front yard, next to the driveway also had some breakage. Nature's doing some tree trimming, I guess!

We'll get to do the clean-up when the weather is more passable.

My husband used his snowblower to do the driveway and in front of the mailbox. The mail carrier can't deliver anything to our box next to the street, unless it's cleared for her.

These icicles are hanging all over from our rooftop. I have declared them to be Massachusetts ice sculptures! With a little daily melting and more snow added, I've noticed that they have now doubled in length, some straining to get near the ground.

5 a.m. -- My Masssachusetts kitchen window on December 27, 2010

2010-12-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

We had about a foot and a half of snow; but the drifting makes it seem like more. The trees were heavy-laden with the wet snow and the branches were bowing down toward the ground. I noticed that my clothesline rope from a bent tree, was about 3.5 feet off the ground!
We did lose the power for an hour this afternoon. What's on the outside of my kitchen bow window is the snow that was swirling and whipping around during the night.
This was a great day to stay in!

Christmas, 2010

2010-12-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

No explanation necessary! What a doll my granddaughter is!

December 24th, 2010

2010-12-24T13:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true. We have adopted Ty, who was hanging around our doorstep. He quietly stepped inside one day when I had the door opened to feed him and another stray. Upon close inspection, I saw that he had an imbedded nail in his little pad. I couldn't free it myself; so I made the appointment at the animal hospital.
Once there, he received his innoculations and had all of his health needs taken care of.

He has a damaged foot (thus, the nail which is growing awkwardly) and a cauliflower ear; but he now has a home and we love him! He is a very thankful, quiet and sweet cat. The doctor thinks he is about 9 years old.

A new baby is coming

2010-12-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

I just finished this baby blanket for a neighbor, who is expecting. Since I don't know yet whether it's a boy or a girl, I used a combination of white yarn and a yarn that is mostly white, with specks through it in pastel colors.

I like to use that basket weave design because it's simple enough to do while watching TV and not get off track. It's just K a number of rows, then P a number of rows. (I used 10 rows in these blocks.) On the edge, and in between the squares I used a seed stitch, which alternates the K and P stitches. When I use two strands of yarn together, I like to use a 10 1/2 needle, to accommodate the extra thickness of the yarn.

I also bought some pale yellow yarn for another blanket; but I can't wait until I can buy other colors to knit for this baby! I remember waiting for the mother to be born...and now we are waiting for HER baby to be born! Wow, time sure does fly.

Back to knitting talk

2010-12-16T06:34:00.000-08:00

I made this little hat last night for my 2-year-old grandson. I thought I'd try the rolled brim, which was so simple I wondered why I haven't used it much in the past.
However, I got the pattern online, and the question now is: Will it be the right size...and will he keep it on his head? LOL
Well, I'll find out today.
I reworked the pattern and just "guessed" at the finished size, so here's what I used:
Size 6 knitting needles
Vanna's Choice baby yarn
4 markers
According to the directions, the rolled brim hat should be long enough to come down low on the forehead. For a bigger or smaller hat, add or subtract stitches in multiples of 5.
Cast on 80 stitches and work in stockinette stitch (K1 row, P1 row) for approx 6 inches.
On the next row you divide up the stitches as follows: K 16, place a marker and repeat across row, ending with K16.
Purl all even rows.
Decreasing:
Slip one stitch, then knit across until last 2 sts before marker. Knit those 2 together, then slide marker onto your right hand needle and continue across row.
After about 2 inches of this decreasing, I found that I had to speed up the decreasing before it turned into an elf hat!
After 2 inches, I simply K 2 together across row, purled next row, then continued with decreases in this manner. When a handful of stitches remained I left a tail of about 8 inches and threaded the yarn through the remaining stitches at the top.
Sew up the back seam. This is where I put the back seam yarn together with the 8 inch tail yarn. I then added two more strips of yarn through the top area of the hat so that I had three units of double strands for braiding. I wanted to add a short braid to finish off the hat, sort of as a little tassle on the top.
I braided those strands, tied a secure knot in the braid, then clipped the ends, making a little tassle.

Jambi's Last Trance, Pee-wee

2010-12-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

2010-11-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

Spent the afternoon making some sweets for tomorrow. We do have a turkey in the fridge for tomorrow, but I wanted to make a lasagna too, just to have something extra. We will also have cut up veggies and dip, plenty of different vegetables to go with the meal and many things to nibble on.

We will also be singing Happy Birthday to our daughter-in-law, as her birthday was a couple of days ago.

I think we have enough food and desserts to last us. We will probably all feel like Weebles at the end of the day tomorrow!

2010-11-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

Well, here are some Halloween pics of my family. They got all dressed up and went to about 80 houses. They came back with tons of candy and they were tired but very happy! It was cold in Massachusetts this Halloween, but they didn't mind at all.

P-O-T-A-T-O......M-O-U-S-E

2010-11-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is a real potato which my husband found in a bag of potatoes in our cupboard yesterday as he was planning on making some potato salad. What are the chances that a Disney character resides in my cupboard? (I was wondering if I could sell it on eBay.)

Below you can see the little handprints that were left today by my little grandson, who was visiting with me. I think he had melted ice cream on his hands. Awwwww.

The Pee Wee Herman Show (Mails Here) Pt 8

2010-11-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

One Minute Sermon

2010-10-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Avocado -- come in from the cold.

2010-09-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

I was shocked that it quickly adjusted to the terrific heat and blazing sun that we had all Summer. I watered it every day, letting the water soak through and out the bottom of a huge planter I have on my back step.

in July

We've had some really chilly nights recently and I kept wondering how I would bring that plant in. I didn't have the right container....and the huge, heavy planter outside couldn't be budged. Besides, it has those holes that allow water to leak out the bottom.

Well, today, while out shopping, I spotted this plastic tub. I just wanted something temporary in hopes of this plant surviving through the Fall/Winter and returning outdoors next Summer. (I have my fingers crossed.)
So, with my husband's help, after transplanting it (and it had quite a root ball on it) we brought it in and placed it next to the sliding glass doors.
This way, it will still get the sun daily, and I am hoping for the best.
I will update pics of Ava if she survives and grows.

Health Through Hands

2010-09-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

Well, my neck and shoulder have been killing me all week. I have spent several nights heating up those bean-bag type scented pads in the microwave and sleeping on them, or walking around the house like a zombie with one perched on my shoulder.
Finally I admitted to myself that I needed someone who could put their hands on my muscles and know where the work needed to be done.
I made an appointment in a neighboring town at a day spa where I used to work. I very rarely even go into that town anymore. It just seems like things evolve in your life, and I'm usually headed in the opposite direction.
I headed out yesterday morning for my appointment with Sheila, who happens to still work there and I knew her as a fellow massage therapist back 10-12 years ago when I worked at that location.
I was amazed to turn in the street and see what had been a decaying, old, neglected house nearby, which we could see out the front window years ago. It was renovated and looked charming, with new-looking landscaping included. A nice thing to see when you round the corner.
I parked in the ole parking lot, which used to be a part of my life, and felt a little sentimental about it. I left that job 10 years ago, as I needed to work somewhere that provided insurance at the time.
Much had changed with the interior of the spa. Different products were offered for sale in the waiting area, with candles and other items all lined up on the shelves. They walled off part of the reception area, and I remember people entering that area and looking over my shoulder years ago while I was logging appointments in the book. I like the way it is set up now.
There was Sheila and another therapist, waiting for appointments. We caught up on old times and compared notes before I entered one of the rooms, which haven't changed too much. In other words, the same layout exists in the building, but all of the walls were painted differently and everything looked very nice. The spa is under a different ownership from when I worked there.
Ahhhhh....I soon realized that it has been way too long since I laid down on a massage table, nicely heated, with soft music around and candles glowing gently.
Of course, I know all of the rules. I shouldn't talk, just relax. Of course, Sheila and I continued our talking throughout the massage; but it couldn't be helped. I immediately thought that I should stay on that table all day!
She worked on the adhesions in my upper traps and neck muscles. It hurt! There was no way that it couldn't. Basically, my muscles were knotted into a mess and I gave her the go ahead to work them out as deeply as she had to. Normally, I prefer a relaxation massage (Swedish) which uses firm pressure, but never really hurts. She worked and worked and I could have cried! Not her fault, by the way. I was already in such pain before I got there, that I knew any work would be painful. But I bit the bullet and allowed her to do what she needed to do.
Obviously, I need to get more work done before I'll even be considered ready for just a once-in-awhile "maintenance" massage. Even after I left, I felt like lying down and whimpering.
Then, in the latter part of the day, I began to realize that although sore, I was feeling the effects of the improvements that she had made.
I am promising myself to drink more water, which I certainly know is of great importance, and I will be going back for more work soon.
I had gotten away from the fact that this is so beneficial to a person's body, including range of motion and posture.
Aside from that, what a wonderful, peaceful time to relax and take a little time out of our hectic lives....

In honor of our 9/11 victims

2010-09-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Recent cookout

2010-09-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

She's a determined competitor

Uncle Chad teaches cooking

One if by land, two if by sea

Here are the kids at a cookout last week at Auntie & Uncle's house. They got busy playing baseball, and the baby was busy investigating everything!

Little Xander is a good worker

We all had a good time. This was the last hurrah before school started.

Comfort kitty

2010-09-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, my little grandson had to make a trip to the ER because of a fall.
While he was there, he was the recipient of a "trauma teddy" that someone had knitted. What a great idea to give comfort to a scared little kid.

Here's my 2nd one

I looked at it, and it was quite plain. I wondered if that would be a good way to use up scraps of different colors of yarn. His teddy was pastel blue and white. You could use almost any colors for a stuffed animal, so I looked up possibilities online.
I decided to give one a try to see how labor-intensive it would be. I have sent many newborn hats to hospitals in the past, and wanted to see if it was too time-consuming to make teddies. With the many similar patterns online, I tried one and found that it was too big and used up too much of my yarn. I don't want to go broke buying yarn to make teddies. I mean the intention is there....but the money isn't.
So, after perusing the patterns, I whittled one down just a tad, and turned it into a comfort kitty.
The reason that I wanted to do this is because with the trauma teddies, I noticed that the ears had a "cat" shape to them.....so why not just go with a kitty?
I think it's cute, but I put a little more detail in it, with change of yarn colors and the scarf, etc....
In any case, this is my first one. And who could go wrong with a kitty?
Speaking of kitties, this is my grandcat, whom I have been babysitting this week:

Redd is 14 1/2 years old, an indoor kitty, and two weeks ago, we thought we were losing him. He was vomiting up blood, and we still don't know the source. He also had a fever and was prescribed an antibiotic. We all prayed for him; but said "goodbye" also.
He bounced back and is eating, playing and just being his old, lovable self! Thank the Lord.

Generous people

2010-08-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Even though money is tight right now for a lot of folks, they reached in their pockets and gave.

My grandson was collecting for his football team yesterday and found the clue to getting lots of dollars stuffed in that can he was holding. Being posted outside a liquor store on a Friday afternoon is the key, I think. LOL

Actually, all kinds of people stopped and shared their money with him in an effort to promote something that is worthwhile.

He's also cute and carefully thanked the donors, calling them Sir and Ma'am.

------------------Look out, N.E. Patriots!

Gone Fishin'

2010-08-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

It was a great day for fishing today, so we took the grandkids to a place called Johnston's Pond in Raynham.
They didn't mind the worms that we used for bait, surprisingly enough. They just seemed very curious.
Yes, they actually did catch some fish -- 13 between them!
They were small, but so are the kids. LOL

More summer fun

2010-08-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Chuck-E-Cheese

Competition

Well, as you can see, Chuck-E-Cheese was our next stop where we played various games and won LOTS of tickets, too. We enjoyed lunch there and the kids got to climb and ride the kids' rides. They've moved things around somewhat and changed the place for the better. We went to the Chuck-E-Cheese in South Attleboro.

After that, we spent part of the afternoon at the World War I park, which now features animals!

The Rehoboth Fair

2010-08-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

Another place we visited this summer was the Rehoboth Fair, which isn't too far from where we live.
They had a lot of 4-H animals on display there and some rabbits and ducks for sale.
Large, small and all kinds of animals were begging for our attention, and hinting that they would like for us to buy some pellets of food and feed them.
It was an extremely hot, humid day, but the animals, thankfully, were under a tent and safely in the shade.

This guy was out in the direct sunlight; but I think he was the only animal who could tolerate the desert-like temperatures.

Ouch!

2010-08-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here's our precious little one after a recent trip to the emergency room. He fell off the riding lawn mower, which was parked in the back yard.
He just loves to pretend he is driving and moves the steering wheel back and forth.
He is a great climber and this time the fall was not so soft. He fell onto the crushed stone and has several abrasions. The emergency room doctor used a glue to close the skin up in one spot, and the other injuries are fading quickly. Thanks to everyone who prayed for his well-being when the word went out.

So much internet...so little time

2010-08-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that with being on Facebook and showing pictures of my family and places that I have been lately, I have been neglecting my blog!

There are just so many places online one can chat, post their thoughts and also their pictures.
So, let's catch up:
Here we are, heading out to another PawSox game in Pawtucket. This time it was a "me only" day for our grandson, who accompanied us.
We saw Spongebob, ate at the concession stand and got up many times, squeezing people's knees aside as we made various trips to the bathroom, food court and the souvenir counter.

We bought anything that our grandson wanted that day, even though we're on a budget.
After all, that's what a special day is all about!

Garden time

2010-07-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here's my mother, who is 91 yrs. old. I brought her over last week so that she could see how great my garden is growing.

Baby avocado tree

2010-07-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the plant that grew from that avocado seed that I planted in my kitchen window. It seems to be adjusting well to the great outdoors.
Too bad in the Fall I will have to transplant it and bring it back inside. Hmmmm...must start thinking ahead about that.

Baby Laurie Got Married

2010-07-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Well, we can remember waiting for her to be born. She was born to our next door neighbors and we anticipated her birth, as did her family and the rest of the neighborhood.
Since we had a Lori at our house, we dubbed her "Baby Laurie" so that we wouldn't confuse whom we were talking about (or to).
Yesterday we went to her wedding, which was held at the Bradley Estate in Canton, a rich older home set on miles of rolling hills and green land. Beyond the fence there, we spied a couple of llamas roaming around, too.
Laurie was escorted down the aisle in the outdoor ceremony, by her father, who handed her and all of her lovliness over to her intended, Steven.
The ceremony was performed by an Assembly of God pastor and the wedding vows were meaningful and endearing. Suddenly, she became Mrs. K.
She looked like a model in her beautiful gown and he looked very handsome. A nice couple, indeed.
They had rented the Bradley Estate until 10 at night, with everyone enjoying the drinks and catered food, dancing and celebration.
We told Baby Laurie that we will continue to call her "Baby" until she has a baby of her own someday, then we will call her baby "Baby".

We'll just never get away from that name now.

Check out this great MSN Video: Leopard Attack

2010-06-23T01:17:00.000-07:00

Check out this great MSN Video: Leopard Attack

PawSox game

2010-06-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

We went to a PawSox game Sat. night at McCoy Stadium in Rhode Island.
This is where the farm team for the Boston Red Sox plays and they were playing a team called the Columbus Clippers from Ohio.
They took the time to honor our local soldiers by putting up their pictures and names on the big screen for all to see.

The PawSox had only 2 for a score by the eighth inning and the Clippers had 6; but all of a sudden the Pawsox caught up and passed them by one run. It was a good game, even though we were baking in the afternoon setting sun! Happily, we were only 4 rows from the field!

Last game of the season for Little League

2010-06-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Markie and Zach both got several base hits. Their team really did well!
Great job, guys!

After the recital....

2010-06-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Our little dancer was a bathing beauty in her dance recital last night.
A really cute part was when they sang along and cautioned everyone "Don't forget your sunscream". Yes, that's how my granddaughter interpreted "sunscreen". It was just too cute!
At right, she is pictured with Mom before entering the building and getting ready for the show.

Here she is after the performance, enjoying the accolades with her BFF.

A dancer can get quite hungry and thirsty after a performance, so we drove to the McDonald's which was just a block away from the college where the recital was held.

OK...Here's the finished product!

2010-06-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

We put the window boxes up under the bedroom windows the other day and today we bought some flowers from a country greenhouse not far from home.
I got out there, adding soil to the plastic liners inside the window boxes and tapping the plants out of their plastic pots when it began to rain.
Well, I couldn't let that deter me.
I got the planting done in the rain, then went in and got my camera. I stepped outside to take a couple of pics even though it was really starting to come down.
It looks like the paint that we had mixed is a pretty good match for the shutters, so I'm happy about that.
My camera didn't do any worse for the raindrops and when I was satisfied with my arrangements, I poured some water on them to get them settled in.
Now I found out that I have to do some trimming of the bushes in front of the house, so that the flowers can be seen from the street.
That's for tomorrow.....as long as it's not still raining.

Bring on the flowers

2010-06-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

We've been admiring other people's window boxes lately and decided that we should put some on the front of our house.
A week or so ago we went to the unfinished wood store and picked out the window boxes and the necessary brackets to install them on the side of the house.
They sat in the garage, waiting for a few days. Then my husband came home with the white paint for the base coat and had the blue mixed to match our front door and the shutters.

OK, I finally gave in after having two fans blowing in the dining room for a couple of days. I closed up the house and put the central air conditioning on. That seemed to speed up the drying process in all of this humidity.
Now I have finished the project and happily we will install them under our windows today! I haven't painted in awhile (except for bird houses) and although I enjoyed it, I just wanted it to be done after one coat.
However, I had to be patient because the paint and the wood are in charge of a project such as this one.

This is what I've been working on lately:

2010-05-29T20:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.bookemon.com/book-profile/cookie-love/61760

American Idol, season 9

2010-05-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Well, last night concluded the ninth season of American Idol.
I have watched since the first season, although I didn't start following it until the last two shows that first season. I still saw the first American Idol chosen.
I was rooting for Crystal Bowersox, but Lee DeWyze won and to tell you the truth, I sometimes wonder how we really know (any year) what the totals are and who really decides. (Maybe the big networks let us believe we actually have a vote.) As we know, everything is for ratings.
Lee is lucky, as he will have a much better life than mixing paint in that department store where he worked. Crystal also needed the nationwide coverage and she will do just fine.

They brought back Paula Abdul, who spent some time onstage, assuring all that Idol would continue on, without Simon (and her).
Some people are saying that Idol has now definitely "jumped the shark", referring to when a program starts the downward spiral and they pull out any and all ridiculous tactics to try to save it. This refers to Happy Days' episode when the Fonz jumped a shark while water skiing in an outlandish attempt to try to keep the program new and fresh.
The Dancing With the Stars host claims that Idol upset the usual three-judges standard by adding a fourth, which thew off the balance. Maybe. But I remember during Idol's previous seasons when Paula Abdul kept embarrassing herself on videos that went viral, slurring her words while doing spots on QVC and caught at other times obviously under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. She denied it, of course, saying that she is just loopy and silly....but it was obvious.
Simon was the easy one to dislike. He was nearly always correct! However, his lack of tact was brutal at times and he was resented/hated by a lot of the contestants that tried out.
Randy was also unknown by many a few years back, but he is also a musician and producer who is well-respected.
Although I love Ellen's show and find her a charming and funny person -- let's face it. She is not a song writer, a singer or anyone who has been connected with the music industry at all. (Although an update is that as of this week she will start her own label and feature new singer/songwriters.) She also has a FIVE year contract at Idol.
Idol is known for paying a ridiculous amount of money, so it's a good deal for all who are hired as judges.
Truthfully, I do think the three-person panel may have been the key before, with a popular musical guest now and then as a visiting judge. I think for the kids on stage to get a kind review from someone very famous in the music industry gave them a lot of hope and encouragement.
Although many people didn't know Kara before this past season, (like me, for instance) She has a beautiful voice, has been singing since she was a child and is a prolific song writer. She and Carrie Underwood co-wrote the song that Carrie sang onstage last night.
Speaking of Carrie Underwood, I think she's been the best Idol ever so far.
All in all, it would be a shame if the show now tanked; because it gave the opportunity to so many young people who were hoping and praying for a music career, but needed to be seen by the public.

Governor of Arizona responds:

2010-05-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

Arizona governor: Boycott is misguided
Jan Brewer, the governor of Arizona, responds to calls for sports boycotts of her state
By Gov. Jan Brewer
Special to ESPN.com
In my 28 years of public service, I have made a lot of tough calls. But with a federal government unwilling to secure our border for years and years, Arizona is left with little choice. Imagine a sporting event in which rules have been agreed to for 70 years, but the umpires refuse to enforce those rules. It makes no sense. Although I recognize that Arizona Senate Bill 1070, as amended, is not the entire solution to our illegal immigration problem in Arizona, most people are united in the hope that it will finally inspire the politicians in Washington, D.C., to stop talking and to start action now.
By now, sports fans everywhere have heard something about the passage of Senate Bill 1070, a measure I signed into law. It has resulted in protests outside ballparks hosting our Arizona Diamondbacks and has led to calls on Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig to strip the City of Phoenix's opportunity to host baseball's Midsummer Classic in July 2011.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer took in the Diamondbacks-Phillies game a couple of days after she signed SB 1070 into law.
Urging Major League Baseball to take away next year's All-Star Game from Phoenix is the wrong play. In Arizona, both proponents and opponents of Senate Bill 1070 have stated that economic boycotts are an inappropriate and misguided response to an issue that is clearly worthy of proper public debate and discourse. Put simply, history shows that boycotts backfire and harm innocent people. Boycotts are just more politics and manipulation by out-of-state interests. As a border state, Arizona has already paid a heavy price for the federal government's failure -- hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars in unreimbursed costs -- and its citizens should not be punished further.
It is critically important that all Americans understand the impetus for this new law and have a clear understanding of the law itself. Our neighbor to the south, Mexico, is in a massive battle with well-organized drug cartels. Because of Washington's failure to secure our southern border, Arizona has become the superhighway of illegal drug and human smuggling activity. In December 2008, the U.S. Justice Department said that Mexican gangs are the "biggest organized crime threat to the United States." In 2009, Phoenix had 316 kidnapping cases, turning the city into our nation's kidnapping capital. Almost all of the persons kidnapped were illegal immigrants or linked to the drug trade.
Essentially, our border leaks like a team with a last-place defense. The very same week that I signed the new law, a major drug ring was broken up and Mexican cartel operatives suspected of running 40,000 pounds of marijuana through southern Arizona were indicted.
While drug smuggling is the principal cause of our massive border-violence problem, many of the same criminal organizations also smuggle people. Busts of drop houses, where illegal immigrants are often held for ransom or otherwise severely abused, are not uncommon occurrences in Arizona neighborhoods.
Today, Arizona has approximately 6,000 prison inmates who are foreign nationals, representing a cost to our state of roughly $150 million per year. Arizona taxpayers are paying for a vast majority of these incarceration expenses because the federal government refuses to pay what it owes. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, as governor of Arizona, sent numerous requests to the federal government to pay for these prisoners -- only to be given the same answer she and President Barack Obama are now giving Arizona: They will not pay the bill.
The Immigration Issue
Arizona's new immigration law has become a hot-button topic in the world of sports. Over the past several days, ESPN has presented a number of perspectives on the controversy.
• Jeff MacGregor: Razing Arizona
• Steve Nash: Opposed to law
• J.A. Adande: Suns make a statement
• OTL debate on Arizona law
• Fay Vincent's advice for Bud Selig
• SportsNation: Your thoughts
When I signed the legislation, I stated clearly I will not tolerate racial discrimination or racial profiling in Arizona. My administration worked for weeks with legislators to improve SB 1070, to specifically clarify and strengthen its civil rights protections. I issued an executive order to implement proper training and enforcement protocols for our police so that the intent of the language could not be misconstrued. Although it is already against the law, the new law undeniably prohibits law enforcement officers from considering race, color or national origin in implementing the new statute.
I have worked for years without fail to solve problems diligently and practically. I have done so always with an eye toward civility, and always with the greatest respect for the rule of law.
This new law is no different. As committed as I am to protecting our state from crime associated with illegal immigration, I am equally committed to holding law enforcement accountable should this statute ever be misused to violate an individual's rights.
There have been countless distortions, honest omissions, myths and bad information about Arizona's new law -- many, undoubtedly, spread to create fear or mistrust.
So here are the facts:
1. The new Arizona law creates a state penalty to mirror what already is a federal crime. Despite the most vile and hate-filled portrayals of proponents of the law as "Nazis," actions that have been condemned nationally by the Anti-Defamation League, it is ALREADY a federal requirement for legal aliens in the United States to carry their green card or other immigration document. The new Arizona law enforces what has been a federal crime since before World War II. As anyone who has traveled abroad knows, other nations have similar laws.
2. Contrary to many of the horror stories being spread -- President Obama suggested families risk being pulled over while going out for ice cream -- law enforcement cannot randomly ask anyone about their immigration status. Much like enforcement of seat belt laws in many states, under SB 1070 there must first be reasonable suspicion that you are breaking some OTHER non-immigration law before an officer can ask a person about their legal status. Only then, after law enforcement officers have a "reasonable suspicion" that another law has been broken, can they inquire about immigration status -- but ONLY if that individual's behavior provides "reasonable suspicion" that the person is here illegally.
"Reasonable suspicion" is a well-understood concept that has been thoroughly vetted through numerous federal court cases. Many have asked: What is reasonable suspicion? Is it race, skin color or national origin? No! Racial profiling is prohibited in the new law. Examples of reasonable suspicion include: a person running away when approached by law enforcement officers, or a car failing to stop when the police turn on their lights and siren.
3. Arizona's local law enforcement officers, who already reflect the great diversity of culture in our state, are going to be trained to enforce the new immigration law in a constitutional manner. It is shameful and presumptive for opponents to question the good will and the competence of Arizona's law enforcement personnel. The specter that is raised of rogue, racist police harassing people is insulting to those in Arizona who risk their lives in the name of law enforcement every day.
President Theodore Roosevelt said, "No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man's permission when we require him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor." Arizona has been more than patient waiting for Washington to act. Decades of federal inaction and misguided policy have created a dangerous and unacceptable situation. Arizona has acted to enforce the rule of law equally and without bias toward any person.
It is time for our country to act to resolve our border security problem; an economic boycott in Arizona would only exacerbate it -- and hurt innocent families and businesses merely seeking to survive during these difficult economic times.
A boycott that would actually improve border security would be to boycott illegal drugs. Dramatically less drug use and production would do wonders for the safety of all our communities.

Jan Brewer is the governor of Arizona.

Thought-provoking

2010-02-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

"If you want to leave your footprints on the sands of time,
be sure you're wearing work shoes."-- Author Unknown

Happy Birthday, Son

2010-02-03T02:50:00.000-08:00

Today is my son's birthday! He is pictured on the right side of this blog, as a groom and as a MA State Trooper.
He was my first baby and led us into the sometimes confusing world of parenthood.
Because of him, I went back to the town park and swung on their swings again, bringing back memories.
I became aware of the Sesame Street characters because of our new son.
He changed our names and the names of my parents, while quietly shifting us into new roles in life.
He had those big blue eyes which made people stop me and admire him while we were out shopping in stores.He learned phonics at around 3 and was able to read newspapers and grown-up books at 4 1/2. He spent lots of time reading to his little sister and he also sat and read to kids in the neighborhood at about 5 or 6, when some of them were several years older than he was.
He always played with cars and trucks and he is still a "car" person; and in his work day, he drives an unmarked cruiser.

We are proud of his every accomplishment and we want to wish him a great day today.

I'm not giving away his age....but when he was born, I sat with him in my arms every afternoon and watched the Watergate hearings on TV. You'll have to figure that one out for yourselves.

Hot off my needles....mittens for icy days in New England

2010-02-02T15:34:00.000-08:00

T-Dogg requested some pink mittens, so these are dark and light pink.
In the pic the yarn looks red, but it's not.
The kids posed at the bus stop today.
Even the baby had on a pair of thumbless mittens that I made recently. Today, T-dogg wore her purple ones.
I followed an online pattern as a guide; but made the ribbing about an inch longer than suggested. I thought it would be helpful on those cold days when playing in the snow to make sure no skin could peek out from the cuff of the jacket.
You could also wear the cuff turned up.
I was happy to come across a nice tip online for knitting the thumb part of the mitten. Most of the patterns called for knitting across and placing a marker where the thumb will begin. This, when the mitten is complete, leaves a trail of tiny holes in a row, separating the thumb from the rest of the mitten. Now, who needs extra holes in a mitten? Thankfully, a tip led me to this neat trick: Knit across the appropriate amount and use a single PURL stitch, rather than a marker. It not only alerts you on the next rows that you have come to the thumb area, for increases, but it means that the purl stitch blends right in and no holes are left there. p.s. This purl stitch is used on the knit side of the stockinette stitching. When the inside of the mitten is purled on the next row, I just purled right across. You'll spot the purl stitch on the right side again as you knit across, approaching the thumb area and you can begin your increases right after the purl stitch. (If you maximize one of these pics, you will see that the stitching along the thumb stays nice and tight without loose stitches or holes.)

Birthday Time

2010-01-31T15:17:00.000-08:00

<----Greeting cards are really tasty
They told me to just put my fingers in this cake...so I did.
YUM
A lucky boy gets three cakes for his first birthday.

Pelosi exercise video!

2010-01-29T09:05:00.001-08:00

http://fxn.ws/b9OZc4

It's a birthday!

2010-01-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter. You can see her on the right side bar on this blog.
She is the one wearing the blazer.
Not telling her age. She might not want me to. (Hint: She was born in 1975)

Reclaiming Massachusetts!

2010-01-19T14:08:00.001-08:00

I voted for Scott Brown today!

Little crafter

2010-01-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

I began knitting at age 6, so she is certainly old enough to start her own obsession with yarn. LOL
She tried crafting to keep herself busy, while worrying about whether the Tooth Fairy would find her at Nana's house!

Yes, the Tooth Fairy did indeed find us even though she hasn't been to our house in years.

Boat-neck sweater

2010-01-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

I used a pattern I found online as sort of a guide; but since I was using 3-ply yarn, which is thin, I had to adjust the directions to accommodate the size.
I used the general finished size that I wanted to decide how many stitches to cast on for the back, front and the sleeves.
I found these cute teddy bear buttons at the LYS. They have a great supply of buttons for every type of person!
I did both the back and front at the stame time on the same needle, which means that they are both finished at the same time. Somehow, that's easier to face than starting all over again for a duplicate piece.
Same with the sleeves; but I really had to increase my cast-ons once I found that the sleeve just seemed too narrow where it met the body. After all, babies don't like to struggle at all getting dressed. Although I didn't try it on my sleeping baby yet, I will post a pic when he is available.

UPDATE: Seems to fit perfectly!

Very interesting!

2010-01-04T07:05:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2E-IDIAGGo&feature=channel

Buttonholes on the left

2010-01-02T09:31:00.001-08:00

I made most of this yesterday while snowed in watching Jennifer Aniston movies on Lifetime. I sewed the pieces together this morning.
I had a gift card from my LYS, so went shopping for yarn to make a sweater for a little boy who is almost 1.
<---I couldn't resist these little sheep buttons with dangly feet!
I am always searching the internet for free patterns and I wanted something that didn't have to be pulled over the head, as we all know how babies feel about that.
I got this one from the Lion Brand Yarn website, where there are plenty of free patterns available. What caught my eye on this one was that the model wearing it was a boy, and sure enough, after checking out the directions, the buttonholes were appropriately on the left.
Now, some knitters write things such as "It doesn't really matter to a baby." while others staunchly proclaim "Of course it matters -- boys' buttonholes are on the left, girls' are always on the right!" In any case, I went right along with this pattern without the extra bother of reversing the directions for the buttons and buttonholes.
The pattern featured organic cotton yarn, but I used Red Heart multi colored yarn called "Seagrass". It's a blend of blues, greens, and a neutral, which is what led me over to the button aisle where I found the neutral little sheep.
I like multicolored or varigated yarn for several reasons, as it can blend with many other clothes; but also I find that it can be "forgiving" when you are sewing the pieces together and small flaws are less noticeable.
In any case, I did modify the pattern slightly. I used US size 8 needles, rather than 9, and changed the yarn. I was careful to go by the gauge, which is the most important thing. The gauge here was 17 sts + 24 rows = 4 in.
This pattern is knit from the bottom up to the armholes, where you split up the stitches to finish the back, separate from the two front pieces. Later you just sew the shoulders.
I liked the idea that by casting on 102 stitches (for 18 month size), that covered the width of the back of the sweater and both front pieces. You separate and place the back and the fronts on holders as you are finishing up the last few inches on each. Then I made both sleeves at once on one needle, with separate skeins of yarn, which ensures that an equal amount of rows are used on both sleeves. (You know how yarn can stretch when measuring) The only sewing, besides a few inches across the shoulders, was to stitch up the underarm of the sleeves, then attach them to the shoulder and body of the sweater. I will post a pic after my little guy tries it on. Right now, we are separated by a snowstorm. :-)

Here we are with the update

A new year for my feral kitties

2010-01-01T06:51:00.001-08:00

I already had the dog igloo as a shelter for some of my stray cats who visit me, but it needed some fresh hay this season.
We also purchased a small dog tent, which doesn't show up well in these photos; but it's spectacular!
It's an actual midget tent with a mesh floor and a zippered mesh door in it. It also has legs that keep it up off the ground a few inches. The igloo is placed on an old plastic outdoor table top, also off the ground a bit. Luckily we had some small, smooth boards in the garage, and I laid them down across the mesh flooring of the tent, as though I were laying laminate flooring. A perfect fit! I then loaded the tent up with hay as I did with the igloo hut; because hay allows animals to "nest" and retain their body heat.
I bought a new tarp and secured it to block out as much wetness and icy air as possible.

We set up the new shelter area the other day when it was clear and the next day it began snowing. When I cleared a path from my door to the shelter, I found that it was already occupied!
Smart cats.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T06:46:00.000-08:00

Last night just before 9 p.m. my husband and I decided to go to the "green" which is the downtown area, all decorated for Christmas.
<--Yes, that's the moon shown next to the tree.

We are officially known as "The Christmas City", and have been for decades.I brought my camera to capture some memories of this year's display. Every year it's decorated in a different manner.

Cold feet

2009-12-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

I worry about our feral cats' little feet in this sub-freezing and snowy weather. I decided to put down a bathroom rug where I feed them so they can get a little break from the snowy surfaces where they walk.
My husband used the snow blower the other day to clear the driveway; but he also made a few paths where they can come to our door from the back yard.
Poor Lucky.
He's been the recipient of our food for the past 5 years, but he's still afraid of humans. He can't be petted. The most we can do is keep him going with nutrition. All of the strays who visit us were friends with Angel, our black and white kitty who recently passed away.

They DO remember!

2009-12-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

Every so often we hear a story about a pet who is reuinited with a family or they travel to get to a location and we are always amazed. How much do our pets remember? I think just about everything.
Redd, my daughter's cat, lived at my house for a few months TEN YEARS ago. Yes, that's right. Ten years ago. He was one of 4 at that time who lived here. The others have since passed on, and because of my recent loss of two of those in the past few weeks, I wondered if Redd would be willing to come over and spend some time with me.
<--Here he is loving my feet.
I put him in the cat carrier and drove to my house and sure enough when we opened the cage in the living room, be began snooping around and purring immediately. He gave the house the once-over. Yes, flooring is now different and the furniture has changed. But he KNEW the layout, checking the rooms and looking out the windows and the sliding glass door. He purred for hours and hours. He relaxed with me while I watched TV and when I went to bed, he came in and plopped his chubby body right next to my head and purred loudly in my ear. That's exactly what I needed to hear because my heart was broken.
He is a good boy, and really made himself at home for his visit with me. I think he might have been looking for the girls that he knew years ago, as he sniffed areas on rugs where they have been. Even though I have vacuumed, he was drawn to the areas where they had been resting in the past few weeks. He carefully sniffed the doorways where they would rub their smiles and he just knew.

<---sleeping on my lap....
He was very happy to visit with me overnight; but I lost quite a bit of sleep because he wanted me to stay up with him! That's OK I will catch up on my sleep tonight.

RIP dear Angel and dear Tabby

2009-12-02T13:19:00.001-08:00

I lost my two beloved cats in the past 5 weeks. One was a sudden loss, and the other one went to the Rainbow Bridge today, after 5 months of illness. You can see in the photo on the right that Tabby was withdrawn into her pain and valiantly trying to stay with me.
This is the first time in years that a pet hasn't greeted me when I came in the door, and I will miss their unconditional love and their absolute need to be near me.

Winter is coming!

2009-12-02T12:27:00.001-08:00

It seems that since this blog actually has to do with crafting....I am always working on something; but I sometimes to forget to post what's on my needles. Recently I made a throw to be used in the living room, near the fire, for my son and daughter-in-law. That was a combination of greens, which compliment their living room.
Now, I recently made a throw for my daughter and son-in-law's family room, and I used a blend of neutrals that went with their carpeting and their furniture. I didn't get a pic of the finished product, but here it is in progress.
I decided to just use my various neutrals (using two strands together) and knit across with large needles and only 15 stitches. I figured that these strips could be sewn together later, making a larger throw than can be created on just two needles, that are only so wide.
I used a couple of different textures, too, which I thought would be nice for a change. However, after completing each "strip" I had to lay them out on the floor to measure them up...one against the other.
Sure enough, when it came time to sew the pieces together, I had to undo a couple of the strips and remove several rows in order to keep the strip within the same measurements as the others, simply because they s-t-r-e-t-c-h out because of the patterns that I used. Eventually, I laid them out and decided which pieces I wanted next to the other color and stitch and when I got them all together, I crochet a few rows around the perimeter of the whole thing, which keeps the stretching away and finishes the edges. I put it over a recliner chair at my daughter's house, and the next day I was babysitting. The baby (10 months old) was in my arms and I was rocking him. He discovered the new blanket and grabbed it to himself, rubbing his face into it.
I think that's the "seal of approval"!

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-27T05:10:00.000-08:00

***I Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 18 says: "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you"***

Recently, we've lost people and pets and others have lost jobs but still there is much to be thankful for.

Little Markie started our dinner by giving thanks for his family in particular.
I started our turkey in our oven at 6:30 a.m.
Then I brought the turkey over to Chad's house to finish the cooking there.
Preparing food for others to enjoy can be fun on a holiday. Lots of work, but lots of enjoyment.
We had many things to choose from...
A cozy fire is a comforting thing
with family gathered around.

Congratulations, son!

2009-11-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

The award ceremony was held at the State House in Boston.
Chad was honored for his work on a recent double homicide.

I'm free! I'm free!

2009-10-11T14:21:00.001-07:00

I was so busy this morning. I had to go pick up a prescription for someone, go check on my mother's mailbox in her apartment building, go see her in the hospital in the intensive care unit, not a moment to spare.
I got to her building, checked the mail and hopped into the elevator and pushed 3. The elevator lurched up a couple of feet, then dropped back down. Feeling irritated, I pushed the 3 button again.Nothing happened. I pushed the 1 button....after all, I wasn't sure if I had landed back on the first floor. Nothing. I started to realize that there was a big problem here. I pressed the "open door" button. I pressed it a few more times. Nothing. Yes, I was trapped. I've heard of this happening to people before, but never realized the horror of experiencing this. There was a red "alarm" button and I rang that. I could hear it as though it just rang in the hallways, maybe to alert someone passing by?
There was a little door indicating a way to call for help, and I opened it. No phone inside, just a button and a speaker. I pressed the button. An operator came on and took my name and asked if I was all right. I said "Well, I'm all right for now...but I'm trapped!" She also took my cell phone number, asked me what building I was in, and told me that she would alert maintenance for me. The line was temporarily scratchy and she asked me to repeat my cell phone number, stating that another operator had cut in and caused interference. I repeated my number to her. (I kept thinking...it's Sunday...do the maintenance people work today, or will they have to be paged????) Now, the building I was in is owned by a corporation in Rhode Island, so I didn't know for sure if that's where I was calling with this button...I also worried about how long it would take.
I took off my jacket, as it was very small and close in there, and I was getting warm. I looked up. There was a plastic grid way above me, with lighting enclosed. I couldn't see anything else. There was no fan, as you find in some elevators. I remembered things that I had seen on TV in the past. I knew that I must remain calm, take shallow, calm breaths, and not use up all of the air quickly. It was like being shut in a very stuffy closet. I leaned against the wall and shut my eyes and kept praying that God would send someone to me. I flipped open my phone and thought that I would call a few people on my contact list to just somehow alert authorities to help me. Another disappointment as I saw on my phone that there was no reception available in the elevator! This of course, meant that the operator with whom I had spoken would never call me back. My heart sank. I went back to leaning against the wall and praying for help.
After about 15 minutes I heard someone coming through the main doors. I banged on the elevator door and said "Hello?" A man answered me, and asked where I was. I told him I was trapped in the elevator. I said "Are you the maintenance man?" He said "No, I'm delivering newspapers." I asked him to please not leave me alone. He told me that his truck was running outside and he would go shut it off and then come back in. I heard him leave and then I heard the doors open again as he returned. I could hear that he was talking to someone on a cell phone. He questioned me as to whether I had pushed emergency buttons, etc...and I told him of my call for maintenance, but they weren't there yet. I said "Sir, could you do something for me?" He said "Yes." I said "Please call the local police department and alert them that I am stuck in here!" His reply: "Ummmm I don't think I can call 911 about this, because it's not a real emergency." (Good Lord, he didn't even know how long I had been waiting!) I put my mouth up next to the elevator door and said "Sir...I HAVE to get out of here!"
Suddenly, the elevator lurched and brought me up to the second floor, which wasn't my destination, but I was hopeful. Then the door OPENED! I hopped off, and warned the woman on the second floor, who had obviously called the elevator up there, NOT to step into the elevator. I took the stairs the rest of the way up, and stood near the hallway window, taking deep breaths of wonderful, brisk Fall air, trying to calm myself. I couldn't believe I was free!
And in that building in particular, I'll be taking the stairs from now on!
(p.s. I realize that I simplified this experience for my blog. If anyone thinks it was a short and sweet happening...I must tell you that I needed to keep my bedroom window wide open that night in order to sleep and spent the next couple of days reliving it in my mind and taking extraordinarily deep breaths to calm myself.)

Flu shots, quick and easy

2009-10-03T18:31:00.001-07:00

We've been hearing about the need for a flu shot in the press lately and I did get one last year. Slowly, I began to realize that others in my family had taken care of getting theirs; but I lagged behind. Everywhere I went last week, I noticed signs advertising flu shots. There's a walk-in clinic that I pass frequently and also pharmacies nearby, such as Walgreen's and CVS.
I even noticed the pharmacy at Stop & Shop had a sign saying that the flu shot would be only $10 with your store card.
A couple of days ago, I stopped in to Walgreen's and asked if I could get my shot. The pharmacy assistant told me that the pharmacist would be back in one hour. I really didn't have time to wait, so I continued on my way. This morning I used the internet to look up locations and made a couple of calls.
Stop & Shop didn't have the needed pharmacist there today. He'd be in tomorrow and as always they said "It's best to call ahead." Hmmmmm....Ok, stopping in didn't work the other day, but I gave Walgreen's a call. "Yes", the person on the phone said,"we're giving out the shots today." I headed right over there. Their price was $24.99; but I decided that it's better to get the shot and quit shopping around and hoping to catch an appropriate time at another location.
After filling out a page about general health, medications and naming my primary care physician, I was told to sit down and they would call me. Four other people followed suit and we all waited. After about 5 minutes I was called in and was given my flu shot. It was quick and painless and I was on my way....hopefully guarded by at least one strain of the flu which may visit us this year.
I really liked the convenience of being able to get routine medical treatment at various locations, as compared to securing an appointment at a doctor's office and waiting around. I think this idea has become popular and well-received by most people. You kind of have the feeling that it's just part of your shopping day!
Although I had to pay cash for the immunization, I would have had to pay a co-pay amount for an office visit at the doctor's office anyhow, so it actually just about evens out.

must never stop exercising......must nev....ZZZ ZZZZ

2009-09-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

But....what if I'm not ready?

2009-09-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

She's been waiting for today.....
Of course I'm happy for her. This is what she's been wanting as she waved good-bye to her brother for the past couple of years as he left on that bus.
But all I could think about today...was when she was born. I was right there as she took her first breath. The pediatrician came in to check on her and raved about how beautiful she was. And she was...with those long black eyelashes resting on fat little cheeks. She was breathtaking. Feisty and determined and sweet -- that's T-Dogg.
Two years ago, when I lost my job, I could at last spend time with her. We read and talked and played games. We went to her favorite place Thubways (Subway) where she always charmed them out of a free cookie by batting those eyelashes. I let her make a lot of her own decisions. We visited Great Nana and we went to the park. Sometimes we just watched TV or giggled and acted silly. We even have our own secret code words that no one else really knows about.
But today, she got on her sparkly pink shoes, her new backpack, kissed me good-bye and walked right out of my life as she boarded that long-awaited bus.
There's a reason that grandparents take it harder than parents when the bus arrives. Grandparents aren't as tired... and they realize that the days are shorter and that climbing the steps of that bus signals an end that came too fast.
I said "Angels -- Go with her!" just like I always say about her brother. (and always said about my own kids)
Good-bye Tay.

Labor Day Cookout

2009-09-07T16:34:00.001-07:00

<---The hiding place
Bro & Sis, Chad and Lori
Distant cousins meeting for the first time
These babies are the descendants from Mit Laliberte and his brother, Leo Laliberte. My husband is the son of Leo. Patty is the daughter of Mit. These are grandchildren of husband, Bill and his cousin, Patty.
It's about time that they met.
They really enjoyed one another!