I’m completely drawing a blank on what this flower is called? When it comes to me, I’ll update this post. I took this picture, this past Friday which was the same day I captured my neighbors pigs.
Last week was fairly hot here in Maryland. So hot, it got into the 80’s F! Which is unseasonably warm for this time of year. The nights stayed warm enough for us to turn on the air conditioner. Because of the warm weather, it meant I was able to get a lot of gardening (weeding and tilling) completed, between client projects. I had a few aches and pains on Saturday, since I was using muscles in different ways than I normally do when exercising (running, inline skating, or working out in the gym) but it felt great! With the added bonus, that I completed my gardening chores in perfect time, since it rained all day yesterday!
Saturday, the temperature dropped to the 60’s… and it rained all day! Which sets the perfect scene for staying inside, however in the morning my daughter and me were at our Lutheran Church volunteering at their food pantry. Thirteen families arrived between 10:00 and 12:00 to receive grocery bags (filled with food) for their families. I enjoyed chatting with the families, and the other volunteers.
Today our highest was 51 F. This evening, the temperature will be down to about 36F.
Edited to add The flowers are hyacinths! Karen, pointed that out in the comments section.
Say hello to Abner (white) and Ozzy (black). They’re my neighbors pigs. Since they live next door, my daughter and I don’t have to go far to say hello. Although pigs have poor eyesight, they have an excellent sense of smell. Both pigs love when I gently stroke their snouts.
These pictures were taken yesterday. Of course I never visit them empty-handed. I come bearing some type of treat (vegetables or fruit). Yesterday they were given apples, that I hand fed to them. In the first picture, they have just eaten their first treat (apples) and are eagerly anticipating the next treat…. belly rubs!
“Do you have any footies that I can use?” Is the question my mother asked, when she called me yesterday.
Today, she’s going to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Texas, and she doesn’t feel like walking around with nothing on her feet. She’s so unlike me! I’m the barefoot queen. You wouldn’t be able to tell it by checking out my feet, I’m also the diva when it comes to keeping my feet looking appealing. I do my own pedicures.
Anyway, when she asked that question, I interpreted it as, “Opal, will you make me some crochet slippers?” ” I know you can make them since I’ve seen at least two pairs that you’ve made for my grandaughter.” Get this, my mom knows how to crochet, she’s miles ahead of me. However, she mainly makes afghans; not the granny squares or Yo-Yo crochet afghans, but everything else. Her work is exquisite!
Since I knew what she was really asking me, I said, “How about I just crochet you some slippers?” Her reply, “Sure, if you want to…” Abut three hours later, I had crocheted her slippers. It wouldn’t have taken that long, but I took breaks to help my daughter with some projects, and make her snacks. I forgot to take pictures once I complete the slippers, but since my daughter and I will be dropping her off at the airport today, I’ll be sure to take a few photos.
My father saw my mom’s slippers and said, “Ok, now you have to make me a pair!” It’s my dads way of saying that he likes them. Yeah… that was real subtle dad! <smirks> My family is something else… we’ll go out of our way to help others, but when it comes to asking for things for ourselves… it’s like pulling teeth. Yep, I’m the same way. For some reason it feels ‘wrong’ to ask for something…
For those interested in how to make the crochet slippers, check out Hectanooga’s Youtube video… My crochet slippers are slightly different, but this is a great crochet slipper tutorial for those new to crocheting slippers. It’s so simple that even a person that’s new to crochet can complete them, although it might take a bit longer.
Kudos to Hectanooga for responding to Youtube users that might have questions. When I was making a chunky crochet hat for my nephew she answered my questions quickly, which tells you she’s paying attention to her readers. Thanks so much Hecternooga!
Although Christmas is far away, I’m already working on items for this upcoming year, and this year I’ll be including a few of my gaming buddies. Soon I’ll be emailing a few of my gaming buddies like Kaozz,Anexxia, and Lightshadow (affectionately known as ‘Malk’), in hopes they’ll send me their addresses. Malk’s my loveable retired naval Alliance guild leader.
For those familiar with WoW, I met him while questing in StrangleThorn Vale on my newly made Alliance druid. I mainly play Horde. I stayed with the faction, because of the amazing folk I met there (always willing to help out — just like myself!) — still miss Horde though. I’m an officer in his guild, not on too much to game, but always willing to do run throughs or craft something for a guildmate since my toons have all the professions maxed out.
I met them all through the game World of Warcraft, although I don’t game too much, so busy yah know! I always check out Kaozz and Anexia’s blog Malk doesn’t have a blog, but we communicate via Skype and email.
Although I learned how to crochet when I was eight-years old, it’s something I didn’t actively do until at the end of last year. One of the ladies, from my quilting group, showed me several stitches, but she went so fast…. it didn’t stick.
Upon arriving home I logged onto YouTube and discovered YouTube user Geek Crochet, she also uses the name Crochet. What’s great about her videos is part of them are done in slow motion, which is perfect for those who might need to see the stitch done at a slower place.
I’ve included the videos in comments now and again, but I’ve decided to dedicate an entire post to her videos. Check out and enjoy!
Video Tutorial: How to make the crochet chain
Video Tutorial: How to make the single crochet
For those who want to learn more, check out more of YouTube user, Crochet’s, beginning crochet videos.
This morning, I took above picture. Our peach tree has only been in bloom for a few days. It makes a lovely photo, right?
Spring is officially here! This past winter we received only a dusting of snow, but we had plenty of wet and cold weather, and so our large wood pile came in handy. Can you believe, that wood pile is even bigger now?
Although I’ve plenty to do outside, today I most likely will try and rest before the little princess comes home from school. Yesterday, she wasn’t feeling well, and I had to pick her up from school early. Although I don’t require too much sleep; four to five hours nightly, any more and I actually feel cranky and lethargic, I didn’t get that much sleep last night… or the night before, so perhaps I’ll try to take a nap, since my clients project is complete.
Lenten is in full swing at my Lutheran church, and although it’s the first time I’ve been a member of a church that actually recognizes it, I’m enjoying the extra fellowship immensely! Wednesday, the choir that my eight-year old daughter is part of, sang in the evening Lenten service.
Unfortuantely for us, and many of the other children and their families, we left immediately after they sang, Wednesday is also their choir practice, and so we had to rush home, get our children changed, and back to church we went. Many of us left early, because homework still needed to be completed.
John 15:12
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Serving others: Homeless shelter
This morning I was at one of Maryland’s homeless shelters, making breakfast and fellowshipping with the other breakfast volunteer. It’s the first time I’ve met her, and I really enjoyed learning more about her, swapping stories from our lives, and conjuring up ways we can make the breakfast served at the shelter a bit more interesting. I told the other volunteer, that I’ve wanted to branch out beyond the standard ‘bacon and eggs’ and so it was nice too learn, that occasionally others from our church have done that. I love to cook, and enjoy making all sorts of dishes, including breakfast cuisine, and so my mind is already set into motion for what I can make for next Thursday’s breakfast. Our church volunteers at the shelter twice monthly.
Food pantry and Global Missions Sunday
Tomorrow my daughter and I will be volunteering at our church’s food pantry. My daughter really enjoys helping with this ministry, and I look forward to interacting with the other volunteers, and those who receive the generous food donations from the kind-hearted people in our church.
I’ll be sure to take photos of the food, but will only take pictures of the people that receive the food — if they’re allow me to take their photos.
