Oh Captain, My Captain

I must confess, I wasn't one of his biggest fans, but I have a lot of respect for the way he always supported our troops.  This video does have some language in it, but it was one of his finest moments.

*Edited:  found a video with the language bleeped out.  

Robin Williams

1951-2014

Another One

I was digging through my stash last night, trying to decide which yarn to use to warp my loom, when I found this. 

I started that sweater at least 10 years ago.  I got that far, and decided I really didn't like that pattern all that much, so I set it aside.  I'd intended to frog it and reuse the yarn, but I just never got around to it.  I had plenty of yarn left over, since I'd bought a sweater's worth.  That's what I decided to warp the loom with.

I had a little bit of white yarn left over from who knows what, so I decided to get adventurous. 

I'd never tried anything like this, having had my loom only a month, but I wanted to give it a go.  It was kind of a pain having to change colors every few rows, but I think it turned out very nice.

Here is the second in my series of snake portraits. 

This is Monty, Cody's ball python.  He is 9 years old, and no he was not named after Monty Python.  Cody named him after Monty Montgomery, from the A Series Of Unfortunate Events books. 

That's two down, five to go.  And now I have to figure out what to warp the loom with.  Again. 

It's a never ending struggle, I tell ya.

Never ending.

Dear CoWorker

This is my brother in his Army uniform.

This is my daddy in his Army uniform.

This is my Pappaw in his Army uniform.

And even though I don't have a picture of him, I have it on good authority that my great grandfather is buried in his army uniform. 

Therefore, I suggest that if you have a problem with our group leader, you say something negative about the Army.  I'm not going to do it.

Thank you.

That is all.

Sincerely,

A proud veteran of the United States Navy.

Almost There

The latest scarf is off the loom.

This is the yarn that had such an identity crisis, but I think it has finally found its heart.    It is Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome Select, and I think the colorway is Birch.  Or Birches, or something like that.  I don't remember, because I lost the ball band.  I tried to look it up, but apparently, this color has been discontinued.  Oh, well.  It makes a lovely scarf.  I think the yarn is finally happy.

It had better be.  It's too late now to change its mind again. 

Instead of warping the loom again, I decided I needed to take some time to work on the long neglected Christmas tree ornament. 

I was trying to get it finished, but it isn't going to happen tonight.  Soon, though.  Soon.

Well, for those of you who have been keeping up with my little personal problem, I think I finally have some good news. 

For those of you who haven't, let me briefly recap.  Four or five years ago, I noticed that I had started going through The Change.  I'm not ashamed to talk about it.  It's a natural thing that all women go through. 

I'm not embarrassed to tell you my age either.  Growing old is a privilege denied to many.  I'll be 50 in November, and there's a lot of people who don't make it that far. 

Anyway, I noticed I was going through The Change.  Shortly thereafter, I began taking an over the counter supplement called Estroven.  It really helped me out with the mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats.

Yes, I still believe in the Oxford Comma.  But I digress...

Lately, though, I noticed that the caplets looked different and that the supplement no longer delivered the same benefits as it did previously.  I contacted the company and was informed that they had changed the formula.  I don't know why.  Seems like a good way to kill your business.  But they had.  They'd changed the formula, and it no longer worked on me.  Mood swings -- mostly weepiness-- and hot flashes returned with a vengeance.  I began searching for something to replace the now ineffective Estroven. 

After several months of trying different things, I think I've about got it lined out.  I'm able to control my moods with a combination of 5-HTP, SAM-e, and St. John's Wort.  It leaves me a little flat, but that's better than crying all the time.  I tried several things to help with the hot flashes and night sweats, and finally hit on something I think will work. It's called i-Cool.  You can find it at Wal-mart.

I started taking it Saturday, and by the third day, I had already noticed an improvement.  Instead of hot flashes, I was having what might be called very warm flashes.  I'd still get flushed and warm, but I wasn't drenched in sweat any more.  By Wednesday -- day 5-- I slept through the night for the first time in a long, long time.  I've also noticed that my very warm flashes have been reduced to just warm flashes, and they don't seem to be happening as frequently. 

I know that not every product works the same for everyone, but if you are dealing with menopausal symptoms, I'd recommend giving this a try. 

At least I know that any sweating I'll do is because it's August.  And it's Mississippi. 

If you look up "sweat" in the dictionary, it'll say:  Mississippi in August. 

Honest and for true. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

 1.  What's the earliest time in your life you can remember? Can you remember being 2 years old, 5 years old, etc?

I have one very clear memory that took place when I was 2 years old.  We'd gone to my aunt and uncle's house in Mobile, AL, to visit my newest baby cousin.   We were all in their back yard playing in a blow up wading pool.  My two older cousins and my brother wanted my uncle to drag the swing set over so they could slide down the slide into the swimming pool. 

I also remember my grandma and grandpa taking me fishing when I was three.  We were all camping at Sam Rayburn, and they took my brother and me out on the boat.  My grandpa put a minnow on my hook and told me to leave it in the water until it grew up.  That was the first fish I ever caught.

2.  What's do you like to put on pasta? (Your favorite topping.) 

 Butter, and that's it.  I don't like spaghetti sauce at all.  I can take Alfredo sauce, but mostly just butter.  Unless it's mac and cheese.  Then it needs cheese.

3.  Is there something that takes time away from more important things in your life? (TV, internet, talking on the telephone, etc.)

Internet, although now that Cody's grown and gone, and I'm alone in the house, there isn't much important things that it's taken me away from.

4.  Do you buy many clothes that are "high maintenance"? (Clothes that need to be ironed, dry cleaned, or hand washed) 

Nope.  If it can't be tossed into the washer, I won't buy it.  I do have a few line dry only clothes, but they are for Sunday only.

5. Please finish this sentence. "I'd like to visit the beach today and-------------------------." 

Never come back.   Ever. 

A Butterfly

In my garden!  I managed to snap these with my phone. 

The sun was so bright, I couldn't see my screen, so I was snapping blind-- hoping at least one of them turned out well. 

I think I did OK. 

I'm Back

Yeah, it's been a few days.  Truth is, there just wasn't that much to blog about, so instead of boring you with a bunch of nonsensical filler, I just took a short break.

While I was taking said break, I finished another scarf.

For this one, I used Red Heart Team Spirit in blue and gold for both the warp and the weft.  It turned out pretty interesting, though not what I had thought it would look like.  I still have an entire skein of this left.  If I make another one, though, I think I'm going to use a solid blue for the warp, and the self striping for the weft.

A couple of years ago, I'd bought a whole bunch of Cherry Tree Hill yarn on clearance.  One of the yarns I bought was this:  

I think the colorway was called Birch, but I don't remember.  I lost the ball band quite a while back.

Well, this yarn, once I decided that Cherry Tree Hill was no good for socks, went through a bit of an identity crisis.  

The first thing it thought it wanted to be was a Clapotis.   I'd gotten this far, when the yarn decided it didn't want to be a Clapotis after all.

Then the yarn decided it wanted to be a ribbed scarf.  Not very far into that scarf, the yarn had a change of heart.  It didn't want to be a ribbed scarf, either.

Next, the yarn declared that it wanted to be a linen stitch scarf.  Only a couple of rows in, the yarn said no.  No, it didn't want to be a linen stitch scarf. 

Dutifully, I frogged the linen stitch scarf.  But what to do with the yarn? 

Yep, I warped the loom with it.  I'm using it for the weft, too. 

And the yarn is happy now. 

I've begun the task of cleaning the snake tanks.  I spot clean every time I feed them, but every few months I do a complete clean out -- change the substrate, wash the water bowls, etc.  I thought it'd be a good time to take some new portraits.  Here is the first one: 

This is Slider, a 10 year old ball python. I've got a guy at work who wants him.  I asked him if his wife would be OK with a snake in the house, and he just said, "SHHHHH!!!  We'll talk about that later." 

Finally, I had some potatoes that were about to go bad, so I cut them up and made potato soup in my new Kitchen Kettle.  I'm tellin' ya, it was so nice to set the temperature and not have to worry about it boiling over or the bottom scorching or anything like that. 

I'm thinking that there kitchen kettle was a wise investment. 

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

It's time for our weekly chat again.  Welcome, chatters!  It's not too hot today, so let's chat on the porch, shall we?

Today's questions:



1.  Do you ever watch old TV shows or movies from your childhood or youth?

 All the time, thanks to Netflix.  Star Trek, Doctor Who (Classic), Magnum P.I., Simon & Simon, Quantum Leap, MacGuyver, Emergency, The Incredible Hulk, Planet Of The Apes (the TV series), Kolchak The Night Stalker...I could go on and on.  I'm also watching some more recent shows, like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and Everybody Loves Raymond. 

2.  Have you ever adopted a rescued animal?

 Yes.  Bothy of my dogs came from the pound.  Rylea was just a puppy when I got her, but Jesse was grown and in pretty bad shape.  He was severely starved, eaten up with parasites and heartworms, and looked like he had just given up on life.  But the minute I saw him, I knew he was meant to be mine.  In just a couple of weeks, it'll be the third adoptiversary, and I can't imagine not having him in my life.  OK, so he wasn't that impressed with the Coke with his name on it....but still....

3.  Are you good at keeping track of paperwork and records? 

Eh, so so. 

4.  What would you like the Magic Wendell Fairy to poof with his wand, and turn into a treat for you? Any snack or sweet you would like. It doesn't have too do with carrots, or HE'D eat it!

 I could go for a chocolate milk shake right about now.  Since it's magic, can the Wendell Fairy make it calorie free, but still taste good?

5.  Tell me something interesting- please.

A while back, I started taking cartoons in to work from time to time.   Once I took this one in:

I figured I'd have to explain what a phobia was, but no.  It never occurred to me that someone wouldn't know what a pop up book was.  I guess not everyone spent hours in the bookstore as a child. 


Thanks for joining me for our chat.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some yarn just begging to be warped. 

Slow Day

It's kind of a slow news day around here, so y'all head on over to Cody's blog and read his newest post:

In Gethsemane


Otherwise, you'll just have to look at the pasta I cooked in my new Kitchen Kettle. 

Don't envy me my exciting life. 

Yesterday, Group Leader Fernando sent me down to the end of the line to help out.  He wanted me to put some screws in the very top of some very tall units.

"Um, you do realize I'm short, don't you?" says I.

"Don't worry," he says.  "Roy will help you out."

"What's Roy going to do?" I asked.  "Pick me up?"

In the end, Roy had to put the screws in, because even after Fernando got me the step, I still couldn't reach the screw holes. 

"I'll do it," says Roy, "because you're short and I'm tall." 

Well, I guess it was one of those You-Kinda-Had-To-Be-There moments. 

But I thought it was funny.

Wal-Mart Does It

Friday, Cody went to the eye doctor to get himself some new glasses.  I'd wanted him to pay with my flexible spending account card, but he used a regular credit card instead.  Today after work, I went down there to see if I could get a refund to my credit card, then charge the FSA card.  They told me they couldn't do that.  They would have to send me a refund check instead of making a credit to my card.

Huh, I told them.  Wal-mart does it all the time.  

Nevertheless, we got it straightened out.  We've still got to go get him a spare pair, since he has a tendency to lose or break his glasses.  I've got plenty of money left on the FSA card.

Moving right along, I have been weaving.  Here is my latest finished scarf. 

I like this one.  Turns out it didn't turn into a muddy mess.  The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome Select in Winterberry.  Then I warped this one.

This yarn is Red Heart Team Spirit, in Cody's college colors.  It's going to be interesting, though it isn't turning out quite how I envisioned it.  I'll probably do something else with the rest of this.  Like, maybe I'll find a matching solid blue for the warp and use the striping for the weft.  That'll look a whole lot better, I think. 

It's been a while since I've bored you with photos of my flowers.  So, here you go.  Be bored away.

Sizzle Zinnia

French Marigold

Dwarf African Marigold

Salvia

I thought I was going to lose my salvias, but they are coming back.  You can just see one of my lantanas in the foreground.

Finally, at work this morning, Group Leader Fernando and I were discussing the day's work schedule.  Former Group Leader Rod-- who just happens to be Fernando's brother-- walked by and said, "Tell him who your favorite black man is".

Without hesitation, I answered, "DeMarcus Ware."

Somehow, I don't think that's what he meant. 

My New Toy

I got me a new toy tonight.

I've been wanting one for a while.

I've had a Fry Daddy for years, but I wanted one with the little basket and an adjustable thermostat thingy.  Today, while I was in Wal-mart, I went into the small appliance section just to get an idea of how much they cost.

This one was only $25, so I took the plunge and got it. 

Tomorrow, I'm going to fry the world.  But tonight, I'm going to bed. 

New Jewelry

I like jewelry, but I'm very picky about what I wear.  Most of what is out there today is way too gaudy for my tastes.  Earrings that hang down past your shoulders.  Necklaces that could double as a horse collar.  Just not me.

I've always felt that simple was much more elegant.

When I found these simple, yet elegant, designs from Shields Of Strength, I knew I had to have them. 

I got two tags.  One just a general Navy tag,

and one veteran tag. 

On the back of each tag, is a paraphrase of one of my favorite verses: 

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9. 

This is a very good quality product.  They are well made, of good, sturdy metal.  They're much stronger than other types of dog tag jewelry I've seen.  Heck, they're even sturdier than my real dog tags.

Then, of course, what Navy theme would be complete without an anchor?

The verse on the anchor says:  We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  Hebrews 6: 19. 

Very appropriate, I say.

In the meantime, I started on the new scarf.  I'm very pleased to announce that using variegated for both the warp and the weft does not in fact make a muddy mess. 

It makes a very pleasing combination of colors.  I think this one is going to turn out nicely. 

You know the psychedelic scarf I finished the other day?  Someone has already laid claim to it.  Well, when I was in Cody's room looking for tissue paper to wrap it in before mailing it, I found a whole other box of yarn that I forgot I had put in there.  In the box was all my Knit Picks Aloft. 

Aloft will make a great weft yarn.  I just have to find something in my abundant stash to use as a warp.  After I finish the scarf already on the loom. 

And finally, yet another Coke I won't drink. 

 

 

But it had my name on it!

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

 Since it's a bit stormy outside this evening, let's have our chat around the kitchen table, instead of on the porch.

1.  Other than those who live in your home, who's the last person who came to your front door? 

The UPS man.   I always like to see the UPS man.  He brings me stuff. 

2.  Do you have many photos around your home? 

 Not hanging on the walls, if that's what you mean.  I do have several albums, but these days, like everyone else, most of my photos are digital. 

 3.  Do you like mint? Is there a favorite type of mint for you? How do you enjoy it? 

 Yes, I do.  My favorite is peppermint, and I enjoy it in tea, candy, ice cream, hot chocolate, pretty much anything.  I don't like spearmint, though. 

4.  Do you enjoy your own parties and other times with guests, or are you so busy working...? 

No, and yes.  I don't like people in my house, noise, or crowds, so I'm not a party person.   I am very busy working this time of year, but even if I weren't, I still wouldn't like people in my house. 

5.  What do you want to be when you grow up more? Job, hobby, self improvement, etc. 

Independently wealthy.  Yeah, that would be nice, but a more realistic short term goal is to get my debt paid off.  I've mentioned it before, because it's the most important thing in my life right now.  

I know chat was short today, but I want to finish warping my loom before going to bed, so I need to get busy.  See you all next week. 

Same bat time, same bat channel.

Psychedelic

Funky psychedelic scarf is off the loom.  I like it. Now to warp something else.

My apologies to the two of you who still actually read my blog.  It's been kind of slow lately, I know.  I stand there at work mentally composing long, meaningful posts, but by the time I get home, I just don't feel like doing much of anything. 

I think it's the heat.  It's been in the mid 90s inside the plant, and that kind of heat all day long just drains you.  Today I was trying to eat a chocolate bar, only it was melting faster than I could eat it.  Folks, that's not a hot flash.  That's just hot. 

After 8 hours of that, I just want to come home and sit. 

Add to that the sad reality that nothing interesting is happening right now, well, there's not much to blog about.  Maybe things will pick up soon, and you won't be bored senseless by my nonsense.

I know you'll appreciate that. 

No Net

It's become a Sunday morning tradition around here.

I didn't plan for it to, but it sort of has.  Since Sunday is the only day I don't have to get up and rush off somewhere -- not having to be at church until 10:30 in stead of at work at 7:00-- I've taken to putting on a t-shirt and some shorts, fixing myself a cup of coffee, and spending a few early morning moments alone in my flower garden.

It's kind of nice having those few quiet moments with the flowers before I begin to get ready for church.

This afternoon, when I got home from church, the internet was down.  I had to stick one of those weird plastic round things into that slot on the player thing.  Heh, remember when that was cutting edge technology?  

While I was watching a movie on one of those weird plastic round things, I finished up my Rose Marl scarf.

I really like the way it turned out.  I like the colors and the resulting fabric.  I used Patons Kroy for this, but I've got some more sock yarn around here.  Lots more.

I also finished this hat.  The yarn is some Red Heart Blacklight that Beverly gave me.

I'm not sure what I was thinking when I cast on 96 stitches.  It's definitely teenager/adult sized.  I had just enough yarn left over to warp the loom. 

I'm using solid black Red Heart for the weft.  It's turning out kinda cool, doncha think?

Speaking of, I'd bought a whole bunch of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn on clearance a few years ago.  That was before I discovered that it isn't good for socks at all.  The sock gets very thin and wears out very quickly.  So I stopped using it for socks.  I've knit scarves from some, and a couple of hats as well.  I think it'll be good for scarves, since they don't get washed very often, the way socks need to be.

I went in and dug out all I had left.  That I could find, at least.  I thought I'd had more than this. 

The one on the far right is Supersocke, and the other four are Sockittome Select. I want to weave scarves with them, but the thing is, I'm not sure how variegated yarns will work if I use them for both warp and weft. Will it pool, plaid, or just turn into a muddy mess?  I guess we'll find out.  I think I'll start with this one, since the color changes a bit more subtle than the other ones. 

It's called Winterberry.  If it turns out to be a mess, well, then we'll just have to knit scarves with the others. 

I just roll with the flow.  Or something.