Lest I Forget

I'll admit it, I have a lot of things that trigger anxiety. Some rational, some not so much. Going someplace new, and not speaking the language is one of my larger anxiety producers, so I guess you are wondering how I am still functioning over here. I am getting used to the German thing, but this weekend we were in a different country with a different language. We ventured out of Germany, through Luxembourg, and on into Belgium on Saturday to visit Orval Abbey, a Trappist Cistercian Monestary. Now, sitting back here at home, I am so glad we went. At the time, I wasn't so sure we had made a wise decision. We had our passports, we had food and water, the diaper bag was stocked. We typed in the address in our GPS and we were off. And until we neared the Abbey, all was well. We got to a roundabout that had a sign directing us to the Abbey, yet the GPS was telling us to take a different route. We were already a little behind schedule to meet our friends there. We decided to take t...

As I was putting the little people to bed last night, I got a notification on facebook letting me know that the package had finally arrived. I am so happy that my gift made it across the ocean safely and that my niece has it before her baby makes his/her arrival. I absolutely loved making this blanket. It was easy to memorize, yet had enough little blips to keep it interesting. The yarn, Knitpicks shine, is so soft, and the drape of the blanket is perfect. I had started this newest little bunny while we were whiling away in the hotel. I picked her back up once I sent off the blanket. I can show you my progress because the friend I am making this for does not get on the computer. No worry of spoiling the surprise! The one thing I am not happy with is the nose. If I could easily go back and change it, I would. I still think she is cute though, so I am going to leave it be. Like I said yesterday, I am trying to read "The Diary of a Country Priest", but am ha...

Outside my window... Still completely daylight at 8:00 pm. A wind is whipping up, making me wonder if we might not get a little summer shower before bedtime.   I am thinking...  about ever so much. Sunday, my mom gave me some terrible news. A childhood friend of mine lost her son in a motorcycle accident. My heart immediately broke for her. A mama should not outlive her children. Of course, Mama Mary did too and I pray that my friend may find comfort in Our Lady's arms. I have been in a very sad mood ever since and I can't seem to shake it.  I am thankful for....  ...my family. ...knitting needles that keep my hands and mind busy and my anxieties at bay.  ...my husband who loves me.     From the lesson plans...   Jack will probably finish up this week. Anna, on the other hand, has at least 4 more weeks of work. To finish or call it finished, that is the question!  From the kitchen...  Lots of salami, cheese,...

Today has been a day of firsts for me. It was my first German Mass. It was my first Corpus Christi Procession. It was my first time going to the town of Bann and it's Church. There were good moments, and some not so good moments, but I am so glad I decided to go. The Church was beautiful all on its own, yet the people had laid flowers everywhere. On the sidewalks, in windows, driveways, doorways, everywhere was filled with flowers. Yellow and white flags were everywhere too. Inside the Church, they had everything set up for the procession. We arrived about 30 minutes early, since I was very worried about getting lost and missing the whole thing. There were only a handful of people inside, but the Church quickly filled with people, mostly older folks, some smiling at my children, some casting weary glances at them. I put on my veil and knelt to pray. For that moment, everything was so lovely. Peter and Therese required that I leave about midway through Mass. We stood out...

I am not waiting for the yarn along on Wednesday. For one thing, I just am so excited to share how the basket turned out that I cannot wait! Did I mention that patience is not one of virtues I have mastered? For another thing, I also hope to have another project finished to share on Wednesday. Did I also mention that Tony has been gone for a week to Normandy to play his tuba and commemorate D-Day? No? Well, he has. I am also not patiently awaiting his arrival in a few hours. We are all more than ready to have him home. Trying to capture the color most accurately. This is not it. This is close, but not quite. This seems to be the closest I can get.

It started out as a quick little project to use up some yarn. While browsing Ravelry, I came across this cute basket . I had some yarn that would be perfect. I haven't crocheted in quite a while, but really, how hard could it be? Ha! First time, I kept thinking that maybe it should be a little thicker, that maybe it would not stand up on its own. And then, as the trellis pattern developed, I realized that mine did not quite look right. I wasn't sure how to fix it though, since I seemed to be following the pattern correctly. I trudged along until the only thing I could do was to rip the whole thing out and start over. So I had a huge pile of yarn on the classroom floor that I was just sure the kids would turn into a huger mess. I got a smaller crochet hook and began again. The bottom of the basket was immediately much more like what I wanted. Great! Then onto that trellis pattern. Still it was not looking quite right. I went along for a few more rounds. Then I stopped and took a...