A Christmas I'll never forget....

It was 1990.  I graduated from the Reserve Police Academy that summer as an Officer;  money was tight as I worked for minimum wage to make a living for my one-year-old son and me; and I was going through a divorce.
It was December 24th and I was finishing up a sweater I was knitting as a gift for my son when I got a late phone call from one of the office gals at the PD.  She said someone left some boxes of presents in my name and asked me to come get them.  I looked at the clock and saw it was after 10 pm but told her I would right away.
I got my son and bundled him up and we drove the 13 miles to town.  When I walked into the PD, no one was there but the 2 big boxes full of presents for my son.  I packed them into my '87 Toyota pickup and we drove back home.
After tucking my son back in bed, I hauled the boxes into the house and placed them under the tree and finished up his sweater.  I cried and cried with the thought that someone cared enough about us to do this.  I still had no idea who did this.
Morning came and my son (about to turn 2) jumped around with excitement at the colorfully wrapped gifts under the tree.  I soon found out they came from the Radio Shack store that was owned by Keith Mercer and his wife.  Keith was a police officer there.  I did not think of Keith this way as he was very serious about his work.
This was the most memorable Christmas ever and I reflect back on it every year.
I am ever so grateful to him and the PD for giving me so much.....not only the gifts for my son but the gifts I learned as a Reserve Police Officer.
Merry Christmas to all.....

Knitting with friends and my cardigan

 My knitting girls.....

 Go, Allison, Go!

 See Elizabeth knit?

 Look at Jenni knit with double pointed needles for the first time!

You go girl!

My very own Lupine Cardigan blocked and drying.

I realized when you knit your own clothing, no one will have the same one in your town!

What have you all been knitting?

Surprise from Down Under.......

 Look at all the wonderful colors!  The floss, crochet/tatting thread, different squares of fabulous fabric, hand painted cards, a heart key chain, buttons, lavender sachet, embroidery embellishment and then.............

............................................THIS.  I love.  This.
All this from my wonderful friend, Shirley, from Australia.  We have been blogging friends since way back when.  She's a wonderful and very talented friend.

My excellent adventure......

…with Julie.  Of course, there was Robert and Arban, too.  I was just there in July when I received an invite to come for another visit.  So soon?!  Oh for sure, eh!  I was delighted!

Julie picked me up and as soon as we arrived, we left again.  Supplies were in and we had to pick them up.  We were back and quickly went to work making……dill pickles!....40 pounds of pickles!  I knew it!  That’s why she asked me up for a visit!  ;o)

Then came Tuesday and my hair appointment with Greg.  I had been dreading it.  I mean…..REALLY dreading it, sweats and all!  I was trying to get him to hear my concerns about my curly hair but he only heard, “Blah, blah, blah”.  Greg escorted me to get my hair shampooed, then to THE chair and he asked me in a soft voice, “So what do you want people to say when they see your hair?”  Wow!  I had never, ever been asked that question by a hairstylist.  Never.  “I want them to say, Look at that curly thick hair”.  Something like that.  I was still thinking about his perfect question!   Pictures?  Maybe later.

Needless to say, Greg was finished with my new do and I was super happy.  I was Glamorous!....so Julie said.   I Love it!

I thought all the stress and excitement was done.  I thought she was all surprised out.  Wrong.  Julie had one more up her sleeve for Wednesday, the day after my Glam hair day…..we were going to Salt Spring Island via the Ferry!  To visit Marilyn!!!!  

After a delicious lunch on the Wind Walker (Marilyn and Michael’s boat) Marilyn took us to Fulford  

where we walked and got acquainted with some of the shop owners.  It was over before we knew it.  We boarded the Ferry, were home in no time and then we rested.

I think I ate and talked a LOT!  It’s just not fair we all don’t live closer together.  As it is, my excellent adventure is just a drive and Clipper-trip away.

Artful Care

Are you caring for an aging loved one? Bewildered?

My friend and fellow knitter, Julie, has been the primary care-giver for 15 (!) family members and friends over the past 20 years.

She created a plain language, down-to-earth website aimed at sharing loads of practical tips for the care-giver. She takes the mystery out of this journey, showing ways to navigate the system and access the system. With humor and comical original artwork, Julie shows how to ask a question and get an answer, how to communicate with siblings, how to meet with the professionals, and much more.

There's something for everyone at www.artfulcare.com. I hope you will take time to visit the site and send feedback.

[NOTE:  People come into our lives for a reason~~~~When Julie and I met, years ago, we "clicked" and am so thankful for her awesome website.  I had been worried and dreading how and what to do when the time comes with my mom.  This is something no one wants to think about but Julie makes it possible.]