September, Bring on Fall!

I can't complain too much about our summer.  Yes, some hot days, and yes, a slightly excessive amount of rain, which seemed more excessive due to a leaky roof.  Those days will soon be behind us, we've been approved for a short-term loan and are calling a roofer tomorrow.  Is it sad to be so excited about something as mundane as a roof? 

So far I'm not complaining too much about our late summer weather either (well, maybe the rain when it sneaks in and finds its way into my oldest's bedroom!), since it is cool without being too cool--although there was a morning or two when the heat was turned on just to take the chill off!

While outside enjoying the wonderful pre-autumn day, my mind wandered ahead to Hallowe'en and gorgeous full-fall weather.  Then it continued on to cooler weather in November, then December...and that S-word that shall not be mentioned here yet.  And I realized that the summer really did seem to fly by, that it hadn't seemed that long since we'd finally and with great relief were able to put the s*** shovels away, and the time spent with both my daughters home was over too soon when we drove our oldest back up to Ottawa.

With the fall weather, my creativity for some reason always seems to wake itself:  instead of wondering "what am I going to do????" I find myself wondering "what am I going to do first??"

Hopefully, I will have some time to create some new designs.  I have no idea how or why, but I've had many people join my facebook group where I've listed my free patterns.   It kinda puts the pressure on--in a GOOD way!--to thank them by coming up with more free patterns. 

Not so Hazy Days of Summer

My first sunflower of the year.  A little story about this sunny face:  last year I purchased a packet of mixed sunflower seeds (red, orange, yellow) but never did plant them.  I saved them, thinking I'd do it this year, but sadly, forgot all about them till I started my annual clear the overgrown garden task and by then it was too late to plant seeds.
 After I had finally cleared the garden and was planting some annuals I'd bought, a neighbour asked if I would like some sunflowers:  his plant last year had spawned hundreds of babies this year and he was giving them away to anyone and everyone.  I have a small patch now, and imagine there'll be lots more next year!

August 11th...and I could probably count on one hand the nights I have slept *without* a comforter this summer.  Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, it is just hard to believe, after the nights last year when the hot nights made sleeping difficult.

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After not having been up in my attic for several months, I was up the other day and decided to get rid of all the yarn I had up there.  I haven't touched it in at least two years, so why not?  I listed one 68 litre tote in a local facebook group for crafters to post their unwanted crafting supplies for $30 (Cdn), tote included.
I had a request for more pictures than the grab-bag-style picture that showed only the top layer, and was surprised at how much yarn actually was in there.

Speaking of Facebook...I will admit I am shocked at how many people have joined my free pattern group.  Before, there'd be a few here and there, but lately, there've been days of more than 10, and as soon as I approve them all, a few more apply.   I am wondering why the sudden popularity?  And also feeling like I should finally get around to designing some more free patterns!

                                                

New pattern??

I will admit, I've been considering typing up and selling my pattern for a hand/dish towel and dishcloth.  I've held back for some time, since the stitches used are basic, the only 'trick' is the row count for the pattern of stripes.  However, after seeing how some designers charge $5 for a basic double crochet hat pattern (and they do sell!), I've been re-thinking this and may just type it up.

For a few weeks, I did not pick up a crochet hook at all, or if I did, it sat beside me tucked into a skein of yarn, both of which after a while were put away, in the same condition I brought them out.  Tiring of this lack of creativity, I pulled out a hook and some cotton yarn and figured I'd just work on some dishcloths.  Which surprisingly, did actually help with my creativity.  Since then, I have a couple ideas in mind, hopefully I can start one of them very soon.

Everything may get put aside in 5 days though, I've been waiting for 2 years for the third book in a triology to come out, and July 15th is THE day.  I was hooked almost from the beginning of Deborah Harkness' "A Discovery of Witches" and after finishing "Shadow of Night" waited anxiously for the third book.  And waited...and waited...I felt like an online stalker constantly checking for any sign of progress.  Finally, my stalking...er..waiting was to be rewarded, and with an actual date, even though it was still a few months ahead, the waiting was easier.
I haven't waited this anxiously for a book since the Harry Potter books.  :)

Hot Days of Summer!

I've been looking through my items in the basement, and it would be nice to clear some out to make room for more stock.  (Those 'Small Space' tv  shows are a joke, some of them can fit my whole downstairs in their living room!!  Some of the closets they show are twice as big as my standing room only bathroom)
So...I thought I would post some of my afghans on FB groups I am a member of at a 25% discount.  Then I thought:  "Why not go all out?"  And...I created a coupon code for 25% off everything in my shop with a minimum purchase of only $20 required.  Enter coupon code "hazydays25" (no quotes) when checking out:  feel free to contact me there or here if you run into difficulty during the checkout process.
Please note:  coupon code is not valid on shipping. 

I *Think* it's Spring at Last!

There are signs: 
**most of the snow has finally gone; what is left is the stuff that is insulated by all the dirt that covers it.
**The robins no longer look confused and lost.
**Our cats that do not step foot outside the door once cold weather hits have ventured out once or twice.
**Our little Westie has decided she does not need to come back in after only two minutes outside.

I found a pattern for a colourful gecko, and thought how nice it would be if I could make up a couple and attach them to the front of my porch's railing.  Of course, after suggesting this to my daughter, the idea was quickly and vehemently shot down.  I may still do it, right after I make up some budgies that I purchased the pattern for and wanted to make to put in our little tree.  A few years ago...

So, what am I working on?  A friend in one online group I belong to suggested a crochet along, and thought this time I might just try it.  So, each week, we are crocheting 4 squares from this tunisian throw pattern at Lionbrand.  Not only will I have a new throw for my living room (if I do stick with it and actually finish it!) but I am learning new stitches.  And getting ideas, some of these would make nice dishcloths and potholders!
We start the next square pattern on Monday, I have one square finished for this week, three to go.  Something tells me I may not finish all 4 by tomorrow.  :)

Another Goodbye.

I realized yesterday, while working and thinking of words to put together, that I have usually turned to writing in my times of grief.  Pictures flow through my mind of happier times, some from long ago, and I feel an urge to share them via words. 

Thursday, I found out my grandfather had passed away.  I found out on Facebook, which may seem shocking, but it was through a private message from my brother who thought I had already been called.   I imagine I might have felt differently if I had logged in to see posts from relatives in my feed.

Sadly, words seem to be failing me now, so

Dear Grandpa:
Although I didn't get a chance to see you one last time, I try to comfort myself with the thought that your pain was not prolonged, and that you are happier now and welcomed warmly by family who are waiting beyond.
I will try to smile when I remember visiting you and searching your bedroom floor for the change which we later suspected you threw there on purpose but never did confirm that.  And when I remember a Grandpa who got right down on the floor and played with three giggling young girls, giving them 'horseback' rides around the room.
Or when I remember a night my two sisters and I stayed with you and Grandma Betty and we drove to Windsor in your mobile home to see Freaky Friday. 

I think forever, I will picture you sitting at the ponds, surrounded by family at our yearly reunion, with a smile on your face that showed how much we were all loved and how happy you were to have your family around you.

Please forgive me my tears as I write this, I know in time the tears and the pain will fade and the same happy memories that bring those tears now will  instead bring smiles.
Love you Grandpa,
Sally

George Oliver (Ollie) Sharp
1923-2014