Mid Summer

Well, hard to believe that it is already mid summer! I honestly can say that this summer has flown by! How about you? Have you done anything fun this summer? I have been working part time this summer and to be honest, I have totally enjoyed it! I have been able to have 3 day weekends and I have been loving every minute of it.

Today I went to my weekly meeting and it was inspiring! I got new recipes and then afterward, I was so inspired that I went to the local farmer's market. I got fresh fruits and veggies and promptly went home and chopped, cut and "created" with my purchases. I got a delicious Greek salad recipe and let me tell you, this is wonderful! I had to make a few substitutions but it was just as good and I have almost eaten the whole bowl full! I am heading to the grocery store soon to pick up some Greek yogurt and a few other things to make a dip and peach salsa and few other goodies...I am so excited...

My knitting is progressing. I have almost finished my first mitten ever! It is the second project for my "camping" trip this summer and I will post a picture soon. These are ground breaking mittens for several reasons:
1. First mittens ever
2. First cable project ever
3. First beading project ever

I am quite proud of myself, the cable looks like a cable and the beads actually look good.

I have disturbing news. A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with cancer. I don't have any details yet but suffice it to say that I am unsettled. She is a good person and is very private. She had not shared any details and I must respect her privacy. I want her to know that she has my thoughts, prayers and hopes for a successful surgery. She goes in soon and my thoughts are with her. I can't share details but please keep good thoughts and karma for my friend.

Remember, life is what we make it. We can all be dealt a life altering blow at any time. How we chose to deal with it says alot for who we are. Some things are out of our control as far as when and where, but we can always show grace under pressure and rise above. Be strong of character, convictions and actions. Do this not for the people around you, but for yourself. You are the only one who has to answer for your life. Make sure you make the most of every moment. Life is a gift and remember that what you do with your gift is up to you. For me personally, I try to be the best person I can, try to look past someones "flaws" and see the true person. I am not a perfect person, no one is, but I do try to do the best I can in any situation with what I have been given to work with. Please be the best you can be and make peace with yourself.

Until next time, I wish you peace.

Debi

You know it's Summer when...

You know it's summer when:
1. You smell grills every evening when you go for your neighborhood walk.
2. Your neighbors have you over to swim in their pools at all hours.
3. The house looks like a tornado hit inside, due to the kids being out of school.
4. You can play connect the dots with mosquito bites.
5. When stopping to smell the roses, you get stung by a bee.


I tried to figure out what type of blogger I wanted to be. Did I want to blog every day, every other day or weekly...I think due to my lack of focus and concentration (ohh shiny object) I will try to be a weekly blogger. I think that will work for me.

This week I finished a shawl for my Loopy Ewe Camp-along this summer. This was the first project. It was to be something to keep us warm on those cool camp evening around the campfire. I must tell you that even my DH thought this was nice...hummm maybe he's coming around!

Well, that's about it for today. I have several projects on needles as we speak:
1. Baby blanket for my granddaughter.
2. Baby blanket for one of the Dr's I work with.
3. Socks
4, Ribbed scarf
5. Extra baby blanket, just in case someone has an unexpected" baby. :)

I am excited, next week is July 4th and I get a 4 day weekend...Whooo Hoooo!!! So here's hoping all is well in your world. Take some time this week and see what summer means to you...you just never know when you will need some summer time.

Until next time

Debi

Six months later....

Hello all,

I begin this as I always do, saying that I am sorry for not keeping this totally updated at all times. I used to be a dedicated blogger but alas, this too has changed. I have decided that somehow I didn't always have time for this. Truth be told, it only takes about 10 minutes out of my busy schedule, so you would think that i could get this in....that's what you get for thinking... :)

Well, my granddaughter is now 6 months old....she is the love of my life and I can't help but spoil her rotten...much to the dismay of her parents. As you can see, she is trying to enjoy her first clementine...

Two more children have graduated from high school...I am left with our youngest...she turned 16 in Feb and is going on 18. She will be a Jr. this year. The two that graduated will be going on to school in the fall: She will be going to Mary Washington College and He will be going to Old Dominion University. Whoooo hooooo I am one proud mamma!! :)

One of the major downfalls of living with the miltary, is that from time to time, friends much move away and it is never easy, no matter how often you go through it. One of our closest friends are leaving tomorrow for Maine. They are both from there and are definitely looking forward to going home. I know that they are going to be happy, but it is still hard to say so long. :(.

That's about all for now. Things keep moving along whether or not we are ready for it. We can either jump on and go for the ride or we can fight it. I for one, am going to do my best to keep my balance and go along for the ride.

Until next time....

Debi

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

For those who do celebrate this holiday, I hope that your day was filled with joy, peace, good will and of course, hope the present exchange was wonderful!!

Our day was great!! We arose at the early hour of 7:00 am...that may not seem early to many, but for us to get up on a day without work or school before the crack of noon, is astounding!!! With the coffee made, coffee cake cut up and trash bags at the ready, the ritual of present opening began.

It was wonderful! All the children seemed to either get everything they wanted or even a few things they didn't know they wanted but have since not been without! Our DS2 got an i-pad..and well, he just didn't think he would ever use it, trust me when I say, it was pretty much the hit of the morning. DD2 got a laptop and printer to take to school next year and she was happy as well!
DD1 got the I-touch that she had been wanting for about a year or so, and needless to say, she is happy as well!! All in all a very successful round of presents!!

I surprised DH with an i-touch of his very own. He has fallen in love with it. Maybe now, I can get mine back! Love ya dear!!

DS1 and GF brought over DGD!! Such an adorable baby!! We had a fabulous visit and grandma even got to change a diaper...I still got it!! Here we see Charlie, making sure that the baby is clean and ready for her bottle!! He loves this baby!!!

They took a few pictures of the baby all dressed up for the holiday..so here is one in her Christmas dress........




Then they took on of her in her Birthday suit! It's just an adorable picture.....
As you can see, she is not inhibited on bit for bearing it all!! :) I think this has to be the most adorable picture I have seen yet!! :)






So, now that 2010 is almost done, I hope that next year brings you all love, peace and tidings of great joy. I know many have had some battles to fight this year, for those I say, congratulations you made it. I am sure it was a hard fought fight, but you came out on the right side.

Life is not easy, and we were not put here to "skate' through things. We must enjoy all our victories, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. I have said it before, I truely believe there is a reason for everything and we are put in situations to learn from them. Sometimes the lesson is obvious, but many times it's not. We have to keep our eyes and hearts open to learn and accept. I wish many blessings and joy to all of you and may you and your families have a year to remember for 2011. I hope many opportunities are brought as well as taken. Please take the time to seize the moment but also to keep reaching for ultimate prize, true love, joy and happiness.

I have had a wonderful year and am so very thankful for all the people who have shared time with me this year. From work to friends to family, I love you all and am so looking forward to next year and what will happen. I have so many things to be thankful for and am truly blessed. I know how lucky I am to have a great family and wonderful friends. Thank you all so much for making 2010 a fabulous year. I have great hopes for 2011.

Take care everyone. I love you all.

Hugs, Debi

Welcome DGD!!!!

Well, last night, this morning, around 3:30 am, my darling granddaughter was born!!! She is just beautiful. Her parents are overjoyed. She weighed 10 lbs, 15.2 oz...she is perfect and beautiful. I would like to introduce her to you



She has very healthy lungs...my DS1 and GF were awesome...she was so tired by the time the baby came.. I had never seen one from the "receiving" end and I was awestruck. It was such a miracle to watch a birth. My faith is fairly strong, but after what I was witness to last night, it is so much stronger now. This is truly the season for miracles.


The proud parents are taking a well deserved rest now. Some of us will be going to the hospital later today to visit them. Welcome to the world little one. :)



May the spirit of the season be with all of you this year. Remember, "..a little child shall lead them..."

Peace to all..
Debi

11 days till Christmas....

Hello to all!!!

Well I am here to update a few things.

1) DS1 and GF1 have NOT had the DGD yet!!! The official due date is December 20th, but hey we were all hoping that she would come early, but as of yet, no news....

2) The sign-ups for The Loopy Ewe's Spring Fling started yesterday...and tonite, I signed up to join the lottery for a spot at the retreat. I was able to go last year and had such a fabulous time that I am so excited and hoping with all fingers and toes crossed......

3) Still working on holiday shopping and preparing. DH had decided that he really wanted a real tree this year, so last weekend, he went and got one. Well, it is a beautiful tree and was ment to go downstairs into the family room, but alas, the best laid plans.....needless to say, the tree was too large to get into the family room so it is now proudly standing in my living room....hummmmm oh well, it is a pretty tree..

4)One of my friends from work has decided to leave and begin a new chapter in her life. I am torn. I am so sad to see my friend go but I am so excited for her to begin this new chapter in her life. She deserves some good things to happen to her. She has had a really tough year..I am so hoping that this new venture is a good and wonderful thing. I will really miss her and her "diversions" at the office...but I know that she will succeed in anything that she tries...good luck friend, know that I am always with you and will be watching over you in all you do. You are a wonderful person. Thank you for all the lessons you have taught me in the last few years. Bless you.

That's about all for now. As the Christmas holiday draws near, please take a moment to reflect on your own life. Pay it forward during this season and throughout the year. There is nothing better than being a caring and wonderful person all year long....bless you all.

Debi :)

I love the weekend....

Hi again,

I did my show for my friend at her kid's school. It turned out well.


This what my table looked like...I had alot of variety and this was good. I did manage to sell a few things as well. It was a nice way to spend the morning. I also got a few leads on sewing "jobs/projects" for other people. I don't mind doing those either...we'll see what comes of it.

DS1/Girlfriend are almost moved out. They spend last night at their new apartment for the first time. I am very happy for them..it's good to be on your own...I'm very sad for me but I will get over it...I can hardly wait for the little baby girl to come out and say hi....we are all waiting on her! :) Should be any day now....(hopefully).

For the rest of the weekend, I am probably going to clean a bit here at the house and then get some knitting done. I may even get to the gym again. It's been a while and I am really kinda missing it....we do still need to get lights up outside but that is out of my hands...

Poor Charlie had to go to the vet this morning. Turns out poor little guy as a UTI, Hopefully he will be feeling better soon and back to his old self....

That's about all for now...things to do , places to go, people to see ... ok not really, just gotta go let the dogs in.....

Hugs,
Debi :)

The most wonderful time of the year......

Can you believe it is December 1????? I am always amazed as to how quickly the years seem to go by...but I know full well that they always go at the same pace. Obviously, as I get older, time seems to slip by a bit quicker.....hummmm

We started decorating at my office today. It's always nice to see the holiday decorations go up. We don't do alot, a few green swags over the various stations at the main desk..a few holiday knick knacks and we call it good. I work for a Dr office, so we have to be a bit "conservative".

I went shopping Black Friday and got some fabulous deals....can't say right now, but believe me, you would be impressed. I have to admit, I love the internet. I am able to shop after work without having to leave my house. Yes, I am a bit lazy from time to time.

I am doing a craft show on Saturday for a friend of mine's sons school. DH and I had to go through our tubs of "crap" to find my show tubs. Then I had to make sure that the items in the tubs were ok to sell. No knitting in my booth this week. I don't have enough to sell. Maybe after the holidays I can start to "stock" some knitted stuff for a future show....

This is my most favorite time of year. I absolutely love the holidays. I always try to do a random act of kindness on a daily basis, but during the holidays, I try to do it more often...It always amazes me how crabby people are at this time of year. Don't they realize how wonderful this time of year is??? Religion aside, it is a great time of year...the wonder of the children as to what Santa is going to bring them...the glow and awe of them as they climb into Santas' lap at the mall or wherever, and recite they list of wants and desires. If you explore the religious aspects of this time of year there are so many more reasons to be delighted. Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim or any other religion, there is a belief this time of year. We should all embrace our own beliefs and expand on them. I personally believe that it is truly better to give than to receive. I love to shop, make and give things to my friends and strangers just to see the wonderment in their faces.

Please practice the thought of treating others as you would want to be treated...especially at this time of the year. We all need some kindness and thoughtfulness. Let's show our families and friends how wonderful we all are. Take some time to realize just how wonderful this special time of year is.....I love you all..... :)

Hugs,
Debi :)

Everything old is new again

Hello everyone!!

Sorry for having been gone for so long, things have a way of "snowballing" and getting totally out of control and thus, things get put on the back burner and unfortunately, this blog was one of them. I am back now, better than ever and as always, full of fun, family and crafty tidbits.

Much has happened since we were last together, alas, too much to actually put here in one post. I will catch everyone up as things present themselves. Not to worry.

Since it is now only 26 days till Christmas, yes I did say 26 days, I am in full Operation Christmas mode. My house has been transformed into the holiday house, thanks to DD's 2 & 3. They did a fabulous job on the tree and decorations...thanks girls.

Black Friday presented, as usual, with a challenge of shopping and fighting crowds. It is fine balance between being pleasant while having strangers push and shove and practically take things out of your hands while you are looking at them in the stores. Yes, this really did happen. This was probably the most "combative" Black Friday that I have been through in many years. I have several years of seasoned shopping under my belt, but this year was extremely volatile. That being said, I did manage to get some really great deals and got about 1/2 of my shopping done this year.

This year, we are beginning the holiday cutbacks. The kids are all pretty much grown, so this year, they aren't getting all the little gifts. We are focusing on college and tech gifts. Those of you who have seen my trees in the past, will acknowledge that we usually have so many gifts under the tree that we almost need our own store. This has been known in the past as the 5 children syndrome. This year, with 2 of the five out of high school (update #1: DD1 graduated in June 2010) and 2 of the five Seniors in high school and thus going off to school next year (update #2: DD2 and DS2) that leaves only 1 at home with us. (DD3). We are starting the downturn.

Update #3: DS1 and his girlfriend are living with us now for the time being, but are moving into their own apartment next week due to the baby, yes I said the baby word, coming any day now. We are all excited to "announce" that the first grandbaby (a girl) is on her way to join us soon. We expect her to make an appearance any day now. Needless to say, I am thrilled, excited, etc and am looking forward to being a grandma for the first time. :)

Update #4: I turned 50 this year, yes I know ancient history. I decided that I wanted the biggest birthday party that I could throw!! So, we did. I had about 50 people here, with their kids. We did a pot luck and we even rented a bounce house for the kids, young and young at heart, to play in. I did not go into the bounce house, but the friends who brought their younger children, were able to relax and stay a bit longer than usual due to the kiddies being entertained.

Here is a picture of the cake....can you guess what my favorite color is????? I fell in love with this cute little guy..... :)

Here is a picture of the bounce house...see I really did get one!!!! :)

For those who have been keeping up with me on Facebook, I appreciate that. For those who haven't and actually thought I had dropped off the face of the earth, well, obviously, I didn't.

That's about all for now. We will continue the catch up in our next visit. Hope you all have a wonderful week and that at this time of year, we all take a moment to realize how blessed we all are. Please remember to say thank-you to anyone who you feel deserves it.

Until next time.

Hugs,
Debi :)

In like a Lion...out like a lamb?

Hey everyone...

Well here it is the 2nd of March and well, we finally have winter here in VA!!

This is the view of my front porch. We have about 4 inches on the porch alone! :)











This is the view from my front door to the street! I love the way snow looks and how pretty it is. I hate to drive in it but it sure is pretty to watch.








This is female Cardinal in one of my trees. She was chirping and making all kinds of noise, probably yelling at her kids to come inside! :)

My office is closed today so I will be taking full advantage of the extra knitting time. I have been busy working on several projects and am in the process of finishing up some other projects.

If you are in the I-95 corridor, take care and keep warm, this storm was supposed to hit the majority of the area.

Until later,

Hugs
Debi :)

2009.....

Hey everyone,

Wow, I, along with everyone else, can hardly believe that 2008 is over and 2009 has come...in retrospect 2008 was a year to be remembered in many ways, new beginnings, endings, starting over...just to name a few...

Since I was negligent in posting during the holidays, I will catch everyone up now...Here is our tree, it was very full and wonderful. All the kids loved our Christmas. No one complained, and even the dogs got presents and Christmas dinner.

For our office, we went to a very nice steak house for dinner and we had "shrimp" appetizers...does this look like an appetizer to you?? This was definitely the biggest shrimp I had ever seen...!!

(sorry the picture is blurry)

Then, driving home on Tuesday before Christmas, the traffic was HORRIBLE!!! Everyone was in such a bad mood. I wasn't I had Christmas music blaring on my radio and yes, I was taking pictures of the traffic... in it's own way, it was rather pretty......what do you think?
This picture was taken in my car as I sat in traffic. That night, it took me over 2.5 hours to get home. Not great thing, but it's ok.

So, now we are at the first day of 2009....what will this year bring to us? We have a chance for more changes in this year..we can always look to each new year as a new beginning...I hope that whatever your goals, dreams or ambitions, that 2009 treats you well...may the new year bring you all peace and good well.

Hugs,
Debi :)

Thoughts on the election of 2008....

So, how many of you voted on Tuesday??? I did a few weeks ago absentee..but boy, the lines were long at the polls all day here in the DC Metro area! Can you believe how wonderful the turnout was? I am so excited to have seen all the younger and first time voters take part in this election. This was an historic election! I did manage to get the Washington Post for Wednesday, the day after, and I have put it away for my children and their children, etc to record that day in history.

As you can imagine, Washington is all a buzz with excitement of the Inauguration. Hotels have already raised their rates and some have even sold out! I am planning on sending a note to my congressman to see if I can get a ticket to the parade or even the actual Inauguration. That would be something to see....I am so close to the city...if only I could get there.....

Well, here's to the new President and his family..may they be blessed with good times and not so many bad....no matter who you voted for, we all need to be one in this new era...I will support my new president...

Take care,
hugs,
Debi :)

It's that time of year

Hey all and welcome to fall!! :) I can hardly believe it is already November 2! This year has flown by....

Tuesday is Election Day and I hope that all who are eligible to vote will do so...I took advantage of Virginia's early voter plan and sent in my vote a week ago! Since my work day is about 12 hours including commute to and from work, I was eligible to vote absentee and so I did! The polls here close at 7pm and I didn't think there was any way I was going to be able to get there in time to cast my vote.

Friday was Halloween and my family was in all different directions. DH, DS2 and I stayed home to pass out candy.....Dh loves Halloween, he loves to do the "scary" part of it. I, of course, love the "cute" part of it...guess who won this year?????

DH is very proud of his graveyard. He and the kids cut the wood, painted it to look like cement and even wrote some "interesting" items on the stones...He has plans to make it bigger and better next year! :)

I would like you all to meet Charlie.....He became part of our family last weekend. We rescued him from a local rescue and he is such a great dog! He is so much fun. He is very loving and all the kids really like him alot...he loves to play so Belle and Buddy have a new friend..The cats don't really seem to mind him too much and he loves to cuddle! He is about 1 year old and is a wonderful addition to our family.

Knitting wise, I have been busy...I have about 5 pairs of socks on needles now as we speak, a scarf and planning a few other things as well. I am trying to get alot done in a short amount of time...not always a good thing. I have a pair of socks almost done for a friend of mine back in California. They are done in her favorite colors, but are a bit too heavy for shoes, so she can wear them around the house...I will post pictures when they are done...

For most of my gifts this year, I am focusing on scarves. I am planning on getting some nice yarn and making some wonderful scarves for gifts. I know we can use them here in Virginia and even in California they can be used on those chilly "winter" mornings.

That's about all for now. More to come soon....Don't forget to vote on Tuesday...have a great week.

Hugs,
Debi :)

I'm Backkkkkkkkkkkk..........................

Hey I am back!!! Things here have been moving at a rapid rate and I have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to catch up on all the happenings!! I have been working at my job for about a month and I really enjoy it! The practice is great, the patient's are for the most past really nice and even the traffic doesn't bother me! I totally enjoy this job and am grateful that I am able to work and do something that I really enjoy.

The kids have all made the transition to their respective new schools and so far seem to be making the change well. DD1 has jointed the marching band...and after many nights of "I HATE THIS"... she has finally decided that marching band is pretty cool and has actually been enjoying it!!! They had a competition last weekend, and they took first place in their division!!!

DD2 has decided that she wants to knit a scarf for one of her BFFs! Such a proud moment in momma history!! Last night she picked out some yarn from Michaels, and then when we got home, I cast on and showed her a quick refresher on how to do the knit stitch...I am so, sniff, proud!! :)

DS2 has been doing great in school. He has been working hard and keeping up the great job that he began last year! I am really thankful for that!!

DD3 has begun 8th grade this year. Can't believe next year all of them will be in high school!! She has been making friends and having a good time. It doesn't hurt that the mall is only 5 minutes from my house!!!

As far as knitting is concerned, I have been busy!!

These are just one of the pairs of socks that I have been working on! They are my In-Decision socks as I just can't seem to make up my mind as to who I am voting for this year! :)

These are yet again, another pair of summery socks...The yarn is Knit Picks Coney Island. I love these colors!!!

Last night we were shopping with the family and went to Circut City and I got a new camera!! I LOVE this camera...I had had my older one for about 8 years and it was time to upgrade! DH ended up buying it for me, I had picked out the one I wanted and and was getting ready to pay for it and he ended up paying for it instead!! What a sweetheart!!!! :) I got a Nikon Coolpix S550. Awesome camera!! I have been playing with it all night and alot so far this morning. My animals are getting tired of seeing me with the camera in my hands and have begun running away from "mom's photo shoots!!!" :) I will post some pictures soon. (the socks are from the older camera)

Other things happening around the house are DH is out and about on several business trips...a few days each week for the next month or so. This is not always a good thing, though I do get alot of knitting done when he is gone, as there is no one to really talk to. Have I mentioned lately that I really LOVE my house??? Well, I really really do...it is just the most fabulous feeling to walk into the door after a day at work and know that it's my house...we went to Lowe's today and got some stones for a bedding wall along one side of the front of the house. ( I will post pictures soon) and it was a hot day. The wall looks great but tomorrow we need to get more soil for the bed and then the stones for the other bed on the other side of the front of the house. Confused? You won't be soon....I promise.

I am so excited that the new TV season starts this week. Some of my favorite shows are CSI Miami and Gray's Anatomy. Another one of my new favs wasn't renewed this fall, that was Stark. I am hoping there is a chance that it will come back in the mid season, but I have no clue. I really enjoyed that show alot.

Well, that's about all for now. I am off to the shower and then to bed. It's been a busy weekend and I have another busy week at the office.

Take care and hugs to all!
Debi :)

Updates....

Hey there,

Bet you all thought I was down for the count and not coming back up for air.....well you would be wrong... I have been out of touch with the real world for a bit due to many happenings in my house....it's time to bring you all up to speed.

First and foremost, my children who were in Tennessee visiting their Mom, are coming home tomorrow!! I am very excited. It has been 6 long weeks since I have seen them and I really do miss them!!! School starts for them in 2 weeks..so I am glad they will be home so we can go shopping and get them ready for school!!

Second, as I just mentioned, school starts in 2 weeks!!! I am excited for the kids, due to the fact that they are bored and really need to go back to school. I know when I was younger, back before there was fire, I missed school alot and was always glad to get back into the routine of going to school and seeing my friends again. This year, all my kids will be starting new schools due to the move but I am sure they will all adjust.

Next, I have a JOB!!! I know, you are all shocked and need to pick yourselves up off the floor, but I really have an honest to goodness job!! I am going to work for an Internist Dr. practice in Fairfax, about 45 minutes away and I am excited!! I start tomorrow!!! :)

Finally, and sadly, I must say the Princess, my beloved Sheltie and faithful companion of 9 years has gone. She had cancer and it had progressed so much that when I took her to the vet on the 14th, it was decided to let her rest. She was a great friend and went through alot with me. It just isn't the same without her. I think my other two dogs, especially Belle, realize that she is gone. I really miss her. The vet's office sent me to condolence cards and that means alot. I will be able to pick up her ashes in about a week. I am going to keep her with me. She made the move and I know it was hard for her. The last few weeks were tough as well, but she was a trooper. She will always remain in my heart. She was my baby.

That's about all for now.

Hugs,
Debi

Welcome Home

Well, we are finally in Virginia! We got here on the 27th but didn't get our computer internet up until today! Long story. Anyway, we are here. I love my house, I love the area, it is so pretty, and I am slowly, very slowly learning my way around here.

No pictures today, will post some when I get some taken. We have spent the last week unloading the truck, unpacking boxes and putting together all the new furnature we are buying!! (I LOVE IKEA). So, internet time is low but hey I am getting some knitting done. That is a good thing.

Many projects we are working on in the house, and will post pictures as we get them. For now, I just wanted to say, Hi, I am here!!

Take care.
Hugs,
Debi :)

New Beginnings

Well, today marks several new beginnings in my life. As I mentioned before, my eldest son, has just turned 18 and decided to move out on his own. This is all happening as we are getting ready to move across the country from California to Virginia. Well, it has happened. Yesterday, he moved his stuff out and today he came back to the house and said good bye. Talk about a tough moment. I tried hard not to cry but I did. There is a saying that goes,

"If you love something set it free
If it returns back to you it is yours
If is doesn't, it never was".

I hope he returns back to me eventually. I already miss him. I had him for 18 years. I know he has to move on, but I wasn't ready for that to happen just yet. Truthfully, are we, as moms, ever ready for the children to move on????

We finally finished our packing and cleaning of our house here in California. Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we leave for Virginia. It is exciting as well as heart breaking. I have made some good friends here in California, and will miss them terribily. I know we will all try to stay in touch. I look forward to our new life in Virginia. I have met several people through the internet from the area and am really excited to get there. My DH and I will have our first "real" home (purchased) together and we will begin again as we always do.

My baby, Princess, is doing ok. She has not shone any new symptoms since her diagnosis. We are hoping for a few more fabulous months with her. She is a special girl in my book.

Remember, tell the ones you care for how you feel, they need to know as much as you need to tell them. Take some time to smell the roses and see the view...don't keep rushing all the time. Life is fast, slow it down once in a while.

Take care.
Hugs,
Debi :)

Updates and such

Hey everyone!!

Just wanted to let you in some updates on progress and such. Things here in my house, have been a bit up in arms as of late. My whole house is in upheaval. We are in the home stretch of packing due to the trailer coming tomorrow. Rah. Today is a marathon day. We are on break now for dinner and such, but soon, will be back to work. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the moving process?? Oh well.

My DS1 graduated on Thursday, 6/12. I am very proud. This is the first of five. Seems so unreal at times.


Here I am with him after the graduation. Such a proud momma!!!


Here is is with his girlfriend. She is such a cutie!! :)

Yesterday was World Wide Knit in Public Day! (Yes, It is a real thing!). One of the groups I am in had a scavenger hunt. Talk about a good time. I put my sock in so many situations and had to ask total strangers to hold my sock. No one said no and all thought I was bit off my rocker, but anyone who knows me, will attest to that. Here are some of the things that I did yesterday....


Here I am outside the Charles Schulz museum and my sock has just met Snoopy and Woodstock.


This is Pam Stalker, she is a cartoonist who was at the museum yesterday and has done such things as Strawberry shortcake and Reader Rabbit...what a nice person to hold my sock. :)


I took my sock to a local yarn store, where it got to pose with an Alpaca!! Ok, so it's not real, but my sock does not know that!! :)


Finally, this is the young man at the drive thru window at McDonalds. Yes, we even had him hold the sock, needless to say, he was bit surprised but a good sport just the same!! :)I mean, who wouldn't want to hold such a beautiful sock???

My house is also sad. My beautiful 9 year old Sheltie, Princess, has been diagnosed with nasal carcinoma. It is very rapidly moving and spreading quickly. She has not been given much time. My heart is so heavy, but I know that she will be waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge when it is my time to pass. I love my dog and am grateful for the time we have left.

Here she is before her diagnosis, I want to remember her as the beautiful girl she is...


Well, that about it for now. We start loading the trailer tomorrow. Please remember to cherish those you love, you never know when they will leave you.

Hugs to all,
Debi :)

I have been interviewed!

I was interviewed by 5 minutes for mom a while back and it has been posted.check it out!

Hugs,
Debi :)

Moving on...

We have started packing and cleaning in anticipation for the big move. We have only 26 days left in California!! Can't believe it!! Where has the time gone?? I have had some wonderful experiences here in California.

I must say that when they say California is different, they really mean it. Not just the weather but the whole mind set of the people here. I have never seen so many Mercedes, BMW's, Audi's, Lexus' in my life than here. Even back in Connecticut there weren't that many high end cars on the roads. Even the kids going to school drive the high end cars. Whew,...

There is probably a Vet hospital on every other corner or block. I have never seen so many in one place. In the town that I live in, there are at least 6...wow, these are some of the best taken care of animals I have seen.

Allergies are very much present here in Sonoma county. My allergies have been haywire since were got here. I am hopeful that back in Virginia, they won't be as prevalent.

I have seen some great things. A while back, a friend and I went to San Francisco for the day. It was wonderful. We rode the ferry to the city and walked around. There were street performers and street vendors everywhere. We went to the famous Pier 39 and Fisherman's Warf.. too much fun..it was great day and we really enjoyed it. There are some fabulous shops in the city too..

Well, my last day at work is this Friday, the 30th. It will be bittersweet. I am so excited about the move, but I have made some really great friends here. Hopefully we will all stay in touch with each other. :)

We started packing the garage yesterday. I have been working in my old sewing room packing, sorting, organizing,etc. Then we have to tear down the walls and I have paint the whole garage, since we had painted the room green and the rest of the garage is just drywall. It's really ok, I don't mind painting that much.

Well, just wanted to check in and say hi to everyone. I have been knitting as much as possible. As I tell everyone, it is my "happy place" and there are many times mom needs her happy place so she doesn't kill anyone!!! :)

So, until next time....26 days to go.......
hugs,
Debi :)