A Special Day

Today is our 45th Anniversary. 

       

Married young - a child bride has always been my story and  I stick to it - to a good man

 

 
and being the fortunate recipients of  many blessings

 

 

 

 

 

 

gives   us the opportunity to celebrate this wedded longevity.    Even more extraordinary is that we still speak  to each other - even when dining out -  and still enjoy each other's company.

 

While I am off tarting myself up for a special night on the town, I thank you all for your attention to my blog in 2011 and wish you all many, many hours of happy knitting in 2012.

I'll be back blog writing in the new year.  Merry Christmas, everyone.

This Time Of Year

This time of year, it is not unusual to have delivery men ring the doorbell.  Couriers delivering  my online purchases or neighbours bringing Christmas cookies and wishes.

Friday, when the doorbell rang, I was excited, thinking  it might be the delivery of Number 2 son's 'promised-but-still-not-here-yet' gift. 

The delivery was of another sort.

Fred, with a five pound Rainbow Trout.   This delivery man had his picture taken, received a kiss and was invited to dinner.Not every delivery person is treated so well - even at this time of year.

A Ladies Afternoon

-Not every day, but every once in a while,  I love to host a ladies social event more reminiscent of another era than of today's casual entertaining style.

Yesterday was my chance.  I had offered my home to host the December meeting of the horribly-named Stitch & Bitch group.

I decorated my table,

baked some Christmas goodies,

washed the delicate tea cups and unearthed my Santa tea pot. 

With only five ladies coming, it was a very manageable number.  No extra chairs to set out and everyone  able to gather round the table.   With this group,   I know exactly when the guests will arrive and  there is never the need to  stifle a yawn or surreptitiously glance at a watch, because I know within ten minutes when they will  depart.  That's my kind of party.

Entertainment was, of course, knitting.

There was laughter, food and fibre-y inspiration.    All to the background of Christmas music.  A perfect ladies afternoon.

Too Busy Baking To Blog

Life in a small town is all about the food.

See here  my  contribution to a few upcoming community events.  This week's after Church snack, a funeral lunch, veteran's Christmas boxes,  the ladies group I'm hosting next week,  and hopefully a bit left over for my own Christmas.

The kitchen still has 'mega mess' written in flour on the counter top and as is all too often my custom, I'm ending my marathon day in the kitchen by cleaning the oven.  If it isn't my cup, it's my pie.

Fred, bless his heart, took one look at the kitchen and suggested we eat out.  He read my mind. 

Remembrance Day 2011

Last night I attended 'Women and War' at Meaford Hall, where four women spoke of their war and/or military experiences. 

The first to speak was a young female soldier who served for seven months in Afghanistan in 2010. Her heart-warming stories of the young children and the women of the villages revealed to us a softer side of the  military.

Next , was the story of a young woman who along with her husband, were among the many families forced from their land in 1942 to make way for  the Meaford Tank Range (known today as the Land Forces Area Training Base, Meaford).    Most families were farmers and they were forced to leave their farms  just as harvest-time approached.   Although some thought they would be allowed to return after the war, that was never to be.   The speaking role in that tribute was performed by the grand daughter of the young woman featured in the story.  She concluded by introducing that lady - her Grandma  - to the audience. 

Next was  an interview with a female, airplane mechanic.  An English lady who 'signed up' looking for adventure.  She was one of four, female,  airplane mechanics - grease monkeys, she called the four - to inspect and repair the allied planes. 

Last,  was a speech by  local Silver Cross Mother, Carol Mitchell.  Carol had two children.  Her oldest son  was killed while serving  in Afghanistan.  He 'knew' he wouldn't return and spoke to both his Mother and his wife about what to do in the event of his death.  The one thing he asked of them  was to never blame the military.  He said  "They are my family.  I will never be lonely."    While her oldest son was serving in  Afghanistan, her youngest son was diagnosed with brain  cancer.   He made the decision to not to tell his brother,  so as not to interfere with his mindset while serving in  Afghanistan.  Both boys are now gone and you  can read Carol's her story   here. 

It was a memorable evening. 

 

Lest we forget.

De-Cybered and De- Virtualed!

Yesterday, it occurred to me that I had not read any blogs for several days.  My normal blog haunts must have thought I had developed 'attitude'.

I hadn't read  any because google hadn't prompted me.  Dang that google.  Did it change it's 
modus operendi and not tell me!!  The nerve.  I had been de-cybered!

I use gmail for my email and it's a google app.  Once open there was, previously, always a tag called 'Reader' - and Reader stored my favourite blogs.  In easy sight and  easy clicking for easy reading.

Had google eliminated  that tag?  Because there was no  'Reader' tag on the top of my email.    Of course, leading the busy, important life that I do, I hadn't noticed.   Until I started to miss my cyber friends. (Some might say - "Get a life!"  But I like the life I've got)  What's Sandra up to?  How's  Marie's beautiful dog, Hudson?  Is Terri still juicing? What is Denise knitting? Has Lyn weakened and purchased any new clothes?   Only then did I take a look to find - there was no 'Reader' - there were no blogs.

Some computer fiddling later,   blogs were found.  Further fiddling and I have the 'Reader' tag back in place. 

Marian of Freshisle Fibers says that this year she is teaching Computer Technology to every class from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.   Could this ancient blogger get some tutoring, Marian?

We've Been Invaded

On virtually every street corner,

every lamp post,

 

every store front,

every door step

 

there are scare crows.  This weekend is the Meaford Scarecrow Invasion. 


Friday at 6 pm there is a parade followed by festivities - including food - at the harbour.  All day, Saturday and Sunday there is the famous Apple Harvest Festival Craft Show.  Perhaps not quite the One Of A Kind - but not far off it, either. The show takes up the entire arena and curling rink - and includes food. 

Not to deter you  from planning a day trip but driving in the area this weekend makes it seem as if every other road in the province has been closed.  EVERYONE comes to Meaford for the Apple  Harvest Festivities.  So if you are driving by, stop in and if not - you should.  Even if just to catch a glimpse of our annual invaders.

Once I Get There, I'm FIne.

In my old age, I seem to have developed a resistance to change.  (I guess it's really true what they say about becoming like your spouse over the years.)  Before leaving for Hearst and the trailer each summer, I think of  many reasons to resist going.  I whine and complain. I stare longingly at my Clematis, knowing it will flower in my absence.  I think fondly of all the fun, home activities I'll miss:  Knit group.  Hiking the Bruce Trail.  Swimming at the harbour here in town.

Once there, I'm fine. It's the transition I don't like.  Now that I'm home, I suffer the same resistance in reverse.  I know - there's no pleasing me.  I think Fred has said that a time or two.  But today, I'm melancholy about the summer being over - MY summer being over.  It started when I downloaded  a summer's worth of photos to the computer. 

Take a look.  From hair cuts to Root Beer floats to friends and knitting, it was a great summer.

There's A Calendar In Their Future!!

Home from Hearst and catching up on blog reading, ravelry - oh yea - and the laundry too. 

But I can't resist showing you what the Meaford Knitters - well, some of them thought this too riske (Where's that French keyboard when I need it?)  a way to spend the afternoon and  chose to stay away  - were doing while I was on vacation.

Here they are, knitting babes,  enjoying yarn and summer  on  the shores of Georgian Bay. 

Don't you think there is a calendar in their future?

For Danny And His Mom

Often, I am surprised to learn who reads my blog.    Take Danny's Mom for instance.    Who you ask?  Danny's mom.

 Danny, a Hearst 'boy' works at Ruby's Wool/Tool store.  

 I met Danny the first time I went in search of a fellow knitter in Hearst.    I had been told that 'Ruby' loved to knit and had confiscated a corner of the Tool Store for yarn.  My kind of woman. I had to search her out.    That particular  day, Ruby wasn't in, but this friendly, helpful guy - Danny - spoke to me and helped me out.  I left my card, and along the way, Danny must have mentioned my blog to his Mom.

Now, each summer when I go into the store, Danny mentions to me that his Mom reads my blog.  Religiously is the word Danny  uses. Danny tells me his Mom is NOT a knitter (a situation that is not too late to change, Danny's Mom) but that she reads the blog because she enjoys my writing style.  Quite a compliment.  Thanks,  Danny's Mom.

So today's post is for Danny and his Mom.

You raised a great boy, Danny's Mom.  He is always polite and helpful - and not to embarrass you Danny,  but single too -  I do imagine that when he began his career at the tool store, he never expected to be selling yarn.  But he has made the transition gracefully and is unfailingly helpful and patient.

Of course he is a man of many talents.  Not only is he great  with yarn sales but it was Danny who  introduced me to the absolute best cleaner in the world.

 Oops!  Did I just give a commercial endorsement on this blog?  Only for you Danny.

Danny's Mom, I am sure you know  what a treasure you have in Danny, but now, the rest of the blog world knows too.  As always, thanks for reading.

Heading North

It has been a fun, eleven (not that I'm counting) days with two of the Grand Kids.  Activities ranged from  Canada Day

a Blue Jays ball game,

Niagara Falls

and sous cheffing

 

to  hiking.

 

What there has not been is knitting.  Unless you count the few partial rows I've accomplished each night before falling asleep in my chair.

Tomorrow we head for the far north via the Chi Cheemaun.  Another new experience for the kids.  There is little that beats witnessing a child experience something for the first time.  Like walking the hall of the Rogers Centre to exclamations of  "This place is HUGE!" 

The next six weeks will be Internet -free for me.  Occasionally, I will borrow a computer for a post or two.  But mostly, it will be outdoor activities until I'm home again. 

So - have a great summer everyone.

Wrapping Up

Life as I know it to be normal around the Harris Household wraps up today.  Tomorrow is the Church garage and bake sale.  Sunday two of the three Grand Kids come for 11 days then the four of us leave for Hearst for the summer. 

I made four loaves of Whole Wheat Cinnamon Bread and two  Whole Wheat French Baguettes with Sea Salt for the sale. 

 

The rest of today I will spend doing the things I can't fit in while managing two kids.  Getting my hair done, gong to a Fred Eaglesmith concert and generally 'girding my loins'. 

What I'm trying to tell you is that this is the beginning of the season of less knitting time, less blogging time.    Read sporadic summer blogging by Brenda. 

So I wish all of you, great summers.  Lots of fun with family and friends.  In Canada, for sure, lots of activities that our weather only permits in summer  time.  Regular blogging returns mid-August. Have a great summer everyone.

Sandwiched In

I am a member of the sandwich generation.  Never more evident than on  'special' weekends.  Like this one just past - Fathers' Day. 

Friday saw me in Stratford meeting up with my two sisters

 

and Dorothy

to see Jesus Christ Superstar.  What a tremendous performance!  The artistic direction was beyond spectacular.  Too busy with toddlers and mortgage payments when the production  was popular in the seventies, this was the first time I had seen the show.  I  was stunned by the creativity of it.  Imagine combining the Passion Play and rock music and you begin to get the idea.

After the show I headed 'home' with the rest of the crew to celebrate with my Dad. 

 

Fathers' Day a bit early,  and his 91st birthday all rolled into one.  It was a great time.

 The next day - the other  half of the sandwich - I hurried home.   Number Two son, Peter, was arriving at our place to celebrate Fathers' Day with Fred. 

All of this sandwiching meant no knitting time for Brenda, this weekend.  I did manage to 'repair' a couple of things.  Some holey thrummed mitts for a neighbour,

 

and a Merino wool sweater for a friend.  

No knitting is not a good thing.  But being sandwiched by two loving generations of family makes up for it.  It was a wonderful weekend.

In The Corner

Lucky for me, our Contiguous teacher is online only.  Otherwise, she'd have me standing in the corner.  My homework is still not done. 

Sunday afternoon I spent some time trying to catch up  - I was about three days behind  - only to discover that Susie M didn't wait for me.    She carried on and is now at the underarm section.  Me, I've just finished my sleeve cap.

I might still be behind, but I do love my little sleeve cap.  Look here.  You see the shoulder 'seam' and sleeve cap forming this 'Y'.

Here is the sleeve cap being worn by  my chair arm.  

 

 Brilliant.  A top-down garment with the look of set-in sleeves rather than raglan. Done in the round, all in one piece.  Just when you thought everything there was to know about knitting had already been discovered.  Elizabeth Zimmermann would  have loved Susie M. 

As an aside, one of the reasons my homework is not finished, is this.

 Rhubarb Pineapple jam.  I have been thinking about this jam for awhile now.  I remember my Grand Mother made something similar.  Her version had Strawberry Jello as the gelling agent.  Online I found a Canadian Living recipe without the jello.   It looks glorious.  Red - a new rhubarb invention since Grandma made her jam -  with the golden pineapple.  Very Pretty.

Canning and knitting.  Enough to make this girl very happy.