06-27-2008 Substituting Types of Yarn

Have you ever seen a crochet pattern that you would love to make but couldn't find the yarn for it? Sometimes finding a substitute yarn can be tricky. Lily Yarns has an online yarn substitution calculator called "Yarn Switcher" that may be what you need to help you substitute yarns. Give it a try. It's at --> http://www.sugarncream.com/product.php?YARN_SUB=1 .

06-24-2008 Sons' Family Tree

Greetings! Do you ever google names? I sometimes do it to look for old friends and sometimes for genealogical research. A while ago, I googled a name in my sons' family tree and I visited one site that has a very detailed family tree that is theirs ---> http://www.geocities.com/carriejeanjacket/corneliusmorgansr.html . I corresponded with the author of it and asked permission to make copies of it. She's a very nice person and she referred me to her facebook. Gosh I really don't like facebook because it is sometimes hard to tell whose page I'm on because of the way it flipflops back and forth depending on where you've clicked. At first I thought she was the sister of a navy buddy of mine but then the name was similar but not quite the same and I figured that out a couple days after I called my navy buddy up and made myself look like a dingbat or something. Anyway, I'm terribly embarassed. Sorry....

06-20-2008 Daily Free Crochet Pattern

Ok crocheters, I learned of a new place to get a new, free pattern of the day. It's at http://www.freepatterns.com/ . You have to be a member but that's ok because their patterns are great and best of all FREE! Guess this entry is not only about crocheting but also a moneysaving tip. Today's pattern is a beautiful shrug out of chenille with a metallic threat crocheted in. Sooo many patterns, sooooo little time!

06-19-2008 History--Rosenbergs executed

On this day in history June 19, 1953--
Rosenbergs executed
On this day in 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were convicted of conspiring to pass U.S. atomic secrets to the Soviets, are executed at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York. Both refused to admit any wrongdoing and proclaimed their innocence right up to the time of their deaths, by the electric chair. The Rosenbergs were the first U.S. citizens to be convicted and executed for espionage during peacetime and their case remains controversial to this day.
Julius Rosenberg was an engineer for the U.S. Army Signal Corps who was born in New York on May 12, 1918. His wife, born Ethel Greenglass, also in New York, on September 28, 1915, worked as a secretary. The couple met as members of the Young Communist League, married in 1939 and had two sons. Julius Rosenberg was arrested on suspicion of espionage on June 17, 1950, and accused of heading a spy ring that passed top-secret information concerning the atomic bomb to the Soviet Union. Ethel was arrested two months later. The Rosenbergs were implicated by David Greenglass, Ethel's younger brother and a former army sergeant and machinist at Los Alamos, the secret atomic bomb lab in New Mexico. Greenglass, who himself had confessed to providing nuclear secrets to the Soviets through an intermediary, testified against his sister and brother-in-law in court. He later served 10 years in prison.
The Rosenbergs vigorously protested their innocence, but after a brief trial that began on March 6, 1951, and attracted much media attention, the couple was convicted. On April 5, 1951, a judge sentenced them to death and the pair was taken to Sing Sing to await execution.
During the next two years, the couple became the subject of both national and international debate. Some people believed that the Rosenbergs were the victims of a surge of hysterical anti-communist feeling in the United States, and protested that the death sentence handed down was cruel and unusual punishment. Many Americans, however, believed that the Rosenbergs had been dealt with justly. They agreed with President Dwight D. Eisenhower when he issued a statement declining to invoke executive clemency for the pair. He stated, "I can only say that, by immeasurably increasing the chances of atomic war, the Rosenbergs may have condemned to death tens of millions of innocent people all over the world. The execution of two human beings is a grave matter. But even graver is the thought of the millions of dead whose deaths may be directly attributable to what these spies have done.""Rosenbergs executed," The History Channel website, [ From: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&id=52622 (accessed Jun 19, 2008).]

If you go to the CIAs website --> http://www.foia.cia.gov/search.asp?pageNumber=1&freqReqRecord=rosenberg.txt you can read many of the primary source documents associated with the crime and trial.

06-18-2008 History: Susan B. Anthony Arrested!!!

On this day in history 18 June 1873--Susan B. Anthony was arrested when she attempted to vote in an election. When she was arrested, she refused to pay her streetcar fare to the police station because she was "traveling under protest at the government's expense." If you go to -> http://www.susanbanthonyhouse.org/ you will be able to read a short biography about Ms Anthony and take a virtual tour of her home.

6-17-2008 Money Saving Tip for Pet Owners

Money Saving Tip--For those of you who have dogs, you know that we are in the midst of "flea season." If you have multiple dogs, you know how expensive it is to buy flea control products for all of them. I started reading the label and looked up the amount and strength of the product I was using and then compared it to the same product for larger dogs. I have been able to buy the same brand product for a much larger sized dog and by measuring it out with an old syringe I had for dispensing kids' medicine I am able to buy only 1 dose and use it for all 3 of my fur babies! That's a substantial savings. Yes, those are my fur babies at the top of this post. Nellie is wearing her "Easter outfit," Opi is kickin' back in a lawn chair and Barney is enjoying the sun in the backyard.

6-16-2008: Stash, Crochet, Money Saving Tip & History Trivia

Earlier this month, I was up in Illinois for the wedding of a family member. When I visit there, I enjoy going to some of the thrift stores in search of treasures. This time, I was able to find a nice stash of yarn at a church's rummage sale for only $2. This is a picture of what I got for my money. I'll be crocheting a while with all of this yarn. When I was getting ready to go up there, I was crocheting my fingers off trying to make slippers for many of my family members. I only got six pairs done so I had to be selective about who I gave a pair. This link-- http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/slisoc.html will show you the pattern I used. Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures made before I gave them away. I modified this pattern by shortening the "cuff" so that I was able to use up more scraps from my stash.

Money saving tip-- As you noticed, I add to my yarn stash by shopping in thrift stores and rummage sales. You may also have luck at yard/garage sales, estate sales and auctions too. Good luck in your search for inexpensive yarns!

On this day in history 1963--
The Soviet Union launched the first female space traveler, Valentina Tereshkova, into orbit aboard Vostok 6. Go to -> http://space.about.com/od/cosmonautbiographies/a/tereshkovabio.htm to read a short biography about her.

Entry for June 16, 2008

YIPPEE!!!!

I finally finished moving my Yahoo 360 blog entries over to here!!!

I still need to post my list of links but that should be a piece of cake after moving all those entries over here by copying and pasting. Hope I haven't bored you by how long this transfer has taken. Stay tuned...

Entry for May 13, 2008

Entry for May 13, 2008

Money Saving Tip-- As I was working in my flower beds yesterday, I came up with the idea for today's money saving tip. Go perennials and share the green. Annuals are less expensive but every year you buy them they are a drain on the pocketbook. If you must have annuals then try growing from seeds. You can start indoors during the mid to late winter and have plants ready to go in the ground after the last frost. My daisies have multiplied and multiplied. I shared some with my nextdoor neighbor who had shared some plants with me last summer. My irises have also done really well this year and I need to thin out this fall so I'll be able to share some of those too. Sometimes local high schools have agriculture class and a project is to grow flowers. You can buy plants there and that helps out our schools and gives you a bargain too. I have also found seeds for perennials at 10 packs for $1 at one of those stores where everything costs $1. Enjoy! (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for May 12, 2008

Entry for May 12, 2008

On this day in history 1820-- Florence Nightingale was born. She was a battlefield nurse. Due to her efforts, medical and nursing care for war casualties and nursing in general greatly improved. Go to this page to read more about this inspiring person.

Crochet news-- I have found an interesting site thanks to one of the members at Crochetville.org. It has FREE vintage crochet patterns from the late 19th century and early 20th. You can peruse them at this page on handweaving.net. Hope you enjoy!

Money saving tip-- Limit your teenagers driving to school and joyriding. Let them take the school bus, walk or ride a bike.

Entry for May 11, 2008

Entry for May 11, 2008

Today is the 100th anniversary of the modern celebration of Mothers Day. Go here to read a little bit about this history of Mothers Day. Best wishes to all you moms!
Money Saving Tip-- Wash and reuse empty jars and plastic containers to put your leftovers in. I know those name-brand plastic food storage containers are pretty but they cost money and did you know that plastics are one of the products made from oil/oil byproducts? Reuse those empty peanut butter jars and those margarine tubs and save not only money but natural resources. Along the same lines, reuse those zipper plastic food bags. For daily use of food storage in the refrigerator or packing lunches, there is no problem with washing these bags and reusing several times. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for May 10, 2008

Entry for May 10, 2008

These are my irises that I transplanted last year from a spot that didn't get enough sunlight. They didn't bloom last year either due to a late freeze in the spring. I was amazed at how big they are and that they are yellow! I just wanted to share these with you. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for May 08, 2008

Entry for May 08, 2008

On this day in history 1541-- De Soto discovered the Mississippi River. New Advent online encyclopedia has a good article about De Soto and you may enjoy reading it.

Crochet update-- One row to go and then the edging and I'm finished with a baby rr I'm working on. Dear friend LS, if you are reading this, your furbaby's project is next! I guess you can tell that your "baby's" sweater is giving me the heebie jeebies and that's only because my first try really sapped my confidence. I'll finish it for her. She'll have it before next winter and maybe there will be a pair of slippers for you in the package.

Money Saving Tip-- This tip has to do with using coupons. I recently saw a coupon to save money on a gallon of milk. That's great I thought. The next time I went to the store I proudly tucked my coupon in my purse. Hmmm, what's this? The less expensive brand of milk was still a bargain! The coupon didn't even match the cost of the more expensive milk with the cheaper one! The moral of this story is to check the price of similar products BEFORE deciding to use that coupon!

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for May 05, 2008

Entry for May 05, 2008

Money Saving Tip-- Instead of throwing away bread heels (crusts), use them to make bread crumbs. For use later, store them in the freezer. I used to do this all the time. I even used them to make dressing for stuffing my Thanksgiving turkey. You can also make croutons out of them. Here's one recipe. There are numerous other recipes on the Internet..just go to your favorite search engine to look for them. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for May 03, 2008

Entry for May 03, 2008

Money Saving Tip-- Use your toaster oven instead of your big oven. You don't have to preheat it and it doesn't heat up your kitchen as much as your big one. Not only uses less energy, it also doesn't make your a/c work so hard in the summer.

On this day in history 1963-- Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers his "I have a dream" speech. Go to this page to read or listen to this landmark speech. Go to MLK Online to read more about the man and his civil rights work.

Crochet updates-- I am making baby blankets for 4 babies due this year. So far, I don't know if girls, boys or an assortment . Rght now, I am making a round ripple baby blanket in girl colors-- because it's yarn I already had. After that one, maybe I'll know the expected gender of at least one of them. Anyway, since they're all due in the fall, I have a long overdue project to redo before I start the next baby blanket. My bff has a furbaby that I need to redo a sweater for that I made. I have my yarn all frogged and I'm set to go after the first baby blanket is finished which should be sometime this next week. Of course, as I finish a project I will post pictures.

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for May 01, 2008

Entry for May 01, 2008

Today is May Day. This is a holiday that has been celebrated more in England than in the United States. For the Druids of the British Isles, May 1 was the second most important holiday of the year because, it was when the festival of Beltane was held. It was thought that the day divides the year into half. Here you can find descriptions of Beltane riturals. The Romans brought their holiday celebrations to the Britain too. The beginning of May was a very popular feast time for the Romans. It was devoted primarily to the worship of Flora, the goddess of flowers. It was when, in her honor, a five day celebration, in May, called the Floralia, was held. Go here to read some brief facts about May Day. Go to this article to read about the history of Floralia.

Money Saving Tip-- Make your own convenience foods! Do you like the beef flavored rice mix? How about kettle corn? For pennies on the dollar you can make your own. Go here to see how. I haven't tried any of these yet. If you fix any of these recipes let me know what you think. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 30, 2008

Entry for April 30, 2008

Today I'm going to start a new thing here on my blog. With the economic situation now a days, many of us are starting to feel the pinch. I thought that I would start putting a money saving tip in my blog whenever I make an entry. Soooo.....

Money Saving Tip-- When you make your coffee, put coffee in an insulated carafe after it finishes brewing. Saves electricity and keeps coffee from getting that thick, burned taste after warming too long.

On this day in history 1945-- Adolph Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide. Go here to read a short essay on Hitler's final days. Also, go here for another short essay.

Crochet-- I've been taking a little break from crocheting. I had too many irons in the fire so to say. Wellllllll, I have to get busy again. I need to make a baby blanket for my cousin, my very good friend's daughter, the wife of dh's co-worker, and my niece. Whew! I'm pooped out just thinking about it!I'm not sure if I'll make them all round ripples like I've been doing or if I'll try something else. Actually, I have one started but it seems to be slow going since it's made with a smaller hook and uses baby yarn. I was thinking of using that one for my cousin's baby since they live in Florida and use ww for the others. Wish me luck getting all of these finished! (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 29, 2008 #2

Chihuahua!



I just saw this and thought it was worth sharing. Hope you enjoy!
(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 29, 2008

Entry for April 29, 2008

Just had to show this one. I tutor DGD in math and a little reading. She looks so cute here during one of our sessions that I had to show you. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 27, 2008

Entry for April 27, 2008

A monument to Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, founder of the Spanish settlement of Cebu, the first capital of the Philippines.
On this day in history 1565 The first Spanish settlement in the Philippines was established in Cebu City by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Go here to read about the early history of the Spanish in the Philippines. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 16, 2008

Entry for April 16, 2008

Here's the rr baby afghan that I finished for the newest member of my brother's fiancee's family. I finally used up most of the "pinks" in my stash. I think I need to go buy more but dh may have fits over it! Anyway, I hope my dear readers like it. It took me less than a week to make. I definitely am getting faster with these.

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 15, 2008

Entry for April 15, 2008

On this day in history 1920, a paymaster for a shoe company in South Braintree, Mass., and his guard were shot and killed by two men who escaped with over $15,000. On May 5, 1920, two Italians, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were apprehended by the police. Both men were armed when apprehended and lied during questioning. It was common knowledge that both men were militant anarchists. On July 14,1921 both men were found guilty. The legal manuevering through the legal system lasted until April 9, 1927,when Sacco and Vanzetti were sentenced to death. They were executed on August 23, 1927. This case was well known during the 20th century because proof that they had murdered and robbed anyone was nonexistant. Their reputation as anarchists, and the fact that they were poor was believed by many to be the reason they were convicted and executed. To read more about this trial go to the following webpages
University of Pennsylvania
Court Tv

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 11, 2008

Entry for April 11, 2008

No one said I was known for quickly getting my pictures developed. Here's an afghan that I was making my brother for Christmas '06. I didn't get it finished on time so I gave it to him when dh and I visited him over Easter weekend '07. It is made out of voodoo yarn and a strand of ww. I used a Q hook for this project. It is extremely warm and I enjoyed working on it during the cold winter months.I put aside my other projects because my db and his fiancee liked the last baby afghan I made so much that they asked me if I'd make one for her niece's baby girl who is being born today. This one is pastel pinks and white. When I finish it, I'll post a photo for you to see. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 10, 2008

Entry for April 10, 2008

There has been some discussion lately at a crochet forum I visit about what to do with those little ends of the skeins that aren't really big enough to make anything out of. Well, I'm a hoarder and hate to throw them away. Also, I'm rather burned out on making granny squares. What I have been doing is spool knitting and then taking the cord I've made and using a Q hook to crochet a mat for my fur babies to cuddle up on when they take their "naps." These things are easy to carry in my purse and I often pull out my spool and go to work when I'm stuck waiting places. As you can see from the picture, my Nellie Belle is quite the ham and had to sneak in the picture. I didn't know she was there until I "developed" the picture on the computer! LOL! Does anyone else have any ideas of what to do with small balls of left-over yarn? Let me know! (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 09, 2008

Entry for April 09, 2008

My new camera--
I just realized that I have completed quite a few crochet projects this year. Here they are Completed 2008 demi slippers (1pr), chenille afghan, dog sweater for MILs chi, ski hat, half moon shawl, boucle hat and scarf set, red/white dog sweater, blue & white rr, scarf with headband set (2), headband, rr for baby(2), pink baby hoodie .
I started another baby blanket last night. It is made out of baby yarn and a small hook so it will take a while. It's made in strips that will be whip-stiched together after they're all made. Baby isn't due until the end of the year so I have time (I hope) to finish it. I think this will be a WIP in between other things like some of the UFOs around the house (UnFinished Objects).
Yesterday I had to buy a new digital camera. My old one wouldn't recharge. It was a Philips and the battery was built in and couldn't be replaced. Pretty "cheesy" thing to do and definitely not environmentally friendly to have to dispose of a camera after about a year and a half. Oh, and you can bet on me buying a different brand with a changeable battery. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 08, 2008

Entry for April 08, 2008

Here is a round ripple baby afghan/blanket that I made for the new baby girl my nephew's girlfriend is expecting! I hope she likes it. The pattern is Aggie May's from crochetville.org. I made it a little bigger than most people make theirs so that when the baby is a toddler she can still use it. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 08, 2008

Entry for April 08, 2008

Here is a crocheted hoodie sweater that I recently finished. It is for a 3-6 month baby girl. I am selling it at my Etsy store. Why don't you visit it and check it out. Visit my Etsy Store! Go to MsSharonMarie Etsy Store and see what else I have.

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 07, 2008

Entry for April 07, 2008

Take a journey into the past and listen to music popular during the Vietnam Era. Go here . (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 06, 2008

Entry for April 06, 2008

On this day in history 1832 the Black Hawk War began. The Sac and Fox Indians had lost their lands in Illlinois because of a controversial treaty that was signed in 1804. The Indians had ceded their lands east of the Mississippi by this treaty which was signed by 4 basically unauthorized representatives of the tribes. The tribes left Iowa where they had resided after this treaty to return to their "homes" in Illinois. To read more there is a fantastic web site called The Black Hawk War of 1832 . There you will find many primary sources. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 04, 2008

Entry for April 04, 2008

Just want to express some of my frustration. I belong to a forum online and this forum actively promotes censorship. Someone wrote in and complained about trademarked item she owned that was stolen. When members of the forum wrote to the "violator" and posted copies of emails received from violator in the forum, the moderator removed them. OK, now when a person receives correspondence from another individual whether snail mail or email, the receiver may do whatever she/he wants to with that correspondence as long as it isn't obscene and is basically G-rated (we don't want obscenity, pornography, violence, etc... around minors). Another time was when a member mentioned in the title of a posting that she had a new online shop. The moderator considered this posting offensive because it might not be fair to advertisers. This posting did not include an addy for the online shop nor did the poster have the same user name at both sites so there was no way to "look up" the online shop. This moderator doesn't seem like she's offering guidance but more like a gestapo agent in how stringently she polices the forum--even warning people about violating copyright when they just asked where to find plans/patterns/charts with no mention of wanting an illegal copy of a copyrighted item and as far as I'm concerned, the individuals were asking where to purchase or borrow said items.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my gripes.
Graphic courtesy of http://www.paulflynnmp.co.uk/images/censorship2.jpg (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for April 02, 2008

Entry for April 02, 2008

I thought that when I divorced my first husband in 1986, that I would be finished with him when my youngest son turned 18 in 1997. Welllllll, today I received a phone call from a collection agency. The call was from a collection agency trying to track down my 1st husband's 2nd ex-wife's daughter (hope you followed that)! She has a vehicle that she hasn't been paying on and they thought I might have some info for them! I haven't seen or heard from any of them in years and years! The skip tracer told me that I had an indirect link to her and therefore whenever background on the ex-wife or her kids comes up, I will be linked somehow. I'm not entirely sure how all this works but after all these years it is really wild to get a phone call like that. Hmmm, my sons were looking for their dad a few years ago, maybe I should call her back and she can tell me where to look for him. On the other hand, I think I'll let sleeping dogs alone. My sons haven't talked about him in a loong time so I don't think I'll volunteer for that headache! LOL! Although, he does owe me thousands in back child support. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 30, 2008

Entry for March 30, 2008

Here is another place for wonderful crochet patterns--and they're free too! I have so many patterns that I know I will not use 1% of them. Hey, I have choices though! LOL ! If by chance you find a link that no longer works, please let me know and I'll be happy to remove it. Later!

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 28, 2008

Entry for March 28, 2008

And heeeeeeres Barney! I couldn't resist getting Barney a new shirt the other day when it was 50% off. My little ones get clothes a lot more than Barney so this was her turn for something new.

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 27, 2008

Entry for March 27, 2008

Consumer Alert!!!
Check your phone bill. A company has put unauthorized charges on my phone bill for the last 3 months. they are listed as Agora Voice Messaging (800) 736-7500. Billing for them is done by a company called Integretel. They have charged $8.23 x3mon. When I called them, they said that I had authorized it through an online survey and that they had sent a verification email to me. Funny, the email addy they said they used was one I no longer use because it has gotten so bogged down with spam that it is ridiculous. So, remember this company's name and look at your bill. They have promised to reimburse for billing and this was by conference call with my phone company, them and me.
If you are having a hard time resolving problems with this company, you can call the FCC at 1-877-382-4357 or 1-888-225-5322
Read stories about people who have been ripped-off by them
More than 500 reports against them here
complaints
more complaints
An employee speaks out against Integretel
Graphic from http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/pa/News/phonescamalert.jpeg

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 23, 2008 #2

Entry for March 23, 2008 #2

Wish I could put more than 1 picture per post but I don't know how to do it or even if it's possible. Anyway, here's a picture of ol' Barney girl trudging out in the backyard earlier this month when we had the "big snow" of the season. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 23, 2008

Entry for March 23, 2008

Happy Easter everyone! Here's my Nellie Belle dressed for the day. She's not a happy camper. Nellie would rather be at a nudist colony 'cause she HATES clothes!...LOL! This cheers me up at little bit. I really loathe the holidays since my kids have grown and gotten their own lives. Not that I begrudge them doing their own thing; it's just that my life has now l0st some of it's whatever you call it (sparkle maybe???) since it is just me and my husband for the day and lest I forget, the 3 K-9 kids--Nellie Belle, Barney and Opi. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 22, 2008

Entry for March 22, 2008

On this day in history 1765 the Stamp Act was passed by Parliament. In November, it was to be instituted. This act imposed a tax on all paper products - legal documents, business records even playing cards and dice in the American colonies. Protecting the colonies was expensive and England needed a source of income to do this. The colonists were incensed by the unfairness. They were to be taxed and did not even have any representative to speak for them! The tax was to be paid in the colonies but NOT in England. To read this act go here . After Benjamin Franklin testified in front of Parliament, this act was repealed..
Etsy Buy Handmade MsSharonMarie

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 12, 2008

Entry for March 12, 2008

On this day in history, March 12, 1933, the American President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his first "Fireside Chat." These "chats" were radio addresses given by the president to the American people directly from the White House. The United States was facing many hardships during the Great Depression. The "chats" were to keep the American people informed that they were not forgotten and that their government and president were working to improve the economy and their lives. FDR spoke in everyday common vernacular so that even those less educated persons could understand him. If you are interested in reading the transcripts to these "chats" you may go to the Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Library site. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 04, 2008 #3

Entry for March 04, 2008 #3

Here's a baby afghan that I finished for my cousin's baby girl. She was born several months ago but as usual, I am SLOW!!! I used Aggie May's rr pattern. If you would like this pattern, send Aggie May a message over at http://www.crochetville.org/ . She has graciously shared this pattern with many of us. The colors are terribly off in the picture, in real life they are a light fuschia with a varigated that has light fuschia, lt. purple and pink and are beautiful. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 04, 2008 #2

Entry for March 04, 2008 #2

Here's the latest item in my Etsy store. These are slippers for a man. They are made out of 2 strands of ww yarn and are very comfortable. Check it out by clicking below.
Etsy Buy Handmade MsSharonMarie

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 04, 2008

Entry for March 04, 2008

Hi, I just thought that I would show you my current project. I am making a baby sweater to fit a 6 month old. I'm thinking about selling it on my Etsy store. If I'm lucky no friends or family will have a little girl baby by then and I decide to gift them with it! Anyway, if anyone is interested, after I make an item, I wash it and store it in plastic in a smoke-free environment. I like to make the 6 month size because newborns grow so fast that if new parents are gifted with newborn sized gifts, the baby might not get a chance to wear 'em.
Etsy Buy Handmade MsSharonMarie
(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for March 02, 2008

Entry for March 02, 2008

I am actually a day late posting this entry. On March 1st, 1942, the USS Houston CA -30 was sunk by the Japanese. I have a great interest in this battle. As a matter of fact, when I was in college, I wrote my senior thesis on this subject. Go to here to see a website sponsored by the survivors, their families, and other interested parties. It is a very informative site. The survivors went through hell for several years and treatment by the Japanese captors was an extreme example of inhumanity. Our men were starved, beaten, overworked, denied medical care, and murdered. These POWs were the ones whose experiences the movie Bridge on River Kwai was based on. Please visit their site for more information.
Photo from http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/cruisers/history/cghist4.html

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for February 29, 2008

Entry for February 29, 2008

Greetings friends,
Today you are seeing something that you won't see for another 4 years. Nope, it's not all the hoopla surrounding the upcoming elections. It's February 29th! This is leap day. With a rare exception, once every 4 years we have one--February 29th that is.
Before modern calendar-keeping , February 24th was leap day because way back then, February was the last day of the year. This old calendar was the Roman calendar and every few years an extra month was added so that the calendar was in sync with the change of seasons.
Then, in 45 BCE, the Julian calendar was adopted. This meant that an extra day was added at the end of February every 4 years. Nope this isn't quite the modern system of keeping track of days, months and years--but we're getting close.
The "modern" calendar was instituted in 1582 by Pope Gregory. This calendar is know as the Gregorian calendar. He kept with the idea of every 4th year being a leap year but with the exception being that a century year is not a leap year unless it is evenly divisible by 4. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for February 24, 2008

Entry for February 24, 2008

Here's a picture of my cute Leslie wearing her new headband I crocheted for her. I had made a different one that I was going to give her but it was too big so I gave it to my dil. My current project is a baby blanket that I am long overdue making for my cousin's baby girl. Since I am so overdue making it I am making it a little larger so that it will be more for a toddler. Stay tuned and I will have pictures of it in a week or 2 when it is done. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for February 23, 2008 #2

Entry for February 23, 2008 #2

Hi! Just wanted to post my round ripple afghan that I finally finished. Actually, it was probably a week or so ago I finished but I finally took a picture of it. The colors are kind of off, it is actually a pastel blue and white--2 strands held together. Hope you like it. Oh and before I forget, you can get this pattern from Aggie May over at www.crochetville.org. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for February 23, 2008

Entry for February 23, 2008

On this day in history 1945 the United States raised the American flag on Iwo Jima. There were actually 2 flag raisings. The famous picture was actually taken of the second flag raising later that day by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press. The first flag raising was of a smaller flag. To take a look at the time line of this battle go here .

The American boys had killed about 21,000 Japanese, but suffered more than 26,000 casualties doing so. This would be the only battle in the Pacific where the invaders suffered higher casualties than the defenders
The Marines fought in World War II for forty-three months. Yet in one month on Iwo Jima, one third of their total deaths occurred. They left behind the Pacific's largest cemeteries: nearly 6,800 graves in all; mounds with their crosses and stars. Thousands of families would not have the solace of a body to bid farewell just the abstract information that the Marine had 'died in the performance of his duty' and was buried in a plot, aligned in a row the numbers on his grave...
Bradley, James. Flags of Our Fathers (New York: Bantam Books, 2000), pp 246-247.

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for February 20, 2008

Entry for February 20, 2008

Hey, I thought I'd show you a completed project. This scarf was sitting in a box for ohh, about 4 years maybe. I put the fringe on it and wove in the lose ends. I still had some yarn left but not quite enough for a hat. So, I went thumbing through my patterns and surfing the web and I came up with this headband. The flower on it I kind of modified from another flower pattern I saw. I'm going to give it a gentle wash and then tuck it away for a present. Maybe for granddaughter for Christmas next year. Hope you like it!
I finished my blue and white round ripple afghan! Yippee! I'll try to make the time tomorrow to take a picture and put it in my blog.
There is a rumor going around that Barrack Obama refused to place his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. This is not true. I saw a video where he was questioned about this and he said that it was during the "Star Spangled Banner" that he did not put his hand over his heart. The video is here for those of you who are interested. Nope, I'm not a Democrat and at this point in time he is not my choice for President. I just think that fiction needs to be identified as such. (Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for February 18, 2008

Entry for February 18, 2008

There are still numerous preidential primaries to go. Here is a listing taken from http://www.votesmart.org/election_president_state_primary_dates.php for your info. Looks like by the time my state of KY has theirs on 5/20 the decision will probably be made! The next presidential primary for Kentucky (2012) will be in February under new legislation SB 3 that was passed by the Kentucky Senate on January 30, 2007 by a vote of 21-14. Other primaries (in KY) will continue to be held in May. Remember... VOTE!
States:
Alabama
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Alaska
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
American Samoa
02/05/2008 D
02/23/2008 R
Arizona
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Arkansas
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
California
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Colorado
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Connecticut
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Delaware
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
District of Columbia
02/12/2008 D
02/12/2008 R
Florida
01/29/2008 D
01/29/2008 R
Georgia
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Guam
05/03/2008 D
02/09/2008 R
Hawaii
02/19/2008 D
01/25/2008 R
Idaho
02/05/2008 D
05/27/2008 R
Illinois
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Indiana
05/06/2008 D
05/06/2008 R
Iowa
01/03/2008 D
01/03/2008 R
Kansas
02/05/2008 D
02/09/2008 R
Kentucky
05/20/2008 D
05/20/2008 R
Louisiana
02/09/2008 D
02/09/2008 R
Maine
02/10/2008 D
02/01/2008 R
Maryland
02/12/2008 D
02/12/2008 R
Massachusetts
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Michigan
01/15/2008 D
01/15/2008 R
Minnesota
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Mississippi
03/11/2008 D
03/11/2008 R
Missouri
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Montana
06/03/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Nebraska
02/09/2008 D
05/13/2008 R
Nevada
01/19/2008 D
01/19/2008 R
New Hampshire
01/08/2008 D
01/08/2008 R
New Jersey
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
New Mexico
02/05/2008 D
06/03/2008 R
New York
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
North Carolina
05/06/2008 D
05/06/2008 R
North Dakota
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Ohio
03/04/2008 D
03/04/2008 R
Oklahoma
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Oregon
05/20/2008 D
05/20/2008 R
Pennsylvania
04/22/2008 D
04/22/2008 R
Puerto Rico
06/01/2008 D
02/24/2008 R
Rhode Island
03/04/2008 D
03/04/2008 R
South Carolina
01/26/2008 D
01/19/2008 R
South Dakota
06/03/2008 D
06/03/2008 R
Tennessee
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Texas
03/04/2008 D
03/04/2008 R
Utah
02/05/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Vermont
03/04/2008 D
03/04/2008 R
Virgin Islands
02/09/2008 D
02/23/2008 R
Virginia
02/12/2008 D
02/12/2008 R
Washington
02/09/2008 D
02/19/2008 R
West Virginia
05/13/2008 D
02/05/2008 R
Wisconsin
02/19/2008 D
02/19/2008 R
Wyoming
03/08/2008 D
01/05/2008 R
Sources: http://www.nass.org/
Special Notes Hawaii: According to staff with Hawaii's Republican Party, the GOP is not technically holding a presidential primary or caucus. Delegates will be selected during a week-long period tentatively ending on February 7. Washington: The Washington Democratic party holds a series of caucuses that begins on 02/09/2008 with the Precinct Caucuses. This is followed by the Legislative District Caucuses on 04/05/2008, County Conventions and Legislative District Caucuses 04/19/2008 and the final Congressional District Caucuses on 05/17/2008, where the delegates and alternates are selected for the National Convention. There is also a non-binding Democratic primary on 2/19/2008. For more information, visit the caucus website for the Washington State Democrats. The Washington Republican party holds a caucus on 02/09/2008, which along with the primary selects delegates to the Republican National Convention. The Democrats Abroad Primary will be held from 02/05/2008 to 02/12/2008.
If you have any questions, please call the Project Vote Smart Voter's Research Hotline at 1-888-VOTE-SMART (1-888-868-3762).
Graphic courtesy of www.theclipartsite.com

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for February 17, 2008

Entry for February 17, 2008

Here's another pattern for a crocheted bunny. This would be great to put in an Easter basket instead of the giant chocolate bunny. Enjoy! http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/downloads/NP5.pdf
Also check out my blog for February 5th to see some others.
More later....
(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)

Entry for February 14, 2008

Entry for February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine Day! To see more old-fashioned Valentines, go here.

Entry for February 13, 2008 #2

Entry for February 13, 2008 #2

Here's my 2nd entry for the day. Today I decided to make a sweater for my son's dog, Bubba. I should have checked my gauge before taking the hook to the yarn because the sweater is only a tad bit big on Nellie Belle my chihuahua! Anyway, a girl can never have too many clothes. This one was made out of yarn I got at a thrift store and it kind of looks like a coat for Santa Claus. If you're interested in the pattern, you can find it here. It was very easy to crochet but the assembly was a bit confusing. I'm happy with how it turned out even if it ended up fitting the wrong "kid"!