26 December 2015

Neighbor's Daughter MISSING





My next door neighbor's daughter disappeared before Christmas. I usually don't post things like this on my blog but because I know the father and he's a good guy and a disabled veteran I want to do what little I can to help him. This is so shocking. She's a devoted mom of 3 small children and a loving daughter. If you have any information that may help to locate Kayla please contact Detective Barry at (270) 872-9102 or Radcliff Police Department. Here's the information that is known at this time.

  • One of her cards was used in Wisconsin at an atm machine after her disappearance 
  • Name: Kayla R. (nee Fernandez) Johnson
  • Hispanic
  • Age: 25
  • Last seen: 17 DEC 2015 at her father's house in Radcliff, KY 
  • Hair: Black
  • Eyes: Brown sometimes wears glasses
  • Height: About 5' 
  • Weight: 110 lbs.

The person in the above photo is the last person she was known to be with. He is a convicted felon. He has been convicted of felony child abuse in North Carolina, assault on a female and many other charges. See here for the source of this information and more info on him.

His information is--

  • Name: Brandon G. Pegram
  • White
  • Age: 25
  • Last seen 17 DEC 2015 Radcliff, KY
  • Hair: light brown
  • Height: 5 feet 9 inches
  • Weight: about 160
  • Piercings: nose and lip
Other pictures:



I Blew It--



I've been involved since we did our winter migration to Florida. Hubby has been working on finishing up the kitchen (it's very close to being finished) and I've been well, supervising and errand running. Before I left Kentucky, I set up a bunch of holiday related posts and I blew it dear remaining readers, because many of my followers didn't like them and 6 of my dear blog friends jumped ship and left me.

I suppose I could say it doesn't bother me because I'm doing this blog primarily for myself but the truth is, I am sad that someone took such a dislike to what I thought was a "treat" that they left. That's okay, because like I said this blog is for me. It is one way that I interact with the real world. I have a tendency to "hide" because of some things I've experienced in the past and this is one way I "socialize."

Christmas here was rather tame. I've been down with an upper respiratory infection for the last 4 days so we decided to stay home and not risk infecting anyone. My kind aunt sent over plates laden with a delicious Christmas meal.

I have a few finished projects to share with you and I'll be doing that soon. I'm hoping that your Christmas was full of love, cheer and most importantly--blessings.

Cheers!

Sharon

21 December 2015

Topper's Christmas Carol

Topper was an early television comedy (1953-1955). This series was about a somewhat grumpy and uptight banker, Cosmo Topper, and the ghosts which only he could see or hear, George and Marion Kerby. The Kerbys would often try to get Cosmo to loosen up and enjoy life, but more often they would complicate it. For more series information click here.



Holiday greetings,
Sharon

20 December 2015

Star in the Night

In this short, 1945 movie, it's Christmas Eve. Three cowboys have just bought out a store of items as Christmas presents, despite not having anyone to give the presents to.


Best wishes,

Sharon

19 December 2015

A Smoky Mountain Christmas (Movie)

It's time again to take a break and watch a sentimental Christmas movie. A country/western singer on a trip through the Tennessee mountains runs into a reclusive backwoodsman--and a witch. This is a 1986 made-for-TV film directed by Henry Winkler, starring Dolly Parton and Lee Majors


Hugs,

Sharon

18 December 2015

For Your Christmas Holiday Listening....

Today, I'm taking a break from posting a movie or show and I am posting a video that is a playlist of Christmas music that you can listen to as you go about your business. Many of the songs have the words posted so that it is a breeze to sing along.


Happy Holidays!

Sharon





17 December 2015

Rudolph

Here's the animated version of the beloved Christmas story--Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  You will hear the voices of Whoopi Goldberg, John Goodman, Debbie Reynolds, Richard Simmons and others. Now, get comfortable and kick back for a spell.



Have fun!

Sharon


16 December 2015

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Here's a Christmas movie that I don't think I've seen. It's It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.

Mickey Rooney plays Mike Halligan, a retired cop from Manhattan living in California with his family who decides to show his grandson, who has never seen snow before, what a real white Christmas in New York is like. But he dies from a sudden heart attack in which Halligan makes a deal with the Archangel of Heaven to return to Earth for a week until Christmas and show his grandson the seasonal glories of New York City. (more info here).



Later Gator!

Vintage Crochet Pattern Using Crepe Paper!

I've heard of crocheting with bread and other plastic bags, rags and t-shirts but this is the first I've heard of crocheting with crepe paper! This hat is very beautiful but I don't think it has a long life maybe I'm wrong though (hope). Let me know if you make one or have heard about crocheting with this medium.


Found on Newspapers.com
Cheers!

Sharon

15 December 2015

Highway to Heaven Christmas Episode

Here is a Christmas episode from season 5 of Highway to Heaven. This is one of those great, family style show that we no longer see enough of now a days. Grab yourself a cup of eggnog and a few Christmas cookies and enjoy the show.




Sharon

14 December 2015

An Ozzie and Harriet Nelson Christmas Video

It's time to grab a cup of hot chocolate and watch another Christmas video. Today's video is a 1956 episode from The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.


Enjoy!

Sharon

13 December 2015

Judy Garland Christmas Special

Today is a Christmas special with Judy Garland that was televised in 1963. An interesting thing about this video is that commercials from that time are included.


Best wishes,

Sharon

12 December 2015

Double Header-- 2 Holiday Episodes of Laverne and Shirley

Here are 2 Christmas episodes of the kooky and lovable Laverne and Shirley.


Wishing you a happy and blessed holiday season!

Sharon

11 December 2015

Petticoat Junction Christmas Episode

Petticoat Junction was a show I enjoyed watching as a kid. Here is a Christmas episode from that show.


I am having so much fun digging around the Internet finding videos and things to post for you. Have a great day.

Sharon


10 December 2015

A Mickey Mouse Christmas Video

Mickey is always an irresistible character and he does a great job in this video.



Hope everyone is staying nice and toasty warm and enjoying the season.

Hugs,

Sharon

09 December 2015

The Christmas Angel





LibriVox recording of The Christmas Angel, by Abbie Farwell Brown.
Read by Jan MacGillivray.

Disagreeable old Miss Terry spends her Christmas Eve getting rid of toys from her childhood toy box. One by one she tosses them onto the sidewalk in front of her house, then secretly watches the little scenes that occur, which seem to confirm her belief that true Christmas spirit does not exist. Then the Angel from her childhood Christmas tree appears to show Miss Terry that she has not yet witnessed the final act of each of those little dramas … 

Living Age magazine in 1910 observed of The Christmas Angel, "Not since Charles Dickens laid down his pen forever has there been a prettier Christmas story written, one more full of the real spirit of Christmas or conveying a more seasonable lesson." (Summary by Jan MacGillivray)
from: https://archive.org/details/christmas_angel_jm_librivox


  • I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. 
  • Charles Dickens
Sharon

Vintage Pineapple Crochet Patterns

Today's vintage patterns that I've dug up are for items made with a pineapple design. I remember this design very well from doilies my mom had in the living room when I was a small child. They were a tan color, rather like the color of an old paper bag. They were highly starched and special knick-knacks sat on them. Under the lamps on the end tables were doilies with highly starched, ruffled edges. I don't remember if they had the pineapple design or not.  For your enjoyment, the Pineapple Fan-Fair booklet.



Hope everyone is staying nice and cozy warm!

Hugs,

Sharon

08 December 2015

Christmas Roses, by Lizzie Lawson and Robert Ellice Mack



Here are a few Christmas poems that I extracted from an old book found on Project Gutenberg.


Christmas Roses
 

A BUNCH of Christmas Roses, dear,
      To greet my fairest child,
    I plucked them in my garden where
      The drifting snow lay piled.

    I cannot bring thee violets dear,
      Or cowslips growing wild,
    Or daisy chain for thee to wear,
      For thee to wear, my child.

    For all the grassy meadows near
      Are clad with snow, my child;
    Through all the days of winter drear
      No ray of sun has smiled.

    I plucked this bunch of verses, dear,
      From out my garden wild,
    I plucked them in the winter drear
      For you, my fairest child,
    Your wet and wintry hours to cheer,
      They're Christmas Roses, child.


THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING.
    "_I DON'T_ believe that Santa Claus will come to you and me,"
    Said little crippled Nell, "a'cause, we are so poor you see;
    And then I don't believe the 'chimbley's' wide enough for him,
    D'ye think that Santa Claus will come, when all the lights are dim."
    "Of course he comes to every one, dear, whether rich or poor;
    Now go to bed dear Nell," said Nan, "he'll come to-night I'm sure."

           *       *       *       *       *

    I don't know if by chimney or if by stair he crept,
    But sure enough he visited the room where Nelly slept.
    He brought a golden orange, and a monkey red and blue,
    That climbed a little wooden stick in a way I couldn't do.
    He hung them in Nell's stocking, and Nan was right, be sure,
    That Santa Claus loves every one however rich or poor.


HIE FOR CHRISTMAS!

    Bring Frost, bring Snow,
          Come winter,
          Bring us holly,
    Bring joy at Christmas,
          Off with Melancholy!

    Sing hie, sing hey,
          Sing ho,
          Sing holly,
    Sing hie for Christmas!
          Isn't winter jolly?

    Sing Jack, Sing Jill,
          Sing Jo,
          Sing Polly,
    Sing hie for Christmas,
          Mistletoe and Holly.


Peace and plenty for many a Christmas to come. 
-Irish

Sharon


07 December 2015

Children's Audio Christmas Stories

Here are many beloved Christmas stories for children. I hope you enjoy these.



Contents:

01 - Christmas At Fezziwig's Warehouse - Charles Dickens - 04:22
02 - The Fir-Tree - Hans Christian Andersen -19:19
03 - The Christmas Masquerade - Mary E. Wilkins Freeman - 22:42
04 - The Shepherds and The Angels - Bible -02:14
05 - The Tell-Tale Tile - Olive Thorne Miller -16:35
06 - Little Girl's Christmas - Winnifred E. Lincoln -13:37
07 - A Christmas Matinee - Mrs. M.A.L. Lane -14:24
08 - Toinette and The Elves - Susan Coolidge -24:34
09 - The Voyage Of The Wee Red Cap - Ruth Sawyer Durand - 12:45
10 - A Story Of The Christ-Child - Elizabeth Harkison - 09:56
11 - Jimmy Scarecrow's Christmas - Mary E. Wilkins Freeman - 11:33
12 - Why The Chimes - Raymond McAlden -09:43
13 - The Birds' Christmas - F.E. Mann - 08:10
14 - The Little Sister's Vacation - Winifred M. Kirkland - 17:41
15 - Little Wolff's Wooden Shoes - Francois Coppee - 09:20
16 - Christmas In The Alley - Olive Thorne Miller- 15:33
17 - A Christmas Star - Katherine Pyle - 08:12
18 - The Queerest Christmas - Grace Margaret Gallaher - 17:21
19 - Old Father Christmas - J.H. Ewing - 19:04
20 - A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens - 05:10
21 - How Christmas Came To The Santa Maria Flats - Elia W. Peattie - 17:58
22 - The Legend of Babouscka - Adapted From The Russian - 04:03
23 - Christmas In The Barn - F. Arnstein - 07:15
24 - The Philanthropist's Christmas - James Weber Linn - 19:02
25 - The First Christmas-Tree - Lucy Wheelock -02:08
26 - The First New England Christmas - G.L. Stone & M.G. Fickett - 12:36
27 - The Cratchits' Christmas Dinner - Charles Dickens - 16:28
28 - Christmas in Seventeen Seventy-Six - Anne Hollingsworth Wharton - 12:07
29 - Christmas Under The Snow - Olive Thorne Miller - 16:12
30 - Mr. Bluff's Experiences of Holidays - Oliver Bell Bunce - 17:03
31 - Master Sandy's Snap-Dragon - Eldridge S. Brooks - 20:17
32 - A Christmas Fairy - John Strange Winter -07:25
33 - The Greatest Of These - Joseph Mills Hanson - 17:32
34 - Little Gretchen And The Wooden Shoe - Elizabeth Harrison - 18:33
35 - Christmas On Big Rattle - Theodore Goodrich Roberts - 09:45

May you be poor in misfortune this Christmas
and rich in blessings
slow to make enemies
quick to make friends
and rich or poor, slow or quick,
as happy as the New Year is long.
-Irish


Sharon

06 December 2015

Christmas Carol Oldies

Today we have some Christmas carols for your listening pleasure. I love the old Christmas music recordings--brings back lots of happy memories. Here for your listening pleasure is this video full of old-time performers singing Christmas songs.



I wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year A pocket full of money And a cellar full of beer! (toast, origin unknown)

Sharon

05 December 2015

Night Before Christmas



Today's Christmas post is the classic poem--

Night Before Christmas.


'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,


Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.


The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,


In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there.


The children were nestled all snug in their beds,


While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.


And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,


Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap;


When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,


I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.


Away to the window I flew like a flash,


Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.


The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow


Gave the lustre of midday to objects below—


When what to my wondering eyes should appear


But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.


With a little old driver so lively and quick,


I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.


More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,


And he whistled and shouted and called them by name—


"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer! Now, Vixen!


On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Dunder and Blixen!


To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!


Now, dash away! Dash away! Dash away! All!"


As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,


When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,


So up to the house-top the coursers they flew


With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too.


And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof


The prancing and pawing of each tiny hoof.


As I drew in my head, and was turning around,


Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.


He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,


And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;


A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,


And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.


His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!


His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;


His droll little mouth was drawn up in a bow,


And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,


And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.


He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,


And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.


A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,


Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.


He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,


And filled all the stockings—then turned with a jerk,


And laying his finger aside of his nose,


And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.


He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,


And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle;


But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight,


"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!"


from: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/13213/13213-h/13213-h.htm



I have always thought of Christmas as a good time; a kind, forgiving, generous, pleasant time; a time when men and women seem by one consent to open their hearts freely; and so I say "God bless Christmas." -Charles Dickens
Sharon

04 December 2015

Mister And Mistletoe Cartoon

Today we're going to see a Popeye Christmas cartoon called Mister and Mistletoe. I recently watched the Popeye movie starring Robin Williams; and it was a cute movie and I laughed and laughed as I watched it.




A Christmas wish- May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten. -Irish

Sharon




Popeye starring Robin Williams

03 December 2015

Christmas Poems for the Family



Today's special Christmas post is 4 audio poems.

  1. Christmas at Sea by Robert Lewis Stevenson
  2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
  3. Old Sam's Christmas Pudding by Marriot Edgar
  4. The Bear and the Skrattel by the Brothers Grimm
I raise my cup of eggnog to you--Cheers!


 
Holiday blessings,
Sharon


02 December 2015

Christmas Comes But Once A Year Cartoon

Today's cartoon was initially released on 04 December 1936. Cartoons back then didn't seem to have much dialog and kids had to use their imaginations to give meaning to the cartoons.



Cheers!

Sharon


Crochet Booklet from 1908

I am back again with another vintage crochet booklet. This booklet has more "wearable patterns. Sometimes I think about how romantic the clothing was back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After looking at these patterns, I am really happy not to have to wear all the ribbons, bows, ruffles and lace ladies back in those days wore.

 

Hope everyone is wrapping up (literally and figuratively) their Christmas gifts and plans. 
Take care,




Flashing Fingers Lighting Gloves LED multi color or B/W


01 December 2015

Santa's Surprise Cartoon

I'm going to try to post Christmas stories and videos everyday for your enjoyment until Christmas day. For today's selection I have chosen a cute cartoon from 1947 called Santa's Surprise.



Season's Greetings!

28 November 2015

Charles Dickens--A Christmas Carol



In honor of the season, and for your enjoyment, I present to you the audio for the Charles Dicken's novel: A Christmas Carol. This recording is divided into 5 parts, when each part finishes playing, the next will start and the new timer (for that part of the story) will show up on the player.




26 November 2015

Happy Thanksgiving Folks!

To all of you I'm sending wishes and prayers for a happy and safe day for you, your friends and family.




25 November 2015

Looking Back--Vintage Crochet

Here is another vintage booklet that I have found for your enjoyment. Sometimes I whine about how patterns are written today, but today's patterns are well advanced in written form when compared to patterns the folks back in 1912 had to use when this booklet was published.

 

Hope you've enjoyed todays post.

Hugs,

Sharon

23 November 2015

22 November 2015

A Few More Finished Projects

I recently had some more projects come off my hook. Some of them are things I've made many times before and there is a hat that I made from a new-to-me pattern. Here they are:



*****


*****



This pattern calls for 2 different sizes of hooks. The large hook, I had to downsize 1 hook size. This is an interesting and fun pattern to make. I will try to throw in something different when I show you items made from the same ol' patterns so that the posts here will have some variety. Speaking of something different, here's my new model for crocheted items:


Actually, this is my son. He may be 36, but he'll always be my little boy. ;)

We will be leaving at "oh dark thirty" for Florida Monday morning. We're going to take it more leisurely this trip and stop for the night somewhere in Georgia. Nellie Belle's car seat is in the truck and everything is pretty much packed. Just going to wash the clothes we wore today so there isn't laundry waiting for us next spring.

Later Gator--

Sharon

21 November 2015

Help Seniors and Veterans



I am enclosing the contents of an email I received from the DAV. I am a life-time member of the DAV and I hope that you will consider writing to your state's members of Congress about this in an attempt to help out our seniors and disabled veterans.

On October, 15, 2015, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that due to low inflation this year, no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) would be made in 2016 for Social Security beneficiaries. Since that decision would also apply to veterans receiving financial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, DAV issued a Commander's Action Network alert on November 4, 2015, calling on our members and supporters to contact their House Members and Senators to urge them to introduce and enact legislation that would guarantee a reasonable COLA for wounded, injured, and ill veterans and their dependents and survivors. 

Senator Elizabeth Warren and 18 of her colleagues have jointly introduced a bill, S. 2251, the Seniors and Veterans Emergency Benefit Act. The bill would provide veterans and others in receipt of VA financial support a one-time payment of about $580 (calculated based on 3.9 percent of the average annual Social Security payment). This one-time payment would soften the financial blow associated with the lack of an increase through a COLA, and the payment would be tax free. Payments would be disbursed to beneficiaries beginning 120 days after enactment. Even if eligible for multiple federal benefits payments, individuals could receive only one payment under this bill. 

A one-time payment is not comparable to an annual COLA, and a one-time payment becomes less valuable to more seriously disabled veterans because of their higher cost of living. However, in absence of a COLA or other viable alternative, DAV calls upon its members and supporters to contact their elected officials in Congress and urge their support, co-sponsorship ad passage of S. 2251. A letter for this purpose has been prepared for your use, or you may write a personalized message to inform your House Member and Senatonrs of your support for this bill. 

Thank you for your participation in the Commander's Action Network, and for your support of DAV and our mission on behalf of wounded, injured and ill wartime veterans. Your activism makes DAV a more effective organization.

If you go to this DAV page there is a letter you can send to your your state's members of Congress. Thanks for your help with this.

Sharon

18 November 2015

Vintage Crochet for Girls

Here is another vintage crochet book but this time it is for girls ages 8 - 12 years of age. Check out the picture on page 19--I always thought I could use a couple similar devices when my sons were little, they're 1 year, 1 month and 11 days apart in age.



I hope you enjoyed this little book. I plan to include more of these found treasures for you over the next few weeks.

Hugs,

Sharon





16 November 2015

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (16 November 2015)



Today's link takes us to a pattern for a Christmas ornament that looks like an old fashioned Christmas light bulb that I remember from my childhood. This should be a quick and fun project to make. I think this ornament would not only look good on the tree but also as a decoration on Christmas gifts.

Take care my friends,

Sharon

Christmas Lights--Many Kinds

12 November 2015

Being a Lookie-Loo on the Internet

I was just lookie-looing around on the Internet and I found this interesting pattern book on the Internet Archives. You might enjoy this to make something from or just to look at. I have a problem of buying many pattern books and using them more often for reading material than crocheting patterns. Interesting to note that this book was published when my maternal grandmother was a mere 10 years old. My how things have changed!








  VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch

11 November 2015

For Love of Country

I am proud to have served...

                                      

Served July 1975 to June 1978
and
November 1980 to December 1992


10 November 2015

Some Finished Projects

I've been piling finished projects on the coffee table next to where I sit crocheting in the evenings and it's about time that I show them to you. So here goes---


That's all of them piled up and now I'll get serious and show you the finished projects one at a time and give you the links to the patterns because all the patterns are free and online.

The following hats were all made from the same pattern and I used left-over yarn to make most of them. I like the little slouchy effect.


Red and white hat:



Christmas colors:


Teal green:


***

Two pairs of matching men's slipper socks:


***

Christmas stocking-- I left the shell edges off the cuff:


***

Crochet Seafarer's Cap--I love, love, love this pattern. It looks like a traditional hat for men.


I have used this pattern several times before with no problems. For some reason, this time the hat turned out sized for a child rather than an adult man. Maybe since my hands have stiffened up I'm possibly making tighter stitches. The next time I made a hat from this pattern I upsized my hook by 1 size and it seems to have worked out nicely as you can see in the next photo.


***

This next pattern I liked because it was easy to make and it came in several sizes. Crochet Slouchy Hat:



 After I finished it, it reminded me of one of the dwarf friends of Snow White.


This is all I have for now. Hope you're having a great week.

Hugs,

Sharon