Thomas Jefferson's Thoughts on National Debt

Thomas Jefferson wrote to William Plumer on July 21, 1816;

"I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared."

To see a copy of this letter in Jefferson's handwriting visit this page at the Library of Congress online. William Plumer was a politician in the new country of the United States. You may read a short article on him at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

Thomas Jefferson Store

OCD kicks in

Guess my OCD kicked 'cause I'm making another round ripple afghan. This time I'm making one in gold, black and white. I started it not knowing who was going to receive it. After talking to my uncle, he told me that he was seriously considering getting a place in Florida. So, I decided that this would be a housewarming present for him. You're probably wondering why I said my OCD kicked in. Well, I don't really have OCD, I just get hooked on certain things and do them over and over again like make the rr afghan and this one pair of slippers. For a while there I was hooked (no pun intended) on making dishcloths. I have gotten a bit slower on cranking out the round ripples so I'm not going to post a picture quite yet and leave you hanging waiting to see the final result. Take care everyone and hugs to all...

On 06 April 774, Charles the Great Affirms Promise of Quiercy

On this day in 774 Charles the Great affirms Pepin the Short's promise of Quiercy. OK, that's nice but who the heck is Charles the Great and what is Pepin's promise of Quiercy??? You may have heard of Charles the Great by his other moniker--Charlemagne. The Medieval Sourcebook gives a little more information about him that you may be interested in. Pepin (also spelled Pippin) was Charles the Great's father. Anyway, Pepin's promise of Quiercy was to restore to the Catholic church some lands in Central Italy. Pepin did not have these lands, they had to be taken from their conquerors before this could be done. The New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia has a good article about this. Scroll down the page to "Intervention of the Franks Formation of the States of the Church" to read about this event.

Granny Square Baby Blankie--Finished!

I had a ufo (unfinished object) for sometime that I was kind of frustrated with. Was it hard to do???? Nope, not at all. I was frustrated because I didn't notice the yarn was to be hand washed only. Dang, that's not practical for a baby blanket. I finished it this morning (see the above pics) and after I wash some "necessaries" I'm going to try machine washing it and see how it turns out. I'll let you know how my "laundry experiment" ends up. I didn't have a plan to give this to a baby, I was just making it because the yarn is so "pettable" and I thought it would be great for a special baby sometime in the future. As for the pattern, I started making a big granny square and just kept at it. I edged it with ww yarn in complementary colors. If you are interested in making something like this (you'll probably make a smarter yarn choice than I did lol)-- there are numerous granny square patterns available for free on the Internet and by googling you should be able to find one. Hugs...

Dishcloth Made from Afghan Square

Here is a dishcloth I finished making today. It was one of those carry-in-my-purse projects. I used a pattern for an afghan square to do this. The colors are kinda blah, but they'll do to wash dishes with. The following video will show you how to make this square; the difference in what I did is that I made my final round sc instead of dc. Why don't you try this and let me know how yours turned out? Best wishes and hugs....

"Chocolate Mint" RR Afghan Finished at Last!

At last I finally finished this afghan. It is wider than my 6'1" husband is tall! I wanted to use up some yarn I had been hoarding and I did use almost all but a little ball of the green, but I do have enough brown and tan to make several pairs of slippers. It is really hard for me to judge how much yarn I need so I often over-buy. I bought the tan specifically for this project but I think it looks better with 3 colors instead of 2 anyway. I have a cute picture of one of my chis posing on it but he wanted that picture posted on his blog so you'll have to go there to see it lol! Hugs to all...

Lapghan for Charity--Finished!

I'm finally getting some projects completed so I can post them. Here for your enjoyment is a completed lapghan made by using "magic ball" yarn with another strand (I used black) and basically double crocheting it the desired size. I got the idea from this blog. I liked the idea of using my little "leftover") yarn balls. I think it is better than using the granny square technique because granny squares are (for me) a tedious process of weaving and sewing after the squares are made. UPDATE: My round ripple afghan has only 4 more rounds to go! I hope to have it completed and a picture posted soon. Hugs to all...

Slippers For Friend--Complete!

A dear friend of mine will be having an operation soon. Like so many of us would, she wanted a decent robe and maybe jammies and slippers to take with her. I made these slippers and popped them in the mail to her the other day. She should have them today so I think I'm safe posting a pic of them. The black yarn I used is Caron Pounder and the bright coral (no it's really not pink) is a vintage yarn that I picked up somewhere. The pattern I used is a favorite that you can check my blog and see that I've made many, many times. Here's the pattern.

Crochet Update

I know I have to have adult ADD or something. I find it hard to concentrate on my crochet projects lately. I worked on 3 differed ufos (for non crocheters, that's unfinished objects). I bounced between my chocolate mint rr, and 2 different lapghans I'm making for charity--you can see them here. The one lapghan is a real pain because I have to sew 91 squares together. The other lapghan is made by using the magic ball technique. To make a "magic ball" you windup all sorts of leftover bits of yarn. For the afghan you crochet with another strand of yarn. In this case, I'm using black. You can see pictures of my lapghans here. I'm hoping to donate them to the VA hospital. I think I better get a few more going before I donate the pink one. I wonder if some macho guy would like it???? LOL! Hugs to all...

A Nice Family Day Today

Here's a picture of my baby boy! He was over today and we were setting him up with his own page on one of those online social type places. Duh, I can't think of the name of it just now lol. Anyway, I had to take a few pics of him for his page and I thought I'd post this one on my blog since it has been a while since I posted one of Justin. Anyway, we got him all set up. It is hard to believe that he is 29 and just now getting into learning how to use computers! He's always been a "late bloomer" so I guess this shouldn't be a surprise. Anyway, for the person who snoops here to see pics of my "boys" here's one.

Today, I fixed a very good pork shoulder roast. I had this huge thing in my freezer and I thought I had better make it so I did. I found a great recipe for an oriental style roast and it was yummy. You can see the recipe here. I made rice (of course) to go along with it and I had some stir-fried veggies. Justin, his wife Karen and her gd plus my mil shared the meal with us and just about everyone had seconds so that's a good sign that they enjoyed it. Added 24 March 09--I adapted this recipe to use in the oven instead of the slow cooker. I put the roast in a cooking bag and then mixed all the other ingredients and poured on top of it. Worked out pretty good and the meat just fell off the bone.

Take care everyone and hugs....>

Chatting About Some Crochet Things

I've seen some very cute crochet things for babies. Some of them I would be a little bit leery of having around babies. Those cute stuffed animals or amigurami could be hazardous to babies if there are little plastic doodads like buttons sewn on them. Babies put just about everything imaginable in their mouths--even their toes! When buttons go into babies mouth, there is a chance that the button will come off and the baby swallow it. Maybe not the first time but on a subsequent time when the thread holding the button on has weakened. I believe it is much better to embroider eyes and other features on these toys for babies.

Most crocheters know that it is not a very good idea to make potholders or hot pads out of acrylic yarn. This yarn will melt if it is exposed to heat. One thing I've seen lately on some projects are plastic eyes used on character hot pads. These too will melt not only messing up the cute crocheted item but also quite possibly getting stuck on one of your nice pots leaving you with lots of scrubbing to do in order to salvage the pot.

Did I do any of these things I've talked about? I'm embarassed to admit that I made a potholder out of acrylic yarn and well, the inevitable happened and it partially melted and stuck to a pot! Yick!

I've wondered about hats that don't cover the ears. They really don't warm you up or keep you warm.




Update on my crocheting: I put aside the afghan for the day. I started and am almost finished making a pair of slippers for a df who is going into the hospital. I haven't told her yet so maybe she won't check out my blog and I can still surprise her. I'll finish them tomorrow and try to get them in mail tomorrow or Saturday morning. Once she gets them I'll post a picture for you. Here's the pattern I'm using. I'm using one strand of black (Caron 1 pounder) and one of a bright coral (a "vintage" find). The picture shows you the colors.

This is it for now. Hugs to all....

Sneak Peek at Latest Afghan WIP

I am posting a couple "sneak peek" photos of the round ripple afghan I am making. It's getting VERY big and I hope it doesn't take too much longer to finish. Hugs...

Potholder Pattern to Coordinate With Meshie-Washie Dishcloth

Here is the pattern I promised you to coordinate with the Meshie-Washie Dishcloth.

This pattern is mine and by being posted here it is copyrighted as of 13 March 2009. You may use this pattern to crochet gifts or for your own use. Absolutely no selling of finished objects! Do not sell the pattern or copy my pictures for your own use or sale because I hold the copyright for them too. You may print out copies of this pattern and the accompanying photos to use as reference only. Do not post this pattern or the accompanying photos elsewhere on the web. You may link to the pattern here please. So enough of that and here's the pattern...

Meshie-Potholder

You will make 2 "squares"

Materials:

All cotton ww yarn (examples use 3 colors)
G Hook
Tapestry needle


Directions:
1st Square: We'll call this the front piece
With color A chain 29
Row 1 In 2nd ch from hook sc then sc across (28 sc), ch 3 then turn

Row 2 skip first sc then dc in next sc, ch1, *skip sc then dc in next, ch 1*

Row 3 sc across {last sc will be between a dc and ch3 ( 28 across)}

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have 9 rows of row 2 and 10 rows of row 3

Fasten Off

2nd Square: We'll call this the back piece

With color B chain 29

Row 1 In 2nd ch from hook sc then sc across (28 sc), ch 3 then turn

Row 2 dc across row

Alternate dc with sc rows. Do 10 rows of sc and 9 rows of dc

Fasten off

Weave in Ends (or you can leave this to the end)

Assemble:

Lay the back side of the back piece (are you following me??) down on table with the back side down.

Lay the back side of the front piece on top of the back piece. (Have I confused you yet?)

Matching up the sc and dc rows will simplify crocheting these pieces together.

Edging:
NOTE: Both pieces together

1st round--

attach color B ch1

sc around-- In corners, put 1 sc ch2 and 1sc

slip stitch into first stitch when finishing row

Fasten off

2nd round

attach color C in a corner ch3

dc around--In corners put 2 dc ch1 and 2dc

slip stitch into first stitch when finishing row

Here you may opt to chain 10 and sl st to corner to make a hanger-circle thingie.

Fasten off

Weave in all loose ends

Note: If you see that I have made a "goof" please let me know. I am the only one who has "tested" this pattern so some "goofs" may have been missed.

If you use this pattern please give me some feedback on it. Thank you for visiting and hugs to all...

Potholders Galore

Good News Today

Yippee! I got a temp. job with the Census Bureau for Census 2010. I will start my training the end of this month and it's PAID training! Just had to share the good news with you. Yippee! Oh, and the picture is of a badge an enumerator would have worn for the 1900 census--I thought that might be of a history kind-of interest to you. It will be interesting to compare it with the new one when I get it. Ok, I'll hush up for now. Hugs to all...

Free Crocheted Dishcloth Pattern!

I've been playing around making dishcloths without a "regular" pattern and this is one of my favorites to make and use. If it is similar to one you have seen elsewhere then I'm sorry. This is one that I've developed by trial and error and lots of experimenting :). This pattern is mine and by being posted here it is copyrighted as of 13 March 2009. You may use this pattern to crochet gifts or for your own use. Absolutely no selling of finished objects! Do not sell the pattern or copy my pictures for your own use or sale because I hold the copyright for them too. You may print out copies of this pattern and the accompanying photos to use as reference only. Do not post this pattern or the accompanying photos elsewhere on the web. You may link to the pattern here please. So enough of that and here's the pattern...

Meshie-Washie Dishcloth

Materials:

All cotton ww yarn (examples use 3 colors)

G Hook

Tapestry needle

Directions:

With color A chain 25

Row 1 In 2nd ch from hook sc then sc across (24 sc), ch 3 then turn

Row 2 skip first sc then dc in next sc, ch1, *skip sc then dc in next, ch 1*

Row 3 sc across {last sc will be between a dc and ch3 ( 24 across)}

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have 7 rows of row 2 and 8 rows of row 3

Fasten Off

Edging:

1st round

attach color B ch1

sc around-- In corners, put 1 sc ch2 and 1sc

slip stitch into first stitch when finishing row

Fasten off

2nd round

attach color C ch3

dc around--In corners put 2 dc ch1 and 2dc

slip stitch into first stitch when finishing row

Fasten off

Weave in all loose ends

For Your Dishwashing Pleasure...

More dishcloths are popping off my hook! Here are 3 more colorful versions for someone's kitchen. I really love how the varigated yarns make different designs. I have been perfecting a pattern for a dishcloth with matching potholder that I really like and I should be posting info on how to get it soon. Hope you enjoy these. Hugs to all...

Peace Corps Established

President Kennedy Greets Peace Corps Volunteers (1961)

On this day, 01 March, in 1961: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps was designed to encourage mutual understanding between Americans and other cultures of the world.

Visit this page at the JFK Presidential Library for more information on the establishment of the Peace Corps. Here is the statement as delivered by President Kennedy on the establishment of the Peace Corps:

I have today signed an Executive Order providing for the establishment of a Peace Corps on a temporary pilot basis. I am also sending to Congress a message proposing authorization of a permanent Peace Corps. This Corps will be a pool of trained men and women sent overseas by the United States Government or through private institutions and organizations to help foreign countries meet their urgent needs for skilled manpower. It is our hope to have between five hundred to a thousand people in the field by the end of this year.
We will send Americans abroad who are qualified to do a job. We will send those abroad who are committed to the concept which motivates the Peace Corps. It will not be easy. None of the men and women will be paid a salary. They will live at the same level as the citizens of the country which they are sent to, doing the same work, eating the same food, speaking the same language.
We’re going to put particular emphasis on those men and women who have skills in teaching, agriculture, and in health.

For more information visit the Peace Corps official site.

My Chihuahuas Have Their Own Blog!

Opi and Nellie Belle have their own blog now. Go here to visit them. Hugs and wagging tails...

Dishcloth Addiction Shows No Sign of Abating!

This dishcloth was made from a free pattern from the Lion Brand website. I did my own thing as far as the number of rows for the stripes because some of the yarn I used was from other projects. You can find the free pattern I based this on a washcloth pattern from Lion Brand Yarns. I did my own thing as far as the number of rows for the stripes because some of the yarn I used was leftovers from other projects. You can find the pattern here.

This dishcloth I made by doing 1 row of sc and 1 row of dc. I ended with a sc row. Some people do not like edgings on dishcloths because they say that it is easier to wash inside of a glass with a dishcloth without an edging. So I'm trying to make about 1/2 of my dishcloths with edging and the other 1/2 without.

This was another dishcloth I "winged." I did 2 rows of sc and 1 row of dc every other stitch. I put one round of sc as an edging.

I Need Your Help

I am asking for your . If you happen to notice that one of my links doesn't work, then please let me know. I will temporarily put a notation next to it saying OOC (out of commission) and I will go back and check it several times to make sure it isn't just a temporary thing. I appreciate your help so thank you very much! Hugs...

On 18Feb1943 White Rose Leaders Arrested

• On this day,February 18, in 1943:
  Nazis arrest White Rose resistance leaders--Hans Scholl and his sister Sophie, along with their best friend, Christoph Probst(see photo). The White Rose was a student resistance group in Germany. Many of the members had been part of Hitler's Youth but had become disillusioned when the Nazi's true agenda became apparent. Visit the Jewish Virtual Library to read an article about this group.
• Crochet update: I've been working a little on my rr afghan but took a break from it to finish making the granny squares for a lapghan I've been making for charity. I finished the squares and have started to sew them together--my least favorite crochet chore.
• I thought it was about time I made a history entry in here. I like to put down a little entry and include a reputable link for my readers to go for more information. I hope you have enjoyed today's entry. Hugs...

Valentine Day 2009

Happy Valentine Day to all my family and friends! A special greeting to Miss Elaine my cousin. She is new to e-mail and deserves a big welcome! Here she is with her "faux" pet named Elizabeth.

Speaking of "faux pets," here is my Nellie Belle with her "faux boyfriend" lol! She loves this toy and at times is even amorous with him--he received a special loving from Nellie Belle for Valentine Day!
This is dggd. She spent the night with me last night. I promised her that we would bake cookies today and she could take some home. Little cutie couldn't even wait to get out of her pajamas! We had a great time. I remember making cookies with an aunt when I was her age and I cherish those memories to this day.

Belated Birthday Greetings

Belated birthday greetings to my special uncle-- Uncle Lawrence "Larry" J. He has been more of a dad/uncle/big brother to me than anyone could wish for. His birthday was February 8th and even though I talked with him I had planned to post a greeting to him here. Anyway, happy belated birthday wishes to one of the best uncles ever! Love, "Sharee"

Today's Version of a Dishcloth

Today I stopped at Michaels after dropping my son Matthew off for an appointment. I needed some tapestry needles to weave in the loose ends of my finished crochet projects. In the display of sugar and cream yarn there was a never-seen-by-me self-striping version in pretty spring-like colors. I had to have it! I also picked up a hook--a crocheter can never have too many of those LOL! I sat in the car and waited for Matt's appointment to be over and started crocheting a dishcloth. I just used one row sc and 1 row dc for the entire thing after chaining 37 which ended up making each row 36 stitches long. I love how the colors look. I looked at the skeins of yarn I bought (3 in this color) and thought of spring and Easter. I hope you like. Making dishcloths are a recent interest of mine. I really didn't need any but there was a good sale on cotton yarn not too long ago so of course like any good stash builder I bought some! I took a couple of my creations out of my gift drawer the other day to try for the first time. I love these cloths. They're soft and VERY absorbent. I'm a convert fer sure lol! OK, I'll stop rambling and let you get back to your web surfing. Hugs to all...

A Favorite Old Picture

This is a favorite old picture of my sons and their friend Annette. It's hard to believe that they have grown up. They were such little cuties! I'm posting this picture for my dear friend Jackie, Annette's mom.

My One-Skein Scarf

Hi Everyone!

I just finished The One-Skein Scarf (Stoller, Debbie. Stitch 'n Bitch Happy Hooker. New York: Workman Publishing Company, Inc. , 2006.). It was a quick and easy pattern to make. The pattern calls for only one color but I used two so that it would more or less match the hat I made on my knifty knitter loom. I enjoyed making this pattern and I will probably use this pattern to make another scarf. I'm glad I finally got this set for ME finished before the end of winter lol!

Some of My "Kids"

My son Justin, being the good guy, came over this weekend to help clear fallen tree branches from his Omi's (Oma--German for grandmother) yard. My sweet ggranddaughter came with him. When they were holding the little chis, I just had to group them together for a photo-op! I love how this picture turned out. I really have a handsome son don't I? He doesn't think he's even a little cute but I think he's gorgeous! I may be a little prejudiced but I don't really think so in this case. Hope all my friends and family enjoy it.
I'm finishing up a scarf to color-coordinate with my new hat. Stay tuned for a picture of it. :)
Take care and lots of hugs to you all...

Hat Finished!

I finally finished the green and black hat I was making on my knifty knitter. It turned out pretty nice if I do say so myself lol! I like a basic hat for winter-wear and this style is just perfect. One of these days I'll learn to make something a bit more complicated on my knifty knitters but for now this hat will do fine.

Yarn Creations--Finished and WIPs

This is a dishcloth I made. I did not use a pattern for this one.

This is another dishcloth I made and I did not use a pattern for this one either.

I am making a hat for myself on my knifty knitter loom. I think the black and green will look nice with my black coat. Green is my favorite color and it complements the black.

At last I am making an afghan for US! I have made numerous round ripple afghans but have given them all away except for one that I plan to put in the spare bedroom. As you can see, I'm using my favorite color, green, in this afghan.

Here are a couple small projects that I have recently completed. I have been a little slow with my round ripple afghan. I love this pattern! I think that the next afghan or baby blanket I make I will have to try something different to break-up the monotony lol! I hope you have enjoyed these pictures. Leave me a comment and any suggestions you might have. Hugs...

Ice Storm

Here are some pictures of the ice storm we just went through. The white "blobs" on some pictures are actually snowflakes. We were without power from January 28th at 3 something in the morning until February 2nd about 9pm. Most of the pictures were taken from my yard except for a few of the later ones were at my mil's house. Many, many trees and powerlines snapped from the weight of ice on them. Son Matthew didn't lose power and son Justin lost his for a couple days but he has a wood burning stove that he uses for heat so his major problem was not having lights or working refrigerator. We lucked out with our freezer being in the unheated garage and we didn't lose as much food as we could have. The only heat we had was from our gas fireplace. I had amassed a bunch of candles so we did ok with light too. WARNING these pictures are COLD so BRRRRR lol!