Catheryn's Crochet

The Promise

2009-12-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

My Promise to Myself

This is really a note for myself so I can look on here after the 1st of the year and remind myself of my promise to myself. This year I propose to make at least 52 shawls, 52 scarves, and numerous other items to be donated to the local hospital, churches, nursing homes, safe homes, and homeless shelters. I have been so very blessed since my marriage to Bobby. Blessed to have a loving home and husband, blessed to have a beautiful and talented daughter, blessed to have wonderful "other" daughter and son, blessed to have the grandchildren, blessed with a loving immediate family, blessings beyond what I feel I deserve. This coming year of 2010, I want to be a blessing to others. In the past I have made and donated a lot, but not nearly enough. So.......to serve this purpose, I am actually going to schedule my days with projects. The list is as such:Monday......Christmas ItemsTuesday......Dishcloths Wednesday...Afghan SquaresThursday......ShawlsFriday........DoiliesSaturday.....ScarvesSunday..... Baby itemsBelieve it or not, all these items can be used at the facilities listed above. The doilies and dishcloths will go to the local safe house for the women to take and help set up housekeeping with when they are able to go out on their own. The shawls are for the nursing home residents, hospital patients, and shut ins. The afghan squares will be used for nursing home patients and newborns. Scarves for the local homeless shelters. Baby items for newborns, but will also include burial gowns for those families that have to deal with the heartbreak of still borns and premies that do not survive. Christmas items to be given to all of the above facilities.Now, if any of ya'll take the time to read this, do not hesitate to ask me on a regular basis "Are you keeping your promise to yourself?". Believe me, at my age, I will need the encouragement to keep myself focused!!

The Ribbit | Cherokee County Serial Killer Fact Sheet#comment-12173365#comment-12173365

2009-07-05T09:25:00.002-06:00

The Ribbit Cherokee County Serial Killer Fact Sheet#comment-12173365#comment-12173365

Cherokee County Serial Killer Fact Sheet
Some of you have asked for one page you can share of the Serial Killer’s crimes, the suspect and key facts. Here it is.
TIPLINE: 864 489 2746
ORIGINAL REWARD POSTER Click here to view or print out poster (reward now up to $2500)
NEW REWARD POSTER (waiting for one to be posted on line)
SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:Height: 6’2 or 6’3Weight: 240 to 250 lbsEyes: Distinctive,large medium-blue Hair: Salt and pepper, days-old beardVehicle: 1991-1994 Ford Explorer Sport gray or champagne colored
Keep in mind eye color may be deceptive could have had color contacts on for crime, or wear them to next one.Sheriff says they expect that he’s changed his appearance. Height and weight won’t change.
NEWEST SKETCH
FIRST SKETCH
VEHICLE
TIMELINE (based on published reports)
First Crime Saturday June 27th between 3pm and 6:45 pm.
Cherokee County home Battleground RoadMan approaches Mrs Cash, and then her husband Kline comes up. She hears the man discuss buying hay. She goes to store. She returns to find her husband dead on living room floor. She is the only witness we’ve been told about to date. The first and second sketches have been drawn off witness descriptions. Authorities say they think the woman was the intended victim.
The second crime happens Wednesday July 1st Bodies found by husband and sons 3pm.
Cherokee County home Buck Shoals Road 10 miles from first crime sceneFamily return to home and find a mother in her 80’s and her 50 year old daughter dead. Reports say they were bound and shot.
The third crime happens Thursday July 2nd Officers called 7pm
City of Gaffney, Tyler Home Center store, East Frederick StreetFather shot, daughter goes to check on him, daughter shot. There are reports the daughter was bound, but authorities won’t confirm. Employee finds them. Father was dead at scene. Daughter transported by air ambulance. She died a day and a half later
Ongoing updated developments: click here.
Other sources:http://www.wspa.com http://www.gaffneyledger.com/http://www.shelbystar.com/http://www.goupstate.com http://www.independentmail.com

Please Read

2009-07-04T18:47:00.000-06:00

Suspects vehicle

2009-07-04T18:30:00.002-06:00

Suspects car

Follow link for full coverage and updates

http://www.carolinascw.com/theribbit/

Abby Tyler

2009-07-04T12:21:00.002-06:00

This young lady is now the 5th victim of this madman.

Gena Linder Parker, Mrs. Hazel Linder, Kline Cash

2009-07-04T08:59:00.002-06:00

2009-07-04T08:57:00.001-06:00

Home U.S. GAFFNEY, South Carolina, July 3, 2009
S.C. Serial Killer Blamed in 4 Deaths
Manhunt on for Suspect In 6-Day Murder Spree; Police Say No Evidence Killer Knew His Victims

Investigators in Cherokee County, S.C. say that a fourth murder has been linked to a killer who's been on a rampage for the last several days. (CBS)
(AP) Sheriff's deputies searched Friday for a serial killer blamed for four deaths over the past six days as terrified residents wondered who might be next.

Investigators have not figured out how the victims are linked or if they knew the man who shot them. So far, all they have is a sketch of a suspect and a possible getaway vehicle, said Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton.

"There's no evidence there is a hit list," Blanton said. "There's no evidence he knows the victims. There's no evidence the victims are connected."

But plenty of evidence links the killings, said Blanton, who would not provide details.

"Yes, we have a serial killer," he said at a news conference.

The latest victims were found in their family's small furniture and appliance shop in the small town of Gaffney, South Carolina, around closing time Thursday. Stephen Tyler, 45, was killed, and his 15-year-old daughter was shot and seriously injured. Tyler's wife, his older daughter and an employee found them, County Coroner Dennis Fowler said.

The latest killing happened one day and about 7 miles from where family members found the bodies of 83-year-old Hazel Linder and her 50-year-old daughter, Gena Linder Parker, bound and shot in Linder's home. Blanton would not say if Tyler and his daughter were also bound.

The killing spree began last Saturday about 10 miles from Tyler's shop. Peach farmer Kline Cash, 63, was found shot in his living room. Investigators said he appeared to have been robbed, but they haven't determined if anything was taken in the latest killings.

The shootings have prompted fear in Cherokee County, 50 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina, and home to about 54,000 people. The county had just six homicides in all of 2008, and that was double the number reported the year before.

Residents have "their guard up and their gun handy," said Sen. Harvey Peeler, a Republican who represents the area in the state legislature.

Three Deaths in South Carolina Linked to Same Killer, Police Say - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

2009-07-03T08:12:00.001-06:00

Three Deaths in South Carolina Linked to Same Killer, Police Say - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Please Help Find This Man

2009-07-03T07:02:00.002-06:00

NEW: “They are the same” Cherokee County and Gaffney City crimes connected
NEW Sources tell me the three murders in Cherokee County and the murder and shooting at a store in Gaffney Thursday night are related. My source says “They are the same.”
NEW Cherokee County Coroner Id’s victims and releases crime details.
Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler is investigatingthe death of the owner of a Gaffney business. Fowleridentified the deceased as 48 year old Stephen HylandTyler of 189 Farm Wind Road, Gaffney.
According to the coroner, Tyler was shot inside his business, Tyler HomeCenter, located at 612 East Frederick Street Thursdayevening. Fowler pronounced Tyler dead at the scene andhas ordered an autopsy for later this morning in Newberryto assist with his investigation of the death which hesaid is being considered a homicide.
Tyler’s 15 year old daughter was also injured in the incident and ishospitalized at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.Fowler said Mr. Tyler’s wife and older daughter, alongwith an employee, discovered the victims in the businessunresponsive about 7:15 p.m.
The latest incident is the 4th homicide in Cherokee County in thelast 5 days.
There is a little more information I can give you on how to protect yourself, based on my conversations with law enforcement. Officials say the suspect doesn’t look as scary as that sketch. In fact, you won’t think a thing about him if he approaches. He will look/seem harmless. Could even be someone you know and trust.
I’m told the most important thing you can do if anyone approaches - is call 911 right away - and give a vehicle and person description.
Officials are also certain that the suspect is known to someone. That someone has a gut feeling about someone they know, as they look at the sketch, think about the blue van or champaigne colored explorer and think about when the crimes have occurred. Saturday afternoon. Wednesday afternoon. And then 7 Thursday night.
Watch the Thursday news conference replay linking all three killings in the county to this one suspect.
It was just Thursday morning, when the Sheriff of Cherokee County revealed the murder of a mom and daughter in Cherokee County is linked to the murder of a man just days earlier and just a few miles away.
The man pictured above is their suspect. A dark van and a champaigne colored explorer have been suggested as suspect vehicles. The sheriff says the killer is targeting women, even though the first victim killed was a man. Investigators describe two vehicles of interest a dark colored Van and now a Gold/Champaigne Ford Explorer as well, late model.
They think Kline Cash’s wife was actually the first intended victim. The sheriff says this killer is unpredicatble and could kill anyone. I’m told the area of Laurens Union Cherokee Spartanburg York and border NC counties need to be on their toes and don’t answer the door for anyone.
People in Cherokee County are scared. They’re posting on Facebook telling me with five unsolved shootings in a week, they’re uneasy. Two teachers, one retired, one still working, Gena Parker of Anderson and her mom, Hazel Linder, who lived on Buck Shoals Road off Highway 11, were the people found murdered Wednesday.
Gena was a third grade teacher at Calhoun Academy of the Arts in Anderson. From what I’ve learned, Gena carried on a tradition of teaching that started with her parents, who were teachers and school administrators.
I wanted to share some pictures here of Gena from Facebook. Gena was one of my Facebook friends. Under this picture from school Gena wrote about the rainy day that left her and another teacher with a room full of bored third graders. So they improvised those outfits with stuff around the room, to entertain the students. I can only imagine how her students will miss her.
Gina has two teenage sons who will miss her even more.
Sadly authorities say her husband Scott, found his wife and mother in law. Scott who you see below pictured with Gena, is an assistant coach at Newberry and an administrator in Greenwood County Schools where he is Assistant Principal at Ninety Six High School. He’s coached at North Greenville and TL Hanna as well. Thousands of people in the Upstate know this family, now devastated by a brutal crime.
Gena just posted on Facebook today that she was “very happy” after taking a Facebook quiz, what would turn out to be one of her final posts.
Another friend of Gena’s who is a friend of mine posted this on my page tonight.
Jonna Turner posts: “It is HORRIBLE , my road , my church, my church road, our friends….God bring those responsible to justice…she would have been at prayer meeting tonight.”
Our hearts go out to friends and family in this case and in the unsolved murder of Kline Cash. We hope authorities can figure out what is going on soon. Sadly one of you posted below that the funeral was underway for Mr. Cash Wednesday afternoon, when relatives started receiving text messages of the crime involving the Linder and Parker families.
We welcome friends and family of the Tyler’s to post here and share pictures and memories as well. Our hearts break for each of these families devastated by the violence.

Enough

2009-05-01T20:48:00.001-06:00

Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I pray you enough.' The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.' They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?' Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?' 'Well...I'm not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said. 'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.' May I ask what that means?' She began to smile. 'That's a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I pray you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory. I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear. I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger. I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye. Then, she began to cry, and walked away. They say, it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them. TAKE TIME TO LIVE..... To all my friends and loved ones, I PRAY YOU ENOUGH.......

Egeblad

2009-05-01T10:57:00.002-06:00

Egeblad
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

My very first knit doily!!!! The picture doen't do it justice, because it has yet to be blocked properly. I am awaiting the arrival of a vintage 1948 doily stretcher I found on Ebay to be able to block this properly. I love the way the doily looks, but I still find many, many areas that need improvement.
Details:
Pattern: Duchrow 64.1 - Egeblad by Christine Duchrow

http://www.yarnover.net/patterns/doilies/kunststrik/egeblad.html
Needle and yarn : Needle US 2½ / 3.0 mm
Yarn : Crochet thread size 10 in Ecru

Stash

2009-04-18T17:26:00.001-06:00

Just spent most of today trying to get this mess organized so I can find what I have. I ordered a ton of spacebags and used those to store my "less expensive" (i.e. cheap) yarns. The nicer stuff I continued to store in the plastic boxes for easy access. It is hard to tell from these photos, but believe me, this looks one million percent better than it did about 6 hours ago. Now on to tackle pattern organization!!!!

Look Familiar?

2009-04-17T10:19:00.001-06:00

Look Familiar?
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Today's weather in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Right now we have about 4 inches of snow on the ground and the snow is supposed to continue on through tomorrow evening.
Is it ever going to stop?!?!?!?!?!

Gratitude

2009-04-15T16:15:00.004-06:00

Things I am grateful for...............................

Family.........My husband, my child, my "other children", my brothers and sisters, my parents. I have been richly blessed with the family I was born into and married.

My friends from home..........

My new friends in Cheyenne...............Marcia, Penny, Suzy, Connie, the 2 Nancies, Lil, Geri, Loralee, Marilyn.....I am so blessed to have found ya'll. I enjoy out time together so very much.

EWE COUNT........my absolute favorite place to "hang out" in Cheyenne

My online friends...........Janet and Mary Jo....you are precious and dear.

My pups......Snoodles, Tater and Tootsie...what joy!

Crochetville and Ravelry.....can't beat these 2 online forums

Beach Music...........The Tams, The Drifters, need I say more.....

Pat Conroy.................what pleasure I receive from the words you write!

And the list goes on and on and on and on.............

Old Shale Dedication Shawl

2009-04-12T18:17:00.001-06:00

Old Shale Christening Blanket
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

We Baptists don’t christen our babies, we dedicate them. Mother called and needed a baby gift for a shower at church next month, so I prowled through my patterns and came up with this. I have been wanting to work through some of my “less expensive” yarns since I have recently really become a yarn snob, so I starting pulling out baskets from the closet and found a Caron One Pounder in white. After a really extensive steam blocking, the “Dedication Shawl” turned out really lovely. As soon as I finish all the detail of this post, into the box it goes to be mailed out to South Carolina in the morning.

Neighbor's snow drifts

2009-04-04T14:15:00.001-06:00

Neighbor's snow drifts
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Just had to post one more picture of today's snow.....

This is my backyard neighbor's house. Would you just look at how high the drifts are. There is absolutely no way she can open that door to clear a path out front. The way the snow is still coming down, her windows will be covered completely before all is said and done.

Snow .....AGAIN!!!

2009-04-04T07:44:00.001-06:00

04/04/09
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

I can't believe it.....the forecast is calling for 6-12 inches of accumulation today. What a start to Spring in Wyoming! It really doesn't help that the wind is also gusting up to 40 mph. Just a purely miserable day here. Even the babies don't want to go out in it. The high is only 'posed to reach 25 degrees. ARGHH!!

#1 Tacky Tiger Sock Finished

2009-03-31T09:57:00.001-06:00

#1 Tacky Tiger Sock Finished
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Sock #1 finsihed....now on to #2......

Tacky Tiger Sock in progress

2009-03-29T18:58:00.001-06:00

Tacky Tiger Sock in progress
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Sister's socks....I must love her to be working with Clemson colored sock yarn!!!! :)

My Shalom

2009-03-28T15:05:00.004-06:00

My Shalom
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Shalom Cardigan by Meghan McFarlane

NeedleUS / 7.0 mm

Yarn Noro Taiyo

How much?3.25 skeins = 715.0 yards (653.8m)

Purchased at Ewe Count in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Started this Monday evening and just finished sewing the buttons on about an hour ago. I love this pattern, although mine is modified greatly to be more age appropriate. A really quick project. Can't wait to wear it!!!!

March 26, 2009 Weather In Cheyenne

2009-03-26T10:00:00.001-06:00

March 26, 2009 Weather In Cheyenne
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Can you believe this?!?!?!?!

Grand Canyon Trip

2009-03-25T14:35:00.001-06:00

Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

When Kelly came out to visit last week, she sweet-talked Bobby into a road trip to the Grand Canyon. Into the car we hopped and off we went. Driving down, we took the long way through Salt Lake City. I have wanted to visit here since moving out, so Bobby obliged. On the way home, we took the shorter route through Monument Valley in Utah and onto I-70 through parts of Eastern Colorado.. What a beautiful trip.

More Socks!!!

2009-03-25T13:28:00.001-06:00

More Socks!!!
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Pairs #2 and #3.

Can you tell that the sock bug has bitten?!?!?!

My First Sock

2009-03-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

My First Sock
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

I'm knitting socks, I'm knitting socks, I'm knitting socks.................

Bruges Lace Mat

2008-12-05T16:02:00.002-07:00

100_0751
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Just finished this and I am so proud of it. I hunted furiously trying to find this pattern. I am so glad I did, because the finished piece was worth the effort!! This one is going up to be entered in the Laramie County Fair this summer, so off to the plastic bag it goes!!

SNOW!!!!!

2008-11-14T11:03:00.001-07:00

Front yard
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Yippie!!!

Our first decent snow of the year....probably about 3-4 inches! However much it is, it makes me very happy. The world looks cleaner and sounds quieter with a good blanket of snow on top of it!!

The Big Read

2008-11-12T09:58:00.009-07:00

1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
19. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, JK Rowling
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien
26. Tess Of The D’Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen
41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher

51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck
53. The Stand, Stephen King
54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden
63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding
71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones’s Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
83. Holes, Louis Sachar
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Feist
90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
100. Midnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie

TheBigRead

On the list above, I placed in bold the books I have read from this list and italicized the books that I have read and loved. I still have some work to do....and the website has recently uploaded new books that I need to add. Check it out!

(For some reason.....Blogger is messin' around today and the posting is not showing up in bold or italics!!! Dadgum' it!! So , for those interested, I have read #s 1,2,6,7,8,10,11,12,14,15,17,18,21,29,30,34,36,41,43,46,47,51,52,53,54,58,63,64,70,75,87,91,92,and97.)

In my Inbox

2008-11-05T06:56:00.003-07:00

This is what greeted me in my inbox this morning........

Catheryn -- I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you. Thank you, Barack

I know this is just a form letter that went out to the millions who contributed in some small part to his campaign, but it still means the world to me. It was not just my contribution as a middle aged white woman, but the contributions of millions in time and monies. It did not matter whether you were white, black, yellow, red, brown or purple and pink polka dotted. During this campaign, we truly became a nation united. It has only taken us a little over 200 years to achieve this, but the time is now here. How proud I am.

This is a sign of the times when I was growing up as a child in the South. I remember the waiting rooms of the doctor's offices, the stores with their "White Only" signs. I remember being a child of 8 years in Sumter, S.C. and the bricks being thrown through the downtown windows during riots. I remember in the 6th grade in Gaffney when one small, brave black child became the first child of color to enroll in Central Elementary. I remember the brick fights at Gaffney High School and I remember the National Guard being called out at the same time to quell the uprisings in our small town. To stop the turning over of school buses. I remember as a college student sitting in First Baptist Church and watching families walk out of services because some young black female students of Limestone came to worship with us while away from their own home church. I remember taking my child at the age of 4 to a downtown parade, small tho it was, to chant "KKK Go Away".

This is the sign of our future.

We should all be very proud of ourselves today. And we should be very proud that we live in a Nation that produces these types of young men. Our future is truly looking much brighter this morning.

2008-11-03T10:24:00.001-07:00

Jonathan Curley is a banker. He voted for George H.W. Bush twice and George W. Bush once. Here's an excerpt from his story on canvassing for the Obama campaign in North Carolina, from the Christian Science Monitor:

There has been a lot of speculation that Barack Obama might win the election due to his better "ground game" and superior campaign organization.

I had the chance to view that organization up close this month when I canvassed for him. I'm not sure I learned much about his chances, but I learned a lot about myself and about this election.

Let me make it clear: I'm pretty conservative. I grew up in the suburbs. I voted for George H.W. Bush twice, and his son once. I was disappointed when Bill Clinton won, and disappointed he couldn't run again.

...So you can imagine my surprise when my wife suggested we spend a Saturday morning canvassing for Obama. I have never canvassed for any candidate. But I did, of course, what most middle-aged married men do: what I was told.

At the Obama headquarters, we stood in a group to receive our instructions. I wasn't the oldest, but close, and the youngest was maybe in high school. I watched a campaign organizer match up a young black man who looked to be college age with a white guy about my age to canvas together. It should not have been a big thing, but the beauty of the image did not escape me.

Instead of walking the tree-lined streets near our home, my wife and I were instructed to canvass a housing project. A middle-aged white couple with clipboards could not look more out of place in this predominantly black neighborhood.

We knocked on doors and voices from behind carefully locked doors shouted, "Who is it?"

"We're from the Obama campaign," we'd answer. And just like that doors opened and folks with wide smiles came out on the porch to talk.

Grandmothers kept one hand on their grandchildren and made sure they had all the information they needed for their son or daughter to vote for the first time.

...We knocked on every door we could find and checked off every name on our list. We did our job, but Obama may not have been the one who got the most out of the day's work.

I learned in just those three hours that this election is not about what we think of as the "big things."

... I've learned that this election is about the heart of America. It's about the young people who are losing hope and the old people who have been forgotten. It's about those who have worked all their lives and never fully realized the promise of America, but see that promise for their grandchildren in Barack Obama. The poor see a chance, when they often have few. I saw hope in the eyes and faces in those doorways.

My wife and I went out last weekend to knock on more doors. But this time, not because it was her idea. I don't know what it's going to do for the Obama campaign, but it's doing a lot for me.

GO VOTE!!!!

2008-11-03T09:48:00.001-07:00

The best yet!!!!

2008-11-03T08:59:00.002-07:00

NOW GO VOTE!!!!!

How Funny

2008-11-03T08:45:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

HomeCooking

2008-10-25T14:13:00.001-06:00

100_0746
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

That is the name of this doily. Just finished it and it is now relegated with all the others into the "bag of unblocked Christmas gifts". It really did turn out very pretty,even though you cannot tell from the cattywampus way it looks in this photo.

My Babies

2008-10-25T14:11:00.001-06:00

100_0738
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Are these not the cutest 3 little younguns you have ever seen? Can you tell from the picture how spoiled they are?!?! All three are waiting on a "surprise" treat.

Christmas Tapestry

2008-10-18T21:49:00.001-06:00

Christmas Tapestry
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Just completed this ....into the "waiting to be blocked" bag of Christmas gifts it goes!!!!

Sea Aster

2008-10-15T15:20:00.001-06:00

Sea Astor
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

This is a doily pattern from a crochet group I belong to on Yahoo. The name of the pattern is Sea Aster. When I looked at the center of the chart, it looked like a poinsettia to me, so I decided to do it in Christmas colors. Once I had completed the doily, I went back to the center and with gold metallic thread I did a sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc around each dc post of round one. It really made the center stand out!

1.5mm hook
Aunt Lydia's Thread in Victory Red and Kelly Green.

Falling Leaves

2008-10-15T15:09:00.001-06:00

Falling Leaves
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Thought this turned out really pretty for Thanksgiving!
Falling Leaves is the name of the pattern for the doily. I made a change in the center turkey and used a pattern I had downloaded previously from somewhere out there in cyber-land. Don't recall exactly where it came from.
1.5 mm hook
Aunt Lydias colors: Pumpkin, Forest Green, Copper Mist, Burgundy, Fudge Brown, Victory Red, Buttercup Yellow.

Plans are to send this one on as a surprise to my mother for her table at Thanksgiving and make another for myself!!

Dahlia

2008-09-18T15:38:00.001-06:00

Yoko Suzuki
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Just completed this one today. This is another pattern from Laceworks by Yoko Suzuki. I love the end result, but did not love working on this one. The lace kept tangling as I worked and it was difficult foe me to keep everything straight. But, the end result was well worth all the hassle!!

Sweet Tater Pie

2008-09-17T19:09:00.001-06:00

Sweet Tater Pie
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Have you ever?!?!?!?!?!

Bruges Lace

2008-09-13T11:19:00.001-06:00

100_0704
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

My first attempt at Bruges Lace.........a little bit daunting for me. But I persevered and this is the end result! I love the way this turned out. The pattern is from Laceworks by Yoko Suzuki and the threads used are all Aunt Lydia with a 1.5mm hook.

More Frontier Days

2008-07-26T18:39:00.001-06:00

100_0678
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn

Daddy of 'em all!!!!!

2008-07-26T18:38:00.001-06:00

100_0662
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn

Frontier days!!!!
Yahoo!!!!!!

Another Japanese Sweater Finished

2008-07-19T15:00:00.002-06:00

Another Japanese Sweater Finished
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

I crocheted at least 6 hours a day since Tuesday to finish this up. I think that this is probably my favorite so far. This one is from the Let's Knit Series Vol. 9. It is titled Elegance Knit.
I used a 2.omm hook and bedspread weight rayon Petalspun from Elmore Pisgah. I probably have about 25 yards left from a spool of 1680 yards, so not very expensive to crochet, but very expensive looking. I can't wait to wear this one!!!

Soft Serve

2008-07-09T19:09:00.001-06:00

Soft Serve
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

This is the latest piece I have finished from Doris Chan's Everday Crochet. I just love this little sweater. Lion Cotton Ease (4 skeins), a Clover Soft Touch H hook, and a couple of days hidding in the basement ..... and this is what happens.

Sweater from the Japnese

2008-07-03T09:19:00.000-06:00

I purchased this book, Let's Knit #16, off Ebay specifically for this pattern. I thought it was one of the loveliest I had ever seen. I am sooooooo glad I did. I think this is probably the prettiest sweater I have ever crocheted and I am so very proud of it. Now, mind you, this is the priciest sweater I have ever crocheted. I splurged and bought some beautiful Millefille yarn at my LYS @ $7.10 a skein. It took 7 1/2 skeins using a 3.5 mm Clover soft touch to create this. But it was so worth the price!!!!! I know I will wear this more than enough times to make it worth the expense. Sometimes, if you can, it is really worth the splurge to make something that looks this nice!!
Hope ya'll enjoy this!!

Bobby's Pride and Joy

2008-07-02T09:40:00.001-06:00

Bobby's Pride and Joy
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Look at the beautiful vegetable garden my dear husband has created. People say you can't have a nice garden like this in Wyoming! Duh!!!!!!!
Onions, tomatoes, brocolli, cabbage, peppers, green beans,some herbs, squash, okra, collard greens, turnips, romaine lettuce. Who could ask for more?!?!?!

Clematis

2008-06-30T14:38:00.001-06:00

Clematis
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

How pretty is this?
This is the Clematis growing up the entry steps to my house. It is just so lovely, I wanted to share. Enjoy!!

Feather and Fan top

2008-06-28T11:40:00.002-06:00

Feather and Fan top
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Just finished this, and I love it. Just a simple feather and fan ....
Bamboo yarn that I killed when blocking so it would be very lacy. PERFECT!!!!

My Not So Short and Sweet

2008-06-15T19:46:00.001-06:00

Short and Sweet
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

I'm back!!

I am sorry I have been hibernating lately, but life seems to have interfered with my posting. Nothing drastic ..... just stuff. I plan on being much more faithful.
First entry........my Short and Sweet from the SnB Happy Hooker book. I promise ya'll, I have been trying to figure this pattern out for a year and could never quite get ir right. I finally quit trying to analyze the pattern yesterday, and just started crocheting, and it turned out perfect. You can see that I completed it in a more age appropriate length, and I am so happy with it. So happy in fact, that once I finished it today I started a second one in white!! This one was made with Knit Picks shine sport. I used the large pattern, but went down a hook size from an H to a G to make up for not using a regular worsted weight. My second one is in Sinphoia and I am following the same formula.
Til next time.........I have been busy in my hiatus.....many more completed projects to come!!!

2008-05-22T08:19:00.002-06:00

My heart breaks for this family......
Their 5 year old Maria died yesterday after being stuck by a car driven by her older brother. Please keep this family in you prayers.

The State of Politics Today

2008-05-22T08:07:00.003-06:00

Maybe we could use another Harry Truman...

When President Truman retired from office in 1952, his income was
substantially a U.S. Army pension
reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress,
noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them,
granted him an "allowance"
and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per
year (1958). To avoid essentially going on
welfare, Truman sold some property he and his family had inherited -
it apparently was the only asset he had. He later wrote a book which
in total netted him about $38,000 after taxes and paying assistants.
When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined,
stating, "You don't want me.
You want the office of the president, and that doesn't belong to me.
It belongs to the American people, and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him
the Medal of Honor on his
87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing,
"I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the
reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."
We now see that the Clintons have found a new level of success in
cashing in, unashamedly, on the presidency, resulting in untold
wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite
wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices.
Political offices are now for sale.
Was good old Harry Truman correct when he observed, "My choice early
in life was either to be a piano player in a whorehouse or a
politician. And to tell
you the truth, there's hardly any difference." I,
for one, believe the piano player gig to be much more honorable than
the current job of politician.

I received this from a friend in an email today and I think it speaks volumes. Now, I am not picking on the Clintons. I think this applies to EACH AND EVERY politician out there. It is a crying shame that it costs millions upon millions of dollars to run for public office. That should tell you something right there........who in their right mind would spend millions to obtain a job that only pays a couple of hundred thousand a year.
What in the world is becoming of this country? As I write this, the news is reporting that oil is topping $135 a barrel. Airlines are now charging for any checked luggage, truckers are parking their rigs, people can afford gas to work or groceries on the table. ARGH!!!! How could we have become so indebted to China? Why in the name of Sam Dickens are we still bankrolling a no win situation in Iraq? DOES ANYONE IN WASHINGTON HAVE ANY COMMON SENSE???????
If so, I don't see it.........

Latest Forest Canopy

2008-05-21T11:42:00.001-06:00

100_0527
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Can you tell it is true that lace knitting is addictive?
I absolutely adore this pattern.....this is #3 in the last 2 weeks. Number 4 is now on the hooks. This one was done in Kauni EQ with size 6 needles. I love the rainbow effect of this yarn. This picture is prior to blocking......I am awaiting the delivery of lace blocking wires to block this one with. I cannot wait to see the finished results. One thing I will do though, after seeing someone else's post on Ravelry, is add a wee bit of vinegar and fabric softener to the soaking water. This yarn is goreous, but is very rough. Hopefully these additions to the water will help set the color and soften the yarn up a bit.

Darth Tater

2008-05-18T07:57:00.001-06:00

Darth Tater
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

This is the little white monster that joined our family 7 months ago....he is such a little stinkin' rascal. I walked into the dining room last night, and he was on top of the table. I had mistakenly left a chair pulled out when I finished with supper, and he (once I left the room of course) promptly jumped from floor to chair to table top looking for crumbs!!! Nothing in this house is safe any more. He has eaten more crochet hooks than I can even count!!!
But he is such a sweet little booger!!!!!

Forest Canopy #2

2008-05-17T17:35:00.001-06:00

Forest Canopy
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

This is my second Forest Canopy Shawl. Hard to see detail of it, because it is blocking on the bed. Can you tell that I just love this pattern? It is a perfect pattern for someone new to lace knitting. This time I used laceweight merino/silk blend from Knitpicks and size 6 Knitpicks needles. The yarn is just lovely and so very light. This is a perfect spring and summer light shoulder cover!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T09:27:00.001-06:00

Gift from Mary Jo

2008-05-06T11:48:00.001-06:00

Gift from Mary Jo
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

How lovely is this little lady?!?!?!
Dear sweet Mary Jo, Tampa Doll from Crochetville, surprised me this week with this beautiful doll! I just love her to death. She looks like she is right out of Gone With the Wind, so she sits proudly in our "Strom Thurmond" bedroom! The photo I took does not show the color very well.....she is a deep, deep purple. My most favorite color! It is truly an honor to have one of Mary Jo's dolls.....she just does not give these away. When she creates a doll, it is a labor or love and she becomes very attached to the doll. I am truly blessed to have received one of these masterpieces!
Thank you, Mary Jo, from the very bottom of my heart!

Forest Canopy Shawl

2008-04-30T13:38:00.001-06:00

Forest Canopy Shawl
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

MY VERY FIRST KNIT LACE PROJECT!!!!!

After frogging and restarting about 1/2 dozen times, I am really going to town on this right now. It is the Forest Canopy Shawl pattern I found while prowling around on Ravelry. I have been dying to try a lace project, and this one is simple enough that I determined it to be the best to start with. I am loving it, now that I have the hang of the pattern. I cannot wait to finish and block it to see how the pattern really developes. I am using Patons Grace cotton and size 6 needles. The yarn is light enough that once blocked, it will be a nice and light summer shawl. The taupe color should be neutral enough to wear with lots of different things. This one I am making for someone very special. Janet.............the next one will be for me!

Mother's Day Roses Shawl

2008-04-24T14:34:00.002-06:00

Mother's Day Roses Shawl
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Just finished!!!!!
This is a pattern designed by Kathryn White . How gorgeous is this?
I began this as a wedding shawl for Kelly, whenever she has a wedding, but then decided it would be the perfect gift for Mother 's Day for my mother. So this one goes to my Mother, and I shall start a second one for Kelly.
Kathy's name for this pattern is the Ramblin Roses Shawl. You can find more of her designs at http://www.crochetnbeads.com/ . She is without a doubt one of the most talented designers in the business.
For this shawl I used a 1.75 Clover soft touch steel hook and some Petalspun bedspread weight rayon thread purchased online from Elmore Pisgah. I truly loved working with the Petalspun and shall definistely buy more. The drape to this is just beautiful.

Prayers, Please

2008-04-20T09:14:00.002-06:00

Lea's son has been injured while serving in Iraq. Please add him to your prayer lists. He is very blessed, as there were 2 other young men also with him at the time. One young man died, the other suffered a broken neck. Josh's injuries do not appear to be life threatening at this time, but he is being transported to another medical facility to undergo further tests. Please. please pray for not only Josh, but his family also as they wait on pins and needles for word from their son. Also remember to pray for the other young men who are still serving.

The King and Tricky Dicky

2008-04-18T19:02:00.002-06:00

Okay, ya'll, how awesome is this picture.
I think I mentioned in a prior post how much Bobby loves Elvis. Well, the other night we were watching this movie, can't remember the exact name, about when Elvis went to Washington,D.C. to plead with Nixon to name him a Federal Marshal. I always thought it was a bunch of junk when I heard the story years ago. You know, another of those urban legends. Well, come to find out, it did happen. At the very end of the movie, it shows Elvis posing with Nixon in the Oval Office for a photo of the moment. Bobby says....."Wonder if there are still pictures of that in existence?" Well, I came into the office, logged on the 'puter, and googled the Nixon Library. And guess what........they have copies of the photo for purchase! So I opened up the wallet. put $5.50 on my debit card, and a copy of this photo now sits here on the computer desk waiting on my next trip to Michaels to find the perfect frame. How cool is this?!?!?!

Funny for the day.

2008-04-18T17:51:00.001-06:00

Funny for the day.
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

How funny is this?!?!?!

Christening Dress

2008-04-17T08:39:00.001-06:00

Christening Dress
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Finished this up.......on my Flickr page are photos of the bonnet and lace socks that complete the outfit. This is one of those things I wanted to make while still able....before the MS does much more damage and I am not able to do this little tiny work. One of these days, Kelly will present me with a grandchild, and I want to make sure I have something extra special on hand for the occassion!! I am now searching for the perfect christening set for a little boy.....just in case.

The pattern is actually elements of 2 different patterns by Delsie Rhoades. I combined the 2 to make something no one else would have.....to make it one of a kind.

These pictures are pre-blocking. I cannot wait to see how it looks once blocked and I am able to find the perfect ribbon to use for trim.

Travertine and Granite

2008-04-16T19:23:00.001-06:00

Travertine and Granite
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Countertops and backsplash are now complete!!!! Floors are finished and painters are coming in tomorrow. By the first of next week, the house will be completed!! I am so excited to have it all finished.

Dishcloths and Bath Sets

2008-04-16T19:02:00.001-06:00

Dishcloths
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

The eternal dish cloths.....I just can never seem to make enough of these. The ones in the lower portion of the picture are made with Sinphonia......expensive to do, but the best yarn ever. It dries so quickly and you never get that old sour smell.

Christmas gifts in the making

2008-04-16T19:00:00.001-06:00

Bath Sets
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Bath sets to give as Christmas gifts......2 face cloths, a soap saver, and a bath puff. I think these along with some good smelley stuff will make great bath basket sets.

Please Visit

2008-04-08T07:53:00.001-06:00

God'sYellowPages

It is worth the trip.
(Thank's Nan, for this link :) It is now in my favorites.)

Hi ya'll

2008-04-05T07:27:00.004-06:00

I have been crocheting a lot lately, even though the evidence points to the contrary. With the remodeling mess this house is in, I just haven't taken any pictures, or kept very good notes lately. My production for last month is way down due to all the hubbub going on around here but here is a partial list.
7 more baby blankets, mostly round ripples
25 dish cloths (crochet and knit)
8 doilies, mostly PKs but some others also
I am in the midst of one of those funks right now, not knowing which direction to go with my work. There are so many projects I want to make.......... I am already thinking about what to make for family members for Christmas, and I know I should go ahead and start on those now, but.......
I think what I shall do is work on reducing my stash. Currently on hooks AND needles are dishcloths. I must have made at least 300 in the last year or so, and like the shawls, I do not have a one in the house for myself. People love them and they get gone as soon as they are made. But, I have 14 cones of PeachesnCreme
around the house along with small skeins of various cottons. So I think right now that dishcloths are in my near future. This yarn is also great for baby bibs, and I just love the pattern from MasonandDixonKnitting. It works up really quickly. Dishcloths and bibs satisfy that need in me to see fast results when I work.As far as the house goes, most of the redo is completed. Al and Ken will be back at the first of the week to install the travertine backsplash in the kitchen. Then they will install the hardwood in the master bedroom. Bobby decided to go ahead and do this after how pleased he was with the hardwood in the rest of the house. Gunner has ordered the wallpaper for the kitcen and baths, and that should be here within a week. Then his crew will come in and commence to paintin' and paperin'. My home will then be complete!!!! I am soooooo looking forward to all this work being completed. I WANT MY HOUSE BACK!!!!!
Later 'taters....

Music

2008-04-02T13:33:00.002-06:00

Okie, I know ya'll now all think I am a dork because Kermit is singing to you. I am....can't help it. This is one of my all time favorite songs......you should hear Donny Osmond sing it. Almost as good as Kermit, but not quite.
I am a music freak. Always have been, and my tastes are very diverse. If you take a look at my in progress playlist at the bottom of the page you will find everything from Kermit to Dolly. from Steven Curtis Chapman to Led Zepplin. I am having a ball searching for old music from Disco to Jazz to everything in between with a little old Soul tucked in just for fun and some Country just to make you tap your toes.
Enjoy listening!!

2008-04-01T18:16:00.006-06:00

ThePioneerWoman

Ya'll just have to check out this website. I am just in utter delight as I read through it. Ree is just precious.......as are her family, judging by the pictures. I am in the process of reading from the begininning her online novelette of how she met amd married her husband, The Marlboro Man. I am having such fun, that it is hard to tear myself away from the computer to do the necessaries around here.
And the recipes......oh my lawd! I have made the AppleDumplings several times already, and am craving more right now. For supper last night, I prepared MarlboroMansFavoriteSandwich, and it has now become a favorite of my railroading husband!! (I need to come up with a catchy name for him....)
Her photography is amazing. I do not know where she lives, but the photos look a lot like the parts of Wyoming I have ventured into. Just beautiful.

My Child

2008-03-29T13:11:00.001-06:00

Kelly and Jason
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Kelly sent this photo via cellphone the other night. She and Jason were down by the river with a bonfire going ..... just enjoying each other. I am so thrilled to see her this happy. The only thing any parent ever wishes for their child is happiness. That's all....and she is so very happy.
I am so proud of Kelly. For a while there, I was a bit nervous about how things were going in her life. But, she finally realized that the road she was headed down was not going to be an easy one. Thanks goodness!
She called the other night full of anger and tears over her job, though. It is rough working with abused children. I cannot imagine seeing the things she sees on a daily basis. It is heartbreaking, to say the least. On one hand, I wish she would find another area of social work to specialize in, but, there is no person on earth better than my child to work with these children. She loves them as if though they were her family. I just hate seeing her get her heart broken..........she sees daily all the BAD THINGS i tried never to let her know existed in this world.
I am so proud of you, Kelly. And I love you more than life itself.

Swap Doilies

2008-03-29T07:46:00.003-06:00

I just realized that I had yet to blog about the swap package I received from Sheryl in the doily swap. I am just in awe at these 2 pieces she sent my way. The Between Meals Centerpiece is Huge......26" in diameter!!!!!! The smaller doily is in just the most gorgeous colors. I sooooo apologize for not posting these pictures sooner, but I will kinda sorta maybe give you a reason for the neglect on my part. MY HOUSE IS COVERED IN 2 INCHES OF SAWDUST AND I HIDE IN MY BASEMENT FOR 8 -9 HOURS A DAY WHILE THE WORERS ARE HERE!!!!! One more week, one more week, one more week......

2008-03-24T14:17:00.000-06:00

This is what my master bath and kitchen look like as of today........arghhhh!!!
The dogs are locked outside, Bobby is gone to work, and I am fixing to hide in the basement with my crochet hooks. Ya'll should hear what it sounds like around here and you should see the 2 inches of construction dust on top of everything. It is a total wreck! But the end results will be well worth it!

2008-03-23T08:48:00.001-06:00

Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Bedroom doilies

2008-03-22T18:40:00.001-06:00

Bedroom doilies
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

I have been looking high and low for something to put on this little bit of wall space in my bedroom. Bobby painted the room, and I just could not find anything that really looked good with the new wall color. So.....I decided to make my own wall art. Found a couple of shadow box frames on sale at Michaels that match my bedroom furniture along with some crochet thread that matched the other colors in the room. I love this little old doily pattern, and it works up really quickly. The colors are a muted peach and mint green and I swapped the colors around on the two doilies. They are just mounted with small pins on a padded beige fabric inside the shadow boxes. I am tickled to death with them!!

Slate Foyer

2008-03-20T17:32:00.001-06:00

Slate Foyer
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

This is the slate going into my foyer. Pre-grout condition. Everything around here is really starting to come together now. Hopefuly the workers will be finished with everything by the end of next week. Today the slate was set along with the tile in one of the bathrooms. Tomorrow they will grout these 2 areas, tear out the flooring in the laundry room and kitchen and master bath. We purchased and picked up the hardwood today so it is on hand. Tomorrow Al will also pick up the sandstone for the kitchen floor. Oh my goodness.....it is such a mess around here right now. And the babies are not happy at all about having to stay outside while work is going on indoors. You have never seen more pitiful puppies in your life! My sweet, dear husband also let me buy new lighting fixtures today so those will be installed next week also. I promise ..... this house is going to look like something when we finish this project!! I am so tickled. And with my new kitchen.....I can probably forget the diet for a little while. It is going to be so pretty...between the sandstone, granite and travertine.....that I will probably be spending a lot of time in there!! Oh well....it could be a whole lot worse!

New Countertop

2008-03-19T16:00:00.003-06:00

New Countertop
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

This is the new granite in the kitchen (prior to the backsplash) being installed. I just love it. The travertine that we will use behind and above the granite backsplash is really going to make this look spectacular. I cannot wait to see the finished product!!

Grits Pie

2008-03-15T19:19:00.002-06:00

Grits Pie
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Ya'll have no idea what you are missing if you have never eaten grits pie!!! It is simply to die for...recipe follows.....

1 deep dish pie shell
2 eggs (slightly beaten)
3/4 c sugar
2 tblsp. flour
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 c buttermilk
3/4 c wate
1/4 c quick cooking grits
1/2 stick butter
1/4 tsp salt

Bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in grits and continue to cook, stirring constantly for 4 minutes. Add butter and cook and stir for one more minute. Set aside. Combine sugar and flour. Then stir in eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. When mixed well, stir into grits. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake at 325* for about 50 minutes.
Enjoy!!!!

Limestone Plate

2008-03-14T08:39:00.002-06:00

Limestone Plate
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

I am tickled to death with my latest treasure. I always type in the name of my hometown when I search oh Ebay. I guess it is a little way to stay close and ease my homesickness by surrounding myself here in Wyoming with little pieces of South Carolina. Well, while searching the other day, up popped this plate.It may not seem much to ya'll, but to me it is especially dear. Limestone College was a private ladie's school founded in 1845. The original main building on this plate was actually a hotel that all those dang Yankees would come visit because it was built near Limestone Springs....a natural spring well known for its "healing" powers. Anyway, I digress....
The reason Limestone is so dear.....
I grew up just 7 houses up the road from this building, at 119 Cooper Street.
My daughter received her degree from Limestone.
Lots of fond memories of hitting golf balls with my baby brother, playing touch football with my high school friends, parking (did I just say that) with high school sweeties behind the small observatory on campus.....just loads of sweet, sweet memories!
Limestone celebrated it's 100th Centennial in 1945 and commissioned Wedgewood to issue only 100 of these plates. AND I FOUND ONE ON EBAY!!!!!!!!!! It is in mint condition, with not one mark or chip or any disfigurement. I bought it with the intentions of giving it to Kelly in the future as a gift, but right now it is in MY china cabinet and it may be awhile before it leaves!
I find myself opening the china cabinet several times a day, picking up this piece, and drifting off into the good ole days in my mind. Ya'll know....back when times were not so scary, we were all so much more innocent......

2008-03-13T16:38:00.002-06:00

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn! With my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me
was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's"; more "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... Live it and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead; let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing eachday to promote ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I hope that you have a great day.

Naked Kitchen

2008-03-13T08:09:00.001-06:00

Naked Kitchen
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Why, you may ask, is Catheryn posting a picture of her messy kitchen? Good question. Even better answer. I wish I had taken one more before picture, because this kitchen looks a lot different than it did 2 days ago. We just ripped off red wallpaper revealing the naked walls underneath. But it will not be looking like this for much longer. Bobby and I are undertaking a major renovation of the upstairs of our home. First to go is this kitchen. Now, if I were rich, the cabinets wood be leaving. But, since I am not, they stay along with the appliances. But by this afternoon or tomorrow, I will have new countertops, granite and new tile backsplash under all the cabinets. Within a week or 2, new hardwoods will be replacing all the flooring upstairs in the great room,2 hallways, kitchen and dining. New ceramic tile is going into the entryway, both bathrooms and laundry room. And today a friend of Bobby's is coming over to give us an estimate on painting the entire upstairs and wallpapering the 2 baths and kitchen. It will be like a brand new house.
Stay tuned for more pictures of the renovation!!

Pecan Pie

2008-03-12T21:19:00.001-06:00

Pecan Pie
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

This is absolutely the best pecan pie recipe in the world. I took this pic as soon as it came out of the oven......believe me, it does not look like this now.

Now for the recipe:
3 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c melted butter
3/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c Karo syrup ( I use 1/2 c light and 1/2 c dark)
1 c pecans
pie shell

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Beat the eggs and salt with a whisk well. Then whisk in sugar until blended. Next add melted butter, vanilla and Karo syrup. Mix well. Layer pecans in the bottom of pie shell and then pour syrup mixture over. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 then reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake an additional 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy!!!!

Latest Ebay Purchase

2008-03-11T12:33:00.001-06:00

Decorative crochet
2 6 13 14 15 17 25 38 40 41 42 43 44 50 52 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 83 97 99 100 101 102 103 105

Magic Crochet
40 89 90 94 102 109 113 114 115 116 117 118 122 123 125 126 127 128 129 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146

My latest find on Ebay....I will not divulge what I paid for these, but as far as I am concerned, it was worth every last penny spent!!!! So there......
(We just won't tell Bobby exactly how much it was!!!!!)

Doily Swap Photos

2008-03-11T10:13:00.003-06:00

Sheryl....I snitched copies of the pictures you posted at Crochetville....so glad you liked your surprises.....

Here is what was included in the package sent to Sheryl

Blonde!!! DUH!!!

2008-03-06T14:12:00.002-07:00

I am such a dork sometimes!!!!! I finished my work for the doily swap on Crochetville, and was so excited to package it all up and get it in the mail, that I completely forgot to take pictures of a single thing included!!! Sometimes......
Well, hopefully, when Sheryl receives her package, she will post a pic in the thank yous. Then I will just snitch it for my evil purposes!! I am not going to list the inclusions on here, but believe me, if I was getting this package I would be thrilled. I just hope she loves it and enjoys the surprises as much as I enjoyed putting it together for her!!!

Doily Swap

2008-03-03T18:06:00.002-07:00

I have been feeling really good lately.....hands are working well. So, I bit the bullet and signed up for the doily swap at Crochetville. I am so glad I did!! I love making doilies and making one for someone you know is going to love and appreciate it is so much fun. I received my partner, Sheryl, and that is my favorite part of swaps. Making new friends. Sheryl lives in Alaska....Skagway. Nope, never heard of it before, either. So I did a little prowling around on the internet, and, my oh my, what a beautirul place she lives in. You must do as I did ...and look it up. Here is a little picture to tease you with........

Can you imagine waking to this every day? It would leave me completely breathless.

The doily I am making for her is a pattern I have not attempted before. It is turning out very pretty, in fact, I am going to make one for myself while I am at it. I just hope it is to her tastes.

Bye, ya'll. I'm on a mission to get this doily finished quickly!!

One more for today

2008-02-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

A living prayer......

If this doesn't move you......

2008-02-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

January and February Completed Items

2008-02-25T11:23:00.001-07:00

January and Februsary Doilies
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

I have decided I like the word items better than objects....

This is the stack of doilies I quickly steam blocked this morning. The next few days I am going to be pretty busy just doing some cleaning around here, so I am posting my list for February today. Here goes...

1. Fairy Tales Baby Bib 'O Love
2.Yellow Baby Bib 'O Love
3.Girly Girl Round Ripple
4. One Skein Scarf with Red heart and Infatuation
5. One Skein Scarf with Mainstays Black and Yarn Bee Glitzy Girl
6.2 Crochetroo Bookmarks
7. 6 Alpaca Crochetroo Bookmark Scarves
8. Baby Round Ripple with Red Heart white and Yarn Bee Peach Fuzz
9. Buttercup Baby Afghan
10. Sweet Valentine Doily
11.Hearts all Around Doily
12. Blue Hearts Doily
13. I Love You doily
14. Scalloped Hearts Doily
15. Excellent Doily by Mary Werst one of my favorite patterns.
16. Extravagent by Mary Werst
17. Comfortghan squares - 3
18. French Vanilla Doily by Trish
19. Seraphina Prayer Shawl
20. Angel Bookmark
21. Rainbow Star Doily
22. Pineapple Treat Doily
23. Knit Diagonal Dishcloth
24. Garerlac Dishclot
25. 4 Corners Dishcloth
26. Reverse Rib Dishcloth
27. Right Angles Dishcloth
28. 3 Cooton Bath Puffs
29. 3 Crazy Cloth Dishcloths

Whew....time to rest the fingers awhile......NOT!!!!

Pineapple Pearl

2008-02-25T11:09:00.001-07:00

Pineapple Pearl
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Pineapple Pearl
Doilly #1 from Pretty Pineapples Doilies...1995 LA by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Pineapple Delight

2008-02-25T11:08:00.001-07:00

Pineapple Delight
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Pineapples Delight
Doilly #4 from Pretty Pineapples Doilies...1995 LA by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Pineapples and Teardrops

2008-02-25T11:07:00.001-07:00

Pineapples and Teardrops
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Pineapples and Teardrops
Doilly #6 from Pretty Pineapples Doilies...1995 LA by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Pineapples and Crowns

2008-02-25T11:06:00.003-07:00

Pineapples and Crowns
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Pineapples and Crowns
Doilly #7 from Pretty Pineapples Doilies...1995 LA by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Pineapple Perfection

2008-02-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

Pineapple Perfection
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Pineapple Perfection
Doilly #2 from Pretty Pineapples Doilies...1995 LA by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Pineapple Centerpiece

2008-02-25T11:05:00.001-07:00

Pineapple Centerpiece
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Pineapple Centerpiece
Doilly #3 from Pretty Pineapples Doilies...1995 LA by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Pineapple Bloom

2008-02-25T11:04:00.001-07:00

Pineapple Bloom
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Pineapple Bloom
Doilly #5 from Pretty Pineapples Doilies...1995 LA by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Captivating

2008-02-25T11:01:00.001-07:00

Captivating
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Captivating
Doilly #3 from Heirloom Pineapples Doilies...1995 ASN by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Sentimental

2008-02-25T11:00:00.003-07:00

Sentimental
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Sentimental
Doilly #5 from Heirloom Pineapples Doilies...1995 ASN by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Treasure

2008-02-25T11:00:00.001-07:00

Treasure
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Treasure
Doilly #2 from Heirloom Pineapples Doilies...1995 ASN by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Endearing

2008-02-25T10:59:00.001-07:00

Endearing
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Endearing
Doilly #1 from Heirloom Pineapples Doilies...1995 ASN by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace

Becharmed

2008-02-25T10:58:00.001-07:00

Becharmed
Originally uploaded by catherynlittlejohn.

Becharmed
Doilly #4 from Heirloom Pineapples Doilies...1995 ASN by Trish Kristoffersen
1.5 mm hook
Anerica's Best size 10
Color #5 Queen's Lace