Keys to the House
My head is spinning, and, unfortunately, it isn’t always in the right direction. Yesterday Wayne and I flew from Florida to Washington State. Half away across the continent I leaned over and asked Wayne if he had the keys to the house. He gave me one of his dubious looks that said of course he did.
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Manatees Swimming
We were out on the Indian River again last night with two sets of dear friends. We stumbled upon such a sight that it still gives me chills just to think about it. We saw a manatee swimming. Manatees aren’t uncommon in Florida; in fact, a couple of weeks ago I saw four of them off the dock at Joan Johnston’s house near St. Read more
Alligator Alley
On our drive home from Naples, Florida on Sunday, Wayne and I decided to head for the Everglades. We’ve taken the Interstate through Alligator Alley before, but one doesn’t really see much. This time we took Highway 41, which skirts the Everglades. We stopped a couple of times and saw alligators, fish, and more species of birds than we could count or recognize. What an awesome way to end our weekend with good friends.
Like Twins
On Saturday we’re taking off to visit our friends, Joan and Bob McKeon (check out the dedication for Back on Blossom Street). Joan and I are like twins separated at birth: We both love the Lord and knit like fiends. In addition, we’re charter members of the frequent eaters club. Between talking about yarn, sharing recipes, and deciding where we’ll go out to eat, I imagine the weekend will fly by. Wayne and I are grateful to have friends like Joan and Bob and Tink and Renelle in our lives.
Lightning Show
We had a thunder and lightening storm last night that rivals just about anything I’ve ever seen. The sky lit up with one giant flash after another with thunder so horrendous it set off car alarms in the parking lot. Our friends, Tink and Renelle, are visiting from Washington State. Renelle and I sat in the dark room and watched and cheered God’s amazing hand. One thing is sure—I don’t want to do anything to strike the ire of God. His hand in awesome.
Action, Camera!
I was part of a video shoot all day yesterday, which is a whole lot different than a photo shoot. I taped five different videos, each between 30 seconds and two minutes in length. Thankfully, I worked with an incredible crew that made the process almost painless.
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Walking Partner
My walking partner, Martha Powers, and I, walked on the track for the first time this winter. Martha has had a number of health issues, and between my travel schedule and her doctor appointments, it took us until March to finally get in our two-mile trek. It was a joy to see her again. In and out of the hospital, Martha’s one complaint, after spending a total of a week there, walking the halls and riding the elevators, not once did she find the cocktail lounge!
Leap Year!
Today is the answer to my problems. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with everything I need to finish before I leave for my short European tour in March. Then right at the end of February God decided to bless me with an extra day so I can catch up. This is great.
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Shopping for Hats
My friend Mary Lou Carney is visiting me from Chicago. Whenever we get together, shopping is usually on the agenda. Mary Lou wears hats with panache and style, so naturally we tried on several, all of which were so big they balanced on our noses. Contrary to popular opinion, we both have small heads.
Wildlife in Florida
Even after several years of living in this beautiful section of Florida, I’m still awed by the nature we encounter. For example, yesterday we were boating on the Indian River with our friends Rhett and Claudia and happened upon nine dolphins. They swam right up to the boat, and two of them came up to the surface and looked us right in the eye! It was one of the most incredible experiences of our time in Florida. We also spotted several birds I’ve never seen before. I think I need to find a good bird book. &nbs Read more
Warm Up America! Weekend
This past weekend’s Warm Up America! Knit Out was my first experience at this event. I was awestruck meeting designers Candi Jensen, Susan B. Anderson, Kristin Nicholas, Antje Gillingham and Karen Thalacker. I’ve knit patterns these wonderfully creative women have published. It was a thrill for this knitter’s heart to rub elbows and hang with them . . . and they were so nice! And not a single one asked me to show them my knitting . . . thank goodness!
The Frozen North
I’m back from the frozen north, meaning Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. I was traveling with my cousin Karen, on our way to the Warm Up America! Knit Out at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. With the wind chill factor, the temperature in South Dakota registered at -100 degrees. You read that right: MINUS 100 degrees!!!
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On My Way to Yarn!
Early Tuesday morning I’m heading from warm, sunny Florida to the frigid winter cold of the Midwest. What is it that prompts me to leave this golden sunshine, you ask? I can answer that in a single word: yarn. I’ll be participating in the Warm Up America!
My Brother
My brother and his wife arrived for a short visit. Yup, this is the very one who, along with two of my cousins, made copies of my diary and sold it to the boys in my 8th grade class. This is also the brother who locked me out of the bathroom when I was trying to get ready for a date. We only had one in our home. And then he jumped down the laundry shoot and into the basement and refused to come upstairs when my date rang the door bell. I had to answer . . Read more
Ruth Stafford Peale
Yesterday morning my dear friend Ruth Stafford Peale went to be with the Lord. Both Dr. Peale and his wife had a profound impact on my career. Reading THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING helped me through the difficult years of rejection when I first started writing.
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A Weighty Decision
I’ve made a weighty decision, and it hasn’t been an easy one. I’m giving up desserts for Lent. For those of you who don’t know me, I have a real sweet tooth. In other words, I like my chocolate. In preparation for the next 40 days without sugar (God help me!), I purchased a Key Lime Pie on Saturday. I told Wayne he wasn’t allowed to eat a piece until Wednesday, because until then that pie is mine. He gave me the oddest look and left the kitchen, scratching his head. Sometimes men just Read more
Back in the Saddle
I’m back in the saddle this morning, which means I’m sitting in front of my computer with a glass of lemonade at my side, revision notes in front of me, and my head buzzing with ideas. It feels good to get back to work. I enjoyed our trek down to Key Largo and Key West, but there’s nothing like sleeping in my own bed and settling down to a routine that’s familiar and comfortable. Ah, I can hear those good folks from Cedar Cove calling my name. They want me to get on with their stories, so I’ll leave you Read more
Margarietaville
Wayne and I are taking this week off to play and relax with friends and visit the Florida Keys. We will be sampling the local margaritas and sponge cake and singing along with Jimmy Buffett. I’ll be back at work next Monday, but in the meantime I’m soaking up the sunshine and the laughter.
Cry Baby
Remember how I complained about what a big baby my husband is when he’s sick? Well, guess what? Those words are coming back to taunt me. I’ve caught a wretched cold and am miserable. I have places to go, people to meet, and all my plans are crumbling at my feet. I slept nine hours Sunday night and took a three-hour nap Monday afternoon. I had chicken noodle soup for lunch and again for dinner. I woke up feeling crummy again today. No fair. That sound you hear is me whining and stamp Read more
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. I imagine there’s a party going on up in heaven for him and for all he represented. I was a teenager during the race riots of the 1960s, but it wasn’t until I was a wife and mother that I came to appreciate Dr. King and his message. Yesterday Wayne and I sat in church with both blacks and whites, in a church that as little as fifty years ago was segregated. Thanks to Dr. Read more
Wide-eyed at 3 a.m.
My day got off to a shaky start. I woke up at three this morning, wide-eyed and raring to go. Don’t you just hate it when that happens?
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Just Do It!
I’m having a rough time getting back into my exercise regimen. Wayne and I landed in Florida with wretched colds, my walking partner got sick, and soon it was two weeks into the New Year with zero, zilch exercise. A funny thing happens to me when I don’t exercise: I get sluggish and tired and—okay, I’ll admit it—cranky. It’s just so easy to put it off.
A Sad Game for Seattle
Thank you to all those Green Bay Packer fans who sent me sympathy notes regarding the Seahawks loss this weekend. It was a sad game for Seattle. Wayne didn’t deal with it well at all. I went in to check on him about halfway through the game, and he was—I swear I’m not making this up—watching it with the sound muted. He couldn’t bear to listen to them lose and at the same time felt obliged to watch. And they say women are complicated beings.
Weekend Plans
Ah, Friday, the end of the work week. Wayne and I have lazy plans for the weekend. On Saturday I’m going to an antique fair and spend my Christmas money. This is the fourth year in a row that I’ve been to this fair. Last year I purchased one of my favorite cameos there. Wayne has his entire weekend planned around watching the Seahawks game, but I imagine I’ll lure him down to walk on the beach. I hope your weekend is a relaxing one, too.