Saturday, February 21, 2009

In honor of Homer


Homer was my father-in-law and passed away yesterday morning in the hospital, after a very long stay. Homer, although not his real name, it describes him perfectly. He really did love his family, in his own messed up way. Although his actions may not have always been perfect, he had the best of intentions. No body is perfect. So this is in his honor:


Footprints in the Sand


One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.


This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”


The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”


Mary Stevenson, 1936


Thank you in advance for your kind thoughts and wishes. And please, if there is anyone in your life who smokes, please encourage them to quit. I used to smoke and for a great many years, so I know how hard it is to quit. It is no joke. But watching someone die from lung cancer isn't fun either. I'm not a "reformer" or anything, and I do believe in a person's right to smoke, but this experience I guess brought it home for me. Just ask people to at least consider it.

Thank you and take care!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Daddy has a hat

You may remember that before vacation I talked about making my Dad a scarf. I did. Nothing special, 2x2 rib and used red heart acrylic held double so it would knit up quickly and be extra warm. Dad needs easy care yarn. Well he loved it, and I asked if he would like a hat to match. He said sure, but could I put a Phillies P on it. Why not? I'm fearless. Low and behold....



I was a little concerned about the fit. I measured his head, but me and measuring don't always get along, so I was still nervous. Plus the acrylic yarn I was using was not that forgiving. But it turned out pretty well don't you think? Here are the specifics:

Pattern: Pastaza Skull cap (Ravelry) with some mods. I co 96 stitches and then had to fudge the crown but it worked out and swirled.
Yarn: Red Heart red and white
Needle size: 8 circs and dpns
Size: Men's large
I used graft paper for the P which was pretty easy. I may consider doing a Flyers hat next. Hmmm...


(BTW, Dad was tired, hence the half closed eyes)
TTFN!