tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48302620592697018462024-02-07T16:43:24.976-08:00Memories and MousemakingLinda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-77349615392670997922014-05-03T07:58:00.000-07:002014-05-13T10:52:12.006-07:00A Bi-Coastal HeartIt's a beautiful sunny Saturday here in Connecticut today. I'm already wondering what the weather is going to be like today in San Carlos, CA. Why you ask. Well that is where half of my heart will be. You see my daughter Jessika and her family live in San Carlos. It is hard being a Gram to two little granddaughters who live on the opposite coast....<br />
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This week was a difficult one for me. You see my first born granddaughter, Piper,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">was born with the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">Terrifying Peanut Allergy. She always has to have an Epi Pen within reach. Last year she decided she was "ready" to become a part of Stanford's Alliance for Food Allergy Reasearch's Peanut Study. It is a study in which children with the allegy wear a special "patch" applied to their back for a period of time. The hope is that by introducing the allergen itself in minimal portions each day the child might eventually become immune to it. The importance of this is enormous. It means that the child will not have to be continually "on guard" against something that could KILL them. Yes KILL them. It also takes away the "stigma" of being the odd one out, the one kid that has to have special treatment. No child wants to be "the different one". Reaching these children at an early age can eliminate the fear and the treat of death. This program is amazing. This program is life-saving. Piper's parents know how lucky they are to have become a part of it. They also realize just how brave their little girl is. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">After wearing a special "patch" for the last six months it was time to test for the results of it's effectiveness this past Wednesday. That meant a long ride to Palo Alto early in the morning, checking into the clinic and eating bowl after bowl of "disgusting" pudding which may or may not have been laced with peanuts. Can you even imagine that? I mean at eight years old??? </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">The last time Piper was tested she could only ingest 100 mil before symptoms of her alergy were evident....BUT this time she managed 1000mil. (Now that is a LOT of disgusting pudding!!). But to her Mom, her Dad and all the other people who adore her it was RELIEF and pure JOY!!!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Needless to say I was anxious about the results but as a Gram I was focused on Piper's bravery and I couldn't wait until it was just plain over. I thought I'd best put my time to a better use than wandering about the house. I decided to make something special for Piper instead. I wanted it to be something special. I wanted her to be able to remember how special she was during that long day of "pudding eating". </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> Here is the result of my fidgety worry:</span></span><br />
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I do so hope she will love it. She loves bright happy colors and I tried to pick as many as I could find.</div>
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I love this special little girl with my bi-coastal heart....</div>
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Directions for Bag: http://attic24.typepad.com Jolly Chunky Bag (on left side)</div>
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Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-44632747813535747132014-05-01T04:14:00.000-07:002014-05-01T06:28:05.192-07:00Rainy Rainy RainyYep. It has been raining here for the past three days.<br />
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No sun but LOTS of crochet.<br />
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I might have mentioned before that I adore Attic24's blog by Lucy from the UK. She is a marvel. It doesn't take much to make Lucy happy.....a flower, a blue sky, watching her three "littles" play and draw, a walk in the woods or along the river. Her favorite past time is "hookie" though. Her color work is simply gorgeous - bright, happy, and most of all fun.<br />
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I loved her new pattern for the "Chunky" Tote:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tRPRyXqJQNDEh4psqasF34SDohO_fnTMYIgNVniiGYzDOxckGw31zZR0Wv5LQLe9FTCdrcmrdvbKlCl6M17rHP8gOyOy4fbuivpw6Y2_t-0fetuKQMgl9nk3pkoWemCrZ1pnIY6v6WZO/s1600/Finished+%2522Lucy%2522+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tRPRyXqJQNDEh4psqasF34SDohO_fnTMYIgNVniiGYzDOxckGw31zZR0Wv5LQLe9FTCdrcmrdvbKlCl6M17rHP8gOyOy4fbuivpw6Y2_t-0fetuKQMgl9nk3pkoWemCrZ1pnIY6v6WZO/s1600/Finished+%2522Lucy%2522+Tote.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I longed to make one. The only problem was that the yarn for the project was not available here in the US. That is until I spotted it on ETSY from the Texas Yarn Farm. I was elated!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3Z3Csw3MRaZV6kaQKLDNcYZ94_NfFxq7bHg_3SUTPL3NNuYcKFhx17Fn_BPj43eE3bHEToVuRzP8-RqGTi5TnRSD4-_UxX7MJPbxT2yn3_oTk4VxbNacyped0yTUmdWw2n8DB_ELmNnr/s1600/Yarn+to+Make+Chunky+%22Lucy%22+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3Z3Csw3MRaZV6kaQKLDNcYZ94_NfFxq7bHg_3SUTPL3NNuYcKFhx17Fn_BPj43eE3bHEToVuRzP8-RqGTi5TnRSD4-_UxX7MJPbxT2yn3_oTk4VxbNacyped0yTUmdWw2n8DB_ELmNnr/s1600/Yarn+to+Make+Chunky+%22Lucy%22+Tote.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ordered it on Thursday last and received it on Monday. It arrived all soft and squishy in a white plastic bag and fitted perfectly in our mailbox. I couldn't get into the house fast enough.<br />
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Needless to say I couldn't wait to get started and I DIDN"T....the colors were so bright and cheerful.<br />
I now have all the "bibs and bobs" completed: Main bag, two straps, eight flowers, and eight leaves.<br />
All I have to do is assemble...and there seems to be enough yarn left to make my little CA grands a bag as well. I'm planning to scale their's down a bit though.<br />
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Oh I love to crochet!!!!Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-21799076980697056732014-04-23T10:16:00.001-07:002014-04-23T10:16:49.304-07:00LIVE on TheCraftStarLast night I was priviledged to be interviewed by the owner of a new sales venue called TheCraftStar.<br />
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I LOVE the site. It is so welcoming and is totally Handmade...something my current selling site is<br />
drifting away from.<br />
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If you would like to watch it here is the link: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a class="yiv4636881553" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYeYa9djZJc" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398273212466_2737" rel="nofollow" style="color: #196ad4; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYeYa9djZJc</a></span>Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-88322625559498854212014-04-21T11:59:00.001-07:002014-04-23T10:17:10.427-07:00Today is Sunny and Warm Tomorrow the Rains ComeI have to work outside today.<br />
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I need to be in the sunlight.<br />
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Yesterday was very very sad for me.<br />
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Today Facebook was filled with pictures of Easter Celebrations and families.<br />
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I wished I had one to post. I didn't. It made me happy and sad all at the same time.<br />
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Today I need to try to move on and find some hope for the future.<br />
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Cleaning up the yard always helps me refocus.<br />
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So...that is what today is about.Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-696641497343038922014-04-20T07:17:00.000-07:002014-04-20T07:17:03.462-07:00Easter Sunday Morning 2014The birds woke me up this morning.<br />
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The first thing I did was to thank the Lord for waking me to another day and for guiding me safely through the night.<br />
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Today is Easter. Easter used to be so special to me.<br />
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When I was a little girl Easter was all about New Beginnings. It was Spring after all. The sun was warmer. Little Crocus' were blooming. The whole world seemed hopeful.<br />
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Some years my younger brother Alan (just 11 months younger) and I could look forward to something new to wear to church. Church was our weekly chance to see other people. We lived in the country and rarely played with anyone other than ourselves. After church we knew we would have a wonderful Easter dinner. Dinner for us was as close to noon as possible. Our evening meal was known as "Supper".<br />
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Flowers were always a huge part of Easter. Corsages were given to Mothers and often even to little girls. Our church provided men and little boys with carnations for their lapels. As I grew older being able to buy fabric for a new outfit was an enormous treasure. The one Easter I remember as being the best of all was during my freshman year of high school. My Mom bought me some silk shantung floral pink fabric for a dress. She also bought be some wool gabardine to make a light weight open coat. That year I even purchased a beautiful pink hat with flowers that matched my dress. Oh did I EVER feel like a fashion plate. Hazardville Methodist Church was my catwalk. I received SO many complements. I loved complements.<br />
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Easter was such a special time.<br />
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Today there will be no church. Today there will be no children or grandchildren. All of my Easter decorations are packed away. <br />
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Am I sad? Yes. I have literally been sad or bursting out with tears for a week now. I used to start planning the next holiday as soon as the last one was over. The children would be coming...what more could I ask for.<br />
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No more. Now I just have to accept that holidays are over for me. There will be no hugs. There will be no jumps for joy when Easter baskets are found. There will be no filling of plastic eggs to be hidden on the backyard hill.<br />
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For me, Easter is about family. My children now feel that "family" is themselves and their children.<br />
That has broken my heart. It makes me feel purposeless. I grieve for what once was.<br />
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Acceptance is very difficult for me. I keep praying for grace. Maybe as the years pass I will be able to accept that for me Easter will never be the holiday I so looked forward to.<br />
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<br />Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-80039844230354232502014-04-18T14:22:00.000-07:002014-04-18T14:22:34.625-07:00It's Done!!As you know I've been making two little Easter dresses for my California granddaughters.<br />
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The pattern I picked out - YES.... it was ME who chose it...was just adorable. I mean the flounce in the front just screamed Natalie Bryna Levinson - oh so sassy.<br />
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I wanted both of the girls to have the same dress. I wanted them to pick their favorite color though. So Miss Natalie's is Lime Green and Miss Piper's is HOT Pink.<br />
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I really really really thought (or maybe I just prayed) that the second dress would be a bit easier. You know I would at least have done it already and I would have learned a thing or two. NO WAY. For some reason the second dress (hot pink) was made of a fabric that must have been left over from making sails on a boat. I mean the weave was so tight that each time my sewing machine needle pursed it, it almost "popped". Then there was the fact that since it was princess styled there were three pieces to the front, four to the back and THEN it had to be lined with just as many pieces AGAIN.<br />
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Well...I finished.....at 3am on Wednesday morning. I mailed it later in the same day to get it to San Carlos by Friday so that my daughter could hem it. I had already hemmed the lining (or slip) part.<br />
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It was so hard to "stuff" that dress into a box and put it in the hands of the USPS.<br />
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Here is the picture I took just before packaging it up:<br />
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The only thing missing is the rose that will be sewn on the top of the flounce by Piper's Mom.<br />
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..........now I have to clean the garage...no more excuses. Yuck.Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-65914852826758977722014-04-12T07:58:00.002-07:002014-04-12T07:58:30.433-07:00Ths SUN is Out and I'm Ready to ROLL!Yes. Yes. The SUN is shining. It is going to be in the 60's today in Connecticut. I can hardly believe it!!<br />
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I'm just taking a moment or two to let you know what I am making today for my California granddaughters...<br />
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So instead of crocheting the main part..I am using fabric to match their dresses :</div>
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This is Nattie's Dress</div>
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and then crocheting the doilie to contrast. I love to crochet. In this project I get to both sew and crochet...it's a two-fer!</div>
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Yep..here they are in all their adorableness.<br />
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Natalie and Piper</div>
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I so wish I lived next door, or down the street or even in the SAME state!!!</div>
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OK now I have to get busy...can't just stay and visit today!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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PS. The pattern for the purse is from http://<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"><cite class="_sd" style="color: #006621; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal;">the<b>greendragonfly</b>.wordpress.com/</cite> </span></div>
Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-77953521358296526362014-04-11T13:46:00.000-07:002014-04-11T13:46:24.342-07:00House-Wifey Stuff Today - Yuck!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I don't know about you but I can only stand the kitchen floor looking sad for just so long...then it's hands and knees time...and today was that time. Then it was on to the tile floors of the hallway and power room.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then there was dusting. The Hub bought me a brand new real feather duster last night - by my request. It is so pretty I hated to use it. But use it I did. I attached a yardstick to it with a little tape and I went around EVERY ceiling in the downstairs...cob webs beware!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In addition to the above it was time to get cracking on Piper's</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Miss Piper...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> isn't she darling?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'll tell you right now...it was a BEAR. Three sections to the front, four sections to the back...and then the same for the LINING! That is a lot of serging.... but in the end...Adorable.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's it for today...I'm bushed and ready for a good movie and a little crochet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Until next time....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-21448597453233957972014-04-10T11:54:00.001-07:002014-04-10T11:54:56.080-07:00Women-Owned Business Day - May 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So...another day of Marketing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Are you aware of Women-Owned Business Day?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is scheduled for May 1.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm so hoping that if in fact you are: 1. a woman; and 2. a business owner you will take the time to familiarize yourself with this GREAT EVENT and take part.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is important.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So...here's the scoop: http://www.urbangirl.com/women</span><br />
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Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-56491356695213792082014-04-09T11:05:00.001-07:002014-04-09T11:05:40.801-07:00Shucks...The LIVE Video Broadcast Was CancelledPostponed really due to the illness of theCraftStar's CEO Bethan Davies...sure hope she's feeling better soon.<br />
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So today I am back to work...well almost. I didn't sleep very well last night. It was the second night in a row that the UCONN Basketball teams played and WON the NCAA Championship. Yep..that's right two nights of <i>intense </i>basketball games. With both the men's and the women's teams winning UCONN is now referred to as TWOConn! It was really hard for me to settle down and sleep afterward. Today I am pretty exhausted. Thrilled, proud, but exhausted never-the-less.<br />
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To top it all off my home needs Spring Cleaning with a capital S and a capital C. It has become way too difficult to ignore it one day longer. Cleaning and organizing must come before I can get back in the workshop. <br />
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Found this on Facebook today. What do you think. Is it accurate in "your world"? It would be interesting to me to hear from you....<br />
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<br />Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-66909508622554685772014-04-08T09:37:00.002-07:002014-04-08T09:37:28.445-07:00Onward to a New WorldI have to admit it right at the start...I haven't been able to post since July of 2013. Very quickly I will relate why...My husband, Rick, had his second seven hour surgery to remove the remains of his sternum eight days after my last post. Why? Because he contracted <b>MRSA</b> in the hospital during his three way by-pass surgery in March.<br />
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I thought "Oh terrific. We are on the right track now". Wrong. The next phase of this medical story continued with the "episodes" which then followed until January of 2014 where he would lose <b>complete</b> consciousness and I would have to "bring him back". I lived in constant fear that I would fail and not be able to revive him. Shaking became a daily state for me...waiting for another episode to strike. I literally never left him alone. Luckily for both of us wearing a portable heart monitor picked up the fact that his "new top of the heart" wasn't communicating well with the bottom of his heart. The only way to get them back into a conversation was to implant a pacemaker....so yes folks it was a very difficult year.<br />
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I used to kind of roll my eyes whenever a Senior was telling the story of their latest Medical situation.<br />
Now I find myself being that Senior...and telling my own story. Forgive me if you can.<br />
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On to the REAL reason for this blog post...<br />
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I found the CraftStar when it was in it's infancy. Bethan Davis was posting on Facebook about her new "dream format" for sellers of crafts online. I was fascinated. Why? Simply because I could tell immediately that the CraftStar was going to be completely different from my current (which will not be mentioned here) sales site. First and foremost Bethan made herself totally approachable. I was amazed whenever I would write and ask questions that within the SAME day I received an answer. Bethan had me at "Hello Linda".<br />
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I immediately tried to open a shop. It was so difficult. I nearly gave up. Then the programmers started to really get things right and I started posting...it was Halloween and thus most of my items were for that holiday.<br />
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Every time I had a question I was referred to Rhonda Green. Who is Rhonda? She is a wizard from Pickens, South Carolina who "schooled" me in all things Google+. She opened my world to a fabulous place on the web which was wide open and growing like wild fire. The CraftStar is all about Google+.<br />
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After I spoke with Rhonda I started posting more and more items to my "shop" called Warmth:<br />
http://www.warmth.thecraftstar.com<br />
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Approximately two weeks ago Rhonda sent me an email and asked if I'd like to do a LIVE Easter Show on the CraftStar. A LIVE show? I had NO idea what it entailed but suddenly I was hearing myself say "SURE!". She asked for the mice I would like to feature and for a coupon code (20%).<br />
I sent them to her. Next I started going to Google+ each and every day like I used to go to my favorite team page on my "other site". I watched the Live broadcast on April 1st over and over and over again.<br />
Bethan was so personal, so interested in "her" crafters and so enthusiastic about their items. I fell head over heals in gratitude. Anyone working and crafting at home, day after day, week after week needs someone to be enthusiastic about the labor of their hands. After 31+ years of making mice I needed someone to be welcoming and enthusiastic. Sometimes a complement means as much as a sale. It keeps a crafter/artisan focused and it makes them seek to become better and better at whatever they create and offer the public. The CraftStar makes that kind of interaction possible on a daily basis.<br />
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For me it is kind of like having Grandchildren...people can tell you how marvelous it is but you have to EXPERIENCE to believe them.<br />
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So...tonight I go LIVE. It is a new adventure for me. Way back when, in 1995 QVC I was selected to be in the 50/50 Tour when it came to Connecticut. They filmed each of us (12 Artisans) on the lawn of the Capitol in Hartford. If I can do that I can do this....<br />
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Wish me luck...and oh by the way....give the CraftStar a new look. It is the future. I believe that.<br />
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Linda<br />
the Mousemaker<br />
<br />Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-68457182394471529702013-07-16T14:52:00.000-07:002013-07-16T14:52:56.334-07:00SAGE Fine Gifts and Yarns - Falmouth, Massachusetts<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">When I'm on vacation I always love to visit yarn shops. This year I had many to choose from. I knew I was only going to be able to visit one. I decided to "visit" them on Facebook first. I am so happy I did. I found one Facebook page that I just loved. It was so well done. It was so welcoming. The name of the shop is SAGE Yarns. It is located in Falmouth, MA. What a gorgeous little Cape town...I mean the shops all lined up on Main Street would make a husband run in the opposite direction. I thought how lovely it would be to visit again with a carload of girlfriends!!!</span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In order to be able to visit the shop we had to travel 25 minutes South of the Bourne Bridge (our route home). Can't say there weren't grumbles from the driver...but I'd not "shopped" at all during our vacation and I<i> really</i> wanted to visit the shop that was so inviting on Facebook.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sage Yarns is at 263 Main Street in Falmouth. It is right across the street from Falmouth's beautiful town green. The little tourist Cape town was teeming with visitors.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sage is not the largest yarn shop I have ever visited but it is just as welcoming in person as it was on Facebook. The displays are marvelous with lots of samples to tempt it's customers. Berroco is probably the largest supplier...and why not the company is just a hop, skip and jump away in Uxbridge, MA. Berroco also has Norah Gaughan. I have to admit that she is my favorite designer!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Omnes Medium', Arial, 'Century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The owner of Sage was busy giving several women a knitting lesson. She stood nearby as her students learned several cast-ons. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a knit teacher it was a joy to listen to her deliver her instructions in a clear, calm, encouraging way. Her students were enjoying being taught.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I wanted to make the beautiful Gap-tastic Cowl by Jen Geigley (Free on Ravelry). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was hoping for Cascade 128 which is a bulky weight yarn that I thought would be in my price range. Although SAGE Yarns did not have it they did have several other bulky weight yarns.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">While looking at the bulky weight yarn I spotted a really pretty yarn by Plymouth Yarn Co called Gina that I just loved. The scarf sample in the front picture window was made of it...in the exact color combination I loved. That was it for me. I knew my husband was anxious to "get on home" so to the register I went with my four ball of Gina.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The gal who helped me at SAGE Yarns was a delight. She was patient, knowledgable and very cordial.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">While I waited to be rung up several local children came in. One thought I worked there - I seem to get that alot! - and asked me if I could direct him to "where Waldo was". I just loved that...it seems they were having a contest in town which had the children go into local shops and try to find where Waldo was hiding. Then they listed it on their contest form. Sweet I thought.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I was able to take a quick picture of the lovely owner of SAGE Yarns. Of course I left home withOUT my trusty digital camera and so I had to take it with my new IPhone. Now I just have to figure out how to get it off there and onto this computer to include it....</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">One more thing before I go...a truly wonderful knit shop is always there for it's customers...it is always encouraging and teaching it's customers to be better and happier knitters. I would encourage you to read SAGE's blog. Here is my favorite post:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">http://sageyarn.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/fo-seedling-pinkie-blankie</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">You will learn something very special if you visit this blog...and you will be very very happy if you visit SAGE Fine Gifts and Yarns....I promise...and I don't do that very often.</span></span></div>
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Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-29612417424153245442013-07-16T13:44:00.000-07:002013-07-21T04:56:43.194-07:00Family and Cape Cod<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Each year in the month of July our daughter Jessika and her family fly from their home in San Carlos, CA to Cape Cod for a two week vacation. The first week they invite my husband and me to visit. It is always something we look forward to. We get to "live" with our two little granddaughters for an entire week. Ah JOY!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeU4H4TcWikYAiqXuaHo5X74HMhXevdMIV3r9qvSaidHtnfXUeNCnmcIWO-At_J_r7YMecNYhTKxeESzH1qF0eCU6eFpwb2OFvzIpXMuHYulutYy0DNCQEA2Qv8MNLiDZILgX051Qk-5c/s1600/Natalie+recieving+her+wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeU4H4TcWikYAiqXuaHo5X74HMhXevdMIV3r9qvSaidHtnfXUeNCnmcIWO-At_J_r7YMecNYhTKxeESzH1qF0eCU6eFpwb2OFvzIpXMuHYulutYy0DNCQEA2Qv8MNLiDZILgX051Qk-5c/s200/Natalie+recieving+her+wings.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnI8Trhl64fna10gOp8Yyd3jNWoaxBLKckfWVmjpo8lhc77Uzp3kbo4npFPF61aHn7myXh_EsMJlQ_6gy0hGSr-F6eoOipaLgwl0pvIwN-6mIPX3pjdtM9q8xVRK5bnri2yECPG3ezHx3/s1600/Piper+gets+her+wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnI8Trhl64fna10gOp8Yyd3jNWoaxBLKckfWVmjpo8lhc77Uzp3kbo4npFPF61aHn7myXh_EsMJlQ_6gy0hGSr-F6eoOipaLgwl0pvIwN-6mIPX3pjdtM9q8xVRK5bnri2yECPG3ezHx3/s200/Piper+gets+her+wings.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Natalie Piper</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Photos of the girls receiving their "wings" from their JetBlue pilot - IN THE COCKPIT no less!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This year was extra special for me. Piper, age 7, really wanted to learn to sew on a "real" sewing machine. I found a really pretty fabric from Timeless Treasures with really brightly colored beach umbrellas on it. It had all the colors Piper looks so lovely in: hot pink, lime green, bright aqua and bright yellow.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw1vTO_EuSufSkI11MIUa8b242VMjET_8pL70X8af8N0Oe0qwX3PzHcU2jsdPt4z_KljbTD_zLo69fWPCuGcZx_sin6EiTp9W_1k1330F_JfvDAX-R_hKxxAB4nlFGT0UqzYUkqUMFAL_/s1600/1012225_10151493576062944_807981422_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw1vTO_EuSufSkI11MIUa8b242VMjET_8pL70X8af8N0Oe0qwX3PzHcU2jsdPt4z_KljbTD_zLo69fWPCuGcZx_sin6EiTp9W_1k1330F_JfvDAX-R_hKxxAB4nlFGT0UqzYUkqUMFAL_/s320/1012225_10151493576062944_807981422_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I did the "cutting out" and she did the sewing. She was so proud of herself and I was so honored to watch her grow before my eyes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The day we left for home Piper, Natalie, and their parents visited the Chatham Library and Piper selected a cookbook. She wanted to make a special dessert for her parents....ladybugs from strawberries, grapes, and chocolate chips. Adorable.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Chatham 2013 was awesome.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-7178390612465895212013-04-16T10:58:00.000-07:002013-04-16T10:58:15.846-07:00Yarn for Life?You must be pulling my leg..or maybe both of 'em.<br />
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Nope.<br />
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You have a chance.<br />
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Today I received an invitation from Love of Knitting Magazine<br />
to enter a contest they are having.<br />
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At first I thought, "Oh Why. You NEVER win anything. Never"<br />
and then I thought, "Oh Why Not. Nothing ventured, Nothing won."<br />
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So if you are of the mind to enter go here:<br />
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Oh...and if you don't win the TOP prize they are also offering "Yarn for a Year"...not to shabby either.<br />
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OK. So maybe I was feelin' a bit fancy free today..it sure is better than the other way I've been "feelin".<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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LLinda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-69232847090881359702013-04-14T21:41:00.000-07:002013-04-14T21:41:52.600-07:00TomorrowI'm going to try once again to get my "groove on".<br />
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I just haven't been able to get it going.<br />
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I try each day.<br />
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I say, "today is the day" and then by night I say...<br />
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TomorrowLinda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-66521791233270902542013-04-07T18:00:00.001-07:002013-04-07T18:00:05.294-07:00Gosh It's Good to be HomeYep. Rick was able to come home for the first time in a long time today.<br />
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First thing he wanted to do was sit at his desk and balance the checkbook. Yippee! Better him than me. I've NEVER been able to do that.<br />
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Next he just wanted to sit in the sunshine. His room at the "home" is tucked into a corner with a huge butterfly bush in front of the window...only problem is that right now it just looks like a big stick bush..nowhere near green or attracting butterflies.<br />
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It was so wonderful having him home. This house needs more than one person wandering around in it. It has been really hard for me to get anything done since Rick has been at Blair Manor. I'm always worried about how he is doing, or if I'm going to be on time for visiting.<br />
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With 30 more days to go though I know I have to better get my "act" together.<br />
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Here's a picture of the Big Guy in his favorite shirt.</div>
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Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-56746065847515233382013-04-06T11:21:00.000-07:002013-04-06T11:21:04.054-07:00It's SaturdayI have to admit I am at loose ends today.<br />
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The sun is shining. The wind is blowing. It's still chilly here in Connecticut but at least it's not gray and dreary. That's a plus in my book.<br />
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I've spent most of today sprucing up the house because tomorrow my hub gets to leave the nursing home for two or three hours!! He decided he'd like to watch our favorite team, the Lady Huskies of UCONN win another game and get closer to another championship win. <br />
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Today I am alone though. Sure there are lots of things I'd like to do..but I find myself anxious to get to the "home" again and see Rick. Thinking of him there just makes me nuts.<br />
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Tonight I am bringing some steamed freshly caught Atlantic Salmon and lots of healthy dark green veggies. I'm telling you this guy is going to stay healthy if it kills me!<br />
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So here I am with these tips for helping you get over a bad day, month, or in our case YEAR:<br />
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<img alt="<3" border="0" height="10" src="http://galadarling.com/images/heart.gif" title="doki-doki!" width="12" /> Do something good for someone else, even though you may not want to. Do a favour, help them find something, give them an item which will help them in some way. Start the flow of positive energy.</div>
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<img alt="<3" border="0" height="10" src="http://galadarling.com/images/heart.gif" title="doki-doki!" width="12" /> Eat the best chocolate you can get your hands on. In bed. Or in the bath.</div>
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<img alt="<3" border="0" height="10" src="http://galadarling.com/images/heart.gif" title="doki-doki!" width="12" /> Turn up music you really love. Play it so loudly that it soaks in through your skin. Dance in your pyjamas. Feel the pain lift.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<img alt="<3" border="0" height="10" src="http://galadarling.com/images/heart.gif" title="doki-doki!" width="12" /> Have a romance in your head.</div>
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<img alt="<3" border="0" height="10" src="http://galadarling.com/images/heart.gif" title="doki-doki!" width="12" /> Volunteer.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<img alt="<3" border="0" height="10" src="http://galadarling.com/images/heart.gif" title="doki-doki!" width="12" /> Buy a remote control for your camera & dip your toes into the pool of narcissism.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<img alt="<3" border="0" height="10" src="http://galadarling.com/images/heart.gif" title="doki-doki!" width="12" /> Call a friend & ask them if they want to have a slumber party.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<img alt="<3" border="0" height="10" src="http://galadarling.com/images/heart.gif" title="doki-doki!" width="12" /> Throw yourself head-first into a creative project. Something that you’re excited about but which feels a little too big for you. You’ll be so consumed by it that it will fuel you for ages.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-5286268577839071812013-04-03T09:35:00.000-07:002013-04-03T09:35:30.627-07:00Getting a Little Closer to HomeToday I received a phone call from Rick. "I am being released today." Then he filled in the details. He is being relocated to a health care facility in the next town from ours. He will have to remain there for the next five weeks...35 more days. His physicans have prescribed five more weeks of intravenous anti-biotics. The VA, Rick's only source of prescription drugs will not pay for them. Medicare will only pay for them if he is confined to a health care facility. He was told that he must sleep there and receive two infusions per day, one at 6am and one at 6pm but between those infusions I can take him home. This has made him VERY happy!<br />
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I am now awaiting the call to "Come Pick Me Up!"<br />
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More good news soon I hope...Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-4615612122056764962013-04-01T12:20:00.000-07:002013-04-01T12:20:20.970-07:00I So Wish I Had Some Great News...Rick is still in the hospital.<br />
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Fighting an infection in his incision.<br />
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Infectious Disease (sounds scarey doesn't it?) wants him to receive intravenous antibiotics for another six weeks. The VA - Rick's only prescription insurance - will not pay for it. Medicare will but he must remain in a hospital or "care facility" (the politically correct name these days for a nursing home). No way I said will I send him there. He has already stopped eating because the food is so poor here. He is not prompted to get up and walk every two hours during the day. Lord knows what kind of care he'd receive somewhere else. He NEEDS to be sent home. He needs yummy food and someone who cares enough to get him off his butt and up getting the exercise his new heart needs.<br />
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I have tried so hard to stay up....to be so grateful that he made it through the surgery and that the "big one" is no longer a treat. Sadly though so many many other worries now fill my days. Word to the Wise: Don't get old without excellent health care insurance. One illness will drown you.<br />
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I pray constantly for just one little bit of luck...no matter how small. I find myself trying to find any little thing that will make me feel hopeful.<br />
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I know there is sunshine somewhere. I just know it.Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-71334713113680577792013-03-25T13:01:00.000-07:002013-03-25T13:01:12.769-07:00I'm Worn OutI think it is time for me to stop trying so hard. Being a 24 hour care-giver has nearly worn me out.<br />
No matter how hard I try there always seems to be one more thing I need to do.<br />
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It's time to select a book, chose a warm soft blanket and read a while. I need the book to just "take me away for a little".<br />
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I'll be back soon, hopefully with something interesting for you to read.<br />
<br />Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-44550375787589068642013-03-21T17:17:00.001-07:002013-03-21T17:17:44.721-07:00Getting Better Day by DaySo most of you know my husband Rick has had triple by-pass open heart surgery....on March 11th he became one of the "Zipper Society". The surgery was a complete success and he is now home recuping. I still can't believe someone opened up his chest and made his unhealthy heart healthy again...I mean how much of a miracle is that?<br />
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As soon as it was decided that the surgery was to take place our daughter Jessika packed her bag, packed one for her littlest daughter Natalie as well and they boarded a night flightto "help her Dad" get through this major surgery.<br />
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It meant leaving her eldest daughter, Piper Jolie Welcome Levinson, age seven (March 4th) at home with her Dad, Peter. Each day Peter made a collage and put it up on Facebook so Jess could see and share their day:<br />
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<span class="userContent">Today's Piper's favorite holiday. What to do? Make a leprechaun trap! The leprechaun didn't fall for it, but he did leave a note. (The pot of gold on top is actually a trap door.)</span></div>
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<span class="userContent">It's Pizza Friday!! On top of that, P got an awesome lego set from Grammy and set right to work. Quick break to pick up the pizza and then right back to it until it was all done. The little cat in the set is now named Taylor. The bird started off as Chirps, but later became Katie because the bird is a girl. (And Chirps is apparently a well known boy's name in the bird world?)</span></div>
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Now I ask you....how many Dad's would do this? PT Levinson is a one in a millionhusband, Dad, and son-in-law.<br />
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Here is what it looked like when Jess and Natalie arrived home Tuesday, March 19th.<br />
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I loved sharing this lovely story with you all. I am a very lucky Mom!<br />
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See you all shortly. I have compression stockings to put on, a heart-healthy meal to prepare, and some meds to dispense. Mouse-making is on hold for now....<br />
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LindaLinda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-23271901802069577012013-03-13T14:08:00.001-07:002013-03-14T13:00:56.690-07:00Hub Recuperating in ICU ByPass Surgery SuccessfulPhew! What a last couple of weeks. After fighting to rid himself of the C-Diff bacterial infection, Rick had Triple By Pass Open Heart surgery on Monday, the 11th. He is still in the ICU but getting stronger each day. Poor guy has now been in one hospital or another for nineteen days. That is a long time for anyone. He is so itching to get home.<br />
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Our daughter, Jessika, and her youngest daughter Natalie flew in from San Carlos, California last Wednesday.<br />
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Natalie got to see snow for the FIRST TIME. She was totally delighted:<br />
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Her Mommy made her her first snowman:</div>
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It's such a good thing that Jess remembered to bring along winter togs. She borrowed a snowjacket and snowpants from Natalie's best bud, Soren, and also borrowed his little sister Rosie's snowboots and mittens so Nattie was all set and really ready to PLAY.</div>
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It has been amazing having Jess and Nattie here with me. </div>
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Sending special thanks to each and every one of you who have sent well wishes and spent time praying for us. We so needed it...and we are so grateful..</div>
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Linda and Rick</div>
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<br />Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-74948509315218184202013-02-27T09:00:00.002-08:002013-02-27T09:00:59.563-08:00Hub in Hospital CA Trip ShortenedReally things are so distressing I just can't bring myself to write about them,Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-43240464603727535692013-02-04T09:04:00.002-08:002013-02-04T09:05:09.722-08:00It's Been a WhileWhy is it that I am so unwilling to share when times are difficult?<br />
<br />
Is it like that with you too?<br />
<br />
I guess I find that I just do not want to cause anyone else discomfort of any kind.<br />
<br />
My holidays were pretty miserable. There is just no other way to say it. A family rift caused great pain and I was unable to see the three grandchildren that live nearby. After nearly fourteen years of weekly, biweekly and so many weekend sleepovers I can't even count - the house was empty of children and the happiness they brought.<br />
<br />
<br />
I made it through the season of mousemaking and actually saw a rise in dollars over last year. It came very very late. I had almost given up hope...but it came. I was able to buy presents for all five grandchildren.<br />
<br />
We also had a huge plumbing problem in our basement - Yep that is where my Workshop is. I had to carry basket after basket of raw materials upstairs and work on the dining room table. That did not make for pleasant relations with my husband who "hates" my business!<br />
<br />
The main pipe that removed waste from our home was broken outside and inside the basement. We had several plumbers come to give us estimates - $5,000. was the highest and $900. was the lowest. Living on a fixed income meant that we didn't even have the money for the lowest bid. That meant emptying twice daily a disgusting pail of waste water. We did this for over three months. One day I saw that my neice had used a plumber and mentioned his name on her Facebook page. That very day I called and wonder of wonders the wonderful woman (wife of plumber #2 of 3) listened to my problem and immediately called her hub who was miracle of miracle "between jobs". He and his brother came and FIXED THE HORRIBLE PROBLEM ON THE SPOT. I was so nervous. I only had $414.00 in my business account and nothing in our personal account. My hub was at work and knew nothing of this. I rushed downstairs to tell the plumbers that I had very little money. "No problem", they said in unison. "We'll work with you." Well you can just guess what happened then - Yep. Lots of tears and so many thank yous. I'm still making payments but the balance will soon be zero.<br />
<br />
Can you even imagine how wonderful it was not to have to empty that disgusting pail twice a day? I realized I had just experienced a Random Act of Kindness. Sure I had to give them all but $14.00 from my account and make weekly payments but it was so so so worth it. <br />
<br />
It has been hard for me just to hold my head up since my husband lost his position at the bank nearly five years ago. My whole world collapsed. We lost all of our 401K plan. We lost all of our credit. We now have one ten year old car left. My husband was a VP Asset Based Lender. Now he works from 1-10 at Walmart. He has to stand all day on cement. He is 69. He is depressed. He now relies on the Veterans for his insurance and medical care. I have to pay 3/4's of my social security monthly allowance for my insurance. If I didn't I wouldn't be able to pay for the hypertension, anxiety, diabetic meds that I must take each day. I am now on a quest to lose 60 pounds. I am told that if I do I will no longer have to take half of my meds. Sounds like a GREAT reward to me. So hello fruits, veggies, legumes. Farewell bread, pasta, and rice. I'll miss ya.<br />
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Thanks to the CT Housing Authority we were able to stay in our home. Our mortgage rate is still over 7% but if we honor all of our payments for the next six years the $37,000. in arrears will be "forgiven".<br />
In six more years I will be 70. My husband will be 75. Sometimes I wonder if we will make it...at other times I think, "why shouldn't we make it". If we had had to surrend our home we would have had zero equity and no place to live.<br />
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We are never given the promise of an easy life. I realize so many others have it so much harder. Thank the Lord I have a strong constitution and enough drive to keep me going for a while longer.<br />
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I am so grateful now for each day I am given. I try very hard to be grateful for any thing that doesn't force me under the bus.<br />
<br />
I started this long and wandering post to tell you about a terrific post that a fellow artisan at the Old<br />
Farmhouse Gathering Team (on Etsy) wrote this morning. I hope you will all stop and read it. It is<br />
just wonderful:<br />
<br />
http://handofbelapeck.typepad.com/blog/2013/02/worth-repeating-be-still.html<br />
<br />
LindaLinda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830262059269701846.post-23530137016230474052012-11-09T10:11:00.000-08:002012-11-09T10:11:17.755-08:00It's Friday. The sun is shining. I'm Alive.I mean what more could I ask for.<br />
<br />
I'm almost ready for my show tomorrow. It is a little one in my home town. Actually I think it is really the first time I've ever shown my work here in Ellington. <br />
<br />
I've done 24, 18, and 12 inch decorated trees. I've made lots of candles and greens in clay pots. I've made wooden wall birdhouses with Cardinals. Add to that lots of mice and lots and lots of wooden ornaments. I have some beautiful wall pieces: swags and wreaths and baskets left from my last show.<br />
<br />
I need to make some nice BIG price signs. I need to find the table cover.<br />
<br />
So...I am almost ready.<br />
<br />
I ALWAYS get the biggest case of nerves before a show. <br />
<br />
Here's hoping the customers will be kind...you just NEVER KNOW.<br />
<br />
Happy weekend everyone. Stay warm and hopeful.<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Welcomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417136357942949375noreply@blogger.com4