To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Sometimes it is hard to find any purpose under heaven or anywhere else, for that matter. I think I am always trying to find a purpose to my life. Especially now. I have been through a few careers and now I wonder what is next.

I got a degree in medical technology and I really enjoyed the years I worked in that field. I was lucky to work for many esteemed people in the field and learned more than I thought possible. Then we moved to Ohio and was pregnant. I didn't go back to the lab, but that was ok with me. I had two boys at that time and kept pretty busy. But Jeff and I started selling antiques and juggling boys. I learned to cane chairs and had a nice little side business. I also taught caning (chairs, not people) at the local community college. Then another move back East. Now, what? A little poor health issue interfered for a few years. Ahh, subbing at the middle school. Two sons in that school, so it was convenient if not hmmm, interesting. I got very good at working visual aids. ( I showed movies)

And then another move to the Midwest. Whew. It was the hardest move. Boys in high school. No one wants to associate with a mom with teenage boys!! But the seasons go on. I find options at my church that keep me busy and productive. And I think I am a stay at home mom. But now my youngest is in his third year in college. I guess I am not a sahm, but there is that part of me that always will be.

And so I knit. And knit. And I find this keeps me busy and very productive. And my knitting friends have enlightened and amazed me. I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

So, keep stitching!

(Oh, my Christmas cactus decided to be a Halloween cactus this year!!)

He's left on a jet plane

Yes, Alex has left but I do know when he will be back. December 22. He made it to England, and they let him in. This place is already almost too quiet and clean. Well, not really.

I do miss him. I miss the kitchen table used as his closet. Well, not really. I miss the million of shoes in the family room. Well, not really. I miss all the pots and pans used for one meal. Well, not really. I miss all the lights on until three in the morning. Well, not really. I miss his voice. Really, I do.

But thanks to computers, I talk with him all the time already. And if we could figure out what is wrong with the computer camera, I would be able to see him. His roommate is from Sweden and is in England to learn English. And he is rooming with Alex?? Hmmm. I think I do have an idea for a new career. I could teach young Swedes English. Yum

Now on to another new chapter in the lives of the Wolos family. Alex leaving the nest once again. I used to say that I was a SAHM, but I don't think I can say that anymore. My youngest is in his third year of college. I think my sons take care of me more than I take care of them. Maybe I am retired now.

But the knitting goes on. Finished a sweater for me. I am very proud of it and actually wear it a lot. Scarves and hats for the shoe box program at church. It is hard to believe that there are so many children in this town that are so needy. A shawl for my godmother (yes, there are people actually older than me.) And squares for the Schuyler Blanket project. Oh, and I cabled!!!! Used it on some mittens that match my sweater!!

Keep stitching!!

Bollywood meets Fiddler on the Roof

(Jeff and his brother, Greg, father of the bride)

We had a great weekend in Saratoga Springs, New York.  We were there to attend Jeff's niece, Cassandra, and Vicram's wedding.  And what a wedding.  There were actually two weddings.  There was a Hindu one and a Jewish one.  And all in the same day.  What a melding of two different cultures.  It is hard to explain it all.  I had no exposure to Hinduism, so it was all extremely interesting.  So many traditions and beauty.  The usual Hindu wedding takes about 6 hours.  We got the 2 hour version with translations.  Jeff was in charge of Cassandra and got to walk her down the aisle.  This was very special as we have three sons.  Jeff wasn't walking them down any aisle.

This is Vicram riding in on the horse with family and friends dancing around him.  It was a sight to behold.  Riding the horse shows that he now was a responsible adult.  Or that least that is what I think our translator said.
Casey watched from the balcony all the goings on.  She was beautiful in her Hindu outfit.  Her arms, hands and legs were all henna painted in very intricate designs.

Then it was time for the Jewish ceremony.  Casey had changed into her wedding gown.  It was the one her mother had worn.  Stephanie, Casey's mom, crocheted the yarmulkes, made the veil and arranged the flowers.  They were all beautiful.  The Jewish ceremony was lovely and mixed well with the Hindu. Then it was time for the reception that went well into the night.  So much dancing, food and drink!! 

It was all so  much fun.  I only wish we could have stayed longer to spend time with our East coast family.  We also missed Nathaniel being there.  It was the first week at  school plus they had classes on Labor Day.                                                                                      

I knitted all weekend and made time to go to a yarn shop!!! (of course!)   Got some lovely local yarns!  Keep on knitting!!!                                                                                                                            

Take Me out to the ball game, Part Two

What a day Sunday was!!  The whole family loaded into the rental mini-van for our day trip to Chicago.  And THE YANKEES!!!!  The boys have been to MLB but had never seen the Yankees play, so we were all excited.  Jeff had gotten these tickets for my birthday.  He said that since he had to get five tickets, he didn't get very good seats.  Bring the binoculars, he said.  What a silly man.  We sat ten rows up just past third base!!!  I could almost touch Jeter.  I know he could see me! The Yankees hadn't played well in this series, but won Sunday.  Whew.  It is hard to go to the other team's stadium to watch a game, but we really didn't care.  Plus there were lots of Yankee fans all over the stadium.  We were in prime seats for foul balls.  Unfortunately, a little girl did get hit by a hard hit in our section.  And I knitted while waiting for the gates to open and in the stadium.

Then Nathaniel found a restaurant for us to eat at before we trekked home.  A vegan soul food place.  Interesting combination.  The meal was very hearty and very good. All in all, a wonderful day.  Thank you Jeff.  You are very thoughtful.

Now, this is what happens when you rip out your stitches!!!  Kona was healing well until she decided to play vet and take out her own stitches.  Back to the vet again.  Staples this time.  Oh, Kona!!

Knitting still going on.  Finished my open cardigan and ready to make another sweater for myself.  Keep knitting!!!

Don't Rain on My Parade

Well, it did rain on my parade on Saturday. Not too bad, though. At least we didn't get soaked like last year. If you ever consider being in a parade, first get a long range weather forecast. And practice waving for long periods of time. The float highlighted our church's veggie garden and feeding program. We did not throw the plastic veggies that were on the float. We had people handing out the necessary candy to keep the hoards happy.

The first delivery of veggies for the summer happened on Wednesday!!! Much rejoicing for zucchini! Our garden looks great. We have tomatoes, peppers, melons, cucumbers.  Beans being picked on Saturday!!  And, knock on wood, everything looks very healthy. Our new location on the grounds is working out great.

I think all I am doing this summer is weed and knit. Trying to exercise, but it is useless. They had member appreciation day at the gym. There was food. This was very wrong. They just want me to work harder. On the needles: a foster child sweater, my Crabby Crafter socks and a darling hat!!!

The laundry gods are calling. Must obey.

Happy Knitting!!!

You say it's your birthday,

It's my birthday too, yeah. And my brother-in-law, and my niece, my knitting friend and an old neighbor's daughter!! It has been a festive week so far. A great time in Kentucky for Father's Day. Went antiquing a the Burlington Antique Show. We used to sell there a lifetime ago. Saw some dear old friends and bought three amber bracelets. Happy Father's Day!!

Monday was Kona's fifth birthday and she is such a party animal.

Today was a great day. I finally met Silvia, my ravelry knitting same day birthday friend. And we met up at the Village Yarn Shop, of course. A great way to start the day. Then a nap before the family got sort of together. Nathaniel was here for presents. Opened some home, then to the wine store to open some with Alex. It turned out to be a Yankee birthday!! A Jeter shirt, a Jeter bobblehead and the whole family is going to a Yankee-White Sox game in August!!! (Plus the Yankees are on TV now!!)

I also got my Crabby Crafters magic ball swap. Such lovely items. The rosewood cable needles and rosewood seaming needles are beautiful! But now I have to learn to cable. I will do it in style.

And Alex's sweater vest is done. It's a miracle. It fits.

Out to dinner tomorrow and then the festivities are over for now. No more birthdays in this house until next year.
Happy knitting everyone!!

Happy B'day Gnat!

Ah, my baby turns 20 today. Happy Birthday, Nathaniel. I hope you have a great day!

No more teenagers in the house. This doesn't mean no more juvenile behavior though.( How did Elise hurt her nose? Well, we were on the roof. OK, I don't need to know anymore.) And the list could go on.

This was a hard birthday for me. Not because I was sad about it but because I had no idea what to get him. He only requested a new expensive button machine. So, I took him clothes shopping. He wanted skin tight denim shorts. These don't exist. Well, they did, in the girls department and they were a little too frilly for Nathaniel. I didn't think it was smart to buy $40 jeans to cut off. Then it was on to vegan slip on shoes. That was a no go too. So, we went to Kroger and got a hand held can opener, garlic press and a new salt shaker. I am so good to my boys. (there was a little trouble at Kroger though. They stopped carrying tofu!!!! How can this be possible??? I did cause a bit of a ruckus)

We went to Amber India restaurant for dinner. It took me about 3 hours to get through the menu as it was very extensive. They had a good variety of vegan items, so Nathaniel was happy. My meal was very good and everyone enjoyed theirs. Lots of spices. Lots of water. Then home for the vegan carrot birthday cake. I should have made the cake in the pan recommended and not in cake pans. Cakes without eggs do not stick together well. It didn't look very good but was very tasty. Very moist. Yum!

This is where I mention that I can't believe that it has been 20 since his birth, but in reality, I do believe it! I also won't mention that his birth was shown on the Jerry Springer Show. It wasn't really, but on the news show that Jerry Springer was an anchorman in Cincinnati! (we were file film for many years for the birth of children on that channel)

Now, all the festivities are over. It was fun and now Nathaniel is off to shows here and there. I think we get to see him sometime this weekend. Or maybe not.

And back to knitting Alex's sweater vest. It is coming along well and may actually fit him.

Good knitting all!!!