tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290578702024-03-13T16:00:51.338-05:00lines... in pleasant placesO Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance. ~Psalm 16:5,6.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.comBlogger1088125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-48815177391583294962015-01-20T15:01:00.000-06:002015-01-20T15:01:51.323-06:00The Fairy Babies <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xB0gLhumM_s/VL6yWpFnV4I/AAAAAAAAEt0/igvIdyPq_tk/s1600/DSCN1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xB0gLhumM_s/VL6yWpFnV4I/AAAAAAAAEt0/igvIdyPq_tk/s1600/DSCN1500.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I finished The Fairy Babies a few weeks ago. It's a book I saw in an
antique store and bought for my daughter-in-law because she likes
fairies. It was different. The fairy babies were "baby" ink-bottles.
The babies heard stories about a magic spoon, a magic pitcher, and a
magic rocking-chair. Dwarves also figured prominently in those stories.<br />
<br />
My children and I love fairy-tales. We have all the Andrew Lang
"color" books of fairy-tales, Grimm's, Andersen's, Greek myths, Norse
legends, etc. All are worn and tattered and are picked up and re-read
often. We might even be connoisseurs of fairy-tales. This book was
pretty much a dud.<br />
<br />
I consoled myself with the latest Flavia de Luce
mystery, As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust, by Alan Bradley. On to a
biography of Christopher Wren!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-39009488851191784032015-01-02T14:00:00.000-06:002015-01-20T14:01:38.145-06:00The Handsome Man's De Luxe Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I
finished The Handsome Man's De Luxe Cafe about a week or so ago. Very
calming, very predictable 15th novel in the series by Alexander McCall
Smith. I do enjoy routines, predictability, and uneventful, boring
days. This book was not boring, but it was what I needed after a very
rushed and hectic month of birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and a
wedding.<br />
<br />
Then I ordered, received, and read All the Light We Cannot
See. Loved it. Now on to another calm and quick read: The Fairy
Babies.</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-16071777033378248312014-12-31T14:52:00.000-06:002015-01-20T14:53:36.186-06:00The Road to Serfdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eqHj7L7tLo/VL6_4QKElcI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/vMkdUnS8IvM/s1600/Road%2Bto%2BSerfdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eqHj7L7tLo/VL6_4QKElcI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/vMkdUnS8IvM/s1600/Road%2Bto%2BSerfdom.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
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I
finished The Road to Serfdom a couple of days ago. It was a book that
made me look at current events and wonder if Hayek was able to see into
the future - because it often seems to me as though we've made the trip
and arrived at our destination of total servitude to government. I
dog-eared pages, starred and underlined passages, and then gave the book
to my son who is majoring in economics and told him he must read it.<br />
<br />
Now on to a little lighter fare... .</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-69674869072497457042014-12-11T15:00:00.000-06:002015-01-20T15:01:26.543-06:00England Have My Bones<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
When I began reading <i>England Have My Bones</i> I was pleasantly
surprised to see that it was written in the form of a diary or journal
(and I LOVE reading diaries!). The first section chronicled a fishing
trip to Scotland, and brought back happy memories of reading <i>The
Compleat Angler</i> by Izaak Walton. I'm also enjoying White's observances
on birds while he's out and about. <br />
<br />
The section about
White's lessons in learning to fly an airplane was interesting. In the middle of
recounting his hours in the air towards getting his pilot's license, one reads this: "The Shire still possesses some of its
oldest families. The best of them has continuously occupied the same
house for five hundred years. I should like to see the inside of such a
place. It seems that the lived-in-ness of the antiquity gives it a
startling reality, a feeling of time telescoped and eternity. I dare
say you would find a pair of crusader's boots under your bed, owing to
the boot-boy having muddled them, and probably there are a couple of
battle axes or rapiers mixed up with the umbrellas in the hall."<br />
<br />
I
finished <i>England Have My Bones</i> by T.H. White last night. I think it
was his first published book. I realized that I'd read other books by
White decades ago, and that my tastes have changed. This is not
fiction, so it appealed to me for that reason (and the diary form) and
for the depiction of country life in the England in the mid-1930's.</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-21398894348259080122014-12-01T11:06:00.000-06:002014-12-01T11:06:37.269-06:00Winter Reading Challenge<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg9MWLFQGDo/VHyfbG72RmI/AAAAAAAAEtc/LjhFqzg1stI/s1600/DSCN1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg9MWLFQGDo/VHyfbG72RmI/AAAAAAAAEtc/LjhFqzg1stI/s1600/DSCN1497.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Janie at <a href="http://seasonalsoundings.blogspot.com/2014/11/beginning-tomorrow-winter-reading.html">Seasonal
Soundings</a> is hosting a Winter Reading Challenge. No list of books to read is too short or too long. Everyone is encouraged to become intentional in reading. <br />
<br />
<br />
Here is my winter reading list:<br />
<br />
England Have My Bones - T.H. White<br />The Road to Serfdom - F.A. Hayek<br />
The Handsome Man's De Luxe Cafe - Alexander McCall Smith<br />The Fairy Babies - Laura Rountree Smith<br />His Invention So Fertile: A Life of Christopher Wren - Adrian Tinniswood<br />In Spite of All Terror - Hester Burton<br />Water Wheel Turn - Hilda Boden<br />Allen Tate: Collected Poems 1919-1976 - Allen Tate<br />
<br />
Come, join the reading fun! Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-26707531109514703412014-11-11T09:51:00.000-06:002014-11-11T09:51:46.025-06:00A wreath for a knitter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48GfZDTH-H0/VGIsXm_5mPI/AAAAAAAAEtM/mPSfzU4lI7c/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48GfZDTH-H0/VGIsXm_5mPI/AAAAAAAAEtM/mPSfzU4lI7c/s320/IMG_0040.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Someone posted a picture on Facebook of a wreath made with balls of yarn and knitting needles. I asked Jacy and Joan if they would make one for me if I supplied the materials. Yesterday afternoon Joan went out with a list and this morning I have a new wreath on my door!<br />
<br />
We looked at the website with the original picture, but couldn't find instructions. Still, it was easy to figure out a way to make it, although the wreath that was our inspiration may have been put together differently.<br />
<br />
Supplies for my wreath:<br />
* 1 wire wreath frame<br />
* 3 packs of styrofoam balls in 3 different sizes<br />
* florist's wire<br />
* yarn in various colors, gauges, fibers<br />
* 1 pair of large (mine are size US 13) and long aluminum knitting needles<br />
* Modge Podge, if desired (we ended up not using it)<br />
<br />
I showed Joan how to wrap the yarn around the styrofoam balls, as if she were using a nostepinne. We thought about spraying the finished yarn-balls with Modge Podge, but Joan just tucked the yarn-end under the wrapped yarn, then slipped florist's wire under a few strands of yarn and wired them to the wreath frame. Finally she stuck the needles under the yarn on several balls and it was done!<br />
<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-7322162775513609912014-11-11T08:49:00.000-06:002014-11-11T08:49:00.936-06:00Sonnet 73<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nD0trVAPcCw/VGE_X6vmLCI/AAAAAAAAEs8/Dh8TgiCotbM/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nD0trVAPcCw/VGE_X6vmLCI/AAAAAAAAEs8/Dh8TgiCotbM/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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That time of year thou may'st in me behold <br />
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang<br />
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, <br />
Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang. <br />
In me thou see'st the twilight of such day, <br />
As after sunset fadeth in the west, <br />
Which by-and-by black night doth take away,<br />
Death's second self, that seals up all in rest. <br />
In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire <br />
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, <br />
As the death-bed whereon it must expire <br />
Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by. <br />
This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong,<br />
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.</div>
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~William Shakespeare </div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-62934739461009993032014-11-10T10:35:00.001-06:002014-11-10T10:35:09.398-06:00November baby blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57dilsGkzK8/VGDlflH_6YI/AAAAAAAAEss/pTWQvLBb7UE/s1600/Crown%2Bpicot%2Bedge%2Bblanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57dilsGkzK8/VGDlflH_6YI/AAAAAAAAEss/pTWQvLBb7UE/s1600/Crown%2Bpicot%2Bedge%2Bblanket.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I found a new-to-me crocheted edge that I love! It's from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Stitch-Bible-Illustrated-Contemporary/dp/0785830480/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415636464&sr=1-1" nbsp=""> The Crochet Stitch Bible</a> by Betty Barnden and it's called "Crown Picot Edging." A couple at church is expecting their first child later this month. They will find out if the baby is a boy or a girl when the baby is born, so I made single crochet rounds in gray, pink, blue, yellow, and green before finishing up with the crown edging. The edging does have a strong tendency to curl, so unblocked it looks more like a ruffle than a crown. However, using a good steam iron on it flattens it enough to coronate the blanket. (The body of the blanket is crocheted using the "Turtle Stitch" from the same book.)<br /><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-1330192480847552622014-06-24T12:19:00.000-05:002014-06-24T12:19:10.320-05:00Mother/Daughter Lone Star Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0ePyU-f8Zg/U6mvD4Ml-mI/AAAAAAAAEsc/ouAfxrKsDvE/s1600/DSCN1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0ePyU-f8Zg/U6mvD4Ml-mI/AAAAAAAAEsc/ouAfxrKsDvE/s1600/DSCN1492.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
From 1973 through 1974 my mother cut (with scissors, not a rotary blade) and sewed (by hand, not with her sewing machine) all these diamonds to make a Lone Star quilt to match my pink and red bedroom. I was 12. <br />
<br />
Her original plan was to piece the large star, then applique it to a large piece of background fabric, but she couldn't figure out how to do it. So she set the star aside. A few years ago she found the star, and gave it to me so I could finish the quilt. This March I pulled it out and got to work. I decided to square out the star with aqua fabric instead of trying to applique such a large piece. Then I found one of the original pink fabrics used and cut it to frame the star. A second blue frame was added to make the quilt large enough for a queen-size bed. I used a second aqua material as binding, and made the back from a material with a paisley pattern (I love paisley!) in reds, pinks, aquas, and blues. I hand-quilted with red cotton thread.<br />
<br />
This quilt was forty years in the making and I'm so happy to have it, and thankful my mother can see the finished product of her hard work.<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-8950818627380083802014-04-28T12:17:00.000-05:002014-04-28T12:17:14.748-05:00Spring quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNtO7h7_la8/U16G2NnpM7I/AAAAAAAAEsI/AYNB11W_Cqg/s1600/DSCN1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNtO7h7_la8/U16G2NnpM7I/AAAAAAAAEsI/AYNB11W_Cqg/s1600/DSCN1485.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This colorful , "busy" quilt top was given to me by my mother a few years ago. I washed it, folded it up, put it in a closet and thought I'd finish it eventually. Last month I pulled it out and had a really good look at it. <br />
<br />
First, I wondered who pieced it. It was hand-pieced with black thread. The black thread, the fabric designs, the fabric age, and the fact that I recognized the green fabric as belonging to my grandmother lead us to believe that she pieced this top. Grandmother didn't do it while Mom was still living at home with her parents, and some of the fabric looks 60's - 70's - ish, so we think she probably did it in the 1970's. <br />
<br />
Then I ironed the top, found a sheet I liked from the thrift store, pinned top, cotton batting, and sheet together, and began quilting. My local yarn store had a bright orange fabric that I liked so I used it to cut bias strips and make the binding. It covers my king-size bed, but really would be perfect for a double bed. <br />
<br />
The only remaining task is to stitch a label telling who made it and when.<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-65218948119386055582014-04-21T12:43:00.000-05:002014-04-21T12:43:47.313-05:003rd Annual Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYnvwV_Ki5U/S_WPH0t_2HI/AAAAAAAADcA/M4WzAVl4pxA/s1600/yarn+for+soakers+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYnvwV_Ki5U/S_WPH0t_2HI/AAAAAAAADcA/M4WzAVl4pxA/s1600/yarn+for+soakers+023.JPG" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
This Friday and Saturday (April 25 - 26) the third annual Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts will be held in Montgomery, AL at the Alabama National Fairgrounds. This is the first year the event will be all indoors. I'm going with a friend. She and I both went the first year and enjoyed it. Neither of us were able to attend last year, and this year it looks as though it will be bigger and better than ever, with lots to see, do, and buy for fiber enthusiasts and others. More information is available at <a href="http://www.alabamafiberarts.com/index.html">Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts</a><br /><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-17253937162811608342013-10-14T15:12:00.000-05:002013-10-14T15:12:14.628-05:00Winter Squash Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Marley has been asking for winter squash soup - made at home, from fresh squash - not the boxed soup I normally get her when she asks for it. So today I finally honored her request and the result was quite delicious.<br />
<br />
I scoured cookbooks and the internet for recipes that looked good, techniques for simplifying the process, and a list of ingredients that I liked. By combining some and tweaking others, I came up with this recipe.<br />
<br />
WINTER SQUASH SOUP<br />
<br />
1 large butternut squash<br />
1 large acorn squash<br />
1/2 a yellow onion, chopped in small pieces<br />
4 teaspoons olive oil<br />
2 tablespoons butter<br />
32 oz chicken broth<br />
1/2 cup cream<br />
salt<br />
pepper<br />
cayenne pepper<br />
<br />
Wash both squashes, then with a sharp knife, prick the butternut squash several times. Place squash in microwave oven and cook for about 4 1/2 minutes. This softens the tough skin. Cut both squashes in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds with a spoon. (Seeds may be saved and washed, then roasted for garnish if desired.)<br />
<br />
Arrange squash halves on foil-lined baking sheet, cut side up. Brush each half with 1 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper. Place in 425-degree oven and roast for one hour. <br />
<br />
Allow to cool for about 20 minutes, then scrape the cooked squash out of their skins into soup pot. In small skillet saute the onion in the butter until onion is tender and translucent. Add skillet contents to soup pot. If desired, mix the squash and onions thoroughly with a mixer or egg beater. Slowly pour in chicken broth and stir broth and squash together until thoroughly mixed. Add 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper and the cream (or Half & Half). Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Eat. <br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-69294636902262299202013-09-16T07:04:00.000-05:002013-09-16T07:04:00.647-05:00Egg cozies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd155Foj408/UjS0b_lMtmI/AAAAAAAAEo8/_ELHwLTFeTY/s1600/IMG_0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd155Foj408/UjS0b_lMtmI/AAAAAAAAEo8/_ELHwLTFeTY/s320/IMG_0761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A couple of years ago I saw this cute <a href="http://www.peacefleece.com/catalog/item_view.php?item_index=1134">egg cozy kit</a> from Peace Fleece and teased Penny that she should knit them for the eggs she gets from her chickens. She laughed and I laughed, but I couldn't get the kit out of my mind. About a year ago I ordered the kit, started a chicken, then set it down. Earlier this summer I decided to finish the kit. Soon I will be making soft-boiled eggs for breakfast and you can be sure that those eggs will stay warm in their chicken cozies until we're ready to sit at the table and eat them!<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-63868828251859684442013-09-14T13:28:00.000-05:002013-09-14T13:28:16.947-05:00Bountiful boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUAJxKSn1IM/UjSmrpLXg6I/AAAAAAAAD9g/xpPbEp7wUQg/s1600/7d93ec4d-27d5-4853-b070-fb9132ab3e23" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUAJxKSn1IM/UjSmrpLXg6I/AAAAAAAAD9g/xpPbEp7wUQg/s320/7d93ec4d-27d5-4853-b070-fb9132ab3e23" width="320" /></a></div>
Lyle arrived on July 29 weighing a whopping 9lbs. 8oz. I think at least 6 ounces can be attributed to his hair! Liam and Lyle are both growing and changing, and we are all loving every minute we get to spend time with either of them. Baby duty couldn't get much better than this!<br /><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-14672891459786113882013-07-16T11:54:00.001-05:002013-07-16T11:54:46.623-05:00Baby blankets for LiamLiam has grandmothers who knit, crochet, and quilt. He is a well-blanketed baby.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwFpv10cpx0/UeV4ihWFs6I/AAAAAAAAD78/Ujym540Mfdg/s1600/DSCN1448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwFpv10cpx0/UeV4ihWFs6I/AAAAAAAAD78/Ujym540Mfdg/s320/DSCN1448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here he is on the quilt his Gmom, Penny, made for him.<br />
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<br />Here he is on the quilt his great-grandmother, Linda, made for him.</div>
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And here he is on the blanket I crocheted for him. Happy baby, thankful family. God is good!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-20483431965917244632013-07-16T11:43:00.000-05:002013-07-16T11:43:18.488-05:00A growing baby boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Liam arrived on June 5 and is growing and thriving. His mama and daddy are learning and changing (diapers, habits, their routines, etc.). All is well and Liam's extended families are besotted with him!<br /><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-52385345799070714092013-07-16T11:03:00.000-05:002013-07-16T12:05:34.975-05:00When you get two knitters together......they knit. Penny and I knit while we waited at the hospital for Liam to be born. <br />
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She worked on a silk shawl, and I worked on a cotton dishcloth. And before too much time had passed, we had the best little knit-together-by-God-in-his-mother's-womb grandson!<br /><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-26629233512517221952013-05-25T14:13:00.000-05:002013-05-25T14:13:19.668-05:00More barefoot sandals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went a little crazy with barefoot sandals for the girls. They're very quick and easy to make, and there are so many pretty and fun patterns available.<br />
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Julie's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peacock-barefoot-sandals">Peacock Barefoot Sandals</a> worked up well in DMC Coton Perle 5. A pair of these sandals takes less than four skeins of the Perle 5 - and they feel so nice! I did wind the skeins up into balls before using it - just to make it less likely to tangle while I crocheted. There's a lot of thread left over so I can mix and match for several more pairs.<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-91461330682458958622013-05-25T13:42:00.000-05:002013-05-25T13:42:25.025-05:00Waiting for Liam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tom and Kate's son, Liam, has an official (doctor given) due date of May 30th. Kate would be okay with him making his arrival anytime from today on. His other grandmother, Penny, comes tomorrow and wants him to wait until Monday, so she's not tired from the trip and has at least one good night's worth of sleep under her belt. <br />
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I'm ready, ready, READY to meet this new grandson! A few minutes ago I finished stitching the binding to a quilt for him - a quilt my mother began for Tom when I was pregnant with him 26 years ago. Mom cross-stitched the alphabet squares and pieced the cross-stitch squares and fabric squares together. Then she got busy (a lot of grandchildren arrived in a few short years and she was - and is - a very hands-on involved grandmother - the very best!) and put the quilt aside and didn't finish it. A few years ago she gave it to me to finish, and while I went ahead and put the batting and backing on, and quilted it, I waited until Kate was pregnant to figure out what to use for binding. Last week I finally found a fabric that I liked, so I cut and sewed and ironed and pinned and stitched and today.... it is complete. <br />
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So please come on, Liam!<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-19632347950148048562013-02-12T11:47:00.000-06:002013-02-12T11:47:57.352-06:00Preparing for a Feast on Fat Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While others are preparing to deny themselves something for the next forty days, would you consider joining me in <b>indulging </b>in something extra for Lent?<br />
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Deuteronomy 8:3 tells us, "So
He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you
did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know
that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every <i>word</i> that proceeds from the mouth of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>."<br />
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And Jesus repeated that truth in Luke 4:4, " <span class="cverse2">And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."</span><br />
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<span class="cverse2">Let's sit down each day at a banquet feast prepared for us by the King of kings and LORD of lords, the true manna from heaven, the Living Word, and see how that perfect daily bread enriches our lives.</span><br />
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<span class="cverse2">"</span><span class="cverse2"><span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-ESV-29517">Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." ~ Colossians 3:16</span></span><br />
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<span class="cverse2"><span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-ESV-29517">(I made a schedule for Lenten Bible reading a few years ago, and you're welcome to use it, too! I find that it takes me about an hour - or less - to read the selection for the day.)</span></span><br />
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<span class="cverse2"><span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-ESV-29517"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lenten Bible Reading Plan</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 1:</span> Genesis<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 2:</span> Exodus<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 3:</span> Leviticus, Numbers<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 4: </span>Deuteronomy<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 5:</span> Joshua<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 6:</span> Judges, Ruth<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 7: </span>I Samuel<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 8: </span>II Samuel<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 9:</span> I Kings<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 10:</span> II Kings<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 11:</span> I Chronicles<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 12:</span> II Chronicles<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 13: </span>Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 14:</span> Job<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 15: </span>Psalms, chapters 1 - 75<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 16: </span>Psalms, chapters 76 - 150<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 17:</span> Proverbs<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 18:</span> Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 19: </span>Isaiah, chapters 1 - 33<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 20: </span>Isaiah, chapters 34 - 66<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 21:</span> Jeremiah, chapters 1 - 26<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 22:</span> Jeremiah, chapters 27 - 52<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 23:</span> Lamentations<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 24: </span>Ezekiel, chapters 1 - 24<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 25:</span> Ezekiel, chapters 25 - 48<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 26:</span> Daniel<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 27:</span> Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 28: </span>Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 29:</span> Matthew<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 30:</span> Mark<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 31: </span>Luke<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 32: </span>John<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 33:</span> Acts<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 34:</span> Romans<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 35:</span> I Corinthians<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 36:</span> II Corinthians<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 37:</span> Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 38:</span> I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 39:</span> Hebrews, James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Day 40:</span> Jude, Revelation<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-4828771334174322212013-01-12T13:01:00.003-06:002013-01-12T13:01:57.969-06:00Babies are blessings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are enjoying a season of joyful news! Hayley, Abbey, Mady, and Bear are expecting two new cousins to arrive this summer and fall. Everyone is happy and excited and we would appreciate prayers for the expectant mamas (health and safety during pregnancy, labor, and birth), the expectant daddies (working hard and trusting God to provide for their growing families), and the extended families (to encourage, support, and help in any way possible). And please pray for these two sweet little ones, that they would, from a tender age on, know "the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world!"Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-75087084338207845292012-12-08T13:39:00.000-06:002013-01-12T13:02:33.593-06:00A wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sarah and Christian were wed on December 1, 2012. The wedding was small (maybe 65 people, and most were family members of the bride and the groom). Both ceremony and reception were held in a small antebellum home, and the bride's grandfather and the groom's grandfather performed the service. It was a joyous and lovely day.<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-63344388954779477212012-12-08T13:22:00.000-06:002012-12-08T13:22:00.443-06:00Knitting in Napa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Knitting while in Napa was necessary. There was only so much tasting I could do before I felt like I was "tasted out." I'm not a huge connoisseur of wine, although I do appreciate good wine. So my while my companions tasted on I pulled out my yarn and needles and listened to their observations about the wine. It made for some perfect days.<br /><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-25615697388043093282012-12-08T13:13:00.001-06:002012-12-08T13:22:27.038-06:00Napa in November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Napa in November was very nice. Steve and I went with two other couples and spent five days sightseeing and wine-tasting. Definitely plan to go back and see more!<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29057870.post-83370378414111362252012-10-23T14:07:00.001-05:002012-12-08T13:43:20.530-06:00Hayley's quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last fall Hayley asked me to make her a quilt. She is coming (with the rest of her family) on Friday to spend the weekend and to go to an Auburn football game (that's the birthday gift she asked for). I told her that no matter the outcome of the game, she'll have her quilt to take home with her. Happy 12th Birthday, Hayley!<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17775836987596716063noreply@blogger.com0