Rough Week

This past week was a rough one. I traveled to Pensacola with co-workers to the funeral of one of our own. Debra Fuller passed away on January 15th, and was laid to rest on the 23d. She was a wonderful, loving, giving friend. She missed the birth of her third grandchild, Michael, who arrived on the 19th. He's a beautiful little boy with a lot of light brown hair and big blue eyes.

When Deb was diagnosed with cancer, less than six months ago, I refused to believe that she would not beat it and would return to work. It took awhile to sink in because even after the funeral I was convinced she was playing a trick on us. But it hit me today that she won't be coming back.

I take comfort in knowing that she was surrounded by those she loved most in the world when she left this earthly existence. And knowing that if I can live my life right I will see her once again.

Rest In Peace dear friend.

Another Loss

This has been a rough month so far. My friend and supervisor passed away from cancer on the 15th. She was a few years younger than me, and it's made me feel so . . . mortal I guess is the right word.

I've been crocheting on the baby blanket I'm making for another coworker. Her son was born last month, but she knew it would take me awhile to finish. I should be done (about 3/4 of the way done now) by the time she returns to work next month.

I have also been asked to test a pattern, which I am doing. I'm kind of excited about it. I hope that I can eventually share it with you. At least show you my efforts and point you to the site where you can purchase a copy for yourself. It's a very summery project, which was great because we had been having wonderfully warm (low 80s) temps. Today that all changed, and the high was about 57. This is not why I moved south!

I haven't worked much on the January 12 Months of Christmas project. I have almost completed one light, which may be all that I manage right now. I did manage to collect yarn for the colors the pattern used, although I used DK rather than WW cotton.

Well, I just wanted to check in and let you know that I haven't forgotten you.

Sad Day

My dear precious dog, Cocoa, passed away early this morning. My heart is breaking. She's been my protector and companion for 12 years. When my sister died she dried my tears with her sweet kisses. She was the alarm when something sounded wrong. She was my exercise partner encouraging me to walk a little further so she could smell that next blade of grass. Her wonderful quirks gave me so many moments of laughter I can't even count them. She will always be missed and hold a special place in my heart forever.

Rest in peace precious one.

New Year's Resolution

I mentioned in my last post that my New Year's resolution is to be a better blogger by posting one Christmas themed project each month, my 12 Months of Christmas. I had hoped to decide on my first project by the beginning of the year (i.e., yesterday) and I did. I just didn't mention what it was going to be.

I found a pattern for a pretty Christmas themed garland on the Lily Sugar and Cream website. In order to access the pattern you need to register on the site, but it's free and chock full of free patterns made with their cotton yarn. I'm not going to use a cotton yarn. Most likely I'll dig through my extensive stash and come up with pretty colors to make it. Anyway, the pattern can be found here.

I have really bad lighting in my apartment, and very little room as I have my younger son and his family living with me. So I won't post any photos that show my progress, but I promise to include a picture of my finished project. And hopefully, I'll post more than just a finished project this month, too.

Hope your new year is off to a wonderful start.

Ann