My Corner of the World...

According to their website, Claremont, New Hampshire was settled in 1762 and in 1990 the population was 13,905. I think it is a bit more than that now...but, have no idea how much more.

The above is what the Opera House Square looks like -Violet's bookstore, Green Acres Market, Wheelock Travel, and China Delight Restaurant. These are the fronts of the building that I showed last Sunday.
To the left of the bookstore is another restaurant (which can barely be seen on the right) - the we have the Moody Building - where the Chamber is located as well as different businesses. The Moody Building used to be the Moody Hotel and it is a beautiful old building.
The top of the hotel... And, the beautiful staircase inside the Moody Building.
Taken from the fountain in the center of the round-about looking over at the Moody Building.

Friday-Fill-In #87...

1. When I'm sick I'm a total *itch and totally whiney.

2. When I take a walk, I think about the beauty of the area in which I am walking.

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can give you things other than the necessities of life.

4. Cotton makes me feel cool and comfortable and leather makes me feel sexy.

5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was - I'm too old for lewd thoughts - but, then again - maybe not - Tyler Florence (I think he's sexy!).

6. My favorite color these days is turquoise because it reminds me of the oceans in Hawaii - but, to be honest every color is my favorite color. I just love color.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to balance my checkbook and see if I have any money left after buying two new tires today, tomorrow my plans include going to see Mother and then a fund-raising pasta dinner and Sunday, I want to go to church and then put together a quilt top - the blocks are done - it just needs to be put together!

You can find the Friday Fill-ins here!

Good Day...

I've not been happy with the way I fixed parts of my apartment since I moved in - hence no photos - except for the kitchen way back when.

Then with the happenings of these past few weeks and realizing that Mom will be living at the Clough Center - I was having a really hard time seeing her room the way it was when she lived here.

So, today my down stairs neighbor and I got together to rearrange things.

We started out rearranging the furniture in Mom's room and I am really pleased. There is still the same "homey" feeling - and were she ever able to return home...it is actually nicer and prettier.

The other problem facing me was that there was no spot where creativity could flow. Whenever I wanted to quilt - I would have to set up my cutting/ironing table somewhere else - (usually the kitchen) and then I was back and forth. Plus I had no wall space to hang blocks and see things develop...that is now fixed...

By moving two cabinets that were stuck in a corner of my living room into an area in Mom's room - I was able to set up my table permanently and have access to the wall behind it.

Photos will follow - probably tomorrow I'll have living room photos...(as soon as I straighten out the desk - it's very messy!!!) and within the next week there will be photos of the rest of the apartment.

It's all finally beginning to feel like "me" and like "home"...and that's a nice place to be!!!

New Book...

Just started reading a new book last night - Check it out here! It is good!

Ten on Tuesday...

Ten Things You Didn't Like About School

1) Algebra/Geometry - I just was never any good at seeing that or getting that concept! It was awful. I struggled with it. Now when I quilt I use those concepts all the time and I get it! Go figure!!

2) Phys Ed - I hated Phys Ed. Not being athletic no one ever picked me for the team and was always the last one left standing to hear the people on the team I would end up all groan! Guess who became a sports writer? Go figure!!

3) Cruel Teachers - Some people are not meant to teach children...they need to find another line of work. In the 6th grade - the music teacher kicked 7 of us out of glee club because we could not sing well and we were ruining "her" program.

My 6th grade teacher, Ms. Davidson, took us under her wing and taught the girls how to embroider and the boys how to carve. On the night of the glee club program - she proudly presented what we had done for all the parents to see.

4) Homework - Even though I was good at getting my homework done most of the time it was a chore. Really would have been more fun to curl up with a book that was more entertaining.

5) Cliques - Usually divided into the "haves" and "have nots" - whether it was money, looks, social status. Kids can be cruel to other kids.

6) Football games - Hated the Friday night football games. It seemed like everything revolved around football. I didn't understand the game and had no one to really teach me about it.

7) Not having a car - we didn't own a car. Neither my mother nor grand-mother could drive...although Nana did buy a car and tried to learn how to drive it - she wrecked it within two days of owning it. Actually, the first car my family owned that was actually driven was the one I bought when I was 21.

8) Not being able to wear pants or jeans to school. The only time we could wear pants to school was in the winter if it got really cold - and guess who lived in Florida! It rarely got cold enough! Kids now don't realize how lucky they are that they can wear pants, jeans, whatever they want.

9) School dances - were they the pits. The girls on one side of the room and the boys on the other. And, if you weren't popular, pretty, or whatever the latest criteria was, you didn't get asked to dance much.

10) College Prep tests - which were a bear. And, usually took two full days of sitting in a cramped auditorium.

You can find the 10 on Tuesday here!

Knitting...Yes, Really...

Knitting has been going on - quite a bit of knitting for that matter. Maybe it is because I sit more with Mom...and have to have something to keep my hands busy...
This would be a Fidget - Is it not cool???? Decided I wanted one...and am knitting it...

Out of this - Araucania Nature Wool Chucky Multy...It's 100% wool! And, it will feel so nice on my neck this winter!!!! Baby washcloth was knit in a couple of hours - using Plymouth Yarn Jeannee - 100% cotton - worsted weight.
Then I found this adorable pattern with baby feet in it - and knit it out of Peaches and Cream...Baby Green is the color.
The above is one of the prizes for someone from my blog contest - it is a washcloth made out of Euroflax 100% linen. It is a bear to knit with - but gets softer and softer each time it is washed. The pattern is called Little Shells.
Then this is the yarn that I am starting another little baby washcloth. The yarn is also Jeannee...and the pattern will be the same as the one shown.

I'm Beat...

It has been a long week - and I am beat!

Taking the rest of the week-end off...

See you Monday with lots of photos of knitting things...

Have a good week-end!!!

Friday Fill-In #86...

1. Dancing to the music from my cds while working around the house makes me get things done faster.

2. The last time I watched Mom without her knowing I was watching I nearly cried watching her because I realized that even though I want her home with me - she needs more care than I am really able to give her and I see her thriving in her new environment.

3. When I drive I sing along with the radio to an Oldies station.

4. I saw a moose and her baby standing by the side of the marsh last year. They were magnificent looking.

5. Give me books - lots of books, give me yarn - lots of beautiful yarn, give me fabric - lots of soft, pretty fabric and I will be content and happy.

6. Next week I am looking forward to organizing my apartment and getting things the way I want them again.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to chilling and watching some of the stuff on my DVR and knitting, tomorrow my plans include stopping by the Apple Pie festival and then heading up to see Mom and Sunday, I want to go to church, then to a picnic with friends, and just relaxing!

You can find the Friday-Fill-ins here

It's one of "those" Wednesdays!...

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!'

That lovely sentiment came at the bottom of an e-mail to me today from my buddy, Rhonda... Thanks! I needed the reminder.

Mom has not been recognizing me...and it has really worried me. Today we were talking and she remembered as she told me - her grand-daughter, Tara, and her other daughter, Mary Ellen, being there to see her.

I kept telling her that it was me - "Salli" (that's what she has called me since I was a child) - and I asked her what my name was...and she said "Salli, just like my Salli." So I just sort of dropped the conversation.

She got this look of concentration on her face and I asked her what she was thinking...and she said "I wonder what Salli is doing?"

Nothing was making sense to me...Scarlett and I headed out for lunch and I mentioned to her what mom had said...Suddenly Scarlett looked at me and said - "I'll bet she thinks you've gone away for a while and she is in respite care." OMG - that had to be it...

After lunch - we walked in - and I acted all happy and excited to see her - and told her - "I'm home!" Her face lit up and she knew it was me...then she said - "Good, when are we going home?"

I gotta tell you I lost it...and I had to tell her that she needed to stay for a while because she wasn't well. She needed to get strong and better before she could come home. I asked her if she liked it there and she said "yes, but, I like home better."

Even though the right decisions have been made - why the hell does it hurt this damn much?

This...That...And T'other...Again...

1) These past few weeks seem to have been non-stop for me...but, now it seems like a slight routine is happening. Have been spending time with Mom and she seems to be doing okay. She has not mentioned coming home - and some days she knows me and others she doesn't seem sure. But, I am okay with all that.

I had a meeting with the staff and it seems that she is doing better than most when they are first admitted - Physical therapy has been working with her and she is walking behind her wheelchair with someone behind her...she is eating 75% to 100% of her meals and has not lost any weight. She enjoys happy hour on Friday afternoon by eating a lot of cheese and crackers...but, nothing stronger than apple juice.

We spent Sunday afternoon and into the evening together watching tv and enjoying dinner together. It was the longest I've stayed since she was in the hospital part...and while she slept for part of it (afternoon nap)...it was nice just being there...and not having to jump up and down to be caregiver...

2) Creatively - I am a mess! Lots of little promptings - but not enough to get me to my sewing machine - but, I am thinking it is time to get off my butt and get some stuff worked on.

Have decided to go back to one of the quilt guilds that I used to belong to when we first moved here...it meets during the day once a month...and there are some tremendously creative people in the guild. I'll be going this Thursday morning!!!! Maybe that will inspire me!

3) Knitting never seems to be a problem - and I have suddenly started experimenting with some wonderful new yarns...

This is a wonderful soft organic cotton - and is perfect for wash clothes (no - not to wash dishes - but for the body) !!! I am making several as prizes for my contest winners...
A new baby yarn jumped into my basket the other day - it seems like there are several people I know who are having babies and it never hurts to have a nice little gift on hand...
And, this would be 100% linen...and it is being used to make a washcloth also - it is my understanding from a friend who used it - that the more it gets washed - the softer it gets. Just have to try it...

4) Am trying to eat better!!! And, cook a nice evening meal each night. Not perfect at it yet - but, getting there.

We have winners...

The residents and anyone else who dropped by the Town Offices in Cornish picked out the winners of the Christmas Stocking Challenge. Actually, we had a tie:

The winners from my blog were chosen thusly:

The names of those who voted for Stocking #2 were placed into a bowl and a name was drawn -

The winner is: SHEILA

The names of those who voted for Stocking #6 were placed into a bowl and a name was drawn -

The winner is: SHEPHARD

Then I chose two winners from everyone who entered: JANET and NAOMI were the names that were drawn. I am e-mailing everyone to get let you know you won...

The stocking with the most votes on my blog was #2 - and I am getting a batik fat quarter to give her at our next quilt meeting.

My Corner of the World...

Love this photo of the shops on the circle...the deli, then Green Acres Market, the local bookstore, the travel agency, and the Chinese restaurant...they just line up around the circle - and it is a spot where I walk a lot.

Fun Night...and Lazy Day...

Joined up with some women friends at a church function at one of their homes - our annual "Getaway" night. It was so fun! Everyone was invited to stay the night - but only ten out of 21 did.

Dinner was the big thing (of course, it was! I love food! And good food even more!) - and was it good! Chicken with veggie kabobs and steak with veggie kabobs, awesome homemade potato salad, a green salad (it was good - even though it had green peas), fresh baked bread, chips, and a really interesting dessert. (And, I had been craving potato salad for about a week!)

Okay, the dessert was a pie which is supposed to freeze...but, it didn't - and I think it was even better that way. And, easy! I intend to make some for here at home - mainly cause it is so refreshing.

It takes 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk, one large tub of cool whip, and two frozen things of lemonade and pink lemonade (one each - defrosted)...mix it all together and toss it into graham cracker pie crust. And toss in the freezer. We had a bit left over - so we just poured that into paper cups. That's what I had - not big on pie crust...oh, it was soooooo good.

Had a new sleeping bag! Had no idea I didn't own one until I needed it for this week-end. So, I got one - and it was warm and toasty! Slept really well (which should translate to like a rock) - even though there was laughter and conversation all around me as four unnamed people stayed up all night long playing games!

It was a fun evening...and a great de-stresser for me after the past few weeks we have gone through as a family. It is always fun to share time with friends!!!

Came home to spend a lazy day knitting and watching tv...and listening to Killian whine that his "mommy" wasn't home last night...

"Cat abuse - she left me to fend for myself!!!"

Friday Fill-In #85...

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was the House Special Fried Rice which included shrimp, chicken, ham, pork, and mushrooms. It was awesome!

2. Rude people is something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon intrigues and captivates me.

4. It is what it is is one of my favorite local expressions.

5. Sometimes it's best to just keep your mouth shut and not interfere.

6. Across the Universe is the best movie I've seen so far this year! Although a close second would be "21".

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to having dinner with friends and playing board games, tomorrow my plans include going to Kohl's to pick up a few things for Mom and Sunday, I want to run up to see Mom and then just come home and chill!

You can find the Friday Fill-ins here!

The winners of my first contest will be announced on Monday!!!!!

Boston with Ann and Dave...Part Two...

Day Two in Boston:

We met up with Dave around ten - and by this time Dave had already done his laundry and taken Dusty to the vet! - you know he is a real early bird!!!

This trip to Boston was very different for me - I got to see things I didn't even know were there - it was an experience to see a different part of the town that I have so grown to love.

We started out - at a couple of graveyards. I find it amazing that there are these tiny graveyards stuck in the middle of these huge skyscrapers...We saw the graves of Sam Adams (not the beer guy), Mother Goose and Benjamin Franklin's parents.


Next stop was the Paul Revere statute and the Old North Church in the background - (yep - the "one if by land, two if by sea" spot!) We saw his house and it was just so plain...but the sense of history was all around you.

We went through the largest Farmers Market I have ever seen - Dave was telling me that the time to arrive is very early in the morning. The prices were so cheap - $1.00 for a bunch of really nice looking asparagus. Let me tell you it was crowded!!!

One of the most inspiring places we stopped was at the Holocast Monument. I was so touched by what I saw...the words along the path, the numbers that filled the plates of glass - knowing that each number represented a person. What an crime against humanity...how could someone so evil have lived on this earth! It really shook me up!
Fanueil Hall was on the tour! As always - there is an excitement both inside and around the building with all the restaurants and shops bidding for your attention. We wandered inside and outside! An awesome lunch in the North End awaited us - at this darling restaurant...You see that table that I took a photo of? It has a special meaning to me - when my daughter, Tara, was in Boston a few years back for training with her company, we went up to spend the evening and next day with her. We ate dinner sitting at that very table! I never thought I would find the restaurant again - and we picked it for lunch quite by accident.This would be the lovely pair of socks which Dave gifted me with (there was another pair for Ann). I love them...my color and they fit perfectly! I was so surprised...and thrilled! And check out the packaging!
The Christian Scientist Plaza was a spot I had never before seen...what gorgeous buildings! And, to think this covers such a huge area of Boston - again - amid all the skyscrapers one finds these plazas, graveyards, and parks. It is truly awesome.Ann and Dave on the bus (I am sitting across from them) - I've done the subway (or T) throughout Boston - but, this was my first time riding a bus. We went over to Cambridge - to Central Square! From there we walked up to Harvard Square taking in the scenry, shops that looked interesting, and just in general talking, laughing, and having a great time!

It was soon time for Dave to head back home - so we got a few shots of us together at a cute little mall called The Garage...

Ann and I wandered over to the area near the T stop in Harvard Square where we sat and listened to these two guys (Killam and Lloyd) playing music and people watched. They had their CD for sale for $4.00 and I got one as a reminder of my time with Ann and Dave in Boston.

From there it was off to the Dolphin Restaurant in Harvard Square for dinner - I had the best tasting Rainbow trout!!!! Oh, it was sooooo good.

Sunday morning dawned way too early and it was time for Ann's flight - scheduled for 11 AM - which ended up being 9PM - she had her knitting with her - and I had a bus to catch back home - so around 11:00 I left her to wait for the plane and I headed back on the Silver line to South Station and the Dartmouth Coach home.

It was a wonderful time with dear friends...and one that I was thrilled to share.

Boston with Ann and Dave...Part One...

Boston!

My friend, Ann, came to Boston - we met up on Thursday night after the storms-from-hell held up her 3:30 arrival until close to 9PM. We started our Friday in Harvard Square with breakfast and then headed over to Harvard Yard.

This rock formation is in front of the Science Building - and we thought it was rather nice to take a photo in front of. We headed over to Woolcott and Co yarn store and met Sean. Then it was time to head downtown.Naturally we did the tourist thing and rode the Swan boats. We wandered the Public Gardens and the Common for a while...went walking down Newbury Street and into Cartier and Chanel...and just in general got a feel for Boston and its beauty. We did a lot of people watching too...
We were amazed at the beauty of the Boston Public Library! Is that room not impressive!!! Then we headed out for a sunset cruise of the Boston Harbor...it was so fun!

Part of the Boston skyline - from our boat. The sun was just setting - and it was so beautiful. Here we are with the setting sun smiling on us. After leaving the boat we headed up to Chinatown. We actually walked quite a ways to get there.
On the way we passed this great water feature - full of kids playing in the water! It was so fun - I am sure the thought crossed our minds - but, dinner was calling.

Stopped in the lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel (I think that is the correct name) - seems they just received a 5 star rating and they were celebrating. Totally fell in love with the gorgeous orchids in the lobby.
Chinatown and dinner! We experimented with a drink called Bubble Tea - it is like a slushie with tapioca in it. I just had mine plain - and it was totally refreshing (coconut, pineapple & milk). There is no tea in it - so I don't know how they came up with the name...other than the tapioca floating in it...but, it is good!!!

Then it was off to our hotel and bed - for a meet up on Saturday with Dave - who we surprised with Ann's visit!

It was so fun to spend the day with Ann and get to talk in real life! We had a wonderful day!

Great Find...

Check it out! Did I score a great find!!!

Published in 1953 - The First Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel.

Published in 1961 - The Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel.Found at garage sale - cost each 25 cents...how cool is that!!!!

PS. I went to the BBQ my complex had - and I had a very nice time...scored big time with fresh strawberry shortcake which I truly enjoyed!!!!

My Corner of the World...

My Sunday post will now be called "My corner of the world" - I will share with you a photo of one of my haunts, or building, dog, or whatever caught my eye!

So, let us begin:

Fiske Free Library is one of the places that I spend a lot of time. I love libraries and books...and this was one of the first places I stopped once I moved here. Just had to get my library card.

This is one of the libraries that was built with money from Carnigie.

(PS) That's my station wagon at the bottom...(and you thought I drove a sports car!)

Friday-Fill-In #84...and a bit more...

I am trying to get back to normal...whatever that is! Mom is doing better and seems to be adjusting quite well.

But for today: it is time to play -

1. You know you're old when mini skirts and low cut blouses make you look silly - not sexy.

2. My heart is divided between having mom in the nursing home and having her home with me. Even though the answer is clear that she will have a wonderful life there.

3. A generous amount of creativity is what I need RIGHT NOW!

4. I have felt the joy of love, I have known the depths of having to let that love go.

5. Gah, won't these people quit making all that noise so I can sleep at night.

6. Grab me a latte full of sugar, please as soon as you can!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and knitting, tomorrow my plans include going to lecture on healthy eating and exercise (did I say that nasty word!) and Sunday, I want to enjoy my day - but instead I have to go to a picnic that my complex is putting on. If I weren't on the residents council I would skip it!

And, don't forget to enter my contest...you can find it here! We should have a winner in the next week - as the contest for the town ends this week-end!

Update on Mom...

Has it been a week?/!

Yes, it has! And, it has not been the easiest...too many things going on; too many decisions to make; and honestly, almost too much to cope with.

Tuseday morning I rushed mom to the hospital and she was admitted to their ICU unit. My daughter, Tara, arrived from Phoenix later that night or early Wednesday morning depending on what you consider 12:40 a.m. to be. Sister arrived from Tampa Wednesday night at 7PM.

When we arrived Thursday morning Mom had been moved out of ICU. We all met with the doctor - and he stated that he felt she would not return to the level she had when she was living at home...and that he felt she had weeks or months left.

We jointly made the decision to go to comfort care status (along with keeping her blood sugars stable) and let nature take its course. There will be no tubes or tests. She will not be poked and prodded to find out what caused this episode. She has a Living Will where she made her wishes known years ago...and we intend to honor those wishes.

So she was moved to the nursing home unit of the hospital where she will live the rest of her days in a pleasant and caring environment with activities and health care matched to the level of her capabilities. As her doctor said - she is not in pain...and she is living in a "pleasantly demented state of mind" and that isn't a bad place to be.

We liked the nursing home unit...it is pretty, bright, and they are very caring there. They offer many things that will keep her happy as well as some wonderfully holistic therapies (like aromatherapy, music therapy, and arm and hand massage). They also know that she is Scarlett's M-I-L...and Scarlett does work at that hospital.

Actually, I was expecting a lot of arguments from my daughter. She and her grandmother have a wonderful relationship...but, Tara was the first one to say that this would be the best for her grammy...

So, after ten years of caring for mom...I have had to relinquish that role to others who are more capable of giving her the care she needs. It has been very difficult for me - and I have wavered more than once...but she looked so peaceful yesterday and was smiling and talking to me...and we shared QUALITY time...instead of me being in Caregiver/Nurse mode.

It is like suddenly I have all this time and I don't know WTF to do with it all!