I need a girl

I had another crochet hat that I had almost completed last fall, but with preparing for Christmas I put it down and only finished it today. This is made from Bernat Softee Chunky yarn in heather grey. I thought that it looked very cute so I thought to add a picture to my blog. Then I realized my dilemma. This was not like the other hats I had made and I needed more than just something to sit it on, I needed a model. Here comes the hard part. I have two boys. Who can I get to "model" this for me? I could just let the boys take a picture of me in it, but that would look terrible. I needed something that looked a little better than myself. Well, my younger son was handy, so I used him. My thoughts were that he is so cute who would tell the difference? I could just imagine what Joe would say, though. Well, here it is just the same! (And Jama, this is big enough for me, too!)

Another creation from yarn

Yet another wondrous hat made by moi! This hat is made with Shell and V-stitches. This is yet another adult hat made in the Caron yarn in the same Country Blue color. This time I have added a little flower made in a cream Caron yarn. I am attempting to try to get my hats down to the smaller size to fit my friend, Jo, who I promised a hat for her birthday (which was in March! ;). So far I think this is slightly smaller than the last one, but not by much. Guess I can keep this up until I get it right!

Another Hat

During our last two evenings in Cottageville I was able to spend some time crocheting on another hat. This is made from Red Heart yarn in Country Blue (I think that was the color). It has a heather or denim look to it. I have not made a flower yet for it, but I thought I would show the hat since I am finished with this part.

A Weekend in SC

This past weekend my friend, Jo, and I took a trip to Cottageville, SC. It was a genealogy trip for Jo mostly. She has several grandparents, aunts and great-aunts that still live in that area. Since I love the Charleston area I thought that it would be kind of fun. I also enjoy being around her grandparents, Ruley and Hazel. They are some of the sweetest people you could meet (as well as our own little entertainment show!). So for the first two days we went and visited with several of her family members to learn more about her family. On Sunday we went to church and then went to a cemetery where several family members were buried. Then yesterday we drove into Charleston to go to the local library. We each got a lot of information that we had been seeking and lots of laughter from time spent with family. This was the first time in many years that Jo and I were able to spend several days together as just the two of us. It was so much fun! Even though we did not get to do more sightseeing or get to go to the beach, we both very much enjoyed the time together. Hopefully it will not be another decade before we can do another trip together!

Dollywood and the Brave Sirs Butch and Bubba!

Today Bubba, Butch and I took a trip to Dollywood with six friends. After a recent school trip, which resulted in a less than exciting list of rides of which we could participate, we had a much more enjoyable time today. On the school trip my older son, Bubba, and I had measured to see if he and his younger brother would be able to ride several rides. Today we got to ride most that had eluded us last time. The first ride was the Blazing Fury! This has always been one of my personal favorites. It has never been one of the biggest, fastest, etc., but I had always enjoyed the funny little scenes that were created. This was a ride that both Bubba and Butch would be able to ride. Butch was a little scared at first and he said that he did not want to ride a roller coaster. I convinced him that it was a small one and he would be with me. He seemed to be okay with the try it once motto, so we got in line. The entire time I am reassuring him about the ride, but when we got into the car he wrapped his little arms around my waist and was hanging on to me for dear life! It was cute and funny at the same time. He was not sure if he would like it, but he was going to give it ONE try! He was a great little trooper, though he did say after it was over that he would not ride this one again until he is nine. Next we went to Daredevil Falls, which to those familiar with Dollywood (or Silver Dollar City) is the replacement for the Log Flume (and is located where the Flooded Mine, another favorite of mine, was for many years). This ride really scared Butch, though Bubba was really eager to ride. The first time we went to the front of the line Butch was crying so they would not let us on the ride. I tried for a while to calm him and finally he was calm enough to ride. He was still scared, but he was a brave boy and rode with me (albeit hanging on for dear life again as well as eyes shut the whole time!). After getting off this ride and about 30 minutes later he was talking about how he had ridden these rides and was very proud of himself. It was so hilarious! After that he no longer was upset when we mentioned rides. Butch had also mentioned that he did not desire to ride anything that would get him wet. Well, I guess after the Blazing Fury (which got us a little wet) and Daredevil Falls (which soaked us, though not from the drop at the end), he got over that! We went on the River Rampage next. Bubba got drenched in the last little bit of the ride, where previously he had barely received any of the water absorption with which the other five passengers were blessed. His face was absolutely priceless! If we had that picture taken I would have defiantly bought it for future reference! We rode a few other rides like: the old fifty's cars (where Butch showed off his driving abilities), the Carousel, Dollywood Express, and the Amazing Flying Elephants. The boys and I also went to the Dreamland Forest to play in the "bee hive", where we played with the air cannons, before our last ride of the day. The last ride (with just me and my two brave boys) was once more on the Blazing Fury! Bubba had to ride by himself this time (without someone in the same seat) and Butch braved it with me. They were still talking about the Blazing Fury and Daredevil Falls after we got to the car and also after we returned home! I had also been able to enjoy some of the other roller coasters around the park (Tennessee Tornado and the newer Thunderhead), which the boys would not ride. The Thunderhead was great! It is made of wood and lasts longer than the short Tennessee Tornado. It has no loops, but it is one of the top rated wooden roller coaster in the US. All in all I believe we all had a fun day today. I know I did with my boys!

Bee Balm

I came home from being away and I had to go outside to check in on my plants. I know, I know, all I seem to talk about is plants anymore, but this is for E especially. She and I were talking about gardens earlier today, so I wanted to post about my latest bloom. It is Bee Balm, which is in the mint family. I just walked by them at Pope's and thought it looked great, so I bought one. It had started developing a few weeks back, but really blossomed while I was away this weekend. I was finally able to add the pictures in today.

May 30, 2006

June 5, 2006