Musings

This is one of my very favority pictures to remind me of good friends and good times. We were quite the "adult" hunter group back in the day at White Fox. Kate, Gail, Jennifer, and I spent many a day sitting on our horses awaiting our turn in the show ring. The fun times we had will always bring a smile to my face. I do miss those days.

It's been a crazy last 4 months for me, so much has happened that has been life-changing for us. How to come to terms with those changes is challenging, yet rewarding. We are full-time parents again with gaining custody of our 6 year old grand-daughter. It's energizing to be around all of that energy! I find myself back to driving to school, taking kids to gymnastics or dance, play-dates, etc. She is doing wonderfully and is happy and well-adjusted. We are blessed.

  Related to above paragraph, my gaming on the computer has been considerable reduced so I guess it's good timing for my laptop to have to go in to the shop!! I have, however, been knitting and crocheting like crazy. Along with numerous washcloths, I completed my first pair of socks!! Have made many hats and scarfs, some wrist warmers, a couple baby blankets, among other fun things.

This shows what happens when you are left-handed and you knit a pattern as it's written!!  Looks awesome through the mirror, lol.  One of those fun lessons learned.  I have gotten used to reading patterns backwards, albiet it is a bit of a nuisance.  Finally I absolutely love this saying:

Welcome holiday season!!!

How appropriate the above is on some days!!! I love knitting and crocheting, it keeps me grounded and brings much needed peace in what has been a tumultuous (not sure I spelled that right) year. Who know that at 57 I would be a full-time mother to a 5 year old!!! A month ago custody of my middle grand-daughter became a reality for me. She has spent most of her life living with us and with her mother's issues she is now legally with us. What joy a child brings into a home. Balancing being a "nana" with being a mother is an ongoing learning experience, but I am relishing challenges that it brings.

Lately

It's been quite a ride since I was last here. Family problems still wildly insane, I wonder most days how I will survive this! It's a real challenge to not let the problems overwhelm daily life. I credit the calmness knitting and crochet bring each day, along with losing myself in the mmorpg's that I so enjoy. All that being said, I am lucky and grateful to have family that does care, friends, health, a home, food on the table, cars to drive, and always the belief in the light ahead in this turbulent time.

Happy 2011

So here we are at the start of a new year. I am anxious, yet excited to see what this year brings. Last year was very tough in so many ways that I was really glad to see it end. My horse survived his accident quite well and has mended nicely. I owe Lisa Stock more than she can ever know for all she has done for me/him. I re-connected in a small way with my youngest daughter. It's not like it used to be and I don't know if we will ever get back to that place, but my heart prays that it does as I miss our closeness more than she can ever know. Indy is struggling, but struggling in the right direction. She works hard at being the best mother she can and continues to overcome the demons of her past. Sadly, I have had no contact with Jason for over a year. I have granted his request to be "dead" to him. Made me quite sad but I am resigned to the loss. Unfortunately as a result I rarely see my oldest grand-daughter Zoey, twice in the last year. Zack seems to have been influenced by his parents and I never hear from him unless I am texting or emailing him to ask what he wants for birthday or Christmas, haha. He remembers me then. Knitting and crochet keep me sane during the insane times of my life. I can honestly say I am unsure of the future, but I am striving to make the most of what is in front of me.

Mid way through summer!!

Hard to believe we are over half-way through July!! This year is flying by. Avalon continues to do well, but it's been too hot to do much riding. I am a wuz!! Took Zoey and Keely to Deanna Rose and we had a blast. It was so much fun to see the two of them together, they have missed each other. Hadn't seen Zoey in over 6 months, boy has she gotten taller. I can't believe she will be starting kindergarten in the fall!!

Have been knitting and crocheting all summer, despite the heat. Good thing my home is air conditioned!! Sometimes I get so obsessed with a project that I can think of nothing else until I finish it! I made this sweater for Samantha Collins soon to be born son. I love the way it turned out.

I got a new to me car this week. Finally convinced Gary that we could be a 2 SUV family again!!! It's great to be able to have so much room!! (and be able to see around other cars at stop lights!) Of course I can't seem to keep him out of it. Every time I go out to go somewhere he is in it!!

Indy and Keely moved to their own place after 4.5 years with us. It's odd not having them here but I confess that I am in heaven I miss Keely, but love having a neat home again. It's sure different when you have a little one living amongst you.

Spring

Hard to believe that it's 5 months into the year 2010!. I have been busy knitting, crocheting and making daily visits to the barn. After a nearly 20 year affiliation with White Fox Manor I moved my horse to Church Hill Farms. It's a beautiful facility where horses get to live like horses! I had no idea what Avalon had been missing. Unfortunately after 5 weeks there he was kicked in the pasture and fractured his elbow. After successful surgery at K-State he has been on the mend for 2 months now. The first month post-surgery he spent confined to his stall. This last month I have been hand walking him for 15-20 min a day. In 2 days the vet will xray his shoulder and if all is well he can be turned out. That will be a gooooodddd thing as he has definitely gotten cabin fever and is ready to get out of the stall.

Since I go out every day to walk him often times I have to take Keely with me. There is an adorable pony who is owned by the barn owner's daughter Brandy that Keely and Lisa's grand-son Connor ride (he is Connor's pony). Pony's name is Champ and the kids love him. She has been out several times to brush him, lead him aro

und, and rid him bare back. Unfortunately due to being estranged with my son and youngest daughter, I have 2 other grand-daughters who haven't been able to enjoy this fun time yet.

I have been knitting and corcheting like mad to cope with the stress that comes with family issues. I have made numerous cloths, a few hats, a couple baby sweaters and blankies, embellished socks for little girls and am currently working on 3 afghans.

KrisKnits...

KrisKnits...There are some wonderful patterns on this site. Visit and enjoy!