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Friday, December 31, 2010

Another New Year, Another New Chance~

Tomorrow starts a brand new year, the slate will be clean awaiting our writing into the pages of our lives.  Let's make it a year of wonderful days and happy times, each filled with love and hope~

"Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!"
William Arthur Ward.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

What have I done ? ? ? ? ?

Actually I know what I've done now, I spent some money while in my pj's.


For quite some time now, I've been watching e-friends learning to spin yarn, beautiful yarn! It finally got to me and I decided to get a drop spindle so I could try spinning in a small way. This is what I ordered,


The kit will let me give spinning on the spindle a try, and hopefully by next summer I will be able to do something I've wanted to do for the past 14 years, pick cotton from the fields after the harvesters go through, then prepare it, dye it, spin it into yarn and crochet or knit something for DH.

People in this generation are used to seeing vegetables grown so we can eat them, but not to seeing a green plant with pretty light lavender flowers that later become a bole of cotton, and know that later on that white bole of cotton is turned into clothing, sheetes, towels, etc. It has always fascinated DH, so I want to make him a gift of a cotton item that he saw go from the plant into the finished product.   Hopefully it will be a gift of wonder~

Friday, December 24, 2010

Wishes For You

Wishing you the Blessings of the Season, in hopes that the New Year will bring all good things into your lives.

No matter what beliefs you hold, no matter what your hopes are, I wish you Enough~

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
  enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
    enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
      enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
        enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
           enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
             enough “Hello’s” to get you through the final “Goodbye.”

Above all, I wish you enough love and contentment to be happy each day of the coming year~

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Wanted: one memory, in good condition

If you know where I can get  a good memory that is still in good condition, please contact me!

This morning I took some things I'd crocheted to town, for the DFACS unit that handles the children who have been removed from their homes for their safety.  Ten of the Purple Best Buds, and at least that many of the OctoGottcha/Loctollipops, and a few other assorted items.

Did I take a photo of any of them before leaving them in town?  No, of course not.  I've been meaning to get photos for days, but kept forgetting.  I swear that soon I'll have to wear two tags every time I leave home . . .
   One with my name on it, worn upside down so I'll know who I am;
   The other with the words, "If you find me, please return me to . . " and my address or phone number where there's someone who will come get me.
Sheesh!

Maybe Santa will bring me one for Christmas?  I've tried to be a good girl. heh, heh, hehehehehehe~~~

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Next Project Is . . . .

Another day, another project!    Next on my list is a Hooded Neckwarmer. 
The pattern is at Annie's Attic, Chunky Hooded Neck Warmer

It looks like an easy pattern, and one that will work up quickly.  You might wonder why I want to make one at all when today's high is supposed to be 70F.  But in a few days, we'll be having lows in the mid-20's again.  Since much of my "going" is done fairly early in the day, I'm sure this will feel pretty good when it turns off cool again~

Also have to call around today to find homes for ten Purple Best Bud dolls.  I'm sure one of the facilities here will want some for children that are brought in due to domestic violence.  And at this time of year, even without the economic downturn, there is far too much of that, and violence of every kind.

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season, whatever holiday you may celebrate.  So Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone~

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Dishcloth War? It's on?

Crochet Goddess said it first, the Dishcloth War Is On and in our house it appears that she is right.  Wendy and I also are hard at work on dishcloths for Christmas.

We enjoy making them because they are "brainless" hand-work that is useful, used, and enjoyed by those who receive them, including us. 

As a child I had never used a Store Bought dishcloth.  All of ours were hand crocheted by someone in the family.  But as a young housewife, I never used a hand-made dishcloth.  Then, many years later, after being retired early due to medical issues, I began crocheting my own again and now wonder why I ever liked the store-bought ones.

So today we will be making more dishcloths for gifting to friends and family, as we rest and watch a movie or two.  We had a not-fun day at the doctor's and pharmacy yesterday, and actually are in need of a day to just rest.

While at the doctor's, I got my pneumonia shot/booster.  Darned if it doesn't have my shoulder feeling like it's the size of a grapefruit!  I've never had a reaction to the shots before, and wonder if they changed the formula or if I've just gotten more sensitive . . . .  Me?  Sensitive?  BwaaaHahahahaha~
 

Our copyright pattern for Crochet Easy Dishcloth Pattern ~


Thursday, November 25, 2010



A Happy Thanksgiving Day wish to those who live in the USA, and a belated wish to those who live in Canada~


May you always have Enough~



May you have enough happiness to keep you happy.


Enough trials to keep you strong.


Enough sorrow to keep you human.


Enough hope to keep you thoughtful.


Enough failure to keep you humble.


Enough success to keep you eager.


Enough friends to give you comfort.


Enough faith and courage in yourself to banish depression.


Enough wealth to meet your daily needs.


Enough determination to make each day a better day than yesterday.
 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Shhhhhhh~

I'm not sure that it's Ok to post here on Blogger, but you can go to my Etsy store to see my newest item for sale . . . . Naughty but not nasty . . . .  Mr. Winkie Warmer~   

Once there was a Mister Winkie,
who was gonna get shrinky-dinky,
because it was so cold.

But crafty Mrs. Winkie,
crocheted a warmer for his winky,
and it was a sight to behold.

Now Mr. Winkie is warm and toasty,
'cause Mrs. Winkie loves him the mosty,
and now their story has been told.
      Poem by Wendy G 2006

Etsy shop - StitchnFrog

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Give the gift of green this Christmas

Give a Green Christmas gift this year~


This is a set of reusable cleaning supplies, with a Broomstick Duster, a Dish Scrubbie, a Dish Cloth, and a Swiffer Sweeper cover.

All are cotton, or cotton with acrylic, and all are machine washable & dryable. 

They can be found in my Etsy Store here - 5 piece green cleaning set

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Easy Dishcloth Pattern - Crochet

Easy Dishcloth Pattern
Copyright: January 2007 by Gail E and Wendy G

1 ball of worsted weight cotton yarn (such as Sugar & Cream or Peaches & Cream)
H hook
Large eye needle for working ends in

ch 30

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. ch 1, turn

Row 2: sc in 1st st, *ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st. Repeat from * to end of row. ch 2, turn.

NOTE: If you crochet tightly, ch 3 instead of ch 2 for your turning chain.

Row 3: dc in 2nd st, * dc in each sc and ch1 space * to end of row. ch 1, turn.

Row 4 – 17: Repeat rows 2 and 3.

Row 18: Repeat row 2. ch 1, turn.

Row 19: sc in 1st st and each st across. Finish off yarn and weave ends in before adding border.

Border Row 1 (contrast color is best): join with sl st to any corner st. 1 sc, ch 1, 1 sc in same stitch. * sc in every st to next corner. 1 sc, ch 1, 1sc in corner stitch. * Repeat from * on all sides of cloth, being careful to work 2 sc into each side of dc st on side of cloth and 1 sc in each sc st on side of cloth (both sides). Join with sl st to beginning sc st in 1st corner.

Border Row 2 : ch 2, 1 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc in ch 1 sp of corner. Ch 1, sk 1 (will actually be the other sc corner st), hdc in next st. * Ch1, sk1, hdc in next st all the way to next corner. At corner, in Ch 1 sp 2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc.* Repeat from * all the away around the cloth. Join with sl st into the 2nd chain of the 1st hdc in corner. Finish off and weave ends in.

NOTE:
The dishcloth should be close to square, so you can add more of Rows 2 & 3 or do fewer of them to get the length to match the width. It is not imperative that the dishcloth be square, so don’t get nervous about it.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Spidey-ghan AKA Superhero Dreamcatcher Afghan

I found out this morning that my Spidey-ghan pattern has been posted on Ravelry by other crafters as a Project they have made, 386 times!  What a wonderful feeling to know that at least 386 Spiderman fans have their own Spidey'ghan to snuggle with!

Whether you Crochet, by my pattern, or Knit by Anne's patern (Anne is a lovely lady in Finland who translated the pattern from crochet to knit.) you can make a Spidey'ghan for your Spiderman fan too. 

So if you know someone, young or old, who loves the Spiderman comics and movies, make the perfect Christmas gift for them, a special afghan~  The pattern is free, you just need a hook, or needles, yarn, and some time.
Create a Smile today~

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Afghans and OctoGottchas

I still do not have photo downloading capabilities but hope to by next Wednesday~

I've been working on several on-going WIP's - OctoGottcha creatures for the Fall Arts & Crafts fairs, Pot & Plate Pinchers (my variation of the pattern), dishcloths, potholders, etc.  And helping Wendy G with an afghan she promised a cute little girl.  I'm making most of the squares, she is making less squares but is going to assemble the afghan.

An OctoGottcha is a creature that is very mischevious.  When it's human puts it on another person's head, it sneaks out some of that person's brains, then puts them into its person's head.  Of course the human must be very careful as to who's head they choose for their OctoGottcha so that they don't accidently have dumb-brains snuck out and placed into their head.  That would be awful!  This is what some of the OctoGottchas look like, so you can be wary of anyone with one of these little guys on their shoulder . . . . . .
You should also be alert for the Hogtopus.  They behave the same way, but look a little bit different . . . . . . .
 Photos of other WIP's that are being worked on today, will hopefully be posted next week.  And all items may be purchased through my Etsy store~




Saturday, September 25, 2010

Re-useable Swiffer Pad Covers in my Etsy Shop

Why pay for expensive disposable pads for your sweeper when you can purchase one Reusable pad for the same price as only 16 disposable pads?

Made of 100% cotton, this pad is for a 10x4-1/2 inch sweeper and costs only $15.00 + shipping. Will make to fit the sweeper that you have for $1.00 extra, contact me for more information, cost, and color choice.

Will make in color/s of your choice, in either all Cotton or with a Cotton pad & synthetic top. PM me for colors available.

Advantages of a Reusable pad:

** Costs less - one pad will last for a long time. I have been using mine for over a year and it's still working perfectly.

** Excellent for dry or wet use. Mops as well as sweeps. Good for all types of non-carpeted floors.

** Washable - wash cold, lay fat to dry. No adding to trash dumps. You may wash cold and dry on low heat, but this may cause some shrinkage.

** You may color coordinate to your likes.  Bottom will always be 100% cotton, but top may be made of synthetic yarn and in any color of your choice.

** Less trash going to the landfill.

** Works equally well dry or wet.

** No chemicals when wet mopping if you use a mixture of White Vinegar and water. Added Benefit of vinegar & water solution are; vinegar disinfects as you mop; cleans grease and grime; And Vinegar removes odors.

** Ecologically sound. No trees killed to make this pad, and it is biodegradable when discarded after it's long usage.

Paired with my Broomstick Duster

which is in another Etsy ad, you can dust mop or wet mop, and get those pesky cobwebs that appear overnight in the ceiling corners.

Or choose the complete set of Swiffer pad, duster, and dish scrubbie set.




http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchnFrog

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Pumpkin Patch CAL



The Itsy Bitsy Spider has a CAL happening for her Pumpkin Patch pumpkins.  I'm working on one tonight.  This one is exactly by the pattern, tomorrow I'll start a second one that will have variations.  I already have an idea of what I want to do with it.  And it'll be fun~:o)

Want to join us?  http://itsybitsyspidercrochet.blogspot.com/2010/09/pumpkin-patch-cal-materials-list.html

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Ravelry Group - Compassionate Yarn Artists

Are you suffering from constant pain, illness or other life conditions and need a little compassion or are you just passionate about yarns, fibres and fabrics? We are a group that offers both passion and compassion…. Whatever your life is like you are welcome here.

We are an all accepting group who just want to have fun and feed our yarn addictions with love, life, and laughter.

Photos of your WIP and/or FO’s may be placed in the appropriate thread. Please do it this way so that others can easily find and see the arts they wish to see.

We will chat about our various yarn arts and stashes, our other hobbies and crafts, our chronic ailments, our favorite recipes, and whatever comes to mind. We might have a swap or two for those who enjoy swaps, and will help one another with artsy problems and ideas.

The Phoenix in our Icon, is representable of each of us arising from the troubles in our lives, to live our Life to the fullest and to the best of our abilities~
 
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/compassionate-yarn-artists
 
~All Yarnies Welcome~

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Pot and Plate Pincher Variation

Pot and Plate Pincher Variation : Original pattern -   http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=108845

This variaton differs from the original in that it is crocheted in one two piece, and instead of both ends matching in size, one end is for your thumb.
    I fell in love with them, for removing plates & other items from the microwave.  Cudos to carovan for this terrific little item.  And if you happen to know her, or how to reach her, please let her know that I have listed this variation and would love to hear from her so that I may ask for her permission to leave it listed.

Cotton worsted weight yarn
H hook

Row 1: ch 8, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to end. Ch 1, turn. (9sc)

Row 2 – 10: sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 11 - sc dec, sc in next 5st, sc dec. Ch 1, turn. (7sc)

Row 12 - 23 - sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 24: 2 sc in first st, sc in each st to end, 2 sc in last stitch. Ch 1, turn. (9sc)

Row 25: 2 sc in 1st st, sc across, ending with 2 sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (11sc)

Row 26 - 36: sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. (11sc)

Row 37: sc dec, sc in next 7sc, sc dec. Ch 1, turn. (9sc)

Row 38: sc dec, sc in next 5sc, sc dec. Ch 1, turn. (7sc)

Row 39 - 40: sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 41: 2 sc in first st, sc in each st to end, 2 sc in last stitch. Ch 1, turn. (9sc)

Row 42: 2 sc in 1st st, sc across, ending with 2 sc in last st. Ch 1, turn. (11sc)

Rows 43 - 53: sc across. Ch 1, turn.

sl st acoss to end.

Fold large half together to form finger pocket, sc in each st around the edge, stitching through both thicknesses. end off.

Attach yarn at first st in beginning ch, sl st across.

Fold small half together to form thumb pocket, sc in each st around the edge, stitching through both thicknesses. end off.

Weave ends in.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Hey, Lookie what I just bought!

I just got this pattern from Crafty Deb and HAVE to show you!   I love it and will be making two of them between now and Halloween.  I want to take them to Starbucks so they can sit on the table with us and have a cuppa with Wendy and I~    I think they will give us two of the sample cups so our new friends can share a cuppa with us~  He has a lovely smile, don't you think?

I think they will be the hit of the day, don't you?

You can get the pattern, and it's well worth the cost, at http://www.craftydeb.com/index along with many, many more patterns.  I also got this one today, and want to make these to give to kids.  Aren't they Adorable?

Gotta love her eyes!!!

PS:  I buy my patterns from her just as anyone else will.  I am posting this only because I love her patterns so much, not for any form of gain!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A New Etsy Store

A friend has opened an Etsy store and has some lovely things, with excellent pricing.
This is the web address for it - - -
   http://www.etsy.com/shop/knottiegirldesigns?page=1

And this is just one of her many hand made soaps for sale there;
It is a Green Apple Glycerin Soap.  Did you know that the scent of green apple helps reduce headache and suppress hunger? Yes, indeed it does. Just a small fact for you.

She also does beautiful knit and crochet items such as this crochet purse;
It is beautifully lined with green ivy cotton fabric.

There are also afghans, including this baby afghan;


And many more items.  I hope you will go take a look.  Christmas is only five months away~

Saturday, July 3, 2010

A RAK and a Hogtopus!

Yesterday I received a package from Britian!  It was a RAK from a dear e-friend there.  She sent some marvelously wonderful things for me to use!
Delicious yarn in TWO flavors! Beads and Sequins in three color ranges, and Safety Eyes for my Amigurumis!  What an absolutely wonderful friend!  And I know just what I'm going to use each of the yarns and eyes for already!  The beads and sequins will go on a LOT of future projects.  A terrific haul!

And my Hogtopus Amigurumi is finally looking the way I wanted it to look.








Now all I have to do is figure out what I did to get the Hogtopus this way~    Oh, the two little creatures with the Hogtopus, are Yarn Clipping Peeps~


Saturday, June 26, 2010

PJ Damnit Day

Preface: Our daughter has had since birth, multiple medical conditions that cause constant and unrelenting pain.  Along with those, she has other medical conditions that cause her to be tired all of the time, sometimes so tired that it is an effort to simply keep breathing in and out.

Several years ago, our daughter woke up one morning hurting so badly and so exhausted, that she said, "F--k It!  I'm staying in my pajamas all day and not doing a single thing except rest!"

Thus was born PJ F-It Day, which I cleaned up to become PJ Damnit Day~

I now have them also, due to the medical conditions that caused me to retire early on disability.  Sometimes she and I have them on the same day.  Sometimes on different days.  Now and then, when she drives the hour-plus, to visit and stays overnight, we have a PJ Damnit Day together.

Those are fun days, sort of.  We sit in our PJ's, watching goofy movies on the TV, watch the four cats play, crochet, read, compute, and chat, for the entire day.  We have a very easy, simple lunch and supper, unless my DH brings take-out home for the three of us.  If we could get rid of the pain and exhaustion, those would be totally wonderful days!

What do you do on your PJ Damnit Days?

                Stitch 'n Frog                             and                  Ladybug

Friday, June 25, 2010

My Favorite GoBag and Two New Alien Amigurumis

This is my favorite GoBag that I have a smallish project and some Amigurumi to give away.  It was designed and hand painted by a dear friend in Texas, Gina.
 Thank you soooooooo much Gina!  I love it!










And these two little guys are my newest Alien Amigurumis~  They are soooo much fun to make.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

...There is no fair fighting in a fight for your life or limbs... by Cody Alderson

A Brutal Defense - The Fighting Attitude for the Disabled & Use of the Common Cane


...There is no fair fighting in a fight for your life or limbs...

by Cody Alderson

Civilians have a very difficult time understanding that a defense cannot be played out as if one is the good guy in an old western. There is no fair fighting in a fight for your life or limbs. Untold numbers of new concealed carry first-time class goers invariably have the fellow student who asks, "Can’t I just shoot him in the leg?"

By our very nature we are not of the same ilk as the sociopath who targets us. This very fact of our nature makes it difficult for the civilian, who most likely has never been involved in a life or death violent encounter, to take the appropriate defensive action unless it has been successfully ingrained by repetition.

Repetition of rote training of draw, fire, assess, as well as things like tap and rack to clear a jam. It needs repeated over and over again until the muscles have been trained to the point of being able to duplicate the complex maneuvers, the same as how repetition finally allowed us to successfully drink from a cup instead of a bottle with a nipple on it.

Repetition helps a fit civilian to begin to even the odds in a violent encounter, but the attacker is by default at an advantage simply for being the attacker. Civilians are further disadvantaged by (thankfully) not having to regularly endure life or death violent encounters. Direct experience builds points of reference to draw on and learn from for future events that may occur. A battle hardened warrior who has seen much combat has knowledge that a civilian does not, and hopefully never will, have.

A civilian defensive operator (my term for the civilian with a permit to carry a concealed weapon) who is disabled in one way or another is more disadvantaged than a fit civilian with no handicaps. The disabled are more likely to also be a preferred target of many a sociopathic predator.

A gun is a great defensive tool for many of those with varying degrees and types of disabilities. Of course a gun is a lethal or deadly force weapon that can only be used to defend one’s life in the event that one is in imminent fear of death or grave bodily harm. (This is based on my state of residence. The reader needs to know the specifics of law in his own jurisdiction.)

Though in theory a disabled person needs to practice defensive maneuvers more than most fit individuals to attain the best level of proficiency attainable, it is actually less likely that a disabled person will, in fact, practice more. The disability may prevent a regular regimen of scheduled practice. So for the disabled who are reading this article, let me encourage you to incorporate into your life some structured practice that is followed as religiously as possible.

Let’s put the gun training aside for this article and focus on developing an instant and explosive counter to an initial attack from a predator. Let’s say for purposes of this article that you can readily interpret the language of when the first strike is coming. For our scenario, you do have a holstered gun on your body but have not been justified in displaying it or using it yet.

We can’t walk or wheel around with our gun held in our shooting hand within the confines of normal public society. That cashier at the convenience store would be just as upset as your waitress at the restaurant if you tried that. And I know that the officer you may encounter won’t be happy to see that gun in your hand. But actually having a weapon in your hand is advantageous for repelling a sudden violent attack. A gun inside a coat pocket with that shooting hand in a proper grip is the next best thing, but even this is not a perfect fix to gaining an advantage. Actually, there is no "perfect" fix, but there are some that are better than others.

If your disability requires you to use a cane, this will be right up your alley. If your disability is evident or visible in public, then I do recommend considering the addition of a cane as an always-with-you accessory. Even if your disability has nothing to do with your legs, if you can incorporate the use of a cane, try it for awhile.

Not just any cane either. Try a regular wooden crook handle cane. No fancy handles, no metal with push button extension pieces, just plain wood with the crook handle. I’m trying to get a manufacturer to make one out of a particular polycarbonate that will look like wood, but take extreme abuse. I haven’t heard back from them as of the date of this article submission.

If you use a quad, or other specialty cane due to the particulars of your handicap, then you can adapt some things I’m going to talk about. The reasons I recommend the plain cane is that it gets through just about every security checkpoint easier than anything fancy ever will. Security is on the lookout for sword and other types of cane weapons, but a plain cane is just an adaptive device to enable the disabled.

I am a very big advocate of teaching defensive operators to not call attention to their selves. We should not want to look like the person who is carrying any sort of weapon. Oh I can hear it now. "What about looking dangerous to criminals?" Yes, there is merit in presenting yourself as aware and confident. But if you have a visible handicap, you are already higher up on the "pick me" list for criminals.

A cane in the hand of a disabled person is a weapon that can be instantly deployed. It is also very versatile. It can be used in a fashion to allow time to draw a primary weapon, it can be used in instances that a gun cannot, and it can also be used as a primary lethal force weapon.

I would really like everyone to realize that they aren’t as tough as they think they are, but I’d especially like . . . Oh how do I say this politely? I’d like all of us old, fat, handicapped guys to particularly realize it! Although there are most certainly exceptions to the rule, it is more likely that a twenty-two year-old hoodlum will be able to run faster, jump higher, and hit harder than a seventy year-old retired Buick salesman.

This makes the brutality of defensive response to a physical attack of great concern to me as I consider how one should respond to attack if he happens to be disabled to one degree or another. There are so many legal considerations I wouldn’t be able to address them here. Know your laws in considering what I’m about to say.

The defensive operator is the only one who can truly judge what to do if attacked. Laws are in place to judge those who go beyond what society has considered an appropriate response. The disparity of force issue comes into play when a disabled person is attacked by a so-called physically fit criminal.

I could fill a book with subtle dynamics of force response as could any person who teaches or discusses this stuff. So instead of selling you an encyclopedia, let’s just stick to basics. A muscular hoodlum punching an old woman in her face to take her purse could very well kill her with a solitary punch. That same old woman cracking her cane over the thug’s head may only raise a slight welt.

Sure there is the possibility of a freak accident happening where the old woman causes a concussion inside the thug’s head that could lead to his death, but statistically for the mentioned scenario, it is unlikely.

So let me just repeat instructions that I gave to my mom who walked with a cane, but did not carry a gun. She knew how to use one, but didn’t carry. I remember her racking a twelve gauge out an open living room window when two criminals were trying to break into the house through the basement door when I was a kid, but she didn’t carry.

My mom died a few years ago. When she became a frail senior I taught her what to do to up her odds of surviving a violent encounter by utilizing her cane. I taught her all about the more sensitive areas of the human body that civilian martial arts schools teach to avoid in sparring and training.

I taught my mom to attack the face of an attacker with as much force as she could physically muster. I taught her that blinding a criminal trying to hurt her with any sharp object, or even using her fingers, was more preferable to me than having to attend her funeral or visiting her in the hospital.

I taught her that slamming that cane up into the throat of an attacker in hopes of cutting off his ability to breathe was better than her getting her hip broken by him shoving her down onto a sidewalk.

I taught her to only go a bit lighter when hitting an attacker’s testicles for the simple fact of how the brain responds to trauma. When trauma is severe, the brain cuts off the full effect of pain. A smack to the testicles will allow more pain to be felt than what would be felt from a really hard hit.

The point is to cause pain to an attacker as well as to physically make it impossible for him to continue his attack. A disabled person has to be choosey about where they hit an attacker in the act of self-defense. Punching the attacker in the stomach would not be disabling if my mom was the one hitting the hypothetical attacker of my instructive sessions. Whacking his ears, elbow or wrist joints, bridge of the nose, or throat with that cane of hers would cause pain at a threshold high enough to allow small amounts of time to mount an even more aggressive counter attack.

A hard smack of a wooden cane right in the lips, at the temple, and at the base of the skull can work wonders to deter all but the most determined attackers. The problem was that my mom wasn’t strong enough in her frail years to inflict enough trauma to an attacker to make it physically impossible for him to continue an attack.

However she was strong enough to target and sustain multiple hits on an attacker who had not yet caused her any disabling trauma. She probably could have kept hitting for about thirty seconds to a minute under the influence of adrenalin. Couple that with screaming her head off, and she might have had a chance against some attackers.

So there it is. The disabled need to really put their all into hitting vulnerable pain causing, and disabling areas of an attacker until either the attacker gives up, help arrives, or a gun is successfully deployed and employed (if appropriate).

Having a weapon in hand at all times while out in public is of great benefit. And a plain old wooden crook handle cane that easily gets through most security without questions is a great tool to add to the repertoire. Even if you don’t need a cane, I’d still recommend considering the benefits of having one with you where firearms aren’t allowed.

If a friend asks why you have a cane at the school play, you can explain your need of assistance with that bum knee, ankle, leg, hip, foot, or whatever is causing some problems occasionally. No need to even lie because as we age stuff starts to hurt. If you are out among strangers, they have no idea what your handicap is or isn’t.

Seriously, have you ever wondered if that person you see with a cane actually is handicapped or not? If it’s not that obscure uncle who you know is scamming a disability claim, then we just don’t think about it. However we do pay more attention to fancy or quad canes by nature. That’s why I recommend the plain old cane.

A cane in the hands of a moderately disabled person can be quite an effective self-defense tool. In the hands of someone who is mildly disabled it is even more effective. Wrap a leather wrist strap around it so it can’t get knocked out of your hands. That’s the only accessory I would recommend.

The cane can strike, leverage, poke, hook, and so much more. It can help you back to your feet, and even help stabilize to prevent going to the ground. And it doesn’t take years of practice to be able to do a good amount of counter attack damage. Try one.

Think about how well it may have worked to whack a few nuts with box cutters who changed the way we look at everything here in our Great Land. A cane can be carried in more places and with less scrutiny than any other weapon. That’s because it isn’t a weapon until it is used as a weapon.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

A new Science Fiction eBook

A new eBook by Wm F. Hogsten  available on Amazon~ http://tinyurl.com/28cpmlu
In the early days of space exploration there was no empire or great society, there were only people, lots of people who were just trying to eke out a living, or just wanted to see what was out there. Some went out in small groups, but most went out in colony ships. At first there was much isolation brought on by the distance between various outposts and colonies. Some colonies survived many did not, those that survived grew thrived, those that didn’t often died in a brutal manner, rarely was there a rescue. It was not due to anyone’s lack of caring it was just that by the time anyone found out about the danger the colony was in, it was generally already too late and by the time some rescue party got there, there was no one to rescue.


In medieval times, surfs and town’s folk had their castles for protection. In the old West, on the frontier, the pioneers had military forts. As pioneers moved out into space the same was required for them as had been for other pioneers of the past. As in the past this task fell to the military. It did not matter that the military was an inadequately trained nor had the funding for this enormous task, the people that were going out into space wanted some protection or they would not go, and politicians also wanted this protection so that the people would want to go into space due to the overcrowding on earth, even though most of this protection was nothing more than smoke and mirrors. These space outposts became safety zones to the various space faring Pioneers. It wasn't enough. As in the past evil preyed on the weak and defenseless. That is about to change.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

A Shawl for All Seasons~


















Shawls come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.  They range from heavy winter warmers, to light and airy summer show offs~

The Butterfly shawl, is between those two ends of the spectrum.  It is light, yet warm, and can be worn at all times of year.  In summer it excells in keeping you warm in over air-conditioned places.  And in winter it is perfect for indoor wear to give you that little extra warmth for more comfort.

The Butterfly shawl can be found in my Etsy store -
     http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchnFrog  
 and can be made in various colors and sizes.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Two new patterns for me

Two new patterns for me to work on!  But I have to wait for the yarn to be delivered.  I love living out in the country, near a small town, but having to order things like yarn and await their delivery is a drawback~  However the peace and quiet far outweight the few drawbacks.

Both patterns are from Annie's Attic, and both are for summer tops.  Tho they could also be worn in winter if made in a warmer yarn and worn with a jacket.

This one, will be the first that I make;













And this one will be next~













And it's going to be five more days before my yarn gets here.  Waaaaaaa~ ~ ~ ~

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Cube, part 2, Johnny Hooks Is Free

I liked the short story, The Cube, and just today The Cube, part 2, Johnny Hooks Is Free went up on Amazon.

It actually is better than the first (IMHO) and I enjoyed reading it too.  I can't imagine not seeing a sunrise or tree or grass, for five years!  If you are interested, you can find the story here;



And I'm anxious to read the S/F novel that he is working on.  Will be glad when it's at Amazon too!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Socks by Hook


I recently bought the book, "Knit One, Purl Two, In Crochet" and decided to try it on a sock pattern that I like.

Using some Sassy Stripes yarn that was bought before everyone ran out of it, this is the first completed sock.

This pair fits well, and are comfortable.  So now pairs 2, 3, and 4 are on my hooks.  I am working on pair #3 until it is finished, then will move on to the next pair.  Normally I have only one pair working at the time, but misjudged the size and made the start of one pair too large, so set them aside for someone else, and started another pair for myself.  Pair #3 is for our daughter.

And then I started a pair for another friend, thus winding up with four pairs of socks in various stages of completion

I've seen that I like working on both socks of a pair, at the same time, so that when one sock is completed the second is not far behind..  It's easier for me to not wind up with several single socks with no mate by working them this way . . .  Since FMS has set its claws in me, my attention span can be good, or it can be about the same as a gnat's~

Thanks to two efriends, I have been led to discover square knitting needles~  I had to stop knitting several years ago due to arthritis/carpal tunnel in both hands/wrists.  But the square needles make it doable for me again.  They are easier to hold and even pick up the yarn easier.  Weird but true.  For the double-strand slippers we  like, I got a pair of #10 needles from Kollage.  Later I want to get two pair of square wood needles from a seller on ebay, Coker Yarn - Knit Bin.  I like the Kollage needles, but just want to try the wooden ones as well.

Learning lots of new things in my sixties!  And it's fun!

What are YOU learning and what's is on YOUR hooks and needles?

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Locolllipop loctollipop..... Pop~

Loctollipop - - She looks like an Octopus, but is a Sucker for Pain!

Loctolllipop loctollipop
Oh lolli lolli lolli
Loctolllipop loctollipop.....
Call my baby Loctollipop

Tell you why

Her kiss is sweeter than an apple pie
And when she does her shaky rockin' dance
She sucks my pain away

I call her
Loctolllipop loctollipop
Oh lolli lolli lolliLoctolllipop loctollipop..... Pop~

And here they are~ ~ ~ ~
For Sale in my Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchnFrog Store

Sunday, April 25, 2010

5 Ways to Use Eggshells in Your Garden from PLANET GREEN

Please go to Care2 to sign up for the Planet Green and other free and wonderful daily newsletters.
   I do not get a thing out of posting this, other than trying to promote a great site that has great information and that I enjoy.



5 Ways to Use Eggshells in Your Garden

posted by Megan, selected from Planet Green Apr 24, 2010 3:02 pm




A normal person looks at an egg and thinks “omelet” or “frittata.” A gardener (especially one who tends to be on the obsessive end of the spectrum) looks at an egg and thinks “yes! Eggshells!”


Five Ways to Use Eggshells in Your Garden

1. Add crushed eggshells to the bottom of planting holes, especially for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. These crops are susceptible to blossom end rot, which is caused by calcium deficiency. While this deficiency is most often caused by improper watering, there’s no harm in making sure your plants have a steady source of calcium. As the eggshells break down, they’ll nourish the soil, and your plants.

2. Use eggshells as pots for starting plants from seed. Then plant the seedling, “pot” and all, into the garden.

3. Use crushed eggshells to deter slugs, snails, and cutworms. These garden pests are a real pain in the gardener’s neck, and cutworms are the worst, killing seedlings by severing the stems at soil level. All three of these pests have soft undersides, and dislike slithering across anything sharp. Crushed eggshells, applied to the soil’s surface, may help deter these pests.

4. Add them to the compost pile. If you aren’t planting tomatoes or trying to deter slugs, add the eggshells to your compost pile, where they’ll add calcium to your finished compost.

5. If you are feeding birds in your yard, crush up the eggshells and add them to a dish near the feeder. Female birds, particularly those who are getting ready to lay eggs or recently finished laying, require extra calcium and will definitely appreciate it!

No matter how you want to use them, be sure to rinse the shells out well before using them in the garden.


Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination devoted to the environment and dedicated to helping people understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Its two robust websites, planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer original, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications

Friday, April 23, 2010

Loctollipops!

A lady in Canada just gave my pain eaters their genus name!  Loctollipops!

Loctollipops look like octopus, but are suckers for pain~

Isn't that Perfect?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45114292/loctollipops-they-look-like-an-octopus

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Are you old enough to rememer Purple People Eater

Ae you old enough to remember Sheb Wolley's song, Purple People Eater?

Well, Description if you are near my age, you will remember the song, Purple People Eater . . . Written and sung by Sheb Wooley
* * * * * * *
Lyrics

Well I saw the thing comin' out of the sky
It had the one long horn, one big eye
I commenced to shakin' and I said "ooh-eee"
It looks like a purple eater to me

It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater
(One-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater)
A one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater
Sure looks strange to me (One eye?)

Well he came down to earth and he lit in a tree
I said Mr. Purple People Eater, don't eat me
I heard him say in a voice so gruff
I wouldn't eat you cuz you're so tough

It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned flyin' purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater
Sure looks strange to me (One horn?)

I said Mr. Purple People Eater, what's your line
He said it's eatin' purple people and it sure is fine
But that's not the reason that I came to land
I wanna get a job in a rock and roll band

Well bless my soul, rock and roll, flyin' purple people eater
Pigeon-toed, undergrowed, flyin' purple people eater
(We wear short shorts)
Flyin' purple people eater
Sure looks strange to me

And then he swung from the tree and he lit on the ground
He started to rock, really rockin' around
It was a crazy ditty with a swingin' tune
Sing a boop boop aboopa lopa lum bam boom

Well bless my soul, rock and roll, flyin' purple people eater
Pigeon-toed, undergrowed, flyin' purple people eater
I like short shorts
Flyin' little people eater
Sure looks strange to me (Purple People?)

And then he went on his way, and then what do ya know
I saw him last night on a TV show
He was blowing it out, a'really knockin' em dead
Playin' rock and roll music through the horn in his head

Tequila

* * * * * * *

My version is on my Etsy site, they are crocheted and have feather 'wings' and craft 'pipe cleaners' for his horn, so he not for young children.



Saturday, April 3, 2010

My latest finished crochet object - now in my Etsy store

* * * * * This is Pinkie Pain Drain * * * * *

Pinkie is a Loctollipop, she looks like an octopus but is a Sucker for pain!

She helps those of us with chronic pain, by easing our pain. Of course one has to believe that Pinkie can do her job, before she is able to.
Pinkie sits nearby, so she can keep her pearlized eyes on us, and using UPS, ummm I mean ESP, she does her best to drain the pain from our bodies, leaving us relaxed and contented.
Pinkie is an Animagurumi and her body is approximately 3" tall. She is NOT approved by the AMA nor by the FDA. But I have great faith in her.

DISCLAMER: Pinkie Pain Drain is only an Amigurumi. She is NOT a medical device, and other than being cute and relaxing to hold and look at, I make no claims about her powers of healing.  Well, she does make one smile, and helps us to remember that others care about us.  Those things alone help us feel better~


Pinkie is for sale at my Etsy shop; http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchnFrog
There will be other pain & depression critters as time and energy permit~

If you are a fellow sufferer of chronic pain, visit our group, Chronic Stitchers, on Ravelry - - -