A NEW Family Portrait:

A Collection of Three Christmas Stockings

A NEW Baby's Chirstmas Stocking:

A NEW Mom's Christmas Stocking:

A NEW Dad's Christmas Stocking:

SUPPORT THE TROOPS!

REMEMBER....

The tragedy of nine years ago, the day we all lost  our innocence,  is firmly etched in my memory.

On September 11, 2001, hundreds of the bravest of New York City's Fire Department answered the call.  Three hundred and forty three of them never returned.

But the numbers tell only a fraction of the story. The faces and names say far more. A father and son. A chaplain. A commander. A rookie. Strangers to most of those they passed on Sept. 11, but heroes to them all.

For thousands of horrified office workers who fled the terrorist attacks that fateful morning, the most remarkable sight during their descent was the wave of determined firefighters advancing toward the burning sky. They were going to a place where everyone was damn well trying to get out of.  And, if you would have asked anyone of them, 'What are you doing this for?'  The reply would have been the same, 'This is my job.'"

Yeah, it was their job and one that they didn't take lightly.  They all have pride in what they do.  They're firemen!  And yes, when people are running from a burning building, they are the ones running into it.  However, if anyone ever paid them any mind, or congratulated them for their heroism, each and every one would just say, "This is my job.  I was just doing something that anyone of my brother's would have done."

One particular "hero" who epitomizes the essence of a fireman is Christopher Blackwell.  Chris was a member of Rescue 3, an elite company in the Bronx that specializes in technical rescues.  They are the fireman's fireman.  Chris was always one to shy away from publicity or fame.  He'd do "his job" and then pack it all in before the company would 10-2 (return to quarters). 

One particular recollection of Chris was told by one of his "brothers" at his funeral.  It was a story of when Rescue 3 had responded after a jet, after take-off from Laguardia Airport, crashed into the East River.  Chris and his brothers from Rescue 3 were busy, tending to the all the passengers.  They placed themselves in a perilous situation as they worked in an airplane that was partially submerged and could sink further at any moment.  They worked for hours until all survivors were freed from the wreckage.  The last passenger to be removed was an elderly woman who couldn't thank Chris and the others enough.  All Chris said to her, "Don't thank me.  Just remember... it was the firemen who got you out!".

Up on the land, the press had convened. Lights and cameras were everywhere.  There were some "emergency" workers there being interviewed.  The members of Rescue 3 by-passed all the commotion, and headed back to their rig to head back to quarters.  The glory was not for them.

Back at the firehouse, they were watching the news and all came around when they noticed that the last woman they removed was being interviewed.  The camera showed her on a gurney surrounded by NYC's finest.  The reporter asked her what she had thought of all the brave rescuer's, pointing to the policemen who were basking in the spotlight.  She asked him, "What do you mean?  It was the firemen...the firemen that got me out!"

To this day, that story still brings a smile to my face.  Most people don't realize that being a fireman not only what they do; its who they are.  And.. they wouldn't change their lot in life for anything.  They will forever walk proud.

Chris Blackwell, 42 years old, was a 20-year veteran of the FDNY with 12 of those years proudly served in "Big Blue". Chris was a fire department medal winner of several occasions and a paramedic on the side. Chris leaves behind his wife Jane and daughters Alex and Sam and son Ryan. 

Remember Chris and the other members of Rescue 3 - Firefighters Thomas Foley, Thomas Gambino Jr., Raymond Meisenheimer, Donald Regan, Gerard Schrang, Joseph Spor and covering Captain Brian Hickey. 

Remember the 343!

God Bless them all.

May We Never Forget....

For the 343 of FDNY who lost their lives on 09/11/2001 - May we never forget

Saying Good-bye

My son has once again been deployed, this time to Afghanistan.  We, as a family, spent a few days together before he left.  This time is the hardest, as in addition to leaving saying good-bye to his wife, he is also leaving his infant son. 

He will be missing quite a few firsts this year as the lil one gets his first tooth, takes his first step, and says Da-Da when he wakes up at night.

He had whispered a few words to his son before he left, "Be sure to be good for your Mommy.  Remember that I love you.  And Please... don't grow too big while I'm away".

 

Please, keep my son, as well as all members of the military who are sacrificing so much to defend our freedom, in your prayers.  Pray for their safe return.  Pray for a time when their duty will no longer be needed.

Sew Camp and other musings....

Dee arrived with Emma.  We had two weeks to get ready for the Christening, so we went hats and horns in sewing projects.  Sew Camp 2009 opens!

Since Dee had managed to complete her Civil War Love Letters quilt, We booked some time on a long arm quilter and came up with a wonderful pattern for it.  There is a "medallion" of sort in the middle of each of the 160+ squares, surrounded by a flowing border on all four sides.  She took it home, all ready to bind.  :D for her!  :( for me as I am still only about 1/3 the way through my squares.

Dee managed to get me started/organized with my Dear Jane.  I had been hemming and hawing and doing anything BUT.. in avoidance of the applique work that needed to be done.  I have never done any and was in fear.  She gave me a few options on different methods and within a day, I had already managed to get a few of the squares done.  All the fabric is all cut out and my binder is full of squared just ready to be worked on.

I did manage to finish a "Big Shirt", complete with french seams. I did this in the loudest colors imaginable in a beach umbrella print.  It will be so suitable as a beach cover-up, which I desperately needed.

Another project is the "Snippets" pillow that I am making for my bed.  It has three applique flowers on it, so.. it's been regaled to the wip pile until I decide to set some time for hand sewing.  hmmm... 

Carol managed to make a "Magic Pocketbook" with three covers! 

My contribution to the Sew Camp was a lesson on free motion quilting, and of course, Dee took to like a a fish to water.  Was I to expect anything less?

With only 3 days until the Christening, Sew Camp closed shop. We had so much cooking, cleaning, organizing to do for the ensuing masses that were scheduled to arrive.  We did mange to get it all done and done well...

And.. here is a picture of the family at my first grandson's christening. 

The gown  was designed and hand-made by Dee, in loving memory of Robert T Delaney, Sr for all his great-grandchildren.  Nicholas is the first to wear it and I hope that there will be so many more of his cousins to wear it in the future...

Civil War Love Letters Quilt I

Since having been bitten by the quilting bug (yeah... thanks Dee :D), I became quite intrigued by this quilting phenomenon called "Dear Jane".  Asking Dee, "Well, whattya think?".  She laughed.  However, a few months went past and I think the lure of Jane had captured her too!  She started to amassing a collection of almost 90 different reproduction fabrics in a slew of colors, and she's still looking for more.  Yep.. she was hooked!

Dee thought that it might be a good idea to "warm up" to Jane by doing the Civil War Love Letters Quilt by Rosemary Youngs. 

It has a compilation of 121 blocks that are 6".  Much tamer than Jane with its 225 blocks 4", made up of 5,403 pieces!  Dee is graciously sharing her stash and providing me with some long distance instructions.  The journey has begun.  I have completed 20 of the blocks so far, and I thought that I'd share.

1:  Enthusiasm

3:  Healthful Region

5:  Sorrows of War

 

7:  Severe Fighting

9:  No Serious Fighting

10:  Pleasant Campaign

11:  March to Winters Quarters

12:  The Fall of Richmond

15:  Tents of the Enemy

 

29:  Steamboats

53:  Last Letter Home

58:  Florida Has Seceded

61:  Will Virginia Secede?

74:  Another Death

80:  Changing Conditions

95: History of Travels

98:  Lonesome Place

104:  Privilege of Communication

112:  Numerous Excuses

119:  Angel Visits

Only 101 to go! ;D

International Scarf Exchange 7

I am participating in the International Scarf Exchange 7.  Out of all the swaps that I do, this one has got to be my most favorite and one that I hold near and dear to my heart.

My first one was the ISE2.  I had only been knitting a few months, and I was terrified.  Terrified of what to give another knitter.  This wasn't going to be a loving family member who would oh and ah over just about anything that I made.  This was going to another knitter who would be able to see each and every mistake that I made.  I looked in awe at all the masterpieces that were being exchanged and just hoped that my endeavor would meet the expectations of its intended recipient.

I love this exchange because it made me spread my wings and try new and different techniques in the quest of the most perfect scarf.  It made me venture down that path that I would not have normally go.  It also afforded me the opportunity to meet some truly, truly remarkable people, like Debi, who will forever occupy a special place in my heart.

Well, this exchange is winding down and my current project is now winging its way across the US to its new owner.  I am hoping that she accepts my gift and recognizes all the hope and good intention that accompany it.  It was made with love, and dedicated to the memory of friendship.

Here is Gail (aka Nightsongs) 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Shawl

To me, the beach has always conjured up the most heartwarming memories. As a child, I always recalled every summer we spent as a family at the Jersey shore. I remember my Dad, and the safeness that I felt as he held me so close as the waves approached. His arms were my haven and never wanted our time together to end.

It was just a short four years ago this Christmas season, just after having relocated to Pawleys Island with my newly-retired husband, that I was diagnosed with cancer. I retreated to the beach, and found comfort in my memories that the sounds and smell of the ocean evoke. I knew then, that being at the beach was exactly where I needed to be. The beach always was, is, and always will be my little bit of heaven right here on earth.

This fall, I was invited to participate in a wonderful knitting opportunity - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Shawl. This is the brainchild of a wonderful woman, Kay Meadors. The idea is that this shawl would travel to a knitter in each of the 50 states, each doing their part, and then passing it on to the next knitter, until it had passed through the hands of 50 remarkable and talented knitters. After the Shawl's journey is complete, it will be raffled off, with the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

On Christmas eve, the shawl arrived at my home. And could not have thought of any place in the world where I would rather be when I knitted it, other then on my beloved beach...

My contribution to the shawl was done in honor of all cancer survivors, and in loving memory of my father, Robert Delaney. Dad, I miss you so much....

It is now on it's way to another knitter. If you would like to follow the shawl and it's travels around the country, go to the blog and catch its progress. And, most importantly, if you would care to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, as well as have the opportunity to win this shawl, visit the Passionately Pink page.

Baby Cakes!

The shower was yesterday.  My darling DIL was so surprised, which made all the work that went into the shower worth it.  Here are photos of the topping to the cake, that was eerily realistic.

 

 

Everyone just looooved my Christmas Stockings, and I was finally able to get a "family portrait" to share.

Christmas Stockings - Part II

I'm just about finished the remaining two Christmas Stockings.  All I have to do is line them.  Dee, my expert seamstress extraordinare sister, will give me a hand with that.

Here is the one for my most wonderful daughter-in-law...

And here is the one for the baby - patiently awaiting the birth so that I can add the name....

I am hoping that after the shower and things calm down around here, to be able to sit down and get the patterns into some sort of format that I can share. 

Dad's First Christmas Stocking

My son and his wife are expecting their first child, my first grandchild in December. They have been married for 5 1/2 years, and survived 3 deployments (Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan). I could not be more excited about anything.... anything!

I wanted to knit something to commemorate the blessed event, something that would be timeless, forever. I finally decided upon the most perfect item - A Christmas Stocking!

I will be making three - one for Dad, one for Mom and one for Baby - each with varying designs. Every year, as they hang their stocking on the mantle, I will be remembered. And that is so heartwarming.

As I knitted this....

I had tears of joy in my eyes, as I realized - My baby is going to be a Dad!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Shawl

I am flattered, beyond words....

Yesterday morning, I was asked to join a group on Ravelry - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Shawl.  I will be joined by 49 amazingly, fabulously talented individuals who will be working on a Shawl - together.  The shawl will journey across the country, from one knitter to another knitter, until it has been passed to a knitter in every state of our GREAT country.  Once its finished, it will be raffled off with the proceeds being donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  You can follow this shawl as it travels at this blog.

Everyone has been impacted by cancer.  I am honored to have been asked to represent the State of South Carolina in this momentous endeavor.  I am participating in honor of all cancer survivors and dedicating my efforts to the memory of my Dad.

Vista, vista, vista....

My new laptop arrived today.  This beauty is replacing the one that was stolen in Denver.  (Did I already say that I hate Denver?)

Brand spanking new.  Complete with all the newest bells and whistles, including (shriek) Vista!  A friend told me not to this darn thing know that I'm scared, because it can smell fear.  (insert evil laugh).

So, it will take me a while until I get accustomed to all the new-fangled icons and gizmos.  Wish me luck.  I'm going to need it.

Travel Updates...

Sunday, August 10th - Ah, Denver

N and I "pulled" into Denver yesterday afternoon. We are staying at the Westin in Downtown. It's verrrry nice. :-D His guys start arriving tomorrow, so we will be having almost 48 hours to ourselves. This is my first time that I am really getting to "see" Denver and I am enjoying myself. And.; it's really nice that everything to do and see is within walking distance or a tram ride away.

We began today sharing a crepe at a small sidewalk cafe and then spent the rest of the day walking along the 16th Street Mall from one end to the other. Yes, my feet are killing me! Another quiet dinner tonight with a good bottle of wine!

Friday, August 15th - Rocky Mountain High.

Yep.. Still in Denver!

Ah... toe time!?! Now that is bliss! My last was a few weeks ago. It was the #1 priority on N's list after my arrival. He had been postponing getting his, waiting for me, so that we could go together. Now? Tell me that isn't too sweet! But, as I sit here and gaze upon my scuffed up toes, I know that is time for another. Hmmm... we have Mon and Tues available.

As for knitting? I just completed the Dale of Norway ensemble of a sweater, romper, hat and socks. I substituted Paton's Grace for the Stork, and being an entirely different guage, I had some head scratching to do. I cast on for the size 6 mo, but gauge-wize, it completed as a size 12-18 mo. I still have to get moving on a homecoming outfit. But, being the perpetural Girl Scout that I am, I came prepared. I have enough Stork and Baby Ull to do another 2 outfits, but I am not seeing anything that grabs me. So.. I'm working on a pair of socks.. the ultimate filler. And, I have enough yarn for another 2 pairs!

I am thinking of doing a Christmas stocking. I have been looking at patterns, and nothing has been screaming "knit me". I think that I might just get out some graph paper and begin plotting away.

Thursday, August 21st - Chicago, Chicago....

Yesterday morning began bright and early. Well, it was early, but definitely not bright as our wake-up call came at 3:45 am. We showered, packed and jumped into our seats on the shuttle to the airport at 4:30, Check-in wasn't too eventful and we were at the gate by 5:30 for our 6:30 flight to Chicago.

We are staying at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers on North Water. Our room is at the end of the building, in the curved tower, which affords us a fantastic 180 degree view of the lake, the lighthouse and the river walk. After we checked in, N left to begin his work for the next 5 days and I ambled around the river walk for a little while. When they got back, N and I walked along Michigan Avenue, in search of a barber for him to get his haircut. We were lucky and found this little place on Huron.

Back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. We were to meet S/s in the lobby at 6:30 to go to Ditka's, to join N/M and their wives. Well, we tried... but got delayed. It seems that N was rushing me and we hit the elevator at 6:20. N pushed the button for the lobby, and the car went few seconds, and then seemed to drop... and then we stopped! OMG! Now, I have got be "Queen Phobia". I'm leery of revolving doors, escalators, elevators, heights, and here I am stuck in this elevator somewhere between the 9th and 10th floor! I can feel the panic attack about to emerge; I pulled all the strength that I could muster to hold it at bay. And thank goodness that it was just us and a service guy that had been returning from a call. He had is walky-talky and called for assistance. We had to wait for the Otis people to get there, which would be about 15 minutes. N called S/S in the lobby and told them where we were and perhaps they might want to go ahead and we'll join them later. He also called N/M... who howled in laughter, thinking that N was pulling their legs. Heck, I could have come up with a better joke than that! Well, one hour later.... They finally got the door open on the 10 floor and brought a ladder for us to climb out of the elevator. Trust me, dragging this fat ass though the opening was NOT a pretty sight.

We arrived at Ditka's and everyone was sitting there with their drinks, patiently waiting for us to have dinner. The waitress came to the table and asked, "Would you care for something to drink?"..... OH HELL YEA! Dinner was great, and we even got to meet Ditka himself, who happened to be there.

This morning, N and I shared a beautiful sunrise on the lake, lazing in bed with a pot of coffee. Now that's living! He's off for the day, and this afternoon we have some water cruisey thing planned.

Wednesday, August 27th - Travel update... and btw... Denver Sucks!

Loved Chicago, even with the elevator scare. We had the most beautiful hotel room, I overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, where I witnessed some fabulous sunrises. It was so convenient to everything.. shopping (Norstroms, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, yadda yadda).. eating (Ditka's, Smith & Wollensky, Rosebud, The Palm, Schula's, yadda yadda)... sightseeing (Navy Pier, Museums, Parks, River Tours, yadda yadda). I even managed to find a LYS. I know.. that's no big surprise!

I arrived back in Denver yesterday at noon. It seems that I made a major oops when I made my reservation. N already had his flight planned, so I tried to get on his same flights. The one leaving? Not a problem. However, for the one returning yesterday? His flight was over $400.00, and a flight leaving 1 hour later was $170.00. No brainer, I picked the hour later one. Or... so I thought. You would think that AA (no.. not Alcoholics Anonymous. But, I would think by this point on my trip, I'm awfully close.) would have all their flights listed chronologically. Nooooo. So, when his flight at 9:05 was listed above my flight at 10:40, I just assumed that mine was 1 hour later. Well, just think of that Odd Couple skit then Felix made the diagram about assumed ..."Makes an ass.." Well, that was me. My flight was not 1 hour later, it was 11 hours earlier! I tried to change it, but at a cost of an additional $420.00, I decided NOT! So, I departed Chicago yesterday morning, arrived in Denver at noon, took the shuttle to the hotel and vegged.... or so I thought!

Now, we have been on the road for just about 1 month, and we have all the stuff that goes along with traveling. But, since we were only going to be in Chicago for 6 days, I only packed 6 days worth of stuff and left all the rest of the stuff in the truck and in the parking lot of the hotel. When I got pack here, I went to my room and dropped my bag and then went to the car to get my laptop. It took a few seconds for it to sink in, as I saw the interior in a shambles with papers and CDs strewn all about.. that the truck was broken into! It seems that they were able to "pop" off the passenger door handle/lock and entered there. Well, between the tinted windows and the sunscreen across the windshield, they had a field day! What was taken? 2 suitcases of clothes, my messenger bag with my laptop/phone accessories/iPod, etc, the Sirius radio, the Garmin, N's cigars, tools, camera. That was all that I could recall off the top of my head. I called N in Chicago and all he could say is "The bastards". I went back into the hotel and the lady at the desk directed me to the Denver PD website to report a crime. As I was completing the form, I started to cry.. and I called N back... crying. He said, "I was wondering when you were going to realize." The entire thing was very traumatic; I felt violated. But what hit me the most.. they took all my knitting stuff - All my yarn, all my needles, and hardest of all - they took all the outfits for the baby that I have been working on for the past month! That was when I lost it. The fruits of my labor are sitting in some dumpster right now! The bastards!

As I was winding down from completing the forms, N called back to inform me that he might not make it here. It seems the FAA computers crashed and flights were being canceled. He'd keep me posted.

All I can say is thank GOD, there is a dinner right next door to the hotel... I went over and ordered a few Margarita's! Trust me.. I needed them!

Well, N arrived not much later than expected, and left the hotel room at 6:30 to go to the Ford dealer to get the door fixed. He doesn't have a Garmin to feed in the address, so he had to do it the old fashioned way... pages and pages of directions via mapquest!

Our plans are up in the air for the next few days. He has a few demos and requests that have come up, but nothing in stone. We were planning on leaving here and heading down to Taos, and then Santa Fe for the weekend. What is definite is a meeting with Santa Fe next Tuesday morning, so who knows where we're heading.

Life is an adventure! And I'm just along for the ride!

Thursday, August 28th - Did I already say that Denver sucks?

Well, let me say it once more... Denver sucks!

N and I spent yesterday playing catch-up. N found a Ford dealer that would be able to repair the passenger handle/lock while he waited. Its not totally done, as the door is scratched and bent where they used some sort of tool to open the door, but it is usable. We had to get our 6 days of dirty clothes washed, as we had no more clothes. Thank goodness that there was a wash & fold place not too far away. Then to an electronic store to buy another GPS. The particular model that we wanted was not available, so we came back to the hotel and purchased it on-line and its being shipped to our hotel in Santa Fe.

N has 2 meetings today, that were scheduled for yesterday, but... This morning, we went down to the lobby at 6:30 for some coffee and then he left for the first of his meetings. Within minutes, he came back into the lobby, threw his hands up in the air and announced that they did it again! This time, through the driver's door. The entire lock/handle mechanism is broken and hanging out. He's heading back to the Ford Dealer, with hopes that they have the parts to repair it!

Thank goodness that our 6 days of CLEAN clothes hadn't been placed in the truck yet! And that we purchased the GPS on-line!

Keep your fingers crossed... I'm hoping to make it out of Denver, alive and without any further scathing, before the end of the day.

Ah, it can only happen to the living!

Louis Mulkey

1972-2007

It was just about one year ago that this world lost someone truly special - my friend, Louis. He was one of 9 Charleston (SC) Firefighters who perished in a fire last June. Louis had touched so many lives and he is forever in our hearts. ESPN has done a special on Louis and his legacy - the Summerville HS Basketball team. I just wanted to share this with you.

Louis, I am proud to have known you. Proud to have called you a friend. You will be forever missed... and loved...

WWKIP

On behalf of the South Strand Knitters, I offered to host our very own World Wide Knit in Public Day.

Huntington Beach State Park
16148 Ocean HWY, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Saturday, June 14th.
12:00 noon - til you can't knit no more
***

Is there a more appropriate place for the South Strand Knitters to host a WWKIP other than the beach?!? So, bring whatever beach paraphernalia you normally use (chair, umbrella, sunscreen), water to drink, and of course... your WIP (Work in Progress). Join us for a fun day of knitting, chatting, knitting, fun, knitting, sharing, and a really good time!

As Huntington Beach is a State Park, they do charge an admission fee to enter.
Daily Park Fees:
Ages 16 and older: $5
Ages 6-15: $3
Ages 5 and younger free
S.C. residents ages 65 and older and S.C. disabled residents $3.25
There is no admission charge for seasonal pass holders.

Driving Directions:
From Murrells Inlet: Drive 3 mi. S. on Hwy 17. Park entrance is on the left.
From Georgetown: Drive 20 mi N on Hwy 17. park entrance is on the right.