More International Woes

Some people came up with some very creative ideas when shipping internationally.

Flat Rate Envelope:
The most cost effect way to ship is to use the "Flat-rate" Envelope. It costs $11.00 and has no weight limit.
Downside - it isn't too big and it is gosh awfully hard trying to cram any goodies in there.

Gift Certificates:
Read your pal's blog and try to find out what LYS she frequents. Is there any one in particular that she really likes. Email them and ask if you could purchase a gift voucher.
Downside: You email them to inquire. They will email you back and ask to you call them. So, the 10lb** voucher, at the current exchange will cost $21.00, $4.00 in postage, $4.00 for a phone call. I'm up to $29.00 for a 10lb voucher. I ask you. Doesn't 10lb sound kind of skimpy? Just how much can you buy for 10lb?
** I apologize but I can't find the symbol for the British pound.

Order Online:
Go to http://www.amazon.uk.com/ and order a book. Let's say "Victorian Lace Today"
Downside: In the UK, that book cost 21.00lb. Do the currency thing and that equates to $44.00!!!! My poor dollar is taking such a beating! I can order the same book from http://www.amazon.com/ and even with the shipping abroad, the same book will cost me $28.75.

By the end of this exchange I will have figured out all the angles. But for now, I'm still trying....

Suggestions, please....

I am participating in the Secret Pal 11. I usually like these sort of exchanges as I get to plan a surprise for another knitter. But, with my current exchange I am facing a dilemma, and perhaps, you can help.....

My first package was to have a theme - Spa indulgence. It included some luscious yarns (linen, silk, cotton), along with patterns to make some spa-like accessories (washcloths, bath mitts, sachets). Of course, it also included beautiful collection of elegant sundries (bath salts, lotions, oils), aromatherapy candles and some decadent chocolate for the ultimate indulgence. My problem is that my partner lives abroad. This package that I put together will cost over $40.00 in postage alone!!!!!! Yikes, and this is just the first of three packages that are due! Now, I don't begrudge spending money on someone. Heck, that's what this is all about. But, I do begrudge spending that sort of money just on postage. That's downright ludicrous. It's absurd!

So, I'm back to the drawing board and open for any suggestions.....

Does anyone have any lightweight, and I do mean "lightweight", suggestions for a wonderful package?

Oh, the heartache.....

The finished MS3 had been discarded, sent to a forgotten corner of the room. I avoided it. I had poured myself into this project for the last two months and I just couldn't bring myself to look at it anymore. So, there it sat, as a blob of knitting nothingness.

Today, I finally got up enough gumption to do something about it.
So, it went from this.....
to this....
...... in under 60 seconds.

Ripping back the 500+ yd of yarn, it felt like eternity. I am planning to knit another of the first half (clue 1-4) and then grafting the two pieces together. I know that I'll be so much happier with Plan B.

Mystery Stole 3

Have you ever seen any of Melanie Leesburg's designs? She has some fabulous patterns at her site Pink Lemon Twist. I particularly love Leda's Dream and Moon Dance Shawls. She is so talented that I just had to join her Mystery Stole 3 KAL. It is my first that I have ever done and it was a wonderful learning experience. I grabbed my needles and yarn, and followed along, blindly, each week as a new clue was revealed.

Clue 1 thru 4....

I loved this. It had a wonderful point, a delightful pattern and it was the first time that I had ever worked with beads.

Then, Clue 5...

The stole began an abrupt turn and a totally different pattern was emerging. I didn't think that I was going to like a shawl that was asymmetrical, but to keep with the "spirit" of the mystery, I plodded along. Heck, what did I have to lose? A little time? And, I just might like it.

Clue 5 thru 7....

I really like the pattern that she put together for the "wing". Unusual, and stunning.

The finished shawl (unblocked).....

Here it is, draped across my bed. Disappointment sets in. I paraded around, trying desperately, to imagine the beauty of it. It is gawd awful! What was the girl thinking? It looks like the Sesame Street song, "Which of the two is unlike the other? Which of the two doesn't belong?" They are both truly beautiful patterns, by themselves. But, they just do not belong together. Please, do not get the impression that this is a feeble attempt at bashing Melanie. This is my humble opinion, and only my humble opinion. I think she is a very talented designer. And as a designer, you will come up with a design that some will love, and some will hate. I believe that this is that one.

I will be frogging the "wing" and making another half consisting of clue 1 - 4 and graft the two together. Heck, I might even do yet another shawl using just the wing pattern.

Thank you Melanie. I might not have liked the finished product, but I did learn so much and really did appreciate all the time and effort that you have given, freely, to this KAL.

An aside:

Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold's Hempathy (hemp/cotton blend)

Color: White Beach

Yardage: 1,071 (7 skeins)

Needles: Size 6 Denise

WOW!I am touched that someone took the time to nominate me! This exchange has been so much more than just knitting a scarf. I have been given the opportunity to "meet" some wonderful people that have truly touched my heart.

I remember my first exchange, ISE2, when I was a new knitter. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to knit anything worthy to give to another knitter, someone who you can't fool, and someone that would be able to find all my mistakes. These exchanges have given me the opportunity to spread my wings, stretch my limits and try new techniques. It forced me to try somethings that would have never had the nerve to attempt.

For these reasons, and so many more, I am extremely grateful for this exchange.

Thank you and all the organizers for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this exchange. Kudos for a job well done.

Thank you!

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

I didn't participate in the last SP exchange. I was waaaay too busy, living between my homes, work, traveling, etc. But, when I returned home from Europe, I noticed that the sign-ups were open, so I figured, what the heck. I'll give it another whirl. I really do like these. I have a tendency to go a wee bit overboard. I just love getting to "know" someone, and then figuring the best way to surprise them. Isn't that what exchanges are all about?

So, without further ado. (drum roll, please) Here is the SP 11 questionnaire and my answers.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

My goodness, this is a hard one. I love just about all yarns. Having recently relocating to the desert, with its 100+ temperatures, I have been using a bit of cotton, silk and linen. Sea Silk and Euroflax are fabulous! What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I found that I can not tolerate to knit with mohair or angora. They make me itch.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I store them in my Lantern Moon needle case and another case that a dear friend handmade especially for me.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for just over 2 years. I am self-taught, having learned via the internet and wonderful forums. I consider myself to be an adventurous intermediate. I just don't know enough to have any pattern, or technique intimidate me.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No, I don't, but I really should work on one.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Perfume? I love Mariella Bruani. But, I also love the smell when I open my stash and the whiff of lavender catches my nose. A dear friend had gifted me with a sachet that she had made from the lavender in her garden and I love it. Nothing smells better.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I adore white chocolate. I love malted milk balls and caramel. But, to be truthful, I have never turned my nose from any candy.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I try to make just about everything. I dabble with painting, stained glass, basketry, quilting and embroidery. I know that I am missing a few. I did try my hand at spinning last winter, thinking that it would be a wonderful way to escape cabin fever in my new home. But, winter never came. So, I didn't spin as much as I wanted to. I do have plans to devote more time to it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

My favorite artists are Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, Grateful Dead, Eagles, Billy Joel, the Travelling Willbury's, etc. Yes. I am hopelessly stuck in the 70's and 80's. I recently found a new life for my iPod. I download books that I listen to while I knit.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love all colors, especially deep, rich, fully saturated colors - reds, blues, purples, greens. I abhor brown and shy away from pastels.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm married to my best friend of 29 years. Children are grown and gone. No pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves? Yes, but only light and airy ones, more as a fashion statement than functional. Hats /Mittens? Did I say its HOT here? And Ponchos? Not since the 70's.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Lace, lace and more lace. Socks run a close 4th.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Currently, I'm working on the Estonian Garden Shawl using Euroflax, and another in Hempathy. I am also working on the Mystery Stole 3. I also have pair of socks in the works.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Oh, yes... please and thank you!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

When I first started knitting, I just loved my CPY bamboo straights. They still are my most favorite straights, but since taking up lace, I find myself using circulars more and more. My newest favorite has to be my Addi Lace, followed by my Denises.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes/yes.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I don't have any. I am a tad obsessive-compulsive and I must complete a project before moving onto the next. The only reason why I have more than one item OTN now, is because of the MS3 and it's down time and my need for portable projects for travelling.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! I adore Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

I collect German Nutcrackers. Also, handmade baskets.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Books? Sharon Miller's "Heirloom Lace". It is awfully pricey. I think it just might be my Christmas present to myself! Yarns? HandMaiden, Louet, Claudia Handpaint. Needles? More Addi Lace. Patterns? Any lace shawl from Heirloom Lace, especially the Princess Shawl, the Spring Shawl and the Nesting Shawl. They are fabulous! Magazine subscriptions? I currently subscribe to Interweave Knits and Rowan. I have been coveting a set of those wooden sock blockers.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

On my list of things that I would love to learn is Fair Isle and color work. I don't see these in the very near futures, as I'm still perfecting working with one strand/color.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. Size 10 US or 41.

23. When is your birthday?

April 25th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Uh? I am so out of the loop!

Ireland

My son Nick, who is stationed in Afghanistan, was getting two weeks leave, soooooo.... the entire Delaney clan decided to meet him in Ireland. My sister and I have been planning this trip for the past several months, arranging house leasing, airfares for 16, rental cars, yadda yadda. Well, on July 5th, it all fell into place as we all descended upon JFK for our departure for Ireland, to meet with my son. The party included my Mom, along with my family, my sister's family and my brother's family.

We stayed outside Galway in the town of Athenry, in a delightful home that had enough bedrooms and bathrooms to hold our family. It was complete with a pool room, that the boys loved, and a tennis court. We couldn't find the tennis rackets, but the kids did manage to make up a new game of Irish handball that will soon be sweeping the nation.

The weather was rainy, unseasonably rainy, but it never deterred us from venturing around the Isle. We spent much time in Galway, as it was hosting its annual Arts Festival. We visited the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Dublin, Killarney, Cork, the Blarney Castle, Sligo, Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Some of the group, enjoying an afternoon pint......At The Quay, in Galway......Nick and Bevin.....

Blarney Castle...Cliffs of Moher....Tower at Athenry.....This was my first time visiting the Aran Islands and it was truly spectacular. Most of our group travelled around Inis Mohr on bicycles, however, I, along with my sister and my mother, took the less strenuous trip in the back of a buggy.

Nick and Kirstin.....Pete and Oriana.....Emma, Oriana, KyleAnn and Bevin.....Bevin, befriending a local dog...Mom, Dee and I, travelling in style....Hubby, and sons at St. James' Gate Brewery....Nick and Pete at Durty Nelly's....

Sunday, the 15th, would have been my parent's 57th wedding anniversary. We surprised Mom by taking her to Knock, where we visited the shrine and attended mass. Our Lady of Knock was my Dad's favorite Irish song. That day had my Mom shedding a few tears, remembering my Dad but sharing this day with her children and grandchildren.....

The family at dinner, the night before Nick returned to Afghanistan....Emma and Bevin giving the "Pete" thumbs up......

We created memories that will last a lifetime. And hopefully, will keep up Nick's morale for the remainder of his tour, until he returns home next May. Please, keep him, and the other young men and women that serve our county, in your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless Louis

Last night, Charleston Fire Department lost 9 men. One of them was a very dear friend....Louis Mulkey.That's Louis, pictured above, with his best friend, Robert. He was so vibrant, full of life. I sit here devastated and mourn the loss of a friend that I will miss dearly.

God bless all the heroes. Keep Louis, the 8 other Charleston Firefighters and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Sophie: A Gazillion Thanks

I was heading out the door, when my maillady came to greet me, holding this package from Sophie, my Knitters Tea Swap 3 partner. Oh well, the beach will just have to wait......

I opened the box to reveal all these tissue paper wrapped goodies with the cutest little notes attached to each one.... I quickly removed each item from the box. Besides all the culinary goodness, there were 7, yes, that's right, 7 little packages for me to open....

WOW! I couldn't believe my eyes. Sophie included a magazine for some light beach reading. There are scrumptious crackers and cookies and chocolate. And some English Breakfast Tea from Second Cup, which is "local Canadian answer to Starbucks". And some President's Choice, another local, English Breakfast Tea. Sophie's choices were fabulous, knowing what constraints that I had placed upon her when I admitted that I abhorred flavored teas! Sophie also included a small magnet from Lettuce Knit that she obtained at a local knit-in. It is already on the fridge. And the cutest, miniature porcelain teapot. And the most intriguing box that read "Tea for Two". This is what it said on the side of the box, "Enter into a world of grace and sophistication - the delightful tradition of afternoon tea. Inside Tea for Two, you'll find a pair of miniature tea balls, a saucer, a honey dipper and a 32-page book with easy recipes and tips for tea-time etiquette." How adorable is that?

But, the best and the truly NOT the very least, there are THREE skeins of yarn. Sophie had chosen some Fleece Artist 100% Merino for socks. And yarn from Hand Maiden - Sea Silk and Silk Maiden. Oh. My. God. Have I died and went to heaven? I have heard some great things about this yarn, but it wasn't until I had it in my hands did I understand what all the fuss is about! It is truly fabulous. And the color choices are superb. Wow! and Wow! again.....

Sophie, you are a master and I bow to your good taste. Truly, I have been spoiled. Thank you.....

The Estonian Garden Shawl


This is the most perfect something for a cool summer night - light and airy. This was the first time that I have ever used Euroflax and I couldn't have been more pleased. It blocked fabulously and I am sure will soften even more with subsequent washings.

Here it is draped in my garden:

And here, getting ready to be packed up and gifted:

Obligatory stats:
Pattern: Estonian Garden Shawl
Designer: Evelyn Clark
Yarn: Euroflax Fine/Sportweight
Yardage: 1,080 yd/4 skeins
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace size 5
Size: 80"x29"

Where have I been?

I arrived here in Pawleys Island two weeks ago. Hubby and I returned to assist with the 6th Annual FDNY 9-11 Memorial Golf Outing. You can get more information here. We were here one week prior to assist with all the preliminary things and a week after to recuperate. Hubby went back to the desert, but I was homesick for my beloved beach so I decided to stick around for a while.

I have been undergoing a green overload. Everywhere I look, there is green - green grass, green shrubs, green trees, green leaves, etc. It is a welcomed change from the brown and more brown of the desert. I have also spent some peaceful times on my beach. My senses are inundated by the smell of the salt air, the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach, and the sensation of the warm breezes and sunshine on my skin. Being here is as close to heaven as one can get. I love the beach....

Exchange Update

ISE4

I just received the most wonderful package from my pal, Cathy. She created this scrumptious scarf using Malibringo, in the most fabulous colors just like a desert sunset. It is so unbelievably scrunchingly, squishingly soft. The cabled pattern consists of a repeat of X's and O's. Can you see them? Just like hugs and kisses. It is meticulously crafted and it will be keeping me wonderfully warm next winter.

And if the scarf wasn't enough, she also included a sock pattern, called "Seahorse Sox for Dorene" that she designed especially for me. I am so flattered. She also packed some Louet Gems Pearl yarn in a fabulous Caribbean Blue color for me to make the socks. I have never used this yarn before and I am so looking forward to trying it out.

Thank you, Cathy for the great package. Yes, indeed. You did spoil me.

And in other news, after 2 weeks of travel, my package finally made its way to Deborah in Australia. She liked the Canberra scarf and hat. So many people have asked for the pattern and I hope to have it posted here soon.

I also sent another package, that as I speak, is making its way across the Atlantic to a girl who's pal had fizzed out on her. As her "angel", I sent the aubergine Swallowtail Shawl that I bragged about in a previous post. I hope that she likes it. It is the most perfect shawl for a cool summer night.

Knitters Tea Swap 3

Ok... this one's a first for me. Heck, I knit. Heck, I even drink tea. So, I suppose that this one's for me. The format of this exchange is a bit different in that, you and your pals exchange and its not a secret. The package should include tea, snacks to go along with the tea, something "local", and yarn. I am soooo glad that I got to do this from here in Pawleys. I mailed the package earlier this week. It is chockfull of Southern Hospitality that it just screams (wait, southern belles don't scream) oozes southern charm. Well, bless my heart.

Canberra Scarf & Hat

Tah Dah! Here it is! In all its glory! My finished ISE4 Project that I named the Canberra Scarf.
I used an original pattern that blended two of my most favorite things to knit - cables & lace. The cables and lace, simple enough not to be overpowering, complement each other wonderfully. The yarn that I used, Jaeger Como, was not my first choice, but it worked up truly remarkable with the pattern. It is oh so soft, and oh so luscious and oh so long. After all, my pal did ask for long. I also made a hat to go along with the scarf to keep my pal toasty warm during the upcoming winter season. I hope that my pal will like it half as much as I loved knitting it.

Obligatory Stats
Pattern: Canberra Scarf
Designer: Self
Yarn: Jaeger Como
Color: Grape
Yardage: 426 (3 skeins)
Size: 7" x 80" (excluding fringe)

Canberra Scarf

Desperately, I have been racking my brains, trying to come up with something that is worthy for my pal in the International Scarf Exchange 4. I have swatched, frogged, swatched, frogged, and swatched and frogged somemore. Finally, I have found the yarn that complements the original design. I have chosen Jaeger's Como in the color Grape. Como is a luscious yarn comprised of 90% Merino and 10% Polymide. The pattern is one that I designed that incorporates two of my most favorite things to knit - cables and lace. I am about half way completed and will soon be working on a hat to complete the ensemble. So, enough of this patter... I have knitting to do.

Estonian Garden Shawl

I love, LOVE, love this pattern. This is Evelyn Clark's greatest pattern and it is such a pleasure to knit. This one is crafted using GGH's Capri, a combo of cotton/modal. Just perfect for those cool summer nights on the veranda, whilst I sip a margarita (or two or three)....

The Swallowtail Shawl.....

Here are a few pictures of the two Swallowtail Shawls that I just completed.

The first is using GGH Capri in a rich aubergine color. It is a cotton/acrylic mixture that will be just perfect for cool summer nights.


The second is with Lorna's Laces Supersport in the Tuscany colorway. This was gifted to a friend and she loves it. She has it proudly displayed on the side of her sofa.

No, I didn't fall in....

to the toilet or the black hole that is my town. Things have been hectic and the thing that was waylaid was this blog. Welcome back!

I have been busy. I managed to finish a few shawls. I just finished two Swallowtail Shawls. One was using Lorna's Laces Supersport in the colorway Tuscany. I'm not too thrilled with it, as I feel that the variegation and the lace pattern compete, but the recipient just adores it, and that's what counts. And the other is made using GGH's Capri in a beautiful aubergine. This one now has a place of honor, sitting regally on the back of my knitting chair in my bedroom.

The new International Scarf Exchange 4 is about to start. This is my third exchange and each and everyone has surpassed my greatest expectations. This is the very first exchange that I have been assigned to someone that is not in the States, the good ol' United States, that is. Here, I had been thinking of knitting a summer scarf. I have never done one before so the ideas were ricocheting in my head. Then, reality hit. Where my exchangee lives, winter is starting. So, out with the cotton/silk and in with the wool! Back to the drawing board.

Manos.. gone bad

I signed up for a drop spindle class. Yes, that's right. I am now attempting to join the spinning ranks. My first class was this past Tuesday. I arrived early, eager to begin my newest endeavor. This wonderful lady, Kate, was leading the class. She hands us our spindle and some top. It was a bit awkward and I did a meager attempt at creating yarn. Kate was oh so encouraging, telling me that my spindle was looking wonderful. But, isn't that what teachers are supposed to say? But, as I peeked around the room, lo and behold, mine didn't look too shabby. Then again, I had never done anything like this before. I was in awe how just a simple spinning motion could create yarn. I mean, I can create yarn.

I left the class with a bit of the top and intentions of practicing some more at home. After many, many hours, I was able to accomplish this......

Yes, it does look like some Manos gone bad, but I'm proud of it none the less.

I returned today for my first "spin" at the wheel. I have yet to take a picture of my wheel endeavor, but trust me... it looks just a bit better. Not too much better, just a wee bit better than the above. I am on my way. Down the slippery slope I go.

My Pal.... She's the greatest!

The final package came from my SP9. It seems that she is this very nice lady, Diane, who hails from Pennsylvania. It seemed that the packages became more special with each and every one. The last package contained The Shoalwater Shawl, another pattern by one of my all time favorite designer, Evelyn Clark. Diane couldn't decide what color merino lace yarn to send with it, so she sent both: a dramatic black and a intriguing cranberry. She left the choice up to me and both colors are fabulous.

She also included a very special scarf that she made just for me. Anyone can go and buy things and send, but to take time and create something for someone else is so special. She made an adorable lace scarf from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" from beautiful Opal Mosaic yarn in a fabulous black with the subtle hint of purple. Oh, so lovely. It will be cherished always, for I know that it came directly from the heart.

But, Diane and I have GOT to be soul sisters. When I received the first package, I had the most horrendous chapped lips. And what did her next package contain? None other than some very soothing lip balm. I was in dire need of a darning needle. I found this out while attempting to sew the seam on all those clogs. I was shopping in a LYS this week and I had a darning needle on my list, but I forgot to buy one. But.... What did this last package contain? You got it! A darning needle set in that cute little Chibi container! Again, she nailed it! How does she do it? It is downright eerie!

Ene's Shawl

I finished this quite sometime ago, and it was gifted to my mother. I was visiting her in Florida when it was completed, and my sister helped me block it. I didn't have my camera with me, so I didn't get to take a picture of it.

My Mom had the shawl with her when she visited at Christmas, so I seized the opportunity to take a picture of it....



Yes, it did come out rather large. That is an oversized chair that it is draped upon. I had 20 houseguests for the holidays, so please, forgive the clutter.

Obligatory Stats:
Pattern: Ene's Scarf
Designer: Nancy Bush in "Scarf Style"
Size: 95" x 40"
Yarn: Henry's Attic Superwash Kona (gobs and gobs and gobs of it)
Needles: Addi Turbo Size 9

Yikes.... I've been tagged!

Tag, I'm it. I have been tagged by Gigi . I have never been tagged before, so I am taking this as an honor.

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state the rules clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

SIX WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. I am deathly afraid of heights. It doesn't matter whether it is the upper deck of Yankee Stadium, or the top of the Empire State Building, or the top of a 6 ft ladder. I immediately go into a panic attack with just the thought of being up high. The kids have gotten many a kick of scaring the begeezus out of mom when in a "high-altitude" situation.

2. I have OCD. I become OBSESSIVE with everything that I do. I can NOT do anything half-way. I have to do everything 150%, or I don't do it all. Sometimes that is a good thing, but at other times, it is a curse.

3. I love challenges. Do not even try to tell me that something can't be done. I will rise to any challenge. I am like Schwartz in "A Christmas Story" with his tongue on the flag pole. I triple dog dare you!

4. I am a chicken. I can not stand to watch scary movies. I will be needing to check the closet and under the bed, and sleep with the lights on for weeks.

5. I love to sing. I did not say that I could sing; I just love to! I sing anywhere and everywhere, much to my family's dismay. The kids would always ask, "What did you do with the money?". I would answer, "What money?". "The money Grandma gave you for singing lessons. Ha Ha Ha." Kids. You gotta love them.

6. It is ironic that as a child, I passed out at the sight of blood. As an adult, I chose to be a Physician Assistant.

So, tag. You're it... Bonnie, Mari, Becka, Cynthia, Bettina, and Kelly D