French Braid

Books

Author: Anne Tyler

I’m a fan of this author so it is no surprise that I loved this book. It amazes me how the author can turn an ordinary life and family into such an interesting story. It wasn’t until almost the end of the book that I found the link to the title.

While chatting with his wife about the French braids their daughter wore when she was young, and the crimped hair that remained when the braids came out, David makes this comment. 

“… that’s how families work. You think you’re free of them, but you’re never really free; the ripples are crimped in forever.”

Goodreads Rating – ****

Calendar Block – December

Calendar Blocks, Cards, Quilting

December 1, 2022

from Quiltish Corner

I was back to my original set of patterns for the calendar block this month. Although the pattern is very similar to many of the other blocks, it took me three times to get this one right.

Prior to my surgery I cut out all the fabric I would need for the block. When I started to put the pieces together I realized my background was too similar in tone to the tree so I started over – more cutting and half-square triangles to make.

I had it all put together and ready to quilt when I realized I had one of the half-square triangles turned the wrong way. It wasn’t easy but I managed to reverse stitch and turn it around without having to take the whole thing apart.

It has been fun making these for Kathryn but I can’t say I’m sorry to see the end of them.

Happy Birthday Mum

Knit & Crochet

November 30, 2022

I packed up my knitting and crocheting projects so they’ll be ready to drop off at the Salvation Army the next time we are out. I wasn’t sure how much I would have this year as I ran out of yarn quite early in the year – unless of course I find more stashed away somewhere.

I had quite a bit of yarn left from Taylor’s Big Blanket so I finished it with several scarves. Christy took a couple home with here on her visit earlier this month but I still had four of them to pass along, along with one straggler.

There were two more large shawls finished. In both cases I tried to sell the yarn but when that didn’t work I got out the needles and made something with it myself. There were also a couple of small afghans as well as one full sized one.

Done

Journal

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

I didn’t quite manage to have all my packages in the mail by the first of December but I’m close. I finished up the last of the projects this afternoon and I’ll try to get all the wrapping finished tonight.

We were up about five this morning; I thought there might have been a hurricane going on outside the door. It turned out to be high winds that were blowing sleet directly onto the front windows. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a storm. The power flickered just enough to shut down our computers but the rest of the electronics were okay. We both went back to bed and I actually was able to sleep until seven. The first word from BC Ferries was that all the ferries, with the exception of the evening run, would be cancelled because of crew shortages but they managed to get the crew they needed for the noon and afternoon runs.

Before starting on my sewing for the day I collected all my knitted and crocheted donations so they can be dropped off at the Salvation Army. I have a bit more yarn that I’m going to use for some of my own projects but as far as I know I don’t have any extra yarn to use for donation. I do, however, have a lot of crochet cotton so I’ll be on the lookout for something to use that for (other than the curtains I already have started and may never finish).

I have all the necessary items sorted for my phone appointment tomorrow. I also have a list of questions and I’ll be looking forward to getting some answers, if that is possible.

This afternoon we watched Alex’s curling game on YouTube. We’ve seen the last end of one game and two full games. The teams may not be professional but they do make some good shots – we’re very impressed with Alex’s shots (and not just because he’s our grandson). During one of his games I got my time in on the treadmill but today I was busy stitching down binding. It didn’t go very quickly though as I have my glasses off to do the stitching and about every six stitches I need to put my glasses back on so I can see the shots.

Pat has an online performance tonight so while I’m busy wrapping and packing I’ll listen in.