THE COLORS OF FALL

For those not from California, this is Half-Dome at sunset ~ in the Fall. Son-in-love took the photo and sent it to me with the question; memories?

Oh yes, many memories of Yosemite and Half Dome; my Senior trip, flirting with boys! Racing my 'buddies' from the football team up to Vernal Falls. Walking through crunchy leaves a bit later with my husband-to-be and having picnics. Much later, taking the 3 girls to run and squeal through the woods and climb the rocks. One of my daughter's honeymooned there; and, most recently BB and SIL went camping and hiking for relaxation to see the fall colors. I'm very partial to photos taken at what used to be our back yard playground (only an hour away).

My friend, Carol, shared this poem and I 'borrowed' it from her blog, "Sclew's Views."

October's Party

By George Cooper
October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came—
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
The Chestnuts came in yellow,
The Oaks in crimson dressed;
The lovely Misses Maple
In scarlet looked their best;
All balanced to their partners,
And gaily fluttered by;
The sight was like a rainbow
New fallen from the sky.
Then, in the rustic hollow,
At hide-and-seek they played,
The party closed at sundown,
And everybody stayed.
Professor Wind played louder;
They flew along the ground;
And then the party ended
In jolly "hands around."

A gift for the Fall Season for my Followers

I'M GETTING CLOSER

I'm a bit closer to being able to upload to the blog! At least I was able to add a new GAGET at the top ~ LadyShuttleMaker has a 'new twist' which sounds like fun! Check out her blog!

LadyShuttleMaker@blogspot.com (clickable like at the right side of this blog)

A NEW Book arrived from the UK that I found on E-Bay. It is the book, Butterflies, by Adelheid Dangela, and was published in Denmark. The butterflies are beautiful; but, I'm not too sure I'm capable of such work! Her shuttle work looks like bobbin lace! It is nicely illustrated (by Kirstine Nikolajsen and Inge Lise Nikolajsen. I think it would be wise to begin with an easy one! LOL

A HAUNTING TIME. . .

HAUNTING has a number of definitions. Mine has to do with those things which reoccur in the mind!

#1 on the list would be: learn how to use the MacBook to upload photos for blog! Since it is still haunting and not an actuality; watch this space for photos!

#2 was the edging, "Beauty Spots" by Mary K. which is for my granddaughter's wedding head covering. I practice tatted it a few times (okay, more than a few); As I wanted Josephine spots flat and consistent; it is ready to fly into the creative hands of Zena Herbert's "Sea of Dreams. I thought I had it finished but it was 2" too short! Rather than try to add on motif, I did it all over again and finished it in one afternoon ~ allowing no interruptions!

#3 haven't Ebayed for over a year, so in my book search I ended up buying 2 books and a lovely aluminum tray with a reverse embossed rose upon it (Christmas gift). Since both books are coming from England, and they're having postal strikes; I won't talk about those. Suffice it to say, EBay will have to wait for me; until next year this time! LOL Oh, and the HDT arrives steadily!

#4 trying to decide what to tat next. I've done my 1st design (design-Tat class), a butterfly in a thread I don't care to tat with any longer (An In Tatter's Challenge), and 2 test tats (Tatskool's and Dantatter's). Those would be my photos, if I knew how to get them on the MAC; haven't tried the printer or scanner as yet either!

#5 have been nattering over a drawing program and although I found one I did like for the MAC it didn't totally download; so is unusable. Thanks to Jane E. I found another which I downloaded today ~

#6 how to use the new program jumped right up as six!

I think that is more than plenty to have during a 'haunting time.'

Less haunting and more 'just get er done' was an envelope mailed off to Krystledawn (what happens when you post a wish list?), and a huge envelope stuffed with at least 3 books to Madhur in India, with other bits to entertain. Filling a box, for my dear friend Zena, that I've been working on for over a year (procrastination? who? moi?) Filled a very small box for a new friend in Phoenix who wanted to try a certain brand of thread that is "whiter than white." We even had a time of chatting on the phone! I always want to do little things for those I like, and that leaves DH to make it happen (find a box, padded envelope, tape it up, take it to the PO).

Oh ~ News Flash ~ Loyal is driving again and able to walk a block down the steep grade to our rural mail box; and, back up again. He said it was, "a little more tiring than my step-exercises." Loyal wants to thank all the tatters who sent him good thoughts and sent up prayers on his behalf. He really has been recuperating at an amazing rate; just working on endurance.

I'll go back to tatting my 'interim' piece, a doily called "Daisy Patch" by Rosemarie Peel, from her Tatting for Pleasure book. I'm using Lizbeth threads, size 20; yellow, cream, and brown. I know it sounds odd, not to use the green but I noticed these tiny, creamy-white flowers with yellow centers, poking up out of the brown rocks and dirt up here on the ridge as we drove down our driveway. The ground is a mixture of dirt, rocks, tiny snail fossils, pinion pods, and wildflowers that fight their way through the dry ground to bravely curtsey to the breeze.

I have to do something with my hands; you know what they say about idle minds (and hands by extension). I've given my daughter, Kristen, a choice between the Festival Elephant (Palmer), Sheep May Safely Graze (Solomon), and a choker (Conners). All are rather intricate ~ the Elephant and choker being the more difficult and time consuming. As she hasn't decided, I'm working on the Daisy Patch piece. I have 36 tiny, yellow centers and will begin the flowers tonight. She had best decide as she returns home in mid January and I'm not the fastest tatter in the land.

Hopefully, by the next blog, there will be photos of this past month's work.

October and November are haunting months because my eldest daughter's birthday would have been October 12; and, Mama passed away on November 3, 1991 ~ and while I don't dwell on those dates, I always get sort of blah and fidgety, so something obviously goes on in the old cranium. Flashes of Lori's first Halloween, how large her green eyes became in the candle light and barely able to say, "Twick or Tweet" the first year. Zella, my Mom loved Fall, the coloring of the leaves, the brisk air and the fading summer sun that brought her hair to its best coppery sheen with glints of red. We always went to Craft Festivals and an annual trip to the Apple Hill, above Grass Valley and Nevada City, CA. Good memories, but I get a bit nostalgic.

Last Day of Summer!

FALL IS IN THE AIR! The Trees are beginning to turn and the weatherperson said "A cold front is moving in. . ." The afternoons are lovely and DH has turned on the heat.

OCTOBER NEWS PREVIEW Be sure to visit Wickedtat's blog. A mystery giveaway is in the air and the deadline for getting in on it is coming soon! Look above Donnacha and Brother Bear on this blog for her addy. I've been the recipient of Wickedtat's gift giving and believe me, she packs a 'mean' box! (wild cackle, as it is in October)

THE SAGA of Design-Tat CONTINUES and the continuing struggle by Ridgetater has not abated! The design program being used by the class is Windows-based; and the free program I'm using is not adequate to the task. I mean, it can't be ME! LOL My first visual looks as though it were done by a very young child on an etch a sketch. Or someone who is demented (oh wait! That would be me)! If I were not demented already, I'm sure assignment four would have sent me there!

Then; and, I'm really not whining here (pass my glass, please); I have not fully adjusted to my MacBook and transferring a file to a pdf. that will upload. Oh, and let's just not discuss the fact that even though I've tatted this motif at least six times, there is no photo; and, I discovered, on the last written pattern, that the stitch count was off by ONE stitch and needed rewritten. In the interest of my reader's (presuming you are still with me) I'll stop right here. sigh However, I must thank Jane Eborall for her kind statement when I sent her a copy of my visual; I can't imagine she EVER produced anything similar. I began this class by saying, "Even though I'll never become a designer. . ." I can only say the statement was prophetic. However I do promise, no matter if it is barely adequate, to post a photo of the finished motif in the future. It's only fair after you have stayed at my side during this journey.

POSTCARD MANIA I signed up for the Postcard exchange at In Tatters forum.

My partner's cards are from Ireland, Scotland, Oregon and there are a few more to arrive ~ Oddly enough, Silver City misses the boat on postal cards. Why does this not surprise me. I'm thinking I should toddle, or waddle down, with my camera and get some shots of the truly interesting sites/sights in town. Tye-dyed, psychedelic T shirts worn by old, tired hippies, guitar players with dreadlocks, oh, and the art gallery on every corner. Pictures of the sights not seen in the four-color brochures prepared by the village wanna be'. Lest this seems harsh, I truly invite you to move here! The sites would be better, but not as much fun.

Silver has really lovely architectural interest. From the 1800's wild west, Antebellum, to the Victorian edifice which abound upon the narrow, one-way off streets.

In the spirit of fairness I must add that other areas seem to suffer the same sort of lack in their postcard selections, as evidenced by forum comments. My friend Madur in New Deli shared that her postal person required her to put the postcards inside of envelopes in order to mail them! I'm glad Silver didn't hear about that advice; sounds so like what they might practice.

Ironically, the new HOUSE series has begun on TV; and, since I'm doubting my sanity at present (motif+stitch count+Upload failure) I shall bid you adieu!

Serendipitous September Continues

The Bard of Atascadero, George "Buddy" Zidbeck; beloved cousin and author. Wearing his chapeau adorned with an adaptation of edgings from a vintage tatting book. He was quite pleased to receive his gift. It is about 1-3/4" wide. Buddy requested "blue in color."

September continues to be filled with serendipity! Like The 3 Princes of Serendip via the author, Waldpole; I have made a few discoveries this month. First, I am able to do more than I thought, even if it is painful! Secondly, men who are recuperating seem to have little patience with their condition! A good sign though, yes?

And this discovery which I'd forgotten was hidden in my files on the MacBook; a photo of my cousin George Zidbeck, Atascadero, CA wearing the hat for which I tatted a hat-band some months ago. He is quite pleased with the result.

Buddy is a cousin on my father's side; being a nephew of the aunt who married my Father's brother (still with me?) He was born in Panama a few years ago, attended UCLA; and, is a published author of five books. The first, being "Lady Gemini", a story loosely based upon his mother's life. The Zidbeck saga continues through 2 books about Rosa and 3 books about his father, "Kid Scorpion" and the final book Aquarian Son, about the son of these two mismatched souls whose lives were ruined by alcohol. It is very good reading, and one can learn a great deal about Panama in the early days. The books are funny, sad, curious, and filled with the nostalgia of an era. They are a work of fiction, based on life experiences.

My father, too, went to Panama in the 30's with his older brother, Frank. Frank met and married Sophie (the sister of Rosa) and her daughter, Trudy (see Fourth of July posts and photo) is my very best, favorite cousin and we share a lot of history together. Trudy lives at Big Bear, CA.

Serendipity plagues my adventure in design. I have produced 5 tatted prototype motif; and, have finally settled on one that began looking like a turtle! However with one change, it has morphed into an interesting motif.

I'm having the devil of a time writing the pattern; and, if you ever have to write a tatting pattern you will have a great deal more patience with those who have and have published tatting books! Then, I discovered, that both of my printers do not want to work and the Dell has died, "ding dong, the Dell is dead!" Unfortunately my earlier photos were inside yon Dell.

At present I'm trying to sync my Mac with the new HP printer while the class has gone on to, possibly, lesson Seven! I'm stuck with lesson 5!

No fear, I shall rebound.

Unbelievable monsoon rains (even for Silver) late for the season have inundated the area. Huge drops (are they 1/3 cup each?) of rain come pelting through a lightening filled sky on the ridge, with thunderous top notes. Even the high desert needs moisture, so it is a mixed blessing. The area is so arid that there are no mud puddles, but many of the roads have rushing, brown mud-water passing over them. Today, however, was sunny with large cumulous clouds and deep, deep azure sky.

I look forward, wondering what serendipity lies around the corner here on the ridge for this old tatter.

Short but Sweet ~ A Winner At Last!

While Away I distracted myself by closely following all the blogs that I regularly follow. One of those is Ms. Penniwig's. I enjoy her vintage and colorful graphics and her blog is a lot of fun! Well, I won her blog give away and will post a photo later. I was flabbergasted ~ seriously. In my lifetime I've won: a personalized Dog Dish (not MY name), a pair of road runner ear rings (from the Silver Gem and Rockhound Show), and not much else. Loyal won one thing in his lifetime ~ a Trip for Two to Hawaii (I entered for him BTW) in 1996. So, now I have a third or fourth thing won in 73 years. LOL

It's a cute little old-fashioned "clock" birdhouse. Great for this household that loves birds! Loyal feeds the hummers copious amounts of liquid in his two feeders.

THANK YOU SO MUCH MS. PENNIWIG!

HOME again, sleeping in our own bed. DH is eating better; home-cooked meals by Bev being better than hospital food. However, Tucson Heart had a really good menu and I can attest that their Trout Almandine was yummy! He says he thinks about all he needs to do but just doesn't have the energy to begin and feels as though he was run over by a pickup! We keep assuring him that his strength will return if he keeps eating and doing his physical therapy. After all, he was on the surgery table from 9:30 AM until 6 PM! That's a long time! He is walking some, and did finally get energy to use his electric razor; of course, he's been showering daily (Mr. Clean).

He doesn't seem depressed but his spirit is somewhat low as he had no idea how much this procedure would take out of him. I'm tempting him with low fat pot roast with veggies, low-fat meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and oven baked bar b cue pk chops and oven baked 'fries'. Plus nectarines, peaches and fruit in season. I even made him some gingersnaps!

All of this amazes my granddaughter who somehow, although we practically raised her, doesn't remember that Oma can cook! I haven't cooked for 2 years due to weakness, needing transfusions and being on oxygen; I'm a bit stronger now and I do all the prep work sitting down.

I'm getting acquainted with my new OS MAC BOOK (13" screen) and have added a Vector drawing program (LineForm) for Design-Tat class. Rebekah has a HUGE monitor I can connect to if I wish. I love this little MacBook. It's so portable, light weight and user friendly.

So handy to slip into my bag and just take off with my tatting supplies; Way Cool. Also added some apps to my IPOD, such as MobileMe, so I can send and read my e-mail if needed (and I'm in a wireless environment).

Finishing my LAST and FINAL offering for Lesson Four in Design class. I actually have completed 3; but they are all rejects. Number four will be the one I submit for class. I'm behind, but not so far that I can't catch up. And that as Minnie Pearl was wont to say is all the news from "Grinder Switch."

Serendipitous September

Still in Tucson! Okay, I really like Tucson, it is one of my favorite cities to visit. But when all one does in go from motel to hospital, hospital to motel ~ well really, I'm ready to go home! I am thrilled to report that DH bathed himself today and is able to eat (although he has no real appetite). The Doctors, I've heard (they are hard to actually find) have decided Loyal may go home this week. He is doing physical therapy and walking all the way around the circuit; and, he can continue P T at our home. He is amazed at "how out of condition" he has become.

Can't share any tatting because I'm not at home with my scanner; and, forgot to bring my portable scanner; however, that does not mean I have not been tatting.

I've been free tatting to come up with a design for lesson four in Design-Tat. I could not concentrate enough to think of something to 'design', draw pictures. No visions in my head of any design. I just began with Sharon's first round as directed and then began to 'free tat' ~ not thinking of anything really. Used some split rings, mock picots and chains; just playing and not really trying anything. La, la, la, just moving along upon the thread with no real design in mind.

I began with size 10 lavender thread and discovered about 3/4 of the way into the free tatting, that I'd put one too many rings in the first round. The second go with was size 20 cobalt thread; as I basically liked what had happened with the lavender. OF COURSE, I came to the place where I'd tied a reef knot in some leftover thread wound back on that shuttle. Sigh. So I left the big lump that came when I tatted over the short ends. La, La, La! Rewinding CTM new thread on two shuttles, I've begun again ~ each time I've made a slight adjustment. It has become vaguely related to a cross (sort of like a maltese cross shape). At this point, it could finish it off as a square; it seems to want to go that way. But it could be a diamond shape, too. Or, even a heart shape. We shall see, we shall see. Who knows what will emerge?

DH kept asking, when he began talking again (cognitive skills came slowly last week); one of the first things he asked was, "Are you going to go have your hair styled? You are in civilization ~ be sure to get your hair styled." He doesn't know it, but I'm also going to have the van washed before we go home! On the 31st I stopped at Super Cuts and had the Super-cut III on Kris and I. Loyal was all smiles when his "girls" walked into the room freshly coiffed. What a guy!

I've been up to other "mischief" but only my closest friends get in on those escapades. We've (well I HAVE) been enjoying the various restaurants in Tucson. Good eateries are hard to come by in Silver. So we've had Olive Garden (I know, some of this is going to sound so pathetic to you!), Charro's (overpriced), Apple-bee's (music too loud this time) and last night my favorite treat to myself ~ East Indian cuisine! ahhhh chai, tandoori chicken, vegetable samosas ~ my cup runneth over. It is on Broadway at around 4600 block and is a quiet, restful eating experience at New Deli Indian Cuisine. I give it five stars. Mostly because the wait staff doesn't hover; just does their job and leaves one in peace and the music wasn't Ballywood, but was also lovely and peaceful. Did I mention it was so peaceful?

Well, the illusive physician is writing discharge orders as I keyboard; so will finish up and get back to my friends and the blog a bit later. :>) Big Smiles and happy dance, now a 3 1/2 hour drive home on Wednesday.