A brief look back

How is it that I can look back whilst raising my kids and remember all of the things I accomplished, and yet, now they are all grown and out of the house, it seems I don't get much done in a 24 hour span? I feel like I have just as much energy, if not more actually, and yet, I still have a pair of socks for Scooter on the needles that I started back in October of '09. Granted, the house I have now is bigger than the one I raised my kids in, but c'mon, it's just me, Scooter and our fearless yard tiger, so it doesn't really take that much time for upkeep. Maybe I really am getting just as much done but it's just different things/interests. That must be it! I don't recall having any handknit socks to wear back then, just as I didn't do much in the way of charity knitting or crocheting. However, I did do volunteer work at a local hospital in the newborn nursery. Talk about fun!!! I got to dress the babies and take their newborn photos...yeah, remember when the hospitals used to provide those? I know that I would be welcomed back with open arms today though, as I'm sure there are other services volunteers can provide. Especially with all the budget cuts taking place in every industry. A few weeks ago, I dropped off a box full of preemie hats, blankets, socks/booties, and mittens at one of my local hospitals. I took them straight to the pediatric unit myself (I know some of the nurses) and there happened to be an NICU nurse at the desk. All of the items in the box were of varying sizes. The NICU nurse looked in the box and exclaimed as she pulled some items out, "OHHHH, I'm SOOO happy..I've been coming over here to pediatrics and swiping their hats, but they are just too big for some of our little ones!!!" The pediatric nurse was just as thrilled, so I promised them I would be bringing some more in at a later date. Although I have another grandchild's birthday coming up very soon and will need to start something, I'm going to hopefully cast on for some more blankets today, as well as some more chemo caps for bijouxmaster's charity drive (mentioned in previous posts).

I have finished my Mara shawl and am very happy with it. I will leave you with a couple of pictures of it and will have to share more of the details with you later on. I just got a call from a family member who wants to stop by for a bit to visit. Until my return...stay safe, happy and have a great day!!!