flowers for mom

I adore traditions.  Since becoming a mom myself there's 1 tradition I'm especially fond of.  On my birthday I give my mom flowers.  Chosing flowers for her each year is a pleasure.

This year is pure white and a hint of green flowers that are mom's favourite:  mini carnations.  She says carnations are dependable, long lasting and pretty.  Giving flowers to my mom not only tells her I love and appreciate her, but reminds me how much I love being a mother myself.

For the first time I also bought some for myself.  Buying myself flowers that I won't plant was such a hoot and novelty for me.  An indulgence I think I'll add to the annual tradition of getting flowers for mom.   Usually cut flowers are only enjoyed when they're seasonal to cut from our garden.  On a dreary, wet and raining day like today daisies are a really nice pick-me-up.

Do you have any non-typical traditionals you enjoy?  I'd love to hear what they are and maybe I can incorporate some new ones for myself.  Be happy, be well, stay dry!  Renee

where she gets back into the groove

I want a restart and I've decided it starts today.  I'm going to restart 2010.  Things have improved and I'm especially happy to report that dad is home and recovering well.  Thank you everyone for the continued support, kind words and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

What do you think of the new blog look?  Truth  be told, I forgot to save my template to the hard drive before I started playing with Bloggers great new template options so it'd take a bit (lot) to revert to the old format.  My last save is on a fried lap top that I can't get to any time soon.  I'm going to go with the change for now and see how it does or doesn't agree with everyone, or myself.  Let me know if you like it or not, and 'bear' with me while it gets some tweaking as I have a few minutes here and there.

Kids are busy with school, we're finally busy at work.  Dogs are always busy and the horses have spring fever.  While it's still doing a lot of that cold, dreary, snowy stuff around here the daffodils have broken ground in the front garden and are just peaking out.  I saw my first Robin today so spring is surely on it's way here.

There's been no knitting yet in 2010.  I mistook myself for Wonder Woman...  Linda Carter I definitely am not.  I accidentally (I'm the first to admit I'm not always the most co-ordinated diva and over estimate my physical prowess far too often...) tipped a heavy load on the wheel barrow hauling grain bags -- and in that instant where before you realize it's a really bad idea -- I tried to catch the side of the steel wheel barrow and found my hand between it and a steel gate.  It's doing and looking a whole lot better and needles should be sparking here again soon.  I did cast off a Mara Shawl pre-Christmas that I'll have to take some photos of.  I have 2 test knits that I'm terribly behind on.  Not only do I feel bad not having them done for the designers to see, but one was supposed to  be Nicole's Christmas present.  They're first on my list to complete. 

As soon as they're completed I intend to cast on Alexandria by Connie Chang Chinchino.  I have some gorgeous lavendar (it's definitely leaning more into the pink zone) Jaeger Roma that would be perfect for that.

On the tracking front, friends are preparing for tracking tests and I try to get out as often as possible to help lay tracks and enjoy tracking Chase.  Piper has started to track as well and she's really enjoying herself.  She's also had the light go on for her scent work in obedience so that's been a lot of fun for us too. 

I had a few people email to ask if we ever got our new standard poodle puppy?  "Nina" will be arriving here in May.  I'll be sure to post plenty of sweet puppy posts come summer. 

Hope everyone has been well and spring is being kind to you all.  I plan to have a great day 'cause it's my B-day!

Best,

Renee

an update

Thank you.  Everyone.  You're support, prayers and kind words mean so much to my family and me.

An update:  Tuesday, January 19th dad was able to be extubated from the ventilator and is now breathing on his own with oxygen assistence.  He's starting to be able to talk and responding well to physio and his doctors.  He'll remain in ICU for some time yet, but after several major setbacks including mini stroke and blood clots in his lungs while sedated on life support -- dad is on the path to recovery.  

I've had little time to knit or do much of anything, as you all understand life per normal goes on hold, but will post back to regularly to the blog as soon as I'm able.  I'm looking forward to visiting everyone on their blogs and on Rav as well.  Thank you so much everyone for the shoulders to lean on and emails.  Be well, be happy, be healthy  and tell those you love that you love them every day. 

Best,

Renee 

Difficult

2010 has been difficult.  My dad has been in ICU since Jan.1 and I'll be away from the blog for a while yet.  When things improve with dad's health I'll post an update.  Thank you everyone who has emailed to see if I'm ok because the blog has been quiet.  Your good wishes and prayers and very much appreciated.

Be well and hug those you love,

Renee

This was emailed to me and I think it's wonderful

Tequila and Salt

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.

You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received.  Forget about the rude remarks.

And always remember.... when life hands you Lemons, ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over!

Good friends are like stars........

You don't always see them,

But you know they are always there.

"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway".

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,

Trials keep You Strong,

Sorrows keep You Human,

Failures keeps You Humble,

Success keeps You Glowing,

But Only God keeps You Going

'Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks up.'

Have faith.

Renee