I've got my boys to help me shovel

Yesterday I was reading an e-mail from someone about my age who was commenting on the fact that she just had herself, her husband, and a cat at home.  I found myself wondering how that would feel.  This morning I decided not to envy her at all.


When I woke up and looked outside, the overnight snowfall had the snow higher than the three steps to my front door.  When I opened the screen door, it bushed the top of the snow.
 
I had forgotten that snow could get this deep.  At this point we figure it was about 20 inches.  Plenty of snow for me for one day, but it is still coming down.

Looking Up to the Front Door

Looking Down from the Front Door

I am grateful that I have two strong sons who are still living at home and who can help me shovel my way out of what Mother Nature so kindly dropped on our doorstep.  No need to get a snow blower yet.

Receiving His Gift

God’s gift to the world when Jesus was born is ours to enjoy all year long.
Each day can be brightened with peace and good will as the angels proclaimed in their song.


Worried souls can be calmed, broken hearts can be healed if we listen and truly believe
In His teachings and power to transform our lives.  Let us open our hearts and receive.


We receive His gift fully by doing His will.  It’s not ours if we simply admire.
By our taking His hand and our following Him, it’s our legacy, full and entire.


Does someone have burdens I might help to lift or tears I could help cease to flow
Or wounds I could heal that I know nothing of or need comfort that I could bestow?


I’m already busy, of course; aren’t we all?  Our schedules we needn’t belabor.
Even if I had time, I have scarcely a dime I can spare for a friend or a neighbor.


So why should I worry about other people?  I’ve got such a big load to pull.
And then through my protests I hear words profound: Serving others enlarges your soul.


In serving your fellows, you’re serving your Lord.  As you have done unto the least,
So have you done unto the greatest of all.  And your love and your joy are increased.


So come unto God as you give of yourself, and thereby you are storing up treasure
In heaven.  Meanwhile here on earth you will give and receive sheaves of joy beyond measure.


Don’t tackle the world.  Start small, close to home.  And gradually you’ll come to know
The difference that even small efforts can make.  From little starts good things can grow.


Merry Christmas to All
December 2010             

Each year since 1971 my husband and I have crafted a Christmas poem.  This poem is number 39.

"Net Like A Lacemaker" Class Is Done

It's done, it's DONE, IT'S FINALLY DONE!

You can finally register to take my basic netting class - "Net Like a Lacemaker."

I feel like I've been working toward this forever, even though it's only been a year. But now the class is ready (at least I hope it's ready).

All the instruction videos are done.
All the handouts are done.
All the patterns have been made (at least twice).
All the pattern instructions are written.

It's time to actually hold the class and hope the nice, wonderful, understanding people registering for the class will work with me in taking care of any problems that come up.

There are a couple of things you need to know about registering for this class:

1. Class size is limited this time.
   
2. You need to join Rita's Netting Nook as a free member or login if you are already a member.
3. Register for the class.
4. Get the supplies you will need for the class.
   
5. Wait until Jan. 3, 2011 when the classroom opens.

Basic information about the class:

Cost: $35 USD
Start Date: 3 Jan 2011
Length: 8 weeks


If you want to see what is included in the class, look at the syllabus.

If you have questions or problems registering, contact me.

I hope to see you there.

"Net Like A Lacemaker" Class Is Almost Done

It’s been almost a year since I started Stefanie Japel’s very informative class: How to Teach an Online Class Workshop. The class started November 30, 2009.

While I was hoping to get my beginning netting class finished and open for students many months ago, I am very excited to report that I just finished another video and accompanying handout. I only have one video left to get done, and I’m half way done with it. Check out the syllabus to see what will be included in the class (and which video still needs to be finished).

This past year has certainly been one learning experience after another.

Instructional Handouts for Netting Class

I finally met a goal in connection with my netting class. (I wondered if I ever would considering the way things have gone for the past 9 months.)

I said by Nov 1 I would have the handouts for Net Like a Lacemaker posted for view and I do!


There are a couple of things that should be stated. These handouts can only be viewed by members of the site. Since that is a free membership, I don't see a problem.

Second, these handouts do not contain anything pertaining to the patterns that will be used in the class.

That being said, go take a look. Then come back and give me some comments.

Basic Netting Instructions Coming

After working part-time (8-11 hours a week) for 7 years as a custodian for my church, I will no longer be paid to clean the meetinghouse. The church has decided to turn the cleaning of the meetinghouse over to all the members. This was my first week of not being responsible to have the church clean. It felt a bit strange. It also felt wonderful.

Now I have time to work on my netting class!

I have also come to a decision this week. As a special thank-you to all who have signed up for membership on Rita's Netting Nook, and have been patiently waiting for me to finish Netting Like a Lacemaker, I'm going to release the basic netting handouts for the class in PDF format. My plan is to do it on or before November 1, 2010 (though we all know where my plans have taken us this past year). This release will not include anything to do with the patterns. I'm still working on finishing them.

So, keep watching here or at Nook News for updates.

P.S. As soon as you sign up for the free membership you are eligible to look at and download the handouts -- once I have them posted.

I Love the Internet

Isn't the Internet wonderful.

I was looking for something yesterday and stumbled across some wonderful netting blog entries from A Stitch in Time.

I don't remember what I was looking for or even whether I found it, but I fell in love with the netting needle shown in Netting Needles, part II and Hairnets, part III.

Now to figure out how can I justify spending 55 Euro (about $70 USD) on one netting needle.


Netting Needles, part I
Netting Needles, part II

Hairnets, part I
Hairnets, part II
Hairnets, part III
Hairnet, current status
Hairnet finished - well, almost...
New Hairnet
Hairnet: Finished and Reloaded
News about Netting!
Hairnets, part IV
Work weekend, here I come.