Knitter's Alert: Project Linus Needs You

Before the arthritis in her hands caused her fingers to spasm to the point where she could no longer hold onto a knitting or crocheting needle, my mom worked with yarn. Over the years, I had more hand knit sweaters than I could possibly wear. I still have many of them, a reminder of a younger woman who could create a sweater without a pattern.

Over the years when the sweaters became harder to make, she turned to afghans, baby hats and baby blankets. Which gets me to the point I'm trying to make. Most of us know of knitters who have run out of people to whom to give these treasures.

Enter Project Linus. These volunteer "blanketeers" knit, sew and crochet blankets for local children in need. A blanket is created and local organizers will direct you about the collection and distributiono of the finished goods.

Coming into this holiday season, think about making a blanket for a child in the hospital, or a shelter. Check out their website and start creating.

The End of the World.

So, according to the Mayans and a bunch of other soothsayers, the end of the world is going to occur on December 21, 2012. Let the countdown begin.

I, for one, do not have a problem with it. If, we could actually count on this as fact, just think of all the things we would not have to think about.

1. Will Social Security be there when I retire.
2. Is recycling really going to make a difference or can I throw my water bottle into the trash
3. Cholesterol. Bring on the bacon and cookies.
4. Who will feed my dog after I'm gone
   

Now, granted I'm a glass half full kind of girl, but the idea of everything ending all at once is a bit appealing. No worry about who you are leaving behind, and no pain of having loved ones leave you all too soon. For sure 2012 is just around the corner, but if that is indeed the date of destruction...well, what are you gonna do.

There are a large number of people out there who are preparing for it, which really confuses me. What exactly do you need to do to get ready for the end of the world?

So while most of us will look forward to December 22, 2012...there's going to be a lot of disappointed people out there.

I don't try to fool Mother Nature, so why is she messing with me?

We all know that mankind is taking a big step into insanity, and now it seems that Mother Nature has joined the party. What is up with this weather??? Here in the northeast, the change of seasons went from summer to winter...with two days of fall thrown in for good measure. Were I a believer in conspiracy theories….well you know.

The boys of summer are working through the second round of playoffs, but to look at them, it could not possibly be a baseball game. Watching the first Yankees-Angels game looked more like Lambeau field in January rather than the Bronx in MID-OCTOBER

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Even the ghost and goblins standing alert and ready for Halloween look a little uncomfortable in the cold, icy rain and snow. Indoors, there is nothing better than to cozy up to a nice fireplace and enjoy both the warmth and ambiance of the dancing flames. These days, even if you don't have a fireplace you can get the effect with a gas stove. You get the whole look of a wood-burning fireplace without the work of hauling logs and cleaning up the ashes. We have one that looks something like this gas fireplace and it adds warmth and atmosphere instantly.

Of course there's something to be said for a glass of wine, another blanket and body heat.

the-o-ry [thee-uh-ree, theer-ee]

1. a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity.

2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.

3. Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject: number theory.

4. the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice: music theory.

5. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles.

6.contemplation or speculation.

7. guess or conjecture.

The world is full of theories. Conspiracy theory, music theory, theory of evolution, the theory of relativity. I have a few of my own.

There are also a few things I know to be true.

1. Dogs are the best people.
2. One day I will find a treasure at a yard sale.
3. Chocolate is God’s most perfect food. And,
4. Yes. Home really is where the heart lies.

October has arrived. The time of crisp air, pumpkins and falling leaves. Nature’s color palette bursts with pride. Sadly, it is just a tease…a warm memory to hold onto, through the too long nights of winter.

This Sunday, October 4, there will be a food drive in New Jersey. http://www.actionagainsthunger.com/
Check your local newspapers or on-line to find a place to donate. I’m sure all over the country there will be similar drives in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. It’s been a very rough year for a lot of people. The food banks are in need. Let’s all step up.