April | 2008 | Up a Creek in Lower Slower Delaware

Archive for April, 2008

It was 85 Today

April 20, 2008

We had a nice walk this morning. I was tired when we got back, but I didn’t ache everywhere as when I am cold. I sat out back for a while and knit. I finally finished the garter stitch cuff and sewed the ends together. It slid over my heel and fit nicely. I was going to take a picture on my foot, but I didn’t want to scare anyone.

Here’s the seam.

The yarn was really thin here, but I think that it will be all right. I knit for about an hour and then planted impatiens. I still have about a dozen plants left. I am hoping to finish them before the rain starts tomorrow.

Tags:garter stitch, impatiens
Posted in Knitting | 1 Comment »

Too Nice to Be In

April 18, 2008

I got sweaty sitting outside on deck around noon. It was wonderful. I am only inside now because I had to prepare the strawberries and make a little dinette cake to go with them. I had some strawberry extract and added a little red food dye to get the full effect.

My table runner isn’t finished yet.

Maude wouldn’t let me.

I got most of the cutting done for clue 2 of the quilt.

I am two-thirds through the first sleeve on my sweater which is pretty good considering how little time I have put into it. I like this pattern better, but I am not thrilled with the yarn and I doubt that I will buy it again. Maybe it will feel better after a good washing.

Tags:cats, knit, quilt, spring, yarn
Posted in Knitting, my pets, Sewing | 1 Comment »

Jeff’s Nursery

April 18, 2008

We rode down to Bethel this afternoon and this is some of what we bought.

The peonies that I brought from the other house seem to be doing very well. I can’t wait for them to open.

More later.

Tags:flowers
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The Letters

April 17, 2008

When my mother went into a nursing home, we started to clear out her house. I found several letters and post cards from Daddy and a few others. I thought that they should read by everyone and my blog seems as good a place as any. Many are hard to read. I typed them exactly the way they were written. I kept wanting to correct spelling and grammar, but I made it through them.

The first was written by Daddy when he was eleven. The second was probably one or two years later. The writing is more fluid and he signed it Bill rather than Little Billy. In the summer, he went to live with his Mother’s friend, Mrs. Schiebel, on a farm near Hanover, PA. I think they had four sons and I believe that some or all were adopted. Daddy took us up there several times when we were kids. As an adult, I have gone past the road leading down to the farm, but I have never turned down to look for the little house and barns. I am afraid that it is all gone and I don’t want to ruin that happy memory.

The last two letters were written by my Grandparents to Daddy. He was stationed in Georgia at the time. It would be several months before he went over seas. Except for a few pictures, this is all I have from them. Every time I read them, I feel like to know them a little better. My Grandmother died before I was born and I was only three when my Grandfather died. I was told that my Grandmother had a German accent even though she was born here. Her father sent her and her sister back to Germany for their education.

I am not sure who Ed is. He may be one of Mrs. Schiebel’s sons or he may be the uncle that was killed in the war. Dorothy was my mother. Ruth was Daddy’s sister and Gus was her husband. Some day, I will have to tell you about Aunt Ruth and Uncle Gus. They were fun.

Tags:WWII Letters
Posted in Family and Friends, WWII Letters | 1 Comment »

Other Side

April 16, 2008

Hello Bill,

How are you hoping feeling fine and contented try hard and do the best you can to get some where.

Have often thought of you with the best of thoughts am feeling better again and back to work Uncle Bill said hello also and wants your address so I am going to give it to him and he is going to write also.

Now Bill if there is something you want and long for just write and we will try to get it to you don’t be afraid to ask us we want to do everything we can for you you aught to know that by now.

Saw Ed last night and he sends his best regards to you. Tante Amiala Ervin and Uncle Harry also said hello and is going to write to you every body asks for you so see every body think of you.

so take care Bill and write soon.

With lots &lots of love and kisses

Yours true

Mother

Tags:WWII Letters
Posted in Family and Friends, WWII Letters | 1 Comment »

Baltimore Dec 26 1943

April 15, 2008

Dear Bill,

Well Christmas is over and all missed you, but remember you are in the service of which you can feel proud of, as any and all effort by you and your fellow companions will bring again the day when we will be free to do the things our minds dictate.

Billy was very happy, loved his stocking with candy and cookies most. His intrist in the present for others, were, very enthsiastic to him, helping to unwrap the packages. He is spending a few days with his grandmother, but will be home tomorrow night.

Dorothy also had a nice Christmas as well as Ruth, your Mother and myself. Yet would have been better with you and Gus here also.

Tomorrow I shall go into town again and have some more interviews, it is a good feeling when you has your friends pulling for you and helping to make it possible to work in best possible conditions.

Well, these few lines are just an introduction to my letter writing to you, Tell me how you feel, what are your problems, and anything that may be on your mind, tell me. Always remember that while in the army your superiors are allways right no matter what you think.

Well, make good and with best luck and wishes, I am, Your Father Wm. H. Beck

Tags:letters
Posted in Family and Friends | 1 Comment »

Two Letters

April 13, 2008

Hanover, PA

August 22, 1929

Dear Ma,

I haven’t got sick yet. For I am busy all day bringing the cows in, packing hay, pumping water and other things. We almost caught a mice packing the hay. Last night we slept out in the tent, it was allright because the stars were shining. Ted was sleeping on our feet. We’re going to the State and see Abie’s Irish Rose. Tell Pa to save the baseball section of the paper.

Goodby

Little Billy

Hanover, PA

Dear Ma,

I am feeling fine, only something bit me on the ear. I slept out every night except Sunday night. Ed and me are going to the ball game this afternoon. Yesterday we had some company. We play a game with them and defeated them 40 to 15. A little chick drowned in a bucket of water. Haven’t been in swimming yet. Hope everything is alright.

Bill

Tags:letters
Posted in Family and Friends | 1 Comment »

A Few Sprinkles

April 13, 2008

It kept trying to rain, but we only got a few sprinkles from time to time. I went for two short dog walks today. My legs ached so badly last night that I had to take the heavy duty stuff in order to get some sleep. This morning I was sleepy and my knees weren’t functioning very well. I went for a longer walk this afternoon and felt better. I did some quilting this afternoon. I also got a fair amount of knitting done on my sock. I haven’t taken any pictures of it yet. Maude joined me out on the porch.

Tags:dog, sock, walk
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Not a Good Start

April 11, 2008

Well, I got up this morning and almost stepped in cat puke. Then, after making coffee, I went down the hall and Maude was depositing grass and more puke on the carpeting. I pushed her out the front door and went to get something to clean it up. My hip is pretty grumpy in the morning so I wasn’t very happy.

I wanted to make something nice for this evening so I sat down with one of my cook books and a glass of orange juice. As I was absorbed in my book, Elvis decided my lap looked very inviting. I didn’t see him coming until it was too late. He got his claw caught in the arm of the chair and my orange juice went over the side. Half went onto the carpet and half went into a tote bag. Wonderful. Just freaking wonderful.

And this one had nothing to do with it.

Did I tell you I went shopping yesterday? This is what I bought.

Tags:books, cats, puke
Posted in my pets | 1 Comment »

Spring

April 10, 2008

Spring came to my house today. I spent the afternoon on the porch. I finished my socks. They are just right. I do need to remember to tuck in the hang ties when I walk around in them. I made a swatch with the Noro sock yarn and gave it a good wash. After a good scrubbing, it feels and looks softer. That’s it for today. I’m going back outside.

Tags:Noro, socks
Posted in Knitting | Comments Off on Spring

Up a Creek in Lower Slower Delaware