Knitting up a Storm!

Now, I realize many of you may not find this as hilarious as I do, but I couldn't resist!

This is a page from a very old craft catalog, circa 1973.  The LeeWards company doesn't even exist any more, having been bought out by Michael's many moons ago.

Notice the *lovely* brown and yellow afghan.  Yes, we found things like that lovely in those days — don't ask me why!  We never claimed to have good taste, I guess.

But what cracks me up is that the afghan is crocheted (notice the red box around the size crochet hook required), but the lady is gleefully, mindlessly poking two knitting needles into the afghan as if she were mixing vegetables in a stir-fry wok with chopsticks!  She's not even holding them properly for knitting.  Hee, hee hee!  What a hoot!  I wonder how many kits they sold with that ad?

Enjoy Your Children While You Can!

I came across this poem I clipped out of the newspaper when my sons were babies.  I'd completely forgotten it, but I am thankful, and proud, to say I did not make this mistake, even though reading the poem still makes me cry!  My sons are now young men, and even though I love how they have matured and grown, I wouldn't mind a bit if I could go back in time to when they were just little.

This photo shows my fearless sons lighting *gasp* bottle rockets on the 4th of July, probably about 1994 or 1995.

To My Grown-Up Son
My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun,
I'd say: "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door...
I wished I'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, the years rush past...
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear...
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.
Author Unknown

I'm so glad I spent time with my children when they were little, but it never seems enough.  Cherish every moment you have!

Highlander Series by Karen Marie Moning

I just finished reading the first seven books in this series.  (I've been told the eighth book is not really a necessary part of the series.)  While I wouldn't classify these books with the usual historical fiction I'm partial to, they were still fun to read.  Some of the anomalies in the earlier books really grated on my nerves, but they got more historically accurate as they went along.  I guess Ms Moning actually started to do some research!  Once I approached them as what they are billed — paranormal romances — and not as historical fiction, I relaxed and enjoyed them more.

Some of the stories involve time travel, some involve Druids, some involve faeries, some involve all three!  All of them take place at least partially in Scotland, if not entirely.  The men are all unfailingly beautiful, ripped and dominant.  The women are all beautiful, mostly blonde, and smart.  Naturally, the men fall for the women and vice versa, but the stories do have enough plot to keep it entertaining.  The books also got sexier as they went along — probably too titillating for a woman of a certain age *blush*!  If you are a fan of historical romance, paranormal romance or time travel romance, you should love these books.