Flat Stanley

It was a small group that met at Kris’; no show and tell, green with and without and a surprise visitor => Flat Stanley. Opening discussions were again medical and all ears were on what nurse Trail had to say. This time it was herself that was of concern. A few minutes after sitting down, Kris was ready to wrap her in a fleece blanket because her feet were turning purple, which had nothing to do with Sally. She’ll let us know what the Dr. says. Betsy is having her surgury for her trigger happy left thumb - we sure hope her recovery is speedy.

The secret garden has taken on new meaning. Carolyn has created a garden of flowering pots outside her picture window.

Bev and Ron enjoyed the bead show over the weekend. Bev is going to learn how to bezel a big bead (or two) that Ron bought. Rhoda went also and is already looking forward to “Jane’s” in August. She vows to be there early with her long list. Walter will be giving over half of his closet to her as the jewelry closet is filled to capacity.

Prabha left on Monday to show Flat Sally the Mid West. Kris will be taking Flat Sally to Colorado to hike. She’ll fit nicely in the backpack as they hike at least one “14,000 footer.” Bev wants a report on the pine trees of CO – they were infested by nasty bugs that were killing them. Sally will take care of reporting back to her and will find out if NC has a similar issue.

Jan joined the quartet (Kris, Rhoda, Bev and Carolyn) for soup and spent the afternoon beading a project that has been patiently waiting for her attention.

To revisit the "Hon" discussion of last week: Kris was called "Babe" as she walked into a sporting good store. Lacking the quick tongue of Prabha and the nerve, she didn't say anything. BUT, as a foot note: she went back on Wed. and spoke with the assistant manager. It was not the first time, apparently, but I suspect it will be the last.

Conversation bits:

“Have you bezelled a tear drop?”

“2 balls is PLENTY!” (when talking about soup, but inferring quite something else)

“Oh, pretty!” (Master beader to student)

“Didn’t know this was going to be a group project.” (when ideas were flying around about how to finish the necklace)

“Everything is a group project the moment you walk through the door!”

“Your brain is my brain!” (Kris to everyone)

“I laughed so hard my tears were rolling down my legs.”

“Watch out for booby traps.” (when discussing necklace lengths)

Jan brought a needy beading project with her and left wearing it. It had an “eight-handed knot” in it that the master beader was quite adept at. Rhoda shared with everyone where “herring bone” stitch came from: in the belly. (I think there’s some commentary necessary on this point.)

Little known fact of the day: How was line dancing started? By a group of women waiting in line…! How clever we all are!

Pregnant Pillow...?

The ladies were back at Kris' for their day of making lace. Discussion went from talent, to drooling, to the affects of little blue pills, to if and why "Hon'" or "Honey" are acceptable. Show and tell was amazing when Bev and Prabha each pulled out their accomplishments from hours and hours of work. Technology talk didn't make an appearance until the end of the day when more blog work was necessary to allow viewers to add their comments. (Not 100% sure if it worked. Try it out and we'll see.)

First order of business went to Nurse Carolyn: Rhoda's arm was red, hot and swollen in two spots. Diagnosis: possible bites. Instructions: Benadryl. Not zzzzuch a good idea, but old Allegra is helping a bit. Last week she had one on her hand that did go away. Az Benadry talkz continued, Kriztin Zue admitted uzing it to help zzzleep. Our nurse shared AARP magazine (not to be confused with ART magazine - Kriztin Zue'z earz were ztill zleeping, perhapz) info that older people should NOT use Benadryl for sleeping as it can damage body parts that aren't already ailing.

Before hearing about the 7/9 work day, a few notes from the gathering at Sue's house on 7/2:

·         Prabha's sister, Gita, visited. She was at Prabha's for a week and is travelling now to visit other family members and other parts of the world before returning to India.

·         Sue's webcam in the blue bird house was not conducive to getting much work done, but was enjoyed by all.

·         The monthly Saturday lace gatherings will be held at Marie's on July6, Mary's on Aug. 3 and Liz's on Aug. 31.

As is evident from the last blog, Bev's interests are expanding. Her talents are many which she proved once again with her magnificent basket from a kit given to her from Carolyn. Carolyn was as proud as a momma peacock when she examined the perfect basket, Bev's first from a kit. Forty-plus hours of work and days on end of focus on the written instructions and she finished another project. She's getting quite a reputation. Prabha has agreed to make the beautiful shawl in the photo for each of us during her vacation out west. Sally will keep us up-to-date on her progress.

Notable quotes from the first part of the day:

"Why didn't you...?" (Bev to Carolyn regarding the basket kit)

"Give yourself credit!" (Us to Bev and Prabha)

"Drooling is unbecoming!" (Rhoda to Prabha)

Prabha brought a new book about the history and techniques of a regional Spanish lace. She saw the book some time ago and after lots of thought and saliva, ordered it from Holly and had it two days later. It's filled with interesting history with photos and has technical instructions for unique patterns. (Too bad I didn't write down the title - great spot for a comment from Prabha.)

Kris' time up north was fun, but with this mixed with great sadness. Sybil's father was operated on for a brain tumor and died the next day from unknown complications. Although the boys don't yet know (Sybil returns on 7/12), it's been difficult for Kim and she's dreading sharing the news. Difficult times.

Why do Southerners use the term "Hon" or "Honey" even when addressing strangers or in professional situations? The ladies couldn't figure out an answer, but shared experiences.

After enjoying "tomato soup with and without," the afternoon had a lively beginning with the appearance of a pregnant pillow - about 2 month, we figure. Grae worked hard the day before to get it just right. Success!

Fun news of the day: Grae and her husband are going on a Viking cruise up the Rhine from Budapest in Nov./Dec. She's very excited about visiting the Christmas markets and is already planning how to get everything back to the USA.

 Snippets of conversations:

"Lost my weaver!" Response: "You'll never know!"

"If you can't buck it, you can bed it!" In response to a questionable Bucks or Beds pattern.

"Don't ask. Don't tell." In response to  hearing the French word for lace - dentelle.

"I hear your kitty." In response to KC's squeaking chair.

"That's painful, isn't it?" Response: "DON'T ASK ME!" Don't recall how we got to this, but it was about the little blue pill.

The next time you're at Rhoda's Museum, be sure to ask to see the "Amazing Bowl!"

AMAZING? That's Sally!

June 25, 2013

Chair caning at Carolyn’s:

Carolyn taught Prabha to cane her chair starting bright and early at 9:00 am on Tuesday morning, June 25.

What a great teacher Carolyn is. She had all the necessary tools laid out on the table and the canes soaking even before Prabha arrived at her door step. Of course, Bev got her own private lessons the day before.

The plan was for everyone to have lunch at Carolyn’s after the caning session and before heading out to the Wake Forest Senior Center. Grae kindly offered to help Carolyn with the lunch. Luckily, Carolyn quickly set the record straight by telling her that she would welcome Grae’s help if she was preparing the lunch, but we were expected to brown bag it.

After lunch everyone headed out (caravan style) to the senior center where they were joined by Sue and Jan. The ladies at the senior center were very welcoming and the facilities were nice. Bev took such wonderful care of the group, making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. She made the coffee and was a very gracious hostess, even though we did not expect it of her – since we were at the senior center.

Many of the ladies dropped by in groups to ooh and aah at our work and then remark that she did not have the patience for this. So every time some one said this. Rhoda would role her eyes. After the 5^th person made this remark, she declared that she was going to scream when the next person said this. Prabha helped her out with a mild “scream” when that happened.

We did get one person evince an interest in learning to lace. Let us hope she will do so.

The group was rather well behaved – as we did not want to embarrass Bev.