Sometimes when you are all settled in and daily life has become routine, the universal wind blows and changes come whether you like them or not.

On New Year’s Day we went to pay our rent. It was not accepted and we found out the tiny, little house we rent is in foreclosure. The bank is expected to take possession in the next month or two and we will not be allowed to stay long term. After a year of unemployment, the savings is gone. Yes, there has been employment for the last six months, but it hasn’t always been full time which has caused us to fall just a little behind on the bills. We were catching up and getting everything straightened out and then this news of losing our rental.

Even though this is unexpected, it was also expected because of the events of the recession and the death of our landlord fourteen months ago. We had feared it, but then grew comfortable when our fears were not realized and of course that is just when it all happened.

Am I angry about this? In some ways yes, but in other ways, I also understand how it happened and feel sorry for the owner as they did what so many others did by refinancing several times and then my landlord’s failing and unexpected declining health stepped in along with the crash of the housing market and the recession. I’m letting go of the negative feelings as they won’t do anyone any good.

The very next day I sent Spurg out to pick up some boxes.. yes, potentially we have a few months before we have to go, but with all the stuff we have and the lack of room, I wanted to start packing right away so that I could get it all organized as I go. He ran to the shop around the corner and picked some up, then to the liquor store near by. We know the owners of both establishments quite well. One of the owners of the liquor store asked if we were moving and Spurg told him yes but we haven’t found a place yet. The owner pointed out that the house across the street was going to be for rent. Spurg went over there to write down the phone number so we could call to take a look at the place. The door opened and he was greeted by one of the owners. He took a look around and quickly came home to tell me all about it. He had convinced himself that I would not be interested at all, but told me anyway.

After listening to him, I called the owner and set up a time to look at the house the next day. I explained briefly our situation with having to move. He asked how long I had lived in my current residence to which I answered 13 years. He was impressed. I explained how I really wanted to find something around our area because of Sydney wanting to attend the same school and Nick having Autism and not being able to handle change well. We agreed to meet the next afternoon so that I could see the house.

On Sunday, I walked to the house and was warmly greeted by a very nice couple. They showed me the house and we had a nice conversation. The landlord kept going on how my living in one place for 13 years spoke volumes to him. They are not so concerned with credit as so many are having credit problems in this economy, but he wants someone who will pay the rent. There were several couples who quickly looked through the house, but the owners did not pay as much attention to them as they did to me. Both took their turns showing me the rooms and all the little features the home has to offer. He kept making comments of how this just seems meant to be. They had just closed and taken possession of the home as it was a foreclosed property. He explained that he liked to buy older homes with character to fix them up and then rents them out. They had not even listed this house in the paper as being for rent yet.

I took an application and asked them what time they would be leaving so that I could bring it back before that time. Spurg and I quickly filled it out and I walked back, hoping they hadn’t left yet. The house was dark, but before I could knock, the landlady opened the door with a smile on her face. We walked around the house a little bit more. I know that they could see my hesitation as the rent is more than what we pay now. But honestly, anything I rent will be more than I pay now since I locked in my rent so long ago. Mentally, I kept trying to work out the numbers to see if I could do it.. they even offered to do the deposit in payments if they rent to me. I felt like they were trying to figure it all out as much if not more than I was.

They told me of the things that they were going to do to the house before they rent it. New tile floors in the kitchen and bathroom to replace the old linoleum. Maybe a few more cupboards in the kitchen. He is also going up in the attic crawl space to check the insulation and the roof for leaks. If I didn’t know better, I would think they were fixing up the house for them to move into.

As I was leaving, they kept saying that it just felt meant to be. It would be perfect for Nick since it wouldn’t be such a big change. They would let me know in a week or two if they would rent it to me.

A few days went by. I spent a lot of time thinking of the house and the finances. I looked at other listings and realized that the only other rentals within reason would be apartments or town homes. This home was just a touch more and for all it has to offer, the price is downright reasonable. I called him up and let him know that I know that I was hesitant while I was there, but after really thinking about it and talking with Spurg, we were very interested in the property. He told me that he and his wife had spoken as well, and she adamantly wants us to have it. They would draw up the lease and we could come sign it this weekend.

In just three days, we secured a new home. In many ways I feel like it was handed to us, or just fell into our laps. It is an older home, built in 1922, good solid wood construction and plaster walls. It has two large bedrooms and a huge bathroom.. well at least huge compared to what we are used to! A very nice living room with a fireplace, built in bookcase and built in bench. There are dual pane windows and a newer central heat and air conditioning unit. Front and back yards, washer and dryer hookups and a small eating area off of the kitchen. It will have new tile floors, brand new window blinds, fresh coats of paint of taupe with white trim in all rooms except the bathroom and kitchen which will be white. There’s a linen closet in the hallway and a towel cupboard with tons of drawers underneath in the bathroom. There are ceiling fans in the bedrooms, living room and on the front porch for those warm lazy days watching the world go by as I sip on some homemade lemonade.  It has some quirky features as well such as the narrow little closets in the bedrooms which are not even deep enough to walk into, but I can work with that. I do have to remember that when this house was built, there probably wasn’t even indoor plumbing at the time!

I have been told that I may do what ever I want to the front and back yards. There is a lemon tree, dwarf orange tree and a loquat tree. I can tear out the old rose bushes on the walkway and replant the ones that haven’t died along the house.  I can put in a garden in the back. The bedrooms are long and it would be easy to create a space for Sydney in our room, and very easy to partition it so that she can have some privacy.

It is a little noisier since it is on a busy main road. I can get used to that. The rent is higher and I will also have to pay water, sewer and garbage, but I’ve figured all of that out too. It does not come with a refrigerator or a washer and dryer. My current landlady told me to take the washer and dryer that are here as they are 13 years old and she has no use for them. The refrigerator I can pick up for about $150 at a local business that buys and repairs used appliances. I have no living room furniture save my rocking chair, entertainment center and spinning wheel but we know we can pick up and inexpensive futon to start with. There isn’t a garage, but there is a storage shed. The house is only three houses down from where we are right now.

In just a few short weeks I will no longer be cold because there isn’t a heater in my room. We will no longer have to be careful about using the stove in the summer because the house gets too hot. No more stairs to climb. No more chasing people out of my yard because it isn’t fenced in. I will be in a home that is easily twice the size of what I have now instead of this tiny two roomed depression era house. There is a large shade tree to block the afternoon sun and the little shop around the corner will be just a little bit closer. No more showers only as the new house has both a tub and shower. There will be privacy and room to have friends and family over.

In years past, I have wanted to move. I have listed the things that I would want in a home. This house has everything that I have hoped for and a little more. Financially, I believe I may have figured it all out. As the new landlord said to me when I told him I now had a washer and dryer.. “everything seems to be falling into place for you. This really just seems meant to be!” However, for some reason, yesterday I started having panic attacks. Maybe I have just lived in this one place for far too long and have become unaccustomed to change. Maybe it’s the responsibility of the additional expense, or maybe it’s that this couple who has so graciously decided that we were meant to be in that house are just so nice that I just don’t ever want to disappoint them. After all, I feel like I could invite her over to coffee like an old friend.

So, wish us luck. I will be back after I pack up this little house and then unpack it all at the new home that somehow seems to have just fallen into our laps! I know that I am a little late in this, but may all of you have a wonderful New Year, filled with love, prosperity and much joy!

I follow a number of different blogs, and not just fiber blogs either. Some are food blogs, some are Pagan blogs and some are just blogs that don’t fall into any category in the scheme of things, but have interesting things to say. One of the aforementioned blogs is having a product give-a-way! A wonderful, handmade of all natural materials Winter Solstice Swag over at Magickal Enhancements! This would be a lovely addition to holiday decorations whether you celebrate Yule, or another holiday tradition and I can only imagine how wonderful it must smell!! But I must warn you, if you want to enter this, you will have competition, namely me!!! Good luck!! (And for those who don’t want to enter but still want one, she has a shop on Etsy where she has one for sale!)

Remember this?

A few days ago this arrived!!!

Now I just got to finish spinning up some of this…

and then I can finish the final rows of my sampler scarf!!! Thank you Miss Melanie!!

Sorry, no knitting, spinning, weaving or other crafty content today! But this information is to valuable not to pass on for those who might be interested!

This morning I attended a free “Webinar” with Dr. Peter Gerhardt via the internet. I had read in the San Francisco Chronicle about the free Webinar and was excited to learn that Dr. Gerhardt specializes in teens and adults on the Autism Spectrum. Nick is going to be twenty next month, and even with all the years that I have been working with him, I always felt that I was missing something in helping him. I have to say that the information that I was presented today really opened my eyes more to some of the things I should be helping Nick with and where the school programs are failing him.

Today’s session (there was one last night as well) was recorded and should be available to everyone who is interested for free, sometime next week on the Rethink Autism site. If you are raising a child, or have a family member or friend on the Autism Spectrum, I do highly recommend that you take a look at the following links and the information provided. I am also providing a brief over view on the different sites for those of you who are interested. (Click the bold titles to go to the various sites.)

Rethink Autism

This is the site that the recorded webinar will be made available. As I said, it will be for free, and there are sections of the site that are completely free for everyone to access. You do not need to sign up for the one week trial, nor for any services through the site. You can also sign up (scroll down the web page to find it) a free email newsletter with autism tips (practical daily living advice, autism tip videos and live webinar events with autism experts). This alone would be a valuable resource for any parent with a child on the Autism Spectrum.

Organization for Autism Research

another Dr. Gerhardt’s site with research information and resources to help families today..

Autism Today

Here is another of Dr. Gerhardt’s websites.. filled with resources and you can email him from this site and ask him questions (he will answer according to the webinar) He volunteer’s his time and the site is purely run on donations.

Division TEACCH

This is a division of the UNC Department of Psychiatry that focuses on the treatment and education of Autistic and related communication handicapped Children.. also recommended by Dr. Gerhardt..

Mission For Education Children With Autism

Mission for Educating Children with Autism.. this site was recommended through the webinar, and has information on recycled modern technology (blue tooth) to help those with Autism function in our world and be more independent.

Advancing Futures For Adults With Autism

Another site recommended through the webinar.. promoting helping those with Autism become not just functioning adults in our society, but to help them advance in the necessary social/community skills needed in order to become more independent in daily living and in a competitive workplace environment.

Dear Miss Melanie,

Sometime ago, you sent me four ounces of beautiful Polwarth fiber to try on my spinning wheel. I have to admit, it did sit in my stash for quite some time, alone, neglected and nearly forgotten for over a year. Last month I dusted off my spinning wheel, which was just as equally neglected with all the insanity that fills our daily lives in my household. I decided to look through the various fibers I have accumulated through my years as a spinner, feeling each one and waiting for something to speak to me.

There sat the lonely and unloved Polwarth, looking quite like the plain Jane in it’s un-dyed state. Quietly we looked at one another, appraising each other for the moment to see if we could speak to one another. I touched various wools and silks while the Polwarth continued to look at me, imploring me to pick it up just for a moment to see what wonders it could offer to me.

It took me a few moments to give in to its silent pleading, as it peeked out at me from the white tissue paper that you so carefully wrapped it in before sending it my way. Gently I pulled the thin paper away, letting the light touch the fibers that hid beneath, and then I reached in to take hold of the fiber as the paper fell to the floor without another thought.

I carried that fiber, that Polwarth, over to the spinning wheel and sat down in my chair with it. I touched it and caressed it, marveling at its fluffy softness. I laid it in my lap as I prepared my leader yarn on the bobbin, then attached the fiber to the leader as I began to spin.

It flowed through my finger tips smoothly, softly and effortlessly. I watched as it twisted gracefully, enjoying the way it just seemed to spin itself. It wasn’t long before the four ounces ended up on two bobbins, thinly spun and promising me something lace in its final state.

Slowly I plied it back unto itself, planning on creating a two ply yarn out of this heavenly fiber. I ended up with a very thin fingering weight at twenty two wraps per inch and a glorious 692 yards.

I wound it into skeins and left it sitting at my desk to enjoy. Each time I sat down at the computer, I would touch it, pet it and relish it’s softness. In my eyes, it was the perfect yarn. Now it was time to search for the perfect pattern for such a soft and luscious yarn. Out came the stacks of books with their collections of patterns. I hadn’t any idea of what I would make, but not one of my books contained a single pattern that gave me that singular and wonderful “Aha!” moment. My search progressed to blogs, pattern sites and Ravelry. Finally on Knitty, I found Franklin’s “Miss Lambert’s Lace Sampler” and knew that this would be perfect for a soft, smooshy scarf.

Carefully, I poured through Franklin’s instructions. I calculated exactly how many stitches I would have to cast on to make a nice, wide, soft, smooshy scarf. I wanted something wide, long and completely unlike anything that anyone else had. Each stitch smoothly made it’s way to the needle, the yarn feeling like a caress across my fingers. Day after day, I knit, loving the tactile pleasures going from the ball of yarn into the knitted stitches. Slowly, stitch by stitch it grew. Perfect yarn, perfect pattern, perfect width, and nearing the perfect length. There wasn’t a single thing to hate about any of it. Silently I vowed that one day I would order more Polwarth, knowing that it’s not a common wool here in America and that I will have to search far and wide for a suitable supplier where I don’t have to order in large quantities or pay extortion for shipping. But I planned to save that search for another day.

I began the final lace panel. My excitement grew as I realized that within the day, I would be weaving in the ends, washing the garment and blocking it to reveal all of it’s intricate lace work. Half way through the German Lace pattern of which I chose to repeat six times, I calculated that I only had 42 rows left. Then I glanced at the ball of yarn that I was working from…

There is no way that I will be able to squeeze 42 more rows out of the last bit of the yarn. I am short by 1/8 to 1/4 of an ounce…

I hate frogging… sigh.

Hugs,

Christine

As many of you know, our lives here are never boring. There is always something going on, whether we like it or not.

At 9:30 this morning, a suspicious device was found on the playground of Sydney’s school. Forty-five minutes later I received an automated call to notify me that the school had been evacuated as a precaution. The children and staff evacuated to the high school to the baseball field. The evacuation was anticipated to last for just an hour.

No details are out, but the evacuation is lasting longer. It is just eleven a.m. here and they anticipate the students will be eating at the high school. They have been moved to the boy’s gym and will eat in the cafeteria. There is no estimate of what time they will be released to their own school. The summer school program at the high school has been placed on lock down by the local police department, just as a precaution. Sydney’s school is only a mile from the house, and I didn’t hear a single emergency vehicle siren today, which I should have if they had them on.

I am sure that Sydney is okay, but I wonder if she managed to take her lunch with her. I hope so. She had some dental work done the other day and is still on semi soft foods. I don’t know what they are planning to feed the children if they didn’t bring their lunches and she can be such a picky eater. I  know that seems trivial to worry about given the situation, but in situations like this, you will be amazed what pops in your head.

I know that she will have quite a story to share when she comes home and I just hope that she isn’t too frightened about this. She and I have spoken about something like this before when a pipe bomb was found on the campus of one of the schools in our county. I made sure to let her know to never touch something that didn’t belong on the playground or school campus. It’s a sad commentary of our times when you have to teach your child things like that.

Now I need to find a way to distract myself so I don’t worry too much. She has a great teacher, and the staff at the school are fantastic, so  I do know that she is in very capable and safe hands. Still, I wish the day was over so she could come home and I could just give her a really big hug!

UPDATE: As of noon, Sydney’s school was allowed to return to campus. The package was filled with trash and the  threatening phone call some sick joke. The county Sheriff’s Bomb Squad did two sweeps of the campus and finally gave it the all clear. The school district has decided to resume the rest of the regular school day and she will be let out at the regular time. Thank goodness that she is safe and I can’t wait to see her, and wish I could get her early, but then that just might make her more afraid if she sees me not feeling comfortable with her being at school for the rest of the day. I do feel comfortable, but at the same time, I just need to throw my arms around her for my own reassurance!

What a day!

I am still here. Right now I am very angry over some things that are going on in my home state of California and how they will affect Nick and my job as a care giver for him. If I blog about it, I know that I will go into a major rant, and that’s something I would rather not do right now.

I have uploaded a new version of Maelstrom as well as a new errata file. There was an error in rows 44-54 (even rows only) that was caught the other day in the written section of the pattern on Chart B.

Hopefully, I will be blogging again soon. I just need to take a few deep breaths for a few days.