Howling winds & subzero temps

Howling winds and subzero temperatures are the perfect combination for cabin fever and the winter blahs. It seems like all I've done since school has been closed due to the inclement weather is cook and clean, clean and cook, I just want to crochet the heck with eating.

Currently we have gusting winds that blew my mailbox off its post into the middle of the highway, which would have fallen victim to the school bus or someone headed to work at 6 a.m. had my teenage son not volunteered himself to scrap a path down our long driveway so the younger kids would not get lost in the snow drifts.

It's days like this I just want to stay in bed.

I expect the wind to knock out the power with these gusts and I don't really want to think about how cold it will get because I have no heat other than electric. I like being prepared for the worst but some things I just can't afford to do. Put in a fireplace or wood stove is not an option. It is what it is...I suppose. Time to start looking into other options.

Preparing for red heart day

All I want for Valentine's Day is what any other woman wants. Chocolate! Not just any chocolate but homemade melt in your mouth fudge flavored chocolate.

Visit Glorious Treats for this tutorial!

• Chocolate Truffles (this blogger says these treats are for Christmas, but I protest that Valentine's Day would be best.) 
• Valentine's Day Gingerbread Cookies with Red Hots Just like chocolate, gingerbread is not just for Christmas.
• Valentine Rice Krispie Treats Write your favorite phrase on them. (See photo.)
• Healthy Mini-Fruit Pizza's 
• Homemade Brownie's (cut in heart shapes)

What are you making, baking or taking to school for Valentine's Day?

Algebra blues and cold weather crocheting

Cold weather and crocheting is very comforting to me. I'm nearly finished with my V-Stitch Baby Blanket. While on break this evening, I dished out dinner for those who could eat, checked fevers and gave medicines to those who couldn't and my healthy teen had finals in his algebra class online. I don't understand algebra so I'm not much of a learning coach there. He is struggling, so I am probably going to have to hire a tutor for him this next semester.

I took algebra in college as it was a requirement to torture those of us who hate numbers. I cried my way through class (ahem!)....twice. I vowed to myself if I got a C or higher I would never look at an algebra problem seriously again. I got a B in the class but I ate my vow. I've attempted to look over my son's algebra problems even though I wish I never had to see algebra in my face again. All I get from it, is a big fat headache.... I can't do it. I know how to add, subtract, cross multiply, dividie and I know the multiplication table but for the life of me I can't tell you an integer from a linear equation or whatever you call it.

Moving on or I will suffer a stroke from too much algebra overload. I am not mathematically inclined. I've accepted that and I'm over it. You can keep all the 3x + (-8y) = ________ problems and don't ask me the answer or give it to me. I don't care.

My kids are riding the germ wagon

I spent the afternoon at the pediatrician's office and as it would happen not just one of the kids has jumped on the germ wagon now two of them have and dad has too. The last few days have been spent reminding each person to wash your hands extra long, cover your mouth with your sleeve or put you face in your shirt. Drink out of your own colored cup. Anything to get the bug evicted from our house, but it seems he is in for the long haul.

In between my nightly nursing duties of taking temps, giving baths to cool high fevers and administering medicines, I've been crocheting. Once they have settled down sometime around dawn...I get a quick nap while someone else keeps and eye on them.

Last night instead of working on my V-Stitch Scarf I just dove right into a baby blanket. I am using variegated yarn and its looking good. When I went to pick up medicine I grabbed the last of the color I am using and I hope to finish the blanket today.

Good news I just got the call that school is canceled due to the latest winter storm. I am glad because that is one day they don't have to worry about missing.

Going to try a unique wiggly crochet dishcloth out later this week but not in those funky colors. I think I'll try some earth tones with camo-variegated yarn.

Crochet Basics

I found a website on crochet basics. I've been crocheting since I was 9 and now it is time for two young ladies in the family to do the same. I have taught them the best I can but I believe I now have a better way to show them. Hopeful Honey has a website with the Crochet Basics mapped out with video tutorials and I'm going to let her help me show them the yarn.

Anyone can do it, you just need yarn and a hook and of course a beginners easy pattern. I'll add a link list that I think would be pretty easy for beginners to save you time from hunting free patterns online.

Hopeful Honey Crochet Basics

How to make a slip knot If this slideshow doesn't show you well enough then you can find a video tutorial online. Don't let one small thing stop you from crocheting. It is fashionable and fun!

Link List for Beginners 

• Half-double crochet place-mats - easy and a great way to learn the half-double crochet by repetition. (The pattern makes one but you'll need one for each table setting.)
  
  Beginner Crochet Potholder - Easy and this pattern consist of repetition using the single crochet method.
  
• Granny Square (The foundation to all granny squares)

Intermediate Level
Fingerless Puff Stitch Gloves

How to crochet a V Stitch (video)

I decided last night I was going to make a scarf using the V stitch. I thought I knew how to do one but when it came down to it, I didn't. I did what I always do I googled it and this is the tutorial I chose.

I'm going to make a scarf with this stitch and a head band for my granddaughter who loves to wear band in her hair. Then I'll incorporate this stitch in an afghan I am interested in that has multi-style stitches to it.

Arctic Blast is making a comeback, stocking up on water and patterns

Another Arctic Blast is expected in the Midwest in the next couple of days. Time to make sure the animals are set for the deep freeze and the house is ready too. Earlier this month all my neighbors has their water freeze up and I was fortunate enough not to suffer that fate. I did stay up all night running water every hour. I was very worried about it.

Just be safe I have bottled water on hand, re-purposed milk jugs and soda bottles filled with water in case the pipes freeze and/or bust.

Link List

• One Hour Mobius Cowl. (Pattern) I'll let you know if I make it within the hour time frame. I love a challenge.
  
• Chunky Crochet Cowl (Pattern)  I want to make one of these but first I have to get a size 10 crochet hook.
  
• V Scarf (Pattern) This Ashley Scarf pattern looks like a lace pattern using alternating rows of "V" and double crochet.
  
• Homemade Soups for sick kids and quick dinners this week.