Erica’s Blog

Went to a funeral for my friend Joyce’s mom, Cookie, today.  I knew I couldn’t handle going to the viewing last night, but I made sure the flowers we ordered were delivered in time for that.  It was weird going to a funeral where I only knew the deceased person’s immediate family.  I was glad I went, though, b/c it didn’t seem like there were very many people there — under 50, I’d say. 

It was a full funeral mass with all the trimmings, so to speak.   It’s funny how, even after 23 years, I still know all the responses and could remember most of what the priest was supposed to say. 

They had a reception afterwards at home.  Of course, I ate too much, especially since it was fabulous Mexican food from La Tapatia.  Yumm.  I did, however, pass on the tequila shots and the desserts.  Ya gotta draw the line somewhere.

Joyce, Norm, and the girls seemed to be doing about how you’d expect.  In some ways, Joyce seemed better than she did before her mom died, when she was so worried about her.  Then again, she could have just been in “let’s make this happen” mode.  That was seven hours ago; who knows how she’s doing now.

So, here’s to Joyce, Norm, Jennifer, Allison, and Cookie!  I never met Cookie, but I know she must have been quite a woman to have raised a feisty gal like Joyce and to have moved in when Allison was two weeks old to help raise the girls.  To Cookie!

Here is Sophie before and after felting.  This yarn felts great!  It only took an eight minute cycle for her to shrink this much.  I’d hate to think what would have happened if I’d put her in for a full 14-minute cycle!  She would have become a cosmetic bag or a coin purse!

This pattern was really easy, and I got to learn two new skills:  1) pick up and knit; 2) kitchener stitch.  I’m terribly proud of myself. 

My friend Patricia had asked me to make her something and told me her favorite color was yellow.  I think this will fit the bill!  I hope she likes it. 

Since this was so easy, I’ll probably make another Sophie out of the purple yarns from my “accidental stash”.  Maybe then I’ll have the felting out of my system for a while and be able to move on to using up my big stash…and maybe not.