April Updates

Did I mention I got laid off last year? Since I was laid off, I've had to pay for Cobra.  On paper, Cobra sounds like a great idea. In practice - it costs $1,000 per month for my husband and me. That figure really shocks me. When I  began working waaaay back in 1967, I didn't even  know one of the benefits we got was medical insurance -- fully paid for by the company. It just wasn't on my radar. I don't know if it was on any one's radar back then. And coming up with $1,000 per month when you don't have a job is very tough.

Unfortunately finding a job is very difficult. There's not much out there and I'm overqualified for most jobs that are being posted. During this job search period -- I also have to keep my white roots covered.  Since I'm being interviewed by 25 year old people, white roots just won't make a great impression.  This hair dying costs money I don't have.

However, the best thing about being unemployed is that I do get to spend time with my grandson, the light of my life.  Babies bring such happiness and joy to life.

A while ago I spoke of the sweater I was working on for my daughter -- I FINALLY finished it! I had made several mistakes that I was unable to fix, so I let it hibernate for a while. And I learned a so much by trying a lot of different types of projects. I actually learned enough to fix the sweater and finish it! I love the way it came out, and so does my daughter.


I sometimes look at pattern instructions and am very intimidated by what I see.  But, I really find that if I just go one line at a time, it really isn't all that complicated.  I've pretty much been able to figure out all the patterns I've seen.

I've also become fascinated by the Great American Afghan series. I've started three (3!!!!!) of them over the past few years and I know that's ridiculous. I never got past a couple of blocks. I'm trying to work on the Great American Kids Afghan for my grandson. It's fun, but my daughter hates the colors and says they're too bright. Guess I'll keep it at my house for when he comes to visit!

Current projects include -- The Wonderful Wallaby (which I'm making for the boy), a great sweater that looks like a hooded sweatshirt with a pouch pocket in the front, a beret for me, and a couple of the Great American Afghan squares. Hoping to finish the Wallaby before the end of Spring.

Where Have I Been?

Wow! Haven't posted in forever. And 2010 was a BIG year. 

My daughter had a baby boy in April - the new love of my life. I know he's my grandchild and guess I'm biased, but he's certainly the most adorable baby I've seen in a long time!

I was laid off from my job at the end of September, and have been on unemployment since then.  It's a very difficult time to be out of work in the financial services industry, especially if you're older and well paid.   They can certainly hire someone much younger than me, for a lot less money.

On the positive side, it's a great time to practice my knitting!  I finished up so much in the past year - scarves, hats, baby sweaters and hats.  The baby things were really a huge hit.  I made both an apple and a pumpkin hat that my daughter loves.  I also made the "Sir Charles" cable hat from Knit Picks. That came out so great.  I find I really have enjoyed making hats because they're small, and I can learn an awful lot from making something complicated, yet small, so I don't get all that frustrated if I do mess it up!

Shortly after the baby was born we had to our our beautiful dog put to sleep. We loved him so much. He truly was the perfect dog. We'll miss him forever. No more dogs for me. Although I loved him dearly, not having a dog means more freedom and less cleaning. And unless I could be guaranteed a dog as wonderful as Quincy, I don't want one!