Sunday, November 13, 2016

Unintentional Absence

Lack of motivation.
Connectivity problems.
Travel.
Election depression.
All of these things have contributed to my absence over the past month.
On November 3rd we traveled to Jerusalem to visit my husband's family.  He talks to his aunt almost every day ... she is 86 years old, has been blind since the age of 2, lives alone and is unable to travel, so we must visit when we can.  She told us that she thinks this may be the last time we see her but, of course, we are hoping that is not the case.
Our time spent with family always involves lots of food.
Chai and aqras zaatar.
Tea and thyme bread.
Turkish coffee and sabanek (spinach).
While in the old souk we also had a delicious fresh pomegranate juice.
And breakfasts looked like this.
There also was a whole lot of crochet going on.
The college daughter of my husband's cousin asked if I could make her a scarf.  We arrived on a Wednesday, I walked to the local yarn store with the girls, made our purchase, agreed on a pattern and I immediately started crocheting.  Every spare moment was spent working on an infinity scarf for her which I was able to finish by Friday morning.
I then immediately started a cowl, using the same stitch for the youngest of the girls ...
 and was able to finish it by that evening.
A good thing since we left the next morning.

I have to tell you that a hdc in the back loop only is very time consuming.
And I've not crocheted anything else since.

Hopefully now I am back on track with lots more to share.
Peace and blessings to all,

21 comments:

Mereknits said...

Peace and blessing to you Tammy. That college aged girl just got an Ohio State colored scarf, go Buckeye's! Just kidding, well not really. Glad you had travels to wonderful places, I wish I cold do the same. Being right here in the US at this time in our lives is just horrible, but there are people who believe in a better way, their voices may not count, much like their vote but they can still stand up to hate, and anger, and fear.
Hugs,
Meredith.

Pradeepa said...

Great place, yummy food! You must have had a great time there. Colour combination of the infinity scarf is beautiful. Those bracelets are fabulous too!

Mary said...

Missed you but know how life sometimes gets in the way of blogging!
Your Jerusalem visit photos are so lovely - the food I would love - the lacy cloths are beautiful.
Your crochet, as always, amazing, those girls were thrilled with your handiwork I'm certain.

Life goes on and all we can do is live one day at a time and make the best of them!
Hope you are all well - looking forward to seeing you here when time permits Tammy.

Hugs - Mary

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Tammy, the food looks delicious how nice of you to be able to make and finish the cowls-they will love them and remember you. Love your bracelets too-hugs to you Kathy

Helen Philipps said...

Love your pictures...the food and its presentation looks delicious. Wow that is very fast crocheting you did! Such gorgeous makes too. Take care, Tammy, sending love.
Helen xox

Maya Kuzman said...

Anything made in the back loop is time consuming but the texture it gives the crochet piece is irreplaceable:)
I am glad you are back and will join us more frequently.
Turkish coffee is our national drink too and I am quite addicted to it.

Createology said...

Tammy Dear you were missed and I am so glad you honored your feelings. Auntie is amazing to live on her own in spite of her blindness. Delicious looking foods. Your crocheting talents paid off for the girls who now have lovely scarves to keep them warm with your love and hugs. Stay safe dear...

Poppy said...

Beautiful and intriguing photos of your time away, Tammy. Very touching to hear about your husband's sweet and caring nature; his aunt sounds lovely. Your scarf is very pretty and I'm sure, very much appreciated. Those goodies resemble very similar Greek treats, especially the mini pies and the Turkish coffee, (we refer to it as Greek), a cup of which I enjoyed just now.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,
Poppy

Teresa Kasner said...

I remember the story of your husband's aunt when you visited her last time.. I'm so glad you went to see her and his family again. Making those two scarves for those girls was so sweet of you.. but I know how generous and giving you are. I've got ED too.. lol. LOVE the bracelets on your arm. I need to repair a turquoise bracelet and wear it again.. maybe I will do that today because you've inspired me.. as you always do. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Melanie said...

I can understand the reasons for your absence - but glad to hear from you again. Glad you had such a nice visit in Jerusalem - and all that food looks so good. Your scarves are just lovely...and so are your bracelets!

Serena Lewis said...

So nice that you visited with your husband's family including his Aunt. She sounds very capable to be blind and living on her own.

I could get used to breakfasts like that. YUM! I love pomegranate juice!

Beautiful scarves....my, you are a fast worker! I can imagine it would have been more time-consuming with the tricky HDC stitch.

Beautiful bracelets! I think the wooden ones are my faves.

I think the whole world is in shock over the outcome of the US elections. This year has brought some pretty scary changes with it. :(

I hope you have a lovely week ~ :)

Mini said...

Your husband is such a nice person to wanting to visit his aunt as often as he can. Lovely pics. The scarves will be loved by the girls.

Patty Antle said...

Hi Tammy, that is so nice that you crocheted the scarves and that you had such a lovely visit. It says much about how sweet your husband must be to keep in such close contact with his elderly aunt.

Linda said...

Hi Tammy,
Glad to see your update, had been wondering where you've been!
We've been doing great here, happy in many ways, beginning with the Cubs winning the World Series and all the way through the election (there are many different views and for all those that are unhappy, there are those that are also celebrating much-needed changes). Now, it's very much into our family celebrations - November/December birthdays, and the holidays. Big changes on our homefront as well as it looks like my hsuband is going to walk away from his 6-figure salary, high stress job and do an early retirement and a part-time job with the post office. More on that as it happens.
Have a great week,
Linda

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for posting, Tammy. I am glad you were able to have a good visit with family, and I loved seeing the pretty scarves you made...I will beware of the stitch you mentioned :) I am on a blogging pause...28hours of driving over four days, wonderful celebrations of family birthdays and an anniversary along with the turmoil of democracy in action and fighting off a virus have me tired and pondering my part in promoting peace. xx

September Violets said...

It's so nice to hear from you again Tammy. You always seem to share the best looking foodie photos. It was nice that you and your husband were able to visit his aunt again. I hope it's not the last time. She sounds like she has a special place in your heart. An incredible person to be able to manage on her own at such an age. Your scarves were completed in record time! What a great parting gift when the girls were able to see you make the scarves for them. You're a sweetheart to work so hard on them. Enjoy your week ahead!
Wendy

Lisa said...

I'm happy to see your post. I was wondering if you were traveling. The scarves you crocheted are lovely. It's nice that you were able to finish before the end of your trip, no pressure there! Most of the people I know are still in shock over the outcome of the election. I'm trying to make sense of it and what's to come.

Donna said...

Hi Tammy, thank you so much for commenting on the loss of our sweet Jarrett. I'm sorry about the loss of your Toni. Even though it was a long time ago, their memory remains with us forever. Your crocheting is just beautiful. It reminded me of my mom, who also crocheted. Thank you for the unintentional lovely memory!

Susan said...

Your moon shots are terrific. WOWSERS. The zoom ones are fabulous. I almost expected to see a little person walking across it!

The food your hub's family served looked luscious.

Lots of discouraged people here over you-know-what. I'm one of them. Got to hang on to any shred of hope for the next four years.

Hope you have a good rest of the week. Susan

Tanya said...

What a sweet, and productive, little trip! I love your giving heart, and that you finished both scarves for the girls. LOVE the photo of the old stonework in the stairway. Happy Wednesday, Tammy - surgery for my husband has precluded me having any time for myself right now...slowly getting back to the reading thing! XOXO

Lotusblommans vardag said...

What if you knew that you would be so old? No stress.
The main thing isof course that you may continue to be
awake and alert. Sounds like she is! :)

I did read one of your old posts that you have chosen freedom and not be locked up in an office. I have made the same choice.

Beautiful pictures as always!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...