Remember with honor.
Three flags fly above the Ronald Reagan Library.
My father, uncles, husband, son, and son-in-law.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Friday, May 25, 2018
Looking Back At The Week
It seems like Friday arrives so soon every week. As The Professor often states, "Time flies." Here I am and it's the end of the week and I am running a little late for Friday Fave Fives. What has happened to make me grateful? Here are some random thoughts.
1. I love my local library. This week I returned two books, and check out, let's see, (counting in my head), three books. Oh and I renewed a fourth book. All for free.
2. Speaking of books, my daughter bought me a book for Mother's Day. It arrived this week. Oh, I'm a happy mama!
3. Where I live there are many places that have been used (and are being used) as movie sets. Often when we are driving along the coastal route, we will see movie set trucks parked at the beach. Sometimes, roads are closed as commercials are being shot. Old Westerns were often filmed in areas within 20 miles of Willow's Cottage. One such place is Paramount Ranch. Appropriately named for Paramount Studios. At this time, it's part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Every May, on one Sunday, the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest and Festival is held there. And every year for the past eight or so years, I've taken my spinning wheel and sat in the Western town on the iconic porch and spent my day spinning and talking with people.
4. After that crazy busy day, I was glad to stop off at my favorite restaurant and pick up a burrito and come home and crash. After I ate my burrito.
5. Another perk to living where I do is easy access to various renowned museums and centers. Like the Getty Center and Getty Museum. And Reyes Adobe. And all the Los Angeles museums. The Ronald Reagan Library may be the closest center to us. We've been there several times to visit with friends and to see special exhibits. Right now, an exhibit about Genghis Khan is there. So we decided to visit RRL this week.
I hope you will take some time this weekend to contemplate your blessings. What are you thankful for?
1. I love my local library. This week I returned two books, and check out, let's see, (counting in my head), three books. Oh and I renewed a fourth book. All for free.
2. Speaking of books, my daughter bought me a book for Mother's Day. It arrived this week. Oh, I'm a happy mama!
It's a busy time. But oh so fun!
4. After that crazy busy day, I was glad to stop off at my favorite restaurant and pick up a burrito and come home and crash. After I ate my burrito.
5. Another perk to living where I do is easy access to various renowned museums and centers. Like the Getty Center and Getty Museum. And Reyes Adobe. And all the Los Angeles museums. The Ronald Reagan Library may be the closest center to us. We've been there several times to visit with friends and to see special exhibits. Right now, an exhibit about Genghis Khan is there. So we decided to visit RRL this week.
Gotta love the Imperial passport!
"I am the emissary of the Khan. If you defy me, you die."
model of a yurt
Where there were sheep there were spinning wheels (drop spindle).
I hope you will take some time this weekend to contemplate your blessings. What are you thankful for?
Thursday, May 24, 2018
As Promised
Here are photos of the vest I finished last week. Finally, I took it off long enough to get some pictures. I wore it all day when I was spinning at a festival on Sunday.
The pattern is Artisan's Vest by Green Mountain Spinnery, copyright 1995. (It was older than I remembered. According to their website, the pattern is still available for sale.) I made the smallest size and changed the edging on the neck and sleeves to match the hem which was different in the pattern.
The yarn is Telluride by Classic Elite Yarns. I love the color! Spruce. Fiber content is 82% alpaca, 12% linen, 6% Donegal (synthetic fiber slub used to make yarn look like tweed). I love the yarn, too!
This vest is simply perfect for me!
The pattern is Artisan's Vest by Green Mountain Spinnery, copyright 1995. (It was older than I remembered. According to their website, the pattern is still available for sale.) I made the smallest size and changed the edging on the neck and sleeves to match the hem which was different in the pattern.
The yarn is Telluride by Classic Elite Yarns. I love the color! Spruce. Fiber content is 82% alpaca, 12% linen, 6% Donegal (synthetic fiber slub used to make yarn look like tweed). I love the yarn, too!
This vest is simply perfect for me!
Friday, May 18, 2018
May Is Moving On
Hello from Willow's Cottage! May time is in full swing here and obviously The Professor and I are keeping busy. What am I thankful for this week? Here are my Friday Fave Fives. Link to Living to Tell the Story if you wish to join in.
1. World's Best Neighbor knows I love my garden. She had been invited to the Conejo Garden Club's May Tea, so she asked if I would join her. I knew the hostess for our table, so I accepted the invitation. It was a lovely afternoon spent outside in a lovely garden. (And I met a new friend, too)
2. Then WBN invited us to a luncheon where the speaker was an Army Chaplain (recruiter) who attends her church. Knowing we have a son who is an Army Reserve Chaplain, she thought we would enjoy meeting him. We did, and we found out we know some of the same people.
3. This time of year, I am in my garden every day. I pay lots of attention to my veggies, but I'm also drawn to the flowers. Veggies don't make great photos, but California poppies do!
4. A few months ago, someone who was moving passed on to me a pot filled with gerbera daisies. I transplanted them into other pots, but plants being what they are, the daisies popped up in that first pot again. Not that I minded. This pink bloom has been gracing my kitchen window for at least two weeks.
5. I finished knitting a vest I began on my trip to Ohio. Immediately, I put it on and wore it to one of those events I mentioned above; I didn't even block it first or sew on the five buttons. I love it so much! No photos yet because--I'm wearing it all the time. I plan to sew the buttons on today and then I'll photograph it. I promise.
So there is Willow's Week in five easy steps. I have so many other things I'm thankful for, but I had to choose. There was the installation of a new floor loom, the gift of a favorite book I wanted, a lunch date and coffee date with friends. I'm so blessed!
1. World's Best Neighbor knows I love my garden. She had been invited to the Conejo Garden Club's May Tea, so she asked if I would join her. I knew the hostess for our table, so I accepted the invitation. It was a lovely afternoon spent outside in a lovely garden. (And I met a new friend, too)
2. Then WBN invited us to a luncheon where the speaker was an Army Chaplain (recruiter) who attends her church. Knowing we have a son who is an Army Reserve Chaplain, she thought we would enjoy meeting him. We did, and we found out we know some of the same people.
3. This time of year, I am in my garden every day. I pay lots of attention to my veggies, but I'm also drawn to the flowers. Veggies don't make great photos, but California poppies do!
4. A few months ago, someone who was moving passed on to me a pot filled with gerbera daisies. I transplanted them into other pots, but plants being what they are, the daisies popped up in that first pot again. Not that I minded. This pink bloom has been gracing my kitchen window for at least two weeks.
5. I finished knitting a vest I began on my trip to Ohio. Immediately, I put it on and wore it to one of those events I mentioned above; I didn't even block it first or sew on the five buttons. I love it so much! No photos yet because--I'm wearing it all the time. I plan to sew the buttons on today and then I'll photograph it. I promise.
So there is Willow's Week in five easy steps. I have so many other things I'm thankful for, but I had to choose. There was the installation of a new floor loom, the gift of a favorite book I wanted, a lunch date and coffee date with friends. I'm so blessed!
Friday, May 11, 2018
Friday Fave Fives for Mid May
Happy Friday! It's been a bit crazy, but I am finally writing out my Friday Fave Fives for this week although what I choose to focus on has been circling in my mind the whole day.
1. Sunday lunch out with The Professor and his sister. After church on Sunday, we were chatting in the church courtyard and The Professor finally said, "Why don't we just continue our chat over lunch?" So we did. I love that my sister in law is also a friend. She told me that even though we usually only see each other once a week, knowing I was out of town, she just missed me. I'm so blessed with wonderful 'in-laws'.
2. I love our walks. Saturday afternoon we decided to revisit one of our favorite walks--Hill Canyon. The wild flowers were blooming their hearts out.
2. Even walking in the neighborhood we saw the wild correopsis blooming on the mountain above us.
4. One afternoon, we drove into the San Fernando Valley and since we had a few hours to wait, we decided to walk in Lake Balboa Park. We had never been there before, so it was a fun adventure. The park covers about 80 acres with a lake in the middle of it. Considering that this park is in the middle of an area of LA that is almost completely suburban housing, the park is a well used and loved place.
And there was an abundance of wild life.
5. The reason we were in LA was to attend a memorial service for a college friend. Yes, it is a fave because the service was one of rejoicing even in grief. Our friend was truly a man who loved his wife and children and mentored many men as a pastor and friend. It says something about the person if the chapel is so full that every chair and pew was filled and there were people standing in the back. Rest in God's peace, my friend. Well done, good and faithful servant.
1. Sunday lunch out with The Professor and his sister. After church on Sunday, we were chatting in the church courtyard and The Professor finally said, "Why don't we just continue our chat over lunch?" So we did. I love that my sister in law is also a friend. She told me that even though we usually only see each other once a week, knowing I was out of town, she just missed me. I'm so blessed with wonderful 'in-laws'.
2. I love our walks. Saturday afternoon we decided to revisit one of our favorite walks--Hill Canyon. The wild flowers were blooming their hearts out.
2. Even walking in the neighborhood we saw the wild correopsis blooming on the mountain above us.
And there was an abundance of wild life.
5. The reason we were in LA was to attend a memorial service for a college friend. Yes, it is a fave because the service was one of rejoicing even in grief. Our friend was truly a man who loved his wife and children and mentored many men as a pastor and friend. It says something about the person if the chapel is so full that every chair and pew was filled and there were people standing in the back. Rest in God's peace, my friend. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Friday, May 04, 2018
May Days
It's MAY! Happy Month of May! And Happy Friday! Which of course means Friday Fave Fives. Here are my favorite happenings for this week.
1. NOT hearing the words May Day May Day on my flight home was a fave. Nuff said.
2. But May flowers are a fave. Here are some I found in my garden and the neighborhood this week.
3. May Gray. It's a thing in Southern California. That has been the weather most of this week. Actually, we kind of like the cooler temperatures the low clouds bring before summer gets hot.
4. World's Best Neighbor texted me one morning and offered coffee. So I popped up to her place, but we ended up going to a local coffee place because she had a gift card she wanted to use.
5. Finally, my PAL loves Star Wars. Here she is in a "May the Fourth be with you" costume.
1. NOT hearing the words May Day May Day on my flight home was a fave. Nuff said.
2. But May flowers are a fave. Here are some I found in my garden and the neighborhood this week.
3. May Gray. It's a thing in Southern California. That has been the weather most of this week. Actually, we kind of like the cooler temperatures the low clouds bring before summer gets hot.
4. World's Best Neighbor texted me one morning and offered coffee. So I popped up to her place, but we ended up going to a local coffee place because she had a gift card she wanted to use.
5. Finally, my PAL loves Star Wars. Here she is in a "May the Fourth be with you" costume.
Cutest Princess Leia in any universe!
Friday, April 27, 2018
April Coming to a Close
Wow. It's the end of April! I am still at my daughter's home helping out. Life has been busy. I really needed to focus today on what I am thankful for. I so appreciate Susanne leading us to remember what happened during the week that we see as a blessing. Here is the Friday Fave Fives link.
1. After the weekend, my daughter began to experience more exhaustion than should be normal and started having a rash. We were able to get her in to see her surgeon on Thursday morning--the diagnosis is that she has an allergy to surgical glue! With proper medication for the allergic reaction, removal of the glue, and more sleep, she is finally returning to normal surgical recovery. I'm thankful for good health care.
2. My other (older) daughter, who is The New Boy's mom and lives nearby, has been a great help, too. I'm thankful for sister love.
3. I was thinking today that I haven't been posting much lately and I haven't even had my camera out ONCE during this trip. But some people still stop by my blog and read and comment. I'm thankful for every one who does. And if you are reading this, you are one of them.
4. Last year, I met a woman who lives in this area, used to lived in Southern California, attends my daughter's church and her husband works with my daughter. We connected and enjoy each other's company when I am here. This week, I had lunch with her and I'm thankful for a friend I've made far from my home.
5. As I noted above, I haven't taken any pictures. But I accidentally photographed the edge of my purse with my cell phone. It made for an interesting 'abstract photo'. At least it made me laugh.
As we close down April, why don't you think back and choose the best thing that happened to you this month? Share it with someone - you can share it in comments here, too - and maybe it will encourage someone else.
1. After the weekend, my daughter began to experience more exhaustion than should be normal and started having a rash. We were able to get her in to see her surgeon on Thursday morning--the diagnosis is that she has an allergy to surgical glue! With proper medication for the allergic reaction, removal of the glue, and more sleep, she is finally returning to normal surgical recovery. I'm thankful for good health care.
2. My other (older) daughter, who is The New Boy's mom and lives nearby, has been a great help, too. I'm thankful for sister love.
3. I was thinking today that I haven't been posting much lately and I haven't even had my camera out ONCE during this trip. But some people still stop by my blog and read and comment. I'm thankful for every one who does. And if you are reading this, you are one of them.
4. Last year, I met a woman who lives in this area, used to lived in Southern California, attends my daughter's church and her husband works with my daughter. We connected and enjoy each other's company when I am here. This week, I had lunch with her and I'm thankful for a friend I've made far from my home.
5. As I noted above, I haven't taken any pictures. But I accidentally photographed the edge of my purse with my cell phone. It made for an interesting 'abstract photo'. At least it made me laugh.
As we close down April, why don't you think back and choose the best thing that happened to you this month? Share it with someone - you can share it in comments here, too - and maybe it will encourage someone else.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Greetings From Another Place
Hi! I've been silent all week from my computer, using only my phone for communication. There are several reasons for that, all of which lead me to being so very thankful. Here is Willow's Week in Friday Fave Fives.
1. I took a plane trip. Two, in fact. They were supposed to be on the same day and connected by only an hour's wait in a transitional airport. But. Yeah. A maintenance problem with the second airplane grounded me in North Carolina, three thousand miles from home and several hundred miles from my destination. No, that wasn't the fave. The fave was that I was given a hotel voucher and two meal vouchers because the issue was maintenance and not weather related. And that's one reason why I was not in constant communication much on Monday and Tuesday.
2. I was proud of myself for being brave and leaving the airport and over-nighting by myself in the hotel. It really really helped that two other travelers banded together with me to make sure we got the correct shuttle and were back at the airport the next morning in time to check in. The fave? That there were nice, kind, pleasant people traveling with me.
3. This was so sweet, but also it made me a little sad. When my grandsons heard that my plane was delayed 13 hours, they cried. They had planned to meet me at the gate with SIGNS they had written to greet me. With my delayed flight, they had to miss picking me up at the airport. Sad? Yes. But sweet? Oh so sweet.
4. Both of my daughters drove to the airport to pick me up--both of them taking a couple of hours off work to meet me. Mama was feelin' the love.
5. Lastly, I had a bit of a disaster with my laptop computer. For the second time on this fairly new computer, the keyboard quit working. Last time, The Professor was able to do a really weird fix on it that he read online and it actually worked. But this time, he couldn't find that information to relay to me, so I was without a computer until this morning when I visited a big box electronic store and bought a wireless keyboard. And now I can type, and that means I can type in a password to get internet access.
BONUS: And the main reason I made this cross country trip. My younger daughter had surgery on Wednesday. I drove her to the hospital for the procedure, waited for news, drove her home. I having been helping with the kids and caring for her. All is well. She is recovering. I'm so thankful!
1. I took a plane trip. Two, in fact. They were supposed to be on the same day and connected by only an hour's wait in a transitional airport. But. Yeah. A maintenance problem with the second airplane grounded me in North Carolina, three thousand miles from home and several hundred miles from my destination. No, that wasn't the fave. The fave was that I was given a hotel voucher and two meal vouchers because the issue was maintenance and not weather related. And that's one reason why I was not in constant communication much on Monday and Tuesday.
2. I was proud of myself for being brave and leaving the airport and over-nighting by myself in the hotel. It really really helped that two other travelers banded together with me to make sure we got the correct shuttle and were back at the airport the next morning in time to check in. The fave? That there were nice, kind, pleasant people traveling with me.
3. This was so sweet, but also it made me a little sad. When my grandsons heard that my plane was delayed 13 hours, they cried. They had planned to meet me at the gate with SIGNS they had written to greet me. With my delayed flight, they had to miss picking me up at the airport. Sad? Yes. But sweet? Oh so sweet.
4. Both of my daughters drove to the airport to pick me up--both of them taking a couple of hours off work to meet me. Mama was feelin' the love.
5. Lastly, I had a bit of a disaster with my laptop computer. For the second time on this fairly new computer, the keyboard quit working. Last time, The Professor was able to do a really weird fix on it that he read online and it actually worked. But this time, he couldn't find that information to relay to me, so I was without a computer until this morning when I visited a big box electronic store and bought a wireless keyboard. And now I can type, and that means I can type in a password to get internet access.
BONUS: And the main reason I made this cross country trip. My younger daughter had surgery on Wednesday. I drove her to the hospital for the procedure, waited for news, drove her home. I having been helping with the kids and caring for her. All is well. She is recovering. I'm so thankful!
Friday, April 13, 2018
Extreme Week
Have you ever experienced a fifty degree change in temperature in one day? That's what happened to us this week! Willow's Adventures in Southern California include some other ups and downs. But let's focus on the ups, the Friday Fave Fives right now.
1. The Professor and I decided to join my brother and sister-in-law for a few days in Death Valley National Park. Now I know you all realize that Death Valley means hot and dry. And yes, it is. And it's often extremely windy. But it is also beautiful! If you like the American Southwest, you will love the magnificent expansive views and breathtaking colors of Death Valley.
2. With my brother as guide since he has visited there numerous times, we drove to Devil's Golf Course, Badwater Basin, and Artist's Palette.
3. Sitting around in the morning by the pool and jumping in to cool off--so refreshing!
4. Laughing and chatting with my brother and sister-in-law--the best part.
5. This may seem a bit like not-a-fave, but really it is a fave. The wind was SO STRONG that it blew over our tent. Of the six stakes we had in the ground, only one was not dislodged. Fortunately, that one stake held the entire tent. We didn't have to go chasing after our tent and sleeping bags and duffel bags. (We did lose our footprint cloth but found it later four campsites away.)
In the end, we decided to cut our trip short and drive home late at night. Again, we are thankful for a safe drive home in gusting gales of wind along magnificent canyons and valleys.
From 105F to 55F, from 4956 feet above sea level at Towne Pass to 282 feet below sea level, it was a trip of extremes.
1. The Professor and I decided to join my brother and sister-in-law for a few days in Death Valley National Park. Now I know you all realize that Death Valley means hot and dry. And yes, it is. And it's often extremely windy. But it is also beautiful! If you like the American Southwest, you will love the magnificent expansive views and breathtaking colors of Death Valley.
2. With my brother as guide since he has visited there numerous times, we drove to Devil's Golf Course, Badwater Basin, and Artist's Palette.
282 feet below sea level. Lowest point in North America.
Oh, the vivid colors at Artist's Palette! The photo doesn't do it justice.
3. Sitting around in the morning by the pool and jumping in to cool off--so refreshing!
My view from under the palo verde tree.
4. Laughing and chatting with my brother and sister-in-law--the best part.
5. This may seem a bit like not-a-fave, but really it is a fave. The wind was SO STRONG that it blew over our tent. Of the six stakes we had in the ground, only one was not dislodged. Fortunately, that one stake held the entire tent. We didn't have to go chasing after our tent and sleeping bags and duffel bags. (We did lose our footprint cloth but found it later four campsites away.)
In the end, we decided to cut our trip short and drive home late at night. Again, we are thankful for a safe drive home in gusting gales of wind along magnificent canyons and valleys.
From 105F to 55F, from 4956 feet above sea level at Towne Pass to 282 feet below sea level, it was a trip of extremes.
Friday, April 06, 2018
April is Here Already?
You know those weeks when all of a sudden it's the end of the week and you think, "Where did the week go?" That was Willow's Week. I didn't even take a single photo. But here is what I did do and how I focused my attention. And this doesn't even include Good Friday and Easter services at church! Sharing my Friday Fave Fives:
1. We drove across the north end of Los Angeles for a loonngg way to visit an old friend. He is in the area for some medical stuff and we wanted to see him. This man helped save my life and my (unborn) son's life when we lived in Indonesia. He answered our request of air transport when I developed malaria and flew a single engine plane across the province AND THEN a helicopter into our village to evacuate us. So, yeah, we'll drive across LA to see him. It was a great time of reminiscing.
2. Every day I've been out in the garden, babying my snap peas, lettuce and basil plants.
3. A friend recommended a book to me. I found it at the library. I've already finished it. The Chosen by Chaim Potok.
4. I belong to a Prayer Shawl group. Although we meet only once a month, I greatly enjoy the fellowship and the purposeful activity of this group of people. And (no photo proof) I started a poncho design based on dimensions which a friend shared with me to create an easy to wear poncho for people having chemo who need to be warm but also have their arms unwrapped. (photos later when I actually have enough to show).
5. My last remaining uncle has been in the hospital. That is certainly NOT the fave. But the fave is that his children are keeping in good contact with us cousins to give us daily updates. I am thankful for the long time connections with my cousins and also for easy communication via cell phone texts.
Bonus: Easter dinner with my friend Ranch Lady at their ranch with lots of other people.
What has resonated with you and for what do you give thanks this week?
1. We drove across the north end of Los Angeles for a loonngg way to visit an old friend. He is in the area for some medical stuff and we wanted to see him. This man helped save my life and my (unborn) son's life when we lived in Indonesia. He answered our request of air transport when I developed malaria and flew a single engine plane across the province AND THEN a helicopter into our village to evacuate us. So, yeah, we'll drive across LA to see him. It was a great time of reminiscing.
2. Every day I've been out in the garden, babying my snap peas, lettuce and basil plants.
3. A friend recommended a book to me. I found it at the library. I've already finished it. The Chosen by Chaim Potok.
4. I belong to a Prayer Shawl group. Although we meet only once a month, I greatly enjoy the fellowship and the purposeful activity of this group of people. And (no photo proof) I started a poncho design based on dimensions which a friend shared with me to create an easy to wear poncho for people having chemo who need to be warm but also have their arms unwrapped. (photos later when I actually have enough to show).
5. My last remaining uncle has been in the hospital. That is certainly NOT the fave. But the fave is that his children are keeping in good contact with us cousins to give us daily updates. I am thankful for the long time connections with my cousins and also for easy communication via cell phone texts.
Bonus: Easter dinner with my friend Ranch Lady at their ranch with lots of other people.
The ranch used to grow blueberries; now it's strawberries.
What has resonated with you and for what do you give thanks this week?
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Five Loves
Happy Friday!
I'm checking in with Willow's Week in
with others hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.
It is Good Friday
and Resurrection Sunday!
1. I love fiber. Especially fiber I make myself.
Four ounces of wool and silk blend.
Handspun.
2. I love herbs. I love learning about them. I love growing them. I love using them.
Comfrey
Parsley
Wooly Lamb's Ear
3. I love hiking.
Hill Canyon is one of my favorite places to hike. The Professor and I managed to get in a short hike partway into the canyon this week on an otherwise very busy day. It was glorious.
4. I love Lent and Easter, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
My Lenten Rose has bloomed just in time to celebrate, too.
5. I love spending time with friends. On Tuesday, I walked with one friend. One Thursday, another friend and I spent two hours wandering around a local garden and another two hours chatting over lunch.
What did you love about your week?
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