MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have not been on The Daisy Chain in a while...not since I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in November. I am going for a second opinion after Christmas and I will have more to tell you all then.  Thank you for your prayers and loving wishes...~Jean

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

GRATITUDE

I thank you for these gifts, dear God,
Upon Thanksgiving Day --
For love and laughter and the faith
That bids me kneel and pray.

For life that lends me happiness,
And sleep that gives me rest;
These are the gifts that keep my heart
Serene within my breast.

Love, laughter, faith and life and sleep,
We cherish every one --
They carry us along the road
That leads from sun to sun.

~Margaret E. Sangster

VETERAN'S DAY - REMEMBER TO SAY "THANK YOU."

I know three things must always be
To keep a nation strong and free:
One is a hearthstone bright and dear
With busy, happy loved ones near;

One is a ready heart and hand
To love and serve and keep the land;

One is a worn and beaten way
To where the people go to pray.

So long as these are kept alive,
Nation and people will survive;
God, keep them always, everywhere --
The home, the heart, the place of prayer.
~Anon

Let us never forget the sacrifices of the many who gave their all and the men and women in uniform who are presently serving all over the world today, our thanks, our prayers and our love.

WHAT IN THE WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO?

Below are some of the finished product of our knitting ministry at my church and where I am a "knitting beginner" - I have always wanted to learn to knit (I do know crochet) and this was the perfect opportunity for me to learn with some really experienced knitters. I love the red, white and blue of the scarves. As you can see these are "no-frills" scarves as they have no fringe. These are being made for the homeless at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

This is our teacher Cheryl (seated) pulling yarn out of her bag to show Gladys some of the colors available for her project.

These are the experienced ladies who are amazing at whipping up hats and scarves!

I chose blue as the color choice of my first project. I made so many mistakes on this first scarf I'm embarrassed, but the scarf will keep someone very warm this winter! The small "round" in the center is my sample work - I worked on this one all August. Someone said you must always keep the first item you knit - so this is mine.

Here is the finished blue scarf - please don't judge me :)

The burgandy that I'm presently working on...

...and I even surprised myself with how this one turned out!

Then, of course, there are the drawing lessons I've been taking which has taken up a surprisingly large amount of time. I'll have a project to show later.

SOME FUN STUFF TO AMUSE

It is a rainy and blustery day here today and I wanted to bring a few smiles your way. I hope I have succeeded!A HEALTHY VOCABULARY:

Artery: The study of paintings.
Bacteria: The back door of a cafeteria.
Cesarean section: A neighborhoot in Rome.
Cauterize: Made eye contact with her.
Dilate: To live long.
Nitrates: Cheaper than day rates.
Node: Was aware of.
Outpatient: Someone who fainted.
Postoperative: Letter carrier.
Terminal illness: Getting sick at the airport.
Urine: Opposite of you're out.
Varicose: Nearby.
Vein: Conceited.
-Lifelines 1997


SAY THAT AGAIN?
Eight well-known quotations or phrases have been reworded below -- but the original meanings have been kept. Can you identify the originals? Answers: Scroll down.
Example: Unnoisy, like a small rodent. (Answer: Quiet as a mouse)

1. The papal region was not erected within the time span equal to one earthly axis revolution.

2. During the time that the feline is not in attendance, small squeaking creatures will frolic.

3. A pair of incorrects do not create a solitary non-left.

4. Those who seek handouts are not able to be those who opt.

5. Human attractiveness does not extend beyond the epidermal layer.

6. Numerous appendages contribute to easy labor.

7. Continuous labor with an absence of recreation makes young John a lifeless lad.

8. The pathway to the underworld is covered with wonderful purposes.

-Penny Press Means Puzzle Pleasure, Oct. 1993











Answers:
1. Rome wasn't built in a day.
2. When the cat's away the mice will play.
3. Two wrongs don't make a right.
4. Beggars can't be choosers.
5. Beauty is only skin deep.
6. Many hands make light work.
7. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.
8. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

I hope this gives you a smile or two today. It is always good to be able to smile or laugh even when things are not always sunny! Have a great day.

THE VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD!

Woo Hoo! I been awarded The Versatile Blogger award by Lynn of Flea Market Lady. What an honor! Now I have to tell 7 things that you may not know about me:

1) I am putting together a "bucket list" of things I've always wanted to do or try.

2) I've always wanted to learn to knit and I've joined a knitting ministry at our church and we are going to be knitting hats and scarves for the homeless in Atlantic City. (Ha! maybe I can make one!)

3) I have always wanted (since high school) to learn to draw and I've now had the chance to take lessons at our Senior Center for free due to a grant given to seniors--nine lessons but it is a start!

4) I want to take a ride in a hot air balloon and a company that offers rides is located in a nearby city so the chances are looking better all the time that I might get to do this.

5) I want to para-sail one time over the beaches and waves of Ocean City. This one may be a bit tougher to achieve but I'll pursue it.

6) I love to write and hope to one day publish a book for my children and family of my days of growing up in the late 40's and early 50's.

7) I've just discovered that I have a new snack love! Who would have thought that pretzels with mayonnaise would be so delicious! Try it - I dare you! (grin!)

Now the rest of the idea is to give the award to 7 others. Since some of my blogger friends have "award free blogs" I won't be passing along this award. Please feel free to play along, however, and post the Versatile Blogger award on your blog! I'm linking up to Lynn at Flea Market Lady HERE.

OCTOBER

Golden leaves in an amber pool,

And rocks all warm in the sun,

Why should we fret that summer is gone,

When autumn has just begun?

October Ale

Esther C. Grayson