A week and a half ago, DH came to the conclusion that we would have to move. This is not a choice. We are simply financially unable to stay here.

For years now our emergency plan has been to sell what we can and go live on my sister and brother-in-law's property in Alaska. They frequently remind us that this is an offer on which we can always depend.

So, that is what we thought we were going to do. Then DH's sister called with some family news and asked how we were doing and DH told her.

She said, "No way! We do not want you going back to Alaska." She and her husband backed that up with an offer to let us stay in a cabin they have in Ocala, Florida until we can recover.

This was totally unexpected. We didn't even know they had a place in Ocala (they live in Orlando).

The wild thing is, my mom, stepdad, brother, sister and her family now live in Ocala.

more tomorrow (I'm tired)

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:48

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Philipians 2:12

emphasis mine

Sorry, just listening to a great podcast.

I enjoy knitting and crocheting way too much.

I've been doing fingerless gloves for various folks in my life. The female version is crocheted, the male knitted (because I think crochet looks more feminine, I dunno).

I tried knitting again with Homespun® in a different color (from my "stash" -- yes, that is the official lingo) and now I think all Homespun looks so much prettier crocheted than knitted. Crocheters generally love Homespun and knitters generally hate it. It's definitely one of my favorite yarns.

I'm using Knit Picks' worsted weight Wool of the Andes for most of the gloves. As inexpensive as it is retail, I've been getting even better deals from Ravelry members selling from their stashes (like $2 including shipping!).

 My brother stopped by unexpectedly to visit for a couple of days. It was such a wonderful blessing, but also a change in routine for Joshua, which isn't easy for him.

Since my family members are all committed Protestants, I always prepare the house so as not to overwhelm them. I put away our icons except for ones of Christ and of the angels (I think they are OK with those) and we refrain from crossing ourselves and from our prayer schedule.

It won't always be like this, but right now it is still new for my family.

Joshua did great until the second night. Having his routine changed and his mom not as available as he is used to was stressful. He didn't throw a fit, just got teary and sad.

After we got home from dropping my brother off at his tractor-trailer, the first thing Joshua asked to do was say our prayers and asked me to re-set up the icon table.

He is so precious.

I added vintage buttons I got on eBay. I'm pleased with the results.

It's a great easy pattern I found on Ravelry. I will be making more of these according to how many more buttons I can afford.