BILOXI, MS

It is nice to be home from Biloxi, MS. As for as I am concerned, the only thing to do in that town is go to the numerous casinos. Since I do not gamble, I did not find this a place I would want to visit again.

This work assignment was a little boring, at least we were not climbing roofs and dealing with unhappy people. The boredom was welcome.

I had no idea that I would be teaching 3 of my co-workers to knit and another one to use the Paint Shop Pro program.

Ileana was born in Guatemala and now lives in Ohio. She goes home every Christmas to see family and friends. This year, when she goes home, she wants to do a presentation for her family and friends using their photos over the years. She told me that they had been friends since the 6th grade. Goodness, I do not even remember who was in the 6th grade with me, in fact, I do not even remember being in the 6th grade.

Ileana liked the signature tags and digital scrapbook pages that I made for myself so she asked me teach her how to use the program. She will make her digital pages, then add music and transition to really show off all her hard work.

I thought you would like to see an example of her work. By the way, that is Ileana in the picture.

I was surprised the other three ladies that was working with me in Biloxi wanted to learn to knit.

They went to Hobby Lobby and brought yarn and needles. We set in the lobby of the LaQuinta and knitted. They were all fast learners and was quickly on their way to making their first scarves.

Kim and Ashley have already joined Ravelry. I am expecting them to be designing their own knits soon. Kim raises alpaca. She gave me a lesson in the grades of alpaca that will really help when I go to the MD Sheep and Wool in May.

When I left Biloxi, I only stopped at one yarn store, Loopsville in Knoxville, TN http://www.loopvilleyarn.com/ . It was well worth the stop. The shop is small but well laid out, the yarn included Malabrigo, Art Yarns, Southwest Trading Company, Berrocco, Tilli Thomas, Jo Sharp, just to name a few. The best part is the bins marked 40% off. No matter how hard I tried, I kept going back to that bin. Yes, I left with yarn. I just have no will power.

My birthday was yesterday, Jan 31. My daughter, son and son-in-law took me to the restaurant my daughter works at for lunch. http://www.tersiguels.com/ .We went for lunch because she started work at 3pm. The chef sent out a treat for us. The meal was spectacular, I did not know that a steak salad could be so tasty. The steak was seasoned to perfection. For dessert (which came with a candle), was Creme Brulee to die for. Afterwards, TeAntae took us on a tour of the wine cellar, restaurant and the kitchen. This is a French Country Restaurant owned by the chef. My daughter was told that this was going to be a very busy night. They had 150 reservations and that did not include the walk-ins.

My friend Sue and I spent Thursday and Friday getting into trouble. Sue handed me a gift as I was leaving her on Thursday, I did not have time to look at it until that night. How nice to find soap, candles, perserves (sugar free), tea (flavored and a breakfast tea) and the most special gift-she made a necklace and earrings for me. I love handmade gifts and prefer those over anything. I will treasure that necklace and earrings and think of them while I am burning my candles, bathing with my soap, eating jam and drinking tea.

:)

I had plans for today but I do not feel like getting dressed to do them. I have on one of my fleece lounging robes, a cup of tea, and my knitting or spinning or weaving or felting or sewing, while listening to my favorite podcast.