Congratulations and Welcome

Journal

I just heard that I’m officially a Great Grandmother. Congratulations Walid and Madison and welcome to the family Amina. I sent this parcel to Elizabeth early so that she can give it to Madison at her first opportunity AFTER the baby arrived. I’m thrilled to see photos of Amina snuggled up in the blanket.

The blanket pattern is the same as I made when I was awaiting Madison’s birth. Unfortunately the yarn I used then is no longer available but I did my best to re-create it.

When Madison was a baby Pat bought her a stuff rabbit – Mr. Bunny. Elizabeth and I both searched for a duplicate to give to Amina but came up empty. I found a pattern for this bunny and I’m calling it a Cuddle Bunny. Madison still has her Mr. Bunny so I hope the two will get along.

And finally, what is a present from me without a card. I wasn’t even looking for this when it popped up as a freebie.

We’ll be making our way soon to Calgary and I can hardly wait to meet Amina.

Happy Birthday Jackie and Roberta

Cards

September, 2026

I am so lucky that Roberta and Jackie chose to come to Powell River to celebrate their 75th birthdays.

Bird Song (designed by Anna Gutova for Artmishka Cross Stitch)

These cards were a free stitch-along I found online. About a week after the pattern was released they included a second bird in alternate colours. I tried a different method of putting the cards together but I’m not happy with it so will keep experimenting.

A bar of Powell River soap was included with each of their cards.

Happy Birthday Alex

Cards

September 13, 2026

I sent Alex a book earlier this summer so thought a bookmark card would be appropriate. As well, Alex has started his first year at the University of Regina.

I was curious to see if this was an actual quote from JFK and it is. In February, 1961 he made this comment during a special message to Congress on education.

Immortal Wife

Books

Author: Irving Stone

On a recent walk I came past one of our little book libraries on the street. Of course I stopped to see if there was anything of interest on the shelf. I found a book that I thought might be good (I haven’t read it yet) but this one was also on the shelf. My copy is missing the paper cover but I could tell it was an “old” book (published in 1944). There was no information on what the book was about but I brought it home anyway.

This is listed as a biographical novel about Jessie Benton Frémont. Jessie was the daughter of a long-serving Missouri senator and the wife of John Frémont. Her husband made several overland expeditions in attempts to settle the West, particularly California. Through Jessie’s story we learn about the hardships of the expeditions, John’s role as the first Republican nominee for the Presidency, and his accumulation of wealth from the gold fields of California. In spite of their wealth, both John and Jessie were almost destitute at the time of their deaths.

I would never have chosen this book had I known what it was about but I found it very interesting. I think it has earned a spot on my shelf of favourite old titles.

Goodreads Rating: * * **