Help Celebrate A Life

My daughter-in-law, Darcy, is a breast cancer survivor. To celebrate her victory over cancer, she is taking part in a 2-day, 150 mile bike ride. Please read her story in her own words:

What am I up to now?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost six years ago. I was 28, married and had a 1 year old daughter. I was fortunate to have the support of my family and friends through the entire process. It seemed that there was always someone there to count on when I needed assistance. I appreciated all the things I received. Some of you sent letters with words of encouragement, watched Ellie so I could rest or go to a doctor's appointment, said prayers, facilitated a conversation about something other than cancer, offered a ride to an appointment, provided a shoulder to cry on, or a meal to give to my family. I felt so fortunate to have the support that I found within my family and circle of friends. I was lucky in that I didn't need to look outside of this network for additional help.

Today, I am doing well. I have not had any recurrences, and all my numbers have come back within a normal range. I am still having every nook and cranny scanned and checked every six months but I feel like I am going to beat this disease. I have recently been blessed to have a second daughter, and I look forward to raising both of my girls with my husband.

At this point in my recovery, I want to share my story and help support other women who are dealing with breast cancer. When I saw this ride, I felt it was a good fit for me. (Other than the fact I haven't ridden my bike since last June!) I enjoy biking and understand the hardships of meal planning during cancer treatment. Some of my friends and family sent homemade meals for us to enjoy. These meals were a gift for me in that I didn't have to worry about what we were going to eat. I knew it was going to be delicious and nutritious. It was a night I would not have to smell foods while they cooked and I could rest and not be in the kitchen.

Open Arms is striving to become like the network I had, but for others who are in need. They are providing meals for breast cancer patients and their families going through treatment, as my friends and family did for me. No one can offer a 100 percent cure, but we can support those who are going through treatment. Everyone needs some support while going through this process, and Open Arms aims to provide that support.


Will You Support Me?

I am very excited to announce that I will be participating in the first annual Breast Cancer Ride. This two-day bicycle event, taking place June 21-22, 2008 will support those living with breast cancer in Minnesota.

All proceeds benefit Open Arms of Minnesota, a nonprofit organziation that for 21 years has prepared and delivered free, nutritious meals to those affected with many diseases, including those living with breast cancer, their care givers and dependent children.

If you are able to help support Darcy and celebrate the victory of all women over cancer, please go to:

Darcy's Fundraising Page

My beautiful granddaughters will thank you!

My Kit Arrived

When I received home on Monday, I found a very tired little owl waiting for me with a big white box. I wasted NO time ripping into that box. I think I may have scared the poor little owl, but he was duly rewarded.

I carefully but quickly took all the shiny silver parcels out of the box and managed to use some rarely practiced patience in order to take a photo before disrobing the parcels, starting with the smallest and working up to the largest. (I like to save the best for last.)

First off, I collect stitch markers so I was amused by the stitch markers made for me by Toni dela Weasley. They are Luna Lovegoods butterbeer cork stitch markers!! What a wonderful addition to my collection. I love them and will definitely be reminded of Toni every time I use them, and I will use them!

I also got great Brittany needles (a brand I do like to use), GORGEOUS, BEAUTIFUL handpainted sock yarn, coffee (my addiction!), English breakfast tea (my favorite tea), a container holding some VERY yummy candy called "Sponge Candy" (which I tried out immediately and, Toni, I agree with you ~ IT'S DELICIOUS! I also received a wonderful notebook FULL of sock patterns!!!!! It's even organized in a great HSKS binder. I have already been through the patterns and have decided I must do them all, starting with the first one!

By far the best piece of the kit was in the last parcel ~ an absolutely perfect felted satchel!! Toni, how did you know that satchels are my FAVORITE type of bag? This one is so perfect, so ME! The long strap is just the length I prefer. It's exactly what I would have picked out for myself! You definitely did your research.

Thank you SO MUCH, Toni!! You spoiled me beyond belief.

The Robins Have Returned to Minnesota

Yes, it is official...the robins have returned! Can blooming tulips be far behind? After getting 6" of snow on Monday, it's glorious to think that spring will eventually arrive. The prediction is that we may see 60 degrees tomorrow.


I just found out about a fun murder mystery comedy called "Stitch Bitch 'n' Die" which is being put on near my home. The plot is "the newest member of the knitting group has been brutually stabbed with a pair of knitting needles! Who is innocent? Who is guilty? Who will finish their scarf first?" The show is B.Y.O.K. -- bring your own knitting! We can knit while watching the play. It's running the next 3 weekends. I do think I need to take in this play!