A lesson in patience

When I tell you I've been waiting almost 15 years for a plant to bloom you will probably think I'm off my rocker! But my oncidium, for which I have faithfully cared and repotted biannually, has finally blossomed! I bought it shortly after I received my first orchid as a thank you gift from a friend. It was blooming at the store and looked so pretty that I decided I had to add it to my collection of houseplants. It continued to grace my garden window for a few more weeks and then the blossoms dried and dropped, as spent blossoms should. I watered it regularly and followed the guidelines for it's care. And I watched...and watched...and waited...and waited. FOR 15 YEARS! It grew new pseudobulbs and roots and outgrew it pot every couple of years. It had me well trained too. It got a new repotting whenever it needed. But no flowers. Until this year. I think it was well worth the wait.

My dendrobium, another slow grower, keeping company with the oncidium.

I finished some shawls this week and they are blocked. This purple multi is from my imagination, just yarnovers and K2tog wherever I felt the urge. The yarn was donated to the Chicks by my friend Elise Hiller. Thanks Elise!

When I last visited my daughter a lady stopped me and wanted my shawl I was wearing. She was a tough cookie to convince she couldn't have mine LOL! but I was able to make one just for her. I like it so much I'm not so sure I want to give it away! Well, I still have mine.

This soft baby alpaca shawl is a pretty lilac and also a pattern I just winged my way through. It's amazing what you can do with a few yarnovers and k2tog.

Kathleen finished another Leaf and Lace hat and sweater. She always has such great buttons for her sweaters too. And under the sweater is a baby blanket she made with a very soft fluffy yarn.

Elaine wanted to show us a finger puppet she made for her granddaughter and I caught her having some fun!

Sheila shows it with it's turkey feather tail. A little stuffing and some eyes and it will make a little girl laugh with delight.
Kathleen is working on another shawl for our new project. We're making shawls for mothers and clothes for babies for Esme's Comfort (http://esmescomfort.com/).
And Sheila is making progress on her Pelerine http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pelerine-so40

I was concentrating so hard on my knitting Tuesday night that it completely slipped my mind to take photos of the evening group at work. Sorry Chicks! I'll make sure I remember next time.

We are taking next Tuesday off for the holiday preparations and family visits.

My wish for all of you is that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your turkey dinner.