Praise & Thanksgiving

I am ecstatic to share that as of this evening I am EMPLOYED!!!!!

Officially I am subcontracted to Protype, Inc. based out of Denver, Colorado doing medical and surgical oncology transcription for Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital.

HAPPY DANCE!  w00t!

In addition to digging into the requirements of being self-employed, I now just have to get good enough (i.e. fast enough) to make getting paid by the line make money. It's going to be an 'indentured servant' haul for a while, but I will get there eventually.

My first work files will be sent to me tonight.... Fortunately, night delivered files aren't expected to be started until the morning, but they do have a 4-hour turnaround time and my files are due in before noon.

[Trust me, I will be getting up early tomorrow to pad my time a bit.]

Thank you so much for your prayers!

Hopefully, Mr. Squirrel's remaining portion of training (completed this coming Thursday) will allow him to start working, too!
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God bless & Godspeed

Update: Testing part 2 still pending

I did get a nice email from my job-contact last night. She apologized for not getting to my files, yet. She's been swamped and hopes to get to the files this weekend. She also added, and I quote, "I really need to get you on board."

To me, this little phrase sets my hopes over the tipping point for consideration for a job. If testing #2 is acceptable, I'm in. It also sounds like my past employment opportunities in that I will be hitting the ground running.

At least in the interim, I did finally get through the Career Step post-graduation tutorial. There was a lot of good stuff in there, and some scary stuff, too. Having only experienced being an employee or a volunteer, the world of independent contracting and subcontracting is quite daunting to me.

I've been researching through the student forums (particularly with the working graduates), and I've been gathering and reading all I can on LLC businesses. This coming Monday, I have a phone appointment with someone who will hopefully give me some knowledgeable advice on whether or not an LLC is even necessary. Most of the transcriptionists I've corresponded with did not go that route and have been quite content.

I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

For the last year, I've puttered on designs for business cards. In the module about "setting up a business," one of the things they warned about was to avoid "cute" at all costs. I had worked on several ideas that I liked very much, and didn't think were cute. However, the new information is leading me towards something a bit more unique and a bit more professional looking.

This is my latest logo image (cobbled together from bits of free clip art) that will be added to a very standard business card. In a simple way, it highlights my home state as well as my occupation. I may try to play with the idea further, but for right now, this is the winner.

I confess that this was rather an accident as the Gimp program slapped them together in those positions. I would have overlapped the northern border a bit more... if I could have figured out how to do it. [I really need to spend some time learning more how to use the Gimp program effectively.] Truth be told, it was blind luck that got the scroll and feather to go transparent at all so as to show the colors of the state behind it. Unfortunately, the areas that I would re-cut on the state for better centering (the west and north borders) do not exist on the sample. I would need to find another source at this point. However, for the time being, this works for me.
:-)

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God Bless & Godspeed

Update: Passed testing part 1

I got word back from my job-contact. She liked what I had done for the testing and gave me excellent feedback on desired formatting and some things that she wanted changed, not to mention corrections on my “best guesses.” [It probably would be easier if she’d just given me account instructions, but I’ve worked for so long in places where you must “discover the rules” on your own, that it’s no big deal. I’ve just started a list of observations that I will cross-check against her feedback. Eventually I’ll have a set of my own instructions to use as a guide.]

Ultimately, as I appear to have passed the first stage of testing, she will be giving me another test with some more advanced dictations. She also gave indication that we could then begin discussing “starting” me on transcription. In my mind, that translates into discussions about “hiring” me. [Plus, yesterday she asked me to confirm my phone numbers, as she wants that discussion to be person-to-person.]

It almost makes me nervous as this will essentially be the "interview" and the time when I learn about her pay rates and expectations. [They warned us at the school that companies typically don’t give you the pay information until you’ve been tested and they are considering you for hiring.]

In a way, it is funny. I've been given access to the school's post-graduation tutorials for learning how to put together resumes, what to expect at interviews, lists of companies who hire Career Step graduates without further testing, etc. Confession: I haven't done any of it yet, as I've been busy working with the job-contact (and catching up on some sorely neglected housework). Part of me wants to scramble into the training to get that information before I "get the call." Part of me wants to wait and see what happens. [I do have access to the post-graduation materials for a full year from my official graduation date.]

Fortunately, today is shaping up to be a day where I can start looking at that post-graduation material. However, we'll have to see what the day brings. If the testing part 2 comes through, it will take priority.

Have a nice day, all.
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God bless & Godspeed.

The process begins, I hope.

This post is about the transcription job-contact I have been mentioning. As it seems that things are beginning to move forward, I realize I've forgotten to mention a few things that happened within the flurry of exam re-submissions and results that have become important to the process (hopefully) of gaining employment.

The day I received word that half of my exam was missing (10/24), I also received word from my job-contact that the program I had available on my computer would not be compatible with her dictation formats. She recommended a free software that would be compatible and I told her I would look into it as soon as I finished re-submitting my exam. So, the evening of 10/25, I downloaded the free software with the intension of beginning to work with it the next day.

On the 26th, I began to read through everything associated with the software (including the student forums through the school). I must say the tutorials were rather sparse, but enough to get functional. In that research, I also discovered that the program's access for specific dictation formats was time-limited. The free version would discontinue access after a specified time, which (oddly enough) was not specified in the literature. [My job-contact was not actually surprised that they started to charge for their software, but it was free when she started using it.]

Be this as it may, I started looking into what it would cost to get the registered "professional" version and thus permanent access to the format compatibility. I wonder: Does God smile when we see and jump on the opportunities He presents for us? It did not take long for me to mull over the pros and cons, but the morning of the 27th had me investing in the registered version of the software. [It was on sale until October 31st for $30.] Not that we have the money to spend, but this software will allow me access to all of the proprietary formats that I might encounter as an independent contractor. This is a foundational building-block that I could not afford to ignore.

Later that same day I notified my job-contact that I had secured the program and that I would begin practicing with it. In that same conversation, my job-contact offered to send me some sample dictations so we could make sure everything was working properly. I said: "Yes, please!"

The next day (10/28), of course, I got the results of my Final Exam.

Now for the "updated" information. ------------------------

On the morning of 11/2, I received three dictation files from the job-contact. These were not just for testing the functionality of the program. These were for TESTING ME to see if she wants to consider me for hiring (i.e. make sure I know the basics).

After some initial set-up hiccups, I was able to access and play her files. I did have to tell her that I had an obligation to attend to (church cleaning for another concert), but that I would start working on them as soon as I got back. I was into the files right after lunch, and submitted the transcriptions back to her the next morning, less than 24-hours after she sent them. [In the transcription industry, it is not unheard of to have a 24-hour turnaround time. Note: She did not give me any deadline at all, but I wanted to respect her time and that industry expectation.]

This brings me up to date. I'm actually a bit more nervous about this testing than I was for the final exam. However, in many ways, this is also a 'final exam,' and the results of which will directly affect all the days ahead -- good, bad, or indifferent.

Many thanks for your continued prayers!

P.S. Mr. Squirrel is still in a bit of limbo. The school has included him in their first-aid training to renew his card, and they won't let him drive kids without it. Unfortunately, they have broken the training into two days, set them a full week apart, and not starting until 11/10. And so, we wait, yet we are still hopeful that he will eventually have income.

Personally, I was praying for sooner rather than later, but God has set the path ahead of us. I have to constantly remind myself that His timing is not our timing. His thoughts are not our thoughts. It is our job to trust in Him and have faith that He will provide according to His will.
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God bless & Godspeed

Career Step: Honors Graduate.

God is so good... and merciful.

Friday noon I got the email from the school. My grades are in: HONORS LEVEL

Here is the breakdown of the scoring per exam section:

Objective: 99%

Transcription: 93%

Editing: 94%

Combined Transcription and Editing scores: 93%

The combined score is the one they use to determine your graduation standing. A score of 95% would have been High Honors, so I missed it by 2%.

I immediately emailed both my training program contact and my potential job contact. If the job contact required higher scoring prior to hiring, I would not hesitate to try again. However, she told me she thought the scores were "great" and to not "retake the exam" on her account.

I was quite happy to reply to the school's email to let them know that I would not be retaking the exam. [This way they could go ahead and process my certificate of graduation, which should get to me in 2-3 weeks.]

Personally, Honors level seems to be a more than respectable place from which to launch a career (especially when simply graduating is in itself a hallmark for respect), and it would prevent me from having to go through the exam non-submission problems that we just dealt with. [That is a meat-grinder that I am grateful to avoid.] Furthermore, it would allow me to focus on getting job-ready for entering the workforce rather than delaying it another 2 weeks.

Many thanks for your prayers!

On a funny note, a relative sent me the following photo in Facebook and told me to tell people that the 2% was "occupying the fridge". I got a HUGE laugh out of it and loved the photo! [Here shown. Photo credit unknown.]

[Side note: As this photo pertains to the ongoing unrest calling itself "Occupy Wall Street," I will simply say two things: 1.) I believe that people have the right to keep/use/enjoy what they earn. 2.) I have NEVER gotten a paycheck from a poor person/company.]

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God bless & Godspeed

Done... again. Waiting again.

Well, it's done...hopefully.

Good news: I got the same questions, and all my answers were still there. [I did, however, verify each of them.]

Bad news: Internet Explorer 8 still would not allow the send-button to send the exam to the grading team.

Solution: The support person said that Firefox 3.6 "should" work (nothing newer)... (just like IE8 "should" work).
...
Luck: I had Firefox 3.6 on my computer from when I used it at my old workplace. I quit using it because it didn't function with some of the stuff I was using, and the school course said that IE8 would work. [Well, for everything but the Final Exam, it did.]

Good news: It seems to have worked. The support staff checked their viewers and they could see answers, where before there was nothing. At this point, I can do nothing further, but they told me they would call if any other issues arise. [I made a point of telling the lady that I answered all of the questions, so if any show no answer -- CALL ME.]
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At the same time, I just received a call from Mr. Squirrel. He passed his exam and is now a licensed bus driver! [Yippee!]

Unfortunately, the transportation director was not allowed to tell him if he got the job or not, so that call is still pending and still scheduled for some time today.

And so... we wait.

[See comments for updates.]

OK... so it's not done.

I never would have imagined it. At least, I am no longer in the grips of panic. I am no longer shaking like a leaf with the adrenaline-dump. My head hurts, but I've taken some Excedrin for it.  [I also ate some lunch, which ended up quite late because food did not sound like a good idea while dealing with the issues.]

Some 3 hours or so ago, I got an email from the school. Somehow, the Objective portion of my Final Exam has vanished.  Poof! Gone!

It was suggested by the school that I submitted the exam using Internet Explorer 9, which their system does not support. However, and I explained as much, I have Internet Explorer 8.  The larger mystery being, once they returned my call and could answer my questions directly, that the transcription and editing portions of the exam were "somehow" saved.

Their explanation: "It sometimes happens. Sorry."

Confession: "Sorry" is not cutting the mustard for me, although feeling that way doesn't change or help the situation in any way, shape, or form.  Once I got past the anger, fear and outright panic (not to mention tears), I started processing  the details and the mysteries, so I recognize that 1.) this isn't my fault. 2.) This isn't the fault of the person who had to inform me of the event. 3.) Where electronics exist... sometimes data gets corrupted or lost.

So, I will prepare to take the Objective portion of the exam again. The staff member asked me if I could take it today, but I was honest and said "no." [Please -- after a shock like that you expect me to have a brain?]  She did give me a phone number to call when I'm ready to take it. Most likely I'll shoot for 9am tomorrow morning.  [I am also planning to call them after submitting the exam...again... to make sure that it submitted PROPERLY this time.

Interesting synchronicity to the Squirrel household:

Mr. Squirrel has a small portion of his driving test to retake tomorrow morning as well.  [He got excellent scores on his skills and road testing, but because he didn't verbally explain his pre-trip checking to the satisfaction of the examiner... he has to take that part again.]

And so... it continues.
All prayers still appreciated
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God bless & Godspeed

Done... now, we wait.

At 8:30am this morning, I turned in my Final Exam for grading. I now will be in limbo for the next 7-14 days until I receive an email from the school informing me of my scores.

Whew! I've got a surplus of twitchy energy now, so I am planning on some house cleaning today -- it REALLY needs it!

Exam as bad as expected? About equal. The exam was very intense & comprehensive, but the 48-hour window really helped. I had a good amount of time to research, verify, and review before hitting the submission-for-grading button at the end of the exam.

Bad speakers/recordings? 3 out of 6, but none were the REALLY bad guy whom I was dreading -- thank God -- and no mumblers! My randomly chosen transcription/editing reports ended up with just 2 ESL speakers (one sounded like Dr. Ruth). I did have one very speedy English speaker where the recording could not be slowed without demonic distortion of the voice (it happens sometimes, nothing you can do).

I will confess that I almost fainted at the get-go when I read the instructions: “The objective portion of the exam is open book. You may not use any resources, including human assistance, during the exam.”

When I contacted the Help Support for some questions on how to save my work when I exit (not really set up clearly for my brain at the time) I asked about the above instructions. They told me to copy the page and send it to Support for editing. [It is open book and we are allowed to use any resource EXCEPT human.]

Hmmm. I guess they could use an editor ;-)

Personally, I'll be glad for the next people in line not to feel their stomachs hit the floor like mind did :D

On another note: Mr. Squirrel is also taking an exam today. He's taking his driving test with the school's transportation director as well as the DOT driving exam. He was also told that they plan to hire someone by the end of the day on Friday of this week. 

As such, I am praying for "high honors" scoring for the entire Squirrel family today.

[See comments for updates.]
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God bless & Godspeed to one and all.

Prayers... Just prayers

The 48-hour window for the Final Exam will begin Monday morning around 10am.

It is said to only take 9 or 10 hours to complete, but we are given extra time for review, correction, and verification.

I'll see you on the other side of it.

Prayers... Flight? or Fall?

We've reached the point where it is time to face the cliff... and jump.

October has launched into a flurry of events that have my mind reeling, sleep patterns disrupted, and work hours and output increasing. God is moving in our lives in a big way, but we do not yet have a clear idea of where He is pointing us.

Firstly, allow me to be grateful for the prayer warriors out there.  Thank you! Secondly, allow me to ask that you please continue!  Although there is a lot of detail that I would like to share, at the moment there is no time. So, here is the 'Reader's Digest' version of the most recent events and specific prayer requests:

For Mr Squirrel:

After 2 months of zero replies from that "perfect local job" Mr. Squirrel was hoping for, he got the call (9/29 late afternoon) -- no warm up, no preamble, but a sense of urgency was implied. The job, by the way, is school bus driver.  The perfection, in part, being steady employment with large chunks of the day free for sermon preparation and study.

My heart wants to soar! With that single phone call, he was fast-tracked into (what I would call) the hiring process. Since then, he has been scrambling to fill in any elements not previously accounted for, and jumping through the hiring hoops (background checks, medical stuff, etc.). Unfortunately, he has hit stumbling blocks and governmental delays at nearly every turn. [Why can't people provide ALL of the information and requirements that you need... at the beginning? Or are we always required to run in circles, back-track, and redo as part of the process?] 

This is where my heart falters: Even with all the initial preparation, I've not heard any specific "you got the job" words.  In my mind, without those words, this is all still up in the air and an uncertainty as to where it will all come down.  However, I also know from personal experience that some jobs begin by hitting the ground running: You go in prepared for an interview, and they put you to work... without the interview. My most satisfying jobs started without really having a starting point.

Specific prayer request: That the path to Mr. Squirrel's employment would be smoothed and the obstacles removed or provision given to overcome them.

For myself:

School has launched into over-drive. I have gone through the pre-final consultation (10/3) and, like Mr. Squirrel, I was suddenly given "new information" that would have been more helpful at the beginning of the course.  [Yes, I have circles to run around in, too.]

For the most part, there were 2 surprises that have put me into a situation that will either catch me full-in-the-face, or it won't be a problem at all.

• The good surprise: If we pass the final exam on the first try (i.e. 85% or better), it does not matter if our course expires. We are allowed to take the remaining two exam opportunities to better our scores anytime we choose so long as it is done within 6 months. [Though I would never wait that long.]
• The bad surprise: If we do not pass the final exam, we are required to wait an additional 2 weeks’ time after receiving notification of our failed scores BEFORE they will let us retake the exam. That is a total of 4 weeks before you can take it again... and another 2 weeks after that before you get your results back. [Note: The extra 2 weeks is supposedly for the student’s benefit so as to “not repeat the same mistakes” while participating in an “active plan for practice” that is done hand-in-hand with a member of the staff.]

And here lies my situation: If I pass the first time – no worries. If I don’t pass, the required delays will put me beyond my expiration date (November 15th) and I would be required to get an extension before I could retake the exam.  [Personally, if I had known the information sooner, I could have better planned a few Sundays here and there to get further ahead and leave a solid 2-month block of time at the end of the course... strictly reserved for the final exam process... and any worst case scenarios.]

I did immediately report all of this to my training program contact so she would know what was ahead of us.  [God is soooooooo good.] She replied the next day telling me that the program would cover me if I should need the extension.  [It made me want to cry that the program would be willing to make yet another investment in me.] Of course, it is still my intention to "leap for the top bar" successfully, the first time, but it is an amazing comfort to know that I'm still working over a net... just in case.

Specific prayer request: That when it comes time to take the final exam, that God would grant me focus, attentiveness, a lack of distractions, and the patience to be careful of mistakes (stupid or otherwise).

The Bonus Blessing: I do not know where this will lead, but I have had my first potential job contact (9/28). The transcription company sounds like a small one, but it has been in business for 20+ years.  One of my relatives who has been following my saga came across the opportunity and forwarded it to me. I have had one introductory email with the owner who wanted to know more about the completion dates for my training.  I have not yet received a reply back.

*Whew*

That brings you into the front lines of the battlefield.  I don't imagine that I will have time to post again until after the submission of the final exam. At that point, I'll have 14 days to wait for the scores... and should be able to get at least one post done ;-)

[See comments for updates.]
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God bless & Godspeed to you all.

Has it really been 10 years?

Photo credit: BobbyShred.com

Recently, Mr. Squirrel and I watched a 2003 documentary on the staggering events of 9/11/2001. I've not really seen any footage of it since it actually happened, but watching that documentary made all those feelings of shock and dismay come back. The tears would not be stopped. I remember where I was. I remember what I was doing. I remember the phone call from my hubby asking me if I had the radio on -- shortly after the first plane hit. [It was the one day at work when I DIDN'T have the radio on, as I was working a shared project at another co-worker's desk that morning. Needless to say, I was glued to the radio from that point forward.]

From my deepest heart, I would ask God to bless all firefighters, police officers, emergency response, humanitarian aid, military and civilian hearts who make this a great country in which to live.

Salute.

[Note: There are more photos of the before-during-and-after at the artist's memorial website in the 9/11 Tribute section (about half way down the page). Click here. Right now, I find the photos to be more than I care to handle (mostly because I cannot stop looking at them once I start), and in deference to those of a similar disposition, I'll let you look at them on your own... or not, as you might choose.]
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Godspeed to you all.

The scores are in...

I actually got the scores back last Friday (8/5), but I've not had time to share the results with my blog-family.

When I did get the scores, I sent off an email to my program contact to whom I give progress reports every two weeks. This email was subject lined as:
Midway progress report - Assessment Exam scores.
I think it sums up just about everthing. So, without further ado...

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Hi [Name deleted] :-)
I simply couldn’t wait for the progress report. I feel like I’m bouncing around the room and had to let you know that I just got my scores back from my Assessment Exam:

Objective portion: 90% (9 out of 10 questions... stupid mistake, too - UGH).
Practical portion: 97% (144 out of 149 points) -- [Zero errors on the radiology reports!]

Those dictations were very difficult and I was sweating the score. As of today, I’m also VERY glad that human beings who grade transcriptions can tell the difference between “exact words” and “exact meaning.” I made several word choices that were not exact, but the meaning did not change. You don’t get points off in those cases. Whew!!!

So far the introduction to the editing training is going well. It is a bit cumbersome because we are back into the quizzes and review tests that were so abundant in the objective portion of the training (July through December). It also gets a little frustrating when the answer key changes something not specified in the instructions and you get it wrong because you didn’t... or the opposite, you correct something that is glaringly wrong, but the key implies that they didn’t tell you to fix it. [I think this part of the course may be new enough that they are still working out some of the bugs. I’ve actually submitted a few questions to their support department, and received replies back saying that they would check into them and submit them for repair if appropriate. That should be good news for the students behind me, but it trips me up as I hit them. ] The part that slows me down the most is the fact that, in order to get credit for the quiz scores, you have to change your answers to match theirs... even if your answer is technically correct. It is good practice, though.

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful day & a great weekend!
[signature line removed]
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As of today, I have completed the first module of the editing training: Editing Theory. I will be beginning the next module, Editing Techniques, tomorrow morning.

I do have one fly in the ointment at this time for which I would ask for any stray prayers. My unemployment benefits are done this week. Done-done, there won't be any more.

Although Mr. Squirrel has been enjoying some part-time work, he has been waiting for a call back from a local opportunity that would be a near-perfect fit for a pastor... should there be an opening. I am praying for that opening or for God's hand to show him some other opportunity... SOON. It is very plain that we cannot make ends meet on only one part-time job.

At this point, I will also begin taking odd jobs as they come my way, which will hinder the schooling, but it must be done.

Thanks for listening.
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God bless & Godspeed to one and all :-)

Finally... an update...

Recently, I mentioned I haven't even had time to send an email to friends and family. I no longer feel guilty as I took care of that today.

As you pretty much already know about weather topics and my knitting excursions, I thought I'd share the school highlights with you.
;-)

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The update parts about school:
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Actually, I do have some schooling “landmark” news: As of 2:30 p.m. on 7/29, the Transcription portion of the training program is done. [All 918 reports! Whew!] Because the Assessment Exam instructions given at the end of the section indicated that it should take 3-5 hours to complete, I opted to take the exam on Saturday 7/30. I’m glad I didn’t try to do it on Friday as it took me 6.25 hours (clocked) to complete. Well, that was when I finally gave up trying to fill in some blanks that I simply could not understand, even after stepping away a few times. [It also does not count the breaks taken to clear my head, a very nice walk to get the blood circulating again, and lunch.] Like the other assessment exams, it will be a week before I get the results back.

As it turned out, this was not just a test on the last section of the transcription training as I expected. [I had already had prior assessment exams for both Clinics and Basic Acute Care, so why not expect one for Advanced Acute Care?] This exam was actually a “dry run” for the Final Exam. It was presented in 2 sections. The first section was objective stuff, multiple-choice questions. The second section was straight transcription, grouped into 4 subsections (Clinics/History & Physical, Discharge Summaries, Radiology, and Operation/Procedure) and each subsection had 2 dictations to complete.

[All of them had... shall we call them... challenging... speakers. Not totally unexpected, but they really shoot down my confidence about the resulting grades. So, I’ll keep hoping I did well, but I’ll not be holding my breath. Besides, all through college, I often did better on an exam if I didn’t actually feel very good about it. I know, strange, but it worked out that way.]

I will officially begin the Editing portion of my training on Monday 8/1.
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I guess in many ways this update is a praise. It is also a prayer.

I really want to do well on the assessment exams (even if they don't count in the grade books). They are a window into how I would do on the Final Exam, which is the ONLY grade that counts in this course. I do imagine that there will be another assessment exam at the end of the Editing training, but I really don't know. The way the course is set up, we don't get a 'preview of coming attractions' until you turn the page and find it.

Thanks for listening!
Have a relaxing Sunday, for tomorrow... is a school day!
:-)
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God bless & Godspeed

More puttering...

When it gets hot inside the house (we don't have air conditioning), the brain doesn't concentrate on school very well. Right now, it's about 85-degrees in the house.  Not to worry. It's over 10 degrees warmer than that outside. So, I thought I'd share some additional play-time with you.

Over the weekend, I started digging into boxes to find knitting & crochet patterns and things to encourage my brain to play a little. [Not to mention finally getting everything into one location, and it's still not all done!] In that foray treasure hunt, I found little proto-projects (i.e. sample patterns) that I'd entertained over the years for making toys or gifts. I also found bags with left-over yarns from completed projects.

As the hunt continued, I found a bigger knitting project that I had started back in 2005 during a particulary rough onslaught of funerals that Mr. Squirrel and I endured (which included the passing of both of our fathers... within 33 days of each other). The knitting project was just an extra wide scarf in the most uncomplicated stitch (knit one row, purl one row). No patterns, no nothing. It was a baseline sanity saver; something to let my hands work when my brain was so numb I couldn't think on anything, or a retreat when I simply didn't WANT to think on anything. I actually worked on it for several months and probably got 75% of it completed... then life kicked back into full speed... and I never touched it again.

Fortunately, with my recent re-ignited love of knitting, the little tug-of-war with myself that happened when I rediscovered the unfinished project didn't last long. The battle for finishing it outweighed the memories that it brought to the surface. [Thankfully, enough time has passed that the memories coming to the surface are more fond than they are sad.]

So, Sunday afternoon, it began -- again. Picking up the needles and the yarn, I found that I actually had to go back to the books and relearn how to knit, how to purl, and how to cast off. That much time had passed, and unfortunately, I tend to hold the yarns differently than anyone else I've encountered, so first I had to figure out how "they" do it. Then, I could go from there and rediscover how I used to do it. That hurdle behind me, it all came back with the incredible ease.

The only bad news: After a few hours of working the rows, I found that I really didn't want to finish such a boring (if beautiful) piece (monotonous pattern, monotonous color). At the same time, I also didn't want to start working on a new project when I had a perfectly good one in progress. So, creator's perrogative: I changed the plan.

The original plan: An extra wide scarf, long enough to put pockets at the ends for hands to tuck into at football games.

The new plan: A hooded scarf/cowel.

Although my hands always get cold, and the scarf with pockets might have been the better idea, this was a faster finish. So, here is the final product.

[I'm also quite glad that my first SCA helmet -- the closest thing I have to a human head -- doesn't mind the hot temperatures and makes a reasonable display

The current length allows me to wrap both 'wings' around my neck to meet in the back, like a bulky cowel. I may eventually crochet more rows onto the ends to make it longer (purples and reds would be pretty). However, right now, it may be better for wearing underneath coats, so length may not be necessary. [Not planning to test that until the temperatures drop again!]

Luckily, this blue is in fact darker than the blue in the slippers. I can get by wearing this color better than the other (and the white crochet border helps, too -- added to tame the natural curl of the knitting, an oopsie in the original plan that I hadn't allowed for).

Although I think a warmer color would have been a better choice, I had a huge 1-pound skein of this very soft yarn gifted to me... with the unknown size of the original/final project, it was a no-brainer what color I was going to have to use! 

But for an experiment, it turned out not-too-bad.
 ;-)

Saturday musing...

Why is it that when you finally think you're getting ahead in the game, you suddenly realize that everyone else is about to lap you?

As I sit down in preparation for yet another school day, I am amazed at the passage of time. Things have gotten crazy-busy instead of settling down. 

I just want to ask: "Where is the pause button?"

I haven't even been able to make time to send out update emails to friends and family.  [I am such a snail.]

For those who check this blog, here is a quick snapshot of the chaos:

1.) Happy news: I am less than 20 reports from completing the transcription portion of my training (that will be 918 reports in total). When that is done, I will take the assessment exam for this last section (Advanced Acute Care). After that, I begin the Editing portion of the training.  I am hoping that it will go more quickly and smoothly, but I have underestimated this course at every step so far. So, we'll just have to wait and see what happens when I get there.

2. Happy news: Thanks to the rumor of some pending visitors, the living room has FINALLY been completely set up (...and how many months ago did we start this?). So, even if the guests are unable to cross paths with us, we have a very nice living space again!

3. Happy news: Mr. Squirrel has a job! He's been hired on with a local fellow to do some part-time carpentry work. I have no idea how many hours/week that means (for the start he will be REALLY busy), but he still has to leave some time to mow his mom's property (designated Mondays) and still work on his sermons.  I am praying that it all shakes into a workable schedule, quickly. This current job-project should last for at least a few weeks, and hopefully there will be more work after. [Mr. Squirrel is also researching some work-from-home computer support-type jobs, as well as some additional local work options... maybe God will provide something that would mesh together well for him.]

4. Transitional news (somewhat stressful): With Mr. Squirrel working again, I am faced with taking back some duties that I had thought I'd handed off. I'm just not sure how to juggle it all back together again, but it has to be done.

4. Transitional news (somewhat stressful): My unemployment benefits will be drying up very shortly and we are going through "assistance review" this next week. I'll be making an appointment on Monday to go in to see our caseworker. Hopefully, she can schedule me for a day when Mr. Squirrel can be there. He's better at explaining some things than I am. 

Fortunately, Mr. Squirrel's first paycheck should be available about the same time that my funds end.

God is good in His timing, but these faith-stretching exercises can be killer sometimes!

---------------------------------

God bless & Godspeed

Added a search function...

I don't know about my readers, but the longer time passes, the more I notice when I try to locate something I've written, I simply can't find it. That's kind of wild considering that it is my own blog!

I did something this morning that I haven't done in a VERY long time, I prowled through the blogger gadgets. I was happy to find a searching feature. [Actually, there are several...  Wow, I really need to look deeper into those gadgets!] The search function I've added is under the 'basics' section, first page of listings.

Now, I can find my chipmunk stories, or anything I've mentioned about yarn... just by typing the word! So much less frustration and time loss.

Hmmm. I will need to share this information with Mr. Squirrel... His blog is WAY bigger than mine and I can't find things on his blog, either!

Have a nice day, all :-)

P.S. The search function is set to look within 3 areas (shown in tabs after you submit your initial search word(s)): 1. My blog. 2. Sites that I have linked to from my blog. (Warning: This can get some wild results because I've linked to dictionaries, the Bible, Snopes.com and many other vastly searchable sites with nearly unlimited topics. If it gets too noisy, or people let me know that it is going to inappropriate places, I may switch that one off eventually. It currently has a moderate filtering setting.). 3. The blogs that I follow. 

Typing in a word will do searching for all three options... but it can take a little time for it to load.  For now, I didn't link the search to the web, but it is an option to choose (toggle switch) if I want to add it later.

P.P.S. Unfortunately, as I play with it, it seems that posts/articles that come up in the box are not sorted by date.  I'll have to play with it further to see what it actually is sorting by... and whether or not I can influence that.  [In my spare time, of course.]

The promised photos...

Here are my completed slippers! These went faster than Mr. Squirrel's... because my feet are smaller. [The pattern and hoop are identical, but the length from heel to toe is almost 10 rows shorter.]

Because of the oddity of the final color blending, I laid them out across white and black fabric to ask the question:

What color do these look like to you?

To me, the pale green and blue combination sometimes looks green... or blue... or almost a purple depending on the light.  [The eye can come up with some interesting 'translations' where color is concerned!]


Here is another photo showing one of the finished slippers with the source yarns as a comparison for the true colors. [Neither of the colors are very good for my 'winter' skin tone, but I find (for my tastes and attitudes) slippers can be ANY color!]


Part of this effect is caused by the fact that I allowed the threads to twist naturally on the loom. [I don't let them twist between the skein and the loom, though.] There are ways to make sure that colors do not twist on the loom, but it takes more time, and for slippers, I find the twist makes the final product a bit more durable. [Note: Not allowing the threads to twist would make one color dominant, with the second color being a 'highlight' behind the first. A hat I made a few years ago was done this way... I'll have to see if I can find the photo.]
 
Up to this point, I've been using what I would call "compatibly contrasting" colors. However, I'm thinking that I may need to play with the ideas of intentional color-blending for some future projects...

Have a nice day, all :-)
Godspeed!

P.S. Thanks to a comment a few posts back, I wanted to link my readers to a republished source for the Knifty Knitter pattern for these slippers. Immediately below the post heading is a link to a free download via Ravelry.com (it is a PDF document):

http://yarngear.blogspot.com/2005/03/knifty-knitter-socks.html

Cheers!

[Added notes:]
1. I've been using cheap worsted-weight acrylic yarn.
2. Modification of pattern: Cuff is 16 rows instead of 10 (prior to hat-brim fold procedure... instructions for hats come with the round looms).
3. Future modification to pattern: Trying to figure out how to add additional thread, or thread material, to the heel and foot pad parts of the slipper to help slow down or prevent blow-outs.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Squirrel

Here are the completed slippers as worn by Mr. Squirrel.

And thanks to a road-trip to town (about an hour going one way), I've also started working on my own pair. The road-trip allowed me to get about 1/2 way done with the first slipper.  [Note: The two colors I've chosen from the "donation basket" are really going together BEAUTIFULLY, much better than I ever expected!  Pictures will be posted, I promise!]

I suddenly find that I have to be careful, though. I'd forgotten that long stretches of knitting tend to stiffen up my fingers and wrists. Right now, and probably for the far future, and I need to save fingers and wrists for typing... So I just need to do smaller stretches of knitting in any single setting.  [i.e. No more than the equivalent of one really long movie, or two shorter ones.]

;-)

A wild hair... and some fun!

First: Happy Independence Day! I pray for everyone to have a safe and happy day!

Sunday afternoons are typically a time for relaxing. This often manifests in going for walks, playing games on the computer, watch movies, or puttering on little things (like laundry) that need to be done. [School days don't often lend themselves to maintaining things like housework.]

Yesterday, I was struck with a wild hair that brought back to mind one of those "sanity-saver past times" that I mention in my profile description... and have not done since I started school. This one is knitting! Although I can knit with needles, I've taken to knitting smaller projects on my Knifty Knitter looms because they are easier on my hands.

After church, I was suddenly taken with the idea of starting a Knifty Knitter project (or two), most likely inspired by the cold-floor mornings we've been having. Cold floors = cold feet. I still need to replace my slippers and Mr. Squirrel blew his slippers out again recently. His slippers are like mine, not much there to repair anymore. ;-)

I'd forgotten how fun Knifty Knitter is to use... and how easy!

I wrapped up slipper #1 for Mr. Squirrel this morning. The "donated" yarn colors ended up being bright green and gold (If you are familiar with the SCA, they are perfect "Kingdom of the Outland" colors). The gold was originally going to be part of a House Griffindor (Harry Potter) scarf, but the maroons all got used for Grizzly gear projects in the interim. [The University of Montana football team colors are maroon and silver.]

Although I'd love to just knit the day away, I've got school work today, so I'll work on slipper #2 in the evenings. If all goes well, Mr. Squirrel's slippers should be done for his birthday :D

Side note: I really don't have yarn that I've purchased. I've got a large basket of yarns and yarn-remnants that I've accumulated from former knitters and people just "getting rid of stuff." As I use them up, I'm trying to save the colors that I can actually wear (winter-color basics like the reds and blues) for clothing or hat/scarf projects. Slippers tend to get the colors that I can't wear (because no-one is going to see them in a public setting). However, I still try to put colors together that look good ;) The slippers I'll be making for myself (this time around) will be a mint-ice-cream green and a pastel baby blue. [In the right light, they almost look like the same color... but neither are good colors for me... but they do look OK together!]

Most of the smaller bits turn into granny squares and eventually into afghans... random various colors can live nicely in that setting :D

OK. I need to get back to school. Have a nice day, all!
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God Bless & Godspeed!

Squirrel Days: 6/27/2011

A very chilly morning (see photo) with a little bit of free time before I get my day going. I've been jotting down some notes to share over the last week and thought I'd better get them consolidated:

Outside my window...
***Since we last met, the weather has been mostly rainy and cold. However, we have been transitioning into high 80s on occasion. I sure do wilt when those temperatures hit after such a cold spring.

From the classroom...
***Although it has gotten painfully obvious that I will not be able to complete EVERYTHING by the original July 15th deadline (and yes, I'm sooooo VERY thankful for the school extension), I’ve still been making good progress. Currently, I have completed 4 of the 5 sections of the advanced portion of my transcription training.

Module 18 (Advanced Acute Care):
Block #1: In-depth account instructions unit.
Block #2: Verbatim transcription unit (Harder that it sounds!).
Block #3: Radiology unit (The only unit that felt like play-time!).
Block #4: Complex account instructions unit.
Block #5: Extremely advanced acute care unit.

Just for fun, here is the introductory statement leading into Block#5:

“This group is, by far, the most difficult in all of the Career Step practicum components. This is done by design. While you won't often have this many reports in a row with this level of difficulty, chances are you will be exposed to reports with this level of severe difficulty once employed. The files are all acute care files. Some were chosen for the difficult dictation style, others for difficult terminology, and most for some combination of both. Complete these files with patience and dogged determination. You can do it.”

Dogged determination I have... I also have Excedrin. ;-)

Stewardship or projects...
***Even with all the rain, we did have a few semi-sunny days that allowed me to start the mowing process. It seems this year is going to be one of those where you just have to take advantage of opportunities (when not doing school work) and make progress by sections. At this point, it just isn’t going to be all “done” in one go-around, and by the time all sections have been done, the first will need doing again. Fortunately, we have mostly forest grasses on our property and, even when tall, they are fairly easy to cut with the weed-eater. Unfortunately, the spring has been so wet that the grasses shot up to waist height all over the place. It is a daunting landscape and it seems that a machete would be a better tool to cut through the “jungle.”

However, thanks to a local power-outage this past Saturday, I got a huge chunk of the mowing done (since I couldn’t do any school work). I now only have the road-side ditch to complete... then - LOL - I can start over! It was my goal to get it all down before the 4th of July (a habit developed via irresponsible neighbors, even though they moved out this spring)... I should be able to make it :)

Personal victories...
These victories are not all mine, but it will show a bit of the chaos from the last several weeks:
1. Completion and installation of all new church signs (includes hand lettering, routering, sanding, staining/painting, etc.).
2. On June 5th, we launched the new name on the church (click on the name to go to the new website that Mr. Squirrel has been creating): Parkside Baptist Church.
3. After the launch, the background work to get the name changed on all the related accounts and contracts. [Whew! What a chore... and some are still in the transitional stages.]
4. I did get 2 rounds of mowing completed about two weeks apart. That means about 1/2 of what normally gets attention has been done... and the first round really could be done again. UGH! [Add on the additional round of mowing from this weekend!]
5. Completion of Blocks 1 through 4 for school. One more Block to finish and the transcription portion of my training will be done. Then, I will get another assessment exam before moving into the editing portion of my training.

What I am doing as Fun-time...
Fun time really has gone out the window, as has any form of structured exercise. However, simple pleasures can still be found.

1.) Mr. Squirrel and I have been trying to go for walks every day depending on the weather. We have a favorite 2-mile loop that goes through wooded areas and down by the river near our home (so we don’t have to drive anywhere). We’ve been pretty lucky that we’ve been able to go out almost every day... sometimes we go in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon. As the temperatures warm up (?) we'll most likely keep to mornings or later evenings.
2.) I just completed the 3rd book in “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan, “The Dragon Reborn.” I am starting the 4th book: “The Fires of Heaven.”

Thought(s) on my mind...
1. Time is going soooooo quickly, and I have so much yet to do.
2. My unemployment benefits completely run out (with zero chance of renewal) at the end of July. I do know that God has a plan for us, and that He has been faithful to provide for our needs. However, the “faith stretching exercise” surrounding our finances is testing me to the absolute limits.

Counting blessings...
1.) God's faithfulness.
2.) God's patience with my weak faith.

A picture I would like to share...
Yup. We are a few degrees from... frost. YIKES!

No wonder I was out of the blankets when I went to bed... and hunting for them during the night. We are 'cautiously' cooling the house in expectation of 80+ degrees, but not so cool that the heat will turn on.
The flowers and critters will be so confused... :O

[Photo source: Me... predawn light, sorry.]

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Quick touch-base...

Not dead, I promise.

Just up to my ears in WAY too many obligations!

I'll try to get something posted in the next week or so... as soon as I get some breathing time.

Cheers!

Squirrel Days: 5/15/2011

Outside my window...
**The weather has definitely gotten more spring-like. The last few days have even ventured into summer-like. The older I get, I find that when daily temperature swings are greater than 30-degrees or so, like from the 30s to the 70s, my body doesn't seem to know what to do. Ultimately, the higher temperature makes me feel worn out and fatigued. I much prefer moderate transitions to the warmer temperatures, but... I'm not the one in control of the weather.

From the classroom...
**Well, I got the results back from my 'Basic Acute Care' assessment exam: 87%.

I confess that this depressed me as I thought I had done better than that. I did take some time to go back through the errors to learn what aspects needed to be refined and worked on. This actually was a good process as it showed me that none of my errors were related to the naming of procedures, medicines, equipment, labs, or pathologies. My trouble seems to be mistranslation of slurry speech. Go figure. Unfortunately, only time and practice will help me with this aspect.

This review also helped me to feel better about the exam overall, and I had to reminded myself that 87% would be a passing grade on the Final Exam. [An 85% is the cutoff point, so 84% would essentially be an "F" grade.] Another thing to remind myself is that the Final Exam offers three opportunities for students to get our best scores. [We are not allowed to take the same exam twice, but we do get one try at three separate exams.]

However, before I get to the Final Exam, I have the 'Advanced Acute Care' module to complete and then I proceed into the Transcription Editing portion of this course. It really is like climbing a mountain!

Stewardship or projects...
**The sunny weather has really started the need to work on the property. However, timing is iffy with the amount of school-time I have to invest. I will need to start figuring out how to fit in even just an hour or two here and there to make some progress. [Once I figure out how, it shouldn't be too difficult to maintain. I already use a kitchen timer to help me be aware of passing time when I'm eating lunch on the front porch or the like. Time really slips by quickly when distractions happen!]

Personal victories...
1.) I faced the results of my assessment exam and took the steps needed to understand my mistakes. This actually prompted some additional research on some documentation rules and guidelines that I had been neglecting. So that was a good thing, too!
2.) With the nicer weather, I've had a much easier time going for walks outside with Mr. Squirrel. [So I guess this could be co-listed under the Fun-time below.] It took a few tries, but we've also gotten back into the habit of taking the camera with us. [This would be listed on his fun-time list, I think, as he's been the shutter-bug on these ventures!] The walks are also an attempt to start getting used to the warmer temperatures.

What I am doing as Fun-time...
1.) Still reading: Book #4 "The Shadow Rising" of Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" series.
2.) Aside from going for walks and the before-bed reading, there really has been no time for anything else.

Thought(s) on my mind...
**I am even more grateful for the school extension. This advanced module makes me feel like I've almost started over. I'm heavily leaning on expanding my dictionaries with all of the new equipment, procedures, medications, etc. It is good for me to do this, but it has definitely slowed me down.

Counting blessings...
1.) My school extension.
2.) Everyone who has encouraged me to keep-on-keeping-on.
3.) Prayers for God's mercy and provision.

A picture I would like to share...
**One of the pleasures of spring is the return of the woodland flora and fauna.

I confess that somewhere in my brain I have a "cute and fuzzy" button. When it gets triggered, I turn into an excited 6 year old with a HUGE smile. It is an instant release from all adult responsibilities and cares. Of course, it also makes me want to run outside and cuddle the 'cute and fuzzy', which in most cases would be a bad idea. Fortunately, the adult brain kicks back in and (hopefully) I can make a grab for the camera ;)

This week, I spotted our first itty-bitty bunny of 2011. The evening of May 10th I saw this little fuzzy through our bedroom window just under the edge of our shed. So cute!

The space between pine straw and the edge of the shed is about 4-inches. I think he/she might have fit into a coffee cup.

[Photo source: Me.]

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Sunday musing...

This past week has been an absolute blur. I find myself wanting to write it all down in a Squirrel's Day post, but it just is overwhelming.

So, this morning, I'm sitting in the sunshine that is flowing through the window; just soaking it up like any good cat and letting all that busy-ness disappear for a few moments.

Hmmm. So this isn't a completely boring post, I will share the big victories of this past week with you:

1. I did complete the assessment exam for school. It takes a week for them to return the results, so I should have those back in the next few days.

2. Church cleaning was completed on time with Mr. Squirrel's help.

3. New church offering box and announcement fliers were completed and installed prior to the community concert. [Mr. Squirrel built a beautiful box. It looks very nice!]

4. I received written confirmation that my school extension was paid for and processed. My new expiration date is actually November 15th, but as my unemployment runs out at the end of July, I'm still wanting to get the program completed as soon as possible.

The next few days will continue to be very busy with Mother's Day gatherings, but things should slow down a little bit after that. There will still be many tasks yet to be done (like new church signs, mowing, etc.), but the next due-by-date is the first Sunday in June... NOT next Saturday!

May you all have a blessed day & Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

[Photo source: Clker.com free public domain clip art.]

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Godbless & Godspeed

A Sunday musing...

Having already shared the "big news" with my last post, I thought today would be a good day just to ponder on some things.

1. Can you believe that today is the 1st day of May? I'm so amazed at how fast time is just skimming right along (like a freight-train). I guess being completely absorbed in school has not helped my perspective, because my days are simply blurring together. Any day not spent in school... is Sunday. [The mental picture of my calendar only has two days per week: One day is Sunday... and the other is a really long school day.]

I should also mention that it did try to snow here yesterday, so the mental awareness of the passage of time via the weather is faulty at best... at least this year, anyway. Things sure are getting green though! [Hmmm. I hope it stops snowing long enough to mow! LOL - Now THERE is a mental image!]

2. Speaking of school, I completed another module yesterday. [A nice victory.] The assessment exam on this module is still pending as I didn't want to take the exam when I was tired. I was also unsure if I wanted to take the exam today, or simply put it off to do first thing Monday morning. This is more likely the choice I'll make as I tend to leave Sundays as my "only day off." Besides, with the school extension, I can afford to relax just a little bit... once in a while. ;)

3. This coming week is going to be a busy one. Not only with school, but this is the last of our time to get the church cleaning completed prior to the community concert on the 7th. There are also a few other elements that will be need to be completed, too, as we are in midst of changing the name of our church. We have been thinking about doing this for many years, and just this spring things have been coming together that said "now is the time." [I will detail this action in a future post.] We want to have fliers available at the concert announcing our changes and when the official switch-over date will occur. [Ultimately, this will be our best opportunity to have contact with people who would not set foot in a church except for a non-church community event such as this.]

4. With this flurry of activity, I'm guessing that the final furniture arrangements in our living room will have to be put off for another week or so. That's okay, though. Everything is functional right now, so it isn't something that needs to be done right away.

Well, that is pretty much everything that is on my mind this morning that might be worth sharing. I'm going to start puttering on some domestic tasks and enjoying the day.

Thanks for sharing my Sunday morning!

[Photo source: Clker.com free public domain clip art.]

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Godbless & Godspeed

Not waiting for the weekend... school praise!

HAPPY DANCE - HAPPY DANCE

My program committee met yesterday morning and my extension has been approved!! Also, they have funds available to cover the $200 cost. Yippee!!!

This will allow for breathing room so I won't be tempted to rush into "bad grades" because of cramming at the end. My biggest concern has been the timing of the Final Exam. If my speeds do not improve (or the reports get longer), or if I have some other sort of interruption (family emergency, illness, etc.), my completion dates will get pushed right up to the finish-line. The structure of the Final Exam is a 48-hour window given to complete an ‘objective’ portion and a ‘practicum’ portion. Both of these are then graded by a human being, and I believe the average turnaround time is 1 week. Students also have 3 opportunities to get their best scores. So, should each of these attempts take a 1 week turnaround, then there would be a VERY REAL possibility that my course would expire somewhere in the middle of the exam process.

I'm still going to shoot for the July deadline, but now I have a safety net. I'm very grateful!

HAPPY-HAPPY-HAPPY

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Godbless & Godspeed!

Squirrel Days: 04/24/2011

Outside my window...
***There has been a lot of rain and wind... and yes, more snow. However, the general temperatures are getting warmer (at least in the afternoons). Every morning has been frosty and cold. One such morning, yesterday as a matter of fact, the frosty morning combined with the first rays of the sun made for a spectacular star-scape in the yard. (See photos below.)

From the classroom...
***This week I received an email from the school with the proverbial: "You have 90 days before your course expires... Do you want an extension? We now have a sale on extensions if you act before the 29th." This not only depressed me, but it suddenly made me ask several questions: 1.) What is my responsibility to the Job Service program if I don't complete by July 15th? 2.) Is there a possibility of getting assistance with the extension, if I need one? 3.)Do I really need an extension?

All of these questions will be brought up with my contact so I can get her take on the situation. If I can keep pushing the efforts, I SHOULD be able to complete the program by the deadline. I also have the option to purchase another extension at any time, it just won't be on sale. So, for the time being, this will be up in the air.

Stewardship or projects...
***Cleaning at the church has begun. It is so large that it cannot be done in one day. [I don't often think about how much carpet there is in a church!] However, I did get the entire main floor vacuumed and ready for Resurrection Sunday (one of my victories). The lower floor and final run-through will have to be done before the community concert on the 7th.

Personal victories...
1.) The main floor of the church has been cleaned in time for Sunday's services.
2.) This week, Mr. Squirrel decided to revamp his office to add table space for his studies. This meant removing the computer-center. Hand-in-hand, this meant that he wanted my table-desk in exchange for the computer-center. Ultimately, this led to the entire rearrangement of our living room, my office and his office. This will take some time to complete, but the change is good. Both of our work areas will be more efficient for our needs, and the living room will get a nice do-over that should give us more entertainment space & seating.
3.) Although my exercise was not as structured this week, vacuuming a church and rearranging furniture made for enough exhausting exercise that I'm not going to fuss over the in-betweens. We got a lot done this week!

What I am doing as Fun-time...
1.) Reading: Book #4 "The Shadow Rising" of Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" series.
2.) Not much time for anything else with all of the cleaning/rearranging going on.

Thought(s) on my mind...
*** I've got WAY too much going on right now. Everything suffers when the obligation-plate is this full.

Counting blessings...
1.) The church sanctuary will be clean for Resurrection Sunday.
2.) I am thankful that I have a savior, Christ Jesus, who willingly paid what He did not owe to cover that which I could not (and cannot) pay.
3.) Mr. Squirrel and I have essentially new offices in which to do our studies.

A picture I would like to share...
***Saturday morning: There are times you just have to scramble for the camera. Our frosty front yard started to melt after the sun crested the mountain top. In very short-order, the grasses were alight with a galaxy of diamonds and stars in every color.

[Click on the photos to see larger versions.]


[I'm almost sorry I didn't take me and my slippers outside to get closer/clearer shots... and to avoid the winter-hazed windows.]


[By the way, there are no filters or special settings for these. I think the stars are an accidental effect of zoom-shooting through the windows.]


Photo source: Me
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