Christmas Day in Myrtle Beach SC

We are enjoying a wonderful Christmas Day here in Myrtle Beach, SC. The temps are in the upper 60's with rain. Some of the neighbor children were playing outside in short sleeves this afternoon. We had a delicious ham dinner with all the trimmings. Opened gifts and talked to Tim and family on the phone. We will be calling Frank's brother later today. We played WII games last night and again this afternoon.

Thanksgiving 2009

We had a very nice Thanksgiving this year. We had a turkey with all the trimmings. The weather was a very nice sunny day in the low 60's. We even opened the patio door for some fresh air. Both Marie and Erick had the day off work so we all sat down to eat about 3pm. Here are a couple pictures of us at the table.

Christmas Table Center Piece

I crocheted this table center piece today for our Christmas table. We will put some kind of candle on it.

Blue Twin Stitch Sleep Bag

This is my latest sleep bag using the twin stitch. I used Lions Brand Pound of Love. I will be sending 3 sleep bags off to Gods Tiny Angels so they can get to he hospitals and hopefully we will get good feedback that they want more. They are fun and easy to make.

What we have been doing

We are really feeling like we live in Myrtle Beach now. We are making new friends and finding our way around the area without using the GPS. We had a nice evening meal with our bowling partner Joyce last week. There were 4 couples there and we had a great time eating and visiting. We have been attending church most Sundays and making friends there. Marie and I have joined TOPS and making friends with the ladies.
This latest storm didn't bother us at all. We had 2 days of rain and it got windy and cooler. We kept our regular schedule of bowling and shopping, going to the library etc. Marie an Erick went to work and school as usual. The ocean got some high waves and quite choppy, but that is all except some minor flooding from the rain, 4 to 7 inches. We still get in some golf games and the driving range. I am still crocheting baby things and Frank is still loom knitting hats. You can see what we make and donate on our charity blog. http://karensgardenofcolors.blogspot.com/
We love to get e-mails and cards and letters from our Iowa friends. We don't have any big plans for Thanksgiving. I will roast a small turkey and there will be just the four of us here this year. Then it will be time to think about Christmas.
Well, this is our new life and we are enjoying it to the fullest.

First Crocheted Felted Purse made

I crocheted this blue & green felted purse this week. It was from a kit from Aunties Attic Craft Club. The first time I did something like this and I was very pleased with the results.

Visit to Fairmont, West Virginia

We drove up to Fairmont, WV last Wed. for a quick visit with Frank's brothers Milton and James, and Milton's wife Karen. We had a wonderful visit but the time was too short as we left for home on Sat. morning. It is over 500 miles one way. We went to the grave site of their father Frank Sr. and visited places where they use to live and went to school. We plan to go back for a longer visit in the Spring when the snow is all gone. At least they are now closer than when we lived in Iowa. One of the perks of living in South Carolina.

20 more hats from Frank

Frank has loom knitted 20 more hats.

Canadian Geese in yard

Went out shortly before 8 am Saturday morning and found lots of Canadian Geese in our yard and street. We see the geese most every day, but this is the first time in our yard. Grabbed the camera for a couple quick shots. We did see 6 swans in the neighbors yard once, but didn't get a pictures. Maybe they will return someday.

Frank better....Karen is not

Well, Frank's foot is healing nicely. He has been bowling and golfing. Now today at golf I stepped on a red ant hill. Got over 50 to 60 bites. Oh, how they hurt. Finally got my sandal off and used a golf towel to get them off me. My foot really swelled up and Frank had to drive me home so I could get it doctored up. I tried many different savles, lotions pill and finally ice seemed to cool it down. Lot of blisters on my left foot with just a few on my right foot. You would think I would learn and stay out of the tall grass. This is my second run in with red ants. Hopefully I have learned my lesson.

Frank Injured and making more hats....

Frank has been really busy making more hats. He is sort of grounded and must sit most of the time. An 8 pound barbell fell on his big toe on his right foot and it split the skin and badly bruised it. He will really be making more hats for needy children while he is laid up.

A Walk on the Beach

We took an early morning walk on the beach at sunrise. Picked up a few sea shells.

Frank's Hats

It has been way to hot and muggy to golf much lately, so we stay indoors doing our crafts. Here is Frank's latest batch of loom knitted hats. Hopefully in Sept. the weather will not be so hot and less humid. We have been going to the beach some evenings and spend several hours there on Thurdsay. Under a beach umbrella, of course.

Getting back to normal....

We are settled in our new home and things are getting back to normal. I have been crocheting baby items for God's Tiny Angels and Frank has been loom knitting hats for needy children. Our goal is to donate 500 items this year and it looks like we will reach our goal with only 177 items left to make. Here are some pictures of what we have been working on.

Evening Walk on the Beach

Here is a picture of Frank and I walking on the beach about 8 pm after our evening meal.

Northern Pines Golf Club

Well, we finally got to go golfing today. We joined the Northern Pines Golf Club near Loris, S.C. It is a 9 hole course with lots of trees. It is very flat so we will be able to walk the course. It is a par 36 with 3074 yds.

More pics

Pictures of our new home

Here are some pics of our new home.

Our new home

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted here. We have found a house to rent in Surside Beach, SC. It is a suburb of Myrtle Beach. We are about 5 minutes from the ocean. Marie and Erick have moved with us so we got a 3 bedroom/2 bath home with a double garage. It is located in a division with a home owners association. Very nice, but lots of rule for do's and don'ts. We have traded our old pick-up truck for a newer model. We got a 2005 Kia Sedona Van. We just about have the house put together. A few more pictures to hang and that is about it. We have been to the beach several times but have not gone golfing yet. Hopefully next week. We love to take a long walk on the beach after our evening dinner. There is lots of traffic here, but the locals say it will slow down in Sept. when the tourist leave. I will be adding some pictures of our new home shortly.

Arrived in Loris,SC today

Well we finally arrived in Loris today. A nice little town about half the size of Boone. We didn't find any place to rent today and the two motels didn't take pets so we are staying the night in Conway, SC, about 20 miles from Loris. Marie is coming late tonight to be with us tomorrow to find a place to live. It is really nice to be here and not driving. We did have a good trip with no troubles. Lots of sunshine and no rain. Now just to find a new home. More later......

Last night in Ogden, Iowa

This is our last night in our Ogden home. Most everything is packed and we will be leaving in the morning. Donna, Mark and John came and got the last things we are giving them and we said our good-byes. The house is pretty much empty except for our air bed, 2 camp chairs and a 13 inch tv. Angel and Joey, our cats know something is up but can't quite figure out what. Well, going to bed to get some rest for our long trip starting tomorrow.

6 Days Left

There are only 6 days left till we move. We have been busy getting everything boxed, bagged and hauled away. The house sure is getting empty. Donna and the boys should be here Sunday to get the last load of the stuff we are giving them. We took a load of things to the Salvation Army in Boone this morning. We have our queen bed for sale and slept on the air bed last night. It is quite comfortable. The upstairs is completely emptied now. We are getting anxious to get on the road. More later.....

Getting Ready To Move

Well, it is almost moving time. Nine more days we will leave Ogden, Iowa and move to South Carolina. We are still cleaning out the house and packing and giving things away. Trying to sell a few things also. We have been saying good-bye to family and friends. It is hard knowing we won't see some ever again. But we won't forget!