Spring, Purple Martins Return, Bluebird Courtship, Shawl Update, Trellis Scarf and Prayer

Our first Purple Martins have returned from Brazil to our colony site for the Spring nesting season. It is *always* a thrill when the first of the season returns! It is mind boggling to realize these small and beautiful creatures migrate thousands of miles annually to return to *our yard* to nest each season. They are a joy to behold and a true gift from above. Ah, knitting and birdwatching...what could be better? : )


Our Eastern Bluebirds are also actively seeking mates and preparing for housekeeping. They are singing and the males are *wing waving* at the females from atop their chosen houses. You can see that the males are doing their best to attract a female by singing, waving their wings, and preening their feathers....just like men. : )


Here's a picture of my beautiful Granny, Ollie, in IL wearing her new shawl. Isn't she pretty? She's a very young 97 years old! She is currently living with my cousin in IL who has a huge heart and her family has welcomed Granny into their home. They even built Granny her own new bedroom and have her favorite chair next to their fireplace for Granny to enjoy. *Thank You* Sylvia and Bill! And, *thank you* to each of your wonderful children for helping and caring for Granny so very well.


As you can see, the Faroese shawl stays on her shoulders while she walks with her walker. The shoulder shaping makes the difference and makes an excellent choice for a steady and wearable shawl. Since I can't be there to give Granny hugs just now, I hope that she knows that this shawl is doing the hugging for me. : )


Above is a picture of one of my current knitting projects, the Trellis Scarf from the current issue of Interweave Knits magazine. This is a delightful knit. I plan on making the sage color scarf for my mother-in-law, Loraine. I'm also going to knit this scarf for my sister, Cheryl (love you, Sis), in the color Cinnabar...or *red*! Cheryl loves bright colors, and I think this red will look great on her. And, red will go well with her lively personality and beautiful coloring. : )

Updates for Prayer Requests

Remember Will, the young, family man that I had been reporting on concerning a liver tumor and possible cancer? This week there is an update, although the removed tumor was not cancerous, they have diagnosed lymphoma now...or, cancer of the lymph system. He will be seeing the oncologist this week and a treatment plan will be devised. Please remember Will, his wife, and their 3 children in your prayers.

Also, please remember my friend Susan in your prayers. Susan is battling a recurrence of cancer bravely and with unbelievable grace. She is an inspiration to everyone that has met her and we all care about her deeply.

*On a side note, Susan and I are both currently on high dose steroids as part of our differing medical treatments. We've started the Chubby Cheek Club! If you would also care to be a charter member, feel free to join in. We think we're setting a fashion trend for the Spring season...smiling, happy, knitting, and enjoying having *power cheeks*! : )

It encourages my heart this week to realize that if the Lord can make it possible for small birds to travel thousands of miles, across oceans and land, to return to the same yard and colony site for nesting each year, that He is certainly well beyond *able* to care deeply for each of us, His children, and tend to each detail of our hearts and lives. There is *no* situation or concern in our lives of which He is not aware. My constant prayer is for our Heavenly Father to hold Will and Susan closely as they have treatment and return to complete health soon.

Your Friend,

Shelly

NAS
Matthew 18:18-20
18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."