tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80361574743076299042024-03-08T15:16:10.904-05:00Working GrandmothersWhether you are a grandmother who works at home or in the marketplace; whether your work is business or caring for family, you need a place to come to rest, reflect and recharge.Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-71402190812108327072017-09-22T14:09:00.003-04:002018-11-30T14:53:26.764-05:00Becoming a New Widow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNUaUvbb-hI/WcVQSd1AiCI/AAAAAAAAC_I/lhR3ziH5S5MMmTCstpZ8bFjRyL_jI-F-gCLcBGAs/s1600/pandcmaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNUaUvbb-hI/WcVQSd1AiCI/AAAAAAAAC_I/lhR3ziH5S5MMmTCstpZ8bFjRyL_jI-F-gCLcBGAs/s200/pandcmaine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Though we do not dwell on it, the possibility becoming a widow is in the back of our minds if we are married, and surfaces now and then in our Senior years. And now it has happened to me. When it happens, it really does change absolutely everything, literally and because our perspective on life drastically changes. The former life is finished, and we have to learn to live a new life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the first week of August, my precious and beloved husband of 38 years passed away next to me somewhere between the time we went to bed at midnight and the time I got up during the night at about 3 am. The last sound I heard from him was laughter as we joked about something before going to sleep, and we had just finished a nice Saturday together. The weather had been beautiful, he spent time weed whacking with his new weed whacker, and we sat together on our deck overlooking the lake. It had been a beautiful, peaceful day. My husband had just turned 64 a few weeks before, but he had Diabetes and had had 2 heart attacks in the past 10 years and a few cardiac procedures. We were ready to embark on yet another good nutrition program come September, I worked hard on and off over the years to keep him healthy, as much as I could manage and he would allow. There was a big part of me that expected that something like this would happen, but it was a huge blow and shock when it actually did. I immediately called the local police and my brother who lives nearby, and of course my children, all came within the hour, and the rest is somewhat of a blur. We had a beautiful Memorial Service the Friday after. Many came, and our Pastor put together such a nice and meaningful program.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the first two weeks, there was a constant flow of visitors, cards, and meals. After two weeks my daughter, sister and son took turns staying with me most nights of the week and there were some visits from friends. This went on until recently, now the overnight stays are occasional, and I am experiencing the many things that when combined make up the grieving process. How I would like to be done with the extreme pain and heartache that comes with such a loss, but my friends who have made this journey before me tell me that it takes time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It took me a while to decide whether or not to post this on my blog, but then I thought my readers are mature adults like I am, and some may find my sharing on this topic helpful. Though I will continue with the lighter themes and topics we have started, I do want to spend some time sharing my grief and widowhood journey just for those who may be helped by it. The photo was taken a few years ago on a vacation in Maine....we always vacationed in September. Oh how I miss this man.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-13634168072066235612017-02-14T13:55:00.001-05:002018-11-30T14:49:24.379-05:00Easy to Grow Vegetables TOMATOES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1anhscl1nbI/WKNKZxDIaHI/AAAAAAAAC9A/_YUeono5KAsYJKvpoxIL8eHZOtDkfTZ6QCLcB/s1600/tomatofredig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1anhscl1nbI/WKNKZxDIaHI/AAAAAAAAC9A/_YUeono5KAsYJKvpoxIL8eHZOtDkfTZ6QCLcB/s400/tomatofredig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tomato plants are easy to grow in the vegetable garden or in containers in a location that receives several hours of sun. You will get tomatoes in a location with difficult soil and a few hours of sun, but the quality and quantity will be less than a spot with richer soil and more sun.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On my property, I have many trees, and rocky soil. But by adding some composted soil to our rocky soil<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I </span>have successfully grown healthy tomatoes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In recent years, I have been planting them in containers on the deck, which receives several hours of sun each day. I like to grow cherry and grape tomatoes as they mature more quickly than larger tomatoes and we can enjoy them for a longer time in the summer. I plant in mid-May, and the plants are finished for the season in September. I do use tomato cages right in the containers. Here are some of my grape tomatoes ripening on the deck during the summer:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ROc0dUYuPNE/WKNMwYpYT1I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/9ihH-KnAcqQqb9uGrNf7zRlCaSlhieb9QCLcB/s1600/DSCF9733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ROc0dUYuPNE/WKNMwYpYT1I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/9ihH-KnAcqQqb9uGrNf7zRlCaSlhieb9QCLcB/s400/DSCF9733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>This image was taken by me</i> </div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
roots of the tomato plant tend to stay close to the surface of the soil, and
though the plants tolerate dry soil to a degree, it is best to keep the soil somewhat moist
between rain showers and storms. This is especially true for tomatoes planted in containers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As for feeding, my plants are fed about every two weeks. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have only started plants from seeds once, it's hard to do if you don't have a sunny location or grow lights to keep them happy. This is why I
like to give my local garden shop some business by purchasing young
tomato plants. I have thought of making a very small "greenhouse" like structure...more like a frame covered in heavy plastic, to cover and protect plants that I start from seeds on the sunny deck...time will tell if this project is ever done.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are at about 900 feet in Northern NJ and planting season lasts from
mid-may to mid-September, or a little later if we have a mild fall. I
harvest all of the remaining tomatoes at the end of the season, even if
green, and put the green tomatoes in a brown paper bag to ripen, which they
do fairly quickly if they are mature enough.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In only a few months gardening can begin! I can't wait.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Image Credit: </i></span><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Clare Bloomfield at <a href="http://freedigitalphotos.net/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0c7f33; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">http://FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></span> </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Updated 11/30/18</span></i><br />
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Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-48499478964218869822017-02-03T15:02:00.002-05:002018-11-30T14:36:22.794-05:00Heart Shaped Flowers and Gardening<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I would like to add <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/search/label/GARDENING" target="_blank">Gardening </a>to the categories that we have in the right margin, because it truly can be a restful experience. For some, just working in the soil is relaxing, whether it be in a flower bed or vegetable garden, or a container garden like the one that I have on my deck.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some may not think of the actual planting as relaxing, but may find pleasure and relaxation just looking at gardens that have been cultivated by others.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whichever you prefer, I hope you enjoy the new theme, new pages and posts will be added as the days go by. To start, in keeping with the fact that this month is the month of love and Valentine's Day, I have created <b><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/plants-with-heart-shaped-flowers.html" target="_blank">a page about Heart Shaped Flowers</a></b>. I hope you enjoy, and will visit the "Gardening" theme to the right occasionally to see what new posts and articles have been added.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you live in a cold climate and are looking forward to Spring, we only have a month to go, and a couple to a few months until we can really get our hands into the soil. I can't wait!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GN2ZPlDY_vw/WJThfm9OOqI/AAAAAAAAC8M/yKdrS2r4StkqACQNv616YctrqtxqLfJ1ACLcB/s1600/heartbleeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GN2ZPlDY_vw/WJThfm9OOqI/AAAAAAAAC8M/yKdrS2r4StkqACQNv616YctrqtxqLfJ1ACLcB/s1600/heartbleeding.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Image Credit ~ I have had this image for years, the site</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that I obtained it from is no longer available.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Updated 11/30/18</span></i><br />
<br />Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-43945296063947814512016-01-20T15:57:00.000-05:002018-11-30T14:34:03.055-05:00Free Humble Heart Crochet Pattern for Valentines Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-G8Z-ReXys/Vp_0QijAzJI/AAAAAAAACrk/NM2Z69fa9dk/s1600/crochetedhearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-G8Z-ReXys/Vp_0QijAzJI/AAAAAAAACrk/NM2Z69fa9dk/s1600/crochetedhearts.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You do not have to be an advanced crocheter to crochet these hearts for Valentine's Day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A week or two ago I created a page with instructions on how to crochet the hearts you see pictured...this is a picture of my first attempt, and I share how I used them with my husband's Valentines gift.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They are humble hearts, but have become nicer with more and more practice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is a video tutorial as well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-hearts-for-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">click here</a> for the free pattern for <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-hearts-for-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">easy to crochet Valentine's Hearts</a>, or visit the "<a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/search/label/CROCHET" target="_blank">Crochet</a>" link in the upper right margin for all of <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my</span> free crochet patterns and tutorial pages.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-83755672435377593052015-10-07T15:25:00.000-04:002018-11-30T14:32:38.969-05:00My Mother's Coloring Habit - a Relaxing Hobby<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last weekend I was visiting my Mom who celebrated her 87th birthday, and she was showing me the beautiful pictures that she has colored, intricate pictures with many details. Coloring is her new hobby, she says, and it is becoming a popular past-time for more than just children. I have another friend who is my age that also enjoys coloring.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Years back I asked for crayons and coloring books as a gift, before adult coloring was a popular as it is now, and I got them both. I
didn't want grown-up adult coloring books, but the "easy" kind that
children would enjoy coloring, but ended up with both and found that
each had their own advantage.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coloring transports me back in time to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">childhood </span>days and happy memories. I love coloring animals in particular,
because I am an animal lover. My mother prefers coloring flowers, and has markers that that she colors with, fine tipped markers especially for coloring and perfect for the small spaces that she fills with color.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like to think that she took an interest in coloring again when she was staying with me for a few days, and we colored together. I colored casually, but she did so artistically, paying attention to detail and shading. Here is a picture of one of the pictures she colored last summer:</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF8d6toxl74/VhVu-iCGrJI/AAAAAAAACoA/At1Y467fnGI/s1600/momcoloringjuly2014b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF8d6toxl74/VhVu-iCGrJI/AAAAAAAACoA/At1Y467fnGI/s400/momcoloringjuly2014b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So it is not only quilting or crocheting that brings relaxation and pleasure, but the simple act of colorin<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">g.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you discovered the relaxing benefits of coloring as an adult?</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Image: Coloring taken by me</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Updated: 11/30/18</span></i><br />
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<script rel="nofollow" src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US" target="new"></script>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-22960252713050312002015-08-17T15:51:00.002-04:002018-11-30T14:31:01.460-05:00Hand Quilting - How to Hand Stitch a Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WiAsJKmmC8/VdI64T3KOVI/AAAAAAAAClY/gCmebUbSvI4/s1600/quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WiAsJKmmC8/VdI64T3KOVI/AAAAAAAAClY/gCmebUbSvI4/s320/quilting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Though some like to use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=quilting%20sewing%20machine&linkCode=ur2&tag=workinggrandmothers-20&url=search-alias%3Darts-crafts&linkId=PXP5T63SBGJ7MQ2K" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">quilting sewing machine</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=workinggrandmothers-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to piece together their quilts, many find hand stitching a quilt relaxing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have put together a page for beginners with a series of video tutorials to help you start and finish a quilt, or a smaller quilted item.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/hand-quilting-for-beginners-do-you-sew.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to go to the tutorial page.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If additional pages are added about quilting, you will find them all by clicking "Quilting" in the upper right margin.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/patchwork-fabric-padding-112548/" target="_blank">Image: from Pixabay by vero1234</a></span></i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-15343014066353442102015-08-12T16:35:00.001-04:002018-11-30T14:30:03.410-05:00I am Back to Share Some Hand Quilting Tips<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I just looked to see when my last post was, October, it makes sense, that is the month that my dear brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As he was disabled, I was one of his guardians. Since that time we have gone through a difficult journey with him that ended June 29th with his home-going to heaven. We made many decisions for him, as he could not make his own, nor could we explain to him what was happening to him. But for as long as possible, right up to the final weeks when he slept most of the time, he smiled and laughed and kept his positive attitude. I miss him terribly.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In that time my husband also had a heart attack, but his life was saved.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now I am trying to get back to doing things I had set aside, and am excited about getting into the topic of quilting. I have something all laid out to share here, and will be working on it during the coming days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-78386438184175095332014-10-28T23:23:00.001-04:002018-11-30T14:28:10.810-05:00How To Crochet Tutorial Pages are Now Complete<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At least I hope they are! I've been working on them over a period of time, and think that they are complete enough to reveal to you now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Following is a complete list of the pages:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/free-crochet-patterns-stitch.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet - Free <b>Stitch Instructions</b> and <b>Abbreviations</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/blog-page_16.html" target="_blank">How to Understand <b>Crochet Pattern Codes</b> and a <b>Printable List of Abbreviations</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/buy-right-crochet-hook-and-free-metric.html" target="_blank">Buying the Right Crochet Hook and <b>Free Metric, US and UK Conversion Charts</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-how-to-do-slip-stitch.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>Slip Knot (sl knot)</b> Stitch and<b> Starting Chain (ch)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-single-sc-double-dc-and.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>Single (sc)</b> <b>Double (dc)</b> <b>Triple or Treble (tr or tc)</b> Stitch</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-slip-stitch-sl-st-or-ss.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>SLIP STITCH (sl st or ss)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-single-and-double-decrease.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet <b>Single (sc dec)</b> and <b>Double Decrease (dc dec)</b> and<b> (sc inc) (dc inc) Increase</b> Stitches</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-do-double-crochet-decrease-dc-dec.html" target="_blank">How to do the <b>DOUBLE CROCHET DECREASE (dc dec)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-fasten-off-and.html" target="_blank">How to <b>Fasten Off</b> - <b>Hide Crochet Ends</b> - <b>Change Yarn Colors</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-back-loop.html" target="_blank">How to <b>Crochet in Front (fl)</b> and <b>Back Loop (bl)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-back-post-bp-and-front.html" target="_blank">How to C<b>rochet Back Post (bp)</b> and <b>Front Post (fp)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/blog-page_28.html" target="_blank">Basketweave Crochet Stitch using<b> Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc)</b> and <b>Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-cluster-stitch.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>Cluster Stitch (cl)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-popcorn-stitch-pc.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>POPCORN Stitch (pc)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/blog-page_70.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>PICOT Stitch (p)</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-loop-stitch-lps.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>LOOP Stitch (lp(s)) </b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-bullion-aka-rice-aka.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>BULLION</b> aka R<b>ICE</b> aka <b>ROLL Stitch</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-do-crossed-double-crochet-cr-dc.html" target="_blank">How to do a <b>CROSSED DOUBLE CROCHET (cr dc)</b> or <b>Double Crochet Crossed</b></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/how-to-crochet-puff-stitch-ps-or-puff-st.html" target="_blank">How to Crochet a <b>PUFF Stitch (ps OR puff st)</b></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you find these to be helpful to new inexperienced crocheters and experienced alike. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-75527526038910408542014-08-26T09:32:00.004-04:002018-11-30T14:24:58.411-05:00Free Headband Ear Warmer Crochet Pattern with Sunflowers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5DoNjXjeaY/U_yLP8epxzI/AAAAAAAACZY/qaD0QzeOgTw/s1600/sunflowerheadband.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5DoNjXjeaY/U_yLP8epxzI/AAAAAAAACZY/qaD0QzeOgTw/s1600/sunflowerheadband.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The cool months of fall and winter are just weeks away here in the Northeast USA, and for some of us it's hard to say goodbye to the flowers and trees, and with this cute pattern, we don't have to.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ruth Cox, a friend I know from various forums and writing spots on the web, has put together a page with a free crochet pattern for a <a href="http://wizzley.com/crochet-sunflower-headband-ear-warmer-pattern/" target="_blank">Sunflower Headband or Ear Warmer</a>. She includes photographs of the steps in making the headband.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There's a story behind the headband on her page, and a link to a source for other free crochet patterns. I'll be featuring that link myself later this week, but for now, you'll find it and this free crochet pattern on <a href="http://wizzley.com/crochet-sunflower-headband-ear-warmer-pattern/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ruth's page</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For more posts that lead to free patterns, visit the "CROCHET" link under "Posts by Topic" in the upper right.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a terrific Tuesday!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Image Credit: <a href="http://wizzley.com/crochet-sunflower-headband-ear-warmer-pattern/" target="_blank">Ruth Cox</a> - just one step in the process </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span><br />
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Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-5180819366270705922014-08-25T12:45:00.003-04:002018-11-30T14:23:14.669-05:00Kindle Nook and Tablet Crochet Cover Patterns Added<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0KreqgaZqU/U_s5nRzxrTI/AAAAAAAACXc/AU1ag0BRX-c/s1600/lens19891565_1352728957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0KreqgaZqU/U_s5nRzxrTI/AAAAAAAACXc/AU1ag0BRX-c/s1600/lens19891565_1352728957.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today a free crochet patterns for Kindle and other tablets page that I once had published at another location has been moved to Working Grandmothers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It had many visits at it's old location, and I hope that it will bring pleasure to visitors here.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The pattern can be found here - <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/crochet-kindle-tablet-cover-free.html" target="_blank">Crochet a Kindle Tablet Cover - Free Crochet Patterns</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">All posts leading to crochet patterns can be found in "Posts by Topic" in the upper right of this page under "Crochet".</span></span><br />
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<i><b>Image:</b> My own - free to use if you provide a link back to this post or the page linked to in the post. Thank you.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Updated 11/30/18</span></i>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-45495496604109074502014-08-24T09:00:00.000-04:002018-11-30T14:20:43.402-05:00Personal and Business Success Stories<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another group of articles have been added to the topics on this blog.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The topic is <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/search/label/Personal%2FBusiness%20Success%20Stories" target="_blank">Personal/Business Success Stories </a>- by clicking the link here and under the topics section to the right you will find several articles by Grandmothers and "Grandmother aged" woman sharing their business successes and stories about their Grandchildren.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have a business success story to share, please contact me through the comment section, comments are moderated by me and I will not approve one of this nature.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Update 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-80258298682988733082014-08-23T19:53:00.001-04:002020-08-21T19:44:17.154-04:00Prayer Shawl Pattern Page has been Added<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHp-N0nmjmU/U-_v70C8x9I/AAAAAAAACVg/2PO0iDSWKkI/s1600/pinkprayershawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHp-N0nmjmU/U-_v70C8x9I/AAAAAAAACVg/2PO0iDSWKkI/s1600/pinkprayershawl.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last week I added a free prayer shawl pattern page to this site, and wanted to make it, as well as other patterns and crafts that will be added, so that you could easily find it by clicking the "CROCHET" Link above, only to discover that pages cannot be tagged.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But no worries, you can find all posts with links to crochet patterns by clicking "Crochet" under "Posts By Topic" in the upper right.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To go to the prayer shawl pattern, click "<a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/p/the-hug-of-prayer-shawl.html" target="_blank">The Hug of a Prayer Shawl</a>"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was originally written by me a few years ago at another location, and due to changes at that site, it has been moved to my website here. There are actually two fairly easy prayer shawl patterns.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 8/21/20</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-25141582395345043242014-08-16T23:44:00.003-04:002014-08-16T23:44:51.736-04:00Improvements are Coming to the Working Grandmothers Site<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Over the coming weeks, you will see improvements being made on this website. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I started today by adding a new header and changing the background.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next week I will be adding clickable topic titles above, for example Crafts, Business, Grandchildren, etc., so that you can easily find specific pages that interest you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your suggestions are always appreciated, don't hesitate to leave a comment. </span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-54298174694553452202014-03-24T10:56:00.003-04:002018-11-30T14:15:35.869-05:00Meeting Up with Online Business Friends in Person<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A successful business woman who works from home on the internet spends a lot of her time alone with her computer. In my case I often have one or two social networking sites open during the day, which provides the social aspect of my work at home. I'm not sitting in an office with people physically, but very much engaged with others online...and from all over the world! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every now and then you discover a person who lives not so far from you, or one who is passing through your area when traveling, and would like to meet you in person! Such was the case for one of my online friends who uses the name "Wednesday-Elf". She is part of a network of crafty working grandmothers who keep in touch with one another and encourage one another. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In her delightful little story "Meeting an Online Friend in Person", you can see how this can happen, and how our relationships with those online truly are deeper and more meaningful than some may think they are.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Related Post: <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/2012/04/loneliness-while-working-at-home.html" target="_blank">Loneliness While Working from Home</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-30888060407745672502013-07-24T15:25:00.000-04:002018-11-30T14:12:54.577-05:00All Work and No Play Makes Grandma...<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not quite sure what all work and no play makes a Grandmother or Grandmother aged woman, because I am not able to sit still long enough to find out. In fact, I have been busy writing online so much today that I'm about ready for another get up and move about moment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is it that you enjoy doing as one who works from home? I am sure if you have grandchildren, it is finding time to spend time with them. But what are your leisure activities? Do you enjoy reading? Crafting?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is the last book that you have read? What craft project are you working on?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I do my reading in the evening before bedtime, and most evenings, if I wasn't enjoying time outdoors but sitting indoors with my <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/2017/09/becoming-new-widow.html" target="_blank">husband</a>, I crocheted while watching whatever he enjoyed on TV. There are only a few shows and movies that I really enjoy myself, but I enjoyed keeping him company. At this update some years later, I am a relatively new <a href="http://www.working-grandmothers.com/2017/09/becoming-new-widow.html" target="_blank">widow</a>, and still keep pretty much the same schedule.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is tempting to come in here to my laptop and spend time on my computer during the evening, but I try to make an effort not to do that, as leisure time is so important, as is unwinding during the evening hours before settling down to a good nights sleep.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-83435262440457825172013-06-13T10:22:00.001-04:002018-11-30T14:07:41.803-05:00The Wayback Machine to the Rescue Again<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you accidentally deleted a blog post? I just did this the other day as I was working in a hurry to clean up some old posts on one of my blogs, accidentally deleting a post that I wanted to keep.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few years ago I learned about the <a href="http://archive.org/web/web.php" target="_blank">Wayback Machine</a>. All you do to find your old post is click <a href="http://archive.org/web/web.php" target="_blank">this link</a> and put the url of the blog post you are missing, if you can recall the full url, in the field toward the top of the page and click the "take me back" button. You will then see a calendar with certain dates highlighted in blue. Pick the highlighted date that is most current out of these highlighted dates, and you will see an image of your post as it was on that date.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can "copy" and "paste" your information and re-publish the post as a new post if it is valuable to you. Make sure you check any linked text in your post if you copy and paste as the Wayback site changes the url to include their site. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you can't recall the url of the particular post, the archive links in the margins are click-able, and you may be able to find it this way. Of course, it is best to back up your blog regularly, something I am trying to do more consistently, but the Wayback Machine has saved me more times than I like to admit.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-21964001236693324032013-04-08T14:54:00.000-04:002018-11-30T14:03:22.998-05:00Now I Know Why Backing Up Computer Files is So Important<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today my old faithful laptop that I worked on daily for the past 6+ years crashed. I tried to recover it, to no avail. I tried the disk that puts it back to factory setting, that didn't work either. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I do most of my work on the web, so am able to reach many of my income sources, but hundreds of files are now gone...picture files, my important bookmarks to web pages, documents from some family matters I kept track of, and so much more. I think I can live without these things in some ways, but won't really know until I go to look for something and it's not there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">So now I do wish I'd backed up my files. It's going to be interesting to see what the coming days and weeks bring. I will occasionally be able to work on my husbands desktop computer...when he doesn't need it...like right now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">DO back up your files, especially if you are using your computer for your home business, or have important documents stored on it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-34746829508433137972013-02-26T15:20:00.000-05:002018-11-30T14:00:49.768-05:00Simple Tips - Increasing or Decreasing Page and Text Size<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many people already know how to increase the text size or page size on a blog or website, but some of you may not, so I thought I'd let you know what I took too long to discover. In fact, I learned how to do this when someone shared it as an aside during a news report. It had nothing to do with the daily news, but it was news to me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This tip is for desktop or laptop computers, not tablets.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">All you have to do is <b>hold the control (ctrl) key down</b>, and at the same time tap the <b>plus (+) key</b> or <b>minus (-) key</b> depending upon whether you want to increase or decrease the size of the page. The text will usually increase and decrease along with the page.
I find this so helpful and a great help in reducing eye strain while reading on the computer. If you have a related tip, please feel free to leave it in a comment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will also say that when I return to visit the same page again, it seems that my browser "remembers" the size I want to view the page and text in, and I don't have to increase or decrease the web page size again. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-84410925576454070502012-11-10T12:08:00.000-05:002018-11-30T13:53:21.373-05:00Hurricane Sandy Leaves Many Homeless<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a resident of New Jersey and we are in the midst of a long journey back from super storm Hurricane Sandy. Though we do not live along the shore, it is a favorite vacation and day trip destination for us and many. Even worse is the destruction to summer and year-round homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personally, my home is in the midst of wooded Northern New Jersey. The type of damage suffered was the falling of many many trees on wires, homes and cars. We were fortunate in that the worst that we suffered was power out for 10 days, some are still without power as I type this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In memory of our beautiful New Jersey shoreline, here is a picture and short video taken with my little point and shoot camera only 2 months before Hurricane Sandy swept much beauty and history away.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dygLgxGYcjAN2oDL7OqfXKCGuvDVycXRxEm_kGfsjCq4aR0JpgoRTsdbjrKFfioloUCHbZGjMBKcXU6FnworQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those in New Jersey, New York and other States affected by Hurricane Sandy.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Updated 11/30/18</i></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-3091068585154601792012-09-09T23:10:00.000-04:002018-11-28T15:31:11.393-05:00Is You Credit Record Good Enough to Borrow?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because we have a good credit record, borrowing money has not been hard for us. Perhaps it is as good as it is because we don't borrow just because we want something, always pay our bills on time, and are generally careful about managing our money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have had some challenging emergencies that have come our way that have required borrowing, and though we don't like owing money, it has been good to know our credit score is good enough to make it easy and possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/creditscores/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monitoring your Credit Report and Score</a> is made a lot easier if you know how your financial decisions affect your credit score. If you would like to learn more about the things that harm your credit score, and find links to get free credit scores, you'll find a lot of educational information at the link above. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Updated 11/28/18</i></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-4656169191625160412012-08-22T15:40:00.000-04:002018-11-28T15:29:50.501-05:00Interested in becoming a VA or Virtual Assistant?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you have wondered what is involved in becoming a Virtual Assistant, you will want to visit a site owned by someone I've been acquainted with online for a number of years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A Virtual Assistant in simple terms is someone who does typing and other secretarial and clerical type work from home for any number of clients. Services you offer will be based upon your skills, you decide what you can or cannot do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please take a moment to visit <a href="http://vadirectory.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">VA Directory </a>and look at the main links on the page and the drop-down menus along the top to learn more. There are links to post your job, for VA training, a forum, and so very much more for anyone who is interested in knowing what it means to work from home as a Virtual Assistant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Updated 11/28/18</i></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-43404657372572573882012-08-16T22:08:00.000-04:002018-11-28T15:27:55.137-05:00Free Eye Exams<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am looking at this screen through computer glasses, and when they come off, on will go my progressive lens glasses. I think insurance has helped us a bit with our glasses, though I'm not 100% sure, as we did pretty well finding good deals before we had insurance for vision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With another potential job change coming up, and the possibility that we may not have the same insurance we do now, we may lose our vision insurance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was reading some retirement advice that suggested that you might be able to get a free eye exam by ophthalmologists that volunteer to do them for those that can't afford them and need an exam. If this is you, and you are over 65, it suggests that you go take a look at </span><a href="http://eyecareamerica.org/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">EyeCareAmerica.org</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> to find an ophthalmologist that will offer free eye exams in your area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Updated 11/28/18</i></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-85759511422003895982012-08-12T23:49:00.001-04:002018-11-28T15:25:30.551-05:00Is Network Marketing for Everyone?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was actively involved with a network marketing company several years ago, and am still a member and customer, but not involved in the business part of it any longer. At the time, though, it was fun and there was some success. I made a bit of money and won 4 trips, a couple for myself, one that I went on with my husband, and one that we went on as a family of 4.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whether or not you are successful at this type of business depends upon how much support you receive, how persistent you are, and many other factors. If you are interested in learning more, you will find some support at <a href="http://mlmopinion.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Hall's MLM Opinion</a>, a site that offers advise and support for those who are interesting in this type of business. Some network marketing companies are also called multi-level marketing businesses, this is what the letters M L M stand for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Though some tried to discourage me from getting involved with the company I did, in my case, it was successful for a time, and part of some very happy memories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Updated 11/28/18</i></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-86001697327044710602012-07-26T12:23:00.000-04:002018-11-28T15:22:54.113-05:00Where are the Best Jobs for Seniors?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unemployment statistics always seem to be negative and at the same time, more seniors are finding it necessary to supplement their retirement income, or make career changes if not quite at retirement age. It's possible with current economic trends that more retirees will be working to supplement income.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">AARP at their website, aarp.org, provides a list of the <a href="http://www.aarp.org/work/working-after-retirement/info-06-2011/jobs-for-a-second-career.html" target="_blank">top 50 jobs for career change for those over 50</a>. The top 10 in their list of 50 includes:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Home Health Aid</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personal and Home Care Aide</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Computer Software Engineer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Medical Assistant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dental Assistant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Self-enrichment Education Teacher</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Compliance Officer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dental Hygienist</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Veterinary Technologist</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the list goes on, providing estimated income information as well as education required for the type of work described. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Updated 11/28/18</i></span>Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036157474307629904.post-24139485827579731982012-04-13T12:40:00.002-04:002018-11-28T15:15:26.490-05:00Loneliness While Working at Home<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is not uncommon to feel a sense of loneliness when you are working at home, especially if you have moved from parenting to an empty nest. You looked forward to the day when all that chaos and confusion of combining raising children and working at home would end. You longed for the day when you could focus on your work without distraction. That day has come and gone, it was nice for a while, but now there may be a gnawing sense of loneliness that has taken up the place where chaos and confusion used to reside.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This may not be everyone's experience, some may thrive on working alone, but it is my experience. I have been searching for and discovering some helpful solutions to this. Some I am practicing, others need to be added to my life to broaden and expand it. Let me share a few things that I've found helpful in overcoming loneliness while working at home. Some suggestions are not new, but we often need reminders to get back on track.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Following are some suggestions for overcoming loneliness while working from home:</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2026">Image Credit: worradm</a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Find other friends who work from home on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003025465196" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/happynutrition" target="_blank">Twitter </a>- this won't completely fill the void, because we need to hear real voices and see real tangible people to do that, but it helps a lot. There are many groups of people with like business interests that can be found and joined on Facebook. Using the Hashtag (#) feature on Twitter you can search for "tweets" about things that interest you and share as well. I suggest that you <b>turn off the "notifications" feature</b> when you join or are added to a group on <b>Facebook </b>or you will be overwhelmed with emails...but do keep up with the groups, you do that by going to the "Home" link in the upper right and looking at the list in the left margin. Open up a tab on your browser with your Facebook account <b>during working hours</b>, and twitter as well, so you can interact when you wish, and share your accomplishments. I have a separate account for business acquaintances and friends on Facebook, that window is open during working hours, and in the evening I check in on family and personal friends on my personal account.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Go out </b>for a walk, alone or with your dog if you have one, and exercise. I try to walk or do Yoga each day, and do fail to do so some days, but also do manage to get out there more and more. It helps so much to get outdoors for an hour or more and run into neighbors and take in some sunshine, or walk in the rain with an umbrella when possible. You can do a little in the gardens and feel a sense of accomplishment.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Get up each hour</b> and do a chore around the house. This helps me so much mentally and physically. It's not good to sit for hours a day if you are physically able to get up and move. If you must sit due to a physical condition, learn about sitting exercises you can do and do some each hour to aid circulation. Youtube has many exercise videos, look up "chair yoga" or other exercises that can be done while sitting.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Call a friend</b> or family member and talk a bit so that you hear a voice. Though social networking, emailing etc. are nice, there is nothing like an "old fashioned" talk on the phone and visit with a friend over a cup of coffee.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Get involved in a <b>hobby or activity</b> through your community center or go to a Woman's <b>Bible Study</b>. I do the latter each week which gets me out among women who like to share their joys and trials and support one another in and through them.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Consider ways that your work might <b>include tangible or visual contact with other people</b>. Some work done from home includes this naturally, like those who go out and show products in homes as part of their business, but for those of us who are writers, more creativity may be needed. Join in on video chats and other visual forms of interaction. You will find that if you "social network" as discussed in #1 above, you'll hear of events taking place like this that you can take part in. Do so when you can.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have other suggestions for avoiding loneliness while working from home? Please do share in a comment. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Updated 11/28/18</i></span></span><br />
<br />Claudia Meydrechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07669881167624360175noreply@blogger.com0