Close to my Heart

Relay Completed

The 2005 Relay was a success.  The weather wasn't the greatest, but it could have been a lot worse too.  At least it didn't rain the entire night, and there were no major downpours during my time on the track.  As last year, the hardest time came around 5 a.m. when it was freezing cold (well not technically freezing), and it started to pour.  I have no idea what our community total was as our team had left by the time the final announcment was made, but I suspect it will be higher than last year.  This is the third year our community has had a relay, and there are more teams every year.  This year, there was the maximum allowable 100 teams.  Like last year, especially poignant moments were the Survivor's Lap and the lighting of the luminaries.  My heart goes out to all who have battled this awful disease.  I thought a lot about my friend's Mom during the night.

Finally, the big announcement.  The winner of my contest and the two hanks of Koigu is Julie.  Julie, I've emailed you to confirm your mailing information.  I'd like to thank all of you who donated to such a good cause (sorry, too tired to link to your blogs):  Christina, Elizabeth, Felicia, Julie, Lu, Paula, Sharon, Shelley, Uli, and Vivian.

It's here

The Day of our local Relay for Life is here.  I took the day off from work so that I could rest up in preparation for being up all night.  The weather is looking rather iffy, and warm clothing and umbrellas are going to be necessary.  I wish the weather was nicer, but really, compared to what cancer patients are going through, big deal. 

Speaking of cancer patients, my friend's Mom who was recently diagnosed with cancer just finished her first round of cheemo.  I saw her last night, and despite a terminal diagnosis, is in good spirits.  I'm planning to knit her a pair of socks, and it may be appropriate to work on these tonight at the Relay.

Thanks so much for all of your generous donations to the relay.  Don't forget that any donation will make you eligible to enter a draw for two skeins of Koigu.  My donation page is here.  I'll make the draw sometime this weekend, after I've recuperated from the relay.

Sporadic posting here lately.  Hopefully more regular posting will resume soon.  This coming week is the most un-busy week I've had in a while.  Have a great weekend everyone!

A Friend's Bad News

It's a beautiful sunny morning here on the west coast.  Unfortunately, this morning's sunshine is likely to be irrelevent to one of my best friends this morning as her world looks completely different today.  Yesterday, she accompanied her mother to the internist.  They learned the devestating news, her mother has an aggressive form of cancer that sounds like has already invaded several parts of her body.  She will soon travel to a Cancer Clinic and begin cheemo.  What a scary prospect for my friend's mother.

Given yesterday's news, it seemed appropriate this morning to once again mention that I will be participating in the Relay for Life in just over a week.  If you'd care to donate and be eligible to enter a draw to win these two hanks of Koigu, go here.  No donation is too small, and all would be greatfully appreciated. 

Relay for Life Contest

Some of you may recall that last year, together with several of my co-workers, I participated in the Relay for Life.   The observant of you readers may have noticed that last weekend I put a link to my page for this year's relay up on the blog (top right). It is a great cause to benefit cancer research and supports.  After all, I don't think any of us have never been affected somehow by this disease.  Some of you reading this may be cancer survivor's yourselves.  Or perhaps your loved ones have fought or lost the battle with this dreadful disease.  We really need to find a cure so that we can stop the suffering.  The relay itself is June 10th, and between now and then, our workplace will be the site of many fundraising activities.  This week, we launched a raffle, featuring great prizes perfect for Mother's Day.  My contribution is this facecloth and soap (handmade during my soapmaking obsession a couple years ago):

(The basic garter stitch cloth is stil my favourite).

I'm hoping that I can count on the generosity of my readers to assist in raising funds for this great cause.  And, in order to encourage you, I'm having a raffle of sorts right here on the blog.  If you contribute (go here or use the link on the top right) you will be entered in a draw to win this:

Yummy, beautiful Koigu.  There is no required donation amount in order to be eligible for the raffle.  And, if response is good, I will add raffle items, likely sock yarn from my way too big stash.  So please, donate to this great cause.

The draw will take place sometime in the day or two following the relay itself.  The Relay site notifies me by e-mail when a donation is made, but if you would like to be sure I know, feel free to e-mail me (my e-mail link is in the left sidebar).

Thanks in advance for your support.