Posted on 11/22/2004 10:03:14 AM PST by TexasCowboy
I don't knit, but I do crochet. One of the nuns from my grammar school taught a group of us how to do it when I was about 9. We used to go up the street to the convent once a week for our lessons.
when I was pregnant with jax I put down my cross stitch and picked up the crochet hook......no matter where I was I had something in the works. It was an election year, and the legislature was in session so there were lots of fundraisers to attend - you culd always find me sitting with a project on my lap happily crocheting away. That was the easiest time I ever had as a lobbyist - they all came to me in deference to my "condition."
but I digress - kids do like needlework crafts if they are small projects - they make something and get immediate gratification. I don't remember exactly what they are called - but I remember making potholders with loops when I was a kid. the next time I'm in the 5&10 (yes we have one of those here!) I'll check to see what it's called because I know they have the supplies for them - and they're very inexpensive, even the little "looms" used to make them.
I don't crochet very well. (Grandmother backstory here that I won't bore you with.)
It just always felt awkward to me. I taught myself to knit when I was about 15 and have become quite skilled at it over the years.
LOL!!!!
The husband of a friend of mine recently built her a quilting table.......when fully openned it takes up nearly an entire room!!!!
And I couldn't knit to save my life....never could get the hang of it.
I think the local Senior Citizens Center would be a great resource ... there's no telling what skills the people have and could share with the children. Stories, too!
LOL!!!!
It's not well known, but it is fact that many of the world's most reknowned needle workers (crochet, needlepoint, etc) are/were men. I don't think there is anything unmanly or metrosexual about a man that knows what to do with a needle or hook. It tells me he is comfortable enough in his masculinity to not give a rip what others think!!!!!
I have to admit though, I was a bit of a sight, 8 months pregnant sitting at the bar with the baby blanket I was crochetting in my lap. In Dover, Delaware all political functions were held in local restaurant/bars and I just found the high stools at the bar more comfortable.
I see nothing wrong with teaching boys needlework - it's not just for girls, ya know!!! If nothing else teaching them how to sew on a button or hem a pair of pants helps them become self-sufficient. The same with teaching them how to cook - most of the world reknowned chefs are men, after all.
I'll go by there and talk with them.
I could go in and pick them up and take them back.
Senior citizens have a lot to offer.
They've lived a lot of life they'd love to share if they can get anyone to listen.
One of the NRA grant reqeusts I want to send you is for High School JROTC Air Rifle teams.
Even though you and I know that pellet guns can be just as deadly as a .22, they seem to be less intimidating to those who are not 'gun people.' It's a thought to consider if you want to set up a range.
As well, the 4-H and FFA folks have experienced firearms instructors who ought to be able to donate some time to this part of the project.
And older folks LOVE kids!!!!!
Getting the involvement of the senior center would be wonderful - everyone would benefit from that. Just from personal experience I know a lot of folks go to the centers for socializing because they have no family nearby. To invite those type people to be with the kids would do wonders for them, and teach so much to the kids.
I was sewing buttons on my shirts and sticking light bulbs in my socks to sew up holes when I was a little tyke.
To me, it has nothing to do with femininity or masculinity. It's a form of creativity.
I've never seen a woman eight months pregnant sitting in a bar on a barstool, but whatever worked!
I think boys should learn how to take care of themselves in all environments, and I think the same applies to girls.
Boys need to be able to cook and sew just like girls need to be able to change a tire on a car.
Okay! Some more instructional ideas!
I could set up a small air rifle range with no problem.
I'd like to have that information.
I'll send you the address.
Thanks, pard!
You're right! I was zeroed in on the kids, but the seniors would benefit from it, too!
Now, I have a question for everyone:
Concerning diets, there are so many allergies to so many foods nowdays that it's going to be difficult to fix meals safely for the kids (or the Seniors, for that matter!).
We had talked about weenie roasts and bar-b-ques, but what if some of the kids are allergic to those foods?
Would it be advisable to let everyone who comes out list the foods they are allergic to?
Or would it be better to show the menu in advance and ask them to bring their own if they are allergic to anything on it?
I think that if you offer a variety of foods, most of the children would be able to get enough to eat. Especially vegetables - there aren't many allergies to those. Parents or guardians of a child with many allergies would probably be used to providing their own food for everything!
You'd want to be informed of allergies in advance. Some, like dairy, usually just cause discomfort, but others like peanuts or mustard, can be deadly very quickly.
Call a local public school. Their cafeterias have forms that you must fill out about allergies or religious objections about foodstuffs.
When you get geared up, I would send some sample menus with the disclaimer that they are samples only and not representative of what they may actually be served.
I don't know how an idea so simple can get so complicated, but I guess that's life in today's world.
Well, here comes some more cold water...
Allergies to bee venom - have a couple of kits handy - Epi-pens, are they called? - for folks who have reactions to bees.
OBTW - God's hand is evident in all you are doing. Don't let us pragmatists stop you from forging ahead.
We are also praying for you mightily, and I for one am convinced that you are about to have the time of your life!
I've been around bees all my life so I'm not at all allergic, and I make it a point to get stung several times a year to keep up my resistance. To me they're like mosquito bites, but my grandson has a severe allergic reaction to them.
I'll get some of those kits. I've heard of them.
Thanks, again!
If there's anything I need more than your advice, it's your prayers.
God has directed me every step of the way. Sometimes I just know when something is right, and sometimes I'm not sure.
That's when He's telling me to reach out for help.
This place we call FR has the best minds and the biggest hearts of anyplace in the world.
May God bless you all.
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