Saturday, January 30, 2010

COSTCO IS CHEAPER ON RAMEN, ETC.!!

Hi there,
Jeff and I went to COSTCO yesterday. I picked up a 'case' of chicken ramen for $7.99; 48 total. That is a BETTER DEAL than the 99 CENT STORE. They also have bags of all flavors of BEEF JERKY. We also got a container (900 sheets) of BABY WIPES, which the infantry can use when they don't have showers. It is not really one container, although it is one carton: lots of separate containers inside so they can be divided up to different groups within a battalion or separate soldiers. Up to you. Another good thing we found were BAGS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRIED FRUIT. The soldiers who get MRE's (meals ready to eat) don't often get fruit, I've been told. So in that lunch box size fruit portions are heavy to mail or conversely, take up a lot of space in the largest FLAT RATE POST OFFICE BOX, these very well sealed bags of dried fruit go a long way. I bought apricots. As I find things, I'll let you know. In the meantime, keep the faith and keep those knitting needles going full force.
I have learned that FOB in the address usually means they are stationed out in the boonies, instead of a place where there are kitchens, bathrooms, etc. So, if I see an FOB address in Afghanistan, Jeff and I tend to want them to get boxes of things that might be able to make them more comfortable. Up to you, of course. I send cards and other things to soldiers in other places. Over and out for now...

Adria
General Mama
Mama-Schu

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

GREAT BUYS ON NEEDED ITEMS AT THE 99 CENT STORE!

Hi there
The other day, Shirley and I went over to the 99 CENT STORE and really scored! They currently have the following that the guys and gals love: Ramen (6 for 99 cents); individual tubs of mac and cheese (50 cents each); big plastic bottles of foot powder (99 cents each); small spiral notebooks that are used for journals; pencils and hand pencil sharpeners; tubes of extra strength hand cream for the cold and chapping weather in the Hindu Kush, etc. CHECK OUT THIS WONDERFUL SOURCE FOR THE GOODY BOXES YOU MAY WISH TO SEND OFF TO YOUR anysoldier.com guys and gals. You truly do get a lot of BANG FOR YOUR BUCK at the 99 CENT STORE. Also, I like the clean and neat way in which the merchandise their bargains. I'm being serious here; it's a well organized business and it certainly has what we need to send off to our soldiers.
VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS AND NOTES: It is easy to send off Valentines to our military personnel. One bunch of mine arrived already; I've heard from a recipient. You would have thought I had sent rubies! These notes and cards mean so much. Again, the 99 CENT STORE is a good source for cards of any kind: very reasonable!
Those are my current ideas. Keep those knitting needles going at warp speed, Wool Warriors. We are making a small difference; however, it IS a difference for those who receive what we send. And that, of course, is our 'mission'.

Sincerely,

Adria
General Mama
Mama-Schu

Friday, January 22, 2010

TORRENTIAL RAINS IN LOS ANGELES!

We have had torrential rains in Los Angeles; good knitting weather! We've heard from some of our soldiers; they SO appreciate the goody boxes and the knitted items. One soldier's wife received the baby outfit we sent; she's due in a few weeks with their first born. It's a girl! He forwarded my e-mail to another soldier, who asked if a baby outfit could be sent out for his baby, who is due in June. So, we're branching out "warriors".
This is a short one; not much to say. Keep those knitting needles going as fast as you can. Your work and donations of finished goods to our soldiers is much appreciated by them. In our own way, we are DEPLOYED TO ACTION too! We are WOOL WARRIORS!!!

Adria

Monday, January 18, 2010

THE HORROR OF HAITI!

We cannot fathom the horrific reality of what has happened in HAITI. Jeff and I have chosen to send a monitary donation to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS because we know the wonderful work they do with EVERY PENNY DONATED. Further, we have sent the check snail-mail because there seems to be some controversy about whether or not the credit card companies (all of them) will or will not charge their regular processing fee to charge a donationto charities helping Haiti. So, with that in mind, we are mailing a check directly to:
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
USA HEADQUARTERS
333 7th Avenue, Second floor
New York, New York 10001-5004
Phone: (212) 679-6800

or TOLL FREE DONATIONS INFORMATION: 1-888-392-0392

GOD BLESS the people of Haiti who have gone through so much so many different times. And much gratitude to all of the RESCUE TEAMS who are working so hard to save lives.....they, of course, put their own safety in peril.

Sincerely,

Adria Schumann

Saturday, January 16, 2010

UPDATE...

I don't know if I should start with good and generous news or sad news; I'll start with good and generous news. Special thanks to dear and always thoughtful Linda. In her precious husband's memory, she was extraordinarily generous in the quest to help cover the costs of the balaclavas for our paratroopers or mailing costs. The one thing she does NOT like, is publicity or specifics. So we'll leave it there. Thank you Linda and GOD BLESS YOU as HE has blessed all who are lucky enough to walk life's roads with you.
Secondly, we heard from the CO of our paratroopers. They did receive the first box that we sent out on 26 December 2009; took a great deal of time to catch up with them. So, they probably won't receive the other several boxes in transit until maybe 1 February 2010.
Sadly, they have been in hot combat and although their specific platoon is in tact, they lost three comrades in the recent action. It was in the papers, but I didn't know for certain it could be them. GOD REST THEIR SOULS. It is the DNA of our Country's future that is 'over there'. I forwarded parts of THE GETTYSBURGH ADDRESS because I believe that honest blood spilled anywhere 'consecrates the land'. It is tough news to relate, but it is necessary to share. These are not numbers or statistics 'over there'; they are our 'kids'. We've lost 3 more hearts and souls.
Happily, I received another e-mail from a Marine Colonel who received two boxes of goodies and knitted items we mailed off on 26 December 2009. He and his men are leaving Afghanistan in March, after 1 very long year on duty. They are in tact. I made certain that they know that if they have to return to duty, we will be there for them. We will add a new name to our list for knitted items and goodies. Keep in mind that each name on anysoldier.com may represent many soldiers who are part of a platoon. Anyway, GOD SPEED to all of them; and happy speed home to our Marine Colonel and his men.
And now you know what I know......

Sincerely,

Adria
General Mama aka "Mama-Schu"

Friday, January 15, 2010

HOSTESS GIFTS, GATHERINGS AND VALENTINES....!

GATHERINGS: Another fun idea is to create little afternoon gatherings (or evenings) where the 'entrance fee' is a donation of an item (or more) to the SOLDIERS' BOX waiting to be filled for mail off. Teenagers can do this as well as adults. Think about a can of pineapple or lunch size fruit servings. This is not costly, and would make such a difference in the box of goodies getting filled for a mail-off.
HOSTESS GIFTS: If you know a person has a box that is getting filled two items added to the grocery list a week, instead of bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party, use that money to help fill her SOLDIERS' BOX of goodies. She will be very grateful for the help and you will be doing a good deed.
VALENTINE'S DAY: Please think about sending actual Valentines, or notes, or hand-made items to our troops. It would mean so much. If you have ANY AGE CHILD, this would be a GOOD DEED PROJECT to initiate. Grandparents could do this as a project when the 'grands' are visiting. GIRL SCOUT TROOPS could do this. CHURCHES and SYNAGOGUES could have a craft session to make Valentine's. It all adds up.
These rough toughie military personnel just 'melt' with joy when they receive things like this. I had a Marine Captain send a two page hand written letter of gratitude over a Christmas Card he received!!! Believe me, an inexpensive CRAFT PROJECT for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, the FOURTH OF JULY, etc. would help to keep the spirits up for our 'kids' who are 'over there'.......'over there'......'over there'......
Thanks for listening. Just suggestions.

Sincerely,

Adria
General Mama, aka "Mama-Schu"

Thursday, January 14, 2010

POST OFFICE RAISES ITS PRICES!

Hi there,
Yesterday, Jeff and I posted 4 of the largest FLAT RATE boxes of goodies to our troops. FYI the DISCOUNTED price for APO addressed boxes has gone up! Each size box is a different price; obviously. As we sent 4 of the largest FLAT RATE boxes, I want to report to you that now the largest flat rate box is $12.50 to mail; regular price for non APO addresses is 14.50. Previous to this, in 2009, the cost of sending the largest flat rate box to an APO address was $11.00. THAT HAS NOW CHANGED. Be certain to factor that increase into your plans.
This might be a good time to remind you to mention to friends who do not knit, that a GOOD PARTNERSHIP might take place if they could help with the cost of mailing and/or yarn. In this way, we'll get the job done with cooperation. Also it would give those who do not knit a way in which to help.
To that end, I want to thank the following people for the financial assistance in the purchase of the balaclaavas for our BRASS MONKEYS: Stephanie, Melissa, Hal, Rozie and Kathleen. I also want to thank my husband, Big Jeff, for always packing up our boxes with professionalism and care. Thank you does not seem enough; these guys need the help and you all helped to provide it. Blessings.
Keep knitting and sending off those boxes. If you need help or more information, let me know.
Oh yes, we did come up with a new idea: WE MENTIONED TO FOLKS THAT IF THEY JUST ADD TWO ITEMS TO THEIR WEEKLY MARKETING LISTS, WE WILL TAKE THOSE DONATIONS AND ADD THEM TO OUR BOXES FOR MAILING ONCE WE GET A FULL BOX OF DONATIONS. In this way, teenagers on allowance, or all of us who are on budgets, can slowly build in donations of two small items at a time. It grows. Just a thought.
Thanks for your time and hard work.

Sincerely,

Adria
General Mama, aka "Mama-Schu"

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

THE TROOPS ALSO NEED.....

I have been told by a military person, that the troops also need some very basic items of comfort, which are easy to mail. Here they are: CHAPSTICK, SUN SCREEN, KLEENX WIPES OR BABY WIPES, SMALL TUBES OF HAND CREAM, VASELINE, MRS. DASH OR OTHER SPICES, CLIFF BARS OR POWER BARS. Hard to believe, but very often, the infantry guys don't get to shower for weeks on end - in one case, over a month! The living conditions are beyond tough, as are they! So......
Evidently the weather, particularly in Afghanistan, chaps the lips terribly. In fact, I was told that the very high altitudes and the cold weather combine to dry out the skin. In that they often are traveling, setting up tents here and there, smaller containers of these items are better. A soldier (currently on leave at home; his wife is a new warrior with us) told me that VASELINE is critical, because they walk so much, they put it between their toes to help prevent blisters.
TARGET is a good source for these TRAVEL SIZE items. Another good source is the 99 CENT STORE. TARGET has bins with these things in them, especially made for traveling. My daughter and I picked up some when we went to Ireland. They are located near the pharmacy in every store. Even though the travel size is less cost effective, these infantry troops move from place to place and therefore, packing up big sizes of things is too much of a challenge.
Lastly, this soldier said that the READY MADE FOOD they eat all begins to 'taste the same'. The idea of MRS. DASH or small bottles of other seasonings, came up in conversation. The military does provide salt, pepper and Tabasco in these ready made food provisions.
So, if you are mailing off a few balaclavas or neck socks or watch caps, it might be a good idea to include some of these items as surprises. OH, BUT BE SURE TO PUT THEM IN ZIP LOCK BAGS SO IF THERE IS ANY LEAKAGE, THE BOX OF OTHER ITEMS WOULD BE PROTECTED. This soldier told me that this is a bigger problem when dealing with items sent to Iraq because sometimes, it is so very hot there, things melt. But in AFghanistan, this does not appear to be a big problem - most particularly in the winter months. It's freezing there!
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS: A special shout-out to our growing numbers of members. Welcome to those in Santa Clarita; Elk Grove, California; Ojai and Oxnard, California; as well as, the Santa Ynez Valley. We especially want to thank those new members who do NOT knit, but who want to be part of HELPING OUR TROOPS by participating in sending other needed items. We go where the need is!
KUDOS TO THOSE WHO ARE HELPING IN OUR QUICK SOLVE OF A BIG PROBLEM: As you may or may not know, we heard from a group of 40 paratroopers who are somewhere in the mountains of Afghanistan. They responded to a Christmas Card. They are cold and were very appreciative of any number of NECK SOCKS or BALACLAVAS we might be able to send. Well, how can you just send a few when all 40 are freezing? So, in this case, we decided to send what we had completed (many had already been sent out to others, so we were down in our supply) AND BUY THE REST FROM THE SIERRA TRADING POST. Thanks so much to this company for taking $1.00 off each balaclava. Thanks also to them for packing them up and mailing them off to the APO address for us. So, instead of 11.95 each, we got them for 10.95 each. We sent off the 31 they had left in stock. Two other members made up the difference in hand-knitted neck socks. So all 40 of these guys - our new 'family' of paratroopers - will be warm. Nobody will be left out. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO CHIPPED IN FOR THIS ER SOLUTION OF A BIG PROBLEM. Feels good.
Additionally, I received a 'snail-mail' two page very heart-warming letter from a Marine Captain. He was responding to a simple Christmas card we sent out too! You would have thought we handed him a zillion dollars! These CARDS AND LETTERS evidently, mean a great deal to all of them. Anyway, and of course, this is not mentioned in the media (see a pattern here?) he had two requests in response to my query: warm caps and gloves for the children they meet on a daily basis in Kabul; if possible, something knitted for his wife, who is pregnant with their first child. He said that 'it is really not necessary to send anything, as the card meant so much...." but this gave me another GREAT IDEA: WE COULD ALSO OFFER KNITTED ITEMS TO SOLDIERS WHO HAVE WIVES WHO ARE EXPECTING. This hit me hard because I have 23 sweater outfits for babies just ready to go. Of course, the MILITARY COMES FIRST; but in my case most particularly, if I hear from a guy who is about to become a father, I would be so pleased to send off a baby outfit to his wife. One is going out on Wednesday!
So, "Wool Warriors", we have expanded in what we can and probably should do in addition to our needed knitting and crocheting: ITEMS OF PERSONAL NEED IN SMALL TRAVEL SIZES, SPICES FOR FOOD, CARDS AND LETTERS, KNITTED OR CROCHETED ITEMS FOR AFGHANI CHILDREN; BABY OUTFITS FOR NEWBORNS STATE-SIDE. If nothing else, those cards and letters are critical - most particularly after Christmas, when people tend to forget.... It can be dreary for them.
EARTHQUAKE!!! Get your tissues out people! Our dear Lady Stephanie lives in Ferndale, where the 6.5 earthquake hit two minutes after I got off the phone with her. She had been sitting in her dressing room, near her huge armoir. She got up to go down to the computer because I told her she had received the latest news from some of our troop followers. She got downstairs to her husband, who was sitting at the computer. The earthquake hit big time! They heard a HUGE noise!! The armoir upstairs fell over - glass and wood breaking everywhere. Had Stephanie still been up there, she would have been crushed! However, because of our involvement with our paratroopers (the 40 of them have come to mean a great deal to us) her life was saved! I wrote this to their commanding officer; it pleased him no-end. He wrote back to Stephanie, which just gave HER the spirit to not only continue knitting, but to get back to the huge job of cleaning her home from the damage the earthquake brought. So, good begets good, people. Good begets good...
Thanks for listening and blessings for all that you do! Blessings and super support to our military followers who may be reading this. We're here for you, to the best of our abilities. Together, we can do anything. If you are deployed, we are deployed FOR YOU here at home: we are WOOL WARRIORS!

Adria
aka General Mama or "Mama-Schu"

Saturday, January 9, 2010

WE HEARD FROM TWO MORE MILITARY GUYS!

Hi Everyone,
Just to keep you updated and inspired, I heard from two more military guys yesterday! One e-mailed me from the 'boonies' of the mountains of Afghanistan. He is a paratrooper in charge of 40 guys. The other is a Marine Captain, who is about to become a first time daddy of a baby girl.
Thanks to all of you who pitched in to cover the 31 balaclavas we had sent out to the paratroopers, who are freezing and had their first shower yesterday in over a month! Difficult to believe the discomforts and danger our guys and gals are in to protect our 'six'! That's a military term my husband taught me. Thanks to Kathleen, in Chicago, who will be sending four neck socks to make the 31, 35; I will make up the 5 neck socks to cover the entire 40 guys who, at least, won't be cold. The decision to purchase these balaclavas from SIERRA TRADING POST, came when it was clear we could not knit fast enough to get them warm this winter. Thanks to SIERRA TRADING POST that took $1.00 off the 11.95 cost of each balaclava. They are also sending the box directly to the APO address for us. So, in less than 12 hours, THE WOOL WARRIORS came together and made a difference, big time! Special thanks to the following: Hal, Melissa, Stephanie, Rozie, Jeff and Sherry. Others will come forward too, I am certain. But this was an emergency, and we took care of it. Usually, we do our own knitting, but as I said, 40 is a big number to handle all at once. There is always a solution to any problem. Right?
We will be sending off a BABY GIRL KNITTED OUTFIT to our Marine's wife next week. He thinks she is having a tougher time than he is. He also requested knitted CAPS and maybe GLOVES for the children of AFghanistan they meet on a daily basis. He wants to hand them out. Naturally, this kind of kindness of our troops is NOT written up by the media. But we know, don't we? I don't know how to knit gloves, but I suppose they can be purchased. Caps are easy, as you already know. If you need an easy pattern, PLEASE CONTACT ME.
Thank you Al, Scott and Joel for responding so kindly to THE WOOL WARRIORS! You are appreciated.
One more THANK YOU that is overdue: kudos to the DILL BUTTON COMPANY that gave me a nice discount on the iron-on American Flags I like to attach to my neck socks. Every discount helps. We could use a nice discount from MICHAEL'S CRAFTS and/or JOANN'S CRAFTS. But one step at a time....

Thank you, WOOL WARRIORS ( who now include non-knitters but supporters) for all your hard work!

Sincerely,

General Mama
Adria

Friday, January 8, 2010

CORRECTION!

In the past, I have referred to Safari Trading Company but of course, I meant, SIERRA TRADING POST. Sorry. It is a wonderful source if you don't knit and want to send something to the troops. Thank you. You may wish to look for Terramar lightweight BALACLAVA in merino wool or in silk #1778W. Silk and wool do not burn. Thanks.

General Mama

SALE AT JOANN'S CRAFTS!

Hi there, Wool Warriors:
There is a SALE at JOANN'S CRAFTS on Paton's all wool yarns, 3.5 ounce hanks. I bought all the camouflage colors at the Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica JOANN'S CRAFTS; however, there are lots of other stores. Typically, the camouflage colors are NOT the most popular colors- other than with the Wool Warriors, that is! They are on sale for $4.49 a 3.5 ounce hank. At JOANN'S, they are usually $5.99; at MICHAEL'S CRAFTS, they are usually $4.95 each. So even factoring in MICHAEL'S lower usual cost, there is a good savings here. Check it all out!
ALSO, bring your knitting with you to places such as the CAR WASH, or DOC'S OFFICES or anywhere, really. I keep mine in a CLEAR PLASTIC carry-all, so people can see through to the few finished products I carry with me. WHY? The more people who start to knit or who just go to anysoldier.com and send both cards or boxes of goodies, the more soldiers will be helped. I can't tell you the number of times people have asked me questions about the project. I always tell them that the particular group is not important; what is important is spreading the word and TAKING ACTION VIA anysoldier.com
Besides, why waste time just sitting at the car wash or at the ever irritating hurry up and wait at other appoitments? Bring the knitting and get something done! Just a thought.
Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,

General Mama

Thursday, January 7, 2010

MAYBE WE SHOULD REREAD TUESDAY'S POLITICAL BLOG!

The more I hear both sides of the political aisles use derogatory and emotionally flaming language, the more I fear for an illness in the democratic process. As Sojourner Truth said, "There's a boweival in this....." I've never heard or seen any progress made through screaming and name calling. Discussions and honest sharing of ideas make more sense. RIP AWAY THE POLITICAL LABELS and just sit down and talk about issues.....the way the 'little people' do every day in our ordinary lives.

Thank you.

General Mama

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

BE ALERT!

Yesterday, I looked up some of the names of soldiers to whom we had sent boxes of goodies and knitted items. I was interested in reading their postings attached to their names because very often, they do a general THANK YOU for things they have received. Sometimes, they post digital photos of their charitable activities with the locals. ANYWAY, I read one blog of a Marine Captain and he said that no boxes should be sent to his name or address after February because they were scheduled to be moved. SO, I THINK IT IS GOOD ADVICE TO ALWAYS CHECK THE NAMES OF SOLDIERS WITH WHOM YOU HAVE HOOKED UP TO MAKE CERTAIN ADDRESSES HAVE NOT CHANGED. When that happens, YOU HAVE DONE YOUR JOB with that person and his/her associated soldiers, marines, sailors or whatever... BELIEVE ME, EVERY DAY, NEW SOLDIERS SIGN UP FOR A FIRST TIME OR REPEAT SOLDIERS SIGN UP AGAIN ON anysoldier.com There's always a new need.
So, before you send anything off a second time, CHECK TO MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SOLDIER IS AT THE SAME ADDRESS AND READY TO RECEIVE THINGS.
Lastly, I have read many WISH LISTS by officers for associated personnel. Along with the need for snacks, there is a need for things such as SHAMPOO, WIPES, BODY CREAMS, GOOD SOCKS and special needs for WOMEN IN THE MILITARY. You might want to check out wish lists by clicking on any name at anysoldier.com REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU CLICK ON A NAME AND READ THEIR WORDS, THIS IS NOT USING UP YOUR TWO NAMES A DAY OR 10 NAMES A MONTH. To get the address, you have to go one step further by clicking on that name and filling out the standard information. SO, YOU CAN READ THE WORDS OF A SOLDIER AND EITHER GET THE ADDRESS OR MOVE ON. Their wish lists are very helpful and informative.
Thanks for your time.

Adria
General Mama, aka Mama-Schu

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

MICROCOSM/MACROCOSM VS. SIMPLISTICS

Although this blog is NOT political- humanitarian efforts for the troops - this one posting will verge on a general political discussion. I don't much like labels; they get in the way and are often phony representations of position, pretended wealth or image. For example, I have always been both amused and horrified by the rush to purchase items that have the labels on the outside. I've seen both men and women wearing clothing and accouterment from head to toe, all representing different expensive labels. To add to the silliness of this pretense, is the rush of some to purchase phony labels to pretend they have the funds to wear whatever labels they are displaying. Sometimes it works for them: people tend to be impressed and often with the phony!
In politics, labels just get in the way and blind people in the needed effort to cooperate. Yesterday, a group of us met out at the Reagan Library. Some of us were so called Conservative Republicans and others were labeled Progressive Democrats. We sat at a table for lunch and began to chat about issues. We started off agreeing that this is a fabulous library, well run, and full of interesting things. I said, "Let's get rid of the labels here and just pick a topic - any topic. Let's start with what we agree upon and then put out certain basics that are dear to our lives and thinking." So we did that. One person said, "I believe that there is a microcosm/macrocosm issue here: we should have our government live as we have to live both morally and in the fiscal sense." That made sense to me. Is that simplistic? Maybe, but it seems like a good place to start. Another person said that security of her home meant everything to her; both she and her husband had spent a great deal to protect their property. Well, security of our nation means a great deal to us and it seems that we need to consider security of our nation as part of our budget. Another person felt that personal privacy and freedom both represented great aspects of her moral foundation. So, when we got to the specifics of feelings about airport security, all of us agreed that we would have to give up certain considerations for privacy and freedom when anarchy of behavior has clearly become an issue with regard to enemies of our country. Funny how we all agreed on specifics, when they were discussed without the labels of Republican and Democrat. We just talked. We talked about HEALTH CARE. We talked about ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. One of us suggested that in California, jobs could be created with fixing roads or building de-salinization plants to help with our water problem. We made compromises on specifics. We found agreement. Nobody will listen to us because we are the 'little people' who may be the backbone of our country, but who do not get huge salaries or bonuses for failure. Were we being simplistic or is there a lesson here when measuring the microcosm with the macrocosm?
Then we talked about SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS. Everyone at the table, regardless of feelings about the wars, agreed that SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS is a fundamental issue with which we all could agree. Simple. Movement. Action. No labels. This blog, way back at the beginning postings, evidences a PROCESS by which anyone can take action in this support - action from the simple card sent or different sizes of boxes filled with things for the troops.
We laughed when we agreed that COMMON SENSE divided our participation in this lovely day. One person drove. One person paid for all the lunches. One person led a tour. One person paid for photos for everyone. We cooperated. We used COMMON SENSE. We freely came together to share opinions, made decisions for action on issues and we COOPERATED.
So, we were a MICROCOSM and wonder why things cannot happen like that in the MACROCOSM of political discussions, decent compromise and action.... Is it too simplistic to suggest that both sides of the political aisles do what we did at lunch and are doing with our personal projects? We just talked; we used our common sense; we took specific issues and decided on how we might come together to solve specific problems. And then, we act.
No labels here other than names of yarns that are on sale! You might want to check sales on Paton's camouflage color yarns at JOANN'S CRAFTS. You might also wish to consider one color, in browns, of LION'S BRAND FISHERMAN'S WOOL YARN; 8 ounces. Those brands or labels count....unless, of course, you can find another label that provides quality, more yarn to get the job done and is less expensive. This paragraph is a microcosm; it is not an anacrhonism...
There is one label and brand that means everything and we need to remember that and be grateful: THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERIA and of course DEMOCRACY. To make it work, we all must be involved. As a former history teacher, I have to add that the definition of democracy - either pure or representative - is involvement and government by the vote in a free enviroment. I also recall a pamphlet called COMMON SENSE.
I'm done with political party labels - way done with them. I am an AMERICAN - we are all AMERICANS and participants in the democratic process. We need to talk about specifics and issues, without hyperbole and flaming language for or against something. We need to talk, as a family talks about familial issues, and we need to make decent compromise for the common good. We need to avoid people who use the airways with a lack of decorum and who add emotional matches to hugely important issues with which we all MUST deal. That is truly what being an American is all about. American is enough of a proud label for me. It is a gift.

I shall return to talk of knitting in the future. But after luncheon yesterday, some things seemed too real - not simplistic at all. KEEP KNITTING AND CROCHETING...politics aside!

Sincerely and respectful of all opinions,

Adria
General Mama and "Mama-Schu"

Monday, January 4, 2010

WEATHER REPORT, AFGHANISTAN

Hi Again,
Just a friendly reminder of our purpose: the weather report for today in Afghanistan is 40 degrees and a warming trend (!) for tonight at 30 degrees. Tomorrow, the forecast is for 29 degrees. Many of our troops are in tents (!!) out in the 'boonies' serving duty. Although the heating system in tents is less than desirable, regardless of the time of year, the natural air conditioning works full time and very well. Ahem......get the point?
Keep knitting and crocheting. And let me know when you mail things off. It means something...

Respectfully pushy,
Adria, General Mama, "Mama-Schu"

P.S. It is winter in Iraq so it goes down into the 30's at night even though it warms up significantly during the day. Just a thought....

ALWAYS REMEMBER.....

Hi there,
I want to begin NEW POSTS with REMINDERS of important info in beginning posts. Please scroll back via OLD POSTS to these three important and informative postings: December 8, 2009 and MATERIALS AND IDEAS; December 15, 2009 and THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW; December 18 2009 and MEANING OF APO ADDRESSES. So new WOOL WARRIORS, please check these out even though they are buried in the archives of this blog. Important info about PROCESS. So anyway...

To the MILITARY PERSONNEL who may be reading this blog, please know that we think of you ALL THE TIME and want you to know that you are appreciated and supported. Let us know if there are things you may wish to have us send. We will always do the best that we can. Thank heavens there are many organizations doing this and have been doing this for a very long time. Kudos to them and blessings. WHY DIDN'T WE JUST JOIN UP WITH THEM? It seemed stupid to spend postage money twice; made more sense to send ours off directly to you instead of first sending boxes off to other organizations. So we began and here we are. We may not be the biggest group, but we sure do care and we're in there sending off boxes of goodies and knittied items. LET US KNOW YOUR WISHES! In the meantime, as Big Jeff (my hubbie) always says, "Watch your six!". I say, GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE.
A special THANK YOU and WELCOME to the Chicago branch of Wool Warriors. Well, it not be a branch - more like a twig - but there anyway. Thank you Kathleen for knitting and spreading the word. Remember: your people may PURCHASE wool watch caps if they don't knit. There are lots of things that may be purchased to send off. Just a thought...
It is a gloriously beautiful morning here in Los Angeles, California! The entire nation seems to be freezing, but we are wearing shorts and soaking up the sun. The bad part is that we NEED rain in our desert community. It is, after all, January.

Keep on knitting and crocheting, Wool Warriors. You are doing a swell thing. And you young-un's in the military: YOU ARE LOVED AND APPRECIATED.

Respectfully,
Adria, General Mama, Mama Schu (My students used to call me Mama Schu..take your pick!)

Sunday, January 3, 2010

SALE AT JOANN'S CRAFTS ON PATON'S YARNS

Hi again everyone,

I want to give you my latest discovery: at this point in time, JOANN'S CRAFTS is having a sale on Paton's Merino Wool Yarns for $4.19 a ball as compared to the $4.95 a ball at MICHAEL'S CRAFTS. The problem is finding the CAMOUFLAGE COLORS there, so check it out first. I get one WATCH CAP and one WOOL NECK SOCK out of one ball of yarn. Conversely, I get three 81/2 inch neck socks out of two balls of the 3.5 ounce Paton's Merino Wool camouflage colored yarns.

It is also an idea to take samples of those agreed upon colors to check out the WOOL YARN from other companies that may give you more bang for your buck. You just have to be certain you are using the camouflage colors. Once again they are: Dark Olive; Sesame; Wheat-Heather; Charcoal gray; black. Someone did one in a dark brown and I suppose that is fine too.


Good knitting and crocheting!


Adria

General Mama

Mama-Schu

GOODY BOXES FOR THE MILITARY...

Hi there,

I wish to start each post with a reminder that early on, the HUGELY IMPORTANT POST OF 'MATERIALS AND PROCESS' is something to which you should scroll down to find out just how you hook up with addresses for soldiers (anysoldier.com) as well as materials for knitting, etc.

Many of you have asked if there is anything you can do besides knit or crochet; ABSOLUTELY! Our soldiers need snack foods, deoderant, hygeine materials, etc. Go to anysoldier.com; get your address by following the prompts; read what that soldier may wish to have you send. Get your FLAT RATE box at the Post Office and fill it with what was requested or whatever you wish to send. It's easy and oh SO NEEDED!

Further, if you do not knit or crochet, please let me remind you that you can buy WOOL watch caps off the internet at places such as SAFARI TRADING POST or any number of other sports or camping equipment websites. It is freezing cold in Afghanistan particularly. It goes down into the 30's in Iraq even when it goes up to extreme heat during the day. There are any number of things that you can do even just beginning with a card with a note inside. Evidently, cards and letters mean so much to our soldiers.

Also, do your part to SPREAD THE WORD! I was knitting at the carwash this morning and a lady asked me what I was doing. I told her and she said, "I'm going to send somethings off tomorrow. I'll get the address off of anysoldier.com. So one tells another and another and another and before you know it, we are doing our part to REALLY AND TRULY SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. Again I say: MUSHY E-MAILS SENT THROUGH THE NET ARE NICE TO GET, BUT THEY DO NOT HELP OUR TROOPS. WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION AND SEND THINGS OR NOTES TO SHOW ACTUAL SUPPORT. The rest is up to you - to ALL OF US.

Happy New Year.


Sincerely,

Adria

General Mama

Mama-Schu

Saturday, January 2, 2010

WELCOME TO THE MILITARY READERS!

Hi there,
We received a copy of an e-mail sent to all section supervisors by a Captain to whom I had sent a holiday card. If any of you are reading this blog and would like a Watch Cap or a warm wool Neck "Sock", please contact us via this blog or my personal e-mail address. Your Captain forwarded that to you, per his copy of the e-mail he sent to me. We are not a large group, but we do care and would be honored to knit for you. Some of us crochet as well, so you might receive either 'creative format'. We knit in camouflage colors and always wool. We received basic instructions via a free pattern (which we have altered somewhat) available through MICHAEL'S CRAFTS. This company, evidently, worked with the military on camouflage colors and had a separate section set up to utilize these colors and the free pattern. Anyway, I'm going to send a few samples to your Captain; you'll be able to see them in person. Just finishing up one.
WHO ARE WE? We are just a group of people here and there, who knit and crochet. As you can see, if you go way back through all the blog entries, we do not collect money. We work under the umbrella of our name, and of course, we're all friends and/or relatives....so far, at least. For the most part, we mail out our own 'creations' or goody bags. On 12/26/09 we mailed out six boxes of knitted samples and snack goodies to different military personnel who signed up on anysoldier.com
I am a retired Middle School teacher, but be at ease: I don't grade e-mails or blog entries. (I'm joking around here; hope you know that!) Just write, if you have the chance, and let us know some of your wishes. In the meantime, as my husband always says, "Watch your six". He is also retired. However, way back when the Navy used oars (!) he was in the Navy and stationed on Midway Island. He can do a pretty fair imitation of Gooney birds, which, evidently, was the main entertainment on Midway Island. My father was in the Merchant Marine during WWII. He taught sailors how to swim through fire as part of their training while stationed on Catalina Island. He was a powerful swimmer until he was 91 years old! Now you know our story...
The main thing here is YOUR STORY. Very simply speaking, to the best of our abilities, we want to knit for you so that you are warm. Further, whenever budgets permit, we would like to send more goody boxes with food treats. Just let us know. Some of us can do more than others but to a person, we ALL send you our support and wishes for your safety, well being, and of course, your warmth in that difficult climate/topography. We care.

Sincerely,
General Mama and the Wool Warriors
aka "MamaSchu" (My students called me that...take your pick)