Back Home in Hokie Country

Yes, this is officially my worst blogging faux pas to date. I've neglected you all. Shame, shame on me.
So, yes, we had a great two week vacation in sunny Florida, visiting the in-laws, having a two day adventure in Key West...this is all to come, I assure you.
These last eight days have been ones of unpacking, laundry, and...of course....intense sorrow. Shephard Smith of Fox News said it all best... that this is such a beautiful and serene town, nestled in the mountains...a place you would want to send your kids to school...and he went on to say how it deeply saddened him for this community.

This is a heartbreaking time. What an unthinkable cloud of saddness that has touched our community. Unspeakable. I cry for people I don't know. I cry for friends touched personally by this tragedy. I can't make sense of it, and I feel so badly for everyone hurting and lost. Until now, I just couldn't bring myself to write about any of it. Walking around for a week, seeing people stricken with confusion and grief and anger. How this could happen in this beautiful, wonderful place. What can anyone say.

I kept saying, "what do I have to offer?" "What can I do to help?" Prayer...yes, everyday. Other than that?? Hmmmm...nada.

And then Gina had the fantastic idea for a nationwide project to bring blankets together for the families.

Now, I feel like I can offer something! If you want to learn more, check out our blog for Mosiac. I love, LOVE this community. This is the most wonderful town with the most wonderful people. I am so proud to be a part of this area and part of this project.

I know that I've been away for a while, but I will fill you all in on my travel and knitting adventures over these past few weeks. I was on campus a few days with the memorial events and took photos...these will be back and posted here tomorrow. By this weekend, I will be sharing some photos and events from our trip...trust me, some of them are worth the wait!

Here is a quick preview of my knitted beach bag. I finished it just before the trip...whew!

Anyway, it is great to be HOME...and what a wonderful home we have here. May God's healing touch you all and give you strength.
Hugs and kisses to you all... Bel