This is the afghan I mentioned in my blog. And, of course, Caesar.

One of the many blessings I received when my niece Marietta married Dave Obergoenner in 1994 was making the acquaintance of his sainted mother, Gertie. This diminutive lady was a delight to know.

Up-to-date with the latest technology, Gertie didn't let her advancing years stop her from surfing the Internet or slow her crochet hook as she made numerous afghans for family and friends. She even ordered her groceries online; a Cape Girardeau grocery store (probably Schnucks) offered that option and would deliver the order to her door.

One time, when I couldn't find anyone to go with me, Gertie went to a Taste of Home Cooking School with me at the Osage Center. Though the activity proved to be a bit much for her, I think she had a good time. She especially enjoyed the Richard Simmons impersonator.

As it happens with all of God's children, Gertie was called home a few years ago. I attended the visitation at Jackson with my sister and her husband. On display in the viewing room were a number of the afghans Gertie had made with loving hands -- treasures to be cherished and a beautiful reminder of the lady who had crafted them.

Every trip to my niece's home in Gordonville reminds me of Gertie. Photos of her are displayed along with antiques bequeathed to her son. And of course, the afghans.

Did Gertie ever give me an afghan? No -- and yes.

A couple of months ago, Marietta stopped by her mother's house while on a business trip in the area. There, she left a huge garbage bag and an old folding knitting bag. On the garbage bag, written in felt marker, were the words "For ElFreda."

Marietta explained an unfinished afghan was inside the garbage bag. She thought I could finish it and use the extra stuff for other projects.

Once I got the items home, I discovered opening that garbage bag was better than any Christmas morning I could ever remember. What joy! The afghan was Gertie's favorite design -- ripple -- and more than half finished. With it was a beautiful rosewood hook that fit my hand as if it had grown there. This, I surmised, was the hook she used to create this afghan. What's this? A case filled with knitting needles of all sizes! And I do mean all sizes, from 0 to 50. There were antique circular needles that would probably have been used for baby items. Still in the packaging, too. There was even a Singer cone winder. That device will wind loose yarn into skeins or cones. Right handy if something like, say, a cat decides to play with your yarn while you're at work.

And of course there were other crochet hooks, too, as well as various and sundry doodads that make a yarncrafter's life easier. Unfortunately, though, no directions for the afghan. I believe Gertie had made so many of them, she had the pattern memorized.

I went ahead and completed the afghan, although it is obvious where my stitches begin; it doesn't look quite the same. But it will no doubt serve me well in these cold winter months. Nobody is going to get this afghan -- it's Gertie's gift to me.

I've tried to post a picture of the afghan, but so far no luck. I'll post it as soon as I can