Atari 2600 Video Games Still Lots of Fun

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Kitty

When I think of Atari, my mind goes to the Atari 2600 model. It made its debut in October of 1977. Astonishingly, it sold for $199- $229 which adjusts to $797- $917 in today’s market. Originally, the system’s name was the Atari VCS (Video Computer System). The name remained the same until November of 1982, when a newer version called the Atari 5200 was released. That’s when the most popular model’s name was changed to the 2600 because of its part number. There are different varieties of it as well. The history of the company, games, and developers is very interesting and well worth a read.

My history with the console began when I was around four years old. I had no previous gaming experience. My dad let me try his old 2600 model with some classic games such as Space Invaders and Pac-Man. I loved every second of it! The controllers were easy for me to use, and the graphics were so cool. Strangely, I never had any Nintendo console growing up, so Atari was my childhood. Adventure was my favorite game from the small pile my dad brought me. The dragons scared me every time. Hearing the noise they made as they caught and ate the little box sent chills down my spine. It still gets me today sometimes. I haven’t tried all the games yet, so I am not sure what my all-time favorite is.

Atari Atari

For a few years, I didn’t have access to the 2600 because of storage. When I finally got it, I couldn’t hook it up to my T.V. My husband did some research and found that all we needed to play was a coaxial adapter. It doesn’t cost very much and works perfectly. Unfortunately, the original joysticks that came with the system were broken. So, we had to get new ones from our local video game store. Retro-bit is just as good as the original if not better. I am now able to enjoy Atari again! My collection of games was very small in the beginning. My husband suggested we build it up since he enjoys them, too. He had to have E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Atari Video Games

As bulky and clunky as they are, these games are awesome and durable. If they don’t work right away, all it takes is a Q-Tip and some rubbing alcohol to clean them. One of the neatest things about the cartridges besides game play is the art on them. Some of the art is misleading for certain games, but it is still nice to view. I’m very happy to have the 2600 again and hope to use it for many more years.

Pyrex Mixing Bowls Still Find Use Today

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Kitty

Pyrex is a household name that has been around for more than one hundred years now. It’s brand, along with the CorningWare brand, were purchased by World Kitchen Incorporated in 1998. Both are still thriving under new direction. Pyrex’s history dates back to 1915, when the ovenware was clear glass. Starting in the late 1940s, primary colors were offered, and eventually patterns and more colors were sold. Sadly, opal ware was discontinued in 1986, but the dishes live on because of their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Pyrex Cinderella Mixing Bowls

Pyrex Cinderella Mixing Bowls Nested

Five years ago my grandma gave me her old Cinderella mixing bowls, and I am so happy to have them. They have gotten lots of use. Pyrex bowls are so nice because they can be used in the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and freezer. Technically, they can be washed in a dishwasher, but I prefer to wash by hand. It wasn’t until recently that I realized I could find more at antique places. So, I have been collecting what I like or what is affordable. I know my collection isn’t super old, but I really like it.

Pyrex Butterfly Pattern

Early American Design Middle of Early American Design Early American Design Bowl

Early American Pyrex

At some point, I hope to collect the brighter colors. I am very happy with these though, especially the butterfly-patterned collection. There are so many different color and pattern options, that I should easily stumble onto more I like. It’s always fun hunting for them at different places and haggling over price. I heard one story where two women found a mint-condition box with pink snowflake patterned bowls and argued over who got it! Sadly, I was not there at the time. Oh well, you never know what you’ll find when looking for Pyrex.

Vision Cookware

Not only did Corning make excellent mixing bowls, they also made great stovetop cookware. Even though the line is discontinued, it can still be found in many different stores, such as thrift stores and Goodwill. I found a cranberry-colored gem hiding behind its brown comrades. I never knew the color existed, but I had to have it!

VisionWare Cranberry Pot Cranberry Visions

Doilies Crocheted Over the Last Few Years

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Kitty

Doilies
When I was a child, I saw my grandma making doilies, and it interested me greatly. Unfortunately, I was too clumsy for fine needlework then. I reacquainted myself with crochet in 2012 and set out to master the art of fine thread. After a year of crocheting snowflakes and other small things, I had enough confidence to begin more intricate patterns. The doilies pictured here are just a few of the many I have crocheted since 2013. Only one of them has been stiffened, but I plan on stiffening the rest.

Lace Wheat Doily

This is a cute Lace Wheat doily . It took some time finishing because of all the ripe wheat heads.

Cluster Stitch Doily

I found this Cluster Stitch doily incredibly challenging. The pattern used for this is free and was found at freevintagecrochet.com.

Grape Harvest Doilies

Small and cute, these are Grape Harvest doilies. Popcorn stitches make up the grapes.

Starched Snowflake Doily

Fabric Stiffener was diluted and applied to this Snowflake doily. The picots were trying on my fingers.

Sunflower Bloom Doily

Leisure Arts published a really wonderful doily pattern book called, Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies, designed by Patricia Kristoffersen. Every pattern in the book is described in detail, and there are pictures of each one. This is #3, Sunflower Bloom, from the book.

After working with so many doilies, I became interested in Irish crochet. Because of that, it’s been about a year since I finished my last doily. Maybe I should start another one soon. After all, they are very fun to work with and will last a long time. Some say crocheted doilies are old-fashioned and not relevant, but I think they still have a place in society. They provide relaxation while crocheting and decoration when finished. My grandma’s doilies are very special and are kept as heirlooms. Some women even use them to make their own wedding dress. So there is still relevancy to be found!