Musings From The Forest....

The Bug

2009-04-29T12:51:00.012-05:00

I've almost got the sewing bug again. I say "almost" because, in order to follow through, I have to organize a sewing space out of this:

and THAT will take considerable work. -Work I've been putting off for 6 months!
I've been wanting to make potholders for my kitchen, and then Sarah at The Small Object
posted about a dress she'd made from a book called Homspun.
This is a book that I'm not likely to ever own, since it's written in Japanese, however I'm tempted to either try my hand at a DIY pattern or look for a similar pattern for this dress.
I've been thinking about how convenient pull-over dresses are for summer, especially with my casual lifestyle. Light cotton or linen would be really cool and comfortable too. This dress looks like the perfect summer dress. It even has pockets. If anyone knows of a pattern, please let me know.

On another, completely separate note, I just had to post this shot of our girl's first attempt at peeling a Clementine without help. She was pleased as punch and so was I.
My, they grow up fast!

Priorities

2009-04-24T10:08:00.003-05:00

We've wanted to schedule another trip this year to visit our good friends up north, but really, really, need to buy a set of wheels for me, so that has kind-of set our priorities. They have baited us, though, with plans to take a two-couple bike trip while we are there and a photo of the motorcycle they have waiting for us to use. If that's not a devious strategic move, I don't know what is. I've been talking to the Mister about how nice it'd be for us to have one of our own to take weekend trips on, since the beginning of this year and now our friends taunt us with THIS sweet thing!
It's just not fair, I tell ya, just not fair.
We may have to, once again, consider rearranging our priorities. Hmph!

Roses, Roses, Roses

2009-04-20T16:16:00.005-05:00

I read Val's latest post today, and saw her pics of flowers from her yard, which made me remember that I have a photo of the recent roses the Mister brought to me to post. They were so beautiful, and it's always such an unexpected (frequent) delight when he brings them home for me. How blessed can a girl be?
My favorites are the ones that scent up a room. One gardening thing I look forward to someday is having old roses again, that bloom and smell so divine throughout most of the year. I don't see that happening here, but someday before I'm too old to enjoy them, please. Roses, and magnolias, fresh from the bush, vine, or tree are my favorite southern flowers.
As long as I live where I do, I doubt that I could grow a magnolia tree, but I have done roses so I know, at least, that that is possible.
Perhaps this weekend we will plant a few flowering bedding plants in our front yard. Wish me luck on that one! Ha!

Our Babies

2009-04-19T16:43:00.004-05:00

My daughter told me, today, that she'd heard that I'd posted a picture of the most recent little addition to her family. Surprised me because I'd hadn't told anyone who would normally read my posts that I'd blogged and didn't figure that anyone would be looking for a post from me but, alas, I suppose it just goes to prove how wrong I can be! I realized that the picture I'd posted of little Atticus wasn't really the best I'd had, so I'm going to show him off again here, in his daddy's arms. I got to drive Soph to dance class last week, and got a shot of her at the end of class, I thought I'd share that one. ..And another of her in her Easter dress, though she'd been sick and the weather wasn't ideal, so she only got to wear it at home. Isn't she pretty?
Our Easter festivities were different than those we'd planned, due to the colds going around but we still had a delightful dinner at the children's and got to pock colored eggs which has been a tradition in my family since I was growing up in Louisiana. Soph came out the Easter pocking champion this year and was delighted that she had the hardest pockers!

On a sad note, we lost our old friend, Sam, on Saturday. He took his last breath with me sitting next to him in the early morning hours. He was rather lost since Ro had gone and had been in failing health since. I can only hope he's found her again and that they are both happily grunting and rolling in a soft grassy meadow together somewhere. I'm just glad I got to be their "people" for the time that I did. Yooti-Hooti, guys! I'll miss you both.

Absence

2009-04-10T14:01:00.005-05:00

I know...it's been ages since I've posted. Life seems to have swallowed me up since last October. There was Samhain, then the move into our new digs, then the Holidays. We had a visit from our youngest daughter, which was a delight, although I was bedridden with a virus the whole time. Then
January came and we lost our best furry-friend, Rowan, to some type of pneumonia which was resistant to antibiotic treatment. That loss is still haunting us both. Old (literally...he's around 16 years old) Sam is still kicking, but I don't think we'll get another dog. Just nothing would replace the hole that losing Ro has left.
The Mister has been undergoing major dental work since November, and which will continue for the next 4+ months.
And, finally, our grandson was born on the 9th of March. Atticus David, a strapping big boy at 9 pounds, 3 ounces.
All in all, I'm glad to be only minutes away from my grandchildren, although my ride quit again a couple of months ago. Talk about bad Car-ma! That would be me. Still, I get to participate in their lives way more than I did before our move, so that's definitely a plus.
I'll try to get better about posting, however I've been without a camera, which makes it kind-of un-fun. Still, I'll do my best to be more attentive to my blog.
Happy Easter, everyone!

Autumn in the North

2008-10-22T16:03:00.003-05:00

I need to share these photos with you. These are of scenery from the trip we took to Ohio in October, 2006. Oh to be there again in Autumn. Gawd, I miss the north. But in defense, it IS windy and beautifully Fall-like here today. Is there a land where it is Autumn all year? I'd love that. The Mister tells me that it's California, where I will never live. Too bad, too.

Well, progress on the house. The backyard fence will be constructed next week. yay! We've begun moving, little by little, and should be in the new place in about two weeks. Then hubby has a business trip (conveniently) that he has to make for a few days, to leave me to unpack boxes.
I can't wait to cook my first meal there. I'm hoping that my sister will grace us with her presence for Thanksgiving and I'll get to do the meal in my new kitchen.
I am beginning to get sentimental about the place that we will be leaving behind, though. All this space, and the "devils" that we know! The routine I've created here will be missed, certainly. The bigger bathroom(s), the privacy/isolation here, the porch, all missable. Our new place will be much more compact and in a "neighborhood". A friend told me it's high time I learn to live with humans! Ha! He's right.
Happy October, everyone!

AWARE

2008-10-15T16:33:00.004-05:00

This is such a cool video. I am definitely not into "God music", however, my niece sent this to me because my nephew (her brother) is in this music video, at around the 21, 30, and 54 second marks. He's the cutie with the spikey hair and glasses. By sending this to me she made me realize that there is some pretty cool "god music" out there, so I promptly Googled Salvador and checked out the other cuts on this CD. Cool tunes, man. Check it out here.

Lips and Memorable Faces

2008-10-09T13:11:00.002-05:00

We had another birthday celebration recently. Boy, time sure does fly, doesn't it? Is it just me or would we all like to go back to the days (when we were much tinier and..) when time seemed to crawl? Our little family was in full-zany mode, as you can see here. Our children made an evening of it for us and I believe the birthday-man appreciated it and enjoyed it thoroughly.
And here's a shot of the little princess when we had lunch together last month. If any of my family is reading this, let me know if you think that this is not, unmistakably, one of "ours"
.

Life in the Fast Lane!

2008-09-24T12:45:00.002-05:00

Sorry I've been away for awhile. Life just seems to be over-the-top at times. This has been very absorbing for me. Everyone, I know, has difficulty juggling a "full plate" but as I grow older I seem less able to handle multiple things as well as I remember (perhaps it's the declining estrogen? or is it just that I've always been this way and don't recall?)
Daughter spent several day in the hospital, is in the start of her 2nd trimester, and is now on bed-rest because of complications until she gets better. Her friends have lovingly made a schedule and have taken some of the care and feeding of her family in hand. I've only been able to help out a little, and feel awful that I haven't been there more. My only means of transportation is being confiscated and replaced with a new truck for hubby's work, so I will be driving a borrowed vehicle from son-in-law, so that I can get back & forth to their house.
We've been in the throes of home-loan-hell for the past several weeks and finally closed on our house, so now the physical work begins. Between the calls and schedules, and trying to get everything hooked up and squeeze in time to pack up and move, I wish I could wake-up and have it all finished. We still have 3 months left in our current lease, so we can take our time in regard to that but the sooner we are in the new home, the sooner we can get on with life. My sister's house (in Lake Charles, LA) was inundated with water from the high tide during Ike and, though I haven't talked with her, I know she's got a butt-load of work to get the clean-up and repair done and here I am complaining about what I have to do.
I told the Mister that we should keep a journal of all our house/moving expenses and, just today, asked if I could put Rum on it. :) I think that qualifies as a housing/moving expense, don't you?
I've got utilities to arrange and trips back and forth to our "new" home-town to get things done and the Mister keeps adding to my list so that I just want to scream "enough" and stick my head under a pillow somewhere.
It may be awhile before I get to post again. Besides, I rarely find myself with camera in hand lately and I don't like posts without images.
So, here it is. The front of our "new" little home:

Mad TV Bob Newhart Skit - Mo Collins - Stop it

2008-08-27T11:54:00.001-05:00

2008-08-27T11:38:00.000-05:00

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Dream a little...

2008-08-26T12:35:00.004-05:00

We're in love!
I know it's a tad bit early to be furnishing my living room, but I have my eye on this set and can get it at a bargain. Yes, it's leather (a requirement, it seems, for the mister's happiness, though somewhat offensive to me) and yes, it's "terracotta" (looks more like "cayenne" to me) but sometimes, you have to make concessions for a bargain. It does sit (and lie...I tried the napping position on it) very comfortably and would probably hold up to years of hard use, and it has nice lines.
Ok, I'm just dreamin' here mostly, but c'mon, isn't that the point?

Killer!

2008-08-20T14:09:00.004-05:00

Here, uh..let's call her "Killer", about two years ago, when she was slender, and Killer today. Her Daddy overfeeds her and she's become a lap dog.
Well, okay, I don't really know anyone personally with a lap this big, but if she could be a lap dog, she would be. Killer is what we like to call a "full-figured gal". She's a Black Mouth Cur and here is an example of what she should look like. The description says "Primarily BMCs are herding dogs able to hunt big or small game, and still be loving, gentle family dogs willing to protect the home." If you've never seen a BMC snarl, you wouldn't believe that this dog could scare the bejeezus out of you, but she can, and still, she's never bitten anyone and, with people she knows, is as gentle as a lamb. The Mister was just offered a 8 month old Border Collie, which is a breed he's always wanted, and declined because he doesn't want this Baby to feel shortchanged by attention to another animal. They're bonded, ya see, and she's a Goddess in her own right.
You go, Killer, you big ole heartbreaker, you!

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2008-08-18T18:46:00.005-05:00

Thanks to TS Fay, we are getting some badly needed rain and guess what?!!! My lawn is finally green again. Yay!
I've been busy catching up on my blog reading and just discovered (duh!) that Martha Stewart has a blog! Big surprise, I know, but hey, I only discovered it today and only cuz I'd come home from the grocery with the August issue of Living. I'm so behind the times. Do current events just get farther ahead of us as we age? I'm hanging on, really I am.
I finally cooked the last of my beans tonight from Purcell Mountain Farms that I bought back in June (here). Adzuki beans, with ham(for the Mister), fresh garden peppers and tomatoes (thanks to Dave), and brown rice. Yum. Sorry, no pics today (dull, I know.) The Adzukis required no pre-soaking. They are petite, kinda sweet, and delicious flavored with a little allspice and clove.

Jiggety Jigg!

2008-08-08T15:27:00.005-05:00

Here's a picture of the latest development in the search for an affordable house. This one is smaller than the last one we looked at, but would put us a mere 10 minutes from where we need to be. Though I've always wanted to live in an old home, one built in the a mere 20 years ago is probably a better investment under the current economic status. The kitchen is a wee bit larger than our current one, but the living room measures the same as our current bedroom and I'll have to cut waaayyyyy back on my stuff. This will be a real chore since I hate to throw anything away and I am probably the most disorganized person that you know of. No, really.

As they say in blogland, "click on a picture to embiggen (I like that (?)word) it."
Whew! The pressure!

Sew, Sew, Sew...

2008-08-01T08:58:00.002-05:00

Did I tell you that the Mister bought me a new sewing machine? I do so love my relics but he got tired of me trying to get them to do things I was unsuccessful with, so told me to go out and get me a new machine and gave me a $500!!!! limit. (actually I had a choice 'tween a new sewing machine or computer and I couldn't decide to spend that much moola on any one thing.) I tried the local sewing center's Brother Runway Line and opted for the WalMart Brother Runway Line for more almost $200 less. For a mere $130 I got way more than I've had with my relics and I've been sewing ever since.
Here was a really cute 50s-looking Ralph Lauren cotton summer frock from the local thrift store. Hubby said it made me look "balloonish" (in the hips, of course), so I re-contrived it into this cute little dress for Soph. Hope she likes it.

TaDa!

2008-07-29T12:33:00.002-05:00

Voila! Bloomers that I blogged about making here to go with Schnickelfritz's nightgown and bed-jacket that I made her. Mama says that they fit (the gown & jacket, that is), so, though I haven't seen them on her yet, I'll ask for a modeling when I bring the bloomers over.

This morning Mama doesn't feel so good, so we figure (Mama and Mamere) that this one must be a boy! Ha! Wouldn't that just make Daddy Bacon all happy? Though their Schnickel is so sweet, I'm sure he wouldn't object to another Sugar and Spice. (as part of my Witless Protection Program, the view has been altered to protect the subject's identity! Ha!)

Pure Cotton, Anyone?

2008-07-28T14:48:00.004-05:00

I just read a BBC Thread- Fashion Without Victim article about cotton processing which clued me in to several things I had not thought of before. I always think of cotton being one of the safest, cleanest fabrics to wear. Well, read Cottoning On.
If you, like me, think of cotton as pure, be prepared to be educated. Though more pricey, organic cotton has it's advantages, as, I guess, does knowing what the fabric source is and how it's processed. Wow, consumerism has become a full-time occupation if we're to do it right, hasn't it?

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

2008-07-25T17:06:00.005-05:00

Today is our wedding anniversary. I am so glad to have found someone I can see living out the rest of my life with. We have sort-of settled in with one another. He thinks he'll keep me! :> I'm happy.

I had lunch with my daughter and the wee-one today in town and delivered to them the gown I'd just made on my new sewing machine. I added a little bed-jacket to give her sleeves as, in a couple of months, she may need them and am working on bloomers to go beneath the gown (a photo of that will come later). The whole thing was contrived out of a beautiful cotton and lace robe I'd acquired two years ago and never wore. Hopefully, she will get more use from this than I did from the original garment. ...And here (drumroll, please) is the gown and jacket I passed on to the Wee-one today. Can't wait to see it on sometime.

One Red Robin's Meme -Passed On

2008-07-24T13:12:00.005-05:00

A meme from One Red Robin (love your blog, Jhoanna )- one word answers to 35 Questions. I stretched the boundaries (don't need no stinkin' boundaries, Man!) by creating a few custom words, like Blondish and Homeownership, etc. Mea Culpa.

Here’s mine:

1. Where is your cell phone? Here
2. Your significant other? Honey
3. Your hair? Blondish
4. Your daughter? Roo
5. Your son? D.
6. Your favorite thing? 70º
7. Your dream last night? Busy
8. Your favorite drink? Sangria
9. Your goal? Homeownership!
10. The room you’re in? Office
11. Your church? Life
12. Your fear? Loss
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Retired
14. Where were you last night? Sewing
15. What you’re not? Old!
16. Muffins? Carrot
17. One of your wish list items? NewMacIntosh
18. Where you grew up? USA
19. The last thing you did? Brunch
20. What are you wearing? Skirt
21. Your TV? Old
22. Your pets? Eleven
23. Your computer? Mac
24. Your life? Good
25. Your mood? Happy
26. Missing someone? Sisters
27. Your car? Parked
28. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
29. Favorite store? Thrift
30. Your summer? Hot
31. Like(love) someone? Hubby
32. Your favorite color? Greens
33. Last time you laughed? Today
34. Last time you cried? Monday
35. Who will repost this? You!

Kinda tough to give only one-word answers. #29 was especially difficult, as there are many online stores that I drool over. Check out the prints (I like the Owl) in One Red Robin's Etsy shop.
Reprodepot is another store I love to browse, though I haven't actually purchased anything there yet. There they have some really cute Halloween fabrics. I'd like to get this one to make a Trick-r-Treat bag for Soph this year. Her Mama's making her a Princess Dress, which is exactly what Schnickelfritz wants to be (right now, anyway.)
Local Fabric, Craft and Thrift stores are my favorites, though for one-word, I answered 29 with just Thrift.
How about SewZanne's Fabrics? I've been picking out fabrics (very affordable) that I want, but haven't ordered yet. Her FOE (fold-over elastic) comes highly recommended by Amy at Angry Chicken and there are multiple items there that I'm drooling over.
I'm doing a little sewing on a new Brother Sewing Machine that the Mister let me buy and will blog about that soon. For now, it's raining here, yay!, and cooling off a wee bit. Have I mentioned that I'm ready for Autumn?

May Rain

2008-07-17T23:15:00.003-05:00

This was taken 2 months, to the day, ago. Yep, May 17th, 2008 was a rainy day here. I miss it. Just thought that this little reminder might ease the heat, with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees lately. My favorite local fabric store is having a Halloween Costume Party & Sale this weekend and it's hard to think of that Fall Holiday when the daytime temperatures are so stifling. The Mister worked in 100+ heat all day and called me to say that it was all he could do to manage.
I've been down with physically debilitating blood-sugar fluctuations this week. When I say "down" I mean that I'm having to reschedule all appointments for the next week because I won't be driving....that includes my routine appointment with the Cardiologist next Monday. It's little things like this that make me feel the weight of my years,. Though I often say I don't feel my years on the inside, there are always exceptions. I've spent more time in bed this week than I have anyplace else, so I guess that says something about the deterioration of my physical resilience. I'm only mentioning this because it comes as a shock to me. I've dealt with diabetes successfully (mostly) for over 40 years, with, blessedly, few serious repercussions. It worries me that my good fortune may be catching up with me now. Make note to self to tighten up on my diet and exercise habits (not actually having that 2nd habit may be the first thing to address, eh?:) I still think that in the creation of this paradise we know as life, it would have been a better idea to be born in an old body and as we grow in life-experiences, our bodies grow younger. Now THAT would be a hoot.

Bags and Little Summer Dresses

2008-07-15T11:58:00.010-05:00

(This is where I tried to insert a shot of the giveaway dresses, but Flickr had it's own agenda, so you'll have to go to Varenia's blog to see them.) While searching for examples of cute-'n-ez shopping bags to make, a comment by Beth on Sew, Mama, Sew! led to a little girl's dress giveaway here at http://playisthething.blogspot.com/2008/07/giveaway.html. A perfect summer frock for Schnickelfritz (her mama's pet name for the wee grandaughter), me thinks.
Check it out. Cute, Cute, Cute!
And while all this searching and following links was going on, I found a three additional interesting blogs to read when I have craftiness on the brain: Of course, http://playisthething.blogspot.com who is hosting the dress giveaway, http://www.attheendofthisrow.blogspot.com/ (Roo, note her cute knitted caps:) and Beth's other blog, www.tigerlilytinkering.blogspot.com. ...All Mamma's with crafty goodness going on.

Celebrate!

2008-07-08T13:18:00.006-05:00

This Youtube of the fireworks from last year seemed appropriate when looking for a significant icon of celebration for our July 4th. 2008. Besides being the best July 4 celebration we've had, well, since Schnickelfritz was new, this turned out to be a celebration of New Life for our family. Schnickelfritz was sporting a borrowed tee, that said "I'm the big Sis", so, of course, we hooted and hollered and celebrated the smashing news that we are going to be grandparents again! Yay! I've had a silly grin on my face for almost 4 days now and I can't seem to wipe it off!
Got my hair cut short yesterday. I'd been struggling with it, although not long or even what would be considered "medium length", the thickness was killing me in this heat. Besides, I hate finding hair everywhere and I seemed to be shedding alot since I got it colored last. This new short do is definitely the way I'm keeping it for a while. Ahhhhhh!

My Favorite View

2008-06-28T11:50:00.005-05:00

Here is a peek at my very own favorite view...my kitchen window. I have a collection here of things I like to look at. Since we wash dishes at the sink (below)every day, it's nice to look upon pretties while working.

I'd labeled everything for you, but unfortunately blogger doesn't transfer tags so they aren't here.

My small collection of birds is here, along with a nest that was found in the yard last winter. I couldn't bear to throw it out.

Here, too, is a mystery object which we found in the yard last week. It looks to me like a petrified heart. Guesses include a bull's-you-know-what, and some kind of shellfish (on it's side, it's clam-shaped,see?). What do you think it is? Whatever it once was, it's been around long enough to become stone.

I played with the grandgirl, while Mama was down with a cold yesterday. Wish I were closer to everyone so I could be of more help.
Remember when we were kids and science fiction had us believing that by now we'd be able to transport anywhere immediately? Yes, well I bought into that one and still expect to be able to do that in the next 30 years! Ha! Beam me up!

I raided son-in-law's garden for 'Maters and Peppers. Here is some of that "take". So summery. My garden is not producing at all. Got one tomato from it all summer. Thank you, SIL

Good Eatin'

2008-06-14T15:13:00.005-05:00

"
I'd been hungering for a pot of beans for a while and after reading Amy @ Angry Chicken's post
about beans, I decided to do a little online research of fresh-dried beans. Rancho Gordo was enticing, but since I didn't find a large selection there, I kept looking and found Purcell Mountain Farms in Idaho. They had a much bigger selection of beans and other goodies, and much more valuable (for me, anyway) information on the beans.
I chose Anasazi and Adzuki beans because of ease of digestibility, and was intrigued by the idea of cooking Whole Giant White Corn from dried. I've never even heard of anything but frozen or fresh or canned (ugh) corn and think that this will make for an interesting experiment. I've never been a big corn eater, myself, other than grits (yes, I grew up on the stuff) but hubby is definitely a corn lover and who knows, this may just make me a convert!
Purcell Mountain Farms claims that all their beans will sprout, which I guess I'd never even thought of (I mean the idea that "dried" anything should sprout, so that tells me that they must be pretty fresh, right? At least in comparison to the dried beans that sit on the supermarket shelves for months or years. I also ordered a pound of Pine Nuts (great for making pesto) and Brown Chipotle Chile Powder. I ordered on Thursday, and they were at the Post Office on Monday! I made my first batch of beans with 1/2 lb of the Anasazis. We enjoyed them so much (I added a bit of ham for the worlds greatest carnivore) that, along with brown rice, I cooked the second 1/2 pound the next afternoon.
Although on Thursday morning we were jousting about who would get the remainder of the pot-o-beans, looks like I win, cuz here it is Saturday, and he's still not eating much. The Mister had surgery on Thursday afternoon to repair damage he did to his arm while weightlifting (arumph). Yep, the surgery was more than just a little uncomfortable and he's been in a bit of misery ever since. He'd planned on being back at work by next Tuesday but, from the looks of him today, I'll be surprised, truly I will. The "block" they'd administered on his arm before surgery did not work and they ended up giving morphine during surgery, and multiple pain-killers afterward. Looks like this may take a little longer than he thought for him to feel better. Here's his arm after 48 hours and removing the dressings. Don't look if you are at all sensitive about this sort of thing.

Liftoff!

2008-06-06T12:33:00.002-05:00

Yay, we've had liftoff! Finally, on May 31. I can just hear Mama-bird saying, "Til the month's end, I tell you! You'll not get another morsel from this beak come May 31. You will have to feed yourselves. Period!" And they did! All 5 (or 6) of them. The chattering and whistling is phenomenal. It got really windy here a couple of nights ago and they all piled back into that itty-bitty nest. I imagine that whoever was in first probably had a challenge breathing, but they spent the windy night in there again.
Even with the inconvenience of the mess in the carport, and having to move the car outside and all, it's still such a pleasure to have them here. I'll miss them when they're gone. Now Mama and Papa bird need to make room for a new clutch (is that the right word?) and the whole drama will begin again.

Here is a BlueFish knit dress I picked up at a local thrift shop for $.99. I cut it in at the shoulders and cut the sleeves off. Now it' a summer frock to wear over a tee.
And in case you were wondering how long it would take me to change my hair back....I had it highlighted this week and really like it this way.

Birdie Report

2008-05-30T11:23:00.004-05:00

This was taken yesterday (5-29-08), of the babies crowding out their nursery. 5 of them. I tell ya, it's getting crowded in there. I've been aiming a wind generator (fan) toward the carport ceiling in the afternoons to give them a little circulation up there, without it feeling cyclonic if they decide to try their little wings. Last year (I believe this to be the same bird-family), we had failure to launch, with one of the babies. It even tried refurbishing the nest to stay on after the parents left, but finally, before winter, gave up and flew away. There are 3 adult Swallows here with the babies this year. I think that the 3rd might be that little hanger-on from last year. I don't know much about Swallows, so I haven't differentiated the male(s) from the female(s), except that the female was the one tending the babies more, and spending more time in/on the nest. Mama seems to be of slightly larger stature than Papa. Papa did help, though he was more of a companion than worker-bird. And Bubba, well he/she just hangs-out. Could be the beginning of a whole new bird colony!

Gossamer Canopy

2008-05-28T19:24:00.003-05:00

Ingenious, I say!
So I thrifted today and found sheer (curtain) panels (80x40) for $1.00 each. I came home with 4, but only usesd 2. I sewed them together, ran back to the nearby lumber yard, purchased rope and clothespins, then the real work began. Hubby got up on a ladder, threaded clothesline rope through each end of the panels, mounted screws on either side of the bird-babies nest, and hung the whole contraption for me, uh, them.

Last year, I used a sheet. But a sheet would've been too heavy to hang here, where they made their nest this year.
The parent-Swallows have been teasing the babies for the past three days with fly-bys, so I know that it's almost time for them to try their little wings.
With 8 cats below, and around the yard, it's a treacherous journey, learning to fly. So, in order to assist, we've created a gossamer canopy beneath the nest to catch any that plummet on their first try to leave their first little home.

Yes, the Mr. thinks it's a little crazy too, but he's much more willing to help after seeing them all make it out last summer with no casualties. If, for no other reason, he hates to see me cry, and cry I would.
Keep your fingers crossed (x) and wish them luck. They will need it for sure!

Progress

2008-05-27T22:11:00.004-05:00

I had not picked up my camera in a week, except to take pictures of new vintage patterns that arrived, before tonight. Like me, you may be tired of seeing my newly acquired patterns without me ever having produced anything from them, soooo, I'm going to try to refrain from teasing you with the possibility of a project, and only post about what I'm actually working on.
I received my order of diet/cooking books from Amazon last week. The Mr. decided that it was high time I quit eating like him, and start doing something healthy for myself, so he encouraged my acquisition of 1."The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook", by Arthur Agatston", 2. "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day," by Jeff Hertzberg, 3. "Great Vegetarian Cooking Under Pressure", and "The New Vegan Cookbook: Innovative Vegetarian Recipes Free of Dairy, Eggs, and Cholesterol", both by Lorna Sass.
Last night I cooked short-grain brown rice according to Lorna Sass's recomendation for cooking grains, and produced the quickest and easiest pot of brown rice I've ever cooked. Tonight I tried Arthur Agatston's Pesto Chicken, and even the Mr. loved it (oh, and he actually ate the brown rice that I served along with it!) I'm impressed with how much simpler the South Beach recipes are from this book than they were in their first cookbook, and I can't wait to try the breads from "Artisan Bread" book, but I'm holding off a bit because I need to stick to whole grain and I have zero willpower when it comes to eating bread.

Hubby and I spent Sunday afternoon at the chillun's (that's Southern for our offspring, you know). We grilled, and visited, and A. helped me layout the squares for the baby quilt I've been putting off starting because I didn't trust my eye for the layout, while the men watched basketball. I even got to rock little Schnickelfritz to sleep.
I made a lame-attempt at beginning to tidy the sewing room tonight, and will continue on that project tomorrow so that I can begin piecing the quilt.

I made a sewing-machine trade with A. again. This time she came here with the Singer Genie, and I sent her home with our newest machine, the New Home. She seems to be more comfortable with it than with her Genie, so I thought I'd give the old girl (the Genie) a try. I plugged her in tonight, only to discover that there is no bobbin in the case, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to run to town and purchase a pack . I'd actually thought I might sew up a doll body I'd cut from an old tee shirt with the zig-zag on the Genie, but that idea went by the wayside rather quickly. Didn't I say I needed to tidy up in there first, anyway? :(
I still have not brought in the "new" vintage Kenmore 158.470 for servicing, mainly because I cannot get it out of the cabinet without help. That can wait a while, too, I suppose.
And finally, I colored my hair this week. Actually, I was intending to go only a step darker however, being the chemist that I am, I took a risk and lost. I rather fancy it like this, though, and Hubby's not complaining. He has made a comment or two that leads me to believe he doesn't find the dark hair as flattering on me, but what can you expect from a man who doesn't like change and has only loved me as a blonde? Ah yes, progress!

Spring Wardrobe Purging

2008-05-22T13:07:00.005-05:00

I figured that since Spring is almost, officially, over I'd better get my arse in gear and do some Spring Cleaning/Clearing.
Hubby and I share an armoire. He uses the lower 2 shelves (behind 2 doors), and I, the upper (thank Goodness for those doors!). Usually by the 2nd week (after my organization binge) of my rifling through the wardrobe, to throw something on in a rush, my half looks a fright, and Goddess forbid that I should ever hope to find a mislaid item of clothing in there! Of course, the Mr.'s half is always perfectly arranged (if my wardrobe consisted of a week's worth of identical jeans and tees, mine would be too) but, bless his heart, he rarely complains about my propensity toward dishevelment.
Yesterday I folded, packed, and labeled my cool-weather clothes to store away until Fall again. Amazing stuff in the back of that closet!
Am I the only one that finds it impossible to throw out old clothes that I've barely even worn, sweaters and long-sleeved tees that haven't seen the light of day since they went in there in October, jeans that don't fit because I've gone from wearing a loose, comfortable, size 12 to a loose, comfortable size 10?
Yes, I've packed them all away for next season (the large sizes too, because as soon as I dispose of these I would surely gain the weight back!)
Last year I thought I'd hit on a fail-safe remedy for my untidiness: donating the season's clothes back to a local thrift store in order to avoid having to store them, and investing about $50-$75, next season, for a whole "new" thrifted wardrobe. Turns out that thrift stores frown on getting seasonal wear for a particular season when that season is over (apparently they have no storage space either), even though you plan on paying them $50-70+ at the beginning of next season to replace the things you gave away last one!
I did end up setting some clothes aside to use for crafting fabric. I've been drooling over softie dolls, like Black Apple's and Babette, and am thinking that I can use some of these cast-offs for those. I am the world's worst, though, at keeping things that I'm certain I will use, and never do. (Just ask the Mr.)
...All "blow" and "no go", as my aunt use to say. (That same Aunt also use to use the phrase, "He <or "she"> blows hot and cold", which means that you could not depend on that person. "Blow", apparently was a well-used term that could be used either as an adjective or verb, in my Aunt's colorful language, and had nothing to do with exhaling OR with drugs.)

And here's a photo, once again, of my wreck of a craft/sewing room. Got my work cut out for me, don't I? And you wonder why I never post about my actually sewing anything. May the Force be with me?

One more thing: Why don't women dress like this any longer?
I mean, it's not like we cannot wear shorts or jeans or slacks, or even skirts, but why don't we wear such charming everyday-wear at least some of the time anymore? Wasn't life less hurried and a little more gentle when we did? I miss that, especially for my daughter and grand-babies. What's easier to wear than a throw-over-your-head frock and an apron for wiping hands, teary little cheeks, or polishing your spectacles. Even sans apron, it's a good idea. Certainly cooler than slacks. "It's a good thing". I need to fabricate some vintage style dresses and quite talking about it. Ah, yes, gotta be more Go than Blow! I'll let you know!

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A Precious Sight

2008-05-20T19:31:00.006-05:00

At last, we get to see what the two carport Swallows, those little squatters in the eaves, have been making such a fuss about! The little ones finally peak their little beaks out for nourishment, and here's Mama, making a quick get-away from the camera flash, after dropping off a beak full of whatever it is she's feeding them.

Hubby's been all up-in-arms about the mess that they make on the car (parked beneath them), but I just get the warm-fuzzies from this sweet rite of Springtime. In the almost 100º heat today, though, with them leaning out of the nest with their beaks open to the air, I question the wisdom of sheltering them under such a hot roof.
There was no question last week, when the rains came. Only three days ago, we had the third in line of torrential downpours, along with big wind and hail, that surely would've done harm to these bitty ones, or worse, if they'd been exposed. Guess you can't have it all.

30th Birthday

2008-05-18T14:17:00.005-05:00

My baby turned 30 this week! Funny, how time gets away from you while we're busy living life. Seemed like just the other day that this picture was taken.

We were in Anchorage, AK then, and she was three years old. She was as beautiful then as she is today.
And, of course, here is her little clone, who fills her mama's hands as well as all of our hearts.
You never quit being a mama, after 18 years, or after 30. The love we grow for our children continues on and if you are as fortunate as I, you get a "little clone" to remind you how it was to have the wee-one at your knee, even when the "original" is the Mama now.
Thank you twice, Roo!

The Most Amazing (and Challenging) Job

2008-05-10T11:36:00.007-05:00

The best mothers are friends to their children. A disciplinarian AND a nurturer, which is a tough combination to master, she is non-judgmental, and FUN to be around. She knows how to listen, as well as give advice when it is required. She will remain, in the minds and hearts, of her children, the true model of a real Superwoman, even after those children are grown and see the complete picture of the woman she is and has been. She has given and sacrificed much, and, no matter who else she is or will be, being "mom" is the biggest job of her life.
I don't have photographs of all the mothers I know, who fit into the "best Mothers" category, and I know that if I sat down and really thought about it, I could come up with a large list.

Happy Mother's Day to you all, and thank you for your years, for your devotion, for your patience, and mostly, for your love.

A Bow to La Fée Verte

2008-05-08T12:38:00.011-05:00

I made a request, of hubby, for my "Mother's Day" treat. It was for a bottle of LUCID absinthe, which I'd been eyeing at the liquor store for months. Just having discovered that there was a 120 proof available for around $40, rather than the 140 proof that was displayed, I thought I'd make my move. My honey, being the sweet angel (okay, perhaps a little bit of a dark angel, but an angel, nevertheless) that he is, ran right out and bought a bottle of for an early Mother's Day gift (even though, technically I am not the mother of his children, I do mother him a bit). Of course, now I feel terribly guilty for drinking a new, badly needed, pair of work-boots for him! And truthfully, I'd tasted illegal absinthe in the early 70s, straight from the bottle, and only remember it's pleasant anise scent and flavor, and don't recall it's knock-y0ur-sox-off power and bitterness that this has. I did follow the recommended formula, of louching with ice water over sugar, but still, it took me about 2 hours to polish off a 5 oz glass (that's 1 oz of Lucid in water, with added sugar)! Hubby says it is definitely THE worst thing he's ever tasted. Even with it's bitterness, and the lack of instant, "Wow, I LOVE this stuff", feeling, I'm determined to learn to like it, or at the very least, to enjoy the experience of the trial. I do LOVE anise, after all. I had artemesia in my herb garden, and used it to make tea that I did love. The leaves, steeped in hot water, even without added sweetener, did not taste bitter, and made for a very soothing (to nerves as well as throat) tisane.
Here, in part is what Wikipedia has to say about the history of absinthe:

Effects of absinthe

Absinthe has long been believed to be hallucinogenic. This belief got a contemporary boost in the 1970s when a scientific paper mistakenly reported thujone was related to THC, the active chemical in marijuana, which has hallucinogenic properties. Martin Paul Smith incorrectly argued that absinthe had narcotic effects due to the fermentation process in early 2008.

Ten years after his 19th century experiments with wormwood oil, the French Dr. Magnan studied 250 cases of alcoholism and claimed that those who drank absinthe were worse off than those drinking ordinary alcohol, and that they experienced rapid-onset hallucinations.

Such accounts by absinthe opponents were embraced by its most famous users, many of whom were bohemian Oscar Wilde described the feeling of having tulips on his legs after leaving a bar Two famous painters who helped popularize the notion that absinthe had powerful psychoactive properties were Toulouse Lautrec and Vincent van Gogh (who suffered from mental instability throughout his life). artists or writers. In one of the best known accounts of absinthe drinking,

Today it is known that absinthe does not cause hallucinations, especially ones similar to those described in 19th century studies. Thujone, the supposed active chemical in absinthe, is a GABA antagonist and, while it can produce muscle spasms in large doses, there is no evidence that it causes hallucinations. It has been speculated that reports of hallucinogenic effects of absinthe may have been due to poisonous chemicals being added to cheaper versions of the drink in the 19th century, to give it a more vivid colour. However, the debate over whether absinthe produces effects on the human mind additional to those of alcohol has not been conclusively resolved. The effects of absinthe have been described by some artists as mind opening. The most commonly reported experience is a 'clear-headed' feeling of inebriation — a form of 'lucid drunkenness'. Some modern specialists, such as chemist, historian and absinthe distiller Ted Breaux, claim that alleged secondary effects of absinthe may be caused by the fact that some of the herbal compounds in the drink act as stimulants, while others act as sedatives, creating an overall lucid effect of awakening.

Long term effects of low absinthe consumption in humans remain unknown, although it is known that the herbs contained in absinthe have both painkilling and antiparasitic properties.

********************************

Well, all I can say is that living parasite-free does have its benefits!
The Green Fairy Lives! Salud!

!

When Life hands you Lemons...

2008-05-07T15:51:00.004-05:00

Val asked for my herbal lemonade recipe.
Val, I will send it to you, in exchange for lavender flowers from your garden, with the request that it never, ever, be given away. It must always be exchanged for something of value, specified by the holder of the recipe, and gladly given by the other party. I was taught, long ago, by a friend called "Charlie" ('member her?), that, in life, a balance is disturbed if there is not an equal exchange in all things. Therefore, to benefit by this recipe, one must request something (and receive it) from the recipient of the recipe. In all things, if one or the other feels short-changed, the balance of a relationship may be threatened. So, in this herbal lemonade recipe, all things must remain equal between giver and receiver, otherwise it will be a bitter experience!
I won't post my recipe here, but I will provide the pictorial.
Val, let me know if this exchange is agreeable to you and I will email you my recipe, and look forward to seeing you (and your lavender?) next week.

Someday I'll grow another herb garden AND I'd love to grow my own lemons. Wouldn't that be sweet?

She's a Plum!

2008-05-05T22:59:00.009-05:00

Ever go out for one thing and end up with way more than you imagined? This is what happened to me on Saturday. Let me tell you about it.
The Super-Weekend Planets must have been in alignment for sure!
Saturday morning was not really anything unusual. I was up earlier than hubby cuz, well, if you have lived well for quite some time, you can relate when I say that my, ahem, young bones couldn't stand bed any longer. Ha! I finally got hubby to lift his head and take nourishment (coffee.)
We had talked about doing something fun on Saturday, his only day off last week, and I wanted to get going. Before heading out of town he drove me to a local thrift store to see if they still had a sewing table that I'd had my eye on. It was the newer type, with folding legs, and a unremarkable chipboard constructed-top, with a raised area around a lower one for the machine. It had been there for a couple of months, so there was a good chance that it still was. It wasn't esthetically pleasing at all, but I figured it would do what I needed it to. When I went over to where it had been, instead, there was a 1950-something dark-wood table, with no drawers, but with a top that un-folded. Inside the top was an old machine. There was no price on it, so I asked if I could get the table for $20. Yes, they said, but when we drove around to load it in the truck, no one wanted to remove the old machine. Drats! Hubby was already not thrilled at the idea of taking another piece of old furniture into our old camp-house! (Have I told you that I have a love for OLD THINGS?) But being the angel that he is to me, he conceded defeat, and loaded into the back seat of the truck. After a stop at Walgreens for a couple of things, we headed out to a most splendid afternoon together.
You see, although we spend a good deal of time back-to-back, while he works from his computer, and I surf on mine, we don't get much free-recreational-just-hanging-out-time together. So, on Saturday, we hit the road, visited a cheese shop, picked up a bottle of vino, and picnicked on a bench, under grapevines, in the park. The weather was splendidly cool and we had a grand time! We found a place to buy culinary lavender for herbal lemonade (something hubby's become quite addicted to), then went over to Schnickelfritz's house to visit with our children and grandbaby (ok, she's technically not a baby, now that she's 2, but she'll always be OUR baby, ya know?).
It was then that I got a better look at the sewing machine we'd picked up for a song ($20, minus a 25% "Saturday" discount, WITH the cabinet!) My daughter's exclamation was, "It's Pink!" Yes, it is PINK, the belt is broken and it needs a tune-up. It also has no parts with it, nor did it have an owner's manual. But it doesn't have an odor, and though it had a little mildew on the metal body, it wiped right off easily, and it's pretty in a whimsical pink antique-radio looking kinda way. Worse case, we'd have a pink start to a new trash-pile out back!
Today, I cleaned it up and discovered that it is a Kenmore model 158.470, and may have been made by White and/or Pfaff (the internet isn't quite clear on what year-models were made by which company, but I'll keep searching....if anyone has any more information, I'd appreciate the heads-up.) It sure is a beaut, and a featherweight, it ain't. This baby is all metal and must weigh 40 + lbs! I'd love to find cams that make the fancy stitches and learn what it can do (no cams were included), but first I need to bring it in for servicing and get it running. I did purchase a pdf manual, online, for 8 bucks. All in all, I may end up with a sweetheart of a tank, with the servicing, for quite a good price. This would be one I'd pass on to Schnickelfritz and might outperform us all!
So, whadaya think? Like the lips-outline-hardware on the cabinet? Didn't I tell ya she's a plum?!

How to Fall In Love with a Goat!

2008-05-01T11:43:00.005-05:00

For the first time, I got up close and personal with a goat! "A Goat?!", you say? Yes, a goat.
Hubby was working out in the midst of a Goat-Farm yesterday, and took me along. When we got to the site, there was a herd nearby and a mama goat trapped inside a fenced area where she should not have been (obviously got under the chain-link fence to shoo her little-one outta there. Well, baby escaped and Mama was stuck.) Hubby let Mama-Goat out and Baby stayed nearby, tried to suckle my fingers, and just made all-around cute goaty goo-goo eyes at me. I fell in LUV, I tell ya! The herd moved on and I had to carry Babygoat across the field so it wouldn't get left behind. For a moment it stood and made goat-noises at the herd, then looked back toward me (expecting me to make mama-noises at it!), then finally meandered it's little way over toward where it's kind were heading. Ahhh, I so wanted to take it home with us!

Home!

2008-04-29T00:58:00.006-05:00

Well here I am today, in all my hausfrau wonder (of which I'll spare you.)
Here's peep at my my miniature garden. Can you spot the 1st tomato? ("Firsts" still
thrill me so!)

If you frighten easily, you may want to move along at this point. The following is a photo of one of a pair of lamps I borrowed from my sister's attic. In her attic they were charming, although a bit quirky. I loved them instantly and imagined them with straight-sided, single-tier, 50-ish shades. But, that was before I got them home and set one up in my actual den. I know that the type and size of a shade can make a change, but I don't know if the investment in shades will make them charming and quirky(in a good way) again. What do you think? Any suggestions?

-Amazing how uptight I was about housework until my heart surgery! A hair spotted (off the brush or comb) in the bathroom made me crazy and, tho I wasn't as diligent as I should have been, I still let little things really bother me. Hey, it's housework! It'll be there when I get back and, just think, if I'd cleaned it before, I'd have the beginnings of the next cleaning frenzy started already! This way I can nip it in the bud from the get-go. This is all preface to the next pics you'll see.
I've taken a shot of my den, to where I moved my kitchen

hutch when we redid the kitchen floor and put a wire rack in it's place. I actually like it near the TV, where I can stack my needlework box, out of harms way, when I'm not working. Of course, the bottom doors hold baking pans, but I plan to buy some magazine file boxes for the shelves to keep my publications in, as well as loose-leaf paper instructions and pictures of things I'd like to try or make. The boxes can be a little pricey tho, so I'm hedging until I find a sale or a really good deal.

On Vacation...

2008-04-22T21:46:00.006-05:00

For the past few days we've been visiting with family. What a nice break from our routine.

I've discovered a few things on this visit:

I miss my own children and Schnickelfritz a lot.
I really like it when the job-pressure is off of hubby. (We napped yesterday, and consequently, stayed awake into the early hours this morning making one another laugh.)
(I already knew this, but..) I love my sisters beyond words.
A pair of clip-on (costume jewelry), plastic earrings (which were my mother's), that I'd been looking for a replica of for 2 years, surfaced in an old jewelry-box of my sister's, and I am ecstatically happy about it. Now I can get a photo of the originals and try to reproduce these crescent moons.
Never try dancing cheek-to-cheek and doing the dip after the age of 50. We learned a valuable lesson w/o being hospitalized (but maybe we should have been.) I've got a blue eye and nose and whiplash, and my partner has sore arms and back (back hit the wall before my face did).
I should be in the matchmaking business! Why is it that others can see the obvious about personal relationships only when they are SOMEONE ELSE'S relationships, I ask ya? Both my best friend and a sister of mine need me desperately to arrange socialization for them. Neither seems to do real well at finding someone compatible for them, no need to even mention close to right for them. I think I need to go into the business. And not the internet meeting/dating thing, either. There are no background checks on people who cruise the web for dates. Besides, both my victims, uh, I mean sister and friend, are afraid to meet new people, so I think I'd have to screen the possible match and get to know them before exposing the intended date to them. (More about this in a future post).

I am exhausted from lack of sufficient sleep, so though everyone else in the house is watching a movie, I think I may slip off to bed. It may be a day or two before I get use of a computer again, so goodnight until then.

Big Changes on the Horizon?

2008-04-18T17:36:00.003-05:00

Don't know why, but for the past week or so I've felt what a person who is standing on a fault line and expects a quake to happen at any time, would feel. You know, anticipating big changes, but you don't know from what or where? I've had this feeling at other times in my life, and (in my opinion), because I didn't make the changes that were needed at the time, things always ended up happening to shake my world up.
I'm a terrific procrastinator, and the older I get, the more I abhor change. Seems like Mother just finds it necessary, from time to time, to pull the rug out from under me to get me up off my ass and begin heading in a different direction. Those have always marked a period of difficulty for me. So, when I feel the metaphorical "winds of change" blowing, I become more than a little nervous. I'm hoping that this is just paranoia, and nothing more than the change of seasons and the high pollen count that's got me feeling antsy.

About: Vintage Pattern Lending Library

2008-04-17T14:43:00.005-05:00

I promised I'd keep you informed on ordering from the Vintage Pattern Lending Library and once again, I fell short of my intention. The ordering was great, EZ, and fast and (especially if I'd had checked my Junk Mail Folder first) communication was excellent! Prices for purchases are very reasonable and my patterns arrived at Texas within 3 days of leaving California! The patterns are heat-sealed in 8.75 x 11.50" plastic sleeves, which, if anyone's checking, I'd have preferred resealable sleeves instead. All in all, though, for replicated patterns this is a darn good set-up. Pattern pieces are reproduced on vellum ("We offer high quality, user-friendly, historically accurate one-to-one digital reproductions of many of the patterns in our collection for purchase or loan. Because all patterns are printed on durable 15-pound semi-transparent bond paper, cutting and pinning pieces is easy.") which is heavier that the tissue paper patterns we are most accustomed to, and instructions are well transcribed and readable. Until I actually sew one up, I cannot comment on the differences in sewing a pattern from instructions in the 1930 to the year 2008, but I will advise when I finally do. I would would like to see more 50's era here, but I encourage you to investigate all such businesses and libraries that offer replicated patterns because this is such a wonderful and affordable way to acquire patterns from history. Thank you, VPLL for offering this wonderful resource at such affordable prices!

DING-DONG!

2008-04-16T20:48:00.002-05:00

Ding-Dong The Jinx IS GONE!
OK. tuned into the Yankees game with the Red Sox ahead and now it's Yankees 11 to RSX 9. yay! Hubby and I thought we've had this jinx thing goin' cuz the Yankees never made points while we watched. But Noooo! They did today! Ding-Dong, the Jinx is gone! Yay! We can watch Yankees games once again w/o guilt! Funny how fans will imagine jinxes surrounding things they might do or not do to change the status of scores! Ha! OK, at least we've proof that our watching has nothing to do with the outcome! Right, Hon? Hon?....
Crazy? Yeah, maybe. Dedicated? Certainly! :)

The Tag Stops Here (Sorry!)

2008-04-16T16:42:00.008-05:00

Thank You, Miss Teacher!
I've been Tagged!
Aaaargh. First time for everything.
I will list five things about myself, but don't know that I know anyone to tag that hasn't already been tagged for this!

As a very young girl, I wanted to be a fashion designer. By the age of 17, I knew that that particular path wasn't for me.
I have a very active mind and imagination, where I start and finish thousands of projects a year, when in reality I'm not so good at follow-through (sometimes not even to the beginning of a project!)
I am devilishly lazy and will work, work, work to find an easy way of doing anything.
I am a Pantheist. Pure and Simple. No spiritual identity crisis here. I believe that All is One. Knew it at the age of 18, know it now. Period.
I hate talking on the telephone. After a max of about 5 minutes on the telephone, I can assure you that, behind the words, I am thinking of other things I could or should be doing. I can only think, honestly, of three people that this never happens with (and chances are you are not one of them. Sorry.) I attribute this to an inability to focus on one thing at a time for very long. Years ago, before I had my own family, I'd write (snail-mail), sometimes as many as 5 letters a week. To me, communication through email is a wonder of wonders! If I cannot keep in touch with you through written word (email or blog), you probably won't hear from me very often, if ever. I've even been known to ignore the telephone altogether, people! Most people erroneously think that leaving a phone message is assurance that they will be heard, even if not responded to. Not so true. Really. This guise makes it really easy to appease callers without even having to lift a finger (literally).

This was fun. Maybe I'll continue on with 6+ at a later time! After all, this blog IS all about ME (and shouldn't life in a Goddess's world be that way? ...imagine maniacal laugh here)

Here's a shot of Man with Cake, taken at D's Birthday. Happy 30-something, D! Yes, you ARE a Jolly Good Fellow, if ever there was one! We are so happy to have you in this family! Hugs-O-Plenty! We Love You, Man!

"Little Mama" makes a killer Chocolate Cake that will give you a chocolate fix with a bite that's addicting. Whew! Schnickelfritz would take a bite, then a swallow of milk, then breath through her mouth for a minute before taking another bite! Spicy chocolate goodness, I tell ya!

A-Shopping-We-Will-Go

2008-04-13T15:58:00.003-05:00

So, how's this for an exciting Sunday post? Hubby is mowing the lawn right now and I'm waiting on him so that we can make trip to the market for bi-weekly groceries (He wants to come along just to make sure I don't have to lug the heavy stuff. On lightweight runs, I usually go without him.)
Shopping with hubby is always a challenge. How quickly we can get in, get what's on the list, and get out, without him blowing his stack is the goal here. Anyone (without 2 to 6 year olds) relate to this? Yep, that's right, ladies, you never forget lessons learned when shopping with young children.
1. Always give them something to do to distract and keep them busy while you move quickly from one necessary area to the next, while keeping an eye on them at all times (i.e. "honey, would you pick out the meat that you will want me to fix this week?" and, "sweetie, would you load these gallons of water onto the cart for me.")
2. Get the first thing that they ask for that isn't too impractical and will keep them occupied long enough to buy you quiet time in the checkout line OR, in the case of the husband, ask him to get the truck while you stand in line and pay for the groceries. This way, he can be waiting for you to exit the market and be ready to empty your cart into the vehicle for the ride home. (In my hubby's eyes, SPEED is everything!)
3. Remember to keep the children out of the way of the grocery-loader OR again, in the case of the husband, you stay out of his way while he empties the cart into the vehicle.
The more quickly you can accomplish all of the above without your charge(s) throwing a tantrum, the more successful and stress-free your trip to the market will be.
Ok, so here is my meager list thus far:

Dog Food
Cat Food
Sugar (for hummingbird food)
Hummingbird Feeder

White Vinegar (gallon size)
Quick Grits
Loose Lipton Tea
Traditional Medicinals: Ginger Aid & Eater's Digest Teas
Starbucks Breakfast Blend &/or House Blend coffees

Pears
Cantaloupe
Potatoes
Carrots
Celery
Onion

Broth
Sesame Bread Sticks
Cheese: Swiss & Cheddar
Sour Cream

Bathroom Tissue

Am I the only one who makes a list, then only gets half the things on it because the prices keep rising on everything? I end up deferring those things that I don't purchase onto my next list, until I finally either find a way to do without that particular ingredient, or until I can find it on sale (if I have the money for it at that time.) As I deplete staples in my kitchen, I find myself unable to replace more and more of the things I use to keep all the time (spices, seasonings, sauces, etc.).
I received an email with the subject "Recipezaar Premium Membership Ends Today", and I'm thinking that I haven't been to the site since Christmas mainly because I've lost my enthusiasm for new recipes. Need I say that I won't be renewing? I blame the rising cost of the grocery tab on that.
When we are standing in the checkout line together, we always wager on what the total will be. Hubby will say something like "$168.00", and I'll counter with another amount. In either case, no one wins, we just like playing that game.

Oh well, the mower just stopped. Time for another exciting adventure at the grocery store!

About the Circus

2008-04-12T17:36:00.005-05:00

I have always objected to the Circus. My husband took my daughter to the circus without me when she was young, and she will probably, in turn, take her own daughter there, but I will never attend. And even though I'm sure there is good care for animals in zoos, I will not be visiting those either.
I happened across the following on the web and thought I'd share with you.

Do Not Watch This Video if the Truth disturbs you, or if you prefer to ignore the things humans do to further their entertainment at the expense of others.
I will not block comments on this post, but I'd prefer no comments on this one. Watch and/or read further according to your own conscience, please.

Learn more at peta2.com

by Kathy Guillermo

Like every mother‚ I want to raise children to be strong‚ confident‚ and compassionate. I want my kids to understand that the choices that we make may affect others in profound ways and that we must be especially careful not to harm—or support others who harm—those who are defenseless. Just as we would never hit or yell at our dog‚ Jenny‚ we would never support cruelty by going to the circus.

When other mothers ask me about this‚ I tell them the following:

1. Circuses chain‚ cage‚ and hurt animals. Even if the audience doesn’t see it‚ we know that elephants are shackled for their entire lives‚ beaten by handlers who want to establish dominance‚ and separated from their families. Animals in circuses can’t make even one decision about their own lives. They live and travel in caged squalor.
2. Children identify with animals. Like animals in the circus‚ children are completely at the mercy of stronger beings. If they see animals who are being humiliated and forced to perform unnatural acts‚ they get the message loud and clear that it is acceptable to bully weaker beings.
3. What children really want is time with their families. Having fun with their parents and siblings is what matters—and there are so many great activities that are both fun and humane. Toddlers love shows such as Dora Live and those put on by The Wiggles‚ while my school-age kids want to go to science and art museums and attend baseball games. Even a simple game night at home can be a wonderful‚ warm experience.
4. There are better ways to learn about animals than going to the circus. Volunteer at a wildlife rescue center‚ or check out a great documentary about animals in their own homes. Visit Elephants.com and see—via live video feed—elephants who now live in a spacious sanctuary after being rescued from circuses and zoos.

Flight of the Hummingbirds

2008-04-06T16:40:00.008-05:00

First there were three hummers, all battling for the feeder. Hubby kept saying they were gonna poke our eyes out if we weren't careful not to get in their way when they were dive-bombing one another. I assured him that they could be trusted to navigate around us and not to worry.
Then, suddenly, another appeared, and another, and within minutes we had six hummingbirds lighting on the feeder at once. Seems that they don't fight so much when there are so many. It's just every bird for him/her self.

Think maybe I need a second feeder?
Sunny was here last week, and showered Schnickelfritz with gifts, the best (in Sophie's opinion) being a pair of purple "high heels".
It's always fun when Aunt Sunny comes here. She and I thrift-shopped til we dropped. It gets more and more difficult to see my sister leave to go back home or to leave her each time we visit. I miss her completely and wish we lived closer. Sophie hasn't quit asking "where'd Aunt Sunny go?"

Late Easter Post

2008-04-06T15:43:00.014-05:00

Since I am just now getting around to getting the Easter pictures off of my camera and onto the computer, I thought I'd post a few here. Here is Schnickelfritz examining an egg that Ma (that's me) brought over to "pock" with.
Although the tradition of "pocking eggs" was common where I grew up, as an adult I've found it more and more unusual to find anyone who knows what egg-pocking (paqueing) is. I did recently find the following, though, on the internet:
"Just about everyone who grew up in South Louisiana remembers paqueing eggs (pronounced “pocking) during Easter. Paqueing eggs, also known as egg tapping or egg knocking, is done by tapping the end of a boiled egg against the end of another boiled egg held in the hand of a competitor, until one of the eggs crack. The person whose egg cracks must forfeit his egg to the winner. This custom is carried out in several Cajun communities throughout South Louisiana. In some areas, the practice is referred to as "Pacques Pacques", which simply means "Easter Easter" in French, but is also a play on words because the sound of an egg tapping on another egg makes a sound like "pock pock". Everyone enjoys Paqueing during Easter, not just children. Some local areas have organized egg paqueing contests divided into age groups from pre-school to adult. But paquers beware and watch for cheaters. Cheating at an egg breaking contest? You bet your Easter basket. One common way of cheating is to boil and dye guinea eggs which have stronger shells than the eggs of chickens, or coating the tip of the egg with fingernail polish. But don’t be fooled, this is also a game of strategy. Some hold their eggs with a very small area of the point of the egg showing. Others boil their eggs with the top down which is believed to strengthen the point of the egg. Despite an exhausted search on the origins of egg pocking in Louisiana, we could find very little specific to our State. We did, however, learn that this Easter tradition is celebrated in many European and Middle Eastern countries that include, Austria, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq and Syria Most egg paqueing is enjoyed within family homes or outside under the smile of the Spring sun. So this Easter, after you hide the eggs, enjoy the Louisiana tradition of egg paqueing. "

This year, at the age of 2 years, my grandbaby was introduced to the "pocking" tradition.

Victory Egg Dance:

The Spoils of War!
And while I'm posting pics of my baby(s), let me show you this:
I've been telling Alexis, for a while now, that being with Soph is like having a little Alexis all over again. Until I showed her this picture of her when she was about three years old, though, I don't think she bought it. Yep, those are my girls!

Oooops! Mea culpa!

2008-04-05T12:14:00.005-05:00

My fault, My fault! I did get a response from Janyce Engan of the Vintage Pattern Lending Library,
dated April 3. Unfortunately I was having a problem retrieving my email from gmail through my POP account and, when I finally did correct the issue, all my un-retrieved mail went into my Junk Mail Folder and I didn't notice it until today!
So Yay! I did get the information I wanted from Janyce, who was so nice and helpful, and I will order from her.
Pictured here, are the patterns I am ordering. The loose hip-belted dress has removable collar and cuffs, which I'm not sure I'd use, but I love the over the head comfy-ness of this dress. As form-fitting as the other two are, I may need to add a little to the seams to make them suit my casual life-style.
My order is in-process, so I'll let you know how the mechanics of ordering from the VPL is going.

Musings From The Forest....: Vintage Pattern Lending Library

2008-04-04T12:33:00.001-05:00

Musings From The Forest....: Vintage Pattern Lending Library

Ok it's now been 2 days since I wrote to the seller at the Vintage Pattern Lending Library eBay store, with no reply, so until I hear from them I must put that idea (that they may be a wonderful resource for re-printed vintage patterns) on hold.
I'd asked about the hip measurements for a pattern I am interested in, as well as asking permission to put a link to the eBay store on my blog. If they don't respond to their mail quicker than this, I have to say I'm not so impressed with an eBay seller.
I'll keep you posted (ar, ar) on the status of a response from them.

Boycott Absolut (Absolut Bull)

2008-04-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

Vintage Pattern Lending Library

2008-04-02T15:16:00.008-05:00

I nearly fell out of my chair when I found this site on eBay last night. There are so many reproduction patterns here, in fact, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of them all.
"The focus of the Library is to make available to public access rare, antique, vintage and retro sewing patterns and fashion related publications." and "Fashion related items from 1840 - 1940, we offer replicated copies for sale and by loan."
I've got a question to the sellers regarding a 1930s dress right now and will post another photo as soon as I hear back.

DEMISE OF A CHOCOLATE LEGEND

2008-04-02T14:20:00.010-05:00

I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM MY SISTER at an appropriate time, since I'd just ended a phone call with Alexis and Sophie. They'd baked a chocolate cake and Sophie got to lick the batter-bowl. Sophie said she wants to "swim in chocolate". This news regarding Hershey, which I may have already heard if I was more in touch with the world of commerce, really saddens me, so I thought I'd pass it on. Only yesterday, I picked up two Hershey bars to keep in the fridge for when hubby needs a chocolate fix. Guess I won't be doing that again!
No more Hershey's for this household.

From http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/h/hershey.htm
Hershey's Chocolate Is Moving Some Operations from the U.S. to Mexico-Truth!
Summary of the eRumor:
The eRumor laments that the American Hershey company that makes Hershey chocolate products is moving to Mexico.
The Truth:
There is a significant move by Hershey from the United States to Mexico in what the company calls a "global supply-chain transformation." Not all the operations are making the move but according to a June, 2007 article in the Los Angeles Times about 3,000 of the company's 13,000 employees will be cut.

About 900 workers are to lose their jobs in the company's home town of Hershey, Pennsylvania and the Hershey plant in Oakdale, California, is closing down. Operations there are being moved to Monterrey, Mexico.

The times quotes Hershey CEO Richard Lenny as saying that labor costs in Mexico are 10 percent less than in the U.S. and that by 2010 the changes will save shareholders $190 million.

"SAY GOODBYE HERSHEY

A sad story for those of us who remember
growing up with Hershey bars, and just as sad
for the generations of today. What will be
outsourced next?

Pennsylvania is a big state, but it amazes me in
this day, how some news doesn't make it over the
mountain to the front page of our papers or the top
Of our news hours in Western Pennsylvania .

Milton Hershey, this year, will be joining H. J
Heinz in rolling over in his grave. Hershey Chocolate is
moving to MEXICO ...whoopee! They're even closing
down Hershey Canada . Don't buy any more Hershey
Bars. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are my favorite and
they are made by Hershey. But, I will not purchase
Another one!

M.S. Hershey had a dream... I will buy my OWN Sugar,
Milk, Cocoa beans, (all natural mind you!) and make
candy.. (no tariffs etc..) EVEN during the depression...HE
and the Company made money...NOW some Corporate big wigs are ruining the name... AND the product M.S. created...
Please pass it on...What a bunch of college educated
"idiots".

Thank you M.S. Hershey for all the things I have
and all you have done for me and my family..."I" do appreciate it... as for "Dick" Lenny and Company...good luck you greedy, money loving BASTARDS...you are ruining the name, the company,
and MANY lives in central Pennsylvania .... read on...
Enough is Enough!

So Hershey executives are closing plants in the US ,
laying off over a thousand people, and destroying
Mr. Hershey's dream, all to cut labor, material
costs and AVOID PAYING ANY US TAXES!
The company will save about $170 million a year,
all on the backs of the American people. The top
executives will still make their mega bucks and the
laid off workers will have to find other jobs, some
probably at minimum wage due to their age. All this
to take their jobs to India , China and Mexico , So
WHAT part of the "GREAT" American Chocolate
Bar is left?...NOTHING! These countries are no
doubt laughing at the Americans, who they don't
like anyway. How long are the American people
going to sit around and let big corporations do this
to us? We must all band together and let our
Politicians in Washington know we have had it with NAFTA, CAFTA and "SHAFTA" and we won't take it any longer!

Please, do not buy any Hershey product! If the
company wants to take the work to these countries, then let those countries buy the product. We don't need it!

BOYCOTT HERSHEY!!
Please pass this to everyone on your email list so
it gets all across the United States ."

Photo, bracelet(s), and Birthday!

2008-03-18T17:47:00.005-05:00

I saw this watch on ebay (ok, there was a watch face in it when I bid on it) and decided that I would begin collecting these rare bracelet/watches whenever I discover one! I placed a photo of my babies (hubby and Schickelfrits) in it, and, joila! Instant heirloom (ok, well, sort-of cuz it's merely a brass-copper bracelet, but the photo makes it worth everything to me). Also, I could carry small pills (like my itty-bitty Nitro pills) in there, and probably my medical alert, as well. I'm thinking about that, though I don't know if an EMS person would look inside there if there were an emergency. What do you think?
We'd planned an all-out party hoopla with Val and Curtis and our own Sunday evening, but got to the restaurant where we'd planned to meet and were flabbergasted by the crowds waiting to be seated. We were the first there, and put our name down for a party of 12, which they said would put us waiting at least an hour, but by the time 5 more arrived we were pretty sure my hubby couldn't tolerate waiting another hour in the crowds and din of the restaurant to wait to eat....so we begged off.
Sorry, Val. Hope you guys had a wonderful party and V, Happy & Happy New Life. I told you that your attitude changes when you hit 30. It continues to change afterward. Amazing, but true. Sometimes I think we should have started this way and regressed as we got older, instead of the other way around. Don't really know, and haven't had a lot of time to focus on it since I met my final partner in life, but I still believe we'd be better with our elder-knowledge when we had younger bodies (i.e. more energy) to use it well!

Finally, a no-hole kitchen floor!

2008-03-11T19:33:00.005-05:00

Finally got my kitchen floor in, Yay! Hubby, with the aid of Son-In-Law(the greatest SIL on this earth!) did this for me, this past weekend! My back is aching and my knees hurt, and I swear, I had bruises on my hands last night, but they were only sympathy pains, because they are the ones that did the work! Funny what a little sympathy can do to you!
Tonight, though, I have a heck-of-a-week-ahead of me, what with removing stuff from shelves and cleaning the residue of the old (removed) flooring, and cleaning all the dishes, etc. (w/o a dishwasher).
I have the easy job, though, because the men were the ones who had to tear out the old, termite-eaten, flooring and replace joists of the existing boy-scout flooring, that was sitting on free-floating cedar stumps (not even sunk into the earth or secured by concrete, people!), which, I guess, when it was initially installed. was thought to be only a temporary kitchen for the bunk-house. Well, over half a century later, when the floor was no longer negotiable, the bugs had to be eradicated and the flooring replaced. As much as I LOVE (I'm not overstating this...I dearly LOVE OLD buildings and architecture) older structures, this leasing of an old camp has taught me that, although older structures are not TOTALLY out of consideration, you certainly have to be cautious about different things than when buying newer structures, and termites is merely ONE of those things.
Goodnight to you all, and, with that said, I am retiring to my lonely bed (hubby's, again, out of town on business), looking forward to a new day of cleaning and sewing tomorrow!
Oh, by the by, I just talked to an old best friend, newly back from 2 years pulling a-no-time-off-domestic-nursing-and-grandson-babbysitting-duty, and,finally, vacationing in Virginia for 2 weeks. She and I will be lunching tomorrow and spending a Pimms-Cup (or some-such) night, while hubby's away this week.
Fun stuff! I'll keep ya posted! Meanwhile, during the daylight hours, I have a sewing project to complete quickly, so I'll keep ya posted on that one, too!

Cancer "News" Alert

2008-03-06T20:37:00.003-06:00

Update: May 12, 2008.....At the urging of Michael, I did check with Snopes, who says that the following is not from Johns Hopkins and that Johns Hopkins has disclaimed it's contents. Still, I think that there is merit in much of the content here, no-matter the source. (--Merely my personal opinion, of course.)
http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/cancerupdate.asp
* * * * * * * * * *
I was just sent the following "news" in an email, with information from Johns Hopkins regarding cancer treatments. This information has been out in the "natural health" world for more than the last ten years, and is finally being confirmed by the utmost authority in cancer treatments. In case you don't already know this, it's time you noticed and heeded the warnings. The following is being posted for the people who have a long life left and should heed these warnings.
----------------
AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY' IS THE KEY WORD) AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHN HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime
3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.
9 When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.
CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal,Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.
b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.
c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains,seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and dr ink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts)and eat some raw vege tables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degre es C).
e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine.Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.
12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.
13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.
14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence,Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.
(PLEASE FORWARD IT TO PEOPLE YOU CARE ABOUT)
CANCER UPDATE FROM JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL , U S
1. No plastic containers in micro.
2. No water bottles in freezer.
3. No plastic wrap in microwave.
Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well.
Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies.Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.
Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers.
This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.
Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.
This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life.

Whatamidoinagain?

2008-03-05T16:00:00.004-06:00

Ok, I've read the basics online(again and again)and was given general instructions (penned on a scrap of paper)by the Quilt-Store-Lady, which I honestly understood at the time, but now that it comes to the laying out and deciding where to put which quilt block, I've totally frozen.
I mean, how hard can it be? They (you know, the ubiquitous "they") say that you can make a "Quilt in a Day" and, geeze, if "they" can do it in one day, how can I argue with that?!! It certainly MUST be doable, right? (Allright, people, go with me here. I'm trying to talk myself up to it.) Me, goddessofallthereis of my little Universe, creator of finger-puppets, some super-cool free-hand embroidery, good food, and undeniably one of the most wonderful daughters (ok, admittedly, I had only the bearing of said daughter to my credit, as we kinda reared each other and she is still more mature, in many ways, than I) on earth, who, in turn, produced a most wonderful daughter of her own. Surely I can put together a few scraps of fabric to build a baby's quilt or two.
This is one of the many days that I wish, oh how I wish, that I lived just round the corner from my girl so she could assist my confidence into taking the first steps. But nooooooooo. I HAVE to live miles and miles away so that all I have is the telephone to connect us and no way to get over there to elicit her aid or advice. She has a much better eye than I do for this. Everything she manufactures turns out spectacular. I, with my bent for over-analysis, have to study it all to death before attempting anything and, as I said, my eye for design is not so good.
Ok, enough complaining. If anyone has any ideas on how to decide the layout or to proceed, I welcome any and all suggestions. Meanwhile, I'm procrastinating (something I'm entirely too good at.)

Made Out Like a Pattern Bandit :)

2008-03-02T14:54:00.013-06:00

On my way to get groceries a couple of days ago, I, ahem, happened by a local thrift shop and really made out with unused, uncut, (factory folded) patterns for .25 each! There's one skirt pattern that I likeand will make a cute cool summer skirt, one "fitting pattern", one for a cute little basic sundress, and two that should fit Soph. . (I love the pockets in the See & Sew top.)
I also went down to the local Hospice Thrift Store, which seems to be raising the prices of their used clothing to such ridiculous heights, that few people buy when there isn't a "sale" on. There was a vintage Adler Sewing Machine there, which I'm sorry now to have passed by but may go back for next week. If you know me, I have a thing for old sewing machines, and this one happens to be a German built with all the bells and whistles AND has all the basic attachments for only $20. I did buy up a cute little "french maid"-looking apron which you can see here, on Rosie. She seems to like it when she's dressed in something nice.
Before I headed for the grocery store, I ran into an old friend of mine and we went for a cup of Starbucks and a wee visit to catch up on each other. Thrifting and coffee are passions that we share, so it's not unusual to run into one another in either place, but it had been many months since we'd had time for a visit. It turned out to be a good day in spite of having to fight the crowds at the grocery store and give away too much money for too few little bags of necessaries there.
Tonight we are heading over to the In-laws with Chinese take-out, so that'll be fun.

ATTITUDES: 50 from the 50's

2008-02-29T12:52:00.002-06:00

I'd love to own ALL of these patterns!...OK, well almost ALL!

New Skirts, Floors, and Kitchens

2008-02-26T13:32:00.006-06:00

Ok, so here's one shot of the new kitchen floor, that my talented son-in-law installed in my daughter's kitchen, along with the new range just installed, and so badly needed. My girl is a fabulous cook and could create a Martha-envy dish with any equipment, but we all know how much easier perfection can be with the RIGHT tools, eh? So she finally got her self-cleaning oven with the ceramic cooktop! How cool is THAT?!!! You rock, D!
While I'm drooling, get a gander at that wonderful Amy Butler-fabric skirt that she whipped up! That child continues to amaze me!

Oh, and one more thing......
this child has got an angel looking over her shoulder that is awsome! Look at her go!

I love you guys!

Braggin' Rights

2008-02-15T11:11:00.008-06:00

You know, as a Mom and now a Mamere, I retain Braggin' Rights associated with anything that my girls do. This is one of those posts.
I borrowed these 3 pics from my daughter's blog,
A, if this is a problem for you, please call me NOW!
The first one is a bag that A. made from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Book. She cleverly designed, embroidered, and sewed up this smashing creation to hold up to the high demands of her busy life and her 2-year-old. I've been gathering ideas to make myself a bag, since I've seen hers, but am a little concerned that mine won't be up to the fashion or practicality that hers displays (especially since I intend to make it from fabrics from my stash).

The second and third photos are of Twirly Skirts, from Erin's tutorial on House on Hill Road that A. made for Soph. I saw the 1st on Soph last week, and L O V E D it, and the 2nd was made from a Valentine Charm Pack (a pack of of different, but coordinating fabric cut into 5" squares) that I'd found at a local quilting shop. The touch of Ric-Rac is so adorable that I think that this is definitely a skirt worthy of wearing for more than just V-day! Look at that girl TWIRL!!!

I may even have to try my hand at making a Twirly Skirt from the Chutes & Ladders Charm Pack
that I bought from eBay recently. (Whatever you do..don't hold your breath on that one!) I cannot claim that my daughter's inventiveness or creativity has sprung from me. I've always been one to need recipes, patterns, or directions and to over-analyze them to pieces before attempting anything, whereas she seems to be always ready for a new challenge and wings-it with great successes. She is an inspiration, that girl!
As I've said before, "You Rock", Little Mama.

Valentine Love

2008-02-14T16:26:00.008-06:00

Even though hubby is working out of town today, he sent me roses with the sweetest love-pledge! Though we sometimes test one-another's patience when we're together day after day, it strains us both when he has to be away. Who says Marines are only tough and grizzly?!! How gratifying to be fifty-something and to love, and be loved, so fiercely.
It won't be Valentine's Day until you drive in, Honey. Thank you for getting home safely.
XOXOXOXOXOXO

"It's Her Bathroom Too"

2008-02-10T19:21:00.000-06:00

I had to post again today because of this:
Papere said, when I was on my way to town to do grocery shopping today, "Go get Sophie her own seat". So I came home with a truck-load of groceries (which he carried in for me), and while I was putting them away, Papere made off with the "seat" and this is what he did with it. I was so sure that I'd be hunting a space to keep this in, that it shocked the heck out of me to see it, not just socked away in a closet, but HANGING ON THE WALL, in our bathroom! When I mentioned it, he simply said, "Well, it's her bathroom, too." Done! That, pretty much, says it all.

And this is a photo of Papere, in all his splendor, with Sophie gracing him with a kiss. Beautiful!

Honor and Glory -Silent Drill Team

2008-02-10T13:06:00.000-06:00

Inspired by A Mermaid's Tale's Marine Corps video on her blog, I started asking Gunny some questions about the Silent Drill Team, which he answered patiently, then looked up more YouTube Marine video's and found this one. The story of the USMC Silent Drill Team is amazing and I am so truly honored to be able to view them this way. Makes even the stern of heart want to cry just to watch them perform. Spectacular!
Semper Fi

Pamperings

2008-02-06T20:55:00.000-06:00

My precious girls made a darling bag to hold some well-needed foot pamperings, and a sweet birthday card to go along with it. You always know just what I need! I have to get my fingernails to grow a little (which means I have to quit abusing them!) before I try the pretty pink polish on them.

I still haven't gotten back to cleaning up my craft room. I'm the world's best at procrastination, it seems. I did get all the laundry done, floors cleaned, and (yes, believe it) sheets ironed, while hubby was away this time, and even managed to get out and spend over $100 on 3 little bags of groceries today. (How, on earth, will we continue to eat and live with the price of everything going up and up?)
At least it's better to have a thrifting jones, rather than a Bergdorf Goodman or a Saks jones, I say. Right? Yeah, Right.

I've Never Played Bridge...

2008-02-05T17:59:00.001-06:00

I only just opened the envelope that came with Schnickelfritz's Junior Sewing Machine today, and found the most wonderful Owner's Manual and Vinyl envelope with tape measure, needles, and threader, and 5 Girl Scout badges. I don't remember what the badges all stand for but, I believe that the top left is perhaps a vintage something like "sign of the Star", and the one on the right could be (because of the arrow) one for Direction. The second row (L to R) is First Aid, Outdoor Exploring (?), and, (I'm guessing) one for Conversation and/or a really bad Coffee Habit (which we developed early-on in Louisiana). The third row (again, L to R) is, of course, Music, Camping (or as girls from my daughter's generation experienced from time to time...Leaving Home and Finding a Warm and Dry Place to Crash), Baking or Cooking, and what I believe might be a badge for "Surviving Being Homeless "(known as Hobos back in my day)or for "Hitch-hiking" (what can I say?...I grew up through the 60's & 70's).
If any of you know what these actually were, let me know, and I'll adjust my post.

Ok, hon, if you're reading this, you can stop here. :)
------------------------------------------------------------
Saying that Monday's Thrifting Adventure was a total bust, was a bit of an overstatement. I did pick up several wonderful crochet, knit, and embroidered pieces.
Also, I found a cute little card-table-cloth with an embroidered (disguised)pocket on each corner (Maybe for hiding cards in?), and an actual, still-stapled-shut-in-the-bag, vinyl "Bridge Table Cover". I've never played bridge but have always been curious. Although I'm awful at card games, this has instructions right on the cover.
And this Bun or Roll Cloth, with beautiful embroidery, along with several small handwork pieces that I'll treasure and perhaps get to use in some of my crafting.

And if I don't, why worry? After all, as they say, "She who dies with the biggest stash WINS!" (Though I think that actually USING most of your stash before you die pretty much makes you the winner, doesn't it?)

Superbowl Birthday

2008-02-04T18:06:00.000-06:00

We had a grand afternoon at our children's house yesterday, combining Super Bowl Sunday and my birthday celebration. I taught the daughter about my personal variation on Pimm's Cup , and they taught us about smoked ribs and, once again, about perfect chocolate cake. Our friend Maureen came over and it's always good to see her!
The Super Bowl was fine, I suppose, as for as football games go, but, like I said in a previous post, it was all about me and the Cake! The reason I post only one, ahem, flattering shot is because my cameraman was not very experienced at using his new camera (the fact that I've hoarded it and he's only taken it out on a test-drive once probably has something to do with that), and this is the only one that came out.

And today, Schnickelfritz's Signature Junior Sewing machine arrived! I know she's a little young yet, but how could I resist buying this for 12 bucks (including shipping) on eBay? Isn't it darling? It runs and even has a little presser foot!

I actually had a vehicle to use today (a rare occurrence, I know) and made the Thrift Store rounds. Monday, unfortunately, is not a good thrifting day because most of the stores are not open on Monday. I did pick up a dollar work of fiction, though. Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes. Looks like it may be entertaining. For $1 I can't go wrong, can I?
To end my day, I'm having a single-girls favorite: cheese, veggies, and dill dip, at the computer, for dinner (hey, at least I'm not standing at the sink!) The cats are in, the dogs have been fed, and all is quiet around here. Ahhhh, I might just sleep late in the morning. After that, I've got plans for my crafts room. Needle Book has inspired me. Wish I had the doll cabinet from storage to store my fabrics in. I'd never thought of it before now.

Pink Elephant! Pink Elephant!

2008-02-01T21:40:00.001-06:00

Elephants represent Memory to me. Perhaps because I remember that old tale about Elephant's Never Forget, from when I was very young. Last night, while Hubby and I watched the democratic debate between Obama and Clinton, I fashioned this cutie while I watched. And tonight, while I post her pictures, I remembered that after my heart surgery in 2004, I started a journal, which I quickly discarded because I felt obliged to write something every day, and honestly, I just didn't have things to write about every day. This blog suits me better, I think. I can write when I want, I can post pictures of things that are special to me, and I can share it with others.
Ele's ear-trim and legs are grey and her body is pink. Tomorrow I will work on the carrier-bag-puppet-stage
so that we can bring it over on Sunday when we go to Sophie's house for the SuperBowl/Mamere's birthday party. It promises to be a memorable day.
Tomorrow I will go thrifting. Saturday is not the best day for it around here (unless you plan to garage-sale, and I don't), but it's what I have the opportunity to do, so I will.
We looked at a rental today, which greatly disappointed us in our quest, so I think we will try to arrange to extend our lease here and put money aside to 1. fix my car, and 2.buy a house in a year or so. We did run by to give Alvis (the bird) to Soph and see Alexis and Soph for a little while. Sophie is getting to be such a hoot to be around, much like her mother was at that age and older. As they say, the apples don't fall far! This is a very good thing, in this example. I'm truly blessed.

Ahhhh..it's all about me!

2008-01-29T22:52:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to point out a post from groovygreen.com regarding Tyson's Chicken, by saying that the thing that concerned me the most about this article is not the price of Tyson's chicken increasing. I never could (digestively, I mean) tolerate Tyson's chicken. The thing that concerned me is seeing a photo of the poor birds cramped in those cages. Ahhhg! Self-loathing comes into play when I see this, because of all the animals I've eaten in my lifetime ( I'd be pulling my hair out at this point , if my hair wasn't already thinning on it's own.) I think that, if I am ever not responsible for feeding meat-eaters, I will become mostly vegetarian. I say "mostly" because I'm basically pretty lazy and, if it came to hunger or a corn-dog, I'd choose the dog. I do have a fondness for Morning Star faux corn-dogs, though. Now, if Soy would be kinder to me (again, digestively), I'd eat like that a great deal more.

Today was a good day for me. Stayed in bed late. A and Soph woke me with a serenade of "Happy Birthday, Mamere", I played on the computer a while, heard from 2 of my sisters, hubby did the dishes for me then later took me out to a place we hadn't tried before, for an early dinner. Talked to A and Soph again tonight, and Hubby and I did our 2007 tax return.
Ok, well sometimes we shouldn't be taking such big risks as tax returns, on happy days, BUT, how much more would we hate bad news if we were having a schlocky day? And really, it could've turned out worse!
All in all it was a great day and my cake comes next Sunday. I know, I know, it's s'posed to be all about the Super Bowl, but since the ribs will take so long to grill, I figure we can all make time for birthday cake!
Ahhhh yes, it's all about me and the cake! Ah, ha, ha!

Catch-Up

2008-01-28T10:19:00.001-06:00

Here it is, a day before another anniversary of a landmark in my life, and I just realized that I have too many things to post about all at once, so I'd best catch up before I'm feeling too old to have the energy.
You know, I believe life tests us most where and when we are most vulnerable. If I become a little more wary at this time of year, it's because it seems as though life has tended to test me around my birthdays as I get older. My generation, as well as a couple before and after, has developed a tendency to favor disposability in our consumerism as well as our personal relationships. I would like to make a resolution for this next year of my life: to attempt to lean more toward endurance and trust than I have been cultivating in my life. Like many resolutions for self improvement, I am depending on those people who are closest to me to remind me, when I need reminding, that I want to do this. With plenty of help, and a little good fortune, I'll become a better person for it.
And now for an update on my crafting projects:

Though I've tapered off a bit on my felting craze, Bird had to be finished, and plagued me until she finally had a heart. The proportions weren't quite what I intended, but I am pleased with her turn-out. She may never take flight, but she will sit prettily on an adult finger, and is soft and cheerful.

Bird has been riding around in my handbag for a week or two waiting to get to Sophie's finger-puppet family. I still have a couple of others in mind and want to make a bag/puppet-stage to hold them all, but that will come later.
I'd felted a pincushion for Alexis and wanted one for myself, so I crafted a soup-can sized tube of felted roving and halved it with an electric knife that I picked up for $3 at a local thrift shop. With a core of wool dryer-lint from my wool wet-felting projects, I also made a small ball (on the left), for my cat, because she likes to lay next to me while I needle-felt. I wanted to enclosed catnip in it, but couldn't locate the bag of catnip when I began the project (big surprise!)
I gotta tell ya that needle-felting can be strenuous work! I suffered muscle cramps in my right arm for about 8 hours, after one day of constant work on the pincushions. If I did this every day I'd have a huge right bicep!

Oh, and I have such clock-envy now. Sophie got the most wonderful soft-sculptured clock from her Aunt Val and I've been thinking of all kinds of soft-sculpture that could be done. This is an awesome art-form!

...And just to make you all feel better about your own craft spaces after the holidays, I thought I'd throw in a couple of shots of my own wreck of a room.

Just makes you say, "Whew!", doesn't it?

Meet OWL

2008-01-15T16:49:00.001-06:00

Meet OWL
OWL came upon me while I was sitting in my chair, thinking about Mr. Mouse, who I was working on at the time. Owls have a way of appearing when mice are around, you know. Mr. Mouse made away fine, and since he's quite a bit bigger than OWL, I don't think that OWL's presence will be a problem for Mouse once they meet. I'm enjoying OWL's company though, while he's here. Sometimes an owl is just what you need to keep you company on a cold and cloudy day.

Felt like Schnickelfritz's Mommie & Mamere

2008-01-12T22:45:00.000-06:00

We had dinner at our children's house tonight. I brought lasagna and banana pudding pie and Alexis and Sophie supplied home-made rolls. Yum!
After dinner, Alexis and I sat at the kitchen table and needle-felted finger puppets while the men were in the living room watching football and solving all the world's problems. Schnickelfritz played alongside us and entertained us all the while.
I don't have pics of our newest creations, but I did finish the mystery puppet, who became Mr. Mystery Mouse, and Alexis made a wonderful Bunny for her first needle-felted finger puppet. Her Bunny was still in the works when I had to depart, but I'm sure she'll post pictures as soon as she can. I left "Mamere's heart" application to Mr. Mouse in Alexis's capable hands.
Given a choice between "Papa's Bunny" and Mystery Mouse, Sophie chose the Mouse, which made me glad!
What a wonderful evening we had there, as we always do when we visit. I look so forward to the day when we live closer and don't have the drive home. I promised Soph to see her next week, and if things go right, I will. Until then, I'll still be felting my little fingers away. My new project is a finger-puppet owl, then maybe a yellow bird. I promise photos of those when they're done.

Felting Crazy

2008-01-11T17:24:00.001-06:00

I finished my 2nd felted finger-puppet, Turtle, for Schnickelfritz. This is a photo of Bunny with the initial version of Turtle (before the facial surgery). I re-did her face with embroidery thread, but still she looks more like a little tiger than the real Turtle (see the cat's pic at the top of my blog). Soph is very forgiving though, and called last night to say she loves Turtle. She'd been napping when we went by to give it to her and hubby had a bus to catch (my way of saying that he was in a hurry), so we couldn't wait for her to wake.
Here, to the left of the felting-brush, is my next finger-puppet project, which I hope to have finished by tomorrow. Any guesses? It's a mystery now....only I know what I'm wanting it to become. As I told Alexis on the phone, things don't always end up the way you'd imagined when you start a little "sculpture, " and sometimes, even I am surprised with the turns it takes. We'll see on this one!

Alexis wants to needle-felt, so today I got hubby to take me to the local supplier for more roving and needles (I've broken about 8 in the past three days!) Tomorrow we are going over to their house for dinner, so I'm going to get her started on felting something. I got her a felting "jabber" (holds 5 felting needles) of her own. Replacement needles are definitely less expensive at the local craft store, but I could only get roving at the quilt shop, and I knew that mt chauffeur's patience with me would end quickly if I had too many stops to make, so I got everything there. They had new spring-like colors in stock and so I splurged on a few new colors of roving, too.
I came home and did a search for instructions for Felted Pincushions like the style that the quilt shop sells, that Alexis wants to make. I may try this myself...they are very cool, but seem like they will take a good deal of wool and I don't know that I want to spend all my roving on a project this size right now.
Well, back to the Felting board!

Roses and Bunnies

2008-01-09T22:13:00.000-06:00

Hubby brought home 2 dozen beautiful roses for me yesterday. Said he wasn't kissing my arse (to which, I replied, "Why not?") but that he was feeling melancholy and missed me during the day! That's so sweet, isn't it? Especially since it was so sincere. (But still, I think that the occasional arse-kissing bouquet is not completely out of line!) Aren't they gorgeous? I put the vase (a gift from his mother) of roses below the frame of his love-pledge to me.

I've been working on felting a finger-puppet bunny this evening with my grand-daughter in mind. I've broken 5 felting needles and have numerous finger-punctures from trying to needle-felt the doll with an opening for a finger.
Hubby got so excited about me making something for him to play puppets with, with Soph, that he fell in love with the bunny! (How could he not. Right?)
-Said he'd love to have one to hang from his rear-view mirror. I was working on a "Turtle" by then (a semi-replica of the kitty in the picture at the head of this blog), so how could I not give the bunny to him and make Soph another one? ..and I will, tomorrow. But for now, this bunny is the Gunny's. It's even got Mamere's heart on it, which I plan to put somewhere on each one I felt. These are great fun to do, but hell on needles and fingers!

I'll post pics of Turtle and Bunny II as soon as I get them done.
I do love my babies (the supposedly grown-man-one, included!)

To Sew or Not-to-Sew. THAT is the question!

2008-01-03T20:50:00.000-06:00

We had postage stamps made for the girls this Christmas from this pic of them clowning last year..

I'm not sure how they felt about it, but we thought it would be pretty cool to have stamps to use or to scapbook. We also sent them to Schnickelfritz and her mom and dad, of their Christmas picture, 2006. We vowed to do it each year, if the USPS will allow, from the holiday picture of the previous year.

These two are just getting more beautiful by the day! I know it'll be such a shock to see them this year, since it's been so long. Bet they won't even know us! (Juuuuust kidding!) I miss those girls! Just growing up too darn fast, they are.

NY's resolutions?...Well, we promised one another that we were going to leave this place and move close to where Schnickelfritz lives in February..and we are determined to adhere to that plan. We are soooo not going to go down renting, so we are also determined to make a plan to become landowners in the next year or two. Anyway, or landlord wants a year lease on this camp, and we are just not going to do that again.

This week is the first really cold weather we can claim here. We had to call service in on our heat pump last week because it had been running in "alternative heat" mode every night. We have seen a heck of savings on electricity since installation, and we were worried about the pump not performing efficiently. They fixed us right up, though this old camp is like living in a cabin (w/o modern insulation). Still, I hope the next place we end up does us as well on the utilities. I am really sorry now that I took all those bags of winter sweaters to the thrift shop this last summer! You know how you always think, "Oh, I'll just replace that later. They aren't but (name the price...$75, $50, $20) ____. I'll just buy another one if/when we need it."?

Well, I do that. I did that last summer when I dumped most of my winter-wear on the thrift stores to save storage space. Now look how happy I am about the "free storage space"! Oh, well, they probably wouldn't fit, anyway. Maybe I'll get some use of my hubby's truck this weekend and can go thrifting for a sweater or two. (Whadayathink, hon?)

I miss my sisters. Apropos of nothing, that thought just occurred to me so I just thought I'd share. :)

Spent the day researching Janome machines. I took my old Singer to the shop last night to be serviced again. The last servicing was September, 2007 and, of course, the shop owner looked at me w/raised eyebrow and told me I should look into replacing this machine. Needless to say, the shop sells only Janome machines. The woman wanted to interest me in a model HT2008 for the sale price of $399. When I looked online, at a business recommended by a blog- acquaintance , they were selling it for $349 with no charge for shipping. I know that local service is worth more than $50, so if I buy this particular machine, I would buy locally (though it personally pains me to shell out $50 more than I could get it for, online, especially when I will have spent well over $100 to have 1970's Singer serviced for the 2nd time in 4 months with these people. I know, I've become so cheap but please don't think less of me! : It's all happened to me during, and since, the late 90's. Honest! I do hate to be taken advantage of, though, in a consumer sense, thus the research. Goddess bless the Worldwide Web!

Schnickelfritz is learning the "Happy Birthday" song so she can sing to me on my birthday, at the end of this month. She sang to me on the telephone yesterday and did a smashing job of it! Makes me almost look forward to my birthday. Ok, I did say "almost", didn't I? Yeah, I thought so. Her mom asked her if she wanted to talk to me and, as soon as she got on the phone she asked to "talk to Papa". Hmph! Oh, well, I got a nice song out of her, anyway.

Blissmas

2007-12-29T16:29:00.001-06:00

(Click on each picture to enlarge)

So...Christmas, in my house anyway, is sort-of-not a done-deal. I'm still working on the grand-children's (notice I didn't specify Sophie, although I'm making it for her right now, because I believe there will be another child in their household at some time) Advent Calendar. I still have days 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 to finish, plus, I'm not sure that I shouldn't add something more to days 1 through 5. T hey look a little bland. Papere says you can tell my progressive improvement of needle-felting by this calendar, so I'm thinking I may mix-it-up a little so that it's not so apparent.
Sophie didn't get this for the 2007 holidays, but I'm figuring that she and her sibling will have it for a lifetime to come, so I'm not in such a rush, and am spending more time and attention on each pocket. Day 7 was a practice pocket, Day 8 is the (mediocre) fir tree with the Christmas star on top, Day 9 is the fairly amazing (even I must admit) deer atop a bluff, in the snow, Day 13 is a cute little Snowman, and Day 14 is Santa. These were all felted, but I think my favorite pocket is the embroidered birthday cake on Day 24 (which is for Soph's Birthday, however if this calendar lasts to be used by future generations, I suppose it could be interpreted as the Christ child's birthday cake, eh?)
We did have a wonderful Christmas this year. Soph was treated to a Santa visit on her birthday, of which she will only say, "I cried" and, "I said, Bye, Santa". Unfortunately for us, she also, in that sentence , adds, "I see Papa", which could mean that she connects her Papere with the event. As my sister told me, "She's too bright for your own good!" Uh-huh.
Here are some shots from our Christmas day at the Whitaker's. Wish I'd taken a photo of their finished house with the wreath on the newly-painted front door. It was so homey and sweet!
Here is a photo of the other side of Sophie's reversible apron that I made for her this Christmas. She wore it all Christmas afternoon once she opened the gift. Her mom got one just like it, except Mama's has a potholder in one pocket and loops for a dishtowel on each side.

Voila, Twinkies!

Another small project that I was working on, and which was just delivered to her, is booties/slippers that I'd made from a felted wool sweater. These were ones I'd made back around Thanksgiving. As soon as I tried them on Soph, the day I'd whipped them up, she shook her head and said, "No. No. No," so I promised her I'd work on them. I did some felting and some embroidery and sewed a vintage jingle-bell on each one. Alexis called me and said Sophie was wearing them and I heard her jingling in the background. So I guess they met the Princess's approval. :) What she didn't say until today, was that Soph thinks that Papere made these for her! Oh, well, whatever gets her to wear them!

All in all, I cannot say that this was the most exciting, expensive, exhausting, or extravagant holiday ever, but I believe it was, for me, one of the very best. I didn't even do much in the way of decorating but, what I did have out, I hate to put away. Too bad I waited until I'm this-many-holiday's-old before feeling this way again. Too bad, too that not everyone that I love enjoyed this season as much as I. My Christmas Wish, if I get one, would be that the people that I love could all feel the way I felt about this past Christmas, every year. Christmas in my daughter's household is definitely done right!

Dave, Alexis, and Schnickelfritz gave me crafting books that I'd had on my Amazon Wish list, and gave Papere a Wah-wah pedal for his guitar and new shirts! We are both happy campers now!
We've gotta be some of the most fortunate and loved parents and grandparents in the world. Thanks, guys, for raising us up right and spoiling us too! We love you!

Oh, Tannenbaum

2007-12-19T21:46:00.000-06:00

Funny how my enjoyment of holidays past have waxed and waned, much like our venerable Moon. This year, my granddaughter turns two years old and this is the first Solstice where she becomes aware of the trappings of this time of year. I'm so excited (for her) about Christmas this year. I have, as an adult, resisted the Christian connotations associated with the holiday, mainly because I don't consider myself a Christian. As a child, I had both, the Christian aspect and the commercial, and I have wondrous memories of those times. To have lived, as a child, anywhere through the 50's and 60's (and probably before) was a blessed thing. -A thing that we tried to recreate for our own children, but never quite cut the muster. The Putz Christmas villages were one of the themes at Christmastime that enamored me as a child. I used to imagine what lives and activities were going on behind the colored windows in the itty-bitty buildings in the itty-bitty neighborhoods. Well, they're back! Seems that Shiny-Brite was purchased by Christopher Radco and they are now reproducing the earl Putz villages!
Of course, this year I couldn't resist bidding on some vintage pieces on eBay and that's what I have pictured here. After the holiday (goodness knows I won't have the time to complete one NOW), I plan to try my own hand at creating Putz houses, so maybe Sophie will have the opportunity to enjoy them as I did as a wee-one.

I've changed my "signature" photo to one of Turtle, the newest tenant in my "cat-house", and the one that I consider to be Sophie's kitty. Soph, after all, when asked what we should call the new kitty, was the one who dubbed her "Turtle". For a while, anyway, when Sophie wants to see Turtle, her mom can call up this blog and satisfy her curiosity about what Turtle is doing.

Sleighbells Ring....

2007-12-10T12:18:00.000-06:00

Are ya listening?

Look at the good Mr. Belschnickel (Belsnickel (or Belschnickel) is a Pennsylvania Dutch mythical being who visits children at Christmas time. If they have not been good, they will find coal and/or switches in their stockings. The Belsnickel was a scary creature not well loved except by parents wanting to keep their children in line.), which is an apt title, I think, since most children Princess Sophie's age find Santa pretty scary! Mr. Schnickel is in dress rehersal for the Princess's birthday party on Christmas Eve. Of course, I've been warned that if I make a "big deal" of this, he'll get cold feet (like they aren't already COLD) and back out. My response is, "Shux, I can wear Santa's big ole boots and pants and get it alright if hecomes a big chicken!"
We had a wonderful dinner out with the Whitakers yesterday. Such a treat to get hubby away from his work and get together with the family! It's always hard on me to say goodbye, though when we have to part again. I tried to talk them into leaving Soph with me while they shopped but it was an effort in futility! Some people just don't know what's good for 'em, I tell ya!

On to the teeny-tiny progress on my elfing (hi-ho, hi-ho....)
I've been working on Miss Sophie's Advent calendar. Yes, I know we are already a week into Advent but this is something she could keep forever, if it's kept well wrapped and dry, and away from mold and moths between Advents.
I've felted the background and pocket wool from thrift store finds, and am needle-felting some of the numbers and decorations for the "ornament-pockets". The most challenging parts are making pockets big enough to hold the things I want them to hold (and get a small hand or fingers into easily, without the contents spilling out, and a backgroung big enough to hold 25 of them without taking up a whole wall.

..
What a beautiful sight
I'm happy tonight
Workin' in a Grammy's Craftyland!
I should be wrapping this up in the next couple of days, so I'll keep posting my progress. Got to go back to the store today to buy more colorful roving for the numbers (Santa says my colors are too dull!) and new felting needles. I tried this last year and gave up cuz it just wasn't working out for me but this project is coming alsong smashingly.
Gut Jule, all!

2007-11-16T21:43:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, the thrifting fairy smiled on me, when I found two wonderful books at a local thrift store:
"Toys and Designs from The World of Beatrix Potter", published 1992
and
"One Quilt One Moment, Quilts That Change Lives", a magazine publication about beautiful quilts and the stories behind them.

There are always so many books in the places that I thrift shop, that I rarely have the patience to look through them. These, however, were in the sewing/crafting section. I try to never leave a shop without visiting that particular section because I love browsing vintage sewing paraphernalia discarded from old collections.
These two books practically “jumped” off the shelf to me and I can't wait to get started with them.
I am giving you a glimpse into a few pages from the Potter book. This fantastic book is chocked full of projects to make in the image of Potter's storybook characters. I especially like the small puppets and softie-like reproductions. All patterns are included in the book, along with detailed instructions and suggestions. How cool is THAT?!!!
Click on the photo to zoom:

I think the pocket dolls are precious and can't wait to see one made up.
Ah, now....back to the gumbo. I waited til hubby wasn't home and cooked a gumbo up for the cooler weather. He's coming in tonight and I know he'll be glad to have a hot bowl when he comes in from work.
Ahhh...the smell of gumbo cooking and good books! Who could stand to ask for more?!

All Hallow's Eve #2

2007-10-31T18:54:00.000-05:00

"DIY DECORATIONS"

"I'm Dorothy, from Kansas."

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My Daddy taught me this:

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"THE GOOD PIXIE AND DOROTHY"

"Oh-oh, Not without Mr. Pinkford, we don't!"

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"Ok, I'm ready. Let's go, Mom."

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"Look, Dorothy, just a couple more photos and we'll go to the party."

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"Take your pixie-dust back. I QUIT!"

"Look, I clicked my heels three times and I'm DONE! There IS no place Like Home!"

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"This nice lady will save me!"

"I don't need pixie-dust for my Papa to read to me!"

Only the NOSE knows

2007-10-26T21:02:00.000-05:00

The Fontenot/Thompson nose has been recreated in effigy! I swear, on a ceramic planter, whose creator calls the face holding it "Eve", on etsy! Because she is a planter, Eve's head-top (read that "brain") is missing, which is NOT to be perceived as any reflection on the familiar nose, OKAY?!!!
I worked at a weekend job in a health food store back in the 90's, with a very close friend of mine. Sue and I noticed that everything happened in threes. No, really, if someone came in looking for a particular remedy or herb, we knew that it would happen again twice that weekend. Well, since I developed a sinus infection a couple of days ago (having to do with my NOSE#1,) and am now seeing my NOSE in effigy (#2), I'm waiting for the #3 NOSE thing to pop up. Silly, you say? I'll let you kNOw!

Jumpers

2007-10-23T19:04:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what it is that makes me want to wear a jumper. Is it because it's fall and my mother always thought Jumpers were fall-appropriate school-wear? Or is it because I live in a place where the fall temperature can jump from 50 to 90 (or vice-versa) with no notice, and a jumper is ideal wear for 50 to 90 if you remove(or add)the shirt underneath? I've had a search for this particular jumper on ebay going for a while, and wonder, if I actually owned the pattern, would I actually EVER make it? It's such a GOOD idea, though, and look at those pockets!!! You can fit a hand-and-a-half in one of those pockets, which means that you could carry around all sorts of paraphernalia without a pocketbook! How cool is that?!
I ran into an old buddy of mine today, who mentioned that she has a thrifting addiction. (Of course, I met her at the local Salvation Army parking lot.)
Besides the thrifting thing, I also have a vintage-pattern-thing. I collect them, but have yet to make up any of the clothing the patterns depict! Nada. Not one! I just see them and think, "What if I pass this one by and, neither me, my daughter, or my grandchildren ever have the opportunity to make this great garment?!" So I buy them, and hopefully, if I never make them up, someday my grandchildren will either find the treasure-trove and sew them for themselves OR sell them to someone who adores them as much as I do (and makes a mint when they do!) I mean, what's it cost anyone (except the person(s) who will have to go through my stuff when I'm gone)? So, I guess I've just talked myself out of this one. But I do love the pockets.

BOO, WHO?

2007-10-19T13:01:00.000-05:00

I love Val's vintage ghost and jacks but didn't want to spend what it would cost to get them off of ebay (not to mention the time to get them delivered). I did find these at a local thrift shop, I and was thinking about making a papier mache' ghost but I just have so much that I want to do that I may not get to it this year. I love the idea of doing it myself, though.

And here's a px of my new hair color. It's a little darker and a little more golden, in person, than it looks in this picture. I love it. Gunny, don't look at this (I haven't told him yet and he hates when I surprise him with something new that I've done while he's away.) Oh, the patch is just hiding a boo-boo so that I don't gross Alexis out(who wanted to see my new color) . I had a minor eye-thing done this week and am healing from it. Just a
reminder to wear moisturizer with sunscreen, ladies!
See the little pouches on my jawline? Yes, well, I have a dear friend who developed those years ago and I dreaded the day. Well, here it is! Darn, the gravity! A little darkness with the light in everything, eh girls? Sophie, stand on your head for 5 minutes every day and these may not show up until you're 60!

schnickelfritz

2007-10-17T20:18:00.000-05:00

This is little Schnicklefritz in her Papere's chair. The girls visited on Monday and I went there today. What a wonderful treat, to see them twice this week, after missing them last week. We always have such a good time when we get together. Today, I was treated to a wonderful lunch, then we bought halloween decorations for the house and a red strawberry shower cap with a green stem for Schnick (she wanted it. her mom said no. i got it for her, so she gets to only have it at my house! what are mamere's for, anyway?)

The Pumpkinhead Kids..

2007-10-16T23:17:00.001-05:00

Creation Express -Addendum

2007-10-15T20:41:00.001-05:00

Roo, you and Schnickelfritz can use my room anytime.

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Ms. M, my dress form is vintage & is made of wire which is heavier than chx wire & is coated with something like plastic or rubber. Each bendable area is linked together by little metal joints, and is adjustable (within a size limit)by latching it on and pushing & pulling it into shape. It's then taken off and clamped back together on the stand. G latched it around me and helped me get it to duplicate my figure. I haven't tried it for a fitting yet, but it is pretty interesting to see what my body-shape is. Even if it isn't much use, I think it looks more charming than the new kind of adjustable dress forms that are sold today. Kind-of adds character to the room, don't you think?

Catching up and getting caught up - - -

2007-10-14T00:10:00.000-05:00

Seems like just when I think I may be hitting a groove on my creative projects (embroidery, sewing...) someone or something throws a wrench into it with things that NEED to be done. (How dare they?!!) Housework, picture framing and hanging, research projects, clothing alterations and repairs, doctor's visits, the planning and preparation of sudden, unexpected business trips... Will I ever get to finish a project that I've begun? Well, I just don't know yet!
I started working on an apron I'm building, which I'm doing embroidery for before I actually put the apron together, only to be stopped in mid-needlework by alterations for a neighbor, and planning and preparation for an out-of-town business trip that hubby is making. That being said, I will have about 4 or 5 days to (mostly) get crafting while I'm here in the quiet. We'll see how much I can get done with fewer interruptions and late nights on my own.
My daughter bought Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol and is raving about how she plans to do every project in the book! She's got a wee-one and I can't even finish an apron or potholder! I feel so inadequate! I can't wait to see her new craft book, but I know it'll just make me feel worse about my own incompetency.
Perhaps by next week I'll have some pictures of my own to post!
Okay, okay, I'll keep my fingers crossed on that one.

Creation Express

2007-09-30T16:59:00.000-05:00

Ok, so my daughter, in her continuing pursuit of creativity, has inspired me to transform a wreck of a room into a somewhat-organized crafts/sewing room. I must have filled and parted with 5+ contractor-sized bags of misc. collectibles before I could see the carpet below it all!
Now I actually get excited about crossing the house (like, into the east wing) to get into the bright space of it all! There are things I want to do and things I've actually been thinking up (usually in the middle of the night) to try. Right now I'm embroidering, but have plans for sewing...much of it reconstructing old garments into usable wearables for me and my grand daughter.
Though I still have some organization of my stashes to do, I can be creative here now without the guilt of the mess all about me.
My new crafts table and dress form definitely are inspirations!
I love this!
If you don't see 3 pics, click on the icons (squares) to view each.