Eagles Wings

Primitive Heart and Home

2012-01-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

This is my latest listing.....the largest stitchery I've ever done..at least a primitive one.......I did some beading for the flowers also......I always include beading in all my embroidery....this measures 10" by 13".......the pattern is from Primitive Stitches.

Tomorrow, I will use the random generator and pick out the winner of the January Giveaway! if you haven't entered, there is still time...I will draw the name in the evening and announce the winner of Feb.1st. Just click on the January giveaway link at the left hand side of this blog.

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Our weather has been warm, in the 80s most of this last week....trees are blooming, pretty white and pink blossoms as they think its spring......and now the temperature is dropping, and the wind is blowing....looks like rain again.......hope we don't get a cold snap...will ruin our nectarine crop this year if that happens!

Wednesday News

2012-01-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

While growing up..my dad would always rave about his mom's molasses cookies..finally, Mama got a little fed up and asked Grandma what recipe she used.......my grandmother wrinkled her brow thinking and then said.."Oh, you mean the ones we bought at the bakers?" He never again mentioned them..LOL but in honor of these remembered delights..today I made baked some....

Molasses Crinkles

Mix together throughly......

3/4 c. soft shortening

1 c. brown sugar

1 egg

1/4 c. molasses

Sift together and stir in....

2 1/4 c. flour

2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

1/2 t. ground cloves

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. ginger

Chill dough. Roll into balls the size of large walnuts. Dip tops in sugar. Place sugared side up, 3" apart on greased cooky sheet. Sprinkle each cooky with 2 or 3 drops of water to produce a crackled surface. Bake just until set but not hard. 375 degrees for about 10-12 minutes..makes about 4 dozen, 2 1/2" cookies....

the recipe came from my old Betty Crocker 1950 cookbook so I think Mama, Grandma, and Dad would approve.

Our weather has been a little strange...it was cold and windy. all last week...and now its in the high 70s and 80s. Very windy again with Santa Anna winds......(I swept the patio but think it was a wasted effort).....our thoughts have been turning to the garden again....got our spring catalogs in the mail last week....aren't they fun to look through? everything looks so wonderful! Last year we planted alot of heirloom tomatoes but they didn't do well.....were small and not suitable for canning......this year, I hope it will be better....alot depends on the weather.......

as I am typing this, I can hear Jayden giggling in the other room. He is getting more and more cute if that is possible..at least this grandma thinks so.....

He fell asleep in my arms the other evening when we were babysitting....such a sweetheart!

A New Cookbook is coming out!

2012-01-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Nancy is putting together a celebrity cookbook....this will be the second edition. She and her daughter published back in the 90s....a wonderful cookbook with many stars and celebrities contributing favorite recipes...some of which were Bill Cosby, Dolly Parton, Paul Anka, Dave Thomas, and even Benny Hill....she is adding quite a few new recipes also from many contemporary stars......part of the proceeds will go to animal rescue and it will be professionally published........if you would like to order a copy....its $24.99 and you can contact her through her blog.....Inside Nana's Head... I've ordered my copy and hope you will do the same.....it will come out in March.

Our weather has been cold and rainy......wind too...nice day to stay inside...yesterday we had 3 jobs in San Diego county during the downpour.....rather miserable as the first job was doing a property with two houses...with the wind blowing and rain pouring down..we both got a little chilled.......had to be careful also not getting any water or mud on the new carpeting....this was an escrow re key...the worst part was it was in a bad area of town ( Oceanside, Holly and Bush Sts. you readers who are familiar with the area know what I mean ) and the locks weren't very good.....hopefully the new owner will replace them. It took us close to two hours to finish and then we were off to the second job which wasn't near as bad...took us just 30 minutes to finish...what a difference good locks make!

The third job was a cash for keys...one of the most dirtiest houses I've ever been in....holes in walls, bad smells, stained carpeting, and the granite countertops were caked with dirt......a broken window also...and yet the old homeowner got cash. We had to replace several locks as the old ones were not working at all....the wind blowing through the house was so cold...
needless to say, we were glad to be finished and went inside Mickey D's for lunch and got warm. We enjoyed listening on the way back home to a reading of Robert Tanenbaum's" Escape" We've been listening to books on CDs for some time now and find it a great way to relax on long drives.....

Today the storm is clearing off and its supposed to get warmer......I decided to cook a chuck roast in the crock pot...one of Alan's favorites.....so better get to it instead of posting!

Friday

2012-01-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

We got up this morning and left early for work.....the temp. was 26 degrees..had to scrape the frost off the windshield...but it warmed up to 70 so all was good.....thought you might like this mix of California Dreaming by the Mamas and the Papas.....ahh...nostalgia!

Thursday....

2012-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

This has been a up and down week for us job wise.....but the good news is I think we will be busy very shortly.....we bid on 19 tract houses and from all indications, we won the bid.....it will be a big job re keying so many...and very profitable......these houses were all in a tract that went south about 2 years ago and have been sitting vacant since then...beautiful homes...the tract went to auction and a local real estate firm won....they've been selling them at below market prices with 100% financing...nice for lower income people to finally their own home. Some of them have 6 bedrooms! We should be starting on them this next week or so..What I especially like is that the real estate firm is family owned and operated just as we are......everyone wins.......

Jayden was very sick this last week...it started out as a fever..so the kids took him to the doctor who thought it was a ear infection.....turned out he was wrong...after 3 days of fever, he broke out in a red rash....so it was back to the doctor who after tests, said it was Roseola...which I had never heard of...evidently its rather new....there is no cure or treatment other than keeping the fever down and letting the sickness run its course which is about 4 days or so.......it was a rough week for all of us with Jayden crying so much..he was very miserable.. He's fine now....and back to his sunny happy self.....

The kids decided to do something fun after such a grueling week....we have a small private pond here in the town with stocked fish....they decided to try their luck and did very well......Jayden had a good time too.
They caught about 5 nice sized trout...there are cat fish in there also....The pond is going to be closed soon as the lady who owns it is elderly and her husband passed away some time ago..she says its more than she wants to handle.

Thanks for everyone who has signed up for my giveaway......and if you haven't...please do!

January Giveaway!

2012-01-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

If you go over to my Sweet Home Stitchery blog...you can enter to win this little black work stitchery...the pattern is from Bird Brain Designs.......everyone liked it last year so thought I'd offer a second one to start out this year......just be a follower and comment for one entry, mention it in a blog post or post on your side bar for a second entry, and for a third, mention this on Facebook or Twitter.....this giveaway will run until January 31st. I will announce the winner on Feb. 1st.

Agave Syrup...and some Fabulous Book Carving

2012-01-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd say a little more about Agave syrup..we get ours at Costco...you get two large bottles and it lasts us for months...I like to use it to sweeten the granola I make, as well as other baking.....here is a website that gives you lots of information about it....All About Agave...if you are a diabetic, please ok it with your doctor...and if course, as in everything, use it with moderation....it worked really well with the pecan pie..and was a good substitute for corn syrup.

I've noticed that C and H sugar is now making agave syrup also so you may find it in your grocery store....C and H also has recipes which is always helpful.....you will find the flavor is close to honey in some ways...alot of people like it better than honey.....in fact, even if you don't have diabetic issues, its a good thing to use instead of light corn syrup as it has a low glycemic index and doesn't have the highs and crashes that sugar products can cause....and its completely organic and natural.

Our weather continues to be beautiful...in the 70s most days....we haven't been very busy so I've been doing alot of cleaning..with so many young people at the house and our grandson...there is always things to do....today I got the small shop vacuum and went over our office, and hallway..cleaning the baseboards and wiping down woodwork. Yesterday, I scrubbed floors and washed the cabinets in the kitchen. The house feels cleaner...

Before I go today, I wanted to share some wonderful book carving photos and the link where you can enjoy more...I had never heard of book carving until recently....I suppose this art has come about through book altered art...but what Guy Larrame does is incredible.
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You can find alot more of his creations here..

Pecan Pie...and Canyon Lake

2012-01-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to make a pecan pie for some time and was in a puzzlement how to make it sugarless....looking at agave syrup a light bulb went off! Of course, substitute agave for corn syrup..after all they are both natural..so here is the result and it is very good..excellent really....one of the best pecan pies I've ever made......says husband....if you haven't tried cooking with agave syrup, don't be afraid...its a wonderful natural sweetener and is low glycemic. The recipe is just standard from my old Betty Crocker 1950 cookbook...with a no sugar twist....that saying, its NOT low calorie but so yummy!

Southern Pecan Pie
Heat oven to 375.
Make pastry for a one crust pie..and line your pie pan...
I used a 9" pie pan.
Beat together:
3 eggs
2/3 c. Splenda (or sugar)
1/2 t. salt
1/3 c. butter (I used the real thing) melted and cooled
1 c. agave syrup (or dark corn syrup)
Mix in:
1 cup pecan halves
Pour mixture into your pastry-lined pan. Bake 40 to50 minutes or until set and crust is slightly brown. Cool. serve cold or slightly warm.

Today we had a re key job on a rental house in Canyon Lake....I'd been in the gated community before, but this house was right on the lake itself....opening the sliding glass doors of the house....the lake smell brought sharp memories of my grandparents cabin outside of Spokane, Wa at Deer Lake....we spent happy days there...
the house was an older one and needed some TLC...but the view out the back was wonderful....we walked down the steps to the dock and took this photo...

The lake is stocked and there is good fishing..mainly small mouth bass...I think it would be so fun to walk outside and go fishing from your own dock, or take your small boat like this family is doing....no swimming or skiing is allowed though...paddle boats are allowed.

Puzzles

2012-01-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Our weather has been perfectly wonderful since around Christmas....the mountains that are north of us have been covered with snow for the last week or so.....this is Mt. San Jacinto..behind it is Palm Springs....there is a tram on the other side which we'd love to go on one of these days....our weather is what many people come for every winter..we get alot of "snow birds"...and why not?
I took down the tree today and did some needed dusting..being right by the main road through town..we get alot of road dust..our window sills are always dusty...feels good in a way to put the Christmas things away...and get things cleaned up a bit..cleaning is always with us, isn't it?

We gave our DIL a giant 2000 piece jigsaw puzzle for Christmas and are helping her put it together on the dining room table...its huge and takes up much of it....Everyone who comes over has a hand in it and its a good family project....the puzzle is of the Las Vegas strip....Alan picked out the largest one he could find...

Yesterday and into last night, she and Alan worked and got most of the border done.......I used to absolutely loath jigsaw puzzles..just too tedious for me but since I've gotten older, I rather like them.......Alan likes to take local photographs and turn them into computer jig saw puzzles..he wondered if there would be a market for them?

The End of 2011 and Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T11:10:00.000-08:00

wow....another year has come and gone....this past year has been a real roller coaster for us....and hope the next year will be better.....we're getting more commercial calls which is a good thing..two weeks ago we rekeyed a office building and today, Alan is helping a bar owner secure his bar front door....plus this week we put an estimate in to re key 17 tract houses.....hope we hear back on that one.We also picked up another realtor here in our area............

The most blessing this past year was the birth of our beautiful grandson, of course....with all the joys a new life can bring...and the deep sadness of losing my Mother in law ( Alan's mom).

I am sure you and your family have experienced something similar this last year...ups and downs...health problems, financial difficulty, people problems of this or that....God has never promised us a life free of problems....in fact, Jesus said that in the world we would have problems....but that He has overcome the world...(John 16:33)..

As we look forward to 2012....I thought today's Bible verse was so appropriate...

“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 NIV

In whatever place you find yourself..God is there....I am asking him to make a way in the wilderness for us..get into the habit of reading His Word ..join with me this next year and sign up for the Gateway Bible Reading plan...you will be amazed to see what God will do!

From our family to yours....Happy 2012!!!!

New Years Vintage Postcards

2011-12-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

In just a few more days it will be a new year....2012.....so many are saying this is a significant year...time will tell...
in the mean time..here are a few vintage New Years postcard images.....

Especially like this last one..my uncle had a A frame cabin in Crestline California..we would visit and had more fun at his house.....squirrels would come to their window that they would hand feed.....these houses remind me of good times...

The Tuesday after Christmas

2011-12-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

We had a very nice Christmas....still working on the leftovers from the dinner.....it was yummy and the two favorites were the green bean casserole (the standard mushroom soup/onion) the kids can't get enough of it...later in the evening, I heard them in the kitchen and what were they munching on? the casserole of course.....
also every bit of the congealed salad disappeared at the dinner table...nothing left to put away....

here is Jayden with his new baby play mat...he just loves it...his other grandma gave it to him and its a big hit....and the big news around here is that he's starting to roll over...a real mile stone......she also gave him the cute Christmas sleeper....we gave him a baby hoodie and jeans, and a baby cell phone that actually records as well as repeats phrases.......

This year, I put this vintage Christmas table cloth I inherited...its so pretty..and has hand painted poinsettias around the border........

Our youngest son led the grace at the table, we all held hands and were really blest.....his brother gave him a new Bible and a nice leather cover for it.......as well as a second one for his girlfriend.........
I got a new digital camera! and am still trying to figure out how to use it..although its similar to the old one I had....Alan tripped and dropped the old one, it hit the concrete...hasn't worked well since so it was a great and welcome surprise to get this one....the broker we do alot of work for gave it to us.....the pics above were taken using it..its a Sony Cyber Shot.....

I wanted to share this quick and easy recipe for Rock Road Fudge....tried to take a photo of the batch we made but can't get it right with this new camera......the fudge is very good and sooooo easy.....

you just take 2 cups of chocolate chips and a can of sweetened condensed milk, mix in a microwavable bowl....microwave until melted ..about a minute or two.....take the bowl out and add 1 t. of vanilla, stir until mixture is really smooth, then add a cup of chopped walnuts, and 3 cups of mini marshmallows..stir well, then spread in a foil lined 13 by 9" pan..let cool. This recipe would be great for older kids and teens to make anytime they wanted something sweet......no candy thermometer needed!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T16:34:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours..a very Merry Christmas and a fulfilling 2012....

Christmas Music Flash Mob

2011-12-23T12:11:00.001-08:00

This was here in California...guess there is hope for us yet?

Getting Ready

2011-12-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

This week has really gone by fast....today I got the rest of the presents bought and now to wrap them....would you believe one of my first jobs was working in the gift wrapping department of a major department store? Tomorrow will be spent wrapping, cleaning and getting the last minute things ready for the weekend....
Plan on some baking and candy making too if at all possible.....I wanted something different for Christmas dinner for a fruit salad and found this recipe...Buttermilk Congealed Salad...

This is from the Southern Plate website..the link and recipe are above...discovered this site on Facebook and its been a new adventure looking at all the wonderful recipes......and great posts...I had heard of congealed salad while reading a novel set in the south one time but never really knew what it was..now I realize it is a jello salad...what I like about it is that it so easily can be a sugar free congealed salad (LOL) the post gives a little history of why its called congealed so head on over there.....interesting reading!

We got a nice pork loin roast for Christmas dinner and will roast it in the oven with carrots, red potatoes and onions....plus a green bean casserole (this never lasts) the congealed salad, a large plate of assorted cold vegetables, and fresh rolls...looks like another full house of 7 again like we had at Thanksgiving..guess they all like our cooking..and I say our as Alan loves to cook too! He's in the kitchen almost as much as I am..

A Saturday Visit in Our Neck of the Woods

2011-12-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to catch up for everyone's blog posts....so much going on right now....our house is decorated and ready..but still have to wrap packages is all...today, we put up the last of the outside Christmas lights...

Our weather here has been cool and cold.....down to freezing about every night and we've had rain on and off....feels like holiday weather for California...its predicted to rain for the next 3 days..wish it would snow! There is snow in the mountains.....

As you may or may not remember..Alan built boxes for planting late last summer...about 6 weeks ago, I did an experiment and planted some lettuce...well..here is the result.. I just took this photo...

I think I may get enough with two boxes to have a nice salad soon..meanwhile, I've been pulling off leaves for sandwiches and hamburgers..cool, huh? the boxes don't seem to freeze and keep the plants protected in some way.....its just leaf lettuce but as they are doing so well....hope he will get encouraged and build a few more boxes....we can always cover them with heavy plastic if the weather gets really wicked.....

Jayden is 4 months old now...and almost 20 lbs.......we got him a cute little stocking cap yesterday and of course, had to take his photo......

The kids got him this wonderful toy which he just loves..he can hold onto it with his chubby fingers and plays with it constantly.....

I know its hard to find toys for young babies...usually they are made for 6 months or older...we found just a few things for his age range....

and as I won't be posting tomorrow...here is a lovely video of "Do You Hear What I Hear" by the Mannheim Steamroller.....with Christmas lights..

A Quick Giveaway and a little more Christmas decorating

2011-12-13T18:59:00.001-08:00

Nancy, "Inside Nana's Head" is having a quick giveaway....she's giving away a handmade check cover which is very nice.......she's also having a sale in her online shop........so please check it out...here is the link..if she gets 10 people to sign up..she'll be giving away a second handmade mystery item....everything she makes is beautifully done..I have both her grocery bags, but also totes and raggedy runners which I love and use daily....I also did some trading and have two great pillows to give for Christmas presents from her..Nancy is one of the nicest friends and I know you won't be disappointed.

I added some pip berries to the candle sconce plus added the rusty mitten ornament I won on a giveaway earlier this year.....think it looks rather festive....
About 2 years ago, I made many prim foods and this plum pudding was one of them that I still have...its paper mache, and I made the leaves from a cutter quilt.....

The raggedy runner underneath is one of that Nancy made...

This is our current Christmas tree....

We were really blest after the fire to have friends send us ornaments to replace the ones we lost...I did manage to keep a few of the old ones.....like this one of our boys when they were little

and a few of my grandmothers sparkly pinecone ornaments she made..these are about 40 years old and still hold a place of honor on our tree...

To close out this post...another flash mob......this time, its the Hallelujah Chorus in Nordstroms..

Pie, Trees and Christmas decorating

2011-12-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

My blog friend, Carmen (Waxed out Creative Life") posted a photo of a pumpkin pie she made...and I noticed she had added darling pie crust cut outs onto of the pie....Alan surprised me and ordered some Wilton leaf cooky cutters as an early Christmas present...as I had some sweet potatoes, made a pie and placed these across the top..I think it turned out really well....and was sure fun to jazz up the pie a little..

I've posted about sweet potato pie before and also the pie crust...as my older readers know, I hunted for years for the perfect pie crust recipe as it alluded me....finally found one that I am using now which gives good results every time...you can read out it here

We have the tree up and decorated...last year we bought a new artificial tree as our old one (which was beautiful) was destroyed in the garage fire we had earlier in that year......I haven't been able to take a nice photo of it yet as the light hasn't been right...its been raining and dark but hope to soon...
I am so glad to have a photo of the old tree in its glory....

The new tree is much shorter and we put it up on a chest...the cats love to sit underneath it and have been good about not climbing or bothering it....so far anyway! how do you like the bar doors? when we moved in..the doorway had a solid full door which leads into the kitchen, neither of us thought that was very safe and so ordered these..

Alan put up the lights for outside...its mostly done, just a bit left to do..we have about all the Christmas shopping done...still have to wrap..and I still need to get Alan something but other than that....it will be time for candy making and baking a few goodies......thinking of making caramel corn ...and also divinity if the weather clears up..not a good thing to do when its humid.....of course, we always make a pan of fudge also.....there goes the diet!

White Christmas

2011-12-10T22:09:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd share this nice Christmas video for a Sunday....I fondly remember Bing Crosby singing White Christmas on my dad's old stereo as a child....My dad was the paperboy of the Crosby family. Good times and now as I get older, not without a little nostalgia. Funny how certain songs and smells can invoke such strong memories, isn't it?

The Constitution, Lights and more

2011-12-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

Alan and I have been watching and listening to a series of lectures (that are excellent by the way) online by Hillsdale College..its free and has been opening our eyes to our Constitution in a way we haven't experienced before......and we've realized how far the country has gone away from it.....I personally have realized that my ancestors had more freedom than I do today...yes, we have better technology, and creature comforts but pure freedom? Anyway...I wanted to share the link with you, if you'd like to listen to Dr. Larry Arrnn, Hillsdale College President click here

I started decorating and will soon post a few photos when I get things together a little bit.....Alan bought me the cutest little resin Christmas tree that twirls around with sparkling lights last night....we went shopping, looking for a few lights for outside...our lights were destroyed in the fire last year...were amazed how the stores were picked over already....but did find some multicolored icicle lights on sale.....everyone here puts up tons of lights....most of the neighborhood sparkles every year so we didn't want to be left out as we were last Christmas after the fire.....

I collect postcards as some of you know and thought I'd share a few this season....
these 3 are quite different from one another
..first a early last century...I think this little girl is just lovely and of course, you know I love cats..

This next is Father Christmas.

and lastly, a very American Santa....

hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

Best Laid Plans

2011-12-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

We got out all the Christmas boxes last night...and were planning on decorating today but the best laid plans...3 jobs in San Diego county again...Alan is at one job here in town and then he'll be back to pick me up for the long haul.....I won't have to cook tonight though so maybe can get started later today....its TACO TUESDAY!!!...we always go to our local family run taco shop on Tuesday...they have the best shredded beef tacos for only $1.00 each.....the line goes out the door every Tuesday and its worth the wait, believe me!.....

Holiday Christmas Music Flash Mob

2011-12-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

just an after note, we worked today on the leaves... two neighbors came over and helped..it was quite a job...took 5 trash cans full and we still have 3 large black trash bags full for next trash day...one of the neighbors had a snow shovel which really helped....we're both not a little sore from all the work but the leaves are gone for now...heard on the radio that we expect to get more high winds tonight....oh no! Thank the Lord for good neighbors! We are so blest to be in such a neighborhood.

Wind, Leaves and an Altered Book!

2011-12-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

We have had very strong winds the last few days...being at the end of the street....we get not only our own leaves from the two trees in the front but all the neighbors leaves also.....I was going to start raking them up but its windy today too!.....there is a large concrete tortoise in there somewhere but all you can see of him is peak of his shell....
we share a small front yard with our next door neighbors......here is what this looks like

The leaves are heaped up in the gutters also...so we have our work cut out for us as soon as the winds calm down.....the back yard isn't much better...the winds were so blustery, our patio is covered also...some of the neighbors have cut their big trees down as they don't like all the leaves but we love them and would never do that......I always wanted a house with a big tree in the front yard........

I was reading Mamie Janes blog and saw this tutorial for a altered book...as I had an old one, decided to try it...here is the result....not too bad for the first attempt.....if you'd like to try making one...its not difficult....go to Mamie Janes Book Art,,,I think this needs smaller pip berries but these are all I have for now....haven't gotten the Christmas boxes down yet....something I plan to do later today....

Nancy, Huggins Haven is helping a young family who are struggling....they have children who will not be getting a very happy Christmas...she is asking everyone to donate small gifts or cash for them.....please go over to her blog and she gives the details and what you can do to help....so many are struggling this year...and you will know your donations will go directly to this deserving family....

Carlsbad Beach

2011-12-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

We've been fairly busy this week....doing many escrow re keys...and one took us down to Carlsbad State Beach....being winter there were not many people around..a few walkers was all...it was nice walking along the bank looking down into the surf...very peaceful.....the temperature was in the 70s.....

This view is looking south, toward the power plant....

This is north toward Oceanside..you can see the pier and the restaurant at the end of it......we've eaten there a few times and walked the pier many times.....it was great to look out onto the ocean, hear the waves crashing and realize your problems are not so big after all.......puts life into perspective....

We tried to do a little video so you could hear the wind and surf...don't know how well it turned out but I decided to post it anyway......

Today we had a job re keying a commercial building...different kinds of locks than I am familiar with....learning something new, especially mechanical things is always a challenge for me....it doesn't come naturally like it does Alan.....Alan was very patient and I soon learned how to take the locks off and then reinstall them.....wasn't as difficult as I imagined it would be....but it got progressively cooler as the day went on..and tonight I think I am a little chilled.....so am going to bed early with some hot tea and the good book to keep me company.....so very thankful for the work..this time of year is always slow.....this week has been a complete surprise......and a nice one!

A Chrismas Start

2011-11-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

I am slowly starting decorating for Christmas....I changed the washboard out for the holiday.....found the little cardinals at the Dollar store....am thinking of getting one of those strings of fairy lights and snuggle them into the floral picks.....the new battery ones are wonderful......

Happy Monday....

2011-11-28T21:15:00.000-08:00

wow...can't believe I haven't posted since last week....hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving...we did...had 7 here for dinner...and everything turned out well.....a neighbor gave us a ham, so we had turkey plus ham with all the trimmings.....I made two pies, apple and pumpkin..of course, they are gone now and everyone is asking me to bake more......but today was just too busy with 3 jobs and lots of driving...we got up and left early...and got back after dark....rather tired this evening....
I've been wanting to share some wonderful photos of an unusual artist.....his name is Christopher Boffoli...and he works in miniatures.....

He works with food and tiny miniatures...making ordinary scenes extraordinary.......he's based in Seattle, Washington......

Aren't they clever? If you'd like to see more...click here

Little Jayden is growing like a weed....getting cuter every day.....before I leave you, here is his latest photo...he just had his bath, wrapped in a fluffy towel...he has recently discovered his fingers and thumb...

Happy Thanksgiving....

2011-11-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

wishing everyone a very happy Thankgiving.....this has been a rough year for us...and we have much to be thankful for.....our continued home business, being able to keep our home and our new baby grandson, just to name a few things in a year of ups and downs.....I know you probably feel the same...Americans have always been their best when things were at their worst...

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Cool and Rainy Monday

2011-11-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

I am writing this in the evening...it was a cool and rainy day..lots of clouds and not much sunshine....we are thawing out our turkey, broke up two loaves of bread of dressing....and getting things ready for Thursday...only had one little job today. and only one scheduled for tomorrow.....slow this week but its to be expected.....
I wanted to share a wonderful blog with you..this crafter is so innovative and creative.... she can take ordinary household items that you or I wouldn't even consider and makes them into fun and delightful things...
for example...what would you do with a yardstick and scrabble pieces?...
why make darling ornaments, of course!

or how about an old wire brush?

what amazed me was her eye for the unexpected........who would have thought of taking a old caster wheel and making it into a paperweight.....

Now I know you will want to visit her blog and explore all the wonderful and fun posts...so I won't keep you in suspense any longer.......say hi, to Jane and her blog is Mamie Jane's !

Giveaway Happenings!

2011-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd post more giveaways that are out there on the web......plus my last post was about mine......I've been heavily cleaning the house, and getting ready for Thanksgiving and of course, Christmas..picking up a few gifts here and there, plus working on the ABC quilt..have it about half embroidered......yesterday with help from husband and son, took out most all the furniture out of the living room. I gave the carpet a through vacuuming...plus vaccumed the sofa and chairs......moved much of the clutter, old magazines, etc. and dusted too....it looks 100% better....we want to get some new flooring for the room, get rid of the wall to wall carpeting and put down some bamboo flooring.....our goal for the next year.
On to the Giveaways!

Brenda from the Rusty Thimble is giving away one of her clever Elves plus for a second winner a selection from her Etsy shop of a tree ornament....you can find her giveaway here....it ends December 1st.

Cyndy from Crafter Stitchers is giving away a sweet raggedy Anne doll plus some fabric...her giveaway ends on Dec. 10th........

Faith, Family and Friends is celebrated with this giveaway from Kim at The Barn Hollow...hurry on this one as it ends November 21st! I always love snowmen!

Willa from The Old Cupboard Door is having her November giveaway...this ends November 28th...the darling snowman makedo is wonderful......

If you like twinkly lights...this might be something you might want to sign up for....a lighted Pip Berry garland from Hearthside Happenings.....this will end the first week in December.....please check out their website and blog also...lots of goodies to explore......
That's all for today......I am planning on making or at least trying to make some Glitter Houses just for fun if I get the time.....I did a blog post on my other blog about them...you can find that here...there are also links to free PDF files for patterns and directions on making them....what a great time of year!

Just a Reminder....November Giveaway

2011-11-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder to sign up for my November Giveaway...there will be two winners this time....and the last giveaway for the year...I will start back in January.......the first winner will receive this beaded candle mat...the pattern is from Primitive Stitches....
and the second winner will receive a set of 3 fabric tags their choice from my Etsy shop....
this is just one of several choices......I will draw the names of two winners on the 30th....so please sign up! This is open to everyone, you do not have to have a blog to enter.....but I do need some way to contact you if you are the lucky one......

Jayden and the ABC quilt

2011-11-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

Jayden is growing and is now almost 3 months old....making good eye contact and is just so cute....he's starting to play with a few toys too...of course, everything goes in the mouth as he's teething......we've gotten him a few toys for Christmas..I am also working on his baby ABC quilt...I am trying to get it ready for the big day but don't know if it will get done in time.....hustle, hustle....

I think the animal drawings are really cute......

I will be taking a break from my Etsy shop through the holidays so if there is anything you wanted to order..now is the time........going to concentrate on getting this project done and also crocheting some stocking caps for the young adults......

hard to believe next week is Thanksgiving! have to go through our supplies and see if there is anything else we need.....funny, I always seem to wait too long, thinking there is time....so many things to be thankful for this year...especially this darling little grandson.....what a blessing!

A Rainy Saturday..Online Christmas Craft Show

2011-11-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

I was debating what to post about today...a gray rainy one...and getting cold too.....a atypical fall for us.....when I noticed that the Old Fashioned Christmas craft show is this weekend......all online....and from what I can see, its wonderful...so many talented people...and a wonderful way to get Christmas decorations and gifts, supporting our USA artists....just had to share...why buy cheap and not so cheap Chinese made goods?
Check out Olde Annie Primitives offerings...they are so wonderful...I especially like her wall hangings...would love one of these for the front door...would be wonderful to post a photo but alas...no copying....so go over there and see what I mean...

.Another one of my all time favorite artists is Carol Stuck with her wonderful mice and she has offered several for the sale...they are going fast though....Buttermilk Creek Farm

A new crafter I just discovered makes these wonderful cowl scarves...and as cold as its becoming here in Southern California..I might need one soon! Designs by GuKa

Another favorite of mine..is Ahl Cooped Up......just think these little ornaments (ornies) are wonderful...great for the tree too...

Another new (to me anyway) is Shelley at Shell's Vintage Charm...she has many nice things.....and is having a giveaway also so please check out her cute door hanging...and sign up for the giveaway....

Veterans Day and Ravioli

2011-11-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

Although I am very fond of Thanksgiving...can't neglect Veterans Day which is this Friday......its a holiday to honor our Veterans..and was started after WWI by President Woodrow Wilson..I think this holiday was more celebrated in the past than now, although I am not sure why....most people now just use it as an excuse to get a day off....

In the past, ravioli was served on this day...as President Wilson invited 2,000 soldiers to the White House to have ravioli's as he thought the troops longed for good home cooked meals. At the time, in 1919, ravioli was a very popular dish...and a good excuse to make it again. I know its popular to make your own ravioli noodles with a noodle machine but with many good frozen ravioli products...I just use a higher grade bag of cheese ravioli from Costco....along with a green salad, and garlic toast..makes a wonderful supper.

I know its cheating to use the frozen premade kind..and if you want to go whole hog,,, here is a site that will how you how to make your own noodles.....How to Make Ravioli Without a Pasta Machine...I am not that ambitious...working as much as we do..there just isn't time...so much easier to go the other way...but I don't do that very often.. and it does make a delicious meal..after all....what did President Wilson say? "Hunger," he remarked, "breeds madness."

Oak Glen 2011

2011-11-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today Alan and I drove up to Oak Glen and got our apples and other goodies for the fall.....yesterday it had rained heavily so there was snow...below are a few snapshots I took.....

our first stop was at Los Rios Ranch....the walking trail was open so we took a stroll, being careful not to slip from the melting snow....

one of the side trails was called California tree lane....there we saw many types of pine trees..including this beauty......there are also California Redwoods planted there that were huge....

It sounded like it was raining from the amount of snow, ice and water dripping off the trees........there were few people as we went early...so quiet and beautiful...the snow crackling whenever we took a step....

I took this photo from a floating bridge out on the pond.....the temperature was in the high 30s......we carefully walked back toward the shops, and only met about two couples walking their dogs...it was so peaceful. Such a wonderful day trip away from the maddening crowd.

We then went inside to get warm and look over all the goodies....here are some of the tasty preserves, syrups, and such......

Many different varieties of apples to buy.......and we did get 2 bags of the rare and delicious Arkanas Black apples....they had a limit......

There is also a small room used as a gift shop with apple related merchandise.......I didn't get anything..as I have so much already but it was fun looking.....

We also brought home two bags of Pippin apples for pies and a gallon of fresh apple cider which is delicious...
Oak Glen is only about 45 minutes from our house and well worth the price of gas for a day trip....we often forget how close it is....they are having a Apple Butter Festival the weekend of Thanksgiving which would be fun as there will be little bands playing and song fests going on the entire weekend, hay rides too.....
Before I go wanted to post this cute sign that was inside the restaurant (which serves pulled pork and roast beef sandwiches grilled on an outdoor smokehouse barbecue)

November Giveaway!

2011-11-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

I pondered what to offer for a giveaway this month and decided I'd better go Christmas..this is a nice candle mat I made and heavily beaded...its a little puffy as I used quilt batting...for the second winner, will get to choose a set of the fabric tags from my Etsy shop......please go over to Sweet Home Stitchery to enter....and for more information.....
I've been looking for homespun fabric but our local Walmarts are not carrying it any more..I dread going to Jo Anns as its so crowded this time of year...I don't have a phobia but really hate crowds....and waiting in line for long periods....plus its a 20 mile trip.
Our weather is getting cooler..especially at night....we've been raking leaves and enjoying the night air...rain is forecast for tomorrow.....it was cool enough this morning to put a sweater on!
.

October Giveaway Winner

2011-11-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, I drew the name of our October giveaway...and its..ta da! harleywife57......she has a blog ....Harleywifes57s LIFE and I hope you will visit and welcome her to blog land as she is a new blogger.....she has many giveaways mentioned there so you will have fun entering some of them.....
Tomorrow I will post my November giveaway...and this time it will have TWO winners so please check back on my other crafting blog....Sweet Home Stitchery...

We had quite a crowd last night and it was alot of fun seeing all the little ones in their costumes.....many Power Rangers, Princesses, and scary creatures which I didn't recognize...although my son did..guess I am out of the loop on some of the newest "monsters"..it all ended about 8:30 and we still have a bit of candy left which delighted the young people to no end......

and now its November..wow...another year winding down and what a year its been....we have a large turkey in the freezer we bought some time ago, and its time for his debut.....and while we were at Costco, bought a huge (I mean huge) bag of cranberries for Alan's annual cranberry relish he makes so well.......its alongside the turkey waiting for the big day...next weekend we are headed up to Oak Glen for some special apples that are rather rare and are only available for a short time...they are called ARKANSAS BLACK APPLES
We've never heard of them and it will be fun to see how they taste......has anyone heard of them?
well, better leave you for today......but can't resist posting one of my favorite Thanksgiving graphic photos.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a entertaining Halloween...whether you go out or stay home.....we just stay home usually and watch a movie...answer the door when the little ones come...this year our son, his sweetie and baby will be answering the door and giving out candy....its fun seeing the little princesses, and pirates.....have quite a bit of candy this year..we went to Dollar Tree and picked up alot of it...then got a couple of huge bags at Walmart so should have enough...our son has been prowling around wanting some early but we held firm....he has quite a sweet tooth so I expect the door bell ringers won't get all of it...

Tonight I will also be drawing the winning name for my October giveaway...if you haven't signed up..there is still time.....

Can hardly believe only a few weeks until Thanksgiving!

Bread Pudding....

2011-10-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

We had some leftover homemade bread from the bread machine day....and I decided to go very old fashioned and make some bread pudding! I've seen bread pudding listed in many restaurant menus lately...guess its back in fashion again...I used my 1950 Betty Crocker cookbook and think it turned out very well.....it was so easy to make, I wondered why I haven't done it sooner...great way to use leftover stale bread....with prices as they are...its good not to waste anything.....

Bread Pudding ala 1950

2 cups milk
Heat to scalding... Pour over.

4 cups coarsely chopped bread crumbs

Cool and add...
1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar ( or use Splenda)

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/4 t. salt

1/2 cup raisins

1 t. cinnamon or nutmeg

Pour into a 1 1/4 qt. casserole dish, buttered. Oven temperature 350 for about 40-45 minutes or until knife inserted into pudding comes out clean. Serve warm with or without whipped cream.

We had one job in Spring Valley today and of course, are taking tomorrow off...Spring Valley is about 90 miles one way from here....but it was a beautiful day, blue skies and cool temperatures, a pretty drive. Afterwards we did a little Christmas shopping...got baby Jayden a couple of things...living with us, there isn't much space for many toys and such...but we did get him something for his crib to play with..and a darling stuffed monkey....he's growing so fast, out of all his newborn clothes already...and is fast outgrowing the 6 months sizes so we will be looking at larger clothes for next year.....at least we got started....

I am also going to start the baby quilt...bought the kit a while ago and decided if I don't get started now, it won't get done...its an ABC quilt...I ordered it from a favorite shop online...The Calico Spice Shop

She has many nice things to embroider and quilt...pillowcases, tablecloths and runners, quilt blocks, cheater panels, etc. so if you're looking to make something for a loved one....please check her little store out...I've ordered from her many times and am always pleased...she has good prices and fast shipping...most of the products she sells are made here in the States also......

Home Sweet Home Thursday

2011-10-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

We started out very early this morning as we had 6 jobs today...all the way from Escondido to Spring Valley...made for a long day of driving...and very profitable...the interesting thing is that last year, we were busy with foreclosures and this year its with escrow re keys.....meaning more people are buying homes now which is a good thing.....it is a good time to buy...
Today we ran the gamut from a wreck of a house to a beautiful condo in a upscale neighborhood.

I have learned over the last few years, it doesn't really matter what your house looks like on the outside...a tiny cottage, or a affluent mansion...a log cabin or a mobile home....a duplex or a mountain retreat..a apartment or a 50s ranch house...they are all just boxes...its what goes on inside which makes the difference.

Home is where friendships are formed and families are grown;
where joy is shared and true love is known;
where memories are made and seeds of life are sown.
This is the place . . . that people call HOME.

We came home to the dishes all put away and the carpet vaccumed.....all in all a great day!

.

Halloween Decorating Big Time

2011-10-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

Some people go all out, don't they? this family doesn't live too far from us, up in Riverside, Ca.....got alot of time on their hands...LOL

Our weather has been on the cool side..really unusual for October...we are usually in the 80s but we've been in the 60s....I am taking advantage and making bread today in the bread maker...sugar free of course.....and we'll be having potato soup tonight. One loaf cinnamon raisin and one oatmeal. if I am really ambitious, might bake a pie also. No jobs today so far....we had 4 yesterday.....and quite a few tomorrow....
We don't do much for Halloween other than giving out candy to the little ones but the young people here have been carving jack-o-lanterns..

New Stitchery

2011-10-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share my newest creation...this cute prim "Someone Called Me Grandma" stitchery I just finished....the pattern is from Primitive Stitches and I just couldn't resist......if you'd like me to make you one for yourself...you can order them through my Etsy shop.....

I found a new site with tons of wonderful patterns, not just for embroidery either....I posted about it on my other blog but decided to mention it here too...its called Bustle and Sew and I've had a lot of fun exploring the site..there are several pages of free patterns...I signed up for the newsletter also......I am seriously thinking of making this darling elephant toy....its under the free pattern pages.....isn't he cute and so reminds me of toys made back in the 1950s......looks like he would be quite suitable for a new baby...no parts to come off or swallow.....

Bustle and Sew is on Facebook also so if you are a FB fan....check it out....!

Thursday Musings

2011-10-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

I've been on Facebook and looking at emails...the world is in turmoil...can be overwhelming, and I just encourage everyone to stay informed and vote next fall, I haven't made up my mind yet on who to vote for..will depend on how the Republicans put up...like Ron Paul on some issues, Herman Cain on some issues and Newt on some issues.......we are in for a rough ride.....

that saying.....I'm reminded of the parable of the houses......Luke 6:46-49
"And why call ye Me, `Lord, Lord,' and do not the things which I say?
Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like:
He is like a man who built a house and dug deep and laid the foundation on a rock; and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house and could not shake it, for it was founded upon a rock.

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that built a house without a foundation upon the earth, against which the stream beat vehemently, and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

I've been having a difficult time posting photos....even though I'm well under my allotment... my avatar looks like a black triangle exclamation point along with alot of old photos I've posted on past posts....reported it to Blogger last night and discovered quite a few others were having the same problem.....just starting following some new blog and hope they don't think I chose such an avatar....hopefully, my own cute little one will appear again....anyone else having this problem?

I also wanted to mention that my dear hubby has a new blog describing his misadventures growing up in his family of 10 siblings...called "My Evil Twin"...I take no responsibility for it..LOL..but some of the misdeeds are very funny....

New Giveaways

2011-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Blogger...did a post yesterday on several giveaways...and checked to make sure it all posted..this morning...no post and its not even in my saved pile....what's with that? anyway....there are many nice giveaways going on right now.......if my post from yesterday shows up...I have added several new ones to this post.....and if you are reading this and haven't entered mine....its on the left hand side....ends on the 31st.

Brenda from the Rusty Thimble is giving away this darling primitive gingerbread man with a vintage grater....

Grandma Kringle is giving away another gingerbread man...this one is equally cute.....and her Etsy shop is wonderful...just looking at her wonderful creations puts one in a holiday mood....

for something a little different..Trisha from easily amused, hard to offend is giving away lots of crafting goodies, either an altered art grouping or a cute gathering of cards, ribbons and such

If you like cottage decorating..A Gathering Place is a wonderfully sweet blog and Rebecca is giving away one of her wonderful train cases....

Different Forms of Government and Thoughts

2011-10-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

With small groups now taking over Wall Street and other cities.....I've like perhaps you, been reading and looking on, and I must say, I am not one of the 99% that that they claim...they seem to be made up of 3 groups..the hardline socialist/communist crowd, young college age people, and the "hippy", street people, so I thought I'd put up this good educational video....what is really eye opening is the comments I read from the college age young people...they have really been wrongly educated and have a distorted view of government and history...all of this can be laid at the feet of the college professors who have never been in the real world or had a real job. I think this type of "education" starts in high school and continues through college...

When our youngest son was a senior, I was helping him with his history class...reading through the book, it was amazing and alarming...there was an entire chapter on the formation of labor unions..another on immigration.and only two pages on the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln.
not only that, but the Constitution was ignored...ignored....of course, there is a reason why California is rated at the bottom of the education scale...40th.
How education has changed here....it was required in 1969 to take a Civics class and an Constitution test in order to get your diploma.

The demonstrators should be at Congress and the White House rather than Wall Street...as it was these offices who made the decisions that allowed the bankers to make obscene amounts of money. Bankers are always going to go for the bottom line..that the nature of banks..remember "Its a Wonderful Life"? and the banker. Mr. Potter? We are a nation of laws. Laws that control such people. Where are laws made? there ya go....

I've seen about 6 of the videos these young people have posted..they've run up student loan debt/ credit card debit and are blaming the banks rather than taking responsibility of their own choices...it sounds like their parents didn't do a good job teaching these children good work ethics and personal responsibility. They are being used by the socialist/communist crowd as useful idiots.

I also saw a interview with a young woman who wanted us to go to something she called "primitivism"...she described it was a hunter/gatherer society. Not realizing that millions of people would die in such a society now..when she was asked that question, she answered "we all will die sometime". I don't think she knew what she was saying, as women in that type of society work from morning until night in constant drudgery. I'd give her a week.

I don't know where this is all going...nor does anyone else...perhaps when winter comes, everyone will go home and it will fizzle out...one can only hope there will be no violence. I also wonder how many of these people will do the one thing that will really make a difference...and vote.

A Swap and Wrapping Up the Week...

2011-10-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

I did a swap with Nancy, Huggins Haven...and got this wonderful raggedy runner that she made..traded with her some redwork towels. I just love it...she also included a matching candle mat......I love the warm colors.
I also bought one of her wonderful pillows..a fishing one for our boarder as he is a avid fisherman....I think he will like it....Alan sure did..
these things are one of a kind so don't have a photo of the pillow but here is a similar one she has in her shop.
.

All of her crafts are very well and expertly made..and make wonderful gifts....

also I am open to doing swaps....with the economy the way it is...
swapping and bartering may be the way of the future........

Our weather has been on the warm side, in the 90s....this week our jobs have been few...we did have two yesterday but only one today....and several days with no jobs...sigh....late yesterday afternoon we had a job in Lake Elsinore...an eviction and the house (really a duplex) was very dirty with broken windows and trash everywhere...took us over an hour to get it secured..10 locks, windows to board up and we had to padlock several gates and the garage.....It was two story with a separate house on each floor...the bottom had been freshly painted and was clean but it was another story with the top half....the only thing going for it was the view...and what a view it was...wish I had taken a photo...you could see the entire lake from the living room..and at night, it was spectacular....starry skies, a harvest moon and lights out on the water...just beautiful.
I am planning on doing some crafting and housework this weekend..maybe a little baking too......do you have any plans?

3 Bean Salad

2011-10-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

This is just a very basic recipe for 3 bean salad...I hesitated to post it as its so basic but with our boarder, realized that alot of people haven't grown up with this ...he says he grew up with mostly fast food, frozen dinners, etc. and has been amazed with the recipes we use here....
The recipe came from a Mennonite cookbook I got back in the late 60s....the poor book has been used so much, its missing its front cover and is not a little tattered...The More with Less Cookbook

Basic 3 Bean Salad

Use 2 cups of each of any three kinds of canned or cooked drained beans. Choose an attractive color combination of any of the following:

cut green beans

cut yellow wax beans

soy beans

red kidney beans

green lima beans

great northern or navy beans

chick peas or garbanzos

In a large bowl, toss beans with: medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

Combine and pour over the bean mixture:

1/2 c. salad oil

1/2 c. vinegar

1/2 c. sugar

1 t. salt

1/4t. pepper

Chill before serving. This improves the longer it sits, marinate it over night or longer. I normally use kidney, garbanzo and green beans, skip the green pepper, and use Splenda instead of sugar...neither of us can take green pepper any more...would you believe I got the onion from our garden?

In California, we serve this any time of year, although I know its mainly a summer salad in most of the country.

He's smiling!

2011-10-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, we finally were able to get a photo of Jayden smiling.....he's also started giggling and making little noises...amazing how fast babies grow and its so fun watching him day by day..we are really blest to have the young family with us...at times a little tense but I am reminded of years ago when our own boys were little....he is now 14 lbs at 2 months...about the same as our youngest son was at the age......a little chubby looking but cute as a button...and our boy is thin now so I told them not to worry.....he is such a good baby, only cries when he's hungry or needs a diaper change..and is sleeping much of the night.....he goes in for a well baby visit later this week....

I think I will bake several loafs of the applesauce spice bread I made yesterday to give to neighbors, two of the men are diabetic, one just diagnosed this year.....its so tasty, I am sure they will enjoy a loaf......knowing their wives, I don't think they get diabetic baked goods at home!

Rain, Thunder and Applesauce Bread

2011-10-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

One of my good friends shared this on Facebook and I thought it was so cool..had to pass it on to you....

We had a job this weekend up in Ramona, Ca....Ramona is a small semi mountain community...the job was very easy..only one lock on a condo....but since the town is so close to Julian, we made a day trip out of it and got some of our favorite Julian apple pie and a few apples....unfortunately, we realized inflation must have hit as the apples were twice as expensive as last year....so we didn't get many...we usually buy a 40 lb. box, make applesauce and can quite a few quarts but as we found out one box would cost almost $35.00 decided against it....did get a few lbs though...Jonathan..and some Snow apples....

Alan also bought two bags of crab apples...they were very ripe so when we came home, we cut them up and made applesauce right away....not enough to can but I am going to make some applesauce muffins and bread...
I found this recipe on the Mr. Food site and think I will try it......sounds very good indeed..

Applesauce and Spice Bread

Cooking Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¹/2 teaspoon baking powder
¹/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
¹/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
¹/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup sugar
¹/2 cup vegetable oil
1 ¹/4 cups applesauce
2 eggs
3 tablespoons milk
¹/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
¹/4 cup chopped pecans
¹/4 cup packed brown sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the nutmeg, and allspice.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, oil, applesauce, eggs, and milk. Stir dry ingredients into applesauce mixture; stir in 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans. Pour batter into a greased 9- x 5-inch loaf pan.
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup chopped pecans, the brown sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to make a topping; sprinkle evenly over batter.
Bake 1 to 1-1/4 hours, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan.

I'll have to tweek it a bit as we don't use brown sugar but think I can substitute something else...have to work on that......

Two hours later.....

I used Splenda instead of sugar..added two T. of dry milk powder which helped it rise well....and for the topping, used chopped nuts, two T. flour mixed with some sugar free maple syrup which made a rather nice crunchy topping....it was a big hit with the young adults as well as us old folks....its already half gone!

Good Bye Piano !

2011-10-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

You probably know, if you've read my blog for some time, we had found this student piano at a foreclosed house...and as I've always wanted to learn to play, Alan brought it home for me....I've enjoyed it but it came time to decide between a rock and a hard place.....our kitchen has so little cabinet space...it was a choice, storage or piano...so knowing myself, decided storage was more important right now with 6 people in the house..put the piano on Craigslist and it was sold last night....
now, instead of the piano in this space..the little curio cabinet is there...right now its packed with kitchen items...but when the new cabinet is built in the alcove where the old antique was housed, it will then have our collection of depression glass in it....although that will have to be adjusted while Jayden is here....

plus there is lots of space on either side...I want to get a small round table for the corner....nice for a prim tree this Christmas....
here is the open space for the new cabinet...we are getting the wood for it this weekend....and will paint it to match the rest of the kitchen cabinets with the same hardware...

Can hardly wait!

Jayden Report

2011-10-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Jayden is growing by leaps and bounds...he is 7 weeks old now and weighs about 12 lbs..he can already lift his head fairly well and is trying to roll over...and has taken to smiling at times...so far, I haven't been able to get a photo of his smile...this is the best and of course, its out of focus...but in time, we will get that delightful smile...he's making more sounds too..

Here he is with his mom...we had a little scare the other night..after his bath, he turned very pale and went limp..the kids tried calling the doctor but couldn't get through so they took him to emergency...by the time they got there, he had recovered but the doctors did alot of tests anyway..took an Xray..evidently he was congested and stopped breathing for a short time...scary....he now sleeps with a humidifier in the room and his cold is clearing.....he's no worse for wear but we all were a wreck...lots of prayers that night!

My October Giveaway!

2011-10-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

I am giving away this cute spider web candle mat.......just the thing for Halloween......especially with the big fat spider lurking........for the rules and to sign up...check out the link on the side of my blog on the left....it will take you to my other blog Sweet Home Stitchery........still haven't gotten up to 100 followers over there yet. It was my goal this summer and now it will be my goal this fall......
My newest project is to start stitching the 1886 patterns....here is the first one of the series...and yes, I can post the pattern here as its not copyrighted and over 100 years old....

I fell in love with these little girls!

Saturday Evening

2011-10-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

We are continuing our organizing and cleaning....guess you'd call it fall cleaning rather than spring cleaning....removed all the ceiling lights and washed them out..replaced light bulbs...rather mundane work but needed...the hall looks alot brighter now....

Early in the week, I got up on a ladder and cleaned the ceilings, and ceiling fans.....getting tired yet? We also checked the furnace and got it ready for the winter...the furnace filter was really dirty after the summer...we replaced it and washed out the old one for later.....

we completely cleaned out our walk in closet.....what a difference! and of course, the vacuum broke down and it took Alan much of the day to fix it.....Thankfully he was able to as getting a new vacuum really isn't in the budget right now.

and we have a mouse...probably mice...keep putting out traps in the kitchen and he's been stealing the bait...even the sticky traps which I hate to use....the cats are on mouse alert, taking turns patrolling the kitchen area, especially peering under the stove....heaven help the mouse if he sneaks out!

None of these are fun jobs but they are satisfying when done......tomorrow afternoon..yard work..still have weeds to pull.(.yuck.)....I planted lettuce in the boxes Alan built this past summer....as our weather is cooler, its a perfect time....
now you know why I haven't been posting as much....busy busy busy....with locksmithing and organizing...we had 4 jobs on Friday....

Raggedy Jan

2011-09-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Speaking of fall decorating, I just discovered this Etsy seller, Raggedy Jan and her wonderful hand painted items....just love them..I've always admired painters and artists.....she takes ordinary teapots, kettles, old irons, and other things and makes them into works of art....she is a Midwest artist from Missouri.....above is one of my favorites.....her prices are quite reasonable also......with so much of the gifts in the stores coming from China...handmade is the way to go for gifts or for your own home if at all possible......I would love for the handmade movement to spread..

Its taken me a few weeks to get back into stitching...Mrs. Quack's death hit me a little hard...I finished a old project and am working on a few new ones.....our weather is slowly cooling off, although we have had a few hot days yet..but the nights are wonderful, in the 60s....with the cooler weather, you feel like baking, crafting and getting ready for the holidays..at least I do..

Fall Crafting

2011-09-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

One thing that was sent to us after my dear MIL's passing was this wonderful vintage washboard...Alan made a box for it and I filled it with some autumn goodies...including a black crow...think it looks good...I also got some pretty Christmas findings for later...thought I'd change it out for the different seasons...

My friend, Nancy from Huggins Haven just finished this wonderful raggedy quilt and has it for sale....
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It measures 47" by 55" and has 3 layers..nice and warm for the chilly nights ahead of us......she is selling it so if you are interested... you can reach her through her blog....Huggins Haven...
I have several of her raggedy runners and candle mats..Just like them so much......here is one I have on a ledge in our dining room....

Saturday Evening

2011-09-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Can't believe I haven't posted since last Wednesday! Been really busy.....we've been doing alot of gardening and the yard started to show some improvement + doing work inside also....cleaned all the ceilings and ceiling fans which was a hard but worthwhile job....and started cleaning out closets....got ours all done...so much nicer!

Alan cleaned out the garage also and so there is alot more room now...you can actually see the floor again.....he also put up extra lights so he can do some woodworking, eventually....I want to get him a scroll saw for Christmas....for puzzles and other things.

Years ago, when we were first married..he made rocking horses like the one above which we sold on consignment...he still has the templates for these...I still think they are rather cute.....with a new grand son, our thoughts are going towards handmade toys and puzzles as he grows....I've also been looking for an old fashioned teddy bear with a windup music box inside...can I find one? no, no one seems to have them anymore.....I had one when I was a baby, both the boys had them too.everything is digital now but I love the soothing sound of a music box....mine had Brahms Lullaby...

Riverside House

2011-09-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

This is a house we rekeyed yesterday in Riverside...south Riverside has many country type large lots with horse trails and interesting houses....this house stands on about 2 acres.., its sold and we re keyed it through the escrow company for the new owners....its 5 bedrooms and 3 fireplaces....thought you might like to see the inside...its lovely and interesting..

Here is the living room, very large with a brick fireplace, open beam ceiling.....

This is the second fireplace in the family room.....about the only thing I would change in the house is the bad green carpeting..

This is the third fireplace in the master bedroom....this room is upstairs with a private balcony....you can tell by the wallpaper this would put up in the 90s..the bath has a jacuzzi tub and a separate shower....I had a photo but am having trouble with pictures loading.

Here is the kitchen..lots of cabinets.....

Outside is another room with two sets of French doors.....

I took this last photo from the balcony upstairs...the property has a barn and some out buildings......
we both give a blessing when we are finished on the house...wishing the new owners much joy.......its too much house for us at our ages...but great for a young family....be a great place to grow up.....lots of room, especially if you had a houseful of boys.....
More work today in San Diego county...3 jobs that we know of....most of these are escrow re keys, unlike last year when it was foreclosures......we are truly thankful....

Kay sent me a wonderful TRUE story...

A girl wanted to conquer her fear of rock climbing... by going rock climbing with some experts. Half way up the mountain side, she lost one of her contacts. She remembered God’s attributes and prayed that since He saw everything to please let her find her contact.

At the end of the day after they’d descended and were on the trail to the car they came upon some rock climbers going up to the same spot they had come from. One of the guys said, “Hey, has anyone lost a contact? I found one!” That was strange enough but how he found the contact was even stranger: he was walking along when he saw a little ant on a rock carrying along the contact on his back!

When the girl who prayed and got back her contact went home she told her father --who was a cartoonist. After he heard his daughter’s story he then drew a little ant with the caption, “Lord, I don’t know why You want me to carry this thing; I can’t eat it, it’s awfully heavy... but if this is

what You want me to do I’ll carry it for You!”

Some would call what happened to her a coincidence but those of us who know better would call this Providence – a loving God building up the faith of a young girl.

A Few More Shoes.....

2011-09-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

A few more crazy artsy shoes for your enjoyment!..couldn't resist....

Can't quite figure out how these would fit..or would they?

Thank you, Kay...these were alot of fun to share......I don't wear high heels anymore..its pure comfort from now on....wore them alot when I was working.....now I just admire others on their high perches....give me a pair of K-Swiss and I am good to go.....

Paula Primitives Giveaway!

2011-09-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

Paula is giving up this lovely antique wool table centerpiece..she needs to get 100 followers so please sign up....Paula's Primitives....I really admire her work and her Etsy shop....here is another example.....

I went to our local thrift shop..picked up alot of things and then put many of them back...seems like my frugal nature came through...now, thinking back..should have kept them..sigh..tomorrow have jobs so the things will probably be gone....I found some nice handmade stuffed pumpkins (1.50 each), and a cute vintage brown tea set with all the matching mugs ($7.00)...carried them around and then put them back...have you ever done that? I did find a basket for the apples and one more little individual casserole dish to finish the set I've been collecting....

now I have four...thought they'd be fun when I make the chicken pot pie...... you can freeze, and microwave these little dishes....I think they're from the 70s, at least the pretty flowers seem to say so....

if you haven't signed up for my September giveaway..please do....

A Autumn Saturday

2011-09-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy, busy..we were gone most of yesterday...doing re keys and hanging up lock boxes...Fannie Mae has changed the codes on the lockboxes so we have to occasionally re visit some of the foreclosed houses to switch them out...gave out business cards too...alot of driving but all in all this last week was very good indeed....so thankful for the work.., this work is such a blessing...got a call from a contractor we know who is in dire straits with no work in sight....please pray for him, his name is Dave....he has a younger family, he does foreclosure clean outs, and home repair...

Cooler weather! Its great, isn't it? I've been trying to clean and decorate for the fall now....still can't quite believe we are keeping the house...we've lived with that weight for some time so it takes a bit to sink in...
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Found some apples that I had hung on the big Christmas tree we used to have...thinking of making a basket using them and cinnamon sticks for the fall.....all our baskets disappeared after the fire we had last year so may go to the thrift shop for replacements....the local one has a bin in the back full of baskets....cheap too. All of our Halloween decorations are gone also...we do get quite a few Trick or Treaters every year....usually about 30 - 50...
Thought I would share two fall graphics I've collected ...

(a hint...if you upload the graphic into something like Photobucket....and then paste it into your blog from there...you will get the flicker on the candle...for those of us who didn't grow up with computers)

Wonderful News!

2011-09-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

We are so happy today....as you may know, we've been falling behind in our mortgage payments....and have been in contact with our mortgage holder...they've been wonderful to us...(hard to believe, right?)..this morning, we got an email saying that we'd been approved for a loan modification! The loan officer called a few minutes later all excited for us.Our loan payment was dropped by almost $500...and we start our new payments in December...we couldn't really believe it at first..but what a wonderful thing....feels like a giant weight is off of us...Yee Haw!

Just goes to show, one should take action if you are behind and make some calls...you never know until you try...don't give up! God may open a door for you! There are several programs out there to help....we tried the Keep Your Home California
but it didn't work for us as our mortgage holder doesn't take any government help (actually good for them!) but it may work for someone else so I added the link.....there are other government programs in different states....that are similar.

Our weather is getting cooler....still fairly warm during the days though...feels like fall and we are so enjoying it. Planning another trip up to Oak Glen for apples....maybe this weekend in celebration of our good news...our back yard looks bad right now as with the financial weight over our heads and it being so hot, we just didn't have the energy to garden....but as those things are lifting, I'll be out there more clearing out the garden and the flower beds...we also have plans to re stain our fencing...have the stain but not the energy so that will be a fall project too.....maybe I can get the younger adults to help.
Here is the latest of our grandson....he is all of 11 lbs now and a month old....such a cutie!

He loves his grandpa!

The Peaceful Housewife and Specials for a Dear Friend

2011-09-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

As I said yesterday, I was asked to review recipes from the Peaceful Housewife.....her selling blog includes many organic, green and healthy cleaning products...if you have little ones running around, or health issues, particularly allergies (and we do here), or just want to be frugal...you might want to check out her site...The link will send you to the page where she has the Ebook I am giving away....it has over 30 recipes for homemade cleaning products....and the good thing about this is that I can feel free of opening this up to my overseas friends also as long as I have their email address...I will be giving away two of these little books...no requirements, just comment and if you don't have a blog where I can contact you...please send me your email address at vargasondanielle@gmail.com.

The giveaway will last for 10 days and this giveaway is separate from my regular monthly one.....

I made the recipe for laundry soap and am including it here...having a hard time this morning loading photos so sorry about that..but the recipe was fairly easy to put together..although I had to look in several stores to find the washing soda...maybe you will have better luck...

1 bar soap (popular choices are Fels Naptha, Zote, Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap, or Ivory) (I used Ivory)
1 - 2 cups washing soda (also known as sodium carbonate)
1-2 cups borax
Grate the soap using a old cheese grater or food processor. Mix in washing soda and borax...Experiment to see what works best for you...I like it about 50-50...you can scent this if you wish with essential oils. Use 1 to 2 Tablespoon per load. This did a good job...with prices going up all the time...might be something you might consider doing....it makes enough to wash about 20 loads or so, depending on how large your loads are...we have 6 in the house with the baby so I am washing at least one load a day...can't even imagine if they used cloth diapers!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I also wanted to mention that my friend Nancy from Huggins Haven is having a special...buy 3 items and get the 4th one for half price...she makes the most useful and darling things.....wish I can post a photo...sigh..will they ever get Blogger fixed? or perhaps its my computer, its a dinosaur..
anyway, Nancy is trying to get funds to help her furry babies and she can explain it (with photos, lucky her) better than I can so hope you will go over, say hello and check out her goodies...I love her grocery bags and use them all the time.

More Shoes...and tomorrow, a giveaway...

2011-09-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Going to show more of the shoes designed by the Jewish designer, Kobi Levi...I don't think anyone would really wear them but they're fun to look at....more museum quality than anything else...artistic though....

and to my mind, I think the one pair below are the weirdest.....

Tomorrow I will be reviewing a recipe from the Peaceful Housewife and giving away 2 of the Ebooks that she has published with over 30 recipes for housecleaning supplies that are organic, handmade, and natural....

9-11-11 and thoughts about the future...

2011-09-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

How times have changed..just 10 years ago, after the horrible unspeakable tragedy, flags were flown from every home, and overpass....help flowed to New York in the form of blood donations, fire fighters and rescue workers flew in from all 50 states, funds were set up for survivors and loved ones, everyone from every part of this great country came together as never before in my lifetime....prayers were sent to God above for comfort, healing and encouragement....and He did answer many times over...

Flash forward to 2011..our country is split deeply , mob rule is creeping in, and a offensive Moslem mosque is being built close to ground zero...the firefighters that you see above were not even invited to the 10th year memorial as there "wasn't enough room" and prayer is not allowed. TV news is full of violent accusations and name calling...mainly by those who have an agenda of progressive double speak.

Friends, the Tea Party is made of up people like yourself, moms and dads, grandparents, working class people, who have gotten up off their couches, out of their work trucks, and raised their voices...the great majority of Americans who never really get involved in politics except to vote.

People who don't like conflict and avoid confrontation, who normally just want to live their lives in peace and quiet. The total agenda of the Tea Party is for a small efficient government, lower taxes, balanced budget and lower deficit. We want all Americans to succeed and we believe the best way to succeed is to get our government to follow the Constitution as it was written. In some ways, like our founding fathers who left their farms and somewhat comfortable lives to sacrifice for freedom..many of them died penniless after the war but their sacrifice enabled our life yet today but for how long?

We want government to get out of the way of small business as this is what creates jobs and is the backbone of our great nation. Government cannot create jobs!

We want term limits so corruption which is common place in Washington D.C. can be cut off.

We want our children and grandchildren to grow up free without owing the government thousands of dollars...our dear baby grandson owes the government $46,000 just by being born..ask yourself, is this right?

A book you will find interesting is Anne Coulter's Demonic...she goes back in history and traces mob rule which is fascinating...compares our American Revolution with the French Revolution ...we get books on cd and listen to them while we travel for work...we both learned so much about the French revolution..how terrible and bloody it was, how atheistic compared to our American one which was Christian..did you know that Thomas Paine was involved in the French Revolution? He almost got the guillotine himself when the mob turned on him...and only through the intervention by James Monroe did he secure his release.

Do we want that bloody mob rule today?

Hope if you are reading this and thinking about the last 10 years...what will the next 10 be like? Its up to all of us in next years election to decide if we want to keep going in the direction the country is headed...we are on the brink.....can we afford another 4 years with the current regime in the White House and Congress? think and pray about it..please.. spread the word....

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Friday Shoe Time

2011-09-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Another hot day here...it's been in the 100s all week..we had a small garage sale this morning and made about $50.00 which was surprising as we didn't think we had much to sell but one never knows....

My friend Kay did it again and sent me these photos of shoes designed by an Israeli designer, Kobi Levi..hope you enjoy them..like she said, he has alot of time on his hands..LOL...

Woof!

These are just a few...can't imagine wearing them, can you?

We were not effected by the power outage that hit all of San Diego...some places still don't have power a day later. It snarled traffic very badly as you can expect. Glad we didn't have any jobs down there much of the week.

More Thoughts on a Wednesday

2011-09-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

My son discovered that a Barn owl had made a nest in the tree in front of our house.....I normally like owls as you know and can't really fault the owl...she was only doing what comes naturally to feed her young...if we had known she was there, we would have taken better precautions so I guess its partially our fault, Mrs. Q is gone...seemed strange this morning to get up and not hear her....I don't think we are going to get any more animals..its just too hard when they leave us....seems harder as we age, doesn't it? perhaps because we've already lost so much in the way of loved ones....

Alan and I were talking and looking forward to the Lord's return, when animals won't be predators any more and "the lion will lie down with the lamb"...

Isaiah 11:6"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them."

Isaiah Chapter 65:25
"The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD."

RIP

2011-09-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

we woke up this morning to our oldest son's knocking at our bedroom door..he had gotten up for work, and noticed that our dear duck, Mrs. Quack, had met a cruel end...some predator (we all suspect it was a white owl) had attacked her in the yard early this morning...none of us heard any thing...Alan had the sad duty of burying her next to our beloved Smoky who had passed away last year.....We can be comforted in the fact that she had a good life here with us...Rest in Peace, pretty duck..we will miss you...

Easy Chicken Pot Pie and some random thoughts

2011-09-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is such a no brainer and yet so yummy...my kids have been asking me to make it every Sunday for the past month....I just made it up but there are very similar things on the internet....
We go to Costco about every two to three months and stock up on canned goods and meat....we get the large pack of canned chicken breast and also the very wonderful dried instant mashed potato flakes...
I use two cans of the chicken which I put our big old iron deep skillet...break up the large chunks..then add one can of mixed vegetables, drained and one can of cream of chicken soup....I don't drain the chicken as the broth mixes with the soup which is what you want..mix these ingrediants well, heating gently...while I am doing this I heat the oven up to 350 or so......when all is mixed well, I make a pot of instant mashed potatoes and when its done...put big dollops of the potatoes across the top of the chicken mixture...and then some grated cheese....slide this mixture into the hot oven and bake for about 20 minutes or so...the potatoes get a little brown on top usually..and thats it...
I can never keep leftovers of this as its gone immediately......and my kids think I am a great cook...and who am I to disagree? usually serve with a green salad and perhaps some type of fruit...

Today we had three jobs in Oceanside, ca..the first was a real beast as the front door lock wouldn't open..took Alan almost an hour to get the door open...he drilled and drilled, until the lock was completely destroyed and it still wouldn't open...finally he managed to pry it apart..this was a tough one as Oceanside was experiencing the hottest day of the year at 103 degrees...

the others weren't so bad..one was in a senior housing tract..guess the senior (we count ourselves in the group by the way) was a bit of a swinger and had parties with young girls, and drugs....all the neighbors let us know how glad they were he was leaving.....the house had a very interesting lay out with a inner courtyard with lots of potential but was in a very sad condition...

I mentioned to the realtor that Fannie Mae should give these type of houses, like the old Home Stead act...the homeowner would agree to live in the house for a period of years,and improve the property...in turn, the house would be deeded over to them...sounded good to me anyway..

.but then I get alot of "off the wall" ideas...for example, I think the best stimulus for the country would be to give every tax payer over the age of 55 or 60 a million dollars....think of it....we could all retire, opening up thousands and thousands of jobs for the younger people....part of the stipulation would be you would either pay off your home loan or buy a new house...which would help the housing market....I could go on but you get the idea.....

Working for a Livin....Labor Day fun

2011-09-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post a fun video of Huey Lewis and the News from back in the 1980s...have a great day! its sprinkling here today but hope it clears off as we want to barbecue....

back at the time, I was working full time for Walmart..they were experimenting with a discount clothing store like Ross..actually we were right next door to Ross in Oceanside....great company to work for actually, it was called Designer Depot...good pay and benefits...I was a department supervisor and was being trained to be a manager...we had fashion shows, and company dinners in the back room...fun work.....unfortunately, Walmart decided to close it as on a national level it wasn't making a big enough profit which is always the bottom line, but it was the best job I ever had...we actually had better buys and nicer clothes than Ross...a great shoe department and the jewelry department was very good....when it was announced they were closing...all the employees cried as we loved it so.....I wonder if there are any companies now that their employees would feel the same for the same reason....hope so.....

Happy Sunday!

2011-09-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest grandson report...Jayden is growing well...I had to take a photo with him in his cute striped outfit...it was hard to focus..seemed like he moved every time I snapped a picture...wanted to get him with his eyes open....
We bought him a new stroller..its all terrain and his car seat can fit in it for now...most strollers these days seem to have car seats included which they didn't need..they actually got 5 car seats as gifts! Later, when he's older, he can use the stroller as is....they used it for the first time last night when they went to the dog park..

I am going to be doing a review of an ebook by the Peaceful Housewife....trying some of her recipes for handmade cleaning products....and will be having a giveaway of the Ebook ..if you'd like to check out her website, its here...her cleaning products are all natural and eco-friendly....scented or unscented....her scents sound so yummy, like Japanese Cherry Blossom and Sun Ripened Fruit. With a new baby in the house, it seems really important to have gentle natural products to clean with. I've tried laundry soap before, which did a good job but her recipe is slightly different so I will let you know....

Our weather is still warm in the high 90s but the nights are getting cooler...in the 60s now..fall is in the air with the trees starting to drop their leaves....we had a family garden day today with our next door neighbors and their daughter (16) raked our shared front yard and even cleaned the gutters..which was very nice

Giveaway Winner

2011-09-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Good morning, just a short post...I drew the winning number last night with the random generator...the winner is
Katy, from the Country Blossom..I will be emailing her for her address.....thanks to everyone who entered...almost up to 100 followers! and will be having another giveaway for September very soon so please check back.....

Wednesday, the Mall and more

2011-08-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

We traveled down to El Cajon and ate lunch at Bob's Big Boy....walked around the mall...this photo is of the shopping cart escalator in the two story Walmart....we had never seen anything like that before so thought it was unique...
we had fun shopping at the Sweet Factory as they have a nice selection of sugar free candy for Alan...also he went to See's and got some sugar free chocolates...I got a small bag of gummy candy, my favorite..I am partial to orange slices....
then we spied the merry go round...yesterday, I said it was ferris wheel but I had seen it at a distance, turned out it was a two story merry- go- round.....

we planned to take a ride but it was closed for lunch the time we were there...beautifully painted animals...

It is a very nice mall...and it was really fun to window shop....we don't usually get out to malls anymore...years ago in another life, my mom and I would go to the local mall every week, have lunch together and shop...guess that is one reason why I've avoided going since she passed away....

Today is the last day to sign up for my August Giveaway..I will be drawing the winning name at 6:00 p.m. this evening....aren't you ready for the fall?

Tuesday Chat

2011-08-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

We had a job yesterday in San Diego county, and while we were coming back home, stopped for gas in Temecula....took this photo of a fire that was burning south of here....this is not only our hottest month but also fire season....another fire occurred south east of us..later in the afternoon and our online service went out...evidently the fire got to a tower...this is all undeveloped land, no homes were touched..its been so warm, in the 100s..feel really sorry for the fire fighters, must be miserable with the heat....

I really like Pattern Mart.... yesterday got their free newsletter and found these darling tags...had to order them of course, an instant E pattern..

these use a little different technique, not only do you stitch them, but also stain, stiffen and paint....should be fun! I stitched most of them last night, all but the gingerbread man which I will finish today...not sure if I have all the paint colors though...

Jayden is growing and already trying to lift his head...very good for only a little older than two weeks....we are sure enjoying them being here with us...he and his mom got thrush, so had to go to the doctor this week....he wasn't a happy camper and kept them up several nights but is better now....I am hoping to get some photos of him awake soon!
We bought a little blue album for his first year..have a photo of the hospital, hospital pics and now early home pics....we know so well how fast babies grow...

That's about all for today...we have another job in El Cajon late this afternoon, its a 80+ mile trip one way but may go early as there is a huge shopping center/mall there we'd like to explore....make it a little more fun. I am not one for malls any more but we stopped there once before as they actually have a Walmart at one end...we were amazed to see how large the entire mall was..it reminded both of us of the Mall of America, in Minn. this one has a indoor ferris wheel just like that one....The Walmart was two story and had a escalator for shopping carts as well as people...quite unique....if we go, I will see if I can take a few photos..

Sale

2011-08-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

I am running a sale this week only in my Etsy shop ..buy two dishtowels and get the third one FREE....also please make sure you have signed up for my August giveaway...only a few days left now.!

Wind Storm....

2011-08-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

We had a wind storm here this afternoon....at 106 temperature, it started blowing hard...Alan was in the garage and heard something hitting the garage door, went outside and it was tree limbs that had broken off...no real damage but scary.....then the electricity went off, and we heard sirens..turned out that a tree had blown over onto a power line and started a fire in the mobile home park that is at the intersection within walking distance of our house.....desert wind storms are fairly common here but this one was a little worse than most...great for drying clothes though if I remember to use plenty of clothes pins!

August is usually our warmest month and this one is no exception...its been in the 100s all last week...poor duck! We set our sprinkler on mist and leave it on for her...most days she sits under it.....otherwise she pants and there is nothing worse to see than a duck panting......she always has lots of water to wade in but the silly thing doesn't know it...I actually have to pick her up and put her in the water, otherwise she won't go in....
sorry, no photos today......blogger is acting up again.....

Hand Embroidery and Etsy

2011-08-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the kind comments on the previous post.....I do hand embroidery...love the look and feel of it more than machine, although machine has its place too......back in the 70s, I embroidered mens work shirts for my brother and his friends...may start doing that again if I can find some nice shirts...the ones I see today are usually made in China and not as well put together as in the days of old....I don't have any of my own examples as that was years ago but here is one similar from the blog, Stitchers Revolution

My little Etsy shop has quite a few of my stitcheries......towels, candle mats and tags for now.....also black work and redwork....
Speaking of Etsy....I've found a artist there that creates the most amazing little creatures...her shop is called Dreamworld Art Designs....she makes custom dog and cat sculptures using needle felting..here is just one example.....you send her a photo of your pet and she will create a likeness..

Photobucket

2011-08-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have been having so much fun, playing with Photobucket....discovered I can edit my photos and sharpen them for my Etsy shop....so many times, lighting is a problem......no more....here is an example.....

Before

After...

The flour sack towels are even more dramatic....

Before..

After

its so much fun learning new things!

Sunday

2011-08-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Just got to show off Jayden a bit....get my granny fix, I guess....he's already gained weight...and doing well..had a touch of jaundice but nothing serious.....got a good checkup on Friday....the kids have discovered how much work is involved....we just smile....I think we are going to like being grandparents...LOL

Last but not least

2011-08-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Remote control drink caddy for the pool...something every home needs (right)

A stop for all the bottles that stack up in the fridge.....

For the late night reading?

Lots of lost storage under and around the bath tub?....I would have never thought of this..
I have several more photos but Blogger is not cooperating this evening....refusing to upload any more photos...so that is that for now....
we had a good day today..got some needed housework done..babysat our new grandson for a time and gave the new parents a break....and Alan unlocked one house for a homeowner who had locked himself out...don't you hate when that happens?

Why Didn't I Think of That? part 3

2011-08-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the well wishes with our grandchild....yes, he is very aware and tries so hard to see everything even at just a few days old....

I am continuing with the new inventions......

how about this clever device for the faucet?

A collapsible bench?

We like to get fresh pineapple when its a good price...what a easy way to cut it!

an interesting way to keep your wooden floors dust free...
and lastly...

for the late night..no more bumped toes.......

I think God enjoys our inventions when they are created for good.......He conceals truths for us to ferret out as He knows how much we enjoy the hunt....
Proverbs says "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.."Proverbs 25...

New Grand Son

2011-08-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Here is our new grandson...he was born on Monday....Jayden Ryder

7 lbs. 11 oz...21" long.....Happy Birthday and welcome to the world, Little guy!

Why Didn't I Think of That? continued

2011-08-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

here are a few more brillant inventions from the email that was sent to me...several of them I am going to be looking for....love this idea of a hidden compartment...

Fast food?

I don't like messy paint cans when we are painting.... am always a little frustrated by what's available....this looks like it might work...

and finally....I think this is designed for the handicapped but would be wonderful for crafters also....

Happy Monday

2011-08-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

I just discovered this Etsy artist...are not these magpies wonderful! Robyn is a California artist and her shop is something out of fairyland...hope you will visit and enjoy her creations as much as I have....
.Motherload Toad Factory

Its quite warm here today and windy.....great for drying clothes...I try to get outside and keep the bird bath full for our feathered friends....this time of year is hard on them..we noticed that the hummingbird feeder has constant visits now too......August is usually our hottest month.....today is about 98....which isn't by far the hottest we've experienced...usually August is in the 105 range.....
We try to get out early in the morning for yard work....started pulling out the corn stalks right now....I do have two dozen corn in the freezer....which will be nice this winter....some of the larger tomatoes are starting to get ripe so I may get to can a few quarts..and just enjoy the rest....
and now for some funnies....
A Merry Heart Doeth Good like a Medicine.....

Life is just a bowl of cherries...

2011-08-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

We've been so busy this week...I come home and am just exhausted most days..plus I've been fighting a stomach thing..really nasty...but am feeling better this weekend.....these cherries we picked up at a local market down in San Diego county and wow...they are so good....meaty and delicious.....

My good friend, Kay, sent me a cute email called Why didn't I think of that?" ...I like simple ideas that work....she and I both like the key holder..

This teapot holder would make up for less spillage...

great idea for the corner cupboard..that space is often unusable....

and this cup holder is just..well, rather unique...!!

Tomato Sauce

2011-08-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

We were looking at all the tiny tomatoes that have grown this year..wondering what to do with them...we thought the Amish Paste, Roma and others would be a good size..but they have only grown slightly larger than cherry tomatoes. I don't know if it was a mild spring and relatively cool summer....Alan picked a huge bowl of them and I decided to cook them down...and then run them through the food mill....

this is the result...

I let this sauce cook down most of the afternoon until it got nice and thick...then was able to can 7 pints! I added a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to each jar to make sure they were acid enough.....I plan on making at least another canner full before we are done.....

We are growing some heirloom tomatoes in pots..they are doing much better and are actually a bigger size.....not ripe yet though...
.

They won't get sun burned like those in the ground as they are under the patio cover....may take a little longer to ripen but well worth it.....
we've been a little busy this week...two jobs today and possible two tomorrow......God is good!

Memories

2011-08-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

Alan brought back this owl picture we had given to Mom and Dad some 35+ years ago..it hung over their living room entry all that time..mom and dad owls, all 10 kids..its held up well, don't you think?..I hung it up in our living room now...when we first were married, several of the children were still living at home...these little owls looked over the family,( wish they could talk)....weddings, birth of grandchildren and great grandchildren, aunts/ uncles coming and going, loads of laughter and love, Bible studies, hot coffee and cards during the long Iowa winters. Birthday parties and anniversaries..over 40 Christmases all in a tiny house that had been built in 1898...the house has been remodeled several times...

its just pecky cedar, with knots for the owls with googly eyes but means alot to us....so glad Alan was able to bring it back with him. It hangs above this wall hanging below...

This Iowa wood wall hanging we bought one year in the Amish country, outside of Independence...there are many Amish farms with little shops on the properties....we would go with Mom and Dad...buying treats and a few things to bring home...we used to drive back to Iowa every year before we had kids..after that we took the train, getting a sleeper berth..the boys have many happy memories of train travel as do we...the train we went on, no longer runs unfortunately. We both are hoping to be able to get together with the other siblings in the next year..Mom wanted the kids to stick together..she wrote a wonderful letter to the family before she passed.....
The first year we went back to Iowa, I was a new bride and had never been out of California.....it was quite an adventure....I remember one night, sleeping upstairs in the loft..they had a summer thunder storm...I'd never seen anything like it....the sky was crashing, and bolts of lightening seemed to fill the little window where I perched, Alan, of course, slept through it....Dad came upstairs and sat with me, worried that I was scared..I was a little scared, but more in awe and wonder at the amazing storm...

Happy Sunday!

2011-08-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord...

Lee Hill Primitives giveaway....

2011-08-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Eve is giving away this wonderful cute prairie doll with her pumpkin friend....I hope you will head on over to Lee Hill Primitives to sign up..it will end on August 23rd......she will be adding other items throughout the month.....this sweet little doll has a hand stitched face and I just love her expression....

Its another warm day again...dog days of summer so to speak...we had one job in San Diego today...it was a lock out but no one was at home, the family had left long before...then we got two local calls in the afternoon....the heat makes us both rather lazy and we have to push ourselves get to things done....you probably are in the same frame of mind...heat does sap the strength, doesn't it? so wishing for cooler days...
Meanwhile, I found a wonderful little package in the mail...my winnings from the PFTA Christmas in July giveaway...was pleasantly surprised to find these wonderful little rusty tin mittens with homespun ..they are so cute.....and look good on our antique cabinet....

They are from Joan at Vintage Keepsake Trunk...
Joan doesn't live too far from me, in Palm Desert, California and she makes the most wonderful creations....I was just browsing her shop..just look at this....

I feel so blest to have won something from this talented craftswoman...and hope you will visit her shop...going back to browse right now!

August Giveaway!

2011-08-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

I decided to give away one of these nice August Blessings candle mats...so hope you will head on over to my other blog and sign up.......I also giving away 3 Snowman tags if I get 100 followers...its been my goal this summer and am only 20 away now.....Sweet Home Stitchery August Giveaway...the candle mat actually looks nicer than the photo...I've been having trouble with my camera focus..probably dropped it too many times!
am thinking of using this pattern and making it into a wall hanging.....think it would be nice by the front door or on the door....will let you know how that goes.....

Tuesday Chat

2011-08-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Phew! Are we all ready for fall? I sure am..although our summer so far hasn't been as hot as other years, its been more humid....it actually poured rain most of yesterday morning....which is highly unusual...and this morning, its only 71 degrees but its 56% humidity..our normal humidity is around 15% or less...from what I've read online..many of you are experiencing unusual weather also...either no rain, or too much rain...hot temperatures...etc.

Our garden looks very sad right now..the heat has taken its toil......with lots of weeds too.....we are rethinking what we will do in the future..and we both think next year (if we get to keep the house that is) we will go completely to raised beds....we are both getting older and its just too hard to keep up with all the weeds..the only plants that look good yet are the tomatoes we grew in pots...all our tomato plants in the ground look sad although we are still getting tomatoes...most of them are small ..too small to can.....more like cherry tomatoes.....great in salads! We've been giving alot away and eating the rest....

Our little grand son should be here any day.....he is full term and ready to be born...so its just a matter of time..the little mama is walking alot, miserable of course in this heat, eating hot food, etc. trying to encourage labor to start..although she is scared too..please pray everything goes right for her and little Jayden..the doctor says they are both perfectly healthy and Jayden is at a good weight. They were going to move into the trailer but decided its better to stay with us until after the baby is born..which I think is a wise idea.....

I won a giveaway! Was pleasantly surprised yesterday to get an email from the PAFA Etsy team for the Christmas in July giveaway....I won a set of rusty mitten ornies for the tree...and will take a photo when I receive them....as you know, last year we had a fire in our garage and much of our Christmas decor was destroyed so we've had to start over.

I've been deciding what to giveaway for August and think it will be a candle mat.....I will announce the giveaway tomorrow.....listed a few more things in my Etsy shop...and now have a widget which no matter how I tried last night couldn't get it to fit on this blog.....but its on Sweet Home Stitchery....wish I knew more HTML coding to make it fit but then of course, there weren't any computer classes when I went to college!

I decided to go with the white background on my Etsy shop banner....you can see it here ..thanks for the feedback!

We have a Winner!

2011-07-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

Good Sunday morning!..as it's very humid and rain today in southern california...decided to go ahead and draw the winning number for my Christmas in July giveaway....the winner is Gert!.please head over to my other blog and there are links there for her blog..hope everyone will wish her congratulations!

I also wanted to let you know about a Blog Yard Sale that Margie is having at Hungry Hook Primitives..she is selling some wonderful things...at low prices....
got to go..short post today....its raining like crazy here...very weird...

Just a Reminder and My New Etsy Shop

2011-07-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be the 31st! and with it, will come my giveaway drawing....unfortunately, didn't get 100 followers, but am so so thankful for those who did sign up so if you haven't yet..there is still time! please go to Sweet Home Stitchery and join the fun!...

We had a big day yesterday with 5 jobs in San Diego county...the first one was canceled however as when we got there, it was being termite tented so that will be for another day.....people are either moving out or in....the last one was a duplex with two houses in Oceanside...both were rather old and worn..the locks were old and worn also so it took quite a while to get it all done....but the weather was nice with cool ocean breezes and we are so thankful to God for the work.When we got home, we went to our favorite taco shop, Mi Puebla and got something to take home...tasted so good....

I've also been working on things for my new Etsy shop...have 4 things listed..all black work, all of which you've probably seen if you keep up with my blog...but have completed some new tags which I will be listed today.....you get first peak.....
the first set is called "You Better Not Pout"..3 Santa themed fabric tags..

The second set of tags, I used black walnut stained fabric and these are called "Snow Angels"

Both designs are from Rhonda at Primitive Stitches....and if you'd like to see the rest...well, come on over to my new Etsy shop...Sweet Home Stitchery and if you sell or buy on Etsy..please favorite me and I will be glad to do the same for you......the larger the circle the better, right?

Road Trip..Lake Wohlford

2011-07-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

We were called to re key a house that was closing escrow in the next few days..Lake Wohlford is east of Escondido, Ca..and is renown for its good fishing.......its a stocked lake..with catfish, trout and small mouthed bass.....

The house was old but fairly well maintained...lots of windows and storage...3 bedrooms with two wonderful rock fireplaces on 5 acres..most of which is uphill......I know the new owners will really enjoy it as I would....
I took a few snapshots inside....

hardwood floors throughout..this large room has a brick fireplace facing these large windows....

This rock fireplace is in the living room or what I would use as the living room......stepping through the brick door steps you enter the dining room and beyond is the kitchen....the hallway to the right of the fireplace leads to the 3 bedrooms....

The kitchen was small but had lots of cupboards...I rather liked the countertops even though they were old formica..they were in very good condition......
This house faced a horse ranch that was across the road ..
peaceful view

The only sounds we heard were occasional cars although it isn't a busy street...and scrub jays....saw a few hummingbirds also.....
In years past, we drive through different areas and I would try to imagine what the houses looked like inside....now I can share with you at least some of them.....I tend to like ranch style houses the best....and ranch houses have a warmth that the large huge new box style houses can't match...

Also wanted to share this lovely handcrocheted table cloth that I inherited from Alan's mom...isn't it beautiful? I put it to show on the coffee table but won't leave it there with the cats...I'm going to keep my eye out for a round side table for it....we have one but its too small.

Also wanted to share a few odds and ends.....
here is what the wall pocket looks like now after a couple of months of drying...

Also the cooky cutter bag that my friend Nancy from Huggins Haven made for me..she is such a wonderful friend....

and last but not least a few of the "new" cooky cutters I just found at a foreclosed house....

sorry, a bit of a glare from the flash.....
Grandbaby report....Jayden is now full term and can come any time in the next two weeks!!!!

Another giveaway!

2011-07-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

The Barely There Primitive Bear, Karen is having a 2nd year giveaway....she's giving away some great prim goodies, like a old vintage scale, a grater..and more..please visit her blog to sign up and also her shop at the Prim Bear's Cupboard....my favorite in her shop is this painted wooden pear...

I so admire people who can paint!

New Banner

2011-07-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here is my new Etsy banner....simple and a little sweet........as I am going to be featuring black work, I decided to have it in black and white....or do you think I should make the background more tea stained?

I will leave it to you....taking a vote....
sorry, if you tried the store or giveaway link, and it came back" blog not found"...I changed the address but its fixed now..no worries..the old address was when I sold on Ebay and reflected my Ebay name...everything is new so wanted to update the address also.....
I found a great online photo editor site...free of course....that I did these on....found a free banner and then personalized it.....here are the links to both the sites....Photo Editor Online
and Free Etsy Banners

please let me know what you think!

Rusty Thimble Giveaway!

2011-07-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Brenda, at the Rusty Thimble is having a August Giveaway.....she will be giving away 5 (!!!) that right, 5 of her wonderful prim creations...her work is excellent and I know you will want to go over and sign up for a chance...
and if you haven't already, please sign up for my giveaway also...I am getting close to 100 followers, only 22 more to go......it ends on July 31st.
I just opened my new Etsy shop..nothing in it yet though..I was going through my stitcheries and stitching new ones..some you are familiar with and some are new.....I want a pretty banner also so am looking for a nice one....I've looked at many and haven't found the right one yet.....
Alan got back last evening...and is at a job this morning...he is a bit broken up from the whole experience. He's glad he went though.....you know how that is..best thing for him is to get to work....and has lots of photos to share.....I won't be posting the more personal ones but he did take many of his home town, wild flowers, cornfields, the river and such I know you'd like to see..Independence is a lovely town...

Thursday Musings

2011-07-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Just a little note,without a camera, I am a not a little handicapped...been doing some stitching and cleaning house mostly....re-arranged our bedroom and hope Alan likes the change....a cleaner fresher look.

Its been so hot outside, our poor garden doesn't look very good...all the beans and squash are gone.and its getting weedy..mostly just corn and tomatoes now....the tomatoes that we planted in large pots are doing the best..so next year, maybe we will go that route instead ,easier to keep the weeds out for sure...and the plants (in boxes Alan built) for carrots and beets are doing well too...I think raised beds are the best and we will go more and more in that direction...we also have shade cloth over the patio so it is cooler and away from the harsh sunlight...

My idea is to use the patio for potted vegetables and the ground where the garden is now, turn into a rose garden with a fountain....we have heavy shelving for garden boxes..

Wednesday

2011-07-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Alan got back to Independence, just fine with his sister...I have spoken with them several times......Independence is in northeast Iowa...very pretty small town with a population of around 6,000..he is taking photos so I will have to wait and share when he gets back late Friday evening...
They spent the day, at his sisters farm outside of town....a big family gathering where they talked about all the mischief growing up..Alan said there was alot of laughter and love...one of the nephews grilled burgers outside as it was so hot..

He said last night as he and his brother were driving back to the hotel where they are all staying, they pulled up to Mom's Baptist church (where she was very active for many years)..Jeff (his youngest brother) stopped the car and said, "Would you look at that"...the church has a electronic marquee and they had put Mom's photo on it with the time of the funeral....Mom's name and photo up in lights! She would have loved that...

Tuesday

2011-07-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Alan took off early this morning for the airport..he's flying back to Iowa for his mom's funeral.....I was invited too but absolutely have an aversion to flying and heights...my one phobia.....something I guess I will have to deal with one day...he is meeting one of his sisters in Dallas so will have someone to visit with in the last leg of the trip, he hasn't seen her since his dad's funeral, some 20 years ago so they will have alot of catching up to do....it takes about 4 hours to get to Iowa.....he took my camera with him as its small and easy to carry...so no new photos this week..he will be back on Friday.

I am planning on doing alot of needed house cleaning and organizing...plus do some stitching as I am going to open a new Etsy shop soon.....and want some new things to put it in....ordered several new patterns from Rhonda at Primitive Stitches plus I am experimenting with the 1886 Ingalls collection to see how some of the antique patterns will look in black work....I found a lovely pattern of a birds nest that I want to stitch..I think it will look outstanding in black work....here is the sheet so you can see..the year 1886 has significance to me as it was the year my grandfather was born....

I am thinking the bird and birds nest will be very nice framed and have the holly berries beaded rather than stitched....I haven't looked through the entire catalog yet..there are so many patterns..not all are suitable for stitching, some were designed for other venues...painting mainly....its fun to look through..not only to see the pretty patterns but also the patterns reflect the life style of the times....several sheets of laundry themes with women and girls bending over sinks with washboards..ironing with the old fashioned irons that we love to collect today.....you can also see what fashions were common then..notice her bustle....

so if you are so inclined...head on over there and enjoy going back to 1886 for a few minutes.....

Rest in Peace

2011-07-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Alan's mom and my mother in law, Patty, was promoted last night at 2:45 into the arms of the Lord...I had a dream that she was greeted with a brass band and balloons....please pray for her large and loving family, 10 children, 28 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren...some not born yet....a wonderful legacy and a wonderful woman..she will be greatly missed....

First Day of the Garage Sale

2011-07-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

wow..am I tired! didn't realize how tiring it is to stand for 4 hours but there you have it..we did fairly well on our garage sale..made over $100....and have another sale tomorrow....that is if we can find more things to put out...the weather was really wonderful which helped .......the only bad thing that happened was a sheriff came by and said we couldn't park the van in the street with a for sale sign on it...said if she came by again and it was there, she would ticket it...go figure..Alan washed off the paint and will re do it after the sale....who knew that ordinance? I surely didn't.
I put out tons of craft patterns but no nibbles....did sell some craft supplies...cinnamon sticks, beads, etc. plus alot of frames....the biggest sale was a pastor and his wife who bought some weights and a weight bench for their son....good to have those things out of the garage....getting rid of things always makes me feel good.lighter somehow....less is more......