Garage sale preparation

We found out about 3 weeks ago that our neighborhood was having a block sale...so I've been going through things.

Don brought a truck load of dog food, treats, litter and assorted other doggie stuff.....the rescue gets more donations than they can really use..he has an agreement with all the local markets and Target for their broken bags and such...the stores can't sell them and the dogs don't know the difference. The money of course, will go to the rescue....

The closed boxes in the background are name brand dog jerky treats.....there are 6 bags in a box and normally each bag is around $5 at the pet store..we are selling them for only $2.00 a bag..these are sealed bags, not broken. A entire box of 6 will go for $5.00...eventually Don plans on selling these and more dog items on the rescue website....

We've also found alot of abandoned property at foreclosed houses...mostly tools so they will be for sale too........and a few odds and ends I no longer want.
When we lived in our former home, I held a community garage sale twice a year and had sign ups for all the condo owners...it was kinda fun and a good way to meet neighbors..always came up a little ahead.


I've been reading Glen Beck's Common Sense book...He makes perfect sense and I highly recommend it for anyone to read, regardless of political persuasion...this message is for all Americans.....
here is just one excerpt..
"Is common sense completely dead in America today? Did intellectual honesty have a moonlight clause? We don't have a shortage of capital or liquidity in this country; we have a shortage of honesty and trust. Where are the Americans who will stop talking about the President and the parties and instead start talking about right and wrong? Where are those who will stand up and say, "Common sense still lives in my house and it's about time its applied again in Washington?"
Chapter I, The Reshaping and Redefining of America.

I think people are waking up...I hope its not too late....many of our representatives are coming home right now and getting quite a earful of protest..even the President wasn't immune..here is what he got when he went to the townhall meeting in Raleigh, N.C this week

I just don't have much faith they are listening....

Wednesday Dog of the Week

Introducing Monty, a pure bred Miniature Schnauzer...he is a mellow fellow, a senior in dog years at 8 years old....a great gentleman, with good manners, he is completely house worthy, and will sit at the door waiting to do his business..is well trained,he dearly loves other dogs, cats and children...a real sweet guy for the right person or family......his eyes look so hopeful, don't they? His former owner had to go into a nursing home...to see Monty in person, please visit the Sun City K-9 Rescue or check out their website for more information.....


Alan and I visited the dog rescue yesterday, and were impressed at all the work that is being done.....Don even has a little area fixed for the poultry he has rescued.....he now has a little white silky chick as well as the duck.....its so cute, the chick thinks the duck is her mom and follows everywhere, trying to hide under her at times..and the female duck thinks the chick is a duckling and is tolerating the attention..so its a win/win for both of them...Don has a nice area set aside and is put in the pool we found for the duck........he wants to build up the area and put in some grass. I just hope the duck doesn't try to teach the silky to swim!

1911 Tragedy

This is one of the photos I was able to rescue from my grandfathers photo box....as a 12 year old, I realized how special these old photos were..Grandpa was so protective of them...he only let my mom and I take a few.......later, after he passed away, other relatives took the box and gave it to charity, thinking no one wanted them...(sigh)
I was drawn to this little tintype of this lady...and the writing on the back.....it says, "The picture belonged to Frank Hunt, his mothers picture. He died the 7th of November1911 from a fall at the ice house, west end of Ottumwa Ia. He lived about 3 minutes after the fall. H.A.W. I remember my grandfather saying that they found the photo in his pocket.

for a long time, this sat in a photo box, until I got interested in the family tree..to make a long story short, I found out that Frank Hunt's full name was Charles Franklin Hunt. His sister, Laura Ann was my greatgrandmother! so the lady in the tintype would be my great great grandmother Perthinia Reddin. From her clothing, it looks like sometime during the Civil War era and she looks like she's had a hard life. I don't know too much about her other than she and my great grandfather Enoch Hunt had 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls.
but I wondered who as the mysterious H.A.W so signed the back of the photo? turns out to be my great grandfather..Henry A. Wagner..who with two of his brothers imigrated to the United States after the Civil War and settled in the Ottumwa Ia area as farmers...here is a photo of Henry Wagner and my grandmother, Franks sister, Laura Ann.
as you can tell, they were farmers, (Grandpa's shoes)......tragedy occurred when Grandma fell into an icy river and was severely injured in 1917. She died a few days later. Grandpa lived until 1937.
I would encourage you to explore your family history...its fun and so interesting....everyone has a story to tell...everyone....

These are Beverly Hills apples...never heard of them? its no wonder as they are only produced in small quantities...in home gardens...especially developed for our climate...they are medium sized, and when ripe will have a little pink on them...they are so good, crunchy, slightly tart and sweet too...great for cooking pies and also just eating......our tree is young so there are not too many.
Alan has a great love for apples...I think they are his favorite fruit.



I just ordered and received this book...its Glen Becks newest....and we always watch his show...he is right in that does our President and congress know where all this government interference is taking us? what is going to be the outcome? I don't think they know or care. I know they blame the previous administration for taking us on this road...but I liken it to a boy scout troop that is hiking in the woods...the leader takes the group off the main path, then leaves them..a new leader is elected...do they continue on that wrong path or backtrack and find the right one? If they go too far into the woods, they may never find their way back.

I would encourage you to read this book, it's not very expensive, I ordered mine though Walmart and it was less than ten dollars with shipping....

Wednesday Dog of the Week +

This little "dude" is named Bolt...he is a mixed breed terrier, a little bit of a mystery..perhaps part chihuahua (ears)? He is only 4 months old, a puppy and very bright...housebroken already and is learning tricks....one of the Don's favorites....great personality and adores people, cats, and other dogs.....he is up to date with all his shots, healthy and just needs his family to come for him..could that be you? His coat had to be shaved as it was in bad condition, he feels so much better now but he has a medium coat when grown out...he is an active puppy and lots of fun.

They have gotten in quite a few new dogs at the rescue + one cat...I kinda wanted to adopt him but Alan nixed the idea, two is enough he says....he's probably right!
You can see Bolt, the other dogs and Kiki, the cat at Sun City K-9 Rescue



Yesterday, we harvested lots of tomatoes...have got a good bounty......Don came home so I stocked him up with some .....both red and yellow types....we have a few larger ones that are about ready to pick in a day or so....Alan says it feels good to see this on the counter..he remembers the summer days when his mom would can and the kitchen would smell so good when he came in the door.....


The parmesan chicken I spoke about yesterday was absolutely delicous..so I thought I'd share that recipe with you...its easy and good.

Parmesan Chicken

4 -6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I used frozen)
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
2 cans cream of mushroom soup, condensed
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk (I didn't have it, used low fat instead)
1 cup apple juice
1 cup converted white rice, uncooked
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Place chicken breasts on the bottom of a greased slow cooker. Mix all other ingrediants (except cheese and pepper) in a bowl, mix together well and pour over chicken...Add pepper and sprinkle cheese over top. Cover and cook on high 4-6 hours or on low 8-10 hours..makes 4-6 servings.
Serve with green salad and crusty bread....we had harvested some fresh corn so had that too....and jello with fruit for dessert.

have a great day and remember....

Summer Cooking

Another warm day.....it's been triple digits all week....we'd like to get out and go through the garden but its just too hot to do much work.....have been harvesting alot of tomatoes though....so good...the kids can't believe how tasty they are...I've been giving our oldest son, a bag to take back to the dog rescue as he loves them so.....next year, we might just plant tomatoes and forget everything else...so worth it.....and it would be great to have enough to can a few quarts. I've been picking the larger tomatoes a little early and bringing them in to ripen as the birds and squirrels will take a bite or two otherwise.
We are starting to harvest figs too...the tree is loaded!

Summer cooking is easy for us......last night we went grocery shopping and picked up some of those deli sandwiches....we got two 12" ones for only 3.99 each, then remade them at home..adding our own cheese, sliced tomatoes and avocado...they were better than Subway.
Today it will be the crockpot, Chicken Parmesan....and a big salad.
I either use the crockpot, the grill or cold foods during this season..too hot to heat up the oven.
You probably do the same.....we make 3 bean salad, etc. too and cold whole meal salads...I am fond of salmon macaroni salad...or tuna with sliced tomato and avocado....and we do eat alot of cottage cheese with pineapple or other canned/fresh fruit.
we make tons of sun tea and lemonade....we are all trying to get out of the habit of soda...Don makes sun tea now at work outside his trailer...he says he drinks a gallon a day!
What summer delights do you make?

Sunday

We had a job in Whittier, Ca yesterday......while the van was having the AC repaired, we put what we needed in our other car (with AC) and took the drive....the neighborhood was all old 1950 style houses (one of my favorites) and it was really fun to re key the house.....whoever had it before had done quite a bit of work inside...new double painted vinyl windows, new wood floors and yet kept the old charm....they left the kitchen with the old cabinets or hadn't got to them yet....and the old 1950s tile countertops were still there.....all the woodwork still existed...wide baseboards, and woodwork around the doorways....

I think I'd repaint the cabinets and replace the hardware with something more of the era....or something really fun , this hardware is very 70s....my mom had a yellow kitchen when we lived in San Diego during the 50s..as a little girl, I loved sitting at the table, chrome with yellow vinyl chairs..you know the kind...
The backyard was very large and there was a side covered patio..very nice house.......the cars in the first photo were across the street on a neighbors driveway...very cool.....


We hadn't been to Whittier in years...the last time when a friend graduated from Biola University around 1974....she is now a tenured professor at a university in Portland. So it was alot of fun seeing how the city had changed...and its for the better...very clean and prosperous looking town.....
When we got back home, we stopped by the Air Condition place....the owner has a huge garden behind the garage area (this is outside of town) and when Alan told him how much we liked it, he went inside and brought us a quart jar of pickles they had just made..refrigerator pickles that look so good..we have to wait a week or so to eat them..their garden puts ours to shame...its huge and would take up most of our backyard..they have artichokes too and asparagus......

we are both sure glad we had air conditioning as yesterday the garden thermometer said it was 106! and yes, the van now has air conditioning too....

Don says he put alot more photos of the new dogs on the rescue website and one cat......

Odds and Ends

I did some needed rearranging today.....and freshening the rooms up a bit.....decorating gets a little stale after a time...
I also wanted you to know about a nice giveaway that was going on.....The Tatting Chic is celebrating her 50,000 visitors by a great tatting giveaway. I've always thought it might be fun to learn how to tat....it's such a pretty art form.....I do have one vintage booklet in my Etsy shop with tatting patterns....

These are such lovely pincushions.....I don't know if I could ever do anything as nice as these but it would be fun to try......

I sold all out of my redwork towels during the Christmas in July sale.....and am waiting for some new transfers to come in. I found the nicest flour sack towels....so can hardly wait to get started.

Meanwhile, I've been trying to stay cool, it was 98 today...and keep all the plants outside alive...they all look like they are suffering.....the beans are about spent....and we will plant more this fall...we do get two seasons here.......
Just got the DVD I ordered from Calvary Chapel, Love Song, 1973....they used to come down during the Jesus Movement and play in Oceanside, free concerts at the beach....I was fortunate to hear them on the computer last week..here is a link to their story and lots of old photos...
Love Song -The History
Thought I would end this post this way...

Oh, No!

I didn't realize until this evening that this was Wednesday! Have you ever been a day behind? It happened to me today.......sorry about the Dog of the Week, about the first time I've missed.......it will be back next week...I need to get out to the rescue as Don says there are alot of new dogs and he hasn't had time to take photos.....too busy working..he's swamped right now and is working hard to keep the dogs happy and cool....

I stayed inside today, did some housework and just loafed a little...kinda nice...Alan found out that the AC condenser in his van, was damaged by a fender bender he got into last fall....the accident pushed the horn into the condenser..so he's working with the insurance company to see if it will be covered at this late date....the accident wasn't his fault really, the woman who was driving in front of him stopped in the road and she had no brake lights...so he didn't realize she was stopped before it was too late....

..I listed some new craft patterns in my Etsy shop....I think this one crocheted Santa is so cute and would look great on a covered porch during Christmas...he is all of 36" tall

Several other new patterns so please take a look if you like to craft...I have a new afghan pattern, counted cross stitch and some lovely crocheted angels.....

Tuesday

Another warm day but not as warm as the day we had yesterday....we went to Palm Springs....and right now don't have AC in the van....phew.....Palm Springs in July is smoking hot....I am not sure how warm it was, but when we left at 6:00 in the evening, we saw a bank sign that read 115 degrees.......dry yes but still not what we are used to.....here are a few photos of the trip up and I even got a shot of some sand dunes that are outside of town....

On the way up, we drove by Lake Mathews..a manmade lake......

More mountains and one lone cloud......this is coming into Banning, outside of Palm Springs
Mt. San Jacinto and the famous Palm Springs windmills...there is always alot of wind through the valley.....

Foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains...very hot and dry...lots of sand

These are the types of desert trees you can see occasionally, shaped by the wind.

Here are the sand dunes I spoke about, there were more but I only was able to catch this much as we drove by....too hot to stop......It would be fun to explore in the winter..they plant trees to keep the sand from drifting on the railroad tracks that are on the other side of that stand of trees.....I don't know what kind they are, but they must be very drought resistant.

The AC in the van is broken, he took it in and they tested it...there is a hole in the condenser, just a pinhole but enough to keep it from working......we don't want to drive anywhere like Palm Springs again until we get it fixed.......when we got to the condo for the re key, I felt very sick..weak, headache, and nausea...felt awful..thank the Lord, the electricity was on, so I cranked up the AC in the unit and stood under the vent in the kitchen....the fridge was on so I opened it up..and stood in front of it......by the time we left, I felt much better...just not used to that type of heat ..the heat didn't seem to effect Alan..surprisingly. We then got some dinner, in a nice cool Rubios (fish tacos of course)..we normally use very little electricity if we do find it on but this was a health emergency of a sort...and I made sure the AC was off when we left.....and we were glad to get home where it was a "cool" 90 degrees.

Sunday evening

I am sitting here at the computer, listening to Pastor Chuck, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, live for the Sunday evening service.......it starts at 7:00 pacific time so if you'd ever like to hear some good teaching and sometimes good music..its the place to be.....here is the link....Calvary Chapel..you may have to download some software but its so worth it.......a few days ago, I heard Love Song live on there..really enjoyed it.....I ordered a remastered DVD of Love Song. Pastor Chuck is teaching on Revelation right now and he's terrific.....


We had a very warm weekend....I don't know about you but I prefer fall and winter.....our garden and yard look rather sad...the roses have shut down blooming, its just too hot...we've been watering often too.....this summer has been rather cool until now....too hot to cook, I grilled some hamburgers tonight and salad........we've been enjoying our tomatoes and popping the cherry ones like candy..I leave them cleaned and in bowl cold for snacking....we also found a good deal on cherries so been snacking on them too. One thing about summer, there are usually lots of fruit...at least here, is it the same where you are, dear reader? I hope so......Our peaches are getting ripe, I've got a few here on the counter ripening...can't really leave them on the tree as the birds like them as much as we do....


We got our first ear of corn too which Alan got ...the corn was his idea and he's babied the stalks for several months now....so it only seemed fair for him to enjoy the first one...

Friday thoughts

Lazy summer afternoons....we've had a fairly cool summer so far...its been very nice actually....its usually in the high 90s and 100s...this year its been in the mid 90s and some days its actually cooler.....from what I have read, the earth has been cooling the last 11 years.

My son and I went to the local thrift shop and I found several very ancient books..the oldest is over 100 years old!

It was published in 1904. This one is in rough condition..the binding is coming apart..but the illustrations are so cool..I am going to put this in my Inspiration shop and hopefully, someone who does altered art might be able to do something with the drawings....here is one of my favorite ones...


I also found a very old copy of a Zane Grey western....1909...


Its is good condition, considering its 100 years old....the binding is good, the cover is worn but quite readable...little foxing.....I am going to look into its value as I think it might be a first edition.
Its always fun going to this thrift shop....all the proceeds go to feed the hungry so its all for a good cause...Matt found some fun things, a pair of new slippers shaped like fish ...he likes quirky things and a Bubba Gump beer glass as he likes all things Gump. I wish you could hear him talk like Forrest...its quite remarkable.....


Our business has slowed down the last two days, kinda nice to have a break...always paperwork to do....and gardening, and housework...I worked in the front this morning, sweeping and cleaning out the Purple fountain grass, dead foliage from last springs freeze....they look alot better....after I swept, Matt hosed it down so the sidewalk and little seating area looks clean now..we get so much wind, lots of leaves and debris from the street finds its way in there.

Wednesday Dog of the Week - Ruth

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Ruth...a young mixed breed German Shepherd..she likes nothing better than to please, is submissive and very sweet...loves children and adults....everyone who meets her falls in love with her personality..she is healthy and up to date with her shots, waiting for her forever family and will make a wonderful companion. You can find Ruth and many other great dogs at the Sun City K-9 Rescue..the link is on the left side......
Don has been very busy at the rescue, people have been calling from other states to adopt and offering to driving long distances.....please check your local rescues as there are many wonderful dogs waiting for homes in your own area..you can also sponsor one of our dogs until he or she finds her family..they accept Paypal and just mark your donations for the specific dog you wish to sponsor.

We were really busy yesterday, had one house to do and then we finished getting the tires on the van....feel alot safer now.....we've also been working on organizing the computer room/home office...and found a old file cabinet in the abandoned house..we okayed taking it with the agent. Alan plans on sanding it down, and repainting it. Its a 4 drawer cabinet and will be so useful in organizing the paperwork..right now we have everything in plastic boxes..we are on the lookout for a small table or desk of some kind also.......when you own your own small business, any way to save money is a good thing.
We also found a large box of ceramic dog dishes for the rescue...why someone would have 20 small white dog dishes is a mystery but the rescue will benefit.
I am adding on as we went out and did 6 jobs today...both of us are bushed but feel good....we found a nice small pond for Don's duck he has at the rescue and I know he will be pleased to get it.
If you are reading this and are in our area of California, we have found a wonderful piece of property at a bargain price......just passing on the word...if you've always wanted a small farmstead, we know of a 5 acre piece of property out side of town but still close, with a mobile home on it (not in great shape but fixable), a barn, and animal pens...for the low price of only $130,00. The homes around it are nice and it would be a wonderful investment as well as a great place to perhaps do some small farming or have a horse or two. It will take some work as there is alot of debris from the previous owners but well worth it. |email me if you are interested and I will give you the name of the agent....

There were alot of Tea parties and protests this weekend....but not much from the media....they are trying to make it like the movement is dying...not true...here are just a few links...I couldn't believe, even Fox didn't cover them....

http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_12756138.

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/07/05/news/local_news/6westminster_tea_party.txt

http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_12749054

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/49933852.html

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/041509dnmetteaparties.d8880855.html

Happy 5th of July!

We decided to celebrate today as everyone was gone yesterday....our youngest went to Laguna Beach for the day with friends and our oldest had to work...we spent a quiet 4th...did some gardening, had some neighbors over and watched the NY fireworks in the evening....as it was just the two of us...we had pancakes for supper! Too hot to heat the oven up and we wanted to save the propane for when we were all together for grilling.....which is today....
we are going to have grilled barbecued chicken, grilled eggplant, a squash casserole, green salad and jello with fruit for dessert....eating alot of squash and eggplant right now...Alan thought the Japanese eggplant wouldn't produce as it seemed to take so long but with our warm weather...they are taking off and producing like crazy...as well as the zucchini.....

no jobs this holiday weekend which is fine with us.!

The Second Book.......

This is the Saturday Evening Post Treasury I was telling you about yesterday...its a large hardcover book and in great condition...the pages are slightly yellowed but that is the only damage for a book that is almost 60 years old.....
Here is the signature on the inside cover.....I thought it was touching and sweet.....and there many photos of the Post Norman Rockwell covers +

Old advertising

But what I think its the best part are all the good short stories and poetry......its really fantastic to have so many great stories under one cover.......
I usually put these vintage books in my shop but don't really want to part with this one....can you blame me? Its so refreshing to read such good writing.......TV is getting boring although we've been watching old movies in the evening...my oldest came in and asked why we were watching a old 1935 black and white movie called "The Women" the other night.....I explained if you haven't seen it, its new to you....we've also watched "Fiddler on the Roof", and"My Fair Lady"..Alan's discovered he likes musicals! He never saw these before, but I did as my friend Kay and I as teens loved these..I remember seeing "Camelot" too....

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" Phillipians 4:8

Sunflowers and good books

Alan plants giant sunflowers every year against our back wall....with the sun and heat we've had, they are blooming like crazy right now.....so pretty to enjoy looking out the kitchen window.


I found two of the coolest books at an abandoned house lately.....both vintage ..this one is from 1975.... this one is the complete works of Poor Richards almanack....(Ben Franklin) and illustrated by no other than Norman Rockwell......a limited edition of 1500.



I've really been enjoying reading Poor Richard..at first, I thought I'd put them in my Inspiration shop but think I'll just keep them in our own library for now.

I'll show you the second book tomorrow...it was put out by the Saturday Evening Post.and has many illustrations from the magazine...plus selected stories from such famous writers as Ogdon Nash, Mary Roberts Rineheart, O. Henry, and Jack London. It was published in 1955. I'm not sure if its worth any $ but its so special, its a real treasure to me. Its inscribed on the inside cover, "To Dad, on Fathers Day, 6/19/55, Johnny". I read one of the stories yesterday, "The Devil and Daniel Webster" which was very good and not a little scary by Stephen Vincent Benet.
Short story writing is getting to be a lost art and magazines are now mostly how to's or political, or gossip.
If the cap and trade goes through, it will eventually keep many from using electricity very often and I can see a time when families will once again be reading more..maybe this will be a good thing? I know the Lord delights turning negatives into positives.

I will close with this quote and hope today we...
"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can."

--John Wesley