Tuesday Highlights on Friday

It started out with warmer temperatures and sunshine....

Who knew Tuesday was going to be such a nice day around here? When I arrived home there was a surprise waiting for me. My sweet friend Susie sent me this lovely package.

There was a card with a beautiful sentiment, and all was wrapped in this gorgeous hat box.

Inside were so many goodies....white tea, mint tea (my favorite), gourmet candy sticks (which I'll have to hide since they are getting way too much interest from my gang) and many items with the "Home Sweet Home" fragrance from Yankee Candle (also my favorite).

When I unwrapped this exquisite teacup, the tears came. I admired this on Susie's blog, and being such a dear, she included it in the care package. This little teacup will be cherished forever.

I have spoken of Susie here before. We met through the blogs and there is a special connection that I'm not sure either of us can quite explain. We have a lot in common, and perhaps that was the beginning of our friendship. All I know is, I feel so blessed to have met Susie....her kindness and love mean so much to me. Thanks, Honey, for everything.

Tuesday was also a red letter day because I took my mom out for her first outing since coming home (not including the doctor). We went to a sweet place here in our town that celebrates Fat Tuesday with a Polish buffet, complete with accordion player.

We had a wait, so Mom is checking out the "to go" menu.

They decorate for each season/holiday, and still have the Valentine's things up.

The entertainment...a nice young man who really knew his way around an accordion.

Mom had a good time....she loves the music. We went for a short ride after lunch, and Mom was pooped the rest of the day.

Tuesday was a great day for me, and I have grown to really appreciate every good thing that comes my way....you know, simple pleasures. I hope you are enjoying a simple pleasure or two this week.

P.S. The warmer temps and some rain showers today have me thinking of the garden. How about you?

What Friends Are For

"A friend loves at all times."
Proverbs 17:17

I was able to see my friend, Sherry today...such a nice treat. Sherry made it even nicer by bringing me a surprise. She said it was for Valentine's Day, but I think she knew I needed a pick-me-up....Sherry's always there for me.

Chocolate-covered strawberries on a handmade confection stand.

There was a pretty bow and sweet little Valentine card.
There is another pedestal under the big plate....all made from vintage dishes.
Thank you, Sherry, for your thoughtfulness. My mom said to "be sure and tell Sherry I think this is lovely." Me, too.

Our meeting place was one of our faves, Joann Fabrics. What with all the busyness these days, I haven't gotten out to the fabric store in a long time....such a treat!
I found some new sock yarn that I thought I'd give a try...it's Deborah Norville Serenity sock yarn by Premier Yarns. Very soft and a real steal at $3.29 a skein. With coupons and discounts, this pair of socks will cost about $6....hopefully the yarn will be a good one.

I love the colors, taupes and a pretty orchid pink.
My mom's view from her seat at the table...she tells me every meal how much she likes this spot, and asked me today to take a picture. The Valentine cards are a temporary addition...Mom thinks they should stay :)

I still haven't caught up with my project wish list...my heart is willing but the timeclock isn't. Now that the routine is established here, I am going to try to devote some time to myself.

Does anyone plan certain goals for the Lenten season? Mine is the same as last year...I'm giving up worrying for Lent. Let me know if you participate in this tradition. Until next time...do what I'll be doing....trusting and praying and praying and trusting.

"...seek his kingdom and his righteousness...Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."
Matthew 6:33-34

Home Sweet Home

"...serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts." 1Chronicles 28:9

Valentine's Day brings to my mind the word "devotion," perhaps because I'm such an emotional gal. I feel very devoted to my husband and children, and nowadays my mom. The above scripture from 1Chronicles is especially poignant for me because I believe God really does search our hearts...so I want to make sure what He finds in mine is good and truly God-pleasing.

Mom came home sweet home on Thursday, completely bypassing her place for mine. After a nice hot shower and some fresh clothes, Mom snuggled down for the night in her room. She is very frail and weak, but wants everyone to know how happy and blessed she feels to be home.

I've been home today catching up on laundry and some general homekeeping. A few weeks ago (I think), I mentioned that my sewing room was now down in the basement. It has taken me all this time to put my things away and at least get my machine set up. My first "project" was to patch a pair of jeans for Timothy. Even that little job felt good to accomplish. I'm hoping I can get it presentable enough to take a few pics and show you my new digs.

About as far as I have gotten with my Valentine craft plans is to print some things out for handmade cards. I still have 16 hours or so and I'm keeping a good thought. How about you?
The opportunity to love is everywhere....I hope you are able to share this most wondrous gift with someone special this Valentine's Day.

You say the glow on my cheeks sweetheart,
Is like the rose so sweet.
But when the bloom of fair youth has flown
Then will our lips still meet?
When life's setting sun fades away dear,
And all is said and done.
Will your arms still entwine and caress me?
Will our hearts still beat as one?

Whole Lotta Cookin' Goin On

"Cooking is like making love...you do it well or you do not do it at all"

~Harriet van Horne

Well, I don't know about that quote I chose for today's post : ) Yesterday I was able to get into the kitchen and do some cooking and it felt good. I started with a pot of cream of potato soup, followed by navy bean soup with ham...including a cornbread for good measure.

I didn't get a picture of the potato soup, but it was good.

My mom is holding her own for the moment, and looking forward to coming home on Thursday, the 12th. The plan is for her to go home and see how she fares. I plan to make daily visits, perhaps more than one a day....so I just finished polishing my running shoes.

I have picked up the needles so rarely lately there's no progress to share. Really, just sitting here writing is pure joy today, albeit short-lived. I'm off to a bridal shower and then to the hospital. The weather here is warmer and sunny, and I've even heard a chirp or two from the other side of the window.....another blessing.

Hope you are happy and feeling blessed today.

"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark."
~R. Tagore

"Into Each Life A Little Rain Must Fall"

Hello.

Missed you.

Where to begin? The easiest explanation is that while I was away, life just kept on happening. The most difficult part is that my mom has been in the hospital for 10 days. That sweet little thing began to bleed internally, wound up getting four units of blood and enduring a 2 hour procedure. Mom is currently on the Rehab floor, trying to build up her strength. She is much changed, but I am hoping she'll be more herself once she is home.

During the long days at the hospital I developed a cold that I can't seem to shake yet. I have returned to work for the time being......I am being conservatively optimistic as to whether I will stay working.

Not too much has gotten accomplished here at the 'Acre or on the craft front. I did, however, try something new to snack on and it's very easy.

Pop some lite popcorn (microwave is fine), shake out the unpopped kernels and set aside. Next, melt 12 oz. of good quality white chocolate over a double boiler. Pour over popcorn, mixing thoroughly. Spread popcorn out on waxed or parchment paper, sprinkle with fine colored "sprinkles" and allow to set. Store in an airtight container and enjoy. It's delicious!

Sweet Susan tagged me for a picture meme....but it was a while ago and I've forgotten all the particulars. So sorry to bungle this, Susan. Despite my ineptness, I want to participate....so here's a picture of my two favorite girls.

Emily Margaret with Grandma Margaret

I may have mentioned how much I enjoy Valentine's Day. Earlier plans had me making some sweet cards and delicate posies...you never know. I may surprise myself.

So, until next time, I'm going to be here keeping it real and saying my prayers...with a little rain here and there to remind me that life is rolling on......and I better keep up.

"They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more."
Jeremiah 31:13

Answered Prayers

Answered prayers sometimes escape me....or so I used to think. Early last year, a fervent prayer of mine was for patience. With a graduation approaching and my mom's health at a turning point, I needed a patient heart post-haste. The days turned to weeks and then months....and then the other day, after a *cough* very stressful day, I realized I was dealing with everything patiently. Alone in the car, I stopped right then and there and thanked God. My prayer had been answered, it just took me a little while to realize it.

As I've said before, I never was much for thrifting. Then along comes my daughter, Emily, who appreciates anything old and treasured. So, every now and then I accompany Emily on her treasure hunts. Last week we had good luck...

...a covered candy dish, cake stand and open candy dish, which I want to use for soap in my bathroom.
A few teacups to add to the collection...
...we found the saucer for this one at an estate sale a couple of months ago for ten cents. The cup was a "must have" for a dollar.
I love teacups with flowers...the little spoon is one from a whole slew that Emily collected as a little girl when we traveled, most found at Cracker Barrel.
And...the best find of the day...a Nikko cup and saucer with a matching bread and butter plate, all for $2.50. I am partial to the ivy design.
Em spied this little magazine table, so technically it's hers...but is staying cozy in my living room for now. Thanks for getting me interested in yet another way to spend money, Honey. I'm sure Daddy really appreciates it.
I didn't need to start another project, but I did. Timothy has asked for a sweater vest. I bought some yarn, and then came across this pattern in a book I've had for many moons. It is a 1930's pattern that calls for Patons Classic Wool. Guess what kind of yarn I had picked up?
I picked a charcoal color....and I'm looking forward to the cables. When I told Tim this is a slow knit, he said "that's ok, I'll have it for next winter, right?" My kinda guy...patient.
Not much news in these parts...I'm working every day next week and have several appointments scheduled for my mom the next. Before we know it, Valentines Day will be here! It's one of my favorite days...one in which I tend to spoil all the women in my life. I have a couple of simple gift ideas, but can't show them until after the *heart* day.

We are in the midst of a deep freeze here, complete with below zero temperatures and more snow. I'm thankful for a warm home and plenty of work & play to keep me busy. I hope you are all finding peace and, once in a while, an answered prayer.

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go."

~Abraham Lincoln

As The Snow Flies

"If I know what love is, it is because of you." ~ Herman Hesse

Another snowy day here in Michigan. I have been a little under the weather again with the same allergy problem I had last month. I have since been to the doctor and will undergo more testing to find some relief. It's funny, really....I never had one allergy problem until my early 40's. Go figure.

Anywho, here's a picture I just took looking out the back. It's still coming down....but I haven't paid attention to how much we are supposed to get. I guess when the snow stops, I'll know : )

I wanted to share a couple of special items I received for my birthday. My friend, Sherry, made me the cute cup and saucer pin cushion...

...and gifted me four fabulous books. One for everything, crochet, knitting, sewing and scrapbooking. Thanks for your love and friendship, Sherry.

My sweet Emily found this vintage key chain....she knows her mom pretty well.
It really opens!

Thank you Emily for your gift of love. I'm so blessed that you're my girl.
My son Timothy got me a favorite gift...the perfume and shower gel that I absolutely love. Tim's best gift was for Christmas....can you believe he and a buddy went to Joann Fabrics, got me a gift card, and actually picked out a knitting magazine for me? I wish I could have been a fly on the wall watching them pick out the magazine.

Emily and I did a little "thrifting" yesterday. I plan to post on that booty tomorrow. For now, I hope to get three pairs of pants cut out while the snow flies.

Busy Hands, Happy Heart

This New Year Bring Joy to Your Heart

Greetings and salutations. After enjoying the busy holiday season, it feels so good to get back here....it brings joy to my heart.

My hands have surely been busy. First, a hat I finished for the hubby. I used Patons Classic Wool held together with Patons Decor, which made for a very cushy, soft hat....he likes it.

One half of a pair of knitted slippers, part of the after-Christmas gifts I need to finish. The color on this picture isn't true, in real life it's a little brighter...this was also made holding two strands together.

The gang from work came up with the idea for a Progressive Party. Since that's happening this Saturday, I got busy with some inexpensive hostess gifts. My busom buddy Sherry gave me the idea. You use tumbled tiles, a paper image of your choosing, and decoupage glue. This was a very fun and easy project. I will be making more.

Here they are all wrapped in little checked bags...I made the cards, but I could use a class in cardmaking. The other little bags are filled with candy for placecard favors.

My heart is especially happy these days...it's heavenly to be home and tending to my loved ones. I haven't put my Christmas things away yet...I toyed with the idea of leaving them up until Epiphany, but I don't think I can hold out. Once the party is over on Saturday, I know I'll be eager to put away and organize. I have decided to move my sewing to the basement...it's too tight a squeeze in our bedroom. More on that later. For now, I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year, filled with much love, happiness, good health and blessings.

"Glory to God in highest heaven, Who unto man His Son hath given; While angels sing with tender mirth, A glad new year to all the earth." ~Martin Luther