A Little Whine With That

“It takes a genius to whine appealingly.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

I've been indulging in a little whine lately. I'm talking "attitude" not "alcohol." Mostly it's all been a mental vs. verbal whine. I'm back on the wagon now, and still feeling so grateful for all God's blessings.

The fall decorating around here is complete. Time and money were the ever-present factors that dictated the extent of my effort, but I'm happy with the results nonetheless.


Mums are a favorite of mine. There are so many varieties to choose from. This year I went rust-colored with white. They are lovely.



My aforementioned project with the Mod Podge didn't materialize. Turns out that it smelled too strong for me....headache and all. So I switched gears when I found this little metal vase for $4.19 and used that to arrange the flowers. My original plan was to decoupage fabric onto tin cans and hang them on my porch. I think I like this just as well.

This little towel is the only sewing I've done lately....for the gift stash.

Here's a knitted cloth....such an easy little project, and I love the round shape.


I picked up this sweet magazine...I love every project in it. There's even a pattern for crocheted socks, which I've never done.

This Austen Lace Muffler may just be the first thing I try. Isn't it darling?

I love the colors....the ruffles.....the buttons......the whole package.

For all you apronistas out there, check out this cute apron that was on display at Macy's. It's made out of satin that has the Macy's name in it, with tulle around the bottom. Wouldn't that be fun for the holidays?

It sure is good to be back here blogging....such a balm for a gal with a grateful heart that's hankerin' for a good whine :)


“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.”
~Lionel Hampton

Quietin' Down

My mom told me her grandma used to tell the little ones to "quietin' down." That's what I've been doing. I have been quiet so I can hear God's voice. Nothing's wrong, just lots of things to sort out. Literally and figuratively. Quiet is good in this busy world.

I made the little topper for the Pear Honey, which was a sweet diversion the other evening.

Today it really felt like fall, with lower temps and some rain. This fall garland with "twinkle" lights helped a little, too.

Emily and I visited the American Stitches Sewing Expo last Friday, and went antiquing about two and half hours north of here on Saturday. We had a lot of fun, and Emily really found some nice treasures. I found these....

Some new pearl cotton for "redwork" and a pretty piece of pink wool at the expo, and two vintage apron patterns at the antique fair. Go here to see Emily's finds.

I finished my neighbor Angel's scarf...just needs blocking. Thanks for modeling (in your pj's yet) Emily.

This is some of the stuff for my next craft project. It involves Mod Podge. Stay tuned.

The hubby suggested a trip to the apple orchard this weekend. He really knows how to make me smile. I love the apple orchard. Hope you all find some time to be quiet...and a reason to smile.

"He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love..." Zephaniah 3:20

Some Honey, Honey

Pear Honey. Never heard of it until I was over here. I made the recipe on Tuesday and, BOY, is it good! The suggestion was to serve it on warm biscuits...I'm making those tonight. Last night I made cornbread, and it was delicious on that.


I picked up this book long ago and found it while cleaning the sewing room. I started one to dress up a jar for my aunt...and I'll need a few more for others. So far it's working up quickly.


There are flowers that go around the bottom and I think I'll make them in fall shades. The cotton in the picture looks white, but it is actually a beige, natural color.


Today is a big day around here. My baby boy is 19! Lots of good memories to share and some personal reflection for Mom. It seems I can't help feeling just a smidgeon melancholy...I miss those baby days. Then when I take a good look at the man Timothy is becoming, I feel proud, too. Emotional, for sure, but it's all GOOD.

"...I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."

Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch and Sheila McGraw

Monday Musings

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to Beverly for the giveaway treasure I recently won on her blog. I love the sweet note cards and tags...what a treat!



This is a little dress set for a coworker's new granddaughter. I used a Simplicity vintage pattern. Interestingly enough, my mom gave me the same pattern she had purchased in the early 1940's. I still have it, but the tissue is too delicate to use. I made my own bias and enjoyed picking out coordinating fabrics.


My sweet Emily has tagged me for seven little known facts about myself. I'll list them here, but will save the tagging for another day.

1. I am terribly insecure at times, and constantly second guess myself.
2. I used to be very afraid to stay alone at night, now I'm just too tired to be afraid.
3. I love to read the dictionary. Yes, I read it...as in peruse.
4. Marigolds are my favorite flower...I love how they smell.
5. When I garden, I love to get absolutely filthy dirty, and then come in and take a hot shower with some really good soap.
6. One of my favorite hymns is "How Great Thou Art,"...I love the Elvis version.
7. I want to see Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon before I die.
Doing this little quiz was harder than I thought. If you are so inclined, leave a comment about some of your "little known facts."

Saturday found us celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary. We had a busy day around the house, but settled down to enjoy dinner out in the evening. Here's a picture of us on the big day.


I should post a current picture of us for comparison, but we'd both like to reduce a little first. We've gained some weight, and some insight, but we're still happy.


I'm feeling blissful...a day off awaits me tomorrow. There's lots of cleaning to do, errands, of course, and a new recipe to try. I think I'll let the day unfold as it will, and thank the Lord for every blessing He gives me...including that man o' mine who is always there to make it better.

In No Particular Order...

Life has such a way of distracting me. I sure have missed my blog and sharing my thoughts here. I really don't have too much to report, so this post may be somewhat choppy.


First of all, tonight I made chicken pot pie. Although I'm not a stickler for "from scratch" on everything, I do make my chicken pot pie from scratch. Cutting the veggies while the chicken slowly cooks is very relaxing for me. It was rootin' tootin' good, by the way.


Work continues on the same projects. I have made a few more of the washcloths and sachets, but as promised, will spare you more photos. My red scarf is almost done, and will be a gift for my neighbor....her name is Angel. I did manage to cut out a little casual dress and a blouse for myself. Both are easy projects and I hope to get them done quickly, because....

....work also continues on clearing out the sewing room. We have made s.l.o.w. progress so far. I picked up an inexpensive chest of drawers, which was my impetus to get crackin' on this switch. Once the armoire was moved, I needed a place for the clothes that were in there. Such indecision you have never seen. First I ordered a chest from one furniture store, but it wasn't due to arrive until Oct 10th! Cancelled that. Then found another chest at Penneys...but it was pricey. We popped over to Target to check out their fare, and found above-mentioned chest. I cancelled the Penney's order and I'm tickled with the Target chest. It is solid wood, fits the bill perfectly, and had a much lower price tag. Next I will begin moving everything around. Stay tuned.

Lastly, a question. Have you ever had so many ideas for projects you'd like to make that you become a little addled at the thought of it all? How do you prioritize, well, your life I guess is the real question. Does this rambling signal the onset of menopause?


"...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain 'move from here to there,' and it will move." Matthew 17:20

It works for bedrooms and sewing projects, too. When next you work with a needle, think of me.

The Sound of Music...And, Yes, I'm Taking Requests

Today I am at home. No work, no errands (yet), and nobody at home (not for long). I have to tell you what a lovely day it has been. My to-do list has been full of chores that I love. I have kept the laundry going, spent time in the sewing room and set my home to rights. Part of the reason for my productive and very happy day is the sound of music. It has played off and on all day....Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, some gospel, Maroon 5 (yes, Maroon 5), Luther Vandross, Faith Hill and various other "country girls." I am definitely not a "music snob," but I have to say Vince and his country cronies are favorites.

Many other items have been crossed off the list. I made some calls and finalized a few business things, and then sat down to the computer. One thing I have wanted to do for a long time is to figure out how to download books from the library. Can one be any lazier? In my defense, the idea came from the hubby. I mentioned to him that I am going back to the library because I am so tired of buying books and then having to find their next home. I don't want to keep the books (we're talking mostly paper-backed here, not my craft books.....they are all keepers). Anyway, I also want to support the "simple living/spend less money plan." So, I got busy and discovered setting everything up to download the e-books is easy-peasy. After just a few minutes, I was reading!!

This will be a short post today...now Glen is home and I think if I'm extra sweet to him, he'll play taxi driver and take me on my errands. We won't, however, be going in this ride. This little number is Timothy's project car. One time when I wasn't sure what pictures I wanted to post, he got real excited and said, "put a picture of my Blazer on there." This one's for you, Honey.


Tim's regular ride is a sweet little black Sonoma truck that he inherited from his dad and proceeded to trick out. He lowered it (don't ask me), and then put a new sound system in to go with the custom interior lights. It looks like the Batmobile inside : )

Enjoy a peaceful moment...and listen to some good music.

My home is never empty,
Although I be alone
I hear the voices of angels
To God, their love intone!

~An Excerpt From "Peace" by Kathryn Wiesenhoefer

Clouds and Pie

Not too much going on here at the acre. Every day I long to sit and sew...and I promise myself that this weekend I shall. We'll see. The clouds rolled in yesterday and today, and I am so very thankful for the rain they brought. I don't mind a cloudy day, I sometimes think better with clouds than with sunshine. Go figure?

I haven't given a progress report on the "cooking at home" lately, and since I'm sure you're all just dying to know, I have been about 75% successful. Yesterday I made my *famous* chicken strips with fiesta rice and corn on the cob. Too many carbs, I know. The gang here was happy. I had the baking bug bite so I whipped up this little number...

...apple pie is a perpetual favorite at our house. Tonight's menu was baked cod, baked potatoes and baked squash. I felt the need to lighten things up after the fried chicken. Tomorrow is Friday, I have to work all day, so you know what that means...the kitchen is closed ; )

Not being a huge television person, I was a little underwhelmed when the guys signed up for Netflix....until they told me about some of the stuff they carry there. Ever the romantic, my husband laughingly told my son all about how I used to like the show "Beauty and the Beast" from the late 1980's. Oh how they teased me for liking a show with Ron Perlman dressed as a beast. So much fun until I *politely* asked them to order the first season for me. They are even less thrilled each time a new disk comes....since I *lovingly invite* them to view it with me...on the only big tv. Wink.

Happy weekend to everyone. Take some time for yourself, to just be with your thoughts.

Think left and think right and think low and think high.
Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try! ~Dr. Seuss

Easing Into Fall

My time spent as a mom has been the very happiest of my life. Those years weren't all wine and roses, but it's funny how as time passes, God eases the difficult memories and makes the good ones so prominent. Some of the best memories for me include this guy...

I knew the day was coming...tomorrow my youngest begins college. Timothy, like his sister Emily, has been an extraordinary blessing to us. From the time I had him eighteen years ago, this child has been a joy....a great sleeper, eater, napper and all around happy kid. An outstanding student and athlete, Tim has been pretty successful at just about anything he has set his mind to do. So Timmy, as you head off to school, a tear or two may fall from my eyes, but they are definitely tears of joy and immense pride in you. Onward...

I am so ready for fall!! As I prepared the pictures for this post, I notice that even my latest sewing project seems ready for fall. These are some little guest towels that I made out of a nice duck fabric. I am especially partial to these colors.

Over the weekend, some progress was made getting things ready to paint the sewing room (Mom's room). First of all, our favorite paint store was having a Labor Day sale, so I picked out a pretty color and saved $12.80 a gallon to boot. I chose a lovely light shade of pink called "Oleander." Unfortunately, the color does not show accurately.

In order to actually start painting, there is a domino effect that must take place. To begin with, I need to open up some space in my bedroom to accommodate my sewing cabinet. I ordered a new chest of drawers and the guys moved the armoire out of the room and it now holds the television and accessories.

The old cherry wood buffet, a hand-me-down from my mom, now resides in the living room. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me....I was ready for the change. Once the chest arrives, I will begin moving things from the sewing room to my bedroom and also into storage.

After the family room was set to rights, the fall decorating bug bit me. Even though it is supposed to be 90+ degrees here tomorrow, I still had to do a little something, so I got out a couple of pumpkins...

...and a few fall "leaves." I don't know where I got this little leaf dish, but I love it. There's a picture of my mom on the buffet that was taken about seven years ago.

My little buffet and hutch are precious to me....they are small but mean so much. Our dining room set was the first furniture we purchased as a young married couple.

The quality of my pictures is "not too good," because I am "not too good" with the camera. If "practice makes perfect," perhaps my skills will improve. I hope wherever you are, you are safe and happy. I will be thinking all things Fall, but doing it from inside where the air is cool.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." ~Angela Schwindt