Merriment, Change, A Giveaway

"An ounce of mirth is worth a pound of sorrow."

The trick is to not lose sight of the present while planning for the future....and not to give up planning the future when you can't see past the present.

I'm a girl that likes a good plan. Sometimes life just doesn't cooperate and allow one to plan too far ahead. What to do? For me, it's keeping some merriment in each day.

I'm finding joy in little, spur of the moment things these days....a new blog post, a late evening walk with the hubby, time in the garden, at the sewing machine or with the needles, and just yesterday the beginning of a new book. My daydreams are filled with the merriment of making all kinds of plans.... future trips, new furniture and some home projects, to name a few.

Now that my mom is home, our life here has changed yet again.....Mom needs 24 hour care. At first I planned to take a leave at work, but then an angel spoke to me and said, "Mom, I'll take care of Grandma on the days you work." Another blessing....thank you Emily for your help and love....I am so appreciative and Gram just loves having you for a "nurse."

Prom, May 2006

For those of you interested in vintage items, Emily is having her first giveaway and there's still time to enter. Visit Livin'Vintage and leave a comment for a chance to win.

I am heading down to the sewing room while all is quiet to snap up a few moments of that joy I was just talking about. If all goes well, I plan to alter a pair of pants for a friend, cut out a couple of clothespin bags and, well, just putter in one of my favorite places.

"I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live."
Ecclesiastes 3:12

Love and Laundry

"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy...even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry."
~E. B. White

Is there anything better than all those fresh, clean clothes and linens...not to mention a nice, tidy laundry room? I love doing laundry and, though it may sound silly, it's been the source of many happy moments for me.

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My mom's been in the hospital for the last 11 days.......she has been very seriously ill and now has pneumonia. She is finally on the mend, I think, and might even be able to come home in a few days. Keep her in your prayers and say a little one for me....some days I really struggle.

I want to say a special thanks to three of my favorite people who have really been there for me the last couple of weeks.

Emily, thanks for your support and help with Grandma. You are my girl :)
Sherry, thanks so much for the delicious dinner....Mexican food is a big hit around here.
And my Susie, thanks for the love and support from so many miles away.

I love you all.


"Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:8

Please Pass A Drumstick

"Love is like a butterfly...it goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes."


Just a few bits and pieces today.
I have wanted to try making these chocolate-covered pretzels, and today I finally did.
I used short pretzel rods instead of long ones, and they turned out looking a little like a drumstick.
First, you coat the bottom part of the pretzel with carmel. Roll in rice crispie cereal, coat with melted chocolate and then I decided to sprinkle mine with heath pieces. They are crunchy and good....like a drumstick : )

In other news, Timothy and I will begin allergy shots on Tuesday. We went for the testing last week, and what an experience. My initial testing was so highly reactive the doctor didn't want to continue for fear I'd have a bad reaction. As I explained how difficult it was for me to make this appointment, he reluctantly agreed to finish the test, using the weakest concentration he could. Well.........I had a reaction. As soon I as I felt better, Tim had a reaction. Needless to say, we have some whopping allergies. Getting the shots is a demanding commitment, but I am praying it will be worth it for both of us. Did you know that I never had one symptom until after I turned 40?

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Pumpkin had her spaying surgery on Thursday, and is she a little trooper. While she was under the anesthesia, the vet said it was a good time to remove an errant dewclaw, hence the little sock on her leg.

Here Pumpkin is all buttoned down.....outside her bed. Her little hippo toy is nice and cozy inside, however.

Tomorrow may find me browsing the local Farmer's Market or maybe sewing a stitch or two. There's weeds waiting for me and pots ready for a feeding.
Whatever I do, I'll think of you.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. ~Ecclesiastes 3:11

One Nation Under God

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."

~Benjamin Franklin


Happy Independence Day!
May we ever remain "one nation under God."

It's a beautiful day here...and I have much to be thankful for. The last weeks have been busy as usual, and my blessings are many. Today I am so thankful for this cool weather. I bet some in these parts are disappointed it's not warmer, but I'm not one for high temps or humidity.

My flowers like the weather too.
There are lemon lillies.....

Key Lime Coral Bells.........

Lavendar Ivy Geranium....

Mixed impatiens......

Tubular Begonias......pink, of course!

I do love the flowers, but this year I don't have nearly the quantity I usually put in. I'm trying to add more perennials each year so I can buy less annuals. I was so hoping to dig a new vegetable garden this year, but no go. Next year.....

I finished the sweet dress I made for Leah. She loved it and needed to "twirl" as soon as it was on. Leah loves "princess" clothes.....who knew I was sewing for royalty?

I have a few other projects I'm working diligently to finish so I can get them off in the post. Needless to say, I can't show anything yet.....the recipient is a friend who visits here.

My mom has rallied and is perking right along. The current schedule has her spending the "day" at her house and then returning here for dinner and bedtime. It's working well this week because the hubster is home on vacation (and I'm working....there's something awry here :), so he is wearing his chauffeur hat these days. Things will get a little dicey when he returns to work, so then I'll just "re-group and think of a new plan."

On this Independence Day, I hope you'll take a moment and thank the Good Lord for your liberty. I'll be adding a special prayer for our president......that God may guide him well and bestow wisdom beyond measure to him in the days to come......he's going to need it.

Prayer at Valley Forge

Puppy Love

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." ~Gene Hill

It had to happen.........you all warned me. After just a few short months, I'm in love with Pumpkin. There has never been a smarter, sweeter or more enjoyable puppy, ever.......except maybe for yours.

Pumpkin is now almost six months old. She can speak, sit, stay and come 'ere. Emily taught her to roll over, which she does as soon as you get out the "cookies," our name for her treats. Even the hubby is enjoying her. About the only thing that's a little disconcerting for me is, since Emily is Pumpkin's mama, that would make me her......er Grandma. My mom is now great-grandma, whom we have affectionately dubbed, Gigi.

Enough of this silliness.

What with all the waiting at hospital and such, I got a little further on Tim's vest, which I had set aside. It's a nice easy knit without being boring. I also started a crochet project.......but I can't divulge too much about it since certain people may be visiting here.

These little paperclips are just addictive to make. With all the trinkets I have floating around here, it was no problem finding things to decorate them.

Gotta run.....the day is young....wish I were : )

God spelled backward is dog.

What I've Been Doing For Six Weeks....

My mom spent three months here at my place, went home for three weeks, and last Thursday went back into the hospital. Today we took her by ambulance to a very nice rehab facility, where she may spend almost three weeks trying to get stronger. I'll post quickly....then I'm headed back there to check on her.

While I was away......

I was dreaming of living here

Enjoyed my Blossoming Snow Crab tree

Made an apron and gift basket for the Heart Walk Fundraiser at work....which is modeled here by my sweet boy, Timothy.........the ultimate "good sport."

Whipped up a little (14") doily for my boss in honor of "Nurse's Week." She liked it so well that she framed it and hung it in her office.

I enjoyed lunch with my friend Diane.....a too rare occurrence. After mentioning the sweet bundt pan she used to make me a "bananaberry" bread at said lunch, not a week later these two bundt pans were waiting for me when I came home from work. They are the loveliest gift I've received in many moons. I have used them several times already.....they are AWESOME!

I received the "Renee Award" from my sista Idalia, aka YaYa. Thank-you, Yaya, for the sweet thoughts....I'm sorry it took me so long to pick up and acknowledge this award. You are a good and thoughtful friend.

I have been happy to be noodling around with my handwork. I hope to get some updated pics and post them soon. Like always when I've been away, I've missed writing and sharing my thoughts. So much has happened here........I thought of sharing the details, but who has the energy? So...I'll let those days stay in the yesterday and for today just keep looking to tomorrow.

See You Soon!!!

Have A Cup-Cake

I'm sure you've heard of this before....today I made a chocolate cake in a mug. I haven't eaten it yet, but it looks good.

First, you mix the following in the mug:
4 T flour
4 T sugar
2 T cocoa
After mixing dry ingredients, add:
One Egg
Mix well, then add:
3 T milk
3 T oil
Mix well again, then add:
A "splash" of vanilla
(about 1/2 teas)
Mix well again and microwave on "high" or 1000 watts for 3 minutes. Here's a pic whilst it "baked."
Let cool in mug about 1 minute...it shrinks back down into the cup.

Once cake is cool, about 15-20 minutes, frost if desired. You may also add a tablespoon of chocolate chips before putting in microwave....mine is sans chips.

Since I began this post, Mom and I tried our cakes. It's not bad...it would be fun for kids to make. The cake is quite heavy, and definitely needs a little frosting for flavor.

Since it's a rainy day here, I'm off to the basement sewing room. Last weekend I took the remainder of my stuff that I had stored in the drawers and closet in my mom's room downstairs. You wouldn't believe it...I know I can't. I'm not sure how I got it all packed in there, but I know one thing for sure....I need to thin out the stash. I've put some cotton and yarn aside for my neighbor, who is always tickled with hand-me-downs. I hope she has a spare room ready.

I promise to show before and after pictures of my endeavor....which I'm sure will take some time. In the meantime, I'm happy for the rain, which is making the grass green, green, green.

"To me, a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug." ~ Helen Keller

I couldn't agree more, Helen.

Happy Easter

"....be still and know that I am God."

Easter Greetings to you all. My good intentions included a post sometime last week....but you know the story. As I sat down to type tonight, this little sweetie greeted me, so I took her picture. I have never named the little doll I treated myself to some 15 years ago. I came across her at a fabric store, I think. It was a real challenge to keep her for myself and not share her with Emily. As I look at her now, she looks like an Annabelle to me.

While I was thinking of what to pack for the Canada trip, I remembered this navy print bought a few months back. I dug out an often-used pattern for a peasant blouse and made the 3/4 sleeve version. I enjoyed wearing it with my jeans.

Last Saturday Emily and I went to a vintage clothing sale at a nearby community hall. It was quite nice....you wouldn't believe the clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry to be found there. Some of the stuff dated back to the late 1800's. The vendors all dressed in their vintage clothes and the displays were really something. Here's Emily in a vintage hat.....what a doll.

My girl is a shoe nut. These shoes were cute, but not comfortable. They didn't come home with us.....however, one pair did.....but of course no picture of those.

Church tonight was very solemn as it should be. The older I get, the more I am awed by the great gift God gave us in Jesus. Tonight I couldn't stop thinking about what Jesus must have felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. I am looking forward to the joy of Easter morning, when we will celebrate our risen Savior. Oh, I enjoy the bunnies and chicks, and have a few treats tucked away for the kids and my mom, but my happiness will come from the knowledge that I am truly saved from sin, by grace, through Jesus Christ.

I wish you all a joyous Easter, filled with the joy and blessings of God....and a couple of bunnies and chicks thrown in there for good measure : )

"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
~Our Lord and Savior Jesus
Matthew 28:20

Oh, Canada

Greetings from windy Canada. We are near Lake Ontario, and it is a brisk wind, indeed. My first day here was spent.....relaxing! Woohoo, it was nice. In between some reading, and even a nap, I started some mindless projects.

A "textured" dishcloth....pattern from the ball band of Peaches'nCream cotton yarn. I love the colors, and the pattern is just interesting enough.

Next up, I brought some sweet floral scraps found many moons ago at a now-closed quilt shop. The yo-yos will make up a pillow for Mom's room...what do you think....round or square? I plan to use ball fringe trim in a pretty pink or cream color.

All's quiet at home....at least that's what they're telling me. My mom sounds good and is enjoying helping take care of Pumpkin. She is turning out to be a good little puppy...she is potty trained (goes to the door and barks), can sit and lay down on command, and is pretty close to being able to "stay." In case you forgot how cute she is....here's a Pumpkin picture.

Pumpkin enjoying a pilfered sock.....who left their socks on the floor....wait a minute, that looks like mine.

I plan to visit a local fabric store or two tomorrow....I have lots of stuff at home waiting for me, so I'll shop with care and discretion. I'll be ready to get back home....I'm not much of traveler. Until then, hope you are all blessed with peace and a good project for your mind and soul.

Happy Birthdays

Way back on March 10, my mom celebrated her 89th birthday!

It was a fun but tiring day for her. Emily, Glen and I took her to dinner. Timothy had class and couldn't miss. He made it for cake and presents, though.

My mom is perking along. We have taken her back to her house for a couple of "visits," but she is always ready to come back here to her little room.




We are blessed to have celebrated another wonderful birthday with Mom.



Today is Glen's birthday. He'll spend the bulk of it taking apart my washer and attempting to change the bearings. This washing machine has been a lot of trouble...each time he repairs it he says, "next time we're just getting a new one." And every time he manages to fix it up for me. In so many ways, Glen is always there for me when I need him most. I love you, Honey. Happy happy birthday to the love of my life!!!

These last weeks have been especially busy for me. Things have settled and guess what? I am going on "vacation." You heard that right....I plan to travel with Glen next week when he goes out of town for business. It has been a difficult decision whether or not to go, but the kids are two big sweeties and have agreed to look after my mom.....Mom has agreed that she will be fine. We are crossing the border again and heading to Canada. Now the only question is.....what projects to pack?

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Before I began posting today, I noticed this will be my 50th post. I sure miss my blog when I have an extended break, and thought surely I'd have posted more by now. The busyness of my days, however, reminds me to thank the good Lord for all that he provides me....especially the strength to carry out His plan for me.

Spring is slowing arriving to our corner of the world....I am looking forward to digging : )
I have a few ideas for our backyard this year....I'll share more on that next time. Until then, I hope you are looking forward to tomorrow, and enjoying every minute of today.

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count...it's the life in your years."

Abraham Lincoln

The Reality Is...

The reality of life is hard to see sometimes, especially when your head is down and you're dancing as fast as you can. Bear with me....this post won't be as ominous as it sounds.

It occurred to me today that I need to face the facts. Who better to share them with than you?

We have a new addition at our house. I have fought this for years. Finally, I just got tired of fighting...and so, meet Pumpkin.

This little girl is 3 months old and belongs, officially, to my daughter Emily. At 21, she made the decision to get a puppy....even though I tried to talk her out of it, what with Grandma here, me working, her school and work schedule, etc., but it was no use. My girl has wanted a dog literally since she could say "doggie." Those close to me know what a struggle this has been. The reality is that Pumpkin is here now. To her credit, she is a good pup and Emily takes wonderful care of her. My mom is sure getting a kick out of her, too.

Fact two is that, as hard as I try and as much as I talk about it, my beloved projects are on the back burner.....and may simmer there for some time. My life belongs to my loved ones for now, so I'll get to them when I get to them, and not a moment sooner. Saying that last bit seems to have lifted something from my shoulders....I'm not sure what, but I feel better all the same.

Fact three: I need to take better care of myself....a lamentation floating around my head for the last couple of years. I've heard it, read about it, and been told flat out...."if you don't take care of yourself first, you won't be in good enough shape to take care of anyone else." I understand it, believe it, and know I have to implement a program ASAP.

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My hubby has returned from a week-long business trip, and boy-o-boy I'm glad he's home. After 25+ years of the goodbyes and welcome homes, I still miss him terribly. We have a busy weekend planned. I am actually looking forward to scrubbing my floor in the morning while my guys attend an auto show. Then it's some shopping and various sundries to fill in the hours. I'm hoping you are all looking forward to a nice weekend, filled with nothing but happy realities.

Pumpkin is a Bichon-Poo

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." ~ Gene Hill