Survived the storms!!!

 But I am exhausted because the weather radio went off about once an hour.  It is still raining here.  Just a steady drizzle and last night didn't seem that bad.  I have been through worse storms where there wasn't even a warning.  We had 1 tornado warning but it was canceled so quick that I didn't even make it to the basement.  PTL!  No one was injured anywhere that I heard and only one house destroyed in Missouri.  Very grateful!
I did get a treasure in the mail today..........I'll be curling up with this tonight or early this afternoon...I am really tired!  There are also 2 NFL playoff games today which I'll be watching.

  I fixed myself an egg McMuffin this morning for breakfast...........with 'OJ' on the side.........

 After peeling the oranges I put them in a mason jar with white vinegar which I use for cleaning.  I have a spray bottle that I refill with the orange-scented vinegar.  Save your orange peels!  They are also great for grating before you peel the orange and then freezing for adding to dishes later.  Lemon peel is also good for the same reasons.  Any citrus will work; limes and grapefruit too.

 Here are your "tidbits"  for today!  A few things to do or consider during this time of year..........click on the picture to make it larger............compliments of the beloved Susan Branch.......

I have wanted to try colorwork for quite a while now and this may be the place to start.  A project that is not too big or important like a sweater so if I make a mistake it won't be a tragedy....... plus, it is so sweet!  Here's the link

and for a bit of humor to make you smile............

Happy Trails!!!

Get your weather radio ready!!!

I've got fresh batteries ready for the weather radio for tonight.  Supposedly severe weather in the middle of the night and they're even saying hurricane force winds!  Whoa Nellie!  Maybe I should strap myself to the bed!
Meanwhile, it stormed last night really good but no warnings.  Today I finished the Cleaning Extravaganza in the master bathroom.  I vacuumed and washed the floor and put clean rugs down and put battery operated candles in there which I turn on at night...........

I only have this box to go through and I'll be done.  I should have washed the floor on my hands and knees but maybe next time.  I wasn't up for it today.

I had the Italian beef last night and it was very good but definitely needed
  more spices....in particular, oregano.   I'll put it on the stove this afternoon and add some oregano and let it simmer.  I cooked some peppers in olive oil and garlic to put on top....I could make a meal just out of those peppers!  Yum!

I did laundry today and I wash my hand knit socks in with my other clothes.  I just don't put them in the drier!  These aren't all of them.  I lay them out on top of the washer and dryer and let them dry.

Several years back for YOP I  had divided projects into working on 1 project for charity, 1 for a gift and 1 for myself.  That method seemed to work pretty well although I think there might have to be one for each type of craft?  We'll see.  But in the spirit of that plan, I started 2 new projects today.  I had started that baby blanket but there is no way I will be able to finish it by the end of January as it makes my hand cramp up.  Well, Farside is making crocheted baby bibs and she included the instructions on her blog (on my sidebar).  She probably knew I would ask if she didn't! LOL!  So, I started making one...easy on my hands too!  Thank you Farside!

 I also found on Priscilla's blog (on my sidebar) a pattern for a cowl that I loved and couldn't remember where I had gotten it.  So now I have it!  It was How to Crochet a Round Scarf Step-by-Step Tutorial by Love4nails on You Tube.  This will be a gift.  It is super easy and it turns out so nice.  It is my favorite cowl so far!

I also worked a bit on my Fall Friday cross stitch...........

Here are your "tidbits" for today.......................I think I have bathrooms on the brain this week!  Here's the link

Aren't these just too cute?  Here's the link 

I know this is so decadent but I love tiramisu and I love raspberries so the next holiday this is on the menu!  Here's the recipe

and now for a little pick me up................

I hope everyone stays safe from whatever weather is in your neighborhood!
Happy Trails!!!

Here comes the wet weather!

It is so dark outside you would think it was just about nighttime!  It's rained a little but the big storms are later tonight and tomorrow supposedly.  So glad I went to the store yesterday.  The termite guys came by yesterday late to check out my crawlspaces under the house.  They saw carpenter ants there in November and wanted to come back and make sure they were gone...but they weren't so they sprayed again!  Today the pest control guy is coming at 4:00 p.m. so I am trying to get this blog done and posted.
I got the rump roast in the crockpot early this morning for the Italian beef and it is supposed to cook on low for 8-10 hours so it should be ready at either 4:30 or 6:30....meanwhile I need to cook up some peppers and get the Italian rolls ready for toasting.  I'll have some mustard greens on the side...a true Italian dinner.

 I did get my bathroom cupboards 'restored' today..........this is the before.........

 and the after............I don't know if you can tell any difference but I certainly can...unfortunately I spilled some and my hands are all stained now too.....I cannot stand to use gloves......it will wear off...eventually! LOL!

I started my Witchy Wednesday project even though it's Thursday...........

All they have to do is mention 'cheese' and I'm in!  Here's the recipe

I would be remiss if I did not share this with my blanket loving crochet friends.....you know who you are!  Here's the link

I thought this was really clever............

here's the link

and finally a little bit of strange humor to end this post.........

Happy Trails!!!

 

Walmart exhaustion plus Post Office and Dollar Store

Okay, I'm toast now.  I did get my shopping done though and the perishables are put away.  Maybe I'll get a 2nd wind and put the rest away later.  We'll see....I'm awfully tired.  But I got some treasures today in the mail and at Walmart.  I guess I'm still celebrating my birthday! LOL!  The older you get the longer you're supposed to celebrate. 

I saw this and I couldn't resist.  I think I have all of her cookbooks and the book she wrote about her and her husband's courtship.  The courtship book was excellent and her cookbooks are like storybooks and I have yet to find a 'bad' recipe and I've made quite a few of hers.  She's really good!

 

I  got some containers for my yardage fabrics at the dollar store............

and when I got home I had a package from the Fat Quarter Shop!  Yippee!!!  I got the floss I need for my next Witchy Wednesday project, a fabric marker and the little buttons I need for Lori Holts patterns.

 In addition, I got some things that were on sale for 1/2 price.............they were really too good to pass up and all things I use all the time...........

Here are your 'tidbits' for today...........I've made dry laundry detergent but I would like to make liquid as they say it is easier on your washing machine..........

here's the link

I think this is the most practical 'yarn buddy' I've seen so far............here's the link

and finally a little chuckle at the end of the day........I laugh every time I look at this...........

 Happy Trails!!!

So far so good!!!

 I am staying true to my word on clearing and cleaning.....the bathroom cupboard is all cleaned out!  It has been washed inside and out and I will also polish the wood before the week is out.  I threw out a bunch of old makeup and skin products....it's way too late for that stuff! LOL!  Some outdated medicines and spf and even some dog items.  I need to get some plastic containers so I can move some things from the linen closet to here such as toilet paper and kleenix.  I have lots of room now!

there are pull out shelves on each side of the cupboard.........

no, that's not really street corn dip in my bathroom! LOL!  I reuse plastic containers for small items.

I got the cleaning done and did the daily chores.  I went for a walk as it is another gorgeous day!  Sunny and 55! Tomorrow it will be in the 60's and sunny but then Thursday and Friday storms and they might be severe.  So, I will be going to Walmart tomorrow and I do so much walking in that store that it will count as my walk for the day! LOL!  

Yesterday I did work on my Monthly Monday project.............getting down to the wire with this one too

 Here are your 'tidbits' for today...........

I have wanted to make these for myself and for gifts............

here's the link

This is on my menu this coming week.........Italian beef sandwiches..........it's been years and my Mom used to make them.....so good!  This recipe is from All Recipes...........here's the link

 I still need to throw in a load of laundry and make the rest of my menu and grocery list for tomorrow.  Have a good evening!
Happy Trails!!!

Cleaning Extravaganza!!!

Okay, so maybe I exaggerated a bit....but I watched a podcast called Living With Cambriea and she volunteers to go to people's homes and help them clean especially REALLY messy, hoarder type houses.  I was amazed by what she got done in one day!   She cleaned a room a day and that is cleaning drawers, closets, and every surface.  I figured if she could do that in one day I could at least do it in 1 week...right?   So, today was Week #1 of the Whole Enchilada Cleaning Extravaganza!!!
I didn't want to feel overwhelmed, to begin with, so I chose the master bathroom.  I cleaned the toilet, sink, and mirror just the other day so I had a little headstart.  Today I vacuumed and cleaned a drawer and a cupboard under the sink.  Monday is a big day as I pretty much relax and do crafts over the weekend.  So come Monday I have a bit to do.  In addition, I called in and picked up prescriptions, emptied the garbages and got it out to the street. I took my walk, washed my comforter and blanket on my bed and changed the sheets.  I still have another load of laundry to do and I'd like to paint the back door but that might be wishful thinking since I got up at 2:30 this morning.
Yesterday I did work on my Santa Sunday.............

Today I got "treasures" in the mail!!!!  3 of the 4 books I ordered...........
my favorite mystery series..............

the first book in a new to me series about quilting............recommended by an avid quilter on IG.....I read a bit of it and it feels like it's going to be good..............

and finally, this book also recommended by a fellow quilter............

I did some ironing yesterday while watching 2 NFL football playoff games.
Here are your 'tidbits' for today...........

 I've been looking for just a plain full apron pattern.  This one might do the trick! Here's the link

No recipe but I thought this chart might come in handy............

Happy Trails!!!

 

YOP Week #27

I survived another birthday!  Yay!  I made it to 71 yesterday.  At my age, you're never sure how much longer you have.  No matter what your age you don't know but at my age, you have more time to think about it! LOL!  It was a beautiful day here; sunny and about 47 so I took a walk.  I've been trying to get back to walking and boy am I in bad shape!  I used to walk 3-4 miles with the girls and now I'm lucky to make it around the block.  Hopefully, I will get myself back in shape.  I did some sewing and some online shopping and then went uptown and bought some butter pecan ice cream....my favorite!  I try not to eat much dairy but on holidays I eat what I want.
For projects this week it was nice to be done with the holidays and get back to a normal schedule although I still don't know what day it is! LOL!
I'm still working on the baby blanket and it is taking forever!  I love the fabric but it makes my hand cramp up after about 1 row and I have to put it down for awhile.

So then I pick up my 2019 Christmas socks.............self-striping yarn is so much fun!

I also worked on an experimental project I have been wanting to do for a long time now.  I have all kinds of towels that are anywhere from 20 to 40 years old with no holes in them but the edges are all ragged.  I'm too cheap to throw them out as they are perfectly usable they just look raggedy.  So, I thought I would take a hand towel and bind it like I do the quilts............I have yet to hand sew the other side but so far so good!

 I have many more towels to do but I think it will save my towels and they will look even prettier!  This particular towel is over 40 years old!  They don't make things to last like that anymore.

 I also worked on my Saturday Stars and Stripes cross stitch.........I'm almost done..finish this white row and one more row of the red and it's a 'finish'!

My daughter and her family pulled out all the stops for my birthday and sent me a big box of presents!  My grandsons made me a card and they also used their own allowances to buy me some presents!  The strawberry is from Grayson and when you uncinch it, it is a tote bag!  I love it!  Sam bought me some Ginger Peach wax melts from McCalls which is a family favorite!  That smell is the best.  My grandsons are the most thoughtful and giving boys!  Of course, I'm not prejudiced or anything! LOL!

 Grayson also gave me this cute little 'squishy'............thank you boys! 

They gave this beautiful Woolrich sweater..............right up my alley!  Amy knows me so well!

I also got an orange rain jacket with a hood from Columbia that I needed!  My old Columbia is a bit 'snug'  on me....I forgot to take a picture of it..........I love me some Biscoff cookies and Apple Pickin' Goat milk lotion, a darling chicken bag and 'Grandma's' poison ivy soap....I get into poison ivy every year it seems.

I also received some stickers and some party supplies some bacon candy and a lovely card with a gorgeous horse on it............it was truly the most birthday presents I have ever gotten in my life!  They are awfully good to me!

I have acquisitions but they are not here yet and may not be here next week even.  What is up with shipping?  It costs more and takes longer!  But I did finally order supplies for punch needle which I have wanted for over a year now so I bit the bullet.  I also had to order a few XS supplies and some books from Thrift books, of course!
I think there is football this afternoon and it is going to be in the 60's so there will definitely be another walk.  I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season and Happy New Year!!!
Happy Trails!!!