Some finishes!

Yesterday was not productive at all.  There was a terrible case of animal abuse on FB that unfortunately I saw and couldn't get out of my head.  There was one a few weeks ago too. I have an extra amount of empathy evidently as there are certain things that I have seen in my life that stay with me and I can't seem to erase them once they get in my head.  I totally understand why our service people come home with PTSD.  Mine is nothing compared to theirs but I can understand how horrible it must be.  I shed some tears (and I hate crying and do it as little as possible).  It's okay as long as you stay busy but at night when you lay your head down there it is! I couldn't get to sleep and then had bad dreams.  Too bad you can't backup your mind like a tape on a tape recorder and erase those scenes.  I cannot deal with cruelty to anyone or any thing.  I sign petitions all the time but I wish I could do more.
But today was different..........
I took care of some financial things in the morning and then as I have been trying to "finish" things, I did some knitting and finished my 2nd sock.......

 Also, while I couldn't get to sleep, I was able to finish this........
the first book in a series which is my fantasy come true!  Three older female friends buy an old Victorian home in the country that is also a farm and the story revolves around their life there and fixing up the house and finding a home and a community.  This book makes for smiles and sweet dreams!

This is the second book in the series and I've already started it.  What a treat to look forward to at the end of the day!

 I also used my new tools and was able to get up the carpet tacking strips and the staples that they use on the padding.  Tomorrow I will vacuum good and dust down the walls in preparation to paint.

 I also worked some more on the grout cleaning in my bathroom.  This is what I am using and it is working really well.  I may get a bleach pen for touch ups but overall I am really pleased with the results and at the most I may use 2 containers of the gel before I am done.

 I spread it on the grout and leave it for 10 minutes............

then I scrub it and I decided after scrubbing to leave it on for another 10 minutes...........

I like the results! 

It's a slow process for me but it will get done eventually. 
I hope you had a great day!  The weather here is gorgeous and no need for heat or ac!  Perfect!
Happy Trails!

Busy Monday yesterday..........

I called insurance yesterday and found out I get a "free" bone scan with no deductible and the weather looks good to go to Mountain Home on Friday!  Lucky me!  I always check the cost as I don't want any surprises! LOL!  I also called the vet and they were open so I made a little list for Walmart as long as we were going that way.  I tried to get some work done first in the morning as once I go out and do errands I am always "toast" when I get home.  Nothing tires me out like shopping and driving.
I got my comforter washed and out on the line.  I tried using some tools I had to pry up the carpet strips but it was not working well so I knew I would have to buy a special tool at Walmart.  Karen commented on my blog that she used a Wonder Bar by Stanley but when I looked at them at Walmart it seemed a bit large for what I needed so I picked up these 2 instead.   I also need to take staples out so I'm hoping this will work well.  

  While I was at Walmart I picked up a little Mother's Day treat for myself............I couldn't resist since this Towhead beer was made at Mother's Brewing Company! LOL!

I also grabbed some organic greens when I saw them and ingredients to make a pizza when I got home.  It's rare that Walmart has organic so when I see it I buy it!

Nitty and I got to the vet (I brushed her good before I left so she would look pretty) and they were all happy to see her and she was in her glory!  I think they like her because she's so well behaved and never even flinches no matter what they do to her.  She got her allergy shot and I picked up Frontline Plus for her and Annie.....it was only $106.00.  Yikes!  The allergy shot is only $20.00 but the Frontline plus is a 4 month supply with buy 3 get 1 free so I did.  Last month I bought the Heartgard.  But my girls are worth every penny!  I do have to use the ramp for Nitty now to get in and out of the SUV.  She's got arthritis and can't jump in like she used to.  She and Annie are 14 going on 15 in August.  Annie's back has been hurting her this week.  I can tell when she hesitates going up and down the steps.  I bought the ramp when my other dog was getting too old to jump in the car and now Nitty is using it.  It was a wise investment.  It folds up and stays in the back of my Tahoe.  I may have to devise another wooden ramp for them to get up and down the stairs when they go out.  Old age is not for the weak!

When I got home I fed the girls and made a homemade pizza.........it went great with the Towhead beer! 

There was no  grout cleaning or closet work or even knitting or crocheting.  I ate supper, watched DWTS and then read and it was lights out!  Hopefully today I will make some progress on all my projects.
Are any of you watching DWTS?  Who are you rooting for?  I was pleased with the 2 that got booted off last night but there are at least 4 or 5 that I like so it will be hard to chose!
Happy Trails!

YOP Week #44

I didn't get a lot done on projects this week but I did make some progress........the 2nd sock is coming along well and I hope to be done by next week.............

I forgot to weave in ends on my Happy Hooky so that is done and being blocked as I speak.......I did finish Block #1 of my Frida basket and I am started on Block #2...this needs some serious blocking!

I did the edging on another cloth but need to weave ends in...........
(excuse lousy pics but Miss Peeps kept darting in trying to snag the ends so I was in a hurry)

another cloth needs edging............

and I'm getting ready to cut out some Japanese Knot bags............

I'm also reading this Ann Budd book on sock knitting and wanting to try some new styles and/or techniques like a ribbed sock, toe up, 2 at a time, fish lip kiss heel and more.  These will go on my YOP 2016-17 list.  Have you started your list yet?  Any hints?

That's all for this week except I watched podcasts....Sticks and Twine and Stitching in Sweden...both favorites now.
Happy Trails!

I'm so tired but progress was made.........

I have been eating a lot of Eggo waffles lately for breakfast...could that be where my energy is coming from or my motivation from DIY blogs?  Whatever it is I'll take it..........

I was planning on a trip to the vet's but they were closed so instead I jumped right in and did this........

and so another section (the hardest to get to around the toilet) is done...........it should be easier from here on in.

Then since it is Saturday and I get to do what I want...........I did this.......removed the closet rod holders...............

and this.........(this took a long time, several You Tube videos and just when I was about to throw in the towel...my son Ben called and gave me the tip that finally brought me success!)...........the bifold
doors are off!

and then up came the carpeting................and the padding and now I need a crowbar to get the tack strips out.....I'll go Monday.  So, I felt good but I was tuckered so next........

I did this............cut out interfacing for some Japanese knot bags for my in progress socks........

It was tiring bending over the table cutting these out so I think I will call it a day and just kick back, watch some podcasts and knit or crochet......I ran out of Eggo waffle steam!  I should probably wash up some dishes though,  throw in a load of laundry and maybe do some ironing?  But then there's always tomorrow!
Happy Trails!

Miss Ellaneous...........

Yesterday was beautiful out so I worked outside as long as I could.  I filled the tank, put air in the tires and took off mowing for an hour and 1/2.  It was due to rain today so I try to get it mowed in between the Spring storms.  I also shook and washed rugs and hung them out after I mowed.  I weeded and mulched and sprayed the poison oak and ivy that was trying, once again, to gain a foot hold.

When I came inside I vacuumed the laundry room, kitchen and family room and my bathroom.  You can never vacuum too much during shedding season. 
I tried  Clorox Gel Toilet Bowl Cleaner on the grout in my bathroom (it was a pin on Pinterest) and it worked!  You put the gel on the grout and then let it sit for 10 minutes and then scrub with a brush.  The only problem is I can't stand being on my knees very long so it will be a slow project but at least I have finally found something that works!  So now I hate not only carpeting but ceramic tile floors too! LOL!   

I had one little hen survive last year and it is having babies!  I'm so happy!  I will be transplanting them soon.

The roses are blooming too only mine look like shrub roses and they don't smell....huh?  I bought them on sale but I want those big, beautiful roses with the gorgeous scents.  David Austin?  I need to research as I just picked these up on sale.  There are also those that are black spot resistant etc.  I forget the name of them.
I took a nice hot bath after the grout scrubbing and then we all had supper and I knitted on my 2nd sock and watched Grey's Anatomy and then an episode of Heartland on the Feeln channel on Roku.  I finally finished P.D.James book; Death of a Witness but I won't be reading anymore of hers.....pretty depressing.  I'm now reading A Year At Ladybug Farm and loving it!
Today it rained and I was a little slower today but managed to get housework done and changed the sheets.  I also emptied the hall closet by the front door and have a "wild hair"......here's what I got done today.............the "before " picture............this closet sits right across from the front door in the entryway.

  I removed the clothes pole but need to remove the holders...........

This is the floor..they even carpeted the closets!  Really?  And the carpet is right up to the front door and a cream color....not in my world!  My parents and I were so different.  Those summers spent in the country with my aunt and uncle are what did it and I am SO glad! LOL!  For years I was sure I had been adopted but my mother finally showed me my birth certificate just to shut me up.

I removed the shelf too before I thought to take before pictures.  Actually this carpeting looks much better than the rest of the house but I do have a box cutter and I'm not afraid to use it!  Stay tuned!

 I better go fix my dinner....enjoy your Friday night!
Happy Trails!
P.S.  If you want a copy of your blog posts you can print out just put YOUR email address in where you can email people your posts and then you can get a copy and print it off.  Of course, I just started doing this and that doesn't help me with the last 8 years?  Oh well....it's a start.  Toodles!

More storms on the way........

Last night I awoke to the storms but the weather radio never went off.  It sounded bad but I finally got back to sleep and there was no loss of power so it was all good.  Now they're saying this afternoon there will be another round.  I'd rather have it during the day as I am much more alert! LOL!
Monday I went to Walmart and picked up a few more "items of interest" along with groceries before the rainy week ahead.  I needed some summer socks so I picked up these......

and then.............I picked up the 2nd addition to my new set of dishes............(my daughter bought me the first....a set of measuring bowls)..............
Pioneer Woman's new line of everything.......the butter dish

 I have been looking for dishes but every time I find something I like it sort of locks me into a certain color scheme or style.   I wanted something that would be eclectic, vintage and go with my crazy color schemes.............Pioneer Woman got it "right on"............she mixes flowers with polka dots and geometrics of all different colors and it looks so vintage.  There are about 4 or 5 different styles with great glassware too...purple and turquoise! I love it because now I can have dishes that are mix and match....right up my alley!   Here's a link to Walmart where they carry her line.  Oh, I just noticed she now has linens too!   Whoopee!  And there's even a cookie jar of Charlie, their bassett hound!  Too cute!

I finished my first of 5 squares for my Frida basket.....it needs a few more ends woven in and a good blocking but it was very interesting to work on and if they're all the same it will be very enjoyable!

The irises have started blooming so I brought a few in before they get ruined by the storms..........
I had no idea they had a fragrance but they do.....nothing strong but very pleasant.

Today is laundry, ironing, sewing and baking off the rest of the dog biscuits.  I fill my 2 big cookie sheets, bake them and then turn off the oven and let them sit overnight.  I can only do the 2 sheets at one time so I will bake 2 more sheet fulls today and that should take care of it for awhile anyway.  I gave them each one to taste test......they seemed to like them!  These were blueberry next will be apple and cheddar.

Have a great day and Happy Trails!
P.S.  Here are a few websites/blogs I discovered lately..........
Every Hook and Cranny
Ella Claire Inspired
Le Monde de Sucrette
Wooler Coaster
Poppy and Bliss

Enjoy!  

Some treasures I picked up.............

Last Friday I went to Mountain Home for a doctor appointment.  I go about twice a year and it is over an hour away but a beautiful drive.  This is Lake Norfolk.  Some dogwoods were still in bloom but most have greened out now.

  While I was there, I did a little shopping...........my favorite Dr. Bonner's lavender soap and some Tazo Passion Fruit tea which was recommended by one of my friendly podcasters.  She was right....it is delicious!

In honor of Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday I bought these "crisps" from the U.K. which are what the Brits call potato chips.  These are pastrami and rye flavored..............

and to go with them.............some gourmet beers...........you can pick your own 6-pack.  I got a root beer, a blueberry, orange dreamsicle and a southern pecan to name a few....

I also bought the first Harry Potter book.  I must have loaned all mine out so I am starting over....

The next day I received a package in the mail from my daughter and SIL in Iowa...for no reason or an early Mother's Day?  I was so surprised at what they sent me..............my SIL bakes bread and sent me a beautiful loaf of his homemade rye bread.  I love rye bread but I've never made it nor have I ever had homemade....it is wonderful!

 2 little chicks with Reeses peanut butter inside.....my littlest grandson, Grayson,  is  allergic to peanuts so yes, they get them out of the house quickly!  I think I'll put something else in them and send them back.

A jar of Lingon berries which I can't get here and I used to fix crepes with lingon berries and powdered sugar when my kids were little.  If they come this summer I will fix some for the grands.

A tube of yummy Wild Rose hand cream........

and last but not least............an issue of Mental Floss featuring Super Women....for real!  Thank you so much to my wonderful daughter and SIL who were so thoughtful to send me such treasures!  I am truly blessed!

That's all for today...storms might be coming tonight and tomorrow so if you don't hear from me....you know what happened! LOL!  I pray everyone in the storms path stays safe.
Happy Trails!

YOP Week #43

Thank you Lucy for letting me know what YOP week it was! LOL! (Only 9 left...YIKES!)

It was a hectic week as I had a doctor appointment out of town on Tuesday but the doctor canceled and wanted to reschedule the next day but I said no as storms were expected so finally we got together on Friday but it messed with my whole week. Now he wants me to make an appointment for a bone scan.....I already know I have osteoporosis but I haven't had a scan in many years so I'll go, I guess.  Anyway...........this is my update for this week and it's a little sketchy but at least I got something done on my "neverending" list of WIP's.
I confess I did not get my Happy Hooky sewed up....the best laid plans are not necessarily the priorities around here.
I did work on my 2nd sock and turned the heel and I'm on the gusset now............

 I also started my Frida's Flower Basket..........I'm to the squaring off part now for the granny square and I am using Stylecraft Chunky yarn which I've never used before but I am loving it!  Really nice and a pleasure to work with.

Here's my little helper too.....she's been really good lately after behaving badly a couple times the week before and being in "time out".

 When I was out of town I picked up this issue of Primitive Quilts.........

and this crochet border book by Edie Eckman that I've been wanting for quite a while now.........

 As for podcasts this week.....there was catch up with Susan B. Anderson, Cherry Heart, Inside Number 23 and I started watching Sticks and Twines with Eric in Toronto so I am trying to catch up with his.  I plan on checking out Tiny Paper Foxes too.  I hope you had a good week and have wonderful plans for the next one!
Happy Trails!
P.S.  Just an F.Y.I. The Good Witch is the new series on Hallmark on Sunday nights now.  I also started subscribing to a new channel on Roku called Feeln.....for $1.99 a month and all good family type movies and series.  I get Heartland on it (my favorite series about a family owned horse ranch in Canada)...I've been "binge-watching" and I'm now on Season 2 and I think there are 10?)  It's a great series especially if you like horses!  Which, of course, I do! LOL!  And the scenery is beautiful.  Toodles!