Monday - August 6, 2018

Today was hot and humid and in the 90's so I got out early this morning to do some work.  I dumped dirt  into my trough as the dirt level  had gone down quite a bit you can see where the red and the white lines are.  It needs more but that was enough for today...........

I had one bag of mulch left from Spring so I did a little weeding and tried to make the one bag go as far as I could which wasn't very far!  They stop selling mulch here in the Spring so I'll have to get some at Lowes when I go to Mountain Home this month.

I need to transplant some of the monkey grass as it does really well in dry conditions.

I thought I lost my garlic chives but I think these are them!  Once the tree came down everything started growing again....

And look at the "magic' lilies!  Aren't they pretty?  The reason they're magic is because they shoot out of the ground almost instantaneously and the next day they bloom!  Magic!

Grace isn't feeling good which scares me after that whole liver issue I went through with her.  She slept in her bed and never crawled in with me last night which she usually does and she's been sleeping all day today.  Her nose is warm so something is wrong but she did eat a bit so I'm hoping she'll bounce back.

I worked on my budget today but not much and need to do more later....I can only take that stuff in small bites! LOL!  It was supposed to be done on Financial Friday but that didn't happen.  I'm trying to get things on a schedule...everything. 

It was also Merry Monday so I started another free cross  stitch pattern by Little House Needleworks and you can get it on her website.  I didn't get too far but I'll work on it tonight too....great for watching Dr. Blake's Mysteries which I love!

I hope you had a great Monday and enjoy your evening too!
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #6

I started lots of fun projects but did some 'sloppy' knitting this week. Here are my goals I set for this past week:
1)  Keep searching for the I Spy quilts and my Folk Art quilt - I'm erasing this goal as they are evidently in hiding and will only show up when I stop searching.
2)  *Finish the first Felici sock - I mean it....finish it and start the 2nd sock! Accomplished this...this was the 'sloppy knitting I was referring to.  There are gaps and just sloppy stitches for what reason I do not know other than I was 'rusty'.  It's not the yarn as others have raved about it and I had no trouble with it.  I've used the pattern before but I think with the next pair I will go back to Susan Anderson's basic sock pattern or her Smooth Operator.  Hopefully washing them and blocking will help.

 3)  *Finish the next pattern repeat on the Falling Leaves scarf (20 rows) - completed this goal and I an loving this project but it is definitely not to be done in front of the t.v. or when I am tired.  I didn't need to utilize the 'lifeline' on these 20 rows so I took it out and put in another one before I start the next 20 rows. 

4)  Cut and sew up my daughter's Frida Kahlo basket
5)  Sew soles unto slippers
6)  Cut material for next pickle dish and get started sewing it
7)  cut binding for Sampler quilt
8)  cut pillowcase material
9)  do finishing sewing on 4th of July pillow - for sure!

I did nothing on goals 4 through 9.....but I am hoping to have a sewing/cutting session this afternoon.  The problem is I can pick up handwork easily for a 15 minute break but sewing requires a commitment of time and action which at the end of the day I am not willing to make.  I just want to recline  and do handwork.

10) start embroidery on PINS pin cushion - I did start this and enjoyed it............it's been years since I've embroidered so I need to hone my skills for sure but not bad for my first try.  This is a project for me so imperfections will not bother me.  I'll get better with practice.

I did update Ravelry this week...finally but I need to again after starting all these projects.  I know it's not for other 'crafts' besides knitting, crocheting and spinning but I manage to put them in there anyway and why Ravelry doesn't expand to other 'fiber arts' I don't know.  Most knitters and crocheters I know also do other crafts.
I watched Adelaid Cottage podcast and also Priscilla and Chelsea.  Adelaid Cottage is having a Harry Potter blanket KAL or CAL and I haven't committed to it ...yet.........but you know how I love blankets!  I did participate in the weekly themed x-stitch SAL's with Priscilla and Chelsea....that includes Witchy Wednesday where I started this Halloween Cat............

    Fall Friday I started this Pumpkin Spice Farm.......

and for Stars and Stripes Saturday I was supposed to 'finish'/sew my 4th of July small pillow ornament but instead I started this.............

Here's a better picture of my few stitches............

and for Santa Sunday I started this one...............another small item.........most of these last ones were free patterns on the internet............

Then there's Merry Monday but I haven't done that one yet.  The objective is that you actually accomplish more finished items by having multiple projects and working on them regularly.  It keeps you motivated and not bored with being monogomous where you get tired of working on one thing and never finish it.  That's the theory anyway and for me it works...I think.  It's not everyone's cup of tea but I am enjoying the variety so far.  As for the days in between there are other SAL's and there are a few I am very interested in.  There are some pay for patterns for farm themes and bee themes and a Christmas village and some beautiful alphabet samplers I would love to make.  Thank goodness my budget won't allow me to spend too much!  I definitely need to keep working on the crafts room so I will have room for all these new projects! LOL! 

Here are my goals for this coming week:
1)  Start on Merry Monday x-stitch
2)  Finish cuff and leg down to heel of sock #2
3)  Finish the next pattern repeat on the Falling Leaves scarf (20 rows)
4)  Cut and sew up my daughter's Frida Kahlo basket
5)  Sew soles unto slippers
6)  Cut material for next pickle dish and get started sewing it
7)  cut binding for Sampler quilt
8)  cut pillowcase material
9)  do finishing sewing on 4th of July pillow - for sure!
10) work on finishing letter "P" on pins embroidery
11) work on Witchy Wednesday x-stitch
12) work on Fall Friday x-stitch
13) work on Stars and Stripes Saturday x-stitch
14) work on Santa Sunday x-stitch
15) work on hexies for Pickle Dish block #3

That should do it for this week folks!  I hope you had a wonderful week and enjoyed working on your projects.  Please stop by and see all the other fantastic projects that other  YOP'ers are working on.
Happy Trails!!!

Friday - August 3, 2018. Fall & Finance Friday

This is the day of First Harvest according to Rain over at Rain's Garden.  I have harvested some herbs but no gardening this year.  I'm having a hard enough time keeping my little herbs and flowers alive in this heat.  The weather station couldn't make up it's mind if it was 90 or 100....it felt like a hundred!  I went out this morning and moved some flower boxes and re potted some herbs.

 They look a little wilted from re potting and the basil got a haircut but they'll perk up...I hope.....
This is my 'hibiscus tree' (Rose of Sharron) that was sold to me as a blue one but as you can see it is pink.  It clashes a little with the orange brick on the house but I can't do anything about it now.  It's still pretty and the bees love it.

Here's my poor little pumpkin plant just surviving in this heat....barely..........

 The 'magic lilies' are coming up.  We called them that up north but down here they call them 'naked ladies'......I prefer 'magic lilies'.
It looks pretty barren there because that is where the guy took out the scrub trees and now some light can get in there.

 also you can actually see my flower bed here.....maybe I'll plant some mums in there this fall...

  Some good rains this fall and everything will hopefully look alive again....it has been a hot, dry summer and it isn't over with yet!  I wish!
Today was Fall Friday in cross stitch country so I started on my Pumpkin Spice Farm....this is 2 threads over 2 on 32 count....even weave, I think.....much easier than that 40 count....heavens!

  I forgot to tell you that when I went to Walmart I picked up the Fall issue of Primitive Quilts and it is always jam packed with lots of fun and beautiful Fall projects.........

Here are just a few that I have my eye on.............

Please excuse the glare...it was hard to hold the magazine open and take a picture at the same time! LOL!
After morning chores, I ran uptown and took my books to the library and came back with these 2.........this one is on the "uputdownable " list...........

and this one is by the author that wrote A Man Called Ove which was so good.........plus, it's really thin so I can read it fast and add it to my book reading challenge on Good Reads! LOL!  If you know of any other 'thin' books that are good to read please let me know...I am still trying to catch up.

I made peanut butter cookie dough last night and baked up one pan so I'd have a dessert but then I wrap the bowl and bake the rest later.......that's what I'm doing in-between writing to you.  The last batch is in.  I went to the store and got ground beef for tacos tomorrow night and I'll have the last of the putanesca tonight.  As you can see...I like my cookies a little bit on the burnt side...just a bit...I really do!

I hope you have a great Friday night.  What I forgot to mention and I forgot to do today was finances...it was Finance Friday so tonight I guess I'll be working on my budget.
Oh, stop by tomorrow and see what I'm starting for Stars and Stripes Saturday! LOL!  Yes, my dance card is full but I like it that way...just not overwhelming.
Happy Trails!!!

Thursday - August 2, 2018

My days get busier and busier but at least I feel like I'm moving forward and not standing still.  I am maintaining a balanced lifestyle too with no stress just 'steady as she goes'.  I missed Book Date on Monday so here is what I have been reading.........
I finished 2 books this week trying to catch up with my Good Reads Challenge of 75 books....I'm at 35 now so a bit behind but catching up!
No, the camera isn't blurred that's the cover of the book! LOL!  This was very good, scientific and definitely hard to put down!  I give it 4 stars.  It has a lot to do with quantum physics and a multiverse as opposed to a universe.  I am enjoying reading out of my comfort zone for a change.

This was a good read but too much sex, inappropriate language and a subject dealing with children that I do not want to read about.....so 3 stars because the plot was original and the writing good but the subject matter was awful.

 I started reading this book last night only because I knew I had it and I ran across a sampler by Little House Needleworks designed in her honor.  It's also quite graphic but this is a real journal so you can't argue with truth.  Those were scary and tough times especially for women. I'm still reading my other books too.

 I made a good healthy meal this week.........pasta putanesca which calls for anchovy paste which I did not have.   So,  I bought anchovies and made my own.  You put some anchovies on a cutting board, and with a little oil from the tin they came in, you smash them with a fork and in just a matter of minutes you have anchovy paste.  If you tasted the putanesca you would never know there were anchovies in it.  But that along with some capers add a salty, tangy taste that can't be duplicated!  Delicious along with some garlic bread.  There are also greens in the sauce so I didn't make a salad but maybe tonight.

Yesterday was "Witchy Wednesday" on the The Real Housewives of Cross Stitch schedule so I participated with my little Halloween cat with 1 thread over 2 on 40 count linen....never again but I am sort of getting the hang of it.  I had to 'ditch' the lighted magnifier as it was more trouble than it was worth.  I just wear my 'cheaters' and that seems to be good enough.  It's a slow boat to China though..........basically, I got the corner done and most of the left side border....I'll just keep plugging away on Wednesday's..............

I also prepped for Fall Friday...........

I printed off some free patterns for Stars and Stripes Saturday and Santa Sunday and Merry Monday! LOL!  I have lots of Aida fabric and some linen and DMC floss to use for those.
I went to Walmart Monday and "the yard man cometh" and did a great job!  I'll take some pictures and show you tomorrow.  He mowed, weed whacked, cut down brush and weed trees and hauled it all away!   Best money I ever spent!  Today I repotted some herbs and moved flower boxes.  I'm going to hire him to power wash the drive and sidewalks too as soon as I get some money ahead.  It's looking good in the neighborhood!
Now, I'm off to do some cleaning while I still have some energy! LOL!
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #5

Here are my goals from last week

1)  Keep searching for the I Spy quilts and my Folk Art quilt -still no luck although I did find some old needlepoint canvases that I had started probably 40 years ago!

2)  Finish the first Felici sock - I did not finish but I did finish the heel and gusset and I'm probably halfway down the foot although I do have big feet.  Hopefully next week will have one sock finished and the 2nd sock started?  Hopefully!

3)  Finish the first full repeat (20 rows) of the Falling Leaves scarf pattern and put in a lifeline - Yes, I did accomplish this and started the 2nd pattern repeat.  The way she taught inserting the lifeline was to use a smaller cable/circular needle....easy peasy!  So much easier than yarn or floss or any of a number of other techniques I've heard of.  I haven't had to use it yet but I have confidence it will work if needed.  You can see the circular needle sticking out at the ends.  I am enjoying this class and project and I have learned so much already.  It will definitely need a serious blocking when finished.

 
4)  Cut and sew up my daughter's Frida Kahlo basket - It's sitting on my ironing board...that's as far as I got.
5)  Sew soles unto slippers - nada....maybe today?
6)  Finish Pickle Dish #2 and cut material for the next one - half done...I finished the 2nd pickle dish but have not cut out the material for the 3rd one yet.

7)  cut binding for Sampler quilt if rotary blades arrive - nope
8)  cut pillowcase material if rotary blades arrive - nope
9)  do finishing sewing on 4th of July pillow -started but never made it to the sewing machine.........I watched a Vonna Pffeifer finishing video and just did the basics; no added trim or edging.....maybe next time.  I ironed on the interfacing and now I need to sew and stuff............. the backing fabric has little stars on it.  I found it in my 'stash'...perfect!

10) trace embroidery pattern on material if light box and tracing pen arrive - this got done and it was easier than I thought although I am glad I didn't choose a large project to trace for my first time and the Frixion pens worked great along with the light box...........I had to tear the page out of the book and make a copy of it and then I didn't like the freezer paper as I couldn't see the pattern very well so I tore it off and then I got to work!  I was able to do it in one sitting and I rather enjoyed it.

I was going to start last night but I need to get out my embroidery book(s) and bone up on some of the stitches she uses.........

I forgot to show you what my daughter and grandboys made and gifted me when they came to visit......wind chimes!  I hung them here for the picture but I need to find a place for them.  I'm afraid to put them outside.  I'll ask Amy if they're weather proof...probably but I want to make sure.  I love handmade anything and everything!

Grayson got his birthday gift and called me and thanked me profusely....he said "Grandma....how did you know I wanted that so much?"  I got him a potholder loom and extra loops.  I thought he would like it as he is very creative and likes making things.  What a great feeling when they like your gift.  He said he was making the first potholder for me!  It warmed my heart.....now, unto Christmas in July! LOL!
Here are my goals for this coming week:
1)  Keep searching for the I Spy quilts and my Folk Art quilt
2)  Finish the first Felici sock - I mean it....finish it and start the 2nd sock!
3)  Finish the next pattern repeat on the Falling Leaves scarf (20 rows)
4)  Cut and sew up my daughter's Frida Kahlo basket
5)  Sew soles unto slippers
6)  Cut material for next pickle dish and get started sewing it
7)  cut binding for Sampler quilt
8)  cut pillowcase material
9)  do finishing sewing on 4th of July pillow - for sure!
10) start embroidery on PINS pin cushion

I need to update Ravelry this week and also there's a SAL (sew along) with The Real Housewives of Cross Stitch podcast (Priscilla and Chelsea; mother and daughter) that I want to join in....they always have the neatest projects in cross stitch and now they're starting on punch needle....be still my beating heart!  They also have a drawing and a discount for the SAL pattern and/or kit.  I need another project like a hole in my head but it is so fun to be inspired by all these talented people.....including all of you!

Please stop by and see all the other fantastic projects that other  YOP'ers are working on.
Happy Trails!!!                                                                                                             

Thursday - July 26, 2018

Today is my grandson Grayson's 7th birthday and in honor of his birthday I made a cake.  Of course we're too far away to share it but I will enjoy it in his honor regardless! LOL!

 He's the blonde on the left....this was taken while they were visiting in June.  I didn't get many pictures....they were too fast for me! I sent a package (just this morning....I am so slow) and I called him to wish him a Happy Birthday....he was excited because he had gotten money for his birthday and he had decided he wanted a Harry Potter Lego set and they were going to get it after they got done making cupcakes.  They're going to his other grandpa's tonight for dinner so he will have a great day.

The cake I made is a French style yogurt cake with lemon.  It will get a simple lemon glaze after it is cool.  

 I got the recipe from Molly Weizenberg who used to have a blog called Orangette and that's where I got this recipe...............here

It doesn't look like she blogs anymore but there are lots of archives from 2004 with gobs of great recipes.  I think she stopped blogging because she has written 2 books now also.  I have one that I just started reading.  It was on sale for .99 so I couldn't pass it up!  It's called "A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes From My Kitchen Table".  I love cookbooks with stories about the recipes and their makers.

I have to take Miss Peeps to the vet this afternoon for her yearly rabies vaccination and tomorrow I will take Grace.  I only have 1 cat carrier.  I hope you are staying cool, dry and smoke free where you live.

Happy Trails!!!

Monday - 07/23/2018 Book Date!

I am hoping to get back on schedule this week.  It seems to take me a month to recover from company or a week for every week they are here.  I finished a book and a magazine and acquired a few more...........I found this November 1982 issue especially  interesting about the Anasazi and the different tribes of the Southwest.  Also their history and the pottery they made and how they survived in such a hostile environment.  Even the ads were interesting as 1982 seems not that long ago to me but if you look at the car advertisements the styles are really old!  Amazing!

I also finished Morality for Beautiful Girls which was very good as usual.............his books are wonderful and I truly enjoy them.

I went to the library this morning and returned the books.  I never did get to read A Team of Rivals....maybe some other time.
Before I left for the library I was looking for a recipe on Pinterest and up popped a post about 17 books you won't be able to put down.........intriguing!  I had to go see it as I am behind in my Good Reads Challenge and thought it would be good to get caught up by reading books I couldn't put down!  It was a post by The Modern Mrs. Darcy whose blog I follow.  She has excellent recommendations for books.  I wrote them all down and went off to the library not expecting to find any of them but lo and behold I got 2 of them!  Here's a link to the blog post. 
Here are the 2 books I got....

 I already started reading this one and I'm on chapter 7.......I think Anne (Mrs. Darcy) was right!

I'm still reading Alan Alda....very good non-fiction......much of it about his family, values, and speeches he gave....a very wise man and so genuine and kind.  I'm enjoying it.

Remember this one?  I put it down to read Alexander McCall Smith books and so I have picked it back up again.  I had just started it and hadn't gotten very far so I restarted.  So far so good.............

I picked out another National Geographic to read.  This one is a little more current........2014...lol!

I also ordered what I thought was a wonderful math book I loved in college that I loaned to someone and they never returned it..........it wasn't the same one.  This one is very skinny while the other one was quite thick.  But there are problems in it and I do love me some math work.  I'm thinking it might help to keep my neurons firing. My grandson Sam wanted my old Chemistry book so I gave it too him but I used to read that occasionally too.  It's hard to retire from science.....

 As for television, I have become a news/political junky but after the news I've been watching Dr. Blake Mysteries on Netflix and have only watched a few podcasts.  What have you been reading, watching or listening to?
Happy Trails!!!