Miscellaneous tasks..........

I took my plants back outside today as I had to bring them in last week when we had that frost warning. 

Since I replanted my clematis last year it is growing and blooming like crazy!  I need to get in there and weed too!

Since I cleared the plants off the indoor shelf I was able to clean it and put my houseplants back where they belonged......

I've got laundry going and bread dough rising and I finally got my Stitch Maynia orders in although there are still things I need but they will have to wait....like the supplies that will go to this beauty........this is a Carolyn Manning cross stitch design that is based on Jane Stickle's 1863 quilt which if you are a quilter you have probably heard of it.  I have the pattern but not the fabric or floss.  It is only about 13 X 13 so it's not that big but look at all those colors!!!  LOVE!!!  She used a hand-dyed blue for the background and there is a row with no stitching around each square where the material shows through and then on the border too.  I'm thinking of using a yellow for the background or something besides blue.  I think it looks drab.  But then I imagine you don't want anything too striking that would interfere with all those designs and colors.  Let me know what you think.

I also managed to finish another Victorian Square........

The edges are curling up but that will be remedied when I block them all.  I also finished Miss Marple except for weaving in the ends so I will save that for Sunday's YOP.  I need to make some jar salads and then go pick up groceries from Walmart so enjoy your afternoon and stay well!
Happy Trails!!!

 

Stitch Maynia is taking over!!!

Yesterday I spent the day on my menu and shopping for groceries online.  It was an all-day event!  I didn't finish until 5:30!  I can pick them up on Friday at 3-4 p.m. and they are now predicting severe weather for tomorrow!  I'm hoping it will change. 
Today some other Walmart items came in the mail............things that I could not get in the pickup at my local Walmart.  I'll let them sit for 24 hours just to be on the safe side.  I do the same with my mail.

Today was spent figuring out the patterns for Stitch Maynia and then calculating fabric needed and if I need floss.  This has taken all afternoon too!  I did get a call from the hospice people.  They contact me every month since Jim died to see how I'm doing.  Then I had to go pick up my prescriptions.  I ordered an oximeter that measures your heart rate and the amount of oxygen in your blood.  They have noticed that people with COVID-19 could still function even though their oxygen level was like 50% less than it should be!  They were amazed.  It was like a slow message to the brain but then they would just pass out while minutes earlier they seemed fine.   It's a handy gadget to have around so since I am 1 1/2 hours away from my doctor I thought I would get one.  It's about $37 or $47.  The doctor that was discussing these COVID-19 anomalies said that oximeters will eventually be like thermometers in the home.  I checked and my oxygen saturation was 98%.....pretty good! Connie this would be a great little device for Gene and you or maybe you have one already?
Now, I'm back to Stitch Maynia supply order from 3 different vendors!   It is fun and I have been saving up for this for a long time!  But it is complicated trying to use what you have and figuring the size of the fabric when you change the stitch count but it will save a lot of money, in the long run, to use what I have.

On breaks, I've been working on Miss Marple and I'm just about finished!  I'm also still garden planning and planting when it isn't raining.  It has been raining for days now.  Not all day but not weather you want to go out and work in or even take a walk as it comes and goes.  What have you all been up to?
I've been watching Stitching the High Notes who has been doing a daily Vlog and she hooked me up to 2 new recipe sites that look healthy and from what Johanna says, the recipes have been delicious!  So, I chose the ones she said were "keepers' and they are on my menu these coming weeks.  The sites are Against All Grains and Downshiftology.  Be happy and stay well! 
Happy Trails!!!

There's nothing to see here...really!

There are no pictures today.  I mowed my lawn and spent an hour picking up sticks and debris from the last storm and then came in and took a bath and I'm done now.  I've also been sneezing and blowing my nose continuously!  I was going to show you another finished Victorian Square but I goofed and had to tear it halfway back.  I need to make a menu and grocery list and get on Walmart's waiting list!  Until tomorrow!  Oh, BTW,  I didn't have any OFF so I pray I didn't get any ticks on me and then I noticed poison sumac growing up the side of the house again not to mention the armadillos are still at it......woe is me!  Not really....LOL!
Happy Trails!!!

Social Distancing People!!!

Evidently some people did not get the memo!  I went to the gas station which is the same one I have gone to for years.  It is self-serve and I never have to go in and I am always the only person there.  Not today!!!  There was a woman filling up so I waited.  I could have gone on the other side but I thought that was a bit close.  When she was done I pulled in and started filling up and I also needed to fill my gas container for the mower.  Well, wouldn't you know, a guy pulls up on the other side and then he gets out and starts talking to me!  I didn't have a mask on because I was not expecting to be that close to anyone!  I got out of there as fast as I could but at least I have my fuel and I hope nothing else!
Today was get the garbage out and empty all of the ones in the house and reline them.  I also cut up a cantaloupe and made some applesauce in the crockpot with some apples that were getting soft.

 I have no idea where the day went but it went!  I did work on calculating supplies and choosing patterns for Stitch Maynia but I guess I should have done it sooner because some of the online shops are out of items because Stitch Maynia is a big deal by a lot of people!  I'll manage but I need to get my orders in!  It's fun and exciting though.
I worked on my crochet WIP of Victorian Squares and got 1 1/2 done.  Oh, and I started with a G hook and I got lucky!  It ended up the same size as my other squares!  Tonight I'll work on Miss Marple as it is just knit right now and I can do that and watch t.v. 

 Speaking of, I am still watching Doc Martin to catch up.  I am reading The Nightingale (fiction) on my PC, and on my tablet, I am reading Reality Is Not What It Seems by Carlo Rovelli an Italian physicist (non-fiction) and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith....a classic from the 1930's, I think. (fiction)
Time to call it a day!
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #42

I have a finish!  My crocheted scarf/cowl.............

I love it although I can't wear it now but I will next winter!  I love the yarn the style and the color...so soft and squishy!  But it did hurt my hands so no more bulky yarn for me unless I have some in my stash to finish.  This was super bulky I think.  So, now that I finished this 'new'  project, I have to pick a crochet WIP and I chose this one............
the only problem is it calls for a 4.5 or size 7 hook which I don't have so I used either a G or an H  hook but I didn't write it down so I will have to use one and see how it sizes up with the squares I had done already..........

I only have 4 squares done and I don't know how big I'll be making it.  I'm using Stylecraft DK as I have lots of it in different colors.   Now, I can't do any other crochet until this is done!  Unless an emergency crochet situation arises but I doubt that will happen! LOL!

As for knitting, I am getting close to finishing my Miss Marple shawl/scarf and hope to have a finish next week........

Since this was a new knitting project, the next will have to be a WIP.
In the cross stitch category, I am still working on the COVID-19 remembrance piece.........

I am also prepping for Stitch Maynia 2020 and I have my first piece picked out and I have the pattern.
Beth Twist of Heartstring Samplery designed 4 cross stitch patterns each with a different theme; justice, faith, hope, and another one I can't remember at the moment.   They cost $12 each but $10 from each sale goes to a different charity.  This one, Justice, goes to an organization that fights human trafficking.    Eventually, I want to do all of them.

 

As for sewing; the ironing board cover was new so now to a WIP.  I thought this would be a crochet WIP but the crochet is all done and all that is left is the sewing so it is my sewing WIP!  I'm sure you remember this one............it's been around for a while but not for much longer! 

This was supposed to be my daughter's birthday present several years ago!  Well, she will be getting it this year for sure God willing!  These are the 4 sides of the basket

 

 This is the bottom of the basket

The bottom is the only part I have lined so far.  My daughter loves Frida Kahlo as an artist and the basket was named after her.  Then I was able to find Frida Kahlo fabric!  

 I have to line the sides, sew together and then I just realized I do need to crochet the handles but that shouldn't take too long.  

My craft room is coming along and it has motivated me to finish things now that I am organizing my projects.

It's raining today but yesterday was nice so I took a walk and some photos as things change so fast!  The redbuds are fading and soon so will the dogwoods but there is always something new to discover........dogwoods...........

 I don't know if you can see but dogwoods are sprinkled throughout the woods and it is like someone is shining a light from above in the middle of the forest.

These are new just since the day before when I took my walk!  We are surrounded by beauty even during a pandemic.

Stay safe, stay well and Happy Trails!!!

Focus, focus, focus!

And I am.....to the exclusion of almost everything else.  The craft room is getting there but oh boy! I did manage to clean up the kitchen and do a load of laundry but the rest of the time is spent in that room!  I  haven't even reached the closets yet and now the desk is covered and there is stuff in the middle of the room on the floor.  But in all reality sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better right?
I unearthed an old typewriter I got at a garage sale.  Can you get tapes for these old machines?  Does anyone know?  I would love to use it!   I need to get a Swiffer to dust it.

I've gathered material up and the big pieces and yardage are in this container and then I have another smaller container for fat quarters and charm packs and then another for scraps. 

I'm bushed and calling it a day!  I'm getting ready to make some salmon patties for supper with corn and sweet potato.

Happy Trails!!!

More treasures/stuff!!!

First, let me apologize...I have been having fits and starts replying to your posts on your blogs.  I have a feeling I may need to re-follow you all using my new email or something as it lets me input but when I go to publish it I get an error from Google.  I'll figure it out eventually but sorry for my 'no comments'.
I found this little guy hidden away but he is now back in the kitchen where he belongs!  Another antique....really.

 I'm about halfway around the room now and you can walk through.....a miracle! LOL!

 yes.....I have a lot of stuff!

 This is a true treasure!  This is my rug hooking that I finished but needs final finishing....this is primitive rug hooking and so primitive you can barely make out the "Welcome Friends" on it. 

This was what I was working on when I first came to Arkansas and then my eyes went flooey and I couldn't see very well for a few years.....it reminded me of my dog Abby and she was still alive at the time but has since passed so I really want to get back to it now.  I belonged to a guild and took several classes too. I used to buy old wool clothing at the Good Will stores up North and overdye it and cut it to use for hooking.  I loved every bit of the process...I know I have more so hopefully, it will turn up.  I did lose some things in the move so some may never turn up.

That's all for today folks....I'm bushed with all this 'going through things' and organizing.  Don't worry, there's some in the Salvation Army box and also in the garbage so I did get rid of a few things! LOL!
Happy Trails!!!

Cleaning a crafts room is fun!!!

Look what I dug up today!  Treasures from the past and kits I've never started!  Imagine that!?!?  What do you call projects that are never started but in your possession? PNS's?  Projects not started?

 Here are some PNS's I found today.....I'm sure there's more! This is a beautiful embroidery that cost a pretty penny and it has not been touched!

 I think I bought this to make for Uriah who is now 10 or 11?  Bad Grandma!

 This reminded me of my farm dog, Abby but she was no princess and she wasn't a chihuahua but medium sized with that face.  She was tough and very protective.

 This was a rug kit and a toothbrush one if I remember.....

 Now, I have 2 WIPs.....remember this one?  I crocheted it, made it into a pillow, got the pillow form, sewed it together and then.......

Never got the buttons for the back!   Can you believe it?  There's the button holes and everything ....pitiful Sam...just pitiful!

This WIP is eons old....anywhere from 20-40 years old or older!  It's a scarecrow..........

So, there you go, a little walk down memory lane!  Stay tuned as I'm sure there will be more tomorrow.  BTW, I was up at 3:00 this morning and while I was waiting for my coffee I checked my pc for the weather.  Whoa Nellie!!!!  There was a freeze warning and it was 33 F!!  I threw on my coat over my pj's and ran outside to bring in all my seedlings,  I made it and they all seem fine and 15 minutes later I checked and it was 31 F!  Thank you Lord!
Happy Trails!!!

Big Easter/Covid-19 Care Package!!!

Look what my daughter and her family sent me............Happy Easter to me!!!  I'm set now for awhile!  There were even some snacks (I already ate the pomegranate cashews...YUM!)  and some great body creme!  I am the luckiest!!!  Thank you dear daughter and family!!!

 I worked most of the day on the crafts room..........straightening, cleaning, and organizing...

I moved some things around and tried to gather "like" things together........

It's not done but I made a big dent in it today!

 I also found a few more old finishes which I put in a container with all the rest so I know where to go when I want to final finish them..........

I took my walk today and prepped for my dinner tonight...........chicken strips, roasted asparagus, and baked sweet potato.  I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy!
Happy Trails!!!

Stormy night....

No terrible warnings here just a severe thunderstorm which kept me up but was also great for reading in bed.  I finished a book; first in a series called The Constable on the Hill about the adventures of an English policeman in the rural countryside.  It was enjoyable but there are 36 in the series and I'm not sure I want to continue on with them.  So, because of the storm and the reading, I got a late start this morning. 
I did pay a bill and mailed it up at the mailbox in town. I went outside and was surprised to see one of my clematis blooming with lots more buds too!

I received some wonderfully illustrated cards from the art teacher and her offspring!

This was from Grayson.............

This was from Sam and he signed his name in cursive!  YAY!!!! I cannot believe they do not teach cursive anymore...next thing you know they'll stop teaching reading!

  and last but not least....a card from Amy....the original tiny drawings artist!  What joy to receive these!  Thank you, daughter and her offspring! LOL!

 This afternoon I made my first chia pudding.....I only made one, for now, to see how I like it but it seems to be popular.  It's 2 T of chia seeds to 1/2 cup of any kind of milk....I used almond.  1 t honey or sweetener of your choice.  Stir and let sit for 3 minutes and stir again.  Refrigerate overnight and in the morning put some fruit on top and there is your breakfast!  Chia is supposed to be very filling and healthy.  I cut up some kiwi and in the morning I will cut up a banana too.

 Here' s the milk bread recipe that some of you have asked for....this bread is easy to slice, wonderful toasted or plain...just a great all around white bread.

White Milk Bread or Rolls
-------------------------------------
You can make this as one loaf or shape into smaller rolls like hamburger buns or hot dog buns although I haven't tried that yet.  You can easily make and freeze for later.

Ingredients:
--------------
1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 t yeast
1 t honey
3 2/3 cup bread flour or regular which is what I had
1/2 t salt
1 egg lightly beaten
3 T butter, melted

Put the milk, yeast, and honey in a small bowl, and stir until the honey melts.  Leave it for about 10 minutes, or until it begins to froth a bit.  Put the flour and salt in your Kitchenaid bowl if you have one.  Add the yeast mixture, the egg, and butter and mix well with your mixer attachment.  Change to your dough hook and knead for 10 minutes or so.  Cover the bowl with a cloth and leave in a warm, draft-free place (I always sit it on top of my frig) for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until it has puffed up well.
Lightly grease a 12 x 4-inch loaf pan and dust it with flour.    Punch down the dough to flatten it and shape it into a rough loaf to fit the pan.  Cover with a cloth and leave in a warm place for another 45-60 minutes or until it puffs right up in the pan.  Preheat the oven to 375 F.  Put the pan in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the top is firm and crusty and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.  Remove the pan from the oven, knock the loaf out of the pan and cool it on a rack.
Makes 1 loaf or about 15 small rolls.

This recipe is from the cookbook Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros 

Happy Trails!!!