Time for Mimi

By the light of the silvery moon...

2012-01-13T20:29:00.000-05:00

The most recent WoNkY HoUSe!

A new "wonky" house, plus one more

2012-01-10T18:35:00.001-05:00

Rick is feeling better and went to work today. I love this unseasonably warm and sunny weather we are having, so, because I wanted to check on him at work, I just walked down and spent a little time with him.

When I got home, I put the new tubes in my golf bag. Now I have enough tubes to hold all my clubs. I had two old ones that were broken, so those went into the recycling bin.

I took down the wreaths that were in the front window. I scrubbed my tennis shoes (they get so grimy) and then got lunch ready for Rick.

After he went back to work, I took all the decorations off the Christmas tree. I'm not able to schlep the tree upstairs, so we will probably do that tonight.

I wanted to try my hand at another wonky house block for the group I joined. I like this one, I think it turned out pretty nice . The one on the right...well, I did this one on Wednesday, 1/11.

Bits and pieces of life

2012-01-06T17:39:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd take a few minutes and jot down some thoughts and happenings at our house.

We had snow on Tuesday...a lot of snow! It was beautiful and I love being out in the snow and shoveling the snow. However, with this shoulder issue, I'm not supposed to be using it hardly at all, especially no lifting or heavy movement. SO...I'm not able to use the snow blower or the shovel. Rick went outside before going to work to use the brand new 2 stage snow blower. The snow was so wet and heavy that it didn't do a good job. Then when he was about 1/3 of the way done with the driveway, he got sick. Nausea and light headed. He had to stop, immediately. He got so sick he couldn't even go in the house. I got a lawn chair and he rested in the garage until he was strong enough to turn off the blower and push it into the garage. Then rested again to get enough strength to get in the house. He rested and felt better and went on to work. (I quizzed him unmercifully as to just how he was feeling because I was concerned it was a heart issue.)

Turns out, that episode was the beginning of a stomach bug. He has been off work both yesterday and today. Poor guy. I gave him Imodium and that has slowed down his trips to the bathroom, but his stomach is still bad. I hate seeing him ill...makes me feel so bad for him.

One of our neighbors -- young man, newly married and new to the neighborhood surprised us and plowed our driveway Tuesday night. What a surprise to wake on Wednesday morning and see the driveway clear. It was like the story of the Shoemaker and the Elves that I loved so much as a child. Going to have to do something really nice for Caleb.

My physical therapy is moving along. It's HARD work, to say the least. I have been having a good bit of pain. I spoke with my physical therapist and he says that's part of my recovery. I guess it's to be expected about this point after the injury and surgery. I do all I can do in my therapy, which is what he tells me I should do. I'm not to overdo it...follow the signals my body sends to me. I get reassessed at physical therapy on Monday and on Thursday I go to see the surgeon.

My daughter came on Wednesday and we cleaned out my spare room. I'm terrible at clutter control and have a hard time getting rid of stuff. I work well with a partner (and Jennifer was a great partner in this venture). I took a load of stuff to the Goodwill yesterday after physical therapy (the Goodwill is just down the road from there). It's easy enough to go there as they unload your car for you...and if you are lucky like me, you have someone at home to load your car! I put a nice office chair at the end of my driveway with a "free" sign on it and it went quickly.

I've been going through my recipes, typing them all into the computer and getting rid of the 3 x 5, 5 x 7, newspaper clippings and notebook paper recipes. I've gone through my main dishes and am now working on desserts. This will be great to have them all organized. Jennifer told me it's my "project" and when I get that done (and go through a small clothes basket full of "stuff" we would move onto another room! Woo hoo!

Monday is Rick's birthday! As I was going through recipes I came across one for one of his favorite cakes. It's called Refrigerator Sheet Cake. I'll share the recipe here.

Refrigerator Sheet Cake – Rick’s favorite

9 x 13 pan, greased and floured

350F for about 30 to 35 minutes

Cake:

1 small (3 oz) pkg. strawberry jello

¾ cup boiling water

½ cup cold water

Dissolve jello in boiling water, then add cold. Set aside and allow to become room temperature.

1 white cake mix

Mix as directed and bake in 9 x 13 inch pan. Cool for 20 to 25 minutes. Poke holes in cake with meat fork, about ½ inches apart. Pour jello into the holes. Refrigerate cake and prepare topping.

Topping:

1 envelope whipped topping mix (2½ cup yield)

1 package (3¾ oz) instant vanilla pudding

1½ cup cold milk

1 tsp. vanilla

In chilled deep bowl, blend whipped topping mix, pudding mix, milk and vanilla until stiff, about 8 to 10 minutes. Frost cake and refrigerate.

Well, enough of "this and that" for now. I need to figure out something for my sick guy to eat for dinner.

Wonky House(s)

2012-01-02T17:12:00.001-05:00

I signed up to participate in a Wonky House Block sway over at Jane's Fabric and Quilts and made my first block today.

It's my first attempt and even though I like it well enough, I think I can do more and better.

There's a Flickr group and some of the blocks that have been posted are really cool.

Here's wonky house #2...

62 and counting

2011-12-30T15:38:00.001-05:00

Yep, it's my birthday. I really have a hard time with my birthday...seems like I always have. Maybe it's because it's at Christmas/New Year and there is so much else going on. Maybe it's just that birthdays are hard for me. Lots of feelings of sadness, for some reason, but life goes on, doesn't it!!

I have shed a few tears today and smiled quite a few smiles, too.

I am 62 years old today. I'm in pretty darned good shape, except for this broken shoulder thing, but that's healing and I'm going to be ok.

This morning when I was talking to the 4 of the "sweet six" (those near Pittsburgh) Nathan asked how old I was. I told him..."62"...he answered, "That's a LOT!" I laughed with him and said it sure was a lot!!! Evelyn, too, said it was a LOT! Grandkids almost ALWAYS make you smile and chuckle.

Tonight we are having dinner at House of Hunan. It's Chinese food and I really like it a lot. It's a pretty place and I'm looking forward to it. Jennifer, Todd, Hadley and Treva are going out with Rick and me.

Happy birthday to me!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T07:03:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! May this season bring you peace, health and comfort along with the joy of being with loved ones. God bless us all.

Tis the season

2011-12-20T12:03:00.000-05:00

Christmas is coming and it's coming quickly!

All the gift shopping is done, with the exception that I need a couple of things for my sweet Rick. I think I might need a few things for stockings, but that's minor cause they don't need wrapped!

All of the wrapping is done...nope, I didn't do it, but my great friend, Sandy, came to my house and wrapped for HOURS and did all of it! What kind of friend is that? I appreciate her help so much. With this shoulder injury I'm not able to do a whole lot. I wrapped a few presents, but Sandy wrapped for about 7 hour for me. We had a great time chatting, munching lunch that was prepared by my sweet husband, tea time and then dinner prepared by all of us.

I have a project that I had started long before my fall/injury that I would like to finish for my daughters, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get it done. I tried sewing on Friday and it's pretty tough doing the cutting and pressing without strength and movement. If the project doesn't get done, I'll show them the unfinished project or just wait and give it to them when I'm more easily able to finish. Either way, I think they will like the gift(s).

Merry Christmas to you. May the peace of Christ be in your heart and in your celebration.

My blessings

2011-11-21T16:32:00.000-05:00

I am blessed in many ways, I truly am. I have marveled (from early in my life) just how blessed I have been. I grew up in a stable, loving, God-centered family. We were rich...not with money (even though we had enough of it), but with blessings.

When I married, I found the best man I could ever dream. He loved me. I loved him. Love was young and exciting...so exciting. We were blessed with two beautiful, wonderful, loving daughters. My family was as I dreamed...stable, loving, God centered and rich in what was important. We, as all families, had issues to deal with--illnesses, deaths and sadness at times. But above everything, there was love.

My family grew up, the girls are now beautiful, wonderful wives and mothers...again...blessings. I've had the empty nest, and while I KNOW in my head that this is how life should be, sometimes I miss my little nucleus. I've told friends who dislike their empty nest, "This is a blessing...God's way of bringing husband and wife closer".

The love is still there, not the young immature love, but the time-tested, true, love of a lifetime.

My angel in the spotlight for this post is my husband, Rick. As I write about him, tears are close to the surface. This last few weeks has been very difficult for me since my fall -- with the injury, surgery, pain, recuperation, emotional times, etc. Something I can not wrap my mind around is his patience, his caring and his demeanor in taking care of my every need. He is here, not leaving me without taking care of what I need or might want. When he leaves, he reminds me he can come home from work if I need anything at all. He totally overwhelms me with his love. He gives me my meds, keeping track of when I need it, as the narcotic keeps me from remembering when I last took it. He brings me my meals, helps me shower (even helps me fix my hair), dresses my wounds, helps me dress...every detail.

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings you have showered upon me. Thank you, Rick, for loving me.

This is my blessed family. The handsome silver-haired man in the middle is my sweet Rick.

More injury, new doc & surgery

2011-11-11T04:10:00.002-05:00

Change...Thought I was getting better, but I RE-DISLOCATED my shoulder on Monday, November 7. I was going to put away a little clean laundry, reached out and the shoulder went out. More excruciating pain.

I'll leave out the details of my former doctor being a total jerk and tell you he is no longer caring for me. I went back to the ER, had the shoulder put back in place.

I called a long-time friend and trainer on Tuesday morning, who got me headed in the right direction. I went to see Dr. N. Shah who is incredible. He is team doc for KSU and RHS football. He looked at my ct scan and x-rays and stated I must have surgery. He recommended I see Dr. R. Bell at the Crystal Clinic. I saw Dr. Bell -- best shoulder surgeon in the area -- also on Tuesday. I was scheduled for surgery on 11/11/11.

So, today at 2 pm, I am being operated on. At this time, the full extent of the damage to my painful right shoulder is not completely known, but there is at least one broken bone and probably some muscle and ligament damage. Possibly rotator cuff damage.

Updates to follow.

Healing

2011-11-11T03:47:00.000-05:00

I drafted this post on Nov. 5, but failed to post it at that time...I thought I should add some photos. However, many things have changed since then. I'm posting this, then I'll post again on the changes in my status.

I'm feeling better from the fall...the eyes got worse, now they are getting better!

As far as my dislocated shoulder, I'm waiting for my MRI appointment. Sadly (not sure why I say that, other than I want to KNOW what's going on) my appointment isn't until November 14th, then a doctor visit on the 16th. Dr. Pryce said there's a broken bone in the shoulder joint (not sure what bone he called it).

Doc said the shoulder should heal and in the event it doesn't, he could do surgery on it after that time to repair any unhealed damage. Hope the MRI clears up some of the questions I have about this situation.

I'm finding some new bruises here and there. I got a pedicure and one of my toenails is badly bruised. My left thigh has a big bruise with a hard lump in it. I'm not surprised by these findings, I think it's all part of the fall-process.

On top of not being in tip-top condition right now, I have acquired a cold. It makes my sinuses hurt. They hurt so much that my teeth are bothering me, too. I'm taking ibuprofen and Airborne to deal with the symptoms and to make myself more comfortable.

I'm hoping that I can start hiking again with my sister this week. I took this past week off due to recuperation from the fall...Rick didn't think it was a good idea for me to be hiking, either. I've been pretty much laying around, playing on the computer and puttering about the house. Time to get out and get some exercise...I'm sure I'll feel better.

I accidentally missed my hair appointment on Thursday. I need my hair cut!! It's shaggy and with my bum shoulder, it's even harder to look presentable! I'm in on Thursday of this coming week, so things should be easier.

We are off to Jennifer and Todd's house this afternoon. Kelly and Scott are dropping off their children at their house so they can attend a fancy-schmancy wedding in Cleveland. It's black tie! Woo hoo...don't think I've ever even been invited to a black tie affair. All the men must wear tuxedos. I asked my daughter what SHE was going to wear. She laughed and said, "My bathrobe!" I asked if she was wearing her fuzzy slippers to match! Anyway, the reception is at the Ritz Carlton and they are spending the night in Cleveland. Jennifer and Todd will have their hands full with 6 children tonight! We'll go this afternoon for a few hours and have a wonderful time with all of them.

You should see the other guy! This is NOT a mug shot!

2011-10-30T17:14:00.000-04:00

Warning--content may be upsetting to small children and sensitive adults.

Actually, there is no "other guy". I did this all by myself.

Friday evening, about 5:30, I was transporting some plants to the basement for the winter. On my first trip down, I don't know why, I fell OFF the stairs to the left. I fell onto a collapsible clothes drying rack--it collapsed (hence, the name) with me on top of it, face down. My head hit a bucket that holds my cleaning rags. There I lay, on m'belly, with a painful right arm/shoulder. Thankfully the phone was right there and I called Rick. He was home in a few minutes, helped me up (very slowly) and we went to the ER.

My experience at the hospital was less than adequate for about the first hour. A little teenage volunteer asked us to fill out a questionnaire. Rick starts to fill it out and a woman comes over and asks, "Why are you here?". I answer, "I fell." She replies, "Are you hurt?" and so many sarcastic comments come to mind, but I replied, "Yes, I hurt my arm and my face."

Anyway, after several bumbling, rude, insensitive and less-than-gentle staff, I got a great doctor and nurse and my care level skyrocketed! Thankfully my arm isn't broken, I don't have a concussion, no blood on my brain.

I will hopefully see the orthopedist tomorrow about the dislocated shoulder and ligament damage.

As I look back, I'm very fortunate I am not hurt more than I am and I'm very grateful for that.

Vivian

2011-09-28T15:42:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted...life has been busy and that's a good thing!

However, my granddaughter, Vivian, will be two on Saturday. I've been working (very slowly) on her gift and time was a-growin' short!

So, today, it was "pedal to the metal" in my sewing studio! I got her gift (the part I'm making anyway) all finished.

Above is Miss Viv and the picture to the left is Vivian and one of her big sisters, Anna.

The pictures below is the bag that I designed, quilted and stitched up just for Vivian along with a money holder she can wear (cause she's a big girl and her sisters have one, too!

I made the twins school bags for their birthdays and Vivian thinks she needed one, too. Of course she does!! So, here's Viv's bag and money holder.

Fall projects

2011-09-05T12:54:00.000-04:00

My grandchildren (4 out of the 6) are going to school this fall.

Evie is 8 and in the 3rd grade and needed a bag for her cheer leading paraphernalia. So, Mimi made her a bag to hold all that fun stuff.
Unfortunately, at this time, I don't have pictures of that bag. Anna and Nathan are going to preschool and so, for their birthday, I made them school bags. (Also don't have a picture of those.)

This bag...all the different views...is a bag for Hadley who also goes to preschool this fall. I'm happy with the way the bags have turned out and each of them is personalized with their name.

I love the kids and hope they like their bags.

Peaceful Corner and my hike this morning

2011-08-13T13:34:00.000-04:00

As I was looking back at my blog, I saw the post about my "Peaceful Corner". Rick and I were just outside yesterday and we remarked on how much things have grown. Thought I'd share my peaceful corner now that it's August!

It's still peaceful, but it's even MORE peaceful!

Also, feeling a bit blue this morning and Rick having a golf outing with his buddies, I decided to go for a hike at our nearby park. It's named Towner's Woods and I spent a little while there this morning soaking up some nature. I walked on what is called "Butterfly Loop" and upon entering the clearing to start the path, I saw a beautiful yellow butterfly. Thinking there would be LOTS of them, I failed to get a picture! Nope, no more butterflies on that trail.

However, I did see this little rascal...a black squirrel just as I was starting down the main path. I have dozens of these in my yard, but he was there to welcome me, so I snapped his photo. I saw two spotted fawns. One crossed my path just about 5-10 feet in front of me. Nope, I didn't have my camera ready, but knowing a bit about deer, I knew there HAD to be at least one more nearby. I stood still and waited. Nothing. I took a few steps forward and looked into the wooded are to my left (where #1 bounded out) and looked really hard. There was another fawn there, but he was well hidden. I snapped a photo, but my automatic focus did it's job and focused on the nearer tree limbs, etc. So, I didn't get that photo. I remained still while a multitude of mosquitoes had a bite of ME for lunch. Soon...about 20 feet ahead of me bounded the second fawn. Still no photo, but I have their beauty etched in my mind.

Anyway, it was a nice way to spend some time with nature this morning. I'm glad I went.

Frozen cappuccino!

2011-07-08T14:11:00.000-04:00

I was reading Karen's blog, "Sew Many Ways" and she was making an iced coffee today. This spurred me into showing you how I make my no-fat, sugar-free, frozen mocha cappuccino.

I start with my Mr. Coffee espresso maker. It was a birthday gift from my hubby many years ago. I use a stick blender (mine is a Waring brand) and it's quite powerful and I really like it a lot.

I use espresso. You can use regular coffee, but I really like ground espresso beans. Make yourself a nice strong espresso.

I use lactose free, skim milk and freeze it into ice cubes. (I make the milk cubes ahead of time and keep them ready.) I use 8 cubes, which is one cup of milk...a full serving for meeting a portion of my daily nutritional needs.

After I make my espresso, I pour it over my milk cubes (in a BIG vessel, because it will increase in volume when you blend it) along with two Splenda packets, a few drops of vanilla extract and a quick shot of Hershey's sugar-free chocolate syrup.

Using the stick blender, start blending, and chopping up your milk cubes. It will get thick and increase in volume.

Pour over a couple of ice cubes in your serving glass.

Put your feet up, relax a bit and enjoy.

What a guilt-free refreshment!

If you make one, let me know what you think!

Finished product----->

Peaceful corner

2011-07-04T20:27:00.000-04:00

This is the front corner of my home. I love this area...a small fountain and my summer plants.

Independence Day Celebration, 2011

2011-07-02T23:59:00.000-04:00

This morning our town had what's called the Kent Heritage Festival. It's ALWAYS on the Saturday before July 4th and we (Rick, Evelyn and I) went. I forgot my camera (darn), but we had a really good couple of hours. I saw old friends and enjoyed chatting with them. Evelyn got an airbrush tattoo on her arm and some cool souvenirs. I got a big frog that's stuffed with sand to use as a pin cushion.

Today my niece Kathy and her husband hosted their 7th annual pig roast. It's such a fun day to be with extended family, see old friends and meet some new folks.

The only thing missing was my daughter Kelly and her family, but we did take Kelly's oldest daughter with us. They live in PA and we drove there to bring her home with us for a few days. That's Evie sporting a pair of FAB earrings and other jewelry from her cousin Ashleigh and a cell phone from her cousin Allie! Eight is such a fun age.

This picture is of Treva, She's in the bounce house and having a great time! She's quite the "firecracker", that girl!

This is Evie and Allie. The girls love being together and they had a great day. It makes me so happy to see them together.

My silly brother, nickname Butch.

Ev's having a bit of lunch...roast pork, escalloped potatoes, corn on the cob, cole slaw and rolls is on the menu.

Q: What does she eat?
A: A roll and an ear of corn!!! That's my girl! (Also a little dessert from a huge array.)

Treva's having a sip and lounging in her chair!! Ah, to be one year old again!

Son in law, Todd. Wonderful husband and father.

Daughter Jennifer, busy mom and wife.

This is my sister, Cris. She's tending to the horses and Ev just loves to help.

Hadley and my sister Cris...again with the horses. I'm so glad my grandchildren can have this experience. I had it with friends of my parents when I was a child, but my children didn't have that opportunity so much. Sad, but we didn't have many farm friends.

Now, this is me in the bounce house...can you believe I would get in the bounce house? I guess I was being very invulnerable today. It was fun, all the girls got in there while all the kids were swimming. We had a blast!

Hadley's showing me just how to do it!

More bounce house. I believe Jennifer has scored 2 points by putting Treva in the hoop!

Mama Jennifer and her babies...such fun to bounce. Today was a fabulous day for me.

Garage Sale?

2011-06-25T16:19:00.000-04:00

I've been invited to participate in a neighborhood garage sale that will be held the middle of July. Therefore, I've been trying to get my "rear in gear" and get things cleaned out.

I've put it off for too long! My sewing studio, which is the entire upstairs of my cape cod home, is not just for sewing right now, because it has become the catch all for all things without a designated area. Grrrr... :(

Anyway, while sweet Ricky was golfing this morning, I made a commitment to get up there and clean out a bit of the area. Well, I did clean out the first cubbyhole at the top of the stairs. The cubbyhole looks terrific, but my sewing area looks even worse!!! I hauled all the stuff out of the cubbyhole, took down a good bit of unwanted items to the basement (garage sale storage area), but there are boxes...probably 4 or 5 that are memory stuff from my daughters' young years. I don't know what to do with it, except to give it to each daughter. However, I need help going through it and I'm going to ask my sweet daughter, Jennifer to help me with it. She can take what is hers and do with it as she will. I'll send off what is not hers to her sweet sister, Kelly. I'll load it in my car and next time I go to her house, I hope she'll look through it and do with it as she wishes. (She's not very sentimental and is not a "keeper" like her mom), so she'll make quick work of it, I'm pretty sure.

I took a break when Rick came home from golfing, had some lunch and spent some time at the computer...hence this post. Think I'll go back upstairs and try to sort out a bit more.

Dancing down the stairs!

2011-06-20T19:40:00.001-04:00

I titled this post "Dancing down the stairs" for a couple of reasons.

First, I'm able to go up and down the stairs much easier than I was, in fact, I just came down the stairs from my sewing studio without a hitch! Currently my arthritis has eased up a bit and with the addition of an acetaminophen tablet and an ibuprofen tablet twice a day I'm not hurting nearly as much. How nice it is to feel better.

Secondly, I finished up my current flimsy. I have spent so much time on this quilt. I had never made half-square triangles, so I decided to use up some 6 inch blocks that had been given to me. Well, I didn't have enough of the initial fabric, so I purchased some complimentary fabrics. Then, I wasn't happy with one of the fabrics I purchased, so I left it out (of course, the decision was made AFTER I made 15 blocks!!). I'm very pleased with the flimsy and will be making my sandwich soon and finishing it.

P.S. That's Rick behind the flimsy...he said "I don't want in the picture!".

Blaze

2011-06-19T11:43:00.000-04:00

No words needed

For Cathy

2011-06-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

My friend Cathy asked me to make some bibs for her grandson. His name is Mark (just in case you didn't figure that out on your own!!).

Sure hope she likes them.

Beauty surrounds me

2011-06-16T17:08:00.000-04:00

These are lilies that bloom each June.

And this is Gracie...sweet Gracie.

Starring Evelyn!

2011-06-12T15:54:00.001-04:00

This darling girl is Evelyn and she is now 8 years old! We had a sleepover (Mimi was invited to attend) and it was so much fun!! We did a spa party. Boy do those girls giggle a lot!!

The pillows below were made for Evie as part of her birthday gift.

Cute with a touch of pink and brown

2011-06-07T08:31:00.000-04:00

In the back of this photo, you'll see Lily, our cat. She's quite a trip, for sure and I was photographing these pillows on my bed. Actually, it's Lily's bed during the day, she lends it to us for the night times.

Anyway, thought I'd share these pillows with you, they were made for a special person.

Pretty peonies from my yard

2011-06-05T10:51:00.000-04:00

Ramblings and a "brain cramp" story

2011-05-28T11:44:00.002-04:00

Today is a day for puttering. I love to putter around. On my list of things to do is to create a C.O.W. block for Nancy, Near Philadelphia. I think she turned out pretty cute..here's a picture of her for you.

Also on my list of putterings for today is to cut some 5 inch blocks for a red and white fabric swap that my blogging friend Karen is heading up. I need to cut 125 blocks, so I don't know if I'll get 'em all done today or not, as I also want to do a little gardening.

Now for a funny little "brain cramp" story. Yesterday I needed to go to the quilt store to pick up some supplies. It's near my daughter Jennifer's home, so I went there first. As I left her home, I was traveling what I THOUGHT was the way to the shop. I went the wrong way. When I figured out I had gone the wrong way, I was quite a distance from her home. Thank goodness for my GPS. I pulled off the road, typed in the address and was directed to the quilt shop. It was a long way around, for sure. I had to stop for gas (my tank was a little low already). I felt so foolish, but all turned out well.

Back to puttering!

PS I got all the 5 inch blocks cut!! Yeah for me!

Rainy days and quilt pictures

2011-05-15T20:50:00.005-04:00

It's been raining here...and that's an understatement! We're not flooding like those poor folks who live in the Mississippi overflow areas. My heart goes out to those people.

My donation creation was put into a silent auction to benefit a friend of ours who has esophageal cancer. The silent auction items brought in over $5,000, with my items were partnered with a cutting board and bringing in over $125.00. I was so surprised and honored to be able to raise money for something so worthy. In all, the silent auction, reverse raffle and all the "side board" sales and the dinner raised $19,000.00 for this man and his family. To say the least, he was overwhelmed with all the support, financial and otherwise.

I've been in a very dry, uncreative spell lately. However, my mojo is back and the machines are humming. I'm going to post a few pictures to share. I still have a couple of things I'm planning to make, but this is a very busy week, so we'll see what happens.

This little quilt only measures about 21 inches square. It's a gift for my oldest granddaughter's teacher who is retiring at the end of this school year. Their school colors are green and white. I'm tickled with how it turned out.

The quilt to the left is a little one (about 20 inches square)...a drag-a-long quilt.

Below and right is the baby size one.

These are two tiny-size quilts my daughter wants to give a friend who is having twins soon. I used my ruffler foot to make the ruffles for these. Now that's so much easier than making them the old way!

I had some 6 inch squares that were given to me and I've never made half-square triangles, so I played a bit and made this. I'm going to put some sashings and borders, not sure how I'm going to finish it, but I'm pleased with the results so far.

Tomorrow I have lunch with my good friend, Cathy. Then we are going to shop for a bit. I'd like to find a pair of comfy summer shoes. I've been wearing Fit Flops most of the time, and even though they are as comfortable as comfortable goes, I think I need something else.

Wednesday I go to the doctor for my finger. It's healing nicely and the pain is decreasing daily. I'm a little concerned about the range of motion, but it is getting better in the middle knuckle. The top knuckle is still immobilized,

Night night.

It's party (or is that potty) time!

2011-04-04T20:34:00.000-04:00

Guess who was babysitting this weekend? Yep, Mimi and Papa went to Pittsburgh and stayed with the four Pittsburgh grandchildren! What a weekend! They are so incredibly sweet that you almost didn't realize how tired you were!

Mama and Dada went on a business trip on Friday (returning Tuesday) and we took the weekend shift. Didi and PapPap (the other grandparents) took the Monday and Tuesday shift.

These two really crack me up! Anna (left) regularly uses the potty and Vivi always wants to be in on any fun that might be happening.

Then we have a set of feet and a pair of hands. Those tiny digits belong to Evie. We made some time to do a mani-pedi and here's the result.

Then there's papa with the devilish Vivi! She's a wild one.

Sorry, no pictures of Nater this time...he was so busy I couldn't get a still moment of him!

I want to schedule a little one-on-one time with the other two grandbabies (who live closer to me). I'll post pics of them soon.

Lots of things got done today. I had a list of "to do" things and checked several tasks off...hurray for me!

I started working on vinyl covers for chairs at the beauty shop where I go. I'm making a sample one, taking it in to see how it works, before doing all six of them. I've never sewn with heavy-weight vinyl, but I've done a little research and hope it all goes well.

I have a cat on my lap (chest, really) who is begging for her nightly treats. I think it's time to stop tapping on this keyboard and feed my little rug rat!

A donation creation

2011-03-29T09:29:00.002-04:00

A wonderful friend of ours, Don, is very ill. He has esophageal cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation at the Cleveland Clinic. He's a firefighter in our fair city and his firefighter brothers are sponsoring a dinner, reverse raffle and silent auction in May. I wanted to create something and donate it for the silent auction or door prize.

I went through my stash and I love these two fabrics. Pictured is a dish drying mat, two pot holders/hot pads, two mini pot holders/hot pads and two linen dish towels.

This is not a "big" item to donate, but something I enjoyed making for this purpose. As I made this, I was constantly thinking and praying for Don, his wife and his entire family.

We pray for Don often and if you are so inclined, a prayer for Don Beckett would truly be appreciated. Don is the author of his personal journey. If you would like to read his story, you can click on this link:
Don Beckett Medical Update.

God bless.

Day trip

2011-03-25T22:12:00.008-04:00

This is me and my sweetie, Rick. We decided to go away for a little day trip and went to The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh yesterday.

Rick was the lucky one. (He got to spend the day with me!!! ) Actually, his luck involved in winning a little money! Not GOBS of money, but a little to make going to the casino lots of fun!

After we left the casino, we went to our older daughter's house. She lives just a little south of Pittsburgh. When we got to her house, our grand dog, Guinness, was the first to greet us. Isn't he one handsome pup?

This is Vivian and she was in the arms of her nanny, Cindy (pictured just below) Viv. Vivian was being a bit of a pistol and scowled at us and teased! She's the fourth of four children and she's quite a trip!

Now this silly-faced girl is our Evie. She's 7 years old and the first of our grandchildren! She's full of silliness and sweetness, not sure which is more prominent. She was very glad to see us. Our visit was unannounced, so we surprised everyone there.

The twins, Anna and Nathan. They absolutely adore each other and they are so fun! They were outside playing when we arrived and they were like little ice cubes when they came inside. Anna ~~likes~~ loves animals. I've never seen one so little be so enthralled with them. Nathan, well he LOVES numbers. He also likes "hoops", bowling, puzzles and to RUN.

This is Kelly, our daughter/the Mama. She's a pretty amazing woman. We are very proud of her. Here, she's wrestling Viv, trying to quickly rediaper her (Viv likes to go without) bottom!

I love this picture. It's Papa and four of his grand babies.

I'm dragon...maybe I mean dragging

2011-03-21T16:21:00.004-04:00

It's unbelievable how tired I am. This morning a huge burst of energy came upon me and I scrubbed my kitchen floor. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it was a huge job and I think I'm still recuperating from the pneumonia and all the things that attacked my lungs a couple of weeks ago.

Anyway, I got the floor scrubbed and my kitchen put back together. Then I hit the shower, threw in a load of laundry and drove to my favorite hamburger joint (Swenson's) and got the hubby and me a burger for lunch. THAT'S when the energy burst left me.

After lunch, I needed a few things from the store, so off I went. I had some outdated bread and thought the geese (near the store) might like it. I bought the things I needed, then stopped by the pond to see the geese. They were happy to have a little treat, they honked me kindly and then I drove away.

I bought a pattern for a hand project I thought I'd like to do for the grandchildren. Animals made from yo yo's. I made some templates and read over the instructions and then I was COMPLETELY out of energy. I really wanted to cut out the circles this afternoon, but that's just not going to happen right now!

Rick is now home. I put a pan of stuffed peppers in the oven (thank you to my daughter, Jennifer...she made them for us). I'll throw in a couple of baked potatoes a bit later and we'll have a yummy dinner with VERY little effort.

Lookie what I found!

2011-03-17T15:31:00.009-04:00

Flowers... in MY yard! My first of this spring!

I went out to run some errands this morning and when I came home I found my first crocus!! Ooooh, it's a sunny day and then you add flowers...my goodness what a beautiful day.

Then, there's this picture of my baby, Gracie. She's really glad to be able to go out and walk with me!

Here's another picture...still crocus, just a different variety. Have a wonderful spring day!

Sunday activities

2011-03-13T16:21:00.003-04:00

I went for a little walk with the dog today. It's a little chilly and a bit gloomy today, but it was good for Gracie and me to get out for a bit.

After that, I did a little sewing. A friend wants a couple of mattress pads covered for her soon-to-arrive grandchild. They are big Steelers fans, so of course, these are being quilted with Steeler's flannel! So fun! I got them cut out and quilted. I have to make binding, but I don't really want to do it in flannel, so I'm going to go to the fabric store (maybe tomorrow) and pick up a solid black to make it.

Because I was sick and taking steroids, my sugar level is messed up and I have to take a medication to get it all straightened out. The medication warnings say it can make you feel all weird--sweating, chills, etc. I'm supposed to check my sugar level if this happens, but guess what?! I have no glucose meter! So, I'm just kinda stuck with feeling wacky now and then. Oh well...

Time to put my feet up, watch a little television and then decide about dinner.

Better is good!

2011-03-12T10:06:00.001-05:00

This morning I awoke to sunshine coming through my window. What a beautiful sight!

I am feeling better, a bit stronger each day and I am so very happy about that. I was having a lot of trouble with being so sick, but I can now see better days ahead.

I did some stitching this week and it felt good. I have a couple more projects (for others) that need to be done, then I'm going to get myself really into making a couple of baby quilts for my youngest granddaughters. I'm not sure of the design(s) yet, but I know I'll have a great time doing them.

I defrosted some ground beef a couple of days ago and now I need to do a little cooking today (meals for the freezer). Think I'll make a Mexican Casserole and some meatballs. I love having ready-to-cook meals in the freezer. Makes me feel SO domestic!!

Rick is still feeling yucky. His cold hasn't let up yet, still a lot of coughing and sinus pressure. (I gotta doctor this boy and get him feeling better.)

Whining

2011-03-09T09:53:00.002-05:00

Ok.

I want spring.

I'm getting impatient and I want it NOW!

I see crocus sprouting in my yard, but there are no flowers as yet. It's gloomy today. It's been a long winter.

Yep, I'm whining, I'm stomping my foot and I'm getting downright ugly about this weather!

Ok. Enough. I'm going to go upstairs to my studio and do a little stitching. That should help my attitude!

Hope your day is good, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and so is your soul.

Doctor appointments day

2011-03-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful sunny day today and I have been SO ready for sunshine I could bark at the moon. Rick had a check up at his ophthalmologist this morning. It was a good check up and he goes back in 6 months. All tests look good, nothing
to worry about. His eyes were dilated, so this beautiful sun is a bit difficult for his eyes, but he likes the blue skies, too.

This afternoon I went to see the doctor. It's been one week since I was released from the hospital. One of my questions...WHAT did I have. Turns out, I did have a strain of the flu, bacterial pneumonia with a reactionary asthma element. WOW!

I'm doing well, still going to finish taking my remaining medications...metformin (due to steroids, my blood sugar is not quite what it should be), advair and mucinex. I go back to the doc in 6 weeks for another check up.

Tomorrow I go to my gyn...such fun at our house now!! Have to laugh, all these appointments come in clumps!

February 2011

2011-03-01T11:24:00.003-05:00

I came down with some sort of vile bug. I went to the hospital on Thursday, February 24th. I was running a fever, difficulty breathing and was dehydrated. I had been to the doctor on Tuesday, got some medicine, but it didn't do the trick.

Rick took me to Dr. Uhall late Thursday afternoon and he said...hospital. I didn't complain a bit, I knew it was the right thing. When we got to Akron General Medical Center, I was put into an isolation room. It was thought I had the flu, despite having tested negative at the doctor's office and again at the hospital.

Caregivers came garbed in masks and gowns. Medication was given, changed, added and continued.

Yesterday, February 28, I got to come home. I'm still sick, have a list of medicines to take every day and instructions to be mobile but rest.

It's good to be home. I got to sleep in my own bed. I am traipsing around on my own floors and get to pet my doggy and kitty. Today I even went outside and threw some bread out for the squirrels and birds. The sun is out, but it's cold, and the cold hurts my lungs. (I just remind myself, little steps, little steps.)

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T18:28:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas!

This morning was just Rick and me...the children and grandchildren will be here tomorrow.

To the left is ME! In all my Christmas morning glory, holding a gift from my sweetie.

Below are the grandchildren's stockings, prior to Santa's putting goodies in them.

Treva is the newest grandbaby, this is her first Christmas, so of course I had to make her a stocking for Mimi and Papa's house, and one for Mama and Dada's house. I got them done, then as I was hanging said stockings, I realized I had never made a stocking for Vivian...this is her second Christmas. (Last year we went to their house...stocking made for that home...but no stocking made for Mimi and Papa's.) OOPS, hurry and make another stocking!

Tis the season...

2010-12-16T20:34:00.002-05:00

This photo was taken during our "snow days" while we were out snow blowing and shoveling away the 18 inches of snow we received.

Merry Christmas from Kent, Ohio!

An outline of the last few days

2010-12-08T10:48:00.004-05:00

Brrr! But isn't it gorgeous??? YES, it IS and I love the snow!

Ok, here's the scoop on my life, of late.

A. On November 30, 2010, I worked my last day at Kent City Schools. It was a terribly hectic, sweet-crazy kinda day. Looked forward to starting my retirement.

B. On December 1, 2010, we flew to Las Vegas to celebrate my retirement. Great fun!

C. On December 2, 2010, I came down with a VILE intestinal problem. Continued with the same through December 6, 2010. Not much fun to see _very_ little of Vegas and lots of the bathroom in our hotel room.

D. On December 6, 2010, I was amongst the living again. Thankfully! At least we got 2 good days in Vegas!!

E. On December 7, 2010, we flew back home to over a foot of snow! Now I'm a snow lover, so it's not a big deal and we did get home safely. I went out to clear the driveway and am now back inside warming up. Above is a picture of the "white stuff" we got!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the beauty you surround us with each and every day. It's so easy to "take it for granted", but you truly give us so much beauty in so many ways. Bless my family, hold them close to your heart and far from danger. Bring us closer as the days, weeks, months and years go by, please. I ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Couple of things...

2010-11-08T19:31:00.003-05:00

These two cuties...aren't they the cutest?

First thing, retirement! I have 13 more working days until retirement!! Woo hoo!

My job was posted TODAY. It will be on the "block" until Friday for folks who work in the system to apply. One woman (who works at the high school) wants to learn it. She works 2nd shift, so she will come in from 7 until 11 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to learn my job. She's a sweet person and I hope she gets the job.

One of the women who substitutes for me wants it, too; and rumor has it someone at the middle school is interested. Of course, we all have our favorites and (chuckle) one big UNfavorite!!

I am looking forward to retirement with a HUGE smile on my face. Going to work is difficult right now...to say the least, it's been a tough year.

Secondly, I won a raffle from the craft fair I went to on Saturday! I won a set of red Fiestaware, some Christmas tea towels with 4 matching place mats and a Fiestaware pitcher. A few other things were stashed in there, too. I really don't need (or want to keep) the dishes, so I'm looking for a new home for them.

I was up in my sewing studio last week and whipped up a pillow for my friend (the school nurse) for Christmas. It turned out really cute (super easy) and I think she'll like it. I have a lot more things planned to make...UFO's...so upon retirement I hope I can be more productive.

Time to close for now.

Dear Lord, it's been a beautiful sunny day here in Kent, Ohio. Thank you. The sun warms my soul. I don't mind the cold, but when you clear patches of clouds in the sky and allow the sun to shine through it brightens my whole day.

Bless my loved ones, near and far.

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen

Wonderful Wednesday!

2010-09-22T08:01:00.003-04:00

This is Anna.

She's a beautiful ray of sunshine in my life. She's such a gentle-spirited child and she makes my heart melt!

What a wonderful day today has started out to be! Don't you just love it when you have the best morning?!

The bathroom remodel (and giant home-repair project) is doing well. We now have a new vanity with sink (ALSO has running water, both hot and cold at this time!!), new toilet (which works great), refinished bathtub (with running hot and cold water, but no shower hookup just yet), a new floor and a beautiful paint job with a really intense spring green. Both Ricky and I shuddered when we saw how intense the green is, but you know...it's growing on us. I think we are really going to like it!

The gas lines and water lines have been replaced, so we have more peace of mind as we remain in an older home. The man we have working on this project(s) is fabulous. He's been a delight to work with. It's not been a continuous job for him...he's fitting us in between other jobs, so it's not been a "quick do", but I'm a patient woman.

I'll be so glad to have this project done, but then I have the large issue of "tossing" crap out! We are really going to get rid of stuff!

Well, I'm off for now, on to enjoy my wonderful Wednesday and all the great things that will be happening!

As my friend Dave just said to me...Love, Peace and Chicken Grease!!

I'm in the market and would like some ideas, please

2010-09-07T22:35:00.004-04:00

I've got a little bug. Nothing serious, but I've been bitten by the "thinking about shopping for a new sewing machine" bug.

I have my original (44 years old, now) Singer Touch and Sew that I don't use much anymore at all.

I have a super favorite for most of my sewing and my embroidery. It's a Brother and I love it.

I have a Janome that I use for machine quilting, and that's the one I'm thinking about upgrading. I have folks who tell me that there is nothing like a Bernina. Others have their favorites and I'd like to know what you think. I really want to be able to free-motion quilt with the new baby I'm considering. That is the MOST important thing I think that I want.

I'd really like to hear from you and know what YOU think and why YOUR machine is the BEST machine.

Friday

2010-08-27T10:38:00.003-04:00

Ahhh, it's Friday, the second day we've had students at school.

Not a lot to scream about, either good or bad. I'm not terribly busy at work, and that makes my day seem long. Then again, I'm not pulling my hair out being so busy I can't think straight! ;)

Here's a picture of Treva, our youngest g'babe. She makes funny faces!

When Mimi is in charge...

2010-07-29T16:42:00.002-04:00

This is Vivi. She's my 10-month-old granddaughter and she was in my care this morning.

I changed her diaper, left her in the family room to go approximately 10 feet to prepare a bottle for her. When I turned around...this is how she looked!!! I thought she was turning into a blueberrry (did you see Willy Wonka?), but in actuality she had buried her face into a very-soft balloon on which her older sister had drawn a tiger face with a non-permanent blue marker!!!

We were all laughing hysterically and my daughter grabbed her camera to capture this! Thankfully, almost all of the marker came of with a baby wipe!

Little update

2010-07-27T10:54:00.002-04:00

I'm in Pittsburgh with the babies to help a bit. Four children makes for a busy family and it makes me realize how "out of shape" I am!!

I drove down last evening after dinner with Rick. It's a two hour drive, but it's not a difficult drive by any means. I arrived about 8:45 and got to spend some time with Kelly, Evie and Vivi...the twins were already in bed and asleep.

My knee was getting better, but it's giving me a lot of trouble. I'm not sure whether it is muscular or more involved, but I am in pain with it. Last night it hurt all through the night and it is difficult to walk.

I tried some ointment/balm that some woman swears by. I massaged the ointment into my feet (as she recommended) and then took some tylenol this morning. Then I put Icy/Hot on the knee. Still hurts! :)

Anyway, I think I'll have our trainer at school give it a look-see, then I'll do as he suggests...doc or whatever.

Well, it's back to the kiddos to see how they are doing!

Family time

2010-05-27T18:45:00.005-04:00

Ok, ok...I've been horrible about blogging of late. We've been busy as a family with Easter, birth of a new baby, Mother's Day and a baptism. The only sewing that has been done has to do with those important life events. Here's a picture that was taken on Sunday when Vivian was baptised. What a wonderful day!

Dear God in Heaven, thank You so much for all Your blessings and the wonderful life You have blessed us with. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

BIRTH day!

2010-04-20T10:10:00.004-04:00

Today is the birthday of my newest grand darling!!

She was born at 3:59 p.m., weighs 5 lb and 13 oz. She is 20 inches long and is just beautiful. As of this moment, her name remains a mystery, but a mystery to be solved soon!

Dear Father in Heaven, please bless Jennifer as she gives birth to this child. Lay Your loving hands upon her and the baby and bless them, keeping them safe from harm. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Better news

2010-04-17T09:36:00.004-04:00

Our Nathan is feeling better!
Kelly has a job!
Evie had a great week at school!
Anna is Anna...sweet with a hint of orneryness!
Viv...well, she's such a happy baby.
It's Saturday and I didn't have to get up and go to the office!
The dryer is NOT broken (just tested it and hopefully it will continue to work...we'll see)
Ricky loves me!
Jennifer's due date is just around the corner!
Todd is being kind to his very pregnant wife!
Hadley is ok after her fall!

Thank You, Dear God...You bless me and my family in so very many ways. Amen

This and that

2010-04-14T18:12:00.002-04:00

Jennifer went to the doctor today and he's changed the date he's going to induce her labor. Tuesday, April 20 will be the day of the new arrival. She's very swollen and very tired, but all looks good for this soon-to-be-born darling. No names have been decided upon as yet...!!!

Lots going on in Kelly's family. Nathan is sick. He won't drink or eat and if he doesn't take in some fluids tonight he will be going to the hospital tomorrow. The doctor gave him some medicine and Kelly got him to take it in a spoonful of applesauce. Thank goodness. Hopefully he'll drink something. Poor little guy.

I've been working on lady bugs for Hadley's curtains. They are all put together and Jennifer will have to pin them on the curtains and then I will sew them on. Hadley's new room sounds like it's almost ready to move her in.

So much going on. Today was a horrible day at work, kids forge notes and phone calls. I hate lying. I HATE it. I want to trust kids and I normally do, but when they use me it makes me MAD.

Lots of issues at work, but work is over for today and tomorrow hopefully (scratch hopefully...it)WILL be better.

Ricky's taking a snooze. He's been tired, very tired.

The weather is beautiful...sunshine and warm temps. Just my kind of day, weatherwise! I don't like it real hot, but sun...well, there is nothing like sunshine.

I'm eager to see my grandchildren.

Dear Father in Heaven, I pray You lay Your healing hands upon Nathan and heal his belly. Please help our little guy to feel better and thrive. Bless Evie, Anna and little Vivian, keep them safe, healthy and happy. Raise Kelly and Scott up and bless them, please. Keep them safe from harm and bless their union.

I ask that You help Jennifer as she prepares and delivers this gift of life that You have blessed them with. May all the preparations and plans go smoothly and may Hadley fall in love with this new child. Bless Todd, Jennifer and Hadley and keep them safe, happy and healthy. Bless their union.

I ask that You keep my dear Rick safe from harm, keep him healthy and happy. Help us to keep You first in our lives and to lead the life You want us to lead.

Thank you so much for Your many blessings. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Two wrongs don't make a right...

2010-03-31T17:53:00.003-04:00

I've been terrible about journaling.

This is spring break from work and I've been so busy.

On Monday I went to Jennifer's to make curtains for soon-to-be-big-sister Hadley's new room. Unfortunately my brain turned sideways in my head and instead of making curtains that were 65 inches wide and 45 inches long, they were 45 inches wide and 65 inches long. DUH! Now that seems like you might be able to make it work, but NO! I put this cute bottom border of black and white check fabric with a red with white polka dot piping. I was SUCH a dork! Oh well, I am making it right by making two more panels and all will be right in the world.

Two wrongs don't make a right, but I think 4 wrongs do!! Hahaha!!!

Monday night I drove to Kelly and Scott's and spent Tuesday with them. I had a wonderful time...the kids are so sweet. I left there about 5 am with horrible leg cramps and drove home.

I went to JoAnn's and purchased enough fabric for two more panels (curtains) and I'll make those probably on Friday when Ricky goes golfing.

No pictures in this post either...I've got to get my camera out of the closet and get "clicking"!

Going to WI at WW...hopefully will be another good week.

No picture, emotion pouring forth

2010-03-08T15:02:00.002-05:00

I'm really emotional today.

I've been sick and off work since Thursday. I have some respiratory illness and feel like carp...no, not a dyslexic slip, just a Freudian thingie. I will be going to work tomorrow, but if I can't manage the whole day I will come home.

The sun is shining and it's beautiful outside. I can get up and do some things, but if I overexert I can't keep going and need to rest. This is troubling to me...makes me feel inadequate. Not a rational thought, I know, but being sick often takes the rational out of you.

I was browsing some blogs earlier and read a post by Victoria at Bumble Beans. She had a really good point about "creating" and how she does some of it. I absolutely love to create. I don't have a ton of confidence in my abstract creations, but her post inspired me. Inspired me to comment on her post and her reply (email version) was very touching.

More emotion...
My daughter told me about a movie titled "Temple Grandin". If you haven't seen it, it's a great movie. I am the grandmother of an autistic grandson. He's just 2+ and he's been receiving help since he was diagnosed just before his 2nd birthday. This movie has given me a different and better understanding of autism. The lightbulb phrase is DIFFERENT, NOT LESS. Somehow I need to contact Temple Grandin and express my emotion to her.

As I write this post tears are still leaving tracks upon my cheeks. As I said earlier in my writings, this blog is for me to journal. This post is from my heart.

To those of you who love me, thank you. To those of you who may occasionally visit my blog and leave a comment, thank you. To those of you who might just stop by and read, thanks for you.

Dear God...Thank you for so many things. Today I ask you to help me. Help me in so many ways that only You can know. You know my heart, You know my needs. Please take my hand and lead me. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Bye bye, February

2010-02-28T17:12:00.000-05:00

February

For such a short number of days, this was a ... l-o-n-g ... month. We've had MUCH snow and lots of gray skies. I love snow, I really do, but these gray days have kept away the beautiful sunshine that makes snow even more wonderful.

This month is a special one for me...this year brought my 41st anniversary with Rick. Shortly after that was the romantic Valentine's Day.

Friday was a snow day, thankfully. Work has been gloomy (I swear I deal with lots of less-than-with-it folks). We had a late start for teacher in service...now I wonder whose (brilliant?) idea that was? What a mess! Hopefully those with the power have learned that this is NOT a good idea!!

My friend Martha emailed those of us who get together to quilt and talk quilting a "Happy Sew Day" message. She was right! I used that snow day as a SEW day and I loved it! Here's what was created on that wonderful Sew Day, February 26, 2010.

This was fun and it will be given as a gift to someone I love a lot.

PS...yes, Lily had to be part of the photo shoot...such a stinker!!

Not much new, but...

2010-02-21T10:23:00.002-05:00

I'm starting a new project. Pics to come soon. (I get SOOOoooooo excited!)

However, I'm tempering my excitement with mundane tasks (laundry, freezer and pantry inventory, etc.) Ugh

Through the Window

2010-02-15T16:37:00.004-05:00

This is my newest quilt top. I thought it was all done, but I've decided to border it with the floral fabric.

I just got back from the quilt shop and have the fabric in the washer.

Top Notch Financial Planner for Hire

2010-02-07T10:28:00.003-05:00

You may remember that I've been planning to retire in the rather near future. I have a lot of questions, so my good friend, Tiger Lily, has offered to peruse some of my materials and become my financial planner.

Eat your heart out, Dan!! (Our "other" financial planner!)

Did somebody say S N O W ?

2010-02-06T12:02:00.001-05:00

I have to admit it, I LOVE snow! It's so beautiful, it puts a clean coat on a dull not-yet-spring view and it makes things brighter! I know it can be difficult to shovel, to clear off your car and to drive. Despite all the reasons to dislike it, I just absolutely think it's beautiful. I like being outside in it. It makes me feel revived.

This picture is outside my door.

This picture is outside my door, looking into my neighbor's

(Mike and Rebecca) back yard.

Snow!

My darling hubby...

Gracie

Lily

Enjoy winter...it's one of God's gifts!

Finally a completed project

2010-01-31T22:10:00.000-05:00

RED
BLACK
with a little pink and
white
for good measure!

Today was the day

I went upstairs to my "creative space"
and came down with this little bag.
I'd been wanting to make myself a
new purse and this one was fun to make!

Inside there are 6 pockets. It's JUST
the right size to hold what I need,
and not much else.

Pain, Agony...oooooh, goodness

2010-01-24T19:34:00.000-05:00

Here's the deal...

I got upstairs to do a little sewing today. It wasn't pretty, it was like Frankenstein climbing stairs. Why you ask? Well, on Saturday I went to my first CrossFit exercise session.

*Now I need to remember that I'm no spring chicken, I'm overweight and I'm really out of shape. My trainer got me started with a "mild" workout. Yes, compared to what others were doing, my session WAS mild. Refer to the * and reread.

I can hardly move. Literally, I can hardly move. It's agony to sit down to go to the bathroom. Getting up from that position is just as agonizing as sitting down.

A girl really wants/needs to sew if she has this much trouble getting around. I am that girl. I made it upstairs, sewed for about an hour -- also agonizing when you must sit down, get up, walk to the ironing board, the cutting table and then sit back down. Repeat! LOL...

Anyway, tomorrow is Monday and I have my second CrossFit workout!!! Oh, Lord...that will the future hold for me? I guess if this doesn't kill me, it will make me stronger.

My friend (angel) found my recipes, would you like them?

2010-01-20T14:30:00.003-05:00

Hello! My dear friend (with whom I shared these recipes) helped me out and gave them back to me. These are delicious soup recipes and I'm going to be very careful not to misplace them again. Feel free to copy them if you want, if not...well you know.

Stuffed Pepper Soup
1 pound ground sirloin
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup finely diced onion
1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth (my favorite is Gia Russa)
2 cups water
1 cup white rice
Salt and peper
In a large stock pot, brown the ground sirloin. Drain fat, add pepper and onion. Cook until onion is transluscent...do not let brown.
Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, water, rice and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 45 - 60 minutes.

Cabbage Roll Soup

1 small onion, chopped

1 1/2 to 2 pounds lean ground beef

1 cup rice

4 cups water

4 (14 ounce) cans beef broth

2 small cans chopped tomatoes

4 to 5 cups coarsely chopped cabbage (half a head)

Salt, pepper and a HEALTHY sprinkling of paprika

In soup pot brown ground beef and onion, drain well. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 2 to 3 hours. This is even better the second day!

If you make either of these, I hope you enjoy!

Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe?

2010-01-19T18:53:00.001-05:00

I'm looking for a recipe I used to make, but alas, I've misplaced the recipe.

Stuffed Pepper Soup

I've been on Allrecipes.com and I've checked around, but I want a recipe you've used and your family loved.

Can you help?

Beautiful sunny day

2010-01-09T15:53:00.003-05:00

Today is Ricky's birthday and he has been a good boy so the presents have been doled out through the day. A little one here a little one there...and then one came in the mail that I thought would NEVER come. Fun day.

We are doing almost NOTHING today! We lounged in our pj's a long while, then I made us a really swanky lunch...grilled cheese and a cup of chicken & dumpling soup. Lemme tell you, I'm one GREAT cook!! LOL

It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining and with the snow we received, it's gorgeous. I love days like this. It's warming up and the sidewalks and driveway are clear of snow.

Happy Dance!!!

2010-01-08T14:44:00.002-05:00

SNOW DAY!!! Can you say it? Repeat those words then join me in doing the
HaPpY DaNcE!!

We didn't get all the predicted snow, but we still got the day off. What a wonderful
bonus!!! I just love snow days...from the time I was a child till I'm a 60-year-old!!

It's been a very productive day and I've loved every minute of it. So much got done
and I feel great.

Thanks for sharing in my enthusiasm!

Relish this day

2010-01-03T16:00:00.003-05:00

Today is my last day of Christmas vacation from my job. I absolutely love staying home...I was never meant to be a working-outside-the-home woman. Don't get me wrong, I like what I do, I feel good that I have had a job and was able to help in the financial support of our family. But, I'm ready to move on to retirement.

My plan is to retire at the end of this school year with 27 years of service. Some say...work to 30 years, you will get more money. I can see their point, but I want to be home. I don't want to be a woman who works and works and dies without realizing her dream. My ultimate career was to be a stay-at-home mom and I was able to do that for many years. I started back to work in 1988 and my girls were in middle school at that time. So, they would come to the high school and we would go home together. It was the best of both worlds!

I'm counting the weeks till I can be a retired woman and run my life more to my liking.

I feel so good when I can keep my house the way I want. When I work, I don't have the energy to do what I want when I get home.

So, today I'm relishing my last day to be at home full time. I've used my Dremel to file my Golden Retriever's nails, I've done a little sewing, I've played with my new camera and almost have the Christmas tree down. (All the ornaments are off and packed up. Hubby needs to disassemble the tree and pack it into it's carton. We'll lug things upstairs and I'll put them away later, cause to be honest, I'm gonna be tired by then.

It's been a productive, relaxing and completitive day for me. I'll post a couple of pictures with my new camera during the coming week.

Huggles,

2010, time for Time for Mimi to change

2010-01-01T14:59:00.000-05:00

I'm due for a new "do" and I'm ready for sprucing things up, so I thought a new look for "Time for Mimi" would be in order.

Hope 2010 brings health and happiness your way. I'm looking forward to this year; the new year always seems to bring forth the feelings of possibilities.

On that note, I'm off to the kitchen to whip up an appetizer to take to a get together at a friend's home later this afternoon.

60

2009-12-30T16:43:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Tis the season...

2009-12-22T21:22:00.003-05:00

Work is done for this year, no more school until January 4, 2010. Woo hoo!!!

Yesterday Rick and I loaded up the car and I drove all our Christmas presents to Pittsburgh for our visit with family. This year we are all meeting at Kelly and Scott's home for our holiday. Rick and I will be going down early and Jennifer, Todd and Hadley will be joining us on Christmas day.

Evelyn came back to Ohio with me to spend a few days with Mimi and Papa. Tonight she went to a Christmas party with Nona, Todd and Hadley. Santa gave her an early present at the party! Both Evelyn and Hadley were all dressed in their pretty Christmas dresses and were beautiful!

Rick and I went to dinner while the kids went to the party. We had a nice dinner at Rockne's and picked up my medicine at Giant Eagle. Tomorrow is my surgery to remove my cyst on my finger. I'm not too worried, but then again...

I'm going to Gary Pennington for my surgery. He's a plastic hand surgeon at the Crystal Clinic. I've heard wonderful things about him and have a lot of faith in him. I need to be at the surgery center at 11:30 and as of this time, surgery is scheduled for 1:30. It could be earlier, but that remains to be seen.

I'm not expecting to be very incapacitated by this surgery. I'll have a splint to keep it from bending, so I think the pain should be minimal. (At least I hope so!)

I've not done too much sewing for a while, so there's not much to talk about that way.

Merry Christmas!

I have to share this with you

2009-12-03T13:46:00.005-05:00

A guy is driving around the back woods of Montana and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: 'Talking Dog For Sale ' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard.The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Labrador Retriever sitting there.

'You talk?' he asks.

'Yep,' the Lab replies.

After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says 'So, what's your story?'

The Lab looks up and says, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.' 'I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.' 'I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired.'

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

'Ten dollars,' the guy says.

'Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?'

'Because he's a liar. He never did any of that stuff!"

An early Thanksgiving gift

2009-11-23T20:30:00.003-05:00

We (me especially) had a great afternoon at work today! Down the road from our school, a new bridge is being built. Construction workers broke a water main and school was dismissed early!!! WOO HOO! Talk about a Thanksgiving gift!

Today is the only day we had school this week. Needless to say, attendance sucked! I had so many phone calls, notes, parents coming in, kids calling themselves off, kids calling their friends off and all kinds of craziness that I didn't know if I was up or down, coming or going, whatever!!

The students were sent home at 1:00, leaving me to finish my day without all the craziness and interruptions of this kind of day.

We (staff) have the option of taking Tuesday and Wednesday off. We could take compensatory time if we had it or we could work extra hours and take those off as we wanted. Now I'm a little strapped for sick leave (due to family issues, etc. over the years) and don't want to take my comp time in the event I need it later on in the year. Therefore, I was planning to work 4 extra hours so I could take off half a day on Wednesday. Since school let out early, my extra hours were made up before the day got late. Hurray!

Thank you construction workers, you made my day!

My guy is home!

2009-11-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

Hurray! I brought my dear, sweet hubby home yesterday!!

The surgery went well, he's home and recuperating nicely. I want to share my good news with the world.

Dear Father in heaven, thank You so much for seeing to it that Rick was so well cared for. My human instincts lead me to worry, but I know You are in charge. I praise You for all you have done to bless my life, and the lives of my family members. Please continue to lay Your hands upon each of us and bring us health, well being and draw us closer to You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen

Traveling between home and the hospital

2009-11-08T14:51:00.003-05:00

Rick remains in the hospital. He's still on clear liquids and having his dosages of IV antibiotics. One of the doctors in Dr. Uhall's practice came to clear him for surgery (Dr. Uhall has the flu, so he's not seeing anyone for a while). Later in the morning the surgeon came and said he would be operating on Rick tomorrow, Monday.

At this time the surgery time is not scheduled. We will wait to hear that later today.

I came home to do some laundry, rake some leaves and put in a batch of banana muffins so that I'll have a healthy snack while I'm at the hospital tomorrow. I haven't gone to the restaurant/cafeteria there as yet, but maybe tomorrow I'll have to since I'll be there most of the day.

Rick is resting comfortably with the exception that every time he gets to sleep, someone comes in to take his "vitals" or give him a pill or check to see if he's gone to the bathroom! Ah, the joys of hospital stays!

No raking leaves THIS weekend...

2009-11-07T12:25:00.003-05:00

Today's post is a quick one. I'm just home from the hospital long enough to get a shower, play with Gracie and give Lily a little love before going back to Rick.

He was up ALL night with what he thought was heartburn, but no...it's a blocked duct of his gall bladder. Poor boy was in lots of pain and after almost begging him, he allowed me take him to the hospital about 4 a.m.

He was given morphine; some ultra sounds and xrays were done. The verdict is his gall bladder is inflamed and he's developing an infection. Today they are giving him IV antibiotics. Tomorrow Dr. Uhall will evaluate him and clear him for surgery.

When I left him he was going to sleep. I'm home to pick up his pillow, his shaving kit, some nicotine gum and Lifesavers. He's on clear liquids, but was okayed to have the lifesavers and Sunny D.

More later.

Feeling better, finally

2009-10-30T10:40:00.007-04:00

Happy Halloween

It's been a long haul. I've had the flu or some such nuisance and I've been off work for 6 days now. I still have the dibilitating cough, but it's not producing any dark phlegm anymore and the fever has been gone for a couple of days now.

We have a teacher at school whose husband has cancer. He was diagnosed late last spring and it's very serious. We folks at school often make meals for families dealing with such situations, but I don't usually make meals. Mostly because I don't cook much and I'm not the greatest cook in the world. However, I did volunteer to make a meal this time.

The family has three girls and when I asked the mom what they like to eat, she mentioned they LOVE macaroni and cheese and the meals that had been prepared for them were lots of meatloaf and other things, but no one had made mac and cheese. WELL NOW, mac and cheese is right up my alley and I make a "mean" mac and cheese. So, here's how my menu goes...

Brains Au'Gratin (macaroni and cheese)

Spooky Tidbits (buttered veggies)

Haunted Moons A'Rising (dinner rolls)

Goblin Delights (cupcakes)

I made some halloween napkins, pictured below. Not the greatest pictures, it's really gloomy outside and my indoor lighting leaves a bit to be desired, but it's the best I have to remember them:

Rick is supposed to bring home a box from work that I'm going to wrap to pack the food into. I'll deliver it to their house later this afternoon. I just emailed her and they are at the hospital for treatments today, so I guess they eat around 4:30 or so. I hate to have her reheat it, so I'll probably deliver it around that time. That way all they will have to do is heat the rolls and that's optional.

After that I'm going to go to Jennifer's house and visit them. She has things for me to take to Kelly's house for Vivian. We are taking Guinness home tomorrow. It's good and it's sad, too. He's been good for Gracie, but it's not his home. I know Lily will miss him, she loves to torture!! I'm sure he will be excited to see his mama and dada, too. He's a good boy. Talking to Kelly today, she said the neighbors are missing him. :)

The plumbers were here this morning for drain maintenance and they left me a mess. I got it cleaned up, but now I have to finish getting me ready for the day.

Beauty

2009-10-25T14:22:00.008-04:00

I've been remiss in writing for quite a while. My life has been full, yes full of life, love and blessings.

This picture is a site that Rick and I took in while we hiked a little in Zion National Park.

We were on the trail and these beautiful trees were below us. I had to have a picture and even in the low light because of the time of day, it turned out lovely.

Then, on the flip side of natural beauty is the downright craziness of Las Vegas itself.

Rick and I had a wonderful week in Las Vegas. We really enjoyed ourselves and had lots of fun. When we returned, guess what? Swine flu has hit my high school! YIKEROO! We had 380 kids out one day. So, it was rush, rush, rush, try to get all the absences entered and then I get sick. I often get some sort of respiratory thing after flying, but this time it went full blown and I have something with a fever, and all the yucky stuff associated with it.

I'm missing my grandchildren. With being on vacation, then coming home and getting sick, it's been a looooong time without grandbaby lovin.

Absolutely no sewing has gotten done with all the hoopla. I have plans for Vivian's quilt in my head, then it's time to come up with an idea for the new baby due in April.

Enough for now, time for a nap and more Tylenol for fever.

Last pic, the handsome man and his wife in the beauty of nature:

Busy, crazy and sweet, all in one week!

2009-10-09T18:13:00.002-04:00

Wow, what a week this has been.

Monday was a regular work day.

Tuesday and Wednesday was a visit to PA to help with the children at Kelly's house. Everyone there is so sweet...Evie had school, but she was there in the morning and right after school. She's a dear. Anna and Nathan...what sweet kiddies. Little Vivian is so darling. She's a calm baby and very sweet already.

Thursday and Friday was back to work and what a day it was today. It's been Spirit Week and the kids (and staff) were spirited, to say the least. Today was just over the top busy. Thankfully it's over and I'm off all next week

I've not done any sewing, but I did get some time in to straighten up the sewing heaven and make some baby hats. They are so darling and they are becoming my charity project for this year. Blankets and matching hats to go to Children's Hospital.

Tomorrow is homecoming at Kent State, so we'll go to the parade in the morning. It's always fun to see the fraternities and sororities on their floats.

Sorry no pics today...just too much to get done.

Welcome, welcome, welcome!!!

2009-10-01T01:36:00.011-04:00

Vivian Kelly has arrived!

This morning at 12:47, Thursday, October 1, 2009, our newest grandchild, Miss Vivian Kelly, has made her appearance.

She is 6 pounds and 6 ounces. She is presently cuddling in her mama's arms. Congratulations Kelly, Scott, Evie, Anna and Nathan.

I'll be seeing her when dawn breaks. Mimi is on cloud nine, by the way!!

God is SO great!

Baby?

2009-09-30T21:13:00.001-04:00

Kelly went to the hospital today. She called about 8:00 and she's 4 cm. I'm trying to hold tight and am waiting to hear as to what I'm going to do.

Maybe we'll have a grandchild on 9/30 or 10/1!! Woo hoo!

Monumental week filled with blessings

2009-09-26T23:17:00.001-04:00

Today is a rainy day. I like rainy days once in a while. In northeastern Ohio we get a lot of cloudy days, living near Lake Erie lends itself to that. But today it is rainy, lots of rain, but no thunder and lightening. I must admit, I like those days, too. Just something comforting in a rainy day or thunderstorm. Weird? I don't know, it's just me.

A couple of monmental things happened this week. Hadley Rose learned to walk on her own last weekend. We saw her and her momma and dada on Thursday. She is such a little peanut, to see her walking was very emotional. She totters back and forth, sometimes waving her arms and being silly. It was very sweet.

On Friday morning, I received a call from Evelyn about 7:20 a.m. at work. She was sobbing. When she told me why, it was cause she was missing me. She had had a dream that I was sleeping in her bed, but I had to leave and couldn't say goodbye. We talked for a while and she settled down a bit. It was so sweet and heartwrenching. I love that little girl. She fills my heart with such love.

Each of my grandchildren holds a special place in my heart. Evelyn was the first and she is such a sweet and loving child. The twins, Anna and Nathan are so much fun. They are so much alike, yet so different. Anna's mama and dada tell me she's bad (wink). She has a little devil in her, that's for sure, but she is a sweet and loving child. Little Nathan is such a sweet boy. He's been through a lot in his little life...he was allergic to milk and it was so hard on him. The doctors never figured it out, but when his mama did...boy that little guy feels soooo much better. He is a lover. He knows what he wants, that's for sure. I guess all of my grandchildren do. Hadley is the first child for my second daughter and her husband. She was born with some difficulties, but you would never know it. She had come through brain surgery with flying colors and she is right on track developmentally.

Both of my daughters are pregnant, bringing into the world more children for me to love. I know it's hard to be pregnant sometimes, but it is one of the most-wonderful times of their lives. Kelly's due any time now, come tomorrow she's 36 weeks. Jennifer is still in the nausea stage of pregnancy, she is due in mid to late April.

All I can say is I'm blessed. I have two wonderful daughters and they picked great sons-in-law for me. God is good. He leads us through our trials; if we let Him, He handles the worry for us. I've had to learn this the hard way, but I truly know that He is in charge.

May God bless us all and keep us in His loving embrace.

In the Good ol' Summertime quilt

2009-09-20T16:33:00.000-04:00

Ah, The Good Ol' Summertime is nearly at an end, and with that comes the time to mail off my In The Good Ol' Summertime quilt. I MUST learn to plan ahead and not wait. I seem to work great under pressure, but when other things happen in your life, well, waiting is not such a good idea.

Mine goes to ____ and she lives in _____, USA. I sure hope _______ likes this, it was fun to make and I'm pleased with it. I'd been wanting to do some raw-edge applique and that's what the flowers are. They frayed great when brushed with a semi-stiff brush, washed, dried and brushed again. They were fun.

I think you can click on the picture to make it larger.

I hope that ____ likes the back of this quilt, too!

My label at the bottom

What's that on the top??

Oops! I guess this is for Kim. I can't wait till she gets it!!

Back to Ohio, No baby yet!

2009-09-20T15:33:00.001-04:00

I was with Kelly and her family on Friday and Saturday. Kelly was sick, turned out she had food poisoning. When she recovered, it was quick! Thankfully.

On Saturday Evelyn had cheerleading for pee wee football. The cheerleaders and the football team are all first graders. They are all adorable! Cheerleaders were so cute, such darling little girls! In this picture, Evie is on the top of the "heap"!

This photo is Kelly, Nathan with his juice and Scott.

Mama Kelly and Anna, makin' faces! --->

Mama & Anna ... See how Kelly's dropping?

I came home Saturday evening. Kelly is still in labor, but as of right now, no word! ;)

Baby update and new car news

2009-09-14T21:38:00.000-04:00

I'm home from PA. I was there since Friday. Kelly came home from the hospital this afternoon; her labor has stopped and the new baby is still "cookin" inside Mama's belly!

She's on bedrest now and is officially on leave from her job. She's still having some contractions, but until things progress, well...you know.

I came home about 5:00 and Rick was ready for me to go with him to the car dealer. We have been trying to buy a new car since July. We wanted a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with some extras. Those cars are a hot commodity! They are selling as soon as they get to a car dealership and we weren't the one who got there first. We tried to get one during the Cash for Clunkers program, but the cars weren't available.

We lucked out tonight and the dealership was wonderful to work with. It's ours! It's Cardinal Red, it's got all the bells and whistles I wanted, plus a couple more.

New baby?

2009-09-12T08:23:00.002-04:00

I might be grandma for the 5th time THIS WEEKEND.

Kelly is 34 weeks pregnant and the baby is eager to come into the world. I'm on my way to Pennsylvania to watch children so she and Scott can do what's necessary without worrying about the other 3 kids.

Kelly's at the hospital and they have given her a steroid shot (to help the baby). They are hoping to hold off the birth until Sunday.

I pray that Mama and baby are doing ok.

BIG GRIN

Goals, productivity and blessings...

2009-09-09T16:09:00.008-04:00

It feels like such a long time ago that I posted. As I have mentioned before, I blog for memories. If you like to read and share some feelings of your own, I appreciate it immensely.

I was sick with the flu for a few days a couple of weeks ago. I was so stressed out (whether from being sick or because stress ran me down and I got sick, I don't know) but things are better.

I got the outfits done for the grandchildren. I was down on myself for not getting them done for the twins' birthday. They were ready the next weekend and I gave all the kids their outfits this past Sunday. Here's a little pic of my productivity and my darling grandchildren. (VERY proud Mimi.)

The picture on the left is my entire family. We are outside the church just before the twins are to be baptized. Picture in the middle is Evie in her outfit. The picture to the right is (from left to right) Nathan, Evie, Anna and Hadley...all dressed in their coordinated outfits from Mimi.

My next project that had a huge time limit was the alteration of a swimsuit for my great niece Allie. Allie is a little like Aunt Helen...a bit on the chunky side...and her "tankini" was a little short and not quite wide enough. Well, that project got completed and a sweet phone call of generous thanks from Allie made it all worthwhile.

I'm now working on my "In The Good Ole Summertime" quilt swap. With all the other projects looming over me, I had a hard time coming up with my inspiration. Once those projects got completed, I got my vision and my small quilt is in progress.

Once that is done, it's time to design another Grandbaby Quilt for my soon-to-be-welcomed-into-the-world grandchild. Grandchild number 5 will be born (hopefully in the middle of) October. We don't know what gender this child will be, but there will be at least one quilt for the new mama to pick from. I've got a couple of ideas...nothing concrete as yet.

I want to get working on my Flying Geese in The Forest quilt. That's come to a bit of a standstill for now, but I have many scraps cut to size and ready for sewing.

Christmas ideas are swimming through my head. Not sure just yet what I want to do, but if I can find some plain jammies for grandchildren in assorted sizes, that might be a great idea. Who knows...maybe no homemade presents this year...just thinkin'.

I've got to think more about another Grandbaby Quilt!! Grandchild number 6 will be coming our way sometime around April of 2010!! Yeppers!!!

So much to be grateful for!

This & that + a little

2009-09-02T20:58:00.004-04:00

Ok, let me start by saying I'm feeling better and going back to work tomorrow. I came down with a bug while visiting the "Pittsburgh Grandkids and family" last Saturday. We had planned to spend the night, but I got the chills and the achey breaky muscles and we returned home. While I was there I had a good time. Those kids (all of 'em) are so danged cute!!

Secondly, the outfits are done. I was making outfits for the twins' birthday. Things didn't work out well and they didn't get done. Let me sum it up by saying NOTHING went well in this endeavor. They ARE done and they are really CUTE, so all is well.

I'll take some pictures of them tomorrow and post, but for tonight I'm going to pass.

We're going to Pittsburgh this weekend, too, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the "bugs" stay away from me! I don't wanna get sick anymore.

And on a really happy note...HAPPY 8th ANNIVERSARY, KELLY AND SCOTT!\

Happy birthday, my darlings!

2009-08-27T11:46:00.010-04:00

Today is a VERY special day. Annabelle and Nathaniel are two!!

Annabelle and Nathan

They are incredible babies, excuse me--toddlers. They are just so wonderfully happy and full of fun! They make us feel so special to be a part of their lives and to have them in ours.

Happy birthday, Anna and Nathan!

40 weeks to go!

2009-08-22T21:26:00.000-04:00

Kinda sounds like a gestation period, doesn't it! Well, in a way it is. In 40 more weeks of work, I will get to retire! It's not a baby, but baby will I be happy!

I started to work on Monday of this week and I survived the whole week! It was pretty uneventful except for a small tiff with a co worker. I normally don't snipe back, but Friday I did. I get tired of stuffing my feelings and this person is "always" right about everything, so she thinks. I normally say nothing when she hurts my feelings or just is crabby toward me, but not this Friday. I surprised the other two women in the office, they didn't know what to think! *tee hee*

I got all my files cleaned out, all my binders cleared of materials from last year and all the mailboxes are in order for the school. All in all it was a pretty productive week. I even made a weekly countdown calendar to the end of the year. I'm gonna have a fun year as much as possible!

Today I woke about 6:40 a.m. and Rick wasn't in bed. I called out to him and he wasn't home, either. The man (horribly busy at work) got up and was working at 6:00 a.m. I took him some breakfast and then got busy in my sewing heaven.

I cut out the birthday outfits for the twins. I straightened (organized) some of my "stuff" and took bunch of things out to recycle and throw away. Slowly but surely things are looking better up there. It was hot, not much air movement, so I would come downstairs and relax to cool down.

When Rick came home he took a little nap so I went back upstairs and did a little more work. I can actually see some progress. I want to get it all organized, it's SO much easier to work when it's nice. Someday, when I get it all fixed up, I'll take a picture or two and post it here. Right now it would scare the bejeezers out of some folks.

Dinner at Outback and it was delicious. The weather has turned cool and it's so nice. I even had to turn the heater on low when we were driving home...just a tad chilly.

Rick is working tomorrow, too, so I'll get more done. Maybe I'll run to WalMart and pick up a few things and a shelving unit or two. That will make a huge difference.

Dear Lord, Thank You for everything. I pray You guard my family and loved ones against harm. Help me to be a good person. Please keep us safe and healthy. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Things about me that maybe you never really wanted to know!!

2009-08-18T22:28:00.001-04:00

My daughter "tagged" me on Facebook. Since I don't know how to "tag", I'll post this here!

I'd love it if you wish to copy the quiz and post it with YOUR answers on YOUR blog. I'd love to learn more about you.

1. What time did you get up this morning? Up at 6:10 a.m.

2. How do you like your steak? Medium rare, sauteed onions on the side.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Taken

4. What is your favorite TV show? The Mentalist

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Right here where I am.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Oops, didn't have breakfast today!

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Liking Mediterranean more and more

8. What foods do you dislike? Egg whites and oysters

9. Favorite Place to Eat? Outback

10. Favorite dressing? Sweet and Sour

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Chrysler Sebring

12. What are your favorite clothes? Depends on my mood, sometimes dresses, sometimes slacks and top.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Alaska

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Usually half full

15. Where would you want to retire? Kent, Ohio

16. Favorite time of day? Evenings, after dinner

17. Where were you born? Ravenna, Ohio

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Competitive quilting

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? No clue, and since I don't know how to "tag", does it really matter???

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? See answer to #19

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Everyone

22. Bird watcher? Oh, yes

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Becoming a night person. When I was younger, I LOVED the morning. I still get most accomplished in the a.m., but when I don't have to go to work, I am loving the night time.

24. Do you have any pets? Yes, Gracie Lou Freebush and Tiger Lily.

25. Anything new or exciting you would like to share? Looking forward to retirement in June of 2010. Expecting a new grandchild in October. Life is great.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A nurse

27. What is your best childhood memory? Playing with my friends all day and into the night. We'd play dodge ball, hide and seek and play in the woods in the neighborhood with never a worry about anything.

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Yes I am. Have one of both.

29. Are you married? Oh yes, 40 years worth!

30. Always wear your seat belt? No

31. Been in a car accident? Yes

32. Any pet peeves? People on their cell phone who don't pay attention to the way they drive.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Onions, banana peppers, sausage

34. Favorite Flower? Early early spring it's the crocus, because it's the first flower to pop through the snow. My next favorite is daffodils and tulips...the next to bloom. I love peonies, mostly because they are beautiful and their scent is absolutely fantastic. However, I think my mostest favorite is gladiolus.

35. Favorite ice cream? Coffee with chocolate fudge topping

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Arby's

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zero. Didn't fail at all.

38. From whom did you get your last email? Lyn

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Lowe's

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Nothing comes to mind

41. Like your job? Yes

42. Like Broccoli? Yes, best when cooked

Wonderful weekend with my girls

2009-08-16T19:17:00.001-04:00

Ahh, what a nice weekend!

I had a wonderful couple of days with my daughters and their children. It's not often that we can get together and just be. I think I would like to do it more often...it takes a while to settle into it.

I left my camera at home by mistake and I could kick myself. I would like to post some pictures, but I got ready to go in a hurry and now there are no pictures of our weekend.

Thank you girls...I love you very much

Out of town

2009-08-13T14:43:00.002-04:00

I'm heading out of town for a couple of days to be with my daughters and my grandchildren.

Kinda sad...I hate leaving Rick...sigh...but it will be LOTS of fun with all the kids. Nathan won't know what hit him...all those women and he being the only little man!!!

S-U-P-E-R-M-I-M-I

2009-08-10T16:13:00.002-04:00

WOW, I feel so accomplished today!

I guess it all started yesterday when I went to my sewing heaven to do a couple of blocks for my flying geese in the forest BOM that I'm waaay behind on. Well, one thing led to another and I decided I'd do a little on the organization project up there.

I don't have the AC in the window up there and I declined the offer of my dear daughter and her dear hubby to install it for me yesterday, so it is like a sweat box up there. (Yes, our comfortably-wonderful-not-too-hot summer has turned into normal northeastern Ohio summer which means hot and humid.)

So, I worked. I glowed (since ladies aren't supposed to sweat like pigs). I glowed so much the glowing compound dripped off my hair!! All in all, I got a good bit done and hauled the trash (lots of it) out to the street because today is our new trash day*.

I continued my super Mimi mode and changed the cat litter, gathered all the trash up and hauled it outside. (Now, it's 10 p.m. by this time and I've had no dinner yet.) While cleaning out the fridge I threw out the milk since it had been there a little longer than I liked and noticed I was out of yogurt. Ok, off to the store! On the way home I stopped by Burger King to grab a sandwich. I didn't realize so much closed so early on a Sunday night.

I relaxed a bit and then went to bed to read a bit before turning over and falling asleep without Rick, cause he is in PA--golfing with some buddies.

This morning I rushed off to my younger daughter's house and we did a little shopping. When we were at the produce market cabbage--huge heads of cabbage--were on sale for 19 cents a pound. It's the kind of cabbage that's great for making cabbage rolls! We grabbed up two heads and made plans to make cabbage rolls tomorrow.

Once I got home I put the cabbages into pots of water to blanch and ready the leaves for making the cabbage rolls. Once I got that done, I decided to make some chicken vegetable soup. That's cooking now! Guess that's what I'll have for dinner while I wait for Rick to come home.

We just had a BIG thunderstorm and now the sun is coming out. Guess I'll run off to the store to pick up some foil pans to freeze my cabbage rolls.

*Our new trash company has AGAIN missed my house and my trash is still sitting there. DUMMIES! Happened last week and now again. Maybe they will get tired of my calling and put me on the route!! Who knows?!

Contentment

2009-08-03T20:50:00.000-04:00

This is Gracie.

She's a wonderful dog. She is "on duty" when we are outside and she doesn't leave anyone into the yard without my knowledge. I actually have people who think we have an electric fence, but we don't. She just knows she's to stay in our yard. She brings a lot of joy to our lives.

When our grandchildren are around she is incredibly gentle and sweet, but she misses her attention! She's a great friend.

I'm feeling less "down" today. I got

a few (10 to be exact) blocks done for my Flying Geese in the Forest quilt.

I also watched Hadley this morning while Jennifer was "craft lady" at vacation bible school. A little laundry was accomplished, a walk (pushing the stroller) was enjoyed, sewing, and I made a delicious dinner. All in all, I feel pretty efficient today.

I took a little time out of the day just for me. I went to the nail salon and treated myself to a pedicure. I love pedicures. In my opinion, it's about the best way of pampering yourself you can buy. The girl spoke hardly any English and that was kind of nice for a change...I didn't have to make conversation. I just sat back and relaxed, drank a McDonald's iced mocha and browsed Bonnie Hunter's Scraps and Shirttails book. The chair was doing it's massage on my back and it felt W - O - N - D - E - R - F - U - L.

Night night.

Yawn...

2009-08-02T15:35:00.001-04:00

Today I made Ricky homemade French toast for breakfast. I completed five blocks for my Flying Geese In The Forest BOM quilt, organized my stablilizer stash, my embroidery software and hoops. Cris was here on Wednesday and I bought 20 more storage bins to organize my sewing area. Not a lot of progress has been made so far, but like the tortise...slow and steady. (I have a plan.)

I'm a little blue today. Not really sure why. Sigh. I have several projects "in the works" now...maybe too many and it's making me unsure what to do next. I don't like feeling like this.

Well, enough brooding about it for now. Going to get up and fold the clean laundry and put the sheets into the dryer.

More later, maybe some pics of FGITF when I get a few more done.

2009-07-29T13:29:00.000-04:00

Rainy day, no walk this morning.

I got my hair done today...MUCH overdue! My hairdresser does a great job...here's a picture of my new do...

I love her work. Her demeanor is a bit on the rough side, I guess you'd say "blunt".

While getting my new do selected, she got kind of, oh, I don't know...just huffy. I decided I would stop going to her, but then she did such a nice job on my hair...what's a girl to do??!

Anyway, I set up my next appointment and told myself she didn't have to be my friend, she did my hair. Period.

Cris is coming this afternoon and I've got to do a little "bunny run" through the house.

Boring Mimi

2009-07-28T13:30:00.002-04:00

Not much to report here for a few days. Evelyn has been delivered back to her mama and dada. Her brother and sister were glad to see her, so were the neighbors.

I'm cleaning today. Rearranging and trying to organize a bit. Tomorrow brings my sister to help me organize more. I'm a terrible pack rat. Always have been. You know, no one knows you quite like your sister. She really must love me to take on my lack of organizational skills.

I'm reading a lot of blogs, but haven't been commenting much for a bit.

My summer is quickly passing; that makes me sad cause I love staying home, but this has been a particularly fun one, but not much work has gotten done. Oh, well, I guess my recuperation from surgery put quite a damper on productivity.

Vacation with Ev is nearing an end...

2009-07-27T17:31:00.001-04:00

Saturday morning Rick went golfing and Evelyn and I went to a few garage sales. We picked up a few bargains. That evening we went to dinner at Applebees. Here is Ev and Papa on our way to dinner.

Sunday was sunnier than Saturday and Evelyn got to ride her motorcycle in our driveway. I think I've mentioned it before, but Evie's mom is expecting and due in October. In this picture, our "Motorcycle Ev" has tucked a ball into her shirt!!

I asked for a side view, so here's another pose!

Here's a little video of our darling on her last day of vacation at Mimi and Papa's house.

We are going to miss her when she goes home.

More exciting news & Evie's 5th day of vacation!

2009-07-25T09:43:00.004-04:00

What fun we are having! On our way to the Akron Zoo (while we were in line at McDonald's drive thru for breakfast), we called Evie's mom. Mom is missing her sweet Evie! Anna was on the phone, too, and Mama had her look at a picture book she made for the twins. When she saw my picture and said "Mimi"!!! That was the first time I've heard her say my name!! Kelly said she says "Papa", too, but we'll have to wait to hear that.

Evie ate pancakes and sausage with chocolate milk as we drove to the zoo. We met Nona and Hadley at the zoo. Here's a photo of us when we first arrived. (Papa was taking the picture.)

Here evie is a penguin!

Evie in front of the Lemur.

Condor wings!

Crossing the rope bridge!

Papa and Hadley!

Ev climbing the wallat the jellyfish exhibit!

Riding the zoo train!

Hadley!

Nona, Hadley & Evie!

Mimi, Hadley & Evie!

We had a lot of fun. Ev loved the jellyfish and she has always liked the flamingoes. This visit the flamingoes were showing off...splashing and chasing each other! We saw a swan doing an arabisque! The leopard had babies and they were playing with each other...they were silly! We saw bats...eww!!

After our visit at the zoo, we went to visit Papa's friend, Pete. We had a Coke on the patio and talked for a while. Pete always gives Evie a little something...this time it was $20!

Then we came home, had a little lunch and rested for a bit. Evelyn rested while Mimi and Papa took a little nap. She got to ride her motorcycle and then we met Nona, Todd and Hadley for dinner at Dontinos. Hadley was silly and was showing off her fun side! Evie had a great time playing with Hadley while she had a little pizza.

On the way home, we stopped at the playground and played on the monkey bars, slides and the swings. When we got home we played a game of baseball on the Wii! Then it was time for cuddling, snuggling and a call to Mom and Dad to say goodnight.

A first for Hadley and Evie's 4th day of vacation...

2009-07-23T22:25:00.000-04:00

Today we had a first! Hadley took her FIRST steps and they happened from Mimi to Papa!! Three of them! Her mama was standing right there, but she was watching Evelyn and missed them. Not to worry though, because a few minutes later she took a step from Mimi to Mama. Hurray for Hadley!

There was vacation baking today! Nona (Jennifer) came and brought the recipe for a great cake for Evie and her to make. They whipped it up...Evie cracked the eggs...and they popped the cake into the oven. One mishap...my oil had turned icky, rancid. Of course we didn't know it, so the cake had to go into the garbage. It was a beautiful bundt cake. BAH! My girls had a great time in my kitchen, though...see?

So, Papa and Evie baked a cake!! New oil and all is well! See how much fun they are having??? Add to the fun, Evie got to lick the beaters...see the chocolate face??!

Evie's tucked soundly into bed with visions of visiting the zoo tomorrow. Nightnight!

Day 3 of Evie's Vacation at Mimi & Papa's house

2009-07-22T21:50:00.000-04:00

Wow, what fun day! We were expecting rain, lots of storms, but thankfully the weatherman was a bit off and we got to go to the Daywalt's and Aunt Cris and Uncle Jerry helped Evie ride a horse.

Below on the left is Evie as we arrived and were getting out of the van. On the right is Evie giving Lucky a treat. Lucky is her horse to ride.

The picture below on the left is Natalie Jo, a very friendly horse, but a little too spirited for a six-year-old girl! On the right is Evie, Lucky and Aunt Cris.

Three kids, Evie, Joey and Nathan in the chicken coop. On the right Nathan is holding Henrietta while Evie pets her! We brought home a dozen eggs that the kids gathered!!

After all this, we had dinner at Applebee's. Papa and Evie were silly and teased each other! We had lots of fun!

Maybe tomorrow we'll go to the zoo?

Vacation with Ev, day 2

2009-07-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

Day two of Miss Evie's vacation starred a fishing expedition!

After going on a worm-finding hunt with Papa, drinks, tissues, hand wipes, drinks, camera, and assorted necessities were packed and off we went to Kathy and David's house to fish in their lake. Gracie got to go along, too. She had a great time sniffing around and got to get real close to the herd of cattle that's there.

Below are pictures of the day. Kathy, Cris, Joey and Nathan came down to visit with us and have some fun! Evie got to fish, hold worms, pretend to eat a worm and have a great time. Papa was in charge of baiting and removing fish from the hook, of course.

We made plans to go horseback riding later in the day, but Evie's tummy was giving her trouble, so we will have to reschedule.

It's so much fun to have her with us.

Look who's come to visit!

2009-07-20T17:24:00.000-04:00

Yep, it's our Evie!!

We picked her up in Boardman...it's halfway between our homes and her mama brought her to meet us! Hugs were exchanged, smiles shared and goodbyes said as the "Vacation Girl" came home with Mimi and Papa for several days.

When we arrived at home, her motorcycle was all charged up and we drew part of a town in the driveway and our "Motorcycle Mama" was racing around the driveway with Gracie chasing after her, barking and being silly, too!

After a bit of that, Evie was ready to tackle a sewing project! We dug into my fleece bin and she chose the fabric you see. The other side is solid red. She loves sewing and we had a great time. Even though it's all safety-pinned together yet, part of the sewing is done. (I reminded her that this wouldn't be a one-day project, we would work on it for a few days.)

A few "Scooby Snacks" and a glass of milk are being enjoyed on her new blanket and that should hold her until dinner. While we were in sewing heaven her tummy was grumbling!!!