The Countdown is on...

And, I am so looking forward to getting away for a couple of days. I've been busting to get my apartment finished to where it seems like home and it is almost there.

So, Thursday morning...Mom is going to respite care...and I am going to Burlington, MA to see the Yarn Harlot and meet my blogging friend, Erica and anyone else who shows up that I might know...

Friday is going to find me in Salem, MA running around with Rhonda, another blogger friend who promises a fine Yarn Shop and a tea store...along with some of the neat historical parts of Salem's history. From then on I am traveling up to Portsmouth, NH via Gloucester, MA.

Saturday will be spent with my friend, Cheryl and my other friend, Julie, who is traveling down from York, Maine. Then it is home again...

I promise lots of pictures...since I'm not traveling the interstate much...and lots of tales...I might not make it on line tomorrow - so, I'll see you Sunday...

One Day Wonder...

Well, this is it...the first day Killian got the basket...there he is on his blankie in the basket. He slept that way for several hours...got up and moved around and went back and slept some more.

Now the basket sits empty - minus the blankie which he is toting around the house again!

I can't figure it out...

A Year of Simple Things...Week 16

This is the pudding I made the other day...I loaded the bottom of the custard cup with fresh raspberries and then poured the pudding over it and let it set in refrigerator. It is really good! And the pudding was homemade - from a recipe that I got at Garden Meals. We used it as a pie filling with the raspberries in the bottom of a granola pie crust.

I was going to make this pudding again this week as I have more fresh raspberries - but can you believe I CANNOT find the recipe anywhere...I have searched high and low...no recipe to be found! But when I get another copy of it at Garden Meals I will be glad to share it! I'll have to use plain ol' instant vanilla pudding to make it today for dessert. We are having my other favorite simple thing - tomato pie!!!

Yes, I know a lot of my simple things this year revolve around food - mostly comfort food...

A Year of Simple Things...Week 15

Simple things are things that bring comfort to my body and soul...and this is one of my comfort foods - Stuffed Bell Peppers. Even though it is hot outside these are worth turning on the oven for.

Mine are simple enough to make: I just boil the green peppers (once they have been cut and seeds taken out). In between time I cook a pound of hamburger in a skillet, boil some white rice, and open a can of tomato sauce. I then mix the hamburger and rice with the tomato sauce - stuff the peppers and pour any left over tomato sauce on top...and bake for 45 minutes at 350.

Cabin Cove Yarn Socks...

Check it out! I finally finished the Shut Up and Knit Your Cabin Cove Yarn Along Socks! Oh, I have to tell you these are the softest socks I think I've ever put on my feet...and I love the colors and the way they look. Thank you, Dave, for the beautiful yarn!

Yarn: Hand Painted 100% Merino Wool
Pattern: Classic Socks for the Family by Yankee Knitter Designs.

My Mother...

I rarely post about life with Mother...or about her life...today seemed like a good day.

As most of you know Mother turned 91 in May. When I wrote about her birthday - everyone was amazed at how beautiful her skin is...I'll tell you her secret...Vaseline! Yup. You read that right. Every night she slathers (and I mean slathers) her face with Vaseline. I spend $$ on items like Olay, Aveda, or whatever the latest craze is...and she uses Vaseline. Go figure!!

Mother is hard of hearing, has vision problems, and a form of dementia...yet she is a happy person. She seems to enjoy her life. Her short term memory is shot! But, hell, she can remember the third Tuesday of whatever when I was four...

But engaging her in conversation is difficult...but we try...and somedays it is good and others it isn't.

Monday thru Friday Mother goes to a program called Day Out. The bus picks her up at our door, takes her, and delivers her home in the evening. The first time I put her on the bus I really worried...but, it gives her a sense of independence and I know the driver will not let her off anywhere other than at day out and home.

Our evenings are quiet - she watches tv and I piddle around the house, watch tv, work on projects...our week-ends are the same. Sometimes we go out for lunch or a ride - but rarely go out at night. I have a sitter for when I want an evening out...and it is usually spent for my quilting group.

This is a photo of us last year when we went on a train trip to see the leaves change. She loved it. While she doesn't see the details - she sees the overall picture - therefore she could see the large trees and the colors. She seemed to have a great time on that trip.

Before she got frail - her favorite thing was to work in the garden. Our house in Tampa was gorgeous with flowers. I swear she can take a stick and make it grow into something beautiful. As she has gotten to the point where she can't work in the garden - she helps by putting the top soil into planters.

Day Out has given her such a sense of independence. This is the centerpiece she made last year for Thanksgiving. There is such pride when she brings these items home to me. I can imagine it is the same feeling I had when I would bring home the treasures I made for her when I was in school. While at Day Out she does exercises, bakes cookies and quick breads, plays Bingo, and participates in arts and crafts. They also have flower beds that they plant a garden in. She loves going and has friends there. And, me, I am thankful that her life is still full.

More This and That...

None of these things would make an entire post...so, we'll just talk about this and that today!

1) What gives with Bloglines...oh, I'm going nuts trying to figure out why some blogs are showing just the current post and then others are showing some weird number and taking me back to stuff I read a year ago...

2) For the last week I have been working on my Cabin Cove Yarn Socks - do you think I can get to the point where I start the toe??? It has taken forever to knit 6-1/2 inches and I'm still not there! What gives there!!!

3) Killian hasn't used his new bed since the first day! Go figure!!!

4) I have been reading a lot lately! My goal for the summer reading program this year was to read 9 books between June 1 and August 31; to read books in my library; and to read at least one book of poetry.

Goals one and two are met but I haven't unpacked any of my poetry books...they will be unpacked soon...

My recent reads are:

Justifiable Means by Terri Blackstock - Fiction - Christian Suspense

A Rage to Kill by Ann Rule - True Life Crime

Heart Full of Lies by Ann Rule - True Life Crime

Nicole Brown Simpson: The Private Diary of a Life Interrupted by Faye D. Resnick with Mike Walker - Biography

5) I had to return all the clothes I bought yesterday because they were too big! I must have lost some weight somewhere along the line...

6) My bookcases are starting to fill up and I am excited that the unpacking is moving at a faster rate. My furniture is where I want it in the apartment so now I can unpack my things into the desks, bookcases, and sewing center! It is so exciting!

Eatin' Good...

Part of the program at Garden Meals is to get people to like food that is good for you, therefore a great amount of emphasis is placed on using natural ingredients and homemade items (like salad dressing, pizza dough, pie crusts). This is especially hard when most of the kids that come to the program know nothing other than "fast food" and sometimes it is hard to convince them to try new stuff. Yet when they do - they usually like it...

Each day we are there we always prepare a salad...and make a good dressing. Thought I would share yesterday's dressing with you...

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

1/4 cup Olive Oil

2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

4 teaspoons Honey

2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk together. Or you can place all the ingredients in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well to combine.

You can keep this dressing for up to a week in the fridge.

Have a great week-end...

Cold...Wet...

Just jumped out of the shower! Every time I have stepped outside today and most of yesterday, I got drenched...so, I was cold and shivering - and certainly - do not wish to get SICK so I figured a hot shower was in order. It felt so good.

Bought a basket for Killian yesterday. I put the blankie that he carries around into it - and he slept in it all afternoon and most of last evening. He was so cute. He is getting better...I think it is because most of the boxes are starting to disappear.

Tonight I am going to veg in front of the television and finish my socks...am exhausted...spent time at the Garden Meals program today - and then went and spent a little time playing with the dogs - Isis and Zac. I miss them...but, I know they will be okay - cause they really love each other and I know Scarlett will take good care of them...and as long as they are still living here in the same town I go over to visit them every now and then in the middle of the day.

Missed a chance...

Ran up to the post office today and as I was preparing to back up I noticed a dog on a motorcycle!! I took a second look, blinked, and damn if that dog wasn't still there sitting on the motorcycle...goggles and all...

So, I reached for my camera which is usually in the car...and no camera...damn...missed the chance to show you this adorable dog...

Did find out that she rides all the time with her daddy and her name is Roo. She looks like a Corgi...but I didn't ask. Her daddy said she loves to ride. She has these adorable goggles...and is full of kisses when you talk to her and pet her...

Next time I see her - you'll get a photo...

National Ice Cream Day...

Did you know today was National Ice Cream Day? I celebrated by eating a huge bowl of my favorite...Butter Pecan!!!

So, what's your favorite?

Out and About...WRJ...

Here we are back again in White River Junction...the beautiful building at the end of the street is the train station and visitors center. From here you can take a train up to Canada or down to Boston or just about anywhere. But, the most fun trains are the ones that just go on leaf excursions which we took last year. Not sure what the name of this street is - but, it is a side street off the main street.


Saw this sign while standing on the main street - thought it was cute...and it has been there forever!

Looking down the main street. There are many little coffee shops, restaurants, and small shops on these little streets. The street to the right is Gates Street - and it also has some cute shops.

Looking down Main Street!

The Hotel Coolidge is just awesome - it has been here forever! When I went inside they were very nice and let me look around! Unfortunately, because the building is ancient - it is very dark inside and none of my photos of the interior turned out. There is a cafe and gift shop in the hotel.

The rest of White River Junction is spread out where the Quilt shop is. Car dealerships, the Post office, and a few hotels are there also as it is close to Interstate 91. The VA hospital takes up a huge area of that area.

Out and About...

One of my favorite little escapes is to run up to White River Junction, Vermont. It is about 22 miles from the house...and my favorite quilt store is there. Recently a new yarn store opened up, too.

But, this is my favorite place to go...It is called the Tip Top Building! This building which doesn't look like much from the outside is an oasis for those who sort of march to a different beat...and it is wonderful. There is tons of artist space - little rooms (and big rooms) where artists ply their trade; then there are those who practice alternative medicines (massage, reiki, all of those wonderful things for the mind and body); and galleries...it is just a devine place to spend some time. The galleries are open to roam and if an artist is working and has their door open one is welcome to look in. Some have their work out by their door.

As you can see there is a pottery place where one can go and create - plus they have recently added beads to their supplies...and a restaurant...which I have not eaten at yet - but always smells wonderful...

There are a few businesses in the building - but they tend to be artsy in origin - and they are printers - one of all sorts of banners, posters, and cards from one's own photos. I believe the printer publishes the "Alternative Medicine Directory" and an alternative lifestyle directory also.

Above is one of my favorite pieces of art work in the building...you see this as you walk through the building from one side to the other. It is gorgeous!!!

Dave, more photos of White River Junction to follow!!! I know how you like WRJ!!!

Garden Meals...

Three summers ago a flyer that was delivered to my house caught my eye...It was for a program called Garden Meals. The program met once a week on a Wednesday from 9:00 til 1:00...and the cost was minimal - but, the idea was that you spent half the time in the garden learning and picking local fruit and produce. The other half was spent in the kitchen learning what to do with that food that came out of the garden and having lunch together.

Since New Hampshire was a new place for me and I had no idea about how to garden here - I went to the classes. It was so much fun...and I learned way more than I ever anticipated. Last summer I was so looking forward to Garden Meals happening again...only to learn that it would not be happening because there was not much interest from the public.

Then out of the blue the coordinator called and asked if I would like to help out - she had received several grants to work with teens that are in crisis and with handicapped adults. My work was helping in the kitchen which I just loved...and my pay...great produce and fruit from the garden. It was the most gratifying summer experience...

This year Garden Meals is doing the same as last year and I am back in the kitchen...and two weeks in - it has been so fun...looking forward to a great summer with the groups that are attending and spending a wonderful morning in the country each Thursday!

It's Late...So a quiz for you...

Your Score: The Wolf

Here's your results! Your spirit animal has a Nobility ranking of 12 out of 18.

Your spirit animal is the wolf. It is a ferocious companion, and a loyal friend. It is both a respectable and noble creature; to have this spirit animal says good things about you, and that you are starting to figure things out. Wolves are pretty rare spirit animals.

***Wondering how this animal was chosen for you? These questions were carefully thought out to see how important you hold certain virtues such as: humanism, self-knowledge, rationalism, the love of freedom and other somewhat Hellenic ideals. Some of the questions were very subtle. Your score was then matched with an animal of corresponding nobility. However, you shouldn't think this was a right/wrong sort of test, but more of an idealistic values test. It's ok to not hold these values, you'll just get an animal spirit of lower stature if you do!***

Link: The What is Your Spirit Animal Test written by FindingEros on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Blogging...

Over at oranginadreams, Anne was questioning how we chose the blogs in our blogroll and whether we add blogs to our blogroll right away.

I really had to think about how I do that - and what my blogroll is all about. When I first started blogging - I had very few blogs on my blogroll. Most of them were friends (internet and personal) that either quilted or did a lot of knitting. I pretty much hung with them most of the time. And, none of those has changed...and many have become close dear friends.

New blogs are usually added the minute I read them...because I don't want to lose them. I will read them for a while and see how they fit into my life - and sometimes see what I can offer to their life...if the fit is good...they stay on my blogroll.

Now you have to understand my passions are: quilting, knitting, food (both eating & cooking), reading, music, travel and photography.

I came upon several cooking blogs - and added them. A blog or two expanded from these to include a year of bread making lessons.

I also like blogs that don't fit into any categories that are in my passions list - but, they make me think or laugh or view life differently...and a few of those popped up and they suddenly became daily reads.

Then totally separate and apart from my blogroll I have a list of favorites that are Daily City Photos. They meet my arm chair travel needs and my photography needs. And, from them I feel that I am expanding as a photographer.

Each day I read my blogroll list of updated blogs - and sometimes I will comment and other times I don't. But, each blog that I visit is like seeing an old friend...and I am inspired by each that I visit.

I'm what!!!

You Are a Bad Girl

You are 30% Good and 70% Bad You're a total bad girl, from your wild hair to tattooed toes. But you're too badass to even care if you're labeled "bad"!

Are You a Good Girl or a Bad Girl?

Honest, I don't have tattooed toes!!! What can I say - I've had 61 years to have lots of fun!!!

Hey, I'm on a roll and really working around the house today - so I'd better get back to it!!!

New Glasses...

Remember that I mentioned I ordered new glasses about a month ago...well, they FINALLY arrived! And, this doctor really understood when I would say "it's not sharp enough!"

Talk about being able to see - I didn't realize how bad my far away vision was! Mercy!!! But, now I can see for miles it seems - and damn near count the leaves on a branch at 50 paces! It's great!!! And, I love my new glasses...Photo soon...I promise...

Got run - here comes another horrible thunder and lightning storm...second one in two days...

An Afternoon with Rod and Julio...

While I was busy working around the house today, I thought I would spend the afternoon with two of the sexiest singers I know of...Rod Stewart and Julio Iglesias! The stereo was loaded with six cds - all of Rod's Great American Songbook albums and his latest album, Still the Same: Great Rock Classics and my most favorite cd by Julio 1100 Bel Air Place.

Can't even begin to tell you how much that lifted my spirit...as I danced and sang around the house...it was fun...

Now, I'm off to take a shower and get ready to go to my quilt guild meeting which is special tonight as we are celebrating some recently married members. Everyone have a great evening.

P. S. Those two are not the only sexy singers I like...there are way too many to list...

Gifties...

This wonderful package arrived from my friend, Ann, not too long ago. It certainly cheered me up!!! You know, I have great friends...and I am so happy to have each and everyone of them!

Now you see that little rubber ducky - it is set in soap - and you gotta know I am bathing a lot in order to "free the ducky" - yea it's on the order of "free the squeaky" that dogs play with their stuffed toys. And it was great to get some new note cards as I still can't find the box with all my stuff in it!

Thinking style...

Saw this over at Margaret's blog and had to check it out.

Your Dominant Thinking Style: Exploring

You thrive on the unknown and unpredictable. Novelty is your middle name. You are a challenger. You tend to challenge common assumptions and beliefs. An expert inventor and problem solver, you approach everything from new angles. You show people how to question their models of the world.

What's Your Thinking Style?

My buddy, Ann bestowed the Rockin' Girl Blogger on me...how sweet!

So, now it is my turn to bestow the honor to:

Rhonda

Debbi

Julie

Erica

Cheryl

New Threads...

No, not clothes! I don't buy those very often. But, beautiful hand dyed threads! And, hand dyed buttons, too. Recently while participating in the Mall Crawl I won a gift certificate to Pumpkin Patch Primitives. The minute I hit their website I knew what I wanted to get with my gift certificate! It had to be these beautiful threads and buttons. The buttons are called Itsy Bitsy and Teeny Weeny...and they are so tiny that you wonder how in the world they could be hand dyed.

Are these just not incredible????

Out and About...

This is one of my favorite roads. It is called Half Mile Road. Spring and Summer look pretty much like this...and there is always a cool breeze running through no matter how hot it is. The road only goes a half mile - thus the name - but leads to a main road that will take you to either Cornish, New Hampshire 0r if you take a left at the light will take you to Vermont. There is a snowmobile trail on the right hand side...hidden in among the woods. People say you can see wildlife (meaning deer, moose, and smaller critters). I've never seen anything other than an eagle flying in front of my car.

4th of July...

Remembering those who died so that I can celebrate Independence Day!

This and That...

I'm disappointed that I didn't finish my Cabin Cove socks by the July 2nd deadline...I tried - but, didn't make it. They should be finished in short order and I will post a photo.

Actually have been keeping up with my Summer Reading Program. My goal is to read nine (9) books from June 1 - August 31. June saw me finish 3 books:

Couplehood - Paul Reiser

The Great Escape - Cheryl Anne Porter

Evidence of Mercy - Terri Blackstock

Killian is doing better - maybe he is just trying hard to adjust as everyone suggested. He seemed more settled once I got some boxes unpacked in the bedroom. Tomorrow intend to continue with the unpacking.

Updated: Paul Reiser is the actor who appeared with Helen Hunt in "Mad About You" - as well as a very funny writer. I needed a laugh and this book fit the bill.

Cheryl's book is a romance for Harlequin's Love and Laughter line.

Terri's book is a Christian Suspense...and is a real page turner.

All of these books are older - you know me - I have tons of books...and I am totally reading from my own stash...could be years!!!

Shopping!!...

Had fun spending a gift certificate to amazon.com that I recently won. So what did I buy?

How about one of my favorite movies: Practical Magic.

There is nothing like watching Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock during the "Midnight Margaritas" scenes!

Recently I saw the video of Alison Krauss and John Waite singing "Missing You" - which was an older song of his...it was awesome! And, since I like Alison - I found the album with it and a couple of other songs I had been looking for - so I grabbed it too.The album is called: A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection.

Someone in my new knitting group had this book...and I really liked it...so I got it. I really liked several of the patterns and think it will be a good book for me.The book is: The Weekend Crafter: Knitting: 20 Simple and Stylish Wearables for Beginners.

July 1...Killian...

Can it really be July? It just doesn't seem possible...

I'm worried about Killian (he's my cat - age 11 - for those of you who don't know)...

1) Since we've moved he has barely left my side - it has only been in the last week that he finally will go to sleep on the floor across the room from me. He just wants to be right next to me...

2) He has started jumping up on the bathroom sink and hitting you with his head because he wants the faucet turned on so he can drink from it. Now he was not doing that at the other house...so, I don't know where this came from...

3) When I am taking a shower he sits on the sink and hits the shower curtain with his head and screams at the top of his little lungs...it's the same kind of crying that he does if you put him in the car. I don't know if he thinks I am not supposed to get wet.

4) And, finally, he has taken to carrying the blanket around the entire house again...now he used to do this at the other house and the vet said she thought he was proving his dominance over the dogs. Well, he's the only one here now...Go figure...