Flexability...

At the appointed time, I arrived for my first Yoga Class. Now, I've taken a little class here or there - like when we went to a spa for three days and a yoga class was offered...but, never really made an effort to practice or do any more.

I can now tell you my body is not in the least bit flexible! It does not move in those directions! But, I am going to give it my best for the eight week class. The teacher, Angie, is very petite and can move her body in a zillion ways! She is also very kind, encouraging, and I liked her and the class members...All ten of us!

(The photo is of the cover of a video I have owned for a while - and once my class is over I will be using this video as well as attending a class with Angie every now and then)

I need exercise! My doctor said nothing drastic...like running the Boston Marathon. I am limited to Yoga for stretching and exercise and walking for exercise. She was very firm about that - until we get my thyroid under control again; we find out if there is something going on with my heart (real low level after an oxygen test); and we see if the pain that brings me to my knees is kidney stones!

Tonight begins another class which I am taking - it is a Meditation class.

Since sleepless nights are the norm these days - she suggested a meditation class - so, that I would learn how to clear my mind and bring calmness into my life. Therefore, I am so doing!!! And, looking forward to it all!!!

Sometimes you just gotta take care of yourself!!!

P.S. If you want a laugh - then THIS is great!!!

One Book...No...Three Books!

January is proving to be a good reading month for me! Of course, I commited myself to two reading challenges this year - mainly because I wanted to keep better track of what I was reading...and secondly to search my own stash of books to keep from reaching for my "favorites" all the time...

Marley and Me - by John Grogan (A-Z Reading - Author "G")
292 pages

I loved this book! It took me through the gamuet of feelings and emotions while reading about owning this loveable dog named Marley. His antics were laughable and loveable...and at times the story touched me so much I had tears in my eyes. Grogan is a really decent writer - but, then he is a newspaper man! Philadelphia Inquirer, I think. It is worth the read. The only thing I found that I didn't like is that there were no photos in the book. The only photos were on the inside of the cover and that was covered by the book jacket that the library puts on.

Edge of the Earth, Corner of the Sky by Art Wolfe (A-Z Reading Book "E")
240 pages

Gorgeous, gorgeous photos! Some would say that this was just a photography book - but, there was more to it than that. Each section was introduced by some lovely writing (and I can't remember who did the writing) plus Robert Redford wrote an introduction to the book.

What I really liked about this book was that the front section of the book just had the photos - large and gorgeous - with just a small label telling you where it was taken. Then at the back of the book was a section that showed each photo (much, much smaller) with information on where, facts about it, and what type of camera equipment was used and how. Truly enjoyed this book!!!

Challenge of A Lifetime by Barbara Kaye (Harlequin Superromance #433)
(A-Z Reading Author: "K"; Romance Reading Challenge)
298 pages

This was the second book of a three part series about Hamilton House - a large restaurant corporation whose CEO is seeking her successor. Paula Steele is the widow of country singing legend, Justin Steele, and VP of the Nashville Hamilton House. At forty-five she doesn't expect love to coming knocking on her door - but it does in the form of Dane Markham, ten years her junior.

In the beginning she befriends and becomes a mentor to Dane as she tries to help him with his music career...and the story takes off from there. There were a couple of surprises that I never saw coming - which was really good. As romances go this one was rather good. Kaye is a good writer and keeps the interest going.

She Loves MEME, She Love MEME Not...

My friend, Colleen over at Loose Leaf Notes tapped me to do this MEME. Since it looked like a really fun one...I'm in.

I love to eat fresh vegetables and fresh fruit especially during the months that I can buy it at the farmers' market; fresh seafood - especially salmon, trout, haddock, and soft shelled crab; and crockpot roasts with all the veggies.

I hate to eat overcooked food, tofu, green peas, and meatloaf - mainly because my grandmother's meatloaf was so dry and hard you could use it to break a window.

I love to go explore places on foot and wander around towns; ride public transportation in cities that are new to me; walk in the woods; search out waterfalls; go to quilt and knit shops; and explore museums and historic sites.

I hate to go to the dentist; shopping for clothes; and to the movies alone.

I love it when I get to visit with family and friends; I get to take the scenic route anywhere; I can travel the backroads; I can sit all day and read, or quilt, or knit; Killian gets right up against my leg and sleeps for hours; and my daughter calls me from Arizona for no reason at all except to say hi.

I hate it when someone hurts an animal; I have to drive in big city traffic; use the interstate; or when I get sick.

I love to see my daughter's face; a quilt or a knitted item start to take shape; snow on the ground; the leaves turning colors; sunsets; sunrises (if I get up in time); skies filled with stars; blue, blue skies; the mountains in the distance; and travel shows on tv.

I hate to see animal abuse; television ads for prescription drugs (and they wonder why drugs cost those who need them so much!); the shrub on television spouting his "fear" agenda; and bad movies!

I love to hear music - all kinds except rap and hip/hop and some opera; birds singing; the hum of my sewing machine; the clink of knitting needles; and the tapping of keys on the keyboard.

I hate to hear sirens in the middle of the night (or any time for that matter); people fighting; and children throwing temper tantrums in public.

I am sure there are other things that could be added to this list...but, this was what came to mind now.

As always, please feel free to leave comments or if you decide you'd like to do this MEME - do let me know so I can hit your blog to see your answers!

A - Z Reading Challenge...

I tend to get stuck reading the same authors - so this year I am going to try and keep up with this challenge. This will be the second reading challenge I am doing and the neat part is they can be combined.
Requirements:

~ align the author's last name or the title of a book (excluding "the", "a", etc.) with its corresponding letter in the alphabet

~ enter a different book for each author and title (total of 52 books)

~ complete the alphabet lists anyway that suits your fancy

(i.e.: complete each list separately in alphabetical order, read both "A" entries, then "B" entries, fit whatever you're reading into either list, etc.)

~ complete the challenge in the year 2008

~ enjoy the experience!

Books:

A: A Gathering of Lace by Meg Swansen
B: Blood Brother: 33 Reasons My Brother Scott Peterson Is Guilty by Anne Bird
C: Collateral Damage by Fern Michaels
D: Deception Point by Dan Brown
E: Edge of the Earth, Corner of the Sky by Art Wolfe
F: Free Fall by Fern Michaels
G:
H: Homeward Bound (Harlequin American #1079) by Marin Thomas
I:
J: Jury, The by Fern Michaels
K: Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World by Juliana, Isabella & Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Gerald R. Uhlich
L: Lethal Justice by Fern Michaels
M: Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady by David Bergen Brophy
N:
O:
P: Payback by Fern Michaels
Q:
R: Remember My Touch (Harlequin Intrigue 469) by Gayle Wilson
S: Sweet Revenge by Fern Michaels
T: Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher
U: Uppity Women of Ancient Times by Vicki Leon
V: Vendetta by Fern Michaels
W: Warrior Without Rules (Silhouette Intimate Moments #1382) by Nancy Gideon
X:
Y:
Z:

Authors:

A: Allen, Sarah Addison (Garden Spells)
B: Barry, Brunonia (The Lace Reader)
C: Cora, Cat (with Ann Krueger Spivack) - (Cooking from the Hip)
D: Davis, Justine (Flashback Silhouette Bombshell #86)
E: Eicher, Lovina (with Kevin Williams) - (The Amish Cook at Home: Simple Pleasures of Food, Family, and Faith)
F: Fox, Michael J. (Lucky Man)
G: Grogan, John (Marley and Me)
H:
I: Ingram, Christine and Jennie Shapter - (The Complete Book of Bread and Bread Machines)
J: Jessop, Carolyn (Escape)
K: Kaye, Barbara (Challenge of a Lifetime Harlequin Superromance 433)
L: Lee, Sandra (Made From Scratch: A Memoir)
M: Michaels, Fern (Weekend Warriors)
N:
O: Obama For America (Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise.
P: Pearl-McPhee, Stephanie (Things I Learned from Knitting...whether I wanted to or not)
Q:
R: Rule, Ann (Smoke, Mirrors, and Murder and Other True Cases - Ann Rule's Crime Files: Vol. 12
S: Spencer, Irene (Shattered Dreams: My Life As A Polygamist's Wife)
T: Torkells, Erik & the Editors of Budget Travel (Secret Hotels)
U:
V:
W: Wagner, Robert J. (with Scott Eyman) (Pieces of My Heart: A Life)
X:
Y:
Z:

Blue Print denotes books read in 2008 - Click here for a re-cap of all books read in 2008.

Red Print denotes books read in 2009

Bet She Listens Next Time...

Killian, here!

My mom doesn't listen to me! For weeks now I have been trying to tell her that there was a problem in the bathroom.

I would sit at the bottom of the bath tub and hit the shower curtain with my paw and just scream at her to get out of the shower. But, she wouldn't! I just could not understand why she had to get into that bath tub thing and take a shower.

Well, yesterday, it happened.

Grandma had just left the bathroom area from getting ready for the morning. Mom was in the kitchen fixing breakfast...I was with her trying to get her to give me a treat! When we heard this noise that sounded like maybe grandma had fallen...

Mom rushed to the bathroom - but no grandma on the floor. She was safe in her room.

But, there was a chunk of the ceiling in the sink and in the shower! Mom went upstair to our neighbor and asked if they had a leak - and they said "oh, yes, the bath tub has been leaking now for a few days."

Think Mom was a little POed (I can't say words like that - only Mommies can) that they had not called maintenance to report the problem...she was muttering some strange words while she called the maintenance folks. They came right away and fixed the leak upstairs - and told Mom they would be here on Monday (after the ceiling dried) to fix our problem.

Oh, well...maybe she will listen to me next time...In between time - off to get some water to drink!!! From my favorite drinking spot!!!


Didn't she do a great job with the photos - you can even see the drops as they fall. Mom is getting a lot better with that camera thing...


Oh, and since Mom hasn't been feeling too well these last few days, she is not going to do a new Commitment to Loveliness this week - she didn't have much of a chance to work on her list from last week.

You Make My Day!...

My friend, Jen, recently presented me with this award. You Make My Day! How nice is that! It feels good to know that I in some small way brighten someone's day!

I am supposed to choose ten other bloggers who do the same for me...the blogs I have chosen are blogs that are really new to me...within the last few months...The bloggers who I have read forever know how much they inspire me and add to my life. I wanted to let some of the new bloggers (to me) know that they too inspire me...and Make My Day!

The blogs I have chosen for this award are: (in no particular order)

AmandaJean at Crazy Mom Quilts.

I love going to her blog to see what she quilting creation she has just finished...or is just starting. She also has inspired me to get my-butt-in-the-chair-in-front-of-my-sewing-machine-again! She's made me realize a bunch of different ways to make new and pretty quilts.

Joe at Culinary in the Country.

This blog just amazes me with all the food ideas. I've tried several of his recipes and gotta tell you they are good. My pooches love his doggie bagels! They see me pulling the little bag out of the refrig and they go Nuts! He has made me realize that it can be fun to make my own snacks and try new foods.

Janet at Fond of Snape

The photography and the Friday-fill in all make my day. The FFI causes me to think and at times appreciate my life and what I do have. Her photography is great!!!! Through her blog, she has given me fun times...

Lynne at SockLadySpins

Lynne makes the most incredible socks! Bar None! She is truly an inspiration to me and my knitting...I can't wait for her blog to open up to see what she has been working on next! I feel like a kid in a candy store everytime I go to her blog.

Carmi at Written Inc.

Carmi makes me think! No ands, if, or buts about it! Additionally, his love of his family is truly amazing...and there is such a "gentleness" that comes through as he writes about his every day experiences. His photography makes one think! It is beautiful! What Carmi shows with ordinary things in his photos is great!

Colleen at Loose Leaf Notes.

Colleen is another one that makes me think! Plus with her blog I get to revisit one of the best areas that we lived close to when we lived in Tennessee. Her blog showcases not only her talent for writing both prose and poetry - but, gives an insight to living in the small Blue Ridge Mountain town of Floyd. It is always with anticipation that I open her blog.

Naomi at Here in the Hills

Naomi's life shines through her blog. I get to revisit an era of Hollywood and the the creative folk who are her friends through her blog entries and memories...and at the same time see the area as it is today. She and Sweetie share their lives through both prose and photos.

Shephard at Shephard's Alley

This blog offers a glimpse into the life of a very talent man who enjoys living and sharing his life with us through photos, artwork, and the written word. There is a joy that I feel when I visit his blog...and I get to visit Los Angeles and see all the things he has been doing vicariously!

Jilly at Riviera Dogs, Monte Carlo Daily Photo, and Menton Daily Photo

What is not to love about arm-chair travel...and Jilly shows off this gorgeous area with such lush photos...I've been tempted to move several times! Sometimes one just needs pretty pictures to make their day - and Jilly provides them!

Fenix at Bostonscapes

Fenix over at Bostonscapes offers me my daily view of Boston. If you've read my blog for any length of time - you know I love Boston! I swear I must have lived there in another life! It has been the city of my heart since I was in my early 20s! And, I get to see it each day and visit all the neighborhoods as if I lived there...

So there you go...my Ten...and there could have been an award for everyone on my blogroll...thanks for Making My Day!!!

Update by Sara: Please do not feel that you have to go and pass this award on - it is all up to you!!!

A Finished Object...

Yes. I have been knitting...and I actually have a finished object to show off. This would be a baby blanket. It arrived at its new home the other day - so, I can let everyone see it.

The pattern is my own design...just some yarn overs and knit 2 togethers...it turned out nice!
It was a gift for Clover - she is Julie's granddaughter...and she was born not too awful long ago. Clover is just an adorable little princess...and I enjoyed knitting this.
Was presented with a blogger award - but, will post about that tomorrow...mainly because I need to think who I am going to pass on the award to...and because I have a nasty little sinus infection! And, to be honest, it is keeping me from thinking straight - or from sitting at the computer trying to get all those links put in...so, look for it tomorrow!!!

Gifted...2...

This wonderful package came from Carol. Seems I won a prize for participating in Knit Unto Others. Yarn and fabric - my two obsessions! Thank you so much, Carol. You were most generous!!!! And, I love Knitting Unto Others!!!!

Gifted...1...

Over at Create A Connection we had an after Christmas swap...and Sheila drew my name. Just check out the cool things she sent...love the "Home Sweet Home" sign - it looks really cute on top of my tv...the notecards are great...hanging postcard of a puppy (since I miss mine) and some bathy items. Even the ribbon she used to tie up one of the packages will work with my quilting as an embellishment.

Thanks, Sheila...everything was just right for me!

(And, of course, I forgot to take a photo of the things I sent to someone else - but, she wrote and thanked me for everything!)

B is for...

Bottles!

These bottles in my bookcase have linen and room freshener in them. I love the stuff. The smell of clean, airy, flowery, or whatever makes me happy! One of our dogs used to jump on the bed and twirl around and rub her face on the comforter everytime the bed got sprayed. She loved the stuff!!!

My favorite "nude" also sits in this bookcase - she is a bar of soap that one of the local artisans in Vermont makes.

In answer to questions about the books - I've read a lot of these - and am in the process of down-sizing my books. Other than my craft books - after I read a book I pass it on. Some go to my daughter; others to friends; others to the library for their annual sale; and some to the laundry room in my building.

Two bookcases that weren't pictured hold all my travel books - and those are hard for me to let go of. Most were bought when I was there. The other holds fiction and they will be passed on when read or re-read.

The other books that you didn't see in this post but saw when I showed photos of my completed kitchen were my cookbooks. My goodness...guess I do have a lot of books!

B is for...

Books and Bookcases!

These are the three bookcases along the wall behind my chair! And, they are loaded (no, not that kind of loaded!) with tons of books! The LL Bean box is sitting on top of a tote that is full of yarn...the box is too!!!
Here is a closer view of the first one...
These two bookcases are in my bedroom...there is another one in there that I did not take a photo of...
This one also sits in my bedroom...on the right as you enter the room. I am proud of this bookcase as I made it myself!
This is a shot of the bookcase in the living room that hold all my quilting and knitting books - it is the one on the far left in the top photo. You can see my Denver cow and San Francisco trolley car.
Plus I imagine if you click on them you can see what books I own...and how many I own...and that doesn't count the twelve or more boxes in the closet full of paperbacks...

So, Books and Bookcases are a natural for the letter "B"! They are a part of me...and my life! I am rarely without a book in some stage of being read.

When I was 25...

Two of my friends, Naomi and Shephard, did this fun MEME...the premise is to look at your life and see what five things that at 25 years of age you would never have thought would have happened to you.

Twenty-five - that was 1971 for me...thirty-seven years ago. I had:

already seen a President assassinated;
lived through the terror of being in Florida during the Bay of Pigs and thinking that we were going to be blown to hell and back;
survived Hurricanes Donna (1960), Alma (1966) and Gladys (1968); and,
attended college and had been working since I was 16.

On the music scene Rod Stewart was looking for a Reason to Believe that Maggie May would still be around; Janis was singing about Me and Bobby McGee; Melanie had a Brand New Key, and George Harrison had My Sweet Lord; Three Dog Night was telling us all about some bullfrog in Joy To The World, and Cher was lamenting her past in Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves. Joan Baez was telling the story of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and in the number one spot, Carol King was telling us It's Too Late.

1) At 25 I never dreamed that I would have a child or that I could love someone so very much! Yet, at 30 I chose to have a child - and had a beautiful little girl who I named Tara Danielle. She was tiny - and it was a difficult labor - with some very scary moments. But, my doctor was wonderful and pulled both of us through. She has grown into a beautiful woman! And, I am still her proud Mommy!

2) At 25 I never dreamed that I would move away from Florida or ever leave the little house I bought when I was 21 and lived in since I was 12! I thought I would grow old in that house...and I sort of did. I never moved from it until I was 52...

3) At 25 I never dreamed that I would live in New England. My relationship with New England goes back to when I was 21 or so...a friend wanted to go home but didn't want to drive all the way back to Boston alone. And, she wasn't about to leave her convertible behind! So, she said if I'd ride along she would pay for me to fly back home. So, I took a two week vacation from my job - and came up to the Boston area. Traveled all over the Cape and Boston...and promptly fell in love with the area.

Once home thought about moving, but the time wasn't right - Boston was just too big for me. So, considered Nashua...but, still was too scared to make the big move that far away from family.

At 52, moved with my partner to Tennessee and spent six years there...then finally, at 58, I planted my feet in New England in the state of New Hampshire...about an hour and a half from Nashua and a couple hours from Boston. Who would have thunk it!

4) At 25 I never believed that someone would have enough faith in my writing to hire me as a writer for their magazine. Yet, that is just what happened during my early 30s! And, I worked for them for several years covering the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), and the Legends of Tennis. Not only did I write articles but eventually had two or three different columns...did travel writing...and got to go to a Super Bowl! Plus have a wonderful career as an author.

Nor did I believe that I would serve on the Board of Directors for one of the largest writers organizations in the world...and get to travel to places that I only dreamed of: Hawaii; Vancouver, British Columbia; St. Louis; Chicago; New Orleans; and more than once to New York City among many other cities.

5) At 25 I never dreamed that I would ever be in a long term relationship...yet, I was...and while I no longer am...I have no regrets! My life has been filled with love! And much happiness! And, it will continue to be filled with love and happiness and with friends and family that mean so much to me.

So, there you have it!!!

I was supposed to tag five people...but, you know me...I don't tag! So, if you feel like it and want to share your thoughts - leave me a comment so I can go check out your blog...

January 20 - A Commitment to Loveliness...

Well, another Sunday is upon us and time to look and see how I did this past week on my Commitment to Loveliness:

1) Drink at least one 16 ounce bottle of water a day. For some reason, I just can't get that one down. And, it really is important that I drink water. Well, that one needs to remain on the list for a while!!!

2) Finish and mail out the Super Size Round Robin Block by the 15th. Done!

3) Catch up paper work that is sitting on my desk. Done

4) Allow myself a half an hour to have breakfast and look/read through a magazine. That didn't work out too well this week - although I did take about an hour and a half on Saturday to finish a book I was reading.

5) Since there is more snow heading our way, moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize!!! Think the moisturize thing will be on my list forever!!!

So what is on the list for this week?

1) Drink at least one 16 ounce bottle of water a day. For some reason, I just can't get that one down. And, it really is important that I drink water. Maybe if I write it down in my calendar each day when I drink a bottle - it will make me drink more water.

2) Start switching out chips and junk snacks with either nuts, fruit, celery with peanut butter.

3) Listen to soothing sounds (like a cd - or my sound machine) when going to bed in order to relax and fall asleep.

4) Allow myself a half an hour to have breakfast and look/read through a magazine.

5) Keep my doctor's appointment on Friday.

Reading Day...

Today is starting out to be a lazy day...and it can't be! Have way too much to do!

But, I started the day off by reclining in my lounge chair and finishing up the last 30 pages of the book Marley and Me by John Grogan. What an awesome book. I just loved it! But, then I love dogs...so, this book was a natural for me. How could one not fall in love with this sweet dog - and his family. It truly was a feel good read - even though there were some incredibly sad parts...and , yes, I cried during the sad parts.

Now off to work on the house until this evening when I can read some more. The one left to finish is Edge of the Earth, Corner of the Sky by Art Wolfe. The library will be expecting me on Monday with the return of these two books.

Then I have about eight books sitting next to my bed in a to-be-read-pile. Five of them are for my reading challenge this year - and don't have to be read back-to-back.

Friday Fill-In...#55...

1. The last compliment I got was from my mother's nurse; she said I was really doing a good job caring for my mother.

2. I'm reading Marley and Me by John Grogan; as well as Edge of the Earth, Corner of the Sky by Art Wolfe.

3. I woke up today and thought I am really ready to get the last of these boxes unpacked.

4. Why does it get cold as ice one day and then up in the 50s the next?

5. The last thing I ate was Black beans and yellow rice and sausage. And, for dessert, New York style cheesecake.

6. January... always goes by so fast and the next thing I know it's February 6 and I am a year older.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing both books, tomorrow my plans include to unpack the boxes I have left and Sunday, I want to start working on a new quilt!

Junk Drawer of My Mind...

Once again there are those few things that don't seem to fit in anywhere else to talk about...

1) I received a wonderful surprise in the mail today...my friend, Janet, has been doing these beautiful drawings for months now. I keep telling her how gorgeous they are...and she sent me this one! I am so excited! Isn't she beautiful? She will be framed and on my wall in the near future.I love to decorate my home with things that friends have made...thus the reason I am so thrilled with the above drawing! Thank you so much, Janet. I really love her!!!

2) This season of tv is the pits with the writers being on strike. Although, being a writer, I understand why! But, in a way it has been good for me. I am discovering PBS, National Geographic Channel and a few others.

3) Today's poems came from Rhonda's blog...there are two great little poems about socks! Do go have a look-see. I'll wait!

4) Two of my favorite tv shows are ending in the coming weeks:

The Amazing Race - I really enjoy this program...and I sure hope that Rachel and TK win! They have run the best race of anyone in all of the seasons the show has been on. They are the only couple who I've never heard say one nasty thing to the other or bicker their way across a zillion miles! They just go along nice and easy and steady...they don't care what the other groups are doing...In my book they deserve to win!

Project Runway is my weekly fix of Heidi Klum! She is just gorgeous! And, if that nasty little guy with the weird hair (Christian) wins - I will be most disappointed! Sort of thinking maybe Victorya or Jillian for the win...

5) Am reading/looking at the photography of Art Wolfe in his fabulous book - Edge of the Earth, Corner of the Sky. This is a huge coffee table book and I was fortunate enough to find it at the library! Unfortunately, it needs to go back on Monday...but they have other books by him!

6) This has to fall under $70,000 Moron...The democratic contender Kucinich is actually going to pay approximately $70,000 to have a recount of the primary votes in New Hampshire. Okay...let's see he was 5th with 3,919 votes...Clinton had 112,251; Obama 104,772; Edwards 48,681; Richardson 13,249.

It's not even close, folks! If he really wants to throw away $70,000 I'd really be glad to take some of it off his hands as I'm sure there are a few others around who would willingly take some too.

7) Lest we think the Republicans are any better off - there is also one of them who received 44 votes (I think) who wants a recount.

8) Thanks goes to Shephard for introducing me to Westlife. Just ordered one of their albums - The Love Album and the soon to be released k d lang album!

Drunk Kitty...

New toy = drunk Kitty! Killian loves his new toy! This is just a scratching box that has catnip in it. Get them at the big-box-store and they are really inexpensive...but, it is the only thing that he enjoys playing with. I've bought baskets, scratching posts, toys, and various items - some filled with catnip and some without. He won't play with any. This is it! Or a crumpled up sheet of paper which he bats around the floor. Go figure...

Can we say...truly gone to la-la-land!!! It borders on adoration...and he'll sleep on top of this thing for hours!!

Quilting...SSRR Block...

So, turquoise is the new Purple...what can I say! There I was auditioning fabric for this block and just couldn't get it together with all the purples...and I saw this great turquoise fabric along with the other fabric that matched so well - and thought - there's my block!

This block is making its way to California for someone else to work on it. They will add a border of 4-1/2 to 6-1/2" inches...then send it on to someone else who will do the same and then on to another person who will do the same. It will then return home to me in about 5 months!!!

Thus the name: Super Sized Round Robin...In between time - I will be working on blocks for three other people.

Today's Poem: Is It A Sin To Love Thee by Unknown

This...That...And T'other...

Monday's are made for looking back at the previous week and forward to the coming week...or just reminising...kind of like thinking out loud!

1) Finally decided on the colors for the block I have to finish up today...Purples! Have a ton of purples...and think the block will be pretty. I'll post a photo tomorrow.

2) Sure would be nice if I wasn't waking up at 3:00 a.m. and then taking two hours to get back to sleep. Feeling most sleep deprived...think part of it has been that Mom has taken to getting up at weird hours. For the past couple of weeks, I've put her to bed at her ususal 7 - 7:30 pm bedtime...only to find her at 10 pm or 3 am - up and taking a bath to get ready to go out. So, now if I hear the slightest noise I am wide awake! Talked to her doctor and we upped one of her meds so that maybe she would sleep better.

3) Did you know that Apple's Macintosh computer went on sale to the public in 1984? I was one of the people who shelled out the selling price of $2,495 for one! It was my first computer ... and I kept it for about 10 years before I switched over.

4) Griffin (my new grand-dog) relaxing at his home. Makes me sort of wonder how big he is going to be??? Tara says he is a good dog! And, he seems to be happy sharing his home with her and the cats - Buster and Sherman. I look forward to going to Arizona to see all of them.

5) It is snowing today...and according to the weather guy we are scheduled to be in the range of 5" to 10" of the white stuff falling on us. It started at three and has been lightly snowing all day - up until an hour ago - when it started to fall even more.

6) The trees look beautiful! I don't know what it is about the trees when they are covered in snow that makes me so happy.

7) Did you ever wonder how we got the dollar sign? In the pioneer days, the symbol for currency was US. The "S" was placed directly over the "U". Over time, people got lazy and instead of overlapping , they shortened it to an "$" with two lines through it! Cool little fact!!!

January 13 - Commitment to Loveliness...

I have enjoyed working on bringing loveliness into both my home and my life...so, I thought I would continue to do so this year. Sometimes we just get so caught up in everyday life that we forget to take care of ourselves and our homes the way we want...and I don't ever want to forget myself anymore. I am worth the time and energy to care about myself and my surroundings.

1) Drink at least one 16 ounce bottle of water a day. For some reason, I just can't get that one down. And, it really is important that I drink water.

2) Finish and mail out the Super Size Round Robin Block by the 15th.

3) Catch up paper work that is sitting on my desk.

4) Allow myself a half an hour to have breakfast and look/read through a magazine.

5) Since there is more snow heading our way, moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize!!!

Thanks, Deb...

My buddy, Deb shared this on her blog...and thought I would see what happened when I took the test.

You are a Hippie

You are a total hippie. While you may not wear birks or smell of incense, you have the soul of a hippie. You don't trust authority, and you do as you please. You're willing to take a stand, even when what you believe isn't popular. You like to experiment with ideas, lifestyles, and different subcultures. You always gravitate toward what's radical and subversive. Normal, mainstream culture doesn't really resonate with you.

Are You a Hippie?

This would be ME!

Friday Fill-In...

1. My favorite experience of 2007 was learning how to knit mittens.
2. I'm most tempted by beautiful yarn and fabric.
3. Today I want to relax and read.
4. The last thing I took a picture of was the yarn I received as a gifts.
5. You and I have memories that will warm our hearts forever.
6. The most recent movie I’ve seen that I really enjoyed was Mr. Brooks.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up some of the shows on my DVR, tomorrow my plans include working on a quilt block for a swap and Sunday, I want to sew, read, relax and watch tv!

Such an exciting life!!!

Contest...

KnitWitch is having a fun little contest...I suggest you go check it out. And, while you're there do check out the beautiful yarn bowls!

Healthy?...For sure!...

You bet! I've received a few e-mails and comments about the crisp I made the other day...so, thought I would share the recipe. It is awesome...and has no saturated fat or refined sugar and uses whole grains.

I learned about this recipe at Garden Meals this past summer. The recipe comes from Feeding the Whole Family by Cynthia Lair.

Wholesome Apple Crisp

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cold-pressed vegetable oil

1/4 cup maple syrup or concentrated fruit sweetener

1/3 cup chopped nuts (I use walnuts)

2 Tablespoons water

2 Tablespoons maple syrup or concentrated fruit sweetener

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

5 cups sliced apples

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix oats, flour, and salt together in a bowl. Add oil and maple syrup, mix well. Stir in nuts and set aside.

In a small bowl combine water, syrup, spices, and vanilla extract; set aside. Slice fruit and place in a lightly oiled pie pan or an 8x8 inch baking dish. Pout the liquid mixture over the fruit and toss gently. Spoon the oat-nut mixture evenly on top of the fruit. Cover and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more to crisp the topping.

There you go...enjoy!

Today's poem: I'll Remember You, Love, In My Prayers by Unknown

Photo day...

I deliver on my promises!

Sandy over at Hockeymomknits and I have been blog friends for a while now! Since a swap ages ago when I first started blogging. She was running a little contest on her website...wanting to know what people thought she should do with some yarn she had...so, I gave a couple of suggestions! And, I won this lovely yarn from her. It is gorgeous! Not sure the camera does it justice! Think it will become a very wonderful scarf for next winter - unless I can get it done in the next few weeks.

Christmas gifts are such fun...Look at this lush yarn I received from Scarlett and her friend. Oh, can't wait to knit with this, too.

And, this is a phto that I just loved...her friend gave it to me...sorry for the lousy photo, I forgot to take the protective plastic cover off - but, since I don't have a frame yet...I didn't want it to get messed up.
A few days ago I made some crisp! It started out to be apple crisp...until I discovered that my apples were sort of beginning to bite the dust...so, I didn't have 5 cups of apples that the recipe called for...I had three - but, I did have two cups of raspberries...so, guess what got added? Yep! And, it was good!!!
Complete with topping! Oh, and, by the way, it is very healthy as there are no refined sugars in this at all!
Today's Poem: If You're Ever Going to Love Me by Unknown

Tuesday's Poem: Need of Loving by Strickland Gillian

Monday's Poem: If You But Knew by Unknown

Sunday's Poem: Billy Boy by Unknown

Christmas all over again...

Spent a nice evening last night visiting with Scarlett and her friend. Christmas presents arrived in the form of some beautiful yarn; some nice bath stuff; a mouse pad; a hand made bookmark, and a very beautiful photograph. Photos tomorrow...

Also, some beautiful yarn arrived the other day (Saturday) from HockeyMom...she spun it and it is stunning...it was a prize for offering a suggestion on what she should do with some of her yarn ... (and, no it wasn't send it to me! - not that I didn't think of that! :)

So, I'll post photos tomorrow...I'm really tired tonight...and heading for for bed...Yes, I know it's not even 7PM...

Oh, and if you live in New Hampshire - I hope you voted in the Primary. I did!!!! (Along with probably the biggest turn out for a primary in New Hampshire in ages!!!!)

Mazda's Not The Only One...

Zoom...Zoom...Zoom! That would be me you hear! There it is - the new baby! Gotta tell you - it feels like I've come out of the darkness into the light!

We just be zoomin'!

It arrived on Saturday! And, we were up and running at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.



One of the best things is the new monitor! My poor tired eyes don't have to strain nearly as much to see!

It's just a joy! And, one that I truly deserved! I spend a lot of time on the computer...and this one will serve me well for a long time to come!

Everyone's Doin' It...

What Sara Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

That pretty much says it all! Found this on at least five blogs I was reading today...and just had to...

Day Trippin'...

Windsor, Vermont is about seven miles from my home. I go there often...mainly to recycle my Pepsi cans and other cans plus glass jars or bottles I've used. It is earth friendly and they pay me a nickel for each one (if you buy it in Vermont, you pay a nickel when you buy it!) But, since I shop in New Hampshire - I am gaining a nickel for each one...And the money goes into my "slush fund" for yarn and fabric. But that's beside the point.

There are two ways to travel over to Windsor from my house...my favorite way takes me over this wonderful bridge! Isn't it grand??? Sorry the photo is so dark...it was a pretty cloudy day.

This bridge is the Cornish/Windsor Covered Bridge. I love it...it's supposed to be the longest covered bridge around.

Do click on both photos - as this one shares a bit of history...
Enjoy your day...I will be installing my new computer (yes, it arrived) today...and hopefully all will go well and I will see you tomorrow.

Today's poem: Midsummer by Sydney King Russell

A is for...Alpaca...

Of course, A has to be for Alpaca! How could you not love a little face like that? The Alpaca farm where this darling lives is not even ten miles from my house over in Vermont. I love the way they look and their gentle ways...the sounds they make are so soft! Then there is the yarn...well, sheer joy to knit with alpaca yarn!!!

Really must get back there soon and see how this little guy is doing. If you've been reading my blog for a while - you know that he was less than 24 hours old when this photo was taken.
Love this sign...it just says so much about them...
Just think, can you imagine having some fleece spun into yarn from these award winning alpacas? And, this was only one side of the area that had ribbons on it...there were three other sides just as full.
Thanks for letting me vent yesterday - today is much better! And, hopefully the first few days of the new year that were so trying are behind me...and I can look forward to a great year!!!

Yesterday's Poem: In A Rose Garden by John Bennett

Today's Poem: Sleep Sweet by Helen M. Huntington Gates

Crazy Day...

Today was busy...and hectic...and I'm damn tired. I'm tired of dealing with stupid people - and with governmental crap...namely Social Security and my bank! What was supposed to have taken five minutes took over a damn hour today!

And, then on top of that - Day Out called to say that Mom has pink eye - and even though a registered nurse told her doctor's office...they won't call in a prescription for it unless I bring her in - so we have a 45 minute drive in the morning for a two second appointment to confirm that the nurse was correct. Now that's stupid!

A...B...C...Along 2008

Carol from Carol Knits posted today about this ABC Along 2008. Being the fiber and fabric fanatic that I am why would I want to resist doing this...especially when it is so easy...and going to be so much fun - especially when I have a new camera, and want to improve my photography, and a new computer system (which is arriving in the next few days.)

So, here are the rules:

Members in this year-long group -- knitters, spinners, fiberists (yeah, I like that!) -- post a photo to their blog and/or the Flickr group every two weeks to correspond with a letter of the alphabet. Photos can be related to fiber, but do not have to be; they should reflect the personality of the photographer, and something of importance or meaning to them.

Post at least one photo in each 2-week period to match the corresponding letter of the alphabet. There are 52 weeks in a year and 26 letters of the alphabet, allowing two weeks per letter (Weeks 1&2=A, Weeks 2&3=B). Example: "A" is for... Alaska, asparagus, alpaca, astronomy, aperture... Whatever you choose, it should have some meaning for you

Today's Poem: Her Answer by John Bennett

New Year...New Goals...2008

2008! Doesn't seem possible...but, it is! And, I am excited about the possibilities.

The list maker in me has put together "the list" of things that I would like to accomplish this coming year...so, here goes:

1.) The major thing I would like to finish is the hand quilting on Tara's quilt. These are two photos of it...spread out on a king size bed. It is a beautiful quilt that I made a few years ago and haven't even begun to quilt it. It is sandwiched and if you enlarge the photos you might see the red basting thread.
2) UFOs/WIPs - planning on picking one day a week and grabbing something and working on it until it is finished. Some things might take several weeks or more - but, at least some of the UFOs will get done!

3) Plans are to continue with "A Commitment to Loveliness" mainly because I am worth it...and secondly...I get so involved doing things for others that I sometimes forget to do small things for myself.

4) Knitting from the Heart is what I plan to call my charity knitting (substitute quilting - when I do some charity quilting). The word "charity" just grates on me...so, I like my name for it. This will include - the hats and gloves for the Headstart kids, Knit Unto Others, and Love Reaches Out...and any other group project that I might wish to knit or quilt for.

5) Reading: Yes! That is always there...and plan on participating in the following challenge as a reading challenge. I posted the five books I am going to be reading here. Goal is to read more books than I did last year (32). The poem a day thing will continue.

6) This year is going to be one of learning. Would love to take the following classes (if I can find them)

a) A French class - my father's father came from Paris...My mother's from Puerto Rico (originally Sevilla, Spain). I know my mother's language - but not my father's. Time to learn.

b) A cooking/baking class. King Arthur's Flour Company is less than an hour away...and they offer awesome classes! Time to take one.

c) A Yoga class - no, not one of those where you learn how to twist yourself into a pretzel - but one that is more geared toward relaxation and breathing.

d) Exercise - Feeling the need to incorporate a little walking or hiking into my life...this would be a good time.

e) A photography class - somewhere locally there has to be a digital photography class available. And, I'll be there!!

7) Day Trippin' - this year the area around me deserves to be seen. Sat and figured out that if I leave as soon as I put Mother on the bus for Day-Out; travel up to an hour and a half in any direction; explore for four an a half hours; and drive home, I'll be back in time to get her off the bus.

8) Attend my quilt guild, knitting group, and quilting group as often as possible.

9) Try and buy from independent or local vendors as often as possible as opposed to the huge big box stores. It will be my way of encouraging the production of goods from artisans, farmers, and small business owners both in my local area, towns I visit, and internet. This does not mean that I am going to boycott any stores - it just means that I am going to look at other sources for the things I need and use. Besides, I don't think I could give up my quarterly Target run!

So, there you go...think it all got covered...

So what are you planning for the new year??

Today's Poem: Love by Roy Croft