Ten on Tuesday...

'10 Words People Would Use to Describe You'

1) Mother

2) Daughter

3) Friend

4) Compassionate

5) Loving

6) Cheerful

7) Accepting

8) Talented

9) Grateful

10) Bitch

You can play here!

May Day Giveaway...

Welcome to the New England Bloggers May Day Giveaways!

A group of New England Bloggers will be hosting a giveaway from April 27th until May 1st. Each of us will be offering a gift to one blogger. The winner will be announced on May 1st on each of the individual blogs.

To enter my giveaway - please leave a comment on this post and include an e-mail address so I know how to contact you in case you win.

This will be my giveaway:

A hand knit wash cloth that I myself knit and a bar of Lilac Goat Milk Soap made by a local farm called Angel Ridge Farm.

Please visit the rest of the New England bloggers listed below at their blog...Look for the May Day Giveaway Logo...and have a good time...

http://cmscanlon.blogspot.com/ Catherine in Maine

http://www.basia-spiritspace.blogspot.com/ Barbara in MA

http://thebookkitten.blogspot.com/ Kitten in CT

http://lifeasitis22.blogspot.com/ Tara In MA

http://livinglocalnh.blogspot.com/ Virginia in NH

http://lovingmom2boys.blogspot.com/ Liz in RI

http://suelovescherries.blogspot.com/ Sue in MA

http://pennysartroomblog.blogspot.com/ Penny in ME

http://pennywisepeople.blogspot.com/ Colleen in NH

http://raiseyourhandif.blogspot.com/ Carol in MA

http://fromichelle.blogspot.com/ Michelle

http://ebogie.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth in MA

My Corner of the World...

Remember I went on a Knitting Retreat a few weeks back...Thought I'd share some photos with you -

Dianne figuring out what she wants to start knitting and Pat working with a ball winder to get a skein ready for knitting...

Let's see if I can remember - l to r - Pat knitting, Sue, Sue, and Maureen with spinning wheels and another gal (whose name I can't remember) knitting.

Our very own Massage Therapist - she was there just for all of us. Think most of us got a half hour massage - there might have been a couple who opted for the hour massage. Her rates were really good - and we even had a real massage room (It is part of the Inn).

Terri and I knitting away in the sun room.

More knitting going on - and I can't remember these gals names. But, check out the felted bag that is on the floor between them. It is gorgeous!

Sue and Maureen working away on their spinning wheels!

Talking and knitting on the great sun porch. L to R Terri, a mother and daughter team (whose names escape me) and Sylvia.

Sue and Jeannette getting dinner ready!!!!

Our Sunday group photo...several of the women came from the other side of the state...and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other. Our room had five beds and all of us from our particular knitting shop stayed in that room. Each group was sort of set up that way!

Before leaving we exchanged addresses...and made plans for next Spring!

A New Skill...

A cathedral windows quilt has been on my list for ages. So, one of my friends and fellow guild members, Ellen, decided to teach us this last Wednesday night. Earlier in the year she gave me the amounts needed for a twin size quilt...so off I went to the fabric store. Ended up buying a bleached muslin - not the beige colored - but white. 33 yards of white bleached muslin!

The above is the beginning of my first 4-square block. First of all, I created the little pillows (as they are called) - then sewed two together. Since we were only there for two-and-a-half hours she showed us how to to insert our first little window. I will now sew the four blocks together and add more windows. All of my windows will be batiks!

It is all hand sewing - and I LOVE it! It is so relaxing! Am looking forward to having this as my carry around project until it is finished. No rush...just an enjoyable project.

Friday Fill-In #121...

1. Apparently there's some sort of conspiracy against Spring arriving here in Claremont. Still no blooms around.

2. Tomorrow is supposed to be a sunny day. I think it is going to happen because the sun just came out...and it's supposed to stay that way all the way through Sunday.

3. 2009 has been both good and hard so far.

4. People who lie to me soon find that was it. I don't put up with that at all.

5. For too long I've been resting way too much and not getting out and walking. And, I don't understand why because walking makes me feel really good.

6. I am not obsessed with reading; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to attending the opening night of my favorite local ice cream shop for dinner and ice cream (of course), tomorrow my plans include hanging around the house and relaxing and Sunday, I want to attend a special workshop after church!

You can play here!!!!

Mail Call...

This week has been a great mail week for me...Some things I was expecting (because of a couple of contests that I won) - but, then one of them was a complete surprise...

My friend, Julie, has the sweetest grandbaby named Clover. Samantha is Clover's mom and she is a sweetheart. Anyway, to make a long story short - I've been friends with Julie since before Clover was born and now keep up with her through Julie's blog.

Yesterday's mail brought this adorable card from Clover! Melted my heart! I was so - words are failing me - thrilled to get this little work of art and to think that she remembered me... and that doesn't say what I am feeling exactly). It was most special!!! She made my day! Thank you, Clover! I hope your Earth Day was great!



Then my buddy, Amanda over at Busy Little Quilter sent me this wonderful package. I won a contest over at her blog! Look at the goodies: Moda's Flag Day Farm Charm Pack and an adorable pattern for a table runner. I really like this pattern - mainly because it is so different. Thank you, Amanda!!!

Knowing that I hang out at reading blogs should not come as a surprise to anyone! Well, Lee McKenzie, who writes for Harlequin American Romance was having a little tea party a while back. I entered and lo and behold, I won one of her prizes...A great mug - it's really contemporary looking! And, some of my most favorite tea...from Murchies. This one is Murchie's Afternoon Blend. I learned about them when I was in Vancouver, British Columbia while having Afternoon Tea at the Empress. (Do check out the links - they are awesome!) Thank you, Lee!!!

For sure it was a wonderful week with great mail. It's always nice to get mail - that aren't bills or advertisements!

Earth Day...

At my house Earth Day is everyday...mainly because recycling, avoiding using extra water, using natural light, and doing other things that help our planet are habits now.

But, I am doing something special...am taking a class tonight on making a cathedral windows quilt. I will not be BUYING anything for this quilt - but, using up fabrics that I already own. This is my way of reducing the fabric in my home and turning that fabric into something beautiful!

Hope everyone has a great Earth Day!!!!

Twitter Be Gone...

Since I don't go to movies very often - the Ten on Tuesday really doesn't work for me - so, I thought I would share my views about Twitter...

Several of my friends have asked me to join up - so, thinking it might be something interesting I have been "tweeting" for a week now...and I hate it!

It makes no sense to me...and there are people who tell you every hour what they are doing - please...

Personally, I would rather you take the time you are "tweeting" and put that time into writing a blog entry that has some meat to it...or send me a card or letter. Any of those things would be so much better than Twitter...

Done that...not doing it again.

So Twitter Be Gone!!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook...April 20, 2009

FOR TODAY ... April 20, 2009

Outside my window... it is dusty...the sun is trying to come out from some grayish clouds ...(or maybe that's just dust clouds).

I am thinking... about the demo (small class) that I am giving tonight at my quilt guild. It is such fun to share with them.

I am thankful for... the blessing of health that I have. Even though my allergies have been bothering me a lot lately...I am still healthy..

From the learning rooms... learning how to say "no" to things that I really don't feel like I want to do...or that no longer hold an interest.

From the kitchen... this week's menu

Tonight: light dinner out on the way to quilt guild.
Tuesday: Chef's salad
Wednesday: Pork chops, potatoes au gratin, and corn
Thursday: Liver and Onions, some type of veggie, and rice
Friday: Dinner out at Scoop City!
Saturday: Stuffed Pepper Casserole (make an extra for Sunday's pot luck at church)

I am wearing... light lavender sweat suit and beige socks

I am creating... a new pair of socks

I am going... to learn how to applique this week. The challenge quilt I am working on has some applique. I've done a little before - but this is a new way that someone showed me and it is worth a try...especially with circles!

I am reading... 1st to Die by James Patterson. It is the first of a series. One of the things I tend to do is not read a series unless I have all the books! Finally got the first 7 - and now the 8th one will be out in a few weeks!

I am hoping... that spring will soon appear here. My friends in Massachusetts have lovely flowers blooming already and we still have nothing. It is amazing what a few hours north can have on when spring arrives.

I am hearing... the sounds of heavy machinery outside as they are tearing up the road and re-doing it. The noise is pretty loud and it shakes my building.

Around the house... the windows are closed because of all the dust the heavy machines are throwing around. I miss not having them open but don't want to have to redo my Spring Cleaning.

One of my favorite things... was this awesome banana bread with raspberries that I made this week. It is so good. (One of my quilting friends has been making it with blueberries and bringing it to guild)...well, I accidentally opened frozen raspberries instead of blueberries. So, I used them and it turned out so good.

A few plans for the rest of the week: set up my new bed; wash the living room window where a certain little cat has put a zillion nose prints; and clear off my desk.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is the banana-raspberry bread I made the other night just coming out of the oven. Was having dinner with friends...so my table was all dressed up...

You can read other Daybooks or participate here.

Bloggers Quilt Festival...

Amy over at ParkCityGirl is sponsoring the First Annual Bloggers Quilt Festival. We are to pick our favorite quilt and tell the story behind it...

I have chosen this one...

Most of you will recognize it as the quilt I made for my daughter this past Christmas. It is a king size quilt.

There are 1,226 pieces in this quilt. 449 of them are the muslin pieces. 777 of them are either 2-1/2 inch square or 4-1/2" squares of totally different fabric. None of the colored fabrices in this quilt or on the label or in the binding are the same.

I wanted my daughter to have a quilt that I had made her...and I wanted it to look old-fashioned. Hence the muslin and the muslin backing.

This quilt was the most fun to work on - I loved playing with the colors and just picking pieces of fabric out from a paper lunch sack. My daughter loves this quilt - and has had so many compliments on it...and I loved making it for her.

52 Books in 52 Weeks...

Like a lot of you - I belong to Ravelry...and in January they started a 52 Books in 52 Weeks group. Since I have been doing a lot of reading this year - thought the challenge would be good for me...Didn't want to mention it - in case the results didn't look promising... Thought you might like to see how it is going.

Bold denotes books I own…others borrowed from library.

January

1) The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook - Ina Garten
2) Estefan Kitchen - Emilio and Gloria Estefan
3) Remember My Touch (Harlequin Intrigue 469) - Gayle Wilson
4) Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama’s Plan to Renew America’s Promise - Obama for America
5) Michelle Obama: Meet The First Lady by David Bergen Brophy

February:

1) Judas Kiss by J. T. Ellison
2) Portsmouth: Photographs by Nancy Grace Horton; Text by Laura Pope
3) Chance of A Lifetime by Barbara Kaye (Harlequin Superromance 449)
4) Flashback by Justine Davis (Silhouette Bombshell 86)

March

1) The Mommy Bride by Shelley Galloway (Harlequin American Romance 1212)
2) The Jim and Dan Stories: A Journey of Grief and Faith by Colleen Redman
3) Muses Like Moonlight: A Closet Poet Comes Out by Colleen Redman
4) Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton
5) Double Minds by Terri Blackstock
6) Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched The World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter

April

1) Today’s Kitchen Cookbook by the Today Show Cast
2) Tempest in Eden by Sandra Brown
3) All The Pretty Girls by J. T. Ellison
4) The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
5) Pint Size Traditions II by Lynette Jensen
6) Knit Two by Kate Jacobs
7) 1st to Die by James Patterson
8) 2nd Chance by James Patterson w/Andrew Gross
9) 3rd Degree by James Patterson w/Andrew Gross

May

1) 4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
2) 5th Horseman by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
3) The Sixth Target by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
4) 7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
8) Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox
9) The 8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
10) Why Cats Do That: A Collection of Curious Kitty Quirks by Karen Anderson
11) Winter Games by John Cacombe
12) A Doctor's Secret by Marie Ferrarella

June

1) 14 by J. T. Ellison
2) Mortal Remains by Henry Scammell
3) Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
4) Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities by Elizabeth Edwards
5) The Thomas Berryman Number by James Patterson
6) Season of the Machette by James Patterson

July

1) See How They Run by James Patterson
2) Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Micheal J. Fox
3) Hush Little Darlings by Judith Kelman
4) The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
5) Black Friday by James Patterson
6) The Midnight Club by James Patterson
7) Hide and Seek by James Patterson
8) When the Wind Blows by James Patterson

August

1) Cradle and All by James Patterson
2) Might As Well Laugh About it Now by Marie Osmond with Marcia Wilkie
3) A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall
4) Miracle on the 17th Green by James Patterson and Peter deJonge
5) The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter deJonge
6) Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
7) The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
8) Too Late to Say Goodbye by Ann Rule

September

1) The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
2) The Lake House by James Patterson
3) Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson
4) 13 Bullets by David Wellington

October

1) The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
2) 99 Coffins by David Wellington
3) Vampire Zero by David Wellington
4) 23 Hours by David Wellington
5) Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
6) The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
7) Diner's Drive-Ins, and Dives: An All-American Road Trip by Guy Fieri with Ann Volkwein

November
1) The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
2) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
3) Bad Blood: Freedon and Death in the White Mountains by Casey Sherman
4) Laced with Magic by Barbara Bretton

December
1) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2) Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
3) Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel by Kate Jacobs
4) Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
5) Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris
6) Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris
7) An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris

Friday Fill-Ins...#120...

1. Join me in learning how to live a more fun and simplier life.

2. Put a little fun and good food in your day!

3. Happiness is feeling loved - especially loving yourself.

4. Dazed and confused. (Wasn't that a movie!)

5. I'm waiting for the mailman to bring me a notice that I am going to get a rebate check from Uncle Sam. My neighbor got one.

6. A good book is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to have Scarlett and Elizabeth over for dinner, tomorrow my plans include sewing on my quilt top and putting on a border for Elizabeth's quilt and Sunday, I want to go to church at the new church I found!

You can play here!

A Finished Object...

Don't faint! Scarlett's socks are finally finished! These have been on needles for quite a while - can you believe almost a year (actual start date: June 21, 2008)??? But, they are done - beautiful and soft.

Yarn: Universal Yarn Inc. - Pace

Color: Bark 13 - Lot 6/1104

75% Super Wash Wool/25% Polyamide

Needles - US 3

Ten on Tuesday on Wednesday...

Ten Signs that You are Getting Older

1) You have to rest in between doing housework...like running the vacuum, taking the garbage out.

2) Somehow there are more medications to take.

3) Get forgetful - can't remember things like birthdays, doctor appointments, even fun things.

4) You listen to the Oldies station because you know all the words to those songs and you don't understand the "new" music.

5) You don't do malls anymore because you can't stand the crowds.

6) All of your friends children have children of their own and they are teen-agers already.

7) You enjoy a mid-day nap

8) You are not afraid to speak your mind and you do!

9) You don't deal with "drama queens" anymore!

10) A night out means popcorn and a good movie on the DVD - not the "hot nightclub" you used to hang out when you were 21.

Tuesday...

Today was an extremely busy day...

Finished all the sorting of boxes and things...now all that is left to do is vacuum and sweep and mop the bathroom and kitchen floors.

Dropped off a bunch of writing books at the local new/used book store...and picked up a couple books - one by James Patterson and another by David Best - an author that I never heard of before.

It has been difficult going through some of mother's things - like jewelry. Did find some cute little embroidered handkerchiefs that she used to love - so, I've decided to wash and iron them - then frame them for my sister, daughter, and self.

To tell you how hectic things have been - I totally forgot my sister's birthday - it was Saturday and we even talked to each other that day. It's hell getting old!

Edited by Sara:

Mother is just fine - she is happy and well at the nursing home...I didn't realize this sounded as if she might not be - thanks, Janet, for sort of pointing that out.

The Simple Woman's Daybook: April 13, 2009

For Today: April 13, 2009

Outside my window... the weather is trying to make up its mind as to whether remain winter or allow spring to come on down!

I am thinking... how fortunate I am to have so many friends that care about me. A lot of people don't have that.

I am thankful for... the interests I have that keep me going and keep me feeling alive!

From the kitchen...

Monday night - Dinner out on the way to quilting - maybe BBQ (been trying to get there for three weeks now).

Tuesday: Liver and Onions, baked potato, and corn

Wednesday: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Thursday: Ham Steak, sweet potatoes, asparagus

Friday: Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato sandwich, homemade french fries

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Salad

I am wearing... jeans, dog tee-shirt, and no shoes or socks.

I am creating... a project for a giveaway...

I am going... to my quilt guild meeting tonight. It is always such fun to be with people that I like. It is a small guild and we really care about each other.

I am reading... The Friday Night Knitting Club: Knit Two by Kate Jacobs

I am hoping... for spring to arrive full blast. This winter has been a long hard one...and I am ready to see some of the earth's beauty popping up.

I am hearing... Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits in the background. It's wonderful to be able to listen to music that you know all the words to. Guess that's why my cd collection is mostly Oldies and Country. But, not the new country - I don't care for some of the young girls that are performing now.

Around the house... it is still spring cleaning. And, organizing - I just want to be able to put my hands on things when I want them...

One of my favorite things... is cuddling with a book on a gloomy day. Almost spent yesterday reading - but, I was good and did other things.

A few plans for the rest of the week: finishing up my spring cleaning; having Scarlett and Elizabeth over for dinner on Friday night (they like BLT's and the thought of homemade french fries was the kicker!); knit and quilt.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Aren't they adorable? I was taking a photo of the two alpacas when the one by the door stuck his head out to see what was happening. It was just too cute. I really have grown fond of alpacas.

You can read other Daybooks or Join us here!

Happy Easter...

Photo Courtesy of www.capemaytimes.com

Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Happy Spring!

Sara and Killian

Yarny goodness...

Last weekend was spent at a knitting and spinning retreat. (More about that in the next few days). It was a wonderful three days with people who knew what you were talking about when you mentioned that you dropped a stitch - or that your spinning wheel was acting funny.

Of course, there was the trip into Sue's store, HodgePodge Yarns. I have been on a very strict yarn diet this year and using up my yarn stash. My rules were that I could buy some yarn if it was at a retreat, Sheep and Wool Festival, and on vacation.

So, I bought this:
The yarn is Linares. Made in Chile. It is the most beautiful subtle shades of the ocean that I've ever seen. Soft, soft! 55% cotton and 45% Viscose and 229 yards per skein. The color is 505 and the Dye lot 30120101 (in case you are interested)

And, this is what is going to be made from it:

From the current (May 2009) issue of Creative Knitting (page 51). It's all about LACE, too.

I don't talk about knitting magazines very often but I have to say this has been the best knitting magazine that I have ever subscribed to. There are always four or five things in each issue that I want to make. Glad it doesn't expire until May 2010!

Friday Fill-Ins #119...

1. Anonymous...should not be so rude when playing a game someone else made up.

2. YouTube is a great source of enjoyment for me.

3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, heartbreak.

4. Lilacs and all the other flowers are what I look forward to most about Spring.

5. Who needs therapy when one can knit or crochet. There was something on the news about how knitting and crocheting reduce stress!!!

6. Black jelly beans MUST go into the Easter Basket!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to fixing a really good chef's salad with ham, black olives, lettuce, broccoli, and blue cheese dressing, tomorrow my plans include staying home and relaxing and Sunday, I want to go to this new church that is similar to the one I attended in Tampa!

Still Spring Cleaning...

What can I say - the Spring Cleaning bug has really got hold of me.

My kitchen cabinets look wonderful. Everything is arranged so neatly! Breakfast items, hot drinks, baking items, pastas, potatoes, and rices have an entire shelf! Veggies and fruits have their own shelves!!! It is so nice to be able to find what I am looking for right away.

Last night's dinner was salmon and mac and cheese! The salmon was so good!!!

Today, it is the living room's turn - need to answer some mail and get my desk cleared off. Then the living room is done.

My bedroom is next - and then mother's room!

Thought I would leave you with a nice photo of my babies (who live with Mommy Scarlett) -

Isis Dreamweaver and Zac (short for Proz*c)

Oh, and did anyone watch Crim*inal M*nds last night?

I'm in a mood...

I have no idea what is going on - but, I actually woke up thinking today would be a good day to rearrange the pantry...

Yep, that's what I'm doing! Had no idea there were at least eight Mac and Cheeses in there! I may not be seeing that on the grocery list for quite a while...

So, thought I would take a five minute break and tell you how proud I am of myself. Yes, I am.

Last night for dinner I fixed lamb chops for the very first time. My neighbor gave me four beautiful lamb chops - and they could not be re-frozen - so, all of them were baked with a little salt, pepper and 8 cloves of garlic. My house smelled marvelous! Since they were quite big - I shared two with Scarlett and Elizabeth and one with Pat, my knitting buddy, who had a bad day at work and didn't need to go home and cook.

They were very good - tender and tasty! Enjoyed my meal and I will fix them again!

Now it's back to the pantry!!! Isn't Spring Cleaning FUN!

(I'll catch up on my e-mails later today or tomorrow!!!)

Ten on Tuesday...

10 Least Liked Foods

1) Green Peas - I can't stand green peas. I remember getting into trouble in the third grade - Miss Smith (lordy, she was older than dirt) sent me to the office because I wouldn't eat my "greeny greens"!

2) Exotic foods - you know like chocolate covered spiders, goat, etc. - I mean I don't think I would be rude and offend anyone if I were traveling in some strange land and they invited me to dinner. But the chances of that are slim to none!

3) Spicy Buffalo Wings or anything really spicy or curried food. My tummy can't take it.

4) Bread and Butter or Sweet Pickles - I only eat Dill Pickles!

5) Eggplant - the thought makes me think of when I was little and my grandmother used to make it - she would fry it and we would eat it with maple syrup on top. I might could eat it that way - but any other way - NAH...

6) Okra - never, never, never. I feel really safe in saying that I will NEVER eat okra.

7) Raw onion - I can't eat raw onion - but, if it is cooked I can handle it!!! Isn't that weird?

8) Lima Beans - oh - no! And, when they ruin my corn by putting lima beans in it - then I get really upset.

9) Feta Cheese - Don't care for the taste of it.

10) Tofu - I have to be honest and say that I have tried it - and I don't like it. It was part of several meals in Hawaii. Then I went on a writers retreat with a group of vegetarians and if I wanted to eat - there was tofu...seven days of that and I was over tofu!

You can play here!

The Simple Woman's Daybook...

FOR TODAY April 6, 2009

Outside my window...raining. It has been raining all day and the wind is brutal. It's not a very pretty day.

I am thinking... how wonderful it is to be with like-minded people. I so enjoyed my week-end with people who knit and spin...

I am thankful for... family and friends. It was good to hear from my daughter today. And, it felt wonderful knowing I could go away for a week-end and my cat would be well taken care of by my friends.

From the kitchen... Tonight's dinner will be black tipped shark steak broiled with lemon, salt and pepper, some small baked potatoes, and some sort of veggie...probably corn.

I am wearing... turquoise sweat pants, a tee shirt and no shoes or socks. The pants are warm and take the chill off.

I am creating... a quilt - still working on the challenge quilt. But, am also knitting some nice socks.

I am going... to accept that my mother is really happy at the nursing home. It has been difficult with her not recognizing me. The nurses say she is always happy and smiling and even though she doesn't recognize them by name she still enjoys being with those who care for her

I am reading... All the Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison. It is a murder mystery and pretty good.

I am hoping...that this rain does not cause any flooding in our area. The last several years have brought floods in which people lost homes and lives...and it always seems to be in April or early May.

I am hearing... the refrigerator running...other than that it is absolutely quiet here.

Around the house... plan to hang a bunch of photos and pictures this week. I am trying to make my home more of a home.

One of my favorite things... is going for a short walk each day. Can't wait for nicer weather so that I can enjoy all of it.

A few plans for the rest of the week: paying bills, catching up on my filing, and giving the house a nice spring cleaning...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Some lovely flowers on my dining room table. I love fresh flowers - so, I usually treat myself at the grocery store.

This is a tablecloth I embroidered a long time ago. It has been sitting in a box with my linens - along with a couple other table clothes that I have done. I think it is time to use them!

You can read other entries or join us here

Great Week-end...

What a wonderful week-end.

It began Friday at 3:00 PM and ended today at 2:30! Nothing but knitting, spinning, and consuming some of the best food.

But, I'll tell you all about it soon...right now I need to get some stuff done around here...

See you tomorrow...

Knitting Day...

Today is the day a group of my knitting friends are getting together just to sit and either knit or spin. Since I don't spin - I'll be doing a lot of knitting (I hope).

There are several unfinished items in my knitting basket and I hope to have photos of them finished...

1) The Elizabeth Zimmerman BSJ - that has been languishing in my knitting basket for a couple of years. And, I do need to finish it as I know someone who will need it soon.

2) Two pairs of socks - both have one sock finished and the other still on needles - time to get them done...

Always seem to enjoy being with others and tend to work on my projects...so, maybe I'll have a productive day today!!!

Friday Fill-ins...

1. Angel or not, I will have a hard time believing you exist.

2. Bend me, Shape me any way you want me. Boy, that song popped into my mind!

3. As my mother used to say, you're full of it. Never quite sure whether that was a compliment or not.

4. I feel really good about myself after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous.

5. Even in the most crowded of rooms I can feel totally alone.

6. I never feel as if any day is a day fraught with peril.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having dinner with friends, tomorrow my plans include spending some time with friends knitting and Sunday, I want to relax and enjoy a good book!

You can play here!

She's Still Sewing...

Killian, here...

She's still sewing! Plus today she went over to Scarlett and Elizabeth's to teach Scarlett how to make her "special" rice pudding.

Plus she's been reading a lot at night - Know she finished a book by Sandra Brown last night. It was Tempest in Eden. She said it was good. Know she got some books from the library yesterday - but, can't remember what they were.

She was really sad yesterday. Seems Grammy told her that she didn't know who she was and treated her like a total stranger. I think it is really hard on Mommy when Granny slips away like that. I tried to make it all better - and was next to her all night while she slept.

Well, later - ya'll...

Mom's Sewing...

Killian here,

Bet you're glad to see me!

She left this morning to go and see Grandma...and then told me that she was going to be busy sewing for the rest of the day once she got back home.

The white humming thing was going a lot last night and I guess I'll have to listen to it again this afternoon. Darn, keeps me from getting to the window.

Oh, I found this neat photo on the Internet - think Mom would be made if I tried this? Just asking!