Happy Memorial Day to All! Here's to...
My Grandfathers, who served in World War I
My Dad and Dad In Law, veterans of World War II
My brother Michael, who fought for our country's freedom during the Vietnam War
And Here's To:
ALL OUR BRAVE MILITARY WHO HAVE MADE OUR COUNTRY FREE, SAFE AND HAPPY!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Minor injury
About a year ago, I slammed my thumb into a can lid, and required 11 stitches. I seem to rate one minor injury a year, because last Monday, I walked into a table leg in bare feet and did a number on my pinkie toe. I really was walking--not rushing. I was half-asleep. I had gotten up to tell my son something before he headed to school. I turned around, started back to my room, miscalculated the table at the top of the stairs...
My toe was all purple and swollen. How can such a little thing hurt so much? How can it still hurt after a flipping week?
I took a pair of canvas sneakers and cut the side off one of them so I could get shoes on my feet. These shoes are not comfortable at all and I miss my real sneakers, which have a lot more support in them.
Oh, well, at least I have the advantage of working for a doctor. She splinted my toe for me, no charge. An emergency room visit would have cost me a bundle, even with insurance! She said it would take about a week to heal. Tomorrow is Monday. That's a week.
It's not looking good, and I think I've got a few more days of limping.
My toe was all purple and swollen. How can such a little thing hurt so much? How can it still hurt after a flipping week?
I took a pair of canvas sneakers and cut the side off one of them so I could get shoes on my feet. These shoes are not comfortable at all and I miss my real sneakers, which have a lot more support in them.
Oh, well, at least I have the advantage of working for a doctor. She splinted my toe for me, no charge. An emergency room visit would have cost me a bundle, even with insurance! She said it would take about a week to heal. Tomorrow is Monday. That's a week.
It's not looking good, and I think I've got a few more days of limping.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Tired today
I'm too tired to do much of anything today. Well, at least I cut out the skirt I'm making and sewed 2 seams. It's an almost-circle skirt. I also did 3 eight-by-eight scrapbook pages for a friend's newly adopted baby.
Isn't she just adorable? Her name is Abigail Rose. She is the product of a lot of prayers and hopes. Her mommy says she is the 'best thing to happen to us in 8 years.' They also have two wonderful sons, aged 8 and 13. If you plow through this blog, you'll find a post on a bonnet I made for her. I made it in a 'medium' figuring it would be perfect for her by July or August. Shows to go ya, never jump to conclusions. "Medium" might fit this princess in October, she's such a sweet pea. I have one newborn dress on order, and I'm in search of more. Why is it that patterns seem to start at 'small,' which is about half again as big as Abby-Rose?
I tell you, it's been a while since I did any sewing for little girls. Now I have 3 friends with daughters or granddaughters. Might be time to brush up on my heirloom sewing techniques, LOL!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Organizing sewing projects
One of my 'to do' things today was to organize and list all my sewing projects. I have a friend who absolutely won't start something until she finishes something else. Not me. I have lots of 'works in progress.' Well, not lots. But if you add the sewing projects in with the scrapping projects and the recipes-to-try, well...you get it.
So I'm listing my sewing projects on Ta-Da Lists and I get an idea. As I list the item, I also type the color thread I'm using. Then, maybe, I can work projects in groups. For example, I still have to finish the Easter apron. It's just a matter of adding the pink ribbon sash to it--which is already pinned in place. Well, I also have to make the bloomers for a toddler dress, as well as the buttonholes and lace trim--also pink! So, with my machine armed with pink thread, I can concentrate on these, and any other, pink projects--without having to change thread! Oh, and I'm also making a pink pin cushion.
So I'm listing my sewing projects on Ta-Da Lists and I get an idea. As I list the item, I also type the color thread I'm using. Then, maybe, I can work projects in groups. For example, I still have to finish the Easter apron. It's just a matter of adding the pink ribbon sash to it--which is already pinned in place. Well, I also have to make the bloomers for a toddler dress, as well as the buttonholes and lace trim--also pink! So, with my machine armed with pink thread, I can concentrate on these, and any other, pink projects--without having to change thread! Oh, and I'm also making a pink pin cushion.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Abundance
Like just about everyone else in America, I'm trying to pay down a debt. I'm not a frivilous person. Suffice to say a combination of being naive and medical problems got me in this situation. I'm much smarter now and it's going away...slowly, but steadily. There are times I get discouraged and I think I'm never going to be able to just enjoy life without worrying about paying the next bill.
I know I have abundance in the non-material things (although I wish I could say I felt great or even very good each day--tough to do with chronic pain), but that's not what this post is about. This post is about material abundance. Compared to a lot of people and places, most of us (even those in heavy duty debt) are wealthy. I was reminded of this while cleaning my pantry. Actually, it was meant to be a linen closet, LOL. What you see in the picture is just one shelf's worth. And I had to put some of it on the table and on the other counter. 98% of this stuff was bought really cheap, using coupons combined with sales. Well, if anything came of dealing with debt...it's sure made me learn how to get the most for my money, LOL!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
My ferret Madison
I wish I had a picture of her on this computer, but I'm sure there's one of her buried somewhere in this blog. She passed away last night, and the good ferrety age of about six. I say 'about' because she was a 'rescue' and I don't really know how old she was. Her previous owner could not take care of her or her brother. I've had her about five years.
The sweetest thing is that her brother, Baxter, came down to the floor of the cage to lay next to her--instead of climbing up into his hammock with his buddy, my other ferret Austin. I have been putting Maddie in the hammock myself because she's been unable to climb. Baxter is actually Madison's littermate. (Austin is younger and not related.) He put his head over Maddie's neck and slept close to her. It was as if he knew her time to go was near. Nobody's going to tell me animals don't have feelings.
In the last 2 months or so, I've lost a bird (Cassie), a rat (Noodle) and now Madison the ferret. I'm down to 2 cats, a dog, and 2 ferrets. I suppose Baxter, being of the same age as Maddie, will go soon, too. So far, he looks okay for an old boy. I hope he stays that way.
The sweetest thing is that her brother, Baxter, came down to the floor of the cage to lay next to her--instead of climbing up into his hammock with his buddy, my other ferret Austin. I have been putting Maddie in the hammock myself because she's been unable to climb. Baxter is actually Madison's littermate. (Austin is younger and not related.) He put his head over Maddie's neck and slept close to her. It was as if he knew her time to go was near. Nobody's going to tell me animals don't have feelings.
In the last 2 months or so, I've lost a bird (Cassie), a rat (Noodle) and now Madison the ferret. I'm down to 2 cats, a dog, and 2 ferrets. I suppose Baxter, being of the same age as Maddie, will go soon, too. So far, he looks okay for an old boy. I hope he stays that way.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
New Computer
I bought a new computer the other day. My last one, which I have had for about 4 years, completely died. No kidding...Windows said I had to reactivate it in X days or it would stop working.
Trouble is...you have to be able to get on line to reactivate it, and I couldn't get on line.
But there were numerous other things wrong with it, so it was time to let it go to that great computer home in the sky.
I had saved a lot from my groceries and putting away a percentage of each of my meager paychecks so I had almost the right amount to buy this. But the best thing is that I got a check for back payment from a previous job at Petco, and it arrived the day before I went computer shopping! It was almost $700! Somehow, they owed me two paychecks from 3 years ago. Sometimes, cool things happen in life.
My computer is an HP Pavilion. It's totally cool. I don't have AOL yet, but I'll pick up one of those free discs and have my son reinstall it for me. I miss having a place to put "favorites."
I've also been systematically reinstalling my music and scrapbook programs, etc. So far, it's taken most everything. Except this is a Vista and it refused to work with my old printer! Glad it came with one, LOL!
Trouble is...you have to be able to get on line to reactivate it, and I couldn't get on line.
But there were numerous other things wrong with it, so it was time to let it go to that great computer home in the sky.
I had saved a lot from my groceries and putting away a percentage of each of my meager paychecks so I had almost the right amount to buy this. But the best thing is that I got a check for back payment from a previous job at Petco, and it arrived the day before I went computer shopping! It was almost $700! Somehow, they owed me two paychecks from 3 years ago. Sometimes, cool things happen in life.
My computer is an HP Pavilion. It's totally cool. I don't have AOL yet, but I'll pick up one of those free discs and have my son reinstall it for me. I miss having a place to put "favorites."
I've also been systematically reinstalling my music and scrapbook programs, etc. So far, it's taken most everything. Except this is a Vista and it refused to work with my old printer! Glad it came with one, LOL!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I've been tagged!
Oh, boy! http://live-frugal.blogspot.com/2007/04/frugal-living-meme.html tagged me for a frugal meme. What do I do well and what do I do poorly for being frugal?
One thing I do well is saving a LOT of money on my food shopping. I joined grocerygame.com, which helps a lot. On average, I save at least 30% a visit, and often much more. This allows for a well-stocked pantry, as well as a good supply of things like toothpaste. I've started transferring my savings from the grocery into my savings account, and it's almost at $600!
My biggest problem is remembering to pay bills on time. I'm much better at it than a few years ago, but there is still room for improvement. It's a matter of having a bad concept of what the date is. I'm thinking of sending myself e-mail alerts to get the bills out on time. I've recently discovered phone payments. Sometimes they cost you, but it's a lot cheaper than a late fee and a jacked-up finance charge! So that's my worst area, and the one I'm trying hardest to improve. Really, I am!
One thing I do well is saving a LOT of money on my food shopping. I joined grocerygame.com, which helps a lot. On average, I save at least 30% a visit, and often much more. This allows for a well-stocked pantry, as well as a good supply of things like toothpaste. I've started transferring my savings from the grocery into my savings account, and it's almost at $600!
My biggest problem is remembering to pay bills on time. I'm much better at it than a few years ago, but there is still room for improvement. It's a matter of having a bad concept of what the date is. I'm thinking of sending myself e-mail alerts to get the bills out on time. I've recently discovered phone payments. Sometimes they cost you, but it's a lot cheaper than a late fee and a jacked-up finance charge! So that's my worst area, and the one I'm trying hardest to improve. Really, I am!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Easter Greetings
Happy Easter to All!!!
Here is an egg-peeling tip for you:
Crack the shell all over, then begin peeling from the big end. This is usually where there is an 'air pocket' and the inner membrane is easier to break here. It's when that membrane sticks that you get those annoying broken-up eggs!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Sew Craft Friday
http://www.w8ng4him.blogspot.com/ Please visit here and join in the fun!
This is an Easter apron I'm making. It's a work in progress, which means it might not get done this year because I only started it yesterday. Last week, I used the bunny cookie cutter and made a pattern. I cut out a buncha bunnies, with no idea what I'd do with them. (BTW, those big copper cookie cutters are ridiculously expensive. This one was a gift!)
The 'skirt' of the apron actually started as part of a top. Actually, it's a muslin copy of a top I want to make, but wanted to do in cheap fabric first to make sure it fits. (It does!) I don't throw my trial outfits away, but cut into the muslin for smaller things. But I was looking at the wide cut of this bodice and thought...apron! So I cut off the top half, cut the back open and added some hems. Really, all I have to do now is a waistband and some ties. I have enough fabric that matches the pockets for the waistband. I might have ribbon for the ties.
Maybe this will get done this year, after all! That is...once I've boiled the eggs to color, double-checked the Easter basket supplies, made cookies...
Oh, and I'm babysitting my neighbor's 4-month-old grandbaby, Julianna Sophia. I haven't heard a peep out of her. Every time I check her, she smiles at me! What a happy kid!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
A site I like
http://www.cindysporch.net/index.shtml Cindy has a great philosophy (one of several): "Do instead of Buy." Boy, do I need to remember that more often than I do! Dang it, but I bought a jar of salsa for a recipe I plan to make next week--when all the while there is a half jar of perfectly good salsa hiding in the back of my fridge. Not to mention the plum sauce that would have been delicious with the moo shu pork I made last week.
Today, as might be obvious, I'm cleaning out the fridge. Taking things off shelves, washing, organizing. Cindy offers some printables that include "Treasures in the Fridge," where you can write down your inventory. Yesterday, I did my freezers, where I found a nice piece of salmon my oldest son can have for dinner tonight.
I also found at least 4 jars of almost-empty barbecue sauce. Last week, I had a piece of leftover beef I needed to cook. I combined some bbq sauce with pineapple juice and cooked the beef in it on low heat for about 3 hours. This was one of those dishes you eat before it even leaves the pot, it's so good. It just fell apart. Oh, and it was a shoulder cut, not a very tender piece of meat. You would have thought it was sirloin!
So I plan to combine all those almost-done bbq sauces with some juice and make another steak this coming week. BBQ beef sandwiches, here we come!
Let's see--I've cleaned and inventoried my freezers (those are the kind attached to fridges, not big freezers. I wish.) and my fridge. Next stop, the pantry.
But not today. I'm tired.
Today, as might be obvious, I'm cleaning out the fridge. Taking things off shelves, washing, organizing. Cindy offers some printables that include "Treasures in the Fridge," where you can write down your inventory. Yesterday, I did my freezers, where I found a nice piece of salmon my oldest son can have for dinner tonight.
I also found at least 4 jars of almost-empty barbecue sauce. Last week, I had a piece of leftover beef I needed to cook. I combined some bbq sauce with pineapple juice and cooked the beef in it on low heat for about 3 hours. This was one of those dishes you eat before it even leaves the pot, it's so good. It just fell apart. Oh, and it was a shoulder cut, not a very tender piece of meat. You would have thought it was sirloin!
So I plan to combine all those almost-done bbq sauces with some juice and make another steak this coming week. BBQ beef sandwiches, here we come!
Let's see--I've cleaned and inventoried my freezers (those are the kind attached to fridges, not big freezers. I wish.) and my fridge. Next stop, the pantry.
But not today. I'm tired.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Sew Crafty Friday
Here's a layout I did recently. My daughter Katherine (in the black top) was asked to be godmother to a friend's baby boy.
The background and all the star elements in this layout are from a kit called "Seeing Stars" by Lorene Hill. It's especially cool because the big star and the background are in black and you can color them any way you like!
I will journal in the big star as soon as I get information from my daughter.
BTW, I finished the hem on the dress with the matching hat. All I have to do now is bind the armholes.
Please visit http://www.w8ng4him.blogspot.com/ and join "Sew Crafty Friday"! It's a lot of fun!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
WFMW: A blog that inspires my creativity
http://www.w8ng4him.blogspot.com/
Shereen sponsors something called "Sew Crafty Friday" every...well, Friday of course. So far, only a few people have joined. But I'm hoping others will, too! Nothing makes me want to run for the crochet hook, or the sewing machine, or the scrap booking tools more than seeing how others are using their creative talents! That's what works for me this wednesday!
Check out "Rocks In My Dryer" for more cool ideas today! http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/
Shereen sponsors something called "Sew Crafty Friday" every...well, Friday of course. So far, only a few people have joined. But I'm hoping others will, too! Nothing makes me want to run for the crochet hook, or the sewing machine, or the scrap booking tools more than seeing how others are using their creative talents! That's what works for me this wednesday!
Check out "Rocks In My Dryer" for more cool ideas today! http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/
Monday, March 26, 2007
Saving My Savings
I'm a big believer in coupons. I save a lot with them. But in the long run, even though my year-to-date savings at the local Stop & Shop is over $500...where did that money go? Well, most of it got absorbed back into the household budget, of course.
Recently, I broke down and decided to sign up for on-line banking. I was iffy about this, but there isn't all that much money in the account to begin with. So the identity thief who steals this account pretty much steals trash. Well, the bank has an excellent protection program, anyway. So...on to my savings. Now that I can do all my transactions (except making deposits, dang it) from my computer, I'm going to make an effort to put my coupon/sale savings into my savings account. It's a simple transfer, and I just round up to the next 10 dollars. Today, I moved $30 over there. (For the record, I bought $68 worth of groceries for $40 today.)
Now that it's easy to 'save my savings,' I hope to really see my account grow!
Recently, I broke down and decided to sign up for on-line banking. I was iffy about this, but there isn't all that much money in the account to begin with. So the identity thief who steals this account pretty much steals trash. Well, the bank has an excellent protection program, anyway. So...on to my savings. Now that I can do all my transactions (except making deposits, dang it) from my computer, I'm going to make an effort to put my coupon/sale savings into my savings account. It's a simple transfer, and I just round up to the next 10 dollars. Today, I moved $30 over there. (For the record, I bought $68 worth of groceries for $40 today.)
Now that it's easy to 'save my savings,' I hope to really see my account grow!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Sew Crafty Friday
This is a dress and hat I'm making for Ada. The hat itself is done. I need to sew the hem (it's already marked) and stitch the facing at the zipper. The facing is the same stripe as the brim on the hat. I made the hanger to match, too! Oh, and I need to put pink seam binding around the armholes. But it's pretty close to being done!
Please visit http://www.w8ng4him.blogspot.com/ for more crafty things!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
WFMW: Sewing Tip: Measuring a hem
I found this someplace on line, can't remember where. But it's hands-down one of the best sewing tips ever. Usually, when I mark a hem, I mark the width of the hem and fold along that line. This tip says to mark where you want the bottom of the garment to meet. That would always be double your hem width. For example, for a 1 1/2 inch hem...mark 3 inches from the raw edge of the garment. Fold the raw edge up to meet these marks and you'll have your 1 1/2 inch hem. So much easier and faster!
For more really great tips, covering many topics, visit "Works for Me Wednesday at:
http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/
For more really great tips, covering many topics, visit "Works for Me Wednesday at:
http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/
Monday, March 19, 2007
St. Patrick's Day Scrapbook Page
Here is my one and only St. Patrick's Day layout. Despite the fact my ancestors came over here in 1802 from Dublin (yeah, we missed the famine), and my maiden name begins with "Mc," I'm married into an Italian family and we don't do Irish. Well, okay...I'm only about 1/4 Irish anyway. And I hate corned beef and cabbage. (Which isn't truly Irish, anyway--but then again, neither was Patrick.) But Shadow is a cooperative little pup when it comes to dressing up, so here he is in his "Kiss Me I'm Irish" t-shirt. Nick held him up so I could get a good photo. All the elements on the page are mine (obviously, it's a white background.) I did the rainbow by drawing a circle inside a circle ad infinitum*. Then I drew a white rectangle to cut off the bottoms of the circles. About the best I can do when I can't afford a fancy art design program, LOL! (Probably got the Latin wrong!)
Friday, March 16, 2007
Sew Crafty Friday!
http://www.w8ng4him.blogspot.com/
Please look below for the latest thing I have finished. Meantime, I was doing a search on Blogger for "Sewing AND Tutorials" and came across the site above. Well, okay, I've been there before but I never saw "Sew Crafty Friday." I'd already done a blog page that fit, but I'm adding this so others will join in the fun. I love to see the things people make!
My current projects: A sleeveless dress and matching hat for a little girl. Some baby things, including bibs and hanger covers. Some tops for myself. I just finished a small pink baby blanket for the same baby who's getting the bonnet.
I'm like a lot of crafters--18 things going on at once, and sometimes I actually finish them. Well, most of the time--it just takes forever! I simply can't take one project from start to finish before I start another one.
Oh...and I'm determined to finish off my Christmas scrapbook pages before I do any others. I better hurry...Easter's coming up fast.
Anyway, click on the link above and enjoy "Sew Crafty Friday."
Please look below for the latest thing I have finished. Meantime, I was doing a search on Blogger for "Sewing AND Tutorials" and came across the site above. Well, okay, I've been there before but I never saw "Sew Crafty Friday." I'd already done a blog page that fit, but I'm adding this so others will join in the fun. I love to see the things people make!
My current projects: A sleeveless dress and matching hat for a little girl. Some baby things, including bibs and hanger covers. Some tops for myself. I just finished a small pink baby blanket for the same baby who's getting the bonnet.
I'm like a lot of crafters--18 things going on at once, and sometimes I actually finish them. Well, most of the time--it just takes forever! I simply can't take one project from start to finish before I start another one.
Oh...and I'm determined to finish off my Christmas scrapbook pages before I do any others. I better hurry...Easter's coming up fast.
Anyway, click on the link above and enjoy "Sew Crafty Friday."
Baby Bonnet
After years of praying, a dear friend learned a few months ago that they will be adopting a baby. Well, they have 2 great little boys and you can imagine their joy that the baby is a girl! I just love sewing for little girls. Here is a bonnet I made for her. (She's due around the end of May.) I believe it is a Butterick pattern. I can't wait to see the baby wearing it!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Another baby outfit I made
It was such a mild winter that it was a while before my friend's baby grand daughter could wear this, but I'm glad because now it actually fits her nicely. It was meant to be all turquoise, but I cut the front out wrong and ran out of fabric. So I made the pants a different color and made a pocket to match the pants. I wonder what little Ada has in there?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
