Still waiting for rain!

They've predicted rain all week and 90% but no rain!  We did have a nice shower yesterday in the early morning hours but that's it.  I guess I'll need to go out and water again.  Meanwhile, I got back to work on a project I started last year before that fateful summer.  I had taken the closet doors off the entryway closet and painted it along with the shelf.  I removed the clothes pole and ripped up the carpeting...............this is how it was left...........

So today I moved ahead with the plan..........this is wrapping paper I found and I attached it with double-sided tape.  The only problem was that the wall is textured so there are lots of air pockets and I had to really rub the paper to make it stick securely.  So far so good but I'm thinking when I wake up in the morning it will have fallen down.  I hope not. 

 I only bought one roll of paper as it was not cheap but there will be a dresser to hide the end of the paper................... 

 this dresser............

But first I have to remove the entryway carpet and paint the floor before that happens.  I know I only have plywood under the carpet but anything would be better than this 50-year-old germy carpet!  Have I said how much I despise carpeting?  Well, I do....always have and always will.  Area rugs and throw rugs are fine but no carpet for me!  I can't afford laminate flooring throughout this house nor would I want anyone here installing it at this time so I'm moving ahead myself. 

Eventually there will be some fairy lights and battery-operated candles on the shelf.  I think it will look nice when done.
I made some black bean burgers for supper to go with some sweet potato and corn.

  I hope you had a great Friday!  Stay safe and stay well!
Happy Trails!!!

Goal setting........

I spent most of the day setting up my new planner and reading all the tutorials that were available from goal setting to freezer meals!  Lots of good information. It was quite a lot of reading and printing off worksheets etc. but I'm pretty well set for August 1st!

I also received my first issue of Backwoods Home magazine...

There's an article on sourdough too.  Just what I've been looking for!  Not much else happening around here except the grands pool had a seam break so they only got to use it 3 times!  I sent an email to Amazon.  I paid too much money for just 3 times to use the pool.  So sad....they were really enjoying it too.
Here's a little humor to lighten your day..........
I might have published this one before but I still laughed out loud when I saw it again so here you go.....

Happy Trails!!!

I was beat yesterday!

I spent the first half of the day outside yesterday chopping wood and burning leaves and mulching my tomatoes with newspaper.  Not attractive blogging material and when I came in I was beaten to a pulp!  I really got nothing else done except I baked a loaf of bread and work on my Brill shawl while elevating my feet! LOL!
Today was different.  I decided to work outside every other day at it takes too much out of me and I  have things to do inside too.  So, I took my walk and then came in and fixed a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs with some leftover roasted vegetables and toast and jam.  I try to do my "big rocks" (top priorities) first so I needed to make some chalk paint which I did.  The stuff in the stores is way too pricey.  For about 1 cup of paint, I use 2T of unsanded grout mixed with about 2-3 T of water.  Make sure it is mixed well and dissolved.  I add that to a cup of whatever paint I want to use and mix it up.   I've used this recipe many times. You can see the yellow chalk paint I mixed up in the plastic container on top of the paint can.

It doesn't look very yellow but that's because the windows are right behind it shining in but it is yellow!

Next will be to see if it needs a second coat and then buy the sconce that will get wired through the hole where the doorknob went.  I had the sconce and everything but it was another casualty of the move.
This wrapping paper is for another project and it had a narrow band of white all around it so I had to get that all trimmed off before I can use it.  Bending over for any period of time is a back killer!  Stay tuned to see what happens with that gorgeous paper!  

 I had some sweet potatoes to peel and cook up this afternoon so I did that.  I worked on my Candy Kisses shawl and I 'm on to the 2nd and last skein so I guess that means I am 1/2 way finished!

I have a new friend.......I hang my hummingbird feeder from a hanger as I can barely reach the hook without falling out the window! LOL!  The hanger works for me.  This little hummer spends almost all day on that hanger.  I'm not sure if he's been assigned to guard the feeder or if he likes watching me bustle around in the kitchen but I have never had a hummer hang around like that.  Sometimes I wonder if it's a reincarnation of someone who passed and they've come back to visit.  I talk to them just in case!  He leaves about 5:00 when I pull the curtains closed for the evening but basically, he's there almost all day.  Have any of you ever had that happen?

That's all the news that's fit to print.  I'll leave you with a bit of humor..........

I only share the ones that make me laugh out loud!
Happy Trails!!!

Monday Musings

Got off to a good start this morning and went for my walk.  I came back and raked up the rest of the yard debris from all my trimming last week.  Next, I need to cut it into smaller pieces to stack on the woodpile. I defrosted some tilapia for supper.  I have a good recipe with a lemon butter sauce.

I cleaned off my desk and cleaned the tub. I did my regular chores and knit my sock on breaks....the cuff is almost done..........

I fed the hummingbirds.  One of my feeders was leaking so I'm glad I had a backup.  I still need to go out and water and make dinner and then I am done for the day!
As for reading, I am still reading the same books except I got a new one in the mail...and it is very interesting......I can relate to "starting over".....the story of my life! LOL!

 I also got my Living Well Spending Less planner.........I love this planner because you fill in the dates so you can start at any time........I'll be starting to use it on August 1st.

I received a care package in the mail from my daughter and her family...............treasures!

 Grayson sent me the microscope...he told his mother he was pretty sure I needed one and there was no convincing him otherwise! LOL!  Sam sent me his best rocks and they are....a piece of quartz and a piece of marble....I hope I got that right.   Those boys are so generous.....they get it from their mother

 Amy sent me some much appreciated disinfecting wipes.........and Butter Pecan Popcorn!!!  Yum!!!

I had to taste it and it is delish!  Thank you!!!
It's 90 something real temp outside but I must force myself to go out and water my plants....the poor things.  Then I will come in and throw that supper together and call it a day!
I hope you had a good day!
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #4

 I was wanting to have a finish every week and I was sure I would have one this week but alas it was not to be....how hard can it be to finish this little number?  Well, I needed 2 other floss colors and I didn't even have anything decent to substitute...so now I'll have to order and wait 3 weeks! LOL!

 

I thought I could finish this mandala I started but no go there either....so maybe next week I'll have 2 finishes to make up for one missing this week?  We'll see.   I usually make washcloths and/or doilies in-between big projects and also to keep my gift box full and ready.

 I did work on the Candy Kisses scarf and the Brill shawl but you've seen them before and I didn't get that much done to show a big difference.  I did work on Liberty which is a SAL with Jeanna of Slamminthescreendoor blog.  It's coming along nicely and so far is an easy stitch.

I also cast on a pair of summer socks....although they are wool the color reminded me of sherbert.......

          As you can see I did not get very far....1 round! LOL!  But I like getting them set up and going and then I can just pick them up when I want and start knitting.

I did get some "treasures" this week............... some Stylecraft Special DK acrylic

 and some sock yarn from West Yorkshire Spinners...very appropriate since I am watching the Yorkshire Vet on Acorn T.V............

I also received this pattern from Luminous Fiber Arts Etsy shop (Misty Percel).  I have been watching her podcasts which are so enjoyable and she was offering this pattern and the proceeds were going to benefit her nephew who has cancer.  He is a young father and it is a serious cancer.  So sad but if you want a beautiful pattern and a feeling of helping someone, then go over to her Etsy shop.  I love all her designs although this will be the first one I have purchased.  She's a "multi-crafter" too in her podcasts and so fun to watch.  My prayers go out to her nephew and his family.

While I was in her Etsy shop I purchased a few other items.......I've been looking for this trim in order to finish my Pumpkin Spice Farm cross stitch piece.   No excuses now!  For those of you who were wondering where to get trims like I was....it's Lady Dot Creates.

I also purchased some Pat Sloane cross stitch needles which people rave about but I only saw them in packages of about 25 or 30 for about that price which I didn't feel I needed to pay.  Misty had 3 in a container which I felt was more my style so I picked them up.  I'll let you know what I think after I use them.

I received a lovely handmade card in the mail yesterday from my good friend Connie at Far Side of Fifty blog.  I can't tell you how much it meant to me Connie, thank you.

This past week was a little rough sailing as it was the 1 year anniversary of my son's passing.  If you don't follow my blog during the week you wouldn't have known.  Here is a picture of my son, Jim.  I was going to dig out some baby pictures but I thought that might really send me over the edge so I didn't.

  I found this poem which is so well said.............

Today is also the 1 year anniversary of my little dachshund Annie's passing but it is also my grandson Grayson's 9th birthday.  In life joy and sadness go hand in hand.
I hope you had a wonderful crafty week!
Happy Trails!!

One Year Anniversary

It's been 1 year since my son, Jim passed away.  I can't believe it's been a year and I'm still here.  There were times when I didn't think I would make it the grief was so intense but time does heal all wounds.  It will never totally heal, I know that but I also know that I am glad he is where he is with no more pain or struggling....to be at peace and happy and healthy. 

As a parent, I never wished for wealth or "success" for my children.  What I prayed for was their happiness but of course, not at the cost of other people's happiness.  I believe that God wishes the same for us as his/her children.  Therefore, I have always taken it on that my job, as a child of God is to be happy; to show gratitude for all the blessings that have been given to me.  Being a Christian does not make me special or immune to problems or suffering.  But it does make me better prepared and I don't have to face any of it alone.

So, if I wanted happiness for Jim, I got that prayer granted.  He is happy now and for that I am very grateful.  I love you , Jim.  

Tuckered out!

I was up at 2:00 and cleared off the bench in the garage and brought in the softener salt from the truck and put it in the softener.  What a job!  Then at 6:45, Walmart messaged me that my groceries were ready to pick up so off I went.  I came home, unloaded, disinfected, and put them away.  I took a little nap and then got up and cleaned my bathroom and washed a load of clothes.  They predicted an 80% chance of rain and it was all around us but nada so I had to go out and water.  That did it for me.
All I have to show for all that work is a blurry picture of a hummingbird!   I took 5 pictures and not one of them turned out.  He was so cute just sitting there taking a break!  Miss Peeps loves them!  She sits below the window and when she sees one she comes and gets me and verbally lets me know they're at the feeder.  That girl is too funny!

So, I'm afraid that's all I have for today.  Hopefully tomorrow I will be more interesting! LOL!
Happy Trails!!!

My Daughter's Birthday!!!

It is Amy's birthday today and so far she's having a good one!  Plus my present for her arrived today....right on time!  A Living Well Planner.   I've got one coming for myself too but it hasn't arrived yet.  So happy she got hers though!

There was a really pretty flowered one but they were all sold out.  I just talked to Amy and she really likes the planner and said she can really use it this year as she is a teacher and they are having Zoom meetings all the time and trying to navigate this new way of teaching come next month.  So, I think she will get a lot of use out of it....plus there are stickers!

I took my walk again and did more lopping.  There are a few weed trees that will need a saw as they have grown too big for the lopper.  Being gone last summer, I fell way behind and in this jungle here it takes no time for trees to pop up!  Every time I mow there are baby trees a foot tall in the grass! 

This afternoon I did my grocery list and ordered from Walmart to pick up in the morning.  I heard about a new product from a friend that I am anxious to try.....Nestle's Espresso Chocolate Chips.  She said they never made it into the cookie dough.  They were so good she couldn't stop snacking on them!

I ordered a bag so we'll see what I think.  I also got ingredients for trail mix and maybe they would be good in that instead of M&M's?  

I'm off to see if I can get a few more things done before it's time to call it quits for the day!

I hope you had a great day!

Happy Trails!!!

Muggy Monday!

Hi everyone!  I hope you got your week off to a good start.  I did but we'll see how long it lasts! LOL!  I got my walk in early and also proceeded to chop down a wild mimosa tree that was literally covering my kitchen windows.........but not anymore.  The branches are still laying out there and I will chop them up another day and burn them when they're dry enough but for the heat and humidity here I was happy I got that much done.  I also watered outside and got the garbage out to the street.

On breaks I worked on my Brill..........

I changed my sheets and vacuumed my bedroom and then I went down to the basement to see if by chance I had any more sealer/primer and lo and behold I found a quart and it wasn't dried out!  Yippee!  I've got the other ones out in the garage drying out totally with the lids off so I can put them in the trash eventually.

It is book Monday but I am pretty much reading the same things.....a Smithsonian magazine.....these magazines I got free at the library a long time ago....

This memoir which is good........

and this novel which is so good I can barely put it down!

I received this book that I ordered from Thrift Books and I am looking forward to really stocking my pantry in case I can't get to the store or vice-versa!

I hope you are all doing well and "whistling while you work"!
Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #3

Welcome to my new blog because something happened that made it not possible for me to logon to my old one.  This one may change also to Wordpress or Typepad or some other blog hosting site.  It seems you cannot type in the address and get here.  I  have no idea what is going on but I'm tired.
So for now I am here.
I have a finish too!!!  This is an old WIP and I needed yarn to finish so I ordered and it came but it wasn't the right color so I ordered again.  It hasn't arrived yet but in cleaning up I discovered the color I needed and was able to finish it!  Ta Da!!!  This is several years old but I love this pattern and crocheting it.  It will definitely be a pattern that I will make again as it was very enjoyable.  It was the Maybelle blanket by My Rose Valley who has lovely crochet patterns.

  I worked on my Liberty SAL with Jeanna of Slamminthescreendoor.............

I also worked on Jolly July....Chicken Joy

I worked a little on Brill but if I had my druthers I would work on it all the time as I enjoy it so much......only 27 more iterations of the little flower pattern which I love!

 The Candy Kisses shawl is not nearly as enjoyable as I thought it would be..........but I do love the colors

I did get some craft books in the mail for crafting from Thrift books and Fat Quarter Shop...........this has great "schoolhouse" projects from one of my favorite designers who doesn't design anymore.....Renee Plains

Another favorite designer...Annie Downs............

and finally this book which I've had my eyes on for quite a while...........the chair is what fascinated me but the directions seem a bit general....we'll see............

That's it for this week!  I need to mix up Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing for dinner today.  I made scones this morning for breakfast from a recipe that Debi shared on her blog, Barefoot Mom.  They are delicious and they were easy just like you said, Debi!  Thank you!

I've been watching Little Bobbins podcasts this week and also found a nice podcast LearnDoBecome.com about how to prioritize projects and not feel overwhelmed.  I only listened to one but I'll be listening to more as I think she has good information and makes a lot of sense. They have stuff for sale but I just listened to the free podcasts. I hope you are well and that you had a good week!
Happy Trails!!!