Last day of the de-clutter!!!

 Not that I don't have more stuff to get rid of but I need a break.  Here's the last 31 items.  Not sure what the total is....I bet Becki knows!  1 book on tape, 25 books and 5 assorted linens.  I have much more....paintings, furniture, dishes but how to get rid of them and some are antiques so I would like to get some money for them.   I have to do research but first after the election I am going to get busy selling my books.

I also found a doily I made last year and it is perfect for fall........

I found a picture from days gone by................in the days before wrinkles!  I can't believe how I've gone downhill! LOL!  But I'm healthy so I can't complain.  This was Christmas 1979 taken at our church.  Christopher in the background at 8 1/2 years old, Amy was 3 1/2 and Benjamin was 2. Jim wasn't born until December of 1980.  I was 30 and my ex-husband, who passed away this year, was 31.  Where did the years go?  It looks like we all needed haircuts but we didn't have a lot of money back then so I'm sure we didn't consider it a necessity.

I hope you are enjoying Halloween!  It's beautiful here and almost peak colors or it is....I can never quite tell.  Some trees are still green but lots are orange and then brown and there are leaves falling all over!  The sun is shining and it is perfect fall weather..probably in the 60's.  I found some creepy movies and I have my Halloween treats Amy and the boys sent me plus caramel apples.....I think I'm set!  I didn't get my When Witches Go Riding finished but I'm sure it will be done by next Halloween!

Happy Trails!!!
 

Day #30...only one more day to go!!!

 This is all I have today.....it was a beautiful day here after 3 days of rain.  I took a nice walk, collected some leaves, and pressed  them.  I was able to gather 30 items so here they are......12 audio  tapes including books on tape and 18 books....tada!  I got a good deal at the thrift store a few years back on some Agatha Christie books on tape and a few other British books I admired.  The problem was they were read by Brits and I could not understand them!  Bummer! So, off they go!

I'm busy making a meatloaf and mashed potatoes with green beans for supper.  I hope you had a good day and are ready to enjoy your Friday night!

Happy Trails!!!

Day #29 of de-cluttering and more!

Can you believe it?  29 more audio  tapes!  Those were the days!
 

 

I got a Halloween package in the mail today!  From my daughter and her family.......I used to draw on their cards etc but they have taken it to a whole new level and they are better at it!

and here's what I received..........some tasty goodies for Halloween night! Including bacon jerky!  Everything I love to eat is right there in that picture!

 

wipes are like a standard gift nowadays along with anti-bacterial hand gel that I sent them! LOL!

and look at these stunning socks to add to my Fall wardrobe...........

I also got a special drink container to drink out of on Halloween......

  I took down the hummingbird feeder and put up the bird feeder.  I think it's high enough that the deer won't get it but they can stand on their hind legs so we'll see.  So far the birds have not visited.  Not sure how they find their way but hopefully someone will stop by and tell the others.  The feeder is white but it sure doesn't look like it in that picture.

 I made caramel apples today!  What a job!  No wonder no one makes them from scratch anymore.....your arms fall off from all  the stirring for like 30 minutes!!!  In the past I have used Kraft caramels and melted them but I thought I would try making them from scratch.  The only thing is that you get the popsicle sticks for  the apples inside the bag of caramels and I didn't have any.  I did have some shishkabob sticks so I used 2 of those.  They look good but I haven't tried one yet.

The other thing I did yesterday and today is make some granny squares.  I needed a break from XS and I hadn't crocheted in awhile.  Plus, it uses up my stash!  I really want to order some of Lori Holt's cotton yarn and I have several granny square projects I'd like to make with it.

 I hope you are having a great day and doing something you love!  Stay safe and stay well!

 Happy Trails!!!

 

 

 

 

Day #28 of De-Cluttering!!!

 I did  it again!  I can't believe I am letting go of so much!  It feels so good and I'm sure my children will appreciate it when the time comes! LOL!  

Day #28 - 16 audio tapes, 2 bandanas and 10 picnic table napkins............tada! 

In putting up my Halloween decorations I found the last Halloween card Jim sent me.....I am so grateful I did not get rid of that!

This sign I got last year at the Dollar Store....you guessed it.....for $1...love the vintageness!              

Here are some things I've been looking at and thinking about besides the usual craft and candle supplies...this is the IRobot vacuum and wash robot and it can even get behind toilets! PTL!  It's about $200....I hope Santa is listening!

Then there are lightweight miniature tools made just for me!!!  A cute little circular saw.........there are several that run between $70 and on up...........there's miniature chain saws too!  All cordless, of course.

Then there's this budget friendly and very highly rated Shark Vacmop for $78!  This would make  a great Christmas present for...let's see.....EVERYONE!!!  It vacuums first and then it mops....oh, you have to operate it but all the reviews I read raved about it!  I have a Shark vacuum and I love that thing! 

So, I guess I'm starting to think about Christmas and also anything that will make my life easier!

It's rainy and cold again....I think the sun returns Friday but I did manage to get my walk in this morning in between showers.  

I gathered up some yarn and a crochet hook....I watched some Lori Holt You Tube tutorials and now I have the crochet bug....uh oh!  I hope you are cozy wherever you are and enjoying life!  Stay safe and stay well!

Happy Trails!!!

Day 27 of de-cluttering!!!

 I made it!  27 items and actually found more...it's amazing all the stuff that takes up real estate in our homes and has no use or value!  Astounding!  I think I just woke up from a coma or something!  Why have I been hanging on to all this junk?

Day #27 - 10 books, a pedometer, 2 hotpads(parents), a heating pad (parents), some bug netting, 12 audio tapes

I finished a few books too but I am still way behind in my Good Reads book challenge and I'm sure I won't make it again  this year.  I have too many projects and interests plus maintenance jobs around here!  I need an assistant or a maid and a butler and a gardener.  

I finished  this non-fiction about a woman who raises sheep out east.  The photography was beautiful and the book was so well written it read like  a novel.  There were also patterns and some yarn dyeing instructions.  5 stars!!!  If you like fiber arts or animals or farming, I highly recommend it!

 I also read 2 Southern Sister's murder mysteries and these are a hoot!  They make me laugh out loud!

This is the first book............

and this is the 7th book.....I know!  I can't believe I read them out of order!  That is so not like me!  What's the world coming to?
 Murder Carries a Torch....sorry they're so blurry...........

Right now I'm reading Cider with Rosie which I  had started and then put down.  It's my non-fiction and then Cane River which is historical fiction  that I've  had for years.  It was an Oprah pick which I have since given up on as usually her books are very depressing and include some kind of abuse.  But I am trying to read what I have.  I may have to order some more Anne George books though as they are so fun!

I hope you had a good day.....cold and rainy here and cozy!!!  

Happy Trails !!!

Day #26 of de-cluttering

 This is starting to get a bit hard.  I know I still have things but the amount takes more time and I have other things to get done.....hopefully I can make it to the end of October!

Today there were 16 books, some paper plates, plastic utensils, 2 packages of holiday napkins, 2 badges, a carbiner, a Christmas towel, some adhesive tape on a roll, and a cosmetic bag.  TaDa!!!

I got the grands packages off in the mail today.  My mailman, Phil, picks them up for me...so nice!  I also froze the rest of the taco meat and make Fat Flushing Soup which is tasty and healthy.  I just put the spinach in to wilt.  It was a great day for it since it is cold and rainy and cozy!

I's off to get my jammies on and eat supper and watch some t.v.  The Bears are playing tonight but I can't watch it as I don't have satellite.  It wasn't worth $25 a month to watch a few games.  I miss watching football  though.  I hope you are warm and safe and cozy!

Happy Trails!!!

YOP Week #17

 

No finishes this week...I've been busy de-cluttering and also getting the grands Halloween package together.  I did work on my sock  though and should finish the heel flap today...........it looks like there's a vertical zigzag pattern going on......

I'm hoping to have When Witches Go Riding done by Halloween but we'll see....I love it!   I'm over the halfway mark at least

 

I worked a bit on the The Bird with the Berries

The  only haul I got  this week was my first issue of Punch Needle and Primitive Stitcher......and everything they say about it is true!  It is one great magazine...topnotch designers and appropriate ads for items stitchers want. I already have my first project picked out........

 

Here's my first project......by Kitten Stitcher..............a pin keep set in a rusty mason jar lid.............isn't it cute?

This morning I was up early so I made my Swedish Puff Pastry for breakfast..........yum!  I forgot how good it was.  There are plenty of recipes out there on All Recipes if you want to make it.  Just Google it.

I also managed to get rid of 25 items for the de-clutter challenge...........18 books, 2 plant pots, a vegetable "swirler"?...it  makes corkscrews of zuchini etc., a coaster, 2 willow angels, and a bird statue.

That's all for this week.  Have a Happy Halloween for those of you who only stop by on Sundays.

Happy Trails!!!

 

Caught up again...at least on de-cluttering!

 I was able to do October 23rd Day #23 of de-cluttering...........23 books!

October 24th Day #24 of de-cluttering............more of Jim's clothes; 2 swim trunks, khakis and 2 pairs of jeans, and more books!

The nachos grande last night was very dry.  I talked to Amy, BTW she is feeling much better, and she said we used to put guacamole, sour cream, black olives and salsa on it.  No wonder!  I forgot a few things! LOL!    But I had some picante sauce I threw on and I managed to eat quite a bit! LOL!

I hope you had a good Friday night and are enjoying your weekend!  Oh, yesterday it was in the 70's but today we are in the 40's!  Yep, fall weather for sure......love it!  I took my walk and then closed all the house vents over the crawl spaces. 

Happy Trails!!!

A day late and a dollar short!

 I'm still a day behind on my de-clutter but I had a lot to do today and I stayed up late last night watching the  debate.  but here is October 22 Day #22  de-clutter items.....sort of ironic but they are  mostly organizing and de-cluttering books...sad but true! LOL! There are 21 books and a little planter.  Many of my books I am going to sell as they are like new.

I took my walk this morning before the rain started and the colors are really popping!

 

There's a lake lot across the street that evidently someone is going to be building on as they are clearing it and I can see the lake better now.  At least until they build the house.

Today I also made bread........

and I'm making Nachos Grande for supper.....

When I'm ready for supper I will pop it in the oven and then when it comes out I sprinkle it with chopped tomato and green onion.....YUM!  It's been a long time since I've had this.  I hope you had a great Friday and stay safe and well!

Happy Trails!!!

Trying to catch up!

 Okay, now I'm behind a day in the de-cluttering..........here are the 21 items from yesterday.  BTW, thank you all for your prayers for Amy and her family...it obviously worked along with all the prayers from her church and her fellow teachers and co-workers!  I'm feeling more energized today and slept really well last night!

Okay, there is bird netting, a car window brush, a car grocery holder (the red thing), a license plate holder, 2 audio tapes, 3 books, an umbrella, a funnel, 5 ashtrays, a key board, a mouse, a hand carved armadillo I got in Mexico....now I live with them here in AR and I don't like them!  An air pump hose, and a cat toy.  Ta Da!

I did some laundry, cleaned Miss Peeps litter box.  Took some bags of de-cluttered items to the basement and took a bath and did my nails.  That was about it.  Tomorrow it's supposed to rain/storm so I'll be cooking and tonight is the last debate at  7:00 p.m. so I'll probably be staying up past my bedtime.  I hope you are all doing well and staying safe! 

Happy Trails!!!

Amy's test was negative!!!

 I'm too tired to de-clutter today.  I went and did my grocery pickup at Walmart, unloaded, disinfected, and put them all away.  Amy called last night and was going to work today but is still very tired and her muscles ache.  I'm wondering if she has fibromyalgia.  I'm not a doctor but I play one on t.v. 

I changed my sheets and I am toast.  Emotions can be exhausting.  I still don't know how Sam is feeling today.  I'm sure she'll call me tonight.  I felt terrible that she had to go to work when she doesn't feel any better.  This is just an update and hopefully tomorrow I will catch up with you all again and my de-cluttering.

Happy Trails!!!  

20 items gone!

 This is the best way to get rid of things...for me anyway.  Here's today's roundup......more audio tapes, a few books, and a pillow cover

I also did some decorating for "the season"...I got this wreath at a Cracker Barrel restaurant years ago and I still love it!

I made these crocheted gourds a few years back......

My daughter gave me this years ago..........she knows I love Mary Engelbreit!

It's rainy and chilly so I lit my Dutch Apple Waffle candle from Bath and Body........it smells so good!

and of course I had to get out my "Frost is on the Pumpkin" that I finished last year........

I took my walk in the rain this morning.....I love any kind of weather except the heat!  Amy goes for her test at 4:30 at a Walgreens in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She's not sure when she will get the result but she was home yesterday resting.   She still has no fever but very tired and very achy.  Sam is also not feeling good and he is coughing but again, no fever which is good.  But  that could change at any moment.  Sam will have to go to the doctor to get a test as he's too young to do his own.  I didn't sleep well the first night I heard about it but I slept good last night.  Today I made my menu, grocery list and ordered from Wally World.  I pick it  up at 7:00 tomorrow morning.

Here's the menu for this week and next probably.

 

Breakfasts:

non-dairy yogurt

egg mcmuffin

Chocolate orange overnight oats

Swedish Puff Pastry

  

Lunches:

egg salad on toast

tuna open face on English muffin with tomato and cheese broiled

mac and cheese

grilled cheese and tomato soup (Amy's Organic Tomato and Basil is the best!)

 

Dinners:

meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans

Fat Flushing Soup

Nachos Grande

 

Desserts:

caramel apples

apple cider doughnuts

peach cream pie 

Writing out my menu makes me hungry!  I think I'll go eat supper!

Happy Trails!!!