All Done (almost)

All done with Christmas decorations.

Tree is down and out on porch and decorations put away almost.

Except 2 small rugs still drying on the line.

I think the house is  brighter but colder without all the mass of things out.

The tree blocks western light in living room.

Most of gifts have been given, one family left to visit.

R gave me Isotoner slippers.

Just in time my old pair was worn completely down to base skeleton.

These are so comfortable I forget they are on.

2 Amazon cards were appreciated and a Fitbit bracelet received.

I'm learning what all it records and how to sync it for results.

LN had a good Christmas giving and receiving.

She was proud of her gifts she picked out and gave to us.

Said it is the 1st year she feels she did a good job earning and buying nice things.

She doesn't understand those silly, goofy homemade gifts were awesome to her Mama.

I understand her new grown up view though.

She played in an indoor tournament this past weekend.

Long and tiring but good time after eating out with another family whose daughter plays with LN.

Much laughter and silliness ensued.

Time to start gym trainings again.

I've slacked last few weeks but time to get back to it.

Enjoy the New Year but be safe my friends!

 



Handmade Goodies

Now that the fat guy has sung...

Here's some homemade goodies to peruse....

R is always cold in her unheated (except one wall propane unit downstairs) bedroom.

She had a tied fleece blanket that was 7 or 8 yrs old and well worn and short to boot.

So I made her a larger new one.

 

Reversible and tied in a Scooby Doo fabric bag. 

 

I use as many fabric bags as I can.

I didn't want Z to be cold either in his new house so he received one also.

 

He loves his trucks and camo so it fit.

Not tied but doubled back inside small slits in each set of ties.

Didn't take a picture but looked cool with less bulk.

 

My neighbor loves penquins.

I had the center panel containing 4 squares and 2 edge narrow panels I cut off and repositioned.

I added white and checked fabric as well as flannel backing.

She freezes all the time so doubled up on batting for extra warmth.

 

It's been dreary for weeks so no good pictures, sorry.

 

And to be truthful I messed up on cutting the backing.

I ended up too short on one end.

Haven't figured it all out but I pulled binding on that end all the way to the flannel and sewed it down.

The other 3 sides were even.



 

In the end it looked fine like it was planned but I'll be surprised if one ever turns out perfect.

She loved it so that's all that mattered.

 

Merry Christmas Ya'll

 

 

 



Merry Christmas to Me !!!

I jumped on Facebook this afternoon to browse. I joined a few yard sale pages that are local. I've not seen anything interesting since I've joined them until today. 

For $35.00 I bought me a present.

I saw it, commented "I want this" to the seller, got directions, went to fetch it; all in an hour's time. That's how excited I was and am!

It's a sewing cabinet that has storage. A step up from my folding table huh?

Look what I procured !!!

These pictures are borrowed from online sites. I found it new for about $135.00.

Saving $100.00 makes me happy, happy, happy!!!

Closed up which it will never be I bet.

It's on rollers that can lock.

My extra machine can be stored on shelf while my quilting machine is up top.

I love my Christmas present to myself.

Of course now I have to rearrange my sewing cave which means cleaning and organizing. I still have gifts to finish as well. Best get up early and get to it.

Me and the Big Guy

Bought me a new Christmas shirt...

Justa and the Big Guy and our favorite beverage which I try to not partake of much.

I do love me some Coke though.

Girls took picture and hate it as well.

Oh well I yam who I yam!!!

Snowing

It's flurrying but I can't figure out how to show it in pictures.

Nothing much is laying but definitely causing usual panic.

Customers swarming in to get dog bedding materials, ie: shavings or straw.

Horse people seem to be better prepared.

I am always busier when weather gets bad.

S is away in Vegas visiting with his oldest son who is roping in USTR finals.

I haven't heard much so guess he isn't bringing big bucks home.

Still running LN everywhere.

Tonight is 2nd indoor soccer game with her school team.

There are 2 teams playing from her school and tonight it's against each other.

Doesn't make for much cohesiveness.

Oh well...

Lambs due in a few weeks so I better clean birthing jugs and prepare soon.

Tomorrow.... ;]

Good Talk/Speech

At the recent Northeast Regional Volunteer Forum I attended we had a speaker that was creative. He spoke of the origins of the Cooperative Extention which is the basis of 4-H in America.

 As he related the facts beginning with Abraham Lincoln 

through the present 

he drew in charcoal the corresponding images. The paper spanned the dividing wall between the banquet halls we used.

It was inspiring to some of us who didn't know the history.

He dressed the part and held our attention for over an hour. Sorry I don't remember his name and I've lost the paper program where it was listed. I do think he was from New York. 

Creativity at its finest.

Overload....

 

Some of my older cellulose, plastic and candy holder type Santas and Snowmen.

I'm an ole soul...

Had to include the old electric fixture on left side, it looks like a Christmas tree with tinsel on it.

The snowman on back left is a painted gourd with twig arms.

I have to replace them every 2 yrs or so.  

 

This santa is made from an old burlap feed bag.

The original came from Germany when I visited my sister whose Husband was stationed there.

I've made a few more as gifts and have one in the works now to gift if I get it done.

 

Horrible color picture...

This is a deep green print and bright red print on stark white.

I just bought it at an 4-H conference silent auction.

Probably around 6 ft square or so.

 

Soft filled snowmen I just like ;]

 

My favorite ram, can't butt me from a hooked rug!

 

LN made the pillows on the left and center as 4-H fair projects this summer.

Looks Christmasey to me....

 

A couple of my" Cowboy" Santas, the left one is paper machie.

 

I like older type things can't you tell?

The Santa head still plays music clear as day.

The stocking is flocked felt.

 

Told ya Christmas threw up at my house.

Now for outside and maybe tree next week or so.

Won't be next weekend.

Next weekend is outdoor soccer tournament in western Maryland.

See what kind of jokes the weather plays on us.

Buddy

Me and LN shopped small business Saturday this morning. We went to local consignment shop looking for birthday present for her friends 16th party. She found handmade earrings and facial scrub. 

Then Buddy the Christ-moose jumped in the truck. We had to give him a home.

Christmas threw up...

It looks like Christmas threw up in my house today. LN got a wild hair going this morning and pulled all my indoor Christmas stuff out. She proceeded to unpack and sorta place 90% of it before getting bored. I have a lot I think. About a dozen or so large Rubbermaid containers stuffed. 

I wasn't ready with Thanksgiving only yesterday but ready or not. At least she did it quicker than me. Some years I make decorating last several weeks.

Z asked for any ornaments I saved for him for his new house so a sorting I must do. 

I decided to use the big quilt on my bed instead of displaying it in living room. It's king size or so. It hangs way down sides of my queen size bed . S hates covers too far down but hopefully he ll deal with it for a month or so. I bought it at a antique consignment shop in WVA couple years ago for $40.00. It's no great work of art but festive and homey. Suits me to a tee.

I ll try to take pictures with Canon of some of my favorite things and the quilt tomorrow or soon. The lighting in this old farmhouse with energy efficient bulbs is terrible and yellowish. Daylight and better lenses than my phone are needed. 

Holy Cream !

S retrieved my milk from farm down the road about 11:00 am. Leroy milked this morning early. Holy cream it's 1/3 - 1/2 of gallon jar.

I pulled a pint for baking and mashed tators and shook the rest up. Then I demolished 2 glasses lickety split.

Then I began desserts. Pumpkin cheesecake with ginger snap crust for S2 and pumpkin roll for R.

LN's pumpkin pie is in the stupid, bleeping, blasted oven. It's been in over an hour. Still raw! WTHeaven help me I'm going to blow!

But no I can not cause...

It's Thanksgiving ;p

Still have layered salad to sit in fridge overnight and cornbread to cool for stuffing tomorrow. My turkey is picked up. I asked for under 15# but got 17.8#. Time to regroup and figure how to fit it all in oven that barely works as is.

Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll .

Help ???

Ok I need help.

I can not find the part of Blogger where I can change my picture at the top of my blog.

Anyone know where to go?

I'm clueless.

Keep Warm...Brrr

Yep I know a lot of you have it worse than us but it's still cold.

28* last night, mid 30's today but 40 mph winds also.

It is drying up the mud and puddles from yesterdays torrential downpours most of the day.

I went to the gym after dropping LN off at school early for her FCA meeting.

FCA - Federation of Christian Athletes

They have a get together once a month before school.

After I came home and showered I fed the screaming heathens.

They all have hay and grain is fed only minimally to keep them nice to me.

I think I see baby bumps beginning to show in some of my ewes.

Mid January will tell ...

I went in my sewing cave and finished off yesterday afternoons project.

It aint puurfect I know, but I like it.

It kinda matches LN's tablet case too.

 

A table runner I found pattern for on craftsy site.

It showed Christmas fabric but I think Thanksgiving is overlooked.

 



I like the owl Pilgrims and Turkeys.

 

Fun day Sun day ...

I found the stinky mouse so my sewing oasis smells better.

I sorted fabrics which seems to be a normal needed job.

Each time I go through my stash I end up with a mess.

Go figure !!!

Then I made pot holders for LN to give to her 3 field hockey coaches as thank-you's at their upcoming banquet.

I found the pattern on a blog quite awhile ago.

It was fairly easy .

I only made two adjustments.

The lighting in the basement stinks for color accuracy .

The middle picture potholder on the right is the most accurate.

I have plans and feel my sewing mojo is coming back.

I ll see what happens ;)

 

Stinky

I've had things spread all over the house that belongs in my sewing room. The room I use was the older kids bedroom in the basement. Now that I've taken it back for sewing I've been running across obscure piles of items to relocate. I went in there this morning with some things and it stinks. Reeks, smells, repulsive, disgusting, nose cringing, nasty stinks! I don't have any mousetraps set down there but there is one dead somewhere. Yuck I hate finding a smelly dead decayed carcuss. I threw LN's cat in there but she came back empty handed. Little traitor! I keep her out of there because she doesn't shut the door behind her and I don't want to heat the unheated part of the basement. Anyone want to come help me? Anyone? Please!!!

Leave & Giveaway

To heck ;-} with men ...

It's snowing leaves!

I parked this last night and KAPOW...

My Austrees are exfoliating or should I say ex leafing ??? 

Some may have read my husband S is a hoarder.

I am trying to de stash faster than he brings it in but alas I'm losing the battle.

I'm takng books by the box to bookstore who gives credit to shop for them.

Might sound like I'm acquiring stuff back right?

Nada compadres!

I'm putting the credit on R's account so she can "collect" more books.

Tada :P

This is another treasure I'm giving up.

I decided to ask ya'll before disposing of this set of lambs he has brought me.

Cute but not for me.

They are ceramic underneath the fleece .

Looks like real wool. 

They are about 6-7" tall and middle one has to sit on the edge of shelf as his legs hang down.

Go for it and let me know who I can regift them too.

Leave a comment if you want they .

You know you do.... Come on....

1st comment wins!

Busy as usual...

Been running the roads as my MIL says this weekend.

Started Sat morning with 4-H fundraiser at Applebee's with Lena.

Not very successful but any money is good money.

Went to 2 craft shows after that at local churches.

We knew ladies with booths at both so supported each and browsed a bit.

Then headed to 2nd 4-H event stuffing hospital care packets.

We have 800 to do but started with 100 childrens' and glued labels for 500 adults.

We'll complete them later.

They are filled with small toys, crayons, puzzle books, stickers, etc.

Adults get tissues, hand sanitizer, notepads, pens, etc.

Saturday ended with us going to separate rooms for quiet time.

LN did homework, I read then we watched a movie together.

Today I started the crockpot with a pieced chicken, celery and onions with some water on low.

Then it was an early soccer game, stop at Joann's to grab 50% fleece.

R wants a new larger tied blanket, LN will oblige for her Christmas gift.

We came home I pulled chicken apart and made chicken corn soup.

Back in the crockpot then off to 4-H Christmas float meeting.

Back home few hours later, eat then homework and pack bags for morning.

LN to school , me to gym.

I haven't went in 2 weeks and have to get back on track.

It has to become a habit.

Just another busy weekend.

A friend just sent her last one to college.

She was busier than me and now has a clean house and time to relax and watch movies.

She says "it's weird but I'm getting used to it ".

This is said with a big fat grin.

I know I'll miss it when LN goes off to college so I'm trying to savor each day.

 

New to me...

I bought curtains from a young lady I know . 8 panels for $25.00. I can't sew them for that. I bought new wooden poles and accordion blinds. Yes middle curtains are wrinkly. This beats the broken roman shades and S putting old poster foam boards up when the western sunset got in his eyes and messed up his tv addiction. Now i can really see how dirty the windows are. I hung another set by his chair without a blind. No picture there. Not sure where I'll use the last set. We also started cutting tin to finish the sheep hay shed until the torrential downpour stopped us. S wasn't happy to have to put new rods up but when next sunny day comes he'll get over it. Small things make me happy. 

Not much...

Just do not have much to share or say.

Staying busy chauffeuring LN to everything but that's normal.

She's been nominated for a community service contest Prudential Ins. runs.

Busy doing the application with her.

Fall is here so there's lots to do.

I need to wash windows in the house, they are nasty.

Not today with 40 mph winds though.

Turned on the furnace for this weekends cold temps and wind.

Not my choice S chose to do it.

I would have sucked it up some more till next week when mild temps reappears.

Metaphor for my life I think.

Not my choice, suck it up till it gets better.

I'm thinking I need a new one.

I'll put it on the list.

Have a pork loin in the crockpot so it should smell homey in here soon.

I'll add lemon pepper to it and make sides later.

Sunday supper is always filling if I can manage it with the crockpot.

Too many games scheduled that make hands on an issue.

Todays games were cancelled due to heavy downpours yesterday.

Good thing though as LN went to FFA convention last week.

This means a week of makeup work due and 4-H work to complete quickly.
Stove issues seem {fingers crossed, maybe toes too} to be resolved with the help of S's friend
 who actually does know it all.
He bought new part but it was defective, went for 2nd version of same part and installed it.
Adjusted flame and lp/propane choices which seems to have done fixed it up.

Always something though.

Happy November 1 ya'll!

 



Wednesday Randomness...

For 2 weeks I have not had an oven.

I turned it on 1 night, it started clicking like it was lighting but never did light.

I lite it by hand and it kept going out.

For 1 week I haven't had a stove top because of the ongoing oven repairs

I have used the crockpot and microwave when I've been home to cook that is.

Today S's friend B the master of all he sees is supposed to fix it.

B ask me to take the stove top off so he could see better the ignition  and gas lines.

Oh yea and to clean it up to.

{embarrassed}

Oh well I now know how to strip the gas stove down completely.

I've never messed with gas cause it's scary.

Not anymore now I know how to pull the burners and lines apart and put them back together.

This was info I didn't need but ....I have it.

 

Ln's field hockey season came to an abrupt halt last night.

I walked across the field with a food and drink bag for her after her game.

It was an away game about an hour from home and she rides the bus back.

She had a spectacular game and although her team tied she killed it on the field personally.

Her coach sees me and casually says, " I'm going to miss her now that she's done".

She let me take LN home so she got a real meal and started homework in the truck.

I thought she had her last game against a difficult team Thursday which she'd play and

another game next Thursday that she'd miss because of FFA convention in Kentucky.

Nope the Thursday team rescheduled to next week.

I'm a little let down but she has to be at convention to participate in livestock judging as her team won the state contest.

She leaves Monday after school and comes back next weekend.

Down time for Mama!

I have lots that needs my attention so no issues there.

 

A good think happened a little while ago.

A man came to the house that I knew but hadn't seen in a few years.

He asked for S who wasn't home.

He said he needed to apologize to him for being rude.

Apparently he snapped at S at an auction last week when S didn't sell a row he wanted to bid on something in but moved to a different row.

He said, " I apologize that is not my nature and I've felt bad about it ever since".

I said I'm sure S {who can be "difficult" when he's auctioneering and acts superior a lot}

 had it coming.

The man replied, "Still I apologize because I shouldn't have snapped back".

That made me almost cry that someone felt bad about his actions.

It takes a big person to admit their mistakes.

A rare occurrence in my world for sure.

Friday Funday ???

Today S & I tackled a sheep hay storage area.

I have been using a hut that sat on the ground but it was a back breaker

as my 5'8" child demonstrates.

 

We bought 3 huts at a auction.

They are roughly 8' x 8' square.

One we resold, one we have in the sheep pasture for it's intended purpose and

one I use for storage near the sheep's feeding area outside.

So.....

 

First step was taking all the crapola that was around the hut and dispose or put it away.

 

 

Next we picked a spot in the corner that is beside sheep and backs up to arena fence where cows are.

Then S in his kindness allowed me to dig and set all 4 posts.

That was so sweet!

It was easy with the recent rain and I only have to dig down 2 ft.

 

We attached 2x6 boards for the hut to set down on and 2x2 boards to attach tin to later.

 



 

We picked up the hut with a chain and maneuvered it into position.

We lowered it and miraculously it set down on boards with only a little pushing around.

A lot of bolts and screws later and tada.

 

A storage hut for hay!

It started to rain so the tin will be attached to the bottom walls later.

S wants to close in the front with a recycled storm door and plywood.

It faces east and normally is fine left open.

I'll think on it.

I think trying to toss bales in a normal size door will be a pain.

We'll see.....

 



Tiny Skull

I took the hay wagon we get bean fodder on out of the arena today.

As I hooked it up I saw this tiny skull left on display.

The wagon pin shows you the size. 

Hmmm....

Little tiny reminder of a life.....

Smiling :)

I received a nice surprise late last week.

It is a neat fall mug coaster in a Log Cabin pattern from MamaPea from A Homegrown Journal blog.

Just what the Doctor ordered!!!

A little pick me up cause I matter gift!

So thoughtful and cute with the leaf note and harvest backing.

LN examined the stitching MamaPea!

Your binding stitches are so even she says.

Thanks for making my week!