Arcanes Portis Aveo *+ Secret

Setting up my Home Library

2016-10-25T19:31:00.001-07:00

Getting all my books on computer. Using a new program, Libib.com. So far, love it.

My Door

2016-09-28T12:28:00.001-07:00

Love putting new (to me) things on and taking some things off. Just switching things around.

2016-09-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning ! It's still morning, I have 15 more minutes. I have done 3 loads of laundry and hung them outside. Made a batch of sugar cookies. Baked 1/3 of it and froze the rest for another day. Washed and cut up carrots and potatoes, put them in slow cooker along with chicken that I have partially fried. Chicken being on top so juices drain over veggies. I have also washed the dishes twice. No dish washer here. Not the electric kind anyway. And I have emptied and filled the ice cube trays, also not the electric kind. Now I don't have to worry about dinner. (why in the world would I worry). Later I will have to bring the laundry in the house, fold and put away. Although I have figured that out also. I put all shirts on hangers on the clothes line. Button the top button and WAAALAAA, Just like they have been ironed and You just have to carry them to your closet and hang them up. My clothes all go on a hanger. I use the pants hangers also. Works like a charm.
Who am I kidding, I would love to have a dryer.

BUT it all works. I figured out a way to make it as easy as it can be. Tootles

Old Times !

2016-09-16T14:23:00.004-07:00

This is picture from several years ago. Wow ! I can't believe I found it. It was among the drafts I had saved, thank Goodness I didn't delete as I was going to do just that but decided to check it out first. The room is totally different now. I do like how it looks.

The Kitchen

2016-08-28T14:49:00.002-07:00

Notice on my previous post I have a vase in the middle of the table. In that vase is Rosemary, lavender and sage. I have those growing in my yard. I do love them and would like to get more growing. Not only to add more of these plants in various parts of my yard but also add new ones. The smell is what grabs me. When I walk out of a door and have an herb smell it takes me back to different times of my life. My Grandma Shivers kitchen smelled like vanilla, fried chicken and something baking in the oven. It was a warm, happy, safe, loving smell that felt like it wrapped me in sunshine. She had a delightful laugh. It was happy sounding and it made you smile. I really do miss her and her kitchen. One thing I do recall is her always wearing aprons. You know I have started wearing aprons myself. You would be surprised how clean you will stay and besides once you have that apron on, then and only then do you feel professional. Like, now you will make a delicious meal, or dessert that no one else will ever match.

I do like to bring the herbs in and put them in the vase. I never use water in the vase. It just ends up rotting and smelling terrible. Once they have overstayed there welcome, I crush them up on my floor let them set around for a few minutes to an hour then sweep them out. It will make your kitchen smell wonderful. Then go get a fresh handful.

Kitchen Table

2016-08-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

There is just something wonderful about seeing a table in the kitchen. It's home. It's inviting. You want to sit down and take a sigh of relief. Not that you need to, no, it's not that, it's just a sign of welcome. Welcome to my kitchen. And if there is an offering of a cup of coffee, cup of tea, ice tea, etc, well then, you have come to the right place. Even if you didn't have something on your mind once you sit down with that beverage in your hand all of a sudden you are ready to spill your guts. Well, maybe not your guts but I bet something will pop out of your mouth that you didn't even realize you wanted to talk about and believe me they want to talk about it too. It's a feeling of companionship, belonging, knowing someone want's to hear what you have to say, maybe even your opinion on some important issue or not so important but they want to know how you feel about it. That's a good feeling. That's a feeling you can't buy that's a feeling that comes from having a close family, close friends and even meeting a new friend. You know how that is, you just seem to click and you know without a shadow of a doubt you are going to become friends, close friends. That's what a kitchen table does not to mention the many discussions you have had about life at the table. The, " I'm so sorry", "I can''t believe I did that". Or, I have some exciting news or sadly, I have some very sad news to tell . Maybe you don't really have any good, bad or ugly news, maybe you just need the closeness of another human. You need to hear laughter, see smiles and feel that life is good and only going to get better. Well, my friend this is it. Get yourself a kitchen table and invite people in for a cup of coffee and piece of cake and just see how you have opened up the flood gates of friendship and kinship. Tootles

We are changing things again !

2016-07-23T10:53:00.001-07:00

You see the cabinet straight ahead in the middle of the picture, that is going down in my new kitchen. We call it the San Francisco as that is where we bought it. What a day that was. We got to go in one of the apartments with the front stairs that are really steep. The girl was so nice and she even told us where a good place ( which was a block away around the corner ) to have lunch. Okay back to my story......

Okay, now in the next photo, see where the washer/dryer is, well, that is where we are putting the San Francisco ! Yes, I know we will have to make it a little bigger and the top shelf will have to be cut.

I am so excited and will keep you posted

Not going to do this today, tomorrow, as we have plans for today. So will see you then. I'll bring pictures ! Tootles !

It's Tomorrow !

2016-07-22T11:58:00.002-07:00

Well, it was yesterday but I haven't started on the table. Here is what I did.

I put a white tables cloth on the table.

Will that do ? It looks great and besides it's not trouble at all and if you ask me it looks really good.

So do I still have to paint the table ? I mean if I have a white table cloth on it and it was painted white you would never know it right. So why bother with the paint. I will just keep a table cloth on it and I could tell people that I did paint it and I just want to protect the paint.

Well, I could. They wouldn't look, would they ?

We could try it for awhile. OKay? Well all righty then.

Our Home and I have a lot of work ahead of me ! I might need help, maybe. Well, for sure, I think I will. Tomorrow.

2016-07-20T12:23:00.001-07:00

Hello. How are you all ? It's a nice July day and not too hot. I've been busy changing things around.

As you can see this is two of my 9 kitties and we love them to pieces.
I really need to get busy as I'm going to start painting my kitchen table white but first I have to sand it. WHY? Why do I have to sand it. It has a big pedestle in the middle of the table, which I love as there are no legs on the corners but there is a lot of scroll work and curves and notches. HELP! I don't want to do all of that. My daughter has given me a step by step instruction sheet to go by and there is a lot to do then between times I have to let it set for like 72 hours. What ! It will take me a month of Sunday's to get it all finished. Oh my, I am not looking forward to do all of that but you know I kinda said I would and I can't very well, not do it. Can I ? Oh, alright. I will get started tomorrow. That will be a good day to start, tomorrow. I will let you know, in fact the minute I start I will start posting. It will be soon, well tomorrow. Okay, see you all then. Tootles

2016-06-06T13:50:00.001-07:00

Flowers !

So very pretty to look at and take a sniff. Nothing is sweeter. My Jim is always bringing me flowers from all over our yard. It allows you to bring some sunshine inside with out all the heat.

Talk about heat. June has come into California with 100' heat. So far it's been up to 106'. My word, that is just too hot. Just a week ago we had 80's, so no we do not want this heat so fast

Talk about cabin fever. That's what you get in winter in Kansas when you are unable to get out because you are snowed in and it's not safe to be out in it nor to drive but This. My oh my, you can't go out because it's too hot. CRAZY !

We went to Collins Lake a couple weeks ago fishing. My Jim caught a perch. They are fun to catch as they put up a pretty good fight. He tossed him back and did get a few more bites. Now me, I got nothing. No bites at all. Just wasn't my day as other people around us did and were catching some. I don't know what they were for sure but looked pretty good size. We will be going back the end of this month so hopefully our luck will be better. Of course, I don't have to catch a fish to have a good time just enjoy fishing, especially on our houseboat. Tootles

Kitties

2016-05-23T16:00:00.001-07:00

Here we have Rosy (on top shelf) and Thumper (on bottom shelf. They are both girls and just as sweet as they can be. They are sisters and are 2 of the 4 from our first litter. We gave a boy, "Booker, and another girl, Anna to our other Granddaughters. The Mom had another litter a few months later and had 5 more. Which we have kept all 5 and as soon as she was able we had Momma fixed.
We do love our kitties and they are all very sweet.

Fishing !

2016-04-27T14:45:00.002-07:00

That's what I'm talking about !! Let's go ! I want to have a cup of coffee in one hand and the fishing pole in the other and off we go. I love, love our houseboat. Nothing better. You have the best of both worlds. You can go inside if it's to cool or your hungry or stay out and fish, fish, fish. You stay clean and hey, have someone go in and bake a cake, or cookies. It doesn't have to be you anyone will want to do it in the Houseboat. My daughter-in-law, Bern made the best taco's. All of us are telling her we want some. Well happy fishing, camping, boating and all the ice cream cones you want at Collins Lake. See you there. Tootles

Reading Time

2016-02-21T13:06:00.001-08:00

Grab a book and curl up on either couch. We have plenty of books to choose from so get settled in and hot tea will be served.

I have just received my first Ms Magazine. Better late then never. It's one of those things I have always wanted and just didn't get. Finally I gave myself a Christmas present in November. I have it on my phone and also in magazine form. Yes, I do read a lot of it on my phone and I admit it's nice to read it there But I also like to have it in my hand turning pages. Feeling the paper. Just holding it in your hand. I'm one of those who loves the smell, feel and seeing the book on your bookshelf. I can see a book spine on my shelf and remember the feeling I felt when I was reading it. The joy of something happening or the sadness when something didn't. It will take me back instantly to that moment. Sometimes I can picture where I was at. It's amazing when that happens. Before you ask, Yes, I do have a kindle. Hey, I do want to keep up and there are times and situations that the Kindle just fits. Just not all the time. If I'm getting a book from a favorite Author or I think this book will mean a lot to me, then it's a book I am getting to hold in my hand but if it's when you just want a good story then the Kindle is the way to go. It is convenient while lying in bed or when you go somewhere and just can't take another suitcase for your books, then yes, Kindle it is. It seemed like Amazon was offering you a Kindle book for .99, when you bought the hardcover. Am I wrong ? Because I have not had that offer lately. Now that would have been wonderful in fact I did do it a couple of times. Then it's like the offer disappeared never to be offered again. What's up Amazon? That was pretty cool. Now I think they are offering the beginning of the book for 2.99. What exactly does that mean anyway. Obviously I did not take them up on that offer so I don't really know. But here is the real scoop !!!! Read Read READ ! I don't care what form, just read. Tootles

2016-01-23T13:59:00.002-08:00

Isn't that a beautiful Rainbow ! It actually was taken a year ago. The sky gave us such a good show that day I was so glad I was not driving. I think I would have been very distracted. We went to the park to get a better view of the sky. Beautiful

We have had our share of rain. This is near the end of January and we are well over what we need and there is more coming. Yikes !
Sadly, I live where it is very very muddy. Yes, we need some gravel desperately. It would be so nice. Hopefully soon.

Today

2015-09-14T16:44:00.004-07:00

It's early evening. I'm sitting in my screened in porch. There is a pretty strong breeze out and I am loving it. It's overcast and you can smell the rain in the air. Oh, it is wonderful. After last week when we soared over 100', I think it got up to 106'. My, it was really quite horrible to say the least. My but, now it has turned itself around and we are enjoying this lovely weather. Oh, what a difference the weather makes. The coolness can throw headaches out, frowns upside down, dull eyes into bright eyes. Eyebrows raised, smiles replacing frowns and just plain joy is shining from your smile. Oh yes, that's how strong an effect it has on us humans. We can be down in the dumps, fighting for a touch of human contact. Then you look out the window and what do you see..... no blazing sun but a beautiful calm has come over your backyard. Clouds have come in and moved the hot sun away. It's giving us pause. Things don''t seem so bad now. Really, not that they were bad, you understand. It's just the air is clear, the breeze has whisked away all negative thought and replaced it with hope, joy and dare I say a much brighter evening. Well, let me tell you this is quite a surprise. This is quite unexpected but I must stop now. I must really sit back, put my feet up and smile. No, I know what I should do......jump up, run outside barefoot and wiggle my toes (my very pretty toes, as I have beautiful pink polish on them) in the green grass. I can just imagine the cool feeling. Then, of course, I must hop, skip and jump around. Swing my arms, twirl and come back around. Oh, what a glorious day this has turned out to be. Mother Nature always amazes me.

The Window

2015-04-19T14:59:00.001-07:00

Your thoughts. Better to be looking out then in ?

Good Morning !

2015-04-12T10:27:00.001-07:00

What !!!!!! Is on the Counter ??!!!

2015-04-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

Just take a look at the last post !

So here we are enjoying the goodies we shouldn't have. Hey, life is too short. I have one word for you ...Moderation !

Weight Watchers Here I Come !

2015-02-28T11:25:00.001-08:00

Do Not Laugh ! I know, I know, how many times have I done this or something like it. I am always thinking about my weight. Even when I'm eating an ice cream drum stick. I'm not kidding ! I guess I am telling on my self which I think I should do. What's funny is I did join in the late 80's, early 90's. I weighted 139#, no kidding. Looking back now I think I just wanted to join a group of women. It was a social thing. I was working as a Librarian in a Middle School. Loved my job, loved all the people I worked with and heard about some of the teachers that had joined. Well, that is what I wanted to do. Join ! I did manage to lose 3 or 4 pounds but now I realize it was the getting together. The talking. I just loved it. I enjoy people. I know there are some people I would not care for but I'm always up for a challenge.
I must explain I am not actually joining Weight Watchers. I cannot afford it and I already have the books, and information. I can do this. I have already joined a gym and am going 3 times a week. So I am serious, really ! I just have a problem snacking. I know all the good things to eat but when it comes to the evening I just want to eat all the yummy, delicious BAD for you food. That's What I am dealing with right now. I had oatmeal for breakfast with honey and almond milk. I love healthy food and enjoy it. In a half hour I am going to make myself a killer salad. Everything will be healthy. Tootles

My Time and How I Use It !

2015-01-10T17:02:00.001-08:00

You know, sometimes you don't realize how much other people control what you do. Your going along and making decisions not realizing those decisions are being decided from the influence of other people around you. They don't even have to say anything it's what they don't say, their mannerism. How they make silent jesters, that you do hear it loud and clear. So you change what you are doing. Cut short what you were going to do all because of those silent jesters. After all you don't want to cause ripples. You have been trained to keep the waters running smooth. You must keep that up. I wish I could just do what I wanted and not have this hanging over my head. Don't get me wrong. It's me that isn't being strong and that's my goal for 2015. See how I can do these things happily and not let other influences get in the way. Wish me luck ! Tootles

More Thrift Store Finds

2014-11-12T14:43:00.001-08:00

Isn't this little old Lady a doll. I just love her and believe it or not she has been at this one Thrift Store for a long time and I kept walking by her. I thought she was just too high. Well last year I finally bought her. They were having a sale there and everything in the store was 50% off. I just happened to walk by and grab her.

Now the sign above I thought was very fitting for all of us. No matter where you live. Just think about it, if it was a Beach day what would that involve......
Well, first you would get in your swim suit or even just shorts and a cute little top. Maybe even a hat and flip flops. If you can keep them on your feet. I cannot. Hey, go bare footed, that sand feels wonderful on your feet and maybe do some wiggling and toe curling while you are at it. You could take an umbrella, towel or beach chair. How about some bottles of water and a good book or your Kindle. Okay, now you are all set. Lean back close your eyes and just listen. Relax and just listen. Take a deep breath and just listen. Now that is why everyday should just be a Beach day.

The Lady and I do mean Lady, has the right idea. She is in a flowing beautiful gown. The sun is warm on her back she is just touching her toes in the water. Her hair is up and away from her beautiful face. She doesn't want to miss a thing in hopes of finding that Sea Shell. You know the one, the one she will keep by her bed and listen to the waves just before she drops off to sleep dreaming of Beach Days and wishing Everyday was a Beach Day. Tootles

Look What I Found This Time !

2014-10-02T12:09:00.001-07:00

Is this beautiful or what !

I'm strolling through the thrift store and it's like it's talking to me. It's almost like it wasn't there and I got closer, and Boom ! There it was right in front of me. I swear if anyone else had picked that up in front of me and bought it, I, no doubt, would have cried. I sat my bottom in it started rocking and I know I had the goofiest grin on my face. It's comfortable, rocks smooth and as you can see the wood is Oak ! The workers there were bringing out a big cabinet and were coming toward me. I jumped up but still had a hold of the chair, (I was not letting go of it, I know what can happen in thrift stores, anyway) I'm still grinning from ear to ear and get out of their way. In fact I am now looking for Jim. I need to catch his eye and let him know we are buying this rocker. No ifs, ands or buts. He looks at me and I am pointing down at the chair, with of course the silly grin and say, Oh, Yeah ! He comes right over, I am so lucky that way, if he knows I really want something he never argues, just takes it and gets out his wallet and of course that is just what happened. I said I really want this rocker, let's not forget the goofy grin as I am telling him the beautiful wood, the beautiful leather and to top it off it folds up. He took the chair and got out his wallet. Wow! I am so lucky and so happy with it. How much did I pay, you ask ? 55.00. I think that is a steal, don't care what anybody else thinks. If you need me I will be sitting in my rocker, perhaps with a cup of tea. Tootles

Thrift Store Fines !

2014-09-03T09:34:00.001-07:00

I found this at Goodwill. I'm coming down the isle see it poked behind another smaller table. I know I want it and haven't even seen the whole thing but just the style. I think it's beautiful. Your not going to believe how much I paid for it. Six dollars. That is $ 6.00. I couldn't believe it was so cheap. It is a little wobble but my daughter assures me she can fix it.

I keep going back and forth on how to have my living room. I really like shabby chic but most of my furniture is wing back chairs and wood tables and the color is maroon and green. I don't know what to do with the chairs I have.

This is the rest of the things I picked up. There are two lace curtains that are a set. They angle down. Thinking of putting them on the french doors. The Planck on the top of them with the hooks, I'm thinking of putting in the bath room, but we will see. There are three different scarves, you can get such a buy with scarves here or at any thrift store. And on the left is the other lace curtain. It's really heavy and very pretty. I love having lace curtains. I'm hoping to pick up a lot more then have my choice filling the windows. I don't care if they match at all (Maybe that is the shabby chic in me). And last is the rain pole. I don't know if that is what they are called but if you tilt them back and forth it sound like rain. Have wanted one for a long time. So that is what I got this week. Happy Shopping ! Tootles

Fines That I Love

2014-08-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

These dishes I love. Yes, I got them at a thrift store and they are from England. Wow! I just love it when I find something like this. How unique and beautiful are they. I have a setting of for 4, except there was a lady looking at them first. I, of course, stayed back so as not to seem interested in them. You know the rule. For some reason if you seem interested in an item and someone else is looking at it, believe me when I tell you they will put it in their cart so fast your head will spin. Anyway, She was telling her friend how much she loved the set and I thought, oh well, and was starting to move on. She took one dinner plate. Can you believe it ! I didn't care as soon as she turned her back I scooped up the rest And I did find another dinner plate, Unfortunately not the same pattern but hey, close enough for me and snagged it also. Maybe she just wanted one plate. I don't worry about that I really love what I got.

How about these grapes. I have them hanging along a shelf in my kitchen and guess what they are lights. Even if they weren't I would still love them. They brightened up the place so much. My Jim found them and realized they had a plug so went and tried them and Yes, they did light up. We really had a good time that day. Jim enjoys it as much as I do and we love doing it together.

How about this basket of Apples. Isn't it bright and pretty. It's actually made out of tin and the colors are are great. I have it hanging on the pot rack. I do have a lot of cast iron skillets but really don't use them as much any more. When my family was all home they were my go to pans. I even had my Grandma's skillets. But I'm afraid now it's just too easy and much lighter to use a non stick skillet. Hey, they are a lot easier to use and like I said way lighter. But I do love the cast iron and like picking them up when I see them. I did get an oval one with the lid. The lid doesn't fit real tight but I have never seen one like it before. Will take a picture of it for next time.

Happy Shopping and find those bargains ! Till next time. Tootles

Making Decisions !

2014-04-22T17:03:00.004-07:00

Here we are deciding what to write on my blog. I would like to start something. Talk about or I should say write about something important to me that I find interesting and hopefully other people out there will also find interesting also. I'm trying to figure that out. I love to read. I have different kinds of books. In the day time I like to read non fiction books. Maybe books that are self help like learning about yourself. Ways to improve yourself or learning something new. For instance I have read about some Goddesses. That is something I had not read about, that is just about Goddesses. I had them referenced in other books but this was the first time a read about several and it was quite interesting. I learned a lot. I also like and have recently been reading about time travel. How exciting would that be. Then of course who doesn't love a Love Story. Those I read at night. Night time reading is usually a light read. One that I can enjoy with a few exceptions. I do like learning from past century Authors. You can learn a lot just by reading what they did and following their examples. So as you can see I do love books and reading.

I also like to crocheting. I'm not really good. I guess I'm not really into it that much. My poor Grandchildren have suffered enough with crocheted animals. Like I said I'm not very good so I have decided the only one I am crocheting for is myself and that will be Goddess bags with thread not yarn.

I do love to cook. Some things I'm good at. I have a French Bread recipe that I have made a lot and I do love it. My husband isn't crazy about it so unless I really am hungry for it or company is coming that I think will like it I don't make it. I do love to try new recipes. Right now I am trying out Indian food. East Indian Food that is. Well I have the recipes but haven't got all the spices yet. I'm going to buy them in bulk. My daughter says they are much cheaper. So I am going to give them a try.

I do love to sit in my yard and look at all my flowers and plants and trees. We have a lot of trees in our tiny yard. Orange tree (2) Lemon tree, 2 apple, pink flower tree (don't know the name off hand), about 10 or twelve willow trees, walnut tree, oak tree, popular tree (8 of those) bamboo (8or10) peach (2, freestone and cling) wild flowers, lavender (6 plants) Breath of heaven bush, rosemary, several plants, sage plants, several of those also. There are more just can't think of the name of them

That's about it. I do like to go the the show sometimes and of course out to lunch or dinner. I'm sure some would think it's pretty boring

My favorite thing is going to thrift shops. That is so much fun especially if you are drawn to something and it's just what you didn't realize you needed.

Well I am going to ponder this for a while and see what I come up with to write about. Tootles