Brightest Blessings!

Gutter Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:18:00 +0000

Today is Wednesday, April 10, 2013. It has be gorgeous! I mean just gorgeous! It has been nice and warm with a breeze! Loving this weather and sure hope it stays this way for awhile. Have spent the last couple of days outside and if the weather stays this way, will be spending lots more time outdoors.

We went to Lowe's yesterday morning, these are the items that we bought. I would love to work there, but I wouldn't make any money, the company would be taking it out in trade. I love that store, truly a crafters warehouse! Not to mention that they have these awesome classes to for little and big projects, what a tease they are. So I thought that today I would share with you what I made yesterday and you too can make them. They are really easy to make and you can use them in the country or in an apartment balcony. They are fun!

So here we go! We are going to use one and if you decide you want to make more you will know what you need.

1 ten foot gutter 18 small screws
6 gutter straps drill
3 left end caps dirt
3 right end caps flowers or seeds

Cut your gutter into the lengths that you want your pots to be, I cut mine in all different lengths. After you have cut then the length that you want them to be, but the end caps on, I did this next because if you are using the metal ones they will be sharp. Now using your drill drill a few holes in the bottom if you want drainage or you can use a few stones, oyster shells, marbles or whatever you may have handy.
It didn't say to put these small screws in the ends, however I put three into the ends of each, the back, bottom and the front to hold these caps on. This is showing the sealant, but I just didn't trust it.

I placed a screw in the front

One in the back and one in the bottom

Now you have your flower pot, do what you will with it. Once you have it filled with your plants or seeds next to hook the straps on which is real quick no talent needed for this.

Flowers are planted, summer is here!

Okay good job so far, grab you a cold drink. Now we are to hanging them and this is really the easy part. Easy to hang, not easy to decide exactly where you want to hang them.

These gutter straps just clip in under the front lip and hook over the back side of the gutter, they come with the screw. Now that you know where you want them hung grab an extra set of hands to hold the pot while you use the drill to screw these beautiful creations of yours to the fence or whatever you are going to attach them to.

I used two straps to a planter. The longest is four feet and it is holding pretty good.

This is showing on the hung on the slats facing in, hung on the slats.

This one is showing hung on the outside. My plans are to make more and hang different sizes and colors. I do believe that spray paint will work wonderfully on the metal ones. I am betting that you can grow a great herb garden too, these aren't just for flowers.

I think since mom doesn't have a fence, she does have a wooden handrail at her place that these just might be a couple in her future and she doesn't even know it. She came back around to my way of thinking with the cable so now they are hooking it back up today. Still shaking my head over that on with her, I do love her, she is my mama.

Get outside and do something, anything will do!

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing~

Thursday Storms

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:36:00 +0000

Today is Thursday, April 4, 2013. WOW did the storms roll in yesterday afternoon and I do think that they were here most of the night. Today doesn't look so hot either. What's the saying about April showers bring May flowers, we should have gorgeous flower beds!

Regardless of the storms, I was able to start painting and was able to get all of the posts painted and on all sides of them. However, when starting the first panel, well it got very loud and then the sky opened up. So that ended that for the day and now with the panels wet, they won't get done today unless the sun comes to rescue me.

So inside to do the things that I really enjoy doing like balance the checkbook and paying bills. Gotta love that job, yeah okay. Got young sons laundry done and made these peanut butter no bake cookies. Nothing to write home about. So won't be making these again. But I do think I will make some rice crispy treats today, haven't made those in a long time, a good snack. Need to make biscuits for the week again too and then I do think I will get those placemats finished today. The comforter and shams are supposed to be here tomorrow so I will be able to go shopping for some matching fabric. I really hate having to go shopping for fabric. (evil laugh) Made meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy last night and it was really good. I think sometimes we get into a rut with what to cook and old favorites get lost or forgotten. A few weeks ago I didn't have enough potatoes to make enough mashed potatoes, so I used some of the instant potatoes ( I use them for sourdough starter bread) to add to the fresh potatoes. Ladies, let me tell you young son and George both wanted to know what was wrong with the potatoes? I started laughing so hard, they are so spoiled, they wanted nothing to do with those instant potatoes. I still laugh when thinking about it.

Going to try not to do a lot today, that painting yesterday really got to my body, shoulder, arm and neck are all still sore this morning and I truly hate taking pain meds.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Wet Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:13:00 +0000

Today is Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Yesterday was cloudy and a tiny shower early in the day, but it never did bring the storms, however today looks to be a little different outside. I have fence and posts that I wanted to paint today before putting them up. It is easier to paint them before they go into the ground. So we shall see if the storms make it today or not. According to the weather man, it is supposed to storm today thru Friday. Hoping he is wrong again today......

These are George's and young son's favorite breakfast or snack. Apple fritters are so good fresh hot out of the fryer. The smell of them will bring young son out of his room to see what is cooking. They are super easy to make and quick to. Lots less expensive to make than to go purchase them. They never go to waste.

Yesterday I was putting the mats together for the RV and had to take one apart because it had creased, so when I sewed it of course it came up short. Hoping today to get them finished up and then on to finding fabric to match the comforter and shams. Was so excited to get the clearance e-mail from Wal-Mart. Got this comforter with the shams and shipping for $25! I love the purple and gold together. So now the mission is to find a purple and gold fabric for curtains and the window boxes. Spent hours looking at fabrics on line and just didn't find anything. So I guess I will have to hit the fabric store when George is off again and see what I can find.

So the plans for today are to make these new peanut butter no bake cookies and see how they turn out. Paint the 3 fence panels and 5 posts. Then to finish up the mats. But I have to balance the checkbook and pay a couple of bills, I so dislike that job. Usually I am right on it the first of the month and here it is the third already, haven't changed the A/C filter either and that gets done on the first as do changing out every one's toothbrush and smudging. Oh and this month the quarterly taxes have to be done too. Lovely......

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Another Week Started

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:58:00 +0000

Today is Monday, April 1, 2013. The weather has been nice the last couple of days, we got more yard work done in the last couple of days than in months. However, this week we are supposed to have storms. And by the looks of it the storms will be here soon.

This weekend George was off the four days but we decided to get some yard work done before the weather turns bad and it takes forever for the ground to dry up. I don't know if it is because we have had so much rain, but it seems like it takes a good week to get rid of the muck in the yard. But all in all it is shaping up pretty good. The fence needs to be painted too, but we are getting it done.

Got the french vanilla bread and muffins baked, sugar cookies and cupcakes baked. Then got them decorated and delivered to where they needed to be.

We had our BBQ steaks on Saturday because we were waiting to hear if George had to work on Sunday or not. He got a call at 5:40 they didn't need to come in until Monday. YES! So George put his phone on the charger and about eight noticed that his buddy and boss man had been blowing up his phone. He called his buddy to find out what was going on, the plane made it in and they had to work Sunday, George said no, no I will see you on Monday morning at five. I say good man!

Went to see mom yesterday and she hasn't been feeling so hot, so I will take her some soup and stuff later on today and a plate of supper too, just in case she is feeling better. Sometimes I think she is like a little kid, if I play sick I get extra attention.

So this afternoon I plan on getting some sewing done and the placemats for the RV finished. Then to move on to getting the curtains made and the window boxes redone. So much to do......

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Not Much....

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:58:00 +0000

Today is Thursday, March 29, 2013. Baby it is COLD outside this morning! Went outside to collect my stones and other items that were being cleansed and charged by the Storm moon last night and let Bailey out to do her business and WOW it is cold! Didn't take me to much time to collect and get back into the warm house.

These are the new place mats for the RV. George loves him some dragons and the color purple, so needless to say I scored at the fabric store. It took me most of the day yesterday to make the design and then to cut out all of the pieces for two of the. Have a front and a back ready to quilt and add the binding to and then to put the other one together.

My sewing machine, or it could be just me doesn't always sew right. It starts out good to go and then all of a sudden it starts stitching all wonky. So I stop and rethread the top and the bobbin to see if it helps and sometimes it makes a difference but most of the time not. I need to find a Brother shop that gives some kind of Brother classes on their machines. Not on You Tube in person with my machine.

George is out in the RV putting in the new water pump and then he is going to finish putting in the hardwood floor in the bedroom. I was so excited to see all of that carpet got. When the kids were little it was a nice cushion, but now I really dislike carpet. A few throw rugs that can be washed every week is okay for some color, but other than that I want all carpet outta here.

Well last night was the full moon so I need to smudge this morning. So off to take my shower and then to smudge the house and yard. Not sure what else the day will bring, but George is off so I know it won't be boring.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

It's Wednesday, But Our Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:56:00 +0000

Today is Wednesday, March 27, 2013. It was way to cold yesterday for me and this morning isn't any better, the kerosene heater is going again to take the chill off the house. You know it is cold when the dogs look at you like you want me to go out there why? It is supposed to start getting warmer by the end of the week, not much time left considering that the is Wednesday.

I started playing around with some scraps yesterday and this is where it went. Actually I started out making a skirt that you make out of a jelly roll for my grand daughter. While I was cutting strips the little pieces were laying there so I sewed them together, this is what I ended up with. So today I will sew the binding down and work on the skirt. The skirt is super cute and can be made so many ways.

There is one that you make just the front with scraps putting them together any way, kind of like odds and ends and then the back half of the skirt is the same fabric and of course an elastic waist. I have never made a skirt but I am thinking that if the dresses, shorts and pj bottoms got done, I do think I can do these skirts. Would love to make them for myself. I love skirts they can be dressy or everyday, flats or wedges, tank tops or blouses not to mention wash and wear cotton.

Just to cute!

Thrilled that George is off tomorrow and maybe have a four day weekend! YES! Not sure if this is going to happen for sure but boy is my mind moving on all of the things that we could do in four days. Where we could go and the things we could do. We do have court tomorrow afternoon but nothing after that is planned. Soooo we shall see what will happen.....

Young son spent the night at a friends house last night there are a few of them that are headed for a skate park in Gainsville this morning and wanted to get there early. Okay boys, how do you like this weather? I sure hope they are smart enough to wear warm clothes and take shorts with them to change into later in the day if it gets warm. I don't need him sick to bring it back to me.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Our Time

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:37:00 +0000

Today is Tuesday, March 23, 2013. Well it is COLD again this morning. Got the kerosene heater going to warm up the house. It is supposed to be another cold one for two more nights. Lovely....I say if it is going to get into the low thirties, then we should have snow.

I went to our local fabric store yesterday, they are having a sale, and just had to add to my stash. I love them all and today will be the day I will spend making things for the RV. The RV is going to become George and I's second home very soon. I am so excited to start thinking of the things that he and I will be able to do as a couple.

Don't get me wrong, I love everyone of my children, I might not like them at times or what they are doing, however I still love them. We raise them to become happy, productive, self supporting adults. They have their own lives now and that is awesome, however they also need to realize that their father and I also are going to have "our" own lives. If you didn't bother to call before coming over and we aren't home, I am not going to apologize for not leaving a note on my door or texting all of you that we were not going to be home. I love spending time with the grand kids, but I don't want to "baby sit" I am Nana not the emergency or on call sitter. My mom never baby sat and I would have never even asked her to, she was grandma. When your dad and I are away, please don't call dad to see if he can help you to fix your vehicle, this is "our" time. I am sure that you have your friends or the shop up the road that can help you out.

Thinking back on all of the things that George and I didn't do because of things that needed to be done for the kids or places that the kids had to be, there is a lot of catching up of things that we need to do. Keeping my fingers crossed that next weekend he and I will be heading to the Gulf for some crabbing and fishing. He has to do something to the water pump I think is what he said so depending on what is happening with that will depend on if we go or not. I couldn't tell you the last time he and I went fishing and that is truly sad.

We as parents have to learn to take care of ourselves and our spouse, the one that we choose to share our lives with and grow old together with. The children will be fine, we were, and I do believe it made us stronger not to have our problems "fixed" by our parents. We were taught to stand on our own two feet and we did.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

It's Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:18:00 +0000

Today is Monday, March 25, 2013. The storms seem to have settled down and the sun is shinning once again. We still have a gentle breeze but NOTHING like what we have been experiencing over the weekend. It tore up down town pretty good and from what I have heard a tornado too. George said that the hail was actually coming through the hanger. I can't imagine what it sounded like being in that hanger with the hail hitting it.

Even with the power going in and out I was able to get the cake baked and the "Manly Set" finished. Two place mats, two pot holders and a mug rug.

So today I will work out in the yard later this afternoon to get the branches and whatever else has to be cleaned up. When we have storms I think that the tress seem to be all over the yard. Can't work in the bamboo it is like a swamp down there, yuck.

So I thought I would share the strawberry filled angel food cake with you. Here is what you will need:

1 Angel Food Cake (baked)

1 cup powered sugar

1 tablespoon Vanilla

3 Pints clean sliced dry strawberries

1/2 Quart Heavy Whipping Cream (16 ounces)

Strawberry Frosting either homemade or store bought

Bake your angel food cake and cool well, can't use a warm cake for this, it will melt your filling.

Remove from pan and cut the top of the cake off and save.

Now every so gently cut the inside of the bottom half of the cake out leaving the bottom and sides. You are going to fill this with the filling.

Now whip the whipping cream until stiff, add the powered sugar and the vanilla. Fold in the fresh sliced strawberries. Make sure that they are dry and not still wet from washing.

Next fill the bottom with the filling. Don't over fill or the top won't fit right.

Now that the filling is in place the top back on the filled bottom.

Frost with either homemade or store bought strawberry frosting.

Keep in the frig until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!

Everyone loves this cake and it is really east and quick to make. I did try the cake batter fudge and well, I won't be making it again. But, hey I am always willing to try something new once.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Saturday Bake and Sew

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:34:00 +0000

Today is Saturday, March 23, 2013. The weather has been kind of weird the last few days. It starts out like it is going to storm real bad and then within a few hours it has cleared up and gotten warm. With the sun shinning it is so inviting to get out there and work in the yard.

Yesterday I was able to get the house cleaned up and even hung out a load of laundry. I so dislike using a dryer, it just seems to make the clothes smell funny, unless you use those fake smell sheets in there. Not to mention the damage that is done to your clothes.

We are going to a BBQ at the neighbors this evening he is turning the big 50. So I don't have to cook tonight! YES! Making a strawberry filled angel food cake to take for dessert. The cake is in the oven now and after it cools I can finish it up. Quick and snappy easy.

I am going to try this cake batter fudge that is made in the microwave in a little while, seen it on a facebook post and it looked good. Not to much time or ingredients invested so if it isn't a keeper nothing lost.

Went grocery shopping yesterday and got the flaked coconut, jelly beans and cupcake mix to make the basket cupcakes and the nest cookies. They are so cute and the kids love making them. No talent involved and so cute when finished.

So my plans for the day are to finish the cake and make the fudge then to sew, to sew, to sew. Going to finish ip the manly mats, mug rugs and pot holders.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Our Weekend Is Over

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:42:00 +0000

Today is Wednesday, March 20, 2013. I so can't believe that March is almost over. It seems like we just brought in 2013 and we are almost a fourth of the way through the year. Time just seems to be moving at warp speed. I had gotten some fresh apples at the produce stand so we started our day yesterday with some apple fritters. George and young son love these, but unless we are all home and nothing pressing for our time, I don't make them. There are none left.

Yesterday was another pretty day and warm too. Warm enough to be wearing shorts while working in the yard. So after the fritters we met up in the yard. George was working on getting the grill ready to smoke some ribs and I went back to the bamboo. What a job and it was swampy down there from the thunderstorms yesterday morning early.

I am so glad that the dead ones are pretty much in the same location and not up and down the fence line. Doc thinks I am playing with him when I am pulling the bamboo out. Doc is liking the weather too, he likes to be out in the nice weather, however he does not like it when it is hot, he prefers to stay indoors when the temperatures reach the high eighties.

Young son has been skating 12 hours a day now that the weather is good again. These boys are really good but they still scare the you know what out of me. He came in about eight-thirty last night in his jeans, he had to change, these was nothing left of the behind of his shorts. Of course I laughed, good thing he had an extra pair of pants with him, could have been bad.

I so could have my husband home with me everyday. We have so much fun when we are together and it doesn't matter what we are doing. His days off changed last week, so Monday and Tuesday were our weekend and now this is our Monday. Boy am I going to really be messed up this week. I made his thermos and lunch and sent him out the door at four-thirty, I didn't want him to go.

The smoked ribs were fantastic! That man can grill, can't cook in the kitchen but give him a grill and damn! There are some left even after young son gave them a good work over when he got home. So I will be having ribs for lunch today.

Have to get the house cleaned, make bread and so want to get the place mats finished up today. So I need to get moving in a forward direction.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Productive Days

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:08:00 +0000

Today is Tuesday, March 19, 2013. As I was sitting here, the power kept going out and then within seconds would come back on, no apparent reason. Then the lightening followed by the thunder, well now that explains it all. It was supposed to happen yesterday and today, however yesterday was an overall nice day.

It has been a productive last couple of days. Sunday George worked, so I took advantage of it and spent most of the day in the kitchen. Strawberries were at a great price of $14 a flat so had to get a flat of those sweet and juicy jewels. Sliced a half flat and put those up in the freezer the other half flat were sliced and went so very well with a pound cake made from a new recipe. It was fantastic!

I have been looking for a new pound cake recipe for a long time and I have found it. Never have I made one in a tube pan but the recipe calls for it, so that is what I did. I also made two batches of Chex mix and put them into Food Saver bags. So much cheaper to make than to buy this stuff and everyone loves it. Then got the biscuits for the week made and put into the freezer, laundry done and put a pot roast in the crock pot for dinner. The better part of my day was spent in the kitchen, but got things done. And enjoyed doing it all without the interruptions, young son was at the skate part and well George was working.

Yesterday George was off and we seemed to have a pretty productive day. We were supposed to have thunderstorms yesterday and it turned out to be a nice day. Needless to say that we were busy trying to get things done outside "before" the storms arrived. After a while we realized that it was going to be nice and we didn't have to act crazy trying to get things done. He and young son worked on getting the new cameras up while I worked on getting the dead bamboo out. The bamboo seems to go through bouts of parts of it die off and then it looks really bad so I am trying to get the dead stuff out of there. It takes time to do this. It is very thick and it has to be done one stalk at a time, or at least that's the way I do it. It just pulls out so you really don't have to cut it.

We bought some steaks this week, we haven't had steaks in a very long time. But George does a killer steak on the BBQ! They were so good, I ate all of mine and I never eat that much meat.

Wow they look huge in this picture. Even got some of the odds and ends of laundry done with a terrific breeze. Not sure what we will be doing today with the thunderstorms but maybe we can watch "Happy Feet Two" and just hang out, that is if we keep the power on. If it clears up I will work on cleaning house and George will be doing whatever it is that he does out there. Still haven't finished up the place mats that are so close to being finished. But maybe today will be the day.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing!

I Won, Thank You Cat

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:15:00 +0000

Today is Thursday, March 14, 2013. It is another chilly morning here the house is 66 degrees this morning when I rolled out of a nice warm waterbed. Yesterday turned out to be a really nice warm sun filled day. I don't know that it will be that warm again today, but one can hope.

I won this super cute mini tin from Cat Kerr. This woman has some kind of talent, she is also the one that made my neck breather bracelets. I just love all of the detail, check out the mini wooden tag!

Thank you Cat I love it! It was a welcome surprise yesterday. Nothing like getting a package in the mail that you didn't order.

Didn't get a whole lot done yesterday, but got a few things finished up. That has to count for something. Was even able to get the laundry done, it was wonderful hanging out the clothes and not using a dryer because I have to. Finished up a couple little sewing projects too.

So today I have lots to get done. Seemed to be moving in a real forward direction after dinner last night and then George came in from outside. He is a funny man, as long as he is busy outside I can be busy inside, but when he comes in and is ready to sit down for the evening, I also need to be ready to join him. I was doing a couple of things in the kitchen last night, he came and stood at the counter looking at me, I asked what? He said I thought you were going to quit and come sit with me. Okay baby I will call it quits and join you. My new favorite show was on last night, "Duck Dynasty". I love, love, love that show. I have never laughed so hard in my life. If you haven't seen this show, give it a look.

The local fabric shop offers classes, I have often thought hey that would be a fun class to take, but never have taken one. They are also in the process of moving to right up the street from me, so they should be moved into their new building very soon and I am going to get into that class. No more putting things off until later. Later has arrived!

I also want to lean to make those avocado egg rolls. When it comes to avocados, I could live on them. Ms Patty got me hooked on them from BJ's Restaurant. Oh my word are the yummy! If it wasn't so far to go, I could have them for a late breakfast.

So now I need to get a box ready to ship and a few letters written to be sent out today. But first I think I will grab a bowl of cereal. Wishing everyone a beautiful sunshine filled day!

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessingwww.brightestblessing.com

Make Me Wonder.....

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:57:00 +0000

Today is Tuesday, March 12, 2013. It rained crazy early this morning and stayed very cloudy all of the day. So needless to say no laundry was done. However, according to the weather channel, it is suppose to be nice tomorrow, so tomorrow it will be done.

Our trip was very enjoyable. I have to say that I was a bit taken back when George said to me Sunday afternoon are you going to be ready in a little while to go? I thought we were leaving on Monday, but okay baby you are the driver. It was a nice trip home, we stopped about an hour into it and got some chicken nuggets and onion rings, those are my favorite fast food at BK right now. George was pretty impressed with them too. Wouldn't want to make it a regular thing but for something quick, it fills the void.

George and his dad went fishing on the bridge which was the plan and one of George's buddies that he grew up with went along too. They had a great time and even stopped at this "little hole in the wall" place to get some Coney Island hot dogs. Bless his heart his dad hasn't stopped there in years. He was so excited to tell me "I ate three of them." He is really looking good and eating great. He loves those pork rinds too. I don't think that he stopped eating the whole time we were there. It made my heart just soar to see him doing so much better.

He has also bought a truck, so it needed the radiator worked on, it was leaking so George took it out of his truck and fixed it. Then put it back in, of course they had to test drive it to make sure that it didn't leak, so they went to the hardware store. George had his dad to drive, to make sure that all was okay for him to continue to drive. George said he did really good, drove a little slower but no wide turns or following to close, he did really well, I guess those eye surgeries worked well.

I spent most of the time with his mom. She has gotten cranky, not sure why. However the Maryland crab cakes were a huge hit. She was so thrilled with them. I think she ate the most that night that I have ever seen her eat at one sitting.

She said a few things that really got me thinking about the phases of our life, real eye opener. She was talking about how they had wanted to travel the east coast and up into Canada into Alaska, but that just didn't happen and now with their health it won't.......Why is it that we always put things off for whatever made up reason? Why is it that the things we want to do, we don't? But yet if it was for someone else or a child we would make it happen. Things that we want to do, need to be done when we are able to do them, that is our bodies are able to do them. There will always be a reason why we can't do something, but why is that? It is only things that we want to dream about doing? Or are they things that we really want to do, but scared of trying?

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Friday's Arrival

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 04:58:00 +0000

Today is Saturday, March 9, 2013. The weather here is much warmer than in Lake City, not hot but warmer for sure.

We arrived yesterday afternoon after an uneventful drive, which is a good thing. We stopped just before arriving at mom and dad's house to get a little something to eat, neither one of us took the time to eat anything before we left and we were starving. Coffee is a great thing, however it just doesn't fill you up.

Dad seems to be gaining weight and in much better spirits, while mom seems to be really cranky. Is it taking care of dad's and her other son's needs that has made her so cranky? Or not being able to be with other females to talk to and share with? We spent the remainder of the afternoon just talking to mom and dad, waiting on another family member to come over after work. It was her birthday last Tuesday and they wanted to take her out to dinner.

She arrived about 5:30 and dad decided that we were going to eat at "Applebee's". Okay I am going to confess right now that I have never been to an "Applebee's" and I won't be going to another one. The noise level was off the chart and it was the music that was loud. The music was good and could have been better if not so loud. People were yelling at each other across the table to "talk" to one another. The poor waiter had to many tables, He brought out our drinks, then the appitizers without silverware or side plates. When the main course arrived they had food expiditors and boy howdy did they mess of that order. The birthday girl and George's brother where given nothing. When we were able to track down the waiter, he wanted to know if they had ordered anything. Are you kidding me? Tell me that he just didn't ask that. So now here he comes again with food. YES! Now everyone has food, however it is not what they ordered. George's brother had ordered a steak while the birthday girl had ordered the grilled chicken with shrimp. He got some kind of chicken while she got a pasta dish. They finally got what they had ordered, while everyone else was almost finished eating. I truly felt sorry for the server, he was totally lost and yet the management staff couldn't see it.

After we finished dinner we all met back at the house and talked for a few hours. It was getting late and we all needed to get to bed so after all of the good byes we finally made our way to the RV to sit for a little while by ourselves. I could really make it a habit to spend all of my days with my husband.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

A Better Day

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:07:00 +0000

Today is Thursday, March 7, 2013. The weather was so windy and cold yesterday, it made me hurt, so needless to say not much of anything got done. I long for the warm days of summer, I am able to breath and my body doesn't hurt.

I have been looking for a desktop computer for George's brother for a month or more now and finally was able to locate one for right at $200. He doesn't do much on them other than play chess and listen to music. The last time we were down his computer which is like probably ten years old, crashed for the last time. His eyes are not so good, he will be having surgery on them this month, two separate surgeries. I pray that it restores his eyesight.

Spotted this fabric when I had to go get some binding a couple of days ago. As soon as I seen it, I said my friend would love this. So am making her two place mats that are reversible and two of the "mug rugs" which I love. I do the stitching on them so when held in the palm of your hand will kind of just wrap around the cup or bowl. Young son uses his all of the time. Score one for mom.

I have so much to do today after not getting anything done yesterday. I didn't even cook dinner, went to burger world, tell you anything. Those places are just horrid in my eyes. No "Duck Dynasty" either. I ate some onion rings and chicken nuggets two bottles of water and crashed. I try not to take pain meds and if I can sleep it usually passes.

So this morning got the dishes done and a load of laundry in the washer, then to make mom her mints and clean up the house. George's mom told me that I would have so much more time to do things if I wasn't running around picking up after him and this morning sure proved that point. Goodness I can't believe how much I pick up after those two guys.

Have to get things ready to leave in the morning too. Right now I feel like I could just push this trip up a week, but that can't happen with George's job schedule. So not even going to entertain that thought, just pushing through.

Wishing everyone a productive day!

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Making Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:49:00 +0000

Today is Tuesday, March 5, 2013. It appears that it is going to be another cold and windy day. It is so, so pretty outside, just inviting. So I will continue to do things inside for a few more weeks.

This is the last place mat to get be finished up! It never fails that when I am trying to get something done something mechanicial will not work the way that it should. My sewing machine has had issues the last few days and I have tried everything to fix it, but it just isn't working. So it has been really slow going. However, three of the four are finished!

This is the front side or back side of one, you can use them either side. I told George that when one side gets dirty, just turn them over. He laughed and told me I have been watching to many guy shows.

And this would be the other side. I have enjoyed making these and to be honest you could use all scraps to make them. They would be nice house warming gifts with some matching pot holders to go with them.

Going to finish up this place mat and then get the house cleaned up and young sons laundry done. Doc is loving this weather. It seems to energize him, he is crazy running and jumping in the yard. Bailey on the other hand wants no part of it. It's cold out to do business and right back in. Now when summer comes she is a little Sun Goddess. She will follow the sun around the yard laying in it. They are both so very different.

Need to get everything finished up at the house today so that tomorrow I can get the RV loaded up and ready to go so that on Thursday I can get some food cooked and baking done before we leave Friday morning.

It's time for me to get off my butt and get things moving in a forward direction. Wishing everyone a day spent with friends.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Love Weekends With My Husband

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:37:00 +0000

Today is Monday, March 4, 2013. We went back under hard freeze warnings again last night until nine this morning! It is suppose to be in the 30's and 40's for the next couple of weeks. What has happened? When I went to throw boxes into the burn barrel this is what I found. I know Spring is on her way, but is she taking a detour?

George was off on Friday and Saturday. Friday was the doctor day gotta love making a date of it going to the doctors. Anyway went got the scope up my nose everything looked good, might be getting a cold. Okay then off to the CT Scan. Not sure about it, they will call. Then off to get blood taken. The really crazy thing is that I have junk for veins. Short one in the right arm, it is now in my neck and the left arm has just had enough. They have to start an IV to do the CT Scan, BUT the blood lab will NOT use that IV to take blood from. So they remove the IV then to the lab to have another lady try to get the blood she needs from veins that will not work with her. Instead of having one bruise, I received two. What I have learned for Nicole, is that you don't want them to call. When the doctors don't call, everything is fine. Like she told me, if they call it isn't good news. So not expecting to hear anything until I go back in two months.

So after spending almost five hours there we went to BJ's Restaurant and Brew House that Ms Patty told us about. We ordered the appetizer platter and shared it. The avocado egg rolls were out of this world, George didn't like them, dang the luck. LOL

So he ate the spinach and artichoke dip, the chicken spring rolls and cheese sticks. He really liked the dip. The food was just fantastic and I didn't have to cook it or clean the kitchen. George thought it was cool too, so now we can stop there for a bite or two on our way home, every couple of months. When we got home we just kind of hung out playing cards and watching television together.

Saturday we did our running around chores. The produce stop, pick up groceries you know the drill. But this weekend Ms Patty was going to be set up inside a downtown Cafe'. Trying to stay warm she was. Was able to pick up a few goodies for a very sweet friend.

So yesterday it was back to work. I thought I would get a head start on the week and we were going to need them for dinner, so I made four batches of biscuits that I will freeze and use as needed. This way there is one flour mess to clean up instead of one every night at dinner time. It has to "rest" so rest it will.

Now they are ready to go into the freezer and then into a zip lock bag to use as needed through out the week.

So today I am hoping that my sewing machine is working again, I really think that they are like computers, they have minds of their own. I want to get finished up with the place mats and get the house cleaned up. This is suppose to be the weekend that we go to Tampa, leave Friday morning and come back Monday. So the house needs to be done before we leave and the laundry. I do not want to come home having to clean the house and the Motor Home too.

Wishing everyone a Monday filled with laughter!

Colors for the week:
Monday Lavender
Tuesday Gray
Wednesday Topaz
Thursday Turquoise
Friday Rose
Saturday Brown
Sunday Orange

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Thursday And Chilly Again

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:06:00 +0000

Today is Thursday, February 28, 2013. Another month is closing, over and a new to begin. The cold has moved in again so back to the sweat shirts and socks on the feet. The feet really don't care for anything other than sandals. However I do know that with the closing of February, March will bring the warmer weather and buds that will start to bloom. The naked tress will soon be fully dressed and offering shade from the harsh summer sun.

The place mats, keeping my fingers crossed, will be finished up today. I was able to get the fronts and the backs but together. The top picture is the front and this will be the back. Both seeing that these can be used either way, there really is no front and back to them.

These should have been finished up yesterday, however I was short a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch square of this fabric! I tore my sewing room apart knowing there was a piece in there somewhere that would work. I mean come on. So I had to wait for George to come home to go get a 1/4 yard to finish.

So today I will quilt them together and make the binding, then to put the binding on them and call them finished. These would make nice house warming gifts with matching hot pads. or make some cloth napkins to match. Might just go ahead and make some holiday ones too and ones for the RV. Young son has to have a female friend. He has been buying clothes and he has never bought clothing. He got jeans delivered today by UPS. I wonder who she is......

Tomorrow is the two month scan and up the nose to have a look. But that's okay I love my doctor, she is fantastic. She takes good care of me and I now know that. I have heard of so many people that their doctors don't do the scope and dang it man, by the time they have symptoms, they have bigger issues to deal with. But, the bright side is that a super lady shared a terrific place to eat in Gainesville to we are going there for lunch to have the avocado egg rolls. Will take pictures to share.

Time to get busy again and get things finished up. Potato soup and grill cheese for dinner tonight, George was coughing most of the night so I figure some homemade soup will do the trick. Not to mention warm those bones.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

The Rains Have Stopped

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:13:00 +0000

Today is Wednesday, February 27, 2013. The weather seems to have settled down a bit and I am truly hoping it stays that way. We were under tornado warnings for a full day, I don't care for those things at all. You have no warning, they are just there. The rains stopped yesterday afternoon, so needless to say everything is very soggy. Heard that we received all of the rain for February in just the last two days. Now let's hope that the electric will now stay on again.

This is what happens when Young Son leaves his baby alone. I do believe that he had a moment, that I have never seen before. He wasn't hungry I had fed him not to long before his little "fit". He had been outside running around and taking care of business. Young Son needs a nana cam to see what his baby is doing when he is not home. He looks so pleased with himself.

Haven't been able to get to much done outside, so went back to the place mats that I have been wanting to make forever. Got the front sides made for the four of them and started cutting out the backs. I kid you not I was short a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in square of one fabric, so I had to go get a 1/4 yard to finish them up today. I hunted every piece of fabric in that room knowing there has to be a block that size somewhere in there. So my plan today is to finish up the four place mats and make bread. The guys will be happy as will the neighbor guys. I do believe that bread is a guy thing.

I don't know if any of you order from "New Age Books" but "Buddy" has passed on. This is taken from their newsletter, "It comes with great sadness to share that Buddy Mondazzi, our warehouse kitty cat and staff member has lost his battle with cancer. We all know that he is still here watching over us because I have seen him several times in just a day." My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at "New Age Books". Their button is on the side bar on the right. They always have a sale and are just awesome folks to order from.

Well I need to get busy and get things done before the day gets away from me. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, productive day!

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Merry Monday!

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:50:00 +0000

Today is Monday, February 25, 2013. The weather has been not so nice. Lots of rain and thunderstorms. So needless to say it was a work in between the rain storms.

I still can't believe how much damage those vines were doing and would have continued to do if we hadn't removed them. Nothing got trimmed or "cleaned" up last year, our lives were kind of turned up side down. So lots of catching up to do this season. We were able to get the vines out and the front fence, then fixed the slats and painted it. I truly had no idea how much damage those things can and did do. George said that they can cause cracks in buildings. Lovely....I guess from here on out, I don't plant things without George being here. Those were planted while he was contracting. Opps.....

So we went to the produce stand and got some goodies This was my lunch and will be for the next couple of days. I will pay for eating the onions, but I can live with it. Then we got some cantalope, strawberries, grapes and bananas to make a fruit salad. It made a pretty good sized one so sent some to the neighbors across the street. They are really nice people and are almost living alone, it seems everyone has moved out and someone else needs help so they let them stay for a month or so.

So I packaged up a couple packs of fruit for George to have in his lunch. I love my food saver, I do believe that is the best gift I have ever received. When there is something like strawberry short cake, just package it up and it travels great. No mess or worrying about it leaking out of a container.

So today is another day of storms and rain, it has rained all night and is still raining. So I will do some laundry, have no choice on the matter, can't wait on the weather, George needs work clothes. Then I think I will go sew. Might just stay in my sweats all day. The power has went off several times, so that means the house is full of flashing red lights. It will not trick me into setting all of those clocks until much later today. Remember having to call the time/temperature to find out the time after the electric had been out? Not anymore....you have a phone and a computer that never leaves you not knowing the time. Now I just have to figure out how to get the dogs to go outside, they will have to take care of their business and neither one of them like to get their feet wet. Couldn't imagine them in the snow.

Don't forget to get those stones and crystals outside tonight to be cleansed and charged! It's a Quickening Moon, time to make plans for the future, a new season.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Fantastic Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:06:00 +0000

Today is Friday, February 22, 2013. Not sure what the weather is like, it is still very dark outside. According to the weatherman, it is suppose to rain. But yesterday when George got home he told me that he was getting his two days off! I am so thrilled! Maybe we can get to the flea market or get some yard work done. Have to move those pretty tree vines, they are tearing up the fence.

Yesterday wasn't as productive as I wanted it to be, just wasn't feeling so hot. Have learned enough to know that when you don't feel so hot, quit pushing and chill for the day. The angel food cake did get made and the journal did get started, two listings were done so all that has to be done this weekend is to publish them. The only thing that I didn't get done are the four place mats. Maybe this weekend if George is off doing something, I will be able to get them cut out.

He had to run this morning to get some paperwork turned in or something of that nature. Sure seems like there has been a lot of paperwork to be done here lately and I really dislike paperwork.

This weekend will be busy, but I get to spend it with my husband. I know that he has to work, but winning the lottery is for sure an option here. I could get really used to him being home everyday. We have so much fun together. He is going to teach me how to play domino's. I have never played it and they guys in SC used to play it at lunch and breaks. A game that he played during his childhood, we played a lot of board games and cards at our house.

So I am hooked to the humidifier while he is doing that paperwork thing. When he gets home we can start our weekend! If the rains come, we can get movies and junk food for the weekend. We haven't done that in years and I do mean years. So either way it will be a win, win for us.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Not Quite What I Am Wanting But It Is Getting There

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:11:00 +0000

Today is Thursday, February 21, 2013. It would appear that the weather is warming up this morning. It was chilly enough earlier this morning to start the kerosene heater for a couple of hours. The sun is out and it is for sure a little warmer today. Let's hope that the cold is over with for this season.

I have been working on my blog, it's not yet the way that I would like it, but it sure is better than what it was. It was just so not me. I was told it was "perky" by a very special friend. Yeah, that is not me. It needed to be toned down and it is getting there. I would like to tone down the color at the bottom and I will get to it. It seemed like it took me forever to get that background off. It didn't want to leave. But now I can work on the fine tuning.

Planing on making a strawberry angel food cake and then started two wooden journals. Once those are sanded and coated on to making these really kewl place mats that I have been wanting to make for a week or so. Spring is on the way so I need to get new ones made.

These are the ones that I made a few months ago, think it's time for spring. Was able to get about nine pounds of the asparagus put up in the freezer last night after dinner. We had it with dinner last night and it was so good. George ate close to a pound of it. I think he liked it. LOL Young son seems to be better this morning at least for the moment anyway. So I will be off to get things done before the weekend is here again. This week seems to have just flown by.

Wishing everyone a tranquil day!

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Going To Give It A Try

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:58:00 +0000

Today is Wednesday, February 20, 2013. The sun is shinning it is just gorgeous, notice I said gorgeous not warm. It looks so very inviting outside until you step out that door. So today I will work inside and just admire the beauty outside.

I have been wanting for a very long time to redo my blog. However, I am not really good at doing graphics at all. I can not draw and I can't do anything on the computer. So I am going to try to do something with it. Oh I do know what I would like the finished product to look like.....it's just gong to be a challenge to get it there. We shall see what happens, if anything.

Got into it with young son last night. He has to be home no later than ten no matter what night of the week it is. I don't think that this is unfair considering that George and I have to be up at four and he can sleep all day if he chooses to do so. He believes that he should be able to come and go as he pleases, boy turn 17 and get a car look I am all grown up now. NOT! So needless to say he isn't happy and at this point it just confirms how I feel about sixteen year olds and older right now. It seems like as soon as they turn that magickal sixteen their whole personality changes. I so wanted to wake his behind up at four this morning and keep him up all day doing things. But then common sense said do you really want to hear him cry and complain all day?

Our local produce stand has asparagus on sale for $1.99 a pound! So George is going to stop on the way home and get ten pounds. You know what I will be doing after dinner tonight. I love, love, love asparagus!

With George's work schedule we won't be able to go south for a couple of more weeks. But that's okay I guess, at least we are going to get to go together.

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

It's Going To Be A Productive Day It Is

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:41:00 +0000

Today is Tuesday, February 19, 2013. The sun has been out and not as cold, a little cool, however far from what it has been. So I am getting the laundry that has been stacking up out on the lines before the thunderstorms that are supposed to get here. I am so hoping that the clothes get dry and I don't have to use a dryer.

I was able to get these two journals finished up yesterday, biscuits are made for the week and the starter bread is made. Made two of them, one for us and one for Brenda. Great the winds seem to be picking up. That is not a good sign. We shall see what happens..... Anyway I was able to get a few things completed yesterday even with the cold weather. When it is that cold I just want to curl up with a blanket in my sweats on the sofa and just hang out there.

So today I plan on getting the house clean and the laundry done up for another week. I would love to be able to mow that patch in the yard that has went crazy with growth. It looks so funny and it isn't even Spring. The poor little Japanese Magnolia Tree has nothing on it but one full bloom. Crazy what the weather has done to the trees and grass.

I am so glad that George is still working in town, they are putting the antennas on the planes for WI-FI. I guess you will be able to use your devices while in flight if you are willing to pay a price. I do think the price will be pricey, considering what it is costing the airlines to have them installed.

Although now that all of this other stuff is behind us all but the check ups every two months, it might be fun to go contracting with the motor home. During the summer months of course. Now that young son has his car and can drive, there is no reason he can't be here if he doesn't want to go. He has his "own" things to do. Yes, you do, like get that room cleaned today!

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing

Baby It's Cold

noreply@blogger.com (Dede) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:22:00 +0000

Today is Monday, February 18, 2013. It is so cold, this is what it should look like outside of my windows. At least we could go sledding and enjoy the cold. To be just cold is just no fun. It is another gorgeous day outside and again gives the illusion that it is warm out there.

Today I seen that Mindy McCready committed suicide yesterday or last night, just so very sad, she was a whole 37 years old. Everything I see someone has taken their own life, I just do not understand. It said that her boyfriend had done the same thing not to long ago. She leaves behind two little boys, one is just nine months old. I have to ask what has been so horrible in a life that you feel you have to take your own. Is it drugs, alcohol mental disorders? What? Do we not have mental health ready available to people that want it? Is it in the genes? I heart so goes out to those two little boys who will grow up without a mama or in the youngest one's case, without both a mama and a daddy. I just don't understand how you can be so selfish to do this to your children.......not to mention the rest of your family and friends. My prayers are with those babies and the rest of her family.

Today is catch up day with odds and ends and maybe be able to get biscuits made for the week. Still need to put the mixed media journals together they are all but finished. Didn't have yeast so I couldn't make my starter bread yesterday so I have it now and should have fresh starter bread sitting on the counter this afternoon. Tomorrow is clean house day. It has to warm up to that I can get the laundry done. I so dislike using the dryer, it makes the clothes smell funny and you have to use smell dryer sheets because of static.

Colors for the week:
Monday Silver
Tuesday Maroon
Wednesday Topaz
Thursday Crimson
Friday Coral
Saturday Brown
Sunday Gold

Wishing everyone a tranquil day!

~Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live today!~ Brightest Blessing