The Wonders of Doing

Just Had To Share Some Winter Photos . . .

2012-01-28T17:49:00.000-05:00

Before

Looking for the mailboxes.

After

"We found them!"

My son lives in Juneau, Alaska and wanted to share a few photos with me. His friends two young boys were out after a few days of heavy snow and dug out the mailboxes. The photos were taken just up the road from my sons home.

These two young guys did a days work, don't you think?

I think of the days in Illinois when I used to shovel snow and it makes me so happy to remember why I moved to Florida.

How kind is winter being to you?

Stay warm and safe.

((huggs))

Thrift Store and Dumpster Diving....

2012-01-27T19:31:00.000-05:00

I found the sweetest little ceramic bud vase, for $2.00, in our local thrift store this week.

It's really 5 small vases rolled into one.

I could only find one little rose bud out in the yard but it will be full' once spring comes and all the pernnials are blooming.

It is Florida after all and the garden shops are full of annuals here. For some odd reason I can't seem to buy them. I still have the Illinois frame of mind and can't get into no change in seasons. So I create my own.

My mind says, "It's winter"!

Yesterday it was in the high 80's and today overcast, rainy and in the 70's. Maybe I'll go buy a bouquet of flowers and put a few in my little bud vase.

It's the perfect size for my kitchen window sill.

While driving yesterday with my sister, I put on the brakes, to the dismay of the guy behind me, when I spotted this wonderful large basket sitting on the side of the road. My poor sister is not used to taking trash from ones garbage pile and when I asked her to get out and take the basket, you had to see her face. "Me"!! "It's full of trash"!!

"Dump it" I said, "toss it in the back of the car".

We both were laughing so hard!

How could I possibly leave this treasure there?

I took the basket home and now my mind is full of ideas for it. Not sure if I'll paint it because the color blue is really nice?

I washed it well and let it dry out in the sun.

I'll do a bit of thinking and will find the perfect place for this beautiful, heavy basket. In the mean time it will just sit in the dining room.

Tomorrow is garage sale day and I'll be out there looking for more goodies.

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Bringing Home "Miss Daisy"

2012-01-26T14:26:00.000-05:00

This past few months my Sweet Senior Cat, Rikki has been showing signs of slowing down and her 17 years are starting to take it's toll. She needed some stimulation and I thought a new baby kitty might just do the trick.

I was so right!

This past week I rescued a 7 month old little girl from the shelter.

When I first came in the kitchen with "Daisy" she did what most new kitty's do, investigate the entire area with out showing any fear. She just walked from room to room as though she knew where she was. Then when she found the door to the cat box ( I keep the box in the heater room and the door is always ajar), out came Rikki. It's been quite some time since Rikki has seen a kitty and her first reaction was to hiss at the little one, but I'm so happy to say Daisy simply by passed Rikki and went right to the box.

Rikki's habits have changed since bringing Daisy home. A lot!

She always spent her lazy days on the foot of my bed just looking out the balcony door but this past few days she has taken over my new sewing chair while watching Daisy as she moves from room to room.

She also has taken residence in the storage room below my staircase and I find myself going in there and taking Rikki out about 4 times a day. Rikki is stubborn to say the least!

I'm sure she is thinking "The little brat will not find me here"!

This is where I drag her each time I take her out of the store room. Rikky can keep an eye on her new baby sister.

After only 5 days in her new home, Daisy is very happy and comfortable with us and this makes me smile.

This past two days Daisy has found the perfect vantage point to watch all that go's on both up and down stairs.

When Rikki wants to come down, it's funny to watch her tip toe around her little sister.

A new problem has come up, Daisy found the bird cage and "Jack and Molly" are not too happy when she hops up on the table next to them.

That is another story. One I hope will solve it's self.

Have a great weekend!

For the Cat Lover..

2012-01-22T18:44:00.001-05:00

My daughter, #1, is a Cat lover and she has quite a few items in her home telling just that.
While at the quilt store recently I spotted the cutest fabric.

What could be more fun than a movie theater full of Cats tossing their pop corn and enjoying a movie! My first thought was, "How cute this would be in a toss pillow"

Cyndi will love it!

Before making the pillow I did a bit of hand quilting, stitches over batting, around each kitty, to give it a bit more poof.

I'll get it in the mail to Cyn sometime this week.

I know she loves surprise boxes and this pillow will be right up her alley.

(no pun intended)

* * * * *

I'm linking up to

It's Overflowing with Creativity

Potpourri Friday

Freckled Laundry

Saturday Night Special

A Mom Needs to Brag and Congratulate her Son...

2012-01-21T18:53:00.000-05:00

March 1992

20 years ago I remember putting my Son on a flight to Juneau, Alaska.

He was 19 and a new graduate from the United States Coast Guard Boot Camp.

Although I knew it was the best decision he could make, I had no idea

he was in for the duration.

I remember standing at the airport crying like a baby as I watched the airplane carry him away from me. It was bitter sweet to say the least.

But as a mom, I'll always remember Tom as a sweet 9yr old full of questions with a never ending love for life and adventure.

Today Tom is an Officer. They call him

"Lieutenant Tom Pauser"

He works for Homeland Security and inspects the incoming ships that carry goods from foreign lands as they come into the ports of America.

During his early years with the Coast Guard he was one of the guys who jumped out of the Choppers to rescue people from the water and ice packed mountains of the Alaskan wilderness.

He was so good at his job, the Coast Guard gave him the cover shot of their magazine.

It said, "If your in need of saving, this is the man to call"

Later in his career he chose to attend OCS and did a second stint in boot camp to become an officer. The graduating class took the "USCG Eagle" from it's home port in Connecticut, to Spain. Here he is climbing one of the masts during his final exercise. I remember his telling me "That sailing, was a thrill of a lifetime".

USCG Baroque Eagle

Here is Tom sitting at his desk, in the Command Center. As a mom I can see in his eyes that he is happy with his decision to make the Coat Guard his career.

Although Tom can retire now at the age of 39 he chose to sign up for another 5 years. He, along with his wife and daughter, now live in the icy, snowy, windy city of Juneau, Alaska. They could not be happier!

He told me "Mom if I retire now, what will I do with my life"

My heart is filled with pride and joy for my boy and I would like to say,

Congratulations to you Tom for a job well done!

"Bravo Zulu"

x0x0x

Photography Action Shots

2012-01-20T20:00:00.000-05:00

Action shots always amaze me. This one is of my grandson. The photo was taken by my Niece with his dad happily tossing him into the air.

Makes me smile every time I see it.

The photo was taken in Cozumel Mexico this past month.

Gogo is just 18 months old and is as active as his dad. This young man is really my sisters grandson and I guess in the family line I can also call him grandson.

For being just 18 months old this little guy has been around the world 5 times.

He has been on 4 cruises and to numerous American Historical and State Park sites. Not to mention world tourist spots.

He has traveled more in his young life, than most do in an entire lifetime.

Gogo's parents have been living in Ohio while his dad finished his MBA and will be flying back to the Middle East this weekend. I'll sure miss him and his parents being close, but hope to see them once a year when they return for vacations.

It makes me sad that my entire family lives so far from me, but I'm happy to say we are closer than most families and see each other often.

One great thing will happen in a a few months, my daughter #2 will be coming back to the states with her military husband and their three small boys, from their 3 year jaunt to Guam. I have made sure the boys know grandma. Every two months I sent a care package with items they could not buy and numerous gifts in those boxes. It was turning into, "Did grandma send the box yet"? Their new duty station will be in Oklahoma and is only a 3-4 hr flight for me to go visit them. They also will come see me often I'm sure.

My entire life, I've always wondered what it would be like to have family living down the street from me.. not in other countries or states?

Would it be a pleasure or a hindrance?

So is life!

"Have a great weekend"

Imagine and you can make it! Garage Sale Chair into Something Special....

2012-01-18T18:35:00.003-05:00

If you can "Imagine It", it will happen.

Turning a thrift store find into something special is so rewarding.

I wanted a spot in my bedroom, to sit and do my needle work for quite some time, so I hit the garage sales and thrift stores.

Found it!! $5.00 is a good price!

The paint on this chair was so old and sticky so I had to do a bit of prep work before painting. Also I had to remove the side panels of rattan or what ever it was?

After removing the existing cover and the side panel I used the hand sander to take off as much of the paint and rough edges as possible.

Primer and spray paint turned it into something special.

New stuffing, batting and fabric.

After sitting in my new chair I realized a foot stool was needed. After searching through garage sales with no luck, I took a few floor boards, cut them to size, added unfinished legs that I also primed and spray painted.

Took an old pillow, cut it in half, covered the new stool with batting and fabric.

TaDa!

My new needle work station.

Now that I see the photo I'm thinking a new floor lamp is in order. I might even just spray paint the old one and cover the shade? That will be a future project.

Thank God for Spray Paint! I imagine a lot of DIY'ers are saying to whoever invented it,

Bless You!

Imagine this...

Now I can sit and knit in comfort.

* * * * *

I'm linking up to

Power of Paint Party

White Wednesday

Alphabet Thursday

Under $100. Link Party

It's Overflowing

Potpourri Friday

Frugalicious Friday

Furniture Feature Friday

Frugal Friday

Saturday Night Special

2012 First Project of the Year

Tuesdays To Do List

Peice of Work Wednesday

Create and Share

Under $100.00 Linky Party

Wordless Tuesday and Wednesday

2012-01-17T05:29:00.002-05:00

Photo taken from my Sons living room window.

Juneau, Alaska

The Sponge Docks

2012-01-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the "Sponge Docks" in beautiful

Tarpon Springs, Florida

My sister and I took a walk down the main street of the sponge docks for an arts and craft show and what a cold morning it was. Dozens of tents were set up with crafters and artisans selling their wares.

The one craft that got my attention were every day bottles with the bottoms cut out and then they were turned into lights to hang in the yard, or in your homes. You could use tea lights or the little LED lights.

The crafter decorated some of the bottles with stones or etchings. Each hung by simple chains. I wish you could see them in person.

The Sponges

Greek immigrants expanded and refined sponging in
Tarpon Springs. The individual who is responsible for the Greek involvement
is John Corcoris, who arrived in Tarpon in 1896 as a sponge buyer for a New York firm. He went to work for John Cheyney, who financed Corcoris' early efforts to make the industry more efficient. In 1905 Corcoris introduced the first mechanized sponge fishing boat to Tarpon Springs and brought in 500 Greek divers from Kalymnos, Halki, Symi, Hydra, Spetse, Aegena and other islands. Other Greeks soon followed and businesses were established to serve the Greek community, including restaurants, candy shops, coffee houses, and grocery stores. Sponge merchants and brokers then came to Tarpon, and their presence helped to create a well-integrated industry. They built boats, loaned money to boat owners, and supplied tools and equipment to the entire sponge fleet. In 1906 the Sponge Exchange Bank was established, and in 1908 the Sponge Exchange was founded. Profits from sponging also financed other businesses, such as the Sponge Exchange Cigar Company.

The area is rich in history.

Dozens of shops sell the sponges that come in from the Gulf each day.

The sponges have so many uses.

This sponge is still attached to the rock it was found on.

Once they come in off the boats they are washed and hung

in the sun to dry.

Shop after shop sell the sponges, in so many shapes and sizes.

These sponges were made into the fragrant soaps.

I have been using the sponges from the docks, to exfoliate my skin for the 6 years I've lived in the area.

Some were used in the shops to display other wares.

The shop owners also had a bit of fun with the sponges.

If your ever able to visit "Tarpon Springs" don't forget to take a stroll down the "Sponge Docks". It's really interesting and there are many authentic Greek Restaurants and pastry shops.

We rushed into this little restaurant to warm up from the very chilly weather and had the most wonderful lunch.

Greek food is "good"!

I hope your weekend is going as well as mine!

Orchids, Orchids Everywhere. . .

2012-01-13T19:32:00.001-05:00

I'm taking you to an Orchid Show I walked through at our local Botanical Gardens.

There were thousands of these beautiful plants for sale and I was so very good, and only bought one.

The plant was sitting on the ground in a plastic bag, no pot or soil. Just lots of roots. It was about 5 lbs in weight, and oh so beautiful.

As soon as our weather warms a bit it will grace the old oak tree in my front yard, along with my other 6 Orchids. These Orchids are simply tied to the tree and survive on only the bark, sun and rain.

There were both indoor and outdoor rooms set up with the most beautiful

Orchids.

I was in Heaven.

I can't tell you how hard it was for me to not buy all of them.

The colors were simply delicious.

Of all the plants and flowers on the Earth, I think the Orchid just might be my favorite.

Stay warm everyone!

"Have a great weekend"

I'm linking up to

Fertilizer Friday

Bedazzle Me Monday

I Just Can't Bring Myself to Wear Shoes This Tall...

2012-01-12T19:11:00.000-05:00

I, like most women, love shoes and have many in my closet.

Heels are my favorite but I don't get many opportunities to wear them anymore. Besides my back hates tall heels.

I was shopping the other day and just had to snap some photos of the shoes I saw. I did not laugh because I know how the style changes with each year but some of these just had me wondering,

"Who wears them"?

Most of my friends prefer the classics and I really don't see anyone wearing the new style of heels.

This pair would be for when I go to the "Ball"

I joined the "Red Hat Society" this past month and this pair would be great for their annual "Fashion Show" I'll be attending at "Ruth Eckerd Hall" next month.

The pink floral on this pair would be great for a

"Brides Maid"

I'm afraid I just don't know where I'd wear these. Or what I'd wear with them?

These would be perfect with my black leather pants.

Now I might just wear these with a nice business suit.

A black cocktail dress would be perfect with this shiny pair, except I just can't wear open toes.

But I really like this shoe.

I'm still trying to figure out what to wear with this pair, and am afraid I might just hurt myself walking in them?

Of all the shoes I found, this pair is my favorite. They would be perfect to work in the garden. Their water proof and look like they might just keep me from sliding down the slope of my yard.

What do you think of the new trend in shoes and do you have any girlfriends who wear this new style of high heels?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Garage Sale Finds for January

2012-01-11T19:05:00.000-05:00

Look what I found this past weekend.

I've been wanting a comfee chair to put in my bedroom. Somewhere I could sit and do my needle work. The chair is sturdy and very comfortable. I'm refinishing the wood white, and recovering with a new quilted fabric. (I'm hand quilting the fabric in the evenings while watching TV)

Here is a sneak peak.

The best part, the chair was only $5.00

Funny part of this, the fabric is costing me so much more than the chair. But then I love refinishing furniture so this is not a chore for me. It's fun!

I started the work this week by taking the old denim fabric that was used to cover it. The chair was hand painted a dull off brown/cream color of sorts. It was sticky with age. Then I started removing the side panel that was once rattan.

I used the electric sander on the wood, as there was much to sand. I had to removed as much of the paint as possible because as I said, it was sticky and I'm finding I could just peel it off the existing wood.

Another of my finds, a really nice heavy wicker basket with a lid.

This will be painted white and used in the upstairs bathroom as my new trash can.

I love the idea of a lid. Who wants to see the trash!

Today I started painting the chair. I used a primer then the first coat of spray paint.

Lookin good!

Once I get more work done on both of my finds, I'll be sure to share the finished product.

* * * * *

Now that the Holidays are behind us the towns around me, here in the Tampa Bay area, are back in garage sale mode and there are plenty to choose from.

I know winter is upon everyone up North but we are in the chilly 50's and 60's. Perfect weather for yard and garage sales. I'll be back out on Saturday looking for a new (new to me) floor lamp and foot stool for my new sitting area in my bedroom.

Hope your all having a warm January.

Happy Friday the 13th

* * *

I'm linking up to

Potpourri Friday

Furniture Feature Friday

Saturday Night Special

(((huggss)))

New Crochet Bath Carpets.

2012-01-05T17:03:00.001-05:00

.
I went shopping thinking I'd find three new bath carpets, but I found that most carpets in the stores were not what I liked and they were limited in the sizes to fit the spaces in my bathroom, so I made my own.
It's been 2 years now and the old ones I crochet were getting ready to fall apart.

Besides, I changed the color of the bath and wanted blue.

The crochet pattern is something in my mind. I used just a simple double crochet and went back-and-forth.

I do love the colors of blue but then realized how much yellow was in the floor tiles. Oh Well, not too bad?

I painted the cabinets last year and had great intentions of changing the counter top and adding a second sink. Well, that never happened. I might just go ahead and paint the counter top. I did a post on how I painted the kitchen counters and after a year now it's still going strong without a scratch or peel. Very durable and great paint made especially for counter tops.

More on that another time.

The upstairs bath took on a whole new look with the darker blue coloring and it's nice to step on the soft carpets. I used 100% cotton yarn and doubled up and used two strands of yarn to give the carpets more texture. These also can be put into the washer with no fear of shrinking or changing color. The ones I made 2 years ago are still in good shape but I needed a change.

Cool, cool, cotton!

I'm linking this post to

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Create and Share

Wow Us Wednesday

Show Off Your Stuff

Thriving on Thursday

Potpourri Friday

Saturday Night Special

Saving the herb plants from the cold. . .

2012-01-05T16:17:00.001-05:00

As I said in my previous post the weather turned very chilly here on the South Gulf Coast.

The temps dipped into the 20's over night and I would surly have lost my potted herbs and tomatoes. They all came inside for the past two days, lined up along the front hallway.

It was time to harvest some of the Sage, Basel and Parsley.

I love to cook with fresh herbs and dry mine all year. I cut the stems and hang them upside down in the window mostly but there is not much space, so some get cut and placed in pie tins for a few days. It really does not take long to dry when snipped with scissors into tiny pieces. I just leave them to air dry for a few days, then store in jars.

Sage

Basel

Once the potted plants were thinned they went back in the hallway and will stay until the temperatures rise above 50' during the night.

The aroma in the kitchen is wonderful. I love the look of the drying herb plants also. Wish I had more room to hang them. How about up in the rafters? But then I don't have rafters and besides, they would get greasy from all the cooking, don't you think?

One day, I will have a green house!

"One day"

* * *

I'm linking up to 

Fertilizer Friday 

Outdoor Wednesday 

Alphabet Thursday, the letter H 

Critters need to be warm too, but they gnawed through my....

2012-01-04T16:15:00.001-05:00

All the cold weather from the Northern States came down to Florida this past two nights. We went down to 27' and it was cold enough for me to put on the central heat in our house.

My sister and I thought this might be a good day to warm up in front of the slot machines at the Hard Rock Casino.

We got in the car only to be greeted by the "Check Engine" light and I thought better of driving the hour to get to the casino and instead took my car to the mechanic.

Well once I got there and they looked into my hood, all the guys started laughing and told me that a critter did some damage.

Seems Squirrels needed some refuge from the cold we were having and they climbed under the hood of my car to get warm. They then began to gnaw the censer wires. The wires were no longer connected and this caused the "Check Engine" light to come on.

They then started gnawing on anything they could get their little buck teeth on.

Like my 'air filter'.

They then started gnawing the panel that is closing off the engine from the inside of the car cabin. The mechanic told me, they chewed into my glove box and started nesting. He also found the feminine napkin that I kept stored in the box, chewed to bits inside the engine.

I was amazed at how much damage the little critters did in just a few hours during the night!

I took the advice from my mechanic and went to the Home Depot and got a bottle of pest spray that will last 30 days against critters. I sprayed the entire engine area and am sure I used much too much spray.

They will not do that again!

Now I'm a Squirrel lover and every day I toss peanuts out on the back deck for my many critters.

If their little escapade did not cost me so much money, to repair the damage, it might have been funny!

What kind of problems has the first winter weather caused you all this past week?

'Stay Warm"

*** * * * ***

I'm joining Jenny @

Alphabet Thursday

Making a Chochet Hook User Friendly. . . .

2012-01-02T18:50:00.004-05:00

Now that the Holidays are behind us we will all be getting back to our daily lives. Today all the outside Christmas lights came down and the storage boxes filled with ornaments went back into the store room.

My sister picked up her crochet again and has had enough of her teeny crochet hook that has been bothering her fingers. The small sizes are really hard to hold when your not used to one. We both sat down and tried to find a way to make it more

"User Friendly"

In other words, thicker so holding it would be more comfortable.

We thought of wrapping something around it. Tape would get sticky with time. Something like a straw. long with a hole that we could slip the hook into? The only Crochet Hook she brought with her, is thicker and the wrong size. I told her to use it anyway.

Ha, what do I know about Fillet Crochet?

We then went to the Home Depot thinking we could find something to enlarge the handle.. The guys at the store were no help really. A woman coming in with a crochet hook really turned their minds to mush. It was rather funny really.

We did find a long pipe, tube of sorts, that one would use under a sink for the water to flow. It was more like a straw and we thought if we filled it with glue.. no, that's not going to work?

Then I went out in my store room and there is was. A rather used bottle of "Round Up" a weed and grass killer. The tube was perfect!

I cut a length and soaked it in Dawn and hot water.

The water tube was much too large.

The plastic tube from the spray bottle fit perfectly.

All we needed to do was push it into place and there it was. Just what was needed to make the Crochet Hook comfortable to hold.

No more sore fingers.

Using your imagination and searching around your home will always find the solution to a problem.

* * * * *

I hope everyone is happy and recovering from all the hustle and bustle of the Holidays.

Time to get back to life as you know it or life as you would dream it to be.

I'm linking up to

Tuesdays To Do List

Creative Bloggers Party Hop

Tip Me Tuesday

Wow us Wednesday

Saturday Night Special

Ring In "The New Year" with "Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Fudge"

2011-12-30T19:31:00.001-05:00

I've been invited to an early New Years Eve gathering for our neighbors on Saturday, and everyone was asked to bring something simple. Finger foods, both savory or sweet.

"Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Fudge"

Now that sounds good to me!

The recipe is very simple to make. I used little paper cups, rather than a pan for the Fudge.
A bag of Dark Unsweetened Chocolate Chips, a cup of Peanut Butter, a stick of Unsalted Butter, a large teaspoon of Vanilla, a half cup of Powered Sugar and just a few tablespoons of half and half. Place sauce pan into a double boiler. I used a larger pot with about 5" of water. Bring all to a roaring boil. Remove from the heat and in about 5 minutes stir in as many nuts as you like, I used about a half cup of chopped walnuts.

I also put a few mini marshmallows in the cups before spooning in the Chocolate Fudge.

These little single serving portions make it so much easier when giving as a gift. No fuss and no mess, especially at a party.

I'm a lover of Peanut Butter cups and this recipe is really wonderful.

I've been thinking how fast this past year has flown by. It's going to be a New Year soon. I for one am so pleased 2012 is coming. After three years, in middle of the So. Pacific, my daughter and her family will be coming back to the states to live and this makes grandma so happy! A 3 or 4 hour flight to visit them is so much better than 22 hrs on 3 planes.

(and that does not count lay-overs)

It will indeed be a

"Happy New Year"

I'd like to wish all my bloggie friends a wonderful New Year ahead.

I'm linking up to

Saturday Night Special

Looking Back To All My Projects In 2011 . . .

2011-12-29T17:43:00.010-05:00

Looking back, I sure was busy in 2011. I must have had home projects going on 10 of the 12 months.

The Kitchen was completely re done,

Built a Faux Fireplace,

Built two Desks,

New Flooring for the entire downstairs,

Created a Front Porch,

Numerous crafty projects.

I look at the photos of the "Before Kitchen" and still ask myself, "Did I do that?"

The kitchen today.

Then both Mr. N and I needed a desk for ourselves and the lack of space caused me to get my creative juices flowing. I could not find two desks to fit anywhere in the house, so I simply built both of them. My laptop desk was built in an odd space behind the kitchen dishwasher cabinet. It's now my favorite space to do my PC work and I have somewhere to store my purse each day.

Mr. N is very happy with his space. Now he can find 'his' stuff and not insist "I tossed it".

Mine

His

Then there was the Fireplace and new Flooring I've been wanting forever.

This link tells the story of all I did this past year and those who inspired me.

My final project for 2011 was my new Front Porch.

That was a fun messy project.

Now I can sit and watch the world go by and no longer have the snakes and puddles in the mud.

Before.

After

Thinking back to 2011 puts a smile on my face for so many reasons. My Cardio Doc is happy to see me each 3 month check up, when he really did not expect me to live this long.

This was indeed a busy, happy, healthy year!

"Bring on 2012"

It's going to be even better!

* * * * *

I'm linking up to

Transformation Thursday

Favorite Furniture of 2011

Saturday Night Special

Metamorphosis Monday

"How to Salvage a Holiday Disaster"

2011-12-28T18:43:00.003-05:00

Did you ever have to choose from 'tossing it' or 'fixing it'?

My Christmas Pumpkin Pie was one of those disasters that was very upsetting to me, but I chose to 'fix' it rather than put it down the garbage disposal. It took two cans of pumpkin and other ingredients and would have been such a waist!

I'll tell you what I did, or rather, did not do.

Sugar

I forgot to put in the sugar!

I started out as a Chef years ago. It got to where I cooked and baked so much I had no need to read a recipe or measure the ingredients. Well, I forgot the Sugar and luckily I was the one to take the first bite of my bitter Pumpkin Pie. After making my apologies for not serving the pie, (I did not offer a reason to my questioning guests) I put it aside and offered a substitute dessert.

That night I did the repair work needed to the pumpkin mixture and added the missing sugar.

All I did was whip a cup of sugar into the pumpkin mixture.
The crust had to go.

My sister asked "why are you tossing the crust"? Well, I can't really put the updated Pumpkin in that soggy crust and rebake it. The Chef in me needed to make a new one.

I baked the new pie for about 30 minutes, just long enough for the sugar to incorporate into the mixture and gave the crust time to get flaky.

It worked!

I was able to salvage this Pumpkin Pie after all.

I wonder how many people had such a disaster happen during their Holiday Meal?

Tomorrow I'll be making a really good cheese cake to bring with me to a New Years party and I'll be sure to list the ingredients on paper before I put it into the oven.

New Years 2012 is just a few days away.

Where did the 2011 go?

I'll be linking this post to

Alaphabet Thursday

Potpourri Friday

((hugs))

A Few of my Christmas Gifts, and my First (and only) Gift Exchange. . . .

2011-12-26T16:50:00.005-05:00

One of the wonderful Christmas gifts I received.

What could this be?

(more on it later)

Although Christmas was pretty quiet this year, I had a great time talking to the kids on Face Time and the phone. My sister and I both spent most of Christmas Eve tracking Santa on the Norad site. I know it was all fairy tale but

when Santa was delivering his load of gifts to my grandsons in Guam I had tears in my eyes!

My thanks to all the military men and women who manned the computers to allow us to use this great tool!

On Christmas morning, I lit the fireplace, turned on the Christmas tree lights and put on Christmas music. It really felt nice to be celebrating with my sister and husband. Then we exchanged gifts and opened those sent from the kids.

When I opened my gift from my sweet sister all I could do was say, "What is it"?

then when I looked further into the paper work a large smile came upon my face.

It's a solar light for the garden.

I hung it on the front tree and waited for the darkness to fall.

Wow, is all I could say.

Now I want more for my back yard!

How cute is this!

Thank you Dolly, I so love this beautiful light

My Son and Daughter-in-law in Juneau sent me another great garden toy. A light house wind chime, from Maine.

It actually sounds like a buoy.

Thank you Tom, Michelle and my sweet grand daughter Eve.

I received so many nice gifts from family and friends but there is another that put a big smile on my face... this one I'm in love with. Single serve coffee pot from my daughter Cyndi. She took the hint way back in November and really heard me talking while we were shopping one day.

(don't you love it when they listen to you?)

Thank you Cyn!

Mr. N gave me something very special. I've been wanting a good, right hand, middle finger ring and he really took the hints way back when. The ring he pick out was a beautiful white gold, imbedded with diamonds and quite lovely.

I needed to take it to be sized.

Of course my sister and I had to go to see all the sales the day after Christmas, but first I made a stop at the Jewelry store. As I was talking to the Jeweler all his rings kept coming into view and I spotted one that really made me happier.

Blue Sapphires are my favorite stone, and there it was just begging me to exchange Mr. N's ring for it. "What do I do", is all I could say to myself? Then the Jeweler told me it was $200.00 less than my new ring.

I tried to rationalize my decision by telling myself how Mr. N would love that I saved him that much money.

Exchanged!

My ring will be ready in a week or so and I can't wait!

Christmas is such a wonderful time. It's amazing how we Christians hustle and bustle around trying to get our gift shopping finished. Oh, the pressure we put on ourselves. But, when Christmas day arrives and we see the joy and pleasure on the faces of our loved ones, it's all worth it!

Well, except when we spend much too much money!

I'm one of those women who shops for Christmas all year long. Today I went to Michaels after Christmas sale and stocked up on wrapping paper, ribbon, a few new ornaments and craft kits for my grandsons, for next Christmas. 70% off all, and that is how I save money. The gifts, I shop all year. When I'm in a store in February and see something for one of my family members, at a good price, I buy it and store it in the back of my closet. By the time November rolls around, I'm just about finished.

Now it's all behind us for another year. We will ring in the New Year in a few days and start anew.

I wanted to close by thanking all who thought of me this Christmas and to let you all know how much I love you!

(Just to let you know, when I came home and told Mr. N what I did, he was fine with it.

"If it made you happy then it's ok" Thank you Mr. N.)

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I'm linking up to the after Christmas party

Tuesdays To Do List

Show off Your Stuff

Saturday Night Special

Reindeer and Owls for Christmas, Oh My !

2011-12-23T15:13:00.003-05:00

Since my children were young we all loved to make Christmas ornaments together

Once the kids grew I thought I'd be making ornaments with my grandchildren. Well, my grandchildren live in the middle of the South Pacific and in snowy Alaska, but that has not stopped me. This week I got two of the sweetest kits for Reindeer and Owls and have been having such fun making them.

The Reindeer are made of felt, stuffing, buttons, pipe cleaners and tiny bells. I used a bit of glue and some DMC floss for stitching and they turned out so cute.

The Owl's are my favorite.

They, as the Reindeer, came 4 to a pack and took only about 45 minutes to complete.

I've been sewing for years but this is the first time I've seen sticky ric-rac. How easy it was to put these little decorations together. I purchased the kits from Michaels and I want more. Maybe tomorrows sales will have them marked down. If there are any left?

Do I dare go shopping on Christmas Eve?

Now tell me, how can you resist "Reindeer and Owl's" ?

^ I have no idea why that safety pin is in the photo? ^

The pressure is on!

Only one more day to shop for Christmas!

Are you ready? I'm so happy to say,

"I am"

Just one more thing before I go into "Christmas Eve" mode, I want to show you all, these cute stockings.

While I was in "Pier 1" today I found knit stocking that were so beautiful. I love the animal print fur, but for the kids I may choose white fur? This will be a knitting project this summer, for next Christmas. I can see their mantel all lined up with a stocking for each family member.

* * * * *

I would like to wish all my blogger friends a very

"Merry Christmas"

Enjoy your loved ones. Give them all a big hug.

Remember those who can not be with us only with kind thoughts.

Especially the

"Brave Men and Women of our Armed Forces"

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night"

I'm joyfully linking up to

Potpourri Friday

The Twelve Days of Christmas Linky Party

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"A Live Christmas Tree from my Boys"

2011-12-22T19:13:00.001-05:00

This time of year I get so excited when the UPS or FED EX guy knocks at my door.

Today a box came from my Grandsons in Guam.

Inside was a sweet live Christmas Tree with lights and ornaments.

All I had to do was take it all out of the box and decorate!

How cute is this!

I think this wonderful gift is going to grace my kitchen counter for the next few weeks.

A big ((huggg)) to my Grandsons and their Mom and Dad for sending such a sweet gift.

Once the Holidays are over I'll be searching for the perfect pot to plant this little Evergreen in. It's going to live in my home for years to come.

Three more days until Christmas.

I love the Holidays!

I'm linking up to

Potpourri Friday

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" Air Plants " and a bit of Christmas Trivia

2011-12-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

The Botanical Gardens here in my area had their traditional Christmas Fair and there were many plants and gifts for sale. The area was filled with holiday shoppers and I fell in love with the display of Air Plants.

I have had several over the years and some lived and some died. I really had no idea how to care for them but the man selling them told me, "They need to be outside". As most of us want them indoors, the plants need the fresh air, heat and sun.

I purchased 4 of the baby air plants. Each should grow into the beauties you see in my photos. My plan is to put them on the large tree in the front of my house. Right now I have 5 Orchids growing on the large limb that falls across my yard and the Orchids are loving the spot.

Normally I wire the plants to the tree or keep them in the house but he said NO! Use liquid nails on the tip of the root area and stick them on the tree branch. Nothing else needed but a spray of water every two weeks if it does not rain.

Ok, I can do that!

My 4 little baby air plants are now in place on the large Oak Tree out front.

My fingers are crossed for their survival.

* * * * * *

A bit of Christmas trivia.

Who was the United States’ first ambassador to Mexico and what is his connection with the holiday season?

(Joel Poinsett who was also the developer of the popular Christmas Poinsettia flower.)

I'll be linking to

Outdoor Wednesday

" A Birthday Gift for my Dear Sweet Sister "

2011-12-19T17:27:00.000-05:00

I made a birthday gift for my sweet sister, one that I know she will like.

It's so hard to think of a gift for someone who pretty much has everything.

So I bought a good set of Egyptian Cotton sheets and Embroidered them.

My Sis is into floral designs and I thought a combination of Reds and Gold might just make her smile.

Embroidery is such a soothing craft and keeps me sitting for long periods of time. Something I have trouble doing, but my cardio doc would smile knowing I'm keeping still once in a while (so would Dolly).

I used an iron on stencil that makes the embroidery so easy to do. I'm not crafty enough to draw the design myself.

Since we were small babies, Dolly has been here for me. Although our lives went to two different countries since the age of 19, we always make a point of visiting once a year since.

My Sweet Sister Dolly.

My life would have no meaning without you!

Tomorrow birthday gift number two will happen when I drive her to the Hard Rock Casino, outside of Tampa. I'll give her a few bucks and let her enjoy herself on the slots. Then lunch in their wonderful buffet room.

I know this will really make her happy!

"Happy Happy Birthday to my dear sister Dolly"

"I love you"

My Christmas Tree Ornaments. .

2011-12-18T20:47:00.000-05:00

Although I don't have children at home anymore my Christmas tree has children's toys and ornaments hanging on it... I have only a few left from the good ol days gone by and I also have new ones I've made each year since.

This past week I started making 4 little Reindeer and they turned out kinda cute.

All it took was a few pieces of brown felt, a glue gun, sewing thread, buttons, bells, stuffing for the body and some pipe cleaner's.

The Child in me lives on!

As you can see, my tree is a short 4'tall and it stands on an end table near my front window. I gave up on the tall trees several years ago. I do have the traditional color ball ornaments but I've always been into the little people and animals of Christmas. So the balls stay packed away. After the last of my 3 children left the nest I gave them most of the ornaments that were made during their childhood. Then I found myself without any.

I had an Owl hooting in the tree outside my bedroom window last night. It was rather loud and this morning I thought about how sweet a few Night Owl's would look on my Christmas Tree. I have them started and will do a post on them, if I manage to finish them in the next week.

Christmas is only a week away.

I have all my gifts bought and sent in the mail.

I'm fortunate to have my sister here with us this year and we have been out each day soaking up the Christmas spirit. The house is decorated and the lights are up on the outside. The Christmas cookies are baked and wrapped, ready to be given out this week. We have the menu ready for Christmas dinner.

I'd like to send my love and best wishes to the service men and women who can not make it home for Christmas this year. I pray they are all at peace where ever they may be.

The news today of the last of the troupes leaving Iraq, is Glorious!

How wonderful for their families. Now that is a reason to feel blessed.

I know I am blessed in so many ways.

Let the Holidays Begin!

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