Bloom'n art

2012-01-25T11:50:00.000-06:00

Another day off!! yay! So, I've been knitting and working on the rug.

Just had a visit from the Jehovah's witness's (Watch Tower brochure) I did feel the love and caring they have to share with others. Sometimes I wonder if we should find a church to go to...

2012-01-23T09:28:00.000-06:00

We have an icy cold day today and I should be off to work already. Still in p.j.'s however...sipping on some green tea. This week (at least) I am on a mission to eat only clean, healthy foods. That means...No sugars, No dairy, No gluten, No added salt. So what to eat you ask? And why do this?
1. Allowed foods:
All veggies (limit white potatoes)
apples (one per day)
brown rice
eggs
fish
oatmeal
coconut milk
nuts and seeds
spices
water and green tea

2. Why do this? Well, I have been unwell for awhile with pain in my joints, fatigue and at times nausea...but enough with the bodily complaints. I have found that when I do this way of eating I have tremendous energy and uplifted mood! My body doesn't hurt anymore either...

So anyway...this morning, a smoothie of kale, almond butter, coconut milk, water and an apple.

I will keep track here of my progress...
p.s. my shop has a couple of items in it!!

2012-01-20T12:24:00.000-06:00

There is a winter storm warning today. Six to ten inches of snow is forecasted. A good day to be unwell...just some body aches...blah,blah...and a day off work to enjoy the snowfall.

Richie brought home some fresh rye bread and apple pie from the co-op this afternoon!

2012-01-18T08:23:00.003-06:00

I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.
Mae West

This post needs something... words. These bottles were in the window last year like this. Now there is a shelf that holds some very sad looking plants. These poor things have been sorely neglected this winter thus far.

The peace plant is drooping unrecognizably. I've just watered so it should soon perk up.

There is hope on the horizon which I am so very much looking forward to.

2012-01-15T12:20:00.000-06:00

There are red lentils soaking in the pan. Today we will enjoy a spicy dahl!! This is one of MY all time favorite comfort foods. Funny thing is that I only recently started making it (in just the last 5 years or so).

* "I bloom indoors in the winter like a forced forsythia; I come in to come out. At night I read and write, and things I have never understood become clear; I reap the harvest of the rest of the year’s planting.”

– Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker’s Creek

Thanks, Rosemary!

2012-01-10T08:17:00.000-06:00

Tuesday and we are looking for near 50 degrees today!

my little sanctuary...

2012-01-05T19:19:00.000-06:00

Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

Buddha

"The worst enemy to creativity, is self doubt" Sylvia Plath

2012-01-05T09:06:00.001-06:00

The rug is coming along...still stitching smaller wool circles onto the larger ones. Will I even allow this to be stepped on? haha

The creative bug is making it's self apparent. Dive in girl!!!

Today is supposed to be near 50 degrees to day.

Unseasonably warm today!

2012-01-04T09:03:00.000-06:00

This has been in process for a few months. haha....or should I say, put away for a few months. It's a combo of acrylic paint, coloured pencils and Indian ink. Don't ask about the meaning...I have forgot and the meaning will be changing while I work on it. But in the beginning I think it had something to do with embarrassment and poor self esteem. Downer, I know...it's just what came. I just follow what it is that "comes".

So a warm January day is predicted and I will be inside working. Hopefully I will get out soon enough to take Mattie for a nice walk! And pick up some coffee for Rich and I to meet at the park...so he can have a break. I'm such a thoughtful wife! ha

So Iowa has a tie with the caucus results...and Ron Paul is a close 3rd. I can live with that!

The challenge today is to replace all thoughts or spoken sentences that contain the word "hate" with the word "love".

Cheers!

New Years highlight!

2012-01-03T08:55:00.008-06:00

Here it is caucus day in iowa. We got a call last night to take part in a straw poll. Ron Paul was the answer! We have never done the caucus thing since we are new here. The only signs we have seen in town have been for Ron Paul. It is just the main stream media who black out the truth.

I'm just downloading some podcasts for work and having a cup of coffee.

This week (hopefully tonight) I have some really awesome antique illustrations from and antique book-set of works by Charles Dickens that I will be listing in my online etsy shop!

One of the illustrations

They are some sort of etching. Like a wood cut but carved onto a copper or metal plate of some sort, and then inked and pressed onto paper. The book is from 1870. The only reason I would even desecrate a book is because it is in such bad condition that it is unreadable. By this I mean it is stained, ragged edges, brittle to the touch and just plain falling apart! haha There are dozens of the illustrations. They can be used to frame or use in crafts. I will be listing them in my shop soon.

This year looks to be an improvement over last year! Let's hope so anyway!

Cheers

2011-11-26T12:44:00.000-06:00

We had a beautiful Thanksgiving with family and some friends too! Very nice...today's goal is to stay in workout clothes (nice and comfy) all day without working out!! So far, so good.

Making some fried taters with real LARD (haha), makes them nice and crisp like Grandma used to make... some eggs with bacon too....yummmmm.

Richie is out working in the garage...his idea of a relaxing day.

More later...it's cloudy and rainy...perfect!

Peace, joy...❁

Whip/Wise

2011-11-16T08:57:00.001-06:00

If you ever find

yourself, somewhere

lost and surrounded

by enemies

who wont let you

speak your own language

who destroy your statues

and instruments, who ban

your oom boom ba boom

then you are in trouble

deep trouble

they ban your

oom boom ba boom

you in deep deep

trouble

humph!

probably take you several hundred years to get out!

Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones)

November!

2011-11-02T09:37:00.001-05:00

November, in the past, has been a month starting out on the sad side. The first of it marked a couple of anniversaries that kept me logged into the past...this year that hasn't happened. I believe that this November is going to be a fantastic month!! Maybe the best of this entire year.

Have to quick go to work...I'll write more later.

An overcast day yet feelings of hope, love and excitment are surging...❁

2011-11-01T08:16:00.000-05:00

	Good Morning! It is hard to believe that Halloween is over with and today is the first day of November! Oh the plans I have for this month...haha...mostly to get into better shape. Do Yoga daily, eat clean and try to do better with self-discipline. Not much time to write. Have garlic to plant after work and some over-wintering seeds to sow. (Some "kiss me over the gate" and a seed from Seed Savers that I Harvested off one of their very unusual plants...don't know what it is yet. Hopefully it will grow next year and I can figure it out...
For Sale!

So...

2011-10-27T09:40:00.001-05:00

Putting together a crock-pot of black bean soup before work. We got the beans along with other things from Henry's Market in Homestead. My favorite place to shop of late. Which is part of the Amana colonies...one of the great places in this area (my opinion).

It seems blasphemous to post without a photo. haha...so here you go.

Last night I canned 9 quarts of the tomatoes. We still have some ripening in bowls for fresh slicing. Which is amazing (to me at least) that we are still eating fresh garden tomatoes at the end of October!

The only garden chore left is to plant the garlic and dig up the cannas and dahlias. And just tend to the cold weather crops that are still growing. This I have never done before so it's my fall experiment. Oh and gather seeds from the bird house gourds. And bring in and clean the ones that are now dried out...well, I guess there is still lots to do garden wise. haha

"Put on a robe of joy so you can uplift others"

Baba, as quoted by Swami Chidvilasananda in The Yoga of Discipline

❁

Great Expectations...

2011-10-21T07:14:00.000-05:00

We were watching "Great Expectations" the other night and heard the phrase, "Poor miserable fellow creature" (Richie cracked up laughing) used when addressing a less fortunate human. The man spoken to took no offence of the term at all. He was happy to be acknowledged. It was an accepted form of heart felt compassion with no malice taken...my how times have changed. That same phrase used today would likely be taken as an insult.

These dark mornings are upon this household a little too soon. So here is a cheery scene...

This idea of using a shelf with pots of plants is something I hope to use next year on the house and/or the garage window. (found on the Internet somewhere...wish I had saved the link to give a credit to)

sorry I just had to...

2011-10-18T18:37:00.002-05:00

"30 years ago we had, Steve Jobs, Johnny Cash and Bob Hope. Now we have no jobs, no cash and no hope. Hopefully Kevin Bacon doesn't die..."

cold morning...

2011-10-18T08:37:00.001-05:00

During the night I have ideas of poems. I don't know much about poetry. Don't know the rules or even what a stanza (is that for music or poems...haha) means. But ideas for poems keep coming to me. Can any group of words that make an image be called a poem? Are there guidelines that must be followed when writing a poem? I think I will just write a couple and see what happens...I believe poems and artworks can go together.

The garden needs to be cleaned out. And the carrots thinned. The leaves are almost all off the trees. Winter is getting impatient.

Grant Woods painting of his mother in the Figge Art Museum

Lazy Sunday...

2011-10-16T14:37:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's walk...

Richie took these photos. He had the camera, I had the dog.

Tonight we will be going to one of the scariest haunted houses in the Midwest! It is were our sweet daughter is working for the season, called Torment Twelve. She plays a crazy old lady with a fascination for dolls, who is also a hoarder. I used to be horrified of haunted houses until into my 20's!

It is been a very weird stage of life, this newly married/post-menopausal life in a new town. So many new things all at once...this can, for lots of women my age be a new beginning. Why do I mostly have this flailing sensation? haha

2011-10-13T20:01:00.000-05:00

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." Steve Jobs

A little cheat by using other people's quotes. But the need for inspiration is great this week.

Good night!

Getting back into the swing...

2011-10-11T09:35:00.001-05:00

Good Morning! The view from here is nothing like this sunrise. We came home to full fledged autumn. The trees are at their most colorful ripeness. The garden is pretty much spent. However, all looks pretty in it's own way...

Front porch love...

“No front porches. My uncle says there used to be front porches. And people sat there sometimes at night, talking when they wanted to talk, rocking, and not talking when they didn't want to talk. Sometimes they just sat there and thought about things, turned things over. My uncle says the architects got rid of the front porches because they didn't look well. But my uncle says that was merely rationalizing it; the real reason, hidden underneath, might be they didn't want people sitting like that, doing nothing, rocking, talking; that was the wrong KIND of social life. People talked too much. And they had time to think. So they ran off with the porches.”
― Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

Peach, joy and love ❁

We're back!

2011-10-09T21:01:00.002-05:00

Hello! What a great time we had visting family and lounging on the beach...Home sweet home today.

I was happy to see Mattie and took her for a walk right away. She walked a very long walk and wasn't lagging behind at all! It seems her "petsitter" was more like a personal trainer! Her skinny legs are no more...she has muscles on those bones (I think it was mentioned that we found a fantastic pet-sitter). Now I need a personal trainer just to keep up with Mattie...haha. She got walked 2-3 times per day!! So she also had a great week.

Having some green tea right now...picked a bunch of tomatoes when we got home and still have more to pick tomorrow. It looks like I will have another batch to can this week! Amazing for almost the middle of October. The beans are all done and some of the spinach is coming up now. What a difference just one week makes in a garden! So dry these past few months though. Next year I must do better with the watering!

This is the pier on the beach. Our last day there was so windy when sitting near the water that we got sandblasted! Rich wasn't sure if it was a windburn or sunburn that he got.

This was the cottage we stayed in. It had everything we needed, just no wifi. So of course I wasn't able to blog from there.

This was the view from our deck.

Without computer and work I was able to come up with some ideas for future projects! And figure out how I will self-discipline myself in regards to eating and exercise...let this new lease on life begin!!

Peace, joy and love ❁

A day off work with Lots to do...

2011-09-30T08:37:00.003-05:00

Found out yesterday that I would be having this day off!! So much to do today...we are going on a real vacation!!! It has been about 4-5 years since we went to the ocean. So Tybee Island, GA is the destination. And we will get to see all my family on the way. I just can't believe it until we are there kind of thing.

So, Rich found us a house/pet sitter. She is a grad student who lives just down the street. A Literature major and cook! I met her last night and was impressed. It is just exciting to meet such a smart, energetic young lady. And she is even willing to keep up with what is left in the garden. She said she loves our house with all the plants around it now. Makes us feel good that lots of neighbors have commented on the change of the yard. What a difference just planting seeds and small plants can do.

We are going to watch my young'n play soccer Saturday morning (on our way out of state). His daddy is the coach so I am interested in watching him too!

This is my view at the moment. Have to make out a list and stick to it!!! Mattie will even be getting a bath today.

I'll be taking the camera and computer with on vaca so I can still post here. I know taking the computer on vaca is frowned upon...but it is My vacation!! Can you tell just how excited I am?!

Ok, better finish my cup of tea and get dressed. (yes, still in p.j.s).

Back from Mattie's walk...OH those fall colors!!!

Peace, joy and love ❁

Cloudy wonderful day...

2011-09-28T15:26:00.000-05:00

Just got back from taking Mattie for a walk around the neighborhood. One of the neighbors mentioned that she was going to organize a block party. I think in 2 weeks...which would be a great way to meet some of the neighbors I have yet to meet!

This is the front yard...isn't it pretty. Notice the front door color!!! Robin's egg blue with a wreath I made the other day from the grapevine...I planted some large grasses. One which is a bamboo type northern variety can get to 12-15'!
Most of the flowers I got from friends who shared from their own gardens.

Tonight we will meet 2 of our kids for dinner. A special Birthday dinner for one of them!

Peace, joy and love❀

Later that night...

2011-09-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

Intentions? Still intending...haha

Went to the farmer's market after work. There was a beekeeper there who had some bee pollen...he explained what you can use it for. He was cute so I bought a jar of raw honey!! I told my hubby when I got home the reason we now have 3 bottles of honey.

Running a couple days behind...

2011-09-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

It's Tuesday already! Seems am always running a little late...

Here are some scenes from Sunday night. I canned up a batch of tomatoes, made an apple pie and finished up a pair of socks. The photo of the socks is not real true to the colors. The heel is a soft lime green while the body of the sock is a maroon color with specks of color. But you can get the idea.

So I have to rush off to do some work...this week the house needs to be cleaned up spotless. That is my major goal for this week. If I do one room everyday after work...haha...what is that saying? "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" ?????

This photo is sooo washed out. Doesn't it look like one of the socks is wider than the other? I think it is!!! haha Now who can I give these to?

2011-09-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

We went for our Sunday old couple drive in the country today.

There's a heart in that there leaf.

What the hell? This was growing next to a fallen tree...is it a fungus of some sort? Looks alien, from another planet....

While digging up all the cement the other weekend we found the remnants of an old well or outhouse....a brick cylinder in the ground next to the back door...

Peace, joy and love....

It is officially Fall!

2011-09-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon folks! I've been harvesting seeds this morning. And shucking some popcorn kernels from their cobs. Getting little kernels all over the kitchen floor. I really wanted to be doing this outside...however, we have yet to have a private spot away from the exposure of life on a corner lot! haha

Rich has the fence in progress...this is what is done so far. (Pretty Iris!). And the fence will help tons with privacy. As will vines and shrubs I plan to put up against it next spring!

So the rest of the day looks like this:
1. Knit
2. Listen to podcasts
3. Eat food (Rich is making dinner tonight!)
4. Watch a movie
5. Drink some good coffee with a new Bailiey's creamer!

Simple and dreamy day! Maybe a latenight walk...or campfire on the river!! We will see...lots of love....

Today is my grandson's first soccer game with his dad as coach!!

They are quite a pair!

For anyone who was wondering, I deactivated my Facebook account. Sick and tired of the constant changes and complexity. As you can see, I have to have life as simple as possible!!

Maybe I will have more time to update on here!!

Peace, joy and love❀

2011-09-18T09:20:00.000-05:00

El Dorado, IA

We worked our ass's off yesterday breaking out about 3 tons of concrete and laying compost in its place. But a job well done! Today is a day of rest. Plus it is raining....good thing because I planted some carrots, spinach and beets yesterday too.

Arrggg just spilled coffee all over the place....so happy to have the entire day off of working and spent however I like...

Peace, joy and love!

2011-09-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

Making and canning chili sauce...

Drying Dill...

This was the homemade weight used on the gate to the historical apple orchard at Seed Savers...we were able to pick nice apples from the ground! A magical find...

part of the gardens at Seed Savers in Decorah, IA.

lost in the garden...

2011-08-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

Planted some seeds: Rutabagas, radishes, kale, beets and some lettuce. All for fall harvest...if the weather agrees!

Yes, the weather is perfect today...no rain but the plants are happy b/c they got watered last night!!

Not much to report today...state fair tomorrow!!!

2011-08-18T09:26:00.001-05:00

Busy morning so far, made some granola and some coleslaw (from our own cabbage, the last one).

Last night I put together a crock of dill pickles (recipe from "Wild Fermentation" {tweeked}). Used all ingredients from the garden, garlic, dill and cucs!! I get so excited doing all this fermenting stuff it's kooky...ha.

Made up 9 1/2 quarts of tomatoes Tuesday. So pretty!

Still working on socks.

2011-08-15T08:44:00.000-05:00

Arrrggg...back to work today. We had a great weekend...did a lot of nothing. Well, I did finish a baby quilt. And worked on socks a bit...we went to the lake and had a long walk with Mattie. The garden needs water badly! We have had no rain for over a week...maybe 2. At least the heat has dissipated.

Better get going...hopefully I will have some energy once home to can those patiently waiting tomatoes!!
Cheers

2011-08-08T07:59:00.000-05:00

These are from the garden this weekend. There will be just as many in a few days time...It's canning time!

2011-08-05T16:51:00.001-05:00

OMG what? A new post? She is still alive and well...

It has been a sweltering summer in Iowa. The garden is doing ok...some cabbages have melted under such heat. A couple of them were put into the compost pile. A BIG NO-NO...they stink!

Garlic has been harvested as has onions...

As you can see...they are stored in the basement. There is a room for all the canned goods. Just like grandma used to do!

There's sauerkraut in that there crock!

Bloom'n in the woods

2011-04-07T16:09:00.001-05:00

2011-04-07T15:32:00.000-05:00

New tool arrived this week. It really works!

Growing in the basement.

2011-03-22T08:53:00.000-05:00

Rainy, grey and windy...a perfect day for staying home. But alas, "have to bring home some bacon".

The first sock is finished! I did the toe stitch with the kitchner and really don't like how loose it turned out. Need more practice with that stitch.

Two cups of coffee this morning and still not ready to head out the door. Dragging...

Mattie has not been herself lately. She is 14 now and I'm worried about her. So she has a Vet appointment for Thursday.

A Bohemian day...

2011-03-16T19:14:00.000-05:00

She: Hi! (to a short older man smoking a cigar who at first glance reminded her of George Burns without the suit).

Him: Isn't it a beautiful day? Sorry, I can't hear you I'm hard of hearing. What did you say?

She: Yes, (a little louder) it is gorgous!

Him: Come here (him coming up to her), I have a hard time hearing. Your dog isn't going to attack me is he?

She: Laughing...No.

Him: Have you ever had sauerkraut? How about turnip-kraut?

She: I've had sauerkraut but not turnip-kraut...do you make it your self?

Him: I'm a Catholic. (Looking hard in her eyes) Your not are you? But your...

She: I was raised Baptist...my Grandma...

Him: Oh your taking the easy way out! (no smile).

She: Yeah, (laughing).

Him: Have you read the Bible?

She: Yes...

Him: You have? Well what did it say about the poor?

She: Ummm...that you should give to the poor.

Him: Well...Yeah...that but what did it say about the poor?

She: (guessing) That they will inherit the earth?

Him: God says that there will always be the "poor".

She: (shaking her head up and down slowly)...oh, that's true.

Him: Do you want to try some turnip-kraut?

She: Sure...
Him: I'll be right back...(turning to enter his front door. He comes out with a Tupperware and a fork).

Him: Here, try this...

She: (takes a bite, savors it a little) It's mild...how do you make it? Do you use just salt?

Him: Salt isn't important...it just make the juice come out of it. You should have seen the turnip I got last year from the farmer over by the river. (using his hands he shows her just how wide and how tall it was) Well, do you like it? If you do I have some I can give you.

A woman comes out of the house, smile without a word and walks past and then around the corner.

He: That's my wife. She is going to church. I have to go to church too. She has red hair...well, she used to have red hair. (They both smile).

She: Well, I better let you get going then.

He: My great grandpa lives right around the corner. He came here during the Civil war. I'm Bohemian and Irish. My mother's family came from Ireland. (tears come to his eyes...he begins to choke up)

She: That's really interesting...(a wave of compassion and longing to touch his shoulder comes over her. She keeps her hands on the leash).

He proceeds telling her some of his family history. She is listening but mostly she is looking at his eyes full of tears and wondering what she should do.

Him: I have to get to church. Please stop over anytime to chat. (holding his hand out to her. She reaches out and they hold hands in a soft but touching handshake). Don't be afraid. My wife loves to garden. (Pointing to some raised garden beds).

She: Thank you for your hospitality. You said your name was Chuck?

Him: Charlie. I have to go to church. Bye.

She: Bye!

This is a synopsis of what happened on my walk today with Mattie. Why did I feel suddenly humbled while walking home? I've felt that way all day since.

2011-03-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

Spent yesterday taking a very long walk with Mattie.

We passed a lot of structures like these...

This is what it sounded like.

2011-03-13T09:17:00.000-05:00

The girls are here. They are spending a few days with us for their spring break. Lively 17 year old daughter with her friend.

We went to the library yesterday to return books and get some CD's and More reads! So adding to itunes this morning are: The Jimmy Cotton blues Quartet, The Otis Rush Blues Band, Leonard Cohen, The Holmes Brothers, Ween (yes, I said WEEN! Ha...) and the audio book, 29 Gifts. Sipping green tea, munching macadamia nuts with a hand woven scarf around my now warm neck.

The day is cloudy once again. My skin is craving the warmth of the sun. Today is daylight savings day. So the days will seem to be getting longer. I thought I got out of bed early at 6 when Now it was actually 7. Tea! More tea is needed!

Just rambling this morning...the cat has been eating the baby spider plants. And digging into them, uprooting, making a mess.

Socks and seeds...

2011-03-10T17:24:00.001-06:00

These were supposed to be knee highs but the pattern wasn't working for me. So now they are short. The yarn is wool/silk blend and self stripping. Such gorgeous colors!!!

These are cabbages. I haven't had luck with seedlings so we will see if these make it to the garden.

Spring is in the air

2011-03-07T09:36:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note to anyone who even reads here...I Will be updating with photos!

We had our grandson here for the weekend and the poor thing was sick with the flu the whole time. He wasn't in any condition to do anything but sleep and stay in bed. His last day here he finally revived some and we played some checkers. But then it was time for him to go back home. He was on his way to recoverery though!

Some cabbage seeds have been started in the basement under lights. They are sprouted now. Just as soon as we have a sunny warmish (50's) day I will go and clean up the garden and plant out some greens- lettices and spinach. I see the garlic is showing it's tips.

Off to do some work, more later!
Cheers ☁ (it's a cloudy day outside, not inside)

2010-12-28T19:39:00.001-06:00

*from a pro, Audrey Hepburn:

It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.

It is important that a man makes you laugh.

It is important to find a man you can count on. And doesn't lie to you.

It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.

It is important that these four men don't know each other.

These are Audrey's "beauty tips" - read at her funeral:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run its fingers through it.

For poise,walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, more that things, have to be restored, renewed,revived, reclaimed and redeemed.

Never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that your two hands are: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

6 - My obituary:

I Arrived Small and Weak

I Shall Leave Old and Bold

*this I read on the blog Advanced Style.

2010-12-04T13:13:00.000-06:00

we have snow!! So winter has arrived...Richie is out shoveling. Kind of wish I would have went with him...kind of.

No pictures yet.

2010-11-23T18:51:00.001-06:00

Made braided bread late last night. The big loaf is for Thanksgiving day! Tomorrow I'll do the pies!!

The last colors of the season. And this was only 2 weeks ago! Now things are looking more like this:

2010-11-21T11:21:00.000-06:00

Yesterday while walking Mattie a group of 4 fighter jets flew in formation overhead!!! It was the coolest thing. They just came from nowhere (actually, they were doing a fly-by for the Iowa Hawks game) out there in the woods! What a treat...

Friday!

2010-11-19T17:26:00.001-06:00

Yay! The weekend is here. The above picture was taken a couple of weeks ago in the town where the John Deere house is. I think there is a museum there too...just can't think of the town's name...Grand something....oh well. It was a beautiful sunny day with nice shadows.

The church was built in 1849.

There were lots of old homes there.

It's the weekend!!

2010-10-15T09:58:00.000-05:00

Only a half day of work today!

Last week I picked all the green tomatoes and layed them in boxes with newspaper to cover. They are in the basement to (hopefully) ripen. I have never done this before and am not sure it will work. After picking them I then read that the "best" way for them to ripen naturally is to leave them on the vine and dig up the vine. Hang the plant upside down and let vine-ripen that way. So next year I may try that method. But for now this is the experiment.

Finished one sock this week. It only took one month to make!! geez!!! haha...so will start the matching (hopefully it will match) one this weekend.

Started stitching on the fabric. Still not sure what it will end up turning into. That is the fun part...not knowing and just letting it go...

OMMM Namah Shivaya...

new week...

2010-10-10T10:19:00.000-05:00

This was the view from northern Iowa. We went camping for 3 days up here. The trip was cut short due to chilling temperatures at night. The first night at Backbone state park was a cold one at 29 degrees!! We went further north to Decorah and a heavy frost in the morning.

Seed Saver's is in Decorah and so that was the destination. What an inspiring garden to be able to tour...and of course we had to get some of those seeds. Also a few garlics to plant. Of which I planted half of yesterday. Today I have a huge Hibiscus root from a friend to plant. yay!

There was some poke plants growing along the fence in the yard that has been tempting me with their bright purple berries. So, I picked a bunch and pressed them into this fabric. I think I may embroider around each dot...and see where that leads. haha

Here's a little painting I have going on...it is slowly progressing...
And also the socks I'm working on for a Christmas gift for Mom...

I heard that my little guy's soccer team won their game on Saturday. He sounded excited about it!
Peace out...

2010-09-28T19:27:00.001-05:00

I've been advised that some people do read this! So Maybe I will start posting...the long absence is mostly due to just plain o'l being "run-down". Nothing major just annoying and boring.

Picked a big bowl of green beans tonight. They are almost spent...but we got at least 15 - 20 quarts worth this year. (our first year!). Lots of them were given away and some froze or just eaten fresh. Looks like we will be having a late dinner tonight of potatoes and green beans!

The grape vine was not as generous this year. Mostly due to the birds who feasted all summer long on them. Next year we will have a net!

So getting some of my energy back...thanks to big pharma...(sometimes it is needed).

My talented step-son got hurt playing football last weekend. And Today is his birthday. Sports are his life so he is pretty bummed. But should be ok to do track in the spring.

2010-08-24T08:58:00.002-05:00

off to work I go...long week ahead. Been kind of exhausted lately...

2010-08-18T08:24:00.000-05:00

A half day of work today Yay!!! So I'm taking my time this morning...having some herb tea.

We brought down a desk from upstairs so I need to clean it out and organize it. That means filing all paperwork from 2009! May be able to get to that this weekend...but this weekend I am traveling to see my grandson.

Not much new on the homefront. Lots of tomatoes need picking. And the grapes are ripening! Sunflowers towering over the rooftop. Finally it's cooling a little...seems like right after the fair it usually does. The kids are back in school around here.

The weekend of the 22 (is that this weekend?) there will be a sand sculpting contest in town. Sounds fun!

Well I need to get some yoga in and knitting before work.

Photos from the State Fair

2010-08-16T20:30:00.000-05:00

We had the best time together!!!

experimenting with old photos

2010-08-14T19:51:00.000-05:00

2010-08-04T09:59:00.000-05:00

The jeep is in the shop. It stalled on us Monday night. Hopefully we will get it back today. So I'm home from work...which is kind of good but kind of not. As I hate to disappoint anyone. But some things just happen.

Started a new shawl. It should go fast. I'll try and get some photos of it so far. I have 4 sisters and hope to finish something for each of them for Christmas. Plus make some socks for Mom and Mom-in-law. It's a tall order but possible.

Organizing my sewing supplies today...

Rainy, hot and humid today.

The tomatoes are starting to rippen...yay.

Well, tea water is whistling...better go!

July travels

2010-07-31T10:42:00.000-05:00


Richie at the bat caves.

We saw some big ass mushrooms.

The area reminded me of prehistoric times.

Always touching something!

Pretty rock formations.

Galena, Illinois.

Crossing the mighty Mississippi.

First pair of socks knitted!! Yay!!

He is 8 years old now! And handsome as ever!

Clarence, IA.

Covered Bridge in IA...(I think...could be IL. somewhere...we were all over that day).

2010-07-29T19:32:00.004-05:00

To Never Be Born

Mrs. Rooney: I remember once attending a lecture by one of these new mind doctors, I forget what you call them. He spoke ...

Mr. Rooney: A lunatic specialist?

Mrs. Rooney: No no, just the troubled mind, I was hoping he might shed a little light on my lifelong preoccupation with horses' buttocks.

Mr. Rooney: A Neurologist?

Mrs. Rooney: No no, just mental distress, the name will come back to me in the night. I remember his telling us the story of a little girl, very strange and unhappy in her ways, and how he treated her unsuccessfully over a period of years and was finally obliged to give up the case. He could find nothing wrong with her, he said. The only thing wrong with her as far as he could see was that she was dying. And she did in fact die, shortly after he washed his hands of her.

Mr. Rooney: Well? What is there so wonderful about that?

Mrs. Rooney: No, it was just something he said, and the way he said it, that has haunted me ever since. When he had done with the little girl he stood there motionless for some time, quite two minutes I should say, looking down at his table. Then he suddenly raised his head and exclaimed, as if he had had a revelation, "The trouble with her was she had never really been born!" [Pause] He spoke throughout without notes. [Pause] I left before the end ... [Sobs] There's nothing to be done for those people!

Mr. Rooney: For which is there?

---From All That Fall
Samuel Beckett
As quoted in The Lourdes of Arizona

First day back at work

2010-07-13T06:53:00.000-05:00

after a 2 week vacation. I'm feeling rested and ready!

The day is foggy and moist. Have on a fleece jacket...just anticipating fall weather. But it will be quite a while til we get to enjoy that pleasure.

Lots to do yet this morning. So this is cut short.

It seems the photos I have recently taken with the new camera have been blurry....still learning it.

There is nothing noble in being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self.

Hindu Proverbs

Swiss chard day...

2010-07-12T18:19:00.001-05:00

Cleaned and froze swiss chard this afternoon. It finally rained...lots of tomato blooms. Quite a few green tomatos too...
Trying to figure out the new camera...I'm not good at reading directions...ha..

Still working on the ruffled shawl. It ties in the back...reminds me of Tasha Tudor.

Maybe the summer is laz-ing along now and I will get a chance to share on here...maybe...haha...
Cheers!

2010-06-08T06:26:00.000-05:00

It has been a loooonnnnggg few weeks! House guests and working have taken up lots of time and energy...

Hope my Birthday brings a new camera because I need something easy and fun to use...as well as video capabilities.

So these days may only be ramblings...no photos on the horizon as of late. (does that last sentence make any sense? LOL)

I have finished knitting/crocheting a shawl. It is laying on the dinning room table damp and stretched out between towels to dry. That is the way your supposed to "block" knitting...or so one source reports.

The altered book work was sold at the auction/sale night...which was wonderful news.

There was an art fest in town over the weekend and I purchased a handwoven basket...for, you guessed it...YARN! It was a pretty cool (not temp. wise) weekend in the I.C.

Wish I had some photos...the garden is growing perfectly!!! Sunflowers are leaning toward the sun.

Work starts again tomorrow...no yoga today. It was spent doing boring but necessary chores. But I must look at doing the yoga as my medicine. That is how it feels when I practice.

Springtime Vintage [Explored]

2010-04-26T09:58:00.001-05:00

Springtime Vintage [Explored]
Originally uploaded by Spring Noel

2010-04-25T13:25:00.001-05:00

PQS3 to Terrie
Originally uploaded by mamacjt

interiors...

2010-04-25T13:23:00.001-05:00

interiors...
Originally uploaded by Quelle night...

What a great kitchen!

2010-04-13T18:15:00.002-05:00

When my stepson was here we went to this store. I said "let's go to Dick Blick". He said there's no Dick on it...and my hubby said "they cut the Dick off." LOL Now they only call it Blick...or at least that is what the sign says. My stepson wasn't familar with the store at all. He only saw Blick on the front. It was hilarious when they said all that about the "Dick" part!!

And after that we went to Lowe's to look for shrubs and my stepson touched some branches on a tree and asked what it was called...to which I answered, "it's a wheeping pussy-willow (well, it was! )...I thought he would die laughing! So he took a picture of it and said it was going to be his new screen saver for his phone. Too funny...we sure enjoyed his visit!!

2010-04-11T16:02:00.000-05:00

The kitchen window in April...lots of greenery.

Here is a glimps of the book project still in progress. It is all figured out as far as construction and placements. I'm very excited that it seems to have a life of it's own and tells me what needs to be done. Funny that when I'm "stuck" a voice says just get away and do something else...and then a new idea comes. One that solves the problem I was worried about.

the inside is what I'm working on now...

Richie pruned the apple tree and so I brought in lots of branches!

2010-04-01T18:18:00.001-05:00

signs of spring
Originally uploaded by mybloomnart

Yesterday on the way home from work I saw three bike riders struggling to peddle up a very steep hill on a one way street. The bikers weren't dressed in all the fancy gear of helmets and spandex. No, they were college kids, in shape and young! As I waited at the stop sign a moped started up the hill. He had a very pretty and young girl on the seat with him. As he got up the hill and approached the first bike rider (who by the way was still grinding away) he honked his horn and then preceded to peddle his moped smiling and chugging along. He did that to each bike rider, Honked, waved and pretend peddled. It made my day!! ☺

2010-03-29T13:56:00.005-05:00

As Mattie and I were entering the park trail, a homeless man stomped up from behind us. Dressed in a tattered navy sweatshirt with olive colored rubber knee-high boots. He was in a hurry and carried a bundle under one arm. His face was narrow with a greying, pointy beard. Thick glasses with big 80's style frames solidly attached atop his nose. I was startled at how quickly he was at our backs. I turned to face him as he approched and guided Mattie to the grass off the trail head. He never looked up or even acknowledged our presence despite passing within inches of my body. I let him pass. Knowing it is not safe to be a woman alone on a trail in the woods in the first place, I turned and took another path leading in the opposite direction as he was heading.

It is an uphill trek taking that path. At the top of the hill is a bench with a boulder inscribed with the founder of the nature area. The name I've read numerous times but what it is, I don't recall. So we then head downhill. There is a crossroads...you can take a left or right. We go right because I know this part of the trail and after some turns and hills you come to a clearing. On top of the highest part of the park is a shelter with picnic tables and benches in the lawn. That is were I want to go. As we approach the crossroads I hear footsteps. Heavy stomping footsteps...I turn and it is this guy again. In my head I'm thinking "Oh my God, this is the most secluded part of the woods that I know of and if he wants to kill me or worse...it could be done here". I slow down and stop and let Mattie go into the woods off the path a little. I again turn to face him...not wanting him to be unseen. This way also, I think I will appear unafraid and bold...not an easy target. Again he gets inches away...I am looking right at him...he passes and as I say "Morning", he raises his arm with hand waving in a shoo-ing manner as if to shield himself from me so I wouldn't look at him. Quickly he passed.

It was a weird encounter. And I wasn't scared of him any longer. After that we passed him two more times. Was he just looking for a place to live for a few days? Who knows. On the way out of the woods I noticed quite a few women walking alone with their dogs like me. I passed be two of them as the homeless man was also leaving the park...right behind me. The looks on some of the woman's faces were the look I had in my heart when I was scared and alone in the woods with him. You could see the look of "Oh my God" in their faces.

This structure was seen beyond the trail in the woods...was this were the stomping man went?

Time to put away those winter boots!!!!

2010-03-22T20:58:00.002-05:00

This is a slice of my work table. I was blocked as far as what to do with the actual "book"...but got inspired by browsing some art sites. So there is an idea I'm going with to make the book pop (Hopefully...).

Today I was in the spring cleaning mood. Rich brought home a couple of things his friend gave him. One is an old bookcase/secretary. We put it in the living room and so I moved all the bills, writing materials...ect...into it. Plus some books. It fits fabulously!

Also, made a chicken stock today. It is still cooling. Should get a few quarts out of it to freeze. Oh...hung laundry on the line too!!

Tomorrow will be a short work day as will Wednesday. And the weather will be WARM!

Thank you for reading...cheers!

2010-03-19T13:36:00.003-05:00

Recently, I made a vow to not drink coffee ever...in my life, again! Upset stomach and heartburn followed by fatigue are the undesirable after-effects. I reckoned that since I never even tasted coffee until I was in my 30's anyway, I Would be able to Live without it. So I made the vow.

This Wednesday was a long work day for me. I was out of town and no time to eat lunch. On my way home I was weakened and craved a cup of warm, spiced, creamy coffee! Remembering I had a $10.00 in my purse I drove the long way home as to stop at the local coffee shop (I am known to frequent this place enough that they remember me. And usually ask, "You like extra cream with that don't you?"). Always, I check my purse for whatever money I will need before I even get to the checkout of any store. Just my COD kicking in. So, I check my purse. I'm digging and opening wallets and moleskins (yes, more than one moleskin...I keep multiple "diaries"...Lord help the Emergency Responders trying to find my I.D., should That time ever come). No money was to be found.

By this time I was at the coffee shop. In defeat I turned toward home. First I was pissed off that I wasn't able to have the refreshment. Then I was pissed off that now I had to take the long way home. Ultimately, I realized that I was helped by an invisible force to stick to my vow!!!

So this morning, I was cleaning out my purse and there crumbled up on the bottom was a $10.00 bill.

We had a 90% chance of rain my noon today. Current weather, SUNNY and 50's!! Snow is predicted for tonight...1-3 inches.

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

2010-03-13T17:16:00.005-06:00

Signs of spring. We set our clocks forward tonight. These came from our lovely neighbor, Wendy. She is just like these...sunny and bright!

Another cloudy, grey day in Iowa. Mattie has been sleeping all day...and even the cat has been in hiding.

This is our first spring in this house. I don't know what kind of flowers/if any, will appear in the yard.

Ok, so, we live in a college town...when students leave or move out of a place...you should see what they throw out (things like new)! We are frugal people. My hubby is driving around town most of the day (due to the nature of his job). He sees all kinds of things and brings them home. Some things we keep and others we take to the goodwill (most of the items are of this latter catagory). So this morning I go to the basement to bring up some laundry that was drying on the line down there. You know, wool sweaters and delicates...well as I was pulling unmentionables off the line, I come to a black bra that doesn't look familar...I look it over...It looks like new and is my size...but I KNOW it is NOT mine! So I call him (my hubby)...most women would be thinking, another woman!! You know like a wife finding some woman's undies in her husbands pocket or something...But me, I know....he picked it up from some dumpster or parking lot and brought it home for me. And yes...that is what he did...he found it laying in a parking lot. Brought it home and washed it! He doesn't care if someone were to see him pick up a woman's bra from the parking lot and put it in his pocket...I think I'll keep him! haha..

2010-03-11T21:21:00.005-06:00

Kind of tired tonight. But here is a sneak peek at what I'm working on...

2010-03-10T19:41:00.002-06:00

Isn't this a fun home? I slipped and fell on a patch of ice in front of it...and while checking to see if I was seen (doesn't everyone do this? haha...) this figure was standing there...I thought it was a real person and was almost going to say something...haha...so instead I snapped a photo.

Short day at work today. And the day was warm enough to wear only a light jacket!! Mattie wanted out most of the day.

Last night I salvaged what I wanted from 8 antique Encyclopedias...they have/had lots of cool illustrations. I'll use the embossed (in gold) spine covers too. Hope the board I'm using for mounting everything on will be large enough for this project.

So I have some ginger root , green tea brewing...we started watching, "Faust (a 1926 silent German film) on Sunday and still have the last hour to watch (it is a 2 hour film). So Tonight we will finish it...

Love and Beauty...

2010-03-09T13:24:00.002-06:00

Here are some weathered sheds/garages in our neighborhood.

shadows on the snow....

Listening to old Cat Steven's...rainy, cloudy day today. I'm home working on art project...due to an understanding client... (I'm so blessed to know).

My little grandson called last night and asked me some questions about my life. He is doing a time-line project at school and needs to ask a person special in his life about their life. And then do a time-line mapped out showing that person's important accomplishments. I am honored he called me!! Though my "accomplishments" may not be considered GRAND according to anyone else's standards. Birth/fatal truck accident (I had to put some "gruesome" episodes for the 2nd graders interest...ha)/graduation/birth of sons/near drowning (another shock value occurrence...lol)/art show ribbon/birth of said grandson/marriage. That's my life on a time-line.

2010-03-08T09:22:00.005-06:00

In the neighborhood...I LOVE this entryway! So bright and cheery. (could do without the trashcan however...haha).

It's Monday and my day off without any obligations or work!!! So I am revamping the blog.

There are lots of photos that I took over the weekend while walking in the neighborhood. We live in an old "Bohemian" section of town. Where immigrants put down roots. It is characterized by small cottage like homes with large yards. The early inhabitants here had little money for a prestigious home and were eclectic and diverse in their "lifestyles". There were huge family gardens in yards along with chickens and small livestock. How I would love to be able to see this neighborhood how it was back then!!

Here are some photos so you can get a feel for the area.

2010-03-05T16:33:00.002-06:00

I haven't blogged for a long time. It seems that once I get home from the work day I'm just beat and need to relax. Now that the weather is warming up (40's today) hopefully my spirits and energy levels will increase too. There are lists made and only partially completed.

"The rays of the sun give life to all living beings. The heat of the sun is energizing. It removes all kinds of ailments." Swami Chidvilasananda

2010-02-09T20:31:00.000-06:00

more snow last night and today...the house is nice a warm.

2010-01-17T19:16:00.003-06:00

Sunday is almost over...we were going to have some coffee with Baily's but got a phone call that we are having some unexpected company til 10pm....so no getting silly with my sweetie...boo-hoo!

Just got out of the shower and in jammies already...want to do some mindless YouTube surfing...ha....but what you want to do and need/have to do are usually two different things.

Need more books!

2010-01-06T19:15:00.001-06:00

too much work and no play makes for a dull day...

2010-01-05T08:31:00.002-06:00

Winter storm watch...LOW temps today and snow for tomorrow!! OOOYYYY...

Getting ready for work....later peeps!

2010-01-04T08:51:00.003-06:00

I love this photo taken a couple of years ago in Georgia.

Here it is almost 9 a.m. and I'm not dressed yet or even showered for work...still working on my first cup of tea. I should be to work by 10 but it looks more like 11 will be the time I start. Oh well...

Finished sewing a set of curtains for the dinning room yesterday. And all I really want to do is sew today too. The weekend went too fast as it was the only time we had alone together and without responsibilities.

Christmas Blooms...

2010-01-03T21:52:00.004-06:00

Hibiscus blossom...

Oakland Cemetery...

Christmas Eve on our street...

Christmas travels...we made it safe!!

This little guy was visiting during Christmas break. My little artist!

"Grandma, what do you want now?"...

2009-12-21T07:05:00.002-06:00

It's 7 am...just finished a cup of tea. Have to be at work about 9ish...this year it "feels" like Christmas!
We have everything wrapped and ready to go. Going to be traveling a little over the Holiday. Made some more pumpkin bread last night for a couple of clients. We had about 1 inch of snow yesterday...maybe 2. Just enough to cover the dirt on the old snow and make things fresh and white.

Better go and get ready for the day...already looking forward to the end of the work day.
cheers...

Fear is...

2009-12-16T20:32:00.001-06:00

Fear is...
Originally uploaded by a mere excursion

2009-12-16T20:04:00.001-06:00

Not a great day...but made it through with the help of "you know who"!!

love you always ♥

2009-12-15T22:30:00.004-06:00

Another COLD night...dipping down into single digits...1˚F.

We got most of our Christmas shopping done tonight. So much I want to work on and now it is too late to start anything. Hopefully work will go quick tomorrow and I will be home early.

There is one more pair of curtains to hem and then all 5 pairs will be done!!

Going to have a few Macadamia nuts and then clean up for bed...where does the time go?

2009-12-09T17:09:00.006-06:00

This is one of the little paintings I have been working on. The photo was taken in 2004 while on vacation with Rich. We took his kids to Tybee Island. We had only been dating for 3 months. We both LOVE this photo because it is when we were just getting to know each other. (this photo is kind of blurry)

Here is my crafting table...lucky to have such a big window there!

At least 10 inches of snow and still counting...it is still snowing and blowing. I had a day off because of the weather. So the curtains for the front porch were worked on. This is the view from our front window....made the paper snowflakes with Hunter and Richie.

What a contrast from the beach scene and the winter one!!

2009-12-01T23:05:00.003-06:00

This is what we were up to all weekend long...great memories were made! I am so very proud of him and his confidence went up a notch.

Thanksgiving was great, relaxed and we had our grandson for 5 whole days.

He is into Knights and Castles so we got lots of books from the library and he made this sword and shield with Richie...

G.ma was sad to have him leave. He missed his Daddy. That is what it is all about this life of mine...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

peace, joy and all that is beautiful!!

2009-11-18T09:12:00.001-06:00

Triffids
Originally uploaded by borealnz

Just a quick post before work....really not much to say just want to get back on page here and post something!

Reading "My Lord Loves a Pure Heart" by Swami Chidvilasananda. (try and pronounce that one!)

I'm really looking forward to the holidays this year. Feeling the seasons change again after spending 8 years in the south is the reason. Plus my sweetie being here with me...

2009-11-18T09:04:00.001-06:00

2009-11-02T21:38:00.003-06:00

These are from about 2 weeks ago while at Starved Rock.

I don't know who that lady is...--->

The light was glowing through the leaves.

2009-10-18T19:16:00.002-05:00

Just got in from yet Another long car trip. This time to Hammond, IN> to see a couple of old friends. We had a great time reminiscing and laughing about being Old...

Rich and I stopped at Starved Rock on the way home and it was jam packed with human beings!! We had to wait our turn to even take some of the trails...usually being in nature calms ...but this was Not a calming experience. It must be peak color time up in northern Illinois. Plus it was sunny and in the high 50's...I did get some photos of the park. Hope to download them tomorrow...but for now....we watch the 5th episode of "The First Australians".

And rest with each udder ♥

2009-10-13T23:40:00.003-05:00

what am I still doing up?

Well, I've been looking at ways to ferment foods and all the health benefits. We have a cabbage and I need to learn how to make sauerkraut the old fashioned way! So tomorrow to the library I go and get a couple of books:
- "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon.
-"Wild Fermentation" by Sandor Ellix Katz

We watched the first part of "First Australians" tonight via computer/TV.

Ok, time for bed...planted 5 shrubs today. (2 - Purple Sandcherries, 3 - Dappled Willows)
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2009-10-05T22:17:00.002-05:00

Today is my youngest son's Birthday. He is now 25 years old. How I wish I could see him, especially today. Happy Birthday T-Bone!

Rain-rain--

2009-10-01T19:54:00.003-05:00

I love the size of this portrait and the painting itself. Can't remember where I found this...I would give credit if I knew.

It has been pouring down rain all day long. These kind of days are meant to be spent baking bread and wearing p.j.'s all day...by the lucky few. For the rest of us - it is off to work, in and out of the downpour, trying not to smell like wet dog.

No photos lately...just working, lounging, hanging out with hubby...sipping tea. The challenge will be how to take photos with dwindling daylight. It was black as pitch at 7p.m. tonight.

I have 2 hours tonight to get started on a new project. Usually I have projects lined up in fives. I work on about 5 things at once. Now all the five things are finished and I'm having trouble starting something new.

1. curtains are made.
2. quilt is finished.
3. carpet is striped from stairs.
4. trees are planted.
5. scarf is NOT finished....!!

Ok, I can finish knitting that scarf....

OOOMMM....

Running on caffine...

2009-09-25T17:56:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling like this lady...raring to go! I've been full of energy all afternoon. Usually coffee does little or nothing for me. Well the secret is to have it on an empty stomach! Oh yes, buzzing along...

So, paid all the bills, did the banking, made a killer crock-pot dinner (boneless pork, white potatoes, sweet potato, onion, carrots, fresh rosemary and sage with pear cider from last year's canning), cleaned up kitchen, went to nursery and picked up a sour cherry tree, even worked 4 hours... and now have a cup of tea! Phewww...it's Friday finally.

Hello Fall!

2009-09-22T21:26:00.001-05:00

Today is the first day of fall. My favorite time of year. Especially this year when I am back in the Midwest with the changing of the seasons.

Joy...joy...so happy about fall weather and air.

La Tattooiste

2009-09-22T15:31:00.004-05:00

La Tattooiste
Originally uploaded by DuPret-Artworks

WoW!

2009-09-22T07:52:00.004-05:00

We are back home and the animals are both happy! Poor Mattie was cooped up in the truck for so many hours...but did great. She is not a complainer, wish I were more like her.

No rain the whole time we were gone. So just finished watering the new trees and potted plants.

All there is to say is, it is good to be home again!

cheers

tonight at the cemetery

2009-09-16T23:01:00.006-05:00

Winged Goddess

cherub

Christ

Mother Mary

Sleep well...