In the Land of the Living Skies

New Computer

2008-09-07T18:23:00.001-07:00

This is my first post with my new computer. I do have a slight problem though, it seems as if hotmail no longer recoginzes my password or login name. I had to change my email so now I have to update all my contacts. Grrr, I hate when things disappear into cyber space.

This is a picture of my three nieces, my brother's girls. The two youngest are the twins Kirsten and Katelyn. The older one is Haley. The twins have sure grown since I last saw them. They still make strange however, so I hardly got to hold them at all. The biggest one Kirsten was terrified of my cat. Katelyn however loved it and chased the poor thing all over the house.

My second week of school ended on a fairly nice note. I have managed to at least get my work area organized and that makes me feel so much better. I hope to get a bit more done in the class room this next week.

Well I had better go and visit everyone. Have a wonderful evening. God bless.

So Very Tired

2008-09-04T18:43:00.001-07:00

I am so very tired this week. I am beginning to wonder how those superwomen manage to work, raise children, clean the house and still manage to be vivacious and well groomed.

Right now I feel like I have been dragged through a bramble patch backwards. At least there is only one day of school left and then I can relax and regroup. Harvey just tells me that soon I will be back to my old self, running around the house tidying up and doing all my projects. I feel more like the kitty in the picture, plum worn out and ready to sleep any where.

Some of the reason for my tiredness can be traced to the weather. These last three days have seen nothing but rain and cool temperatures. One of these days I am going to look out my front window and see that all the leaves have changed colour. Don't know if I am ready for that yet.

Kris and I went shopping for a new computer on Monday. They have to get it all set up for us and so I had to leave it behind. Kris has promised to bring it home when he comes to visit on the weekend. Yeah, I will be able to take pictures to post once again.

Well I am off to visit you all now. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Busy Week

2008-08-31T17:57:00.001-07:00

This week has stretched me in ways I never thought possible. I am working with a teacher who really does not understand the term organized and in doing so am finally learning that things might not get done.

Trying to bring in the garden and get all that goodness processed is taking my free time on weekends as well. Yesterday I froze about 1/2 our turnips and all our beets. Then today did about 1/2 a row of carrots, and froze some green peppers for use in stews, soups and spaghetti sauce. I picked tomatoes, eggplant and cukes as well. I had some bananas that were over ripe so decided to make some banana bread. Two lovely loaves are cooling on my counter.

In talking to our youngest son, Kris, on Thursday I was informed that he could not fix our old computer. I really have trouble using this lap top and downloading pictures is a problem. Harvey and I decided that perhaps the best thing would be to get a new one with the same bells and whistles that the old one had. So tomorrow it is off to Regina, pick up Kris and we are heading to Future Shop to pick up a new one. I will be relieved to actually be able to see what I am typing, and to download pictures of what I have been up to.

I can sure tell that fall is coming quickly. The temperatures have dropped, the days are getting shorter and the garden is quickly coming to an end. Last year we went directly from summer to winter so I sure hope we have fall this year. So far no colour changes in the trees yet, but I am looking forward to their fall display.

Well off to visit everyone. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

First Day of Work, First Day of School for Me

2008-08-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day back at work. I am so sad that the summer went by so quickly. We had an inservice in Weyburn ( a city about 45 minutes away from us). I was very happy as I was accepted into my new school environment with a great deal of joy. That makes the transition so much easier. I hope the day tomorrow goes just as well.

Off to visit the rest of you. Hope you all have a great evening. God bless.

Gardens, Gardens, Gardens

2008-08-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

While on our vacation we happened to visit a few gorgeous gardens. How I wish that I could have a garden like this one in Annapolis Royal. It was simply breath taking. We spent hours wondering around the 4 or 5 acres.

Thought that I would share some of the high lights with all of you.

Beautiful blue hydrangea's. I never have any luck with these plants. They just don't seem to like my garden at all.

A dwarf pear tree, perfect for that city garden. Harvey and I plan on finding a pear next spring to plant in our back yard. Hope we can find one as prolific as this one. I got a bit of teasing by Harv. He asked me how we would get a partridge to sit in the tree.

One area of the garden was devoted to ornamental grasses. I never knew that there were that many available.

The knot garden was so tranquil. I found a bench close by, sent Harvey on his way to get us each a coffee and enjoyed the sights and smells. The lavender was especially sweet smelling that day. We sat and drank our coffee and drank in the sight as well. I wonder how many hours are spent keeping the plants in this shape.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless

Whale Watching

2008-08-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

This will be my last post of our holidays.....I promise. I just had to share our whale watching adventure with you all.

It was a fairly foggy day out on the water, but the cigar shaped log floatin here is a Humpbacked whale. You can just make out one of the flippers under the water.

This is the baby whale. He or she decided to play with us for awhile and then raised her/his flipper in farewell before diving down to the depths of the Bay of Fundy.

We had a great day, even with the fog. Got to see 5 different whales, all Humpbacks, but that was quite all right, as the guide said some never even see one whale and we got to see 4 plus the baby.

Well off to visit everyone now.

Have a wonderful day. God bless.

Vacation Pictures

2008-08-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

Thought that I would post a few pictures of our vacation.

This is a picture of an old restored barn on the hotel property. They kept the outside pretty much the way it was and fixed up the inside to use as a lounge and a hall for various functions.

This tree was so interesting. I had never seen one before. It took until the end of our stay. It is called a Common Smoke Tree, but to me there is nothing common about it.

This is part of the old apple orchard that the hotel was built on. The name of the hotel was The Old Orchard Inn and Spa.

Tomorrow I will post some pictures of the sights we managed to get to. I think we could have spent a month in the province and not have seen everything that Nova Scotia has to offer. Harvey and I said we must get back to see Halifax and travel the Cabot Trail.

I am off to visit all of you (and get a bit more cleaning done). Everyone have a wonderful day. God bless.

The Rest of My Post Hopefully

2008-08-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is another part of the deck facing the water. This is where the ceremony took place.

It faced the lake and made everything so very special.

This is a picture of Jason. He was the opera singer that they had sing. Excellent voice and very now he is a member of Laura's extended family. He just happens to be married to Jame's cousin.

Here are the bride and groom exchanging their vows. They made a beautiful couple.

Here I am doing the Blessing of the Hands reading. Everyone will be happy to hear that I made it through the whole thing without crying. It did however make the groom a bit teary-eyed. I guess he hadn't had a chance to hear it before this day.

Well enough pictures for today. I will leave you wanting more.

Off to visit everyone now and catch up on everything you have been up to while I have been gone.

Everyone have a great day. God bless.

Back From Holidays

2008-08-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

I am back from holidays and have managed to get caught up in most of the housework since I left. While I love our son Kurt, sometimes his housekeeping leaves a great deal to be desired. He did do an excellent job keeping up with the garden watering, the cat and the lawn. That makes his Dad happy, me .....well if he would have weeded a bit as well I would have been in seventh heaven.

I am still working on Harvey's old work lap top, our youngest son Kris took the PC home with him to see if he could figure out what is wrong with it yet. He is busy moving bits and pieces between computers to see what works and what doesn't. Sure hope he gets it back up and running.

This is a picture of the deck at the lake before we decorated for the wedding.

The computer is working strangly right now so I will publish and get off and get back on to continue my post. I don't know what is going on.

Enforced Blog Break

2008-07-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, it is early morning and I have snuck out here to do a post and get everyone caught up on my news.

First, Kurt has been dragging me out to the weight room with him almost every day. He decided I needed to tone up his way, not mine. Sighs.....for a little while I ached all over, now I feel pretty good. We have also been doing some hiking and work around the house together.

I have also accepted a position as a paid moderator of my favorite Frugal Living Forum and have spent a bit of extra time there trying to learn how to use the controls. I have a pretty good idea now so I should be able to do things a bit quicker.

I was all set to post a couple of days ago, when a terrible lightening storm traveled through. Started to shut down the computer and heard a "pop". When I went to start up the computer after the storm I couldn't. I think it was the motherboard saying good-bye.

Now I will be on another enforced break, actually one that has been planned for months. We are heading out for our holiday to Nova Scotia. Hopefully I will have lots of pictures to post of our travels when we get home.

I am off to pay all of you a quick visit now.

Everybody have a wonderful day. God Bless.

I Got The Computer Back For A While

2008-07-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

Today I got up early enough that I can visit and do a bit of blogging. Our son Kurt is home visiting and seems to take over the computer most days. I will be hit and miss for about the next two weeks. While I love to have a houseful of people every so often, it does make it hard to do everything I want.

Today is rainy and cool so I will do a bit of baking. Hopefully I will be able to come back and post a few photos.

Well, I am off to visit as many of you as I can before the computer hog gets up.

Have a wonderful day. God bless.

Making Strawberry Sorbet

2008-07-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

When we traveled to Minot a few weeks ago, one of the bargains I picked up was an ice cream maker. The first item I made was Strawberry Sorbet. We had this for dessert last night. Mmmmm, was it ever good. I think that I have discovered yet another household gadget that I am just going to love using.
First puree the strawberries I picked from the garden. I did have to add a couple of my frozen ones to the blender to make enough strawberry puree.

Next I made the sugar syrup to add to the strawberry puree. I added it when cooled and moved on to the next step.

Poured it into the ice cream maker and turned it on. In about 10 minutes we were scooping the finished product into bowls to eat. The extra was put into an air tight container for us to use during the week.

I think I am going to try Chocolate Ice Cream next. I can see a need for a great deal more walking in the coming months.

Off to visit you all now.

Have a wonderful day. God bless.

Brightening Up The House

2008-07-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

I looked around my house last night and wondered where all the colour had gone. Then it dawned on me......no flowers.

I ran out to my yard and cut a few to fill a Girl Guide vase I had been given when I was the Division Commissioner. Turned out not to badly. The picture is a bit dark but it was a cloudy day that afternoon.

A couple of burgundy Gerbera Daisies and some Baby's Breath. Turned out pretty good, so good in fact it was out to the garden once again to pick some Asiatic Lilies, Delphinium and some more Baby's Breath. I like this one too.
The colours go very well with my green toned living room, and the deep purple of the delphinium sets off the pink of the lily very well.

So very much fun, but perhaps I should take a flower arranging course. I really don't have a natural talent for it like so many.

My next arrangement will be roses I think. My rose bushes are getting over loaded and I may as well enjoy them while I can.

I am off to visit you all now. Hope you have coffee ready.

Everybody have a wonderful day. God bless.

Hands

2008-07-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I have posted about this before, but Harvey and I will be attending a niece's wedding in Nova Scotia later this summer. We are planning on making a holiday of it and staying out there for a full week. Should be a lot of fun, as neither of us has been that far east before.

This past weekend I received an email from Laura asking me if I would do a reading at the wedding. Laura, is the last of the girl cousins of our daughters age group and the one who was closest to Krista so of course without even thinking about it I said a resounding "Yes".

Both the girls who grew up with our daughter have asked me to be a part of their weddings now. I think it is to show us how much they miss her and make us feel like we are a part of the wedding as well.

The problem is that every time I practice the reading I cry. It is absolutely beautiful and tugs at my heart so very much. I would like to share the reading with all of you.

Blessing of the Hands

"These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow, tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch."

I don't know where she found the reading, but I love it!!! I just had to share it with all of you.

Well I am off to visit you all this morning.

Have a wonderful day. God bless.

Friday Morning

2008-07-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to my American friends!!!

I am actually putting up a post in the morning for a change. I have sat on the deck in my jammies and had a cup or two of coffee watching the robins sample my strawberries. Good thing I manage to pick a few every day. While I love to share, these greedy little things would clear the bounty in no time. The fake owl is not working, so the netting will have to come out once again.

I thought I would post a few pictures of the flowers in the garden this morning. Everyday sees new and exciting things happening.

This hosta is getting a lovely flower stalk. Soon all the hosta's will be sporting a flowered look.

Wild sweet peas according to the older lady I got them from. To me they look more like wild snap dragons. Boy do they spread. Every so often I need to go out and tame them (or perhaps they have me trained to know when I need to thin them).

Beautiful pink flowers on the first rose I ever planted. More and more dead wood is showing however. Sure hope we can save it. My neighbour tells me that she can see it as she turns the corner on her way home.

These tall lilies grow between our house and the neighbours. They are as close to a Prairie Lily as we can get. The Prairie Lily is our provincial flower emblem and with the onset of the farming practices today is very hard to find. An endangered species out here and very well protected.

And last but not least the blossoms appear on my fuchsia. This hangs by my back door so I can enjoy it going in and out of the house. I used to buy ready made baskets, great huge hanging things. Now I just make my own basket with a couple of plants. Costs a lot less and I get to watch the growth. While they never get as big and showy as the ones from the green house, I think I get more enjoyment from these.

Well I am off to visit you all for coffee this morning.

Everybody have a wonderful day. God bless.

Yard Sale Finds

2008-06-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to a couple of yard sales. Well, maybe more than a couple, but I only bought things at two.

The first yard sale I went to was at the end of our block. I came back with this gorgeous plant stand. Only $5.00!!! I have looked at them brand new in the stores and they cost at least $40.00 up here.

It was perfect for putting my plants on.

O K blogger is being mean and not allowing me to upload pictures. Hmmmm. Guess I will have to edit the post later and see if I can add them.

At the other yard sale I bought some glass canisters, some material, and a candle or two. I have the other candle in the living room burning right this minute.

Well, I am off to visit all of you and hopefully when I come back I can upload the photos.

Yippee, I came back and it worked this time. Guess the blogger gremlins are gone for awhile.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Summer Vacation Here I Come!!!

2008-06-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day of the school year for the children and all of us Educational Assistants (they keep changing our title on us, oh well whatever).

The morning was filled with a swimming party at our cities pool complex and then back to the school for the awards ceremony and a BBQ. I was so happy as the little guy I work with won the Most Improved Student award for the younger grades. He was so happy, and so were his parents and brother.

I received some lovely gifts from the children. I sure will miss seeing them every day next year. You see I was only on a temporary contract for this year (seems like I am always on a temporary contract) and so next school year I will either be unemployed, at a different school (which will be rough as I have always worked in this school), or who knows.

I have decided that if I can not get another position I will no longer do just noon hour supervision. It is just not worthwhile to only work for 1 hour with the cost of gas being what it is.

Today we had a staff luncheon. The Principal made some lovely speeches about all of us. Each of us got a little gift from her. Here is mine.

Well I am off to visit all of you. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Blueberries

2008-06-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to make a pie to go with dinner. The problem was the high temperatures. What to do. Hey Blueberry Glazed Pie should hit the spot just fine.

First get the crust out (I cheated and used a frozen crust) that won't take long to bake. May as well soften the cream cheese and thaw the blueberries at the same time. Right.

Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice together until fluffy. If you are very lucky you get to lick the beaters. I had to beat our youngest son (he was down visiting) to this.

Spread the mixture in the baked crust and chill in the fridge.

Sprinkle blueberries on top. Almost done now.

Glaze ingredients cooking on the stove. Within a few minutes the glaze will be one,

Finished glaze cooling before spooning over the cream cheese filling.

The finished product, ready to go in the fridge to chill until supper time.

Here is the recipe I use for this pie.

Glazed Blueberry Pie

1 9 inch baked pie shell

8 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Beat these ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth. Spread in bottom of pie shell and chill.

Pour 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries over top of pie after chilling.

3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tbsp lemon juice

Combine these ingredients in a saucepan. Heat and stir until it boils and thickens. Cool. Spread evenly over blueberries in pie shell.

Chill. Enjoy.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. I am off to visit you all. God bless.

A Few More Garden Pictures.

2008-06-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

I though I would post a few more pictures of our gardens. However after seeing some of the beautiful gardens on different blogs I am a bit envious. People are so very talented at landscaping. I just put things in the ground or pots and pray they grow.

Here are some more photos of my plants and flowers.

Potatoes are coming up very well. However Harvey better get weeding and hoeing again really soon. The weeds are getting pretty big.

This poor little cucumber needs a bit more sun. Thank heavens the last two days have been bright and warm.

The Romaine lettuce has decided to poke out its head.

Finally some strawberry blossoms are slowly appearing. Looks as if I will have a crop after all.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

My Garden

2008-06-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well now that we are getting some heat the garden is really growing. I thought that I would post a few pictures of what has been happening the last little while.

My Delphiniums are starting to fill out the cages we put around them to hold them up. They are even developing blossoms on some of the stems.

My Monkshood is growing very well in its new home. You can just make out some of my lilies behind it.

Here is another better photo of my lilies. Hopefully I get lots of blooms.

This one of my yellow mini roses. I was worried that the cold weather would stunt its growth, but it looks as if I worried about nothing. There are lots of blooms on all three plants.

Here is one of my mini pink roses, just starting to open. The scent of these roses is all over the deck. Harvey says he loves to sit out there and breath deeply of the lovely smells.

Here are some photos of Harveys veggie garden. Things started to come up the last few days with the sun and warm temperatures we have been getting.

Potatoes coming along well.

Our tomatoes look a bit sickly. Hopefully this will improve.

Well I better go and finish visiting. Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Relay For Life

2008-06-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our third Relay for Life and my second year on the team. For those of you unfamiliar with this event, teams of 10 people spend 12 hours walking around a track to raise money for cancer research. This is a picture of our team this year, we had a few new members.I am the one in the bright green jacket front and center, just where I hate to be. I would rather have been in the back row but they shoved me up into the second row.

My team raised $2,400.00 and had a lot of fun at the relay. Out of the 12 hours I think that I can safely say that I walked for a total of 9 of them. My body is stiff and sore. My mind is not functioning at full capacity due to lack of sleep, but I feel like I have accomplished something worth while. The lady in the front row wearing the white jacket is a good friend of mine and is one of the survivors. My Mom was not as lucky, but would be really happy that I am doing this every year.

In the opening ceremonies the survivors do a lap and this year we had 13 more join the ranks. These people range in age from the very old. to the very young. This year the youngest survivor is 7 years old.

This is a picture of the sunrise this morning. After an extremely cold night (not at all what one would expect at this time of year) seeing the sun come up was a blessing. Feeling it's warmth was even better. About this time I could hardly feel my fingers (next time I am bringing gloves).

This photo is of the United Church choir getting ready to lead us in a sunrise service at 6 in the morning. They were very good and sang songs that I remembered from my childhood.

Well, I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend celebrating Father's Day. May your days be blessed with joy, peace and contentment.

I am off to bed now, but promise to visit everyone tomorrow. God bless.

Some Pictures From The Anniversary Tea

2008-06-10T17:51:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few pictures from the tea for our priest this past weekend. I don't know why but some of them are a bit blurry.

This is a picture of his cake. He loves sunflowers so of course we had to get them put on.

This is the tea table where I spent the first hour pouring tea or coffee for the parishioners who came to celebrate. The lady in the picture is one of the CWL members who helped set up the tea.

One of the many flower arrangements that were on the tables. The ladies took flower arranging 101 from one of the florists here (he just happens to be Catholic and donated his time to teach the ladies). Wish I could have joined them in learning how to do this, but maybe next time.

The head table, candles are lit and we are waiting for the man of the hour and his family.

The man of the hour and his Mom. Don't they look like they are having a great time.

I'll post some more later. Right now I am off to visit everyone.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Look What Came In The Mail

2008-06-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

On Friday of this past week I received a parcel in the mail. Our oldest son Kurt had been phoning and asking if it arrived for a very long time. I just got off the phone with him to let him know we got it.

Over the Easter holidays Kurt took some of his students to London and France. He bought us a few little mementos.
A pewter frame that says London, an egg timer made from some wood from an old mill in England and of course a needlework kit for me of Queen Elizabeth the second. Once I finish the afghan I am knitting and the sewing I have cut out you can guess what my up coming project is.

He also enclosed my Mother's Day Gift of angels.
The dear boy knows how much his mother loves animals and angels and managed to combine the two beautifully.

Now on to some much more somber news. My dear friend's father in law passed away Friday night. I have been spending a great deal of time with her and helping in whatever way I can. The dear man more or less wished himself to a better place. He gave up eating and drinking and gradually left this world for the next. It was very hard on my friend to see a person she loved leave. The viewing is Tuesday night and the funeral is on Wednesday.

On a happier note we had the anniversary tea for our priest today. He has served as a priest for 25 years. Tomorrow I hope to be able to post some pictures of the day. We had a wonderful time and I hope that Father Lorne enjoyed his day. We will be having a banquet and mass for him on Wednesday.

Well I am off to visit you all. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

2008-06-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

These taste just like small pieces of Chocolate Zucchini Cake without the nuts.

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

3/4 cup softened butter
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating lightly after each. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in another bowl. Add to creamed mixture alternately with zucchini and milk, making two additions of each. Mix well. Fold in chocolate chips (I bet you could add a cup of chopped walnuts here as well if you like). Spoon batter into prepared muffin pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (or until tops spring back when lightly touched) at 375 degrees.

If you like you could replace the zucchini with shredded carrots.

Spicy Carrot Muffins

2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups grated peeled carrots
3 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Combine flour, sugar, raisins, walnuts, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Stir well. In another bowl beat carrots, eggs and oil. Add to dry ingredients all at once. Stir until just moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin pans, filling 3/4 full. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees, or until tops spring back when lightly touched.

You can also use dried cherries or cranberries instead of raisins.

I hope that you enjoy these as much as we are. I think these have passed the hubby test.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. I am off to visit you all now. God bless.

Busy Week

2008-06-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday to everyone. I have had a busy week finishing up the yard. Still have to paint the fence, but I plan on doing that very soon. Like early next week, that is as long as we don't get bad weather.

Here are some pictures of the finished deck plantings and the side yard. We still have a bit to do in the back and we want to do a sprinkler system in the front. I will post pictures as things are
completed.

This is the new home of my tiny little Bleeding Heart. The poor thing was so over grown with grass and weeds it never had a chance. Hopefully now it will grow big and strong.

This is a continuation of the bed on the side of the house. The neighbour never trimmed his grass on his side of the fence and so this entire bed was filled with grass. Nothing I did could keep it clean and neat. We dug everything out, tilled the bed, put landscape fabric down, added the plants back and laid down some cedar chips. It is unbelievable how clean the area looks now. I do have to get the fence painted as soon as possible however.

This is one set of mini roses I have on my deck. By the end of the summer these tiny bushes should be quite large and looking nice and bushy.

This is the unit I put in the corner as you go down the stairs to the cement patio. Once again I have mini roses along with some impatience. This corner gets a bit of sun but not much.

Here is the fushia (I know that this is spelled wrong but for some reason I can't get spell check to work properly) I planted in the corner. You can just make out the Kenilworth Ivy that I planted in the deck box.

This is the one corner of my deck. Harvey built a shelf here and this year I placed some yellow snap dragons and some Thumblina vines on it. These need a bit more sun and will surely get that in this corner.

I plan on posting more pictures of my back yard and deck soon. I am also going to post the recipe for the Chocolate Zucchini Muffins. They taste just like the cake but are so much easier to handle and keep for a period of time. The cake always seems to dry out so quickly when there are only two in a house.

Well I am off to pay everyone a visit. I hope that you all have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

Kitchen Chores

2008-05-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

The last two days have been rainy. We are finally getting some long needed moisture. The farmers are happy and so am I. The only problem is that now the temperature is falling and we are supposed to go down to freezing tonight, guess I will be moving my pots and baskets inside if at all possible. Harvey will need to cover his tomatoes, cukes, and peppers to keep them alive.

As it is a fairly cool day I decided to do some baking. I used up the last of the frozen rhubarb baking this Rhubarb Sponge Pie.

Rhubarb Sponge Pie

3 tbsp butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, separated
2 heaping tbsp flour
1/8 tsp salt
2 cups chopped rhubarb

Soften butter and stir with sugar, egg yolks, flour and salt. Beat whites until stiff. Add rhubarb to first mixture and fold egg whites in. Fill pie shell and bake at 400 F for about 30 minutes or until top browns and mixture is set.

The as I have picked up a couple of extra afternoons of work over the next week, I decided that I might need some baked treats packed in my lunch.

First I made these Carrot Muffins with some grated carrots from the freezer. I wrapped each one in some Cling Wrap and put them into a larger bag. Now I can grab just one for my lunch or warm one up for breakfast in the morning.

Next I pulled out some shredded zucchini. I was going to make a Chocolate Zucchini Cake, but decided on these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins instead. They have almost the same ingredients as the cake so hopefully they taste just as good. These were individually wrapped as well. If they do taste scrumptious I will share the recipe with all of you.

Well I guess that I better go and start pulling in all my plants and covering those that I can't bring into the house.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. I will visit everyone later.

Finishing Up Some Projects

2008-05-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today it was much too windy to finish up my gardening projects, so I decided that I had better get some of the sewing projects done that had piled up in my sewing room.

I had cut up an old sheet a few weeks ago, and planned to make some dinner napkins out of the good parts. The worn parts I put in the linen closet to be used as cleaning rags. Here is a photo of the eight napkins that I finished up this afternoon.
I am thinking of putting a little bit of embroidery on one corner just to give them a little something more.

I had some old jeans that I had been saving to make quilt blocks, as well as scraps of other material. What better than to get those blocks cut out and packed away. They sure take up less space in my sewing room now. I am sure that I will be adding to this pile once I start sewing on my summer tops.

I have even managed to wash and press the material for my first summer top. May even get it cut out tonight.

Well that is all from windy Saskatchewan for now. I am off to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Spring

2008-05-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

I have been gone for awhile, spending time with a friend whose Father-in-law is not doing very well. My friend's family is having a very hard time facing the fact that he is getting tired and just wants to be with his wife. I go over quite often to lend her a shoulder to cry on. After all isn't that what friends are for.

This past weekend the weather was beautiful here. I managed to get out and do some planting of boxes, baskets, and other annuals. When I am done, hopefully tomorrow I will post some pictures of my efforts.

Here are some photo's of my perennial bed now. Things are growing overnight and I can hardly wait to see the flowers appear.

This is my Monkshood. It grew overnight, I was worried that it did not take transplanting very well. I guess that I worried for nothing.

Look how big my Delphinium have gotten. Everyday they seem to get bigger and bigger. These are my favorite of all the perennials that I have. I just wish that they would flower longer. Even cutting them down does not seem to extend their flowering.

Harvey put up his apartment for birds a few weeks ago. We now have a family of sparrows living in one of the rooms. It was a great deal of fun sitting in our living room watching them build their nest. Papa could hardly get in and out of the opening, while Momma zipped in and out with ease. They greet me every morning with their constant chirping. I can hardly wait for the babies to arrive. The sound level will surely increase greatly in the early morning.

Last night I pulled out these two patterns to make some tops for the summer. Which one should I do first?

I am off to do some visiting now. Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Everything Is Coming Up Flowers

2008-05-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well it looks as if something managed to bloom in my garden in spite of the cool weather we have been having. I just had to pick these yellow tulips to brighten up my day.
I think that they add a splash of colour to my living room coffee table.

On Thursday, Harvey brought home these lovely carnations as part of my Mother's Day gift. I ended up trying to arrange them nicely in my Girl Guide vase. The rest of my gift is going to be something that I pick out for my yard. It seems that Harvey has run out of ideas in that department.

On Friday we went to Regina and I dragged my two men to every green house that I could find. I did manage to pick up a few flats of flowers for my gardens. The weather however is not cooperating enough to get them outside to harden up before planting. It is too cool out to even put them in a sheltered spot on our deck. Sure hope it smartens up soon so that I don't end up losing them.

I really like the bright colours of the daisies. They will look great on my deck. I still have to get more flowers and I will update all of you as they arrive. I sometimes think that I spend way too much on plants, but Harvey seems to think that it is just fine. Summers are so short here that we need to surround ourselves with life and colour for the time we do get nice weather.

Lest any of you think Harvey was left out we bought seeds for the garden and this flat is mostly seedlings for the garden. He even managed to sneak in some very, very, hot peppers. I think he tries to get hotter ones every year.
Well I am off to start supper. We are having Split Pea Soup. I made a huge pot about 2 weeks ago and froze some for just an occasion like this. Cool, overcast days are perfect for soup and sandwiches, don't you think.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. I will be visiting you all later. God bless.

Wishing Everyone A Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

I want to take this opportunity to wish all of the Mothers out there in Blogland a very Happy Mother's Day. May your day be filled with the joy and happiness that a loving family brings.

Thank you so much Ginger for this lovely award. I would like to pass this on to Mary at Mary's Writing Nook. Mary has been a great blogging friend. Her posts always light up my day and her random acts of kindness are an inspirations to many of us.

Now I am off to visit all of you.

Have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-05-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know where the time disappears to. It only seems like yesterday that I posted and here it has been at least a week. I know I get carried away sometimes and lose track of time, but this is getting totally crazy.

Becky, I love my dishcloth. I got it in the mail today. One question how on earth did you know that I love the colour green? The pattern you chose is gorgeous!!!! Thank you so very much.

I thought that I would catch everyone up on our basement window. Harvey had to replace a few pieces on his air compressor so things once again ground to a halt. The parts were delivered last night all the way from Virginia. He put it back together and it is humming up a storm now. Here is a picture of how far we have gotten since my last picture. Our oldest son is extremely worried that the whole slab is going to fall into the basement on top of his father. The problem is that I had never even given that a thought and now it is all I can think about. Worry wart me has asked Harvey to tie the slab off so this won't happen. It is actually beginning to look as if we will get natural light into the room yet!!

I tried a new recipe tonight. While it was pretty good, there was something missing. This fish stew needs more of a robust taste than the thyme gave it. I am going to play around with the leftovers and see what can be added. Surprise of surprises is that Harvey actually enjoyed it and had a second helping.

I am off to visit everyone now. Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

In The Kitchen Again

2008-04-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

I made the mistake a couple of years ago of making 6 pies to take to a birthday party at the school for a staff member. I made another mistake on Monday, I said I would bring a dessert to our Staff BBQ tomorrow. Yippees erupted and questions about lemon meringue pies poured forth.

After supper I placed myself in the kitchen and started baking. Now after 1 1/2 hours of rolling, stirring and baking they are done.
Sure hope they appreciate them.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. I am off to visit you. God bless.

It's Been A Long Time

2008-04-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

Once again I noticed how long it has been since I put up a post. Life just seems to get in the road of all my fun sometimes.

I have accomplished a few things over the past week or so.

On the weekend I made some pumpkin pies. They aren't as nice as I would have liked them, but Harvey seems to enjoy them. I am down 1 pie now. I think we planted a different type of pumpkin and the puree just didn't become that rich pumpkiny colour.

Then I think I mentioned that our oldest son Kurt put in a request for some baby afghans. It seems many of the ladies he works with at the school are expecting new additions. He wanted one in pink and one in more neutral colours. Well here are the finished products. I phoned to tell him they were done and would be mailed this week. Guess what he needs another one, but is not sure what colours. Told him to find out and then I will do it up for him.

What we don't do for our children!!!

The weather here has been pretty cold for this time of year. I am beginning to wonder if spring will ever arrive and actually stay for awhile.

Well better go and visit all of my blogging friends.

Have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Goodies

2008-04-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

One day towards the end of the school week one of the other aides surprised us all with a treasure trove of goodies. Her Mom was no longer doing crafts and so she decided to bring all her supplies to the school. We were allowed first choice of all the items for FREE!!!! These are what I brought home.

Then it was off to the church rummage sale to see what goodies they had to offer. My goodness they had a lot this time. I managed to get 2 puzzles (for the children at school), an old Nancy Drew book that I did not have and some large pieces of material. All for a cost of $4.00. Here are my goodies from the sale. There is enough of each piece of material to make a summer top. So lots of fun in the sewing room.

The children loved the puzzles and have already started to put one together in their spare time.

Well it is off to visit everyone. Hope the coffee is still warm.

You all have a great evening. God bless

Went On A Treasure Hunt

2008-04-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Before I started spring cleaning this morning, I decided to see what treasures were poking their heads out in my flower beds.

I am so happy!! The first thing I noticed were the buds on this bush. I just love the whitish pink flowers that appear right after the first leaves. Then in the fall the bush is covered with berries. The birds usually finish them right up during the winter so I am surprised there are any left on. Cedar Waxwings just love them and visit here all winter long.

Then I found these brave blue bells breaking through the dry soil (notice the cracks) in my front flower bed. This bed faces directly south and is sheltered from the rain by the overhang. I see that I had better get out and water soon.

The purple Columbine is up and ready to face the spring. I collected the seed pods for this plant a few years ago and made packages of seeds up for some very dear friends. They had fallen in love with the colour of the flowers and could not find the same plant. Now they are growing in others gardens spreading even more joy.

This is one of my windflowers (at least that was what the lady who gave them to me called them). They spread like crazy and every year I dig up the baby plants to give to others. They have a pretty white flower that grows on a long stem. When the wind blows (as it always seems to do here) the flower gracefully dances.

I even noticed the ruffled edges of my delphinium reaching for the warmth of the sun.

We moved my perennial bed last year to the center of our backyard and I was so worried that I was going to lose my favorite flower. I guess they made the transition as all of them seem to be coming up.

I just love the colours and the graceful movements of delphinium. Now I just need a way to keep them standing tall.

Well thats some of my garden treasures shared with all of you. I hope to have more photos soon.

I won a drawing on Becky's blog. A beautiful hand knit dish cloth. Thank you so very much for drawing those bonus names.

Well I better go and have coffee with everyone and then it is back to finishing my Spring Cleaning.

Everyone have a wonderful day. God bless.

Locked Myself in the Sewing Room

2008-04-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I haven't been around for the last week, but like my title said I locked myself in the sewing room until I got a few things done. I feel like I accomplished a lot last week.

First I finished the sun dress that I made about a couple of weeks ago. All I needed to do was hem the darn thing. I picked a very light green crepe, and if the weather stays as warm as it has been the last few days I might be wearing it very soon.

Then I attempted to make some totes. I adapted a pattern that I found on the internet. I think they need a few more changes, but these will work just fine for bringing groceries home. I also got to use up some of the material that was using up valuable space in my sewing room.

The last item I finished was this sweater. I am soooo glad that it is done. I ran out of the main colour so ended up finishing the collar with a dark gray. Harvey thinks that it looks just fine, and I am happy that it is finally finished.

I have started knitting a couple of baby blankets for our oldest son. He put in a request just before Easter. I will post some pictures when they are done.

Every one have a wonderful evening. God bless

Sunday

2008-04-06T18:08:00.001-07:00

This cake plate was made by my great aunt for my mother. There is a matching cream and sugar bowl. When Mom passed away Dad was going to throw the set away as he had no earthly use for it. I just couldn't let that happen so I inherited it.

Today or rather late last night I decided to make an Angel Food cake from a mix that I had for awhile.

This morning Harvey was concerned that the cake would dry out. I pulled this cake out of my curio cabinet to use. It worked perfectly.

Now my cake is protected, and I have a nice decoration sitting on my table. We will be having strawberry shortcake for dessert as soon as Harvey wakes up from his nap. It is strawberry season in the stores so I can see me getting a lot of use out of this.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

Daffodils

2008-04-04T17:27:00.001-07:00

I don't know if this is done in the United States, but every April the Cancer Society here in Canada sells daffodils to raise money for all their programs. Every year my darling husband buys me two bunches for my house.

These are just starting to open fully and I love them. If you noticed I even put them in one of my gift vases.

They add a splash of spring to a very long winter and give my home a boost of colour every year.

I can hardly wait for my tulips, iris, and wind flowers to start to bloom. I have noticed buds on my Nanking cherries, and on the pie cherry trees. The robins have started to arrive and the geese are flying north. I actually think that spring has sprung.

I am off to visit everyone now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

More Of My Angel Collection

2008-03-31T17:22:00.001-07:00

I thought that I would share some more of my angel collection with all of you.

This is one of my musical Sara's Angels. Father Lorne bought this one as a Christmas gift for me when I worked as the Youth Coordinator for the Parish. I am still working for our parish, I am just not paid for it any more. This angel plays Silent Night.

The angel playing the harp was a gift from my sister and her daughter one Christmas. Many years ago I had said to my niece that I had always wanted to learn how to play the harp. To my great surprise she remembered and talked her Mom into getting me this beauty. This Sara's Angel plays Amazing Grace, one of my favorite hymns.

My niece added a note to the gift, telling me that it is never too late to learn a new skill. This from a girl who plays piano, flute and piccolo like an angel herself. The next instrument she plans on taking up is the cello. Just wish I could play one instrument, never mind 4.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Gifts

2008-03-30T16:46:00.001-07:00

In January I received a notice from the School Board that I was due a 10 year gift. Turns out they went back to when I first was hired and added these years to the 4 that I have now. I was to go and pick out a gift worth $75.00 plus tax.

I picked these vases as I loved the shape and colour. Don't really know what I am going to use them for, but for right now they look absolutely lovely sitting on the top of my entertainment unit in the living room.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Our Son Calls Them "The Grouchy Great, Greats"

2008-03-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would share a bit more about my family with my blogger friends.

These are pictures of my great and great great grandparents. Kurt always calls them the "Grouchy Great-Greats" because they are not smiling. I tried to tell him that back in those days people did not smile when getting their pictures taken. Needless to say this nickname has stuck to these pictures.

My Dad is living in the house that belonged to the bottom couple. It was my grandmothers parents home and has made it through three generations of family. The house was an Eatons special and brought to Rhien via the train. Dad did a bit of fixing on it and while up in the attic found these pictures.

Grandma's family came from Russia to Canada in the late 1800's. They traveled up through the United States and settled in Saskatchewan. My Dad has told us many times how they were invited to Russia from Germany by Katherine the Great to teach the Russian people how to farm. Then years down the road after putting down roots were asked (not politely either) to leave.

Canada was the land of opportunity at that time and so they came here to live and work. This same thing happened to my husbands family as well, however they came to Canada through South America. In fact my husbands father was born in Argentina the same year the Titanic sunk.

Hi Ho, It's Off to Work I Go

2008-03-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well I am still busy spring cleaning. I managed to get 3 more rooms done today. I started washing walls in my sewing room, cleaned a bit more out of the closet in there and then moved on to our bed room.

There really was not a lot to clean in there as I seem to tidy that room along with the kitchen and living room the most. I washed the walls, the light fixtures (how do sealed fixtures get so dusty), cleaned the picture frames, washed the curtains and swept all the dust bunnies out from under the bed and the furniture.

The last room I did today was the bathroom. Once again it was wash the shower curtain, the walls, ceiling, and the fixtures. I wiped off the shelves and cleaned out the medicine cabinet. I was sure surprised to see all the out of date ointments and over the counter meds we had in there. I cleaned out under the vanity and then started on the linen cabinet.

Things do look cleaner and brighter. I do love the smell of a clean house. Hopefully I will be finished most of the house before I head back to work next week. I plan on working on the kitchen tomorrow and once that is done I only have two rooms left and the basement.

While I was busy doing the cleaning Harvey was occupied downstairs. He has started on the window once again. He is hoping to be through in about another week. I think that he is getting a bit bored with working inside as he went to the lumber yards today to see if he could find any deck plans. Our deck is about 20 years old and starting to rot in places so he wants to build a new one. I wish that he would finish one job before he started planning the next one. Oh well he usually manages to get whatever he starts finished.

It started to snow this afternoon. Large wet flakes. In fact at one point the snow was coming down so hard that I could not see down the valley. March really is going out like a lion.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Spring Cleaning

2008-03-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Well being as I have this week off and Harvey is home, I thought that I would start my spring cleaning.

I had forgotten how hard this is to do when he is home. Lets see, this is how my day started. Up a bit later than usual, but it was nice to have that extra hours sleep. Hmmm, Harvey is still sleeping, what can I do that is quiet so the dear boy can sleep. I know laundry first, then cleaning the sinks and counters in the kitchen, tidy up the bathroom, dust the living room. Still not up, I guess I can deep clean the kitty litter box (wash it and bleach it outside), sweep and scrub the floors. The dear boy is still not up and half the morning has gone by.

Finally I go into the bedroom, give him a shake and ask if he plans on getting up any time soon. Muffled sounds come from the head sandwiched between the pillows. Another shake and a tousled head appears. "What time is it?" I give him the good news, "I let you sleep until 10 dear."
I then get a disgruntled look and a hubby bounding out of bed. It seems that he had wanted to get up earlier as he had things he wanted to get done today. What am I a mind reader?

I get Harvey up, fed and out of the house to do his errands. I start to take curtains down, light fixtures are removed from the ceiling in the all and one bedroom. The shelves are taken down, and the pictures are all piled on the table to have the frames and glass cleaned. My pail is full of water and Lysol (I need to use up the large jug I bought a year ago) and I am climbing up onto the stepping stool.

The door opens and knocks the rags flying, almost sends me and the water careening across the hall into the wall. In walks Harvey. "What are you doing?" "Washing down the walls." He walks into the dining room. Comes back with a funny look on his face, "Do you want me to do the walls while you clean the rest of your things?" Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I hand him the pail, stepping stool and rags. I take myself off to the dining room to clean the shelves and pictures.

Well Harvey helping me was kind of a help, however I now need to re scrub the hallway floor as he had a small accident with the scrub pail.

The method to his madness was "Honey now that the walls are washed, could you bake some cookies to snack on?"

I told him that I would bake some tonight after supper, and I will right after I clean the floors a second time. Next time he asks if he can help, I will send him downstairs with the vacuum.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Resurrection Stories

2008-03-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are 14 stories about Jesus' Resurrection in the Gospels? None of the stories describe the actual Resurrection or the physical appearance of the resurrected Christ. Matthew emphasizes God's power with dramatic symbols like earthquakes, and lightening. Mark focuses on the empty tomb. Luke emphasizes the living presence of Jesus in the Scriptures. John brings out the authority of the leaders of the early church.

These, taken altogether convey the faith of the disciples that Jesus is alive. Through God's power, life has triumphed over death. The disciples are given the mission to communicate this good news to all.

The stories of the Resurrection are proof that despair and death do not win. God is at work in even the most hopeless situations.

Let us continue the mission and communicate the good news to all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless

Early Easter For Us

2008-03-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Things have been fairly hectic around here the last few days.

In the Catholic Church we entered the Easter Tridium on Thursday. At Mass that night we celebrated the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. We also highlight Christ's service to others. This is done by having 12 parishioners represent the 12 apostles. The priest washes their feet just like Christ did for his apostles.

Friday afternoon at 3 pm we have the Good Friday Service. We do not call this Mass as it is a carry over from Thursday night. During the service we venerate the Cross that Christ was crucified on. We usually do this by kneeling beside it, touching it or in the case of some of the older parishioners kissing it.

Tonight we have Easter Vigil. This is when we welcome those who have decided to convert to the Catholic faith, and celebrate the waiting and watching at the tomb for Christ to rise. We light the Easter Candle, with fire that the priest has blessed and the church is in darkness. As the priest processes down the center aisle with the Easter candle we light small candles from this one candle. Soon the church is lighted with hundreds of small flames. This shows how the light of Christ spreads through the world.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, the celebration of Christ's risen body and the sightings by the women and the other disciples. It is a day of joy and after 40 days we can proudly sing the Alleluia once again.

As I am the outgoing Liturgy Chairperson I have been extremely busy the last few days. Just thought that I would let everyone know what I have been up to, splitting palms, finding the 12, getting the cross ready for veneration, decorating the church for tonight and tomorrow.

Our son has to leave tomorrow to go back to Regina. He has to work on Monday and so I have been busy getting our Easter dinner ready for tonight. Kris loves turkey and all the trimmings and so that is what we are having for supper. Should be enough left over for him to take some home with him.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Joy filled Easter. As we say tonight and tomorrow as we celebrate,

He is Risen, Alleluia.

Redoing Another Room

2008-03-18T13:28:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of the bedroom downstairs we are redoing. For years our oldest son Kurt slept and did his homework in this room. Now Harvey has decided that it needs a window badly, it isn't safe not to have one (we may actually have grandchildren one day who would like to stay and visit with us, you know). He started to demolish the room in October and cut in the window. Well it got cold of course so he had to stop. Soon he will be back in and cutting away.

The other really unsafe thing about the room was that the bottom of the walls were covered by cedar shingles. Those things catch fire very easily.

Once the window is cut in, framed and put it I get the fun of picking out the decor and putting it all together. I really would like to make this room into a library type of room and just have a futon for sleeping, and a couple of nice comfy chairs for reading in. That would be my dream come true.

I will post pictures as the work progresses.

Everyone have a wonderful day. God Bless.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2008-03-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

I want to wish each and every one of you a Happy St. Patrick's Day and share something with you all.

This little shamrock necklace has been with me for a very long time.

My Auntie Mae and Uncle Percy (they were not really my relatives but I belong to the generation where very close friends of parents were honorary aunts and uncles and called such) brought me this back from Ireland on one of their many trips to the Emerald Isle. I have cherished it for close to 40 years now and it is all I have left to remember two wonderful people. My Mom always said I was the glue that held their friendship together. I guess I introduced the families because of my age and the fact that their son was in the military here in Canada and they could not see their grand daughter very often. I was the same age as Susan and so when Auntie Mae saw me playing in the back yard, came over to talk to Mom. After a time I ended up spending at least part of the day over at Auntie Mae's and Uncle Percy's. In fact it was Auntie Mae who taught me how to go up and down stairs at a very young age.

When Harvey and I got engaged and talked about where we wanted to go for a honeymoon, I really wanted to go back out to Vancouver to see these wonderful people. It was not to be, we got married in January and the weather was terrible. The first people I phoned when we got engaged other than family was of course Uncle Percy and Aunt Mae. They were so happy for me. I told Uncle Percy that I had really wanted to get out and see them but with the winter weather here in Canada Harvey felt it would be safer to travel to see them in the summer. Uncle Percy started to cry, he said that he would see us both that summer. I think even then he knew that he had cancer and would not be there when we managed to visit. If he had told us we would have tried to get there no matter what.

Auntie Mae got to meet Harvey and they both got along very well. She went to live with God three years later.

Every time I wear this shamrock I remember how they took me into their home and treated me and the rest of my family as beloved members of theirs.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Sunday

2008-03-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well I am feeling a little bit better right now. Not so hot, sweaty and stuffed up. I don't do being sick very well at all. My dear hubby says I get whiny and I am beginning to agree with him as I get older and supposedly wiser.

I have spent the last day in bed, wondering why this is. The conclusion that I came to is because as first a wife and then a mother, I never had time to be sick before. I hate the feeling of helplessness, I need to be up and doing. Lying around has never suited my temperament even as a child. I am supposed to be the one that looks after others who are sick, that was part of my job for so many years. I guess I am going to have to get used to letting Harvey look after me once in a while.

I plan on curling up with a bowl of soup and my cup of tea shortly.

I hope to visit everyone tomorrow. I have missed all of you.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Not Well At All

2008-03-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

I think I am coming down with a doozy of a spring cold. My head is stuffed, throat sore, and a really nice chesty cough is developing. Yuck. I am going to take a couple of days off and nurse myself. See everyone on Monday.

God bless.

Another of My Favorite Things

2008-03-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone. It is a beautiful day here in Southeastern Saskatchewan. We were getting rain this morning, but the sky has cleared and the sun is shining so nicely. It makes me long for spring and the fun getting all my flowers ready for the yard. I will need to start planning gardens soon. I have a feeling Harvey has already started planning the vegetable garden.

Today I thought I would share another of my favorite things to do. Along with knitting and sewing I love to do counted cross stitch.

I decided that perhaps I would share a couple of my finished projects with you.

This is an afghan I made for my mother in law many years ago for Christmas. The girls made sure that I would get it back after Nymph died in February. The living room is not quite where I want to put it, but I have not figured out another place of honour for it yet.

This is a counted cross stitch picture of Da Vinci's Last Supper. I always wanted a picture of it to hang in the dining room, but none really struck my fancy. The ones I really liked were way too expensive. I found this pattern and just set about making my own.

The fun part was trying to find a frame for it. I ended up asking Harvey to make me one. This was one of his first efforts at picture framing and I think he did a pretty good job.

One of these days I am going to have to go through my tote of "unfinished projects" and get them done. Maybe if I do a post about them it will inspire me to finish them.

Everybody have a wonderful day. God Bless.

Sunday Happenings

2008-03-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we attended the baptism of one of the newer members of our family. Joaquim Levi was born in December, just before Christmas. He weighed in at 10 lbs 4 1/2 oz.

His Dad is my hubbies nephew and his Mom is Yanet. Levi met her while serving in the Navy for 2 years. Yanet is from Chicago and while her Mom speaks English very well, her Dad still speaks Spanish much better than English.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

More Pictures From The Play

2008-03-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

Our Seminarian Nonso dressed to sing "The Good Earth."

Gordon, my fellow tour bus driver on the tours of the parables. I was the tour guide for the tours.

This is a picture from the "bus" of the mother of the Prodigal Son.

One of the "tourists" on the bus. This girl was in my youth group at the church for years.

The Prodigal Son getting his papers ready to collect his inheritance.

The girls portraying the pigs on the farm the Prodigal Son worked on before he went home.

Well the play is over, and from everyone that I have talked to it was a great success. I was one of the few (I think there were 3 of us), that did not have a mike and according to all who have stopped me to say how much they loved the play, I was one of the few they could hear and understand. One lady said that my diction and voice projection were perfect. Many people said that I should have been a lawyer, that I missed my "calling". I have played a lawyer in the final scenes of both plays we have presented. Makes me feel like I did my part in the production of the play. I never realized that my voice carried as well as people tell me it does.

Our local cable company came and filmed the production, so hopefully I will be able to pick up a DVD or video. When you take part in something like this you miss so very much, I am almost tempted next time to just be a part of the audience rather than an actor.

I plan on starting to visit all of you again tomorrow. Have the coffee ready!

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

Pictures From "The Play"

2008-03-05T15:08:00.001-08:00

Thought that I would post a few pictures from the play we are doing at the church. I am waiting for supper to cook, so thought I would put my time to use while I wait.
The pit bad. Mercy me we are having real music instead of just a CD playing during the song and dance numbers.

The stage crew, at rest before the fun begins.

Our stage director posing for the camera.

The two actors portraying the Farmer and his wife. I work in the school system with both these ladies. Shhh, one of them is the principal of the school.

Two of my favorite people getting ready to sing their song "The Good Earth."

Well supper is ready, so I better go. I have a meeting to attend tonight, so if I don't get a chance to come calling please forgive me.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

Look What Came In The Mail

2008-03-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I won the give away on Gigi's blog Under the Willow. Guess what was awaiting me in the mail today. I could hardly wait to open it up.

Here is what my good friend sent to me.

Yes, this absolutely lovely bar of Bennington Maple Sugar handmade soap.

Doesn't it look just good enough to eat. I love the Maple leaf that is embossed on it. Thank you so very much Gigi. I love it!!!!

Here is a picture of my curtains pulled back to let in some light. I found the hooks downstairs in a box of odds and ends. They sure came in handy.
Harvey, finally finished off the pantry. He thought that it would look better with a door covering the microwave. Boy was he right. The pantry looks totally different now, I really enjoy having things covered up so no one can see the finger marks if I don't get around to cleaning them off.

Everybody have a wonderful afternoon. God bless.

Getting Caught Up

2008-03-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

Now it is time for me to get caught up on some memes.

Here is the first one from BJ. The six word meme.

First the rules.

Here are the meme rules:

1. Write your own six word memoir

2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like

3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere

4. Tag five more blogs with links

5. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

My six word meme is

Friends leave footprints on our hearts.

I would like to tag:

Ginger at Enchanting Cottage

Barb at Barbs Ramblings

Gayle at Common Cents Living

Now on to the next one, the Six Things About Me from fireflynights.wordpress.com/

1. I love to knit, and would gladly spend my entire day doing so.

2. My next favorite thing to do is sew.

3. I have never dyed my hair.

4. I wish I would have started blogging years ago. It is so much fun.

5. There never seems to be enough hours in a day for me to get everything done.

6. I have been married for 32 years to my very best friend.

Any one who reads my blog is invited to take part.

It's March, Where Did February Go?

2008-03-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

Well it's March already and I still can't figure out where February disappeared. I am almost up to my 100th post as well.

I went to visit Kris, the fog did lift and the day looked beautiful. Little did I know what awaited me on the road to Regina. I got to the Corinne turn which is about 1/2 hour out of Regina and saw pure white road in front of me. The wind was blowing and because it was melting the snow stuck to the surface of the highway. Well it was a sheet of glassy white the rest of the way into the city. I could only travel about 50 kilometers an hour, or for my American friends 30 miles an hour. It was one car after another all the way. So what usually takes half an hour took and hour.

I did some shopping, and then picked Kris up from work. As I was driving him home we discussed whether to go out for supper or if I should head straight home while I could still see the road. He recommended I go home and so my visit lasted all of about 10 minutes. He did appreciate the fact that I made it up and brought him all kinds of goodies. Harvey said that he will take me up to see Kris one day very soon. Mind you Easter will be here before we know it and Kris will be home for a visit.

I cut out my sun dress today and then started pawing through my fabric stash. I found these pieces of fabric. I forgot what I bought them for, but now I think I will use them to make some totes. I am really getting tired of all the plastic bags that I am bringing in the house.

There is only enough of the top fabric to make one tote, but lots of the other. I should be able to make 3 or 4 out of it. I think I picked them up at the CWL rummage sale at the church. I do like to support the ladies in their money raising efforts.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

Sewing for Summer

2008-02-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

I have spent the past few days in the sewing room. I really need to get through my stash of fabrics and having this week off from work gave me the incentive to get started on some much needed wardrobe replenishment.

I first made the top that I had cut out just before I started my curtains. While I now know why the pattern called for lace trim around the neckline and the sleeves, I am sure that once I figure out a way to keep them both plain without the puckering I will be happy.

The navy shorts turned out so...so. I used a very old pattern that I had tucked away and boy can a person ever tell that sizing has changed. They are a little large, and look more like skirt length to me, but they are wearable and next time I know to go down a size or two.

The khaki green (perhaps more an olive green), turned out very well. The fit is excellent, I just had to readjust the elastic in the waistband for a better fit.

All in all a productive week so far.

The rest of my days have been spent learning the music and dance routines for the play. I still do not have them as second nature yet and in a few places the dance moves elude me, but I am sure by the next practice (on Sunday night), I will be much better off for having practiced at home. Now I have to go over my lines once again and start to gather the props and items for my costumes.

Today is very foggy, and I am waiting for the fog to lift a little bit. I want to go and visit our youngest son Kris in Regina. It is a two hour trip at the best of times and if the visibility is poor, well it can take even longer. I hope to leave here in about an hour and a half.

Harvey is curling in a small town near here this weekend, so I doubt that he will get any extra work done around the house. Oh well, I guess he needs a break too.

Everyone have a wonderful day. God Bless.

Winter Wonderland

2008-02-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

The last two days I have been waking up to a diamond studded day.

I have always wondered what the weatherman meant by an ice depositing fog. Well when the fog lifted this is what I saw out of my living room window. Made me feel as if I had entered the ice covered world of Hans Christian Anderson's stories. I love it.

Everybody have a wonderful day. God bless.

Saturday

2008-02-23T16:31:00.001-08:00

The start of the eclipse and my fence that really needs painting badly. We got it scraped and then the weather got too cold to paint. This will be my first job this spring.

This picture was taken about 30 minutes later. I really tried to keep the pictures a certain time limit apart.

This is the last picture I took, I got way too involved in just watching the whole thing. It was absolutely amazing. The pictures are not as good as some that I have seen on other blogs, but perhaps they well give a northern perspective of the eclipse.

Now on to what I have been doing today.

Harvey is curling with the guys and so I have had the house to myself for most of the day. Love the quiet and the chance to get in the sewing room and get a bit done. I have quite a fabric stash and really need to get busy sewing a few things.These are plain rod pocket curtains that I did up for the corner windows. Even though they don't look like they block the light very much, they actually do. I need to figure out a way to pull them back to let in the sun during the day to keep my jade plant alive and to allow some more sun into that corner. Harvey says it is way to dark (this while he was home for a few minutes between curling games. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

My supper tonight. Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Yum, the only time I get to eat this is when Harvey is not home for supper. I think that I will have some chocolate pudding as a snack a bit later.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

Thoughts on Window Coverings

2008-02-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

We have a window in the bathroom above the tub. I wanted as much light as possible to come in the window and just hate to have curtains getting wet and hanging against the window frame and the tile. So what to do.

At first I used the fake stained glass effect, but that did not seem to want to stay on the window for very long. I was always having to redo parts of it.

When we were on vacation last summer at a camp ground in Manitoba I saw this hanging in the window of a small store in a resort area. I fell in love with the colours (they match the tile in my bathroom perfectly), and told Harvey that I needed it. Didn't really know what I was going to do with it, but really really wanted it badly.

Well when we got home the dreaded question came, "Okay, Jackie what did you need this for?"
Off the top of my head, out of no where I replied, "Let's use it in the bathroom window."

So after days of scraping (it still could use a bit of work) Harvey bought some hooks and up it went. I just love it. The light looks so pretty coming through and we still get enough coverage (though you can't tell from the picture, we are about a story higher than our neighbour), that I don't have to worry about any peepers.

The tile stays cleaner and I don't have to worry about washing curtains all the time.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

Knitting From My Yarn Stash

2008-02-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I posted a picture of a pattern and two types of yarn that I was thinking about using. Well here is a picture of the finished product.

I used the purple to make the open vest. It turned out not too bad, but if I ever make it again I will do a smaller size.

The rose pink Vanna's Choice I made into a vest. I really like the weight of it, however next time I would make it a bit longer.Last night I heard the sewing machine and my fabric stash calling my name. I cut this top out and I hope to get into the sewing room over the weekend to work on it. If not, I have all of next week off of work for Winter Break. I am hoping to get it done as well as some curtains for the living room very, very soon.

Later tonight I am going to try and get out to take some pictures of the lunar eclipse. Hopefully the sky stays clear enough to get some great photos.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

What Harvey Has Been Up To

2008-02-18T15:13:00.000-08:00

For the last two weeks Harvey has been busy in his work room, making a bird house. He wouldn't let me see it until the whole thing was done.

Let me tell you this is one big bird house, enough room for 6 families if they decide to use it.

Now we just have to find the right tree in the yard to put it in this spring. It has to be one that the neighbourhood cats and our own can't reach. I am thinking the Maple tree out front might be our best bet.

A few days ago BJ posted her favorite piece of furniture and I thought that I would do the same.
This is a Cedar Chest that my mother got when she was first married, so now it would be about 54 years old. I love it and have since I was a child. I really like the simple clean lines.

I have it at the end of our bed with all our special remembrances in it. I hope to be able to pass it on in the family some day. Perhaps to a daughter-in-law.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

Practice, Practice, Practice

2008-02-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

Today I thought I would post some pictures of our last play practice at the church. I am not too sure how they have turned out so hopefully you will get a rough idea of the lay out. This play travels through 4 of the Parables that Jesus taught. I hope that the audience can understand the more modern view and speech.

Any way Sunday afternoons are spent here at the church practicing lines, songs and dance routines for 3 hours. Some days I ache because I have moved portions of my anatomy that I haven't moved since the last play 2 years ago. This is a picture of the stage we have built around the front of the sanctuary. It was built two years ago, but this year we needed to expand it.

The above are a couple of pictures of some of the "actors" rehearsing. I hope to get a few more pictures this week when we run through the whole play.

My steel trap of a mind is giving me problems this time around. I am really having trouble remembering my lines and this week we are supposed to have them all memorized. Help!!!

Oh well, I will leave it in God's hands for he surely will not let me down.

Have a wonderful day everyone. (Hey I get to say day instead of evening.)

2008-02-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

I want to wish each and everyone of you a very Happy Valentines Day. May your day and evening be filled with the love and joy each of you so richly deserves.

Have a wonderful evening. God Bless.

Awards

2008-02-14T16:46:00.001-08:00

I was gifted with a number of Awards from my friend Karen at Kar en's Korner
I want to thank her for all of them and now I think I will try to post them. My computer is acting kind of weird so I hope this works.

Thank you so much Karen. The awards are just beautiful, just like you. My next effort will be putting them on my side bar if I can remember how to do it.

I would like anyone who visits me to take any of these awards that they wish.

I've Been Tagged

2008-02-14T16:36:00.001-08:00

I have been tagged by Sereknitty. I am supposed to post 7 little known facts about myself so here goes.

1. Even though I have lived for over thirty years in the western portion of Canada, for some reason I think of Ontario as home.

2. Many of my friends say I have an accent.

3. I have never dyed my hair. I am planning on streaking it for the very first time.

4. I laugh and cry when I am reading a book that touches me. Do the same in movies.

5. I am not afraid of snakes, spiders, frogs, lizards or toads.

6. I am afraid of grasshoppers and bees. Shhh, don't tell anyone.

7. My sweetie Harvey says that all I cooked for the first year we were married was Hamburger Helper. Don't know if that is quite true, but I let him get away with saying it.

I won't tag anyone, but if you want to play let me know so I can get to know you better.

Be Careful What You Wish For

2008-02-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

This year we have had very little snow. lots of cold blustery weather, but no real snow fall. Here I was wishing for some snow a couple of days ago. The problem was I did not want it all at once, which is exactly what we got.

When I woke this morning we were in the start of a blizzard, the first of this winter season. I had my morning coffee, got dressed and went out to shovel. I did get in to work and it was a toss up whether to park on the road or in the parking lot. You see, when the wind comes from a certain direction the lot gets snowed in and no one can get out. I did pick the lot due to the fact that it was really cold. Managed to get out and started to drive home. What usually takes 5 minutes ended up taking me 20 due to the drifts and the extremely poor visibility.

I go to turn into my driveway and almost missed it, so covered in snow that it was hard to see. So I spent about 15 minutes shoveling it out once again. I put supper on at about 4:30 and went out and shoveled for a third time. Sure hope it stays clear now. The road is filled however, so I am sure glad that we own a 4 wheel drive, at least if I am careful I can make it out to the main street.

I will never wish for snow again.

These are some photos of the snow we got today. The radio said we got about 5 inches in 3 hours and then it just blew around.

I want to say thank you to Ginger at Enchanting Cottage for this Blessing award. It is just beautiful. I have a few more awards, but I will post them later. Right now I have to get the dishes done and then get caught up on everybody's day.

Have a wonderful evening. God Bless

Back To Normal Or As Close As Possible

2008-02-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

Well the house is once again our own, but it does seem strange not having people around. It also seems very strange not to be going to the hospital to visit with Harvey's mother. We were talking about this last night and I think it finally hit us that the corner stone of family get togethers will no longer be with us. We wondered if the family would ever celebrate anything other than a wedding or funeral as a unit ever again. Perhaps it will be up to our generation to make sure this still takes place every so often.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts over the past week. All of you have become so much a part of my life and knowing that people were praying right along with me and my family helped so very, very much.

Yesterday was my first day back at work and it felt good to be back doing something other than wondering around the house and crying. The children were wonderful, in fact I got hugs and welcome back from the majority of them. It is really nice to feel needed.

This week is Teacher, Staff Appreciation week and as such there is a great deal happening. I even received a beautiful yellow rose from one of the children I help daily. I added it to a bouquet that we received during the last week. I look at it quite often and realize how easy it is to touch the life of a child.

Now I am off to catch up on all your news. This could take awhile, so please forgive me if I don't talk to you all, I will get caught up.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God Bless each of you.

Update

2008-02-05T05:12:00.000-08:00

My mother in law passed away this morning at 3:30 am. I want to thank everyone for their prayers. She is in a much better place.

Once again Thank you all so much.

I May Be Gone For Awhile

2008-02-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

Today I received a call from the hospital saying that my MIL was having very laboured breathing and was very lethargic. I did some phoning and went up to the hospital to sit with her until Harvey could get there.

She is really having trouble breathing and did not even open her eyes when the nurse and I were talking. I left when Harvey got there as I have two meetings that I just have to be at tonight for the churches Easter Season. I will be taking my cell phone so I can be reached easily.

This could last a long time. I remember what my own mother went through and my heart goes out to Harvey. My mom lasted 4 months in the hospital and finally told my sister that the pain was too much and that she had to leave us kids.

I will try to update everyone as much as is possible over the next while.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. God bless you all.

Oh What a Wonderful Addition......Can You Make This For Me Dear?

2008-01-31T13:05:00.001-08:00

This picture does not do this organizer justice at all. Help!!! I can't seem to take a picture of a picture without a glare magically appearing. Any way I fell in love with this as soon as I saw it.

They used a ready made armoire to make it, but if I beg my DH nicely he could probably make me something similar. It sure would help me organize my craft room. Believe me that is one room in my house that definitely needs a makeover and organization guru. No matter what I do there never seems to be enough room for everything I want to do, or have. My sweet hubby would more than likely say I should get rid of everything and start from scratch. He just does not understand my pack rat nature.

Perhaps if I beg prettily I can get him to make me something like this for next Christmas.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

Feelings of Gratitude

2008-01-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today I have such feelings of gratitude. It is extremely frigid here, the temperature this afternoon with the wind chill was -54 C (-54 F). My car would not start at the school, and what was amazing to me was that every boy that was in Grade 7 or 8 and many of the teachers dropped what they were doing to help me get it started.

We managed to get her going, but I had no real power and traveled home at about 20 kilometers an hour (about 12 miles an hour). The check engine light came on as well as another that indicated reduced engine power. I pulled into my driveway, shut the car off, said a little prayer and started it once again. The reduced engine power light went off, but the check engine light stayed on. I decided that I would wait for an hour or two and then start the vehicle up one last time.

The next time I started it both lights stayed off. I guess the Trailblazer was protesting the cold weather the only way it knew how. I am just so grateful that we do not have to worry about a costly repair bill right now.

Later in the afternoon our postal person delivered our mail. I brought in the envelopes and to my surprise and shock one of the envelopes was from the Screening Program for Breast Cancer. I had only visited the mobile clinic 11 days ago, and the last time it took 3 weeks to get the results.
I shut my eyes and opened the envelope. When I opened them my eyes fell to the bolded words in the last line of the first paragraph "no signs of cancer". I am so grateful for the good news, I worry because my sister, and two aunts have had problems with mammograms. They have all had to go for more tests.

I am going to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

First Real Winter Storm

2008-01-28T17:38:00.001-08:00

We are receiving our first winter storm. This picture is taken looking out our front window and down the hill to the valley. There is a Shell gas station just at the bottom of the hill. Today I could not see it at all.

This picture is the house across the street and just down from us. The snow and blowing snow at times made it disappear from sight.

The snow has let up now, and all we are getting is blowing snow and since we don't have too much of that things are a lot clearer out now. The temperature keeps dropping however and the weather offices predict that we will go as low as -47 perhaps even -50 C tonight. Not a fit night to be out, but just perfect to be inside with a cup of tea, knitting or a good book. Exactly the two things I plan on doing tonight. Only one thing bothers me. Will I be able to get my trusty Trailblazer to start tomorrow morning so that I can get to work? Oh well as Scarlet O'Hara said "I'll think about it tomorrow."

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

Lament on Society

2008-01-27T17:43:00.000-08:00

I just got off the phone with our oldest son Kurt. He was in a little bit of a snit, wondering what the world is coming to.

It seems that after Mass today, he drove to the 7-Eleven in the town he lives in. While coming home after purchasing his Big Gulp he noticed an older lady on her knees in the middle of the road. As he got closer he noticed that she was having some trouble.

Pulling over his car, he rolled down the window and asked the lady if she needed some help. The woman replied that she had slipped and was having a problem getting back to her feet. Kurt got out of the car and helped her up. After getting her up and to the side of the road, he ascertained that there was no way she could get home walking. Kurt asked her if she would like to go to the hospital to be checked out. The woman answered no, so he asked her if she would like a ride home.

On the way to her home it came to light in the conversation that two cars had driven by before and not stopped, in fact they sped up to pass her.

Kurt helped her into her apartment before he left.

He said this lady was between 60 and 70 years of age.

Kurt just can not understand how someone can leave a person in trouble and not offer to help in some way.

I think that his Dad and I raised a fine young man.

A Question For You

2008-01-24T19:24:00.000-08:00

I found this wreath in Faux Flower Arrangements and I just love the whole idea. One slight problem, this lovely hot pink rose wreath would not go with my decor at all.

I want to make one to put up in my hall way above a mirror and shelf I have there already. The mirror and shelf are a golden oak colour. My floor is the same colour in a laminate. The walls are white, the doors opening off the hall way are painted a light sage green, and I have a stencil at the top of the walls that is done in a sage green and a browny peach colour (kind of a southwestern theme).

Now what colour would you recommend that I make my wreath? All suggestions are more than welcome, because I really would like a punch of colour as a person comes in the door.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

I've Been Tagged

2008-01-23T13:58:00.001-08:00

My friend Karen over at Karen's Korner tagged me for this meme. I am supposed to list 15 reasons why it's great to be me. Here goes, I hope I can come up with the number needed.

1. I get to see some great children everyday.

2. I can sew, knit and do counted cross stitch. Things I love to do.

3. According to my husband Harvey, I am a good cook. He says just look at all the weight he has put on over the years.

4. I love to play in my garden in the spring and summer.

5. I have a very dry sense of humor.

6. I like to move around and visit new places. I have managed to live in 7 different cities and towns in my life.

7. I get to play with my cat everyday.

8. I get to see 4 different seasons.

9. I have two wonderful boys that love me just as much as I love them.

10. I have traveled to almost every province in Canada, and hopefully this summer will see the Maritimes for the first time.

11. My home is my haven away from all the cares of work.

12. I have a strong faith that has seen me through some tough times.

13. Reading takes me to other fantastic places in my imagination.

14. I am a friendly, welcoming person. Ready to meet all with a smile.

15. I have lots of people who love me for being just the way I am.

Okay. I hope I did that right.

I would like to tag Ginger at Enchanting Cottage, BJ at Sweet Nothings, and anyone else who wants to play.

Have a wonderful evening.

Tuesday Happenings

2008-01-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Well, Harvey got the new addition to my cupboards made late last week. To think it only took him 2 years to get started. Once he started the whole process only took him a little over a week. He actually loved doing them and while the colour is not quite the same the design matches perfectly. I love that I can put away my flour, sugar and a few other things, shut the doors and no one sees them. This used to be the place where we put the portable dishwasher for storage after use, but now I do not use one.

If this handy man stays for awhile I won't have to make a job jar for him. He is having so much fun with his router.

Today it is very cold again. We are getting a bit of snow as well, it's something we need as it is very dry so far this fall and winter. I am not going to complain one little bit (even though it does make driving a bit slippery).

Tonight I have a Parish Council meeting so I will have to brave the cold one more time.

Tomorrow we are having a little party for a good friend Sister Adelaide. She will be celebrating her 65th year as a religious. Sister joined her order when she was 17, just a baby by todays standards. This woman is totally amazing, quite a little firecracker and a complete joy to be around.

My knitting is going well, and hopefully I will have a surprise to show you all within a week.

Harvey, his brother, and one of his sisters attended a palliative care meeting yesterday. They made a few hard decisions about his mother's care. In reading my bible this morning God led me to Isaiah once again.

Comfort, O comfort my people.
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord's hand
double for all her sins.

Isaiah 40: 1, 2

My MIL has lived a full life and has served her term. She will be received by the Lord in due time as is her wish.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

My Friend Mary

2008-01-20T19:23:00.001-08:00

My friend Mary at Mary's Writing Nook
is having a giveaway for Valentines Day. Go and pay her a visit. Leave a comment on her blog.

Searching

2008-01-20T17:45:00.001-08:00

A couple of days ago I pulled out some of my knitting books and magazines to look for a new project to keep me busy on these cold winter nights. I picked the pattern and then came picking the yarn. The first yarn I looked at was a rose pink by Lion Brand. Vanna's choice. I have 5 balls of this wool. The second yarn I looked at was this pretty lilac colour chenille.

And the winner is.....

You will have to wait until the project is finished to see. So far I really like the way the pattern and yarn are working together.

My MIL has not been eating again. Harvey went to see her this afternoon while I was at play practice. He does not figure she will last until the spring. Nympha has surprised us before so we will just keep on praying that God does what is best for her.

I am going to ask everyone to pray for our youngest son. He is having a rough time right now and needs all the prayers that he can get. I can't really say what the problem is because it is his problem, but my heart goes out to him while he is facing this trial.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

One More Project Finished

2008-01-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

Today I finished the sweater I started a few weeks ago. I didn't do it exactly the way the pattern called for, but I still think it turned out very nicely. The body under the band was supposed to be a lace pattern, but as it just wasn't working for me, I turned it into just stocking stitch, the V insert in the bodice was supposed to be the same pattern, but since the bottom was stocking stitch I did the insert the same way. The contrast band was only to be two rows, but it didn't seem to give much contrast so I made it an inch wide and that did the trick. I can now wear this with my pink skirt or my brown skirt this summer.

I pulled out an unfinished project to work on next. It is a scarf I started last year to wear with my red wool coat. It shouldn't take very long to finish at all.

It seems like I am making a little headway on all the wool that I have in my stash. I hope to get a few more sweaters and afghans knitted this winter.

Tomorrow night I go for my mammogram at the mobile center here in town. The Canadian Cancer Society sends a mobile mammogram bus down here every year. It is really great not to have to travel 2 hours for a 15 minute examination. It then takes about 3 weeks to get a letter telling me if there are any problems. So far I have been very lucky and not had to make the 2 hour trip for more tests. My sister on the other hand has had to go for more tests numerous times. Hope this one is like all the rest.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

Monday

2008-01-14T16:18:00.001-08:00

Between housework, visiting my mother in law, and practicing for the new musical we are putting on at the church, I decided to get to work on cutting down my stash of material and craft supplies this weekend. This is one of three draft dodgers that I made from some of my fabric stash. The stuffing is from an old pillow that I rescued from my hubby. He was going to throw it out, but I just knew I would find a use for it, and I did. So far they seem to be working very well at keeping the floor nice and warm. They were very easy to make. Just sew a tube, stuff the tube and tie the ends off with some ribbon.

Kari and Kijsa asked what to do with the tops of cupboards that are big empty spaces. So I thought I would show everyone what I have done with mine.

I love greenery and where ever possible have real plants or where not possible (like on the top of my cupboards), fake plants. I do have to get these down and give them a good dusting this spring.

Everybody have a wonderful evening

A Lovely Evening

2008-01-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after work I came home to these lovely purple roses sitting on my table. Harvey had tried to arrange them in the vase and while not the best of arrangements it is one I will cherish the most. You see usually he just lays the flowers on the table and I have to do my own arranging. This time at least he tried. Who knows maybe I have a budding floral decorator on my hands.

Beside them was a note that he wrote telling me under no circumstances was I even to think of making supper (he knows me too, too well), he was taking me out.

What a wonderful change that was for me, no cooking, no dishes and best of all time with my very best friend in all the world. The place we went was empty, not another set of diners to be seen. We got to talk, laugh and discuss life in general with very few interruptions. Relaxing in the most amazing way. Came home watched a little television, I went to bed and read for awhile. Harvey watched the television for the sports update. The whole evening must have been totally relaxing for both of us as we managed to sleep in this morning.

I went to visit my mother in law this morning for about 2 hours. She is not too happy being in the hospital still. She wants to go home, and she is still confused over why she is in there in the first place (her words, not mine). It seems that no matter how gently we tell her that her life will be changing and she needs more help than is available at the lodge we can not get through to her. I pray everyday that something will make her realize the truth. That is all (other than be there to visit with her) I can do.

I found these verses while searching through 2nd Samuel today

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
2 Sam 22: 2-4

I will leave everything in His hands, He has saved me more times than I can count.

Have a wonderful evening.

Life

2008-01-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

This is the newest addition to the extended family. Little Payton was born at the end of November. He came with his mommy and daddy (my nephew and his wife) to visit us at our Christmas gathering.

I could have held him forever, he smelled so good. You know that lovely baby smell that nothing on earth can compare with. I can hardly wait to become a Grandma, though right now it looks as if neither of our sons is in any hurry to make that happen. I guess I will just have to share babies with their real grandparents for a while yet.

My burn is healing nicely. Now that I am wearing slippers to school the new skin is forming over the top. There is just one area that is taking a bit longer to grow over. Hopefully by the weekend it will have closed in.

I found a lovely jar to make into another job jar for Harvey. I, hopefully, will be able to decorate it up and put a label on it this weekend. It will be a lovely surprise for him the next time he tells me he is bored and has nothing to do.

Tomorrow we celebrate our 32nd anniversary. I find it absolutely amazing that we have been married that long. It only seems like yesterday. Tonight Harvey was looking at the calendar and asked why I hadn't written it down.

"Dear how could you forget the happiest day of your life?" I asked him (in a not really serious manner). He looked at me smiled and said, "Yep, you're right. It along with three others are the happiest days that I ever had." He meant the day we were married and the births of our three children.

Hey what are you going to do, you just have to love a man that thinks like that.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

It's Off To Work We Go

2008-01-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day back at work in seventeen days. What a shock to the system, just makes me more determined than ever to have this be the last year.

The children were still a little bit high from all the sugar they ingested over the Christmas break. Just a bit loud and pushy, hopefully they get back to normal manners and work routines soon.

My blister broke a couple of days ago and wearing shoes is absolute torture right now. I was in the office changing the bandage on my burn when our Principal walked in. She took one look at my foot and told me that under no circumstances am I to wear shoes. I get to wear slippers until it is healed. The only problem is that I have to wear boots on supervision outside, but at least they are not as hard to wear as shoes right now.

Harvey's Mom has rallied once again. She seems to be doing much better, no more hallucinations, and she is even eating (drinking as she is on a liquid diet). The only problem is she wants to go home and there is no way she can go back to the Lodge. She can no longer look after herself and needs constant care. I think that we may have a bit of a problem when she finally gets out of the hospital. I have a bad feeling about this moving into a nursing home.

I have missed blogging over the past week and am really glad to be back even if it is still sporadic for awhile.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

My Life The Last Week

2008-01-05T16:25:00.000-08:00

The last week has been extremely hectic and not really healthy for me. Spending time at the hospital has tired me out to the extreme. Harvey's mom is now hallucinating a lot, it seems like she goes back in time more and more. One morning she thought I was one of the nurses and then later a taxi driver whom she had to pay to take her home. No matter how many times I have explained that she is in the hospital I can not seem to make it clear to her. She is still holding her own however and not getting any worse physically, it is just mentally that most of the changes are occurring.

One night I made Cream of Celery Soup, being tired and out of sorts I was not paying attention to what I was doing. Some of the hot liquid splashed on my foot and because I was holding the pot taking it to the table, I was unable to pull my sock off fast enough to prevent this lovely burn. I am keeping a close watch on it for infection, and cleaning it every day. Hopefully all I end up with is a scar.

Sitting at the hospital for hours while someone is sleeping has done wonders for my knitting however. I can't seem to concentrate on a book so I take my knitting with me and work on that while Mom is sleeping. Right now I am working on a sleeveless sweater for myself.
It is something I can do while I pray for my mother in law. To me there is something soothing about knitting, my mind can wonder and I find myself thinking more and more about what God has planned for us.

I know when the time comes God will hold my mother in law in the palm of his hand and welcome her to a place where there is no pain only joy and happiness.

Thank you everyone for your kindness and prayers over the last week. They are greatly appreciated.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

Happy New Years

2008-01-01T05:33:00.000-08:00

To each and every one of you I want to wish you the joy of a new year, the chance for growth and change are enormous. God gives us all a new beginning every day all we have to do is reach out and hold on.

This is a picture taken a few years ago of my hubbies family. There are two of the children missing, one boy and one girl. The reason that I have posted this picture is that this was the last year my mother in law felt up to attending any family function (and actually had a good time). This year she was too weak to attend and so we took turns being with her through Christmas Day (well some of us more than others). Those that couldn't be here over Christmas came a couple of days later to visit and see Mom.

Mom ended up in the hospital on the 28th of December. Chances are she will never leave. Everyone has gone back home to jobs, and their lives. Right now it is just Harvey and I close enough to the hospital to go in and see her. I don't know how often I will be posting over the next little while. We try and sit with her most of the day. Rush home to eat and rush right back. I get most of my housework done early in the morning, or it gets put off until the next day.

Reading my Bible last night God led me to this passage:

I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)

During this time of uncertainty, and what will most likely end up being a loss of some type, I must try and remember to get to that rock that is the Lord. He will always hold fast to me.

Everyone have a wonderful New Year.

Today I Turned 52

2007-12-29T16:55:00.000-08:00

Today has been a very slow and relaxing day for me. I managed to sleep in for a bit, and Harvey even brought me coffee in bed.

I have been thinking all day about how fast the years have gone by. It seems like only yesterday that I was riding my bike to school, or sitting under the willow tree in the back yard reading a book, getting married, giving birth to my children and watching the boys become young men. Memories have been flooding back all day. The pain of losing our daughter in a car accident, of losing my Mom and Father in Law. The joy of watching the boys graduate from high school, and university.

One thing I have noticed as I have gotten older is that I rely more and more on my faith to see me through every day and less and less on myself. That is exactly how things should be. I am content in my life now, I really need nothing more.

The other thing I have noticed is that time seems to go by so much faster now. If anyone knows why could they share the answer with me.

Everybody have a great evening.

A Wonderful Gift

2007-12-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while we were taking Kris back to Regina, our oldest son went to the post office and picked a parcel up for me. It was from Ginger at Enchanting Cottage. This lovely lady sent me a beautiful 16 month calendar, a vintage tray with a lovely Kitchen Prayer, some Almond Brittle that she had made, and many tupperware type containers that are just perfect for leftovers and my camper.

Harvey is going to try and get me something so I can hang the tray up in my kitchen. It will look lovely above the doorway coming into the kitchen from the hall way.

I only got a taste of the Almond Brittle because while I was in bed Harvey and Kurt polished it all off. Ginger my husband now has a standing order for me to make this every Christmas. Just hope it tastes as good when I make it.

Thank you so much for thinking about me and sending me such lovely gifts.

Sneaking Some Time

2007-12-28T04:42:00.000-08:00

It is almost 7 am and I have managed to get a little bit of work done on the computer this morning, mainly because our one son went home yesterday and the other is still sleeping.

It will feel very strange when the house is just back to Harvey and I. While I love the hustle and bustle of having our sons home for the holidays I usually end up with a house that needs a major cleaning when they leave. I checked the youngest's room yesterday and saw that he left it in quiet disarray. I will more than likely clean that room and the basement today.

Christmas was just lovely. Most of Harvey's family was home for the holiday, this might be the last time we all get together at Christmas. His mother is not well, and we really do not expect her to be around for her birthday in February. She is getting so frail, the cancer is spreading rapidly. We all just hope that the morphine is keeping her pain at a minimum.

I ordered these books well before Christmas and just got them yesterday. There are some really nice flower arrangements in the Faux Flowers book, and some lovely simple decorating ideas in the New Decorating Book. Party Favors and Hostess Gifts has some wonderful and quick craft ideas, perfect for gift giving. I haven't had a chance to take a look at Real Simple Cleaning yet so hopefully I can look at it later today.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Christmas

2007-12-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Well our sons should be home at any time now. I managed to get the oldest on his cell phone. He wondered what the ringing he heard was as he had forgotten he had turned it on, I almost asked him what kind of music he listens to but bit my tongue. He is going to pick up our youngest and bring him home. Kris missed the bus this morning so it is really lucky that his brother was on his way.

I will be taking a bit of a break from blogging, hopefully I will be able to get the computer away from the boys once in a while when they are home next week.

"For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and righteousness
from this time onward and forever more."

May the love of the Lord fill your hearts with gladness, and peace be a part of your lives forever more.

God be with you all this holiday season.

School Is Over For the Year

2007-12-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

Harvey received these beautiful cake plates as a gift from one of the companies he gets to come out and work in the oil patch. The gentleman who gave them to him told him that I would love this gift. The man sure knows me well.

I have looked at these cake plates numerous times, but just could not bring myself to buy them. Right now they are sitting on my table full of cookies that we received as gifts from others.

Today was the last day of school for the year, I do not go back to work until January 7th. Nice long holiday, whatever will I do with myself!!! Perhaps I will start those projects that I have been putting off for the last while. I admit it, I am a procrastinator. Until push comes to shove I manage to find reasons not to do things that I might not like to do. This holiday break gives me a chance to do those little jobs, I can still sleep in, and mentally get myself ready for the new year but I have no excuse not to get things done.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

Final Handmade Gifts

2007-12-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

I shut myself up in my sewing room today and buckled down and got our sons sleep pants done. It really did not take that long, I just procrastinated until today. I seem to do that every year and am rushing around at the last minute trying to finish things.

Harvey looked at them and asked me when I was going to make some for him. Perhaps I will surprise him with a new pair for our Anniversary next month.

Now I can concentrate on baking a few more goodies for Christmas. Our sons can always take some back with them when they leave for home.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

A Gentle Sunrise

2007-12-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning to a gentle sunrise. The sky was a beautiful peach colour.

It made me stop and consider all the things in our world that are unchanging. The sun will always rise and set. Some days will always be gentle and loving, others will be gentle and loving if we work at it. Best of all Christmas will always come with its promise of a new day all wrapped up in the birth of a tiny baby.

God loves each and everyone of us and this will never change. He has promised this to us all.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

Third Sunday of Advent

2007-12-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

This is the Third Sunday in Advent and today in church we heard this reading from Isaiah;

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong do not fear!
Here is your God.
He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
He will come and save you."

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then the lame shall leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

We await the coming of our Lord with joy.

I finished the afghans for our sons yesterday and have started on the next project, the sleep pants.

I hope to start sewing them tonight now that I have my housework done. The material is preshrunk, and I managed to get them cut out after Mass today. Now it is just to get started on the sewing.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

Shhhh, It's Saturday.

2007-12-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

Another Saturday has arrived, and once again I am up in the early hours of the morning when I could be tucked nice and warm in my bed.

Oh well what a better way to start the day than with a cup of coffee, and exploring the ins and outs of the blogging world. In other words trying to figure out how things work. Got a bit mystified over html (I need to get a book from the library) and decided to leave well enough alone. My resident computer geek lives 2 hours away and will not be home for a visit until Christmas so I don't want to cause any problems with the system yet. Now when Kris is home for a visit, that's another story entirely.

I thought that I would share 3 more angels from my collection with you. This one was given to me by Sister Adelaide. When I started doing Youth Ministry at our parish, she thought I could use some help and gave me a Guardian Angel to watch over me.

The more mature young lady here was a gift from Harvey for Christmas one year. He says it is to remind me to be a "good girl" so I will earn my wings.

I am pretty sure that many of you will recognize this as a "Sara's Angel". This one was a gift from the Parish priest one Christmas. As he put it on the card, "I bought all of you ladies an angel to help you sing carols of joy this Christmas." This lovely lady is a musical as well.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

Look What Came Today

2007-12-13T11:36:00.001-08:00

I came home from work and found this sitting on my table. Harvey must have brought it in for me this morning. I unwrapped the brown paper and found this inside. It was my Play It forward gift from BJ at Sweet Nothings. It had finally arrived! BJ you can quit worrying that it got lost in the mail.

I carefully unwrapped the package and much to my amazement found many individually wrapped surprises inside.

BJ sent me some marvelous gifts, a Christmas Chime that I hung up right away.

A lovely purple stocking full of candy (my hubby is in seventh heaven), a candy cane pen, and a little marker. As if that was not enough she also sent a beautiful sachet and fragrance oil, a gorgeous candle (now how did you know I love candles of all types?), and a lovely tissue holder for my purse in an absolutely fabulous shade of green (matches my purse almost exactly).
Thank you so much for all the lovely gifts you sent me BJ, I love each and everyone of them especially because they came from your sweet self.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

Collections

2007-12-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

It is a very quiet day in the house. I have nothing finished in the way of gifts or baking to share with all of you, so I decided to start to share my Angel collection with you all.

About 15 years ago when I was first the youth coordinator for our parish one of the girls in the group gave me an angel. I was hooked. Now I try and get everyone I know to give me an angel as a gift. I remember where I got each and every one of them.

This is the first angel I received from that young lady in the youth group with me the first year.
She has a place of honour in my curio cabinet, where I can look at her every day.

These angels were bought for me by Kurt our oldest son for Christmas. The first set was given to me by him 4 years ago. He ordered them online from Peru.

The second set were given to me 3 years ago. Once again he ordered them online. These little ones came from Guatemala. They came with a little note attached. The note reads, " We all have angels in our lives. This one is here to remind you of your angels. Take her out and put her in a special place as you name each of your angels."

I named the little thumb angels as I added them to my cabinet. Their names are Krista, Debbie, and Jean. Three of the very special angels in my life.

I hope to be able to share more of my collection with you next time.

Have a wonderful evening.

Three More Gifts Done

2007-12-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

I spent my Sunday getting a few gifts done that needed to be made well before Christmas. I made tea cup candles and Potpourri pies to give to a good friend of mine and the teacher and other aide that I work with.

I think they turned out pretty good and Harvey thought they were very nice.

I picked up the tea cups at a garage sale, the wick, scent, and wax I ended up buying and the dye was some old crayons I had laying around the house.

The pies were easy to do as I had the terra cota saucers in my basement, as well as felt and the cinnamon sticks. I did end up buying the potpourri however, but it was not very expensive.

All told the three gifts cost me some time and about $3.00. Just love it when something turns out right.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

The Reason for the Season

2007-12-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

I love nativity scenes. I only have a few but the three I have each mean something to me.

The first one I bought was from Ten Thousand Villages. It was made in a small village in Kenya. Hand carved figures are glued onto the stable floor.

This next one is a tea light candle holder that my oldest son gave me about 10 years ago. He was a struggling University student and he searched high and low for something he knew I would like. He found this.

The next set was one my youngest found about 2 years ago when he started his first job. I love the clean lines of the more modern style of this one, plus when I have my candles lit the flickering of the flames really makes the silver dance.

Thanks for letting me share these with you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

It's Saturday, Why Can't I Sleep In

2007-12-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

Here it is early Saturday morning and I have been up for an hour already. I have said my morning prayers, and read my email. Now I am having a wonderful cup of coffee and bathering on about not being able to sleep in. Harvey says it's because I go to bed to early, our son's say it's because I am a crazy morning person....... me I just have noticed that as I grow older I don't seem to need as much sleep. That could be a good thing at this busy time of year.

Enough of my sleep habits on to more interesting things in my book.

Last night I got a phone call from some of the ladies at church. They hated to bother me, but were concerned that they would not get enough baking for their bake sale tomorrow (that is today). Could I please bring some baking over to the church if it would be no trouble. I have problems saying that really they did not give me much time, so of course I said yes.The orange carrot loaf by the little tree is for the church, I also plan on pulling out some of the butter tarts I made from the freezer and wrapping those up as well.

As you can see I was busy last night. I made peanut brittle (now I have to break it up), peanut butter cups, the carrot loaf, and way at the end my favorite Scottish Shortbread (if you look at it closely you can see a couple of pieces missing from one of them........... a girl has to sample right)

I told Ginger that the recipe was really easy to make the Shortbread, and since the recipe is about 20 years old (it is from an old Good Housekeeping mag from the late 70's and I looked on their site, they do not have it any longer). I thought I would share it with you all, with a couple of changes that I made.

Scottish Shortbread

4 cups all purpose flour
2 cups butter softened
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup icing sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and icing sugar. Stir in the butter and vanilla, and mix with your hands in the beginning to a crumb. Then use mixer until a finer crumb forms. Go back to using your hands until you can form a ball with the dough. Divide dough in half. Take each half and pat them into 9 inch pie pans. Prick them well with a fork.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the oven at 350 or until golden. Cut into wedges while warm. Cool.

Hope that you all enjoy this.

Be back later on with some more goodies and surprises.