The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Outside my window...It is another dreary overcast day.  It has
been trying to rain off and on, but I think the main storm is
to come in later this afternoon.  The temperatures are in the
mid-50'sF and there is a light breeze.

I am thinking...and feeling a little sad that my father's been
gone now for 26 years.  The date of his passing is easy
for me to remember as it is the same day as my son's
birthday which he just celebrated earlier this week.  I
remember we were getting ready to cut his birthday cake
when the call came from the rest home that Dad had passed
away.  It was hard to carry on with the activities but I didn't
want anything to spoil my son's day.  I felt so sad that
neither my sister or I and our families were with Dad.

I am thankful for...the signs that spring is finally on its
way.  I love seeing the robins returning and the spring
flowers poking their heads up through the soil and even
a few weeds.  I love that the temperatures are beginning
to moderate.  I love seeing the neighborhood children
playing outside and hearing their happy voices.  I'm
thankful for this season of renewal and rebirth.

A thought I am Sharing..."Do the best you can through
the years, but whatever else you do, cherish the role
that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself
sends angels to watch over you and your little ones."
~~Jeffrey R. Holland, "Because She Is a Mother"

From the kitchen...Left-over Chinese take out.  Spent
yesterday afternoon and evening with my friend who had
the fire at her home and we picked up takeout and went
back to her hotel to eat and visit.  So, the leftover's
will become my lunch.

I am wearing...Levis,blue shirt, socks and slippers.
Not too long and I can dig out my flip flops.

I am creating...Just One Star block that is sponsored
by United Notions/Moda Fabrics.  I have been able to
complete two blocks in red.

I am going... To work on some sewing projects this
afternoon before I go babysit my grandsons.

I am reading...Nothing exciting.  Just catching up on
a few magazines.

I am hoping...to get Issue 2 of "Vignette" soon.

I am hearing...Nothing.  It is very quiet in the house right
now. Well, actually, I can hear the clicking of the key
board as I'm typing this.

Around the house...A mess still downstairs and a
collection of items to be donated.

One of my favorite things...Peeled and  sliced oranges
lightly dusted with powdered sugar (confectioners).
My mother used to peel and slice oranges and
serve them with our breakfast when we were growing
up.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
St. Patrick's Day dinner for the family here tomorrow
Mammogram on Friday
Wedding reception Friday evening
Maybe a little yard work if the weather is good
Church on Sunday

Yahoo!  I see a little beam of sunshine outside.

Nola

To Keep or Get Rid Of

Downstairs again today working.  This is really getting to be
old and I am so ready to be done.  But, it is going to take
awhile.

While there found a box of 10-inch wood embroidery hoops
that were left over from my business.  Now the decision:
Do I keep them or get rid of them or even try to sell them? 
They used to be so popular but now????  I have called
around and no one seems to want them or have a need for
them.

Should have used them up or got rid of them years ago.

Why do we hang on to things for so long? 

Nola

What A Difference----

----A Day Makes!  Today has been a beautiful spring-like day
with sunny skies and temperatures near 60F.  The snow from
our storm earlier in the week is melting quickly. In fact, it is
almost gone except for the piles from the snow plow going
down the street.

As I was taking some garbage out a little while ago, I glanced
over at my flower garden and couldn't believe what I saw.
My little crocus' were bursting at the seams and just
beckoned me over to take a closer look.

Can you see what I saw?














I was very surprised to see this little guy burrowing down
into the flower gathering nectar and doing a little pollinating.
Spring definitely must be getting closer or he is lost!
Maybe he's just as anxious to get out and enjoy some
warm, sunny weather as we are.

Couldn't resist taking a few more pictures of these sweet
little flowers.

Now, I just have to figure out how to group these so I
can use them for my screen saver.

Hope you enjoyed a little taste of spring from my part of
the world.

Nola

The Simple Woman's Daybook

 FOR TODAY....Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Outside my window...Dusk has arrived, the sun has set.  It is

overcast and has been a rather dreary day.

 

I am thinking...And wondering if I am ever going to get 

things cleaned out downstairs.  It has become quite a

project.  Of course, I can only work for short periods of

time because of my arm.  So, let it snow! Let it snow so I

don't want to be outside.

I am thankful for...The many memories that have come into

my mind as I have been sorting, shredding and organizing.

A Thought I Am Sharing..."You will always stay young if 

you live honestly, eat slowly, sleep sufficiently, work

industriously, worship faithfully---and lie about your age."

Found this in a scrapbook my mother had kept.  Good

for a little chuckle!

From the kitchen...Taco Soup.  Comfort food on a

dreary winter afternoon.

I am wearing...My p.j.'s.  Decided to slip into something

comfortable and relax after working downstairs all

afternoon.

I am creating...A mess!  But it will be worth it when it is

all done.  I'd take pictures but I don't want to scare

anyone away from reading my blog.

I am going...To do some stitching this evening.

I am reading...Nothing at the moment.  Just picked up a

couple of books at the library today.

I am hoping...To sleep better tonight.  I think I must be

stirring up a lot of dust because my cough is back and it

kept me awake last night.  Or maybe, my grandchildren

and I are just passing it back and forth.

I am hearing...The evening news on the TV.

Around the house...Walls are looking a little bare as 

Valentine Decorations have been taken down.  But,

a few St. Patrick's Day decorations are helping.

One of my favorite things...Warm freshly baked cookies.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Work tomorrow

FHE tomorrow evening

Tending my granddaughter Friday

Attending a wedding reception Saturday evening

Ironing

Church on Sunday

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Wall hanging my Mother made many years ago.
When she passed away I brought it home for my
family to enjoy.

Nola

Quick And Easy

Bird Brain Designs has a quick and easy freebie: "Shamrock
Bouquet" for St. Patrick's Day.

I love simple little stitcheries and this one really appealed to
me.  It worked up in no time and fits a 5 x 5 inch frame. 

Don't have too many things for St. Patrick's Day so I was
tickled when I found this and the "March" pillow I posted
about yesterday.  This little bouquet makes me smile
when I look at it and we always need things around us
that make us happy.

Nola

Snow And A Project Completed

What a weather day it has been today.  Woke up to light fog
and wet streets this morning.  But the temperature wasn't
bad so I was able to go for a walk.  Thought for sure the
storm that had been predicted might have fizzled out.
However, as the day wore on clouds thickened and it
began to rain, lightly at first, then very heavy.  We probably
got about a half inch of rain.

Around dinner time the rain changed over to snow and
now it is really snowing. A couple of the freeways have
been closed and the roads are a mess.  Looking out my
window I think we have about 4-5 inches of fresh,
wet snow.  It is supposed to continue on into the
morning making the morning work commute a mess.  So
glad I don't work tomorrow.

Have had to take a little break from cleaning and organizing
due to my lymphodema acting  up.  Guess I have been
doing too much this past week and spending way too
long sorting, boxing, lifting and hauling out items for the
garbage and DI. But my "cutting" room is thinning out and
the storage closets are looking emptier.  It has really felt
good getting rid of things, many of which I had forgotten
about.  Dumped several small storage containers full of
scrap fabric in a garbage bag and called my old neighbor
to come get them for their humanitarian quilt projects.

Because I needed to give my arm a rest this project
was completed:

The fabric is really bright and cheerful, but does not match
the deeper greens I have used in the past for St. Patrick's
projects.  It is going to have to have its own special
place and grouping.

I used a purchased pillow form instead of stuffing it
and can't decide if I like it or not.  The pillow form does
not fill in the corners like stuffing does.  May have to
add a little so looks nicer.

Do you prefer stuffing your pillows or using a pillow
form? Love to hear from you on your preference.

Nola

How Quickly Life Can Change!

I just returned home from being with dear friends and am
thinking how quickly life can change.

Earlier this evening their car blew up in their garage.  They
had been having problems with it over heating and had an
appointment to have it worked on in the morning.  Faye
had just returned home and was speaking with her husband
on the phone when she smelled something burning.  
Following the smell she discovered the smell was coming
from the garage and that her car was on fire.

We are very blessed to live only about 1/4 mile from the
fire station and their response was very quick.  Kent
actually caught up with them as he was coming home from
work.  He was only about 2 miles away.

Fortunately the fire was contained to the garage, but the
smoke penetrated the entire house and will have to be
professionally cleaned.  The smoke and heat was  so
strong that it literally melted the aluminum siding above
the garage.   The fireman indicated that had they been
3-5 minutes later the whole house would have gone
up in flames.

We are all so thankful for the quick response of fire
fighters, police and paramedics.  Also for ward
members who showed up prepared to help in any
way they could.

I am so grateful Faye and Kent are safe.  The
garage can be rebuilt and the house refurbished.  The
next few days and even weeks aren't going to be
easy, but they will have the support of loved ones
and friends.  And the most important thing of all is
that they are safe and uninjured---truly a blessing!

How quickly life can change. 

Nola