Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY---Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Outside my window...It is an overcast day with temperatures

in the mid 50'sF.  There is a slight breeze which will

probably bring in the rain and snow we are supposed to

have for the rest of the week.

I am thinking...About my grandfather this morning as I

worked out in my flower beds trimming dead stems,

cleaning up old leaves and pulling a few weeds.

Grandpa loved his garden and kept it immaculate.

He loved spending time each day hoeing, weeding and

making sure everything was well tended.  There was

nary a weed to be found anywhere.

He seemed to have a natural green thumb--everything

prospered and produced well under his care.  As I

looked around my flower beds I couldn't help but 

wonder what he  would think of things if he were here.

There are a few weeds poking up, but they are quickly

disappearing as I move along.  Sprinkling Preen around

has made such a difference over the past few years in

the weeds showing up.

I think Grandpa would be pleased with my efforts to

keep up with and care for my little garden area.  He

taught us well by his example and work ethic.

I am thankful for...The new life that comes with

spring.  I love seeing the grass green up, blossoms

popping out on the trees, plants that lay dormant

through the winter beginning to poke up green shoots,

and feeling renewed my self.

A thought I am sharing..."Wouldn't it be nice if we

looked at people and jelly beans and liked them all?

And we didn't just choose the people that we thought

were pretty or smart, or ate just the red or black jelly

beans because they were our favorite flavors, but

realized that people and jelly beans come in a variety,

and we can enjoy something about each one and love

them for what they are."

From the kitchen...Thinking of making some "comfort"

food on this dismal day. Maybe some navy bean

soup and rolls.

I am wearing...My grubbies from the yard work.

I am creating...Several projects:  Appliqueing some

kitchen towels for Easter, working on "snow hearts",

Vignette mystery block stitchery.

I am going...To the library to pick up a book that is

on hold.

I am reading... When I get it:  Book three of the

series, "Sisters of the Heart" by Shelley Shepard

Gray.

I am hoping... To go shopping tomorrow for some

new spring shirts for work.  Like to take advantage

of the Senior's discounts.

I am hearing...The sound track to "Tangled".

Around the house...Vacuuming done, bathrooms

cleaned, bedroom dusted and straightened up---

all before I headed outside to work!!

One of my favorite things...Listening to General

Conference.  There is always something addressed

that seems to be just for me.  I feel so uplifted and 

motivated by the words that are spoken and the

counsel that is given.  

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Work (those days sure coming around quickly)

FHE here at my house Thursday

Stitching and sewing on projects 

Possibly a little more yard work depending on

the weather

Church on Sunday

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My grandfather.  This was taken on my

grandparents 50th wedding anniversary.

 Aah, a little sunshine is poking through the

clouds.  Always makes me happy!

Keep smiling,

Nola

 Daybook 

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my precious grandson, Ty, who is
turning ONE today.  Seems like just yesterday we were
all anxiously awaiting his arrival and now he's a year old.

Ty now joins the rest of the family as he receives his
first $1.00 bill in his card.  It's a tradition!

"Hey, I'll try some of this!

"Now, this is the way to celebrate!"

Ty does not like cake/cupcakes, but let him get anywhere
near ice cream and that is another story.  He absolutely
adores ice cream!  

Happy Birthday, Ty.

Love,
Grandma

Sunshine Today!

Today we have bright, glorious sunshine and temperatures
in the low 60's F.  I do believe March is going out like a
lamb!

Can't believe how wonderful it has been to be outside
most of the afternoon.  Cleaned off a patio chair and
took my lunch outside to enjoy.  Cannot begin to tell
you how good it felt being outside and feeling the warmth
of the sun on my face.

Even snapped a few pictures of some spring flowers
as I don't know how much longer they are going to
last.

There was a slight breeze and it was just enough that
each time I would snap a picture the daffodils would
turn away.

Someone else was also enjoying the sunshine and
spring flowers.  I couldn't believe the pollen on this
little bees legs and body.  He certainly was doing a
good job!

Was even able to get a little yard work done.  I have
day lilies planted on the south side of my house and
each spring I have to dig out the new shoots or they
would literally take over.  This is just one section and
it looks much better!

Noticed some weeds poking their heads up under and
around my cherry bushes.  Since they are beginning to
form buds, cleaned, raked and sprinkled Preen down. 
Now I won't have to try and get out there when the bees
are circulating around the blossoms. 

Two areas cleaned and organized!  Yahoo!  Many
more to go.  But, oh did it feel wonderful soaking up
all that sunshine.  Wonder if I'll be stiff and sore tonight
from all the bending and pulling?  If so, it was worth it!

Keep smiling,

Nola

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ... Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Outside my window...It is late afternoon and the sky has
been overcast all day long with light rain showers off and on.
Not only has it been a gray day, but it has been chilly also.
A rather dismal day.  Maybe Mother Nature will "fool"
us Friday and give us a bright, warm sunny day!

I am thinking... I've got to practice playing games on the
Nintendo.  My grandchildren continue to wipe me out,
even my 3 1/2 year old is better than I am.  Just came
from babysitting them and got skunked.

I am thankful for... Playtime with my grandchildren.  Are
we ever to old to play "hide and seek"?  I'm thankful
for the giggles we share as we play together and that
they are so loving.

A thought I am sharing... Framed near the door of a
fourth-grade classroom:  "Free knowledge Monday
thru Friday.  Bring your own container".  Can't help
but wonder what I am adding to my "container" daily.

From the kitchen...My daughter sent home some
peanut butter bars with me and they are tempting me!

I am wearing...Levi's, pink floral shirt, socks and
slippers. 

I am creating... More blocks for my mystery quilt.  Also,
creating a little mess again as I continue to sort through
files.

I am going... To my grandson's first birthday party on
Friday.  Where has the year gone?

I am reading..."Hidden" by Shelley Shepard Gray

I am hoping...To finish stitching my first "snow hearts"
block this evening.

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

Around the house...Easter decorations slowly getting
put out and spring floral arrangements being brought
out of storage.  Looking rather cheerful.  Just what is
needed on a dismal looking day.

One of my favorite things...  Going with my daughter
to J & J's, a local greenhouse and gift shop.  We went
today and checked out all the spring flowers and
spring/Easter decorations.  Really helps brighten an
otherwise, dreary day.  And of course, Kohler has
to check out all the fish. 

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Work on Thursday and Saturday
Yard work if weather is good Friday
Ty's birthday party Friday evening
Enjoying LDS Conference Saturday and Sunday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Sorry it is fuzzy, but nothing I can do about it.
Found this photo among some pictures when I was
working downstairs and will add it to the history I
am writing about my business.                                                              












    



Three friends and myself got together and decided to do
some craft shows when we were younger and these
"spoon doll" are among the first things I made to sell.
                                                                              
Keep smiling,
  

Nola

Blocks Two and Three

So happy to have a friend making the "Vignette" mystery
quilt with me.  I couldn't do this on my own.

JoAnn drove down from Logan today and we spent the
better part of the day combing through our fabric hoping
to find just the right combinations for blocks two and
three.  Must admit, it wasn't easy as we are not using
the same fabrics as Leanne used, but I like the choices
we came up with. 

We combined fabrics, labeled them for each shoofly block
and squares hoping that all will go together and be pleasing
to the eye when we are finished.  Did have to make a
quick little trip up town to the fabric/craft shop to get a
few more fat quarters.  (Will we ever  have enough?)

Blocks two and three are now ready to be pieced, but
they will have to wait until we finish block one.  Having
everything planned out allows us to sew whenever we
have the time.  Just a couple of more shoofly blocks and
then we can start stitiching.  Hope to get the stitchery for
block one traced so I can stitch this weekend.

We are really excited about the challenge we face in
making this quilt.  It is different from anything we've
ever done and is stretching us----just a little!

Hopefully, I will soon be able to post a picture or two
of block one.

Keep smiling,

Nola

More Projects!

Do I really need more projects?  Yes!  Actually if I just
stuck my head in the sand and didn't go out, turn on the
computer, pick up a magazine, or get together with friends,
I probably wouldn't be tempted.  I tell myself over and
over "No more projects until you finish all the ones that are
sitting in plastic storage boxes waiting to be done. But,
how dull my life would become! lol

So with that said, let me share my latest find with you:
Moda's "Lovely" charm packs that will be made into
a sweeet little quilt called "Domino" from Schnibbles.
I have fallen in love with all these bright and cheerful
colors and prints that are so popular right now.

Also started Block one:  Snow Heart Block.
It is almost time for block 4 so I am going to put my
little fingers to the grindstone.  Actually, this block seems
to be working up quickly.

Finished my "birdie" stitchery.  And, the month still has
a few days left.  Think I deserve a star for my forehead!

It has been a nice break doing a little sewing and stitching,
because as you know, "all work and no play makes Jack
Nola a dull boy girl!

Keep smiling,

Nola

Getting There

Finally, I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
It has been a long time coming it seems---like all of March.
Can't believe how much "stuff" I have hung on to thinking
that I might need it someday or will make "it" up someday!

My two rooms are looking much better.  Eliminated three
metal shelving units in what we call "the cutting room".  It
is where all my fabric and supplies were stored.  All my
bolts of fabric now fit on one unit.  Have also moved all
my scrapbooking supplies, table, etc. out of my son's old
room and it is now my "guest"room.  However, I have
left my desk and old computer in there because I enjoy
working in there with the afternoon sun lighting up the
room.

If I hadn't been so embarrassed by my "mess" I would
have taken some before and after pictures.  But when I
finish up and get some of my quilts and stitcheries hung,
I'll post a picture.

Have really missed sewing so yesterday took a break and
worked on these "shoofly" blocks:

Added this one today:

These are just the beginning blocks for the "Vignette in
Stitches" mystery quilt.  Issue two is already out and
I'm way behind.

Block two of the "Birdie Stitchery" is now completed
and Block three should be finished in the next day or
two if all goes well. 

Now, if it will just keep on snowing, raining and being too
cold and wet to work outside I might just get everything
inside finished before it's time to head out to begin
yard work!

Keep Smiling!

Nola