The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Thursday, January 6, 2011

Outside my window...The inversion is beginning to lift and Mr.
Sunshine is trying hard to make an appearance.  Funny how it
seems warmer when the sun is shining even though the
temperature is about 26 degree F.  As I look out my window
I can see the little chickadees feeding on the patio.  I love
watching these little birds.  This is the only one that stayed
when I tried to take a picture out the window.  Brave Soul!

I am thinking...and wondering if I should add a border to my
butterfly quilt.  The one in the magazine didn't have one, just
added a bright binding.  What do you think?  It finished at
45.5 x 54.5 inches.  I think it will be ok for a cuddle quilt.

I am thankful for...clear roads and walkways.  The snow
we had turned quickly to ice with the drop in temperatures
and I didn't enjoy having to be out on them.

Pondering these words..."The past is behind, learn from it.
The future is ahead, prepare for it.  The present is here,
live it."  Pres. Thomas S. Monson

From the kitchen... Tomato basil soup for lunch with
homemade whole wheat bread.

I am wearing...Levi's, white  t-shirt and long sleeved
blue print shirt and warm fuzzy slippers.

I am creating...Some new files for my personal history.
Have spent a few days typing up talks I have given over
the years, rather interesting!  This is a project I am focusing
on for the year.

I am going...To my daughter's for FHE this evening.  Picked
up treats to share for those who completed their goals this
past week.  And yes, I met mine!

I am reading..."Defined by Christ" by Toni Sorenson
(Seeing yourself through the eyes of the Savior)

I am hoping...We will soon get our January thaw!

I am hearing...  The furnace running which always makes me
happy because I have a warm house.  The clock ticking in
the background reminding me that time marches on and
so must I, soft music reminding me to relax and enjoy the day.

Around the house... Laundry to be done, decisions to be
made as to whether I should get out Valentines or leave
my snowmen out awhile longer.  The house looks so bare
with Christmas put away and no bright,cherry colors.

One of my favorite things...Having a good day where
things just seem to go along rather smoothly.  

A few plans for the rest of the week:
FHE this evening
Dropping my son off at the airport tomorrow
Cleaning house
Attending wedding reception for a couple in our
neighborhood
Church

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
This was taken when I was a little girl from the road
looking into the house.  It was one of the worst winter's
we ever had.  However, as children we thought it was
great  fun to slide down the snow banks and walk right
on to the roof.

Happy Thursday,

Nola

Simplifying

I've decided it's time to simplify some of my quilting projects
that have been sitting around for ages.  Several only need a
block or two, others more blocks, borders, etc.  Today
while down stairs working I pulled out a drawer that contained
"butterfly" blocks that either need to be finished or donated
to a cause.

I started these blocks a few years back and would add to them
every once in awhile until the blue check fabric was mostly
used up.  I needed to decide on another blue that would
mix nicely with what I already had and just never seemed
to get around to it.

Today I pulled them out and decided to lay the blocks
out and see how close I was to completing the top.

 There were not enough for the 63 x 90 quilt, but I
could make a nice cuddle quilt with what I had.  So,
that's what I'm going to do.

Feels so good to have made a decision and move forward.
Am thinking perhaps I need to do more simplifying with
some of my quilting projects. 

Nola

A New Beginning!

 I can’t believe another year is upon us--- a clean slate to write upon. 

I look forward to this New Year with anticipation, hope, and joy.

I really don’t make New Year’s Resolutions because I never seem

to keep them and I really dislike having to make returns!

However, I do have a couple of personal ones that 

I hope to stick with, actually they are on-going year to year.

But for the most part, I just want to find joy in the journey this 

year doing and finding those things that help me become a

happier and better person.  I want to take time to “smell

the roses” and “bloom where I’m planted”.  And, if that means 

stepping out of my comfort zone, I’m going to give it a go.  Life 

is passing by quickly and I want to make the most of it.  

Sound a little selfish?  I hope not because by doing these things I

hope to increase my awareness of those about me, spend more

time playing and enjoying my precious grandchildren, becoming more

aware  of those in need, nurturing friendships, finding and developing

talents (quilting and stitiching).  Hopefully I can set aside my fears 

and anxieties and enjoy life’s precious moments. 

Yes, I know there will be many bumps along the way, but hopefully

they can be overcome or dealt with and I will stretch and grow

and not let them detract from the good things in life.

Hope your New Year is getting off to a great start

So, with that, I'm off to enjoy this day! (Cleaning, organizing,
all that fun stuff!)

Nola

Happy New Year!

Wishing You A Very Happy New Year!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... Wednesday, December 29,2010

Outside my window...It is a dark, gray cloudy day.  It is
raining and has been raining off and on since about 1:00 a.m.
A cold wind is blowing about 15 mph and it is currently
32 degrees F., colder with the wind factor.  The rain is
supposed to change to snow later in the day and temperature
tomorrow for the high should be about 21F. By the weekend
we will be about 5F for low.

I am thinking...  I will head downstairs to continue sorting
some personal history papers.  Now that two of my
children have their books, I need to continue working on
mine.

I am thankful for...My sister.  I am so thankful she is
still here with us and is doing so well. Thank you for your
kind thoughts and prayers!  She has been released from the
hospital and is back at her apartment where she is to rest
for a week.  I am thankful for the good and caring doctors
she has had.  We still do not know what will happen in
regard to their mission.  She is hoping they will be able to
continue because as she told me, "Kohler's are not quitters!"
(Our maiden name)

From the learning rooms...  Make each day count and
not take our health for granted.  I am even more
determined to work on my health after her scare and
my bout with cancer.  Sometimes I become way too
complacent.  So, one of my goals for the NewYear
is to take better care of myself.

From the kitchen...Tuna fish sandwich, yogurt, carrots
and milk for lunch.

I am wearing... Levi's, tan shirt and long-sleeved flanned
shirt, comfy socks and slippers.

I am creating...  A new workspace downstairs.  Have
taken my old computer down there where I can write
and work on my history.  Also, am creating new file
folders to hold writings, clippings, cards, etc. until I am
ready to use them. It is taking a lot of time, but I think
will make things easier when it is finally organized.

A thought I am sharing..."Year's end is neither an end nor

a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that

experience can instill in us."  ~Hal Borland

I am going...  To continue cleaning and organizing my
sewing room.  Honestly, I can't believe how quickly it
becomes cluttered.  I want to start some new projects
but can't until it is straightened up.  How is it that it
gets so out of control?  Anyone else have a problem
with a cluttered sewing area?

I am reading...  Just finished, "Love Finds You in Paradise,
Pennsylvania" by Loree Lough.  A delightful read! Perfect
for those days after Christmas when I want to relax a bit.

I am hoping...  To write my "Year-End Gratitude" Journal
Entry in the next day or so.  I have been thinking of the
many good things I have been blessed with this year and
that have come to our family. So I thought I would
calendar them and add some pictures where applicable
in a small journal.

I am hearing...  Quiet.  Even the clock's ticking seems
quiet.  No soft music playing in the background which is
unusual. 

Around the house...  Christmas decorations waiting to be
taken down and packed away.  Blankets needing to be
folded and put away plus a few scattered toys from
the grandchildren's visit as we watched "Despicable Me."

One of my favorite things...Microwave Caramel Popcorn
Quickly made some to munch on while we watched the
movie.
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup white corn syrup
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 qt. popped popcorn (I air pop mine)

Combine margarine, corn syrup, sugar and salt in large
microwavable bowl.  Microwave on high until mixture
begins to boil.  Cook 4 minutes, stirring 3 times.  Add
baking soda and vanilla.  Stir well.
Put 4 qts. popped popcorn in brown grocery paper bag.
Pour caramel mixture over and stir.  Cook 1 minute in
microwave, shaking sack hard or stirring every 15 seconds.
Pour into bowl or on lightly sprayed cookie sheet.  Can
add nuts last 15seconds.  Drizzle melted chocolate over
if desired.
or stirring popcorn hard every 15 seconds so doesn't burn

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Take down and put Christmas decorations away
Continue working on projects downstairs
Spend time with the family
Possibly attend city's New Year Eve activities if it
isn't too cold
Church
Here is picture for thought I am sharing..
My sister (left) and me                               


















Happy Wednesday,

Nola

Thankful...

Today I am thankful to be with my children and grandchildren enjoying
this beautiful, festive time.

But, today I am most grateful to have my sister still here.  She is in
Texas with her husband serving a mission for our church.  She
suffered a major heart attack yesterday and had emergency surgery
to place a stint in three of her arteries.  Still in ICU today.  Hopefully
we will know more about her condition in the next day or two
and if she will be able to continue serving.
Missing her and wishing I could be with her.

Please enjoy your families today (and always) and express your
love to them.
Nola

Merry Christmas

Wishing your and Yours a Merry Christmas

Nola