Daybook for Tuesday

FOR TODAY...June 29, 2010

Outside my window...  the temperature is beginning to
climb indicating another warm day in the 90's.  The sky
is a beautiful blue with white fluffy clouds lazily gliding
across the sky.  The air is calm, no breeze this morning.
I am thinking...  About some activities to do with my
grandchildren when I tend tomorrow.  Maybe tie/dye shirts
for the 4th???
I am thankful for...  A dear neighbor, 88 years young,
 who called yesterday and asked me to take him to the 
Emergency room and how grateful I am that he would call me.
  I'm thankful I could fill in for his daughter who is out of town.  
But, mostly I am thankful that he is fine and I could bring him back 
home and that he didn't have to go to the hospital.
I am remembering...  The times I had to take my Mother to
the emergency room and how I appreciated the kindness shown
to her by the doctor's and nurses.
From the kitchen...  Fruit smoothie and toast.
I am wearing...  tan capri's and tee shirt, flip flops.
I am going...  Shopping with my daughter a little later
I am currently reading...  Book #3 in the "Daughter's
of Jacob Kane" series.
I am hoping...  To get my wash caught up today.
On my mind...   Wondering why Mother duck and her
babies were wandering the freeway the other
night and how they got there.  I'm sure they didn't
make it, but at least I got past them.  This has really
bothered me.  Of course, there was no way anyone could
stop and help them; but, I noticed many of us tried to
avoid them.   
I am hearing...  The dryer running telling me that at
least one load of wash is getting done.  Also, mother
robin chirping to her baby out in my garden.
Noticing that...  June barely arrived, knocked on my door
and now is already packing up to leave.
Pondering these words...  "Rather than succumb to busyness
and hurry, we can pause for meditation and pondering..." John
C. Thomas
One of my favorite things...  Sitting out on my patio enjoying
the early morning hours, eating breakfast, and doing my daily
reading assignment.
I am wishing that...  My son and his bride could be with
us this weekend to celebrate the 4th of July and the blessing of
Ty on Sunday.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
1.  Wedding shower for my neighbor's daughter
2.  Tending Thursday
3.  Work on stitchery and patriotic table topper
4.  Spending time with family and friends as we
celebrate the 4th
5.  Yard work 
6.  Picking my "mini" cherries from my cherry bushes
(So excited to see how many survived the cold.  Been
a long time since we had more than one or two)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

So excited as I walked down to the ponds this morning to see
these beautiful Canadian Geese at the edge of the water.

And to observe this beautiful flower.  I don't think I have never 
seen a cattail in blossom before.  Wish I could have gotten a
closer photo.  It kind of reminds me of a lily or orchid.  There
were several in bloom mixed throughout the cattails.  So glad
I could see this.


Now, it's off to get going on another day....

Nola

Saturday's Project

After a busy Saturday morning spent weeding, mowing the
lawn, and various gardening activities, decided it was time to
call it a day outside and go inside where it was cool.

A pattern was calling to me and decided the afternoon
would be devoted to making my "Hailee" bag from
http://loftcreations.blogspot.com.  The instructions were
well-written and easy to follow.

Made my bag with a single handle per instructions and
decided I didn't like that.  The handle went over the
bag from seam to seam.  It pulled/folded from the
edges into the center of the bag.  Don't know if my pellon
fleece wasn't strong enough or what.  So, unpicked it,
added a second handle and sewed them on the front
and back...much happier!  Also, the rick rack
was too big, but I had it and thought it would be ok.

I definitely will make more of these as they are
quick and easy and would make fun gifts.   But think I
may add an inside pocket and make the handles
less thick.  May add ribbon or some lace in place of
the rick rack.  Possibilities are limitless.  Also, a great way
to use up those left-over fabrics from projects.

Nola

Photo Overload

I have spent the day attached to my computer!  And 

can't believe I'm still attached plunking out this little

ditty which will probably be rather boring.

My photo program has been on overload for some

time and I knew I had to get pictures off.  So today

was the day!  And, it has taken me ALL afternoon

and I'm still not where I'd like to be.  But, have a couple

of years on cd's and backed up on my external hard

drive.  Also have hard copies in photo albums.

Now I think I will delete the pictures from my computer.

I really need a new program, but everything I've read

about the latest program my computer uses doesn't sound 

all that great.  Will have to see if there is anything on the 

internet I can use.  Sad to say Picassa won't work for me.

The problem with having a digital camera is that I take

way too many pictures.  When I used to use film, I was

much more careful in what I took a photo of.  Having

only 36 pictures on a roll caused me to be selective.

Now I just snap away thinking I can delete whatever

doesn't turn out.  But, do I do that?  No, I just snap to

my hearts content and download everything on the 

computer.  No wonder it took all afternoon to go through

thousands of pictures!

Will I be more selective in my picture taking in the future?

Probably not.  It's just too much fun snapping away.

However, I will be a little more prudent in editing, burning

cd's and backing up what I really want to keep.  At least

that's what I'm telling myself tonight.

Now let's turn this computer off and give my eyes and

fingers a rest.

Nola

It's Tuesday Again!

FOR TODAY...June 22, 2010

Outside my window...  It is a beautiful bright sunny morning.

Once again I'm hearing my friendly birds serenading the 

coming day.  Neighbor's sprinklers are watering lawns and

a few people are working in the cool of the morning in their

gardens.

I am thinking...  I will finish this and then head out to

work in my yard while it is still cool and somewhat shady.

However, today is supposed to be cooler with temps jumping

to 90 tomorrow.

I am thankful for...  The quiet, peace and relaxation I feel

and will enjoy this week.

I am remembering...  Or trying to remember to "take time

to smell the roses" .  Life passes so quickly.

From the kitchen...  Breakfast dishes waiting to be done. 

  

I am wearing...  Green tee shirt and levi's.

I am creating...  Some floral arrangements with flowers

from my garden when I finish here.  

I am going...  To be with extended family tomorrow

to pay respect to my Aunt who passed away.  She

was the last one of my father's siblings.  Now  we

have all become "the older generation".  Don't think I'm

ready for that responsibility.

I am reading...  Nothing at the present, just finished

"Hannah's List" by Debbie Macomber.

Pondering these words...  "Some minds remain open long

enough for the truth not only to enter but to pass on through

by way of a ready exit without pausing anywhere along the

route."  Elizabeth Kenny

I am hoping...  To work on transferring photo's to

disks today.  Way too many on my photo program.

I am hearing...  Peace and quiet in the house.

Around the house...  Fabric and embroidery floss

sitting out from project I'm working on.  Really needs

to be put away!

One of my favorite things...  Moose Tracks ice cream in

a cone.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

1.  Clean garage

2.  Defrost outside freezer

3.  Work on stitcheries

4.  Enjoy this beautiful summer weather

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Enjoy the day,

Nola

Today's Projects!

I love mornings!  Especially mornings like this one...clear
blue skies, cool, birds serenading the arrival of morning,
the hustle and bustle of the day hasn't taken affect yet.
Out for my walk a little after 6:00 a.m. and able to enjoy
the world coming awake!  Time to ponder as I walk and
plan my day.

So, today I think I'll work on cutting and piecing some
more of these little blocks:

It's almost time to get out all my patriotic things and this
little guy is no where near being done.  If I hurry I may
just get it done...but I really have to get stitching on
these little squares:

Sorry, picture not the best, but you get the idea.  Time
is of the essence here.  Today I must sit down and pull
out all my embroidery thread and choose colors for
each little block.

Then I really need to get out and fertilize my flowers,

which are doing so well with all the rain we've had.  But,
I'm afraid it has also washed out most of the fertilizer.

So, it's off to work for me.
Have a wonderful bright sunny day doing whatever
brings you joy!

Nola

Feeling Frustrated!

What you see isn't always what you get!

Have you ever found something in a magazine that
called to you?  And, you just knew you had to
make it!  Well, that was me and my friend.  We
saw this cute tote in a magazine and knew it was
something we wanted to do!

A day was spent shopping for the perfect fabric and
then it was off to my friends home to work on this
supposedly simple project.

Actually the cutting and piecing wasn't too bad,
just time consuming.  But, the frustration set in when
it came time to use "iron on pellon".  Grrrrr.
The pellon is supposed to adhere to the lining and then
quilted with the outside fabric.  It did not adhere and
puckered when we tried to quilt it.  We were not happy
campers!  There has to be something better out there!

Then the bag is folded in half and sewed leaving "raw"
edges on the inside of the bag.  No!  No!  Don't like
this at all.  So we made a little binding to cover the edges.
But, by adding this extra little thickness the bag corners
are very thick and stiff.

Really frustrated at this point!  But we kept plodding along.
Surely it would be ok when finished?  Was it worth the
frustration we were feeling?

My tote is now complete.  Am I happy with it?  Can't
decide.  Guess I just expected better!
Nola

Simple woman's Daybook

For today...June 15, 2010

Outside my window...  Sun is shining (finally), there is a

light south wind blowing, and everything is looking so green,

colorful and fresh from the past weeks rain.

I am thinking...  How fun it was to learn and make a new

project today.  Thanks, JoAnn!

I am thankful for...  The rain we have had and that the

strong East winds we had Saturday did not damage

our home, etc.  However, lots of limbs and leaves to clean up.

Also, that it has been awhile since we've had East Winds.

I am wearing...  Green capri's, white tee shirt and flip flops.

(What no levi's!)

I am remembering...  The frustration I have felt recently while

trying to make a new project.   (More about that later)

I am going...  To work in my garden later this evening after

dinner. 

I am currently reading...  "Take Two" by Karen Kingsbury.

I am hoping...  To finish my "frustrating" project tomorrow.

On my mind...  Father's Day.  What to get for my son's.  

Always like to give them a little remembrance.

Noticing that...  My Caspia is in full bloom and how pretty the

lavender color is.  Need to pick some and dry it before the 

blossoms are completely open.

Pondering these words...  "We...tend to evaluate others on the

basis of physical, outward appearance:  their "good looks," their

social status, their family pedigrees, their degrees, or their

economic situations.

"The Lord, however, has a different standard by which he

measures a person,...He does not take a tape measure around the

person's head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to 

determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the

person's capacity and potential to bless others."   Marvin J. Ashton.

From the kitchen...  Oriental Chicken Salad from Applebee's.

A friend dropped off left-overs from work.  Yummy!  And on

top of that NO COOKING! 

Around the house...  Noticing that I haven't taken my

fabric purchases to the sewing room yet.  Today JoAnn

and I found several fat quarters that will be perfect for

Lynette Anderson's Scandinavian Christmas project.

One of my favorite things...  Having my windows open,

feeling the cool breeze that blows through, listening to the

songs of various birds that visit my yard.

I am wishing that...  It was not the middle of June

already! 

A few plans for the rest of the week...

1.  Finish my "frustrating" project.

2.  Work on my patriotic table topper

3.  Cut more square from all my scraps

4.  Sew binding on my quilt

5.  Take time to enjoy these quickly passing

summer days

6.  Lunch with friends

From my picture journal...

This cute little guy was part of the table decorations 

for our "Scatter Sunshine" evening at the church

last week.  I was lucky enough to have my name

drawn and to bring him home after our evening of

sharing a light dinner and working on pillowcase

dresses.  I think when all of them are completed

there will be about 110 dresses.  


Nola

Tuesday's Rainy Day Project

Since it was a rainy day Tuesday decided to take some
of the fabric pieces I had been cutting and make me a hour
glass table runner or fireplace runner.  I still love "blues"
and guess I always will even though that color isn't really
popular right now.  Pulled a few and couldn't believe
how fast this little project worked up.

Was really lazy and just "quilted" it using my sewing machine.
Normally I would hand quilt it, but because my arm was
not happy with me from all the yard work I've been
doing decided this would have to do for now.  Actually,
it turned out better than I thought and looks lovely on
my fireplace surrounded by a grouping of family pictures.

As I'm typing this I keep looking out my windows and
can't believe how bright the world looks.  Today one
of the young women from our church came and washed
my windows to earn money for camp.  She did a
wonderful job and they are so shiny and clean!  So nice
to get rid of all the dirt and grime from the rainstorms we've
been having lately.  I so appreciate clean windows!
And NO RAIN!

Nola

Tuesday is Daybook

For Today, Tuesday, June 1, 2010
(Can't believe it is June already!
Where did May go?)
Outside my window...  Overcast skies and light rain

is falling.  I am also observing a little "quail" who has

taken refuge underneath my cherry bush.  I love quail

and wish he would stay around for awhile.  Wonder

if there is a mate somewhere?

I am thinking...  Since it is raining and is supposed to

rain on and off today that I'll play in my sewing room. 

I am thankful for...  My daughter and her family who 

came last evening and trimmed my shrubs and brought

yummy "Baked Potato Soup" for dinner. 

I am wearing...  Long pants, shirt and flip flops.  It's

a little cooler this morning, not quite 50 F.

I am remembering...  To order a pattern that I keep

looking at again and again.  So I think I must

send for it as it keeps calling to me. 

I am going...  This afternoon with a friend to get some

bark  for my flower beds.

I am currently reading...  "Writing from Life, Telling

Your Soul's Story" by Susan Wittig Albert, PhD.

I am hoping...  That the sun will come out tomorrow,

tomorrow.

On my mind...  Nothing much.  Just thinking about

what project to work on downstairs. 

Noticing that...  Although it is lightly raining it hasn't

keep the little birds from singing and greeting the day.

Love having the patio door open and hearing their different

songs.

Pondering these words...  "The women of today are the

thoughts of their mothers and grandmothers, embodied, and

made alive.  They are active, capable, determined and bound

to win...Millions of women, dead and gone, are speaking

through us today."  Matilda Joslyn Gage, 1880

From the kitchen...  Sliced orange sprinkled with powdered

sugar and cereal.

Around the house...  I'm noticing the lovely drawings my

grandson's left me yesterday when they were visiting.  They

are my most treasured pictures.!

One of my favorite things...  Sitting on my patio, eating

breakfast and watching the robins running through my

yard.   They plus some little sparrows have discovered that

the cover to the sandbox makes a lovely bird bath!

I am wishing that...  My photo albums were caught

up!  Just can't seem to make myself work on them lately.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

1.  Determine what to use for back of pinwheel quilt.

Cheri will be here with my other quilt this weekend

and I need this one ready to go back with her.

2.  Work on flower bed at front of house

3.  Actually no special plans for the week as of yet. 

Will just see what each day brings.

From my picture journal...

Make it a great Tuesday!

Nola