Halloween Ribbon Quilt!

Yeah, finished the binding on my little lap top Halloween
Ribbon Quilt last night.  One more project I can cross off my
"To Do" List.  It was a lot of fun to do and "sew" easy!

It is just the right size for the grandchildren and me to
cuddle up with as the days and evenings cool down..
(If they ever do)

Actually I'm grateful for these warm days because I
know all too soon it will be cold and snowy and I'll be
stuck in doors.  It is also perfect weather for painting.
Did my back garage door that enters the kitchen this
afternoon.  Think I have all the outside painting done now.
Also did some caulking  but ran out so will have to
pick some up tomorrow after work and finish it later.

Think I'll put my feet up and take a break.
Nola 

Fall Colors

I have been looking forward to today ever since my friend, Faye,
and I decided to drive up to Snow Basin and check out the
changing leaves before she goes in for knee surgery.  Snow
Basin is a local ski area about 20 or so minutes away and is
such a beautiful area.
We stopped to eat our lunch by the river.  So quiet and
peaceful.

 


























Then it was on up the canyon to the Trapper's Loop
Turnoff.  The day was absolutely perfect...brilliant blue
skies, not a cloud to be seen.  Temperatures in the
low 70's.
This was one of the first scenes that greeted us as we
headed into Snow Basin.

 Many of the lower Aspen trees have not started to turn yet.
Some red leaves are already beginning to fade and yet
in some areas the trees have not even begun to change.

I love seeing the beautiful green pines mixed in with the
reds and yellows.

Looking to the north across the parking lot.

This picture does not do justice to the mountain side.
I could have spent the whole afternoon just enjoying
this scene which is just to the west of the lodge.
In the past when I've come with my children and grand-
children we've done a little hiking and gathered a
few leaves.  But, today with Faye unable to get
around very good, we just enjoyed the scenery from
the car.

Such a fun day we had!  There's nothing better than
being in the mountains!

I grew up with a Father who loved nothing more than
being in the mountains. He instilled that love in me.  We
could hop in the jeep and be driving up the dirt roads
in about 5 minutes.  Fall always brings tender memories
to mind as we would drive through Golden Yellow
canopies of Quakies and the Bright Red Oaks in
preparation for the deer hunt.

Happy Fall!
Nola

Much Better Day!

Today was a good day!  Warm temperatures called me outside
after work to paint and I was able to get my back garage door done. 
It looks great!  But, alas, as you all know once you do one thing it
calls attention to another needy project.  So now I'm thinking my
back door and frame needs a little tender care.  Since temps. will
be about 90 through Thursday I'm going to try and get the door
frame painted and touch up the door.  Then we'll see what calls to
me.  Probably need to get started on winter preparations for the
yard and garden.

Was very happy to be in my sewing room in the late afternoon.
Sewed the last few strips on my Halloween Ribbon Quilt.  May
have to replace on strip as it is too wide for the batting and
backing.  Once that is worked out, I can bind it and set it out
to enjoy through the month of October.  I started this with a
friend last year and didn't get it finished.  Seems like it was just
yesterday we were gathering fabric and making plans for the lap
quilt.  Where has this year gone?

Well my bed is calling to me so I'm off for some shut eye.
Enjoy Sunday, a day of rest!

Nola

Are We Done Yet?

I am so ready to be done with this bathroom!  Had to have my
friend come back yesterday and reset the toilet.  Apparently he
didn't get the tank completely emptied and as he tipped it on its
side, water drained out and leaked down into the bathroom
below.
Needless to say I had a big mess down there and today had to
replace several ceiling tiles.  And wouldn't you know they no
longer make the ones I have so had to get new ones, cut and
install them.  Thanks to my very handy son and (favorite) son in law we
got it all done.
My son also helped install new stems and taps on the bathroom
shower up stairs.  One more pipe under the sink to change out
and then I think we're about done!
Years ago I could do so much more and so much quicker than
now and it is very frustrating to me to have to depend on others
for so much.  I am basically a very independent person and it
is hard not to be able to do everything myself!  In fact my
Dr. was a little concerned with my arm at my visit this past week.
It is swelling with all I'm doing.  But I have to live and do things.
Also blood pressure was slightly elevated...too much stress I told him.
So guess I'm going to have to be a good girl for a while.   Hmmm, is
that possible?
In between things the last few days I've been cutting and sewing more
pillow cases.  Finished them up today...24 in total.  Perhaps I can
get a few more before Tuesday.  It is so relaxing to sit down at
my sewing machine and makes me happy when I can see fabric
bolts emptying.
Well, I think I've complained enough.  Really I am happy with my
bathroom and grateful for everyone who has worked or helped
with it, but I just want it to be done!
Tomorrow is another day and I get to go to work at the store
and then I'm going to paint my back garage door.  Maybe even
get a little stitching or sewing done.
Have a Happy Saturday!
Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010

Outside my window..  It is dark!  I really don't like it getting dark so
early.  It is dark by 8:00 p.m. now and I feel like I should be getting
ready for bed.  The long evenings are not enjoyable to me unless
it is summertime.  We've had a little rain and wind today mixed
with sunshine.

I am thinking...  How quiet it is.  Just turned off the TV.  Really
wasn't watching it anyway and now I can hear all the night
sounds...crickets, I think.  I'm also thinking I've got to keep
myself busy with it getting dark so early.  If I just sit around
I'll be asleep with the chickens.

I am thankful for...  Friends and family who survived
 the fires burning in Herriman.  They did have to
evacuate but homes were safe.  Everything just smells of
smoke!
I'm also thankful for a sweet grandson who wanted one on one
time with Grandma yesterday.  We had a fun time and even
got to share dinner together.

From the learning rooms... I am learning more wonderful ways
to use vinegar and baking soda.  Amazing what you can do
with them.

From the kitchen... Yummy zucchini  bread!

I am wearing... P.J.'s.  Just needed to slip into something
relaxing.

I am creating...  A mess!  In the process of putting everything
back together in my bathroom, I'm sorting and discarding.
Can't believe how much "stuff" can collect in one bathroom!

I am going...  To sew tomorrow!  No bath room, no house
cleaning. (just work in the am)  I'm trying to get more pillow
cases sewn and ready for drop off next week.
Yeah, more fabric eliminated!

I am reading...  A light little novel by Lori Copeland...quick
and easy read.

I am hoping...  To sleep all night.  I hate it when I begin waking
up at 3:00 and keep checking the clock to see what time it
is.

I am hearing...  The sound of quiet....well except for me
tapping on the keyboard.

A thought I am sharing...
"In that most important of places,
our homes, we learn best how it is
that "out of small things preceedeth
that which is great", for life at home is
a series of small things that combine to
create an eternal family."
...Virginia U. Jensen 

One of my favorite things...
This recipe is from the
"Homestead" where I worked as a young
girl and was always a hit with everyone in the
fall and is something we look forward to as
soon as the Jonathon apples are ready.
 
Apple Betty
Peel and slice 4-5 apples.  (I like Jonathon's)
Heap in lightly sprayed pie plate.
Cover with a mixture of:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
(Mix butter, flour and sugar together with
knife so it is slightly coarse)
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or
until apples are tender.  Serve with whipped
 cream or ice cream.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Sewing pillow cases
Work on Halloween quilt
Finish putting things away in bathroom
FHE
Paint back door to garage

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing..
My sweet little 5 1/2 month old grandson.
Love those big dark brown eyes which are so
expressive!

Happy Evening!

Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... Thursday, Sept. 16

Outside my window...  It is a beautiful fallish day.  Temps are
warmer than normal,  a few high clouds dot the blue sky
and all is quiet.  There is a very slight breeze.

I am thinking...  It would be a nice day for a ride up
into the mountains to check out the leaves that are
beginning to change.  But, sad to say that isn't a possibility
today.

I am thankful for...   The tomatoes my little plants are
producing.  Just hope they  all will have a chance to ripen.

From the learning rooms...  Always check your figures once,
twice and even a third time.  Accuracy in sewing, work and
life is important.  Don't be in a big hurry to get things done
as it may take twice as long to correct the mistake.

From the kitchen...  Salsa cooking on the stove!

I am wearing...  Green t-shirt and levi's, flip flops.

I am creating...  Some Halloween stitcheries for gifts.
I guess stitching counts as creating!

I am going...  To be with my family tonight for FHE.

I am reading...The "Ensign" Magazine

I am hoping...  To have my sink and toilet all hooked up
this afternoon.  Maybe even the baseboards done.  It's
looking good!

I am hearing... A jet flying overhead.  We get these quite
often from Hill Air Force Base.  Also the quirky little sounds
coming from stove and kettle of sauce cooking on it plus
the sounds of me tapping on my keyboard.  Pretty quiet
on the home front!
Oh, it is a little later and jars are cooling on the counter and
I just heard a little pop telling me a couple have sealed.
Yeah!

Around the house...A little clutter of stitcheries sitting by my
chair, new towels being auditioned.  Canning supplies on the
kitchen counter. 

One of my favorite things...  Is a clean and defrosted freezer.
Did this yesterday and now it is all organized.  I can even
find things and there is more space for some upcoming sales
for frozen items.  How can a freezer get so messy in a year!
 
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Work, work,work!
Clean and organize garage
Lunch with a friend
Work on my Halloween quilt and stitcheries
Play with my grandchildren
And anything else that comes along

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Hmmmm!  I don't know.  Maybe I'll add one a little later
if I can figure how to do it on this computer since I haven't
transferred all my files yet.

Well, I'm off and running.  Got to finish my lesson for
tonight.

Nola

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...Thursday, Sept. 9

Outside my window...  It is about 4:00 in the afternoon

and the sun is finally breaking through the storm clouds

and favoring us with its warmth and rays.  The dark heavy

clouds are still out there and especially clinging to the

mountain tops.  The streets are dry from the rain we had

early this morning and through the night.  Temperatures

are warming slightly...about 60 F.

I am thinking...  How nice it is to have my hair done for

another few weeks.  Why does it always feel so good to

have it cut? 

I am thankful ... To live in an neighborhood where everyone

looks out for one another and it only takes a phone call or word

of mouth to have offers of help, dinner, yard work, errands, etc. 

done by willing, caring and loving hands.  

I am wearing...  A long sleeved pink shirt,

cottons pants and flip flops.

I am remembering...  The very loud thunder right over my

house that woke me up last night.  Thankfully I was able to fall

back to sleep quickly.

  

I am going...  To host FHE here this evening.  Love it

when we all get together.  I'm in charge of dinner. 

I am currently reading...  Nothing!  Well, that isn't

exactly true.  I'm reading the mail that just came.  Still trying

not to get too attached to a book right now so I can get some

projects done. 

I am hoping...  To get my fall decorations up tomorrow

(finally got down the summer ones today) and that my neighbor 

can work on my bathroom.  Had to cancel today as his wife was 

ill and had to go to the doctor.

On my mind... The many friends and neighbors around me

who have been going through some very tough trials recently,

especially my good friends, the Leech's.  The father went

in for bypass surgery and while in there his 22 year old son had

a heart attack.  Both are doing well now. They were three doors

away from each other.  Also several other

friends  and ward members are or have recently been in the

hospital.  

  

Noticing that...  There might be a few leaves beginning

to turn on the mountains.

Pondering these words...  

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is.  It all works out.

Don't worry.  I say that to myself every morning.  It will all work

out.  If you do your best it will all work out.  Put your trust in

God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the

future.  The Lord will not forsake us....If we will put our trust

in Him, if we pray to Him, if we live worthy of His blessings,

He will hear our prayers."  Gordon B. Hinckley 

From the kitchen...  Beef stew simmering on the stove,

dinner rolls defrosting on the counter. 

Around the house...  Actually it is very quiet, bathroom

still torn up, walls looking bare since summer has been taken

down and put away, table waiting to be set for dinner.

One of my favorite things...

Apple Salsa:

1 1/3 c. peeled, diced apples

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice (I use bottled)

2 tsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. apricot preserves

1/8 tsp. cinnamon.

Mix and chill

5 (6 inch) flour tortillas

2 Tbsp melted butter

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 Tbsp. white sugar

mix cinnamon and sugar together.

Brush tortilla with butter or use spray like

Pam.

Sprinkle with sugar/cinn. mixture

Cut into wedges, place on cookie sheet

Bake 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or

until crisp.

I am wishing that...  I wouldn't wish my life

away.

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

FHE this evening

work

bathroom tile completed

yard work (have been rather negligent lately)

Begin Halloween stitcheries

House cleaning for weekend

Church on Sunday

From My Picture Journal... 

This is what I see as I sit here at my computer looking

out the window into my flower garden.

Good smells are beckoning from the kitchen.  Best check

on dinner.

Have a Happy Thursday.

Nola

Yeah! It's Sunday!

Today I am very grateful it is Sunday, a day of rest!
I need it!  This has been a long, busy, hectic week.
So I looked forward to being able to take it a little
easy and not have to jump up bright and early to get
ready for work.

I was able to sleep in until about 7:00 this morning
which was absolutely wonderful!  It gave me an hour
to read and leisurely get ready for church which is at
9:00.  Renewed for the week, I returned home and
have just relaxed all afternoon visiting with friends,
reading, eating lunch on the patio and enjoying
the cool breeze that has been hovering around.  Think
it is bringing in a cold front for tomorrow.

Working 6 days this week has been a little different
for me.  Even though it is just for a few hours, it still
tires me and puts a crimp in my activities.  But, I am
grateful I can do it.  Don't know how long this will go
on but I tell myself this is extra money for Christmas,
quilting, or new accessories for my bathroom and then
it is easy!

Was so excited to get my counter top installed Friday.

I love it!  Always worry a little when all you get to view
is a small sample.

As you can see the taps have not been hooked up
yet.  That will be done this week.  So for now, it's
up and down the stairs to wash, use bathroom
facilities, etc.  A good way to get in some extra
exercise!

Next will be the floor.  I'm having second
thoughts about the tile I picked out.  I still love the
color but it's the size I'm worried about.  The
squares are 18 inches and it only gives me about
2 1/2 across the floor from wall to cabinet and I'm
not sure if I want the grout to run in a straight
line in the center of the floor the length of the floor.
(This probably doesn't make a bit of sense.)  So now
I'm stewing and rethinking.

Yesterday after work I was so excited to come home
and discover I now had enough tomatoes to do a
batch of chili sauce.  Was able to get 10 pints!

My house smelled so good.  There is nothing that smells
more like fall to me than the wonderful smell of chili sauce
simmering on the stove top.  And even today there is a
lingering scent.  Now if more tomatoes will ripen I can
do spaghetti sauce or salsa.  Optimistic aren't I?

I even got my Saturday house work done while it was
simmering, played with my grandson, and then mowed part
of my lawn before darkness came up on me.  (Oh, and in
between shared pizza with my kids as we had all been working
so hard and no one wanted to cook).

So needless to say, I am grateful for Sunday...a day of rest!

Nola

Now, I Can Share!

Yeah!  The bag and little coin purse I made for my sweet
new daughter-in-law arrived in time for her birthday!  I
was a little concerned as it was going to New Zealand.
So now I can share the finished project as she opens her
birthday gift.

Just hope it isn't too pink!  When she told me she
loves pink I had a blast looking for anything with
pink in it.   With them moving into spring and
summer, thought the bright colors would be fun.


Happy Birthday, Joann

Woman's Daybook

For Today...Thursday, September 2

Outside my window...  It is a beautiful fall (ok, I know it

is not officially fall) day.  But, it feels like fall is in the air.

The temperature is about 70 F. which I'm loving!  The

blue sky is cloudless.

  

I am thinking...  How nice it was to take my lunch outside

and eat on the patio.   It was very quiet with all the neighborhood

children in school.  So very peaceful!

I am thankful for...  A good neighbor and friend who is

doing the up-dating on my bathroom.  Although we are 

moving a little slower than I'd like, I'm grateful to have 

someone I trust and know will be fair with me and do a

good job. 

I am wearing...  Tan slacks, white shirt and flip flops.

I am remembering...  Sweet memories of my daughter's

early years as I work on her books.

I am going...  To spend the evening with my children

and grandchildren.  I look forward to our Thursday FHE

nights when we can all be together.  Think I will make

rice krispie treats for our treat tonight.

I am currently reading...  All my reading has been

put on hold so I can work on my children's books and finish

some fall projects.  Once I get into a good book it seems 

everything else goes by the wayside.  So, I told myself

the only time I can read is at bedtime and lately I seem to

fall asleep before I get started.

I am hoping...  That I have made the right choices for

my bathroom.  It is always so hard looking at small samples

and trying to pull everything together.  

On my mind...  My sweet daughter in law whose 

birthday it is and hoping our package made it to New

Zealand in time. 

Noticing that...  I've got a few more tomatoes

ready for picking.  Maybe now I'll have enough

to make some chili sauce.  I love the smell of

it cooking and it always brings back fond memories

of time spent with my mother and grandmother

canning.  The recipe was my grandmother's and is

so yummy!

Pondering these words...  "Fifty was my favorite age.

It takes about that long to learn to quite competing--to

be yourself and settle down to living.  It is the age I would

like to be through all eternity!"  ...Marjorie Pay Hinckley 

From the kitchen...  Ingredients for treats tonight waiting 

to be mixed together.  Nice not to have to worry about

cooking as we take turns each week.

Around the house...  Bathroom is looking so bare

with the counter top pulled off, toilet gone and floor coverings

pulled up.

One of my favorite things...  Cool nights and warm (not

hot) days and opening the doors and widows.

I am wishing that...  My local Smith's store still did

photo's.  The girl there was so good at helping me restore

some of these old photo's.  Now I have to find another

place.

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

1.Work, work, work! (I am working 6 days a week for

awhile.  The lady I job share with fell and broke her

right wrist (she's right handed), damaged her front

teeth and scraped up her face.  She had surgery on her

wrist a couple of days ago, but don't know when she'll

be back.  I'm sure I'll be there at least a couple of weeks.

It really isn't bad as we do the bookkeeping and

banking and can leave when we're through.  I usually

am out of there by 11:00 or earlier.

2.  Get bathroom counter installed tomorrow

3.  Harvest tomatoes and make chili sauce

4.  Yard work and house work Saturday

5.  Church on Sunday

From my picture journal...

Recently made this purse as a gift.  It was so easy.

I had seen some Terry had made and posted pictures

of on her blog:  Terry's Treasures.

She kindly gave me the link:  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com

Think it would make a great bag for sewing projects

with the six outside pockets.

Well, I'm off to make our snack for tonight.

Hope everyone's having a super day!

Nola