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

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