Loving My Days Off

|Wow, the second post in less than a week. How can you tell I am not at work

So far, so good on the staycation. Yesterday was spent in the Big City. The Banker and I took off to go shopping, We only went to Ikea and Costco. I managed to get some stuff at Ikea even though I really did not NEED anything.  There is lots of stuff there I would like to have but since space is at a premium in my house I have to behave.

I got some storage jars, some silicone ice cube trays that I will use as molds for other stuff. I bought a utility knife, a pillow form, some napkins, wrapping paper,cookies, candles and a water carafe. Like I said I didn't need much. The Banker wanted at three tiered trolley, which is why we went really. I saw a laundry hamper I would have loved but I have two perfectly good hampers already. I will save it for another day. I also saw some nice shelving units that I would love to have in my laundry room but there is literally no room for anything more in that space.

Costco was better. I stocked the freezer a bit and got several big bags of different kinds of nuts. (Christmas baking will be here before you know it.) I could spent a lot of money in that store. I think when I go back next time I will get more meat. Its such a good deal!! Between the two of us we managed to fill the car. Lovely lunch at Swiss Chalet with the cutest waiter ever. A full fun day for the two of us. Best of all I managed to walk much more than I thought I would AND I can move around today with no more trouble than normal. Win Win I say.

We have another road trip day planned for next week. Whoot!!

Yesterday I made this:

Just a little sign, an old board and some Michael's letters. I saw one in a magazine and I liked it. The very special part of this little sign is the board I used. The board came from the house my mom was born in. Makes it so much more meaningful.

Well I think I will go an knit on a little project for the Wee Girl. Then I hope to get some yard work done today!! Miracles may happen!!

Toodles
Linda

Staycation

My two weeks off has started off nicely. I have been thwarted on my plans to sleep in, thanks to Mother Nature and two hungry cats.

"Oh now that you are awake Mama, You can get up and feed me."

This little black face, two inches away from mine has been the standard visual I have for the last couple of mornings. I get beat into getting up, then the two furry terrors go back bed and sleep the day away. Cats!!

The No Cook group went for dessert here on Friday? The Batchery, Homemade ice cream,  gelato and sorbetto. So delicious. I will try and get back again.

I decided that on Saturday I would do only what I pleased. First day of my two weeks off, I would have no "To Do: list, nothing but what I wanted to do. I did this:

After three years I got my Irish wool tea cozy made. I bought the yarn in Gallway with this pattern in mind. The pattern was lost in the quagmire that is my craft room and was only recently found. Its a brighter and prettier green in real life. It looks rather muddy here but its not, its a very Irish green. 

I brought three balls of this lovely stuff back with me and I still have one left to do something with. I am not sure what but I am beyond tickled to have my cozy made. Its so deliciously squishy and soft. 

Yesterday, The Banker, Teddy Bear, and I headed to a antique and collectibles sale. Kit Kat and her Dad met us there. We had a lovely day but once again I was reminded that I really have to get doing something to increase my stamina. Walking about is so hard and I want to be able to go and do and see. In spite of my limited mobility I did get around and I did manage to bring some things home. Not as much as I would have liked but I got some.

Three pieces of candlewick glass: a divided dish, a small bowl and a saucer. A cookie tin was thrown in for good measure

Teddy Bear bought this. It will live at my house and if she wants to wear it, She will borrow it. I have the best friends, I cannot say it enough.

This little serving tray was half price and just begged for someone to take it home and make it pretty. I fully intend to do just that. It has that horrible fake wood panel board  in it. I have never ever liked that stuff. I will be more that happy to hide it with wall paper or scrap booking paper. Something bright and pretty. There was the cutest little wash stand there for a really reasonable price that I would have snapped up in a heartbeat but I just had no place to put it. I could have gotten rid of something and used it instead but how smart is that? So someone else is enjoying it . Lots if other things I would have purchased but money and space are lacking so I was content just to look.

Today I am spending the day doing a few things that need to be done but mostly working on the next quilt on the list. I got half of the top sewn last time I tackled it so maybe I can do the other half today.

I also finally got some shelves put in the egg cup cupboard. I had painted them some time ago but now the paint has cured I could put them away.

Here it the before:

Kind of hard to see them all like this. So here is the after:

Not much room left to expand the collection. I only saw two egg cups yesterday at the sale but I already had them. I have a few duplicates and I don't want to have too many. 

So I am off to sew on the quilt and do the dishes.

Toodles,

Linda

A little of this and a little of that

A quiet weekend at home this weekend. No dashing off here and there with friends. I stayed put and got some things done. I need to do more of this but every little bit that gets done really helps. So I got stuck in.

First off here is the last mosaic tile project. I got it grouted at last. It will be hung on the shed in the back. I need to actually paint the shed door first.This is yet another project that has been a really long time in the making.

The shed door has been primed but not actually painted for more than a year now. I had hoped to do it today but its too hot for this old bird to be outside. I have some vacation time coming up so I will get it done then. 

I also finally took a picture of the basket I bought last weekend:

I have not figured out what I will do with it yet but I will come up with a purpose for this pretty baby. I love it but then I have a weakness for baskets.

I finally took an HOUR and pealed sheets of cat hair off the other easy chair in the living room. It has been uncovered for a while and Desi has done his best to coat it within an inch of its life with his lovely hair. I picked up this nice blanket at a second hand store and its perfect to protect the chair from future fur infestations. It covers the back, sides and arms perfectly. I got a gray sheet as well for the same purpose. I would have liked another heavier blanket but the sheet will do.

Someone else seems to think its perfectly nap worthy as well. The blanket was on the chair for two minutes and the big man hopped up on the chair to get the next fur infestation started.

I bought this picture frame last weekend. Cheap as chips and just the right size to replace the broken one.

I had a collage of Irish doors and windows hanging in the stairwell and I managed to send it saling down the stairs one day when I was throwing the laundry down. I smashed the frame to bits. So I purchased this one and now the collage is back where it belongs.

A little touch of black paint and I was back in business.  Some of those pictures I took, some the Banker took and some were taken by other people (I got them off postcards or the internet.)

I also finally took a picture of the Blarney night quilt for this year. Its been photographed, cleaned and bagged ready to go to the person who won it in the auction, at last.

Now I have started the one for the Safe and Warm Shelter fund raising.. I should be cleaning my bedroom but I am going to fore go that and sew the quilt top instead. Its much more fun anyway.

Laundry is done, the dishes are done. The front entry is scrubbed and sporting a new mat at the front door.  KitKat and I went out for supper last night. She stopped in for some iced tea and a chat and next thing you know, we decided on supper out. She was painting door frames at her house so she did not feel like cooking. Neither did I. So I have accomplished a few things, I should have gotten more done but I am grateful for what did get accomplished. I will save the yard work for when I am on vacation in September..

This week my legs have been so sore. Worse than normal and its not making me happy. I am hoping its just a phase and it will pass. I am blaming them for me not getting stuff done like I would like to . So many jobs require standing. I will continue on. little by little and things will get done. So I am going to try once again  to get off the processed stuff and eat better. I am convinced that is connected to the pain in my muscles.

Toodles,

Linda

Busy Weekend

I had a busy weekend and it was nice. I actually got out of the house and out of the City!! GO ME!! My weeks are pretty samey. Friday Night No Cook, a movie out with friends, supper out once a week with KitKat and anyone else that wants to come along. The rest of my time is spent at home. I am not complaining, I am very very happy with how my life is. Samey is no always a bad thing.

This weekend KitKat and I decided to head a town about an hour away from us. We went in search of second hand stores and garage sales. I am happy to report that we found both and I am even happier to report that SHE bought more than I did. I was not looking for much. I did buy a basket. (I am such a sucker for baskets. Its something that needs a twelve step program, I swear.) I did find a picture frame to replace the one I sent saling down the stairwell. I will need to paint it but that is nothing. I got some more dishes for the cats and a lovely enamel dipper. I have not taken pictures but I will and post it all later. We dined out and then stopped at a antique store on our way home.

This was one of those places that is so crammed with treasures, me and my ample butt did not venture in. KitKat had a good snoop but even she was squeezed and she is a bit of a thing. Nothing was purchased as the word ANTIQUE means PRICEY. Out of my range although just a peek in the door had me spying a couple of dozen things I would love. I just cannot justify spending $165.00 for a cookie jar when the house needs shingles. Even I have my limits

We got home and she convinced me I should go for groceries right away as I would not do it if I went home. She was right. We went for groceries as she needed some things, then I took her and her treasures home. She got a lovely old wash tub for her yard, a nice candle thing for the top of her fireplace and fireplace tools. She also bought dishes and some other dodads. One always needs dodads. She managed to snag some lawn edging that had I seen it first, would have been mine. It was a huge roll for a dollar!!

Sunday, two work buddies and I headed to the big city to the outdoor stage there and saw a production of Shrek, the Musical.

We got there early, more to get a good parking spot rather than worrying about our seats. Trust me this place was full by the time the show started. It has big open sides but the roof keeps you save from any rain, just in case.The building is round and there is not a bad seat in the place.

We all enjoyed the play to no end. So many talented people. Another of our work friend's son performs in this theater and its nice to see how he has grown as a performer over time. He was great as always in this production. Of course we did a selfie, just like the cool kids.

Afterwards we stopped for supper at a little Greek restaurant that had the most fabulous food. All home made and generous portions. We were very safe from vampires that night. Lots of garlic but oh so good. I got back into my house at about 9:00. It was a fun fun fun weekend. It was nice to get out of the city and do something different with fun people.

This week the movie will be Ben Hur. Last week it was Florence Foster Jenkins, which I enjoyed. I am hoping I will be able to say the same about Ben Hur. I did get to Jason Bourne which was fine but I have not seen the others and now I think I should. Maybe The Carpenter will loan me his DVDs.

Miss Mouse and the Farmer lost a field to fire just recently. No one was hurt and no machinery was lost so that is a blessing. Busy and the Carpenter are out there right now, helping with all the work that needs to be done. The Pilot is out there helping with the harvest as well, while the Teacher and the Wee Girl are in New Brunswick, The Wee Girl is meeting the other side of her family and dipping her toes in the waters across from the Bay of Fundy. Those are some seriously cute toes.

So the next work week starts and things are back to normal. I need to get busy and get working on some quilts.  I have several donation quilts I want to make and I need to get making. While I was cleaning out my craft room I was seriously happy to find this :

|I brought wool back from Ireland with the intent of making myself a lovely tea cozy from a pattern in this book. Three years later I have finally found the dang book, now I can knit the cozy!!. It pays to purge once in a while. |I have had this pattern book for probably 40 years.

So there you go, a little of this and a little of that all mashed together. Its how my head works, what can I say.

Toodles

Linda

Mosaic Madness and Other Crafty Stuff

My days off are drawing to an end and while they did not go as planned, I did manage to get some things done that have been on the "to do"list for some time. I would like to have seen more off that never ending list  but it is what it is and I will be grateful for the results.

I took care of some business that is easier done during the work week, The mortgage got renewed and the property taxes got paid. I even submitted my passport for renewal. (still hoping to get to Scotland at some point). When I was at CAA getting my passport photos taken I spied the cutest little carry on bag, on sale, half price, so I bit the bullet and bought it. Lucy peed all over my last one and after only getting to use it twice it had to go. Au de Cat Pee is not a pleasant travel fragrance.

This one is hard sided, light weight, got those four lovely spinning wheels and is the proper size for carry on. You will be able to see me and my bright pink bag coming a mile off but that is ok. I am tickled with it. Looks like a Barbie bag but I don't care.

I did a few crafty things while I was home. I finished the barbecue redo. I had started it a while ago and just needed to grout the pot pads and paint the handle. This is what it looked like before:

Much weathered but still very serviceable. Now it looks like this:

All grouted and painted and ready to cook. The pot pads are removable so I can store them inside in the winter if I need too.

I finally finished KitKat's dresser runners for her newly decorated bedroom. I delivered them to her on Saturday afternoon and she was very pleased with them.

I do have to say they did look very nice in their new home.

Their installation was closely monitored buy her three curious cats. The runners then ultimately passed the sit and sniff test. As my two cats had been all over them first there was lots to sniff I imagine. ( I did not give them to her all covered in my cat'a hair, they had been washed before delivery.)

The last of the projects to be completed were the mosaic stars. I started this YEARS ago but just now finished it and actually got them installed. Once I decided where I wanted them, the biggest problem was how to hang them. That was accomplished by a root through the junk drawer. for bracket and screws and some wire clothes hangers donated to the cause by Teddy Bear.

Today the garden shed went from looking like this:

OMG I have got some serious weeding to complete in this poor flower bed. A lot of shoveling in my future. That is a post for another day. Back to the stars!! Now the shed looks like this:

I need to find another place for my lovely metal globe but I am so happy to get these stars finished and hung up at last. I think I need to make two more but time will tell.  Once again my stellar photo skillz have produced rather poor pictures but you get the idea. 

I have one more tiny mosaic project in the works but its not ready to be seen in public yet. Poor this is still pretty naked. I will reveal it in good time. Now I need to get on with some quilts.

Other than all this its been rather quiet and ordinary around here. Friday Night Supper with the No Cook Friday Group, Saturday night movie with friends, my usual weekend activities.  I only part if the week off and was not feeling 100 % for part of it. I did some second hand store shopping and that was about all. I did get all those craft books delivered to the Rotory Club so they can sell them in their big book sale next month.

So happy not to have them on the dining room table any more. 

I even worked on wine bottle label removal and have almost got them all done. I need to get on with that project too. I have decided I need minions. I have all these ideas and project and if I had minions I could boss from sun up to sun down. Things would get done and it would not have to rely on my mercurial energy levels. Oh its nice to dream.

Well I am off for a nice cup of tea and a bit of knitting before I have to go to bed and convince myself that going back to work tomorrow is not the end of the world.

Toodles,

Linda

Ordinary Miracles

Well it has been all go around here, I can tell you. That is, all go, at my speed, but at least things are happening. My super power is still intact. I did not plan to mow the lawn and its not raining, its a lovely sunny day: So I zipped to the bank, went and picked up breakfast then dashed home and did this

Drunken monkey dance of joy, the lawn is mowed!! (honestly you would think it was a football field the way I go on about it, its not/ its a postage stamp!!)

Then since it is a lovely day today, not to hot, lovely cool breeze I got the shovel, rake and bucket out and turned this:

This into this:

It still looks like toothless goats have munched it down but its a vast improvement on what it was. That ground cover just took over and choked out almost all my perennials except a couple of lily plants. I think if you click on the pictures you can see a bigger version (if you are interested). By my figuring I have two more sessions on the flower bed and it will be finished. Then I have the section between the shed and the fence. The yard is coming along. Next year I am going to be able to plant the pretty things and hopefully the yard will, at last, look how it does in my imagination.

I am slow at doing this, but I am enjoying it. I get frustrated because I can't do as much as I would like to in one session but its good for me to puddle away at it. Its good for me and I am happy to be able to say I am doing it. I am also telling myself that its ok to go slow, there are no yard work police to arrest me for not getting it done instantly.

The other goal this weekend is to grout the tile work I did last weekend, paint a couple of things and finish the runners I am making for KitKat. First though I get to have a nap, Yard work makes me want to sleep!!

Toodles,

Linda

And so it Begins

I planned to mow the lawn today, after two days of heat and humidity, and it rained today. I think this is my new superpower. Plan to mow, make it rain. You are welcome.

I did do some yard work this weekend. You can tell there are flower beds in the front yard once again, not just various samples of different weeds growing prolifically. The Banker actually popped over unexpectedly and got me started. I have the best friends, incase I have never mentioned that before. I don't do the great job that she does but its better than nothing.

I started the craft room purge with the book case. I plan to work my way around the room but the jumping off point is the craft books. So here is the book case before:

Pretend this is all one picture. I could not get the entire thing in one frame. The sun was shinning so I could not get a really great picture but I never do seem to be able to, so I just forge on. I picked and chose and dithered and  thinned and before you knew it, the book case looks like this

See, if you look hard at the crappy pictures you will see empty spaces. Empty spaces that did not stay empty for long BUT the positive side is that the books that did not fit on the shelf, that had migrated onto other spots in the room, now live in the case. The empty spots left from those book have now been filled with baskets for storage. God forbid there should be empty spaces!!

On my dining table is this, destined for the Rotary Club Book sale:

I cannot believe that I am willing to part with all these but there comes a time when you know you cannot keep everything. I try but even I cannot do it.

I also did some mosaic tiling yesterday, which I am hoping to grout today. I think I may need one more star for the shed but I will hang what I have and see. The shed stars have been in production for three years now I think, Its time to get them up already.

What I am doing with the rectangles you ask?  Well I will show you,

My poor barbecue has sat out uncovered for a couple of winters because I have been too cheap to buy a cover. The elements have played fast and loose with the wood bits. So as always, call it poverty or necessity but both are the mother of invention in this house. I had the wood on hand for the bases as well as the tiles and I also have grout and paint to finish them.  No cost to me at the moment which is what I like and my barbecue goes from this:

To this:

Now I need to root around in the shed to find something to replace the poor handle. I like this look, I think it's great. I also love  to mosaic tile things. This year I will get a cover for this poor thing. Something to save my Canadian Tire money for!!

Toodles,
Linda