Off to a Running Start

As I promised myself, I started on my new cross stitch project -- "Fuji" by Terrance Nolan. I began this on 16 count evenweave but after a few stitches realized that my eyes would be better suited to 14 ct. aida. So, I started again. Now, I am not good at figuring out how to convert sizes so I figured I would just use a really big piece of fabric. I bought the biggest packaged piece I could find which is 30" X 36". Needless to say, when you begin in the center, this is more than a little unwieldy. At any rate, I should have plenty of fabric.

I am going about this project a bit different than I usually do. While I am starting in the center I am completing one grid square at a time. The pattern is divided up into five parts, each part being on a different page so I started with the top, left hand side of the pattern but began at the bottom, right hand side which is the corner in the middle. Confusing, I know. At any rate, the first grid square is about 36 squares and that is what I have completed. That 36 squares was made up of four different colored threads -- I can tell this is going to take a long, long time. That is ok, though, because this is the first project I have done that I haven't been under some sort of deadline to finish. That is sort of throwing me off a bit but I hope to be able to enjoy making the picture rather than just trying to get it done.

I haven't taken a photo yet because there really isn't much to take a photo of -- 36 squares of varying shades of beige/brown with a little grey/blue in it. I will take a photo tomorrow when I get a bit further.

I also started reading "An Amish Gathering -- Life in Lancaster County". It is a work of three Amish novellas written by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron. I was in B&N the other day, looking for Nook accessories, and it caught my eye -- again, a catchy cover. I am really glad the Nook shows the cover of the books otherwise I would never know how to choose one!

At any rate, I am a few pages into the first story. It is about a young Amish woman who dreams of being a writer and writing about the English who seem, in her eyes, to have problems with religion. Of course, while the young woman is busy trying to be a writer her sister and her mother are busy trying to get her married so her rebellious streak is rearing its ugly head. As I said, only a few pages in so I am not sure if I am going to enjoy it or not.

I also started trying to keep a journal. Ha! Not doing any better job now than the million other times I have tried but I will keep after it and hopefully not give up after the first three days.

After thinking about my time management "issues" I decided to try to budget my time to do more of what I want to do. I think I have done pretty well for the last couple of days. I feel better about doing what I have to do when I make time to do what I want to do.

Off to a Good Start


As I said in a previous post -- I don't believe in resolutions for the New Year. I did do some soul searching, however, and realized that I don't use my time well. There are things I love to do but I procrastinate terribly -- that translates into watches too much television. So, I decided to make a concerted effort -- within my perameter of living one day at a time -- to do more of the things I love to do and quit worrying about the things I don't -- that translates into worry about housework.

One of the things I love is quilting. I have two projects going but can't show you here because they are a secret! I will show you photos eventually, just not now.

Another thing I love is cross stitch. Four or five years ago I bought some patterns by Terrance Nolan. The names of the patterns are "Fuji" and "Haiku" and they are the most beautiful birds I have ever seen -- they work up very nicely as I saw the models. I did start these once but was using 16 ct. even weave and, after about 20 stitches, I realized that is just too small for these eyes so I bought 14 ct. aida and intend to start over. Since I hadn't gotten very far I don't feel bad about it. I will be doing the work without a hoop as I am finding that my fingers don't do well while clutching things for long periods of time -- like the remote control or the Wii controller.

I will begin with "Fuji" as seen below. He is really a gorgeous little guy and I will post photos as I progress. I don't think this will be a quick finish.

When I get done with "Fuji" I will start on "Haiku". I am sorry the photo is so small but it is just as lovely. Actually, the patterns don't look too difficult, lots of colors, and some specialty threads -- I am looking forward to it.

Another thing I am trying to do more of is read. I was always an avid reader and have somehow let the pasttime slide. However, mid-month I am getting my Christmas present -- a Nook, the e-reader introduced by Barnes and Noble. I can hardly wait and have already purchased a cover for it that looks like this--


Another thing I am going to try to do more of is cook. It is difficult with an overweight me and a diabetic husband who doesn't like leftovers but I am trying. So, with that said, I am off to bake a cake for lunch tomorrow. I hope it freezes well since neither one of us are supposed to be eating it!! Maybe I will post a pic of it --

January 1, 2010


Today is the first day of, not only a new year, but a new decade as well. I have never been one to think much about the changing of the year except to wonder how many checks I will mess up writing the wrong date.

However, it was brought to my attention that this year is not only the beginning of a new decade but it is the end of one, as well. This is the end of my 50's. I will have completed six decades.

Wow, I don't know what to do with that.

I don't even remember my 50's. Let's see, I was busy with the last stages of child rearing -- college, broken legs, broken hearts, new loves, weddings, babies, new houses for all, new cars, smashed cars, surgery, fear, prayer, tears, laughter and most of all, love.

But, I don't remember my age -- or what I wore.

Clothes have always been an necessary evil. I was never at the "right age" for the clothing I was interested in. The last time I remember being what I thought was correct was probably junior high school -- Bobbie Brooks and soft socks -- not difficult to achieve. I remember trying to figure out what to wear to work -- it shouldn't have been that hard but it was at a time when slacks were just becoming acceptable so that just sort of threw a monkey wrench into the whole thing. Then, I remember my mother telling me that 27 was the best age -- the clothes were great, you were adult and could dress up but still be young.

Hm...27, I was wearing rice cereal and formula most of the time. Don't get me wrong, I loved every minute of it but still, not exactly the picture that my mother painted.

So it went for the next few years, I was a stay at home mom, IT DIDN'T REALLY MATTER!

So, here I am. Almost -- well, almost not 59 anymore and the question still comes up, what am I supposed to be at this age. I realize that question emcompasses more than just attire. It also relates to attitudes, concerns, acceptable appearance, societal expectations -- wow, who knew that a birthday meant more than a cake and some gifts.

I don't feel my age -- well, my right knee does. I am shocked everytime I look in the mirror and see silvery hair -- THIN, silvery hair rather than the thick, dark auburn mane I used to possess. If I don't use the 10X mirror I don't see the little wrinkles but if I don't use the 10X mirror I can't see to put on my makeup. I realize I am wearing cardigan sweaters more and more -- that is definitely an "old" lady thing. It is like the upcoming decade is sucking me up into the mist of old age! I must fight this and fight it now!

So, I have been doing a lot of thinking today -- what does this age mean? I think it means what you want it to mean. I guess for some it will be Vicki Lawrence's character "Mama". For others it will be Meryl Streep or Paula Deen. I think that in this day and age the concept of age is going the way of newspapers and books and pay phones and corner mailboxes. Age, or aging, just doesn't exist -- after all, isn't 40 the new 30? Hmm. then I guess 60 is the new 50 --- damn, that still sounds old. But, I think my mom was right -- age is a matter of the mind and with all the technology and "stuff" we have out there today, age isn't really as much of an issue these days.

So, I think I am going to approach this decade the same as I have the past ones. I am going to ignore it. And just think, with debit cards, I don't even have to worry about messing up the date on the check. Ain't technology grand!

My apologies --

In re-reading my post of earlier, there is a typo that I can't seem to correct because google won't let me! Trust me that I do know the difference between there and their and they're -- I just don't type so well anymore. So, lest I offend anyone (dear daughter comes to mind) I will rectify the error as soon as Google lets me. I hope I don't have to go back to Wordpress.

Ushering out the Old and Ringing in the New!

I have read on several blogs, FB comments and heard in queues that people are glad to see 2009 go -- don't let the door hit you in the rear as you exit! I don't feel that way about 2009. Of course, it could be that I didn't have a bad year. I didn't have a monumental year, either. I just had a year. It was quiet -- thank God -- and uneventful -- again, thank God. As I age I recognize the value and blessing of "uneventful" or "boring". There is nothing quite as comforting as "boring".

Of course, there are things I wish I had accomplished like losing weight, exercising more, reading more books, being a nicer person but there are no huge regrets. I was blessed by becoming better acquainted with my DOK sisters and actually seeing the power of prayer through the diligence and faith of these women. I was blessed by my increased involvement in DAR which has strengthened by belief that we do, in fact, live in the greatest country in the world and that we should not take it for granted but be staunch in our values and standards for which our flag flies and our troops defend.

It goes without saying that watching the g-kiddos grow is a blessing and a privilege for which there are no words. Learning, during the latter part of the year, that there is to be a new addition to the family in 2010 has brought joy, excitement and blessing to this family and we can hardly wait to see Bean Wilcox in the summer. What greater purpose can their be for the new year than to gather around these children and watch them grow and flourish.

As New Year's Eve approaches AW and I are settling in for a home cooked meal as the rain falls. There are no parties or get-togethers planned -- we abandoned all that years ago. It is a joy for us to kick off the shoes and watch a movie or listen to music.

I am sure by midnight we will be past the point of no return.I am sure that Rollie, being the teenage cat that he is, has other plans, however.
I sincerely hope, however, that he lays off trying to eat ribbon. It doesn't work well for him and isn't a pretty sight.

So, as the end of 2009 approaches I just want to say to everyone
whatever that means to you. As for me, I am hoping for another "boring" year

New background!

I just changed my blog background from the Christmas theme it had been sporting for the last couple of weeks. I have done all the regular backgrounds, vintage backgrounds, holiday backgrounds so this time I wanted to go with something upbeat, quirky, and a bit springy so here it is! I hope I can live with it for a while. Maybe not. Hmmm.....we will see.

Current Read

This is the book that I am currently reading. I borrowed it from my daughter and I need to return it. It is not a long book and has caught my interest keenly so I doubt I will take long to finish it up.

I must remember to add it to my Good Reads list.

To Cook or Not to Cook

Tonight I watched "Julie and Julia" for the second time -- this time with hubby in tow. I loved this movie the first time I saw it and the second was no different and each time I was inspired. I can't cook. I don't like to go to the grocery store. Visiting Williams-Sonoma is an entirely different matter, however. I can't imagine what it would be like to shop in a French kitchen shop with one of those old, fold-up baskets like we used to use at the five and dime and just casually throw in whisks, copper pots, and big, beautiful rolling pins. I should cook, shouldn't I, especially since I have a weakness for all things kitchen.

The first time I saw the movie, I looked at the cookbook at Borders. I discovered then that I would never be a Julia Child or even a Julie Powell, even though she can cook and write, both goals and desires of mine. There is no way that I will ever "save" chicken livers -- in fact, I don't even buy chickens WITH livers -- and I am sure than in the remainder of my life, I will never, ever bone a duck. But still, the draw to such gorgeous cuisine is almost irrestible.

I do cook a bit, however, but I need a cookbook -- no natural talent here -- and I am very messy but still, I do have my moments. For instance, I do make fruitcakes almost every Christmas and this year I did make Cousin Jean's Welsh Cakes which were very good. I have no photos of those but I do have some photos of a meal I made back in the summer -- flatbread with Asparagus Milanese. So, welcome to my messy kitchen and my lovely dinner.

Project completed

A while back my daughter in law asked for some old fashioned embroideried cup towels. Since I like to do that sort of thing, I began making a set for her. I didn't want to post photos here since they were for a gift but, since the gift has been given I am now posting photos of the finished project. I enjoyed doing them and am thinking of doing some for myself.

Christmas Eve 2009

I guess all of us have some idea of what the perfect holiday is. It is probably made up of memories from childhood, not always accurate, probably department store fantasy, probably some preconceived notion of what it is SUPPOSED to be. At any rate, for many of us, the perfect holiday is probably not achievable -- too much perfection involved.

This Christmas was no different for me. I harken back to the Christmas's of my childhood -- great recollections of going to relatives houses, egg nog and black olives (thanks for the memory, Penny), lots of gifts, real trees, big, colorful lights and food. Teenage years brought Christmas parties at home with all the neighborhood kids -- dancing school Christmas parties, new Bobbie Brooks skirts and sweaters, the boyfriend coming home from A&M for the holidays -- blue northers blowing through south Texas that would chill you to the bone only to be gone the next day! Of course, my memory likes to obliterate the thoughts of cedar allergies (yes, even back then), calendar towels, relatives arguing and messing up the whole thing for others. But, hey, it is my perfect vision -- I have the right to obliterate those things.

Then I think back to my children's Christmas's. We were always at the grandparents houses, lots of toys and food and happiness all around. Of course, my selective memory is leaving out the little boy so desperately allergic to the winter that he was sick every year with horrible earaches but he wouldn't give up and give in -- had to go on. I am also choosing to forget how sick the little girl got sitting on bales of hay while portraying a lovely little lamb in the church Christmas pagent. I still have the cotton ball covered hat. No, my dream holiday doesn't include sick children.

I sort of thought I was going to have the perfect holiday this year. We were going to go to daughter's house on Christmas Eve and, in anticipation of the "wintery weather" we were planning on spending the night -- a first for us. I was looking very forward to this since Christmas Eve is, in my "perfect holiday", the epitome of Christmas. Well.....this happened.



The wind was blowing like a hurricane and the event was aptly dubbed "a BLIZZARD". It must have been because we had snow drifts in the yard.

And ice in the birdbath.

In the spirit of the sick little boy of the years past, we wouldn't let this get us down. We were determined to get to daughters house for an evening of holiday food, movies and perfection so we forged ahead. Heading down the highway to pick up Grandmother we saw an accident. Not a tragic accident but more an inconvenient accident for those involved. At Grandmother's house it was harrowing to see the elderly bundling up against the bitter cold wind trying to maneuver walkers through slush, blowing snow and patches of thin ice. However, with Grandmother bundled into the back seat and gifts and food safely ensconsed in the trunk off we go -- retracing our travel, back on the highway, there is another accident. No driver in sight, one car sideways in the road -- no damage -- not sure what happened but everybody was slamming on brakes, sliding dangerously close to one another. That is when I got THE LOOK from the hubby. You know, the one that lets you know that this just isn't going to happen. Well, it didn't -- circling around, back on the highway for the third time back to Grandmother's we went to drop her off at her apartment and venture home. The streets were freezing much quicker than we anticipated and visibility was scary to say the least. Obviously my dream holiday vision was evaporating fast. I was angry and disappointed not to mention just a little more than frightened at the prospect of winding up in a 20+ car pile up less than a mile from my house.

The Perfect Christmas Eve was not to happen this year so I threw myself a huge pity party instead and spent the evening doing laundry which my husband was very thankful for - so glad I could oblige him.

However, Christmas Day dawned bright and sunny and even though the streets were bad and we didn't venture out to church, the afternoon turned out to be very enjoyable. The daughter and hubby came over and spent the afternoon, we had a little food and exchanged some gifts and had a good time -- well as good as I could under the influence of Benadryl and feeling like a wrung out dishrag -- oh, yes, I forgot to mention that the cedar fever is hanging on way, way too long now.
And, we did have a lot of fun with the family cat. Our Rollie had found his gifts a few days before and we had to hide them from him. When I finally remembered where I had put them, I wrapped them up for him and let him go to town unwrapping his loot! He really likes to get "into" the spirit of things!




And, mission accomplished! Of course, he only went after the catnip laced items and left the jingley balls in the bag. He is such a catnip snob!




The evening was spent at our son's house with him, our daughter in law and grandchildren. Grandmother got her day out, we didn't do any slipping and sliding and a good time was had by all. I would post photos if I had taken any but the Benadryl has robbed me of my mind and I forgot to take the camera out of my purse! Oh well, maybe next year. However, one tradition refused to be daunted -- the little-boy-turned-grown-man (the sick little guy from Christmas's past) was sick again this Christmas Eve. One look at the red nose and droopy eyes and it was 1980 again and I realized that it wasn't Christmas Eve that wasn't perfect but rather my vision of the event that was flawed. So, in adjusting my vision I know that all that was important was our safety, our health, being here and being together and that desiring such perfection was, in reality, selfishness. So, I am going into the new year with a new vision -- and that is no preconceived notion at all -- just enjoying what comes, accepting glitches in the system and being happy for the good things we have.

And so, to everyone reading this -- Happy Boxing Day! That might be my next Perfect Holiday.

Blog-All-Dressed-Up

In an attempt to get in the spirit of the season, I decided to dress up my blog which explains the new blog background. I am not sure I like it yet so it may change -- who knows. Guess you will just have to come back and check it out.

I am doing a lot of different things this year -- changing things around to spice up the season. I love tradition but this year, due to severe lack of energy, cedar fever and a good helping of Bah-humbugginess -- I decided to refrain from putting up my Christmas village. Well, all those reasons plus we need to figure out how to build some risers for it to make all the cords easier to conceal. Anyway, here is a photo from years past.


I added something new this year in the form of what is probably the cheesiest thing ever -- EVER. I bought THIS--

I really rather like him and, for some reason, he reminds me of my Aunt Velma who loved things of this sort. I even went to the website --- which is very clever, I might add -- and I registered him and named him. His name is Tuppy.

I can't forget about Tinklepaw. I haven't talked much about Tinklepaw or put up many of his photos even though he has quite a few -- he has traveled with us and enjoyed past holidays. So, I decided I would put up a photo now and here he is -- Jingle Bell Tinklepaw!




And last but not least, we bought a new tree. Usually our little tree goes in the middle of the village but this year, without the village, we opted for a taller tree. It is tall but very slender so I didn't have to rearrange the house to put it up. And, conveniently, it fits right next to a plug. You will notice that I have a little helper in this photo. Well, ok, little isn't an operative word here and, actually, neither is helper but nonetheless, here is Rollie taking in the tree trimming festivities.


Even though he is the incredible hulk of tabby cats, I think he is a very handsome guy, don't you?

So, that is where I am in the Christmas process. I have watched several Christmas movies -- "Going My Way", "Elf", "Remember the Night" and "New in Town" which isn't really a Christmas movie, I don't suppose, but there is lots of snow so it works for me!