I'm under 45 and know what a pop top is.
Hanging in there part 5
Love those Christmas balls out of old cards...I'll be doing those.
My hands are to shakey............you all do and show them. Nice project.
photos would still be recycling... been fighting with my printer & photo program lately, so I have plenty of photos that didn't come out with the right light/dark balance or the right size, but they'd be good enough for the balls! *fishing some out of the trash* LOL
LOL Jen, maybe I under/over estimated the limit of pop tops.
Picture balls would be an excuse to look at the pictures at least once a year. I have plenty in boxes but never get them out.
hee hee
Also a great way to use the kids school pictures that sit in boxes! I have copies that were returned to me whren the Grandparents and Aunts died.
I am so glad I got some of your creative juices flowing. LOL
Jill doing the center band and then the domes are the way to go!
For the string or hanger I just poke a hole in one of the "wings". even a large needle will do. And for a good strong string try dental floss. I think the cinnamon flavored floss is red.
Don't forget to post pictures of your creations.
Nice ideas here. I would love to see some finished projects. I just took a pile of junk mail stuff over to the senior center. I swear I got 6 really nice calenders, stacks of little note papers and several dozen nice cards not to mention hundreds of stickers from organizations that want my money. Really I never send them any so you would think that they would stop sending me things. I wanted to get rid of the stuff but it was just too usable to toss out so I took it along with a couple of good jigsaw puzzles and a few games to the senior center in hopes that they can put the stuff to good use.You know maybe we should have a crafting for the Holidays thread.
Oh Billyporter, I have Orgami book too but so far I haven't really sat down and tried making anything. I asked for the book a couple of years ago and I really should try a few things.
Holly--
I get all the stuff too-- from every Organization you can imagine....
It all started last year when i succumbed--and actually sent a donation to the
"National Wildlife Federation"......because I was going to get a subscription to their magazine FREE for a year!
Gready--am i not?
SO! Every other Organization must have bought my address and I have been getting stuff for a year now.
Address labels?---I have more than i will ever need for the rest of my life!
Calendars?--Must have gotten 4 or 5. All are useful. Took a couple to work..
A lot of Christmas cards----AHH..So pretty! Used them all!
I even got a "Dream Catcher" from somewhere.....I liked it--and, as usual, went through a guilt trip
keeping it for NO donation. I think I can get over it! I did not ask for it--so I am not sending any $$$ to them!
There!!!!!!!
Time for bed! Stay well, Y'All!
Gita
The program must work for the beggar's. They would not do it if it was a loser. I don't give them a dime and still get all the stuff. It is reported to be the most expensive advertising next to telesales. That leaves to little for the fronting organization. We do our thing locally where ninety cents on the dollar is working for the charities mission. Ten percent administrative costs is pretty good these days. One charity that does even better than that is Cystic Fibrosis. Last check I made showed Cystic Fibrosis using like 97% for research and 3% for administration.
Good morning!
I hear you completely on the stuff in the mail!
Holly, nice thought. I know one place Mom was at, had Bingo and would need prize items. Small decor things for the room, or things they might give to a visitor. I took them some picture frames. and a couple sdmall vases--one of them with slightly unnaturally bright pink flowers--not so horrinle but not my taste and I thought they'd be appreciated by someone with limited eyesight LOL!
doc, great to get some good stats on an org. I feel so bad turning down phone calls but its ridiculous.
Chris, I could swear I live in northeast PA about now. Its been soooo cooooold for a week and no end in sight. Correction--I think I now live in Chicago. Frigid and windy as heck! It may well be more tolerable, (hope so) but snowier, where you live..
Sally, it is turning out to be a very cold week everywhere. DD and DSinL are in Disney World, went down on Sat.for a week. I sure hope they took warm clothes. DD does pretty good when it comes to packing and we were down there once when it got pretty cold in the evening, so she has experience with Fl weather.
We are getting a dusting of snow every night, and in the mornings, but not much more on the ground, temp is hanging around 24º for a high. Yesterday I had to bring the car back from getting inspected and the main roads were clear, side streets in town have snow on them.
Our furnace has been running on the higher mode, I guess it has a 2nd stage that will kick in when it gets this cold and windy. It keeps the house comfortable, but I still wear 2 layers at home.
Gita, you are luckily getting 4 Calendars, I got 0, I usually go on line and goggle free calenders and look for ones that are printed that they will send, I got some from Kraft food and Pillsbury with recipes for each month, but not this year. I did pick one up at our local grocery store, I was fortunate to be there early before they ran out.
I can alway print out a calender on my computer if I want another one. I think that new scrapbook program has templates for calenders.
Stay warm everyone!
Who remembers Suzy Snowflake ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdYDdm3fZiM
I'm with Holly, I can't wait to see the finished creations either!
Holly, I've made quite a few things, but some are really too hard for me. I have two small paperback books.
Gita, you haven't dane anything I haven't done :o)
We learned in school if you didn't ask for it it's yours! They should remove your name if you aren't a donator!
Doc, that's the way to donate and your local church does more for local people than you think.
Anne, what a wonderful idea! Prizes. That beats the bananas and oranges one place gives out :o)
Chris, we're at a balmy 27* right now with no wind. We did finally get our 3'' - 4'' of snow around 9:30 pm. DH was up at4:30 am scooping so it would be easier to get to town.
We go to the bank for our free calenders. I didn't know about trying online. Hmmm, greedy? I really have enough this year.
Suzy Snowflake was cute. She's older than me I think.
It's currently snowing here... 27° kids are loving it
FlowAjen, it was a perfect day to play or scop snow!! DH said so. I seemed to have been on the computer all afternoon :o)
The gentleman who works for me is a truely needy person. I pay him well and bonus him with very nice clothing from the local Rescue Mission which we support.
He works full time for a friend of mine. Both of us treat him well but we draw some conditions. If he fails to pay the minimum rent another friend is due we help him save by witholding what he should have saved to pay the bill. We consistently help him develop and manage a simple budget. He is on the verge of being homeless. He may let the appartment go and enter the service of the mission. Not the best but warm room with a common lavitory, a job and three meals a day. When he works for me he walks three miles both ways to get a day of pay. Beats sleeping in a box under a bridge burning trash wood in a bucket. That is where we found him several years ago in twenty five degree weather.
Bless you doc.
Doc, help those help themselves and teach a man to fish. You are doing everything right, and boosting his self esteem. ''Someone cares'' is sometimes all it takes and a three mile walk is a pretty good walk.
There is a huge difference in giving a hand out verses a hand up. Billy said it well above. Doc, you win both ways helping him out and getting things done that you can't manage yourself.
We are getting some large fluffy flakes this morning, Billy, the Suzie Snow Flake brings me back to school closing when I was in grade school, maybe 1st or 2nd. Looking out the window at the snow coming down and studying the frost patterns on the window pane. Back then the snow had to get pretty deep before they canceled classes. Most of us walked to school, sometimes there were not many students in class but we were still taught. The ones that stayed home got extra homework to catch up.
When I was in grades one through three there was only one school bus that made a pass on our farm country. Farm folks would create horse and wagon spurs to the bus stops. It was nothing to walk a mile or two. If someone missed the bus sometimes the reason was an animal birth on the farm. In this insance it was not unusual for the family to bring the kids in when ever they could on that day. No one ever even thought of just taking a day of school off. Thanksgiving week was always butchering time on the farms. The farm kids learned more on the farm those days than any school room could provide. We all had eight to ten person telephone lines. The whole county knew each others business. The school did not have a telephone until about 1946. We were not permited to use it between the hours of eight AM and 3PM except in accident or illness situations. The closest hospital and doctor was eleven miles away. Well known alternative medicine moms in effect did all but the most serious doctoring. Most of we kids were born in our homes without real doctor care. To be sure some folks had no trust in big town doctors.
I do not bemone the facts but todays kids have not the foggiest idea how difficult it was for their great grandparents to make it out of the home and into a growing world.
Doc, I don't have grandkids to worry about. But some of the kids that come into the office, well I just have to bite my tongue! They show no respect, I don't know how many times I have been interrupted while talking to Mom about the bill or scheduling the next appointment. The saddest one, the mother was a teacher, her kids walked all over her.
We were brought up to keep our mouths shut when adults are talking unless we were spoken to.
Paul, had to go to a fire at an Amish home one time and after the fire was put out, the young men gathered together and listen to the Elder Amish man and Paul talk about the fire and what caused it. I'm sure they learned a lot.
HERE IS AN AMAZING STATEMENT: The small Southeastern Pennsylvania town we lived in was Marion with a population of about two hundred and fifty. We saw our first airplane fly over in 1940. About that same time dad and mom escaped the oil dependency age by getting electric in the house. A refrigerator replaced ice shortly thereafter. I remember well the advent and delivery of a flush toilet and bathtub. Today I walk around with a camera that weighs a pound or so and has a computer doing everything automatic if I wish. It reads and adjusts my irregular body movement, stops time, sets focus and instantly delivers an image to evaluate. The desktop computer that finishes the image has more technology than Hollywood had in their studios by 1950.
Chris, I had to walk home in bad weather too. I lived 4 blocks from school and unless we were sick, Mom never came and got us. Isn't it great to be able to remember how things ''felt'' when we were kids?
Doc, just walking a block in freezing cold weather makes me wonder how anyone my parents's age survived walking a mile or more to school. We are so pampered today!
Chris, my own daughter is at fault. So afraid to hurt their feelings. I yell and scold and they still come spend the night.
Doc, in a way I envy your transition to the modern world and the changes you've seen for the better. It was a hard life. I remember getting a color TV when I was young. It was so special.
We told the Grandkids we would take them shopping for winter things, so yesterday we picked them up, took them to Wendys and then the store.
Well, shopping went VERY well. ''We'' were happy with our gloves and mittens, coats, and jammies. Only one got boots as Farm and Fleet run out and don't restock. Luckily it was the oldest who got because he goes to school daily.
Later DD called to say her SIL was given a pair of boots at school to give to someone she might think they would fit. Can you believe they were the youngest one's size??? AND they are Bogs, a $50.00 pair of boots that can take -30* weather. We were all amazed at how that worked out. He's only 4 and he has wonderful boots now!
Now I have known for quite a while but can finally announce it.
I AM GOING TO BE A GRANDMA AGAIN IN JULY!!! NO IDEA WHICH SEX YET, AND I DONT CARE!!!
Oh Billy ! How exciting, and I do hope it's a girl. I can be picky for you. LOL
We have these 2 cute little twin girls that come into the office, been coming in since before they were born, They live just up the street from the office, and mom would bring them in for a visit in their double stroller. They are now in 2nd grade and cute as two peas in a pod. One has a very dominate personality, so it is fun to watch them interact with each other. They are very outgoing but very well mannered. They have an older brother too. They always make a Christmas goody for us at the office. Mom says they all help.
That was so nice about the boots, things just work out for the better sometimes.
When I was in 1st grade my mom got really sick and was in the hospital just before Christmas, money was always tight in our home and there was no health insurance. My teacher called my dad and asked him if he wanted the class room Christmas Tree on the last day of school before break. It was nice a full, live tree, a parent that was better off then us bought the tree for the class. I don't think we would have had a tree that year if it was not for that teacher.
Doc I enjoy reading your posts. When we bought this house there was an old icebox build in the mud room and someone build a cheap shelving unit around it. We carefully removed it and refinished the outside and cleaned up the inside. It is now holds our libations in our dinning room.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! MORE FUN TIMES AHEAD!! I know you will keep us up to date as the pregnancy progresses, Are they going to find out the sex before the big event?
Chris, a girl would be very nice! I have a house full of girl things to pass on and it would be nice to have it go to blood and not a GDIL.
But, as the boys say ''You get what you get and you don't throw a fit'' :o)
Your tree story is very touching. It doesn't take much to make someone's day and the payback is very rewarding.
Cat, Thanks, and yes, they will. It will be exciting to find out. I sure don't mind knowing ahead of time!
Oh Billyporter, I am so happy for you. I spent my morning watching 2 of my Grans swim. That Lily is a water sprite she has no fear and is the youngest and smallest in her class and doing great.
Chris your story reminds me of my out of state cousin. They have been having a hard time lately she needed surgery and couldn't work for a while with two young children it has been pretty hard year for her. The school that her son goes to picks a family to help at Christmas every year and her family was chosen. They got a tree, gifts, clothes and food. What a wonderful blessing for them.
Holly, thanks! I adore that picture of your water sprite. That is fantastic!!
Aren't people wonderful?
4* down to 2* and our power was off from 4:14 am to 6:20 am. It went out right after DH got out of bed.
We had instant coffee because I knew exactly where it was in the big freezer and the cream is right in the fridge door, so minimal door opening. We lit the burners and opened closet doors to keep the tub pipes warm .
We had buckets of water to flush with and I had water from last night to get my pills down with. We only had one picher of water on hand. (Bad plan.) Now I have 4. We used to keep 30 gals. on hand for drinking and cooking.
We sat and talked, and listened to the wind-up radio. It felt like the 40's. Always bad news no matter what the year.
All in all, the bedroom farthest from heat was 66* so we stayed nice for the 2 hours. Straight line winds taught us much. I was just lax on available water :o)
Holly, I think all of your Grans had gills and fins LOL
I think that is what Christmas is all about giving to those in need. All the retail stuff seems to get in the way, Please don't get me wrong, gifts are nice and I have no problem with it, but I just have to laugh at the commericals of the car in the drive way with the big red bow. And I must admit that Paul and I bought a flat screen TV but Paul has been talking about a TV for over a year. When DD was little we did buy what we could for her, and I still send them a gift of food and a Christmas flower arrangement.
And I guess if I had Grandkids I'd be buying more.
Billy, to bad about the power going off does that happen a lot to you? Not so much here but if we get a really bad storm it does happen, we are on city water so no issues there, and I still have a gas cook top so that takes care of hot food.
I have to laugh at myself when the power does go off as I still try to turn on the lights, or think about using the microwave, or oven. I am such a creature of habit. LOL
I remember getting a bucket of warm water from the Hot Tub to wash my face and hands. I asked Ric if it might freeze and he said no it will stay hot for a long time if you stop opening it and getting water out. LOL
The church across the street from Josh's had a team of Percheron and a wagon and they were heading out to go Christmas Caroling. Josh and his girl went out side to watch them hitch up. They were invited to go along they had space for 2 more so they turned off their diner grabbed some warm clothes and went along. What a great time they had riding around town singing then back to the church for hot chocolate and cookies. I finally finished my tree put the last of the ornaments on it this morning. House is all decorated, too. Going to do a little more present wrapping later this afternoon and then work on a cabinet I'm refinishing. Here is the youngest water sprite. Lucas just turned 2 last month. That is his Dad my SIL with him.
LOL @ Ric
We are on well, if the power goes out so does the water. We've had to flush the toilets with water from the neighbors pool. She has been so nice looking out for us that way.
Chris, I am with you there and for Mother's Day. Hoping not to offend, but what happened to going out and picking Mom some flowers. It's the love and appreciation that should come from the heart. They want Mom, and Dad to have $100.00+ phones for Heavens sake!
Power does go off occasioally these days. The transformers are much better than they used to be. We are gas powered too, so the oven and space heater works.
Holly, ROTFL! Maybe just dip a wash rag into it. Then you can open and close quickly.
The wagon and singing sound great! So does the hor cocoa and cookies!
He's a cutie, all head above the water!
Anne, luckily she's close, when you need her! In the summer, we have a pitcher pump outside. That's been a time saver!
We are assured a wintery mix this afternoon. I'll be in.
About one hour North of us a group of horsemen have a sleigh event every year between Christmas and New Years with snow dates all set up in the event of a not enough snow for a scheduled week. Horses and sleighs from all over New York, RI, Maryland and Pennsylvania arrive at the host farm. The usual attendence is about a dozen sleighs and riders in full holiday dress. If it is organized much above just being there the public is unaware. Most area papers have a single sleigh image sometime during the week of fun in the Forksville area. Check Forksville C of C if interested. If I am well I will be in the area photographing with and for a friend who goes there most years.
Doc, I do hope you can go. I would love to see pictures. I think the sleighs and horses would be beautiful!!
Doc, that sounds great. That would be something to see. A farm near us use to raise Clydesdales, In the spring I always made it a point to drive by to see if they had any colts out in the pasture. They are really big horses!
I went to work yesterday as the roads were good for driving. Tonight we have an after work Double birthday dinner, Boss' and a co-worker. I'll stay overnight with one co-worker at her house so I don't have to drive home late. Have to get a blood draw today to so I better start getting things together. Not much puter time this morning. See you all tomorrow.
Oh yeah billy, I'd love to have a pump well like that it just seems so cool.
Yes doc we'd really enjoy some pictures from that.
One of our neighbors is a horse owner and there were several years that they brought a few friends and their horses and rode and caroled in the neighborhood. Fun. Guess who ran out with shovel and tried to beat them to picking up the poo.
I guessing the Amish around Lancaster may add a few bows etc to their carraiges too.
Set my alarm last night to see the lunar eclipse...anyone else see it?
Chris, I love to see the big horses! South of Nichols a guy raised draft horses, Belgians. They are all so beautiful! Tipton, a few towns North of us have draft horses pull at their tiny county fair.
Have a wonderful time at the party and praying for an exellent result of your blood draw!
Anne, I really love pumping and hauling water. I have a lot of watering cans, so I can fill my little cart to haul it down the sidewalk. That way I can water my astilbes with a can per plant and not have DH hollar because I've run the hose for 20 minutes and I better let the pump cool off. I hear him there. NO fun fixing or replacing the pump!
How neat to carol from a horse!! ROTFL!! I would be racing you for the piles!
I didn't know the Amish would decorate. They are a bit different than our Amish I think. Ours will ride in cars, but not own one. Use a neighbors phone, but not own one. Their tractors have steel wheels and they shock oats. They can have a gas powered freezer in the barn and don't want their faces photographed.
Oops, Dad's here, Later all!