BEST/WORSE & WHAT DID I LEARN TODAY - PT.70

decorate and send them to Cindy to put candles in

How could I connect four together as a unit for a desk accessory collector for rubberbands, pens, gem clips staples etch. Thread with wire and glue maybe?

Yes! Cindy could make candles in them!

I'm here, no problems, yesterday I had a head ache so I didn't get on in the morning, then that afternoon I had the 2 year old and he wouldn't let me on. DH and I went out last night as well. I don't think I'll be on much today either.

That's my girl! Give her trash and she can come up with 100 ways to turn it into a treasure.
I am happy person (jumping up and down). Went to a town craft meeting (whole town participates at different locations) and found something for at least three of the swaps I am in. I'm learning from Stacey that you pick things up when you see them and one thing your pick may lead to another and pretty soon you have the "perfect" things for your swap. Even found a lovely wreath to complete one of my victorian santas. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself (thumbs tucked in pants an struttin').

LOL Janice (thumbs tucked in pants an struttin') I picture Alfafa from the Litte Racals doing just that. LOL

LOL-Deb-I would just glue them together or use a pretty ribbon to tie them together making sure to glue the ribbon to each one....

Staceypoo you should be a craft teacher like Betty.

Wow ladies! Ya'll are busy busy. Betty, what a load of presents!! Wow! I hope you had a good time at the birthday party.

Well, I'm sitting here having egg nog with my brandy and my throat suddenly itches and I can't stop coughing! Be Right Back...aaggggggg

Good Grief this cd is way too loud. There, that's much better.

LOL Alfalfa, that's what I was thinking when I read it

Yeah right-I have a few years before I am a mini Betty!! But I appreciate the compliment all the same:)

Morning all, wow it will be a craft day for me (wish you could all join me) as it's soooo cold...have the furnace on, 2 fireplaces and still it feels chilly..an inside day for sure and lol another day I think I'll just stay in my jammies...

Jammies to me = a lot accomplished...

I was going to go out and purchase gifts for Lenny and Suzanne as they are so very kind to me, Suzanne with having a new Grandaughter thought she's love to continue the tradition that Roger had started i.e. dressing up as Santa and travelling around on Christmas eve taking photo's of Santa near the beds of sleeping children..she asked what I would charge to make Santa and Mrs.Claus for her ..why not make them and give them as gifts..

Here I am, downstairs, cleaning of 2 work tables and I'll start at least cutting out the pattern pieces..

The party was so much fun, will post a photo later after I get the boys organized with breakfast...Noah is trying to rid himself of a bleeding nose (gets them constantly-needs an operation but they are waiting as long as they can) Kyle he's resting..

Craft ideas are wonderful..going to go back and read, take notes and jot them in my 'idea' booklet..can always use more...

My girls were asking for a spring 'make and take it' so now I'm on the looking for an interesting project..keeps me hopping...usually it's something for the garden..

As for the gift under the tree..they will increase...trust me...Roger used to say, if your name is in the telephone book you can be sure you'll get a gift...don't want to disappoint him do I?

In the next week I've got to go hunting for greenery..first weekend in December I make about 20 or so live floral arrangements of all kinds - about 10 I deliver as gifts, the other, well they look so pretty in MY home...lol...

When the boys arrived last night and came downstairs to watch t.v. Noah said 'holy smoke grandma Christmas isn't for another month!' but that's ok..lol

They let something slip, said their mom was making a rag quilt for all the grandma's..oh/oh they noticed said for Mel's mom and bio-mom...maybe not a slip, might not be getting one, but maybe I will..would be nice..it's not that she wouldn't want to but like everyone else because I do crafts, sew , knit they think I'd not appreciate such a gift when in fact I'd love it!

Best go upstairs, animals are fed, now for the children and me and then a workday - oh no it's called a playday isn't it...

Back in a while..

Morning Betty-you slept in this am:) Have fun today-today is my cleaning day-I played yesterday, so today is work:(

Take time to enjoy some of your day Stacey...
Photo:
Me/birthday girl Lorraine and SIL Wilena (Paul/boss) wife....

Betty, your presents under the tree are beautiful! They remind me of when I was working and coverec my floor with gifts for my family! I can't do that this year. My car tags are due, $84.19. And all the other stuff will take most of my money. It's just breaking my heart, I have my lovely FIRST great grand daughter, who'll be 6 mo., I think, and I may not be able to get her anything. Maybe that's why I've been so depressed, instead of over this computer. But I will still enjoy the Christmas season, albeit vicariously through you!I love to read about your excursions into gift and craft land!
Have a great "craft" day in your jammies!

Hi...
You enjoy Betty!
A full day of Crafting, Jammie style sounds awsom to me.

I was in full laze mode yesterday! The only thing I really did was make a snow blanket for winter scene.
That was fun and nice and messy...LOL, snow glitter everywhere! Also, swaped the belts for the santas.
they look much more coordinated. Otherwise it was a full blown day of catching up with the shows we watch.
Now caught up.

Today finalizing my gift for friend...Want to give it to her tomorrow.
Also, got to do a few loads of laundry and I am ready to start the next Santa.
Also a gift.

Then I have got to start working the ornements I am making...lol, they involve smoosh painting!!

Yep, Liz...Got to behave or nothing will get done! LOL.

Betty, Hope it warms up for you. Nice working around a fire to add a bit ambiance.

OK...Coffee anyone? Got to jump in shower, start the day all fresh...and I'm raring to go!

Hope you all enjoy your day.
A nice sunny day, but it is cold.

See you later.

Finally time for a break...Audrey, just loving that little girl is truly enough..spending time if possible, making memories..more than what money can buy..

I do this because I can and have been lucky enough to be able to..always did mega workshops to pay for it, but it tires me, thus my p.j. day!

Greg/Mel and the boys just left, off shopping..Greg helped me make 2 frames for the very side of the deck to stop snow which will make life so much easier for me, no shovelling and I can leave the pretties out..some days when sun is shinning I can even sit out thinking of spring...

Opened another box of goodies and found the Angel whose wings move in and out and her hands bring move with candles on them..so pretty..went outside on the tree and cut some branches (it will have to be done a few more times before Christmas as they'll dry) but today it was a MUST! As it was my girlfriend Diane who gave her to me I just had to call and thank her...she's just so pretty..as we gabbed she said that she should have done 3 santa's and not just 1 so is coming over this afternoon...

I just washed all the floors upstairs, beds tidy, off to dust and then I can play along with Diane while cutting out the santa suit..might even while making a mess cut out Mrs.Claus.

Audrey I'm still in my jammies and not likely I'll change...lol why ruin a perfect day..I pretty much have everything and more done and really feel good about what I've achieved this weekend...

Judy I bet she'll just a overwhelmed by what you have made for her out of love..don't forget a photo of the finished project please....

Just a floral arrangement to add and it will look pretty...see my lovely angel!

I'm not the only lazy one today!

LOL, Betty they're not the only ones:

Terri had to look twice thought it was my 'couch' but then no man around here to be taking photo's of...lol

Now don't they all look as though today is a perfect day for them...cozy, relaxing and enjoying the day..what could be better than that...

LOL It's raining it's pouring the old man is snoring! LOL I have to go out today and get my nails done and get some batting for Santa's arms. I think my wire is too weak, I have to make sure first but will probably be needing more of that too.

So Dave has a plan for his lump on his neck, men are hilarious! He worked almost 12 hours last night with it, now it's not as big around but sticks out further and is hard. He said if it doesn't start getting better by Monday I will have to take him to ER after work. I asked him why we couldn't go to ER this morning (we were having this discussion at 8:00am) when ER is most likely dead. He refuses and wants me to take him after I get off work because it's easier for him. I'm trying to not be agitated about it and be a good wife but if he's working 12 hour shifts then why can't he take himself??? I know what he's trying to do, he's off Tuesday night and Wednesday night, so if he goes to ER Monday night he'll have that night off too, and have 3 in a row. LOL maybe I ought to cook him for Thanksgiving, the little turkey!

LOL I'm in my jammies still too!! I have a pumpkin pie in the oven, sorted a few bills a minute ago, and hemming the dress for the Santa. Got both sleeves sewn too! Oh, and have the 49er game on (we never get to see the 49ers play anymore, they only televise them on the west coast.) GO 49ers!!!!! Wooo Hooooo!!

Notice that the dog and cat both have different covers. Buji (cat) will only sit on you if you use her blue and white blanket - with the whiter side up. Because Buji dislikes the puppy, Bob has her own blue cover. Bob is NOT allowed to look at Buji. The other night Bob was looking at her hoping that Buji would play and instead Buji launched herself from the floor to the couch where Bob was siting on Brians lap. Good thing Buji is declawed or we would have had a big mess.

Bob has been with us for a little over a week and I don't see any sign of Buji accepting her. Heck, she still won't accept my granddaughter, who is 21 months old. But my GD Cora knows to stay away from 'bad kitty". In her defense, Buji is about 13 years old, was a stray and has always been an only pet so she defends her territory vigilantly..

Audrey, our Christmas tree is going to be a little bare this year too. Because of the economy, my family decided to do a secret santa this year for the adults. We tried last year but I just picked up so many 'little' gifts that it turned into a large sleigh full and this year I was told that I had to stop. My youngest is only working part time and hasn't worked much lately because she has been having morning sickness (due with her first child, our Grandchild #2). She's finally over it but catching up on her bills is a priority so we don't want to make her feel bad.
Living in the sticks as we do, it's hard anyway to find gifts. I hate to buy clothing through mail order because they photograph it so you can't see what it really looks or feels like, then you end up paying to return it.
We've got our personal property taxes and real estate all coming due in the next two weeks. You wold think that in this economy, taxes would be reduced but we have to keep our schools going. The average wage here is $8.00 per hour but the school janitor makes $40/hr, which I find ridiculous.

Crissy, he shouldn't be playing with it..tell him Betty said off he goes to emerge...as though he'll listen..lol..

Diane came, went horseback riding on her way here so she decided to take the 2 kits and do them at home - just as she was leaving my girlfriend Geraldine who lost her DH last Christmas, she called to tell me her step-son who fell off a roof just about same time Bert died and was a quadrapaligic (?) died last night at 43...son 13..how terrible..she wants me to go spend Christmas with her in Plant City, Florida even if mom doesn't go down, but I'd not do that..Geraldine is also very worried about her son Claude, who grew up with my boys..he's 39..he's on his own, living in her home up here and hitting the bottle..half the time he doesn't know anything..so all is playing heavy on her mind and she' d love company from home (here)!

Wow, Terri it would pay to be a janitor now wouldn't it..when is your daughter expecting? not long I would imagine to be into morning sickness?

Suzanne was telling me last night the her daughter who just had a baby had made friends with a young lady during her pre-natal classes..this young soon to be mother was told that there was a growth type on the baby's side and that they would wait until the birth and then do surgery..baby was born 9 days ago, not feeling the best so they were waiting until she gained strength, well this growth broke and the baby bled to death on Saturday morning..as you can imagine all are devastated...

Terri, Christmas is much overated isn't it..we all should be going back to the true meaning of Christmas..know I would..a few years after Roger died my family and I decided that the only gifts that could be given would be hand made..think it was one of the nicest Christmas's I've ever had...young ones don't realize the important of just being with family...

Now Melanie's mom (Mel's my DIL) doesn't give the boys gifts persay nor Greg and Melanie, she donates to Africa and other nations in need and finances schooling for a few children in their names...the children have all accepted this act of charity as being one of their gifts...this old grandma should really be doing same as they really are in need of nothing..

Almost tempted to call it a day...but then it would mean having to clean up my craft room...

Will try and finish cutting out Santa then clean up my mess and couch here I come, me and my electric blanket

Betty, my youngest daughter is due in May. That's a big month for our family this coming year. Dh and I will celebrate our 40th Wedding anniversary, along with my oldest daughter and her husband (they are at 6 years). Then all 3 of my nieces have birthdays in May as well.

Betty, my income is way under the poverty level. I manage to get by most of the time, though, thanks to help from the gov. on my meds. They amount to more than my income! I shouldn't be complaining, and I'm not, really, I do have a good warm, dry, roof over my head!

Bless you Doe. You sound like you have a good attitude and that is more important than just about anything else.

Betty, our busy Betty. You sure do put me to shame in terms of being ready, gift wise. I thought that I had really done something when I wrapped several of Emily's gifts last week. I have had my DIL gifts here in living room all week thinking that I would wrap while watching TV. I haven't touched them. I haven't felt very well this whole past week, but starting to pull out of the funk today, I think. I didn't leave the house all week.

Terri, please tell the story of how the puppy came to be with you. It sure is a cutie, that is for sure.

I am getting ready to sign off for the day. I need a shower and then I too will be in clean jammies and in front of the dunce box for the evening.

Take care everyone.

Ruby

Audrey you have no idea how my heart goes out to you and all who have to struggle..sure wish there was something I could do..keep praying I win that lottery..would be easy come, easy go for sure...I would love to help out all those in need...I'll say a prayer so that you do receive some extra's this Christmas..always a happy time of year and it should be same for all...

Will you celebrate Thanksgiving with family this weekend?
hope you are nearby those you love and who love you..

Wouldn't it just be a dream if I could travel the USA at least for those along the travel routes to the south, dressed as Mrs. Santa, heck who knows maybe even Santa and drop of gifts to all...cross your fingers and wish upon a star...

Ruby saying a prayer for you as well sweetie..something has been bothering you terribly to put you back into what you call a 'funk'...difficult when you are feeling just not so and each day a struggle to get things done...

Sometime I think that's why I never stop, because the moment I do, who knows what feelings/sorrow and loneliness will surface...

Might call it an afternoon, saving time as I won't have to change into jammies..lol..but do need to think about something to eat....

Ruby, I took the applesauce cake out this morning so it would be treats for all who visited..Greg said later, Melanie said she was on a diet, Kyle/Noah they were not hungry...Diane did have 2 pieces though and was surprised that I hadn't burnt it..lol...so lots left over for evening treats..

Will make another batch this weekend...nice to have for unexpected drop in company...

Betty, I'm not asking for help, I'll make it, I always do! My family lives about 125 miles from me, give or take a few. I think I have enough gas to get me there, and maybe back! They're in just about the same shape I'm in, but if they don't want a permenant visitor, they better have a vew $s just in case! Thank goodness gas went down!
I've put away my crafts, except my santa, cleaned off my table and it's ready for my little tree! Last year after Christmas, I bought a beautiful tree skirt, big enough to cover my table. I'll put the tree out later. I have one present I've wrapped for a friend, repurposed gifts from last year! She wont know it, and she likes things like that!
I already have my wreath on the door, and a flat Christmas tree on my bookcase! Made from 2 9 ft. lighted garlands. Looks pretty good! I have lots of stuff to set around the house, including candles of all shapes, sizes , and colors! At least it'll LOOK Christmasey!

Audrey, hugs and prayers to you......I know what you're going through as we are not far from being in the same boat.......we have the necessities, the hardest thing for me is I love to give Gifts to people......and it is really hard for me to not be able to give the things I would like to give to friends, family and the strangers on our Church Christmas Tree each year.....so I keep saying my prayers and leave it in His hands.

Hi all - wrote a real long post on Friday telling y'all everything that was going on and when I posted it, the server timed out and I lost everything.

So...... here's a QUICK recap of the last week:

Part of family room wall ripped out due to leaky pipe. Waiting for the bill (UGH!) Luckily, a neighbor who is a contractor did it.

Tried to do some sewing. Made a new tote and am working on a backpack for DD. Tot pic attached.

Got a bug and decided to repaint the kitchen - RED (crimson). I'm going for Tuscan colors and I have to say it looks great!! Picture in next post.

Sailor has added to our vet bill by getting a bladder infection. So she's got pills to take for the next 2 weeks. Then on Dec 4th, she goes in to get spayed so that'll be another couple of $$.

We're heading down Wed to the Outer Banks of NC for Thxgvg. My DU has rented a house for the week for the entire family to come to so it will be great to see my cousins from Tampa.

OK, so here's the latest tote....

Oh Audrey, didn't mean 'sweetie' that you were asking for help, I just know a lot of DG friends are going through difficult times and what I WOULDN'T GIVE to be able to help all...

Prayers that the economy soon turns around...

We'll I've cut out santa suit (not Mrs. Claus)...gathered all of Suzanne' s 11 outfits..so it's about time I call it a night..

I love ground beef, enjoy putting it in a little water and boiling, adding spices and onions then make into a gravy...eating it with mashed potatoes...ooops how come I forgot to watch the stove..frying pan is cleaning ok..must put that on my list..cooking lessons required for Christmas...shucks I just never learn, so haven't had breakfast, got side tracked, nor lunch and now my last meal is well let's just say charred somewhat, so another piece of Ruby's applesauce bake, hot chocolate and bedtime...

Audrey, nothing like having Christmas colors in the house to brighten the spirits.. the garland sounds delightful..

Going to call it a night

Lord willing, we'll talk tomorrow...

Know YOU are all in my prayers...

Here's the kitchen. I didn't take a before pic but it was BRIGHT yellow.

Jeannine I just love it...so colorful...you must go into production and sell some in order to make up for the leak and vet bills...

Bet it will be a hoot you meeting your cousins for Thanksgiving..nice way of doing it isn't it...now what would the weather be like at this time of year..not warm enough to enjoy the outdoors???

Seems you are moving away from lap quilts on to bags/totes...when I was with the girls on Friday one of the girls was showing us her wallet, both Diane and I had done a few years ago..Diane still has pattern..should take it out..need a wallet with change purse/c.c's holder....do you do that kind of sewing as well...

Now that I've my machine out for the past several weeks, just might take up doing something special after Christmas...change of craft always is nice..

Forgot to tell you all..on Tuesday Aunt Muriel's dog goes for eye operation....shaking my head big time....

Jeannine love the color, almost has a hint of orange to it doesn't it? You are brave with colors...don't know if it's my love for country or french country that I stick to soft tones...a few years ago I convinced myself I would paint the entire basement with a bright color..that lasted one day before out came the brushes, another trip to Home Depot...love it in everyone elses homes...Bernice across the street has a very similar color to yours...I always feel so comfy when I'm in her kitchen/dining room..maybe I should have someone come and do a complete makeover while I'm away..you know, one of those shows that basically uses all you have within but changes the entire look of the house...

I love the red! It looks really good behind the cabinets! When it comes time to paint the house in about 7 years lol I'm going to do something wild like that. All of my walls are light beige with white trim and doors, the carpet is a light beige with different colored specks in it, the tile is a darker beige, and the fireplace is red brick. I'd like to get some reds going but it's going to be awhile.

I like the tote too, very cute!

Love your kitchen! AND the tote!

Ruby, I made the applesauce cake today. I cannot believe how delicious it is. That recipe is definitely a keeper. I was expecting it to be nice but it was sooooooo good.

Terri, does Buji have one blue eye and one yellow eye? I could totally mistake him for our cat Show Low.

Audrey, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. My SIL always impresses me with her homemade gifts. She has a stash of old clothes that she uses for making quilts, stuffed animals and other crafts. If you're crafty at all I think your great granddaughter would love something that was made from something of yours. I know that in my home, the things I treasure the most are things that were either homemade (however 'crudely') or were treasured by the person who gave it to me.

Every year I think that I want to have all Christmas gifts be homemade. It won't be this year, I've already bought some things, although a few things will be homemade. I think by next Christmas I'll be organized well enough so I'll be able to make more things instead of just buying them. I've been trying to make better use things that I have already instead of buying more things that just end up adding to my clutter. For Keith's and my 2nd Christmas we took things from around the house to fill our stockings. It was so much fun seeing what the other put in our stockings. I realized that the fun of presents is the surprise, not necessarily the items. I also love getting presents at thrift stores.

So, this year our big purchases will be a basic wooden doll house and a worm composter. Technically, the doll house will be from my parents. I've wanted to make one for years but it used to be that we had no room in our apartment for one. Now, we have the room but getting materials is a pain. It means a trip across the river. In the winter it's not too bad but anytime else, there's a limit to how many building supplies you want to take in a boat. One thing I'm planning on making, though, is a play kitchen for Ella (but she'll have to share). We have some old desk parts that we have collected from variouse sources so I'm figuring out a way to use them to make a little kitchen. I had a friend growing up whose dad (who was blind) made them a play kitchen and it was so cool. Hopefully, my kids will enjoy theirs once I get it done.

We do a Christmas 'draw' for both Keith's and my families. We used to draw names but now it's a rotation. With six families on each side it helps a lot with keeping things reasonable. My siblings and I have drawn names for as long as I can remember. I've made my two neices on my list some beaded earrings. and I'll be making them a necklace to match. Sonora is making them bracelets in a gift box pattern on the beading loom. I was also able to pick up a brand new Harry Potter t-shirt at a rummage sale ($5 per grocery bag full of clothes). My nephew loves Harry Potter so he should really like that.

Wow, I should post more often. Then I might be less inclined to ramble so - oops. Good night, I'm off to bed.