Home Sweet Home

Well, it is so nice to go away. But it is always better to come home.

As always, Cathy had all kinds of things planned out for us to do. So much, that I had to pick what I wanted to do everyday! Thursday led us to Townsend, Tennessee. Off the tourist path, we visited the little artisan village "Nawger Nob" .

We had lunch at Sister Cats. This quaint little cafe had wonderful sandwiches, great peppermint iced tea, and desserts to die for. After we stuffed ourself at lunch, we visited the shops. Unique pottery, wood carving and a lady who did these amazing gourds. It was nice to see actual artists working on their finery. Not something made in China.

Friday, we went to Sweetwater, another great little town. Lots and lots of antique shops. A really upscale art gallery. And darn, the quilt shop that they advertise, was closed. Many small businesses are just disappearing. What a shame.

Saturday, we went back to Nawger Nob for the craft fair. There was a lady there who was planting sedums in all kinds of containers. Shoes, purses, sifters, driftwood. You name it, she planted it. I bought a cute little enamel mug with a few sedums in it.

Then we went to a place that showcased local artists, and I purchased a plant cutting holder. Don't really know what else to call it.

 

On the way back, we stopped at an antique mall that featured one of the vendors from the craft fair. I purchased one of their handmade samplers. I couldn't resist. Pardon the glare of the flash. If you can't read it, it says, papas workshirt, sisters dress, mamas apron, grandpas vest, babys blanket, brothers slacks, grannys bonnets, flour sacks, plain old cotton, finest silk, treasures found, within a quilt.

Tennessee or BUST!

Well, tomorrow I will be heading south to Tennessee. I have a few antique malls that I want to stop at along the way, so I plan on getting up early and heading out.

I don't know why, but everytime I leave town, I feel like I need to go and see my mom. After I left her house, I had a few errands to run. Along the way I decided to make a stop at one of my favorite thrift stores. World Wide Mission Shop. This metal sheep mold was the bargain of the day. I only paid $2.00 for it. Maybe I will use it to mold some paper mache, or maybe chalk. We shall see.

My next stop was the library. Picked up several books on tape and some music CD's. It is a five hour drive, so I will need something to occupy my time in between my antique stops. Of course, maybe some peace and quiet will be nice. Later!

One day and counting!

Counting down the days until I leave to visit my friend Cathy in Maryville, Tennessee. One day left and I can't wait. Cathy and I go way back. We became friends when our girls were in girl scouts. She was the leader and I did whatever she told me to. Cathy was the kind of leader every scout troop needs and our girls learned so much while she was in charge. Then, her husband decided to move with his job to Tennessee. Darn it. She has been so good about coming to see me whenever she is home, so this summer, I am going to visit her. Although our girls are now in college, we will try to have fun without them.

Thanks to all the blogs I have visited who have "playlist". I managed to figure it out and get one of my own. I was so overwhelmed by all the music to choose from, my mind just went blank.

Patriotic Porch

I mentioned yesterday that I was going to try and get the rest of my americana decor put out on the porch. I was kind of disappointed when I scrounged around, I really couldn't find too much. Well at least that I could put outside. Even though the porch is covered, things still get kind of yucky out there.

This Uncle Sam I painted on an old ironing board. It was stored in the shed and I had forgot about it for several years. But a couple of weeks ago, I cleaned out the shed and found it again. I moved it into the house right away so I wouldn't forget it this year.

Super Saturday

Well, as the saying goes, "the best laid plans go astray". I had intended to sew today, but then my Megan says, "mom, want to go to Joann's and Hobby Lobby with me?". Well, off we went. Yarn, fabric, beading, scrapbooking, you name it. I always come up with such great ideas while I am out and about. By the time I get home, they are gone with the wind.

I did purchase a really cool strawberry pot at the local Joann Fabrics. I will try to get it planted and post a picture tomorrow. I am using it for some hens and chicks that a friend gave me. These puppies are so hardy. They have been laying in the newspaper that we put them in to bring them home. They look great. I hope they don't die once I get them planted.

My purchases at Hobby Lobby included some embroidery floss for a felted wool project, some jewelry findings and a sweet little log cabin charm. After a quick trip to Target for some essentials, we met up with Jenn, my oldest daughter, at a local pizza place for some dinner. I do love spending time with my girls.

I am going to finish my "patriotic" decor outside tomorrow. Watch for pictures.

Pink Saturday

I first learned about PINK Saturday from Teresa at Plumwater Cottage. Living in a log home, I tend to be a little more primitive when it comes to decorating. But I did find a few special PINK things.

Hanging in my bedroom, this rack made from an old window ledge and old door knobs, holds something very dear to my heart. This cute little PINK wool coat and hat. I wore these when I was a little girl. Picture this, a little red headed, freckle faced girl sitting on the kneeler at .church with this little ensemble on? Mom had loaned the coat and a bunch of my other clothes to my cousins. I was very lucky when they found their way back to me. The little PINK booties hanging with it belonged to my youngest daughter, Megan.

On the mantle in my bedroom are a pair of PINK ceramic booties. These were a special gift to me from my husband's "grandma bobbie". I was told that these belonged to her mother. I feel honored that she gave them to me.

HUMP DAY!

JUST ONE MORE DAY LEFT IN MY WORK WEEK, I AM EXCITED! LOOKING FORWARD TO A DAY OF CRAFTING WITH MY FRIEND ON FRIDAY. I AM GETTING MY PROJECTS LINED UP.

IT WAS SUCH A NICE EVENING, I WORKED IN MY FLOWERS. I DON'T TOLERATE THE HEAT VERY WELL, SO TONIGHT WAS NICE. I FINALLY PLANTED MY RED TWIG DOGWOOD WITH VARIEGATED LEAVES. MY FRIENDS AT THE HEART OF NEWBURGH PURCHASED THIS PLANT FOR ME IN MEMORY OF MY DAD. THE PICTURE ON THE LEFT ARE THE VARIEGATED LEAVES. ON THE RIGHT IS A PICTURE OF THE RED TWIG DOGWOOD IN WINTER. YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE NAME COMES FROM. AN INTERESTING FOCAL POINT FOR THOSE DREARY WINTER DAYS.













HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF THE FLOWERS I HAVE ON MY DECK. THEY LOOK PRETTY GOOD NOW, BUT ONCE THE HEAT REALLY SETS IN, I WILL HAVE TO WORK TWICE AS HARD TO KEEP THEM ALIVE. SOMETIMES WATERING TWICE A DAY. SOUTHERN INDIANA SUMMERS ARE SCORCHING. THE OHIO RIVER IS JUST ABOUT A MILE FROM US, AS THE CROW FLIES, MAKING THE HUMIDITY HERE ALMOST UNBEARABLE. PLUS, THE DECK IS IN THE DIRECT SUN. WE ARE SURROUNDED BY WOODS, BUT WE HAVE NO SHADE ON THE DECK. IT HAS TAKEN ME 10 YEARS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT PLANTS DO WELL IN THAT MUCH SUN. BUT I THINK I FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT.

 

.......bummer

Well, what a disappointing trip to Metropolitan Veterinary Specialists. Hoping Sadie would have improved with her mitral valve disorder, but instead, she has another problem. Poor thing, she has been retired for 2 years and has yet to find her forever home. I would love for her to stay here, but not sure of her condition, I just don't know. I want to be able to give her the best care.

Time for bed, it's been a long day. Night, night.

Another Monday

Another crazy Monday. Couldn't sleep this morning, so I am up with the chickens. This nevers happens to me. I am lucky to be awake at 8:00 a.m., which I consider to be early. Oh well, I got up and did 3 loads of laundry, loaded the dishwasher, and a bunch of other unmentionables.

Off to the chiropractor at 9:00 a.m. Hopefully, this shoulder is a little better. Please, Dr. Gilkey, work your magic. I really don't want to see surgery in my future.

Then, on to the Heart of Newburgh. Another day filled with a list of things to do a mile long, unrealistic expectations. Nothing glamorous here.

At least, I didn't have to cook tonight. Bunco at Lynda's. Food was pretty good. I almost won the money, it was a 3-way tie. Then came the big roll off. Well, I wasn't a winner. Drat.

Off to Louisville with my Sadie tomorrow. Sadie is my foster greyhound. She has a heart murmur and a mitral valve defect. Tomorrow's visit will be for an ultrasound of the heart. I hope she doesn't require any more treatment. The poor thing has been retired from racing for at least a year now, and still no forever home. How can you resist this face? I don't know how much longer we can resisit it. She is such a sweetie and seems so happy here.

June 14, 2008

For the second Saturday in a row, I have wound up at the Village Mercantile in Boonville. A great quilting shop on the square in downtown Boonville, Indiana. This shop has so many great fabrics and patterns, I could spend days there. I am trying to finish projects that I have either started or have the pattern for. So today's journey finds me looking for felt to finish the pennies for my Button Weeds pattern. I think I finally have all the fabric and felt I need to finish this piece.

My youngest daughter Megan asked me this morning, "mom just how many quilting projects do you have started?". Well, I don't know how many projects I have started, I am just trying to finish what I have going. I can't believe that I actually got out of the Mercantile with just the things that I needed. That is most unusual. I normally find some little piece of fabric that catches my eye that I must have for my stash. But not today. Next stop, Wal-mart. Nothing creative there, just drop a bunch of money on groceries and household items.

A little later in the afternoon, I did manage to spend some time with my oldest daughter Jennifer. Since she has moved out, I don't see her nearly as much as I would like. Even though her house is just 2 doors down from the shop that I work at, she is usually at work when I am at work. Our trip included a stop at Target, Gordman's and Michaels. Target was not much for me today. Gordmans was also a total bust. I did find a picture there that I am trying to get the girls to buy me. A belated mother's day gift. We shall see. I have had my eye on this print for a while now. Michaels, I picked up a bag of river pebbles to put in the bottom of my mason jars for flower arrangements.

Tomorrow is father's day. I will be missing my dad dearly tomorrow. No calls for me to make. This one will be tough.

Looking Up!!!

Wow, it is amazing what several nights of sleep, in a row, will do for a person. I am back in my sewing room. Making a royal mess, but that's how I roll. If it is clean, I am not accomplishing a thing.

After a nice meal out with my homemaker friends, Cindy, Carol W., Carol E. and Janet, I came home and went right to "my room". Working on a pattern from Button Weeds. I have already made the little felt penny square in the upper right corner. Now, I am working on the quilted piece. Of course, it never fails, you never have the right piece of fabric in your stash. But this time, I am making a promise to use what I have on hand. We will see how it turns out.

While at dinner, Janet mentioned Susan Branch. I just went to her web site http://www.susanbranch.com/. Wow, lots of ideas there. Books, cooking and ideas for the home. Even a couple of free quilt patterns. Another creative spot to visit.

As soon as I get my wall lamps, I will post pictures of my "sewing room".

June 6, 2008

Did I fall off of the face of the earth? No, actually, I have just been a bit out of sorts lately. Several factors seem to have affected my daily living. One of which, INSOMNIA. Man, when you don't get any sleep, that really messes with you. I literally felt like I was dragging around cement blocks. So after a trip to the doctor for my physical, and a refill for Requip, I am sleeping pretty good now. Well at least for the past 2 nights. Hopefully this will last. I will never run out of my medicine again.

Now, for some reason, I am gravitating toward Halloween. I know, no logical explanation, but there is some really stuff out there.