tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21306059772282334432024-02-07T20:16:17.670-08:00art, design, archaeology, and other bitsWelcome,and thank you for your visit.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-13587675733514465962014-08-31T12:02:00.003-07:002014-09-02T17:35:11.606-07:00Hello Everyone, Saying it's been a while is certainly an understatement!<br />
Lots has happened in the past years. In brief, I re-located to another state, for the time being. My heart is still in the west and the unbearable climate and strangeness of this place has only strengthened my resolve. At times I feel I'm in a parallel universe here, though I am thankful for some educational opportunities and some new acquaintances who make it tolerable.<br />
Talking of education, I have returned to university after so many years to hopefully finally finish my degree. The return to university is one of the few bright spots, I adore campus atmosphere; always have. However, the lack of work is frightening. I have had a couple of temporary, part-time jobs including a very brief stint ghost-blogging and hope more writing jobs, or any job for tat matter will soon come along. <br />
Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to happily spend part of the summer in Colorado if not New Mexico. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCFajgWZVsFb7hG31Fr77FWdQZWt0a8Bz8O1-gNGFIFK0qb3LexlrkSfHrIBobb6xoQ2BR4bLcV7mKZNNEluwx5_aS2CUhuaBqkt6WH_VhR8od2wfhjnW2YfIqz2saCt8nLrcsV6S0SM/s1600/copper+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCFajgWZVsFb7hG31Fr77FWdQZWt0a8Bz8O1-gNGFIFK0qb3LexlrkSfHrIBobb6xoQ2BR4bLcV7mKZNNEluwx5_aS2CUhuaBqkt6WH_VhR8od2wfhjnW2YfIqz2saCt8nLrcsV6S0SM/s1600/copper+river.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
Summer was almost all about a very tough maths class, it brought me to tears on more than one occasion and decreased my average a bit, though I'm still in the honors range. Lesson learned: Sometimes just passing a class is all that is necessary, and that I needn't be so hard on myself all the time. I've always been a worrier,<br />
I'll try to upload some artwork later.<br />
What I'm reading for fun. Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman since I'm currently 11th in the queue for Ocean at the End of the Lane for download from the library, and have just finished re-reading Graveyard fir the third time, Also got caught up on some Sci-Fi books and television shows. Look forward to the new season of Grimm, online in October, I don't have a television, but re watched some episodes online before the semester started last week.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-18313433708327776312010-09-22T18:32:00.000-07:002010-09-22T18:38:15.313-07:00four imposters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXRmOoeyhYuMc2VXS-GkpMyOmLVQ2YawFxFbKi7_UEb1DOsA0B2UMfXQCUqOKklPqlpI2-S92qU7kZQ_5-2Ogi65YFI6R07WYADBbltUrxz_d1u86XUo3Vqjpu1rKYHZ0yaTSxw_OIAQ/s1600/imposters+finished+edited.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519916356903898290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXRmOoeyhYuMc2VXS-GkpMyOmLVQ2YawFxFbKi7_UEb1DOsA0B2UMfXQCUqOKklPqlpI2-S92qU7kZQ_5-2Ogi65YFI6R07WYADBbltUrxz_d1u86XUo3Vqjpu1rKYHZ0yaTSxw_OIAQ/s320/imposters+finished+edited.JPG" /></a> pastel on board 10x10 inches<br /><div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-80616114049881169862010-08-16T15:19:00.000-07:002010-08-16T16:31:24.486-07:00B-E-S pastel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ffct0TizDCpRnpE43XRzlRB07nwle_4K5vFAoRtQtugFUTVjtcCcnWUt27sc7TesE0j7pk85d620_AMvjGNaHODzlyteio4KderfSUNx3rWT5_GguY4o0iOWXWLNKf_d7Vjw_ZX_NX8/s1600/WIP+done.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506140025390067906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ffct0TizDCpRnpE43XRzlRB07nwle_4K5vFAoRtQtugFUTVjtcCcnWUt27sc7TesE0j7pk85d620_AMvjGNaHODzlyteio4KderfSUNx3rWT5_GguY4o0iOWXWLNKf_d7Vjw_ZX_NX8/s320/WIP+done.bmp" /></a> pastel 9x12 2010<br /><div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-78399051411006970292009-11-25T15:33:00.000-08:002009-11-25T16:18:47.079-08:00Happy Thanksgiving<div><div>I hope your Thanksgiving and weekend are the best possible.</div><div> Beautiful anniversary roses from hubby:</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408198928210437362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA5QElL-LKXwAY1RdV7M_SdcuzDx9FsN9xgPGosaCzFSVUskuKY_7t7FVheyjqYj-NvID_R_1CiS9xJODDbNRTakluw0fwhdDhfem90nVrQU81owI9Bge5V9UHgEHoZT0s_4oFxH6Za0/s320/cupboard+007.jpg" /></div><div>Our barnwood cupboard project is nearly finished and I had hubby bring it in to the house. I loved how it turned out. Only the back uprights to add ( I polyurathaned them this afternoon and they are almost dry) and a bit of tighten to be done. It now stands where our vintage tea table used to be, and the tea table is where it should be.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408197618903273330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1JYqqYc-An2cWqmxfjPm1wH5RBV1Dz4X5WomwHv1AJ388ppl3RakNwXwixYSu_atLcWRX5UePTWcSdboie4ygKMo03rHbRmg2-dIsE_UR8BwaSv2QGUjxyJweg0-sJCRoX7AJbLj6Ko/s320/cupboard+012.jpg" /></div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-1791587067666018322009-11-25T00:42:00.000-08:002009-11-25T00:49:41.704-08:00In my second shopAt <a href="http://www.naturalsoothers.etsy.com/">http://www.naturalsoothers.etsy.com/</a> more catnip balls. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAmfpRkPnynCzs9V9YhthAGVxismjWVb1WDuSJiD_lJMILEZaeWsD7O4dLlLAQLjDJQ_Cu_HoUF_v6RsviocKkrWCsw1h-WdfZLHGuJz6cz6aYWa5ARzP_Otj4844yrt8BeJQ7cKTK1A/s1600/minibooks+and+catnip+balls+004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407959598110388290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAmfpRkPnynCzs9V9YhthAGVxismjWVb1WDuSJiD_lJMILEZaeWsD7O4dLlLAQLjDJQ_Cu_HoUF_v6RsviocKkrWCsw1h-WdfZLHGuJz6cz6aYWa5ARzP_Otj4844yrt8BeJQ7cKTK1A/s320/minibooks+and+catnip+balls+004.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-56033945444106878552009-11-15T16:17:00.000-08:002009-11-15T21:36:13.166-08:00In the shop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL2hTSdyWiL-s5yJBFtviPAgqbjWb0JDZohyphenhyphenQN1ObxxM6J5wkbOCO7xjaiMFxmS9WpfFBEh8rRDdeVNIiNUQgmXZ-JLaQgSu-1OgK49RWYxpwl3TrMUBHNROsrqhLMdcZSjrmmyxUl_A/s1600-h/minibooks+023.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404489732786958114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL2hTSdyWiL-s5yJBFtviPAgqbjWb0JDZohyphenhyphenQN1ObxxM6J5wkbOCO7xjaiMFxmS9WpfFBEh8rRDdeVNIiNUQgmXZ-JLaQgSu-1OgK49RWYxpwl3TrMUBHNROsrqhLMdcZSjrmmyxUl_A/s320/minibooks+023.jpg" /></a><br /><div>To be listed in my Etsy shop by tomorrow: Mini accordian blank books/portfolio</div><br /><div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-68718275822533302002009-11-12T16:49:00.001-08:002009-11-15T21:37:41.725-08:00Shall I begin again?I've long debated whether I wanted to continue with this blog even before my last surgery more than a year ago. Being a private person, I don't put myself out there like many people, so I don't imagine that this blog is interesting to anyone but my friends and family, and they already know and love me :).<br />Anyhow I think I will take it slowly and for the moment, concentrate on my art and crafting.<br /><br />Thanks to all who have visited and who have commented here. I appreciate your taking the time.<br />I am happy to announce that my handmade cable needles, number 6, available in my Etsy shop, have a mention in Vogue Knitting International. Many Thanks to editor Faith Hale for including <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jcMYveE1b_2W9zV297Wh2AwjtFsmBdM5PzYmO0EhCSKHbW2dEfAz8Xgu0b5SQCVbP3LJdeEH3d4A2Et_5uzw7CwdK88U8dXfh002_6KdZFwR-meA0Qoo6sanKB0hRowFxbXN1OEnPWM/s1600-h/VKcable+needles+num6+page+10+2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 233px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403396198757432578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jcMYveE1b_2W9zV297Wh2AwjtFsmBdM5PzYmO0EhCSKHbW2dEfAz8Xgu0b5SQCVbP3LJdeEH3d4A2Et_5uzw7CwdK88U8dXfh002_6KdZFwR-meA0Qoo6sanKB0hRowFxbXN1OEnPWM/s320/VKcable+needles+num6+page+10+2.JPG" /></a>my work with the others:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkuhAx5D2hspmlVvwLixy62BDSK8O8UMd0ZChVZqU2BEEHa2RR6csJrNQAf_orWsitiIDFzTgdIB6sGLExf2MsD3In3aO31ytuaV3DJl7ldG-b_67MzHHW7nvjkZCN7H7-J6RaapZjGg/s1600-h/Vogue+Knitting+cover+2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 392px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403394729033555970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkuhAx5D2hspmlVvwLixy62BDSK8O8UMd0ZChVZqU2BEEHa2RR6csJrNQAf_orWsitiIDFzTgdIB6sGLExf2MsD3In3aO31ytuaV3DJl7ldG-b_67MzHHW7nvjkZCN7H7-J6RaapZjGg/s320/Vogue+Knitting+cover+2.JPG" /></a>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-44920786510914980702008-06-20T13:56:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:48:33.239-08:00finished and packedWe were so disappointed, none more than MIL of course, that after traveling more than 70 miles, they were unable to complete her medical procedure, and she may have to travel even further, to university hospital, get it done in future. She is doing well, and had no adverse reactions. I'm glad we could be with her.<br /><br />Finished! The knit-along baby's cardigan ( I made up the pattern for this one, using the measurements from an old pattern, and adding the lace collar, cuffs, and hem). The most troublesome part was the collar. Even though I added extra stitches, and I water blocked it as I did all of the pieces, it still has a tendency to curl up. I will block it again sometime, but it can also be worn up. I made it a one button since it is meant to be worn over layers of clothing. The button is actually clear and pearly, but the reflection makes it look silvery. Oh, I knitted the leaves and crocheted the flower. I'm not fond of crocheting, but I can manage to make up small things. I will enjoy seeing the sweaters by the rest of the group.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPnHO2UWETIZHY4jLu2VWRABzHHnm1KSE6rm66RZC05ck-vhmKWMB6jOKmbMoB3PIenfav3IXIprGs4cFvCMutDse9gaWoKohUMh2ulNjPcE6G6f78S9qQNwk2nFaacLnXMhgsZN-yu8/s1600-h/june16+021.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213780703174296082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPnHO2UWETIZHY4jLu2VWRABzHHnm1KSE6rm66RZC05ck-vhmKWMB6jOKmbMoB3PIenfav3IXIprGs4cFvCMutDse9gaWoKohUMh2ulNjPcE6G6f78S9qQNwk2nFaacLnXMhgsZN-yu8/s320/june16+021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm all packed for the hospital for surgery on the 23rd. I don't want to go, but I must. I'm to be admitted at 7:30 a.m.</div><div></div><div></div><div>The house is in order; Apart from the usual daily housework, I've been sorting papers and cleaning cupboards, the 'fridge, the upstairs and sitting room windows, etc. I always try to do this intense sort of cleaning before a long trip or a hospital stay. It's nice coming home knowing that even the things not immediately seen are in tidy.<br /></div><div>The flower beds are weeded, (between the many rain showers. It won't be long before there are new weeds, *smiles*but the beds look great today. The peonies are fragrant and lovely in the back, and the ones in front they are starting to open.) and the projects I wanted to get done are done. So one would think I have some time to sketch and watercolour, but there is always something which needs doing, eh?! I do have some things in mind that I want to craft for the Etsy shops. I've closed the shops for the next two weeks.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBD1b6OBHnGKORbwy8Jp1Syi3Enk10hjbtuIfVm7b5wpzdr1kuobAW1S17pgBfA4uwBvo6iyMLxWL-eQBaDgGbOiuhTv0tO5rfk5aX5Sp0DAUo1TzMWivwkMn7vysZzwrIeI86pGh0Pc/s1600-h/peonies.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214048180571861010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBD1b6OBHnGKORbwy8Jp1Syi3Enk10hjbtuIfVm7b5wpzdr1kuobAW1S17pgBfA4uwBvo6iyMLxWL-eQBaDgGbOiuhTv0tO5rfk5aX5Sp0DAUo1TzMWivwkMn7vysZzwrIeI86pGh0Pc/s320/peonies.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>'Ta ta for now!</div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-25358796931227724592008-06-11T14:05:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:47:39.539-08:00surgeons, rains, and public radioI was glad MIL and her friend was with me, especially for part two of the test in nuclear medicine, since it was very unpleasant. It put a bit of damper on our planned lunch out and mini shopping trip, but we made the best of it, and in the end, it was the time spent together which was most important. MIL is having a small procedure on the 16th, so prayers and good vibes are always welcome.<br />New comfy cotton tees to supplement my summer wadrobe:<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1230r8T2cbwhuHY915jG8F__2HejUH36rfN7tPSwtEqvMcrjOzhgR32TY5Nq3V0jm5_F8axNQpdmxupUKlvFUvJaiWnICmrO5oUPG-ja_HqhsApxoTQsYwilFg5EQG3ceith7hUMe0aA/s1600-h/june+9+043.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210691961861412626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1230r8T2cbwhuHY915jG8F__2HejUH36rfN7tPSwtEqvMcrjOzhgR32TY5Nq3V0jm5_F8axNQpdmxupUKlvFUvJaiWnICmrO5oUPG-ja_HqhsApxoTQsYwilFg5EQG3ceith7hUMe0aA/s320/june+9+043.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I met with the surgeon yesterday, Tuesday. Surgery is scheduled for June 23rd, a Monday. I expect to be in hospital for a couple of days. Since I try to be a girl who sees the glass as half full, I'm thinking about all the guilt free knitting and sketching I'll be able to do (hopefully,) whilst recovering :). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA70mEoIS_eiQAcjGqMFgqvzksxhCNFdQ9Al-d3oL6lOAC3c1OzxmAd9GdA01S7xMjgp0pIREEPsYyjwcDvcidAMsmr3wCjgj43dXe8EdbTujIvCo5TfisXsyMm7CeFFP5YeoOk00t9EQ/s1600-h/june+9+016.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210455695123932594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA70mEoIS_eiQAcjGqMFgqvzksxhCNFdQ9Al-d3oL6lOAC3c1OzxmAd9GdA01S7xMjgp0pIREEPsYyjwcDvcidAMsmr3wCjgj43dXe8EdbTujIvCo5TfisXsyMm7CeFFP5YeoOk00t9EQ/s320/june+9+016.jpg" /></a> Rain, rain and more rain ! I hear it's been the same on the west coast. There is flooding in much of the Midwest.</div><div>I hung out this load of wash before lunch on Sunday, It was sunny, and very hot, so I was lulled into thinking the heavy rains from the previous days had ended. Within an hour the laundry was soaking wet. The sun came out again, then it stormed again. Well suffice it to say, it was Monday afternoon before they were dry, but on the up side, they smelled even fresher.</div>We enjoy listening to NPR (public radio), especially on Sunday afternoons, when we listen to Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion. This Sunday, Martin Sheen again was guest star; one of my particular favourites, and singer Bonnie Rait sang as well as participated in the some hilarious skits. <strong>Guy Noir</strong> and <strong>Powder</strong> <strong>Milk Biscuits</strong> are also favourite bits. This photo from a previous appearance<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWgHEj3LOhOCOFS0fsynnVBN425nIap1aLCFwdZsEHE7kYC62oKAKjfFToziDzlyFWfXwFTopXo8BoEC_0fKPnu3JFH-45BxtcHWWvun34YTHikfqrWu7-Phq2p1snXuU9iDPBRyGB7A/s1600-h/martin+sheen+and+Garrison+Keillor.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210482327814625346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWgHEj3LOhOCOFS0fsynnVBN425nIap1aLCFwdZsEHE7kYC62oKAKjfFToziDzlyFWfXwFTopXo8BoEC_0fKPnu3JFH-45BxtcHWWvun34YTHikfqrWu7-Phq2p1snXuU9iDPBRyGB7A/s320/martin+sheen+and+Garrison+Keillor.JPG" /></a> These five napkins represent about half of, and the best (hole free) of our everyday napkins. Due to frequent washing, they are getting quite worn, so I bought this fabric with which to make new ones, to replace them as they get too worn out. I don't mind that the old ones are faded, as they get even softer, but I do mind the holes :) I've made four so far, and will probably do four more. I think I'll like them even more after I wash them and they fade and soften a bit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowIpk-Wcackb2qNgWgnVhotj_HxLAr-L1JIJigOaSH9KfrUoOhu9W4fGqkN1NiQQqI1OtuxeyUxw_0nRutU_DxwDAnjkJ6DSmACv-HlwH7qawVfQywmgHnvfuVsfVI4YLC2vgloBNCnI/s1600-h/june+9+039.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210458036248180978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowIpk-Wcackb2qNgWgnVhotj_HxLAr-L1JIJigOaSH9KfrUoOhu9W4fGqkN1NiQQqI1OtuxeyUxw_0nRutU_DxwDAnjkJ6DSmACv-HlwH7qawVfQywmgHnvfuVsfVI4YLC2vgloBNCnI/s320/june+9+039.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsysX8NsclmALDwjQUOuLBUx6ooK-xergoTR0rqBSWUJNVeSlrlNjAAPVssOA587ZP0XnTJa5AH4zo4empfNYDfuz1wsQ4aKvqjKDOziqWVoxVNb0QMILnJPj0g_T04_Fxfgc7h3kv4E/s1600-h/june+9+006.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210458026844916978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsysX8NsclmALDwjQUOuLBUx6ooK-xergoTR0rqBSWUJNVeSlrlNjAAPVssOA587ZP0XnTJa5AH4zo4empfNYDfuz1wsQ4aKvqjKDOziqWVoxVNb0QMILnJPj0g_T04_Fxfgc7h3kv4E/s320/june+9+006.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBma5mNrQflIIIlItaI-EYVpOCSXl-7q06D8ge4H9jzqbyvfbg9NL-O0ZR2f77kyM_-dLdO5MjovwEmKsR8kYH6wSbX-XFYzZpTv9bAubl3dUFyWU282IdKg91zKW6XPKhh-EwSetm5LI/s1600-h/june+9+024.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210458021326259186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBma5mNrQflIIIlItaI-EYVpOCSXl-7q06D8ge4H9jzqbyvfbg9NL-O0ZR2f77kyM_-dLdO5MjovwEmKsR8kYH6wSbX-XFYzZpTv9bAubl3dUFyWU282IdKg91zKW6XPKhh-EwSetm5LI/s320/june+9+024.jpg" /></a> What I'm reading...again--- a 1954 version of Tolstoy's Anna K<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp-FuetzQAMmMdPIFlQsqjkCwmK1j2rBl4WN_J2RfMfWSDy3eIUOQUq102-LOUQ2G16Fmsm_NRzd-lLJCTqV8RatIu6qiXcrNGWke-CZB8256j9QvBmp0pYA2ue-jFcV8OaGHaQ318kc/s1600-h/june+9+042.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210637512610325810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp-FuetzQAMmMdPIFlQsqjkCwmK1j2rBl4WN_J2RfMfWSDy3eIUOQUq102-LOUQ2G16Fmsm_NRzd-lLJCTqV8RatIu6qiXcrNGWke-CZB8256j9QvBmp0pYA2ue-jFcV8OaGHaQ318kc/s320/june+9+042.jpg" /></a>arenina, with great pen and ink illustrations: </div><div><br />I've been using my 15 year old bread maker lately. I've aways liked the convenience, the breads are delicious hot from the maker, and the dough program is great ( though small if you need to make more than 10 rolls) when one doesn't feel like kneading. However, it tends to darken the crust a bit unless I'm at home to turn it off before the last 5 minutes.<br />This was a white bread with half a cup of applesauce added for moistness:</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooXsjt9mhDCr4cBl9DlwXDNkdk4tmcDdFgLgGRPgVYcgJeV7SqR3da5xnSJUx4rGo9lJEArr9YfDWFWsaddo3Vr3dIqRq59EwKzyftJc6U6MFvGNSFMBS3RrcWtyf92XqTg0eNRYy-bA/s1600-h/june+9+007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210461031996792114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooXsjt9mhDCr4cBl9DlwXDNkdk4tmcDdFgLgGRPgVYcgJeV7SqR3da5xnSJUx4rGo9lJEArr9YfDWFWsaddo3Vr3dIqRq59EwKzyftJc6U6MFvGNSFMBS3RrcWtyf92XqTg0eNRYy-bA/s320/june+9+007.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTAIyNA6_L0sgZWjcQs0jiLns0YQG3Qd35LEEnVRlCWST-HtkOQkwkaT_ggjEJq16kdfJxrf4EjlCQ72cWJtEYDtNn6xYHnslQ58b8OCR3T5jIr39LE9slcw9HfwiyC3Rjo_n7mRuF_A/s1600-h/june+9+011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210461035062914434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTAIyNA6_L0sgZWjcQs0jiLns0YQG3Qd35LEEnVRlCWST-HtkOQkwkaT_ggjEJq16kdfJxrf4EjlCQ72cWJtEYDtNn6xYHnslQ58b8OCR3T5jIr39LE9slcw9HfwiyC3Rjo_n7mRuF_A/s320/june+9+011.jpg" /></a>Hot, humid weather calls for a cool three bean salad with fresh seasonings.</p><p>In our perennial garden, the irises and dai<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DFs82VjEpGYQPJfVlmZlzugMgmikOJa1g0Hci_msfi0EbtMchRLQ64P53u_H5T7YbOcVHL88zX7u63Th5UJqNLBAvJWu22pA7nl2up-wCPjyKp7VqEf9TXE4mQYRe66JxWnqUueUrUA/s1600-h/june+in+the+garden.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210472537826065730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DFs82VjEpGYQPJfVlmZlzugMgmikOJa1g0Hci_msfi0EbtMchRLQ64P53u_H5T7YbOcVHL88zX7u63Th5UJqNLBAvJWu22pA7nl2up-wCPjyKp7VqEf9TXE4mQYRe66JxWnqUueUrUA/s320/june+in+the+garden.JPG" /></a>sys have started to bloom, and I think the peonies in the back will will open this coming week. Fragrant bouquets for the bedroom and around the house. Our quad county Iris society had the annual show on Saturday, but it was too far to travel (last year it was in our town, and my first bouquet entry got an honorable mention) because of the pain, plus we had other plans.</p>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-30497482961181336582008-06-03T17:51:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:48:33.241-08:00moods and friends, family and appointmentsMood: thankful, hopeful, creative.<br />It was so warm and sunny in the early hours yesterday, I decided to make sun tea in this re purposed 4 litre juice bottled. I filled it just over half full with water and used 8 regular Lipton brand tea bags, and 8 Green tea bags. I actually had some while it was still quite warm from the sun, and then later after it had been refridgerated for several hours, with a few fresh 'mint leaves added.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfj-nk-S-SmlWHqJjL0Cnbn8GvfG9J3o46ko7PotMY69Q1bElBXezVmj7zWJ0uvTeMH5DaKNJF3tiOsH_iBurMDD7i7XKJtvGP7eqe0GNE7-oGLyKzlpfCj26SPv2bEXsnVpo2G-Rmc74/s1600-h/june+1+005.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207825321302543026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfj-nk-S-SmlWHqJjL0Cnbn8GvfG9J3o46ko7PotMY69Q1bElBXezVmj7zWJ0uvTeMH5DaKNJF3tiOsH_iBurMDD7i7XKJtvGP7eqe0GNE7-oGLyKzlpfCj26SPv2bEXsnVpo2G-Rmc74/s320/june+1+005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Isn't it wonderful having friends and family who seem to have a knack for knowing when you need them, even miles away? Among other contact this past week, I got another lovely handmade card from my friend Jo. I won't embarrass her by posting a photo here. Suffice it to say that her work is distinctive and that her sentiments are greatly appreciated. Jo, you know how much I enjoy your "snail" mail, our taste in music, ;), and our usually unplanned crafty exchanges. To my friends who have e-mailed or telephoned, Thank-You! Also, hurrah for mother-in-law who give me those hugs mum wishes she could give across the miles.<br /><br /><br />So, days before Emergency Care I ate very little. Great for losing extra pounds, but not so good for one's health. (my follow up visit to my doctors' showed weight loss; I rarely weigh myself, I try not to be a chained to the scales, it's too depressing, *lol*)<br /><br />For the first 48 hours after the hospital along with lots of fruit juices, this is what was recommended, and all I could tolerate due to the nausea and pain. Peppermint tea, made from leaves fresh picked from my garden, also helps.<br /><br /><br />Hubby bought for me loads of these Popsicles and ready made Jell-O and we had lots of packets at home. I'm not so fond of Jell-O, most remind me of hospitals, but I do like the lime flavour.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqkdyFfwdLQc01Wu7Yg8FpPfBiSkcb-bZTusIArIsTBr3eaT0oa3z4_ZRaBMKSgeBi43H8ixobBoNOv3zXPQQeWRTkEVVJPehK2wkDlhNkZV2Kzerrt48CVmlB53bCYTerYr4yfoijbs/s1600-h/june+1+009.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207827249895474898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqkdyFfwdLQc01Wu7Yg8FpPfBiSkcb-bZTusIArIsTBr3eaT0oa3z4_ZRaBMKSgeBi43H8ixobBoNOv3zXPQQeWRTkEVVJPehK2wkDlhNkZV2Kzerrt48CVmlB53bCYTerYr4yfoijbs/s320/june+1+009.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DvaGacCPqclO7rdOZPoDCyiRETn1HM3TIvjry-_un8QifLc_zRF10U6PtIBNoIxAYPic0B4tXl9oOTeSRplvJ-T3r5EVFy8abB0XIjkGviXiCur7N4iTjlqs_qe7F-d6FoZWD4USxms/s1600-h/june+1+011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207827253421059010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DvaGacCPqclO7rdOZPoDCyiRETn1HM3TIvjry-_un8QifLc_zRF10U6PtIBNoIxAYPic0B4tXl9oOTeSRplvJ-T3r5EVFy8abB0XIjkGviXiCur7N4iTjlqs_qe7F-d6FoZWD4USxms/s320/june+1+011.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have a test in nuclear medicine tomorrow, which I've had before so I know what to expect.<br /><br />I'll be meeting with a new general surgeon on the 12th. The surgeon I saw for 20 years moved away last year, so It will be interesting meeting someone new. By several accounts, he is likable.<br /><br />Here is the back and front of the child's cardigan I'm doing for the Knit-Along at My Craftivity. I had to "frog" the front pieces entirely. Since the pain med keeps me in a fog when it is working, and the lace pattern I had in my head was not the one I had worked out for this project, ( they are quite similar)I had to take it apart.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYJzu8ZABBje0UPqPhgWit6klGe-J1zYSOp3z1ZKL30sKMJcP61CllOt8aI1DXhHTdF8T9T37o11ryQZYTT2vtYPFfa6grr3jyfVbLXaUkPhEfjdCi1VWDPn30MslsHFdwGGlYpHSM1s/s1600-h/june+1+013.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207825293813635938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYJzu8ZABBje0UPqPhgWit6klGe-J1zYSOp3z1ZKL30sKMJcP61CllOt8aI1DXhHTdF8T9T37o11ryQZYTT2vtYPFfa6grr3jyfVbLXaUkPhEfjdCi1VWDPn30MslsHFdwGGlYpHSM1s/s320/june+1+013.jpg" /></a> I've received several knitted or crocheted dish washing cloths from my MIL, but I've<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ncj_gVyOgPFcBEbnRWdNDe7G4JdCb3W5FMNaghfe_cpRadrauge8whofj7MJ4ur5pwlAlrZbqnPfcxS4iLJaGGYwakcqSbTbq8QdMwPdhCKDIUSS5SZ-pmpiAs5ODz7d0AjgkMt3ojw/s1600-h/june+1+017.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207840947552667682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ncj_gVyOgPFcBEbnRWdNDe7G4JdCb3W5FMNaghfe_cpRadrauge8whofj7MJ4ur5pwlAlrZbqnPfcxS4iLJaGGYwakcqSbTbq8QdMwPdhCKDIUSS5SZ-pmpiAs5ODz7d0AjgkMt3ojw/s320/june+1+017.jpg" /></a> never made any for myself. I noticed that about half of my store bought cotton cloths have holes and tears in them, and I usually buy replacements when this happens, but I thought I'd make some. These may end up being presents for friends and family, but they are fun and quick to make, and not too much thought is required when I'm in a fog. The yellow mock cable was the first one, but I thought it might be too heavy when wet, so I made up a simpler pattern, which uses fewer stitches. (I have several skeins of Peaches and Cream cotton on hand but any worsted weight cotton will do.) Here is the pattern for the lavender cloth. Easy:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjB3L3PFlO21BKEMVnS7ssPoPlzf7YxIxslOiFvsBDEQUEQeal8LZYGHoxBSqLe2-DJzLItRlLV7-uEN6kA9fkeR7mxzw4uX4MXxN1lGUErNyovewaI-cSfodZoD5hrmQVcUI4abVvLA/s1600-h/june+1+004.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207825313928134898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjB3L3PFlO21BKEMVnS7ssPoPlzf7YxIxslOiFvsBDEQUEQeal8LZYGHoxBSqLe2-DJzLItRlLV7-uEN6kA9fkeR7mxzw4uX4MXxN1lGUErNyovewaI-cSfodZoD5hrmQVcUI4abVvLA/s320/june+1+004.jpg" /></a><br /><br />With size 7 needles, cast on 38 stitches.<br />Seed stitch:<br />Row 1, right side---<br />knit one, purl one across<br />Row 2, knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches. Repeat until piece measures approximately 1 inch<br />Keep to seed stitch pattern for first six and last six stitches, working the remaining stitches between in straight stitch (that is; knit right side rows and purl wrong side rows)<br /><br />Work until piece measures about 7.5 inches from beginning, finish as for bottom border with seed stitch until piece measures 8. 5 inches. bind off in pattern, sew in ends. Finished size is approximately 8.5 inches square.<br />I think when I just need to pick up my art journal and start sketching. I haven't done any sketching lately, and I miss it.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-27691042213170348292008-05-28T12:02:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:48:33.243-08:00photographs, life is...The pain I have been having in my right back and sides took a turn for the worst over the holiday weekend and I spent Sunday in emergency care when it became unbearable. I have a long road ahead but I choose to celebrate life, because in spite of many obstacles, life is good.<br /><br />We went to the cemetery to rake and decorate the family plot as we do at least once a year, but I forgot the camera, so no photos.<br /><br />However, here are some photos of scenes of home and nearby travels.<br />For the humming birds :<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfm7DgWJOZZDGinWwYsvpXCOpqUwXxDF4pns0GThgPu_evz5ZHz2MBYVcXtopw3vNdK6vQ0dV7ZylUY7nFNVfDQwB7Y34dWniMIV_Sxze0ulG1I-ZzkQUNSKEJC52Fj6DIJyeWqSHvdU/s1600-h/may25+001.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205259379930111378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfm7DgWJOZZDGinWwYsvpXCOpqUwXxDF4pns0GThgPu_evz5ZHz2MBYVcXtopw3vNdK6vQ0dV7ZylUY7nFNVfDQwB7Y34dWniMIV_Sxze0ulG1I-ZzkQUNSKEJC52Fj6DIJyeWqSHvdU/s320/may25+001.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Landscapers' finally opened for the season, so we bought another cubic metre of cedar mulch for the tomatoes, and<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEtGvgbkKNTbwuFjQKAlvptNCX0Mtb4QKGpJb1JgPbs9Ob9XUzYYV4Nn92Xvn4eI1owScdh_4Bd45Pr7Zp05cpksP5QPCOkIcFhVncW84l5Wsg7Adgn3cEC4jGkCQYu0JiV50vDQi8v4/s1600-h/may25+017.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205256042740522354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEtGvgbkKNTbwuFjQKAlvptNCX0Mtb4QKGpJb1JgPbs9Ob9XUzYYV4Nn92Xvn4eI1owScdh_4Bd45Pr7Zp05cpksP5QPCOkIcFhVncW84l5Wsg7Adgn3cEC4jGkCQYu0JiV50vDQi8v4/s320/may25+017.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivgkYMIrwb0-QJSryU8rm-xSAEc1dr1ql-1bK9wcpIYyYKah2gjVo9FPZh2cuu1uhhBeSGA2uOs1eU0RmEibdRKrnD7NGY7NtpX1pULToITKAXetAb-5sdztQ0nkwpwgG32abnyFqCY8/s1600-h/may25+015.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205255819402222946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivgkYMIrwb0-QJSryU8rm-xSAEc1dr1ql-1bK9wcpIYyYKah2gjVo9FPZh2cuu1uhhBeSGA2uOs1eU0RmEibdRKrnD7NGY7NtpX1pULToITKAXetAb-5sdztQ0nkwpwgG32abnyFqCY8/s320/may25+015.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>to replenish the flower and herb beds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmmDeyMNjUKh-Cq_a3Kudlf7nBTi40zRqdPsMMkpfHgK2Ybl8eduaqaK5W3spCWoPG3G57LpiIDpQrAo6hxndBnXTF_g0nBRjhVJdW9jmh-nv8-uUhU-zb4ZLKrqABWoAMejmSPC-sT0/s1600-h/may25+016.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205255419970264402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmmDeyMNjUKh-Cq_a3Kudlf7nBTi40zRqdPsMMkpfHgK2Ybl8eduaqaK5W3spCWoPG3G57LpiIDpQrAo6hxndBnXTF_g0nBRjhVJdW9jmh-nv8-uUhU-zb4ZLKrqABWoAMejmSPC-sT0/s320/may25+016.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIoyEYR0zfY5Sku-5VOcniLdgJyFuG7v0XnUz0Hj5yGgpfjyY3Hw1p9duvmdubzmXBxPqUVT7vYAOJ3YMJ0G9d1GCXZopSZO_vbWNruWtz0gu1XULC8d0yREUgnIaupiv04lQSGmjqFQ/s1600-h/may25+037.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205255072077913410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIoyEYR0zfY5Sku-5VOcniLdgJyFuG7v0XnUz0Hj5yGgpfjyY3Hw1p9duvmdubzmXBxPqUVT7vYAOJ3YMJ0G9d1GCXZopSZO_vbWNruWtz0gu1XULC8d0yREUgnIaupiv04lQSGmjqFQ/s320/may25+037.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDagZKh1vEGUGfoSf9gA90sLN73Z1cABXObubZ2U7-thzbROaI_kkxBJC_yK1KoP9xjPbXhrJPyzQZ3g0v41hyz62Ruur5YcQMH9sWqB8VttSzFmLwgkwtEk4x94e3rfKUmM_6W9jf8UU/s1600-h/may25+040.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205254492257328434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDagZKh1vEGUGfoSf9gA90sLN73Z1cABXObubZ2U7-thzbROaI_kkxBJC_yK1KoP9xjPbXhrJPyzQZ3g0v41hyz62Ruur5YcQMH9sWqB8VttSzFmLwgkwtEk4x94e3rfKUmM_6W9jf8UU/s320/may25+040.jpg" /></a> The bluebird house on the garden shed:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYfHUfuhMASMLLSDj77Bequ5tQfcy2TdMFMnvD8R-Nyjh95A2XSkBvKf2sXK2wylqvBaNZwBHZhTn3LyV_TCskK6oc6oaz-qb8UGSE0M0IOYfdscYnK7Qorr0ZxZHhOyB277QeIqDzzU/s1600-h/may25+007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205254062760598818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYfHUfuhMASMLLSDj77Bequ5tQfcy2TdMFMnvD8R-Nyjh95A2XSkBvKf2sXK2wylqvBaNZwBHZhTn3LyV_TCskK6oc6oaz-qb8UGSE0M0IOYfdscYnK7Qorr0ZxZHhOyB277QeIqDzzU/s320/may25+007.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The raspberry bushes have been pruned!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0FL4HEk3AJUNtEuE4oT2J8TJmJ8dtDmQH4HWf1DluA8gALAXtkWlKKwkDFwRhyphenhyphenpdHBwnDX5vDFNHg6k-QVt9iKktnMiIw3fWoCU0Pga1jkQ5sSnflC9cwulICKbz5rltKYjPDt0LQyE/s1600-h/may25+009.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205253538774588690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0FL4HEk3AJUNtEuE4oT2J8TJmJ8dtDmQH4HWf1DluA8gALAXtkWlKKwkDFwRhyphenhyphenpdHBwnDX5vDFNHg6k-QVt9iKktnMiIw3fWoCU0Pga1jkQ5sSnflC9cwulICKbz5rltKYjPDt0LQyE/s320/may25+009.jpg" /></a><br />At the vintage/thrift shop, hubby played with this Alvarez guitar:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDvy7Bzjg5AfdmZhfyZp7G_IIFQbwGiezrbGTAsvTU02QexKxiya3JcmFT5n9mjQWlfU7qeht_Ox1jf1abfbaq1pOZ33_b_d_VO7wVpIHwfL2Ku5BMm_sCMHrG7Xp3HSuj-4La9hrWh4/s1600-h/may25+019.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205251962521591042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDvy7Bzjg5AfdmZhfyZp7G_IIFQbwGiezrbGTAsvTU02QexKxiya3JcmFT5n9mjQWlfU7qeht_Ox1jf1abfbaq1pOZ33_b_d_VO7wVpIHwfL2Ku5BMm_sCMHrG7Xp3HSuj-4La9hrWh4/s320/may25+019.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I bought this butterfly house, someone else's handiwork:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzUJFvQVwFPnxwHHlBFXgILstuanWXoqifeuj-ONJHH1_eaobGPTaLHEH6Fca9l4jz7EIg94wD9nvoL8Ruh9Ybq0phZj9OcpxszE8rO9_dcKuSZtduPXehXqLrCth3lirmbhBIS8cSBE/s1600-h/may25+022.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205248341864160482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzUJFvQVwFPnxwHHlBFXgILstuanWXoqifeuj-ONJHH1_eaobGPTaLHEH6Fca9l4jz7EIg94wD9nvoL8Ruh9Ybq0phZj9OcpxszE8rO9_dcKuSZtduPXehXqLrCth3lirmbhBIS8cSBE/s320/may25+022.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I repaired it, sanded, gessoed, and painted it blue and white.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0ph51cR_dCw_FfPGvo5IkFyFIWEebUsLrBEaPsYs2JnyyK-dib1S4OlPRAoxAoJ3MAo2J1Q0oTLohsH8gltfkp3qSrHxmutn1D_K6Y9i2KHD9ISTx0LAgGGCUjgwq0mbXkbw4wgEDO0/s1600-h/may25+023.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205247835058019538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0ph51cR_dCw_FfPGvo5IkFyFIWEebUsLrBEaPsYs2JnyyK-dib1S4OlPRAoxAoJ3MAo2J1Q0oTLohsH8gltfkp3qSrHxmutn1D_K6Y9i2KHD9ISTx0LAgGGCUjgwq0mbXkbw4wgEDO0/s320/may25+023.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The thin plywood is not sturdy enough for posting it in the flower bed, so I think I'll use it as decoration on the front porch for a while.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKhZHaFV5TJTxJOlVpJGveOst3Nr4o9OUA7c0869PkzgrEs8sdctH4udFO-9Qse5gGqC5EiVmVqKHcqZ-Dwxijp_4cXSW_oEtknQIsrmkcb0KBrkUHQsT2ThoibUWSWE47zO6arZBFSs/s1600-h/may25+029.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205247173633055938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKhZHaFV5TJTxJOlVpJGveOst3Nr4o9OUA7c0869PkzgrEs8sdctH4udFO-9Qse5gGqC5EiVmVqKHcqZ-Dwxijp_4cXSW_oEtknQIsrmkcb0KBrkUHQsT2ThoibUWSWE47zO6arZBFSs/s320/may25+029.jpg" /></a> A stack of old magazines and a vintage book from 1928<br />version <strong>after</strong> the (silent) movie came out, starring Faye Ray (The original King Kong’s “girlfriend“) While the book is a Grosset & Dunlap publishing, which I collect, it is not a children’s book, but I broke my rule of collecting only their vintage children's books for the black and white photos and Ms. Ray :)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOwfoqa2DNKhd7-mECg-bIRfFh74lqCStwGkTBuLZkjdS0sH_tGCqLNgiVAsH2EMfFtu76pwAOpwKdBv_x7nlR9uN0iBBuqMEp5fJd2y6RqT2jlrrI05FXkyfMenPjo4nZ9T0-jjqf2c/s1600-h/may25+043.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205251369816104178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOwfoqa2DNKhd7-mECg-bIRfFh74lqCStwGkTBuLZkjdS0sH_tGCqLNgiVAsH2EMfFtu76pwAOpwKdBv_x7nlR9uN0iBBuqMEp5fJd2y6RqT2jlrrI05FXkyfMenPjo4nZ9T0-jjqf2c/s320/may25+043.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Lilacs:<br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205246675416849586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0exsOz2lVan9-qLpkEIUViG21HsjHug1EEZp7Qp0zLaqnBegGHF2fh9z5gX1V_h80C6JBXJ1kBMskIUL32b_sgUV0XRgtrGgJ5MgjZ817f5MM4pAzKxMccPK8qfzC5zRymIE8-PpsjMg/s320/may25+028.jpg" />An unoccupied bluebird house on the south border:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTKtQXQxtPAIHLSrJPw_Qr0s2jqkWsv12KQ1jFckuuXn4mcdP4FEVcrBBcJWUj9K3KWO5TxodYTh7Z71d14okSrUfuOmvjqXzXVBEEqYj95onFY46LzqUxFvJW4W9-SKXds3uJe2nK1A/s1600-h/may25+006.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205245726229077154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTKtQXQxtPAIHLSrJPw_Qr0s2jqkWsv12KQ1jFckuuXn4mcdP4FEVcrBBcJWUj9K3KWO5TxodYTh7Z71d14okSrUfuOmvjqXzXVBEEqYj95onFY46LzqUxFvJW4W9-SKXds3uJe2nK1A/s320/may25+006.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Pear blossoms, very tasty pears, yum!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205245197948099730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wPwCxmA7Ihwt8iqOYanXag78E2WH5Mn5AOMhj9cT4TkmVpsn5-T03dClcJYMPS28eSD6OJiA-PaHds4og7IKSGW5Lu4t-tlLMPnnnRlAZAFD4nhRfajbRQozFMmTZd26wSOO6RKW1Rk/s320/may25+004.jpg" />A bat in our belfry, or our chimney any way:</div><br /><div>A bat took up residences in the gap between the house and chimney. Here's hubby cleaning the bat guano from behind the chimney. After which we sprayed liberally with bleach, and rinsed with a solution of Green Works and water.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoi4uVzzKB7W1pHSgdpMfdsdlruW9fQ0XjuyO6dFPByIbpfbLSlaoEuzKvWc-44KV2uKmKK3WBbogIIJXJyewEh3mG61cFqR-PWLf0YwB4gH6FBImuoBrrXKmYCB99qWiyKReKpzuJ3o/s1600-h/may25+031.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205244403379149938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoi4uVzzKB7W1pHSgdpMfdsdlruW9fQ0XjuyO6dFPByIbpfbLSlaoEuzKvWc-44KV2uKmKK3WBbogIIJXJyewEh3mG61cFqR-PWLf0YwB4gH6FBImuoBrrXKmYCB99qWiyKReKpzuJ3o/s320/may25+031.jpg" /></a><br />It's time to finish this pair of cotton denim and wool blend socks:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFi6P0li0okVYo45bpizZpOUokV2BFnmpnUqtl5qPSkJqEf2jbS6RCS-ucfiHiKjBVjO2teLgH3qQbxdcT5ifVGy1pDU6xK6pt-ggpCz6gBHMRGEMOtaktO8jnjoValZ4u6YcL8Vj2t0/s1600-h/may25+035.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205244411969084546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFi6P0li0okVYo45bpizZpOUokV2BFnmpnUqtl5qPSkJqEf2jbS6RCS-ucfiHiKjBVjO2teLgH3qQbxdcT5ifVGy1pDU6xK6pt-ggpCz6gBHMRGEMOtaktO8jnjoValZ4u6YcL8Vj2t0/s320/may25+035.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As for the baby's cardigan, I have finished the back and both fronts, but I will be out of yarn before I can finish the sleeves. ( I considered making short sleeves, but I decided to order more yarn instead. Photos are forthcoming.</div><br /><div>The positive side have needing bed rest is that I can knit and sketch without guilt :)</div><br /><div>Take Care of each other!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-19949575933970295982008-05-20T20:33:00.000-07:002009-11-12T17:52:32.202-08:00my back, ouch!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbBlSe1O7s_xnEmyz5CUn5JUeOvjGrgnsamSQILbKs_V1xi4PDovqLCwhC2jWbqhiFPVXsRtEWR1nm99uEgFId3pVnxj26KXZybGF7TJPzQhFS3twiMBP8oPwDz2juwq75fS3n6UP5gw/s1600-h/back+yard+020.jpg"></a>My back, or more accurately, my right side, has had it, at least for a few days. No more planting, shoveling, or climbing for a while. The pain tablets are not helping very much, and no matter what I do, it has gotten progressively worse over several months. It may not just be another kidney stone. :( so I just have to rest and behave for a time, and see if it improves in the next few days. :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNxhmwv9uHp-mNDgsdLilwUsn4uLcrdk-MFFguubaLUOkn6rWN9ynONush0AoycUUIN8KwcBGfJRhl5r59vAQVy4RUhTYTgjoDMt4gCLZhyphenhyphennTK23F4i32c3Dv3FanC3lzdQ8HbCqhcDQ/s1600-h/may20+019.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202608967045037810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNxhmwv9uHp-mNDgsdLilwUsn4uLcrdk-MFFguubaLUOkn6rWN9ynONush0AoycUUIN8KwcBGfJRhl5r59vAQVy4RUhTYTgjoDMt4gCLZhyphenhyphennTK23F4i32c3Dv3FanC3lzdQ8HbCqhcDQ/s320/may20+019.jpg" /></a><br />I've weeded the herb and flowers beds and have also potted some plants. Here is the flower box on the front porch, I promise to post more photos of other flowers around the garden next time:<br /><br />In the last four years we reduced our once large vegetable garden to a 8 x 2 foot strip to the right of the back porch. I no longer preserve vegetables, since I can and do stock up on most canned veggies at the super store. I think I'm ahead 3 to 6 months ;)) However, if I find something at the farmers market, I do get a bushel and cook and freeze whatever it is, like green beans and corn. I've kept most of my canning jars and utensils in good order just in case ;)<br /><br />I've planted two kinds of tomatoes :<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhYR-hRgFV0n2cFm5kYDQ_8nyzQCswcwWEfTtysz_fWEJnhlSB1maqpf8XQ_Ut-cDNQtJ1lc26fS_Y0Lx3mlMuKZyWndwyC9QOBCE2DhwMBc9pvwptZR5au6deE5Y-19hUU6x1ZQw0bc/s1600-h/may20+011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202594604674399906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhYR-hRgFV0n2cFm5kYDQ_8nyzQCswcwWEfTtysz_fWEJnhlSB1maqpf8XQ_Ut-cDNQtJ1lc26fS_Y0Lx3mlMuKZyWndwyC9QOBCE2DhwMBc9pvwptZR5au6deE5Y-19hUU6x1ZQw0bc/s320/may20+011.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On the left is "beefy" and on the right is "cherry"<br />I got some fresh yeast last Friday, and I baked two loaves. Since there will be no more work in the garden for a few days (except for watering the plants and flowers) I'll probably make a few more loaves and buns.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxtrXD8UO4sN14vR8R4XLy72rd5_kkHvMI9qj80IiIcAnhB9cmawM9PpgwjAeop3BALlWbJ6G5WQpu8d8yV6gH_2NYUaRectW1Ro8OrB9YPn0sXUvjJY0A_4_fr721mbreMTR-NOjknk/s1600-h/may20+005.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202594608969367218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxtrXD8UO4sN14vR8R4XLy72rd5_kkHvMI9qj80IiIcAnhB9cmawM9PpgwjAeop3BALlWbJ6G5WQpu8d8yV6gH_2NYUaRectW1Ro8OrB9YPn0sXUvjJY0A_4_fr721mbreMTR-NOjknk/s320/may20+005.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TJxtPPGcphS6tnBZWppiep9d7hmRnKBDKCSqQ1o05N10HTELPEgQ-aNP4Gvpsx8zOvuPZlRcTlEFAdQtchWjHkXqSbJqDCM1ZWpux0NCfJ4rPREWbcYhCmuNVWyyTXVPogtISr2lew4/s1600-h/may20+007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202592933932121714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TJxtPPGcphS6tnBZWppiep9d7hmRnKBDKCSqQ1o05N10HTELPEgQ-aNP4Gvpsx8zOvuPZlRcTlEFAdQtchWjHkXqSbJqDCM1ZWpux0NCfJ4rPREWbcYhCmuNVWyyTXVPogtISr2lew4/s320/may20+007.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVax2jpmECZqRfnd8ZCaZeldKks2-fYrcpJ7UprezCOZnztvUychLcqC4RgTIq3EE0H6W6E-fzmTl9Yo0Sp1jQyB-brtXQT1OaapPcaeoezmaovDd3t9_f05IkbGB_CutiBV3aiHOlA8/s1600-h/carla's+necklace+08.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Now that my sister's birthday has come and gone, and I know she has received it, I will show you the necklace I bought for her some time ago ( this photo is from the website):</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HIsy2LT37uQyD8rAmH7ZEaQmxEtAy3Jd2HPgkhBcj3RsirgBmvAlSuzDCOV7v_ZZviCHLDvdXPi0uMCdjRCh1v0tgOt0___sjGwEjJpPqAs_7GeQP81NzEGP8Gt1sxzBD9LhoFy1fRw/s1600-h/carla's+necklace+08.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202593625421856402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HIsy2LT37uQyD8rAmH7ZEaQmxEtAy3Jd2HPgkhBcj3RsirgBmvAlSuzDCOV7v_ZZviCHLDvdXPi0uMCdjRCh1v0tgOt0___sjGwEjJpPqAs_7GeQP81NzEGP8Gt1sxzBD9LhoFy1fRw/s320/carla's+necklace+08.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>I have amethyst earrings in a square silver setting, and they are so lovely, I thought sis would also love something in the same stone, even though it is not her "birth"stone. </div><br /><br /><div>It's funny, but when I was younger I was not terribly interested in buying or wearing jewelry, but as I get older, I seem to be turning into a magpie bird( They find shiny things attractive *<span style="color:#000000;">giggles</span>*). Not that I own very much, but I seem to have become more interested in the last three years in at least looking at jewelry.</div><br /><div></div><div>The hummingbirds are back, and so we need to make nectar for them. Whilst I was standing on the back porch, one flew up, had a look see at the spot where we usually hang the feeder, and flew away. We have been feeding them for at least twenty years, so each generation probably has the location in their genes by now *lol*</div><br /><div>Off to put the laundry in the dryer ( too rainy and cold to hang on the line even if I want to). I'll also try to have photos of the progress I've made on the baby's cardigan I've been knitting. I finished the back at the weekend.</div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-57122909748489506512008-05-15T18:24:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:47:01.526-08:00knit along<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eLaIFfeuoIN7FwRY7_xkRXCr7LEhbvsNBGfQHXVPss91phfO6pSrUagBbdlE3caVynwv9_KF3bUlScFORtRfK7mdsy-DnoPwKNtvnscUoL7B0LpaA66XPtzN-RFmoCJ4QyJebZRTfY4/s1600-h/knitalong.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200782064050978386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eLaIFfeuoIN7FwRY7_xkRXCr7LEhbvsNBGfQHXVPss91phfO6pSrUagBbdlE3caVynwv9_KF3bUlScFORtRfK7mdsy-DnoPwKNtvnscUoL7B0LpaA66XPtzN-RFmoCJ4QyJebZRTfY4/s320/knitalong.bmp" /></a>MyCraftivity is having a knit along for a baby's cardigan. I'm making up a pattern since I'm having trouble downloading the pdf, which happens sometimes.<br />I've swatched for a lace and straight stitch pattern in lamb's wool worsted weight:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhruztlBAerftyyt18i1Z3brd5w4o3iyn2VWy7DbhOk7r1TkY7ONwNg3CT_vOWoNMVzhWrvdD8SyPLh5F_S5hw3x9JXhd_0Sdt4m5QOxmeEzAYaOU2knQmwnYHdtxBuCIbTqvYFnoc6I/s1600-h/may+13+002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200781230827322946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhruztlBAerftyyt18i1Z3brd5w4o3iyn2VWy7DbhOk7r1TkY7ONwNg3CT_vOWoNMVzhWrvdD8SyPLh5F_S5hw3x9JXhd_0Sdt4m5QOxmeEzAYaOU2knQmwnYHdtxBuCIbTqvYFnoc6I/s320/may+13+002.jpg" /></a> I am not feeling great, I'm in a bit of pain, exacerbated by over doing and the cold damp weather we have been having. We did have a bit of sunshine today, so that helped. I haven't been sketching or doing watercolours lately, but since I'm in the mood to knit, this sweet little project should help me to relax and behave :) no overdoing it, right hubby?! :) I've started knitting up the back, and hope to finish that at the weekend.<br /><br />I must remember to get some fresh yeast for bread making. The old yeast has reached it's sell by date, so no breadmaking as planned, at least not until tomorrow.<br />Wishing you a great weekend !debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-8934453169815426132008-05-13T17:45:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:48:33.248-08:00winds and weekendIt's been so windy today! It was nice and sunny while I was driving and doing errands, but later, the high winds brought me back indoors after many attempts to work in the garden and do other outdoor projects.<br /><br />Beautiful flowers from hubby; roses and freesias:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OSnChVvbwXLgYmwdezEPIaedZdhYbLtAOexDHZ3mgDm7ltlfqCwfru_qpv8ohddwV5zFtBOfz7lYFcA-bXe7uK6TMDkBI5mxWJ32LlYbTQJuNxp6ESifgR35qmrFjYzGC8E7yh24jjU/s1600-h/May6+038.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200030612277902866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OSnChVvbwXLgYmwdezEPIaedZdhYbLtAOexDHZ3mgDm7ltlfqCwfru_qpv8ohddwV5zFtBOfz7lYFcA-bXe7uK6TMDkBI5mxWJ32LlYbTQJuNxp6ESifgR35qmrFjYzGC8E7yh24jjU/s320/May6+038.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Scenes from the informal gathering of extended family:<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibif61yyVYtKekf9x3IAiYaPfHQQZ67DLJT7AL7jC46dZhefO79UXJxY4ibW-HPNrJhmtvX2HjiyXzz5pWh-aAwoKk3afzeis6o1YAaD33bFGzCf8TbnnloZtUTJ4_VHqgrtUBgXfwBl0/s1600-h/May6+028.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200029044614839810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibif61yyVYtKekf9x3IAiYaPfHQQZ67DLJT7AL7jC46dZhefO79UXJxY4ibW-HPNrJhmtvX2HjiyXzz5pWh-aAwoKk3afzeis6o1YAaD33bFGzCf8TbnnloZtUTJ4_VHqgrtUBgXfwBl0/s320/May6+028.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLO0E3fuwdh2b7NWLxb58J3VODcwvlIZv3zzv-3hdb8CRmCM10qQSFGFBEcuOjpUHQHgMAzsHmQiorbQomCobnGwFeCHT-CQTBhljPjRyw_lNMDmyZixm1UZlgsZNhCbFhP35W_EpEB8/s1600-h/May6+024.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200033378236841522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLO0E3fuwdh2b7NWLxb58J3VODcwvlIZv3zzv-3hdb8CRmCM10qQSFGFBEcuOjpUHQHgMAzsHmQiorbQomCobnGwFeCHT-CQTBhljPjRyw_lNMDmyZixm1UZlgsZNhCbFhP35W_EpEB8/s320/May6+024.jpg" /></a>One of the two quiches I made for the gathering:<br /><br />The finished anklets. I keep a small amount of synthetics blends as that is what is requested when I knit for charities but I don’t like how they feel against my skin. I am allergic to some wools, but llama, and cottons and cashmeres ( not that I can afford cashmere :)) feel wonderful . (My friend S. recently sent me some quiviut which is heavenly!) If I’m going to put time into knitting something, it should be done in well. </div><div>The anklet on the bottom was sprayed and blocked, no change. The one on top was machine washed. It pilled and is fuzzy. I will keep these for myself and wear them over socks as slippers ‘round the house.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs379tW4O0TSX_W4uHtVof0xOQW8pVsTWkuYxgLC_cZtDaGzAKsc5wheLE0AWhAKxxLCmKS46dOhUgYnzf11RANHaOUD4XrDZ9zZO9TC4rTq9qs8Aivgky9_9B2tXFaSD9GdmbWIoB5Ss/s1600-h/May6+019.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200032283020181026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs379tW4O0TSX_W4uHtVof0xOQW8pVsTWkuYxgLC_cZtDaGzAKsc5wheLE0AWhAKxxLCmKS46dOhUgYnzf11RANHaOUD4XrDZ9zZO9TC4rTq9qs8Aivgky9_9B2tXFaSD9GdmbWIoB5Ss/s320/May6+019.jpg" /></a></div><div>I haven't baked bread in weeks, so I may do a loaf and some buns(rolls) tomorrow.<br /></div><div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-67681707318122366302008-05-07T15:37:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:48:33.249-08:00Mother's Day comesA barn swallow decided that one of my soil sifters stored in the rafters of the wood shed made a good foundation for her nest. Usually they just build directly onto the rafters. This mother for the first few days would fly out of the shed every time we went in ( the nest is closest to the entry) but now when she is sitting, she sort just keeps her eye on me and allows :) me do what I need to do. I took this photo mid morning yesterday, when she must have been out foraging.<br />Four perfect eggs:<br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U-T6jwdMqOKNZDAWygWQ1J7KvTyVFEz85zm8RlnUxEhm17bjJCWEDo7n5Dwehn38HjK5km9Y1TTrecYiRRn4kAql2DBktakJ5hAzzYEi4H5IiSN03OL8WV_gbmsc1_J2sm4lm5VIBuw/s1600-h/May1+008.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197780531802257346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U-T6jwdMqOKNZDAWygWQ1J7KvTyVFEz85zm8RlnUxEhm17bjJCWEDo7n5Dwehn38HjK5km9Y1TTrecYiRRn4kAql2DBktakJ5hAzzYEi4H5IiSN03OL8WV_gbmsc1_J2sm4lm5VIBuw/s320/May1+008.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br />I planted all three of the amaryllis in one pot a couple of days ago. I had them loosely wrapped in newspaper, and they were again sprouting in the dark. I think the stems will be shorter this time, but there seem to be many more blossoms at once. they are outside on the front porch which gets some of the afternoon sun, so it's a good spot for now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI81wvxn-pr1YhJHhns1M8hPhY2by_SNfACkD4eUqcu7FsRWawmxbJaatfduRnIEsVXXE2CHj2XP04Gxlm-_tPfUga6JD34roYYpTB9Q7a9h7f-HdJDjKEXBIjSzI3oO2FPi6ZUjOL1lc/s1600-h/May1+007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197780274104219570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI81wvxn-pr1YhJHhns1M8hPhY2by_SNfACkD4eUqcu7FsRWawmxbJaatfduRnIEsVXXE2CHj2XP04Gxlm-_tPfUga6JD34roYYpTB9Q7a9h7f-HdJDjKEXBIjSzI3oO2FPi6ZUjOL1lc/s320/May1+007.jpg" /></a></div><div>Talking of porches, this is the little side porch and landing I mentioned I had scraped and painted the other day. a view to the west, and of the door to my studio/workroom. My herb patch is below right. I may paint the door the same chocolate colour as the door frame. The back and front porch railings are touched up only every few years because they have full roofs, but this one needs doing every<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL2BvoJcWSz3Md7bdlVVbAxp-Pdvwss455o7fCW0lM_MiXrx4icaT2Y6JD1f56deYl4mb7nTnEm8sb3BNtTe9QARMzjlMhAJ9_WxUap8Uu0RUzIBtEDBAadYpadoipvcjdIoKJlkBoE0/s1600-h/May6+002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197778792340502418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL2BvoJcWSz3Md7bdlVVbAxp-Pdvwss455o7fCW0lM_MiXrx4icaT2Y6JD1f56deYl4mb7nTnEm8sb3BNtTe9QARMzjlMhAJ9_WxUap8Uu0RUzIBtEDBAadYpadoipvcjdIoKJlkBoE0/s320/May6+002.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIr1OUocR8eeyuOk2d25jICxtLtLGUX-5wIp6vDLk9r1JZYnyBNOWkdZb7GmOuY1YVtjrqZuD3I9DFS0lUIBiD30lQMfxMbbsBmCXhJV7UgWAvTQAgCikCgyBKZ8aUSGtyn0kGSem6QZM/s1600-h/May1+010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197779775888013218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIr1OUocR8eeyuOk2d25jICxtLtLGUX-5wIp6vDLk9r1JZYnyBNOWkdZb7GmOuY1YVtjrqZuD3I9DFS0lUIBiD30lQMfxMbbsBmCXhJV7UgWAvTQAgCikCgyBKZ8aUSGtyn0kGSem6QZM/s320/May1+010.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTV-K_DRqr4tNy-s8w_Iy2nkemgadysTylTxQ7COnzWQFxRi2mhz_vcRcGJ9MzXcvX7gkEeO01ZzmCOQx0UZINCZILniguzAYq7J_mRfKjacu0fSRoJvElWO7sacQWNLCLBKuJKfUPaWg/s1600-h/May6+003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197773608314976114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTV-K_DRqr4tNy-s8w_Iy2nkemgadysTylTxQ7COnzWQFxRi2mhz_vcRcGJ9MzXcvX7gkEeO01ZzmCOQx0UZINCZILniguzAYq7J_mRfKjacu0fSRoJvElWO7sacQWNLCLBKuJKfUPaWg/s320/May6+003.jpg" /></a> other year because it is only partially covered and is on the moister, north side. The second floor siding needs some painting as well. I sat there on Sunday and Tuesday mid morning for a few minutes after the rain stopped and the sun came out. The sunlight was just right then.</div><div></div><div>The rhubarb is not as tall as it could be because I pulled up about 75 percent of it last fall due to over crowding. My mother-in-law makes the best apple-rhubarb pies. My friend E. , who has a strawberry farm, makes a terrific strawberry-rhubarb pie as well. I like the sweet/tart flavours, but one slice for the summer is usually my limit. ;)<br /><br />I remembered to bring my camera when I went walking down the lane yesterday, but I saw no deer as I often do. They are very stealth when they visit our yard, but I can usually see some in the evenings in the neighboring field.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUTeMAJY01gt1bIsVC4d4JvPHNp6XOgWLEiVb4i_eSDJGBZKAwv-qk8IyAeQ5m0XxT4GUofstmmxKTIZZ3vDaUlMWxiqDCjMT7osuQeubYN8_79HrBHHd_drfirx0QW42mrqLeD7-6wU/s1600-h/May6+006.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197777615519463298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUTeMAJY01gt1bIsVC4d4JvPHNp6XOgWLEiVb4i_eSDJGBZKAwv-qk8IyAeQ5m0XxT4GUofstmmxKTIZZ3vDaUlMWxiqDCjMT7osuQeubYN8_79HrBHHd_drfirx0QW42mrqLeD7-6wU/s320/May6+006.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I'm doing cheese/spinach quiches for a gathering this weekend, and maybe a cold barley salad; yum!</div><div></div><div>I hope your Mother's Day celebrations are wonderful!</div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-37366077820187072292008-05-02T15:55:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:48:33.251-08:00It's May!The rain came last night, and now, at 7 in the evening, is coming still-- a day late for April showers, but the sounds were soothing. No thunder or lightning, just heavy rain. Of course it is now cold and damp, but at least it's not snowing, and the trees will be blossoming soon, and the lily leaves are 6 inches high. As well, we were able to get an early start on some outdoor projects, so that's a plus. A northeast view of the backyard at 6 :12 pm:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtqfmNwR0HjQbBhyVVCEkPMGRRfvy9WcMd0PzbxGfN-jAZ-b7T4S2kUQsgBDuZCJ5-ItYhbxAKf2j8Ujz-rP3K3ClGh5iRP7rnBFRLK93tQEcZZE7nhklTrP91O-mAuQp8-i6s8JTMOs/s1600-h/May1+002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195919135283561090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtqfmNwR0HjQbBhyVVCEkPMGRRfvy9WcMd0PzbxGfN-jAZ-b7T4S2kUQsgBDuZCJ5-ItYhbxAKf2j8Ujz-rP3K3ClGh5iRP7rnBFRLK93tQEcZZE7nhklTrP91O-mAuQp8-i6s8JTMOs/s320/May1+002.jpg" /></a><br />There is something about damp weather which makes me want to knit. I've nearly finished with the wrap, only six inches to go, and I've started a pair of anklets which I've made many times before in red and blue wool, so I thought I'd try this lambs wool and acrylic blend in zinna. The lace pattern is from my knitting encyclopedia, but the the rest I made up. My bamboo needles are in use on another project so I must use the aluminum ones, which I don't like as much.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF5Tl4RpZYu9252dUtdnmrbcUsJZunOfe_6_nU99u2H8uEN9CYNcgdDEM5XFQY7QqYUw2DVYclj8zfW_aTU3bD0s5v2i0chJJG_2LUi8b8o5Auu2jJxrDNmPO-3T9oiVlSxSPyZkueVc/s1600-h/May1+004.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197333781546746546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF5Tl4RpZYu9252dUtdnmrbcUsJZunOfe_6_nU99u2H8uEN9CYNcgdDEM5XFQY7QqYUw2DVYclj8zfW_aTU3bD0s5v2i0chJJG_2LUi8b8o5Auu2jJxrDNmPO-3T9oiVlSxSPyZkueVc/s320/May1+004.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Another packing tube of lovely papers for bookbinding, including antique"italian postcards"( cartolina postale italiana, it sounds much better in Italian :) ) The print of the writing is quite small so I can only make out names addresses, but the colours are lovely. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjHTTTW8cOt2VCmYY9X4dxlUnIooGvkCg9uBSbsINUdajY_rOPX9AEXAoHpG3LN98JlOe3FpyMPzPk5tlcX-Rr4smGuSZ1tjVkJAzPiK6SyhqsPVEV2C4Z4BcG5kUKPuKz1MlN5gfFCo/s1600-h/April23+006.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195918383664284274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjHTTTW8cOt2VCmYY9X4dxlUnIooGvkCg9uBSbsINUdajY_rOPX9AEXAoHpG3LN98JlOe3FpyMPzPk5tlcX-Rr4smGuSZ1tjVkJAzPiK6SyhqsPVEV2C4Z4BcG5kUKPuKz1MlN5gfFCo/s320/April23+006.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Etsy has changed the "items sold" link in all the shops to" sales," so the numbers are smaller. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I'm glad I made a sale yesterday, since it's been slow there for a while. thousands more sellers have joined in the short time I've been a member.<br /><br />Happy weekend everyone!debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-56482926661325559912008-04-29T13:23:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:46:39.095-08:00herbs and toads, and earth dayI was in a bit of pain this past week, so I wasn't up to posting. It's better, but I don't have the energy I had before that. The return of the cold doesn't help, but I'm hopeful.<br /><br />A steaming pot of chicken and dumplings I made during the week. This is one meal o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jq2g6dqQfuhU70HCxHBLhjV9bv49h6XyO8nACS5R6OCLGCZjxzdhbPu5s5jRUNA75DYHSwRqmank8jB-DIQZ5qe07EozU0K39xSsWbkiUkaGIMrrnOVlxZ0iYhNg4e8qHkqfeYrgLec/s1600-h/April21+009.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194772361835659842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jq2g6dqQfuhU70HCxHBLhjV9bv49h6XyO8nACS5R6OCLGCZjxzdhbPu5s5jRUNA75DYHSwRqmank8jB-DIQZ5qe07EozU0K39xSsWbkiUkaGIMrrnOVlxZ0iYhNg4e8qHkqfeYrgLec/s320/April21+009.jpg" /></a>n which we agree :). I've been making this at least once a week for the past few months. it's comfort from the cold.<br /><br />One pot recipe follows:<br /><br />(Use a 2 quart pot, serves 4)<br /><strong>Ingredients:<br /></strong>2 boneless chicken breasts, rinse in cold water and cube.<br />Olive oil<br />Fresh or frozen chopped vegetables- carrots, broccoli, total of two cups (500 millilitres)<br />Seasonings--(Use fresh if you have herbs growing)<br />Chopped basil, thyme, minced garlic, onion, a pinch or two of salt, oregano, a pinch of sage and some parsley.<br />A quarter cup of cream <strong>or</strong> a cup of milk<br /><br /><strong>Dumplings:<br /></strong>(The same basic recipe as homemade pasta.)<br />1.5 cups flour (375 millilitres)<br />1 egg<br />1 tsp salt<br />1 tablespoon to half cup water ( 125 millilitres) ( amount depends on flour absorption)<br /><strong>How to:</strong><br />Stir fry the chicken in a little olive oil, about a tablespoon (15 millilitres) until golden.<br />Add seasonings and<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Add</strong> three cups water, partially cover ( you <strong>want</strong> evaporation), and bring to a rolling boil; stir often.<br /><strong>Add</strong> another cup of water, then add vegetables. Bring to a boil again.<br />In the meantime, <strong>make the dumplings</strong>--<br />Mix the first three ingredients together, add the water a little at a time until the mixture holds together.<br /><strong>Choice</strong>-- Do not over work it, but roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to quarter inch thick, then cut into square dumplings (remember, they double in size when cooked) and drop into boiling pot <strong>OR</strong> just drop by rounded teaspoon full into boiling pot. Stir well.<br />Let it come to a rolling boil again until dumplings puff up and float on top, then add the cream and stir well. Turn the heat to low, and let simmer; stir frequently until the sauce is well blended and just begins to thicken. Remove from stove, and let sit for a few minutes to cool slightly if you can (This dish can be made a few days ahead if you refrigerate after it cools, I don't know if it does well frozen, as it's never lasted that long in our house ;))<br />Serve with a tossed salad and scones and jam if you like. Enjoy!<br /><br /><strong>Earth Day<br /></strong>This is one of the two white pine saplings I planted the day after Earth Day in honor of two dear friends. One sapling is near the property line, and one down by the front of the driveway:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANWKiFrXeQhYVo9tFep7Vi1WPB49oQNl8fwxKEQRcsg1jkdSGBO5cdoI18kSO8flIqkDuDIYWiixsHFiKoG7sR1P-cmUKOAcMG11v5JrrW0OsXeF7HKtvxLVv7UVPjnwsg3x5dmH6RwA/s1600-h/April21+011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194767950904246770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANWKiFrXeQhYVo9tFep7Vi1WPB49oQNl8fwxKEQRcsg1jkdSGBO5cdoI18kSO8flIqkDuDIYWiixsHFiKoG7sR1P-cmUKOAcMG11v5JrrW0OsXeF7HKtvxLVv7UVPjnwsg3x5dmH6RwA/s320/April21+011.jpg" /></a> A few plants I bought at the green house last week: pansies, lemon thyme, basil and chamomile. I put them out on those warm sunny days we had last week, but it is too cold now. They say the weather will improve in a few days.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscvMMbcwc5jVePvXhjFr-1NzsPVSbIPX1G9eLaj0UzZZtwNo_RS2t9Sx5vmWii9V7IfYbe0XtgPxMoLJ9jEEcaXFlTVIk0g8NTE9JoDDWy5ySlm_dJojblEuQl0ftwdBwp_Fl1Mu_nIE/s1600-h/April21+003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194767955199214082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscvMMbcwc5jVePvXhjFr-1NzsPVSbIPX1G9eLaj0UzZZtwNo_RS2t9Sx5vmWii9V7IfYbe0XtgPxMoLJ9jEEcaXFlTVIk0g8NTE9JoDDWy5ySlm_dJojblEuQl0ftwdBwp_Fl1Mu_nIE/s320/April21+003.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeLEuWB9VwEALDPAs8mNciOZKXQ0c2ytwIldVbvalvSxnkot4lzAI5NOPAPWxT4RtIOLF6kQB_cVarOIvN2qMQFIDs1ZBZSm4BfY9ubPNraM5G3HupW2X_pxIoBJc2D-_SgAaqH790bg/s1600-h/April21+018.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194767959494181394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeLEuWB9VwEALDPAs8mNciOZKXQ0c2ytwIldVbvalvSxnkot4lzAI5NOPAPWxT4RtIOLF6kQB_cVarOIvN2qMQFIDs1ZBZSm4BfY9ubPNraM5G3HupW2X_pxIoBJc2D-_SgAaqH790bg/s320/April21+018.jpg" /></a><br />I went pick up the pieces of a small pot knocked over by the winds on Friday, and found a toad taking shelter there, so I left it alone. He was gone the next day. We usually see many in the course of the spring and summer, often disguised as part of our outdoor furniture :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgbLlj3pnp9l0-AeWIevIiqfk8hgMQxcQrAozXCK-XnZt2QBz5jTVoDdoynLA5LT8CI-G15pGaK0EFNisWWajJvTqAou5RgQHS_tos39_Qg5jsd5ruCeBkzMVnSr9dTl-BAH-mII3rYU/s1600-h/April21+006.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194768685343654434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgbLlj3pnp9l0-AeWIevIiqfk8hgMQxcQrAozXCK-XnZt2QBz5jTVoDdoynLA5LT8CI-G15pGaK0EFNisWWajJvTqAou5RgQHS_tos39_Qg5jsd5ruCeBkzMVnSr9dTl-BAH-mII3rYU/s320/April21+006.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A partial view of my crafts shelves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg_Hd0QoDO_A-T-hOd4l4BhlAmvr3esAtCGf4dgfOZNBKdq40mZYlIP-sHwAX7o4LczKNOV3f32Z-Epk2Ao0zEQSIHynlFSdiOW41eUWvgEJlOddb0W0bylZ1qB1ihsHFZytC68byFd4/s1600-h/April15+053.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194767946609279458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg_Hd0QoDO_A-T-hOd4l4BhlAmvr3esAtCGf4dgfOZNBKdq40mZYlIP-sHwAX7o4LczKNOV3f32Z-Epk2Ao0zEQSIHynlFSdiOW41eUWvgEJlOddb0W0bylZ1qB1ihsHFZytC68byFd4/s320/April15+053.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oCwZdk1sNBJ8U02GiXCJvzAyvg4BJ6nYnRJQmYGDF5rG0391G40gT389Yx_nqgYzknNXuJMVSP8FKwgj_jnvjHwS8dQF1FiRkp6-RQuvcef14p9y2ajHSFwxdPLS9QgnTQMdBY1UeCE/s1600-h/April21+016.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194767933724377554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oCwZdk1sNBJ8U02GiXCJvzAyvg4BJ6nYnRJQmYGDF5rG0391G40gT389Yx_nqgYzknNXuJMVSP8FKwgj_jnvjHwS8dQF1FiRkp6-RQuvcef14p9y2ajHSFwxdPLS9QgnTQMdBY1UeCE/s320/April21+016.jpg" /></a>, and a bit of the adjacent pantry shelves on the right. I've been using my own handmade baskets there to store the things I use most often. I rarely make baskets any longer. It's not one of my favourite past times, but I did study under a wonderful teacher and friend about 25 years ago. I was her assitant for a short time, and I have fond memories of our professional and personal relationship.<br />I keep my sewing machine on the pull out cart on the right when not in use; I sew either on the work top, or here in the den. The recycle bin is below that.<br />The cupboard I keep mentioning, conspicuous by it's absence, will be on the far left of the crafts storage. adjacent to that is my work counter, where I have my bulletin board.<br /><strong>What's on your crafts bulletin board?</strong> Mine is a temporary resting place for knitting swatches and for quick sketches that have not yet been pasted to my art journal, as well as photos of things and people who inspire me.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-34388968339430117302008-04-18T13:27:00.000-07:002009-11-12T16:48:33.253-08:00Unseasonably warm and windy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qFfTi88sy1v5jY18dyyn85lfyfRXtp15r-u4y0EL_w-dXL6whxKC1-F-QG-4XhpqIRSHr8qCg2MR8ilmvyWVC2gKh1kJrlB6hHodRe2fPv-16bfWMyLmo7F5qfj76YwvEQZifU3mdFk/s1600-h/April15+051.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190688614588374178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qFfTi88sy1v5jY18dyyn85lfyfRXtp15r-u4y0EL_w-dXL6whxKC1-F-QG-4XhpqIRSHr8qCg2MR8ilmvyWVC2gKh1kJrlB6hHodRe2fPv-16bfWMyLmo7F5qfj76YwvEQZifU3mdFk/s320/April15+051.jpg" /></a> On Wednesday I scraped old, loose paint from the little side porch , and yesterday I painted its landing and steps. I had just a bit of the floor boards on the side and a bit of the railing left to do, so I finished that today. (My vitamin regimen seems to be working, I was not as sore as I thought I would be afterwards. :) )<br />The door there leads to my studio/workroom so the little porch is a good spot to sit have a cuppa or lemonade, enjoy the the songs of the birds (and toads, they have been in fine voice *lol*) and let my imagination fly. Only minutes after I finished painting yesterday, a bird left a little present :)<br /><br />My little herb garden is next to those steps, so hopefully, this weekend I'll be going to the greenhouse to get some annual herbs and flowers. I have some potted geraniums growing in the house, (I was able to save about half of the plants from last summer) but will only put them out during the day for now, as the nights are still too cold.<br />How does your garden grow?<br />Visit my MyCraftivity friend Debra's shops <a href="http://www.debrasdesigns.etsy.com/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.icraft.ca/designsbydebra">here</a>. she makes beautiful jewelry.<br />I cleaned the ashes and the glass of the fireplace yesterday, which I do at least once a week in winter. I would like to delude myself into thinking I’ve cleaned it for the last time for the season, but I know it’s not so. I expect cold, damp rainy days to come; It is April after all, and I do like a warm fire on those damp days. Propane just doesn't give the same warmth :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xCEbKry_21BskhXcV7fLK6yuF6n9PitFq-nAHrh8wM8zTOrF_YYBMVSdG_ZdSDULa2r0GwWXUrwmI1DcMN_Ptb0VG920TAiBOFK4BIww-xZ-DsbPog_ZGf58DWJQ0MYV0WvThaLfyo8/s1600-h/April15+020.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190697518055578802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xCEbKry_21BskhXcV7fLK6yuF6n9PitFq-nAHrh8wM8zTOrF_YYBMVSdG_ZdSDULa2r0GwWXUrwmI1DcMN_Ptb0VG920TAiBOFK4BIww-xZ-DsbPog_ZGf58DWJQ0MYV0WvThaLfyo8/s320/April15+020.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I've been making mini accordion art books lately. This one, bound in Indonesian rice paper, is available in my <a href="http://debhd.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Happy Friday, and Happy weekend to you.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-70002234729178118372008-04-14T12:37:00.000-07:002008-12-14T20:01:24.090-08:00Spinning, not passionate about it, stillIt's been nice seeing and hearing the birds again. This morning we had wrens, chicadees, a bluejay, and small and large woodpeckers at the feeder. And it is sunny after a rainstorm on Friday and a damp, dreary wekend.<br />Since it is still too cold and windy for and outdoor BBQ , but hubby wanted ribs and bangers for Sunday, I made some in the oven, along with chicken for me. All, along with side dishes and green salads, more than enough for a few meals.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuK3WXLeAgzthRd_EhND140n_6_2lbZYtXOPY_Cz88Z5Orgzs4bWBU3-GMB7yi3q6mN8ccwrMvApOFcZ6VSap1AbGq63xJrmUGFqrxwmV-wRvloVm2HZpLdrVQhyphenhyphenNEixgy636BkEk0pA/s1600-h/April+8th+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189195048301124690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuK3WXLeAgzthRd_EhND140n_6_2lbZYtXOPY_Cz88Z5Orgzs4bWBU3-GMB7yi3q6mN8ccwrMvApOFcZ6VSap1AbGq63xJrmUGFqrxwmV-wRvloVm2HZpLdrVQhyphenhyphenNEixgy636BkEk0pA/s320/April+8th+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBNCXMHWOttDf7bUN9MZZ_cY6a-4VPjo7j0YE8ubhxqSC15jJjED3V5nFju0KcKYpW5CoY-DQZY6bH0Hsox03IFkeJCUvQXWTM6okcY35vVHHi9IjexvJbEzCgmR7RC627rq6Dq1bS1A/s1600-h/April+8th+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189195705431120994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBNCXMHWOttDf7bUN9MZZ_cY6a-4VPjo7j0YE8ubhxqSC15jJjED3V5nFju0KcKYpW5CoY-DQZY6bH0Hsox03IFkeJCUvQXWTM6okcY35vVHHi9IjexvJbEzCgmR7RC627rq6Dq1bS1A/s320/April+8th+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Spinning...<br />Last spring I set out to teach myself to spin. I made a spindle, bought a book and for a few minutes a day for nearly a month, I worked at it (the spindle on the left). I was able to get a couple of ounces of yarn spun, but was never comfortable with it. In September, I went to the wool and fibre festival, I took an empty spindle (on the right) and some of my roving and a kind expert gave me a brief lesson. She suggested I thin my roving, which did help (spindle on the right) and renewed my enthusiasm, but I‘m still not there yet.<br />I would still like to be proficient at it and would like having more lessons, though I’m not sure where or when. I know I don’t need to learn to spin; it’s just one of many of the ancient crafts in which I’ve always been interested . I will pick it up again, of that I’m certain. I welcome suggestions.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUQpykYOK_9WWO3NVZQzMCUABphjipeOuxjj0Ux2QncRz6l9ngmKiDan-qD42dViFes1zi81tOlIkob8Hi4BFUdc4gzKi7jTHlAdsiG3KaxSfKiTLNrFIHeQxhXD2H0W4bxLW76fj__M/s1600-h/April+8th+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189188335267240978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUQpykYOK_9WWO3NVZQzMCUABphjipeOuxjj0Ux2QncRz6l9ngmKiDan-qD42dViFes1zi81tOlIkob8Hi4BFUdc4gzKi7jTHlAdsiG3KaxSfKiTLNrFIHeQxhXD2H0W4bxLW76fj__M/s320/April+8th+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Also last spring and summer, hubby and I built a spinning wheel using instructions from a vintage booklet I found a long time ago. We improved on it by doing research online. It works, though some adjustments need to be made, and it needs a proper leather belt. But since I’ first need to be proficient in hand spinning, it will be a while before I’m ready to use it, though I have tried it out. I have to learn to better use the foot pedal. Barefoot seems work best.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTylKPhgOZbXWe2Pv3StOg47lhpiIdlKcl26CWVLytatT37kUFSwsN91oC8ySfdqTPdYAqhI3cl7ymnTUJm6AvY3Br8MEzbcMEcYHpHA0tKqE7QscF5GQHLKpzQ2nft29zL8rZ3PGCF68/s1600-h/HPIM0904.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189192205032774690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTylKPhgOZbXWe2Pv3StOg47lhpiIdlKcl26CWVLytatT37kUFSwsN91oC8ySfdqTPdYAqhI3cl7ymnTUJm6AvY3Br8MEzbcMEcYHpHA0tKqE7QscF5GQHLKpzQ2nft29zL8rZ3PGCF68/s320/HPIM0904.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It is time to sew more pillowcases. I bought a few yards of this fabric this weekend, and I have a few yards of other cloth I can use up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdakSpB8fEbYbnnKfYIWqHyRsmloUm5X7uumVzXrNKaTuHBJ6ptcos1l18SdjFALChj5w3VdecewnOLbPr17J6uj4MVM_6W6HV2-5F9_ceffMLb0jIaxs51X15Vwm12BbpN3bmW3JNmk/s1600-h/April+8th+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189193871480085570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdakSpB8fEbYbnnKfYIWqHyRsmloUm5X7uumVzXrNKaTuHBJ6ptcos1l18SdjFALChj5w3VdecewnOLbPr17J6uj4MVM_6W6HV2-5F9_ceffMLb0jIaxs51X15Vwm12BbpN3bmW3JNmk/s320/April+8th+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It’s been an ongoing project for years now. We donate to an umbrella foundation for children, and they are in turn donated to a children’s hospitals. There are lots of other wonderful women involved in the project, and thousands of pillowcases and other items have been sewn and knitted. I’m also happily involved in other aspects of the foundation.<br />Here are a few cases I’ve made previously:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNADbuEKjPFQj2s21JVoLgHU7WtRhZmsqBaewuNLkFivXMgYVT8u222Xkd_9dMesMGYJlsPVdg5GWHS61SWUIlVa0Yayx_I-zBpcEo7DErzy5hkGvoqMy9ojx6LReYEpBbshWECXKLzM/s1600-h/12+pillowcases3gowns+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189193265889696818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNADbuEKjPFQj2s21JVoLgHU7WtRhZmsqBaewuNLkFivXMgYVT8u222Xkd_9dMesMGYJlsPVdg5GWHS61SWUIlVa0Yayx_I-zBpcEo7DErzy5hkGvoqMy9ojx6LReYEpBbshWECXKLzM/s320/12+pillowcases3gowns+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5268766">Island Sweets</a> shop at Etsy, her work is on my favourite's list .<br /><br />I meant to upload this photo the day of Grand opening of the new shop. The package with the new circle punch arrived that afternoon, so I straight away made my first medalion for the bath salts on the right: <div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmil186p5aG0PUTmfYCVc_sOQsoJJFJrSy9Tu5kzVgiEWclbufL1W6IQXwiBKHm-1P1AcaoxRKLnAKYgNGCDnjrFYwM2OAMzmReb5AZteZb3Ctkk3qzdsXp52JYrr6reQooZxIeZ0H-18/s1600-h/April+5th+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189200709068020850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmil186p5aG0PUTmfYCVc_sOQsoJJFJrSy9Tu5kzVgiEWclbufL1W6IQXwiBKHm-1P1AcaoxRKLnAKYgNGCDnjrFYwM2OAMzmReb5AZteZb3Ctkk3qzdsXp52JYrr6reQooZxIeZ0H-18/s320/April+5th+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /><br />The size is right for several projects.</div><div></div><div>Talking of projects, I hope to upload somethings to the shop tomorrow. </div><div>I'm off to get a few projects, and laundry done.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-9683725805387349762008-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:002008-12-14T20:01:24.091-08:00bow tied art journal/mini scrapbook tutorialThe weekend weather was lovely. we raked the yard and garden a bit, and got a lot of little jobs done in and outside the house. Our microwave oven went kaput! last Wedensday, so we we went shopping for another, Hubby missed making popcorn! He also bought a new kitchen faucet, and a new desk chair. I think he has spring fever! We both do.<br />Today is very windy.<br /><strong>Tutorial</strong> :<br /><br />This is a small no frills art journal/scrapbook, but you can personalize and make improvements. Since many of the materials used in bookbinding are specialized, I wanted to use materials which are easy to find or that one may already have on hand. Suggestions for improving and personalizing will be added at the end. Please ask if you have questions.<br /><br /><strong>Supplies<br /></strong>Drill with quarter inch bit ( hand or electric)<br />Needle tool or small awl, or large, sharp sewing needle (all optional)<br />Pencil<br />Ruler<br />White glue<br />a brush for spreading the glue (optional)<br />Paper cutter if you have one or<br />Utility knife<br />Kraft paper<br />wax paper to protect sorfaces and the work.<br />C-clamp (optional)<br />Large paper clamps<br />or clothes pins<br />A heavy book to use as a weight.<br />Cloth tape, (optional) or masking tape<br />A 2 x 8.5 inch piece of <strong>cotton or linen cloth</strong>, cut straight on the grain.<br />Tapestry needle<br />Crochet hook size E (4mm) or larger or devise a hook tool from a piece of heavy wire<br />½ inch wide ribbon--- grosgrain preferably<br />24 sheets of card stock in your choice of colour, 8.5 x 11 inches<br /><br />Mat board for front and back covers. (I buy leftover pieces from a framing shop for a minimal price.) or similar weight illustration board.<br /><br /><strong>How to:</strong> (Please remember to protect your work surface )<br /><br />Cut two pieces of mat board 8.5 x 9.5 inches (20.5 x 24.5 cm) also,<br />cut a separate piece of cover board precisely 8.5 x 1.5 inches (20.5 x 5 cm).<br />Draw a line down the center of this 1.5 wide piece, mark the center, then mark 1 inch (2.5 cm) in from each end on the center line.<br />You will be using this as a template for drilling holes, to aid in<br />making the covers hinges, folding your pages, and for protecting your cover when drilling the holes.<br /><br /><br />Using the template as a guide to the width, take each card stock piece and fold and crease one of the 8.5 sides 1.5 inches. Fold all of your pages this way.<br />These folds are the spine and they face up in this way when you put the pages and cover together.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq1bsTLW0qh6gO6fKZDIMBrHQmb0VnSrWZplX2C_UibHGdxgNO2xocV6ryagk3mPzU4KApS9aFopuktoLaWrGF2JjfMYcG7awa40e2Cxjz1DcMuQX7CdEr1Py5kkr9TZKRTtJmlNFJhQ/s1600-h/April+5th+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186608641253294706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq1bsTLW0qh6gO6fKZDIMBrHQmb0VnSrWZplX2C_UibHGdxgNO2xocV6ryagk3mPzU4KApS9aFopuktoLaWrGF2JjfMYcG7awa40e2Cxjz1DcMuQX7CdEr1Py5kkr9TZKRTtJmlNFJhQ/s320/April+5th+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />Again, use your templa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReYO8-XONrT_C7v_dy0UL8jJzasWyoRFeGIKsqp99aLeEpOyBK_TCbW7cS80MKiWzxYzbChlhNEl1WKvDD3_uHIE4muzi8-M50ZZuw0rDFI0FtchNQilgIF3dlxa8qxZFXPm3nqm26K0/s1600-h/April+5th+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186608847411724930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="188" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReYO8-XONrT_C7v_dy0UL8jJzasWyoRFeGIKsqp99aLeEpOyBK_TCbW7cS80MKiWzxYzbChlhNEl1WKvDD3_uHIE4muzi8-M50ZZuw0rDFI0FtchNQilgIF3dlxa8qxZFXPm3nqm26K0/s320/April+5th+017.jpg" width="277" border="0" /></a>te to draw a line down one 8.5 inch side of both the front and back cover pieces on what <strong>you</strong> chose to be the wrong side.<br />Align the ruler with the line. Press firmly on the ruler and use the utility knife to cut with even pressure.<br />This right (or out facing) side of my back cover piece shows the cut more clearly:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsDPU9-2v4n_ZYOwQ110Pm0kYzfwkyyN37tx-JrL2aGceBfzLKKwHRyBHvCZQUw0o2uZsAr571VzlfsOGp6Fcu3XwT2ORSp7SE9LabuBVNS06I3UK-dQTa7UE3MLTl0znmgjEvYgWLz0/s1600-h/April+5th+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186618171785724770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsDPU9-2v4n_ZYOwQ110Pm0kYzfwkyyN37tx-JrL2aGceBfzLKKwHRyBHvCZQUw0o2uZsAr571VzlfsOGp6Fcu3XwT2ORSp7SE9LabuBVNS06I3UK-dQTa7UE3MLTl0znmgjEvYgWLz0/s320/April+5th+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />On the <strong>wrong sides</strong> of the boards, align the top and bottom, and add a space of <strong>two board thicknesses </strong>between the two pieces.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1nB_snBFR5Ha5Dlp0QyVHTxJ-I7eT4NOJ8Veekwm4F7PMiG6z2Nq5OhWs21PbnhrUkv_Kz69oVYVhwQK4f_DBTBjD2Pm83plJuWqe72uuqRBfnmWoE-e-N3cWknYTLAJCrw_haGmxGk/s1600-h/April23+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195499499798872674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1nB_snBFR5Ha5Dlp0QyVHTxJ-I7eT4NOJ8Veekwm4F7PMiG6z2Nq5OhWs21PbnhrUkv_Kz69oVYVhwQK4f_DBTBjD2Pm83plJuWqe72uuqRBfnmWoE-e-N3cWknYTLAJCrw_haGmxGk/s320/April23+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> Use small weights to prevent them from shifting, then use a piece of the cloth tape or masking tape to secure either side of the two pieces while maintaining the space between the two boards.<br />Glue four 1.5 inch lenghts of the grosgrain ribbon as hinges<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDrdLbcGf9ZWAC7Hz_7fpflknqGPfmKlOAyEV6yRistVrhVMV_BM5C6VirY7OEqDiPckFEEOyrzCkYv-gZznwXnriX31aKekhoFsjQtKFg6Z7Z4MQYgvI4WyYGhUnx9OmF085JehKsLs/s1600-h/April+5th+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186617415871480658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="263" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDrdLbcGf9ZWAC7Hz_7fpflknqGPfmKlOAyEV6yRistVrhVMV_BM5C6VirY7OEqDiPckFEEOyrzCkYv-gZznwXnriX31aKekhoFsjQtKFg6Z7Z4MQYgvI4WyYGhUnx9OmF085JehKsLs/s320/April+5th+020.jpg" width="250" border="0" /></a>:<br /><strong>Repeat for both covers. Let dry.</strong><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Glue the 2 x 8.5 inch piece of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9qL3-mPIEENiwySMFL7T9PIvOsMbEDGkSuPbSG7pQWbRdfwmTBAS_YuUZ2GSIwg9aWRz8tVdAsIH80VoFGtKr68B3iiT36998mJWbRw4pO4FRBbUGtpU5LJYY_YWNJ79jTwoNOZC1RE/s1600-h/April+5th+059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186617067979129666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="279" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9qL3-mPIEENiwySMFL7T9PIvOsMbEDGkSuPbSG7pQWbRdfwmTBAS_YuUZ2GSIwg9aWRz8tVdAsIH80VoFGtKr68B3iiT36998mJWbRw4pO4FRBbUGtpU5LJYY_YWNJ79jTwoNOZC1RE/s320/April+5th+059.jpg" width="233" border="0" /></a> cloth over the hinges and up to the edge of the board. Use a heavy book with a piece of wax paper between the book and your work for protection and let dry.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>Putting the book together:<br /></strong>Place the back cover,(wrong side up) the pages,(folds up) and front cover,(right side facing you) together, make sure they are even at the spine and at top and bottom ( the covers will be slightly longer than the pages at the opening edge). Use paper clamps to hold them secure. Then align the template with the spine and use more paper clamps to secure it. If you have a C-clamp, use it to secure the whole to the counter. Here I have protected the countertop with a wood board and clamped the counter, board and book together.<br />Drill the holes as marked on the template with the quarter inch bit as straight as possible. Almost finished.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOJdynHKr8SP6wtM7eit8Sc32baNkyilzAes3ZCnssOUdl5X9Mk00eJkcBLlJ9YIMt7crxvK1Do49NAeq2YNI4YLEhdJDEyz-omgZxArK0xGJyrmmoT5BopBeVkqzMPt_5X3VmVsPOHQ/s1600-h/April+5th+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186616677137105714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="180" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOJdynHKr8SP6wtM7eit8Sc32baNkyilzAes3ZCnssOUdl5X9Mk00eJkcBLlJ9YIMt7crxvK1Do49NAeq2YNI4YLEhdJDEyz-omgZxArK0xGJyrmmoT5BopBeVkqzMPt_5X3VmVsPOHQ/s320/April+5th+028.jpg" width="251" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOJdynHKr8SP6wtM7eit8Sc32baNkyilzAes3ZCnssOUdl5X9Mk00eJkcBLlJ9YIMt7crxvK1Do49NAeq2YNI4YLEhdJDEyz-omgZxArK0xGJyrmmoT5BopBeVkqzMPt_5X3VmVsPOHQ/s1600-h/April+5th+028.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Cut a piece of the grosgrain ribbon or cord of your choice three times the height of the book ( in this case, 3 x 8.5 inches). Fold it in half and<br />Use the crochet hook to pull the loop through the center hole, about an inch (the wider the ribbon the more difficult it will be to pull through). Using the crochet hook as a barrier to prevent the loop from coming out, pull the ribbon ends through one outer hole each. You can thread each end through a tapestry needle for each side.<br />Then, pull one end of the ribbon through the center loop, then the other end, crossing it over the first end. Pull the ends in opposite directions until the loop is snug, but not overly tight. Tie a bow, trim the ends. You are finished! Suggestions for improvement are below:</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmI09mjdjshSe1ggVa1NoxYffkulMCsTjKBVc-WnA2kHX6LbL9oC2ZrlWJwE5J8HrIRhvVFfX6j1LSKnrwjvH-acAds_nkiU1xKXpasOAm4D_I8lvy7lJ9Hor0ctQp3uuFrlcWJkPt6k/s1600-h/April+5th+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186615929812796194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmI09mjdjshSe1ggVa1NoxYffkulMCsTjKBVc-WnA2kHX6LbL9oC2ZrlWJwE5J8HrIRhvVFfX6j1LSKnrwjvH-acAds_nkiU1xKXpasOAm4D_I8lvy7lJ9Hor0ctQp3uuFrlcWJkPt6k/s320/April+5th+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u0ztzzmYU7qkrqFd_P2CyF-FcQkYnf6piyoq-rVzm3lXDuymUosuU7hbHqz62heo8utDjV6PhNYPMyt8Y_qCBXf6mS22aNqRV-rkZEE93hMRQsGjOTlKImdIYM0bqSUzADajsk8cbNM/s1600-h/April+5th+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186615315632472850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u0ztzzmYU7qkrqFd_P2CyF-FcQkYnf6piyoq-rVzm3lXDuymUosuU7hbHqz62heo8utDjV6PhNYPMyt8Y_qCBXf6mS22aNqRV-rkZEE93hMRQsGjOTlKImdIYM0bqSUzADajsk8cbNM/s320/April+5th+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb1KZTKfrCxzqF85zrwaHXzoQ8VTqExnylaqge-f3QIyEZydLkqTca7gZUblM5ehieM0O9_LSdKqGlZCn-Q7aA1QZQOxO3ekR8QuZglbspn78TbaigUl1Sk9wj9jViGMj2sMDYkVnwQ4/s1600-h/April+5th+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186614533948424962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb1KZTKfrCxzqF85zrwaHXzoQ8VTqExnylaqge-f3QIyEZydLkqTca7gZUblM5ehieM0O9_LSdKqGlZCn-Q7aA1QZQOxO3ekR8QuZglbspn78TbaigUl1Sk9wj9jViGMj2sMDYkVnwQ4/s320/April+5th+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ34RhjRs5q0U33gZNLuMwWI0tklz7vZ76EAtt_Tr0ddNe-YOVZ1FXRUT99ssKd2BL-fCvXWEBBGkN2wEoI61ChZZr61XIEyGqEoEGvMY-BcmI7mivP3ry_6mV8DaGtZLCGvVvbFPT3SM/s1600-h/April+5th+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186614250480583410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ34RhjRs5q0U33gZNLuMwWI0tklz7vZ76EAtt_Tr0ddNe-YOVZ1FXRUT99ssKd2BL-fCvXWEBBGkN2wEoI61ChZZr61XIEyGqEoEGvMY-BcmI7mivP3ry_6mV8DaGtZLCGvVvbFPT3SM/s320/April+5th+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>To improve and personalize</strong>, you can glue a picture to the front cover <strong>or</strong> before tying the book together, cover the front and back covers with decorative cloth or paper.<br /></div><div></div><strong>Cloth cover, heavy cotton:</strong><br /><br /><div>Cut the cover fabrics at least an inch all around larger than each cover.<br />If using paper as your cover, spread glue on the front of the cover board to paste it down, then do the hem and corners as follows: </div><br /><div>Cut the corners of the <strong>cloth</strong> at a 45 degree angle from the corner of the cover board, leaving about a quarter inch, or at least two cover board thickness of fabric at the corner. Using the following photos as a guide, dry fit the corners and the hems before gluing them down.<br /><strong>turning the corners and hems is one of my favourite bits:<br /></strong>Use needle tool or something similar to “iron” the first fold down and up against the board’s edge. Fold a miter at the adjacent side, iron it down with the tool or your fingers then fold down this hem. Now open up the folds and hems, paste them, re-fold and crease as with the dry fit.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAO8dhWC697QyCce3tAD33uCDRg59AvkbsA_KeaOR0NqFOBBCLLKQ76g466k9ykyhTrCBuVpSJxYO-eKPPi-CoOefhGjzqY0bdO-jH9ev25qKDesNIG6sL0Jq3f_kQxX9BtqL_uMI-iI/s1600-h/April+5th+063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186613159558890194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAO8dhWC697QyCce3tAD33uCDRg59AvkbsA_KeaOR0NqFOBBCLLKQ76g466k9ykyhTrCBuVpSJxYO-eKPPi-CoOefhGjzqY0bdO-jH9ev25qKDesNIG6sL0Jq3f_kQxX9BtqL_uMI-iI/s320/April+5th+063.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhQ0f0fFglqZdPqUpfNkYeZcV4ptVxICKG-DlrWpvSXpm2F-C4ecGOhcyXbzz8bw_3QY3YjCu-pCJuSQWJxC22zxZNFmTRsr_foBO4Bmvk4s7bwWrWTGvT1aY9EiCw_RD9GgKBey82Zk/s1600-h/April+5th+045.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL95nEYQi15H71GdOGwcLVeGbUaHxmcLuDYxbOY9PEVC15sm16mpRdsUZTQnEh_TKDG-UKAcBMKkXyANCI36aiF78XxOjV0DYAuoWdIwmkxubotraEEBI3WMWSXI7BWnkvxd_tG2AG0ag/s1600-h/April+5th+065.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186613498861306594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL95nEYQi15H71GdOGwcLVeGbUaHxmcLuDYxbOY9PEVC15sm16mpRdsUZTQnEh_TKDG-UKAcBMKkXyANCI36aiF78XxOjV0DYAuoWdIwmkxubotraEEBI3WMWSXI7BWnkvxd_tG2AG0ag/s320/April+5th+065.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br />Your corners should look like this, smooth and flat and at 45 degrees.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FrsF792fDmZI2K3C58qsoBtiatT7IrzgF6IcVQaXnPwTWCDXaVTnYqjUbe5__7Lelj9acRX6eO9SOSINkesfhNlDxepWiqXjagBXO7TT42m9pRHzNKVU5J8oK1jzNfyjTlimjjFGHfE/s1600-h/April+5th+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186611914018374322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FrsF792fDmZI2K3C58qsoBtiatT7IrzgF6IcVQaXnPwTWCDXaVTnYqjUbe5__7Lelj9acRX6eO9SOSINkesfhNlDxepWiqXjagBXO7TT42m9pRHzNKVU5J8oK1jzNfyjTlimjjFGHfE/s320/April+5th+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Use a big book as a weight, with a piece of wax paper between, to hold the cover flat while it dries. Do both covers in the same manner.<br /><strong>End papers</strong> : Cut 2 pieces of paper (I used brown Kraft paper) one eighth of an inch smaller than the cover all around. Glue it down, being sure to smooth out air bubbles. Let dry.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-klmC8G68Jf_sBc8mbzsDVuRTqCbycmYriacampiQ7BSRce6UTpPOF0NxAWcsAx_g1lMgFSQWzo_d6GTshfEYJILKS4k8mjjSTZqx5cYqqjGlrQxbjsYiI0LYvHnfBjJTZFY9tID_Kac/s1600-h/April23+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195185846927180370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-klmC8G68Jf_sBc8mbzsDVuRTqCbycmYriacampiQ7BSRce6UTpPOF0NxAWcsAx_g1lMgFSQWzo_d6GTshfEYJILKS4k8mjjSTZqx5cYqqjGlrQxbjsYiI0LYvHnfBjJTZFY9tID_Kac/s320/April23+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br />Use small sharp scissors to cut through the fabric to open the holes for the ribbon, place a dab of glue on the cut to prevent fraying, let dry, then restring as before.<br /><br />Finished art journal/scrapbook-<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyQpRvslLVNiH_St-VhU-fxf-10QUuIa6kmdxK_tn4J7tlzb6dPp161K7B2X5foY7GzYtPcA0Swu-5uGw0dsLtfRT8ikPcCD090j5hXGVmffHFseExFFVHoN7Eoiqe65fjW4oZD94too/s1600-h/April+5th+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186610737197335202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyQpRvslLVNiH_St-VhU-fxf-10QUuIa6kmdxK_tn4J7tlzb6dPp161K7B2X5foY7GzYtPcA0Swu-5uGw0dsLtfRT8ikPcCD090j5hXGVmffHFseExFFVHoN7Eoiqe65fjW4oZD94too/s320/April+5th+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-CbruX-r-GpOivEkDZxt-nyHdAUXezIPxl538yal2LT8M4-t2VL6huJB393tOrIIfbBBaf44ImzhHEIpX8lEHxsvvMymfMH5BRaIa68paWNtLOA3nIMHxi4O0ryGADrD8K0_-916fiU/s1600-h/April+5th+070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187711573069989634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-CbruX-r-GpOivEkDZxt-nyHdAUXezIPxl538yal2LT8M4-t2VL6huJB393tOrIIfbBBaf44ImzhHEIpX8lEHxsvvMymfMH5BRaIa68paWNtLOA3nIMHxi4O0ryGADrD8K0_-916fiU/s320/April+5th+070.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Below, on the cover of the journal I made during our trip to the southwest, I drew a version of the flute player ( a native American symbol) directly onto brown paper, then I did a faux leather finish, and used leather string ties and beads for an antique look. The pages were also made from brown craft paper. You can also make your pages from whatever is most useful to you, watercolour, drawing papers, etc, or a mixture of both. You could also gesso the pages.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLe0PoMtmIP8wdu4_Q4HZ1Oo66dYdNnrGYOo6Jq2dIKqh2oOCUv1LtJaBGPP-1ZYFBrifp7L3c8lxXzet87tbBkjqFLoswnl9txZz5vBLEGufaidXGYGWCJ8uCqZ0H7IlUcXrLbr9I4o/s1600-h/April+5th+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186609843844137618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLe0PoMtmIP8wdu4_Q4HZ1Oo66dYdNnrGYOo6Jq2dIKqh2oOCUv1LtJaBGPP-1ZYFBrifp7L3c8lxXzet87tbBkjqFLoswnl9txZz5vBLEGufaidXGYGWCJ8uCqZ0H7IlUcXrLbr9I4o/s320/April+5th+043.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-60935121043334183132008-04-01T15:40:00.000-07:002008-12-14T20:01:24.092-08:00Grand Opening!I'm pleased to announce the opening of my second shop on Etsy, <a href="http://naturalsoothers.etsy.com/">Natural Soothers</a>. I hope you will visit, and thanks for your support.<br />I think overall, things have slowed for most sellers at Etsy, so it may not be great timing on my part, but I'm optimistic. I figured since there was a lull, I had the time to do the new shop.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Coming Soon</span>---I have wanted to do a tutorial here for a while, but I wasn't sure if it would be a craft or cookery. well, crafts won and I promise to post a demo of an <strong>easy</strong> project my next visit.<br /><br />Brrr, it is getting cold here again. The winds started last night and it now about 18 degrees F. I look forward to the much warmer weekend weather that has been predicted.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-80238552139701636562008-03-31T13:40:00.000-07:002008-12-14T20:01:24.092-08:00art desk and coming soon...The studio project is finished---almost! I've not yet found the right cupboard for the upper left wall. Actually, since the size is not standard and we want to maximize the space, we are exploring our options. We still have to cut and polyurethane the base boards, but we will wait until a sunny, warm day to do that outside. Anyhow, I will post some pictures soon.<br /><br />Next to the dining area is my my painting space. It is a tight fit in our small house, I had to move a couple of chairs out of the way to get a good photo, but it is adequate, and the northern daylight is good. I also do dry sculpting here, though I do have a sculpting platform hubby made for me a few years ago in the shed. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcWDHJ4zqrg4NcnZsNmle1lpz_0lhXv-0awZDZ-zjxfTSzwRdSdf-1RFsRA-GE-IclEjTTAqtSpW_OL4fiL-P4eiV23SkCC-zh9p8MZ2K8BGrh_F5Ld_oPWrgCldcopp7MY1bSztrXe4/s1600-h/march+28th+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184011298435744306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcWDHJ4zqrg4NcnZsNmle1lpz_0lhXv-0awZDZ-zjxfTSzwRdSdf-1RFsRA-GE-IclEjTTAqtSpW_OL4fiL-P4eiV23SkCC-zh9p8MZ2K8BGrh_F5Ld_oPWrgCldcopp7MY1bSztrXe4/s320/march+28th+036.jpg" border="0" /></a>I resisted using polymers for years, but they are certainly less messy, and a lot more portable than earth clay.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBPw9Qd0fPQ3c-Yqb-HZuNLxSkqd9Mr6QQCjVIL9_hDNcZW8LN57rPdPfZ3acauIygAYP6XUIRd2QbCdTFBwVf13h5_u0cQb4hWi2S6g92P_eGHaG5tOdL7ZbIpPyhtYfpEmT8J63BZE/s1600-h/march+28th+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184011757997244994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBPw9Qd0fPQ3c-Yqb-HZuNLxSkqd9Mr6QQCjVIL9_hDNcZW8LN57rPdPfZ3acauIygAYP6XUIRd2QbCdTFBwVf13h5_u0cQb4hWi2S6g92P_eGHaG5tOdL7ZbIpPyhtYfpEmT8J63BZE/s320/march+28th+040.jpg" border="0" /></a> My taboret is on the left, and I use my easel only for displaying finished projects. My angled board is much more useful for watercolours.<br />On my desk is a photo cube made specially for me by a friend. It is very inspirational!<br /><br />Here is a peek of the new floor:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L_Rze4mwNMk/R_FU3FLfwmI/AAAAAAAAAGk/4v2zf1GdSRI/s1600-h/march+28th+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184017951340085858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L_Rze4mwNMk/R_FU3FLfwmI/AAAAAAAAAGk/4v2zf1GdSRI/s320/march+28th+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>Coming Soon!</strong> I am opening a second shop on Etsy called <a href="http://naturalsoothers.etsy.com/">Natural Soothers</a> this week. I've been working at setting it up this past week. I'm still waiting for the new circle punch( 1 11/16 inches, 4.5 cm) I ordered from Dick Blick last week to do the stickers ( the one I have is too big). I thought it would arrived by now, but I expect it will be here by Wednesday.<br /><br />Oh, be certain to visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5343490">AJ'sCountryCottage</a> on Etsy. She did a nice job putting together a little gift for my friend last Christmas.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-32842908694060284882008-03-19T15:32:00.000-07:002008-12-14T20:01:24.093-08:00Happy Spring!A view of the first day of spring from my front door. Not bad, It’ sunny, and much of the snow and ice are gone. How is your first day of spring? A nice one, I hope.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8JEI6z4tKLE_K_8D2dfVUIrjalCUZOsb74gGNnUiY9HQlYW1qjgAuOIHzMfFLEsTbO0JVeYUmETkqRYFxDjkImpcSDFek4UUPrnA3d4BvQSQYEE9kWMmjimMMzDzvWhEPhFRGqD1204/s1600-h/march+18th+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179919895409705474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8JEI6z4tKLE_K_8D2dfVUIrjalCUZOsb74gGNnUiY9HQlYW1qjgAuOIHzMfFLEsTbO0JVeYUmETkqRYFxDjkImpcSDFek4UUPrnA3d4BvQSQYEE9kWMmjimMMzDzvWhEPhFRGqD1204/s320/march+18th+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm going to colour some eggs today.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>It’s here, the spring issue of American Archaeology magazine. Okay, so it’s been here for more than a week, but I’ve only just had a chance to look at it and read in detail. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzstr8KWWwclMiT0t3wIraZ31jFB8LVCha0_OPxGlZNU_A2A3u_jTMI0irYC1lbcen20Z6MJhAUPNdsfZQ2fawX8CYjByfmYsq1cxhBeTAdggcz__WTbRS3dRGhLObtMowbUvgChgFpg/s1600-h/ach+spring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179585253032837602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzstr8KWWwclMiT0t3wIraZ31jFB8LVCha0_OPxGlZNU_A2A3u_jTMI0irYC1lbcen20Z6MJhAUPNdsfZQ2fawX8CYjByfmYsq1cxhBeTAdggcz__WTbRS3dRGhLObtMowbUvgChgFpg/s320/ach+spring.jpg" border="0" /></a>The article on the development of ceramics is of particle interest, since primitive methods of crafting was, and remains one of my favourite areas of study. The In the News pages covers both fun and disbursing facts, including pre Spanish beer making in the south-west, and the looting of historic sites.<br />Hello <a href="http://www.nieszvintagefabric.blogspot.com/">Amy</a>, Hello <a href="http://www.ambyblog.com/">Amby!</a> Thanks for stopping by. </div><br /><br /><div>Nothing in the spring issue of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">Knitty</a> peaks my interest, and, while I’m determined to finish all knitting projects before starting another, (there are two projects left-a pair of socks and the wrap.) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl5mF8e7AOD4tKIIEViNncCsB48L5Zc7UVRxU-4qDYppOhYPLx-t1vKVccHlggJxayJzis-nnPFZr5hjyGw3Ft1cy7QwXUzLxtxKZw9paM06F_ajB4ElvYoE4FoHpdj4f1ClP2VclJrM/s1600-h/knit+simple.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179588512913015282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl5mF8e7AOD4tKIIEViNncCsB48L5Zc7UVRxU-4qDYppOhYPLx-t1vKVccHlggJxayJzis-nnPFZr5hjyGw3Ft1cy7QwXUzLxtxKZw9paM06F_ajB4ElvYoE4FoHpdj4f1ClP2VclJrM/s320/knit+simple.jpg" border="0" /></a>I am<br />swatching for this bag in Knit Simple magazine‘s holiday 2007 issue. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XEsX3P4mgGYqzuASYmJb_dI5MKgHAK6ZKFH90Tehp9NYowjvWZWfVjQG_B2FdfBU6bstG5oL8uTy8YMc3DUPgHxzoYxCIm0BvCyI8-MQsi4RNKBH6J9aAzWBGz1Kf1OF2TnlAc9mQzQ/s1600-h/march+18th+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179920917611921938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XEsX3P4mgGYqzuASYmJb_dI5MKgHAK6ZKFH90Tehp9NYowjvWZWfVjQG_B2FdfBU6bstG5oL8uTy8YMc3DUPgHxzoYxCIm0BvCyI8-MQsi4RNKBH6J9aAzWBGz1Kf1OF2TnlAc9mQzQ/s320/march+18th+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I’m using two strands of worsted wt. winter white wool though the pattern requires a single strand of bulky weight. The gauge is pretty close, and since it is a bag, it is close enough. However I’m not certain I’ll do it in white since I have several skeins of bulky yellows and purples that I bought when we were in the southwest last year, and I’d like to make use of them. The pattern is not too difficult so far, though I do have to pay close attention on the wrong side rows on the chart, as that gets a bit confusing at times because of the seed stitch. I do like the cables. A vintage floral lining would be pretty I think. </div></div></div></div></div>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-56961940884531401492008-03-16T13:30:00.000-07:002008-12-09T18:20:32.480-08:00Not the flu<p>A comment, how nice! Thanks <a href="http://moonbeamarts.blogspot.com/">Kerry,</a> it’s nice to hear from a fellow Etsyan and Blogger.</p><p>Not the Flu, though it was a viral infection. I was on a course of antibiotics, as well as herbal and vitamin supplements, and soothing aroma therapy.<br />I’m feeling much better. The sunny and warmer weather contributes greatly my feeling of well being. It has been lovely the last few days. Thanks to friends who e-mailed, I will reply soon.</p><p>I craved fruit and almost nothing else every day, so I made a lovely compote of available fresh fruit:<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178440733570209538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="240" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYMkFAN_Jv3GgtSl2QfVkwqLzKBokkOef9KtFlrTcgNn7UmwmHto9sXI3CfQVKVCO6NTZZMbRLQQcOVnrHueFN41f0RKOSMmQvywabuN1u8QG1el4mMQoALISVQwhyphenhyphenjrnwynBZzswEmk/s320/march+10+019.jpg" width="321" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRphyym6JvACkRT-mQvOjsriTjwirwgFySA7txVn615UK1EvLoLkeM5sIlfJiF8BOoYdGbYqYbGvb-wiYWlfUkPugVDw7fxY4n-myJOAfmEHke15LPYpaGOrWE2-5-0miOtfcGGvJ9os/s1600-h/march+10+020.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br />So to catch up a bit, on Sunday the second, since we already had tickets, we went to see “The Night of January 16th." Hubby was part of the jury pool, picked randomly from a list of the membership and the audience. Their verdict was “Not Guilty” Though it could have gone either way. The next play will be Godspell. I said no to helping with the costuming for it, but I look forward to helping with the next youth group staging, though they haven’t chosen a play yet.<br />We celebrated hubby’s March 13th birthday with brownies, and he opened his presents--- yes he likes the album of motorcycle photos, though I wish I had had more time to work on it. The celebrations continued on Friday the 14th, with a trip to the city. We stopped at several motorcycle shops where hubby enjoyed looking at the ones on his wish list. Then it was on do a bit of shopping, I found a metal cart with a wood top which is just right for the area next to the washer for storing the sewing machine and recycle bin. I spent some time in Michael’s, where I finally got to use the gift card my sis sent me last Christmas. I bought mostly watercolour papers and some essential oils. We ate a buffet lunch. Since I was still on the antibiotics, The slight nausea limited my choices, but the vegetable cheese pie was really good.<br />Of course, we had to spend some time at Barnes & Nobles book store. We both bought books; I got three, including a great Quilting book, more on that later.<br />We didn’t stay in the city as long as we usually do, my energy was so low, but we had a good time none the less.</p><p>On the way home, we stopped at the sushi bar for take-away for me. I got the California rolls, and the tuna sashimi.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L_Rze4mwNMk/R92cQR7dl2I/AAAAAAAAAFY/fsbTFKZqbTY/s1600-h/march+10+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178466950050584418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L_Rze4mwNMk/R92cQR7dl2I/AAAAAAAAAFY/fsbTFKZqbTY/s320/march+10+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hubby stopped for burgers and fries.<br /><br />On Saturday, We went a couple of towns west to the Home Depot to buy the new vinyl flooring for the work room. I wanted something simple, and neutral, so we chose this one:</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOkrl0PKUz5mRXeMk8cHvVHb6RhqnxqjfsJpYKH92EfNIbGk2imnGwJsYGLkio84QrJ_C0cmXO2tiv8WmNkW4ItVbClhfMY7sgObuYmL8qfYUplCfjpqZGcxteESw4-KZBNM2S3tHVdk/s1600-h/sandstone_92151.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178442786564577058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOkrl0PKUz5mRXeMk8cHvVHb6RhqnxqjfsJpYKH92EfNIbGk2imnGwJsYGLkio84QrJ_C0cmXO2tiv8WmNkW4ItVbClhfMY7sgObuYmL8qfYUplCfjpqZGcxteESw4-KZBNM2S3tHVdk/s320/sandstone_92151.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It will be installed by us next weekend.<br />We have decided that we need to do a custom cupboard next to the shelving, because the standard is too tall and would prevent the electrical box from opening properly.<br /><br /><br />My latest listing in the <a href="http://debhd.etsy.com/">shop</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIx21r__hdqtEr8NBAekFb9Wf-KB2br28iw60R3Z9kvGUGpi6FpIvmqwvGIGUEYTGyEVnNl4FIw4k3G-1yq2lUoE97aUbduRcOzyQxSHPgrtZ3IaHYj7ku163frg2NJ0OF00ICXBMP28/s1600-h/march+10+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178453609882163010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIx21r__hdqtEr8NBAekFb9Wf-KB2br28iw60R3Z9kvGUGpi6FpIvmqwvGIGUEYTGyEVnNl4FIw4k3G-1yq2lUoE97aUbduRcOzyQxSHPgrtZ3IaHYj7ku163frg2NJ0OF00ICXBMP28/s320/march+10+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm still considering opening a second shop for my natural and earth friendly products, but I don't know if I should just yet. I'll have to think about it for a bit longer.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130605977228233443.post-37680521021843870422008-03-03T15:35:00.000-08:002008-12-14T20:01:24.093-08:00the flu ?Well, I'm not sure if I'm getting the flu. or if my aches and swollen glands are something else. I am still fatigued, so a little break is in order. I hope all who are suffering from the flu or other illness will have a speedy recovery.debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02262899286577366220noreply@blogger.com0