Finishing up 2009

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I appreciate all the emails asking if I had gotten lost. lol
Thought I would post a few pics of things that are bringing 2009 to a close.

This is the lantern that I got for Christmas( plus, new snow tires on my Explorer).
Thanks to my family! I can't imagine life without them.



Nut rolls we made for Christmas. This was my very FIRST attempt at ever making them. I got to tell you, they turned out great!


I bet no one else had a holiday wreath like this. :) This was "Charcoal". She and her two brothers, "Fuzzle" and "Spook" were born about 8-10 weeks ago. Their mother was abandoned by our ex neighbor. I can't imagine moving and leaving animals behind. I don't understand what goes through people's minds. All 3 babies are now in a new home and remain all together. :)

I have lots of ideas going through my head of things I would like to do in 2010. I am not even going to list weight loss as #1. I figure, I know I need to eat healthy and when I don't , I get more bummed out and then I give up.
Anyways, there are other things that I want to be at the top of my list. Some are just minor , but still things that to me will make a difference in my life.

finish some incomplete projects
get a pattern or two into PDF files.
paint my front door
do a major declutter
do or say something nice to someone everyday. even if its to compliment someone on their blog.
plant something totally new in the garden
go on some day trips
learn to rug hook
do something nice for myself more often
continue to use coupons
be happy living within my means

I am sure there are many more, but thats enough for now. I have been keeping a small jourmal to write things in for the last couple months; its almost full of ideas, thoughts and words that give me inspiration. I think it will keep me more focused on whats important to me.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

Christmas Q & A

I was reading through some blogs and seen this over at Anne's. I think its a great idea.


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

gift bags, as much as possible!

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Artificial


3. When do you put up the tree?

usually right after Thanksgiving, I was a few days late this year.


4. When do you take the tree down?

Usually a day or two after Christmas
I like to start the new year without all the clutter.
cluttered house = cluttered mind.

5. Do you like eggnog?

sure do!!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

microscope/lab kit


7. Hardest person to buy for?

my mom


8. Easiest person to buy for?

my sister, Karla


9. Do You have a nativity scene?

no. I wish I did


10.Mail or email Christmas cards?

not this year.......


11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

a white turtle neck with HUGE lime green and orange musical notes ALL over it.


12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Rudolph
charlie brown christmas, it reminds me of when my sister , brother and I were all with my mom


13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I hate christmas shopping! Is that what the season is suposed to be about really???
A week or two before. when do I finish? usually the 23rd. :)


14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

yes


15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

nut rolls
my mom's calorie ridden fruit salad


16. Lights on the tree?

white/clear



17.Travel at Christmas or stay home?

travel to my mom's about 10-15 min. away :)


18. Open Presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

I used to let the girls open theirs on Christmas eve. I always made sure they had new pajamas to wear for Santa.
Now, they are both on their own and there won't be anyone here to open them.



W e are expecting snow tonight and tomorrow.
Today I mixed up dough for nut rolls and its in the refrig.
Tonight's supper was sausage stuffed portobello mushrooms.

Want to see what I got?

I have got to show you what I got from the Gettysburg Homestead Create A Christmas 2009 Swap.
My partner was Mary at Gettysburg Homestead, herself!! :)
This was not the usual swap, it was a "create a swap". I actually participated in two similar Christmas swaps like this; they were soo much fun! In both swaps we had to take something and "redo" it.
The first part of Mary's swap was to send a yard of fabric in early November to our partner. They were to use it in a project and then send it back with the rest of the swap goodies.
Mary made me a very primitive bonnet and the 'ol stack pillows that you see below.
I also got a shelf( for the redo part) a hand towel, osanburg pillow sham and a candle. :)

Thank you so much, Mary! I love everything!!


I do hope that we get to do more swaps like this,(hint to Mary AND Char). :)

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

Good morning!
I hope you are staying warm on this chilly morning.
We woke up to a few snow flurries and 10 degree weather; will definitely be bundling up to go outside. :)
I thought I would post a few pics of our Christmas decorating. We kept it simple. Lots of things were boxed back up and returned to storage.




I still need to get some pictures of the pine boughs outside. :)

Do you like my curtains- with the topper in the middle?
I seen curtains put up like that in a 1977 issue of Early American Life.
These were in the top of my closet, still attached together with a yard sale tag. I had enough to use in all the kitchen and living room windows- cost $4.00. :)


p.s
Did you see the wonderful, primitive Advent box over at
The Taylor Farmhouse? I just ordered two from The Artists Club. :)
The boxes are on clearance for $12.49.

Look at what I got in the mail!

Look at what I got in the mail!! Woohoo!

Karen was my partner in the old fashioned christmas swap.

Thank you, karen!! I love everything!!!!

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

It's wayyy past bedtime but thought I would come on and post.
These are the drummer boy ornies(ornaments) that I made for a swap on the P & R boards. Char posted a pic of the one I sent her with her holiday decorations. :)
This is the first time I have made my own pattern.
Whatcha think? :)

We spent the day running to the store, adding ornamants to the tree and putting up some pine boughs outdoors.
I made some cabbage rolls and mashed potatoes for supper.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Kitchen Redo

Thought I would post the before and after pics of the kitchen. It is done and I am soooo happy!!
We are going to Ollie's on Sunday to get new stools for around the island.
Now, I can get my Christmas tree up. :)

Can I make a request?

Good morning all,
Can I make a request?


I love looking at all the great pics that everyone posts, but one thing has been bugging me.


Could you PLEASE not put the name of your blog across OR in your photos?

I understand the feelings of they are "your photos" but its really distracting. I am assuming that it's done for copyright issues but the words can be "erased" by anyone with photo editing/airbrushing skills.
Maybe it wouldn't be so bad , if you could enlarge the pic and therefore the things in the pic would stand out more than the blog name. Since most of us post a bunch of pictures in one post , they can't be "clicked on" to make them any larger than what they are.
I do have vision problems and try to enlarge the images to really see all your great goodies,beyond the name, without any luck.
I find it mostly on the primitive decor blogs. Martha Stewart doesn't even do it and she is famous :)
Maybe it's just me that feels that way, I don't know.
You can holler at me if you disagree , its okay. :)

More Thankful than You think....

Hoping it was a great day for everyone.
We had dinner twice today and brought home some leftovers. :)
I have been ready for bed for at least an hour now. lol

I want to leave you with this.............please feel free to pass it on to those that may grumble about what they have to be thankful for.....


I am thankful

For the wife
Who says it's hot dogs tonight
Because she is home with me
And not out with someone else.

For the husband
Who is on the sofa
Being a couch potato
Because he is home with me
And not out at the bars.

For the teenager
Who is complaining about doing dishes
Because it means she is at home,
Not on the streets.

For the taxes I pay
Because it means
I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party
Because it means I have
Been surrounded by friends

For the clothes that fit a little too snug
Because it means
I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work
Because it means
I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing,
Windows that need cleaning,
And gutters that need fixing
Because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining
I hear about the government
Because it means
We have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot
I find at the far end of the parking lot
Because it means
I am capable of walking,
And I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill
Because it means
I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church
Who sings off key
Because it means I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing
Because it means
I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles
At the end of the day
Because it means I have been
Capable of working.

For the alarm that goes off
In the early morning hours
Because it means
I am alive.

And finally, for too much e-mail
Because it means
I have friend who is thinking of me.

by Annick Morris

Pre-Thanksgiving Day

Good Morning,

I have been busy finishing up some swap projects and cleaning. Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I am looking forward to a great day with family BUT, I am sooo ready for Saturday to get here. We are getting our new flooring that day!! It has been a long time coming!


I changed out the curtains in my living room; still not sure if I want to keep them as they are. Definitely a more simple look though.

Anyone going shopping on Friday? We are not. Its too crazy to be at the stores that day.

Speaking of swaps, make sure you check out Char's blog, The Pickled Pepper Patch. She posted a pic of the ornie that I sent her from the Christmas ornie swap at "primitive & rustic" group/Delphi forums. It is my first pattern. :)

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Geez, I have missed a week??!!

I cannot believe it has been almost a week since I last posted??!! Where did the time go??
I have been steadily working on swap goodies and something for my sister, Karla's birthday.
We are waiting to hear when the flooring will be in for the kitchen. I know i promised many weeks ago to post pics but I want it to look nice first. That way you can see the before's and after's.
I am truely grateful to my sister and my SO for making this all come together. :)

We still want to steam clean the carpets before putting up the christmas tree.

Karla and I are planning on volunteering at the Kennedy Stone House holiday tour the weekend of Thanksgiving. This will be the last weekend the Stone House will be open for viewing till next Spring. The holiday tour is such an awesome event. There are musicians, era inpsired tour guides, spiced cider and cookies to snack on while you take in the scenery and atmosphere. :)

Here are the images from the 2008 tour.



Kennedy Stone House Museum 2008


By all means if you are in the area, please stop by.


The weather here has turned cooler and more Fall like overnight. The last few days here in Ohio we have enjoyed the warmer sunny days and did some outdoors clean up. All the pumpkins have been saved for seeds or thrown away. these warmer than usual days made them spoil sooner. The ones we saved seeds from were the ones that were unique; the green/blue ones, white ones and the very cool super bumpy orange ones. The storage building is cleaned out and Christmas decorating goodies are closer to the front. I am setting here drinking coffee with Caramel Macchiato creamer and listening to the sound of rain outside.
It's going to be a great day to sew. :)

What am I thankful for? Being alive.

Thankful for .........

I am thankful for- a sewing machine and my glasses. :)

Okay, I was in a slump......

Okay, I was in a slump. I feel better now.
I haven't posted things I am thankful for since Saturday. Geez, I know I was feeling bad.
I did get some pictures and am working on projects.
Last night, I stayed up till midnite. The cookie jar is now full of choc. chip cookies, I made jello w/ fruit and a chocolate and peanut butter dessert mix. Laundry got done and put away.
I love cleaning, it helps me destress , never mind the fact that that it smells so good in here. :)
I want to say thanks for all the emails and comments that I received. :)
So back to "what am I thankful for"


What am I thankful for- clean clothes, a wonderful family and the little candle flickering in the window; it welcomes me home in the dark. :)

Good news & not so good news

Hi all,
Well, I found some flooring today and its affordable. Thats the "good news"!!!

The "not so good news" is that my SO received news yesterday that he is officially laid off. :(
This is not the thing we wanted to hear- heck, no one wants to hear that. Sales are down and he is/was the warehouse /dock guy, so they decided to make the cut there.

We are both really bummed out about it. I know there are 1000's of people all over the country that are dealing with their own lay-offs.
I heard yesterday on the TV news( about an hour before he got the news) that the country's unemployment rate is at its highest in over 26 years.

(President Obama , where are the changes you promised us? I hope that these economic times aren't it.)


I dont have a big home with a big payment to go with it.thank goodness!!
I drive an old 1993 explorer with peeling paint, BUT its paid for.
I can't begin to even imagine those that have lost home, vehicle and other things.
I know we will get through this. We have been down before and came back for another day. :)
If it wasn't for the fact that weeks ago we already tore up the old flooring , I sure wouldn't be buying any new.


I did go to the store and pick up some batteries. Hopefully, in the next couple days I will have some great pics to share. Plus, I am working on some super duper goodies for some swaps. :)

We are having BLT's for supper. What did you fix?


Oh, what am I thankful for? A cozy little home WITHOUT a payment, a good head on my shoulders and blogging friends to talk to. :).

Friday Morning Thoughts

Good morning all,
The weather is beautiful outside , I don't mind the coolness at all.
It's great sweatshirt weather. :)
I forgot to post what I was thanful for last night. so I will do it now,
I am thankful for cell phones and quick communications these days.
My oldest daughter is at Ft. Hood with her fiance'. They are safe.
My sincere sympathy goes out to those who lost family members in the shooting tragedy, May God be with them at this time.



Today, I need to do a little cleaning and run some errands. One of the errands is new batteries for the camera, its been forever it seems since I posted pics. We got the top of the island laminated and I want to get pics of it.
This weekend we are hoping to shop for flooring,
Anyone finished Christmas shopping yet??
Don't groan or throw things at me, I was just inquiring. :)

Be back soon, me

ps. Today's "What I am thanful for"- the microwave; to heat up my leftover spaghetti (for breakfast).

posting late today

Just on before going to bed.
What am I thankful for- a nice clean bed to fall asleep in.

Update on Shane

Just on for a minute . Wanted to let you know that Leslie said that Shane had to have an emergency appendectomy on Sunday. They will be at the hospital maybe a few days.
What do you all think about sending him a card?
Let me know what you think. :)

What I am thankful for- the internet, to stay connected to friends. :)

Monday's thankful post

What I am thankful for today............

A warm home to come home to.

Keep Leslie@My CountryHome in your thoughts

Please keep Leslie @ My Country Home in your thoughts. Her son Shane, had to have emergency surgery today.

A great way to start November

Woke up this morning to a beautiful day. The weather outside is gorgeous and about 52 degrees.

We are working on our kitchen island/eating area; still need to go look as some more places for flooring. What are you doing today?

What am I thankful for today?
hot coffee on chilly mornings

Did You Remember .............

Did You Remember to set your clocks BACK??

Daylight Saving Time (or summertime as it is called in many countries) is a way of getting more light out of the day by advancing clocks by one hour during the summer. During Daylight Saving Time, the sun appears to rise one hour later in the morning, when people are usually asleep anyway, and sets one hour later in the evening, seeming to stretch the day longer. The reason DST works is because its saves energy due to less artificial light needed during the evening hours—clocks are set one hour ahead during the spring, and one hour back to standard time in the autumn. Many countries observe DST, and many do not.
Note: Between March–April through September–November, it is summer in the northern hemisphere, where many countries may observe DST, while in the southern hemisphere it is winter. During the rest of the year the opposite is true: it is winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the southern.
Benjamin Franklin first suggested Daylight Saving Time in 1784, but it was not until World War I, in 1916, when it was adopted by several counties in Europe that initially rejected the idea.
It is difficult to predict what will happen with Daylight Saving Time in the future. The daylight saving date in many countries may change from time to time due to special events or conditions.The United States, Canada and some other countries extended DST in 2007. The new start date is the second Sunday in March (previously the first Sunday in April) through to the first Sunday in November (previously the last Sunday in October).

Good Friday Morning

Just on for a few minutes; got a few errands to run today.
I wanted to stop by and wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween. Last night was Trick or Treat here in our town. I stayed off the neighborhood streets. lol.
There is way too many people who let their kids run wild during the hour and I worry about them darting in and out between cars.
My girls are grown now and there are no more days of Trick or Treat and Halloween costumes.
The memories are still there of all those good and happy times. :)
We all usually gather at my mom's for handing out candy, food and a fire in the pit. My mom likes to keep track of how many pieces of candy we hand out. All of us bring bags of the mini or fun size candy bars instead of the penny candy type stuff, just because its easier to count and kids seem to like them more. In 2007 we handed out 611 candy bars. 2008 the count was up to 654. This year the town she lives in is waiting till Saturday evening to have the Halloween parade and Trick or Treat, while all the other nearby places have already had Trick or Treat LAST night.
I expect the candy bar count to be well over 700 this year!

and after halloween???

The countdown is on to THANKSGIVING.
Some people tend to overlook Thanksgiving and start preparing for Christmas.

I don't.

Thanksgiving is the time of year to give thanks. Lets give thanks for things that we love and cherish in our lives.

Stop and think about your life and the closing chapters of another year upon us.

I have added a Thanksgiving countdown to the top of my posts.

I thought about posting at least one thing EVERY DAY starting November 1, that I am thankful for.

Do you want to do it too?

Be Back Soon

Awesome Reading for Primitive Lovers!

Just thought I would pass on some info if you are interested.
Diane @ A PRIMITIVE JOURNEY is taking orders on this book. Price is $21.00 and that INCLUDES SHIPPING. You will not find the book any cheaper.
This would make a great beginning to a collection.
How about a great Christmas present to your self?! :)
Here is a little more info on this book........

http://www.marshhomesteadantiques.com/welcome_home__simply_country.htm

AND if you want to see the whole series go here............

http://www.marshhomesteadantiques.com/

Remember This Kitchen??

Remember this kitchen- that you have seen in LOTS of my pics??

Please excuse all the crap on the counter and stove. I was clearing out the cupboards for demolition. :)


and this......... my tired looking black and burgundy.....notice the chips in the counter top?? yuk!!

I am still loving primitives , BUT not everything in "those days" was a dark color.

(If you find something that says otherwise give me a holler). lol

dd#2 came and got her car so it's no longer in my vision as I look out the window either..


TA-DA!!!

new sink (8.5 inches deep), new counters ( Milano Amber), all new cabinets.

We stained them ourselves; color is, "special walnut",

AND new wallboard. The wallboard was entitled, "distressed rustic" at the store. It already has marks in it, you just have to sand a little and paint or stain. :)

OH, new range hood too.


This pedestal table & 4 chairs is for sale. $50.00!!

Forgive me for not posting a pic of a larger area but we are still working on the kitchen island

I will post a pic when its done. We are on the search for new flooring too. :)

I am going to add more prims but need to sell some old stuff and get some new goodies(definitely wanting a couple flicker lights). I think one on the island and one on the sink would be great. :) Also need to find a different clock.

Got any suggestions to add? :)

As soon as this project is complete, I will get back to posting some thrift store makeovers and crafts.

Be back soon,

Me

P.S. Did you know there are only 59 days till Christmas???

Just for a smile........

Sneak Peek

Just thought I would give a quick post. We are still working on the kitchen. The trim needs to go up(among other things). (sigh)
I thought I would give you a sneak peek of the walls. They are painted "quail's egg". It is not white but just the lightest cream and so pretty. :)


This is my sister, Karla doing some touch up.
Everyone wave at Karla!!


Whoops, I guess she didn't see you. :)

I know I said I wasn't going to.......

show you any pics till it was all done but darn it, I am impatient and it seems like it is taking forever to paint, caulk, trim,etc. .
So, I thought I would post a BEFORE pic( plus, I haven't taken any other pictures, because I am spending all my time on the kitchen ) so you know what the crappy old stuff looked like.
Pardon, the mess on the counter, stove and sink. I was going through the junk that was in the cupboards.




Keep your fingers crossed that it gets done( or close to it) this week.

Things are back to normal

Things are back to normal this week( knock on wood). :)

The Explorer is up and running. :)

We are continuing work on the kitchen. You know how it is, the job never goes as planned.
I wonder why it looks so easy on TV? lol
It has been chilly and dreary here all day. Where are the nice sunny Fall days?
I know winter is well on its way but, so soon??
I did see 3 ALL black wooly worms on the deck railing. A wooly worm is supposed to brown and black. The Old Farmer's Almanac says that the less brown there is ; the harsher the winter will be. So, according to the all black ones I seen a while ago; we are really in for a bad one.

It has been THAT kind of week

Well, my Explorer is setting in the driveway. :)
It makes me sad to look at it. The problem was with the starter. I took the old one to be rebuilt and its now laying on the seat. Hopefully, today it goes back in.

I haven't gotten any crafting done this week whatsoever. :(

My kitchen is being torn apart tomorrow for some redecorating/remodeling.
I am not posting any pictures of the 'redo" till it looks presentable.

Wish me luck,
Kim

Keeping my fingers crossed

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the Explorer is back to running smoothly.
We had to replace the solenoid. I think that's how you spell it. lol
We never did make it to the Oktoberfest. Saturday evening we went to my brother's for a surprise birthday party( for him). It was really great!
Sunday I messed around the house; making cookies, homemade pretzels and coney dogs.
I am off to the store right now.
Hopefully will have some projects to post this week

Rainy, Vehicleless, No Oktoberfest day........

Is "vehicleless" even a word??
I don't know but I am using it.
Friday seems like it should be a Monday.
I stopped at the store last night to pick up a few things and my SUV wouldn't start when I got ready to leave. :(
Not a good thing to happen, even if I do drive a 1993 Ford Explorer, with over 300,000 miles on it. One of these days I will have to get a picture for you. :)
So, I am waiting on SO to get home and we can go take a look at it. Between me and you-mechanically inclined he is not, so this should be good.
Its been raining since last night. The sky is dark and yes, I know Fall is here but I want the warm sunny Fall days, not these kind.
We lost another historic building in Cambridge last weekend. It saddens me to think the this is the second FIRE in less than a year.
The Oktoberfest starts today. I wonder if it was cancelled(at least for today) ?? I was really looking forward to going and taking some pictures to share.
I haven't got my cutting boards stained yet and its been over a week. I was bummed out because I didnt have anything to show on "Whatcha Working on Wednesday".
Be back soon,
Me

A great day for Pumpkin rolls

Wow, its windy here today!!

My Fall yard decor is blowing everywhere. Hopefully it doesn’t go farther than the neighbor’s yard.

This morning I got busy and cleaned the house. Everything is sparkling clean and shiny.

So then, I decided to bake something and I got to thinking; what would be better than pumpkin rolls?! :)

3 eggs
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix all dry ingredients; add eggs and pumpkin..

Line a cookie sheet or 11x15" jelly roll pan with waxed paper. Spread batter evenly in the pan, leveling to edges.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

On a work surface, spread a clean cotton dish towel. Sprinkle liberally with confectioners sugar- you don’t want the roll to stick to your towel.. Invert the pumpkin roll onto the dish towel while still warm. Peel off the paper.

Gently roll up the towel, holding both ends to roll evenly. Allow to cool while still rolled up.

Unroll, spread with the filling below and reroll. Place in aluminum foil. Refrigerate.

Slice 1 1/2 to 2 inch thick slices for each serving.

Filling:

2 teaspoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Mix and whip until creamy.

I made 3; one for us and the other two to share.

I got a fresh pot of coffee on if you want to come over. :)

The ornies I sent….

Thought I would get on and post before getting busy around the house. I know its noon and I am still in my sweats( so unlike me!) Today feels like a blah today, not sick, but not tired either; maybe its this weather outside.

I wanted to post the handmade Halloween ornies that I sent out a few days ago. I participated in a swap over at the Primitive & Rustic group on Delphi forums. Its really a great bunch of girls and I love doing swaps. :)

The “bolts” in his neck are actually just twigs. :)

This corn dryer was found a while back at a yard sale($1.00). I had seen one similar in Country Sampler.

The corn is what I had from last year. It looked kinda bare at the top so I added the piece of fabric. I still think I need a hang tag or something.

What do you think?

Was wanting to post a picture of my cutting boards , but the weather is not cooperating. The only place I have to stain is outside and the last couple days we have had rain off and on.

Hopefully, I can finish them this weekend.

I am using a new font, can you tell? :) Is it readable? Let me know what you think. :)

Oh, before I go…. stop over by Mill House Primitives blog and sign up for the giveaway!!!

Whatcha Working on Wednesday

I have been busy putting up my Fall tree.

 

I also picked up a couple cutting boards at the Dollar Zone store( a everything for $1.00 store) . I did put a coat of paint on them but it still isn’t dry in this muggy weather. :(

I will post them as soon as I can.

Make sure your stop by Leslie’s and see what everyone else is doing. :)

~Fall~

 

Nothing can steal your heart away
Quicker than a Fall day.
When the sun is warm and the shadows are cool,
The lake water stands like a bright blue pool.
The warm sand begs you to bare your feet,
The balmy air is meadow-sweet.
Leaves are falling from colorful trees,
And nature has moved in, merely to tease...
She comes with her warm days, just to betray...
For winter is only a breath away!

 

Happy first day of Fall!!!

See what I got in the mail!!!

Oh, I got a couple things to show you today!!

First, I am so excited!! Look at what I got in the mail from KAREN !! I am so thrilled! I love everything!!! Now I need to find a little rack to display those plates on. :) We were assigned Harvest Swap partners over on CHAR’S blog. If you haven’t participated in a swap over there yet, why not come over and join the next one?! We have sooo much fun!

Thank You, Karen, it is perfect!! :)

Over the weekend, I made the loaded potato casserole that LESLIE had posted the recipe for. We loved it!!

This week I have some pics to post on “Whatcha Working on Wednesday” too. Wait till you see them!!

free bats/candy corn pattern!!

From Rustic Moon Primitives an awesome little halloween pattern free!!!
She is such a sweetie!!!!
http://www.rusticmoonprimitives.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Patterns&Sub=35&isThumbs=No&curpage=4&Thumbs


I got all of my harvest swap goodies and halloween ornies done. They are on their way to new homes. :)
Things here at the homestead are better than when I last posted. :) Water is back to working as it should and we are going to start decorating the yard. :)
OH, wait till you see the swap goodies I got from KAREN at My Yellow Farmhouse
You are going to be sooooo jealous!!! :)

Problems, Peeves and Pastimes

Please feel free to make your own list as we go. :)

PROBLEMS-

I feel like this should still be Monday.
1. We have been messing around with a kitchen sink water problem since Sunday afternoon. of course, it would leak on Sunday when everything closes early.
SO spent yesterday afternoon (after getting off work) trying to fix the problem. The saga continues today. I have been hauling water from the bathtub to the kitchen to do dishes. so not fun! I am also pretty obsessive about mopping every other day.. I haven't got to mop since Saturday, I feel like its a dirtball in here. Hopefully today it gets fixed.

2. New( not even completely moved in) neighbor's 21 y/o son next door spun tires last weekend and cracked the window of dd#2's car. We tried to speak with him about it and his mother called the police to say we were threatening him. Needless to say, I wrote a statement at the sheriff's office.

3. One of our cats( the previous neighbor left her behind)) had her kittens under the new neighbor's storage building. I am afraid to even go over and retrieve them.

4. I missed the Schwans' guy again. He left a note stating he would be here on 9/7.
9/7?? that was Labor day!
Didn't they think most people would be out enjoying the last hurrah of summer??!!

5. I cannot find my rotary cutter anywhere. I am so irked.

PEEVES-

1. Those who think I have nothing to do all day.

2. Raggedy anne dolls that people list as "primitive" . There is nothing primitive about a raggedy anne doll.

3. Whiney people

4. Long "speedy" checkout lines

5. Last minute planners

6. Drama queens

7. Lame excuses


PASTIMES-

1. Still need to plant some perennials

2. Going to look for pumpkins this evening

3. Finishing up a few swap projects. :)

4. Looking for a good book to read.


OKAY, I want to see your lists. Let it ALL out people!!!

Backwoods Festival

Anyone going???

I sure want to!!!! :)

http://www.thornvillebackwoodsfest.com/gall.html

Plans for the weekend?

Thought I would post and see what everyone is doing for the weekend. :)
We are planning on doing a little yard work. My sister, Kelly and I went to Lowe's on Wednesday to find her some mulch. It was a great day to go. All mums were half off; including the ones already on clearance. I got a couple 6 inch pots for 50 cents each and a few others were just a bit more.
We are still searching for some corn stalks to use in decorating outside.
Sunday also starts our county fair. We don't usually go out till later in the week. Though, Monday is the rough truck contest and it might be kind of fun to see.
I do have the house pretty much cleaned up.
Still need to run to Walmart and get a few things, plus make a German Chocolate cake.

What do you have planned for the weekend??

Rainy Tuesday

Good morning all,
I am up early and cleaning before going to dr.'s appt.
It is supposed to rain all day ( at least off and on).
Guess you could say I had a busy weekend.
Saturday we went on a nice long drive north of where we live.
It was pretty much driving on a few back roads and state routes. I was so excited to find a drive-in movie theater that is actually up and running!! The Lynn drive-in theater is open every night May thru September. I would love to go see a movie there!
Anyone been there??
Lunch was had in Berlin, Ohio. If you have never ate at Boyd & Wurthermans while shopping there; then you should!! They really have great food. No, its not a big fancy place like some of the other Amish restaurants in the area but the food is great!
I did stop in a couple prim stores but the prices have skyrocketed!! We did lots of looking and no spending. Most people were doing the same as I or taking lots of pictures. We did find a couple new thrift stores in the area that I would like to visit next time. :)
Sunday we went to my mom's for lunch. The whole family was there. OMG, they had fixed so much food:
italian sausages with green peppers and onions, turkey and dressing, ribs, tomato pie, homemade noodles, scalloped potaotes, calico beans and iced tea.
We left stuffed. lol
Then it was on to my aunt's to mow grass. This was my first time ever to use a ridng mower. Trust me, I didn't go fast. lol I was really nervous to begin with but it went alright. I never put it in reverse. It didn't get that far; straight ahead and making turns was good enough for me. :)
Monday we went to a friends home to paint the bathroom, have lunch and
then to my dad's for a Labor Day supper cook out.
It's hard to believe that this is September. I have anxiously waited on Fall and cooler weather but now that its here; I miss the sunny days of June and July and the sound of kids out of school.

W.W.W. - Lots to show you

So sorry for being gone so long.
This is the time of year when I seem to be the busiest.
We have canned over 120 quarts of tomatoes, tomato juice and pickles.
Next weekend should be the last of the tomato canning.


I have lots to show you............ even though I haven't been on here, I have been doing a little crafting around the house.
This was an old wood recipe box that I had painted and ditressed . I had posted about it previously but at the time it didn't have a label on it.
Diane from A Primitive Journey came up with a very cool primitive label for me. I wanted it to be something tobacco related as my SO does smoke. It's a great place to keep his lighters and cigarettes.
Thank you so much, Diane!!


Remember this old bread box that I had bought wayyy back in the beginning of the year( sometime in March).


TA-DA!! This is the "after" shot. What do you think?

I have it setting on my dryer to hold detergent, fabric softener and the iron.


Here is another "before" photo. This old desk was bought for $3.00 last month.


"after"- I am loving it!!!

Desk was cleaned and metal was scrubbed with a wire brush. The finish on it is with CWF-UV. It is very, very easy to apply. All you need is a brush. There is no awful smell and it cleans up with soap and water. I bought it at Lowes; its the same stuff that we use on the deck and steps. I do need to find the little cup or ink holder(?) that fits in the top.

I started working on some Fall decorating.

Maybe I need to change out the sign to one that says something about Fall? What do you think? Have you seen any really primitive ones online?
The make do was one I received a few years ago in a swap.
The bittersweet is fake. shhhh.........
The candle is actually one of the Airwick flameless candles. I just took some walnut stain and dry brushed the exterior. It looks somewhat light colored in this pic, but in my home it does look darker. I thought this was an inexpensive way to have a scented candle that actually flickers. :)
You can change the scent by buying diffenet refills that go in the bottom.
I paid $3.49 for it at Rite Aid.

Last, but not least(heck, we can't forget the food!) lol
is ........................

Banana cupcakes with caramel icing and chopped pecans.

I used the same recipe as for banana bread. The icing is store bought( thanks, Betty Crocker!) and the the pecans I chopped myself. :) LOL

Now, off to read what everyone else is doing these days.

Good Thursday morning!!

Good morning everyone!
I have been very busy this past week; canning, sewing, cleaning and cooking.
Will be back soon(hopefully, later today) with some new pics. :)

W.W.W.- Primitive Erasers

Have been working on a little project today. :)
These are Primitive Erasers.
They are great to display with an old book, some spectacles or a chalkboard.

ONLY 2 LEFT!!!

These Prim Erasers are made from 100+ year old barnwood (see the old nail holes?) and felted wool. They are approximately 6 inches long.

I think I am going to sell some.

Price $10.00 each and that DOES include shipping.

Email me if you are interested. :)

A Few THings to Show You.............

By the time you read this I will be headed to the store.

I wanted to show you a few things first............

This is a really great looking corner in a friend's home. I am loving the table.

Her and her dear hubby painted and distressed it.





More Strawberry Freezer Jam was mixed up today. :)


I love using the little containers. I think they are so darn cute!
And............................. they are perfect to give to friends.

Wonder if I could make some kind of label to fit on the lid? Maybe like a round circle with some thing on it? I could always glue it down.

This is my mom (HI MOM!) holding the newest quilt that she put together.


My neice Kayla, is expecting her second child in 3 days. We already know its going to be a girl. Chloe Jane , we are waiting on you. :)
Jane is my mom's ( maxine jane) middle name and also my maternal great grandmother's( Margaret Jane) middle name

Closer view- I love, love love the chenille squares.
It is so unbelievably soft!!!

All we need is the sweet little baby.