2008-May-13
The Month of May
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I can't believe that the month of May is going by so quickly. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact we have had rain, cold and more rain all month long??? As I write these words this evening we are once again under a sever thunderstorm watch. Watching the news I can't help but wonder what is going on in this ole world....So much disaster caused by Nature. (Or is it man???)
I hope each of the woman reading my blog had a wonderful Mother's Day? Our day was quiet...Phone calls and cards from the kids. The rest of the day was spent relaxing. Keith is out of town on business and as always he sent me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. I'm sure the gal delivering them thought they were for Mother's Day but I know...His way of saying I miss and love you. Seth and Codi also got me a gorgeous bouquet of yellow tulips so the inside of our home has almost as many flowers in it as the outside.
 Speaking of my outside flowers~~~~ A walk through my gardens has showed me the flowers I thought I had lost over the winter have suddenly re-appeared. In all honesty I have never had a more gorgeous garden. I'm sure it's because of all the rain we've been having. Before Keith left we went to town and he bought me a ton of annuals for my water garden. (Now those were my Mother's Day gift!) Right now they are being held over in the greenhouse because we keep having all these late frost warnings. I checked the forecast a few minutes ago and it looks as though the next week will be warm so I think I'll go ahead and set them out tomorrow.
Since Keith is gone for a few days, I've had time to do some serious house-cleaning. This morning I started in our spare bedroom. It took me hours but long last my wool is now all arranged by color. This is going to make it so much easier to chose wool when I want to start a new rug. Tomorrow I'll work on the family room or Drew's bedroom. Slowly but surely I'm getting there!!!
I've also been doing a little Needle Punch and rug hooking while Keith is gone. I'm happy to report I've completed two projects. Tomorrow I hope to start another NP pillow that I'll be using for the Fourth of July. I also have a new rug hooking pattern I'm hoping to start on. So many things to do, so few hours to do them. I know every woman can relate.
Our school lets out May 21 and I think I'm happier than the kids! HA It's been a long year with tons of home-work and I look forward to a summer of laying around the pool, reading books and just having time to be a family. No more yelling at kids that this and that has to be done!
Well, it's time to finish up the kids home-work (Yes, with just a few days left in school the teachers are still sending it home!) and then we'll be getting around for bed. I hope each of you are staying safe and your weather is sunny and warm. Blessings, Sher |
2008-Apr-25
One Woman's Choices
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Good Morning Everyone!
Earlier this morning I read Sister Lori's posting on "Decisions". As I read her words I was once again reminded of a very dear friend of mine and decided this might be a time to share some of her wisdom. These days we are facing shortages on everything from food, to gas to jobs. Not a day goes by where we don't see that more and more companies are laying off or cutting back and yet at the same time we hear/see the price of fuel and food rising at astronomical rates. It's a scary time for everyone and I'm always amazed to see how people react. Some will complain, some will wait for the Government to bail them out and others will let family or friends solve their problems for them. Then there are those who step up to plate and do what they have to do. This entry is about such a lady..........
Yesterday I received an e-mail from a dear online friend of mine in another state. She started her note off with asking how we were as she had seen Kansas had been having storms. (Being a true friend her thoughts were on us, not herself!) She talked about the things in her life that had kept her from writing and then towards the middle of her e-mail she started talking about her job. My friend is a divorce woman who has been supporting her daughter on her own. She depends on this job to take care of both of them and now with the shape of economy her job has been scaled back to four days a week. Add that to the fact her ex-husband just lost his job that means she just lost her child support too.
The whole time I was reading her note my heart was breaking but I should have known who was writing. While most woman would have been complaining, crying, hoping others would help, not her! She was so positive and up-beat it was amazing! She talked of all the things she has "planned" to help bring in money and even has "Plan B" in line in case those don't work out.
As I read her note my heart started to swell with pride. Here was a middle aged woman who was facing a very bleak future and yet she wasn't giving up and or dwelling on it. Instead she was facing the problem head on and deciding what she could do to survive and support her child.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone could be this positive about the things that are going on in there lives??? Don't we all wish we could have a little more of this "drive" to make it??? No matter how much we want to be in control with our economy the average person is going to be making some difficult choices. Maybe we'll have to cut back on groceries, maybe it will the miles we drive or maybe it will be which bill we can pay. Maybe it's time for each of us to put "Plan A" and "Plan B" down on paper so if this happens to us we at least know what we are going to do.
So take a good look around you my friends. Ask yourself what YOU would do if this was to happen to you and how would you would cope. If we're even half as strong as my friend, not only will we make it but we'll come out on top. God Bless, Sher |
2008-Apr-24
April Showers
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It's definitely been a month of April showers here on Old Crow Farm. Well, maybe showers wouldn't be the best word, it's been more like April storms!!!! Once again we have woke up to heavy rain and while the sun did peek through for a few minutes, it's starting to cloud up again. I knew strong storms were predicted by evening and from the looks of the sky I'm sure we are going to get them.
All of this rain has definitely greened things up and of course that means there's three acres to mow! GROAN Keith and I talked it over and decided the time has come to buy a new ridding lawn mower. Our old one still runs (We're giving it to Sam and Renee) but I'm not sure it would take another hard summer of mowing every three to four days. For weeks we looked at mowers and I finally had my way (As Keith would say, "She always does!" HA) and last week we bought a new John Deer. This is a mower than not only can I handle but Jeni too. So, this summer we will be taking over all the mowing with a little help from Seth.
Along with the grass growing so are my flowers. I was so afraid I had lost a bunch over our long hard winter but from what I can tell the only ones that didn't come back are the Black Eyed Susan's. Not only are the others all growing but some of them have re-seeded and I now have tons of new ones. I swear I never feel near to God than when I'm on my knees in my gardens. Just seeing how He's allowing my flowers to shoot up makes my heart sing.
With rains and warm weather has came all the other things that Spring brings. Keith and I have been working on our pool and I don't think that thing will ever be completely drained. Every time we get it almost empty another good rain comes along and adds more water! I know a lot of people just leave the water in it all year long and add chemicals at the beginning of summer. I just can't bring myself to do that. No matter what anyone says and no matter how clean the water LOOKS, I do not want my children in water that was GREEN only a few days earlier! So, we'll continue to work on it and by the end of the week hopefully we'll have it filled with sparkling clean water.
Since I've been stuck inside several days because of the weather, I was able to finish up several hooking projects. Within the next few weeks I hope to have another one done and they'll soon be on their way to my dear friend Sher in N.Y. to finish up... I don't know what I would do without that girl and I'm so thankful God gave her the talent to do all the hand sewing since I wasn't blessed with that ability!
Well, it's getting darker here by the minute so I best get in there and finish my cookies up (I'm making Keith and the little ones some "Chewies" which is their favorite new cookie recipe!) and then get something done around this house. I hope this finds everyone safe and enjoying this gorgeous Spring weather. Spring Blessings, Sher |
2008-Apr-6
A Gorgeous Sunday!
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It's a gorgeous Sunday on the farm! After a cloudy morning, the sun has came out and it just darn right hot out there. Ok, maybe I think it's hot because I've been out working in my greenhouse. There's only one word for that poor building and that word is FILTHY!!! At the end of Fall we shove everything in there from push lawnmowers to lawn furniture so come Spring I always have a mess to clean up. I'm a long ways from being done but I'm close enough that I can start thinking about what flowers I want to get started! Tomorrow we have to take Drew to the Dentist so hopefully by Tuesday I'll be doing just that!
Keith and I went over several of my flower gardens this afternoon and have decided we are going to do one more right up here by the house. I'm really not thrilled over this idea but I'm sick of mowing over three acres too! So, within the next few days we'll be laying it out and then will hopefully start filling it with flowers within the next month. I also walked over some of my other flower and herb gardens and was thrilled when I found I didn't lose as many herbs as I first thought. In fact, EVERY Chive plant I set out last Fall has not only lived but thrived! So, the middle herb garden isn't going to take near as much time as I first thought. I'll just have to clean out a few weeds and put down some more mulch. I wish I could say the tiny herb garden has done as well. I'm about ready to rip everything out of that one and start all over! GROAN
Let's see, the last time I added to this Keith and I were getting ready to go to Iola shopping. I wish you all could have been with us! Not only did we find several neat treasures at our favorite Flea Market (A darling old wooden box that had been painted red in its early life but also an old long wooden box that was just perfect for holding CD's on top my computer cabinet!) but we ate a wonderful Mexican meal in peace and quiet....Our little ones hate Mexican food so if we do go when they are along they complain the whole time! It was just a nice "Couples Day" and I know with school ending soon those days are quickly coming to an end! (At least until school starts next year!) Our Summer meals out will be spent at McDonald's to keep the crew happy! HA
Well Drew and I still have four more chapters to read so I best get him in here and get started. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and it's as gorgeous as ours! Spring Blessings, Sher
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2008-Apr-3
One of my projects......
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Good Morning Everyone!
It's a dark, misty day here on the farm but my sprits are high.....I have kids coming home from college tomorrow so decided today would be a good day for Keith and I to run to Iola and pick up a few groceries. Normally this wouldn't be a "fun trip" but we've decided to hit my favorite flea market and then go have Mexican for lunch! This is our favorite Mexican restaurant so I'm really looking forward to it. After all the dark, nasty days we've been having I really look forward to a fun day out.
My reason for this note this morning is because so many have asked to see the rug hooked chair pad that my friend Sher put together for me. Since my kitchen is the room I spend the most time in (Doesn't every woman?) I decided it was time to move it in there. Our kitchen is extremely small so there wasn't a lot of choices of where it could go. I finally decided on an old shabby chic kitchen chair that sets by the door leading out into our family room. While it doesn't exactly match the decor in there I still love how it looks. Of course seeing it makes me want to make a dozen more! HA Actually I would love to make a different chair pad (Using the same colors) for each of our kitchen chairs but I'm sure that's not going to happen in my life time....So many ideas, so little time!!!! So, I'll just have to enjoy this one.
Yesterday I hooked on my cabin rug and I swear I never know when to leave well enough alone! I decided some "smoke" coming out of the chimney would look great so proceeded to use a light gray wool to give it that effect. It now looks as though the chimney has a "blog of gray" on top it! I'm going to try "feathering it out" but if that doesn't work it's going to become a non-working chimney! HA
Well girls, I best get around so we can make a mad dash to town. I hope everyone his having sunnier weather than we are and that your all getting tons done. Spring Blessings, Sher
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2008-Apr-2
Sunshine!!!!
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This morning I'm looking out the window here on Old Crow Farm and I actually see SUNSHINE!!!! After days of rain and dark skies it's honestly looking like Spring. Of course it sure doesn't feel that way! It was a cold 34 degrees this morning when the little ones got on the bus! That's way to cold for this old gal! Poor Jeni has a Science project of two seeds she's suppose to be growing in the windows here at home and it's been so dark they haven't even spouted!!! Of course none of the other kids have either! The weatherman talks like things are going to start warming up and I pray he's right. I'm ready for some warm weather so I can get out and dig in the dirt!!!!
And speaking of dirt....A quick walk around my flower beds earlier this week (Between the rain showers) has showed a lot of green peeking up. Unfortunately it also showed that I had lost a lot of flowers too! I'm not sure if I lost them because we had a bad winter or if it's because I bought them from our local greenhouse. (Biggest selection around but I'm finding their plants aren't that healthy!) So, this year Keith and I have decided to grow a lot of our own and the rest will be filled in with those purchased from some little Mom & Pop greenhouses around us. I LOVE my flowers and I really want my beds full!!!
Since I have been stuck in the house for so many days you would think both of my rugs would finally be hooked, right? WRONG Dark days throw me into a depressed like mood and I find myself doing NOTHING of any value...Unless you can call reading a thing of value! I've been reading a book a day and while I've enjoyed it and learned a lot, it's still not like you can SEE anything being accomplished. Yesterday I drug out my cabin rug and slowly started hooking the background. It looks as though the "greens" are going to blend in so I'm sure I'll be pulling them out shortly! GRRRRRR I'm beginning to wonder if these last two rugs will be done before the summer winds blow. (Remember, I don't like to hook when it's hot out!)
The children are starting to count down the days until summer and I'm counting right along with them. I know they are tired of being cooped up in this house and they can't wait to ride their go-cart or go swimming. Not much longer. (I hope!) I did get our back deck cleaned off the other day so it's just waiting on us to come out and sit a spell.
Well, all this talk of warm weather has reminded me of the things that need done here in the house so I best get a move on. I pray your weather is warming up and your thoughts are drifting to summer projects. Until later...Spring Blessings, Sher |
2008-Mar-25
Tuesday Ramblings
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I want to start this entry off with a "Thank You" to all who commented on the little picture of our living room. As time goes on, I'll be adding more pictures of our home and explaining about each and every thing we have done on a shoe-string budget.....And don't forget, I'd love to see pictures of your homes too!
As these last cold days of winter come to a close I've been busy trying to get some "winter projects" caught up. Most girls will tell you they can hook all year long but I swear when the sun is shining and it's hot out I can not make myself be surrounded in wool!!!! I keep hoping this year will be different but I really doubt if that will be the case. So, the top priority of this house-hold is to finish up my winter project and move on to some fun summer ones.
With this in mind and knowing I can't sew worth a lick, several weeks ago I packed up a box for my dear friend Sher (From the Country Knoll) and sent them off for her to complete. I told her take her time as there were no hurry and of course one day after receiving them not only did she have them back in the mail to me but she had made Jeni a precious little Needle Punch purse too!!!! Can you imagine being able to sew like that and being fast too???? I'm sooooo envious!!!!
So, thanks to Sher I'm now sitting here on my new hooked chair pad and I have a precious Needle Punched sewing pouch ready to send to my DIL Renee. (She's the only one of my DIL's that likes the look of old things so the poor dear gets all kinds of stuff from me! HA) I can't tell you what a blessing Sher is to me because without her help these things would probably never have been completed!
At this time I am working on two rugs! Yes, I know it was stupid to have two rugs going at once but I swear I have came to a complete standstill on my rooster rug! I know I want to do the checkered border around him in the colors of the rooster itself but when it comes to the background behind him I'm drawing a complete blank. I'm hoping to order some new wool next month (Waiting on my wool samples to get here) so in the meantime I have started a small log cabin one. As these come to completion, I'll be posting pictures and telling you where I purchased the patterns.
Last week our little ones were on Spring Break and I can't tell you how much we enjoyed it. Not only did we sleep in every morning but we spent our days being total bums!....One day Jeni and I took off and went to our local library where we stocked up on books and enlarged rug hooking patterns. It was nice to have mother and daughter time but even more fun when we got home and I let her try her hand at rug hooking! Of course Monday brought school back into our lives and we are now busy with home-work and the not so fun things.
Well girls, the day is ticking away and I've still got a million things to do. So, I better sign off and get started. I hope each and everyone of you are enjoying Spring temperatures and you too are finishing up all those "winter projects" in your homes! Spring Blessings, Sher |
2008-Mar-4
A Peek inside "Old Crow Farm"
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The sun is out this Tuesday morning but it's still bitter cold. If you can believe the forecast we have about a week left of this kind of weather and then it's suppose to turn off warm!!!! I swear, just saying the word makes me smile!!!! Drew felt fine this morning until it came time to get on the bus and then he said he felt "funny". At this point I don't know if he's truly sick or just likes staying at home with Mom & Dad! HA Since they were doing State testing today I told him he had better go but if he got sick to call us and we'd come after him. I have a feeling the van will be pulling out of our drive within the hour! HA
This morning I thought I would talk about homes. I really hate to admit this but I'm one of those people who would walk a dog around a neighborhood just to peek inside people's homes! Not because I want to see what goes on inside their home but to see the house itself! I love looking at how people decorate. Have you notice how no two people decorate alike???? Even if they have the same furniture it looks so different simply because the houses themselves are so different!
My favorite homes to scope out are those that decorate using old/antique furniture or those that have taken cast offs from others and made them theirs. Those are truly HOMES with the character of the people that live in them. It's always so amazing to me that a person can buy a simple table from a yard sale, give it a coat a paint and make it something we all drool over. I guess it's because they have made that table theirs and gave it their own personal stamp.
Living on a shoe-string budget our home falls into the "Making do with what you have" category. Now I'll tell you a little secret. If we had tons of money I wouldn't decorate any other way!!! Yes, I would buy some nicer antiques but for the most part I would still take "cheap" things and use them in my house. I guess that's just because no matter how much money I do or don't have, I'm a "cheap person" and I'm darn proud of it! HA
On Sunday I took a picture in our living room of some little "eggs" that Jeni had painted Robin Egg Blue. We mixed them in with some other speckled eggs I had in my shop and decided to display them in an old dough board I bought at an auction. When we finished with our display we decided it added just the right touch of Spring to our drab, winter filled living room. Not only was it a cheap idea but it was an idea that Jeni and I worked on together. Mother and daughter time that no amount of money could buy.
So, today I will give you a peek into "Old Crow Farm's" farmhouse. You'll see our second-hand sofa with a second- hand cover, an old primitive bench filled with second-hand items, the antique quilt that my precious friend Mary gave several years before her death, a brown and cream colored crock filled with cat toys but more importantly you'll see US. A peek into our lives and how we live. Blessings from the farm, Sher
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2008-Mar-3
A Miserable Monday!
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It's Monday on the farm and I'm one step from going back to bed! After a gorgeous weekend, everything has gone down hill. It started last night with a wind and rain storm. I honestly don't think I've ever heard the wind blow so hard. Naturally it kept me awake and I'm sure I kept everyone else up the way I kept flipping on the television to see if we were in a storm watch! Morning finally came (With the wind still blowing!) and I crawled from under my warm covers to discover Drew is now sick. Our local paper had reported last week that the flu has made it's way to our neck of the woods and naturally our family would get it. (We had been home all weekend so he must have picked the germ up at school Friday!) I called his school this morning and the secretary told me not to be surprised if he's out all week because it's really hanging on everyone. Great, just what I need ~~~~ A week of sickness because you can bet if he has it the rest of the family will come down with it too! One of the joys of being old parents is the little ones bring home every germ going around and you get it! HA
So, even though we are sick now I have really had a productive weekend. It started off with getting all caught up on the laundry (I know, I'm old fashion but I want all of my laundry line dried!) and giving this house a through cleaning. From there I moved on to Jeni's room. The time had came to get rid of her and Drew's "baby books" and replace them with "chapter books". So, I spent all afternoon going through books and toys that she no longer needs. Not only does she have a clean room (I just finished it up a few minutes ago) but some lucky little ones are going to be thrilled to find all her "stuff" at the Salvation Army! I figured she would give me forty-fits about getting rid of everything but she never said a word once she found she had tons of room for all her purses! Yes, she's a "Purse Diva" and has a purse to match every outfit! HA
Jeni and I worked on a Spring project Saturday and tomorrow I'll share a picture of it and one of our Spring arrangements. I also finished putting the "handle" on the little sewing pouch that I had Needle Punched and my friend Sher had put together for me. I was so thrilled with the way it turned out and of course once again Sher did super work! Bless her heart, she has offered to finish off my chair pad (If I ever get it finished!) and I can't tell you how that thrills me. (Hand-work has never been one of my strong points and that gal excels at it!!) Of course she can't go "unpaid" so Jeni and I have been busy getting a "Goodie Box" fixed up for her. We're having more fun with this and I hope she can use all we'll be enclosing.
Well, I scrubbed my kitchen floor a little while ago (Adding a dash of bleach to kill the germs!) and it's now time to go empty the water and get to work around here. I hope your all enjoying warmer weather than we're having today and that your all staying away from these nasty flu germs going around. Have a great day! Blessings from Old Crow Farm & Sher
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2008-Feb-27
A Wonderful Weekend!
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Good Morning Everyone!
It's another cool day here on the farm but they are saying by afternoon it's going to warm up! Those words were heaven to my ears! I know I shouldn't complain because we've been watching the news and the rest of the Nation is having such horrid snow but I can't help myself....I'm sick and tired of cold and snow!!!!
I have been wanting to sit down and chat with you all for the past three days. I can't wait to tell you all about my wonderful weekend at the rug Hook-In that was held in Lenexa, Kansas! I have never had so much fun! My friend Betty & I have been planning to go for weeks and she was going to drive. (Those who know me know that I don't drive in Kansas City! All that traffic makes me a nervous wreck!) At the last minute those plans were changed. Betty doesn't like driving up there any better than I do so Keith offered to take us. He didn't have to ask twice! HA It worked out wonderful for Betty and I because we had the whole trip to chat and exchange ideas.
Betty had attended last years Hook-in but it was a first for me. I had no idea what to expect and was I ever in for a wonderful surprise!!!! Not only were there tables of women (We think there must have been 400 people there!) hooking gorgeous rugs but there were venders galore and some of the most gorgeous rugs on display you have ever seen!!!! I was like a little kid in a candy store...I didn't know where to go first! HA Since Betty had did this before she took over and soon had me lined up! HA
After signing in we first had to secured a table. (By this time we had met up with Pam, a friend of Betty's.) This was no easy feat but we found five other women who were gracious enough to let us set with them. We quickly dumped our frames and wool, signed in the girls rugs and then we started hitting all the vendors. WOW, talk about wonderful...I wish you all could have been there to see the wool, patterns, and hooking supplies! I was a little disappointed because I was in hopes of buying some "as is" wool off the bolt in light colors and all I found was dark. Of course that didn't stop me from buying!!! ;-)
After a run through of all the vendors we dumped our buys at our table and then we walked around looking at all the gorgeous rugs on display! I have never seen so much talent in one room before! I wish I had taken my camera so I could have shared pictures. It was so interesting for a new hooker like myself to see so many different ways of hooking. For the most part no two people do it alike. I was amazed at how someone could draw a design on a piece of linen and turn it into something so gorgeous and of all the different ideas everyone has!
Once we sat down at our table it was non-stop hooking and gabbing! There would be the breaks for cookies and coffee and then it was back to the vendors! HA One thing I did learn....Next year I'll be packing a lunch for everyone as I about died going without food (I don't call snacking items, "food"!!) and I've already got my menu made out! HA
By the time the day had ended I was lugging out three large sacks that contained fifteen pieces of wool (Four which were one yard pieces), two paper patterns and two patterns drawn off on Monks cloth! But the best thing I came home with was tons of ideas and new found friends! We were invited to another Hook-in in Arkansas the month of June and Keith has already told me I'm going! Needless to say, I didn't argue a bit! ;-)
After a fun weekend with "the girls" it's so much easier to face the day to day challenges life brings. If any of you have ever thought of doing something like this please do. It will not only make you happy doing the things you love but it will make you appreciate your family and home so much more. Just that little break can make you a better person.
Well, it's time to get back to the real world. There's cookies to bake, clothes to be hung out and floor that needs to have the sweeper ran over it. I'll do them all with a happy heart because I know at the end of my work I can pull out my chair pad and start hooking. Blessings, Sher |
2008-Feb-21
And Now ICE!!!!
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We woke up this morning to ice hitting the windows. After three hours it finally started to let up but not before it had dropped two inches of little round balls of sleet! I'm not kidding when I say I could hardly open our back door it had piled up so high. They talk like we will get some snow before the evening is over but for now it's just dark and dreary out there. A depressing day!!!
Knowing this storm was coming Keith and I made a quick trip to town yesterday to stock up on a few groceries (We're the only family I know that goes through a gallon of milk a day!!) and to our local library. ~~~If I'm going to be stuck in the house I at least want to have a bunch of good books to read! A glance at the gas station told us gas has once again gone up. Where oil had went over a hundred dollars a barrel the day before this came as no surprise. What did come as a surprise was hearing on the noon news that bread was going to sky rocket. There's not a doubt in my mind this country is headed for a Recession and I pity the person who hasn't been living frugally because I'm afraid everyone is in for some hard times.
With cold weather today I decided to turn on the oven and do some serious baking. First I baked the Sugar Cookie dough I had made up yesterday, next came Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins and last but not least I made a loaf of Banana Nut Bread from some bananas that were more than ripe. Not only is our house warm and toasty but it smells wonderful and we'll have tons to snack on the next couple of days.
I spent yesterday afternoon dying wool for the upcoming Hook-In Saturday. At the last minute I decided to add a design to the middle of my chair pad (A heart with flowers above it) so of course that meant I needed certain colored wool. As much as I like rug hooking it's the dying process that absolutely love! There's is something so exciting about watching wool come out of those dye pots and never knowing exactly what it will look like. Yesterday I did four different colors and since I used three different wool's in each batch, I had twelve different looks. I draped each piece over the back of our old recliner and it was like looking at a primitive, muted rainbow. Gorgeous!
Well, the day is slipping by and there's still tons to do so I best bring this to a close and get to work. I pray you all stay warm and safe. Winter Blessings, Sher |
2008-Feb-17
More Snow!
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I'm up this morning only because my poor ole back can not take me laying in that bed one more minute! Hopefully in a little while I can try laying back down because I sure don't feel like doing anything.
I woke up to a couple of surprises this morning.....After spending all day yesterday in bed I figured my house would be a total wreck. Bless Keith's heart, not only did he have this house completely picked-up but he had the dishwasher all loaded and my kitchen sparkling clean. I can't tell you how much I appreciated this because I sure don't feel like doing anything.
My second surprise was the weather. I know they had said we would get snow but we've heard that so many times lately and nothing came of it so I assumed this would be another one of those days. WRONG! It's really coming down but where it's such a wet snow it's not accumulating that much. It is pretty and if Seth wasn't on the road I just might enjoy it!
As much as I hated to do it, I had to go out and feed the farm cats (They know my voice so this has always been "my job") and then I ran out and filled my wild bird feeders. Since I was already out in the cold and snow I decided to walk down and take a picture of our snow covered bus stop. It was so quiet and peaceful down there this morning. There's no traffic on the road and the snow is gently falling. Even in the wet and cold I couldn't help but stand and savor the moment. It doesn't get any better than this!
Alas my crew is up and breakfast is over. It's now time for me to try and do something before I give in and go back to bed. I'll leave you with the picture I took this morning and I pray your all enjoying God's beauty of the day you've been given. Love and Blessings, Sher
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2008-Feb-16
Another Saturday!
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It seems forever since I have had the time to sit down and update my blog. With Keith home my life changes so much. It seems there is always something to do or somewhere to go. While I enjoy being with him, it does make life hard for all the things that need to be done around here. I guess when you get right down to it, there's really nothing that life-shattering that has to be done.
After a week of running, Jeni and I have both came down with horrid colds. (I think she gave me mine!) I really feel horrible this morning but I wanted to do a few things before I give in and go back to bed. So I quickly started my "Caramel" candle (This house smells yummy and you know it must be strong if I can smell it with this cold I have!) and then I stuck a batch of Blueberry Muffins in the oven for my crew. I'm going to take some chicken breast out of the freezer in a little while and then I'm just going to get up long enough today to fix Greek Pizza for supper. We went to the grocery store earlier in the week so there's tons of sandwich fixing for lunch....Just hope Keith gets up well as he's going to be in charge!
One reason I have to get well is next weekend I'm going to a "hook-in" with my friend Betty in Lenexa, Ks.! I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it! Not only will we get to chat for hours in the car {Nothing like sharing a long car ride with a friend who loves the same thing you do!} but can you imagine a room full of people (AND WOOL!!!) who all love the same thing???? I swear, it's going to be like heaven on earth!!!! I've already told Keith I'm taking plenty of cash because I plan to come home with a car full of wool and patterns! HA ~~~ Heck, I'm just excited thinking of all the extra money I'll save by not having to pay postage to have it delivered. More money to spend on wool!!!! So, I just have to get better because I sure don't want to miss going!
Now before I can go to this hook-in, I have to have something to hook on! For the life of me I can't decide what to do so I'm thinking along the line of a scrappy chair pad. My computer chair is seen from our front door and the pad I have now is starting to look horrible so maybe that would be something.....Isn't it fun to have something to look forward to after the long days of winter????
Speaking of winter....Today is another dark day and it's predicted we will have rain by afternoon and snow by morning! At least it's not suppose to accumulate into inches so that's a blessing. Everyone around here is so tired of the cold, dark days. Honestly I don't think we've seen but a couple of days of sun this week. On one of those days I managed to snap a photo of a "log cabin" that graces my fireplace hearth as the sun shinned on it. I'm going to leave you with that picture and a prayer that your days are sunny and your experiencing good health. Blessings, Sher
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2008-Feb-6
Such Weird Weather!
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Like the rest of the United States, Kansas has been having it's fair share of weird weather. Earlier this week it was almost 70 degrees. This morning we have 2-3 inches of snow on the ground and it's still coming down! Thankfully Keith made it home all right so we have been enjoying the days no matter what they are like! Actually, I've been enjoying them too much....Would you believe I not only slept all day yesterday but I slept all night too?! I guess it's finally caught up with me and now I'm just exhausted. At least I'm no longer having headaches so hopefully in a few days I'll get back in the swing of things.
Monday when it was so gorgeous out, Keith and I walked around all our flower beds talking about what all we hope to do to them come Spring. I'm going to be pulling out some of my roses (While I love how roses look, I do not have a green thumb and they have become over-grown and wild looking!) and I'll be replacing them with something that is more manageable. We're also wanting to make some more little hide-away spots in our gardens so I'll be working on those too. I guess it's just this nasty weather that is making me dream of Spring and getting outside.
One nice thing about cold, snowy weather, it makes one want to cook. I've really been doing my share this week. On Monday I made a chicken and rice casserole (Using the crockpot), Tuesday I used the crockpot again and did a roast and today I'll be using the oven and making a meatloaf. I baked a pie yesterday so I guess we'll have that for dessert tonight. Maybe I'll make bake bread too. I certainly don't mind running the oven when it's this cold!
On that note it's time to get busy. I'll leave you with a picture of one of our bird feeders this morning in the snow and the hope that your all safe and warm. Hugs, Sher
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2008-Jan-27
Sunday Evening
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Do you ever have one of those weeks when life just gets in the way? That's the kind of week I've had this week. For some reason, all week long I have been plagued with a nasty headache. Not a migraine but rather one of those kind that just hangs on and makes you feel horrible. I've tried everything I can think of and it's still hanging on although not as bad as it has been. I decided since I'm running so far behind on everything I might as well catch everyone up on what is going on around here.
To begin with, after months of cold we have had some gorgeous warm weather. I honestly have no idea where or why it's came but oh how I wish it would stay. I've taken full advantage of it by getting all caught up on my laundry. I know everyone thinks I'm nuts but I refuse to throw our clothes in the dryer. Sooner or later the weather will warm up to where I can hang them out so I just wait. I'm happy to report there's now not a dirty piece of laundry in the whole house and we'll all be sleeping under clean sheets tonight.
Even with a headache I've managed to work on a few crafts. At long last I'm through with my "Turkey Tracks " rugs. I was really pleased with how it turned out and of course now I'm anxious to start another rug hooking project. However, I decide to take a little break and do some Needle Punch just for a change of pace. This afternoon I finished my friend Betty's free heart pattern (This will be a Valentines gift) and I'm now punching on a little sewing pouch. I'm hoping to have it finished by the end of the week.
I've also bought a bunch of wool and I'm happily dying away. I was really pleased to make up my own dyes and come up with some soft, antique looking greens, blues and reds. I hope to make them into a chair pad latter on this month.
Other than these few things all I've done is cooking, clean and take care of little ones. Oh yes, help with their home-work too. Hopefully next week I'll be feeling better and will get more done.
I hope the rest of you have enjoyed this warm spell and you too are getting lots done. Until later....Hugs, Sher
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2008-Jan-25
My Friends Give-away!
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Girls, a quick note. Please check out my friend Betty's free pattern and Valentine's give-way! This very talented, giving person has once again shown her true colors. Maybe you'll be the lucky winner! Hugs, Sher
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2008-Jan-21
Snow/Ice????
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Good Morning Everyone!
It's a strange morning! When I went to bed last night the forecast for today was a little snow and a little ice. This morning it's been changed to a chance of snow and a chance of ice by noon. The wind is blowing something horrid and it's dark and dreary so I'd say we stand more than a chance of each. Since it isn't suppose to move in until noon I decided I had better get around and get all my "outside chores" done early. Normally the house is mine and the outside is Keith's. Now that he's out of State, it all falls on my shoulders. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. He's making a living for us so I'm just taking over his jobs here at home.
First order of the day was to fed all the farm cats and my wild birds. Next was running out to our water meter so I could write down what we've used so I can pay that bill tomorrow. The last outside job for this morning was our trash. While we have "trash pick-up" out here in the country we do have to take it down our long ole lane for them to pick it up. This is the one job I hate. The cans are big and heavy and I have to worry about them blowing away during the night. So, on went my old winter coat, stocking cap and a pair of the kids gloves that didn't match. I'm sure I gave everyone driving by a good laugh! Hopefully I have them secure enough they'll still be standing by morning.
With outside chores complete (At least until the evening!) I can now start on my house. Actually, it's looking pretty good. (Ok, that's a lie, I have a pile of wool a mile high sitting by my turkey rug! HA) The dishwasher is running, Drew is quietly playing and Jeni is working on her room. In thirty minutes Drew and I will be starting on his book report and then the rest of day is mine!!!!! I hope by this time tomorrow to tell you that my turkey rug is 90% complete!!!!
With no Honey at home meals are becoming a real challenge. The little ones aren't good eaters and I've learned real fast there is no sense making big meals because they're just getting thrown out. (All though the farm animals are happy about that! HA) I guess tonight it's going to be fried shrimp for the little ones and grilled shrimp for me. At least I'm not spending all my time in the kitchen!
Well, time to get my tail in gear and get to work. I hope everyone had a safe weekend and your all staying warm. Until later.....Blessings, Sher |
2008-Jan-17
A Cold, Snowy Thursday
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Once again, winter has returned to Kansas! While we lucky last night and didn't get the snow a lot of towns around us got, we had enough that I had to shovel a path to our drive-way so the little ones wouldn't be walking in snow over their shoes. It's really turned off COLD here too! I've finally got the bus stop down to a four to five minute wait so that's not to terribly bad. Anymore than that and we could have frozen toes! HA
I had a productive day yesterday. I finally got the last of the Christmas things put away. I'm always the first to take their tree down but when it come to my "Christmas Pictures" I don't get in any rush. I just love looking at my crew as they grew each year in their pictures with Santa. However, it's time to get back to "normal" so they came down yesterday and have been safely tucked away until next year.
I fixed a roast for supper last night and baked hot rolls and Cinnamon Rolls. Wouldn't you know it, Jeni had a birthday party at school so she wasn't hungry and Drew took one look and said, "I don't like that"! Tonight I'm fixing "kids food" for them and Mexican for me. No sense fixing big meals if there isn't anyone to eat it. (Although they did eat later on that night!)
Keith is away on business so we spent the better part of last night trying to get his new computer hooked up to the Internet. Have you ever tried to do something long distance when neither one of you know what your doing??? NOT FUN!!! At long last we have it up and running and I can now send him daily pictures of the little ones. I honestly don't know what we did before computers, digital cameras and cell phones came into our lives!
Today I'll start back in on my rug. Yesterday I dyed more wool trying to get the "green" I need for the vines and then I did some orange for the Fall leaves. I think I'm pleased with the results but won't know for sure until I see them hooked up. I can't wait to get this finished up as I'm wanting to move on to some Needle Punch projects!
Well, the master bedrooms need a good cleaning and then it's time to get to work. I hope everyone is staying safe and warm through this latest cold snap. Enjoy your day! Blessings, Sher |
2008-Jan-15
My Way of Rug Hooking
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It's a wonderful day on the farm. The sun is out and while it's cold, it's not that bitter cold we have been having. I have my candles burning in the living room, the candle warmer on in the kitchen so my house is not only clean but it smells wonderful! Since so many people have expressed an interest in my "Turkey Tracks" rug I thought this might be a good time for me to tell you about my rug hooking adventures.
For years I would look at decorating magazines and simply drool over all the wonderful antique rugs scattered through out peoples homes. Where we live on a limited budget I knew I would never be fortunate enough to own one so along with a lot of other dreams of mine, primitive rugs were pushed to the back of my mind. Over a year ago I was talking to my Aunt Erma and the subject of rug hooking came up. She told me that was one thing Grandma Fillmore never did (With eleven children who had time???) but she used to walk up to the neighbors farm and watch Elsie hook. Believe it or not, I remember Elsie from my childhood (Those were the days when neighbors really were neighbors in every sense of the word!) and as I listened to Aunt Erma talk an idea was born.
If Elsie could hook with a bent nail, burlap and old clothes, why couldn't I????? So began my newest addiction. First to get started. I had a gal make me up a "kit" and that was a big mistake....She sent thin wool that raveled, inadequate backing and a pattern no one would want to do. The only thing to come out that $50 kit was a cheap hook and the need to know more. Thus began "Sher's Way of Hooking"!
Please note ~~~~The following information is MY WAY and that's sure not the RIGHT way!!!! I am doing this for ME and I want my stuff to be as primitive as possible. If your wanting to do REAL rug hooking please follow the directions of experienced hookers. NOT MY WAY!!!! That being said, let me tell you how I do it!
Since the cheap hook did work for me, I decided it would be my one and only hook! Second, I knew I was going to have to cut all those little strips so I did invest in a cutter. I decided all my rugs would be hooked on burlap just like Elsie had used and any experienced hooker will tell you this is a big no-no....Over time burlap will pull apart so you should use a quality backing. Again, I figured if it was good enough Elsie it was good enough for me!
To tell you how dumb and inexperienced I was, I figured a few yards of different colored wool would be enough to make several rugs! WRONG I learned real fast that even though you have a million "worms" (As the wool strips are called) and lots of colors you'll not only never have the colors you need but those worms will disappear mighty quick as you start hooking!!!!
SO, with that knowledge my next step was to buy as much wool in as many different colors as I could afford. (And sometimes I couldn't afford it, I just bought! HA) At this point I learned rug hooking is an expensive hobby. Not only is wool not cheap (It will run anywhere from $17 to $25 a yard and the hand-dyed wool even more!!) but it becomes a serious addiction.....You will look at every piece of clothing in terms of "Gee, wouldn't that make a neat background"! HA Oh, I DO use old wool skirts but unless they are cheap, you really don't get much wool for your money.
Of course I wasn't content in just BUYING wool....I decided I had to DYE my own!!!! That was another big expense...Those little packets of dye don't go far! HA However, if there is one thing I love about hooking it's the dying process. Not only are you able to get the colors of wool you want but it's like a Christmas present every time they are dry to see the color you actually get. [I really do adore this area of hooking.]
Of course there are patterns and books to be bought (Check out my friend Betty's PictureTrail as she has many booklets that have wonderful patterns that can be used for rug hooking: http://www.picturetrail.com/primitivebettys) and the list goes on.......................
I've now told you "Sher's Way of Hooking". Do you have any questions???? If so, just ask and I'll be glad to try and answer them. I would encourage each and everyone of you to try this wonderful, relaxing hobby. While it might be expensive (And dirty...When you cut wool it makes a lot of "fuzz") I can't explain how you feel when you see something coming to life right before your eyes. It's like having a baby....It's YOURS and no one can take it away from you! You'll also be making something for your home that will be passed down to your children, a real heirloom!
Now for a picture of what I've been working on. This is a pattern from The Country Cupboard called, "Turkey Tracks". As you can see, I've got a long ways to go before it's completed but at least it's starting to come to life! (Since I like everything primitive, I'll be brushing a walnut stain over the finished pieced to tone it down!) If you think this is something you might like to try please do. You'll never be sorry! Hugs, Sher  |
2008-Jan-14
Another Monday!
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Good Morning Everyone!
It's a frosty morning here on the farm! When the little ones and I walked down to the bus stop this morning our feet made crunching sounds on the grass. We even had to scrape the window off our bus stop "shed" in order to watch for the bus. I heard there is talk of some snow in our forecast so I guess the worse is yet to come.
My morning has really started off pretty good. I made a quick run through the house and discovered that everything is pretty much in it's place. That's a real surprise since Drew tore out almost every toy he owned yesterday! The kitchen floor was looking pretty bad so I quickly mopped it. For some reason it's not drying all that fast though. So, until it is dry I'm sitting here with all the kitchen chairs in the middle of my living room floor so I sure hope I don't have any company! HA
On another note this morning.....I noticed yesterday morning that I had very few e-mails and as the day wore on noticed nothing was coming across. At first I didn't think to much of it because it was Sunday and most people are in church or busy. By evening when I still wasn't getting anything I decided I had better call. The Tech Support man said everyone in our area was having trouble so it wasn't my computer! He had no idea when it would be "fixed" so I guess I'll just have to go through "withdrawal" symptoms until it's up and running. (Does that tell you how much I rely on this poor ole thing??? HA)
I guess this afternoon I'll get around and work on my "Turkey Tracks" rug. I cut some shaded blue wool out this morning and I'm hoping it will work into the wings to give me the effect I'm needing there. Hooking would have been a lot easier had I been born with an eye for color. Since I wasn't, I really have to work to get things the way I want. Oh well, it's fun and I'll keep plugging away and one of these days I might even get it finished up!
On that note it's time to bring this to a close and go bake my little ones some "Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies".... This will be a double blessing as I'll be filling the cookie jar and heating the house up at the same time. I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend and your week is starting out well. Until later.......Winter Blessings, Sher |