tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345976772024-03-12T16:25:05.624-07:00D.A.M. CREATIONS crochet & beadingAll that I do that includes my beading, crochet and general everyday life! Please enjoy and as always please leave a comment as I love to hear from you.
Thank you for stopping by . . .Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-80151660453597126162008-02-18T10:43:00.000-08:002008-02-18T10:45:01.374-08:00<h2 class="asset-name page-header2"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/post/bits-and-pieces-and-updates-oh-my.html" title="View post detail">Bits and Pieces and updates . . .Oh My!</a></h2><br /><div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf0980004" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf0980004.html" title="Coffee"><img src="http://a0.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf0980004-320pi" alt="Coffee" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf0980004.html" title="Coffee">Coffee</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <div>Well, how many times does one get a choice in ones own kitchen? LOL Hubby and I differ on how our coffee is made. I'm really old fashioned and prefer the perk type. Tastes better to me. And yes, I do have a coffee pot that can go on the stove to "perk" coffee. Works for camping also. But, hey, how do you like your coffee cooked????? <br />I only bring this up as do you know how difficult it is to find the "star filters" for my percolators? So far only target has them. And when I do find them I usually buy a dozen or so. But, next time you are in a store that sells percolators, see if they have those star filters. Most places don't. So, why sell the percolator without the filters-intresting . . .<br /><br />I hope everyone had a great Valentines Day. I know I did. Except for going to see a surgeon for hubby. That one polyp he has that is very large, has to come out. Hubby will be getting a "resection" of that part of his bowel. Plus, his surgery is going to be on "leap day": Feb 29. Hubby will be spending a few days in hospital-Hoag in Newport beach.<br />http://www.hoaghospital.org/ I guess when one has a colonoscopy, the doctors can use a "loop device" to remove small polyps. The loop device goes around the polyp, then a small current of electricity is sent thru it. This cauterizes as it removes. Hubby's polyp touches the other side of the intestine, so not a good thing to try to remove with the loop. The electric current could cause the other side of the bowel injury. Let me tell you that hubby is really tired of "being probed" where the sun doesn't shine-LOL He says it must be like being taken to a space ship and the aliens are doing the "probing". Hey, hubby is an amateur astronomer, and thinks aliens from "outer space" have been here. LOL Me, well, those little "greys" need to come to my front door, ring the bell, and introduce themselves before I would think they were real-LOL.<br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cfb10570001" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cfb10570001.html" title="Cookie how to"><img src="http://a7.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cfb10570001-320pi" alt="Cookie how to" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cfb10570001.html" title="Cookie how to">Cookie how to</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> I have made this Valentine cookie for years. It is really good and quite easy to make. I have a couple of heart shaped cake pans, a 6 inch and a 4 inch. But, any baking pan will work. Plus, did you know that Reynolds now makes parchment paper on a roll? No more buying the package of sheets.<br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc51f10002" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc51f10002.html" title="Cookie"><img src="http://a1.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc51f10002-320pi" alt="Cookie" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc51f10002.html" title="Cookie">Cookie</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> Here is the cookie I made. And to date, there is only a small piece left. We had "cookie" with breakfast. A great way to start off Valentines Day. Hubby got me a card, some wonderful red, fuzzy type slippers, and a sterling silver pendant. I got him a card, cookie, dinner and well, lets just say that even after almost 38 years, (May 15 will be 38 years), it still sizzles in the bedroom. LOL<br /><br />I bought myself a few more patterns. I know, I know, but it's an obsession with books and booklets. I have been crocheting for close to 35 years, and I do have a "wonderful" library of crochet and bead patterns. Along with my art books, reference books, antique and vintage books, and some great history type books. That's why I had to buy a larger bookcase.<br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf2710004" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf2710004.html" title="Bookcase"><img src="http://a1.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf2710004-320pi" alt="Bookcase" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf2710004.html" title="Bookcase">Bookcase</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> Yep, I got a "good looking one". Why not? See all those books hiding behind the door . . .<br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cfb118b0001" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cfb118b0001.html" title="Books"><img src="http://a3.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cfb118b0001-320pi" alt="Books" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cfb118b0001.html" title="Books">Books</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> The top 2 shelves are all crochet type books and pamplets. It's remarkable that I managed to keep these for so long. I did thin out the books. All those extras went to my granddaughter. She loved them. Poor thing has tonsilities. She's stuck at home. I heard she's crocheting a teddy bear while she gets better.<br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf7e10005" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf7e10005.html" title="Hooks"><img src="http://a1.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf7e10005-320pi" alt="Hooks" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf7e10005.html" title="Hooks">Hooks</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> I keep my hooks in the bookcase too. Now you all know what you can do with floral frogs and giant beer mugs!!<br />The new patterns I got are shown below. Plus, I am working on the <em>"Strawberry Shortcake"</em> and another doll. you will see the bits and pieces . . .<br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf31a0004" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf31a0004.html" title="Patterns"><img src="http://a2.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf31a0004-320pi" alt="Patterns" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf31a0004.html" title="Patterns">Patterns</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf33a0004" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf33a0004.html" title="Mr and Mrs Santa"><img src="http://a2.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf33a0004-320pi" alt="Mr and Mrs Santa" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf33a0004.html" title="Mr and Mrs Santa">Mr and Mrs Santa</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <br />The Mr and Mrs Santa pattern comes from www.bluebearytreasures.com These are just so cute. I might make them with sport yarn first to get an idea of the pattern before I use thread-LOL But these are just so adorable . . .<br /><div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf8be0005 6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc542c0002" format="strip-vertical" align="right" class="enclosure enclosure-right enclosure-strip enclosure-strip-vertical"> <div class="enclosure-inner"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf8be0005.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="Bits"><img src="http://a6.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf8be0005-120pi" alt="Bits" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc542c0002.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="Pieces"><img src="http://a4.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc542c0002-120pi" alt="Pieces" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /></div> </div> <!-- end enclosure --> <br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are the "bits and pieces of 2 dolls I am doing. Now, I changed the size of the hook from a "G" down to a "C" as I prefer a smaller doll. I am using <em>"Red Heart" Classic</em> yarn, 4 ply acrylic. It's a lot of smaller pieces, just like doing one of those fanicer amigurumi. If anyone is planning to try these-let me see yours too!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The latest issue of <em>"Crochet Today"</em>, March/April 08, has in their "<em>products & news</em>", page 6, an article of "handy Hooks" from Japan. I love mine for crocheting with fabric and really bulky yarns. I got mine tho about 15 years or so ago from "<em>Annie's Attic</em>". Which they discontinued. But, I have had carpel tunnel surgery wrist and elbow, ( it was from intense gardening when we lived in Washington state), and these hooks feel so good when working with them. So, if you were thinking of these hooks get them now! I went to the site and it is $8.00 for all three. But there is a waiting list as they sell out quickly!! The site is www.kpixie.com <br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc64dd0003" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc64dd0003.html" title="Hooks I recomend"><img src="http://a5.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc64dd0003-320pi" alt="Hooks I recomend" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f48cdc64dd0003.html" title="Hooks I recomend">Hooks I recomend</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> Oh, before I forget, I got a photo of Munch. She usually doesn't sit still for a photo, she really is a "scardy Cat. But, today was different-enjoy her little sweet face.<br /> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf9a90005" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf9a90005.html" title="Munch"><img src="http://a1.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf9a90005-320pi" alt="Munch" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398ddf9a90005.html" title="Munch">Munch</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> It is the right side of her face that is parlazed. You can just see the tiny "smirk" she has on the right side of her mouth.<br /><br />Well, enough from me for one day. I will check in as hubby has to do a 2 and a half day clean out before the surgery. And all day on the 29th I will be at Hoag hospital.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-7771773774668357762008-02-09T15:58:00.000-08:002008-02-09T15:59:29.809-08:00<div class="asset-content"> <div class="asset-body preview-links"> <p>We went to the "Fascination of Orchids" show over at the Orange County Fairgrounds. http://www.ocfair.com/ocf/ Now, I could go on about ALL the most beautiful orchids one can ever see. Two buildings full of orchids and orchid related plants. One building was full of vendors selling all you see in the photos. The other building was for the beautiful arrangements done with orchids.<br />I took a bunch of photos and thought all of the people in the snow and cold would enjoy seeing some beautiful orchids and arrangements using orchids. So, take a break, enjoy the photos and remember <em>"spring"</em> is coming.</p> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db07b20005" format="large" align="left" class="enclosure enclosure-left enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db07b20005.html" title="05"><img src="http://a2.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db07b20005-320pi" alt="05" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <br /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <div><div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daffd40004 6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a42720001" format="strip-vertical" align="right" class="enclosure enclosure-right enclosure-strip enclosure-strip-vertical"> <div class="enclosure-inner"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daffd40004.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="06"><img src="http://a4.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daffd40004-120pi" alt="06" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a42720001.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="02"><img src="http://a2.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a42720001-120pi" alt="02" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /></div> </div> <!-- end enclosure --> </div><div><br /><div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf2110002 6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf2130002 6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a429e0001" format="strip-vertical" align="right" class="enclosure enclosure-right enclosure-strip enclosure-strip-vertical"> <div class="enclosure-inner"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf2110002.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="07"><img src="http://a1.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf2110002-120pi" alt="07" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf2130002.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="Hotpink"><img src="http://a3.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf2130002-120pi" alt="Hotpink" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a429e0001.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="Heart"><img src="http://a6.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a429e0001-120pi" alt="Heart" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /></div> </div> <!-- end enclosure --> </div><div><br /><div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db08160003 6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a42bb0001 6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db001c0004 6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf22c0002 6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db081c0003 6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf22f0002" format="strip-vertical" align="left" class="enclosure enclosure-left enclosure-strip enclosure-strip-vertical"> <div class="enclosure-inner"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db08160003.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="Purple"><img src="http://a6.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db08160003-120pi" alt="Purple" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a42bb0001.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="O1"><img src="http://a3.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00f30f5a42bb0001-120pi" alt="O1" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db001c0004.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="Yellow"><img src="http://a4.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db001c0004-120pi" alt="Yellow" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf22c0002.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="05"><img src="http://a4.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf22c0002-120pi" alt="05" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db081c0003.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="010"><img src="http://a4.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398db081c0003-120pi" alt="010" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf22f0002.html" class="enclosure-strip-link" title="Yellow"><img src="http://a7.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398daf22f0002-120pi" alt="Yellow" class="enclosure-strip-image" /></a><br /></div> </div> <!-- end enclosure --> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div> </div> </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-57324251778646652422008-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:002008-01-25T09:02:12.235-08:00<p><strong><span style="font-size:1em;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I "Slept" in.</span><br /></span></strong></p><p><br /><strong><span style="font-size:1em;"></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:1em;">Now, I am one of those people who because of the jobs I did, I had to be up early most every day. Plus, I had 3 kids to "manage" so to speak. And now, because "our little princess" Munch, who used to get me up every day at 4, I just get up around 4ish every day. Today tho, I made it all the way to 4:45 am. Oh my goodness, that sure feels nice. LOL<br />Now, I just don't swill coffee and wonder about how I am going to get thru the day. I get my coffee, feed the 2 fur kids, go check e-mails, then choose ether to go and crochet on things I have been wanting to try. Or, I go and play <em>World of Warcraft</em>. You got to figure that I can't really start anything with banging and the like, Hubby is still sleeping. Most days I go and curl up on the couch, pick up my hook and yarn and off I go. It's quiet. I know the phone isn't going to ring or anyone is going to come to the door. So for a couple of hours I crochet away in bliss. </span></strong></p> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d60c7d0005" format="large" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure" align="center"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d60c7d0005.html" title="Amigurumi in progress"><img src="http://a5.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d60c7d0005-320pi" alt="Amigurumi in progress" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d60c7d0005.html" title="Amigurumi in progress">Amigurumi in progress</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <p><strong> It's raining here today. The grapevine is shut down due to snow and icy roads up that pass. Freeways are a mess. Sure glad I don't have to go out in it. LOL this storm is cold tho. Hey, when we are in the 50's for a high, that's cold for us. And we have wind also. </strong></p> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d603e90004" format="large" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure" align="center"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d603e90004.html" title="Beach purse"><img src="http://a1.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d603e90004-320pi" alt="Beach purse" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d603e90004.html" title="Beach purse">Beach purse</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <p><strong> So, I have been finishing up these few things so I can "move on" to more I want to do. Of course classes begin for me on Monday evening. I start with Cartooning Mon and Wed evenings. I love that class. Only a pencil and whatever paper you can find is all that is required.<br />Wednesday morning and afternoon I will be in a Photoshop CS3 class. that one goes from 10 am to 5 pm. That should be fun and I get to learn the new CS4 too.<br />Hubby will be doing a photography class. I figure that will be the best way for him to learn what he needs to learn about using a camera. </strong></p> <div enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d6044c0004" format="large" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure" align="center"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d6044c0004.html" title="Easter basket"><img src="http://a4.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d6044c0004-320pi" alt="Easter basket" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d6044c0004.html" title="Easter basket">Easter basket</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <p><strong> I also crochet using fabric strips. Here is an easter basket I did. I got into the fabric crochet with all those colorful sheets my kids had. Just couldn't see tossing them. Thru the years I have added gingham fabric to the sheet fabric. Did you know you can find king size sheets at the thrift stores for practically nothing. I'll did up a few photos of the area rugs I have crocheted with fabric. My size "Q" hook that you see is the most difficult to find. I got mine 20 plus years ago from Annie's attic. Annie's doesn't carry them anymore. :(</strong></p><p><strong>Well, got to run, Today is sheets day. Tomorrow I do the regular laundry. LOL Plus, hubby will begin his "clean out" starting on Sunday. He is going for another colonosphy on Tues morning. Large polyp to check. So he has to do 2 days of clean out. Then on Tuesday, they are going to put him a bit deeper under anesthesia to check that large polyp. Now you know why I have been up early and crocheting like a fiend-LOL </strong></p>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-52542432412337616662008-01-20T08:36:00.000-08:002008-01-20T08:40:25.992-08:00<h2 style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="asset-name page-header2"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/post/different-yarns-same-hook-400-am-ramblings.html" title="View post detail">Different yarns, same hook . . .4:00 am ramblings</a></span></h2><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 1.25em;">Being up early has a few benefits.<strong> </strong> After turning on the coffees. (Hubby likes his coffee a bit stronger than I do). Opening the door to let the 2 fur kids out, I was surprised by some of our night critters. Right there on the patio was a mama raccoon, and off under one of the bushes was a juvenile. We do pick up the daytime outside food when it gets dark. But they come around anyway. No big thing for me to have critters. I just get my squirt bottle and chase them off to the wood pile so they can go over the wall. When we lived up in Washington state, in the dead of winter, I used to put out a bowl of cat chow for the raccoons. My vet said that was the best for them. Besides, raccoons will also eat snails, slugs, mice when they catch them. So, I figure they help out in their own way. Even down here in So. Calif. </span><p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, after the little skirmish, the cats got fed, and I got my coffee. Off I went to the crochet piece I was working on. Right now, I am doing a couple of pigs from Elizabeth Doherty's book, <em>Amigurumi</em>.<br />Last week I had stopped and gotten one of the 1 pound skeins of yarn from Caron so to test out a piece for size.</span><br /> </p><div style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d43d070002" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d43d070002.html" title="Pigs"><img src="http://a7.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d43d070002-320pi" alt="Pigs" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d43d070002.html" title="Pigs">Pigs</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 1.25em;">I was using a size "D" 3.0mm Clover soft touch crochet hook. I can tell you the gauge of the yellow pig was huge with the Caron yarn. Plus this Caron yarn is reasonably "stiff". So, being a bit curious, I went ahead and did another pig body with Nature's Spun worsted weight wool yarn in #N87 Victorian pink. What a difference. Of course now I have a "piglet" LOL.<br />A lot of time I will test out a pattern and find out the yarn goes great, but the size isn't what I wanted. Going ahead and testing out another type of yarn, I see if it is becoming the the size I want. In this case, this will be great as I have a "momma and baby". I have to do the legs, tail and ears for both yet. Plus a touch of embroidery for their mouths.<br /></span> <div style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d44b240004" format="large" align="center" class="enclosure enclosure-center enclosure-large photo-enclosure"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d44b240004.html" title="Eggs"><img src="http://a4.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d44b240004-320pi" alt="Eggs" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d44b240004.html" title="Eggs">Eggs</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><!-- end enclosure --> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 1.25em;">Just so I don't get bored with doing the same pattern twice or more, I try to keep a side project going for upcoming holidays. These are larger eggs than called for and acrylic yarn is used. I just found over at the Assistance League of Newport Mesa, a package of small plastic eggs. Cost me a whole dime. LOL I use the plastic easter eggs instead of the foam ones. They are still lightweight, and feel more like handling an egg that was blown out. Of course since there is a plastic hollow core, I wouldn't recommend giving these to kids. For kids, use the foam forms.<p>I see that is is after 8:00 am so I have to get on my day's chores. I will deep water today. Even tho it has been chilly, even for us, it's also very dry. So, I stick to my once a week deep watering.<br />Going to put in a roast for supper. Have some yarn work to get ready for spring. My old gazing ball got broken, hopefully Big Lots will have some in. I also have a $20 gift certificate to Roger's garden's. http://www.rogersgardens.com/ Now that place is a gardener's heaven. Can't afford to much over there, but WOW the ideas that can be done at home with just things that have been hanging around. As of right now I have lilies and violets blooming. Plus that entire squadron of hummingbirds. We have close to 2 dozen of the little characters. I think we must be ether in or close to a flyway. Tho I know that a couple of the species have just stayed. </p><p>So, everyone have a good day, and I'll check in a bit later . . . <br /></p></span>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-8737045899596543582008-01-17T04:43:00.000-08:002008-01-17T06:25:00.370-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R49lIX_9XOI/AAAAAAAAAH4/pMQFtMIgxiU/s1600-h/javadave.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R49lIX_9XOI/AAAAAAAAAH4/pMQFtMIgxiU/s320/javadave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156451292918144226" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Concerns, string purse & button necklace</span><br /><div><br /></div></div>I am just going to have to quit thinking so much. WHY does things on ones mind try to detour the body. I mean really. Yes, I am a bit worried about hubby and having to get a second colonosphy. And you can bet it's on hubby's mind more than mine. Hey, we've both talked about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">everything. </span>We both know what's up. Yet, hubby is a tad distant. And he's a bit off his feed. Which I find unusual. Hubby sees the colon doctor on Mon. 3:30 pm. <div><br /></div><div>Hubby also goes in today to get the second half of his teeth deep cleaned. Poor baby. After Mon, we can schedule him for the extractions of his back teeth. Cleanings were nessessary for overall health. Especially since extractions are in order. Then, after healing for a month or so, hubby will go back in, have the rest of his teeth extracted, and his dentures put in. The dentures will act as a bandage then. </div><div><br /></div><div>You have to understand hubby's disability. Innocent tremor is a brain problem. It's genetic.His hands shake.</div><div>It only gets worse with age. he's on medication and he still shakes. Imagine without the meds . . . Hubby sometimes has to use 2 hands to hold his cell phone up to his ear. He had difficulty brushing his teeth, let alone flossing and all that. Washing dentures will be so much easier for him. And me too. Used to wash Mother's dentures. that I don't mind. </div><div><br /></div><div> <form enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d32f400001" format="large" align="left" class="enclosure enclosure-left enclosure-large photo-enclosure" contenteditable="false"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image-actions"><a class="command-edit-asset" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Edit"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-edit.gif" /></a><a class="command-edit-enclosure-format" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Format"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-format.gif" /></a><a class="command-delete-enclosure" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Remove"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-remove.gif" /></a></div> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d32f400001.html"><img src="http://a0.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d32f400001-320pi" alt="String purse" title="String purse" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d32f400001.html" title="String purse">String purse</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form><!-- end enclosure --> </div><div>So, I used to wash Mother's dentures, doing hubby's will be no problem. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally got the handles sewed on to the string purse. Regular old cotton thread. The heavyweight stuff. I have some brownish and creamiest beads that I think I will sew or fringe along the curve of the handle seam. And maybe along the side edges. Just want to give it a bit of pizzazz. Living this close to the beach, these purses are great for the beach. The sand can fall out easier due to the spaces from the crochet.-LOL</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> <form enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d348d70005" format="large" align="right" class="enclosure enclosure-right enclosure-large photo-enclosure" contenteditable="false"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image-actions"><a class="command-edit-asset" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Edit"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-edit.gif" /></a><a class="command-edit-enclosure-format" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Format"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-format.gif" /></a><a class="command-delete-enclosure" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Remove"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-remove.gif" /></a></div> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d348d70005.html"><img src="http://a7.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d348d70005-320pi" alt="Button necklace" title="Button necklace" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d348d70005.html" title="Button necklace">Button necklace</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form><!-- end enclosure --> <form enclosure="asset" xid="6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d33e490004" format="large" align="right" class="enclosure enclosure-right enclosure-large photo-enclosure" contenteditable="false"> <div class="enclosure-inner"> <div class="enclosure-list"> <div class="enclosure-item photo-asset last"> <div class="enclosure-image-actions"><a class="command-edit-asset" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Edit"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-edit.gif" /></a><a class="command-edit-enclosure-format" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Format"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-format.gif" /></a><a class="command-delete-enclosure" href="javascript:void 0;" onclick="return false;" title="Remove"><img src="http://p-static.vox.com/.shared:v40.5:vox:en/images/icons/enclosure-remove.gif" /></a></div> <div class="enclosure-image"> <a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d33e490004.html"><img src="http://a1.vox.com/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d33e490004-320pi" alt="Lion's Club necklace" title="Lion's Club necklace" /></a> </div> <div class="enclosure-meta"> <div class="enclosure-asset-name"><a href="http://deborahann.vox.com/library/photo/6a00c225288b168fdb00e398d33e490004.html" title="Lion's Club necklace">Lion's Club necklace</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form><!-- end enclosure --> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Has anyone else been thinking about summer??? I made several of these a few summers ago. no pattern, just crochet strips with buttons crocheted on. Make sure you find the smallest hook you can to go thru some of the button holes. (I dislike drilling if possible.) </div><div><br /></div><div>How many of you have vintage buttons in drawers, jars, jewelry boxes for safekeeping. This is a wonderful way to display those. And with all the beautiful colors of thread yarn. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I did this necklace when my Mother was in the Lions club. Blue and gold (yellow) colors. The lion's head as the focal. Just balance both sides of the necklace with regular buttons added in. Or not. make this necklace as full or not as you like. I love my peasant skirts in summer. With my tunic t-shirt tops, these are wonderful to wear.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, dentist first today, then milk, cat food, return movies, paint, stuffing, all on the way home. Maybe lunch out would be nice too . . . </div><div><br /></div><div>Later . . . everyone have a nice day</div><div><br /></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-91704805320048353682007-12-27T08:22:00.001-08:002007-12-27T08:28:10.395-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PRdH_9XII/AAAAAAAAAHM/knlZGqRlxc4/s1600-h/tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PRdH_9XII/AAAAAAAAAHM/knlZGqRlxc4/s320/tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148689097308331138" /></a><br /><br />"Our Christmas" with a nature surpise<br /><br />Goodness, was Christmas wonderful. It's been awhile since I have been able to "do" a Christmas like this.I mean, "lord love a duck, I just went for it this year. Yes, I spent a bit of money, but a lot of my stuff for decorating had been "tucked" away for years. Mostly the outside garlands and such. Hubby really out did himself to make sure I had a great Christmas too. He was just so sweet. Christmas mornings tho, after coffee and the sun finally makes it's way high enough that one doesn't need the headlights, I have a tradition to go to the beach, on Christmas. I've been doing that since the very early 60's, when my mother moved out to California from Chicago. I mean, imagine the people who do vacations at Christmas to visit Newport Beach and Southern Calif. They pay mega bucks to go a view the ocean on Christmas Day. Well, so do I-LOL The Santa Ana winds started blowing that morning about 3:45 am. Being the light sleeper I am, I got up. Cats-one wanted in and the other wanted out! Lowered the umbrella, sat on the stoop had a cig and my coffee. Waiting for dawn. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PRuH_9XJI/AAAAAAAAAHU/RZVHRMPMyMI/s1600-h/waves1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PRuH_9XJI/AAAAAAAAAHU/RZVHRMPMyMI/s320/waves1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148689389366107282" /></a><br /> The berms are in place to keep the high tide at bay as the moon was full also. You can see the winds just pushing back at the waves. It was beautiful. Windy and chilly, but beautiful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PR_X_9XKI/AAAAAAAAAHc/XfIgR96tRq4/s1600-h/spray.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PR_X_9XKI/AAAAAAAAAHc/XfIgR96tRq4/s320/spray.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148689685718850722" /></a><br />Had to get the birds in there. The Newport Beach pier. The surfers were out and other couples were out strolling too. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PSMn_9XLI/AAAAAAAAAHk/wXfVfJp0hEA/s1600-h/waves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PSMn_9XLI/AAAAAAAAAHk/wXfVfJp0hEA/s320/waves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148689913352117426" /></a><br /><br /> I just had to get this kind of shot. With the moon full, during high tide, the waves are 8-10 feet. We are walking on the other side of the parking lot so we had a buffer from the winds. <br /><br />We got home and opened presents. Oh boy, I got several small boxes from Victoria's Secret. Us girls have to have our "Mona Lisa smiles" which mean only our "lovers" know that that means we are wearing something a tad "naughty" under our clothes. LOL Hubby got me not one but 2 robes. Nice and warm. Love em'. A couple of crochet hard bound books and a beading book. A USC lawn chair, and a couple of tops. My daughter got me "Leopard" for my Mac and the top version of Vista for hubby, WOOT. My sons got me the most beautiful soup mugs from "Mud in your eye" pottery.<br />I got hubby some newer t's and sweatshirts with great things on them. another pair of slippers, geek light, and a planetary watch. <br />Hubby also got me a throw in Leopard spots. Oh, I like that-LOL <br /><br />The turkey came out just perfect, and we ate in the dinning room. We sat at ether end of the table. That was cute. Felt like being in one of those old movies. We just needed the butler to serve. <br /><br />While hubby was doing the dishes, he got a special visitor. One of our hummingbirds took a wrong turn and ended up in the house. Hubby had to catch her before she really hurt herself on the windows. When a hummingbird is "caught", they won't fight or move to much. They can't afford to use up any extra energy. Also, hummingbirds can't walk. They have to perch or fly Now, these are hubby's hands. His hands shake due to innocent tremor. He was so gentle with this bird. And being nervous, he shakes more. But, this tiny bird just laid quietly in his hands. Truly a Christmas gift from heaven. I took the little bird out to one of the feeders and other hummers. Zoom, she was gone . . . <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PSYX_9XMI/AAAAAAAAAHs/UdPBIZfOfQY/s1600-h/hummer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R3PSYX_9XMI/AAAAAAAAAHs/UdPBIZfOfQY/s320/hummer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148690115215580354" /></a><br />Spent the rest of the evening watching the first season of Rome. Hubby needed to catch up so we can jump into season 2. and then well, nite nite all. Dreams of sugarplums and wonderDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-19906683654375799862007-12-21T14:19:00.000-08:002007-12-21T14:27:15.265-08:00New overnight grip!<br /><br />Ok, I was laying down with the heating pad on my back, channel surfing when I saw this huge tote on HSC. I admit I don't usually watch those channels, but this did catch my eye. This is from the Iman collection. I got the carmel/python. Now this is a huge bag. It is sitting on one of the patio chairs here.<br />I really needed a new overnight grip as my old one was a "basket" purse.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R2w8Wn_9XFI/AAAAAAAAAG0/FgpcC4ZnENY/s1600-h/purse1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R2w8Wn_9XFI/AAAAAAAAAG0/FgpcC4ZnENY/s320/purse1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146554833569668178" /></a><br />I've had this basket tote for almost 25 years. It's been everywhere and been thru just about everything. Now, I will retire it for yarn. It is still in good condition, just a bit faded. I love it as I can just rinse it out, let it dry in the shade and voilla, good as new. It's just that I thought it was time to "move on".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R2w8k3_9XGI/AAAAAAAAAG8/lA9RhWJpSx0/s1600-h/basket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R2w8k3_9XGI/AAAAAAAAAG8/lA9RhWJpSx0/s320/basket.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146555078382804066" /></a><br /><br />So, here you can see the both of them together. Imagine if I am on the train going up to Seattle. My stuff in the Iman tote, and a crochet project in the basket. Works for me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R2w80n_9XHI/AAAAAAAAAHE/OmV2vsDGvXs/s1600-h/both.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R2w80n_9XHI/AAAAAAAAAHE/OmV2vsDGvXs/s320/both.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146555348965743730" /></a><br /><br />But, let me know what you think of my new tote.<br /><br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-74579345027165251892007-12-03T18:46:00.000-08:002007-12-03T18:54:28.090-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R1TACk47sSI/AAAAAAAAAGU/zHSwN19UMsc/s1600-R/munchie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R1TACk47sSI/AAAAAAAAAGU/Z6EMy6H0faw/s320/munchie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139944225231319330" /></a><br />Munchie . . .P.O.V. . . ."1st Home alone" & what the "staff was doing"<br /><br /><br />"Well . . .my staff decided to go off somewhere, and here I am "home Alone". Can you imagine! This total stranger came into my house and gave me my breakfast and dinner. He wouldn't let me go outside, and there was NO ONE here to keep me warm when I cuddle up at night. My poor buddy, Bandit, got stuck outside for all that time too. We had rain and some wind. I have to say I was scared. I had never been left alone for so long. 2 days and 2 nights with only that stupid tiny box with noise coming out.<br />Oh, I heard all about the "staff's little trip . . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R1TAPk47sTI/AAAAAAAAAGc/7Dc2RUqmGg0/s1600-R/sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R1TAPk47sTI/AAAAAAAAAGc/IYC-2mLD8KQ/s320/sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139944448569618738" /></a><br />When the "staff" takes off they leave by train in Santa Ana and usually go south to San Diego. Well, good thing it was raining when they left-they deserved that-LOL I guess the train in front of them had broken down and their train had to get all the passengers from the Oceanside stop. But, I heard they had fun anyway. A couple of beers on the train as the ride is almost 2 hours. Then after arriving in San Diego, they got over to their hotel and thats when the fun started, at least for them. Dinner at the on site resturant with a couple of drinks. I heard they were so "tired" by the time they got back to their room, it was just "shut-eye" that night-LOL<br />Sat morning, they didn't get up as early as usual. Well, that was because I wasn't there to make sure. After showering and getting ready, the hotel's shuddle took them up to the museum. They were going to go see all these really old pieces of paper. Huh . . .scraps of paper are meant to be played with, chewed on, then lost.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R1TAyk47sUI/AAAAAAAAAGk/btL5y1ifez4/s1600-R/signs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R1TAyk47sUI/AAAAAAAAAGk/WPLo9cqlVjg/s320/signs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139945049865040194" /></a><br /><br />Well, that surely doesn't look like much fun to play in if one is a cat.<br />boy, they better not bring home any of those pets. Dead Sea Scrolls-wonder if there is catnip inside.<br /><br />I overheard one of my staff say that she saw a writting of the "Ten Commandments" that was older than Jesus Christ. Is that important? I guess. Being a cat, I just don't get some things.<br />she also said it took till afternoon to see everything. She got a couple of books about it all too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R1TBI047sVI/AAAAAAAAAGs/LyxRsoELtHw/s1600-R/oldtown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/R1TBI047sVI/AAAAAAAAAGs/XwRPm3FHZlo/s320/oldtown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139945432117129554" /></a><br />Afterwards they went here to have dinner and get a few things for their "romantic" evening! the Mexican food was great along with the peach margarita and the peppermint margarita. I like my "malt" hair ball stuff. Nothing fancy for me.<br />Bath salts and candles. Well, I am certainly NOT going to take a bath, not even with salt from the Dead Sea.<br />Upon arriving back at their hotel, a beautiful bunch of roses was waiting. How nice! And the rest of the evening was, well, what can I say but even tho I am a cat, I still have discretion. Go ahead and let your own imagination take it from here.<br /><br />they finally got back on Sunday afternoon and let me tell you I was nothing but a streak of striped fur running out the back door. And I ignored them the rest of the day. It took a lot of "princess pleasing" to get me to come in that night.<br />But, imagine. leaving me!!!! Oh their friend, who did make sure I at least had some food, told them I was crying Sunday morning. I did not cry. I mearly was asking, loudly, if I could go outside.<br /><br />But, the staff is home. things are where they belong and I AM NOT ALONE ANYMORE!<br /><br />Thanks for letting me vent<br />MunchieDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-34981236316082421692007-11-12T05:06:00.000-08:002007-11-12T05:08:55.966-08:00My cyber flowers. . . <object classid='clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000' codebase='http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0' width='280' height='280'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='sameDomain' /><param name='allowFullScreen' value='false' /><param name='movie' value='http://www.theyrebeautiful.com/widget.swf?tb_garden=727746d83e624c3c&tb_host=www.theyrebeautiful.com' /><param name='quality' value='high' /><embed quality='high' width='280' height='280' wmode='transparent' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' src='http://www.theyrebeautiful.com/widget.swf?tb_garden=727746d83e624c3c&tb_host=www.theyrebeautiful.com' allowScriptAccess='sameDomain' allowFullScreen='false'></embed></object><br />Things like this are fun. And it sure helps make me smile.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-47487101033621934992007-11-10T05:05:00.001-08:002007-11-10T05:15:28.402-08:00Being and Living Green. . . <br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWt2H9lLJI/AAAAAAAAAGM/fbIdem2m0_g/s1600-h/greentip1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWt2H9lLJI/AAAAAAAAAGM/fbIdem2m0_g/s320/greentip1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131198495820426386" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWtQH9lLII/AAAAAAAAAGE/NzrlBvPEdtc/s1600-h/greentip.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWtQH9lLII/AAAAAAAAAGE/NzrlBvPEdtc/s320/greentip.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131197842985397378" /></a><br />How many of you just throw in the trash, your coffee grounds, cold coffee, tea bags, cuttings from vegetables, egg shells, potato, carrot peelings, the water used to boil eggs, potatoes, vegetables etc? Now I know some of you live in small apartments and don't have gardens, but do you have house plants? Above you see my kitchen compost. Mostly coffee grounds. But, when I do boil eggs or potatoes, the hot liquid goes in there also. Then ether hubby or myself will go out, grab the little shovel, and bury this around the roses, and/or other plants. When I remake my coffee for the next day, whatever coffee is left goes out also. One way to kind of save a bit of liquid that a plant could use, and the nutrients even in coffee is good for the plants. My rose blooms are huge. My yard looks amazing. Plus I have plenty of worms.<br />My little "bucket" has a lid, so no one has to look at the stuff inside. <br />and for all of you who just have a small apartment, but have house plants-use the cold coffee to just water your plants. Your other kitchen waste could be used around your complex if you have bushes, trees, and the like. <br /><br />There are a few exceptions to what can go out. DO NOT PUT ONION SKINS OR GARLIC PAPERS OUT IN YOUR GARDEN. Most onion skins and garlic paper has a dry greyish powdery mold on. tho this will NOT HURT YOU, this mold will grow in soil and spread thru out your soil. Go ahead and throw these things in the trash. <br /><br />It's one way to help the old Mother earth and feel good about giving back to her.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-71738564225185909922007-11-10T04:58:00.000-08:002007-11-10T05:14:30.291-08:00What has Deborah been doing?<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWsIX9lLHI/AAAAAAAAAF8/p5O-lxQ2slg/s1600-h/brightpurse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWsIX9lLHI/AAAAAAAAAF8/p5O-lxQ2slg/s320/brightpurse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131196610329783410" /></a><br />Here is one purse I am doing for "spring". Don't ya just love the colors-kind of like an Easter egg I think. I used cotton yarn, and the pattern is from "i Crochet" magazine from Lesiure Arts. <br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWriX9lLGI/AAAAAAAAAF0/IC97iiMHF0Q/s1600-h/orange.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWriX9lLGI/AAAAAAAAAF0/IC97iiMHF0Q/s320/orange.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131195957494754402" /></a><br />My purse for the winter months, except the holiday weeks, I went a bit darker and used novelty yarn for the top. A bit different from what you see on the cover of the magazine. Again this pattern is in this magazine "i Crochet" from Lesiure Arts. I am showing the purse right before I assembled it. The orange bead for the pocket closure is from "2 Roses" in Tustin, Calif. They make the most beautiful beads. And how well is goes with the novelty yarn I used.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWrL39lLFI/AAAAAAAAAFs/r5c3rosLdic/s1600-h/catmonkey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzWrL39lLFI/AAAAAAAAAFs/r5c3rosLdic/s320/catmonkey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131195570947697746" /></a><br />I confess, I ordered Beth's book "Amigurum". I think her designs and patterns are "the cat's meow". I finished the monkey and am working on the cat. But, you can see I did change colors and used buttons as embrodry for me is tough. Below are some seperate shots.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-21991239431668395862007-11-08T09:15:00.000-08:002007-11-08T09:28:28.693-08:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzNEi39lLEI/AAAAAAAAAFk/uGpLyI1bfew/s1600-h/hold+attitude.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzNEi39lLEI/AAAAAAAAAFk/uGpLyI1bfew/s320/hold+attitude.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130519766433606722" /></a><br />Canadian Super Scoopers.<br />This Martin Mars Flying Boat is one of two remaining flying in the world. They are based in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada, and are used to fight forest fires. The aircraft gained fame during the heyday of Pan American World Airways. The recent fires in southern California contracted them for support. They are pure beauty flying. A small lake caused the very low approach to scoop water to dump on the nearest fire. Enjoy<br /><br />Thank you Canada for your amazing planes and pilots. As you can see these pilots are "VERY GOOD".Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-40963744079526231012007-11-06T11:14:00.000-08:002007-11-06T11:22:36.676-08:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzC-zUs7YxI/AAAAAAAAAFc/fyAnpqLn2C0/s1600-h/mirror3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RzC-zUs7YxI/AAAAAAAAAFc/fyAnpqLn2C0/s320/mirror3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129809764514751250" /></a><br /><br />Mirror. . . mirror on the wall. . . <br /><br />Our neighbor Joe did a small cap for the fireplace. The only thing that had ever been up on the mantle was the top board with the wavy edge. the rest was always just the bricks. Now, don't get me wrong, I think fireplaces are ok, but I personally don't use it for wood fires. Plus this fireplace was also gas, which still wastes the heat up and out. To much polution and heat goes up and out the chimmey. I had my plummer, Gary, come in and cap the gas line. We took out the old grate and faux logs. Joe took the grate for his patio fire pit and we used the logs to "critter" proof the bottoms of the wood fence. <br /><br />Talking "green" here, the wood that Joe used was from the root cellar in this house. Old growth Douglas fir shelves had been down there since my parents bought this place. More than likely the old shelving was cut during the late 30's right before WW2. Victory gardens would have begun to spring up and the storage of "root" crops and canned items would have been stored down there. With the explosion population that began in California, and the urban sprawl up to now, the root cellar isn't used anymore, due to flooding, so hubby dismantled the shelves. Joe took the rest of the shelves, but used a couple for the cap. I also decided to have him put the "rough" side facing out for everyone to see. <br /><br /><br />And Joe being Joe, did the bit of trim on the bottom of the cap. Plus, here you can see a bit of the new fireplace screen I bought. A bit gothic, but when seen with the entire room, it's perfect. I still have to stain this piece to a redbrown. I am slowly darkening some of the wood pieces of furniture that was just coated with varnish way back aobut 25 years. Along with the wonderful glass front bookcase opposite the fireplace, the warmth of the darker wood against the flat white of the walls makes everything just "pop". <br /><br /><br />Here, Joe was using screws to anchor the top onto the cap. Hubby would love to be able to do things like this, but with his hands that shake, somethings he used to do, are becoming memories. Joe also helps Dave, with things like building new gates. Dave will do most of the work, Joe just kind of supervises, and cuts the wood on his table saws. Hubby loves the help and the "male bonding" thing with Joe. Joe, himself does woodworking. He has built his own kakak, dressers, his island and other various things. He owns his own pool business, and works for FedX not only for the extra income, but for medical and dental.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-90848171376160506382007-10-11T16:40:00.000-07:002007-10-11T16:43:02.120-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rw60hgrhBwI/AAAAAAAAAFU/NK3gK_IcHmE/s1600-h/candycorn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rw60hgrhBwI/AAAAAAAAAFU/NK3gK_IcHmE/s320/candycorn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120228314167969538" /></a><br />Candy Corn crochet purse.<br />That is a 6 inch ruler next to the purse so everyone can kind of get an idea of how large this purse is!!! It really is so soft after felting!! And remember you can get the "free pattern" at the LionBrand.com!!!!!! I like to show crochet in it's different stages. Kind of gives one the idea of how a pattern is worked. <br /><br />Well, I went over to the big "speciality market" over by Fashion Island and got a couple of really nice steaks for hubby's birthday on Sat. For the same price as going to a nice resturant, I got "bigger and better" steaks, plus all the trimmings. Poor baby is going to be 58!!! he's a year older than me. But, he has inocent tremor in his hands. It gets worse with age. I guess in several years he will have to "drink his coffee with a straw as his hands will shake so bad he would spill it all over him. No, it's not Parkson's. He does take a medication for it, but it really doesn't make it go away. <br />I also went over to Roger's gardens. http://www.rogersgardens.com This garden shop is so beautiful. Right now they have a halloween set-up and they have just gotten all the Christmas trees decorated inside the main building. Oh, if I ever hit the lottery-that would be the first place I would go!!! LOL they don't allow photos, so I can't show you the trees. But take my word for it, walking thru all those beautiful decorated trees is heaven!!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-60545930845852505792007-10-11T07:27:00.000-07:002007-10-11T07:30:38.878-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rw4y9QrhBvI/AAAAAAAAAFM/Q-QhDFOyVG0/s1600-h/porch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rw4y9QrhBvI/AAAAAAAAAFM/Q-QhDFOyVG0/s320/porch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120085854397728498" /></a><br />Happy Fall!! <br />TA-DA. I got new chairs for the front porch. And since we are into fall, I added the color. Thought I would share. Just wait till I add the "Halloween" touches. But, hubby's birthday is Saturday and I will wait to do the "spooky" things on Sunday. Hubby will be 58!!!!!<br /><br />Also, I am getting the photos from the Oakland Knit and Crochet show done. I did get one shot of some of the old buildings, BUT . . . Hillary was going to be doing one of the "political rallys" in about an hour. I thought about it, took one shot of a building, then decided it wasn't going to be worth it to try to explain to Secret service that I was only taking pictures of buildings. Now, to back this up, the next morning at breakfast, a secret service agent was in the hotel's dining room. Yes, it was. It's when they talk into their sleeves that kind of gives them away, plus the shiney shoes. Nothing came of the visit, but since the "former First lady" was in town . . .<br />Also down the other way from where Hillary was going to be speaking, they were opening an "Obama" political office was opening. No "Obama", but everything to go with it. Just way to many people for me. I just went back to the hotel and watched the Seahawks/San Fran game. "SEAHAWKS" won. <br />In being able to watch this things setting up, I did notice that both just were looking for donations via their buttons, stickers, placards, etc. I think it would have been better if I was running for a high office, I would have had food and water/soda etc. After all the "monies" these campaigns raise, why do they want the nickles and dimes from regular people. Why not give a bit back. Even grilled hot dogs, chips, and a soda would sure make me think different about who was running. What about you? Now, I don't want to know who you are for or anything like that. But, how would you like to see a rally? Somewhere you have to "pay" to be up front, or mingling with a hot dog and cold soda?? Something on those lines . . .Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-61353823414313007802007-07-17T03:57:00.000-07:002007-07-17T04:20:07.526-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rpyg48JGwzI/AAAAAAAAAE4/729C58g31OY/s1600-h/guysvacation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rpyg48JGwzI/AAAAAAAAAE4/729C58g31OY/s320/guysvacation.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088118579099255602" /></a><br />Kind of vacation. My sons seemed to have had fun. Mostly it was doing their on-line gaming of Warcraft". I guess that is kind of a vacation. We did go to the Fair over at the Orange county fairgrounds. I let them know that this fair was mostly shows and food. It's been a really long time since there were a lot of animals there. Today it is mostly sheep or goats. Cattle are prety much gone from here now. <br />The pictures are kind of those "no, not really into photos this vacation Mom. Just want to do R&R my way. Don't worry, I will try my best to keep the mess down." And they did. Not bad for grown children.<br /><br />The world is becoming colorful again. All the shades of grey and fading into blooms of color. And I know someone had to have the music I was hearing playing somewhere. I keep hearing those Gregorian chants in my head. Ether that or I am just beginning to go nuts. Cool. I guess we'll all find out when it happens-huh?<br /><br />the house is nearly finished. Or reasonably so. Just gotta do the mirrors, pictures and the like. Kind of grunt work. At least for me. I just love my stone floor in the kitchen. The color really flows on out to the outside. Gives it that extened kitchen/patio feel. So far it's been great to have coffee outside and just enjoy the early morning and how it wakes up.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-22556602293153288152007-07-13T05:24:00.001-07:002007-07-13T13:54:29.626-07:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/debbma/798822646/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1219/798822646_0bf86317fe_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/debbma/798822646/">together goodby</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/debbma/">spaceman48</a> </span></div>In the whole universe I am still not quite sure how things work, but somehow all things are connected. <br />I am doing this blog about my sons saying goodby to their grandma, yet I am posting on what would have been my "real" dads 77th birthday. Just fate? Intresting how things work! <br /><br />I went to visit my sons up in Washington and they drove me back to Calif., so they could have a "vacation". You know, sun, sleep, beer, on-line gaming at any hour you want, kind of a 24 hour resturant vacation. Hey, what the hell, I got a few extra labors out of them too!! Getting and bringing "stepping" stones from my old garden is wonderful. Just the shear difference in color makes a real statement. Tho this yard is quite a bit smaller than the half acre I had, I still made rock pathways to be able to get to the backside of someof the plants. Certain places only needed a "larger" stepping stone. "No stepping on soil if possible. <br />Anyway, Josh had asked if we could go to the cemetary, as he wanted to say good by. Both boys wanted to do that. So, Wednesday, July 11th we went up to Riverside, Calif to the Memorial cemetary. <br /><br />This is the final plaque to my Mother and step-Father. . . <br />"Together Forever"<br /><br clear="all" />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-12446900684094498722007-07-11T19:55:00.000-07:002007-07-11T20:01:37.797-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RpWYWcJGwxI/AAAAAAAAAEk/TRzB32ygi4s/s1600-h/plaque.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RpWYWcJGwxI/AAAAAAAAAEk/TRzB32ygi4s/s320/plaque.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086138865463771922" /></a><br />Goodbys and Closure! Both of my sons wanted to go and see the cementary where their Grandma is. She is with her husband at the National Cementary in Riverside, California. and as you can see on the plaque, I had it inscribed with "Together Forever".<br />All in all it was an intresting day. The drive up there was reasonably quiet as was the drive back. We dusted off the plaque as they were mowing that side. But, it was very touching to watch 2 grown men kneel down and clean a grave marker. They indeed loved their grandma "B".Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-83877128340329903892007-07-08T08:39:00.000-07:002007-07-09T07:23:56.054-07:00All I can say about "marthon" driving is that it "sucks". But, I understand the why tho. My sons wanted to have a lot of thier vacations, so of course, we did 1508 miles in 2 days. <br />We started out from Bellingham, Washington at 12:45 pm July 5th. The truck was packed. And oh ya, I managed to get Josh to throw in a couple of bigger rocks for my garden. I found the "cutest" tuffet looking rock for a stepping stone!! Also, a "green stone, which when Josh threw it it broke and the most wonderful looking designs came out. I also found a few other things my hubby had forgotten when he had been up there cleaning out before Josh bought the place too. <br />anyway, off we went. We started at milemarker 250 going south! Traffic even thru Seattle was full of 18 wheelers. Over the Colombia river all the overpasess were filled with semi's. <br />Josh really gets into his drive. Now, imagine sitting in a Tacoma truck for this long. I gotta say, leg room isn't great! My butt got "numb" a lot. It's really hard to find a comfortable position for 12 hours of driving. Except for gas stops and a couple of "rest areas", it was all drive. Josh did the Oregon mountains at night. Now that is sometime. One can make out the tops of the forest trees against the dark sky. Only other thing is the snaking red tail lights and the brightness of the white headlights going North. <br />We did stop in one little town and had a great Mexican dinner. Family run, homemade salsa, very hot plates. and just a really big "YUM" factor. !! At about 12:45 am, I managed to get Josh to stop in Yreka to get a room and grab some ZZzzzzz. Not bad for 3-$85. Hey, showers, toilet and a place to get horizontal for a few hours. Josh was out before his head hit the pillow. Robert and I at least got to the pillow before sliding into a sleep coma. I set the alarm for 4:30 and was up, showered, went out for "more coffee" and milk, before the other 2 arose. Tipical Mommie. We left at 5:45 as we were in California and had the skillet run thru the central valley. After Sacremento, the temps were 103 degrees, the drive is fairly flat, and tons of 18 wheelers everywhere. Central California is the "bread basket". Just about everything grown comes from the central valley. Finally, going over the grapvine. The grapevine is the last mountain pass before dropping down into the L.A. basin. And even more traffic. Hey, it was Fri, during a "holiday" week. Those that had to come back to work on Thursday, now wanted to leave for the lakes and such!!! Down the 5 to the 405 cutoff. The 405 makes it easier to make the trek to Orange county. One doesn't have to go thru L.A. The sight of exit signs that I knew were such a relief!! We arrived at the house about 6pm! A bit over the time limit, but with the traffic, especially all those 18 wheelers, we did pretty good.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-9363688790360338882007-07-04T11:15:00.000-07:002007-07-04T11:21:49.729-07:00<strong>You know when you plan for "travel" you hope that you've everything "taken care" of. I can honestly say, I've never had planning that just worked. It's kind of funny in a lot of ways. First, I managed to talk my sons into driving me back. In payment for their services, I offered to pay for all the gas and food for their "round-trip" driving. I also went ahead and got both guys vehicles tuned up, even tho we are only taking one vehicles. If you got more than one kid, you understand this. If one gets, they all get!! No strange feelings floating around, if you know what I mean. I also got a "Motel 6, for 2 of the 3 nights that I am here. My youngest was a bit "overly protective" about that. But, hey, Josh has 2 room mates and well, I didn't want them feeling uncomfortable with a female around. And a Mother to boot. I told him that hey, I've stayed in much worse places. Try "tent camping" in the back of your pick-up during an all night rain storm in the desert, in the middle of "nowhere"!!!! Ah the joys of being an amateur astronomers wife. But, these are just a speck of what the travel has been like so far. <br /><br /><br />So, I booked Amtrak, and for the first time I got a sleeper. Usually, I go coach. After getting off the commuter to the Starlight, one now has to have a boarding pass. So, down the ramp all the way to Union station proper. No really good signs ether. I waited in the line that said Sleepers to discover, wrong line. Over to another shorter line and get a boarding pass. I'm "OK-ed" and all the way back and up the ramp to the other side of the tracks all the way up to the 3rd car from the Engine. The tiny rooms are great. 2 beds, upper and lower. The lower is also 2 seats. The porter, takes care of making up the beds if you request and putting them back in the morning. Free coffee, tea and juice. All meals are included in your ticket, plus the parlor car where wine tasting and other fun things for sleeper car passengers. Sure was nice. Tho the dinning car was 6 cars back. Due to holiday they put on an extra sleeper! It's ok as I don't really eat dinner. 2 meals and maybe a piece of fruit in the evening. Great scenery, private space, slept most of the time!! I really needed the rest and 37 hours on a train is a great way to get it. But, I really stress that I GOT A SLEEPER. My own tiny space!! Coach doesn't get that. Sleepers also have showers down the hall also. <br /><br /><br />Arrive in Seattle at 11 pm, about 2 hours late. This train is never on time! I hail a taxi and go to my hotel for the night. Commuter doesn't leave till the next morning. I'm getting my ticket then. Great room, little pampering touches. Great nights sleep after I let everyone know I was safe and sound via text messaging. I check out at 6am and request a taxi back to the train Depot. Get in line, up to the counter and "REALLY" was the response I gave to finding out that train was full and the next one wasn't until 6ish that night. Out the glass doors, hail a taxi, off to the bus Depot. You just gotta love the "doggy bus". Plus we were leaving the same time as the commuter. What a breath of fresh air in stepping off the bus into Bellingham's Alaska Ferry/Amtrak/ buses depot! Went pee, had a smoke, and voila, the city bus arrived. $.75 cents got me to the top of the hill and into Haggens market I went to surprise my sons who work there. Josh was doing produce and turned his head and "MoM!!!! He was waiting for my call from the bus depot. I said, I just caught the bus. I told him to just do what he needed to do, and I would be in the mini-cafe. Good coffee. The water up here tastes great, plus no bitter tasting coffee. Saw Rob, my other son. He wasn't having a great day. 2 cookies and a cup of coffee later, Josh comes around the the cafe, we're off to the house. He would later that day take me to the Motel 6. Tho, I would catch the bus during the mornings and check in on the Internet. I mean how much more perfect could this be. REALLY alone time to see what and how one handles things that come up. I plan and save over my budget for travel. Then if I don't need to use that extra, "SHOPPING". I love the handmade glass, wood and pottery up here. Most things down south are just to much alike. But, I will describe those later in another blog with photos!!<br /><br /><br />I also, got Josh to let me take a couple of the smaller rocks I liked. A "tuffet" looking one round with a smooth flat top. Weighs about 30 pounds. Then some of the greet granite broken ones for accent. It's nice to have a few memories, and "only the rocks live forever"<br /><br /><br />So, today, when Josh gets home, we're going for some "man-meat" (Steak) for him to cook on his monster grill!!!Watch some fireworks, then leave about O dark 30 in the morning!!! So, we should be on the road for 2 days. I am making Josh stop at night to get some rest. Not really to good to be over tired when doing L.A. traffic on a Fri. Tho, with he holiday, most won't be leaving for home till Sat. Cross your fingers the traffic isn't to bad. We are going a tad over 1500 miles south, thru that record heat in the central valley and over the grapefine in to the L.A. basin, a touch west, down the shore line to Newport Beach and up the mesa to Costa Mesa.</strong>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-57081539567029787192007-06-28T18:07:00.000-07:002007-06-28T18:16:53.191-07:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RoRbdd1ZjyI/AAAAAAAAAEc/5g7QAJm8p8M/s1600-h/kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RoRbdd1ZjyI/AAAAAAAAAEc/5g7QAJm8p8M/s320/kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081286841363697442" /></a><br />Kitchen counters, backsplash and floor are set. tomorrow they will do the wall where the stove goes. I tried to get some close-ups of the tile so it would be easier to see. <br />My floor is slate, or stone. it's called mystique green. And from different angles, it looks like it changes colors. The counter top and backsplash are wonderful. And with that little "pencil rail" WOW!! <br />Tomorrow they will do the wall, grout the rest and Voila!!! <br />They are working on the bathroom and are having a bit of "fun" with the hexagons. I guess when those mesh things need to be cut, the mesh doesn't want to stay put!! But, they will finish it tomorrow. For tonight we have NO toilet!! Good thing we have a "camp commode"!!!! <br /><br />Well, enjoy and let me know what you think . . . .Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-87303615755190649122007-06-26T18:06:00.000-07:002007-06-26T18:07:48.824-07:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RoG4Lt1ZjxI/AAAAAAAAAEU/ARBM63b4YZk/s1600-h/trapdoor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RoG4Lt1ZjxI/AAAAAAAAAEU/ARBM63b4YZk/s320/trapdoor.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080544366072270610" /></a><br />New Trap door in floor!<br />Well, my tile won't be ready till tomorrow, but "Vestermark" went ahead and redid the "trap door" to the old root cellar that is in this house. they had fabricated a new frame from metal and then lined it with wood. This way the new trap is lightweight and will take the tile much better. <br />Also, there is a new hinge and will be a recessed pull to get the trap up.<br />Tomorrrow they start laying tile!!!! <br /><br />No we don't use the root cellar due to when we get the "El Nino" rains. the cellar will flood and we have to pump it out. The cellar isn't very big, maybe 4 feet X 5 feet. One can stand up down there. And there is a light. But, normally one doesn't hear of a "root cellar" in California. <br /><br />Munch is doing better today. She was "very good" all day. No crying at least. I went in and played with her today for about an hour. then I "hand fed" her some cooked chicken. We found if we kind of keep her very well fed, she does better.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-5087379725940450632007-06-25T17:46:00.000-07:002007-06-25T17:47:54.612-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RoBh-3u6piI/AAAAAAAAAEM/SyklxV68G6A/s1600-h/dayone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/RoBh-3u6piI/AAAAAAAAAEM/SyklxV68G6A/s320/dayone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080168112414434850" /></a><br />Day one of prep for kitchen. <br />Well, the kitchen is pretty much prepped. Floor and countertops are ready for tile!! <br />The tile guys had fun getting up the old floor. As far as I know, that old floor was there when <br />my parents bought the house in 1962!! So, I really don't know how old it was. But, it was tough and didn't want to come easily!! the old countertops were only 16 years old so they weren't quite so tough to come out. <br /><br />Poor little Munch. She has to stay in for all of this. the tile guys have their trailor in the back-back, partly thru the smaller gate. Munch has to be cooped up in the baig bedroom all day. We did get her collar and leash for a walk out in the back. She was "NOT HAPPY" with that. Of course, most cats don't like to be on a leash. But, she seems a bit better, if I stay inside with her!!!! A couple three days won't hurt. and then she will have a new slate floor to "run" across!! <br /><br />Well, more tomorrow . . . <br /><br />stay tuned!!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-73656313354307279322007-06-25T06:40:00.000-07:002007-06-25T06:43:51.525-07:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rn_F4Hu6phI/AAAAAAAAAEE/cv7rbKD6cB0/s1600-h/beforetile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rn_F4Hu6phI/AAAAAAAAAEE/cv7rbKD6cB0/s320/beforetile.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079996472636384786" /></a><br />Before photos are always fun! Here is my kitchen before!! Nice and bright. Hopefully it will be even better once the tile is finished. I've never had anything like this before. I am a bit nervous. <br />The bathroom will also be done, white subway tile on the wall and hexagon for the floor!!! <br /><br />So here we go . . .Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34597677.post-34532570863623144902007-06-23T07:58:00.000-07:002007-06-23T07:59:42.320-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rn01LHu6pgI/AAAAAAAAAD8/9c31cuc8uWU/s1600-h/multi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_SCcknJ-L9A0/Rn01LHu6pgI/AAAAAAAAAD8/9c31cuc8uWU/s320/multi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079274419914450434" /></a><br />Finally!! Now I have a place where everything is in one room!! Beading, crochet, computer graphics, TV, video games, etc. I use "large" baskets to hold my yarn. Tho, I "splurged" a bit as "Suzoo's is on vacation"!! But, hey, an addiction of yarn and beads can't be all bad. LOL <br />I'm doing a "baby" blanket for a friend. The pattern I am trying is of that Tiramisu baby blanket. She is having a girl, and she loves "pink", so I am using "Caron"s Simply soft" in Watermelon. It is really coming out beautiful. I am going to get a contrasting ribbon when I finish it. <br /><br />Monday, the tile guys are coming!! Scarry for me as this is the first time I have ever had tile work done. In the kitchen, the floor, countertops and backsplash is getting done. Also, the wall behind the stove will be done. I am going with a vanilla and mystique green!!! <br />The bathroom is also getting done. White subway tiles for the walls and a hexagon tile for the floor!! Am I nervous-YOU BET!! LOL<br /><br />Ok, I will be gone a week beginning June 30th. I'm going North to Washington state. A bit of business, then visit my sons in Bellingham. I did talk my sons into driving me back and we should be back on July 6th!!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268450411816981000noreply@blogger.com1