D.A.M. CREATIONS crochet & beading

2008-02-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

Bits and Pieces and updates . . .Oh My!

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?????
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 . . .

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.
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.

Cookie how to

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.

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

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.

Bookcase

Yep, I got a "good looking one". Why not? See all those books hiding behind the door . . .

Books

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.

Hooks

I keep my hooks in the bookcase too. Now you all know what you can do with floral frogs and giant beer mugs!!
The new patterns I got are shown below. Plus, I am working on the "Strawberry Shortcake" and another doll. you will see the bits and pieces . . .

Patterns

Mr and Mrs Santa

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 . . .

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 "Red Heart" Classic 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!!

The latest issue of "Crochet Today", March/April 08, has in their "products & news", 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 "Annie's Attic". 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

Hooks I recomend

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.

Munch

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.

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.

2008-02-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

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.
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 "spring" is coming.

2008-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

I "Slept" in.

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
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 World of Warcraft. 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.

Amigurumi in progress

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.

Beach purse

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.
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.
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.

Easter basket

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. :(

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

2008-01-20T08:36:00.000-08:00

Different yarns, same hook . . .4:00 am ramblings

Being up early has a few benefits. 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.

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, Amigurumi.
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.

Pigs

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.
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.

Eggs

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.

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.
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.

So, everyone have a good day, and I'll check in a bit later . . .

2008-01-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

Concerns, string purse & button necklace

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 everything. 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.

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.

You have to understand hubby's disability. Innocent tremor is a brain problem. It's genetic.His hands shake.

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.

So, I used to wash Mother's dentures, doing hubby's will be no problem.

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

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.)

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.

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.

Well, dentist first today, then milk, cat food, return movies, paint, stuffing, all on the way home. Maybe lunch out would be nice too . . .

Later . . . everyone have a nice day

2007-12-27T08:22:00.001-08:00

"Our Christmas" with a nature surpise

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.

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.

Had to get the birds in there. The Newport Beach pier. The surfers were out and other couples were out strolling too.

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.

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.
I got hubby some newer t's and sweatshirts with great things on them. another pair of slippers, geek light, and a planetary watch.
Hubby also got me a throw in Leopard spots. Oh, I like that-LOL

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.

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 . . .

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 wonder

2007-12-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

New overnight grip!

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.
I really needed a new overnight grip as my old one was a "basket" purse.

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".

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.

But, let me know what you think of my new tote.

Deborah

2007-12-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

Munchie . . .P.O.V. . . ."1st Home alone" & what the "staff was doing"

"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.
Oh, I heard all about the "staff's little trip . . .

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
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.

Well, that surely doesn't look like much fun to play in if one is a cat.
boy, they better not bring home any of those pets. Dead Sea Scrolls-wonder if there is catnip inside.

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.
she also said it took till afternoon to see everything. She got a couple of books about it all too.

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.
Bath salts and candles. Well, I am certainly NOT going to take a bath, not even with salt from the Dead Sea.
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.

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.
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.

But, the staff is home. things are where they belong and I AM NOT ALONE ANYMORE!

Thanks for letting me vent
Munchie

2007-11-12T05:06:00.000-08:00

My cyber flowers. . .
Things like this are fun. And it sure helps make me smile.

2007-11-10T05:05:00.001-08:00

Being and Living Green. . .

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.
My little "bucket" has a lid, so no one has to look at the stuff inside.
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.

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.

It's one way to help the old Mother earth and feel good about giving back to her.

2007-11-10T04:58:00.000-08:00

What has Deborah been doing?

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.

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.

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.

2007-11-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Canadian Super Scoopers.
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

Thank you Canada for your amazing planes and pilots. As you can see these pilots are "VERY GOOD".

2007-11-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Mirror. . . mirror on the wall. . .

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.

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.

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".

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.

2007-10-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

Candy Corn crochet purse.
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.

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.
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!!

2007-10-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall!!
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!!!!!

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 . . .
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.
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 . . .

2007-07-17T03:57:00.000-07:00

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.
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.

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?

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.

2007-07-13T05:24:00.001-07:00

together goodby
Originally uploaded by spaceman48

In the whole universe I am still not quite sure how things work, but somehow all things are connected.
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!

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.
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.

This is the final plaque to my Mother and step-Father. . .
"Together Forever"

2007-07-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

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".
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".

2007-07-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

All 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

2007-07-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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!!

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"

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.

2007-06-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

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.
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!!
Tomorrow they will do the wall, grout the rest and Voila!!!
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"!!!!

Well, enjoy and let me know what you think . . . .

2007-06-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

New Trap door in floor!
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.
Also, there is a new hinge and will be a recessed pull to get the trap up.
Tomorrrow they start laying tile!!!!

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.

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.

2007-06-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

Day one of prep for kitchen.
Well, the kitchen is pretty much prepped. Floor and countertops are ready for tile!!
The tile guys had fun getting up the old floor. As far as I know, that old floor was there when
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.

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!!

Well, more tomorrow . . .

stay tuned!!

2007-06-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

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.
The bathroom will also be done, white subway tile on the wall and hexagon for the floor!!!

So here we go . . .

2007-06-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

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
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.

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!!!
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

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!!

2007-06-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well, the little 12 foot X 12 foot bedroom hubby and I slept in is now a "multi-purpose room". When caring for Mother, we kept her in the bigger bedroom due to her might needing medical equipment, visiting nurses and the like. But, now, I have moved in the TV, some futon chairs, 3 drawer dresser for my beads, and this closet/office set up. Beads, yarn, computer graphic books, Wii, are all now in one place. This is the first time I have ever had my "own" working space! For the past 30+ years, I have just "stolen" bits of space in the house. WOW! It's difficult to explain how I am feeling.

I also want to thank everyone for "hanging" in there with me. I know I haven't been around like I used to be. I believe I threw myself into redoing this little house to "work" thru grief and all the stages of it. Even with redoing emotions ran very high. As with the bay window-to see the "old windows open" after 40 years, brought back feelings and emotions like a tidal wave hitting the shore. Growing up in this house were the "best" days of my life as a teenager. I wish my parents could see how all the changes. As I do do some things, I can hear my father, in his soft way, explain techniques of sanding, staining, painting and general home repairs. Never raising his voice, even if I made a mistake. My mother, telling me how to make things safe, such as the "night lights" for the bathroom, kitchen, phone and the like. Securing cabinets with simple dowels thru the handles.
Most of the times when I finish for the day, I can hear and see the gentle "ghosts" of the past. All the love from then, infuses with today to make not only myself comfortable, but anyone who visits.

Thank you all again.

Deborah

2007-06-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Boy, does the new window make a difference. with the old window, I haven't seen it open since the 60's. I guess my dad had to seal it up due to leakage when it was raining really hard one year. It was a bit emotional to see the old bay window "open" again. And it was really difficult to see it go. But . . . after they got the new windows in, opened the side ones and I felt that wonderful breeze, I was very happy. The new window is double paned, UV resistant, blocks 70% of the noise, and the "grids are between the glass, and is just beautiful.
I will say we will be getting the rest of the house done also. I am really tired of "fighting" with old wooden windows that are 70 years old!!! Sure will be nice.
Well, I am off to "fill" the bookcase. then I have to move some more furniture as the "closet" people are coming tomorrow to do the back bedroom closet so I have desk and cubbies for my office/studio, TV room!!!!

Just been really busy. We are also sanding and refinishing lots of "wood".

2007-06-16T05:58:00.001-07:00

Senior Citizen Payback!

A very self-centered freshman attending a college
football
game, took it upon himself to explain to a senior
citizen
sitting next to him why it was impossible for the
older generation
to understand his generation.

"You grew up in a different world, actually an almost
primitive one,"
the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby
to hear. "We,
the young people of today, grew up with television,
jet planes, space
travel, men walking on the moon, our spaceships have
visited Mars.
We have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars,
computers
with high speed processing and...," While the student
paused to take
another sip of beer, the senior citizen took advantage
of the break and
said: "You're right, son. We didn't have those things
when we were
young.....so we invented them. Now, you arrogant
little shit, what are
you doing for the next generation?"

bookcases

2007-06-07T13:23:00.001-07:00

bookcases
Originally uploaded by spaceman48

My bookcases finally arrived. they are so beautiful. It really was worth the wait. The furniture company even sent a bottle of wine due to the wait.

2007-06-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

In the kitchen, the window above the sink has a "night light" that is just going to stay. I love that light for the nightime. Between the cabinets is a wood board upon which the clock sits. Just below that I ordered this piece of stained glass. It will hang on the board to help give the illusion of "curtains" to help improve the area.
I decided on this "sun, star and moon" because my husband is an amature astronomer. The window that this going up by catches the afternoon and setting sunlight. This will be great.

2007-05-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

Observe Memorial Day

"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:
by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

by visiting memorials.

by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.
Also, please consider adding your voice in support of the efforts to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th (instead of "the last Monday in May"). This would help greatly to return the solemn meaning back to the day, and to help return minds and hearts to think upon the ultimate sacrifices made by those in service to our country. Just one day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars.

2007-05-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

Major John McCrae
Canadian Officer

Ever Ask the Question.........

Why are Red Poppies Given out on Veterans Day?
Check the info Below for the Answer.

History of the Flanders Poppies
(Red Corn Poppy)

For many years I have found myself asking what the significance of the red poppies were in relation to Veterans Day. This year that question was asked of me and I had no answer. I did vow, however, to find the story behind the symbol. What interesting information I found.

It has been noted throughout history that after a major war red poppies seemed to pop up in the battlefields and on soldiers graves. It seems that poppy seeds lay dormant in the soil and when the soil is heavily turned or dug up it causes them to sprout. The most detailed of this event took place in WWI in Flanders Field, Belgium. In the craters where bombs fell and on the mounds of rubble, poppies bloomed everywhere. The heavily churned earth and the high concentration of lime from the limestone buildings made the perfect catalyst for the poppies to grow.

Around 1920 an American, Moina Michael, was the 1st recorded incidence of a person wearing a poppy in remembrance of lives lost in WWI. Madame E. Guerin on a visit from France heard of the idea and upon returning home began to make homemade poppies and sold them to help support the children of war. This idea quickly spread around the world. The poppies are sold in many countries with proceeds benefiting many different veteran organizations.

So the next time you see someone with poppies for a donation......dig down deep and give with pride. Know you are saying thanks and helping a worthy cause.......by supporting our vets and vets around the world.

Below, find a famous poem called ‘In Flanders Field’ written by Major John McCrae who was at Flanders Field, Belgium during WWI.

In Flanders Fields

by Major John McCrae
Canadian Officer

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

2007-05-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day:
Mississippi: Last Monday in April
Alabama: Fourth Monday in April
Georgia: April 26
North Carolina: May 10
South Carolina: May 10
Louisiana: June 3
Tennessee (Confederate Decoration Day): June 3
Texas (Confederate Heroes Day): January 19
Virginia: Last Monday in May

2007-05-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

THRU THE BAY WINDOW

In redoing this house, I am finding memories crashing thru my mind. We are going to be replacing this bay window in a couple of weeks. I remember this window growing up. The entire room then was Bob’s office. His huge desk, the stereo playing blues and jazz. And I remember in the 60’s when the center panels opened. The feel of the breeze as it cooled the air during summer. Of course during Bob’s lifetime, the window began to leak and he went ahead and sealed the window shut. Again, in a few weeks, the breeze will return. The new windows that will be replacing these will open. Only this time, it will be the side windows that will open. The front window will be stationary.
Also, in doing the new windows, the new glass will protect from the sun and of course be “green”. I am not really doing the replacements because of “global warming” or anything like that. The memory of the breezes is the goal. In some respects, sometimes, one does get to “go home” again.

2007-05-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

iboob!!! This is funny. A bit off color, but funny anyway.

2007-05-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry..

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

Thank you for the blessings, knowing you have given to my life...

2007-05-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

Mickey and Minnie Mouse!! While cleaning out Mother's things, I came across this ceramic pair. They are not in the best of shape, have no tails, and their names are on their chests. They are ok, but I'm not into "Disney" stuff. I think they are from the 30's or 40's. I don't know anything about them. If you know anything about them, please let me know.
I've gotten rid of a lot of stuff. I'd say more than half of what used to be in this house is not "gone". Mostly, I gave things away as a "pay it forward" thing. It's not really difficult for me to do this ether. I hear about a lot of people having a hard time getting rid of a parent's belongings. I guess I am not one of those kind of people. I can chalk that up to waiting so long to have my own home again. Plus with having taken care of Mother for so long, and having everything arranged before she passed, it really made things easier. And Mother had the insight to make sure I had enough money to do this house the way I wanted to. Believe me I am not a cold hearted woman, just practical. I saved the really important things of hers. So, now I am really getting things the way I want them!!

2007-05-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to anyone who comes to visit my blog. If you do visit, please leave a comment

Today is my 37th Wedding anniversary. Some years it feels like we'ver been married longer, some shorter. Till hubby "retired", he would be away at sea working. He used to work on oil tankers that went to Alaska and back down to California. He did that for 25 years. I kind of got used to not having him underfoot all the time. I also learned how to do just about everything too. Now, with this back thing going on, I am having to "teach" him some of the shortcuts to running a household. Now that has been really a lot of fun.
I don't expect anything from anyone today. Being that I was keeping the home fires burning on my own, I also got used to NOT having anyone even realize anniversaries, birthdays etc. That comes from being the "5th wheel" with girlfriends. Who is going to want a single married woman around some girlfriends husband?? You get the idea, so guess what, I don't really have a lot of girlfriends ether becasue they are so insecure. But, that's life I guess.
Things like that just takes a pause to remember. Girlfriends has always been on the "asking" side when they needed help or whatever. It took a lot to learn not to be be "Johnny on the spot" when people ask for help from me. I am now learning to put myself first. In my case, "what goes around, doesn't come around". I know I sound angry and maybe that's the problem. But . . . at this moment, I really don't care. With Mother's Day, which was really lonely, and now my 37 anniversary today, my wish is for to be like most of the other women I see and hear about-a day filled with just "fun" and rememberance. It's not going to happen, but that has been my wish for these long lonely 37 years.

2007-05-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

I bet everyone thought I disapeared! The painting contractor had called us week before last and said he could do our house last week due to another job that was canceled. Of course I said "Sure". Well, hubby and I got busy and had the house empted out over the weekend including getting all the switchplates and such off.
The painters started early Monday Morning. They were great. They laid down all the paper and covered the furniture, then got started on patching, sanding, and the like. John, the boss, began the new mudding of the kitchen ceiling. Plus that was when we had out "mini-heat wave for the first 2 days. The guys did begin the primer and were finished with the second coat of primer on the second day. I should say that this is a smallhouse. 5 rooms and a bath. By the third day, the mudding was finished and the guys were beginning to apply the finishing paint. WOW, what a difference in here. Due to Mother's illness for close to 5 years, we had not been able to do anything. Mother had breathing difficulties and was on oxygen. So, the walls and such were really nasty. I also had the cabinets painted inside and out. By, Thursday the house was finished. Hubby and I waited till Sat to start putting the house back together. Even Mother's Day we worked. As soon as I get the rest of the house put back together, I will take a few more photos to show the finished job!! But, I love it!!!!

The tile job will begin on June 25th. The tile contractor will be getting together with me to pick tile and colors. Of course when they do that everything in the kitchen and bath will have to come out. It will look really cute to see the fridge in the dinning room!! They did say they would help us move the fridge and stove due to my lumbar problem.

I did have a deadline for all that I wanted done and that was by Thanksgiving. So, things are moving right along. I still have to get some window coverings for the bedrooms and living room. Plus I have to get some photos and artwork framed to finish what is going up on the walls. I found a new lampshade for a burl lamp base that my step-father had made. I did have to buy the entire lamp to get it, but it was cheaper than just ordering a lamp shade. I also found 2 ceiling lamps for the bedrooms that were on sale also. The pictures of those will be in the next blog.

Well, I'm off again . . . .

2007-05-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

Red Hatter lady.

Various holiday pendants

4 feathers-real turquoise chips in fringe. Lizard has semi-precious stones and rattlesnake vertebra in fringe.

2007-05-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

The wavy flag bracelets are fun to do and I have done them in 2 different sizes of beads-size 11 and size 15. I use the size 15's for younger people and smaller women.

The dragon is a wall tapestry. I sold this one and the same person had me do a second one for her as well.

I did this beadwork as I love the quilt pattern "tumbling blocks" I used vintage crystals in the neckpiece.
The dragon is a wall tapestry. I sold this one and the same person had me do a second one for her as well.

2007-05-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

NEW STOVE AND FRIDGE!!
Finally, some progress. I did get my new appliances. The old ones were 21 years old. Even tho they were still working great, they just looked really tired and lovingly used. Plus these these new appliances are "Energy Star", so to help save energy. Yea!!

Plus, my gardener, John extended the patio a bit for us with a sidewalk to the "back-back" as we call it. No more wet feet when going to the trash. I also figure that when the inside of the house is being done, we will have some place to be that is reasonably comfortable.

2007-04-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

Really big Jumbo Wooden Crochet hooks. Well, being that I am addicted to crochet, when I saw these Jumbo hooks on a segment of DYI, I went and bought 2. I can say it wasn't for the pattern they were doing on DYI, it is for when I do "fabric" crochet. The bigger the hook size the better the material goes for a pattern. Normally I have been using a size "Q" hook for doing fabric rugs and baskets. That can really make my hands tired after doing a large rug. So, we will see when I use the smaller of the 2 hooks which is a size "R" hook.

2007-04-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Update on the de-do of the house.
At least here in the pictures you can see how things are going. I will say that we "straightened up" so I could take the pictures. With a bit of luck by Wednesday, I should have a new stove and fridge. I decided to get all my applicances in stainless. This will be the first time in my live that I will have all my applicances that are the same color. That's something.
I am still waiting for my bookcase tho. I really hope it comes next week. Sure would love to see the living room "finished" as far as furniture. Plus, I can again see all my books too!
I began the paperwork to get my name on all of Mother's annunities. In a few weeks I will get some extra money and I can go ahead and 1. get the inside painting done, the countertops in the kitchen, and the floors refinished with new baseboards. Oh, how I wish I had a magic wand and could have everything just "finished"-POOF!!!!!!
I know I may seem a bit selfish by doing all that I am doding, but, I have waited so long to have this little house jsut the way I want. Growing up here sure helped, but as an adult I fell in love with it all over again. Then with the "McMansions" popping up around us like deadly mushrooms, I want more than ever to get finished. Yes, I am going to be that "little guy" who jsut by living in a small house plan to be the "thorn" in the "McMansion's" side. It come down to what they call my "carbon footprint". My house is a small 2 bedroom 1 bath, detached garage. Smallish yard, yet it's just right for me. Those "huge" houses take up their entire propertys with no yard. From living in Washington state and doing all that gardening, canning and the like, I can say that I am the "recycle queen". How? Well, for starters, most kitchen waste is dug back into the soil here. I have really no need to get additives for my soil. My roses are healthy, the blooms are huge, and no sprays. We save and crush soda cans, plastic bottles are saved for some friends who take them in for cash. Even my newspapers and cut-up cardboard are placed in the alley for the senior gentleman who comes around every Sunday. All the funiture, clothes and extras we don't need are donated to charity. I have bird feeders to keep a cycles of birds coming in to help with insects. I cook from scratch with things ether from my little garden or produce from the farmers market. Even hair brushed from the cats is places on the bushes for the birds to use for their nests. Light bulbs are the "green" types and only night-light types are for evenings.
Old Sheets and the like are recycled into crochet rugs and baskets. Limiting our driving so we get "shopping and marketing done in one day. For fun things we will take the bus or train instead of driving. Oh I could go on, but I would rather here what everyone else does to help Mother Earth!!

2007-04-08T08:12:00.001-07:00

My daughter and granddaughter came to visit the week before Easter. They were going to go to Cancun, but their passports haven't arrived yet, so they decided to visit us for a week. We had so much fun!! Shopping, cooking, making homemade ice cream(coffee flavor), telescopes, and all around just visiting. Even with doing the house, it wasn't bad. They had left a queen sized blow-up mattrus last time they visited so sleeping arrangements were ok!
We went to South Coast Plaza for shopping. WOW-did we enjoy ourselves!! I even got a few things. I didn't realize how much I missed shopping. I got a few things for both of them.
My daughter and I also went to get a manicure and pedicure, while Jessica went with grandpa to Meade to see all the telescopes and get some information. Grandpa also had brought out his scope and they did get to see a few stars.
Making ice cream was fun. Jessica got to put in the ice and watch it churn. I made coffee flavor, but I use a little trick-I use instant espresso sprinkled over the heavy cream till it dissolves instead of brewed coffee. Makes for better flavor!!!! I also cooked a nice ham on Thursday and we all sat down for an early Easter dinner.
They left on Friday, so we get a "quiet" Easter day. My sons couldn't come down this year. Maybe summer!!!

2007-03-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

April Fools!!

Free Comment Codes

2007-03-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Happiness! Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. >From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word "refrigeration" mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, "How about going to lunch in a half hour?" She would gas up and stammer, "I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain." And my personal favorite: "It's Monday." She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!

We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of "I'm going to," "I plan on," and "Someday, when things are settled down a bit."

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now..go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to......not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?

Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow." And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say "Hi"?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance!"

I got this on a forward in my e-mail. Just how true is this?? VERY!! So, slow down and smell the roses for awhile. Life is going to be around for awhile. Just believe!

HaPpy EasTer-Early!

2007-03-29T18:58:00.001-07:00

HaPpy EasTer
Originally uploaded by spaceman48.

Well, in just a bit over a week, "Harvey" will be visiting most of us. Now who out there knows who "Harvey" Is? I can give you some clues . . . "Harvey" is 6 feet tall, white and invisable. Is tant enough clurs for you?
And who was the only one who could see "Harvey"?

"Harvey" is my all time favorite 6 foot tall, white, invisable _ _ _ _ _ _! When I was introduced to harvey as a kid, I thought how wonderful to have a friend like him. He's very smart. and he knows just how to handle things.

I might be off line for awhile. I need to take in my laptop and get it's "spring cleaning" to make sure everything stays up and running. I love my "Mac guys" they are the greatest. I know I can do this stuff at home. But, it's like getting your care tuned up, you just wanna make sure, so you take it to a pro. And hopefully, I will be able to get back into some classes this fall and I need a program loaded. I have that new Mac laptop, and some of the softwear doesn't translate as the new Macs don't have "classic" anymore. And it doesn't cost extra for them to translate the program over. then I will be ready to go. Lab fees are $80. for the use of their computers in the lab. If one had their own with the programs-no lab fee-hee hee!!!

2007-03-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

Naked Floor is Exposed!!!
Boy, this Monday sure has to be the greatest one ever. My lawn guy, John called me saying he was going to be over in 30 minutes with 2 guys to get the rest of the carpet taken up and out. I had called John on Sat. to ask him if he could get a couple of guys to help hubby with the removal of the rest of the carpet. John has said Thurs or Fri. So how great was this!! So, within 30 minutes I had the majority of stuff whisked to safer hangouts. Then I had to find our little cat Munch and lock her in the bedroom. since both bedrooms had already been stiped of that carpet, I know Munch would be safe.
Well, the guys got her and off to task they went. They had to do the living room in sections as we really didn't have anywhere to put all the big furniture. Things went well tho. This carpet has been on this floor at least 16 years I know about. Mother just refused to have this done all these years. but, it is getting done now.
Towards lunch, I went to KFC and got 2 of their 14 piece meal deals. I got home and set the table, with paper plates. Then "lunch"! the 2 guys were so quiet as we all sat down to eat. Both guys are Mexican. Hubby does the talking-mostly. I just don't have an ear for languages. I can understand, but speaking is difficult for me. And of course since it's lunch, John shows up too. He pushed the guys to get moving. I just wanted to make sure the guys got a good lunch and a proper rest.
with the livingroom done, the dinning room furniture could all moved into there. The second room did go a tab faster, till they got to the carpet boards with all the nails. Having been in so long, the boards kept splintering and such. But, they got it all taken care of. Plus, they took everything away. No wondering how I was going to get rid of all that old carpet.

Except for the kitchen and bath floors, this phase is done. Things need painting, but other than that, all I can say is WOW! Both cats are freaking of course. Nothing is the same as it was. I know they will adjust. Poor little Munch, she had to huddle under my bed, listening to the pounding to get those boards up, while the regular lawn guys were mowing, weed whacking and blowing. she didn't get to go out till noonish. Little Munch is afraid of just everything! Hubby has to really try to make her feel better. Munch has never known any other house and now even that has changed. She'll adjust. . .

2007-03-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know have the little bedroom ready to go. All the stuff was picked up. And we "filled" Tom's trailor!! All of Mother's things will be going to Apache reservation in Arizona. That tribe is one of the poorest. And it really makes my heart full to know I can lend a hand.
Hubby and Tom loaded all the stuff. then hubby went ahead and began taking out the old ratty carpet. I hate carpet. If you could see all the "dust" and whatever under a carpet, you would never have carpet ether. YUK!! Hubby did it in sections so it wasn't heavy to tote out. I didn't overdo and my back isn't so bad today. The hardest part is getting all those little nail strips up!! We sat and got it all taken care of in just over an hour. I love little pry bars to get the strips and staples!! Hubby swept and then vacuumed. We also moved in the TV cabinet and TV, plus the secertary desk. I have to call the cable company and have them transfer the cable line to this room. Also, I am going out to find a couple of futon-like chairs for in here too. That way, if for some strange reason I get company, I will have a couple of extra beds. I still need to figure out how to get the really big desk in this room too. My neighbor Joe said we might be able to take it apart and reassemble it. Let's hope so. So all in all, I now have the majority of this room finished. Now to move on to the living room and dining room. But, I have a call into my lawn service guy to see if he can get me a couple of guys to help hubby get the rest of the carpet out. I will also be renting a bin from the trash company to really get rid of all this carpet and other junk!! POOF-gone. So much easier than trying to haul all this stuff away ourselves.

2007-03-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it is very early on Sat morning here. (west coast) As I wait for hubby to get up, I check my e-mail, drink coffee, read the paper, feed the cats, then I can take a breath for a few minutes.
I can see now how the house is going to look when we get finished. I have a call into our lawn service guy-John. I want to ask him if he could get us a couple of guys to help hubby rip up the rest of the carpet. I will pay them the going rate and provide lunch. Next week we will be renting a "bin" from the trash company and just getting rid of the old carpet and other junk. It is so much easier than trying to haul away everything. I need to go out and order the 7 foot bookcase, a coffee table, chairs for the dinning table and a couple of futon type chairs for the little bedroom. the futon chairs can also be beds in case of vistors such as my kids. I will also be getting a new stove, fridge and washer. It is tough waiting for all this to get done. It's funny how impatient I am right now. I know these things will be getting done, but I want them done "yesterday"!!!

Well, we finall got all that stuff in the little bedroom "OUT". I had decided to just "donate" all the stuff as a "pay it forward" thing. For once I think it would be nice not to have to think on if I should get a tax break on something.
We went ahead and got the carpet out of the room. Hubby did it in sections as I just can't lift heavy things anymore. It just makes me so angry that I can't do that kind of work. I'm angry that my back is all screwed up. I was the one who always stressed doing heavy lifting and the like the proper way. Lift from the knees, don't twist and lift, etc. And yet here I am with 2 vertebrtas closing in on my spinal cord. Most days I can put up with the pain. Lately tho, I can feel it even when I roll over in bed. I know I need to go in and see Dr. Dennis and see if one of those "magic shots" will do the trick again. Let me expain the shot. I go to the out patient clinic, and when I am called, I go into an operating room, lie on my stomach. They then put me out, that's so I don't move or twitch, stick a needle into L3-4, the space between the 3rd and 4th vertebra and shoot in cortazone. when I wake up, it feels like my hip bones are frozen. For the next few days I just need to take it easy. I hadn't been able to get much medical help while taking care of Mother as the volunteers would only do 2 hours twice a week. With hubby having to take me to get this shot, I needed more than the 2 hours. the really sad part is, friends of Mother or myself just didn't have the time to help me out. So, here I am. I guess I am still reeling about the fact that all the care was left up to me. Now, I am in need and well, I have to go it alone-again.

On a different note, those of you who do any knitting or crochet know the joys of winding your yarn by hand. I use my knees to wind up balls of yarn. Others use a chair to hold yarn while winding. Well, I found a woman who not wanting to pay out up to $70 for a winder, figured out how to make on for under $20. Her llink is
http://www.craftydiversions.com/patterns/homemade_yarn_swift.htm
Plus if you go to her site she now has knit patterns.

mini purse pendant

2007-03-23T07:10:00.001-07:00

mini purse pendant
Originally uploaded by spaceman48.

Here is one example of the mini-purses I do. And yes they open, so you can put a folded up $20. inside!!! All beaded using peyote stitch. Some I put crystals at the bottom. I vary each purse I do to keep they a touch unique. The little clasp at the top is crystal.
With these is do use a non toxic varnish over the beads as I really use mine and want to make sure the thread keeps strong for usage.
The neck piece is knotted on the little jump rings and then varnished so the knots won't come undone. I only use standard black for the cord, but anyone buying these can change the cord if they choose.

Awareness purse

2007-03-23T06:27:00.001-07:00

Awareness purse
Originally uploaded by spaceman48.

Here is the finished Awarness purse. I had shown the different stages in earlier blogs.
This is tapestry crochet using wool yarn, size "F" hook. Pattern is from Carol Ventura.

Wish fairy and Pop the Cork

2007-03-23T06:23:00.001-07:00

Wish fariy and Pop the Cork
Originally uploaded by spaceman48.

I really enjoyed doing "The Wish Fairy". Just something about the look on her face said, "Bead Me"!!!
"Pop the Cork" is or celebrating ALL the time! I use only Swarovski crystals and the hot pink ones in the fringe of Pop the Cork really come to life when any kind of light shines on them.

The "Diva"

2007-03-23T06:17:00.001-07:00

The "Diva"
Originally uploaded by spaceman48.

the Diva is beaded in 3 sections using peyote stitch. Using 3 sections, enables the wings to be folded up for storage.
The little "bat" charm on the bottom of her dress fringe is sterling silver.
This is a larger piece

2007-03-22T14:59:00.003-07:00

next room to redo
Originally uploaded by spaceman48.

As you can see this little 12 X 12 room is bursting with furniture and clothes to go to charity.
But, this is the room is will transform into my studio for beading, crochet and computer stuff. I am also going to put the TV in here too. That old ratty rug is coming up as there is oak floors under it. I really hate carpeting. I will just have to make a ffew more crochet rugs to "throw down".

You just can't understand how excited I am to finally be able to do something with this little house. I love this little house and I am so thrilled Mother left it to me. the house was built in 1937, is solid redwood including the framwork. The framwork was also designed for earthquakes as the inside of the framwork forms an "X" instead of the standard uprights with a small piece inbetween. the walls are real lathe and plaster. the floors are all solid oak. Tho the house is small-2 bedrooms 1 bath, it is just perfect for hubby and myself. The yard is just right and the garage is NOT attached to the house. We also have a paved alley in the back of the garage. the city of Costa Mesa had sent Mother a letter a few years ago that there was historical intrest in the house. I want to get some things done, then if the city wants to-they can go ahead and put it on the historical list!!!!!

So far hubby and I have put on a new roof, redid the electrical, redid most of the plumming, a new fence on the north side of the place and replaced a few windows.

So, stay tuned and check in to see how the place is coming along!!

2007-03-22T07:36:00.001-07:00

, a fancy photo sharing thing.

I had to redo the google/flickr thingy for blogging!!

One of my airplants that is blooming. This plant is only about the size of my fist!! The flowers are so pretty tho. I love em!

2007-03-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

I must be really weird. I just have to get important things done before I "pretty up" the house.
Gary, our plummer replaced the riser pipe for our shower, plus all new fixtures in the bath. The old pipe was a galvenized pipe and the fixtures were from 1937. Now the pipe is copper. You can not believe the difference in a shower now!! WOW!!! No more just water coming out-now it really "beats" the dirt off of a body!!! LOL Yes, they had to cut the wall, but hubby and my neighbor Joe, made the pannel. My walls are real lathe and plaster so, because the pipes and the thermastat are in there, the pannel is just fine-just in case. I think it adds character.

Also, I had the hot water tank replaced. The old one was from 1990. Gary is great. He's been Mother's plummer for 20 years. He gets the job done quickly, and done right! Both things he had finished in just a bit over an hour. HIs son Chris is his assistant.

Hopefully, Friday, all of Mother's bedroom furniture and clothes will be picked up by Tom, who will then take it to Apache reservation this weekend. Pay it forward with Mother's things is what I wanted to do. I know people on the reservation "really" need stuff as this tribe is really poor.
Then hubby and I can get the carpet out of the little bedroom, move a few things in and I will have my very own room for beading, crochet and computer. I am also going to put the TV in the little bedroom too.
Then the rest of the carpet in the house will come out. I will have a nice living room, and a dining room where I take pictures of "Thru the Bay window" from. My dream of having a house again is slowly coming true!! I will do pictures as I go!

2006-10-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Crochet Awareness purse. All that is needed are the handles. And would you believe they are crocheted right in!!! Cool huh. since I am a 17 year survivor I wanted something "BIGGER" than just a charm or little ribbon!!! Imagine how much attention this is going to get?????????????????????????

Deborah

2006-10-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Here is another Tapestry crochet I am doing from Carol Ventura's latest book. I decided to do this one as I am a 17year survivor.
The first row of ribbons are done in hot pink with a white background. The next round will be a regular pink with a hot pink background. There might be a third round, but if there is I will repeat the first round. Then do the handles. This is going to be a really nice tote bag. Good and roomy!!!!!

Deborah

2006-09-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a "Gnome"!!!!!!!!

I found a cute little pattern to make this little gnome. It makes up quickly and really is cute. I just love it.

Hey, does anyone ever read any of these blogs? One would think with all the great pictures I have put up someone would have posted something.
Oh well! alone alone alone-I always said no one cares. So far I am correct!!

Deborah

Flickr

2006-09-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Now this is kind of cool! I cannow upload from Flicker!!!

Deborah

2006-09-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Halloween beading. I did a "Red Hat Lady" for Halloween. I had never seen one for Halloween so . . .

Another early morning here. Hopefully this won't keep up. I will be like the walking dead if I get up this early on a regular basis.
Just waiting for Mother to arise. She sleeps in. Of course then I get to "work". Ihave to go out today to get her meds and some things. I hope I can sneak in going to the Halloween store tho. Haven't been able to yet.
I would like to get my hair cut and get a manicure and pedicure. I will have to arrange a volunteer for that. Just tons of fun around here.

Deborah

2006-09-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

Halloween Treat Bag in Tapestry crochet. All wool yarn.
You know that great holiday is coming. I wanted to have my treat bag ready!!!!!!!!! Just money for my little bag!!! Just kidding!!!!!

Deborah

2006-09-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Blue Meow tapestry crochet bag! Done with wool yarn in the tapestry crochet stitch.

Deborah

2006-09-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Earrings earrings earrings. I am in a yahoo group where we do swaps of beaded things. Here are 5 pairs of the 10 I sent to swap. I should be getting 10 pairs back! Our first swap was "rainbow" things. It was so much fun.
Haven't been able to do much beading due to all that I have to do caregiving my Mother.
I will be putting up photos of ALL the beadworks I have done tho!

I just hope that soon I will be getting comments and friends on this blog. Sure is lonely not have any friends!

Deborah

2006-09-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Pink Piggys on Purple!!! don't ya just love this! I still would like to have "flying pigs" don't up in a purse. That would be so much fun. I am going to try to do a holloween black cat bag tomorrow!!! Cross your fingers as I need to do the pattern for the workd Halloween!!!

Long day. The aid that bathes Mother and the hospice nurse didn't come today or called. I went ahead and bathed Mother. I know she liked it. Good thing she can at least stand up and then sit down. We have a really big bath chair and that really is nice. Even with that my back still was screaming.
Got up today a 4:30 am. so with all I do all day, doing the bath for Mother took a bit more. I am ready for bed. I do want to see the new season of CSI tho!! Hope I make it!!!

Deborah

2006-09-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Prayer shawl. this is a combination of all the things I believe protect me!!!

Deborah

2006-09-20T22:01:00.001-07:00

Deva Vampire! Here is one of beaded creations. Imagine wearing this for Halloween to a party wearing sometihing Blood RED. that's if you are daring enough

Deborah

2006-09-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

Storing your crochet hooks! How do you store yours? I love these little bowls with the metal tops. All my little hetal hooks fit just right!!
leave me a comment on how you store your hooks???

Crocheters do it by the hook!!!!!!!

Deborah

2006-09-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Button crochet necklace! Here is an intresting concept for those of us who crochet-Crochet with buttons. How many people have special buttons from your grandmother or greatgrandmother and were wondering how to use them-WEAR them on a necklace. I have done severelof these and they are a hit.

Deborah

2006-09-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

Christmas is just around the corner!!!!!! Here are some picture suggestions for you viewing! These are fun and they are all hand made. Just e-mail me and I will let you you how much.
I'm up late as the new season of TV is on. Criminal Minds right now and then CSI New York is next.
Deid anyone see Jerico?? WOW

2006-09-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

People Bag!!! Don't' ya just love this. As you can see it can hold things the size of a magazine. The stitch is tapestry Crochet. The pattern is from Carol Ventura's book "More Tapestry Crochet". She did hers in different colors, but I chose just black and white wool yarn. I wanted more contrast.
I can crochet as I sit with Mother. It is easier when I have to get up and down all day. I get up to get Mother various drinks, her breathing nebulizer treatments, meals, wheel her to the bedside commode, get he mail etc etc . . .
With crochet, I can lay it down and then pick it up when I get back. Some people think I crochet fast. I don't think so as this bag took me 4 days. I could have had it done in 2 if I didn't have all the up and down stuff. But, whatever. I do make a lot of things. Mostly I do that to combat the stress I am going thru with Mother. If you've read thru some of my posts it is explained. Wait till I get to posting the beadwork I have done. I haven't been able to do a lot of beadwork right now, but, I have done a lot previously. I did art walks up until last spring.
Hey, leave a comment!!!!!!!!!!!

Deborah

2006-09-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

"MEOW" purse! This is tapestry crochet. I am having a lot of fun with this stitch. This is a small bag just right for those "little trips". Just enough to be able to hold your mad money, driver's license, credit card and a pen! What more would one need. You can even put your keys on the strap as it is part of the bag itself!

Today was a fun day. Mother didn't have a good day. She was tired all day. Plus she didn't want to eat much. I think she is going into pneumonia again. Of course if she does this will be different as she is on hospice. There won't be the ER, or the hospital or any thing like that. Mother says she is tired and just wants to go. What can I do? I have to abide by her wishes. The only thing that will bother me is watching as she does this to herself. Being that both Mother and I are only children, there isn't anyone else to help out.
I want everyone to know what it is like to do this parental caregiving job. I know one hears about all the help people get for one thing or another, but I really haven't seen any of it. I have been "winging it" for close to 3 years now. Until hospice, and a nurse to talk to twice a week, most of what I have done has been ok. The really hard part is how Mother's and some of my friends have just vanished into the wind. I would "NEVER" ask one of them to do anything like empty bedpans, or do Mother's nebulizer treatments. But, you know it would be nice if someone brought over a dinner or lunch. Maybe once in a blue moon help with the housework or the laundry. I have been doing all of that and more, on my own. I am really tired. Yet, I still get asked to "volunteer" at some school, or function. Weird huh? That saying that "What goes around, comes around"! I DON'T BELIEVE IT for a minute. Nothing has ever come around back to me or Mother.
Now don't get me wrong, I am a really fun person. I jsut haven't been able to even get out to get my hair cut! I rush when I have to go to the market or drug store. Right now the internet is my window to the world. I would love to walk the beach during a sunset. Or go to a museum. So, hey, leave a comment and where you live on my map. Tell me what you think about my crochet and beadwork! Maybe ask how much or even buy a piece. Just let me know some people still care out there. Do you think you could do that? PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

Deborah

2006-09-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a "horse purse" I did. The shape is like a feed bag, but I love the way the strap works to close the purse. I just have to block it for it to retain it's shape. A few people have said how fast I do these patterns. I don't think I work fast enough. I usually crochet anytime I get to sit down longer than 10 minutes. Let me explain how my day goes. And mind you, this is every day, 7 days a week.
Mondays-The day starts out between 4-5am. One of the cats usually wants to go out. The old cat-"Bandit" will meow till he gets his way. But the handicapped cat-"Munch" will come into the little hallway and give a yowl. So, up I go-plug in the coffee, turn on the kitchen light, let the cats out, turn on hubbys coffee, turn out the overhead nightlight. Then go and turn out the nightlight in the livingroom and go and get the paper out front. By then my coffee is finished and Mother has turned on her light in her bedroom. I get a tray and get her coffee, a nosh, her 2 inhailers, daily meds, and the one tube for her nebulizer. I get her set up with the bed tray and proceed to "empty" her bedside commode. When that is finished I try to get a cup of coffee for myself and scan the headlines. With my second cup of coffee I go and get Mother to do her first breathing treatment of the day. I then go and feed the cats and try to grab a nosh for myself. Now mind you I do this EVERY morning. Usually around 6ish, Mother wants to get up and ether come in the kitchen or the living room.I change over the oxygen tube to the livingroom/kitchen tube. Another cup of coffee for me-yipee! I get her to her chair and she can go on cable. (No, I am not getting cable for her bedroom as I would be "stuck" in there most of the day). I am then able to do dishes and remake the coffee for the next day. Till nineish I can try to get some crochet done inbetween getting Mother juice, soda, more toast or commode trips. Between 9am and 11am if needed I get to go to the market or drug store or where ever Mother needs me to get her something. Hubby will sit with her tho she won't ask him to even take her to the commode. Great huh!
Lunch is between 11am and 12:30pm and then back to the livingroom. Now, before this I used to be able to get in some beading till 4"30. But I haven't been able to bead since the beginning of July. I haven't been able to do any art/craft shows or even go to a Bead Society meeting ether. I have even had to reschedule 2 dental appointments and a lecture.
During the afternoon there are several commode breaks, into the kitchen, and various get me this or that. And the questions all day on things we have talked about the day before. I also hear about things that she wants done with guilt, like the carpet needs cleaning, etc. And during the day she gets 3 more nebulizer treatments.
On Mondays the lawn guys come. I have to make sure they get their treats and drinks and tips.
Between 7pm and 8pm she goes to bed. I change the oxygen tubes back to the bedroom one, her nightly nose spray, and a sip of cough med and voila-I get some time for me! I do mainly computer stuff, but I am tired so I usually go to bed around 10pm. Monday is the day the aid comes for her bath around 2pm. At least I don't have to do that job anymore.
Tuesday is trash day-Again the snacks and drinks and the above again. Also on Tuesdays the hospice nurse comes to check on her. This Tuesday the volunteer will come to explain how they work, tho I get the impression Mother wasn't to excited about that. It would be a couple of hours for me to escape!!!!! We'll see how that goes.
Wednesday is street cleaning day-all cars must be off the street by 10am and not be back till 2pm
Thursday-Bath day and the nurse will visit.
Friday-nothing scheduled-open
The weekend is usually open, but one never knows
So, now that I have described my days we can go on from here. If things change, I will inform everyone.

Deborah

2006-09-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

I have been doing crochet for 35 years now. I started when I was pregnant with my second child. I got a book, a hook and a skein of yarn. The rest was history.
The picture shows "tapestry crochet". this carries the "other color" along with the main color so no knots in changing colors. The pattern is from the book "More Tapestry Crochet" from Carol Ventura. This crochet is really a lot of fun.

Deborah

2006-09-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Deborah here. I figured I better get this "Blog" thing down so I can show what kind of things I do. Mostly I do traditional beading and crochet. I dabble in some other things, but that is for later as we get into these posts.

I am 56 years old. Yes I said old, but that doesn't mean I think that way. I just never grew up. Married to the same guy for 36 years. Have 3 grown kids and one 13 year old granddaughter. Mostly I amdown to earth person, but I do have my own opinions on things. Been poor, middle class and right now semi-retired. I now do caregiving for my Mother. We are almost up to 24/7 care as Mother even needs to use a wheelchair from room to room in this little house. So, I do sell what you will see in the pictures. Just ask me and I will tell you the price, which will include postage. I CAN NOT work outside of the house, soooooo please help me out here-OK!???? Or at least let people know what you see here-Please.

I have not really ever asked for help so this is kind of new for me. I hear about so much help out there and I guess it is time I looked into it.

Deborah