Saturday, December 11, 2010

Who are you?

It's been such a long time since I've posted, that I hardly recognize blogger. There have been a few changes, and it will take me a bit to get used to them. I'm having a hard time editing under the compose tab and it won't let me into the HTML tab at all. hmmmm.....not happy with this right now.  

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Pedigree Adoption Drive





We're for dogs. Some people are for the whales. Some are for the trees. We're for dogs. The big ones and the little ones. The guardians and the comedians. The pure breeds and the mutts. We're for walks, runs, and romps. Digging, scratching, sniffing, and fetching. We're for dog parks, dog doors, and dog days. And if there were an international holiday for dogs, on which all dogs were universally recognized for their contribution to the quality of life on earth, we'd be for that too. Because we're for dogs/ And we've spent over sixty years working to make them as happy as they've made us.

The above quote came directly from the case of Pedigree dog food. It pretty sums up how I feel about dogs. My boys are as much a part of my family as any human member is, and they bring me a lot more happiness than most of the humans.

I posted the above in December of 2009. My feelings haven't changed. The only difference is that now I have one male and one female dog. My sweet Dalmatian went to the bridge earlier this year.

And now Pedigree is doing even more by helping shelter dogs. Please do your part. It doesn't cost anything except a few minutes of your time.

Pedigree is devoted to helping shelter dogs find their furever homes. If you haven't already, you should visit Pedigree Adopt A Dog. If you're in need of a new best friend you'll find helpful tools, such as Shelter Searches and Adoptions Guides that will help you find a furry, 4-legged friend. Also, don't forget to become a fan of Pedigree on Facebook. For every fan, Pedigree will donate a bowl of food to shelter dogs. Please tell your friends!!

ANOTHER WAY YOU CAN HELP: For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive through September 19th, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It’s simple: Write a post, help a dog. Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, September 19, the Pedigree BlogPaws bloggers will host a Blog Hop, to help raise awareness for the “Write a post, help a dog” effort. That’s it. No fine print. Unprepared? Go back to your blog and invest five minutes in adding yourself to the list. You’ll feed dogs in need and feel great about doing it.

Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.


This year the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a “Fan” or “Likes” The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.


For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive through September 19, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It’s simple: Write a post, send out an email, add a blurb to a newsletter and help a dog.


Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, September 19, the Pedigree BlogPaws bloggers will host a Blog Hop, to help raise awareness for the “Write a post, help a dog” effort. You can make a difference.

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

It's been a while

since my last post. Nothing has really changed. Despite two epidurals I'm still having back pain. My doctor is reluctant to perform surgery, as am I to have it. I'm hoping that continued rest, with the appropriate exercises and weight loss will ease the pain somewhat. I have pain medication, but it makes me sleep 12-14 hours at a time, and am still groggy after I get up.

I have been able to work a few days a week. I look forward to that even though the walking causes muscle spasms. I haven't been able to do much sewing or knitting. I have read a little and watch some tv. I've enjoyed Project Runway, even though one of the designers, well, specifically Gretchen, is a evil mean spirited bitch, who was put in her place by Tim Gunn. Go Tim!!

Been seeing some of the previews of shows from the upcoming season, and I have to say that I haven't seen anything exciting. Not even looking forward to Dancing With the Stars this season. I'll probably watch The Biggest Loser, because I really like Jillian and Bob. I don't know if What Not to Wear is coming back. I wish it would because I like Stacy and Clinton, too. I am eager to see who wins America's Got Talent. I especially like Prince Poppycock, Michael Grimm, and Michael Grasso. Gonna shower, have dinner and then find out who is in the final four!



Saturday, August 14, 2010

Finally!!

I have been "working" on the "Kimberly" Bay by Amy Butler for over two years. My first post about it was here. I finally finished it a few days ago. I'm pretty satisfied with it. The zipper didn't go in as well as I wanted, but I wasn't going to unpick it and re-sew it.











Nothing fancy for the lining. No pockets or anything like that. I rarely carry more than 4-5 things in my purse so I don't need anything special.



Sorry the pic is so blurry.







Today I traced off the Emmeline apron by Meg McElwee at Montessori By Hand. (I think my first post about it was the same one as the Kimberly bag) I also washed the fabric. I'm hoping next week I'll be able to start sewing the apron. I also took the time to organize a few patterns. I store the patterns and instructions in manila envelopes and the covers in page protectors in 3-ring binders. I need to get a few more binders to further categorize the patterns.


And in closing I'll give you the latest pic of Girl. She's growing into a beautiful dog.











Sunday, June 06, 2010

Shoes!

I LOVE to shop! I don't go very often these days because I get muscle spasms in my back when I walk more than a few feet. But yesterday I was feeling ambitious so Walt took me to Payless to get a pair of sandals? booties? I had seen a couple of months ago. Usually I procrastinate getting something and then it's either a rectal irritation to find or I miss out. Luckily, they had the pair in the color and size that I wanted.













I couldn't find a picture of the ones I actually got, which are the tan ones. So cute! I didn't think I would like shoes like this when I first saw them. But I changed my mind when I saw how cute they are on.
And because it was BOGO I got a second pair of sandals. I think these will look nice with a maxi dress.















I still get physical therapy twice a week for my left arm and my back. My arm is much better, my back not so much. I see my orthopod on Tuesday. I should be able to finish up my nail class in the next week or so. Then I need to go back to work. Hopefully I can go back to the nursing facility I worked at for a few weeks earlier this year.

The little Girl is still rough housing with Buddy almost non-stop. He gets a little tired of it after a while and gets crabby with her. We separate them and put up a safety gate just so he can get some rest! I still miss Pongo so much. But at least I can now look at his pictures without crying.


Thursday, May 13, 2010

Intoducing

Girl.



She is the newest member of our little family.  Last Friday Walt made the decision to take in another dog. She is a three month old pit bull mix. She is a sweet little girl but is really tiring Buddy out. Walt's friend called Friday afternoon and said he knew a guy that was trying to "get rid" of a puppy as he was moving to Tennessee and wasn't going to take the dog with him. I wasn't sure about getting another dog so soon after losing Pongo. I told Walt the decision was entirely up to him as to whether or not the puppy came to live with us. At first he said no. Then a few minutes later I heard him on the phone talking to his friend as he was changing into his jeans to go get the dog. About half an hour later he came back with Girl. She is very smart, and even though she was kept tied up outside most of her short life she was housebroken and will ask to go outdoors. The only drawback that I can see is that she is full of energy and wants to play all the time. Buddy is at least 10 years old and can't play as long as she can, so we have to give him nap breaks. When she get gets older I'll taker her to an obedience class, I think she'll do well. She is such a little sweetheart. I still miss my sweet Pongo, can't believe it's been almost two months since he went to the Rainbow Bridge.


Sunday, May 09, 2010


Happy Mother's Day!



Sunday, May 02, 2010

Just a few comments

I was going to post a few more examples of my nail art but the batteries in my camera are dead. I'll put them in to charge and try to get the pictures posted tomorrow. I might even get a couple more painted. I have the polish on the nails, but still need to add the "art".

I went to Dillard's yesterday and picked up a new lipstick, MAC's "Lickable" cremesheen. The website says it's a "bright clean blue pink", but I think it's a gorgeous shade of fuchsia. I'll wear it with a MAC Dazzleglass creme "My Favourite Pink". I wish I could take a pic so you could see how beautiful these two colors are separately and together. I forgot to get a lip liner, I'll try to go back next week, or maybe order one off the MAC site. I also got a tube of prep and prime with a 50 spf sunblock. I already use Sanitas sunblock, so next time I think I'll get the prep and prime brightening serum.

I don't enjoy shopping the way I used to. I barely walk into a store when I begin to get muscle spasms and pain in my lower back. Walt and I used to go shopping, walking the malls and stores, tiny shops down town, antique stores, etc. And I also now have a strained deltoid muscle, and I'll be getting physical therapy next week. The muscle relaxer and pain meds put me to sleep so I can only take them at night. I feel bad for Walt because he doesn't like to go shopping by himself. He has stepped up and is doing most of the house cleaning, and what he doesn't do, won't matter until I can start cleaning again. I mean, seriously, who is going to notice if the top of the doors and the light switches have been cleaned in the last week. Yes, I'm obsessive compulsive when it comes to cleaning. Everything, and I mean everything in the house has to be cleaned. The outside not so much, I used to wash outside windows every month, but it's been probably 8-10 months since they have been cleaned. And gracious the world hasn't stopped turning and I don't really care if people are talking about me. LOL I remember my Mom working so hard in the house to keep it clean and tidy. She didn't get to enjoy herself as much as she could have. She was so afraid that someone would come to visit and the house wouldn't be "spic and span" and they would talk about her. Seriously. But it wouldn't have mattered because everyone loved my Mom, I don't ever think I heard anyone say anything bad about her. I have a need to keep a tidy house because it is small and I have "a lot of things" as Walt puts it. So everything must be in it's place, and it doesn't take much for the house to look cluttered. He goes so far as to "suggest" that we have a yard sale. Are you kidding me? When I'm dead and gone, and won't have to watch someone pick over my belongings like they are castoffs, my Vermont Teddy Bears, my dolls, my books, stuffed animals, magazines, etc.....no thanks, I'll just keep the house tidy! LOL

Yesterday we went to the Sunset Grill and ate lunch. The weather was beautiful. It won't be long before it will be too hot to sit out and enjoy a lunch or dinner.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend.


Sunday, April 18, 2010

40 things and blogaversary

Borrowed from Small Town Mom

1. Do you like bleu cheese? mmmmmmm yes
2. Have you ever smoked? No, well, yes, but I've smoked less than five ciggies in my life
3. Do you own a gun? Yes
4. Favorite type of food? Greek
5. Favorite type of music? As I always say, everything from Ambient to Zydeco, right now it's swamp pop
6. What do you think of hotdogs? They make me think of baseball games at Al Lang Stadium watching the Cards in spring training
7. Favorite Christmas movie? A Christmas Story
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Pepsi One
9. Can you do pushups? Not right now. I have an injured shoulder/arm
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? I don't really have a favorite.
11. Favorite hobby? Currently it's knitting
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No
13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? Yes both
14. Middle name? I have two, Tesla Georgene
15. Name three thoughts at this exact moment? I wish my shoulder/arm would stop hurting. I don't want to go to work tomorrow, I'd rather stay home and knit/sew/read/study. I really don't like the color of my nail polish.
16. Name three drinks you regularly drink? Starbucks Mocha frappuccino, Pepsi One, water
17. Current worry? Health
18. Current hate right now? Having to take prescription medications.
19. Favorite place to be? Home
20. How did you bring in the new year? Watching the ball drop in Times Square on ABC
21. Someplace you'd like to go? France
22. Name three people who will complete this. Don't know
23. Do you own slippers? Yes, I have my Dad's slippers that he only wore once or twice. I usually wear flippies for house slippers.
24. What color shirt are you wearing? Purple
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Yes
26. Can you whistle? No
27. Where are you now? In the computer room, aka my bedroom
28. Would you be a pirate? no, I get motion sickness
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? None. I don't care to inflict torture on myself. I can't carry a tune.
30. Favorite girl's name? AnnaLisa
31. Favorite boy's name? Michael
32. What is in your pocket right now? a tiny bit of lint
33. Last thing that made you laugh? a video a friend posted on facebook
34. What vehicle do you drive? Z28 Camaro or my husband's Silverado
35. Worst injury you've ever had? torn meniscus in my left knee
36. Do you love where you live? I love where I live, but I don't love my house
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? six
38. How many computers do you have in your house? two laptops, three pcs and one MAC
39. If you changed your job, what would it be? I'd love to work for Microsoft
40. If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? Good health, financial security, and world peace

I'm still missing Pongo. Even Buddy is missing him. They got into a fight a few years ago and we didn't want to take the chance it would happen again, so we kept them separated. They would still see one another through the glass doors and would peep through open doors at one another. They were aware of one another's existence in the house. And on the off chance they did find themselves in the same room, they would politely ignore one another until one of them could be directed into a different room. Buddy has even taken on some of Pongo's behaviors. We won't get another dog until Buddy passes. Then, we won't get another Dalmation or a Pit Bull. There could never be another Dalmation as smart, as handsome, or as affectionate as my Pongo. Or another Pit Bull mix like my Buddy. I'd never want to compare dogs with those two. And I know I would. I wish I could say I could raise myself above it, but I'm human. I currently donate funds to the United Yorkie Rescue. They do good work rescuing Yorkies, Yorkie mixes, and wannabee Yorkies. If you can spare a few dollars and don't currently have a charity please consider donating to UYR. Even a dollar or two will help.

I totally missed that yesterday was my blogaversary. It's been four years!


Wednesday, March 24, 2010

At the beginning of the day you


never know what you will gain or lose. We had to have my beautiful Dalmation Pongo PTS yesterday. He was one of the sweetest dogs Walt and I have had over the years. It's like a piece of my heart was cut out. The house is so quiet without him. I miss him so very much.




Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

another poem

I have traveled far; to reach this Pearly Gate
But I do not want to wander; beyond this place
I just need to rest awhile; for my friend I wait

Please let them know; I love them still
Let them know that I understand
what they did; they did with love

With my body now gone
my spirit flew home; on the wings of a dove
To my Creators arms; in Heaven above

Now all I ask; is that I may wait
I for will lay quietly; here by the gate
For if I entered now; without my friend
it wouldn't be Heaven at all

John Quealy

and another

I explained to St. Peter,
I'd rather stay here,
Outside the pearly gate.

I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait,
I'll be here chewing on a celestial bone.

No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn't be Heaven for me.

Anonymous

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Nail Art

Here is a pic of the nail art project I did for my nail class. I love doing nail art and have shown a great improvement since I first started. I have a goal of becoming good enough to win a nail art competition.











And here are some close-ups:































My favorite is the palm tree. It was my first time making the spiral "snow globe". The glitter does move back and forth like a snow globe.





Thursday, March 11, 2010

Aroma Therapy Project

I had promised in an earlier post to show my aroma therapy project for the esthetician class. The items smelled wonderful if I do say so myself. There were three different aromas, each having one essential oil in common. I especially liked the cinnamon bath salts. As I left the open project in the living room,it smelled of cinnamon and was a nice touch for Christmas. I just finished using up the scrub a week or so ago. I considered making another batch of it, but decided I would use a lemon scented scrub I made. If you don't already, consider using a body scrub. exfoliating the old dead skin cells will leave you with a fresher appearance and your skin glowing, and your moisturizing creams and lotions will absorb better too.

















I'll post pictures of my nail art project in a few days.





Friday, January 08, 2010

Daddy's Girl

This past Sunday morning my Dad passed away in his sleep at his home. He was 94, and had had a full life, but I was not ready to let him go.




I love you Daddy.

Friday, January 01, 2010

Sewing Goals

After thinking more about it, I have decided to make another goal list specifically related to sewing. I think I need to see a list of what I want to accomplish in the coming year. So....here goes....

00001. Basics ie tee-shirts, camis
00002. LBD
00003. Well fitted white shirt
00004. Jeans
00005. Trench coat
00006. Lingerie
00007. Sleep pants
00008. Chanel inspired jacket


Most of my sewing involves specific patterns I want to make rather than specific techniques I want to do. I'm not nervous about doing different techniques. So whatever the pattern requires is what I'll do. Back when I was making 90-95 percent of the items in my wardrobe, I considered myself an intermediate to advanced sew-ist. I drafted patterns, draped, and was able to easily fit patternfor myself and my Mom. These days I don't know. It's been so long since I've done anything other than something simple and easy. I hope it's like riding a bike, and it all comes back. LOL I have no TnT patterns anymore. Every pattern will have to be fitted and adapted to my current over-weight voluptuous shape. And as I lose weight I'll have to continue to re-fit patterns. Due to having worn scrubs while at work, and a "uniform" consisting of white pants and a school tee-shirt while in school, and gaining weight, I need to obtain a whole new wardrobe.

I did do some sewing today. I took a few minutes and sewed a seam on the Amy Butler Kimberly bag I'm working on. It felt good to be sewing again. If I only spend 10 or 15 minutes a day, I should be able to accomplish a lot this year. I need to "Just Do It!" LOL

If someone knows an easy way to combine my name and the lips, please let me know. I have Adobe Photoshop CS3. Hubby paid quite a lot for this program, and I haven't had time to learn to use it properly. I don't even know the basics yet. I would have no problem in PaintShop, but unfortunately I don't have it available to me right now. Any help would be appreciated!