Here I am......

saying I'm going to blog more regularly, and then not doing it.  Seven months, this time.  I've thought of numerous things I wanted to blog about, but didn't get around to it.  I didn't have the time, wanted to post pictures, etc.....mostly it's wanting to post pictures.  Let's face it a blog with pictures is more interesting than one without.  I'll just try to wing it without pictures for a few posts though.  Lots of things have happened since last June.  I'll just give a brief explanation of the latest, and move on from there.  Numerous medical issues.   The latest over Christmas was that I had that nasty bug that was going around.  I was so sick I spent most of the week leading up to Christmas and the week after in bed, trying to rest and feel human.  Hubby waited on me, cooked for me and did everything he could to make me feel better.  Then my birthday was the 21st of January.  Hubby got me a beautiful Pandora bracelet. We went to Romano's Macroni Grill, where I had my favorite meal of warm spinach and scallops.  More than made up for Christmas which I can hardly  remember.  Then I had surgery to remove a mass just underneath my right ear on the 24th.  At first it felt like I had been hit with a baseball, now it just feels as though I've been hit by Mohammed Ali a couple of times.  So I'm definitely on the mend.  I'll probably be going back to work later this week, but I'll try to post at least once a week.

I always have good intentions to blog more regularly, but, alas, I just get caught up in other things and don't get it done.  In my last post I promised a picture of the "raw materials" I was using to make a brush roll for my acrylic nail and nail art brushes.  I've been working on the brush roll and have the construction completed, but need to add a few more embellishments.

This is the "raw materials."  I got another  piece of purple fabric and used the batik fabric in the inside of the roll.  I added a nail covered with glitter to each of the ties, one in purple glitter and one in pink glitter.  There is also a pink embossed lip print on the inside flap on the left side.  I'm going to add some beads, embroider my name, and add a few other embellishments as time allows.

I'm also adding a picture of the nail polish display I made showing some of my nail polish.  I'm going to make a bigger one as soon as I can.  I'll probably use this one as a spice rack.

My Week in a Nutshell

Working at least one day this week.  Continuing my search for a full time job.

Reading Flood by Andrew Vachss.

Doing at least one creative thing each day.

Making fish tacos.  I've never had them before, but they look yummy in the picture in my Weight Watchers    book.  I might make a sweet corn salsa too. 

Working out as much as my back will allow.

 

I didn't get the pictures of my materials and supplies for my brush carrier taken.  I spent most of the  day reading my magazines, trying to get caught up.  I have to work tomorrow, but I'll try to get it done tomorrow evening.  I'm going to try to get the pieces cut tomorrow too.

Who doesn't love a wedding??  I certainly do, especially one that has all the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding.  I DVR'd it and watched it Friday night.   The media kept referring to Cate as a commoner.  I do understand what they mean, but there is nothing "common" about her.  She is an exceptional young woman.  It cannot be easy being scrutinized by not only your fellow countrymen, but, by the entire world.  I wish them a long and happy life together.

The broadcasts on CNN didn't really show a lot of the damage the tornado did in Ringgold.  There are home videos on youtube.  This is one of them.

     

    

Sewing and Creativity

I finished sewing up McCall's 6287 a couple of days ago, but I didn't get a chance to remove the basting until this evening.  It looks exactly as it does on the pattern cover, although a little uneven hanging on a hanger.   I'll be making a pair of white pants to wear it with.  I have a silver cuff, a silver chain, and white sandals I'll accessorize it with.  The style may be a little young for me, but I don't care.  I love it!

I went to Joann's today and picked up three of the patterns on my list.  McCall's 5972 (view B, I had a dress similar to this when I was younger),  Butterick 5600, and 5357, the webwsite reports this as pattern of the week.  I'm thinking I'll make B5600, view C, in a coral pink linen that I saw on Denver Fabrics.

The days I haven't been sewing I've been working on a simple pattern for a folding carrier for all my nail brushes, including the brushes for acrylic, gel, and all my nail art brushes.  I have about 9 or 10, and I want an altered art/modern quilt type carrier.  I have most of the materials and supplies.  I'll post a pic of the raw materials tomorrow.  I've been doing nail art, too,  and will post pics of those nails when I get a couple more finished.

I am so grateful that all my family that lived in Ringgold, GA survived the tornado.  Some friends have lost all their possessions, including their homes, but they are alive.  That is the most important thing.

My Week in a Nutshell

Looking for a full-time job.
Going to Walmart for dog supplies, lots of flippie chips and pig sticks!  LOL
Checking out Walgreens for Sinful Colors nail polish, it's 99¢ this week.  There are some beautiful colors!
Sewing and knitting for a few minutes each day.  I'll finish the knit top today.  I just have to hem the neckline.
Watching a few favorite TV shows while I ride my stationary bike.  Continue training for the 5k walk Weight Watchers is having in May.
I think I'll work on my 101 Things too.  I haven't done much work on the list lately.

Knitting

What I've done, what I haven't and I what I want to do

The rules: Mark with bold the things you have knit, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.

Afghan - I think I'd rather crochet an afghan.  In fact, it's a work in progress.
I-cord -   If it's needed for a project.
Garter stitch - of course
Knitting with metal wire-not yet.  I want to make Sea Tangles, not metal wire per se, but "a fine silk yarn with an even finer steel wire inside it."
Shawl- 
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up-I think this is a must for knitters, even if it's just one pair.  Just for the experience.
Knitting with camel yarn -
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk 
Moebius band knitting 
Participating in a KAL - maybe depends on the item
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns - 
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting 
Twisted stitch patterns
Two end knitting
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Charity knitting- when I get a lot better and faster
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing - just a sweater for my AG doll
Knitting with circular needles  
Baby items- only for my "reborn" doll
Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments - not really my thing.  maybe if I get a lot better
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Branching out
Publishing a knitting book
Participate in an exchange
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit - I don't have the patience
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money-No 
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…) - 
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars -
Knitting with someone else’s hand-spun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit - I don't have the patience
Bobbles
Knitting for a living- NO.  I won't turn something I enjoy doing to relax into a job.
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks -   maybe
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Knitted flowers
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn - 
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Free-form knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom- Sounds like fun
Thrummed knitting - 
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair- maybe
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

As you can tell, I'm a new knitter and don't have a lot of experience.   I want to knit a lot of different things, I'm slow but I'll eventually get everything done.  LOL

Why is blogger

being so difficult to edit html and post pictures too?  What a pain in the ass.  I hate when my posts aren't neatly aligned.  OCD.  LOL  In the overall scheme of things not a big deal, but, damn.  It should just work the way it is supposed to work.  It won't even let me cut and paste.  Does anyone know what is going on? This is just pissing me off.  Sorry.  I suppose I could try using a different computer.  But, again, it should work the way it is supposed to work.   So if it appears correctly ya know I edited it on my laptop. Anyway.........                                                                                                 

Okay,  I didn't sew Wednesday, Thursday or today.  But I did do something creative.  Wednesday I drew up simple plans for a display for my nai polish.  Yesterday I went to Lowe's and picked up the materials and supplies.  It took me a couple of hours to make the display.  As you can see there are two shelves I still need to put the fronts on.    I have to go back and get another piece of molding.  I didn't realize that the piece I got was only eight feet long.    This is basically a practice display.    I'll make another, bigger one in a few months and curve the upper edges on the side pieces and put a saying and/or some sort of carving above the top shelf.  Overall, Im pleased with the way this one came out.   

 

Today I did a fill in on my nails.  The ones on my left hand were really good. I hardly had to file at all.  But the ones on my right hand, looked like they had been done by someone who rarely picks up a brush.  The creative part came in when I did my nail art.  Nothing fancy today.  Two shades of pink polish layered over one another and black and gold stripes on four of the nails.  I did better putting down the stripes with my left hand than I did putting down the acrylic.           

I have been enjoying watching Criminal Minds lately.  I enjoy the interaction between Penelope Garcia, played by Kirsten Vangsness and Derek Morgan played by Shemar Moore.  Who I might add is one fine male speciman. mmm mmmm mmmmmm  LOL

Tomorrow, I'll be going shopping at Sephora.  There is now a Sephora inside J.C. Penney's at Tyrone Mall. Sephora is one of my favorite places to shop.  LOL    I'll probably go to Joann's too.  I think Simplicity patterns are "on sale" for $1.99 this weekend.          

            

Sewing

I received the May issue of Burda yesterday.  Way earlier in the month than I usually receive it.  I was totally underwhelmed.  I didn't find anything I wanted to sew.  Used to be I would find several things I wanted to make, lately, I find, maybe, one thing.  I'm considering letting my subscription lapse.  But then I think what if? There is an issue with numerous things I want to sew and I have to spend the time looking for the issue and then not find it.  I don't mind spending the money.  And I do enjoy looking at the magazine, even if I don't sew anything from it.  I really enjoy the style pages and the decorating ideas.

I spent most of my sewing time yesterday getting my cover-stitch machine re-threaded,  (It's been a while since I've used it.) and testing on scrap fabric.  I'll baste the hem in place before I stitch it.  Usually, I just eyeball it, and am good with accurately folding back the same width.  Does that make sense?  LOL I think today I'm going to pre-wash the tricot and a knit fabric for my next top.  It's McCall's 6282.  I have a cream and black leaf pattern jersey, similar to the fabric on the short sleeved dress.

There are a couple of patterns I want to get when they go on sale at Joann's.  Butterick 5575,  Simplicity 2224.  I think a pair of black pants (2224) to go with the top from 6282.  I love the jacket from 5575.  I think it looks almost like a vest and blouse on the pattern envelope.

I'm still having back pain.  Hard to sit for long periods of time as well as stand or walk.  Some of the pain from the herniated disc and some of the pain is from arthritis.  The arthritis is not limited to my back though.  The worst is that it is in my hands.  They are so stiff and achy at times, it makes it difficult to do a lot of things. Stretching helps, so I stretch several times a day.  I have an appointment with my chiropractor in an hour or so.  I had Girl on her leash when she lunged and it hurt my back, yet again.  It seems that it only took a few seconds to undo all the progress I've made over the past several months.  

I started Weight Watchers back in October 2010.  I'm about a third of the way to goal.  I haven't started a formal exercise program yet.  Just a little walking.  I still have my old workout plan, lower body, upper body, and a run/walk schedule here.  I'll just decrease the weights and work back up to the weights listed here.  

Burda

 I received the May issue of Burda Style yesterday.  Way earlier in the month than I usually get it.  I was totally underwhelmed.  I didn't find anything I wanted to sew.   Used to be I would find several things I wanted to make, lately, I find, maybe, one thing.  I'm considering letting my subscription lapse.  But then I think what if? There is an issue with numerous things I want to sew and I have to spend the time looking for the issue and then not finding it.  I don't mind spending the money.  And I do enjoy looking at the magazine, even if I don't sew anything from it.  I also enjoy the style pages and the decorating ideas.

I spent most of my sewing time yesterday getting my cover-stitch machine re-threaded,  (It's been a while since I've used it.) and testing on scrap fabric.  I'll baste the hem in place before I stitch it.  Usually, I just eyeball it, and am pretty good with accuracy.  Today I'm going to pre-wash the tricot and a knit fabric for my next top.  It's McCall's 6282.  I have a cream and black leaf pattern jersey, similar to the fabric on the short sleeved dress.

There are a couple of patterns I want to get when they go on sale at Joann's.  Butterick 5575,  Simplicity 2224.   I think a pair of black pants (2224) to go with the top from 6282.

I'm still having back pain.  Hard to sit for long periods of time as well as stand or walk.  Some of the pain from the herniated disc and some of the pain is from arthritis.  The arthritis is not limited to my back though.  The worst is that it is in my hands.  They are so stiff and achy at times, it makes it difficult to do a lot of things. Stretching helps, so I stretch several times a day.

I started Weight Watchers back in October 2010.  I'm about a third of the way to goal.  I haven't started a formal exercise program yet.  Just a little walking.  I still have a workout plan, lower body, upper body, and a run/walk shcedule here.

What??

It's April 17th already.  I haven't posted since January.   I have thought of numerous things I wanted to blog about, but for one reason or another didn't.  Mostly it's because I want to post pictures when I blog.  But I don't have a good place to take pictures.  Especially when I want to take pictures of smaller items, such as a bottle of nail polish.  Clothing items I can just hang on the back of a door.   The smaller items I really have to work at getting photographed.  I enjoy blogging even if I don't have pics, so I'm just gonna do it.  lol

Fabric and Sewing and Patterns! oh my!
My sewing mojo comes and goes.  Mostly it has been on vacation, at least for the past couple of years.  Same for my knitting and crocheting mojo.  I have decided that I will go into my studio and sew every day.  (I have a dedicated room for sewing. So I can leave everything as is when I want to quit for the day and don't have to put everything away.) Even if for only 10 minutes.  I use the term sewing to include tracing off patterns and cutting out, as well as taking needle and thread to fabric.   This past week I worked a few minutes a day on McCall's 6287.  I'm making the top, view A, in black jersey, as shown on the pattern envelope.  I'll post a pic when I have it completed.  It calls for leaving some of the edges unfinished, which I don't care for.  I'll be using my cover stitch machine to finish them.   I also got a couple more pieces of fabric and will post pictures as I complete the garments.

I haven't been following all the sew-a-longs, SWAPs etc as closely as I normally do either.  :( I still have pics of a SWAP on Flickr, I had planned a few years ago and never followed through on it.  I'm thinking of updating the patterns and finishing it.  I AM interested in seeing all the jackets that have been made for the 12 jackets in 12 months challenge.  I live in Florida and rarely wear a jacket, even in the winter.  But after receiving last month's Burda, and looking through it, ironically, I only saw one pattern I was interested in sewing.  The parka on page 57.    I'd like to make it in a forrest green or dark teal.

I hope

everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I have been busy searching for family members I haven't seen in quite some time.  I have been successful in locating several of them.  The last time I saw my grand-nephews was almost 10 years ago at my son's funeral.  They are both married and one of them now has a cutie patootie son.  One of my nephews was a baby.  I haven't actually spoken with him, but I have chatted with his half sister on Facebook.  I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! It's just so sad that families are torn apart by divorce.

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.  

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Happy Mother's Day!

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.

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!