Monday, December 28, 2009
A Winter Boost
...try this lush version of "Una Notte de Napoli," courtesy of Pink Martini. You'll be feeling pepped up, fast. (Husband has already listened to it five or six times tonight.) The weird part? I first heard it in a thrift shop this week!
Eating From Your Pantry In January!
Money Saving Mom has a new challenge -- can you concoct meals primarily from your pantry for the month of January? It doesn't mean giving up fresh items like eggs, milk and such -- but limiting your visits to the grocery store to 3 per month (in Mom's case). She's challenged others to take it on too, making up their own variations as they go.
Husband eyed the umpteenth Safeway bag I dragged home tonight and said, "Aren't you spending a lot of money?" (I'd already been to Kohl's, Target and Michael's -- but little did he know I spent less than $5 at K's, and about $45 each at the other two.) Granted, I was shopping for a New Year's Day catering gig...but it got me to thinking. Why not try MSMom's challenge, too?
So here's the plan. I will visit grocery stores no more than 3 times in January. (Two, if I can get away with it.) I will purchase no more than $50 worth of stuff, and rely on my freezer, cupboards and pantry the rest of the time.
In fact, if at all possible, I will visit other stores only twice this coming month -- period. I don't need any stuff, thanks to Christmas stocking. (The one exception to this 'rule' will be Target's 75% and 90% off Christmas sale items. Lordy, they have good bargains then...)
As God is my witness, we will not go hungry!
(Oops, channeling Scarlett O'Hara for a moment there.)
There will be weekly updates, recipes and such. Want to try your own version of this challenge? You're welcome to join in!
And don't miss MSMom's enlightening post on living poor during law school -- it reminds what's most important in life.
Husband eyed the umpteenth Safeway bag I dragged home tonight and said, "Aren't you spending a lot of money?" (I'd already been to Kohl's, Target and Michael's -- but little did he know I spent less than $5 at K's, and about $45 each at the other two.) Granted, I was shopping for a New Year's Day catering gig...but it got me to thinking. Why not try MSMom's challenge, too?
So here's the plan. I will visit grocery stores no more than 3 times in January. (Two, if I can get away with it.) I will purchase no more than $50 worth of stuff, and rely on my freezer, cupboards and pantry the rest of the time.
In fact, if at all possible, I will visit other stores only twice this coming month -- period. I don't need any stuff, thanks to Christmas stocking. (The one exception to this 'rule' will be Target's 75% and 90% off Christmas sale items. Lordy, they have good bargains then...)
As God is my witness, we will not go hungry!
(Oops, channeling Scarlett O'Hara for a moment there.)
There will be weekly updates, recipes and such. Want to try your own version of this challenge? You're welcome to join in!
And don't miss MSMom's enlightening post on living poor during law school -- it reminds what's most important in life.
Yet Another Crazy Quilts Review
Pepper Cory, bless her little North Carolina heart, mentioned CRAZY QUILTS! See her review at Pepper's blog...which, incidentally, is a great place to visit regularly for quilting stuff, but also a great deal of interest and comfort.
Thanks so much, friend.
Thanks so much, friend.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Between Holidays
Monday's panting on the horizon...and I know I have to Get Back to Work soon.
Sigh.
It was a lovely Christmas, in spite of our strange schedule -- everybody slept in until 10 a.m. or so (thank God for twenty-something children) and we didn't even have breakfast until noon. (Supper was at 8 p.m. Another spatchcocked turkey, British crackers (with strange party hats), and sachertorte for dessert.)
The girlies have both gone home...the Mama is still here, though, until Tuesday morning...and it seems strangely quiet. They won't be back for New Year's -- they enjoy going out with friends New Year's Eve, and we prefer cowboy movies, pizza and a quiet evening. (Too many drunken weirdos out on the street!)
For those of you who enjoy weirdos, here are the top 100 strangest stories of the year, starting with the top 5 or so. Keep clicking for the rest, once you get to the site.
The frugal will appreciate 50 money-saving websites...and they're not all what you would think!
And now I'll head to bed for a long winter's night, to dream of sugarplums and paperwork that magically gets itself done... hope you had a merry holiday, too.
Sigh.
It was a lovely Christmas, in spite of our strange schedule -- everybody slept in until 10 a.m. or so (thank God for twenty-something children) and we didn't even have breakfast until noon. (Supper was at 8 p.m. Another spatchcocked turkey, British crackers (with strange party hats), and sachertorte for dessert.)
The girlies have both gone home...the Mama is still here, though, until Tuesday morning...and it seems strangely quiet. They won't be back for New Year's -- they enjoy going out with friends New Year's Eve, and we prefer cowboy movies, pizza and a quiet evening. (Too many drunken weirdos out on the street!)
For those of you who enjoy weirdos, here are the top 100 strangest stories of the year, starting with the top 5 or so. Keep clicking for the rest, once you get to the site.
The frugal will appreciate 50 money-saving websites...and they're not all what you would think!
And now I'll head to bed for a long winter's night, to dream of sugarplums and paperwork that magically gets itself done... hope you had a merry holiday, too.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Multi-Using Your Holiday Items!
Real Simple magazine has an intriguing slide gallery on uses for holiday decorations and such after the holidays. Some intriguing stuff here -- check it out!
I have a multi-purpose wish for you: a safe, warm and content Christmas, remembering the Child who started all the hoopla, after all --
"Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there."
Merry Christmas!
I have a multi-purpose wish for you: a safe, warm and content Christmas, remembering the Child who started all the hoopla, after all --
"Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there."
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
What Made You Start Thinking About Money?
J.D. Roth's superlative Get Rich Slowly has pondered this question in the past. Take a look -- here's the original post, plus the followup. (Don't miss the comments -- they're especially helpful.)
What made me start taking my finances seriously? Three events stand out clearly.
*I started an after-school job at Rogers Hardware. ($1.50 an hour -- riches!) College was a dream; my parents were farmers and not well-off. I knew I had to Do Something. Half the money I made during the three-plus years I worked at Rogers went into a savings account for college. I ended up with enough to pay for the first year plus much of the second, thanks to grants and scholarships. All because I started putting away money for college at 15.
*Husband was a well-paid mechanical engineer. I had a fascinating job as an editor for a quilting magazine. Our girls were about 7 and 9. Life was great!
Then Husband had a nervous breakdown. In the next month or so, he stayed home from work and did strange things, like obsessively washing the same sinkful of dishes for four or five hours. At night he said he couldn't sleep, couldn't breathe...and wanted to walk. We'd go outside and pace up and down the street for a few hours. (I didn't dare go past eyesight of the house -- our children were asleep in there.) We'd go to bed about 3 a.m...then I would get up at 6 to go to work, while Husband slept the morning away.
This went on week after week, until I felt ready to have a nervous breakdown myself. No income coming in. No time to think for myself. Fortunately, Husband began to recover and went back to work. (He found out, after his return, that his bosses at Martin Marietta didn't think a thing about it -- lots of engineers there had nervous breakdowns. Goes to show you the stress and worry they went through there.)
We had enough, thanks to an emergency fund, to get us through that time. But it made me determined to never feel quite as desperate again. I took extra care with groceries, shopped primarily at thrift shops, had a large garden. Husband switched jobs -- then two years later, quit that one, saying he felt that if he didn't, he would have another nervous breakdown.
By then, I was working for myself, and income was really spotty. But our emergency fund was larger, thank God, and it kept us going for three months. After that, Husband began a new job -- as a school bus driver.
Needless to say, a bus driver's income is substantially less than an engineer's -- about 75% less. We lived on that income -- and mine, growing, thankfully, because of Brickworks -- until the girls both graduated from high school.
Finances are better today; Husband is a trainer, which pays better, and my business has grown considerably. But I have never forgotten the lessons I learned from that first desperate period.
And finally:
* The Millionaire Next Door. This book helped me realize that it's not the big prizes or jumps in salary -- it's the slow, day-by-day accumulation of just a bit that makes you rich in the end.
You can get this book for just a penny on Amazon -- and it will be one of the best purchases you ever made. Thomas Stanley has a new book I can't wait to read: Stop Living Rich...and Start Living Like A Millionaire.
What made me start taking my finances seriously? Three events stand out clearly.
*I started an after-school job at Rogers Hardware. ($1.50 an hour -- riches!) College was a dream; my parents were farmers and not well-off. I knew I had to Do Something. Half the money I made during the three-plus years I worked at Rogers went into a savings account for college. I ended up with enough to pay for the first year plus much of the second, thanks to grants and scholarships. All because I started putting away money for college at 15.
*Husband was a well-paid mechanical engineer. I had a fascinating job as an editor for a quilting magazine. Our girls were about 7 and 9. Life was great!
Then Husband had a nervous breakdown. In the next month or so, he stayed home from work and did strange things, like obsessively washing the same sinkful of dishes for four or five hours. At night he said he couldn't sleep, couldn't breathe...and wanted to walk. We'd go outside and pace up and down the street for a few hours. (I didn't dare go past eyesight of the house -- our children were asleep in there.) We'd go to bed about 3 a.m...then I would get up at 6 to go to work, while Husband slept the morning away.
This went on week after week, until I felt ready to have a nervous breakdown myself. No income coming in. No time to think for myself. Fortunately, Husband began to recover and went back to work. (He found out, after his return, that his bosses at Martin Marietta didn't think a thing about it -- lots of engineers there had nervous breakdowns. Goes to show you the stress and worry they went through there.)
We had enough, thanks to an emergency fund, to get us through that time. But it made me determined to never feel quite as desperate again. I took extra care with groceries, shopped primarily at thrift shops, had a large garden. Husband switched jobs -- then two years later, quit that one, saying he felt that if he didn't, he would have another nervous breakdown.
By then, I was working for myself, and income was really spotty. But our emergency fund was larger, thank God, and it kept us going for three months. After that, Husband began a new job -- as a school bus driver.
Needless to say, a bus driver's income is substantially less than an engineer's -- about 75% less. We lived on that income -- and mine, growing, thankfully, because of Brickworks -- until the girls both graduated from high school.
Finances are better today; Husband is a trainer, which pays better, and my business has grown considerably. But I have never forgotten the lessons I learned from that first desperate period.
And finally:
* The Millionaire Next Door. This book helped me realize that it's not the big prizes or jumps in salary -- it's the slow, day-by-day accumulation of just a bit that makes you rich in the end.
You can get this book for just a penny on Amazon -- and it will be one of the best purchases you ever made. Thomas Stanley has a new book I can't wait to read: Stop Living Rich...and Start Living Like A Millionaire.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Gingerbread Houses Made To Fit Your Cup!
Take a look at these tiny gingerbread houses...they actually fit (through the door slot) on the side of your cup.
The recipe is for gingerbread (of course), but shortbread and sugar cookie dough is also suggested, provided you chill the dough thoroughly so it doesn't spread.
I kept looking at these, though, and wondering if you could do something similar with graham crackers...
I have GOT to try these.
The recipe is for gingerbread (of course), but shortbread and sugar cookie dough is also suggested, provided you chill the dough thoroughly so it doesn't spread.
I kept looking at these, though, and wondering if you could do something similar with graham crackers...
I have GOT to try these.
Monday Morning Stuff
What a surprise! Go out of town, and your friends leave piles of presents in your apartment when you return. (Unfortunately, they're your vacuum, books, clothes, stuff in the freezer...) Sounds like guys, doesn't it?
And this inspiring post about Faith, the two-legged dog, who learned to walk on her hind legs. She's been visiting veterans' centers with her caretakers. Gutsy, gutsy.
One of our boys has not been doing well. Weimaraners often have hip trouble, and Goonie's had a lot of difficulty getting up. (Goonie is short for Gunther -- Weimies are a German breed.) One eye has not been good, either -- his inner eyelid keeps showing, and the eye is red and inflamed. The bad part: he's 13-plus. He'd need a hip replacement, something we can't afford. (I'm not sure he'd survive the operation, anyway.) He's doing better today, for which I'm grateful. He got up twice by himself -- and without our urging. Amazing. I'm grateful for his cheerful, uncomplaining nature. Needless to say, he's been getting extra petting and snacks -- something which our other Weimie, Buck, is desperately jealous of!
The worst is not over. But at least Goon is better.
And this inspiring post about Faith, the two-legged dog, who learned to walk on her hind legs. She's been visiting veterans' centers with her caretakers. Gutsy, gutsy.
One of our boys has not been doing well. Weimaraners often have hip trouble, and Goonie's had a lot of difficulty getting up. (Goonie is short for Gunther -- Weimies are a German breed.) One eye has not been good, either -- his inner eyelid keeps showing, and the eye is red and inflamed. The bad part: he's 13-plus. He'd need a hip replacement, something we can't afford. (I'm not sure he'd survive the operation, anyway.) He's doing better today, for which I'm grateful. He got up twice by himself -- and without our urging. Amazing. I'm grateful for his cheerful, uncomplaining nature. Needless to say, he's been getting extra petting and snacks -- something which our other Weimie, Buck, is desperately jealous of!
The worst is not over. But at least Goon is better.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Life Goes On...
Including a stop at the Governor's Mansion, to take the tour and admire the Palm room, full of large glass windows and sunshine. (Not to mention the 'jadeite' lamps in the hallways. Remember those candles you made in milk cartons, using ice cubes to get a 'Swiss cheese' look? They looked like that -- made out of jade. Very cool.) The holiday decorations were quite lovely -- you can see them here.
Then a wild cookie-decorating party with the piano (and voice) kids. Frosting EVERYWHERE. (But fun!)
I'm just beat. But not too tired to smirk at the guy who murdered three people, shot at two others, then tripped on his own fallen-down pants (he was wearing lowriders) and fell three stories to his death, as he was trying to shoot at another person. Oops. I keep hearing a song from kidhood:
"My pants fell down, my pants fell down, my pants fell down on Main Street.
I pulled them up, I pulled them up, I pulled them up on Main Street..."
Then a wild cookie-decorating party with the piano (and voice) kids. Frosting EVERYWHERE. (But fun!)
I'm just beat. But not too tired to smirk at the guy who murdered three people, shot at two others, then tripped on his own fallen-down pants (he was wearing lowriders) and fell three stories to his death, as he was trying to shoot at another person. Oops. I keep hearing a song from kidhood:
"My pants fell down, my pants fell down, my pants fell down on Main Street.
I pulled them up, I pulled them up, I pulled them up on Main Street..."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Books are Here!
They finally showed up this morning...true to form, about an hour after we had to leave for Denver.
The boxes are in a long row down the hallway, until they can be schlepped into inventory...and every last order is done and ready to go out in a very late (midnight) run to the post office tonight.
But they're DONE. And barring any great weirdness, they should all arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.
Whew.
The boxes are in a long row down the hallway, until they can be schlepped into inventory...and every last order is done and ready to go out in a very late (midnight) run to the post office tonight.
But they're DONE. And barring any great weirdness, they should all arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.
Whew.
Waiting, Waiting...
Still no truck. I've stayed home for two straight days, waiting. (Nearly all of our staffers are on vacation through the end of the month -- two have agreed to come in for just a few hours, to help get the backed-up Hanky Panky orders sent out.)
The shipment's been in Denver since the 15th, says the tracking info. Castle Rock is 30 miles -- tops -- from Denver. What do I have to do: march down there and unload the boxes myself??
Sigh.
The Momma, yours truly and one feckless staffer have finally hacked a path through the inventory area. There's much more to go, but it already looks a heck of a lot better.
I must do some errands tomorrow -- they can't be delayed any longer. What do you want to bet the delivery shows up while I'm gone?
The shipment's been in Denver since the 15th, says the tracking info. Castle Rock is 30 miles -- tops -- from Denver. What do I have to do: march down there and unload the boxes myself??
Sigh.
The Momma, yours truly and one feckless staffer have finally hacked a path through the inventory area. There's much more to go, but it already looks a heck of a lot better.
I must do some errands tomorrow -- they can't be delayed any longer. What do you want to bet the delivery shows up while I'm gone?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
An Inconvenient Truth
Al Gore's recent speech...well, the poor man admitted he might have gotten his facts wrong.
Turns out the scientist whose data Gore quoted told the Times of London he had never made any such statement -- or conclusion. (Although he does have something to say about the polar ice cap melting.)
Gore's office admitted he based his remarks on a conversation he'd had with the scientist 'several years ago.'
Oopsies...
Turns out the scientist whose data Gore quoted told the Times of London he had never made any such statement -- or conclusion. (Although he does have something to say about the polar ice cap melting.)
Gore's office admitted he based his remarks on a conversation he'd had with the scientist 'several years ago.'
Oopsies...
Need a Gift That's Inexpensive...Fast?
The Gingerbread Pop-Tart houses mentioned in the last post just might do the trick.
This post from Like Merchant Ships' archive might be what you need, too. Meredith had to get gifts for a hundred employees -- her husband's the 'big boss.' And $100 was the budgeted amount! You'll be amazed at the ideas that flow out of this post, especially in comments.
For my piano students, Mom and I are hosting a cookie decorating party Friday afternoon. The kids get to indulge in frosting, red-hots and chocolate chips up to their eyebrows, plus a large 'people' cookie for themselves and every person in their family. We get frosted cookies for the holiday plate! (My cousins used to come every year for a C.C.D.C. party, growing up, but the girlies are now Too Old for this childhood tradition. The abbreviation, by the way -- 'Cumings Cookie Decorating Committee.')
We'll have soup or chili for supper, then I'll take them to the local dollar store. (A looked-forward-to tradition now for the kids.) One dollar for every member of their family, plus $1 extra for tax. I love to see the presents they choose...the giggling...and the happy faces taking mysterious bags home to wrap!
This post from Like Merchant Ships' archive might be what you need, too. Meredith had to get gifts for a hundred employees -- her husband's the 'big boss.' And $100 was the budgeted amount! You'll be amazed at the ideas that flow out of this post, especially in comments.
For my piano students, Mom and I are hosting a cookie decorating party Friday afternoon. The kids get to indulge in frosting, red-hots and chocolate chips up to their eyebrows, plus a large 'people' cookie for themselves and every person in their family. We get frosted cookies for the holiday plate! (My cousins used to come every year for a C.C.D.C. party, growing up, but the girlies are now Too Old for this childhood tradition. The abbreviation, by the way -- 'Cumings Cookie Decorating Committee.')
We'll have soup or chili for supper, then I'll take them to the local dollar store. (A looked-forward-to tradition now for the kids.) One dollar for every member of their family, plus $1 extra for tax. I love to see the presents they choose...the giggling...and the happy faces taking mysterious bags home to wrap!
Gingerbread Houses Made Easy
Try this Pop-Tart version, courtesy of Kellogg's. A couple of boxes of Pop-Tarts, a few cans of frosting, some goodies to decorate, and you're done! (Did you know they make gingerbread Pop-Tarts??) Some real architectural opportunities for expansion here...
Even simpler: sugared Christmas tree cupcakes that use sparkling sprigs of evergreen pushed into frosted cupcakes. I could see a row of these on your favorite cake, too. (Our Dec. 26 wedding was held among a 'forest' of trees -- unsold Christmas trees mounted on stands and decorated with shimmery stuff. Yes, inside the church.)
The Hanky Panky delivery truck isn't here yet. The shipping envelopes are addressed and waiting, and we have plenty of stuff to do. (Rediscovered the inventory room floor last night!) C'mon, buddy. We've got orders to ship for Christmas!
Even simpler: sugared Christmas tree cupcakes that use sparkling sprigs of evergreen pushed into frosted cupcakes. I could see a row of these on your favorite cake, too. (Our Dec. 26 wedding was held among a 'forest' of trees -- unsold Christmas trees mounted on stands and decorated with shimmery stuff. Yes, inside the church.)
The Hanky Panky delivery truck isn't here yet. The shipping envelopes are addressed and waiting, and we have plenty of stuff to do. (Rediscovered the inventory room floor last night!) C'mon, buddy. We've got orders to ship for Christmas!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Make Your Own Paper Notebook -- and Fire 'Logs!'
I have a shameful confession to make.
I love notebooks.
Big ones, little ones, doesn't matter, as long as they have clean-smelling pages (gold-tipped edges are even nicer), pretty covers...and a pen's nearby. (Preferably one of those old-time fountain pens with silver nibs.)
And now, thanks to a new blog, The Art of Stinginess, I know how to make my own from scrap paper! Basically, he cuts two covers from something hard(er), a batch of pages (slightly smaller than the covers), clamps them together, glues them along one edge, then pastes on a spine cover.
Looks wayyy easy.
Hmmm. Couldn't I print out book pages and bind them this way for private editions? (I've been working on a cookbook of family recipes for the girlies, as well as Nephew and his wife, and Niece.) I'm going to try it -- will let you know if it works.
In the meantime, visit Mr. Stingy's Nov. 26, 2009 post. (Unfortunately, I can only give you a blog link, not the specific post link. Something about the way he set things up.) And when you're done there, go to the Nov. 20 post to know what to do with the paper leftovers -- very cool paper log/briquettes!
* * * * *
Mom's here, cozily ensconsed in Daughter #1's room (where it's warmer). I got an electric fireplace from Sam's Club, which she seems to really like. Basically where I need to go, she goes with me, including a pit stop at Big Lots to buy Swedish ginger thins (Husband's favorite cookie, only comes out at Christmas), imported olives and other goodies for Christmas stockings.
It's nice to have her here.
I love notebooks.
Big ones, little ones, doesn't matter, as long as they have clean-smelling pages (gold-tipped edges are even nicer), pretty covers...and a pen's nearby. (Preferably one of those old-time fountain pens with silver nibs.)
And now, thanks to a new blog, The Art of Stinginess, I know how to make my own from scrap paper! Basically, he cuts two covers from something hard(er), a batch of pages (slightly smaller than the covers), clamps them together, glues them along one edge, then pastes on a spine cover.
Looks wayyy easy.
Hmmm. Couldn't I print out book pages and bind them this way for private editions? (I've been working on a cookbook of family recipes for the girlies, as well as Nephew and his wife, and Niece.) I'm going to try it -- will let you know if it works.
In the meantime, visit Mr. Stingy's Nov. 26, 2009 post. (Unfortunately, I can only give you a blog link, not the specific post link. Something about the way he set things up.) And when you're done there, go to the Nov. 20 post to know what to do with the paper leftovers -- very cool paper log/briquettes!
* * * * *
Mom's here, cozily ensconsed in Daughter #1's room (where it's warmer). I got an electric fireplace from Sam's Club, which she seems to really like. Basically where I need to go, she goes with me, including a pit stop at Big Lots to buy Swedish ginger thins (Husband's favorite cookie, only comes out at Christmas), imported olives and other goodies for Christmas stockings.
It's nice to have her here.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Welcome to the New North Pole
Went to Safeway last night to redeem the free clementines coupon. By the time I got back outside, the temp was -13!! I was afraid Buck, who was waiting in the car, would be a giant Weimie popsicle...but he was fine.
By the time we got home, some ten minutes away, it had moderated. To a balmy -9.
That's the story right now in Colorado. At least the snow has stopped, and we have plenty of sunlight...albeit no warmth.
The movie 2012 postulated that the earth's poles had shifted -- the new South Pole was now in Wisconsin. Gee, maybe it really happened, and someone forgot to tell us!
Time for some pork loin in the crockpot, with mushroom gravy, a shot of wine and a handful of chopped celery. It will be bubbly by the time I get home from the airport. I'll be picking up my mom, who's had two flights cancel on her since 'our' blizzard started making itself at home in Michigan.
Mom hates planes, and avoids them whenever possible. (I find that very amusing, since much of my business life is spent par avion, heading to or from somewhere.) At least my brother got her the last seat on a direct flight -- all she has to do is get on in Grand Rapids, and get off in Denver. I'll be waiting for her by baggage claim.
The dishes aren't done (yet), the tree (cut from National Forest land last weekend) isn't trimmed. But it will be lovely to have her here for the holidays.
Hang in there, Ma! I'm coming...
By the time we got home, some ten minutes away, it had moderated. To a balmy -9.
That's the story right now in Colorado. At least the snow has stopped, and we have plenty of sunlight...albeit no warmth.
The movie 2012 postulated that the earth's poles had shifted -- the new South Pole was now in Wisconsin. Gee, maybe it really happened, and someone forgot to tell us!
Time for some pork loin in the crockpot, with mushroom gravy, a shot of wine and a handful of chopped celery. It will be bubbly by the time I get home from the airport. I'll be picking up my mom, who's had two flights cancel on her since 'our' blizzard started making itself at home in Michigan.
Mom hates planes, and avoids them whenever possible. (I find that very amusing, since much of my business life is spent par avion, heading to or from somewhere.) At least my brother got her the last seat on a direct flight -- all she has to do is get on in Grand Rapids, and get off in Denver. I'll be waiting for her by baggage claim.
The dishes aren't done (yet), the tree (cut from National Forest land last weekend) isn't trimmed. But it will be lovely to have her here for the holidays.
Hang in there, Ma! I'm coming...
Monday, December 7, 2009
Some Random Stuff...and a Very Weird Experience
The "Barrel Man" , Tim McKernan, is dead. He's been sporting an orange-painted barrel and a cowboy hat for years at Broncos games. Football fans will miss his enthusiasm.
Safeway is offering a free five-pound box of clementines if you become a fan on Facebook. (The offer says good today (12/7), but my coupon's for use on December 8 only.) I also grabbed a $5 gift subscription to Good Housekeeping for Mom. (Other mags, including Country Living and Redbook, are available for this rockbottom price for a short time on Amazon. Thanks so much for passing the word, Coupon Cravings!)
An interesting post on low-cost and fast evening meals.
And recipes for Gluhwein (German-style hot mulled wine) and Christmas Glogg.
See...I told you it was random!
Went to see the movie 2012 last night. According to director Roland Emmerich, "I said to myself that I'll do one more disaster movie, but it has to end all disaster movies. So I packed everything in." He keeps his word, all right -- you've got everything from Los Angeles to Yellowstone to India being crashed into, breaking off/apart (I lost count of all the airport runways splitting juuuuust behind Our Heroes' taking-off planes), blowing up or (Emmerich's favorite) being inundated by ocean waves. It was fun in a weird sort of way, though I found myself rooting that the Hero would eventually be toast. (I still like Emmerich's Day After Tomorrow better, though it's also got plenty of hoke.)
The strangest part, though, came after the movie. We'd been having this whispery, heavy snow all day. The roads were slippery. Only a handful of people were at the 8 p.m. showing. We stayed to watch the credits -- alone, as usual -- and by the time we walked out, about 11 p.m., the lobby was deserted.
No one at the ticket counter. No one in the halls. No one in the office. No one at the popcorn counter.
Three cars in the deserted parking lot -- including ours. Lights gave a spooky, surreal glow. A light but impenetrable curtain of snow fogged the sky. Dead silent.
Only two people at King Soopers, where we stopped on the way home. (And they were clerks.)
Since 2012 ends with only a handful of people being saved, I started to wonder...did the rest of the world know something we didn't??
But then we saw a sheriff's patrol car at the stoplight, using his flashlight to trigger the green 'Go,' and I figured -- hey, if he's still around, probably all's well.
And it was.
Safeway is offering a free five-pound box of clementines if you become a fan on Facebook. (The offer says good today (12/7), but my coupon's for use on December 8 only.) I also grabbed a $5 gift subscription to Good Housekeeping for Mom. (Other mags, including Country Living and Redbook, are available for this rockbottom price for a short time on Amazon. Thanks so much for passing the word, Coupon Cravings!)
An interesting post on low-cost and fast evening meals.
And recipes for Gluhwein (German-style hot mulled wine) and Christmas Glogg.
See...I told you it was random!
Went to see the movie 2012 last night. According to director Roland Emmerich, "I said to myself that I'll do one more disaster movie, but it has to end all disaster movies. So I packed everything in." He keeps his word, all right -- you've got everything from Los Angeles to Yellowstone to India being crashed into, breaking off/apart (I lost count of all the airport runways splitting juuuuust behind Our Heroes' taking-off planes), blowing up or (Emmerich's favorite) being inundated by ocean waves. It was fun in a weird sort of way, though I found myself rooting that the Hero would eventually be toast. (I still like Emmerich's Day After Tomorrow better, though it's also got plenty of hoke.)
The strangest part, though, came after the movie. We'd been having this whispery, heavy snow all day. The roads were slippery. Only a handful of people were at the 8 p.m. showing. We stayed to watch the credits -- alone, as usual -- and by the time we walked out, about 11 p.m., the lobby was deserted.
No one at the ticket counter. No one in the halls. No one in the office. No one at the popcorn counter.
Three cars in the deserted parking lot -- including ours. Lights gave a spooky, surreal glow. A light but impenetrable curtain of snow fogged the sky. Dead silent.
Only two people at King Soopers, where we stopped on the way home. (And they were clerks.)
Since 2012 ends with only a handful of people being saved, I started to wonder...did the rest of the world know something we didn't??
But then we saw a sheriff's patrol car at the stoplight, using his flashlight to trigger the green 'Go,' and I figured -- hey, if he's still around, probably all's well.
And it was.
Meredith's back!
COLD here...and has been snowing since last night. Light, tiny flakes. Unfortunately, they're not thick enough to force no school for tomorrow -- or so Husband thinks.
One of my favorite bloggers, Meredith at Like Merchant Ships, is finally posting again! I've missed her so much. True to form, even when she's talking about a subject that doesn't help me much (a Nutcracker's Suite ballet party for little girls), there's something wonderful tucked in as well -- like these cute little chocolate mice that may make an appearance in Daughters' Christmas stockings. (Here's another version, made with dried apricots.)
Tune in tomorrow for the results of the Great Stationery Giveaway. See you then.
One of my favorite bloggers, Meredith at Like Merchant Ships, is finally posting again! I've missed her so much. True to form, even when she's talking about a subject that doesn't help me much (a Nutcracker's Suite ballet party for little girls), there's something wonderful tucked in as well -- like these cute little chocolate mice that may make an appearance in Daughters' Christmas stockings. (Here's another version, made with dried apricots.)
Tune in tomorrow for the results of the Great Stationery Giveaway. See you then.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Living Within Your Limits
It's hard for me to fathom living from paycheck to paycheck -- we've saved and scrimped for a long time, to keep from this happening. But I've also learned from the examples of people who do it regularly. (Here's another example of same.) You might, too.
Especially hard for those who get in this situation because of no insurance and high medical bills. Both Daughters do not have health insurance right now -- a reality that bothers us, but we can do little about. Neither is in school full-time, and that's the only way our insurance will cover them.
But if you can spend less than you earn, reality changes for the better very quickly.
It's a good reminder, when we're being pressured to buy, buy, buy during this holiday season.
Especially hard for those who get in this situation because of no insurance and high medical bills. Both Daughters do not have health insurance right now -- a reality that bothers us, but we can do little about. Neither is in school full-time, and that's the only way our insurance will cover them.
But if you can spend less than you earn, reality changes for the better very quickly.
It's a good reminder, when we're being pressured to buy, buy, buy during this holiday season.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...
Snow, all right... about 6" so far, and coming down steadily. The birds are having a heyday under the feeder; I put in just sunflower seeds, and that is apparently caviar to them.
Take a minute -- send your favorite people a phone message from Santa, Sammy the Snowman or NASCAR driver Tony Stewart! And it's free, courtesy of King Soopers. There's a long list of names to choose from for your recipient; I was able to cover everyone but my mom (Bonnie).
The top guy on the list was brother Mikey, whose birthday is in two days. He'll get to hear from Santa about that. Only two days, also, to enter the stationery giveaway -- fire me a comment, and you're entered!
Take a minute -- send your favorite people a phone message from Santa, Sammy the Snowman or NASCAR driver Tony Stewart! And it's free, courtesy of King Soopers. There's a long list of names to choose from for your recipient; I was able to cover everyone but my mom (Bonnie).
The top guy on the list was brother Mikey, whose birthday is in two days. He'll get to hear from Santa about that. Only two days, also, to enter the stationery giveaway -- fire me a comment, and you're entered!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Getting Ready...
Restless. What the heck is wrong with me?
I think it's a combination of things --
*some business stuff needs to be finalized (boring paperwork-type stuff)
*the girlies have gone home
*back to 'normal' life -- washing, dirty dishes, bits on the carpet
*a long-worked-on job...that still needs another week's worth of effort
*schlepping everything out for decorating -- I want it out, just don't want to put it out!
Gripe, gripe, gripe.
Also, a blizzard is moving in...a prime ingredient for restless temps and feelings.
I stopped and had eggrolls with Daughter #1 on my way home from Denver this morning. Better. A few hours of cleaning...that business paperwork worked on. Salmon and sweet potato fries for supper; Husband and a friend to share it with. Best of all.
I think it's a combination of things --
*some business stuff needs to be finalized (boring paperwork-type stuff)
*the girlies have gone home
*back to 'normal' life -- washing, dirty dishes, bits on the carpet
*a long-worked-on job...that still needs another week's worth of effort
*schlepping everything out for decorating -- I want it out, just don't want to put it out!
Gripe, gripe, gripe.
Also, a blizzard is moving in...a prime ingredient for restless temps and feelings.
I stopped and had eggrolls with Daughter #1 on my way home from Denver this morning. Better. A few hours of cleaning...that business paperwork worked on. Salmon and sweet potato fries for supper; Husband and a friend to share it with. Best of all.
Monday, November 30, 2009
My Buddy - Stephen King
It's true...and yet it isn't.
I'm fascinated by the guy, as well as revulsed (he periodically suffers from "trash mouth" and the desperate need to describe weird sex in detail) and frustrated (he's great at characterization and detail, but sometimes shovels his endings in wayyy too fast).
Some of his books have gone way past creepy-in-a-fascinating-way to directly affecting my life. Case in point: His 1987 novel, Misery, about a writer who becomes the pet of Annie Wilkes, his "greatest fan." (King himself admitted that Annie represented the addictions he'd had for years, including alcohol and drugs.) For anyone who's a writer, just the idea of being kept hostage and forced to write has a nasty attraction (time to write! no interruptions!) at the same time it repulses ('ol Annie's going to chop my foot off if I don't make the characters do what she wants! Why would they...they never do what I want them to do...)
I read the book shortly after I had Daughter #1, not realizing until halfway through that Annie was a nurse at Boulder Community Hospital. Where she went on trial for murdering babies in the neonatal section. Where both our daughters were born.
Talk about chills down the spine. I even did some checking -- was there a nurse put on trial for this? But apparently, King made it up. (whew)
I also had a love/hate affair with King's Needful Things...where you can get anything you want, but you have to pay for it by doing "favors" for the owner.
And, of course, there's The Stand.
All three have been made into tv series...although I think I prefer The Langoliers and The Shining (which King has been working on a sequel to), instead of any of them. (Shawshank Redemption -- yes, King wrote that, too! -- is also great.)
One of King's very best books, though, is also one of his least-known: a nonfiction look at himself and his work, called simply On Writing. It also covers his 1999 accident, which left him in pain ever since.
Roger Ebert observed: "A lot of people were outraged that he [King] was honored at the National Book Awards, as if a popular writer could not be taken seriously. But after finding that his book On Writing had more useful and observant things to say about the craft than any book since Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, I have gotten over my own snobbery."
Stephen King: one amazing, messed-up guy.
I'm fascinated by the guy, as well as revulsed (he periodically suffers from "trash mouth" and the desperate need to describe weird sex in detail) and frustrated (he's great at characterization and detail, but sometimes shovels his endings in wayyy too fast).
Some of his books have gone way past creepy-in-a-fascinating-way to directly affecting my life. Case in point: His 1987 novel, Misery, about a writer who becomes the pet of Annie Wilkes, his "greatest fan." (King himself admitted that Annie represented the addictions he'd had for years, including alcohol and drugs.) For anyone who's a writer, just the idea of being kept hostage and forced to write has a nasty attraction (time to write! no interruptions!) at the same time it repulses ('ol Annie's going to chop my foot off if I don't make the characters do what she wants! Why would they...they never do what I want them to do...)
I read the book shortly after I had Daughter #1, not realizing until halfway through that Annie was a nurse at Boulder Community Hospital. Where she went on trial for murdering babies in the neonatal section. Where both our daughters were born.
Talk about chills down the spine. I even did some checking -- was there a nurse put on trial for this? But apparently, King made it up. (whew)
I also had a love/hate affair with King's Needful Things...where you can get anything you want, but you have to pay for it by doing "favors" for the owner.
And, of course, there's The Stand.
All three have been made into tv series...although I think I prefer The Langoliers and The Shining (which King has been working on a sequel to), instead of any of them. (Shawshank Redemption -- yes, King wrote that, too! -- is also great.)
One of King's very best books, though, is also one of his least-known: a nonfiction look at himself and his work, called simply On Writing. It also covers his 1999 accident, which left him in pain ever since.
Roger Ebert observed: "A lot of people were outraged that he [King] was honored at the National Book Awards, as if a popular writer could not be taken seriously. But after finding that his book On Writing had more useful and observant things to say about the craft than any book since Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, I have gotten over my own snobbery."
Stephen King: one amazing, messed-up guy.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day Before Thanksgiving Musings
The Coinstar people are at it again...cash in $40 worth of coins, and get $10 free! It's simpler than you think; load in your coins, get the 'loaded' gift card or e-cert from the machine, then mail in the claim form at the bottom of your receipt. Voila..I got a $10 Amazon gift card this way last year. (The deal's good through Dec. 6.)
Also, a treasure of '60s Texas photographs of Important People (including one of Kennedy's motorcade, moments before his assassination) found dumped under a Forth Worth, TX bridge. Authorities suspect that it was part of the items taken from a historical society five years ago.
Putting up...cleaning up...and actually finding floors and counters underneath all that stuff. A miracle. Kind of like the Italian Mafia boss who was let out of jail early, for 'medical reasons.' (Paralysis, supposedly.) When arrested, he was dining sans wheelchair, having driven to the restaurant in his sportscar. The cops asked what happened, and he replied, "It's a miracle!"
This IS a miracle; an incredible meteor shower in South Africa.
* * * * *
Don't forget about my Hot Chocolate giveaway! Here are the particulars:
-- actually, THREE new giveaways, thanks to Carolina Pad. This stationery company has come up with some of the most colorful, cheerful (and very high quality) stationery products I've seen in a long time. And thanks to their generous donation, we're going to send three stationery gifts out for three lucky people, in time for Christmas giving!
Here's the plan. (I'll repeat it again in future posts -- don't worry.)
You've got at least three chances to enter:
* Post a comment on any posts between today (Nov. 21) and Dec. 4. Yammer on about whatever you'd like. (You'll have an entry for every comment, but it's limited to one a day.)
*Visit Carolina Pad, come back, and let me know your favorite design there. Make this a separate comment. (In case you're wondering, the giveaways will all be in their classy 'Hot Chocolate' pattern.)
*Join up -- become a follower of my blog, and earn a third entry in the contest!
The contest ends Dec. 4...and we'll announce the winners Dec. 6.
* * * *
Now, if I could only get one of my family to watch some of those Pilgrim Thanksgiving specials with me...that would be a miracle, too.
Have a wonderful, peaceful Thanksgiving.
Also, a treasure of '60s Texas photographs of Important People (including one of Kennedy's motorcade, moments before his assassination) found dumped under a Forth Worth, TX bridge. Authorities suspect that it was part of the items taken from a historical society five years ago.
Putting up...cleaning up...and actually finding floors and counters underneath all that stuff. A miracle. Kind of like the Italian Mafia boss who was let out of jail early, for 'medical reasons.' (Paralysis, supposedly.) When arrested, he was dining sans wheelchair, having driven to the restaurant in his sportscar. The cops asked what happened, and he replied, "It's a miracle!"
This IS a miracle; an incredible meteor shower in South Africa.
* * * * *
Don't forget about my Hot Chocolate giveaway! Here are the particulars:
-- actually, THREE new giveaways, thanks to Carolina Pad. This stationery company has come up with some of the most colorful, cheerful (and very high quality) stationery products I've seen in a long time. And thanks to their generous donation, we're going to send three stationery gifts out for three lucky people, in time for Christmas giving!
Here's the plan. (I'll repeat it again in future posts -- don't worry.)
You've got at least three chances to enter:
* Post a comment on any posts between today (Nov. 21) and Dec. 4. Yammer on about whatever you'd like. (You'll have an entry for every comment, but it's limited to one a day.)
*Visit Carolina Pad, come back, and let me know your favorite design there. Make this a separate comment. (In case you're wondering, the giveaways will all be in their classy 'Hot Chocolate' pattern.)
*Join up -- become a follower of my blog, and earn a third entry in the contest!
The contest ends Dec. 4...and we'll announce the winners Dec. 6.
* * * *
Now, if I could only get one of my family to watch some of those Pilgrim Thanksgiving specials with me...that would be a miracle, too.
Have a wonderful, peaceful Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Great Tips
Got a minute? Here's a compendium of some of the best common sense tips I've ever read. Subscribing to the home spot, Vocalpoint, is worth it, too -- lots of coupons and freebies.
one of the tips:
Stubborn stains on your clothes? Spray them with oven cleaner. (I'm going to try this, especially on stubborn stains on the 'Brick shelf'...er, the chest.)
Worth a shot.
Got any of your own tried-and-true tips to share?
one of the tips:
Stubborn stains on your clothes? Spray them with oven cleaner. (I'm going to try this, especially on stubborn stains on the 'Brick shelf'...er, the chest.)
Worth a shot.
Got any of your own tried-and-true tips to share?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dyeing Yarn with Kool-Aid
Ever try this? The tutorial here makes it look really easy...
just two packages of kool-aid, a jar of water and a microwave.
Oh, and time.
just two packages of kool-aid, a jar of water and a microwave.
Oh, and time.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Recession Stories
Originally, I visited the Ladies' Home Journal site because One Frugal Girl, a fellow blogger, was talking about their pantry homemade mixes. And that was interesting...
but even more so were the four stories of families coping with lost jobs, homes and improvising for insurance and work. You can read about them here.
(P.S. Don't miss out on OFG's original entry -- she's got a great recipe for taco seasoning mix.)
A long day, filled with church, lunch with a friend, a (short) nap, and a church-wide Thanksgiving supper.
See you tomorrow.
but even more so were the four stories of families coping with lost jobs, homes and improvising for insurance and work. You can read about them here.
(P.S. Don't miss out on OFG's original entry -- she's got a great recipe for taco seasoning mix.)
A long day, filled with church, lunch with a friend, a (short) nap, and a church-wide Thanksgiving supper.
See you tomorrow.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Lost and Found
Lose anything lately?
Poor old Galileo had a few fingers, a tooth and a vertebrae lifted when his body was exhumed and reburied in a fancy mausoleum 95 years after his death. The fingers and tooth reappeared recently; no doubt the great astronomer's happy about that.
Also, some weird Peruvian gang is murdering people for their body fat, which they (the gang members) sell to cosmetic companies.
Well, they can have some of my fat anytime!
Did a BUNCH of appraisals today, plus caught up on piano lessons...and had supper with Daughter #1. This weekend, I'll finally announce that giveaway...check back in. It will be worth it.
Poor old Galileo had a few fingers, a tooth and a vertebrae lifted when his body was exhumed and reburied in a fancy mausoleum 95 years after his death. The fingers and tooth reappeared recently; no doubt the great astronomer's happy about that.
Also, some weird Peruvian gang is murdering people for their body fat, which they (the gang members) sell to cosmetic companies.
Well, they can have some of my fat anytime!
Did a BUNCH of appraisals today, plus caught up on piano lessons...and had supper with Daughter #1. This weekend, I'll finally announce that giveaway...check back in. It will be worth it.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I Love Being Home!
...but exhausted. Got just a few hours sleep last night, trying to catch back up.
Will have something to say, besides burbling, tomorrow.
Hope you all are doing ok.
Will have something to say, besides burbling, tomorrow.
Hope you all are doing ok.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Barbara Brackman Mentions Quilts of the Golden West!
I respect this quilt and fabric historian so much that it's a positive pleasure to have her mention my name...and Quilts of the Golden West. Take a look at Barbara's blog for more, including several photos.
* * * * *
A loooooonnnng day today. Judged 250 quilts! I did it, but by wearing out a whole bevy of scribes and myself, in the process. Glad to be home and at the computer, where I can just let my mind wander. It got a real workout today in Grand Junction.
Appraising all day tomorrow. More mental digging and shoveling, but it's worth it.
* * * * *
A loooooonnnng day today. Judged 250 quilts! I did it, but by wearing out a whole bevy of scribes and myself, in the process. Glad to be home and at the computer, where I can just let my mind wander. It got a real workout today in Grand Junction.
Appraising all day tomorrow. More mental digging and shoveling, but it's worth it.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Happy Not-Halloween!
What do you do with your leftover Halloween candy? Frugal Upstate and buddies have been discussing this. Their options include crushing it and using the 'crumbles' to top cakes; decorating gingerbread houses; and so on.
I was surprised no one mentioned what I do with it (assuming I've got some, that is): fill in extra spots in Christmas stockings. (the weird eyeballs, lips, etc. are especially appreciated.)
This year, we had no trick or treaters. Yes, you read that right -- zero, zip, nada. There aren't a lot of kids in the neighborhood, to start with, and it was pretty chilly out.
I've had fun watching some of the classic horror flicks showing lately, though -- The Fog and The Shining (both Stephan King) are favorites. A very sexy version of Dracula (with Frank Langella, of all people!) ranks up there now, too. (The sex is pretty much implied, except for the obligatory cleavage. Even the guy shows some chest! The only freaky part -- taking in account, the general weirdness you get with any Dracula movie, that is --Dracula says "gooood eve-n-ing" about nine hundred bazillion times. And seems to be doing it seriously every single time!)
* * * *
I am happy to say that Quilts #1 and #2 went out the door, happily ensconced in their caretaker's arms this weekend. I got about 45 min. of sleep last night, but it was worth it. Now on to finish up the next project: a larger quilt version of Hanky Panky, done in neutrals. And on to teach at the Grand Junction, CO guild next Wednesday. (Judging is on Thursday, and appraisals on Friday and Saturday.)
Now on to finish up some dishes, while the Godfather keeps us company. (AMC has been showing all three Godfather movies today -- amazing. I'd never seen any. They're better than I figured, though you have to get used to the idea that if someone says no, does something rebellious, or gets caught cheating or doing something stupid, they're pretty much dead.)
Then on to blissful sleep.
I was surprised no one mentioned what I do with it (assuming I've got some, that is): fill in extra spots in Christmas stockings. (the weird eyeballs, lips, etc. are especially appreciated.)
This year, we had no trick or treaters. Yes, you read that right -- zero, zip, nada. There aren't a lot of kids in the neighborhood, to start with, and it was pretty chilly out.
I've had fun watching some of the classic horror flicks showing lately, though -- The Fog and The Shining (both Stephan King) are favorites. A very sexy version of Dracula (with Frank Langella, of all people!) ranks up there now, too. (The sex is pretty much implied, except for the obligatory cleavage. Even the guy shows some chest! The only freaky part -- taking in account, the general weirdness you get with any Dracula movie, that is --Dracula says "gooood eve-n-ing" about nine hundred bazillion times. And seems to be doing it seriously every single time!)
* * * *
I am happy to say that Quilts #1 and #2 went out the door, happily ensconced in their caretaker's arms this weekend. I got about 45 min. of sleep last night, but it was worth it. Now on to finish up the next project: a larger quilt version of Hanky Panky, done in neutrals. And on to teach at the Grand Junction, CO guild next Wednesday. (Judging is on Thursday, and appraisals on Friday and Saturday.)
Now on to finish up some dishes, while the Godfather keeps us company. (AMC has been showing all three Godfather movies today -- amazing. I'd never seen any. They're better than I figured, though you have to get used to the idea that if someone says no, does something rebellious, or gets caught cheating or doing something stupid, they're pretty much dead.)
Then on to blissful sleep.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Christmas gift ideas - fast, and priced right!
Yes, it's coming...and now's a great time to start on gift ideas before Thanksgiving hits. This site has so many different suggestions that I ran out of steam, trying to read them all! What sets it apart from others, though, is the plethora of inexpensive gift ideas for guys. That, and lots of recipes. Take a look!
Some Helpful Posts
Mike at Gathering Little by Little always has something interesting to say, including this post on ten little ways to save money that really add up.
My buddy at The Simple Dollar admits he's given in to various temptations...but there is a way to handle these occasional stumbles, and profit from it. You could, too.
Sunny day, but lots of work to do.
My buddy at The Simple Dollar admits he's given in to various temptations...but there is a way to handle these occasional stumbles, and profit from it. You could, too.
Sunny day, but lots of work to do.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Mourning Ribbons, Performing Cats and More
What -- these don't go together in your mind?? :)
*Mourning ribbons hold a fascination for me -- partly because they've been around for hundreds of years, partly because they are such a strong signal of that person's importance to their world. Presidential ribbons are a special favorite -- and I just scored a 1994 Richard Nixon one off Ebay! Whoo hoo!
Here's a Benjamin Franklin ribbon I can only aspire to. (Maybe you can afford its $3000-plus price.)
I wonder if there's a Michael Jackson mourning ribbon?
*And the kitties, for fellow cat-lovers on this blog...
Here's the best compilation of singing and talking kitties I know of. Our cat Sheba used to do a scritchy ditty similar to this little guy. Also, a 'mouser' and a kitty who goes nuts when his string is taken away. Best of all: the Moscow Cat Theatre. (I don't make this stuff up -- I just chronicle it!)
* * * * * *
Yours Truly was mistaken in some of her fussing. (sigh) My new book, Quilts of the Golden West, has been doing wonderfully. (That was no mistake.) BUT I got the newest royalty statement, and it's clear I misunderstood the Kansas City Star accountant. The book sold $5100 worth in September -- not 5100 books.
I know it's done great in October, so I'm not too embarrassed. But please stand by as Yours Truly mops her red face with a handkerchief, and says "Oops. Sorry."
*Mourning ribbons hold a fascination for me -- partly because they've been around for hundreds of years, partly because they are such a strong signal of that person's importance to their world. Presidential ribbons are a special favorite -- and I just scored a 1994 Richard Nixon one off Ebay! Whoo hoo!
Here's a Benjamin Franklin ribbon I can only aspire to. (Maybe you can afford its $3000-plus price.)
I wonder if there's a Michael Jackson mourning ribbon?
*And the kitties, for fellow cat-lovers on this blog...
Here's the best compilation of singing and talking kitties I know of. Our cat Sheba used to do a scritchy ditty similar to this little guy. Also, a 'mouser' and a kitty who goes nuts when his string is taken away. Best of all: the Moscow Cat Theatre. (I don't make this stuff up -- I just chronicle it!)
* * * * * *
Yours Truly was mistaken in some of her fussing. (sigh) My new book, Quilts of the Golden West, has been doing wonderfully. (That was no mistake.) BUT I got the newest royalty statement, and it's clear I misunderstood the Kansas City Star accountant. The book sold $5100 worth in September -- not 5100 books.
I know it's done great in October, so I'm not too embarrassed. But please stand by as Yours Truly mops her red face with a handkerchief, and says "Oops. Sorry."
Starting a New Week!
Have you ever visited the Get Rich Slowly discussion forums? Lots of posts there on success stories, people/places/things to avoid, and this one: tips, good sites and freebies.
A beautiful day, albeit a bit snowy. Even with the sun of the past few days, we still have big piles of snow in street medians around here. Husband trudged off to work this morning, after a three-day (paid) vacation. (That's the plus of working for the school district -- when school's cancelled, it's for everybody.)
Piles of Stuff await -- I'd better get to it. Hope your Monday is a sunny one, too.
A beautiful day, albeit a bit snowy. Even with the sun of the past few days, we still have big piles of snow in street medians around here. Husband trudged off to work this morning, after a three-day (paid) vacation. (That's the plus of working for the school district -- when school's cancelled, it's for everybody.)
Piles of Stuff await -- I'd better get to it. Hope your Monday is a sunny one, too.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
A New Giveaway!
And it's a great one, thanks to a company donation...check my site in the next few days for more info.
Important Things
Trent over at the Simple Dollar has one of the best posts he's ever done:
The ten most important things he's learned from life -- and finances.
These are really quite amazing, including:
The more time you spend improving and educating yourself, the better off you will be.
Blaming others for your problems is a dead-end road. It may be fun. It may even be true in part. But it's not going to get you anywhere.
And maybe my favorite: The single most important part of finance is truly knowing yourself.
Additional thoughts:
Always spend less than you earn. (JD at Get Rich Slowly posits this, and I think he's right.)
Save a little every week -- even if it's only a dollar or so.
You weren't put on this earth to have it cater to you. We're here for a reason.
Big piles of snow are in the middle of the roads downtown, and people gingerly drive through the narrow lanes created. The sun is shining hard, in spite of the chilly air, and you can literally see the snow steaming down. We're supposed to be in the 60s next week, which should take care of the rest.
Now back to that sinkful of dirty dishes...have a great weekend.
The ten most important things he's learned from life -- and finances.
These are really quite amazing, including:
The more time you spend improving and educating yourself, the better off you will be.
Blaming others for your problems is a dead-end road. It may be fun. It may even be true in part. But it's not going to get you anywhere.
And maybe my favorite: The single most important part of finance is truly knowing yourself.
Additional thoughts:
Always spend less than you earn. (JD at Get Rich Slowly posits this, and I think he's right.)
Save a little every week -- even if it's only a dollar or so.
You weren't put on this earth to have it cater to you. We're here for a reason.
Big piles of snow are in the middle of the roads downtown, and people gingerly drive through the narrow lanes created. The sun is shining hard, in spite of the chilly air, and you can literally see the snow steaming down. We're supposed to be in the 60s next week, which should take care of the rest.
Now back to that sinkful of dirty dishes...have a great weekend.
Friday, October 30, 2009
End of the Week Smile
Go to Nester's 'smile' post first, and spend some time grinning at the American Express commercial. But then take a minute to visit the smile in the laundry room. (Think Geico.)
I missed it the first time!
I missed it the first time!
Friday
I woke up late this morning, to find Husband, still snoring blissfully -- school got cancelled yet again today! He, for one, was heartbroken that he couldn't trudge out and shovel the 19-plus inches of snow off the car...
It's beautiful out, but not much is melting. And we've got storm clouds still peeking over the mountains. On the other hand, we're supposed to have temps in the 60s next week. It's Colorado -- go figure.
Twenty of filmdom's creepiest little kids are listed in this unsettling photo gallery, including my own favorite -- the little girl in Bad Seed. She had no hesitation burning up a creepy janitor, or killing the little boy that wouldn't fork over the penmanship medal she craved. Wouldn't it be a relief to push somebody who was irritating the crap out of you down the stairs... oh no, I'm starting to think like her! Horrors!
The girlies saw Bad Seed when they were younger, and loved it. Then they'd get this speculative look in their eyes...
It's beautiful out, but not much is melting. And we've got storm clouds still peeking over the mountains. On the other hand, we're supposed to have temps in the 60s next week. It's Colorado -- go figure.
Twenty of filmdom's creepiest little kids are listed in this unsettling photo gallery, including my own favorite -- the little girl in Bad Seed. She had no hesitation burning up a creepy janitor, or killing the little boy that wouldn't fork over the penmanship medal she craved. Wouldn't it be a relief to push somebody who was irritating the crap out of you down the stairs... oh no, I'm starting to think like her! Horrors!
The girlies saw Bad Seed when they were younger, and loved it. Then they'd get this speculative look in their eyes...
Animal Attacks
Have you heard about the young folk singer killed by coyotes?
What a strange thing to happen. I would think it totally bizarre, if not for some of the odd animal attacks we've had here in Colorado. But for us, it's generally mountain lions...here's advice on what to do if you're ever in this kind of situation.
What a strange thing to happen. I would think it totally bizarre, if not for some of the odd animal attacks we've had here in Colorado. But for us, it's generally mountain lions...here's advice on what to do if you're ever in this kind of situation.
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...
Mmfffmmfmfmfmfmf....
oop, wait... I need to claw myself up and out of a snowdrift before I can do anything else!!
Seriously, we have been DUMPED on the past few days. School got cancelled; a blessing because Husband, who works as a trainer in the transportation department, could stay in bed and sleep in. (He still isn't over this flu completely...I haven't come back to full strength either, frankly.)
The tally, as of tonight, is 18". (I'd gripe more about that, but Evergreen and places further toward the mountains got as much as 39"!) It's enough to have big overhanging shelves of snow on the deck roof, and half the bird population of Douglas County hanging out on our back porch. (The bird feeder, nearly full earlier this week, is now about 3/4 empty.) The snow is past the dogs' bellies, and the boys flounder around happily, though they're quick to zoom back in.
We've stayed put. Today, I don't think more than one or two cars went down our road -- if that. (The snowplow only put in one appearance.) I finished quilting the top, after staying up nearly all night, plus a bunch of other hours, (yay!) and have started binding it.
Two solid days of snow and blowing, but it's moving further east, over the plains now. Looks like the snow's finally stopped falling here, as of 12:45 a.m. (this posting). I'm guessing Husband will go back to work tomorrow -- darn it.
Ah well. I've got a huge pile of Golden West books to take to the post office, anyways.
* * * * * * *
Some people around Wolf Creek Pass haven't been too thrilled that the area's under consideration for a new ski resort. So they (the people, not the developers) enlisted the support of an unusual champion -- Bigfoot! Take a look at this very funny video.
oop, wait... I need to claw myself up and out of a snowdrift before I can do anything else!!
Seriously, we have been DUMPED on the past few days. School got cancelled; a blessing because Husband, who works as a trainer in the transportation department, could stay in bed and sleep in. (He still isn't over this flu completely...I haven't come back to full strength either, frankly.)
The tally, as of tonight, is 18". (I'd gripe more about that, but Evergreen and places further toward the mountains got as much as 39"!) It's enough to have big overhanging shelves of snow on the deck roof, and half the bird population of Douglas County hanging out on our back porch. (The bird feeder, nearly full earlier this week, is now about 3/4 empty.) The snow is past the dogs' bellies, and the boys flounder around happily, though they're quick to zoom back in.
We've stayed put. Today, I don't think more than one or two cars went down our road -- if that. (The snowplow only put in one appearance.) I finished quilting the top, after staying up nearly all night, plus a bunch of other hours, (yay!) and have started binding it.
Two solid days of snow and blowing, but it's moving further east, over the plains now. Looks like the snow's finally stopped falling here, as of 12:45 a.m. (this posting). I'm guessing Husband will go back to work tomorrow -- darn it.
Ah well. I've got a huge pile of Golden West books to take to the post office, anyways.
* * * * * * *
Some people around Wolf Creek Pass haven't been too thrilled that the area's under consideration for a new ski resort. So they (the people, not the developers) enlisted the support of an unusual champion -- Bigfoot! Take a look at this very funny video.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Recession Payback
One of the funniest online games I've seen in a long time...and it rewards you with coupons! Go to the Con-Agra Recession Payback site, and you can beat up the six-term senator, the Wall Street schemer, corporate bigshot, or my favorite -- the sneaky banker.
Your hero is any one of Con-Agra's brand characters, from Marie Callender to Chef Boy-Ar-Dee.
Have fun!
Your hero is any one of Con-Agra's brand characters, from Marie Callender to Chef Boy-Ar-Dee.
Have fun!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday Piano Players
Friend Marcie just sent on this great video of an elderly couple playing piano -- enjoy!
Go here.
What a cheerful way to start the week.
Go here.
What a cheerful way to start the week.
Three Blogs Worth Reading
...and then I have to get some work done before bedtime!
LifeasMom has a nice post on cooking once and eating thrice. (I admire her organization.) Her chicken potpie recipe sounds amazing.
And another blogger, who in her 'other' life is a missionary. And a wife. And a mother. Honest, to the point, really living her faith. Wow. Check out Moms,Ministry&More.
And Cook for Good, who believes in using blocks of time for meals...I like the concept, though heating up baked potatoes seems a bit silly, when the house could benefit from the residual heat, anyways. She's a bit too vegetarian for our taste (the Bricks are big meat-eaters). But the ideas are good, and adaptable for about anyone. The price is right, too -- very frugal.
Enjoy!
LifeasMom has a nice post on cooking once and eating thrice. (I admire her organization.) Her chicken potpie recipe sounds amazing.
And another blogger, who in her 'other' life is a missionary. And a wife. And a mother. Honest, to the point, really living her faith. Wow. Check out Moms,Ministry&More.
And Cook for Good, who believes in using blocks of time for meals...I like the concept, though heating up baked potatoes seems a bit silly, when the house could benefit from the residual heat, anyways. She's a bit too vegetarian for our taste (the Bricks are big meat-eaters). But the ideas are good, and adaptable for about anyone. The price is right, too -- very frugal.
Enjoy!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Good News
I got a phone call this afternoon from one of the managers at the Kansas City Star, publisher of Ye Olde Quilts of the Golden West. After I answered her initial question, I asked one of my own: how many books had sold?
She didn't know about this month's sales. In September, though, when the book first came out, the book sold...
nearly 5,100 copies!
After I picked myself up off the floor, I thanked the Great Editor for His help and encouragement. Then I called my mom.
She didn't know about this month's sales. In September, though, when the book first came out, the book sold...
nearly 5,100 copies!
After I picked myself up off the floor, I thanked the Great Editor for His help and encouragement. Then I called my mom.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A video to give you heart!
Tiger Woods...bested by a 12-year-old?
Woods was in North Carolina, showing off his first golf course design. He hit two shots to 'open' the course -- both landed in the trees. When he invited the crowd to do better, the kid stepped forward...
and hit the ball 200 yards down the course. Woods said, "Do it again..." So he did!
See the video here, and Tiger's gracious response: "Good job. I'm proud of you."
The mark of a true champion.
Woods was in North Carolina, showing off his first golf course design. He hit two shots to 'open' the course -- both landed in the trees. When he invited the crowd to do better, the kid stepped forward...
and hit the ball 200 yards down the course. Woods said, "Do it again..." So he did!
See the video here, and Tiger's gracious response: "Good job. I'm proud of you."
The mark of a true champion.
Wildlife Photo Contest Results
Go here for the winners of a national wildlife photography contest sponsored by BBC Wildlife and London's Natural History museum. The winning photo: a wolf in mid-leap while on a hunting expedition.
But my heart smiled at the cat busy defending her territory...from a fox! Her 'pet,' a wildlife ranger, spent five months in a nature reserve in Kamchatka, and took Ryska (the cat) along with him. He explained, "...the animals were curious about the area's new residents, and drawn by cooking smells from the cabin. The foxes in particular would visit every day. When they came within 20m, that was her boundary and chased them. It was really funny - foxes were climbing trees to get away from the cat."
But my heart smiled at the cat busy defending her territory...from a fox! Her 'pet,' a wildlife ranger, spent five months in a nature reserve in Kamchatka, and took Ryska (the cat) along with him. He explained, "...the animals were curious about the area's new residents, and drawn by cooking smells from the cabin. The foxes in particular would visit every day. When they came within 20m, that was her boundary and chased them. It was really funny - foxes were climbing trees to get away from the cat."
Frugal Luxuries
I love this thread from J.D. at Get Rich Slowly:
What makes you feel rich, while still being frugal?
For me, it's:
*Buying Good Stuff cheap or on sale -- like imported lebkuchen, curry paste (especially nasi goreng, an Indonesian spicy mix that's absolutely addictive), quality chocolate and coffee, Japanese rice crackers, etc. I rely on Cost Plus World Market, sales on Amazon (more of these than you would think in the grocery area), Trader Joe's and Andy's Discount Market, a scratch-and-dent grocery near my mom's house in Michigan. The latter has had everything from rice vinegar to imported chocolates, lobster bisque and canned crabmeat at rock-bottom prices.
*Sitting out on our deck, with the petals from our blooming rosebush drifting around. $15 for the (very large) copper container, 35 bucks for the rosebush, which I plan to replant in the spring. Worth every penny. (Yes, it's under snow at present.)
*Finding quality items at the thrift shop -- like a lambswool sweater, or a leather jacket. Or yesterday's find, 7 blue/green-trimmed glass goblets. (The 8th must have broken.) As a bonus, they were giving away day-old bread.... upscale, artisan brand baguettes, french bread and bagels. Yum.
*Finishing a big job -- or a nasty one I've been putting off. Then taking an hour to read in a snug chair, fur throw over the legs and a cup of steaming British tea nearby, while the snow falls outside.
Ah...luxury...
So what's yours?
What makes you feel rich, while still being frugal?
For me, it's:
*Buying Good Stuff cheap or on sale -- like imported lebkuchen, curry paste (especially nasi goreng, an Indonesian spicy mix that's absolutely addictive), quality chocolate and coffee, Japanese rice crackers, etc. I rely on Cost Plus World Market, sales on Amazon (more of these than you would think in the grocery area), Trader Joe's and Andy's Discount Market, a scratch-and-dent grocery near my mom's house in Michigan. The latter has had everything from rice vinegar to imported chocolates, lobster bisque and canned crabmeat at rock-bottom prices.
*Sitting out on our deck, with the petals from our blooming rosebush drifting around. $15 for the (very large) copper container, 35 bucks for the rosebush, which I plan to replant in the spring. Worth every penny. (Yes, it's under snow at present.)
*Finding quality items at the thrift shop -- like a lambswool sweater, or a leather jacket. Or yesterday's find, 7 blue/green-trimmed glass goblets. (The 8th must have broken.) As a bonus, they were giving away day-old bread.... upscale, artisan brand baguettes, french bread and bagels. Yum.
*Finishing a big job -- or a nasty one I've been putting off. Then taking an hour to read in a snug chair, fur throw over the legs and a cup of steaming British tea nearby, while the snow falls outside.
Ah...luxury...
So what's yours?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Still Here...Under the Snowflakes
We had a pretty big storm start last night, about midnight.
Thankfully, I'd gotten home about 11:00 p.m., after giving a talk for the newly-formed textile history group meeting at the Creative Needle quilt/fabric shop. (A great place, by the way, to find not only the newest fabrics, but great stuff in needlepoint, cross-stitch and other needlearts, as well as a new sewing machine!) For more on the group -- which promises to be very interesting, and yours truly will be joining, too -- try the Creative Needle's calendar.
The night before, I spoke for the Alpine Quilters, in the mountains above Morrison.
And the night before that, I'd barely gotten home from California!
Needless to say, catching up is still a big part of this girl's equation. The bod doesn't know if it's coming or going yet.
* * * * *
QUILTS OF THE GOLDEN WEST is doing great -- we've already sold out of our first batch of books, and are waiting for the second batch, so we can fill more orders! (Nearly half are already spoken for.) If you'd like a copy too, they're $24.95, including free shipping...and a copy of the Grandma's Quilt Pattern Quilts of the Pioneers will be thrown into the mix, on the house. Just write or phone via the Brickworks website.
Thankfully, I'd gotten home about 11:00 p.m., after giving a talk for the newly-formed textile history group meeting at the Creative Needle quilt/fabric shop. (A great place, by the way, to find not only the newest fabrics, but great stuff in needlepoint, cross-stitch and other needlearts, as well as a new sewing machine!) For more on the group -- which promises to be very interesting, and yours truly will be joining, too -- try the Creative Needle's calendar.
The night before, I spoke for the Alpine Quilters, in the mountains above Morrison.
And the night before that, I'd barely gotten home from California!
Needless to say, catching up is still a big part of this girl's equation. The bod doesn't know if it's coming or going yet.
* * * * *
QUILTS OF THE GOLDEN WEST is doing great -- we've already sold out of our first batch of books, and are waiting for the second batch, so we can fill more orders! (Nearly half are already spoken for.) If you'd like a copy too, they're $24.95, including free shipping...and a copy of the Grandma's Quilt Pattern Quilts of the Pioneers will be thrown into the mix, on the house. Just write or phone via the Brickworks website.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Getting On With It
More appraising...trudge, trudge, trudge. Except for a break for lunch, Nancy (the girl who foolishly agreed to scribe for me), along with yours truly, was either meeting with someone, schlepping them up or down the escalator and two hallways, or typing away to get that appraisal done before the next person came up the escalator. (Note to self: try not to get too upset when you attempt three times to spell escalator -- and have to dither about it before you get it.)
Anyhow, I am here...but very tired.
Had a lovely supper out under the stars -- leftover lasagne (but I didn't have to cook it!), a glass of champagne and some hot tea with a handful of pecans. And a long discussion about the effects of the human will on sickness. Oh yes, and whether Language of Flowers meanings had something to do with the ways herbs and flowers are used for medical purposes. (I'll bet they do...and could think of a few examples, at least.)
Thanks, Nancy and Clayton. It was wonderful.
Off to bed -- and dream of tomorrow, stuffed full of people asking questions, holding quilts.
Anyhow, I am here...but very tired.
Had a lovely supper out under the stars -- leftover lasagne (but I didn't have to cook it!), a glass of champagne and some hot tea with a handful of pecans. And a long discussion about the effects of the human will on sickness. Oh yes, and whether Language of Flowers meanings had something to do with the ways herbs and flowers are used for medical purposes. (I'll bet they do...and could think of a few examples, at least.)
Thanks, Nancy and Clayton. It was wonderful.
Off to bed -- and dream of tomorrow, stuffed full of people asking questions, holding quilts.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Santa Clara, Here I Am...
Got into the San Jose airport in a fog...an incredibly bumpy trip. Rain glistening everything at the midnight hour. Fell into bed, but couldn't sleep. Got up. Took a hot bath, read about ten pages of Les Miserables (my current thick book-reading), out like a light.
Judged all day today. (Why is it I keep hearing in my head, "Judge not, let ye be judged." I'm going to be in big trouble!) Dragged back to the hotel - fell into bed again, slept for a few hours. Had a snack, read more. If you haven't read Les Miz for yourself (seeing the movie doesn't count, though it helps), find a copy, pronto. Victor Hugo tends to take these huge leaps off into the unknown -- more than 30 pages on Battle of Waterloo, for example! -- but I am amazed at his vivid descriptions and clarity. More than once, I found myself crying or talking out loud. This for a novel published in 1862? How many books make you do that!?!
Now it's on to Day #2, and appraising. This will be a quiet one: only a few appraisals in the room, but lots of hanging appraisals.
The show has some beauties, including an incredible golden wholecloth quilt with shining embellishments, some really nice floral samplers (one in country fabrics on red!), and some of the prettiest bustier/formal wearables I've seen in a long time. If you're in the area, a trip to Pacific International is well worth it.
Judged all day today. (Why is it I keep hearing in my head, "Judge not, let ye be judged." I'm going to be in big trouble!) Dragged back to the hotel - fell into bed again, slept for a few hours. Had a snack, read more. If you haven't read Les Miz for yourself (seeing the movie doesn't count, though it helps), find a copy, pronto. Victor Hugo tends to take these huge leaps off into the unknown -- more than 30 pages on Battle of Waterloo, for example! -- but I am amazed at his vivid descriptions and clarity. More than once, I found myself crying or talking out loud. This for a novel published in 1862? How many books make you do that!?!
Now it's on to Day #2, and appraising. This will be a quiet one: only a few appraisals in the room, but lots of hanging appraisals.
The show has some beauties, including an incredible golden wholecloth quilt with shining embellishments, some really nice floral samplers (one in country fabrics on red!), and some of the prettiest bustier/formal wearables I've seen in a long time. If you're in the area, a trip to Pacific International is well worth it.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Goodbyee
Frugal Babe is proclaiming the glories of de-cluttering. Even in a small way, it's refreshing; I've been getting rid of a handful of things every other day or so. More will go away, once I get back...
from Pacific International. Taking the plane away from this drearyness to the sunny temps of Santa Clara, California. And working like crazy -- judging the first day, then three days of appraising. This show is one of the best on the West coast, including an amazing display of modern quilts. Find out more about it here.
I'll be checking in now and then. Or stop in at the appraiser's room and say hi, if you're going to Pacific!
from Pacific International. Taking the plane away from this drearyness to the sunny temps of Santa Clara, California. And working like crazy -- judging the first day, then three days of appraising. This show is one of the best on the West coast, including an amazing display of modern quilts. Find out more about it here.
I'll be checking in now and then. Or stop in at the appraiser's room and say hi, if you're going to Pacific!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Frontier - and Challenges!
Earlier this afternoon, I was so frustrated, I could have spit. (An old Michigan expression that doesn't sound nearly as good in print as when you're, well, spitting the words out!)
Frontier changed my flight reservation for coming home. I was supposed to work all day at the conference -- and the little dears at Frontier changed my flight.
To 11 a.m. In the morning. Without letting me know, until I got the notice from Orbitz last night.
See why I was so mad?!
Thankfully, the folks at Orbitz were able to reschedule me to the redeye flight next morning -- 6:52 a.m. Oh joy.
Meanwhile, the Mancusos cleared my Saturday schedule and stuffed everything on Friday, instead! I'll be very busy then...but now I have Saturday for more work, plus finishing up the hanging appraisals, as well.
And if I'm lucky, a quick visit to the Winchester Mystery House Saturday afternoon, as well.
There's no use adding another night at the hotel, since I'd have to be at the airport so early next morning, anyways. I'll just go to the airport after supper, and do some work there.
But I'd love to march down to the Frontier offices and personally spank whichever yahoo thought to cancel my later flight -- and not let anyone, including Orbitz, know until yesterday. That was not appreciated.
Frontier changed my flight reservation for coming home. I was supposed to work all day at the conference -- and the little dears at Frontier changed my flight.
To 11 a.m. In the morning. Without letting me know, until I got the notice from Orbitz last night.
See why I was so mad?!
Thankfully, the folks at Orbitz were able to reschedule me to the redeye flight next morning -- 6:52 a.m. Oh joy.
Meanwhile, the Mancusos cleared my Saturday schedule and stuffed everything on Friday, instead! I'll be very busy then...but now I have Saturday for more work, plus finishing up the hanging appraisals, as well.
And if I'm lucky, a quick visit to the Winchester Mystery House Saturday afternoon, as well.
There's no use adding another night at the hotel, since I'd have to be at the airport so early next morning, anyways. I'll just go to the airport after supper, and do some work there.
But I'd love to march down to the Frontier offices and personally spank whichever yahoo thought to cancel my later flight -- and not let anyone, including Orbitz, know until yesterday. That was not appreciated.
Spending Less Than You Earn - Revisited!
Whoa....this is one of Get Rich Slowly's favorite mantras, and it's explored in detail this morning! Take a look. Some good stuff here.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Menswear in Quilts - Fall Exhibit at NEQM
Laura Fisher, noted historian and textiles dealer, has curated a fascinating exhibit on quilts made from menswear. More than forty different objects, plus lots of ephemera (catalogs, patterns and such) make this especially relevant.
It's just opened at the New England Quilt Museum -- see an exhibit description and sample pieces here. And here's the press release. You only have through Nov. 15 of this year.
Kim Wulfert has a review of this unusual exhibit...take a look. Lots of photos and descriptions.
Wish I lived closer! I'd visit several times...you hardly ever get a chance to see the humbler objects of our lives expressed like this -- both as useful objects, and as expressions of imagination. Wonderful!
It's just opened at the New England Quilt Museum -- see an exhibit description and sample pieces here. And here's the press release. You only have through Nov. 15 of this year.
Kim Wulfert has a review of this unusual exhibit...take a look. Lots of photos and descriptions.
Wish I lived closer! I'd visit several times...you hardly ever get a chance to see the humbler objects of our lives expressed like this -- both as useful objects, and as expressions of imagination. Wonderful!
100 Ways To Recycle Your Old T-Shirts!
Frugal Babe, bless her heart, passed on this intriguing link. She likes the diapers...but I couldn't take my eyes off the terrific rug. See which of the 100 different approaches helps you make an old t-shirt (singular or plural) into something unique.
Oh, and Colorado (almost) beat 2nd place-in-the-country Texas. Note I said "almost!"
As I write this, Michigan's still hanging in there. Go Blue!!
Oh, and Colorado (almost) beat 2nd place-in-the-country Texas. Note I said "almost!"
As I write this, Michigan's still hanging in there. Go Blue!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Saturn...Quilts of the Golden West...and stuff on the way to stuff
The Cassini telescope is taking amazing new photos of Saturn. Discoveries include a tiny moon orbiting between the rings, and a big ring never known about previously. Go here for some amazing photos.
* * * * * * *
I've spent the past few days washing (yes, I spoil poor neglected Husband), ironing...quilting an indigo 25 Patch top (it's sooo close to being done!) Trying to catch up on business before I leave again -- this time to judge and appraise for the Mancusos' Pacific International Quilt Show. (For those of you in California, stop by and say hi. I'd love it. We're in the convention center at Santa Clara.)
I spent last week with Mom. She's not doing well, I hate to say, though she has better days...and worse ones. I can't blame her - I miss Dad, too. She'll be coming here for Christmas, which will hopefully help some. We putzed around a lot, went out to eat, and picked a few bushels of crisp Macintosh apples. (My share got banged and smacked around in the airport, but there is always apple crisp to fall back on.)
Husband, meantime, went antelope hunting in the Colorado backcountry with Daughter #2 -- and got a big buck within an hour of their arrival in Maybelle! Amazing, almost unheard of. THEN they got a flat tire on the popup camper they borrowed for the trip. Changed that, and put on the spare...going out the next morning, the second tire blew. Got that fixed...and the bearing froze up.
They spent two extra days because of a popup camper they never used. (They decided to sleep in the back of the Jeep instead. Didn't want to mess the camper up, I guess.) Monday night, they came home in the same storm I flew home in -- only their version was snowy, sleeting and filled with trucks that had jackknifed up at the Eisenhower Tunnel. (Which was closed westbound -- but thankfully not eastbound.)
They got home around 10:00 p.m. -- the same time I did.
* * * * * * * *
QUILTS OF THE GOLDEN WEST is finally at the Brickworks offices! And the books are lovely. You can see them, including sample pages, here.
You'll find a mix of history about pioneers; the Gold and Silver Rush in various states, including California; the fight over the Gold and Silver Standard; financial panics (there have been many -- at least one every decade of America's existence); and how quilters expressed their opinions about money, silver, gold...and life. Ten quilt patterns are featuring, including Girls of the Golden West, containing nine famous women who were involved with gold, silver and copper.
Want a copy? Everyone else is offering the book for $28.95 PLUS shipping -- but Brickworks is selling it for $24.95, INCLUDING media rate shipping. We'll even throw in a copy of our "Quilts of the Pioneers" pattern booklet -- a $2.95 value. E-mail cindy@cindybrick.com, or call toll-free 1-888-48-BRICK. We accept MASTERCARD, VISA, Paypal, checks and money orders.
* * * * * * *
I've spent the past few days washing (yes, I spoil poor neglected Husband), ironing...quilting an indigo 25 Patch top (it's sooo close to being done!) Trying to catch up on business before I leave again -- this time to judge and appraise for the Mancusos' Pacific International Quilt Show. (For those of you in California, stop by and say hi. I'd love it. We're in the convention center at Santa Clara.)
I spent last week with Mom. She's not doing well, I hate to say, though she has better days...and worse ones. I can't blame her - I miss Dad, too. She'll be coming here for Christmas, which will hopefully help some. We putzed around a lot, went out to eat, and picked a few bushels of crisp Macintosh apples. (My share got banged and smacked around in the airport, but there is always apple crisp to fall back on.)
Husband, meantime, went antelope hunting in the Colorado backcountry with Daughter #2 -- and got a big buck within an hour of their arrival in Maybelle! Amazing, almost unheard of. THEN they got a flat tire on the popup camper they borrowed for the trip. Changed that, and put on the spare...going out the next morning, the second tire blew. Got that fixed...and the bearing froze up.
They spent two extra days because of a popup camper they never used. (They decided to sleep in the back of the Jeep instead. Didn't want to mess the camper up, I guess.) Monday night, they came home in the same storm I flew home in -- only their version was snowy, sleeting and filled with trucks that had jackknifed up at the Eisenhower Tunnel. (Which was closed westbound -- but thankfully not eastbound.)
They got home around 10:00 p.m. -- the same time I did.
* * * * * * * *
QUILTS OF THE GOLDEN WEST is finally at the Brickworks offices! And the books are lovely. You can see them, including sample pages, here.
You'll find a mix of history about pioneers; the Gold and Silver Rush in various states, including California; the fight over the Gold and Silver Standard; financial panics (there have been many -- at least one every decade of America's existence); and how quilters expressed their opinions about money, silver, gold...and life. Ten quilt patterns are featuring, including Girls of the Golden West, containing nine famous women who were involved with gold, silver and copper.
Want a copy? Everyone else is offering the book for $28.95 PLUS shipping -- but Brickworks is selling it for $24.95, INCLUDING media rate shipping. We'll even throw in a copy of our "Quilts of the Pioneers" pattern booklet -- a $2.95 value. E-mail cindy@cindybrick.com, or call toll-free 1-888-48-BRICK. We accept MASTERCARD, VISA, Paypal, checks and money orders.
Finally Home --
and loving being here.
I flew back Monday night in a horrendous batch of clouds as we came down toward DIA. Thankfully, the pilot warned us beforehand. Not so thankfully, the clueless guy in the row ahead decided to recline his seat -- so I spent the time with literally about a foot of personal space between me and the tray table.
The trip down should have been a new ride at Elitch's, our local amusement park...first rollercoaster down, slam to a brief stop, then have the plane shake from side to side. After a few minutes of this, my seatmate turned green, and...
Well, you can guess. Mostly in the convenient bag...
But not all of it.
So I spent the rest of the time looking out the window, breathing shallowly through the mouth and desperately trying not to join him. I succeeded...but barely.
It's one of the few times I felt like kissing the ground when I got off. What a pilot!
More tomorrow. It's so nice to be back and sleeping in my own bed.
I flew back Monday night in a horrendous batch of clouds as we came down toward DIA. Thankfully, the pilot warned us beforehand. Not so thankfully, the clueless guy in the row ahead decided to recline his seat -- so I spent the time with literally about a foot of personal space between me and the tray table.
The trip down should have been a new ride at Elitch's, our local amusement park...first rollercoaster down, slam to a brief stop, then have the plane shake from side to side. After a few minutes of this, my seatmate turned green, and...
Well, you can guess. Mostly in the convenient bag...
But not all of it.
So I spent the rest of the time looking out the window, breathing shallowly through the mouth and desperately trying not to join him. I succeeded...but barely.
It's one of the few times I felt like kissing the ground when I got off. What a pilot!
More tomorrow. It's so nice to be back and sleeping in my own bed.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Quilting for Dear Life
Just before I left on this trip, the publisher e-mailed...they wanted quilts to promote the book NOW, for display on the booth.
That would be just fine -- except the quilts made for the Golden West book were just in top form! And the antique quilts had either gone back into the museum collections, or were returned to their owners.
My Machine Quilter Extraordinaire, Tammy di Pasquale, finished one top and shipped it off. Mom and I have been busting ourselves quilting a second and third top...both are quilted, and we're busy stitching on the bindings this afternoon. They'll be in the mail, and on to a hotel in Houston.
I'm blowing kisses their direction, and waving them Godspeed. Hopefully they'll do their job.
It's been raining here in Michigan (north of Grand Rapids) today, but just an off-and-on drizzle. Kind of refreshing; we see so little rain at home in Colorado. The Brick and Daughter #2 are antelope hunting this weekend. Hope they bring home a nice juicy, hairy friend.
That would be just fine -- except the quilts made for the Golden West book were just in top form! And the antique quilts had either gone back into the museum collections, or were returned to their owners.
My Machine Quilter Extraordinaire, Tammy di Pasquale, finished one top and shipped it off. Mom and I have been busting ourselves quilting a second and third top...both are quilted, and we're busy stitching on the bindings this afternoon. They'll be in the mail, and on to a hotel in Houston.
I'm blowing kisses their direction, and waving them Godspeed. Hopefully they'll do their job.
It's been raining here in Michigan (north of Grand Rapids) today, but just an off-and-on drizzle. Kind of refreshing; we see so little rain at home in Colorado. The Brick and Daughter #2 are antelope hunting this weekend. Hope they bring home a nice juicy, hairy friend.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Festival of Frugality
Every week, this fun grouping of articles moves around to various blogs...I don't mention it much, but it's worth visiting regularly. You'll find all sorts of topics, from food to fun. Check out this past weeks' version here.
Vacation: Who Needs It?
Well, apparently I did -- because when I got here, the 'ol bod just let down.
I've been sleeping much more, and not having any problem just sitting for periods. Teetering on the edge of flu -- but so far, I feel myself getting stronger, not weaker.
Mom definitely needed me to come. Life has been really difficult for her lately -- after all, live with and love someone for 48-plus years, and when they go, it's going to be tough for her.
I'm proud of her gutsy attempts to keep going. I really am. But I'm also happy I can be of help by showing up once in a while.
Here's an interesting post on never washing your hair again. Thought I might try it -- at least once in a while.
And the QUILTS OF THE GOLDEN WEST books are here! Want one? Leave a comment, and we'll contact you!
I've been sleeping much more, and not having any problem just sitting for periods. Teetering on the edge of flu -- but so far, I feel myself getting stronger, not weaker.
Mom definitely needed me to come. Life has been really difficult for her lately -- after all, live with and love someone for 48-plus years, and when they go, it's going to be tough for her.
I'm proud of her gutsy attempts to keep going. I really am. But I'm also happy I can be of help by showing up once in a while.
Here's an interesting post on never washing your hair again. Thought I might try it -- at least once in a while.
And the QUILTS OF THE GOLDEN WEST books are here! Want one? Leave a comment, and we'll contact you!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Michigan, Here I Come
...headed there tomorrow. Chicago first -- then the train to Grand Rapids at night.
Class much more subdued today. Lots of talk about how to restore Crazy quilts -- a process much fraught with weird possibilities. It went well.
Have a good weekend yerself.
Class much more subdued today. Lots of talk about how to restore Crazy quilts -- a process much fraught with weird possibilities. It went well.
Have a good weekend yerself.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Telling It Like It Is
--about fabric.
Today was the Fabric Dating Class: stuffing two quilt tops, a baby quilt, umpteen blocks and fabrics (plus whatever the class brings in), then trying to cover everything done in the textile world from 1850 (and before) to 1950 (and after). In three hours.
I got the basics down, but had to skip the juicy subjects, like politicals, cheater prints, current events, world fairs, wars and such. But I think the students understood the basic drift -- especially how to tell the difference as fabrics worked from the 1920s (more muted grayed solids and prints) to the 1930s (warm butter yellow, Nile green, bazooka pink, etc.) to the 1940s (larger scale prints, brighter yellow into gold, red becomes more orangey in tone, and often accompanies burgundy/wine) to the 1950s! (into turquoise, lime and mint green, soft yellow)
Love this stuff.
On to the International Quilt Study Center, and their exhibits tomorrow.
Today was the Fabric Dating Class: stuffing two quilt tops, a baby quilt, umpteen blocks and fabrics (plus whatever the class brings in), then trying to cover everything done in the textile world from 1850 (and before) to 1950 (and after). In three hours.
I got the basics down, but had to skip the juicy subjects, like politicals, cheater prints, current events, world fairs, wars and such. But I think the students understood the basic drift -- especially how to tell the difference as fabrics worked from the 1920s (more muted grayed solids and prints) to the 1930s (warm butter yellow, Nile green, bazooka pink, etc.) to the 1940s (larger scale prints, brighter yellow into gold, red becomes more orangey in tone, and often accompanies burgundy/wine) to the 1950s! (into turquoise, lime and mint green, soft yellow)
Love this stuff.
On to the International Quilt Study Center, and their exhibits tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Progress Report
The little dears at home tell me it's been snowing...
but nothing's sticking.
It's coolish here in Omaha, but you still don't need a coat. That's the beauty about this town -- it's so humid that 'cold' doesn't feel much like it.
Some great posts you should check out:
Things Learned from Immigrant Parents (from Wisebread)
A Thrift Shop Angel (from Guideposts' Mysterious Ways newsletter)
How Doing Less Can Be Better (from Zen Habits)
Enjoy...
but nothing's sticking.
It's coolish here in Omaha, but you still don't need a coat. That's the beauty about this town -- it's so humid that 'cold' doesn't feel much like it.
Some great posts you should check out:
Things Learned from Immigrant Parents (from Wisebread)
A Thrift Shop Angel (from Guideposts' Mysterious Ways newsletter)
How Doing Less Can Be Better (from Zen Habits)
Enjoy...
Snug in Omaha
...and had a great time talking about quilt restoration, looking at potential pieces (damaged, but with lots of potential), and THINKING. Having all these ideas, techniques, possibilities thrown about is like a blast of fresh, cool air through my mind.
That's the wonderful thing about a national conference or workshop -- you get all sorts of people from all over (our group ranged from Omaha to South Carolina, Texas and even Australia). As a result, you also get all sorts of ideas and concepts that can range from t-shirt quilts to Martha's Flower Garden to All the Wonderful Things You Can Do With Pee. (Yours truly's shamefaced contribution to the discussion...I'm working on an article about it.)
I feel better already.
Tomorrow is dating fabric (I teach this one), then the afternoon is storage, cleaning and a general roundup. Goody goody goody.
It seems as if the Quilt Restoration Workshops are going to go on, after Nancy Kirk retires this year... you should consider attending. They're great fun, and you learn SO much. Even if you're one of the teachers!
That's the wonderful thing about a national conference or workshop -- you get all sorts of people from all over (our group ranged from Omaha to South Carolina, Texas and even Australia). As a result, you also get all sorts of ideas and concepts that can range from t-shirt quilts to Martha's Flower Garden to All the Wonderful Things You Can Do With Pee. (Yours truly's shamefaced contribution to the discussion...I'm working on an article about it.)
I feel better already.
Tomorrow is dating fabric (I teach this one), then the afternoon is storage, cleaning and a general roundup. Goody goody goody.
It seems as if the Quilt Restoration Workshops are going to go on, after Nancy Kirk retires this year... you should consider attending. They're great fun, and you learn SO much. Even if you're one of the teachers!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Treasures Lost... Treasures Found
I just couldn't resist passing on these insanely cool true stories...
Six people who stumbled across a fortune
and
Six treasures worth looking for!
Six people who stumbled across a fortune
and
Six treasures worth looking for!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
A Birthday Request You Can Help!
Beth Catlin, of Mechanicsburg, MD, loves to send birthday cards. She mails nearly four thousand a year...
from the list in her mind.
Beth has trouble meeting everyday challenges -- she does it best by keeping to a schedule, including her work at the S. Wilson Pollock Center for Industrial Training. For more than four decades, this woman has mailed homemade birthday cards to friends, family and people whose addresses she's gathered. She keeps their names, birth dates and addresses by memory only.
Beth's birthday is Sept. 22. Won't you return the favor, and send her a birthday card this week? Mail it to:
Beth Catlin
c/o S. Wilson Pollock Center for Industrial Training
262 Silver Spring Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
I have a special tie with Beth, even though we've never met. We are birthday sisters: same day, month and year.
Read more about Beth in this profile -- or check a recent issue of Reader's Digest. (I think she was profiled July 2009.) P.S. She likes stamps, too.
from the list in her mind.
Beth has trouble meeting everyday challenges -- she does it best by keeping to a schedule, including her work at the S. Wilson Pollock Center for Industrial Training. For more than four decades, this woman has mailed homemade birthday cards to friends, family and people whose addresses she's gathered. She keeps their names, birth dates and addresses by memory only.
Beth's birthday is Sept. 22. Won't you return the favor, and send her a birthday card this week? Mail it to:
Beth Catlin
c/o S. Wilson Pollock Center for Industrial Training
262 Silver Spring Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
I have a special tie with Beth, even though we've never met. We are birthday sisters: same day, month and year.
Read more about Beth in this profile -- or check a recent issue of Reader's Digest. (I think she was profiled July 2009.) P.S. She likes stamps, too.
Friday, September 11, 2009
What Would You Eat If It Was Your Last?
I am not sure how I wander onto these contributions to the Department of Weird, but here's the latest:
A website that tracks final meal requests of Death Row prisoners from 1982 on.
(Looks like they're all from Texas)
I am amazed at how often certain items reoccur:
fried chicken
chicken-fried steak
Cokes (sometimes vanilla, sometimes regular -- Dr. Peppers are big, too)
cheeseburgers
bacon something -- often sandwiches, esp. BLTs
chocolate cake
But items requested range from a bag of Jolly Ranchers, a cup of tea (made with teabags) and 6 chocolate chip cookies, to mercy, justice and world peace. One prisoner requested that his last meal be given to a homeless person.
The only female Death Row prisoner request? fruit and a salad.
A website that tracks final meal requests of Death Row prisoners from 1982 on.
(Looks like they're all from Texas)
I am amazed at how often certain items reoccur:
fried chicken
chicken-fried steak
Cokes (sometimes vanilla, sometimes regular -- Dr. Peppers are big, too)
cheeseburgers
bacon something -- often sandwiches, esp. BLTs
chocolate cake
But items requested range from a bag of Jolly Ranchers, a cup of tea (made with teabags) and 6 chocolate chip cookies, to mercy, justice and world peace. One prisoner requested that his last meal be given to a homeless person.
The only female Death Row prisoner request? fruit and a salad.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Respectfully Speaking...
One Frugal Girl topped off a few weeks of restful vacation with a stunning argument with her in-laws. She felt disregarded and disrespected. The one comfort: she had the backing of her husband in this fracas.
Poor girl.
It hurts to have someone you're related to...not love and respect you.
I have been very lucky; it's only happened a few times. Fortunately, there were other family members who expressed enough encouragement to counteract the rough stuff.
Have you ever gone through this? What did you do (or say...or feel) to get through it?
For me...it was Husband and his brothers, who made it clear that they loved and encouraged me, no matter what. Plus the strong sense that I knew who I was, and what I was capable of. I knew I had failings...I also knew that God and those I loved most dearly were well aware of those failings. In spite of all that, they still accepted me.
It's not just family, either -- I have this same sense of 'open season' every time I publish a new book or article. There she is...with a big target right on her chest! Ready, aim, fire...
Thick skins are a must. So is the ability to listen and analyze...but not let it destroy you. I'm not perfect -- so I don't expect to be treated as such. It's silly, then, to hate myself when I'm not. Only God is perfect.
Thankfully.
Poor girl.
It hurts to have someone you're related to...not love and respect you.
I have been very lucky; it's only happened a few times. Fortunately, there were other family members who expressed enough encouragement to counteract the rough stuff.
Have you ever gone through this? What did you do (or say...or feel) to get through it?
For me...it was Husband and his brothers, who made it clear that they loved and encouraged me, no matter what. Plus the strong sense that I knew who I was, and what I was capable of. I knew I had failings...I also knew that God and those I loved most dearly were well aware of those failings. In spite of all that, they still accepted me.
It's not just family, either -- I have this same sense of 'open season' every time I publish a new book or article. There she is...with a big target right on her chest! Ready, aim, fire...
Thick skins are a must. So is the ability to listen and analyze...but not let it destroy you. I'm not perfect -- so I don't expect to be treated as such. It's silly, then, to hate myself when I'm not. Only God is perfect.
Thankfully.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Beware Facebook Scams!
Here's one person's experience, along with a slide show of other sneaky Internet scams.
This hit closer to home for me when some of the quilting teachers listed as Libby Lehman's friends were hit up, supposedly by Libby who was stranded at a conference and needed funds to get home. (She wasn't, and she didn't.) To make things even more interesting, the scam hit a second level when a girl from New Zealand claimed she'd sent money, and now was dunning to try to get the funds reimbursed! (Also not proven.)
The moral of the story: Do NOT believe e-mails from anyone claiming this. If you know them well enough to want to send money, call them directly first. No matter what.
This hit closer to home for me when some of the quilting teachers listed as Libby Lehman's friends were hit up, supposedly by Libby who was stranded at a conference and needed funds to get home. (She wasn't, and she didn't.) To make things even more interesting, the scam hit a second level when a girl from New Zealand claimed she'd sent money, and now was dunning to try to get the funds reimbursed! (Also not proven.)
The moral of the story: Do NOT believe e-mails from anyone claiming this. If you know them well enough to want to send money, call them directly first. No matter what.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
More Weird Stuff
More stuff from the "Department of Weird:"
*The president of Zambia banned monkeys from the State House after one peed on him during a news conference. ("At least they got relocated instead of executed," somebody commented.)
*Silt, CO has a new statue, which takes the whole 'bottoms up' thing wayyyy past weird. The town's newest sculpture shows a rock climber working his way up a chimney route. Sounds fine, doesn't it? Oh...forgot to mention. Said rock climber has no attire! (A real climber, though they keep clothing to a minimum because of movement and stress, would at least protect the Jewels -- they wouldn't feel so good scraped up.)
From the article:
"Seven miles down the road to the west, the city of Rifle last summer unveiled its new sculptured rendition of a cattle drive in the middle of its two new roundabouts between I-70 and Airport Road.The sculptures include anatomically correct cattle with bull testicles and cow teats.'We haven't had any complaints — not a word,' Mayor Keith Lambert joked. 'I guess we're just an easier, happy-go-lucky crowd.' As far as Silt's sculpture, in which the rock climber's backside faces Rifle, there are other theories.
“The word on the street is that Silt is mooning Rifle,' Lambert said with a laugh. 'So you can only guess what they're doing to Glenwood [Springs].' "
And finally, a very cool way to make a wallet from a cereal box. (Wonder if this would work with heavy fabric, or tablecloth plastic?)
Hey, only the highest-class info on this website. Enjoy!
*The president of Zambia banned monkeys from the State House after one peed on him during a news conference. ("At least they got relocated instead of executed," somebody commented.)
*Silt, CO has a new statue, which takes the whole 'bottoms up' thing wayyyy past weird. The town's newest sculpture shows a rock climber working his way up a chimney route. Sounds fine, doesn't it? Oh...forgot to mention. Said rock climber has no attire! (A real climber, though they keep clothing to a minimum because of movement and stress, would at least protect the Jewels -- they wouldn't feel so good scraped up.)
From the article:
"Seven miles down the road to the west, the city of Rifle last summer unveiled its new sculptured rendition of a cattle drive in the middle of its two new roundabouts between I-70 and Airport Road.The sculptures include anatomically correct cattle with bull testicles and cow teats.'We haven't had any complaints — not a word,' Mayor Keith Lambert joked. 'I guess we're just an easier, happy-go-lucky crowd.' As far as Silt's sculpture, in which the rock climber's backside faces Rifle, there are other theories.
“The word on the street is that Silt is mooning Rifle,' Lambert said with a laugh. 'So you can only guess what they're doing to Glenwood [Springs].' "
And finally, a very cool way to make a wallet from a cereal box. (Wonder if this would work with heavy fabric, or tablecloth plastic?)
Hey, only the highest-class info on this website. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
6 Things That Are Worth The Extra Money
Before I forget (yet again), happy belated 40th birthday to friend Stephanie! Girl, you are gorgeous...and I have loved having you in my life. (Not to mention singing next to you!) Take a look at Stephanie's blog, Life on Prescott Avenue.
And here's a very nice lunch bag pattern , if you've thought about making one. (Thanks, Almost Frugal, for pointing me in the right direction.)
In all the haste to ride the Frugal hamster wheel, it's easy to forget that some things are worth spending extra for. Here, for equality's sake, are six I can think of:
*Aerosol whipped cream. The tubs of whipped topping are cheaper -- but they taste 'like dung,' as Crocodile Dundee would say. And we never seem to finish them up before they spoil. I'll take a squirt of spray whipped cream any day. It lasts for months in the refrigerator...you can use as little or much as you want...and it tastes great. (Now if I could only get Daughter #2 to quit squirting it directly into her mouth...)
*Appliances, vehicles, furniture, etc. you're going to use practically daily. This is a lesson the Brick has finally taught me, over years of trying. Pay a little more for a good brand...or workmanship...or quality. A cheapo Walmart grill will last a season; a Weber or Jenn-Air grill, a decade or so. A leather couch that's well made will take any amount of kid-jumping-on, and still look good when they're teenagers. Buy quality-made stuff secondhand, if you can't afford it new. In the long run, you still come out way ahead.
*Good jewelry. Instead of five pairs of costume jewelry, buy one classic pair of gold hoops. They look better and last longer. I remind myself of this every time I look at my gold wedding band, which has lasted 28 years, and is still going strong.
*Good quilts. Instead of five 'sort of good' quilt tops on sale, spend the extra for one Really Good quilt. Its value will hold far longer than the sale stuff you've just grabbed. (Yes, I've learned this the hard way.) The $400 quilt -- at a time when that amount represented far more than it sounds -- has octupled in value, while the $25 stained quilt top is still worth...well, $25.
*Thrift shop clothes -- within certain limits. I would much rather spend a little more at the thrift shop on a classic wool sweater, than spend less on that season's quickie version at a department store. Why? Because when winter ends, the classic piece is ready to store for next season -- while the quickie is shapeless and pilling. Look for good labels (L.L. Bean, for example), good workmanship, good condition. If it's worn well for them (the donor), it will keep doing it for you.
*Museum admission, a last-minute tour...when you're at the destination you've always dreamed of visiting. Don't talk yourself out of stopping at that little cafe, or taking even a quickie visit to the local museum or cathedral or WHATEVER, on the grounds it's extra money, or time, or effort. Do it. You may never go there again...and the extra you spend will be nothing in the overall scheme of things.
I will never regret the long, hot walk we took for a brief look at one of the ceremonial wells at Chichen Itza. Our schedule was limited, it would have been more fun to drink lemonade at the restaurant, and at the time, I wanted to do anything but trudge down yet another dusty trail. I'd read about maidens being sacrificed to the greenish depths back in elementary school...looking at that spooky place was like becoming a child again.
Now it's your turn. What things do you believe are worth extra?
And here's a very nice lunch bag pattern , if you've thought about making one. (Thanks, Almost Frugal, for pointing me in the right direction.)
In all the haste to ride the Frugal hamster wheel, it's easy to forget that some things are worth spending extra for. Here, for equality's sake, are six I can think of:
*Aerosol whipped cream. The tubs of whipped topping are cheaper -- but they taste 'like dung,' as Crocodile Dundee would say. And we never seem to finish them up before they spoil. I'll take a squirt of spray whipped cream any day. It lasts for months in the refrigerator...you can use as little or much as you want...and it tastes great. (Now if I could only get Daughter #2 to quit squirting it directly into her mouth...)
*Appliances, vehicles, furniture, etc. you're going to use practically daily. This is a lesson the Brick has finally taught me, over years of trying. Pay a little more for a good brand...or workmanship...or quality. A cheapo Walmart grill will last a season; a Weber or Jenn-Air grill, a decade or so. A leather couch that's well made will take any amount of kid-jumping-on, and still look good when they're teenagers. Buy quality-made stuff secondhand, if you can't afford it new. In the long run, you still come out way ahead.
*Good jewelry. Instead of five pairs of costume jewelry, buy one classic pair of gold hoops. They look better and last longer. I remind myself of this every time I look at my gold wedding band, which has lasted 28 years, and is still going strong.
*Good quilts. Instead of five 'sort of good' quilt tops on sale, spend the extra for one Really Good quilt. Its value will hold far longer than the sale stuff you've just grabbed. (Yes, I've learned this the hard way.) The $400 quilt -- at a time when that amount represented far more than it sounds -- has octupled in value, while the $25 stained quilt top is still worth...well, $25.
*Thrift shop clothes -- within certain limits. I would much rather spend a little more at the thrift shop on a classic wool sweater, than spend less on that season's quickie version at a department store. Why? Because when winter ends, the classic piece is ready to store for next season -- while the quickie is shapeless and pilling. Look for good labels (L.L. Bean, for example), good workmanship, good condition. If it's worn well for them (the donor), it will keep doing it for you.
*Museum admission, a last-minute tour...when you're at the destination you've always dreamed of visiting. Don't talk yourself out of stopping at that little cafe, or taking even a quickie visit to the local museum or cathedral or WHATEVER, on the grounds it's extra money, or time, or effort. Do it. You may never go there again...and the extra you spend will be nothing in the overall scheme of things.
I will never regret the long, hot walk we took for a brief look at one of the ceremonial wells at Chichen Itza. Our schedule was limited, it would have been more fun to drink lemonade at the restaurant, and at the time, I wanted to do anything but trudge down yet another dusty trail. I'd read about maidens being sacrificed to the greenish depths back in elementary school...looking at that spooky place was like becoming a child again.
Now it's your turn. What things do you believe are worth extra?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Want to Learn How to Date and Restore Quilts?
This may be your final chance to attend a Quilt Restoration workshop taught by Nancy Kirk, one of the greats in the quilt restoration field...and getting ready to retire. Yours truly will be co-teaching.
The workshops are in Omaha, NE:
Beginning quilt restoration Sept. 23-24
Advanced quilt restoration Sept. 26-27
with a field trip to the International Quilt Study Center (always worth a visit!) Sept. 25.
Fees are extremely reasonable, and you'll come away from this with a remarkable set of skills for repairing and restoring not only your own quilts -- but with a start toward doing it as a business -- something that's desperately needed in many areas. Promise.
Two half-scholarships are mentioned on the website as still available, too...
Find out more at the Quilt Restoration site. Or ask if you've got a question.
* * * *
I spent much of today out and about with an appraisal client, so didn't get much done at home. This week, I have several irons in the fire that must be drawn out...but I'll be around.
The workshops are in Omaha, NE:
Beginning quilt restoration Sept. 23-24
Advanced quilt restoration Sept. 26-27
with a field trip to the International Quilt Study Center (always worth a visit!) Sept. 25.
Fees are extremely reasonable, and you'll come away from this with a remarkable set of skills for repairing and restoring not only your own quilts -- but with a start toward doing it as a business -- something that's desperately needed in many areas. Promise.
Two half-scholarships are mentioned on the website as still available, too...
Find out more at the Quilt Restoration site. Or ask if you've got a question.
* * * *
I spent much of today out and about with an appraisal client, so didn't get much done at home. This week, I have several irons in the fire that must be drawn out...but I'll be around.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Eating for Less Than $100 A Month?
It would be tough, but...
perhaps the ideas in this post would be helpful. (Thanks so much, Living Almost Large!) Don't miss the reader comments, either...they're the best.
perhaps the ideas in this post would be helpful. (Thanks so much, Living Almost Large!) Don't miss the reader comments, either...they're the best.
Quiet Millionaires
Mom and Joy are back in Michigan...a thunderstorm gave their ride home a gut-thumping thrill or two, and provided some needed rain here. Another is on the way...
J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly has a book review today on Brett Wilder's book THE QUIET MILLIONAIRE, advocating the merits of saving money by economizing, slowly and surely. He also has reminders about some of his previous posts in a similar vein, including this one on Jane Buri, a social worker that squirrelled away millions! (A video on Jane is here.)She drove an old car, dressed herself in long-wearing classics, and watched an ancient television. She also traveled whenever she wanted, including Europe, and gave generously to the charities she believed in. According to J.D., she saved because it didn't occur to her to spend more.
An interesting thought.
Other posts include one on a reader's "mathmobile" neighbor, 'John,' J.D.'s millionaire next door, and of course, those terrific reader comments. You'll learn a lot about deliberate frugality that way. 'John's' secret to wealth, for example? "The real secret is to spend less than you earn. I don’t care how much you earn, you spend less than you earn.”
One of my great favorites in this area is THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR, a matter-of-fact look at what could only be called "middle class millionaires:" people with bucks that don't really show it. Over and over again, they have the same habits --
*save up and buy quality, so it lasts for decades
*keep clothing and accessory purchases to a useful minimum (again, buy for classic longevity)
*buy your home -- and keep it forever
*buy your car the same way
Most of all, they save on the necessities of life -- so they can afford a luxury or two!
J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly has a book review today on Brett Wilder's book THE QUIET MILLIONAIRE, advocating the merits of saving money by economizing, slowly and surely. He also has reminders about some of his previous posts in a similar vein, including this one on Jane Buri, a social worker that squirrelled away millions! (A video on Jane is here.)She drove an old car, dressed herself in long-wearing classics, and watched an ancient television. She also traveled whenever she wanted, including Europe, and gave generously to the charities she believed in. According to J.D., she saved because it didn't occur to her to spend more.
An interesting thought.
Other posts include one on a reader's "mathmobile" neighbor, 'John,' J.D.'s millionaire next door, and of course, those terrific reader comments. You'll learn a lot about deliberate frugality that way. 'John's' secret to wealth, for example? "The real secret is to spend less than you earn. I don’t care how much you earn, you spend less than you earn.”
One of my great favorites in this area is THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR, a matter-of-fact look at what could only be called "middle class millionaires:" people with bucks that don't really show it. Over and over again, they have the same habits --
*save up and buy quality, so it lasts for decades
*keep clothing and accessory purchases to a useful minimum (again, buy for classic longevity)
*buy your home -- and keep it forever
*buy your car the same way
Most of all, they save on the necessities of life -- so they can afford a luxury or two!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wonderful Graphics - Free for Use!
I just found the Graphics Fairy, a blogger who generously passes on any number of old photos, scrapbook bits and other illustrations -- free for you to use! They're perfect for scrapbooking and home dec, quilts and other needlework.
I'm a sucker for Victorian era stuff, which she has in abundance. But there are plenty of other items too, including fancy bottle labels (which I recently priced in Tuesday Morning at big $$) and maps of Paris, the British Museum and London.
Sprint, don't walk here -- and take a look.
You go, girl! (And thank you.)
I'm a sucker for Victorian era stuff, which she has in abundance. But there are plenty of other items too, including fancy bottle labels (which I recently priced in Tuesday Morning at big $$) and maps of Paris, the British Museum and London.
Sprint, don't walk here -- and take a look.
You go, girl! (And thank you.)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
It's Coming!
I just came across this great recipe for fudge bars, thanks to GroceryCartChallenge...but my motivation for making freezer treats is rapidly waning.
Fall is definitely starting to move in here. The trees are already showing patches of yellow and gold. (Our dominant fall color -- orange and red are at a premium.) A cold breeze wanders through in the afternoon, and we've had two days of rather nasty thunderstorms and wind.
I'm not sad. It's no fun to lie in bed, wishing you could breathe, or putting off supper to keep the house cooler. I love fall -- the visual grandeur, cooler weather, the sense of excitement (after all, the holidays aren't far behind). And even the tiny bit of sadness as the garden ends, and stews and soups begin.
I just hope we don't get a killing frost for a week or two, so the tomatoes and zukes have a chance to bear more.
Fall is definitely starting to move in here. The trees are already showing patches of yellow and gold. (Our dominant fall color -- orange and red are at a premium.) A cold breeze wanders through in the afternoon, and we've had two days of rather nasty thunderstorms and wind.
I'm not sad. It's no fun to lie in bed, wishing you could breathe, or putting off supper to keep the house cooler. I love fall -- the visual grandeur, cooler weather, the sense of excitement (after all, the holidays aren't far behind). And even the tiny bit of sadness as the garden ends, and stews and soups begin.
I just hope we don't get a killing frost for a week or two, so the tomatoes and zukes have a chance to bear more.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
A Very Sad Story
One of the saddest unemployment stories I've read in a long time...
and one of the best to learn by.
called "Nowhere to Go But Down."
He can't find work. She can't, either. They've lost their rented house, and are forced to move into Her mom's basement, now occupied by boxes, cat litter and a few small windows. Two-year-old Daughter and 17-year-old Son will be living with them.
But wait...
That's not the whole story.
Here are some other truths that eventually come out:
*He was making good money at his old job...and spending it fist-over-pocket. Blowing it on treating the whole bar to drinks, lavish meals, stuff like that. No savings. No retirement. No nothing. Just paycheck to paycheck.
*Education is a misnomer -- he got some training, but isn't using it. She isn't, either. (No sign that they're encouraging Son to even think this way.)
*She gets a job offer during the course of the article -- and turns it down. Not as much money as she can make getting unemployment.
*What do they do now? Basically nothing, unless you count video games and watching television. Why fill out job applications? They cost gas and effort. (Hmmm...especially at the very end of the article, where one of his friends gets work at His old employer, and thinks there may be other work there. Does He go check before they leave town? Nope.)
*How do they eat now? Stack beer up there toward the top of the food groups. Lots of processed stuff, and tons of carbs. (This, after mentioning he's gained 40 pounds since he lost his job.)
*Teenaged son is failing school, but finds time to play XBox (which parents conveniently ignore). Son has no job. No goals. But he DOES have a girlfriend.
*Her mom is giving them a place to stay -- but is this new town full of better opportunities? Nope. And they sure haven't been looking for any, either.
I am trying hard to feel sympathetic toward this family. Obviously, they're in deep trouble. But have they stopped and looked at the patterns that put them into this situation? Are they trying to change anything?
Eventually, out of sheer inertia, He'll get a job. (Probably the unemployment benefits will run out, and He or She will be forced to Do Something.) But will they start to put money aside for the next hard time? Naahh. Too many people to treat down at the local bar.
and one of the best to learn by.
called "Nowhere to Go But Down."
He can't find work. She can't, either. They've lost their rented house, and are forced to move into Her mom's basement, now occupied by boxes, cat litter and a few small windows. Two-year-old Daughter and 17-year-old Son will be living with them.
But wait...
That's not the whole story.
Here are some other truths that eventually come out:
*He was making good money at his old job...and spending it fist-over-pocket. Blowing it on treating the whole bar to drinks, lavish meals, stuff like that. No savings. No retirement. No nothing. Just paycheck to paycheck.
*Education is a misnomer -- he got some training, but isn't using it. She isn't, either. (No sign that they're encouraging Son to even think this way.)
*She gets a job offer during the course of the article -- and turns it down. Not as much money as she can make getting unemployment.
*What do they do now? Basically nothing, unless you count video games and watching television. Why fill out job applications? They cost gas and effort. (Hmmm...especially at the very end of the article, where one of his friends gets work at His old employer, and thinks there may be other work there. Does He go check before they leave town? Nope.)
*How do they eat now? Stack beer up there toward the top of the food groups. Lots of processed stuff, and tons of carbs. (This, after mentioning he's gained 40 pounds since he lost his job.)
*Teenaged son is failing school, but finds time to play XBox (which parents conveniently ignore). Son has no job. No goals. But he DOES have a girlfriend.
*Her mom is giving them a place to stay -- but is this new town full of better opportunities? Nope. And they sure haven't been looking for any, either.
I am trying hard to feel sympathetic toward this family. Obviously, they're in deep trouble. But have they stopped and looked at the patterns that put them into this situation? Are they trying to change anything?
Eventually, out of sheer inertia, He'll get a job. (Probably the unemployment benefits will run out, and He or She will be forced to Do Something.) But will they start to put money aside for the next hard time? Naahh. Too many people to treat down at the local bar.
It's Coming...
Cloudy and much cooler...fall is definitely starting to make inroads.
Tell that to the tomatoes and zucchini, lazily growing fruit in huge pots on the terrace -- "Hurry up, guys! You don't have much longer!"
The dogs know it. They stand, ears flapping in the breeze, and sniff and sniff. Then they race us to get in the house first.
A perfect afternoon for a long snooze, cuddled up to Husband.
Then he finishes installing the ceiling fan...and I'll do the dishes!
Tell that to the tomatoes and zucchini, lazily growing fruit in huge pots on the terrace -- "Hurry up, guys! You don't have much longer!"
The dogs know it. They stand, ears flapping in the breeze, and sniff and sniff. Then they race us to get in the house first.
A perfect afternoon for a long snooze, cuddled up to Husband.
Then he finishes installing the ceiling fan...and I'll do the dishes!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Making Progress
Husband spent a hot and sweaty chunk of this afternoon installing a ceiling fan in Daughter #1's old bedroom....after I put away some more stuff in there. It still is messy, but I'll clean up after the fan is in and running.
Gee, it was hot. Again.
I put on a sleeve (on a quilt! a quilt!) for a friend, worked on the two bedrooms, and washed clothes. Loads and loads -- over and over.
The freezer beckons...my pig is at the butcher's, and I need to chip out the freezer so it's suitably empty.
* * * *
Watched an incredible movie tonight: Flash of Genius, starring Greg Kinnear, about Dr. Bob Kearns, the inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper. Kearns, a college professor, showed his invention to Ford, thought he'd reached an agreement with them, only to be shoved aside as Ford released its newest model cars -- oops, with a brand-new innovation: intermittent wipers!
It took Kearns decades to finally sue Ford and win a little more than $10 million for his invention. (He also sued Chrysler, and eventually got more than $18 million from them --I wondered, what about GM?) In the process, though, he had a nervous breakdown. He spent millions on legal counsel. And he divorced and was estranged from his family for much of that period.
If the movie is right, Ford offered to settle several times with Kearns -- but they just wouldn't acknowledge that he was the inventor. Husband, who also watched the movie (and is an engineer by trade and temperament, like Kearns), differed with me. I said, "What if Kearns had taken one of those earlier settlements? He might still have had his wife and family with him."
Husband looked at me in surprise. "But it wouldn't have been justice. Kearns wanted that more than the money. His wife left him." (Implying, of course, that she should have hung in there. Even though, if Kearns was portrayed accurately by Kinnear, his life was controlled by little else than the wiper issue. Which would have made life hell for his family.)
"He got the money,instead -- lost his family, and more than a decade of productive life. Was it worth it?"
And yet as I said that, I thought how I would feel if someone had put their name on the books I've worked so hard on. How gaining rightful recognition as the author would mean more to me than $10 million, or $18 million...or whatever.
I still don't know what would have been best. But I do know that others, including Elias Howe (the inventor of much of the parts of a sewing machine), Philo Farnsworth (the inventor of television), Edwin Armstrong (the regenerative circuit and FM radio) and others have also had to fight to win recognition for their inventions. Sometimes, in the case of Farnsworth and Armstrong, they get that honor posthumously.
The movie struck a personal note, too. Sometime before 1976, my dad, who was working for a Case farm equipment dealer at the time, figured out an addition that would not only make Case tractors work more efficiently, but was not difficult to implement. News of his innovation somehow got to corporate headquarters in Racine, WI, and the Case people sent out men to talk with Dad and check out his idea. He showed them everything.
Lo and behold, the next year, the newest Case models showed an interesting new detail! You guessed it...my dad's invention.
He never got any recognition for it -- and not a cent.
Gee, it was hot. Again.
I put on a sleeve (on a quilt! a quilt!) for a friend, worked on the two bedrooms, and washed clothes. Loads and loads -- over and over.
The freezer beckons...my pig is at the butcher's, and I need to chip out the freezer so it's suitably empty.
* * * *
Watched an incredible movie tonight: Flash of Genius, starring Greg Kinnear, about Dr. Bob Kearns, the inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper. Kearns, a college professor, showed his invention to Ford, thought he'd reached an agreement with them, only to be shoved aside as Ford released its newest model cars -- oops, with a brand-new innovation: intermittent wipers!
It took Kearns decades to finally sue Ford and win a little more than $10 million for his invention. (He also sued Chrysler, and eventually got more than $18 million from them --I wondered, what about GM?) In the process, though, he had a nervous breakdown. He spent millions on legal counsel. And he divorced and was estranged from his family for much of that period.
If the movie is right, Ford offered to settle several times with Kearns -- but they just wouldn't acknowledge that he was the inventor. Husband, who also watched the movie (and is an engineer by trade and temperament, like Kearns), differed with me. I said, "What if Kearns had taken one of those earlier settlements? He might still have had his wife and family with him."
Husband looked at me in surprise. "But it wouldn't have been justice. Kearns wanted that more than the money. His wife left him." (Implying, of course, that she should have hung in there. Even though, if Kearns was portrayed accurately by Kinnear, his life was controlled by little else than the wiper issue. Which would have made life hell for his family.)
"He got the money,instead -- lost his family, and more than a decade of productive life. Was it worth it?"
And yet as I said that, I thought how I would feel if someone had put their name on the books I've worked so hard on. How gaining rightful recognition as the author would mean more to me than $10 million, or $18 million...or whatever.
I still don't know what would have been best. But I do know that others, including Elias Howe (the inventor of much of the parts of a sewing machine), Philo Farnsworth (the inventor of television), Edwin Armstrong (the regenerative circuit and FM radio) and others have also had to fight to win recognition for their inventions. Sometimes, in the case of Farnsworth and Armstrong, they get that honor posthumously.
The movie struck a personal note, too. Sometime before 1976, my dad, who was working for a Case farm equipment dealer at the time, figured out an addition that would not only make Case tractors work more efficiently, but was not difficult to implement. News of his innovation somehow got to corporate headquarters in Racine, WI, and the Case people sent out men to talk with Dad and check out his idea. He showed them everything.
Lo and behold, the next year, the newest Case models showed an interesting new detail! You guessed it...my dad's invention.
He never got any recognition for it -- and not a cent.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
What a July -- a huge amount of credit card bills, thanks to truck repairs and the letters . Hot weather: on one trip north, we experience... -
This quilter, teacher, writer and major influence in the world of quilting died on June 23, 2024 . I heard of her first through her ...
-
Some Gentle Readers have been asking me about our move to Fort Garland , from the Sedalia ranch we've been living at in the fifth whee...
