Thursday, December 27, 2012

Coming to an end

I forget the number of times that I heard this year that the world is coming to an end.  There were just so darn many that I couldn't keep up with them all.  And besides being able to keep up with them all, I didn't believe a single one of them.  There is one thing for sure though, the end is coming.  The end of the world is coming and Matthew 24:36 says..."No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."  Now that is where I put my belief and my trust.
With that said...
This year is coming to an end!  I don't know how you feel about this year coming to an end but I happen to be elated.  This has been one of the worst if not the worst year of my life.  I'm not kidding.  So much has happened in such a very short time.  Anyway...4 more days and it's coming to an end!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Monday, December 24, 2012

Quick guide for choosing yarns from Liat Gat

This post is from an email that I received from...

Liat Gat

Your devoted video knitting teacher
This lady is wonderful!  I mean really wonderful!  She knows her stuff when it comes to knitting.  Now  check this out as a great way to choose your yarns for your projects...


If you want your garment to be:       Then chose a yarn that is primarily:
  • Structured                                       Wool
  • Drapey                                             Silk or bamboo
  • Washable                                        Cotton or machine-wash wool
  • Shiny                                                Silk or bamboo
  • Soft/not itchy                                 Merino wool or cotton
  • Very warm                                      Alpaca
  • Fuzzy                                                Angora or mohair 
Thank you so much Liat Gat!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Tis the Season

As we all approach the end of the year, we realize that Christmas is upon us. I am in the middle of painting and replacing carpet with tile. Why oh why am I doing this in the middle of "Tis the Season"?! For me it's always "Tis the Season". So hopefully I will be updating more often and you can see what I'm up to. Or, you could always check my facebook page too.

Moving a Lot


Thanks for the guest post by Jo Levy

I’ve always been moving here and there and it’s really hard for me to put down roots but now that I’m here in Texas I sure hope I get to stay. I’m a consultant so my job is what’s got me constantly moving around the country and when I’m not actually moving my home I’m staying in hotels all the time. It’s really hard for me to maintain any functional relationships like this and also I’d like to get a dog, too, but I guess that’s not happening anytime soon. My new house is SO cute and it just breaks my heart every time I have to pack a bag and leave it for a week at a time. When I am home I’ve been trying to work on the décor inside and make sure I’m saving as much money as I can with things like Reliant Energy info for Rusk Texas since I’m not home a lot to use the AC. I’ve met one of my neighbors and they seem really, really nice – they’ve even offered to get my plants for me while I’m gone so they won’t die! I don’t know, this consulting thing is nice because I make a lot of money but at the same time it’s like how long can I keep on living this way without going crazy? I can’t exactly live like a nomad for the rest of my life so I think it’s time for me to figure out what I want to do this time next year and work towards that goal. Who would have thought I’d end up at this crossroads at such a young age, or with so much money in the bank? I think it’s time I manned up and decided what is most important to me in life since I’ve got the money and that doesn’t seem to be making me happy, you know?

Thursday, November 15, 2012

My first pair of Ariat boots

I was gathering for boots.  I had a list of some that I wanted and I finally had to break down and get a pair.  The colder weather came before I could gather enough points to get them.  So....I am now the proud owner of this boot...
Ariat<sup></sup> Terrain Waterproof
Ariat Waterproof Paddock Boots.  I love them too!
My first day in them, I thought that I would take them back and get a refund.  I said "no, I will wait at least one more day".  I am certainly glad that I did.  I generally wear tennis shoes but...they really aren't "barn" savvy.  I also needed some arch support because I have planters factitious and I have to wear inserts in my shoes.  But...so far, I haven't had to put any inserts in these boots.
Have I mentioned that I love them?!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Anger Management follow-up

I am several weeks into my Anger Management classes and I actually don't "have" to go anymore.  However; I enjoy them so much that I want to go.  If I can learn just one way to be calmer, then it is a win win situation.  I am reading a book right now called "Angry All The Time" by Ronald T. Potter-Efron, MSW, PH.D.
I have a journal that I write some important things down in from the book.  I believe that writing them down on paper helps them to stick in my brain.  I have been looking at other "self help" books too.  I figure any way that I can improve my way of thinking is only helping myself and who better to help.
And that's were I am right now with the Anger Management classes.

My own Tropical Island

I love the Glade Expressions fragrance mist. Pineapple and Mangosteen is my favorite fragrance. I love to give a little mist before I leave for work and then come home and the house smells like I just stepped off the Yacht somewhere on a tropical island.  Come on - step off your Yacht and enjoy the aroma of your tropical island.





Sunday, October 14, 2012

Interesting

Heaven is real, says neurosurgeon who claims to have visited the afterlife

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Compromise

Sometimes I think that things can be a lot better than what they are.  Sometimes I know that things can be better than what they are.  Sometimes...I know that I don't live in a perfect world. 
Ok, you got me...All the time, I know that I don't live in a perfect world.

Now what brings me to this whole perfect world thing is this...Two people say we need to compromise, come to a mutual agreement.  Those two people sit and talk and one of them says that the other can just make the decision because the other one will come back and blame them.  Gosh this is difficult to put into words.  Anyway...so after a few minutes, one person keeps asking the other one to be involved and then the other person starts to speak up.  When that person starts to speak up, they make the other person aware that it may upset them.  Yeah - you know what's gonna happen don't you?  I have an idea - let me do it a different way.

Person 1:  So what is your idea of a discipline for taking the butter?
Person 2:  I don't have any ideas, I think that you should handle it.
Person 1:  It won't work if we don't co-parent.
Person 2:  And if I discuss this, you will only come back and blame me and say that you didn't agree to that.
Person 1:  I never do that and we really need to come to a conclusion and move forward.
Person 2:  I really prefer that you handle it and that way it can't come back and bite me in the butt.
Person 1:  I can tell that you have something to say.
Person 2:  I think it is best if I just keep that to myself.
Person 1:  It will never work if we can't co-parent and come to a compromise.
Person 2:  Ok - but it's going to piss you off.
Person 1:  No it won't.
Person 2:  I believe that he need to be disciplined for taking the butter.  He has gotten away with it far too long.
Person 1:  I don't disagree with that.  What are some of your ideas?
Person 2:  Well you originally said that you were considering making him pay for the butter even after he returned it.
Person 1:  Yes and we talked about an apology letter and apologizing in person.
Person 2:  Yes but none of that has happened and you haven't followed up with any of that.
Person 1:  Things happened and it kinda got lost in the other things.
Person 2:  Well I think that making him pay for the butter isn't going to hit home with him and I think that taking the driving class away from him will make more of an impact.  Driving is a privilege not a right.  He hasn't earned the privilege to take the class.
Person 1:  Yes, I can see that.
Person 2:  So what do you think?  Do you think that he should loose the driving class as his discipline?
Person 1:  Yes, I will go and talk to him about it.

Now - I ask you, the reader...Was a compromise reached?

com·pro·mise/ˈkämprəˌmīz/

Noun:  An agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. Verb:  Settle a dispute by mutual concession.  Synonyms:
noun.  agreement - accommodation - settlement - conciliation
verb.  come to terms

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Do you wonder

Do you wonder why I am go to Anger Management?  Well there may come a day when I tell you, however; today just isn't that day.
Yesterday I cleaned out the nesting boxes on the chicken house and I detangled the horses mains.  Today I am going to work on their dreadlock tails.  I can't wait to tackle that job!  LOL  Just kiddin!
Actually I really do enjoy it.  It would be much better if...I wouldn't let it get so bad.  Ok - we all know that life happens.  Boy I tell ya, my life has certainly happened!  It's been on one of those 200 mph trains.  Sometimes it hits a brick wall and sometimes it goes right through the thickest steel wall.  And...It is what it is!
And I am also in the cooking mood.  I think that's because the weather is a little cooler and the air is a little crisper.  I soooooo love the crisp air! 
And with that said - I am off to the kitchen!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Anger Management week 1

Where do I begin?  It's actually kinda funny because I checked in a few minutes early and I sat in the waiting room.  My meeting was supposed to start at 11.  About 10:55 the therapist walked in the waiting room and then he went back in the back of the building.  Kinda like he was going to his office.  So I sat and waited a bit more.  About 25 minutes passed and I just started texting friends.  I told one of my friends that I had it all figured out...They make you wait in the waiting room until you are pissed off and then they take you in for anger management.  LOL
About 11:30 the therapist came out and sat down beside me and it was actually funny because he thought I was there for something else.  He apologized and we laughed about it and I ask him if they leave the students waiting long enough the get mad and that is how the anger management works.  He kinda chuckled and said no.  And then we went to the class.
So...I did 30 minutes with the therapist and one student and then I had about 30 minutes with just the therapist. 
One friend (Rhonda) said that she imagine a bunch of people in a class and they were all trying to piss each other off.  I just had to giggle at that one!
Anger Management is about finding an alternative way to think and that helps control our anger.

So...all in all my class was good.  I have moments that I break down and cry because the hurt and pain goes soooooo deep!  But don't worry - it's all good and I am counting it all joy!  Anytime that we can better ourselves then more power to us!

I took the following from this link...http://cpancf.com/articles_files/angermgt.asp

What is the goal of Anger Management?
The goal of anger management is to learn how to react to situations in an assertive manner, which allows you to stand up for yourself, and to be able to communicate you concerns or needs without threatening, intimidating or violating the rights of others.  This usually involves learning to control that instinctual fight or flight reaction and learning to communicate your limits, needs, feelings and concerns in a constructive way.

Redman - I will miss you

At 4:50am, Ellie woke me up barking.  I got up to see if she just needed to go potty and she bolted out the back door and charged to the left of the little walk through gate for the barn.  I heard a horse whinnying so I wanted to shine the flashlight.  I shined the light and saw lots of horse eyes and I thought I best check a little better.  So I called Ellie inside, got dressed and went outside.  I saw all of my horses and the neighbors 2 horses.  But there was still a horse whinnying.  So I checked better.  It was Redman that was whinnying.  I watched him for a few seconds and I saw that he was kinda staggering.  I knew instantly it wasn't good.  I called the vet at 4:55am and she was here at 5:59am.  She called about 2 minutes before she arrived to let me know she was close and I told her that Redman was already laying on the ground.  When she got here she took out a stethoscope and a vial to draw blood.  We walked over to him and he was already gone.  I am so thankful that he didn't suffer.
The vet gave me a phone number to a man that buries horses and I called him and he was here at 7:37am.  He was very nice and showed concern and empathy.  He buried Redman in the corner where he liked to stand.  I have a piece of mane and a piece of tail.
The vet took blood and she said that it sounds like encephalitis (west nile).  I have to get the other horses vaccinated now.  I should have already vaccinated them but they sometimes still get the virus.  It's just something that happens.  So...that is my first three and a half hours of the day.
 
There is no doubt that I will miss you my big handsome boy with molasses on your nose and happy as can be.  I will always remember how you would run to and hug a new roll of hay!
 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Anger Management

Some of you may know and some of you may not know...Today I have my very first EVER anger management class.  Yeah!  Imagine that!  I honestly feel so demeaned!  And to tell you how I got to this point in my life is not something that I am really ready to put here.  I think mainly because it would take waaayyy too long to type it all up but...one day I will sit down and see what I can put together.  If you read my previous post you will certainly have a better idea of the issues at hand. 
And...with that said...I am on my way out the door and I will let you all know how it went and what to expect if it ever happens to you.

Absent Spouse Syndrome



 “Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater had a wife, but couldn't keep her.
Put her in a pumpkin shell and there he kept her very well.”
By Pastor Debby Bentch
Absent Spouse Syndrome
Over the course of the past few years, I have identified an affliction in marriages that I have come to call Absent Spouse Syndrome. 
Often, the first indication that a pastor or counselor receives that makes him or her aware of a serious problem in a particular marriage, is a call from a desperate husband who wants to know if he and his wife can come in for counseling. At this point the wife is, most often, not interested in talking to you or to anyone else, although the husband may still be able to coerce her into a “one time” visit.
If she does keep the appointment, the first thing you will probably notice about her is a very cold and hardened demeanor. If at all possible, she will sit as far away from her husband as she can possibly get, with her arms folded in front of her. Her face is devoid of emotion, although you may sense or detect an underlying element of anger or a seething rage. As well, she may be completely uninterested in even talking to you, let alone sharing her feelings or problems. Her answers to your questions will be short, calculated and cynical.
     
Her husband, on the other hand, is ready to “spill his guts.” He appears to be willing to do anything to save his floundering marriage. He is desperate to do “whatever” it takes. He may confess to any number of “sins” or shortcomings that have contributed to the crisis in his marriage. He will, more than likely, confess to indifference and a variety of addictions, all of which he is more than willing to address and for which he is extremely repentant. He is obviously distressed and desperate to the point of pleading and begging. “Pitiful” would describe him well, at this point.
However, upon further investigation, you come to learn “the rest of the story.” It will probably go something like this...This couple has been married for 10-20 years, although I have observed some who have been married for far fewer years. For most of their married life the wife has not been satisfied or happy with the quality of the marital relationship. She may feel alone most of the time, even when he is there. She tries to talk to him and to share her feelings and concerns with him. She has, more than likely, read books on relationships, or watched appropriate programs or sought advice and counsel from others. She may plead with her husband to go with her for marriage counseling or to talk to the pastor.
And for years, her requests, her concerns and her pleadings are met with indifference and apathy. “We don't have any problems.” Or “I don't have a problem and I don't need counseling.” Or “If you have a problem, you get counseling.” As the years go by, the husband continues to be “absent” from his wife spiritually, emotionally and, sometimes, even physically.
Eventually, the wife begins to “build a wall around herself.” Brick-by-brick, one painful experience after another, year-after-year she builds a wall that is meant to protect her from the man she used to love with all of her heart. She has come to realize that, if he is not going to get help and if things are never going to change, he will only continue to hurt her and she is desperate to protect herself from any further pain. A sense of helplessness and hopelessness compels her to become indifferent towards him. She begins to close down emotionally. She becomes adrift spiritually, after all, “Where is God in all of this?” “Why hasn't he answered my prayers? Does He really even care?”
Finally, something happens. The husband makes a most critical error, one too many careless and thoughtless mistakes and it becomes “the last straw.” She is through. It is over. There will be no turning back. 
By the time this couple reaches your office, the “divorce” is already well under way. She has already divorced him spiritually. She has divorced herself from him emotionally. She has probably divorced herself from him physically and she may have already become involved with someone who is more than willing to meet her emotional and physical needs.
At one time, the husband had all the control and the wife had none. Now, she is in complete control and he finds himself desperate to undo years of apathy and neglect, but it is too late. In his desperation, this husband, who has now admitted to the fact that he is “willing to do anything” to save his marriage and may very well be trying to change some of his behaviors, is totally clueless as to why it just isn't working. “Why won't she forgive me?” “Why won't she try to save our marriage?” “Why won't she give me another chance? Doesn't she now how serious I am?” “How can she just give up on our marriage like this?”
At the same time, he begins to smother her with attention, hence the term, “Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater.” Now, he wants to talk. Now, he wants to meet her physical and emotional needs. Now, he is ready to get serious about a relationship with the Lord. Now, it is too late. 
His smothering presence only tends to push her farther away. His efforts to gain support from family and friends, by showing his changed behavior and his willingness to get counseling, only angers her more. She has heard it all before. When his willingness to share all of her shortcomings and focus attention away from his own responsibility and onto his wife’s, overshadows his willingness to address his own issues, a few more bricks “hit the fan” and fall into place. His attempts to “corral” her are a waste of time and effort. She has now become the Absent Spouse.
Is there hope for this marriage? In my experience, nothing short of a divine act of God will save this one! So what can we, as pastors and counselors, do?
  • When a wife tells you there are problems in a marriage, you better pay attention.     
  • When a husband tells you there are problems in a marriage, it is probably too late.
  • Pray for the marriages in your congregation.
  • Provide adequate pre-marital counseling.
  • Warn, counsel and teach your married couples in the early stages of marriage.
  • Learn to detect the tale-tale signs of a neglected marriage.
  • Listen to the women in your congregation who come to you for counsel. 
  • When it happens, help him to pick of the pieces of his life, to grow in His relationship with the Lord, to be a good father to his children and to live the rest of his life for the glory of God. 
I have requested permission to post this article, however; I have not heard anything at this current time.  If you are the owner of this article and wish that I remove it, please contact me and I will promptly abide your request. 
I give full credit to Pastor Debby Bentch at http://pavilionedinpraise.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 30, 2012

What if?

What if some things never happened? 
What if...I would have never met my husband?
What if...we would never had adopted children?
What if...we could turn the clock back?

Would any thing have changed?  Would my life still be the same?  Would all these things still have happened?

Have you ever ask yourself...What if?

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Walking Away

I have a lot going on in my life right now.  Some of it good and some of it not so good.  Some of it I can deal with and some of it I can't.  Soooo....
I bought a treadmill. 

Gold's Gym Crosswalk 570

So now I can walk away:)

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Chick Fil A - I was there

What a wonderful thing!  People turned out in the thousands to support a company standing up to Christian morals and values.
I was there!
August 1, 2012
The standing line was wrapped more than once in the building.  The drive through was backed up to the interstate.  The surrounding parking lots were over flowing.  Several people were outside just looking at the awesome sight.  One man put his hands in the air and said "I love it!".  You could just sense his jubilation.  No one was arguing about the line being so long.  No horns were blowing for other to hurry up and move.  No one was pushing or shoving.  Strangers were saying things like..."Thank you for coming."  "Thank you for supporting this cause." 
It seemed as if everyone was smiling and laughing and just happy.
Check out this link for some media pictures...Chick Fil A in Gainesville Florida
August 1, 2012



Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Feeling Hungry

I am supposed to be eating healthier.  For the most part...I have.  But...today was one of those days that I didn't care what I ate.  Oh I started out really good but as the day developed, my ability to care what I ate decreased drastically.  So...If you feel hunger, try lizard feet.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Sail Away

Summer is coming to an end.  I know it's only August but really, summer is coming to an end.  I would so love to just sail away on a beautiful turquoise ocean.  Sometimes sailing away just isn't possible.  However; saleing away is.  Is saleing even a word?!  I just love a sale and I love nautical also.  I think that may just be something that Floridians are born with.  With the exception of my husband.  He just don't like sand in his shoes. 
I found an awesome sale and I jumped right on it!  Beach Towels that are nautical and woven with 100% long loop cotton and...they are reversible.  Like I said...Summer is coming to an end and it's that time of year.
My husband loves the bath fixtures.
I love the idea of us putting together something from the same category...Nautical!  How cool is that?!
So...You too can Sail Away!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Henry Penry

I'm going to tell you about my chickens.  Yes, I said chickens.  I have been wanting chickens for some time, ok, years and years.  I had them when I was a kid and my grandparents had them.  I just loved having chickens.  And I still love having chickens.
On with the story...
Back in April I took my youngest child to Tractor Supply just to buy chicks.  He picked them out and we brought them home.  He smiled as if it were Christmas.  LOL
There is a post here that talks about Lazy Me and in that post, you can see our chicken palace.  And here is some pictures of our chicks and chickens.
4 day old chicks

Henry in the back of the picture.

2 of our hens

Henry & Wiley

Henry peeking around
Henry started out as Henny.  Yes, just like the childrens story, Henny Penny.  I went out the other day only to go right back inside and inform the family that Henny Penny is actually a Henry Penry.  So now we have a Henry and he started crowing about 3 days after I made the announcement.

Since the chicken palace is all set in place and we have built a little roof over the laying boxes, I will get some updated pictures just as soon as possible.


Monday, July 23, 2012

Update on horse, hand & water

I am very pleased to announce that it is defiantly a sarcoid on the horse.  There is NO cancer!  A sarcoid is kinda like a wart.
Now here is a picture of my left hand about an hour after I was bitten.  Yes it was painful.  I have always said that what makes a dog bite bad is when the person pulls the part away from the dog.  I didn't pull and I didn't get any stitches.

Water...one day we are dry, the next day we are wet. 
One day the river bed is dry and we are standing in it.  And 3 days later not only is the river full but so is the parking lot.
 If you were taking the pictures of the water, you would be looking across the parking lot toward the boat ramp.  The boat ramp is in the middle of the picture.  Hmmm...Got Water...

Believe it or not, as much water as this shows, our water table is still low.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Part Time Job and more

I'm not sure if I have told you but...I now have a part time job.  Yes, I actually leave my home and work 24 hours a week.  It's only 2 days a week.  I actually like it.  I like the time that I can spend away from the family.  I like the drive time to and from work that there is only me in the car and I can crank up the music and sing along, as loud as I want to.  I have a very cush job and I really do enjoy it.
Now that you know about the job, I will tell you about the more.  But only if you really want to know.

We have finally been getting some rain and it is wonderful!  I will post pictures soon.
My washer and dryer finally kicked the bucket and I had to replace both of them because the patch job repair was too close to the price of new ones.  And the dryer was sucking up so much electricity and taking forever to dry the clothes.  I don't use the dryer full time but my husbands uniforms MUST be done a certain way.
I was bitten by a friends dog that I pet sit for from time to time.  Yes, the dog is still alive!  Lots of circumstances involved and the dog was doing it's dog thing.  No stitches, just puncture wounds.  That's because I didn't pull my hand away from the dog.  I was taking off the dogs leash and he grabbed my left hand in his mouth.  I twisted his collar and drug him out of his kennel by the collar, yes my hand was still in his mouth.  When he came out of his kennel the collar slipped off of him and he released my hand.  That was a trip to the emergency room and a few days of pain meds and some wonderful sleep.  No I don't want to do that again!
The air conditioner quit working in my car.  Can you say HOT?!  Yes, I live in Florida and I have come to the reality that a car MUST have air conditioning in it.  It's worse than a sauna if you have no A/C in your car.  Expensive to repair but I sure gotta tell ya, $1200 worth of ice cold, arctic air blows out of the vents now.
Horses bleed a lot!  No kidding!  One of my horses had a tumor looking thing and yes, I had to get the vet out.  Have I told you that I just love my vet?  Well let me tell ya, I love my vet!  The tumor was taken off and it's actually called a Sarcoid.  Google it and you will see just what I am talking about.

With all that said and done...I am going to downsize.  Yes, I said downsize!  I really think that my life has gotten too busy.  Why do I think that?  I never, ever have time to shuffle through the papers on my desk.  What I intend to do is utilize the little corner that my bid desk is in.  I'm going with a corner computer desk from ComputerDesk.com

The corner desk that I have chosen to use is perfect for what I need.  It's called "White Corner Desk with Solid Wood Legs & Drop Down Keyboard Tray".  I figure that I will have my back to the wall, yes my chair will be in the corner but that's ok.  I think that will be much better thank facing the wall.  That way my kids will have a better image of my face and maybe they will get a clue that I am reading and not just staring at the wall.  I love the style of the desk and how it just fits right into my lifestyle.  If you get a chance, go over and take a look at it.  I think you will like it too!
If I decide later on that I don't want to use it as "my" desk, it can work in many other areas.  The desk has a great desktop area in a compact design and I think the drop down keyboard tray is so cool.  I am truly excited and can't wait to downsize!


See ya soon!


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Sew Much Ado: Tutorial: Homemade Laundry Detergent

Sew Much Ado: Tutorial: Homemade Laundry Detergent:

Description:
This tutorial will guide you through the steps to make your own homemade powdered laundry detergent.

Ingredients:
1 bar Fels-Naptha bar soap
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1/4 cup Baking Soda
*All of these items are found in the laundry isle next to the laundry detergents.  If you live in Utah -- I had best luck at Winco for all the supplies, I was not able to find the Fels-Naptha soap or washing soda at the Walmart or Target in my area, but you may have better luck.
*If you try this recipe and like it, you can double or even triple the ingredients the next time you make it to get a larger batch.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

I Love Natural Stone Sinks

I am so excited just thinking about some of the things that we do around our house.  We love to do little projects.  Ok, I admit some of them start little and turn out to be H-U-G-E.  But...this one will not be huge or difficult.  Yesterday I decided that it's time to do a little bathroom remodeling.  That means that I get to do some designing.  Yeah!!!!  I'm not much of a designer but I don't have to be, because so many companies make it completely simply.  Which reminds me...

Ever since I first saw the natural, hand crafted stone vessel sinks at Eden Bath I knew that designing and replacing my sink would be so easy.  And the faucets that are specifically designed for vessel sinks fit well into any decor.

My very, very favorite are the stone vessel sinks that are available in a range of natural stone materials such as granite, marble, travertine and onyx.  The possibilities are simply endless.  Did I mention they are natural stone material?!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

WWKIP Day

Somehow a few weeks back I managed to come across a World Wide Knit in Public Day website.  Well needless to say...I was all over it.  I started making flyers and getting them posted and getting our little group all psyched up about it.  And...then...it happened!  WWKiP Day happened and my little group gathered and we celebrated with others around the world and we knitted in public.  Ok - we really knit in public every chance we get but there was a sense of something.  Maybe it was a sense of other knitters.  Maybe we could secretly hear the knitting needles singing as we all knitted together.

Well guess what?  WWKiP doesn't officially end until Sunday.  Ha!  Just another day to celebrate another day of knitting.  I'm lovin it!  We will be gathered again at our local library this Friday.  Wow - that's tomorrow, June 15th.  We will join others around the world to Knit In Public. 

Would you like to find a gathering near you? Click here to search the official WWKiP Day website. If you can't find a meet up scheduled in your area, just grab your yarn, needles, patterns and head off to a local coffee shop, library, park bench, cafe, big oak tree or where ever suits your fancy.  Join us all around the world for WWKiP Day.

If there’s no meet up scheduled in your area, you can still join in the fun! Simply take your yarn, hooks, and needles to your local coffee shop, park, restaurant, or other public space and start crafting. Make today and every day your own personal WWKiP Day!

If you are in my area, join us at the Bronson Public Library every Friday from 2:30 to 4:00.  We would love to see you there.

A wonderful THANK YOU to Lou Elliott Jones, Editor for the Ceday Key Beacon, Tri County Bulletin, Williston Pioneer Sun News!



Fixing a Dropped Purl Stitch

Kenny Rogers Baseball Song - "The Greatest"





Everyone is a winner and the greatest at being themselves. So...Think of this as YOU today and every day.  Rhonda...this means you the most!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Homemade Laundry Soap


Laundry Soap

1/3 bar  Fells Naptha grate very fine
½  cup Washing Soda
½  cup Borax Powder

1.  Mix 6 cups water and Naptha over low heat until dissolved. 

2.      Add Washing Soda and Borax Powder and dissolve over low heat.

3.     Remove from heat and add 4 cups hot water into bucket. 

4.      Add soap mix and stir.

5.     Add 1 gallon plus 6 cups water.

6.     Stir well.

Let this sit / set for at least 24 hours.  I love this recipe and it is very inexpensive and it really gets your clothes clean.

You will need to stir before every use.  


*If you add  about 1.5 cups of any store bought laundry soap it will be smoother and not so lumpy when cooled.

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Bzz


I love being a BzzAgent!  Did you know that you get to review products? I just received this in the mail and now I will be sharing the information that I discover.  If you would like to be a BzzAgent, just ask me how.

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

How to fix a dropped knit stitch

Weather calls for a Dip

What's the weather like where you are?  Well it's hot.  I really mean it's H-O-T! 

There is nothing as refreshing as  a swimming pool.  I grew up with a swimming pool and I just love having one.  Yes, I have to admit that the kids love it too.  Just something about water that is so refreshing and so calming.  If you don't have a pool then think about the possibilities of owning one.  Your kids will actually want to stay home during the summer break from school.  Their friends will actually want to come over and hang out.  Golly gee, it just sounds like a win win situation.  Ok, don't say it because I am reading your mind.  You are thinking, hmmm....I just want my kids to stay out of my hair during the summer.  Well they will with if you take the first step and contact True Blue Pool and Spa.

I believe that a company should provide the consumer with a high quality product and that they should offer courtesy and friendly service. With more than 14 years of experience and an avid competitive swimmer, the owner of True-Blue-Pool-And-Spa.com knows what a customer expects and delivers what is expected.  Don't just call anyone with your pool.  Call them, email them, however you wanna do it, just do it. 

Ok, maybe you are going to tell me that you already have a pool.  That's ok too and I sure hope that you enjoy it as much as we enjoy ours.  If you need any maintenance, repairs or you just have a pool or spa related question, just check out the links that I have.

I gotta run!  The kids are wet and calling me for a game of Marco Polo.  Yeah, you remember that from when you were a kid. 

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

World Wide Knit In Public Day

World Wide Knit In Public Day is the largest knitter run event in the world.

Each local event is put together by a volunteer or a group of volunteers


The dates for 2012 are June 9th to the 17th.  The second Saturday to the third Sunday in June. 


9 whole days of fun! 

You can get your special gear here...buttons, t-shirts, bags and more!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

What's in a Washing Machine

Have you ever wondered what's in a washing machine?  Ok, maybe not.  Anyway I'm gonna tell you.  Your clothes are exactly what's in a washing machine.  Yes, the same ones that you spend hundreds of dollars on.  Yes, the same ones that you try to take such good care of.  Well, there's more than just your clothes in there.  There's your money.  I told you that you spend hundreds of dollars on those clothes.  How about laundry soap?  Yeppers, that's in there too.  Funny how we spend so much on laundry soap and then we put it in the washing machine and the washing machine just pours it down the drain.  Ha, I bet you never thought about that!  Well my laundry soap cost me 1 cent per load.  Yes, I make it myself. 
So anyway....
The Tuesday before Mothers Day, my washing machine decided to quit.  No two week notice, no retirement pension plan, just quit.  Now that I think about it, maybe for the past 4 years it was on it's retirement pension plan.  It sure was needing parts about every 4 or 6 months.  So now I am the proud owner of a brand spanking new washing machine and dryer.  Yes!  The whole set!  The dryer timer quit about 2 years ago and we have been nursing it along all that time.  Besides that, it was geriatric any way.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  I'm kinda geriatric and I'm ok (I think).  So we made that decision to just kick them both out of the house and buy new ones.
Part of the washing machine now lives in the chicken pen.  It is the 2 sides and front piece that we put in the chicken pen.  It's pretty cool and the chickens love it.  So...maybe it's not what's in a washing machine...maybe it's what's on a washing machine.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Stop Wasting so Much Water

Not too long ago I wrote an article about water.  Our water is so precious and there is no way that I can stress that enough.  Recently I went back to work and on my drive to and from work, I see large irrigation systems running.  Are they watering anything that we can eat?  No.  They are watering grass.  Grass!  I don't know what they are going to do with the grass but I do know that if the animals don't have any water to drink, then the grass isn't any good.  About 2 weeks ago, around 12 noon, a sod farm had their irrigation going also.  Why?  We are in a severe drought.  People are loosing their homes to sink holes as I type this. Wells are going dry.  Bottling companies are pumping water by the millions of gallons a day, depleting our aquifer and our drinking water.  People stop wasting so much water!

It saddens me to hear of so much bacteria in our water.  Recently one that has really touched my heart is a young lady from Georgia.  Aimee Copeland is a vibrant young lady that I have never met.  I was listening to my favorite radio station yesterday on the way home from work and there was a prayer that went out to her.  I was curious and today I searched and found her website and learned of her accident.  Aimee had an accident from a zip line and developed Necrotizing fasciitis also known as Flesh-eating bacteria.  She needs your prayers! 
So you are asking what exactly this has to do with water.  It has everything to do with water.  The less water we have the more bacteria we will have.  Go and read the story about Aimee.  And put her in your prayers.

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Watering the Garden

We haven't had much rain here in my area and my garden is hesitant to grow and produce without the rain.  I've had to really get creative in ways to water without waste.  By that I mean that I have to water my plants without wasting water.  When watering the garden, it is important to water deep because it sets the roots in deeper soil allowing them to go without irrigation for longer periods of time.  Now the best water for any plant is rain water, but we can't control when or how often or how much of that we get.  I love the Rainbird products for my sprinkler heads and I like dealing with a company that I can trust.

Take care of your garden and it will take care of you.  Water the garden but don't waste the water.  Use products, supplies and a company that you can trust.  Ask questions from other gardeners, join a forum and relax with irrigation supplies that you can count on from a company that you can trust.

Enjoy the water that we have and the garden that you will grow!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Les is More

So many say that more is better.  Ha!  Not in my case.  Les is More!  Leslie that is.  She is a great person!  Fun, funny, smart - she has the memory of an elephant.  Cute as a little bug in a rug.  An awesome listener.  Gosh, I might better stop before she sees this post and then none of us will be able to be around her.  She loves horses and crocheting and hanging out with me.  She's always busy with travel ball or horse shows or chatting with friends (especially me).


Here she is!  So I tell you again - Les is More!


These 2 pics explain the lemon on the eye.  We were at a culinary class together.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Why I Hate Shopping

I have never proclaimed to be a shopper.  Mostly because I really do hate shopping.  I can go and shop for yarn and craft stuff all day long but...when it comes to me buying clothes for myself.  I hate it!  Did I mention that I hate shopping?!
Today I thought that I would buy myself a pair of pants for a job I am about to start.  I figured I would buy a pair of Dickies.  They look really great on most people I see wearing them and they are in my price range.  So I stop in one of the local Walmarts and I find the Dickies.  They have them in two colors and of course I could only find my size in one color.  So I grabbed a size 5 and a size 7.  You are not going to believe this!  I thought I would try on the size 7 first because if they were too big then the size 5 would be just about right.  Ha ha...what a joke that was.  I undressed and attempted to try on the size 7.  Did you see that - ATTEMPTED - yes that is what I did.  I couldn't pull them up over my left thigh.  I couldn't believe it!  I thought well shoot, no sense in even trying on the size 5, I'll just put them back on the rack and maybe grab a size 9 and try it on.  Well of course by the time I thought about putting my pants back on and then my shoes and tying them and putting the ones that don't fit back on the rack and sorting and finding a size 9 and then going back and taking the shoes off again and then the pants and then trying on the size 9 that I would just be more frustrated because the size 9 would probably swallow me.  So I thought, I'm gonna try on the size 5.  I did and I will be dog goned - I not only pulled them up over my left thigh but I got my right thigh in them too and...I was even able to pull them over my behind and button the.  Now I gotta say that they sure were snug tight as all get outs but I did it.
I skinned myself out of the size 5 and calmly put my jeans back on, put my shoes back on and tied them and said "Forget it".  Those are the things that I just don't understand and I get so frustrated with that make me absolutely  HATE shopping!
I sure hope that Dickies don't think I threw them under the bus but at that point, I was ready to throw them under the bus.  Literally!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

My first guest post

I have finally published something other than on my blog or in our local newspaper.  I did a guest post for a fellow blogger!  How cool is that?!  So run on over to "Freebies Galore and Giveaways Too" and you can read my article.

Freebies Galore And Giveaways Too!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Made in the USA

My husband seeks out tools that are made in the USA and he will pay a pretty penny for them.  He isn't the only one that enjoys buying things that are made in the USA.  I was actually amazed to find that Red Heart yarns has some yarn that is made right here at home.  And not just some yarn but 19 yarns that are manufactured in the USA.  How stinkin awesome is that?!
I'm going out on a limb here because I am going to copy and paste from the website.  If I get sued, well...I guess I just get sued.  I don't make any money off of it so...here goes...

Below is a list and a link to more information on the 19 yarns that are manufactured in the USA.
  1. Baby Clouds
  2. Baby Econo
  3. Classic
  4. Eco-Cotton Blend
  5. Eco-Ways
  6. Fiesta
  7. Holiday
  8. Kids
  9. Light & Lofty
  10. Moon & Stars
  11. Soft Baby
  12. Sport
  13. Super Saver Chunky (*NEW)
  14. Super Saver Economy
  15. Super Saver Jumbo
  16. Super Saver Regular
  17. Super Soft (*NEW)
  18. Super Tweed (*NEW)
  19. With Love (*NEW)
*These are new yarns this year.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Look at what we did

Homeschool group raises money for cancer society




Contestants included Elizabeth Gonzalez, Miss Nassua County; Mackenzie Henderson, Miss Heart of the USA Queen of Hearts Alachua County; Katelyn Bishop, Miss Heart of the USA Alachua County; and Alexanddra Lydting, Junior Miss Heart of the USA. Special to the Star-Banner.
The Williston Christian Homeschoolers Relay For Life Team held an Inner Beauty Pageant on March 31. All proceeds from the pageant – more than $2,000 – will go to the American Cancer Society.
The pageant had 29 contestants, with the youngest age 2 and the most amazing at age 76, according to a news release.
Many of the contestants walked because they have overcome cancer or know someone who is going through the fight or has lost the fight to cancer, noted the release.
Cornerstone Assembly of God donated their facility for the pageant.
Many of the contestants went out in the community and asked for sponsors, which included All American Cleaning and Restoration Specialist, AnnMarie Seavey, Green Shutters, North Florida Monument, Bit O’ Heaven Lawn Service, Havard Family, Bark-N-Purr Inn, A & A Restaurant, employees of the Levy County Sheriffs Office, Pinnacle Farms, Team Beach Body, Willard’s Restaurant and Morris Junction.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

It's Fair Time

Yeah!!!!  It's here!!!  The fair is in town and we are all excited!  Today is the first day of the Levy County Fair.  Saturday will be our big day that we go and enjoy all the rides and events.  Lots of the kids in our homeschool group have entered items such as paintings, pictures, drawings, socks, shawls and critters. 

Saturday we will go to the rodeo and enjoy watching the kids ride their horse around the barrels and poles and such.  We are selling some raffle tickets there for different things to raise money for our Relay for Life team.  After the rodeo we will go over and partake of the activities at the fair.  Then who knows, if we have enough energy left, we may just go back to the rodeo and watch the adults hang on for 8 seconds.  If they can!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Birthday Hampers

Well my homeschool group is at it again.  I tell ya, we are always up to something.  We just completed a pageant.  Can you believe that I said pageant?  We are working hard on fundraising and one thing that we are putting together right now is gift baskets.  We are going to take bids on the baskets and the highest bid wins the basket.  That's kinda a no brainer.

So...I'm thinking about things for the basket.  But...I'm thinking more about buying completed baskets.  Yeah!  I like that idea the best.
An "Indulgence" basket or maybe a "Pamper Dream" basket.  There's "Red Wine and Cheese", "Red Wine and Chocolate" and "Afternoon Tea" and so many more.

My favorite of them all is the "Birthday Hampers for Her".  Everyone doesn't like tea or wine or chocolate but everyone has a birthday.  And every woman in your life loves getting something for their birthday.  Don't just take my word for it, go and investigate for yourself.  All the many reasons a gift basket or a hamper just makes sense.

Friday, April 06, 2012

Renewed my Kitchen

I wanted to renew my kitchen.  So I started doing a little research and I ran across a place that says my home improvement project couldn't be made any easier.

Well, it's been proven!  I love my new kitchen cabinets!

I like a company that has a good track record.  Being in business since 1981 tells me that they have a good track record.  Years of experience in design and remodeling.  I like a company that takes pride in their work and Bath and Kitchen Creations Inc. is just that company.  I like a company that can keep up with the changing trends.  This company is capable of so much.  From Cabinetry, Countertops, Tile, Granite, Plumbing, Framing, Lighting and so much more.  If you just can't figure out what you want to go with, contact them for Design Consulting.

Since completing my project -  Kitchen Cabinets West Palm Beach and how much I enjoy my "new kitchen", I'm excited thinking that maybe I will do the bathroom next.



Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Things Every Kid Should Experience

I grew up in the country and I thought that my parents were so strict because it seemed like I couldn't do anything.  I bet at some point in our lives, we have all thought that about out parents.  As I grow older wiser, I know better.  My parents gave me all they could and that was what I needed.  Today I greatly appreciate everything they gave me.  Yes, even the things I didn't think were necessary.

I was scanning the web today (yes, like most days) and I ran into an article that said "8 Things Every Kid Should Experience".  I read over the list and I thought about my childhood years and all the things that I experienced.  Hmmm...I'm lucky I'm still alive!  LOL  


I would really like it if you would go and check out the link, but just in case you don't, I'm gonna list the 8 things here.

1. Being part of a team
So many kids today play sports and that automatically puts them on a team.  As for me, I grew up on a team.  It was called family.

2. Camping
Can you believe that some kids have never, ever been camping.  We used to camp out in the back yard.  We didn't have a tent but we would drape sheets or quilts over the clothesline.  And I have very fond memories of my dad packing up the car and us driving to North Carolina and camping out for a whole week.  I still have stories to tell about the panthers that were really racoons and the racoons that stole our mayonnaise.


3. Chores
Oh my gosh!  That is a very ugly 4 letter word.  Yes, the dreaded chores.  I had my fair share of them and so do my kids.  But...that's where the team comes in to play.

4. Snow
In Florida?  Once!  And I remember my sister and I chasing my dad trying to hit him with a very dirty snowball.  A real snowball.  Now my sister sees snow almost every year.  And for me?  I think it's snowed one other time here in Florida.  I can't wait to take the boys to see and play in their first snow.

5. Farm life
Pea pickin, garden growing, pig raising, egg collecting, the smell of cows and horses and so much more.  I remember shelling peas during my summers.  I shucked my fair share of corn and feed my fair share of cows and pigs.  But that's ok, I didn't go hungry in the winter either.  Kids should defiantly experience the farm life.  Especially the cow patty fights!

6. A lemonade stand
I don't necessarily agree with having a lemonade stand.  It can just be too dangerous because of inviting strangers to come around.  Ok, with adult supervision.  I think there are many other ways to earn a few dollars and to learn about buying and selling.

7. Flying a kite
Oh yes!  I wonder exactly how many of these I have flown over the years.  And, get this...I still love to fly them.  As a matter of fact, just last summer while we were vacationing at the beach, we flew a kite.

8. Bowling
Yes indeed!  And, ha - we did this about a month ago.  How awesome is that?!

Now it's your turn to tell me some of the awesome things that you have done or would have liked to have done.  It's not too late ya know!

Handy Substitutes for Baking

Have you ever wanted to bake a cake and didn't have any oil? Maybe you just want something a little healthier than oil. Use the same amount of applesauce. Yes, applesauce. I was amazed the first time that I used applesauce in a cake mix instead of oil.
Here is a link that will give you lots more Handy Substitutes for Baking
Have you ever had your cake mix poured into the bowl and discovered you didn't have any eggs?  Ha - that's one I do a lot.  Here are some egg substitutes that have saved me or should I say my cake many, many times.

Enjoy!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Freaked out by alerts

Posted by Arden Wallace
My friend told me that any time she gets an ADT Security Alert, she definitely freaks out a little. I am surprised that it has happened so much to be honest. I think it is because she lives in a rough neighborhood or something. She has had the system for a while and has been alerted a handful of times about potential intruders and things of that nature. I always think it is nice that she even gets the liberty of being alerted when someone is breaking in or could be breaking in. It definitely makes sense to freak out the way she does though. I guess I probably would freak out since it is your house and some expensive stuff people are trying to find. I really cannot afford to replace some things multiple times. I mean we have a laptop for each member of our family. That was a big investment that I definitely cannot go through again. Something like a home security system seems worth it if you can avoid something that. I would take the freak outs over having to replace four expensive laptops.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

County Fair

Years ago, back when I was a youngin, we always looked forward to out county fair.  It seemed like it took forever for each year to roll around and the fair come to town.  Of course we were a family that didn't have much money so we didn't go every day that the fair was in town.  But...we did get to go one day each year!  The smell of the Elephant Ears that were so yummy and the sound of all the carnie music just got you in the spirit.  I didn't participate in any events either.  My dad worked a lot and my mom didn't drive, and this made it difficult for me or my sister to participate. The fair moved out of town one year and it didn't come back for many, many years.
Well times have changed and I am more excited now than when I was a kid.  The fair has come back to town!
I am now a participant!  Yeah! me!  The boys will be entering items in the fair and so will I.  I have a pair of socks that I knitted, an oil painting and I am thinking...maybe a decoupage.  Matthew (my youngest) is entering some of his art items also.  He has a knitted scarf and some crayon art to enter.
I will let you know how it all goes - so be sure to check back around the middle of April.

Here are a few pictures from last year at the fair.


If you guessed from the top of the Farris Wheel, you are correct.  Ok - so it's a little tiny thing.  Our town is a tiny town too but we get pretty good participation and maybe, just maybe the fair can come to town every year.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Whats on Your Deck

I am so excited this summer because I have a deck.  The only thing I have on it right now is a swing with a canopy that my mother in law gave us.  I really enjoy it but I need something else.  So...I am looking at some Adirondack chairs. I am looking at the ones from recycled plastic. You all know how I just love helping save the earth. Colors - oh my! So many beautiful colors to choose from. Casual living at it's best with a folding Adirondack chair. I love it!

Well I'm gonna need at least two Picnic Tables. One for the adults and one for the kids.  They are so easy to clean too!  Not the kids, the tables.  There is wood, concrete, powder coated steel and of course my very favorite is the recycled plastic.  I can even get them to match!  How awesome is that!

Ok - now for the shady parts of the yard.  I have some really huge oak trees and I really must have a few Park Benches. I know of at least one shady area that I want it to be mounted to a ground surface because I don't want it moved.  The others I get will be portable for ease of maintenance of the grass.

Gosh, I'm getting all excited now.  Ok - I gotta scoot outta here because I want to go and get some quotes.  I can hardly wait!  I will host a couple of homeschool events here once all these items arrive.
See ya in the yard!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Grade School to College

The end of the school year is just around the corner.  I can't believe how fast this year has buzzed by.  I know you're gonna tell me that it's only March.  Yeah - the end of March.  Spring break for some kids is already over and they are back in school thinking about what they will do after graduation.  I'm not sure what statistics say about how many graduates go on to college.  If you know, leave me a comment please.
Anyway...on to college.
WOW!
That really seems like a big step, I think just yesterday they were still in grade school.  Or so it seems to most of us moms.
Some will go to a 4 year college and some to a 2 year college and some to a trade school.  Maybe your graduate is thinking about college in California or Technical Schools in Miami. Well there is no doubt that they won't be disappointed.  No matter where your graduate decides to continue their education, have them do their homework and select a school that will give them exactly what they need.  And yes, moms and dads, you can do a little research also.  From coast to coast you are sure to find an excellent place to continue your education.