Happy New Year to All

Wow, another year has passed. It seems they go by faster every year. My hope for my family, friends, including my blog friends is for good health and happiness througout the coming year.

No formal resolutions this year, but we should all try to find one thing to laugh about each day.

So to start the New Year off right - I found this little image that reminded me of myself on a few New Year mornings of years gone by. (Not this year - as I will be a good little angel tonight!)

Soooo, if this is what you look like tomorrow morning........Yeah!!!! I'm so glad you had fun!

I had good intentions...

But we all know how that goes! I fully intended to catch up on the Monthly Reflections Rug Challenge over the holidays. Yesturday was supposed to be the day. I was going to start hooking the October theme.

If your house is like mine, you tend to tuck things away, out of sight, for the holidays. When I dug out the burlap, I had forgotten how BIG this rug was. Its huge and it seemed to take up half the room. Soooooo, I stuffed it back behind the sofa until the New Year. I have been busying myself with knitting while I'm idle. So I'm still being crafty, just not hooking. After Friday when I take down the tree and but the decorations away, I'll drag Monthly out again.

AND, on the advice of my blogger friends Sally, Anne and Jan I decided to forget the stupid idea to stop eating all the goodies. I'll re-visit that idea after Friday too!

We awoke this morning to a nasty blast of winter. It was pretty.......for about 10 seconds and then I groaned. I hate winter weather and it is still snowy and blowing and the temp is dropping fast! Time to put the fireplace on and grab the knitting needles for a cozy night in.

Make me stop......

I need an alternative use for my hands........instead of shovelling food into my mouth! It seems like ALL I have done the past week is EAT.

There is soooo much good stuff around. Lots of our friends sent baskets full of baked goods - shortbreads, donuts, gumdrop cakes, peanut butter balls, cherry surprise.......and I have no willpower.

But, in my defense (OK I realize this is a weak excuse...) Wouldn't it be a shame if I let it spoil and had to throw it away? LOL Sooo, really, I'm being a good person by eating all the food. (Yeah - I'm not falling for that either!)

I think they might have to roll me out the door by next week! I think I might dig out the hooking frame this afternoon so I can keep my hands busy. And MAYBE, I might even fire up the Wii Fit machine tonight! Wow - wouldn't that be something? Of course I may have to wipe the inch of dust off it first, since I haven't used it for awhile.

Hmmmm, maybe I should have a cookie first - You know.....just to build up my strength for hooking........Hehehehe

Post Christmas Purge

Its not a diet related post. There is still LOTS of yummy leftovers around, and I fully intend to eat them. I'm talking about a annual ritual of purging all the excess crap in my world.

The last few months have been crazy and I have allowed my bedroom to become a dumping ground. It was driving me crazy but I kept using the excuse of Christmas coming and I had no spare time. Well - today that excuse failed. I have spent the past 5 hours purging clothes.

The end result - 5 large garbage bags!! (GASP!) Yes I said FIVE!

I went through my closet with NO MERCY! I had a pile of keeps, pack-aways, and donate-able. I learned a neat trick. If you take a bottle of wine with you........this chore is ALOT more enjoyable!

I will take the garbage bags to the drop off depot for the Adult Bridge Workshop, which is a work program for mentally challenged adults and includes a bakery, laundry and used clothing store. So, not only is my room cleaner and neater, but my efforts should also generate a little income for a good cause. I'll drop them off tomorrow (since I actually did drink a bottle of wine!) I shouldn't get in the car!

Today was clothes, but tomorrow I think I'll attack the other crap lying around. I'm sure I can easily fill another few bags.

We had a lovely quiet Christmas Day. I cooked a huge meal and then we all just relaxed. We needed the break. As I do each Christmas Day - I stole a few hours for myself. Cuddled up by the tree with some wine and a new book. Honestly - it was the best present - a little quiet time.

Merry Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve at last! A day full of traditions. My day started with the exchange of gifts with a few work friends and a "special" coffee. Well, I'm sure it was Noon somewhere in the world! Nothing like a little caffeine and Baileys to get the day started!
Now its time to put a gigantic turkey in the oven for tomorrow's dinner. This evening the family will head out to the Candlelight service at our Church. Numerous friends and relatives will then follow us home for a little socializing. This will be the first year that Auntie Vi will not be here. She passed away quietly 2 weeks ago at the age of 92.
To all my friends, far and near, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Snowmen

The next few days will be a whirlwind of activity but I did manage to finish 2 snowmen. The one of the left was my first and I learned a few tricks after the construction. I'm going to keep him - crooked nose and all. The one on the right is part of a gift. The recipients are arriving this morning so I was up until after midnight finishing him. They are a cute and fun project, so next year I will start earlier and make several of them for gifts. (Oh yeah - if you noticed they don't have arms yet. Too wet to forage in the backyard for twigs!)

Its my first day of vacation and I have a list of to-do's a mile long. After lunch I have to head to the airport to deliver another Aunt and Uncle to their children in Ontario for Christmas, pick up the turkey, finishing shopping, wrapping, grocery store, wine store (obviously these are not in order of priority! LOL) etc.

You get the idea.

Ho Ho friggin Ho! It will soon be over so I am trying to enjoy the process.

Sound the trumpets.....The tree is decorated!

It took too many days but the tree is decorated. And it is still very thirsty. I'm a little worried that by the end of next week there may not be a needle left on it. You just sneeze nearby the darn thing and you can hear needles falling. Its actually much prettier lit up, but the camera didn't seem to want to catch the lights and I don't have the patience to mess with all the camera settings.

My tree looks almost the same every year. It is a family/memory tree. Its not trendy, or themey, or going to grace the cover of any decorating magazine. But it is filled with decades of memories which we relive each year as we hang the ornaments - many passed down from my grandparents. Each year another one or two get broken or simply crumble from old age.

Here are a couple of my favorites.

This Santa was from an original set of 6 purchased by my grandfather about 50 years ago. He was a big burly man - except at Christmas - when he morphed into a little child. He loved all things Christmas. There are still 3 remaining ( but most of the white paint is long gone) and we always think of him and share a story as we find a perfect branch for Santa.

This little bell was a favorite of Grandma. There is a little clapper inside, so it jingles. It reminds me of my favorite movie "Its a Wonderful Life". And yes, I do say the famous line every year when I hang it.

My cold is a little better. It slowed me down but didn't knock me out. But on a positive note - I only have 1 more day of work and then 2 weeks vacation! Eeeeeeeeee, I can handly contain myself!

Thirsty??

I seriously believe that my Christmas tree went out on a huge party before it ended up at the tree lot.

Holy Moly - is it ever acting hungover!

THIRSTY!! I have filled the water reservoir to the top for 3 nights in a row and the next morning it is bone dry again!

All I can say is it must have been one heck of a bender.

Oh yeah - and Day 3 and the tree is STILL bare. AND I am sick again with a cold. But tonight I have to force myself to at least get the lights on it.

Ho Ho friggin Ho!

Snowmen, Bare Trees and Naked Santa's - Oh My!!

First, I have hooked almost 2 snow people fronts. And at noon today I found some fun yarn to make funky scarfs for them. While these guys looked easy on Fish Eye Rugs Blog - I'm not as skilled at hooking perfect circles. So they might look a little wonky - but time will tell. I am taking a vacation day tomorrow and plan to stop at Michael's to find some fun buttons etc to fancy them up.

Now about the bare tree. Tonight I finally got my tree and it is quite nice (if I do say so myself). But its wet so it is going have to stand bare for a day or so before I can get to the decorating. I am terribly fussy about my tree and I know I drive the guys NUTS at the tree lots. After awhile of rejecting everything they showed me I pointed to this one - "This is my tree". One tiny problem...........it was 9.5 ft and I have 8.5ft ceilings. Hmmmmm "Make it work" I said and they did!

Now - about that Naked Santa. Here he is......... OK I know that this is cheesy and tacky but this shower curtain has hung in my house every Christmas for over 25 years. And it wouldn't be Christmas without it now. I think everyone has some little Christmas thing that lives on way past its cute-date and eventually becomes like part of the family. So I guess that makes it official - Naked Santa is here to stay for a few more years.

I think I finally found the Christmas spirit

It took awhile this year for the spirit of the holidays to hit me. All the everyday stuff was getting in the way and decorating and Christmas primping just wasn't a priority. But yesturday it started to creep in slowly.

It began after lunch when a special annual gift arrived at the door. My Auntie worked for a family construction business for over 40 years before retiring 6 years ago. The matriarch of the family has never forgotten us. Mrs. C is 91 years old and still bakes like a professional. She can no longer do the delivering but her daughter makes the visits. She arrived with a large basket full of 2 apple pies, a large Sultana cake, gumdrop cake, and peanut butter cookies.

Then it was time to go to my first Christmas Party of the season. One of my co-workers and dear friends passed away a year and a half ago to cancer. His family has included me in their annual party for extended family and friends. It is a wonderful event. Lots of friends - old and new - and lots of little ones running around in their sparkly dresses. A large beautifully decorated tree. And the FOOD - WOW......Chili, clam chowder, seafood chowder, chow mein, sweet and sour pork, chinese rice, And then a dining room table covered completely in cheese/crackers, chocolates, fudge and assorted sweets. I was so stuffed when I got home I had to lay down and take a Zantac. LOL Always the sign of a good party, eh!

Oh and the little picture of the ornament is what Mrs. L slipped in my hand as I was leaving. She had made a few ornaments for special guests. I love because it was made by Tim's mom, for me.

Ho Ho Ho - I found my Christmas Mojo!

Waiting for the Weekend

This has been a looong week. One more work day with one more big meeting then its done for a few days. Chores are piling up again.
I want to start making (or trying to make) one of the hooked snow people. I nagged Corinne (Momz Wool) to hit the dye pots for some pale shades to add some flavor to these little guys. (I'm not sure - but she may be getting fed up with my wierd shade requests!) LOL Not really - but she does laugh at me alot! I often point to strange things in her house or my office and say - "Look - make me THAT color" . Oooh I just re-read that - I don't mean that she has strange things in her house! hehehe
Anyway I need to make some notes for my meeting tomorrow where I am going to try and talk the BIG Boss into a new program idea. Wish me luck and lets hope nobody gets into his office before me with bad news.
Kim

A simple note

Sometimes we forget the significance of a small, old fashioned gesture like a Thank You card. With all our technology - emails, e-cards, text messages etc - we sometimes go for the instant gratification that technology provides.

Do you remember when you were a kid and your Mom nagged you for days to write those notes? All the grumbling and fuss, as this little chore was interrupting important things like playing or watching cartoons. But as we all know now......Mom did know best! Because there is nothing like a hand written thank you note!

Today I was the recipient of such a treasure. A little note from Sheri at Shabby Sheep. She made my day. And reminded me again that small gestures mean big things. And hand written thank you notes are a rarity these days. So the next time someone does something thoughtful and/or un-expected, I will write a note. Plus, isn't it nice to get something in the mail that is not a bill!!

Angel Rug

She is finally finished. I love how she turned out. So much so that I almost hate to give her away! But she is going to a great new home in time for Christmas. The rug measures 34 x 19 so it is a good size and was fun to do.

Now.......what next?

I think I might try one of the Snow Folks at Fish Eye Rugs for my next project. If it works out, that will be another present done.

Ooooh Noooo, IT'S Here

This is the sad view I had this morning from the back door. SNOW - and the wet messy kind too!
Oh well, it was inevitable. Little Millie was not pleased either. She doesn't like to get her feet wet! (pathetic - I know)
A good day for hooking. I have the angel almost all whipped. I'll have her finished today. Stay tuned. I will post her later.

Now I have to go dig around and find my snow brush for the car.

Meet my new blogging buddy

I would like you to meet "Pinky" - My Christmas present to myself. A new Mini 10 inch laptop. Sooooo cute! Of course, this is a completely frivolous and un-neccesary purchase. Aren't those the BEST KIND??

And I figure, if you are buying something frivilous - it should be in a fun and funky color. What's more fun than bright pink??

Its so tiny and compact, you can slip it in your purse. It even has a web cam built in. I thought I would test it out tonight with a blog post. Working fabulous.

Merry Christmas to me!!!

Raisin Pudding Cake Recipe

A few of you have asked for the recipe so here it is:

1 cup flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cream of tarter
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Combine and pour into a greased pan.

Topping:
3/4 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
1 tbsp butter
1 1/2 cup boiling water.
Pour over top of batter and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

A precautionary warning.........I recommend you let it set for awhile before serving as it takes awhile for the liquid to thicken. I was over anxious last night and scooped out a bowlful and it was too wet. Later that evening it had thickened up and was much better. In fact, it was best today - about 30 seconds in the microwave. Yumm

A day of almosts

It was the type of day where I just seemed to fall a little bit short, no matter what I tried. One of my main goals of the day was to get my Angel rug all hooked and the cording basted in - with even a teeny bit of hope I could maybe start whipping tonight.

I finished all the hooking except for her hair. I had some wool in mind for this part. I bought some beautiful slub yarn from FishEye Rugs in October. One of the bundles was (a least this is what I remember) a warm golden hue. So I went looking for it. And I looked, and I looked, and I looked. There were 4 bundles and all are missing. I checked all my stash spots. Hmmmm, this may be a good indicator that I need to do some more housecleaning! LOL The trouble is that as I clean up one room, I tend to clutter up another. Ahhh the vicious circle.

With the holidays around the corner and all the extra junk that entails (plus I'm in the middle of painting and drop cloths, ladders etc) its easy to get behind - or at least thats what I'm telling myself. Another option is that Mom tends to pick things up lately and hide them in peculiar spots. Lord knows what I'm going find somedays!

So all the hunting and attempting to tidy up what I tore apart in my search put me behind in all the other typical weekend chores. The only good thing is there is another opportunity for a weekend in about 5 days!!

Days like this call for comfort food. I have just taken an old fashioned raisin pudding cake out of the oven and it smells sweet and wonderful. I think I will curl up and knit some dishcloths.

A little loopy from paint fumes or Handyman Saga Part 2

I have been after our handyman for months to paint the ceilings in the house. A few weeks ago I went a little banana's at him because I wanted them done before Christmas. So.....(here it comes....) he promised to do it and we agreed on that Thursday.
......I bet you see where this is going! Soooooo Thursday passes and so does the next one. BUT he did show up today at lunchtime. Woohoo Sound the Trumpets! He managed to finish all 4 rooms upstairs and the hallways up and down. And then he left. Promising to return tomorrow morning at 9am to finish downstairs. HAHAHAHAHA.
Luckily he has a good nature and sense of humor. As I was tormenting him about how I wasn't going to hold my breathe in the morning waiting, he quickly reminded me that it was him who moved my internet line a few months ago and he knew exactly where in the basement to pull the line! Hahaha OK one for Clayton that time!!
Stay tuned!

Skunk Attack!!

Yes its true. I have suffered a skunk attack, and its not the first time. But this is not your typical garden skunk. It is odorless but equally as frightening as the regular kind. And I am guessing that alot of you have suffered a similar fate, but maybe have never discovered the actual cause of the resulting devastation.

For most of us, days go by and everything seems fine. And then it seems like you wake up one morning, look in the mirror and discover that - overnight- something terrible has happened. For it is at night, under the cover of darkness, while you are the most vulnerable - dreaming of flowers or sheep - THATS WHEN IT STRIKES!

The dreaded "Hairline Skunk" creeps into your room, on to your bed, climbs on the top of your head and swipes his white tail across the top of your head and you wake up like this..........

GREY ROOTS !!!! Arrrgh, that sneaky bugger. You panic and try speed dialing your hairdresser, hoping that the Hairline Skunk hasn't been on a spree so you can get a quick appointment!

And good friends come in handy. A few months ago, after a previous attack, I was sitting in Corinne's office at work when she quietly said " Ummm, I think its time for a color." LOL I love it. Everybody needs a trusted friend who can tell you the truth. Whether its - "You need a color" or "Your butt looks huge in those pants!"

So Corinne, if you are reading this I just got back from the hairdresser.....I saw you looking at the top of my head today! Hehehehe

Fa Lalala La La La

Its CHRISTMAS MUSIC time! I'm a sucker for all Christmas music. Today I finished fine-tuning and downloading more songs. My ipod is now set with a large collection of holiday songs (90+) on a playlist. It will be all I listen to from now until New Years Day.

If you see some strange chick driving around alone singing at the top of her lungs - its me! I have to do it alone because - quite frankly - I sing like a small animal caught in a trap. Hehehe its true. Both my parents were great singers, however it must skip a generation. As I have inherited my grandmothers singing ability. Her and her sister were the WORST singers. And naturally, they both loved to sing.

I remember when they got together, usually over a cocktail, they would start up. My grandfather would get a little grin on his face and run to the calendar, stating he was checking to see if it was a full moon! SEE - my twisted sense of humour goes waaay back!

Yesturday, during our little family drive, I put on the music in the car. Its wild, because my Mom can remember the words to songs. Once she hears the first line, she can sing along. Its funny how that connection is still there. So we sang along, happily, as it was nice to see her participate in something. This is a rarity these days.

Kim

Another great day

After a night of coughing, I managed to wake up feeling pretty good. The weather was not too cold and we are still snow-free so I grabbed Mom and dear Auntie and told them to gear up for a road trip.

We headed to Moncton, a nice small city (AKA shopping mecca) about 35 minutes away. First stop - Swiss Chalet for lunch. Mom and Auntie are fairly fussy eaters but they love this place. Then off to 1 mall where my coffee stand is located. I love my Keurig machine but I waited too long to re-order coffee and I discovered this morning I only had 2 cups left and no delivery until next week. Poor planning on my part. So while they waited in the car I loaded up a bag for my caffeine fix. While the delivery option is convenient you have to purchase full boxes. When you are at the stand you can buy individual portions of tons of different varieties. A great way to taste before committing to a whole box. I have lots to try out this week - Cinnamon Danish flavor, Christmas blend, Winter Carnival and even Kahlua flavor. Heheh I'll be all hopped up on caffeine tomorrow!

Then to the other end of the city for some clothes shopping. Auntie and I take turns shopping and watching Mom. We managed to find some things for each other - so very productive. We have to do these short little trips now, as Mom tires easily.

Now its time to cozy up by the fireplace and watch a chick movie!

Kim

Angel Rug Border

I have made a start on the border. It looks kind of festive, don't you think?

Tonight was the first time I picked up a hook for a few days. Remember I mentioned Sunday night I thought I was getting a scratchy throat? Well guess what......I woke up Monday morning sick, sick, sick. I did manage to get back to work today. I probably could have stood another day of rest, but quite frankly I was going STIR CRAZY at home.

I am feeling much better but still am coughing alot. Actually I had an amazingly productive day at work. I think the trick was that everyone was afraid to get to close to me so they stayed faaaaar away. Its wild how much you can get done when nobody is bugging you every 15 minutes. Next time I am really busy I might remember this "coughing" trick. Worked like a charm today!

Kim

With Wings, She Soars

My precious Angel has wings. Her name is Carrie and she represents a friend who passed away suddenly a few Christmas' ago. When completed, she will be a gift for Carrie's Mom. I can't wait to get her finished.

I stopped in to Corinne's office on Friday to let her know I would be needing some more of the background wool. I wish you could have seen the look of panic on her face. I could see her mind racing to remember of she still had the formula for that piece. Hehehehe I shouldn't laugh but it was pretty funny. I brought in a piece of the original that I hadn't cut up yet. As soon as she saw it I could see the relief wash over her!

So, like an angel herself, she hit the dye pots on Saturday and sent me a text after supper that she had it ready. I think I arrived at her door in less than 10 minutes! The wool wasn't even dry yet!! I took both pieces - you know - just in case. (any excuse) None of these pieces have stayed in the shop long enough for her Mother to even see them. So I posted the photo below so Nancy could see what it looks like. But - the photos don't really give an accurate image. The actual wool is much darker in tone. Lots of navy and deep burgundy with some dark greenish tones.
I hate to say this out loud, but I am starting to feel a bit of a scratchy throat and stuffy nose. Nooooooooo! I don't have time to get sick. After supper I'm heading to the pharmacy and getting a bag full of precautions.

Primitive Angel started

This Angel rug is cruising along. I love this pattern and when its finished it is going to a very special person as a gift. I think that may be why it seems to be hooking up so quickly. Here is the progress so far.The background wool is fun. Corinne (Momz Wool) dyed it for me. Its got some red/burgundy, navy, green, grey blotches all through it.

Hopefully I will get lots more done this weekend. I had a day off yesturday, but instead of hooking, I went Christmas shopping with Dear Auntie. Mom was at her day group so we had a bit of freedom. I'm amazed how much we accomplished in 5 hours. Lots of names crossed off our lists and we managed to find some things for each other too.
It was a good week!

Kim

Lest We Forget

Purse Construction - Part 2

I mentioned the other day that my purse lining had gone AWOL. My neighbor's ears must have been burning because she arrived at lunch time with my lining all nicely sewn together. I really should have a sewing machine, but that would mean more unfinished projects - so nevermind.

Anyway back to the purse.

The lining is just a soft cotton flannel fabric. Nothing fancy here.

The next photo shows the whipped edge at the top. You can either whip with yarn or sew in a strip of wool. Even though I hate whipping, it seemed like the easier option. This was one of those learning moments. I should have left a little larger margin at the top between the hooking and the serged edge. It didn't really leave enough room for a clean fold. Next time I will know better. It made it difficult at the seam edges. I tried to mask my mistake with some extra vigorous whipping (and I didn't take a picture of that part, because I didn't want Jennifer at Fish Eye Rugs to see my boo boo!) But I think I hid it well. The lining is then just stitched in place at the top edge, below the whipping with a simple blanket stitch. (I think thats what its called - remember - I don't sew)And then magically.....TaaDaa.....its a purse! Like I said, I made a few little mistakes, but all in all I am pleased. I didn't think I could do it.

The only thing left to do is pick out a handle. I am now debating which of my brown purses to sacrifice. This weekend I will pick one and cut off its handles. Its OK - I have lots. I'm a purse-a-holic too!

Finally warm and toasty, but what's the deal with "Handyman Time"?

Ahhhh, warm and toasty at last. The family got an early Christmas present today as the new electric fireplace became a reality. Our big old drafty house was a monster on the oil bill. Poor Mom is always cold, but with the price of furnace oil these days it was getting to be a concern. The fireplace works like a charm. I've had the thermostat down all day and nobody is shivering or complaining. Usually to get the temp good for her, I end up too hot. Now I will have to go shopping to find some pretty stuff to decorate the top. I know - any excuse to go shopping!

However, back to the 2nd part of this posts title - WHAT THE HECK IS THE DEAL WITH HANDYMEN AND TIME?????

I'm sure you all must have noticed this. None of them seem to have any normal concept of time. They appear to have some kind of secret society time keeping system. Let me explain......when the average person says "I'll be there in an hour" that usually means 60 minutes - give or take a few. (Unless you are me, and I will be there 10 minutes early!) BUT if you have the title Handyman behind your name, this phrase can mean anything from several hours to several days!!!! Frustrating.

I guess its the downside of being a single girl - you need to depend on a handyman. My guy dropped off the giant fireplace box in the front hall on Saturday and looking me square-in-the-eye and said........"I'll be back first thing Sunday morning." YEAH, Right!!!

And me, the eternal optimist, got up early and waited. And waited. And waited. The morning came and went and then half the afternoon. He drove in the yard at 3:00pm. He walked in with a little grin and handed me a cappuchino. OK - that warmed me up a little.

It didn't take us long once I got him moving. As he was leaving he was humming "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire". I busted out laughing and told him if he hadn't shown up it would be HIS chestnuts roasting!!

Three Cheers for the weekend!

Holy Cow......What a week. Am I ever glad to see the back-end of it! It wasn't bad enough that Mom had a 2nd fall in the span of a week - but it seemed like a large number of my co-workers went a little squirrelly too. It was one thing after the other.
Ahhhhhh, but now its the weekend. YIPPEE.....................

I do promise to get back to showing the final finishing of the purse before the weekend is over. I sent the lining to my neighbor to sew up by machine and she hasn't brought it back yet.

But I did start my Angel rug last night. Ooooooh, she is going to be so pretty. And I just came back from the store and I bought an electric fireplace for the living room. It might even get delivered this weekend. COZY!!!

I did happen to notice some "white crap" in the air while I was driving home. (Yes, I am referring to snowflakes - and obviously I am not a big fan!) I better not wake up to a white outdoor carpet tomorrow morning!!!!!!

Time to hook my beautiful Angel girl. I hope you all have a great, relaxing weekend too!

Kim

Purse construction - Part 1

Last night, after I got home and settled in I decided to get my butt moving on this purse. Some of you have asked for details on the construction process. I tried to take some photos as I worked last night but not all of them turned out.

But here is enough to give you the idea.

I tried to take really good close ups while I was sewing the darts, but naturally those were the ones that didn't take. The first step is to run a "stretch zigzag" stitch along the border so you don't fray and then cut out each piece.

Then sew each of the darts closed, pulling very tightly and then pin the two pieces together to ensure the patterns match on both sides.

I did intend to begin sewing the pieces together last night but Miss Millie had other plans. Since I was away over-night she was VERY demanding of my attention. The little paw kept creeping over and scratching at the purse. Then when that didn't work, she proceeded to try and push it out of my hands with her nose.

Awwww, how could I resist? So I put my work away and gave the princess the attention she was so needy for.

On my lunch hour today I bought the fabric for the lining and some wool yarn for the whipping at the top edge. Tonights plan is to finish sewing the sides and maybe whip the top.

On the road again!

I feel a little like Willie Nelson.......On the Road Again! It seems like lately I have had quite a few little business trips that mean 1 or 2 nights out of town. Usually, if they are spread out - I look forward to the little break but they have been quite close together this fall. I think this is my last one for awhile. (fingers crossed)

I had hoped to get going earlier today and maybe get a little early Christmas shopping done in the city but by the time I got everyone at home organized it meant I arrived at the hotel at supper time. Oh well! I have LOTS of time for shopping! Yeah - I know - famous last words.

The down side of travelling is that is cuts into my hooking time. Friday night I managed to sew the darts in my purse and pin the 2 sides in place. And Corinne sent me a text message that she had some wool for me to look at. Naturally I dropped everything and ran over. I left her house happy, with another 1/4 yard in my hands and she had 1 more custom dye to do for me. According to my cell phone message today - she has it ready and waiting for my return. These are colors for my special Angel rug. I can't wait to get started on it Tuesday.

Now its time to look at the room service breakfast menu. There is nothing better than hotel room breakfast!! I'm too lazy to make breakfast at home. I'm usually running out the door to work with a travel mug of coffee and a handful of arrowroots!

Kim

Hookers Who Care

I have been AMAZED the past few months of my blogging experience the number of hookers I have encountered who are caring for an elderly parent.

Let me make something perfectly clear - I have wonderful friends who support me everyday and in every way - but the truth is ------unless you are living it-----you really don't totally understand it. And I feel confident in saying that - from experience.

Before my mother was diagnosed I called a girlfriend in Montreal once a week. Her mother had Alzheimers and I listened and I truly thought I understood what she was going through. I DIDN"T. Don't get me wrong, I meant well and I really felt for her and her trials with her Mom, but until I began to experience my mothers Alzheimers experience - I now realize I didn't get it!

My Mothers condition was one of the driving forces behind my decision to begin blogging. I needed some way to express myself. I have never wanted to overly burden my friends with my trials. My thinking is that everyone has their own problems. If I blogged my frustrations out into cyberspace it would be OK.

What I have discovered is beyond the words I have to express it. As caregivers we often feel like we are out there alone. BUT WE ARE NOT. I have found sooooo many bloggers out ther who are doing the same thing I am -----trying to work, care for a loved one, and cope with all the regular everyday crap. And its NOT easy, but we are not alone.

I take such comfort and assurance from reading these blog posts. And I hope that some of you take comfort from mine. Some days are good - normal even! Some are not. These are the days I need the blogger world.

We should all be grateful for those around us who care for others. As we never know when the person needing care may be us.

Thanks for listening!

Kim

Wild weather means lots of hooking

This weekends weather had lots of variety. Luckily I left work Friday and tried to get all the shopping finished that evening. So that meant that Saturday I could hook all day. And I did! It was rainy and dreary outside, but I didn't mind at all.

I kept the coffee machine going all day and actually finished the 2nd side of my bullseye purse. What a great day - all snuggled into my little hooking corner. Ahhhhh....heavenly! I pulled the last loop and trimmed the tails at about 11:30pm.

Now the finishing! I don't have a sewing machine so I need to enlist my neighbor down the street. My plan was to pop in this morning with my purse under my arm and gossip with her while I waited for her to run a stretch zigzag stitch along the edges. Hmmmmm 8am and it was raining and blowing like a small hurricane. I could barely see out the windows. In fact I had to go rescue my compost cart from the next door lawn! Then in typical Maritime weather fashion, it began clearing around 10am and by noon the sun was shining and the temp was climbing. Actually, it ended by being nicer than many days we had in June. Late Indian Summer maybe??

While I waited I gathered up another little sewing job for her and dropped everything off mid-afternoon. She wants me to make her 20 knit dishclothes so I'll take it in trade.

As soon as she returns the purse I will start to put it together. For those of you who have asked - I will try to take pictures along the way.

Millie's new friend

Today Millie made a new friend! LOL. My mom arrived back from her adult day care program with a few prizes she won at bingo - including this cute little stuffed dog.

Millie naturally claimed it as her own new friend and after dragging it around the house for an hour, she now is curled up with it having a little nap! Soo cute.

Here they are sharing a laugh. Must have been a great joke!

And this is Millie after I pretended to take her new friend away. "Not a chance Mommy!"

Aren't new friends fun!!!!

I'm bone tired!

Well, last weeks relaxation time is a far away memory. I'm exhausted.

Never-ending meetings combined with catching up on all the work I didn't do last week while on vacation has taken its toll. Plus Mom had a Doctor appointment this afternoon, and of course, they were running behind schedule. Trying to keep her seated and entertained for 1 1/2 hours was a treat! NOT

I'm going to make a cup of tea and maybe grab a handful of gingersnaps to dunk. Then a little more hooking on the purse might settle me down. I need to finish this project as I am falling waaay behind on the Monthly Reflections Project. My piles of wool are taking over the house. And I still have some hidden in the car that I bought from Momz Wool. I didn't need it, but had to have it. Well, I did need the turquoise. Maybe I'll smuggle it in after dark! hehehe

Purse Progress Report

This was probably one of the most relaxing weekends in recent memory. Not a lot of company (very unusual) so I had time to hook and putter around the house. It was a nice end to my week of vacation. Hopefully it energized me enough for the week ahead. Tomorrow is one of those long days with a meeting at the end of it. On the 3rd Monday of the month my work day typically ends around 8:30 or 9pm.

I finished one side of my Bullseye Purse and got a start on side 2. I'm quite happy with it so far.

And as an added bonus, I think I know what I might do with it when its finished.

My mother's oldest friend was over Friday to pick her up for a little outing. They go out once a week for an ice cream sundae. Of all the things my Mom has forgotten - she still remembers ice cream. She is almost single-minded in its regard! Alice noticed the purse on the frame and RAVED about it. She was the recipient of one of my first rugs. So...........the little light came on in my head - Christmas present!

I guess now I will have to be extra careful with the finishing job!

Kim

I've been keeping a secret!

Well it wasn't my intention to keep it a secret but I was scared to mention it too soon, in case I chickened out. On Wednesday I got braces on my teeth! I guess it goes with my new found philosophy (did I spell that right?) to start doing a few things just for me.
I am sore as heck, but it will be worth it in the end. I might even lose a few pounds since all I've eaten for a few days is pudding, apple sauce and cream of wheat. Tonight I was so hungry I popped an extra Advil and had some french fries with gravy. Semi-solid food - big step!

It wasn't as bad as I was led to believe. A few people gave me horror stories before but luckily it wasn't like that for me. There was a few minutes in the dental chair where I thought I might be auditioning for "Silence of the Lambs". They need to keep your teeth dry for the glue to adhere so they put these cheek spreaders in your mouth and in the middle is this plastic basket -----this is where you stick your tongue to keep it out of the way. Yes, it is a basket. And all I could think of was that thing over Hannibel Lecters face in the movie. I was trying so hard not to laugh, because I thought I might choke to death! Seriously, if he had looked down and called me "Clarisse" I was outta that chair! LOL

So this year, finally, the Halloween candy is safe. I can't eat any of it. Hmmm, I didn't really think this through, did I??

Kim

Big Fun at the Hook-In

We had a great hook-in today. It was my first time hooking with a group of people, and it was a blast. You got the chance to see so many different styles and color choices. The class was on Fisheye Rugs Bala handbags but some of the girls brought some of their other in-progress rugs and previously hooked bags.

The day started out a little.....well, late. I got up early, made my lunch, made coffee, read the paper and then grabbed another cup of coffee while I caught up on some blog reading. The class started in an hour so I had TONS of time. I decided to check the festival schedule to see if I had forgotten to pack something ........only to discover the class started at 9am not 10am. It was now 9:03am. Next thing I know Corinne is texting me wondering where I was! Arrrgh, I raced out the door and arrived about 15 minutes late.

I discovered that we tend to do alot more chatting than hooking at these things but that all added to the fun. And I finally got to meet Jennifer from Fisheye Rugs. Its great to put a face and a personality to the blog I've been following for months. We were laughing at how we "bloggers" tend to feel like like we know each other after awhile. I was amazed the locations people had travelled to for this Fiber Arts Festival, and its growing each year. Our small little class had ladies from New Brunswick, Cape Breton, St. Johns Newfoundland and the lady beside me was from Pennsylvania!

Here are some pictures from our day: (My apologies, I have forgotten everyones names by the time I posted, so I can't give proper credit for their projects)

Here is Jennifer teaching some of us how to sew the finished purses together properly. The gals at this end of the table had their bags all hooked before arriving. They get the gold stars! haha And here is Corinne hooking away at her Skelefloral purse. Her Mom is seated behind her but was a little camera shy today! Ahhhh, one of the supply tables with all Jennifer's leather handbag straps and gorgeous dyed slub yarn. By the end of the day the tables were almost empty. And yes, I bought some too! Big surprise, right! This lady hooked a beautiful seaside motif on her handbag. This little sheep handbag was gorgeous. The applique and prodded sunflower really popped. And you can't really see from this photo, but the sheep is hooked all puffed out in 3-D. WOW! This rug in progress is of the famous 3 churches in Mahone Bay. It is almost finished, just the sky left to hook. I thought it was a great coincidence since I just visited Mahone Bay last week.

Special thanks to Jennifer and her Mom who helped out today too. It was a great day and the time flew by. I'm registering again next year - for sure.

Kim