Chats on the Porch

Looks like we are ready to start the 2nd year of chatting on the porch with Patrice, oh and Wendell of course, from Everyday Ruralty.  

Here are this week's questions:

1.  Do you have any special plans for this fall?

It is my favorite season and normally I take at least a week or more off to enjoy the fall scenery.  But this year I have heavy work committments this fall so sadly, nothing special is planned.

2.  Do you collect anything?

I collect cook books and since I was about 5 years old I collected frogs.  It was a "thing" between a beloved uncle and myself.  I am now completely over run with frog stuff and despite my urgings to everyone to stop, they just keep coming. 

3.  Have you done any canning or freezing this season?

I have never.  Each year I say I'm going to make one batch of jam and pickled beets.  It still hasn't happened :)

4.  Do you have a friend who lives far away? Where do they live?

I have a sweet friend in California :)   That's far!

5.  When in a store, restaurant, or other business, do you ever complain or praise to the management?

I really try not to complain unless it is really horroble or offensive.  I have done it a time or two but then I feel terrible and guilty.  But if I do get exceptionally great service I always mention it.  I work in government so I hear complaints regularly, but if people like things they rarely say it.  So because of that I try to comment on positive things as often as possible.

P.S.  Only one more work day for me and then 5 days off in a row!   I can hardly contain my excitement!!!!

Believe

The Believe Pillow is now listed in my  Etsy Store.  Go check it out before its gone.....(hopefully)   Wink!

Pillow talk

I got cracking first thing this morning and started sewing the back on the pillow.  Martie from Taos Sunflower  asked me how I finished the backing.  I did take a couple of not great pics while I was working.

First I did a double zigzag with the sewing machine close to the hooked edge.  Then I layed the pillow front on the backing and secured with some pins.

I trimmed the excess from the backing and then began to fold the fabrics under and do a simple, discreet whip stitch along the edge.

It didn't take nearly as long as I thought and it wasn't nearly as painful a chore as I anticipated :)
The finished result ........

Earlier today I got some bad news.  My neighbor at the cottage passed away.  Our cottages were built the same year, so we have been neighbors forever.  Before Mom got so sick, I used to move out to the beach all summer.  Every weekend morning we would each go out on our respective decks, in our jammies and bathrobes, turn our chairs to face each other and have our morning coffee talk together.   Mary Louise loved flowers so this flower is for her.  She will be missed.

Meltin' and Hookin'

It is hot and humid.  Humidity should be outlawed.  Nobody even likes it, yet it keeps showing its ugly muggy face around here. 

I felt like Swamp Woman today.  A house with no air conditioning is not a happy place when the muggies invade. I gave Mom ice cream twice this afternoon.  (OK, I had some too)  Desperate times call for desperate measures. 

Also, the bra did not make an appearance today.  I don't expect to see it tomorrow either :)  I don't even dare think of what menopause will be like.  I will not make it through the hot flashes.  I will need to be sedated and locked away until it passes.  Seriously.....this is for everyone else's safety. 

I did manage to finish hooking the 2nd little piece today.  I'm going to make it into a pillow. 

I hate the thought of hand sewing the back onto this pillow but maybe if I start it early in the morning before I'm fully awake I won't even realize what I'm doing.

Grateful

I can't begin to express how much all your sweet comments meant to me regarding my last post.   It was a long stressful week but, as usual, my blog buddies have lifted my spirits.   And yes Julia, you were right - each comment had that effect!

Mom is doing much better today and (knock on wood) we have been "accident" free for the past 24 hours.  That in itself is something to be grateful for.  I am hopeful that if we are careful in the next few days that we can get her system back to normal.

I have had a few new followers recently - - Welcome!  I am so pleased that people read this stuff and comment and come back to visit often.  This little blog has given me more than I could ever imagine.
AND I just realized as I was typing this that I think I missed my blogiversary......yup it was 2 days ago.  Duh!!   I guess I will have to announce a giveaway soon.  (not today, but soon)  Only 4 more followers to get to 175!  Anybody know 4 people??  Lol  - kidding

I am also grateful for my friends outside blog-ville.  This afternoon I met up with 2 great gals for some chatter and a "special" coffee.  Another friend suggested we meet tonight at the local pub for a beer.  It sounded very tempting but I was so hot and tired from the week, that the thought of putting a bra on was too much to bear!  I sent her a text message saying I looked like I fell off a turnip truck.  Attractive, right?  Lol

And the other big "grateful" moment today was selling another rug.  Yes, the red rug has sold before I have even finished binding it.

Wouldn't it be great if they all sold that easily?   Oh and I almost forgot - I won a fabulous giveaway this week from Cobblestone Corner and Grandma's Biscuits blog.  I can't wait to show you when it arrives.  Jody had a very generous giveaway and has a very sweet blog. It was perfect timing too - made me smile.  I hope you all have a happy weekend and stop to remember to be grateful for something each day.

PS - Don't forget to visit Patrice at Everyday Ruralty.  Her Anniversary party continues!!

Another Day in Paradise

There has been alot going on here in paradise at home.  When I first started blogging I thought it would be a great way to share and deal with the whole package of being a caregiver for an Alzheimers parent.   However I quickly realized that I wasn't comfortable with sharing too much info about Mom as I felt I might be violating her privacy and her dignity.  So I don't talk much about the gory details.

Recently I discovered a blog called Accepting Change. I was immediately attracted to the name first.  Then of course I read several postings and began to follow.  But the name struck a real chord with me.  I have never been great at accepting change.  I like my routines and I like to know what is on the horizon.  However in the last few years, that has gone right out the window.  My whole life has been in constant change.  I am getting better at rolling with the punches.  (But really, when is it enough?) Somedays I feel like Rocky in the movie where he got the crap beat out of him.

I have become an unwilling expert.  Lately I can boast to becoming an expert on every adult incontinence product on the market.  EVERY ONE !   I could do product reviews of what works, what doesn't work, and what REALLY doesn't work.   But I guess this is all part of accepting change.

I suppose that accepting change is a part of life.  We all change.  Everything changes every day - grass grows and flowers bloom.   I try to remind myself that change isn't bad, it is necessary.  I am changing. I have changed.  Change means I am growing and that is a good thing.

Farmhouse party!

What's more fun than a party?  .......nothing I can think of.

Patrice from Everyday Ruralty is celebrating her one year anniversary of the Farmhouse Chats.  (and I hear Wendell is helping out with the festivities)

While I haven't been participating in all the chats for the entire year, I have enjoyed it.

She is celebrating all week with lots of fun and surprises.  And some nifty giveaways too.

QUESTION FOR TODAY1. What food would you bring with you to the party? Bring enough to share!

 

Well, I think I would bring a big carrot cake with gobs of cream cheese icing.  Wendell always has a hankering for carrots and I have a sweet tooth so this seems like the perfect thing to bring to the party. 

 

 

 

Stop by Patrice's blog and help her celebrate.

Big Red is finished

This rug seemed to take a long time to finish.  But then again, I'm not as committed to hooking time during the summer months.  There are too many other distractions.

Yesterday this was all that was left to hook.

Under normal circumstances this should have been finished within an hour.  But the sun was shining and the beach was calling my name. 

So instead, the final loop wasn't pulled until about 11pm. 

I haven't decided how I will bind this one.  Just a simple fold under or maybe a whipped edge??  I will have some time to think about it because there is enough burlap on the end to draw out another little rug before I cut it.  I think a pillow perhaps - quick and easy.

Once I get it blocked and bound I will take a better picture outside to try and get the true colors. 





The simplest of things

Some days just the simplest things can give you a boost, even when you least expect it.

Daily responsibilities can sometimes take their toll without you even realizing.  It seems like there is always some kind of demand on my time or attention.  And the workload associated with Mom's care has increased significantly in the past year.

Today I found myself with a free lunch hour - a truly free hour.  Mom was at her Adult Day Care and Auntie had plans with a friend. 

I called Bella's Bistro and ordered my lunch for take-out.  I came home and ate my lunch out on the back deck with my faithful buddy Millie by my side.  The sun was shining, the food was great, and the company was cute and quiet.  I didn't have to talk or think about anything.  Everything and everyone was taken care of was someone else's responsibility for awhile. 

Just the simple joy of spending a little quiet time with myself, sitting in the sun and eating out of styrofoam dishes.  Honestly, I felt like a million bucks.  I sat there thinking about how relaxed and peaceful I felt.

I'm trying to stop and appreciate the little things.  I'm trying to surround myself with positive energies and distance myself from those who  thrive on the negative.  I'm trying to do more things with friends.  I'm trying to say yes I can, more than no I can't.      

Let the big stuff roll off your back and stop each day to cherish the simple moments. 

Chats on the porch

It's time for another weekly chat with Patrice at Everyday Ruralty.  It sounds like she and Wendell are having a party next week.  Sounds fun doesn't it!!

A party sounds fun right now.  I've got my sad, droopy face on tonight.  Big Sis Jane is flying home tomorrow :(   Ten days went way to quickly.  And yes, there was a big ugly sob ridden good-bye scene at the beach tonight.  We are pathetic!

Anyway, enough of that.  Lets get on with the questions this week

 

1. What's your favorite room in your home?

Well, there isn't a room in my house that doesn't need a total makeover.   So, I would have to say the sunporch.  I spend lots of time out there reading and relaxing. 

2.   If you could go anywhere on a vacation, all expense paid, where would it be?

I have always wanted to go to Italy and Greece.  It has been #1 on my "someday" list.   Plus you know I love martini's - with 3 olives.  Bet I could get unlimited olives in Greece.....

3.    Were you a girl scout or in any similar program?

No and I'm not sure why.  Perhaps Mom didn't want me peddling cookies door to door :)

4.    What's your favorite frozen treat?

Lately I would have to say chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

5.   Are you NASCAR or the elderly lady with the pillbox hat when you drive?

NASCAR, all the way. On the way to the beach tonight I got behind a hay wagon and I thought I was going to have a stroke!  lol

Don't forget to visit Patrice and the other participants in the Chats.

Comfort food

The roadside along the Northumberland Shore is now dotted with little garden stands.  This one is just a few miles down the road from the cottage and it is a regular stop this time of year.

"Grampie" meets you in the driveway and if he doesn't have what you are looking for in the tent, he will gladly lead you to the garden and let you select what you want.  We picked our own lettuce Friday. Now THAT is fresh!

All of this leads to my favorite summer comfort food, which was on the menu today - Hodgepodge

New carrots, peas and those cute little new potatoes with the almost paper thin skin.  And of course there is just no way to low cal this recipe without ruining it.  You need real butter and heavy cream to appreciate this dish.  It is true Maritime comfort food.

And we even found some crowsfeet greens being sold just up the road.  These are another maritime delicacy.  They grow mainly in marshy areas.    The finishing touch - Nanny's homemade lemon cheesecake pie.



If I keep eating like this, soon this hammock will not hold me anymore :)

A trip to the pound

A warm summer day, a beautiful beach-front setting, and a trip to the pound.  A perfect way to play hooky from work.

First stop was the pound - - - The Lobster Pound

(Jane would kill me if she knew I didn't crop her out of this pic)

So many lobsters, so hard to choose

There was also a large bag of mussels that looked too good to pass up

so we grabbed them for appetizers. 

Nothing better than sitting on the beach with a cool drink and a big pot of steamed mussels.

Sorry, I didn't think to  take a picture before we ate them.  These are just the shells. 

I guess we were hungry mid afternoon.  They were really good :)

We had a perfect beach day.  Oh, and the lobsters were even better than the mussels.  We ate and ate and there is probably enough leftovers to do it again tomorrow!

One of life's great mysteries

Why?  Why is this still happening?  It is 2012 - I don't understand.......
What exactly is the deal with men and socks with sandals??   Just wrong on so many levels.

This morning I arrive at the office and head to the coffee room.  I soon hear 2 co-workers approaching - one male, one female. 

She says "Was your wife home when you got dressed for work?"  (snort)

He says "Well, No - why?"

She says "Uhmm, your feet.  Don't let Kim see you."  (Lol  seriously, she said that)

Naturally I bounce out into the hall to investigate and there he is ..... in socks and sandals!!!  And this is not an older fella.  In fact he is generally a pretty snappy dresser. 

Me:  "What are you thinking??" 

Him: "What?  Is it bad?  (Can't believe he had to ask) 

Me:  "YES take those socks off!!"

Him:  "But they are actually quite comfortable"

Me:  (Horrified and stunned)  "Well, so is going bra-less in a muu-muu but you don't see us doing that at work"

Me again:  "Hurry up and take off those socks.  People will see you and know that you work here.  We will all be tainted by association."

He took off the socks.  Whew!!  Please pass on this information to all the men in your life.....If you think its sexy.....It's NOT.   Not even a little bit.  Lets help end the insanity.

Chats on the Porch

Again this week I am joining the Farmhouse Chats hosted by  Patrice at Everyday Ruralty.

I abandoned my Sis at the beach tonight.  I battled a headache all day and just couldn't drag myself out to the cottage.  Instead I took a nap.  I feel a little better now so here we go with Patrice's questions

1.  Do you exercise?
Hahahaha,  NO.  I know I should and have tried to get into an exercise routine many many times, but it just fails. 

2.   What's your favorite type of party or get together?
Any kind of get together with family and friends is fine by me.  Good friends, food, laughter - perfect.

3.   What's your favorite kind of melon?
Cantaloupe I suppose.  I even had a tasty cantaloupe and cracked pepper salad recently.  Sounds strange but tasted wonderful.

4.  Do you ever go to a farmers' market?
I love Farmer's Markets.  Everything looks so fresh and colorful.  The trouble is things look so yummy I often buy more than I can eat. 

5.  Would you prefer a series of day trips, or a week's vacation?
Since Mom's illness, day trips seem to be the most practical.  However I am in desperate need of a good relaxing week anywhere sooner than later!   A quiet spot and a few books for a week would be heaven.

Tonight on my way home from work I grabbed the latest Rug Hooking Magazine.  I'm going to flip pages for inspiration. 

Not much progress on the red flower rug.  Just more of the same background.

Worn out

Big Sis has arrived! She's been here for less than a full day and I'm worn out already! It's hard to cram a years worth of stuff into one week.

This is me, all bright eyed (well, behind the cool shades) and heading to the airport this morning.



Her plane landed on time and we headed straight to the beach. I guess we were busy because I apparently only took 2 pictures. Neither of which is very exciting, but it's all you're gonna get. Lol

This was lunch. Clearly we are health food fanatics.



Yes, its a chocolate sundae --- BUT there is fruit on it!!

After supper the cottage was full of people, and we still had gossip to catch up on, so we sprawled out on one of the beds to gab and giggle. I'm glad she's here!



I have no idea why we felt the need to take this picture. Perhaps the combination of the chocolate sugar rush and the wine made this seem hysterical at the time. Since this post was shy on pictures I threw it in. Plus I'm exhausted and not thinking clearly.
:)

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Waiting for the sun

There wasn't much to do outside this morning. A torrential rain shower and thunder and lightening meant indoor pursuits were a must. Half of the town lost electricity but luckily I was in the half with power!

I made everyone a nice breakfast with fresh blueberries.




Then hooked a bit on the flower rug. I haven't had time to hook much all week, so this project seems to be taking too long. I need to finish before I completely lose interest.



Tomorrow morning my faux big sister arrives for 10 days. So off to the airport in the morning. We are so excited. She has been texting me daily for 2 weeks counting down the sleeps. Lol.

Well, it looks like the sky is clearing so I'm going to plan the rest of my day. Enjoy!

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Christmas in July

It was almost as great as Christmas in July.  The other day I was at work when I got a call from home that a package had been delivered.

I asked who it was from and she said it was from California.  Well, could I wait 3 hours until lunch time to find out what goodies were inside??

Hahaha Not likely.  I couldn't stand it so I ran home on my break and grabbed the box.  It was a late birthday box from my friend Kim, the sweet blogger over at My Field of Dreams.

I ripped that bad boy open and just as I started to rifle through it I thought I should take a picture.  (Isn't it funny the way we are always thinking about pictures for our blogs now?)  So before I had unwrapped anything I gently placed things back in the box and snapped this.

It was stuffed full of goodies.  Kim and I sometimes will each get a coffee while we are chatting together on the computer, so she punched me this sweet little mug.

There was also a jar of California sunshine (also known as Kim's own apricot jam).  I have been having it on my breakfast toast.  

 It is so good that I had it hidden way in the back of the refrigerator behind some tall bottles so no one else will eat it.  Isn't that terrible! 

The box also contain several (yes, several) other hand crafted items from Kim.  I will show you those in another post.  She is such a sweet thoughtful person and her kindness has brightened my week!

Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July to everyone. I thought you might get a chuckle out of this. (I did). Tonight I was texting with my faux sister in Massachusetts when she announces "tomorrow is the 4th of July here".

I replied " yeah, it's the 4th of July here too". About 10 seconds later my phone rings and she is roaring laughing, and so am I. Duh!




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Not long enough

It was a gorgeous long weekend, but why is it that on the night before you return to work it never seems long enough??

We celebrated Canada Day with our Vermont family arriving for a month at the beach.  The traditional welcome lunch of lobster rolls, potato salad and strawberry shortcake was pretty tasty too.

I followed the family out to the cottage to help them unpack the car.  To say they had the car packed to the rafters was an understatement.  It looked like they brought everything but the kitchen sink.  And truly, I wasn't sure I wouldn't find it somewhere in the car before I was finished.   Sheesh, I had to cool down and rest with a cool "drink" after all that unpacking :)

Then there was the fireworks display in town for Canada Day.  We can see them from our house, so no need to go downtown, fight for a parking space and get eaten alive by giant mosquitos.  However, once the first 2 exploded, Millie freaks out, climbs up me and attaches herself to my neck.  In fact the fireworks were over for at least 15 minutes before I could peel her off me.  She is such a brave, brave doggie.  NOT

Today was another sunny day at the beach.  I packed up the Golden Girls so they could visit with the family and spent some time on the beach, and reading under the pines.

This photo is just taken using my phone so its not the greatest.  Note the sun flares - if I was trying to do that on purpose, it wouldn't have worked!

I guess I am tired out from all my relaxing all weekend.  So that's all I have for now.
Have a great week