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!!

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!

Unexpected blessings

This is not the post I had in mind for today.  However here it is.  I could never have imagined how this crazy world of blogging would impact me and the relationships that would develop.  I remember stressing for months trying to get the nerve to start a blog.  Pushing the publish button on that very first post was terrifying.  What would I say? Who will read it?  How much will I share?  What if no one reads it?  And probably a hundred other concerns. 

However, the last thing I considered was the multitude of positive things that would be introduced into my life.   I follow a variety of different types of blogs, including a few related to caregiving for Alzheimers. Sometimes you just make a connection you cannot explain.  One blog in particular sparked with me.  A daughter as primary caregiver to her Mom.  Her Mom reminded me of mine.  We shared experiences occasionally.  Maybe 3 or 4 emails a year but we seemed to be able to relate to each other's experiences.

Today I received an email letting me know her Mom passed away this weekend and she attached the obituary to the message.   As I was reading it I noticed my face was wet - a few tears rolling down my face.  Dorothy's fiesty nature reminded me of Mom, I realized I had developed a bit of an attachment to her.  And more than that, I was so taken back that in her daughter's fresh grief, she thought of me, a virtual stranger, thousands of miles away.

I guess the point of this post is that you just never know how you will impact other people.  Which post or line or comment will make a difference to someone.  Who will you make a connection with and why?  

Dorothy's daughter and I shared a common experience and we occasionally shared our thoughts and opinions. We understood each other's issues.  We asked each other the same questions.

Please say a little prayer for Dorothy's family tonight.

Just Because

I've been saving this post because I wanted to ensure it didn't compete for attention with the charity auction.   The other day I came home to fnd a package in the mail.  I hadn't ordered anything recently.  I looked at the address and recognized the name.

I ripped it open and it was a present from my friend Kim.  When I read the card she said it was a "Just Because" present.  Aren't those just the best?    Look at what she sent me

A beautiful card and note, and some pieces of wool she has dyed herself using Kool Aid.  It makes such nice strong, bright colors.  

And a sweet little stitched pillow for Valentines.  I have always admired her stitched pieces on her blog and always raved about them.  In fact, I have secretly wanted one and now I wonder if perhaps I'm not as subtle as I think I am....... LOL

And then there was the little bag of sunflower seeds.  If you follow Kim's blog you know she always has lots of big beautiful sunflowers growing on her property in California.   And now I have my very own "Field of Dreams" sunflower seeds.

I bet that she blessed them so I just know that they will grow tall and strong this summer. 

The only thing better than getting a "just because" present is having friends who are thoughtful and kind enough to send you one.  

THANK YOU KIM



 

Chatting on Patrice's Porch

Today I thought I would join Patrice for Chats on the Farmhouse Porch.  Each week Patrice posts some get-to-know-each-other questions.   

Questions

1. Where is your favorite place to think, reflect, or pray?

I think my favorite spot to think is near the water.  It doesn't matter if it's the ocean, lake or a river.  I just feel better when I can look out at the water.  The sounds of the water lapping up on the rocks is just so soothing to me.  It always makes me feel better.  Someday I'm going to retire on a beach.

2.    Did you believe in Santa as a kid?

YES.  Even though I was terrified to sit on his knee, I did believe.  You know those pictures you see with the little kids screaming in fear on Santa's lap - - that was me.  LOL  I still remember my cousin Michael telling me he wasn't real.  I ran to my grandfather crying and sobbing, begging him to tell me that Michael was lying.  Grandpa was NOT impressed with him.    When Michael and his wife had their first child, I held her in the hospital and told her in a few years I was going to tell her what her Daddy told me.  Michael roared laughing and told his wife from now on to refer to me as "Crazy Aunt Kim" around the baby so she wouldn't believe anything I said.  Can you imagine??  He told me I can tell her on her 18th birthday.  I have 7 years to wait.

3.   What's your favorite kind of Christmas cookie? You can add a recipe if you have time.

Hmmm, all cookies are good, but I look forward to the coconut cherry surprise balls and gingerbread.  I also make a mean nutmeg log.

4.    Did you grow up around any of your grandparents?

My Father's parents were gone but I saw my Mom's parents every day growing up.  I think they were my most important influences in life.  I was the only grandchild so I spent a lot of time with them.  They each taught me things that have carried me through life.

5.     What's your favorite winter sport-skiing, skating,sledding, other(?) ? If you are in a warm place, what is your favorite winter sport to watch when the Winter Olympics are televised?

I skated a lot as a child and we lived near a great sledding hill.  Not a big fan of climbing back up the hill though. (haha)   I tried skiing twice.  (Once for a guy)  It is not for me.  I still don't understand why sensible people would strap sticks to their feet and hurl themselves down a mountain. . . . . . . . Lol

Since we are being honest here - I'll confess - I'm the kind of winter sport girl who gets dressed up in a cute ski / skate outfit and then sits by the roaring fire with a drink and a plate of food.    Love the outfits - hate the winter activity.   

Hello Sunshine

I had a lovely surprise last evening when I got home - A blog award.   And who doesn't like to receive an award ?  I'd like to thank the Academy....    Well, actually I'd like to thank Andrea from the blog Maybe It's Just Me.  Andrea writes a very funny and honest blog.  It is worth a trip over to visit her.

She has passed on the Sunshine Award.  I think its just the nicest compliment if someone thinks you are like Sunshine !  "The Sunshine Blog Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blogosphere".  How great is that !  Thank you so much Andrea.

Here are the rules for accepting this award:

1. Thank the person who gave this award and write a post about it.  (Thank you Andrea)

2. Answer the following questions below.

3. And pass the award to 10 fabulous bloggers, link their blogs and let them know you awarded them.

Here are my answers:

Favorite color? It changes, but lately I'm drawn to reds and golds

Favorite animal?   Ahhh, I would be in big trouble if I didn't say Millie the Wonder Dog

Favorite number? 6 

Favorite drink? coffee or a martini with 3 olives or a nice glass of dry red

Facebook or Twitter?   Facebook.  I've never twittered or tweeted or whatever it is you do :)

Your passion?  Hmm, so many - but taking care of my family is probably #1

Giving or getting presents? Can't I say both ?  Giving the perfect gift is a great feeling - but getting is good too, right

Favorite day? Thursday

Favorite flower?  Sunflowers.  They always look so cheery

Now for the last part I am going to cheat on the rules a little bit.  I'm not going to specifically name 10 blogs to pass the award on to.  (Last time I got in a little trouble)  Plus it is just too hard to select just 10 fabulous bloggers because you are all great.   So I will offer the award to my 10 most recent followers.  Feel free to grab the award and pass it on.

Spread a little sunshine

Meet Me On Monday

Blogging  is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read  and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is  this person!?"  I know them...but yet I don't know them!  I want  to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great  way for all of us to "meet" each other!

Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you  questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we  can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

1.  I really need to clean my __________?

My closet.  It is a disaster.  I can never find anything, especially in the morning when I am not the brightest.  In case you are wondering - this photo is NOT my closet.  Well, only in my dreams.  

2. What food makes you think of Christmas ?

Gumdrop cake.  I love it.  When I was a kid I would only pick out the gumdrops and leave the cake part.  Then someone gave us a recipe for cream cheese gumdrop cake.  Mmmmmm.   And family legend says we only use a very few green gumdrops.  I don't know why but it was Grandma's rule and she was a good cook so I listened to her.  But everytime I make one I wonder why . . . . ??   Has anyone else ever heard of that ??

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be ?

Now that's a tough one.   Sure, I used to be thinner, prettier, no gray hair or teeny wrinkles but I am smarter now and I know more so I would not trade a few gray hairs for that.   I don't want to get stuck.  I want to keep changing and growing and evolving.  I know I could kick my 30 year old ass in a number of categories now.  :)

4. What was your first paying job ?

At the age of 16 I got a part time - after school job as a cashier at a Department Store.   Luckily I didn't experience the "Black Friday" phenomenon back then.  The closest to that craziness I witnessed was grown women rolling around on the floor in a heap fighting over Cabbage Dolls.  Yes it was the early 80's.   Sad !

5. Have you read the Twilight Series ?

No.  I think I am the only person left who hasn't read it.  I have the first two books but they sit on my bookshelf in a pile of other un-read books.

If you get a chance, check out some of the other participants in todays Meet Me on Monday linky.  Click on the link on my sidebar.

Meet me on Monday

Today I am joining up with a blog hop hosting by Java at Never Growing Old. 

This is what it is all about, in Java's words:
Blogging  is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read  and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is  this person!?"  I know them...but yet I don't know them!  I want  to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great  way for all of us to "meet" each other!

So each week she posts 5 questions for us to answer about ourselves.  Here we go

1.  I wish I had more time to . . . . play a musical instrument again.

  I played when I was younger for about 6 years and have stopped for about 28 years.  But lately in the past few weeks I have wanted to resume this pastime.  However after 28 years, it will be like starting from scratch.

2. What is your favorite kind of soup ?

I think I would have to say chowder, or really any kind of cream soup.  No matter what it is I always tend to gravitate towards the one that's not good for you :)     (P.S.  This goes for more than just soup hehehe)

3. Where will you eat Thanksgiving Dinner ?

In Canada, we had our Thanksgiving last month in October. The family and a few friends all gather at my house.  It is a favorite holiday of mine and I am a bit jealous of you Americans for having it now.   So, I am open to invitations if you want to invite me over !  Lol

4. What is your favorite time of the day ?

This one is easy - first thing in the morning.  I have my cup of coffee, the morning paper and then a few blogs to read.  It is really the only time I have to myself for the whole day.  Its my time to re-charge and have a few quiet moments.

5.  Did you start your Christmas Shopping yet ?

Well, I was all gung-ho and got a fair number of gifts bought in August.  (a first for me)  I have since picked up a few more plus made a few.  I'm not done by far, but am in better shape than other years at this time.


Make sure to stop by Java's site to check out the other participants in todays hop.

Good Grief !!

I think Courtney said it best in her comment on my last post

LOL 

Don't bother to click on the link to Julia's new blog just yet

It has vanished . . . . . . . . . . AGAIN

It is starting to feel like a Where's Waldo kind of thing

As soon as I find our where Julia is I'll let you know. 

(This must be driving her crazy)  Heehee 

Julia's back and starting over

Hi folks.  Julia just emailed me and it looks like her old blog has vanished into the blogisphere but she is not one to be detered.  No way - She has a brand new blog up and running already

More Petals and Wool

Now, Julia has lost all her followers so please go to the new blog  and sign up again so you don't miss anything.

Julia's locked out

Hi everyone,  Just passing on a little information to help a fellow blogger.  I received an email last night from Julia  from the blog  Of Petals and Wool. 

She is locked out of her blogger account and can't access her blog.  Also she is unable to leave any comments on your blogs.  She is working on a solution and hopes to be back up really soon.   I will keep everyone posted.   Julia and I share a lot of common followers so this seemed to be the best way to get the word out.

Good luck Julia,  we can't wait until you are back.

Follow Friday

Today I am joining up with Java's Follow Friday linky

Happy Friday

Help - Part 3 - The Acceptance

Sometimes you just have to accept defeat.  It looks like I am stuck with my current settings and that there are no options to revert to the old blogger format.  Oh well, its not the end of the world.

I want to thank all of you who tried to help me. I received several emails too.  A few of you tried and tried and I truly appreciate it.  Poor April from Red Jack Rugs was on line with me half the evening, email after email offering suggestions.  Thank you April!!

I did find something today that was helpful.....

I am passing this on to you because it definitely worked for me today, and we all could probably use more calm in our lives. Some doctor on tv this morning said the way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started.

So I looked around my house to see things I'd started and hadn't finished so I have managed to finish off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle of wum, a pockage of Prungles, tha mainder of bot Prozic and Valiuminun scriptins, the res of the chesescke an a box a chocletz. Yu haf no idr how bludy fablus I feel rite now.

Plaese sned dhis orn to dem yu fee ar in ned ov iennr pisss. An telum,u blody luvum.!! Xxx
 

Blog help, please

I need a little blog help from my friends.  Everytime Blogger redesigns or changes something it seems to throw something else off.   Blogger help forum seems to be a joke, so like most of you, we have to rely on each other to figure stuff out.

Here is my problem.  I want to change the format of my comments.  It used to be an easy fix but I have been looking and looking and can't seem to change it. 

My comments used to appear directly below each post.  I think it used to be referred to as "imbedded" in the former blogger settings.  A few months ago when virtually everybody seemed to be having commenting problems, I changed my settings to "pop-up" which it is now where my comment section pops up in a different window.  I hate it.  I want to go back to imbedded.  

BUT, where the heck is the setting now??  I don't see anywhere on the dashboard/settings that gives you the option. 

I would appreciate any tips or feedback on how to fix this.  HELP...............

Giveaway winner

  Better late than never.   I'm not sure where my head is lately.  For some strange reason I thought I posted the giveaway on a Wednesday so when I looked this morning......ooops. 

Apparently I was supposed to do the draw last night.   Clearly that didn't happen.  And I almost didn't post tonight because we have been having a terrible, wild thunder and lightening storm for the past few hours.   Yes, I said hours.   It seems to have taken a little break so I'll sneak on the computer. 

If you are wondering, Millie the wonder dog has been burrowed under a blanket next to my legs shivering since it started.  Such a brave little girl --- Not!

Oh yeah, I bet you are wondering who won the starfish.  (I'm so easily distracted).  I did the draw "old school" because with the extra entries some of you "earned" it was getting to much for my brain to keep track of numbers.  So it became a game of scraps of paper.  

And the winner is....... Maggie GRANDMA YELLOW HAIR  from Just Between You and Me. 

I am so pleased because Maggie has been a long time follower and she has been having a rough time lately.  I hope that this might brighten her day. 

Thank you to all of you who entered this giveaway and mentioned it on your blogs.  Its always fun to do these so maybe there will be another one before too long.

Blogiversary Giveaway

Today is my Blogiversary.  I can hardly believe it has been 2 years ago today since I hesitantly published that very first post.

I remember how excited I was when I received my first comment.  It was from Julie at the blog Hookworm who also became my first follower.  And 2 years later, she is still with me.  What a brave soul!  Lol  Thanks Julie!

So since then it has been 412 posts, 108 followers, and over 3700 comments.  (I think the comments are my favorite part.  You all make me laugh)   Who would have thought??   And last but certainly not least, the number of friendships that have been forged through this medium.  Very cool!

So to celebrate all this I thought we should have a GIVEAWAY

Here are the simple rules

1.  Leave me a comment on this post for 1 entry
2.  Mention this giveaway on your blog and get a 2nd entry.
3.  Post on your sidebar for a third entry.
4.  Tell me in your comment what you have done so I make sure not to cheat you an extra entry.

This is open to followers only - but new followers are welcome and will be included.  Due to shipping costs this is only open to residents of Canada or the United States.

BONUS -  If a current follower refers me a new follower they will get a BONUS entry.  So if you are a new follower, please tell me how you found me.

Hmmmm, bet you are wondering what you will win.    Well.......its not finished yet  BUT I can show you what it look like.   Remember the new project materials I bought the other day?  Well I am making one of you another Starfish mat like this one I finished last year.

So I'm hoping you all like Starfish and I get lots and lots of entries.  That is half the fun of a giveaway.  I'll make the drawing a week from tonight.

And one more thing.........

You've Got Mail

 Mail, at last.  It has been awhile since we have been able to say that in Canada.  The Postal Strike has ended and regular mail delivery resumed today. 

I came home for lunch and saw a stack of mail.  Sadly a lot of it consisted of bills.  (Go figure eh!)  That was one of the upsides of the strike.  No bills. 

We are lucky that it didn't drag on too much longer as it was really harming many smaller businesses.

Anyway, as I casually tossed aside the bills I uncovered a little gem.  A belated birthday card from sweet Lauren.   Check out the postmark.......

 It was stuck in the mail since May 27.    LOL   However, it was a fun little surprise.  Isn't it great when you get an unexpected surprise??   Thanks Lauren!

The next treat in the pile was special too....

 Awhile ago I won a giveaway from Teri over at White Sheep Farm.  There was a pretty card, a pile of 4 different wools and this

A Gift Certificate for $25 worth of wool from Wool-n-wares. 



Thanks Teri, I can't wait to spend my winnings. 

I loved all your comments on my last post.  I guess for now - rambling and unfocused it is!  You guys are the best.

Attempts

As you can tell by the title of this post, there were a few attempts this weekend.  Notice the post isn't titled "success". 

I have been wanting a nice thick bbq steak.  Saturday I bought 3 large beef tenderloin steaks and made a nice tossed salad.  I anticipated this meal all day.  Turned on the BBQ and nothing happened.  I fiddled and fussed and could not get any gas through.  I was less than amused.  I ended up frying them inside.  They were still OK but its not the same.  So now I add "fix bbq" to the handymans list.

And I never found that perfect photo inspiration yet either.  You can tell because this is what I resorted to capturing this morning.  You know its desperate when you go to dandelions - Lol

I hope this post is not yet another failed attempt.  I have been having internet trouble at home all weekend.  It is going on and off randomly and driving me nuts.  If it still persists tomorrow then I will have to break down and call the company.  I hate dealing with tech support. 

I haven't been commenting on too many blogs this weekend because it usually goes out after I am almost finished and I lose the comment.  So I have given up.  In fact, I have lost connection about 3 times while I am writing this post.

We get so darned addicted to the technology that  a few days without it working properly and it can make you batty!   It seems like the past few weeks, if its not blogger acting up its my internet. 

Too cold for May

It is just not right that you still need a sweatshirt in the afternoon of late May.  There is just something wrong about the whole thing.

Gardens and flowers are about a month behind here.  And the scattered few hours of sunshine this month are just not enough.  I am hoping that the month of June will make up for it.

This morning I spent a little me time.  I had to drive to Parrsboro again.  Last weekend we were there and did a little shopping.  When we arrived home one of the necklaces I bought was not in the bag.  I called the store and she put it aside for me.  So this morning, I went to pick it up.  Even though it was grey and drizzly I did enjoy the drive and having a few hours alone with my thoughts.

And last night I finally started my new hooking project.  I have my mojo back.  Last week I felt like I was spinning but a few hours alone today has me centered again. 

You didn't think I was going to show you the whole thing all at once did you??  That would ruin the surprise.  And it might be a big surprise for all of us because I am going outside my color comfort zone.  I'm winging it.   

Millie hasn't made an appearance here for awhile.  She was polite enough to interrupt her nap to give you a little hello.

One last thought - I am impressed with the dedication and persistence of the blog community.  So many have found creative ways to continue communicating despite the tech issues with blogger.  There are several different hints out there for finding ways around the problems.   Maybe some of us should work for blogger - maybe the problem would be fixed by now!

Almost - but not quite

Blogger is still messing with us.   Robin at The Cranky Crow blog has posted a few suggestions that worked for her.  I am going to try and wait one more day for blogger staff to figure it out because I am scared if I start messing around with my settings the whole blog might blow up.

I did figure out that I can leave comments if I use my iPad.  So my suggestion is for everyone to go out and buy and iPad.  Hehehe  Well, they are pretty nifty.

After my finger getting tired from iPad typing I decided to try the laptop again a few minutes ago.  The first 3 blogs I visited, my comments went through with no problems.  Woohoo I was convinced the problem was fixed. 

Then I stopped by another blog and typed a comment and BOOM  --- broken again!  I tried a test comment on another one and failed again.  Sheesh!  Then my followers all disappeared.  

I hope that this all means that they are working on something........