Love Hate Relationship

I am trying to create something like this:

(Picture from Pottery Barn Teen Spring 2008)

See how far behind I am? 2008 This was and still is Jessie's dream Teen room!

See why it has taken so long to take on this project!

Wallpaper! My love hate relationship! Love it going up, Hate taking it down! Not to mention, having to repaint the ceiling, all the woodwork, etc, etc.

I can't get blogger to post the pictures in the correct order. I give up! Use your imagination!

Be back soon!

I Would Post, But Blogger is being a Bugger!

I can't get blogger to do anything I want it to do! This is not the first time this has happened! UGGHH!!

I Think It's Time! Trying to get back in the Groove!

I am trying to get back in the groove of posting, but it is hard when I haven't done anything crafty or done any sewing. I have been working on my shrug, slowly but surely, very slowly! (see previous post)

Tax season is over so I should be doing some of those things soon! I guess I will have to do another recap of things that have happened since my last posting........

February 2, 2011 was a special day for us!

Hubby and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary,

and Jessie got her braces off! Yeah!

and just to let you know how weird I am, I became obsessed with this house.

I passed this house occasionally on my way to my second job. Yep, I had to go by to see when they actually took down the Christmas wreath and lights. At first I thought it was great that they didn't have them ripped down by the first of January, but then January turned into February and the lights shown like a beacon guiding my way to work! (This picture was taken in the middle of February.)

I told you I was behind! I will also tell you it is really hard to get a picture of a house while driving down the road! Kids don't try this! It is dangerous! Do as I say, not as I have done. I learned my lesson! Pull over and look like the stalker you are!

Anyhow, I quit my second job at the end of March and they were still glowing, even with daylight savings time. I finally went past the house last week and guess what, they were down. I was beginning to think this was Gretchen Wilson's home (Redneck Woman)!:)

Be back soon!

Makes You Wonder...........

Last week I sold a beautiful Ralph Lauren sweater on ebay.


It was too bad this 99 cent sweater was a small! So it went on ebay. This is where I had to send the sweater after it was purchased.


Uh mm REALLY? The only women I see working at a place like this, look like this..........(we have a tattoo parlor on the first floor of our office building, that is how I am privy to this info)

I am dying to know the story here. I keep wondering .........

Did a man that works there buy it for his girlfriend, the whole Opposites Attract theory?

Did a woman buy it for something to wear to the PTA meetings, or dinner with Mom and Dad, who don't know about her tattoos, or possibly for a court date?

Was it a gag gift for a fellow worker?

Doesn't it make YOU wonder????? What do you think??

Be back soon! (as soon as a person who works at an accounting firm at this time of year can be!)

Recap Part 2

Jessie made some angel tree toppers out of those badminton birdies. Aren't they adorable?



I told Julie about Martha Stewart's tissue paper pom poms. Thinking she may want them for wedding decor. She tested them out in red and green Christmas tissue paper.

They turned out great and they were simple to make! I think they are a keeper for wedding decor! Just not in red and green.

Jessie and our granddaughter Katie made the BEST chocolate chip cookies ever!!

and they used my recipe..........how does that work??? Mine never tasted that good. Reminds me of when I was growing up. My sister Tami's chocolate chip cookies always tasted better than mine. Must be the technique. I just don't have the magic touch for chocolate chip cookies!

Be back soon!

She's Back and I'm Back

I have been gone for a while due to the fact, my computer died. My computer usually sits on my messy kitchen table. When my computer died, we confiscated Jessie's laptop for the kitchen table, but it just never felt right to me. I would use it sometimes, but just for things like checking ebay or my email.

But thanks to our Genius son-in-law Chris and $20.00 I have my computer back! So now I feel like posting again!

Isn't she pretty! And Yep the table is still a mess!

Important stuff has been going on around here while I have been gone! Son #2 got engaged to Julie the day after Thanksgiving! Yeah!!!


Here will be the blended family!

Aren't they cute!!! Can't wait for the wedding, October 8, 2011!

Be back soon! (I'll probably be recapping things that happened around here)

Guess Who Has Their Learner's Permit?

Well, the baby of the family has her permit. She had to take the Old "Paper" test (the computers were down) and she received a perfect score! I even like her picture on the id, of course she doesn't.


This is scary! I really hate this part of being a parent! I am too nervous for the actual teaching part. I did the HARD part of taking her to get her permit and being interrogated by the DMV. (Trying to prove you are you are a legal citizen of the U.S. requires a lot of documentation.) Dad is going to have to handle the teaching part!

I was talking to son #1 this weekend and he told me as a kid he didn't understand why I was nervous, but now at the ripe old age of 28 he understood completely!

Congratulations Jessie! Be a safe and courteous driver! I know you will do good! Love you!

Be back soon!

Tip of the Day

buy a large burner ring (or two) for the stove to cover your pie crusts. Much cheaper $$$$$ than a purchased pie crust ring, and a lot better than burnt crust!

Pecan pie - a favorite around here! If only there was more pie left from the weekend!

Be back soon! (Hopefully with something crafty or sewing related!)

How to Tell You are a VOLS Fan

When doing laundry you have a separate pile for Orange clothing!

This photo was from Son #2 doing his laundry. I thought it was hilarious!

Be back soon!

Amazing How Drugs Can Help You.......

I finally caved and got some medicine for my sinus infection.



These extra strong antibiotics at least let me enjoy Jessie's Graduation on Saturday from middle school and let me feel human again!

I took a four day holiday weekend and tried to rest and do as little as possible. Son #2's girlfriend Julie did a lot of work for me this past weekend. She de-cluttered and cleaned my dining room!!! And if that wasn't enough, She cleaned and organized my spice rack, my bake center and my open pantry! I feel so much better just looking at the clean organized work she did! Thank you Julie! I love you!! She is coming back in July to help me organize and clean my sewing room! I am soooo lucky!

While I was feeling bad and laying around, I started this book...........really good!

While cleaning the open pantry, Julie found this book, it was published in 1987.


It had several recipes flagged to try. So today after dinner, I decided to try the Monterey Jack Crisps. You just take Monterey Jack cheese, like this, slice and


cut into squares, sprinkle with chili powder or cheyenne pepper (I used chili powder)
and bake at 400 degrees for about 6 minutes. (You almost think they look like they are burning) Drain on paper towels.

They are nice and crispy! I think these would be great with a salad. Jessie said the first taste was okay, but by the third bite she liked them even better! My taste buds still are not back to normal, but I think they are pretty good, but greasy.

Hopefully I will be back to my normal self by Thursday!

Be back soon!

This, That and The Other........

I have been super busy since tax season ended!!! Volleyball running around for Jessie (it's finally over!), trying to regain some strength after tax season and get my house in shape so I am not embarrassed when someone comes over! I feel like I am running one long, long marathon! And I really really really hate to run!!

I added some straps to my niece's prom dress and made a little bolero jacket for her to wear with it! The straps really made the dress! I wish I had a picture to show you! I finished the jacket at about 2:00 a.m. and they were leaving the next morning for her boyfriend's senior prom in Missouri. Talk about running it down to the wire!!!

In the middle of everything Jessie made her confirmation. Here is a picture of her with her sponsor, Chase.

and one of her and her friend Bridgette.

I bought some saddle shoes from Payless shoes online store. Actually, I was forced to! There was a coupon on the back of my Kroger grocery receipt! I am preparing for my sister and brother-in-laws annual Riverunion (an extended weekend during 4th of July weekend) and we will have a 50's party on one night. Last year it was a pirate themed party!


(These shoes run small so you need to order a size larger than you normally wear)

But they are Soooo comfy! I decided that they would look great with jeans and I could get more use out of them than just one party! So I have been wearing the heck out of them!

Even Max likes them! Seriously though, I have been stopped a lot by people loving my shoes and thinking they look terrific! I will have to get onto that poodle skirt soon!

What is this????

Jessie said this was from a Science experiment they did and now her teacher wants then to decorate them or make something out of them! (I guess they are trying to teach them to think out of the box and to learn to recycle.) I can't wait to see what she comes up with! In the meantime, I hate them sitting on my kitchen counter! I hope they are due soon!

I am supposed to be at a shower for Son #1 and his fiance today in Chattanooga, but due to flooding and the closing of interstates and roads here in Nashville, I wasn't able to go! (boo hoo) The main road leading to our subdivision was closed just past our entrance due to Sycamore creek flooding! I have been glued to the t.v. all day long! Things look awful! Thank you Lord for keeping us all safe and sound!

Be back soon!

No Crafting or Sewing

Working seven days a week doesn't allow for a lot of crafting or sewing time! I did manage to cut some fabric for pillows for my sister Tami. Hopefully I will be able to get 2 of them finished this weekend!

I thought I would show you a picture of a house that I stalk! I purposely go around the block on my way to work just to see this house. Not everyday, I am not that weird, just maybe once a week. This house is in an older neighborhood and a lot of the homes are being updated. There are much grander homes in this neighborhood but this one makes me happy! I have watched the owners bring this house back from ugly to wonderful!


I just love the leaded glass windows this house has!

I love the green color of the house with the bright white trim!

I love the white wicker furniture on the porch! They even have a white wicker SWING!!!

I wish I could see what they have done to the inside!

I don't know what they have planned for the bricks in the front yard. I keep driving by to see if they have done anything with them yet. I wish they would get their butts in gear! Don't they know I am waiting with baited breath???

Be back soon!

Not A Snowflake in Sight and...........

they closed school! This is good/bad news, Jessie and I are glad. Son #2 isn't mad, but he was to start his 3 week substitute teaching tomorrow. $$$$$$! He graduated December 19th with his Master's in Education. He is subbing while filling out applications and trying to secure a job. Believe it or not, there are some open positions in the middle of the year.

Now will work be closed? Will I get that closet cleaned out???? We'll see what happens in the morning, but I am not setting the alarm clock! It's always better to wait until everyone has cleared the way! (If there is any snow at all!)

Be back soon!

My Friends

Still not feeling well. These two are some of my constant friends right now.


They aren't my only friends though. I have more. See........


A 1972 copy of Southern Living Party Cookbook. I have only tried one recipe from this book, but it was great! I love to try new recipes and have been meaning to bookmark more for testing. Unfortunately, every time I pick it up I get sleepy.......

And to my little sister Vicki - the Vodka immunization/regimen didn't work!

I know you are going to give me all the reasons why it didn't. I wasn't on it long enough, I forgot a day or two, but I don't want to be sick!

While on Sister's weekend, Vicki said she had had great success with this Vodka regimen. She used to get colds all the time, until she heard about this and tried it. Now she is healthy as can be! No colds, no sniffles, etc, etc. - all that wonderful stuff that she lied about! I know I was only on this for 5 days, but that alcohol should have done something!

You are supposed to have a splash - not a shot glass full, just a tiny bit, mixed with water in a shot glass three times a day, for three weeks. Then you do this once every night after that. Vicki is a non-drinker and she swears by this. Since I came down with this COLD, I haven't been taking my "Medicine".

Time for a nap!

Be back soon!

No child, no sewing, no crafting......................

instead I am taking my time browsing thru the new Martha Stewart Halloween magazine.

I dropped Jessie off at a friend's birthday slumber party this evening. She has cheerleading in the morning and then a Taylor Swift concert Saturday evening, that she is going to with her friend. I will pick her up on Sunday. So I am home free for the weekend!

I spent tonight browsing my favorite edition of Martha Stewart magazines - the Halloween edition! I found soooo many great idea's! Going back for another look!

Be back soon!

Conversation with Hubby Today

Well I have been doing more spray painting this weekend for my Halloween basket.

This is a conversation that could have been overheard by the squirrels, birds, lizards and toads by our back porch.

Hubby: Why are spray painting on the walkway? (note: I did have my handy dandy plastic drop cloth down)

Me: Because I needed a level surface.

Hubby: What happens if you get that black spray paint on the walkway cement?

Me: I guess we'll be getting a divorce. You are much too smart to be married to someone who would get black spray paint on the cement walkway just to decorate for Halloween.

Be back soon!

Another Tunic

I bet you thought I took some fabulous vacation, I have been away so long! No such luck!

I have been busy sewing on some projects. I finished another tunic. I really like this fabric.

It is from the same pattern, just like the other tunic I made. I also did some refashioning of a shirt, and a t-shirt that I am not totally satisfied with. I am still trying to salvage them. It seems I am in a black and white rut. Everything I have been making is that color. I guess it is the saying black makes you look slimmer!

In other news, this little dog has been keeping me busy.


His name is Patrick. To make a long story short, he was a lost dog in our neighborhood. He was wandering around for four days. We finally caught him and called the owner. Her Dad answered the phone, said she was out of town, he would come pick him up that night. He would call to get directions after he ran an errand. The daughter is around 40 and I am not sure is totally capable of taking care of a dog. They never came to pick him up! I don't think he wants him! I refuse to call again!

I also have discovered the series Army Wives and Drop Dead Diva! I am hooked on both. Sunday nights are great!

Be back soon!

Did You Know.......

You can't put Crocs in the dryer? They shrink and become stiff in odd positions and can never be worn again!

Don't ask how I know, just take this advice to heart!

I wonder if they have this warning on the tag nobody ever reads!

Be back Soon!

WIP, This and That

I have been so busy this week! Ask me what I have been doing? Recuperating from our vacation! I have been exhausted this week!

I did want to show you my dollar tree find that I love!

These microfiber chamois cloths are fantastic! I have a problem with most microfiber cloths......they give me the willies! The feel of them is awful. My hands seem to stick to them and I have a hard time getting them off my hand. It is like I have really rough hands and I don't!

Anyhow run to your dollar tree and pick up a couple of these. I use them for dusting........perfect! I use them to dry pots and pans............Perfect! I use them to dry plastic bowls .....................Perfect! They are wonderful, for drying!

I want to show you something my sister Lisa bought for me. She bought them a year, maybe two years ago and left them at her Mother-in-Laws. She brought them to the Fourth of July. These are doilies made from fishing line! They are really soft and flexible, surprisingly!


I love them! Lisa bought me four, but I gave one to Mom. She bought them somewhere in Missouri. I couldn't believe they were made from fishing line.

I am making another tunic, with the fabric I bought at my last Joann's trip.

I am making a few adjustments.

My daughter said I could have at least smiled in the pictures I took of the tunic. I was too focused on how the heck to take a picture of myself in a mirror to smile! I will try to do better next time!

Be back soon!

Life STINKS for me!!

Life STINKS for me!!! Just got over the skunk smell and guess what Max did today?

He decided to roll around in cow manure!!! He knew he was in trouble when he came home 5 minutes after I let him out!

Living in the country has so many advantages!! What is his problem?