~the ramblings and musings of the "fur-babies" momma

Afghan, Mop Hat Jumper and Pacifier leash

2012-01-26T18:10:00.000-05:00

I have had the pattern book with the jumper for several years. As a matter of fact, now it is out of print and I have seen it on Ebay for close to $20.00. So, I guess this means I have good taste in what I pick out, if a pattern that I bought for under $2.00 has appreciated THAT much.

So, on to the show of what I made. First, a Mop Hat. I have always thought these look so adrable on baby girls. It is just so "ruffly" around the brim.

Then, we have the jumper. It reminded me of a clown's outfit . . . that is, if it were made out of bright, primary colors. So, instead of making the front and back of the legs different colors, I made them the same . . . so now you are half "Pastel Pink" and half "Bubblegum." Also, I made you a pacifier leash.

And here is what they look like together.

Oh, I almost forgot, I've started on your baby blanket too. The pattern for it is called Babette. What do you think? Not much here yet, is there?

Success U Party #22

2012-01-25T00:12:00.002-05:00

SPECIAL DEAL

for

For TODAY ONLY,

I will be offering this pattern for free

for those who visit me from The STuff of Sussess Success U Party.

Just leave me a comment

telling me what posts are to the left and right of mine,

and with a way to contact you

Hat is designed for a newborn through 6 months of age. It is 15" (+/-) in circumference and 4.5" (+/-) tall, excluding pom poms.

Cocoon designed to fit a newborn through 12 months, possibly beyond. It is 19" (+/-) from the middle of the base to the top of the sack.

add to cart

Remember, 100% of the purchase price for the pattern goes to the Wyoming County SPCA, Wyoming County, NY.

Wool-Eater Blanket CAL

2012-01-24T12:55:00.001-05:00

Time to join Beansieleigh

and get started on my blanket

for Elizabeth Grace.

Tuesday Talent Show #21

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

SPECIAL DEAL

for

Hat is designed for a newborn through 6 months of age. It is 15" (+/-) in circumference and 4.5" (+/-) tall, excluding pom poms.

Cocoon designed to fit a newborn through 12 months, possibly beyond. It is 19" (+/-) from the middle of the base to the top of the sack.

For TODAY ONLY,

I will be offering this pattern for free

for those who visit me from Chef In Training Tuesday Talent Show.

Just leave me a comment

telling me what "talents" are to the left and right of mine,

and with a way to contact you

add to cart

Remember, 100% of the purchase price for the pattern goes to the Wyoming County SPCA, Wyoming County, NY.

Finished Cocoon

2012-01-21T11:47:00.002-05:00

I am S-O-O-O-O-O-O happy with the finished results of my cocoon and hat for EG.

I swear, it seemed like the cocoon took FOREVER to do the bag from the hearts to the top. Then, the "collar" went like gang busters.

The hat is a different story. It went faster than any hat I have ever made. In my mind's eye, the hat I wanted for this cocoon. I wanted something kind of kooky and fun, to balance the hearts on the cocoon.

Aren't those pom-poms on the corners the funniest things? I'm going to tell my nephew I put pom-poms on it to start her out on her journey to be a cheerleader . . . LOLOL

He played football, basketball and baseball. Now he coaches middle school football and umpires Little League. But, he isn't the only athlete in the family . . .his wife coaches high school softball. Her players think it would be cool for her to go into labor on the field. She told them, "NOT ! ! ! ! !"

Now, to wash the cocoon, box it up and send it to EG for her 1st Valentines Day gift.

The pattern is posted here.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2012-01-19T16:20:00.002-05:00

Admission

2012-01-19T12:37:00.002-05:00

It has finally reached that point!

I think I will soon have to enter a 12 Step Program.

I have succumbed to

This admission is VERY hard to make, but I must

Yeah, right! Like I'm this thin.
But, I used to wear denim skirts like this
when I was a young teacher.
And, I thought I was fat then?

And,

would you believe,

the person who did this was my niece . . .

L*A*U*R*E*N E*L*I*Z*A*B*E*T*H ! ! ! !

I thought your relatives

were the people who were to

take care of you and comfort you

in your time of need?

Not hold a carrot in front of your face and say,

"Don't worry, Aunt Paula.

This will be GOOD for you?"

Well, I bit!

Hook, line and sinker

And then, I knew it was time for

the 12-Step-Program

for Pinterest.

Want to know how I knew?

I started rationalizing why I should be doing it.

Best reason?

Everything will be in one place,

with a picture,

instead of just a phrase and name

in my Favorites folder.

Do you buy that one?

Huh?

Do ya?

I do! ! ! !

ROFLMFAO ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Now,

full disclosure.

**~**~**~**~**~**~

My niece, Lauren, asked if I had ever heard of it.

"Yes," was my answer.

"But," I said, "I don't understand why one would do it."

She said she was "pinning" things

she had been finding for her soon to be born niece . . .

who, just happens to be

my great niece Grace.

I knew I had a lot of "favorites"

in my "Favorites" folder.

I also had a lot of "favorites" in my Ravelry "Favorites."

Seldom, would I remember what I had

and where it was located.

Now, I have folders in Pinterest

(called boards)

where I can SEE what the item I have saved

actually looks like.

I think this way

it will be easier

to see what I want to make.

Oh,

I almost forgot.

I ALWAYS had a rough time

finding the patterns I had designed.

So, I made a "board"

with my own patterns "pinned"

so I can readily find them too.

LOLOL

What's a cocoon?

2012-01-18T17:43:00.002-05:00

Denise asked me what a cocoon is. They are bags for babies. I have heard them called baby bags, sleeping bags and kickers. Here are the ones I have made for other babies and where I am on Grace's.

This is Aiden. His cocoon was the first one I ever made. I knew I wanted hearts but wasn't sure how to make them so they looked right. I think I did a pretty good job for a 1st timer.

He went with his parents and grandparents to Colorado (where his dad was born) and Wyoming when he was about 6 months old (Oct/Nov). When they got home, his mom sent me this picture. She took the bag with her and he slept in it. She said it was SO PERFECT . . . kept him super warm but could be stuffed into a suitcase/backpack.

Next came a cocoon for Nuriel. Her momma is an Earth mother who knits. I figured this would be perfect for her . . . and I loved the colors and softness of the yarn.

This was made for Avery. Her grandmother "adopted me" into their extended family when Mom died. When we were home, I kept myself busy at Joyce's house (the grandmother . . . I call her house Joyce's Bed and No Breakfast! LOLOL) working on pink things for Avery. You can tell I made hearts again . . . One of these days I will get them down pat.

This is Stu's, Avery's younger cousin, cocoon. Again, hearts. Each time I start one, when I am at home, I look for the pattern, thinking I've written a pattern out for the hearts, yet, I can never find it.

So, this time, with Miss Elizabeth Grace's cocoon, I have written out the pattern, line by line.

Here is the progress I made on Grace's cocoon. (I think I shall call her Grace because my brother, her grandfather . . . . that sounds SO WEIRD would call me Grace when I did something totally uncoordinated.) For making the hearts the tallest yet, they aren't too bad.

Now, I need to find a way to make short, fat crocheted hearts.

Elizabeth Grace

2012-01-17T22:04:00.000-05:00

Miss Elizabeth Grace has made her first appearance on film. She should make her actual appearance somewhere between June 12 and June 17, 2012. (Dr. says the 17th, ultrasound operator says June 12 . . . so Great Aunt Paula will need to make that week off on her calendar.

I read the post about her Mommas ultrasound this morning when I checked out Facebook. Poor kid, she got her pictures taken at 8:00 a.m. this morning. Hope she had a good night's rest to prep for it.

Her Momma called me and told me all the good news about 11:00 a.m. She and my nephew had made all of the prerequisite parent calls and then the aunts and uncles. I was so happy I got this call.

Then, about noon, my nephew called and was surprised his wife had called. I think he wanted to break the news. I told him he was SO LUCKY to have a little girl coming because girls are always close to their daddy's. He has no idea what he has gotten himself into, but he is in for the ride of his life with a little girl.

As soon as I hung up with him, I started on my 1st official "Elizabeth Grace" gift. Here are pix of how far I have gotten since noon-ish.

This is the base of the cocoon.
Its diameter is almost the depth of my laptop.

The sides will have a band of 6 hearts.
I need to make the hearts about 3 rows taller
and then I will work on the body and finish with the lobes.

I really like the looks of this. Perhaps, I should have used dark for the bag and light for the hearts so the dark "carried yarn" didn't show through. But, I do like the looks of the dark coming out of the light yarn.

I'm using an H hook and Pound of Love yarn in light Pastel Pink and darker Bubblegum. When I finish this cocoon, I will have enough yarn left to make a matching hat . . . now, how much fun it that? Get this little bugger in pink when the getting is good. If she takes after here Momma, paternal Aunt Lauren of myself, you won't see her in it once she starts making her own clothing choices.

Link Party

2012-01-16T22:40:00.000-05:00

This Week's Link Parties

Chef in Training's

and

The Stuff of Success's

Hum, what shall I link . . .

Something for Valentines' Day, perhaps?

Yes, it shall be Valentine's Day . . .

We need to get hoping on those gifts, don't we?

**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**

This pattern was first published January 2009.

Made for Miss Mady's 1st Valentines Day.

Yarns suggested

Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet (Size 10)

Yarn weight Thread

Hook size 2.0 mm

This pattern is available, for $1.00, through my Ravelry Store,

The Fur~Babies Momma.

Just follow the magic buttons below.

add to cart show cart

Remember, 100% of the purchase price for the pattern goes to the Wyoming County SPCA, Wyoming County, NY.

For Next Week, I shall work on a free
crochet or cross stitch pattern
for Valentine's Day

Busy-ish

2012-01-15T00:08:00.000-05:00

Have ya missed me?
Huh?

Have ya?

Please say yes 'cause I've missed all of you!

What have I been up to, you ask? (Yes, I can hear you through the techno-highway.)

Indy modeling last years version of the Baby Elf Ski Hat.

Well, I think I have torn out Baby Gaumer's Christmas Baby ELF Ski Hat hat two or three times. The pattern calls for sock yarn and a two stitch increase every other row. First, I was making it every third row and caught it when I couldn't figure out why I wasn't doing just straight sc. So, I tore it out, about half way and restarted. I caught myself doing the three row increase again, so, frog another time. This time I got it correct. I LOVE the way it looks, but using sock yarn takes ~~so damn long~~ forever.

I'm going with a white background
instead of the green seen here.

Then, I decided it was time to work on the Christmas potholders I'm working on. I have ~~too damn many of these~~ only 14 of these to make. But repetition and I are not friends. Two are made out of Sugar and Cream . . . about halfway through the first I went online and ordered red, green, white and variegated I Love This Cotton from Hobby Lobby, If I am going to be ~~bored out of my mind~~ busy on these, at least I want to use the softest yarn possible.
Then, it was Family Tree time. Click here for the end result. That is until this evening. I discovered that our program did not add the hubby and me so, instead of 508 descendants, there are 510. Then, this evening, I discovered about 29 more . . . LOLOL

I sent messages to all of my relatives on Facebook. Most of them I don't know personally, but they are on the 6th generation of my maternal great grandfather's tree . . and I am the last of the 4th generation. (I think I have mentioned that when I was born, the oldest of the 4th generation was 66 years old.)

A couple were former students. When they did their Family Trees in 8th grade Science I discovered they were related to me. (One girl I told I would keep her but her older brother had to go! LOLOL) I started with them and looked to see who they were related to with the last name I was looking for. I friended them and almost all friended me back. (The rest probably think I'm a nut case!)

Anyway, I posted the latest update of the tree and then sent messages to everyone to check out their little part of the tree and let me know any anything that is incorrect or I need to add. Well, two have responded so far and that started me on a quest to find out more on my own.

My hometown newspaper has a digital archives. I have spent a TON of time the last several days looking up more on these people . .wedding articles, obituaries, etc.

Then, today, I finally organized all of the family pix and vital records and burnt a copy do I can load it on this computer.

My eyes are killing me from crocheting with sock yarn and reading computer newspaper articles.

Today is a Day That is Filled With Surprises

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Yeppers,

today is THE BIG DAY!

61 years ago today

moi was born.

Or,

I suppose I could say,

today is the 60th anniversary of

my 1st birthday party!

When I looked at the picture

of Lee (4 years, 1 month, 6 days older) and I,

I noticed that Mom had her good dishes out.

Makes me smile

that she did it for my 1st birthday . . .

and it didn't make

a diddle-quats worth of matter to me.

Shoot,

I probably wondered what was going on!

Every year,

when I wake up,

I sing two songs . . . normally to myself.

1st: Today is a Day That is Filled With Surprises

which was the song that Jimmy sang

on the old,

and I mean OLD, as in original,

Mickey Mouse Club

Anything Can Happen Day.

No, I don't sing ALL of it,

just the beginning, "Today is a day that is filled with surprises."

Then, ALL DAY,

this is the melody I have running around in my brain.

2nd: The Beatles Birthday Song

Wanna Sing it with me today?

If you don't know the words

they are below the video.

You say it's your birthday

It's my birthday too--yeah

They say it's your birthday

We're gonna have a good time

I'm glad it's your birthday

Happy birthday to you.

Yes we're going to a party party

Yes we're going to a party party.

I would like you to dance--Birthday

Take a cha-cha-cha-chance-Birthday

I would like you to dance--Birthday

Dance

You say it's your birthday

Well it's my birthday too--yeah

You say it's your birthday

We're gonna have a good time

I'm glad it's your birthday

Happy birthday to you.

Saturday morning I woke up

and said to my hubby,

"Husband, in 3 more days I will be

6 months away from applying for Social Security."

LOLOL . . .

what a funny way to look at my birthday.

So, I guess this is the

NEXT to the BIG ONE!

See, the government already has my picture
with my 1st check in hand.

Next year, I shall become wealthy . . .

thank you US govt. and

the Social Security Administration.

ROFLMFAO ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Now,

go eat

ice cream

and

cake

for me.

With my luck,

the hubby will forget to make the required

boxed Angel Food cake today!

But, if I'm lucky,

I can still find some peppermint ice cream,

the other required element,

for a perfect day!

Oh, I forgot to tell you.
One year on MOther's Day,
Mom gave me a pair of Garnet Stud earrings.
When I asked her why, her response was,
"Without you and Lee, I wouldn't be a Mother."

Now,
how cool was that?

Anne and Henry VIII

2012-01-09T10:10:00.004-05:00

I just had to post these . . . a King Henry VIII Pin Cushion and and Anne Boleyn Scissors Case. The actual info is located here. Now, check out these pictures. Aren't they just the cutest?

Now tell me . . . does Henry look EVIL or not?
And Anne, she has a little scared look to her . . . wonder why?

I wondered how Anne held her scissors.
I figured if I wondered, so might you.

Now, for the kicker . . . Anne be-headed . . .ROFLMAO

Now, back to reality . . joining squares for one of my 4-Square Christmas Potholders and then on to another Christmas gift. No idea which one, but I might start my X-stitch gifts next.

Wee, wee, Wee All The Way Home (?)

2012-01-08T20:12:00.000-05:00

Have you seen it? The newest Geico Piggy Commercial? When I first saw it I almost "wee, wee, wee'd" my pants, it is so darned cute. If you haven't run across it yet, here it is . . so you can "wee, wee, wee" all the way home on your zip line.

Show Off Time

2012-01-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

Like the old cowboy song, "I'm back in the saddle again . . . . "

My hands are busy again with yarn . . . scrumptious feel. I hadn't, really, stopped crocheting, but it was seeming like it took D*A*Y*S to make what I should have been able to churn out in an evening.

Well, that's behind me now. I have "on the hooks," shall we say, a toboggan hat for next Christmas for my yet, unsexed niece/nephew who is supposed to make it's appearance in June; 9(+/-) socks finished for this same child's Advent Sock Swag, a baby blue, boucle throw, requested in 2009, by my best friend in Logan and a basket weave ornie for a Valentines Swap.

Here are the two latest finishes. Well, the 2nd is a finish, the 1st is half finished. You will understand why in a minute.

Square is from the Christmas Granny Afghan pattern.

I have 2 cousins, 2 nieces and 2 nephews in Logan, 1 brother, 2 sister-in-laws here and 1 niece and 1 nephew here . . . plus 1 aunt of my niece and nephew here. (I am maternal side, she is paternal.) That means I have 12 Christmas gifts I ~~need~~ like to make. (None of them expect anything but I like to have at least one thing home made for them each year.) This year this will be a Christmas 4-square potholder for each of them. Above you see what the front will look like. Since I need to make 12 fronts, I will have to make 58 individual squares and these can be a little time consuming, fasten off, add on for the first three rounds :{ Since this is the more difficult part (the backs will be a red/white/green variegated yarn giant granny square) I decided to make them first and then mindlessly make the backs later and join them/finish them off then. So, all in all that means I will make 58 "3 inch squares" to have 12 fronts, then make the 12 backs for a total of 24 "9 inch squares" to complete one gift for each person on my "to-do" list.

A DROPS Design

Now, we move forward to this month's Valentines Day Swap in my "Itsy Bitsy Swap and Chat" Ravelry group. My partner said she likes the sparkle of Valentines Day, so I'll be making her 2 Valentines ornie. Here is the first one. I used Vanna's Glamour which has a sparkle that sure didn't show up in the photo. I am in the process of making another one using the white and silver for a touch of elegance. On it, one lobe of the heart will be silver and the other lobe white. Will post when finished.

Okay, back to work on the silver and white Valentine ornie. Will post when finished!

1st Complaining of 2012

2012-01-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

Totally bored off my gourd
Need to wash hair SO BAD but don't want to take the shower that goes with it . . . then I will freeze my butt off when I get out of the shower.
Stayed in jammies until 2:00 . . . only got dressed because I figured things would be better . . NOT.
Been online all day . . . and nothing online has interested me in the least.
Have worked a little on 1st Christmas present for my niece/nephew (won't be born until June 2012) and THAT was even boring :0{
HI-LIGHT of the day . . got the reading glasses I ordered from Peepers.com. My eyes have been so dry and scratchy since my old ones broke.

These are called Fruit Stripe, like the gum. LOVE the design and colors. It is SO COOL that people around here don't know my name but they know the glasses . . go figure! LOLOL

Watching ELLEN on TV. I think I'll go take the shower . . at least I'll kill 2 birds with one stone . . de-stink my body and un-grease my hair.

edit: 9:13 pm . . shower out of the way and hair washed . . . it should be dry before I wake up tomorrow but will need to do dark clothes in laundry so I have some clean pants to wear :0}

Signed,
And a Happy New Year to You Too
39499

Polar Bear Hat

2011-12-30T23:22:00.000-05:00

Or, is it a white Piggy Hat . . . I'm not sure.

It started out as a fluffy polar bear and now, I think it is a fluffy white piggy . . . who looks sort of lost. LOLOL

I made it for my niece Mady for Christmas this year. Might have to make it in Pink for her brother, Jackson, for next year. I think he could pull off a pink piggy hat! I'll just leave off the eyelash yarn. I want him to look as masculine as possible in a pink piggy hat! LOLOL

Abidale Tiddy Durl on her Throne

2011-12-28T11:30:00.001-05:00

I have a picnic basket sitting under one of our living room windows On top of the basket are some "rug weave" place mats.

Abby LOVES to come in and sit on it. I call it her "Kitty throne."

Annabelle Lee

2011-12-28T11:26:00.001-05:00

Annabelle Lee is the "given" name of Abby, my oldest child. However, she onl comes to me when I call her "Abidale Tiddy Durl." Go figure?

She has such an awesome personality, especially when she is playing. Her thyroid is overacting, so she has lost quite a bit of weight since we moved here in 2006. Now, she is on meds, and she seems to be p laying more . . . so I guess the meds are helping.

She, like most cats, LOVES to play in boxes. Here she is with her two favorite Christmas presents . . a box and a catnip filled "cat-erpillar."

Peek-a-boo . . . I see Abby too.

You can see that her right front paw
has just "whacked" her catnip cat-erpillar out of the box.
From here she was on a race around the living room . . .
finding, hitting and chasing it.

Then, when she got tired she decided to "bother" her dad . . in his "mustard and relish" colored Christmas thermal sweater.

Tuesday Talent Show

2011-12-27T11:59:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's THAT time again. Time for Chef-In-Training's

12th Tuesday Talent Show.

This week, I posted my Baby Elf Advent Stockings for the show.

Thanks

2011-12-27T01:10:00.000-05:00

Brenda:

Thanks for sending the email telling me the link to the Banana Curls and Loopies hat wasn't working. I have it fixed now . . . I think.

I will check the rest tomorrow . . as long as it doesn't slip my mind . . . which is a REAL possibility with my mind sometimes :0{

Paula

A Beautiful Christmas Day

2011-12-25T16:10:00.001-05:00

Yes, it was a beautiful Christmas morning. No snow, alas, for us here in Western New York, but the sun shone brightly in the blue sky.

Indy loves her Christmas Mallard stuffed toy . . . though, I am sure I will always call it her "Christmas Goose."

The husband had a bi-thematic Christmas. I found a lot of boxes and bags for his Christmas cooking for next year at Oriental Trading . . and it was on sale. He received those and a Wilton Chocolate melter thing-y. His other theme was "thermal shirts" that he can wear out on those cold Western New York winter nights. There was more, but the themes things were the most fun.

Myself, I got everything I asked for . . more gray sweats, a white zip front hoodie (that is thermal lined and more like a coat which is even better) and he even found a gi-normous white sweatshirt . . . YEAH! and as a surprise, a fleece robe . . . the same warmth as the one he gave me our 1st Christmas . . . made me smile.

Indy gave her sisters Abby, Mathew, Marcus and Nosey catnip mice and treats . . . they have all been happy with her choice of gifts.

Now, I must explain the picture at the top. think we had a themed Christmas for ourselves too.

My s-i-l introduced me to Red Stag . . mixed in Coke/Pepsi and even Lemonade, it is to die for . . . that was hubby's early gift. Friday, a former neighbor stopped by with the large bottle of Yellow Tail . . . we so miss him and his Diesel Deuce. And I got a Facebook message from my oldest nephew that I needed to be on the look out for Elves on Thursday . . well, the box delivery Elf came on Saturday . . .USPS 2 day guarantee doesn't work during the holidays, I guess. We couldn't open the FRAGILE box until today . . 2 bottles of The People's Winery wine . . . Hawaiian Mist and Wildberry Mist plus two of their wine glasses.

If you look closely enough, there is a small bottle of Bushmills Irish Whiskey. I put that in with the Red Stag when the husband bought it. This is to drink on St Patricks' Day . . .Dad always drank it and came home silly as a goose . . . Mom wasn't to happy but Lee and I thought it was a hoot!

Merry Night of Christmas to each and every one of you. Hoping you received everything you wished for.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

2011-12-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

Twas the Night before Christmas Poem

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

Are My Ears on Straight

2011-12-24T11:19:00.000-05:00

For the little girl in all of us.

This song was published in 1953 . . . I was 2 years old :-}

Let's have a Sing-a-Long for this one, shall we?

I'm a little doll who was dropped and broken
Falling off my mommy's knee
I'm a little doll who has just been mended
Now won't you tell me please.

Are My Ears On Straight, Is my nose in place
Have I got a cute expression on my face?
Are my blue eyes bright, Do I look all right?
To be taken home Christmas Day?

When I first came here, Just a month ago.
Brought in by a little girl who loved me so.
She began to cry, 'Til they told her I
Could be taken home Christmas Day.

Christmas time is drawing nearer, And I'm getting scared
Wish I could see in a mirror, How I've been repaired.
I'll be called for soon, But I'm worried so
Will she love me like she did a month ago.

Are My Ears On Straight? I can hardly wait.
To be taken home Christmas Day

Favorite Christmas Songs SInce Childhood

2011-12-23T10:47:00.000-05:00

#1Christmas Song of ALL TIME since I listed to the red plastic 45 rpm record version when I was a child.

We Need a Little Christmas . . . Wish I could have found the video with Rosalind Russell singing it from the original TV/Movie version of Mame. But, I did find this version with her singing.

I'm Gettin Nuttin' for Christmas

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus . . this is one of my FAV renditions as an adult.

Baby Elf Advent Stockings

2011-12-22T22:38:00.002-05:00

These stockings are meant to be used on a ribbon swag for Advent.

The stockings pictured are made out of Mary Maxim's Twinkle Toes Sock Yarn.

The smaller green one is made from one strand of the Merry Christmas yarn.

About 2.75 inches tall

The larger red one is made holding 1 strand of Merry Christmas and 1 strand of Candy Cane yarn together.

About 3.5 inches tall.

I have made two complete sets of 24 stockings, each with a different yarn color combination and compatible crochet hooks.. Each set ended up a different size and have been given as Christmas Presents.

When the smaller one is finished, I shall set up the whole Advent Swag and post pictures of the finished project.

If you would like to purchase the pattern, it is available at my Ravelry store. And, remember, 100% of the sale is donated to the Wyoming County (NY) SPCA, a no kill shelter.

Christmas Train Tooting

2011-12-22T16:40:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to post this since 2:30 am this morning. How do I know it was 2:30 am? I looked at the clock to see the time.

So, we have a train trestle about 8 houses to the south of us. We have both passenger and freight trains that go by 24/7. However, last nights train was THE WINNER of all trains.

After I hear the train "toot" at the 1st crossing in town, I waited to see if it did it at crossing #2. It did. I woke the husband then and told him to listen . . . normally we can hear the "toots" clear into Buffalo. Not last night . . . no more "toots."

So, you ask, "Paula, what is SO SPECIAL about the toots of the train?"

Here is how they sounded . . you might have to do your own "toots" out loud to know what the song was. (hint: song)

toot     toot     toot

toot     toot     toot

toot     toot     toot     toot     toot

If you know the song, (hint: Christmas) it was tooting, leave me a comment. I'll post the answer tomorrow.

Angel Biscuits and Candy Cane Bread Sticks

2011-12-22T13:24:00.003-05:00

I watch WIVB-Buffalo, Channel 4, every noon for their news . . actually, it is right after The View and I am TOO lazy to even use the remote and change the channel . . PLUS, there is nothing else on I care to watch.

Anyway, I digress (used my favorite word again.) They always have Mr Food on with a recipe. Most are okay, some are good and the some are like today, keepers.

Here is the picture . . . believe me, on TV they looked 100% yummier. To see the video, just click here, and you will see for yourself how YUMMY they look.

Now, I HATE to have to link to something so, I am giving you the recipe below.

**~~**~~ Angel Biscuits ~~**~~**
Serves: 12 Cooking Time:8 min

Ingredients4 cups biscuit baking mix
3 Cups milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2, In a bowl, combine biscuit baking mix and milk, stirring until a dough forms.

3. Lightly flour a work surface and knead dough until smooth.

4. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness.

5. Using a lightly floured angel-shaped cookie cutter, cut out dough and place cut-outs 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

6. In a small bowl, combine butter and Parmesan cheese; mix well then brush over angel shapes.

7. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until light golden.

8. Serve immediately, or remove to a wire rack to cool completely

These tasty and adorable biscuits will look great in your holiday bread basket, along with some Candy Cane Bread Sticks.
Okay, Okay, I suppose you want the Candy Cane Bread Sticks too. Let me go look them up. BRB

**~~**~~ Candy Cane Bread Sticks ~~**~~**
Makes 3 dozen bread sticks.

Ingredients1 10-ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (see Optional)

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Unroll dough on a flat surface.

3. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic powder, and salt; mix well then brush over dough.

4. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.

5. Cut crosswise into eighteen 1/2-inch strips then make one cut lengthwise, cutting all strips in half.

6. Twist each strip into a swirled pattern then form into a candy cane shape and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

7. Bake 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden around edges.

Bags of Coal

2011-12-21T13:31:00.002-05:00

Just wait until you see these!

Did your mom and dad tell you that Santa would give you a bag of coal if you weren't good? Mine did.

As a matter of fact, one year when we came downstairs. AT the bottom of the steps, on the table that always sat there, was a bundle of Willow Branches tied with a big red bow! Mom had told my older brother that, "If you aren't good, Lee Allen, Santa is going to bring you a bundle of switches!"

Well, she made a believer out of both of us . . talk about a COOL MOM! And people wonder where I get my warped sense of humor. Go figure?

Any-who . . here is why I wanted to post this. Megan, Newly Wife, has posted directions, photo and written, on how to make these Bags of Coal . . aren't they just adorable plus, they areSO EASY!

Lemon Meltaways

2011-12-21T12:37:00.001-05:00

**~~**~~ Lemon Meltaways ~~**~~**

(Land O'Lakes Butter.com)

Cookie
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup Land O'Lakes Butter (softened)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

Frosting
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cups Land O'Lakes Butter softened
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Cookies

1. Combine all cookie ingredients in large bowl.

2. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.

3. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into 8x1-inch log. Wrap each in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (1 to 2 hours).

4. Heat oven to 350°F.

5. Cut each log into 1/4-inch slices with sharp knife.

6. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.

7. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until set. (Cookies will not brown.) Cool completely.

Frosting
8. Combine all frosting ingredients in small bowl.

9.Beat at medium spead, scraping bowl often.

10. Frost cookies.

A great big

THANK YOU

to Pammy Sue,

from Scotty's Place,

for sending me the link.

Directions

Peppermint Bark

2011-12-20T19:12:00.003-05:00

Peppermint Barkfrom TidyMom

http://tidymom.net/2010/holiday-baking-christmas-tree-peppermint-bark

This is at
THE TOP
of my candy making
list for next year.

Today I Married the One I Love

2011-12-20T14:02:00.004-05:00

11:46 am, Tuesday, 20 December 2011 . . . 8 years ago I had been married 1 hour. What a great day it was.

The whole family made it.

My brother's family.

In the front, Allison Gaumer
Back Row From the Left: Cindy Kroeger Gaumer, Chris Gaumer, Matt Gaumer,
myself, Gene, Lauren Gaumer and my brother Lee Gaumer.

My husband's family.

From the left: Bill Latta, Gloria Tooke Latta, Dorothy Tooke, myself, Gene,
Rick Tooke, Sally Barr and Jerry Tooke. I sure loved my mother-in-law.
She accepted me so quickly. Just loved her.

My Aunt Ruth and Cousins.

Front Row: Ruth Gaumer Wolford and Allison Gaumer
Back Row From the Left: Debbie Wolford Weaver, Keith Weaver, Cindy Kroeger Gaumer,
Brian Weaver,Chris Gaumer, Matt Gaumer, myself, Gene,
Lauren Gaumer, Marilyn Wolford Muniz and my brother Lee Gaumer.

Makes me smile just thinking about Aunt Ruth being there. She died this past summer . . . and she looks so wonderful in this picture. We so enjoyed her, and my nephew Chris was so good helping her up all the steps to our reception . . . never thought about that when we chose that venue.

And ALL of my adopted families showed up.

Those from Brownsburg, that I have known and loved since 1974.

Back Row From Left: Don Runyon, Helen Runyon. Kim Runyon, Mike Runyon,
Ann Henderson, Mike Henderson,
Karen Henderson hidden behind Kathi Kelley and Jane Runyon.
Front Row: Red Sweater, Mika and Kim's son,
girl in turtle neck sweater and boy in khacki pants
are Don and Helen's two youngest and I am holing MIke and Kim's daughter.

And Jackie Smith's family . . . it still amazes me how much this family has exploded since I first met Jo, Steve, Bev, Joyce and Kenny in elementary school. And now, Jo has 3 grandchildren, Steve has 3, Joyce has 3 and Kenny has 6 . . . if they had all been born when we got married we would have had to have a panoramic picture taken.

BAak Row From Left: Steve Easley, Clay Sandberg, Megan Parker Whisler,
Dick Babb, Mandy Parker, Bill "Parker" Parker, Blayne Bechtold,
Kenny Smith, Kristi Sandberg Musgrove's then boyfriend, Scott Easley.
Middle Row From Left: Bev Smith Babb, Barbara "Jo" Easley Parker,
Erin Smith Bechtold and Rhonda Smith.
Front Row From Left: Nathan Easley, Pam Easley, myself, Gene,
Jennifer Smith Thompson and Kristi Sandberg Musgrove.

The day was BEAUTIFUL. Some snow was left on the ground but look at that sky . . . I don't think I have ever seen such a blue sky . . how about you?

Chris did such a WONDERFUL job with the entryway. Kelly Smith, our school secretary, thought we should have "rented" it out to people to have their kids pictures taken with it. As a matter of fact, she wished her niece and nephew had been in town so she could have brought them by for a picture there.

Then, there is Dianne Ruhls' Doorway into the actual reception "auditorium." (I know, I know . . . she took back her maiden name, but she will always be Ruhly to me.) Looked like the entryway to a fairy snow village.

Lauren and I had decorated the reception hall on Thursday . . . we knew we would be too busy on Friday. After our rehearsal, we had our "dinner" in the same room as our reception. We had ordered chicken, mashed potatoes and rolls from Hap's (Mr Happy Burger, a "fast food" restaurant that has re-designed itself into an ice cream parlor, multiple food items and pizzeria. They have THE BEST pork tenderloin sandwiches in Indiana.)

Front right table: Karen Henderson (white sweater) and Jane Runyon in red sweater.
On left, 2nd table back, Debbie Wolford Weaver, Keith Weaver,
Brian Weaver and Ruth Gaumer Wolford.

I had made table booklets so people would understand how "personal" we had actually made the reception. On the back page I told everyone to take any decorations they wanted . . . since we had had them on our enclosed front porch for a year and I never wanted to see them again. This shows how many decorations we had left . . . from 20 tables, entryway, men's and women's bathroom and the food area.

What is a winter, snowman/snowflake wedding without SNOWBALLS! Yes, we had ice cream balls with hot fudge, nuts, cherries and whipped cream . . it was a hit! I think every wedding should have ice cream . . doesn't it go well with cake anymore?

From Left: Joyce Smith Sandberg, Diana Strong Myers Pyle,
myself, Gene, Rick Tooke and Jerry Tooke.

Thanks for standing up with us . . . Joyce, Diane, Rick and Jerry . . . the love I felt from all of you at that alter can not be expressed in words.

Now, to finish packing and wrapping the Christmas food we take to our 4 closest neighbors. I told the husband, I think this would be the ideal way to celebrate our anniversary . . giving food to others like we did on our wedding day.

An, to sign off, I have been singing the song that we played special for all of our wedding guests who were married, "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday." And I shall always have the picture of Jennifer and Jason Thompson burned into my memory as they danced to this song, by their table, while everyone else joined Gene and I singing it.

Tuesday Talent Show

2011-12-19T23:01:00.003-05:00

Don't forget to visit Chef in Training's Tuesday Talent Show.

Someone

might have some last minute Christmas ideas

you could use.

I found a few I need to check out myself.

Pop Bottle Flowers

2011-12-19T18:02:00.002-05:00

Note to self . . watch this video for making

Christmas Presents for 2012.

Thanks TINA for the link :0}

Getting on Santa's Good Side

2011-12-19T12:19:00.001-05:00

My Indy is THE smartest dog in the world.

I know,

there are those of you,

out there,

who will argue with me.

But,

has your dog ever tried

to get on Santa's good side

THIS WAY?

Peppermint Meltaways

2011-12-19T11:27:00.001-05:00

Another WONDERFUL Christmas cookie. Have I mentioned that all of the cookies made in this household this year have been made by the husband. I swear, he has made one or two different recipes each day.

We were talking about what he has made and he came up with the number 27 for both of us . . 25 for him and my Chex Mix and Parmesan Cheese Spread. He was nice enough to tell me that I helped . . when it comes to decorating/icing the cookies I do help .
( I eat the ones that break . . . thanks Mom for this reminder . . I am a "Belly Member Cookie Maker." :-)

Here is the latest recipe. He found it on Taste of Home's website.

**~~**~~**~~**~~

Peppermint Meltaways

Cookie Ingredients:
1 Cup Butter, softened
1/2 Cup Confectioner's Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
1 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Cornstarch

Frosting Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Butter, softened
1 1/2 Cups Confectioners' Sugar
2 tablespoons 2% Milk (we used whole milk)
1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
2-3 drops Red Food Coloring
1/2 Cup Peppermint Candies, crushed

Cookies:
1. In a small bowl, cream Butter and Confectioners' Sugar until ll light and fluffy.

2. Beat in extract.

3. Combine Flour and Cornstarch; gradually add creamed mixture and mix well.

4. Shape into 1" balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

5. Make at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Isn't that the sweetest pink frosting you have ever seen?

Frosting:
1. In a small bowl, beat butter until fluffy.

2. Add the Confectioners' Sugar, Milk, Extract and Food Coloring(if desired); beat until smooth.
3. Spread over cooled cookies; sprinkle with crushed Candies.

Enjoy yourself . . these are melt in your mouth good!

Christmas Crack

2011-12-17T15:19:00.002-05:00

This is really called Saltine Toffee. However, the first time I heard of it, the blogger called it Christmas Crack because she couldn't get enough. Now, I know what she means.

Our 1st recipe didn't come out quite right . . . we cooked the butter and brown sugar too long. The husband wanted to toss it out. Not me, I wanted an idea of how it tasted . . WOW! I can't wait to see what it tastes like made correctly. I will probably be found sitting in my happy guarding a bag of this and threatening anyone who comes with in arms reach.

**~~**~~**~~**~~**

Christmas Crack

aka Saltine Toffee

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1.5 sleeves of saltine crackers
1 stick (4 oz) butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet so that there are no empty spaces in between them. Crush any remaining crackers into small crumbs and set aside for now.

3. Place the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir while the butter melts, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully pour the sugar-butter mixture over the crackers on the baking sheet in an even layer, trying to cover most of the crackers. If you miss some spots, don’t worry as the toffee will spread in the oven.

4. Bake the toffee crackers at 350 degrees for five minutes, until the toffee is bubbling all over. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for one minute.

5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the hot toffee, and allow them to sit for one minute to soften and melt. Once softened, use an offset spatula or knife to spread the melted chocolate over the entire surface of the toffee in an even layer. While the chocolate is still sticky, sprinkle the top with the reserved crushed crackers.

6. Refrigerate the pan to set the toffee and chocolate for about 30 minutes. Once set, break into small uneven pieces by hand, and enjoy! Store uneaten saltine toffee in an airtight container for up to a week.

Christmas Cheese Spread

2011-12-17T15:03:00.001-05:00

Another CLASSIC for my Christmas Gift Giving.

Parmesan Garlic Cheese Spread

I know it is supposed to be

softened

and spread on crackers.

However

my favorite way to eat it

is for breakfast on toast.

Give it a breakfast try

if you are a garlic person.

**~**~**~**~**~**~**

Ingredients - Makes 2 Cups

1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)

8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)

1/2 Cup Butter/Margarine (softened)

personally, I like mine melted

1/3 Cup Milk

1/8 tsp Garlic Powder

again, I like 1/4 tsp

1/8 tsp White Pepper

Black pepper is fine, but it shows.

1/2 tsp Dried Marjoram Leaves (crumbled)

Don't look to close . . I couldn't find the Marjoram.
Also, I normally use the Parmesan cheese in the green can (Kraft's?)
but they didn't have it at the wholesale club so I went with their bags of grated cheese.

Mix all ingredients together.

I was making 4 recipes at once . . . half this much would have worked better.
Also, I didn't melt the butter so it isn't as smooth as I line it.

Store in non-metallic containers.

I use a knife to "cut slices" of the cheese and drop into the jars.
Then, I tap (relatively hard) the jars on the table to make the cheese settle.

Refrigerate at least 24 hours but no longer than 2 weeks.

I used 12 oz jars

(they are leftovers from my MIL).

I made 4 recipes at once.

Instead of 4 jars,

I ended up with 5 . . none filled to the top.

I would suggest using the 4 oz jars.

It makes the recipes go farther

and, unless you are me,

you won't use all 12 oz . . lolol

Santa Funnies

2011-12-16T18:52:00.001-05:00

Some are new,

Some are old.

All are funny

While some are a little bold.

Continue at your own risk!

Leave me a comment with your favorites.

Mine are

The 1st and the last AND

The History of Eggnog.

Homemade Turtles

2011-12-16T15:38:00.001-05:00

First of all,

I need to show you the GORGEOUS light glass block

my cousin Debbie gave me for Christmas.

This WAY before

the craft stores started carrying the glass blocks

with hole cut in them for the lid.

So she had to do all the work.

Came out SO GOOD

I keep it in the kitchen all year long.
Now, on to the

Homemade Turtles

Ingredients
Small Pretzel Twists
Unwrapped Carmels
Chocolate Candy Wafers
Used for making candy.
Usually found in grocery baking dept.
Parchment Paper
The number of ingredients depends
on how many you want.
12 turtles
you need:
12 Petzels
12 Carmels
12 Chocolate Candy Wafers

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

Place pretzels on a parchment covered cookie sheet.

Top each pretzel with a Carmel.

Warm in oven for 5 - 6 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Add Chocolate Candy Wafer to the top
return to oven for 2 minutes .

Remove from oven
place Carmels (on parchment paper) on a cooling rack.
Top with pecans . . .
gently pressing into chocolate/Carmel.

I told the husband we should call them Turtles on a Lily Pad
the way the Carmel ran on some of this batch.

Let cool completely and store in airtight container.
(Chocolate takes longe to cool than the Carmels.)

The batch shown were our 1st try . . .
recipe is the "fixed-up/corrected"
2nd batch.
They came out BEAUTIFUL
but I wanted to get this posted
so you will just have to believe me.
(Have I ever lied to you? LOLOL)

Last Special Christmas 2011 Gift

2011-12-15T16:18:00.000-05:00

I did the Cross Stitch.

I could have made the pillow too,

but I wanted it to look good.

I asked my neighbor's MIL

if she could sew it together for me.

You can see

her answer was yes.

This goes to my nephew and his wife

who are expecting their 1st

in June.

What makes it so special is

Snowmen figurines

and my handmade crocheted snowflakes

were the decorations for our

2003 December wedding.

Heath Brickle Cookies

2011-12-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

#1 Christmas food addiction will ALWAYS be

my homemade Scrabble

(a better version of Chex Mix . . as a matter of fact, Chex Mix doesn't even come close to my Scrabble.)

But, this year,

the husband has come up with

the PERFECT Christmas cookie . . .

perfect, that is,

right behind his mom's recipe for Christmas Cut-Outs . . .

they are TO DIE FOR . . . but, I digress.

OMG ! ! ! ! ! They beat sugar cookies by so much and SO EASY.

Just take a bag of these

and mix into a bag of these and follow cookie directions.

B*I*N*G*O ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

CHA-CHING ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

BAZINGA ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Get my drift?

Good Lord are they awesome . . .

and

SO,

easy.

Wanna see what they look like?

Huh,

do you?

Well, give me a minute to take pictures.

I took a set and uploaded them

but the computer was in some

FUNKY mode

and when I restarted

they were nowhere to be found

probably floating out there

on the INFO HIGHWAY

looking for a home.

Okay, here come the Brickle Pix:

Don't you just want to grab into your computer

and snatch one?

Warm . . . dunked into a glass of cold milk?

To Die For!

Enjoy your day.
God willing
and the creek don't rise,
I'll be back tomorrow with more
holiday news.

Christmas Treasures

2011-12-14T13:57:00.000-05:00

It's time to show off what I have been working on. I think I have already shown the cat, but everything else is new.

Pattern from Angie at Le Monde de Sucrette.

Mady's Cat and Jax's Bear

Mady's Sabres OWL helmet hat . . my design.

Jax's Long Tailed Sabres ELF Hat . . . my design.
Can't believe I took a picture showing the joining of colors/back side :0/

Close up of Matt and Julie's Christmas Pillow Design.

Pillow before stuffing . . thanx to Alicia O'Donnell's MIL for finishing this for me.

Fur~Babies Deck the Halls

2011-12-14T12:45:00.000-05:00

For all of the Fur~Baby lovers out there . . .

Merry Christmas.

A big
THANK YOU
goes out to KAT at
Hookin With Mr. Lick Lick
for the original posting.

Have a Holly Bloggy Christmas

2011-12-12T23:11:00.001-05:00

This week, Chef in Training is taking part in

Holly Bloggy Christmas.

You MUST go over to the Chef In Training Blog

Check out ALL of the Christmas Recipes posted . . .

makes my mouth water just looking at the pictures

Pammy Sue if Having a Giveaway

2011-12-11T22:18:00.002-05:00

Yeppers, you read that right, Pammy Sue, at Scotty's Place,

is having a Giveaway.

Here is a photo of the dessert/cookie plate.

Desert/Cookie Plate and sugar/Creamer set.

I actually don't do pink,
but these are just adorable.

I can see the sugar and creamer,
tipped on their sides,
and resting on the dish.

Then, have a sweet little flower arrangement
complete the look,
and give it to the mother of a
newborn baby girl.

Dec. 10

2011-12-10T10:28:00.001-05:00

It's C*O*L*D ! ! ! !

I forgot to bring a pair of socks downstairs with me

and my feet are so C*O*L*D ! ! ! ! !

As soon as this is posted,

I'm going into the dining room

and turning up the thermostat!

Random Thoughts

2011-12-06T15:19:00.001-05:00

Today is the day after my brother's 65th birthday. That means that mine can't be very far away.

Mailed the end, almost, of the Christmas boxes home to Indiana today. I still have Chex Mix and Fudge to send to Marilyn and Debbie but I need to find boxes that they will fit in. I fill gallon zip lock bags with the Chex Mix and I don't want the cereal to get "smooshed" in the mail.

Have started Christmas 2012 presents already. Why, oh why, do I ALWAYS get a brilliant idea for some type of Christmas present after Thanksgiving? When I get the 1st set made, I'll post pictures. I think my crocheting buddies will like it.

The husband has been in the kitchen all day making his Christmas Sugar Cookies. They are from a recipe my MIL used . . . delicious. He made the dough yesterday; refrigerated it overnight; bakes the cookies today and we will ice and decorate tomorrow. Then, box up and they are ready for Christmas.

We always give Christmas goodies to four families in the neighborhood. Since Linus (the St. Francis terrier) and Maggie (the English Bull) are members of two families, I made them doggy socks filled with dog treats. Those will make the "parents" happy. Then the humans get Chex Mix, home made chocolate and cookies. Indy gets dressed up with her Christmas bow and we hitch her up to our make believe sleigh and off we go, spreading joy and cheer throughout the neighborhood.

Church Bulletin Funnies

2011-12-03T13:59:00.001-05:00

Whoever puts our church bulletin together has a GREAT sense of humor. Each one has some sort of cartoon and some funnies on the back page. Here are the ones from this week. Hope you enjoy them as much as the husband and I did.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
New uses for Christmas Fruitcake:
- use as sandbags during a flood.
- use as speed bumps to foil speeders.
- use as bowling pins.
- use as blocks when paving your patio.
- slice and use slices for skeet shooting.
- use as wheel chocks for airplanes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Several children were amusing themselves by trying on costumes. One small boy put on a suit of armour, and announced he was the famous "Knight Before Christmas."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jesus was so loving because he started out with a stable family.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
As a young boy was leaving the Sunday church service he had a special request for the pastor. "Please pray for my Uncle Bill, he said. "He surprised us by dressing up as Santa and coming down our chimney into a lit fireplace. Now, he's in the hospital with a rump roast."

Saturday at the Hacienda

2011-12-03T11:57:00.001-05:00

It's a nice, relaxing day here at the western New York Hacienda. Nothing but stitching, bagging Chex Mix and the husband is making more candy. Indy is even relaxing.

I have finished Indy's Christmas Stocking. I have been looking for the past 8 years for a stocking, for her, that would match the ones the husband and I have.

Ours were wedding presents from one of my favorite faculty members from the school where I taught. We got married Dec 20, 2003, at 10:30 am. Instead of a typical Christmas Theme, we went with Snowmen in pastels . . . like the colors you see when the sun shines off of freshly fallen snow. Shelly had our names embroidered on the cuffs. She was so embarrassed when one of them came out crooked. I just laughed and said that the crookedness would make it even sweeter each year that I see them . . . and it has. It gives the stocking more personality.

Here is Indy's stocking hanging on our treadle sewing machine cabinet.

The husband and I have ours hanging on the drawer knobs of a small dresser that belonged to my grandmother. It sits to the left of the window . . . you can see the curtains for the window in the picture.

Since ours had cuffs, I knew I wanted a cuff on Indy's too. I mixed a skein of Fun Fur in with the white yarn. I am just SO PLEASED at how well her stocking turned out. The cuff added so much and makes it go with our stockings so much more than if I would have left it off.

I've also been busy on a Christmas hat for my nephew, who was born last spring. I had seen several that I have liked, but this one stole my heart.

I made it out of a variegated Vanna's Choice, can't remember the name. Then I did the muzzle out of a lighter variegated Vanna. Isn't that red nosed muzzle one of the cutest things you have ever seen? When the husband saw it, ,he thought it was a bear . . . the antlers are a little hard to see . . . so I named it Rudolph Bear! LOLOL

I just hope the muzzle doesn't look like a giant growth coming out of Jax's head . . . he he he he he

Take a Stitch Tuesday

2011-12-01T22:48:00.001-05:00

I have joined Sharon B, from Pin Tangle, for her Take a Stitch Tuesday. I am hoping that, when I finish, I will have a Band Sampler with a lot of new stitches on it.

If you are a stitcher, you may want to check it out. I have listed some of the highlights below, but for a better write up, check out Sharon B's write up . . just click the badge above and you will be "magically" transported to the information.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When does it start?
January 3rd.

What is this challenge about?
Each Tuesday Sharon B will post a challenge stitch. The idea is that you work a sample, experiment a bit. Next, photograph your sample, and put it on the web so visitors can share. Then return to Pintangle to leave a comment to tell everyone where they can see your sample.

What does it Cost?
The challenge is free.

Are beginners welcome?
All skill levels are welcome

So I have to visit your blog each Tuesday?
Yes the challenge is open and public. You can have everything I write on my blog delivered daily to your email inbox. If you find this an easier way to keep in touch, please sign up. The sign up button is in the side bar. Something new is published daily.

How come last time Tuesday was Monday?
I live in Australia and will publish each Tuesday morning in Australia. For many people this will mean they see it appear on Monday evening. Australia crosses the International date line earlier that is all.

I dont have a blog or flickr site can I join
Yes you can join. If you dont have a blog, flickr account or stitching fingers page you are more than welcome to join. This blog is open and published online for all to read. All you need to do it visit each Tuesday and stitch along.

However, since half the fun is about sharing and seeing what others stitch, I encourage you to start a flickr site, or join stitchin fingers or start a blog.

The easiest thing is to do is to join Stitchin fingers. It is free and Sharon B runs it. You can post photos, and there is a community of people who are only too willing to help you if you need it. Remember to visit our sponsors because without them we would have no network.

Can I do some stitches and not others?
Yes If you want to swing in and out of the challenge as a busy life dictates that is fine.

What do I stitch on?
Fabric ... no seriously you can stitch on anything you choose. Sharon B usually uses a 25cnt or 27cnt even weave linen but if you look at my band sampler I not only use linen but she also uses Aida, and even weave dressmaking fabrics. She has a more detailed post about my band sampler and the fabrics she uses

Do I have to stitch a sampler?
No you can stitch on anything. Some people are starting a band sampler but it is definitely not a must!

What is the Project?
There is not particular project at all. The idea is experiment with stitches. They can be small samples on scraps of fabric or doodle cloths. Some people are going to make a band sampler, others are making fabric books, others working the challenge stitches on a crazy quilt block or project, while others are going to use fabric postcards, and ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). The challenge is to work the stitch. The format or project is totally up to you.

Do I have to write my post in English?
No. Today we have the marvellous tool of Google Translate. English readers can translate what you write using it.

So stitchers, come and join me on this stitching Odyssey.

Fur~Baby Thanksgiving Leftovers

2011-11-26T20:57:00.001-05:00

We believe in sharing our bounty with out "children."
Well, not really, but we do believe in feeding the fur~babies whatever is left on our plates that they can eat.

Our Abby, the oldest, has a thyroid problem so we try to get as much food into her as possible. She has meds for her thyroid, but she is getting cleverer and cleverer when it comes to scooting out of the way when I get the lotion out.

Abby likes any and all milk products. If we have cereal, I swear, she can here the milk being removed from the fridge and is sitting in the living room waiting to lick up whatever we have left from our cereal bowl.

Now, I have found out that she likes whipped cream . . well DUH, Paula, it's a milk product.

Whenever I have eaten pumpkin pie, I have given myself extra topping for Abby. Tonight, she and her sisters were eating their evening cat treats. So I knew she would be late. Since I was eating the last piece out of the pan, the husband had the plate, I just put extra whipped cream in the pan.

Abby eating whipped cream off of a pillow.
(I took it off my pie for her.)

Abby eating her "personal" whipped cream.
Her sister, Matthew, patiently waiting for hers.

Matthew checking out Abby's leftovers.

Matthew enjoying her whipped cream and Indy is so sad that she has to wait.

Indy "at the plate" batting clean up.

Found It

2011-11-26T17:18:00.001-05:00

So, I sat down on the sofa for supper . . yes, we eat while watching TV in the living room. We ate in the dining room until I had so much stuff piled on the table that it was "uneatable." So, now, it's in our living room "spots" with the table getting cleaned off for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

But, I digress. Most of the patterns I'm working on are in the "lid" area of the artbin crochet/cross stitch catch all I have next to my end of the sofa. It looks like this table top version, only it is the floor model which has a top that flips back.

Mine flips back against the wall so I have a "lip" to put my patterns on. (Oh, I couldn't find the floor version at Joanne's where I bought mine. But, this version, and a knitting version are on sale right now. Click on the links if you would like to see them and their VERY GOOD price.)

But, AGAIN, I digress. I was wondering if the pattern I was looking for was in a bag, next to my artbin. So, I grabbed it and stated looking through the patters in there. B*I*N*G*O ! There is was.

So now, I present to you, the pattern I was searching for this morning.

winter whites

patriotic

It's name is Veterans Day Starflake. It can be found at SNOWCATCHER. She has some of the BEST snowflake patterns around.

Background Change . . Again

2011-11-25T20:09:00.001-05:00

Decided it was time to de-fall my blog. I looked for a Christmas background but couldn't decide on one. I thought I might do a tiled picture of Indy with her antlers . . but I do not have it saved on this computer.

Then I thought, :Maybe there is something in my Family Tree pictures that I could use?"

I remembered this that I found in my maternal grandmother's family bible. It is a cross stitch on paper that was mounted on a golden ribbon that my maternal great grandmother had stitched when she was a child.

The strands of hair. . . not sure who they came from, but they sure matched the ribbon.

Here is the back of the ribbon:

With the phrase that was stitched, I decided to delete my blog name. Just didn't feel right.

Hope you enjoy great-grandma Ellie's needlework. ow I know who I which side of the family passed their needlework gene on to me.

Happy Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T13:03:00.001-05:00

Our Thanksgiving meal is over.

I have always enjoyed

eating my Thanksgiving

and Christmas meals at noon.

That way,

we can nibble the rest of the day.

Our table was set

with memories . . .

the dinner plates belonged to

my maternal grandparents.

They have a gorgeous calligraphy "W"

on them in gold with a golden ring

around the lip.

The platter the turkey is on

is from the Pullman trains

my paternal grandfather conducted on.

The cranberry dish I always used,

which Mom had used all the years I can remember,

broke this past year.

When I got into the cupboards,

looking for a bowl for them,

my eyes locked on the tinware bowl

that was always full of flour for

cooking when I was growing up.

I decided this was the year to make it the official

cranberry dish.

I'm not sure which side of the family

the tinware bowl came from

but I know it was in our pantry,

at home,

for as long as I can remember.

If you look between the Pilgrim man

and the Indian maiden,

you will see Mom and Dad's butter dish.

It only came out on special occasions

when I was growing up,

so I do the same to this day.

I just LOVE

my Pilgrims and Indians.

We have picked them up at Hobby Lobby,

on sale, of course.

Have you ever noticed

that when Hobby Lobby and Joanne's

have sales that their items

are then at the rice you should

actually pay?

And,

last,

but by no means least,

we must celebrate Indy,

the talking dog.

She isn't used to us eating at the table

and it is so hard for her

to lay down when she can't see on the table.

We are trying to get her to say Molly,

(or is it Mollie?),

her cousin,

my niece Lauren's,

new boxer puppy.

What do you think?

Oh, sorry about the bad camera shot

at the end.

I forgot I was filming.

Indy, the husband and I

all wish you a

"Woof"-terful Thanksgiving.

Today's Agenda

2011-11-23T09:23:00.001-05:00

1. wash face (check)

2. brush teeth (check)

3. (check)

4. eat breakfast with milk (see #5)
didn't need to . . she hung around

5. Find Abby for trip to vet for yearly check up.

(check)
6. Put Abby under shirt to ride there for trip to vet. (check)

7. Drive to vet while Abby "talks" to me. (check)

8. Ask vet about food for cat's with thyroid problems. (check)

9. Stuff Abby back into shirt for ride home. (check)

10. Pay vet and make appt. for Indy's yearly check up. (check)

11. repeat #7 and 6, except for going home (check)

12. Clean dining room table off so I can do the rest of the list.

12. "break bread" for dressing

13. Sing"Let Us Break Bread Together" and think of Mom while I break bread . . . this was our "day before Thanksgiving" routine.

14. Peal 2 oranges to mix in with cranberries for Cranberry Relish . . . never can decide if turkey, dressing or cranberry relish is my favorite foor for Thanksgiving.

15. Fill Christmas stockings for "extended family" pets.

16. Wrap Christmas presents that are completed and check them off list.

17. Make list of people who will be getting Christmas presents (should have been done before #16.)

Link Parties . . . 21 Nov 2011

2011-11-21T13:09:00.001-05:00

I am now part of three "Link Parties."

Chef in Training's

Tuesday Talent Show

The Stuff of Success's

Success U

and

Sarahndipities

Make Something Monday

I LOVE them all

since each of them

has so many different,

and interesting,

links posted.

So, for this week,

my choice

of item

to show off is my

Molly's Dog Bone Ornie.

And,

no :0{

I don't have the pattern

written up yet.

I am in the process,

but a stocking garland

seems to be taking up

all of my time.

I think the stocking garland

will be next week's

"Linky Party" post.

So,

now I have

incentive to get it done.

Christmas Give~Away Winner

2011-11-21T12:56:00.001-05:00

And the Winner Is . . . . .

Drum Roll Please . . . . .

Smells like a winner to me :0}

CarpeDyem

Mommaof3

Pammy Sue

Tina

Mindy

I "SO WISH" I had the time to make one for each and every one of your Fur~Babies. After following your blogs, I feel like I know most of your babies personally.

So, Miss CarpeDyem . . . again. .let me know of the specifics you would like. I am sure Mr. Rhinog would like a nice, masculine stocking for such a manly dog.

Dog Bone Ornament

2011-11-20T11:23:00.001-05:00

Like the title says,

this post will be several odds and ends

I have hanging around

and figured I needed to post them for posterity.

First, we have two of my 5 Fur~Babies.

Indy has been with us since 2006.

She came home with us

from Kokomo, Indiana,

when she was 10 weeks old.

Abby is the queen of the house.

To be honest,

I can't remember exactly

how old she is.

I think she is close to 16 years old,

but I remember when she entered my life.

Mike, my BFF Joyce's daughter's boyfriend,

brought her home to Kristi,

with the understanding that if it didn't work

she would come to me.

I figured right then and there

I would become a "mother" again.

The 1st night she was with me,

I was sitting on the sofa watching TV

when she jumped up on the sofa,

climbed onto the top of my left breast

and immediately fell asleep.

I knew right then and there

that she and I would be best buddies for life.

You can tell she is thin.

She has a thyroid problem.

We have tried pills,

and she runs away.

So now we use a lotion

form of the meds . . .

from a compounding pharmacy.

I put it inside her ears,

where the blood vessels quickly pick it up.

Well, now, when she hears me

twisting the container to get ready

(it is in a tube similar to lipstick . . .

twist it, and out comes the lotion)

she heads for the hills.

Damn, she is too smart for her own good :0{

Next, some craftiness.

I have had this pattern for a number of years

knowing that, someday,

there would be a little girl who would love it.

Need to ask the neighbor if she has some pink blush . . .
I need to give him some "flushed" cheeks.

I wanted to make it to grow with her

so I adapted the shoulder strap.

One side, I did a plain sc stitch.

On the other, I repeated the 1st strap

then started a new pattern,

I made a row of dc's

between sc rows.

This gave me "buttonholes."

I found the bear buttons on eBay last year . . .
I knew they would come in handy one day.

Finally,

I am a great~aunt again.

Now, I always knew I was a "good" aunt

but after the nieces had babies,

I suddenly become "great."

Go figure?

LOLOL

I got a message from my niece

saying I was a great aunt.

Had to find out what was up,

since she has no plans for children.

My new great niece is Molly

a 10 week old boxer puppy.

Another one of my own designs.
It will be for sale in my Ravelry Store as soon as I get the pattern on paper.

I am SO JEALOUS,

and I told her so.

I have always wanted a boxer,

but,

alas,

it is/was not supposed to happen.

Now, back to making Christmas ornaments.

I have an idea for a stocking garland

but I need to get the stockings made first :0}

Happy Holidays to you and yours . . . LOLOL

Too EARLY for that, huh?

But it is NEVER to early to craft for Christmas,

is it?

Fur~Babies Christmas Give~Away

2011-11-17T17:41:00.001-05:00

I NEED to have a Christmas Give~Away.

Don't you think?

Here is what I decided . .

I will make a

"Semi" custom made

Cat or Dog Paw Stocking.

I think they are so adorable

that I would like to share the wealth with others.

Fish come with and without bubbles . . .
your choice.

I like the smaller/diagonally placed bones better.
If you like the HUGE one, let me know.

Now, you may ask,

"C & CS Slut . . . just what is "Semi" custom made."

My Answer, "By making a the stocking

"Semi" custom made you get to pick the

stocking, pad and bone/fish colors

as long as they are in the Christmas red, green,

beige, white, Winter blue (light) colors.

So, you pick the colors

and I make the stocking."

I use Vanna's Choice,

I like her shades

AND

my hands don't dry out

using this yarn.

So, now you are saying,

"Man, Slut, you sure talk a lot.

Would you GET TO THE POINT!"

All You Need To Know

1. You must be a follower.

2. Only allowed one entry per person

and it MUST BE on this post.

2. Tell me if you want

a Cat or a Dog Stocking.

3. Tell me the colors you prefer.

(The more exact, the better...

ie. red front and back,

green pads,

white fish outlined in green,
white bubbles.

top border a mixture of red, green and white. )

4. Post a link to this give~away

on your blog, if you have one.

5. Entry starts at the time I post this

and ends midnight, (EST)

Sunday, November 20th.

The winner will be announced

Monday, November 21st.

6. I will have the stocking on the mail

no later than November 30th.

Now,

Let the Christmas Give~Away Begin.

Background Change

2011-11-16T15:05:00.001-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah . . .

I'm at it again.

A new background.

I wanted something for fall and found this picture which I love.

It is from my 100 Blessings Sampler.

The pumpkin signifies Dad
and his Halloween Birthday.

The Lilacs signify Mom
and the lilacs I "stole" for her every Mother's Day.

The heart, which you can barely see, signifies their marriage.

These are the base of my Family Tree.

Here is the sampler as it looks now.

And, yes . . .

I haven't made it to 100 yet.

Most of the squares

were my own design

and my mind went into a brain freeze

as to what to design

for the remaining squares.

Chef in Training AND Success U . . .#12

2011-11-15T10:30:00.001-05:00

I just LOVE
Chef in Training's
Tuesday Talent Show
and SUCCESS U's

However, I can NEVER remember
what I have posted there.
(This week I was late posting . . .
I'm #163 for the Chef and #20-somthing at U.)

So, from now on, I'm labeling them
so they can be found.
(Don't want any repeats, do we?)

So, without any more wait,
here is my crochet pattern
for Towel Toppers . . .
remember,
C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S
is almost upon us,
AND
now is the time to find those
cute kitchen towels
before they're all picked over.

Kitchen Christmas Set
version 2011.

The potholder on the left

uses the Smooth Fox's
Cutie Pie 6" x 6" square
as it's center

with a granny on the back.

The potholder on the left

is my Gingerbread Candy Cane Potholder.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Notice, the towel is folded in thirds
just like it would be when you purchase it.
I like the idea
that I have
the complete area of the towel to use,
not just 1/2 of a towel
that you see in most
towel topper patterns.

Okay, sports fans . . .
here is the pattern for the top of the towels.

Materials:

Kitchen Towel

Cotton Yarn

Crochet Hook (I used a G)

Tapestry/Yarn Needle

Sewing Needle

Sewing Thread - or - Embroidery Floss

2 Buttons/Bells

(no ruler . .these are about the size of a thumb nail)

Abbreviations:

ch - chain

dc - double crochet

sc - single crochet

sk - skip

st(s) - stitch(es)

Setting up the towel for crochet:

<><><><>

This can be found at http://www.ia470.com/wardrobe/stitches.html
Cut a 36" length of yarn. Thread your needle and tie a knot in the end . . YES, crochet purists, a knot.

Now, you are going to do a button hole stitch across the fold at the top. I am SO ACCURATE when I did these . . . the distance between mine are the width of my little finger nail (+/-).

When finished, fasten off yarn on the inside of the towel.

Row 1: Sc in the furthest button hole stitch on the right side and continue across this row, ch 1, turn.

(16 sc)

Rows 2 - 16: Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn (16 sc)

Row 17: Sc in in each st across, ch 2, turn. (16 sc)

Row 18: Dc in the same sp, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st, (ch 1, sk 1, dc in next st) repeat from ( to ) across ch 2, turn.

Rows 19 - 20: Repeat Row 18 EXCEPT, at the end of Row 20 ch 1, turn.

Rows 21 - 22: Sc in the same sp, ch 1, sk 1, sc in next st, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next st) repeat from ( to ) across ch 1, turn.

Row 23: Sc in same st and next st, ch 2, sk 2, sc in each st across until the last 4 sts, ch 2,, sk 2, sc in last 2 sts.

Row 24: Sc in each st, 2 sc in each ch, across. Fasten Off.

Finish by sewing the bell/button on the right side of the towel, over the 3rd st of the 2nd sc row.

Enjoy

and have a

Happy Holiday

Season

Oh, an afterthought . . if you do make this, let me know. I would LOVE to post pictures of your work.

Meet Me On Monday

2011-11-14T17:14:00.001-05:00

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!!

Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!!

Questions:

1. Does your family/friends know about your blog?
2. What is your favorite card game?
3. What do you wear to bed?
4. What is your favorite kind of French Fry?
5. What is your usual bed time?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Does your family/friends know about your blog?
Yes they do, but they only read it when it gets posted to Facebook, and that is ending soon. When it does end, I can post more pictures for all of you to see . . those are the items I am, have, or will be making for family and friends.

2. What is your favorite card game?
We call it The Silly Game. We used to play it with Amanda, Kevin and her parents, S and BIL when we lived in Indiana. The husband got so into it that Amanda's mother slapped him when he made a certain move . . . how funny since she barely knew him then.

No idea, right now, how it is played . . but it is SO MUCH FUN when we do play it.

3. What do you wear to bed?
Sleep shirts . . all cotton. Started wearing t-shirts to sleep in while in college and have never looked back . . but now, I want something I can "turn around in" as Mom always said, so I but the sleep shirts about 2 or 3 sizes to big . . heaven when sleeping with a husband, a 70 lb dog and 2 or more cats.

Summer Version

This is exactly the print I have on now.
However, my winter jammies are short sleeves and knee length.
I would DIE in long sleeves and long length.

4. What is your favorite kind of French Fry?
Haps East, in Logansport, Indiana fries. Now, since I am not home in Indiana that often, I have to settle for Burger King fried . . and I eat them in a certain way . . . I open up the ketchup packet and dunk the fries in it individually . . . less drips on road trips this way.

5. What is your usual bed time?
When I taught school . . all 34 years, I had a hard time staying awake until 10:00 pm. . . even in summers and on vacations. But, once retired, and it was almost immediately, I reverted to my childhood sleeping pattern . . staying up as late as possible. The brother even told me, the last time I was home, "Yeah, I can remember Mom and Dad yelling, 'Paula Sue, get to sleep." Heavens, I always kid him that he wouldn't even know he had a sister if his kids didn't remind him. So I was totally blown away that he remembered that.

But,, now, I watch Letterman, a product of Indiana and a graduate of my alma mater, Ball State . . . LOVED him hen he was on Indianapolis' Channel 13 TV when I was in college.

The picture is of David Letterman when he visited Ball State to open the David Letterman Communications and Media Building at Ball State. The article on this dedication is pretty awesome.

David Letterman Communications and Media Building

Then on to Craig Ferguson . . . who makes me laugh so much I almost pee the bed.

We actually got tickets to see Craig when he was at UB's Performing Arts Center . . . her is so much funnier in person . . no bleeping . . but, then again, he didn't bring the bunny . . LOLOL

Finally, off to visit the husband in dream land. (His head hits a pillow and he is out cold . . oh, to be so lucky?) And, if I'm lucky, I'll sleep until almost 10:00 am . . a gift from the teaching gods for all the years I put in.

New Background

2011-11-14T17:06:00.001-05:00

I've been asked
if the pattern I used
for my new background
is one of my patterns.

Yes it is.

The name is:

Gingerbread and Candy Cane Potholder

If you would like to make it,

here is the link.

A Personal Email to All Of You

2011-11-13T19:28:00.001-05:00

I have been in many places,

but I'm seldom in Cahoots.

Apparently, you can't go alone.
You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've seldom been in Cognito.
I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane.
They don't have an airport;
you have to be driven there.
I have made several trips there,
thanks to my friends, family and students.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump,

and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt.

That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible,
but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable,

and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense!

It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart!

At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I've been in Defiance,

but that was when I used to drive through Ohio quite often.

I may have been in Continent,

and I don't remember what country I was in.

It's an age thing.

PLEASE DO YOUR PART!
Today is one of the many National Mental Health Days throughout the year.

You can do your bit

by remembering to send an e-mail

to at least one unstable person.

My job is done!

Life is too short for negative drama & petty things.

So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!

From one unstable person to another . . .

I hope everyone is happy in your head ,

we're all doing pretty good in mine!

Dear God,

2011-11-11T22:16:00.001-05:00

Thank you for bringing Dad home safe and sound form WWII. I wouldn't be here without him, and I miss him, so much, every day since he has been gone.

Also, thank you for bringing the husband home safe and sound from Vietnam. I know a lot of the men who served in that war did not come home sound, so I consider myself so lucky that my husband did.

Also, thank you for watching over all of the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their gift to our country is cherished by all those who believe in the value of a free, democratic society.

Amen.

Did the Flying Monkeys Go By?

2011-11-10T14:16:00.001-05:00

Does the title give you any hints? We ~~heard~~ experienced the wind ~~hitting~~ rocking the house last night. When I first heard it, I said something to the husband and he blew (get it? wind/blew?) it off as the neighbor rolling their plastic garbage tote to the curb side.

I thought, "Okay, maybe it is."
Then, we heard it again, and we only have one neighbor who wheels their tote out that late at night and besides, there is no way we could have heard the other neighbor if she did take her garbage out. (She is an older woman and the neighbor on her other side adds her trash to his. . . didn't want you all to think we had a hoarder in our midst.)

When we went to bed, I was glad our house had a good foundation or we might have ended up in Oz with Dorothy and Toto too.

One of the gusts was totally different. The husband couldn't identify the sound it reminded me of, but I knew exactly what it sounded like . . . Have you EVER heard the sound trains make when an engine backs the cars of the train up to switch a car? That was the sound I heard . . . and, being the daughter of a railroad switch man, I have heard those sounds from the time I was born until now. But there are no freight trains on our tracks at that time of night AND they have never backed up on the trellis the tracks are on.

I am SUCH a train person. I'm not one to hang out at a train station or drive miles to hear/see a certain train pass, but I love to hear the sound of a train rumbling over the tracks when I am in bed.

Growing up, I lived 1 block from a rail line. Shoot, the house I grew up in had sat by that rail line as the house the railroaders would stay at when they had to lay over. Grandpa Winegardner had it moved to it's present location when he bought the railroad's warehouses for his business. So by growing up in a railroad house, physically, and having a father who worked in the PRR yards and a grandpa who was a PRR conductor . . . it must be a genetic thing.

Now, what have I been up to. This week, I am trying to finish up three dog and three cat Christmas stockings. I think they are so adorable, I hope that others think the same. I would love to have some of them sell in my Etsy shop. Then, whatever is left, I will give them to the my family members with dogs and/or cats. I know they will like them as much as I do.

Wish this picture had come out clearer. These are just SO CUTE!

These were the original stockings. Then, I found some Caron yarn with a gold thread through it that I had bought before we moved here, in 2006. I thought it might work out nice into these stockings, so I started. I have 6 fronts done. I spent this morning working on the pads and toes for them. It amazes me how long it takes . . must have been working over 2 hours and only had 3 socks completed and the other three had the large pad attached. Guess I won't get them finished today. I need to finish the toes on three socks and then make three bones and two fish to attach . . one of them already has a fish for the cat done.

I have the beginnings of my familial Christmas gifts in the washing machine. I decided I would get them washed/dried and then would get them wrapped and in the box ready to be mailed home. Then, I will know where I stand handmade gift wise.

Will post pix of these. One is a hat and scarf that I am VERY proud of. Again, it was one of those where I could mentally see what I wanted and was pleased with the results. Not 100% what I wanted, but the hat comes SO CLOSE !

Must go. The mouth is dry and I forgot and took the glass to the kitchen and know, I am craving something to drink . . . just with I had some Canadian Club to put in it.

I saw their ad at the hockey game the other night and all of a sudden I want a CC and coke . . . might have to do a liquor store run this week.

Later, gators!

Cha-Chng, Traci

2011-11-10T00:17:00.000-05:00

Traci found the pattern I have been looking for. It came from the Sugar and Cream Newsletter. Here is the link.

Here is the apple

and here is the apple wreath.

Now, to get the pattern copied for posterity:0}

Big Time THANKS to Traci ! ! ! ! !

For Sarah

2011-11-09T23:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks for the search. I checked out your link and it wasn't the same . . . darn it :0{

Please Cross Post

2011-11-09T21:02:00.002-05:00

I am STILL looking for the crochet apple pattern where they show the apples made into a wreath.

I AM pleading WITH ALL OF YOU to make a posting on your blog asking your readers if they have seen this?

I am SO SURE I saw it on one of the "blogs you follow" on one of the blogs I follow . . .

Please help me out . . . I ~~really like~~ am obsessed with finding the pattern and how they attached the apples to the wreath.

Tuesday Talent Show

2011-11-08T12:37:00.002-05:00

Today is Chef in Training's Tuesday Talent Show.

I am, like, 170 in the postings . . .

so there are a TON of great items to look at from soup to nuts . . .

literally . . .

and I do think I saw a posting for soup . .LOLOL

Go check it out, there are a LOT of great ideas there.

Meet Me on Monday

2011-11-06T22:21:00.001-05:00

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!!

Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!!

Questions:

1. Are you excited for the holidays or are you dreading them?
2. Do you hit the snooze button or get right up?
3. Do you still have your tonsils?
4. What was the last piece of candy that you ate?
5. Do you shop at thrift stores?
---------------------------------------------------------------
1. Am I excited for the holidays or am I dreading them.
To be honest, not excited and not dreading. It just seems like any other day, except I get to give things to people I love and hope they enjoy receiving them as much as I enjoyed making and giving them.

2. Do you hit the snooze button or get right up?
Again, neither . . when I did need to set an alarm, when I was working, I always set it for 1 hour early . . and made sure the radio was on . . then, by the time it went off, 60 minutes later, I was awake enough to get going . . . most days, anyway :0}

3. Do you still have your tonsils?
Nope . . lost them at 3 years of age.

Normal Tonsils

Wore my hair in braids, and as I went down the hall to the OR I was sitting up waving to Mom and Dad . . greatly anticipating what was about to com. My family doctor was in the OR, he was the aneshesiologist, and when I saw him, I have been told I almost talked his arm off . . like I did when I saw him in his office . . until the ether took over.

What my tonsils must have looked like for most of my first 2 years of life.

Then, several days of ice cream and I was back at full force . . voice and all. And Mom never had to worry about my sore throats anymore. She said she kept me in my winter coat and hat all spring so I wouldn't get sick before the surgery . . LOLOL

Then, as an adult, I got the WORSE sore throats . . come to find out the tonsil tissue that was still in my throat was swelling trying to do it's job . . . this was at least 20 years after I had the surgery . . . and each time it happened I got 3 days off work, antibiotics and rest . . it was great!!!!!!!!!

4. What is the last piece of candy you ate
Thanks to AC Moore, I am now stocked up on Claey's Lemon Drops. They are made in South Bend, Indiana, and I could find them almost everywhere in my hometown. But, here in Western NY, I can only find them at AC Moore or Hobby Lobby . . . Bummer that I have to go to one of those places gto buy them . . usually need to shop some when I do a Lemon Drop Run.

Oh, and I take two at a time and suck on them . . until the urge to bite them becomes to great then I grind and suck until they have dissolved.

5. Do you shop at thrift stores?
I used to shop at them ALL THE TIME when Diane was home or when I went to see her in Tennessee. Now, I need so little that I never get into one.

But, I did just buy this Vogue book of Crochet Hats that I had been admiring on eBay . . . and it came from the Greater NY and Norther NJ Goodwill . . so, I guess that a Thrift store was the last place I shopped.

HEL*P Needed from Crocheters

2011-11-06T21:43:00.003-05:00

I need HELP from my crocheting friends.

I saw a pattern, this week end, for an apple. It also showed how the apples could be put together to form a wreath.

For the life of me, I can't remember if I actually did see it, or dreamed it.

If you can help me, I would be SO APPRECIATIVE . . . . hum, wonder if it was in Lion Brand's Newsletter?

~the ramblings and musings of the "fur-babies" momma

Afghan, Mop Hat Jumper and Pacifier leash

Success U Party #22

Wool-Eater Blanket CAL

Tuesday Talent Show #21

Finished Cocoon

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Admission

What's a cocoon?

Elizabeth Grace

Link Party

Busy-ish

Today is a Day That is Filled With Surprises

Anne and Henry VIII

Wee, wee, Wee All The Way Home (?)

Show Off Time

1st Complaining of 2012

Polar Bear Hat

Abidale Tiddy Durl on her Throne

Annabelle Lee

Tuesday Talent Show

Thanks

A Beautiful Christmas Day

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Are My Ears on Straight

Favorite Christmas Songs SInce Childhood

Baby Elf Advent Stockings

Christmas Train Tooting

Angel Biscuits and Candy Cane Bread Sticks

Bags of Coal

Lemon Meltaways

Peppermint Bark

Today I Married the One I Love

Tuesday Talent Show

Pop Bottle Flowers

Getting on Santa's Good Side

Peppermint Meltaways

Christmas Crack

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Christmas Cheese Spread

Santa Funnies

Homemade Turtles

Last Special Christmas 2011 Gift

Heath Brickle Cookies

Christmas Treasures

Fur~Babies Deck the Halls

Have a Holly Bloggy Christmas

Pammy Sue if Having a Giveaway

Dec. 10

Random Thoughts

Church Bulletin Funnies

Saturday at the Hacienda

Take a Stitch Tuesday

Fur~Baby Thanksgiving Leftovers

Found It

Background Change . . Again

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Today's Agenda

Link Parties . . . 21 Nov 2011

Christmas Give~Away Winner

Dog Bone Ornament

Fur~Babies Christmas Give~Away

Background Change

Chef in Training AND Success U . . .#12

Meet Me On Monday

New Background

A Personal Email to All Of You

Dear God,

Did the Flying Monkeys Go By?

Cha-Chng, Traci

For Sarah

Please Cross Post

Tuesday Talent Show

Meet Me on Monday

H*E*L*P Needed from Crocheters

HEL*P Needed from Crocheters