countrynmore

New Vintage Clothespin Aprons

2012-01-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

You will find many more at www.countrynmore.com

Country N' More has created a new line of aprons. We now have clothespin aprons. You will find that our waist aprons are longer than others sold elsewhere. They measure about 19 inches long and are made using high quality pre-shrunk fabric.

Your clothespins will be handy when you need them the most. Of course, you can use these aprons for holding supplies, plus they can be used in the kitchen for making your favorite dish.

Here is the first little girl apron that was made. I am waiting to get more done before adding them to our website: The aprons will come in s (3-4, although I feel that it will fit a 2 year old), med (5-6), and large (7-8).

We plan on adding waist aprons for little girls, more toddler cobbler aprons, plus more vintage aprons, and cobbler aprons.

Pupkin Bread From Scratch

2011-12-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

Last week, I finally decided to cut open the fairytale pumpkin. I used to use canned pumpkin, until I thought that I could use a fresh pumpkin. I used to also cook the pumpkin in the oven, but of course changed how I did things. I now shred the pumpkin, like you would zucchini, or carrots.

First, I cut a whole in the top of the pumpkin, and then cut up the pumpkin in slices. The outside is easier to cut off when the pieces are placed on their side.

It is some work to cut up the pumpkin,but really not that much because of how I choose to cut it up. It helps to have a sharp knife.

I shredded the pumpkin in our food processor, which was so quick and easy. This pumpkin yielded 31 cups of shredded pumpkin, and I only paid between 4 and 5 dollars.

This pumpkin yielded would yield 20 loaves of pumpkin bread, but my oldest son wanted some pumpkin pie made with the fresh pumpkin as well.

Sales Ending Soon

2011-12-27T12:56:00.000-08:00

Sales ending at the end of the month at countrynmore.com

Embroidered Kitchen Towel Sale
Up to 20% Off
Ends December 29th!

30 Percent off embroidered cowboy towels
20 Percent off Grocery Bag Holder
30 Percent off Reproduction Vintage Towels at countrynmore.com

From now until January 12, 2012, familycollectibles has a great discount for you. Use coupon code ENDSEASONSALE and take 25 percent off your order at check out.

Carnival glasses (new in original boxes)Sold

Vintage Oil Vinegar Salt And Sugar Jug Set

Princess House Bud Vase:

New Etsy Shop

2011-11-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I have had the one Etsy shop for some time now. Countrynore2 store at Etsy, is mainly to sell of supplies that I no longer use in my business. I have sold some items that I have listed items that I have in my on-line store at countrynmroe.com, mainly neck coolers, because sometimes someone will only want one neck cooler. I can ship out the item via first class mail through PayPal, so I can save the customer money on shipping costs.

I have another Etsy store that I recently opened. I am slowly adding items, and will eventually add vintage turquoise rings, a velvet clutch purse from the 1940's, etc.

Custom Waist Apron For Customer

2011-11-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

I really like how this apron and matching grocery bag holder turned out. The apron strings were made long enough, so that they can be tied in front. I even added ric-rac to the grocery bag holder.

New Etsy Store

2011-10-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

I am just starting to add items to my vintage store on Etsy. I have been selling items that I no longer use for my sewing business on Etsy, but there was a need to have items that were non-business related.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/familycollectibles4U

Spider Kitty, Spider Kitty-Funny Video

2011-09-14T07:37:00.001-07:00

My son shared this video with me last night. It is so hilarious and a must see for sure. I didn't know a kitten could do this.

Free Range Chickens vs. Factory Raised Chickens

2011-09-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is a must see video. I have been getting our eggs from our local farmers' market. Commercial raised chickens don't know what it to have a normal chicken life. The conditions that they are raised in are inhumane. Many of the chickens never see the light of day and are housed with as little as 35, 000 up to 80,000 chickens in cramped conditions.

My Cobbler Apron Creation On True Blood Episode

2011-08-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Back in March, I received a phone call from the show True Blood. They liked one of my aprons, and actually wanted two. I only had the one with the garden print, and couldn't make a second one, since I was out of the print. Anyways, they purchased the apron for an episode of True Blood. I was told that the apron was shown at the end of episode 7 and then the one that I knew about was episode 8 (season 4). Since people knew about it, I received a photo taken of the woman wearing my apron in the show. I have had my aprons used in musicals, and film, but when they use it in a film, I just know that it was used, but was never told for what. The woman at True Blood actually told me what episode the apron would be used for. This is so exciting for me.

Here is the original picture of the apron

My apron is on the right. The woman looks so cool wearing her hat, garden gloves, and apron.

Winter And Holiday Oven Door Towels

2011-08-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

I just recently finished the holiday oven door towels. There is only one other one that I want to make up.

The first two oven door towels are both one-of-a-kind:

Busy Bee

2011-08-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have been busy making neck coolers. I didn't realize how many I made, but when I had to press them and put them into their own bags, I realized that it was a lot. I guess that I got a little carried away. I know how well the neck coolers work for me, and I am glad that the neck coolers have helped my customers, but I am taking a break from making them.

I am beginning to work on making more oven door towels. I have some gorgeous fall towels that I made up, so I am now moving onto the Christmas oven door towels. These oven door towels are going to be great for use in the home during the winter and holiday season. I can't wait to get them finished.

Every year, I keep trying to make a new line of aprons, but somehow never manage to do them. I keep hoping that I can do this.

33 Years of Marriage-Happy Anniversary To My Husband

2011-07-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Being married for 33 years is a rarity in this day and age. The road hasn't always been a smooth one, but I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. We have two great sons that we are extremely proud of. They have honesty and integrity and know how to treat others with respect. I know that both of of our sons will go far in life.

Fresh Strawberry Jam

2011-07-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

I just made some homemade strawberry jam. We do not have a large garden, so I purchased some delicious red strawberries at our local farmers' market. I took one jar of jam to the farmers' market, and gave it to the woman who has been selling me strawberries.

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Even had some left over to put on pancakes. Yummy!

Crime Stopping Chihuahua-Must See Video

2011-07-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

In our somewhat small town of Altadena, California, there is crime just like anywhere else. One of our local stores was robbed, but the thieves didn't get away with much. Instead, they were met with a little chihuahua name Poco. Poco went after the robbers. This video is a must see. The little dog's actions drew the attention of our local television station.

Humane Society of the United States

2011-07-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Whenever I can, I donate in some way to the Humane Society of the United States.

He is so cute.

In a recent e-mail from the HSUS, they write:

In just the past month, our Animal Rescue Team has been on the ground saving hundreds of animals wherever and whenever they’re in need: We’ve helped to rescue nearly 700 cats from appalling conditions in Florida; assisted with saving 94 horses seized in Wyoming; saved 158 neglected dogs from a hoarding situation; and rescued nearly 300 dogs from a puppy mill in North Carolina. We worked alongside law enforcement to shut down a suspected dogfighting operation in Indiana. And we’ve also worked in North Dakota and Missouri to help hundreds of other animal victims of tornadoes and floods.

Some of the animals rescued so far:

I have a few of my auctions on eBay (vintage Sports Illustrated Magazines) set up for donation. Be sure to click on the play button icon.

http://shop.ebay.com/familycollections4u/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562

Geology Trip Adventures and Camping Is Not Like It Used To Be.

2011-07-06T04:28:00.000-07:00

My oldest son just recently came back from a two week geology trip. There were many adventures, mostly dealing with the odd June weather. They cam across snow in Utah (only the fourth time it snowed in June), hail storms, lightning, more snow, and flooding. Not to mention, that camping isn't like it used to be.

I am going to share some of the pictures from the trip.

Allosaurus bones

Yellowstone

Rafting down the Snake River

On more than one occasion, the group came across problems not only with other campers, but with camp hosts as well. It used to mean that when a space was reserved, especially for a very large group, that people respected the reserved spot and would leave that spot alone. Not anymore. In Utah, the group parked their trailer in their spot and then went on their geology adventures. When they got back, they found that their spot had been taken over by someone else. They also learned from a neighbor camper about their camping experience. The neighbor said that they had everything all set up. When they came back to their camping spot, their campsite had been cleared, with everything being tossed aside, while someone else took over the spot.

At Ranger Creek Campground in Wyoming, the group had two sights, with the reservations and the sites already paid for. The geology group arrived early in the evening to find that their spots had been taken over by another large group. The camp host said that she could not make the other campers leave (group paid for an entire week), and refused to reimburse the professor for the reserved spot. The campsite still had the reserved signs marking the campsite as already taken, but that didn't stop the others from taking over. It is so sad. Camping is not like it used to be.

I also learned that some of the tourist shops in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, are selling fake fossils, but passing them as real. I feel sorry for the innocent.

Homemade Jams

2011-07-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a chance to blog for a while. I have received fresh apricots and plums from my neighbors. Too many to eat, so I have been making jam.

There is nothing like fresh homemade jam. So far, I have made plum, apricot-peach, and peach jam. The nectarines, peaches, and strawberries are calling for something to be made from the delicious fruit. Our wild California Red Grapes will be ripe, so the task to turn the small grapes into jelly will begin. The grapes are small and have seeds, so they are not suitable for eating. Last year, we harvested 25 lbs. of grapes. Not sure how much we will get off the bushes this year, but the bushes are filled with bunches of grapes.

Eating Organic Fruits and Vegetables

2011-06-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

We like eating fruits and vegetables that are certified organic. We go weekly to the farmers' market to purchase our produce.

Here is an article on organic foods:

Outstanding Science Award

2011-06-03T11:22:00.001-07:00

Jason just received a letter informing that he will be receiving an award for outstanding science student. Way to go Jason! You deserve this award.

Goats at the local farmer's market

2011-06-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

We went to the Urban Farmer's Market in our town last Sunday. It was a nice to spend some time with our neighbors. We carpooled as the parking was limited, and it is a well attended event.

The farmer's market was held at the Zane estate, and in the back of the property, they had baby goats and full grown goats. The goats enjoyed getting fed by the visitors, and below, you will find a picture of 3 goats climbing on the visitor-all vying to get to the fresh leaves. I wished that I had a picture of the baby goats.

Organic Gardening How To Videos

2011-05-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

My oldest son attended several workshops on organic gardening. The videos are in English, but there is a Spanish translation as well.

Our New Bees Are Busy At Work

2011-05-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

My son has new bees. Right now they are in our back yard, but the bees will eventually be moved to their new home when they are established. The bees have been busy making new combs, and the queen is busy laying eggs.

Spiral Herb Garden at Pasadena City College

2011-05-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

With the help and supplies from Cal-Earth the students from Pasadena City College Seeds of Change Club (my son is the president of the club) began to building the spiral herb planter. This is a very interesting project and a way to build up a garden vertically. See pictures below:

They first faced a slope that had to be smoothed out, therefore they got some shovels and moved some dirt.

The earth bags require clean dirt, so they cleared out an area free of compost and debris. The dirt is mixed with other components to form their mixture.

Sharon showed them how to use nails to close the side of the earth bags, so that the content would not come out once they compressed the mixture inside the bags.

They laid out the earth bags before we filled them up.

They used a hoe and a wheelbarrow to mix the dirt and water.They used a 10-1-1 mixture, which is 10 parts dirt to one part water, but they didn’t add the one part concrete.

The mixture would compress but not crumble and not wring like a sponge. Usually, a lower mix of soil is used to water, but their soil mixture required more dirt.

They used coffee cans to fill up the bags with our mixture.

After compressing the bags with the mixture, they finalized the earth bag placement.

They were able to get up to two levels, before calling it a day.

They will work more on the spiral herb garden.

2011-04-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

Natural Egg Dye Recipes
Re-posted from my friend Beverly over at Bee Haven Acres

Natural Egg Dyes Recipes
Use hard cooked brown or white eggs. After eggs are cooked, quickly cool the water or rinse in cold water. This helps to prevent greening of the yolk. Natural dyes take longer to color the egg, so plan on extra time, or leave the eggs in the refrigerator overnight.
Recipes make approximately 1 cup dye.

Yellow or deep gold:
1 – 2 tsp. turmeric powder, fill cup with boiling water, stir in 1 tsp. white vinegar (dusty after drying, wipe gently with dry cloth & be very careful for stains) Orange or lemon peels, carrot tops, celery seed, & ground cumin can be added for variation.

Peach to orange:
1 large handful yellow onion skins simmered 20 minutes. Now add 1 tsp. white vinegar.

Rust:
1 large handful of a mix of yellow & red onion skins, prepared as above.

Red:
2 – 4 tbsp. freshly grated beets, fill cup with boiling water, stir in 1 tsp. white vinegar Allow to sit overnight. Cranberries or frozen raspberries can also be used.

Purple:
2 tbsp. grated beets, 2 tbsp. red cabbage, fill cup with boiling water, stir in 1 tsp. vinegar A bluer shade of purple can be made using grape juice concentrate and 1 tsp. white vinegar

Blue:
Bright 2 – 3 tbsp. chopped red cabbage, fill cup with boiling water, stir in 1 tsp. white vinegar Allow to set overnight. Blueberries may also be used.

Green:
3⁄4 - 1 tsp. turmeric, 2 – 3 tbsp. chopped red cabbage, fill cup with boiling water, stir in 1 tsp. vinegar. Spinach leaves, carrot tops, and yellow delicious apple peels can also be used.

Beige to brown:
Strongly brewed coffee, limes, pecan, or walnut shells can be used.
Another method - Place eggs in a single layer in a pan. Cover with water. Add 1 tsp. vinegar and dye materials of choice. (Brighter, deeper colors require more dye material.) Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Cool quickly. (sit bowl in ice water) Allow to set, covered in the refrigerator overnight if more color is desired. Drain and dry.

From www.sonnewald.org

Organic Garden and Pasadena City College

2011-04-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

Progress is being made in the organic garden at Pasadena City College.
They built another planter using two 2 by 12 lumber for the sides of the raised garden beds. Everyone wanted to give the hammer a swing. It only took a matter of minutes for us to build the sides. The lumber yard was nice to cut everything free of charge.

P.S. I can't wait to see the vegetables that they harvest from all of this hard work.

The compost bin is no longer at our house and in its new home.

Senior Ctizen Bump Scam

2011-03-23T12:41:00.001-07:00

This video is about what is going on in Torrance, CA, but if it can happen there, it can happen in your area. Please pass this along to senior citizens that you know.

Tip: How to recognize a possible burglary in progress

2011-03-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Compost Bin

2011-03-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

My son designed a compost bin for the Pasadena City College Organic Garden. It is still work in progress as they are still assembling it. I am happy that the college will be composting the food waste.

Here are a couple of the pictures taken so far. I will be posting a picture when the compost bin is all done.

A Whole lot of pieces

Our friend used his CNC machine to put the words, "PCC Compost Bin."

It has been a while since I posted on my blog. Life is keeping me busy.

Great Commercial

2011-02-03T11:51:00.001-08:00

I like this commercial

Frazil Ice At Yosemite National Park-Very Interesting

2011-01-21T08:07:00.001-08:00

This is very interesting to say the least, especially the snow cone effect.

New Farmers Market

2011-01-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

We now have a local farmers market, which started last week in Altadena. We can actually walk to this one.

The Dog With The Big Basketball-Funny

2011-01-12T06:13:00.001-08:00

This is our dog, who doesn't think that there is any ball too small or too small to tackle.

Flooding Video in Australia-A Must See

2011-01-11T17:59:00.001-08:00

This video was sent to a friend of mine. I am so glad that we live where we live.

California Science Center Los Angeles

2011-01-08T21:51:00.001-08:00

My husband, oldest son and I went to the California Science Center in Los Angeles today. Every day they have a show in the kelp tank.

Rain, Rain, Rain,

2010-12-22T17:09:00.001-08:00

This is some video that we took of the Hahamonga Watershed. This water, etc. from the nearby mountains flows into the watershed. When we had the horrible rains after the Station fire, the watershed was a roaring river of debris and mud. This video was taken today.

From Davil's Gate Dam overlooking the Hahamonga, the day after the storms.

It is really a mess. These are tall trees so you can see how deep the water, mud, and debris is.

Antique Doll Bed Pillows, etc.

2010-12-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

My mil had a gorgeous wood doll bed, which was passed on to her daughter, and now will belong to her great-grand daughters. My sil asked me if I could make a removable pad cover, pillows, and pillow covers. She also asked if I could embroider the girl's names on the pillowcases. One pillow will go at one end of the doll bed and the other on the opposite end. I thought that I would share some pictures with you.

Red Skeleton Pledge of Allegiance

2010-12-21T13:15:00.001-08:00

Holiday Safety Tips

2010-12-09T16:08:00.001-08:00

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS … DON’T BE AN EASY TARGET!

With the holiday season upon us and the shopping frenzy in full swing, the Altadena Sheriff’s Station would like everyone to take extra precautions while out shopping, and also around your home or business during this festive time of year. Suspicious activity should always be reported immediately, whether you are at home or away, and people are strongly encouraged to practice the following safety tips that may prevent you from becoming a victim:

While shopping:

¨ Place all gifts and packages in your trunk or out of sight
¨ Be aware of your surroundings at all times and walk with confidence
¨ Park in well-lighted areas
¨ Avoid shopping alone; there is safety in numbers
¨ Try to use credit or debit cards for purchases to avoid carrying large amounts of cash
¨ Keep your car doors locked and windows closed
¨ If you carry a purse or bag, carry it up close to your body
¨ Have your car key in your hand prior to getting to your vehicle
¨ Always report suspicious activity immediately to on-site security or the police department

Suggestions in and around your home:

¨ Keep gifts in areas that cannot be seen from doorways or windows
¨ Install motion sensor lighting in a location that it cannot be easily tampered with
¨ Keep bushes and shrubbery trimmed down and thinned out to eliminate places for thieves to hide
¨ If traveling, postpone your mail and newspaper deliveries so your home doesn’t look deserted
¨ Do not store gifts in vehicles or unsecured areas
¨ Always report suspicious activity immediately to your local sheriff’s station or police department

If you operate a business, some of these tips may be helpful:

¨ Lock unused doors as long as you are not in violation of the Fire Code
¨ Keep only necessary cash in the register and vary the schedule and route for your bank deposits each day
¨ Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by
¨ Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations
¨ Develop a mutual aid system among stores on your block or close to you

Time Out And A Time To Reflect

2010-12-06T05:58:00.000-08:00

I know that I don't have many visitors to my blog, and I honestly don't know why. Lately, I haven't been able to post or go to other blogs. Life is hectic and very busy. For now, I am taking a break and thinking on how I can change and improve things.

Blogging for me will begin again after the new year, unless I have something exciting happen. I am worn out for now. So, if you read this blog, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Solar Eagle

2010-11-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

My son was part of an Earth Art Event in downtown Los Angeles. They spent the morning laying out thin solar panels and copper strips to form an outline of the solar eagle. Here below are some images from the event. It was a challenge due to the winds. Everything had to be down before the satellite and the helicopter flew over to take the picture. The helicopter started filming for 45 minutes.

They decided to lay down on the solar panels so that the panels would not blow away.
Pictures above courtesy of my son.

Courtesy Jeff Pantukhoff / Spectral Q
Spectacular view from above.

Courtesy DigitalGlobe

Reconnecting With Friends From The Past

2010-11-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

I should have done this years ago. I did actually start connecting with some friends, but it went by the wayside. Now, you can not turn me away from connecting with people from junior and high school. Some of these friends were the first friends that I made when I came to live with my dad, step mother, step sister, and step brother.

Whether you think that you may have influenced someone's life or felt like an outcast,you may find that it isn't as it seemed back then, especially feeling like an outsider. I never felt like an outsider and I was fortunate to have met many nice girls and boys back then. For the one who felt like the outsider, you don't know how wrong you could be. The one who thought that she was an outsider, was well liked, although she didn't realize it at the time. She was smart, intelligent, and had a quick wit about her. Now, the reconnection from friends recently showed that she was in fact not an outsider. We skip reunions because we may feel that high school is the past and that we have a new life, but those friends from so long ago, are important then as they are now.

Here is a salute to my friends that I will never let go again. Like one said, "It is a slumber party and we are getting caught up." I hope to reconnect with more friends that held a special place in my heart while growing up.

Here We Go Again-Refrigerator Woes

2010-11-15T05:51:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't know it,late last month, our refrigerator stopped cooling down. There was water all over the floor and the refrigerator was over 50 degrees. With a good repair, a new part (took a week to get), the refrigerator was on its way to being back to normal.

But wait! Two weeks of pleasant temperatures, frozen ice, and a cool refrigerator had quickly come to an end. It is odd because it was exactly two weeks after getting a new compressor that the refrigerator decided to do the exact same thing. With a new phone call and a quick analysis, everything was fixed once again. This time it was a clogged tube-the tube that carried the refrigerant. Everything is fine once again.

But wait! This relief lasted only two days. We think that everything was fine so we start to put groceries back in the refrigerator, but soon discover that the refrigerator is warm once again. This time, the temperature fluctuates from 34.1 up to 55 degrees. With a phone call, the same tech is back at the house. This time the refrigerator is back down to a normal temperature and stays that way. Well, the tech can't fix something that isn't broken. So, dh brings home the groceries from their storage place, only to discover that the process has started all over again. We kept a log just as the tech wanted us to, which indicated the temperatures and the noise level. The temperature slowly rises up to 57.1 degrees then it begins once again at the bottom and climbs again.

So....today they will hear from us once again. This isn't good with a holiday coming around the corner. We are using a small refrigerator. You know one of those mini refrigerators that you can barely fit anything in. Sigh......

The thing that we liked about the refrigerator is that there are four sections that are individually controlled. The bottom left drawer can be used as a freezer or as a refrigerator.

Annual Turkey Tussle Football Game

2010-11-13T01:39:00.000-08:00

To truly understand the meaning of the Turkey Tussle, this is a must see video.

It is a HUGE thing around here that two schools look forward to each year. It is the annual Turkey Tussle Football game between two rival high schools: John Muir High School and Pasadena High School. I attended my first Turkey Tussle football game when my youngest son played in the John Muir marching band. It has been a long time since I have been inside the football stadium at the Rose Bowl and I forgot how challenging it was for tall people to sit in the seats.

Last night was the game that all the current students and past students geared up for, when the winner would covet the victory bell for another year. It is an entire year where the winner has bragging rites of the other rival team. John Muir has been a winner over the Pasadena High School football team and this year was a landslide victory. We won 66-6.

Grant for Humane Socity of the United States.

2010-11-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I am a strong supporter of the Humane Society of the United States. Here is a way that you can help support them by voting for them to receive a grant. It is a way of supporting without dipping into your pockets.

Song by Amy Grant

2010-11-06T13:50:00.001-07:00

I heard this song for the first time today. Great song by Amy Grant. I would put the video up on my blog, but I don't know how to do it, so that is why I linked it.

Project Linus-Great Organizaton

2010-11-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I do a lot of sewing. I especially make a lot of aprons, meaning that I usually have a lot of fabric scraps. I used to have a source of women who wanted me to send them the scraps, but the downside was that it cost to ship and usually they paid for the shipping. They were happy to pay for the shipping because of the large variety of quality fabrics that were shipped.

I found another source, since these ladies are up to their ears in scraps. The organization is called "Project Linus." I was fortunate to find a local chapter to donate the scraps and fabric yardage to. Arriving at the meeting place today, I was flabbergasted. In the large room there were so many sewing many sewing machines, and there were not only women sewing quilts, but women crocheting blankets. There must have been at least 100 women there sewing. I could be wrong on this since I am poor at calculating, but besides the large room, there was another room filled with women as well.

Since the Project Linus organization began in 1995, they have made over 3 million blankets for children in need. This is absolutely amazing to me. If you sew, crochet, or knit, I urge you to check out the Linus Project, and if you have spare time, maybe you can donate your time making blankets for such a worth cause.

Unwelcomed Home Invader

2010-11-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

My husband and oldest son were just sitting watching television this evening. My husband said, "What is that crawling on the floor." When I first saw the ugly insect, I thought that it was a potato bug, but how did it get in the house? My son did some research on the Internet and that ugly insect that I thought that was a potato bug was actually called a Jerusalem Crickets Ugliest thing I ever saw. Of course our dog was very interested.

This isn't the actual Jerusalem Cricket that was in the house. My son wants to take a picture. Go Figure! We have lived in this home for 25 years and I never have seen anything like this before. I am still curious how it got inside our house. What we found out that it is native to the Western United States and that the early rains are drawing them out of their burrows. There have been a lot sightings since our recent rains.

CERT Training

2010-10-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

For the last week, my husband and I have been in an Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training class. It was grueling with us giving up two Saturdays (8 hours each Saturday), and 3 nights of not watching our favorite shows on television, but it was worth it. We are now certified if needed for emergencies in our town. Last Saturday was the final. When I first heard FINAL, it brought me back to the good old school days. I wasn't really big on tests. I was nervous then as I was for this final.

We had 2 groups to begin with, where we worked on cribbing (raising a heavy object-platform off of a victim (no victims underneath or no dummies used), and then we had to pair up to put out a small fire. Putting out the fire was fun because I have always seen it on tv, but never had the opportunity to really put out a small fire.

The next part was the actual final. We had 3 groups of 6 people, but somehow during the last scenario, we had 9 people. The first scenario was a bus accident. There was an earthquake and the school bus hit a telephone pole and wound up in a trench. Of course there was no real trench for us, just an empty parking lot. I was assigned to the task of taking the injured victims off of the school but, but somehow, others just took over. Go figure. Anyways, one of the victims was a young girl. She was place on the yellow tarp, which called for monitoring. I was standing by the bus, and happened to look over at the treatment area. The girl got up and started walking towards the bus. The medical person didn't notice her walking away, so I just put my arm around her shoulder and led her back to the tarp. The next thing I noticed that the young man on the red tarp (immediate or more serious victims) had his eyes closed. When I got closer, he was repeating the same phrase over and over again, which was a sign of shock. I asked the questions that we were told, but he didn't respond (sign of shock), so I covered him up with what I could find.

I had asked my husband what his role was in the bus incident, and he said that he was search and rescue. There was a man place at the back of the bus. This man had a red tag on him and a brief description of what was wrong. While the others were treating the minor injuries (not to be done on the bus, but in the treatment area), the man;s airway became obstructed. My husband noticed the man and climbed over the other victims and followed the procedure for opening up the airway. He did this twice, and the man was taken out to the red tarp to be monitored. The instructor said, "You are not supposed to be out here. You are dead!" The man replied, "He (pointing to my husband) opened up my airway."

Our oldest son could only attend a couple of the classes as he was getting ready to leave for a geology trip to Santa Cruz Island. He was the cook for the group.

Partly Clear, Partly Cloudy

2010-10-17T19:51:00.001-07:00

No, I am not talking about the weather. It is raining here, and we are expecting rain all week long. My purchased one windshield wiper during the last rain. He was told that the left wiper was 24" and the right side is 21" We still haven't found a 21" wiper, so the driver side view through the windshield is clear, but the passenger side view is foggy or cloudy looking. We have had our Honda Odyssey for about 3 o4 4 years now, and never knew that the sizes were different.

Refrigerator Our Of Commission

2010-10-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

We have had this refrigerator for almost 3 years now, and like it very much, but the troubles began. I noticed water on the floor, but thought that the water pipe was leaking in the back again. My oldest so noticed the water running out of the freezer (melted ice). OMG! How can something be wrong so soon. We used to buy extended warranties, but thought that it wasn't necessary this time.

So.....thank goodness there are 3 refrigerators at dh's workplace. We loaded up the perishables. The sad thing is that I just bought some chicken. I guess that if a refrigerator breaks that it would be on the day when you just loaded it up with fresh items. Updates to come

That Some Kinda of Pizza

2010-10-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

My son has me hooked on Big Mamma & Big Pappa's Pizza.

The first time he brought home a pizza, I was shocked. It was huge, but only to find out that there is another larger sizes(36"). They hand toss the dough. I watched the man do this with the 28 inch pizza dough. Amazing.

Apple Harvest Cake

2010-10-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am going to make this Apple Cake

courtesy of my friend Bev from Bee Haven Acres

I can't wait to make and of course eat the cake. Thanks Bev.

Vintage Fabric

2010-10-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Now, I like vintage fabrics and wished that I had this fabric and sold it on eBay.

5 yards of fabric sold for $153.50. Can you believe that someone would pay that much for fabric? I was shocked when I saw the final auction price.

Fuji Apple Harvest

2010-10-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it was that time of year when the Fuji apples are ready for picking. The apples were larger this year, but we also had some tiny, tiny, apples. We must have had between 75 plus apples. Some of the apples fell victim to worms. The worms make a tiny pin size hole at the top of the apple and eat their way through the center of the apple. I don't know what to do with these apples, but there are plenty of good apples.

Time to make some apple muffins and home made apple sauce. Yum, Yum.

New Cobbler Aprons At Country N' More

2010-09-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

I have added a lot of new aprons at my online store. There are new Fall and Harvest theme, Christmas/Winter theme, country, and floral theme aprons. More new aprons to
come.

Cobbler aprons are made from pre-shrunk 100 percent cotton fabric.
You get two aprons in one.
Cobbler aprons fit waits up to 50 inches.
There are two large pockets on each side of the cobbler apron.
All edges are top=stitched.

http://www.countrynmore.com/cobbler-aprons-70/

Human Alarm Clock And Snooze Alarm

2010-09-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

Image from Google Images.

My oldest son never got used to an electric alarm clock and I honestly don't know why. I guess that my son prefers to hear "It's 6:00 o'clock," only to hear the following words, "I just need 10 more minutes." Why do I do I wake him up. Well, I guess that I can let him work things out for himself, but sometimes, it is good just to get an earlier start in the morning. Nope, I would just rather sleep in like my son would rather do, but then he has a full school schedule and I don't. I will probably hear a lot about me being the Human Alarm Clock and why I should just let my son work this out himself instead of relying on me to wake him up.

This week is filled with tests (3 total plus the online tests). I never saw professors test the students this much before. Besides the class tests, my son is to take online tests. One weekend, he had 4 tests to take for his chemistry class, then one test in class that week. Today is his mineralogy test.

Vintage Apron For Theater Production

2010-09-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would share a picture of the apron that I made for a theater production up in northern California. It really did turn out cute and worth the struggle that I had with the bodice.

Dogs Close To My Heart

2010-09-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

If I knew how to put the video here, I would-so I am sorry about that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAkRUnotxyw

In case you don't know, I love animals and I am a strong support of the Humane Society of the U.S. This is so sad. I feel for those innocent puppies. I don't know what it is like in your state or the state where I live as well, but this affects all of us, especially if you purchase animals from pet stores. We adopt our animals from the Humane Society, or they are rescue animals. I received this e-mail today which reads as follows:

This November, voters in Missouri -- the nation’s number-one puppy mill state -- will vote on a measure that will stop puppy mill abuses. It’s called Proposition B, and it would establish common sense standards for the care of dogs.

But last week, the puppy mill industry launched its campaign against Prop B with robo-calls to households across the state spreading lies about this measure. We can’t let those attacks go unanswered. Will you help us deliver the facts to Missouri voters -- and help save thousands of puppy mill dogs?

Missouri is home to approximately 3,000 puppy mills, about 30 percent of all the puppy mills in the country. And this massive industry is going to fight to keep business as usual, so they can continue to cram dogs into small and filthy cages, deny them veterinary care, expose them to extremes of heat and cold, and give them no exercise or human affection.

These puppy mills are cruel and the way these dogs are treated is wrong. And this dirty business affects all of us, because Missouri’s puppy mill dogs are shipped all over the country, sold to pet stores and directly to consumers over the Internet! In fact, as you read this, there is very likely a puppy from a Missouri mill staring out from a cage at a pet store near you.

A Man And His Hot Sauce-Homemade That Is

2010-09-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

My son likes his hot chile peppers and especially hot sauce. The hotter the peppers are and the hotter the hot sauce is the better it is. My son has been growing chile peppers for several years now, and has recently grown Carribean Red Chili Peppers. The plant is producing large amounts of Carribean Red chile peppers, which makes him very happy.

The Carribean Red Chile Red pepper 300,000 - 475,000 Scovilles. The Carribean red habanero is about twice as hot as a regular habanero. This extremely hot pepper, originally from the Yucatn peninsula in Mexico, is now also cultivated in the Carribean and around North America.

This is the recipe that he made up for his homemade hot sauce:

Homemade Hot sauce
makes one quart

3 cups coarsely chopped peppers (stems removed)
2 cups white vinegar
1 tablespoons salt

Put all the ingredients in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth.

You can preserve your sauce by canning it in sterilized pint jars in a hot water bath for 35 minutes. For serving, pour into saved and cleaned bottles with a sprinkler top.

These are the same chili peppers that he used in a dish, that literally made me cough from breathing in the hot pepper smell.

Could Use Some ZZZZ....

2010-09-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

The last time that I felt this miserable was almost a year ago, when I had walking pneumonia. This time is different, but miserable I am. It is so hard when my body wants some ZZZzzzz....
and I can't sleep because I feel miserable. It is hard that when I need some ZZZzzz...every one around me is sound asleep.

What do you do when you feel miserable to pass the time? No use in trying to go to sleep again for now. Maybe, the chance will come that I can finally get some shut-eye.

I Have Met My Match

2010-09-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have finally met my match. Sometimes, I don't mind a challenge, but this time the vintage apron pattern won. Looks can be deceiving. Before taking on the project of making this vintage apron for a theater production, I thought no problem. I was wrong. I feel like I am just learning to sew again. So frustrating.

I feel like I am back in junior high and that I am just beginning to learn to sew. Sigh.....

The apron is now ready to be fitted, so now it is just waiting and seeing. The apron is not completely finished, but I will finish it after it is brought back from the fitting.

Honey Bees Destruction

2010-08-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

On the topic of Honey Bee, my uninformed neighbor had a bee swarm land on her Canyon Live Oak tree. She contacted Los Angeles county Vector Control, resulting in a bee exterminator spraying pesticides onto the swarm and the trunk of the oak tree. The only things left was the dead bees and this sign:

The woman was very unhappy that the honey bees were killed. She just wanted them removed from her tree.

Home Made Jelly From Our Wild Grapes

2010-08-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

Part of the collection of grape jelly. The jelly tastes delicious. We used 1 gallon for grape juice to have in the mornings. We have given some to our neighbors, and of course my mom wants some on a regular basis. I guess it is hard to tell how many jars. Total tally 40 (8 oz. jars) and 2 Large jelly jars. We harvest 25 lbs. of grapes.

Bear Baiting and Crueity-So Sad

2010-08-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

HSUS investigators recently attended several bear baiting events in South Carolina. What they found will shock you.

A captive bear -- claws and many teeth cut down or removed -- is tied up and abused for hours. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources gives permits to people who release teams of dogs to harass and bite terrified, defenseless bears.

I was going to link to the petition, but since I had already signed the petition, I can't link to the page that shows the petition. Here is some contact information.

Here is more information.

It just makes me so sad, that people are that cruel. In fact, they had an undercover video, which I couldn't stand to watch for long either.

Full Bounty of Grapes

2010-08-20T20:05:00.001-07:00

My son and I planted tw0 California Red Grape plants in our backyard over a year ago now. This is the first time that we harvested the grapes off of the bushes. All in all, we harvested about 17 pounds of grapes. My son found 5 more pounds of grapes. Time to make jelly, since the grapes are small and have seeds.

This is what is left out of the 22 pounds of grapes

Well, I finally was able to take a couple pictures, although it is hard to tell much there are. Lets say that I have a HUGE bowl full and a slightly smaller bowl full. I am going to work on the jelly today.

In God's Hand

2010-08-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

My youngest son leaves for school today. If you didn't know, my youngest son was accepted at a college here in California, but one that is far enough that he needed a place to live close to school. We found a place for him to rent, which is about 3 blocks from the school. We had found another place, but this place was better.

I will no longer wait up at night when he goes out with friends before I can feel comfortable going to sleep at night. He is now in God's hands, just like he has always been.

Having A Good Laugh

2010-08-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

Well, my husband, oldest son, and I went to our friend's house for the outside movie, etc.night out. It is honestly amazing. It is like a drive-in, although instead of using cars, we sit outside in comfy chairs. The movie screen has been replaced by a large white melamine board attached to a forklift (used in their business), and complete with surround sound. We watched a Pink Floyd Concert DVD, Jeff Bunham It is absolutely hysterical. Jeff has several characters and they each have a character of their own.
We also watched a very funny movie. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. It is good to get out with friends and just have a good laugh.

In Need Of Repair

2010-08-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

I like my sewing machine, but I really do put it through a lot, especially with all the sewing that I do. Well, it is time for a rest and for a visit to the repairman. I was told that it may take as long as 15 days. Sigh....The repairman said that the only other repair shop in the area filed for bankruptcy and closed down. I have another machine, but it is old and I have never used it before. I think that we become comfortable with the familiar, so it is hard to use something else.

I have been away from blog land because of all the sewing lately, so if you happen to stop by, thank you for that.

Oppososte Sides Of The Wall

2010-08-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

We live on a cul-de-sac street which has a block wall that divides us from the neighbors on the other side. Originally when they were building our homes, the contractors began tearing down the wall, but the neighbors on the other side of the wall fought it tooth and nail, and I am glad that they did. It is quiet, because the usually cars that drive on our street are visiting our neighbors or it is our neighbors.

What is odd, is that some of the people on the other side will have groceries in their hands and instead of taking the nearby street to reach their hone, they jump the wall at the end of our street.

Actually, our side of the wall is much quieter than that of the other side. It is like night and day. We have been neighbors, some of us for 26 years, while others it ranges from 10-20 plus years. While we have quiet neighbors, there is one particular neighbor on the other side (we think that there are several individuals living there), where they will rev their engines at all hours of the night.

Lately, our side has been a lot noisier than usual, but it isn't because of our neighbors, but that of the actions taken on the other side. Over the past week, we have heard helicopters searching for individuals and have learned that there were have been shootings by rival gang members. Unfortunately, the individuals have not been caught, and it seems like is an almost daily activity or weekly activity. This is disturbing to me because I like our area because it is usually so peaceful.

32 Years Ago

2010-07-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

32 years ago, my husband and I got married. It is hard to believe that it already has been that long.

You can also check out more pictures on picturetrail.

Creatures In Unusual Places, Etc.

2010-07-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Today, I found out that my husband discovered a opossum in a box on our patio. In the 26 years that we have lived in this house, the opossums have stayed in our neighbor's tree. My husband came inside the house yelling. "I banged on the screen door, but no one came out."

This isn't the actual opossum, but thought that I would add it anyways.

My youngest son was accepted to Cal State Fullerton. There are no dorms available at the college, so he needed to find a place to rent. I am glad that at least I was part of the conversation when he was contacted by a retired couple. It sounds great, but as usual, I will remain home (not of my choosing). My husband will be going with our son to check out the place. The only thing that I can think of is that it is a bonding day between father and son. My husband works too hard, so I see my sons more than he does. I am thankful that I was able to be home since they were infants. My husband didn't have that opportunity.

If they ask where is your mom, I would love to hear that response. I could just tag along, but then I feel like I am "tagging along", and disrupting whatever plans they may have. Sigh.....It will be quiet around here this year.

Awesome Action Picture

2010-07-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

Here is another awesome photo from my son's geology trip. The trail that they were to walk on was not just a plain path, but a walk up the river---no other choice. I won't say the name of this river, just because of the name. I honestly don't know why the river was named.

Geology Trip More Pictures

2010-07-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

I love the back drop for this group photo. See the young guy who looks like he is just acting up for the photo. Well, my son this young man actually doesn't have his feet on the ground, and the picture was taken as he was falling.

Winner of the Country Gift Book Give-Away

2010-07-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is already to announce the winner of the terrific give-away.

The winner is Annie (njaw09)

Annie, congratulations on winning. Please e-mail me so that I can send you the book.

I hope that I can see the e-mail. I have been having trouble with my e-mail account.

Over The Rainbow & White Water Rafting

2010-07-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

My son didn't take his camera, but his professor took the first picture. It looks like the rainbow is in the palm of my son's hand. The picture is so cool! My son also went white water rafting for the first time along the Colorado River.

A trip that will last a life time, and a trip he will always remember, including both the good and bad events.

Blog Give-Away

2010-07-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

Gals, I am doing my second blog give-away. The book is one from my collection called, "Country Gifts Handmade & Homebaked," by Eileen Westfall. 190 pg. hardcover book
This book is jam packed with projects, plus it has great recipes.

Here are just a few of the great projects in store for the winner of this contest:

Winner will be picked from bloggers who post a comment. This contest will end on my birthday, July 14th.

New Found Relatives

2010-06-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Friends, I didn't want to post leaving on a trip, but now I am back. We were in HOT Kentucky for about 3 fun filled days, meeting relatives we only heard about a few years ago. I love the gorgeous country side in Kentucky. I can see why those who live in the country love it so much.

We had a fantastic time visiting and meeting the relatives who came to
Kentucky. It definitely was a trip of a lifetime and one that we are
glad that we are able to make. Everyone is so warm and caring and my
cousins Beth and Sandy are hysterical. Sandy could be a stand up
comedian. Everything she says is funny as the quips and words
naturally flows off her tongue. I wished though that all lived
closer, so that we could visit more often. My father was in an
orphanage. He went to the Catholic orphanage when he was around 3
years old. There were 6 other siblings. My dad, his sisters Louise
and Isabelle are the only surviving siblings. I met my Aunt Isabelle,
who also had a large family (8 children) and my Aunt Louise. The
local news station did a news story on the first reunion between my
dad and his sister Louise, and then again when the two sisters met.
My dad met his older sister Isabelle during this trip as well. I also
found out that I have 21 new cousins and counting, but only met 4 of
my cousins.

The second flight leaving from Chicago to LAX was LONG (did I say
long-lol), but we were treated to lightning shows from above and the
view was fabulous. Here are some of the pictures I took.

So Long California Redwood Tree

2010-06-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am sad to say that the California Redwood tree that my oldest son nurtured since it was a little seedling seen its day. I guess that it didn't like being transplanted. We usually have success when transplanting plants, but then this tree was over 10 feet tall and was in the way of our lemon and pear tree. I hope that the little growth (new growth at the base of the tree) will take hold and survive. Time will tell.

A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

2010-06-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

My oldest son has been fortunate to be in the geology program at our local public college. These professors are so awesome and very encouraging. The program for biology and geology is the best. My son missed the opportunity last year to go on the trip to the Colorado Plateaus, and this year he almost missed out as well, if it had not been for a student backing out of the trip. My son gets to go on a two trip for his summer class.

I wonder if he will see any images as these:

The Wave

Pool

Bryce Canyon is so beautiful, but it will be HOT!

I do know that he will be hiking in Bryce Canyon, something that my dh and I did about 26 years ago. I wished that my son would take his camera, but I understand why he doesn't.

Keep Safe and Have Fun!

P.S. It is now early Monday morning and I have had about 3 1/2 hours of sleep. I am up I guess because I don't want to over sleep. My son wants me to get him up at 5:30 am, which is very unusual. He is all packed which is also unusual. He will have a lot of memories and adventures awaiting him during these two weeks.

Please, With A Cherry On Top

2010-06-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Now, if this were real and looked like a real ice cream sundae or even shake, it would have melted in a matter of minutes. This was taken by my youngest son when it was well over 100 degrees in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.

Now, if it were real, it would have been in my stomach. yum, yum. Of course, it would be too much, but ice ream with a cherry on top is oh so yummy.

Vintage Smock Apron

2010-06-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I was asked by a friend if I could make his wife some new aprons using her old mother's vintage smock apron. I was up for the challenge. The aprons have since faded, from all the washing. I was told that my friend wore her aprons all the time. Well, it was time for some new aprons, so it I was again up for the challenge. I had taken notes-thank goodness and some pictures, which were not all that great, but I did finish one of the aprons. I took the apron over to my friend's house last night and she broke down in tears. She has the sweetest husband.

Anyways, my friend's mother's apron was old and worn out and it bore wood stains, since my friend wore that apron while helping her husband stain cabinets in his cabinet business. I thought that I would post the original apron, and the one that I just made. The apron looks better on my friend that it does on my dress form.

Original Smock Apron

The New Apron

Native Plant Yard Update

2010-06-11T23:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess this isn't all about the native plant yard at my mom's house, because I have posted a couple pictures of our beautiful roses as well.

Native Garden Before:

Some Updated Pictures:

California Daisy

Roses:

California Daisy

Perpetuum Jazzile - Africa

2010-06-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Perpetium Jazzle is awesome. The cappella is so awesome. The use of their hands and feet to simulate a rainstorm in the beginning is so unique. It is a must see for sure.

Fabric Store Is Officially Open

2010-06-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well, our online fabric store has been open since Mother's Day. I have been wanting to sell my fabrics, with many of the fabrics that are out of print. I have been asked time and time again if I sell or would sell my fabrics that I used for custom aprons.

My sons gave me the best Mother's Day present ever, and this was it. Of course as my sons were growing up, they had and actually still have clashed. They have their moments when they get along, but they are complete opposites. As they were growing up, I would say that the best Mother's Day gift that they could give me was a day without them arguing. It has been a blessing for that one day a year. I had always wished that they would eventually or actually get along in a timely manner.

Just Being A Mom

2010-06-04T01:16:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we learned that our youngest son was invited to his friend's (ex-girlfriend's) birthday party in Las Vegas. Originally, the girl's parents were going to drive several young adults including my son to Las Vegas. My son had to make some arrangements with work and school, but one of his professors would not let my son take his exam early unless it was an emergency.

My son decided that he couldn't go, but that soon changed when his dad mentioned that our son could rent a car (his car wouldn't make the long drive). I being a mom was concerned about our 21 year old son driving to Las Vegas at night after his evening class. Of course, my son could tell that I would worry and assured me that he would be fine. Just to ease this old woman's mind, my son said that he would give me a call when he reached the rest stops and when he safely arrived at his destination. It is now 1:15 a.m. and I have received one call. Everything is fine. Of course, in my heart, I knew that he would be fine because there was someone far mightier than I watching over my son, but I am still a mom after all, but I should just trust that everything will work out. It is 2 am and my son is now in his hotel room. You see, I think that I know why the party is in Las Vegas. No, my son and his friends are not interested in gambling, but the parents are. Every year for as long as I can remember, they would drive to Las Vegas so that they could gamble.

My oldest son will be going on another weekend geology trip to the White Inyos. My son volunteered to go with a fellow student while the student reworks his mapping of the geology. The student lost his map during the last trip, so since a group was going to the White Inyos, the professor said that this student can get a second chance at the mapping. It was felt and I had to agree with this one, that there should be another person (like the buddy system suggested when hiking), in case something happens. It will be a night of little sleep, since the oldest wants me to help to wake him up at 5:45 am.

It will be a quiet weekend for sure around here.

Winner Of Contest On Mary Jane Farm

2010-06-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I won some delicious strawberry jam from Nicole on MaryJane Farm Connection Forum. I rarely win anything. I can't wait to try this jam out.

If you never been to MaryJane Farm Farmgirl Connection, it is a great place to meet some terrific people.

Never A Dull Moment-Well At Least For Today

2010-05-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone had a very nice Memorial Day. We were going to see an re-enactment of the Civil War at our local cemetery, but we didn't go. I found out that the local cemetery has the largest gravesides for Civil War soldiers in California. If our local blog has pictures, then I will post them here.

Whenever there is an event whether it is at the Rose Bowl, Rose Parade, Memorial Day parade, we have planes fly overhead. This time the planes were very low. I didn't take these pictures, but someone else did.

WWII warbirds in various stripes and colors in a 7 plane formation

Air Force C-17 from March AFB

Anyways, today is a good day to barbecue. Now, I would have to steer away a little from the normal barbecue. My dh probably won't like me posting this but..... We had this coconut, and my son found that it was easier to peel the outside off of the coconut if you bake it. Well, we never got around to baking the rest of the coconut, so dh decided to put the coconut on the barbecue grill, and then he left. My son smelled something burning and when he looked outside, the flames were shooting out the back of the barbecue (must have been at least 2 feet high or more), and coming close to our patio roof. Lets just say that the coconut was white when dh started this adventure. I honestly don't know how they take the coconut on survivor, but I sure would like to know.

We did finally get to use the barbecue for what it was intended for and had a nice and peaceful afternoon after the fire incident.

So much for sleep. My oldest son has two projects due this morning. It is almost 4 am as I write this part in the blog. I have nice penmanship, but my son doesn't. He is working on a geological map of the White Inyos, and needed information written nicely and legible. Too bad he doesn't have my penmanship.

You may ask why he is doing it the morning of. This is the first chance that my son has to work on it. He is in charge of building the community garden at the college and is working with another young man. My son is also on the community water committee (worked all day Sunday), and last Saturday he was gone most of the day, then it was off to the library to get some rare information from a rare book. There was a book in the geology department at the college, but someone stole the book. This information is important for his class presentation. Yesterday, was his other break, but my son is also a consultant for a friend's business. Thank goodness my son can work from home to solve the computer related issues for our friend. It just makes me tired writing about it all and I am not the one who has to do it all. This coming weekend is another trip to the White Inyos for my son and the geology group from the college.

Aren't These Shoes The Cutest?

2010-05-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

I cam across this blog recently. Oh my, if only I was as talented. These shoes are the cutest. Be sure to scroll to the top of the blog page.

Question And Answer Period

2010-05-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine from "Just Breathe," posted these questions, and so I decided to answer them.

1.How often do you change the sheets on your bed?
Not as often as someone I know. I knew a woman who washed her sheets every day.

2.Do you wash your hair everyday?
Sometimes twice a day during the hot weather.

3.Have you ever told a white lie to get out of doing things when people ask?
Gosh, I don't remember, but I might have at some point in my life.

4.Do you like to talk on the phone or send emails to communicate?
Actually, I do both, but I think that I send more e-mails because of my business. I do enjoy talking to the customers on the phone.

5.Matthew McConaughey or George Clooney?
That is a tough question. Both are cute.

6.I have know people who take a new towel each day after they shower. Are you one of those people?
Nope, not me.

7.Have you ever been on the news or had your picture in the newspaper?
I did have my picture in the newspaper back when I won an award in junior high school and then for my dh's and my engagement announcement and wedding.

8.Do you buy new cars or do you always buy a used car?
We only bought a new car once. Most of our cars are used.

9.Do you have a green thumb when it comes to house plants?
I thought that I did, but the way our house is, it is hard to have plants indoors.

10.Where would you like to live when you retire?
I would actually like to stay where I am.

More Bibs

2010-05-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

My nephew and his wife recently had a baby boy, whom they named Titus. I finally was able to finish these bibs. Just like with the quilt that I have been working on, well one that has been put on hold because of a hectic life, got pushed aside.

Yeah. Maybe, the quilt will get worked on. It is in my plans. I will certainly post the progress. In case you have not seen what was done so far, you can see it here.

Let No One Come Between Me And My Bone

2010-05-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

Our dog likes the chew bones, but he takes on another personality when the bone is in his possession. Max likes to grab the bone and hide under the table. If I or someone else goes to sit down in the nearby chair, Max quickly grabs that bone. Now, don't even think of trying to pet him. He lets us know that nothing will get between him and his bone, as he growls and snarls. He makes sure that the bone is within his grasp or reach.

Once that bone is finished or even after a successful attempt has been made to retrieve the bone, the old Max is back to his normal and playful self.

Coyote On The Prowl

2010-05-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

Every year, the coyotes come looking and searching. I don't remember the coyotes coming on our street, but have seen them on the street just to the north and surrounding areas. This year, a coyote has been on our street, and my oldest son discovered a coyote in our front yard. Our dog Max happened to be outside with our son. Next thing, Max is chasing the coyote up the street. When my son calls our dog, the coyote turns around chasing after our dog. Our dog isn't small, but he isn't extremely large either, but he has a growl and bark that can send someone running.

It turns out that a coyote has been seen on our street every night and sometimes as late as 8 or 9 in the morning. We have a wild tabby cat that has called our street his home, but he hides out in the neighbor's back yard. He isn't tame enough and the owners cats don't get along with the tabby, so the tabby remains outdoors. We are concerned for this cat.

I found out some interesting facts about coyotes.
1) A coyote can jump fences as high as 5 1/2 to 6 ft. tall and can dig under fences if they are eager enough to get in to someone's back yard. (hence the concern for the tabby).
2) Coyotes can break through chicken wire.

I have learned a lot more.

Picturesque Clouds And Skies Above

2010-05-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

My dh likes to take pictures of clouds and of sunsets. His memory card was full and I discovered many gorgeous pictures that he had taken. Some of the pictures were taken over a year ago and some pictures are of his mother when she was alive.

Today's pictures are two of my favorite shots taken by my husband.

My all time favorite and there are many gorgeous pictures.

Well, I hope that each and everyone of you have a wonderful Tuesday.

Memories And Traditions

2010-05-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

It has been 8 months since my mil passed away at the age of 93. Today, my dh and I went to Forest Lawn Cemetery to put flowers on his mother's and grandmother's grave. This is the first for my husband. He had accompanied his mother for years, but mostly my mil went on her own or had her helper assist her. Every Mother's Day, birthday, or Memorial Day, flowers were laid on the grave.

Today, we saw people of all different ethnic backgrounds. Some people were laying next to the site, while others were laying flowers, reminiscing, or performing religious rituals. The hillsides of this large place were filled with color. My husband carefully attended and created bouquets using the flowers from our yard and our son's native garden. I told my husband that his mom would be pleased at his creation and his attentiveness. He responded by saying, "Don't you think that she is pleased now?" Of course.

Nashville Flooding

2010-05-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

I was reading one of the blogs that I follow. The flooding in Nashville has taken its toll, just like all the other areas that recently had flooding problems. Quote from the blog over at Consider It Pure Joy.

There is a fundraising effort. 100% of the profits will go to help victims in the nashville area.

Baby Bibs

2010-05-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

A new customer wanted bibs to match the toddler apron that she purchased. I have never made bibs for, but I made them. I thought that I would share some pictures with you. I really like both of the prints. I am thinking of making some bibs for the new addition to my husbands side of the family.

I really like the name Liora.

P.S. I finally have our fabric store open. We have a large selection of hard to find and out of print fabrics. More prints will be added as time goes by.

What A Predicament!

2010-05-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess that this lizard wanted to be sure to get the flies. I have never seen a lizard caught between the screen and the metal security frame design on our sliding glass door.

Yum, Yum, Taco Salad

2010-05-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for a good night sleep.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

My husband informed me last week about a potluck for work for Cinco De Mayo. So....I made our family's favorite taco salad. We don't eat beef, so I made it with ground turkey, salsa, etc.

Sleepless in California

2010-05-04T03:17:00.000-07:00

When my husband and I were first considering moving up to where we live now, some 26 years ago, the homes were still yet un-built. We were told that there were a lot of parties in the neighborhood, and that it was a noisy neighborhood. So....my husband and I would drive up here and park outside the fenced in area in the evenings, but all we could here were crickets. That was fine with us because we enjoy the outdoors and crickets were a part of the outdoors.

Things are different regarding crickets. A few years ago, crickets moved in to our attic, and often we would see them in our house. These crickets we soon found out were called "house crickets," and they prefer the indoors. The male crickets would chirp their high pitch sounds all day long and night. A few days ago, a cricket moved in to our bedroom, so you can guess where I am going with this. I went to lay down to sleep the other night, and was very relaxed until.....the loud chirping began. It is hard to sleep with the high pitch sound echoing off the walls in the bedroom. These crickets are hard to catch at times and so the nights are filled with restless sleep. This is why it is 3:15 am and I am up typing this on the blog. Sometimes, this cricket will keep me up, while other times, it will allow me to go back to sleep. I hope that my husband finds this un-welcomed creature in our bedroom, so that we can sleep, I mean so that I can sleep soundly once again. Dh tends to be able to sleep through all the chirping.

UPDATE: Yeah, last night was the first peaceful night in 4 or 5 days. I just wanted to keep sleeping this morning. Woke up later than normal for me, but I need to get up. I am supposed to make a taco salad for hubby's work today. No cricket chirping made for a great night. I honestly don't know what became of the cricket who wanted to serenade all night.