A Fairy Garden and A Frugal Tip

I wish I was clever enough to think of some words that begin with the letter F to begin this post...but my creativity lies in other areas. :)

I've been wanting to make a fairy garden with Alissa for a long time. Well a week or so ago, we finally got to make one. I already had this hose tub ($18 from WalMart) that I used to have a little water feature in. The seal wouldn't stay in place and the water kept draining out so I drilled holes in the bottom of it and turned it into a planter. I got several little plants the last day I was working at Big Bloomers (Gail's nursery) and Alissa and Laura just happened to be at the house when I got home, so we all three got to help create this cute garden. The little birdhouse was $1 from Michaels and I used the spray paint left over from Laura's glass bird feeder, which coordinated with the foxglove perfectly.




We made the fairies a little pond out of a sunken baby food jar; Alissa put the blue stone in it to make it show up a little better. I made the little arbour out of some twigs and placed it over the stone pathway. They even have a stone patio area!

We had fun making a little world for some lucky fairies. I haven't seen them but surely a couple have set up housekeeping. We're going to make some more later on. The patio is now a shady area perfect for some magical beings to live.

Now on to the frugal tip. I spend a lot of time cleaning...mostly the floors. Rarely do I miss a day of running the vacuum cleaner, especially in the kitchen. I used to "mop" the floor with an old towel on my hands and knees but that about killed my knees, so I broke down and bought a Clorox mop. I really like it - it's quick and easy to use, but I hate buying those boxes of "mops". I try to stay away from using disposable stuff, but sometimes you can't get away from them.

Well, I kept thinking about what I could use instead of the disposable things and came across these dishrags at WalMart. I think they were $5 for the package of four, so I kept two and gave the other two to Laura.


I want to tell you that these things work GREAT! They are thicker than the disposable things and they do a much better job of cleaning. Plus, you just toss them in the washer with your laundry and use them again and again!

Note the handy twist tie keeping the little squirter in place? I can jerry-rig about anything if necessary!

Well, I've ridden my bicycle for an hour this morning and mowed the field and two side areas of the property. The floors have been cleaned (toilets and sinks can wait) so now I'm headed to my sewing machine. I've started that special thank you wall hanging for my wonderful vet, plus I just had a super idea while mowing (heat does stranges things to me). I can't wait to get started on it.

I'll leave you with pictures of my Princess' neck. The first picture is when the bandage came off 10 days after her surgery. The second is today - all healed and waiting for her pretty white hair to grow back in. She's doing super!

Friday Night Sew In

Hi folks!

I've been stitching in between doing a lot of yard work the last few weeks. I finally finished the 2nd Catalicious block and still need to get busy with block #3.


Last night I worked on my latest project - the All Dressed Up quilt by Freda's Hive. I purchased this pattern last year and have been wanting to get started on it ever since. It's a nice project to work on when I have time or feel like stitching something a little different. I'll post updates as my work progresses on it.


I hope you are all having a nice weekend. It's been a hot day here and Gail doesn't use A/C much in their home, so I did some sweating while cleaning. Maybe I lost a few ounces :) She gave me starts of a few plants from her yard, so I had to rush home and plant them. I've already had my dinner, shower and am in my pj's listening the A Prairie Home Companion before my BritComs start at 8. Tomorrow is all mine and I've got tons of cleaning, sewing and yard work to get done. There just aren't enough hours in a day!!

Now to fix a nice glass of delicious iced tea (my favorite refrshment) and some stitching while listening to, and watching my favorite night of entertainment!

TTFN

Catching Up

Yay! I've got my trusty computer back with all the software I need. Now I can post some pictures I've been taking for the last few weeks and haven't been able to share.

First, this one is gross but really funny. I baked a pizza in the oven for supper a while back and burned it a little. I ate what I could and put the rest out on the front porch, intending to throw it in the trash. As usual, I got busy with things and forgot about it. By the time I remembered to toss it in the trash, it was dark. What a silly sight to see all the little slugs having their very own pizza party on my porch!

I wasn't going to mess with the plate - slugs gross me out! So, I left it where it was and went on to bed. The next morning there was nothing on the plate. I don't know what critter visits at night, but it had a pizza party too...probably a racoon or possum.

Next up, look what I have in my little Japanese maple tree...a mocking bird nest complete with three sweet eggs. Aren't they pretty?!?


I've been riding my bicycle - not every day as I wanted to, but frequently and for at least 30 minutes...usually longer. I've also been taking magnesium citrate and between the two changes, am feeling better physically. I've even lost almost five pounds, which I'm very happy about! I've lost some of my appetite and just don't feel like eating. This seems to happen to me periodically and I am always glad when it does.

I've got more catching up to do with you, but need to get a few things done around here before it gets too late. I will post more tomorrow evening.

TTFN!

Starting All Over

Hi everybody,

I hope all of you are well and having a good start to summer, even though it's still technically spring. It sure has felt like summer here with the heat and complete lack of rain. Thank goodness we finally had rain yesterday and it will continue today!

Now for some positive news! As of late this week, I will be an employee of Lowes Home Improvement! I interviewed last Thursday for an entry level cashier position and got it. The pay is very low, but the important thing is that I will have insurance after 90 days - just in the nick of time since my COBRA is ending the end of July. I'll only be without insurance for a couple of weeks and then Lowes benefits kick in.

The pay isn't something that will make my house payment, so I will be dependent on drawing from my retirement funds. I'll never recover the money but am thankful that I gave till it hurt for so many years. I have access to enough funds to last me through this year if I'm very careful. Surely the economy will be better by then!

I'm encouraged because I was told that the store is making some changes (they couldn't go into details) and that I will be moved into a position that is a better fit for my background. Now that I have a job of my own at a place that I'm comfortable in, it's easy to pretend that life is normal again.

With this change in my life, my attitude has already changed for the better. I have already started taking better care of myself and my health. I bought a bicycle Saturday and have enjoyed riding it for the last two days. I started a log with my weight and how many miles I ride and am looking forward to seeing some good results. Yesterday, I rode for six miles and I feel a new sense of determination that I haven't had in a very long time.

My computer is in the hospital being repaired by a friend. I don't know what happened but I lost MS Outlook....all my contacts and more importantly, my job search records for the last 16 months. I sure hope he can restore all my records. In the mean time, I'm using my little Netbook and since it doesn't have Kodak software on it, I can't share pics. I have lots to catch up on and will post pictures as soon as I get the computer back home though.

I hope you all have a good day today and be thankful for what you have!

TTFN

Finally, I Got To Make Something!

I've been so busy trying to keep my head above water and then taking care of Princess, that I just haven't had time to make anything fun or pretty. Well, I did make that quick cell phone case for my mom, but that's been it in the crafty arena.

But look! I made a pretty birdfeeder for Alissa to give to Laura for Mother's Day. I saw these last year at the Atlanta Market and knew I could figure out how to make one. I think it turned out really pretty, don't you? They retail for $45, but I'm selling them for $35 and already have an order for a red one.



Each one will be unique due to the fact that the plates and cups are coming from thrift shops. The possibilites are endless though.

All is quiet on the job searching front...no nibbles at the moment so am still at Gail's nursery. Thank goodness for that!

I hope you all are having a good week. The weather here has been very cool, but I love it that way!

Popping In To Say Hello

Well, we're all into another busy time of year, aren't we? I worked at the Garden Market yesterday and everybody is buying pretty gifts to give for Mother's Day. I told several customers that I wish I was their mother to be on the receiving end of all those pretties!

I've been working furiously in the heat at the garden center and am exhausted by the time I get home....but, the money helps a lot and I'm very grateful to Gail! In the evenings, I've been trying to get my yards whipped into shape, but there is never enough light out for long after I get all the critters taken care of. Still, I'm working away each night and happy with anything I get accomplished.

I haven't been able to sew or do anything really fun for a few weeks, but did manage to make my mom a cute cell phone bag last night for Mother's Day. I made a long strap so she could hang it around her neck. She told me that when she mows the yard, she puts the cell phone on the deck so that she could get to it if she had any sort of accident. I fussed at her and said that she needed to keep the phone ON her. If she fell, she might not be able to get to it. I'll get it in the mail tomorrow. I want to make one for myself as well, but with a short strap to hook onto my belt loop.

This morning I was greeted by my tropical iris that blooms once a year. I shared some pictures with you last year, but here is what I'm looking at now. The blooms fade in less than 24 hours, so I'm happy I caught this.

Princess gets her stitches removed Saturday and they will be drawing blood to check on her thyroid activity. My vet called Tuesday to say that the tumor was malignant but hopefully the surgery will be curative. I'm not going to worry about her and know that she will be with me for several more years now...she's a tough little cookie!

I'm trying to get some laundry done in between other chores while I'm home today. What is it about a stripped bed that cats love so much? No sooner than I took the sheets off my day bed, all three kitties jumped up to groom themselves (or each other).


Our Lowes is hiring sales associates, so I've filled out my application and will talk to the HR manager tomorrow when she gets back. I just found out about the openings yesterday and that they pay higher than minimum wage, plus offer benefits. Since I've resigned myself to the fact that I have to draw on part of my meager retirement funds, I can make ends meet if I can get a position that offers insurance. It will be hard, but I can hang on till next year when the economy is supposed to be in better shape. At least the extreme pressure is off me for a little while and I have hope again.

Well folks, I'm headed outside to make something I've been wanting to try for a year now. I'll show pictures if it turns out ok! I hope the week has been good to you all!

TTFN....!

In The Pink

Hi everybody,

My sweet Princess had her surgery Monday. After a rough night, she is now on the mend. She is really one tough little girl and I'm so proud of her. She looks horrible in this picture, but that is only because she hates having the huge bandage around her neck. I get to remove it tomorrow and she will be very happy :)

The surgery was very expensive, but I have a wonderful vet. When I was checking out, the bill was half of what I was quoted. My vet knows I've been out of work and must have said something to the surgeon who performed the operation, or she picked up part of the bill herself - I don't know for sure. I will be doing something very special to repay the kindness at any rate.

Trips To The Vet and America's Food Source

First, I want to thank you all for your support in the decision I made about the stray dog. It has bothered me all week and I'm not sure I deserve your kindness considering I took him to his death. As much as he suffered in the gas chamber, it was nothing compared to being used for bait.

Yesterday was another emotional day for me. As if the stress of this job search isn't enough, my precious Princess has something medical going on - possibly thyroid cancer. We've been to the vet twice this week and I'm headed back there this morning. My wonderful vet will get some answers after a specialist examines Princess and performs an ultrasound.
*Update* just arrived home. She has a tumor on her thyroid :( When the tests come back, we'll proceed with surgery. She is quite dopey from the anesthesia, poor baby.




Now maybe you all don't realize what an animal lover I am. I've been involved with rescue for years and been a supporter of animals' rights since the 70's. Last evening I was laying in bed, trying to get my brain turned off and was flipping through channels. There wasn't anything I wanted to watch, so tuned in to the local PBS channel. Usually that have documentaries with a soothing voice doing the speaking. The documentary that was on was a film called "Food, Inc". I missed the first half but the portion I did see was alarming. If you have the time, just scan through this site for some alarming facts and information.
http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-issues.php

From now on, I am going to make every effort to buy the locally grown food at the grocery store. It costs more, but I don't eat that much and it's better for the farmers and the planet...and me!

An Innocent Dog

He was just laying there in the strip of grass between the highway and Wendy's. "If he's still there when I get out of Walmart, I'll stop" I thought to myself. I proceeded to Walmart to pick up the usual pet supplies - food and litter. They didn't have my brand so I left frustrated and had already forgotten about the stray dog.

He was still there. "He must be hurt", I said to myself. I turned the car around and pulled into the Wendy's parking lot. A young man was getting out of his car and looking toward the dog. "Do you know who he belongs to", I asked. "No", he replied, "but I thought he might be hurt". I got the leash from my car that I always carry. I instructed the young man to make a wide berth so we could position ourselves between the unmoving dog and highway, in case he bolted. I continued to walk slowly toward him and he watched me carefully. "Are you ok, buddy" I asked in a soft voice. His eyes never left mine and I wasn't sure what he was going to do. As I approached, he lowered his head to the ground and bared his tummy in complete submission.

I stooped down and slipped the leash over his neck. The young man and I gave him a visual exam and didn't see any blood or wounds, so it didn't appear that he'd been hit by a car. More likely, he smelled the food from Wendys and was hoping for a scrounged meal. He had signs of demodectic mange and was scratching. He also showed visible signs of tape worm caused by fleas.

I tried to walk him to my car but he didn't budge. I asked the young man if he'd hold the leash till I went inside and bought a plain burger to entice the dog with. He was hungry and his ribs showed. I gave him little bites till we got to the car and then the young man had to lift him into the car.

So here I was with a strange dog in my car, not knowing how he'd react. What was I going to do with him now? I no longer have a quarantine area for strays and I couldn't leave him there to get hit, or far worse, picked up and used for bait to train fighting dogs. The small no-kill shelter is full, as most shelters are. This dog wasn't exactly handsome, and was a medium to large size - no redeeming qualities other than a wonderful and loving personality just waiting to be tapped. He didn't stand a chance but I took him to the local Animal Control facility, which stays overflowing with unwanted and abandoned pets, and cried. They dispose of animals cruelly by gas chamber. The stray will be put in the black box and killed with gas Wednesday, if not sooner due to the Demodex.

This stray dog could just as easily have been your beloved pet. Thousands of dogs and cats are killed every hour in the US. Please get your pets spayed or neutered and encourage everybody you know to do the same. And don't fool yourself about pure breeds being safe from this fate. They are no more safe than a mutt. I will leave you with this - get a tissue.

Do I Go Home Today?

My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.
These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter-without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely, in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter but were embarassed to say why,
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes, as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left." I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go Home today?

author unknown

The Week In Review

Geez - time is flying by! I know everybody else is as busy as me this time of year.

I helped Gail, and her husband John, at their greenhouses. They've been in business over twenty years...what a hard way to make a living! John is a farmer at heart and gets up before the sun every day to water plants. Gail does most of the ordering of merchandise and all the personnel stuff. This is in addition to running her specialty shop in town, The Garden Market.

As you can imagine this time of year, it is crazy busy! And pollen is on everything! In between waiting on customers Tuesday, I dusted as much pollen as I could, which gave me a migraine. Wednesday I was down with it and slept all day except for going to another interview (more on that later). By the time I got out, I felt like I had a fever plus a very upset tummy so spent the rest of the day sleeping again. Thursday and Friday I worked for Gail and John even though I still felt bad.

Saturday morning I took my Princess to the vet for her annual visit and to have a senior panel run on her in preparation of having her teeth cleaned (finally got my tax refund). After taking her home, I headed to Gail's to clean house for her. No wonder I can eat a bag of donuts in two days and still only 20 pounds overweight. I'm working my tail off...well not really...but it sure feels like it!

Today and tomorrow I'm staying home. I worked outside all day and got a lot done, but there is still a ton of weeds left to pull out front, and I haven't even started on the back yard yet but will try to get it all done tomorrow.

So...the big job fell through. Evidently, there were some politics going on and they selected an internal candidate. I was disappointed, as this job was a perfect match for my skills. Plus, the hiring manager kept reporting to the recruiter that I was perfect and she was leaning toward me. Talk about BS.

So Wednesday, I had an interview for another good job, but the pay and hours are far from ideal. The good news is that because it's a minimum 6 month contract, the temp agency will actually give me health insurance! Again, the feedback was - "Phyllis is great, a good match, blah blah blah, but we are concerned about her Excel skills". Now I told them that I used to be highly proficient with Excel and am still pretty good, but I've never created a Pivot Table or Chart. They were concerned about that. HELLO - it's not like I couldn't learn it! So Friday morning, I got up and did some research on line (you can find anything on line for free) and created my very first Pivot Table and Chart. I sent it to the recruiter telling her it wasn't anything fancy - just basic - but that is should show that I'm more than capable of maneuvering my way around Excel. I was proud of myself for getting it all together in one hour before heading to the greenhouses.

So far, no word back so I guess I'll hear something early this week. In the mean time, Gail and John need my help and I'm happy to be able to accomodate them.

I didn't make time to take any pics of my progress in the yard today, so will leave you with a picture of the little robe I made for Ginny. It turned out pretty cute, I think, and Erin (mommy) loved it :) I will take pics of my yard and share with you tomorrow.



Have a good day/week!

Alice In Wonderland Stitchery for Laura

Hi everybody,

Oh, it's so pretty out today! Today I will be sorely tempted working at Gail's 18 greenhouses. They have thousands of varieties of plants and are all just beautiful this time of year.

I wanted to share with everybody what I created for DD#2 as a birthday gift, which I'll be giving her this evening when I see her. She has loved Alice In Wonderland since she was little and has several collectibles. She won't have time to look at my blog till this evening, so it's ok to post a picture now.


And here is my beautiful Laura, my baby. She is 33 years old today. She works hard to support herself and Alissa Rose and I'm very proud of her.

Happy birthday, dear Laura!


I hope you all have a great day today...I know I will :)

Friday Night Sew In & Miscellaneous Stuff

Blurry pic but here's my latest of the bouquet series.


For those of you who don't live near me...check out the pollen; it's the worst in years.






Remember the little spice rack I dragged home from the trash a few weeks ago? Here it is painted black and holding some of my pretty beads.


I've continued my job search, since the hiring manager can't seem to decide to extend an offer to me....very frustrating. She told the recruiter that she was leaning toward me but "needed a couple of days longer". No word since then. Crap or get off the pot, for gosh sake!

Tomorrow I'll work at Gail's store, since she is short handed. This is the busiest time of the year for their main business - the garden center. I'm happy to help her out as much as I can.

I hope you all have a nice weekend!

A $2.99 Redo

Hey everybody,

Wanna see my cheap redo?

I painted this pine wall cabinet white a few days ago. I'm not sure what look I'm trying to get in my kitchen, but have been making a few changes. All my cabinets are white with black hardware, so I decided to paint this cabinet that is on the opposite side of the kitchen white as well. I kept staring at it for a couple of days and something just didn't look right with it. So today while Blair was at the doggy day spa being groomed, I headed to JoAnn's with coupon in hand and bought some pretty fabric for $2.99. Right now I have it hung with thumb tacks and a little bit of quilt basting spray and really like the way it looks. I need some greenery in those pitchers - that will come in time.

What do you think?

A Big Pincushion

Did you all have a nice Easter? It was a beautiful day here. I spent the day making a little something for DD#2, who has a birthday coming next week. Other than that, I rested a lot. I kind of overdid this week trying to get my house in order after being gone so much.

I've been waiting on pins and needles for over a week for a phone call about a job I interviewed for. The emotional roller coaster is horrible, so I had to jump into a lot of projects around the house to keep from going crazy. Physical activity - especially if it's strenuous - helps to keep me somewhat sane. Plus, putting things in order around me makes me feel like I can control some small part of my life.
*****
Look what my DS made me for my birthday last week...a crazy quilt pincushion using a CD as the base. She said it was huge...and it is larger than the oridinary pincushion...but I think it's beautiful. You can't really see the detail but she hand stitched everything and added beads here and there, and even the word "pins" down on one side. She wove pretty pink ribbon through the lace too. I am so intimated by crazy quilting, and want to do it so badly.




Keep your fingers crossed for me that I get this job. I'm out of $$ and almost out of time drawing unemployment. I don't even want to think about what the next step will be....

Happy Easter!

Easter blessings to all today

Who Needs a Man, Anyway?

Now don't get your feathers ruffled...I know a lot of you gals have wonderfaul and talented husbands - but I don't.

While painting my guest bathroom this week, I needed to replace the wax ring gasket under the toilet. I did my research on the internet and the only thing that concerned me was the weight of the toilet and lining it up with the "johnny bolts" on the first try - a necessity.

Well, I'm proud to say that I did it - and all by myself.









Have a good day on this special day!

A Finish and Other Projects

I've finally completed my first Catalicious block. Now I can get started on the second one :)



While at my mom's last week, I made a poncho for my sister. It's finished except for the embellishments. When I get those on, I'll post a picture.

Today I painted all the trim in my spare bathroom and tomorrow I'll paint the walls a pretty sage green - one of the colors in the model home I was "working" at for several weeks.

I also primed a side table in my kitchen and will paint it a pretty aqua tomorrow. If I like it when it's finished, I'll use this color as the accent color in my kitchen. We'll see how it turns out. More pics tomorrow!

Spring Blossoms and Cupboard Doors

Look at this crazy camellia. Somebody gave me a start of it several years ago and it has taken off! It used to be red/white varigated but has mutated into a multi color beauty.










Totally different subject now...I picked these cupboard doors up from different places - both free. I especially love the detail on the white one, which is the size of a standard cupboard door. It looks like it might have been on a hutch though. I'd like to do something really special with it but not sure what. How about some suggestions from all you creative bloggers out there!


Here is the small one - nothing really special about it. I can probably figure out several uses for it but again, wouldn't mind some suggestions.


I'm still pondering just what to do with my grandmother's chair and appreciate your suggestions. When I make a decision, I'll let you all know and do a show and tell :)_

My Grandmother's Chair Needs a Redo!

I brought home a real treasure with me yesterday...my grandmother's old chair from the very early 50's. It is quite unique and I've NEVER seen another one like it in my life. It must be the precursor to the LazyBoy recliner - ha ha. She bought it to sleep in after she had had a heart attack and needed to stay in a sitting position.








Isn't it cool?!? I've got lots of memories attached to this old thing. Boy did she used to get mad if any of us kids moved the back to a different notch. She was quite particular and precise in everything she did!!

The cushions have been recovered a couple of times; they're in really rough shape. I won't have a problem selecting fabric for them. My delima is whether to paint it or re-stain it. I've got it in my den currently and it looks nice in there (better than the folding lawn chair I've been using). I temporarily covered the cushions with some pretty green fabric (actually a sheet) to cover the gross burnt orange.

My den definitely leans toward country/traditional and I have some nice prim antiques, but I don't necessarily want to keep to any particular style and am open to paint. My sewing room, on the other hand, is quite different and I might eventually move the chair into that room. It's got blue walls and a lot of white furniture (sorry - didn't take pics of that room yet).

I apologize for the poor pictures; I had my camera on the wrong setting and didn't realize it, but you can see well enough to give me some suggestions.













So, if I do paint it, what color - black, white, dark brown? Or do I stick with stain? Thanks for your suggestions!

Friday Night Sew In

Here is a picture of the sweet little candle mat I made for my mom while staying with her last week. It's one of the many patterns I purchased while at the big quilt show a few weeks ago.



I've already started another one for my sister and will be making a third for a dear friend. Then maybe I can make one for myself :)

I went back up to stay with my mother for a couple of days. I told her I wanted to paint her living room for her. She decided she would rather have her bedroom painted, so that's what I did. I just got home a while ago and am ready to hit the sack. Traffic in northern Virginia is always so heavy and it takes hours just to get to Richmond. From then on, it's pretty smooth sailing.

Oh, while I was up there I actually saw a lump of snow/ice still left from all their accumulation! So funny!!

I'm so glad to be back home!!!!!