Relaxing day...at last

I know...yesterday wasn't bad..but today was much better. We were done before 1:00 and it was great. Husband and I went to (finally) get me a (Texas) driver's license..and guess what? The office was closed! Until Friday!! Oh well...so we went to the grocery store and then to Harry's for a couple of beers.

Russ has a beer system set up at Harry's. They sell Lone Star...Russ drinks Lone Star. The cooler that they keep the Lone Star in is not very cold...so they keep Russ' Lone Star in a separate cooler. Hence...they are ICE cold!! Muy bueno!! I very seldom go to Harrys'...but today I got one of the coldest Lone Star's in Alpine. mmmmmmmm!!! Well worth the wait. So...we visited for a bit then came home and ate weird stuff. Weird in the sense that it was one of those days when you eat all the leftover stuff in the fridge.

Now I am knitting another cap. This is more of the Lion Brand Yarn - Chenille Thick & Quick in the #1333 Eucalyptus. Beautiful color!! I also found a pattern on line through the Lion Brand site for an afghan using this yarn. It would be really soft and heavy. In the Eucalyptus, Wine and Ivory colors It would be awesome. I may consider these afghans as a next project.

I also ordered a a teddy bear pattern on line. A cute faced bear. I think making it a sweater made out of this chenille would be a super accent. Great Christmas gift...hope to make a few for the craft show. I hope I can find some appropriate fabric for the bears. Perhaps a plush terry material.

We have quite a long day tomorrow...so I may not be as productive tomorrow night.

We planted some cilantro and parsley last week and it has finally poked through the ground. We had a planter full in front of the house for the past 2 years...but it got pretty spindly so I ripped it all out and started a new batch of each. Nothing better than fresh herbs.

Well...another day almost over...so I'll finish up this cap and get some shut eye. later!

b

Busy Busy Weekend!!

I'm glad it's Monday! Never thought I'd say that!! Actually...it was a very busy weekend (party time) and everything was great. Cabrito was cooked perfectly...beer was ice cold!...cakes were simply delicious! A good time was had by all. We had the 'regulars' and a few more who are now in the group.

Right now we are watching the Rounders..one of the BEST cowboy movies EVER! Bar none!! Howdy Howdy! I am also knitting. I got the yarn shipment in today and have already made a really pretty hat. One of the yarns I got is Thick and Quick Chenille (Lion Brand Yarn) and it is wonderful! Thick...soft...really rich. The hat is made in the #189 Wine color. I know...I should have photos...I'm working on it!

I found another hat pattern that is crocheted...I'll start that in a minute. It seriously only took 3 hours to make the knitted hat (even with interruptions) so I'll have some fun and be very productive!.

Should be an easy day tomorrow. I hope so. I have quite a few things to catch up on.

Russ goes to the hospital a week from today...so he'll be gathering up his stuff. Shirts to the cleaners...starting to pack...all of the hotel reservations are made as well as the plane so that's off the checklist.

He'll just get hay and feed in so there's no problem there.

Well...I must crochet a bit...tomorrow! (maybe...)

b

I have been BUSY!!!!

Holy Hell...it's been a while! I have been seriously busy! Lots to do and lots accomplished. Knitting...crocheting...updating stuff...photos (finally!) and plans...yes...many many plans!

Had some great news today that made an unbelievable difference in my life. I am a new person...so I'll now act like one.

OK...weather is ominous. Looks like showers which would be welcome. I am simultaneously making out a grocery list for 'husband's' birthday BBQ! Actually he and his co-horts are traveling to Marfa tomorrow AM to pick up dinner. He is cooking cabrito so they are making a day of it by celebrating with Mexican food lunch first. Then the killin' begins. (graphic...eh!) But the outcome is quite tasty.

We will have quite the party...it's husbands b-day, Raven's b-day and Teri's b-day...so the chocolate cake will be flowing like a river...I'll make German Chocolate, Triple Chocolate Decadence and Red Velvet. mmmmmm!!!!!! We will have some massive SUGAR FUN!!!

I have been knitting baby hats like crazy! Up to 25...and have more yarn coming next week. I think I'll bring a dozen to the hospital here. OH...off the subject...I checked on line last night and will be joining the Chamber of Commerce. It's only $35 for an individual membership and I think It's definitely worth it. It would be more for promoting my jewelry...but it's a great outlet.

I need to find a few more items to make as crocheting and knitting seem to be more relaxing at night. I can certainly see better than trying to make jewelry. I'm NOT in an afghan mood, but maybe a baby blanket size...and if I find something simple enough...a sweater. The booties I found are cute and will make some tonight.

It was uneventful at work today...thanks goodness. I am catching up on emails and paperwork early in case I decide to sleep later. I didn't sleep well at all last night, so after a shower this evening...I'll be history!

I did take quite a few photos of some of the remodeled rooms here the other night. I have been 'editing' them for color and quality and hope to create a book for the office and also put them online...perhaps in a blog! Imagine that!!

I am also trying to make business cards for me and Russ. I had the templates on my other computer which is now a thing of the past and have no clue how to retrieve them from old documents files, but need a better format anyway.

I will close now...I have a few pressing matters (like laundry) that I think I'll do right now before I go horizontal to the sleep mode...or I may write more later (don't count on it!!)

tada!!

b

What a pretty day in West Texas!

Last nights rain was so comforting...it was gentle..yet the lightning dramatic. It broke into a beautiful day. Very warm and slightly breezy. It was quite the opposite in the work department. Those girls showed up...but were slow slow slow. Bobbie and I ran errands for an hour and a half this AM with high expectations of the day being off to a smooth start. NOT! It's been 2 months and you'd think by this time the hum drum chores of housekeeping wouldn't have escalated to the degree of rocket science. But it has! I guess since Bobbie and I think each others thoughts and use logic in cleaning...it is a repetitious act...but it's still the same thing in each room! I don't know...I guess common sense is not a chromosome. We got through earlier than we expected but not soon enough. I wish there were competent applicants for housekeeping...but none have shown up yet. I am so burned out on this. We managed to tile the shower floor in #24 two days ago and had hoped to grout it today but it didn't happen. Hopefully tomorrow. There is so much remodeling left to do...and I miss it! I HATE housekeeping and wouldn't be doing it at ALL if we had help. I have no life.

I finished two white baby caps last night. I placed an order with Smiley Yarns for many skeins of 'baby yarn' and some chunky bulky types of yarns for adult hats.They are so fast to make..so I expect to have a generous supply for the December craft bazaar. I have put the jewelry making on hold for a bit while I am on a roll with this knitting and crocheting.

Oh...I went out to take photos this evening...I took 3! The battery went dead!!! It's on the charger now so tomorrow will be photo day. I really need to if I want some flower photos. I also need to take photos of these hats and a few things that I think I'll put on ebay. Plans!!! Don't ya love 'em!!

I am off to sleep now. I could not sleep last night and it was a very long night. Which made for a very long day. I just took a nice hot shower and am getting sleepy....very sleepy....

I need to get on line and look up a birthday present for husband. I know what I want to get him, I'm just not sure which ones to get. Ok...enough...night!

b

A rainy evening...

I missed another day. Actually, the last time I tried to post, there was an error. Don't know what or why...just wouldn't let me post. So I got frustrated and was too tired last night...so I spent a few minutes tonight and figured out what to do. Consequently, I posted the last 'post' and am working on this one. WHEW! NOW I'm exhausted!

We had quite a storm this evening. Great rain and amazing lightning. Perhaps that's what is causing this massive headache I have had for the past few hours.

Got off early today and went to Harry's to meet up with 'husband' and friends Paul and Mary Ann who are in town for a day or two. Going there is out of character for me, so this was relaxing. Had a few beers and came home and sort of took a nap...ate some supper and am now nursing this headache. More in the neck...but not symptomatic of a migraine coming on. Let's hope not.

I cut up two huge wonderful cantaloupe that Russ brought home yesterday. They are so sweet they make your teeth ache! I must say that the fruit here in Texas is wonderful. We have a watermelon and I think I'll make sure I have the ingredients to make watermelon rind pickles when we cut it...I LOVE them and think I am on the last jar from last year...so I feel a 'pickling' coming on!

Russ made some Chinese pickles a couple of days ago. The are the kind that you don't have to process...just refrigerate. They taste SOOOOO good! I don't have a canning pot (well...I DO, but it is in storage and I just don't feel like fighting the mess to find it...so I think I'll check on line. There was a steamer/canner on Amazon that looked pretty interesting and inexpensive. That is something that I would definitely use.

I finished the baby hat (it's adorable...) and am making a second tonight. I also crocheted a cute hat (Autumn Harvest Crocheted Hat on the lionbrand.com site) with a cream colored bulky yarn. Super fast to make so I need to get some other yarn in pretty fall colors. I have filled out the form to mail in for the Mountain Country Christmas Bazaar and will BE there this year. For sure!

I also found another site for beads and leather tonight. I think it is hideandfur.com but I'm not sure. Pretty stuff...(like I need more beads!)

Won't read tonight...no need to feed the headache any more. Might not even knit...In the Army Now is on now (dumb movie, but I like Pauley Shore) and I am sure it will put me to sleep... As you noticed...no photos yet...I'm getting there!!! Have a good one!

b

a cloudy photo op day

Well...it became a little cloudy by the time I got to take a few photos. They are OK...I'll try again tomorrow and then I'll start to post a few on here. At least I say I will. Got a couple more books today. I really need to start reading. I'll add that to my list,to things to do.

I am reading Dixie Cash's 'Since You're Leaving Anyway...Take out the Trash'. It is definitely a fun read! And I can read a chapter or two and not loose my place in the book.

Russell finally got info from the VA in Albuquerque regarding surgery date(s). First round is Sept. 2 to remove tumors in both arms, and then October 5 for neck and underarm tumor removal. He will check with Dr. 'Lorianne' tomorrow about another shot for his back. He is having considerable pain in his back and legs and is long overdue for this treatment. Last shot was in January!

I am not feeling well today. I have had quite a bit of pain over the past few days. Motrin just isn't cutting it. Of course, I have cheated in my diet of what I am NOT supposed to eat, so I shouldn't be surprised...but it still hurts. And I thought Fybromyalgia was an imaginary disease!

I found some great free knitting and crochet patterns on the lionbrand.com (yarn) website. I may cast on stitches for the Queen of Hearts Preemie/Newborn Hat tonight. It's very cute. It's shown in white with a red band with tiny hearts. I am making it in 'Vanna's Baby yarn' in a berry blue.

Time to check out for the evening. I have a long day tomorrow and want to read 2 chapters and begin my newest knitting project. Sleep well!

b

day and a half later.....

Well...photo taking was out for a day (yesterday) and again today...RAIN!! Which is a good thing but messed up my concrete plans (yeah...right!) Maybe the light will be better this evening...

I got the 'Vanna's Choice Baby Yarn today...I will no doubt start a preemie cap tonight. I am almost through with the second Schooner Hat, but this one looks kinda big...I am using a funky yarn which is no doubt the problem, but I still like the effect. I also got a catalog today with some cute Christmas ornaments. Perhaps I shall plagiarize some patterns!! Pretend I never said that!. I also got a couple of books in the mail today...a Sarah Bird (my hero), a Dixie Cash and a Carol Dawson. ooooooo.......so much to read, knit and crochet and...so little time!

It was such an easy day today! Bobbie and I finished early (@ 2) and I came home to rest a while. I actually cleaned up around the room last night and it still smelled clean when I got home. So I had a little snack, watched it rain (which it still is) and got some stuff lined up to work with. Let's see....the yarn is calling me. Might read later after a shower.

Might write again later, too. We'll see.......later.....

b

pooped.......

Busy busy busy! Made a simply wonderful brunch for Beth and her family. They were a delight to meet...and they obviously love her very much. I made a ham, cheese and spinach strata; sausage and hash brown breakfast casserole; apple and blueberry muffins; juice and coffee and a fresh fruit platter. I was impressed! Took photos of the family and will make blowups tomorrow.

Then I went to work. It was busy, as usual, and the 'girls' actually took their own initiative to clean after stripping the rooms! Odd! But greatly appreciated. We were done before six which was a complete shocker! Came home to rest and eat more ham and cheese strata for supper...with grapes. Yum!

Not wanting to do anything crafty tonight. The Cary Grant movie 'Houseboat' is on tonight so I think I will relax and watch it. I took a hot shower and am soooo comfortable...

I think I ate too many grapes...

I have had a thought. I have a really nice camera now and I want to take some photos of flowers and cactus. I will write that on my agenda for tomorrow. There are some beautiful lantana in bloom right now, and the cactus have the big plump purple 'tuna' fruit which are as interesting as their flower. Yes...I will add photos to my daily craft to-do list.

OK...it's time for Cary Grant and Sofia Loren...night!!

b

Morning calm before the storm!

Work day started out much better. I say...started out...both girls showed up for work, but had to leave early! We ended up finishing their work, as well as ours. B&B make a great team, but sometimes it would be nice if we could do our planned job instead of finishing what someone else SHOULD have done. Maybe tomorrow will be better. I want to leave around 4:00 so husband and I can go to the chuck wagon cook off at the Ranch Rodeo. Sounds like fun!

I will come back to make a couple of breakfast casseroles to cook on Sunday morning (with other brunch stuff) for the Sul Ross college graduate that has lived next door to us for a couple of months. Beth Scarborough came back to Alpine to finish her degree...and she is in her 80's. She is an AMAZING artist and a wonderful woman. Her family is here to celebrate and we'll have a nice breakfast party for her...

I finished the Schooner hat and am starting another. Fast work and nice soft hats. I should have a skein of 'baby yarn' by Tuesday to try a preemie cap.

On a strange note. I got a Swiffer dry/wet mop today. It works really good! We only have a small area to clean, but this floor gets amazingly gritty. Sweeping and dust moping are a 10 times a day chore, and a regular mop is a pain in the ass. So I will splurge on the Swiffer. I will also make my own washable mop heads from microfiber cloth.

Time to knit ten more rows and go horizontal. It's been real. (Eye...MUCH better!)

b

I'm on a 3 day roll!

Where DOES the time go! I know I promised myself I would write on here every night! I KNOW it! I remember saying that...oh well. Best laid plans, etc, etc.

It's been complicated. I have been pretty upset over various things for a couple of days and I think I am on the downward spiral now. Let's hope. The 'best' thing...husband made Paella out side on the grill. It was mouth wateringly AMAZING!! He made a huge pan and we had friends over. NOTHING LEFT!!! The 'worst' thing...I worked alone yesterday. That's not quite true. Maria helped me (God bless her) and I survived on anger induced adrenaline. I really don't like undependable people. It's so easy to make a phone call! Or...when I actually SEE you drive by...and then you don't show up for work...and don't stop or call...that's pisses me off! Oh well...the work got done and it's in the past.

I started a knitted cap today. It's called a Schooner Hat. Simple garter stitch with a pom pom...has a semi roll to the brim. I like it. And it should only take an evening to make one.Ordered baby soft yarn for some preemie caps.

Started reading a Dixie Cash book last night. Really funny!! Got another one in the mail today. I love books. I haven't been buying any plain old reading books lately (only craft and beading books) and you know, I AM the amazon.com and ABE Books queen, so I have been updating my personal library.

I think I'll read a few chapters, knit a few stitches and hit the hay. I really should get books on tape...or CD's. I would definitely be more productive craft wise. I used to work that way all the time. I get too distracted with TV. A point to ponder!

manana!

b

Holy crap-it's Monday!

Well...I thought I'd slept through the night and it would be happy Monday. NOT!!! Another day in paradise but with a few glitches. I realize that I am without a doubt the most cynical and self centered person that I know. I am fine with that...today...however, I just don't fit into human society this way...today!

Cut to the chase...the day is over and I am calm. 'nough said. Unfortunately, writing this is going to be the most creative thing I do tonight...and at this moment, I don't feel bad about it. I have managed to piss off everyone I know and I can only hope they think better of me tomorrow.

Nothing is on TV...I don't want to read...so when I am done venting to myself..I am going to sleep. I am blaming it on the barometric pressure. When in doubt...

on the morrow...ta ta

b

Super Sunday

Holy crap...what a day. Overcast and comfortable weather wise. It was just me. I was irritated all day. Nothing in particular...just lots 'o little stuff...but significant. I'll get over it.

Made a pair and a half of turquoise earrings. The half is a 'do I want to really make this pattern?'...hmmmmmmmmm...I'll sleep on it and look at it tomorrow. That really is a good theory, you know. Night color vs day color...happens to me a lot. That's what I like about making jewelry. If I don't like it...snip snip! Start all over!

I also found some great knitting/crocheting patterns for newborn caps and chemo caps. Soft and soothing. In a minute I'll find some yarn on line. I have a drawer full of yarn (most of which is perfect for pretty chemo caps) but no super soft baby stuff. I love craft projects. I'm fortunate that I can sew, knit, crochet...etc. I made myself an actual 'I accomplished this today' calendar which I am pleased to report looks good! Only one 'X' day...so I am making myself proud.

Even writing this blog is a challenge. Discipline...that's what I need! Lots of it! And on that note...I'm done here for the day. Must go to the Smiley's Yarn site...'caps' await me! Have a good one...

b

Chemical Conjunctivitis. Has a nice ring to it...don't it! That's what you get from drain cleaner in the eye. My recommendation? Don't try this at home...or anywhere else for that matter. Anyway...eye still hurts, swollen, red, ugly, etc. Should be better in 2-3 WEEKS!

Had a slight bit of rain today. More overcast and comfortable with tomorrow looking the same. Busy at work and glad to get home.

I have broken the spell. Nothing artistic/creative was done today unless looking at yarn on line qualifies! I thought about some ornament ideas. Maybe before the night is over I'll sketch a few goodies. (Doubtful, though).

I ordered a few 'funny books' on line last night. We have the Way Out West Book Festival here in Alpine, and last year I had the most amazing pleasure of meeting Sarah Bird and her wonderful husband George. She is an exceptional writer. Tear jerking hysterical and poignant, thought provoking and soulful...I have all of her books. She keeps good company with [many] authors who are also right up my alley in the humor department...and I have just become acquainted with their work this year.

So..I went on to ABE books (good site! I'm am also a die heart Amazon fan) and ordered some by DIXIE CASH AND CAROL DAWSON. I'll let you know my opinion (such that it is!).

I'm thinking that my vision is blurring and the eye needs to close for the night. Have a good one!

ta ta

b