The Simple Woman's Daybook... September 22, 2009

For today: September 22, 2009


Outside my window: the baby wrens fledged while we were gone. We went out to the shop, peeked into the nest and they were all gone except one egg that had not hatched. Since there was no sign of "foul" play...pardon the pun...lol... I can only hope that they fledged with no problem. Sure am sorry we were not here to see it... baby birds are so much fun to watch.


I am thinking: that today is the Autumn Equinox. Each day will get a little shorter... a little cooler.


From the learning room: the building of an inkle loom...really large... has been researched to death and with the assistance of my sweet DH, we have put one together.... trying this and that as we went. It will come together and come out of the shop today... yayyyy!



I am thankful for: paint. It covers a multitude of mistakes...lol



From the kitchen: comes nothing new. But I have lost almost 20 pounds... :o) We found some pickled (they call it "marinated") asparagus that works really well used cold right out of the fridge for lunch or a quick supper. And very few carbs... love that...



I am wearing: my pink gown... but will be wearing stretch denim slacks and a denim shirt as we will be working in the shop today.



I am reading: The Camel Club ... again... by James Patterson. I really must find a new author...sigh



I am hoping: that the rain continues to stay stopped and we can get the foundation stabilized on the shop....



I am creating: several things. I have a leno shawl on the Kromski Harp loom...a belt on the weaving sticks, a pair of fingerless gloves on the dpns, a neck scarf on the size 10 knitting needles, a star pattern band on the card weaving loom and flax yarn (linen) on the spinning wheel. There's also the cross stitch quilt blocks that were my mother's that I brought home to finish ... If I think of any more I think I'll keep them to myself...lol



I am hearing: the whir of the printer. It seems with each new one we get it is a little more complicated to work...



Around the house: the quilt hanger shelf that I finished a while back is still waiting to be hung. That will happen today (I hope!)



One of my favorite things: is my leather thimble. I can make them to fit me and they are so comfortable to use that I can hand sew for hours without discomfort....



A few plans for the rest of the week: include wearing the brace on my right wrist that the doctor gave (big laugh... "gave?") me yesterday. Have to wear it at night and as much during the day as possible for 3 weeks...ughh Taking the steroid dose pack beginning today and hoping that it works as well as the shot did in the other shoulder a year or so ago.



Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all." .... Stanley Horowitz

The Simple Woman's Daybook... August 17, 2009

For today: August 17, 2009

Outside my window: is a mass of green from all the trees and grass. DSIL once remarked that I needed to go sow something that would add some color in the meadow during the summer. He is correct... lol The sunshine is just beginning to shine over the top of the house and I love this time of day with the interplay between light and shadow...

I am thinking: about the Angel-Grooms reunion coming up and trying to figure out a way to go. It's been years since I have seen everyone and it would be lovely to see them again.

From the learning room: I have just finished my first ever plying of silk and merino singles. It came out well with the softness of wool and sheen of silk. The dyeing process is next to see if it will dye consistently. That will be today or tomorrow...

I am thankful for: colors. I cannot imagine a world with only black and white...or for that matter only red and blue. The blends and shades of color all around us makes life so much richer.

From the kitchen: comes the same old thing these days...lol This section will be very boring for months to come, but I have lost almost 15 pounds... so I am not complaining... ;o)

I am wearing: the turquoise ugly dress today...lol Later will be Donkenny slacks and shirt in either red or blue... haven't decided yet...

I am reading: another Alex Cross book by James Patterson. This one I have read 4 or 5 times already, but can't seem to get interested in too many other authors lately. Wonder what's up with that?

I am hoping: to get the cd in the mail today to DS #3 that is video of baby Hannah ... came out tooo cute. Just wish I could see his face as he watches it.. ;o)

I am creating: not very much lately. I finished the snail/mushroom quilt and the spinning of the silk/merino. Not too much left on the agenda unless I once again pick up the flax and give it another go. We'll see.

I am hearing: I'll Have to Say I Love You in a Song by Jim Croce.

One of my favorite things: is seeing the light in a child's eyes when they are happy. (Or anyone else... for that matter..lol)

A few plans for the rest of the week: another trip to Tulsa. Then we'll see what comes after that.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

Simple Woman's Daybook 08/03/2009

For today: August 03, 2009

Outside my window: the sun is almost up and it looks like it will be another hot day today. The wren has nested in the utility trailer that DH pulls behind the mower, so there won't be any using it until after fledging. I can hardly wait... This is the second breeding period for wrens and I would love to know how many eggs are in this nest.

I am thinking: very slowly this morning in my effort to drink my first cup of coffee and wake up. I did not want to get up this morning... it was so nice to just lay there in the cool comfort of the bed and slide up to DH's back. The only problem with staying there was the beginning of a dream... I was walking into work and pulling out a med cart, taking report and watching other nursing staff come into work... Had a very deleterious effect on my semi-sleep progress...lol

From the learning room: I have found through working on the little snail/mushroom quilt that I can design my own quilts. They may not look totally professional yet, but I can do it. Working on color balance will help... Maybe I should do a color wheel quilt..

I am thankful for: mornings like this one where I can sit and blog while half asleep... take my time waking up and not have to worry. If history teaches us anything, it is to appreciate what we take for granted today. At the turn of the century everyone worked hard every day... 6 1/2 and 7 day workweeks were the norm beginning about age 10 and lasting a lifetime.

From the kitchen: doesn't come much new. I have learned to make a meat loaf that DH and I can eat on the Atkins diet. That was for supper last night.

I am wearing: that rather horrible loose dress that was bought at Dillard's. I may have to start leaving this one out..lol.. since this what I put on every morning to get around, drink my coffee, cook breakfast and eat. Then comes the getting dressed and ready for the day.

I am reading: my new Spin-Off Magazine that arrived a couple of days ago. Love that...the first one since I subscribed. Also started a new book for bedtime reading. It's called Dragontears by Dean Koontz. I'm not far enough along in it yet to know whether it will be a favorite, but since I usually really enjoy his I don't think there will be a problem... ;o)

I am hoping: that whatever the floor in the office is going to do, it does it soon. The lift in the center of the floor that caused the tiles to lift about 4" and break loose has gone back down, but still going down more. It will be really nice when it is all done and the tiles are re-set.

I am creating: a bit of a mess trying to learn to spin cotton with a supported spindle. The spindle is one that I made with a round something..forgot what it was.. and a bamboo skewer. It is working quite well. I was using a small Japanese bowl to support it, but it seemed to be too big and allowed the spindle to move around. Sooo... I moved one of my painted eggs from the candle holder that was supporting and used the candle holder. That works much better. The problem is that I think my support spindle is too long. While I don't have a problem with the no hook part, I have reach quite high to draft or just put the twist in then park and draft. We'll see what comes from this... ;o)

I am hearing: the air conditioner purr. Not long ago a flash back memory jumped up as we were walking across the parking lot going into Sam's. It was not until the late 1950's that air conditioning became widespread across the South. I can remember as a child seeing the banners in the windows of some grocery stores and department stores advertising "Air Conditioned". What a treat it was on a hot August afternoon to just stand in the door of such a wonderland.. lol
Around the house: plans are being made for the arrival and visit of son and daughter in law in a couple of weeks. What a joy that will be.. ;o)

One of my favorite things: is a small triangular stool that sits in my bathtub with a little pull out tray with a footstool attached. Love it... makes it so easy to do the daily ablutions like shaving the legs so much easier.

A few plans for the rest of the week: include finishing the last 3 seams of the snail/mushroom quilt, finishing with the de-clutter of the kitchen and then on to the rest of the house. Would love to totally redecorate much of my house...but will settle for the de-clutter...lol

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:






















"Grow old along with me!The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made. "
Robert Browning
Robert Browning "Rabbi Ben Ezra"

The Simple Woman's Daybook 04/06/2009

For today: April 6, 2009

Outside my window: the sun is shining brightly and the sky is a lovely faded blue. The wind is blowing the tops of the trees making them look like little hula dancers.. It's supposed to freeze either tonight or tomorrow night... another one of those Easter freezes. I'm glad I waited to put in any flowers.

I am thinking: about publishing my book about spindle spinning. Haven't decided yet.

From the learning room: I am researching what it takes to get an isbn number. It seems that it is not terribly difficult and would make self publishing much easier.

I am thankful for: electric lights. While watching Foyle's War last night .. (it's a British television drama that we rent from Netflix).. I was thinking how terrible it would have been to have lived in one of those horribly large castle-like homes during the times before electric lights. A candle only lights so far ahead of you and those staircases are massive... phew... And what about trying to do any kind of needlework even in the daylight! No wonder they had rooms for every time of the day... it all depended on where the sun was at that particular time! Thank you, Thomas Edison!

From the kitchen: comes the sound of a cash register dinging constantly! It really struck home yesterday at the grocery store just how much inflation is raging right now. ... sigh

I am wearing: a pair of stretch denim pants (green khaki colored) and a tan blouse with floral motifs all over it. And my handy-dandy flip flops...

I am reading: Cat and Mouse by James Patterson for about the 4th time. But I have to say that I am Alex Cross groupie...lol (And I blame that on Morgan Freeman... who played Alex Cross in Kiss the Girls)

I am hoping: that I can get in quickly to have my nails done this afternoon. With plans in the works I always hate to have that one chore left for the last minute and then worry about finding the time.

I am creating: place mats on the Kromski Loom. They will be blue with floats in white/multi colors.

I am hearing: the ringing in my ears that is my constant companion..lol

Around the house: I am loving the tiled floors more and more as time goes by. If I had known I would like them this much, I would have done it a lot sooner.

One of my favorite things: is answering the phone and it being one of the grandsons.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Preference by L'Oreal...lol The dark at the base of my blonde is showing...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

I painted this several years ago.. It now hangs in a friend's living room. Friends are wonderful things to have. They like your work even when you don't.....

The Simple Woman's Daybook 03/23/2009

For today: March 23, 2009

Outside my window: it's a bit hazy this morning. The weather has warmed nicely and the trees in the meadow are beginning to show that first tinge of green as the tiny, newborn leaves stretch and wriggle their way into new life.

I am thinking: how I need to get over wishing every day that I lived in a compound like the Godfather... so my children could all have a house "right over there" and I could call them all up for a supper on Sunday.

From the learning rooms: which is actually any room in my house. I am working to learn the math behind the knitting of Elizabeth Zimmermann and have been pleasantly surprised as I work out the round shawl that I am currently working on.

I am thankful for: my ingrown toenail. If that's the worse thing that happens, I've got the world by the tail.

From the kitchen: I can still smell the sausage that was cooked for breakfast. I have become an oatmeal for breakfast fiend... haven't done that in years...but is sure good with the sausage and toast.

I am wearing: the green housecoat that our sons got me for Christmas. I love it...

I am reading: The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly for about the 4th time. It's time to go back to the bookstore...all books have been read at least 3 times and working up from there.

I am hoping: that I got the voice mail set on my new cell phone... duh... am not very handy with such as that...

I am creating: I am spinning more singles for use with the Elizabeth Zimmermann shawl that I am currently knitting. I just hope it comes out good...

I am hearing: the scissors cutting paper as my sweet DH cuts the insurance cards apart to be placed in the cars.

Around the house: the time is coming for spring cleaning when everything gets a good going over and smells really good for a few weeks... love that...

One of my favorite things: is music... almost any kind except blue grass, hard jazz or acid rock...and even some blue grass...lol

A few plans for the rest of the week: consists of spinning more mixed wool singles, warp the loom for some more cotton tea towel weaving and making preparations for trip to Arkansas...with a wonderful stop off to see daughter.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

The Simple Woman's Daybook 03/17/2009

For today: March 17, 2009

Outside my window: the early morning sunshine comes later with the arrival of Daylight Savings Time. It's taking us a bit to acclimate to the time change.

The irises are shooting up this time of year and will begin to bloom within a month.

I am thankful for: silk plants. I can kill plants with the best. Ivy is wonderful since it will come back from a deep wilt with the addition of a little water. But with silk plants I can have any and all kinds throughout the house. Love that.

From the kitchen: comes more sounds of spinning box preparation than cooking! The table is loaded with the kits that will be used by the students at my first spindle spinning class. It's a good thing we have trays or would have to eat in the formal dining room!

I am wearing: stretch denim pants, a Donkenny shirt with some kind of brown cat or leopard print and leather sandals.

I am reading: The Western Guide to Feng Shui...Room by Room by Terah Katryn Collins. I am fascinated by Feng Shui. I don't know why since all it really means is ... cut the clutter, throw away the junk and use a color wheel to balance the colors and textures of a room. Make rooms user friendly and welcoming... and there ya go! But it still fascinated me... lol

I am hoping: to spend some time this summer under the big oak tree. I would love to turn the flower bed at the base of the tree into a fairyland. We'll see....

I am creating: a spindle spinning workbook. It has arrived back from eldest son's learned red marking pen with a note that says how impressed he is with it...then you open it up and can't find the book for all the marks!! lol I am so blessed to have wonderful, smart, learned children who put up with their mom's idiosyncrasies.

Around the house: there is a general uplifting of spirits as the browns outside begin to show spots of green and the different birds begin to arrive.

One of my favorite things: is this picture. It is my son and I and was taken in 1987. It now sits on my desk.




















I am hearing: the whir of my computer and the quiet of the early morning.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

The Simple Woman's Daybook 02/16/2009

For today: February 16, 2009

Outside my window: the daffodils by the fence are budding. They are always later than the ones I planted under the oak that are already blooming. I hope these have as many blooms this year as they did 3 years ago. What a lovely sight that was every day.

I am thankful for: oatmeal. It's not just a grain or a cereal. It's a bond with the past. That familiar smell that I've had from as far back as I can remember. It's family... it's babies...it's gossip over breakfast...it's warmth when I'm sick...it's love when my babies were sick.. It's magical...that everyday oatmeal.

From the kitchen: comes a stop sign...lol... no entry! The kitchen table is covered with beads instead of food!

I am wearing: my favorite housedress... I promise I really will get dressed at some point today..lol

I am reading: Elizabeth Zimmermann's The Knitter's Workshop. I enjoy her sense of humor and the confidence she instills by taking things one at a time but at the same time showing other ways this lesson can be use. I'm very glad I bought this book.

I am hoping: that my booklet teaching basic spindle spinning is finished. It will be sent to our son in Arizona for proofreading and some final editing.... maybe a few suggestions...

I am creating: a play size quilt for new granddaughter Hannah. It will be embroidered a bit, but not so much that I will be devastated to see it squooshed on the floor with her standing all over it...lol She is now 9 months old and can stand at the coffee table, but not steady enough yet to walk.

I have just finished this:

Around the house: I am walking around trying to keep my eyes closed... there is much to do that I don't want to see...lol

One of my favorite things: is this... both gifts from my lovely daughter...

I am hearing: my sweet DH just talking away about the VA as I am writing this. If this makes no sense at all...that is why... I am listening and typing at the same time.... :o)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

The Simple Woman's Daybook 02/09/2009

For today: February 9, 2009

Outside my window: the rain has slowed, but with the coming of the sun the watery drops glisten on the twigs of DH's favorite tree. I can almost smell the rain from in here.

I am thankful for: the immediacy of the internet. It's very good to be able to click on a blog and make sure a friend from as far away as Australia is ok during this horrible time of raging fires that burning entire villages. My heart breaks, but I am thankful that Linda B. has only had soot and chaff falling around them up until now. She does beautiful embroidery work.. Chloe's Place and is working to find a way to accept any help we might want to send to the many who have lost their homes and all of their belongings in the coming months. If you would like to help, check her blog.

From the kitchen: comes only the wonders of every day cooking. I made pumpkin bread a couple of weeks ago and wound up eating almost every bite by myself. I won't make that mistake again any time soon!

I am wearing: one of my favorite house dresses that I bought on sale at Dillard's about 3 years ago. It's dark blue with pale blue and gold vines woven into it.

I am reading: The Alpine Quilt by Mary Daheim. When I first began to read her books, I was a little underwhelmed...and couldn't figure out why I kept reading it..lol Her heroine is somewhere in her 50's and the setting is a small village in Washington State... I guess I just felt a bit of kinship with the ordinariness of the people and place.... Anyway, she seems to have clutched onto me as this is the second book of hers that I am reading...

I am hoping: that our grandson who has been in the Army now for a couple of weeks is doing well. This makes 3 grandsons in the Army and one son in the Marines.

I am creating: more dishtowels on my Kromski Harp loom. I do love this loom. But there have been many things in the works this week. They will be chronicled in my post to Fabric Follies Two this morning. I finished my knitted scarf last night, so the evening "watching tv" craft will have to be something new now. I will be starting a new small quilt for new grand daughter Hannah this morning.

Around the house: we are enjoying the new tile floors in the den, hall and office. Sure saves the nerves when the coffee droplets are noticed on the floor...lol It was a real pain in the pazooza while going down, but soooo worth it.

One of my favorite things: is feeling my DH put his arm around me and give me small kisses on the back as we turn to go to sleep at night.

I am hearing: the whir of the computer. I remember the first computer I ever sat down and used... at my oldest son's ... a few (ok...more than a few) years ago... I was amazed then and have never gotten over it.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:

Time does pass... even as we don't notice...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today: January 5, 2009

Outside my window: the sky is a steel gray color that looks as cold as it really is... there is supposed to be freezing rain today with ice on the roads.

I am thinking: that this is not the most pleasant weather in the world. I was looking forward to going with DH for coffee, having my nails done and just getting out of the house after the long spell of being cooped up inside. But then the idea of staying home and making a huge pot of soup is good too...lol I wonder why purple kool aid has a tendency to fade and run more than any of the other colors I have used.. hmm... My ears are freezing.. Can you tell I have only had 3 cups of coffee...lol Looks like the number of cups of coffee has nothing to do with my thought process focus this morning...lol

I am thankful for: Johannes Gutenberg. Can you imagine life without books? And by extrapolation, the internet. Without the internet I would not know how to knit, spin, use a spindle, nalbind, dye my yarn, identify different wools, cook half of the things I cook, expand my friendships... or have met my wonderful DH...

I am very happy that my father was a real proponent of reading and education. Books were always to be found at our house. Reading was always encouraged.

From the kitchen: comes nothing really unusual this week. I made some no bake chocolate cookies a couple of days ago and have been eating myself into oblivion on them every time I pass them in the kitchen. This is why I don't make them very often...lol

I am wearing: that same favorite green housecoat. It is very warm and comfortable when I get up so early and the thermostat is turned way down for the night.

I am reading: Mary Mary by James Patterson. This is one of the new (used) books I got at 1/2 price bookstore yesterday. I am trying to complete my Patterson collection.

I am hoping: that the son in Arizona is feeling better today after not feeling well for several days. And that daughter who is back home now is feeling better this morning.

I am creating: another sock to go with the one that I made for DH that was too small and fit me. It might be nice to have a pair of that particular mistake.

Around the house: I spent yesterday putting away things that were moved around during the week it took to put down the tile floor. After being sick for so long, I was tired of looking at the formal dining room table filled with odds and ends. There is so much small stuff that I know it will be a while before I stop finding little things here and there. I think it is time for a garage sale..lol

One of my favorite things: is Balsam of Peru. This little essential oil is great for many problem areas of skin. It is the main ingredient for one of the most effective medications used in the medical field for pressure sores. I have been using it on DH's feet... we have to be very careful with his feet because of the diabetes. Whenever I make any kind of lotion or body butters, it always has this in it.

I am hearing: the whir of the tiny space heater that I keep beside my desk. It is a tiny life saver in the early morning when the weather is cold.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:











I wish you this kind of day!

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