tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17684978632647874392024-03-05T14:17:01.195-06:00From The Lilac ThicketBawdy and explicit snippets of the spicy life of everyone's favorite girlish girl...me! Follow my ever increasingly tortured mind as I slog through this crazy world with my husband the Caribbean Prince, aka "The Professor" and our two senior pups Rosie Kate and April May. Join me as I am pulled out of my joyously peaceful and secluded Lilac Thicket kicking and screaming.Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-42421273183352673812016-05-28T12:35:00.002-05:002016-05-28T12:36:44.580-05:00Preview Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lizzie Kate Halloween Mystery Sampler preview picture:</div>
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Just Cross Stitch 2016 Halloween Issue:</div>
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<br />Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-10980849320081517922013-05-22T14:17:00.000-05:002013-05-22T14:17:04.479-05:00When flashlights attack!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVFLDbtGidWXHvOYQ3vJZ1Gg7UYqZ-AaHnF8Xx5COsl4eKa_77DHELYAM3IJ_GNYSgU176DTuq4t6RqU6uQF0fA71syB56EMjJXhnPEopGRoooxTXlLIqSYXWLF8BPm-peDM29OBE3wo/s1600/130522-131045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVFLDbtGidWXHvOYQ3vJZ1Gg7UYqZ-AaHnF8Xx5COsl4eKa_77DHELYAM3IJ_GNYSgU176DTuq4t6RqU6uQF0fA71syB56EMjJXhnPEopGRoooxTXlLIqSYXWLF8BPm-peDM29OBE3wo/s320/130522-131045.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life is wonderful here in the folds of the Lilac Thicket. This girlish girl is seeing a new light on life thanks to taking an unplanned day off from work and a pair of stylishly fabulous new eye glasses! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week was a very stressful week for me as my mentor dared to take a vacation and left me to my own devices assisting new vice presidents and directors. The good news is not that he returned, the good news is I still have a job!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More stress involved storms that went thru and knocked out our power for 19 hours Sunday. Our phone won't work when the power is out because these darn wireless phones we have require electricity. I had to explain 3 times to my Caribbean Prince why the phone wouldn't work even though it was plugged into our router. At 8pm Sunday the power pole was split in two on the next street and out the lights went. This really did delight the Professor as he whipped out his new flashlight and exclaimed what good fortune that he bought this device at the Thrift Shop for 5 bucks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dear readers let me explain this nifty little device to you so you can really comprehend the fullness of this tale. One end is a flash light, the other end is emergency flashers and in between is a tool box filled with dangerous instruments in the hands of my beloved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So back to the story....in his glee he flipped on the flashers and flashed them at me instead of the steady light at the other end. I told him he was going to be the anecdotal tale of health care workers everywhere if he didn't get it out of my face. Health care workers everywhere would tell the story about a stormy night when what they thought a huge fire fly waddled into the emergency room only to find out it was a man with emergency flashers stuffed up his posterior because he wouldn't get it out of his beleaguered wife's face. "That's not funny dear...now where's the fuse box?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes give this man a tool box and he thinks he can fix anything, which perhaps some men can, however not my Guyanese husband. Tools and the Professor, an alarming mix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Professor and I found a nice headboard at our favorite thrift shop for $15! I really like it and we were able to get rid of a lot of clutter and my bedside table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also found this chair and it was a little more expensive then I usually like at $40. I do enjoy sitting and stitching in it because we have such great stitching light in our bedroom. I was actually able to snap a pic before the Professor piled his junk on it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_sdZRfzw0OktXdT6QBqsnil9IuaqHXNkOPgzt4ngdyF73j0BjJTE58cgamkuyJsDobqDPFzPmKhrVTRD-ul9swIbnjA8N-BDolcHoevNJva0dQHeMRKI2m_MB7nwiPjox72LQdnlKnY/s1600/100_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_sdZRfzw0OktXdT6QBqsnil9IuaqHXNkOPgzt4ngdyF73j0BjJTE58cgamkuyJsDobqDPFzPmKhrVTRD-ul9swIbnjA8N-BDolcHoevNJva0dQHeMRKI2m_MB7nwiPjox72LQdnlKnY/s320/100_2151.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1rKYjlAmt3_yolMPgak0g48sUslRTR8MH1T-mbwS7xJpGYgmvZSknP_iLSgxvfzRbF7zld7tA7iS_88MvcyRji9GBxnUMwH2xjG0LrGu-MvDFQOATF69E1wJMoxx4jAgucfZvcDjaZw/s1600/Mermaid%2520Bath%2520Salts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1rKYjlAmt3_yolMPgak0g48sUslRTR8MH1T-mbwS7xJpGYgmvZSknP_iLSgxvfzRbF7zld7tA7iS_88MvcyRji9GBxnUMwH2xjG0LrGu-MvDFQOATF69E1wJMoxx4jAgucfZvcDjaZw/s320/Mermaid%2520Bath%2520Salts.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my progress on my Mermaid Bath Salts piece. You can see that I have barely scratched the surface of it even though I have spent hours stitching. I started in the upper left hand corner and you can see the top of the "M" in green.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1rV4SbsBNI2dcpqsE_2fSm-HhSqeCVO4xj0SoJbeQyq1Sj_zlzHx9wwgMg1DiXJKf7FSnHuAbeIRa6IeO1W21TUiQ6SiB0kSOd0VLWdpJiFmjX0YQTPbXqdsKvR9WCE2J_ct7FNCRd4/s1600/100_2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1rV4SbsBNI2dcpqsE_2fSm-HhSqeCVO4xj0SoJbeQyq1Sj_zlzHx9wwgMg1DiXJKf7FSnHuAbeIRa6IeO1W21TUiQ6SiB0kSOd0VLWdpJiFmjX0YQTPbXqdsKvR9WCE2J_ct7FNCRd4/s320/100_2143.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We discovered that some flowers we planted in the front yard last year came up again. I am not sure what they are called but they definitely add a splash of color that I love, you know being pink and all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPp3gm8-XZmnRb4YUp_I6ZXrQx0az4Zpnzwi_neuVty8GIoiF2_5Sv4rARU2oeGfls3YBrSg2lOrWF9K3wvCsBGOgSDMEO-p9UYFB_okq_PJma4U4yEskj9aB1-nWW2rCNNHn4AafGpNM/s1600/100_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPp3gm8-XZmnRb4YUp_I6ZXrQx0az4Zpnzwi_neuVty8GIoiF2_5Sv4rARU2oeGfls3YBrSg2lOrWF9K3wvCsBGOgSDMEO-p9UYFB_okq_PJma4U4yEskj9aB1-nWW2rCNNHn4AafGpNM/s320/100_2161.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This morning we ran errands and ended up at the Farmers Market where a vendor was selling wonderful bedding plants. They were a buck a 4 pack and we spent $10. I love the Farmers Market.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQJ-9gjILeqtgC1uZiqWEBUs4QqkyaqyECVmo6TMkLnuUN529bYGNduKWHxmRatmWptEfzyu3r6ZYOLT6GgbrL89YNHHqLVMfcgIh167Jank0S0YDrZDFuSnJF5uOHNXOIseKTpUmKpo/s1600/100_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQJ-9gjILeqtgC1uZiqWEBUs4QqkyaqyECVmo6TMkLnuUN529bYGNduKWHxmRatmWptEfzyu3r6ZYOLT6GgbrL89YNHHqLVMfcgIh167Jank0S0YDrZDFuSnJF5uOHNXOIseKTpUmKpo/s320/100_2164.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we got home my ever swash buckling Prince in his finest attire went to slay the grass in the back yard. I am blessed my dearest ones, blessed beyond my wildest imagination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so I wish you a happy week and a wonderful Memorial Day. God Bless.</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-83480524157604599912013-05-12T11:15:00.001-05:002013-05-12T11:17:08.938-05:00A thankful Thicket update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This would be the absolute proof that the Professor, my Caribbean Prince, is still alive and kicking. I thought I had better mention that since there has been powerful silence for the past 8 months. I know my kindred kind you thought I may have taken up new residence in the Missouri penitentiary for Professor-cide. Ha, the joke is on you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is Mother's Day and my beloved gave his annual salute to all neighborhood Mother's by firing up our bad boy lawn mower at 7:30am! I know you are sad you missed the festivities! I am certain other hard working mothers around here would have loved to have missed it also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So you ask, what has been keeping our plump girlish girl busy all these long months? Simply one word...life! I have been working very hard trying to be a better more even tempered wife. I have been working very hard at work, taking advantage of learning opportunities with a special project. I have been stitching. I have been baking and cooking. I haven't spent a great deal of time at home on the computer, I have been cultivating other interests, trying to simply my life and mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had to send Professor back east for his last maternal auntie's funeral. It hit him quite hard. My dear husband grew up in a small village near Georgetown, Guyana. His maternal grandmother had 4 daughters, and 2 lived in the homes on either side of her. Yes, 5 strong beautiful Guyanese women living in a row of 5 homes on the same street. My Prince was surrounded by nothing but family and a dizzying number of cousins as play and schoolmates as well as protectors. Doesn't that sound idyllic? He has wonderful memories of growing up and I really envy him. So now all the sisters are together up in Heaven which is pretty magnificent for them but very sad for the family left behind. I was touched when his sister called me after he arrived in New York to thank me for sending him. She knows finances are tight and she was appreciative of that fact. How terrific is that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This morning I have baked the crescent roll bread pudding to take over to my dear Mother's. I have also baked a chocolate mayonnaise cake to take to work tomorrow. Both of those recipes are over at my Lilac Thicket Cooks blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I may get in some stitching later today on my Mermaid Bath Salts piece. That being said Happy Mother's Day my dear readers.</span><br />
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<br />Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-4853248750616246432012-09-29T10:31:00.001-05:002012-09-29T10:31:25.097-05:00Stitching is not for the faint of heart!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This girlish girl has been on it. I am so excited to share with you, the stitchy stuff I have been up to. I have finished 4 UFO's in the past month. I think I deserve to treat myself to start a new project, don't you?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs_oilcRftt2R-3Bab2eeXkqh63RAfb3RZd-GisjnaWvPFLczu8wTbizI-22UxSvutSNQxh7nAFa7dlZPwZGPDfrQzmDrnG6Pa9dMjdws_Qcqoe6h4iQMwv7A7M_2cyzQxgSmceTpu0s/s1600/100_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs_oilcRftt2R-3Bab2eeXkqh63RAfb3RZd-GisjnaWvPFLczu8wTbizI-22UxSvutSNQxh7nAFa7dlZPwZGPDfrQzmDrnG6Pa9dMjdws_Qcqoe6h4iQMwv7A7M_2cyzQxgSmceTpu0s/s320/100_1850.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I finished this Lizzie Kate design for my Princess Wiggle Wiggle. Wouldn't you say that since she is a princess she deserves a crown?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7yBR5WJfyWheLxBRerckZc1fK_UeLPGMPg_HkAjwaVz40grXDciGwcIAuZaxbO_oPKro_kW1MzzqUAwRQbA6M35QyPTGapwrHyz_LT_H3lyvY2XqTR-y_jgxwyN_7pK5ovfs3TJL6qk/s1600/100_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7yBR5WJfyWheLxBRerckZc1fK_UeLPGMPg_HkAjwaVz40grXDciGwcIAuZaxbO_oPKro_kW1MzzqUAwRQbA6M35QyPTGapwrHyz_LT_H3lyvY2XqTR-y_jgxwyN_7pK5ovfs3TJL6qk/s320/100_1851.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The buttons held on with a length of thread with beads were such a pain in the pancreas but the results are darling. You can enlarge the picture by clicking on it for a better view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The difference in the floss on the green vines looks more apparent in the picture then in person. The more I stitched the less I noticed the change. My posse couldn't even tell which part of the vine was stitched with a different brand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think I will make this into a bed pillow for more function. She can take this off to college with her in 15 years and have it brighten her dorm room with loving thoughts of her Auntie.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hEhMXcV6DFdtDKWjjsd7eTxxf3dFGlWlXlXulEyklxDEE1iENqULOGmU4hkC-nTB20ESTTevQG9qemxwXw__LICqyRcaUwCawgfnrJDYNh8K_6UrGk4dlXN_wjij6Gd8raEM2ERr_U8/s1600/100_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hEhMXcV6DFdtDKWjjsd7eTxxf3dFGlWlXlXulEyklxDEE1iENqULOGmU4hkC-nTB20ESTTevQG9qemxwXw__LICqyRcaUwCawgfnrJDYNh8K_6UrGk4dlXN_wjij6Gd8raEM2ERr_U8/s320/100_1862.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my third finish is a C Mon Monde design. The design is called "Un Tour Dans Mon" which translates to "A Ride in My Bag". She is stitched on 32 count Enchanted Night from Color Blooms. She is darling and I kept thinking she reminds me of a Mary Poppins character with the umbrella. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As far as how (and when) I will finish her, I had an idea for a trick or treat bag for Princess Wiggle Wiggle.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYCMIl63GrxJdrHh3N7nYL0QzaqjAKAxY6hFu25LiZ_F77RyQ0SkHU5QjBSokInHThiildN9bqJrHTYOltz7HRJrRdTVtK0btmuS2aI5o4Obyxk9wxVE1CpX6uz05tiI9NPMFNpw6swI/s1600/100_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYCMIl63GrxJdrHh3N7nYL0QzaqjAKAxY6hFu25LiZ_F77RyQ0SkHU5QjBSokInHThiildN9bqJrHTYOltz7HRJrRdTVtK0btmuS2aI5o4Obyxk9wxVE1CpX6uz05tiI9NPMFNpw6swI/s320/100_1869.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my fourth finish, a free design from AutyTM. It is the 2011 Patriotic Quaker heart. I used Crescent Colors Wavy Navy, Red Manor and Honey Bee. I was surprised as the Navy ran when I washed it, I would have expected the red to. You don't really notice it. I did love the Manor Red color, very deep and rich.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How to finish....maybe an ornament. The next Quaker Patriotic Heart I stitch I want to use a Tea Rose pink and a light blue and a ecru colored floss. I think that would be pretty too!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOixhNt1nqjowCaQpd9tlqt38PFj3kIUycIuduIYxUVcvctrqK620Cm6AQoDoAZdJw3riAgSoSdPUP2RnG8GFbzLzHnlTr-ZNXkMe4FVC89P5nDtdp5B3cmYf2WZgAeo7pe1ODG-v1TI/s1600/100_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOixhNt1nqjowCaQpd9tlqt38PFj3kIUycIuduIYxUVcvctrqK620Cm6AQoDoAZdJw3riAgSoSdPUP2RnG8GFbzLzHnlTr-ZNXkMe4FVC89P5nDtdp5B3cmYf2WZgAeo7pe1ODG-v1TI/s320/100_1882.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The new project I am getting ready to start is "Pumpkin Farm" from Blackbird Designs. Yesterday I went and bought the DMC as I could only find one skein of the GAST it called for and I didn't want to spend the money. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8oJMNTc2jV34ghs0K_T79qxeFCPRtusxoctuzrOVeNFleHPm8PjULcQQnhp1jRzUmx-iPPe8Vc25yV3CLHwz_rLe2RSAIC3Tfh5RM95BVBizxawMHLT1J4s4llvEzs51a2KibeTawDs/s1600/100_1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8oJMNTc2jV34ghs0K_T79qxeFCPRtusxoctuzrOVeNFleHPm8PjULcQQnhp1jRzUmx-iPPe8Vc25yV3CLHwz_rLe2RSAIC3Tfh5RM95BVBizxawMHLT1J4s4llvEzs51a2KibeTawDs/s320/100_1876.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So this morning I got up and started pawing about my Happy Room. I went thru one storage box of fabric (I have 3) and pulled out a couple dozen choices and then threw the floss on them and pared it down to 3. Top fabric in the picture is 30ct hand dyed linen Gold. Middle fabric 28ct hand dyed cashel Mountain Mist and the bottom fabric is Kiwi Illusions 28ct lugana "Rimu".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDVg07ZFl6ARKh9d2GwJClPO0KN1Q2GUmqgoyecMl1eVvp9U5BDPH9eaBxDSynJT5tzzSFqNs3eUe0tGUMUgLPVNC4LhE7noQuz8qx31bpInW2fgag0o31-8pWgmCPpteoM8Kq8lk3KE/s1600/100_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDVg07ZFl6ARKh9d2GwJClPO0KN1Q2GUmqgoyecMl1eVvp9U5BDPH9eaBxDSynJT5tzzSFqNs3eUe0tGUMUgLPVNC4LhE7noQuz8qx31bpInW2fgag0o31-8pWgmCPpteoM8Kq8lk3KE/s320/100_0653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I think I will take it all outside and look at the choices in the sunlight. God Bless all of us and may the bounty of autumn fill your lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-53022732802035073312012-09-03T11:08:00.001-05:002012-09-03T11:09:22.183-05:00Enjoy Your Life-It has an expiration date<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<img alt="Expiration Dates for 77 foods, beauty and household products" id="image2692" src="http://assets.lifehack.org/wp-content/files/2007/03/20070320_expired_time.jpg?4c9b33" /></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently the following story has been out there for a while. I had not seen it before and it so touched me that I felt the need to share it. The father in the story reminds me in many ways of my Grandfather that was born in 1903. He was the Irishman and his wife, my Grandmother, also born in 1903, a German. Grandfather was Catholic, in fact his mother, Fanny, who was born in County Cork had fierce ideas he was GOING to be a priest. Thankfully he didn't or you wouldn't be reading this blog. Please enjoy this story for the first time or maybe it is something you have seen before. But please enjoy and take it into your heart.</span><br />
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</div>
<div style="margin: 4.3pt 8.6pt 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><em>Here is a story of
an aging couple told by their son who was President of NBC NEWS.<br />
<br />
This is a wonderful piece by Michael
Gartner, editor of newspapers large and small and president of NBC
News. In 1997 he won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing. It is well
worth reading. A few good chuckles are guaranteed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</em></span></div>
<div style="margin: 4.3pt 8.6pt 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">My father never drove a car. Well,
that's not quite right. I should say
I never saw him drive a car.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
He quit driving in 1927, when he was 25
years old, and the last car he drove was a 1926 Whippet.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"In those days," he told me
when he was in his 90s, "to drive a car you had to do things with your hands, and
do things with your feet, and look every which way, and I decided you
could walk through life and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>enjoy it or drive through life and miss
it."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
At which point my mother, a sometimes
salty Irishwoman, chimed in:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Oh, baloney!" she said.
"He hit a horse."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"Well," my father said,
"there was that, too."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
So my brother and I grew up in a
household without a car. The neighbors all had cars -- the Kollingses next
door had a green 1941 Dodge, the VanLaninghams across the street a gray
1936 Plymouth, the Hopsons two doors down a black 1941 Ford -- but we
had none.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
My father, a newspaperman in Des
Moines, would take the streetcar to work and, often as not, walk the 3
miles home. If he took the streetcar home, my mother and brother and I would
walk the three blocks to the streetcar stop, meet him and walk home
together.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
My brother, David, was born in 1935,
and I was born in 1938, and sometimes, at dinner, we'd ask how come
all the neighbors had cars but we had none. "No one in the family
drives," my mother would explain, and that was that.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
But, sometimes, my father would say,
"But as soon as one of you boys turns 16, we'll get one." It was
as if he wasn't sure which one of us would turn 16 first.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
But, sure enough, my brother turned 16
before I did, so in 1951 my parents bought a used 1950 Chevrolet
from a friend who ran the parts department at a Chevy dealership
downtown...
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></em></span></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><div style="margin: 4.3pt 8.6pt 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><em>
It was a four-door, white model, stick
shift, fender skirts, loaded with everything, and, since my parents
didn't drive, it more or less became my brother's car.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Having a car but not being able to
drive didn't bother my father, but it didn't make sense to my mother...<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
So in 1952, when she was 43 years old,
she asked a friend to teach her to drive. She learned in a nearby
cemetery, the place where I learned
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to drive the following year and where,
a generation later, I took my two sons to practice driving. The
cemetery probably was my father's idea. "Who can your mother hurt in
the cemetery?" I remember him saying more than once.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
For the next 45 years or so, until she
was 90, my mother was the driver in the family. Neither she nor my
father had any sense of direction, but he loaded up on maps -- though they
seldom left the city limits -- and appointed himself navigator. It
seemed to work.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Still, they both continued to walk a
lot. My mother was a devout Catholic, and my father an equally
devout agnostic, an arrangement that didn't seem to bother either of them
through their 75 years of marriage. (Yes, 75 years, and they were deeply in
love the entire time.)<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
He retired when he was 70, and nearly
every morning for the next 20 years or so, he would walk with her the
mile to St. Augustine's Church. She would walk down and sit in the
front pew, and he would wait in the back until he saw which of the parish's
two priests was on duty that morning. If it was the pastor, my
father then would go out and take a 2-mile walk, meeting my mother at the
end of the service and walking her home.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
If it was the assistant pastor, he'd
take just a 1-mile walk and then head back to the church. He called the
priests "Father Fast" and "Father Slow."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
After he retired, my father almost
always accompanied my mother whenever she drove anywhere, even if he
had no reason to go along. If she were going to the beauty parlor,
he'd sit in the car and read, or go take a stroll or, if it was summer,
have her keep the engine running so he could listen to the Cubs game on
the radio. In the evening, then,
when I'd stop by, he'd explain:
"The Cubs lost again. The millionaire on second base made a bad throw to the
millionaire on first base, so the multimillionaire on third base
scored."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
If she were going to the grocery store,
he would go along to carry the bags out -- and to make sure she loaded
up on ice cream. As I said, he was always the navigator, and once,
when he was 95 and she was 88 and still driving, he said to me, "Do
you want to know the secret of a long life?"<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"I guess so," I said, knowing
it probably would be something bizarre.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"No left turns," he said.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"What?" I asked.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"No left turns," he repeated.
"Several years ago, your mother and I read an article that said most
accidents that old people are in happen when they turn left in front of
oncoming traffic.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
As you get older, your eyesight
worsens, and you can lose your depth perception, it said. So your mother and
I decided never again to make a left turn."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"What?" I said again.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"No left turns," he said.
"Think about it... Three rights are the same as a left, and that's a lot safer. So
we always make three rights."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"You're kidding!" I said, and
I turned to my mother for support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"No," she said, "your
father is right. We make three rights. It works."
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then she added: "Except when
your father loses count."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I was driving at the time, and I almost
drove off the road as I started laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Loses count?" I asked.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"Yes," my father admitted,
"that sometimes happens. But it's not a problem. You just make seven rights,
and you're okay again."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I couldn't resist. "Do you ever go
for 11?" I asked.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"No," he said " If we
miss it at seven, we just come home and call it a bad day. Besides, nothing in life is so
important it can't be put off another day or another week."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
My mother was never in an accident, but
one evening she handed me her car keys and said she had decided to
quit driving. That was in 1999, when she was 90.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
She lived four more years, until 2003.
My father died the next year, at 102.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
They both died in the bungalow they had
moved into in 1937 and bought a few years later for $3,000. (Sixty
years later, my brother and I paid $8,000 to have a shower put in the tiny
bathroom -- the house had never had one. My father would have died then
and there if he knew the shower cost nearly three times what he paid
for the house.)<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
He continued to walk daily -- he had me
get him a treadmill when he was 101 because he was afraid he'd fall on
the icy sidewalks but wanted to keep exercising -- and he was of sound
mind and sound body until the moment he died.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
One September afternoon in 2004, he and
my son went with me when I had to give a talk in a neighboring town,
and it was clear to all three of us that he was wearing out, though we
had the usual wide-ranging conversation about politics and
newspapers and things in the news.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
A few weeks earlier, he had told my
son, "You know, Mike, the first hundred years are a lot easier than the
second hundred." At one point in our drive that Saturday, he said,
"You know, I'm probably not going to live much longer."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"You're probably right," I
said.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"Why would you say that?" He
countered, somewhat irritated.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"Because you're 102 years
old," I said.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
"Yes," he said, "you're
right." He stayed in bed all the next day.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
That night, I suggested to my son and
daughter that we sit up with him through the night.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
He appreciated it, he said, though at
one point, apparently seeing us look gloomy, he said:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I would like to make an
announcement. No one in this room is dead yet"<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
An hour or so later, he spoke his last
words:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I want you to know," he
said, clearly and lucidly, "that I am in no
pain. I am very comfortable. And I have
had as happy a life as anyone on this earth could ever have."<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
A short time later, he died.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I miss him a lot, and I think about him
a lot. I've wondered now and then how it was that my family and I
were so lucky that he lived so long.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
I can't figure out if it was because he
walked through life,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> o</span>r because he quit taking left turns.
"<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Life is too short to wake up with
regrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So love the people who treat you right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forget about the one's who don't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe everything happens for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you get a chance, take it and if it
changes your life, let it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody said life would be easy, they
just promised it would most likely be worth it."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRATION
DATE!</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"></span></em><br /></div>
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</span><br />Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-90187101336748898602012-08-31T09:17:00.002-05:002012-08-31T09:50:01.361-05:00I'm the voluptuous one in the middle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQj-t4tbesa7ruNywRl2vGxH3Jg5hA0aTX55AtyZ3ahcHmN5Zg80OOiuHpCElt0bOFKl_zhiuLhD_01FCCSvs11H0Bg9QNYs2NYuxslt0TeICbnbQVxgJppqeaaq1JHB7cRJYkoPNBBs/s1600/Seabathing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQj-t4tbesa7ruNywRl2vGxH3Jg5hA0aTX55AtyZ3ahcHmN5Zg80OOiuHpCElt0bOFKl_zhiuLhD_01FCCSvs11H0Bg9QNYs2NYuxslt0TeICbnbQVxgJppqeaaq1JHB7cRJYkoPNBBs/s320/Seabathing.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lately I have been dreaming of the sea. I want to feel the salt air in my lungs and the sand shifting under my feather light body. I want to spread out a blanket and set up a chair under a big pink umbrella. I want to sip on ice cold Diet Pepsi and complain that the sand is getting into my stitching bag. I want to hear the gulls complaining that I won't share my Pringles with them. I want to gossip with my bosom chums about the latest projects we need to purchase. I want to bemoan the fact the sun is so bright that I need my sunglasses. I want to giggle about the silliness of our latest adventure. Yes my congenial friends I want to be taken away to the sea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may be asking why, why would a girlish girl with a perfect life want to be somewhere else. Well it is all Ms. Tanya Marie Anderson's fault, yes the Sampler Girl designer. She tempted me with a sale on her darling designs by daring to slip an e-mail into my box. Shame on her and how could I resist? How could any Jane Austen fan resist "By the Ocean with Jane Austen"? And then there was "Gertie Sells Yarn by the Seashore". Not to be left behind was her cute Halloween design "Out Flying". Because my finances were in short supply I decided to forgo her new design booklet "Mermaid Booklet". I shed a tear as I vowed in one month to purchase it so we would never have to part again... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg3d9ZZtZ-pfZqfnLxlgNk8THMF-k-gBLXAP2Fu8CAeHEi7WBFEStMVxFmE4Jes7D0aW4NU4K0ucuvTrhCoViJ1jCkcjlya5iVUmTJU30nQQnYKnuxFiUL7cGsjW99rc08hIjULA_-e4/s1600/Sampler+Girl+Mermaid+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg3d9ZZtZ-pfZqfnLxlgNk8THMF-k-gBLXAP2Fu8CAeHEi7WBFEStMVxFmE4Jes7D0aW4NU4K0ucuvTrhCoViJ1jCkcjlya5iVUmTJU30nQQnYKnuxFiUL7cGsjW99rc08hIjULA_-e4/s320/Sampler+Girl+Mermaid+book.jpg" width="247" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to start a new project but I will contain myself even though I want to stitch Gertie and Jane for my necessary room...no dearest ones, girlish girls have no bathrooms, only necessary rooms. Just like girlish girls do not sweat, they glisten.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE1SjgbyRm7khgLwQNNXwxh0Jjig9bLWtZb7PZdntZSKvtqojpJ3njwrnt_Jp5n-6sOOD6In9M4lMT02417Sur6DSBv8f29xrqA95g9XNZEM0DcxOgIW1AEQqGLL7EjWXzIcfrysJHqY/s1600/100_1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE1SjgbyRm7khgLwQNNXwxh0Jjig9bLWtZb7PZdntZSKvtqojpJ3njwrnt_Jp5n-6sOOD6In9M4lMT02417Sur6DSBv8f29xrqA95g9XNZEM0DcxOgIW1AEQqGLL7EjWXzIcfrysJHqY/s320/100_1834.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I indeed have been making progress on Princess Wiggle Wiggle's birth sampler. I have to finish her name and then the crown at the top and the right blue bird and I can start on something else. This one has the 2 different colors of green hand-dyed floss. At first I was not happy and swore I could tell a huge difference but as the rest is stitched it isn't noticeable. I won't tell you which part of the vine is with a different brand but let me know what you think.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUFM2kaEFLeDsTd1fYJQZzTN54fQhqaFxZRu9tsN0RqmNIJX0VvpOOMExTBGCy8uA_mhIg6PLk-Bf3BBdYEwsGTiNjp8AiDgsy8_D1kck9amPupCG-7MDIQlaA6kL7m3wT9FS9pUPtZw/s1600/100_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUFM2kaEFLeDsTd1fYJQZzTN54fQhqaFxZRu9tsN0RqmNIJX0VvpOOMExTBGCy8uA_mhIg6PLk-Bf3BBdYEwsGTiNjp8AiDgsy8_D1kck9amPupCG-7MDIQlaA6kL7m3wT9FS9pUPtZw/s320/100_1838.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My next UFO to tackle will be the above design. It really is darling, a French designer. This is being stitched on Color Bloom 32count in Enchanted Night. It is cute and look forward to getting started on a "Sea" design.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B5mD40Ssqk1WF71OAntKb0whkGwoDDRLcVmmP-1ycnWYdcfgKaLxlCbWqr1WR0CAyXOntl2KRGAgJPV3mOXodI-b8l-Z5lmPA_6zHFww6m49MSHWGX_YYVB3Vqxdhu7ouZeq5YFFkFs/s1600/100_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B5mD40Ssqk1WF71OAntKb0whkGwoDDRLcVmmP-1ycnWYdcfgKaLxlCbWqr1WR0CAyXOntl2KRGAgJPV3mOXodI-b8l-Z5lmPA_6zHFww6m49MSHWGX_YYVB3Vqxdhu7ouZeq5YFFkFs/s320/100_1825.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I have a weeks vacation coming up soon. One of the things I would like to accomplish is making a slip cover for my love seat in the front room. I found this denim fabric at the Thrift shop...11 yards of 60" width for $6.60! I don't know if you see the pattern well in the photo but it is a throw cover with gathered corners. I want to make a throw but then make cushion covers so it will stay in place better. If I have enough fabric I would like to make a padding for the arms too. I will wash the fabric first to remove the starch and shrink it. I am so excited about doing this and will definitely share the finished product with you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuEvXJ7rgtIXzO-5kWJxKtPNPdVWBdBizUcEifguXsOcLZWr4r_KIVH5628FxuTHZ96yYAsB0y0RzFhGUAYDIk3y7LDQp2um7a8dEv4mM1JdgTlIIvkVULz8be7IR6ux33vXMzz1PmQg/s1600/100_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuEvXJ7rgtIXzO-5kWJxKtPNPdVWBdBizUcEifguXsOcLZWr4r_KIVH5628FxuTHZ96yYAsB0y0RzFhGUAYDIk3y7LDQp2um7a8dEv4mM1JdgTlIIvkVULz8be7IR6ux33vXMzz1PmQg/s320/100_1835.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pears are ripe and for the picking! I brought some home from work and the above pears came from Brother 1's pear tree. The Professor has commented on how sweet they are. I may pare some up to freeze for pear bread or pear cobbler...yum!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh yes, I found a great Spanish rice recipe and my Prince loves it. I put the recipe up on my other blog, The Lilac Thicket Cooks. The link is up on the right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The time has come for this girl to sign off. I am going to fix me a bagel with some Nutella...yum! May all your Thickets be blessed and your adventures delightful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-61167639504446555712012-08-11T18:50:00.002-05:002012-08-11T19:53:14.987-05:00Time for an Underwear Finish Dance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nlK7VTVZI3_PDLLRjQZxjcm-YMKxEEDUE2GX5sWAyygWNET8ojjZc418jUpoLdP7eM_lVZmT4YEs7vQh-ju-lWFX1_yIJNDa-8s8HmeQFqINT_2Yuvu7iyqqHbzZPXjx_kFLaAGqfL0/s1600/100_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nlK7VTVZI3_PDLLRjQZxjcm-YMKxEEDUE2GX5sWAyygWNET8ojjZc418jUpoLdP7eM_lVZmT4YEs7vQh-ju-lWFX1_yIJNDa-8s8HmeQFqINT_2Yuvu7iyqqHbzZPXjx_kFLaAGqfL0/s400/100_1821.JPG" width="297" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am just so excited, yes dear friends, there is a finish in the Lilac Thicket! "I Love You", a UFO started over a year and a half ago was completed as I watched some programs I recorded! My work of art is washed and pressed! I even recalled seeing some fabric in my stash that is perfect to finish it with. I am thinking a tuck pillow or a heart shaped stuffed door hanger...what do ya'll think? Any suggestions? I think I probably will work on finishing it next weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So onto the Lizzie Kate piece and as I look at it I see it isn't a very big piece so only the crown and the right swirl with bird along with Princess Wiggle Wiggle's name remain. There is one fly in the ointment. I chose different colors then the pattern called for. I didn't write the names down which isn't a problem because the skeins are in the bag, except that the green was a Six Strand Sweet hand-dyed. They are no longer in business and I used all but a length that is in the needle dangling from the fabric. The floss tag is missing so I don't know what the name is. That means trying to match it up with something else. I suppose the worst that can happen is I have to pull the left green swirl out and start over with another color...rats!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well if one finish is a roll, I am on a roll and I feel good about it. I enjoyed stitching which is something that hasn't happened in a while. Life is sweet within the Lilac Thicket this evening. Time to embarrass my husband by doing an Underwear Finish Dance for the neighbors in my front room window! I think the dance song will be..."hot stitcher, check it and see, her needle temp is 103"!</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-11014463197121946122012-08-10T09:33:00.002-05:002012-08-10T09:50:46.339-05:00Waving at the neighbors!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJaHNjaRgqYpFhgXAqqK0cVOgGaBYFUFZuERMtdvDsUNbDPK6UVeGMn-mW3-_hgDL6N7k59bMqquhuxHQJ_4h2fwuEzEMmkbZFhdisal4qKa-jBemrM1jGTZGWdhiGwiiIBEHPKhhnhU/s1600/gossip_fence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJaHNjaRgqYpFhgXAqqK0cVOgGaBYFUFZuERMtdvDsUNbDPK6UVeGMn-mW3-_hgDL6N7k59bMqquhuxHQJ_4h2fwuEzEMmkbZFhdisal4qKa-jBemrM1jGTZGWdhiGwiiIBEHPKhhnhU/s320/gossip_fence.png" width="229" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">No you haven't stumbled into the wrong place, I did a bit of a face lift to the Lilac Thicket. I updated the room with some appropriately girlish wallpaper and changed the color scheme to a different shade of pink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I had a rough week at work as I told you about in the last post and barely hung on like a parched wanderer finally finding the desert oasis until my weekend started at 3:30pm yesterday! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT6WB7CVIHaFdFqPCOXHUGgHZje72ok24Bk9pPznniM4kOPbQqYduA9qfwKeaLYteocTkJqbItC8_BQKSCAgw_WRC-UBamVWZ1IyZ_FBzMCxhdJ0jT_GaajL9NvDZkcQrm7VIpuMx6-o/s1600/100_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT6WB7CVIHaFdFqPCOXHUGgHZje72ok24Bk9pPznniM4kOPbQqYduA9qfwKeaLYteocTkJqbItC8_BQKSCAgw_WRC-UBamVWZ1IyZ_FBzMCxhdJ0jT_GaajL9NvDZkcQrm7VIpuMx6-o/s320/100_1813.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wednesday evening I came home to dinner and a lovely bunch of flowers. Aren't they sweet? I tell you I did pick the right man this time. I wouldn't trade my Caribbean Prince for all the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in the whole world! Even when he gets his nasty dirty fingerprints all over my laptop! Now ladies, that is saying something!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qUkbBt7xVGIAZJhse_KXPrK9GnF-QSr2C2p9Zd29X8Qju04tz5RquwQYbPLQic74hAmUOpvjYf23YssR_sbvXtM2Bxr2UHYgXSMSbjFyr9U_LfC_OJAzJAu7wwiEe9D4L_Sp5lwNCNk/s1600/100_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qUkbBt7xVGIAZJhse_KXPrK9GnF-QSr2C2p9Zd29X8Qju04tz5RquwQYbPLQic74hAmUOpvjYf23YssR_sbvXtM2Bxr2UHYgXSMSbjFyr9U_LfC_OJAzJAu7wwiEe9D4L_Sp5lwNCNk/s320/100_1809.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last Friday the Professor and I made our round at our favorite Thrift Shop. He gets mad at me when I tell people how much I pay for our fabulous finds. I guess he wants folks to think we buy full price or something. I just get excited about the nice little things we get that make our lives a little more robust on our meager earnings. I think it might inspire people to realize new is not sophisticated, you can have a nice home or wardrobe at a fraction of the bucks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQewOPuGxt_Pn5zZ22c69UJjMARm8XbB_fclFqaJhEG471i1DeRABvQlKnVkVI1-wJzwtgwGHV8OpHQsr7xkJ-wyKsytm9tmmXDL26igU3CuRrBurOAcBrDXGbJmlvtRepmAZK3jRteVo/s1600/100_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQewOPuGxt_Pn5zZ22c69UJjMARm8XbB_fclFqaJhEG471i1DeRABvQlKnVkVI1-wJzwtgwGHV8OpHQsr7xkJ-wyKsytm9tmmXDL26igU3CuRrBurOAcBrDXGbJmlvtRepmAZK3jRteVo/s320/100_1800.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Each of these pieces of fabric are 2 yards a piece and they were each $1.20, which is 60¢ a yard.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gpLXRfMOrpaanmqpi0Z45e-ogKeZordFwQvovn_WSCoxZN1pr6UsDa6NLIbmDcLgPOxmsyPnKQ0D7vADwGn6kTVC52kF_f08xCN6wb7Yp8UdO8gk8on6mJ3GzqUaL03Oz8Yugu33evQ/s1600/100_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gpLXRfMOrpaanmqpi0Z45e-ogKeZordFwQvovn_WSCoxZN1pr6UsDa6NLIbmDcLgPOxmsyPnKQ0D7vADwGn6kTVC52kF_f08xCN6wb7Yp8UdO8gk8on6mJ3GzqUaL03Oz8Yugu33evQ/s320/100_1801.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This pair of pillowcases...$1.00!! I think they are lovely!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ikpc9ewIxgNvpdl6WJ2Q9JlmI9GG-EqVjWyG-cTNvmKwFvf7_xl2ochWluIC-_dAYyguDS9-aj2sVqpAChp_7khkhbyLH5V1Id__xelYJ8um1i3Y1jepMhRX_pIXJSLCenq7iIFm1-4/s1600/100_1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ikpc9ewIxgNvpdl6WJ2Q9JlmI9GG-EqVjWyG-cTNvmKwFvf7_xl2ochWluIC-_dAYyguDS9-aj2sVqpAChp_7khkhbyLH5V1Id__xelYJ8um1i3Y1jepMhRX_pIXJSLCenq7iIFm1-4/s320/100_1802.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This doily....$1.00! It will go in our living room which is blue! I need to place it under my lovely vase of flowers!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAdVEIUul7X-T0R7hFP_5cqAYsWNj4_i6SLuvIOa6Uws4EUiykjVOcKaSzwsi9ZMd2XPZZrJe-JpwGnxPAQe6YtyxKoXr5Zh8jcbPIFQq8svsNn528i8IyS04ZUTFs3a_6rKBkOKsVj8/s1600/100_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAdVEIUul7X-T0R7hFP_5cqAYsWNj4_i6SLuvIOa6Uws4EUiykjVOcKaSzwsi9ZMd2XPZZrJe-JpwGnxPAQe6YtyxKoXr5Zh8jcbPIFQq8svsNn528i8IyS04ZUTFs3a_6rKBkOKsVj8/s320/100_1803.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">At work we have the plants changed every 2 weeks and they then give them away in a raffle instead of throwing them out. I won, I won! These are the ones that I really wanted to win too! I felt like I won a million dollars!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Aquz9d7p_Lb2vNuAoQ7KWZXgZCikJbVT7YJ7nTbuNF0mwVDZ-nIj6mWQkknscBlUGmfhlHGpF7Bn4-Jpi39Db7i03vtI1oQx0iHU5Mb8W4RX0GqSFGy78g8IHQrgkMZEfgzjKQGZaGU/s1600/100_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Aquz9d7p_Lb2vNuAoQ7KWZXgZCikJbVT7YJ7nTbuNF0mwVDZ-nIj6mWQkknscBlUGmfhlHGpF7Bn4-Jpi39Db7i03vtI1oQx0iHU5Mb8W4RX0GqSFGy78g8IHQrgkMZEfgzjKQGZaGU/s320/100_1806.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And the doctor crabbed at me about drinking too much Diet Pepsi, can you imagine? I was NOT happy with him at all! Drink more water...can you spell "Y-U-C-K"! So my Crazy Cat Carol gave me one of those little drink flavoring packets and it was good! So now I have a selection. I don't really care for the Lime Margarita one, I love the Peach Ice Tea one. $1.87 for the Great Value at Wal-Mart. The Lipton brand was $2.83 and I had coupons which brought it down to 2.23. Okay, I am still drinking Diet Pepsi but only one or two a day, the rest is the water!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlKqiTv2xPmyBOq0gPdfT-1Ogdzk2a5fs0L7xDCCURGCZX3w3cyDuOKsLyFkNxVLkTgEA-j7RNt3OQt6Z1xFkMRCWTMalScQLZVNdzgSJqJrHmjcVDiic5LeEpG4JcwkAenwJFMoCf0w/s1600/100_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlKqiTv2xPmyBOq0gPdfT-1Ogdzk2a5fs0L7xDCCURGCZX3w3cyDuOKsLyFkNxVLkTgEA-j7RNt3OQt6Z1xFkMRCWTMalScQLZVNdzgSJqJrHmjcVDiic5LeEpG4JcwkAenwJFMoCf0w/s320/100_1816.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay, don't faint but there is stitching going on here in the Lilac Thicket. I picked a UFO which happens to be a free design whose designer I can't remember or find at the moment. It is on Navy Blue 28ct Lugana with Crescent Colors floss in "Cupid". I love the red. I figure I should have it finished by the end of the weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When I finish the "I Love You", I want to start on this Lizzie Kate design "Happily Ever After" for my g-g niece Princess Wiggle Wiggle. Yes, I would like to finish it before she can legally drink liquor! Let's see...a fast calculation is 18 years to finish it, it will be a tight schedule, but if I buckle down I think it is doable!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes I am waving good bye and I would like to leave you with a visual. I need to get to the laundry mat and so I have been hand washing snickers and hanging them outside to dry. I go to retrieve them from the patio 2 nights ago and the Professor startled me as I didn't know he followed me out, "What are you doing?" With raised snickers I wave them to the north, then the east and finally the south, "I am giving the neighbors one final good look!". One never knows what they will see as they look out their back window towards the Lilac Thicket. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">God Bless!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-72663075858994760852012-08-07T06:45:00.000-05:002012-08-07T06:45:59.330-05:00Frump Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78BTmUdF-YKqSfrlt7x9F2TAcLDNas3K8YIG02IwDL1UaeHTr0rNE8weJm6Vs3r00XXy-28LSFPxENcU5odqe5bF7BegJCCFeTBuK1EmILDwZdOFsEV4fiG3YG4d9jBhxG_yzZXyP354/s1600/3123700650_f8641879da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78BTmUdF-YKqSfrlt7x9F2TAcLDNas3K8YIG02IwDL1UaeHTr0rNE8weJm6Vs3r00XXy-28LSFPxENcU5odqe5bF7BegJCCFeTBuK1EmILDwZdOFsEV4fiG3YG4d9jBhxG_yzZXyP354/s320/3123700650_f8641879da.jpg" width="309" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I just wanted to post a little something as I am in the middle of "Frump Week" here in the Lilac Thicket. I am hardly recognizable without the make up and cute hair accoutrement's. I am just worn slick, it's probably the heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My dear Brother 2 and my dear Professor wired up my dragging air diverter on my car on Sunday. A prim and proper girl should never let her parts hang out of her bottom for all the world to see, should she!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My dear sister and I did a good job of teaching our dear darling great great niece to play with her grapes at the dinner table, by popping one in our mouth and holding it with our lips so it is sticking half way out of one's mouth. It was grand fun and it aggravated the elders at the table. My sister in law told us we were going to choke to death and it wasn't fun to grab a child hang it upside down and beat the crap out of it to dislodge the food that was causing the choking. That inspired me...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The next time I see a bratty child in Wal-Mart I will grab them, hang them up side down and beat the crap out of them..."Yes sir officer...he was choking...honest!" Next time you hear from me I may be in jail. Do they allow cute hair in jail?</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-5829058887819014162012-07-28T09:36:00.001-05:002012-07-28T09:51:42.985-05:00Men in little white coats are stalking me....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_14">And They're coming to take me away Ha Ha</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="line line-s hover"></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_15">T</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="line line-s hover">hey're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="line line-s hover"></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_16">To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time and I'll be happy to see those nice men in their clean white coats</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="line line-s hover"></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_17">They're coming to take me away Ha Ha</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="line line-s hover"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_18">To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle thier thumbs and toes</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_19">They're coming to take me away Ha Ha Ha</span><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">OK, I am just going to say it...I have a hoarding, cluttered, creative mind. Day and night I am making plans for things I want to create. It's distracting and it's a sickness. At work, I think about the clothing I want to sew and the elements like the ruffles, ribbons, buttons, beading, puffed sleeves, gathered waist and fancy threads. In my dreams... I awake from a dream with positive wonder and the bizarre ideas I must remember. When I look at the thrift shop I see inspiration everywhere, from flowers, to patterns on china, to jewelry, crocheted doilies and even the clothing other women are wearing. To me the world is one huge idea catalog! My home is littered with things I have purchased and forgotten. When I rediscover them I think, what did I buy this for? Or I buy something and store it away, only to buy it again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's not even talk about the Internet and all of these wonderful bloggers who actually are creative and finish what they start! Oh my gosh, my computer files are full of ideas I have borrowed and recipes that I would love to try! What is the matter with me? Give me something to stop this madness, this sickness, this terminal epidemic I am being tortured with!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So as an example of how cluttered my mind is, look at the above picture. It is my old kitchen table that was moved to my happy room. See the clutter, OK, it's some of my jewelry, I sit down there in the morning to get ready for work and fuss with my face (make-up) and futz around with what earrings and bracelets to wear. Plus the Professor likes to stack crap on there that he deems mine that he finds on the sofa, dining room table or in the mail box. We won't mention he has a lair filled with his crap behind the sofa table where I get to trip over it when I want to open or close the drapes, oh no, my stuff can't sit in the front room but his can...okay, that was a vent. My table is cluttered and chaotic and is the perfect metaphor for my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So this morning I straightened it all up and we can identify a couple of elements of my sickness. Buttons! I love buttons! The buttons in the above picture were rescued at the thrift shop. They will go in my button box. I love having cute hair, in fact at work if I don't have a cute element in my hair, I disappoint. I made the above hair combs with net flowers from the wedding aisle at Hobby Lobby. Now the pin...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't it darling? It is an angel made out of a spoon and clip on earrings. Honestly, I bought these from someone, I don't remember who but I gave them as gifts and I forgot I had this until I found a box BEHIND my dresser! Sickness!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now the aforementioned cute hair sickness. I love flowers and ribbons and such for my hair. I have bought a few but they can be expensive so I have made many. When I would come home from work they would be strewn about the Professor's pristine home cluttering up his decor of early American rat hole in the corner behind the sofa table....so I claimed a dog leash and hung it on the wall and clipped all my beautiful hair accessories to it. But to take this mental illness to a new level...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">lovely plastic flower pin bought at the Thrift Shop was begging to be converted into hair bling! Yes it's a bit heavier and gives me a headache but it is perfect in my hair and what girly girl wouldn't mind a headache, it's so little to pay for thrilling tresses to delight all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now here is a look at an ongoing compulsion. My top that I want to design, well this morning I lined them all up the fabric I want to use on the back of the love seat. I draped some rescued lace from the thrift shop on top of them. The fabric second from the left, the brownish rose colored fabric I want to be the semi fitting bodice. The rest in the picture above and below, I want to make a panel from each for the body of the blouse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See the cream colored fabric with the little roses which is second from the right? It's a bed sheet, I have two of them that were gleaned at the Thrift Shop for 2 dolla' each, they are full size! Yes, inspiration everywhere my friends. Let's not mention the yards and yards of lace I have from the Thrift Shop. I want to take a different length of each and lay it down over where the panels meet on the body. Yes, I do get closer every day to actually making this designer piece and maybe in 8 years I will actually have it finished! I am sick, sick, sick!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now for another example of madness, like you need to hear one as I am sure you all have the inkling of the level of my illness, is the dress I bought for 5 dolla at the Thrift Shop yesterday. The fabric is sheer, the skirt is approximately 2 full yards. The bodice has a cute pin tuck front. I want to use the pin tuck front with the buttons to create a small hand bag. The skirt I want to make a strapless top, with elastic casing at the bust and I think a ruffle, like a Goddess dress, but just a blouse! I am shrieking here with the possibilities...someone stop me quick before I hurt myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See...even the objects on my desk are surprised at my lunacy! God Bless and may all your obsessions be just as delicious as mine here in the folds of the Lilac Thicket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-78742177684904993902012-07-27T08:23:00.003-05:002012-07-27T08:25:37.058-05:00Who 'dat?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It has been a long, hot and dry summer here in the Lilac Thicket. I have been away from the blog for quite a while. There is no one reason for my absence, other then life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Professor did a wonderful thing a few weeks ago, he bought me beautiful flowers. He had walked up to our Farmer's Market and brought home vegetables, homemade bread and a bunch of flowers that included gladiolas, Gerber daisies and a lovely stem of this lacy looking green fern. I have the pictures now to enjoy as the flowers dried up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The secluded Thickets all over are parched and brown. Many trees are dropping their leaves and the farmer's crops are bad. I found life in pictures of various flowers I have come across, like these knock out roses in Independence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our family has spent way too much time at our local hospital. Brother 2 had his appendix rupture as the surgeon was removing them and then they couldn't stop his bleeding. He ended going home for a couple of days and returning with a horrible huge abscess from tummy to back. 14 days in the hospital! It was not fun for any of us, but he is going back to work on Monday. Praise the Lord!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom ended up in the hospital this past Sunday when she couldn't breath. She did the right thing by going to the emergency room. She did the wrong thing by not calling any of us until the next morning. She went home late on Monday with lots of medication to treat her severe bronchitis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a lovely note she had the prettiest Hydrangea bush. They were spectacularly colored blooms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last month down the street was a hibiscus bush with blooms as big as my face! I had never seen those flowers with such huge blooms. Of course I needed pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a lovely bar stool that the Professor and I bought at the Thrift Shop for three dolla'! I love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My schedule at work has changed and I am now off on Fridays and Saturdays so we miss the Monday half price sales. That being said, the Thrift Shop is still my favorite place to haunt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I fell in love with this lovely swing for sale up at my favorite HyVee. Being a poor soul, I could only sit on it and ponder all the joy and peace I could enjoy resting in it at the Lilac Thicket. It was gone the next day and I hoped someone had thoughtfully dropped it off at the Lilac Thicket, but alas...no!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had mentioned in a post some months back that I had broke out the sewing machine. I had made a really cute sun dress but it is too small and I became discouraged. I have the dress hanging in the closet for the day when I lose enough weight to wear it. I did start my inspiration book with a lovely pink blingy journal someone gave me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am filling it with swatches of some of the fabric in my stash and ideas of...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">girlishly delicious elements and designs I like for my future creative endeavors. I love ruffles and flowers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Inspired by a t-shirt I saw being worn by a woman on television, I want to create my own blouse with fabric I have pulled in my own collection. I envision a camisole style with a strip of one fabric around the bust and then strips of different prints as the body. I would like to overlay different lace pieces I have where the seams of the strips lay, down the entire seam. I want a collar like this: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tutorial is here: </span><a href="http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2010/07/gardens-at-dusk-tank-tutorial.html"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2010/07/gardens-at-dusk-tank-tutorial.html</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It has been too hot to do much cooking or baking. Our little Thicket is only about 850 square feet so it quickly heats up. It isn't too hot though to collect yummy sounding recipes. I found a wonderful sale of locally grown zucchini which I shredded and froze for wonderful future bread.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been feeling super for the past couple of months. I have lost some weight and I have been taking green coffee beans, just 2 with each meal and I have been losing weight even though I haven't changed what I eat. The girls at work are doing this and some have lost and some haven't. It was worth a try and it seems to be working for me. I have a doctor appointment Monday so I will find out just how much I lost since March.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom gave me her tread mill. I wanted it to walk, it really isn't like walking down the street, it is harder, I must be doing something wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well my dearest readers that is what is happening here, just simple life! Stay happy, Stay Blessed! God Bless!</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-46715215193973395902012-06-29T08:38:00.001-05:002012-07-27T08:24:04.090-05:00Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-78387391935018797472012-04-02T21:08:00.003-05:002012-04-03T06:30:31.784-05:00Delight filled days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Warmer then normal spring days are being enjoyed by the residents of the Lilac Thicket. Wonderful sights, smells and sounds await us at every turn. The gorgeous flowers, the smell of fresh cut grass and the sounds of the birds singing in the mornings makes one feel blessed to be alive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Princess Wiggle Wiggle had her third birthday. Bless her widdle heart she didn't feel good. We found out later that day she has an ear infection. Her great great auntie threw her an awesome Dora the Explorer birthday party. The whole family came together and celebrated the gift of 3 whole years that this beautiful little girl has graced our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Princess happened to be born on the same date as her Grandma MeMe (my SIL), so we celebrated her birthday too. I made SIL's gift, well gussied it up anyway. I took 2 kitchen towels and added bright and springy borders and ruffles to them. They turned out really cute and I want to make some for my Mom and me too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I cooked a chuck roast today with potatoes, onions, carrots and peas. Boy it was yummy and there are plenty of left overs so I will enjoy lunch at work with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Professor has been busy mowing, cleaning and hanging the new blue insulated curtains which look nice. They help cut out the heat from the western sunset which will really help cut down on our energy bills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our 13 year old Rosie slipped on the one step from the garage into the kitchen. She went down hard and hurt herself. I am going to give her the Vetprofen twice a day for the next couple of days. Of course her sight is not as good as it was, but as long as she has more good days then bad we can put off what we know will happen someday.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaP1rnTjoEVz_KyYoZnQoo1RiWTxGS7bUGSSdYGULeBNS3CsaR5LByxhbTAI2jqvtWX5yxcGkWRv00Nwsv2M67yw3ozfq5MrZZJScIhUo7S2ev91Fib2e-PfxjbK4c9d81x5vGSUs3lGY/s1600/2028294524_a99e901406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaP1rnTjoEVz_KyYoZnQoo1RiWTxGS7bUGSSdYGULeBNS3CsaR5LByxhbTAI2jqvtWX5yxcGkWRv00Nwsv2M67yw3ozfq5MrZZJScIhUo7S2ev91Fib2e-PfxjbK4c9d81x5vGSUs3lGY/s320/2028294524_a99e901406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How is it that you have a dog you never really wanted in the first place and yet you fall in love with them and they become your heart. I have cried so many tears in that old girl's fur and I have told her my greatest joys and my most embarrassing secrets and she still loves me. The love of a dog, I never really wanted has given me love and joy and purpose when I perhaps didn't deserve it or appreciate it. Oh my Rosie Kate, you own such a huge part of my heart and you always will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well it is time for bed for all good girlish girls and so I think I will close, crawl into bed to dream of lilacs and warm puppy fur. God Bless Us Everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-15103391083997741202012-03-25T14:06:00.002-05:002012-03-25T14:13:28.968-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"...tender signs of the infant year just peeping forth with the stately beauty..." <strong>Henry David Thoreau</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh spring, we welcome you with joy and open arms. How I adore all the spring blossoms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Azaleas with many shades of pink...my favorite color! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Red buds springing out on what will be new branches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And then my beloved lilacs, just beginning to open and they still smell like heaven. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some sweet smelling flower that sprung up in Mom's yard. I know the pictures just don't do justice to the true beauty but they sustain me in the long, cold barren days of winter.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWCYK2inzMEuoWkfd7qvpvCObJx94nJ8wgsojl3PEGkY_f1gmpanenXGekjMwxwh-xIl9NdGLt3llBu7ifa2FlNnF4uXEww7SsJmFjxtCrdS8LNuXLZBJtiUxB63udScqXusqJpcxKrY/s1600/100_1515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWCYK2inzMEuoWkfd7qvpvCObJx94nJ8wgsojl3PEGkY_f1gmpanenXGekjMwxwh-xIl9NdGLt3llBu7ifa2FlNnF4uXEww7SsJmFjxtCrdS8LNuXLZBJtiUxB63udScqXusqJpcxKrY/s320/100_1515.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We had barely finished putting away groceries from our trip to the HyVee when Mom called and asked if the Professor might come over a dig a couple of holes for her new azalea plants. We obliged and the Professor dug several holes until Mom decided where the exact perfect spot was! My dear husband was the model of patience and understanding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mom pointed out with exasperation, a squirrel had taken over the wren house. He now lives in the box and enjoys his southern exposure. He did renovate by chewing a very small entrance into one that accommodated his girth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Professor was delighted that some of the sushi survived the winter in Mom's pond. The day after we got married last June we went and bought her 15 small feeder goldfish for her pond. A neighborhood cat had fished out all of her last bunch. So you can see, just barely the 3 gold fish in the center of the picture. They are named Sushi 1 through 3. Professor also spotted Blackie, the one black one that we bought too. Black is smiling here, it's just hard to spot him in the pic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So this morning, I asked my Caribbean Prince if he wanted to go to the grocery with me. He wrinkled his whole face and said no, so I got dressed and grabbed my keys and went to give him a kiss. He was in the bathroom fussing with his hair. He likes to pat it down with a piece of paper, I frankly can't tell a difference with the before and after image but okay. So I said good bye and he asked me why I was leaving without him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There is one aisle that I love up at my HyVee. They always have such girlish delights that warm my heart. Most of the time, they are way to rich for my pocket book but I enjoy looking. I loved the floral wreath and it would look splendid on my front door, but I didn't want to pay $48!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn9iV5DJkJxhKzbuZgTEp-v2FJFalds6GR-JudLFSkNse6kM1PkNczJRXYxAx8HqpACzNmvHCKkMVzwKQDQxUHX2p3maGShw5WovtyTwT-lHeGgWMyD9LtlFPLuqKD2VCxqLvGHJq3Fk/s1600/100_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn9iV5DJkJxhKzbuZgTEp-v2FJFalds6GR-JudLFSkNse6kM1PkNczJRXYxAx8HqpACzNmvHCKkMVzwKQDQxUHX2p3maGShw5WovtyTwT-lHeGgWMyD9LtlFPLuqKD2VCxqLvGHJq3Fk/s320/100_1462.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There was the sweetest tea pot and tea cup and saucer with violets on them. I couldn't find a price tag but I sure did love them. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5BTU3lFG4EwQipQqSOjv2fd-lFuueZjY0S1evrjcEhapQUIP0xq75TdPPCWA380p89pmLmS9DANNTMiXSyVWj_olbFuCfOXJCkqIQ9Hvg9nnpyEJDfCNtPyHX2Xaybq2MDON5T3sCYc/s1600/100_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5BTU3lFG4EwQipQqSOjv2fd-lFuueZjY0S1evrjcEhapQUIP0xq75TdPPCWA380p89pmLmS9DANNTMiXSyVWj_olbFuCfOXJCkqIQ9Hvg9nnpyEJDfCNtPyHX2Xaybq2MDON5T3sCYc/s320/100_1467.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Two weeks ago I saw a love seat in the Thrift Shop that I fell in L-O-V-E with. It was $45 and I knew I would love it for my Happy Room. I passed it by. This past Monday Professor and I went to the Thrift Shop to look for a nice television stand for Brother 1's new flat screen. We found a really nice one, black with side shelves and smoked glass doors with shelves behind them. We paid $12.50! Well, Professor asks if the love seat was still there. It was, we bought it $22.50! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogcXF4Le6B66qHZxVAgBkMamqU4TgTi-qErHlYr4CpRdqs4hS2H5_2xqeeQ7hzRTOO4Z5nncojy3bJDt8hkVKCoNqi1LA_NmM70qOxGm7H62QRCZJmoGB_rIP4ZbkDydxNkoQASg7YHE/s1600/100_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogcXF4Le6B66qHZxVAgBkMamqU4TgTi-qErHlYr4CpRdqs4hS2H5_2xqeeQ7hzRTOO4Z5nncojy3bJDt8hkVKCoNqi1LA_NmM70qOxGm7H62QRCZJmoGB_rIP4ZbkDydxNkoQASg7YHE/s320/100_1468.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We weren't sure how to get it home, it definitely wouldn't fit in the Civic, so I took the cushions and the arm doilies and one of the pillows. I didn't want them to sell it again and since we have 3 days to pick it up we told them we had to find someone to help us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll be darned if they didn't give the Professor a hard time when he went back to get it. They HAD tried to sell it again but couldn't since the seat cushions were gone and the volunteers who sold it to us hadn't done their job right which caused all the problems. I was at work when my beloved tried to claim our find and my Mom went up there and read the management the riot act. My love seat is NOW ensconced happily in my Happy Room where my rear end is firmly planted most of the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am going to make some baked ziti for dinner tonight. That sounds so yummy. I made fried rice on Monday, I used up the last of the soy sauce. As we were sitting down to eat, I told my dear and darling husband, I had used the last of the soy sauce and wished he had told me we needed some when I was at the grocery earlier. Moments later he gets up and is rummaging through the cupboards..."Hon, where's the soy sauce?" Clearly he hangs on my every word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Please take time to smell the flowers where you, my bosom friends, dwell. I pray your Thickets are as lovely, refreshing and soul restoring as the Professor's and mine. God Bless Us Everyone!</span></div>
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<br />Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-64338246147868372322012-03-18T13:53:00.000-05:002012-03-18T13:54:31.005-05:00Pinch my ginger buns....please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7qRySknzZvSZqWpRf1KJ4om74LoujJF57ROVw0b6RxgIJousLM4C_MXO3xdAwebYkorAH0KRVA9_gJzxUVhfkPzkdpciEFTie9_L1z2fJyZfVtgzbh38elrII7_kokgU1ixJoMXqJKQ/s1600/100_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7qRySknzZvSZqWpRf1KJ4om74LoujJF57ROVw0b6RxgIJousLM4C_MXO3xdAwebYkorAH0KRVA9_gJzxUVhfkPzkdpciEFTie9_L1z2fJyZfVtgzbh38elrII7_kokgU1ixJoMXqJKQ/s320/100_1440.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spring is busting out all over the Lilac Thicket. The Professor was excited about the "yellow flowers" that were blooming in the front yard amongst the chaos of dried leaves from last autumn. It is wonderful to see the forsythia, red bud, Bradford pear and all the other yummy trees and bushes budding out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's hard to tell from this picture but storm clouds are gathering and we may get some rain today. I love spring storms. Oh and I even have had the air conditioner running. I know it's early but I hate <strike>sweating</strike> glistening in the heat. And it has been hot..near 80°.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So Tuesday was my sister, Princess Jujubead's birthday. Wednesday was her husband's birthday. So later today Professor and I will mosey over there to deliver birthday presents. Better late then never, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last weekend Professor got bit by the baking bug and he made "ginger buns". They are a barely sweet treat his mother used to make in Guyana. Mind you we had no recipe but he made them from memory. We had to go to the grocery to get fresh coconut and fresh ginger to make them. Professor was all aglow because he dazzling and delighting many women throughout the store as his wife waited up at the front of the store for a half hour. I saw him on the produce aisle with a circle of women around him as he instructed them on the purchasing of good fresh coconut. He tried to bluff me and tell me that a little old man in a wheel chair was there asking the questions...my eyesight isn't that bad...there weren't any men there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My review of his "ginger buns", they were okay, not sweet enough for my taste but my mom really liked them. She said they were like scones. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRDDau6A9227jR07C5fAB7h6Il4qqyCkmxCCzQ60UHUkHjoVRA3Q9MQ4hUiGNtj4HUtj7wXOgNv6joldzGAum0-zB5n74O6UkYTzoIGkR3ws1uMnICRNE46CgZRiPEDg91ruazGSTKy8/s1600/100_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRDDau6A9227jR07C5fAB7h6Il4qqyCkmxCCzQ60UHUkHjoVRA3Q9MQ4hUiGNtj4HUtj7wXOgNv6joldzGAum0-zB5n74O6UkYTzoIGkR3ws1uMnICRNE46CgZRiPEDg91ruazGSTKy8/s320/100_1420.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> I had enough of the cheap Teflon pans I bought 10 months ago. I didn't like that we were eating Teflon that chipped off during cooking or cleaning. Not only that but they rusted if they were put away a bit wet. Which lead to the ruination of several of my kitchen towels which the Professor used to oil and wipe out the pans when they came from the cupboard. So I bought a cheap set of stainless steel pans. They had metal handles and I made handle covers out of a terry cloth towel I bought cheaply at the Thrift Shop. Okay, catch your breath, that actually IS a table cloth covering the dining room table!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w9CvvWomh6yTcnVrtqO08_K2Wwf4eea73ZQHR8BEGTgw6q4Gk1mG9sTG-nKyPB5_3VqOkmJTD6vPRsLxkGsPtNSlwcQNWai5GSL6xlMNvfbtdLk_h9Vh74H7Pn9AKdnt9w-6ZJGMJlM/s1600/100_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w9CvvWomh6yTcnVrtqO08_K2Wwf4eea73ZQHR8BEGTgw6q4Gk1mG9sTG-nKyPB5_3VqOkmJTD6vPRsLxkGsPtNSlwcQNWai5GSL6xlMNvfbtdLk_h9Vh74H7Pn9AKdnt9w-6ZJGMJlM/s320/100_1437.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes gentle readers, I broke out my sewing machine! Now pick up your jaw off the floor...I have been stitching also! I have actually stitched more then the picture reflects...amazing aren't I!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So at the Thrift Shop I found this 80's style necklace with pretty pastel colored beads. Now I don't like it as a necklace but I am going to restring as a couple of stretchy bracelets. The earrings are sweet and I really like them. I wore them to work already. I thought they could also be used as charms in a needlework piece. The necklace was $2.50 and the earrings $1.50.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">April was a little miffed with me because I hadn't taken a picture of her lately, let alone share it with her ardent admirers on the blog. She wants you to know she has lost a lot of weight and she is looking very svelte these days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And last but not least.... I came home from work yesterday to a very excited Professor. He dragged me into the Happy Room to show me he had "discovered" that my web cam program puts special effects into the pictures it takes. I was horrified to discover, the man I married is a 100% poser! Yes gangsta poser Professor. Please I beg of you, don't spread my shame around!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well my dearest kindred readers, that is about all from my side of the Thicket. So until we visit again may your spring be lovely and your life blessed!</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-63986076720136096612012-03-12T15:41:00.000-05:002012-07-27T08:24:04.094-05:00Is anything special anymore?It is a gorgeous spring day in the Thicket today. The sun is shining brightly and there is a wind out of the south and the skies are just as blue as can be.<br />
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I guess with the advent of a pretty clean Happy Room, I would rather be stitching then fussing with my computer and blog. I have done some stitching. I am working on a Mill Hill kit with chickie poohs on it. I don't recall the name and I don't want to get up or I will be distracted and not come back and sit down and tell my ever faithful readers that life is good here in the Lilac Thicket.<br />
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For a change I am on the Professor's $hit Li$t, it is usually the other way around. I was trying to pay the water bill on line this morning and the city changed the damn website where one must register to pay the pill, I mean bill. Of course with the passwords now you have to have a capital letter, a number, a special character, turn around twice, fart and then spit into the wind before the city feels your password is secure enough. I mean really folks, someone may what...hack my password and pay my bill? Oh my password is "2731" readers, someone please go pay my bill! <br />
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Sorry I got off on one of my tangents, like that is anything new. Well in wanders the Professor with a food storage container and lid and wants to know why it won't fit. First of all it didn't fit last night when you asked me and I told you we have 2 different brands of containers and lids are not interchangable. That answer has NOT changed since last night and Jimini Crickets don't interrupt me while I am fighting with the damn City Water Department web site so I can pay them money. Well...that miffed the Professor that I didn't stop what I was doing and run to rummage around in the cabinet HE organized to find a damn different color round plastic lid. Then I get a snotty retort with a distinctly Carribean accent which I didn't understand...okay sweetheart, I know I have a hearing problem because I can't understand your mumbles half the time. That hearing problem also extends to all of my family and friends, because they have a hard time too!<br />
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So how is your life my kindred spirits?<br />
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I asked Professor if he still wanted to Thrift Shop with me today. Nope, he didn't...great I think! So the thrift shop did hold some treasures, cross stitch patterns and magazines, some macrame leaflets, a cool necklace I want to string into bracelets, some nice pillow cases, a couple of cool hand crocheted hot pads and a butterfly stained glass hanger for the window. <br />
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For lunch McDonalds, a chicken sandwich and chocolate shake and the park. I sat and watched squirrel run up and down the tree countless times with a mouth stuffed with leaves for it's impending baby. I thought that was really the sweet part of spring, newness, specialness. The tulip trees are blooming and the Bradford pears are starting to bloom too. I watched some robins patiently listening for worms and I contemplated how nothing seems to be special anymore. Nothing special, nothing sacred. I remember when we were little and eating out was really special. I only remember a couple of times doing it. I remember when a neighbor would get a new car and we all would go and press out noses against the windows to see the pristine interior and look at our reflections in the shiny wax finish. Holidays were magical and there was always something special Mom did for us on those days. Everyone dressed up to fly on a plane or go to church. Only tough old military men had tatoos and you gave wide berth to divorced women because they were "hot to trot", whatever that meant. Movie stars were glamourous and behaved themselves. Movies were magical and always had a happy ending. What happened to us? I miss those days. I cringe at all the vulgarity of today, the selfishness, the ugliness. I see nothing but disrespect. I see contrived tv shows with badly mannered people pass as entertainment. I see our world has lost it's dreams and idealism. I am glad I did get to live in a world, for a short time, a world filled with possibilities and specialness.<br />
<br />Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-7754985685782440442012-02-26T08:22:00.000-06:002012-02-26T08:22:29.125-06:00Sunday's Spring Sojourn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I go to work in the mornings now, the sun is starting to rise in the east. The birds are singing, I hear robins and cardinals and chickadees. At work I hear the Canadian Snow geese across the street in the pond. It is all the tell tale signs of spring. I love the morning sun rises, God reminding us of the beauty in each day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From my vista at work I can see the sun pop up over the horizon changing everything to a golden world. I love it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My happy room has a large lovely window that faces the east and as the sun rises it fills the room with great light to stitch by or even blog by. Rose and April are outside and I can watch them perform their duties. I can watch the robins and sparrows hunt for their breakfast and soon I will hear the woodpeckers drumming out their territory on my rain gutters. I wonder if robins will nest in the crook of the down spout like last year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So you can see this is a perfect spot for me to settle in to for stitching. One draw back is the Professor likes to prowl up and down the hall checking out what I am doing. I think it really bothers him that that he doesn't have a spot in here to hang out. He does like to follow me from room to room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember this little beauty? It is the Alessandra Adelaide stitch along from 2010 and it is sitting in here and I am itching to get started on it...as soon as I figure out where I left off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have an appointment at 1:30 and I wish I could cancel but it is something pretty important so I can't. I want to cozy into the house and I don't think it is going to be warm enough to throw open a window, but I will take the 57° high they are predicting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a shameful secret...I found a ton of unfinished projects in excavating the happy room. I will have to take pictures of them and post them here. You know when you buy stuff and then it gets "lost", oh my gosh I have found my lost stuff and I think I have found yours too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Off I go to greet the rest of my day and enjoy the secret folds here in the Lilac Thicket. God Bless Us Everyone.</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-35431812052917113872012-02-21T17:46:00.000-06:002012-02-21T17:46:00.578-06:00Life in the Lilac Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJHBxHyVZCIoUKWQXpsKMEK0m1mp2KIo1mFhpCzKPGf5rYbB5yo51Y2x4iZPc96uAXHCGZBHnN-2JjKe12jiu6xSfmOqRqhyphenhyphenLe_90qegNptXesIcHiAO39c9YRrnzTi7XXg8XscBGrbA/s1600/100_1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJHBxHyVZCIoUKWQXpsKMEK0m1mp2KIo1mFhpCzKPGf5rYbB5yo51Y2x4iZPc96uAXHCGZBHnN-2JjKe12jiu6xSfmOqRqhyphenhyphenLe_90qegNptXesIcHiAO39c9YRrnzTi7XXg8XscBGrbA/s320/100_1383.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>h happy day my loveliest readers. I have been oh so busy and that last thing that I have wanted to do is stop and blog. Not that I don't want to regale you with tales of the Lilac Thicket but when I get in the mood I need to keep going. If I stop, I lose my mojo! </div>
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We had our first shovelable snow Sunday the 12th into the 13th and the Carribean Prince just couldn't wait to get his hands on the shovel. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkdNOjZCcLBRqdWFQgTFUSdmXNXEP_RhHRJhltQGjbfPvozBQR4WMcMXS4D15fYQW_Rzvcdkh-aDkugBNr707ZGjAU3XuaSIEkpoz1Q1mPodcE7c9xfBlqBgCg8MwGAh4Rswn9a1KETE/s1600/100_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkdNOjZCcLBRqdWFQgTFUSdmXNXEP_RhHRJhltQGjbfPvozBQR4WMcMXS4D15fYQW_Rzvcdkh-aDkugBNr707ZGjAU3XuaSIEkpoz1Q1mPodcE7c9xfBlqBgCg8MwGAh4Rswn9a1KETE/s320/100_1385.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">V</span>alentine's Day I was so envious of all the ladies at work with beautiful vases of roses. I got home to a from scratch sponge cake, made and decorated with more love and thought then any vase of flowers ever bought and sent. In fact this cake was the second one the Professor made. The first didn't come out and he had to take a cold walk up to the grocery for more flour and eggs. My thought now is, my delicious cake was more beautiful then any bunch of old flowers. The Professor made this cake from memories of his mother making it back in Guyana, so that makes it more spectacular, don't you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99KfyZA8JYzcKMNAiLCQiVv_QqKg8z3wA6orrp5g4avoEWVblsu8_aWW_pSGhlDGVe5E3NQ8JntFHC_NWJ1bVcJqMjC4xJYSHEwiJ5a3A2PHLPb6zAbBgbiY1br0YNDG8dy82QOkiumA/s1600/100_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99KfyZA8JYzcKMNAiLCQiVv_QqKg8z3wA6orrp5g4avoEWVblsu8_aWW_pSGhlDGVe5E3NQ8JntFHC_NWJ1bVcJqMjC4xJYSHEwiJ5a3A2PHLPb6zAbBgbiY1br0YNDG8dy82QOkiumA/s320/100_1391.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="font-size: small;">his was the gift my dearest beloved received from his loving and gentle wife. Yes it is a 50" Zenith plasma television. Oh it is huge, it didn't look that big in the Sears! The Professor is in love...with the t.v. not me! When we went to the Thrift Shop yesterday we found the television stand for $7.50! (Have you priced tv stands at WalMart and Sear? OMG) It was half price, as was everything in the store. It is great to see movies in high definition. Maybe someday the Prince will love ME as much as the television.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E9LsAhTw6RnUt3hrlTI7meyZbUI8773dkvG2J07KFwrHQGijv0U_4eq3zNCdQ1g3U_zxm4ea9KBcV9QNnGZWH1BZere7mVzwRFwlWGVmXtH1YhOPxqW5mz918XaFcjolw516AVrp0t0/s1600/100_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_E9LsAhTw6RnUt3hrlTI7meyZbUI8773dkvG2J07KFwrHQGijv0U_4eq3zNCdQ1g3U_zxm4ea9KBcV9QNnGZWH1BZere7mVzwRFwlWGVmXtH1YhOPxqW5mz918XaFcjolw516AVrp0t0/s320/100_1392.JPG" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span><span style="font-size: small;">y happy room is coming right along. We put the old kitchen table in under the window. We dressed the window with some sweet blue flocked curtains that my mom gave us. The ironing board was taken down after 8 years of permanent residence standing vigil under the window with a ton, and I do mean a ton, of crap stacked on top of it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxl3HpVzxxyf41p0OdX3YMuy_sMfG2K_50JkCdPycJKmF9sPYbgk5kNuxttyIMB0lMkNDvkfjn0cBFBhiHjLXPjI02FUW6u26-hEqw-lMPGFiN7yq6O3WOzfpHlRzhre_rs-D6nDg8dj4/s1600/100_1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxl3HpVzxxyf41p0OdX3YMuy_sMfG2K_50JkCdPycJKmF9sPYbgk5kNuxttyIMB0lMkNDvkfjn0cBFBhiHjLXPjI02FUW6u26-hEqw-lMPGFiN7yq6O3WOzfpHlRzhre_rs-D6nDg8dj4/s320/100_1394.JPG" width="240" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="font-size: small;">he book shelves have been somewhat organized by the Professor, and dusted. I have a several clear plastic storage containers and had everything sorted and up off the floor.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3ZM6vyz5d3xfvpjIxoqKQ3PpCyafwZ5NGkixW1kYX-YY6tQwf95XcdqiEvqUHFd5bQyFaZE2KaE2_lWgjVLbSOoOgfVJGiYDhgdjsUDddSrk3Tw5eMLuNpDnuRVyilu_9ZG8-n5Kogk/s1600/100_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3ZM6vyz5d3xfvpjIxoqKQ3PpCyafwZ5NGkixW1kYX-YY6tQwf95XcdqiEvqUHFd5bQyFaZE2KaE2_lWgjVLbSOoOgfVJGiYDhgdjsUDddSrk3Tw5eMLuNpDnuRVyilu_9ZG8-n5Kogk/s320/100_1393.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I </span><span style="font-size: small;">came home from work on Saturday to a husband meeting me at the door "you caught me". My domestic God, the Professor sorted a bunch of stuff all in a heap all over the floor. Can you spell "frustrated"? I wanted to commit Professor-cide! </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci8fcPRj8yv8SeY3IzZd-jKjIWUcf2BiXcYubQ1XBAwoKOGzcDhuMzWi6RX1B7vh0GSvZBLvZSJmF1ry220uK_LQv5bLyIz7-j4B87X1lkQ0AmjwQWbWJ4k-3_8DmSCsnGwWJOgmvq8I/s1600/100_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci8fcPRj8yv8SeY3IzZd-jKjIWUcf2BiXcYubQ1XBAwoKOGzcDhuMzWi6RX1B7vh0GSvZBLvZSJmF1ry220uK_LQv5bLyIz7-j4B87X1lkQ0AmjwQWbWJ4k-3_8DmSCsnGwWJOgmvq8I/s320/100_1388.JPG" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span><span style="font-size: small;">o after my Mother bailed me out of jail yesterday, I came home and made a Mennonite recipe for Macaroni and Cheese. I was disappointed because it wasn't cheesy enough for me. But it hit the spot with baked BBQ chicken. </span></div>
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That is the little bit of news going on here in my Lilac Thicket. Thank you a lot for missing me. Off I go to eat myself some dinner. God Bless Us Everyone!</div>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-43651715351565445452012-02-12T09:54:00.001-06:002012-07-27T08:24:04.056-05:00Help...there's a plant in the dog dish!A simple update for my gentle readers, life is wonderful here in the cold, cloistered confines of the Lilac Thicket. We are supposed to get some snow tonight, I suppose Old Man Winter is trying to remind us here that it IS winter. I mean really friends...no snow in winter in Missouri...inconceivable!<br />
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The news on the Happy Room front is good. We are now in the midst of arranging and organizing. Hooray! I am anxious to sit down with needle and thread and have a go at a neglected craft.<br />
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The Professor is in the midst of cleaning. He wanted a plant, I am not really sure he is ready for the responsibility of such a living organism. He promised HE would take care of it. So I relented and I got him some spiky leaved thing that should grow into a tree. When I gave it to him he asked "where should I put it"? Well I then I started second guessing myself about the wisdom of allowing him the custodial rights over the plant. <br />
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The victim is now sitting in a dog bowl on a small plant stand in front of the window.<br />
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I had to stop for a moment, the Professor was using a plastic pancake turner scrape the gunk out from under the burners. Yuck, and then we use it on our food? Makes me wonder what goes on when I am not home. On the other hand, maybe it's best I don't know.<br />
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I am going to go to a baby shower here in a couple of hours. My mother knitted a lovely white blanket with the softest yarn. I forgot to get a pic for the blog, and I have it wrapped already. I will try to get one at the shower.<br />
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I am trying to get the Professor to go to the shower with me, other guys are going. So I bribed him, we can go to see the movie he wants to see, something like "Red Rear" or something like that. It's the one about Tuskegee Airmen. Then we can go to Red Lobster.<br />
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Sorry, I almost had a heart attack, I thought the Professor was using Windex to clean off the top of my wooden clock that Brother 2 made us out of wonderful walnut.<br />
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I got I lovely Valentine card from my husband in the mail. It will be our first Valentine's Day together. We actually met 2/17/11, so we haven't known each other a year yet.Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-2429455918691740982012-02-05T13:44:00.000-06:002012-02-05T13:44:08.062-06:00It's SO-O-O-O pink!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh my gentlest of readers, I'm in the pink and I hope my new blog design reflects that! Since I officially turned 55 last week, I thought I would freshen up my life, like it could get any better then it was. Well the answer to that is YES! I was asked to work a special project at work. I was thrilled to be asked and even more thrilled to say yes. So 4 out of my 5 work days, I will be working with another department within the call center. I will be working on a project which will benefit the entire enterprise. I will be learning so much more and who knows where this will ultimately lead me at CVS/Caremark. God has blessed me beyond my wildest imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our mandatory overtime is almost at an end, which is terrific. I have enjoyed more money in my pay but I love my time in my Thicket and I have been so tired.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziMau_vR8i6uXf-T0oSsWZh6zPIfdq6hBm1BYPLW1FOvWXQfFgSF4nxebyprUPEo3tWoGqa4VVVwbMhIyxVQl9wbWktuyMCmcss5Xc1dsXe8rE1TtNetjvv_YWFScmmHAB4mrX7bN9V0/s1600/100_1360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziMau_vR8i6uXf-T0oSsWZh6zPIfdq6hBm1BYPLW1FOvWXQfFgSF4nxebyprUPEo3tWoGqa4VVVwbMhIyxVQl9wbWktuyMCmcss5Xc1dsXe8rE1TtNetjvv_YWFScmmHAB4mrX7bN9V0/s320/100_1360.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Professor is in taking a nap. I know our late night, watching the Mizzou Tigers take a piece of out of some horrid little red and blue fowl's tail. Go my #4 rated University of Missouri. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have heard something about a SuperBowl which has NO meaning in the Lilac Thicket because of our Border War game last night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So for my birthday I went to the Thrift Shop and found me a really nice SAK purse for $3.50 and a few other little chachkas. Then we went and saw "A Joyful Noise" which we both loved. I also was excited because my Caribbean Prince held my hand through out the whole movie (a first in my life). We then went over to Mom's and the family was there. We ate Popeye's chicken and had a lovely cake, decorated with cross stitch "X"es and flowers. It was good, good, good. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HRvPLKfPcGm0_iKUKXZ_dh9nabD8p2-FP2XBubemkTa2y_GHsH2nb5glBM9l4sC3j8Hb4SZ_iKvPeIr8EMdrdoruSwXMxhJnC_vF19twSXBVsRH96d1fIyYryteTzBHXe9c_CY8Oryc/s1600/100_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HRvPLKfPcGm0_iKUKXZ_dh9nabD8p2-FP2XBubemkTa2y_GHsH2nb5glBM9l4sC3j8Hb4SZ_iKvPeIr8EMdrdoruSwXMxhJnC_vF19twSXBVsRH96d1fIyYryteTzBHXe9c_CY8Oryc/s320/100_1354.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then there were lovely presents. I got a new pair of pants, a set of cookie sheets, a lovely blue blouse, a blue cotton jersey jacket,</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs7kKL8P1rL6qxlofbPWhaA_LU3uaRJ0t_qNXU7-LndZx6LQHnvsFWSn6dLggbMMHFfaikcNWKfvytSXSjqiQaU73NnQPwmci-lRYDQNZ9qSgu_eOx67pHZTwfDoIByDM-Eg2XKDCp2A/s1600/100_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs7kKL8P1rL6qxlofbPWhaA_LU3uaRJ0t_qNXU7-LndZx6LQHnvsFWSn6dLggbMMHFfaikcNWKfvytSXSjqiQaU73NnQPwmci-lRYDQNZ9qSgu_eOx67pHZTwfDoIByDM-Eg2XKDCp2A/s320/100_1361.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">and a gift certificate for my needlework shop. My Professor bought and sent me the prettiest card. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvP1zzP_ppd1-Bk7J_cVB2_8uy25gi_3U8XNwQIAUm1LNJsaEhF98l3_PGFuuuzA3P3i3kDxc9UW9Dzj0dKhzfHINpL7v9TKtRy-b4ch6CjdlA32Javc9K9tzOb6_Y5hoPT6aoPwDLAI/s1600/100_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvP1zzP_ppd1-Bk7J_cVB2_8uy25gi_3U8XNwQIAUm1LNJsaEhF98l3_PGFuuuzA3P3i3kDxc9UW9Dzj0dKhzfHINpL7v9TKtRy-b4ch6CjdlA32Javc9K9tzOb6_Y5hoPT6aoPwDLAI/s320/100_1365.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">So birthday 55 was the best one I have ever had.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8UvmnqkiAC5ryCiBjj4GYzpYF9KIi6jNeVRnbvVx4IjWBtWrpZDTC_89EedYEp6BwBupPAQaNFR-GlxykK4v7LRJ_m0cD0kOC4Fx-BRhxpn963x7hYWAMuv8IGvscfm-3a0lo3wuWvU/s1600/100_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8UvmnqkiAC5ryCiBjj4GYzpYF9KIi6jNeVRnbvVx4IjWBtWrpZDTC_89EedYEp6BwBupPAQaNFR-GlxykK4v7LRJ_m0cD0kOC4Fx-BRhxpn963x7hYWAMuv8IGvscfm-3a0lo3wuWvU/s320/100_1357.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I did purchase some stash, 2 Just Nan's Snowflower and Ice Blossom. My Happy Room isn't done yet but there is definite progress.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR1n_48-SmHFxKx3IbtQ69I6LRxh4oZ73LZxgUxAgUlF9AtoFXm4Xl45d_Kr6-dNhsLy5voLPvF1Ll8I4hGt2fsAK4BEBRK8z0IIK-2OgNOo4UuOXuxqcWSTN21Oihc8f_loDNT0iKUw/s1600/100_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR1n_48-SmHFxKx3IbtQ69I6LRxh4oZ73LZxgUxAgUlF9AtoFXm4Xl45d_Kr6-dNhsLy5voLPvF1Ll8I4hGt2fsAK4BEBRK8z0IIK-2OgNOo4UuOXuxqcWSTN21Oihc8f_loDNT0iKUw/s320/100_1358.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am getting ready for Valentine's Day. Professor's favorite magazine is <strike>Penthouse</strike> Reader's Digest, so I purchased a subscription for 2 years and I want to get him some Hershey's Kisses. Plus for the past 4 days I have been penning reasons I love him, I want to have 101 reasons. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPX0Lev9Y6vptqW4eEu1nmqoboknX1ZZfYP6alPwB_bruXk3sA4rccmnKHbp8tWAAh8z17dfSs1gTpldHB4Hyf1bIjhZhyphenhyphenhzkrPutBg32JtgbWWvEXQ6UFNTHuWcMpJxnbICSBhiYe7Qk/s1600/100_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPX0Lev9Y6vptqW4eEu1nmqoboknX1ZZfYP6alPwB_bruXk3sA4rccmnKHbp8tWAAh8z17dfSs1gTpldHB4Hyf1bIjhZhyphenhyphenhzkrPutBg32JtgbWWvEXQ6UFNTHuWcMpJxnbICSBhiYe7Qk/s320/100_1356.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then I will type them up and print them off instead of purchasing a card. I am up to 72 reasons and the pretty pink trim covers a couple of private reasons which I won't share. Mom was pretty impressed with my offerings when she asked me what I was getting him for VD!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvgmroDsoX9ttQDx2WkZjM7URbHpRtpc-Q5pQpKAuyq-r7MYr243Le_RhrQMJ2ThPR1GbXkQbkQO6Mrb44AvoPtDo0UxclQG2NQbLHnnp_a-MaZL7FfEICRioE8nL9xafbt7P6QRSLHU/s1600/100_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvgmroDsoX9ttQDx2WkZjM7URbHpRtpc-Q5pQpKAuyq-r7MYr243Le_RhrQMJ2ThPR1GbXkQbkQO6Mrb44AvoPtDo0UxclQG2NQbLHnnp_a-MaZL7FfEICRioE8nL9xafbt7P6QRSLHU/s320/100_1352.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">So life is wonderful here in the cockles of the Lilac Thicket and I will close with a picture of the two most important people in my life. My Caribbean Prince and my marvelous mother. God Bless Us Everyone.</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-39947821742020530912012-01-23T10:38:00.000-06:002012-01-23T10:38:26.520-06:00I'm a daughter...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAhMxYEqIySjd4fP4Je-PWJCUpob0apeCz0Msg9NZV3jDmrWPG2rGjizzZEaUfNTMeBjcvxXYJRT7mWfyq4j6yrcXRhYygcG2Fo_XLZzsWr5HA0K0NYqBl85VGJMpXYUx9STc8JAjKaA/s1600/271060471292081235_HbVOcuIH_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAhMxYEqIySjd4fP4Je-PWJCUpob0apeCz0Msg9NZV3jDmrWPG2rGjizzZEaUfNTMeBjcvxXYJRT7mWfyq4j6yrcXRhYygcG2Fo_XLZzsWr5HA0K0NYqBl85VGJMpXYUx9STc8JAjKaA/s320/271060471292081235_HbVOcuIH_c.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Morning fans! I have been busy as I told you in my last post. I am feeling right sweet here in the Lilac Thicket. Still a bit of a stuffy nose but I feel great. I went this morning to have a fasting blood draw, wanna see my boo-boo?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I went to the doctor two weeks ago and told him I was tired of being fat and tired of of not feeling well. We talked about a lap band and I haven't made any decisions on that yet. My young cute doctor got me back on my high blood pressure meds with a diuretic and in the past two weeks I haven't had any fluid retention...yay!!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I wanted to go out and walk but it is just not warm enough and yesterday I was antsy all day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vQ0C8jvVQrKVw7w_IXzUoTgCl6LkmviHrlOUiHbs-pNxHvNpmLWI4u8VKa7U1aU-KCYP-E7ZE8QC6SwHVxtSEAr0K9O55HHsYy-XuwdOsHB6QZ8cbYJQMRm0Ay8brj6YEnz4qYKsk_A/s1600/100_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vQ0C8jvVQrKVw7w_IXzUoTgCl6LkmviHrlOUiHbs-pNxHvNpmLWI4u8VKa7U1aU-KCYP-E7ZE8QC6SwHVxtSEAr0K9O55HHsYy-XuwdOsHB6QZ8cbYJQMRm0Ay8brj6YEnz4qYKsk_A/s320/100_1350.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Professor and I worked in my happy room and it is coming along. Most of the crud is shovelled out, everything off the floor. I have to clean off the ironing board and sewing cabinet because the crud is piled high. Today I need to do a load or two or laundry and then I intend to clean off one or both of those two surfaces. We bought a lovely love seat for $30 for my happy room! Everything was 50% off at the Thrift Shop last Monday. I didn't think that the love seat would still be there, but it was! Ain't God great!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I found lots of stitchy stuff I had forgotten about while shovelling in the happy room. Oh my gosh, I am so excited about getting that shameful mess cleaned up. I plan on spending my whole weekend in there next weekend stitching. I am all quivery thinking about it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Professor is getting ready for work. I will be hauling his cute self up to his church's private school for his volunteer job which he really loves.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1yGZnqEFsf3eeT1plTb1VKBRxDkkFszBF8bLAAvKaWNjncMcfmvY2HtSrbbeYfMyWJBI0cs5BM9ZXxdff3_UPCWVXY_-PEf40RSdxG5AM3BJ2br4OFYJKmGQfVrOxhyphenhyphenQfyvEqsnlsos/s1600/120123-084914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1yGZnqEFsf3eeT1plTb1VKBRxDkkFszBF8bLAAvKaWNjncMcfmvY2HtSrbbeYfMyWJBI0cs5BM9ZXxdff3_UPCWVXY_-PEf40RSdxG5AM3BJ2br4OFYJKmGQfVrOxhyphenhyphenQfyvEqsnlsos/s320/120123-084914.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I told you I was antsy last night...I cut off all my hair. Yup that professional cut where you put your hair in a pony tail on you forehead and take the scissors and whack it off. I woke up this morning with it sticking up all over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well I suppose I should sort some laundry and then sit down and have a bite to eat. God Bless Us Everyone!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-4632618144198399432012-01-19T18:43:00.000-06:002012-01-19T18:43:47.153-06:00Like a Timex, takes a licking but still ticking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNsHZ_o7j9Lipl7Tpw4xi_kPgjy569_2BwNKgB33_uEA606ZFraH1BSGlfH566TI7W2bKOiu_mGsmuCKIxHy95Y5nZjMtPmayLiYbYEe-TJdDXP0A0bBwQ5sFr77GHS1qRqjlKK1Dmto/s1600/december-21-2010-winter-solstice-fairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNsHZ_o7j9Lipl7Tpw4xi_kPgjy569_2BwNKgB33_uEA606ZFraH1BSGlfH566TI7W2bKOiu_mGsmuCKIxHy95Y5nZjMtPmayLiYbYEe-TJdDXP0A0bBwQ5sFr77GHS1qRqjlKK1Dmto/s320/december-21-2010-winter-solstice-fairy.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>Okay, I am officially NOT dead! The Professor checked to see if he felt air coming out of my sleeping nostrils and thankfully there was.<br />
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I am working overtime, I am sick, yes a sinus infection and I just don't have time right now to write. Take heart, I am alive. God Save Us Everyone!Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-82897330504274074242012-01-02T14:56:00.000-06:002012-01-02T14:56:18.394-06:00Travelling the back roads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMBFB9kxSJHs2rCQDb_si1rlcgO8fTEHBWUWiffhCXBif1-v-aarPujYJIlWPsx4UtUvZG3CcxY7rLDVotkTDv5QDZc2tmaj-54D-KrqregtA656t6TUSeeCgz010sXo9hHNR6RXB2sw/s1600/100_1313+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMBFB9kxSJHs2rCQDb_si1rlcgO8fTEHBWUWiffhCXBif1-v-aarPujYJIlWPsx4UtUvZG3CcxY7rLDVotkTDv5QDZc2tmaj-54D-KrqregtA656t6TUSeeCgz010sXo9hHNR6RXB2sw/s320/100_1313+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is a beautiful second day of the new year today. The sun is bright and the wind is chilly but it feels like the world looks a little more beautiful. The colors are vibrant and the sun much more cheerful. I took the back road to the cross stitch shop and it was an introspective ride. I decided that for 2012 I want to take all back roads because they are slower, more interesting and restful and they have a familiar comfortable feeling. That is exactly how I want my life to be this year, comfortable, slow and interesting. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTMe_bqRTudSfPGdEkvkw-DcYaxMU5uabgw4rbr-TEltOi8pEyUkhrJjsdNuHkA3KgProiFsm5WfZ3u3USoG6Sx52o7Ndsfk52DoMenCmFGEsGFDLo7YGuyKOVFcLQtnPrLHW5WI2LWM/s1600/100_1312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTMe_bqRTudSfPGdEkvkw-DcYaxMU5uabgw4rbr-TEltOi8pEyUkhrJjsdNuHkA3KgProiFsm5WfZ3u3USoG6Sx52o7Ndsfk52DoMenCmFGEsGFDLo7YGuyKOVFcLQtnPrLHW5WI2LWM/s320/100_1312.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">At C.C & Company a darling little decoration greeted me and I just had to share it. When I walked in the door I was greeted with welcoming salutations, like the old friend that I am. I have been visiting them since 1983, almost 30 years. Now THAT is customer loyalty! I have been a well treated customer there and they have always been helpful and accommodating. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_jSRhH8mzQjTy0jW7slaVYXLg4tYPUykC4w1meNuVXXR3Fbtvh6iqxO3XaR2c5DtBYGxGa9g1jz9jFy-pg0so8BKo7cN69UjI8vrweS_oHqnXjYmVtsHzVf1ZaulJfKztOlxfA0YBdE/s1600/100_1315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_jSRhH8mzQjTy0jW7slaVYXLg4tYPUykC4w1meNuVXXR3Fbtvh6iqxO3XaR2c5DtBYGxGa9g1jz9jFy-pg0so8BKo7cN69UjI8vrweS_oHqnXjYmVtsHzVf1ZaulJfKztOlxfA0YBdE/s320/100_1315.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">How fortunate for me almost every thing in the shop was 30% off. I got the Lizzie Kate kit "A Good Marriage" and a wonderful piece of 28ct Jazlyn 18"x21" in opalescence Midas Touch. They also had small ornament size pieces of fabric for $3, for a bunch. My bunch had 4 pieces, blue, cream, tan and mushroom colored. Then I took the last package of Piecemaker needles size 22. I used the $50 gift certificate my Mom gave me for Christmas. Yup the back road really blessed me today.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPxbUppzRLX8wt2ymO4nqN_E2omL7nRHFW1_exOogIunDKlFSECS9KDtUYH1FMnwS2YaQ4uop6ck1E965tX4tTereJT-KJpL4YOlqLUOmRyww8UoLgw3Z58cWuHD4mlHocvZr9gBXC1w/s1600/100_1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPxbUppzRLX8wt2ymO4nqN_E2omL7nRHFW1_exOogIunDKlFSECS9KDtUYH1FMnwS2YaQ4uop6ck1E965tX4tTereJT-KJpL4YOlqLUOmRyww8UoLgw3Z58cWuHD4mlHocvZr9gBXC1w/s320/100_1282.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh baby, this copy cat recipe of Bob Evans Peanut Butter Pie was beyond love! I made it in my new Pyrex glass dish to take for our weekend lunch date with my dear girlfriend posse at work. You can find the recipe at my cooking blog and that link is on the upper right of this page!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5TiC4NBqJl80PJDCbRuXEcPz-CkEct_rnTJcv5G7gBsjJcSyL248PR9WwBTBT5rSeFB-ud8iAY5zfCTfrW2fcEz5fpeII-XiKNZXecbYT5GZ47S2BvJa_5b1bHvG0MAsOvhgtz-9ij8/s1600/100_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5TiC4NBqJl80PJDCbRuXEcPz-CkEct_rnTJcv5G7gBsjJcSyL248PR9WwBTBT5rSeFB-ud8iAY5zfCTfrW2fcEz5fpeII-XiKNZXecbYT5GZ47S2BvJa_5b1bHvG0MAsOvhgtz-9ij8/s320/100_1284.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hip to the Hop Dot made fried chicken, Krazy Kat Lady Karol made black eyed peas and Bodacious Bev made mashed 'tatoes! Whoa, can you spell "YUMMERS"! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqYZ6OU0E-9jUXb0YRVveXwJYoMPfns5LObtCE6qKMimzI6WCZPmqrAmKttxiNRgc3nfmmlnM60VxAwfz1arPqn6SkfbmfBK_h41pcphqS4-ROmp0kwXZHkjWuTPVHsgmRmiNCE3a4zQ/s1600/100_1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqYZ6OU0E-9jUXb0YRVveXwJYoMPfns5LObtCE6qKMimzI6WCZPmqrAmKttxiNRgc3nfmmlnM60VxAwfz1arPqn6SkfbmfBK_h41pcphqS4-ROmp0kwXZHkjWuTPVHsgmRmiNCE3a4zQ/s320/100_1297.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Last evening the Professor and I travelled the highway down the the "Plaza" and upscale shopping area that is beautifully decorated every Thanksgiving for the holidays. I was surprised how many people were out on a Sunday evening. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX54qRGL_CeprjB59TqRwzwHIMpQrvwAu52RsjKstw_w0sJJYiJetBUe_flup_l_dZjJVgzeV5S4TyuTMJO-ApLX1w3Pzb0LajZzi-NEiJhTSm3uEMqOlJdrzhsaqxDol30G4dZu5PCl8/s1600/100_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX54qRGL_CeprjB59TqRwzwHIMpQrvwAu52RsjKstw_w0sJJYiJetBUe_flup_l_dZjJVgzeV5S4TyuTMJO-ApLX1w3Pzb0LajZzi-NEiJhTSm3uEMqOlJdrzhsaqxDol30G4dZu5PCl8/s320/100_1301.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Really the picture is a bit blurry but you can definitely see the beauty of the Christmas lights.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWgjuNycm2HQUjEMHk8fuyuixlIT4gjlnpBg24KC1uCpQBMepvxt8aqMprjXsdzNLU-Y98J60z542-7XCXDj73c3ybTctzjExJ7vIke9DtNbKjxkz78Zh3uJzlnYEJTexIhczyTipu3E/s1600/100_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWgjuNycm2HQUjEMHk8fuyuixlIT4gjlnpBg24KC1uCpQBMepvxt8aqMprjXsdzNLU-Y98J60z542-7XCXDj73c3ybTctzjExJ7vIke9DtNbKjxkz78Zh3uJzlnYEJTexIhczyTipu3E/s320/100_1308.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then we travelled back to the suburbs where our Thicket is located and we drove downtown by the AmTrak station. It was pretty all decked out in the seasonal colors. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDv3ZdNpVs1Dnd6Ld4wpl2HnLYVJ5zGYqAl66QDl_BaLRF8CRNqSQLda1WgDvFQCECdi7wiajxXDNjHtpc17feJE-KGPgvrON3psX3CXPQ7vN0FgEwTRwpbtPQweJmj7fSk3GlYGDAYM/s1600/100_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDv3ZdNpVs1Dnd6Ld4wpl2HnLYVJ5zGYqAl66QDl_BaLRF8CRNqSQLda1WgDvFQCECdi7wiajxXDNjHtpc17feJE-KGPgvrON3psX3CXPQ7vN0FgEwTRwpbtPQweJmj7fSk3GlYGDAYM/s320/100_1306.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">And the Professor wanted a picture, full length (no he isn't vain, is he). I had to get out of the car and brave the cold north wind too! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E8g9eb-lPO8RSnaNVj6asaUImFkPQVp2GNnue5r_HOGFgwj9-8LSkQDDMGsP8_ZQ2apUzsAts4rMEaCZDriY4UOsYJTQ5Q0i2nf7apeHCZLl8s9kLFmf4LcA3KsOkx2jnFltmTKkx2E/s1600/100_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E8g9eb-lPO8RSnaNVj6asaUImFkPQVp2GNnue5r_HOGFgwj9-8LSkQDDMGsP8_ZQ2apUzsAts4rMEaCZDriY4UOsYJTQ5Q0i2nf7apeHCZLl8s9kLFmf4LcA3KsOkx2jnFltmTKkx2E/s320/100_1227.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yup, this is the we, love the pic of the Professor, on Christmas Day. May you have a blessed New Year and I pray for you to be blessed by the journey down the back roads. God Bless Us Everyone!</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-31790889537297193892012-01-01T14:27:00.002-06:002012-01-01T14:27:30.858-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eKR1rLWT55tgzQgWwOoV7xHSAxsSkw6ZO9egifYUtk8HCrvhsJEP1PxeLBFYnaxF5WPip8DFtN7jykRgOG8HGPI9bAXi7O7_zspvJnJfUJHKBcsxVtCCUyVvCX4eW3MHyAijqYq4jHg/s1600/card00694_fr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eKR1rLWT55tgzQgWwOoV7xHSAxsSkw6ZO9egifYUtk8HCrvhsJEP1PxeLBFYnaxF5WPip8DFtN7jykRgOG8HGPI9bAXi7O7_zspvJnJfUJHKBcsxVtCCUyVvCX4eW3MHyAijqYq4jHg/s320/card00694_fr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1768497863264787439.post-34577568628434937952012-01-01T13:50:00.002-06:002012-01-01T14:04:33.444-06:00Happy New Year!!!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh I know, a very imaginative and gripping title! Happy New Year my beloved and gentle readers! Are you ready for the best ride of your life? I know 2011 was a wonderful year but I am certain 2012 will even surpass the old year!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is cold and sunny here within the confines of the Lilac Thicket. The Professor and I greeted the New Year by snoring. Yes we are getting old, old, old! Last evening we went out to dinner at Jumpin' Catfish. The food was yummers and the company just as dishy!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mYxROADBRgkjJQ7rbpEbi0LgC7orkS-kbwc8fATIxALagDFSZvoCmFAtR-VBiFPYADqdJ_znE8NaaVMf8isHdtYT5Qzoe_Kz6hps-dE_ugKSrMyXsYoXWKyIB8uM3nJF8REmzWVFu3U/s1600/100_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mYxROADBRgkjJQ7rbpEbi0LgC7orkS-kbwc8fATIxALagDFSZvoCmFAtR-VBiFPYADqdJ_znE8NaaVMf8isHdtYT5Qzoe_Kz6hps-dE_ugKSrMyXsYoXWKyIB8uM3nJF8REmzWVFu3U/s320/100_1165.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">We started out Christmas Day with the above activity. Yes the Professor woke up and instead of saying Merry Christmas, he was on the phone talking with someone else wishing them Merry Christmas. And it didn't get much better then that. He had to talk with someone else for an hour while he was supposed to be getting dressed and we were late getting to Mom's. We will also mention the call on the ride OVER to Mom's even if it was brief. Then the Professor had his first call while we were opening gifts and then the 2nd call while we were opening presents took him outside for 45 minutes while he talked with a sister. Well needless to say I was not happy and I was seriously wondering the looks of strangers when the Professor walked down the street and his keister was ringing because I wanted to insert the cell there because I was so mad! When I explained that my memories of our first Christmas together would be of him on the phone with God knows who, he shut it off.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUgjgOFwW4RhxQelh0cVtYqYxveqhXODvHxKf8T0kOvVATaqFgue_fM5MnzGTDIc0AVC-OZ75ksKEaDk3YJe54QJknu6z5chf2ssESAwflOmMe6Ifhy0yinaJ_D5-76cp5vViP-NrWPU/s1600/100_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUgjgOFwW4RhxQelh0cVtYqYxveqhXODvHxKf8T0kOvVATaqFgue_fM5MnzGTDIc0AVC-OZ75ksKEaDk3YJe54QJknu6z5chf2ssESAwflOmMe6Ifhy0yinaJ_D5-76cp5vViP-NrWPU/s320/100_1214.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Princess Wiggle Wiggle went nuts with all the wonderful gifts she received. I mean what little girl wouldn't want a Lazy Boy Chair, princess size of course, a table and chairs, tea set, play house, doll and doll carrier. She looked so cute in her little outfit and she was so much fun to watch. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESjVFts4Pn-7Iu8qYmwEEEgL3ghi0WOwfbh6KHIcwJgLJ7By49wkS5h5Nv4xOB2E2OlLDqEhe0QLlslEfevENGM3bMTaaYoUTFmJDIRafFj2dEIJ0P8P5uEip9naVVRCSFt5BFJYMGD8/s1600/100_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESjVFts4Pn-7Iu8qYmwEEEgL3ghi0WOwfbh6KHIcwJgLJ7By49wkS5h5Nv4xOB2E2OlLDqEhe0QLlslEfevENGM3bMTaaYoUTFmJDIRafFj2dEIJ0P8P5uEip9naVVRCSFt5BFJYMGD8/s320/100_1167.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wonderful munchies were had by all as we opened presents.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsOI2u7l_KkVscf5Pu_yidbEi6APhTVFm5suPqFwsYjZBafuQ8Y-0WKEkCKqT78lD894tt7409286x_6BhQCQedVAeF0Khxs2-RZlX_zXhzR4e1-aT2OJp9_wPHXyDnFAP-yw2r8iO54/s1600/100_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsOI2u7l_KkVscf5Pu_yidbEi6APhTVFm5suPqFwsYjZBafuQ8Y-0WKEkCKqT78lD894tt7409286x_6BhQCQedVAeF0Khxs2-RZlX_zXhzR4e1-aT2OJp9_wPHXyDnFAP-yw2r8iO54/s320/100_1233.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Princess Jujubead loved a pretty new scarf.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XdlGYsghaqd_-l6pv3ROGuXO0TJoCF80f7EvnfKpyPoEX94rKrc64vRXgu8oVaFvNiHGanZ1EzlE10hyrOrDiHu_UDKgtai5PhQOtpoP7BtuxVfj0f3qZBUgd7F4NZGg5C-Xwd5Fr6E/s1600/100_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XdlGYsghaqd_-l6pv3ROGuXO0TJoCF80f7EvnfKpyPoEX94rKrc64vRXgu8oVaFvNiHGanZ1EzlE10hyrOrDiHu_UDKgtai5PhQOtpoP7BtuxVfj0f3qZBUgd7F4NZGg5C-Xwd5Fr6E/s320/100_1267.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Professor was "showered" with lots of presents, he was overwhelmed.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0FkznhrPK4AbUGFm2QFtPtgfk8Be2sU6rdWQcnR3T1srEX5FKS0JAQ4jPukvumYcdxcu-ut3UDzzTb_Pm61sZFLStyXSvegCdlzeVUm1JzB-JdZ6RL5ry8Co4iQ-zTdHcsHyNFdR4-E/s1600/100_1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0FkznhrPK4AbUGFm2QFtPtgfk8Be2sU6rdWQcnR3T1srEX5FKS0JAQ4jPukvumYcdxcu-ut3UDzzTb_Pm61sZFLStyXSvegCdlzeVUm1JzB-JdZ6RL5ry8Co4iQ-zTdHcsHyNFdR4-E/s320/100_1263.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Brother 2 got a wonderful pair of red skivvies complete with the drop bottom for midnight trips to the bathroom</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv2KKZmk0hF41lrSlyBjzC1JOxDJuA30ZFyWoa5s_4Jc3Y5hTR3Qrlr0DNDwJsjYSh0kYX6Ze_f6YQxE61-MTkiyyiGqbxyqGoWiljjhHUbdWXbhezsPA4Ls4Li41TuQezsfA_JD4wAg/s1600/100_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv2KKZmk0hF41lrSlyBjzC1JOxDJuA30ZFyWoa5s_4Jc3Y5hTR3Qrlr0DNDwJsjYSh0kYX6Ze_f6YQxE61-MTkiyyiGqbxyqGoWiljjhHUbdWXbhezsPA4Ls4Li41TuQezsfA_JD4wAg/s320/100_1241.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The girl with the cutest hair in the room got 6 new blouses AND the crock pot she wanted.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6qnhDiEraL74YcPpPZtDEvC9h6Mz5q_owxvUgMtMZkxil29lv26VUyXvmLAJOOP8QrrnALhS-fNg6vNax93t_0ruogb7YmtmycnZBObaoQA0AoTiAZ6Q9STLQTSWxE6WwLXigQE_O0Y/s1600/100_1235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6qnhDiEraL74YcPpPZtDEvC9h6Mz5q_owxvUgMtMZkxil29lv26VUyXvmLAJOOP8QrrnALhS-fNg6vNax93t_0ruogb7YmtmycnZBObaoQA0AoTiAZ6Q9STLQTSWxE6WwLXigQE_O0Y/s320/100_1235.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dear BIL received a box to place on his desk at work. It was an original creation of Mom's</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeGhI19ZOpIfChZTSt3HbIArm7XwDl6MZeIzrn8xmXmUIxOI-dD2Xg41yxFlzcnWdet4TdkB_SWF6bu6hWFE5ZN3rSRTFb3SqdimyO3V7PfzOOIXrT_9-BzpqwOq24vZpO0xUIMznEgM/s1600/100_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeGhI19ZOpIfChZTSt3HbIArm7XwDl6MZeIzrn8xmXmUIxOI-dD2Xg41yxFlzcnWdet4TdkB_SWF6bu6hWFE5ZN3rSRTFb3SqdimyO3V7PfzOOIXrT_9-BzpqwOq24vZpO0xUIMznEgM/s320/100_1252.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dear SIL received a desk top Ott lite which all stitchers covet for stitching.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBQb5krVgvITiYwVdrt31lYTR-6ZVAjEMdYiqXUo3W8oRO2JM5_W4nLoArX6h28bmCfBx4tKUAD5Ji_lkr_pC7wswH8T9zulS5VNoVbTmp8_E0MxU1fQ7HnIpQ78pBU3bID3zEA8EtKU/s1600/100_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBQb5krVgvITiYwVdrt31lYTR-6ZVAjEMdYiqXUo3W8oRO2JM5_W4nLoArX6h28bmCfBx4tKUAD5Ji_lkr_pC7wswH8T9zulS5VNoVbTmp8_E0MxU1fQ7HnIpQ78pBU3bID3zEA8EtKU/s320/100_1179.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">No Brother 1 did not get a dog but he did get a Wii with 2 games. Princess Wiggle Wiggle was fascinated by Bailey, Princess Juju's little dog.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHpETdRd1np1t3z1irYni04Cv7OqLPD27V80nWdJuGC25ksO24gecumjiUKV2-cbGNmzcTr5bBCrwOzQHCUTul69vcDBHHiYoXyD6kUSbWJ9-APHXM1LiydkN5hdLJwaUHjr-BFjM6Mc/s1600/100_1270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHpETdRd1np1t3z1irYni04Cv7OqLPD27V80nWdJuGC25ksO24gecumjiUKV2-cbGNmzcTr5bBCrwOzQHCUTul69vcDBHHiYoXyD6kUSbWJ9-APHXM1LiydkN5hdLJwaUHjr-BFjM6Mc/s320/100_1270.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mom received a dirty sock which had a gift card in it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Oz1LdlRMauudsKhIgtAzBFocJaOXhlGuXeZVQrY12pgBuie3xA-1zjF4hPc8dmprSZR8oztLH9Bmb0eu_DyPODB5VI81JTiO7qv3Bf9HMOh_XZzrO84L2VnSP-Rpj9tGoWk0EwVg2lo/s1600/100_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Oz1LdlRMauudsKhIgtAzBFocJaOXhlGuXeZVQrY12pgBuie3xA-1zjF4hPc8dmprSZR8oztLH9Bmb0eu_DyPODB5VI81JTiO7qv3Bf9HMOh_XZzrO84L2VnSP-Rpj9tGoWk0EwVg2lo/s320/100_1232.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Even Bailey Boo got into the Christmas present Santa left for her. Yes, Rose and April got presents too but they were left at home.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetGHYvCk7OhczNmgIS8TVX7pisJUUNBk0GqOAQMYf8tMJWxkpal_b5MUJ3uaLrIY-VAU3ASVXYyfw3F2KiBm7K90QnQ5N2DaDZNPGNOBgc7O0OZhJArgrshO5uQUm5GRq3Z7cgMEBu2c/s1600/100_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetGHYvCk7OhczNmgIS8TVX7pisJUUNBk0GqOAQMYf8tMJWxkpal_b5MUJ3uaLrIY-VAU3ASVXYyfw3F2KiBm7K90QnQ5N2DaDZNPGNOBgc7O0OZhJArgrshO5uQUm5GRq3Z7cgMEBu2c/s320/100_1168.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes we had a lovely Christmas with one minor mishap. Mom went to sit on a little stool next to the tree rather then the floor so she could hand out her presents and she completely missed the stool and fell into the tree. Thank the good Lord she had wired the tree to the ceiling otherwise we would have had the tree thru the flat screen. She wasn't hurt but I have to tell you we laughed ourselves silly.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBWw66CdbbNlZbe7fa0hCbiBIqV3b9OrOPtlVu09SNGcQJL5S3Wt3bJ_OSBzqIDPQYYN7rShahcFVtq-Xb4IbyLti7N6BYVn6Gu6RYqUDJ1sJJYBPdbqYL28l02_7EuVryzqalpL9ANo/s1600/100_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBWw66CdbbNlZbe7fa0hCbiBIqV3b9OrOPtlVu09SNGcQJL5S3Wt3bJ_OSBzqIDPQYYN7rShahcFVtq-Xb4IbyLti7N6BYVn6Gu6RYqUDJ1sJJYBPdbqYL28l02_7EuVryzqalpL9ANo/s320/100_1271.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then we sat down to eat dinner and we were sated and happy and oh so blessed.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqHFkd19v0PkI8OesYr1uBsVV-arGKgKY1K6RWI1GWB4WCPK5eaAvOtMHiTL_ZHJX6Eeya4kxm4_lnO7ngFPEeXZnf_kfioj19J4tYHEYYu6Us1lPl9Bkt3N9IZfjCx13JeuKP3j6Bek/s1600/100_1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqHFkd19v0PkI8OesYr1uBsVV-arGKgKY1K6RWI1GWB4WCPK5eaAvOtMHiTL_ZHJX6Eeya4kxm4_lnO7ngFPEeXZnf_kfioj19J4tYHEYYu6Us1lPl9Bkt3N9IZfjCx13JeuKP3j6Bek/s320/100_1274.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">My dear big sister Hip to the Hop Dot gave me a hand crocheted doily. It is pink and it is gorgeous. I love it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfuto5ExHdViMEUhts8Mt7xoRNpU1Cm3Mk7NVkTKX4noiIxnf5wDP5MiWJJwUovdEN5hAr6Khaxu0ErPe414Dj_3XPPAS0S4yJTx_lauoLci4ELmzulLhgHVg9iWRxhEUnebIKzziXxQ/s1600/100_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfuto5ExHdViMEUhts8Mt7xoRNpU1Cm3Mk7NVkTKX4noiIxnf5wDP5MiWJJwUovdEN5hAr6Khaxu0ErPe414Dj_3XPPAS0S4yJTx_lauoLci4ELmzulLhgHVg9iWRxhEUnebIKzziXxQ/s320/100_1276.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Professor and I don't have any money but he did manage to get me a gift. The mugs are darling but the best part of the gift is the card that accompanied it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyBJ2O6-O1OG0bkoOx041C6POqJaveK39xbpwbtOGiB5QBsipxVjDrwt8n3gPnpU05I9LIA6JmEM0kyPv9XFbcTQ84bY3aQqXhyNsQQ0huTejAfsthRLZvkFnTupY4D59EO7BFaRrsj0/s1600/100_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyBJ2O6-O1OG0bkoOx041C6POqJaveK39xbpwbtOGiB5QBsipxVjDrwt8n3gPnpU05I9LIA6JmEM0kyPv9XFbcTQ84bY3aQqXhyNsQQ0huTejAfsthRLZvkFnTupY4D59EO7BFaRrsj0/s320/100_1277.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Isn't that sweet?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">So for now I will close and I do wish my kindred readers from the bottom of my heart, love, peace and prosperity. With great love...Sandi Jo</span>Sandi Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408810006840455432noreply@blogger.com1