I Can See For Miles

I know you've deceived me, now here's a surprise 
I know that you have 'cause there's magic in my eyes 

We finally got to take the playhouse to the Littles. They hadn’t seen Junior in a while so they asked if he could come along. He loves the Littles so with Junior in the backseat and the playhouse on the trailer we headed out.

Junior absolutely loves Callye’s cookies. He can smell them from the other room. And if you open a bag with cookies he’s right there waiting. He doesn’t care if they are decorated or not! Of course there are always cookies in various stages available. He’ll eat the old ones and help clean the place up!

Junior as a cookie. He didn't get to eat this one!

After a great supper that Callye fixed, Alan and Bernie decided to take the playhouse to another location because it couldn’t be unloaded right then. Junior went with them. I was sitting at the counter watching Callye make her famous cookies. Bryce was engrossed in a computer game and the kids were playing. Suddenly there was a huge boom. We looked at each other and Bryce jumped up from his chair. The Littles in the house came running and we were expecting a scream or at least some tears. But there were none.

As Callye and Bryce ran towards the doorway to see what happened, I hung back with the kids. The wooden front door was open with just the glass storm type door leading to the outside at the end of the entryway. They didn’t see anything but my son-in-law opening the door and examining the glass.

Who put that door there anyway?

Bernie and Alan made the delivery and had just come back. Junior, probably anxious for a cookie treat was running full blast to get back inside the house! How was he to know there was a glass door? He’d never experienced such!

The huge boom was Junior, hitting the door! The glass was knocked out of the frame, but luckily it didn’t break and Bernie was there to catch it. Alan and he managed to repair it. Junior was embarrassed and it took some coaxing to get him to come inside! He wasn’t even tempted by one of his favorite treats, Callye’s cookies! He didn’t seem to be hurt, except for his pride, and he was pretty quiet after the whole experience.

The next day all was well. Junior slept. He’s recovered, except for a bit of a sore nose! I wonder if they need a dog star for the next Windex commercial.

If you think that I don't know about the little tricks you play.
And never see you when deliberately you put things in my way.

It’s time for the WHIBSIB knitting retreat! I am ready to get away, take it easy with friends I seldom get to see in person and not think about all those little things that make my stomach hurt. The main worry is which yarn to take! I’ll start something that’s a no-brainer so I can talk and have fun and not worry about messing something up. I’m going alone this year so I’ll have the solitary drive of about six hours to get ready! Buda…here I come!

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles. Oh yeah…

May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose

I heard him say as I made my retreat, 

"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose…” 

Would you be suspicious if someone who doesn’t speak to you suddenly comes by and chats you up for about ten or more minutes? Yeah, me too. And I don’t know where it came from, but after it was over I had an overwhelming urge to say, “May the bird of paradise fly up your nose!” I didn’t. But I thought it. And I also thought that it would probably be most painful if a bird flew up your nose. And if it did happen I’d much rather it is someone else’s nose than mine.

There’s a funny thing about birds. They can do all sorts of things. They can tell secrets. When I did something that wasn’t quite on the up and up, some dumb little birdie always told my mom. But that’s to be suspected when they have that bird’s eye view of things going on. And all the while I thought I was free as a bird turned out I was just a sitting duck with some stool pigeon reporting all my moves. I never did figure out who it was. However, after she got over being mad as a wet hen she’d let me fly the coop. As I got older I realized she really was a wise old owl.

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My grandmother always told me she ate like a bird. That is, until I told her that birds eat constantly and sometimes eat up to twice their weight in food, daily. I guess she didn’t want to know that as she gave me the old eagle eye the rest of that day. To prove a point, (I suppose anyway), there weren’t any snacks that day until supper. As my stomach growled, I really felt liked I’d cooked my own goose!

Speaking of grandmother, I guess my sister and I weren’t always good little girls at her house. Grandmother insisted on being called Grandmother. She wasn’t a mam or a nanny or even a grandma type person. But one thing she definitely hated was to be called granny. Granny was what they called my great grandmother, my granddaddy’s mother, or her mother-in-law. Now, I can understand. Anyway, my sister and I, sitting naked as jay birds in the bathtub, would call for her when we were ready to get out. I don’t know why we had to wait for her. Seems like she was afraid we’d fall or maybe she wanted to make sure we’d washed with soap. Whatever the reason, we would call out, “Granny, we’re done!” Well, maybe it was just me who’d call out while my sister giggled. There would be no answer. Birds of a feather that we were, we (or I) would try again. In a voice sweet as a nightingale I’d cry out, “Granny, we’re done!” Nothing. Finally, shriveled and shivering in the cold bathwater, one of us would call, “Grandmother, we’re done!” Quick as that old roadrunner, she’d dash in, grab us up with a towel and all was well. Meep Meep. She was a sly old bird!

I may just start saying “may the bird of paradise fly up your nose.” I kind of like the sound of it! I can have a “Pretty Woman” plan in the eaves. You know, I almost peed my pants, Pirates of Penzance. Most people just ask how you’re doing to say something when you pass each other in the hall or on the street. They don’t listen and they most likely really don’t care. So if I answer with “may the bird of paradise fly up your nose”, would they even notice? Probably not, but in case they did and asked what I’d just said, I could say, “hey, I really like your clothes.” Or maybe “you’ve got something on your nose.” Or how about “that’s just the way the day goes,” or “good, except for the run in my hose.” And I can just smile, like the cat that swallowed the canary. Yes, think I’ve got it covered!

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose… 

May an elephant caress you with his toes. 

May your wife be plagued with runners in her hose. 

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose. 

I’m on the downside of a pretty powerful cold or something. It zapped every bit of energy I had. I didn’t miss work, except for one day, but by the time I got home I didn’t want to do anything. Two full weekends were spent sleeping or just laying around. I didn’t even want to knit. I still have the cough but I feel okay so it’s time to dig out. I did get the shawl sent off. I didn’t have daylight to take a picture of it after the blocking but maybe my sister will send one. I made some more of those cute little hearts but now that I’ve missed Valentines, I guess I’ll just keep them for later.

Being the bird brain I am, now I have birds on my mind. I have a stained sweater I saved to make an owl. The plans are in my head so there’s a big chance that the finished product won’t look anything like my mental picture!

And I ran across this cute little bird pattern, on Attic 24’s blog. I want to make some of them too.

Birdie decoration. DIY on Attic 24's blog.

Valentine’s day is sweet Belle’s birthday. We went over to help her celebrate. She was in a poofy pink dress and told me I had to call her princess because today was her birthday and she was four. She’s so funny.

My princess on her birthday.

The princess and her pinata.

Finally! Candy!!!

 We lucked out and got some Sweet Sugar Belle cookies for Valentines! We even shared with co-workers. Funny, the people I gifted don’t want to eat them. They say they are too pretty! All I can say is the love bird, or bluebird of happiness, your choice, tasted mighty fine to me!

Valentine cookies from my daughter, Sweet Sugar Belle.

I heard him sayin' as I turned to go, 

"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Hoppin' down the bunny trail,

Hippity hoppity,

Easter's on its way!

Happy Easter! It was a long weekend so we decided to go to Ruidoso. We have a place up there and wanted to check on it to make sure all was okay. I wish it was closer because I sure like it up there. Evan wanted to go we picked him up in Seminole.

Callye's cookie...too pretty to eat!

As we got closer to Ruidoso it was depressing to see the damage the recent fire left. The once green trees were just burnt sticks standing on the top of the mountain. We saw how close the fire had come to people’s homes. We saw where one house had stood, now just a pile of charred ashes, with warped metal that were cars, sitting nearby. It was sad.

It was still light when we got to the house. As always we went in and looked around to see if anything has changed since the last visit. Alan turned on the water and the hot water heater and I put our things away and started to gather things for supper. They made a quick trip to the store to pick up the few things we needed while I began to cook.

It is always such a peaceful time there. The weather was so nice. It’s still dry, as is everywhere around here and the fire danger is high. But the pine trees and the clear mountain air were refreshing. The house has a great deck and E can go outside and play. We hang out there a lot. We cook out there and even eat outside sometimes.

Sky through the pines.

The deck

The neighbor's bear.

Alan picked up some corn and a bale of hay so the deer might come up because E likes to see them. Sure enough, at dusk, there they were. The dogs were locked safely on the deck so they couldn’t cause a commotion.

Hay for deer.

Where's supper?

Time for a nap!

Later that evening we played games and watched TV. Alan went to bed early and E and I stayed up watching Spiderman, the movie. I’d never seen it but he had and filled me in on every detail!

We all slept in the next morning, at least at late as the dogs would allow. I started the coffee and E and I had a cup. He loves to have coffee with me. His is half a cup of milk, one Splenda, and coffee to fill the cup. He calls it Doctor coffee (doctored coffee) like my kids did when they were little. We had breakfast while Alan got caught up on some much needed rest.

Picture of the dogs Penni took in the office

Later that afternoon we had to make the mandatory trip to ‘Walmark’. E is a shopper and he figures if he’s alone with Mamye and Pap he’ll make the most of it! I had promised him a toy so he went to get what he wanted. He picked it up and showed it to me. I glanced at where it had come from (I thought) and saw 19.99. I thought it was a little steep but decided he’d been really good and what the heck, it was only money, so told him okay. Alan kind of glanced at me like I was looney but then he does that a lot so I didn’t pay much attention. We got the rest of the things we needed and headed back up the mountain.

In the parking lot E was so excited about his toy, some kind of spy watch that took audio and video, and asked me if it cost the same at Seminole. I said yes, it was 19.99 there too. Alan said I think you’d better look at the receipt. I did and guess what? The toy was 49.99. I wondered how what I’d bought added up so fast! Oh well, it’s only money and E will certainly get that much enjoyment out of it.

$50.00 spy watch!

As is always the case when you are enjoying yourself, the time came to an end too quickly. Getting things ready to go always seems to take so long. We change the sheets, clean the bathrooms, wash the towels and sheets and anything else that needs washing, do the dishes, clean the kitchen, mop and vacuum. That way if anyone else goes up there everything is ready to spend the night. We sometimes rent it out since we don’t live there full time.

We start home and E immediately says he’s starving, probably to death, if we don’t stop at McDonald’s. He’s such a funny little guy! We stop, get some chicken nuggets and he’s okay for a while. He sleeps some, I knit and Alan drives.

When we got to Seminole, Callye had fixed a wonderful Easter dinner for us! We had roast with tiny potatoes and carrots and mushrooms, roasted asparagus that she’d cooked in brown paper bags, broccoli slaw, pasta salad, hot rolls and for dessert, strawberry shortcake! Everything was delicious. The kids then went out and hunted eggs. It was a bit later in the evening than our traditional activities but it was still a lot of fun. She made a platter of her beautiful Easter cookies and sent them home with us.

Carrot cookie with no icing

Easter platter from Callye and family

Little Easter lamb!

All In all it was a great weekend with plenty of rest and relaxation. I knitted on a bias shawl with some of the yarn I got from DFW, Brooks Farm, Ellie. I actually finished but want to get some beads for the fringe. I’ll post a picture later. I got the rubber tiles needed to block my other shawl but haven’t done it yet. I thought about hauling it all with us but decided I wouldn’t have enough time. Turns out I probably would have. I’m finishing up a toy ball for E and then will start something. I don’t know what yet, but I’ll be doing something!

Brook's Farm 'Ellie'

Wound for a Bias Shawl

I’m thankful for the time we got to spend together and enjoy each other as a family. And if some jelly beans or chocolate bunnies or Easter cookies get thrown it it’s even better! I know what Easter is really about. And I’m thankful. Hope your Easter was happy!

Bringin' ev'ry girl and boy,

A basketful of Easter joy!

Things to make your Easter

Bright and gay!

Hippity hoppity,

Happy Easter Day!

This Looks Like A December Day…

This looks like a "time to remember" day.

And I remember the spring, such a sweet tender thing.

It’s the last day of December. It’s New Year’s Eve. It’s the end of the old year and the beginning of a fresh new one.

http://sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com/ New Year cookies!

It’s a time of reflection. A time to think about what could have, should have been. It’s a time to realize some things will never happen. And maybe it’s a time to realize there’s a reason they don’t.

And love's summer college,

Where the green leaves of knowledge,

Were waiting to fall with the Fall.

It’s also a time to reflect on the changes and improvements one strives to make. It’s a new time, the slate wiped clean. It’s time to resolve to do better, do more, do something.

http://sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com/ Resolution cookies.

I can’t say 2010 was a bad year. But there were certainly some down times. And I expect 2011 to be the same. It’s natural.

Bryce under the lighted trees in Johnson City.

Johnson City, Texas, court house grounds.

But I’ll look forward, wish for the best, and do what I can to make it a happy new year. There’s always hope.

 And where September wine,

Numbed the measure of time.

Through the tears of October, now November's over,

And this looks like a December day.

The end of December is the end of my third strip. It’s the fall strip in the series. It seems shorther than the others but I haven’t really measured. When I do I’ll let you know! Day 271, December 27, brought contentment. Things had gone well, everyone traveled safely. It was also a little hurried. We were going on a whirlwind trip to Austin. Alan had a workshop and Bryce and I had to go shop! We ate German in Fredericksburg and then got to go to Ikea. That’s a treat in itself. The night was finished with Kirby Queso then on to the hotel for a night of snoring. Apparently we all do it, or so they say. I have my doubts. I chose a blue and white wool blend that I’m making a cowl out of. Day 272, December 28, was a hurried day. There’s so much shopping to be done and so little time! Bryce and I went shopping while Alan was learning. I have to say he’s the best shopping buddy I have. He’s not afraid to go to new places and we like the same thing. He doesn’t whine that he’s tired but he does get grouchy if you don’t feed him! We found some good things and had fun. I did anyway! The trip home was uneventful. Stopped at Coopers and ate more than our share of meat. Then I slept almost the rest of the way home. Kind of getting sick I think. I chose red sparkly yarn. It was a good day. Day 273, December 29, was a pleasant day. It was another fast shopping trip day. We hit the thrift stores for fun and found a few treasures. There was an orphan hand knit sweater I rescued. It will become something else. I just couldn’t bear for it to sit on a rack alone knowing the lover that went into it. I chose some yarn from the sweater. It’s black with blue, pink and yellow interweaved throughout. It’s pretty yarn and was a pretty sweater. Very well made. Next is day 274, December 30 It’s a bittersweet day. The time passed so quickly. It’s time for Bryce to go back to Europe. There’s a great party he needs to attend! Ah, to be young and have no cares. It was hard, but not as hard for me this time. I know he misses us and I wasn’t so sure the first time! I chose a gold ribbon yarn. It’s for the golden times we had for the holiday and it called to me today. Day 275 is the last day for this strip! It’s December 31, a relaxed day. I’m most likely in pj’s for the day. The great plans for the evening will be to stay awake! Ha ha. We don’t have any Champagne but there’s plenty of other ‘spirits’ so if necessary I’ll console myself. I chose a Noro that has some purple, turquoise, green and gold in it. It’s going to be a new year, the beginning again. Maybe I won’t make the same mistakes. Maybe.

This looks like a December day.

It looks like we've come to the end of the way.

And this looks like a December day.