What Goes Around Comes Around

You should know that. 
What goes around comes around, Yeahhh… 

My Mamaw used to say, “What goes around comes around.” (She also said, “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all”, which I chose to ignore because I was afraid I’d never be able to utter a word!)

What does it mean? Basically it means that the things you do (to others) will come back to you. It ties into do unto others, we reap what we sow, karma. Apparently, with all the quotes addressing the situation, it used to be more important or at least in more people’s thoughts than today.

In this case it was really a form of bullying. Almost everyone has experienced bullying at one time or another. If you weren’t the bully maybe you were a participant, as an onlooker. And if you weren’t the bully or the observer then you were most likely a victim.

Bullying is a hot topic lately. There are many tragic stories of young people being bullied and the dire actions sometimes taken to end the torment. Sadly, adults are not immune. Bullies exist in the workplace, just as they did throughout the 12 or so years of school. They may not be quite as obvious as they were then, but they are definitely there.

I’m not one to wish ill will on people. However, there are times when I think it’s acceptable to want people to get what’s coming to them. It was pure luck that I was able to witness this first hand. And I enjoyed every second. Do I feel guilty for being happy? Not a bit. Do I feel guilty that a couple of us went out and actually toasted to the event? Well, maybe a little.

Things are back to normal now. Well, it’s better than normal, for me anyway. And hopefully it will stay that way. But the old bullies are replaced by new ones. And I see the fresh victims and know they pretty much just have to grin and bear it. And my heart hurts for them.

Don't wanna talk about it (uh) 
I'm just so sick about it...

I really intended that this year would be different, in blogging anyway. I thought I’d set up a schedule and post more frequently. Alas, life happens and maybe I did heed my Mamaw’s advice. If I don’t have anything to say I don’t say anything at all!

My DS brought me roses for Valentine's Day. Sweet! And the best present of course is our sweet Belle who turned 5 years old!

Red roses for mom!

Belle in her poncho and hat that WE like! ha ha

Getting back in the swing of things is harder than it sounds! And I’ll try to post more often. And knit more often! Here’s a picture of a scarf for a friend. She bought the yarn and asked me to make her something. I don’t usually do that, unless I like you, and I happened to like her and it was a pattern I wanted to try, so it was a win win.

Pretty picture, much better than mine!

I also did some simple little hearts to get into the spirit of Valentines. Somebody liked them so I gave her a strand. Something so simple and she said it really made her day! And who knows? It can always come back around!

Hearts everywhere!

What goes around, goes around, goes around, comes all the way back around. 
Yeah.

Old Days

Good times I remember… 

I had a couple of ‘free’ tickets on Southwest that were fixing to expire. These are airline tickets earned with points from other travel. I hated to lose them but I’d let the deadline slip up on me and I didn’t know if I could swing a trip during the block of time I had or not. Besides that, I didn’t have anywhere to go! I thought about it and decided maybe a visit with my sister Judi would be fun. I asked her if she’d be able to get off work if I came over and she said yes. The trip was set.

My airline of choice!

We had no agenda. That meant staying up late and sleeping in. It meant shopping. And it meant eating out at places unknown to me. No pressure. No stress.

Judi contacted some childhood friends and made a date for us to meet them for lunch. We entered the pizza parlor and there they were, looking pretty much like they always looked!

Here we are! Note to self: Don't ever wear white! It makes you look ten pounds heavier!

When we were growing up, we lived on a corner of a ‘T’ intersection. Judy and Jana lived across the street. We spent hours together, playing with troll dolls, skating, and climbing the willow in our front yard. Sometimes we played at our house and sometimes we played at theirs. Jana is the same age as my sister Judi, and Judy is a year or so older than me.

Judy had beautiful, long, shiny, straight hair. That was the fashion back then. She wore it parted down the middle. My hair, on the other hand, was curly. When I tried wearing it long it looked much like Tiny Tim’s hair looked. It wasn’t attractive.

Tiny Tim. I always thought his hair was horrible! And mine looked the same.

Of course, I wanted smooth, vertical hair. Judy and I tried many things to make it straight. She helped me iron it, using a real iron on an ironing board. I guess that was pre flat irons! And it didn’t work. We rolled it on orange juice cans. That made bigger waves than I already had. Plus, it was heck to sleep on! We sprayed it with Knox Unflavored Gelatin. That sounds horrible but really it was probably like a spray gel. It made my hair stiff, but alas, it was still curly.

We were both in constant search of ‘the’ technique that would make my hair straight! One of the most bizarre things we found was for me to sleep with a nylon stocking on my head. Yes, really. I would squeeze it down over my wet hair. My nose was squashed and my eyes were either open for extended periods or closed. It was difficult to blink. It wasn’t comfortable, and there were all kinds of indents pressed into my face upon awakening. One night, as I was preparing this unique costume before I went to bed, my dad came in. He looked at me, shook his head and backed out of the room!

Judy was an expert on the piano. I suppose she took lessons, but I don’t remember for sure. It seemed to me, she could play anything. One song that was especially pretty was “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel. We had a piano too, but nobody played it. At least not like Judy played. I really wanted to learn that song so she hand copied the entire score. I didn’t realize it then but that was amazing in itself!

We visited as we ate our pizza, caught up and reminisced. It was like the old days, minus the troll dolls! My hair is still curly. Judy’s is still straight. Some things never change. It’s good to have longtime friends with whom you can still talk with, laugh with and remember the good (and a few bad) times!

Time passed too quickly and it was time to return to work, a necessary evil. I packed, including the extra suitcase I had to borrow, tucked away the memories we made, and went to the airport. I was already thinking about the next time we’d be able to spend time together.

Fun days. 
Filled with simple pleasures. 

I finally got the rest of my packages from the FB game sent off. My sweet friend Debi got the scribble lace scarf/shawl.

Scribble Lace. A thick yarn mixed with a thin yarn.

My niece got the drop-stitch eternity scarf. I think they were both pleased! I hope so anyway!

A drop stitch eternity/infinity scarf. She said it matched her hair????

Gold days. 
Days I'll always treasure…

Pancho And Lefty

Living on the road my friend,
Was gonna keep you free and clean...

Maybe that should be 'Poncho' and Lefty!

I overheard this conversation at work the other day:

Fashionista 1: “Well, apparently I’ve never met a poncho I didn’t buy this year. I love them!”

Fashionista 2: “I know! Did you see the one Fashionista 3 had on today? It’s beautiful!”

Enter Fashionista 3, 4 and 5: “Oh”, altogether, reminiscent of high school speak. “I love your poncho!”

Fashionista 4: “I got mine in Austin. They are all the rage this year!”

Isn’t it funny how all the old things become new again? Well, not all things I suppose, but some things, definitely. For instance, it’s just as cool to have an ‘old’ car as it is to have a brand spanking new one. Of course it has to look and act like it did when it was fresh off the showroom floor.

Then there is the cycle of fashion. Take the poncho for instance. They have been around for centuries, and were usually used for warmth or to keep dry. Basically it’s a big piece of cloth with an opening in the middle to allow placing it over the head. The past couple of years, again, a poncho has become a fashion statement. But they aren’t like Clint Eastwood’s. Gone are the heavy, blanket style ponchos of long ago. Now the choices include any number of delicate fabrics and alluring styles. These new wraps can be adapted for all sizes and any situation. And they complement just about everybody.

My first poncho was a not so successful home-ec project. My teacher had us make ponchos out of burlap. Yes, you read correctly. Why? Economics perhaps. I don’t know, but who, (in their right mind) would (or could!) wear a scratchy piece of burlap? I completed (and passed) that assignment then promptly stuck it in the giveaway bag! Maybe that’s why sewing and I never made a perfect pair.

Since then I’ve knitted and crocheted ponchos though. I’ve finished them for gifts and for myself. I made one for Belle, with a matching hat, when she was tiny. Trouble is, I made it really big so she just grew into it at Christmas this year. I think she looks cute as can be in it. I’m not so sure her parents agree!

After witnessing the conversation at work I went home and found one of mine. I wore it the next day and people asked where I got it. That’s always a good sign I think, if they don’t know it’s ‘homemade’.

I don't even know what pattern I used.

It's about 10 years old I think. Warm too!

I also just finished a new one, called a Shoulder Cozy. I like it because it can be worn as a cowl or a small poncho.

I made this out of Red Heart Boutique Magical.

Worn as a cowl. I little thick in back but doable.

So for now I’ll just grab one of my ‘fashion’ ponchos and throw it on with a pair of jeans. Or if I need to dress it up I’ll wear it with nice pants or a skirt. And I’ll be so chic!

I like the yarn and the end result. I'd make another.

This can be worn many ways also. I think it's just a big folded rectangle.

Then in a few months, when they are no longer in style, I’ll put them all back in the closet and keep them there until they are all the rage again!

They only let him hang around 
Out of kindness I suppose.

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

…they keep fallin'...

It’s a glorious day, mainly because it’s raining. The steady patter on the roof is going strong. The air is heavy but fresh with the fragrance of rain, like no other. It smells so good when the door is opened.

The ground is so dry, soaking in the wetness like a sponge, that there isn’t any mud. There will be later but for now the moisture evaporates into the soil, creating a smooth, slick surface.

I grabbed my umbrella even though I was fairly sure I wasn’t going to melt if I got wet. I was worried about my hair because it does get really curly and frizzy if it gets damp. I put on my jacket with the hood and pulled it up.

The lights reflected off the glossy road, creating rainbows in the night. Would there be treasure at the end of each one? Yes. The prize is here. The fortune is the rain.

Rain picture by my friend Rachel Austin.

In my book there’s nothing better than a rainy day! That’s if you don’t have to get out. But I did, although only for a short time. Alan had his shoulder surgery. I took him to the hospital, waited patiently for him to be finished, filled his prescriptions and brought him home for the start of the recuperation. Happily, all went well. He’s in a lot of pain but hopefully the healing process won’t be too long.

'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'

A friend of mine was also waiting for her husband so we chatted and I knitted to pass the time. Mindless knitting, a Gossamer scarf out of some sparkly mohair was on the needles.

Gossamer infinity scarf on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gossamer-infinity-scarf

The rain passed and in my opinion didn’t stay long enough at all. Now we’ll just wait til next time.

Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'...

My List

Under an old brass paperweight, my list of things to do today… 

I’m a list maker. That doesn’t mean I always use my lists but I do make them. I write down what I need at the grocery store then promptly leave the list elsewhere. I write down things I have to do at work and cross them off or write them again for the next day. And every year it seems I have the same old resolutions; exercise more, eat less; get more organized, work less. I always have the best intentions, yet my resolve rarely lasts through January, if even that long.

Those things are important, no doubt. But I wonder if some of the little things I let slide, the things not written down, aren’t just as important.

What if I went to bed before midnight and got up a little earlier in the morning? I’d miss some of the horrid traffic on the everyday commute. I’d see the last of the night turn into the brand new morning. I’d get to work on time.

What if I didn’t say, “In a minute,” or “maybe tomorrow” or “not right now” when one of the littles wanted me to do something? I’d have a good time. Whichever one or even all of them would have a good time. I’d make a memory.

What if I saved that almost $5.00 for a coffee drink that usually doesn’t taste right anyway? I’d have money to get new windows. I’d be able to have a date night. I could buy more Christmas presents or I’d have a bonus in case of a rainy day.

What if I just did whatever it is instead of waiting for a better time? Or until I wasn’t so tired? It would be done. I’d be finished. Then I could go on and do something I really wanted to do instead of always something I had to do.

And what if I didn’t eat that piece of candy that I don’t really want anyway? I’d save a few calories which in turn might save a few pounds. I’d feel better and look better and probably become healthier. And I wouldn’t have to go to the dentist as often.

What if instead of waiting until tomorrow I got started today? Just think of the possibilities! I can catch up on all the things I’ve missed. I’ll start living. And that’s a great thing to have on my list.

There's still more than a few things left I haven't got to yet...

The flu bug or something just as dreadful hit our house. This, in fact, is the second time I’ve been a target. I don’t know if it’s really THE flu but whatever it is has power. I’m knocked out and every bit of energy is zapped. Add that to cough, congestion, head and body aches and well, I think I was sick. I’m at the tail end of the cycle, just in time to go back to work. Now Alan is in bed with the same ailments. I couldn’t do much but I did manage to play with yarn. I knitted a couple of infinity scarves and also crocheted some as well, just for a break. I played with Scribble Lace, one of my favorite things to do. It’s quite nice really!

One really thick yarn and one really thin yarn.

Start livin' that's the next thing on my list...

Twinkle Little Christmas Lights

Shining on the tree...

The theme song for December is Christmas and we’re at the last verse. It’s a bit sad for me to see the trees, cast aside on the edge of the road with a bit of tinsel still attached and blowing in the wind, or packed away, branch by numbered branch, in a box to be stored on a shelf until next year. The other decorations, hung with care months ago, are quickly extinguished and removed, stuffed onto shelves in dusty garages and warehouses, waiting for the next season.

A park with a light display. All the pictures are from there.

The opening arch.

The last thing to come down is usually the lights. I adore the lights. Growing up, we never had lights on our house that I remember. But my grandparents did. After many tiring miles of highway, the lights would twinkle a warm welcome to us weary travelers. Grandmother would meet us at the door with her customary, “Christmas Eve Gift” greeting.

A train.

All the presents were wrapped with care...

The lights were standard old time big bulb Christmas lights. Granddaddy climbed a ladder to hang them evenly along the edge of the roof. After the holiday he would climb that same ladder to take them back down. And in between, if a light bulb happened to go out, the ladder was ascended again. But it was imperative for them to come down. It was a big faux pas to leave Christmas lights up all year, even if you lived in the country!

Get the star on top!

A stocking full of goodies!

I’d be content for the lights to stay hung and lit all the time. It makes things seem more cheerful somehow. They disguise ugly buildings and light up bland, lifeless towns. They add a welcome glow to the doors and windows of common people, binding them together, regardless of beliefs, for one round of the hour glass. Lights celebrating Christmas have been a tradition for a long time. Originally candles were fastened to tree branches with a bit of melted wax or later, a candle holder. Eventually it became conventional to use electric lights as decorations, unattached to the tree, outside and inside of homes. Cities and towns, regardless of size, often have a central Christmas tree or at the least hanging decorations lining their streets with a cheerful glow. One of those silly holiday movies I like to watch said that it was a way to welcome home WWII veterans from their tours of duty. I don’t know but it sounds nice.

A nativity scene. This is the only part I could get in but it was complete.

When we go to the mountains we often see lights outlining storefronts and houses, regardless of the time of year, hanging down in a fake icicle configuration and glimmering in the wind. It’s both welcome and welcoming. It’s hard to describe but it just seems to add something.

A sugarplum cottage.

Old man winter? The only snow happening here!

Things change as the years progress. Personalities develop and relationships transform. Gone are the carefree children who played together and loved one another unconditionally. Gone are strong family connections. Gone is the gratitude for the season. The Christmas lights are going out, one at a time, slowly. But surely.

Beautiful arches.

We’ll pack up our decorations in a few days and take down the tree and store the pretty lights. But I think I’ll leave some out this year. I’ll string them across the mantle and leave them on as a welcome, for me. I’ll be reminded of Christmas past and remember the good times. And I’ll have faith for the good to come.

Never seem to shine so bright...

Christmas knitting wasn’t too stressful this year. I have a couple of things left to finish but they weren’t really presents so it doesn’t matter. I did finish a Gaptastic cowl, in a rainbow color, for my daughter-in-law. She liked it I know!

Gaptastic for Jenni.

 

The glow of love is all around us.
So twinkle on Christmas time...

Pretty Paper

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue… 

Have you ever played one of those ‘dirty Santa’ games at Christmas? You know, the kind where you can pick a gift then someone has the option to take it away if they like it? I don’t even think its fun. In fact, they can become brutal!

All the presents are there, waiting for the first person to pick. After serious scrutiny, the package that is wrapped the prettiest is chosen. But unwrapped, the gift inside is less than ideal.

There have actually been studies showing that nicely wrapped gifts set high expectations and magnify disappointment when the gift is less than perfect. It’s even been recommended that unexceptional wrapping can improve the joy of receiving even a wonderful gift because the wrapping won’t build up any false hope. Who knew? I’ve been wrapping correctly for years!

A long time ago we actually thought it was fun to go shopping the day after Christmas. We seldom had a specific article in mind but rather went for the amusement of finding a bargain. One of the things we usually picked up was wrapping paper. There was some kind of warped thrill in finding $4.00 a roll wrapping paper for fifty cents.

One year we found “Space Jam” paper at an after Christmas sale. “Space Jam” was one of those movies that combined cartoon characters with real people. Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan were the stars. By the time we got around to using it, “Space Jam” was available on tape (back then) and the kids didn’t even know who the man with Bugs was on that paper!

So you’ve probably gathered, I don’t spend a lot of time and money on the outside of the gift. But it’s not a bad thing, especially since it becomes trash the minute the present is opened! Not only do I usually not have the time but I don’t have the skill. Enter one of the best ideas ever. Besides my odd collection of wrapping paper, I now pick up gift bags and printed boxes on sale! It’s the greatest thing yet! Put whatever you want inside, stuff in or wrap tissue paper around and voila! It’s done!

Next time you get your choice of the wrapped presents don’t turn up your nose at the one that’s mediocre looking. It might be the paramount of surprises!

Wrap your presents to your darling from you…

I told you about the knitting Secret Santa exchange. I finally got all mine together and got it sent off. She liked it! Here’s what she said: 

"My box included Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Free-Range Knitting, Mary Beth Temple's The Secret Language of Knitters, a skein of Manos del Uruguay in the most wonderful variegated reds with a little purple and brown. You could not have picked a better color to send me if I'd been with you when you bought it. I also found note cards, a list pad and cupcake cups from Mary & Co., a lovely tape measure from Vintage Impressions in an antique silver finish, a clip-on OttLite with 12 LED's with a peacock feather in purple on the cover, 3 patterns for fingerless mittens, a hat pattern, and the tiniest sweater from Lantern Moon...a key chain. There was also a lovely pumpkin spice candle which I know we will enjoy. Every item was wrapped in glittery tissue paper and tied with red ribbon." 

Secret Santa package going out.

It was fun and sounds like a lot more when it’s listed, but I’ll have to admit I went overboard. Did you notice she said every item was wrapped? ;)

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue.

Back to December

And I go back to December all the time…

Well, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And it has been since before Halloween. It sure seems to come around fast these days. And here I am, with all the good intentions I had almost 364 days ago still in the planning stage or forgotten altogether.

One of these days when we come back to December, I’ll have an advent calendar ready. Of course I guess it will just be for Alan, but I’ll still have it ready. I did that once when the kids were little. Yes, you read it right; Once. And that once they really enjoyed it. It was just a little set of cardboard drawers I'd ordered from the Current catalog. Because there were three of them I wrote little poems and clues and put those in the drawers. At a certain time they would gather, receive the clue orally, and proceed to explore until the treasures were found. I didn’t think about it making an impression, but to this day all three of them still speak of the great fun they had with that project.

I saved it for next time, if that time ever comes!

There was a time I had all Christmas presents purchased and sometimes even wrapped in October. Possibly there were a couple of items left but the majority of things were done. Done. DONE! I didn’t know then how good that would feel today. I have started the gift shopping but nothing is wrapped. I did stock up on bags and pre-printed boxes. I know that’s probably cheating but it’s a life saver this time of year. But one of these days I’ll wrap everything and have it all under the tree BEFORE anyone gets to the house. Yes, one of these days.

One year all the presents were wrapped!

Baking and cooking is something I like to do. It’s also something I’m good at. I don’t do anything fantastic looking like what my daughter Callye does with her cookies but at least it tastes good, regardless. Most of the time anyway! I would scour my cookbook collection looking for something easy and good to bake. I’d come up with cakes, cookies, pies and breads. And they would all be ready to sample after stepping in the door. Not now. I’ll have plenty and nobody will be hungry, but it won’t be nearly the spread it has been in previous years. Maybe it will happen again, one of these days.

Yum! Buttermilk pie. My favorite!

Dinner fit for a family!

In the past I had more time. Seriously, more time off. And I had more energy to use that time in a productive manner. This year the last day of work before holiday break is December 21. That gives no days until the guests arrive on December 22. Granted, I don’t go back to work until January 3. That’s a good thing. But I could use more time up front to get things ready.

Maybe, if I start planning now, I can be ready for next year. Because before you know it we’ll be back to December. 

I go back to December, turn around and make it alright.

I’m in an online group of knitters. Every year we have a Secret Santa exchange. It’s so much fun! This year I got a wonderful package from mine, Carrie. She loaded a great project bag with yarn, stitch markers, a handmade Christmas dish cloth, and some Scentsy! A very nice December surprise indeed!

What fun!!

I go back to December all the time, all the time...

Grateful, Grateful, Grateful

I'm so grateful for everything you've ever given me...

November is a time for giving thanks. I guess it’s because of the Thanksgiving Holiday. It’s kind of silly if you think about it. Shouldn’t we be thankful every day? Despite that, every year I’m ‘going to’ post what I’m thankful for on a daily basis. But it seems every year I get behind from the start and manage to stay behind until well beyond the first of the new year. Still, I decided I had so many things to be thankful for that I needed to list them, mainly as a reminder to myself.

I’m a list maker. I should own a portion of the sticky note company because I have them all around my desk. Although I seldom get to the grocery store with said list, I decided I could sum it up nicely if I used the alphabet to make my record of things I’m thankful for. So…here goes!

A

Alan, apples, airplanes (when they are on time), aprons and autumn

B
Bryce, Belle, Bernie, babies, buttons, butter, beer, bottles, bubble baths and bacon

 C

Callye, Caleb, candy, cars, chairs, candles, cats, Christmas lights and carols 

 D

Dads (mine especially), dreams, and doors

E
Evan, eggs, elevators, electricity, and eyesight

 F
Family, friends, fun, fireplaces, and French fries

G
Grandkids, Grandparents, green chili, and guitars

H
Haircuts, hot water, and heaters

I
Ice (in the summer), icicles (in the winter), imaginations, and Iris

J
Judi, Jimmie, Jennivee, jelly, jam and jars,

K
Knitting, kites, kindness and kittens,

L
Lights, laughter, LSSK, and leaves

M
Moms (mine in particular!), money, mountains, and medicine

N
Napkins, nighttime, and noise

O
Oranges, online bill paying, and October

P
Pennies, pants, pajamas, pizza, pedicures, and Paypal

Q
Quilts, quiet, quality, and quarters

R
Reading glasses, Ravelry, and rocking chairs

S
Starr, sweaters, seat warmers, snowflakes and snowmen

T
Tyson, talking, Tartan, tea, teachers, and Texas!

U
umbrellas (and the chance to use them), unity, and underwear

V
Veterans, vests, and Valentines

W
Wine, WHIBSIB, water, and warmth

X
Xerox copies, x-acto knives, and eXums!

Y
Yarn, yams, yo-yo’s (fabric), yesterdays, yawns and yellow

Z
ZZZ’s, zippers, zoos and zigzags

Well, that was a little tougher than I thought it would be! And, I believed I had invented this brilliant idea but I Googled it and found tons of people had made their list this way. Regardless, however you come up with the things you are thankful for, just remember to take the time to be grateful. It makes you feel pretty good to realize all the things you have instead of focusing on the things you haven’t! 

I wanna show my gratitude, gratitude, show my gratitude to you.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Utah this year. It was a very long trip and I got a lot of road-knitting in! I had two GIGANTIC scarves to make for a couple of my son’s friends and completed one and like only a couple of inches on finished the other. 

I’m finishing up some surprise gifts too. It’s going to be here before we know it! Be pleased that you’re here to enjoy. 

Gossamer Infinity Scarf

Rainbow ruffle

Dropstitch cowl

I wanna show my gratitude, gratitude.

I wanna show my gratitude,show my 

Yeah, my gratitud...

You’ve Made Me So Very Happy

I chose you for the one...

My blogger friend, Frugal Mummy, recently posted Ten Things that Made Her Smile. She invited others to join in. Well, it took me forever to write it up, but I thought of ten things, I put in alphabetical order, that make me happy. I thought it would be very difficult. It wasn't as hard as I thought after I got started.  

Lighting candles make me feel cozy.

I have them for every occasion

Fall is my favorite season. I like it all; the colors, the smells, the chill in the air that warrants a sweater but not a jacket.  

From our Vermont trip a few years ago

Flowers remind me of my grandmother. I could never have a flower garden like she did. I don’t like to get my hands dirty! I plant things in my pots on the deck and celebrate my single blooms!

My cute little zinnia I grew from seed. Then the cat used the container for his bathroom. :(

I like food. I like to cook it. I like to eat it. I like to try new things but fall back on my comfort foods for…well, comfort!  

We are one of those weird families who take pictures of their food and put it on Facebook!

Music keeps me company. I know a lot of the lyrics to both country and rock songs and I sing with the radio in my car. I hum along in my office. I’m really quite good!

Anything goes. Well, except Rap. And maybe classical. I like things with words...that I can understand.

I recently moved to a corner office. Doesn’t that sound impressive? It’s not, believe me! It’s at the intersection of two halls. But the best thing about it is that it has a door! And that makes me happy.  

Is it pessimistic to look at the door as half closed most of the time?

Old tv shows and movies are entertaining and I enjoy watching them. They aren’t violent and scary, like the programs today, even when there’s a murder.

Give me Jessica Fletcher, Perry Mason and Andy Griffith anytime!

A quilt on the top of a bed makes me feel welcome and reminds me of summers spent with my grandparents.

Old quilts, hand quilted.

The Littles have the best hugs and kisses! They love me unconditionally. They truly think I’m great! They make me smile. I know as they grow up and get busy I won’t be in the spotlight. So I’ll enjoy it now, while it lasts!

One of my favorite old pictures. This was when Belle was born. But they are still glad to see me!

I have more yarn than I can ever use. That’s hard to say! In knitting talk it’s called a stash and when you have as much as I have it’s called SABLE. SABLE means Stash Totally Above and Beyond Life Expectancy. My kids will have a heck of a garage sale one of these days.

Just the tip of the iceburg...or is that yarnburg?

Now it’s your turn. Tell me ten things that make you happy. It will make you feel good. And it’s not hard at all. Leave your list in the comments or leave a link to your blog post. That would make me happy!

You’ve Made Me So Very Happy...