Sunday, September 30, 2007
A Gift
Look what my northern sister brought me today!
It's a pumpkin-shaped pepper from her garden.
I will have you know that I have taken no less than 65 pictures of this pepper in several different locations around my house.
I decided on this one, for obvious reasons.
If I am successful in carving it, I will drop in a tea-light and take just one more picture. From all the flashing, I'm surprised it isn't cooked already.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Twins
They are both 80 now, and suffering from Alzheimer's. 
But, this is who they are, too.
Teenagers enjoying a summer's day at Aunt Bea and Uncle Louie's sandwich shop. A place they loved to go!
My mom is the one on the right.
Labels: memories
re:LAX
Random Candid Shots from the Lax wedding reception. Click to enlarge.
I'm Home
I got up at 5:30 this morning, and it is now 11:30.
It goes without saying that I am very tired. But, I said it anyway.
I took some lovely pictures at my lovely niece's lovely wedding tonight.
Soon, I will be coherent enough (maybe) to post them.
But for now, I will post just one.
This one.
I call it:
"Buddy in the Bubbly".
Labels: my corner of the world
Friday, September 28, 2007
You Simply MUST Read This
She Suffered From Severe Weirdness, Which In the End, Took Her
Oh, I hate to admit it, but I am very very busy today. I dislike being too busy.
Yet. I took the time to read the obituaries.
In the past, I have done this in a very obsessive compulsive manner. Now, I read them on line at Mlive.com.
But unless one's obituary appears in the paper on Sunday or Wednesday I won't know about it. Please, if you plan to die on a different day, could you let me know?
So today, my busy Friday, while I wait for machines to come to their conclusions, I am perusing the Sunday and Wednesday obituaries. Not necessarily this past Sunday or Wednesday's either.
This is a note to my family.
PLEASE do not list whatever pets I have at the time of my demise as survivors. I find that weird. One has to PAY for every word. When I would put a section of paper under any pet I've ever had, they did not pause to READ it anyway. They used it for other things.
Also, if sometime before I die I were, let's say to finally do something wonderful, PLEASE do not list it. I'm not planning to do anything wonderful, but IF I were to, I would not want the world to know about it. Let's let it be our little secret.
Please list my grandchildren by name, and my great grandchildren also. I'll start a little fund to pay for it. But, if THGGM dips into that fund before I die (would it be too much to hope we will be beyond pop can returns by then?) it could be included as 'in lieu of flowers'. Although, I do like flowers, rather much.
Now, were your father to go before me, and I do not show up to the funeral it is not because I have a migraine or am to agoraphobic to attend. It is because I ran out of gas. Could someone come get me before the final hymn is sung? I'd want to see him one last time, laying down while not snoring.
Before the lid is shut upon me, could someone grab a scissors and cut that perfectly good lining out of my casket? I won't be needing it, and it is GOOD material (unless, of course, you skimped on the casket, which is fine and in which case you can ignore this.) There are many useful things one could do with that fabric. Putting it in the ground would just ruin it. I have some tea set aside with which to dye it.
And now, my last request in THIS post (i do so plan to update this.) is, if I die of something really gross, let's just keep that between us too. Don't put it in the obituary. No one needs to know.
Yet. I took the time to read the obituaries.
In the past, I have done this in a very obsessive compulsive manner. Now, I read them on line at Mlive.com.
But unless one's obituary appears in the paper on Sunday or Wednesday I won't know about it. Please, if you plan to die on a different day, could you let me know?
So today, my busy Friday, while I wait for machines to come to their conclusions, I am perusing the Sunday and Wednesday obituaries. Not necessarily this past Sunday or Wednesday's either.
This is a note to my family.
PLEASE do not list whatever pets I have at the time of my demise as survivors. I find that weird. One has to PAY for every word. When I would put a section of paper under any pet I've ever had, they did not pause to READ it anyway. They used it for other things.
Also, if sometime before I die I were, let's say to finally do something wonderful, PLEASE do not list it. I'm not planning to do anything wonderful, but IF I were to, I would not want the world to know about it. Let's let it be our little secret.
Please list my grandchildren by name, and my great grandchildren also. I'll start a little fund to pay for it. But, if THGGM dips into that fund before I die (would it be too much to hope we will be beyond pop can returns by then?) it could be included as 'in lieu of flowers'. Although, I do like flowers, rather much.
Now, were your father to go before me, and I do not show up to the funeral it is not because I have a migraine or am to agoraphobic to attend. It is because I ran out of gas. Could someone come get me before the final hymn is sung? I'd want to see him one last time, laying down while not snoring.
Before the lid is shut upon me, could someone grab a scissors and cut that perfectly good lining out of my casket? I won't be needing it, and it is GOOD material (unless, of course, you skimped on the casket, which is fine and in which case you can ignore this.) There are many useful things one could do with that fabric. Putting it in the ground would just ruin it. I have some tea set aside with which to dye it.
And now, my last request in THIS post (i do so plan to update this.) is, if I die of something really gross, let's just keep that between us too. Don't put it in the obituary. No one needs to know.
Labels: and she rants...
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday...
Daughter goes back to work on Monday.
Then, I will get to be the one alone with the little munchkins.
I once had three 3 and under, so I know what I am in for.
But, I was 23 years younger then, and at least twice that many in pounds.
Since I've lost a discernible portion of my mind, I think I'm up for it.
Actually, I can't wait!
Daughter fears that I will be bored.
I don't DO bored. BorING, yes. Bored, no.
Labels: famke = girl - jonge = boy, my corner of the world
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Why I Like Kathleen Norris
"When last I was home and attending church, the children's choir sang "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam," a song I remember singing as a child. I suppose I loved it then. What made their song so marvelous in the context of our worship that day was that it was followed by a reading from Jeremiah 14 that made it clear that God did not
want Jeremiah for a sunbeam. Gifts differing, I suppose." - Kathleen Norris, "The Cloister Walk" p. 133
Labels: reading
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Acorn, Oak Tree, Kitchen Table
Today I collected acorns.
Why buy fall decore when it grows on trees?
It was breezy. Every time the wind blew, acorns rained down. It made a lovely sound on the metal slide we were playing on. Not so lovely when they hit us on the head.
My kitchen table was once contained in an acorn. Truly something remarkable to think about.
Labels: remarkable thoughts
The Old Man and The Sea
With all of the moving and baby-having going on in our family this year, it looked like a trip to Lake Michigan was out of the question.
But today, we found time. September 25, and it was a warm, beautiful day to be at the shore.
Drawing 'bookballs' in the sand, listening to the noisy white-caps rolling in,
Drawing 'bookballs' in the sand, listening to the noisy white-caps rolling in,
and, cuddling with Pake.
Labels: famke = girl - jonge = boy, The Husband God Gave Me
Pake and Jonge At Lake Michigan
It was a perfect day for running into the lake.
Jonge had a wonderful time, and Pake enjoyed every minute of it.
Labels: famke = girl - jonge = boy, The Husband God Gave Me
Christmas Is In Three Months!
I have two new magazines to peruse.
I love cones on a tree, so will have to try something like the snowman in a cone.
And, see that ornament that says "Twinkle"? That's what I want the paper maiche (i cannot spell it) for. Although I can't imagine that I would want it to say 'twinkle'. Possible, Jonge and Famke.
Next up is setting up my art room(s). I need a place to make stuff. THGGM really frowns on my taking over the kitchen table, counters, dining room tables and the buffet to make things that he sees no reason for.
"What are you going to do with it?" seems like a reasonable question to him.
Telling him that I am going to take a picture of it, post it on my blog and say "LOOK WHAT I MADE!" just doesn't cut it with him.
Men.
Labels: Christmas
Monday, September 24, 2007
Monday Funday, Part II
Ah, yes. We DO Work and Play!
I'm crazy about the images in this book. These are the kids I grew up with. Well. Not actually THESE kids, as Dick and Jane had evolved a bit from the 40's to the 60's. No longer was Baby nameless, she had become Sally by then.
Our first stop was going to be Target, but Jonge and Famke live very close and Pake claimed that the car just turned in there on it's own. 
I'm crazy about the images in this book. These are the kids I grew up with. Well. Not actually THESE kids, as Dick and Jane had evolved a bit from the 40's to the 60's. No longer was Baby nameless, she had become Sally by then.
I was very surprised to find this for only $4.00.
I do believe I will be cutting this one apart.
Tonight we ventured out again.
Our first stop was going to be Target, but Jonge and Famke live very close and Pake claimed that the car just turned in there on it's own.
It's not a day off for Pake if it doesn't include lots of hugs and kisses and smiles from those two.
We finally made it to Target, where I found these bowls. They were on clearance for about $2.00 a piece. There were only these four and I could not persuade THGGM to go on a hunt at all the area Targets. Mmmm. Target. Nice place to shop.
Target didn't have the Rod Stewart CD I wanted. So, we headed to 'the mall', where we rounded out our adventurous day by eating mall food. THGGM loves the chinese food at the mall. I had the egg drop soup. That was enough for me.
THGGM found the CD. Vol. II. I'm on my way to light the candle, put on the CD and let Rod sing to me while a take a loooooooooooooong relaxing bath.
I needed this day.
Labels: my corner of the world
Monday Funday
Ah, yes.
To make up for that harried weekend, THGGM has today off.
We slept in.
He 'til 7:00, me 'til 7:30.
We went to breakfast at 8:00.
Then it was off to grocery shopping. The store seemed filled with mother's of preschoolers who had apparently just dropped everybody else off at school. It was unhurried and delightful.
It cost too much.
We came home. Me, to fill the pantry, THGGM to tend to some work that needed doing.
Next we were off again. To 'Somewhere in Thyme' our new favorite antique mall. I bought a 'Dick and Jane' book to rip apart and a cedar chest sample to make into a shadow box.
Lunch was had at 'Rainbow Grill'. THGGM and I used to eat there more often when he had Wednesday's off. Monday is potato soup day, so it was extra special.
He also went to the hardware store while I shopped at Michael's. I bought a second small scrapbook to make another ABC book, having remembered that I now have TWO grandchildren. Today they were 40% off (the scrapbooks). I also bought some 'instant age' varnish. Because I look too young for my age? Hardly. To smear on THGGM whilst he sleeps? Maybe. I cannot remember why I wanted it, but I did remember that I did. I wanted to by instant papier mache, but I didn't have a coupon, and it wasn't on sale. And, it looked exactly like dryer lint to me, which is hard to spend money on.
THGGM finished his project, which looks better than I had imagined. He isn't totally satisfied with it though, so I won't post any pictures.
Next, if I have my way, we are off to Target to pick up a CD. I want the Rod Stewart one that was playing at the reception we attended last weekend. It was beautiful. And, I never would have thought myself a Rod Stewart fan.
In the car after lunch, THGGM was belting out "All I need is the air that I breathe, and to love you!". I informed him that I need a teensy bit more than that. Add lunch out and antique shopping, and I'm good to go.
Last week, while we were dressing for the wedding, I mentioned to THGGM that I thought I should go on "What Not to Wear". I am no fashion maven. I have only one 'going out' outfit, besides two black beaded dresses - one mother of the groom and one mother of the bride. I would be perfectly happy to spend my remaining days in comfortable jeans, a shirt and a denim vest with pockets. Pockets are important to me. He agreed. Then he added; "You should also go on 'What not to eat, What not to say, What not to do...'
Oooo. Do I have a show for him. "Who Not To Mess With".
It's still early. We can still do a lot more fun stuff tonight!
To make up for that harried weekend, THGGM has today off.
We slept in.
He 'til 7:00, me 'til 7:30.
We went to breakfast at 8:00.
Then it was off to grocery shopping. The store seemed filled with mother's of preschoolers who had apparently just dropped everybody else off at school. It was unhurried and delightful.
It cost too much.
We came home. Me, to fill the pantry, THGGM to tend to some work that needed doing.
Next we were off again. To 'Somewhere in Thyme' our new favorite antique mall. I bought a 'Dick and Jane' book to rip apart and a cedar chest sample to make into a shadow box.
Lunch was had at 'Rainbow Grill'. THGGM and I used to eat there more often when he had Wednesday's off. Monday is potato soup day, so it was extra special.
He also went to the hardware store while I shopped at Michael's. I bought a second small scrapbook to make another ABC book, having remembered that I now have TWO grandchildren. Today they were 40% off (the scrapbooks). I also bought some 'instant age' varnish. Because I look too young for my age? Hardly. To smear on THGGM whilst he sleeps? Maybe. I cannot remember why I wanted it, but I did remember that I did. I wanted to by instant papier mache, but I didn't have a coupon, and it wasn't on sale. And, it looked exactly like dryer lint to me, which is hard to spend money on.
THGGM finished his project, which looks better than I had imagined. He isn't totally satisfied with it though, so I won't post any pictures.
Next, if I have my way, we are off to Target to pick up a CD. I want the Rod Stewart one that was playing at the reception we attended last weekend. It was beautiful. And, I never would have thought myself a Rod Stewart fan.
In the car after lunch, THGGM was belting out "All I need is the air that I breathe, and to love you!". I informed him that I need a teensy bit more than that. Add lunch out and antique shopping, and I'm good to go.
Last week, while we were dressing for the wedding, I mentioned to THGGM that I thought I should go on "What Not to Wear". I am no fashion maven. I have only one 'going out' outfit, besides two black beaded dresses - one mother of the groom and one mother of the bride. I would be perfectly happy to spend my remaining days in comfortable jeans, a shirt and a denim vest with pockets. Pockets are important to me. He agreed. Then he added; "You should also go on 'What not to eat, What not to say, What not to do...'
Oooo. Do I have a show for him. "Who Not To Mess With".
It's still early. We can still do a lot more fun stuff tonight!
Labels: my corner of the world
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Can You Say "Peanut"?
Peanuts and Candy Corn are a fall treat at our house.
Friday night we were actively encouraging Jonge to partake of the peanuts.
What's this?, we would ask while holding one in front of him.
Munchkies. He would say.
No. Say "Peanut". Pea. Nut. Like that.
Pea. Nut. He would reply with a happy smile.
So, another peanut would be held up to him.
What is this?, we would ask again.
Muuuunchkiiiies. He would say.
This went on for quite some time, as things do in our home.
We now partake of Candy Corn and Munchkies.
Labels: famke = girl - jonge = boy
Saturday, September 22, 2007
First Day of Fall, and All
(note to family. everything turned out okay.)
Today, I was the cinnamon roll maker for our Saturday morning family breakfast.
I woke up unable to use my left hand. I slept with my wrist splints on, hoping that would cure me over night. It did not.
THGGM graciously opened everything that I needed to have opened. It's easy to get help with the smell of warm cinnamon rolls filling the house. Setting them under the ceiling fan in the kitchen helped to get them noticed.
After a scrumptiously delightful breakfast, THGGM and I went to our favorite thrift store. He found a perfect little Ethan Allen lamp and a knitted baby sweater. I rounded up the usual suspects that always bring me joy. Stuff. Old books to read, including the Complete Adventures of the Borrowers, and The Cost of Discipleship. A flower press book, a clock book for Jonge and some jewelry to take apart rounded out my finds.
THGGM has to work this weekend. It is inventory time. So, I brought him to work so that I could have a car for getting me to work, to more shopping and to arrange my mom and dad's meds for the week.
After dropping THGGM off for work, inventory being something that he actually enjoys doing, I drove to Michael's to use my 50% off coupon before it expired. My new collection is photo storage boxes. They happened to be 2 for $3 this week. For me, it's all about the plain brown ones, so I can embellish them as I deem necessary. I also found a 6x6 photo album to make an ABC book for Jonge (okay. so by the time i actually do this he will be 16 and fluent in all things alphabet.)
I was planning to go directly to work, but instead stopped home to unload my goods. While there I listened to messages. I NEVER do this. I'm BAD at listening to messages. I do it, but usually at the end of the day. But, today, I was wondering if Daughter had called. So I listened to my voice mail.
There was only one. It was from my dad.
This is what he said:
"This is dad. I need help with your mom. Mom needs help."
I'd only been gone for an hour, so I looked at the time, and he had called just two minutes ago.
I jumped back into the car to make the short trip over. I kept running into road blocks.
When I arrived, he met me at the door.
Not an emergency, really.
My mom had taken a bath, and was unable to get out. Apparently, he had been trying for quite sometime, but she just could not get out.
My left arm was still just a dangling appendage and I only use my right one for typing and piano playing. Mom didn't need a typist or a song played for her, so I was no help at all. Except, of course, I provided moral support. Well. Actually, I laughed. That's because she said to me, "I bet you didn't think you'd be seeing THIS much of me this week." Um, no.
Since my dad had been unable to reach me, he did the only thing he could think to do. He called 911.
What does one do when someone is stuck in a bathtub? I could tell that nothing was wrong with my mom, except that she could not get up. Do you stand there and converse with them, or try to be reassuring from a distance? While pondering that, my mom said, "So. What are we doing for Christmas?" Really, mom. Do you want to talk about this, now? For someone with Alzheimer's who had missed their last two nights of medication she was rather clear-headed.
I, on the other hand (the other hand that isn't dangling uselessly), couldn't remember how to even conjure up a clear thought.
Soon two very strong women appeared and in no time at all had my mom seated comfortably on a dining room chair.
It was not long before she was clothed and in her right mind.
"Well. THAT was certainly embarrassing!" was her only comment about it.
After my dad had caught his breath, he left to go pick up some groceries.
I filled their medications for the week and life went on as usual. My mom and I sat at the table and discussed what we plan to do for Christmas. This is what we talk about the most, lately. I don't mind. It's a subject I enjoy.
I stayed around for awhile to make sure everyone was as okay as they can be, and then I went to work. The hum of a good vacuum is excellent therapy.
Back home, I picked up "The Cloister Walk" by Kathleen Norris and held it firmly in my good right hand.
Soon, Daughter arrived. Surrounded by the happy noise of Jonge and the adorable sideways smiles of Famke, order was restored to my topsy-turvy little world.
Today, I was the cinnamon roll maker for our Saturday morning family breakfast.
I woke up unable to use my left hand. I slept with my wrist splints on, hoping that would cure me over night. It did not.
THGGM graciously opened everything that I needed to have opened. It's easy to get help with the smell of warm cinnamon rolls filling the house. Setting them under the ceiling fan in the kitchen helped to get them noticed.
After a scrumptiously delightful breakfast, THGGM and I went to our favorite thrift store. He found a perfect little Ethan Allen lamp and a knitted baby sweater. I rounded up the usual suspects that always bring me joy. Stuff. Old books to read, including the Complete Adventures of the Borrowers, and The Cost of Discipleship. A flower press book, a clock book for Jonge and some jewelry to take apart rounded out my finds.
THGGM has to work this weekend. It is inventory time. So, I brought him to work so that I could have a car for getting me to work, to more shopping and to arrange my mom and dad's meds for the week.
After dropping THGGM off for work, inventory being something that he actually enjoys doing, I drove to Michael's to use my 50% off coupon before it expired. My new collection is photo storage boxes. They happened to be 2 for $3 this week. For me, it's all about the plain brown ones, so I can embellish them as I deem necessary. I also found a 6x6 photo album to make an ABC book for Jonge (okay. so by the time i actually do this he will be 16 and fluent in all things alphabet.)
I was planning to go directly to work, but instead stopped home to unload my goods. While there I listened to messages. I NEVER do this. I'm BAD at listening to messages. I do it, but usually at the end of the day. But, today, I was wondering if Daughter had called. So I listened to my voice mail.
There was only one. It was from my dad.
This is what he said:
"This is dad. I need help with your mom. Mom needs help."
I'd only been gone for an hour, so I looked at the time, and he had called just two minutes ago.
I jumped back into the car to make the short trip over. I kept running into road blocks.
When I arrived, he met me at the door.
Not an emergency, really.
My mom had taken a bath, and was unable to get out. Apparently, he had been trying for quite sometime, but she just could not get out.
My left arm was still just a dangling appendage and I only use my right one for typing and piano playing. Mom didn't need a typist or a song played for her, so I was no help at all. Except, of course, I provided moral support. Well. Actually, I laughed. That's because she said to me, "I bet you didn't think you'd be seeing THIS much of me this week." Um, no.
Since my dad had been unable to reach me, he did the only thing he could think to do. He called 911.
What does one do when someone is stuck in a bathtub? I could tell that nothing was wrong with my mom, except that she could not get up. Do you stand there and converse with them, or try to be reassuring from a distance? While pondering that, my mom said, "So. What are we doing for Christmas?" Really, mom. Do you want to talk about this, now? For someone with Alzheimer's who had missed their last two nights of medication she was rather clear-headed.
I, on the other hand (the other hand that isn't dangling uselessly), couldn't remember how to even conjure up a clear thought.
Soon two very strong women appeared and in no time at all had my mom seated comfortably on a dining room chair.
It was not long before she was clothed and in her right mind.
"Well. THAT was certainly embarrassing!" was her only comment about it.
After my dad had caught his breath, he left to go pick up some groceries.
I filled their medications for the week and life went on as usual. My mom and I sat at the table and discussed what we plan to do for Christmas. This is what we talk about the most, lately. I don't mind. It's a subject I enjoy.
I stayed around for awhile to make sure everyone was as okay as they can be, and then I went to work. The hum of a good vacuum is excellent therapy.
Back home, I picked up "The Cloister Walk" by Kathleen Norris and held it firmly in my good right hand.
Soon, Daughter arrived. Surrounded by the happy noise of Jonge and the adorable sideways smiles of Famke, order was restored to my topsy-turvy little world.
Labels: my corner of the world
Friday, September 21, 2007
Oh, How I Love This Girl!
I met her for the first time six weeks ago today.
I cannot remember life without her.
She looks like her daddy.
But, like her mommy did, she sleeps for seven hours at night without waking up to eat.
And, like her, Famke is a happy girl!
Labels: famke = girl - jonge = boy
Famke At Six Weeks
She Whirls, She Twirls, She Spins...
...she doesn't quite fall over, because her mother is there to catch her.
I got a lot done around here before my mom arrived. As usual, she is very good after her morning walk.
We sat down to chat while waiting for Jonge and Famke to arrive.
She said something to me, and as I turned my head towards her, EVERYTHING began to spin. EVERYTHING. Me, her, the room, the brightly colored chair I was sitting on...
I'd had an earache off and on all week, but that was all.
So, in the morning, my mom took care of me. She knew all of the right questions to ask as she and my dad both have had inner ear problems in the past, and extreme dizziness has always been the harbinger of stroke for my dad. Seems like I had a migraine without the head pain. I get those much less frequently than in my past, so it surprises me when it happens.
I had this happen once last year, when I spent the afternoon laying on the floor with Jonge. He really enjoyed it. Me, not so much.
Anyway...by afternoon I recovered sufficiently to get on with my life. Which required me to take care of my mom, Jonge and Famke.
Sometimes I find myself thinking, what if this had happened when...
And then I stop.
Because I know Who holds the 'what ifs'.
Labels: my corner of the world
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
books, Books, and More BOOKS
Ahhh.
I actually made it to 'cheap book day' at my second favorite thrift store. Lately, I've been purposely avoiding it, due to the fact that I have a few books already. Just a few. Like, not a whole bunch or anything.
Feeling rather happy with myself, I left with only three books (and a roll of textured, paintable wallpaper - for 99 cents!).
I bought a hardcover Kathleen Norris "The Cloister Walk" for only 25 cents. I'm already reading it. I thought I'd read it before, but it only seems oddly familiar.
And, for a mere 10 cents, a paperback about wanting what I have. I DO want what I have. That's why I bought what I have. But, it seemed to be about journaling so I spent the dime. Because I wanted what they had. And wasn't happy about not having it.
For another 25 cents I bought a 1926 book on elementary entomology called "How Insects Live". Fascinating stuff. I keep picking up cheap books to rip apart for decoupage, and then I get them home and LOVE them as books. The pages in this one would make lovely backgrounds for shadow boxes, etc. Fig. #29 - "May-flies about an electric lamp." is just too cool! Oh, and I learned that they are of the order 'Ephemerida' which means 'lasting but a day'. Helps one to understand why the paper bits I like to collect are called 'ephemera'.
Today I picked up where I left off in November of 2005 at LibraryThing. Do you have a LibraryThing thingy? If not, google LibraryThing and check it out. It's so simple, even I can do it. So far, I have 100 of my books on it. I haven't actually unpacked my books, and do not plan to until after Christmas, so I am just adding the ones that I find laying around. Umm. Yes. I do have a number of books unpacked. Just not the majority of them. And, I am sorting them in the garage so plan to weed out more as I go.
I did find it a bit odd that they do not have a catagory called 'Green Books'. Not books about sparing the environment, but books which have hardcovers of green. It seemed like a reasonable option, as I do have many books that I bought just because they are green. Although, I do not know why.
I actually made it to 'cheap book day' at my second favorite thrift store. Lately, I've been purposely avoiding it, due to the fact that I have a few books already. Just a few. Like, not a whole bunch or anything.
Feeling rather happy with myself, I left with only three books (and a roll of textured, paintable wallpaper - for 99 cents!).
I bought a hardcover Kathleen Norris "The Cloister Walk" for only 25 cents. I'm already reading it. I thought I'd read it before, but it only seems oddly familiar.
And, for a mere 10 cents, a paperback about wanting what I have. I DO want what I have. That's why I bought what I have. But, it seemed to be about journaling so I spent the dime. Because I wanted what they had. And wasn't happy about not having it.
For another 25 cents I bought a 1926 book on elementary entomology called "How Insects Live". Fascinating stuff. I keep picking up cheap books to rip apart for decoupage, and then I get them home and LOVE them as books. The pages in this one would make lovely backgrounds for shadow boxes, etc. Fig. #29 - "May-flies about an electric lamp." is just too cool! Oh, and I learned that they are of the order 'Ephemerida' which means 'lasting but a day'. Helps one to understand why the paper bits I like to collect are called 'ephemera'.
Today I picked up where I left off in November of 2005 at LibraryThing. Do you have a LibraryThing thingy? If not, google LibraryThing and check it out. It's so simple, even I can do it. So far, I have 100 of my books on it. I haven't actually unpacked my books, and do not plan to until after Christmas, so I am just adding the ones that I find laying around. Umm. Yes. I do have a number of books unpacked. Just not the majority of them. And, I am sorting them in the garage so plan to weed out more as I go.
I did find it a bit odd that they do not have a catagory called 'Green Books'. Not books about sparing the environment, but books which have hardcovers of green. It seemed like a reasonable option, as I do have many books that I bought just because they are green. Although, I do not know why.
Labels: reading
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Could Hartz Mountain Make This for People?
I had the morning to myself today.
It was sooo nice.
I read some, researched some, drank ever so much coffee, and played the piano - a lot.
For lunch I had a 'lean cuisine' and emailed my friend, Anne.
The rest of the afternoon involved a whole lot of housework. But, I got most of it done.
After THGGM got home from work, he brought a large box of stuff to the thrift store. It felt good to get rid of it. Then he mowed the lawn.
I started to feel guilty, so I grabbed my pruners and went outside to chop off the dried stems in my Desert Candle plants. I had those at the last house we owned. I do not like them. They bite, hurt small children and aren't very pretty. But, they seem to be very popular in this neighborhood, as one neighbor has an entire border of them. Keeps out the riff-raff, I'm sure.
I did meet a 'sort of' neighbor, the daughter of an older couple who live a couple of doors down. I've got to keep up with THGGM and Jonge, who are meeting people all down the block. Anyway, she was a very nice person and answered some questions I've had, and I didn't even need to ask them - she answered without knowing I wanted to know. I like it when that happens. But, she isn't a gardener, so couldn't help me out with my plant identification project.
Remember how I mentioned that it looked like something large had laid in a few of my plants? She mentioned a family of muskrats that took over several yards last summer, ours being one of them. Hmm. Apparently, they now live across the street from us, under some overgrowth covering a fence. I do not wish to meet them!
I've met a bunny, a squirrel, the 'thpy-lour', his very large extended family and a whole lot of bees.
I never left the house today, except to go into the yard. No one came over. No one. Every once in a while, that is a good thing.
Labels: my corner of the world
Famke Loves Her Uncles!
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Yard.
THGGM got a lot of exercise tonight. While we were eating supper, we noticed that the 'bookball' team was practicing. Jonge is all about the 'bookball' team! Tonight he saw them run. Of course, he had to run also. Pake was never TOO far behind.
They walk around the block whenever they get the chance. So far they have met quite a few neighbors.
Jonge is checking for bees. There weren't any tonight.
He really likes bees. And spiders.
I really don't.
These are cool. I don't know what they are.
I'm not sure what these are either. Jonge knows that they are 'poople'.
I'm still working to identify everything. I've had a few friends help me along the way. Two plants look like something very large sat in the middle of them (it wasn't me).
Labels: new house
For Your Monday Viewing
Since the only listings in my side-bar are for two of my other blogs (yes, i have more than those) I've been meaning to post other blogsites that I frequent. But, I haven't done that in, oh...a very long time.
So, here I will give you three. Three that I enjoy very much.
"Sallies Stack" is relatively new. In this blog, Sallie, who lives in my area, highlights a variety of interesting places to view. I'm enjoying this very much. You might also. You can find it at:
http://www.salliesstack.com/
I've mentioned this one before. My friend Melissa is multi-talented. If you follow the link to her site, then click down through her sidebar - well - it might take you an entire day to experience it all, but you would not be sorry! I spent some time this morning reading her entries on Madeleine L'Engle. Be sure to click on those.
http://www.thosenorthernskies.blogspot.com/
Another of my favorite places to go to get my creative juices flowing is Amy's site. Such beautiful things! Presently she is packing orders for 'Club Little House'. Also, be sure to scroll down a little until you see what she has done with her mantle. So cute!
http://www.inspireco.blogspot.com/
So, here I will give you three. Three that I enjoy very much.
"Sallies Stack" is relatively new. In this blog, Sallie, who lives in my area, highlights a variety of interesting places to view. I'm enjoying this very much. You might also. You can find it at:
http://www.salliesstack.com/
I've mentioned this one before. My friend Melissa is multi-talented. If you follow the link to her site, then click down through her sidebar - well - it might take you an entire day to experience it all, but you would not be sorry! I spent some time this morning reading her entries on Madeleine L'Engle. Be sure to click on those.
http://www.thosenorthernskies.blogspot.com/
Another of my favorite places to go to get my creative juices flowing is Amy's site. Such beautiful things! Presently she is packing orders for 'Club Little House'. Also, be sure to scroll down a little until you see what she has done with her mantle. So cute!
http://www.inspireco.blogspot.com/
Labels: check this out
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Offspring
...or, as I like to think of them, my down-line.
They are just being gracious to their old mom.
My eyes aren't good, and my camera isn't on the correct setting, but this IS actually how they look to me.
Beautiful in a fuzzy, out of focus sort of way.
I have a picture of Youngest Son as a little boy with that very same expression on his face.
Pake and His Little Famke
Of course, she doesn't talk yet...
...but, she doesn't need to, the look says it all.
My Saturday
Fabulous thrift finds were aplenty. For under a dollar I was able to buy "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius. Now I have a collection of twelve. 
I also bought, for 69 cents, this 'thing'. It has eight of the coolest Chinese figures on each of it's eight sides. I have plans for this! 
I liked that the bottom of it is was 'stamped'. 
The 'Technic' book was 10 cents. I love the picture AND the color of the cover. It has great line drawings inside, which made it well worth the dime.This bit of doubled lace - all 84 inches of it
was only 50 cents. I found a few other bits and pieces of what-not. More books, little toys for Jonge, a snow suit for Famke. THGGM found a black cashmere sweater and a red corduroy Polo shirt. He also found a great glass bowl. But, I dropped in while bringing it into the house. It had a stand. We still have that.
And, to finish up our day, we went to a wedding! Son-in-law's roommate from his time at Michigan Tech, Brennen, married the lovely Angela. The wedding and reception were beautiful.
was only 50 cents. I found a few other bits and pieces of what-not. More books, little toys for Jonge, a snow suit for Famke. THGGM found a black cashmere sweater and a red corduroy Polo shirt. He also found a great glass bowl. But, I dropped in while bringing it into the house. It had a stand. We still have that.And, to finish up our day, we went to a wedding! Son-in-law's roommate from his time at Michigan Tech, Brennen, married the lovely Angela. The wedding and reception were beautiful.
In between the wedding and reception THGGM and I shopped in downtown Rockford, MI. We used to shop there ALL the time.
We found something that we were looking for! A carved sign for over our bed which reads "Always Kiss Me Goodnight." Of course, I can't just hang it up plain, so I will embellish it a bit before it goes up. And, THGGM has a nasty cold, so, maybe I should add "Almost" to the sign.
Before we went to the reception, we drove around the area where it was held. Beautiful hilly lawns overlooking tree tops. The day was gorgeous and the sky - full of perfect clouds. When we got to the reception, my seat faced out onto that beautiful scene. As soon as I was settled in, I noticed a dark gray cloud along the horizon, which grew larger and larger as the night progressed. After about an hour and a half, it went away. Later, watching the news at 11, we learned that it was a fire at a factory in a city miles and miles away.
Anyway, back to the wedding, Brennen and Angela made a beautiful bride and groom. They didn't look like the traditional wedding cake-topper couple, Angela is very tall and Brennen is Korean - but the obvious joy on their faces made them one of the best looking wedding couples I have ever seen. I'll never look at a wedding cake-topper again without thinking that they actually don't look quite as happy as Brennen and Angela did on their wedding day. May it always be so!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Sticking People I Know to the Wall
A funny thing happened while I was stripping wallpaper off my bathroom walls today. Yes. THAT bathroom. The pepto-abysmal one with the teal wallpaper which refuses to just peel off.
THGGM, mostly-helpful man that he is (although, presently he is ill) heard somewhere that if I would stick wet newspaper to the wall and let it sit (he did not remember for how long, hence the label of 'mostly'-helpful) it would just roll right off.
Roll. Right. Off. It. Did. Not.
Have you gotten newspaper wet recently and held it up over your head? Newsprint is really gray water, which strives to seek it's own level by rolling down my arms and coating me in damp gray.
This, of course, is pleasant compared to what rolls down once the glue is eaten away by the pleasant smelling Downy mixture which is destroying the skin on my hands. Oh. And the dripping Downy water mixed with glue, tiny bits of wallpaper and wet newspaper makes the floor very slippery. But, you probably guessed that. I did not guess that. I experienced that.
Anyway. That wasn't the funny part.
The funny part was how as I lifted a wet piece of newspaper to stick on the wall, I noticed a 50th Anniversary announcement of some old friends of mine. Let's call them R and J. There they were, in the newspaper.
I hadn't thought of them in years. Years. Like, almost twenty years.
The newspaper-soaking-sticking-peeling went much faster while pleasant thoughts of a very unpleasant time in my life passed through my mind.
R and J were part of a class I went to on Monday nights for a few years. They were world-class-know-it-alls. Self-proclaimed answer people. But, their lives fell apart and knowing the answer was no longer enough.
Have you ever witnessed this happen to someone? It isn't pretty. I think it hurts worse to watch it happen to someone else than to actually have it happen to oneself.
R and J broke, like everyone else who lasted through that class. There's not a verse, a word, a minister, a church that can fix a person once they are broken.
Because, broken is the only way we are of any use to God.
If we aren't broken, what's inside has no way to get out.
We may have great plans, fabulous ideas, excellent agendas and the perfect program, but unless what we are pouring out to the people around us is the love of God being continually poured into us, we have nothing to give.
When I saw R and J's picture, that is what I thought of them. Love pouring out into a room full of people who could have cared less about what R and J thought they had to offer. Because the real stuff is so much better.
I learned something from them.
We don't get to choose what life throws at us. We don't get to choose how those we love respond to what gets thrown at them. But, we do get to choose how we respond.
Intelligence, knowledge, achievements, and willingness to be used have little to no lasting effect on the people around us.
Vulnerability (faith? - we cannot see it), brokenness (hope? - total healing hasn't taken place yet) and love are the three things R and J graced my life with. And the greatest of these?
Love.
Today I stuck a lot of pictures of engaged people, just married people and anniversary celebrators to my bathroom wall. I'm so thankful that I noticed R and J's picture. How fitting, that this month they celebrate that.
THGGM, mostly-helpful man that he is (although, presently he is ill) heard somewhere that if I would stick wet newspaper to the wall and let it sit (he did not remember for how long, hence the label of 'mostly'-helpful) it would just roll right off.
Roll. Right. Off. It. Did. Not.
Have you gotten newspaper wet recently and held it up over your head? Newsprint is really gray water, which strives to seek it's own level by rolling down my arms and coating me in damp gray.
This, of course, is pleasant compared to what rolls down once the glue is eaten away by the pleasant smelling Downy mixture which is destroying the skin on my hands. Oh. And the dripping Downy water mixed with glue, tiny bits of wallpaper and wet newspaper makes the floor very slippery. But, you probably guessed that. I did not guess that. I experienced that.
Anyway. That wasn't the funny part.
The funny part was how as I lifted a wet piece of newspaper to stick on the wall, I noticed a 50th Anniversary announcement of some old friends of mine. Let's call them R and J. There they were, in the newspaper.
I hadn't thought of them in years. Years. Like, almost twenty years.
The newspaper-soaking-sticking-peeling went much faster while pleasant thoughts of a very unpleasant time in my life passed through my mind.
R and J were part of a class I went to on Monday nights for a few years. They were world-class-know-it-alls. Self-proclaimed answer people. But, their lives fell apart and knowing the answer was no longer enough.
Have you ever witnessed this happen to someone? It isn't pretty. I think it hurts worse to watch it happen to someone else than to actually have it happen to oneself.
R and J broke, like everyone else who lasted through that class. There's not a verse, a word, a minister, a church that can fix a person once they are broken.
Because, broken is the only way we are of any use to God.
If we aren't broken, what's inside has no way to get out.
We may have great plans, fabulous ideas, excellent agendas and the perfect program, but unless what we are pouring out to the people around us is the love of God being continually poured into us, we have nothing to give.
When I saw R and J's picture, that is what I thought of them. Love pouring out into a room full of people who could have cared less about what R and J thought they had to offer. Because the real stuff is so much better.
I learned something from them.
We don't get to choose what life throws at us. We don't get to choose how those we love respond to what gets thrown at them. But, we do get to choose how we respond.
Intelligence, knowledge, achievements, and willingness to be used have little to no lasting effect on the people around us.
Vulnerability (faith? - we cannot see it), brokenness (hope? - total healing hasn't taken place yet) and love are the three things R and J graced my life with. And the greatest of these?
Love.
Today I stuck a lot of pictures of engaged people, just married people and anniversary celebrators to my bathroom wall. I'm so thankful that I noticed R and J's picture. How fitting, that this month they celebrate that.
The Basement
Oh so slowly, we are getting to the basement.
The stairway to the basement is in the funky 1950's style breeze-way.
Two full walls of uncurtained louvered windows means no more half-dressed dashes to the basement.
It does seem like an odd place to put a stairway, but, it's really about the only odd thing about this place.
I love the half-door. It has a very difficult to figure out lock on it. It's driving Jonge crazy, as he wants to know the secret for unlocking that door. 
I love that the basement has an 'entry'.
THGGM has been working hard to arrange things in the basement.
I have no interest in 'decorating' it until after Christmas.
But, through that door, THAT DOOR you can see in the picture, I cannot WAIT to get into that space.
It's been so long since I've made something - anything - that I'm beginning to wonder where that part of me is hiding. Hopefully, I will be able to carve out three separate spaces in those rooms. One for stamping and drawing, one for simple sewing and one for shadow boxes/altered art.
Then, after THAT is complete we can begin loading the book shelves. I can wait until after Christmas for that. Only because I KNOW where all of my 'I need these' books are. The others, I want. I want them a lot. But, I don't NEED them.
Unless, of course, someone suggests that I get rid of them.
Reminders
My mom was very mellow and very clear-thinking yesterday morning. This even though she falled to take her medications the night before. Anyway, I wrote a post about it. You know the kind, where you bleed all over the keyboard. But sadly, I lost it.
Earlier in the week I found these fabulous flash cards while thrift shopping. I thought they seemed like appropriate reminder-place-cards around the table. When I set the 'you are here' card in front of my mom she laughed long and hard. Then she asked what mine said. I showed her the 'i will help mother'. That set us both off.
Yes. 'we are here'.
Labels: my corner of the world
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Jonge
The BIG paper came out today! Jonge does like to 'color-color'.
The big paper used to belong to Oldest Son, so there are some interesting works of art for Jonge to color on.
This one is a self portrait.
The untrained eye might miss it, but Jonge has actually written the names of everyone he knows on this piece of art.
Shhh. He REALLY thinks that he has!
He is not a fan of 'white space' so works very diligently to fill in all of the page.
Today we worked on pronouncing the 'f' sound. He cannot say it.
In the picture to the left, you will notice 'bookballs'.
'Bookball' is his favorite sport. Pake takes him down the block to watch the team practice.
Sometimes they make it all the way down. Sometimes, Jonge feels the need to sit in puddles, or load up his pockets with rocks. Every time they stop to talk to the very large, VERY creepy spider that lives over our door. Jonge calls him 'pi-lou' although lately it's been more like 'thpy-lour'. Long after he can say it correctly, THGGM and I will be saying good-bye to the 'pi-lou' with a slight catch in our voices.
Wednesday
Flames. There were flames.No one was injured, nothing but the towel was harmed.
Daughter entered the kitchen in time to see flames.
What shall we call this? THGGM has a 'senior moment'?
I believe it is obvious from the picture that someone laid a wadded up towel on a still hot burner.
Please do note that, ah hem, the proper day of the week towel was being used.
Labels: my corner of the world
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Finding Time to Experiment
with light! I knew where all of the best spots and times for 'light' were at the old house. Here, I have had to do some experimenting, and there hasn't been much time for that.
These were all taken with the 'aid' of the little florescent light I keep in the pantry closet.
Oh. And the accordion girl? I read further down in my blog when and why I bought her.
See. That is why I blog. If I didn't, I'd have NO IDEA what I've been doing.
Labels: my corner of the world
Monday, September 10, 2007
My Mom
I spent today with my mom. My dad had a doctor's appointment that required going two places, and I wasn't sure how my mom would handle a full afternoon of 'hurry up and wait', so I kept mom with me. 
When I picked her up, I thought it was going to be a day of watching her sleep. But, I mentioned going 'shopping' and she jumped out of her slumber and away we went!
Of course, we went to the neighborhood thrift store, and as we were going in we met one of my cousins coming out! (Which, by the way, proves that more than just my diabetes is hereditary!)
My mom found a two piece Tommy Hilfiger outfit for Famke. She has impeccable taste in baby clothes.
But, as thrift shopping will do, she became tired and we left before I had a chance to read every book title, twice.
I have got to learn to stop being so uncomfortable when we go out together in public. My mom does not always looked confused. But, while we were checking out, she was SURE we were in Wisconsin, and was telling the cashier how she is from Grand Rapids and whenever she gets 'out this way' she always comes shopping here.
Back at my house, we had a leisurely lunch around my kitchen table. She was clear as a bell. This gave me an opportunity to talk to her about how she is feeling. Alzheimer's is an awful disease. It takes large chunks of memory away, and then randomly throws them back in your face, leaving you with no ability to sort them out. I no longer try to 'straighten out' my mom's thoughts, as Alzheimer's will bring out its ugly crimping iron and mess them up a few short seconds after I'm done.
My mom had a dream that my dad died. It haunts her night and day, and when she cannot see him, she thinks it's true.
Daughter stopped over and my mom had a delightful time with Famke and Jonge. Famke adores looking at my mom and smiling. This works at soothing my mom's soul. At one point, she had both of them and it was obvious that she was having the time of her life!
She likes to make them laugh - note the picture where she has the pillow on her head.
My dad came out very well at the doctor.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
No Picture, So You Get A Thousand Words
I suppose I could post a picture. I did spend a few brief minutes in an antique mall this afternoon, where I came away with a green book, some vintage ephemera and an old hand mirror. By now you must know that I collect old green books and vintage ephemera, but the hand mirror...that is because I have not seen the back of my head since we moved here. (it didn't look good.)
Actually, we did not set out to go antique shopping. (no. we did not.)
I told THGGM that there was somewhere we HAD to go today. HAD to. He didn't want to and he didn't even know where I wanted to go. (he gave a few tours of our house today. must have been exhausting.)
It occurred to me a while back, in the middle of everyone's moving hither, thither and yon that I did not know where Youngest Son lived. Well, I knew APPROXIMATELY where, but not exactly. I knew if I went through East Town I'd gone to far. So, today I can now proclaim that I know where he lives. I could maybe even find it myself. It's a beautiful old house in Grand Rapids that is owned by his friend whom he has known since kindergarten. He lives there with two other roommates and various people who come and go. It looked relatively clean to, especially considering that he didn't know we were coming. (we did leave with a quilt that we had just been wondering where it had gone.)
Since we were out that way, we went to Gas Light Village and had an ice cream cone at Jersey Junction. Just like old times. Only, we are now old and fat. And I am diabetic. (and stupid, obviously.)
We had much going on today. It was a good day. I did take a minute to bring my book out on the front porch to finish the last two chapters of "Song of Years" by Bess Streeter Aldrich. I loved it. Loved it. It will go into the pile of books 'to be read again'. (although it will actually be in the 'green' bookcase...even though it's read, because it's green.)
After everything here settled down, I found myself with boundless energy. That happens to me only on brief occasions. Like, never. So, I ventured out into the garage to try to find my "Where Women Create" book. I didn't find it. But, I found a bag containing three things that I had bought while antique shopping MONTHS ago, and never unpacked. How fun is that? (that is very fun.)
Anyway, it was two pieces of blue and white. One a planter-like bowl with a windmill on it. I remember thinking how cool it will look with all of the similar pieces that I have holding paint brushes, colored pencils and markers. Somewhere. I do not know where they are, yet. And, a 'clove' spice jar with a lid. The third item is tiny 'occupied japan' piece of a girl playing an accordion. For the life of me, I cannot remember for what reason I bought this! Maybe, because it reminded me of my favorite definition of an optimist. (an accordion player who wears a beeper.)
So, it is late, but I am heading back out into the garage to look around for that book about women. Who create. Who create in much nicer surroundings than I do. I hope I find it, if not, I am sure to find something I've been looking for. (my mind?)
Well. Maybe I should have posted a picture instead. I didn't get a thousand words. (lucky you.)
And tonight, I should sleep better, knowing now where my baby lives. (or, maybe not. he might be cold since we took the quilt.)
Actually, we did not set out to go antique shopping. (no. we did not.)
I told THGGM that there was somewhere we HAD to go today. HAD to. He didn't want to and he didn't even know where I wanted to go. (he gave a few tours of our house today. must have been exhausting.)
It occurred to me a while back, in the middle of everyone's moving hither, thither and yon that I did not know where Youngest Son lived. Well, I knew APPROXIMATELY where, but not exactly. I knew if I went through East Town I'd gone to far. So, today I can now proclaim that I know where he lives. I could maybe even find it myself. It's a beautiful old house in Grand Rapids that is owned by his friend whom he has known since kindergarten. He lives there with two other roommates and various people who come and go. It looked relatively clean to, especially considering that he didn't know we were coming. (we did leave with a quilt that we had just been wondering where it had gone.)
Since we were out that way, we went to Gas Light Village and had an ice cream cone at Jersey Junction. Just like old times. Only, we are now old and fat. And I am diabetic. (and stupid, obviously.)
We had much going on today. It was a good day. I did take a minute to bring my book out on the front porch to finish the last two chapters of "Song of Years" by Bess Streeter Aldrich. I loved it. Loved it. It will go into the pile of books 'to be read again'. (although it will actually be in the 'green' bookcase...even though it's read, because it's green.)
After everything here settled down, I found myself with boundless energy. That happens to me only on brief occasions. Like, never. So, I ventured out into the garage to try to find my "Where Women Create" book. I didn't find it. But, I found a bag containing three things that I had bought while antique shopping MONTHS ago, and never unpacked. How fun is that? (that is very fun.)
Anyway, it was two pieces of blue and white. One a planter-like bowl with a windmill on it. I remember thinking how cool it will look with all of the similar pieces that I have holding paint brushes, colored pencils and markers. Somewhere. I do not know where they are, yet. And, a 'clove' spice jar with a lid. The third item is tiny 'occupied japan' piece of a girl playing an accordion. For the life of me, I cannot remember for what reason I bought this! Maybe, because it reminded me of my favorite definition of an optimist. (an accordion player who wears a beeper.)
So, it is late, but I am heading back out into the garage to look around for that book about women. Who create. Who create in much nicer surroundings than I do. I hope I find it, if not, I am sure to find something I've been looking for. (my mind?)
Well. Maybe I should have posted a picture instead. I didn't get a thousand words. (lucky you.)
And tonight, I should sleep better, knowing now where my baby lives. (or, maybe not. he might be cold since we took the quilt.)
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Well, Guess What I Did Today?
I went thrift and antique shopping! And, it was very fun, very inexpensive, very therapeutic, and didn't take much time at all.
Look what I found! A lovely 'travel bag' which looks perfect for Famke to someday carry her treasures back and forth to Beppe's house.
And, flash cards with pictures in a vintage-y manilla color, a set of 'antique' repro playing cards, three old (early 1990's) Victoria magazines, a Hansel and Gretel Little Golden Book illustrated by Eloise Wilkins - I do find this story to be horrifying for small children, so the picture of the witch fattening up Hansel in a cage will NOT be something I will be reading with Jonge for quite sometime. What was wrong with those Grimm brothers anyway?
I also found a lovely Untermeyer Anthology of Modern American Poetry. 
Look what I found! A lovely 'travel bag' which looks perfect for Famke to someday carry her treasures back and forth to Beppe's house.
And, flash cards with pictures in a vintage-y manilla color, a set of 'antique' repro playing cards, three old (early 1990's) Victoria magazines, a Hansel and Gretel Little Golden Book illustrated by Eloise Wilkins - I do find this story to be horrifying for small children, so the picture of the witch fattening up Hansel in a cage will NOT be something I will be reading with Jonge for quite sometime. What was wrong with those Grimm brothers anyway?
I also found a lovely Untermeyer Anthology of Modern American Poetry.
This poor poet had the most unfortunate of names.
We hosted breakfast this morning. Pancakes! I have successfully navigated what to plug in where so as not to blow a fuse.
Although, had I known before hand that my chargers - which we use as plates - would not fit in either the dishwasher nor the sink, I would have had to keep looking for a more suitable house.
Nah. Not really. We REALLY like it here!
Labels: thrift and antique shopping
Friday, September 07, 2007
A Delightful Package Arrived!
Bloggers are the best people, ever. Melissa, who has many many fabulous blogs (start at www.thosenorthernskies.blogspot.com) , sent me a package all the way from Minnesota filled with delightful things, many that she has made herself!
A 'wooden shoe' planter with a tulip on it! Oh, I LOVE that.
A beaded green bug, which looks lovely on my bird cage.
The black decoupaged box now joins my recipe box collection. I have a few more and plan to line them on a shelf once the kitchen gets an uplift.
A box! Melissa makes the coolest boxes from old record album covers. I used to have this album!
This picture is of one of the songs on the back. I sang the first verse to my mom, who responded by singing the second verse without any prompting. I asked her how she could remember that - after all - I was a child a VERY long time ago. She said that you just never forget songs.
I'm adding my favorite jewelry to this little bag, which matches my bathroom perfectly!
A box! Melissa makes the coolest boxes from old record album covers. I used to have this album!
This picture is of one of the songs on the back. I sang the first verse to my mom, who responded by singing the second verse without any prompting. I asked her how she could remember that - after all - I was a child a VERY long time ago. She said that you just never forget songs.
I'm adding my favorite jewelry to this little bag, which matches my bathroom perfectly!
And, being a paper junky like I am, this tissue everything was wrapped in will appear time and time again in things I plan to make, once my art room gets sorted.
Oh, Melissa, thank you SO much, you are a blessing!
A Thousand Words
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
"Moe Book!"
Twenty Months is SUCH a fun age!
Jonge loves to have his "At on",
Loves the "kitty mooooaaaaw".
And, loves "moe book".
For some unknown to me reason, yesterday was 'look at the books upside down day'.
He has a bookcase of favorite board books, but he is developing an interest in these books, which were packed in boxes for a few months.
Although, he is more interested in telling his OWN stories. Last night THGGM took him downstairs, were Jonge proceeded to tell his Pake a looooong story, using just about every word in his vocabulary, all about Elmo and how he became lost in the leaves. Lots of words, lots of action, lots of drama. Lots of love between Pake and Jonge.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Primer, Undercoat, Basecoat, Topcoat, Sealer
My one splurge. Clinique! Thankfully, THGGM is good at noticing when Clinique offers all the free stuff. You think I like thrift? I like free stuff even better.So, I buy the fabulous yellow stuff from Clinique and divvy up the free stuff.
Then, off I go to paint my face.
I'm thinking of trying that grass-growing-miracle-stuff-for-lawns on my head. If it can grow on concrete, I'm sure it could grow just fine on this head of mine.
So.., what's YOUR splurge item?
(hummmm. while posting this i burnt a batch of cookies. i'm SUCH a grandma.)
Labels: my corner of the world
More Thrifty Goodness
Here is THGGM's thrift store find of the weekend. The lamp!
I walked passed it, as it had a too tall awkward hurricane in it.
THGGM, ever the visionary, knew that I had a too small hurricane in my thrifted bedside lamp.
So, he bought it, swapped out the hurricanes, and, we now have two very nice looking lamps for next to no cost.
This bookcase with the thrifted lamp are what one is facing when entering our front door.
Not that anyone will ever use our front door.
Labels: new house
Monday, September 03, 2007
Think Pink. And White.
Alrighty then.
The bathroom DID NOT get done before the shower.
So, I stuck an index card to the wall with masking tape that says "Picture this white".
I might just leave it like that. After all, didn't someone brilliant say that imagination was more important than intelligence? Or was it something else. I forget. After all, I am low on intelligence and high on imagination!
Anyway. Since I couldn't do that forever, I picked up some 'product' at the hardware store.
I am now the proud owner of a wallpaper perforater - which is loads of fun - and $13 worth of stuff purported to removed even the most-stucked-down wallpaper, which this is. Undoubtedly. Stucked down good.
Everything takes time. Everything.
Labels: new house
It Happened One Saturday...
Look at what THGGM can do! He installed this pendant light in the front entryway Saturday afternoon. Oh, how PLEASED he was with himself. You must understand that THGGM never had a father. No one taught him how to do things like this. So, when he accomplishes something manly, we both feel like doing a happy dance. We don't - but we feel like it! Anyway...
...that installation went SO well, that he moved on to bigger and better things. A ceiling fan for our bedroom! Yes - I want one, please!
Well, that proved to be a
teensy bit more complicated. LOTS of tiny screws that kept falling, things like that. It wasn't that it was HARD just an awkward place to stand. But, his persistence and some interesting words never found on a vocabulary test (he does not use bad language - just makes up his own words) and VOILA! We have a fan above our bed! And, it works! He was actually standing with his head between two blades of the fan when he asked me to hit the switch. I asked if he was serious. Yes, he assured me. Then he realized that if I flipped the switch, his head would see to it that the fan did not turn, well, turn PROPERLY anyway. So, he ducked, I hit the switch, and we have freshly circulating air in our bedroom!
For THGGM to truly feel at home here, he needed his porch swing.
The fan installation, were it not so time consuming, was to include a new white fan for the guest room, and the fan from the guest room installed in the breeze way. Um. That might happen next year. Might.
So, he shook the fan dust off and moved on to install his porch swing. He dug this thing up years ago in the basement of an antique mall. It was well worth it's $25, and has served him well. I cannot stand to swing, it makes me get sea-sick.
Putting in the swing this time could have cost him much more than the wood and brackets. While tottering on something not made for the weight of a grown man, he fell into the louvered windows. He caught himself with his full weight on one of those panes of glass and broke it. Thank God, he did not get hurt at all. I still do not know how he didn't amputate his own hand, but God is good. I actually was prompted to pray for him just seconds before I heard the crash. Not even a scratch. Just one broken pane of glass.
Just for the record, my boxes of treasured books are still in the garage. The bookcases are in their places, but I still need that little box full of all the brackets to show up. Then, the hard work of sliding boxes full of books down the steps will begin. I can't wait. I need my books.
(oh. and has anyone else noticed that one can drop one's camera only so many times before the picture quality becomes affected?)
Sheila's Shower
Yesterday I hosted a shower for my youngest niece, Sheila. She is marrying James on September 28.
This house is beginning to feel like home now, and for three main reasons. I've hosted a gathering, THGGM has broken something and our cat is throwing up all over the place. Ahhh. Home. There's nothing like it.
Now, back to the shower.
The food was great, and we had plenty - which is something I always am concerned about. My sisters took better pictures, so maybe I can replace these someday with ones in clearer focus!
Somewhere in this house I have a bag FULL of those fold-out paper wedding bells, but do you think I could find them? I did find my kitschy bridal cake toppers, so the shower didn't totally lack thrift-store panache!
Famke was worn out from all the festivities. Here, Northern Sister is taking a break from 
all the activity to snuggle with her.
all the activity to snuggle with her.And, there is another wedding on the horizon!
This is my niece Merideth, who will be getting married on May 10 to Troy.
I penciled in a migraine for today. But, I did not get one! Maybe, just maybe, if I penciled them in on a regular basis I could avoid them altogether!
I was really expecting to get one. It was nine years ago to the month that we held a graduation open house for Oldest Son. We had just moved in to that house a month earlier. It is REALLY difficult to anticipate how things will go when you have never had a crowd in 'the new place'. Oldest Son's open house was to begin at 6:00. At exactly five minutes to six, I was over-come with a horrific migraine and spent the entire open house laying in a cool dark room.
My mom and Northern Sister ended up taking over the event and did a smashing job of it.
My guess would be that as Northern Sister pulled up to our house yesterday she probably was thinking 'She better not do THAT again!'
Anyway. I had a simply wonderful time!
Best wishes, Sheila and James!
Labels: my corner of the world
