A merry May Day to all! As a child, I would deliver handmade May baskets to special friends and relatives in our neighborhood. There were always spring violets blooming in my backyard on May 1st, so, I would pick a nosegay and carefully place it in each basket. For my best friend Debbie, I would substitute candy for the flowers. Then, the real fun would begin. My younger sister and I would carefully sneak onto each porch, place the basket on the doorknob, ring the doorbell and run! We had to find a place to hide while we watched the intended recipient being surprised....or feigning surprise. Either way, it was great fun and something I looked forward to doing every year. A tradition I think that I will revive.Friday, May 1, 2009
Wonderful Magical May
A merry May Day to all! As a child, I would deliver handmade May baskets to special friends and relatives in our neighborhood. There were always spring violets blooming in my backyard on May 1st, so, I would pick a nosegay and carefully place it in each basket. For my best friend Debbie, I would substitute candy for the flowers. Then, the real fun would begin. My younger sister and I would carefully sneak onto each porch, place the basket on the doorknob, ring the doorbell and run! We had to find a place to hide while we watched the intended recipient being surprised....or feigning surprise. Either way, it was great fun and something I looked forward to doing every year. A tradition I think that I will revive.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Spring??
Spring warmth doesn't come easily in Wisconsin. The majority of days in April are the chilly, wet and mostly grey kind. After a long, cold winter, my soul and heart crave warm breezes, sunshine and days working in my gardens. 
There are seeds to plant and dead stalks to remove. Luckily, the bunches of daffodils, crocus and hyacinths are spotting the beds with tiny shots of color. Note to self: Plant LOTS more spring bulbs this autumn!
There are seeds to plant and dead stalks to remove. Luckily, the bunches of daffodils, crocus and hyacinths are spotting the beds with tiny shots of color. Note to self: Plant LOTS more spring bulbs this autumn! For now, I have to be content to tend to my indoor seedlings and grab every short chance of nice weather to dash outdoors and get my hands dirty. Gardening is bliss.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Crochet Bits
Decided that today I would pick up my "fancy" work. I had started this crocheted Irish Rose Sachet, some time ago
, so, after some initial studying of the pattern and determining where I had left off.....why didn't I mark my stopping point?.....I worked a few rows. I enjoy any kind of needlework and find it a creative and soothing way to spend time, not to mention that I end up with a lovely, handmade heirloom to boot!
My Mom and both Grandmothers were avid crocheters. As a child, I would sit and watch their hooks flash through miles of thread and was amazed at the lacy, webbed wonders that grew from their nimble fingers. Finally, after begging her to teach me, Mom showed me the stitches and techniques that make up the crochet repertoire. My awkward, painfully tight stitches were horribly misshapen, the white thread grubby from my sweaty little hands. It took me so long to make even the simplest chain.....I felt certain that I would never be able to coax anything remotely resembling a work of art from my clumsy hook.
Over the years I would try crochet again many times. Slowly, I practiced and became more and more comfortable with the hook and yarn and even turned out a few nice things. My Mom didn't give up on me and she would always be there to answer any questions and help me solve whatever goof I had made. My Mom and my Grandmothers aren't with me anymore. I am fortunate and grateful to have inherited many doilies, afghans and other "pretties" they created during their lifetimes. They grace my home and life with their remembrance and beauty. When I pick up my "fancy" work, I am flooded with memories and a feeling of continuing their legacy. I know that they would approve.
, so, after some initial studying of the pattern and determining where I had left off.....why didn't I mark my stopping point?.....I worked a few rows. I enjoy any kind of needlework and find it a creative and soothing way to spend time, not to mention that I end up with a lovely, handmade heirloom to boot!My Mom and both Grandmothers were avid crocheters. As a child, I would sit and watch their hooks flash through miles of thread and was amazed at the lacy, webbed wonders that grew from their nimble fingers. Finally, after begging her to teach me, Mom showed me the stitches and techniques that make up the crochet repertoire. My awkward, painfully tight stitches were horribly misshapen, the white thread grubby from my sweaty little hands. It took me so long to make even the simplest chain.....I felt certain that I would never be able to coax anything remotely resembling a work of art from my clumsy hook.
Over the years I would try crochet again many times. Slowly, I practiced and became more and more comfortable with the hook and yarn and even turned out a few nice things. My Mom didn't give up on me and she would always be there to answer any questions and help me solve whatever goof I had made. My Mom and my Grandmothers aren't with me anymore. I am fortunate and grateful to have inherited many doilies, afghans and other "pretties" they created during their lifetimes. They grace my home and life with their remembrance and beauty. When I pick up my "fancy" work, I am flooded with memories and a feeling of continuing their legacy. I know that they would approve.
Friday, March 6, 2009
March Gardening
When the calendar says "March", lovely thoughts of spring and warmer weather drift like clouds through my mind. Wisconsin just laughs gleefully and gets ready to throw more below freezing temperatures (and at least one more huge snowstorm) at us desperate dreamers. 
I am certain that every winter season lingers weeks longer than last year's, sending me deeper into a frenzy of.....Gardening Withdrawal!
The only treatment for this horrid syndrome, the only way I can feel better, is gardening indoors in pots. I hear you laugh.... a poor substitute for the real thing I admit, but it helps me make it through the long, cold, slushy, grey days of everlasting winter, intact.
I am extremely fortunate that my husband heard my pleas for a year-round garden room and we added a greenhouse addition off the kitchen. (Don't ask him why anyone in their right mind would add a glass room to a house in a climate with nine months of winter......his crying gets pretty depressing every month when the heating bill arrives). Here, my much loved sunroom/dining room/greenhouse holds my salvation. My beautiful amaryllis bulbs are blooming right now, and none too soon! It's also time to bring the Angel Trumpets from their winter slumber in the basement, to the light, along with their fellow pots of shamrocks. And, the most fun of all.....it's time to plant seeds for the vegetable patch and bedding plants! Soon, dozens of tiny pots of seedlings will litter the floor and every available surface creating an olympian obstacle course just to get to the dining table. Can life get any better? So, come on Wisconsin, throw me your best snowstorm! I am happily puttering and potting in the warmth of my greenhouse and nothing you (or Wisconsin Power and Light) can do will dampen my enthusiasm!
I am certain that every winter season lingers weeks longer than last year's, sending me deeper into a frenzy of.....Gardening Withdrawal!The only treatment for this horrid syndrome, the only way I can feel better, is gardening indoors in pots. I hear you laugh.... a poor substitute for the real thing I admit, but it helps me make it through the long, cold, slushy, grey days of everlasting winter, intact.
I am extremely fortunate that my husband heard my pleas for a year-round garden room and we added a greenhouse addition off the kitchen. (Don't ask him why anyone in their right mind would add a glass room to a house in a climate with nine months of winter......his crying gets pretty depressing every month when the heating bill arrives). Here, my much loved sunroom/dining room/greenhouse holds my salvation. My beautiful amaryllis bulbs are blooming right now, and none too soon! It's also time to bring the Angel Trumpets from their winter slumber in the basement, to the light, along with their fellow pots of shamrocks. And, the most fun of all.....it's time to plant seeds for the vegetable patch and bedding plants! Soon, dozens of tiny pots of seedlings will litter the floor and every available surface creating an olympian obstacle course just to get to the dining table. Can life get any better? So, come on Wisconsin, throw me your best snowstorm! I am happily puttering and potting in the warmth of my greenhouse and nothing you (or Wisconsin Power and Light) can do will dampen my enthusiasm!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Birthday Tribute for Errol
Happy 12th Birthday to the best little buddy a girl could ever ask for. You've been continuously by my side (literally) from the moment we brought you home, all 16 ounces of you, 
a tiny ball of fluff and unbearable cuteness. Born on St. Valentine's day, an appropriate date for a friend who gives love and adoration every day of the year. We bonded immediately and I am ever grateful that fate brought us together in such a serendipitous way. Eager to please and never holding my humanness against me, your feelings are easily hurt (on the rare occasions a little "naughtiness" comes through) and you aren't happy until proper apologies are made on both sides (hugs, pats..... and a nose lick for me). Your royal heritage befits you, and I treasure each and every moment as a gift of love and never ending loyalty........not to mention a whole lotta fun!
a tiny ball of fluff and unbearable cuteness. Born on St. Valentine's day, an appropriate date for a friend who gives love and adoration every day of the year. We bonded immediately and I am ever grateful that fate brought us together in such a serendipitous way. Eager to please and never holding my humanness against me, your feelings are easily hurt (on the rare occasions a little "naughtiness" comes through) and you aren't happy until proper apologies are made on both sides (hugs, pats..... and a nose lick for me). Your royal heritage befits you, and I treasure each and every moment as a gift of love and never ending loyalty........not to mention a whole lotta fun!Can anyone tell that I am a certifiable dog nut?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Family Treasure
Every now and then, I enjoy a good treasure hunt at one of the many consignment and thrift stores in our town. My tiny little abode is already filled to overflowing, so, I try to find small knick knacky things to add some seasonal or everyday decorating interest. This particular trip was unusually successful--and I plan on sharing the rest of my "finds" in future posts. However, 
one item was of particular value, in the sentimental sense and as a valuable piece of family history. This particular shop I visited, is always crammed full of goodies, some jumbled in boxes, some in piles, some hidden way under shelves and you have to do a little bit of creative digging to find the buried treasures. Kneeling down onto the floor, I reached under a bottom shelf, to rummage amongst a pile of trays, and found a box of "silver" doo dads. I immediately grabbed a wine bottle coaster since I have been looking for one to buy for my husband. He was standing right beside me and I handed it to him and mentioned that it was engraved. He pointed out to me that the names engraved were the names of my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Ray (both now deceased). He asked me the date of their wedding anniversary and I said that I was certain it was Sept. 19. I couldn't believe my eyes and I couldn't believe that the names and date didn't even register as familiar in my mind! Of course, that was a sale that I absolutely couldn't pass up.....not to mention that it was only a dollar. I brought it home, cleaned it up and will use it every time we open a bottle of wine. Quite a bargain and a serendipitous find, it will forever remain a tangible reminder of two members of my family who aren't with us anymore.
one item was of particular value, in the sentimental sense and as a valuable piece of family history. This particular shop I visited, is always crammed full of goodies, some jumbled in boxes, some in piles, some hidden way under shelves and you have to do a little bit of creative digging to find the buried treasures. Kneeling down onto the floor, I reached under a bottom shelf, to rummage amongst a pile of trays, and found a box of "silver" doo dads. I immediately grabbed a wine bottle coaster since I have been looking for one to buy for my husband. He was standing right beside me and I handed it to him and mentioned that it was engraved. He pointed out to me that the names engraved were the names of my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Ray (both now deceased). He asked me the date of their wedding anniversary and I said that I was certain it was Sept. 19. I couldn't believe my eyes and I couldn't believe that the names and date didn't even register as familiar in my mind! Of course, that was a sale that I absolutely couldn't pass up.....not to mention that it was only a dollar. I brought it home, cleaned it up and will use it every time we open a bottle of wine. Quite a bargain and a serendipitous find, it will forever remain a tangible reminder of two members of my family who aren't with us anymore.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)