What a Day

To begin let me say the funeral was beautiful and with my moms guidance I was able to keep my emotions in check. If that had been the extent of my day I would have been home free ... however ....

Joe, my husband and I go for coffee every morning. He and Betsy, the blog dog pull the car out so I can get in and away we go. Yesterday there was a problem, a theft. I can not begin to tell you how many times I have said "don't leave your wallet in the car, lock your car if you're leaving it in the drive way, and put the garage door down." Does he listen? No. So I finally gave up, he's a grown man, he doesn't need a mama. WRONG!!! He has developed a bad habit of leaving his car in the driveway during the day because "it stays warm inside." The windows are down, doors unlocked etc. Before I go up to bed at night I make sure the garage doors are down, all the doors are locked, and the house is secure for the night.

Yesterday morning I noticed day light shining under the door leading into the garage. This meant the garage doors are up, hum, Joe must have been out already this morning. As I go out to get into his car hes looking inside at a mess in his seat. He asks me "did you do this?" "No, I'm not in the habit of throwing the contents of your car all over the seat and floor." Someone finally got into his car and took his wallet, cell phone and the garage remote control. Hum, imagine that. The doors are unlocked, windows down and a wallet and cell phone in plain view. They hit a home run. Joe panics, debit card, credit cards, license etc, etc all gone. Since he is terribly hearing impaired the phone is difficult for him to use. I get to make all the calls to cancel cards, order new ones file a police report, go with him to get a new phone and on and on. What a fun day. He finally turned to me and said "this was a hard way to learn a lesson." Oh how I had to bite my tongue and not say "I told you so." Men, why don't they think we know anything? Today we go the the DMV (gotta love that place) to get a replacement license, to the mall for a new wallet, Costco for a new card and finally HOME! This is what love is all about, I'm giving up my quilt day with the girls to repair his negligence, no I'm not bitter ... not at all.

The sad victim ... I made sure he made it into the garage ... I parked him!

 Here is an example of the Universe at work ... I was getting my camera and this fell out of the cupboard for me to clean up ... yep what goes a round comes around and I got mine fast!!

A Heavy Heart ...

I woke this morning in my usual way ... a stretch here a stretch there and a peek out a partially open eye. Then it hit me, the funeral is today. How will I be able to handle it? The loss of a mother is just so huge, no matter our age.

As I mentioned a few days ago, my dear friend Penny's mom passed in her sleep. Today we celebrate her life and say one final farewell. These past few days I have been flooded with memories from my own mom's funeral. I was numb, I barely remember the day. But, I do remember the friends who were there to support me in my grief. Friends brought so much food, took over my kitchen duties and allowed me the space to cry and grieve. Now it's my time to step up and provide that space for Penny, can I do it? Can I keep my own tears in check? I tend to be a teary person as it is and today I need to hold it all together. 

I'm sitting here in front of my computer dressed and ready to go. I have a fresh package of tissues in my purse and a resolve to be strong. Lois has stepped into a new place, she's with my mom now enjoying the beauty and peace of the after life that God has promised. I have asked my mom for strength today, she has never let me down ....

Sew what you ask??

Yes, it was my turn one again to host our monthly sew day. I love this day, one of my favorites of the month. This month I celebrated Easter and Spring time as my theme. I should have taken a pic of my table but I forgot! Can you believe that!! Anyway, I did get a few shots of Penny and Rita ...

There was some serious sewing going on here today!

... Rita is ironing and Penny is observing!

 This is row #6 and #5 is underneath ... two more rows to go then we put them all together! Woo hoo!

Boye Brand Needle dial

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was having some issues with my Red Featherweight sewing machine so I took it for a little ride to visit Mr. Askew for a tune up. While I was there he shared some of his vintage treasures with my friends and I and even agreed to sell us something. Check this out ...

These were used in the early 20th century to house sewing machine needles. This large round container holds literally 100's of needles. To find the needle for your machine a person would simply turn the large chrome dial to the name of their machine, open the window at the top and ...

 these wooden needle barrels are inside! Each barrel holds 6 needles. On the top is written the size of the needle to fit the machine in question! I love this contraption and have it hanging on the wall in my sewing room. When I take a break from sewing I find myself leaning back in my chair and daydreaming about what kind of woman opened this little door and selected her needles. Was she sewing for her family, as a job to make money to help support her family or did women of that era even sew as a hobby like we do today? All I can do is wonder what was made and what machine was she using ...

Peep, peep ... It's Spring!

My Longaberger home shows are now complete for the month of March so I can officially decorate with my little yellow Peep! I just love this little guy, he conjours up so many happy childhood memories of Easter and the beauty of spring. I've been busy re-decorating some areas of my home ... I wanted the Peep where I could see him on a regular basis!

Taadaa! Here he is is nestled in a muffin basket with some eggs and a few teeny Peeps!

 A little different shot ... I have also tucked in a little bright yellow doll quilt that so reminds me of Spring.

 I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMill .... wasn't that Greta Garbo that made that line famous? Well now it's Mr. Peep.

And finally a little updated shot of the hoosier. Have a great Friday and a wonderfully awesome weekend.

Some Days Are Just Sad ....

Good morning world. I awoke this morning with a heavy heart. I received news that my dear friend Penny's mother has passed away. Granted, she had several issues, and she was into her 90's and had a loving daughter tending to her every need. But, I know how the loss of a mother can feel. No matter how old we are losing a mom is just plain hard. I also know that the coming year will be very difficult for Penny.  Each holiday, birthday and anniversary there will be a hole where mom once lived. Lois has moved on to a wonderful and peaceful place. My prayers are with you my friend.

After peeling the sleep out of my eyes and getting my morning coffee I opened my emails to see what transpired over night. To my sad dismay I had an email from a Longaberger customer/friend. She was sharing the news that another friend of ours, Kim Barone has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am so stunned and saddened by this news. Kim is young, still raising a son and an active, vibrant school teacher. It is still unknown what road lies ahead of her but I feel it won't be an easy one. I'm asking all of you to pray for her future and that the cancer is very small and will be eradicated quickly.

And my final bit of news is bitter sweet. My youngest child, Dustin will be celebrating his 30th birthday tomorrow ... how did this happen? How did my youngest born become so old? It seems like only yesterday he was whining to sit on my lap and wanting me to "cuddle." Oh how I would give my eye teeth to cuddle with him again. 

 Only a mother can love a child who eats his shoes ....

Happy Birthday Dusty ...

Arizona Antiques!

I never really thought of Arizona as being a great antiquing spot, however, after the shop owner of Apple Tree Antiques explained it to me it made perfect sense. Most of the residents in Arizona are from some where else ... usually where it was very cold. They brought their east coast/mid-west treasures with them when they moved and slowly they have found their way into the local shops. Prices were great and I found so many things I LOVED!

Here are a few treasures I was able to squeeze into my tiny space in the car!!

Redware bowl - love this and I loved the saying ... "Peace and Plenty." Fits just perfect in my wooden grain trough!

 Check this out! The cute little pewter creamer with the tray included was a mere $15.00!! Love it, the bottom is stamped British fine pewter. The 1776 stitchery is not an antique, however I loved it anyway. I love stitchery, crows and Americana .... what wasn't to love??

Finally, my favorite piece. A Wilton Liberty Bell sugar bowl! I think it is so awesome, I like the design and the little Liberty Bell adds the perfect touch. Now I need to see if I can find a matching creamer.

I hope you enjoyed viewing my finds!

Road Trip Home from HELL

So, y'all remember that amazing baseball weekend trip I took? Yep, it was awesome. Well, the trip home sucked. Now keep in mind the state of Arizona has been hosting Spring Training in the month of March forever!!! By now you would think they would having hosting the baseball nation down to a science ,,, not so much.

So, Sunday's game gets rained out - great we can leave a bit earlier and get home earlier, that is a very good thing ... NOT. We do get to leave earlier, we head out of town by 3:30 and by 4:00 we are sitting in bumper to bumper traffic that does not move.

 Here we are, as far as the eye can see is car, cars, cars. Check out that storm cloud that just blew by, whew it was a wet one.

There goes a LA Dodger fan ...

In case you don't know this men have it made when it comes to using the bathroom in traffic ... you just get out, go to a bush and relieve yourself. Then you casually jog back to your car sitting in traffic. Here comes an Angel fan.

And if your a women you have to wiggle and wait for the next rest stop ... Yes this is blurry, it's very hard to hold a camera steady when you are wiggling so bad! It says, NEXT REST STOP 41 miles!!! Are you kidding me, it's taken 3 hours to travel 16 miles and I have to wait for 41 miles for the next potty stop, you do the math.

There was a lot going on out in the desert that afternoon. Rain and snow, men going to the bathroom, stupid signs, and then you come along this ...

A pretty little desert wild flower bush. Now why is there an empty bottle next to it with a piece of hose you might ask?? Who knows, maybe one of those drunk men jogging on the freeway thought it looked thirsty.

After a three hour delay in Arizona we did make it home. A 

5 1/2 hour drive has now taken 9 loooong hours. 

Woo Hoo Spring Baseball!!

What a weekend we had, baseball, friendship, family, laughter, rain -wind-hail and snow ... yes I said snow in Arizona! Unbelievable weather, but such fun. This year my daughter Tiffany's boyfriend Shawn joined us on our Spring Training Road trip to see our Angels play in Arizona. As a Spring Training virgin Shawn got to drive ... here we are on departure.

It's 6:15 am and look at that smile! Shawn is ready to go, we're going in his car ... OMG, such a guy - I took a pic of the floor where my feet should be ...

ah ya, that is a beer box and fuel additive. Under that is junk, junk, junk! I had a small nest where I could plant my bu__, my feet on the other hand had to go  ... wherever I could find a place! I forgot how different males and females are at this young age!!

Now it's a few hours into the trip and we need a potty stop, so Shawn takes us to the beautiful Dessert Center ...

Nice huh? You should have seen the insides. I think they filmed the Twilight Zone here, where people check in and never leave ... So we decided to get gas since the price was so good ...

Do you see that price?? 36 cents a gallon!! Woo hoo, fill er up Shawn, I'll buy this round.

OK, we've got gas and we're ready to hit the road, oops - Tiffany needs to find something ...

Do see that look of confusion on her face? Ya, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack in that mess.

Finally we get to Peoria in time for game 1, the Angels vs the San Diego Padres. 

There's my boys in red, stretching and getting ready to play ball!

                                                      These ball parks are just beautiful and a perfect size, wish the Angel Stadium at home was this size! So cozy ...

We had the privilege of staying with a very long time friend of mine named Cyndie at her beautiful home in Goodyear.

Meet Cyn, her she is waiting for us with her door open wide! She fixed a yummy dinner of salmon, asparagus, and salad so good and so nice not to have to get back in the car. We played Apples to Apples a board game after dinner and laughed ourselves sick. Such a fun game, once again Tiffany was in charge of fun night and she hit a home run!

Day 2 - Diablo Field - home of the Angels in Tempe AZ.

It was St. Patricks day and boy was there a lot of green being worn ... there was also a leprechaun in attendance she sat just down the row from me. I was so excited I though she would be tossing out some gold coins from her pot O' Gold, no luck.

Need I say more???
Now, let's play ball! Angel's VS. the Brewers, woo hoo.

Angels owner, Artie Moreno and Brewers owner shaking hands to kick off the game.

A couple of my boys, Bobby Abreu # 53 and Torri Hunter #48. Our seats were awful and I could hardly see them ... hehe not! I would like to introduce you to my new BFF, Miaa - (yes, two A's) Gomez and her daddy, Richard Gomez ( she loves him a lot) she told me so! This 8 year old was so cute and a little chatter box. Her daddy is a retired ball player. He played for the Detroit Tigers for 10 years as a center fielder. 
Meet Miaa and her daddy Richard

This bit of info is VERY important. Miaa thought I looked like I was in my 30's ... ya gotta love kids. Isn't she precious??

Here are some more cuties, Tiffany, Sara and Alexis. Do you love Alexis' shirt? Told you there was a lot of green to be seen. Alexis' daddy, TJ was so wonderful to get us the amazing seats for both of these games. Thank you soooo much TJ.

Game is over and we're heading home, Angel's won 8 to 1 - go Angels, Go Angels!

Day 3 - Here we all are. Tiff and Shawn are going to see the Angel's vs the Dodgers. I'm staying home today and catching up with my good buddy Cyn. We headed into Glendale, Az to check out some Antique shops.

Wow, they were even excited to see us! Gotta love AZ in the Spring! I'll post my new treasures on another day so you can check out my finds. We left here pretty early, a storm came in and was it crazy. The wind was howling, rain was falling followed by hail and snow. Toooo crazy.

The three of us had such a great time. Shawn is a wonderful young man and took hanging out with 3 women in stride. He's got a great sense of humor (important) and really knows how to go with the flow and most importantly he loves McDonald's Coffee!! 
Tomorrow's post - the trip home from HELL!!

Happy Birthday Mimie ...

March 16th 1927, baby girl Geiger was born in her home. There were no flowers, no one came to see her, no fanfare. Just another girl. She remained baby girl Geiger until the day she was christened. Her Godmother, Aunt Rose asked her mother what are you naming her? Leota's reply "I don't care, you name her." So Aunt Rose named her Dorothy after no one in the family. However, the book Wizard of Oz had just come out, so you can do the math.
My mom was amazing. She loved me from the minute I was born absolutely unconditionally. I made my share of mishaps, and I was punished, but ... I new she was my best friend and she loved me in spite of myself. We laughed at life until we cried. When my dad passed away at 55 she carried on, always strong, always my mentor and always my hero.
If she were alive she would celebrate her 85th birthday tomorrow. She passed 9 years ago on March 2nd and it feels like yesterday. I miss her terribly and can't wait until the day we are reunited in heaven. I know the moment I take my last breath she will be right there, on "the other side" waiting to eagerly take my hand and show me everything she has discovered.
If your mom is living, cherish every moment you have together. Don't be angry, it's a waste of energy. Once they're gone it's permanent.
Happy Birthday mom, you are loved and so missed.

An Easter Tree ??

Yep, you're so right, I have way to much time on my hands. I bought this cute little box of speckled eggs at Michael's and didn't have a plan for them. So, like any person I wandered around the house until I found the perfect spot for them. It's hard to tell but they are pink, green, yellow, blue and tan in color and look pretty darn cute nestled in the branches of the German twig tree. (Notice how I eliminated the word Christmas tree??) Are you fooled??
Then right next to the tree is Peter the Rabbit. He has made an Easter appearance for several years and loves to get out of the store room for a bit. Today is filled with laundry, ironing (yes, I iron) errands etc,. as  tomorrow at early thirty I am heading off to Arizona for the MLB Spring Training. Watch for some exciting posts!! Hehe

ABC ....

I must have had a hard time learning my ABC's. For some odd reason I find myself attracted to items with the ABC's on it. Table cloths, children's vintage chalk boards, antique cereal bowls. And now the piece(s) de resistance (say it with a French accent!)

An adorable set of Wilton pewter children's ABC plate and cup. I bid on these via Ebay from two separate vendors and got them both on the same day! CHEAP!! Both for $22.00. Some time ago I wanted to buy the set new and it was very pricey. Granted the set had a small bowl as well as a cute pewter spoon. But hey, I'll spend a whole lot less just for the two! I have a grandma collection in my master bedroom, these two will be headed up there soon.

Have a wonderful day and if you're looking for a treasure .... check out Ebay.

Another Easter/Longaberger Decor idea!

As Spring is rapidly working it's way into Southern California I find myself tinkering more and more with flowers and bunny's!! If you follow my blog you will recognize the lantern below ...

 

I love how he looks in side! He is just the perfect size and his little basket back pack is so cute. Sitting on the sink with Mr. Rabbit is our new Tasting Tray in the current catalog with the Tumbler and Lotion pump we sold on our one day sale a few weeks ago. They are in Paprika, my personal favorite color!!

See that light out my window?? It's 7:45 pm and it's still light outside, woo hoo, daylight savings time is here!!

Have a good evening.

Off to the Quilter's we go

I've been a very busy girl these past few months! I have five quilts in various sizes ready to go to the long arm quilter tomorrow. 

This little brown and white quilt is a kit from the Temecula Quilt Co. monthly mini club, I had so many 9 patch blocks left over I made the little black one on the top left. I have a strange addiction to these small doll size quilts. They are taking over .... any ideas what I should do with them all????

The pinwheel quilt is a pattern from Country Sampler in WI, it's called Prairie Pinwheels and it's about 38 by 38 square, perfect for the dining room table. I love this fabric line, warm, cozy colors!

The final one at the top is from some material that was given to me by my dear friend Penny. The green fabric has a head shot of Abe Lincoln. I loved the fabric but I didn't know what to do with it until ... Penny and I went to Road to California and I found Jodi Breathweights booth. She designs her own fabrics and had all the companion fabrics for Abe! She also creates a square in a square ruler however, I didn't get it. So I had all these fabrics and no pattern. Humm, I'm really not skilled at pattern making but somehow I came up with this simple idea and I love it! Once it is complete I'll take another picture of it.

Not pictured is the 9 patch churn dash quilt I made at last weeks retreat. It is ready to go as well and already in the car. It is really anxious to get done!!

Have a wonderful Sunday and remember to change your clocks, you have officially lost the hour you gained this past fall, such a bummer isn't it???

80 degrees, really .....

It's no wonder more people don't have phenomenia. One day it's in the 50's, cloudy and chilly. Then you go to bed and bundle under a down comforter nice and cozy. The next day (today) I go outside at 10 am to run errands and it's 80 plus degrees and the Santa Ana winds are blowing. It's March, we haven't even officially ushered in Spring and it's 80 degrees. Really?? I mean Really.

So, I went out with my camera to snap a few shots of my newly planted SPRING flowers. I imagine by tomorrow they will be wilted unless I stand over them with an umbrella and a mister.

I intended to get some more color spot flowers today, however, with a hot wind blowing I think I'll put if off for a few more days.

My door box has  fresher look for Spring as well. Can't wait to tuck in some flags for summer!!

 Now the chickens on the other hand are so thrilled with the warm weather. They are not overly fond of cold and rain, big bruiser in the back is one happy dude with his team of happy hens!!

And one final post.  I had some requests for the Bread Pudding recipe I fixed for the retreat last weekend. So here it is...

Apple Bread Pudding

1 Can Comstock Pie Filling

1 round of Hawaiian Bread

5 eggs

1 cube butter

1 Cup sugar

2 Cups milk

Cinnamon and nutmeg

In a 9 x 13 baking dish place 3/4's of bread torn in bite sized pieces.

Spoon Apples over top of bread.

Scald milk, add sugar and butter until melted. Fold in 5 beaten eggs.

Pour liquid over bread and apples.

Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg on top. Bake AT 350 degrees for 3 to 40 minutes until knife comes out clean.

Serve warm with whipped cream oh yummmmm!

Simply Spring

As hard as it is to believe Spring is lurking just around the corner. The maple tree outside my sewing room window is full of buds as well as the birch in our front yard. Around town I'm seeing iris, tulips and daffodils popping up in yards. Daylight Savings time begins this Sunday ... seems like we just fell back and we're already springing forward, eeeks, where does time go?

With all of this going on I realized I needed to get the bunnies out and in position, after all the big hunt is just weeks away and we all know that the bunnies hide the eggs. Yep, they do, ask my dad ...

Here they are, a few of the bunny's. Some are nestled in my Longaberger Easter Baskets while another is tucked up in the flowers. Bunny's are very good at hiding.

 A couple others landed on the dining room table with some Americana eggs. 

And finally a Longaberger Spring time peak! Our first ever Peep basket with a ceramic top. Isn't he/she just the cutest little guy/gal you've ever seen??? Also pictured is our Sisters lunch tote. Love this stylish bag, the inside is lined with plastic. It has pockets inside as well and the outer fabric is a durable canvas type. Makes a cute spring hand bag as well. I will be posting more pictures of Spring products this weekend.

If you would like to give a PEEP a home please email me at Baskets4anita@aol.com!!